Know Before You Go On Your Trip Overseas

There is much that you can do to prepare for your trip abroad, depending on where you are going, how long you are staying, and your reasons for traveling.

The following suggestions and sources may be useful:

Do your homework and read as much as possible about the countries in which you plan to travel. Informing yourself about a nation’s history, culture, customs and politics will make your stay more meaningful. Such information can be found in most libraries, bookstores and tourist bureaus. Although English is spoken in many countries, it is a good idea to learn what you can of the language of the country in which you will be traveling.

Travel agents can provide brochures and tourist information about the countries that you wish to visit.

Most international airlines can supply you with travel brochures about the countries that they serve. Many countries have tourist information offices in main cities in the United States where you can obtain travel brochures and maps.

Foreign embassies or consulates in the United States can provide up-to-date information on their countries. Addresses and telephone numbers of the embassies of foreign governments are listed in the Congressional Directory, available at most public libraries. In addition to their embassies, some countries also have consulates in major U.S. cities. Look for their addresses in your local telephone directory, or find them in the publication, Foreign Consular Offices in the United States, available in many public libraries, or on the state department travel web site.

The Department of State publishes Background Notes on countries worldwide. These are brief, factual pamphlets with information on each country’s culture, history, geography, economy, government, and current political situation. The Background Notes are available for approximately 170 countries. They often include a reading list, travel notes and maps. To purchase copies, you can contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or call (202) 512-1800. Select issues are also available from the Department of State’s Bureau of Public Affairs, fax-on-demand, by calling (202) 736-7720 from your fax machine or on the Department of State’s home page.

The Consular Information Program provides pertinent information for travelers. The U.S. Department of State issues fact sheets, known as Consular Information Sheets, on every country in the world. You should obtain the Department of State’s Consular Information Sheet for any country that you will visit. The sheets contain information about crime and security conditions, areas of instability, and other details pertaining to travel in a particular country.

The Department of State also issues Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. Travel Warnings are issued when the Department of State recommends deferral of travel by Americans to a country because of civil unrest, dangerous conditions, and terrorist activity and/or because the United States has no diplomatic relations with the country and cannot assist an American citizen in distress.

Public Announcements are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or transnational conditions, which would pose significant risks to American travelers.

Tired Of The Same Old Hotels

If you’re tired of the same old cookie cutter hotels when you travel maybe it’s time you spiced up your stays with some unique hotel ideas that will make your trip more memorable.

Make note of any interesting hotels you come across while surfing the Web or watching TV. When traveling pick up any brochures of unique accommodations you find. Many times a hotel lobby will be filled with these little brochures all arranged in a nice little display rack.

Consider staying at a Bed and Breakfast. B & Bs are becoming increasingly popular as each one provides a unique experience over any standard hotel chain. From quiet often charming rooms to great homemade food these are many times cheaper than regular hotels and motels.

Inns.com and BedandBreakfast.com are two great Web sites that can help you find the perfect Bed and Breakfast in your destination city.

If you are traveling abroad and seek a special kind of quiet try a convent or monastery for a truly unique experience. In many countries you can stay for far less than what a hotel would cost with some places only asking for a token offering. Just be prepared to give up some of the more traditional hotel amenities like TV for the peace and quiet.

If you don’t mind spending about what you would for a decent hotel check out the offerings at TabletHotels.com where you will find a unique selection of inns and hotels that have been personally rated by guests from all over the world.

If plan on traveling to one of the great parks in the United States check into staying at a nearby lodge or cabin. Many parks have on-site accommodations and of course you could always pitch a tent if you really wanted to rough it and save money.

When a friend of mine goes on vacations he looks for condos or homes for rent. This can be a great idea if you are traveling with your family as you get all the comforts of home and can save money buy cooking your own meals.

Many people will do a house swap with you as well but if you happen to live in a spot that might not be very popular with travelers it could be hard finding someone to swap with you.

Going to Europe and into backpacking? You might consider staying at a youth hostel during your continental travels. Many have a dormitory arrangement with shared baths and kitchens but they can be quite inexpensive and you get a great opportunity to meet some interesting people. Just be sure to use a little common sense if you plan on staying in a group environment.

These are just a few of the many options available to the traveler looking for a little more adventure. Keep your eyes and your mind open to new possibilities and you will be rewarded with rich memories for years to come.

Smart And Safe Travel Tips For The Business Woman

Women today travel constantly and that too all over the world. Most manage to successfully juggle a professional life with a private one. Statistics reveal that almost 50% of business travelers are women and the number continues to grow each day. Travel at short notice means being organized and ready to go. Be smart and plan well ahead.

1. Keep on tab a list of baby sitters who would be willing to pitch in, even overnight if required. Keep a small book handy in which you jot down things like what the kids eat, their schedules, important phone numbers, likes and dislikes, as well as numbers of the doctors and list of medications including known allergies.

2. Keep a travel bag always packed and ready to go. Pack a combination of clothes so that they will tide you over irrespective of the weather in your destination. Wear easy to maintain and dark colors on trips. They don’t show stains, are wrinkle free and will drape well.

3. Always eat lightly and foods that are cooked avoid raw salads and water as well as ice. It is wise to snack before a flight and also to try and sleep during flight. This way you will arrive at your destination refreshed. Be sure to drink plenty of bottled water during travel.

4. Set up a schedule to call home at time zones that work for you and your loved ones. Make it a point to get mementoes for your family members as also the baby sitter and others who pick up the slack while you are away. It shows them that you care.

5. Put safety first always place a “do not disturb sign on your hotel door and if nervous place a chair under the door knob like they do in movies. Keep your cell phone on and fully charged by you at all times and carry protection in the form of pepper spray, an alarm, or if you are trained and licensed a small weapon with its safety on. In most cities the police organize training classes for women to learn how to protect themselves and what one must do in an emergency. Try and make time to attend these.

6. Avoid dark lanes and abandoned roads. Never talk to strangers or accept food or drink from someone you don’t know. While traveling never leave food or drink unattended. Be vigilant at all times.

7. Choose a hotel with care. Choose to stay at well established hotels or small inns and B&B where the proprietors are generally family people. Always e-mail and fax details of your staying arrangements and travel plans to your home as well as office.

8. Always carry important documents, money, traveler’s checks, and passport in a money belt worn around your waist.

9. Always act confident and move around in groups there is always safety in numbers.

10. If unwell go to a state run hospital. Never to a private clinic.

11. Never travel with valuables like jewelry and always carry a small flashlight and medical kit with you.

12. For safety reasons arrange with your family to take appropriate action if you do not get in touch with them as planned.

Avoid room service and eat in the hotel dinning room. Also never reveal details of where you come from or your travel plans to anyone.

Be vigilant and smart and you will be able to travel often and safely.