Travel Advice

Sunday, January 31, 2010

As you get ready to travel?

Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.

Friday, December 04, 2009

General Travel Tips

• Make sure your passport does not expire within six months of your date of travel. Some countries insist that your passport be valid for at least a six-month time period.
• Place an envelope in one of your checked bags containing copies of your passport, birth certificate and a back up form of photo I.D. in case your passport is lost or stolen.
• Place a copy of the detailed itinerary of your trip inside each piece of luggage. If your luggage is lost, this will help the airline locate you while you're traveling.
• If you are on Medicare and traveling outside the United States, be aware that Medicare does not cover any of your medical bills abroad. It's a good idea to get a travel protection policy that will cover these costs.
• Plan at least a day or two after your return home before scheduling any commitments; you may be tired after your journey.

Don't Forget

• Stow away some antibacterial wipes-they're a convenient way to clean up on the go.
• Bring a voltage converter with you, along with an adapter (to fit electrical plugs into foreign outlets). Note that some adapter kits don't include converters.
• Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts in case they are lost or broken.
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must. Never pack new shoes.
• Wrap a long strip of duct tape around a pencil and bring it along for the ride. Duct tape is the magic fix for everything from torn suitcases to a broken sandal strap.

Click here for over 50 posts with helpful travel tips and advice.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tips for Casual Photographers

Monday, October 05, 2009

Landings & Wildlife

Here are a few guidelines that you will be asked to follow. More detailed instructions (IAATO [International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators] Recommendation XVIII-1 Visitors Guideline) will be provided in your final documents.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Do I have to be in good health?

Yes, you must be in good general health. Our medical information form will assist you in determining if the state of your health is appropriate. You can complete this form online. Please note that passengers with special medical conditions must have a physician complete sign a section of the form. The information that you provide on the medical firm is vital should you become ill while on the ship. Remember, you are travelling to remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities.

What is the average age and the nationalities of the travelers?

Expedition ship travelers range in age from 20 to 80 years of age – with the majority between 45 and 75.Our expedition members are independent-minded travelers from around the world with a strong interest in exploring remote regions. All our expeditions welcome a diverse group of nationalities aboard.

Will the actual itinerary be exactly as shown in the brochure or in the detailed itinerary?

The unexpected is an every day occurrence during an expedition, therefore our itineraries are meant solely as a guide. While sailing, the Captain and the Expedition Leader collaborate to create as many opportunities as possible for landings and Zodiac cruising in response to local weather and ice conditions. Each day on board a daily program is posted that informs you of the activities intended for the following day.

Is the vessel in danger from icebergs?

Icebergs are always a hazard for ships in certain areas of the Antarctic; however the vessel’s navigation systems are able to detect icebergs at quite a distance, enabling the Captain to change course as required. The speed and direction of the ship adjusted in response to local water, ice and weather conditions.

Do we know what ice condition we will encounter?

The Expedition Leader keeps well informed of ice conditions through constant communication with other vessels, local communities, and the ships officers, who consults ice charts provided by government agencies.

What is there to do on board?

A daily schedule is posted that list the daily activities, presentations and films. Travelers may be invited to visit the Bridge. From the decks or the Bridge you can watch in fascination as the ship negotiates ice-filled waterways or watch for birds and other wildlife under guidance of our knowledgeable Expedition Team.

After landings or meals, you can join other guests in the lounge, library or bar. From time to time you may choose to relax in your cabin.

Can I recharge my batteries and use electrical appliances while on board? How about a notebook computer?

You may need an international adapter and transformer/converter for your particular equipment, but yes you can recharge your batteries. The power supply is 200v/50mz cycles. The electrical socket outlets accommodate two thick round pins, similar to standard European plugs. As long as you bring the correct adapters you will have no problem using your laptop. However, Internet access is not available.

Does the ship have e-mail facilities?

Yes, the ship has e-mail facilities. You may send or receive text e-mails at an additional cost. More information about e-mail procedures is available in the Shipboard Information – Communications section of the document.