Awe Inspiring Beaches and Better Sunsets

It seems that with everyone so focused on low budget travel, that often times some of the most classically romantic destinations are all but forgotten. More and more people are planning trips and hopping on board planes to the Caribbean or South America as they try to stretch their American dollar as far as they can. The truth is, these people are really missing out on a unique experience. There are a lot of destinations that are off the beaten path and if you plan your trip right, can be just as affordable as that cookie cutter all inclusive vacation that so many people opt for out of convenience.

One such place is the awe inspiring island destination Santorini, Greece. If it is beauty, relaxation and culture that you are after, Santorini simply has to be at the top of your list. There are very few places in the world that can match what this lesser known island brings to the table and it is guaranteed to give you a vacation that you will never forget. From the endless white, red and black sandy beeches to the smell of fresh olive oil wafting through the air, this is one place in the world that you simply will not tire of.

Chances are if you have traveled to any popular destination that you have come across those monstrous, overdone resorts and brand name hotels that have taken over. This is where Santorini begins to separate itself from the rest of the pack. Instead of these shapeless monstrosities you will find elegant bed and breakfasts hanging off the edges of cliffs that offer you a view of the sunset that will make you feel like you are in a famous Monet painting.  You will be able to find a number of accommodations that make you feel at home, immersed in the culture yet as if you are in a world of your own all at the same time. Sipping wine and dining on classic Greek food while the sun sets behind you is what memories are built on and will remind you why you inherited such a love for travel in the first place.

Santorini, Greece is the perfect place to get swept away, or carried away, no matter how much time off work you have or how low budget you want to keep your vacation. You can find affordable B and B’s packed tightly in the middle of town or dine out every night at an expensive, yet exquisite Mediterranean restaurant.  In Santorini, the choice is yours. Romance is abundant, culture is everywhere and the flavors are endless. Whisk your lover away for an unexpected weekend straight out of a romance movie or simply take the opportunity to get away and do something you haven’t done before. Save your pennies, haggle on prices and do whatever it takes to get there, it is a decision that you will not regret.

For more information on Santorini, Greece and what you can do there, feel free to visit;

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189433-Activities-Santorini_Cyclades.html

Routine childhood vaccines should definitely be current when you consider traveling anywhere. Many people believe that diseases like mumps are gone, but when you are not vaccinated for such a disease, you’ll find that it is still very much alive and well. So, to start with be sure that your childhood vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations your doctor might think about giving you include yellow fever, typhoid, meningococcal, pneumovax, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chicken pox, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, influenza, and Japanese encephalitis. Don’t worry, unless you’ve never had any vaccinations it’s likely that you will not need the majority of these vaccines, but they are all things that your doctor will consider when he or she looks at your history as well as your travel plans.

Some of the less common vaccines for every day life are yellow fever, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid fever, and rabies. These vaccines will be given only when necessary. Yellow fever is a vaccine that must be considered when you are traveling to countries that lie within a yellow fever zone, or for travelers coming from an endemic area. When you speak to your doctor he or she will be able to determine where these areas are. Immunization for hepatitis B is usually considered for travelers who will be visiting and interacting with populations that have a high rate of the disease. Japanese encephalitis will typically be given to travelers, who plan to spend long periods of time in Southeast Asia or the Indian subcontinent during what are known as the transmission seasons. Typhoid fever immunizations are usually given to travelers that may be eating and drinking contaminated items. Typhoid fever is often given as a precaution, not because the doctor believes the area is known for the illness. Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations are usually given to individuals that are traveling to areas that might involve animals or their actions may attract animals.

When you discuss vaccines with your doctor, you should be sure and ask about side effects associated with each of the vaccines. Many vaccines have harmless side effects and others are more serious. Knowing the possible side effects that can be caused by the vaccinations will allow you to prevent a serious reaction and will also allow you to plan a vaccine schedule so you are not under the weather when it comes time to travel to your international destination.

Vaccines are a very important part of international travel. When you travel to new areas you will likely be exposed to new cultures, customs, sights, and amazing memories, but with that comes the risk of serious illness. Planning ahead and receiving any relevant vaccinations is a great way to make your trip the best possible by avoiding illness. Vaccines do not promise that you won’t contract other illnesses, but it’s a good start to a great trip. Pair vaccines with knowledge about health risks and you will likely have a very happy and healthy trip.

Health Risks

Traveling to third world countries can bring new opportunity and excitement your way, but it also brings the potential for serious illness. When you travel to other areas you’ll find that there are new germs, bacteria, microorganisms and it’s likely that your body will never welcome these things. Your best defense is being up to date with vaccinations and vaccinating against any known problems in the area as well as taking any relevant medications to avoid contracting illnesses such as malaria. Knowing what to expect when you get there as well as how to avoid contaminating yourself is important. There are three major ways in which you can become contaminated with potentially serious illnesses and these are food, water, and skin.

· Food

Flies are often the carriers of disease and illness, so if you see an over abundance of flies around food that you are eating or being served, you might want to politely reject those items. Remember that flies could be present wherever you buy food from stores, dining out, or purchasing food from street vendors.

If you are served food that has been cooked over a fire, you will probably be fine as long as the food is served very hot, so that any bacteria will be killed off. Eating over a fire is even safer if you are able to eat off your own spoon and out of your own bowl. Dishes are a great place for bacteria to grow if they are not cleaned well and attract flies and other disease carrying insects.

When you are eating fruits and vegetables, peel all of them. One vegetable that you probably want to avoid at all costs is lettuce as it’s often a source of illness for many third world travelers. If you are buying meat it’s usually best to stick with slab cuts or chunks instead of ground meat as it’s not been handled and run through possibly contaminated machinery. Fish should only be eaten in clean, coastal areas. When you eat fish right on the coast you have a better chance of getting fresh food. Shrimp should be avoided at all costs, especially in a shrimp cocktail where it’s likely that the shrimp have been sitting out where flies can get to them.

Eggs can be a touchy item as well, and you should only eat eggs that have been very well cooked. In some regions they have a serious problem with trans-ovarian transmission of Salmonella from chicken to egg. Inquire about such problems before you travel, and if you are in doubt, avoid eating eggs. Dairy products are often an item that you should use caution with as well as there can be transmission of bovine TB in milk and even ice cream. Use your common sense and check into diary contamination before traveling.

· Water

When you are visiting a third world country it is typically recommended that you boil all of your water. When water reaches a strong rolling boil, all pathogens will be killed, and it’s safe for drinking, bathing, cleaning, or other uses. Beverages that are safe to drink without boiling are carbonated beverages, sealed bottled water, juices and soft drinks that are unopened, beer, hot tea and hot tea and coffee. It’s important to remember that only heat kills dangerous pathogens, ice actually preserves the organisms. If in doubt, do not drink something.

· Skin

Skin can either work for you or against you in preventing illness or infection. If you get a cut or scrape on the skin, this introduces a great opportunity for bacteria to invade your body. When you go to clean a cut make sure you clean it in boiled or treated water to avoid directly infecting the open skin. Soft tissue infections are often caused by contaminated water and they can be very serious.

Take care in shaving when you are traveling to third world countries, as a small little cut in the skin can cause infection. The problem with shaving is that it often causes microscopic tears in the skin, which are a great entry source for bacteria and illness. Most women give up shaving their underarms or legs while traveling to third world countries, and most men shave with extreme caution or give up the clean shaven look while there.

Personal Safety Risks

Another area of extreme risk when traveling to third world countries is that of terrorist type people or organizations, or just bad people who look to victimize tourists who they assume are very affluent. Do not dress in expensive looking clothing, leave your jewelry at home, and do not flash large sums of cash anywhere, at any time. When you do make purchases, take care in concealing any cash you have so you do not become a target.

If you feel as though you are being followed, do not stop. Continue on to a safe place such as a police station or public area where you are less likely to be victimized. If you are victimized report the situation to authorities as soon as possible. Your personal safety is at risk when you travel to third world countries because, just like everywhere else, there are good and bad people. Also, when you travel to third world countries you are likely dealing with very poor, desperate people who are willing to do just about anything for food, clothing, and shelter.

If you take precautions before traveling to third world countries, you’ll likely have no issues health or safety wise. Be aware, be prepared, and learn about the area you are going to before you get there. The risks are very real in third world countries, but you can work to avoid them.

What You Should Bring With You

You need to think about what sort of image you’ll want to portray when you are traveling abroad. The bottom line is that you do not want to become a target; so dressing conservatively would be the best bet. Avoid expensive clothing, and definitely leave your jewelry at home. Fancy clothing and bold jewelry will make you look like an affluent tourist, and that’ll put a target right on your back. This tip will eliminate the showy items in your wardrobe.

When you do find the clothes that you believe are appropriate for your travels, remember to pack light. The last thing you want to do is tote several pieces of luggage from location to location. When you travel light you’ll usually have a free hand, you won’t be as tired, and you won’t be as inclined to leave your luggage unattended which can pose safety and security problems. Pack just four to five days worth of appropriate clothing for the climate, you are allowed to dress nicely, just don’t dress to affluently.

If you wear glasses or contacts, you’ll want to pack an extra pair. You’ll probably not need this extra pair, but it’s always when you are not expecting to break your glasses or lose your contact lens that you do just that. The same goes for medication, if you need medication every day, bring double the amount you will need just incase you lose your initial doses. If you take maintenance drugs such as insulin or heart medications, you might want to think about bringing along an extra prescription or two just incase you lose your actual medication. Always leave your medications in their original bottle with your name and prescription information visible to avoid problems at customs that will slow you down.

You’ll want to carry money with you, but you won’t want to carry too much. Only carry the amount of money and other valuables that you will need for your trip. If you have extra cash or credit cards, it’s a good idea to bring these, but store them in the hotel safe for safekeeping. A money belt is a great way to conceal the amount of cash you do carry on your person, and you’re less likely to a target of thieves when you conceal the cash with some sort of money belt or similar way to carry money.

You’ll want to pack an extra passport, or at least copies of your current passport to help with the application process should you lose your current passport. You might want to keep your passport in the hotel safe so that you are less likely to lose it.

You might want to bring a calling card with you as it’s a handy way to keep in touch with friends and family who might like to hear from you to know that you are safe during your international travels. A calling card is likely to be a cheaper way to call home as well. Before you leave home with your calling card, be sure to find out your local access number so that you’re able to call home with ease.

If you are carrying traveler’s checks it’s a good idea to make a list of all the serial numbers attached to them. As you cash the checks, cross off the serial number so you know that you spent it and it was not stolen. Make a copy of this list and give it to a friend or family member so you can trace these checks should they be lost or stolen.

What You Shouldn’t Bring With You

· Expensive looking jewelry

· Family heirlooms of any type

· Unnecessary credit cards and cash

· Social security card

Where you are going and the climate there will definitely dictate much of what you bring. The point is to bring the things you honestly need for safety, security, medical, or financial reasons, but other than that, leave it at home! The more things you bring with you, the more of a liability you are dealing with. Also, the fewer things you have, the fewer things you need to lug back with you when you return home. Travel light; it’s the most efficient way to go!

Many people assume that the U.S. Embassy or consulate can bail you out of jail or provide you with legal advice, and this is simply not true. The U.S. Embassy is there to be sure that every American has access to people who will be able to help get you out of jail (or put someone in jail that has harmed you in some manner) and provide legal advice. The U.S. Embassy will provide you with a list of contacts that can help you recover what has been lost, as well as inform you of your rights. The U.S Embassy or consulate will do whatever they are able to do to protect your legitimate interests as well as ensure that you are not discriminated against for being a tourist or for being an American.

Lost Or Stolen Items

If you have items that are lost or stole, be it personal items such as cameras, clothing, jewelry, or travelers checks, the U.S Embassy, or consulate can help you contact the appropriate law enforcement so that you may be able to recover your property eventually. If you are robbed and you need medical attention, the U.S. Embassy can help you find a qualified doctor, hospital, or clinic for quality medical care, as well as help you inform authorities that you were robbed and assaulted. In situations such as this, the Embassy will simply act as an intermediary, ensuring that you have all the information and resources that you need.

If your passport is stolen you should call the U.S. Embassy as quickly as possible to inform them. You’ll want to get to the office the next business day so you can apply for a new passport so you can get home on schedule. If you have proof of identification, photographs, a police report, or someone who can identify you, you might have the passport the same day.

If You’re Arrested

If you are arrested, it’s possible that you have been victimized. When you don’t know the laws of the land, it’s possible that you feel like you have been wronged, when in fact, you have broken the law. Attempt to call the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible so that you can be put in contact with someone who can inform you of your rights and your best course of action. If you are not allowed to call the U.S. Embassy, politely insist that you are allowed to call until you are able to do so. Consulates can help get money from family and friends to provide you with bail, food, or proper clothing until you are released from jail.

If You Are Destitute

If you’ve lost or had all of your money stolen and you do not have enough money to eat, seek lodging, or get home you can contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate and they will get in touch with family and friends and help them get money to you. If your money has been stolen, the Embassy will also help you get in contact with the proper authorities so that you may file a police report.

The U.S. Embassy or consulate cannot change the laws of the area that you may be victimized in, but they can help you find the answers you need to understand the law and your rights. The U.S. Embassy is there to be sure that Americans aren’t treated unfairly, and that they get the justice they deserve. If you are traveling overseas, it’s important that you carry the U.S. Embassy or consulate contact information so that when you are victimized you can take action as quickly as possible.

Tips For Traveling Overseas

· Make sure that you have a signed, valid passport and/or visa. Remember that it might take some time for these things to be completed, so as soon as you start to think about traveling overseas this should be your priority. Without your passport or visa, you will not be traveling.

· Research the countries that you’ll be visiting, and get specific in your research if possible. It’s also a great idea to read any Consular information sheets, travel warnings, and public announcements relevant to the areas in which you’ll be traveling in, around, or through. It’s a good idea to take down Consular or U.S. Embassy phone numbers, just in the event that you might need them.

· When you are researching, take note of local laws and customs of the areas you’ll be visiting. Many Americans forget that the United States constitution and laws do not follow them during their travels; you will be subject to the laws of the areas that you travel, regardless of how unconstitutional they may seem.

· Make two to three copies of your passport identification information and keep them in another location from your actual passport. Should you lose your passport, this copy will expedite the replacement process. Also, you might want to give friends and family at home a copy just in case. 

· Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends and family so the know when to expect you home. Also, leave lodging information with friends or family so that you can be reached in the event that there is an emergency at home. Leaving this information is a good safety check because friends and family members will be able to track you down easily.

· Visit your doctor for a complete physical and any vaccinations you may need a couple weeks prior to your departure. Going ahead of time will allow you to recover from any ill effects that may be caused by vaccinations. Also, some vaccines must be given more than once, so be sure you leave enough time to have all scheduled vaccines completed before your departure.

· When you are traveling, do not leave your luggage unattended for any amount of time. And, remember that even when you are in another country, you should never accept a package from a stranger, regardless of what their explanation may be in giving it to you.

· Prior to actually leaving on your international travels, you should register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. Registration is the best way to make your whereabouts known so that family or friends may locate you in the event of an emergency. It’s important to note that the U.S Embassy will not give friends and family your contact information, instead they will attempt to contact you, and this is why you should leave a copy of your itinerary with friends and family members.

· Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or clothing when you are traveling overseas. You’ll find that many locals assume that tourists are very wealthy, and wearing expensive items may make you the target of crime. You should also carry a minimal amount of cash and credit cards, remember to use a hotel safe for money or credit cards you may not need on your person.

· When you exchange money for local currency, be sure that you are dealing with individuals or companies that are authorized to do such exchanges. Many Americans find themselves in legal trouble when they exchange money with people that are not qualified to do so.

· If you get into any type of legal, financial, or medical trouble, you should call the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible and they will help you make the best decisions for your specific circumstance. Carry the U.S Embassy contact information with you in your money belt is a good idea, as you never know when trouble is going to strike.

Traveling overseas is fun and exciting, and when you have a respect for the precautions you must take, it can be quite the carefree experience. Planning ahead and taking precautions will increase your enjoyment of other cultures and customs. Traveling overseas takes some preparation, but it’s usually well worth the time and effort.

Informative Sources

Knowing about the area that you are traveling to isn’t as easy as knowing where its geographically located, you need to do real research. Thorough research will allow learning about the history of the land, its people, and cultural customs. You’ll also be able to learn some of the do’s and don’ts of the area you’ll be traveling to which might just keep you out pf trouble! With extensive research you might be able to read the experiences of others who have traveled to this specific area and learn from their knowledge and tips so that you can enjoy yourself even more!

· Libraries are great resources for history. If you’d like to read in-depth books about the area you’ll be reading, libraries are a great resource. When you are reading information about government, currency, and the economic stability of your international destination, you might want to check the date that the book was published as this is the sort of information that will affect your visit, but it’s also the type of information that changes most often. Many people often forget libraries, but generally speaking, they are great resources.

· Bookstores are another outstanding resource, and they typically have newer literature available. While you may be very excited about your international travels, you might want to think twice about buying a ton of books on the location, as you may never use them. A travel guide for the area, that is recently published, will probably be the main thing you can take away from a bookstore. Try to find a travel guide that will easily fit into a bag or even your carry on baggage so you can refer to it during your travels.

· The Internet is probably one of the best resources. Because of the information available on the Internet Encyclopedias and such media have become obsolete. On the Internet you can find just about any information that you could want. Also on the Internet, you’ll find personal accounts of visits to the area, which you may find highly beneficial. Learning from the mistakes of other people, even if they are complete strangers, can really help your trip go smoothly, especially if you are visiting an area with climate or culture far different from your own. If in doubt, seek information via the Internet; just be aware of who and where the information may be coming from.

· Travel agents. If you are planning an international vacation or trip of any type, there is a high likelihood that you have had the help of a travel agent. Your travel agent may be able to give you information about the area such as where to stay, what to expect from the locals, and what foods you should and should not eat. Travel agencies have also become scare and almost obsolete, but the ones that are still around usually know their stuff and if they can’t give you information, they can point you in the right direction.

Through these resources you can learn just about everything you can about the area that you’ll be traveling to. Try to soak up as much information as you can, so that you can have a better understanding of the land and the people. When you know what to expect, you can plan better for your trip from a cultural standpoint, sight seeing, and even your personal safety. This type of understanding can help you see international travel in a new way, and it’ll definitely be a more enriching experience for you.

Research The Area You’ll Be Traveling To

When you are thinking about traveling internationally, you should learn as much as you can about the area. Libraries are great places for learning geography, culturally relevant information, and areas of interest, but the Internet is an outstanding tool for learning about the good and bad areas of the country or specific area you’ll be visiting. Reading the personal account of other people, tour guides, or people who specialize in the area you are going to will allow you to plan ahead for your safety, and stay in locations that will offer you the most security. The Internet will also address transportation concerns, good and not so good lodging, and the like. While both libraries and bookstores have great information available, you might be able to get more accurate and up to date information on areas by reading information on the Internet as well. 

If you plan on using public transportation on your international travels, you’ll want to pay close attention to the information about security and safety in this area. Subways and public rail systems can be quite confusing, and tourists can end up being victimized because they don’t know where they are going, and there is often a lack of security in these areas. Know what you are getting into before you travel, so you can plan accordingly. Also, when you make hotel arrangements ask about security available and the safety of the surrounding areas, so you can decide whether it’ll be safe to go out on your own after dark and such.

If you are going to an area and you cannot find much information on it, you might want to check with your travel agent or the U.S. Embassy in that area for safety and security information. You can never be overly prepared for such concerns, so do your homework and know what you can about the area, as that will add to your safety.

Have A Plan For Safe Handling Of Money

It doesn’t matter where you travel, you should be careful with your money. When you are traveling internationally, you’ll find that many of the locals consider you wealthy. This assumption makes you a prime target for those who are in need of money, or who have a passion for theft. Wearing a money belt and keeping a limited amount of local currency on you at all times is a good idea. A purse isn’t usually a good idea, as something running by you can take your purse and be gone with your money and personal affects before you can scream. A money belt can be purchased at luggage stores as well as stores that specialize in traveling, purses, wallets, and the link.

When you do cash travelers checks or your currency for the local currency, be discreet about it. The more attention you draw to yourself and the amount of money you have on yourself, the more likely you are to be victimized. So, have a plan before you travel as to where you’ll keep your money, and the system you’ll use to exchange currencies, if applicable.

Know Your Resources

Most international travelers do not intend on getting into trouble when they are traveling, but it happens. A lot of the time, the trouble is innocent, but because of cultural differences Americans often break laws without knowing it. Before you travel, you should have U.S. Embassy or Consulate information for the area that you’ll be traveling to. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate can act on your behalf if you find yourself in legal trouble of any sort. Whether you need a lawyer or just help with clarifying the law, the U.S. Embassy will likely be able to help you. If your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll also need to report that to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Having this information with you will enable you to protect yourself should local laws or customs get the best of you.

Security And Customs

If you are traveling internationally you’ll likely have to go through the customs routine twice, one on the way out and on the way back as well. Have any documentation you need for your valuables to prove that you traveled with these items so that you don’t have to pay a tax or fee on them on your way back. As annoying as the customs process can be, remember that this process is one that keeps the public safe. In the end, the customs process is one that is well worth the irritating lines and sometimes lengthy process of coming and going from the country. Most likely, your experience with the customs officials will be brief and more than tolerable.

As you can see, most of the safety and security issues with traveling internationally can be planned for to make the process easier. Most of these issues are common sense, though many travelers forget that when they are in other countries there are just as many good and bad people and that you have to look out for yourself. Plan ahead, and be aware when you are traveling, and you’ll likely come home safe and secure.

Prepare For Travel

When you were younger you might have been able to hop on a plane, do some sight seeing, and then hop back on a plane and go home without suffering too many effects. As you get older, you need more preparation time. In the days before your travels, don’t over do yourself; instead take extra special care of yourself. It’s not that you shouldn’t do the things that you want or need to do, but be sure to eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, and take all of your medications as directed. If you’ve been feeling under the weather, be sure to check with your doctor. Also, get any vaccinations that you might need in advance of your trip to be sure that you will not have any adverse reactions.

In addition to pampering yourself and making sure you are well enough to travel, you should also consider what you might need while traveling. If you have health conditions that require you to take medications daily, be sure that you have at least as much as you’ll need for your trip, preferably a week or two more on hand so that you have extra should you need it, or be delayed at all in arriving home. Also, if you need special pillows or bedding to help you sleep, be sure to pack them so that you will be well rested on your trip as well. If you occasionally suffer from acid reflux or similar conditions, even if you don’t take medications for these items regularly, you should pack them just in case. Thinking ahead about the worse case scenario will help you prevent getting ill and missing out on your international travels.

In addition to packing your medications, it’s always a good idea to pack extra prescriptions should you lose your medication. While you might have a hard time finding your medications, you’ll have a much easier time if you already have a prescription with you. A prescription will also verify to any officials who may have concerns that you are in fact supposed to have medications on your person. Remember when you do pack medications to pack them in your carry on luggage so you don’t run into a problem if your luggage gets lost in routine to your international destination.

When In Flight

When you are actually traveling to your destination, try to be as relaxed as possible. Avoid rubbing your eyes and touching the surfaces in airports and airplanes excessively as airborne illness is alive and well in these areas. Antibacterial sprays, lotions, or gels should be used before and after eating to avoid contaminating yourself with any germs that are present. As you get older your immune system isn’t nearly as strong as it once was, so antibacterial substances and even facial masks are a good idea to help you avoid illness while traveling internationally.

When you are abroad

As tempting as little restaurants may be, you must be quite careful when dining out to eat only well cooked food. Many countries do not have food and beverage regulations like we do in the United States, so be sure not to eat foods that may look or smell odd. This may not save you from food poisoning and other issues related to food, but it will decrease the chance you have of becoming ill from ill prepared food. Also, ask about the quality of the water when you visit certain areas. Drinking bottled water may be a better idea, as you know that it is not contaminated and is less likely to cause problems.

After you do eat or visit places of interest, it’s a good idea to keep that antibacterial solution handy so that you can avoid contamination of germs. Remember that when you travel internationally there may be germs and bacteria present that your body is not used to defending, so you need to respond accordingly.

Because your immune system is not as strong as it once was, it’s important that when you go back to the hotel room every night you really rest. Also, be sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and if you haven’t, try to make up for it when you rest at night. Water and rest will keep your body in the best condition possible so that you do not get sick and you can enjoy your trip, as well as make it home healthy, too.

A weakened immune system, illness, and being a “senior’ shouldn’t stop you from traveling internationally. If you’re retired and there is traveling you want to do, you should go for it, just prepare well, take care of yourself, and you’ll have a great time. Your age should never restrict you from doing the things that you want to do, and that includes traveling internationally.

]]> http://www.usaflightinsurance.com/articles/international-travel/seniors-dont-let-illness-ruin-your-trip.htm/feed 0 http://www.usaflightinsurance.com/articles/international-travel/safely-carry-cash-credit-cards-and-passports.htm http://www.usaflightinsurance.com/articles/international-travel/safely-carry-cash-credit-cards-and-passports.htm#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2006 17:12:13 +0000 admin International travel brings with it the opportunity to see and learn new things that most of us have only dreamed of before. While most people travel internationally with no problems, it’s important to travel safely, especially where carrying your money, credit cards, and passport. Many travelers are so excited by their travels that they forget that tourists are often thought of as easy prey for those who are hoping to steal money, credit cards, and even passports. While you should be able to enjoy your travels, you must also be aware of where your money is, who may see it, and the best ways to carry it on your person to avoid becoming the target of a thief.

 

Before you travel internationally, you should think about your plan of how you’ll carry your important items such as cash, credit cards, your passport, and other documents. Planning ahead will make you more comfortable so that you will be able to focus more on the places you are going and the sites that you are seeing. Having a plan will also mean that you’ll have less of a chance of losing things, and you’ll be less likely to become the target of a thief. Tourists usually stick out, but when you are carrying your money and personal items safely, the wrong type of people are less likely to pay you the wrong sort of attention.

First, you’ll want to decide how you’ll carry cash, because carrying a credit card may not always be an option, as many areas simply do not accept them. A good idea is to have traveler’s checks with you so that you can exchange them for local currency. Traveler’s checks are a great idea because there isn’t much that can be done with them if you lose them, but like cash, once they are gone, the money is gone. Keep your travelers checks in a wallet or money belt for safekeeping. If you are going to make a purchase and you do not feel safe paying with cash because there are too many odd people lingering around, pay for your purchase with a credit card instead.

Next, you might want to have a couple credit cards with you in the case of an emergency and you need more cash. Only take the credit cards that you believe you might need, maybe two or three, but leave the rest at home. Take note of your available balance on each credit card as many Americans have been arrested when traveling internationally because they have gone over their limit. Carrying a small amount of cash with you and cashing in travelers checks only as you need them is the best idea, so even if you do happen to be robbed, the thief will get away with as little as possible. If you happen to run out of cash and there isn’t a certified currency exchange official around, use your credit cards. You’ll find that having credit cards in your money belt is a necessary back up when traveling internationally.

When you are traveling internationally you’ll have a passport with you. When traveling you’ll want to keep this in an easily accessed area, but once you arrive at your destination you’ll need to find a safe place for it. You don’t want to carry the passport around with you because it’s something that will be easily lost, so the best idea is to put it in the hotel safe. Even if your room does not have a safe, the hotel usually has individual safes where you can easily store your passport, extra travelers checks, and even an extra credit card. Your passport is something you’ll need to get home, so be sure to store it in a place that it will not get lost or stolen.

In your daily life you might use a purse to carry around your personal items, but this isn’t always the best option when traveling internationally. As we mentioned above, tourists are usually perfect targets for theft because they carry cash. Carrying a purse will make you a great target because someone can just run by and pull the purse from you and keep running. A money belt, worn around the waste either over or under the clothes, is more difficult to get off, and smaller ones may not even be noticed by anyone but you.

When you do cash travelers checks, put the currency right into a pocket or a money belt instead of walking away and counting it. Also, be sure that you only cash your travelers checks with certified individuals, which limits your risk of being robbed on site. When you pay for items, attempt to only take out the amount of money you need, instead of flashing all of the currency you might have on your person, as this will attract the wrong kind of attention. Simply use your common sense and try not to bring attention to any money you may have, or the amount of money you spend in any one place.

Chances are your international travels will come and go without any negative incidents, but where safely carrying your cash, credit cards, and passport is concerned you cannot be too careful. Plan ahead, be discreet, and be aware of your surroundings and you’re likely to have no problems whatsoever!