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Traveling Tips for Women Travelers in India

14 Oct 2010 - noxa

Traveling Tips For Women Travelers in India

India, a nation of unity in diversity, has myriad of rich history, culture, heritage, religions, traditions, cuisines and people. It is a magical domain and most people fall in love with this country as soon as they come here. Even after the modern influence of western countries, India still remains, somewhat, a conservative country. Some western habits are perceived as inappropriate and degrading if practiced by women here. Some travel tips for women travelers in India would make their trip more exciting and easy. Because of the social conservatism, it’s important that women travelers educate themselves to India’s social mores and culture to best prepare for a safe journey.

Women travelers in India should be extremely particular about their clothing, safety, packing , monetary matters, language and shopping. These tips will prove beneficial making your journey a lifetime experience. With regards to clothing tips for women travelers in India avoid wearing too revealing dresses. Low cut, tight-fitting shirts, tank tops, skirts that fall above the knees, shorts and bikinis are highly discouraged. While swimsuits can be worn in beach resort areas such as Goa, consider wearing a conservative one-piece and covering yourself with a sarong and t-shirt when you’re not sunbathing or when you are interacting with locals. Short sleeve cotton shirts can be worn in warmer climates but they should be loose fitting and not revealing. Observe the locals and dress a bit more conservatively than the most liberally dressed woman. You can incorporate some of the local dress into your outfits by shopping once you arrive in-country. Purchase a locally made blouse or delicate scarf or shawl to wear over your Western-style clothes.

Safety tips for women travelers in India should be of the prime concern. You should be alert of the opportunistic thieves. Your personal safety and the potential theft of your belongings should be taken care of. To prevent sexual harassment, keep your arms folded in front of you in large crowds and on public transportation. It’s best not to initiate conversations that could be construed as flirtatious or personal and sidestep answering personal questions about yourself. If you’re traveling alone or with a female friend, invent a husband and make it clear that you are not interested in anyone else. Avoid situations where you may find yourself alone with a man. When traveling on public transportation, lock your bags together with a cable lock and then to a stationary object such as a bench or immovable seat.

The lighter the bag, the lesser you sag ! Nothing new to say here except ‘Travel Light’. Yet, in your enthusiasm to have a weightless bag, do not throw out the essentials. Inclusion of sun screen lotion, sun glasses, umbrella, brimmed hats is important to guard you against sun tan. Also include eye patches, camera, water bottle, first aid kit. Pack your bag according to the region and climate you are traveling in. Your day bag may contain the essentials (camera, book, lip balm, tissues, pen, journal, light snack). A bag made of slash-proof material and strap is ideal.

While traveling, you should be sure that you are carrying your money safely. Though there are no such risks of people snatching your money, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Pouches that can be fastened with an attached belt to your waist and can also be worn under clothing are best. This is the most popular and safest way to carry money safely. Your money and other valuable documents like ATM cards, passports and credit cards also in the pouch should be kept hidden from others. Keep some loose change in your pockets for giving to beggars who might mob you. Do not flash rolls of currency notes in front of them. You can also lose the purse and carry a variety of currency options in at least two locations on your body.

With regards to lingua franca, for most parts of India you won’t really need to mug up any local lingo. Yet, if sometime you get stuck, Hindi should help you get going. It is spoken in fair parts of north India and understood in the west too. Down south is the domain of the Dravidian languages. It’s either English or a regional language that will do the trick. So, pick up some words in both Hindi and regional language and get going.

The shopping enthusiast women cannot resist the temptation of picking up the Indian expertises. The the Indian bazaars – a place that puts your temptation resistance skills at test, are stuffed with bright and beautiful things – handicrafts, silks, ethnic jewelry, curios and what have you. You can shop till you drop. But you should try to strike the best deal so do not hesitate to bargain. Be ready to pay additional customs and handling charges.

No place round the globe is that safe for women traveler but keeping these tips in mind, your trip to India will at least be unscathed and secure. Wear your smile and stick tight to your sense of humor with presence of mind. It will definitely help you through the multitudinous complexities that make up a trip to this fascinating region.

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Precautions for women traveling alone

12 Oct 2010 - noxa

In todays world, it always pays to err on the side of caution and common sense especially when you are on vacation and in new surroundings.

I know that this section will cause some eyebrows to be raised but whether or not you want to believe it – women traveling alone can be targets because of their gender. There are too many horror stories of women who have had bad experiences while traveling alone. We are not trying to scare you and we realize that it’s not always possible to travel with companions, especially when on business, so we want you to be aware as to what precautions should be made. Get directions ahead of time to keep from looking at a map as this will draw attention to you.

We have all heard this a million times, but yes – you need to dress like a local and not act as a tourist. You don’t want to dress like you have money and wear flashy jewelry. You want to blend in with the crowd and not stand out. Ask the concierge at your hotel or a female employee of dangerous areas to avoid before heading outdoors.

If possible you should try to avoid being out after dark. If this can’t be helped then you need to stay alert even when in large crowds where you feel safe. Thieves love to hang out in large crowds where they can take items while you are be nudged around by other people. When walking at night carry a flashlight – this will not only help to light the way when needed, but can also be used as a weapon.

Purses should be carried in front of you and as close as possible to your body and on the side away from the street. Separate your money on your person. Put some money in your socks and tuck some in your bra. This way if you are mugged you will still have some money to help you. Remember to never resist when your bag is snatched. You don’t want to make the perpetrator angry and cause bodily harm to you so just let it go.

When traveling keep your valuables close. Stay close to your bags when in airports and when being dropped off or picked up. When being dropped off at your destination by a cab pay while you are still in the car to make sure you get your correct change.

When looking for a hotel try to stay at a smaller establishment. They are more apt to be familiar with who is staying with them and more likely to know if someone is there that doesn’t belong. Try to look for a hotel that has a concierge, desk or bell-man at the entrance as this helps to deter criminals. If you work out you should ask if there is an attendant in the gym. You should also ask if there is someone available to walk you to your room at night. Stay in a room that is away from emergency exits and renovation – try to have your room as close to an elevator as possible. Always have your key in hand when walking to your room and never hang a sign out on the door handle that will let theives know that you are or not in the room. If you need to have your room cleaned or want privacy then you should call down to the desk to notify them. If you have valuables with you then you should ask to put them in the front desk safe.

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Frugal Rv Traveling Tips: Keeping an Eye on the Road ? and your Budget

02 Oct 2010 - noxa

Hitting the road in your RV and the RV lifestyle can be one of the most economical ways to travel. If you do a little planning and research ahead of time, it’s easy to save even more – without ever feeling like you’re pinching pennies.

One obvious way to take the frugal route is to plan your RV travel during the “shoulder seasons” – before and after prime travel time – when discounts are often offered at various campgrounds and attractions.

Here are 5 cost-cutting RV travel tips that are good any time of the year:

1. RV Travel On One Tank of Gas

Remember the ending to The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy says she doesn’t have to look any further than her own backyard to find her heart’s desire? Well, we’re not suggesting camping out right outside the house, but think about going to places not too far away that you’ve always meant to check out.

You’ll be surprised at how many new and interesting destinations are just one tank of gas away. A lot of territory can be covered in just a few hundred miles, and you’re bound to discover exciting locations you never knew existed so close to home.

Tip: Your neighborhood library is a terrific resource for researching local and state information and attractions – and most of it is free!

2. Put Your RV On A Diet And Get Better Gas-Mileage

It’s a simple fact that the less your RV weighs, the more mileage you’ll get on the road. Look around for places in your rig where you can institute a “less is more” policy.

For example, you don’t have to set out with a full, fresh water tank for your RV excursion. Take what you need for the first day’s travel, plus a small reserve, and fill up once you’ve reached your day’s destination.

Forget that bulky, economy-sized can of coffee: empty a smaller amount into an airtight plastic container that you can refill later. (One place not to cut back, though, is tire inflation: riding on fully inflated tires is a sure way to increase your gas mileage.)

Tip: When buying food staples, consider dehydrated items like soup and dried fruit, and transfer cereal and pasta from bulky boxes into heavy-duty plastic bags – not only do they take up less space, you can reuse them once they’re empty!

3. Plastic not Paper Dinnerware – A More Economical Approach Overall

Sure, the eat-and-toss approach of paper plates and cups is the easy way to go – and might even seem economical when you buy in bulk. But lightweight, inexpensive plastic dishes are easy to find, and while they might not last forever, they’ll certainly see you through the duration of a long-distance RV excursion.

Choosing plastic over a big stack of paper goods is also another way to save on weight, especially when you’re starting out on your RV trip.

Tip: Buy your plastic ware in a mix-and-match variety of vibrant colors, and these snazzy dishes will brighten up even the simplest road fare!

4. Drive Less, Stay More – Save on Gas AND Get Campsite Discounts

When creating your RV travel itinerary, consider making fewer stops and spending more time at each destination. This will save on fuel and campsites costs as most of them offer discounts for lengthier stays.

By driving less and staying more, you’ll receive an additional benefit: It’s much more relaxing to know that once you’ve turned off the ignition you’re settling in for a while. Also, by spending more time in one place, you’ll be able to do some more in-depth exploring of the area.

Tip: Look online at the local newspaper for the area you’ll be visiting. Check for listings of events that you might not hear about otherwise … and don’t forget to look in the classifieds for yard sales and flea markets, too!

5. Stop and Shop – At Local Discount or Dollar Stores

When you need to refill on groceries avoid supermarkets and convenience stores where prices are at a premium. Instead, look for local discount and dollar stores and roadside fruit and vegetable stands — depending on the season. You might not save much money there, but there’s nothing better than freshly picked produce.

Keep an eye open for discount outlets in the area. And stop at flea markets and yard sales where you might find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Not only do these unconventional choices offer the opportunity to find unusual items, it’s a great way to get to know the local neighborhoods and people.

Tip: Keep your birthday and holiday gift list handy – you might spot the perfect knickknack for a family member at someone’s yard sale!

Some Final Frugal RV Travel Tips:

- Make use of the cheaper parks, like state parks

- Join Good Sam Club for 10% discount at their parks

- Subscribe to RV magazines for great ideas on RV travel

- Shop around for best prices on camping stuff like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, GI Joes – instead of RV stores

- Avoid buying your RV “supplies” – like toilet paper – that claim to be for RVs/motorhomes. Save money and buy the cheap stuff.

- Save money and cook all your meals in the RV; don’t eat out. You can even make dishes ahead and store in your RV’s refrigerator

- Ask for senior discounts everywhere you go

- If members of AAA, see if any campgrounds give discounts. Look at a “Trailer Life Campground Directory” at your local library to compare camping fees.

- Plan!!

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Traveling Jobs – Learn How to Write Travel Articles and Holiday Reviews

28 Jun 2010 - noxa

A dream of many writers is to get traveling jobs as journalists and travel for free. In this article you can learn how to write great travel articles and holiday reviews and what you should avoid.

Most journalists are naturally curious. They also tend to be restless, sociable creatures with a taste for adventure who enjoy exploring new places, meeting new people and finding out more about unfamiliar cultures and lifestyles. It should come as no surprise that journalists who love to travel want to share their experiences in print wherever possible.

Travel writing is an extremely competitive market. There is no destination that hasn’t been written about a million times, so it is vitally important to get the right angle to make your article stand out above the rest.

For thousands of writers, writing for a top travel magazine would be the dream job. However your professional credentials must be impeccable. This will mean you will have a sound track record and be regularly printed, ideally in a range of publications. You will also be reasonably traveled and have the ability to gather enough suitable material for new articles that will stand out.

Newspaper and magazine travel articles will often be more geared towards the consumer. In other words, the readers want to find out what aspects of the destination would appeal to them, rather than the chronological ins and outs of the writers own experiences. Getting to know your market is the most important factor when writing travel articles.

Don’t let all this put you off. Be persistent and try to get yourself published by any means you can in order to build up a good portfolio. For those new to the world or travel writing, the first step might be to submit articles to a local paper if it accepts travel articles. This won’t give you a lot of money, but offers you the much needed experience.

Getting the right angle

As with any other feature, it is important to have a clear sense of purpose about why you are writing a specific article. It’s not usually good enough to say you are going to ‘do’ an article about the Maldives as this has been done many times before. Try think about what is different, original, unusual or topical about your feature that is going to stand out. You could write about anything. For example; the pudding eating championships!

Pictures

You might be fortunate to find an editor that has a good source for pictures, but don’t count on it. It is imperative that travel articles to be accompanied by photographs. It is a sound investment for any journalist to buy a good digital camera so such a purpose. However do check with your editor ahead of time what size and format they want them to come in.

Honestly is the best policy

Even if you’ve been lucky enough to have someone else to pay for your holiday, do not be obliged to write a more positive article as a result. You will be letting your readers down if you don’t give your honest opinion.

Avoid ‘brochure speak’

Unless you’re writing a review for travel company to sell a holiday, there is no need to lace your travel articles with hype and over blown descriptions with an enthusiastic tone. For your article to sound genuine and authentic, most of it will have to rely on eyewitness accounts first hand, rather than culled from other guide books.

Most importantly you want to tell your readers what the place is really like as they can read the brochures for themselves if they want to be sold to. This isn’t always as easy as it sounds- you will need to perfect your observation skills to make your travel article original and where appropriate, humorous.

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Discover your Traveling Spirit With New Travel Destinations!

07 May 2010 - noxa

After a year of hard work, you are probably looking forward to the holiday. It’s time to explore new travel destinations, perhaps discover other cultures. The travel agencies come up every year with new challenging holiday offers for you. The Internet is an unbeatable source of information. You can always keep in touch with the latest travel offers with a simple series of clicks. But that is not all. You can now virtually explore the world. There are many websites that give you this possibility. You have the map of the world in front of you, choose your favorite travel destinations and learn everything you want to know about them, from the main attractions to the best times to visit the region, along with precious tips about the best accommodation and local habits.

Once you have chosen your destination, you have to prepare for your vacation. There are many things that you must think about: the flight, the accommodation, places you want to visit. However you must also take into an account the unpredictable, unwanted accidents that may happen during the trip. That is why travel insurance is needed. Many people neglect or simply ignore it because they regard it as a useless additional expense. However, there are many reasons why you should get travel insurance.

Nobody likes to think about bad things when planning a holiday. Nonetheless, you have to be prepared for both the goods and the bad. Travel insurance protects you against all kinds of risk that may appear during the holiday and helps you have a safe holiday. You don’t have to worry about unexpected medical emergencies or accidents as travel insurance covers the cost of medication and doctor’s fees. It also protects you and your family against the risk of robbery and theft while being on holiday. If for any reasons should the holiday get canceled, travel insurance assures that you get your money back. Some insurance companies even offer cover for the risk of missing a plane.

The winter is approaching, so if you are into winter sports, now is the right moment. The French or Swiss Alps are perfect travel destination during this time of the year. If you have never tried skiing, snowboarding or other similar sports, it’s never too late to discover a new hobby. Nothing compares to sitting next to a nice fire and drinking a glass of wine after a tiring skiing day. For the ones who don’t really like snow and cold, there are other travel destinations, like some exotic islands where you can just lie under the sun and forget about the winter back home. If you are the adventurous type, you can go on adventure trips which include adrenaline sports and spending time in the wild (which is perfect for nature lovers).

Whatever the travel destinations of your choice will be, the most important thing is to free your mind of any worries, in order to be able to enjoy your vacation. Turn off your mobile phone and your pager for at least a few days. The most spectacular landscapes cannot help you relax if all you think about is the unfinished projects at work. Don’t forget to get your travel insurance, so that your holiday will be safe and you will have peace of mind and relaxation.

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