International Travel Tips!

Book Flights, Hotel, Car Rentals and Travel Insurance

International Travel Tips

Rain, rain and more rain.

I plan a visit to Washington DC today but the inclement weather is most uncooperative. Therefore I decided to stay at home to keep warm and write about travel tips before I go out for my necessary gym session at Olympus and a visit to my sister's for a Karaoke concert. I was also half tempted to go out for an 'after holiday shopping' as most department stores would have an 'All Clearance Sale' at this time of year.

To get things done, I'd better get down to business and start blogging.

Every time I travel, I check the weather of my destination as a habit at worldweatherserver.com, a favourite site of mine. The worldweatherserver.com is a permanent fixture in my Apple Mac PowerBook G4 Bookmarks Bar to help me decide what to pack in my blue samsonite suitcase. I have in my previous blog Snow in the Desert, Ski Dubai! (Update) dated 17th December 2005 mentioned the items I pack for my trips. I therefore suggest that you plan ahead of time the clothing you might need in your travel not forgetting your cocktail dresses and suits. Make sure you have your sleeping garments with you, a pair of shorts (is always handy regardless of the destination); a pair of trainers i.e. Adidas or Nike' for gym or a pair of your favourite comfortable shoes for everyday use whilst abroad; slippers or sandals for hotel room and beach use; underwear garments, a pullover or sweater, a versatile jacket and black shoes. Have a look at my checklist of Essentials down below.

The ESSENTIALS that goes in my Samsonite Suitcase: ( I prefer the hard-shelled suitcase as they are hard-wearing and can be used to sit on especially when waiting in queues). May I also recommend a Longchamps folding bag to pack in your suitcase? I find them quite useful especially for carrying your duty free shopping and souvenirs.

First thing first, you need to have a Valid Passport and a plane ticket, pocket money and credit cards in your carry on!

Underwear (i.e. briefs, long johns, bras & knickers) x number of days on holiday and a spare or two.

Socks (sports & formal wear) x number of day on holiday and a spare or two.

T shirts, Polo Shirts, Long-Sleeved/short-sleeved (if the destination is sunny and warm - then take light-coloured shirts otherwise according to your activities. Always pack clothes for formal wear too.

Sports shoes and formal shoes, sandals or slippers (Note that you might already be wearing the pair of shoes you want to take with you to save you lugging extra weight).

Favourite Levi's Jeans, slacks and or cords. (jeans can be very versatile as you can use them at least 3 times before they need laundry - that's my dirty little secret!).

Walking shorts, jogging pants and swim wear i.e. speedo swimming trunks and goggles. If you are going away for more than a week then don't forget your nail clippers and personal grooming kit!

In your toiletry bag for check-in:

Philips shaver or a good sharp razor, scissors and grooming kit.

Body Lotion (Aveeno); Sunscreens of at least (SPF 15) Coppertone All Day Protection and Hawaiian Tropic are my preferred brands.

Facial Moisturizers (I take my favourites; Prescriptives & Clarins) and Davidoff Cool Water eau de toilette. I have been asked a thousand times as to what after shave I wear - there you go, now you know.

In your carry on:

Again, I can't stress enough to have your valid Passport and a plane ticket, pocket money and credit cards in your carry on.

Philips Toothbrush; Colgate/Sensodyne Toothpaste, Blistex and or Carmex Lip Balm not forgetting your Oral B Dental Floss.

Vitamins and some Paracetamol or Aleve for pain relief. If you have prescriptions drugs please don't pack it in your suitcase. Have it in your carry on for easy access just in case you may need it inflight.

I must stress out that in some countries like the UAE, you must be very careful with your prescription drugs. If you have sleeping pills and or anti-depressants prescribed by your doctor please consult with the embassy before you travel as possession of such prescribed drugs are illegal and you could end up spending your holiday in jail. Please see report below for your information.

Tourist in UAE jailed over tainted urine sample

A British woman is being held in a prison in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after prescription drugs were allegedly found in her urine. Tracy Wilkinson, 44, from Balcombe, West Sussex, has been in jail since 5 March when she was arrested at Dubai airport over an error on her passport. Codeine and temazepam were then found when she provided a urine specimen. The Foreign Office said she was getting appropriate consular support but her ex-husband said she was "very down".

Four year sentence

Mother-of-two Ms Wilkinson, a sports osteopath, was on holiday in the UAE when she was arrested. She has access to a lawyer but a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said it "could not intervene in the legal process of another country". Codeine is banned by the Arab nation, and the presence of such drugs in the body is counted as possession and carries a minimum sentence of four years imprisonment.

Her former husband, Robin Wilkinson, a 50-year-old retired police officer, said he hoped she could be freed next weekend. Mr Wilkinson, from Handcross, West Sussex, said: "She appeared in court on Saturday but the case was adjourned for another week, there is so much red tape.

"Tracy is very down and is getting tired ... She's in a bad way but she'll pull through it. She's a strong lady ... I have been told that she could get four years if found guilty but I am sure she'll be released, and hopefully on Saturday."

Mr Wilkinson said he had been assured by the British Embassy everything was being done that could be and said it was a case of having to accept another country's system. The campaign group, Fair Trials Abroad, has taken up Ms Wilkinson's case, and has urged both the British and UAE governments to intervene.

Director Stephen Jacobi said: "This is clearly a case that should have been resolved weeks ago. "This poor woman has been in jail for seven weeks."

I have not heard about the outcome of this case but just as a precaution please, please just be sensible when packing your luggage making sure no one tampers it. Also travel light for your comfort.

Always adhere to local customs in order to stay out of trouble and so as not to offend locals. Make a note of this especially if you are visiting a religious country that has dress code.

I normally prefer to pack my suitcase on the day of my travel if not the day before though some of you may prefer to pack days ahead especially if you are travelling with someone or family.

The other thing to consider is your health and welfare.

If you have special dietary requirements, it is wise to pack some food for your travel. It is also wise to request a confirmation from your travel agents in writing about your dietary requirements ahead of time. Please note that some airlinies may levy an extra charge for this service. Some airlines require 24 to 48 hours before your scheduled departure for the special meals to be onboard your flight. In some cases where flights are cancelled or you have missed connections, special meals may not be onboard so travel prepared just like the Boy Scoutss It is not nice to blame the flight attendant for the omission of your special meal as resources at 37,000 ft can be quite limited!

Points to remember

Prepare your body by making sure you are rested and hydrated the day before your travel by moderating your intake of alcohol, tea and coffee.

Pre-Flight after check-in

Take a stroll around the terminal, avoid heavy meals, apply a good moisturiser to keep skin feeling fresh and making sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing.

During the Flight

Eat a light meal, drink plenty of water, remove contact lenses before going to sleep. Stretch your arms and legs every few hours. An opportune time would be when visiting the toilets.

When you land

Take a gentle stroll, then put up your feet and relax when you get to your final destination.

Upon arrival at home or hotel room, (if hotel room, I always scan and check the room and bathroom making sure there is no unwanted visitors be it man, woman or animal). I make myself chamomile tea or something hot to drink. Now, the next most crucial thing to do is to get some solid sleep for at least 3 to 4 hours making sure you set the alarm regardless of the time of day. If it's still day light then do some reading or sightseeing and have a light meal with a glass of wine making sure you go to bed the same time as you would normally at home to get in synch and acclimatise yourself to the local time. If night time, just order a room service for dinner, perhaps catch up on the news and have a little read before going to bed again. As a frequent traveller, this is how I beat jetlag and I must say I've mastered this art and when I wake up the next day - I'm normally acclimatised to the local time.

When travelling abroad, you must be vigilant at all times. Be sensible with what you wear. If unfamiliar with the place, refrain from wearing excessive jewelries and designer watches.

When going out, take a photocopy of your passport with you as a form of ID when you go out making sure you lock your passport in your hotel safe and taking with you reasonable amount of money. Also, if you have a selection of credit cards, make sure you only take one with you especially when visiting bars and clubs. Always have 'emergency money for transport' hidden away in one of your pockets and making sure not to spend it whilst in bars and clubs.

When in bar, make sure you watch your drinks in case someone tries to spike your beverage. When going back to your hotel, make sure no one follows you especially in dark alleyways when deciding for a walk. When entering your hotel room, be careful no one is behind you and always be mindful in the corridor or hallway of who is around within the vicinity.

I hope you all find the information in this blog helpful in your future travels.

May God Bless You and Protect You and May You Have a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year!

Alan Aldana

p.s. I shall be asking some of my friends to contribute on my blog for the New Year!

Snow in the Desert, Ski Dubai ( with a slight deviation update 2)

The Emirate embraces a wide variety of scenery in a very small area allowing you to experience everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts, ancient houses with wind towers to ultra-modern shopping malls.

Having expanded along both banks of the Creek, Dubai's central business district is divided into two parts - Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south - connected by a tunnel and two bridges. Each has its share of fine mosques and busy souks, public buildings, shopping malls, hotels, office towers, banks, hospitals, schools, apartments and villas.

Outside the centre, the city extends to the neighbouring Emirate of Sharjah to the north, while extending south and west in a long ribbon of development alongside the Gulf, through the districts of Satwa, Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.

At first glance, the city presents a predominantly modern face, an ever-changing skyline of new developments, striking glass and sculpted concrete towers to gracious modern buildings incorporating traditional Arab architectural motifs and features for everyone to enjoy - a Renaissance!

Beaches

Dubai has a number of excellent beaches and beach parks. Dubai's main beaches have soft white sand that slips into the shallow turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf that run along Jumeira Road. The Jumeira beaches is open to the public, its facilities include playgrounds, barbecue sites, food kiosks, and picnic areas for families.

The Souks

The Souks (markets) on both sides of the Creek are attractive not just for their shopping bargains but also as places for the sightseer to wander. In the tiny lanes of the spice souk, the atmosphere and scents of the past can be savoured. Bags of spices, incense, rose leaves and traditional medicinal products are stacked in the alleys outside each stalls. Along the slightly larger lanes of the gold souk, each shop is identical, the window display crammed with jewelry like necklaces, bracelets and many more pretty trinkets. The Souks are a necessary place of visit when in Dubai.


Dubai Museum

Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, was built in the last century and was renovated in 1995. The long narrow rooms to the fort, set around a large central courtyard, display collections of objects from the everyday life of the recent past.

Golf

I've had a few rounds of golf in the past but owing to my bad back I didn't really take the sport seriously but for all those Golf Enthusiasts there is Emirates Golf Club which opened in 1988, attracting considerable attention around the world as the first grass course in the middle of the Arabian Desert. It is a masterpiece of landscaping and sophisticated engineering, with palms bordering the fairways, two artificial lakes stocked with fish and a magnificent club house with a first-rate restaurant and bar, as well as other sports facilities. The Dubai Creek Golf & Marine Club which opened in early 1993, Dubai's second Golf Club. It moors 150 boats and has two superb golf courses and a gold academy. Dubai's third golf course was ready in late 1993 at Nad Al Sheba.

The Creek

The Creek, a natural deep-water inlet that cuts through the centre of the city, is the historical focal-point of life in Dubai. An attractive way to view the dhows is from an abra, one of the small water taxis that cross the Creek from the souks of Deira to those of the Bur Dubai side.

The Desert

Despite the sparse population of the desert, it is possible for visitors to gain a glimpse of the traditional life-style of the pre-urban past. The seemingly empty expanse is home to a surprising variety of life, from foxes, hares and lizards to gazelles and eagles. Driving and dining in the dunes, under the magical beauty of the Arabian sky is quite simply an exhilarating experience according to the snippet I've read. I thought I'd share this with you too.

Sailing/Water-Skiing

Apparently, conditions in the Gulf are perfect with constant, predictable wind all year round, little current or tide and warm waters around Dubai which make the turquoise water of the Arabian Gulf conducive to sailing and water-skiing.

Diving

I have heard that the waters of the UAE are among the worlds best for scuba diving, for both novices and experts. The marine life is of richness to rival the world's best known diving, the seas are calm and visibility is good. I have yet to experience it myself, hopefully on my next visit.

Horse and Camel Racing

Horse and Camel racing take place Thursdays and Fridays during the winter months. Entry is free to all. You may ask your hotel Concierge how to locate the Courses: visitors' facilities are superb with shaded stands, seating and refreshments.

Autodrome

The Dubai Autodrome is the first fully integrated automotive and motor sport facility in the Middle East region, incorporating a world class FIA sanctioned 5.39 km motor racing track, accommodating over 7,000 spectators. The racing calendar will include Single Seater Racing, Touring Cars, Motorbikes, Sports Cars and Karting. Located on the Emirates Road only 10 minutes drive from the Courtyard Marriott Hotel.

Shopping Malls

Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast food outlets. Some of the shopping malls worth visiting are Deira City Centre, Al Mulla Plaza, Wafi Mall, Bur Juman Centre, Mercato Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall. These make Dubai an ideal shopping haven for the holiday makers and visitors alike.

Shopping Hours

Normal Dubai shopping hours are from 0900 hours - 1300hrs and 1600 hrs - 2100hrs. Most supermarkets stay open until late at night seven days a week. All shops close for prayers on Fridays from 1130 to 1330 hours. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until late.

Oh, if you have the skill of 'bargaining', bargaining is part of the fun of shopping in Dubai. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation as a way of life - practice it on your Souk visits when you visit Dubai!

I have been fortunate to have read an advert on a British Airways flight to Washington recently on my way home about SnowDome that reads:

"Own your dream-home in the rising crescent of residential 'Iceberg Buildings' with an entire 'winter-snowdome' themed exterior appearance within one of the most attractive and exclusive destinations on the globe. Designer flats, exquisite finishing and lavish facilities. 'Snowdome' world most unusual daring and creative free-standing dome. A scenery of snow-covered mountains. A world of wintersports, leisure and indulgence!

I'm so awed by this idea that 10 years ago, I would have thought this all silly and just a dream!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Recently, a life-changing situation has occurred to me: the passing away of Gordon; the father of my best friend, John. Also I have had a very unfortunate experience with an account, a facility used in my blogging which I consider an essential part of my web log life - snatched away from me not to my doing but of circumstance and lastly, Christmas!

For this, I would like to apologise for the great delay in my writing. I hope that in the spirit of Christmas and giving you will find it in your heart to excuse my delay.

My blog is all about my travels but life is full of surprises and mysteries you cannot tell what lies ahead or what's in store when you turn around the corner. I will therefore deviate slightly in this particular blog.

When John sent me a message a few days ago that his father had passed away, I was overcome with sadness. Not because of his father's death but the thought of a young man orphaned at the age of 38 years. I succumbed to my emotions and cried. In fact, I believe it was a relief for Gordon to have gone due to the great suffering and discomfort he has endured in the last few weeks of his life caused by his illness. Some may disagree with me on this.

One evening, I was happily collating the materials and information I have collected in my recent trip to Dubai when my world-wide-web account was cancelled without clearly indicating the reason to me. The hardest thing about this was I believe this to be not my own doing hence this causes me great distress and the feeling of being lost. I got depressed and had a few sleepless nights. I will appeal for the decision to be reversed and hopefully my plea of not guilty will be upheld!

I know things happen for a reason, but I promise I will continue blogging for as long as you all would continue to read my personal experiences.

I will be talking about my stay in the US and would be collecting some jokes in my next blog and if any of you have good jokes perhaps you might want to send them to me so I can share them with all of you on my next blog.

A Belated Merry Christmas! A Very Blessed, Healthy, Happy, Emotionally and Financially Fulfilling New Year To All Of You!!!

Take Care and God Bless You All,

Alan Aldana