Posts Tagged ‘travel’

Although their are numerous online travel services a traditional Travel agent is as much an important part of the trip as comfort is to traveling! The role of a travel agent has been increasing with the times and today most people are dependent on them for executing most of their travel plans so that they can rest easy and just enjoy their trip.

It is the responsibility of the travel agent to help and guide the travelers about the constantly changing schedules and airfares, availability of packages for vacation, and a lot of travel information that the traveler may not know about.

Choosing a reliable travel agent can be an important decision, since how you travel and your comfort will be largely decided by the travel agents. You should verify the information given by the travel agents, to be on the safer side and minimize your travel hassles. Incase of International travel, choosing a proper agent becomes more important.

The right agent should be able to foresee your problems and guide you about them. They should provide information related to customs regulations, important documents like visas, passports, currency exchange rates and certificates of vaccination.

Many hotels, cruise liners, resorts, and special travel groups make use of travel agents to market their travel packages to the ever increasing rate of people choosing to travel both inland and overseas. Most agents advice you on destinations and make arrangements for hotel stays, transportation, tours, car rentals, etc.

Information on weather conditions, restaurants, tourist attractions, and other such necessary information are also provided. A good travel agent could also take the trouble of checking out hotel services to gauge their quality of service in order that they can base references on a first hand report.

With the changing times, the travel industry has seen a big development in terms of Internet bookings and travel related information made available on the net. The number of people using online services is growing. This has resulted in a change in the view of the convenience of traditional agencies.

A poll result of American tourists revealed that over 92 percent of them generally buy their travel related necessities online. According to these consumers, online travel agencies have cheaper rates, are the easiest to use and offer all the relevant information. A word of caution is necessary for those using the Internet for their travel bookings. Be sure to navigate the site, verify that the agent has a good back-up system.

Also ensure that there are no added costs that are credited to your credit bills.

Till a few years ago, travel agents provided free services to their customers. Travel agents worked as agents for airlines, hotels, rental car companies, etc. The agencies worked on a commission basis from these suppliers.

But free travel agent services began changing as a result of certain changes in the rate of commissions. For example, in 1995 Delta Airlines imposed a $50 limit on domestic airline commission rates.

The role of the travel agent is thus not only diversified but one that necessitates trust and responsibility.

You will discover several causes to obtain travel health insurance and other kinds of travel insurance bundles if you  travel abroad. One of the major factors is always that there are lots of techniques to have ill in other countries and should you wish to  get good medical cure you’ll have to have to make certain you have sufficient money to acquire you back home. What if you need  being airlifted from a remote location to some major city although on vacation? This is quite costly but you can die if  you do not get beneficial medical awareness quickly in some situtions. Getting picked up by a helicopter is integrated  in several with the top travel health insurance packages that you possibly can buy.

Travel insurance products can include flight insurance that will cover you when you might be truly in the air or in  the aircraft. When the plane goes down and blows up for the tarmac, your named beneficiary will find a way to collect the  death benefit in the insurance organization that issued the travel insurance.

The most common method to buy travel health insurance along with other types of travel safety packages are with the  airport. You’ll find usually manned or un-manned kiosks near the gates that market the insurance. Even though no attendant  is there you are able to still fill out the request type, keep a copy for the records and drop it into the collection  box before you board the plane itself. The insurance kicks into effect the moment you place the envelope using the  practical application to the safe box. You put your flight quantity within the practical application and state the estimated number of  days that your journey will consider and you happen to be done and ready for your trip.

Travel insurance also covers you in case your plane is delayed or your scheduled flight is cancelled, or in case  you may need to alter travel ideas at the last minute. The insurance will then guard you by paying any distinctions  in ticket costs. Some limitations apply so you will need to read the okay print about the contract. The exact same travel  insurance bundle covers not merely travel health insurance demands but will reimburse you in situation your luggage will get  lost or is delayed in arriving while you get to your destination. If you will need to acquire some replacement clothing,  travel insurance will usually spend for it, up to a specific amount.

Travel Guard is one of the most reputable and nicely known travel insurance companies and they have been delivering  travel health insurance to travelers for quite a few many years now. Their bundle of gains involves emergency  transportation and prescription drugs at the same time as surgical treatment and extended hospital stays in other nations although you  are traveling. Travel Guard has diverse levels of coverage products available and they vary in price tag as well as  features and benefits.

Verify out Travel Guard at www.travelguard.com. This can be a incredibly informative internet site with a lot of travel tips and  advice as well as lists of useful phone numbers for embassies along with other help for Americans traveling abroad.

Car rental is one of the best options to travel. However, choosing the right car hire services may seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you are not prepared. A lot of people check on one of the car rental companies and assume that they would all be the same. On the other hand, most people notice the differences, but often fail to decide which ones are more important. There are a couple of elements to consider when it comes to car rental services.

To begin with, it is essential to choose a reputed car hire company, especially if you were touring to a newer place. Trusted names such as car hire America would often provide the best car rental services. In addition, it would be ideal to check out for some local reviews, so as to ensure that you are dealing with a right company. Planning international trips can be really difficult since you would be completely unaware of the place. But with some basic research, you would be able to hunt for the right company.

It is important to check on the included amenities and features. For an instance, call a cab would not have the same rules as the other car rental companies. Consider things such as allotted kilometres and bonuses which come along with your car rentals. People have different requirements when it comes to travelling and hence you must narrow down your options, based on what you truly require.

None of us should be surprised at these quotes from a travel article in the TimesOnline.co.uk (Oct 2008)  by Stephen Bleach:

“Massive discounts on cruises were exposed as a con last week after leading line Fred Olsen admitted it had not sold a single cruise at full price for a year.”

A further quote from the managing director of the line, Mike Rodwell:

“the big American operators started it and the rest had to follow.”

Another surprise.  On the same laptop page as this excellent article were three Google ads offering:

“Cruise Deals. Search The Top Online Cruise Deals. Read Reviews & Book Online Today.” Followed by:

“Cruise Discounts 75% Off, All cruise lines, all destinations.” And another:

“Huge Alaska Cruise Sale, Free Upgrades, Exclusive Deals & More with Guaranteed Lowest Prices!”

The travel operators behind these advertisements must think the travelling public is naive or even stupid but they would probably not use them if they did not work. 

Also, these Google ads were run against a very negative, but truthful article about misleading advertising for cruises. 

The travelling public continues to be treated with disdain by travel operators and advertising companies, not only by cruise lines and airlines but by all types of travel suppliers.  What could be more misleading and false advertising than an airline advertising their fares in headlines that shout out:

“$49. one-way to Smithville” IN LARGE PRINT, and then:

‘based on return purchase, plus all taxes, surcharges for fuel, surcharges for security, checked baggage is extra, seat selection fees, and on and on and on.”  And by the way, have fuel surcharges been reduced enough?

Not only cruise prices and airfares but also consider hotel pricing that often requires much investigation as regards the offered discounts:

“75% off!  But off of what?  A rack-rate that is rarely charged?

And, why can you often get cheaper rooms at an online reservation office than at the hotel front desk even when you are in their lobby and ready to book?

Next in line for pricing questions could be the packaged holiday market. How many of these are sold at the brochure price?  Or, as with the above cruise line, are packaged tour operators simply following the lead of others?

Not only is the public being mislead by questionable advertising and pricing practices but once captured by a cruise line, airline or packaged resort operator they can be open to additional gouging whilst onboard the ship, aircraft or resort. 

Apart from the onboard costs of alcoholic drinks which should be at duty-free prices (i.e. cheaper than onshore). Extras, such as shore excursions can also be more expensive when purchased onboard rather than ashore or even pre-departure using the internet. Similarly with resorts that have onsite booking agencies for off-resort activities. The prices are often cheaper when purchased directly from the operators or again at pre-departure directly over the internet. Airlines however, who are charging for all sorts of basic amenities from blankets, pillows, soft drinks and soon even water may not be free, have a more captive audience (the movie, ConAir comes to mind) and will continue to be the most reviled part of the travel experience.

There is hope for the future but so far only in Europe. In 2009 new rules for advertising standards will come into effect offering more protection for travellers. We must hope that these new rules will eventually spread to the rest of the world with further improvements to protect consumers worldwide.

In the travel industry. Where has the originality and creativity gone? Where are the leaders? Where has “lead, follow or get out of my way” gone? Only the followers know.

Another aspect of travel pricing is when consumers want to handle their own travel arrangements directly with the operators of hotels, lodges, tours and transportation. The pricing should reflect the fact that the products are being purchased directly from the source and not at the retail level. In other words, reduce the price by the commission that would have been paid to an agent, broker or retailer and give the traveller a direct booking discount. This action could encourage more travellers to make their own direct bookings, leading to more business and a competitive edge for the operator.

Of course, the traditional distribution channels have to be protected as many consumers require help and assistance and as yet not everyone has or wants the internet.

Travel providers do not normally show different prices on their websites as this could lead to potential clients seeking advice at the retail level and then booking directly with the operator to get a discounted price. It is unfair for retailers to lose their commissions when they have performed services for their travel-trade clients.

Consumers on the other hand, if they do not need expert advice or booking services, should have the opportunity to go directly to the source and get a direct booking discount.

Originality and creativity has returned to the travel industry. Travel providers are now able to offer travellers a direct booking discount service by using a new travel voucher system that has been introduced. With a website and the internet they can now reach out to the global travel community, not just travel agency or local traffic.

Any travel operator, from the smallest b&b to the grandest lodge or luxury tour, can offer this service. The voucher values represent the normal commissions that would have been paid out to sellers of travel but now will be given back to the buyers of travel. And, the discounted price does not have to show on their websites.

The service is leading with this new initiative and now wants to promote the thousands of small travel providers and other businesses around the world that do not use selling agents and therefore do not have sales commissions built into their pricing. The operators of the voucher service suggest that lower yields with higher volumes of direct booking discount travellers may achieve better overall returns.

Members of a new online travel club can get these vouchers free with membership and non-members can purchase them at deep discounts to their face values at another similar website. At present there are vouchers covering travel in over seventy countries from b&b’s to adventure and luxury tours.

The Club operators say that they do not charge businesses for listing their services as long as they participate in issuing vouchers enabling members to get direct booking discounts.

There are many directories linking the world of travel to the world of travellers but this new concept offers a directory with discounts on every travel selection if you are willing and able to handle your own travel bookings and arrangements directly with the listed operators.

The club operators are aware that many travel operators will continue to adhere to the business style of Mike Rodwell of Fred Olsen Lines and will continue to follow rather than lead and it is unlikely that they will ever be represented by this travel club.  They are also aware that there are enough independent travel businesses that will find that their new business style of expanded selections and direct booking discounts is a better way of offering travel directly to consumers around the world.

You can find out more at the website of TheTopTravelClub.com.

LAX Car Hire

Business Hours

Banks: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Cautions

Earthquakes are a threat in California. Should you experience an earthquake, stay calm and try to protect yourself under a table or doorway during the shaking. The biggest risk of injury is from falling objects and windows breaking, so try to stay put where you are during the quake, going outside once the shaking has stopped.
Currency

The currency used nation-wide is the US dollar, which comes in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 as well as higher denominations and coins are available in US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

Almost all shops and businesses accept credit and debit cards in LA; however, we recommend that you always carry a small amount of cash on your person for small transactions. Currency can be exchanged at the airport or any bank branch, while there are also exchange bureaux’s spread around the city, often at tourist hotspots or in shopping malls.

ATMs are widespread in Los Angeles, so you should have no problem withdrawing money with an internationally-recognised bank card. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are the most widely accepted. Money wiring services such as Thomas Cook, Moneygram and Western Union are also available, although these services charge hefty transfer fees and should be used as a last resort.
Customs

Upon entering the USA, you must complete a customs declaration form. No fresh food or agricultural products are allowed to be brought into the country, while items from North Korea, Cambodia, Libya and Cuba; pre-Columbian artefacts; chocolate liquors; or obscene publications are also prohibited. There are also strict regulations on drugs and firearms. Duty-free allowance is: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars; a litre of spirits.
Electricity

110V AC, all plugs are two-pronged

Etiquette

It is important to follow some basic elements of American etiquette if you want to get the most out of your stay. LA is a busy city, so some of the common courtesies you may find in more remote parts of the US, may be absent here.

Apart from those conducting business, the dress code in Los Angeles is generally casual and it is perfectly acceptable to go to most restaurants, shopping malls and tourist attractions wearing shorts and t-shirt. It is important to observe basic courtesies such as joining an orderly queue if waiting for a public service and not smoking in a non-smoking area.

Like social etiquette, there is no strict dining code of behaviour in Los Angeles. If you dine at a restaurant, you should wait until all members of your party are seated and served before starting your meal. If someone makes a toast, stop eating until the toast is over. Diners are not required to eat everything they are served, although it is considered polite to finish your meal if you are eating at someone’s house, as a compliment to your host and their cooking.

Dessert is often served after a meal, as is coffee or tea, while alcohol is also frequently consumed at meals. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork parallel at one side of your plate to indicate that you have had enough. For some foods such as pizza and chicken wings, it is considered okay to use you hands to eat, provided your hosts do the same. Be warned that if you invite friends to dine with you, the invitation may be taken as an indication that you will be paying for the meal.
Health

If you encounter any health problems while on holiday in Los Angeles, there are excellent medical facilities and staff will attend to you promptly. Although emergency treatment will be given and charged for later, it is essential to have a comprehensive insurance policy as you will have to pay for any minor medical advice or prescriptions upfront. Keep all of your medical receipts in case you want to make an insurance claim at a later date.

There are no specific vaccinations required for travel to the USA, but we recommend that you make sure you are up-to-date with standard inoculations such as tetanus. Tap water is safe to drink and eating out shouldn’t present any risks. If you suffer from asthma, you may find the air in LA is less than ideal for your condition, with high pollution and smog levels present; try to make your sightseeing trips in the morning, when the air is at its freshest.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: +1 310 423 3277
Emergency services: 911
Language

English is the most commonly spoken language in the USA. However, many Angelenos speak Spanish. Many different ethnicities and nationalities are well-represented in LA and foreign languages are available for study in schools and language centres.
Visit this website for further information about English Course Los Angeles.
Tourist Information Offices

Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is located at 333 South Hope Street, 18th floor, Los Angeles, California, 90071, USA. They can be contacted by calling: +1 213 624 7300; or alternatively visit their website at: www.lacvb.com. They can provide information on what to do, accommodation, events and transport among other things.
Visa and Passports

European Union nationals need to fill out a form requesting a visa at least 72 hours before they plan to travel to the US. You may need to show evidence of funds and an onward ticket. Canadians also require a passport to enter the US.

Rent-A-Car In LA

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Visa and Health Regulation:
Visa requirements vary from time to time and should be checked with nearest tourist office of diplomatic mission. Health certificates are required but these vary with country of origin and should be checked with relevant authorities. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are recommended. Anti malaria medication should be started prior to arrival.

Photography:
Films and batteries are available at most lodges but in restricted stocks and sizes so it is suggested you bring your own supply. A 200 mm to 300 mm telephoto lens is recommended for game and bird photography.
Much of East Africa is generally warm, minimal humidity and cool evenings. Temperatures vary with altitude.

Clothing:
Cotton, linen dresses, light slacks and short sleeved shirts are recommended. Bring a warm sweater, as nights can be chilly at high altitudes. Comfortable walking shoes, swim suit, sun glasses, suntan lotion, flashlight and an alarm clock will complement your safari gear.

Hotel Check in/check out:
Check out time is usually 1000 hours. Hence check in cannot be guaranteed before 1100 hours unless room is reserved from night before. Day rooms up to 1800 hours are usually available.

Accommodation and Meals on Safari Lodges:
Rooms are singles, doubles, triples and suites. Lodge facilities include lounges/bars with log fires, dinning rooms and viewing platforms. Most lodges have outdoor swimming pools.

Tented camps:
These range from simple luxurious and provide spacious twin beds with mosquito netting, private bathrooms and verandas.

Meals:
On safari, meals are provided on full board basis. There is full English breakfast. Lunch is often buffet style set out with salads, cold and hot starters and hot main dishes. Dinner is 3-5 courses with a combination of dishes.

Getting around
BORDER POSTS:
The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania is at Namanga, which is open 24 hours a day. Other crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The Ethiopian border post of Moyale is becoming increasingly dangerous because of civil fighting. The border was closed for a while but has now reopened. For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, a more adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is quite popular. Ask the locals for advice before trying this route. There is no border post on either side of the border crossing so you’ll have to get your visa stamped in Nairobi. Malaba and Busimia are the main Ugandan border posts. At present there are no overland crossings with Somalia and Sudan as it is not safe to cross unless part of a refugee convoy.

RAIL & BUS:
Wildlife Safaris Rail is a safe, reliable form of public transport. Passenger services run from Mombasa to Malaba via Voi, Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret. It is essential to book tickets two to three days in advance. Kenya has a good network of buses, as well as matatus (minibuses) and share-taxis, but none are very safe as drivers tend to overload and speed, and horrific accidents are reported regularly. Where possible, rail travel should be the chosen means of transport. Private 18-seater buses offer shuttle services connecting Nairobi and Mombasa with Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania, which are more expensive, but more comfortable and safer.

AIRPORTS:
Domestic air services operate between the major airports:
Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi (NBO)
Moi International, Mombasa (MBA)
A number of airlines operate between Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu and the national parks/reserves of Amboseli, Masai Mara and Samburu.

ROADS:
There are 63,800 km of highways in Kenya, 8,863 km of which are paved. Roads are generally in good condition, but have deteriorated and some stretches are very unsafe. The A104 running from Mombasa to Malaba via Nairobi is a heavy truck route. High speed and unpredictable local driving habits are daily hazards on Kenyan roads. Roads in the north and north-east are predominantly dirt roads and in the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel drive vehicles. Your national driving license is accepted, with an English translation if necessary. Driving is on the left side of the road. As fuel shortages can occur, it is best to fill your tanks before leaving a major town.

Passports and Visas:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival.
Nationals of some countries may obtain visas upon arrival. Check with the Kenyan Consulate beforehand. Those wishing to enter Kenya on business or for longer than 30 days, should obtain a visa from their nearest Kenyan Consulate.

Requirements for this are:
» visa application form,
» business letter (for business visa),
» one passport photograph,
» proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket.

Visas cost  US$50 and are valid for three months.

General Accommodation Info:
Most safari lodges vary in size and style, and are built to blend in with the local environment. Accommodation tends to be of rondavel or banda type, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Do not be misled by the term “tented accommodation” – this tends to be luxurious insect-proof tents and are usually permanently pitched on concrete bases, often including en suite bathrooms with flush toilets. These are very popular and give the visitor the true experience of being close to nature without the inconvenience and discomfort that can be associated with camping in the open. In the towns, cheaper hotels are definitely avoidable. Prices for higher range hotels vary according to season. Note that although prices may be quoted in US$, payment in local currency is the accepted norm. Campsites in national parks and game reserves tend to be very basic, with running water, but only pit toilets. It is strongly recommended that you reserve all your accommodation as far in advance as possible as availability is often at a premium, especially in peak season.

BUDGET CAMPING:
Budget camping is the ideal way for those who like to “rough it”. The tents are spacious enough for two people and they have a mesh on each window to keep off insects.
All preparations at the camp are made on arrival at the campsite. Guests are often expected to help pitch the tents, but the cooking and cleaning is all left to the camping crew. We recommend visitors to bring their own sleeping bags. Public campsites provide basic washroom facilities of reasonable hygienic standard for budget camping safaris.At some Parks we use semi permanent campsites which offers an upgrade camping style with facilities like showers(hot showers on request) and Flash Toilets.

GAME DRIVES/GAME VIEWING:
The game drive/ game viewing is the standard mode of wildlife viewing in the African national parks, concession, where both regulations and safety considerations restrict exploration on foot. Conditions are ideal for vehicular safaris; rising savanna fame country from the security and comfort of a car, you will encounter a large number and variety of animals imply by chance. Game drives in most of the parks are always invigorating: you may go from one species to the next –observing zebra here, giraffe there, a knot of impala on the right, a trio of elephant bulls ahead. However, there is really no guarantee on what you will see; the animals are free to move around as they please and may even pass beyond park boundaries.

DRIVER GUIDES:
Each safari group will be accompanied by the best driver-guides with expert knowledge in wildlife and other areas of tourist interest. The driver-guides are continually under training on subjects as varied as the maintenance of safari vehicles, client’s safety, the mating habits of various species, preservation and conservation, general knowledge and foreign languages: English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese

Kenya – Health:
Requirements:
Everyone entering Kenya must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever. It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Kenya. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Kenya. It is important to note that the Kenyan authorities have banned the use of chloroquine combinations as prophylaxis, and instead recommend the use of either mefloquine (Lariam/Mefliam) or doxycycline. Start your course at least one week before entering Kenya and continue taking the pills for six weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner. Precautionary measures that you can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes are: sleeping under a bed net or in room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times), spraying your accommodation with insecticide, making use of a mosquito repelling lotion or stick and wearing long sleeve clothes, trousers and socks when outside at night. Immunization against typhoid, tetanus, tuberculosis, polio, & meningococcal meningitis are recommended.

Medical Services:
Medical services in Kenya are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but are limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment, but usually accept major credit cards. It is advisable to secure medical cover on your medical insurance before arriving in the country. Note that major hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists. Visitors are however advised to bring along supplies of specialized medication they may require. Otherwise, medicine may be purchased at pharmacies and emergency pharmacies are open all night.

Safety :
Adventure Safaris Travel in Kenya is generally entirely safe, however, there are the occasional regional ethnic skirmishes. You are advised to remain informed as to the situation in areas to which you plan to travel, particularly remote parts and borders. Ugandan, Somalian and Sudanese shifta (bandits) rove their borders with Kenya. Violent cross-border attacks and cattle raids occur, so it is best to avoid the border regions. Border crossings into Somalia and Sudan are strongly discouraged. Petty crime and theft occurs in some of the urban areas, so be vigilant and keep valuables concealed. Security within the parks is quite good, but never leave possessions unattended. It is always better to travel in a large group.
Water:
While water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, there are frequent breakdowns and this can lead to mild to serious abdominal upsets for first time African travelers. Rather stick to sealed bottled water, which is available from most hotels and lodges, and which is highly advised for the first few weeks of your stay. Do not use ice cubes or eat rare meat, raw seafood or dairy products. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors and only eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination.
Seasons and Climate:
SUMMER: December – March
WINTER: July – OCTOBER

Kenya is divided by the equator and enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and north-eastern parts of the country. The hottest time is in February and March and the coldest in July and August.

The average annual temperatures in the main areas are:
Mombasa (coastal):
Max 30ºC, Min 22ºC
Nairobi: Max 25ºC, Min 13ºC
North Plain lands: Max 34ºC, Min 23ºC

The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. Rainfall is sometimes heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon and evenings.

WHAT TO PACK:
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari are:

» Khaki, green, beige and neutral colors
» Blouses and shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
» T shirts
» Shorts or a light skirt
» Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
» Some hotels and country clubs require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie and women to be suitably attired for dinner

» A jacket and sweater are recommended for early morning and evening game drives
» Swimwear and beach apparel
» Comfortable walking shoes
» Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip salve are all essentials

Good quality, locally made clothing and shoes for safaris are available in Nairobi and Mombasa shops at reasonable prices. If you are traveling with an organized safari, it is important to check what your weight limit is. Generally you will need to restrict your luggage to 10-12 kg (packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment.

When to go:
Kenya is a year round destination with excellent game viewing. One of Kenya’s greatest attractions is the annual wildebeest migration between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This takes place between June and September. Traditional peak season is January to March as this is when the weather is hot and dry and most comfortable for traveling. This is a good time for bird viewing on the Rift Valley lakes. Game viewing at perennial water holes is also good at this time. April – June are less popular times for visiting Kenya as these are the rainy seasons and flooding often occurs. However, it is usually possible to get around easily during these times and the rains do not hinder visibility.

Currency:
The unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (KSh), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are KSH40, 20, 10, 5 and 1 KSH

Basic Costs
EXCHANGE RATE:
The exchange rate is in your favor. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. The price of a beer starts at KSh85. A traditional meal will cost about KSh150, while you can expect to pay about KSh500-1000 for a more classy meal. Petrol costs about KSh 105 per liter..

Banking hours: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 16:00
First Sat of each month 09:00 – 11:00

National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho and Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Banks and bureau de change at international airports are open 24 hours a day

CREDIT CARDS:
All major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express) are widely accepted.

TIPPING:
Bear in mind that salaries in East Africa tend to be very low, and that people working in service industries rely on tips to supplement their wages. On safari you should tip your driver, cook and guide. These people do not earn very much so you should tip as much as you feel you can, but of course this depends on you and how happy you were with your service.
As in most African countries, there is a huge range of cheap souvenirs to be purchased along the roadside. These are handmade, but mass produced so always check the quality before buying. Materials include ebony, soapstone and ivory. Note that it is illegal to export products that contain any elements of elephant, rhino or sea turtle. Tribal souvenirs are available, including Maasai beaded jewellery, kiondos (woven sisal baskets) and natural or decorated calabashes (dried gourds). Bright sarongs (kangas or kikois) make good wearable souvenirs. If you are after quality artwork, it is probably wisest to look in galleries and shops that deal in it, rather than buying on the black market.

www.waytoafricasafaris.com

Italy is a well known idyllic vacation destination where tourists are guaranteed a perfect holiday. However, it is always advisable to be careful and ensure a hassle free journey by considering the following tips and advice.

1 – A holidaymakers should always have a valid passport with them at all times. While a visa is not usually necessary if you have visited the country less than 3 months before, for those who do require visa it is advisable to always keep copies of your passport, visa and other important documents with you. Keep them separate from the originals.

2 – It is better to leave a copy of your trip planner with your family and close friends, so that incase of an emergency you can be contacted by them. Make sure to mention the places you intend to visit, the hotels you will be staying at and other important information.

3 – Learn some basic but important Italian phrases as English is not widely spoken in Italy. Some basic phrases are given below:

Buongiorno – Good day
Buonasera – Good evening/afternoon – it is customary to use one of these greetings when entering small shops
Arrivederci – Goodbye
Per favore – Please
Grazie – Thank you
Scusi – Excuse me
Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?
Non parlo italiano – I don’t speak Italian
Dov’è il bagno? – Where’s the bathroom?

4 – If you are planning on driving yourself around while on holiday in Italy, make sure you have a valid International Driver’s License. Also citizens from non-EU countries will require International insurance.

5 – Make sure you pack practical clothing such as comfortable shoes, light sweaters and coats for Italy always enjoys a pleasant climate. However, some places and functions may require formal attire, so make sure you take some with you as well on your trip.

6 – It is best to avoid drinking tap water while holidaying in Italy as it can be chlorinated. Stick to bottled water as a safer option.

7 – The good news is all major credit cards are acceptable in Italy such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa Card in all hotels, restaurants, shops, shopping malls etc. Be careful and mindful of your purse, handbag, knapsacks and wallets at all times and always double check that your cards are returned to you and that you have them in your possession at all times.

8 – Always make sure that you exchange your money at recognized money changing agents only. There are money changers available at the banks as well and this can be done every weekday between 8.30 am and 1.30pm.

9- Transport in Italy is quite convenient with coaches, trains, buses being the most commonly used modes. Most towns in Italy can be reached through public transport, so when traveling make sure you have enough Euros with you, so you can pay for your transport.

10 – Even if you are not carrying your laptop do not worry as you can stay connected always. There are cyber cafes all over Italy, while hotels too usually provide excellent communication services.

Becoming a victim of crime is a possibility no matter where you travel nowadays – even when you stay at home! However, being aware of some of the popular scams and tricks that criminals and opportunists use to victimize tourists can help avoid problems that could ruin a good trip.

South America is a popular destination for world travellers and especially for backpackers, adventure enthusiasts and those taking a gap year. The country certainly has plenty to offer and a wonderful variety of landscapes from tropical beaches to the spectacular Andes Mountains, Amazon rainforest, Iguazu Falls, active volcanoes, and fascinating wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Many travellers choose to take in the exciting and colourful fiestas and carnivals, or visit the sites of ancient civilizations. (Tip: To avoid disappointment, tickets to visit the Inca Trail and ruins at Machu Picchu should be purchased in advance).

The best travel advice is to do lots of research and set off armed with as much knowledge as possible. Take a quality guide book and Spanish and Portuguese phrase books. Chances are that nothing bad will happen but, unfortunately, travellers are vulnerable and criminals know it. They will take any opportunity to separate you from your money and possessions! The most common crimes anywhere in the world involve theft and pickpockets and theft of passports is a huge problem worldwide. Care should be taken in places where it is easy to be distracted and forget to watch your belongings, such as airports, internet cafes, on public transport or while renting a car. Avoid using public transport at night or walking alone at night in isolated areas.

Thieves have been known to target tourists by pretending to be police officers, tour operators, taxi drivers, or other officials (for example, a real police officer will never ask to see your wallet!) Taxis should be booked in advance with a reputable company, when possible. So called ‘express kidnappings’ are a problem in some areas where victims have been held captive and their bank accounts emptied before they are released. Female travellers should be especially cautious, especially when walking alone at night, on public transport, and in isolated areas, as rapes have been reported. Be on guard also for spiking of drinks – a problem which has become more prevalent. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, leaving drinks unattended, and make sure that they are poured in plain view.

Be aware that many shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels may not accept credit cards in South American countries. Watch for counterfeit money and bogus ATM machines. In Peru, in particular, some ATM machines do not release credit and debit cards automatically unless a button is pushed – and instructions are not always written in English! It goes without saying that travellers should avoid all contact with illegal drugs or drug trafficking as the penalties are severe, involving imprisonment for long periods in extremely unpleasant conditions.

All travellers, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions, should have a thorough check-up and necessary vaccinations before leaving home. Diseases like yellow fever, dengue fever, cholera, and malaria are problematic in many areas. Evidence of valid inoculations may be required to travel between some countries in South America.

The above tips are just a sample of the knowledge travellers should be armed with before setting off. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office ‘Know before You Go’ campaign is an excellent resource for travellers. Their ‘Travel Advice by Country’ section contains current travel updates and advisories and the Travellers Checklist is another useful tool. Young travellers should pay attention to their Gap Year information. Avoid attracting the attention of police, keep the locals happy, and impress your travel companions with your awareness of local customs, laws and expected etiquette for each country.

Adventure travellers and adrenalin junkies will find plenty of outdoor activities and thrills. Activities like kayaking, white water rafting, surfing, hiking, mountain biking and mountaineering are popular. Care should be taken to ensure that the correct travel insurance policy is purchased which will provide cover for any potentially hazardous sports activities. Chile and Argentina are popular destinations for downhill skiing during the UK summer months and, again; don’t forget that additional insurance coverage may be needed.

Many areas in South America are remote with limited access to good emergency medical facilities. If a medical emergency should arise, medical care or evacuation and repatriation may be necessary. Without comprehensive travel insurance the costs could be astronomical and mean the end of any further world travel plans for a very long time!

In this rapidly changing society, people cannot rule out the possibility of a mishap any time in the daily scheme of things. However, travelling is a phenomenon that people undertakes sometime in their life. Although, travelling gives people a nice break from the daily routine of things but any kind of negligence can certainly lead anyone into a pit of troubles. It is because, while travelling into an alien land, people are susceptible to all kinds of harms. Thus, in a bid to minimise the exposure of dangers of travelling, some smart people opt for travel insurance.

Travel insurance is an insurance deal that covers the losses incurred while in the middle of a tour to a distant place. However, spotting a right travel insurance deals is something that is also very important. Since, merely getting insured will not be the answer to the problem. To seek a proper solution, one can certainly bear the following points in mind and get a perfectly budget-friendly insurance deal meant for travelling.

The first and foremost thing is to seek a proper and quality consultation regarding the insurance deals. For this the policy aspirant can certainly take the help of insurance brokers or agents. They will educate the person about the pros and cons of a particular insurance policy. This will definitely help people in taking a well-thought decisions. That’s not all, they will also suggest what to look for and what not to.

Second most significant thing is to identify the correct insurance authority. Yes, zero in the right authority plays a vital role in making journey into a more memorable one. Since, wrong selection can cost a person a major deal of joyfulness and fun.

Third most important thing that one should keep in mind is that a good and blemish-free past record always plays a major hand in getting a travel insurance deal with utmost convenience.

Fourth, reading offer document carefully is not meant for promotional basis, it is actually advised to people getting involved in any kind of deal. Since, though it is a tiny part of a contract but is certainly the back bone of every deal. To avoid last time confusions and chaos make sure to read it again and again. Feel not shy to ask for clarification from the seller or broker whenever feel the need of do so. Also buy some time and read it alone, in order to gain a better understanding of the whole offer document. Also check if there is any kind of hidden charges or processing fees involved.

Fifth, take the route of Internet to gather relevant information. Read articles, blogs of experienced writers and make sure to check the websites of leading insurance companies dealing in travel insurance. In short do some preliminary investigation for seeking a nice deal.

Sixth, a good travel insurance deal is differentiated by the kind of attractive offers and schemes it offers along with the main policy. Since, this is what helps it in occupying a different position in the market. It also works as promotional mechanism to advertise the deal among its target consumer. Some insurance deals offer great plans for particular region such as USA, UK and to any other region of the world.

As far as Automobile insurance is concerned. It is another kind of insurance policy that serves as a cover for all the damage that may occur to an automobile. These days prominent insurance players provide cover against calamities like fire, theft, flood and earthquake. It even covers vehicles from the likes of man-made troubles such as strikes and riots.

Automobile insurance till few years back was seen by the people as an unnecessary and useless expenditure. However, after an initiative taken by the government to educate people about the importance of automobile insurance, things changed dramatically. Since, then people owning any kind of automobile whether two-wheeler or four-wheeler make sure that they also get it insured.

All over the news, plaguing the newspaper headlines and dampening our fondness for SUVs, it is no surprise that Americans are increasingly weary of the escalating gas prices. With summer vacations in the minds of most Americans in need of a break, families all over the country are reluctant to plan those all-important family vacations. After all, why shed the bucks on your gas-guzzler when you can stay at home, fill up the plastic kiddie pool, and have yourself an old-fashioned barbeque?

Although the prospect of lighting up the coals on the ole’ grill brings back fond memories of summers past, Americans are overlooking the heart of the situation. Family vacations are at the core of what brings families together, what takes mom and dad out of the office, and what creates lasting memories that your children look back on for the rest of their lives. Forgoing the summer vacation and surrendering to gas prices is not the answer. Knowing how to plan a smart summer vacation IS the answer. Here are a few tips for preserving the oh-so precious budget before and during your family vacation:

Choose your destination wisely- Chose a summer hot spot within an easy drive from your home. When considering the destination, make sure you choose an area with concentrated attractions for the whole family. The goal here is to drive to the hotel (within a day), park the family vehicle in the hotel garage, and never drive it until you are ready to leave. {East Coast families interested in a beach getaway should consider destinations such as Virginia Beach, VA or Ocean City, MD}


Research alternate transportation- Many popular vacation destinations offer seasonal transportation just for tourists. Look into public transportation as well as special shuttles from attraction to attraction. Some hotels even offer free shuttles from the hotel to popular area attractions.


Shop the Internet- The Internet, with it’s wide array of travel-oriented websites, is the best place to start your research. Avoid the major travel websites that will only provide brief summaries of your favorite destinations. Instead, check out the local, “mom and pop” websites that often provide detailed information and expert advice. When keying in your search term, avoid generic terms like “Ocean City” or “Virginia Beach”. Instead, try: “Ocean City transportation” or “Virginia Beach Vacation Packages”


Take it easy- The best vacations are ones that are not jam-packed with activities all day every day. Plan a day or two of activities to area attractions and play everything else “by ear.” A day lounging at the hotel pool, or sunbathing on the beach is relaxing, and better yet, FREE! Bring a volleyball or football for the kids while you are getting that much needed R&R.