Because health is one the most important things so we need to ensure to get health every days.  Because life is unpredictable some and we don’t know when fall sick and need go to the doctor as we know health care expense it’s not cheap sometimes you will get shocked after knowing how much you have to pay for medical care, drugs or surgery.

Insurance company will offering different packages of health insurance like Fee for Service Plans or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs),  Fee for Service Plans just pays limited that specified in the policy, with this plan before you will get reimbursement you must pay the bill of medical care expenses after that must submit a claim to the insurer. HMO have monthly rate  with no deductibles and just covered if you visits to professionals or doctor that joined in HMO network as they mentioned in the policy.

Finding Affordable Health Insurance is easy if you want to take a times to searching the best and cheapest insurance companies that match with your condition (such as budget, health condition, medical record) so many insurance companies that you can find over the internet so you can get the best plan for you health insurance.

So why worry about cruise travel insurance? If you want complete peace of mind and enjoy your cruising experience to the fullest, cruise travel insurance helps you do just that. It is what keeps you and your family safe during your cruise vacation.

You can get cruise travel insurance from a travel agency, a travel insurance company and online as well. Prices vary depending on the type of coverage you need, so it all depends on how long you will be traveling and the coverage you prefer.

Make sure to always know what is being covered by your cruise travel insurance. As much fun as a cruise vacation may seem, there are often cases of stroke, broken bones, vomiting and so on. There is always medical staff on board but you never know if something can become more serious.

Especially if you are a senior, cruise travel insurance is very important, as it will cover any health complications that may occur overseas and in case you need to take a helicopter to a nearest hospital. Without cruise travel insurance this is very expensive, so avoid paying large amounts of money for medical emergencies by getting a cruise travel insurance plan.

The best thing about single trip travel insurance is that it is easy to obtain and it has low prices as well. This type of travel insurance is available for almost any destination and is great if you plan to travel for the holidays or if you plan to take one long trip during the year.

Single trip travel insurance not only covers medical emergencies, it also covers delays, lost or stolen items and so on. It is important that you let your travel insurance provider know of any illnesses you have so they are aware of this in case any emergency occurs and to better suit your needs for your single trip travel insurance plan.

Make sure you know what your single trip travel insurance is covering, sometimes it can cost less if you don’t have any illness or if you are a younger age and have overall good health. Compare several single trip travel insurance offers, in most cases each one will vary a bit in coverage, but it all depends on what your needs are for the trip.

• Protection when travel plans are disrupted due to delays or cancellations.
• Weather can play a huge role when taking a trip abroad, in particular flights and cruises.
• cts of nature i.e. anyone remember a certain Volcano in Iceland!

Travel insurance provides security in the event of any issues arising which will compensate you and even recompense for the entire trip, if cancelled. It also offers the luxury of knowing that if stranded; all hotel costs, food costs and other expenses are covered with travel insurance.

Travel insurance is also of great assistance in the case of a medical emergency. If the consumer becomes seriously ill, while away from home, travel insurance will cover associated medical costs which include transporting the unwell party home and in the event that it is a child or spouse an application can be made for travel assistance for the traveller to help with payment of transport costs.

Purchasing travel insurance can be done with ease online but it is essential to use a state approved body and always read the fine print before signing anything.*Copyright http://www.ausomefinance.com

Here’s a few points to think about:

Pros

• Peace of mind. Often, when we buy insurance, we’re paying for peace of mind. While it’s not a happy thought, illness or an accident can strike at any time, so even if you’re in ‘holiday mode’, it’s important to prepare for things going wrong. In fact, with some holiday destinations, that chance of becoming ill or injured may be higher than it is at home. In Africa and Asia, for instance, a number of infectious or mosquito born diseases exist which are no longer found in the west. And even in Europe and North America, crime is common or you could also get sick, so holdiay insurance is a good option.
• Convenience. If you’re travelling and something does go wrong, you want to be able to make one phone call, speak to someone in English, and start sorting things out quickly. Imagine, for example, if all your belongings were stolen and you had absolutely no cash. Holiday insurance can provide you with the funds you need to get your trip back on track.
• Cons Expense. Depending on your level of cover, holiday insurance may be expensive. Paying for holiday insurance can be especially difficult to swallow when you’re already paying for numerous other holiday expenses. However, most of us would agree that this is a necessary expense.

Here are 7 things to consider when choosing a green travel destination.

1. Check Public Transportation Options
If your destination is a city that you’ll want to explore extensively, make sure there is a good public transportation system so you won’t have to take cabs or rent a car. Most cities have decent websites about their public transportation systems. You can also check travel forums and talk to other travelers who have been where you’re going. Better yet, rent a bike and use it as your primary means of transportation.

2. Look for Greener Accommodations
Choosing a low-impact place to stay is not only greener, it’s often less expensive. If the weather is nice, look for camping options. Otherwise, make sure there are hostels. If you’re looking at hotels, research the country’s hotel energy/environmental standards, then find a hotel that meets those guidelines. For more info check out Finding Environmentally Friendly Hotels through Green Accreditation Directories.

3. Scope Out the Area for Green Space
Are there nice parks in the town, or at least within walking or biking distance? What about lakes and hiking trails? There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning and walking out the hostel door onto a hiking trail. Of course, that’s not easy to do in all places. But if you love the outdoors, make sure your destination has options for green recreation.

4. Think About Walkability
Will you be able to walk from your hostel to restaurants and entertainment? If the town is spread out, see if there’s a concentration of places you want to see, then book a hostel near those places to make your trip more walkable. Walking is one of the easiest ways to reduce your impact.

5. Look at Chains Versus Local Business and Restaurants
Are there a number of local businesses you could visit? Or is the city overrun with McDonald’s and KFCs? Going to local grocery stores and restaurants is one of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in local culture. And part of the fun of traveling is experience new things, which is hard to do if you stick to what you know and what’s available back home.

6. Check Out the City’s Recycling Policy
With all of the plastic building up in landfills across the world, a solid recycling policy is increasingly urgent. Even some small towns and villages recycle, so pick a destination that has a policy in place. If you really want to visit a place that doesn’t recycle, avoid buying plastic and other recyclables while you’re there; stick to reusable items instead.

7. Decide if You’ll Really Get to Experience the Culture
A big part of being a green traveler is striving to understand different people, cultures, and history. On the surface, it seems that traveling inherently facilitates cultural understanding. In reality, it’s far too easy to live in a bubble, even when you’re traveling. See if your destination is one that seems to exist exclusively to cater to tourists. If it is, pass it up and look for something that will get you out of your comfort zone and into the culture of your destination.

Reprinted courtesy of American Dental Association (ADA.org)
Are you planning a vacation that includes dental care outside the U.S.? Or are you concerned about dental emergencies that may arrive while you are traveling?Here are some things you should know before you go.

Dental Care Overview

A checkup is especially important if you’ll be traveling in developing countries or in remote areas without access to good dental care.

Left to chance, emergency dental care may be uncomfortable, dangerous and expensive. And dental care providers in developing regions may not have the resources, equipment or supplies to take all of the recommended precautions for preventing disease transmission.

If you are thinking about going outside the U.S. for your dental care as part of a vacation (also known as “Dental Tourism”), here are some things to consider: Dentists practicing in the U.S. attend four years at an accredited dental school (usually in addition to their bachelor’s degree). They pass national and state dental board examinations before they receive a license to practice.

Each state in the U.S. has a board of dentistry that oversees all practicing dentists. The state dental boards have rules and regulations that dentists must follow.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issue recommendations to dental offices regarding 1) educating and protecting dental health-care personnel; 2) preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens; 3) hand hygiene; 4) personal protective equipment; 5) contact dermatitis and latex hypersensitivity; 6) sterilization and disinfection of patient-care items; 7) environmental infection control; dental unit waterlines, biofilm, and water quality; and 9) special considerations (e.g., dental handpieces and other devices, radiology, parenteral medications, oral surgical procedures, and dental laboratories). These recommendations were developed in collaboration with and after review by infection control authorities from the CDC and other public agencies, academia, and private and professional organizations.

Dentists in the U.S. are also held to a high standard of care. For example, they must follow infection control guidelines to prevent bloodborne illnesses from spreading. They must abide by regulations for radiation safety (X-ray equipment and its use) and for proper waste disposal. These standards are in place for your safety and for that of dental office staff.
What You Should Know about Dental Care Before You Travel

Before you travel out of the U.S. for dental care, check with the health department or ministry in the destination country to see what national guidelines are in place for dentists.

What are the qualifications of the dentist who will be treating you? Some dentists may be trained in countries other than the one they’re practicing in.

What happens if something goes wrong during or after treatment? Is there a complaint process or a method for getting a refund if you are not satisfied? If you can’t get a refund, is there meaningful recourse for dental treatment that is unsatisfactory or harmful? Will you have a right to sue? If so, can you do so cost effectively? Will you need to retain a foreign lawyer? Or return to the country where you received care to testify or appear at trial? WIll you get a fair trial? All of these are important considerations before seeking care in other countries.

At the dental office, look for infection control procedures. The dentist should wear clean surgical gloves (that have not been used on other patients), a mask and protective eyewear. Dental instruments should be properly sterilized and other infection control procedures should be followed.

You could also check to see if the country keeps records of complaints against health care professionals. If so, you could check with the country’s appropriate oversight agency, such as the Ministry of Health, if you know the name of the dentist who will provide treatment.

Here in the U.S., people often ask their family and friends for referrals to health care providers. The same principle could apply when you must travel outside the country. If someone you know has received dental care in a foreign country and seemed satisfied, you could ask for a referral to that particular dentist.

for more information please visit : http://www.travelsense.org

To help you travel better with the possessions you simply must have at your destination, here are some helpful guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for transporting special items by airlines.

Please note that some airlines and other countries may have additional rules and restrictions on these particular items, so before you travel, check with your travel agent to obtain the most up-to-date information. Your travel agent can verify your airline’s policies before you arrive at the airport, so you don’t waste time trying to track down the info yourself.

Alcoholic Beverages
Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag. With the exception of medications, any amount of liquid including alcohol greater than three ounces must be packed in your checked baggage. However, you cannot take alcoholic beverages with more than 70 percent alcohol content (140 proof), which includes grain alcohol and high-proof rums like Bacardi 151, in your checked luggage.

As for alcohol between 24 percent and 70 percent, you may take up to five liters per person in your checked luggage if it’s packaged in a sealable bottle or flask. Alcoholic beverages with less than 24-percent alcohol content are not subject to hazardous materials regulations.

Liquids, including alcohol purchased after clearing the security checkpoint are permitted aboard aircraft.

Camping Equipment
Camp Stoves – You can bring these as carry-on or checked luggage only if they are empty of all fuel and cleaned so that there are no vapors or residue left – simply emptying the fuel container will leave flammable vapors, so cleaning is essential. Safest bet: ship the fuel containers to your destination ahead of time – passengers frequently have to leave them at the checkpoint because of fuel vapors.

Can of GasolineGasoline – You cannot bring any flammable liquids, including gasoline, in either your carry-on or checked luggage.

Aerosol insecticides – Hazardous aerosols, such as insecticides, cannot be transported in either your carry-on or checked luggage. Personal items like hair sprays and deodorants are allowed only in limited quantities.

Flare Guns – You may pack flare guns in checked baggage, but they must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared at check-in. You cannot take these items in your carry-on bag.

Flares – You may not bring flare guns in either your carry-on or checked luggage.

Knives and Tools – Pack knives and tools in your checked luggage. Sheath or securely wrap any sharp edges so that they do not injure baggage handlers and security officers.

Animal Repellants – You can bring chemical repellants in your checked luggage if the volume is less than four ounces and its active ingredient is less than two percent (most bear repellants exceed these limitations). Safest bet: buy these items at your destination and leave them behind when your trip is over.

Compressed Gas Cylinders – Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carry-on only if the regulator valve is completely disconnected and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). The cylinder must have an opening to allow for an internal visual inspection, and security personnel will not remove the seal or regulator at the checkpoint.

If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. the regulator valve is still attached), the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint, regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator.

Crematory Containers and Deceased Remains
You are allowed to carry-on a crematory container, but it must pass through the x-ray machine. If the container is made of a material that prevents the screener from clearly viewing what is inside, then the container will not be allowed through.

Crematory containers are made from many different types of materials, so it’s difficult to state for certain whether your particular crematory container can successfully pass through an x-ray machine. Just in case, purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material such as wood or plastic that can be successfully x-rayed.

You may transport the urn as checked baggage provided that it is successfully screened. TSA will screen the urn for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only. Out of respect for the deceased, the screener may not open the container under any circumstance.

Some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage so please check with your travel agent before attempting to transport a crematory container in checked baggage.

Bag of MoneyCurrency, Coins, Precious Metals, or Valuable Jewelry
If you are carrying valuable items such as large amounts of currency, coins or jewelry, ask the security officer to screen you and your carry-on luggage in private. This will maintain your security and avoid public scrutiny. Ask to speak with a screening supervisor before you reach the metal detectors and tell them you would prefer to be screened in a private location.

Firearms & Ammunition You may only transport firearms, ammunition and firearm parts in your checked baggage; these items are prohibited from carry-on baggage. When transporting firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage, you must declare them to airline personnel during the ticket counter check-in process. The firearm must be unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided container.

You should remain present during the screening and provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. If you are not present, and the security officer must open the container, the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you; if they cannot, the container will not be placed on the plane.

You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. You cannot use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).

You may carry ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above. Finally, you cannot bring black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

Hunting & Fishing Equipment
Hunting Knives, Spear Guns, Bow and Arrows – All are prohibited from carry-on luggage and should be packed in checked luggage. All sharp objects should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.

Fishing Rods/Poles – Fishing rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage. But before you travel, check with your air carrier to confirm that it fits within its size limitations for carry-on items.

Tackle Equipment – Fishing equipment should be placed in your checked baggage, for some tackle can be considered sharp and dangerous. Expensive reels or fragile tackle (such as flies) can be packed in your carry-on baggage.

Knitting Needles, Needlepoint & Sewing
Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage. However, security officers have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and may not allow these items to pass through security. To avoid this from happening, bring circular knitting needles made of bamboo or plastic and blunt scissors. In any event, be sure to carry a crochet hook with yarn to save the work you have already done in case your knitting tools are surrendered at the checkpoint

Most of the items needed to pursue a needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside. These items must go in your checked baggage.

Lighters, Matches and Zippos
In an effort to concentrate resources on detecting explosive threats, TSA will no longer ban common lighters in carry-on luggage. Torch lighters remain banned in carry-ons. You may not bring matches in your checked baggage because of safety regulations. You may, however, bring one book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches in your carry-on baggage or on your person.

For safety reasons, you may not bring “strike anywhere” matches at all.

If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please refrain from bringing it to the airport.

Musical InstrumentsMusical Instruments
You may bring musical instruments as carry-on or as checked baggage, but first check with your airline prior to your flight to ensure your instrument meets the size requirements for their aircraft. Security officers must x-ray or physically screen your instrument before it can be transported on an aircraft.

As for specific instruments, pack brass instruments in your checked baggage and stringed instruments as carry-on items, if they are within carrier size limitations.

If you have an instrument in your checked baggage, include short instructions (very clear and understandable to someone with no musical background) for handling and repacking your instrument. Make sure these instructions are easy to find on or near your instrument.

Per TSA Screening Policy, you may carry one musical instrument in addition to your one carry-on and one personal item through the screening checkpoint. Individual airlines may or may not allow the additional carry-on item on their aircraft, so check before you arrive at the airport.

Parachutes
You may bring skydiving rigs with and without Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) as carry-on or checked luggage. Typically, a rig will move through the checked luggage or carry-on security screening process without needing physical inspection. However, security officers have a duty to thoroughly inspect any item that raises suspicion. If security officers determine that they need to open a rig to inspect it, you must be present and will be allowed to assist. For this reason, skydivers should add at least 30 minutes to the airline’s recommended arrival window when they are traveling with their parachutes.

When checking the parachute in as luggage, pack the rig separately without any other items in the bag. Additional items, if suspicious, could trigger an inspection of the entire bag. Parachute owners may help security officers unpack and repack the rig.

Scuba Equipment
You may bring regulators, buoyancy compensators and masks, snorkels and fins as carry-on or checked baggage

Knives and spear guns are prohibited from carry-on luggage and should be packed in checked luggage. Sheath or securely wrap any sharp objects you pack in your checked luggage to prevent them from injuring baggage handlers and security officers.

Sporting Equipment
Certain sporting equipment cannot be brought on-board an aircraft, but they may be transported to your destination in your checked baggage. These items include baseball bats, cricket bats, hockey sticks, martial arts devices, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles and spear guns. Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security officers.

for more information please visit : http://www.travelsense.org

The healthier your body is, the easier it will be for you to adapt to the effects of jet lag. If you plan a few days ahead, however, even the most out-of-shape may be able to head off the misery of jet lag. Several days before you leave, try going to bed a little earlier or a little later (if you are flying east or west, respectively), and start a stretching regiment. Hydrate yourself and eat lightly the day you travel. The headache, light-headedness and nausea associated with jet lag should lessen significantly when such measures are taken.

COMMON TRAVEL AILMENTS
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is an unpleasant problem for many travelers; however, there are some over-the-counter and prescription medications available. If you wish to combat motion sickness on your own, try the following:

When traveling by car, try to sit in the front seat and, if you can, avoid reading as it only heightens the feeling of motion sickness.

When traveling by boat, sit as close to the middle of the vessel as possible and look straight ahead at the horizon, a fixed point that will not move. Today’s high-tech cruise ships are built for comfort, with stabilizers for smooth sailing, and most passengers experience little or no motion sickness.

When flying, try to sit near the wing of the plane, or the side where you are accustomed to driving. Ear plugs also may help.

Extremes: Heatstroke and Hypothermia
To avoid heatstroke, stay out of the sun for prolonged periods of time. By the same token, try to avoid unusually cold water to prevent hypothermia.

Dehydration
It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of a vacation and get dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you even more.

Allergies
People who suffer from allergies should take the same precautions on vacation as they do at home. Bring any medications used on a regular basis. It’s also a good idea to bring an antihistamine in case of accidental exposure to a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. It also may be helpful to pack your own pillowcase for use in hotels, and to request a non-smoking room.

Arthritis
The inflammation of the joints that occurs with arthritis may be especially troubling during long trips that restrict movement. Taking frequent breaks to walk around and relieve stiff joints and muscles can make car, plane and cruise trips more enjoyable. Remember to pack aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or any prescription medications you normally use for arthritis.

Diarrhea
There’s nothing more miserable than getting sick while on vacation. For most destinations, the major health risk to travelers is diarrhea, which may be easily avoided. In general, common sense prevails. When in doubt, steer clear of uncooked meat, raw fruits and vegetables and unpasteurized milk products, and drink only bottled water (although the tip of the bottle may be contaminated, so wipe it clean before drinking from it) or water that has been boiled for at least 20 minutes. If you begin to feel sick or develop a fever, rest and drink tea or purified water. Most cases of traveler’s diarrhea clear up within a few days.

Overactive Bladder and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If you suffer from an overactive bladder or irritable bowel syndrome, you may require frequent bathroom visits during long trips. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications are often helpful for the latter, and there are prescription medications available for people who may experience more severe symptoms. Avoiding stress, caffeine, and certain types of high-fat foods can help keep these conditions under control.

Animal and Insect Bites
If you are bitten by a wild animal, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many animal bites require a tetanus shot and, in certain cases, a rabies shot. If bitten by a snake, lie as still as possible so not to spread the venom that may be present; then send others to get help immediately.

Check your body for ticks. Remove any with tweezers and watch the area for rash over the course of the next few weeks. See your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, rash, cough or weight loss.

FIRST AID KIT
It’s a good idea to keep a first-aid kit handy for any emergencies that may arise during your trip. It should include:

• A first-aid manual
• Throat lozenges
• Bandages, gauze and tape
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Scissors
• Motion sickness medication
• Tweezers
• Water purification tablets
• Thermometer
• Antacid
• Antibiotic ointment

• Insect repellent
• Antiseptic
• Calamine lotion
• Antihistamine
• Cortisone cream
• Aspirin
• Sunscreen
• Cold and flu tablets
• Health and vaccination
• records

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
Work with your travel agent to get as much information as possible about the destination, especially if you will be traveling alone.

Hotels
Stay in hotels on well-traveled streets in safer areas of any city. The more expensive hotels usually have better security. Stay on lower level floors in case of fire or other need to evacuate quickly. Avoid the first floor, as it may not be safe from burglars. When returning to your hotel at night, use the main entrance. Be observant before entering parking lots.

Close and lock your hotel room door at all times. Check sliding glass doors, windows and connecting room doors. Acquaint yourself with the location of stairways, fire escapes, exits and alarms.

Do not answer your hotel room door without verifying who it is. If someone claims to be a hotel employee, call the front desk to verify. Never invite strangers into your room.

If you see suspicious activity or suspicious object, contact someone in authority immediately.

Transportation
Your travel agent can arrange for transfers from the airport or port, if necessary. Taxis or private car hires are recommended, as you are more insulated. Most airports, ports and train stations have areas clearly marked for taxis and car service pick-up. Do not enter any vehicle that does not have a proper license or does not pick you up from the designated area.

If you will be renting a car, get maps in advance and clearly write out the directions from the airport to your hotel. If you need to stop for directions, go to well-lit public areas. Keep the phone numbers of your destinations with you.

Lock your car doors while driving. Do not pick up strangers or stop for people you don’t know. Police cars will have blue and red lights; do not stop for cars flashing their high-beams.

Keep a low profile
Do not discuss your travel plans or itinerary publicly. Vary your schedule, if possible. Vary travel routes when possible.

Maintain a low profile. Dress down, if possible, and leave the expensive jewelry and watches at home. Do not display large amounts of cash or travelers checks. Look like a person of modest means. Do not leave your itinerary or other sensitive business information in your hotel room.

Blend in with the locals as best you can so you do not want to stand out. Cultural and racial differences may make this impossible, but you can still make yourself look like a person of modest means.

Be alert for surveillance, especially in high-risk countries. Kidnappers and extortionists identify their targets and then watch their potential victims to determine daily patterns.

Avoid disturbances and civil demonstrations, as they may become violent. Seek safe shelter away from the disturbance as quickly as possible.

Out and about
Keep your valuables, including passports, etc., in a money belt concealed under your clothes. Or, use the hotel safe to store valuables. Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times, but separate from where you are carrying your passport. In high-risk countries, it is a good idea to check in with the American Embassy and provide them with a copy of your passport in case you need to have it replaced. Pickpockets and thieves operate widely in many cities around the world, but especially near tourist attractions.

Whenever you use your credit card, keep an eye on it until it is returned to you. Always verify that it is your credit card before storing it again. Check credit cards when they are returned

If you are unfamiliar with the local language, carry a card or matchbook with the hotel’s name and address. You can show the card or matchbook to a cab driver or police officer if you get lost. Before leaving the United States, make up several pocket cards with key phrases in the local language. (i.e., “Which way is the airport?” and “Where are the restrooms?”)

Be careful when out on the town at night. Watch your drinks being poured and never accept a drink from a stranger. Get advice from your hotel concierge or other trusted source about reputable restaurants and other entertainment. Avoid being out on the streets late at night. Have your hotel arrange for car service or taxi service and know the addresses and directions before getting in the car.

BLAZING YOUR OWN TRAIL SAFELY
If you’re charting unknown territory, you’re going to want to take extra precautions to avoid putting yourself in harm’s way. Plan for the worst. Pack a survival kit that includes your first aid kit, a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof firestarter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, rain wear, high-energy food and water. Ask your doctor about necessary immunizations. Take a first aid course before you leave and learn the ABC’s of treating emergencies. Learn to recognize medical emergencies and respond to them immediately and appropriately, comforting the victim until help arrives. As common sense would dictate, avoid areas of natural hazards such as avalanche, rock fall, floods, and hazardous plants and animals, and check for potential hazards of terrain, sanitation (including infectious disease) and climate.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Finally, the best thing you can do for yourself to keep healthy and happy while on vacation is to purchase travel insurance. Neither Medicare nor Medicaid pays for care outside the United States, and most health insurance plans don’t, either. Travel insurance is advisable, especially since the odds are you or someone in your family will need to seek some type of medical assistance while away. Talk with your travel agent to help you decide what coverage you’ll need based on your type of travel (developing country, adventure safari, Disneyland, etc.). Be sure to examine different policies, make careful inquiries and always read the fine print. Two features are essential: a 24-hour, toll-free, English-language phone assistance and a plan that provides direct, immediate payment to the medical provider.

for more information please visit : http://www.travelsense.org

Summer is quickly approaching so before you load the kids into the car to escape town, there are few money-saving tips you might want to consider.

“Whether you are traveling internationally, by car or just for the weekend, costs are going up and it is important to save on the small things,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. “An ASTA travel agent is your best resource for finding ways to save while you travel this summer.”

When traveling internationally:

* Visit destinations where the U.S. dollars is closest in value to the local currency (currency in the Caribbean is tied to the U.S. dollar, for example)
* Look for all inclusive packages, such as resorts or cruises and pay upfront in U.S. dollars
* Ask your travel agent about locations that may be less costly as they are in their ‘off season’

Ways to save money on hotels:

* Ask your travel agent about upgrading your hotel reservation to a room with two king size beds instead of getting two hotel rooms when traveling in groups or with kids
* Ask your travel agent to find hotels where kids stay for free or cheaper when traveling with kids
* Ask your travel agent to find a hotel room with a kitchenette so you can take care of a few meals yourself instead of eating out for every meal
* Your travel agent can suggest properties that might offer complimentary breakfast or heavy hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon.

When traveling by car:

* Pack the car as light as possible – the more weight, the harder the car works and the more gas you use
* When renting a car for a large group of people, renting one SUV saves on gas mileage vs. renting two smaller cars
* Make sure tire pressure is accurate so that gas is spent efficiently
* Use only the grade level of gas that your car owners manual calls for, nothing more
* Use cruise control to run the engine efficiently and save on gas

Ways to save at home while you are away:

* Turn the air conditioning off or down
* Put your lights on timers
* Unplug large appliances like TV’s and computers
* Turn off automatic sprinklers

Other Tips:

* Buy travel insurance: it may cost more upfront, but has the potential to save you thousands
* Fly in and out of airports that may be farther outside of the city to get cheaper flights then take public transportation into the city
* If a family member has a business trip, consider adding your vacation onto the end of the trip so there is one less plane ticket to pay for
* Consider a volunteer vacation–the volunteer portion of your travel may be a tax write-off

for more information please visit : http://www.travelsense.org