Travel and tips

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, travel is increasing every year and it is predicted that even more people will be on the road this year. Traveling with the family can be a great way to spend quality time together but it can also be stressful. Increase your chances of a fun, stress-free and safe vacation by following these simple tips:• Beat boredom with child’s play. “Are we there yet?” What is it about these words that go straight to a parent’s spine? Keep kids entertained with some great car games that make getting where you’re going half the fun. Magnetic board games, portable video games and classics such as the license plate game, “I Spy” and the alphabet game will keep energetic kids in good spirits and actively engaged no matter how long the journey.
• Stop smart. When stopping at rest stops, make sure it’s just your kids getting back in the car and not the bacteria and germs they pick up in the bathroom. Bring products that keep your family healthy, such as hand sanitizer and Lysol Disinfectant Spray, to kill rest stop germs that can be transferred from the rest room to the surfaces in your car. To prepare for those inevitable spills and “oops” moments, keep paper towels or wet wipes handy.
• Eat right. Sure, you can stop at the rest stop for food-along with the thousands of other people on the road. But roadside dining doesn’t always offer the healthiest choices. Instead, keep your family’s bellies full with snacks that you can eat right in the car, such as trail mix, string cheese, fruit roll-ups, bottles of water, and fruit. These easy, convenient snacks are yummy (for them) and healthy (for you).
• Keep everyone happy. Pick a destination that has fun activities for all ages. While it’s tempting to head for the place that the kids will love, make sure there’s something for mom, dad and grandma to do as well. Some top family vacation spots that offer something for everyone include Orlando, Fla., Anaheim, Calif., Williamsburg, Va., Hershey, Pa. and Yellowstone National Park. Family vacations can be chaotic but immensely rewarding. And if you keep these tips in mind, you can help ensure safe and happy travels-at least until you get there.
When stopping at rest stops, make sure it’s just your kids getting back in the car and not germs they pick up in the bathroom.

Having an anti-terror/force protection plan is mandatory for military trips and should be completed by anyone taking an overseas trip.
Most terrorist attacks are the result of careful planning. Just as a car thief will first be attracted to an unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorists are looking for the most accessible targets. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublished program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight. In addition, many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within their own country or region, may not be looking for American targets.
Nevertheless, the following pointers may help you avoid becoming a target of opportunity. These precautions may provide some degree of protection, and can serve as practical and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.
* Schedule direct flights if possible, and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas.
* Be cautious about what you discuss with strangers or what others may overhear.
* Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an airport, which is a less protected area. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. Upon arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible.
* As much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior that may draw attention to yourself.
* Keep an eye out for abandoned packages or briefcases, or other suspicious items. Report them to airport authorities and leave the area promptly.
* Avoid obvious terrorist targets, such as places where Westerners are known to congregate.
* Watch for people following you or “loiterers” observing your comings and goings.
* Report any suspicious activity to local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
* Keep a mental note of safe havens, such as police stations, hotels, and hospitals. Formulate a plan of action for what you will do if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby.
* Select your own taxicabs at random. Don’t take a vehicle that is not clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the face of the driver with the one on his or her posted license.
* If possible, travel with others.
* Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don’t meet strangers at your hotel room, or at unknown or remote locations.
* Refuse unexpected packages.
* Check for loose wires or other suspicious activity around your car.
* Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition.
* Drive with car windows closed in crowded streets. Bombs can be thrown through open windows.
* If you are ever in a situation where somebody starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible. Don’t move until you are sure the danger has passed. Do not attempt to help rescuers and do not pick up a weapon. If possible, shield yourself behind a solid object. If you must move, crawl on your stomach.

In the Case of DestitutionIf you become destitute abroad, the U.S. consul can help you get in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and tell you how to arrange for them to send funds for you. These funds can sometimes be wired to you through the Department of State.
In the Case of Illness or InjuryIf you become ill or injured while abroad, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local doctors, dentists, medical specialists, clinics and hospitals. If your illness or injury is serious, the U.S. consul can help you find medical assistance and, at your request, will inform your family or friends of your condition. If necessary, a consul can assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. Payment of hospital and other expenses is your responsibility. U.S. consular officers cannot supply you with medication.
During an emergency, if you are unable to communicate, the consul will check your passport for the name and address of any relative, friend, or legal representative whom you wish to have notified. Because the U.S. Government cannot pay for medical evacuations, it is advisable to have private medical insurance to cover this.
Marriage AbroadU.S. diplomatic and consular officials do not have the authority to perform marriages overseas. Marriage abroad must be performed in accordance with local law. There are always documentary requirements, and in some countries, there is a lengthy residence requirement before a marriage may take place. Before traveling, ask the embassy or consulate of the country in which you plan to marry about their regulations and how to prepare to marry abroad. Once abroad, the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to answer some of your questions, but it is your responsibility to deal with local civil authorities.
Birth AbroadA child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents generally acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. As soon as possible after the birth, the U.S. parent or parents should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to have a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America prepared. This document serves as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable evidence for obtaining a U.S. passport and for most other purposes where one must show a birth certificate or proof of citizenship.
Adoption AbroadIf you plan to adopt a child overseas, you should be aware that the U.S. government considers foreign adoptions to be a private, legal matter within the judicial sovereignty of the nation in which the child is residing. U.S. authorities have no right to intervene on behalf of American citizens in the courts of the country where the adoption takes place. But there are a number of ways in which U.S. embassies and consulates can assist prospective parents.
The U.S. embassy or consulate can provide you with information on the adoption process in that particular country. Consular officers can inquire on your behalf about the status of your case in the foreign court, and they can assist in clarifying documentary requirements, if necessary. Consular officers will also try to ensure that, as a U.S. citizen, you will not be discriminated against by foreign courts, and they will provide you with information about the visa application process for your adopted child.
Because children in foreign adoptions are considered to be nationals of the country of origin, prospective parents must comply with local laws. One way to accomplish this is by dealing with a reputable international adoption agency, experienced in handling adoptions in the particular country in which you wish to adopt the child. In the case of a private adoption, you should hire a local attorney with expertise in adoptions.

You can trust established chains such as Marriott or Hilton but there is so much on offer that it would be a shame to miss out on the smaller or independent hotels as they may be able to offer you something the larger chain brands can’t.
The Rating SystemThe star system was created to help guests judge how good a hotel is. Star ratings symbolise the level of standards a guest can expect and are recognised worldwide. Ranging from 1 – 5, the quality of service, amenities, size and condition of rooms and building, safety and security, atmosphere, quality of food and drink, hotel presence and efficiency of staff are judged.
1 StarPractical accommodation. Don’t expect anything more than the absolute basics. The shower room is likely to be down the hall, but remember, it’s the cheapest accommodation. If you’re looking for a bargain, and don’t mind not having en-suite facilities, don’t hesitate to consider one-star hotels – just check the room first. Go for one that offers clean sheets and a nice neighbourhood. It may be cheap but you don’t want to slum it next door to a crack den!2 StarAlthough many offer en-suite facilities you may find in some hotels there is still a need to share the shower room down the hall with other guests. You’ll have a colour television, a comfortable bed, and a restaurant/dining room for breakfast and dinner.
3 StarPrivate bathrooms in the (usually smallish) room colour television, occasionally even a mini bar, a phone, laundry service (optional) and a more formal style of service along with the opportunity for room service during certain times to be expected.
4 StarFour-star hotels are spacious and have the creature comforts with a touch more luxury, including private baths in addition to a strong emphasis on food and beverage, 24-hour room service and a dry cleaning service available. More often in well situated locations.
5 StarSimply the best. The interiors will be of the highest standards. Opulent, stylish and of absolute luxury. Nothing is too much for guests. Exceptional comfort, 24 hour room service, luxury amenities, for example, spas or star rated restaurants serving superb cuisine are the norm. The concierge will be only too happy to get you want at whatever time of the day, (so long as it’s legal). You will feel very well cared for by professional, attentive staff providing a flawless service. This is the kind of luxury dreams are made of. The star definitions should be treated as a general guide to what you should expect from a star rated hotel as there is yet no definitive worldwide standardisation available. Because of this, it can sometimes be abused and you could find yourself booking into a hotel that just doesn’t come up to what you believe to be adequate for its rating.
Due to the lack of consistency in hotel ratings around the world you could find yourself staying in, for example, a three-star hotel abroad which may be better than a three-star hotel in your native country. But be warned, it can go either way and you could find yourself in a less than desirable hotel with exactly the same star rating.
Keep in mind it is your right to view a room before you commit to staying in it. Ask to do so. Recommendation If you’re thinking of booking into a hotel, but don’t know what it’s like, www.gate14.co.uk suggests you take the following steps.
: Ask trusted friends with similar tastes to recommended somewhere: Alternatively, search the name of your intended hotel and read impartial hotel reviews from people who have stayed in the accommodation. Reviews can be seen at Holiday Watchdog. It’s free to use and you can even submit a review of your own.
If you would like to see special offers in accommodation, go to http://www.gate14.co.uk/SV4.html.

Security. The Department of State’s Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world. They describe entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual health conditions, the crime and security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability, and special information about driving and road conditions. They also provide addresses and emergency telephone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates. In general, the Sheets do not give advice. Instead, they describe conditions so travelers can make informed decisions about their trips.
In some dangerous situations, however, the Department of State recommends that Americans defer travel to a country. In such a case, a Travel Warning is issued for the country in addition to its Consular Information Sheet.
Public Announcements are a means to disseminate information about relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. They are issued when there is a perceived threat, even if it does not involve Americans as a particular target group. In the past, Public Announcements have been issued to deal with short-term coups, pre-election disturbances, and violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.
You can access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements 24-hours a day in several ways.
InternetThe most convenient source of information about travel and consular services is the Consular Affairs home page. The web site address is /travel.state.gov. If you do not have access to the Internet at home, work or school, your local library may provide access to the Internet.
TelephoneThe Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.
By Mail/In PersonConsular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements are available at any of the regional passport agencies and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, or, by writing and sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of American Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520.
Local Laws and Customs. When you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country where you are. Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit. Good resources are your library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.

SecurityThe Department of State’s Country Specific Information are available for every country of the world. They describe entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual health conditions, the crime and security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability, and special information about driving and road conditions. They also provide addresses and emergency telephone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates. In general, Country Specific Information do not give advice. Instead, they describe conditions so travelers can make informed decisions about their trips.
For some countries, however, the Department of State issues a Travel Warning in addition to a Country Specific Information. The Travel Warning may recommend that Americans defer travel to that country because of a dangerous situation there. Travel Alerts are a means to disseminate information about relatively short-term conditions posing significant risk to the security of American travelers. They are issued when there is a perceived threat, even if it does not involve Americans as a particular target group. In the past, Travel Alerts have been issued to deal with coups, pre-election disturbances, and violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.
You can access Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts 24-hours a day in several ways.
InternetThe most convenient source of information about travel and consular services is the Consular Affairs home page. TelephoneOverseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, can obtain information and assistance from OCS during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444.
In PersonCountry Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts are available at any of the regional passport agencies and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
Local Laws and CustomsWhen you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit. Good resources are your library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.
With all of the information available online there is no excuse for not knowing what is going on in the country you will be visiting. Keep current and keep safe.

Prior to going to the airport.
Double check that you have everything packed especially your ticket and other travel documents. Call your airline to reconfirm your flight the day before you go. Check the weather at departing and arriving airports to see if there are any problems.
Arrange your transportation to the airport to get you there three hours before departure. Make sure that you have planned something to do to kill time. This could be having a meal or surfing the Internet on your laptop.
At the airport.
Find your airline and head for the check-in counter. If you have a first class ticket or a business class ticket, get in the shorter line.
Make sure that you have your ticket and your passport readily available. You will be required to have these to get your boarding pass.
Depending on the airport, they may screen your checked luggage before you get to check-in. Some airports do this after you get your boarding pass.
If you have not already made your seat selection, this is the time to do it. Check and see if an exit row seat is available especially if you have a long flight. You can also try to arrange for your seat on any additional legs of your flight. You may have to wait until you get to your connecting airport to do this.
If you have a frequent flier card, this is a good time to make sure that you will be credited for the flight. Have the check-in agent verify that your card is recorded.
Before you leave the area, make sure you have all of your belongings and your boarding pass or passes for any ongoing legs. Reconfirm your take-off time and your departure gate number.
Depending on how long it took you to check in, you should have some time to kill. You will still have to get through security which can take a few minutes or up to a Ѕ hour.
You can spend time at the airport shops, do some duty free shopping, or get a bite to eat. Most airports have wireless access so you can surf the net and check email before you go.
If you don’t have anything to read on your long flight, you may want to pick up a magazine or paperback. I also recommend having some sort of snack to bring on the plane just in case the airline meal isn’t up to par.
Checking in for your international flight doesn’t have to be painful if your prepare properly.

Along with two bags full of clothes, toiletries, and gifts, I carry a good sized carry-on bag on my overseas flights. This bag has lots of space, pockets and zippers galore and room for everything I need for my long flight.
I keep my passport and plane ticket in an outer pocket ready for easy access. I also keep my oversized wallet handy but in a different compartment. I know where these three items are at all times – I could lose everything else and still survive with these essentials.
I have my laptop and power cable in another compartment and use it while waiting for my flight. A book and a magazine are in the bag and will not be needed until I am in the air. I also bring a bag of trail mix in case the airline food isn’t up to par.
Smaller items are in a little pocket of my backpack. These include gum, mints, pens, keys, change, and any other little things I need to stow. I keep my noise reduction headphones near the top of my bag since they will be one of the first items out as soon as I get my seat. My glasses are also on top because I will need them for reading.
I have space for a small half inch binder that I put various documents in. I usually have a local map or two, computer print outs of places I want to visit, and a small list of translated words and phrases. A copy of my itinerary is also in the binder. My checklist is also in here.
I also stash anything that is breakable in my backpack. I wrap up these fragile items in layers of tissue and place them so they don’t get jostled around. I try not to carry anything that can be broken with me but sometimes it is inevitable.
It is a good idea to pack one change of clothes just in case your bags don’t arrive at the same time as you do. This can just be a T-shirt, pair of shorts and shower slippers. This will hold you until you can file your claim and go shopping.
I try to leave enough room for some duty free goodies. I am a smoker and take advantage of the tax free cigarettes. I take a risk buying three or six cartons depending on the length of my trip. The risk is that most countries only allow you to bring in one carton. I still haven’t figured out this rule since most duty free shops sell the cigarette cartons in 2 or 3 packs or have a buy one get one special. I have never been stopped by the customs officers but I do keep the duty free bag out of site in my backpack.
I avoid carrying liquids because of the hassle of going through security. If allowed, I do carry a bottle of water with me. I like to keep hydrated on the flight. Some airports will let you bring it on board and others won’t.
Your other essentials may be some sort of music device like an I-Pod or your cell phone. I have an unlocked, tri-band phone that I can use in Thailand just by adding a SIM card. That is also placed in an easy to access part of the bag so that I can use it upon arrival.
Packing the essentials in your carry-on bag will make your flight go a little easier. Plan for your bags being lost and that will help determine what you need to carry on board. Hopefully, your bags are waiting for you, but just in case, you don’t want your vacation completely spoiled. So, pack your carry-on bag with the necessities and enjoy your flight.

Walking Street is located in Pattaya, Thailand on the southern end of the city. It is about one mile long and the police block off the entrance to vehicle traffic at 7 PM every night.
No cars, truck or motorcycles (well, some motobikes sneak in), make getting around on foot relatively easy. You can walk, run, or crawl from bar to restaurant to go-go all night long.
Walking Street is very easy to get to by foot or baht bus. Any baht bus on beach road will take you right to the entrance of the Golden Mile. Don’t get there too early or you will think I am crazy. There is very little to do except shop for souvenirs or tailor made clothes during daylight hours.
But, once the sun goes down, Walking Street comes alive. It is very similar to Las Vegas in that you can’t really appreciate it until dark. That is when all of the neon lights bring the street to life.
So, what can you do on Walking Street? You can live there if you want. There are some hotels and guest houses on the main drag and along the side streets. Hopefully you don’t mind loud noises or people partying until 4 in the morning. I prefer to get a room a few blocks away and walk over.
You can also have dinner. There are many great restaurants on Walking Street. My favorite is King Seafood. Fresh seafood on ice or still swimming is available for you to choose. Your lobster, crab or fish is weighed and you pay the going rate. You tell the waitress how you want it prepared and then sit down and have a drink.
You will enjoy the breeze off of Pattaya Bay and enjoy the view of the ships on the water. Before your beer is finished, you platter of seafood will arrive. And it will be absolutely delicious.
You can also visit the hundred or so bars that dot Walking Street and the side sois. You can choose from beer bars, hostess bars, go-go bars, and bars with live music. Whichever bar you choose, you should be able to have a good time. If you happen to hit a bar that isn’t happening, finish you drink and move on to the next one.
A bar that may be hot at 10 PM may be deserted at 11. You may have a blast at a particular beer bar one night, and ask yourself why you went there the next night. It is a crapshoot and you just have to move around and find a bar that suits you.
Whatever you choose to do on Walking Street, you won’t be disappointed. Similar to Vegas, the action continues as long as it is dark. The parties go on and on all night long. A little online research may let you know when parties are going on and this will make your visit even better.
Check out Walking Street in South Pattaya and have a blast. Just be careful out there.

Anyone who has a home can participate in the holiday home exchange. You don’t have to compare values of the house, or find a swapping partner with a home just likes yours; you just need to find a home that you and your family would be most comfortable in and in the area you are looking to visit. You just have to find an individual or family that you feel comfortable working with to exchange your home with their home for a short period of time. It’s basically like house sitting for each other. While you are taking care of the other families home and enjoying another country, the other family is caring for your home and enjoying your country. Anyone that has ever gone on vacation can testify that the most expensive part of traveling is paying for hotels and other accommodations. Some vacations may even last longer if the expenses were not so high. The solution is simple: exchange your home. Most people are not aware of home exchanges and how they can benefit from them. If you wanted to travel to the United Kingdom, but have found the hotels and accommodation to be quite expensive, now you can. You can find a British family who would swap homes with you, rent free. An equal trade on both sides for both families to enjoy the benefits of a home while traveling. Home exchanges are becoming increasingly popular in major cities in the United Kingdom. The participants in home exchanging often have their friends and neighbors take a part in entertaining their visitors by providing the home exchange visitors with information on local sightseeing and attractions. The home exchange is an attractive idea to many families and individual travelers. The families with children can arrange to swap houses with another family with children of similar ages. This way there is no need to cart around a lot of child toys and equipment. The individual traveler finds swapping houses as a great way to relax in the comforts of a home after a day of sightseeing and to have more time to get to know an area better. Some retired travelers make a great home exchanger because they can be more flexible with dates and the length of the home exchange period. The only major expense on a vacation, when swapping homes, is basically the airfare. An arrangement can also be made to exchange the use of vehicles as well; this can save in renting a car and other traveling expenses, so all you have to pay for is gas. If pets are involved, you may be able to make an arrangement to keep the pet at home and save on boarding fees, if your home exchange partner is willing to take the responsibility. Even more home insurance companies are more in favor of home exchanges because it’s much safer than leaving your home unoccupied for an extended amount of time and therefore vulnerable to thieves and vandalism. When agreeing to a home exchange, it’s important to make sure that your insurance policy will cover your visitors during their stay in your home. If you’re worried about letting strangers into your home, get to know them before hand. You can exchange pictures, phone or email your intended partners and share information of area attractions with each other. Be sure to ask questions and clarify any agreements in your communication, so all things are clear. If you need further reassurance, ask for references. You will need to feel comfortable in exchanging homes so that you can enjoy your vacation and not have to worry about leaving your home and all its possessions in the hands of total strangers. Numerous families have had wonderful experiences with home exchanges, but sometimes problems to arise by a swapping partner who have not met with the others expectations or a family is unhappy with how the swapping partner had treated their house. Although home exchanges are a great chance to enjoy an entire house with the benefits of a full kitchen and laundry facilities for free, you need to be comfortable to those you do the swapping with. Get to know your swapping partner before any permanent arrangements are made.