Here are some tips that would provide you a safe tour to the US:

1) Legal matters. These are the safety measures provided by the US Embassy for tourists.

* Before leaving your own country, you should register with the U.S. Embassy. Provide them with your itinerary and copies of your passport. This will ensure that your whereabouts are known in case it is necessary to contact you during emergencies.

* Remember to have a valid passport. And if your travel requires a visa, your visas should always be intact with the passport. Remember to fill out all your information on the emergency page located inside your passport.

* Be aware of all the local laws of the US. Always be reminded that you should abide by the laws of the U.S Constitution.

* Make multiple copies of the identification page of your passport. This will assist in the replacement of your passport if it is stolen or lost.

2) Electricity. If you have brought appliances that would make use of electrical systems, be aware of the voltages used with these devices.

* US residential use 115 volts of electrical systems operated at 60 hertz. If your electric appliances operate on different voltages, you will need a voltage converter or transformer before plugging the appliance.

* The main wall sockets in the US basically make use of 115 volts which looks like two parallel flat blades. Make sure to match the socket with the device by purchasing a converter.

3) Basic Information.

* The official language in the USA is English.

* Used as measurements in road signs, temperature displays, and tourist brochures are the imperial and metric system.

* It is customary in the US to tip for services. Tips average from 10% to 20%, depending on the discretion of the person paying the bill.

4) Safety.

* Never leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept any package from strangers.

* Prevent wearing eye-catching clothing and priceless jewelry to avoid being a victim of crime. Do not carry large amounts of money and credit cards of.

* Deal with official agents when purchasing art, antiques and exchanging money. This would help in avoiding the violation of local laws.

* If you suddenly get into trouble, it is best to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy.

Now you know the basics, it?s your turn to enjoy your travel legally and safely. Have fun.

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Get acquainted with the road and its demands. It is advisable for future traveler writers to immerse themselves into different cultures. Whenever traveling abroad, absorb the local scene. If possible, try to experience more than the regular tourist route. Get to know the people and learn from their customs. Try to pick up something that is original to that region. Capture the essence of the place.
This way, there'll be plenty to write about when it's time to pick up the pen.

When not traveling read up on the business of travel writing! Read travelogues, brochures, road books, travel magazines, etc. This way an inspiring travel writer gets more acquainted with the trade.

Very few writers make a living out of writing alone; so it is important to have something to fall back on, in case the writing gig doesn't work. Writers have to be practical when it comes to their expectations. A writing career doesn't happen over night. Sometimes, it takes years for a writer to get some type of recognition.

Don't use this as an excuse to give up though. Aspiring travel writers should continuously send their work out. Even if they get rejection letters after rejection letters. Don't take this personally. Editors are very specific about the type of work they accept.

That it why it is important to study the market before a writer starts sending his or her work. Evaluate the market. Find out exactly what each magazine, e-zine, newspaper, etc, is after. This will increase a writer's chances of getting published.

Remember, just because one is writing about traveling, doesn't mean that one can get away with bad writing! Make sure the quality of work that is being produced is up to standard.

The best way to achieve this standard is to keep on writing. Even if a travel writer is not on assignment in some exotic country, he or she can still do a lot of quality writing at home. Even if the writing that is being done doesn't pertain to traveling. The important thing is to write, write, and write.

Experiment with tones, perspectives, and different styles of writing. This way when called to duty, a writer will be able to easily unleash his or her magic with a drop of a hat, and dazzle the editors with their brilliance!

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1. Itinerary

Prepare and plan on paper the places one will visit and then make the make the necessary arrangements in advance to make the trip a memorable one.

2. Essentials.

Personal things such as the ticket, passport, toothbrush, clean underwear and money nearby preferably for easy accessibility.

3. Clothes

By checking the weather forecast for the trip, one will be able to bring the right clothes for the trip. Preferably clothes that can be used for various occasions. And those that do not run and can be easily washed.

4. Shoes

Given that traveling will require a lot of walking seeing the various places, one should wear a good pair of comfortable shoes that wont strain the feet.

5. Medication

One should always bring insect repellant. If one is under medication, one should bring enough medicine for the entire trip.

6. Locks and keys.

For personal protection, one must make sure the luggage one will be using for the trip have locks and keys and spares hidden in case it gets lost.

7. Extra Bag

Bring an extra bag which can be used as a day bag while going around and the same time, one will be able to use it in bringing home some of those souvenirs.

8. Map

Obtain a map to be familiar of the destination where one is traveling and so that one will not get lost.

9. Insurance

If one would prefer to drive instead of taking the public transportation, it is advisable to get insurance for the rental vehicle one would use for the entire trip.

Before leaving the rental company, one should check the car for any damage before accepting the unit and if there is damage, one must insist that the rental company take note of it before leaving the lot.

10. Label

Given the many instances of passengers inadvertantly taking the luggage of another passenger, label the inside and outside of the luggage. It is advisable to only write the name and not the address. In any case if the luggage is lost, one should leave the address only to the carrier one is flying on.

Have a pleasant trip!

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By Jim Nettleton

There certainly is no denying that traveling these days is a lot more expensive than ever before and the need to find bargains when we vacation or travel on business is extreme. Many families during these times are severely curtailing vacation plans or eliminating them altogether. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are many outstanding travel bargains to be found if you just know where to look. Let’s examine a few ways to save money on travel. For more details and information on budget travel, visit my web site through the link in my resource box below.

Airlines

With the cost of jet fuel soaring, higher prices are in effect at all major airlines. In the midst of all this, you can still locate bargains on the web. Many online specials exist, especially if you’re willing to wait until your proposed departure date is near. Browse the airlines’ websites along with Travelocity and Expedia for special pricing. Sometimes the individual airlines will have specials that don’t appear on Travelocity or Expedia, so don’t forget to check them.

Accommodations

You might have to sacrifice a bit here in order to find bargain places to stay. Again, the web is your best friend in tracking down cheaper rates. Rather than reserving space at a pricey hotel, you might be better off staying at a cut-rate motel. After all, you’re on vacation and you’re only going to use the place to sleep. Seek out those that are not adjacent to major attractions, since their rates will be lower.

Cruise Deals

Aim to take that cruise vacation during early fall or the end of summer. You’ll find much better rates. A cruise can be one of the most economical vacations on the planet. The ship is your hotel and food is included. You couldn’t take a vacation as cheaply if you paid for these items separately. Just do a Google search for ‘cheap cruise deals’ and take a look at some of those travel bargains. At the time of this writing I found one, for example, that offers a 7 day Caribbean cruise for as low as $329 per person, or a Canadian adventure for as low as $249 per person. These are amazingly low prices for all-inclusive vacations.

Package Deals

There are many of these available at all times. Travel Agencies purchase in bulk from suppliers and sell to the public at reduced rates. Bear in mind, however, that the quality of package deals can vary widely, so make sure you shop around before finalizing a deal. Remember, too, that if you are planning to travel to a place at a particular date, or have your heart set on a certain destination, it is always advisable to book in advance to avoid any last minute hassles.

If you plan carefully, you can still take that vacation without breaking the bank. A final thing to keep in mind is that these days, it’s a buyer’s market. Vacation destinations need business, cruise lines need business and accommodation vendors, whether hotel or motel also need business. That puts you in the driver’s seat.

About the author:

Jim Nettleton is a radio and TV professional with wide-ranging interests including the world of travel. Visit his web site for more tips, details and information about traveling on a budget at http://www.jaynetinc.com/BudgetTravel

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If you are looking for all these conveniences and excitement, let Australia handle that for you. Perk up your traveling experience in the sixth largest country in the world, twice as large as Europe but less crowded.

Make a choice from a wide variety 7000 fantastic beaches and enjoy the luscious greens of flora of approximately 25000 species and diverse but unique fauna as evidenced by the Kangaroo.

Australians are fun-loving people and are very sociable. You can learn so much about their culture because of their very straightforward attitude towards guests and strangers.

Language Discrepancies

English maybe the widely spoken language in Australia but there are utterances which makes them unique to the rest of the English-speaking world and terminologies better left unsaid.

Some of the most common are Cobber = Buddy, Fairdinkum = Really and Cold One = Beer. Phrases such as righto = okay/alright and rag up = dress warmly are also common.

The word ?root? may have evolved to mean ?sex? in Australia so it is better to keep from saying that word as long as you could. Same thing applies to "fanny" which came to mean a female?s private part.

Weather

Among the 7 continents, Australia probably has the weirdest climate. Unlike the US, the months of December to February are the hottest and most humid dates of the year.

Keep in mind that Australia?s climate is just the exact opposite with that of the Northern Hemisphere

Southern Australia was recorded to having the harshest climate during the summer season and keeping it out of your itinerary is advisable.

Depending on where you are headed, there are must-haves and clothing you will need to prepare to make sure you will not be caught off-guard for any circumstances that are expected along the way.

Sunglasses and sunscreens and light clothing are important in Australia due to hot climate in some regions, but keeping a jacket during the cold night is a must especially in the southern temperate region. Nice pair of boots in the bushes is practically essential.

Transportation

Public vehicles such taxis are commonplace in Australia. Most taxis charge ?flagfall? and a surcharge for distant travels.

?Keep left? is the rule of driving here. It can be quite confusing at times but being careful will surely keeps you away from trouble.

Tipping

Just the exact opposite of the west. Tipping may not be a no-no but it is not generally practice here but you can do so in some special occasions.

There are simply 1001 ways to enjoy the beauty of Australia and the good thing is, you can add more to rev up your rewarding traveling experience. Traveling to a distant place poses a lot of challenges but surely it is satisfying and worth the pennies! So enjoy and don?t forget to have a cold one with a cobber!

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Plan with the entire family
Get each family member?s opinion on which places to go. Kids love it when they get involved. Make a short list of the places they want to visit and get the majority?s preference. Plan simple yet fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Distribute tasks
Help each other especially when packing. Give each one a responsibility. You can have your kids check on the first- aid kit, your husband to bring all bulky equipments and you take charge preparing the food. This way, your load can be lessened and everyone would feel the importance of each one?s contribution.

Travel light
Since most of the space of your car would be for people, pack only the essential things you need. If possible you can hire strollers for the kids instead of carrying one. Transfer shampoos, mouthwash and the like in small plastic containers instead of bringing the entire thing. Remember that traveling light doesn?t mean traveling incomplete. Carry all important stuff you need to bring.

Secure your house
Since all of your family members are with you on the trip, you can opt to hire a house sitter. If not, have a neighbor look out for the house for you. Unplug all electrical appliances and be sure to secure all door and windows.

Be safe
Always carry with you a medicine kit for emergencies. This should include aspirins, laxative, insect repellant, bandages, ointments and alcohol. More importantly, bring enough prescription drugs if any of the family members is on medication. Bring enough to last for the entire duration of the trip.

Bring in the fun
Take pictures and videos to document your trip. Take turns in using the camera, this way everyone will get a memorable shot taken. You can take the pictures and put them in a nice travel journal when you get home. This way you can enjoy the fun memories as often as you want.

Remember that the entire objective of a family trip is to have fun. Follow the quick tips above and you can head your way to an enjoyable travel.

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*Plan ahead
Research and read about the place you?re heading to. Know where?s the nearest hotel, restaurant, and such. Make reservations too, if possible. That way, your travel is on a good start.

*Take a city map
You better study how to read maps. Needless to say, these can guide you where you are going, especially if it?s the first time you?re going to that place. Relying too much on the cab driver is not a good idea.

*Learn the language
Just study the basics, and the most common things you?re likely to ask a local. Learn it before you arrive.

*Hide your valuables
Put your guard up. Don?t invite muggers to come and get you. Don?t wear too much jewelry outside the streets. Use inexpensive accessories.

*Dress appropriately
Check what the locals wear on a given time of day. You don?t want your clothes screaming you?re a tourist. The lesser attention you draw to yourself, the better.

*Don?t be afraid to ask for directions
It would be okay to ask someone for directions, but be sure you are going to choose who to ask. You can ask a waiter in restaurant, or the receptionist in your hotel. Just be sure you get all information. Asking from a complete stranger outside is not advisable.

*Bring some cash
Take just enough. Traveler?s checks and credit cards are good, and it could be your primary mode of payment, but you might want to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket with local money.

*Enjoy your self
Well, you are traveling, so make the most of it. Make friends with a local. Talk to somebody over lunch in a caf?. Get the addresses of the friends you make to send them a thank you card. Maybe next time, you?d be their host.

Traveling alone can be your best experience. With solo traveling, you will definitely learn more about your self and what you can do. Try it. It would be fun!

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* It is probably best to travel to China during autumn season, which spans from September to early November. The temperature during this time is a comfortable range of 50-72F with few chances of rain.
* Refrain from traveling to the so called, ?four furnaces? of China during summer, these are Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanchang and Tianjing.
* China has four seasons, Spring from March to May, Summer from June to August, Autumn from September to November and Winter From January to February. Be sure to bring with you suitable clothing for each season.
* Summer is also rainy season in China, a raincoat is essential during this time as umbrellas are usually defenseless against winds.
* Chinese are conservative people so try not to wear revealing clothing.
* Women should not forget to bring pants with them as Chinese temples prohibit women wearing skirts to enter.

What to Bring into China

* Clothing is probably one of the things you shouldn?t worry about when going to China. Clothing is very cheap here, and would make pretty good souvenirs. So pack your bags light, and you can buy the rest of your wardrobe on the go.
* It is recommended to take no more than one bible into China. The Chinese are very particular with Christianity, and Christian Catechism.
* A few prohibited materials in China aside from the usual narcotics and deadly weapons are food, micro-organisms, biological products, waste materials, portions of human body, blood and blood products and animals that may spread diseases to humans.
* Any items that are harmful to China?s economy, politics, culture and ethics are forbidden; these include but are not restricted to printed materials, films and tapes.

When you Arrive

* Health checks would be the first that you will undergo before you are allowed out of the airport, this is to make sure that you didn?t bring in any harmful diseases with you.

Photography

* It will be best not to take pictures at aerodromes, military and political facilities in China.
* Never take pictures from an airplane or any type of aircraft.
* If you want to take pictures of residents or their possessions, ask their permission first.
* Most museums ban picture taking, so does, Palaces, grottoes and Temples. Be aware of signs that prohibit picture taking to prevent any unnecessary trouble. However some establishments allow picture taking for a fee.

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It is located in Eastern Asia, near China and the South China Sea. Formerly, leased to Great Britain, Hong Kong was officially returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong offers diversity in: culture, religion, and lifestyles.

Chinese, (Cantonese) and English are both the official language here. So foreigners, who are planning to visit, should not have any problems exploring, and experiencing the culture of this vibrant place; since English is widely spoken here.

Hong Kong dollar is the currency in use here. One American dollar roughly equals around 7 Hong Kong dollars.

Hong Kong is known for: its unique energetic vibe, its wonderful food, and beautiful skylines. It's best to always bring a camera when roaming around in the city, so travelers can capture the essence of this place, and will always have a memento of their visit.

Hong Kong offers many great upscale shopping districts that rival the high end streets of: Shanghai, London and Paris. But the best places to shop here are the unique shops, and street markets that exhibit the charm and uniqueness of the locality.

It is wise to look around at the various stores to compare prices before buying anything. The best part of all is that sales tax is exempted on everything in Hong Kong.

The best way to get around Hong Kong is to purchase an Octopus payment card. This card takes you everywhere. It can also be used on any public transportation system, except taxis. It can even be used in vending machines, restaurants, and convenient stores, fast food places, etc.

Some of the key places in Hong Kong are:

? Hong Kong Island is the most urbanized district. It's the heart and soul of the city.

? Kowloon is one of, if not, the most populated cities in the world. It also offers the best view of the skyline.

? Disney Land Hong Kong which is located in Lantau Island. This is only the third International sight for a main Disney them park. It is best to make reservations ahead of time for lodging. It tends to be packed, especially during the holidays.

Hong Kong also has a great natural landscape that can be seen by riding a train that goes all the way up to the higher part of Hong Kong Island. With so many things to do and sights to be seen Hong Kong is truly a must see for any traveler.

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However, despite the fact that a lot of people are trying their best to avoid it, still, many are in danger in the road while traveling. They will never know when an accident will take place. In fact, it seems that the number of people who gets into accidents while traveling is continuously growing.

In 2003 alone, statistics show that over 6 million car accidents have been reported in the United States, and in those accidents about 2.9 million were injured and 42, 643 people were killed. That is, indeed, a very alarming figure considering the fact that the campaigns about driving safely and avoiding road accidents are in full force.

So, where does the problem lies? Is it on the driver, the car manufacturer, the government, or is it fate for most people who get into accidents? In reality, nobody can really tell who to blame. The only choice people have is to continue driving safely and avoid accidents.

However, in the event that accidents happen, the only way to solve the mishap is to deal with it. Here?s how:

1. Emergency numbers in one?s mobile phone are extremely important.

People just don?t realize this yet, but the emergency numbers stored in their mobile phones are vital to one?s life, especially when away from home or while traveling.

Surveys show that people who usually survive in accidents are those who were attended to immediately by health experts. This goes to show that immediate actions are important so as to save people who have met accidents.

2. Panic is the number one killer in an accident.

The reason why many people do not survive in an accident is because they tend to panic first. They get so panic-stricken that they can no longer clear their mind and think of ways how to deal with the dilemma. That is why it is extremely important to stay calm when accidents and happen and think of ways how to solve the problem.

3. Prevention is still the number one remedy.

Today, car accidents are currently the top most causes of death, usually within the age bracket of 1 to 37. Hence, the majority of the drivers, who are prone to accidents, are young. Usually the causes of accidents in young people are speeding, reckless driving, not wearing seatbelts, and drunk driving.

And so, it is important to observe traffic rules and regulations so as to prevent road accidents while traveling. As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

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