Water Quality In South America

 Travel Safety  No Responses »
Apr 042012
 

For those who have ever traveled to and visited South America, you will find that the water quality is far inferior to that in the US and North America in general. Due to the lack of free flowing systems, water sanitation systems and plants (especially in the lesser developed countries and areas in South America), the poor sanitation systems that are in place, and the lack of monies and resources to take care of these issues in many underdeveloped countries in South America, the quality of the water suffers in most regions.

Due to the fact that there is no continuous supply of constantly flowing water and sanitation plants, poor quality of service in the plants which do care for and treat the water, and the lack of regulation in many of the regions in South America (namely in underdeveloped countries, and areas where sanitation plants and funds are limited), the quality of the water is lacking as well. Due to this poor quality, and due to the fact that governmental regulation rarely (if ever) steps in to ensure things change, finding the best alternative resources, and choosing a replacement for the bottled water you drink in the underdeveloped and funded countries is something many individuals who live there, as well as travellers, consider when they visit the regions.

When seeking some of the best solutions to this poor quality of bottled water in South America, you will find that the products offered from SureAqua are going to ensure the great tasting water, pure and sanitised water, and the pure water which you are looking to drink when you are visiting certain regions and countries in this continent. The personal portable water filters which you can buy from the site are the ideal travel companion when you are visiting certain countries. Not only is the bottle reusable, but it is also chemical free, will ensure instant safe water sources to the drinker, it will remove any viruses from the water you are drinking, and it is going to remove the bacteria in the poor quality drinking water which is found in South America.

So, whether you are visiting on a vacation, living there for a period of time for work, or going down for any other purposes, for those who want to avoid the poor quality of drinking water, and the poor sanitation practices which are put forth in to the bottled water industry in South America, you are going to want to visit SureAqua, in order to find your reusable portable filtering system, to keep your body and system safe, and to remove any contaminants, chemicals, or harsh bacteria from your drinking water.

Due to the poor regulation and governmental control in this aspect in South America, making sure you find the best alternates to the poor quality and the dirty water you would be drinking in South America is something which can easily be done by those who purchase their reusable bottles from SureAqua prior to leaving on their trip.

 Posted by at 10:00 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

How to Keep Yourself Awake: Here Are 3 Easy Ways

 Travel Safety  No Responses »
Oct 162011
 

When a person is distracted while he is driving, he puts himself and others at risk. Distractions can come in many forms. Some drivers get distracted because they are too tired or sleepy, while others cannot focus on their driving because they are drunk. As you can see, a drowsy driver puts others in danger in the same way as an intoxicated driver does. So, if you are driving often, you have to know some tricks on how to keep yourself awake while you’re on the road.

There are many ways that will help you stay alert while you’re driving. One of the things that you can do is keep your body occupied. Simple activities, like eating fruits or chips, or listening to music, can keep your mind and body engaged in other things aside from driving. In addition, if you eat fruits while on the road, your body will acquire more glucose stores. Hence, you get more energy, which also means that you will feel less sleepy. Once you are on the road and feeling really drowsy, get out of your car. The fresh air will jolt you awake as the oxygen levels in your brain increases. Stretch out and jog in place too. These activities will help get your blood running again. The third method is a modern way that many drivers are now familiar with; and this is all about using “stay awake devices” that will help awaken you when you’re nodding off. Such devices are fairly easy to use. You can just put this on your ear, much like what you do with a Bluetooth gadget. When the device detects that you’re beginning to nod off, it will produce alarm signals to wake you up.

So, these are just some ways on how to keep yourself awake while you’re on the road. Just remember to stay focused because by being alert, you protect yourself and others from unfortunate incidents.

 Posted by at 9:10 am

How to Avoid Digestive Problems While Traveling Around the World.

 Travel Safety  No Responses »
Oct 132010
 

Whether you are going to be traveling a short distance or you are going to be traveling to a destination halfway around the world, probiotic supplements will be able to ensure that you do not encounter any digestive problems on your trip. There are a lot of great benefits that people are starting to take advantage of when they use probiotics. This is a good type of bacteria that is used to fight against bad bacteria as well as other things that may cause your body problems. Make sure that you learn how to avoid digestive problems while you are traveling by learning about probiotic.

When you are traveling to another country where you are not used to eating the foods that are traditional to the culture of the country, there are a lot of different digestive problems that you may experience. If you do not have enough probiotics in your system you might find that these problems are a lot worse than they could be. Everyone already has a certain level of probiotics in their system, but some people are not getting enough of them. The supplements are for those people who are not getting enough of them to be able to get the amount that they need. By taking these supplements a person will be able to ensure that they are getting enough to fight against the different types of digestive problems that may be experienced while they are traveling.

If you are going to be visiting another country then you will want to make sure to take some probiotic supplements with you. This good bacterium is absolutely essential in your system in order to maintain good digestive health. Some of the things that probiotics help with include constipation, acid reflux, and other digestive problems that are common to travelers. By taking the time to add probiotics to your diet you will be able to avoid common types of digestive problems while you are traveling. Make sure that you purchase a supplement that you can take so that you will be able to fight against all of these different problems.

 Posted by at 3:20 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Use Travel Money Belts for a Safer Holiday

 Travel Safety  No Responses »
May 072010
 

Travel money belts are a much safer way to keep your holiday money than wallets on handbags.

When traveling to a foreign country or a new city on vacation, we often become easy targets for thieves. We do not know our way around and as tourists we often stand out from the crowd. In many countries pickpockets often concentrate around hotels that are popular with foreign tourists. They also work in crowded places such as markets, around tourist attractions and also public transportation, including trains and buses.

It is very easy to steal your money and other personal belongings, including credit cards, from a wallet that is carried in a pocket or in a handbag. Pickpockets can be very professional, and can relieve you from your cash, credit cards and other important items in a few seconds without you even noticing.

A money belt is a secure option for carrying cash, credit cards, passports and important travel documents safely with you wherever you go. Money belts can be hidden under your clothes, which makes it sure that you always know where your personal finances and cards are kept.

Many of the belts on the market have separate compartments for different items. A passport can be kept in a safe zipped pocket, credit and debit cards in another compartment and travel checks or cash notes fit into yet another pocket.

A money belt can be worn when out shopping or sightseeing, when traveling in a bus or a train, when going out at night to a busy restaurant or even when sleeping in a hotel or a hostel. It is also important that you do not let anyone know that you are carrying one, and for this purpose it is a good idea to keep some loose change in your pockets for small expenses. Having all the important documents and personal belongings with you at all times can help to relax and have a much more enjoyable holiday.

 Posted by at 4:25 am  Tagged with: ,

GPS For Kids – Why You Need Them

 Travel Safety  No Responses »
Jul 302009
 

Each year, tens of thousands of children go missing or are abducted. Their parents go crazy with worry about their children. We cannot imagine the horror that befalls a parent when learning that their child is not coming home that night. We might wonder “if only something could be done”. Fortunately that something is using GPS to help keep track and locate your children.

GPS tracking systems can determine the location of the GPS device they are looking for anywhere in the world. Technology has developed to the point where the devices have gotten small enough to be placed in non-traditional objects. GPS devices can be placed in watches, clothing, shoes and cell phones among many other items.

GPS tracking services allow you to keep track of your child by simply logging into their website and looking at the data compiled and displayed. In a few short moments, you will be able to see where you child is anywhere in the world. This is accomplished because the GPS device and the GPS satellites are in constant connection with each other.

Your small children are too little to use cell phones. So the GPS devices you can use for these are even smaller. You can use devices that are placed in their shoes or on their jackets. Your youngest child can then go out and play and you can still keep track of them. Despite the challenges of being able to keep track of them, you can be at ease knowing that even thoguh they won’t listen to you about staying close by, you can still know where they are.

Not all children get lost. Many are taken. The people that take them could be a father or mother who has split with their other parent and is about to lose custody. Or it could be a really evil person who has no warm thoughts and only evil on their mind in regards to your child.

Whether it is a loved one or someone who wants to harm your child, they will most likely not be aware of the GPS device that is hidden on your child. Since the device is placed in things such as shoes or jackets, they will never know it is there. And since they are unaware of the presence of the device, they will not think to remove it and this will allow you a better chance of being reunited with your child.

GPS for kids is a way for you to put your mind at ease. If you use them, you will thank yourself later for being able to know where your child has gone to.

 Posted by at 6:29 am  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Terrorism and Travel

 Travel Safety  No Responses »
Jul 292009
 

Pre September 11 terrorism was an issue which didn’t overly concern Americans. It was something that happened in faraway places to people they did not know. In fact this was much the same for most western societies. Unfortunately in today’s world this could not be further from the truth.

If you travel beyond the borders of the USA or the UK in any direction you are stepping into the cross fire of a battle that involves thousands of people in dozens of countries.

The answer to this problem is not to refrain from traveling abroad. No, far from it, as this is in itself a victory for the terrorist. The solution lies in broadening your security awareness of the issue and adapting prudent travel habits. The single most important element in reducing your exposure to terrorism is for you to take active security and/or close protection precautions. Like most criminal minds, a terrorist will pray on the easiest targets. We have to harden the target and stop making their job easy.

IDENTIFY THE DANGER

Terrorism defined is an act of violence or the threat of violence with the purpose of generating fear. While all countries have suffered as victims, Americans remain the number one target choice.

According to Andy Lightbody (an emerging authority on terrorism), since 1983 over 400 Americans have been killed by terrorist actions abroad and over 600 injured. These figures are deceptive as they do not take into consideration the hundreds of victims who have escaped physical injury but retain the psychological scars of terror. The FBI reports that the total number of terrorist bombings world-wide reported in 1986 alone, totaled more than 700. It is an increasing security problem with a frightening growth potential which all close protection officers should be aware of.

Security Tip: Prior to the end of the last Millennium if we removed the obvious trouble zone of Lebanon, we found that six countries dominated two-thirds of the recent terrorist attacks, namely Columbia, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Spain and Belgium. However fast forward to current day and the shift has moved to war zone areas like Iraq and Afghanistan. However terrorist attacks are increasing in many other global destinations. Security and close protection officers are advised to conduct rigorous threat assessments prior to close protection operation deployment to these areas.

The terrorist of today is not the disorganised lunatic that you may envision. Many are from upper and middle class backgrounds, who for a variety of reason have been recruited into a fast-paced world of violent causes. They are organised to a high degree that would be admired by the very establishment they oppose. While some terrorists have mercenary motives and others exhibit signs of raving insanity, the majority of terrorists are dedicated crusaders willing to give his or her life, as well as yours, for their cause. With extensive media coverage, terrorism against Americans has become an effective way to gain public attention in a world theatre. These tactics are deplorable, but unfortunately successful and efficient. Simply stated, terrorism does work, hence the need for security and close protection officers to understand the security information outlined in this terrorism and travel article part 1.

PREPARATION AND THE MINDSET OF PREVENTION

By acknowledging the fact that you or your security close protection VIP client could be a target of terrorism, that indeed it could happen to you, puts you well on your way into the mindset of prevention. Although you do not want to be fearful, you cannot be overly cautious. You need to remain in that perceptive middle ground between complacency and paranoia. This middle ground is the ground taken by many security, bodyguards and close protection officers.

Security Tip: Undertaking specialised security close protection training will place you in the higher ground of professional paranoia which is occupied by many of the world-class close protection specialists.

As you plan your vacation or business trip abroad, begin the process of intelligence gathering. Unfortunately, you may find an appalling lack of unbiased security information available to the general public as to the actual situation in the country to which you are traveling. Learn as much as you can about your destination through personal and security sources, follow the media and keep current with the political changes of the region. Clearly identify the potential risks of travelling in that country. Make your plans to avoid large events in your host country such as national celebrations and anniversaries, military displays or air shows. Such events are often the target of violent protest against the government increasing your risk and the potential risk to your security close protection client of becoming an incidental casualty.

An excellent source of security information for professional bodyguards is our own State Department. They are not a travel agency and they will provide you with a candid assessment of the risk factor in any particular zone of the world. They can also inform you of any upcoming events in your destination country which you should plan on avoiding. For an authoritative report on conditions abroad, call them at 202-6475225.

Some of your higher risk times, especially when conducting a security close protection operation will be in the airport before and after departure and on the plane itself. Because military, law enforcement and security personnel are specifically targeted by terrorists, do not carry your badge or other security I.D. in your wallet on the plane. If you must bring it for work purposes, pack it in your luggage. If you are on family vacation, it is best to leave all such identification at home. Clean out your wallet of all unnecessary information, telephone numbers and notes. Do leave in pictures of family and children as hijackers have been known to be more lenient on families.

If you are hijacked, your passport will definitely be taken. If you are a frequent traveller, get a new passport as a multitude of visa entries will betray the fact that you are acting in an official capacity. If you visit Israel – ask them to stamp your visa on a separate piece of paper that does not need to be carried in your passport. The Israelis will readily agree as that government is painfully aware of the injuries inflicted upon their citizens and allies. Make a photocopy of the first page of your passport and your visas and keep this in your checked luggage. It will help you get a replacement passport quicker at your destination should your passport be confiscated or stolen.

Security Tip: In your carry-on bag, pack at least a six-day supply of any medication that you require on a daily basis. This small precaution will safeguard your health in the event of a hijacking. Do not carry your ground itinerary with your travel tickets as this alerts a terrorist to where you are going next. Do not carry controversial reading such as Playboy, Penthouse, or even Cosmopolitan. Many terrorist groups find this type of publication highly offensive and it will provoke them to unnecessary anger.

Leave a detailed itinerary of your travel plans with a contact person in the States. Make sure they know exactly where you will be, how you are getting there and how to contact you. it is, also, a good idea to leave with them a photo copy of your passport, credit cards and traveler’s checks numbers.

For executive travel arrangements consider consulting security cleared travel sgency. a company who makes travel arrangements and consultations for corporations and individuals who carry a high risk factor and must keep terrorism in mind. They are usually staffed with experienced and intelligent personnel, sensitive to your travelling requirements.

—————————————————-
Dr. Mark D. Yates The British American Security Expert has conducted high risk security operations in 42 countries for government, military special forces, Intelligence & security agencies. He is a published author & 5 major TV documentaries have been broadcast about him. Want to claim his FREE 52 security tips then visit him at =>http://www.asecurityonestopshop.co.uk
or e-mail him at drmarkdyates@aol.com

 Posted by at 9:13 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

Be More Secure In Your Hotel When You Travel On Your Holiday

 Travel Safety  No Responses »
Jul 272009
 

Whether they drive or take a flight, many people when they travel on vacations or holidays usually stay at a hotel or a resort. What they may not know/be aware of is that their vacation could be ruined by professional thieves who make their living by targeting some unsuspecting tourist. These thieves usually hang around hotels and resorts, mainly in the lobbies, waiting for tourists who seem to be easy pickings.

So here are some helpful travel tips that may help you feel and be more secure in your hotel room when you travel on a holiday or a business trip.

First of all, the lobbies of hotels and resorts should not be considered secure, even in the opulent ones. Folks on vacation can be easy pickings for opportunistic thieves, especially at peak times when the hotel reception staff is very busy with new guests arriving and other guests that are trying to check out. Never leave your travel luggage unguarded unless you know for sure that its being looked after by the bellman.

If you are having a bite to eat in the hotel restaurant when on holiday, especially a buffet, never leave your briefcase, laptop, or handbag unguarded to get a drink or something more to eat. It would only take a thief a split second to make off with them. It would be almost impossible for the staff of the hotel to be constantly looking out for these criminals.

When you are booking your hotel room, try to book one that is on the second, third, fourth, or fifth floor, as the ground floor rooms are more susceptible to break ins. Keep in mind that hotel rooms above the fifth floor may not be easily accessible by many fire engine ladders if a fire breaks out in your hotel.

Be sure to check and make sure that the door to your room locks properly, and that the windows and sliding doors open, but also lock securely. Most hotels resorts use electronic card keys for their hotel room doors as they offer better security than the standard metal keys. Dont carry your key card in its folder if the folder has the room number on it. Make note of your room number on a piece of paper, keep it on your person when you go out, and leave the folder in your room.

Always identify unexpected staff or visitors to your room before opening the hotel door. Call the front desk if you are in doubt as to the authenticity of that person. Its advisable to not give out your room number to anybody that you dont know and trust.

It may not be a good idea to hang a please clean the room sign on the door knob when you go out, as it lets a would be thief know that there is probably no one in the room.

Do not assume that your hotel room door is locked just because it closes automatically when you leave. Check to make sure that its really locked. If your room has a balcony, make sure the sliding glass door is also locked as it may be possible for someone to climb on to your balcony from a balcony thats above, below, or beside yours.

Do not leave any valuables lying around in plain view in your room. They may be too hard to resist for some cleaning staff. Place any small valuables in your room safe if there is one. Keep in mind that safes that use metal keys arent as secure as the ones use electronic key cards.

The next best bet if theres no safe in your room is to lock your small valuables in your largest suitcase when you go out. Hard sided, locked travel luggage offers the best security. Some travelers even use duct tape to secure small valuables to the underside of hotel room furniture.

Always use your doors deadbolt including the chain lock at night before you go to bed or if you feel like taking a nap.

There is an inexpensive, small, battery-operated, motion-sensitive, burglar alarm that can be hung on the inside hotel door knob, or there is a wedge-shaped alarm that you can wedge under the door that accomplishes the same thing. If someone tries to open your door, the alarm will go off.

There are two less sophisticated methods you can use. You could move a chair in front of the hotel door and place the back rest under the knob, or wedge a standard rubber door stopper under the door. Both of these two methods are also effective.

When you pack and get ready to check out of your hotel or resort, remember to empty your room safe. And last but not least, count the pieces of luggage you brought with you and make sure that everything has been put in your taxi.

The most important thing to remember is to always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times when travel on holidays.

 Posted by at 5:29 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Can A Vacation Or Holiday Help To Avoid A Heart Attack?

 Travel Safety  No Responses »
Jul 262009
 

Can you remember when you last had a wonderful, relaxing vacation? If its been a while, you may want to consider taking another holiday sooner than later. Why? Because vacations and holidays are playing a more and more important role in peoples mental and physical health.

Research has shown that if people go on holidays every year they can lessen their risk of developing a serious disease. The stress at work and stress at home can effect a persons mental and physical health in numerous ways.

Whatever relaxing vacations you feel you would like, from vacations at all inclusive resorts or romantic beach vacations, to dream cruises and cruise tours, you can significantly lower the risk of developing heart disease and other life threatening conditions. The catch is that you have to take at least one holiday every year. The cumulative effect of not taking holidays can make you sick over time, but if you take a two to three week vacation each year it help will you stay well.

It appears that the stress of our daily lives caused by a number of factors may be contributing to this phenomenon. As a result of this recent economic down turn, the workplace is probably the main reason or factor.

One of the primary reasons that this is happening is this electronic age we live in where we are so tied to our jobs that we feel were at work even when we are not even there. Quite literally, we are only a phone call, an email, or text message away from our job.

A lot of people feel that they are on a treadmill that is speeding up and they cant seem to jump off. They may be working as hard as they can to be successful, or they could be constantly concerned about how long their job will be there for them in these high unemployment times. Its the worry and uncertainty that can be all consuming that can make a person ill.

This seems to account for tremendous stress, sleep problems, feeling depressed. and a host of other stress related medical conditions. Even not eating properly, or consuming too much coffee and alcohol can make any medical problems much worse.

Obviously, many people have cut back on, or eliminated vacations because of the cost of travel, even though the cost of many holidays has come down in the last few years.

However, there are some vacations that can be less expensive than other ones. Here are a couple of fantastic holidays that may not break the bank.

Probably the most relaxing holiday that you could take is a luxury cruise. It also can be the best value for your money for numerous reasons.

Firstly, you are living on a floating hotel resort. You will enjoy all the benefits of hotels and resorts all rolled up into one neat, affordable holiday. If youve never been on a cruise before, maybe its time to try one.

Another benefit is that you are in control of the number of activities you want to participate in. Or, you can just veg out n a comfortable deck chair in the warm sun and go for a refreshing swim in the pool next to you. You dont even have to get up to get another drink or some great tasting appetizers as deck waiters are always there at your beckon call. What a great stress-free holiday!

You dont even have to unpack and repack your travel luggage again and again as you sail to ports located in different cities or towns along the way. All you have to do is enjoy all the amenities on board.

The only other cost to consider is a cheap flight to the port where you can board your dream cruise.

However, if you live reasonably close to a cruise line port you can probably drive there and save a significant amount of money. Even if you have to stay overnight at an inexpensive motel half way to your cruise line port, it probably would still be cheaper than airfares, especially for a couple, or a family.

Look through this list to find out if you live close enough to any of these following port cities in the U.S.

The ports on the East and Gulf coasts of the U.S.A are Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA, Bayonne at Cape Liberty, NJ, Charleston, SC, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Galveston, and Houston, TX, Jacksonville and Miami, FL, Mobile, AL, New Orleans, LA. New York City, NY, Norfolk, VA, Philadelphia, PA, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and Tampa, FL

Ports on the western coast of the U.S.A. are Astoria, Oregon, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, California, Whittier, Alaska, and Seattle, Washington.

And in Hawaii, the ports of Maui and Honolulu

For Canadians there are only 2 major cruise line ports. They are in Montreal, in the East, and Vancouver, on the West coast.

All inclusive resorts and all inclusive vacations are also two of the best values for your holiday dollar. The real difference between the two is that with all inclusive resorts you still will have to book a cheap airfare to get you to the resort.

Taking a relaxing two to three week holiday each year that you are working is the best prescription to help you maintain your good health.

 Posted by at 10:23 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Be Safe Before Heading Out On Your Next Interstate Car Trip: Check Your Tire Pressures With A Tire Gauge

 Travel Safety  No Responses »
Jul 232009
 

Tire pressure gauges are a necessary tool of measure used in the diagnostics of a motor vehicle. These diagnostic tools indicate to the user how much air pressure is present in your tire. The air pressure in the tire is of the utmost importance because any under fill or overage of air, inside the rubber, can result in a car accident.

Inadequate air pressure, or too much in a vehicle’s tire, can result in the loss of control for the driver. When the tires are low, the car will jerk to the side that has more tire pressure. And, overfilling a tire can bring about a drag of the automobile’s steering to the side where the tires are less inflated. With this being said, it is essential to make sure the tire is filled to its needed PSI (pressure per square inch), and an equal PSI for all four tires. For example, if you are filling your tires 5 PSI, then you should do the same for all tires.

Not only is it bad to have too little pressure or too much pressure, it is also very dangerous to put air in your tires if you do not know what you are doing. When measuring the air in a tire, you should do the following:

1. Read the manufacturer’s specification for the PSI you must inflate the tires to. This can be found on the side wall of the tire. It is safe to inflate the tires a maximum of5 PSI below the suggestion. However, it is never ok to pump them any more than the specified PSI. Typical car tires usually take around 35 PSI. But, you should always check to make sure.

2. Aim your face away from the tire before attempting to check the air pressure. Hold the tire end to the nozzle of the tire. Move it until you do not hear any air escaping. Look at the gauge and check the reading.

3. If the gauge shows 0 PSI, then it should you are riding on very low tires. If this is the case, inflate to the maximum PSI.

4. Read the pressure after the fill with the gauge. It should give an accurate reading once you get passed about 10 PSI.

5. Following this, fill as necessary to come close to the maximum PSI suggested. Again, it is dangerous to inflate above the maximum recommended PSI as designated by the tire manufacturer.

Not following the above suggestions when checking your tires air pressure with a gauge is dangerous. If a tire is filled too much, it can burst, sending chunks of the metal belt directly into your face. Most tires these days are constructed with steel layering to tighten the rubber together. This metal can become a sharp trajectory that can lead to serious injury. There have actually been deaths from over inflating automobile tires.You can seriously reduce the risk injury by following the 5 simple steps above.

 Posted by at 12:17 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,
© 2012 Top Travel Articles Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha