Neat Travel Accessories That Makes A Holiday And Vacation Easier
March 9, 2010 by Dorothy Yamich
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.
Finding Flights to Pattaya
February 27, 2010 by Tom Martens
Filed under Flights
Each year Pattaya receives more than five million visitors. It became a well-liked place for vacation and has continued to stand as such. You can get on Bangkok Airlines and get connected from the UK to Pattaya’s U-Tapao Airport via Phuket. Or you better just trip to Bangkok, from there you get many options to fly into Phucket, which is only 150 kms away from Pattaya, so it is much easier if you arrive to it by road.
You can decide to fly in, U-Tapao, which is primarily a military facility. It is the closest airport handling commercial passenger flights but only to a handful of destinations. The direct door-to-door minibus is the quickest transportation option to get you from U-Tapao to Pattaya, about 30 minutes.
In the last few years, Pattaya has tried to draw families of visitors with a new image. The beer bars and go-go joints have been de-emphasized, and now families from Thailand and from all over Asia visit Pattaya in large numbers. The beaches nearby are excellent, and many kinds of entertainment can be found, ranging from shooting to golf to bungee jumping.
Getting around Pattaya offers its own options. The songthaew, public passenger pick-up vehicles, also called Baht Busses, are available throughout Pattaya. You may also choose the local bus, motorbike taxi, or meter taxi. If you wish to brave the erratic (by Western standards) traffic, you can hire a car, motorbike or scooter.
Pattaya sees the most visitors around Christmas and New Year’s, when visitors want to go somewhere sunny and warm. Several of Pattaya’s beaches are very popular, such as Pattaya Beach near the city center. Pattaya Beach has many stores, hotels, and nightspots nearby. Many jetskis, powerboats, and deckchairs are available for rent in the area.
There is a popular place for families just south of the city called Jomtein Beach. If you don’t wish to go to the beach, there is an entertainment complex at Pattaya Park, which features a water park, monorail, roller coaster, and activities for the children.
Both offer the primary scuba diving destinations for Pattaya.Is accessible by speedboat or ferry The Near Islands are close to Pattaya’s northern shores and the Far Islands lie directly to the west,Ko Lan, or Coral Island.Islands surrounding Pattaya also offer great beaches.
The North Pattaya Fishing Park provides rod and bait, serves refreshments and has live music after dark.Fishing is a popular diversion. Deep sea fishing excursions often include breakfast, lunch and a stop at one of the island beaches for swimming.
Another island specialty is golf. More than 20 courses are within an hour’s drive from Pattaya, and many are designed by golf’s most famous names. Laem Chabang International Country Club is ranked as one of Thailand’s top three courses and is considered the finest in this area.
Underwater World aquarium offers visitors an up-close chance to view the marine life in the Gulf of Thailand. The acrylic pedestrian tunnel gives a’0 degree view of rare angel fish, sharks, stingrays and turtles.
The elephant village in Pattaya has hour long shows each day, which show methods of catching, working with, and playing with elephants.
Tom Martens is the content coordinator for bestukflights.co.uk the UK’s premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on Travel to Thailand and Fights to Pattaya
Mango Airlines
February 8, 2010 by Tom Martens
Filed under Flights
Mango is South Africa’s newest low cost airline, getting its start in October 2006. It faces hefty competition from more established low-fare airlines, 1time and Kulula Air.
Mango is owned by South African Airways, and this is sometimes a point of contention among air travelers and competing airlines. Tired of losing market share to the other low cost carriers, SAA launched Mango offering starting prices for seats that were almost half that of its competition, sparking problems on two fronts.
According to Mango’s reports, 15,000 booking requests were made in the first 10 minutes after the website went live.First, its website, its major base of operations, crashed as eager would-be customers overwhelmed the site to take advantage of the cut rate price.
The airline was criticised by other airlines for overcharging because it was a goverment-funded subsidiary of SAA and was funded by taxpayers. Mango didn’t need to charge so much since they were subsidized, so it was believed their business policy was not fair.
In spite of its less-than-stellar beginning, Mango is already reporting healthy profits.
Current routes include: Johannesburg to Cape Town, Cape Town to Johannesburg, Cape Town to Durban, Durban to Cape Town, Bloemfontein to Cape Town, and Cape Town to Bloemfontein
Available only via its website, vouchers are not acceptable for this special.Mango offers some attractive fares called cool-off flights in which passengers pay only R175 (one-way, all inclusive) to fly to Durban or Johannesburg.
The mango fleet is very safe as it is made up of Boeing B737-800. It can carry’6 guests in leather seats and the seats are arranged in two rows of three seats on either side. Travelers are informed about their seating arrangements after they check in and they can also choose the in-flight food service.
Between the age of 7 days and two years, a child may ride in the lap of the adult who flies with him. Should a child turn two before the return flight, however, a separate tickey must be bought for him.
Mango also offers accommodations for handicapped or impaired travelers, providing access for several types of wheelchairs. These passengers and those with small children will not be asked to sit in emergency exit rows.
Pets are not allowed in the cabins on Mango’s flights. The ability to transport your pet in the pressurized cargo hold is subject to availability.
For added flexibility for this group, Mango Plus tickets provide access to a business class lounge, 10 kg extra luggage and vouchers for meals. Customers may choose to pay for tickets by credit card, by Edgars account (adds approximately R40), cash, voucher, or POLi – internet banking and debit cards.Mango offers Mango Flex tickets which allow ticket holders to change the date, time and destinations of their tickets. These features apply to travel during the week, not weekend flights. Business travelers are the main participants in this program.
Mango has partnered with several other companies to offer additional discounts and conveniences. Tempest SIXT, a low-cost car hire company, offers deeper discounts for Mango customers. A partnership with Edcon gives Mango customers the option to use store credit cards to pay for their tickets. And Vodacom credit card holders can save up to 25 percent when they purchase Mango tickets on their Voadacom card.
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for South Arica’s leading Flight comparison portal, which includes Mango Airlines amongst others.
Flying While Pregnant – Tips To Ensure Your Safety
January 22, 2010 by Adriana Noton
Filed under Flights
As long as expectant mothers do not have any complications with their pregnancy and they are not flying when the due date is close, air travel while pregnant is normally very safe. It is safest for a pregnant woman to travel by air during the second trimester which is weeks 18 to 27. If an expectant mother is more than 36 weeks pregnant, most airlines will prohibit her from flying because of the increased risk of delivering during the flight. Although it is safe for pregnant mothers to fly, they have to be aware of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and developing blood clots, particularly during long flights.
The following tips will help ensure a safe flight when pregnant:
1. During a flight, a pregnant woman should keep a number of items nearby. Do not drink beverages containing caffeine and alcohol, but drink plenty of water. Keep your nutrition levels at their optimum levels by bringing fresh fruit which is full of vitamins such as plums, grapes, dried apricots or oranges. To avoid catching a cold or flu, wear a face mask. Bring ear plugs and an eye mask.
2. To make the flight as comfortable as possible, wear loose fitting and comfy clothing. Often a pregnant woman’s feet will swell. To make it more comfortable during the flight, wear a support hose and shoes with modifiable straps. To decrease blood clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) try to get up from your seat and walk up and down the aisle every hour or so. Get plenty of rest during the flight. Book a seat that allows for the most leg movement. Many airline websites have information about the varying legroom on each of their seats, or check a legroom guide to learn about the different sizes reported by each airline. A bulkhead seat and an aisle seat are a comfortable choice because there is more room to move.
3. Most medical experts recommend that a pregnant woman should not fly before 12 weeks because of the risk of a miscarriage and morning sickness. After 28 weeks, most airlines will need a letter from the expectant mother’s doctor saying she is healthy enough to fly as well as verifying the estimated due date. Because each airline has its own guidelines for flying while pregnant, when a pregnant woman books a flight, she should inform the airline that she is expecting. If booking a flight online, make sure that you check the airline’s website regarding their rules about flying when pregnant. A woman can also telephone the airline about her pregnancy ahead of time.
4. When you make your flight preparations, it is important not to be shy about giving the airlines all of your information and asking them important questions. You can also ask the airline for comfortable seating. It is important to be aware that many insurers will not insure a pregnant woman who flies because it is considered a higher risk so it is important to check with your insurance provider about their policy coverage. You can always purchase air travel insurance.
When flying while pregnant, it is important to get as much rest as possible. Flying during a pregnancy is a time when it is really worth spending a few extra dollars. Some airlines will charge a few extra dollars for seating that has a bit more room. Being pregnant does not have to make your flight uncomfortable. By consulting with your doctor, making the right flight preparations, and asking the essential questions, you will greatly increase your chances of having a restful and relaxing flight.
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Can Holiday Or Vacation Air Flights Cause DVT Health Problems?
December 1, 2009 by Dorothy Yamich
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.
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