Safest Seat On A Plane

One question that is often asked by many concerned passengers on an aircraft is: What is the safest seat on the plane? The simple answer is none. This is because mishaps can happen anywhere on a plane.

Some think that the closer you are seated to the emergency exit, the safer you are. Unfortunately, that is not accurate. A fire can start anywhere on a plane including near the exit. Also, if the emergency exit is stuck, whether you are seated nearest to it or farthest from it, you are still in the same predicament.

Irrespective of where you are seated, the only way you can minimize the risk to your safety is by being vigilant and mindful of your surroundings. Take note of where the exits are and listen keenly to the pre-flight and in-flight instructions. Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Be sensible and considerate of others so you can prevent accidents, like having a carry-on bag that’s too heavy, spilling hot drinks, being careless with objects that are pointed and sharp. Be sure to always use your common sense. 

The fact is plane accidents are quite rare although people tend to have anxiety about air travel. It is vital that you stay calm and don’t panic. Fear is extremely contagious. Most often the casualties that happen in accidents are a result of fear, they could have been prevented if the panic was suppressed. So, in the event there is an accident, remember to take deep breaths, keep the tone of your voice calm and follow instructions.

Again, there is no seat on a plane that is the safest. However, you can always make where you are seated, the safest seat, after all the feeling of safety is in your mind.

First Aid Kit for your Trip

It is important when packing for your trip that you include a first aid kit. This will help you to treat any minor illnesses straight away.

You should not only have one when you travel but also when doing any activity that is not close to civilization such as hiking or walking.

An ideal container for your first aid kit is one that is light like plastic and has a proper lid and if possible, has a handle. Boxes such as a small toolbox, fishing tackle box or kitchen Tupperware are good options.


Here is a list of some items you could put in your vacation first aid kit. Remember this is not a complete list, so there are other items you could also add.

Sterile gauze with adhesive tape and a small sharp scissors for cutting.

Different sizes of band-aids

Antibiotic cream

Hydrogen peroxide

Antiseptic wipes

Aspirin

Acetaminophen

Instant cold packs

Calamine lotion

Hydrocortisone cream

Antacid

Insect repellent

Motion sickness medication

Anti-diarrhoea medication

Sunscreen

Cold and Flu tablets

If you are taking prescription medication do not forget to pack sufficient for the entire duration of your trip.

You can also place a list of emergency numbers and your medical insurance information in your first aid kit.

Keep a first aid manual accessible and make sure to read it before your trip.  So, you are well prepared if anything should happen. You might also want to consider reviewing the manual with your children so they can have an idea about first aid.

It may be essential to include miscellaneous items such as a thermometer, latex gloves, tweezers, flashlight, and spare batteries.

Always remember to keep your first aid kit handy, but away from small children.

The City of Dubai

The city of Dubai is located within the United Arab Emirates and it’s bursting with beauty, wonder, and intrigue. It has miles of endless deserts and beaches, there are also impressive discoveries in art, culture, and history. With majestic hotels and mouth-watering cuisine, this city is packed with a wide range of attractions and activities to keep the natives and tourists busy and inspired by their surroundings. Dubai has a variety of exciting neighborhoods with commercial novelties and interesting districts you can explore, these include Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, and the Al- Bastakiya district.

If you love to shop or enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, there is an abundance of major tourist attractions that can be found throughout the city. Lamcy Plaza and Mercato Mall are notable locations to shop but even more impressive is the Mall of Emirates, the third largest mall in the world. There are 1200 stores, an aquarium, a virtual-reality theme park, an Olympic- size ice skating rink and hundreds of restaurants, with over 80 million visitors every year it the most visited mall in the world.

For the best nightlife, many believe that the larger hotels in Dubai are the place to be. As they have some of the best bars. There is also a variety of entertainment that can be found in some hot spots throughout the city that are less expensive.  The busiest nights to party are on Thursdays and Saturdays.

 Make sure to check the Weather Channel when planning your trip to Dubai, so you can prepare for the upcoming temperatures. Generally, the high and lows are quite pleasant. In the summer the weather tends to be hot and humid, while September to May is much cooler.  January and February get the most rainfall.

Planning for International Travel

If you are planning a trip to Europe or a cruise to the Caribbean, then there are a few things you should know, before booking your vacation. Traveling internationally is quite different from taking a three-hour drive from your home. If you do not plan properly, you may end up in an undesirable hotel without any money left to enjoy your trip.
So, here is a quick guide to help make your vacation planning much easier.

Where to Go?

You do not have to settle for a typical destination. Make sure to choose one that will make a lasting impression. You might want to think about the following before finalizing your decision.

What activities do you normally enjoy doing while you are vacationing? 

What would the weather be like at your destination?

Are you looking for quiet or would you rather be in the heart of the action?

What is your budget for your trip and how much vacation time do you have?

Be sure to consider these four key things carefully before booking your vacation. 

If you are traveling with your family, choose a destination that has activities that you will all enjoy. If your preference is a beach resort. There are exotic locations such as Indonesia, Thailand or Singapore with beautiful beach resorts. If you are an art lover then you will enjoy visiting Rome, Venice or France. If you are passionate about shopping, then choose Hong Kong, where you will find open-air markets, shops, boutiques and malls at every corner.

When you have chosen your destination, decide what city you want to visit and the hotel or resort you want to stay. The internet has many resources to help you to find the best deals. Remember, do not forgo the service or the quality of a hotel for a ‘good deal’.  If you do thorough research, you will know what you would get in advance.

To get discounts on luxury resorts you might want to join a travel group as membership offers huge savings. This will also save you money and time since they research and book your vacation for you. You might be able to make some extra money as well, as some groups allow you to sell memberships or travel packages to others. This could be a good opportunity to save and make money to travel to the places you love.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to get your passport and any other important documents that are required for international travel, in particular the country you are traveling to. Ask a travel agent if you are unsure or research online. Find out about things such as car rental, driver’s license compatibility, travel insurance, travel regulations at the airport and baggage allowance.

Research online before you leave, the activities you would like to do when you are there.  It will save you a lot of time when you reach, and you will also get an idea of what is available. You can also look for holiday coupons online for the places you are interested in visiting like amusement parks, museums, and aquariums. 


If you plan ahead it would make it much easier to enjoy your trip.

Watch Out For Travel Scams

In contrast to a lot of products, you generally need to pay for travel services before it is provided. This creates many opportunities for dishonest people and companies. As some travel packages are found to be completely different from what was offered and what the consumer expected, and others have not been provided at all.

Should you ever receive an offer by phone or mail for a free or a hugely discounted vacation package to a popular destination like Hawaii or Florida, there are some key things you should look out for.

If the price seems way too good to be true.  

If you are asked for your credit card number over the phone.

If you are being persuaded to make an instant decision.

If they are evasive about what airline they are representing.

If they cannot state, the exact address of the company they are calling on behalf of.

If you are told you cannot leave for at least two months. 

Be aware that you would not be able to dispute your credit card charges after 60 days, a fact that scammers know all too well.

Should you encounter any of these scenarios, be very careful. Make sure to ask for written information to be sent to you. If it is a legitimate company, they would be happy to comply. If they say they don’t have a brochure, tell them you will like at least two days to think it over. A genuine deal should be still valid after two days. If they cannot fulfill both requests, then the trip is perhaps not right for you.

You may also be told that you have won a free vacation. Be sure to ask if you need to purchase anything to receive it. As some companies advertise free airfare, but you must pay for expensive hotel accommodations, to get it. Or they might be offering a free hotel stay and you will need to pay for your airfare.

If you are interested in their vacation offer and you are convinced of the final price you would have to pay, it may be still wise to first compare what they are offering to deals elsewhere. As often, the attraction of free airfare or free accommodations masks the fact that the total price is still higher than a regular package.

Remember to obtain a confirmed departure date in writing, before paying for anything. Be suspicious if you are told that an appropriate date would be organized later.  

If you would have to be on standby or a waitlist or your reservation can only be given much later, ask if your payment is refundable if you want to cancel. Do not pay any money you cannot afford to lose.

If the package includes staying at a beach resort, ask what the distance from the hotel to the beach is. Then verify it with the hotel.

Check the entire cost of the trip in dollars, this should include all service charges, taxes, and administrative fees.

If you agree to purchase the package after checking all the details. Then you should pay by credit card as you have the legal right to pursue a chargeback or credit should the services that were promised are not delivered.

Always remember if it seems to good to be true, then it probably is.

Maui Hawaii

Are you thinking about visiting Maui Hawaii? It is one of Hawaii’s most popular vacation destinations as there are many incredible attractions. 

When you have decided to visit and have made your travel arrangements. You should start looking at which of the many attractions you would like to visit. The task might be a bit overwhelming because there are so many options. Make sure to create a list or vacation itinerary as you do not want to miss out on some of the history and beauty of Maui.

To help you in deciding some of the attractions you should visit. Below are five must-see attractions that are highly rated.


The Island of Molokini

Molokini island has a crescent shape and is situated not far off the southern coast of Maui. On the boat trip to the island, the views are incredibly beautiful. Molokini is also known to have some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Hawaii. There are private group tours available to the island.

Iao Valley State Park

Located on historical land, Iao Valley State Park is in central Maui. The Hawaii official tourism website has stated that it is the site of the great Battle of Kepaniwai, which took place in 1790.  

The largest attraction at Iao Valley State Park is Iao Needle. It is a sightseer’s dream, as it is exceptionally picturesque. A visit to this state park is ideal for the entire family, those who enjoy hiking and if you are interested in learning the history of Maui.

The Banyan Tree

Tourists who go to Maui should not miss out on a visit to The Banyan Tree, that can found be in Lahaina. It is one of the largest trees of its kind in the United States. According to Hawaii’s tourism website, it is the size of an average city block.

If you are vacationing with your family, be sure to take your children to see this amazing tree as it is something that they would never forget.

Haleakala National Park

The Haleakala National Park is situated on the eastern side of Maui. Here you will get a chance to see the astonishing largest dormant volcano in the world. Tourists who have visited proclaim it is worth hiking, to watch the sunrise at the Haleakala Crater. 

You can explore The Haleakala National Park, by walking, taking a car, or riding a bike. Besides seeing Haleakala remarkable volcanoes, you will also be able to see and discover tropical landscaping that features rare flowers and plants, beautiful streams and waterfalls. 

The Hana Highway

The Hana Highway is also on the eastern edge of Maui. Even though a highway might not seem a likely tourist attraction, this one is. It is one of the most scenic places to visit in Hawaii. Imagine driving through narrow, yet beautiful bridges, seeing stunning waterfalls, breathtaking views of the ocean, and amazing foliage, and there is so much more.

You should rent a car just for the chance to drive along the scenic Hana Highway on your next Hawaii vacation.

These are only a few of Maui’s many must-see attractions. Remember to research for more that you would want to visit on your trip. There are detailed Maui travel guides that can be found online, and you can also request printed ones to be delivered to your home. Have a wonderful vacation in Maui Hawaii.

Tour Guide Training - A Chance To Get Paid To Travel

Whenever people are asked in a survey what they would do with their time if they had additional financial resources, the majority usually state they would travel. Sadly, for most, they may not ever get a chance to fulfill their dream. There are some, however, who realize that they can accomplish their desire to travel by doing tour guide training and becoming a tour director. 

There are a lot of tour guide jobs in the travel and tourism sector. Opportunities are available in sightseeing and bus tours, adventure tours, sporting tours, and cruise ship excursions both within the United States and internationally. If you train as a tour director, you can work as a cruise host, but you also have the potential to be in a management position with a tour company. You can work for tour operators, destination management companies and event planners.

One of the great things about the travel and hospitality industry is, there are a variety of jobs available that are suited for people from various backgrounds. The three things that you should possess if you want to be successful in this field are; a love for travel, enjoy working with people and the required training in travel and tourism. Some have traveled extensively before starting and others just have the desire to travel. Some tour guides work on a part-time basis during school vacations or after retirement. Others work full-time as tour directors or may travel on cruise ships around the world. Getting your training as a tour guide is essential for you to become a good tour director.

You can earn your certificate as tour director by doing it at a community college, university or taking the course online. The top online courses offer the option of getting credit for the course through an accredited local college or university. Remember to examine the background of the instructor who is doing your training. You would ideally want to find someone with over ten years of travel experience and has worked as a cruise host and international tour director. They should have extensive tour guide training experience.

A tour director training course that is highly regarded should last about six weeks. The course should include the expectations, requirements, and procedures that are involved in tour directing and guiding, also techniques for group management, creating and delivering interesting narration and how to handle any challenges that may arise. In addition, it should also go in-depth about pre-tour planning, multi-day tours, facing emergencies anywhere in the world, and governmental regulations and procedures.   Lastly, a good tour guide training course will explore the career opportunities available for a tour director, which opportunities are the right fit for your needs and interests, and how to write a proper resume, network, and interview for travel jobs.
To get paid to travel is a dream job, and with the right tour guide training, it is possible to make that dream come true.

The Benefits of Travel Reward Cards

As a traveler, I am sure at some point you have heard about the benefits of travel reward points whether on a television commercial or from a travel agent or airline personnel.
  
Travel rewards are given as an incentive by airlines for choosing them to book your flight. They usually issue what is called a frequent flyer card which looks quite similar to a credit card. Points are then added each time you fly with that particular airline or their partners.

Travel points are normally calculated by how many miles you have flown during a flight and are then added to your account accordingly. Some credit card companies offer you a chance to collect travel reward points as well.

When you have accumulated a considerable number of points, you can then use them to purchase duty-free items, hotel reservations, car rentals, travel and so on. If your travel reward points are accredited to you by your bank, they have more partners associated with the program.

Another benefit of accumulating points on your airline frequent flyer card is the opportunity to get a flight upgrade.  This can be helpful especially if you have a long flight and you wish to relax and get some sleep. Frequent flyers are sometimes offered a free flight and upgraded membership.  Occasionally you are also allowed heavier bags than usual, without having to pay for the extra weight.

Remember you can accumulate travel reward points if you travel for business or pleasure. You will then have the option to shop, stay in a hotel or even fly for free from time to time, depending on the number of points you collect. It is so worth it, to start collecting reward travel points. Don’t forget the membership and card are free.