World Walker

There are things that you cannot plan for no matter how you try to but there is a big difference when you are prepared for the unexpected. We list some tips that you can check out to avoid any health hazards before traveling or what you should do in case you encounter an emergency while overseas.

Go for a checkup with your doctor before you travel

It will be wise to see your doctor prior to going overseas. Make sure that you body is in good shape especially if you have not had a check-up recently. Tell your doctor about any unusual physical activity that you might do, like if you are planning to climb a mountain or jump off a cliff.

You can also ask if they will recommend any vaccination. Eight weeks before traveling, it is recommended that you have the necessary shots.

Review your medical insurance

Check if your insurance includes enough coverage to take care of transportation and medical bills in case something happens abroad. You can get a supplemental coverage from an independent insurance company. You can also call your credit card company and verify if they have referral services when you encounter an emergency abroad. Some card companies also offer reimbursement of evacuation and medical emergency expenses.

Get an idea of the medical capabilities in your destination

With the help of the internet, it will be very easy to get a glimpse of the medical treatment you can get when you encounter an emergency in your destination. You need to have a very good idea if you can get a blood transfusion or emergency transportation if the need arises. Also have an idea of alternative arrangements you can make in case the unexpected knocks on your door.

Know the address of your embassy

The embassy will be your connection to home when you are in a foreign land. You can check their website so you know if there are any travel advisories that may concern you. The personnel of the embassy can also guide and help you during times of emergency. Worse comes to worst, the emergency can help bring you and your family home or anyone traveling with you if necessary.

Your embassy can also give you a list of good medical facilities and medical experts in your destination. They may also help in case you have problems transferring funds from your country of origin.

Sign up for international medical service

Nowadays, there are membership organizations that can help coordinate medical assistance, insurance, and legal help when you are abroad. They can also point you to trusted facilities that they are connected with abroad. In case you require medical help, some of these organizations can ask a doctor speaking your language to visit you in your hotel room.

Know how to call for emergency help

You might be used to dialing 911 when you have an emergency but it will be different when you are abroad. Make sure you know whom to call in case of emergency. For the European Union, you can dial 112. In Bulgaria it will be 160 while it is 123 in Egypt. You can browse for this information at www.sccfd.org.

Bring your medical information with you

You might know your blood type or your allergies but it will be very hard for you to say this to an emergency medical personnel when you just have been incapacitated. You can write down pertinent information like medications taken, previous operations, any serious health problems, and other medical concerns that you might have.

It will also be easier if you use a form from www.cdihp.org, store everything online, or get a medical bracelet. The information that can be accessed by medical professionals will be very vital in saving your life in case of an emergency.

Inform the one you are traveling with

Knowledge about your medical condition is a great tool to start with in case of an emergency. Whether you are traveling with a colleague or just hitting the dirt with a safari guide, letting them know of a serious condition and letting them know where your medicine is at will be critical when you suddenly drop on the ground.

Request for medical escort service

When you encounter a medical emergency abroad and you feel that you are not fit to travel alone going home, you can hire a medical escort to go with you. Usually there will be a paramedic or a licensed nurse who can accompany you to your flight back home. They will be able to monitor your vitals signs, give you medicine, monitor intravenous fluids, and a lot more which you can not do by yourself. If your insurance does not cover this, their service will cost from $10K to around $20K.

Air ambulance

Make sure you have a telephone number handy for emergency medical evacuation. In the United States this kind of service may put a tab of around $10,000 while prices may go as high as $100,000 when you are in foreign land.

You might not really need an emergency evac but having that number in your pocket can spell life or death.

If you are seeking for some adrenaline rush, bungee jumping can really provide some exhilarating seconds that you will not forget your whole life. Since you have decided to embrace danger, then we are giving five of the best jump spots in case you find yourself in Asia.

Macau Tower – 233 meters

This is the best jump that you can have in Asia if not the best in the world. Why not, it is the highest bungee jumping that you can in anywhere in the globe at 233 meters. Step on the edge of the Macau Tower and you can hear the strong gust of wind spelling danger in every way it can. Bungee jumping from the Macau Tower is a lot more dangerous than betting your house, your car, and your bank account in any casinos you can find in town.

Bhote Kosi River – 166 meters

Thrill seekers can find some excitement in the laid back, quiet country side of Nepal. It is quite a rush jumping from a suspension bridge with sharp rocks and rushing river welcoming you down below. The Bhote Kosi River is about 3 hours from the capital Kathmandu. This spot can also inspire you to pray while plunging down from a height of 166 meters.

Cheongpung Land – 62 meters

Cheongpung Land is a South Korean theme park which doubles as a fantasy land for bungee jumping thrill seekers. The experience is like diving from a 62-meter high spring board down to a lake below. After the jump and you still want some fun, you can try a human catapult or a human pendulum ride.

G-Max Singapore – 60 meters

The Singaporean government had a ban on bungee jumping until 2003. G-Max really does not just tie a rope around your ankles. They will put you in a capsule with two other riders who want to enjoy a reverse bungee. Reverse is not that simple. It is done by catapulting you up 200 kilometers per hour.

Pattaya Thailand – 56 meters

The height of 56 meters might not be that high for regular bungee jumpers. What makes it exciting is that you have to climb an old crane by foot and jump from the tip of its arm. A lake promises to help you break your fall.

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When we say take a romantic cruise, cheesy scenes from the Love Boat or Titanic may enter your mind. A romantic cruise can be a very special experience for a couple and a memorable journey you bring through life.

Romance is not always guaranteed but knowing what romantic cruise to take will be your first step. You can get tickets to explore Antarctica and that will be exciting but something romantic like cruising to explore the islands and the breathtaking views will always be a better choice.

Here are some of the best romantic cruises you can enjoy with your special someone:

Yachts of Seabourn with Seabourn Odyssey

This cruise is designed for those who want the finer things in life especially excellent food and drinks. The ship that can accommodate up to 450 passengers features the service, accommodation, and cuisine that is hard to be at par with while traveling on high seas.

You can treat your loved one to a great excellent massage in one of their Spa Villas on the deck. Some of their offerings include a weeklong cruise along Greece and Turkey for packages ranging from $3,799 through $30, 200. There is one scheduled for June 12, 2010.

Sea Dream Yacht Clube aboard SeaDream 1 or 2

This yacht club offers two intimate passenger ships that can carry 112 travelers for a casual yacht-like experience. The cruise is highlighted by great cuisine and service while you cut the water going to your destination.

You will enjoy the intimate nooks where you can spend the time with your partner while enjoying the breeze and the sound of the waves. They also have Balinese daybeds which you can use to watch the night sky while cuddled by your loved one.
A tour of the Caribbean may range from $4,000 to $19,000.

Crystal Cruises via Crystal Sernity

This grand liner defines luxury with penthouse suites that come with your personal butler who can attend to your needs. There is also a casino which is just perfect for a scene in James Bond.

The famous Japanese chef, Nobu Matsushisa has a restaurant on board and you can try the best sushi and other dishes they offer while enjoying the view of the ocean.

They will have a cruise kicking off on June 2, 2010. This will be a 12 day tour from Rome to U.K. with some stops and overnight stays in between.

Princess Cruises via Ruby Princess
The Ruby Princess is the new member of the Princess Cruises fleet. It is a big ship that has intimate areas like the adult only sundeck and its Crown Grill restaurant. The captain will also be more than happy to assist anyone who will be renewing their vows.

You can have a great time by ordering the lobster and wine four-course meal. Dine and enjoy the breeze on the private balcony of your cabin with your special one.
They offer a Caribbean Medley that will leave the port of Fort Lauderdale on March 20. The package they offer will range from $899 for a mini suite and up to $4,000 for a big suite.

Windsurf with the Windstar Cruises

Yes there will be big sails like the old ships you imagine but these ones will be controlled by a computer. The upscale crowd of the Wind Surf just needs to relax and enjoy different regional cuisines the chef offers. They also have a deck side reflexology center which can relieve you of some tensed muscles and joint aches.
They offer cruises to the Caribbean, French Riviera, and the Italian Riviera. It will cost you around $2,500 to $5,000 to enjoy these wonderful packages.

Paul Gaugin Cruises

This cruise liner is now operated by the Pacific Beachcomber company. This big upscale ship is named after a French artist and adorns the interior of the ship with tropical décor. The crew serves French-Polynesian dishes using local ingredients and they also offer a great relaxing spa treatment.

Try the love blessing ceremonies which is part of Polynesian tradition. The local female entertainers will guide you and your partner during the ritual.

Go to Society Island and Tahiti for around $3,000 to $22,000. They offer these trips all year round.

Silversea Cruises on the Silver Spirit

This trendy ship that can accommodate 540 persons is designed for some romance. The crew welcomes the guests with a glass of champagne. You will also forget about stiff neck with the classy pillows they provide. There are five different restaurants that can answer your cravings while you are on the high seas. You can also customize your itineraries. Relax with your partner in a private hammam elegantly accentuated by mosaic tiles.

They have a July 17, 2010 schedule for a weeklong trip to Barcelona then Monte Carlo. There will be party time in St. Tropez and Ibiza. Prepare some $5,000 to about $33,000 for the trip.

Queen Mary 2

This big ship embodies the classic transatlantic cruises. You will love the modern touches like the Todd English resto, Canyon Ranch spa, the cabins, Grand duplex, and even the planetarium.

If you love to dance, swing it with your partner in the ballroom. They have a formal night for this with live band to set the tunes.

A cruise will be leaving from Southhampton in the United Kingdom to New York on May 15. Packages range from $1,345 to around $25,000.

Celebrity Equinox

It will be a cruise of sensual pleasures. You will enjoy the parties, walking barefoot on top of the ship, and dishes serve by ten excellent restaurants. Things can get intimate in the private sunning deck.

They have packages for Italy and Greece available from May through August 2010. Budget range should hit $2,000 to $10,000.

French Country Waterways via Horizon II

Explore the French countryside while aboard this casual barge that accommodates up to 12 passengers. Discover the historic canals, wineries, rustic villages, and romantic castles while sampling the excellent wines and cheese of the region.
You can borrow bikes and ride with your partner to discover the villages on the riverbank. They have a cruise starting off from Central Burgundy on September 4, 2010. You will need around $7,000 for the trip which includes transport arrangements from Paris.

If you are a frequent traveler, you may be one of those people who consider hotels in different corners of the globe as their home away from home. As a loyal client, you can ask hotels for a bigger room or extra amenities which can make your stay more comfortable. Most of the time the hotel will give in to your request.

A room with a better view or maybe a room with some extra space where you do more work is always a great treat from the hotel management.

Do you really need to have a magic hat and pull out a trick so the front desk or the hotel manager will nod to your request? Not really but you just can not call them up and ask for an upgrade. You need to inject a bit of finesse and flexibility so you can negotiate for a better deal, a good room upgrade, and other wonderful extras.

Take note that the demand for hotels is on a slump due to the bad economy and this environment makes it perfect for you to ask for an upgrade. The rule is simple. Don’t ask for an upgrade and you will not have an upgrade. How you request for the upgrade spells the difference. Here are some tips that you can use to get that travel upgrade:

Negotiate early
Travel experts suggest that the best way to close a good travel deal is to negotiate early. Do it before you book a hotel. You can call up the hotel and try to check if they can offer more than what they have on their website. You will be surprise to find out that they can drop the rates, give some additional amenities, or give you a bigger room with a great view.

You can also ask if they will be running any promotion near you date of stay. You just need to work with them and they will be more than willing to accommodate you and build up their customer loyalty.

Book Direct
Here is one insider secret when it comes to hotel deals: hotels give their partner websites a 30% commission whenever someone books through them. Looking at the math, most likely the cost for this is passed on to consumers. You can play around this and save some money by booking your hotel direct.
Talking to the hotel directly may get you better rates than what you can find online. The success of negotiating for a room upgrade also has a higher chance of success. You can also get an x deal and agree with the outside rate as long as the hotel will give you a room with a better view or book you in a suite.

Ask when you check-in
When the demand for hotel rooms is low, this means that there are beautiful rooms in the hotel that remain unoccupied. Don’t forget that there will always be cancellation of reservations. These rooms may offer you a better view of the ocean, cityscape, or of the lush green of a golf course or a mountain.
There is no harm in trying and asking when you check-in if a room upgrade is possible. It will be a win-win situation since hotels are more than willing to do anything to please their customers.

Be Nice
The long lines at the airport or a bad cab service may really get into your nerves plus all the baggage fees, flight delays, bad weather. Add this all up and you can be a cranky traveler. You might not intentionally do it but there will be times when you forget to wear a smile or be nice when you get to the front desk of your hotel.

Commit this mistake and you can say goodbye to your hotel upgrade. Before you step into the lobby of the hotel, you can drop all the hassles you have encountered during your travel. Smile and be very engaging when you speak to the manager or the receptionist. Use a non-demanding tone when you ask for a possibility of getting an upgrade. You can also show some enthusiasm about your stay and you give the person you are talking to a reason to be very nice as well.

Elevate the negotiation
Sometimes you talk to the front desk clerk, they don’t have the green light to decide about things that you request for. Elevate the negotiation and ask for the supervisor or manager who can decide on things and who has the task of making sure that they keep your business. You can even negotiate with the general manager of the hotel since he gets a zero if the rooms are empty.

Imply Loyalty
You can mention that you travel frequently and stay in their hotels or your company uses their facilities for events and functions. This can give you an edge because you suggest that you give them good business and most likely your upgrade requests will be granted.

You can also join loyalty programs which most often are free. You can tease for a deal by saying that you have tried one type of room but want to see what better things they can offer.

Be a first timer
You can also try telling the hotel that it will be your first time to stay with them. Tell them you visit the area often and you have tried the other hotels. Ask if you can get a room upgrade while showing some enthusiasm as a first timer may also bump up your accommodation.

The hotel has more than enough reason to please a first time visitor. It is always good for the business when you win clients over the competition so most likely the hotel will try to keep you happy.

Ask for Extras
When the hotel is fully booked, it might be beyond possibilities to get a room upgrade. This doesn’t mean that you cannot get more value with your stay. You can check if the hotel can offer extras like a complimentary breakfast, internet access, or a parking space. These extras may sound very small but it can save you some money. Think of what you need to make your stay great in the hotel and ask if its feasible to get them.

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There is an unexplainable rush when we see an amazing view before us— a rainbow of colors, play of lights, and the different things that stimulate our being.
We created a list to tell you about the most beautiful views that we know so far:

Manhattan Skyline

You can see some of the vintage skyscrapers like the Woolworth, Flatiron, and Chrysler but of course nothing beats the Empire State Building when you are in New York. The iconic building is still on the top of the list of the American Institute of Architects as among the favorite architecture.

If you want to click your digicam for a souvenir of the Manhattan skyline or you just really want to see, go to the roof deck at Alma right in the heart of Brooklyn. Look at the glory of the lower Manhattan while enjoying a glass of margarita. You can go there all year round but the best time will be during spring or fall.

Moher in Ireland

You will be standing on the edge of Ireland when you go to the cliffs of Moher. Right in front of you will be the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean, all 2,000 miles of it until the Newfoundland. The view is purely sublime.

Looking at the world from the rocky cliffs is one thing but experiencing the waters is another. There is the Lahinch Surf School where you can get on a surfboard and try to negotiate the giant waves.

The swells are most challenging around October just when the crowd of tourists dissipates.

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China stretches for about 6,000 miles and is only among a few structures seen from our moon. Throughout the ages, millions of people have labored to build, maintain, and reconstruct the wall which was originally served as defense walls of the big Chinese civilization.

When in China, go to the sections of the wall in Gubeikou. This is in the Yanshan Mountain range which is less flocked by tourists in the northeastern part of the Miyun County.
You can go to China and hike the wall around October when the foot traffic is lighter.

Skyline of Paris

Napoleon Bonaparte can be credited for transforming Paris during the 2nd Empire but it was Engineer Gustave Eiffel who built the colossal Eiffel Tower which defines the City of Lights as we know it to be. It has been the symbol of every romantic and the tall, lattice structure can be seen practically anywhere in Paris.

If you will be flying to Paris before July 2010, you need to see the skyline of Paris from within the Nomiya. It is a small glass walled restaurant and art gallery on atop the Palais de Tokyo museum.

The best Parisian tableau can be seen during winter. It will be called but the breeze and the lights of the city blend perfectly.

Golden Gate Bridge

This bridge that connects two counties in California is an icon recognized world wide. It was built in the late 1930s and symbolizes the free spirit of the state.
Head to the Marin Headlands to the Hendrik Point and you will have a great aerial view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

It is typically sunny from September to October and the architecture will not be hugged by thick fog.

Matterhorn, Switzerland

A lot of climbers have died trying to reach the peak of the 14,692 foot high Matterhorn in Switzerland. The snow covered pyramidal summit is the epitome of mountain beauty.
You can take the train to go up the Gornegrat and get down at the Rotenboden Station. You need to walk about three kilometers dow to Lake Riffelsee where you can see the majestic Matterhorn and its magnificent reflection.

The trail to the lake is accessible from July through October. As the months pass by the less crowd you will meet.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is massive by all means. It is a mile deep, 18 mi wide, and 227 mi long. It can also be considered as the most colorful canyon in the world. Technically, the rocks forming the canyon tell about 2 billion years of history.
You cannot appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon if you see it on the movies. You need to see it in person. Go to the East Rim Drive and head to the Shoshone Point just between the 244 and 245 mileposts.

You don’t want a ton of RVs in the place so you need to go early by March through May.

Machu Picchu

It is still debatable whether the Machu Picchu was a resort, aristocratic estate, agricultural site, or a prison but you cannot deny the beauty of this Inca structure built during the 15th century. It will be an unforgettable experience to see the fogs hugging the peaks in the Urumba Valley of Peru.
The best perspective to see the Machu Picchu is from the Huayna Picchu which only grants access to the first 400 people. It will be a picture of cloud forest you will remember all your life.

You can try to go by June when it is very quiet. Best day will be Sunday when everyone else is busy in the Pisac Market.

Tiger’s Nest

The Tiger’s Nest is a monastery atop the cliffs of the Paro Valley in Bhutan. Anyone who sees the Paro Taktsang, as it is locally known, will be in awe. It is a very quiet place and all you can hear will be the chanting of the monks in prayers and the flags rustling around the monastery.

The monastery will be picture perfect from the Santopelri gardens and from the hermitages located higher up the mountain. You need to hike up the winding paths used by the monks to get there.

Go to Bhutan by April or May when the flowers are in bloom and when they celebrate the Paro Festival.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest system of reefs in the world. This natural wonder in Australia has this underwater glow and color which you can never find on the surface. Thousands of sea creatures ranging from sea-dragons, crocs, cuttlefish, and sharks among others call the reef their home.

Go to the Lady Elliot Island and arrange for snorkeling or a dive if you want to see the Great Barrier Reef in its full glory. The island is surrounded by pristine waters and manta rays are all over the place.

September through October is the best time to go when the weather is very clear and when the breeding season of whales is on.