Surefire Safety Part 1-Before You Go

Welcome to the first of a six-part series about travel safety! From the largest city to the smallest town, -travelers need to be aware of their surroundings and be prepared for any situation.

Before you leave home for any trip, whether it be regional, national, or international, remind yourself that you don't have to be on the subway at midnight to find yourself in a dangerous situation. In fact, many people are robbed or kidnapped during daylight hours! Be prepared and remember the following advice:

Dress Conservatively - don't allow yourself to stand out like a tourist.

Travel light - you can move more freely and will be able to keep a better eye on your belongings

Leave the valuables behind - only take with you what you need. Leave all jewlerey at home and take the least amount of cash as possible with you.

Put your name, address, and phone numbers inside and outside each piece of luggage -avoid strangers learning your name and information with covered luggage tags.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with your friends or family at home.

Photocopy your passport, airline tickets, driver's license and credit cards - Leave one copy with your friends or family at home and pack the other copy in a separate place from your valuables. (Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit photocopies all their traveler's passports so Travel Travel is able to send the copy directly to the US Embassy of the country the traveler lost his/her passport.

Always be aware of your surroundings

Bring a cell phone

Carry 5 dollars in your pocket - this will prevent you from becomming stressed should someone approach you for a handout.

Check back tomorrow for more common sense safety tips. Part 2 of the 6 part series will cover driving tips - because the more you know, the better off you will be.

A special thanks to Mike Marchev for the great tips!

Who else is ready for a beach vacation?

A Beach Vacation: The Destinations Are Endless

Copyright © 2008 Thomas Husnik

A beach vacation is possible at any time of the year. Given the way seasons change around the world, there's always a beach somewhere that's full of sand, crystal clear waters, and warm sunshine. The only decisions to be made are where to go, what to do, and where to stay.

Given how popular the beach vacation is, it's no surprise that the choice of accommodations is as varied as the colors in a setting-sun horizon. From luxury beach resorts to private huts on the shore, you'll have your pick. Budget can help with some decisions, but for most destinations, there are enough options to accommodate your preference, no matter how much you have to spend.

As for what to do, a beach vacation is naturally the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Recreation ideas include surfing in Waikiki, golfing in Wailea, scuba diving in Fiji, sailing in the Caribbean, or bird-watching in Australia. For those who would prefer to relax, there's always somewhere quiet to do so. A beach vacation is a way to get away from the noise, crowds, and distractions of daily life. From tropical gardens to tidal pools to kayaking to the center of the sea, visiting the beach is definitely a "right" step towards paradise.

Deciding where to go will depend somewhat on when you plan your vacation, as well as how much you have to spend. Do you have enough to get all the way to Australia? Or will a trip to Mexico leave you with more spending cash? Planning your trip is part of the fun though, as you explore the many destinations around the world- all perfect for a beach vacation. From Kauai, Hawaii, to Jamaica to Thailand to the remote Out Islands of the Bahamas, each offers the visitor something unique and memorable.

The purpose of your beach vacation will also help pinpoint where to go. For a weekend getaway for instance, you'll likely want to stay closer to home, to cut down on travel time and leave more for relaxation, recreation, sightseeing, and fun. For a family vacation, there are certain destinations that cater to families, such as Maui and Molokai, Hawaii; Palm Beach, Florida; and San Diego, California. For the romantic beach vacation, choose from secluded villages, spa resorts, and peaceful beach rentals right on the sand.

Finally, there's the destination wedding, where a beach vacation is the honeymoon. For many couples, there's nothing more romantic than a beach or island wedding, with the sun setting behind them as they exchange I do's. What's more, after the ceremony, there's no place to rush off to for a honeymoon as it's right there. Guests of the wedding are also totally set to enjoy a beach vacation of their own.

Popular destinations for beach weddings include the Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island; Jamaica; each of the Caribbean Islands; Mexico; and Fiji. In truth however, if you're determined, you can have a dream wedding with a beach setting most anywhere. All you need is the beach and as said, the destinations are endless!

More Passport Confusion

Congress and President Bush have again delayed the passport requirement from 2008 until at least mid-2009. Travelers and those living along the borders of the United States can continue to freely cross the border with a picture id and birth certificate.

However, keep in mind if you plan on traveling to Canada by air or ship, you will need a passport.

Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit recommends that every person traveling out of the United States get a passport. "It just makes things so much simpler, and in case something goes wrong, your passport ensures you will be able to make it back to your country. The prices for passports continue to rise and this law will come into affect at some point in time, so travelers might as well just apply now," said a Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit representative.

The State Department issued a record 18.4 million passports in fiscal 2007, compared with 12.1 million in 2006. The number is expected to keep rising.

The delay of the passport requirement is a relief to many living along the borders. Many Canadian border residents and Americans alike are upset about the eventual passport requirement. Some feel it will make the borders a little less friendly.

The requirement would also hinder the economies of several border towns on both sides of the divide.

What do you think? Should travelers be required to have a passport to travel in-between Canada and the United States? Why?