TRAVEL TIPS SEPTEMBER 3, 2011

DISASTER SUPPLY KIT  (www.nhc.noaa.gov)

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 – 7 days

Food -  at least enough for 3 – 7 days

               non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices

               non-electric can opener 

               snack foods

               if needed, food for baby or elderly

               paper plates/plastic utensils

               cooking tools/fuel/matches or lighter

Toiletries – Personal hygiene items/moisture wipes/hand antibiotic cleanser

First Aid Kit – Medicines/Prescription Drugs/Dr. Info/Insurance Info

Pets -    if it applys, muzzle and leash carrier or cage ample food and water/dish for water

               immunization records/medications/ID

Radio – NOAA weather radio and battery operated

Flashlight – with extra batteries

Telephone- fully charged cell phone/charger/batteries

                       traditional telephone set (not cordless)

Keys  -  have an extra set made of house/car

Important documents – in a waterproof container copy of driver’s license/passport/ Social Security card/insurance vehicle info

Financial – bank account numbers/ATM card and credit card/ cash in small bills (ATMs might not be working)  

Tools – screwdrivers/small hammer/a blade for cutting

Vehicle – keep fuel tanks filled

Kids – if you have kids have books, games and toys to keep occupied

Clothing – sturdy walking shoes (not flip flops)/rain gear/seasonal

TRAVEL TIPS August 27, 2011

HURRICANE SEASON

1.  If you are traveling to the Caribbean “Don’t Go Without Travel Insurance.”  Get trip-cancellation and interruption insurance.  This means travelers     who have purchased advance airline or cruise tickets and arranged hotel stays will be fully compensated if a storm prevents them from traveling.  Peak hurricane season in the Caribbean is June 1 – November 30 each year.  Are some islands safer than others because they are below the hurricane belt?  Hurricanes can and will hit anywhere in the Caribbean, although some islands have had a very low ratio of hurricanes.  Those islands usually less affected are: Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Tobago and Trinidad.

We recommend Travel Guard International (www.travelguard.com.)

2.  Check with the National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov) to see if the islands you are planning to visit will be affected. Remember, “Storm-surge flooding, heavy rains and high winds can affect where you are even if the eye of the hurricane isn’t over your island.

3.  Be sure to read the resorts fine print on their hurricane guarantee clause.  You might only get a partial refund or offered a voucher for a future stay.  If your hotel/resort is damaged before your scheduled arrival and it cannot accommodate you or provide comparable accommodations, they should reimburse your non-refundable costs.

4.  Leave your travel info with a friend or relative.  Storms can form and veer off course or strengthen or weaken and it might affect your destination.  Leave a contact number for the hotel/resort, in case your cell phone doesn’t work in that destination.

5.  Once the hurricane has been named, Trip Cancellation and Interruption are excluded.  Insurance must be purchased 24 hours prior to when the hurricane is named.

6.  What if the airport is closed due to a hurricane and your vacation is delayed?  Travel insurance covers expenses incurred if your trip is delayed and covers reasonable, additional accommodations and travel expenses until your travel can resume.  Examples:  The airport is closed due to high winds; you are forced to evacuate your hotel/resort; the road you are traveling is impassable due to high water, downed electric lines or trees.

7.  You cannot cancel a trip based on what might happen, only if the weather has directly affected your trip. 

This beautiful 1888 Mansion B&B is where I stayed on my recent

trip to Cheyenne WY.

Merida, Mexico

The draw: City living meets colonial charm. Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan, is a world away from Cancun, its touristy cousin across the peninsula. Sitting 22 miles inland, Merida has a European feel, thanks to its Old World architecture and abundant culture. There are opera houses and cathedrals to explore, and foodies rave about the dining scene. There’s a growing population of retirees from the U.S., as evidenced by an English-language newspaper and library. Merida has escaped the violence that has plagued Mexico’s border towns.

Lunigiana, Italy

The draw: Tuscany on the cheap. The Lunigiana region of northern Tuscany is home to a network of villages connected by well-marked hiking paths. The Mediterranean coast is a short drive away, and Florence, Lucca and Pisa are all manageable day trips. Lunigiana isn’t on the radar of too many retirees yet, which means the region is more affordable than areas farther south in the heart of Tuscany.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

The draw: Laid-back island living. Bocas del Toro province, on the Caribbean in western Panama, boasts miles of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and sprawling rainforests. The currency is the U.S. dollar and, while Spanish is the country’s official language, English is widely spoken. Panama has a “pensionado” program for retirees that provides discounts on public transportation, entertainment and health care.

Granada, Nicaragua

The draw: Rooms with a view. Granada, a picturesque colonial city that dates back to the 16th century, sits on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Brightly painted buildings liven up the architecture, and volcanoes are visible in the distance. There are local restaurants, shops and access to freshwater activities. Nearby Managua has shopping malls, movie theaters and other entertainment options. Look into the government’s incentive program for foreign retirees, which offers duty-free imports and other tax breaks.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

The draw: Live like a king for less. Located on the coast of South-Central Vietnam, Nha Trang is encased by miles of beaches and massive mountain ranges. An American couple can get by on less than $600 a month; $1,000 a month would land you in the lap of luxury. U.S. dollars, preferably crisp, clean ones, are widely accepted. There’s a small population of foreigners in Nha Trang, as well as many restaurants and bars, a supermarket and a mall.

Roatan, Honduras

The draw: Life’s a beach. Located in the Bay Islands of Honduras, Roatan is home to the world’s second longest coral reef, warm ocean waters and long strands of white sand. English is the primary language, the U.S. dollar is accepted, and real estate prices have come down in recent years. There’s an established expat community. Retirees looking for a Caribbean experience for less probably won’t be disappointed.

Bearn, France

The draw: Basque in the moment. The Bearn area of southwestern France, near the border with Spain, is influenced by Basque culture from both sides of the Pyrenees (note the berets). The pastoral landscape is dotted with medieval towns, and hunting and fishing are favorite pastimes. There are loads of markets and vineyards to explore, not to mention a fair share of churches and castles. Living in Bearn is cheaper than in better-known parts of France such as Provence, a plus for retirees.

Corozal Town, Belize

The draw: The best of both worlds. The town, located in northernmost Belize, offers retirees beaches and tranquility in Corozal, and big-city amenities such as malls and museums just across the border in Chetumal, Mexico. English is the official language, though Spanish is widely spoken. The government operates a “qualified retired persons” program that allows non-Belizeans to enjoy perks such as tax-free imports of household goods, cars and even airplanes. One-time application and program fees add up to $1,350, plus another $750 per dependent.

Don’t leave valuables unattended on a beach. Covering your purse or wallet with a towel while you take a dip in the pool or beach, doesn’t mean that you weren’t being watched while you “hid” your valuables.

Leave unnecessary credit cards at home. Make a copy of any credit card you take along with a contact number in case your card is stolen.

Don’t wear your flashy or expensive jewelry, if you do, lock it in the hotel/room safe when
not wearing the jewelry.

Stay away from public beaches at night, instead the private hotel beach is usually safer.

Use a concealed money belt or pouch for credit cards, cash and passports. Use a hotel safe to keep extra cash in, don’t carry all your money with you everywhere you go.

Take an ATM card to obtain extra cash, most countries will have ATM’s to access.

Don’t buy illegal drugs. Your penalty could be 20 years in prison in some countries.

Be smart and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

That “cute” little child that is trying to get your attention with a sad story might actually be picking your pocket!

When going to the airport, don’t write your home address on your luggage tag where it can be seen by a potential “thief”.

In-flight food has been the subject of humor since the Wright brothers took to the air.  Now you have more choices
than ever. You can bring your own. Here’s our thoughts.

Bringing Food on Planes

Be considerate of your “fellow” passengers with the food you bring on the plane. Don’t bring anything on the plane that would be considered messy or that smells obnoxious.

Use napkins or hand wipes to clean up your hands or to wipe off any food spills on the armrest or seats of the plane. How would you like to be the next person to sit down in a seat and find ranch dressing or peanut butter on your armrest or seat?

Be considerate of your seat mate and chew quietly.

Clean up after yourself, wrap up any leftovers and give them to the flight attendant to dispose of.

If you bring on hot coffee or iced tea or soda, be careful not spill it on a passenger as you make your way to your seat.