‘“Travel” is the change in location of people on a trip, or the process of time involved in a person or object moving from one location to another.’
There are many reasons behind travel. Few reasons might be:
- Tourism—travel for recreation.
- Visiting friends and family
- Trade
- Commuting
For many of us is travelling a hobby. People want to see new places, interesting people, the most beautiful buildings in the world. Many people like visiting castles, chateaux, palaces, fortresses, ruins, rotundas, churches, cathedrals, temples. We can eat unusual food, we can see many different culture of life. We can meet new people or friends. But some people travel on bussines, political or culture reasons. Somepeople travel only for recreation, fun and adventure. People travel usually during holiday.
So for with your next travel planning, you need to keep your home and your travel ’safe’. These tips would help you in this regard.
Secure Your Home
Safe travel begins before you depart. Take these steps to protect your home while you are away.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted friend or relative.
Arrange for a house sitter and pet care.
Notify your home security company of the dates you will be gone.
Advise a neighbor that your home will be unoccupied.
Arrange to have your newspaper and mail stopped or picked up by a trusted neighbor if no one is staying in your home.
Set a timer for outside and inside lights or arrange to have a trusted neighbor turn them on and off.
Put valuables in a safe deposit box.
Back up your computer files.
Notify the local police department.
Do not tell others you will be gone if they do not have a reason to know.
Planning Your Travel
You should do research and know the general facts about your destination before you travel.
Acquire the latest travel advisories for your destination from the U.S. Department of State, especially if traveling to a foreign location. Visit www.state.gov/travelandbusiness .
Understand the local laws for your destination. Know and understand each region’s or country’s culture and protocol.
Confirm flights or other transportation schedules 72 hours before departure.
Carry important phone numbers with you.
Know the location and phone numbers of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate so that you may advise them of your travel plans while in the country.
Determine if you will have cell phone service at your destination. Consider renting a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) cell phone for the trip. GSM will allow access into the local cellular system and give you a standard number for others to reach you.
Get an international calling card or find out your cell phone’s range. Gather emergency numbers for destinations and put the numbers on speed dial.
Understand the local currency and exchange rate.
Carry small bills for tipping, taxicabs and meals when you first arrive.
Check the weather forecast for your destination as well as the times for sunrise and sunset, so you know when to expect daylight and darkness. It is generally safer to travel during daylight hours.
Review your health care insurance policy before you go. If your Medicare supplement or other medical insurance does not provide protection while traveling outside the United States, consider buying coverage that does.
Obtain immunizations as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for your destinations. Visit www.cdc.gov .
If you plan to carry a laptop with sophisticated software or other highly technical information outside the United States, check with the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce to determine if an export license is required. Visit their Web site at www.bis.doc.gov/licensing/exportingbasics.htm .
Packing Tips
Pack lightly to avoid being hampered by large bags while traveling to your destination or if exiting a hotel room in an emergency.
Take a small flashlight with fresh batteries.
Check your medications to make sure you have enough for your trip. Make sure that any medical prescriptions are properly filled and clearly labeled. Carry them in their original prescription bottles, not a pill case or other plastic bottles. Check to see that the destination country permits the medications you are taking. For example, Japanese customs officials do not allow some prescription drugs into Japan, even when accompanied by customs declarations.
Take an extra pair of eye glasses, contacts and ample contact solution.
Do not pack expensive jewelry or electronic equipment.
Check local laws and transportation regulations regarding mace and pepper spray. If transporting them, put them in checked baggage. Do the same with pocketknives and any other objects that could be construed as a weapon.
Take along appropriate battery chargers and power converters/adapters for electronic equipment.
Use covered luggage tags, addressed with an office or relative’s address. Use ordinary luggage that does not denote affluence or femininity.
Give your bag an identifying mark, such as a colorful luggage strap, to avoid confusion over bags that may appear identical.
Tip
Expect the unexpected. Travel is an adventure.
Minimize problems by using travel agencies and tour guides.
Allow yourself plenty of time.
Take along needed medication.
Know who can help you when trouble strikes.
Do not pack everything in one bag; it may get lost or stolen.
Tips provided by: “USAA”(The USAA Educational Foundation)
