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How to prepare for a crisis — disaster advice
While you can’t avoid natural disasters, or control all situations, you can be prepared. I was in Southern Thailand with my family when the Asian tsunami struck. We had a close call, but were not injured. This is what I’ve learned. Before you leave home: Leave your travel itinerary with your family, a friend and…
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Hotel security
When You Reserve Your Room Ask if they have security personnel 24/7. Reserve a room located between the second and seventh floors – within reach of a fire department ladder. Request a room that is not near vending machines (noise and loitering), and far from elevators and stairwells. Ask if all rooms have sprinklers, for…
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Giving back
A rewarding aspect of travel is learning about organizations around the world that help the people and places we visit, and giving back to them to support their causes. Nepalese Youth Opportunity Foundation (NYOF) The Nepalese Youth Opportunity Foundation, founded by Olga Murray, is a nonprofit organization based in Sausalito, California that provides education, health…
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Travel tips from readers
What To Pack, from Delia, Alexandria, VA If you are wondering what to pack when travelling south of the border, a long cotton skirt and short sleeve shirts are perfect. When I travelled to Guatemala in 2003 I packed shorts and some sleeveless shirts not knowing this was not appropriate dress for women in this…
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Travel tips for everyone
Leave Your Itinerary with someone back home. Whether you’re single or have a million relatives, leave your travel itinerary with a colleague, friend or loved one. Carry extra copies with you in case you lose it. It’s also a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport, photo I.D. and emergency contacts. Protect Yourself I…
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Family travel tips
Ask these questions when booking a room: Do kids stay free? Is breakfast free? Does the hotel offer a discount for adjoining rooms? Does the hotel have cribs and roll-away beds? Do they charge to rent them? Are there any supervised programs for kids? How much do they cost? Do you have to make a…
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Keeping women business travelers safe
Women now constitute almost 50 percent of all the business travel in the United States, and spend $175 billion on 14 million trips annually. Women also have safety concerns that men don’t. Here’s a collection of safety tips. Place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door to discourage anyone from entering your room while…
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How to survive overnight flights
What is “economy class syndrome?” I thought it referred to dark circles under the eyes, cramped legs and sore necks that are part of the joy of long haul flights. Recently I learned that “economy class syndrome” is a more serious condition, described as “deep-vein thrombosis or the formation of a blood clot, usually in…
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Safety tips
A key to safe travel is to make smart choices and use your common sense, especially when traveling alone. Don’t be paranoid, but be aware that bad things do happen, and protect yourself. An important safety tip is to trust your instincts. They are well-honed from living in the USA. If you feel something is…
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Pack like a pro
Start packing at least a week before your departure. If you’re going on an adventure or overseas trip, begin several weeks in advance. Plan, plan, plan. Make lists of what you will wear each day and what tops go with different skirts or slacks. Pick a color theme. Black, navy or khaki are the best…
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Video: high speed packing tips
This high-speed demonstration shows how to fit everything you need for your trip into your luggage. Visit https://www.PackingMadeEasy.com for more packing tips, packing lists, advice, information, and videos from Marybeth Bond, the Gutsy Traveler! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKPTAd-l-kU