Just For Men
Here's a tip that's useful even if you're not on a trip. If you need a shave desperately and shaving cream is expensive where you happen to be, the cheapest and indeed the best is available over the counter from pharmacies - aqueous cream. It comes in tubes and economy pots and (as the name implies) is excellent for moisturizing dry skin. Highly recommended.
Roll your ties backwards and very tightly round two of your fingers, starting from the narrow end and finishing with the wide. Then secure by rolling a sock over each one, separately. This method will keep the ties from getting creased, and will even remove that annoying twist.
Carry a "mugger's wallet" when travelling overseas - with a big bill in front and a half-dozen or so smaller bills behind, along with my photo ID library card, some other papers, hotel coupons, etc, for bulk. Day-to-day, this is my source for minor expenses. But in an emergency, you can surrender it easily and hope that the assailant is more interested in a quick windfall than carefully assessing the situation and evaluating whether or not you have more stashed somewhere that he'll have to go to considerable effort to get.
On a crowded city street with a large tour group, and you are busy looking at history and your wife wanders off to the nearest shop? Men, carry a large patterned umbrella (big, bright flowers work well) and have your wife carry the same. Then, if you get separated, you can both open them up and raise them above the crowd and find each other in an instant.
On the wallet security issue, make sure you always keep your wallet in a front trouser pocket (not in your inside jacket pocket or your back trouser pocket). Since the front of your thighs are very sensitive, it's difficult for the pickpocket to get it out without you knowing.
Besides the rubber band for wallets, turn your wallet ninety (90) degrees so the wallet goes across your pocket rather than up/down.
Make sure that you have a thick rubberband around your wallet. This will ensure that you will FEEL if someone is picking your pocket with the friction of the rubberband against the material of your slacks as they try to relieve you of the wallet!!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Arriving
Whenever you arrive in any country, whether it be by boat, plane or whatever you are vulnerable. You have all your cash, cards, documents and anything else valuable on you right at that moment. It is even worse if you have never been there before and look like you haven't, there are always people who are willing to "help". Every precaution you take will help to avoid any potential problems. After all you do not want someone to "help" themselves to your belongings, when you have just arrived. Here are a few tips that should help.
Before leaving for your trip, try to get some prior information as to the rough layout of the airport where you will be arriving. This will help, to have a vague sense of where you should be going and where the taxis are located etc.
Whenever possible, especially in certain countries we recommend taking either the airport limousine, or a hotel pick up.
Never take a taxi that seems just to be hanging around, offering its services when there is a taxi queue available.
Try to keep your wallet and valuables safely secured in a handbag or in one of your hand luggage.
Change some money into the local currency before you depart. This gives you one less thing to worry about, and will stop you from pulling a large amount of money out at the airport arrivals.
Keep a small amount of this local currency, easily accessible in a pocket or something, and away from the majority of your well earned money. You will need sufficient for the ride into town, a tip (perhaps) and a little for unforeseen needs like toll ways or a bottle of water.
If you have not been able to find anything out about the airport that you are visiting then ask one of the airline staff, or the government tourism booth (if they have one at the airport) for some assistance, or tips on the best way of travelling.
Most countries really are very safe, but in others it is really very advisable to take to take as many precautions as possible. No matter what, the most important is that you have a great holiday.
Before leaving for your trip, try to get some prior information as to the rough layout of the airport where you will be arriving. This will help, to have a vague sense of where you should be going and where the taxis are located etc.
Whenever possible, especially in certain countries we recommend taking either the airport limousine, or a hotel pick up.
Never take a taxi that seems just to be hanging around, offering its services when there is a taxi queue available.
Try to keep your wallet and valuables safely secured in a handbag or in one of your hand luggage.
Change some money into the local currency before you depart. This gives you one less thing to worry about, and will stop you from pulling a large amount of money out at the airport arrivals.
Keep a small amount of this local currency, easily accessible in a pocket or something, and away from the majority of your well earned money. You will need sufficient for the ride into town, a tip (perhaps) and a little for unforeseen needs like toll ways or a bottle of water.
If you have not been able to find anything out about the airport that you are visiting then ask one of the airline staff, or the government tourism booth (if they have one at the airport) for some assistance, or tips on the best way of travelling.
Most countries really are very safe, but in others it is really very advisable to take to take as many precautions as possible. No matter what, the most important is that you have a great holiday.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tips for Your First Spa Visit
Tips for Your First Spa Visit
Go for at least 4 nights if you want a true perspective.
Arrive at a reasonable hour even if you need to leave work early.
Meet with spa coordinators immediately...
Choose a spa that fits your needs; overseas spas usually emphasize beauty rather than exercise, nutrition etc.
Some spas are really resorts with a few spa facilities.
A good gauge of a spa is the number of professionals on staff.
Does the manicurist also do facials; if so, this is not a true spa.
Read health and fitness magazines for a few months in advance and formulate questions; this is your chance to ask specialists everything: don't forget to have questions for the cook, hairdresser, class instructors, hikers, nurse etc.
Have a goal; this helps you to schedule properly and make priorities. i.e.: weight loss. stress reduction, learning about new ideas, menopause considerations etc.
List all the machines from your hometown gym; you can get a trainer to teach you how to use them more effectively.
Figure out how fast you walk so that when you join a morning walk you know your level. Instructors will say " this is the 12 minute mile group" etc.
Before you pack, find out about laundry facilities so you don't over pack. If facilities are not available, buy 9 Hanes Beefy T Shirts to wear on top--they will be cheaper to throw out than most spa laundry services.
Leggings and spandex shorts are easy to pack and to wash in your room.
Do carry some exercise clothes on the plane and wear your sneakers.
If luggage is delayed, you will find the spa store very pricey!
Packing in two small bags increases the chances that one will arrive with you.
Do not overindulge immediately on fresh salad, fruits or high fiber foods. Ask about ingredients, ie. some chocolate sauces contain prune nectar. You will pay the price!
Spread your appointments so that your body has a rest from exercise; i.e.. book a massage and longer services on the second and fourth days as you will probably be too tired to continue exercising.
Use your services for information you cannot get from your hometown: ie don't waste time on a manicure if the spa offers for the same price a physical trainer or hydrotherapy.
Ask a physical trainer for a short stretch routine to do in your room before you jump into the early morning walk, especially if you are not in great shape.
Bring minimum make-up and no jewelry; most spas are very casual and women wind down quickly. Spas are not a fashion show.
Do bring something from your college or your children's' school especially if you are going alone. Great way to identify new friends from the same background.
Try one new class or lecture each day even if you walk out before the end. These include meditation, tai chi, alternative health proposals. Try two new services; even picking what you consider "off the wall". Professional spas do not offer services which have no benefit.
Remember you will drink lots of water; get rid of your bathroom and locker room qualms. Some of those spandex girls used to look like you so don't be embarrassed. In the same vein, never look at the other people in a class; you are there for yourself not to compete with anyone else.
Keep an open mind and you will learn not just from the professionals but from the other guests.
Go for at least 4 nights if you want a true perspective.
Arrive at a reasonable hour even if you need to leave work early.
Meet with spa coordinators immediately...
Choose a spa that fits your needs; overseas spas usually emphasize beauty rather than exercise, nutrition etc.
Some spas are really resorts with a few spa facilities.
A good gauge of a spa is the number of professionals on staff.
Does the manicurist also do facials; if so, this is not a true spa.
Read health and fitness magazines for a few months in advance and formulate questions; this is your chance to ask specialists everything: don't forget to have questions for the cook, hairdresser, class instructors, hikers, nurse etc.
Have a goal; this helps you to schedule properly and make priorities. i.e.: weight loss. stress reduction, learning about new ideas, menopause considerations etc.
List all the machines from your hometown gym; you can get a trainer to teach you how to use them more effectively.
Figure out how fast you walk so that when you join a morning walk you know your level. Instructors will say " this is the 12 minute mile group" etc.
Before you pack, find out about laundry facilities so you don't over pack. If facilities are not available, buy 9 Hanes Beefy T Shirts to wear on top--they will be cheaper to throw out than most spa laundry services.
Leggings and spandex shorts are easy to pack and to wash in your room.
Do carry some exercise clothes on the plane and wear your sneakers.
If luggage is delayed, you will find the spa store very pricey!
Packing in two small bags increases the chances that one will arrive with you.
Do not overindulge immediately on fresh salad, fruits or high fiber foods. Ask about ingredients, ie. some chocolate sauces contain prune nectar. You will pay the price!
Spread your appointments so that your body has a rest from exercise; i.e.. book a massage and longer services on the second and fourth days as you will probably be too tired to continue exercising.
Use your services for information you cannot get from your hometown: ie don't waste time on a manicure if the spa offers for the same price a physical trainer or hydrotherapy.
Ask a physical trainer for a short stretch routine to do in your room before you jump into the early morning walk, especially if you are not in great shape.
Bring minimum make-up and no jewelry; most spas are very casual and women wind down quickly. Spas are not a fashion show.
Do bring something from your college or your children's' school especially if you are going alone. Great way to identify new friends from the same background.
Try one new class or lecture each day even if you walk out before the end. These include meditation, tai chi, alternative health proposals. Try two new services; even picking what you consider "off the wall". Professional spas do not offer services which have no benefit.
Remember you will drink lots of water; get rid of your bathroom and locker room qualms. Some of those spandex girls used to look like you so don't be embarrassed. In the same vein, never look at the other people in a class; you are there for yourself not to compete with anyone else.
Keep an open mind and you will learn not just from the professionals but from the other guests.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tipping guide
Waiter Fifteen percent of the bill (not including tax).
Captain: Five percent. Note: If diner writes tip on the check, the waiter gets it all, unless the diner specifies how it is to be split. (Example: Waiter, $5; captain, $2.)
Headwaiter who seats diners: Five dollars or $10 or more at intervals for regular patrons. He should be tipped in cash.
Sommelier Ten percent of the wine selection or 5% if the wine is expensive. Two dollars or $3 is a good tip.
Bartender: One dollar minimum or 15% of check
Hatcheck- Fifty cents to $1 per couple.
Rest-room attendant Fifty cents.
Doorman (to get taxi: Fifty cents normally. One dollar in bad weather or rush hour.
Other staff at a restaurant that is used regularly should be tipped once or twice a year.- Hosts, switchboard operators (where the restaurant provides telephone service).
Other tipping:
Nightclubs - Headwaiter should get $2 to $ 10 per person, depending on the impression the party host wishes to make on his guests. (Higher tip usually ensures better service)
Limousine service: Fifteen percent to the driver. If service charge is included in bill, tip an additional $5.
Hotels - Valet, room service, bartender, should get about 50 cents, depending on the amount and quality of service. Bellman: Fifty cents per bag. Chambermaid: One dollar per day.
Sports arenas and racetracks - A $5 tip to an usher will often give you and your guests access to unused reserved seats.
Captain: Five percent. Note: If diner writes tip on the check, the waiter gets it all, unless the diner specifies how it is to be split. (Example: Waiter, $5; captain, $2.)
Headwaiter who seats diners: Five dollars or $10 or more at intervals for regular patrons. He should be tipped in cash.
Sommelier Ten percent of the wine selection or 5% if the wine is expensive. Two dollars or $3 is a good tip.
Bartender: One dollar minimum or 15% of check
Hatcheck- Fifty cents to $1 per couple.
Rest-room attendant Fifty cents.
Doorman (to get taxi: Fifty cents normally. One dollar in bad weather or rush hour.
Other staff at a restaurant that is used regularly should be tipped once or twice a year.- Hosts, switchboard operators (where the restaurant provides telephone service).
Other tipping:
Nightclubs - Headwaiter should get $2 to $ 10 per person, depending on the impression the party host wishes to make on his guests. (Higher tip usually ensures better service)
Limousine service: Fifteen percent to the driver. If service charge is included in bill, tip an additional $5.
Hotels - Valet, room service, bartender, should get about 50 cents, depending on the amount and quality of service. Bellman: Fifty cents per bag. Chambermaid: One dollar per day.
Sports arenas and racetracks - A $5 tip to an usher will often give you and your guests access to unused reserved seats.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tips For Traveling To Europe
Best Tips For Traveling To Europe
When traveling to Europe, consider off-season which is mainly from October to April. You will be able to save on airfare, and find more budget rooms.
Use a guidebook. Guidebooks cost approximately $20 and will save you a lot of money. An up-to-date guidebook pays for itself on your first day in Europe and you will learn about best places to stay, eat and visit to get more value for your dollar.
Use ATMs rather than travelers checks. You'll get your cash cheaper and faster. Note that they come with transaction fees, but you can minimize them by making fewer and larger withdrawals.
When traveling to Europe, consider off-season which is mainly from October to April. You will be able to save on airfare, and find more budget rooms.
Use a guidebook. Guidebooks cost approximately $20 and will save you a lot of money. An up-to-date guidebook pays for itself on your first day in Europe and you will learn about best places to stay, eat and visit to get more value for your dollar.
Use ATMs rather than travelers checks. You'll get your cash cheaper and faster. Note that they come with transaction fees, but you can minimize them by making fewer and larger withdrawals.
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