• 15
  Jun
  2009

• Passport lost?

  
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While travelling, passport is the most important thing you should take care of. A lost or stolen passport can land you in a potential disaster. These are some of the ideas you can try, for protecting, and necessary steps you should take, in case you loose it.

Before leaving for the journey, make two copies of your passport identification page. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives and carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. It’s also a good idea to bring along two or three passport photos; these should be identical 2 inch x 2 inch photographs taken within the last six months, featuring a front view of your face on a white background.

Be sure you also have another form of photo ID and a copy of your birth certificate (or another document to prove your citizenship). If your passport is lost or stolen, having these will speed up the replacement process.

As soon as you realize your passport is missing, contact the nearest police authorities, embassy or consulate. You will be asked to fill out a DS-11 (in case of the US) form, which is the standard passport application form. You are not required to know the passport number or issuance date to apply for a new passport.

• 14
  Jun
  2009

• Food for Travel

  
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If your travel takes you to any of these destinations, seek out these exquisites.

In Netherlands try a rijsttafel (“rice table”), the ultimate Indonesian meal, with as many as 36 delightfully exotic courses, all eaten with rice. A single meal will be enough for more than two people. So be careful before you order.

The choice of drink in Edinburgh, Scotland should not be beer but whisky. A whisky there is as refined as wine. You would suddenly feel like an expert taster. Leslie’s Pub with its huge whisky selection, listed on a six page menu, is a hit amongst travelers.

Belgians are famous for their chocolate. There is one exotic chocolate maker in every Belgian burg. A place that is family run should be your choice for buying one.

In Portugal’s fishing towns, you’ll find boiled percebes (barnacles) sold on the street; these are the Portuguese answer to beer nuts. Let a local show you how to strip and eat one.

Greek food is marked by simplicity and is very delicious. The four Greek food groups are olives (and olive oil), salty feta cheese, tasty tomatoes, and crispy phyllo dough. You’re welcome to go into the kitchen and point to the dish you’d like. This is a good way to make some friends, sample from each kettle, get what you want (or at least know what you’re getting), and have a truly memorable meal.

Be brave.

• 11
  Jun
  2009

• What to do when you can’t afford a vacation

  
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A vacation in these stressful times, has become a necessity rather than a luxury. But what if you can’t afford one in this recessing situation? These are the tips you can try.

Neighborhood
You can find yourself in a totally different environment if you just take a couple of hours drive. It can prove to be the same relaxing experience as in a week’s vacation. Biking, hikes on nearby trails and day trips to the beach can help you relax as well.

Plan
Unless you take out a calendar and plan for one, vacations are tough to happen. Take a break during non peak travel times. Go to a destination which is not the typical touristy place. Lot of airlines fly cheaper to their hubs. Look out for these specials.

Mix business and pleasure
Take time out during business trips and extract your own mini vacations.

Clubs
Tapping online networks and connecting with like minded people can give you a relaxing experience and help planning and choosing for your vacations.

• 10
  Jun
  2009

• Travel insurance – What type?

  
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Confused about what kind of travel insurance you require? With the rise in travelers purchasing travel insurance due to prevalent non-refundable airline tickets, political unrest and financial trouble of major tour operators, the confusion in deciding which type of insurance to purchase has increased.

There are several different types of travel insurance policies available, ranging from trip cancellation insurance to emergency medical evacuation, all of which vary widely by company in what their coverage includes and how much it costs.

To determine whether you need insurance for an upcoming trip, first check what the existing insurance policies offer you. Some might offer the overseas travel insurance for medical emergencies while others might not.  Statistics shows that since the September 11 attacks travelers are looking for insurance to safeguard their trip against any unforeseen acts of terrorism. Many policies now include policies against “Acts of insurance” that will cover in case of any untoward incidences.

Buying trip cancellation policies is a wise thing to do in case you are booking expensive airline tickets or non refundable cruise tickets.