Travel Tips

Travel has become an integral part of our life especially during vacation time. Moreover, we may have to travel as part of our business or profession as well. Here are some tips that may be useful for a pleasurable and comfortable travel.

1. Travel light

Luggage has to be minimized. We all know how much it can hinder our mobility carrying heavy, bulging bags and other things. As for as possible try to reduce the 'burden'.

2. Proper planning

Be well organized. Plan a trip well-ahead. Visualize mentally each and every minute details about travel. Make notes. Take out your pencil/pen and note-pad. Write down everything clearly. Travel with a definite purpose. Make a detailed tour plan, note it down. Write a list of things to carry, to do, to buy etc.

3. Tickets, Passport, Identification

Needless to say, these are very important while traveling.
It's easy to 'forget' such important things but remember, if you are traveling with a group by 'forgetting' such things you will erode the pleasure of others in the group. So always check and recheck these things, visa etc.
Also keep these things safely. Use the hotel's safety box.

4. Cabin baggage and Checked-in baggage

Different airlines have different rules and regulations regarding cabin and checked-in baggages. Browse their websites and find out the details. Don't forget to ask the Travel Agent about the latest rules. Excess 'kilos' can sometimes burn a large hole in your pocket.

5. Customs and Visas

Clarify all the doubts regarding the currencies you carry, customs rules and regulations and Visas.
Now-a-days things can become very difficult in cares of some errors or omissions.

6. Contact relatives / friends / acquaintances

If you know someone and you think its OK, contact them days ahead of your travel.
This will make them also comfortable. Surprise visits can be tricky sometimes, some may consider it is an invasion of privacy. Moreover, it is a good idea to ask them about the local situation at your destination. After all, we don't want to travel to a place where some riots are taking place.

7. Important addresses / maps / Travel guide

In addition to the addresses of contacts stored in your mobile phone it is better to have an address book while traveling. Hardcopy comes handy at times ! You can download and print tourist maps that are freely available on the Internet.
Get one in local language also, taxi drivers will appreciate it. Try to get a travel guide as well. You can pick one guide book from travel agency.

8. Toileteries, medicines, and other personal items.

Stock all these plenty. Tissue papers, refreshing towels etc will never become useless during travel. You may have personal preferences regarding toilet items; so it is better to stock those rather than deciding to buy those at your destination. It may not be available others and it might be difficult to locate a store sometimes. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen lotion and moisturizer.

9. Eatables

Your favorite crackers, breakfast cereals, toffees...well it is always better to pack these items.
Munching your favorites will lighten your mood during the lull moments while traveling.

10. Books / CD's / DVD's / MP3/4 player / magazines / ipod etc....

Nothing to elaborate upon such things. You know these are really a must.

11. Safety

This is something that requires a lot of attention. Wherever you go, whatever you do, whomsoever you are with....always be safe.
Take calculated risks during travel if you would really like to take risk....well you can become adventurous but be safe!
Trust your instincts !
Try to be practical !

12. Make the trip filled with happiness

Lot of misunderstandings can develop when you travel in a group. Make conscious effort to minimize it and try nullify it ASAP.
Find out happiness in everything that you see. Fill each and every moment with joy. Instill happiness into your mind....Laugh wholeheartedly a lot....Smile....
Feed your mind with happiness....

Bon Voyage!!!

Travel safely - some tips!

Safety during travel should be given topmost priority.
Traveling carelessly will attract trouble. There is a tendency for people to drop off their usual guard during vacation travel. Such callous attitude may invite trouble.

Have a definite plan

The tour plan should be charted out days in advance with all the details taken care of. Every member of the group should be aware of all the details of the tour plan. There should be a team leader.
Each member of the group should feel free to discuss openly their concerns, ideas etc to make the travel pleasurable. If you feel that you won't fit perfectly in a group it is better to avoid travel with them. Tell them 'NO' politely.

Beware of strangers and touts

Here, you will have to trust your instincts and gut feelings. Research a lot about the places you are going to visit. Browse the internet, read the blogs, you will get plenty of info.
Ask the Hotel concierge or the tour desk about the the tourist spots. Most of the hotels have reliable tour planners. Give priority to safety even of it costs a little more.
As far as possible avoid touts. There will be lot of touts around tourist spots to distract you. Keep a distance from them.

Safety in places of stay

Stay in a reputed place. Avoid shady dwellings. Any concerns should be immediately notified to the people at reception desk. Keep the doors and windows locked especially when you sleep.
Use the safety latch and peephole. Refuse stay in interconnected rooms. Keep a flashlight, candles and matches ready in the case of an unlikely event of power failure. Never allow strangers to visit you in your room, meet them at the lobby. Handle the electrical appliances safely. Make sure the room you stay is safe!

Important contacts / telephone numbers

Note down the telephone numbers of tourist police and other emergency numbers.

Passport / tickets / identification / money / keys

Safely keep all these with you. Extra pockets in clothes will be useful. Use the safe deposit locker in the room.
Handle money carefully. Never attract unwanted attention by showing off money, jewellery etc. Always be on the guard. Watch out for pick pockets!

Avoid shady places

Dark alleys, shady dwellings....well....it is common sense these places are dangerous. Keep away....
Be safe! Go to reputed joints to have food and drink if needed. Return to Hotel well before late night.

Enjoy a safe travel especially during vacation!

Summer time - take care of our skin!

The heat and humidity during summer time can cause pigmentation on the skin making it dark.
More sweat is produced, the pores in the skin open up.
This is the time we must take active care of the skin.

First and foremost is avoidance of direct sunlight especially between 11 AM and 3 PM.
It is better to stay inside during this time and avoid swimming and other outdoor activities.
If you prefer to go outside, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or above (Sun Protection Factor).
This must be applied at least half an hour before going out in the sun and may be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours.
Use an umbrella or a wide-rimmed hat.

During other times in the day it is better to use a moisturizer. Oil free moisturizers are better.
Shop around and select a brand that suits you.

Eat more fruits and vegetables during summer.
I like oranges very much.

Drink lots and lots of water. Even if we stay indoors drink lots of water.
Limit the use of air-conditioner because it will make the skin drier.

Visit a spa or beauty parlor and do Facials. It's great for your skin.

Finally a natural beauty remedy for sun induced damage.
Rub a freshly cut, red, fleshy tomato on the face after sun exposure.
After an hour wash with water.

A signature !

Hello
I just added a cute digital signature to my blog posts !
How is it?
Like it?

Translate website / blog to different languages - Add this gadget / widget!

Translator widget / gadget is another free stuff I added to my blogs recently. This add-on, I believe, will make my blogs universally user-friendly.
I hope the translations are good!

I really appreciate feed-back from someone who can use this facility and comment!

I am still searching for a Tagalog translation widget / gadget.
Can anyone help me?

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Get the HTML code and paste it to add page element !

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Parenting from far-away!

I am single.

I am not a parent.
But being a teacher by profession I understand the problems of kids whose parents are not around. I also understand the agony of the parent who resides abroad /away mostly for professional reasons and for earning a decent livelihood for their family. This problem is very common in Philippines, my country.

So I thought of writing about this sensitive topic today.

As I mentioned earlier, this topic is very delicate, complicated and sensitive. Circumstances force people to stay away from their children and loved ones. 'Parenting from far-away' is one of the most challenging tasks in the life of a parent and in some rare cases-both parents.

Looking into the different aspects of this complicated task I observed how people cope up with this stressful event positively. These can be considered as some successful tips to tackle this problem.

1. Try to be "present" in the kid's daily life

When one of the parents is missing from the child's world it can have a negative impact in the process of personality development, confidence build up, self- esteem, etc. But now-a-days, in the hectic day-to-day life even parents residing with kid ('s') as family tend to forget to be in the kid ('s') world; they 'live' in their own world forgetting to get involved in the kid ('s') world. So try to be in the child's world as much as possible while communicating with them by whatever means possible. Listen to them at length. But most of the time it would be the parent talking...talking...discussing classes, grades etc etc. Give an ear to what the kids are saying. It doesn't mean that there shouldn't be any discussion about their academics but adequate time should be alloted to hear what is happening in their world also.

Patiently listen to them. Let them come out with all their anxieties, fears, apprehension, doubts.....Imagine how we felt when we were small kids.. Think with your feet in their shoes...
Who else will listen to them apart from you? Imagine how we feel if no one listens to us? We all need attention, love.

Always keep in mind that our kids are also very much stressed like us. The present day living is very much stressful even for kids.
We think, as adults, we are mature enough. But are we really? We all behave childishly when we become stressed, when we face problems.

Try to be a role model for the kid.

Kids will look at what you do and copy it. They won't listen to your words but they absorb non- verbal actions /doings of adults. You can fool masses by your vocabulary but not kids.

2. Regular Correspondence

This can be in the form of emails, chats, postal snailmail letters, telephonic conversations etc. Most of the children love to get letters by post. They feel important. You can send them pictures, cartoons cut from newspapers, drawings etc.

It is not a big deal now-a-days in the era of Broadband Internet to establish regular contact with loved ones using web cam, voice chat, Instant messaging and emails. Of course not forgetting mobile telephony and text messaging.

Children better do text-messaging if that is unavoidable than using the mobiles near their ears.

Write to them / tell them what you are doing everyday, the things happening in your life etc etc.

It's not a luxury to own a digital camera now-a-days.
Snap pics, send them. Children love to see beautiful photos.

3. Be punctual

Be punctual and orderly if you promise something. Be punctual and systematic in correspondence.
If you don't turn up for chat at your regular time they will feel great disappointment.

4. Give them company

Loneliness breeds insecurity.

The spouse at home can easily fill up their world making them miss you less. Always encourage kids to find out more and more friends.
Never allow them to become couch potatoes. Try to create an environment where they can interact with other family members especially grandparents. Contact other family members and grandparents regularly and motivate them also to spend more time with your kids. Encourage them also to correspond regularly with kid (s) if they are also far-away.

5. Gifts

Never forget their birthdays. Send them gifts. There is no need to shell out your hard-earned money for expensive gifts. What I believe is that every expatriate should live modestly and bring up children also like that. Kids also should be given some idea about financial matters early in life. Some lessons they also should learn to be financially stable and successful in life.

Teach them a lesson or to save for future needs.

Celebrate in whatever way you can, their birthdays and important occasions. If possible view the celebration online using web camera. Let them record it if you can't attend the celebrations live, well you can watch it later.

Send them e-cards. Preset the e-card early to be delivered at the correct date to avoid last minute confusions.

http://www.123greetings.com
is a beautiful site. Look for cute e-cards!

6. Support the carers

Support the person / persons who are looking after the kid (s) in whatever way possible. Don't find faults only with them. After all, we humans are not perfect, to err is human. The carer also
needs support, love and... understanding. It is not only money that they want... but love as well is needed.

7. Talk to teachers

This is very important. Teachers will surely notice what the carer / parent misses. They can give valuable advice to the parent(s). When you visit home for vacation you must meet the teacher(s) and talk to them at length, find out what more needs to be done. If possible must go to school. Even if the spouse is interacting with teacher(s) you also must meet the teachers. Find out time for such things also.

Every teacher must take notice of the shortcomings, if any, in the children whose parent(s) is / are abroad. They must make it a point to give little more attention to these children.

8. Talk and interact with their friends

This is fun. Children become immensely happy when parent(s) interact with their friends. Invite them also to home when you go for vacation. Give them also gifts or rather let your kid give them gifts.
Even when you are away, you can interact with your kid's friends.

9. Morally good up-bringing

Encourage them to attend prayers and mass. Try to show them what is right and what is wrong. Give them the opportunity to learn right things. Spend time for religious activities as well while you are on vacation.

The spouse / carer also can be counseled for creating a morally good environment for children. Interact more with people who are religious.

10. Watch them

Watch their activities online. Don't just believe that your kids will never do wrong things. The temptations to do bad are there everywhere in this world. Liberal media, violence everywhere I need not elaborate upon such things.......

It's not easy 'parenting from far-away'. The problem becomes more complicated if you are divorced /separated.

May God bless you and guide you !

Living the present moment!

I often feel that I am not 'living' the present moment. When I was a child I really enjoyed each and every moment in my life. I still remember the ice creams I ate...it's taste...flavor...the jokes I shared with my friends while enjoying the delicacy...it was really good...those olden days. During childhood we often feel the moment we are in, we enjoy that moment. As years flew by... responsibilities creeped into my life...I began thinking about so many material things and such thoughts and consequent actions became a priority in my life. Each present moment simply swept past me without me really involved or enjoying it. My mind began racing towards future moments but couldn't enjoy the present. Little did I realize that the future moments became the present moments later on which I thought will be wonderful while I was at that present moment.

Very sad! Time just ticks away, it doesn't wait for anyone. We are just being carried away like a stream in todays fast pace of life.

It's up to us to enjoy the moment we are at present having. We have to live the present moment well. It is this present moment we have full control of, so we must make use of it to the maximum and enjoy. Live life fullest!

'Feel' the taste of the food we eat, 'feel' and enjoy the love we receive, 'feel really" everything life has in store for us. We always lament that our glass is half-empty but never accept the fact it is half-full. We forget to smell the roses we see everyday, we only see the thorns on their stems. We don't consciously appreciate what our sensory organs are feeding us everyday, every moment. We instead feel apprehensive, we wait for a bright future moment to start 'living' but the present moment here was the moment we were longing for to live well or start living well, happily.That was the moment we thought we will become happy, this was the moment we thought will make us happy, this we don't realize.

Do you agree with me?

May God help me as well as you to live life well enjoying the present beautiful moment right now we are all having given to us by Him!

Add comments and rate the posts please!

I added comment rating option for my blog posts. So rate the posts please...

You don't have to register anywhere or sign in, just point your mouse cursor over the rating stars and click your rating ranging from Excellent to Bad...huhh...Hope you won't click "Bad" for any of my posts....

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Free tips for Bloggers - adding smileys/emoticons on blog posts

I was frantically searching for tips to add smileys/emoticons on my posts on Blogger because there is no smiley option on the post page on blogger.com. I became tired of typing hehe haha etc and its boring too.

Then finally I stumbled upon this wonderful Blog one day.

http://www.waitwhosaidthat.blogspot.com

by andianka/jadiebrat

This a great blog. I really admire her. As you can see I added this blog as one of my favorite Weblogs. Here she has written clearly on the post named "SILLY EMOTICONS FOR BLOGGER" dated 29th June, 2007 at 2.07 AM what we should do to add smileys/emoticons facility to make the blog posts look attractive so that we can express our ideas better. It's cool. I thought of sharing this valuable tip with everybody hence this post.

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I acknowledge her for this valuable info. She is a talented blogger. Browse her blog, its worth reading.

All the steps are clearly described on her post. Follow it and you are armed with cool emoticons.

All the best Ate.......God bless