Don't get drunk on the plane. Choose a flight that arrives at a civilised time of day, be aware of the effects of jet lag and stay alert: the first hour you spend in a foreign country is when you are most likely to be robbed.
COMPANIONS FLY FREE ON SABENA The Belgian-based airline Sabena is offering a deal for travelers from the United States to any of Sabena's destinations worldwide. The deal works like a two-for-one ticket--anyone purchasing a full-price ticket with a valid MasterCard in the U.S. can take a companion free. Travel must be completed before February 28, 2002. The deal is only valid with the purchase of a 14-day apex fare or higher from airports in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Newark, New York, and Washington, D.C. Companions must travel on the same flights and dates as the ticketed passengers. There are a number of other rules that apply to these tickets, but for the most part the deal is pretty straightforward and despite the high price of the purchased ticket, it ends up being a good deal even compared to most consolidator fares. For reservations, call 800-955-2000, and remember the reference code: G*KVFHKH.
TRAVEL HEALTH ONLINE Anyone traveling to the remote corners of the world knows that it's a challenge to stay healthy. In some spots it's even more of a challenge to find help once you're sick. The best course of action is prevention--so it helps to know which vaccines are needed for your destination. A great Web site that offers a comprehensive overview of each country's health risks is Travel Health Online. The site even offers other information, including visa details, crime statistics, travel advisories, and embassy phone numbers. There is also an area called Traveler Information that lists a vast assortment of diseases with details about where they can be contracted, preventive measures, and symptoms. Before you travel, check this site for the addresses of travel medicine providers at your destination. There aren't all that many countries included, but it could help. The section is also important for those from the United States who need vaccines before they go, as there are listings for travel medicine providers for all areas of America. Travel Health Online http://www.tripprep.com/index.html
HIKING FOR CHERRY BLOSSOMS The onset of spring is heralded each year in Japan with numerous cherry blossom festivals. Though the peak time for viewing is from about April 10 to 20, the blossoms often start blooming a week or more before that. One of the best ways to absorb the beauty of the blooms is by taking a two-day hiking trip through the various areas of Tokyo sporting cherry blossoms. On the first day, walk on Wakamiya-Oji Avenue, where there is an abundance of cherry trees. Then, aim for the flower tunnel at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and from there move on to Kamakuragu Shrine. Not far away, the Seisen Elementary School and the hillside below the tomb of Minamoto-no-Yoritomo are brightened with the spring blooms. Cherry blossoms also line the Tenen Hiking Course. On the second day, begin at Genjiyama Park and walk along the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) Hiking Course to Hase. Kaido blossoms and cherry blossoms are prevalent at the Kosokuji Temple and also adorn the area around the Hasedera Temple. Some of the mountain areas along the walk are lined with darker colored cherry blossom trees. For those who attempt this two-day walk, be warned that there are hills, sometimes with steep slopes. Also, the wind can get brisk, so always carry a jacket. There are coin lockers at Kamakura Station, so it is possible to take just enough gear for two days. For more information, check the Japan Travel Web site: http://www.jnto.go.jp/regions/kanto/kamakura/plan_e03.html
FINDING DISCOUNTS ON PARIS HOTELS Though Paris has a smattering of hostels available for those on a tight budget, those can fill up in the high season, or just may not offer the right atmosphere for all travelers. As an alternative, the seven-year-old Hotel Marketing Services helps visitors find hotel discounts. The company works with about 40 small hotels in Paris and can offer discounts of anywhere from 15 percent to 40 percent off the rack rate, usually depending on the season. Calling a week or two in advance usually insures the best rates possible, but there is also opportunity for last-minute bargains. The prices may still not be as low as some hostels, but at least the option is there. For more information, contact +42-60-33-73, or fax +42-61-49-26, or check the company's Web site at http://www.hms-voyages.com
BERLIN ON THE CHEAP Though Berlin is not the cheapest place to travel in, there are ways to save a bit of money while visiting this booming city. First, as with most of Europe it is best to travel in the shoulder season, before the heart of summer and in early fall. The weather in Berlin is best from May to October, so going in May or late September and October will generally mean a bit of savings on flights and hotels. Though driving is not as much of a headache as in some other European cities, it's also not necessary to have a car in Berlin. Public transportation is extensive, and it is also feasible to bike around the city. There are many bike rental shops in the city. For those who want to save on accommodation, there are hostels, such as the Odyssee Globetrotter Hostel. This hostel is also a social center, with a bar on the premises that is open until dawn, a billiard table, and other entertainment options. While the hostel draws a young, boisterous crowd, it is possible to have a bit of privacy in a double or single room. For more information, check the hostel's site at http://www.globetrotterhostel.de/
WHERE TO STAY IN CUZCO Considering its prime location as a jumping off point for hikes along the 26-mile Inca Trail and even Machu Picchu, Cuzco is a stop on most people's trips through Peru. There are a number of budget accommodations to choose from for those who opt to stay in town. Rikch'ariy (236-606) is just northeast of the Plaza de Armas. A very basic double here can cost as low as $5 with breakfast, though the price can go up to $12 for a private bath. Not quite as cheap, but equally worth the price is the hotel Niņos (231-424), http://www.targetfound.nl/ninos housed in a 17th century building with 20 rooms. The doubles cost from $24 to $30 per night. Proceeds are used to support about a dozen street kids the owners have adopted in the past five years. As for tour operators in Cuzco, one of the most popular is United Mice (221-139) whose one-night Machu Picchu trips, for example, run $90 all-inclusive.
2001 HOSTELLING NORTH AMERICA AVAILABLE
If you're one of the many who relies on hostels to make a trip affordable, you'll definitely want to get a copy of the 2001 edition of Hostelling North America. This time around, the book spans 400 pages and offers complete details, maps, and photos of 200 hostels--126 in the United States and 74 in Canada. The book comes with a membership to Hostelling International, which otherwise can be purchased by phone, mail, or fax. Call 202-783-6161, or check the Web site http://www.hiayh.org/ushostel/pubs/hospub3.htm
for more information on ordering a copy. The site also offers international hostel directories.
MONTEREY HOSTEL OPENS
The beautiful town of Monterey along California's coast has always catered more toward upscale visitors than budget travelers. But last Christmas the Monterey Hostel opened, located in the old Carpenters Union Hall at 778 Hawthorne St. in New Monterey. The hostel, which can house up to 45 travelers per night, charges $17 per night for a dorm bed. A private or family room costs from $51 a night. One distinction of this hostel is its attention to water conservation, as it utilizes a number of water-saving appliances. Among the financial contributors for this nonprofit hostel are the California Coastal Conservancy and AYH. For more information, call 831-649-0375, or check the Monterey Hostel Web site at
http://montereyhostel.org
LEARN LANGUAGE TO BARGAIN
In many countries, bargaining for goods is a way of life, and tourists are expected to take part in the tradition. Of course, learning a bit of the language always helps, not only in communicating, but in giving the vendors a sense that you how things work in their country and what prices should be. The approach doesn't always work, of course, but your chances are greatly improved if you know simple phrases like "too much." Naturally, also make sure you have a firm grasp of the exchange rate before you start bargaining, and bring small change or bills with you, kept separate from the rest of your money in case you want to make the point that you only have or are willing to pay a certain amount. One option is to bring a calculator, or perhaps more sophisticated hand-held currency converter, both to show the person with whom you are bargaining the numeral you are willing to pay, as well as to help with the figuring.
BARGAINING IN JORDAN
This country is not the best place to shop in the Middle East. Prices are generally higher for souvenirs than in Egypt or the Arab market in Israel. Bargaining is expected and of course helps bring the price down, but they don't tend to come as far down as vendors in some other countries. One way to purchase an item and feel better about the price is to shop at one of the several chains of stores in the country that gives some proceeds to charities. The Jordan Design & Trade Centre, part of the Queen Noor Foundation, is one of these outlets. It has stores in northern Amman, Aqaba, Petra, Jerash, and Madaba, and the sale of the crafts helps create jobs for women and raises money for children. For more information, check the Web site
http://www.nhf.org.jo'
USA-settling travel disputes in small claims court
It pays to purchase travel through a local supplier, as dispute resolution is much easier. When you purchase travel from a
remote supplier, in case of a court dispute, the supplier usually has the advantage of where the matter is legally settled.
This, of course, can be a fatal blow to justice for an individual consumer with insufficient funds to conduct a long-range court
battle.
Hopefully you won't need the services of a small claims court to settle a dispute, but you'll always want to keep that option
open. Thomas A. Dickerson, a judge in New York who comments on travel law, has found that, at least in New York state's small
claims courts, decision-making standards have shifted to favoring the plaintiffs.
For the most part, Internet purchases have been ruled to have taken place at the client's computer--thus the court-location
advantage goes to the purchaser. However, the Internet is the new testing ground for scam artists, who can disappear faster than
you can say "vaporware," so don't make a travel purchase online just because the jurisdiction is in your favor. Use dependable
suppliers whom you know you can trust.
Visit Judge Dickerson's Web site at:
http://members.aol.com/judgetad/index.html
Cave dwelling is possible in northern Thailand in the town of Soppong., Between Pai and Mae Hong Son, Soppong is close to a whole network of caves that attracts many visitors, but it's the Cave Lodge that has carved a niche with travelers. Rooms at the lodge cost only about $2 a night, which, needless to say, makes it difficult to get a room during high season. The walls of the Cave Lodge are covered with maps of the area, marked with places of interest and estimated trekking times. Inside the lodge are also photo albums from cave expeditions: The photos belong to the lodge's owner who is a caving expert. He can tell visitors which of the caves are too dangerous to visit because of high levels of carbon dioxide. The atmosphere at the lodge is very communal, and solo travelers often end up taking excursions together. Aside from visits to the myriad caves in the area, a number of different hill-tribe people live in the Soppong region. Many of their villages are within walking distance of the lodge.
If you are traveling to a heavily mosquito-ridden area, especially a malarial location, it's a good idea to bring your own mosquito net. Though luxury and many mid-range hotels often have mosquito nets set up over the beds, budget accommodations often do not. Even if the place where you're staying is equipped with a net, it's a good idea to check whether it is riddled with holes. Use your own if it doesn't pass the test! Bringing your own mosquito net also means you can camp in more comfort, provided you can secure a tent for the night. There are many different types of mosquito nets--large ones that need to be hung from a ceiling or wall or personal fold-out mosquito nets, which are easier to set up. One recommended brand is the Walrus Bug Hut. Check your local outdoors and recreation stores as well as army surplus shops.
Malarone, a new antimalarial drug, passed Federal Drug Administration approval last year and is now available through
prescription.
Malarone is badly needed, as various strains of malaria have developed resistances to all but one of the antimalarial drugs,
Larium. Larium, meanwhile, is considered undesirable due to reported side effects, from bad dreams to episodes of psychosis.
Malarone is highly effective against malaria--studies showed it to be 98 percent effective--and reportedly has few side effects.
It also requires less treatment time than with the older medicines. Travelers begin taking it one or two days before they enter
a malarial area and continue it for a week after their return.
For more information on Malarone, visit
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/malaria/malarone.htm
Travelers to China's southern province of Guangdong have a few relatively new youth hostels to choose from, each providing dormitory accommodation for visitors for between $5 and $10 a night. First, in Guangdong's capital city of Guangzhou, budget travelers can stay at the 80-bed Guangzhou City Youth Hostel, located at 179 Huanshi XI Road, opposite the main railway station. The hostel offers 24-hour access and is air-conditioned, which is a plus in China's summer heat. For more information, call 20-8666 6889, or fax 20-8667-9787.
In the Zhuhai Holiday Resort, located in Guangzhou's city center, 70 minutes by jetcat from Hong Kong, there is a 120-bed Zhuhai hostel that is much more affordable than the resort and allows guests to use the resort facilities. A few of the available perks include a bowling alley, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. For more information, check out the Web site at
http://www.zhuhai-holitel.com/english/ehotel_home.htm
One of the best locales for a hostel is the Mt. Dinghu International Hostel, located in a nature reserve near Zhaoqing, about 50 miles from Guangzhou. For more information about this 100-bed hostel, call 758-262-1668 or fax: 758-262-1665.
India has always been a bargain for tourists who visit its World Heritage sites, but they also had to wince at the poor upkeep of those sites. Now those sites are no longer a bargain, as the Indian government has marked up admission rates for tourists so high that they seem expensive even by Western standards. For instance, the admission to the ruins of Mandu formerly cost 5 rupees (about 10 cents); now it costs 1,380 rupees, which is about $30. The Taj Mahal's admission landed at 1,430 rupees, which is about $31.
Tourists can only hope their high admission payments will go toward better upkeep of the sites. For a complete list of the sites, go to
http://216.87.26.241/en/culturalheritage/heritagesites/intro.htm
As of January 1, 2001, El Salvador changed its currency to the U.S. dollar. As we reported in an earlier tip, Ecuador took the same measure back in September, and Panama is already an established dollar economy. Guatemala, meanwhile, plans to operate with the dollar as a parallel currency to its quetzal beginning on May 1. Argentina already operates in this manner. In Cuba, the dollar also operates unofficially as a parallel currency, although that may begin to change as Russia and Cuba reestablish their ties. For U.S. travelers to Central and South America, this makes currency calculations easy. However, the dollar is present in these countries because of economic problems of the sort that don't present the best tourist infrastructure, and consequently most of these countries are not the kind where mainstream travelers venture. With the notable exception of Argentina, they do present great bargains for the traveler. You'll have to decide if it's worth the risk of visiting a place like Guatemala (which, for the record, is one of my favorite countries on Earth), but at least you won't have to worry about the currency calculations. For more information on these countries, visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
WHEN TO BUY AUTO RENTAL INSURANCE (USA)
Auto insurance sold at rental counters is overpriced, and the industry has at times been accused of price gouging. New York state even eliminated voluntary rental-car insurance because of perceived abuses to the consumer, and as of 1989 rental companies in the state are responsible for any damage over $100 by the indiscretions of a renter. See the information at: http://www.ins.state.ny.us/autorent.htm
Even though car rental insurance is overpriced, if you're not in New York you'll sometimes want to purchase it, because the possibility of having to pay for a wrecked car and medical bills is not worth the risk. How do you know when to pay? Here's a simple rule: anytime you're not sure if you need it.
Unless you are covered by personal auto insurance for car rentals, you probably need to purchase the insurance offered at the counter. The insurance offered by credit cards usually only covers the rental car. But if you hit another car or a light pole, for instance, that is not covered. Imagine for a moment the bills that could accumulate.
DON'T SKIMP ON INDIA TRAIN TRAVEL
India is a budget traveler's dream by any means. Food is cheap, even in the better restaurants, accommodation can be had for less than $5 a day, and the bargain prices for local crafts makes for great shopping. Overland transportation is also quite cheap, making it possible to traverse the sprawling country by bus or train for relatively little. Train travel is a personal favorite since it keeps you off the hazardous roads, away from the country's renowned crazy drivers. But the trains can be quite hectic. On a recent journey I couldn't even get off at my stop before all the new passengers rushed on, though I finally made it out the door. For long journeys, this is one place to splurge and buy a sleeper ticket in either AC1 or AC2 class. The price is quite a bit higher than the regular sleeper or hard seat classes, but the difference is enormous, and it still falls within a budget traveler's range. A 10-hour train ride cost me $22, and I had my own seat to lie down on, plus sheets and pillows are provided. This is one place to not skimp when traveling.
SCAMS IN DELHI
India harbors the extremes when it comes to the nature of its people. I have met some of the friendliest, most genuine people in the world just walking around India, but I have also met some of the biggest scam artists, as well. Sometimes it's difficult at first to tell the difference, so it's always prudent to be cautious. As for blatant scams, I encountered one during my first hours in Delhi that was straight out of the Lonely Planet scams section of its India guidebook. At the Delhi airport there are pre-paid taxis that can be ordered, so travelers don't get ripped off. I had a hotel in mind, but my driver stopped at a "Tourist Office" and said we should call. Of course the man at the office said he called for me, and there were no reservations, hoping I'd make a booking at a place he and the driver could get commission. But I insisted on talking to the hotel myself and found, lo and behold, there were plenty of rooms. Needless to say, there are many shady operations, so beware.
LUXURY FOR A LOW PRICE IN TRUJILLO, HONDURAS
Vacationing in Honduras is still one of the best ways to enjoy a high-end-style beach vacation at budget prices. Trujillo, on the island's north coast, has all the makings of a true resort area, with the added bonus that there is basically no development on the surrounding beaches. Trujillo itself contains a mix of Latin and Garifuna culture. Tourists can watch Garifuna dances, such as the Punta, at the club Menudo, where musicians play traditional instruments such as skin drums and turtle shells. A highly recommended place to stay in Trujillo is the Villa Brinkley, located on a hill overlooking the bay. The price for rooms is about $25 per night for two people, including use of the hotel's private beach and pool. There is also a small souvenir shop on the premises and an office for the German-run outfit Turtle Tours, which puts together adventure and sightseeing excursions. The hotel runs a good restaurant, but it's also worth eating in town. Near the town center, a number of restaurants serve basic fish and chicken dishes for around $2. Many locals dine at Restaurante Granada, where a plate of garlic shrimp sells for about $5. For more information on Hotel Villa Brinkley, call 504-44-4444.
THE ART OF TRAVELING WITH BICYCLES
One of the most cost efficient ways to get around once you're in a country is by bike. Many places offer bicycles for rent, but that obviously prevents biking from one country to another or from one city to another. There are hassles inherent in taking your own bicycle on a trip, but there is a Web site, Travel with Bicycles to help. The site details information about how to pack and ship a bike, what different policies are on various airlines and trains, as well as bicycle rental information for those who choose that route. The information on Travel with Bicycles is provided by readers of rec.bicycles.rides and other related newsgroups and mailing lists. Information from the readers is often in-depth, covering just about every corner of the world. Users of the site have developed it into a real community, easy to navigate and very useful for anyone thinking of a bike trip. To check out the site, head to
http://www.GFonline.ORG/BikeAccess/
