Credit card or cash? When it comes to travelling, it may be better to use a credit card

WHEN travelling, it’s often better to carry credit cards instead of cash. This way, if the cards are stolen, you can call and cancel your cards. With stolen cash, you’ll not be able to get it back and will then be stranded without money.

Before you leave on your trip, especially to a foreign land, call your credit card company or bank to tell them about your trip and that you’ll be using your card there.

Make sure you have ample credit balance. You may also want to inquire about getting a higher credit limit in case of contingencies.

Planning ahead will save you a lot of hassle and headaches should you be caught in a situation that requires extra cash when travelling overseas.

It may be a good idea to carry more than one credit card. This is because banks or credit card companies may block a card if they suspect purchases to be fraudulent and it may take a few days to get a card unblocked.

Keep you credit card company’s toll free number in your cell phone so that you can call them immediately in an emergency.

Never give details of your credit card to anyone, including people who call you to ask for such details. Always check with your credit card company before divulging such information.

When making purchases by card, check the amount on the card slip twice before signing as anyone can make a mistake, whether intentionally or by accident.

It’s also good to check your billing statement promptly to see if there are “suspicious” charges. If there are, report them immediately.

Only allow people to use a machine you recognise on your card and make sure it’s swiped in front of you. There are skimmers that allow people to copy all your card details in seconds. If in doubt, use cash.

Keep details of your credit card including the number, security number and date of expiration, somewhere safe and separate from your wallet.

Don’t leave your honeymoon plans to the last minute. Early planning can get you great deals and cheaper rates.

GETTING married soon and planning for your honeymoon? Don’t wait until the 11th hour. Plans for the honeymoon and wedding should be made together, in fact some six to 12 months earlier.

This will give you enough time to work on a budget and get a good travel agent who will be able to advise you on some of the best places, local or abroad, to spend the beginning of your marital life together.

Or do research on some of the wonderful places you would like to go on your honeymoon and speak to your travel agent about getting the best discounts.

If you book ahead, at least six months earlier, some of these destinations, even the high end resorts, offer early bird discounts with savings of up to 40 per cent, provided it is not the peak period.

Make your plans together. This way, you will be able to work out your budget and the different activities that appeal to you both.

Talk about what you can save on and what you’d like to splurge on. It may be advisable to spend a bit more on accommodation, food and activities that you can both enjoy, like a massage and a sunset cruise.

Some couples are shy about their new marital status. But it pays to inform the hotel staff that you are on your honeymoon. They may surprise you with chocolates, fruit basket, a champagne bottle or even spa treatments.

What should you pack for your honeymoon?

It depends on where you are going. If you are staying at a seaside resort, bring along lots of beachwear and a few pieces of evening wear which can be mixed and matched.

For those going skiing in some mountain resort, wear appropriate clothing. Women can include a sexy dress and a warm shawl while men can bring a semi-formal jacket to wear with long pants. Please keep the shorts or bermudas for the beach or hiking.

Peeing on the wound doesn’t help. Nor does washing it with vinegar.Find out the hard way when a jellyfish stung YOU.

OBOR-OBOR or jellyfish may look harmless but its tentacles can deliver deadly stings. The tiny “stingers” on the tentacles are not visible to the naked eye but all the same, a brush with one will give you a nasty, stinging rash.

This boneless creature floats and bobs in the sea like a discarded plastic bag. Its victims are mainly small fish that swim unawares into the tentacles that also look like seaweed and end up as food for the jellyfish.

In turn, jellyfish is food for turtles which is why turtles sometimes mistakenly swallow plastic bags as, in the water, these resemble jellyfish.

We hear of so many incidents of turtles ending up dead after swallowing plastic bags discarded by humans.

Here are some tips to avoid jellyfish.

1. Keep your eyes open for jellyfish, even when in shallow waters.

2. Don’t swim alone. A jellyfish sting may paralyse your body and you’ll need help to get out of the water.

3. Avoid swimming in deep waters away from your group.

4. Seek immediate treatment from a doctor.

6. Jellyfish usually appear during turtle egg-laying season as turtles feed on them. Find out from locals when this is.

HAVE you ever found yourself needing certain things during flight delays? Instead of moaning and groaning about flight delays, which can happen anytime, anywhere, the best way to deal with it is to be prepared.

Carry a small bag with you which can be your hand luggage or a backpack and stuff in it a book or magazine to read and some snacks and packet drinks.

You may also include a sweater or a small blanket because the air-conditioning at airports can be very cold, especially at night.

Your bag can also contain a change of clothes, a hand towel, a tiny bar of soap, maybe some hand sanitiser, comb, some make-up, toothpaste and toothbrush, facial and antibacterial wipes, tissue, sweets, deodorant and your prescription pills.

Many of these items come in miniature packages that can easily fit in small bags.

These items can be bought at airports, but you will have to pay a higher price for them. It is cheaper to buy them from pharmacies or shops outside.

If you are travelling with children, then also pack a small bag for every child and include food and drinks, a change of clothes, small soft toys, crayons and colouring paper as well as a small pillow, blanket and sweater.

Don’t forget their medication, too.

Being prepared this way also helps tremendously in case you lose your check-in baggage.

Since most airlines have strict rules about alcohol consumption, please do not hit the nearest airport bar or lounge if your flight is delayed.

Airlines can refuse to allow drunk or intoxicated passengers to board their flights.

Have a nice day..

I have two BIG questions for you..

1. YOU want to be an expert in Malaysian customs in just a few minutes?
2. You want to learn something about it before traveling to Malaysia? Then, keep on reading..

Ok..when visiting Malaysia, the visitors (I mean YOU) should observe local customs and practices.

Some common courtesies and customs are as follows:

• Although handshakes generally suffice for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge an introduction to a gentleman with a nod of her head and smile. A handshake is only to be reciprocated if the lady offers her hand first. The traditional greeting or ’salam’ resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend’s outstretched hands, then bring his hands to his chest to mean, “I greet you from my heart”. The visitor should reciprocate the salam.

• It is polite to call before visiting a home.

• Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian home.

• Drinks are generally offered to guests. It would be polite to accept.

• The right hand is always used when eating with one’s hand or when giving and receiving objects.

• The right forefinger is not used to point at places objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with the four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.

• Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission first.

• Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country’s large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.

By applying all these when you’re holiday to Malaysia, then..you’ll become apart of Malaysian even in a short period.

However, don’t worry..if you forgot that, it’s ok. No punishment! he..he!! How you looks like, we as a Malaysian will treat you like a king and queen.

The last thing you need when on holiday is to be mugged or robbed. Taking certain precautions will definitely make your holiday a happy one.

I think and 100% sure, this is what you are to going to avoid from happen to you.

A HOLIDAY is a great time for relaxing with family and friends but it will turn into a nightmare if you are mugged or robbed. To avoid being a victim, you should take the necessary precautions.

Ensure that your personal belongings like cash, credit cards and travel documents are safe by keeping them in a pouch or backpack with the zipper locked and keys tucked safely into your front pocket of your pants.

If you are staying in a hotel, it is advisable to leave important documents and some cash in the hotel safe.

Sling your handbag across the shoulders and don’t leave handbags, pouches, mobile phones and other personal belongings unattended at the table. It only takes a split second for a thief to snatch them away. If you have to step away from the table for a few minutes to get food at the buffet counter or to order your food, make sure there’s someone to keep on eye on your belongings.

Don’t leave bags or luggage unattended. Get another adult to keep an eye on the bags if you have to attend to children or something.

Always count the number of bags you are bringing on your holiday and make each family member be responsible for his or her own bags.

Don’t accept packages from strangers or volunteer to look after their bags. Be watchful of those who leave their bags, including back packs, and wander off.

Don’t bring your house keys with you on holiday. Instead, leave them with a family member, a friend or a neighbour.

Wearing lots of jewellery is not advisable for travellers. Leave them in your bank deposit box or somewhere safe before leaving home.

Also, leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a relative or a friend and regularly keep in touch with them to tell them where you are and which hotel you are staying in.

Make a list of the things you’ve brought on your holiday and give copies to every member of your group.

That’s all for today, and I will come back with more tips.

See you soon…

Nobody likes falling sick when on vacation. Eating properly is one way to avoid food poisoning.

What I’m going to tell you now is very..very IMPORTANT. So, read carefully!

NEVER take your health for granted, especially if you are travelling or planning to go on a vacation.

There is nothing more miserable than falling ill and having to spend the holidays recuperating in hotel rooms, hospitals or even cutting short their stay.

Nutritionists and dieticians will advise you to eat healthy when on holiday to avoid food poisoning and other problems. Instead of gorging on oily food or snacking on unhealthy tidbits, choose your food carefully.

Hotels buffets are always a healthier option and they would usually have local favourites too. Start your meal with salads or fruit and then move on to main courses before taking a little dessert.

If you’re dining outside, choose to eat at places that are clean and which offer freshly cooked food.

Watch what you’re drinking. Make sure the water is properly boiled. Otherwise, choose bottled water instead.

As for your medication, do not forget to bring along that prescribed by your doctor. Also, don’t forget to bring your health supplements and medications for food poisoning, diarrhoea, migraine (the hot weather is known to trigger headache in some people) and motion sickness. Over-the-counter allergy medication can come in handy too.

It is also important to get enough rest. Just because you are on holiday doesn’t mean you can do with fewer hours of sleep.

Doctors say if you have a really good rest during your break, you will come back rejuvenated.

Enjoy yourself and see you later…

Travelling with children can be fun but only if you get things organised well

Hi.. Last night I walked with my friend at town. We stop for a while  to take a photograph. Then..someone come to me and ask me something. He is a new tourist to Malaysia with his big family. Actually he was lost. You know why..? He said that he cannot remember where he begin because his children ask him to go here and there in ONE day. Oh my God. That’s impossible ..man.

So.. in short, when I’m going back, I try to write down some tips for you before travelling as a guide. Here it is..

The Vacation

* Keep it simple. Don’t try to fill each day with too many activities. Have a flexible, child-friendly itinerary. Plan one major activity per day with allowances for breaks or an afternoon dip in the hotel swimming pool or the beach.

* Be realistic when you plan the travel schedule. A one-hour drive is a lot easier to manage than an eight-hour drive, especially with restless children.

* Prepare the children in advance. Show them the route, travel brochures or books on the destinations. Built-up anticipation can sometimes be a good motivation. It can also train the children to do more research on the destinations.

* Help them save some pocket money for the holiday. The experience will be more meaningful for them if they get to choose and shop with their own money.

Touring

* Action holidays are always good for families with school-age children. But do consider others too. Plan activities for them as well.

* Lost children is a possibility. Plastic hospital bracelets written with necessary information will help ease the worry. Alternatively, write a “I am lost, please call my parents at… “ note and make sure the child always has it throughout the holiday.

* Invest in a cheap camera for the older children so that they can capture the trip through their eyes. Anyway, don’t children just love playing at being adults?

* Buy an exercise or scrapbook and start a new culture of writing a travel-diary among the little ones.

Checking-In

* A service apartment is a better solution than staying in a hotel. Its roomy and homely ambience give children more room to run around.

* Check if a hotel has child-friendly facilities like baby-cot, stroller, baby-sitting service, nursery facilities or day-care centre for toddlers or a club for older children.

* Bring your own crib sheets, blankets or pillows – something from home to make the children have a good night’s sleep.

* Make a safety check of the flooring, furnishing, railings, electricity and telephone cables or connections, balcony, sliding doors, etc. A roll of masking tape is essential for securing telephone/electrical cables and shortening pull cords on blinds and curtains.

 So..I hope these tips can help you for your next vacation…

Few people enjoy packing and unpacking for a trip. Today, I’ll give you some tips to help ease the chore.

WHETHER it’s business or a holiday, packing for the trip can be fun for some while others might simply detest it.

Unpacking, is even more of a nightmare, especially when the packing is badly done in the first place.

If you’re planning to go away for a few days or weeks, it’s advisable to pack sensibly.

For a start, clearly tag your baggage on the outside and on the inside by clearly writing your name, address, contact number and the name of the hotel where you’ll be staying at your destination.

It’s good to put this information inside the bag as well, in case the tag comes off during handling.

Always pack you own bags, even if you’re travelling within the country. This way, you’ll know for sure that you have everything you need. It’s also important to lock your bags with hardy locks.

People who forget to lock their bags or who use inferior quality locks, have had their bags rummaged through at airports.

Never let anyone pack your bags for you and don’t act as couriers for others, even friends or relatives, as there have been cases of people duped into carrying narcotic drugs or even bombs.

So how you do organise the limited space in your bags?

Simple… The nooks and corners are always good for putting socks, undies, lingerie, shorts, your mobile phone charger, small toiletry bags and handkerchiefs.

You can pack modem cables in small boxes or little pouches and tuck them into corners.

Extra plastic bags for dirty laundry can be folded and placed in corners or in between clothes.

Jewellery and breakable items such as CDs, DVDs and laptops are best hand carried.

It’s advisable to carry a set of underwear (laughing). Yeah! It’s true. I’m not kidding..and clothing in your hand luggage, just in case your checked-in baggage is lost.

Clothes are bound to get crushed in the bag. But don’t worry. When you get to the hotel, simply hang the creased clothes behind the shower curtain and let the steam from the hot shower iron out the wrinkles. Or you can always request for an iron and board from the house-keeping department.

See you soon.

Even when on holiday, you should keep an eye on what you eat.

Today I want to be your personal doctor. So, listen carefully..

When on holiday, you know how to enjoy yourself. You have fun, catch up on sleep and over-indulge. Yes..Fun and rest can do wonders to distress tired bodies and minds but over-indulging in food will do more harm than good. You already knew that, but why you still eat too much. You forget, right..?

Don’t you know that you tend to put on weight, some as much as three kilograms (wow!) when the holidays are over. Don’t laugh, ok. Take it seriously.

It is IMPORTANT to take care of your health during the holidays to Malaysia so that you can have more holidays. ( I hope your second time holiday is still Malaysia.) Just joking..hehe

Even if you’re on the road, bring home-cooked meals like noodles and sandwiches that you can eat at rest areas along the highways. Or you buy it. Get plenty of exercise, even if it’s just going for a walk or a swim as these help burn calories.

YOU should try NEVER to put on weight because weight is hard to lose. Maintain sensible eating habits even when on holiday. It is hardest when you have all your meals at hotels that serve buffet spreads. Isn’t it? So, if you’re staying in a hotel for three or four days, eat stuff that you don’t normally eat at home.

Remember this! If you have sweet tooth, make sure dessert portions are small.

If you’re staying at a service apartment, think about having a healthy steamboat for dinner, but don’t overload on seafood such as prawns and squids. That’s all for today.

See you next time..