Tips For Minimum Stress When Traveling Abroad

This is a guest post from Rampants.

Few things are as stressful as traveling. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the idea of packing everything you need into a small suitcase and leaving home for an extended amount of time can be overwhelming. Follow the advice in this article to help you turn your travels into an enjoyable experience.

Keep your money in your front pocket when walking around in a new city or location. It is far easier for a pick pocket or other criminal to snatch money out of your back pocket without you even realizing it. Having your money in the front gives you more control, especially if you walk with your hands in your pockets.

When traveling to tropical areas, always keep your dirty laundry in a closed bag. Hotels and homes in tropical parts of the world aren't as bug-proof as most American homes. Dirty laundry will attract insects, especially ants, meaning that clothing that was simply dirty, is now completely unwearable for the rest of the trip.

Young women traveling alone may want to invest in a simple gold plated band or cubic zirconium ring. Wear the ring on your left ring finger which signals that you are married or engaged. This keeps potential suitor at bay and gives an excuse for unwanted attention in hotels, airports and buses. While it may seem a tad dishonest, it can keep you from getting hit on if you are alone in unfamiliar places.

If you are traveling to the beach or staying at a hotel with a pool, pack your swimsuit in your beach bag. It can sometimes be difficult to sort through everything you have packed. To save time, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and anything else you might need for the beach or pool in a beach bag.

To decide if you should buy travel insurance, you need to look at how much the trip is going to cost. At some date in the future, many reservations can't be canceled without some financial penalty. Looking to see how much is already at risk if you have to cancel is a great way to get an idea of what you might be willing to spend to insure a trip.

Planning your travel in advance is always good advice to follow. Make sure to plan your trip at least a month or a few weeks in advance to ensure you have enough time to make changes. Planning ahead leaves more room for error and gives you more time to get the best deals on travel packages.

When you're taking a trip that requires a passport or any type of paperwork for that matter, make sure that you have a second copy available. Go to your local photocopy shop and make a copy of all of your documents. This is a great way to stay safe, even if you lose your original documents or if they are stolen.

Before taking an overseas trip, travelers must remember to check their immunizations. Traveling to a destination on a different continent will expose the traveler to germs and potential infections that his or her body is not used to. The wise traveler will check with a health care professional to determine what new immunizations and boosters he or she needs.

Try and get as much knowledge of the destination you're going to travel to before you arrive there. You want to have an idea of the things you want to do rather than finally getting to the hotel and feeling lost and bored. You can also ask hotel employees and locals where good places to check out are.

When you get to your hotel, check the alarm clock. In some cases, the last person who stayed in the hotel will have previously set the alarm. If you do not wish to be awakened at four in the morning, you may want to double check the all the alarms.

In addition to making a photocopy of your passport before you leave on an international vacation, write down your passport number and place of issue. Store this information in your money belt or wallet, separate from you passport. The more copies of this information you have, the easier it can be to recover lost or stolen passports.

Always carry extra passport photos of yourself and your family. That way, if someone loses their passport, you can walk straight to the embassy prepared to get another. Make sure these are the high-quality photos of the original, because they will not accept a photo taken for any other reason.

Whether you are taking a family vacation or a solo trip, traveling away from home can be a stressful event. There is always so much that needs to be taken care of before you leave, and if you are like most people, there is always something that you need that gets left behind. By applying the advice in this article to your future journeys, you can turn stressful trips into enjoyable memories.

This author is a writer and content producer for Cru Chalets Chamonix, offering five star chamonix accommodation. Our chalets are perfect for summer and winter activities for all the family.

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Travel Safety Tips - Stay Safe While Travelling

In adventure, we know the fact that the world or a place is not safe. We don't really know what might happen next to our escapades.

To help you stay safe while travelling, follow these simple and common important tips on your trips.

1. Research - Do the research or try to check the place in the internet, do a quick reviews about the place.

2. Bag/Backpack - Light backpacking is very important. Bring only important things do not overload.

3. Money - Make it sure that you have enough budget please bring an extra money in every adventure. Always separate your sources of money while you are travelling. Keep at least one in a different place, this is very helpful.

4. Wallet - Do not keep your wallet or purse in your jean's back pocket to avoid being pickpocketed.

5. Waterproof - If possible, make sure that your bag is waterproof or bag with rain cover.

6. Shoes/Slippers - Always bring an extra shoes/slippers.

7. Gadgets - Don't bring all your gadgets while travelling. There is no better way to advertise the fact that you have all the expensive gadgets on you. Bring only what is important to you, this is for your safety.

8. Strangers - Do not trust strangers because it is hard to get to know the locals at a destination if you do not trust them but there are always limits to how much you should trust them when it comes to your personal safety. Safety must come first.

9. Belongings - Please do not leave your belongings unattended in public spaces. Keep them on your lap or wrap its strap around your leg.

10. Street Robbery - If you are mugged, give over your wallet, cellphones, watch etc. Just do it and walk away uninjured.

11. Credit Card - Be wary of using your credit card in any establishments while travelling to avoid some problems that might arise.

12. Malaria Pills - Take precautions against malaria when you visit areas at risk. Mosquito bites can be prevented if you will take malaria pills as advised by many.

13. Bottled Water - In the majority of countries in the world, one can not drink tap water because it's not clean enough, so therefore bottled water is the only option.

14. Medicine - Have a supply of medicine for self treatment of diarrhea.

15. Casual Sex - This is very important to all travellers..lols. Practice safe sex with condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Enjoy your travel Everyone! 

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Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan

If Bohol has 1,260 Chocolate Hills or more than that. Then, Pangasinan has Hundred Islands. If you would like to visit roughly 100 Islands in all at once, the Hundred Islands National park in Alaminos City is the place to go in Region 1.

Pangasinan is visited by local and foreign tourist for its beautiful beaches but the prominent travel destination of the said place is the Hundred Islands Natioanl Park. Pangasinan also known for its crumptious cuisines, most especially for its "BAGOONG or fish sauce. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to taste their fish sauce for some reasons (shoestring budget), hehehe.

There’s a viewing area on top of the Island. The view at the top is a magnificient sight to behold. You just have to climb the stairs. It was an exhausting but worth the view as you can see more than 100 Hundred Islands.

We didn’t stay too long on each visit and our next stop was the Marcos Island where the Imelda cave is also located. The Cave it looks so scary and you can also see a lot of bats hanging on the ceiling and the water below the cave was dirty.

The most exciting and scary adventure I ever had was the close encounter of the snake inside the cave where we stayed for one night. It was fun then.

Visit Hundred Islands Now! and be SAFE!

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Hidden Valley Resort Pinamungajan Cebu

Photo Credit: Jhoncin

Hidden Valley Resort 

This is an isolated valley Southwest of Cebu, 14 km. to the Barangay Lamac, Pinamungahan, Cebu and 42 km. via Lutopan to Cebu City.

You can choose from over 45 rooms that range in size from single to good for 30 pax dorm-type rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned.

The Hidden Valley Conference rooms provide a perfect venue for corporate seminars, meetings, conference and spiritual retreats. Cocktail receptions and events such as wedding receptions, debuts and parties can accommodate up to 300 persons.

Photo Credit: Jhoncin

At the Hidden Valley, enthrall yourself with breathtaking views of a hidden valley by nature hiking, caving and camping as well. You can indulge in Filipino food at Natibo Resto, sip your favorite drink at cafe Veranda, or dine in the cozy Kabyaw Ristawran.

For recreation, spend time leisurely in swimming pools, fish pond, kiosks, camp sites, hiking trail and sports center.

Photo Credit: Jhoncin

SPECIAL PACKAGES: 

For Package A. Php750.00/day/person. Inclusions: 3 meals, free use of swimming pool and fully air-conditioned dorm type room.

For Package B. Php750.00/day/person. Inclusions: 3 meals, free use of swimming pool and fully air-conditioned dorm type room.

For Package C. Php1,100.00/day/person. Inclusions: 3 meals, free use of swimming pool and the accommodation for this package with fully air-conditioned family type room good for 6 pax (2 double beds & 2 single beds)

ROOM RATES: 

For single rooms - free plated breakfast, inclusion of swimming pool and you have to pay Php300.00 for additional charge per bed and nine single rooms are available good for 2 pax (Php1500.00 per day/room) and 3 single rooms with refrigerator good for 2 pax (Php2,000.00 per day/room).

NOTE: Rates are subject to change without prior notice. 

 For more inquiries, please contact at (032) 516-2576 / (032) 516-0450 or you can email them at lamacmpc@yahoo.com.

Come and discover memorable experiences in a Hidden Valley. Be Safe!

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Artisan Shops in Cebu

Remember when traveling meant seeing sights and taking photos? That was long before the travel revolution. Now, traveling is much more of an experience rather than just a simple trip. A true traveler knows that to have a rich experience, he needs to expose himself to culture and to unique things he won’t find anywhere else. 

Take for example Cebu. It is a simple city in the Visayas that boasts or lechon and Magellan’s Cross. But would you really spend three days and two nights just for that? Up your experience by visiting artisan shops that will give you a good glimpse of the unique culture that is in Cebu.

The Fair Trade Shop 

Although the main thrust of this shop is to promote fair trade in the Philippines, it is a great place to find great products such as organic food and handcrafted souvenirs. Find gourmet coffee, dried fruits, jewelry and decorations for your home at the Fair Trade Shop. 

Address: 102 Jose R. Martinez Building, Osmena Boulevard 

The Cebu Design Company 

For more than 35 years, the Cebu Design Company has been providing custom-made furniture and home décor for fans of high-quality and artistic work. How are they able to provide such a service for 35 years? Well they don’t do it alone. They source artists and skilled craftsmen from all over Southeast Asia to ensure that no piece of furniture goes out imperfect or tasteless. 

Address: Talamban, 2nd Flr, Building B. Piazza Elesia, Talamban Road 

A Café 

One of the most celebrated restaurants in Cebu, A Café was created by the Abaca group. The interiors will welcome you warmly, and the food will satisfy yet make you want more. It’s that good! The restaurant boasts of their Angus Burger and Herb Roasted Half Chicken. So instead of going to Mc Donald’s for your quick dinner, go to A Café and have a sumptuous, carefully prepared dinner. 

Address: Crossroads, Banilad Road 

Alegre Guitar Factory 

For three generations, the family-owned Alegre Guitar Company has been making good music in Lapu-Lapu City. It is one of the most celebrated Cebu icons, what with excellent handmade guitars that have unique sounds. Because they are made by craftsmen instead of machines, each guitar has its own distinct sound. Shopping for one might take you time, but just enjoy the experience. You can even tour the factory and observe how the guitars are made. Make sure you ask them to pack your guitar right so you can easily handle it as you fly out from the Cebu Airport. 

Address: Pajac Abuno, 6015, Lapu-Lapu City

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Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, Cebu in Maribago, Lapu-lapu City

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa is located at M.I. Quezon Highway, Brgy. Maribago, Lapu-lapu City is owned and developed by the Philippines BXT Corporation, a PEZA registered Tourism Operator / Developer. The project is a foreign-funded investment and was a response to the call of the Philippine government for more investments on the tourism sector. 

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa offers 556 elegantly furnished rooms for your enjoyment, with 128 Deluxe rooms, 380 Suites, and 48 Pool & Jacuzzi Villas. All rooms are furnished with only the best materials available, designed to give guests the utmost in luxury, comfort and relaxation.

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa can also provide and accommodate for business meetings, exhibitions, conventions, team building or company outing and other special functions. Has four collapsible meeting rooms ranging from 109 to 840 sq. meters. They have also a fantastic Grand Ballroom that can seat up to 600 persons. All meeting rooms provided with high speed internet broadband access and are quipped with built-in LCD screen. 

You can try their Caracalla Spa which offers total care and very relaxing mind and body with luxurious spa rooms and highly trained therapists. 

Imperial Palace Waterpak Resort and Spa has a lot to offer, has several options for any occassion which requires outdoor venues. You can Enjoy their exhilarating Marine Sports. The one and only Waterpark in Cebu, providing unlimited adventure and fun for all locals and nationals.

Php3,500 for tourist and Php2,500.00 for Local Resident's Discounted Rate. The rates include free towel rental and changing room. With lunch buffet in Familia or dine-arond/dinner set menu in any of the following restaurants; Cheon San, Maru, Cafe Amiga or Coral Seaside. Free use of the Waterpark. Foreigners living in the country need to prevent proof of residency to avail of the local discounted rate. Children 12 years old and below can avail of a Php1,000.00 discount. Children 4 years old and below accompanied by at least one paying adult is free of charge (maximum of 2 children). Food and beverage items from outside sources MAY NOT be brought and consumed in the Hotel. 

Waterpark Adventure coupons are available at the Waterpark Counter from 8AM to 6PM only.  For reservations and inquiries, please contact them at (63-32)494-5000.

Have a nice Adventure and be Safe! 

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Kayangan Lake Coron, Palawan Philippines

I stumbled and truly fascinated with what I have found in Coron Palawan. Last year (December 1-4, 2013), I visited Coron Palawan to visit one of the best lakes and one of the several magnificent hidden lakes you will find in the island of Coron in which Coron Island is the third-largest Island in the Calamian Islands in Northern Palawan and has also been listed or featured in the Forbes Traveler Magazine's top 10 best scuba diving in the world for the aquatic views of the sunken Japanese Shipwrecks from World War II that can be seen within the Island.

My first time to set foot in Palawan Province, was one of the most memorable trips I ever had. One of the most exciting and amazing lakes I have ever seen in my entire life is the Kayangan Lake in Coron Palawan. The natural surrounding of Kayangan Lake is simply stunning, where locals and nationals can enjoy snorkel and swim from cool, clear and blue waters and surrounded with large and granite rock formations. Kayangan Lake, dubbes as the cleanest lake in Asia.

Swimming in Kayangan Lake is a must but make it sure to bring a life vest specially if you do not know how to swim. The water is so deep and be careful while swimming because you might step and bump on sharp rocks.

Indeed, I had a wonderful experience in Kayangan Lake, was really great. Swimming in the crystal clear waters made the whole experience an enjoyable and priceless adventure.

Come and visit Kayangan Lake - a must see place in Coron Palawan. The place is great and fantastic and you will surely appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature.
 

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Osmeña Peak/Traverse to Kawasan Falls

In every scenario of our lives happened with an immense purpose and it was started when some of my friends invited me to join on their Osmeña Peak expedition. Indeed, it was a favorable situation because I have nothing to do on that day and it was my day off and I want something adventurous activity at this time.

Osmeña Peak is situated in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu also known as the “vegetable basket” of the province where most of the vegetable displayed in the market is freshly harvested. This mountain was named after the Osmeña’s family, an influential clan in the province. Thus, Osmeña Peak is proudly standing 1013 Meters Above Sea Level (MASL) and dubbed as the official highest peak of Cebu province. At the top of the mountain you will astound on the 360 degree breathtaking view in southern of Cebu, blue skies that perfectly reflected on the water, fresh mountain breeze, and the rugged peak formation of the mountain just like the chocolate hills of Bohol - it was incomparable.

We trekked for about 150 minutes from the jump off point going to the campsite and about 2-3 minutes from the campsite to the summit. The trail from Mantalongon going to the mountain is like walk-in-the-park because it is not steep and the trail is well established. We pitched. We cooked. We ate. We talked. We sleep. Unluckily, we were awakened at night by a ghastly sounds of the winds, lightning flash, roaring thunder followed by a heavy downpour of the rain. Furthermore, when we checked our backpack to get some extra clothes to change on the other day we were all shocked because it was all wet. Disappointment stroked – Courage fail off but there’s no time to think about that. "The show must go on" even in the presence of difficulties, we need to pursue what we had started in order for us to attain it.

The terrain was difficult going to the waterfall because it is very steep and slippery at that time. We lost the trail completely, the trail was so bad that we lost it many times, you need to grasp any vines and branches to keep your balance along the trail. With the help of the locals there, we arrived at Kawasan Falls unharmed and bear in mind that "safety must come first".

Unfortunately, local and foreign tourists are not allowed to visit Kawasan Falls at that time as mandated by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia of the ongoing development and demolition of the spot for the natural restoration of the said place. We asked the locals if we can still enjoy and swim on the river/brook and they said "YES". Yahooooo! at last we can swim one of the most visually spectacular natural spring of Cebu (Kawasan Falls), particularly in Badian for us to which in turn, can help relieve muscles pain and stressed joints. Undeniably, we were happy and enjoyed the natural spring of Badian, Cebu "Kawasan Falls".

A BIG thank you to all the locals there and good to know  that they are willing to help us.

Happy Climbing Everyone.

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