Flower Owl Sculptures, Nantou County, Taiwan

Flower Owl Sculptures, Nantou County, Taiwan

 

How to Tour Europe on a Budget

Although travel to and around Europe is not cheap, there are many things that you can do to help lessen the load on your wallet. Traveling in the off-season, staying in hostels and procuring food from local grocery stores are just a few of the ways that you can tour Europe on a budget.
Items you will need

•     Passport
•     Eurail pass (optional)
•     Hostelling International membership (optional)
•     International student identification card (optional)

Step 1

Travel in the off-season. Travel during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn often offers excellent opportunities for less-expensive airfares and cheaper hotel stays.
Step 2

Check out guidebooks from the library, or purchase a copy. There are a number of guidebook series that cater specifically to those on a budget. The Let's Go and Lonely Planet series are two often-recommended options.
Step 3

Shop around for airfare. Use a consolidated travel search site, such as Kayak.com, to search multiple airfares at once. Consider flying into one city and out from another. Doing so typically does not cost much more and might cost less than flying into and out of the same city. Plus, you won't have to retrace your steps during your travels.
Step 4

Visit and stay in smaller cities rather than major cities such as London and Paris if at all possible during your travels. Visiting smaller cities and towns will provide the most bang for your buck.
Step 5

Gett an international student identification card (ISIC) if you are a student. This card will provide you with discounts to many sites and museums throughout Europe. If you do not have an ISIC card, show your school identification when paying admission fees. Some tourist sites will accept the ID cards and allow you to pay student admission price.
Step 6

Stay in hostels to save the most money on lodging. You might want to look into becoming a member of Hostelling International or a similar organization, as doing so will provide you with discounted lodging at many hostels throughout Europe. If the young crowd that hostels cater to isn't your cup of tea, less-expensive hotels are your next best bet. Use your guidebooks (the more recent the publication date, the better) to find a suitable hotel.
Step 7

Buy a Eurail pass that suits your needs and offers a cheaper way to travel. Those 25 and under can purchase a Youth pass, which provides discounted transportation in second-class cars. Those traveling with one or more companions should look into a Saver pass, which also provides discounted fares. To save money, you might want to take overnight trains to get from one place to another, especially when a long distance is involved.
Step 8

Shop at grocery stores for your meals rather than eating at restaurants. If you do eat at cafes or restaurants, take your meal to go or eat at the counter. It is typically more expensive to eat at a table, especially at an outdoor cafe.
Tip

    Remember to enjoy yourself. Be conscious of your budget, but don't let it put a damper on your fun. Plan to set aside some of your money for a special meal, an activity, a tour, or entrance fees to a monument or other site that you'd like to see.

credit : http://traveltips.usatoday.com/tour-europe-budget-12769.html

Pregnancy Air travel Tips

Air travel is considered safe for most pregnant women throughout pregnancy. Air travel during the second trimester is typically most comfortable, as you are likely beyond the morning sickness of the first trimester and not yet to the uncomfortable stage of the third trimester as your uterus further expands. There are ways to make air travel more comfortable at any stage of pregnancy.
Before Air Travel

Before you book your flight, check with your doctor to ensure travel is acceptable. In most cases, doctors will allow air travel for pregnant women who are otherwise healthy until week 34. Beyond that, travel is generally restricted, so you will be close to your doctor and hospital in the event labor begins. Some doctors will issue a letter stating you have been cleared for travel. Check with the airlines before you book your flight as well. Airlines differ in their policies regarding pregnant women. Some do not require any documentation, while others will require a letter from your physician before allowing you to board. Be aware that airlines do not view pregnancy or its complications as a reason for a refund if you must cancel your plans. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have sickle cell disease, severe anemia, clotting disorders or placental abruption, you should consult your doctor before flying. Alert your doctor if you will be traveling by air often during your pregnancy, as the guidelines may differ for you.
During Air Travel

Hydration is important throughout pregnancy as, according to the American Pregnancy Association, dehyrdration can cause preterm labor. During your flight, you will need to drink more than usual to stay hydrated because of the low humidity levels in the cabin. As allowed, walk around the plane at least once per half hour during air travel. Exercising and stretching your legs can improve circulation, help with swelling and prevent blood clots. When walking through the aisles, use the seat backs for support. Balance is altered during pregnancy because of the weight of the uterus on the front of the body. Turbulence during flight can hit suddenly and unexpectedly. It is important to maintain your balance to avoid a fall.
Weight Restrictions

Pay attention to the weight of your luggage. The amount of weight you are allowed to lift during pregnancy depends on your fitness level prior to pregnancy and what your body is accustomed to lifting. Your doctor can give specific recommendations for the maximum amount of weight to be lifted. Do not be shy about asking for help from fellow passengers or airline employees.
article source : http://traveltips.usatoday.com/air-travel-tips-pregnancy-20680.html

Air Travel with Baby Tips

Formula restrictions, strollers and confusion about child safety seats make traveling with a baby difficult. For multiples air travel is even more stressful. Not only do you have to take more stuff, it's more likely for one of the babies to be unhappy during flight. Preparing yourself beforehand helps ensure that everyone has a safe, happy and relatively easy flight.
Booking Your Flight

Airlines don't require parents to purchase tickets for children under age 2. Some airlines allow parents to use unsold seats for babies, but it's not guaranteed unless you purchase a separate ticket. Window seats are quieter and darker, making it easier for a baby to sleep. If the airline has assigned seats, book a window seat for each baby and the seat next to it for the traveling adult. If you travel with multiple babies alone, purchase seats for the children so your hands are free to tend to their needs.
Child Restraints

It's safer -- and more comfortable -- for your baby to sit in a car seat during flight. The seat must be approved for both cars and aircrafts; this is typically noted on the tag attached to the car seat. Place your child's seat in a window seat so you don't have to move around it in case there's an emergency.
Baby Food

Breast milk, formula, baby food and juice aren't restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) 3-oz. liquid rule. Keep your items for babies separate from other liquid items you take on the plane, and inform security officers that you have them. Liquids in larger amounts are often tested by security personnel for explosives. Since multiple babies require more food, pack separate carry-on bags -- one for each adult to carry -- in case you don't end up sitting in the same row.
Comfort Items

Babies are more likely to cry if they don't feel secure, so it's important to bring items to ensure babies stay comfortable during the flight. Have a pacifier on hand to calm your babies if they cry; sucking also helps if either baby's ears are affected by the change in altitude. Also, take an infant anti-inflammatory or acetaminophen in case one of the babies needs it. If one of the babies is inconsolable, walk up and down the isle using a baby sling.
Gate Check

With multiples it's necessary to have a stroller when you navigate the airport. Don't check the stroller with your bags -- instead use the gate check. At the gate, before you board the plane, ask the attendant for a baggage ticket, and place it on the stroller. You simply leave the stroller, with the ticket attached, at the gate for the attendants to take out to the plane. When you arrive at your destination, gate-checked items are picked up at the gate. If you didn't purchase tickets for the babies, take their car seats to the gate with you anyway. If there aren't any unsold seats available to use, simply gate check the car seats before you board.


source articel : http://traveltips.usatoday.com/air-travel-babies-13503.html

Safety air Travel Tips

Since the first public demonstration of a hot air balloon in Annonay, France in 1783 the reality of man taking flight ...took flight. Throughout the history of first man's desire to fly then to the utilization of flight for mass transportation, the safety of air travel has been an ongoing goal. Where once safety was measured only in the ability to soar through the sky and live through weather and mechanical malfunctions, in more recent years safety has come to include protecting humans from the deeds of other humans.
Commercial Air Travel

Although commercial flights were flown on a small scale in 1913 and 1914, the use of airplanes for the transport of multiple civilians rose after WWI when airlines bought up the surplus military aircraft. But it wasn't until the postal service began fully using air travel for the delivery of mail that commercial airlines really took off, but they still could not profit off passengers alone as too many people worried about the safety of air travel. On May 20, 1926 the Air Commerce Act was passed due to the aviation industry's belief commercial flight would not progress without federal input and action to improve and uphold safety standards. This began the federal government's regulation of aviation, and in 1934 the Bureau of Air Commerce encouraged airlines to form the centers for Air Traffic Control.
Passenger Plane Accident Statistics

"There are two critical points in every aerial flight—its beginning and its end." This simple quote by Alexander Graham Bell in 1906 sums up the biggest mechanical safety fear of many passengers, take off and landing. Statistically, commercial flight still comes out safer than driving with an average of .05 fatal accidents versus 1.32 per 100 million miles traveled for on road vehicles. Yet, the actual fatalities are higher for flights at 1.57 percent to 1.47 due to the amount of passengers on a plane compared to a car. Mechanical failure is responsible for only 22 percent of fatal accidents in commercial flight, with the biggest factor being human error at 50 to 56 percent, with some statistics saying as high as 80 percent. Take off accidents account for 20 percent of fatal accidents and landing for 36 percent. Only 8 percent of flight accidents occur during the longest part of a flight while the airplane is actually cruising.
Terrorism and the Skies

Terrorism in the air is not a new safety concern nor is it exclusive to any one nationality. In 1955, Jack Gilbert Graham put a bomb in his mother's suitcase as she traveled from Denver to Portland, killing 44 people. The most common form of terrorism in the air is hijacking, a form of air piracy. The first recorded history of hijacking occurred in 1930 when Peruvian revolutionaries hijacked a Pan Am mail plane. In 1961, after a rash of incidents, President Kennedy signed legislation that gave hijackers the death penalty or 20 years in prison. Hijackings came in vicious spurts and in 1969 the FAA created a task force that developed a profile for hijackers that was used along with metal detectors to screen passengers. By 1973, inspection of luggage and passengers became mandatory. After the September 11, 2001 attacks in America, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act took airport security out of the hands of airlines and into the control of the United State government. The goal is to create a uniform system for all American flights.
What the passenger can do for their own safety

Passengers can take some responsibility for their own safety by following all airline and airport rules. One of the most important warnings is to never leave luggage unattended or carry luggage or items for other people. Submit to inspections gracefully while remembering these inspections are for our own safety. Wear clothing for comfort and safety instead of style. Natural fibers such as cotton are preferable as these do not melt into skin in situations of extreme heat or fire. Opt for clothing which protects your body instead of skimpy, short outfits. If traveling with children, consider buying them their own seat and have them keep their seat belt on at all times.
Private or General Aviation

General aviation statistically has a higher rate of fatalities than commercial flights. In fact the statistics show accidents for general or private aviation to be 50 percent higher than commercial air travel. Factors include over confidence or cocky attitudes of seasoned pilots who will often head out into dangerous or unstable weather and conditions. Safety measures such as not flying at night unless absolutely necessary and keeping planes in top mechanical repair are important towards improving safety. The TSA attempted to implement a plan forcing private jet companies and pilots to utilize similar safety measures as commercial flights --checking all passengers against watch lists and disallowing weapons on board. Yet, after complaints from private pilots and aviation groups and even opposition from Homeland Security, the plan must be re-written.
credit : http://traveltips.usatoday.com/safety-air-travel-16945.html

Pet air travel safety Tips

Air travel can be stressful and even potentially dangerous for a pet. In order to ensure a safe flight for your companion, it’s important to adhere to a number of proactive safety measures. If you take the proper precautions, your pet will enjoy your next vacation just as much as you do.
Booking Concerns

As you book your flight, you’ll want to ask important questions about the flight plan. In the event of a delay or other problem, you want to ensure your pet is with you so you can remove your pet from the crate for proper exercise and a good meal. This is only possible if you ensure that all cargo for your flight is shipped directly. Some airlines will ship luggage and cargo on different flights based on the plane’s available storage space. Additionally, try to book a nonstop flight whenever possible, as this reduces stress on the animal.
Paperwork

According to Delta Airlines, some states require a pet health certificate when flying with a pet. You can call the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 800-545-8732 to determine what paperwork is necessary based on where you are traveling. Even if you are traveling somewhere that does not require pet health documentation, ASPCA still recommends getting your pet examined by a veterinarian at least 10 days before the trip. For optimal safety, you want to identify any potential health issues in advance.
Carrying Cases

Take your pet on-board as a carry-on only if your flight will last no more than a few hours. For extended flights, using a cargo crate is safer, since the pet can move around and eat food during the flight. If you plan on taking your pet on-board as a carry-on, then you must ensure the carrying case complies with the airline’s carry-on luggage dimensions. Additionally, let the airline know that you plan on bringing a pet on-board in advance, since some airlines require an additional fee or may specifically prohibit this action altogether.
Crates

In the case that your pet is too large for boarding, or if your flight will last several hours, then you should only use a USDA-approved crate. According to the ASPCA, the crate should be big enough that the animal can sit, stand and move around comfortably inside. Additionally, write your address, telephone number and the words “live animal” on all sides of the crate. Attach a current picture of the animal to the crate. This will help airline workers identify the crate and take proper safety precautions during loading.
Food and Water

For a safe flight, your pet must remain hydrated. The night before your flight, freeze a dish of water. Place this water dish in the crate. The frozen water will not spill during loading, but it will thaw in time for the animal to drink it during the flight. Additionally, attach a bag of dried food to one of the crate walls, making sure the bag’s opening is large enough for the pet’s head to fit inside. Sedation is generally not advised since this not only prohibits eating, but it also can adversely affect the pet’s breathing.
credit : http://traveltips.usatoday.com/pet-air-travel-safety-1609.html

Pet Travel Safety Tips

Animal lovers with travel plans often face the difficult choice of taking a furry family member along for the trip or leaving a beloved pet behind. Travel with pets can present a distinct set of challenges, and frequent travelers must address a number of pet safety considerations while preparing to take an animal along on a journey.
Health

A pet’s health must take top priority when leaving home for an extended period of time. According to the Dog Owner’s Guide, an online pet owner magazine, travelers should take pets to a vet no less than two weeks before departing. A qualified veterinarian will administer a complete physical and bring all vaccinations current before the trip begins, and some vets will apply flea and tick preventatives to ensure continued health.
Diet

What a pet eats before traveling and on the road can play a significant role in his or her health during travel. Food composition and even water additives vary from location to location, so the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends packing some bottled water and food before leaving home. In addition, according to the ASPCA, a pet should eat at least three hours before departure with periodic snacks at rest stops. The organization cautions against feeding a pet inside a moving vehicle.
Equipment

A number of commercially available products help ease the process of taking pets on the road. At a minimum, pet owners should invest in a quality crate or carrier before leaving for travel; these devices can prevent injury in a vehicle collision while on the road and act as a familiar bed while staying at an unfamiliar location. Some additional travel equipment recommended by the Dog Owner’s Guide includes a brush or comb, a six foot leash, towels or blankets, a first aid kit and a travel-friendly set of food and water bowls. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals adds a waste scooper, grooming supplies and a favorite toy to the list, and the organization recommends allowing the pet ample time to become familiar with the crate or carrier before hitting the road.
Car Concerns

Travelers journeying by car face a special set of pet safety concerns. The frequent starts, stops and side to side motion common to automobile travel can wreak havoc on motion-sensitive pets, and the Dog Owner’s Guide recommends securing a pet’s travel crate inside the vehicle to minimize this motion as much as possible. The organization also cautions against allowing pets to ride in the front seat, as this position can make them more vulnerable in an accident. The ASPCA notes that pets allowed to stick their heads out of moving car windows become susceptible to ear and lung infections, and some may become injured by passing objects. Finally, both organizations advise travelers to never leave a pet alone in an unattended vehicle for even a short amount of time.
Services

Pet owners who feel uncomfortable with the demands of taking a pet on the road may consider a pet travel service company. These companies that specialize in animal travel handle all aspects of preparation and safe transport, and can deliver a happy and refreshed pet to a travel destination at a predetermined time. According to the pet travel company Happy Tails Travel, common services include pet pickup, flight arrangements and pet delivery.
credit : http://traveltips.usatoday.com/pet-travel-safety-11215.html