Travel Tips
Be a Savvy Traveler with these Travel Safety and Security Suggestions from Islandspree.com
"When you are ready to travel …Islandspree is ready to help"
The following excerpts are from Anita Pagliasso-Balamane's book "Living Out of a Suitcase"
A little story: A friend of mine calls himself a "contrarian." When the housing market in California softened in the early 1990s, he bought a house. When his business slowed a few years ago, he took classes at a local community college to expand his knowledge. When the Dow Jones plummeted, he bought $50,000 worth of stock - and has made a huge profit. When things seem the gloomiest, he only sees opportunities.
In a way, we must do the same. Yes, it's hard to remain positive in today's times. Yet travel is one thing we can do to brighten our lives, remain positive and help build for the recovery that will surely come:
Recently I took a flight to a travel conference in Las Vegas. Any apprehension I had completely went away when I saw the hoards of people on Las Vegas Boulevard having a great time. On the flight home I was totally relaxed. Being out there among people still carrying on normal lives and enjoying their travel experiences helps to counteract the media-magnified anxiety that has enveloped us recently. Your decision to continue to travel can make a powerful statement.
In giving you the following information it is important to remember that these suggestions are useful whether you are in Budapest or on the streets of San Francisco. Just be an aware and alert traveler!
To minimize inconvenience in the event that you lose your purse or wallet, dont bring unnecessary credit cards when you travel. There isnt a Sears or Macys in Prague yet, so leave your store credit cards at home in a safe. If traveling with your husband, split your credit cards. You carry the Visa and he carries the Master Card. The same goes for extra keys. One house key and one car key is probably all youll need.
Prepare a list of essential phone numbers such as emergency contacts, credit card companies, airlines and passport number.
Many insurance policies may not cover incident/illness that occur outside the U.S. For your own protection, make sure you have adequate insurance to cover all eventualities for your trip.
(Islandspree offers Med Trip Insurance for such emergencies as trip cancellations, trip interruption or medical emergencies, including a 24-hour advice nurse with a worldwide toll free number.)
Bring medicines in original bottles. If your bags are searched, you may be questioned or detained. Bring an extra copy of your prescriptions with you, both medical and eye glasses, in case of emergency. Bring a letter from your physician explaining any medical conditions. Example: drug allergies, heart disease, medical history, medications, physician contacts and health insurance coverage. Ask your health provider for any suggested vaccinations. This should be done 4-6 weeks ahead of time as some may require multiple injections.
State department travel warnings issues information sheets for every country with information on health conditions, unusual currency or entry requirements, public health problems, and locations of closest US consulate for 204 countries. http://travel.state.gov.
Keep a low profile; avoid flashy dress, bags, jewellery and loud conversations. Try not to look like a tourist! Con artists with stories exist everywhere.
A cell phone that works overseas is a MUST-HAVE for the savvy traveler. In a recent edition of The New York Times**, international travelers were urged to "Take a wireless communications device... like a cellphone." Make sure you always have a way to keep in touch with friends, family, and business associates while they are overseas.
Dont get into the front seat of a taxi by yourself. Dont exit a taxi until you're sure you've arrived at your destination. Pay while still in the car so you can be sure youve received the proper change. Make
sure the driver gets out with you at the same time for your luggage and check the trunk to be sure you have left nothing behind.
At your local airport arrive 2 hours prior to departure to allow for extra security procedures.
Be careful of what you wear when you go to the Airport and go through the metal detectors. Don't wear big metal belt buckles, pagers or wear metal taps on your shoes or you can count on an extra delay. No scissors, tweezers, etc.
Electronic tickets are fine unless something goes wrong. If an airline goes on strike, cancels a flight or is delayed, electronic ticketing may not be honoured by other airlines. If possible, carry a cell phone with you to check on availability on another airline with their 800 numbers while waiting in line.
Pay for purchases and travel by credit card, not a debit credit card that doesn't have the same consumer protection.
When making reservations, do not use a nickname. Use your formal name as is listed on your driver's license or passport. If newly-wed use maiden name unless all legal documents have been changed to new name.
Passports must be valid six or more months prior to departure. For passport services on the Internet: http://travel.state.gov/passportservices.htnl. For new and renewal passports, there is an agency at most main post offices in most cities, to find out your closest post office paste this link in your browser http://www.usps.com/passport/welcome.htm
In foreign countries, learn where the US Embassy is located and how to contact them.
Make copies of all-important documents before you travel: Drivers License, Passport, Airline tickets, Cruise documents, Tour documents, travelers checks, credit cards.
When traveling to a country where English is not the first language, type the name and address of your hotel on an index card or get a book of matches from the hotel. If your cab driver does not speak English, hand him the card or matchbook and you will get to your hotel with no hassle.
From the Islandspree Tipster
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