Archive for the ‘Travel Tips’ Category
Tuesday, August 29th, 2006 |
For many business owners, the thought of planning a summer vacation can be complicated at best and unthinkable at worst.
Concerns about customer or client care and anxiety about missed business opportunities can make many small-business owners feel they cannot take any time off.
Despite these worries, more than 67 percent of business owners still expect to take a break for at least one week this summer, according to an annual survey by OPEN from American Express, the company’s small-business team.
“Small-business owners work very hard, and it’s important that they take time off to recharge,” said Alice Bredin, small-business adviser for OPEN from American Express. “Advance planning can make it easier for them to take a much-needed vacation and quell concerns about their companies running smoothly in their absence.”
The following tips may help business owners justify some time off this summer and save some money as well:
* Plan ahead to save money. Some credit and charge cards allow cardmembers to earn points toward everything from airfare to car rentals to hotel stays and let them redeem points at virtually any airline with no blackout dates or restrictions. By using a charge card like the Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express throughout the year for business purchases, you can accumulate points quickly to help offset the cost of your next vacation.
* Brief key clients or customers. When possible, give them a minimum of two to three weeks’ notice. Identify your stand-ins and communicate your confidence in their ability to help should a problem arise.
* Take a day trip or a three-day weekend. Sometimes a long getaway is just not in the cards. In that case, a brief escape with a change of scenery can do wonders and allow you to return to work rested and refreshed.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
For more ideas, log on to www.OPEN.com. – NU
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Saturday, August 26th, 2006 |
Items and materials that may be commonplace and necessary at home or in the workplace are sometimes banned inside aircrafts because of the dangers they pose to both passengers and crew. It therefore becomes important to check with the airline which items they allow as carry-on luggage or as checked baggage, or banned altogether.
The following are the categories of items proscribed by the Transport Security Administration from being boarded in aircraft cabins:
Explosives and firearms. Matches, sparklers, other fireworks, flares, gunpowder, ammunition or other ordnance, blasting caps, dynamite, loaded firearms.
Other weapons. Knives of any kind, throwing stars, swords, or other items used in martial arts competitions. Rules in other countries will differ on transporting knives and other weapons.
Gases and pressure containers. Flammable aerosols like hair spray, spray paint or insect repellant; carbon dioxide cartridges, oxygen tanks (scuba or medical), mace, tear gas, pepper spray, self-inflating rafts, and deeply refrigerated gases such as liquid nitrogen.
Flammable liquids and solids. Gasoline, propane, butane and other fuels, lights with flammable reservoirs, matches, flammable paints, paint thinners, some cleaning solvents, some adhesives, cigarette lighters, and lighter fluid. Personal care items such as flammable perfume and such may be carried on board in limited quantities.
Oxidizers and organic peroxides. Bleach, nitric acid, fertilizers, swimming pool or spa chemicals, and fiberglass repair kits.
Poisons. Weed killers, pesticides rodent poisons, arsenic and cyanides.
Infectious materials. Medical laboratory specimens, viral organisms, bacterial cultures.
Corrosives. Drain cleaners, car batteries, wet cell batteries, acids, alkalis, lye, mercury.
Organics. Fiberglass resins, peroxides.
Radioactive materials. Smoke detectors, radioactive pharmaceuticals, and other radioactive materials.
Dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide). Up to four pounds (1.8 kg) is allowed on board for packing perishables, providing that the package is vented.
Magnetic materials. Strong magnets such as those in loudspeakers and laboratory equipment.
Other items. Wet-cell batteries, chemical oxygen generators (used or unused) or any equipment containing fuel or other flammable liquids.
In light of 9/11, TSA also began regulating the carriage of the following items on board aircrafts:
sition, including carpet knives and box cutters (and spare blades), any device with a folding or retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, and metal scissors with pointed tips.
Corkscrews.
Lighters, lighter fluid, and strike-anywhere matches. However, up to four books of safety matches are allowable.
Baseball and softball bats.
Golf clubs.
Pool cues.
Ski poles.
Hockey sticks.
What is allowed and what is not allowed varies among airline companies. Just to be sure, always check with the air carrier as to what kind of baggage they allow before booking.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Business Trips, Business Travel is a compilation of thoughts, news, tips and other information that business travelers would hopefully find useful. It aims to be an open window to the world of travel for the business tourist, and for everyone else. Check the blog at biz-trips.info/
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Thursday, August 24th, 2006 |
Road trips are back in season. From hiking and camping to beach trips, families are gearing up for months of warm weather filled with exciting outings. As parents plan for busy days on the road, keeping family members energized and entertained often takes some planning.
Here are some suggestions to keep everyone happy and well-fed for traveling:
* Although keeping kids entertained on the road can be a challenge for any parent, leave the house prepared. Bring books and music that the whole family will enjoy, and don’t forget about classic games such as “I Spy” and “Go Fish.”
* When packing food for a day trip, keep it simple. Fill a cooler with a variety of sliced fruits and veggies stored in plastic baggies for hassle-free munching. Include drinkable yogurts, individually wrapped cheese slices and granola bars.
For a hearty snack or meal while on the go, try Smucker’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Uncrustables sandwiches, made with peanut butter and either grape jelly or strawberry jam sealed within white bread. These thaw-and-serve sandwiches are individually wrapped. Store them in the freezer, along with extra fruit juice containers and water bottles, and add them to the cooler before hitting the road. By lunchtime, the drinks and sandwiches will be ready.
* If a long road trip is in store, plan for several stops throughout the day. Giving kids – and parents – time outside of the car will help everyone stay energized throughout the drive. – NUArticle Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
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Saturday, August 19th, 2006 |
Traveling, particularly overseas, can be a great experience. For many people, it can also be an expensive one, which means you need to know how to save on expenses.
Saving Money When Traveling
For many people, traveling is the ultimate method of rejuvenating their zest for life. On one hand, you get away from the constant interruptions of daily life that occur at work and home. On the other, you get to see a whole different way of living in another location, even if it is in your country. The only problem with traveling, of course, is it can put a whammy on your bank account.
Saving money when traveling is not as hard as you think. The number one thing to remember is that practically everything is negotiable. If it is not, such as the cost of flights, there are often timing issues that can result in savings. While there are hundreds of tips, here are a few you might be unaware of.
Traveling in a group is a great way to save money. Businesses in the travel industry like groups because they represent a pool of guaranteed money. If you can swing a group of 10 people for a trip, hotels, cruises, guides and such will provide you with their services for free. Just you, not the entire group. This may sound like a strange strategy, but it can work if you are mad about some location. You simply offer to provide a guided tour to the area and do some marketing. The cost of your trip is next to nothing and you may be able to write-off much of the remaining expense on your taxes. Of course, make sure to run it by your accountant.
When it comes to hotel bookings, it is important to understand that the price of every room is negotiable. A hotel assigns four, five and even ten different rates to each type of room they have. Obviously, they want to get the most for it, but they offer all types of deals to attract bookings during slow times. The best way to take advantage of this is through online hotel booking sites. Since these sites move massive quantities of bookings, they usually get the lowest or close to lowest prices. You just need to compare prices, point and click.
If you are traveling somewhere by plane, you are inevitably going to need ground transportation. Car rentals at airports tend to be price compared to in town options. If you must rent at the airport, the best way to get a deal is through your frequent flyer miles. Rates can be half as much as those posted at the desks. If you do not have frequent flyer miles, try to book through the online sites for the various rental companies. A number of them will be offering specials that can really add up to significant savings.
Taking small steps to save money on trips can make all the difference. Follow the above advice and you should see less of a drain on your bank account.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com – makers of journals for the outdoors and travel. Visit us to read more internet travel articles.
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Wednesday, August 16th, 2006 |
Traveling with toddlers can be torture.
New sights and sounds can be overwhelming to a young child and vacation excitement can quickly turn into temper tantrums if you’re not prepared.
Here are 10 parent-practiced tips to help make traveling with toddlers fun.
1. Choose a family-friendly destination. Skip the crowded tourist destinations and opt instead for a locale that is accustomed to having kids around.
2. Safety first! Always make sure your child’s car seat is properly secured. Also, use a removable window shade to help block the sun.
3. Pack entertainment. “Best bets for entertaining your child in the car and hotel room include favorite books, games and toys,” says Nancy Wolpert of Nickelodeon Home Entertainment. For all-inclusive entertainment, she recommends two new DVDs that feature a collection of kids’ favorite TV shows. “The Nick Picks and Nick Jr. Favorites DVDs will keep them entertained for hours,” Wolpert promises.
4. Plan rest stops. If you’re driving, break up the monotony by stopping every couple of hours (or more frequently if necessary). Kids need to stretch out after being cooped up in a car for a while. Consider bringing along a ball to kick or throw around during these breaks.
5. Be flexible. Set realistic expectations and let your child soak up the experience at his or her own pace. You might want to limit your activities to one a day. Otherwise, you could wind up with an over-stimulated toddler.
6. Bring water and plenty of snacks. Fruit, granola bars, mini juice cartons and small boxes of cereal make for great, healthy snacks.
7. Bring a beloved item. A blankie or cuddly toy will help your toddler feel safe and secure. Be sure to have a replacement on hand, too. It will save you some heartache should the original get lost.
8. Start and end your day early. Kids are at their best in the morning, so plan accordingly.
9. Stick to your routine. Eating, napping and playing at the same time each day may be all your child needs to feel comfortable in a new environment.
10. Take lots of pictures. They’re only young once, so enjoy every moment! – NUArticle Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
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Saturday, August 12th, 2006 |
Sometimes, things beyond our control happen to ruin what could otherwise have been a pleasant and memorable airline experience. It could be poor service, bad food, a mishandled luggage, or any other problem.
In such cases, it is always best to resolve these issues on the spot with the airline’s customer service agents as calmly and with as much courtesy as possible. The ticket you hold is a contract of service between you and the airline. It covers your rights, and in turn informs you, the passenger, of the airline’s guidelines.
However, it is understandable that sometimes, complaints cannot be dealt with on the spot. In that case, here are the pointers of making an effective complaint letter to the airline’s customer service office at their headquarters.
Take notes of the details at the time the incident occurs. Remember to write down the names of the airline employees who have attended you on your complaint.
Keep all your travel documents such as ticket receipts, boarding passes, baggage check stubs, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses incurred because of the complaint. Make copies of these and attach them as supporting documents to your complaint.
As much as possible, send a typed and signed letter. Make it brief and limit it to one page in length. Remember to include your contact details on the letter.
Keep your tone businesslike and stay focused on the matter at hand. Do not exaggerate, do not beat around the bush, and do not veer to other subjects unrelated to your complaint.
Describe what happened and give details such as dates, names of involved parties and flight numbers. Take note of the employees involved who were rude and made the situation worse, as well as those who were particularly helpful to you.
State clearly what you want the carrier to do regarding your complaint. Inform them if you have suffered any special inconvenience or monetary losses, as well as your estimate of these losses. Do not hesitate to demand for a monetary settlement or some other compensation or a letter of apology, but do make your demands reasonable.
A letter of complaint, if done properly, can make the airline take you seriously. It could also make them implement measures that would prevent the same thing from happening to other people, therefore improving the service they give to their clients.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
biz-trips.info/ is a compilation of thoughts, news, tips and other information that business travelers would hopefully find useful. It aims to be an open window to the world of travel for the business tourist, and for everyone else.
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Monday, August 7th, 2006 |
The best Professional Travel Health Advice about food and drink on holiday, can easily be summarised as follows
1. The first thing to realise is that unpasteurised milk, non bottled drinks , and uncooked food, are likely to be contaminated and therefore possibly unsafe. This does not include fruit which can be peeled.
2. Use bottled or boiled water for cleaning your teeth.
3. Don’t open your mouth and drink water in the shower.
4. Dishes containing raw or undercooked eggs, such as home-made mayonnaise, some sauces (e.g. hollandaise) and some desserts (e.g. mousses), are not a good idea.
5. Ice-cream that doesn’t have a recognisable international brand name, and could be made locally, is often contaminated and could be a danger.
6. When confronted with cooked food, the holidaymaker should ensure that it has been thoroughly and freshly cooked; i.e. that it is piping hot.
7. Be aware of eating out the day after a public holiday, as reheated food appears, and it can be dangerous.
8. Foods that are cooked in advance need to be held at a temperature of below 10 C or above 60 C to ensure their safety.
9.Cooked food left out for some time constitutes one of the greatest risks of food borne disease. Contaminating or surviving bacteria may multiply in it if it is. Put another way, if the food has been cooked but not refrigerated between cooking and serving, because it has been left out, then you could be taking a risk eating it. This means attractive cold buffets are very definitely unsafe if they have been laid out hours before being eaten.
10. Unpasteurised milk should be boiled before it is drunk. 11. Bottles of drinking water that contain non carbonated water should be regarded with suspicion, unless you see the seal broken in front of you, because it could be straight from the TAP!!
12. Ice should be avoided unless made from safe water.
13. Drinks such as wine or beer hot tea or coffee, and carbonated soft drinks or fruit juices that are bottled or otherwise packaged are usually safe to drink.
14. Apply strict hygiene while away especially after using the bathroom and before you eat food – never use communal, damp towels in public conveniences! Use disposable paper towels or hot air.
BASIC TRAVEL HEALTH ADVICE SAYS boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Lucy Rose is a nurse who often travels independently. She contributes to Best Vacations Guide. You may reprint this article in full as long as it contains the resource box.
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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006 |
Together with last minute flights, last minute hotels are big business nowadays. The idea is that you take a room that would otherwise be empty (often because of cancellations), and in return you get a steep discount. However, as ever, it’s a case of buyer beware.
It can be a very common experience to arrive in a hotel and find that there’s actually no-one in it who didn’t come on a last-minute travel deal. This is either because the prices the hotel is trying to charge normal customers are too high, or because it’s a terrible hotel. To avoid these places, check whether the hotel you find a last-minute deal on is otherwise fully-booked or at least busy – if not, you should probably stay away.
Even in good hotels, though, you might find yourself stuck with the one bad room that they haven’t been able to shift – the one that smells funny, or has a view of a brick wall outside the window. While this isn’t generally so terrible, you should at least prepare yourself for this possibility.
It’s also quite likely – though not inevitable – that the cheaper hotels will be nowhere near the city centre, leaving you to commute by public transport each day if you want to see the sights, or else hang around in the suburbs. You should consider the costs of transport before you book, as a slightly more expensive hotel that is more central can often save you more than it costs.
A final thing to be aware of is that you can often get a good discount by booking a last minute flight and hotel as a package deal through the various agency websites. If you are doing this, though, make sure that you don’t let the savings pressure you into taking a bad flight or a bad hotel just because the other half of the deal seems so good.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
John Gibb is the owner of , For more information on last minute travel check out www.Last-Minute-Travel-Information.Info
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