Tips for Flying While Pregnant

- If you plan to take a plane trip while pregnant, discuss it with your doctor first. Barring any problems or complications, your doctor will probably let you go - except in the very early stages (when miscarriages are more likely to occur) or in the later stages (when you may be more likely to go into labor). Most airlines have regulations regarding how late into a pregnancy you may travel. Check before you fly to avoid disappointment.

It is probably not a good idea to travel anywhere that requires prior immunization. Avoiding the introduction or ingestion of foreign substances during pregnancy (including alcohol and nicotine) is the safest route to a healthy baby.

Try to book a seat with comfort in mind:

• A seat near the bathroom will facilitate more frequent bladder emptying.
• An aisle seat will make it easier to get up for quick walks (and trips to the washroom)
• Bulkhead seats have the most legroom.
• First class seats will be most comfortable - if you can afford the expenditure.

Planning Your Honeymoon Vacation

You’ve dreamed of your wedding since you were a little girl and now that special day is about to become a reality. You’ve probably been dreaming of your honeymoon since you said ‘yes’ to your fiancé and this dream is about to become a reality also. Both the wedding and the honeymoon have to be perfect.

You and your mother or other female family members usually plan your wedding but you and your future husband really should plan the honeymoon. After all, if it’s to be perfect, both should be happy with the plans and destination.

Sit down and discuss your likes and dislikes, finances, and the amount of time you can spend on a trip. Decide whether you will leave immediately after the wedding or wait a week or so. One of the most important things about planning your honeymoon is to agree with each other. Start planning early and check out everything from travel agents to airlines.

Once you decide on a destination, mode of travel and length of stay, start your list of things to do and items to take with you. Check your list often and check off things as they are completed. Once you start to pack, check off each item as you put it into your suitcases. Share in the preparations and discuss progress often.

If you use a travel agent, be sure to use one you’ve used before or one that comes with excellent references. If unsure of accommodations, ask for clarification. It’s better to question your lodging before you arrive than to be disappointed afterwards. If traveling by air or train, be sure you know the rules for luggage and security measures. Plan to get to the airport or train station so you will have plenty of time to get through security before departure.

Travel outside of the country might require a visa or passport and shots. Be sure you have gotten all the requirements taken care of before the departure date. Check with customs to find out what is permitted to be taken into the country you’re visiting and what you will be allowed to bring back into your country when you return.

Check the weather for your destination so you’ll be sure to take the correct clothing. Last but not least, check to see if there are any travel warnings for the area you are planning to visit. You wouldn’t want to go to the Florida Keys if there is a hurricane headed that way. You also wouldn’t want to travel to a foreign country if there are problems brewing there.

Plan your trip well and have a great time.

On Your Hawai Vacation

Make a list and start early, but don't worry too much. Most places in Hawaii have Walmarts and Kmarts and Longs Drugs and ABC stores in case you forget something. Prices are a little higher in Hawaii, but the difference for sundries will be negligible, usually.

• Swimsuit
• Sun protection you can wear like comfortable hats, sun shirts, visors, and full-body suits for the kids. Hawaii is closer to the equator than anywhere else in the continental U.S. and the sun is more intense here. Plus, you'll be out in the sun so much more. Even a small sunburn is uncomfortable and will put a crimp in your vacation.
• sunglasses
• sunblock, at least SPF 30. I put spf 50 on my son until he was 3.
• comfortable walking shoes - if you want to do any sightseeing you will need to walk. I advise tennis shoes or even hiking boots if you are used to them.
• slippers (flip-flops) or sandals
• Water safes (you know those little waterproof containers you can wear around your neck or put in a swimsuit pocket for money and room keys at the beach. You can buy them once you get here if need be.
• Light, easy-wearing warm weather clothes like t-shirts, tank tops, and shorts
• light sleeping wear
• if you will be staying at elevation or visiting the top of any of the mountains bring a sweater or sweatshirt. It does get cool, especially in the evenings, above 2500 feet elevation.
• Tupperware or ziplocks - for bringing small snacks to the beach and on the road with you
• travel mugs - for taking your coffee on the road with you
• fingernail clippers
• earplugs
• beach towels (only fancy, contained hotels will provide them) - consider buying these in Hawaii for an instant souvenir
• snorkel and mask and fins if you own, otherwise buy, borrow, or rent them here
• camera and film (if you still use it)
• An extra piece of luggage for everything you acquire while you are here
• medications, prescription and common over the counter that you take often like motrin or antacid
• personal identification, drivers license
  for Kids
• umbrella stroller - even for young children who don't use them much at home, you'll be happy for it in Hawaii, kids seem to have a lot more grabby meltdowns on vacation
• swim diapers
• decongestants and pain relievers if you use them. My son always seems to catch a cold when we are on vacation.

Carry-on tips
When we travel, my husband and I always include one full change of clothes and a swimsuit for all of us in our carryons. That way, if our luggage is lost or delayed we can still go straight to the beach or pool after a long flight if we want to.

Money or traveler's checks
If you are from the continental united states, your atm cards and credit cards will work here. Don't bother with extra cash or traveler's checks.

Unless you are planning on going somewhere very fancy, don't bother with the formal wear. You just don't need it here. Clothing is very casual - business wear in all but the most formal places is an aloha shirt with slacks or even mu'u mu'us (moo-moo) (light shapeless dresses). Even the government and the television news anchorpersons wear Alohawear (light clothing with bright hawaiian prints). For an online preview of Alohawear. Don't buy before you come, make the shopping part of your Hawaiian experience! (unless you really want to) You should bring comfortable shoes (tennis shoes for me) for all the sight seeing. You will be walking around.

If you are planning on hiking or other specialty sports, bring the small equipment - like hiking boots and backpacks. It will be a little more expensive to buy here. When packing, remember to save a little space for items acquired on your trip. If you do find yourself with too much on the way back, go to the post office and mail it or the rest of your clothes home.

If you will be visiting Mauna Kea, or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or anywhere at elevation, bring warm clothing. A windbreaker and jeans would be nice for the park during the winter (and sometimes in summer) and Mauna Kea in the winter will actual support a jacket, especially if it's snowing.

Bring sunblock! at least 30 spf, and slather it on 30 minutes before going outside. Be very diligent with this. The Hawaiian sun burns quicker than anything you've seen before, and you don't want to be miserable on your trip. Also, bring baseball (doesn't protect the back of the neck) or straw hats, or buy them when you get here. I always wear a straw hat with a wide brim when I am sight seeing or kayaking - it protects my ears and face and neck. I got mine for $3 at Walmart. Don't worry, hats are a necessary fashion accessory here - and all the smart visitors will be wearing them. Bring good sunglasses for the same reason.

Bring cameras disposable and digital and regular - plus, if you will not have the means to download digital pictures, you may want to buy an extra memory stick before you come - you'll be able to find them easily at ABC Stores but they will be more expensive.

BEWARE
Hawaii is a safe place, Honolulu especially is one of the safest large cities in the nation BUT, there are thieves just like at any other tourist destination. Travel smart, and don't fall prey to them. Use the safe in your hotel for money and valuables (yes, there are some break-ins and thieves of hotel rooms). Don't think anything is safe in your trunk - thieves will break in and take it. Try not to take more than you need when sight-seeing, and always carry it with you. Don't leave anything of value on your car seat - it will be gone in seconds even (especially) in remote places. Don't leave your camera unattended on your towel at the beach. Instead purchase a cheap waterproof disposable camera and carry it attached to your wrist in the water (the better to get fish pictures with). Don't leave your condo unlocked while you are gone or sleeping. Now that I have scared you, please take heart - thievery is relatively uncommon, but it does happen and could ruin your trip.

Arriving Tips

You may need this Travel tips on "how best to arrive at your destination"

Whenever you arrive in any country, whether it be by boat, plane or whatever you are vulnerable. You have all your cash, cards, documents and anything else valuable on you right at that moment. It is even worse if you have never been there before and look like you haven't always people who are willing to "help". Every precaution you take will help to avoid any potential problems. After all you do not want someone to "help" themselves to your belongings, when you have just arrived. Here are a few tips that should help.

Before leaving for your trip, try to get some prior information as to the rough layout of the airport where you will be arriving. This will help, to have a vague sense of where you should be going and where the taxis are located etc.

Whenever possible, especially in certain countries we recommend taking either the airport limousine, or a hotel pick up. Never take a taxi that seems just to be hanging around, offering its services when there is a taxi queue available.

Try to keep your wallet and valuables safely secured in a locked handbag or in one of your hand luggage.

Change some money into the local currency before you depart. This gives you one less thing to worry about, and will stop you from pulling a large amount of money out at the airport arrivals. Keep a small amount of this local currency, easily accessible in a pocket or something, and away from the majority of your well earned money. You will need sufficient for the ride into town, a tip (perhaps) and a little for unforeseen needs like toll ways or a bottle of water.

If you have not been able to find anything out about the airport that you are visiting then ask one of the airline staff, or the government tourism booth (if they have one at the airport) for some assistance, or tips on the best way of travelling.

Most countries really are very safe, but in others it is really very advisable to take to take as many precautions as possible. No matter what, the most important is that you have a great holiday.

At The Hotel Tips

Here some general travel tips for ensuring your belongings remain safe during your trip

Hotels, especially of the four and five star category are normally extremely safe; providing you with a safe in the room and at the reception area, security guards hiding around the place, and cameras that can be as much your friend as your enemy . However still things do occasionally disappear, sometimes without the owner ever knowing that they have gone

So here are a few tips to avoid your valued possessions from taking a walk. Some are sure to surprise you.

· If the hotel has an in room safe use it and keep all your valuables in there.

However if the safe is electronic, wipe the touch keys down before operating it with a damp cloth, and then dry it before entering your secret code. Try to do this every time you use the safe.

Also after you have keyed in your code and closed the door firmly locked on the safe. Press all the other keys /numbers that do not make up your code, and press them firmly. Doing this may set off from the safe but it stops quickly and no one will pay any attention (!!).

The reason to do this is because certain hotels have caught their own hotel staff placing, a light oil residue or powder on to the touch keys that shows them when using a certain light what numbers were pressed. They were managing to open the safe, and one very clever thief was taking only 1 or 2 US$ from each room. Would you have noticed ? It is not a lot but in a 400 or 500 room hotel the guy was doing quite well for himself.

Never leave valuables in soft/material bags with pockets even if they are padlocked like Alcatrass

This avoids any potential of somebody simply splitting a seam to a pocket with a knife and removing select contents. This has happened to one of our members and he never even noticed until he went into the and bag and pocket a while later. "Now where did I put that ......." This should also apply to luggage that you check into the airplane.

• Never get drunk and invite a stranger to your room

Thankfully this did not happen to me, although it is true that I would not tell you if it had !!

Anyway a certain gentleman went out one evening and got very, very drunk. The next afternoon after awaking with a very groggy head and not remembering a thing, he had to check out to return home. He found when packing that his gold Rolex and some cash had been stolen from his room. He was furious and insisted on seeing the General Manager of the hotel, shouting expletives and demanding compensation. The GM was adamant that type of thing would never happen in his hotel, but that he would investigate it fully.

The guest had no choice but to leave, and the General Manager then started the investigation. A few months later after correspondence, between the hotel and guest, the guest finally returned to the country and was invited by the GM to meet with him. The GM sat him down in the office, and suggested that they watch a video that was in his possession before any threats of court were fulfilled. After watching the video, that came from security cameras in the hotel, which showed the guest staggering back to his room, with two very obviously rough prostitutes (yes, I did say two !!) on his arm, and then leaving (the girls) on a different video, he immediately turned bright red. Understanding what had happened he apologised to the GM and left.

Get the story ?!!!

Planning Your Trip Tips

Here some general travel tips on planning your trip

When planning your trip, make sure that you find out about the wet and dry seasons, or other possible weather conditions that may affect your holiday. If you are using a travel agent then make sure that you ask about this, even though they should tell you.

· Ask your agent, or other sources to find out whether the hotel or even the destination has any work going on. Again the agent should tell you, however he/she may have over looked the hotel that is being built right next door.

· If you are travelling to an area that may be considered a 'hot zone' (possibly dangerous) then check with your insurance company to verify whether you will be covered in case something goes wrong. If they do not, and you still want to travel, then find one that will.

· If your itinerary may change, ensure that there are absolutely no charges if you do change the dates or times of flights. Ask your agent to fully explain the restrictions that may appear, onyour ticket, to ensure that they meet with your needs.

· If you are flying with one of the alliances, such as Star or One World. Just verify with your agent what plane is going to be used. They should tell you, but it is surprising how often you will see people complaining that they expected to be on a Singapore Airline plane, not the Lufthansa one that they find themselves on. This is the result of the code share agreements that the airlines are using.

· If money is valuable and if you are buying a plane ticket on a certain airline and have been told that due to these code sharing agreements you will actually be flying on another airline. Then call around or check if you can buy any cheaper tickets on the actual airline that you will be flying. Believe it or not code share does not mean price share and you may be able to find much cheaper.

· It is recommended to buy your holiday using a credit card. This gives you the comfort of official records, and also additional insurance that comes with the card. One of the best for travel is American Express, where you can also transfer your points to your frequent flier programme

Vacation Safety Tips

Here is some tips which useful when you going out.

Family vacations are a fun and wonderful experience. However, it’s normal to be concerned about safety issues especially when traveling with children.

Here are a few tips to help ease your mind.

Airport Safety – Always keep an eye on your luggage and never leave it unattended. To avoid someone else picking up your carry-on bag, try not to place it on the conveyor belt until you’ve been security checked yourself and right about to walk through the metal detector. Once you put it on the conveyor belt keep a close eye on it.

Hotel Safety – Keep valuables in a safe and always know where your closest safety exits are in case of an emergency.

Road Safety – It’s a great experience to drive in another country but it can also be very stressful and even dangerous. Before your trip, get information on what driving is like in your destined country. Once there pay close attention to all road signs, if the signs are in a different language this will make things more difficult.

To avoid being detected as a ‘tourist,’ practice with your rental car controls and features before driving it. And don’t go out in a car with a rental-company logo on the bumper or windscreen, which automatically announces you as a tourist and makes you more vulnerable to attacks by thieves, and for this same reason make sure you don’t leave your maps, hotel documents and guidebooks in the car.

If it’s possible to roam your mobile phone in the country do it, and if not get one to use internationally; it will be useful especially in case of emergencies at your destination and for making contact with your base back home.

Sight-Seeing Safety – Always keep a close eye on your children. Children aren’t aware of the dangers around them and won’t act any different in unfamiliar surroundings. Place a safety card in your child’s pocket including your name, contact details and hotel information. You can also tape this information on a card directly on your child’s back or stomach under their clothes.

Don’t wear expensive jewelry or carry expensive bags, cameras or laptops and try not to appear as a tourist too often. Always, always keep a close eye on your bags. It’s a good idea to actually carry your cash, identification and credit cards in your pocket and not in your main bag.

Be especially careful with your bags when sitting down at restaurants. It’s a common scam for thieves to steal bags from right under someone’s seat when they’re dining and happily preoccupied chatting.

Stay on the main roads and near people at all times. Try not to wander down unfamiliar roads or alleys even if you’re tempted to find a short cut.

All About Bali's Trip

Bali's island is one of Indonesia island. Many people call its paradise island in Asia. Before you booking airflight ticket, hotel reservation and others better to read all about Bali information as follows:

Passports and Visas

Bali Visa. Important change to Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists.

Please read carefully as there have been changes to Indonesia visa policy.
[ updated December 1st 2006 ]

Countries that do not require a Visa to enter Bali.

Brunei Darussalam,Chile,Hongkong,Macao,Malaysia,Morocco,Peru,Philippines,Singapore and Vietnam

Countries that require and are eligible for Visa-On Arrivals - cost for these visas are US$10 for a stay of up to 7 days, US$25 for a stay of up to 30 days.
[ updated December 1st 2006 ]

Arab Emirates,Argentina,Australia,Austria,Bahrain,Belgium,Brazil,Bulgaria,
Cambodia,Canada,China,Cyprus,Denmark,Egypt,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,
Greece,Hungary,Iceland,india,Iran,Ireland,Italy,Japan,Kuwait,Laos,Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg,Maldives,Malta,Mexico,Monaco,Netherlands,New Zealand,Norway,
Oman,Poland,Portugal,Qatar,Russia,Saudi Arabia,Soth Africa,South Korea,Spain,
Suriname,Sweden,Switzerland,Taiwan,United Kingdom,United States America

It is important to also note the following:

• The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot be converted into a different visa.
• The Visa purchasing system will take approximately 3-5 minutes per applicant.
• There are 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process payments.
• Once you have paid for and received your visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed.

Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering Indonesia.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia, and you must have proof of onward passage (either return or through tickets). If you cannot fulfill both of these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.

Currency

The Rupiah. Notes 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000. Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000.

Bali Time

Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.

Accommodation

As you can imagine there's an enormous variety of accommodation available in Bali. It varies from magnificent five star resorts to simple jungle cabins, depending on the location and your holiday budget.
Check out these great selections.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels along with American dollar traveler's cheques.

Electricity

Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have a transformer switch. We suggest taking an adaptor for your appliance.

Getting Around

You will find a range of chauffeur driven limousines, self-drive cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you climb aboard. Bemos are a unique form of transport. They are a mini-van masquerading as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver and negotiate the fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be hired in many places but special care should be exercised at all times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations. Traveling around Bali is made all the easier because everywhere you go you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to go.

Driver's License

If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License or license from ASEAN countries.

Clothing

Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.

Useful Numbers

• Taxis
• Taksi Praja : 289191, 289090
• Taksi Bali : 701111
• Medical
• AEA International (Medical Evac) Jl. Hayam Wuruk 40, Denpasar. Tel : 228996
• Bali International Medical Center Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai 100X Denpasar. Tel : 761263
• Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada (Hospital) Jl. Panglima Sudirman No.50, Denpasar. Tel : 227560
• Kuta Clinic : Jl. Raya Kuta No.100X, Kuta. Tel : 753268
• Nusa Dua Clinic : Jl. Pramata No. 81A, Nusa Dua. Tel : 771324
• Rumah Sakit Umum Sanglah (Hospital) : Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar. Tel : 227911
• Emergency Numbers
• Ambulance : 118
• Fire : 113
• Police : 110
• Search & Rescue : 51111
• Red Cross : 26465
• Operator Assisted Calls
• Within Indonesia : 100
• International : 101
• Directory Information
• Bali : 108
• Indonesia : 106
• Credit Card Enquiries
• American Express :
• Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur. Tel : 288511 ext. 111
• Mastercard :
• Bank Central Asia, Jl. Cokroaminoto, Denpasar. Tel : 222652
• Visa Card :
• Bank Duta, Jl. Hayam Wuruk 165, Denpasar. Tel : 226578

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