Tips On Staying Healthy While Traveling

Because of the increased news coverage about viruses such as the H1N1 virus, more people are realizing that they have to take health precautions when traveling. It seems as though everywhere we go there is a risk of picking up some ‘bug’ that can make us sick, with some ‘bugs’ that can make us gravely ill. Fortunately, there are a number of easy to implement measures one can take to stay healthy while traveling.

1. To avoid such illnesses as travelers’ diarrhea, food poisoning, and illnesses caused from contaminated water, one should take a number of precautions such as only drinking bottled water. Make sure you eat food that is well cooked and has been thoroughly washed and peeled. Be wary of unsanitary restaurants. Look for well known restaurants in traveler guide books. Only eat freshly prepared foods and avoid raw vegetables and fruits. You should also stay away from raw seafood. As well, you should not drink beverages that contain ice cubes. It is important to eat healthy and stay hydrated. A package of berries or nuts is healthier than eating sugary and fatty snacks.

2. Keep such health items as hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, and Kleenex on hand. Use hand sanitizers frequently and do not touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Rubbing a bit of antibiotic ointment in your nasal passages will stop airborne germs from entering the body. As well, anti bacterial wipes are handy disinfectants. You can use them to wipe down doorknobs, toilet seats, and anything else that can contain germs

3. You should travel with a medical kit. This can include band aids, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, Tylenol, medicine for diarrhea and an upset stomach, and Vitamin C. A week or two before your trip, you should boost your immune system by exercising, eating healthy and taking vitamin C.

4. When you are traveling by plane, and are concerned about catching a virus, you can wear a surgical mask. You can also carry a small water bottle to spray your face to stay rehydrated during the flight. You should also make sure to wipe down seats, arm rests, and head rests with a disinfectant wipe. Avoid using airline blankets and pillows as they can carry germs. When using flight bathrooms, use tissues to turn doorknobs and faucets as well as flushing toilets to avoid E.coli infection.

5. When using the air vent, direct air flow to your chest so air is not blowing into your face. Try not to sit next to someone who has a cold. Keep all of your belongings in your carry on bag and store it in the overhead unit. As well, try to fly on days when there are less passengers flying. On long trips, make sure you get up every hour and stretch your legs to prevent blood clots.

Just because there a number of illnesses out there, it does not mean you have to stop traveling. By taking the proper health precautions, you can drastically improve your chances of having a great vacation with becoming afflicted with an illness.

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Can Holiday Or Vacation Air Flights Cause DVT Health Problems?

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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10 Top Scuba Diving Destinations – All In Malaysia

The abundance of marine life in the waters of Malaysia has made it one of the prime diving destinations in the world.

Take the Island of Borneo for instance, this popular scuba diving destination, alone, has more than ninety-three diving spots that most experienced divers long to explore. Terengganu is another notable scuba diving destination since Palau Kapas, Palau Redang, Lang Tehgah Island and Tenggol Island is located within this place.

Imagine being able to see all the colorful underwater creatures and being able to witness the magnificence of the unspoiled treasures of the sea. How great it must be to get the chance to swim amongst creatures you thought you can only find in television and colorful reference books. Malaysia has a very impressive collection of large schools of hammerhead sharks, barracudas, sea turtles, frogfish, pipefish and all the other different species of animals.

Taking all of that into consideration, going through the massive list of scuba diving destinations can be very complicated. It would be a good start to ask fellow divers about certain experiences they might have had as this will provide you with genuine reviews and it will not only save you money, it will also save you the time and effort involved with researching and scouting for the right destination to visit. To help narrow down some of the choices for you, here are ten noteworthy diving sites in Malaysia that you can consider visiting. Read on and explore:

It is open for both expert divers who have travelled to Malaysia to experience the richness of its aquatic population and also for those who wish to learn how to dive. Offering more than twenty dive spots for you to explore, Tioman Island is the destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Redang Kalong Resort that is located in Redang Island, Malaysia is ideal for both experienced divers and beginners who would wish to acquire some scuba diving lessons. It is popular for the very beautiful beaches that line the shore and is visited by most vacationers who long to have some peace and quiet, away from the busy city streets.

Tioman Island – the world renowned Tioman Island is a superb place to spend time scuba diving and snorkeling. The shores host a beautiful array of colorful marine life that just has to be seen

Palau Tengol, a rocky island off the coast of Terengganu, is one of the most beautiful islands off Peninsular Malaysia. It is home to a very colorful array of underwater creatures and immaculate coral formations. It offers a magnificent diving experience ranging from deep diving, wreck diving and drift diving.

Palau Kapas – located just off the coast from the town of Marang. Great for scuba diving learners and more experienced alike. Palau Kapas is famed for crystal clear waters and silver sand beaches.

Pulau Lang Tengah – great for scuba diving with its varying marine parks. The coral reefs here are vibrant with marine life.

Redang Kalong Resort is a marine park that is consisting of nine different islands located at the north eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This resort is an ideal location for experienced divers, as well as for those who want to learn, because the resort offers scuba lessons.

Sipadan – on the north east coast of Borneo is the island of Sipadan, known not only for its tales of pirates but also for its wonderful offerings to the avid scuba diver. Crystal clear blue waters for most of the year make it one of the best diving areas in the world too!

Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia. It is at the northeastern part of Borneo and is known for the very wide collection of sea turtles.

Lankayan Island – situated off the north east coast of Sabah, towards the Philippines and in the Sulu Sea is Lankayan Island. This island offers 40 different diving sites alone so it’s a great spot for any keen diver.

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The Cayman Islands of the Western Caribbean

South of Cuba in the heat of the western Caribbean, the three Cayman Islands are the visible summits of the Cayman Ridge, an underwater mountain range which drops suddenly into the 7,100 m (22,000 ft) Cayman Trench, separating them from Jamaica.

Grand Cayman is by far the largest. The Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are mostly a wilderness of fruit trees, orchids and cacti where tranquility and an authentic West Indian culture are the main attractions. Just 145 km (90 ml) to the southwest, Grand Cayman at first resembles nothing so much as a transplanted American urban nightmare.

The capital, George Town, and Seven Mile Beach, its renowned local playground, are full of condos, resorts, satellite dishes and mini-malls. The streets teem with bankers and the faceless suits of the institutions that have made it the world’s fifth largest financial centre.

Five days a week, cruise liners decant up to 22,000 tourists, joining the millions each year whose holidays have given the Cayman Islands the eighth highest GDP per capita in the world.

George Town is so busy, loud, and determinedly up for it, you feel the privateers and pirates of former times have merely put on modern dress in their eagerness to empty your wallet.

In the small towns and villages outside George Town, the atmosphere changes immediately. Grand Cayman’s true self is African-European, deeply Christian, conservative and church-going (there are lots of churches).

The locals are openly friendly and well-mannered, laughing and hospitable. Isolated by the central mangrove wetlands -3,440 hectares (8,500 acres) of lush forests, emerald green parrots and bright orange frogfish, the mainspring of the complex ecology that maintains both the turtle grass and shrimp mounds of North Sound Marine Reserve, Rum Point typifies Grand Cayman at its best.

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Airport Security – What Travelers Need to Know

Since the tragic events of 9/11, Airports have taken great strides to ensure the safety of their measures. Many new security measures have been implemented that travelers should be aware of before going to the airport.

The following is a list of important security essentials that travelers should know when they go to the airport:

1. Because of the security measures that have been implemented, one may expect longer security check lines so checking in for the flight may take longer than in the past. Airports recommend that you arrive at the airport about two hours before your scheduled flight.

2. The first checkpoint is registering for your plane seat. You will have to show your boarding pass and a form of identification such as a drivers license or a government issued identification card.

3. When you arrive at the security check point, you will be required to put your carry-on bag through the scanner. There will be a bin for placing your coat that will be scanned before you walk through the metal detector. Before going through the metal detector, you will have to remove any items you are wearing and put them in a bin for scanning. Some airports now have — shoe sniff — devices that analyze your shoes for the presence of explosive materials. If the scanner picks up something unusual, you and your bag will be searched. The security agent may pass a wand with a removable filter that will test for explosive residue.

4. X-ray body imaging machines at airports, called backscatter devices, are being installed in up to 30 airports. The machines are intended to replace the physical pat-down some passengers receive.

5. In August, 2006, rules were implemented to allow passengers on US and European flights to carry only 3 ounces/100 ml of liquids or gels through airport security in a clear Ziploc type plastic bag. Beverages purchased in the airport after clearing security are allowed. You are permitted to bring more than 100ml of baby formula, baby food, milk, or juice prescription and essential non-prescription medicines. You must declare these items at the security check desk.

6. Items that are considered weapons are banned such as knives, tools, pepper spray, and scissors. As well, loose batteries are not allowed on the flight. Lithium ion batteries in cell phones and laptops are allowed. You may not pack loose lithium batteries in your checked baggage, but spare lithium batteries are permitted in carry-on baggage. It is important to check with the airport if you have a concern about what items you are bringing.

7. Other security areas being enhanced include random screening of employees, stronger air cargo security measures, additional canine patrols, more thorough identity verification, deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal, and improved screening by observation techniques.

Many travelers do not think they have to worry about security checks, however, if you are caught with a banned item, you could be fined and even prosecuted. The last thing you want to happen is to be prevented from boarding your flight, or even worse, end up on the no fly list.

Miami Car Rentals – Make Your Trip To Florida Unique

Are you going to Miami? That’s a great choice. Miami is a really gorgeous place – filled with beautiful scenery, amazing buildings, and the people are so friendly! But of course, you would need to get around, and what better way than by car? You can make full use of the Miami car rentals, they are the greatest way to explore Miami and see for yourself the vivacity of the place. In this article, we tell you all about Miami car rentals.

There are loads of agencies in Miami, who will let you rent their cars, either with driver, or without driver (that would mean you would be driving yourself). A simple search on the Internet would give you many results on Miami car rentals, or alternatively, you could pick up a phone book when you land in Miami, and leaf through the options available. The great thing is you can also get loads of great offers, and many fabulous discounts. Whether it’s an SUV you want, or a Mini-Van, or even a luxury or exotic car – they are all there at your disposal. In fact, there are some agencies which give you luxury and specialty cars with 100 free miles per day.

Miami car rentals offer you a spectacular selection of cars, each at tempting prices. If you need airport pickup and drop, you can get that. To get hold of a car, simply make your reservation online, or just place a call to the agency you have selected – pick the car that you would like, and make sure you get a good deal for it. An international driver’s license can be used for Miami car rentals, but insurance is required. You need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car, but the age factor tends to vary – some agencies ask for a minimum of 25 years of age.

Miami car rentals offers many other advantages – like pickup and dropping of customers, and even pickup and delivery of the vehicle provided. Payment can be made by credit or debit card, by cash or check, or even traveler’s checks. But a certain amount of deposit would be required while the car is with you – of course, you would get this back when the car is returned. The amount of deposit would depend on which agency you have chosen, and what kind of car you have picked.

You can choose from cars of all colors, shapes, and sizes, in Miami car rentals. Whether it’s compact you want, full size or mid size, convertibles, SUVs, or vans – you shall get them, you can even get exotic cars if you want. Both stick shift and automatic are available with Miami car rentals, though the majority of cars work on automatic, so ask for a stick shift in advance. Enjoy the air-conditioning of these cars, which are rented by the hour. You could also rent a car for as low as $80!

With Miami car rentals, you don’t just get a car – you get lots of accessories that are sure to take your breath away – a baby seat, a GPS system, and even cell phones! But you would be charged extra for these. If you need an extra driver, you need to pay extra for that as well. Other costs you must consider are smoking charges and fuel charges.

Miami car rentals usually do not allow you to drive their cars out of state. However, some agencies do offer exceptions to this rule, you should find out about this. The wonderful thing is you can also make good use of all sorts of discounts and offers. For example, some agencies say that if you rent their car for a minimum of one month, you would get an amazing discount.

So go for Miami car rentals, choose whatever you want – Audi, VW Beetle, Jeep Wrangler, Range Rover, Mustang, Porsche, Cadillac, Navigator, etc – whichever captures your fancy. Take a fabulous car and see the fabulous sights of Miami!

Europe Bicycle Tours

Package Tours to Europe-An All-Inclusive Trip

We’ve all heard about Europe and many have probably dreamed of one day going there on vacation. Once you’ve finally decided to go to Europe for vacation, it’s a big decision on where you want to and what to do. If you’re in this predicament, you may want to consider a package tour to Europe. The advantage of a package tour is that your entire trip is planned without the stress of you having to do the planning and deciding.

What is a Package Tour of Europe?

If you want a fun-filled informative vacation but don’t want to plan it, then a package tour is the answer. You can get just a basic tour or a more extensive tour. Even the basic package tour will include your hotel, transportation plus a daily schedule of things to do. Some of the tours will take you to the best restaurant in town for dinner. If you sign up for an escorted tour, they’ll provide guides to help you get around the city. This is especially helpful if you are traveling to a city where you don’t speak the language. Some of the tours include activities that you can choose or not choose to participate in. Many people enjoy going on bicycle tours or horseback riding or other outdoor activities.

Sometimes package tours of Europe are in just one city where others called “discovery tours” will allow you to see several different cities in several days. If there are certain things that particularly interest you such as wine tasting, cooking or art, they sometimes schedule these specialty tours just for that.

Why Would You Book a Package Tour to Europe?

Although many people prefer the independence of traveling on their own, booking a package tour to Europe may have its many advantages. One advantage is not having to do the planning. For many people, planning is the worst part, especially if you’re traveling a long distance to a country that you are unfamiliar with such as Europe. Many times, a package tour is cheaper than if you traveled on your own. Some of the popular tourist sites offer discounts to the tour companies and those savings go to you as well. The travel guides that are part of the tours are usually residents of the area so they’re very informed about the area.

Non-Traditional Package Tours of Europe

Non-traditional package tours of Europe are like specialty tours that will take you to specific places of interest to the individuals like wineries, cooking tours, food-tasting restaurants and tours like this. Other specialty tours may be golfing, boating, hiking, or bicycling. If you’re interested in checking out reliable tour companies, you can get tour reviews and ratings online. They’ll give package tours reviews, specialty tours reviews and even bicycle tours reviews.

The Best of Portugal – Inns and Hotels

Once rulers of the spice trade, the seaside nation of Portugal has a rich and varied history. Travelers to this idyllic spot will find castles, vast fortresses, cathedrals and plenty of sunshine and warm weather.

Lisbon, Portugal’s largest and capital city, is a perfect spot to begin a tour of this European country. A mix of architecture, from ancient Roman buildings to modern skyscrapers, Lisbon offers plenty of museums and historic sites, as well as trendy shops and cafes. After spending some time in the capitol, set your sights on another region for more explorations. Perhaps you’ll enjoy the Algarve region with its beautiful seascapes and picturesque villages or consider an inland tour of historic monuments and monasteries.

Karen Brown, the well-known author of dozens of informative travel guides, understands the need for a well-rounded plan when traveling. On her website, Karen Brown’s World of Travel, she has listed a comprehensive collection of regional itineraries that include maps, attractions and wonderful inns and hotels specific to Portugal. Her readers have rated the following inns and hotels as exceptional places to stay:

If it’s romance you seek, you will surely find plenty of it in Portugal. This is especially true at the Quinta das Sequoias in Sintra, which rests in the hills above Lisbon. The spectacular views and amazing grounds are just one reason why a visit here is magical. Guests can stroll amongst the 40 acres and enjoy gardens and sea views or take a relaxing swim in the hotel’s pool. With just a half-dozen rooms so there is plenty of privacy and peace. The rooms are richly furnished and all offer a pleasing view. Guests can take part in a photography workshop, hike or mountain bike, or even enjoy an astronomy lesson. The inn was named by Karen Brown readers as Portugal’s “Most Romantic” lodging choice.

Hospitality is the word best used to describe the lovely boutique inn, the Casa de Casal. This charming little inn was awarded the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Portugal’s “Warmest Welcome.” Views of the Douro River and rugged mountains are spectacular. This family-owned inn dates to the mid-17th century and is surrounded by vineyards. The guest rooms are lovely with French doors that open onto a charming terrace. Located just outside the small village of Pinhao, the Casa de Casal has been fully restored and boasts a swimming pool and en-suite baths.

The inn chosen as offering the “Greatest Value” in Portugal by Karen Brown readers is the charming Albergaria Vila Lido, snugly seated in the middle of craggy cliffs with immediate access to the cerulean blue sea. The guest rooms offer a stunning sea view or contain private patios with access to the gardens. Nearby, you will find very good restaurants, quaint shops and a casino as well as a golf course for the sports minded visitor. Breakfasts are luscious, served in an European atmosphere with carved ceilings, a fantastic fireplace and hand painted tiles.

For sheer luxury, the Palace Hotel do Bussaco should meet any requirements you might have. The recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Portugal’s best “Splendid Splurge,” this superior hotel offers ornate decorations and pristine service. The charming rooms are tastefully decorated with wonderful amenities. A stroll through the fabulous gardens is a “must” at the Bussaco Palace as well as dining in the hotel’s impressive restaurant. Awe inspiring paintings and stuccoes decorate many of the walls, adding greatly to the Portuguese ambiance and experience.

Taking Advantage of Last Minute Trips

You may have procrastinated and decided to wait until the very end to get a travel deal for the holidays. Even with that you can still find great travel deals during this time. You just need to know where to look. You can either contact the airlines, travel agencies or search on the internet.

If you plan to travel during the holidays at the last minute, you may run into a snag if you choose dates that are considered peak periods. For major holidays, spring break and peak business hours, you may pay more because the demand may be higher.

If you dont want to travel during peak seasons, you can always travel during low season travel periods when you can save money. Keep in mind that when you do travel, make sure to include a Saturday night stay. You can get some of the best airfare rates when you include a Saturday night stay. Travel agencies will be able to help you find some of the best deals available for last minute travelers. Be sure to give them as much information as possible about your travel including the following:

Departure and return dates Destination Time you would like to leave and return How much you can afford to spend Whether or not you need a car rental Any special needs you may have

Its important that they have this information. This is the way that they will be able to accommodate you at the best rate possible. If you dont want to use a travel agent, you can always check the internet. Make sure that you have time enough to do so. You want to have time to look over the information and the options that are available. There are plenty of websites to choose from where you can get the best rates at the last minute. You can do this for air travel, riding the train and going on a cruise.

Also keep in mind that, You must be prepared for the unexpected. Even though you look to have a nice time during your trip, things can and will happen. You could get ill or the weather may play against you. You must have an alternate plan in the event this happens to you. A lot of people dont think about that. You should seriously consider getting travel insurance. Even though this insurance is nonrefundable, its better to pay money for it and have it than not to pay and then something should happen.

Find out what is covered with travel insurance. You need to read all of the information and know what you are buying. You must be proactive in all aspects of your travel, including this.

Always Know The Items You Shouldn’t Take to Planes

Whether you like it or not, there are many things you shouldn’t (can’t) bring on board an airplane. Some are due to the TSA, some are because of airline restrictions but in either case, no is no. Here are a whole bunch of things you shouldn’t bring.

Don’t bring anything like bats or golf clubs on board. The airlines don’t want you to get mad and be in danger of others and I can’t blame them. Also, something like golf clubs don’t fit in the overheads anyway and it might snap.

Explosives are not allowed. I think there’s no more explanation needed for this.

Actually, anything sharp is not allowed. Blades, cutlery for cooking, razors, scissors are all not allowed. They are just really afraid of mad people I guess. I wonder why it’s different than people riding a bus or train.

Anything flammable is not good either. Basically, if you see that skull with two bones that forms a cross at the bottom, just keep them away from anything flight related.

Really strong magnets are also not allowed so there might be a reason why they don’t let you bring those huge speakers on board the plane.

If you have ammunition, you must declare it before bringing it on board. It also needs to be securely packed in wood, metal or a fiber box. For more information, you better check with your airline (but don’t care the operator when you ask them about guns)

Any tools that’s longer than seven inches needs to be checked. Drills, drill bits etc are also better checked than not (whatever the size). If you are a contractor and have lots of screwdrivers, pilers, they may be carried on board but do you really want to carry all that around? Just put them in your luggage.

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