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Neat Travel Accessories That Makes A Holiday And Vacation Easier

March 9, 2010 by  
Filed under Destinations

Whether travelers take air flights, luxury cruises, trains, buses, or travel by rental cars on holidays and vacations, many people are curious and want to know what’s new and cool in holiday and vacation travel accessories.

If you would like to know what travel accessories are available to make your trip easier, more comfortable, and safer, here are some great products. These items should be available at most luggage and travel accessories stores.

What are compression bags and how much space can they save you when you pack your luggage?

If you use space saving clear plastic compression bags when packing your clothes, you can save up to a whopping 80% more space in your luggage. They can be used over and over again for many years of very easy packing.

What is a non-slip security wallet?

One accessory you should consider buying is the non-slip security travel wallet. It is about the same size as a regular wallet but it has non-slip rubber on one side which will rub against and catch on the inside of your pocket if it accidentally slips out of your pocket, or if someone tries to pick your pocket. Always put your wallet in your front pocket. Under no circumstances should you ever carry your wallet in your back pocket. Professional thieves the world over call it “the sucker pocket”.

Here’s a neat trick! You can convert your wallet into a non-slip one by putting a few wide rubber bands around it. Another solution that will help with the pickpocket problem is a chain-equipped travel wallet which you can attach to your belt.

The secret waist wallet is a wallet that compliments the non-slip travel wallet. It fits nicely under your shirt or blouse, but is still easily accessible. It is not a good idea to lift your shirt or blouse up and open this wallet in public as you never know who is watching, like a would be pickpocket, or robber. It is best to open it discretely where no one can see you doing it, such as in a public washroom stall.

A leather money belt that has a concealed, zippered pocket on the inner side of it, is an excellent security travel product. You can hide paper money, small, foldable documents, or a key in the secure, zippered pocket.

Elastic security socks have a concealed, zippered type pocket on the inside of each one of a pair of these socks. These socks would be difficult for a pickpocket to access.

Another unique accessory is the RFID blocking passport holder. This radio frequency identification holder protects your passport, and other important documents that could be compromised by data-stealing hackers.

Combination and key accessible combo luggage locks make it possible for custom’s officials to unlock your checked luggage for inspection with special skeleton keys, then lock your luggage up again. You then can dial the combination and you can open your luggage. This can save you a lot of time and money replacing regular locks that custom’s agents had to break to gain entry to inspect your luggage. Another great plus with these combo locks is that you don’t have any keys to worry about losing or replacing.

You can carry a battery-operated, personal security alarm that emits a loud, shrill sound that can help scare off a mugger or robber. Another product that is less costly and will produce the same effect is a referee’s sports whistle, which you can hide under your shirt or blouse, attached to a string, and hung around your neck.

Battery-operated hotel room intruder alarms are great hotel room safety devices. One type of alarm hangs on the room’s door knob. Any movement of the door knob or door will set the alarm off. Another one is the doorstop type which you push under the door’s bottom edge. If someone tries to open the hotel room door, the alarm will be triggered.

Women travelers can buy an innovative security purse that has a steel cable sewn in the strap. This will foil a thief who makes an attempt to cut through the strap and run away with their purse.

Easy to carry, easy to inflate, the pocket pillow is approximately 6″ x 4″ x 1″ and inflates to about 19″ x 15″. It can make a comfortable pillow to rest your head upon when you are tired or want to sleep.

Always protect your eyes from the tropical sun when traveling by wearing sunglasses that carry both a UVA as well as a UVB certified protection label.

A neat little book light that clamps on to the edge of your book will enable you to conveniently read in dim light or in total darkness. It also allows you to read in the dark and not disturb your sleeping travel companion.

If you prefer wearing backpack you should check out a steel-mesh equipped backpack. These backpacks have steel mesh sewn into the sides and bottom, the most vulnerable places where a thief can slash it with a knife. When this happens, everything tumbles out, and the thief and his cohorts will grab anything of valuable and run in different directions.

Keep in mind that you will probably have to use adaptor plugs and converters if you are traveling to certain countries.

One of the largest travel accessory stores, Magellan’s, has an award-winning catalogue that has everything for travelers from connector and adaptor plugs to secret security wallets. You can order their complete line of products catalogue online, at Magellans.com

Tilley Endurables, a legendary manufacturer of sun-protective travel clothing and accessories,created the world-famous Tilley Hat. They specialize in making stylish, comfortable, and practical outdoor hats and travel clothing. Most fabrics they use in manufacturing their hats and clothing carry a certified UPF 50 rated label, which is the highest rating for sun protection available. You can get their sun-protective clothing and accessories catalogue by going to their website, at Tilleys.com.

To quickly grab cheap flights and luxury cruises at really great discounts, whenever you want to enjoy a fabulous vacation experience, visit Travel Tips Guide for more information.

Can Holiday Or Vacation Air Flights Cause DVT Health Problems?

December 1, 2009 by  
Filed under Flights

People who take flights when they travel on their holidays and vacations can be at risk of developing a severe medical problem. It is called deep vein thrombosis which can be life threatening. The following information will cover travel tips on how to prevent this problem from turning into a severe medical condition when you travel on airline flights.

Commercial air flights tend to cause airline passengers’ blood to get thicker and slow down which can increase the possibility of blood clots, particularly in the lower extremities. And, the longer the flight, the greater the risk. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is caused by a blood clot forming in one of the legs. This is a medical emergency. If this dangerous clot breaks away, it may move to the lungs which then could be fatal.

A common misconception is that younger, stronger, and physically fit athletes are less likely to develop deep vein thrombosis. Recent research shows that many people with a slower at rest blood flow, such as athletes, are in reality more at risk than the general population. People that have a history of swollen legs can also be at risk. Other people who are at risk are those that have, or have had, a serious health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Women that are pregnant, or on birth control pills or on hormone replacement therapy, tend to be more prone to deep vein thrombosis. Obesity may also be a factor.

There are two sets of symptoms relating to deep vein thrombosis that you must be aware of. The first set of milder symptoms may start during your flight or in the following couple of days. These symptoms are swelling, redness, tenderness, or cramps in one of your lower legs. There also can be some swelling or bruising behind one of your knees. The more severe second set of symptoms usually appear two or more days after the blood clot has formed. They are shortness of breath, rapid or painful breathing, fainting, a fever, chest pain which may be accompanied by pain in a shoulder, and coughing up blood.

What can contribute to these serious symptoms?

Deep vein thrombosis can occur in your lower legs anytime you are sitting in one position for a long time without moving your legs and feet. Some research shows that you are at three times the risk of developing this very serious medical condition when you fly. Driving, traveling by bus or train, or even sitting in your favorite easy chair at home can also cause it.

How can you, as an airline passenger, lessen or prevent this life-threatening condition from happening?

You can help prevent deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, from developing by increasing circulation in your legs. If you are predisposed to any of the above risks you may want to book an aisle seat to give you more room to move and allow you to get up and walk around anytime without disturbing the other passengers.

A number of experts suggest that when flying you should wear loose clothing and avoid wearing tight fitting slacks and elastic support socks or stockings; moving and exercising your legs frequently when sitting; changing your sitting position often; not sitting with your legs crossed; walking up and down the aisle every half-hour or so, and drinking a sports drink like Gatorade so you don’t become dehydrated.

It’s very common for deep vein thrombosis to be misdiagnosed which could then be fatal. If you develop any of the above symptoms you must seek medical help as soon as possible. Inform the physician who is treating you that you have recently flown and you think that it may be a blood clot. If the doctor doesn’t believe it is deep vein thrombosis, ask him to order an ultrasound of your leg to be sure. If you are experiencing chest problems insist that a simple and painless blood oxygen measurement on your finger be done. It only takes a couple of minutes and will help to prevent a serious misdiagnosis of your condition.

AirHealth is an excellent, non-profit organization that is dedicated to your health when you travel on commercial airline flights. There’s a lot of valuable up to date information and research on their website concerning deep vein thrombosis that could save your life. They also have a free wallet-sized flyer that you can print off and take with you when you fly. The flyer is available in English, French, and Spanish.

To quickly latch on to cheap flights and luxury cruises at really great discounts, whenever you want to enjoy a

Luxury Cruises – Travel In A Hotel To Exciting Ports Of Call

March 16, 2009 by  
Filed under Hotels

A luxury cruise holiday can truly enrich your life. Not only will you be vacationing with like-minded people who love to cruise, you will develop great friendships among your cruising companions.

When you cruise you can sail to intriguing ports of call anywhere that cruise ships travel. Not only are there the huge cruise liners which everyone is familiar with, there are a number of different types and sizes of ships. The medium, and particularly the smaller size cruise ships can negotiate further up the inland waterways to famous cities and historic landmarks where larger ships could never go.

The larger cruise ships usually have one or two organized shore excursions at each port of call. If there are two sightseeing excursion events scheduled the same day, one may take place early in the morning and the second one in the afternoon. Most morning shore excursions normally get back to the ship in time for the people to feast on a fantastic lunch buffet.

It is possible that on a second excursion, you could arrive back at the cruise ship later on in the afternoon or early evening. You may possibly be a little late for dinner if you’ve opted for the first sitting.

It is also your prerogative to explore the city, town, or island attractions and landmarks on your own. Please remember that it is your responsibility to get back on time or your cruise ship could sail without you. However, if you choose to book a shore excursion with the cruise ship, they will not sail until everyone is back on board.

Take full advantage of the time you have in port by using it wisely. Some vacationers decide to disembark and go it alone by hiring a car and driver to take them to see and explore the sights. Usually taxi drivers charge by the carload and not per person so if you want to save some money you can split the cost with a few other fellow passengers. If you leave early in the morning you may be able to get back in time to enjoy the lunch buffet.

When you cruise you should bring a detailed guide book or books that cover each of the destinations you know that you will be visiting. Even if the weather is less than optimal for your shore excursion, always take your camera as the weather, if inclement, can improve very quickly.

Don’t judge the port by the dock and its surrounding area. Its usually a freighter loading and unloading area and the major warehouse and industrial district of a town and city. You may have to travel out of the port and into the city or town to really experience the unique tourist attractions, historical sites and the local culture.

What are the differences between a river cruise and a barge tour?

Although they have some similarities, there are differences between these two types of water sightseeing tours. Firstly, the ships that sail the rivers can handle approximately up to one hundred and eighty people, while barges usually can accommodate from five to twenty-five people. The second significant difference is that the river cruises can visit a number of countries and cities in a week, while barges traverse man-made canals from town to town and move at a much slower, leisurely pace, and can cover approximately only fifty miles in a week. Thirdly, river cruise ships have a restaurant, lounge, and entertainment, while the more intimate barges are essentially first-class, floating hotels, having a dining room and lounge as well as a sun deck. The most popular river cruises and barging tours are in Europe.

What are luxury cruise tour packages?

A cruise tour land package is similar to a cruise that stops for half-day or full day shore excursions but gives you the best of both a luxury cruise and a land holiday combined in one. The main differences between the two is the land part of your vacation includes transportation by train or motor coach travel to a quality hotel accommodation at your inland destination. You will be accompanied by an expert tour guide for the land segment of your itinerary. These combo packages are generally longer, lasting from approximately ten days to three weeks or even a month or more. On most cruise land tours you can decide to take the land part of your holiday either before or after your cruise.

Including Europe, you can book a cruise tour for Australia, South America, Asia and the United States. One of the most popular cruise tour destinations in the world is Alaska.

If you’d like to enjoy the best of both worlds – a fabulous dream cruise holiday and a land tour adventure – a luxury cruise tour is the utmost vacation experience.

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