#Cuba travel safety tips | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

asszu · 1 year ago

Text

Unusual Holiday Destinations To Inspire Your Next Adventure

When I think of visiting far-off remote places and unusual holiday destinations where there are no crowds in sight, I smile.

That’s not to say these places turn out to be a happy land of lone travellers, free of fam-bams and overzealous intrepid tourists, but if you’re picturing urban dwellers, and jaded souls who are perpetually excited at the sight of ridiculously balmy beaches, windblowing magical places to rest out their tired lives – then, that’s about right.

The world may be conquered, and every year Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor releases their top unique destinations that will make you dream of ways to whisk you to these secret places of the world.

However, the missing ingredient of these places are the travellers’ stories, the new connections, the personal tips and the unusual experiences.

Hence, I have reached out to travel bloggers and creators to highlight their unusual holiday destinations like or unique travel destinations that will feed your adventurous soul from honeymoon destinations in Asia to hidden gems in Europe.

While putting this post, I have come to conclude that:

It is easy to get out and go under the radar. It could be a piece of history, an amazing city or a place that you sought out because you were interested in the way the locals have reformed their lives, Any little interest in these new places is enough for you to go off-the-path.

Safety is a state of mind. You should never let fear keep you away from travelling. A place of despair becomes the terrain of what might be. Precautions and a few general street smarts are enough for you to find strength in visiting places you’d never think of visiting.

Open-ended journeys, and limited budgets are inspiring: Forget the categories of budget travellers, backpacker and luxury travellers, but just pick any destination regardless of the cost, and find a way to create a travel budget while focusing on the spontaneous experiences.

If you would like to visit new places and can’t think of unusual holiday destinations, consider these stories and recommendations below.

27 Unusual Holiday Destinations To Inspire You

Table of Contents

#1 El Savador, Central America

El Salvador is an often overlooked country in Central America, the smallest in the region in fact, and usually avoided because of safety concerns.

But if you are smart and avoid the main focus on drug-related crime you can travel to El Salvador and enjoy a beautiful country without any tourists and with friendly people.

El Salvador is a very affordable country and one of the most unusual holiday destinations where you can spend less than $10 a day on food and public transportation (buses) are cheap.

However, to be safer and more comfortable, I suggest picking a base and going on day tours with a driver and guide.

This way you will be safer but also will get to interact with the locals and learn more about the rich heritage.

I stayed in Suchitoto, a small village about 1.5 hour from San Salvador and from there explored the Mayan Ruins, La Ruta de las Flores, and Santa Ana Volcano. San Salvador deserves half a day and if you are into surfing, there are a few towns along the coast, north and south of La Libertad which have a great surf.

by Mar Pages, Once in a Lifetime Journey

#2 Las Terrazas, Cuba

Many travellers only think about going to the beach in Cuba and maybe a side trip into Havana for the day. But Cuba is one unusual holiday destination that you cannot find elsewhere.

Las Terrazas is a small village just 90 minutes outside Havana on the way to Vinales. It is not on a beach but actually in the mountains in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The community population is limited because you must be invited to live here, you cannot just move here on your own.

The easiest way to live here in utopia is to marry someone from the local community, or to have a trade that they need, such as an electrician or a plumber.

But tourists are welcome to visit as this area was once a former coffee plantation and so it’s possible to hike through the mountains and visit old plantation ruins and go birdwatching.

Cubans also vacation here as there are two lakes and a river to swim in. It’s popular to go horseback riding, zip lining and it’s worth staying overnight in the local hotel, or you can also stay by the river in small huts.

If you’re on a budget you can also camp in a tent, either your own or rent one from the community.

If you’re looking for a bit more tranquility, there are a number of artist studios to visit and the local coffee shop has an amazing view.

Las Terrazas is also home to a solar powered vegetarian restaurant that aims to grow most of its food or buy from local farmers.

by Ayngelina Brogan, Bacon Is Magic

#3 Shaxi, China

The peaceful pedestrian streets and earthy undertones in a sleepy Shaxi town was the perfect kind of balance we were seeking in a different side of China.

Shaxi (pronounced “Sha-Shi”) situated in Yunnan province was an important village on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a similar route to the historic Silk Road, and is the only living piece of the old trail while still trying to maintain some of it authenticity.

We stayed at the The Old Theatre Inn overlooking corn fields, tucked minutes away from the main town framed by cherry blossom trees was our stay for the night

Walking to the outskirts of Shaxi offers pristine views of the Heihui River, with rolling peaks creating the stunning backdrop.

Few people have realised how vast and unprecedented the changes that China has gone through but this change is often seen in big cities.

Not many venture into the caravan towns and old squares of China, in other words the off the beaten path destination in China where true gems and stories are to be found.

by Pashmina, The Gone Goat

Also Read: Hiking The Tiger Leaping Gorge in China: A Guide To Hike This Easy-Ish Trail

#4 San Cipriano, Colombia

If you’re in the Americas and thinking of heading down to Colombia, then there is one unusual holiday destination or unique travel destination that may interest you. In fact, it’s not so much the destination but how you get there that is quite unusual.

The name of this place is called San Cipriano and let me tell you why.

San Cipriano is not one of the most famous places in Colombia but has a natural reserve which is home to the most crystalline waters your eyes have ever seen.

However, to get to the natural reserve, you must take a ride on an abandoned train track which has been adapted by locals to fit a motorbike equipped with make-shift wooden carriage.

It’s the most exhilarating 20-minute ride you will ever take and it costs less than $3USD!

It goes through the middle of the jungle and there’s no speed limit. Some have noted how dangerous it is but it’s the only way to get to the Natural reserve without hiking for a couple of hours. This is what makes the natural reserve at San Cipriano a very unusual holiday destination for 2019.

0 notes

onelovescuba-blog · 5 years ago

Photo

Your Ultimate Guide To Scuba Diving In Jamaica.

Jamaica has an incredible reputation for Scuba Diving and so many things that draw travelers from around the world original reggae, stunning beaches, delicious rum and coffee, lush mountains, incredible jerk chicken, and beyond.

Planning to head to a Jamaican all-inclusive to dive?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

While the dive schedules are refreshingly civilized (no pre-sunrise call times here!) morning dives will be deeper and more advanced, so it’s worth waking up if you want to go to the more spectacular sites. If you’re diving with a less experienced friend or family member like me, the afternoon dive sites will be lovely as well.

The staff is used to new divers, so if you go on a few dives and show them that you are confident and competent, they will probably be pretty pumped to guide you to the more advanced locations. Once you establish a relationship, they will very likely take your requests and preferences into account when planning the day’s dive sites.

All equipment is included aside from a wetsuit rental, or you can bring your own and rent a locker in the dive shop. Wetsuits aside, I was happy with all the rental gear. From what we’ve read and gathered, Negril is generally considered to have Jamaica’s best Scuba diving,

Negril

Negril of the almost two dozen dive sites near Negril, the Throne Room is considered the best! The Throne Room is a cavern dive that is at a depth of 40 feet (12 meters) to 70 feet (21 meters). Novice divers can dive here staying in the area that has direct access. Advanced divers can use an exit window near the bottom of the cavern at 70 feet (21 meters). Both novice and advanced divers will also have wreck dives and a number of outstanding reefs. Wall dives near the trench are also available. The world is renowned by the beauty of Scuba diving in Jamaica.

The Negril Jamaica bloody bay attracts divers from around the world. More than 50,000 of them visit every year. Baited by the one of a kind marvels of the wetland Forest and the underwater deep-sea diving mesmerizes with its reefs, aquatic creatures surrounding you, drivers additionally value its glare visibility and safe conditions. Scuba diving and snorkeling are especially good in this protected reef areas.

Montego Bay

Montego Bay widow-maker’s Cave is the most famous of the dive sites in Montego Bay. The cave is an opening on a reef at 35 feet (11 meters) that sloops down and exits at 80 feet (24 meters). The walls are covered in black coral and other soft corals.

Ocho Rios

The SS Kathryn Wreck, a WWII mine-sweeper, generally gets top billing of the many dive sites of Ocho Rios. She sits in just 50 feet (15 meters) of water with its topmost structure a mere 20 feet (6 meters) below the surface. The wreck is completely covered by coral and has a great population of reef fish.

Snorkeling in Jamaica

Snorkeling is a very popular activity to do for the tourist that visits the island. Many of the dive sites that are used for dive training are also used for snorkeling. Party boats that start with snorkeling is a very popular tour.

Fishes and Coral

The reefs are making a healthy recovery from the early abuses. They are full of a variety of reef fish. While sharks and other large pelagic are seen they are not as common as in other Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas or Cuba for example.

Diving Safety

If you are planning an upcoming scuba dive trip or traveling to Jamaica, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

While Jamaica does not have a strong following as a scuba diving destination, it does have some great diving. It is a great location to consider if you are looking for a destination where dive sites won’t be so busy!

Travel Guide

Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday in Jamaica!

OneLoveScuba - Best Scuba divining in Negril

#scuba diving #divecenter #negril #scubadiving #scubalife #jamaica

1 note · View note

uberclimb-blog · 5 years ago

Text

60 Hurricane Safety Tips: Learn What To Do Before, During & After A Hurricane

Introduction

A hurricane also known as a typhoon (in Indian / Pacific Ocean) is a large storm. It typically is identified by a low-pressure center around which there is high speed storm system, high winds together with thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rains. Countries with major coast lines are especially at rise of such storms. They tend to occur every year.

At the focal point of hurricane, air sinks instead of rises. For a suitably strong storm, the air may sink over a layer deep enough to smother cloud formation, in this way making a clear region also called an "eye" of the storm.

Hurricanes take time to develop, usually a few days or more. They typically begin as thunderstorms then become stronger and stronger and grow in size into large scale weather disturbances.

Hurricanes are effectively followed and checked by climate satellites & weather aircraft due to their regularity and potential for destructive damage. In this way, weather agencies are constantly monitoring hurricane movements. Hence if you are in an affected area, it’s wise to keep up to date with latest warnings.

Hurricanes are defined by 5 categories

Category

Wind Speed (mph)

Damage

74-95

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

96-110

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage

111-129

Devastating damage will occur

130-156

Catastrophic damage will occur

>157

Catastrophic damage will occur

Category 1: 74–95 mph . Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

Category 2: 96–110 mph . Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

Category 3: 111–129 mph . Devastating damage will occur

Category 4: 130–156 mph . Catastrophic damage will occur

Category 5: >157 mph . Catastrophic damage will occur

Countries Affected

According to the US NOARA the main countries with most hurricane strikes since 1970 are:-

· United States

· China

· Philippines

· Japan

· Mexico

· Taiwan

· Vietnam

· Australia

· Madagascar

· Cuba

Other Countries

· Mexico – Western coast

· New Zealand

The main Caribbean islands that are struck by hurrianes on regular basis are:-

· Island of Abaco

· Saba, Netherland Antilles

· Grand Bahama, Bahama

· Habana, Cuba

· Key West, USA

· St. Eustatius, Netherland Antilles

· Nevis, West Indies

· Bimini, Bahamas

· Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas

· Tortola, British Virgin Islands

· St. Maarten/St. Martin

Hurricane Season

Northern Hemisphere - May 1st to November 30th for the Atlantic and the Caribbean each year, and the Eastern Pacific hurricane season starts in mid-May.

Southern Hemisphere - Seasons are the opposite of those in the northern, of course, and their hurricane season peaks in March and April.

To help your preparation below are some tips. This is not meant to be exhaustive but more of a guide:-

Before Hurricane Impact

1. Most importantly keep up to date with latest weather updates Useful to have a portable (battery/crank up) radio in case of power failure caused by the hurricane.

2. Check and ensure everyone is accounted for including pets. Also that they know what to do.

3. You could, if you have the funds/space consider purchasing a back up generator with full tank if fuel and a reserve fuel on hand.

4. Prepare for flooding with sandbags, and suitable stock of brooms, mops squeegees, and other absorbents to help remove water and other deposits.

5. If your have trees in your garden or grounds, consider trimming or remove large trees that could fall and damage your or your neighbouring properties.

6. Prior to a storm remove patio furniture, yard decorations and anything not securely fastened.

7. If your child’s school or child care center is in an area at risk from hurricanes, find out how its emergency plans address hurricanes.

8. Inside you home ensure you have enough supplies including spare batteries, first aid kit. Attach tape over windows to prevent any shattering.

You can find suitable types of first aid kits at https://www.uberclimb.com/gear/First-Aid

9. On the exterior of your home, remove/tie down any potential loose objects. Also, close all your home windows and doors.

10.Install permanent shutters to protect windows, doors and skylights from flying debris and wind. You could also, board up windows/doors if required.

11.Strengthen your garage door by replacing it with a pressure-rated model or install a bracing system to prevent the door from failing.

12.If you have to evacuate, ensure all members of your family are accounted for. Check you have full tank of fuel and familiarise with evacuation route & destination. Evacuate as soon as possible when you receive an evacuation notice or you feel in immediate danger.

13.When moving outside avoid potential dangerous places. Especially avoid places where the riverbed is high or close to other waterways. Also, avoid areas likely to have landslides or flooding.

14.Normally, it is advisable to stay indoors whenever possible. Try and avoid venturing outdoors if not necessary. There could be flying debris and other hazards caused by the hurricane.

15.Try and avoid beaches where water can quickly flood in. Also best to avoid harbours areas/, river mouths. These will be venerable at at high tide/high water conditions such as caused by hurricanes.

16.It also advisable to stay away from low lying coastal areas as tides will be much higher and waves much stronger at full tide. Levee breaks also cause serious disaster.

If you are on or near alluvial areas be extra wary. These have increased risks of flooding. Exercise extreme caution because deltas (made of sediment carried by the river and deposited at the mouth of it) and floodplains (region made of accumulated sand carried by regular flooding) can easily be swamped.

18.Also note that river basins and dry riverbeds can also present a serious/life threatening danger of flooding during storms, hence avoid venturing there or leave the area as soon as possible.

Avoid developed land as this is normally made by breaking up hillsides and hence may contain unstable soil and terrain and therefore weaker ground. These areas may slide when downpours or water flooding loosen the ground.

20.Torrential downpour caused by hurricane weather s may cause mountain landslides, and alluvial cones at the foot of a mountain may especially vulnerable. Be especially wary of steep sloping lands of greater than 30° angles and heights of more than 5m may experience a landslide when there are heavy rains.

If you live in mobile home it is safer to go to a shelter.

22. Be sure to fully charge all mobile phones and other battery powered devices. Also, print out emergency contact information in case you lose power.

23.Stock up on groceries, water, medications, and any other necessities such as infant supplies to avoid the need for travel during the storm. You could storage water in a suitable container. One option can be found at

https://www.uberclimb.com/gear/hyrdration/naturehike-food-grade-water-container-large-capacity

24.Ideally purchase appliances that come with built in surge protection or consider a surge protected sockets power strips to plug your electrical devices.

25.Have some emergency cash in case you need to purchase items in areas where there is no power.

26.Check and repair (if necessary) roof drains, gutters and gaps in walls.

27.Remove TV and radio antennas as well satellite dishes from roof areas.

28.Ensure that any storm drains, culverts and catch basins are cleared of debris.

29.Prior to evacuation, bring identification, insurance papers, and other important documents for every family member in your family/group. Obey all special traffic signs and law enforcement orders. Bring adequate water, snacks, cash, and medications.

30.Consider creating a family communications plan that can help ensure that everyone knows how to connect and where to meet during an emergency.

31.Identify a family member or friend to serve as an out-of-state contact so all family members have a single point of contact. Write down or capture two contact methods for this individual such as telephone, cell phone, e-mail address, or social media. Determine safe places where your family can go for protection or to reconnect if separated.

32.Consider signup with American Red Cross Safe and Well social media app. Learn about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System.

33.Remember, texting may work best before, during, and after a disaster as a text message may be more likely to reach the recipient as it requires far less bandwidth to send than making a phone call.

34.Make sure that everyone, including children, knows how and when to call 9-1-1 for emergency help. Remember, only call 9-1-1 if there is a life-threatening emergency.

35.Store at least one emergency contact under the names “In Case of Emergency” or “ICE” for all mobile phones and devices. This will help someone identify your emergency contact if needed.

36.Those with special medical needs such as oxygen, dialysis etc should go to special needs shelters only. These typically only provide medical monitoring and limited medical care. Bring a caregiver if possible.

It is good preparation to build a storm shelter or tornado safe room. The safest place may be a small, interior, windowless room such as a closet or bathroom on the lowest level of the structure.

38.If possible ensure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer.

Where possible, store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of (contaminated) water in case of flooding.

Purchase flood insurance in advance of the storm.

41.Create a disaster preparedness kit filled with critical supplies, including important documents and medications. You can find a list here.

42.It is advisable to keep your pets in a designated area in your home. Ensure to place enough water and food in that area. If your pet has special care needs, make sure to provide it. Animals, just like humans, can also feel scared.

During The Hurricane

43.Keep up-to-date on weather status especially in your area.

44.Shut down all gas fired equipment and shut off main gas values.

45.Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in “airplane” mode, and closing unnecessary apps that you do not need.

46.Shut down all non-critical and non-essential electrical equipment.

47.Stay in a secure room and away from windows.

48.If your power goes out, report your outage immediately to your local power company.

Be aware, it typically takes about two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and trucks.

After Hurricane

Ensure that the storm has completely passed before venturing outside.

Also, stay away from downed power lines, flooded areas, and debris. Treat all fallen wires and anything touching them as though they are energized/live. Immediately report downed lines to your power company.

52.If your power is cut, listen to your local radio stations for information and instructions.

If you are encountering hot weather, close drapes and blinds on the sunny side of your house, drink plenty of fluids, take your pets to a cool basement location, and go to an air-conditioned civic center, mall, or library if necessary to stay cool.

54.Remain patient. Every electric company has a detailed plan for restoring electrical service after a power outage.

If possible, try and turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Also, to help ensure your food will keep longer, try and minimise opening the fridge door as much as possible if the power goes out.

56.Check if your local community has a hurricane response plan.

57.Do not move seriously injured individuals. There may be falling debris even more likely if you have high rise buildings.

58.Provide search and rescue personnel with last known location and descriptions of any missing victims.

59.Clear out roof drains, and remove debris from roofs.

60.Check refrigerated items from spoilage if there has been a power failure.

On entering your home do an inspection of every room. However, be careful in entering every room. Keep a lookout for reptiles or other wild animals that may have been driven by floodwaters to higher ground. If you happen to find one, don’t try and handle the animal - instead contact local wildlife authority or agency.

You can find other useful articles at

https://www.uberclimb.com/index.php?route=extension/d_blog_module/category&category_id=1

Useful Sites

North America

The Hurricane Watch Net

https://www.hwn.org

Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane

DHS Disaster & Emergancy Advice

http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

National Hurricane Center

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

Asia

Philippines

https://www.pgyc.org/weather.php

Japan

https://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

Taiwan

https://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/prevent/typhoon/ty.htm

Vietnam

http://www.nchmf.gov.vn/web/en-US/43/Default.aspx

Australia

http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/

1 note · View note

champagnediva · 6 years ago

Text

If you want to drive in Santo Domingo “Don’t” . Nerves of steel is an understatement, at least for me.

Red lights ! oblivious. Lanes !! only a suggestion. Imagine you open a room full of crazies and distribute driving licences, cars and motorcycles and just say “go out there and drive, Don’t Worry about the rules , there are none” I know you think I’m exaggerating or being funny, NOT!!!. Utter chaos. Although I must say I didn’t see any bodies on the road so I suppose there must be a method to their madness . Anyway that was my experience . Aside from the driving part it was a good experience. They do have a good transit system ,so if you are not a daredevil maybe you could travel by train or Taxi , lots of people use Uber ( Orange cars). Renting a car is cheap but by the time you add insurance it becomes a bit expensive. Another thing which I think needs mentioning is safety, driving around in Santo Domingo, I was told not to keep my window down, I guess driving my convertible is out of the question 😦 .

Santo Domingo random street photos

train station

Drove around Santo Domingo a bit. fascinating electrical work. How the heck to they figure this out?

The casino next to The Sheraton.

The first night we spent at the Sheraton Santo Domingo on the Malecon. Star quality hotel ,very welcoming staff. I always prefer to eat local but we decided to have dinner at the hotel restaurant with friends ( not a big fan of hotel food). Can’t say I was disappointed, the ceviche was pretty delicious.

Shrimp Cocktail

Cevice

A good night sleep on BTW was the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in, at a hotel.

Breakfast , then off we went to las Terrenas. The purpose of my trip was to go check out the possibilities of buying a property.

On the road keep the speed limit ,radar is everywhere ready to catch you. If you are stopped , they just want money. Of Course we were stopped, they somehow know when you are a tourist. I was told that most people just pay and go, and I did notice that they didn’t really want to give us a ticket. We could have just paid and left but instead we pretended we did not understand Spanish or what they were saying, frustrated the crap out of them, after 15 minutes of frustrations, no ticket, no payola. The words “La Prensa” (my Press pass ) got us on our way. Guess they didn’t want a write up. LOL .

We finally arrived in las Terrenas after more than 2 hours of driving from Santo Domingo.The tolls from Santo Domingo to Las Terrenas are about 25.00 Usd or about 1200 Pesos. Make sure you have Pesos , they don’t accept USD.

Las Terrenas

A resort town on the Samaná Peninsula, in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic. A beautiful safe town inhabited by lots of European retirees. I found it quite interesting that in most place I went in town, most people spoke French,of course English and Spanish .

The French bakery and of course the local Cigar shop.

Graffiti in las terrenas

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

LODGING: Residencia El Balata

A very unique property about 2 km from the beach, you can actually walk to the beach. very Original in design , natural woodwork . The owner is very friendly and very accommodating. English, French and Italian are spoken. Of course Spanish .

its the perfect spot , quiet and very relaxing . The property gives you the feeling of really being away from civilization.They have a large parking and no problems with Wi-Fi. We did not opt for the breakfast but they serve a wonderful breakfast for an additional $5.00 and for an additional $10.00 you can request AC, we didn’t need it, as the temperature was quite comfortable with the windows open and the ceiling fan. Our room was very clean , modern , large and comfortable. The wood theme was carried throughout the rooms and the entire property. The prices are quite affordable. There is also a 3 legged Rottweiler , who is very shy.

On my next visit to las Terrenas I will definitely stay there again and highly recommend it..

What would a beach town be without beach bars and restaurants?.We took a liking to MOJITOS specially for their Mojito Happy Hour. This is a Cuban restaurant owned by Carlos he is originally from Cuba and travels back and forth. you can also get dinner there.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Most people seem to prefer Motorcycles and ATVs as a mode of transportation. This makes the center of town a bit noisy.

But my favorite for prices and food,is the retaurant Le Tre Caravelle a convivial little spot for Italian food. The decor might throw you off a bit , as it looks more like seafood than Italian,but dont let that sway you, the food is fabulous, and at 0.50 pesos for $1.00 you can have a lovely inexpensive little vacay.

Whale Watching in Samana

we booked a trip with whale Samana with Marine biologist Kim Beddall In Samana Bay. One of the top 10 places in the world to watch whales. The humpback whales comes every year to give birth in Samana Bay making them, honorary citizens of the Dominican republic.

The sea was really rough , I was being thrown around like a beach ball , my friends were like “What the heck? ‘they laugh at me since I seemed to have been the only one flying around. Thank god they gave out sea bands for sea sickness ,usually I travel with my own, but forgot them on this trip. Unfortunatly and before knowing that they were going to distribute sea bands I was given a Dramamine pill ( hate to take those ) since I become sort of a useless zombi for the entire day. Oh Well.)

after ge got back to santo Domingo we still had one more night so we checked into the Crown Plaza Hotel . I would have prefered an older hotel in the colonial zone but the one we wanted was full. Anyway can’t go wrong with the crown plaza.

One more drive around the city to visit and take pictures before heading to the airport.

The Colonial zone is definitely worth a visit. The rum museum Museo Del Ron Y La Cana is fabulous, we got yo taste the various flavored and top of the line aged rums. They even had cilantro flavored rum. I bought a bottle of pineapple rum but had to leave it behind ( no checked baggage ) NO charge for the visit. Unfortunately my trip was very short ,I would have liked to spend a little more time to take pictures in the colonial zone and learn a bit more history.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

As you walk down Calle El conde ,The first commercial street in the New World and a popular pedestrian shopping area, 10 blocks long and cuts right through the Colonial city. The cobblestone road is lined with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and also street art vendors selling colorful paintings. There are plenty of historic sights along the way , starting at Calle El Conde’s entrance at Parque Independencia, onto the Parque Colón and first cathedral, to its edge at Calle Las Damas.

The home ofDiego Colon

At the beginning of every block there is a Munecas Limé .

You maybe wondering why the dolls have no face?. In the 1980’s s sculptor Liliana Mera Limé (hence the name) created these faceless dolls. The are called munecas Limé. They represent a people of diverse ancestral blend from the native Quisqueyanos, the Africans, and the Spanish Conquistadores. The dolls, have no faces so as not to show preference to one branch of their ancestral lineage (i.e.. discriminating against the black or native american ancestry). Great souvenir to take back or to collect. they are found everywhere.

Unfortunately my trip was very short ,I would have liked to spend a little more time to take pictures in the colonial zone and learn a bit more history. Next time.

One last little note about tipping;

Another interesting Tidbit . On all bills , restaurant and other purchases , there is a fee added of 10% P/Legal and a service charge of 18 % which they call a tip. You are actually paying an additional fee on your bill of 28% ( You are still expected to tip). Its was very confusing when i first got my first bill in the restaurant. thinking the tip was included. I understand that the wages are very low so even if you give an extra 10%.

I hope that you found this to be interesting and It encourages you to take a little trip. I would really appreciate your comments and recommendations.

Nerves of steel, Dominican driving.It’s more than that. If you want to drive in Santo Domingo "Don't" . Nerves of steel is an understatement, at least for me.

#cigars #colonial Art #Graffiti #las terrenas #Mural Artist #rum #santo domingo #tipping #travel #Travel Art #wellbeing #whale watching #whales

1 note · View note

ourtravelguides-blog · 6 years ago

Text

Hire a Tour Company For Tours In Cuba

Anybody who has visited Cuba has seen how wonderful and amazing the place is. There is so much you can do including visiting various destinations. Visiting Cuba anytime allows you to have fun and unforgettable experiences. There are always new things for everybody to learn. You can learn so much and can decide to tour the best restaurants, various islands in the country as well as the different historical and cultural sites. With these many options, you can easily get confused about where to begin. This being the case, you can hire the services of a local tour company. It will make your tour more exciting, and you can move around with much ease. Read on and discover the advantages of using the services of a local tour company in Cuba. To learn more about travel tips in our site, follow the link.

There are quite a number of reputable local tour companies in the country. One of the most popular ones is VC Tours Havana. You can visit the company’s website and learn about their services.

A major benefit of visiting places through hiring a local tour company is that the personnel is knowledgeable and experienced. For one, their tour guides understand Cuba and the best places to visit, have fun and even dine. The guides thus know how well to handle and treat tourists, since they have sufficient experience in the same. They thus equip you with all the information you may require about the various sites in the country. You can, therefore, determine what paces to visit with much ease. In the long run, you end up saving a lot of time since you will not have to keep second-guessing yourself about the sites to travel. The tour company personnel also plan for your travelling. The best information about travel tours is available when you click plan a day tour.

There is more value to your trip that comes when you hire the services of a local tour company. For instance, they will handle your transportation, plan for your accommodation and offer advice on travel matters. This not only eases the planning process but adds value to the trip.

Using the services of a local tour company also assures you of safety. You can be sure to be safe as you travel and once you are in the destinations. Pick out the most interesting info about travel tips at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/travel-to-cuba_n_6343064.

The local tour company ensures convenience for you and that you register some of your most wonderful and memorable moments. Without having to worry about planning the trip, you can concentrate on the beauty and attractiveness of the various destinations. The companies also offer the most comfortable tour cars. For example, VC Tours Havana ensures their clients travel in comfortable vintage cars.

1 note · View note

lsundarinfo · 4 years ago

Text

Hitting the road: Tips for renting a car around the world

When the open road beckons, sometimes the only way to answer the call is by renting a car. Some of the world’s most popular travel destinations, like Hong Kong, London, New York City, Paris, Rome and Toronto, don’t require renting a car because they have excellent public transportation. Others, like Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Havana, Cuba and Montreal, Canada, are geographically compact and easy to navigate on foot. And some, like Venice, Italy, simply don’t allow cars at all. Nonetheless, there are many destinations (think the south of France and interior parts of the United States and Canada) where having a car can make or break a trip.

With gas prices down, an increasing number of travelers are renting cars to explore the countryside and smaller towns, or planning vacations to places like California’s Pacific Coast Highway or Australia’s Great Ocean Road where the drive is the destination.

Whether you’re headed to Iceland, South Africa, Maine, British Columbia or countless places in between renting a car abroad is often your best bet, not only for convenience but also to see sights only accessible via driving. Here are our tips for renting a car around the world.

Do your rental research

You’ve chosen the destination, now it’s time to determine if you can actually rent a car there. In nearly all corners of the world, it is possible to rent a car. However, the rules about eligibility vary and can depend on factors like your age, the type of license you have, and which company you are renting the car from (a local mom-and-pop shop versus an international chain). Contact the embassy or consulate in the country you plan to visit or consult with your travel agent, rental car company or guidebook to determine the eligibility requirements for driving legally during your international stay.

Get licensed and insured

Plan ahead to determine what the license and insurance requirements are to drive legally while abroad. Some countries may permit you to drive with your home country’s driver’s license and/or an International Driving Permit. Other countries may require a local driver’s license, which may necessitate some advanced planning or may not be available to non-residents. To determine the requirements, consult the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

In some cases, your driver’s license from your home country won’t be enough to allow you to legally drive in another country. For times when your driver’s license isn’t enough, the International Driving License, in conjunction with a valid driver’s license, allows travellers to drive for a short-term period in up to 150 foreign countries.

The International Driving Permit is not a license but an official translation of your license and includes the driver’s name and photo and translates your driver information into 10 languages. An International Driving Permit must be issued by the Canadian Auto Association (CAA) and can’t be renewed or obtained anywhere else. The permit is valid for one year, or until your Canadian driver’s license expires – whichever happens first. Remember that if you get stopped by local police, you will be expected to show both your driver’s license and the International Driving Permit.

Not all countries require the International Driving Permit to drive, but it may be required to rent a car. Drivers must be 18 years old to apply for an International Driving Permit and in order to get one, must have a valid Canadian provincial driver’s license along with two passport size photos and a signed and completed application form. If you apply at the CAA store, you’ll have your International Driving Permit within the hour, but if you apply by mail, it can take three weeks, so make sure you leave yourself enough time.

Most car rental contracts and fees include insurance, but it can be pricey. It’s a good idea, and often required, to have car insurance when renting a car abroad. Before you sign and drive, it’s best to consult your current car insurance company to determine if you have coverage abroad already. If you are renting a car using your credit card, check your credit card policy to see if car insurance is included as well. Make sure to read the fine print as credit card insurance is often only applicable if you decline the rental car company’s insurance. Finally, if you have purchased travel insurance, see if the policy extends to any accidents or injuries that may occur from renting a car.

It’s important to determine if your existing car insurance coverage meets the minimum requirements of your destination country. It’s best to buy insurance that is equivalent to what you have at home. However, your current policy may not be as robust when you use it abroad. Make sure your policy includes liability insurance. If you find you are under-insured, shop around. You can often buy additional insurance in your home country, your destination country or from the car rental company. Finally, if you are travelling to more than one country, be sure the insurance you buy covers you in all the countries you plan to visit.

Shop around

It pays to be a savvy shopper. Here are some tips for getting the best deals on your vacation wheels:

Book in advance, particularly in high season in smaller locales where the inventory and options may be limited. It may often be cheaper to bundle the rental car when booking air and hotel.

Booking and paying before the trip often makes the rental process easier. Plus, you lock in the exchange rate on the date of booking and avoid any potential language barriers.

Rates may be cheaper if you avoid renting from the airport and book in advance.

If you’re renting a car in Europe, try to book through a company that is a participating member of the European Car Rental Conciliation Service, an organization that helps customers with unresolved complaints concerning cross-border vehicle rentals within Europe. No matter where you rent or go, always confirm with the car rental company where you can and cannot drive the car.

Ask about hidden fees. Rental car companies are known to tack on charges for a variety of things, including underage drivers (typically drivers younger than 25); overage drivers (typically drivers older than 70); fuel; weekend rentals; late drop-off; using GPS equipment and more.

Ask about discounts. Great places to look include frequent flyer programs, credit card companies, automobile associations, senior citizen discounts and travel websites or agencies.

Size matters: Be sure to reserve the right size car for your group. If you are a family of four or someone in your group is tall, a compact car may not be the way to go.

Manual versus automatic. In many countries, manual transmissions are the standard issue. If you can’t drive a stick shift, be sure to order a car with automatic transmission but expect to pay extra for this.

Safety first

Before you drive out of the lot, take the following precautions and inspect the car before buckling up. Check the following:

Fuel level: Rental car companies are famous for sky-high charges for refilling the tank. Be sure you are departing with a full tank.

Look under the hood: Check the oil and windshield wiper fluid to ensure all fluids are at the proper level. It’s no fun stopping to add oil on the side of the road instead of having fun in the sun.

Kick the tires: Check the tire pressure.

Inspect the paint job: Walk around the car and look for any signs of damage from previous renters, including nicks, dings and scratches. Be sure the rental car personnel notes any damage, so you aren’t liable later on.

Interior inspection: Look around the car for any stains, tears in the seat cushions or any other interior damage. Turn on the radio, air conditioning/heater and GPS to ensure all are working. If you will be driving in an area that has toll booths, inquire about renting a digital scanner to efficiently pay tolls along the way (note: many car rental agencies charge a fee for this service, but having the device will save you time and take away the stress of ensuring you have enough change toll after toll). Same goes for destinations that require special driving permits.

Snoop around: Look in the glove compartment to ensure a copy of the registration for the car is inside should you be stopped by local police and asked to provide a copy.

Know how to call for help: Whether the car has broken down or you have been in an accident, make sure you know how to call for help. Check with the country’s embassy or consulate, a travel guidebook or the car rental agency for the emergency numbers in the country you are visiting. Despite all your planning, a flat tire, a breakdown or an accident may be unavoidable.

Buckle up, even if it isn’t the law, as wearing a seatbelt can be a lifesaver.

Know the rules of the road

You got the keys to your new ride but, before you pull out of the parking lot, make sure you know the rules of the road, especially in far-flung locales where the road signs may not be in your language. In addition to confirming basics, like which side of the road to drive on, local speed limits, basic signs like stop, and where to park legally, be sure to ask the car rental agency personnel about local customs or obscure laws to be aware of before shifting into drive. For example, it may be illegal to talk or text on your cell phone, so be sure to understand the cell phone laws in your destination. Thieves looking to grab goodies from cars is such a concern in Turks & Caicos that some car rental agents actually verbally warn renters not to lock their doors as they will be stuck with steep fees if windows are broken during an attempted smash and grab. The rationale is keeping the doors unlocked makes it easy for would-be thieves to check the car for items to steal. Some countries in Europe like Switzerland and Austria require the purchase of special road permits (often called vignettes) instead of paying tolls to use their divided highways. These can be purchased at border crossings, gas stations and post offices, but check to see if your rental car already has one.

Drivers can obtain a copy of the foreign country’s driving laws before the trip from the embassy or consulates, foreign government tourism offices, or the car rental company in the foreign country.

Getting around

Dog-eared maps are a necessity even with the current variety of travel and navigation apps. They’re important in places where cell phone coverage is lacking and a great backup when technology fails. That said, many rental car companies offer the option to rent a GPS device, which may be more convenient and cheaper than using your own and paying to download international maps. Try to map out your route digitally and physically before getting behind the wheel.

#International Driving License #International Driving Permit

0 notes

vigorousways · 4 years ago

Text

Classic cars in Havana, getting to know the city in style.

Some tourists and locals agree that riding in classic cars in Havana is like being transported to different eras in time. Sometimes as far back as 400 years with the first Spanish castles and fortresses, other times numerous buildings take you to the neo-colonial stage (first half of the 20th century), you feel like walking through the city you are going back 20 or 30 years. It is enough to leave Havana's José Martí airport and arrive at its parking lot to realize that you have gone back 70 years if we are talking about cars. Yes, most of its cars are more than half a century old. As a Cuban, and habanera, although I sometimes complain a lot about its hustle and bustle and its old appearance, I wonder what would be the iconic image of my city without its old almendrones. Classic car ride in HavanaExclusive opportunity to visit iconic places, full of history, from poor neighborhoods such as Centro Habana, to elite areas such as Vedado and Miramar.Book here

Classic cars, the colloquial Cuban "almendrón"

Almendrón (large almond), this is the name given in Cuba to this type of car, mostly American-made from the 1930s to the 1950s. More than anything else, they are called this way because their external appearance resembles an almond. Our country has a car fleet stopped in the 50's, a picturesque detail for visitors, and an ailment for us city dwellers. They are used as cabs, although they have a slow pace due to the years they carry. For tourists who consider a car from the 90's to be old, seeing such old cars driving around the streets of Havana like new is a spectacle worth appreciating. But for Havana residents they almost always represent pollution, antiquity and insecurity. And I say almost always because in spite of everything they are part of our culture and our pride. A typical love-hate relationship. Related links: - Classic car ride in Havana - Get Your Guide. - Direct and cheap flights to Havana - Aviasales. - Best things to do in Havana - Vigorous Ways.

What kind of classic cars can I find in Havana?

Classic cars in Havana come in all shapes and colors. You can see and ride in modern cars, and very modern, I'm not saying that they are all walking old people, you can take your air-conditioned cab and go around Havana very cool behind a glass. But come on, the fun is to know Havana in an old Soviet Moskvitch, 70's, one of the most popular only in Cuba, with hundreds of thousands of kilometers traveled. You can also choose from classic Cadillacs, Fords, Porsches, Chevrolets or Pontiacs, always remembering that they are more than half a century old, not the latest models. These types of cars stopped entering the country after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, and then only Russian-made cars entered the country. It is important to clarify that most of them have been modified to hybrids, because they are cheaper to maintain and sometimes a little safer.

Classic cars and tourism

Capitolio Nacional, a must in your classic car experience in Havana. These classic cars in Havana that are used in tourist experiences around the city are another matter, not at all neglected and patched. For the people and visitors they are an indispensable part of Cuba's tourist attraction, they are a patrimonial jewel. If you search Havana on the Internet, you won't find more than five photographs of the imposing Capitol with an antique car, of the mythical Havana Malecon with an antique car, of Hemingway's favorite bar, the Floridita, with an antique car. There is a great variety of colors and models, striking, elegant. But all of them as old or older than the ones mentioned above, but very well preserved. The cars that offer guided tours around Havana, most of them keep their original mechanics, they look perfect, as if they had just come out of the factory, almost all of them convertibles. You can see how their proud drivers, usually their owners, pamper them and take care of them as if they were their wives. You can hire their city tour service, which comes with a local guide who explains every corner you visit and its history, almost always in your own language. This is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to get to know the city in a fast and fun way. Related links: - Classic car ride in Havana - Get Your Guide. - Direct and cheap flights to Havana - Aviasales. - Local guides in Havana - Vigorous Ways. What does the classic car ride in Havana consist of? The vast majority of classic cars in Havana have been in operation for more than half a century. This ride is a guided tour of approximately two hours through the city of Havana. You will have an exclusive opportunity to travel in a car more than half a century old, convertible, which gives you a feeling of freedom and happiness that I could only compare with homologous scenes from Hollywood movies. You will tour iconic places in a classic car through Havana, loaded with history, from poor neighborhoods such as Centro Habana, to elite areas such as Vedado and Miramar. While enjoying the view, the breeze and the smell of the sea, you will visit some of the most interesting places in the city such as the Malecon, the Anti-Imperialist Tribune and the Plaza de la Revolucion. You will appreciate closely the varied architectural composition of its most emblematic buildings, such as the Bacardi building, the Capitol, the churches and the Spanish fortifications. You will also visit the so-called lung of the city, the Havana Forest. Near the end of the tour you have the opportunity that very few have had, a visit to the famous Salón de los Grandes bar, formerly built to preserve Havana during the missile crisis of October 1962. If all this is not enough for you, finish the tour in style with a typical Cuban drink while walking through the garden of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. From there you can fall in love with the view of the sunset on the boardwalk. No doubt you will have to free up some space in your camera. Classic car ride in HavanaExclusive opportunity to visit iconic places, full of history, from poor neighborhoods such as Centro Habana, to elite areas such as Vedado and Miramar.Book here

Tips for booking classic cars in Havana Before traveling you should know some things: - Prices are relatively low in relation to the amount of activities you do, starting at 55 usd per person. - You will have a guide fluent in several languages (English, Spanish and French). - Once you have booked your tour you only have to contact your tour operator to coordinate details 24 hours before the tour. - Children under 6 years old are not allowed to travel in the cars for safety reasons. - As part of the new COVID-19 measures, you must bring your own mask. - Do not worry about the surfaces of the car, everything is very well disinfected. - You should keep a prudent distance between people and behave responsibly. Read the full article

#classic #car #cuba #havana

0 notes

anestiefel · 5 years ago

Text

Jamaica vs. Dominican Republic: Which Is a Better Vacation Spot for You?

Getting There and Around in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Couples Swept Away Negril/Oyster

Of course, flight times to anywhere in the Caribbean are shorter from the South and east coast in the United States. Most flights from the west coast or the Midwest will likely require a layover. All major cruise lines offer sailings with Jamaica and Dominican Republic port calls (though these may be too brief to really get a feel for either place). Both destinations require a valid passport for entry. Visas are not required for U.S. and Canadian citizens in Jamaica, but visitors to the Dominican Republic are charged a $10 arrival tax, rolled into the airline ticket cost.

Jamaica: There are three international airports in Jamaica: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in the capital city of Kingston, and (for smaller aircrafts) the Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios. Getting to Negril or Ocho Rios requires a two-hour taxi or shuttle ride from Montego Bay. Visitors can rent a car, but driving on the opposite side of the road may be too confusing for some and GPS systems don’t work well. There’s also very little public transportation on the island, so non-metered taxis are the most popular way to get around. Haggling for the rate is expected and visitors should always follow common sense safety tips.

Dominican Republic: Approximately six million people visit the Dominican Republic every year, and most of them arrive by air at one of the three international airports. Punta Cana International Airport sees the most visits, and it’s a privately owned commercial airport. Roads can be narrow and poorly paved, but the D.R. does have an inexpensive bus service that covers much of the country. Another option is to hire a guagua (pronounced wawa), an informal taxi network with vehicles that range from old vans to nice minibuses. These get packed with tourists and locals hitching a cheap ride. Note that tourists are usually charged much more than locals, so it’s smart to agree on a rate beforehand. Taxis are also available, but this option is super pricey.

All-Inclusive Resorts and Boutique Hotels in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana/Oyster

Tourism makes up a giant percentage of both Caribbean nations’ economies, so it’s no surprise that both destinations have seemingly endless hotel options from which to choose. Whether you want a cheap all-inclusive beach hotel or designer boutique digs with privacy and butler service, you can find all levels of luxury and budget in both destinations. That said, we do think that Jamaica has a slight leg up in terms of overall quality — especially for mid-range resorts.

Jamaica: The island is one of the all-inclusive capitals of the world, and one of the first Caribbean islands to introduce the leave-your-wallet-at-home (don’t really do that) concept to attract tourists who were tired of paying a la carte prices and hidden fees. All-inclusive resorts are especially popular around Montego Bay. The adults-only Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay offers 10 restaurants, eight bars, and free dance lessons on the beach. Negril is still home to cozy and rustic boutique properties with lower rates. Negril Tree House Resort is right on famous Seven Mile Beach, and provides free breakfast and yoga classes.

Dominican Republic: Punta Cana is the epicenter for tourism in the country, so it’s no surprise that the biggest hotel names are clustered together on the long stretches of white sandy beaches that make the area a favorite for family vacations, party-seekers, and honeymoons. One of the top contenders is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, a massive all-inclusive resort with something for everyone: a large casino, 13 pools, 13 restaurants, waterslides, beach access, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course. For something more intimate, Tortuga Bay Hotel Puntacana Resort & Club has just 13 rooms designed by Oscar de la Renta. To get away from Punta Cana’s tourist scene, Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa is a six-hour drive north and offers eco-friendly bungalows, an excellent spa, and a quiet beach.

Food and Drinks in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Office of Nature lobster shack, Negril/Oyster

It would be entirely possible to visit either country and subsist completely off of American chain fare: McDonald’s, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, TGI Friday’s, Applebee’s, and Burger King are just a few of the Western restaurants that cater to homesick (or maybe just picky) Americans. But it would be a giant mistake to miss out on the local food scenes in Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

Jamaica: One of the best parts of eating in Jamaica is how pervasive and affordable the local cuisine is. Casual jerk shops (jerk is shorthand for a spicy marinade rubbed on meats) line the roads and beaches. The menu usually consists of the aforementioned jerk meats, like chicken or fish, smoked over pimento wood and served with rice, beans, and plantains. Scotch bonnet peppers add serious heat, so be forewarned. Other easily accessible gourmet items include Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, sweet sapodilla fruit, and coconut water. The island’s history as an English colony means that tea is still regularly served in the late afternoons. Red Stripe is one of the most popular Jamaican beers.

Dominican Republic: Dominican dishes combine African, Spanish, and Taíno (indigenous people living in Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) food flavors, using ingredients that are easily accessible in the Caribbean. Dominican staples to try include mangú, made from boiled, green plantains that are mashed and topped with sauteed red onions; fried plantains called tostones; and rice cooked with black or red kidney beans. Passion fruit juice, glass bottles of Refresco Country Club soda, and strong coffee with lots of sugar are favorite beverages. For the truly adventurous, have a slow shot of mamajuana, a homemade liquor made with rum, red wine, tree bark, spices, and herbs — it’s considered an aphrodisiac.

Activities and Nightlife in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Tensing Pen, Negril/Oyster

Apart from the obvious plethora of beach activities — swimming, paddleboarding, parasailing, and catamaran cruises — both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic offer tons for tourists to see and do. Most all-inclusive resorts put on some sort of evening entertainment, which can include traditional dances, comedy, and magic shows. Quality truly varies, and many American guests at budget D.R. resorts complain that these activities tend to be conducted in Spanish. We suggest getting away from the resorts for the best entertainment.

Jamaica: Jamaica does have beautiful sand beaches, but Negril is better known for its adrenaline-pumping cliff jump into the crystal-clear water below at Rick’s Cafe. Other popular activities include horseback riding in the ocean (the horses actually swim for part of the trek), waterfall swimming in Blue Hole, and taking the Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour to learn about reggae. Speaking of which, the island hosts several annual musical festivals and there’s almost always a dance party on the beach or in the nightclubs. In Kingston, Olympic runner Usain Bolt opened a sports bar and restaurant called Tracks and Records.

Dominican Republic: Activities in the Dominican Republic range from adventure (zip-lining through rain forest canopy) to history (walking tour of Santo Domingo). Ocean World Adventure Park is a popular place for sea lion shows. Scape Park at Cap Cana is a must-visit for a cenote swim, cave swim, and indigenous cultural exhibits. Outside of Punta Cana, most of the nightlife caters to locals and can feel intimidating to tourists, but Punta Cana has an epic nightlife scene that includes cave bars. Note that the water isn’t ideal for snorkeling or surfing in the D.R.

You Might Also Like: Jamaica Excursions: 6 Top Things to do in Jamaica

Language and Safety in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Occidental Punta Cana/Oyster

Though both destinations are extremely safe for tourists (especially most parts of Montego Bay and Punta Cana), there are two very specific caveats that might make some visitors uncomfortable.

Jamaica: Marijuana was decriminalized in 2015, and though trafficking and possession of the herb is still illegal, possessing less than two ounces of marijuana is considered a petty offense. Drugs are regularly offered to tourists on the beaches and in the streets, though a polite “no thanks” is usually all it takes to deter a sale. Visitors should be cautious of petty theft in Kingston. Also note that homosexuality among men is illegal and there’s a general hostility toward LGBT individuals. English is the predominant language in Jamaica.

Is It Safe to Visit Jamaica Right Now?

Dominican Republic: Prostitution is legal and visible in the Dominican Republic. With a quarter of the population living below the poverty line, it’s no surprise that many women turn to sex work. Boca Chica and the north coast’s Sosua are the two big areas for prostitution, and male tourists are targeted. Some of the smaller (and cheaper) hotels cater to this clientele, which can feel unsafe for families and female travelers. Spanish is the predominant language, which can make exploring the island and communicating outside of the tourist areas difficult for non-Spanish speakers.

Is It Safe to Visit the Dominican Republic Right Now?

Where to Stay in Jamaica

Our Jamaica Hotel Pick: The Caves

The Caves/Oyster

With its upscale boutique vibe, and dramatic cliffside setting, The Caves is considered one of Jamaica’s most romantic escapes. The 12 unique, private cottages and suites at this upscale all-inclusive property unfold along lush garden paths and dramatic seaside cliffs carved with steep stairways down to the water and into incredible grottos. There’s a clifftop bar, a grotto bar, and private candlelit cave dining on offer.

Pricing for The Caves

Price Dates

Edit dates

See more prices

See less prices

See all prices

See less prices

Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic

Our Dominican Republic Hotel Pick: Majestic Colonial Punta Cana

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana/Oyster

The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is one of three upscale all-inclusive sister properties on a beautiful stretch of Bavaro Beach. The property closed completely for two months in 2017 to thoroughly renovate the lobby and restaurants. It now operates almost as two resorts: the family-friendly side and the adult-only Colonial Club side. The 658 suites are attractive with marble floors, jetted tubs, and some ocean views.

Pricing for Majestic Colonial Punta Cana

Price Dates

Edit dates

See more prices

See less prices

See all prices

See less prices

Traveling? Consider the Carry-On from Away

The Carry-On from Away

Still using dated luggage from the 90’s? Upgrade your style with the last carry-on you’ll ever have to buy from Away. With a USB port, 360 degree spinning wheels, a hard exterior shell, and a TSA-approved lock–it’s worth it.

Shop Now

Some outfit inspiration, regardless of which destination you choose:

Caribbean Rookie Mistakes Outfit

Shop the look

Floppy Straw Hat

Nordstrom

Travel T Dress

Orvis

Saylors

Warby Parker

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Simple Modern

Sandals

Zappos

Men’s Summertime Daywear

Shop the look

Pocket T

Carhartt

Khaki Shorts

Dockers

Golf Hat

Nike

Travel Size Sunscreen

Banana Boat

Shoes

Nike

Best-Selling Women’s Beach Look

Shop the look

Swimsuit Coverup

Harhay

Sunscreen Lip Balm

Banana Boat

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Joto

OnePiece Swimsuit

Amazon

Mineral Sunscreen Powder

Brush On Block

Mens Beach Resort Essentials

Shop the look

Tanktop

Neiman Marcus

Swim Trunks

Hurley

Sunglasses

Oakley

Sling Bag

Guess

Beach Sandals

Birkenstock

You’ll Also Like:

Face-Off: Cancun vs. Punta Cana

6 Stellar Destinations in the Dominican Republic That Aren’t Punta Cana

Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic for Every Budget

Where to Go in Jamaica: 5 Destinations You Can’t Miss

Getting There and Around

Couples Swept Away Negril/Oyster

Of course, flight times are shorter to anywhere in the Caribbean from the South and East Coast in the United States. Most flights from the West Coast or the Midwest will likely require a layover. All major cruise lines have sailings with Jamaica and Dominican Republic port calls (though these may be too brief to really get a feel for either place). Both destinations require a valid passport for entry. Visas are not required for U.S. and Canadian citizens in Jamaica, but visitors must purchase a tourist card on arrival in the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica: There are three international airports in Jamaica — Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in the capital city of Kingston, and (for smaller aircrafts) the Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios. Getting to Negril or Ocho Rios requires a two-hour taxi or shuttle ride from Montego Bay. Visitors can rent a car, but driving on the opposite side of the road may be too confusing for some and GPS systems don’t work well. There’s also very little public transportation on the island, so non-metered taxis are the most popular way to get around. Haggling for the rate is expected and visitors should always follow common sense safety tips.

Dominican Republic: Approximately six million people visited the Dominican Republic in 2016, and most of them arrived by air at one of the three international airports. Roads can be narrow and poorly paved, but the D.R. does have an inexpensive bus service that covers much of the country. Another option is to hire a guagua (pronounced wawa), an informal taxi network with vehicles that range from old vans to nice minibuses. These get packed with tourists and locals hitching a cheap ride. Note that tourists are usually charged much more than locals, so it’s smart to agree on a rate beforehand. Taxis are also available, but this option is super pricey.

All-Inclusive Resorts and Boutique Hotels

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana/Oyster

Dominican Republic:Punta Cana is the epicenter for tourism in the country, so it’s no surprise that the biggest hotel names are clustered together on the long stretches of white sandy beaches that make the area a favorite for family vacations and honeymoons. One of the top contenders is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, a massive all-inclusive resort with something for everyone: a large casino, 13 pools, 13 restaurants, waterslides, beach access, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course. For something more intimate, Tortuga Bay Hotel Puntacana Resort & Club has just 13 rooms designed by Oscar de la Renta. To get away from Punta Cana’s tourist scene, Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa is a six-hour drive north and offers eco-friendly bungalows, an excellent spa, and a quiet beach.

Food

Office of Nature lobster shack, Negril/Oyster

It would be entirely possible to visit either country and subsist completely off of American chain fare: McDonald’s, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, TGI Friday’s, Applebee’s, and Burger King are just a few of the Western restaurants that cater to homesick Americans. But it would be a giant mistake to miss out on the local food scene in both countries.

Dominican Republic: Dominican dishes combine African, Spanish, and Taíno (indigenous people living in Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) food flavors using ingredients that are easily accessible in the Caribbean. Dominican staples to try include mangú, made from boiled, green plantains that are mashed and topped with sauteed red onions; fried plantains called tostones; and rice cooked with black or red kidney beans. Passion fruit juice, glass bottles of Refresco Country Club soda, and strong coffee with lots of sugar are favorite beverages. For the truly adventurous, have a slow shot of Mamajuana, a homemade liquor made with rum, red wine, tree bark, spices, and herbs — it’s considered an aphrodisiac.

Activities and Nightlife

Tensing Pen, Negril/Oyster

Dominican Republic: Activities in the Dominican Republic range from adventure (zip-lining through rain forest canopy) to history (walking tour of Santo Domingo). Ocean World Adventure Park is a popular place for sea lion shows. The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve has 12 gorgeous freshwater lakes, three of which are available for swimming. Outside of Punta Cana, most of the nightlife caters to locals and can feel intimidating to tourists. Also note that the water isn’t ideal for snorkeling or surfing in the D.R.

You Might Also Like: Jamaica Excursions: 6 Top Things to do in Jamaica

Language and Safety

Occidental Punta Cana/Oyster

Though both destinations are extremely safe for tourists (especially Montego Bay and Punta Cana), there are two very specific caveats that might make some visitors uncomfortable.

Where to Stay:

In Jamaica: The Caves

The Caves/Oyster

Pricing for The Caves

Price Dates

Edit dates

See more prices

See less prices

See all prices

See less prices

In the Dominican Republic: Majestic Colonial Punta Cana

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana/Oyster

Pricing for Majestic Colonial Punta Cana

Price Dates

Edit dates

See more prices

See less prices

See all prices

See less prices

Traveling? Consider the Carry-On from Away

The Carry-On from Away

Shop Now

Some outfit inspiration, regardless of which destination you choose:

Caribbean Rookie Mistakes Outfit

Shop the look

Floppy Straw Hat

Nordstrom

Travel T Dress

Orvis

Saylors

Warby Parker

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Simple Modern

Sandals

Zappos

Men’s Summertime Daywear

Shop the look

Pocket T

Carhartt

Khaki Shorts

Dockers

Golf Hat

Nike

Travel Size Sunscreen

Banana Boat

Shoes

Nike

Best-Selling Women’s Beach Look

Shop the look

Swimsuit Coverup

Harhay

Sunscreen Lip Balm

Banana Boat

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Joto

OnePiece Swimsuit

Amazon

Mineral Sunscreen Powder

Brush On Block

Mens Beach Resort Essentials

Shop the look

Tanktop

Neiman Marcus

Swim Trunks

Hurley

Sunglasses

Oakley

Sling Bag

Guess

Beach Sandals

Birkenstock

You’ll Also Like:

Face-Off: Cancun vs. Punta Cana

6 Stellar Destinations in the Dominican Republic That Aren’t Punta Cana

Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic for Every Budget

Where to Go in Jamaica: 5 Destinations You Can’t Miss

The post Jamaica vs. Dominican Republic: Which Is a Better Vacation Spot for You? appeared first on Oyster.com.

from Oyster.com https://www.oyster.com/articles/jamaica-vs-dominican-republic/ Publish First on IFTTT

0 notes

powertrical · 5 years ago

Text

JMFONE Travel Adapter | Worldwide All in One Universal Power Adapter with 4 USB

JMFONE Travel Adapter | Worldwide All in One Universal Power Adapter

Warm Tips for JMFONE Travel Adapter:

The mini journey JMFONE Travel adapter DOES NOT convert electrical output modern and voltage, it converts the strength outlet only and suits electricity sockets of kind A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, N Every USA has it's personal voltage preferred, pls ensure the neighborhood electrical voltage carefully In order to operate it more convenient, we have progressed the adapter. When we shake the charger adapter, it'll make a noise. But this is the sound of the septum collision, no longer its first-class hassle, please don't mind.

US, EU Travel Plug

Type A - USA, Canada, Japan Other Countries: American Samoa / Antigua and Barbuda / Aruba / Bahamas / Barbados / Belize / Bermuda / Brazil / Canada / Cayman Islands / Colombia / Costa Rica Cuba / Ecuador / El Salvador / Guam / Guatemala / Haiti / Honduras / Jamaica / Japan / Liberia / Mexico / Micronesia / Montserrat / Nicaragua / Okinawa / Panama / Peru / Philippines / Puerto Rico / Saint Kitts & Nevis / Saudi Arabia / Tahiti / Taiwan / Thailand / Trinidad and Tobago / Venezuela / Virgin Islands Type F - German, France, Most Europe Other Countries: Albania / Austria / Belgium / Bosnia-Herzegovina / Bulgaria / Croatia / Cyprus / Czech Republic / Denmark / Estonia / Finland / France / Greece / Hungary / Iceland / India / Latvia / Lithuania / Luxembourg / Macedonia / Montenegro / Norway Netherlands / Poland / Portugal / Romania / Serbia / Spain / Slovakia / Slovenia / Sweden / Turkey / Ukrain

AU, UK Travel Plug

Type I - Australia, China, New Zealand Other Countries: Argentina / Australia / China (mainland, excluding Taiwan) / Fiji / New Zealand / Papua New Guinea / Tokelau (Union Islands) / Uruguay Type G - UK, Ireland, Hong Kong Other Countries: Bahrain / Belize / Botswana / Brunei / Cyprus / Dominica / England / Ghana / Gibraltar / Grenada / Hong Kong / Iraq / Ireland / Kenya / Macau / Malta / Malaysia / Nigeria / Nothern Ireland / Oman / Qatar / Saint Lucia / Saint Vincent / Saudi Arabia / Scotland / Singapore / Sri Lanka / Tanzania / Uganda / United Arab Emirates / Wales / Yemen / Zimbabwe

Smart and Safety Information JMFONE Travel Adapter

Smart Automatically Charging 5 Devices Simultaneously Interfaces: 4 USB Input Voltage: 100-250V AC 50/60HZ Output: 5V 3.4A(Total), up to 2.4A/slot when used alone- Travel adapter kit with the smart chip can automatically charge 5 devices simultaneously, perfect USB travel wall charger for Kindle, iPhone, Android, digital camera, laptops, MP3, etc- LED lights on the power adapter can show the charging status when charging Replaceable Fuse and Surge Protector - Double 6.3A fuses to avoid over-current and overload high-temperature, short-circuit damaged appliances - Portable JMFONE travel adapter with child-proof safety gate and plug lock to protect you and your children

Safety Fire-proof Material - Use high-quality PC fireproof material, resistant to high temperatures up to 800℃ Small and easy to carry. Pack it and you're ready to go. The World, Your Way!

Related Products of JMFONE Travel Adapter:

Travel Adapter, Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Adaptor Wall AC Power Plug Adapter

Travel Adapter, Worldwide All in One Universal Power Adapter AC Plug

Unidapt International Power Adapter Travel Charger

Browse our Travel Adapter archives for more Read the full article

#Travel Adapter #JMFONE

0 notes

toldnews-blog · 6 years ago

Photo

New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/world/united-states-of-america/jacksonville-passengers-recount-harrowing-plane-landing-that-felt-like-an-explosion/

Jacksonville Passengers Recount Harrowing Plane Landing That Felt ‘Like an Explosion’

MIAMI — For Darwing Silva, the first sign that something was amiss when his flight landed in Jacksonville, Fla., during a thunderstorm late on Friday was that it seemed the jet did not brake after hitting the runway.

Lights zoomed by the window. He traded worried glances with other passengers.

Then came the jolt.

“It was just the biggest impact I’ve ever felt in my life,” Mr. Silva said on Saturday. “Like an explosion, almost.��

He lurched forward in his seat — 14B, the middle seat in an exit row — and hit his head on the seatback in front of him.

Seconds later, Mr. Silva felt water. “Up to my ankles,” he said. “And there was water coming in from above the roof of the plane.”

The Boeing 737 had slid off the runway of the naval air station in Jacksonville, hit a seawall of loose rocks and splashed into the shallow waters of the St. Johns River. All 136 passengers and seven crew members would be rescued, 22 of them with non-life-threatening injuries.

But all Mr. Silva knew at the time was that the flight, which had taken off from Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, had landed in water — and that someone was yelling something about smelling jet fuel.

“I just kind of snapped” into action, said Mr. Silva, 35, a civilian safety manager for a roofing company.

He grabbed his backpack, which was hanging from an overhead bin that had popped open during the accident. He slipped past the female passenger in the window seat, who was bracing her head between her knees, opened the exit door, and found himself on a wing of the plane.

Others began filing onto the wing, amid the darkness, rain and lightning. Mr. Silva called his father to let him know he was O.K. Eventually, the passengers made it onto an evacuation raft, children and women first, and emergency workers used a cable to guide them ashore.

“I’ve gone over so many of those safety instructions preflight,” Mr. Silva said. “You never really think you’re going to be the one to have to open the door.”

His trip seemed cursed from the start. The charter plane, operated by Miami Air International, had arrived four hours late. The flight had been unbearably hot, said Cheryl Bormann, 59, one of the Jacksonville passengers, and people had to fan themselves because the air conditioning was not working properly. Mr. Silva had taken off his polo shirt and was sweltering in his undershirt.

As the flight neared Jacksonville, the plane flew into a storm. There was some turbulence, but the crew gave no warnings about potential landing trouble.

It felt as if the front part of the plane had hit the ground hard before the rest of it had, Ms. Bormann said.

“It bounces and it swirls and it tilts and it tips, and you can tell the pilot is trying to control it and is not having much success,” she said. “It’s literally bouncing up and down, from side to side. Things are falling down from the overhead bins. People are holding onto their small children.”

Miami Air International regularly transports military service members and their families from the base in Guantánamo Bay to naval air stations in Jacksonville and Norfolk, Va. Officials for the carrier did not return phone calls on Saturday about the accident.

Pets traveling in the plane’s cargo hold were presumed dead, said Kaylee LaRocque, a spokeswoman for the naval air station. Navy personnel had not been able to reach the cargo hold, which took on water, Ms. LaRocque said.

“We can’t get them out because the aircraft is not safe right now,” she said. Four pets were listed on the flight manifest, though more could have been taken aboard at the last minute, Ms. LaRocque said.

A team of 16 investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board arrived in Jacksonville on Saturday to begin to figure out what went wrong, said Bruce Landsberg, the board’s vice chairman. By Saturday afternoon, investigators had recovered the flight data recorder, which was undamaged.

The mishap stranded about 125 passengers at Guantánamo on Saturday morning. They were awaiting the return of the Miami Air plane for a flight to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

The stranded group included a military judge who announced this week that he would no longer preside over the case against Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four other men accused of plotting the Sept. 11 attacks. Also among them were two brigadier generals, prosecutors, defense lawyers and journalists who had arrived a week earlier for a pretrial hearing in the case.

Mr. Silva said he had driven straight from the naval station to his home in Miami, arriving at about 5:30 a.m.

“I feel my neck sore. My right eye is sore,” he said. “I am going to get checked out just to make sure everything is O.K., but at that moment, I didn’t feel much. The adrenaline, I guess.”

Ms. Bormann, a civilian criminal defense attorney in the 9/11 trial, spent the day scrambling to get a change of clothes, a new phone and enough forms of I.D. to get on a flight home to Chicago. Her few remaining belongings were in a reusable grocery bag that she was now using as a purse.

“I’m a criminal defense lawyer who handles capital cases — trauma is something I’m pretty accustomed to,” she said. “But you don’t realize it until it hits you. I sat on my bed and cried this morning in my hotel room.

“I have to get on a plane tomorrow,” she added. “And I’m not looking forward to it.”

#24/7 us news #usa 9 news verify #usa news daily #usa news january #usa news now hindi #usa news on venezuela

0 notes

itunesbooks · 6 years ago

Text

Moon Cuba - Christopher P. Baker

Moon Cuba Christopher P. Baker Genre: Caribbean Price: $15.99 Publish Date: January 30, 2018 Publisher: Avalon Publishing Seller: Hachette Digital, Inc. Moon Travel Guides: Your World, Your Way Enchanting music, incredible cuisine, classic cars, and stunning natural beauty: Cuba may be just an island, but it has a big impact on everyone who visits. Dive right in with Moon Cuba . Easy-to-use itineraries , with week-long trip suggestions tailored for adventurers, party animals, nature-lovers, beach bums, history buffs, and more Activities and unique ideas for every traveler: Hike the revolutionary trails of the Sierra Maestra trod by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, or relax on sparkling beaches. Savor delectable criollo cuisine, indulge in the world's finest cigars, or sip mojitos and cuba libres made from the best Cuban rum. Explore colonial cities with cobbled plazas and cathedrals, or jade mountains full of dramatic rock formations. Discover the ins and outs of Cuba's nightlife, from salsa dancing to LGBT hotspots. Recommendations on outdoor recreation , including birding, horseback riding, fishing, cycling, and hiking, as well as the best beaches for diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing Honest advice from award-winning travel writer Christopher P. Baker on the country he has studied for decades Full-color photos and detailed maps and directions for exploring on your own Background information on the landscape, history, government, and culture, including a Spanish phrasebook A comprehensive guide to travel laws, visas and officialdom, and health and safety tips Essential insight for travelers on transportation and accommodations, packaged in a book light enough to fit in your carry-on With Moon Cuba's practical tips, myriad activities, and local insight, you can plan your trip your way. Island-hopping around the Caribbean? Try Moon Aruba or Moon Jamaica. http://dlvr.it/R0nc3J

#Caribbean

0 notes

miles007blog · 6 years ago

Text

Travel Health Clinic Kingston

Taking a vacation can be very lovely, especially that relaxing feeling that you get when you are away from all stressors. You can spend the mornings lazing on the bed, and the afternoon taking a tour of wherever it is you are. However, that can all take a downward turn if you catch a disease your body doesn’t recognise yet. Your body defense system does not recognise most infections in areas outside the UK and so, can’t create the right resistance to such attack. With this in mind, visiting Miles pharmacy travel health clinic in Kingston is a great way to boost your defense system against these unknown diseases.

At Miles pharmacy, we have a group of professionals who know all about the region you are heading to and can help you protect yourself. You need to do this not only for precautionary measure, but to avoid bringing back an infectious disease from your destination. Imagine how some of the historical breakouts started, you certainly don’t want to be a crusader for some virus or bacteria.

Travel vaccinations are pretty essential for you to have a safe trip and also come back feeling healthy. We have a schedule that will perfectly suit you. Our treatment even involves pre-exposure and post-exposure treatment. You will be vaccinated from general ailments and also any disease common to the area you are going to. For example, the Japanese encephalitis or traveller’s diarrhea common to Mexico and Cuba.

At Travel Health Clinic Kingston, we can advise you about a list of possible communicable disease you can contract while traveling. Our specialists are also well versed and updated on information from immigration health authorities and world health organisation.

It is better to be safe when traveling, so visit us today to get your travel vaccines and safety tips.

#Travel vaccinations Epsom #Travel Health Clinic Kingston #Travel Clinic Epsom #Kingston Pharmacy

0 notes

dixie78 · 7 years ago

Text

A Birder's Dream Job: International Flight Attendant

Chris Done.Photo:Scott Krammer

Chris Done became a flight attendant in no small part due to his passion for birding. While he doesn’t choose his destinations (“I go where the roster gods send me,” he says) work regularly takes the Brit around the world, from Finland to Gambia to Cuba, and he always tries to carve out time in the field.

Even when he’s stuck on the tarmac or at a hotel, he’s on the lookout for birds—a practice that helped him spot 632 species last year, a personal record. Done tries to go out with a local, and often finds new friends on BirdingPal.org, a birder connection site. If he can’t find a buddy, he sets out alone. “You can always pull up the map and look where it’s green,” he says.

Q: How did you get into birding?

My auntie gave me a book about birds when I was nine. It was simple as that. I’ve been birding now 36 years.

Q: What’s your birding routine like on the job?

When I first started as a flight attendant, the crew would be having a cig break in the back of the aircraft and I’d be on the steps looking at a bird. Then we started doing long calls, where we have 24-hour layovers.

On long calls, I tell the rest of my colleagues that I’m going off, for safety’s sake. I usually go birding first thing, then meet the crew for breakfast in the hotel, then I go birding after breakfast. I might see them for lunch, then I chill in the afternoon for a bit, then go birding in the afternoon or evening as the sun’s coming down and it’s getting cooler. A few crew have actually come out with me over the years. I joke and say it’s Chris's Bird Watching Tours.

Q: What’s the most memorable bird you’ve spotted on a layover?

In 2016 I woke up nearly an hour and a half after sunrise in Barbados. I walked onto my hotel balcony to get some fresh air, and I heard a bird. I’m thinking, “That sounds like a Great Kiskadee: kis-ka-dee.” But I'm in Barbados, that can't be a Great Kiskadee. Just as I'm about to go back inside a Great Kiskadee flew past me underneath my balcony round to the front of the hotel. Those are probably the greatest days, when you don't expect to find something rare.

Q: Where are your favorite birding spots?

Q: What tips do you have for birders who want to start birding on their layovers?

I keep my bins and cameras with me in my carry-on luggage. We all know how the airlines handle your luggage with so much love and care. And if something goes missing, I can still go birding because I still have all my stuff.

If I’m in a new place, I look for a park or a green area to go. I also use bus maps and public transports, and of course the birding friends I’ve made all over the world over the years. I met a photographer in Vegas, and to this day we are friends. We talk on the phone, and when I’m in town basically he's my driver. I get him new birds; he takes me to places for free.

Q: Have you always kept a list?

The first two years I travelled with my company, my notetaking was literally scribbling sightings on the notepad from the hotel. Then in 2004, I said this is it: Start birding properly. In 2007 I saw 400 species. That was my record until 2011, which I finished with 525 species.

For the last few years, I’ve been trying to break that record. I came close a few times; I was four short one year. Last year I finally managed to break the record, in part due to a working layover on the Canary Islands, where I saw birds like—lo and behold—an Atlantic Canary, Canary Island Chiffchaff, and Berthelot’s Pipit. I finished the year with 632 species.

This year I decided to still do my annual list, but rather than trying to break my record, I’m interested in seeing lifers, like a California Condor, and other wildlife species. And I’m going to try to go new destinations, and new areas in the places I’ve already been. I'm not just a birder, I'm a nature lover in general.

0 notes

accuhunt · 5 years ago

Text

Why I Switched to a Menstrual Cup – and How You Can Too.

Until last year, the idea of using a menstrual cup during my periods made me shudder. Having never used tampons, I cringed at the thought of inserting an alien object into my private parts. To be honest, I couldn’t even fathom how it would work. Would it be painful, safe, hygienic, comfortable or messy? Would I be able to use it on the road, in public washrooms, on long journeys?

Then something happened. While volunteering on a remote island in Cuba, I was shocked to see the seabed littered with single-use plastic that wasn’t even consumed on the island, slowly killing corals and marine life. I had already taken some easy steps to cut out plastic bags, plastic bottled water, plastic straws and plastic toothbrushes from my life. I needed to make more uncomfortable choices.

Also read: 5 Simple Steps to Reduce Single Use Plastic in Everyday Life

Why I switched to a menstrual cup

When I left Cuba, the first thing I did was buy a menstrual cup and a set of washable, reusable cloth pads. I had no idea how I was going to convince myself to use the cup, but I knew that I could no longer bear to use over 15 single-use pads every month, or 180+ pads every year, or 6000+ pads over an average lifetime. I had been using “biodegradable pads”, but I learnt that unless we segregate and personally compost those in a separate composting pit, they are not going to go back to earth.

I must confess that I was so unprepared to use a menstrual cup, that I never even tried using my newly acquired one for the first three months. I stuck to cloth pads, a pain though they were to constantly rinse, dry and wash, especially on heavy days. I even lost two cloth pads in the process – one chewed up by a dog while it dried outside my guesthouse room, one forgotten in a corner of a hotel washroom where I was trying to dry it out of sight!

Finally, two conversations convinced me to try the menstrual cup. The first was with Sharanya of Truly Nomadly, when we happened to share a cab on the way to an event. She showed me her cup and the fold she uses to insert it, and how it takes her just five minutes in and out of a washroom to empty and reinsert the cup. The second was with Vinita of Down 2 Hearth, who’s been using one for years, and told me that I should give it a try and not expect to figure it out right away. She was right; it took me three more cycles to figure out how to get it in and out. But once that eureka moment happened, my life changed.

Also read: Why Long Term Travel is More Like Real Life and Less Like Instagram

How does the menstrual cup work?

The idea is simple: Instead of using pads or tampons, we can insert a multi-use silicone menstrual cup (made of medical / health grade silicone) into the vagina to collect menstrual blood during periods. It can be left in for up to 12 hours, works well for heavy flow days, is hygienic (perhaps more so than even pads) and feels extremely comfortable. There are several ways to fold the cup to insert it, and different women prefer different body positions to insert and remove it. I find it much easier to run, swim, hike, do yoga and everything else with a menstrual cup as compared to a pad.

Also read: How Responsible Tourism Can Challenge Patriarchy in India

Tips to use, insert and remove a menstrual cup

Safety first – sterilize the cup: At the beginning and end of each cycle, boil your cup. Put it in water on a pot, bring the water to a boil, shut the gas and remove the cup. Use it or store it in the small cloth bag the cup comes with.

Know that it won’t hurt when you get it right: My biggest fear was the pain inserting a cup into my body would induce. It did feel painful as I fumbled around, but when I finally managed to get it in the right way, I realized it doesn’t hurt. AT ALL.

Try different folds to insert it: This video shows the basic folds you can use to insert or remove the cup. I was silly enough to think that if I crack the simple C fold, I could try the others later on. Turned out, the C fold doesn’t work for me at all. I had a breakthrough when I finally tried the punch down fold.

Experiment with different positions to insert it: Similar to the folds, I kept trying the same position (with the left leg raised onto a flat surface) again and again – and failing. Different positions work for different women, so try them one by one – left leg up, right leg up, sitting, squatting, see what works for you.

Learn how to use it before your period: I made the mistake of waiting till the day my period began to figure out how to use the cup – and that didn’t help. So the next time, well before my cycle began, I watched Youtube videos and read articles to figure things out. How to sterilize it, what folds to try, what positions to try, how to relax my pelvic muscles, how it works in the body. Being prepared helped both logistically and mentally. This “inside” look at menstrual cups was particularly helpful!

Try it in a comfortable space the first time: On the road, I don’t always have a spacious private washroom to experiment. Similarly, if you work or live in a shared space, wait to try it the first time on a relaxed day, when you’re in no hurry. Since I’m comfortable with my cup now, I’ve become a lot more open to using it wherever I am.

Know how to relax your pelvic muscles: A bonus of using the menstrual cup is that I understand how my body works better now. Learning how to use your pelvic muscles is essential (and super easy); relax them when inserting and use them to push the cup down while removing it.

Check for leaks: In the period world, leaks are a HUGE concern, and frankly, I’ve never understood why. Everyone knows women go through their periods, so what’s the big deal if there’s some evidence? Anyway, it’s easy to check for leaks once the cup is in. You’ll usually hear it pop, a sign that it’s sealed, but you can also try to squeeze the bottom of the cup or move your finger around the rim to ensure that. My cup has only ever leaked once when I didn’t double check it.

Aim not to keep it in longer than 8-10 hours: Unlike pads, it’s safe to wear a menstrual cup for upto 12 hours, though I aim not to exceed 8-10 hours. When I plan to be out for a long time, I prefer to empty and re-insert the cup just before leaving.

Know that it can’t get lost inside you: Isn’t that a relief to know?

Work with your pelvic muscles to take it out: The first time I managed to get the cup in right, I was really scared thinking about whether I’ll be able to get it out. What helps is to take some deep breaths, relax and know that it can’t go anywhere but out. I prefer to squat in the shower area to remove it, incase there’s any spillage.

Clean it thoroughly before reinserting: I find it ideal to wash my cup with hot water in the sink if that’s an option. Otherwise rinse it thoroughly in regular water before reinserting it.

Switch to cloth pads on light flow days if you feel dry: By the fourth day of using the cup, I sometimes feel a bit dry, and in general, bored of the insert, rinse, re-insert regime. So when the flow becomes light enough, I switch to cloth pads.

Sterilize, store, repeat: At the end of the cycle (or soon as possible after it), it’s best to boil the cup again to sterilize it and store it in a clean, dry cloth bag for the following month.

Also read: What it’s Like to Travel Alone When You’re in a Relationship

Advantages of using a menstrual cup

A menstrual cup is currently the most environmentally friendly menstrual hygiene product, leading to zero waste. One cup could last upto 10 years with proper care; that’s easily over 1800 single-use plastic pads saved!

It feels more hygienic than pads.

It is far more comfortable than pads; my biggest fear is I’ll forget it’s inside!

It’s easier to hike, swim, do yoga and other physical activities while wearing a cup.

Using a menstrual cup has helped me understand my own body better.

For some women, menstrual cups reduce period cramps.

In the long run, they work out cheaper!

Also read: Offbeat, Incredible and Sustainable: These Travel Companies Are Changing the Way We Experience India

Tips to manage a menstrual cup on the road

Journeys longer than 8 hours

I try to avoid to using a menstrual cup on journeys longer than 8 hours, especially to account for buffer time / delays on either side; definitely don’t fancy changing my cup in the cramped up space of a flight washroom or worse, a shaking train bathroom!

Using a public toilet to change the cup

It’s not always avoidable to use a public toilet while changing a cup. I’ve resorted to using the handicapped washroom if available and empty, so I can take my time to remove the cup, wash it in the sink and re-insert the cup. One way to work around the challenge of washing the cup in a regular public washroom – with separate toilet and handwash areas – is to carry a bottle of water inside.

In India, where the state of most public washrooms is just horrible, I would rather pay for a drink at a nice restaurant or hotel, and use their facilities if I really need to change my cup.

Keep cloth pads as a backup

Sometimes things just don’t turn out as planned on the road. It’s always a good idea to be prepared with some backup cloth pads.

Drop the embarrassment

I know the idea of sterilizing a menstrual cup in a boiling pot of water sounds a bit weird, but let’s remember it’s just blood from our body. It’s high time we drop the notion of it being “unpure”. I initially found it embarrassing to take longer than usual to occupy the washroom while changing my cup, but hey, it’s natural for every woman to menstruate – and to try to embrace the most eco-friendly alternative. We owe no one an explanation.

Also read: I Love Spiti: How Travellers Must Help Save India’s Surreal Mountain Desert

Your questions about menstrual cups

On my Instagram Stories a while ago, I asked you, those of you who haven’t switched to menstrual cups yet, if you have any questions you’d like to ask anonymously. Here’s a selection of those questions:

Is a menstrual cup painful to insert or remove? It takes some getting used to the idea, and a while to figure out how to get it in and out, but once you do, it doesn’t hurt at all.

How to get over the mental block? Read articles, watch videos, discuss it friends who already use it. The more people you come across (virtually and in real life) who’re using the cup, the more you’ll get over the mental block.

Will they work with different body sizes and types? Absolutely. You just need to figure out what size it right for you. I even asked a gynecologist (on a different visit) if a menstrual cup would work for my body. She assured me that there’s no vagina too small or big to use it.

Can a virgin or unmarried girl use a menstrual cup? Yes. It doesn’t matter whether you’re sexually active or not. It can break the hymen, but so can playing sports. We live in the 21st century and that really shouldn’t be a concern.

Is it safe to insert a cup into the vagina? Yes, as long as you sterilize it before and after, and store it in a dry cloth bag. Choose a cup made of 100% health/medical grade silicone that is safe to use.

Is it really hygienic to use and reuse a cup? Yes. Some say even more than using pads / tampons.

Is it messy to get it out and clean it? It can get messy, especially initially when you’re not used to removing it. The trick is hold it upright as far as possible. But remember, even if it spills, it’s just blood. Easy to clean with water or wet tissue.

How to manage it in office, especially with long working hours? If you spend less than 12 hours in office and commuting, wear it at home just before leaving and change it soon as you reach home. Else you can occupy the washroom for a few extra minutes, just once in the day, to wash and re-insert the cup. Maybe start the discussion with some of your female colleagues so you can try this together?

What if it leaks? It usually pops open and gets sealed on its own. To double check, move your finger around the base and ensure there are no folds. Trust that it won’t leak, and if you don’t, back it up with a cloth pad on your initial cycles!

What about heavy flow days? It works just fine for heavy flow days; you might want to change it more frequently during the first cycle of using it, just to get an idea of how much the cup fills up in a few hours.

What size cup to buy? I started with the small size and realized it works just fine for me. The small size is typically for regular flow and large for very heavy flow; the large is also recommend if you’ve given birth. Depending on which brand you’re buying, you can read reviews and their suggested sizes to figure it out. Many brands are also open to walking you through the size selection, so don’t hesitate to message them on Instagram or call them.

Should the tail of the cup (the dangling extension) be kept or cut? Each cup comes with a small extension at the bottom to make it easier to pull it out. It felt quite uncomfortable for me since apparently my cervix sits high, so I cut it off. After a few cycles, I find it easy enough to push the cup down using my pelvic muscles and pull it out.

Also read: How Travelling Changed My Perspective on Getting Married and Having Kids

Recommended brands of menstrual cups

Lena Cup: I bought the Lena Cup on Amazon US, just after I left Cuba, thanks to the great reviews. It’s made in California, FDA registered and made of 100% medical grade silicone. It comes in small and large sizes, and costs 25 US$. I love it and absolutely recommend it.

She Cup: My friend Vinita recommends the SheCup. It comes in standard and large sizes, and costs INR 1000.

Cupvert Cup: The Cupvert Menstrual Cup has the best reviews on Amazon India. It comes in small, medium and large sizes, and costs INR 299.

Boondh Cup: My friend Sharanya recommends the Boondh Menstrual Cup. It comes in a one-size-fits-all, and costs INR 690.

Rustic Art Cup: I’ve heard good reviews of the Rustic Art Menstrual Cup from multiple people. It comes in small and large sizes, and costs INR 850.

Cloth Pads: I highly recommend buying cloth pads as a backup; there are several options on Amazon India and Amazon US, depending on how many you’re looking for and your preferred design. A set of 4 suffices for me.

Have you switched to a menstrual cup yet? Why or why not?

Got interesting ideas around travel and environmental conservation? Collaborate with me to initiate a new Passion Project.

*Note: The Amazon products mentioned in this post are affiliate links; if you choose to click through these and buy, I’ll earn a little bit at no extra cost to you. This allows me to spend more time and effort creating meaningful blog posts.

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to follow my travel adventures around the world!

Why I Switched to a Menstrual Cup – and How You Can Too. published first on https://airriflelab.tumblr.com

0 notes

kevingbakeruk · 7 years ago

Text

25 Important Travel Safety Tips You Need To Know

Travel Safety Tips to Keep You Safe

Travel Tips

After traveling the world for the past 7 years, I’ve learned a lot about staying safe – sometimes the hard way. Here are my best travel safety tips for avoiding trouble on your next trip.

Nothing ruins an adventure quicker than getting scammed or robbed!

In Panama, some women distracted me while my laptop was stolen from my backpack. I figured it was gone forever, until incredibly, this happened 3 months later. I got lucky.

In Mexico, a pickpocket grabbed my iPhone as I was walking. I managed to get that back too, chasing the thief down the road screaming like a maniac and brandishing a bottle of tequila!

You don’t even need to travel internationally to have bad stuff happen. In Miami, my camera was stolen from the beach when I wasn’t paying attention.

After seven years of almost constant travel around the world, I’ve grown accustomed to deceitful taxi drivers, two-faced tour guides, insincere offers of help, and the occasional robbery or scam.

For the most part, the world is a pretty safe place for travelers. I don’t want to scare you too much! However it’s wise to be prepared for the worst.

With that in mind, here are my best travel safety tips to help minimize your chances of something bad happening to you or your belongings during your travels.

My Best Travel Safety Tips

Research Local Scams

1. Learn Common Travel Scams

Wherever you go in the world, you’ll always find people ready to trick you out of your hard-earned cash. If you’re lucky, they’ll be kinda obvious – but there are plenty of craftier, professional con-artists out there too.

Everyone thinks they’re too smart to be scammed — but it happens.

Here are some of the most common travel scams I’ve come across. I recommend you learn them all – then fire up the Google and do even more in-depth research into the worst scams happening at your specific destination.

For example, the milk scam in Cuba. Broken taxi meters in Costa Rica. Or the ring scam in Paris. Every country has its own special ones to watch out for!

Forewarned is forearmed, and this research can help defend you from being tricked out of hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars (while suffering the kind of frustration and misery that ruins a dream trip).

2. Write Down Emergency Info

If disaster strikes, you might not have time to search for numbers for local police or ambulance services, or directions to the nearest embassy for your country. You may also be too stressed and panicky to think straight.

Don’t put yourself in that position. Instead, record that information in advance, and create an “Emergency Plan” for you to follow if things go badly. Save it on your phone somewhere (I use the Evernote App).

I also recommend you write it down on a small card or sheet of paper, get it laminated (easily done at your local office supply store) to protect it from moisture, and keep it in your wallet/purse.

That way, if something goes wrong out there, you’ll always know exactly who to call and where to go for help.

3. Check The State Department Website

The U.S. Department of State has a page for every country in the world, where it lists all known difficulties and current threats to the safety of visitors. You can find it here.

However, a big caveat for this one: it’s the State Department’s job to warn you about everything that could go wrong, which is sometimes different to what is likely to go wrong.

This means their advice is generally on the hyper-cautious side. Factor that in, while you dig up more on-the-ground information.

But researching travel warnings will give you a general idea of what’s going on in the country you’re visiting, and specific problem areas you may want to avoid.

For example, just because certain parts of Thailand or Mexico have problems, doesn’t mean you should completely avoid those countries.

Lock Up Expensive Stuff

4: Lock Up Your Valuables

Putting aside the fact that traveling with anything super valuable is usually a bad idea, there will always be something you absolutely cannot afford to have stolen. I travel with a lot of expensive camera gear for example.

Your job is to minimize the easy opportunities for theft.

Firstly, know that most bags aren’t very secure. It’s easy to feel that a zipped, even locked bag is a sufficient deterrent to any thief, and doze off next to it. Waking up to find someone’s slashed a hole in the side!

Unless it’s a slash-proof backpack (but I’m not really a fan of them), the material can be cut or torn by anyone determined enough. Many zippers can be forced open with sharp objects like a writing pen too.

Always be aware of your valuables, and try to keep an eye on them in such a way that it would be impossible for someone to steal without you knowing. I’ll use my backpack as a pillow on train/bus routes that have a reputation for theft, and will sometimes lock it to a seat using a thin cable like this.

Secondly, call your accommodation to ask about secure storage options like a room safe, lockers, or a locked storage area. Carry your own locker padlock when staying at backpacking hostels.

5: Get Travel Insurance

You never think you need it, until you do. If you’re really worried about the safety of yourself and your gear while you travel, you can almost completely relax if you have some good insurance.

People ask me all the time if I’m worried about traveling with an expensive computer and camera. I was, when I didn’t have insurance for them. Now that I do, I’m not worried. If stuff gets stolen, it will get replaced.

Everyone should carry some kind of health and property insurance when traveling. Why? Because shit happens. Whether you think it will or not. It doesn’t matter how careful you think you are.

My recommendation is World Nomads for short-term travel insurance (less than 6 months). They make it super easy to buy online. Just be aware that they have “per item” limits on coverage of $500. So it’s not going to cover a whole $3000 camera.

If you’re going to be traveling for a long time, there are good long-term options like a mixture of expat health insurance from IMG Global and photography/computer insurance from TCP Photography Insurance.

READ MORE: Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

Hanging Out in Palestine

6: Ask Locals For Advice

If you really want to know which neighborhoods are safe and which might be sketchy, ask a local resident of the area.

Most locals are friendly, and will warn you about straying into dangerous areas. On the other hand, if a stranger offers up advice, it’s also wise to get a second opinion – just in case they don’t really know what they’re talking about but simply wanted to help (or worse, are trying to scam you).

Taxi drivers can be hit or miss in this regard. Some can be excellent sources for good information, others are miserable assholes who might actually lead you into trouble.

I’ve found that hostel or hotel front desk workers are generally pretty good sources for local advice.

Don’t be afraid to ask them which parts of the city to avoid, how much taxi fares should cost, and where to find a great place to eat!

7: Register With Your Embassy

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, from the U.S. Department of State, is designed to make a destination’s local embassy aware of your arrival and keep you constantly updated with the latest safety information.

It’s free, it’s available for all U.S. citizens and nationals living abroad, and it’s a great way to get reliable, up to date safety information as you travel, along with an extra level of security in case of emergencies.

Canada has it’s own version, called Registration Of Canadians Abroad.

That way if an emergency happens, like a natural disaster or terrorist attack, the local embassy can get a hold of you quickly to share important information or help with evacuation.

Mom, I’m Camping on a Volcano…

8: Email Your Itinerary To Friends/Family

Once you’ve worked out where you’re going and when, make sure someone else knows too.

The best way is to email the full itinerary to a few family members (and double-check with them that they received it – don’t just assume it landed in their Inbox, make sure it did). Then, if you can, check in from time to time.

Before I travel anywhere, I make sure my parents know where I’m going, what my general plans are, and when I should be back.

That way, if they don’t hear from me for a few days after I’m supposed to return, they can help notify the proper local authorities, the embassy, etc.

9: Don’t Share Too Much With Strangers

If you’re ever tempted to make your itinerary more public, say in a Facebook post, just remember it can be a roadmap of your movements – just the sort of thing someone with ill-intentions would love to know.

I also don’t recommend sharing too many details about your travel plans or accommodation details with people you’ve just met. For example, don’t tell a local shop owner or street tout where you’re staying when asked.

If someone does ask, rather than be rude, you can be vague about an area of town rather than the name of your hotel. Or lie and name a hotel you’re not actually staying at.

Sometimes people will ask if it’s your first time visiting their country or city. If I don’t trust them yet, I’ll pretend it isn’t my first trip. Because sharing you’re new can also signal you’re a good target for scams.

When feeling vulnerable in a strange place, little white lies won’t hurt.

Anna Trying the Traditional Omani Abaya

10: Be Aware Of Your Clothing

When it comes to travel, the wrong clothes scream “TOURIST” and make you a target for scammers, thieves and worse. The less obviously a visitor you look, the less attention you’ll get from the wrong kind of people.

Wearing the right clothes is a sign of respect. Many Islamic countries have specific dress code guidelines that are often strictly enforced – and other destinations have laws that may catch you out (for example, walking topless through the streets of Barcelona is illegal for both sexes).

However, it’s possible to stay within the law and still offend locals with what you’re wearing – generating a lot of hostility towards you in the process. Ignoring local customs can come across as both arrogant and ignorant.

In conservative countries, it’s just safer to dress more conservatively yourself. Obviously as a foreigner you’re still going to stand out a bit, but much less than those who ignore the local customs.

Start by checking out Wikipedia’s general advice on clothing laws by country – and then narrow down your research until you find someone giving advice you can trust, ideally a resident or expat turned local.

11: Splurge On Extra Safety

If you’re traveling as a budget backpacker, like I was, it can be tempting to save as much money as possible with the cheapest accommodation, the cheapest flights, the cheapest activities.

But it’s important to know that this isn’t always the safest way to travel.

Ultra cheap backpacker hostels aren’t always the safest places. I’ve stayed in some without locks on the doors, that felt like make-shift homeless shelters for drug addicts and other seedy people.

Budget flights can often arrive in the middle of the night — usually not the best time to be hailing down a cab in a dangerous city and hoping the driver doesn’t abduct you.

Sometimes it’s worth the extra few bucks to splurge on a slightly better hostel, a more convenient flight, a taxi home from the bar, or a tour operator with a strong safety record.

12: Stay “Tethered” To Your Bag

Most quick snatch-and-run type robberies happen because the thief can do it easily, and has time to get away. Therefore, anything that slows them down will help prevent it in the first place.

If you can keep your bag tethered to something immovable at all times, and do so in a really obvious way, thieves will consider it way too risky a job – and leave you alone.

A simple and effective method is to use a carabiner clip. Even a regular strap around your leg or chair.

It doesn’t need to be secured with a steel cable and padlock all the time, just attached to something that will make a snatch-and-run attempt too difficult.

Learning to Box in Johannesburg

13: Learn Basic Self-Defense

You don’t need black-belt skills, but joining a few self defense classes is a worthwhile investment in your personal safety. Some good street-effective styles to consider are Krav Maga or Muay Thai.

Next, learn WHEN to apply it. Just because you can kick someone’s ass, doesn’t mean you should in all situations. In the words of author Sam Harris:

“Do whatever you can to avoid a physical confrontation, but the moment avoidance fails, attack explosively for the purposes of escape.”

A great way to neutralize a threat is to get yourself as far away as physically possible. If someone with a gun or knife just wants your phone, give it to them, run away, and live another day.

Use force only when your life is threatened & there are absolutely no other options available.

If you want an extra level of personal security, pick up a tactical pen (and learn how to use it). I often carry one, and it doesn’t set off any alarms when going through customs.

14: Project Situational Awareness

Did you know that a majority of human communication is based on non-verbal body language? This projection of confidence can prevent you from becoming a target.

Keep your head up, stay alert, and aware of you’re surroundings. When you’re confident, potential attackers can sense it through your body language and eye contact.

Most will choose to move on and find an easier victim to attack.

In many places, making direct eye contact with potential threats can help ward off an attack, ensuring they notice you see them and what they may be planning. Yet in other parts of the world, too much eye contact might invite trouble…

Generally you should stay aware of who is around you, walk with a purpose, and don’t look worried, lost, or scared (even if you feel that way) — but I’d also avoid staring contests with sketchy looking strangers.

Protecting Your Money

15: Tell Your Bank Where You’re Going

Imagine the agony of doing absolutely everything right and keeping yourself perfectly safe and secure – only to have your trip ruined because your bank thinks you’re the thief, and locks down all your cards.

If this happens and you’re lucky, you’ll be asked security questions to determine your identity. The rest of the time, you’ll get a notification from the bank’s fraud detection team that irregular activity has been recorded on your card, and they’ve put a hold on all transactions until the situation is resolved – which might take days.

The solution is simple. Most online banking services have a facility for letting the bank or credit card provider know about your upcoming travels. Make sure you use it, shortly before leaving – and keep them in the loop if your travel plans change.

I also recommend using your debit card at the airport ATM machine as soon as you arrive in a new country, as this also helps let the bank know you’re traveling.