Travel and tips

Considering the areas most impacted by bird flu are in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, it is advisable to stay clear of these regions. However, circumstances may arise that necessitates travel. In which case, you need to know how to protect yourself in these areas from contracting bird flu.
In general, basic hygiene can prevent a wide array of infectious diseases. For this reason, frequent hand washing is advised to eliminate bacteria and viral components from one’s hands.
More specifically, travelers should avoid any contact with poultry, including those held for agricultural use or wild birds. Any area potentially contaminated with bird feces should also be avoided. Currently, bird flu is only being transmitted from poultry to humans and not from human contact; therefore, you should assume every bird you see is potentially infected, as that very well may be the case.
You should also take special care not to ingest undercooked poultry, poultry products, or dishes made with poultry blood, as the virus may still be active in such dishes. You also need to avoid contact with sick people or people that are exposed to poultry. This may seem excessive, but the bird flu virus is expected to mutate and be transmitted through human contact. If this were to occur, you could easily catch the disease from someone else. It is better to be cautious and alive than the alternative. Likewise, you may also consider avoiding crowds, as densely populated areas are an ideal breeding ground to spread disease.
If, during your travels, you become severely ill, you may contact a United States Embassy for guidance in seeking treatment and notifying family and friends. Depending on your location, medical care may be limited. Use caution in securing treatment.
Special concern has been shown in visiting Singapore and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve; however, it has been made very clear that Singapore is free from bird flu. Two entities, AVA and NParks, have continual surveillance projects of the reserve and take blood samples from the birds on a regular basis to ensure infection has not occurred. On the same token, it is unlikely a human would become infected by a wild bird, as direct handling is almost impossible. Most of the cases reported have been contracted from chickens or domestic birds. The primary way a human would be infected from a wild bird is through contact with bodily secretions and feces.

Looking for some vacation money saving ideas? There’s nothing wrong with vacationing on a budget. Hey, we all can’t travel like the rich and famous.
You save all year to get the money for a well earned vacation. You want to stretch your vacation budget but still enjoy yourself. Sounds like a good plan. To help you out I’ve together some vacation money saving ideas that I hope you will find useful.
If you have a particular destination in mind it pays to plan ahead. Research the attractions and facilities. Find out what specials or discounts they may have going. Look for other things to do or see nearby so that you can make good use of your time and cut down on the running from place to place.
Plan your vacation for the off season. You can usually get better deals on lots of things like plane tickets, hotels, car rentals, cruises and lots of other things.
If you have friends or relatives nearby your destination consider asking them if you can stay with them. Don’t be a freeloader though. Even though you help pay for the groceries and other expenses your host incurs, it’s still a good vacation money saving idea.
If you are flying try to plan your trip for when tickets are traditionally cheapest. That would be Feb thru May and September thru December (except the week before Thanksgiving and the two week period before Christmas). Try to avoid flying on Friday afternoons as this is often the busiest time of the week for airlines.
Meals can be expensive at restaurants so you can save some money by packing food for the road.
When eating out try to avoid the places that obviously cater to tourists. Find out where the locals eat. Ask around. The smaller family owned places usually have better food at better prices. You may have to go a little out of your way but it is usually worth it for some vacation money savings.
Hotels are typically more expensive the closer you get to a major attraction. With a little planning you can find a good balance between price and distance.
When picking hotels don’t just go by the ratings. Compare the amenities they offer. Often you will find that you really don’t need everything offered by that 4 star hotel and you can do very nicely at the 3 star…with a better price!Consider buying or renting an RV. You travel at your own pace. Cooking and bathrooms are always close by. You can meet a lot of other friendly RVers who will usually be glad to point out the best places to go.
When traveling by car you can save fuel by renting a smaller fuel efficient model. Packing light, reducing your speed and maintaining proper tire air pressure will also cut the gas costs.
Make sure that your car is ready for the trip. Good tires, oil change, tune-up and all that good stuff. It’s a heck of a lot cheaper and more convenient to deal with these things before you go rather than on the road somewhere.
Check out the local transportation system of buses, trains or trolleys. These can be considerably cheaper than using taxis.
Camping is a great vacation money saving idea. There are lots of campgrounds around. They are cheap and you may end up with an experience that outshines anything you can get a fancy hotel.
Plan activities that don’t require a lot of money. Hiking, and swimming are good ones. Local Museums and historical sites are often very reasonably priced as well as being quite educational and fun. The big theme parks have their appeal but you can really go through the cash at those places.
Plan picnics. These can be excellent vacation money saving opportunities as well as a chance to really relax and enjoy the local area.
Avoid buying souvenirs. It’s easy to get caught up and blow a bundle on these overpriced goodies. Set some mental rules ahead of time about how much you will spend on souvenirs and it will be easier to stick to it when the time comes.
I hope that you find some of these vacation money saving ideas helpful. Make a plan and stick to it. There’s no reason why you can’t have a great vacation without emptying the bank account.

I went on my first holiday to the tropics recently. I was afraid of catching a disease, so I did a bit of research, and took some precautions. Here are some tips I found useful. 1. Get your shots.
I spent a short time in areas relatively free of mosquito-borne disease. The key word is ‘relatively’. A two week holiday in an urban area is probably alright. If you’re staying for months, or in an area flagged as dangerous, get your shots well in advance. Don’t leave it until the last minute, as by then it’ll be too late! The drugs need some time to ‘kick in’, and your doctor may have to order them in advance.
2. Get an insect repellent.
I made one for mosquitoes by mixing citronella with olive oil. Citronella is an essential oil (an essence). I rubbed the mixture on all exposed areas morning and night, and after washing. Seemed to do the trick. I put too much oil in, I think, so it smelled a bit. Better that, than being bitten, I say!3. Wear long sleeved shirts and trousers.
I also wore socks in bed. Give pests no purchase! Mosquitoes are just doing what comes naturally; they need your blood to live. It’s just unfortunate that they can pass on parasites when they bite. Deny them a meal, and the only things you’ll bring back from your holiday are a silly hat and some souvenir photos. To wear long sleeved garments in bed, you’ll need a room with a fan and air conditioning. No need to set them to freezing; just cool, with a slight breeze.
4. Air conditioning.
Air conditioning and fans are supposed to deflect mosquitoes, which is good. Avoid ‘going native’, and thinking you’re as hardy as the locals. They get malaria and dengue as well, be sure of that.
5. Use mosquito nets.
Do what you can to keep them at bay. Paranoia is good!6. Avoid ice and saladsIce can have faecal coliforms. It depends on what water it’s been made from. Salads can be prepared by low-paid workers who’ve forgotten to wash their hands. In Muslim countries, they often don’t use toilet paper, just a hose, so if the staff haven’t been scrupulous about their personal hygiene …
You may feel self-conscious about refusing. Would you like your holiday to be spoiled by a spell in hospital, in a Third-world country, just for the sake of avoiding embarrassment? People like people who are forthright, so stick to your guns.
7. Don’t drink the water.
A country can have a veneer of modernity, but what separates the men from the boys is the sewage system. The tap water may not be filtered properly. Drink bottled water, or water you’ve boiled yourself. Get a kettle, and boil it up every day, then put the water in your water bottle in the morning. Easy.
8. Drink plenty of water.
A few sips every so often, rather than a litre in one go. You’ll save on trips to the lavatory! 9. Stay out of the sun.
There’s a reason the locals are laid back; it’s too hot to run around like you do at home. Sun tanning is actually skin damage. Due to ozone layer depletion, you may be getting more than a golden tan. Who cares if you don’t come back home bronzed? Ladies especially will appreciate this in later years, when their sisters have leathery skin from roasting on the beach. Nothing less ‘cool’ than a white man with sunstroke, either.
When travelling in the tropics, it’s best to be paranoid. I hope you can still enjoy your holiday!

Are you planning to spend your vacation in the United States of America? Have you processed your legal documents and all you’re waiting for is to go aboard the plane and start the dream journey of your life?Here are some tips that would provide you a safe tour to the US:1) Legal matters. These are the safety measures provided by the US Embassy for tourists.
* Before leaving your own country, you should register with the U.S. Embassy. Provide them with your itinerary and copies of your passport. This will ensure that your whereabouts are known in case it is necessary to contact you during emergencies. * Remember to have a valid passport. And if your travel requires a visa, your visas should always be intact with the passport. Remember to fill out all your information on the emergency page located inside your passport.
* Be aware of all the local laws of the US. Always be reminded that you should abide by the laws of the U.S Constitution.
* Make multiple copies of the identification page of your passport. This will assist in the replacement of your passport if it is stolen or lost. 2) Electricity. If you have brought appliances that would make use of electrical systems, be aware of the voltages used with these devices. * US residential use 115 volts of electrical systems operated at 60 hertz. If your electric appliances operate on different voltages, you will need a voltage converter or transformer before plugging the appliance. * The main wall sockets in the US basically make use of 115 volts which looks like two parallel flat blades. Make sure to match the socket with the device by purchasing a converter. 3) Basic Information.
* The official language in the USA is English.
* Used as measurements in road signs, temperature displays, and tourist brochures are the imperial and metric system.
* It is customary in the US to tip for services. Tips average from 10% to 20%, depending on the discretion of the person paying the bill. 4) Safety.
* Never leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept any package from strangers. * Prevent wearing eye-catching clothing and priceless jewelry to avoid being a victim of crime. Do not carry large amounts of money and credit cards of. * Deal with official agents when purchasing art, antiques and exchanging money. This would help in avoiding the violation of local laws. * If you suddenly get into trouble, it is best to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy.
Now you know the basics, it’s your turn to enjoy your travel legally and safely. Have fun.

Here are some quick tips to make your travel easier and safer: * Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with the State Department. This will help them contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.
* Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
* Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep an extra color copy of your passport and visa and stick it in your wallet. Secure your passport in the hotel safe and carry the copy wherever you go.
* Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.
* Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Laws in other countries may be stricter than at your home country. Learn the laws before you go. Regardless of what country you are visiting; do not get involved in drugs.
* Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
* Contact the embassy in an emergency: Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. The Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.
Prior planning will prevent future problems. It only takes a few minutes to register online, copy your passport, and check the local laws. It may save you minor aggravation or possibly time behind bars.

Hong Kong is a key destination for many travelers. It has a population of more than seven million, scattered all throughout its more than 200 islands.
It is located in Eastern Asia, near China and the South China Sea. Formerly, leased to Great Britain, Hong Kong was officially returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong offers diversity in: culture, religion, and lifestyles.
Chinese, (Cantonese) and English are both the official language here. So foreigners, who are planning to visit, should not have any problems exploring, and experiencing the culture of this vibrant place; since English is widely spoken here.
Hong Kong dollar is the currency in use here. One American dollar roughly equals around 7 Hong Kong dollars. Hong Kong is known for: its unique energetic vibe, its wonderful food, and beautiful skylines. It’s best to always bring a camera when roaming around in the city, so travelers can capture the essence of this place, and will always have a memento of their visit.
Hong Kong offers many great upscale shopping districts that rival the high end streets of: Shanghai, London and Paris. But the best places to shop here are the unique shops, and street markets that exhibit the charm and uniqueness of the locality.
It is wise to look around at the various stores to compare prices before buying anything. The best part of all is that sales tax is exempted on everything in Hong Kong.
The best way to get around Hong Kong is to purchase an Octopus payment card. This card takes you everywhere. It can also be used on any public transportation system, except taxis. It can even be used in vending machines, restaurants, and convenient stores, fast food places, etc.
Some of the key places in Hong Kong are:- Hong Kong Island is the most urbanized district. It’s the heart and soul of the city. – Kowloon is one of, if not, the most populated cities in the world. It also offers the best view of the skyline.
- Disney Land Hong Kong which is located in Lantau Island. This is only the third International sight for a main Disney them park. It is best to make reservations ahead of time for lodging. It tends to be packed, especially during the holidays.
Hong Kong also has a great natural landscape that can be seen by riding a train that goes all the way up to the higher part of Hong Kong Island. With so many things to do and sights to be seen Hong Kong is truly a must see for any traveler.

* If a personal search is required you may choose to remain in the public area or go to a private area for your screening. If you refuse either option you will not be able to fly.
* You should be offered a private screening before the beginning of a pat-down inspection if the pat-down will require the lifting of clothing and/or display of a covered medical device.
* You should be offered a disposable paper drape for additional privacy before the beginning of a pat-down.
* You may request a private area for your personal search at any time during the screening process.
* Your companion, assistant, or family member may accompany you and assist you during a private or public screening. After providing this assistance, the companion, assistant, or family member will need to be rescreened.
* You may ask for a chair if you need to sit down during the screening process.
* You should be allowed to raise you arms out during an inspection only as far as you indicate you can.
* You should be allowed to remain in your wheelchair if you indicate that you are unable to stand and/or walk through the metal detector.
* You may request a pat-down inspection in lieu of going through the metal detector or being hand-wanded. You do not need to disclose why you would like this option.
* If you have a disability, condition, or implant, that you would like to remain private and confidential, ask the Security Officer to please be discreet when assisting you through the screening process.
* You have the right to ask a Security Officer to change her/his gloves during the physical inspection of your accessible property, before performing a physical search (pat-down,) or any time a Security Officer handles your footwear.
* Medication and related supplies that are carried through a checkpoint are normally X-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.
* You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise you medications and supplies will undergo X-ray inspection.
* If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property and in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector. Request the visual inspection and hand your medication bag to the Security Officer.
* In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection.
* Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.
Make sure you check for the latest updates at the TSA web site.

Well it is not usually wise to be traveling during holidays as these are the times when almost every other person in the world is traveling. It is of course best to plan ahead or book ahead and go to your destination early to avoid all the hassle but if you’re one of those last minute people or probably one of those who can’t really avoid it, you should follow the next few tips for a fairly better journey and maybe a cheaper stay.
- Holiday travel packages were never made with only one person in mind; no two people are alike, keep this in mind because the agencies that packed them have kept these in mind, use this fact to haggle your way into cheaper or sometimes better deals. Even if there are ready made packages, you can ask for extra perks especially if you’re staying for more than a week.
- Be careful of travel agents. Travel agents may give you the best deal for your package, which normally include airfare, lodgings and transportation, but a really good agent can be really flexible. One example would be if you want a rental car for the first half of your trip but you want to get rid of it by the second half, a good agent can arrange this for you, sometimes for a cheaper price.
- Be sure that the package you want is available, you don’t want to get pulled into something that ends up being sold out, some people give out too-good-to-be-true packages which end up being “sold out” in the end, so before you make a deal or transfer a morsel of cash, make sure that it is still available.
- Be sure to know exactly what airline and route your taking, you won’t want those unpleasant layovers which can be a real pain, not to mention delay your schedule.
- A good sign of a good package is one that is very flexible, as said before, no two people are alike, and a good package should reflect that, it should allow you to choose between destinations, as well as brands and lodgings without changing the price. A choice in which rental car to take is also a sign of a good package.
- Finally, it’s good to ask for discounts that you might get if you do certain stuff, like stay in the hotel for more than a week, or sign up on the internet instead of by phone. Research first before you cough up the money for down-payment; make sure you’ve exhausted all possible discount generating ways before you decide on a package.

The official Caribbean hurricane season stretches from June 1 – November 30. It’s rare to see a large storm in either June or November and most major hurricanes occur between August and October, with the peak season usually being September.
The upside is that prices are lower for the Caribbean during this time and resorts are less crowded. So what do you do if you want to get away during hurricane season?Buy Travel InsuranceYou must buy the trip cancellation insurance before the storm is announced, otherwise it will be deemed a pre-existing condition, so always purchase insurance the same day you book your trip to be safe. Most travel insurance policies will cover a trip disrupted because of a hurricane when you are forced to arrive late or leave early for your trip, but you’ll be reimbursed only for the affected days until the airport or resort reopens. You will usually be reimbursed for the days you are forced to stay at a resort during a hurricane, but be sure to always read the fine print on your policy to make sure you know what they will actually cover.
Try to Avoid the StormsTrack hurricanes online with weather websites during the season. Some good sites include:The National Weather Service – National Hurricane Centerhttp://www.nhc.noaa.gov/Hurricane & Storm Tracking for the Atlantic & Pacific Oceanshttp://hurricane.terrapin.comHurricane News and Informationhttp://www.hurricanetrack.comWeather.com Tropical Storm Centerhttp://www.weather.com/newscenter/tropical/Pick Your Location WellWhen planning a trip to the Caribbean during hurricane season, it is good to know that hurricanes are less likely the further south you go. The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and St. Vincent, including the islands below them, are the least hit by hurricanes. However, as Grenada discovered in 2004 with Hurricane Ivan, never say never and keep in mind that hurricanes are unpredictable.
Go on a CruiseThe good thing about cruises is that they can usually sail around the worst of a storm. And today’s ships are extraordinarily safe and with the advanced weather tracking available today, bad weather is something they can avoid. The downside is that the cruise line always reserves the right to reschedule port calls and change itineraries for weather-related reasons and therefore you may not get to visit the places you had hoped to.
Pick a Resort That Offers a “Hurricane Guarantee”Recently, many of the largest resorts and resort chains, have started instituting a “hurricane guarantee,” offering guests their money back for days lost to bad weather. For example, in the unlikely event that hurricane force winds (as defined by the U.S. National Weather Service) directly hit the Sandals or Beaches resorts while you are a guest, interrupting the use of all the included activities, Sandals or Beaches Resorts will offer a free replacement vacation to be taken at any Sandals or Beaches Resort of your choice. Go to http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com/caribbean-hurricane-season.html for more resorts that offer hurricane guarantees.
Make the Best of It.
If you do get caught on vacation during a hurricane, try to make the best of it. As long as there is no danger present, relax indoors and focus on other activities.
My husband and I got caught in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico during hurricane Keith in 2000. He was still my boyfriend at that time and unbeknownst to me, he planned to propose on our second evening there. We got dressed for dinner and arrived at the hotel restaurant to find it boarded up. We saw the line up in the hotel lobby, everyone was being evacuated from the hotel to one farther up the coast. We ran back to our room, packed and got on the next bus out – not the evening my husband had planned!When we checked into our room at the new hotel a few hours later, he still had the engagement ring burning a hole in his pocket. The winds were blowing and it was raining so the romantic walk on the beach he had been hoping for was out. He couldn’t put it off any longer so he dropped to one knee and proposed then and there. It was definitely a memorable evening, hurricane and all!

Gone are the days of relying on your neighborhood travel agent or spending the first day of your vacation hunting for a local outfitter or guide. Reliable travel specialists are located in virtually every corner of the world and can now be accessed on the web. Whether you are searching for a tour operator, travel agency or outfitter, the following tips will help you weed through the plethora of travel specialists hawking their wears online.
WebsitesThe design and content of a company’s website speaks volumes about the way they do business. · A travel specialist’s website should provide information that is useful, informative and fun. · The contact information, including a phone number and an email address, should be easy to locate. · The site should also include all relevant information, such as the cost of an excursion, maps and directions. And, for those engaging an adventure specialist, a packing list, either directly in the content or in the form of an FAQ (frequently asked questions).
Visible track recordGreat website but how do I know they can deliver? Assessing a travel specialists credentials is not as difficult as it sounds. · Many industry associations and tourist boards list members and accredited agencies on their websites. · Check references, read testimonials from previous clients, pose questions on a travel forum. Knowledge and experience Nothing can be a substitute for knowledge and experience. · Determine the agency or outfitter’s knowledge of your travel destination as well as the type of adventure you wish to experience. · Find out how long they have been in the business and whether they are accustomed to organizing tours for singles, families or seniors. Location of the outfitterIf they are not located in the country you will be traveling to you may also wish to understand:· Who will sort out any problems, accidents, or emergencies that may arise during your holiday? · When was the last time they biked down that country road?· Or how they will obtain a refund for the boat tour that was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Client serviceIf communicating with the specialist is a challenge there is a good chance your trip will turn out to be a disaster. Select a specialist that is committed to organizing quality trips and returning satisfied clients.
· How quickly does the agency or outfitter respond to your emails and telephone calls? · Are they eager to assist you with the planning of your vacation? · Do they go the extra mile to customize your itinerary?· Does the proposed itinerary reflect your interests? Cost vs Value Get more than one proposal and compare. · Find out what is and what is not included in the price. · Determine the location and quality of the accommodation. · How many meals are included and whether they are buffet or a la carte.
· Is the trip fully guided or will you be touring on your own?· In addition you will want to know what, if any, sightseeing is included and whether you will have any free time. ConditionsMake sure to read the fine print before you commit. The terms and conditions should clearly spell out your responsibilities as well as those of the specialist.
· What is the company’s policy on reservations, deposits and cancellations?· Can a tour or excursion be cancelled for a lack of bookings? · Who is responsible for additional payments in the event of a currency fluctuation?Where to get the lowdown on travel specialists, guides, and outfitters:Washington Post Condй Nast Traveler Epinions.comThe Thorn Tree Travel Forum