Before You Go

Do a hotel research on the net looking not only for the cheapest rates but also considering the amenities and services provided, location, possible references from other people. Travel guidebooks can also be very helpful for choosing the hotel that suits you best. Be as much flexible with your trip schedule as possible.

As soon as you reserved the room(s) online, document all information about the hotel(s). The easiest way is to print out the whole page off your computer screen so you will have a clear statement that you can use as evidence in case of misplacing or incorrectly entering your information by a hotel clerk. Take a copy with you, make another one for your relatives so they will know when and where you are going to stay so they can contact you in emergency cases.

WHEN CHECKING-IN

Learn the proper check-in and check-out times. Confirm the amenities and services the hotel provides. Ask for directions, a local map. Get a card with the hotel's name, address and phone number so you can show it to a taxi driver or a passer-by in the street if you get lost.

Some hotels may provide extra services that you may not know about unless you ask for it:

- laundry service, - hair dryers, - voltage-converters/ adaptors, - newspaper service, - complementary meals, - access to fax machine, copier, printer, computer, Internet connection, - cable TV, rental movies, video games, - portable beds, baby cribs, - complementary shuttle service to airport, - rental safe for your money, jewellery, documents, - telephone access charges, - fees for using mini-bar, - guided tours, excursions.

AT THE HOTEL

Safety should be a priority for everybody and you have to take some precautions. We devoted a whole separate page to travel safety including hotel safety measures so we will skip this part here. When you go out for the day, leave your key at the reception desk. Confirm closing time. Some hotels do lock up at night and you're expected to keep the key if you stay out late.

BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOTEL

Check out your room for left-behind items. If you need extra time for staying over the regular check-out time (usually it ranges from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m), make a request in advance or the hotel may charge you an additional night.

Review the hotel bill making sure that all charges are accurate.

We wish you a successful and safe trip!

Five Great Travel Survival Tips

In one way or another, traveling is known to be one outlet for the adventurous aspect of a lot of people. Sure, traveling can be one heck of a fun activity. However, one is never sure on what untoward incident that can be encountered while enjoying the sights and scenes during the trip.

To avoid getting caught off guard while traveling, here are a few tips to ensure survival while traveling:

1. Know your water.

Ever heard of the traveler's diarrhea? This condition is caused by contaminated water that a foreigner has drunk. Aside from that diarrhea, a list of diseases abounds due to contaminated water. To prevent getting any of those water-borne diseases, make sure you boil your drinking water for at least 10 minutes.

2. Milk will do.

Remember that thing they say regarding milk as the complete food? It still is true. As long as you boil it for at least 10 minutes too, like how you should have your water, it will serve as one of your best sources of nutrition. Local processed milk products may not be safe for your tummy, better opt for a more popular brand of milk product.

3. Vitamins Schmitamins.

Bringing vitamins will help in warding off many of the diseases that an unguarded (with resistance-building supplements) person may be so prone to. Multivitamins can be more convenient to bring than separate vitamins for various needs.

4. Battling extreme temperatures.

Doing one's homework before going to any foreign country will save one from a lot of trouble. These troubles may include temperature or weather induced inconveniences. An online consultation will inform one what to bring to gear up against any problem that may be caused by the weather or temperature.

If you are to go to one hot spot of the world, your luggage will benefit a lot since you don't have to bring a heavy and thick wardrobes. Now if you are about to visit a place like Antarctica, one tip is to choose well your clothes so as not to stock up much on those that you will not be using that much.

5. Taking care of your skin.

Don't forget your bottle of moisturizer if you're going somewhere cold. A sunscreen will be very indispensable too. A lotion or anything that will ward off insects is one must-have that should never be overlooked either. One best advice that is applicable too even when you're not traveling that much is to avoid getting sun exposure as much as possible.