Tips For Traveling Safely In The US

Are you planning to spend your vacation in the United States of America? Have you processed your legal documents and all you’re waiting for is to go aboard the plane and start the dream journey of your life?

Here are some tips that would provide you a safe tour to the US:

1) Legal matters. These are the safety measures provided by the US Embassy for tourists.

* Before leaving your own country, you should register with the U.S. Embassy. Provide them with your itinerary and copies of your passport. This will ensure that your whereabouts are known in case it is necessary to contact you during emergencies.

* Remember to have a valid passport. And if your travel requires a visa, your visas should always be intact with the passport. Remember to fill out all your information on the emergency page located inside your passport.

* Be aware of all the local laws of the US. Always be reminded that you should abide by the laws of the U.S Constitution.

* Make multiple copies of the identification page of your passport. This will assist in the replacement of your passport if it is stolen or lost.

2) Electricity. If you have brought appliances that would make use of electrical systems, be aware of the voltages used with these devices.

* US residential use 115 volts of electrical systems operated at 60 hertz. If your electric appliances operate on different voltages, you will need a voltage converter or transformer before plugging the appliance.

* The main wall sockets in the US basically make use of 115 volts which looks like two parallel flat blades. Make sure to match the socket with the device by purchasing a converter.

3) Basic Information.

* The official language in the USA is English.

* Used as measurements in road signs, temperature displays, and tourist brochures are the imperial and metric system.

* It is customary in the US to tip for services. Tips average from 10% to 20%, depending on the discretion of the person paying the bill.

4) Safety.

* Never leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept any package from strangers.

* Prevent wearing eye-catching clothing and priceless jewelry to avoid being a victim of crime. Do not carry large amounts of money and credit cards of.

* Deal with official agents when purchasing art, antiques and exchanging money. This would help in avoiding the violation of local laws.

* If you suddenly get into trouble, it is best to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy.

Now you know the basics, it’s your turn to enjoy your travel legally and safely. Have fun.

Author Info:
Stanley Emerson: Destination Found! Visit the Travel Resources Blog http://www.push-button-online-income.com/travel-guide

Article Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

Save Money on Airport Parking and Get a Great Start to Your Holiday

If you have recently bought and paid for a holiday abroad this article is for you. Here are two pieces of information that will not only enhance your trip but will also save you money on your airport parking fees. There are also plenty of tips here to get the most out of your airport parking purchase and get the best possible start to your trip.

My advice to accomplish both of these seemingly contradictory aims is to book your parking in advance and book Meet and Greet parking. You will charged full retail price if you just turn up on the day so be smart and book ahead to get the best deal.

How can you save money on your airport parking?

To save money on your airport parking simply book in advance but make sure you shop around for the best deal. Most parking companies use a 'smart' time sensitive pricing systems similar to the pricing models used by airlines whereby the price of the ticket rises as you get closer to the date of departure. Airport parking is the same so you will pay more on the day than if you book in advance.

The other advantage of booking in advance is that you will secure your parking space. During the summer months many car parks become oversubscribed. It would be a shame to miss your flight whilst you were driving around looking for a space. Book early and you will guarantee you have somewhere to park your car.

Of course you could always park in the short term car park, and I do know someone who did for two weeks, but the parking costs came to more than the cost of the flights!

There are many web sites that compare airport parking prices so a quick search via your preferred search engine should produce the desired results. Bear in mind that although the airport parking sector is very competitive and there are some great deals out there, airport parking is like life - you get what you pay for!

What is so great about Meet and Greet Parking?

Meet and Greet parking, sometimes called chauffeur parking or valet parking, is the most convenient form of parking. You are met at the terminal forecourt by a member of the parking company's staff usually with a trolley ready for your luggage. They will take your car and park it for you.

When you return your car will be delivered back to you on the terminal forecourt and you will be free to continue your homeward journey with the minimum of delay.

The benefits of meet and greet parking are clear
1. No delay getting to the check-in desk
2. No carrying your own heavy luggage around
3. No herding children onto busses
4. No waiting for the shuttle service to and from the airport
You stay dry, unflustered, on time and in good health ready to start your holiday.

If you spend the little extra on a meet and greet parking service you do not want to be delayed waiting around for your driver when all you need to do is check-in? Especially as you have probably arrived with less of a time cushion before the desk closes than if you booked ordinary long term parking.

Then, when you return, you want your car waiting for you out side the terminal. You do not want to be waiting for it or you may as well have bought the cheaper shuttle bus parking. Some parking companies do offer a money back guarantee if they keep you waiting but they are rare at the moment.

Why book meet and greet parking and not cheaper long-term parking?

If you book meet and greet parking you will have purchased the most convenient and stress-free parking available. Ordinary long-term airport parking takes longer and is nowhere near as simple.

Ordinary long term parking can be a bit of a drag as you are required to find the car park, park your car and then make your way to the shuttle bus to get a ride to the airport all the while carrying your heavy luggage. You will need to load your own bags onto and off of the bus at either end of this journey and also on the return trip don't forget. Pray it's not raining and your children, if you have any with you, are well behaved and that you don't strain your back before you've even got on the plane!

When you return you will need to find the shuttle bus stop and catch the bus to the car park to collect your car all the while dragging your bags with you. At busy times of the year many flights often land in quick succession late at night and it can take two or three busses to reduce the queue enough so that you can even get on the bus. I've been there and experienced it. You really don't need to.

Now you have the knowledge get out there and book your meet and greet parking. Just make sure you do it in advance and you will have a great hassle-free start to your holiday without breaking the bank.

Author Info:
Sean McCarthy is the Marketing Director of www.Help-Me-Park.com Ltd a leading provider of Meet and Greet Gatwick Airport Parking and the only company to offer a money back guarantee if they keep the customer waiting at the airport.
Terms:
Article Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

How to Be Prepared for Anything

Your vacation is planned, you’re packed, but do you have everything you’ll need? If you were going on a road trip, it would be wise to download a map and directions to any destinations you aren’t familiar with. Some overseas trips require a visa and immunizations. You can leave for your vacation with confidence and prepared for anything just by taking a few precautions and hints.

Don’t over pack.

Know what your route is, and what you’ll be doing when you get to your destination. If you know there will be dressy events, bring a fancy outfit. If you know you’ll be casual all the way, then why bother?

Know the climate of your destination.

If you are going to the desert, is it necessary to carry an umbrella? It’s probably not. If it’s warm in the day and much cooler at night, consider layers that you can add or take off to adjust to the changing temperatures.

Do your packing around a main coordinating color?

Neutral colors, black, or khaki are colors that you can dress up or down, add color, and accessorize for different days or unexpected events. Remember darker colors and prints are less likely to show dirt.

Choose your clothes carefully.

Select several different layers and colors that will pack easily. Make sure these items can be washed and dried quickly. Avoid taking bulky sweaters and heavy coats if several layers will be enough. You can always add different belts, jewelry, or scarves to change the looks of an outfit.

Never take more than five or six changes of clothes.

Make them interchangeable and durable and you will save space and have room for an article of clothing you might find while on vacation.

Packing for a child is similar to packing for an adult.

One step you might want to consider is putting each outfit into a large zipper close bag so it’s easy for your child to choose which outfit he or she wants to wear.

Let your child pack a small backpack with a few favorite toys and snacks that he can carry himself.

Don’t make it too heavy and let him or her know that they are responsible for keeping track of it. Slip in a few treats or surprises that will make your child happy during your trip. If your child will only go to sleep with a favorite toy in his hand, be sure you don’t forget that!

Always be prepared with any medications they might need.

If you know your child is prone to asthma attacks, be sure to bring the inhaler or breathing treatment machine. If your child had allergies to anything, bring the antidote; it may save you worry and a trip to an unfamiliar emergency room.

Electronic toys should be picked with care.

Choose the ones where the sound can be turned off or earphones can be used. If you are traveling with a preteen or teenager, you may want to pack their personal CD player, or iPod with their own choice of music to keep them happy.

Some basic packing tips to remember are, stuff socks in your extra pairs of shoes; underwear in side pockets or mesh bags and protect clothes from leaks by placing all toiletry items in plastic bags.

From experience, if you are on medications and you are flying, always pack your medications, a change of underwear, toothbrush, and paste, and make up in a carry on bag and take it with you. Once you’ve lost your luggage once, you’ll know this is one of the most important tips I could give you.

Avoid packing important items such as travel documents, medication, keys, cameras, money, or other valuables in suitcases. On flights I’ve been on recently, I wasn’t allowed to lock our suitcases because of security risks. That also leaves your suitcase open to anyone who might want to check it out.

Be prepared for anything that might come along on your vacation, it could be an unexpected cold spell, an unexpected earache or cold or maybe luggage that gets to your destination a day later then you do. It will save you several headaches if you’ve planned.

Author Info:
David is an experienced internet entreprenuer with over 7 years of experience. He owns and operates the site http://www.florida-bound.info. Visit the site for more info and specials on visiting Florida, plus other exciting places.

Article Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles