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BBJJ Anti-Backpacking Tips Part One

In virtually all backpacking guide books and websites you will find tips on packing light, and advice on which items are essential for your trip. While I think packing light is key to having a less stressful trip, when travelling as a jetsetter there are some things that backpacker's may consider to be non-essential luxury items that I never leave home without.

First, forget all advice regarding backpacks. Yes, backpacks are better for your back, neck and shoulders, they're easy to carry around while sightseeing and you can stuff emergency items in them. They hold a lot more than you would think, especially bags with lots of hidden pockets, so, for some a backpack is fine.
But I never carry a backpack. Backpacks scream out 'broke student.' I have found several attractive, extra large purses, camera bags, messenger bags, handbags, (especially the newer leather bags that are unisex,) and even attache cases that are surprisingly lightweight and can hold a lot of stuff when properly folded. More importantly, they look elegant. Another benefit is that you aren't immediately marked as a naive tourist targeted by thieves and conmen. My biggest reason to use an alternative bag is that whenever I sneak into First Class (always,) I don't get the raised eyebrows that a backpack would. My bag, along with the way I am dressed, makes people automatically assume that I belong there.

My mother once gave me an extra large camera bag that she bought for a dollar from a discount store. I have used that bag for years to hold everything I need for a two-week trip. It's deceptively small but holds quite a bit, especially in the outer expandable pockets. It's sturdy but weighs a lot less than a small suitcase with wheels, yet can store almost as much. My favorite bag though is an extra large, black, suede handbag that is chic, extremely lightweight and counts as a purse. This "purse" does not have to be checked in or counted as my carry-on. When I arrive at my destination I use my bag as a pocketbook. Since the deeply discounted airlines (like Ryan Air and Spirit Airlines) now allow only one carry-on, this bag is perfect, especially during the rare times when I do need two bags when I plan to travel more than a few weeks, or when I intend to shop a lot. I check out thrift stores, flea markets and discount stores frequently, always on the lookout for potential travel bags. Don't overlook the dollar stores, either; you'd be surprised what you can find.

Another mistake backpackers and tourists make is to bring a fannypack. Huge no-no. They're gaudy, ugly and are a magnet for pickpockets. Hip travellers use leather moneybelts which have slimmer pockets on the inside to hide money and documents, and they look great. I have one, but I use it more for lipstick and change and prefer to hide my money, credit cards and important items in my bra, my socks or in hidden pockets that I sew on the inside of my jeans.

I know that wearing all black clothes is no longer the 'in' wardrobe to have (unless you're a goth/vampyre chick,) but when I travel it's so much easier to throw together an outfit that can go from casual to dressy in an instant. Also, in countries like India where the dust and dirt is everywhere, you won't look like a dirty hippy.
Okay, sometimes we ARE dirty hippies when laundry facilities are scarce or non-existant in underdeveloped countries. In emergency situations when you are unable to wash your clothes as frequently you can get away with wearing black clothes a second time. You don't need to choose black, but try to have a neutral theme for easy mixing and matching.

Another mistake that backpackers make is to bring only t-shirts and jeans and to wear old Birkenstocks. Most people advise you to bring only clothes that you wouldn't mind losing in case you get robbed and to bring underwear you can dispose of at the end of your journey. Those are good suggestions, but I've only 'lost' one or two items in all the years I've been travelling. It can be easy to "lose" things at hostels where you may share a dorm room with ten other girls. I've fixed that problem, however by purchasing a metal wire travel cage from Paragon Sporting Goods. (Check your local travel or sporting goods store for the metal cage, or order online.) Stuff your bag inside the cage and lock it to the bed post or other furniture. My metal cage cost me more than $50 but it was well worth the expense. It is a bit heavy, but it collapses and is slightly bigger than your hand. It's pretty rare that another traveller will steal from you, but the cage gives you peace of mind while you're out exploring for the day, and it helps you to sleep peacefully during the night.

Here is a list of essentials that I include for a two or three week trip. Keep in mind the local weather, and that climate changes can occur and be dramatically different from day to evening.
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of black pants
3 skirts in different lengths (I always bring one ankle length skirt, especially in Muslim or more conservative countries)
3 lightweight shortsleeve and one long-sleeve shirt
4 tiny camisole/ tank tops
1 sweater
2 pairs of underwear/bra sets/socks (I wear one on the plane and wash out one every night)
I add to my list a simple but classy dress that doesn't wrinkly easily that I can wear with flat sandals or heels. Every time I have travelled I meet female travelers who are frustrated when invited to a local wedding or other event but don't have anything to wear. The rush around frantically trying to find something appropriate to wear, but although it can sound fun having to shop at local markets for a new pretty outfit, when you're on a budget (or broke) it's best to have something with you. Also, when the invitation is last minute, you don't want to have to choose between wearing your skinny jeans or Bermuda shorts to a wedding at a Brahmin's palace.
Men, too can bring one pair of semi-dressy pants, one tie and a decent shirt. I can almost guarantee that you will be invited (and will show you how to sneak in or wrangle an invitation) to celebrations and ceremonies when travelling abroad.
As for footwear, of course bring a pair of sandals that look nice but are comfortable, but make sure you add a pair of shoes. For women bring a pair of dressy high heels. Every single time I have travelled I get invited to a wedding, a funeral (which are often fun celebrations in other cultures very unlike our somber affairs) or other traditional celebration or ceremony. At the very least, I love hitting the nightclubs in other countries and have been frustrated when I have had to choose between a pair of old sneakers or ugly looking walking sandals.
If you don't mind the extra bulk and weight, try to stuff a pair of boots into your bag. I have been surprised to find in many countries like India, Egypt and even in the Caribbean, high-heeled boots are popular with local women.
Always bring a bathing suit no matter what the weather will be. I almost always get invited (or sneak into) a pool party or hotel with an indoor pool.
Which brings me to accessories. For me, jewelry and scarves are a MUST. I buy scarves in every country I visit. They're cheap, beautiful, and a brilliant way to fit into the local norms, especially in places where women cover their shoulders and arms. Extra large scarves (Pasminas are fabulous, glamorous and warm,) can be used on extra chilly nights, and you can wrap them around your shoulders, or over a shorter skirt to blend in more conservative countries.
While my travel dress can be worn with sandals and simple hoop earrings, when invited to a special party or event I add inexpensive but classy crystal or pearl earrings and matching necklaces for a more elegant look. I do usually buy local jewelry to bring home, but by bringing at least one elegant set you'll have the confidence to know you look great, (especially when no one knows how much you paid for them). After one wedding that I was invited to, when my host admired my (cheap, but expensive looking,) dangling rhinestone set, I gave it to her as a gift. She was ecstatic, and I had a fantastic time at the wedding.
Whether I will be in another country for a short time, or for a few months, I bring a few extra items when I have room. Pictures of my family and friends, my home, my favorite places where I hang out on weekends, and a few pics of other countries I've been to are great to share with new friends that you'll meet, but especially help when you're feeling homesick. Before Ipods I used to carry a cheap CD player with radio access and a few bootleg copies of my favorite songs. While you might think you love reggae, or be enchanted with Egyptian belly dance music, when that's ALL you hear, every second, every minute, every day of your trip, you'll be glad you can escape with a bit of homegrown tunes. On my last day in India I left my CD player at CD's with the beggar children I had gotten to know. I'm guessing their parents sold it to buy food, but for a few hours the kids listened to Michael Jackson, over and over again.
The most important item that you'll need to pack, before anything else, is a copy of your important documents. I always bring ziplock bag filled with a copy of my passport, ATM and debit and credit cards, picture ID's, numbers of my accounts, telephone numbers of my banks, emergency contacts, traveller's check information, 24 hour international toll-free numbers when possible, addresses for the nearest US Embassy and Consulate, and a small stash of extra cash for emergencies. I also email myself a copy of everything I bring, including scanned photo ID's and copies of my passport.
Whatever you decide when packing, know that on your first attempt you will most likely have three times the amount of items you'll need. I pack a few weeks in advance, then remove as many unneccesary items as I can to lighten my load, and a final time a few days before I travel.
One final tip is to try carrying your bag one day before your trip for at least an hour to see how it will feel to have the load on your shoulders while you're walking around in a strange new place looking for accommodations, or going to or from the airport. That always helps me immediately to leave behind the four pairs of brand new stilettos that I just might be able to live without for two weeks.
For unecessary but Must-Have For Jetsetting items check out part two of Anti-Backpacking Tips.





skip the hostels

Aside from the flight cost, the most costly expense in a travel budget is accommodations. The guidebooks have great recommendations for budget hotels and hostels, but even the cheapest hostel in some Europe or American hostels can break the bank. During my early college years I put of a backpacking trip to Paris because I couldn't find a place to stay for less than $20 a night. Now the only money I budget for accommodations is listed under "Emergency Funds."

While student exchange programs have existed for years, students who were not chosen to participate in those programs through their schools, or who could not afford the expenses that came with living a semester abroad had to find other alternatives, or passed up travel experiences.

One of the first hospitality groups, SERVAS, (usservas.org) was formed in 1949 by travelers who wanted to provide cultural awareness and global peace. Members can be travelers, and/or hosts, and can choose to invite (or deny) travelers into their homes for one or two nights. Hosts may give guests tours of their cities, take them to local events including birthdays, weddings and religious holidays, to interpret when there was a language barrier, and cook local dishes. Although the main focus of SERVAS, the group gained popularity during the sixties when hippies began globe-trotting and needed a free place to crash.

Although SERVAS boasts of having over 14,000 world members, newer hospitality clubs have sprung up over the past few years, and, unlike SERVAS which charges an $85 annual fee plus $25 for a printed list of member hosts, the smaller organizations are free and less formal. Hospitality Club has only about 7,000 but membership is free and travelers can view online profiles and contact information for hosts. While SERVAS has in-person interviews, Hospitality Club requests copies of passports, but focuses on member references. Hospitality Club also has a travel forum where visitors can ask questions, get advice and suggestions, and share information about their hometowns.

Before a trip to Egypt, I read about the famous I used the forum to contact locals and request information on where I could find used (ie; cheap) belly dance outfits, and was directed to the 'Market of the Dead,' where locals sell old clothing and belongings of relatives who passed away. That type of information you will not find in a guidebook!




Although I had been a host for several hospitality groups, being a single female solo traveler, I hesitated to be a guest, unsure if it would be safe. When I unexpectedly found a flight to Mexico for only a penny while I was at the airport waiting for a flight home from Jamaica, I had to decide fast. I figured there must be a catch, and there was. It was actually two pennies round trip. Also, I had to fly on a Monday and return on Thursday, so I would only have a few days, and not able to go to any parties or clubs on a weekend, but if I liked Mexico I could always return.

The one penny sale from Spirit Airlines was going to end in five minutes, and the last few stragglers were boarding the plane. I had been in Jamaica for six months, so I was pretty broke. I had only $72 in the bank, which was already budgeted for food and subway fares. I said a quick prayer, crossed my fingers, and knew that just like many times in my life, The Creator wouldn't let me starve. This opportunity was too good to pass up, and when I calculated the taxes and fees, it came to $71 dollars. That sign was good enough for me. I bought the ticket and ran to the gate just as they were closing the doors.

When I got home I did a bit of creative financing, (I pleaded with my sister and (also broke) friends,) and came up with $50.




BBJJ FREE ACCOMMODATIONS PART ONE

If you're a Princess who secretly wouldn't mind sleeping on a pea if it meant a free night in a castle, then skip the budget hotels and hostels and try one of these ideas.

For the formerly good Catholic schoolgirl, monasteries are a fantastic place to confess all of your scandalous affairs with gorgeous European men as well as that steamy, two week Caribbean affair. But for a small donation or some volunteer work, travelers can relax and meditate for a few days before heading on to the next part of their journey. (And hopefully exciting, new intimate encounters.)

Other churches of different denominations also offer nightly shelter, but be very careful when contemplating crashing at one of these places. There are plenty of emergency shelters throughout the country that have soup kitchens where you can get a free (though not very appetizing) meal and a shower along with a bed for the night. However, when choosing to stay at a shelter, be prepared to possibly spend the night with people who are mentally-ill, addicted to drugs, and even criminals recently released from prison. Some shelters are perfectly safe and comfortable, but others, especially in places such as NYC, can be pretty frightening, even for the police and security officers who work there. Most American cities now have a 311 free information line which will help you to find local shelters and soup kitchens.

If you're more of a New Ager and want to pass on the Christian setting, Hare Krishna temples are a unique place to spend a few nights. While the religious service is not required in order to participate in the meal afterwards, it would be pretty embarrassing to show up at the end of the service asking for directions to the dining room. The services are unlike anything I've ever experienced. I'd always ignored the bald men wearing orange robes and sandals who danced around Thompkins Square Park in NYC chanting "Hare Krishna," but when my friend persuaded me to go with her tempting me with the free vegetarean feast, I reluctantly went along. The huge hall was painted in various shades of orange and yellow. There were several gold statues and an elaborately painted stage. Over 30 giant paintings lined the walls showing Hindu Gods. I walked into the room without prostrating or touching my forehead to the floor as I realized others did as entered, I sat on the floor trying to understand the leader's lesson on enlightenment. I snuck out when the group began dancing and the famous Hare Hare Rama Krishna chanting that they do and explored the temple. I was eager to get to the food, and hoped they would finish their song, but it went on for about a half hour.

By the time everyone finished and walked downstairs to the dining hall, I was starving. Volunteers passed out generous portions of various vegetarean dishes, and although I had no idea what I was eating I had seconds of everything.

My friend and I joined a member I at his table who smiled at us as we sat down. He told us that he was from India and that he has traveled to hundreds of countries and has never paid a penny for accommodations. He explained that when he "donated" $1,000 for a lifetime membership, it enabled him to stay at any Hare Krishna temple throughout the world for free.

If you enjoy chanting, but don't look so hot in orange, you might want to pass on shaving your head bald and instead grow some dreads and get to the nearest NyaBinghy organization. While Krishnas, Catholics and Baptists may not require you to become members, Nya Bingy rastas are not open to tourists or freeloaders looking for a place to crash. If you are seriously interested in learning about Halle Sallasie, however, going to a Binghy gathering will be an amazing experience.

Several Saturdays in a row I went to The Dreadlock Tree in downtown Kingston in Jamaica to listen to The Elder. The Elder was also called The Teacher, and he gave weekly sermons every Saturday, the Sabbath. I was invited to share in the vegetarean lunch for a small donation and to ask questions. One Saturday evening I became so engrossed in The Elder's talk that I missed the last bus back to Negril where I was staying. The rastas held a council meeting and voted on whether or not they believed that I was a "spy." When they determined that I was not a spy but an student interested in listening to the bible studies I was allowed to go with the group to their home on the mountain. About fifty members lived together several hours away from downtown Kingston. They lived in a huge cave, complete with a television and refridgerator which ran on generators. Each family unit had either their own section of the cave, or a bamboo hut. In the rasta commune everyone contributes to the duties of growing vegetables, fruits and herbs, cooking and other chores. Unlike the resort town of Negril where "rent-a-dreads" hustle tourists for free drinks, sex and money, the members treated me with respect and called me "sister." For years afterward, I have received calls from them inquiring about my well-being.

While you may not be invited to the homes of a rasta commune, every few months there is an event called "A Binghy," held in a secluded area, usually on a mountain, at a beach, or a park. Non-rastafarian strangers will not be overly welcome but most likely will not be turned away. As with many religions women are expected to dress modestly, covering their hair with a scarf and sleeves should cover at least 3/4 of their arms. Rasta women wear skirts that reach to the ankles. Chanting around the fire, live reggae music, dancing and speeches are held all night. Members often travel from hours away to the Binghy event, bringing tents, sleeping bags, food and water. Fruit, tea and meals are offered free. If you are a single woman be prepared to get the cold shoulder from rasta women if you appear to be there looking to meet the men. When I have attended Binghies I went as a guest with rasta women, or when with a man I stayed far to the rear of the circle next to my own tent where I was not as visible and I waited for the women to approach me first.

While you won't find many rastas in India but you will see a lot of dreads. Many Sihks, or holy men, sit on the sidewalks of Bombay offering prayers. Unlike the beggars, the do not request money, but do survive on the genersiy oother. Many hippies, Australians and Israelis sporting dreads travel to the world famous beaches of Goa, where around the clock raves, unlimited drugs, mushroom tea, live music and rainbow gatherings offer hedonistic pleasures.

Osho's Ashram is located in Pune and unlike the communes of Jamaica or in many communes and monestaries members surrender their worldly possessions, visitors to the Ashram will find lush tropical gardens, enormous marble structures and meditation rooms, and the more cash you have, the better. This Disneyworld-like ashram is not cheap, and attracts wealthy New-Agers from around the world who are seeking enlightenment. Weeklong stays at the Ashram include lectures and extended periods of total silence, but being a guest at the Ashram is not required to attend the workshops or lectures. If you're looking to crash for a night for free, move on. Extended periods for volunteers, however, are available.

I was disappointed to find that the massive orgies I'd heard about were sadly not present at the Ashram the day I visited. Curious seekers can choose to get a one-day pass and stay at a nearby hotel for a temporary membership. If you can commit to a six month volunteer position you may live and work at the Ashram for free. If you aren't a vegetarean or are not used to long periods or days of silence, think twice about your committment. The novelty of becoming spiritually aware wears off real quick.

Struggling artists seeking a way to travel and to be able to express themselves without having to worry about bills might consider applying to an artist residency. There are also artists lofts and other communal living groups that allow members to focus on their art. While most artist and writer's residencies are difficult to get into and require a lengthy and competitive application and portfolio process, many communal and sustainable living communities are open for people willing to pay a portion of the bills or offer volunteer positions. There are far too many for me to list here, but a google of communal living will show hundreds (thousands?) of communes around the world.

Grand Space (www.grandspace.com) is a huge loft in Brooklyn where residents get their own seperate loft space but share a kitchen and bathroom as well as a huge living room area that holds monthly rave parties. People show up at the mostly guest list only parties wearing costumes, outrageous outfits (or almost nothing at all,) bringing drums and other instruments and healthy vegan snacks to share.

Gowanus, a commune located in Staten Island, infamous for the possibly true former orgy parties. There was also a scandal about the leader's brush with death as one of his jealous former lovers attempted to shoot him. If you're willing to work at one of the commune's four thrift stores on the island, you can live rent free and take turns cooking group meals and still have time to pursue your craft.

Check out other free accommodation ideas in part two of BBJJ Acommodations.



BBJJ PACKING TIPS

if you pack a light load of clothing and basic essentials, you will allow yourself lots of room for luxury items to choose from that can make you feel like a jetsetter during your vacation. Chose one, a few or all of the following suggestions.

one of the most important items in my luxury bag are scarves. buy scarves of every teture, fabric and in a vast array of brilliant colors, from soft, beautiful baby blue pashmina, to a bold raainbow of guatemalan hand woven shawls. scarves can be used to cover the arms when entering an egyptian mosque, to covering your head in a hindu temple. since my basic travel wardrobe consists of almost all black, i use colorful scarves as a wrap around my skirt to make it longer or simply to get people to stop asking me if i'm in mourning. when my trips are going to last for several months, i need splashes of color to keep me from going crazy / being bored with my wardrobe. Scarves and jewelry are pretty much the only things i allow myself to splurge on when traveling, and ive never regretted a purchase. once i get home i use scarves s tablecloths, sari style bathroom shower curtains, pillow covers, and sheer fabrics cover my end table lamps. When my sister admired beautiful purse id made for myself from a scarf id bought in india, i made her one from a beautiful soft---------scarf with long silk tassels on the end, which she used for years.

i could never understand why every single one of the girls sharing rooms with me in hostels insist on wearing their oldest, dingiest underwear while backpacking. i would watch them wash their panties each night and hang them in the room to dry, and shake my head. i always bring 3 pairs of bra and panty sets, and one nighty in either silk, satin, or lace. while they arent my most expensive lingerie items, wearing lingerie instantly adds a sensuous feeling that makes you walk with a confident attitude that you get when you know you look beautiful. when in the caribbean during hot, humid days i do wear cotton more often to combat yeast infections, but evenings are always cool enough to wear my sexy nighties. if you dont mind the extra bulk, bringing your favorite bathrobe for cooler nights can make you feel -----------

backpacker guides suggest always bringing a sheet/bed cover when sleeping in hostels, but studies have shown that even the finest hotels often have high rates of bedbugs, semen and other disgusting body fluids and sstains, so i do bring a disinfectant lice/bugspray for the matress, but the topsheet i bring is always in a satin or high quality egyptian cotton fabric. it can be strange and uncomfortable being in a new country, so having luxurious bedding from home helps me to sleep easier.

sharing a room with 2 or 3 or even 10 other girls can be chaotic and noisy, so while earplugs and a satin mask are recommended, i pull out my ipod and drift into a dream filled evening where exotic, gorgeous foreign men are begging me to dine with them at their families palatial estate, although in reality most of them are actually seeking green cards. when traveling for extensive periods, initially reggae music, bollywood soundtracks, or belly dance drumming can be exotic and wonderful to learnto dance to the first few weeks, but after awhile listening only to local bands can drive you crazy. bringing along my favorite old school, jazz, r& b or classical music eases the homessickness and puts me in a relaxed state while blocking out college student's all night giggling.

if you do get loonely and want to bond with your hostelmates, have a homemade hostel spa night. bring along cheap facial creams, mudmasks, toners or a bunch of sephora samples and give each other facials. i have a small battery operated faciaal machine with 4 different attachments that is fantastic, leaving your skin glowing for days. while this is a good bonding experience with girls from alll over the world, its even more fun to do with your new local frineds. teenaged girls in developing countries where money for luxury items like face massagers, lotions and creams might never have the opportunity to enjoy a spa night. bringing along manicure and pedicure sets and peppermint foot lotion is another fantastic way to spend an evening with local girls or fellow travelers.

while i rarely buy gifts for famaily and frineds when i travel, i do like to bring small presents for beggar children or new frineds and hosts. party supply stores have great tiny party favor toys that are small, cheaap and fun. i got a package of a dozen miniature, plastic baby dolls, a packaage of mini journals and pens, racing cars and other great packs of toys all for a buck each dozen.

throughout the year i visit sephora stores weekly and always ask for samples. i get samples for everything, perfume, facial creams, makeup; everything they offer for free, i take. a choose one or two items for myself, then pack the rest in my ziplock storage bag and give away to local teenaged girls. they LOVE them. most of these girls own one dress, and if theyre lucky, one pair of shoes. i travel on a VERY limited budget, so being able to give beggars money for food is difficult for me, especially inplaces where the minute you do give do one, you are immediately surrounded by hundreds of children. i wait until after i get to know children------------

one of the other rare items that i buy when traveling is perfumed oils. i bring these precious oils with me when i go to a new country, and wearing them invokes powerful memories of the places ive been and people i met there. when i use aromotherapy oils i am able to relax after a long, fun but stressful day. at times i make a common mistake that most of us make while traveling and attempt to see 1, 000 temples, ruins and museums in one visit, so using scents like peppermint, jasmine aor patchouli eases away the chaotic day's events. when you're lucky enough to find accommodations with a bathtub (one that preferably is clean) using scented oils is a wonderful luxury.


BACKPACK ATTACK; LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD


How little luggage can you take and how low can you go on the budget end? This article will help spell it all out.

With all the talk of airlines starting to charge for the very first bag you check, “one-bag” travel (or the pursuit of it) is going to become a larger priority for many. This is easier to achieve on some trips rather than others. My personal indicators? The length, diversity and independence level of the trip. The longer my husband and I are traveling, the more climates, cultures and regions we’re trying to see, or the more independent we are trying to be in order to maximize our travel bucks, the harder it is to eliminate items like the corkscrew, multipurpose tool, and other miscellaneous gear such as mosquito nets, sleep sacks or hammocks. For your average 3-7 day adventure however, affordable “one-bag” travel is definitely doable. Here’s a breakdown:
SPACE

Limit the Footwear.

If you’re going to a specific region and planning on mainly a sightseeing mission, one pair of sensible adventure shoes can get the job done. A good pick? Keen sandals for both men and women. I personally like the Newport design which is more of a full sandal available for both men and women. They are available in either washable leather or various colors of nylon webbing.

We first tried them on a six month trip, and they were the main pair of shoes for both my husband and I. The tread is still going strong over a year later, and while it might not be my favorite fashion statement, you can squeeze a pair of socks under them on a chilly day.

If you have multiple agendas or obligations on your journey, downsizing to a single pair of shoes can be a real challenge. Two pairs however, is achievable with a little forethought. And, if you make sure one set is as flat and flexible as possible, they shouldn’t cut into your space allotment too much. (Note: this gets trickier with winter travel.)

Go Miniature Where Possible.

Obviously, this won’t work for everything. Many items however are perfectly functional in miniature form. Head lamps and nail clippers are a couple that come to mind. And one of my personal high performance favorites? Sea to Summit’s travel clothesline. This is another item we took on the six month boondoggle. It got used a ton, took up minimal space, and was a penny pinching assistance item when we were doing our own laundry in the sink / shower. You can see ours in use here behind the hammock at our little beach cabana in Ayampe, Ecuador. Just scroll down a bit.

Follow the Container Principle.

Having small and like items in separate containers or organizer bags keeps you from feeling like you are reaching into a chaotic bag of doom every time you need to find a particular item. In addition to being a huge fan of the personal organizers for toiletries from L.L. Bean, I also like Ziplocks, Space Bags, and packing cubes.

Go as Thin as Possible on Layers.

This enables you to have more wardrobe options, be cool or warm as needed, and not take up too much space in your bag like a bulky sweater might. Besides, if you really want one of those, you can buy a cool one made from a local artisan on the trip. Great souvenir and you’ll be helping out the local economy. We picked up a couple in Peru and shipped them home during the trip once we switched climates.

Consider Minimalism.

I’m not saying to deprive yourself to the level you won’t have a good time, but it is possible to pack everything you need and still save on space and number of items, including liquids. Some things to consider? Pressed powder as a liquid foundation alternative, stretching liquid conditioner to the max, solid shampoo and conditioning bars, and alternative feminine products. I also have a favorite bra for both on and off the road. It has multiple ways to wear it, takes a licking and keeps on ticking, and doesn’t stain easily if you get it in the right color. Here’s a link. Bonus? Those of us with more than a D-cup can actually expect to get some long term use.

Pick a Color Scheme.

Or at the very least, coordinating clothing items. You’ll have much more mix and match ability this way.

Wear as Much as Possible on Travel Day.

Particularly if you want less to lug. Think leggings under travel pants, tank top or swim suit under a dress, T-shirt under longer sleeved shirt, etc. Another great idea if you are open to tossing your fashion vanity to the wind is fishing vests. Even on a sightseeing trip, the whole family can wear them (including kids). Bonus? They are loaded with extra pockets large enough to hold any number of essential travel items. Using this strategy, you should have no problem getting onto the plane with one bag, or at least your allotted carry on and personal bag / purse / day pack. Definitely a hot tip to maximize your allowed amount of non-checked baggage. Think about it.

Women also have an extra spot to carry valuable extra cash. Their bra. Here’s a link to a post on a product I got turned on to years ago by a fellow traveling teacher. The bra stash.

Quick Dry is King.

This also fits in with the thinner is better philosophy listed above. The quicker items dry after sink or shower washing, the sooner you’ll be able to wear them again or pack them and hit the road without risking that mildew smell that’s hard to get rid of on the road. This was really helpful on our long trip as well, as it really promotes the wash an outfit, wear an outfit thing. My only hold out was one pair of jeans. You’ll hear mixed opinions about this on the travel circuit, but I wanted something that didn’t look like adventure wear for times when we just wanted to blend in more with the everyday flow of things. We did find a pair of conversion pants for my husband that could literally fit in just over a handful of space. They dried super quick.

Multi-purpose Rocks.

Think sarongs, or men’s swim trunks that are lined and look more like travel shorts. Women’s swim suits make a great underwear substitute, and bandanas, in addition to having multiple uses around the house, are a great travel item. My all time best score in this category for both money and space? A neutral toned lip liner. Wanna know how I used it? Read all about it here. Bonus? I got it for thirty-three cents on sale at a chain drug store. The cheapskate in me danced a jig.

Digitize. Digitize. Digitize.

This can apply to important documents and information you may need to access on the road, pictures, video, and ID. It was one of the most time consuming things we did to get ready to hit the road, but was more than worth the effort many times.
MONEY

DIY.

This can apply to making gear, laundry in the shower, booking your own reservations, cooking on the fly, taking loads of photos as your alternative souvenir collection, and more. It also applies to things you can do before and after your trip to save money for travel on a regular basis.

Carve Out the Cash.

This is possible in all areas of travel. Some ideas will be more appealing to you, others not so much. But the fact is money can be saved, and independent long term travel is far more affordable than most people think. In fact, we found we spent less money on the road having a blast than we did living outside of Tucson and clipping coupons. Pack a brown bag type of picnic, incorporate a few hammock sleeping campground evenings, or BYO sleep sack hostels along the way in between the other guest house or B&B stops. Just bring along a travel padlock or two for standard travel security issues. House sitting is another way to go if you have lots of time to play with.

Slow down.

Seriously, just slow down. Just like letting off your car’s accelerator can save you gasoline, slowing down the pace on your trip can help pinch more than pennies. With travel as in business, time is money.

Location. Location. Location.

This applies to more than just business as well. Certain regions are far more affordable than others. If you are just starting to explore travel as a hobby or life passion, do you have to see Europe first? I love it there too, but South America or Southeast Asia are way more affordable. Ditto with Indonesia versus Japan.

Bond with Your Car.

Or if possible, a camper van. Many people try this as an alternative to RV trips. Way more doable without kids I would think. But if you want to take the whole “fam damnily”, the RV plan is certainly more affordable than high end hotels, particularly for the long term.

Be as Independent as Possible.

Some times travel agents can come in handy. But honestly, I’ve found less than a handful over the years who were truly knowledgeable about how to find the best fares on international ticket legs, and it’s been years since I’ve had access to one at all. Check out the online communities, and get familiar with Lonely Planet. They may not be as shoestring oriented as they used to be, but they are a great resource to hit the ground running, and then local places can help with finding more affordable accommodations once you’ve had a chance to catch your breath.
TIPS FROM OTHER TRAVELERS



* Beth Whitman, Seattle P.I. blogger, author of Wanderlust and Lipstick, and owner of the web site by the same name, swears by compression sacks and a rolling backpack within carry-on parameters, which can help eliminate the need for checked baggage altogether. She also advises that with the exception of underwear, don’t pack anything for clothing on your departure. Wear only the clothes on your back, and buy additional needed items once you get there. Here’s the trick: Buy the cheap stuff, so you don’t mind leaving it behind. As for carving out extra cash, she recommends walking whenever possible, and using sites such as Couch Surfing and Global Freeloaders to snag inexpensive places to stay and make new friends.
* Wise Bread’s own Thursday Bram recommends churches as international architectural destinations, ordering the soup as one way to eat cheap while abroad, and ethnic local clothing as a fantastic and affordable souvenir alternative.
* Nora Dunn, another rock star travel guru and fellow Wise Bread blogger, suggests bypassing the guidebook and going with tourism boards and visitors bureaus.
* And of course, I can’t forget Sarah Winfrey’s post of quick travel ideas with money saving suggestions included.
* Lara Dunston is a travel writer whose work I’ve recently been turned on to. She and her husband basically live and work from the road full time. Here’s a link to her blog.
SKIP THE HOSTELS SLEEP FREE (BBJJ ACCOMMODATIONS PART 2)

Aside from the rising flight fares, the biggest expense in a travel budget is for accommodations. The guidebooks have great recommendations for budget hotels and hostels, but even the cheapest hostel in some European or American cities can break the bank. During my early college years I put off a backpacking trip to Paris because I couldn't find a place to stay for less than $20 a night. Now the only money I budget for accommodations is listed under "Emergency Funds."

While student exchange programs have existed for years, students who are not chosen to participate in these programs through their schools or who cannot afford the expenses that come with living a semester abroad must find other alternatives, or pass up travel experiences altogether.

There are other alternatives called hospitality clubs that now exist. One of the first hospitality groups, SERVAS, (www.usservas.org,) was formed in 1949 by travelers who wanted to provide cultural awareness and global peace. Members can be travelers or hosts and can choose to invite (or deny) travelers into their homes for one or two nights. Hosts may give guests tours of their cities, take them to local events, including birthday, wedding and religious holidays, or help to interpret when there is a language barrier. Although the main focus of SERVAS was to spread world peace, the group really gained popularity during the sixties when hippies began globe-trotting and needed a free place to crash.

SERVAS boasts of having over 14,000 world members, but other hospitality clubs have now sprung up over the past few years. Unlike SERVAS, which charges an $85 annual fee plus $25 for a printed list of member hosts, these smaller organizations are free and less formal. Hospitality Club currently has about 7,000 members, but there is no charge for membership and travelers can instantly view online profiles and contact potential hosts. While SERVAS has in-person interviews, Hospitality Club only suggests that members register their passports. Hospitality Club also has a travel forum where visitors can ask questions, get advice and suggestions, and share information about their hometowns.

Before a trip to Egypt, I used the forum to ask questions I knew I'd never find in a guidebook. One member told me about a play that told a contemporary love story. I happened to be seated next to an interpreter from the Embassy who quietly translated the entire play for me, and learned about several other theaters and performances. Through the forum I also requested information on where I could find cheap, used belly dance costumes and was directed to the 'Market of the Dead.' In the market locals sell old clothing and belongings of relatives who passed away. That type of information you will not find in a guidebook.

While I prefer to stay in hostels while traveling in order to write reviews, I have used the groups to meet locals who were willing to show me around their city. I have been invited to birthdays, churches and exciting funeral parties. One member through the travel forum brought me to a hotel that was formerly a palace where we crashed a wedding and had an amazing time dancing with the bride.

Last year I hosting travelers through several hospitality groups for several years when I finally became a guest. I was nervous, unsure if it would be safe for me as a solo female traveler, but I was stuck in a bind, and had to make up my mind fast. A fantastic offer for a one penny ticket to Mexico made the decision for me. If I was willing to fly on a Monday and return on Thursday I would be able to explore Mexico for less than $70. The one penny sale from Spirit Airlines was going to end in five minutes. I was sitting at the gate waiting for my return flight from a six month trip in Jamaica. And I was broke. The offer was tempting, and I sat there for a moment as the last few stragglers boarded the plane. I knew I had only $72 in the bank, and that was already accounted for. I said a quick prayer, crossed my fingers, and knew that just like many times in my life, The Creator wouldn't let me starve. This opportunity was too good to pass up, and when I calculated the taxes and fees, it came to $71 dollars. That sign was good enough for me. I bought the ticket and ran to the gate just as they were closing the doors.

When I got home I did a bit of creative financing, (I begged, pleaded and finally borrowed from my sister.) I found a wonderful host from Hospitality Club in CanCun, I bought food from the supermarket to cook for my new friends and I rode the local busses. After purchasing my ticket, my four day trip had cost less than $20.00.

When I found yet another one penny ticket through Spirit Airlines for Guatemala, I didn't hesitate, trusting that I would find another host through the site, and I did.

Whether you're a guest or a host for one of the hospitality groups you're likely to find new friends from all over the world, so sign up and send me an email sharing your experiences with me.



Broke Backpacker's Jetsetting Journey Packing Tips

In virtually all backpacking guide books and websites you will find tips on packing light, and which items are essential for your trip. While I think packing light is key to having a less stressful trip, when travelling as a jetsetter, there are some things may be considered non-essential luxury items that I never leave home without.

First, forget all advice regarding backpacks. Yes, backpacks are better for your back, nexk and shoulders, they're easy to carry around while sightseeing and you can stuff emergency items in them, and they hold a lot more than you would think, especially bags with lots of hidden pockets. But I never carry a backpack. Backpacks scream out 'broke student.' I have found several attractive purses, extra large camera bags, some of the nicer messenger bags, handbags, especially the newer leather bags that are unisex, and attache cases that are surprisingly lightweight and can hold a lot of stuff when properly folded. Most importantly, they look elegant. Another benefit is that you aren't immediately marked as a naive tourist targeted by thieves and conmen. Another reason to use an alternative bag is that whenever I sneak into First Class, (always,) I don't get the raised eyebrows that a backpack would. My bag, along with the way I am dressed, makes people automatically assume that I belong.

My mother once gave me an extra large camera bag that she bought for a dollar from a discount store that I have used for years. It's deceptively small and sturdy, and weighs a lot less than a small suitcase with wheels but can store almost as much. My favorite bag, though, is an extra large black suede handbag that is chic, extremely lightweight and counts as a purse and does not have to be checked in or counted as my one carry-on. When I arrive at my destination I use my bag as a pocketbook. Since the deeply discounted airlines like Ryan Air and Spirit Air now allow only one carry-on, this bag is perfect, especially during the rare times when I do need two bags when I will travel more than three weeks or when I intend to shop a lot. I check thrift stores frequently, always on the lookout for potential travel bags.

Another mistake backpackers and tourists make is to bring a fannypack. Huge no-no. They're gaudy, ugly and are a magnet for pickpockets. Hip travellers use leather moneybelts which have slimmer pockets on the inside to hide money and documents, and they look great. I have one, but I use it more for lipstick and change and prefer to hide my money, credit cards and important items in my bra, my socks or in hidden pockets that I sew on the inside of my jeans.

I know that all black clothes is no longer the 'in' wardrobe to have unless you're a goth/vampyre chick, but when I travel it makes it so much easier to throw together an outfit that can go from casual to dressy in an instant, and in countries like India where the dust and dirt is everywhere, you don't look as unkempt. In emergency situations when you are unable to wash your clothes as frequently, you can get away with wearing clothes a second time. You don't need to choose black, but try to have a neutral theme for easy mixing and matching.

Another mistake that backpackers make is to bring only t-shirts and jeans, and to wear old Birkenstocks. Most people advise you to bring only clothes that you wouldn't mind losing in case you get robbed, and to bring underwear you can dispose of at the end of your journey. Those are good suggestions, but I've only 'lost' one or two items in all the years I've been travelling, but that was at hostels where I shared a dorm room with ten other girls. I've fixed that problem by purchasing a metal wire cage that you throw your bag inside of and lock up to the bed post or other furniture. It cost me more than $50, but it was worth the expense. It is heavy, but it collapses and is slightly bigger than my hand. It's rare that another traveller will steal from you, but the cage gives you peace of mind while you're out exploring for the day, and helps you to sleep peacefully during the night.

Here is a list of essentials that I include.
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of black pants
3 skirts in different lengths (I always bring one ankle length skirt, especially in Muslim or more conservative countries)
3 lightweight shortsleeved and one long-sleeved shirts
4 tiny camisole/ tank tops
1 sweater
2 pairs of underwear/bra sets/socks (I wear one on the plane and wash out one every night)
1 pair of sandals that look nice but are comfortable

To Be continued








BBJJ OUTLINE

Broke Backpacker's Jetsetting Journey
Introduction

This book is a mixture of classy, elegant, upscale and for virtually homeless.
Anti-Backpacking Tips
Jetsetter Packing Tips
1 large bag (used as carryon, or purse)
1 small elegant bag
lingerie
scarves
sari
satin/ silk/ lace item
sheets
special jewelry
get local massages/ pedicures
get hair done
waxing
bakeries/ pattiseries
chocolate (have them wrap it) abc carpet
borrow, rent or buy local movie/ dvd/ music cd
watch sophia loren
casablanca
african queen
marylin monroe
high heels
boots
photos
sephora samples
as gifts, too
oils buy or bring jasmine, peppermint
$1 store linen water
drink tea on sinai dahab coast but buy dinner 3 streets away
bring your own exotic teas
buy local spices
travel companion (quelan/ pilots)
egyptian cotton robe/ sheets
accupuncture
hairdressing schools
massage schools
pamper
indulgant
luxurious
beauty supplies
have makeovers
facials/ masks
pedicures
yoga
bring inexpensive facial kits for locals and backpackers
hair piece/ falls/ wigs
paint brush facial massages
botanical gardens free flowers/ fresh herbs/ fragrance flowers
bouquet or 1 rose for hotel room
fancy hat/ scarf/ pearls
pearls/ rhinestones
eyebrow shaping before travel
airport makeup store
nice underwear
good cashmere sweater
fake tan
silk sheets



Money
Sources
Savings
Taxes
Free Tax Assistance
Bartering/ Free stuff
freecycle
freegan
craigslist
DA help
free voice mail number
free vaccines
free std tests/ shots
cablevision
free flea markets/ really really free flea
free furniture
School
Financial Aid
Grants
Foundaton center
Student Loans
Work Abroad
Archeology digs
Agriculture
Peace Corp
Teach ESL
Nanny
Carnival
Medeival Faire/ Festival
Acting troupe
Busking Music/ Poetry/ Magician
American Embassy
United States Information Center
Bollywood extras
Models/ Commericals
Dancers
Emergency Assistance
American Embassy/ consulate
Travellers Aid
Catholic Charities
Copies of documents
Bank
Compassion/ Funeral fare
food stamps/welfare/medicaid
HEAP
Lifeline


Business
Business Trips extended
Coach
Import Export Business
Women's Venture Fund
Small Business Association
Minority Business Association
Transportation
Airfare
Spirit Air
JetBlue
Ryan Air
Sneaking Into First Class
Local Transportation
Sharing Taxis
When Taxis are better
Busses/ Subways/Trains
Boats/Canoes/Feluccas
Ferries
staten island
Free bike workshop freegan
brooklyn ride share
free trolley miami/ nyc
zip care
ride shares
craigslist
university bulletin boards
car deliveries

Accommodations
Shelters
churches
hare krishna temples
nya binghy 2 tribes
monestaries
ashrams osho's
nyc department of homeless services
squatting
artists lofts
communal living
zen centers
gowanus
naturist resorts
Food
Bring food from home
supermarkets
food stamps
brown bag breakfast/ dinner
ziplock bags/ tupperware
starbucks 54 cents coffee
soup kitchens/ food pantries
hare krishna temples (classier than churches)
churches
Food foraging
wildman steve brill
nature foraging
botanical gardens
dumpster diving
All you can eat buffets
Local guides to eating cheap
"bookas"/ vending carts
food not bombs
hospitality clubs
servas
couchsurfers
global freeloaders
house swapping
house sitting
sleeping in airports
happy hostel boat
hostel world
hostels
international student id
Mini Vacations
gambling casinos
time shares
one day getaway busses
camping
conventions
retreats
12 step retreats
church/ religious groups retreats/ conventions
romance writers convention
one day theme day
religious places of worship
(church/ buddhist temple/ hare krishna temple/ islamic )
erotic museum, etc
thrift stores
Entertainment/ Culture
Universities/ collages
lectures
bookstores
libraries (brooklyn public)
libraries free language classes
Open Center
Learning Annex (volunteer)
Omega Institute
religious celebrations/ services
metropolitan opera
theater usher
free concerts
summerstage
high schools/ colleges/univ
dance schools
prospect part/ central park
parks and recreation
outdoor movies
galleries
museums
brooklyn museum first saturday event
spoken word/ poetry
documentaries
library borrow documentaries
5 star hotel lobbies/ nightclubs
("club" in other countries (jamaica) is strip joint/ sex club)
Horseback riding
borrow operas/ concerts/ theater/ documentaries from library
usher or theater tickets at performances
ballet at university
university theater
concerts
film
dance
metropolitan opera
study belly dance
ethnic restaurants
outdoor concerts central park
parks and recreation



AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 LAYS

Ok, so I may not have had SEX with 80 lovers during my travels, (then again, I have avoided making a list in order to protect my lost innocence,) but 'Around the World in 80 Dates' has already been taken. Besides, I'm not finished traveling yet.

I'll begin with my last blind date, not the one who showed up who was actually blind, but the last person I met from yet another internet dating site.

J was articulate and sweet, and during our marathon late night phone conversations he read to me from his favorite book, Shel Silverstein's 'A Light in the Attic.' He got major points for being so romantic, and I loved that he and I had a love for literature in common. For our first date he planned a long day filled with fun activities. I was hesitant at first because most men from the online dating sites usually asked me out for coffee. That was usually a sign that let me know that a guy was either not willing to commit to a dinner or lunch date without knowing for sure if he found his date attractive, or a man who was not creative enough to think of an unusual but fun date that doesn't have to cost much or any money to be interesting.

J was obviously both creative and fun, and scheduled a nature walk through Prospect Park where we would learn how and where to find chives, wild baby spinach, mushrooms and other herbs and tea leaves. We would have a picnic in the park for lunch, then we would meet up again in the evening for a Burning Man pool party at Hotel QT in Times Sq. Going on a blind date where I would be wearing a bathing suit was not going to be the most relaxing situation, but he really seemed to not place a woman's appearance as a priority when dating as other men tended to. Later, we would go to Brooklyn Exposure to hear live jazz.

J was even finer than his picture, but my nervousness only lasted a few minutes when I realized that he seemed to be into me as well. He was well groomed, his outfit was casual but slightly hip and funky, he smiled a lot and looked into my eyes when he spoke to me, and he smelled good.

During the day he complimented me several times, and I loved that he was so attentive. He told me that he loved my dreadlocks, and that my shoes were great. They were; black, open-toed heels with a thin ankle strap that I'd found in a gay men's community center thrift store in South Beach. Every time I wore them strangers complimented them.

When J also mentioned how much he found extremely feminine women appealing, I was glad that I'd worn my favorite skirt that flared out at the knees but clung tightly to my ass, outlining my fat cheeks. Alright, so I was wearing the new padded 'butt' panties that I'd found at a lingerie store in SoHo, but skinny, flat chested women had been wearing push-up bras for years; why couldn't I exagerate a less than round derriere?

J then went on to point out that the outline of my lipstick was the perfect shade for my complexion, and that he liked the way I had blended three different shades of 'pale pink highlighter with the darker shade of mauve shadow and a tinge of blue at the outer corners and a chocolate mocha liner, and was that Bad Girl lash mascara?' I admit, that should have been a red flag, but I hadn't had such luck on blind dates in the past, and actually hadn't been on any dates for a damn long time, so I basked in all of the flattery, but when he let me know that he really liked my sheer suntan stockings and wanted to know if they were the Legg's 17% lycra brand, I realized that I needed to stop staring at J's pretty face and start asking him a few probing questions.




LIVE FREE OR CRY

Many people work all year eagerly looking forward to their two week vacation. They dream of going someplace warm and tropical during the winter, or regret not having the opportunity to backpack throughout Europe during Spring Break, or have always wanted to see the Wonders of the World. Unfortunately, by the time their vacation rolls around, though, they have filled up their days with doctor's visits, household maintenence and chores that have been put off far too long, or simply want to relax at home and watch Jerry Springer. But the main reason they don't travel is that they just don't have the money. Bills pile up and credit cards get maxed, especially during the winter holiday season.

Creating a spending plan where a savings is budgeted, no matter how small the amount, is crucial, but most people don't realize that there is a simple way to find money for your vacation. Live free.

I know; we all have bills, expenses and "necessities" that we need to shell out money for, but for several years I have lived a life of abundance for (almost) free. I have gotten free computers, furniture, clothes, movie tickets, facials, haircuts, etcetera, all free with no fine print or catches.

The organizations and groups below are located in New York, but most have branches or similar groups throughout the country. If the groups listed are not in your area, try googling key search words; you might be surprised at what you find. There are tons of websites I have found by typing in "frugal," "dirt cheap," and "free."

The Really, Really Free Flea. This bi-monthly flea market changes location each time, but people are asked to bring old clothes, records, handbags, books; general items they no longer use. No one is forced to donate, but most people can find something to offer, and as long as you have a good eye you're sure to find something you can use, and it's all free. You won't find furniture here, but I've gotten some household appliances and many other great finds.

Another group that holds free flea markets is Free Meet.

If you don't like rummaging through junk or elbowing your way through the one or two greedy seekers, try using Freecycle, or Craigslist to find stuff before you go shopping. Although once in a while I have found new items, most things are given away from members who no longer use

Check out these books for more suggestions. The Cheap Bastard's Guide to NY, The Free Encyclopedia, and an old bestseller, Steal This Book, by Abbie Hoffman. The last book gives advice that sometimes goes against my spiritual beliefs, but some of it is useful.




HOW TO BE SAFE WHILE TRAVELING

How To Be Safe While Traveling (Stay Tuned for this entry!)

Where is the safest place to sit on an airplane?

The short answer is there is no safest seat. There are some people who believe it will be safer to be seated near the wings or in the rear of the cabin. However, there is no evidence that any one part of an aircraft is safer than another one. In an aircraft accident where the plane is seriously damaged or one or more occupants are injured or killed, the severity of the injuries depends on many factors, some of which may not be apparent until an accident occurs. For example, there have been many accidents involving heavy smoke or fire where survival depended on the ability of the passengers to not panic and to quickly remove themselves and others from the aircraft after landing.

Which is the safest airline to fly?

Clearly there are some major airlines such as Southwest of the USA which have not had a passenger die in an accident and others such as Pan Am and Eastern which have had several fatal events. Those facts don't make one airline automatically safer than the other although it does affect the public's perception of safety. The most important indicator of the overall safety of an airline is how it is regulated by its nation's civil aviation authority. Airlines operating large capacity (over 30 seat) aircraft in the major industrialized countries have to follow the strictest safety regulations. While the airlines operating smaller capacity aircraft have the choice of operating under the same rules, these smaller aircraft are not certified to the same standards as larger ones. Just as importantly, the airports and air traffic control system have to adhere to similarly high standards. Beyond that, use your good common sense. If an airline is notorious for poor on time performance, lots of passenger complaints, and severe financial problems, then perhaps it is time to find an alternative airline.


Which aircraft model is the safest?

In general, all aircraft in a particular class have to adhere to the same set of standards. When safety concerns arise because of one or more accidents associated with a particular model, the civil aviation authorities of the major industrialized countries will usually require that the issue be addressed in all relevant aircraft models. For example, fatal airline accidents due to wind shear in the 1970s and 1980s in the U.S. led to a number of innovations in aircraft and ground wind shear detection systems and also in flight crew training which has led to a reduction in the risk of accidents due to that weather phenomena.


What's the risk of flying compared to driving?

In the United States, it is 22 times safer flying in a commercial jet than traveling by car, according to a 1993-95 study by the U.S. National Safety Council comparing accident fatalities per million passenger-miles traveled. The number of U.S. highway deaths in a typical six-month period — about 21,000 roughly equals all commercial jet fatalities worldwide since the dawn of jet aviation four decades ago. In fact, fewer people have died in commercial airplane accidents in America over the past 60 years than are killed in U.S. auto accidents in a typical three-month period.


What kind of emergency am I most likely to face?

For every accident, there are dozens, even hundreds of unusual circumstances that can happen during a flight. For a passenger, the most likely emergencies that you will face where you will have to do something is an evacuation of the aircraft using the emergency slides or using the emergency oxygen system. In most cases, the evacuation is ordered as a precautionary measure, not because the passengers face imminent danger. Emergency oxygen masks may be deployed automatically or be deployed manually by the flight crew. In most cases, deployment of the masks does not indicate that the passengers are in imminent danger.


How often do airplane accidents?

They're exceedingly rare. The risk of being involved in a commercial jet aircraft accident where there are multiple fatalities is approximately one in three million. To put this in perspective, you’d have to fly once every day for more than 8,200 years to accumulate three million flights. But even though fatal jet accidents are rare, the aviation community world-wide is continuing to work together to reduce them. If one considers a crash to be a fatal accident as defined by the civil aviation authorities, then it happens infrequently. According to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, in the 11 years spanning 1984 to 1994, there were 49 fatal accidents involving U. S. operators of large capacity (over 30 passenger seats) air carrier aircraft. There was a minimum of one fatal accident in 1984 and 1993 and a maximum of 11 in 1989. The fewest people killed in one year was one in 1993 and the most was 526 in 1985. For smaller U.S. registered aircraft in scheduled service, there were 59 fatal accidents and the fatal accident rate per million flights was always greater than that of the larger aircraft.


What's the riskiest portion of a flight?

Takeoff and the climb to cruising altitude, and the descent and landing of an airplane are the two most risk-prone periods of a flight. In overly simplistic terms, takeoff demands the most from an airplane in terms of engine thrust and structural integrity, while final approach and landing demand the most of the cockpit crew. About three-fourths of all serious accidents occur during these two relatively brief phases of a flight.

safety

# Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Fill in the emergency information page of your passport before you go.
# Read U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
# Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country you are subject to its laws.
# Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
# Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
# Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
# Prior to your departure you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department�s travel registration website . Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States

# Avoid being a target of crime by not wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
# In order to avoid violating local laws deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
# If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy

86% of women have already traveled alone or said they would be “up for it” in the future:

A recent AirMiles survey (found via Gapyear.com) showed that 21% of their female customers have already traveled alone. 51% said they’d be “up for it” in the future, and another 14% said that they would be “up for it” if travel was in a developed western country. This leaves only 14% that would NOT consider the idea.

Obviously, if you are a female considering solo travel, you are not alone. There are literally thousands of women out there that have already gotten on-board, and many more that will in the future. So, how can you find out more?

Ask the experts!

If you are interested in solo female travel, my recommendation is to learn as much as you can from those who have already experienced it. By listening to their stories you can better determine if solo travel is something you are interested in, or something you’re not comfortable with for the time being.

Writers and Bloggers: There are a number of writers and bloggers who have recently picked up the topic of solo female travel.

* Wanderlust and Lipstick: Beth Whitman has emerged as the un-spoken leader of the “female solo traveler’s movement”. Her recent book “Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo” has received solid reviews from large publications such as USA Today, as well independent and trusted sites such as Brave New Traveler and Go Backpacking. Beth provides great insight, inspiration, and advice on the topic of female travel, and even runs her own blog devoted to the solo female traveler.
* Stay Safe But Don’t Stay Home: A must read by Zahara Heckscher. Does a fantastic job outlining the potential risks of solo female travel, as well as the an explanation of common local assumptions of western women.
* Journey Woman: Journey Woman is an online publication exclusively for female travelers. The design is a bit “1993”, but there is a lot of good content pertaining to safety as well many other topics of interest to female travelers.
* Travel Minx: The Travel Minx (aka Shona Riddell) is also a seasoned veteran when it comes to solo female travel. She writes on the topic occasionally with posts like Top Safety Tips for Women Travelers, and is always quick to respond to comments and questions.

Online Forums: Online travel forums are also a great way to get in touch with experienced female solo travelers. These forums are normally populated with a number of well-traveled and even expat females who can provide a wealth of knowledge regarding site-specific descriptions of local environments facing female travelers.

*A simple but effective question to ask is, “I’m considering solo travel in country ______ as a female. Can any fellow female travelers give me their recommendations or advice?”

* Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree
* BootsnAll Travel Forum
* Aardvark Travel Forum





Travel tips for solo female travelers

Arriving at a strange train station alone in the middle of the night is a very different experience for a woman than a man.

Women travelers always have a few more concerns than male travelers. Ignoring catcalls, being extra careful when walking alone, and dressing modestly when necessary are all issues that women deal with daily while making their way through the world.

Being a lone female traveler also opens a world of opportunities and experiences that are inaccessible to male travelers. Women can socialize with local women and get an inside perspective on a culture that may not allow males and females to socialize openly. A solo traveler is far less intimidating than a group or a couple and is more likely to be invited to partake in family life.

Along with the standard safety tips, Transitions Abroad has articles and travel tips from female writers about how to travel safely and with cultural sensitivity in regions around the world.

There is advice for women planning solo journeys to India, including advice for women traveling India solo by train. There are also tips for women venturing to Europe , Asia and the Middle East.

The article on East Africa is especially useful including tips on ways to avoid becoming unknowingly (and unwantedly) involved in a romantic entanglement, including:

* In Tanzania, if you shake hands with a male and his finger rubs the palm of your hand mid-shake, he is very interested in you. This will feel a little strange at first, but rest assured that it is not a traditional tribal handshake and under no circumstances should you enthusiastically recreate it as you shake hands with this gentleman’s family.

* In your efforts to meet new people and learn about East African culture, what you deem friendly behavior may be interpreted as encouraging of a romantic relationship. Chatting to a newfound friend on a long bus journey may well pass the time but be aware of the impression you are giving to your fellow—no doubt single—passenger. Many a pen pal agreement has led to persistent postal marriage proposals.

Inspiration abounds on the site, including an article by a woman who tells of her two year adventure traveling solo by van through Europe.

There are also tips on finding "Freedom and Friendship" on the road for those nervous about meeting others as they travel.

A few minutes on this site can inspire any female traveler to venture beyond her boundaries and explore safely and confidently.
Posted by Kristen Pope · Permalink
Related: Notes from the collective travel mind
Comments (1)
Scribetrotter:

Transitions Abroad is one of my favorite sites - for traveling solo and for pretty much anything related to being abroad.

Traveling alone is far different for women. I've been doing it for years, and enjoying it thoroughly. Being prepared is the key - knowing what kind of things to expect, familiarity with local cultures, being aware of safety issues... these things don't come naturally and need some research.

I started solo backpacking when I was 15 (no, my parents didn't know about it) and I've been doing it ever since (I'm 'slightly' older now). I love it. It allows me glimpses of life I wouldn't otherwise have - a woman alone is far more likely to be invited into a family's home, for example. Solo travel gives me freedom and flexibility to change my mind - or not to. And it allows me to test myself and to seek out my limits.






Petty crime, particularly those involving tourists, is a growing worldwide problem. Petty crime against solo travelers is also becoming an increasing issue. A stolen passport or wallet can sometimes signal the end of a trip or ruin a whole holiday.

Indeed the most stolen items are cash, credit cards, cameras then passports. With the growing gap between rich and poor in many countries it comes as little surprise that travelers are more often or not targets.

The tourism industry on the whole is not helping the situation. In order to protect their business the truth about levels of crime in certain destinations is often covered up. The glossy brochures are generally silent when it comes to crime.

There are of course different types of crimes against solo travelers. There is the run of the mill wallet snatching to the well rehearsed scams. Scams are particularly prevalentin developing countries where opportunistic crimes seem to be more common in developed countries. Remember they can both happen anywhere.

Another crime that is common is extortion. Tuk Tuk drivers in Bangkok may ask for an inflated fare or security guards in Latin America may ask for money to protect your vehicle.

OK there is some sobering finds here but it is not all bad news. Solo travelers can make a difference to their security and can avoid being victims.We have listed below some simple steps to follow in order to minimise the chances of being a vicitim of crime.
Check out your destination and do your own research

Use the Internet and guide books to read up on the country you are heading to. Most guidebooks such as the lonely planet has sections devoted to petty crime and things to watch out for.

Check out government web sites for statisticson crime as this will tend to be more accurate than independentsources.

Consider as well that some countries have higher petty crime rates. For instance countries such as Hong Kong and New Zealand are relatively petty crime free compared to the USA, UK, France and Australia.

The next group would include countries such as Italy, Spain, Israel and Thailand where more vigilance would be required.

Finally countries such as Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia would require much more vigilance.

The problem with generalising about a country is that it will often depend where you are. For instance London would be considered much less safe than Cornwall. As would New York compared to a mid-west college town.
Split up your credit cards and cash

When traveling the golden rule is to split up credit cards, cash, travelers checks and bank cards as much as possible. If you leave your hotel room or hostel make sure there is an even split between what is in there and what is on your person.

The bottom line is that it is highly unlikely that your room and your person will be fleeced at the same time.

Always consider as well the worst case scenario. If you have everything on you and it all gets taken then this is bad news. By photocopying your passport and other important documents and splitting up your means of accessing money then you will lessen the impact of a theft.
Keep valuables hidden away and try to keep things in your sight

This is especially important if you are traveling alone. Try not to walk about with you backpack way behind you with pockets hanging open. Remember you are on your own with no one to look out for you.

Of course flaunting wealth when you are traveling will make you a target.
Be wary of people coming up to you

In many big cities in Asia you maybe approached by someone asking where you are from etc. Maybe they have a sister who studies English and would like you to meet them. They may have studied at a university near you.

Unfortunately when you travel alone you have to be wary of people and trusting someone you have just met is a risky business. This is a shame because part of traveling alone is meeting people and you may miss out on some great experiences but you have to remember that personal safety is the most important thing.
Taxis and cabs

When you travel alone the number one rule is to only get into licensedcabs. If you are not sure about the validity of the licence then take another one.

Rather than flagging down a cab you may wish to call one from a known company.
Reporting crime while you are traveling

Finally if you are the victim of crime make sure you report it. Many popular destinations have Tourist Police who generally speak good English and will be able to help you fill out the necessaryforms for travel insurance purposes.

Try not to be too paranoid when you travel alone and don't be put off going somewhere unless you have serious concerns. There is always the option of meeting other travelers as well.







raveling solo can be so rewarding. Some people think it is solo rewarding that they hae created web sites about solo traveling! The main issue that raises peoples eyebrows about solo travel is the safety issue.

There are lots of steps you as a solo traveler can take before you jet off. Listed below are the essential things you should do before you go.
1. Research the countries / regions you are visiting

This is the number one thing you should do before leaving and applies to all types of travel, not just solo. The essential thing to do is to check your governments travel advisory.Listed below are four of the main English speaking advisories.

> United States - Travel.State.Gov
> United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office
> Australia - Smart Traveller
> Canada - Consular Affairs

Your research does n't have to stop there. There are lots of resources on the web with travel advice that is country specific. Just be aware of the source of the advice and always check your country's advisory.
2. Read up on local laws and customs

When you visit a foreign country as a solo traveler you are not above their laws or customs. Many foreigners in the Bangkok Hilton will vouch for this. Do your research.
3. Leaving a rough itinerary

Part of the delight of solo travel is that you can choose to go where you want when you want. Despite this you should still leave a rough copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home. This is so you can still be contacted in an emergency.
4. Making copies of important documents

This is the case for all travelers whether solo or not. You should always make a copy of your passport and leave it in seperate place to the originals.

5. Ensure you take spare ATM cards / credit cards and some spare cash.

If you are traveling on your own you may have to be dependent on yourself if you lose a credit card. Likewise always have some spare cash (US Dollars and Euros are best) so if you get in a tricky situation on your own you have some money to fall back on.




1. When taking cabs from an airport to your hotel, travel in the more expensive airport taxis and ensure that the drivers have official identification.

2. When traveling from your hotel to the airport, go with a cab recommended by the hotel.

3. Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night.

4. Travel in a group if possible if you are going somewhere considered dangerous.

5. If going to South America learn the basics in Spanish/Portoguese before you arrive . Don't expect that people will speak English.

6. Keep your valuables hidden.

7. Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide.

8. Read the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided.

9. When leaving discos late at night take a taxi home no matter how close your hostel is. Outside most discos you'll find a street vendor selling cigarettes. Usually these people know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.

10. When arriving in a new town, keep to your original plan and stay in the hostel that you have decided on. Don't let the taxi driver persuade you that your hostel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper and better one. He'll be working on commission and the hostel probably won't be in a safe part of town.

11. Even better, when arriving lane/train in a new city, try to reserve your hotel in advance, preferably with a hotel that has an airport/station collection service.

12. Don't wear expensive looking jewellry.

13. On public transport have your day pack close to you at all times, preferably with the straps around your legs or padlocked to the luggage rack. On buses your backpack will normally go outside, either on top of the roof or in the external luggage compartments. On long distance buses ask for a receipt for your bags. On short rides just keep a careful eye out each time the bus stops to off-load bags. In the event of having your bags stolen, stay with the bus - you will probably require a declaration from the bus company accepting responsibility for the loss in order to claim any money from your insurance company.

14. Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day trips or longer tours. Obtain a receipt not just for your money belt/wallet etc. but for its contents, with each item listed.

15. If you have to leave your passport and credits cards together place the credit card in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the flap. At least when you return you know for sure no-one else has been using it.

16. If planning on going to market areas, crowded streets, fiestas etc. don't go with all your valuables. Leave them in the hotel. If your planning on buying something expensive keep your money safely in a money belt. Try to be discreet when opening it! To protect small change in your pockets you can stuff a handkerchief in after.

17. If the pavements are really crowded, especially in market areas, walk in the road.

18. If you suspect someone is following you, stop and stare them in the eye until they go. If you really get a bad feeling about a place, go with your first instincts and leave. Bag slashing is rare nowadays but for added safety you can wear your day pack on your chest.

19. If it's on your back try to walk without stopping. If you need to stop, sway your pack gently from side to side so that you can feel if anyone is tampering with it.

20. When putting your bag down on the floor, to take a photo or just to sit in a café, remember to put your foot through the strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch, you also won't forget it! This is the most common type of theft - tourists forgetting bags in cafes and on returning to ask if anyone has seen it, you've guessed it, it's gone.







he main issue for solo female travelers compared to their solo male counterparts is the threat of sexual harassment from local men and even male travelers.

The more conservative a country the more harassment a solo female traveler can expect. Solo travel would never want to put you off visting any country but we would like to make you aware of some of the risks and safety measures that can be employed.
1. Make sure you dress appropriately

It is a sad fact that many local guys view Western women as promiscuous. This impression is largely due to how tourists dress.

The simple fact is that if you dress appropriately and cover up you will invite far less attention than you would otherwise.

If you are heading to a conservative Muslim nation then cover your shoulders and even your head.
2. Make sure you hook up with a male or another female traveler

If you are heading somewhere alone where there is an increased chance of harassment then try and hang out with other travelers. This again will greatly reduce any hassle you might get.

Check out our section on meeting other travelers for more ideas.
3. Wearing a ring on your wedding finger

This might seem a bit extreme but it can really work in your favour at times.
4. Change your behaviour for the situation

If you are acting drunk and a bit wild you are bound to create the sort of interest you are trying to avoid. This is the case in any country in the world. It will only add to the local's theory that women who behave like this are loose!

Try and avoid eye contact particularly when you are alone and feel vulnerable. Making eye contact may give many men the green light. Check out what local women do when they are getting attention from strange men. They will often look down and this is usually enough to get your point across.

5. Finally...

Do enjoy yourself and try and make an effort with the locals. Chose situations like cafes to make conversation and be friendly. Being wary of men coming up to you is sensible but don't let it entirely put you off making contact with anyone.

Be safe and try and hook up with people as you go along.

5. Reading resources for women traveling on their own

> A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler

> A Woman's Passion for Travel: More True Stories from a Woman's World (Travelers' Tales)

> No Place for a Lady: Tales of Adventurous Women Traveler





Firstly we must state that our honest advice would be to never go hiking or trekking alone in back countryor bush.

If you go right off the beaten track alone and something happens to you then the risks of a serious incident is much more likely.

What we would advise is to consider where you are hiking. If it is a well worn path with lots of other independent trekkers then this is better.

Trekking alone carries many dangers.
1. Make sure you tell someone where you are going and sign any visitor intention books

If you are heading out alone then make sure people are aware of where you are going and when you are expected back. The best method is to sign any visitor intention books that are normaly located at trail heads or national park headquarters.

If there is no book then try and find a ranger or park warden and tell them your intentions. This tip is more than a tip. It is crucial you do this even if you are backpacking with someone else.
2. Ensure you have packed everything you need

As you will be on your own make sure you pack everything you could possibly need including all survival gear. You are on your own remember.
3. Join a trekking or adventure group

Our best advice is to join an organised group if you are alone. It may cost a bit more but why pay the ultimate price?




arnival 2006 - Trinidad for the Solo female travelers
Carnival and Trinidad for the Solo female travelers

After posting on many travel sites and blogs about Trinidad, I get a lot of questions. This page came out after a very good list of questions from one user on the Lonely Planet ThornTree Forums, I decided to create a special page in my Trinidad Travelogue, now of course this is the curious thing here, I am a big boy 5′10 240lbs, so of course, when I talk about safety from a woman’s perspective, it mght be a bit strange, but again I can give my opinion about this.

- What is appropriate dress for a woman in Trinidad? ( Should a single woman be more conservative for those solo?)
This is a very particular question. As a rule of thumb, when a single woman is travelling, she should tend to the conservative side as a matter of caution. Typical female dress in Trinidad is very breezy, light cotton shirts and thin bras. Please do not walk around braless in Trinidad, one it will offend many people, it will get men gawking at you and in general is just in poor taste. There is a reason why Trinis have a distaste for tourists, especially American white tourists who just come out from their shells and thing that cultural norms in the States will work in Trinidad.

If you are going clubbing or to a fete, well that is a different story, sexy wear, halter tops, tube tops etc are the norm, but this is when you have a crew of people with you. If you are single and going to a fete by yourself, this is already a dangerous option, since going to a fete alone, means you have to have a car or reliable transport that will get you there and home safely. If you are going alone to a fete, you should not drink anything that wasnt poured in front of you from a bottle. Date rape is huge and a very unspoken crime in Trinidad, but in Carnival, where is liquor and sex everywhere in party, the potential to get in bad situation is very high. Urban myths in Trinidad, include the homeless dancing in mud mas or J’Ouvert where security is very very limited, and girls being raped behind cars etc. These might be exaggerations but there are elements of truth to this.

I could provide examples of dress for Trinidad, but that would just be an opinion call. Any site like Triniscene.com will show you what is typical female dress in Trinidad. Men in Trinidad arent as aggressive as men in the Middle East, but we have a ’sweetman’ culture, where men will catcall and will come up and talk to you upfront. This is to be expected, especially in Trinidad if you are a white female. It is almost a challenge to pick up a white girl in Trinidad. This is a whole different sociological discussion though.

Another thing to consider… There ARE NO NUDE or TOPLESS beaches in Trinidad. Do not go to any beach and take your top off, and expose your breasts. Besides the cultural stigma of being looked on as a whore, you will get a lot of negative attention. In Tobago, there is a bit more of this behaviour, but again the locals HATE this type of tourist behaviour. It is the few women who do this, who cause a lot of grief for regular decent tourists who respect the local customs. Trinidad is a multi ethnic, multitheistic culture and there are a lot of conservative people in the country. The difference in cultures between the north of the island and the rest of the country is marvellous, in that North Trinidad, is very much North American but once you pass Central Trinidad — the actual dividing line is turning south on the highway at Grand Bazaar, the culture changes significantly.

Other questions coming in a bit

- lying on beaches alone
- safety and security (what can one expect … in terms of theft, harassment, sexual innuendos, assault — even rape?)
- how helpful / useful are the local authorities?
- areas and/or times where specific caution should be exercised
- places / areas to avoid completely
- hygiene
- typical scams (general ones and any specifically targetting women?)
- will a woman traveling alone (or in small group) typically be seen as more of a target … or does it depend on attitude (for men and women alike)?
- good deterences of unwanted behaviour or attention
- women’s role in Trinidadian society
- other resources / references for women travelers in T&T
- Trinidad vs. Toboga - plus and minuses for single women travelers
- locals’ perceptions of
- women travelers/foreigners




*
ome prepared for being the center of attention

Often it is friendly and curious, and people can be incredibly welcoming, but for a traveling woman, all the male attention can be downright annoying. Get used to being stared at, whistled at, followed and even groped - it is called “Eve-teasing” in India and it affects tourists and Indian women alike. The best way to deal with sexual harassment is to ignore the stares, but to publicly confront followers and gropers: usually shouting at them will attract plenty of attention from onlookers, which is generally enough to get rid of unwanted “admirers”.

Get also used to being asked if you are married, and if not, then why not; and don’t be offended by the inevitable look of pity when it turns out you really do not have a husband. (Sometimes it can be a good idea to invent one.)

*
Always, always dress appropriately

Pay attention to what local women wear, and you should get a pretty good idea. Most Indian women wear a traditional sari or a salwar kameez (long tunic and loose pants), although in bigger cities more and more women are wearing Western clothes. So, bikinis, tank tops and short skirts might be ok on a beach in Goa (although going nude or topless is definitely not), but they are not acceptable when traveling through villages in rural North India. Shoulders should be covered and trousers or skirts should cover most of your legs. If visiting a temple or a mosque, dress codes are much stricter than if walking down the street in New Delhi, so as a general idea it is always better to wear too much than too little.

*
Sometimes it’s good to be a woman!

Most trains have a “Ladies carriage” which provides a grope-free haven for women travelers. There might even be a “Ladies queue” at the train station, which means you can jump to the front of the ticket queue and be served before men. Buses have “Ladies seats”, and the bus conductor will find a lone female traveler a seat next to another female. In rural India women and men tend to sit separately in local buses anyway.

*
Don’t be surprised if…

… an Indian woman starts to poke at your nose or pull your earlobes and tells you that you should pierce your nose or start to wear earrings. Indian women can be very straightforward when it comes to passing judgments on your appearance. Most of it is done in good humor, but it might take some time to get used to strangers telling you “you must wear more gold” or “you have become fat”.

*
Trust your intuition

The best way to guarantee your safety is to trust your own feeling about a place. If a hotel or a guesthouse doesn’t feel safe, find another one. It usually makes sense to pay a little bit more for a room than to risk your personal safety. If a person you are talking to feels dodgy, walk away. There are over a billion people in India to talk to.

*
And finally…

Tampons are available in India, although choice of brand might be limited




Solo Woman Travel in India
Train Travel Safety Tips and Advisories

By Jessica Tuerk

“How in the world did I get here?” It was 2 a.m. I was in a mosquito-filled police station and jail in Agra, India, home of the world’s most beautiful and famous monument to love. I had walked there, willingly, with two men in khaki uniforms and berets.

In India, train travel is the way to go. It’s an efficient way to visit all corners of the sub-continent and certainly economical. On this particular night I had splurged on second class for my shortest train ride in India yet (four hours), yet it had cost no more than $4 (I paid $12 for a 32-hour ticket that had taken me from the northeast corner in Kolkata to the southern state of Goa.)

So far I had wracked up a total of over 60 hours on the Indian Railways as a solo female traveler without much incident. This particular night, despite my usual alertness and precaution, I found myself in a second class berth on an uncrowded train, alone with a middle-aged businessman from a small village near Agra.

It is usual for the passengers on trains in India to be curious about foreign travelers—staring, whispering, talking loudly, are quite common. Those who are comfortable with their English are likely straight out ask how and why a single woman should be traveling alone in India. Wonderful conversations and invitations can develop over the course of a long train ride in this way. But in India females are usually accompanied by a father or son, and female travelers often raise eyebrows and questions.

This night, as usual, the passenger across from me, the businessman, was curious as to my origins and purposes. He explained his business to me and I explained my solo travel while we ate the dahl, roti, and yogurt served on the train. I expressed to him an anxiety about not knowing when my stop would be, since they did not announce the stations, and he congenially offered to alert me when the time came, should I nod off to sleep. Disarmed by our nice conversation, my bags all chained up and locked as is highly recommended, and full of food, I drifted off.

I awoke to the sense of hands on my blouse. Frightened and in denial, I slapped him away and slid to the opposite end of the berth to close my eyes tight in pretend sleep while I thought of what to do. Within minutes his hands landed on my upper thigh, and this time I leapt up from the berth and created a commotion.

When I finally got off the train at 1 a.m., it took me 45 minutes to get the stationmaster to take me seriously enough to file a complaint and another 15 minutes of haggling with him to send a policeman to escort me to the station. The final motivation for him to do so was a call I placed to the U.S. embassy in New Delhi.

Tips and Advisories

I would never recommend that females stop exploring India by train, and I would spend 1,000 more hours on them to take in such a bewildering and beautiful country. The following tips and advisories are for female travelers especially, but also for the male solo traveler, to ensure healthy and incident-free travel aboard the Indian railways:

Unlike many other destinations, in India if you are a solo traveler you will often be the only Westerner on a train.

Ask for the upper berth (it will say “UB” on your ticket stub) when buying your ticket—it has a far greater degree of privacy and you can stretch out any time, even in the middle of the day.

Avoid the lower berth or middle berth; you will not be able to stretch out until everyone decides to go to sleep.

Purchase all tickets as far in advance as possible. It is a good idea to purchase a few legs of your journey all at once while you are at one major station so you are assured a seat on the date that you want.

Do not make prolonged eye contact with any males; it can be seen as a sexual invitation.

Although you will be asked for your sex at the ticket office, this will not generally mean that you will share your berth with other females.

Sleep and ride with any bags that fit right on your berth—use them as footrest and pillows. All travel documents should be in contact with your body at all times.

Study all the passengers around you after the train leaves the station. Do not shy away from pleasant conversation because you are afraid for your safety, but do not feel a false sense of ease because you feel like you know them.

Do not plan to change your clothes while on the train. An ankle-length cotton skirt, dark colored t-shirt with sleeves, and a long cotton scarf is ideal.

Pre-arrange all hotel information at your intended destination before boarding your train, especially if you will be arriving after 5 p.m.

Do not get off the train to stretch, even at prolonged stops at major stations. Stay within eye contact of your berth at all times.

If you feel uncomfortable in any situation on a train, do not hesitate to change your seat immediately, with or without first asking the conductor. If you sense trouble, move first, ask later.

If you find yourself the victim of a crime, report the situation to the conductor and request to speak to a police officer. Gather the names and addresses of any witnesses.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault in India, report it to the authorities immediately and don’t give up or be surprised if the men in charge to not take you seriously. Place a call to the nearest embassy of your country of origin as soon as you can, and don’t be shy about telling the authorities that you are doing so; it gets them to act. You will be asked by the police to write a full report of the incident and, if possible, identify the perpetrator at the station. In my case, this took up the entire morning of my day in Agra—a price I was happy to pay.

Don’t shy away from independent female travel—just be careful.





Solo Woman Traveler
East African Etiquette and Safety Tips

By Terrie Chilvers

As a woman traveling on my own in East Africa it soon became apparent that there was a fine line between gestures of good will and those with a more romantic significance. Conversations with friendly locals would frequently lead to justifications of why I had a problem with marrying an African man, and potential suitors quickly overtook garrulous con men and sticky-fingered pickpockets on my list of people to avoid.

Not to walk after dark and not to expose too much bare flesh is the kind of advice all women travelers have drilled into them even before they buy their first Lonely Planet guidebook. However, there are often subtler rules to abide by in order to avoid unwanted male attention in a culture where bagging a Western wife is every young man’s dream. Unless you want to secure a husband before you’ve had chance to learn Swahili for “I’m afraid I’m already married,” here are some things to bear in mind:

• In Tanzania, if you shake hands with a male and his finger rubs the palm of your hand mid-shake, he is very interested in you. This will feel a little strange at first, but rest assured that it is not a traditional tribal handshake and under no circumstances should you enthusiastically recreate it as you shake hands with this gentleman’s family.

• In your efforts to meet new people and learn about East African culture, what you deem friendly behavior may be interpreted as encouraging of a romantic relationship. Chatting to a newfound friend on a long bus journey may well pass the time but be aware of the impression you are giving to your fellow—no doubt single—passenger. Many a pen pal agreement has led to persistent postal marriage proposals.

• While traveling in Malawi you may notice a gesture being used by young men in which the thumb is pushed between the middle finger and forefinger, often accompanied by sniggering. It’s obviously a bit impolite and is best dealt with by simply ignoring the perpetrators.

• When you beckon somebody with your hand, your palm should always face down and all of your fingers motion toward you. If your palm is turned up, what your fingers are suggesting has extremely rude connotations.

• The best way to prevent unwanted attention is to invent a boyfriend and, should you need to produce evidence of your claim, carry his photo with you at all times. In extreme situations wear a wedding ring and promote your pretend husband to a position of immense influence and power.

Safety Tips for Female Travelers

(from the November/December 2005 Issue of Transitions Abroad magazine)

Sending e-mail from an Internet café in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, took longer than I had estimated, and my plan to walk home before dusk failed. As I began the short journey to my hotel, a car pulled up alongside me. A man leaned out of the window and told me to get in. He said I was on the wrong side of town and was being followed. With little time to decide between what seemed to be two very dangerous choices, I got in the car and held my breath.

Thankfully, the driver turned out to be one of the good guys and dropped me off outside my hotel. He explained during our brief journey that he had been mugged the week before at exactly the same location. He waited until I stepped inside the entrance of my hotel and waved me goodbye.

Once inside, I sat on my bed and read my Malawi guidebook to take my mind off the ordeal. I was surprised to find a warning about the very road I had just attempted to walk down. It was dangerous in the daytime, let alone at dusk; muggings were frequent and thieves often hid under the bridge I had just ambled across.

We all learn from our own mistakes, but when it comes to women traveling alone, consequences can be severe. With this in mind I’d like to share some tips and advice that I should have taken myself.

1. Always read up on your destination. Don’t leave it until the last minute when you have already put yourself in a dangerous position. If you’re unsure about your destination it’s wise to check out some travel forums on the Internet to learn about other people’s recent experiences. Lonely Planet has a particularly useful forum called the Thorn Tree, thorntree.lonelyplanet.com.

2. Don’t take a risky option just because it’s easier or cheaper. Ask first. Take a taxi if you’re really not sure of the area.

3. Ask around at your hostel or hotel to see if anybody is making a similar trip. There’s always safety in numbers, plus you’ll make some new friends.

4. Avoid carrying a bag; wherever possible, wear a money belt and don’t give prospective thieves a target.

5. Above all, follow your instincts: if you start to get that funny feeling in the pit of your stomach then you’re probably somewhere you shouldn




Tips_for_solo_women
The statements and opinions on this page are solely those of its authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of CouchSurfing International.

Feel free to change and improve the feel of the text.

Overall, women who are travelling alone and who are CouchSurfing don't have to expect problems. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to take some things into consideration and to be aware of what to do in the unlikely event problems do arise, or how to prevent problems. Here are some tips for women traveling alone. Obviously, it might be useful for men as well.

Read all general tips. All of these apply to you too!

* Be smart when picking a host! Only stay with CouchSurfers who have strong references. Read ALL references on a page (even if they have a lot!) - what their friends and references have written about them. Consider emailing the prior surfers. Did previous hosts/surfers have positive or negative experiences with this person? Do they know your potential host face-to-face, or only through chat? Is this Surfer's profile filled out well? Read about the person who Vouched for them. If there are no CouchSurfers that you think you would feel safe with in the city you're visiting, consider staying at a hostel. Be extra careful when choosing a single male as a host. Often CouchSurfers are friendly and respectful, but you should still do your research. Does he have a lot of female friends? Is he vouched for? Verified? Has he hosted other single women? Have they left positive references?

* Consider making private your msn/AIM/personal email address so that you only give it out to couchsurfers you want to communicate with. Remember, depending on your profile settings, even non-couchsurfers can have access to this information if you post it.

* When CouchSurfing, have a back-up plan. Have addresses and phone numbers of a hostel in the surrounding area, regardless. Know the number of a local taxi. Sometimes the person you have planned to stay with has an emergency and suddenly cannot host you, or you find you need to leave. If necessary, have a reservation. You can always cancel it.

* Do not be afraid to leave a host! If you are not having a positive experience, leave! Trust your instincts - don't be afraid to offend a host. Your safety is worth more. Have a look to the special hints: the "what if" section for more hints about what to do in this situation. If you encountered some problems, it is very important to leave a clear and factual reference.

Traveling Alone

In many developing countries (and even in 'developed' countries), the relations between men and women are variable. In some places, women may have different rights than men, and therefore, a woman traveling by herself can be a foreign idea to the locals. They may be considered vulnerable. On CouchSurfing, we seek to break down barriers and treat no person as "inferior". However, safety is always a concern, for anyone. It is important for both men and women to respect local customs without getting taken advantage of. Be able to enjoy yourself; if you feel uncomfortable, exude confidence and take steps to change the situation. Below are some tips to help avoid bad situations.

* Be wary of announcing that you are traveling alone. Traveling alone as a woman is an experience to be proud of, but sometimes you need to exercise caution in announcing that. Tell people at home where you will be and when you are in a safe place. Be very careful of telling people on your journey that you are alone. Say you are meeting family or a close friend at the next stop, or later that evening, if you do not know them well enough to know their intentions. Talk about the people you've met along the way, and the wonderful CouchSurfers you've stayed with that you still email daily.

* Walk firmly and strongly, even when confused about your location. If you are lost, find a café, restaurant or safe place you can enter to figure out where you are. Do not open up a map in the middle of the street or along the sidewalk. Someone looking to take advantage of you in any way will notice lack of confidence and disorientation.

* Find other companions. Couples, groups of travelers and other women can be excellent allies if you're in trouble. Don't be afraid to ask someone for help if you feel your safety is at risk.

* Dress appropriately for the environment you're traveling in. Be mindful and respectful of the individuals whose countries you're traveling through. If the women traditionally wear long skirts, do not wear your halter top and short shorts. Educate yourself on local customs and adapt to the best of your ability. You're less likely to get unwanted attention - and probably more respect from locals - by respecting their culture, even if it's different from yours. Reemeber you are in their domain so its decency that you try to adopt to whatever is the norm there, rather than impose your own on them. You will stand out if you did!

* Use your head. If you wouldn't do something at home, don't do it in a foreign country. You wouldn't sleep with your door unlocked or walk down a dark alleyway at home, so why risk it when you're traveling?

* One Idea: Marriage isn't all that bad. Wear a conspicuous band or ring on your ring finger (left in Western countries).

* Protect your belongings. Don't flash large amounts of money or jewelry. Carry your wallet and valuables secretively so they can't be easily grabbed from you.

* Stay around larger groups of people. Stick to major streets. Avoid empty alleyways and side streets.

* Look at maps of the city before you get off of your transport. What does the route from the train station to the hostel look like? Know the names of main streets. Where are the police stations located? If you have to check your map, go to a public place where no one can see you obviously looking at your map (like a library, café or restaurant). Don't call attention to yourself!!

* Take a Self-Defense class. They don't cost a lot of money, and will teach you lessons you will carry with you for a long time. Many universities offer them for free or at discount rates. (If you took a course a long time ago, take another one. It's good to be reminded of what you have already learned!)

* Consider buying a metal whistle. We do not recommend that you carry mace or personal weapons. These can be used against you!

* Embarrass your harasser. If someone is constantly accosting you, or seems potentially threatening, draw attention. Talk loudly. Shout. Laugh and scream. Do something to draw public attention to the person's inappropriate behavior.

* Leave! Don't be afraid to walk away from a bad situation or stop traveling with a companion who is negatively affecting your experience. If something makes you angry, remember: you don't live there, you can leave anytime, and you'll never have to deal with this again! Get out of there!

* Trust your instincts. Consider where you are and who is around. Don't leave yourself isolated with a stranger. Listen to your gut instinct. You can't simply trust anyone!

* Get roaming on your mobile phone or get it unlocked to take local sim cards. Put in emergency contacts including host/insurance. Local hospital, police, hostel phone numbers are published in the lonely planet guides

Use these suggestions, but don't be too uptight about things. For instance, in Europe there are many girls who hitchhike on their own, in 2006, without too many problems whereas this might not be a good idea in some other countries. The worst time to hitchhike is a Friday or Saturday night - when the driver starts breathing heavily its time to get out! Good vehicles to hitch in are local delivery trucks that don't stop too often - they can't go too far and you'll see local sights.

From your CouchSurfing experiences you (will) learn that there are a lot of good people out there - everywhere. It is important to remember that couchsurfing provides a framework and tools to help you decide who you want to interact with, so please use them and also use your head and your instincts!!
Women Traveler Groups

* Independent Women Group - tons of tips about traveling combined with a great atmosphere!
* Solo in Africa Advice for female traveler's visiting Thailand

Many of the hassles and annoyances that can periodically annoy solo female traveler's can be avoided with a few simple precautions. Simple and, what is regarded locally as polite, sensible dress is probably the most important issue. Cover the shoulders, upper arms and legs and avoid skin tight clothing. Loose fitting comfortable wear is probably advisable, as is avoiding large groups off male-only company in late-night bars and restaurants. Women traveling alone should think carefully before hitching to avoid unwelcome proposals. Secluded, off the beaten track, beaches are best visited in a group or with known male company. At practically all beaches bikini's are welcome but topless- ness is not.

Disco's and dance halls are generally safe provided a small amount of common sense is used.

Several guidebooks have recommended checking the walls off accommodation for strategically placed peep holes, but this really only applies to the very bottom and off the accommodation market. All lodgings booked via Thaifocus should be safe and peeping is highly unlikely.

All in all Thailand is a very safe country for the single female and if you feel you have a genuine grievance the tourist police should be glad to help.
Travel Thailand with children

Thai's absolutely adore children especially the blonde haired offspring's of Westerner visitors. The only problems you are likely to encounter involves the spoiling of your child by local adoring women. Nappies, diapers, pampers are easily available and can be found in convenience stores, chemists and supermarkets throughout the kingdom. Milk compound, the food and other infant delights are also easily found. Children's clothes can be bought for fraction of Western cost and, as applicable to all travelers, and you are probably better of purchasing them in Thailand. Cots, prams and buggies are also available in most towns of even moderate size.

As in most of the travel industry infants pay 10 percent of adult fair (seat not provided) one major forms of transportation. Children under the age of 12 (seat provide) are charged at half adult rate and expected to pay the same as adults when they reach that 12th birthday. There is no discount to children when travelling on the train system


t's a funny fact of life that women who are used to taking care of everyone else sometimes get a little nervous when they're suddenly taking care of nobody but themselves. Even if you've planned family vacations for years, packing and driving and making reservations for husbands, children, and groups, your first solo trip can be a little daunting.

"Traveling alone for the first time can definitely provoke some anxiety," says Natalie Hurst, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in New York City. "It challenges traditional roles and expectations, but breaking out of those stereotypes is very liberating. And once you've achieved success in an unfamiliar situation, you'll improve your self-esteem, and have more confidence to take on other projects as well."

"Traveling alone gives women practice in being independent, solving problems on their own," agrees Jeff Mitchell, Ph.D., a psychologist from Pennsylvania. "It is a lesson in self-reliance that can undo a lifetime of lessons in dependence."

Where do you go on your first solo trip, what do you do, is it safe, is it affordable . . .? Actually, the first two questions are easy; the answer is: anything you want. This time, you don't have to explain yourself, you don't have to compromise, and you don't have to talk anybody else into anything. Always wanted to swim with dolphins, pray with monks, sunbathe in the nude? Fine. Go to the library, search the web, send away for information, and just do it. Answer questions later only if you feel like it.

"Going on a trip by yourself is an important step," says Dr. Hurst, "but planning it is also important. It forces you to examine your own wishes and desires and many women have spent years subverting those things to the wishes of others."

With regard to safety, keep in mind that basic common sense applies around the world. "You can be mugged in your own home town and you can be perfectly safe just about anywhere," says Bay Area travel agent Bob Ensten. "I don't think any place is more safe than any other, provided you do your research, follow local customs, and dress and behave appropriately." (CONTINUE...)

If economy is necessary, do some research on the best free and inexpensive pleasures at your chosen destination, and then budget your discretionary money for whatever you value most. For example, Jay Ben-Lesser, author of A Foxy Old Woman's Guide to Traveling Alone, says, "I may sleep at the YMCA but have dinner in the fanciest restaurant in town."

Audrey Ross, a publicist from New York City, has different priorities: "Spend a little extra money and get yourself a nice room," she advises. Ross loved going to the theater every night during her week-long trip solo trip to London, but when she returned to her tiny, economical room in Piccadilly Circus each evening, she found it a bit depressing.

"If you're just getting used to being alone, it's worth getting yourself a nice setting so you look forward to coming home at night," she says.

If you would like to meet people, youth hostels are worth considering. In spite of their name, these inexpensive accommodations, located throughout the United States and Europe, actually have no age restrictions (except in Bavaria). They are clean, simple places to stay, in which you may share a room with one or more other travelers of the same gender. They also have common rooms where you can meet and chat with other travelers, and they often have message boards, brochure racks, and organized tours and activities.

A few more tips:

*
Arrange things so that it is your option when to have company and when not to. This means being self-sufficient: bring only as much luggage as you can carry yourself.

* Wear clothes you like, that make you feel attractive and comfortable, but avoid anything provocative. Don't make yourself susceptible to unwanted attention.

* Make sure your shoes can carry you comfortably for long distances if necessary. This way, it is your decision whether to accept a ride from a stranger, spend money on a taxi, or cut your hike short.

* Go someplace where your own language is spoken. Challenging yourself to learn a new language by immersion might be interesting later . . . but when you're new at traveling alone, good, easy communication will make you safer and more comfortable.





n a recent gapyear.com poll, we asked you lasses whether you'd consider going backpacking on your own. A smug 21% of you had already done so, while 51% said you'd be up for it. That left 14% of you who said you would backpack solo but only in a familiar or western country, while another 14% said you wouldn't fancy it. It's important to make up your own mind on this issue - solo travel doesn't suit everyone, and if you're unsure it may be best to go with a mate or on an organised tour or placement. However, we think you'll agree that these results are incontrovertible proof of the general feistiness of female members of gapyear.com!

Travelling alone is perhaps not for the first-timer. However, if you’re a bit more experienced and feeling brave, it’s fantastically liberating. You can do what you want, when you want, and leave as soon as you want. What’s more, when you come home you’ll be one of those irritating individuals who oozes serenity and confidence and wins friends wherever they go.

Just take a bit of extra care with your forward-planning and your personal safety, and don’t set your sights too high. There are some things you might do with a mate which you wouldn’t want to do alone. The good part is that you’re the boss - if you don’t wanna do it, you don’t gotta.

Comments
Here's an email we received from Kirsty, a gapyear.com member who's travelled solo...

"Just wanted to let you know that I’ve recently got back from a six-month round-the-world trip. Your website really helped me make up my mind to go. I wanted to travel alone after uni but lots of people - my parents, some friends - thought it was too dangerous going solo. In the end I did go on my own and I had the time of my life. I was never really lonely because I met so many people - probably more people than I would have met if I was travelling with friends. So I just wanted to tell others not to be afraid of travelling solo - it’s easier than you think!"

Cheers, Kirsty!

Here’s what Josie D’Arby (TV Presenter) says about travelling solo...

'I only ever travel on my own, never with a companion. The only time I tried to travel with a companion it didn’t work out, because I think it defeats the purpose of getting away. I just think I get so much more out of the whole experience if I travel on my own. In that respect I’m completely independent, I often go away and not know where I’m going to stay, but I always seem to land on my feet. People just do.


Whether your travel style is to spontaneously wander or to meticulously plan your daily itinerary, traveling solo is the perfect opportunity to do everything exactly as you please! When you travel solo, you can have more time for reflection, ample opportunities to make new friends, and the satisfaction of knowing that you forged your path yourself.

More and more, women are making their travel dreams come true, and many of them are doing it solo. In this culture, women are frequently warned about the perils of being their gender, especially when it comes to wandering far from home. While it’s true that there are specific concerns for female travelers, the risks that are out there haven’t stopped a countless number of them from hitting the road!

Feeling motivated to plan a solo trip, or have one in the works? Read on for travel tips and inspiration!

Staying Safe

Some research about safety precautions is a wise thing to do before any travel experience. Keeping some general tips in mind, as well as remaining alert and using common sense can keep travelers safe whether traveling solo or in groups. That said, here are a couple good tips geared especially for the solo female traveler: maintain contact with friends and family back home, whether by telephone, email, letter, or by keeping a travel blog. Keep somebody posted on where you are, especially if you will be on your own for a day or more. Many travelers leave a note with their hotel front desk on their travel plans when they are touring on their own, which can be a reassuring precaution.

For a more comprehensive discussion of travel safety tips, visit the following links, and those listed throughout this article.

Resources:

A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel
Travel Advisories
Safety Issues
Health Issues from the CDC
Safety Tips for Women Traveling Solo

Dress Codes

For women, understanding about the cultures of the destinations you are visiting can enhance your sense of safety and well-being, as well as add depth to your experience. For example, certain cultures have etiquette regarding eye contact between women and men, while others have local standards about dress and body exposure. Specific body parts have different significance in various parts of the world, from upper arms, to legs, to the top of women’s heads.

Keep in mind that dress codes on the street may also be different within religious sites of your travel destination. Do the necessary research ahead of time to find out these rules; simple tips like carrying a scarf to put over your head and shoulders for religious sites is often recommended. Aside from being prepared, take your cues from the behavior of local women, be confident, keep your head on your shoulders, and most of all— enjoy yourself!

Resources:

What Should I Wear, Where?
Frommer’s Solo Travel Discussion Board
Journeywoman, an Online Travel Magazine for Women

And, for inspiration:

She Travels Solo
Travel Solo But Not Alone

Stories from Realtravelers

Solo female travel can take many forms. From walking and cycling completely alone across a vast country (as we featured this Wednesday), to joining an organization for volunteer work, as many of our Realtravelers have done, to long-distance road trips, to localized tourism, to safaris, meditation retreats, cruises, camping, and more.

Realtraveler Fretless, pictured above, embarked on an adventure traveling Spain by foot, walking the 500-mile Camino Santiago. With all of her first-hand knowledge, she wrote Top 10 Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Spain, a list filled with travel tips and colorful stories about her journey.

Ciccia, a Realtraveler from England, traveled around Central and South America solo and archived her experiences in her travel blog. She also compiled a list of Top 10 Tips for this region which included the following tip:

“Some of my most amazing experiences have been simply speaking to normal people on the bus, in isolated villages or shady plazas. One fantastic ability that people on this continent have is to communicate. Whether it is by waving their hands around in a frantic and passionate discussion or poetically describing the city and its history, people will tell you their deepest secrets regardless of whether you know them or not. But how can you participate in these friendly exchanges if you don’t speak the language?! If you want to really discover something amazing, try to get past language barriers and embrace a way of thinking and a culture that is so far removed from what you know. I had a few lessons at the Academia Latinoamericana de Espanol in Sucre, Bolivia. I would recommend this school for its professionalism, its price ($5 to $10 depending on group size) and the variety of other cultural activities they have such as salsa and cookery.”

For more inspiring stories, check out these blogs from Realtravelers:

kkeels - a chef working abroad in Africa
little haxby - traveled by herself on a road trip across the US, then volunteered in Africa
Janet - has had her share of adventures
Christina - studied abroad in the United Kingdom
Karen Watkins - travel writer and extensive traveler
rachel- flying solo - her title speaks for itself!





Top Tips for Women Travelers' Safety
Women travelers need to travel with special care; here are some tips on doing that. Female concerns include sexual verbal harassment or physical assault, "come-ons", unwanted touching, inappropriate comments, crude propositions, groping and even rape. Women are more likely to be the victims of theft, too.
Great Gadgets for in Room Hotel Safety
Stay safe in your hotel room with the Wedge Guard Door Alarm and a small portable door lock that will work anywhere. With these devices, no stranger will enter your hotel room! Stay safe while traveling!
Roofies and Other Date Rape Drugs
Rohypnol (or "roofies"), the "date rape drug" is a tremendous hazard for women and is of particular danger to women travelers in unfamiliar surroundings. Roofies create a drunk-like effect that lasts about eight hours. Besides the worries of unprotected sex, roofies may lead to respiratory depression, liver failure and even death. Learn how to avoid roofies and other date rape drugs here.
Women Travelers' Dress in Islamic Countries
Words of wisdom for female travelers from other women regarding dress in Islamic countries and women's Muslim clothing.
Taxi Safety
Top tips on taxi safety. Everyone should read tips on taxi safety -- as proven by the murder of two backpackers during a taxi-related scam in Bolivia in 2006, all travelers should know about taxi safety. Find more on avoiding being ripped off in taxis and basics on how to use foreign taxis, too.


Tips on what to wear worldwide. Scroll down and click on the letter of the country you're visiting. Be sure to click "For more information, click here" (they don't all read the same) at the bottom of the pages to read more tips from other women travelers; for instance, by clicking through, I discovered it is illegal for women to expose their arms in mosques in Cairo.
Pepper Spray - Women's Self Defense
Pepper spray can be your best self defense weapon. Learn how to use pepper spray safely and find a wide variety of pepper sprays - purse sized, pepper spray on a key chain, spraying rings and other ingenious pepper spray dispensers.
Personal Experience: Words of Wisdom for Women Travelers
Zahara Heckscher, veteran female traveler, says, "Stay safe but don't stay home". Read her article, filled with valuable tips for women travelers, here.
Tips on Female Solo Travel
As well as tips on solo women's travel, find some interesting tidbits about what not to wear in India and the Pacific islands.
Women Travelers in Islamic Countries
While the vast majority of Muslim men are wonderful fathers, husbands and boyfriends, knowing a little about the "rules" for women in Islamic countries can help you avoid a run-in with those men who aren't as friendly to women.
Best Women's Travel Gear - Travel Clothes and Accessories
Women's travel gear needs to be strong, light and long-lasting -- but most women's clothing is not. Exceptions: best travel shirt, best zip off travel pants, best women's travel vest and a packable hat. Find clothes, comfy travel flip flops and women's travel accessories (safety gadgets, makeup/sunscreen, menstrual gear and shoulder bag) in this list of top 10 picks for best women's travel gear.




* Trust your instincts
* Dress modestly
* Be aware of local customs
* Pack door locks/wedges and a personal alarm
* Copy travel documents and give them to family
* Know the way to your hotel
* Take licensed taxis and sit in the back
* Tell people where you are going
* Don't arrive in a place after dark
* Think about how your behaviour may be read
* Say a firm 'No, thank you' to unwanted male advances
* Keep your drink in sight
* Take out good travel insurance



If taking local transportation (non-tourist class), do not keep valuables in visible view - i.e... Do not keep your camera around your neck; keep your money belt underneath clothes (not above). Be careful with your ipod or any electronics, as if you fall asleep with them on - they might be snatched before you wake up. This is a vacation so avoid electronics as radios and other unnecessary items.

Don't leave valuables around in your hotel room, Try to have a backpack with lockable zippers (vs. a drawstring top loading backpack).

Avoid being trying to get off the beaten track too much (though this depends how confident you are and what you really want to see. I am sure this statement will be contradicted by many). It has been known that people in La Paz attempting to get a better view of the city wandered out into the outlying areas and were mugged.

Try to keep your money spread around (keep some in your shoe, etc) so that if you are mugged, it is not a big deal.

Avoid carrying a wallet around with your cards. I found that keeping a small change purse with less than $20 in it was helpful. If you do get mugged, you can give them that and not be that worse off.

Walk with confidence and keep your eyes straightforward rather than nervously looking around. If you look uncertain, you are an easy target for vendors and other people who want your attention.

Keep photocopies of your passport and other important documents online and on you so that if things are stolen, it is easier to get a new passport.

It might be easier if you keep a smaller backpack that will be allowed onto the bus rather than stored below or above. If it is too big, you have to check it and it is hard to keep an eye on it especially when the bus stops every five minutes and people get on and off.

It looks dorky, but keep your backpack in front of you (wearing the straps on the front) especially in crowds so that you can tell if someone is trying to get into your bag).

Carry small key rings, safety pins, or mini-com locks to lock up your day-bag. While this will not prevent a professional thief, this does deter a petty thief who is trying to get into your bag without you noticing.

Bag slashing is something that I have heard about (but never happened to my friends or me). Always carry a shoulder bag that has sturdier straps (so it is not as easy to slash) and never carry anything valuable in it that could be emptied if your bag was slashed. By slashing, your bag straps can be cut so that your bag falls off you or bag slashing can mean that they will slash the bottom of the bag/backpack so your contents fall to the ground.

I have never been mugged but I have heard plenty of stories.

Bottom line: Do not bring anything that you would be incredibly sad if it was stolen (this even pertains to a watch or jeweler). Things that we carry around (that we take for granted) can easily equal a farmer's half-year salary.

If you were still worried about specific violence or dangers, I would recommend checking out your government's travel advisory. For another perspective, I would recommend checking out Canada's government website and scroll down for the specific country. They are good for letting you know about specific places and warnings pertaining to it:

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/consular_home-en.asp

You can also find important tips at this website, http://www.katharinaandpeter.info/

Some of my advice for South American cities:

-- Always, appear to know where you are going. Do not walk around showing your map or guidebook in any big cities. If you need to check a map, walk into a storefront.
-- be very careful with people who appear to be cops. Do not let them force you into an unmarked car. This has happened at some La Paz bus stations (as well as elsewhere).
-- try to be especially careful near notorious border crossings. It is very helpful to take a bus service that helps with border formalities. Otherwise, you risk being dropped off in a scummy border town and having fraud artists prey on your confusion. the main Ecuador Peru border crossing is an example of a bad border for backpackers--I've heard of countless taxi scams there (you get in a taxi to go to the border post and they drop you off in some remote walled-compound with people with guns and clubs and demand all of your money so they can protect you)
-- be careful walking around alone at night in some cities.
-- On long bus rides, always carry plenty of food, water, and warm clothes (if necessary)

I have had no trouble in remote parts. In my opinion, the cities (or anywhere tourists especially congregate) are where you should be cautious.

I just wanted to add a general warning from my 7 years of experience.

Use this key warning: DON'T TRUST ANYONE I know it is a bit harsh but I think this rule will keep you safe everywhere in South America. What I mean is that you need to use common sense. If you do not feel comfortable with the information, you receive, just leave, or find other sources. Try to go inside some place when looking for information.

Under this rule:

1. Don't show off- meaning wear simple cloths preferably light cloths. Do not bring expensive cloth, jackets, or snickers. Do not carry with you ANY expensive electronics (ipod camera watch etc.) especially by night unless you are in a group. Bags attract too much attention- carry your staff to the beach (or for travel around the city) in a plastic bag or small simple bag.
2. Don't carry money/credit cards/traveler checks on you everywhere you go. Take only enough money for you to spend in one day (30 Euro is enough).
Do not use traveler checks, the commission on cashing them is excessively high, and the places to cash them are very few. Take a credit card -you can find many ATM's almost everywhere
Use the HSBC ATM's they give the best rates at least in Brazil (use the ones inside the Banks because they will not charge you extra commission and they are safer). Do not forget that outside criminals can use a system to retain your card when used at the teller machine or can suddenly also assist you with withdrawing your own money. Check always around the area of the bank or teller machine for your own safety.
3. Don't walk on your own. Walk always with someone. If you are being robbed do not argue, do not try to run away, just give them everything they want, the robbers get violent very easily. It does not worth getting hurt for some money.
4. be very careful from the police officers especially in Rio. There are many corrupt police officers in Brazil and they have the tendency to plant drugs while searching (usually near clubbing zones). Keep your eyes open while you are being searched and this is another good reason for not carrying too much staff with you. DO NOT TRY TO BRIBE THE POLICEMAN.
5. At the beach do not let anyone to watch your staff (if you care for it) unless you leave them with someone, you trust (another tourist). At the summer there are many teenagers gangs that wash the beach running from one side to the other, grabbing everything visible and valuable (mostly handbags and cameras), if you see people start running, grab your things and run away. They can be violent too. It is called in Portuguese RASTAO so if you hear people on the beach screaming this word, start running. People have seen this in Rio and in Salvador de Bahia. I'll say it again DON'T CARRY VALUABLE STAFF WITH YOU learn from the Brazilians, they go to the beach only with swimming suit and plastic bag with tanning cream and towel and small money. If you wish to take pictures do it in one day together with your friends so you will not need to carry your cam with you everywhere.
6. Beware from all the salesmen at the beach, some of then have the tendency to take your belongings while showing you their merchandise, they work in two or more.

I know that all these warnings might scare you so I want to say that you should not be. You can enjoy your vacation a lot if you will be careful. All countries are amazing especially in South America and the people are very friendly, it is the poverty that makes some of them violent. If you will take the right precautions and try to behave like them, the worse thing that may happened is that you will lose some small amount of money. It was always small money or simple cell phone. By the way, a cell phone is very necessary. You never know you might need to use it. In addition, always avoid traveling alone. There are always dangerous areas e.g. some streets in la Boca, Argentina but ask around for local knowledge.
Do not forget that where most travelers come from (North America, Europe, etc.) crime is also a problem.

CHRISTIAN TRAVEL TO JAMAICA
If the hedonsitic pleasures during Spring Break have you avoiding Negril as a vacation destination, think again. For Christians, traveling to Jamaica can be a way to renew and revitalize your relationship with God. In this tropical Paradise, allow yourself to witness some of God's most amazing gifts to mankind, from the lush green folliage to the bold, vivid colors of the flowers that line the streets.

Let the exquisite beauty of God's creations wash over you, reminding you of God's use of nature to speak to us daily of His love for us. Very few of the world's natural wonders can compete with this Eden-like island.

If you're looking for Christian owned hotels, Travellers Resort on the Norman Manley Beach Road, or Eddie's Tigress II in the West End are perfect choices for families who don't want to sacrifice luxury for
cost, and for those who wish to be surrounded by loving brothers and sisters in Christ.

At rooms that range from $25 to $150 per night with deep discounts depending on your length of stay, both hotels offer excellent accommodations while fitting within your family's budget.

Both Travellers and Tigress II are owned and operated by devout Christians.
Traveller's (www.travellers@cwjamaica.com, 876-957-3039)

Negril Education Environment Trust www.neetja.com
This is our sister company started right here at the beach resort. Since its beginnings in early 2003 it has grown and expanded to the United States. The goal is to bring books and computers to every school and library in Jamaica. Crime is something that can be fought through education and with your help we can do this. Donations in the form of books and computers are necessary in making Jamiaca a better place for the children of tomorrow. So far over 2 million books have been shipped over the course of 3 years.

I was thrilled to see the entire staff praying together early in the morning before guests awoke to cheerful, smiling employees. At both hotels I was invited by the owners to accompany them to their Sunday worship services. Winston Wellington, (Traveller's) and I drove a half hour away from Negril to the Sav La Mar church to witness the swearing in of a new deacon, followed by an enormous buffet, beautiful hymns and a warm welcome by the congregation. Mr. Wellington donates a large amount of money to local organizations and is an active organizer of The Million Books program which allows low-income children and their families books in an attempt to increase literacy. Mr. Wellington who spends much of his little time off working on the board at school. I was stunned to learn that at a school of over 200 children, the "library" consisted of about twenty books and an incomplete encyclopedia set from 1974. The nearest public library in Negril is a tiny one room building offering a small amount of outdated hardcover educational books and only a few more paperback novels, mostly Harlequin romances. One of the many other programs Mr. Wellington runs is an annual "Bricks" fundraiser for elementary schools, and a "Guns for Computers" program where youth can swap their weapons for a computer, no questions asked. You can contact Mr. Wellington for more information on how you can donate to these and other programs at

Although Eddie of Tigress II sadly passed away last year, his son and family have continued to expand and renovate the beautiful hidden grounds of their hotel. A fountain, pool and kitchen are under construction, and while the outside jacuzzis are temporarily home to giant turtles and a few frogs, they, too will be restored for guests to enjoy. If you want to be close enough to walk top the beach but prefer the quieter and more secluded West End of Negril, Tigress II is a wonderful place to meditate, pray and meet other Christians. Tigress also offers monthly rates at huge discounts. tigressii@hotmail.com

Wake up early each morning as the crowds of tourists sleeping off their hangovers and walk along the beach. For daily reflection and meditation, enjoy the pink-orange glow of the sunrise wash over you as you express your gratitude to The Creator. Indulge yourself with a tasty breakfast of ackee and saltfish, the island's popular native dish. You may even pick some of this scrambled egg-like yellow fruit from your hotel's garden if they have one. Just be sure to choose only flowers with the red seed still attached as ackee can be poisonous if unripe.

Even those who don't know how to swim can take advantage of the many opportunities to discover the
secrets under the ocean. Licensed captains on the many boats docked along the seven mile beach can answer your questions and aleviate your fears and will guide you on your underwater journey.

Whether you choose to go scuba diving or snorkelling, being so close to hundreds of different species of fish, sea turtles and other creatures will intensify your appreciation of The Creator's magnificense.

Spend relaxing afternoons exploring the many hidden waterfalls cascading over caves which used to house The Maroon runaway slaves, rum runners and pirates. Or try a horseback, water rafting or lazy tube floats. Or, for a more relaxing yet energizing way to connect with God, read scripture while enjoying the warmth of the sun as you sip banana-coconut smoothies.

Negril is home to several churches, including Mary for Catholics, and Negril
Mary's Sunday worship service . Reverand M gives an inspiring sermon every Sunday at 11:00am, and Bible study and prayer service is held every Tuesday at 6:00pm.

a relaxing


CHEAP AIRFARE
Top 10 Ways to Find Cheap Airfares
From Mark Kahler,
Your Guide to Budget Travel.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Finding a cheap airfare does not involve luck or magic. It is a matter of searching in the right places for the right prices. Here are 10 suggestions -- in no particular order -- for finding low-priced airline tickets and giving your travel budget a break.
1. Look at Airline Sites offering Deals
To find a good airfare, taxi over to your computer terminal.
View Full-Size
Some people reject airline Web deals as hype without substance. That's frequently a mistake. Airlines typically mark down the seats that are empty on an upcoming flight. They'll put these deals on their "last minute bargain" page. Here are links to some of the better bargain pages for airlines on each continent.
More: Look at Airline Sites offering Deals
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2. Consider Five Basics
One of the toughest parts of airfare shopping is simply getting started. Here are five techniques you can employ at the start to focus on the best fares without spending all day on the Internet.
More: Consider Five Basics
3. Don't Miss the Details
Should you book your flight to Moscow through Germany or Iceland? It would help to know what each country charges in taxes. Why is my sale fare 30% higher when I get to the Internet check-out? It pays to examine airfares with a careful eye. You'll be surprised how small fees and taxes can amount to big add-ons.
More: Don't Miss the Details
4. Start with a Realistic "Base Price"
Would you like to know how much someone paid earlier today for the route you are searching right now? How about the best price in the past week? Getting an idea of the going base price for a given ticket will help you sort out bargains and bloated fares. There are Internet tools designed to help you with this important task.
More: Start with a Realistic "Base Price"
5. Take a Long Look at Budget Carriers
Budget carriers do business in a way you might not like. They sometimes charge more for heavy baggage or an inflight snack. On occasion, they use remote, small airports. But if you can put up with the quirks, you can find real savings. Look at easyJet and others like it to see if this option is for you.
More: Take a Long Look at Budget Carriers
6. Manage Flier Miles to Full Advantage
Would it surprise you to know that airlines value frequent flier miles as much or more than you do? Frequent flier programs encourage brand loyalty. But beyond that, airlines also love these programs because many travelers squander their free travel options. You must find ways to monitor your stash of mileage, and you must know when spending cash for a ticket might be more advantageous than forking over flier miles.
More: Manage Flier Miles to Full Advantage
7. Use Internet Tools to Track Airfares
No one has time to sit in front of a monitor and watch airfares all day. Fortunately, there are Internet tools available to you that do the watching for you. The five tools listed here have strengths and weaknesses. In any given situation, one might point out a much better fare than another, with the reverse true during the very next search. Try several of them at the same time and see where the deals pop up for you.
More: Use Internet Tools to Track Airfares
8. Consider a Mileage Credit Card
It's not an option that works for everyone, because these credit cards charge fairly hefty interest rates. But if you simply use credit as "plastic money" and pay off your balances, the mundane purchases in your life can pay for some very nice trips. The next step is to decide whether an airline card or a bank card works best for you. Evaluate your geographic location and your travel habits as you make the decision.
More: Consider a Mileage Credit Card
9. Flying Within Europe Actually Saves Money
Twenty years ago, no one would recommend intra-European flights for budget-conscious travelers. Today, depending upon your itinerary, it might be cheaper to fly between major cities than to take the well-established rail system. Remember that the time you save is also money in the bank, because it enhances the value of your trip. Just don't take this advice to the extreme: There is also value in seeing the countryside.
More: Flying Within Europe Actually Saves Money
10. Shop for Airports
Car keys as tools for saving on airfares? Since airfares are based in large part on competition along similar routes, the economics of air travel dictate charging different fares for different cities. It is almost always worth the effort to check airports within a 100-mile radius of your home airport. Some budget travelers check within 200 miles.
More: Shop for Airports



Transcript: Save Money When You Fly
Joining the jet set shouldn't cost you and arm and a leg. I'm Chris Chmura for About.com with some tips for saving money when you fly.
Consider Flying in Off-Peak Times
Flexibility is the key to an inexpensive getaway. If you say I'm going such and such a place and nowhere else on such and such a day, you limit your options.

Discounts can be found during off-peak times and seasons. For example, everyone wants to see Europe during spring or summer. But, if you choose autumn or winter, you'll cut your costs big time.
Try Flying Into Nearby Airports
Once you pick a city, consider flying into nearby airports. Instead of San Francisco, check prices for Oakland, San Jose, even Sacramento. Sometimes you can save a bundle arriving into one airport and leaving from another.
Be Flexible With Travel Dates
Research is essential to saving money. There are gobs of great online tools to help find you find the lowest fare. Some even send you alerts when prices drop between you favorite places.

Always direct these search engines to find fares for a few days before and after your date. A day earlier or later can save you hundreds.
Buy Direct From the Airline
Although these travel sites are great, they charge a service fee of at least $5 when it's time to book.

So, I do my research with them and buy direct from the airline, where there's no fee and I sometimes get bonus miles for booking with them online.

Don't even think about calling an airline to buy a ticket unless you absolutely have to. They all charge fees to talk with someone, in hopes you'll complete your purchase on the Internet.
Know When to Book Your Flight
The best time to book your tickets may be mid-week. Airlines usually announce fare sales around Wednesday or Thursday, and hike fares a bit on the weekend.

If you need to book at the last second, forget this - and snag the best price you can find ASAP.

You may want to sites that let you name your own price, but sometimes they're the same price as the airlines themselves.
Sign Up for E-mail Alerts
Speaking of last minute tickets, you can find impressive bargains when booking just before take-off. The airlines offer e-mail blasts once a week letting you know where you can go on the cheap.

As long as you don't get your heart set on a particular destination, you'll be on your way to frugal flying. And every penny you save getting there is one you can spend once you arrive.


FRUGAL LIVING
How would you like to get out and "see the world"? Visit the Carthage Ruins or spend a week just hiking across Europe. Paris, Italy or maybe the Bahamas... there's really just no end to the places you can go.

Now, I know what you're saying - those places cost money and technically you'd be right. While traveling is certainly one of the more exciting ways to spend your time, airfare and hotel rooms can add up quickly and with the economy the way it is... well, it looks like Aunt Tessie's farm is about all the traveling you'll be doing anytime soon.

But there are ways to get around those big travel expenses without sacrificing your fun. In fact, with these tips you might just find that your trips become all the more adventurous!

1. House Swap - Seriously. Swap your house with someone else for a week, a month or how ever long the two of you agree to do so. House swapping is actually a pretty popular way to travel and it has quite a few advantages to staying in a hotel. For starters, most house swappers make their various amenities available to you so you'll have a functional kitchen which means you can save money by buying a few groceries and eating in and you won't go home with a big bag of dirty laundry because you can wash your clothes before you go. Those "amenities" also often include a car, jet skis, boats and other cool things that you'd have to rent otherwise. Another advantage is that while you're manning the ship in their house, they'll be watching over yours as well which means that your property isn't left vacant and theives are less likely to try to venture in. No more packing up your valuables when you leave and no more vacating the room so that the cleaning staff can change your sheets. And instead of those goofy connecting rooms for the kids, you can keep your family under one roof for the entire trip. To learn more about house swapping, check out InterVac or The International Home Exchange Network.
2. Cruise For Free. Yes, free! Those big cruise liners take pride in providing a variety of entertainment and activities for their paying guests. Provide some of that entertainment or activity and you could sail the seas for free. Traditional entertainment includes singing, dancing and of course acrobatics but don't think for a minute that the list stops there. Magicians are very popular on cruises as well as comedians and jugglers. But again, the list doesn't stop there. Don't let a lack of artistic talent keep you off that boat - cruise lines are also looking for a variety of "enrichment" instructors, meaning those who can teach something fun and/or enriching such as arts and crafts, painting, yoga or even how to trace a family tree. The idea is to come up with something that's inexpensive for you (you'll have to provide any necessary supplies) while giving the passengers a unique opportunity to learn something new. Teach them to mambo or jitterbug. Give them a crash course in Spanish or French. Show them how to write a best-selling novel or how to meditate properly to gain eternal peace. Whatever your niche, think about how you could share your knowledge and turn it into a class for others. Then market that course to the cruise lines. You can also check out Cruise Ship Jobs to help you get the most from your efforts.
3. Study For Free, Live Abroad. Universities tend to believe that an education obtained abroad is one of the most enlightening ways to learn and our government tends to agree. As a result, there are a number of grants and scholarships available for students that want to study in a foreign country. If you want to tap into government funding, you'll have to find a school that has a domestic branch in the States as any credits you obtain must be able to count here at home as well. That said, there are also work-study programs that don't come with those restrictions so if you don't need the government funding, you're pretty much free to go anywhere you like. Check out American Institute for Foreign Study for more information.

And there you have it. Three creative ways to seriously cut your travel expenses and tap into the vast opportunities that await you when you see the world. Granted, these ideas aren't as conventional as just booking your own hotel room but then let's be honest... life without a little adventure isn't really "life" at all, now is it?










Travel Off Season

Nearly every destination has a peak season, and with that comes peak prices. Travel outside of this timeframe, and you'll be rewarded with deep discounts (as much as 50% off regular prices) and smaller crowds.

When to travel: Hit Mexico in the summer and Europe in the winter.
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2. Plan Your Trip Around Deals
Most vacations get planned around a destination, but you may save more if plan your vacation around a travel promotion. Spend some time sifting through all of the current travel offers, then pick the one that most appeals to your interests and budget. With a bit of luck you could end up with an African safari for the price of a trip to Disney World.
3. Live Like a Local

Eat where the locals eat, shop where the locals shop and travel the way the locals travel for a cheaper, more authentic vacation experience.

And remember: the locals don't eat out at every meal. Locate a grocery store or open-air market in the city that you'll be visiting, and assemble a tasty lunch or dinner that you can eat anywhere.
4. Shop Early or Late
The best time to get a travel deal: as soon as an offer has been published and just before it expires. For an easy way to stay up to date on the biggest travel deals, sign up for an e-mail newsletter like TravelZoo Top 20.
5. Fly into a Nearby City
Before you book your plane tickets, check to see if flying into a nearby city could net you a better deal. Prices can vary widely from one airport to the next, and bargain airfare may be worth the hassle of arranging ground transportation.
6. Seek Out Free Attractions
Big name attractions tend to come with big name price tags. Keep your entertainment costs down, by filling your days with a mix of paid and free attractions. Headed to Europe? Then, check out freeineurope.com, a website dedicated to listing free tourist attractions and activities.
7. Rent a Home or Apartment
For cozy accommodations on the cheap, look into renting a private home or apartment in your destination city. Do free accommodations sound better? Then set up a home swap before you go. Try: HomeExchange.com or homelink.org.
8. Stay at a Hostel
If you're looking for affordable lodging and you're not big on frills, consider staying at one of the thousands of hostels across the globe. They're clean, cheap and open to everyone. Use hostels.com to locate potential hostels, to read hostel reviews and to make your reservations. It's hostelling gone modern!
9. Volunteer and Save
Volunteer tourism is growing increasingly popular, and it's not hard to see why. Use responsibletravel.com or a similar website to research volunteer opportunities abroad. Then, enjoy a vacation that's low on cost and high on impact.
10. Go Where the Dollar is Strongest
Stretch your travel dollars by picking a travel location with a favorable exchange rate. For help selecting a winning location, check out Arthur Frommer's global price index, "Where Does the Dollar Do Best?" which gets updated monthly.






Around the World on a Budget
From Mark Kahler,
Your Guide to Budget Travel.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Luxury Layovers

Imagine the look on your friends' faces when you tell them you're about to take an around-the-world trip! Being the Phineas Fogg of your neighborhood might be pretty exciting.

Now try to picture your savings account after booking such a journey on one of the world's great cruise ships. If you're like me, it's not a pretty picture. Eighty days to bankruptcy doesn't have much of a literary ring.
Consolidator Flights

There is a place on the web where you can book Los Angeles - Tokyo - Singapore - Delhi - Istanbul - Rome - Prague - Madrid - Dublin - Los Angeles for under $2000 USD. AirTreks.com claims it "scours the globe looking for the best prices on flights and segments between hundreds of destinations."

You could find yourself with a "layover" in, say, Paris.
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Not a bad place to spend a few days on your trip around the world!

You can make up your own itinerary, but remember that a lot of the savings will depend on your ability to "pass through" certain hub cities. AirTreks will also allow you to complete some sections of your trip over land.

Most of these trips will cost well in excess of $2000 USD. You can choose major world cities and save money, or prepare a more specialized itinerary and pay more.

Costs depend largely on your departure city and the number of stops you wish to make. These arrangements must be made well in advance of your trip, perhaps a month or more before desired departure. Last-minute travel plans will not save you any cash.

Be Creative
Practical Applications

Let's face it: to most travelers, an around-the-world trip is more of a stunt than a rich travel experience. Most do not have the time nor desire for such a journey.

Why write about it?

It's another way to showcase the little-known differences between international fares and domestic flights.

No matter where you live, your domestic flight fares are influenced by a number of factors unique to the location. International fares work in an entirely different way. They are highly regulated and fairly rigid. You simply cannot approach domestic and international fares the same way. To get the best deal takes expertise and some creativity.

It's important to consider alternatives if you really want to save money. It's equally important to know the drawbacks of those alternatives before you spend anything.




WHERE DOES THE DOLLAR DO BEST???


Where Does the Dollar Do Best? Frommer's Global Price Index for June 2008

By Carrie Havranek
May 29, 2008

Getting from point A to point B is only part of the equation now. In the face of the dollar's declining value worldwide against foreign currencies, there can be a bit of sticker shock while traveling. To demonstrate where you can get the most bang for your buck, this monthly index compares the costs of common consumer goods around the globe. Conversions are calculated using www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi.

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (Source: Puerto Rico Tourism Company; www.gotopuertorico.com)

* Movie ticket: $5.50-$6.25
* Publicos (passenger vans with assigned routes): 75¢-$1.25
* Cup of regular coffee: 90¢-$1.00
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Medalla, $1.50
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $125-$150
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $20-$25

Douro, Portugal (Source: Portugal Tourism; www.visitportugal.com and www.visitportoandnorth.com)

* Movie ticket: $9.14
* Bus fare: $1.26-$6.30
* Cup of regular coffee: 86¢-$1.02
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Super Bock, $1.26
* Moderate, three-star room for two: $88.29-$141.90
* Moderate, three course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $21.04-$47.69
* $1= € .63

Estes Park, Colorado (Source: Estes Park Convention and Visitors Bureau; www.estesparkcvb.com)

* Movie ticket: $7
* Bus fare: Free shuttle
* Cup of regular coffee: $1.90
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Estes Park Brewery Beer: $2.50
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $145
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $24.18

Key West, Florida (Source: The Florida Keys Official Tourism Council; www.fla-keys.com)

* Movie ticket: $7
* Bus fare: $1
* Cup of regular coffee: $1.50
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Key West Sunset Ale, $5
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $190-$210
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $36

Ko Lanta, Thailand (Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand; www.tourismthailand.org)

* Movie ticket: $3.11-$3.74
* Minibus or motorocycle service: 31¢-93¢
* Cup of regular coffee: 46¢
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Singh, $1.09
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $18.70-$24.93
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $24.93-$31.17
* $1= 32.08 baht

Mackinac Island, Michigan (Source: Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau; www.mackinacisland.org)

* Movie ticket: $5-$6
* Horse drawn taxi: $4.50 per person
* Cup of regular coffee: $1-$2
* Pint of local beer in a bar: Oberon, $4
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $69-$180
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $24

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (Source: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism; www.massvacation.com)

* Movie ticket: $8
* Bus fare: $6 for all-day pass
* Cup of regular coffee: $1.40
* Pint of local beer in a bar: Offshore Ale, $3
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $175-$295
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $29-$54

Summerside, Prince Edward Island (Source: Prince Edward Island Tourism; www.gentleisland.com)

* Movie ticket: $10.61
* Carriage rides (summer only): $10.10-$20.21
* Cup of regular coffee: $1.32
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Alexander Keith's, $4.54
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $58.27-$77.07
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $25.26
* $1= C 98¢

Suva City, Fiji (Source: Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau; www.bulafijinow.com)

* Movie ticket: $3.68
* Bus fare: 33¢-$1.34
* Cup of regular coffee: 67¢-$1.34
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Fiji Gold, $2.11
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $107.24
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $6.03-$16.08
* $1= $1.49 Fiji Dollars

Zanzibar Island, Tanzania (Source: Tanzania Tourist Board; www.tanzaniatouristboard.com)

* Movie ticket: N/A Bus fare: $1.25
* Cup of regular coffee: $2.51
* Pint of local beer in a bar: Kilimanjaro; $4.19
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $41.91
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $10.05
* $1= 1,193 Tanzania Shillings





Where Does the Dollar Do Best? Frommer's Global Price Index for April 2008

By Carrie Havranek
April 4, 2008

Getting from point A to point B is only part of the equation now. In the face of the dollar's declining value worldwide against foreign currencies, there can be a bit of sticker shock while traveling. To demonstrate where you can get the most bang for your buck, this monthly index compares the costs of common consumer goods around the globe. Conversions are calculated using www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi.

Bismarck, North Dakota (Source: Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau; www.bismarckmandancvb.com)

* Movie ticket: $7.75
* Bus fare: $1
* Cup of regular coffee: $1
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Budweiser, $3
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $95
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $20

Brno, Czech Republic (Source: Czech Tourism; www.czechtourism.com and www.ticbrno.cz)

* Movie ticket: $6.21-$9.88
* Bus fare: $1.30
* Cup of regular coffee: $2.48
* Glass of local beer in a bar: Starobrno, $1.55
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $124.33
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $24.86
* $1= 16.08 Czech Koruna

Kumasi, Ghana (Source: Ghana Tourism; www.ghanatourism.gov.gh and www.chilloutghana.com)

* Movie ticket: $5
* Bus fare: 40¢
* Cup of regular coffee: $1
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Star Beer, $2
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $100
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $24
* $1= .97 Ghana Cedis

Melaka, Malaysia (Source: Tourism Malaysia; www.tourism.gov.my)

* Movie ticket: $2.19-$2.82
* Bus fare: 25¢-$1.09
* Cup of regular coffee: 37¢-78¢
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Carlsberg, $.3.44
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $37.62
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $15.68
* $1=3.188 Malaysia Ringgits

Naples, Italy (Source: Italian Government Tourist Board; www.italiantourism.com)

* Movie ticket: $10.87
* Bus/subway fare: $3.10
* Cup of regular coffee: $3.10
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Birra Moretti, $3.10
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $108.72-$310
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $46.58
* $1= € .64

Ottawa, Ontario (Source: Ottawa Tourism; www.ottawatourism.ca)

* Movie ticket: $9.82
* Bus/light rail fare: $1.90-$2.96
* Cup of regular coffee: $1.48
* Pint of local beer in a bar: Heritage Maple Bush Lager, $6.41
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $128.34
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $29.61
* $1=C$1.01

Seoul, Korea (Source: Korea Tourism Organization; www.kntoamerica.com)

* Movie ticket: $7
* Bus/subway fare: $1
* Cup of regular coffee: $3-$4
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Hite, $1.20
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $120-$150
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $25

Tampa Bay, Florida (Source: Tampa Bay & Company; www.visittampabay.com)

* Movie ticket: $8
* Bus fare: $1.50
* Cup of regular coffee: $1.40
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Ybor Gold, $3
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $189
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $43

Windwardside, Saba (Source: Saba Tourist Bureau; www.sabatourism.com)

* Movie ticket: N/A
* Car rental (no bus or subway): $50
* Cup of regular coffee: $1.40-$1.69
* Bottle of local beer in a bar: Presidente, $1.97
* Moderate, three-star hotel room for two: $150
* Moderate, three-course dinner for one, without alcohol or tip: $35
* $1= $1.77 Netherlands Antilles Guilders





5 MOST COMMON TICKETING ERRORS

Five Most Common Ticketing Errors -- And How to Avoid Them

By Christopher Elliott, Tribune Media Services
May 7, 2008

As far as mistakes go, the one Janet Gordon recently made didn't seem like a big deal. She booked an airline ticket from Toronto to London under the name "Jan."

But what happened next could only be summed up in one word -- "chaos" -- says her husband, David.

"It was a major hassle," remembers Gordon, a human resources director for a college in Swansea, England. At almost every turn, the couple had to explain why the name on Jan's ticket didn't match her passport. "The computers wouldn't allow us to check in and issue a boarding card," he says.

In a business where slip-ups are almost as common as surcharges, the wrong-name-on-my-ticket error is a standout. You don't have to look far for ticketing mistakes in an age of do-it-yourself booking. Take it from me: not only do I write the Travel Troubleshooter column, a question-and-answer feature that helps people solve real-world problems, but I'm also an expert on errors.

I'll get to my own shortcomings in a minute. But right now, let's review the five biggest booking blunders -- and how they could have been prevented:

Wrong Name on a Ticket

Before 9/11, airlines and security personnel -- and I use the term "security personnel" loosely -- might have let a nickname or even a maiden name on a ticket slide. No longer. If you have the wrong name on your ticket, you're probably grounded. And there are two reasons for this: security and greed. The Transportation Security Administration wants to be sure the same person who bought the ticket, and who was screened, is boarding the plane. But when there's an inexact match, the airline can either charge a $100 "change" fee or force you to buy a new ticket. In an industry where every dollar counts, the exact-name rule is the government's gift to cash-starved air carriers.

That's the situation Gordon was confronted with, even when it was obvious that "Jan" and "Janet" were one and the same. There were suggestions that a new ticket might need to be purchased. "We didn't let it get to that," he recalls. Instead, he asked to speak with a supervisor who could finally fix the codes so that the ticket and passport matched up. How did all of this happen in the first place? Turns out Jan Gordon had signed up for a frequent flier account under her informal name, so when she booked an award ticket, it also used her informal -- and inaccurate -- name.

How to avoid it? Triple-check the name on your ticket. Make sure your computer doesn't autofill another name and that the name on your passport or driver's license matches up with your ticket.

Booking a Ticket on the Wrong Airline

Believe it or not, people board the wrong flight every day. I'm not even talking about codeshare flights, which is industry-speak for booking a ticket on one airline but then flying on a "partner" airline with different rules and maybe lower service standards. I'm talking about simply making the wrong choice of airline.

For example, the elite-level business traveler who is accustomed to being treated like royalty when he flies on his preferred carrier might want to stay away from a budget airline. "I gave Southwest a try and I hated it," they'll write to me. "I'm never flying with them again." Of course not. If you don't like flight attendants with a sense of humor, peanut snacks and on-time flights, you'll probably hate Southwest, too. On the flip side, I hear from travelers who book tickets on full-service network airlines and then complain about the price. Which is silly. How else do you think an airline is going to pay for all of that service?

How to avoid it? Watch for the codeshare designation when you book online and do a little research before buying an airline ticket. That way, your expectations won't be too high. Or too low. Also, consider using an experienced travel agent.

The City Switcheroo

Selecting the wrong city pairs -- going from point 'B' to point 'A' instead of from 'A' to 'B' -- is another common error. Jennifer Hyde bought four tickets on Delta Air Lines through Orbitz. But instead of booking them from Boston to Baltimore she inadvertently switched cities, rendering the tickets completely useless. "Needless to say, neither Orbitz nor Delta is doing anything to help," she says. Hyde, a homemaker from Newton, Mass., would have to pay a change fee for each ticket, plus any fare differential, to make things right. Not good.

How could someone switch cities? It's easy. To an inexperienced web user -- and OK, let's be completely honest here, even to some experienced users -- those pull-down menus on travel sites can be utterly confusing. When you're typing in airport city codes like BWI and BOS, it's easy to forget which airport goes where. (But it could be worse -- Hyde might have ended up with a ticket to the familiar-looking BAL city code, which would have taken her to Batman, Turkey.) Point is, if you're not paying attention, or if you're dyslexic, you could click "accept" all the way through the reservation process and you wouldn't know you messed up until it was too late.

How to avoid it? Pay attention. If you're easily distracted maybe you should be working with a qualified travel agent instead of booking yourself. And read your confirmation immediately. If you spot a mistake, your agent might be able to undo it at no charge.

Buying a Ticket That's Too Restrictive

Booking the wrong kind of ticket is yet another common error. Airline sites often assume you want to purchase the cheapest and most restrictive fare, so that's the first quote you're usually offered. The pricier, fully refundable tickets are buried deeper in the site, which is too bad. For air travelers whose plans might change, these are the best selections.

Why should you pay more for a ticket? Because if your plans change and you're holding a nonrefundable ticket, it will be practically worthless. Every day I field a question from air travelers who would have benefited from this advice. They ask the airline to make exceptions to its refundability rules. They make up excuses. They throw tantrums. It almost never works.

How to avoid it? If you can't buy the right ticket, at least buy the right insurance policy. It might protect you if you change plans.

Wrong Date

Like the wrong city switcheroo, the wrong date problem is an epidemic among air travelers. Part of the reason is simple absentmindedness: choosing the sixth month instead of the seventh month and then not reading the subsequent screens.

But part of the reason is that airline Web sites are anything but user-friendly. Reader Nancy Smythe wrote to me recently about her flight from West Palm Beach, Fla., to London, which she booked directly online through the airline. It turns out the carrier had sold her a ticket it couldn't deliver -- her connection times were too short. So it agreed to rebook her on a later flight. But when it sent her the new ticket, it had the wrong date on it. When she pointed out the mistake, she was asked to pay a change fee. "This wasn't my error," she says. So why should she pay for it? Smythe's experience reveals the maddening secret of ticketing mistakes. The airline will try to make you pay for an error -- even if it's not yours.

How to avoid it? Wake up and read the screen. No, seriously. This can usually be avoided by just reviewing your itinerary before you click the "book" button.

So look out for wrong names, wrong airlines, wrong cities, wrong dates and wrong expectations. Easy for me to say, right?

Wrong.

I've made every mistake in the book -- and then some -- when it comes to travel. All of the above errors are on my record. And let me also add that my mistakes aren't limited to travel. I have some big-time screw-ups to my name that extend into my professional and personal life. Hey, don't we all?

But as I look at the subject of mistakes in general, and ticketing mistakes in particular, I'm not worried about the ones we make once and learn from and are unlikely to repeat.

It's the ones that we make over and over for no other reason than that we're just easily manipulated -- those are the screw-ups that infuriate me.

Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the host of "What You Get For The Money: Vacations" on the Fine Living Network. E-mail him at celliott@ngs.org.


FLYING WITH FIDO AND FLUFFY; TRAVELING WITH PETS
Airlines stop shipping pets as checked baggage during extreme hot and cold weather. Many of the airlines do have special programs, though, that allow you to ship your pets as cargo, during the times of the day when the temperatures are the most moderate.
Members please log-in to look at our detailed list of airlines, their specific requirements and contact numbers.

Vacationing with pets can be very rewarding and those who enjoy traveling long distances may want to save time by flying. Pets on the Go does not recommend that you fly with your pet; however, we also understand that it is necessary at times to do so. If your pet must fly; here are some guidelines.

There are three basic ways to transport pets on planes. First, you can travel with your pet on a commercial airline. Second, you can hire a charter airline company to fly you and your pet to your destination. This option is particularly useful if there is a group or family traveling; the associated costs of flying will drop and the regulations concerning your pet usually are more negotiable. The third option is to hire a professional pet transporter to take care of everything from picking the pet up at your house to ensuring its proper placement on the flight and safe transport to its destination and home.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) provides a monthly Air Travel Consumer Report that contains specific statistics on animal mishaps aboard domestic carriers.
Commercial Airlines

There are certain legal guidelines and restrictions for pet air travel. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) govern air travel for pets. The airlines themselves have different regulations; always contact your airline well in advance to review the particular procedures and requirements.

The best airlines generally have written rules for pet travel. These guidelines are evidence that the airline has given a good deal of thought to the safe transport of animals. Small pets often can be crated and taken on board the plane with you. Larger animals must stay in the cargo area. No matter what airline carrier you use, there are important guidelines to consider.

The pet should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
The pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress.
According to the ASPCA and many veterinarians, as well as most airlines, pets should not be sedated for air travel. If you are concerned about your pet being over anxious during travel, then please discuss this with your veterinarian. Make sure that your pet’s nails are trimmed to avoid snagging on the travel crate’s door or some other object.
The pet should have all necessary health certificates and documentation.
The travel crate must meet the airline’s standards and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably, turn around, and stand freely. Mark the crate with “Live Animal — This Side Up” and include your name, address, and telephone number in case she gets lost or misplaced in transit. You also should include the name, address, and telephone number of your destination. New Regulations — Containers constructed after October 1, 2000 must meet the following requirements -- The door must be constructed of welded or cast metal of sufficient gauge or thickness to prevent the animal from bending or distorting the door. The door hinge and locking pins must engage the kennel by at least 1.5 cm (5/8") beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door opening where the pins are fitted.
Your pet may be more comfortable if you place an old towel, blanket, or toys in the crate.
Book a nonstop flight and take temperatures into consideration. During the summer, fly at night when it’s often cooler. In the winter, fly during the day when it’s warmer.
Certain short-nosed dogs such as pugs cannot breathe well in airplane cargo areas. Avoid flying with these particular breeds.
Do not feed your pet just before traveling due to the potential for an upset stomach during the flight. Give your pet frozen water or, if possible, some ice cubes that will melt slowly (and hopefully will not dump out during boarding).
Plan your trip well in advance and make sure you follow all airline regulations. Plan to check-in at the airport at least three hours before the flight departs.
Private Air Travel — Chartering A Plane

As expensive as it may appear, many travelers are very surprised to discover that a small plane charter is fairly reasonable, particularly if there are three to 12 people flying together as a group. Charter hourly rates can range from $700 to $4,000, depending on the plane and region. For instance, if a group of vacationers are flying only an hour or so, the average airfare can be very nominal. Given the recent increased security and long delays at most major airports, many travelers also are eager to fly out of small regional airports that are close to both home and their eventual destinations.

There are hundreds of small- to medium-sized air charter companies throughout the United States. Each company covers a different region and has its own pet policies. It is very important to check several to find the best overall price, features, and service for you, your group, and your furry friend.

Professional Pet Transportation Companies

Pet transportation companies have always provided an invaluable service for those who are in the process of moving to a different region or who simply need someone to oversee the safe shipment of their pet to a vacation getaway. Anyone can ship an unaccompanied pet, but as more and more airlines beef up their security and ask that the shipper be "known" to them, many people are hiring these pet movers play to help them safely ship their unaccompanied pets to their destinations. Members may log-in for a list of pet transportation companies that will help get your pet safely from one location to another.

To assist you in understanding some of the general rules and regulations about transporting a pet by air, we suggest visiting the Air Transport Association web site where they discuss many points of interest. We suggest that you also ensure that the company you ultimately choose is bonded, check their references, ensure that they are endorsed by the appropriate regulatory agencies, such as the IPATA, AATA, and/or the PHA.

While pet transporters can make the entire process of shipping or flying with a pet much easier, there are still a number of questions you should be prepared to ask the shipper.






Some advice, if you’ve never taken your pet on a plane before:

* If your pet is small enough, you can bring it on the plane via a crate that fits underneath your seat. If not, make a reservation with your airline and get the appropriate crate to store your pet.
* The airlines will also provide you info as to when you should last offer your pet food and water prior to departure.
* Your veterinarian may recommend using a low dose of tranquilizers to calm the pet down, depending upon its age and demeanor.

If you’re from the USA or Canada, the Spanish government has recently simplified the procedure for bringing your pets into the country. Follow these instructions from the Spanish Embassy. I would assume that for other non-EU countries, importing your pets is the same or at least very similar, but confirm with your nearest Spanish consulate. You can download the veterinarian pet certificate from the link on the right.
Requirements for the import of cats, dogs, and ferrets

The following requirements concern the non-commercial importing of cats, dogs, and ferrets into Spain.

It’s considered non-commercial if importing only up to five animals without commercial purposes (not being part of a sale or with the intention to sell).

The entry of dogs, cats, or ferrets under three months of age is not allowed.

In Spain the ownership certain types of dogs is subject to strict requirements regarding registration and safety.

Identification of animals

All animals will be identified with either a tattoo or a microchip compatible with standards ISO-11784 or ISO-11785. If the animals are identified with a non-compatible microchip, the importer must supply the appropriate reading equipment.

Certificate

The animals will also be accompanied by a veterinary certificate, issued by an Official Veterinarian, which will include the following:

* Identification of the owner or person responsible for the animal(s)
* Description and origin of the animal(s)
* Microchip or tattoo number, location and date of insertion.
* Information on the rabies vaccine (the vaccine type must be inactive, and in compliance with the standards of the OIE).

The veterinary certificate will be valid for 4 months or until the vaccine’s expiration date, whichever is first. Animals without the certificate will be denied entry into Spain. For animals from the United States and Canada traveling to Spain, parts V, VI, and VII of the certificate do not need to be filled. (download this form from the links on the right)

United States: the veterinary certificate may be filled out by any veterinarian accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA/APHIS, under the National Veterinary Accreditation Program, NVAP. However, once filled out, the certificate must be endorsed by an Official Veterinary employed by the Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (VS/APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture. First, ask your veterinarian whether they are accredited under NVAP. If that is not the case, please contact the Area Office of VS/APHIS to request a list of accredited veterinarians near your place of residence. Once the accredited veterinarian has filled and signed the certificate, it will need the endorsement (signature) of a VS/APHIS Official Veterinarian. The accredited veterinarian or VS/APHIS Area Office can inform you of the procedure.

Canada: The certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by an Official Veterinarian from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The cage or carrier in which the animal is travelling must be labelled with the name, address in Spain, and phone number of the owner or the owner’s representative.

Once in Spain, pet animals need a passport, according to the European Union model, in order to travel to other countries the EU. Ask your veterinarian in Spain about the passport.

There are other requirements for owning a potentially dangerous dog in Spain. See the requirements at the link on the right.
Importing Pets From Other EU States (UK, etc.)

The process has been made quite simple as of October 2004 with the blue Pet Pass. See the following from bringing your pets to Spain from the UK:

Dogs, cats and ferrets over three months

* Identification by chip or legible tattoo. Following a transitional period of eight years (until 2012) chips will be the only valid form of ID.
* Valid rabies vaccination
* New vaccination pass as set out by the EU Commission (blue Pet Pass)

Dogs, cats and ferrets under three months

* the holder carries a certificate to clearly identify the animal (blue Pet Pass with identification chip or legible tattoo)
* the holder carries a confirmation by an authorized veterinarian that declares that the animal was so far only kept at its place of birth
* the young animal is still dependant on and has to accompany its mother.




















Have you ever waited on the check-in line at the airport and and noticed a passenger off to the side with a big crate and a big dog in it? Or perhaps you're standing behind the white line at immigration and watch a passenger carting a cat carrier with a cute kitty in it. If you're like me, you're probably daunted by the idea of bringing a pet on a flight. But Lufthansa Airlines has some very straightforward steps to take. While other airlines may differ in terms of policy, their regulations are similar to those of Lufthansa:

1. Call Lufthansa Airlines (800 399-5838 or 800-645-3880) and find out what kind of container you need to take your pet in. If you have a small dog or cat, you may bring your pet on board with you into the cabin. The pet carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. According to Lufthansa regulations as of this writing, the combined weight of your cat carrier and pet cannot exceed eight kilograms (17.6 lbs). The box cannot measure more than 55 x 40 x 20 cm (about 22 x 15.5 x 7.8 inches). In addition, Lufthansa offers you a "Pet Box" at the check-in counters . As of this writing, the pet box is free of charge, but that can change anytime.

A good idea when booking your flight is to see if you can get an emergency exit seat so that there will be more room for you to place your pet and carrier in front of you.

If your pet is too big (usually dogs), you will need to transport him in the cargo hold (which is air conditioned for animals). You may use your own transport container for your animal if it complies with IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. Your animal must be able to stand up straight and move in the box. If necessary, you can purchase containers in different sizes from Lufthansa Cargo. Click here for more information.

2. At least 24 hours before you bring your pet to the airport, call Lufthansa and reserve a spot for your pet. The best time to do this is when you book your flight, so you won't forget. Here again is contact information for Lufthansa Reservations--USA: 800 399-5838 or 800-645-3880













Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets: what about Pets in the Cabin

Filed Under Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets ·

The majority of airline companies that offer dirt cheap airline ticktes do not allow any pets to travel in the cabin. You must contact the airline you wish to travel with to be sure that they allow pets in the passenger cabin.

But you cannot be sure that there will be no animals in the cabin because there is a law that says that all passengers that need a service animal are allowed to carry them in the cabin. This is because service animals are not considered pets but working being that assists person with disabilities. A limit is not set to the number of service animals that can fly on any given route nor they have not to be put in a contanier or a cage, also it is not required any health certificate.

To know if an airline allow a pet to travel with you you can call the airline line and get alla the informations you need, also on the site of the airline you will b able to find informations on policies and procedures about this subject.

If you are allergic to dander you should consider to avoid to fly with companies offering dirt cheap airline tickets that allows pet in the cabin, or you can ask the travel agent if some passenger has made reservations to travel with a pet. Anyway check with your doctor what you’ll have to do if a reaction should occur to you during the fly.

When you want to carry your pet with you in the cabin, you must know that the pet container wil be considered a carry on baggage and so you must follow the carry on baggage rules with no exception.

This are the FAA rules regarding carry on baggages:

* Your pet container must be small enough to fit underneath the seat without blocking any person’s path to the main aisle of the airplane.
* Your pet container must be stowed properly before the last passenger entry door to the airplane is closed in order for the airplane to leave the gate.
* Your pet container must remain properly stowed the entire time the airplane is moving on the airport surface, and for take off and landing.
* You must follow flight attendant instructions regarding the proper stowage of your pet container.

In brief:

+ Keep in mind that not all companies offering dirt cheap airline tickets will allow your pet to fly in the passenger cabin.

+ Be aware that service animals due to their special status can fly in the passenger cabin even not confined in a cage or a container.

+ If you are allergic check with your doctor what procedures to follow if you have a reaction.

+ Keep in mind that your pet container must submit to the ruls of a carry-on baggage.

So, dirt cheap airline tickets and pets in the cabin can go together someway!





As you plan for your flight with your pet

Choose the most direct flight to your destination. This will help reduce the stress on your pet.

If warm temperatures are a concern, book an early morning, evening, or overnight flight when the temperatures are cooler. If cold weather is an issue, book your flight for the middle of the day.

Contact the airline you and your pet will be traveling on. Make sure your pet has a reservation and find out if there are any new travel restrictions or issues you need to be aware of. You will want to inform the airlines as early as possible as some limit the number of pets on a flight.

When you choose a kennel/carrier for you pet make sure

* It is sized correctly. There should be enough room for the animal to stand and sit in a natural position, turn around, and lie down. Some airlines require brachycephalic, or pug nosed dogs and cats, to have a kennel an extra size larger for their safety.
* The kennel door closes securely. A major cause of pet injury during airline travel is the animal getting out of the kennel. The door must not be locked as federal regulations require that your pet is accessible in the event of an emergency.
* Approved for air transport.

If your pet is not crate trained, you should begin crate training as early as possible to ensure that your pet is comfortable in the kennel. Trying to escape and actually escaping from the kennel during the flight is the most common cause of injury for pets that fly. Some pets may take up to 6 months to become comfortable in a kennel, and some may never completely accept the kennel. If your pet does not become comfortable with the crate before the flight, you may want to reconsider flying your pet.

If you are traveling to a foreign country or Hawaii, make sure that you have met all the quarantine and health requirements of your destination. In some cases failure to do so may cause your pet to be destroyed.

Honestly evaluate how you think your pet will react to the experience. If you feel that your pet might injure itself by attempting to escape from the kennel during shipment, you should look for other options in transporting your pet. Not every pet is a good candidate for air travel. You know you pet and are in the best position to make this decision.
Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying.
Animals who are in heat or who are pregnant should not travel by air.







Traveling With Your Dog

According to AAA, the number of lodgings that are now accepting pets has increased by 28 percent since 2003. Whether on a road trip or flying the friendly skies, when a pet joins the vacation, here are some tips to know before you go:

* Visit a veterinarian before vacation. Verify all vaccinations and discuss any health concerns that might inhibit traveling.
* Parasite patrol. There’s a good likelihood your pet will be around other pets - and you won’t be guaranteed those dogs DON’T have fleas. Before traveling, help protect pets with products such as Advantage® flea control for cats and dogs or K9 Advantix®, flea, tick and mosquito control for dogs.
* Photo ID. If your pet is traveling with you, it is smart to carry a picture of your pet with you at all times in case they get lost.
* Forget me nots. Collar (with your contact info), first-aid kit, current medications, water bowl and food, favorite toy (a replaceable one, in case it’s misplaced during the trip), and emergency phone numbers.
* Kennel comfort. If your trip requires travel in a kennel, train them a month before the trip. Make sure the kennel is large enough for the pet to stand and turn around, and always label the kennel with "This End Up" and "Live Animal" stickers if traveling by plane.
* Are we there yet? Book non-stop airline flights to reduce time in an unfamiliar place and ask flight attendants if they can check on your furry friend in cargo if they are unable to travel in the cabin.
* Buckle up. When traveling by car, a seat harness might be advisable (depending on the size of the dog), or a well-ventilated travel crate. Ask your veterinarian's opinion if you're not sure.
* Window warning. Most dogs love riding in cars with their heads (and tongues) in the wind. Warning: Think twice about indulging your dog this pleasure. A sudden stop, or any oncoming rocks/debris, can cause severe injury.
* Food for thought. Feed your pet smaller meals on travel days to avoid motion sickness and always have plenty of water available.

If you are leaving your four-legged friend at home, be sure to check out these boarding tips.







Flying the Pet-Friendly Skies with petswelcome.com

Did you ever get stuck in coach next to a paintball enthusiast and wish he'd quietly morph into a Malamute? Or how about next to an unpublished poet, with only peanuts and a warm ginger ale to get you through a NY - LA rendition of Beowulf in terza rima? Wouldn't you rather be sitting next to a Maine Coon Cat, scratching it behind the ears for a few hours? Oh, sorry, we're digressing here...

Anyway, most people feel that it's next to impossible to take their pet on a plane when, in reality, it's largely a matter of being well informed. While we do not recommend you take your animal on a plane (except as carry-on baggage), we know that sometimes you may not have a choice. Unfortunately, if you own anything larger than a small dog, you cannot take it in the cabin. This means your pet has to travel as checked baggage or cargo. Not a great option. But, whatever the case, knowledge is power and so we've gathered as much information as possible from all the major airlines so that you will be familiar with their particular rules and policies.

But first, here are some general tips to bear in mind:

* Never sedate your pet on a flight. High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination and should never be mixed.
* Always have your pet's leash and collar easily accessible for walking prior to departure, but do not take the pet out of the kennel inside the airport.
* Identification tags for your pet and travel kennel, including pet's name, home address and phone number, are essential.
* Never use a muzzle on your pet during travel, as this is dangerous to the pet.
* Familiarize your pet with the kennel prior to the trip so that it is comfortable to him/her at travel time.
* Always make advanced reservations or arrangements with the airline when you are making your own reservations. The airline always reserves the right to refuse travel if there are too many pets on board, so make sure you advise them early.

Whether your pet will travel with you in the cabin or as checked luggage in the cargo area (this will be primarily determined by size), your pet will need to be contained in a kennel or container for the entire trip. Most pet supply stores carry both soft-sided (for in cabin travel) and hard-sided kennels approved for air travel. Additionally, the airlines also sell kennels at the counter. As always, check with the airline first to arrange for this purchase.

In selecting a kennel, you must first determine the proper size. Your pet's size is determined by the following:

Length: from nose to root of tail
Width: length across shoulders
Height: (in standing position with head erect) from ground to highest point

It is important that your pet can stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably throughout the flight.

To find specific policies for all the major airlines, click on the lefthand menu.




JetBlue

JetBlue accepts a combined total of 4 small cats and dogs in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. The fee for a pet is $50 USD each way. Only one pet is allowed per customer unless you are bringing a certified service animal or documented emotional support animal. When traveling with your pet, you are responsible for ensuring that you have all necessary documentation, including documentation that may be required by foreign countries. To book your pet, please call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583) and let us know you'd like your pet to travel with you.

PET CARRIER Restrictions:

* Only one pet is allowed per carrier and your pet must remain inside the carrier during the entire flight.
* Your pet must fit in a carrier that is smaller than 17"l x 12.5"w x 8"h (45.72 cm L x 38.1 cm W x 20.32 cm H) and must be placed under the seat in front of you.
* Carriers that are 17"l x 12.5"w x 8"h may be purchased with cash, check or credit card at any JetBlue ticket counter for a nonrefundable fee of $20 USD.
* Combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds.
* Your pet and carrier will count as your one personal item.

Pets traveling to the Dominican Republic

It is necessary to submit the following documents to the Dominican Republic Department of Animal Health upon arrival.

For cats and dogs, a health certificate issued within 15 days prior to the arrival date by a competent veterinarian in the country of origin. It must state that animals are in good health and traveling from an area that during the last three months has been free from serious diseases. They must have proof of vaccination from within a period of more than 30 days and less than one year prior to the date of animal arrival.

* For cats: Anti rabies vaccine certificate
* For dogs: Anti rabies vaccine, triple vaccine (distemper, lectopirosis, hepatitis) and parvo-virus vaccine certificates

Non-compliance with the regulations for pets will result in destruction or deportation of animals to country of origin at the Customer's expense. Quarantine facilities are only available at SDQ.

On departure, Customers are to obtain a health certificate for their pet at the Office of Animal Health. This certificate will be valid for 72 hours and will be needed to enter the next port of call. The Direccion General de Ganadaria (Office of Animal Health) can be reached at 1-809-542-0132.

Pets traveling to the Bahamas

Cats and dogs from Canada, the United States and countries not known or suspected to have rabies are admitted on the following conditions:

* Pet must be over six months old
* Customer must hold a Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 24 hours of embarkation
* Pet must have had rabies vaccination administered for the duration of one or three years no less than one month prior to arrival

An import permit is required from the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry for all animals being brought into the Bahamas. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Applications for such permits, stating the kind of animal, breed, age, sex and country of embarkation along with a $10 processing fee, must be made in writing. There is no fee for service animals. This import permit must be obtained prior to arrival in the Bahamas and requires a minimum of 48 hours for processing.

Cats and dogs from countries known or suspected to have rabies (including mainland Europe and most of South and Central America) are prohibited.

For further information, please contact the Department of Agriculture by phone at 1-242-325-7502, fax 1-242-325-3960 or by mail:

Director, Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box n-3704
Nassau, Bahamas

Pets traveling to Bermuda

All animals arriving in Bermuda are required to be accompanied by health documents as well as an Import Permit issued in advance by the Bermuda Department of Environmental Protection.

The actual application for an Import Permit should be made no more than 10 days prior to arrival in Bermuda. The animal's health certificate should be no more than 10 days old when the animal arrives.

Animal owners who bring their animal(s) for a short stay in Bermuda may be asked ot place a refundable deposit on duty. This will be at the discretion of the Bermuda Customs office.

Animals arriving without proper documentation will be refused entry and will be immediately returned to the country of origin or euthanized, at the owner¹s expense, as there are no quarantine facilities in Bermuda.

Pets traveling to Aruba

All animals entering Aruba must be accompanied by a veterinary Health Certificate issued from the originating country a maximum of 14 days prior to arrival and a rabies inoculation certificate issued within 30 days prior to arrival.

Animals traveling or originating from South and Central America are prohibited in Aruba.




General Information on Traveling with Pets

We accept small cats and dogs in the cabin of the aircraft on both domestic
and international flights (no other animals are allowed). The following guidelines apply
to customers bringing a pet. Please note: These requirements do not apply to
certified service animals or emotional support animals; click here for
guidelines pertaining to certified service animals and emotional support animals.

* The nonrefundable fee for a pet is $100 each way.
* Combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds.
* Only four pets are allowed per flight.
* Your pet and carrier will count as your one personal item.
* Pets must remain in the carrier and under the seat during the entire flight.
* You will not be assigned an exit row or bulkhead seat, and you will be seated in a window or aisle seat.
* Check pet vaccination and documentation requirements for your destination; you will need to check the requirements for each segment of your trip if traveling round-trip with your pet. Please see below for specific requirements based on your origin and destination countries.
* Only one pet is allowed per customer, except on a case-by-case basis when the following requirements are met:
o The allowable number of pets per flight is not exceeded.
o Customer purchases an extra seat
o Customer pays the additional pet fee



Please note: JetBlue does not accept pets traveling without a customer.

Also note: Pet carriers, like all baggage, are subject to being searched by
airport security authorities.

To book the flight that you will be traveling on with your pet, please call our
Reservations team and let us know you'd like your pet to travel with you so that
we can verify pet availability for the flights you are considering. Reservations is
able to book three pets per flight, with the fourth to be booked at the airport.

Due to the lack of oxygen and pressurized air, we do not transport animals in
the cargo area.

Customers traveling with a pet may not use online flight check in.

Please check the information below on pet carriers to make sure your carrier
meets these guidelines:

* Your pet must fit in a carrier that does not exceed 17"l x 12.5"w x 8"h and must be placed under the seat in front of you. Note: When passing through security, you will be asked to hold the pet and walk through while the carrier is x-rayed.
* Only one pet is allowed per carrier.
* Your pet must be able to stand up and move around in the carrier with ease.
* Carriers must have a leak proof bottom and must be well ventilated on at least two sides.
* Approved soft-sided carriers specifically designed as pet carriers are acceptable.


Designed exclusively for JetBlue, soft-sided Sherpa carriers that are
13"l x 10"w x 8.5"h (3 1/2 pounds empty) are available for a nonrefundable
fee of $60.


Traveling to Aruba

All animals entering Aruba must be accompanied by a veterinary health
certificate issued from the originating country a maximum of 14 days prior to
arrival and a rabies inoculation certificate issued within 30 days prior to arrival.

Animals traveling or originating from South and Central America are prohibited in
Aruba.


Traveling to Bermuda

JetBlue will accept small dogs and cats for transportation to/from Bermuda. All
animals arriving in Bermuda are required to be accompanied by health documents,
as well as an Import Permit issued in advance by the Bermuda Department of
Environmental Protection.

The actual application for an Import Permit should be made no more than 10 days
prior to arrival in Bermuda. The animal's health certificate should be no more than
10 days old when the animal arrives.

At the discretion of the Bermuda Customs officer, animal owners who bring their
animals for a short stay in Bermuda may be asked to place a refundable deposit
on duty. This will be at the discretion of the Bermuda Customs officer.

Animals arriving without proper documentation will be refused entry and will be
immediately returned to the country of origin or destroyed, at the owner's
expense, as there are no quarantine facilities in Bermuda.


Traveling to Mexico

JetBlue will accept pets (small dogs and cats) for transportation to and from
Mexico. All animals arriving in Mexico are required to be accompanied by:

· The pet's health certificate signed by a registered veterinarian in the U.S.
which must not be issued more than 72 hours before the animal enters Mexico.
· In addition, the pet's vaccination certificate must show that the animal has
been immunized for rabies, hepatitis, pip and leptospirosis.

Certification by Mexican consular authorities is not required for the health or
vaccination certificate. A permit fee is charged at the time of entry into Mexico.


Traveling to St. Maarten

JetBlue will accept pets (small dogs and cats) in the cabin for transportation to and
from St. Maarten. All animals arriving in St. Maarten must be accompanied by a
veterinarian health certificate issued at point or origin. The health certificate should be
issued maximum of 14 days prior to arrival. In addition, dogs and cats need a rabies
vaccination certificate, administered at least 30 days prior to arrival. Dogs and cats
are required to have a microchip and the microchip number must be included on the
documents.

NOTE: Dogs and cats from Central and South America that transit through
the U.S. are prohibited from entry into St. Maarten.



Traveling to the Bahamas

Cats and dogs from Canada, the United States and countries not known or
suspected to have rabies are admitted on the following conditions:

* Pet must be over six months old
* Customer must hold a Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 24 hours of embarkation
* Pet must have had rabies vaccination administered for the duration of one or three years no less than one month prior to arrival


An import permit is required from the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry
for all animals being brought into the Bahamas. The permit is valid for one year
from the date of issue. Applications for such permits, stating the kind of animal,
breed, age, sex and country of embarkation along with a $10 processing fee,
must be made in writing. There is no fee for service animals. This import permit
must be obtained prior to arrival in the Bahamas and requires a minimum of 48
hours for processing.

To download the Bahamas Import Requirements Form to import domestic animals
into the Bahamas, click here:
Download Bahamas Import Requirements Form

Cats and dogs from countries known or suspected to have rabies (including
mainland Europe and most of South and Central America) are prohibited.

For further information, please contact the Department of Agriculture by phone
at 1-242-325-7502, fax 1-242-325-3960 or by mail:

Director, Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box n-3704
Nassau, Bahamas


Traveling to the Dominican Republic

It is necessary to submit the following documents to the Dominican Republic
Department of Animal Health upon arrival.

For cats and dogs, a health certificate issued within 15 days prior to the arrival
date by a competent veterinarian in the country of origin. It must state that
animals are in good health and traveling from an area that during the last three
months has been free from serious diseases. They must have proof of
vaccination from within a period of more than 30 days and less than one year
prior to the date of animal arrival.

For cats: Anti rabies vaccine certificate
For dogs: Anti rabies vaccine, triple vaccine (distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis)
and parvo-virus vaccine certificates


Non-compliance with the regulations for pets will result in destruction or deportation
of animals to country of origin at the Customer's expense. Quarantine facilities are
only available at SDQ.

On departure, customers are to obtain a health certificate for their pet at the
Office of Animal Health (Direccion General de Ganadaria) located in the
airport. The Direccion Generalde Ganadaria may be reached at
1-809-535-9689. This certificate will be valid for 72 hours and will be needed
to enter the next port of call and costs $10 USD or 300 Dominican Pesos.


Traveling to the U.S. or Returning to the U.S.

Cats and dogs are inspected by a quarantine officer at the port of arrival. If there
is evidence of ill health, the owner must pay for a veterinarian to further
examine the animal.

Dogs (except puppies less than three months of age) require a rabies vaccination
no less than one month and no more than 12 months prior to arrival. A certificate
of rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian must accompany the dog.
This certificate should identify the dog, specify the date of vaccination and
expiration, and the type of vaccine used.

Dogs arriving from areas, other than those listed below, may be admitted without
rabies vaccination certificate, provided the owner confines the dog at home for
30 days and has the dog vaccinated within four days after arrival at destination
but no more than 10 days after arrival at port of entry.

If the dog has been in any of the following countries for the duration of six months
or more before their arrival in the U.S., then no rabies vaccination is required:
Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Chinese
Taipei, Curacao, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Guadeloupe, Guam, Iceland, Ireland (Rep. of),
Jamaica, Japan, Martinique, Montserrat, New Zealand, Norway, Saipan, Samoa
(American), St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Martin, St. Vincent, Sweden, United
Kingdom or Virgin Islands.

Proof of rabies vaccination is not required for cats but is strongly recommended
by most state and local health authorities.

Pets taken out of the United States are subject to the same requirements upon
return as those entering for the first time. This means that U.S. residents
returning to the U.S. may need to get a Certificate of Health from an international
veterinarian if staying in the foreign country for more than 10 days.


Traveling to/from Puerto Rico

Cats and dogs are required to have the following upon departure or arrival in
Puerto Rico:

* A veterinarian health certificate issued within 30 days at point of origin. The certificate must state that the animal has lived in an area which has not been under quarantine due to contagious, infectious or transmissible disease.
* A rabies inoculation certificate issued within six months of date of travel (if the animal is over four months old)
* A sturdy collar and two identification tags. The tags should include both your permanent address and telephone number, along with an address and telephone number where you can be reached while traveling.


For further information, please contact the Veterinary Division of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture Puerto Rico at 1-787-766-6050.









MOVING WITH PETS

Because pets have an instinctive fear of new surroundings, pet owners want to help them adjust quickly. This article will provide a checklist of things to do to see that your pets will be happy--courtesy of Stevens Worldwide Van Lines. Pre-planning for the transfer of your pet, as well as for your household goods, should begin as soon as you know you are going to move. This article covers the following topics:

Pre-Planning
State and Local Regulations
Health
Identification
Transportation
Birds and Small Caged Pets
Tropical Fish
Horses and Ponies
Unusual Pets
A New Veterinarian
At Home in the New Home

PRE-PLANNING
This is the key to an easier transfer, regardless of the mode of transportation chosen. Travel arrangements should be completed as far in advance of moving day as is practical, keeping departure day tasks to a minimum. One person in the family should assume responsibility for the pet. Be sure to discuss the transfer of your pet with your travel agent. Your agent can help you select the best way to transfer your pet, offer helpful suggestions, and assist with, or take care of, any necessary shipping arrangements. The agent may recommend a pet handling agency that will take care of all the details of shipping pets, including boarding, pick-up, and delivery. Costs vary according to services rendered.

General Checklist
1. Take pet to veterinarian for checkup and health documentsapply for entry permit if one is needed; inquire about sedation for pet; obtain pet's health record; schedule second visit to vet if necessary; ask your vet to recommend a colleague in the new city.
2. Obtain travel identification tag.
3. Check destination state's pet entry regulations.

STATE AND LOCAL REGULATIONS
State Law: Nearly every state has laws applicable to the entry of dogs, cats, horses, psittacine birds (birds of the parrot family), and other pets. Tropical fish are the only exception. It is important to comply with the laws of the state to which you are moving; otherwise, you may be subject to prosecution. Stevens Van Lines suggests contacting the State Veterinarian in the capital city of your new home state well in advance of your move for specific laws concerning entry of your pet.
A few states have border inspection of all animals being imported; others have random inspection by department of agriculture officials or the state highway patrol; some check interstate health certificates; many depend on individual compliance with the law; and a number rely on a combination of these methods. Representatives of the state department of agriculture are usually present at airports to inspect any pets arriving by air.
Local Regulations: The majority of communities in the United States have enacted pet control and licensing ordinances. In many instances these relate only to dogs, but increasing numbers of cities are applying them to cats as well. Local laws may limit the number of dogs or cats permitted in one household.
Most communities prohibit the stabling of horses, ponies and other livestock within city limits. Where permitted, minimum distance from the barn to you and your neighbors' houses may be specified, as well as size of pasture required. You may have to stable your animal(s) outside the city limits.
License fees and the length of time a new resident has in which to obtain a license for a pet vary from place to place. Contact the city clerk at the destination city or town hall for specific information.

HEALTH
The documents pertaining to your pet's health are important. You may be asked to show them at anytime, especially when traveling, so it is advisable to keep them handy. Any or all of the following may be required:
Health Certificate: Interstate health certificates must accompany dogs and horses entering nearly all states. About half have the same requirement for cats, birds and other pets. In some cases, advance receipt of the health certificate by the destination state's regulatory agency is a prerequisite to entry of the pet.
The health certificate must include a complete description of the pet, list all inoculations it has had, and state that it is free from infectious diseases.
Have your pet examined by your veterinarian well in advance of departure date so there will be time for any treatment or inoculations recommended. Another examination just prior to departure may be necessary. If the pet is excitable, or prone to motion sickness when traveling, ask the vet to prescribe medication for it. Also ask if a colleague in your new area can be recommended.
Permit: Some pets must have entry permits issued by the destination state's regulatory agency. Either you or your veterinarian may apply for the permit, for which there may be a charge. Receipt of an interstate health certificate from the state of origin may be requisite to issuance of the permit.
NOTE: Validity of health certificates and permits is strictly limited in several states. If moving to one of these, be sure your pet arrives within the valid period.
Rabies Tag: All but four states require dogs to have rabies inoculation, and a number have the same regulation for cats. State and local laws usually stipulate that the rabies tag be securely attached to the pet's collar.

IDENTIFICATION
In addition to permanent identity and rabies tags, both dogs and cats should be provided with special travel identification tags. A luggage- type tag with space on both sides for writing is excellent for this particular purpose. The tag should include the pet's name, your name and destination address, and the name and address of an alternate person to contact in case you cannot be located. Other pets are less apt to become lost, but birds are sometimes identified by leg bands; horses and ponies by brands, tattoos, color photos, and/or registration papers. The pet's health certificate may also be used for identification.

TRANSPORTATION
Pets cannot be moved on the moving van. Nor, except for Seeing- Eye dogs accompanying blind persons, are they permitted on trains or buses. So ways of pet transport are limited to two: ( I ) By Air with the pet either accompanying you, or in an appropriate container traveling as air freight; or (2) In your personal motor vehicle.

Transportation by Air
Airlines that accept pets for transportation have specific regulations covering their passage, whether they are accompanied or unaccompanied. When making inquiries, be sure to ask about transportation charges and pet insurance.

Accompanied Pets
Some airlines permit pets in passenger cabins IF they are of a size to be kept in a carrier no larger than 21" x 1 8" x 8" high, that can be kept under the seat. Larger pets must travel as air freight (see "Unaccompanied Pets").
Reservations should be made well in advance of departure date as the number of pets permitted on a flight is strictly limited, and pet approval is granted on a first-come-first-served basis. A Seeing-Eye dog, properly harnessed, normally travels free in the cabin at its master's feet. However, the airline must be notified in advance that the dog will be on the flight.
If your pet is to travel in the cabin, take it with you when you check in. If as air freight, it must be delivered to the freight terminal in time to assure inclusion on your flight.
Should your trip require a transfer between airlines, check pet regulations of the second airline in advance to be sure that pets are carried. There is no through-checking of pets between airlines, so it will be your responsibility to see that connections are made at the transfer point.

Unaccompanied Pets
Dogs and cats should be shipped via air freight; birds, tropical fish, and small pets such as hamster or gerbils, by air express, a division of air freight. Make shipping arrangements as far in advance as possible so space can be reserved and any details about the flight settled. Follow all shipping instructions carefully.

YOU will be responsible for:

* Providing the shipping container, legibly and durably marked with both you and the consignee's (person to whom the pet is being shipped) name, address and phone number
* Advance payment of shipping charges
* Providing required health documents
* Delivery of pet to the air freight terminal on time
* Signing of the Air Waybill (shipping papers)
* Pick up at destination
* Notifying consignee as to airline and flight number the pet will be on, and place, date and time of arrival.

Shipping containers should withstand jostling, bumps, and the possibility of damage caused by other freight falling on them. Ample cross ventilation and a leak proof bottom with an absorbent layer are a must.
For dogs and cats, many airlines recommend the travel kennels obtainable from their own freight departments at very reasonable cost. Suitable shipping and travel kennels and carriers for dogs, cats and small pets may be purchased at many pet shops. Mail order houses--Sears, J.C. Penney Montgomery Ward, and others, also offer a variety of cages and carriers.
Tropical fish are best "packed" for shipment by pet suppliers specializing in tropical fish. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Tropical Fish" and "Aquariums and Aquarium Supplies."
Pets are generally loaded on the plane last so they will be nearest the door and can be unloaded first. If the pet is not picked up at destination within a reasonable time, it will be boarded at the owner's expense at a kennel or other appropriate place.
Regulations for shipping pets by air were formulated to assure that all pets arrive at destination safely. The weather is a major concern. It is better to ship pets only during moderate weather, and then either on early morning or late evening flights. They should be in appropriate carriers, sedated if the veterinarian so advises, and picked up without delay at destination.

Pre-planning for Air Travel
If pet is being shipped via air freight and your departure precedes that of pet, make boarding and shipping arrangements at point of origin.
Make flight reservations. Follow airline instructions carefully.
Arrange to have tropical fish professionally "packed" by a tropical fish dealer or aquarium supply company.
Obtain shipping container or carrier (for dog or cat) a week or two prior to departure date. Accustom pet to it gradually, a few minutes at first, increasing the time daily. Pet's nap time is a good time to start, and placing its blanket or a favorite toy in the carrier helps.
Purchase shipping container for bird or small pet from pet supply company.
If pet's departure precedes yours, make any necessary pick up and boarding arrangements at destination. Be sure consignee has complete flight schedule and name of airport where pet will arrive (some cities have more than one airport), as well as the Air Waybill number.

If you choose air freight, you must also:
Leave your pet with someone for shipment later on when you will be able to pick the pet up at destination yourself; or

* Decide whether to ship the pet before you leave and have it cared for at destination until your arrival; and
* Appoint someone reliable to take charge of the pet at either origin or destination point.

Day of Departure
Deliver pet to air terminal on time if traveling with you, 45 minutes before departure; if via air freight, two hours prior to flight time.
Feed pet no less than five or six hours before flight time; normally, no additional food is required for at least 12 hours. Give pet a drink of water about two hours before take-off.
Be certain that names, addresses and telephone contacts of persons responsible for pet at both destination and origin cities are legibly and durably marked on the container, and on pet's travel identification tag.
Exercise pet on leash at airport and administer any necessary medication before confining it to shipping container. Attach pet's leash firmly to outside of container.
Notify consignee that pet is on the way. Pet can usually be picked up within 60 to 90 minutes after arrival of flight. It is advisable for consignee to phone the airline's cargo office in advance to be sure flight is on time. The Air Waybill number is useful when making inquiries.

Air Travel Checklist

* Transportation charges paid?
* All health and shipping documents in order?
* Identification tag attached to pet's collar?
* Consignee given all information needed?
* Shipping container in order?
* Securely latched?
* Legibly labeled
* Leash attached?

Caution: The Animal Welfare Act prohibits air transportation of puppies and kittens less than eight weeks old and prior to weaning, whether accompanied or unaccompanied.

Transportation by Motor Vehicle
This is a practical way of transferring your pet, particularly if the distance you are moving is comparatively short--a day's travel or less. Overnight travel is more involved, and includes making and confirming advance reservations at motels or hotels that permit pets. Of course, Pets Welcome is your one source for pet-friendly lodgings throughout the United States and Canada. If camping, find out whether pets are permitted in the public or private campgrounds at which you expect to stop.

Dogs and Cats by Car
For either a dog or cat, a carrier or portable kennel is one of the most useful items you can have on an overnight motor trip. It becomes the pet's "home-away-from-home," and you can safely leave the pet in it in your car, motel or hotel room, or at wayside rest stops. Folding kennels, as well as crates designed especially for station wagons, are available (see "Unaccompanied Pets")
Condition your dog or cat to the restraint of a leash. Cat harnesses are available at many pet shops.
Unless your dog or cat is already conditioned to car travel, start taking it on short trips to accustom it to car motion and teach it travel manners.
A dog should be taught to sit or lie quietly in its own place, to keep its head inside the car, not to annoy the driver or passengers, or bark at passing vehicles.
Most cats are frightened of car travel, but usually become accustomed to it quickly. Some persons allow the cat to find its own niche in the car as long as it does not interfere with driver or passengers; others feel that the cat is better off in its own special carrier.
A stake with a long leash attached will be useful in keeping your pet restricted outdoors--an especially good idea for campers, as most campgrounds do not permit pets to run free.
Attach pet's travel identification and rabies tags firmly to its collar.
Have your dog's nails clipped before the trip to prevent scratches and upholstery damage to the car.
For convenience, pack a travel kit for your pet.

Pet Travel Kit

* Supply of pet's regular food
* Can opener
* Pet's food and water dishes
* Blanket
* Favorite toy or two
* A few treats
* Comb and/or brush
* A mop-up towel, paper towels or a few newspapers
* Flea or tick repellent if you will be in rural areas
* A sedative prescribed by your veterinarian
* Scooper and plastic bags to clean up after your pet at motel or campgrounds
* Spray-type room deodorant or air freshener if you will be taking your pet into a motel or hotel room

Trip Tips: Some Dos and Don'ts
Administer a sedative or tranquilizer if veterinarian has prescribed one.
Do not feed or water the pet just before starting. Feed it only once a day, preferably by evening. Try to keep to established walking and feeding routines. A few treats will do for snacks during the day.
Plan stops at regular intervals to give your pet a drink and a short run. Wayside rest areas make good stopping places.
Take a container of fresh water along; a too sudden change in drinking water may cause a temporary upset in some dogs.
Never let your dog or cat loose in a strange place. Exercise it on leash. Always attach the leash before opening the car door and detach it after the pet is back inside and the door closed. Take care when stopping at filling stations and restaurants. Do not give an excited pet a chance to bolt and become lost it may be gone forever in spite of identification tags.
If you must leave pet in the car on a warm day, park in the shade, open all the windows an inch or two for cross ventilation, leave water, and check on pet every hour or so. If the day is hot, it is best not to leave pet in the car at all. Heat can quickly become excessive in a parked car even if it is in the shade, and animals can suffer from heat prostration.
Keep the car windows rolled up enough to prevent your pet from jumping or falling out.
Do not let your pet hang its head out of the window. Sore eyes can be caused by dust, grit and insects in the air; inflamed ears and throat by too much wind.
Do not permit your pet to do things to antagonize people.
Walk it away from manicured lawns, garden and swimming pool areas.
Keep it out of restaurants, and on a short leash in motel or hotel lobbies and other public buildings.
If left alone in a motel or hotel room, it might disturb others, chew on furniture, have an "accident," or escape when the maid opens the door to clean the room.
Keep strangers, especially children, at a distance if your pet seems to be nervous. Even the most gentle pet can be provoked into growling or snapping. Notify the management if you must leave the pet alone in your room. Expect to pay for any damage it might do. Just before checking out, spray the room with air freshener to eliminate any pet odors that might linger.

Last Minute Car Checklist

* Travel identification and rabies tags attached to pet's collar?
* Necessary health documents and pet's veterinary record on hand?
* Pet's travel kit packed?
* Water container filled for pet? For aquarium?
* Stake and long leash in the car? Scooper?
* Sedative or tranquilizer administered to pet?
* Cage or carrier fixed in place so it won't tip or slide around?

BIRDS AND SMALL CAGED PETS
Birds and small pets, such as gerbils and hamsters, can generally travel in the cage they use at home.
Travel tends to have an adverse effect on birds. They are very susceptible to drafts and sudden changes in temperature, as well as being easily frightened. To keep the bird calm, its cage should be covered while on the road.
Remove the water container from the cage to avoid spills. Place the cage in the car out of drafts but with plenty of ventilation, and be sure it will not tip over.
Give the pet fresh water at every stop small pets become dehydrated very quickly, particularly during hot weather. Feed at usual time.

TROPICAL FISH
Tropical fish are susceptible to an abrupt change in water temperature, and their condition is directly affected by overcrowding. To transport tropical fish by car, it is best to remove them from the aquarium unless it is a small one of five gallons or less that can be moved without too much danger of breakage.
It probably will not be necessary to feed the fish. Many species can go without food for as long as a week with no ill effects.
An unbreakable container of a size easily handled when it is half-full of water (minnow bucket, ridded container with air holes in the lid) makes a convenient carrier. Or, use a leak-proof plastic bag closed with a rubber band, place it in an outer bag of similar size to prevent accidental leakage, then into a sturdy container, such as a Styrofoam picnic cooler.
The plastic bag/Styrofoam cooler method is advantageous in stabilizing the water temperature for up to 48 hours. When transferring them to the container, remember that fish need air, and fill the container or plastic bag only about one-third full of water. Use the water from the aquarium.
Add the fish (don't overcrowd) and close the top. Open the container or plastic bag every four or five hours to freshen the air supply.
Remove the aquarium accessories; empty and dry the aquarium. Pack carefully, or have the mover pack them for you.
If convenient, take along in a separate container(s) as much of the water removed from the aquarium as you have room for.
Plants and snails from the aquarium can be carried along in plastic bags with a small amount of water.
Fish might become bruised while traveling. Liquid healing agents to put into the water are available at pet shops.
At destination, replace water and fish in the aquarium as soon as possible. Add tap water a little at a time to fill the aquarium to the proper level, letting the fish adjust gradually to the new water.
New water may need treatment before use to neutralize any chemicals it might contain. Neutralizers can be purchased at most pet shops.
If the fish must be moved in the aquarium itself, remove about half the water, the aerator, heater, hood, and anything else that might shift and cause the glass to break. Cover the top with plastic film to keep the water from splashing out. To avoid breakage, take care that the bottom of the aquarium is solidly supported while it is being lifted and moved.
It is advisable to place the aquarium into a corrugated carton and pad it with crushed paper. Wedge the carton in the car so it will not slide during the trip. Replace the aerator immediately upon arrival at destination.

HORSES AND PONIES
Your horse or pony can be transported commercially via air freight, or by a horse transporting company. Or you can tow it in a horse trailer behind your motor vehicle. In any case, if yours is an out-of- state move, you will need the health documents required by the destination state.

Tow-It-Yourself
Towing your horse or pony in a trailer behind your motor vehicle is a handy way of transporting it to your new location. In addition to the animal, the trailer will hold a reasonable amount of feed and tack. Rental trailers are available; look in the Yellow Pages under "Trailers- Horse."
Caution: Driving with a horse trailer takes skill. It is inadvisable to attempt it unless you are familiar with trailering, or have plenty of time for practice before departure date.
On trips that will take more than a day, it is best to plan overnight stops in advance. Be sure to inquire about local facilities for the care of horses when booking accommodations.
Motel management, particularly in rural communities will sometimes grant permission for a horse and trailer to be kept in the parking area overnight.
If you are camping, make certain that horses are permitted in the campgrounds or somewhere close by.
A horse or pony can generally be boarded overnight at reasonable cost at stables along the way. All well-run stables will ask to see the animal's interstate health certificate and negative Coggins (equine infectious anemia) test before admitting it. The stable management may be able to advise as to where you can obtain stabling for the following night.
When trailering a horse, park occasionally at wayside rest areas to unload and exercise it. On an overnight trip, stop at a reasonable hour so there will be plenty of time for evening chores feeding, watering, and so forth. The horse may be kept in the trailer overnight without harm.

Horses By Air
A cargo airline that accepts your horse or pony for transportation will accommodate it only on a non-stop flight between origin and destination cities. An attendant must accompany the animal. You will be required to provide a shipping stall constructed according to airline specifications, and if necessary, loading and unloading ramps. Any tack shipped must be labeled and weighed separately.
You will be responsible for prepayment of shipping charges and attendant's fare, delivery of animal and tack to the air terminal on time, and pickup at destination.
Some horse transporting companies will, for a fee, make all the necessary arrangements for air shipment of your horse or pony. Transporters are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Horse Transporting."

By Horse Transporting Company
Companies engaged in the interstate transportation of horses are required to have Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) operating authority. Transportation charges are based on a point-to-point mileage system with door-to-door pickup and delivery.
Minimum insurance is usually included in the rate quoted; additional insurance is up to the shipper. Shipping requirements vary from one transporting company to another, but in general:

* Drivers are experienced in the care of horses.
* Shipper might be required to furnish hay for a long trip.
* Some tack may be shipped with the horse at no additional cost.
* During the trip, horses are exercised at regular intervals, or at the driver's discretion.
* An overnight accommodation necessary is included in the transportation charge.
* Charges are payable in cash, certified check, or money order.
* Depending on company policy, transportation charges are either payable in full prior to unloading at destination, or 50 per cent in advance and the balance at destination prior to unloading.

UNUSUAL PETS
Among the more unusual pets are monkeys, boa constrictors and other snakes, lizards, alligators, and skunks. These can be transported via air, adhering closely to airline instructions for crating, or in your motor vehicle.
However, many states have specific regulations covering the entry of "wild" animals. It is wise to get in touch with the regulatory agency of the destination state prior to moving to be sure yours will be admitted.

A NEW VETERINARIAN
Once settled in your new home, it is advisable to locate a competent veterinarian. When you have chosen one, give the veterinarian office your pet's veterinary record, or have a new one completed. Having this information on hand will save time and confusion should your pet require emergency or other treatment.
If your former veterinarian recommended a colleague get in touch with that person. Otherwise, your pet-owning neighbors may be able to direct you to a reliable animal hospital. Or, choose one affiliated with the American Animal Hospital Association. There are AAHA hospitals throughout the country; members are required to have especially good training and facilities.

AT HOME IN THE NEW HOME
Dogs and cats encounter many of the same problems people have in moving to a new place. They must become used to a new house and neighborhood, unfamiliar sounds strange postal carriers and other service people, water that does not agree with them, and a colder or warmer climate. Once accustomed to the changes, the pet will settle down and be content.
It is advisable to keep the pet confined until it realizes that this is the new home and that the family is going to stay, or it may wander off and try to return to the old home. This is especially true of cats, and they should be confined for several weeks.
To speed that "at home" feeling, use the pet's familiar food and water dishes, bed, blanket, toys, and so forth. Try to put them in the same sort of location as they were in the old home water dish by the back door, food dish in a particular spot in the kitchen, and so forth.
It is best to keep your bird where it will be undisturbed until it becomes used to its new surroundings. Other small pets usually have few or no adjustment problems other than becoming used to a change in the water supply. This is also true of tropical fish to avoid harming them, test the water for similarity to that in your old home and adjust it to the requirements of the fish.







GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS


General Travel Tips

Always check with the petswelcome.com database before leaving to make sure the hotel accepts pets. And check either our on-line advertisements or directly with the hotel, to find out any restrictions, fees, etc.

Also check our list of Emergency Veterinary Clinics in the area to which you're headed.

Rabies vaccinations are a must for all travel abroad, and for returning to the United States. Many airlines also require these vaccinations also. Check with your vet for the complete range of vaccinations required, and of course, check with the airline and country to which you're heading.

Unfortunately, if you're not traveling by car, domestic travel in the US is problematic. While some local transportation businesses and authorities may allow pets, Amtrak and Greyhound buses do not. Therefore, your options for traveling with a pet are drastically reduced.

Car trips can be hazardous to your pet. How many times have you seen a small dog sitting on the drivers lap, looking out the window? Or the cat lying on the rear shelf on the car? A sudden stop, or even an accident can send your pet flying.

A loose pet in a car can also escape if someone opens the door, forgetting that your pet is able to jump out before you can grab him or her. They make special harnesses for dogs like seatbelts, and the cat-carrier can always be used to transport your cat safely. Of course, make sure the carrier is also secured to the back seat with a seatbelt.

Many dogs and cats do not travel well in a car. Consider speaking with your vet about tranquilizers. If your pet gets car sick, consider travel-sickness pills. Again, check with your vet for recommendations and dosage.

There have been too many incidents of cats and dogs suffering from heatstroke after being left in a hot car. Leave at least two windows (for cross draft) open slightly to provide fresh air. You might consider one of those solar powered fans that fit in the window. The fan fits snugly in the window, the sun powers the fan, and air is circulate within your vehicle. However, we strongly recommend that you DON'T leave animals in the car in hot climates or during the warmer months, as even a short time in a hot vehicle can be injurious to your pet.


We have gotten a lot of email from pet owners who don't know how to handle emergency situations with their pets. To provide useful information, and to help pets and their owners, the Disaster Response Team of The Humane Society of the United States has kindly supplied us with their CASEY (Caring for Animals Safety in Emergencies during the Year) Plan and allowed us to post it on our site. For more information, you can email Brandy Baker and/or visit their website at www.hsus.org.



THE HSUS/CASEY PLAN

Be Prepared
Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, hazardous material spills--disasters can strike any time, anywhere. But with preparation and planning, your family--including your pets--can be protected.

If You Evacuate, Take Your Pets
The single most important thing that you can do to protect your pets if you evacuate is to take your pets with you! If it's not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it's not safe for your pets.

* Animals left behind in a disaster can easily get injured, lost or killed. Animals left inside your home can escape through broken windows or other storm-damaged areas of your home. Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Leaving dogs tied or chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence!
* Once you leave your home, you have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area--you may not be able to go back for your pets. If you leave, even if you think you may only be gone for a few hours, take your animals.
* Leave early--don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order. An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely with your pets. If you must be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind.

Don't Forget I.D.
Your pets should be wearing up-to-date indentification at all times. It's a good idea to include a number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area.

Find a Safe Place--Ahead of Time
Because evacuation shelters generally don't accept pets, except for service animals, you must plan ahead to ensure that your family and your pets will have a safe place to stay. Don't wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

* Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Keep a lists of "pet-friendly" places handy. Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.
* Ask friends, relatives or others outside your immediate area if they would shelter you and your animals, or just your animals, if necessary. If you have more than one pet, be prepared to house them separately.
* Make a list of veterinarians and boarding facilities who might shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour phone numbers.
* Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.

Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets
Every member of your family should know what he or she needs to take when you evacuate. You also need to prepare supplies for your pet. Stock up on non-perishables well ahead of time; add perishable items at the last minute; have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep everything accessible, stored in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.).

* Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also good to include. (For information about the HSUS book, Pet First Aid: Cat and Dogs, call 202-454-1100.)
* Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape. (Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time.)
* Current photos of your pet for indentification in case your pet gets lost.
* Food, water, bowls, cat litter and litter box, and a manually-operated can opener.
* Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
* Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them.
* Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.

Other Evacuation Tips

* All mobile home residents should evacuate at the first sign of a disaster.
* Evacuate to the safest location you can that's as close as possible to home. Long-distance evacuation can be a problem when highways are crowded.
* When planning for hurricanes, identify your evacuation zone and level to determine if and when you would have to evacuate. Be prepared for one category higher than the one being forecast, because hurricanes often increase in strength just before landfall.

If You Don't Evacuate
If your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together: Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing indentification. Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your other emergency supplies. If you need to purify water, add 2 drops of household bleach per quart of water, mix, seal tightly, and let stand for 30 minutes before drinking.

As the Disaster Approaches
Warnings of hurricanes or other disasters may be issued hours, even days, in advance. Don't wait until the last minute to get ready:

* Call to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for pets.
* Bring pets into the house so you can leave with them quickly.
* Make sure your disaster supplies are ready to go

In Case You're Not Home
An evacuation order may come, or a disaster may strike, when you're at work or out of the house. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be able to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. If so, be sure that the person is comfortable with your pets, knows where your animals are likely to be, knows where your disaster supplies are kept, and has a key to your home. If you use a petsitting service, they may be able to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

After the Storm
Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented--pets can easily get lost in such situations. Walk dogs on a leash and keep cats inside (or in carriers, if your house is damaged and they could escape). Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible. Be ready for behavioral problems that may result from stress. If problems persist or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to a veterinarian.

Be Prepared--Be Safe!

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