Travel and tips

Southend-on-Sea is Essex’s largest town and its close proximity to London makes it a popular tourist destination year after year. Better still, it is located in the south east of the country in an area widely regarded as the driest part of Britain.
The town is chock-full of interesting attractions which are aimed at all the family, whether you’re looking for local history, the arts and culture, or family-oriented activities to keep you occupied. Some of Southend-on-Sea’s most popular attractions are:Southend Pier. Measuring in at 1.33 miles, Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the entire world! Built in 1830, it has recently been refurbished and hosts an RNLI lifeboat station and an exclusive Pier train. Nowhere will you experience better sights of the beautiful coastline of the Thames Estuary. Central Museum and Planetarium. If you’ve never visited a planetarium then now’s your chance; there are live presentations throughout the day. Meanwhile, the museum reveals plenty of secrets about Southend’s eventful history.
Jubilee Beach. This sand and shingle beach stretches from the Pier to Thorpe Bay; there are also regular pleasure boat trips available. Southend Cliffs. If you appreciate the beauty of nature, you’ll love these ornamental gardens, which also offer amazing views of the south east coast. Prittlewell Priory. An excellent museum with the focus on educational activities, housed in the remains of a 12th century priory.
When you arrive in Southend-on-Sea you’ll discover a myriad of activities and things to do, just waiting to be discovered. The town is packed with a mixture of shops, making it one of the most popular shopping areas in the entire southeast, and there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants where you can rest your legs and take a break. Just a few of the things to do include:Shopping at The Royals Shopping Centre. Overhead, you’ll see a beautiful glass dome, which protects from the elements whilst letting the sun in. Down below, you’ll find shops ranging from Debenhams to Ottakars, Evans, Sarah Beth and more. Visiting Adventure Island. This exciting theme park is host to more than forty rides and attractions that will appeal to the kids, as well as the inner child in all of us. Not only that, but the low rates make it one of the best value theme parks in the country. Checking out Kursaal on the Eastern Esplanade. Here you’ll find an astonishing thirty lanes of ten-pin bowling, many themed restaurants and bars and a unique Mardi Gras play area. Better still, admission is free! Taking a trip to the Sealife Centre. Lovers of nature will be in their element when visiting this marine centre, which offers an authentic voyage beneath the ocean, where you can glimpse colourful and spectacular marine life in a huge aquarium. Take part in the Carnival! If your visit coincides with the month of August, you’ll find the annual Carnival in full swing. Events include special processions, fancy dress competitions, fairs, arts festivals, fireworks and more.
As you’d expect, Southend-on-Sea boasts a wide variety of places to eat. The scale ranges from the simplest cafй, where you can sit down with a sandwich and a cup of coffee, to the finest restaurant establishment, where you can enjoy a range of courses. There are also plenty of takeaways enabling you to grab a bite to eat and enjoy it as you stroll down the beach. Here are just a few of the choices:The Waterfront Cafй. Choose from a wide selection of favourite English food – fish and chips, roast dinners, or steak. Fish is freshly prepared on the premises and is cooked to order. Many other choices of meal are available, including scampi and lasagne.
The Golden Lion. Plenty of traditional English fare is on offer in this friendly pub, which also caters for special diets. Camelia Restaurant. Offers French, Italian and English meals with a range of different specials every day. Fresh fish is a speciality; the restaurant also offers pleasant sea views to take in whilst you eat. Mr Ping. This Chinese restaurant offers two options, eat-in or takeaway. In 2003, it was a ‘Restaurant of the Year’ finalist. The Grapevine of Tuscany. An Italian restaurant serving up a la carte menus, pizzas and pasta. You’ll get a choice of eating in or a take-away; fresh homemade pasta is The Grapevine’s speciality.
As Southend-on-Sea is such a popular tourist destination, there are lots of hotels and guesthouses located in and around the town, with many of the finest quality. The good news for the visitor is that all the hotels are vying with each other to offer the most competitive rates, which means you can guarantee quality and value in equal measure. Alternative accommodation ranges from campsites and caravan parks to self-catering cottages, traditional inns and plenty more besides.
Essex County Hotel The Gleneagles Hotel The Westcliff Hotel Ilfracombe House Hotel Camelia Hotel Tower HotelSouthend-on-Sea has plenty of entertainment going on, meaning you’ll never get bored. The town is packed with pubs and nightclubs, enabling you to while away the long twilight hours. For the family, the Odeon Cinema is a massive multiplex that shows all the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Meanwhile, if your tastes are of a theatrical nature, then you’ll no doubt enjoy the Palace Theatre, which consists of a modernised Edwardian building hosting professional shows and entertainment. Alternatively, if you enjoy big spectacle, then the Cliffs Pavilion will be for you; this massive theatre has a huge programme of concerts, ballet, performance artists, musicals and more.
Visitors flock to Southend-on-Sea all year round and it’s easy to see why. With hundreds of things to do, ranging from numerous attractions, family-focused fun and more, it’s impossible to find yourself at a loose end. Alternatively, the town itself is close to places like Leigh-on-Sea, which offer quieter fare, so if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, you can explore the surrounding villages and countryside. No matter what your tastes, age or needs, Southend-on-Sea is sure to provide exactly what you’re looking for as a tourist destination.

Introduction:Set on the coast of Hampshire, south of Winchester, this is a place that abounds with a fascinating heritage. The Romans, who established it as a seaport, founded Southampton approximately 2,000 years ago. This was the port from which the ill-fated Titanic had set sail on her maiden voyage in 1912. Even though the place was affected during the Second World War, Southampton has grown sturdy with huge docks built for the cruise industry. The core of the modern city is now based around the City Centre.
Places of Interest:Southampton is famous for ports, art galleries and museums. The place has a story to tell everywhere you visit.
Museum of Archaeology - This museum recount’s Southampton’s history with displays from prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and medieval times. Medieval Merchants’ House-This is one of the earliest surviving merchants’ homes in the UK. Tourists can take in a glimpse and see how life was 700 years ago thanks to the authentically recreated furniture and overall ambience. Solent Sky – Solent Sky, where the world’s first seaplane was built. It is also the place where the Spitfire fighter plane, used heavily in the Second World War, was born. Southampton City Art Gallery - Situated in the heart of the Cultural Quarter, it contains over 3,500 works of art spanning six centuries of European culture. The 20th century British art remains the main attraction here.
Things to do:Southampton is a great place to shop and dine. Be it enjoying the nightlife or being a part of special events, this city has always had lots to offer.
Shopping - The West Quay complex on West Quay Road offers shoppers a good selection of high street retailers, designer boutiques and traditional shops. The West Quay Retail Park brims with the choicest of retailers that are normally found on the outskirts of towns. Other good shopping areas include the Marlands Mall, Portland Terrace and the Bargate Centre, off the High Street on East Street. Restaurants - There are many restaurants offering an eclectic mix of cuisines. The rates are competitive and the price range for a three course meal for one, including a half bottle of house wine or equivalent (where available) is:**** (over Ј40)*** (Ј30 to Ј40)** (Ј20 to Ј30)* (up to Ј20)Tipping of around 10% for a three-course meal with wine is given customarily in up market eating places. During weekends most restaurants require prior booking.
Transport - The airport is situated 7km (4 miles) northeast of Southampton on the outskirts of the city. A good rail network links Southampton with the main rail station in the city. The National Express operates regular coach services connecting Southampton with various destinations in the UK. The National Express terminal is located in the centre of the city on Western Esplanade within a stone’s throw from the Central Railway Station. Taxis can be hailed on the street or at ranks at the railway and bus stations. First Southampton is a company that operates a comprehensive network of buses linking all parts of the city. Bus no. 12 operates between the city centre and International airport. Nightlife - From conventional old alehouses to stylish bars and nightclubs, Southampton has a flourishing nightlife with a huge chioce. The Red Lion, 55 High Street, or The Duke of Wellington, 36 Bugle Street; are two of the traditional old alehouses having a decent bar menu.
Special events - There are events like Titanic Memorial (Sep 4), the Southampton Boat Show (Sep 16-25) and Trafalgar Day with trips on the SS Shieldhall on the Solent (Oct 21), which are specific to Southampton. In Euroblade, October, Southampton’s city streets are closed off and turned into a track for inline skating. The event is not a race and is open to skaters of all ages and abilities. It assumes dimensions of a festival atmosphere with wigs, crash helmets and fancy dress.
Food and Drink:Langley’s Bistro and Garden Room Cafй -This is a non-smoking restaurant that serves the best of food and wine. The ambience as well as the great customer service is worth writing and raving about. Kuti’s Brasserie - Situated in the centre of the town, Kuti’s is also a place that has great ambience and offers authentic Indian and Bangladeshi food. La Cantina - With dishes like fajitas, tacos and fiery chilies, this place makes for a good party environment. Olive Tree - It offers a selection of the best European dishes. The Woodlands Lodge Hotel - A 15-minute drive away from the city centre, this place gives you the choicest food in the most scenic of surroundings.
Hotels and Accommodation:Southampton, being an important sea port, receives visitors by the ferry-load, which means there is no shortage of places to choose from. The hotels given below are categorized into four different pricing categories and are based on the cost of a double room per night with breakfast and including all taxes:**** (over Ј120)*** (Ј80 to Ј120)** (Ј40 to Ј80)* (up to Ј40)The services offered by the larger hotels will usually include a gym, pool and extensive business and conference facilities.
The Star Hotel Southampton Park Hotel Dormy House Hotel Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club Initial Style Conferences GRAND HARBOUR Express By Holiday Inn Southampton - M27, JCT7 Novotel Southampton Chilworth Manor Classic Hotel Dolphin Hotel Jurys Inn SouthamptonEntertainment:The Mayflower Theatre on Commercial Road is the largest theatre in southern England. Another good venue for live comedy is the Jongleurs Comedy Club, 2-4a High Street. There is normally a disco after the comedy acts. There are two multiplex cinemas UGC and Odeon, which play the latest movies.
The strategic maritime importance has played a noteworthy part in how Southampton developed over the years. Today the port is synonymous with the city. Tourists love to flock to this place, which is growing every year with several development projects in the pipeline, like a Ј162 million project to create a huge entertainment arena at West Quay.

Since 1993 this festival has been growing year by year until becoming an international recognized meeting event for music lovers of all Europe. In fact it attracts renown international artists, music industry professionals, publishing distributions and Electronic Music fans. Barcelona can’t be any better in order to guest such a terrific event! Each night there are parties flooding in the calles ( streets), pubs and crowded parks (Calle Botanica) of the Spanish city!As a multifaceted and international event, the Sonar brings together Contemporary Art technology, Music live performances and top Dj set. The festival stages all kinds of electronic music genres, from Hip Hop to Post Rock, Experimental Jazz Music, Electronic Pop, and much more. So forth, expect to find yourself in crowded concerts, audio visual screenings, exhibitions and conferences in important Barcelona’s venues as the Centre of Contemporary Culture and the Museu D’art Contemporani ( Contemporary Art Museum). Opening 19 June, the festival runs for three days until 21 June. At the sonar.es website you can find much more information about artists, programmes and tickets. If you planning a visit to the city, you may consult as well flashbooking for quick online reservation in budget accommodation. Here a list where you can find a proper lodging without paying too much divided in apartments, ( one of the best options in Barcelona) , youth hostels ( rich in fun and young people) and family run or private guest houses. Barcelona apartments, which in recent years have been flourishing everywhere allowing tourists to have a private comfort and a relevant money saving. An apartment can usually guest up to 6/8 people and usually costs from 80-120 euros per day. Check the Gran Via Apartments, the BCN Dreams apartment, the Barcelona Residence and apartments, the Corsega Apartment and many more available on line or try more familiar Bed and breakfast in Barcelona as the Barna Guest house BB or the Sleepy Beds B&B.
For cheaper accommodation Barcelona has a lot to offer in terms of youth hostels, ( albergues de la juventud) like Somnio Hostal, Pere Tarres youth Hostel, Residencia Universitaria San Marius hostel, La Trajinera youth hostel. While there in Barcelona, if Sonar is still not enough to cover your night hours, here a couple of suggestions where to get some drinks and wait for the sunrise. The Bikini club, for example, divided into three rooms one for salsa and latin, another for disco classics, funk and rock, and the third for chill out music, is located in C/Deu I Mata 105 and it is open Tuesday to Saturday 12am to 5am. The entrance is around 14Ђ and you can easily reach it with Metro 3 Green, stop at Les Corts station. Another super-popular club is the Razzmatazz. Top concert venue and mega-club with five main rooms, the Razzmatazz will offer you Indie music and break beats in its main dance floors, techno and pop on the first floor, and gothic music on the top floor. Take Metro 1 Red and stop at Marina station at C/Almogavers. It is open Friday to Saturday 1am to 5am, and the entrance is about 12Ђ including one drink. So enjoy la noche in Barcelona for the Sonar Festival and get home full of music!

Getting Ready for Your Trip OverseasThe government can move slowly so apply early for your passport and, if necessary, any visas: Passports are required to enter and/or depart most countries around the world. It is your responsibility to check the entry requirements for any country that you visit. Apply for a passport as soon as possible. Some countries also require U.S. citizens to obtain visas before entering. Most countries require visitors who are planning to study or work abroad to obtain visas before entering. Check with the embassy of the foreign country that you are planning to visit for up-to-date visa and other entry requirements. Don’t get caught overstaying your visa. Check the renewal requirements prior to departure and periodically for any changes.
Do your homework before you depart. Learn about the countries that you plan to visit. With the advent of the Internet, this is extremely easy. Just do search and go to legitimate pages for straight information. Before departing, take the time to do some research about the people and their culture, and any problems that the country is experiencing that may affect your travel plans. The Department of State publishes Background Notes on about 170 countries. These brief, factual pamphlets contain information on each country’s culture, history, geography, economy, government, and current political situation.
While you are visiting the embassy web site make sure to read the Consular Information Sheet. Consular Information Sheets provide up-to-date travel information on any country in the world that you plan to visit. They cover topics such as entry regulations, the crime and security situation, drug penalties, road conditions, and the location of the U.S. embassy, consulates, and consular agencies. You can also see if there are any online forums for the area you will be visiting. Remember that forums may or may not provide accurate information.
Watch the news and check online for any updates. Ensure that your check for Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. Travel Warnings recommend U.S. citizens defer travel to a country because of dangerous conditions. Public Announcements provide fast-breaking information about relatively short-term conditions that may pose risks to the security of travelers. The State Department tends to err on the side of caution. Remember, too, that just because there are problems in one part of a country doesn’t mean that the entire country has problems.
Make sure that you register your trip with the State Department online – it will take about 10 minutes at travel.state.gov. Find out the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You can also register upon arrival directly at the embassy but this will take much longer. If you are traveling to a remote area or one that is experiencing civil unrest, find out the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If your family needs to reach you because of an emergency, they can pass a message to you through the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 202-647-5225. This office will contact the embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling and pass a message from your family to you. Remember consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money or serve as your attorney. They can, however, if the need arises, assist you in obtaining emergency funds from your family, help you find an attorney, help you find medical assistance, and replace your lost or stolen passport.
If you plan on teaching overseas, find out what information your home school offers. Find out whether your school offers additional information for students who are planning to study, travel, or work abroad. Many student advisors can provide you with information about studying or working abroad. They may also be able to provide you with information on any travel benefits for students (e.g. how to save money on transportation and accommodations, and other resources.) You can also find a lot of information online about scams and rip-offs. Do your due diligence.
Find out about the organization and what it offers before committing yourself or your finances,. The majority of private programs for vacation, study or work abroad are reputable and financially sound. However, some charge exorbitant fees, use deliberately false “educational” claims, and provide working conditions far different from those advertised. Even programs of legitimate organizations can be poorly administered. Become familiar with the basic laws and customs of the country you plan to visit before you travel.
Remember: Reckless behavior while in another country can do more than ruin your vacation; it can land you in a foreign jail or worse! To have a safe trip, avoid risky behavior and plan ahead.

Tips before you reach the airport * Please allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children. Allow even additional time if you are traveling overseas.
* Call your airline or travel agent for their recommended check-in times for your departure airport.
* Talk to your children before you come to the airport and let them know that it’s against the law to make threats such as, “I have a bomb in my bag.” Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines.
* If you are traveling with an infant, try to book a bulkhead seat so that you can access the infant carrier that attaches to the bulkhead.
Tips at the airport * Speak to your children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
* Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
* Let your children know that a Security Officer may ask to see their shoes, but that they will get these back as well.
* You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
* If you are traveling with an infant, a collapsible baby stroller is ideal.
Tips on the plane * Have some gum or a pacifier for an infant. Chewing the gum or sucking on the pacifier will help with ears popping during take off and landing. If your child is old enough, explain what air pressure is.
* Ensure that you have toys and games for the kids to play with. The airline will have a small selection, but it is better to bring your own.
* Airplane food isn’t the best, so make sure that you have some of your children’s favorite snacks handy.
Baby formula, breast milk, juice, and other liquidsMedications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
All items including formula, breast milk, and juice will be inspected, however, you or your baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk, formula, or juice. Our Security Officers may test liquid exemptions (exempt items more than 3 ounces) for explosives.
Travel rules can change so make sure that you check the TSA web site before you fly. If you and your family abide by the rules, your trip will go a lot smoother.

Travelers around the world enjoy seeing the sights and wonders of different places with only a backpack for all the things they need. Because they only have a pack on their backs, the possibilities of new sightseeing and activity adventures are limitless. But of course, before you head for a faraway hiking adventure with your backpack, you must make sure that you bring all the things you need to put in your backpack. Below is a checklist that will make your back packing adventure a pleasant experience. - Backpack Of course, how can you go for a wild back packing activity without a backpack! Pick one that is comfortable and fits well on you. A properly fitted backpack is essential. You are going hiking and the last thing you need is a backpack that is gouging into your shoulders. Make sure your is fitted properly.
- Quick Drying Towel Widely available in many stores. You don’t want a heavy, damp towel on your backpack, do you?- Walking Shoes Pick comfortable shoes as you would learn soon enough that walking would be a major part in your back packing adventure. - Underwear and socksThese go without saying.
- Long Underwear This depends on the season and place where you are traveling. You might also wear your long underwear when you stay in hotels that do not have adequate well-heating systems. - Pillow Case Pillow case is an essential thing to keep when you stay in backpacker hotels.
- Sleeping Bag When you stay in backpacker hotels. Select a lightweight sleeping bag. Down is the best type of sleeping bag. Yes, they do cost a bit more, but the prices is well worth it. Feathers are very light and you can compress a down into a very small package.
- Passport Don’t even think of leaving the country without it. - Spare Wallet So that you could be able to divide up the money that you have just in case. - Day Pack Most backpacks have a detachable day pack.
- Camera A digicam may be better, but bulkier and heavier to carry. - Journal For the writer and chronicler in you. - Flip Flops Useful when you take a shower.
- Traveler’s Checks You can never be too sure with your money.
- Wet Wipes Always come in handy. Easy to carry too. - Laundry Detergent It might prove handy. - Space Savers - Rain Coat Especially if you travel on a rainy season or you’re going to tropical countries like those in Southeast Asia or South America. - Lock For the safety of your belongings. - Band Aids It’s better to be prepared than not at all. - Travel Guide Try picking a comprehensive yet easy-to-carry travel guide. - Personal items such as toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and shampoo For hygienic purposes.
- Clothing A tip: The night before you leave, check all clothes that you need. Then take only the half. Clothing simply weighs too much. Take only what you can carry at ease.

Relatively few bags are damaged or lost. However, your chances of encountering this experience can be reduced even further if you follow the advice set out below. PackingAvoid putting the following in checked baggage: - Valuables (cash, jewelry). Don’t rely on suitcase locks; they are easily defeated. - Critical items (medicine, keys, passport, tour vouchers, business papers). - Irreplaceable items (manuscript, heirlooms). - Fragile items (camera, eyeglasses, glass containers). If these must be checked, wrap them carefully in padding. - Perishables. - Carry the above items either: - on your person, - or in a small bag that you carry on board. Even if a bag is not lost, it may be delayed for a day or two. It is wise to put items that you will need during the first 24 hours in a carry-on bag (toiletries, one change of underwear). Don’t over-pack checked bags. This puts pressure on the latches, making it easier for them to spring open. Your checked bags may need to be opened for a security inspection out of your presence.
If you wish to lock your bags, see www.tsa.gov for information on locks that security personnel can open and then re-lock. If you use an unapproved lock and your bag is selected for inspection, the security staff will break the lock if necessary. Put a tag on the outside of your baggage with your name, home address, and home and work phone numbers. The airlines provide free stick-on tags. Most carriers also have “privacy tags” which conceal this information from passersby.
Put the same information inside each bag, and add an address and telephone number where you can be reached at your destination city.
Carry-on baggage advice: Check with the airline for any limits it has on the size, weight, or number of carry-on bags. (There is no single federal standard.) Inquire about your flight; different airplanes can have different limits.
If you are using more than one airline for a trip, check on all of them. A heavy bag which fits in an overhead bin may still cause the bin to exceed its weight limit. Don’t assume that the flight has unlimited closet space for garment bags; some may have to be checked. Don’t pack anything in a carry-on bag that could be considered a weapon (e.g., scissors, knife). Check-InDon’t check in at the last minute. Even if you make the flight, your bag may not.
Make sure that you get a claim check for every bag that you check. Don’t throw them away until your bags are returned. Not only will you need them if a claim is necessary, but you may need to show them to security upon leaving the baggage-claim area. Don’t leave them in the seat-pocket on the airplane.
Verify that the agent checking your bags attaches a destination tag to each one. (Remove tags from previous trips to avoid confusion.) Check to see that these tags show the correct three-letter code for your destination airport.
Know where your bags are checked to. They may be checked only to one of your intermediate stops rather than your final destination if: - you must clear Customs short of your final destination, or - you are taking a connecting flight involving two airlines which don’t have an interline agreement (e.g., Southwest Airlines does not transfer bags to other carriers). If you have a choice select flights which minimize the potential for baggage disruption. The likelihood of a bag going astray increases as the following numbers get higher: - nonstop flights - through flights (one or more stops, but no change of aircraft) - online connections (change of aircraft but not airlines) - interline connections (change of aircraft and airlines) Buy “excess valuation” from the airline if your property is worth more than the airline’s liability limit. This limit is usually $3,000 per passenger for domestic flights ($2,800 for flights before February 28, 2007), or 1,000 “Special Drawing Rights” per passenger on most international trips originating in the U.S. See www.imf.org for the value of the SDR. Your chances of recovery can be improved depending on where and how you bought your airline ticket. Some credit card companies and travel agencies offer optional baggage insurance; some others provide it automatically.
Claiming Your BagsIf your bag arrives open, unlocked or visibly damaged, check immediately to see if any of the contents are missing or damaged.
Report any problems to your airline before leaving the airport. Insist that the airline fill out a form and give you a copy, even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight. Get the agent’s name and an appropriate telephone number for following up (not Reservations).
It’s not unusual for the airline to take your claim checks when you report the problem; simply make sure this is noted on all copies of the report.
Before leaving the airport, ask the airline if they will deliver the bag without charge when it is found. Also ask about an advance or reimbursement for any items you must buy while your bag is missing.
Open your suitcase immediately when you get to where you are staying. Report any damage to contents or pilferage immediately by telephone. Make a note of the date and time of the call, and the name and telephone number of the person you spoke with. Follow up immediately with a certified letter.

If you are a woman traveling alone, you need to check the rules in the country you will be visiting.
Each country and culture has their own views of what is appropriate behavior for women. Although you may not agree with these views, it is wise to abide by the local laws and customs to avoid problems. Please become familiar with the laws and customs of the places where you wish to go.
Here are two examples of situations you may encounter:It is illegal in Laos to invite Lao nationals of the opposite sex to one’s hotel room.
Foreigners in Saudi Arabia have been arrested in the past for “improper dress.”Women traveling alone can be more vulnerable to problems in certain cultures. Keeping in mind the following information can help make your trip as safe and rewarding as possible.
Preparing for your tripPassports & Visas: Make sure your passport is still valid or apply for a new one long before you plan to travel. Make sure you have the right travel documents and visas for your destinations. For information on individual countries’ entry and exit requirements, refer to our publication Foreign Entry Requirements.
Your Destinations: Make an effort to learn about the locations you plan to visit, their culture, and any problems that might be occurring there. Many exciting and exotic destinations may have very conservative views about women. Being a foreigner makes you stand out; a woman traveling alone can be even more of an oddity in some places.
What to Leave Behind: Leave a detailed itinerary and a copy of your passport’s identification page with a friend or relative at home. Include names, addresses and telephone numbers where you will be staying. Leave a copy of your flight and ticket information with them as well.
You may wish to establish certain check in dates when you will either call, e-mail, fax, etc. to let someone know that you are all right. But remember that if you happen to miss a check-in, your loved ones may assume that you are having a problem or are in trouble. Leave any valuables, extra credit cards and jewelry - even fake jewelry - at home. Thieves often won’t know the real from the fake until after they take it, so why risk your personal safety?Health: Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage while abroad and that your coverage includes medical evacuations. Your policy might not cover you overseas and you may need to purchase traveler’s insurance. If you have any condition that might develop complications- especially if you are pregnant, check with your doctor before you go abroad. If you experience complications, a medical evacuation might still take several precious hours to arrange. If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip, including extra medication in case you are delayed. Always carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers as many countries have strict anti-trafficking laws and might be suspicious of pills in unlabeled bottles. Bring your prescription information and the names of their generic equivalents with you just in case.
Off you goSafety and Security: Use common sense and be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you are unsure in general about the local situation, feel free to check with the American Citizens Services section of the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the latest security information.
Don’t announce that you are traveling alone! Some guides for women even advise wearing a wedding ring if you’re single. If you feel like you’re being followed, step into a store or other safe place and wait to see if the person you think is following has passed. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for someone to double check for you to see if all is safe. Display confidence. By looking and acting as if you know where you’re going, you may be able to ward off some potential danger.
Ask for directions before you set out. No matter how modest your lodgings are, your hotel concierge or other hotel staff should be able to help. If you find yourself lost, do not be afraid to ask for directions. Generally, the safest people to ask are families or women with children. Getting the right information may save you from ending up in a potentially unsafe area.
Hotels: Choose a hotel where security is good and transportation is readily available and nearby. Check that all the doors and windows in your room have locks and that they work. If you feel uncomfortable, ask hotel security to escort you to and from parking lots or your room at night. Always use your peephole and common sense about letting strangers into your room.
Clothing: There is no doubt that fashion makes a statement. Unfortunately, not everyone will interpret how you dress the same way you would. What you consider casual clothing might be seen as provocative or inappropriate in other cultures. Thieves might choose you over another potential target based on your style of dress or the amount of makeup or jewelry you are wearing. Other might single you out for harassment or even physical violence because they find your clothing offensive, based on their cultural norms. By taking your cues from local women, or at least by dressing conservatively, you could save yourself a great deal of trouble.
Use common sense, do your homework before you go, and have a safe and fun trip.

Every year, millions of people take a break from the rat race by taking a trip. Unfortunately, most people pack much of the rat race and take it along with them! Some Practical Tips on Packing For Your TripYou have finally made time to take that trip. Perhaps you are heading to a lake for a week or taking a trip to another country. Regardless of your destination, you have to figure out what to take and how to pack it. Here are some practical tips for you. The first thing to keep in mind is the fact you are not taking a trip to another planet. While this sounds obvious, most people pack like they are going to Saturn for ten years. It is not so much the amount of things you pack, but the items themselves. For instance, are you aware that every town, state and country in the world sells soap, shampoo, razors and even deodorant? If you answered yes, why are you packing such things for your trip? The first rule of packing for a trip is to ask yourself if you can buy a specific item at your destination. If you are traveling to a foreign country, keep in mind the item may be cheaper over there! When it comes to packing clothes, you need to reign yourself in. Give some thought to your destination and what should go. If you are going to a beach area in summer, you are not going to need a sweater. Trust me on this. You are supposed to be relaxing on your vacation. Take comfortable clothes, but no more than two of any item. In breaking news, there are laundry facilities at your destination. A particular area where people pack way too much is footwear. Again, we are talking about a vacation. Vacation is a word that carries a definite connotation of comfort. Flip flops and tennis shoes should pretty much cut it for any trip unless you are going hiking. Dress shoes or high heels for an expected night out on the town sound great, but are they really worth lugging around for a week or two? Usually not. Having traveled all over the world, I strongly suggest you pack the absolute minimum possible. It makes for light traveling. If you need something, you can always buy it at your destination.

Going camping at last and trying to leave all the work back home. Nothing else but fun moments ahead of you. This is the dream of everyone working hard and who does not have any time for friends and relaxing. Even if only for a week-end, a camping trip can work wonders on your mind . But before getting into the car with your friends, make sure that you don’t forget to bring along any useful things, as they cannot be of any use left back home. You must think ahead and imagine any possible situation that can occur … after all , camping places can sometimes be very remote, and there is no neighbour you can ask for a spare pillow!All campers should bring their own lanterns, batteries, as these are very important on a camping trip. Backup batteries are always an excellent idea, because at least someone always gets short of batteries. And, most importantly, make sure they are fresh. Stools with a canvas seat are quite smart for taking on a tent camping week-end. They can be easily folded and put in the car. Folding lawn chairs are always welcome.
At least one of the campers must remember to pack a rainfly. Otherwise , you may end up having dinner in pouring rain. The rainfly must be properly installed, so that it will never cause problems during storms or string winds. Wet clothes should be hung on a clothesline, tied between two trees. The sleeping bag must also be hung in order to air out. Never forget to bring axes, as you won’t be able to light a fire without one. And never forget to take toilet paper with you. It can get very hard to find some at the camping places, as they are sometimes quite far from other populated places. That is the whole idea of going camping: getting away from the people you see everyday and coming home in a better mood.
This is about all that a camper must bring along on a camping trip. The rest is fun, sun and relaxing. Nothing can go wrong if you have everything you may ever need on the camping place.