Wednesday, 23 February 2011

How to Teach English As a Foreign Language and Travel the World





After some planning, you can teach English as a foreigner in a distant and exciting country.

Steps

  1. Decide where you want to live and what your goals are. Different rates and costs of living are different in each country.
  2. Do your homework and decide if the country is right for you. What degrees do you need, if any, Certifications, immunizations, etc.
  3. Search the web for job listings and openings. But keep in mind that many listings are still located in English newspapers within each country. You may also find the best jobs are not well advertised but posted at Foreign Language schools, but do not rely exclusively on the possibility of a "walk in" job -- line something up before you leave home.
  4. Speak to as many people as you can who have had experience teaching abroad. If you don't know anyone, find forums online and join in the discussions.
  5. it's possible to be a private tutor of english. You will need to comply with local self-employment laws. you can advertise your services on a website, in free internet classifieds, local newspapers, and social networking sites. be sure to have your advertising professionally translated into the local language if you aren't confident of your own second language skills.
  6. If you become a private tutor you should have a ready supply of teaching materials. At the very least, have an English Only dictionary, a picture dictionary, an MP3 recorder, and a quality grammar book. Having internet access, a lap top, and access to free media helps even more.

Tips

  • You should actually like to teach and like helping people, and not look at teaching English as a easy way to pay for travel.
  • The needs of English as a second language learners are very different than the needs of native language learners. Take time to find out what your students need to learn. One-size-fits-all instruction doesn't work.
  • Adult learners have different needs than children. Some adults are learning for travel and pleasure, and others are learning so they can get a much needed promotion at their job. Some need to communicate only by email, and others will need to conduct complex negotiations. The type of vocabulary they want depends on individual needs.
  • Students from different countries have different challenges in learning the language. In some cases, English shares both the alphabet and an approximate root vocabulary with other Germanic and Romance languages. In other cases, such as Korean, there is little relationship between the languages.
  • Each country has different pronunciation difficulties, because their language doesn't use the same sounds as English.
  • Be sure you really know English grammar well. Can you quickly explain the formation and application of the present perfect? Can you quickly identify and explain idioms and phrasal verbs in a random article from a newspaper? If not, brush up on those topics now.
  • Teach your students to think in English, not just translate.
  • You will most likely need to go above and beyond the resources of your school to really help your students.
  • Use inexpensive technology to teach. For example, use the internet ot try listening to free radio broadcasts, watching videos, and reading the newspaper. No cost, copyright-free books are available on the web. Use diverse reading to challenge: popular journalism, humor, poetry, science texts, advertising, recipes, short fiction, and drama.
  • Practice dialogues using excerpts from plays and screenplays.
  • Use real-life examples, not just school text books. Magazines, radio broadcasts, and videos are great tools.
  • Practice one-on-one conversation with each of your students, even if it's only for a few minutes per week. Record the conversation with an mp3 recorder, play it back, and correct the students mistakes.
  • Encourage the use of English-only dictionaries, not translation dictionaries. Show the students how to study vocabulary. When they find a word or idiom they don't know during reading or listening practice, ask the student to highlight the word in the dictionary, copy the word and definition into their personal notebook, and copy the example sentences. Then ask them to practice and study their personal vocabulary notebook.
  • Notice how infants learn English. Babies listen for about a year before they begin talking. Then they learn speaking and pronunciation by imitation. They don't even begin reading and writing until age 4 or later. Thus, The foundation of learning a language is LISTENING. Although it's easier just to be a robot and slavishly follow reading and grammar texts, focusing on building listening skills will actually help your students more.
  • It's possible to be a private tutor and teach one-on-one classes without the aid of a school.
  • Many schools are looking for specific accents. The "fashionable" accents vary over time, and from region to region. Schools may also want all their foreign teachers to have a common accent.
  • It may seem obvious, but being a foreigner is not a free pass to contravene local customs and/or dress codes. This basic rule applies doubly for people in "authority roles" like that of teacher. Be prepared to conform to local norms.
  • Do you need to speak the local language? In most cases, it can be helpful but is rarely a requirement.
  • Each city in each country has different rates and costs of living. Schools in large cities typically offer higher wages, but the cost of living must be taken into account. In most developing countries, the cost of living in a rural area is substantially less than the cost of living in a big city.
  • Private schools offer more money, but also may require a lot more "out of hours" interaction with students.
  • Having a tertiary degree is useful but not imperative.
  • Having a basic "Teaching English as a Second Language" certification will, in most cases, substantially increase your chances and/or wages.
  • Investigate the company you are about to work for thoroughly! There have been incidents of people going overseas to teach only to find the company or school bankrupt when they get there!

Warnings

  • Have at least a small amount of emergency savings.
  • Scan images of your work permits, identification, and passport. Save copies of the images in your webmail account just in case anything gets lost or stolen.
  • Inform your closest consulate where you are.
  • Some schools require you to sign a contract. The benefits of doing so may include a once-a-year fly-home airfare, medical benefits, etc. If you break the contract, however, don't expect the school to fly you home!
  • Although the policy might seem somewhat racist, many schools in Asia will only recruit "western looking" teachers. This generally means white. This is, unfortunately, a result of stereotypes reinforced through popular culture.
  • Do not, under any circumstances, allow yourself to fall into an intimate relationship with any of your students, despite what you may be told about the relative acceptability of such relationships in your host culture.
  • Don't expect your school to have the best materials or the best method. Some schools give the teachers more freedom to contruct their own learning plan or syllabus.
  • In private schools where learning English is extra curricular, happy students are happy customers. Happy customers take more classes, and you make more money by ensuring a steady stream of customers. Do what you can to increase customer satisfaction. This doesn't mean being an "easy" teacher who doesn't challenge students; but rather, one who tries to understand students needs and serves them.
  • Many schools will hire teachers without a work visa, even if they say its PREFERABLE to have one in your initial interview. Don't let this scare you off, but if you want to get a work visa before you begin working for them, indicate this to them early on. Otherwise, you may end up working "under the table" the entire time you're there.
  • Don't be surprised to receive a last-minute notices, like filling in for a delinquent teacher's shift.

Things You'll Need

  • Passport
  • Plane ticket home
  • Positive attitude
  • Commitment
  • English-only dictionary
  • Picture dictionary
  • Voice recorder
  • Internet access and free media

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How to Make a Travel Log





When you travel you may want to tell everyone where and when you did stuff, but you might forget so let's learn how to make a travel log.

Steps

Blog Method
  1. Make sure you'll have access to the Internet throughout the trip. This is possible if you stay at hotels every night that have a computer, or free wi-fi. It is also possible if you use your phone's data capabilities.
  2. Start a blog specifically for this trip. Alternatively, you can start a microblogging account like Twitter or Identi.ca.
  3. Document what you did every day.
  4. Add pictures. You can do this with your phone, or with a digital camera and then upload the pictures.
Book Method
  1. Find a blank notebook or sketchbook you can use.
  2. Write in it every day, explaining what you did and saw.
  3. If you want, tape in pictures, receipts, brochures, etc. Make it like a scrapbook!

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How to Travel Light With Scuba Gear




With lightweight scuba equipment for sure you have to make some compromises on what you normally prefer. You might consider it though, to avoid paying for luggage overweight on top of your plane ticket. Besides that, you travel more comfortable. Lets go through the different pieces of equipment to see where and how we can reduce weight.

Steps

  1. "Tank and weights". For sure they make up the biggest weight, but you definitely don’t take them on the plane. Most diving centers offer this included in the price of the organized dives. If you go diving on your own, you rent it. You can consider also renting the other equipment, just taking a mask and snorkel. There can be a big difference though in the quality of the rental equipment between one diving center and another. Inform yourself in advance. Most divers prefer their own stuff.
  2. Mask and snorkel. If you don’t go snorkeling, you can even leave the snorkel home; though know that it is recommended equipment. There are also soft foldable snorkels that even fit in the pocket of the jacket. Take a low-volume mask that fits in the foot pocket of you fins. It protects the mask without having to bring a box and you don’t lose it on the boat. Replace the silicon strap with a neoprene Velcro adjustable strap, which is lighter and more comfortable.
  3. Fins. Use full foot fins without booties if you go mostly boat diving in warm water. If you need foot protection, take neoprene socks but still with full foot fins, of course now a few sizes bigger. Carbon fins are an option, but most of them are the long type that free divers use. If you can’t do without your open heel fins, don’t use the metal spring straps. Normally those are preferable, but the conventional ones are lighter. Just don’t pull them too tight.
  4. Regulator. Plastic rules, although small light weighted metal second stages do exist. The first stage is always metal. Inform what valve system they use where you go diving, DIN or yoke. It avoids having to bring an adapter. The pressure gauge can be plastic. Use the modern braided hoses. They are half the weight of the normal type and more flexible.
  5. BCD. Take the simplest jacket you can get, not with the integrated weight system. The back plate has to be small. Again, plastic D-rings and buckles instead of metal. Take also the buckle of the weight belt in plastic.
  6. Suit. This depends on the water temperature. If below 18°C, consider a lightweight trilaminate drysuit. Take under-protection that you can also use as “normal” clothing.Consider that you can use a full wetsuit about 2 mm thinner if you use a sleeveless 3 mm vest with hood under it.
  7. Dive computer. Integrated with your wrist watch. Make sure the batteries are not running empty before you leave. Sometimes it can be expensive or impossible to change them on your destination.
  8. Bag. For sure no hard case, but the trolley type is handy.
  9. Logbook. Some models are bigger than a day-to-day office agenda. Just take your license and a few empty logbook sheets.

Tips

  • Be clever. Tell your travel agent in advance you are a diver and that you need a bigger luggage allowance. They are more likely to accept, before you pay. If they don't, ask the price for overweight. The moment you step up to the check-in desk on the airport, is too late.

Warnings

  • Don't leave the safety sausage home if you go drift diving. There is a cheap orally inflatable model of two meters long, that is light and doesn't take up much space in the pocket of your jacket. This model is not intended for safe surfacing, but for being spotted easier by the boat crew to pick you up. It can safe your life.
  • Scuba diving is a safe sport, but only after adequate training, using the right equipment and following the rules you learned, all related to the conditions you dive in. The vast majority of accidents happen for not respecting these basics.

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Sources and Citations

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How to Make Travel Bearable when You Are Older



These tips may make travel easier when you are older. The first part covers plane travel, followed by hotel and taxi suggestions.

Steps

  1. Plan for plenty of time between connecting flights. If you have connecting flights, make sure you have at least one hour (preferably 90 minutes) between arrival and departure. You do not want to be panicked by having to find a new terminal and have to catch buses, climb stairs, or walk a long way on travelators etc. If you can't get flights that have a long connecting time, and if you walk slowly, request a wheelchair or ask for some other form of fast assistance.
  2. Try to make your reservations far enough in advance so you can get an aisle seat. Be aware, however, that on some flights the aisle seats have much less underseat room to stow your luggage than the other seats. This means that there may not be enough room for a laptop.
  3. Use easy-to-wheel, compact luggage. Use one small wheeled bag (about 9" x 13" x 17") plus another soft bag about the same size that can fit on top of the wheeled bag. Put a maximum of 20 pounds in each bag so that you won't strain your back getting your luggage off the carousel at baggage claim. Also, with two bags you may be able to carry your bags, one in each hand, up a few stairs. If you check one heavy bag, ask a porter or another passenger to lift the bag off the baggage carousel.
  4. Place these essentials in your checked luggage: Rubber or plastic shower mat (so you don't slip in the shower); hot water bottle (so you can get warm quickly if the heat in your room in inadequate); tea bags, nuts, crackers; water heater (immersible "watta heater") and cup; collapsible cane with reflective tape around it (use it if you need to cross streets without a signal; drivers will expect you to walk slowly if they see you have a cane ); pillowslip (to use if the hotel pillowslip smells so strongly of bleach or cigarette smoke that it irritates your eyes); flashlight (to put beside your bed to use if you wake up at night and to carry if you are going to be walking in unlit or poorly lit areas at night).
  5. Check as much as possible to avoid having to carry items. On some full flights, there may be no room in the overhead compartments by the time you board, and the flight attendant will take any luggage or laptop and check it. If this happens, be bold; speak up and make sure the flight attendent checks it to your final destination. Take either one small shoulder bag or (on very long trips) one small backpack and one small shoulder bag. Two bags are better than one large heavy bag because then you will be able to put at least one small bag under the seat in front of you. With a shoulder bag and a backpack you will have your hands free for navigating stairs.
  6. Assume that you will get no edible food on the plane and that you will not have time to buy any food in a connecting city. Take some carbohydrates and some protein--crackers, nuts, beef jerky, etc. If you want to take foods that should be kept cold (e.g., hardboiled eggs, cheese, frozen cooked sliced chicken), put this food in an insulated cloth bag. Keep the bag in the freezer the night before you leave. If you're travelling more than eight hours, also take a small watertight container (Witz Keep-It Clear Dry Case) in which you can put ice (after you go through security) and put this ice-filled container in the insulated bag.
  7. Take a cotton handkerchief. On long flights, every hour wet the handkerchief with water and put it up to your face and breathe the moist air through it. Take a case for your glasses so you can sleep with your glasses off. Take something to keep yourself distracted--paperback mysteries or novels; knitting (circular or short needles); etc. Take at least three days supply of any prescription medicines.
  8. Use luggage carts and elevators whenever possible.
  9. Wear shoes that have a zipper or Velcro fastener so you can easily remove them at Security Checkpoints. If you carry metal items in your pockets, put them all in a clear bag before you get to security. Do not put your wallet in plain view--put it in a carry-on before you go through security.
  10. Be wise to when to use the restroom on the plane. The best times (shortest lines) to use the restroom are just before the movie ends or after any food service ends. If you are on an international flight that boards 45 minutes or more before departure, use the plane restroom while you're still on the ground and the plane is still boarding. If you are on a small plane with one restroom, assume that you will not be able to use the restroom because it is too small.
  11. Plan ahead if you arrive after 10:00 p.m. in your destination city. Call your hotel beforehand and ask if they have room service, or if they can keep sandwiches from the hotel kitchen cold for you and give them to you when you arrive, or if any local restaurants deliver food late at night.
  12. Prepare the address for the taxi. Before you get in the taxi, give the taxi driver a card on which you have printed the address of your destination, plus the name of the nearest cross street, if possible. Ask how much the ride from the airport to your hotel should cost. Have a city map with you in case your taxi driver gets lost. If you find a good taxi driver with a clean cab, ask if you can request him or her again. If you are staying in a downtown location, find out where the taxi ranks are--where taxis line up waiting for passengers. If you need a taxi from your hotel, ask the concierge to call for you. Taxi companies often give priority to calls from hotels.
  13. Try to find a hotel that has an elevator and no steps up to the front desk. If the hotel does have stairs, ask for a room on the lowest level and find out if an employee will be available to help with luggage when you arrive. If the hotel has an elevator to the upper floor rooms, but has steps from the street to the main floor reception, ask if help will be available when you arrive. As a last resort, pay a taxi driver to bring your luggage up the steps to the main floor. When you get to your room and before you unpack, check to see that the toilet is flushing, there is hot water, and the heat or air conditioning is working. If there are any serious problems, request another room.

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How to Get Paid to Travel





In a perfect world, your job would consist of traveling to exotic destinations with just a backpack and a laptop, experiencing new things daily and meeting dynamic people from around the world. Your work would require only a few hours a week and could be done from anywhere with an Internet connection. Getting up in the morning would be easy, your daily commute would be non-existent, and the salary would be enough for you to travel forever. In the real world, jobs that pay you to travel are nearly impossible to get and the money you save up for your endless vacation will only last you for so long.
When you travel, even on a budget, you need a good amount of money to spend on transportation, lodging, insurance, food, fun, and other ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences that seem to pop up daily. The good news is there are ways of getting paid to travel that are literally available to anyone who is observant, adventurous, and independent. Your new job is to record how to information about the places you go and the adventures you have so that others can be inspired and recreate their own travel experiences.

Steps

  1. Don’t forget to pack. Some essential components you will need to get paid to travel are a passport, a backpack, a laptop (optional), a pad to scribble and preferably a digital camera, which will be an added advantage.
  2. Get in Adventures. You need to gain some independent travel experiences. This could include touring around Europe, safaris in Africa, trekking the Himalayas or sunbathing in Goa and so on.
  3. Experience Everything. To appeal to a wide audience, you need to cover all types of subject matter and content. This includes sites, food, culture, festivals, historical monuments, modern places worth visiting, history, natural beauties, nature, nightlife, places to stay or any other travel related topic that you want.
  4. Take Good Notes. You gotta take copious notes on the details that others will want and need to know for their trip. Think about if you were going to send your grandmother on your same trip, what would she need to know in order to have a good, safe time? Your audience will reward you with readership, and that readership will help you get paid to travel.
  5. Write Articles. You get paid to travel by writing stories, articles, and reports about the places you visit. The more articles you write, the more money you can make. So many things will inspire you to put a pen to paper or put your fingers to a keyboard. As you go through your daily routine, put yourself in the shoes of a guidebook author. Your job is to report about the places you visit so that others can rely on your words in planning their travels.
  6. Distribute your Content. Once your ideas are organized into well written and informative articles, your next job is to find a home for your writing. There are many places online and in print that are looking for unique, well thought through travel content like what you have created. For instance you can write for BackpackForever.com and get paid to travel. Many newspapers want travel articles for their Sunday and human interest sections. Other places to shop your content include travel agencies, travel guides, book publishers, magazines. You could even start your own website or blog to house all your travel writing and get paid to travel.
  7. Gain a Following. As you write you will gain a following of readers who are interested in your content and interested in your adventures. It is this following that will allow you to truly get paid while traveling. Gaining a following involves optimizing your content for search engines such as Google.com and Bing.com. It also involves promoting your content throughout social media outlets such as Facebook.com and Twitter.com.
  8. Get Paid to Travel. In order to get paid to travel you must now monetize your writing. This involves placing advertising on your website or blog (such as Google Adsense or Avantlink Affiliate Network), selling your content to content aggregators, or accepting freelance writing work based on your portfolio of work and your knowledge of the world.

Tips

  • Being a travel writer offers the freedom to live wherever you want and to get paid to travel. As you learn the ropes, stay on budget, and learn tips and tricks along the way, you will find the freedom most only sit and their office and dream about.

Things You'll Need

  • a passport
  • a backpack
  • a laptop (optional)
  • a pad to scribble
  • a digital camera

Sources and Citations

  • BackpackForever.com - The Backpack Forever Travel Community provides opportunities for budget travelers to earn extra income while traveling around the world.
  • Elance.com - A resource for freelancers to connect with buyers and business owners.
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How to Travel by Rail in Europe on a Budget





It's not easy to travel by train in Europe on a budget but there are lots of loopholes, if you know how to find them.

Steps

  1. Get a Eurail/Interail pass. It is inexpensive and you can visit 17 countries. But, If you're not traveling everyday,consider buying your tickets at points of sale within the train station. It will probably be much cheaper.
  2. Plan ahead. Most countries require a train reservation even if you are using a Eurail/Interail pass. It's about 7 euros per reservation and you must have one, especially in France.
  3. Keep a map of Europe with you and a train schedule. It can be downloaded from Eurail.com. The Thomas Cook European timetable has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency & climate information. Published since 1873, it's essential for any serious traveller and an inspiration for armchair travellers.
  4. Sleep on trains. You paid for the pass, take advantage!
  5. Lots of things cost money in Europe. It can be up to 1 euro to use the restroom, and up to 7 euros to shower at rail stations.
  6. Stay in a hostel! Book them in advance and you can get a great deal. www.hostelworld.com.

Tips

  • Really think about how much time you have and where you want to see. Some countries don't take a Eurail pass (like Poland), but can be much cheaper to travel in. Other countries, like Italy, require a lot of local train trips to see the sights, so your pass wouldn't be economical.

Warnings

  • Lots of (younger) Europeans know some English, but most people would prefer to use their native language. Consider that they may understand English, but be bad at speaking. In any case, it's always best to lead off with the local "hello" or "excuse me." Try to use the language by carrying a traveler's phrase book from your local library, if you can't invest in your own copy.
  • Try to be very nice and respectful. Don't go to a foreign country and act like a fool. The nicer you are, the nicer they are.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheets, soap, shampoo, and seasonal clothing.
  • Don't forget to lock up your bag, and never keep your money or passport anywhere except on your person.

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How to Travel in China by Train Safely







You have always wanted to adventure in fabulous China, but don't have the money to fly to every destination. Maybe you could take the train! Yes, it's possible, but difficult. Read on for some basic points to travel by train relatively easily and safely.

Steps

  1. Be prepared for difficulty. Travel in China is never easy, especially if you don't speak much or any Chinese, or have a translator.
    • Little public information is available in English. It's often hard to find signs, brochures, guidebooks, schedules, etc.
    • Most people speak little to no English. Most can't read a map with you, or look at your phrasebook successfully.
    • Public officials (police) generally aren't very helpful; many can be rude. Don't look to them for help.
    • Most people don't offer to help. You can stand there looking desperate, but you may not get much attention.
    • Foreigners are usually received politely but are sometimes preyed on, looked to for handouts, and expect to be the object of great curiosity, especially in smaller cities and remote locations. (Following the tips in How to Avoid Looking Like an American Tourist might help.)
  2. Buy tickets. This can also be difficult. Many hotels offer ticket buying services, but you will be charged more than the window price. That can be worth it, though, to avoid the hassle of buying your own tickets. Travel agencies can also buy tickets, but are liable to charge you a lot more than the window price, and there are many stories of agencies cheating foreigners outright, so be careful.

  4. It's nearly impossible to find specialized ticket booths outside the train station. You must go to the train station itself.
    • Most people buy tickets the day of travel. This works if the route isn't the most popular one. If it is a very popular route, you'll want to buy ahead.
    • You can buy tickets at the station up to 5 days in advance of travel for most of the year. Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) is special. Don't try to buy tickets then.
    • Most city central stations are huge, crowded, noisy and dangerous places. Find the ticket hall, and see if you can spot one window on the far edge that might cater to foreign buyers. Go to this window, as they may speak English.
    • Otherwise, stand in the long lines, get to the front, try to state (or have written) your destination and desired time of departure. Being flexible is the best. Take what you can get.
    • Buy the best class ticket you can. Most Chinese trains have three classes. ( A few have four; they include "soft seat", but only run on short hops between major cities, such as Shanghai and Nanjing.) At best, buy "soft sleep" tickets. Otherwise buy "hard sleep" tickets.
  5. Prepare for train travel. You should have enough to eat and drink for the whole journey (usually 18-36 hours). While food and drink are sold on board and at each major station stop, it's expensive and not that good. Bring some of your own.
    • On board you can buy beer (not cold), liquor, packaged snacks, instant noodles, crackers, and prepared meals (three per day). The train food is generally bad, though not usually dangerous, and is best avoided. Try it once, but don't depend on it.
    • At major station stops of 15 minutes or more, except during the middle of the night, people push carts with many foods. Again avoid anything hot or prepared, but look for fresh local fruits, snacks, beer.
  6. Wait to board a train. For all ticket classes except "soft sleep", you will wait in the general hall. This is huge, noisy, dirty, crowded, but not dangerous except for pickpockets.
    • Sit on the benches. Notice your train number and look for the aisle and overhead sign at the end where that train will board. At the proper time, the gate will open and people will surge forward. Follow but don't worry, you have a reserved seat/bunk.
    • For "soft sleep" ticket holders, find the separate waiting room. Follow signs or show attendants your ticket and they can direct you. This waiting room is quiet, relatively clean and sane. Use the boiling water dispenser against the wall for hot tea or instant noodles. You will board first. Wait for your train number to be called or look confused and show your ticket. An attendant will guide you here.
  7. Treat small town stations differently. Here there are few ticket windows, only a single waiting room, few amenities, and few trains. Be prepared to wait a long time, and bring your own food and water.
    • For the smallest places, take any train, any ticket, and pay on board to an attendant to upgrade your seat out of "hard seat". Pay any price and insist you must sit somewhere else. You may have to wait until a bunk is vacated ahead, but then watch for it and move your stuff quickly. Plop down and show your money. It will probably work.
  8. Board the train. From any waiting room, pick up your gear, watch for other people grabbing it, and move forward. Show your ticket to the attendant to get it clipped (as used), then find the right car. Look at your ticket or ask a car attendant standing outside each car.
    • Board your car and look for the right bunk/compartment number. Many people are doing the same. Step carefully around luggage. When you find your bunk, put your stuff on the bunk first, then stow it on the overhead racks or spaces provided. Get out of the way first.
    • Place your food and water supplies on the bunk or the little center table. Smile at your bunk neighbors.
  9. Wait for the attendant to come around and collect your ticket. They give you a chit to show you paid, and exchange it for your ticket again just before you de-train. Keep that chit. Without it, you are sunk. As a foreigner, security will also come to inspect your passport, carefully, and write the details on their log. Be silent and polite. Smile.
  10. Enjoy the ride. The train is actually fun. People mostly sleep, play cards, handle the kids. It's fairly quiet except for crying babies. You may sleep, read, practice your Chinese where people are a captive audience and will be curious, look out the window.
    • Bedding is always provided and is clean unless you upgrade on the train and take over a used bunk. You will get a pillow and quilt with clean cotton covers.
    • In "hard sleep" compartments, there are three levels. The top level is hard to climb to, and those people usually sit down below or at the window stools in the aisle. If you have a bottom bunk, and don't want it used as a couch, spread your stuff out and frown if people try to sit with you. This is why the middle bunk is best.
    • Each compartment has a little table, a garbage bin, and a hot water thermos. Fill it from the hot water dispenser at the end of the car and share it with everyone in the compartment.
    • Find hot water at the end of each car, and use it to fill your tea thermos, eat instant noodles, or wet a cloth for a face wipe. This water is clean.
    • Find a toilet at the end of each car. It isn't nice but it works. It is locked at stations and you may have to ask the car attendant to unlock it again. It's best in the middle of the night. If critical, take a thermos of boiling water and wash it down. No one else will.
    • Find a sink near each toilet. It will be dirty and will run out of water after 18 hours.
    • "Soft sleep" cars have better facilities, and they restrict other class passengers from using them.
  11. Be ready to get off. Listen to the destination or ask someone or the attendant. Get your gear packed and down off the rack. Exchange your chit for your ticket. There will be time, so don't rush.
  12. Exit the train and station. Get off the train, follow the crowd to the exit, probably below or over other tracks to the station outlet. Here watch your possessions carefully. Ignore touts of all sorts, get to the gate, show your ticket and exit. Likely you will be in another large square full of people. In small stations, you will be alone. Find a taxi.
    • In a large station, move across the square to a taxi or your destination. All stations have a post office, police station, bank, and railroad hotel(s) next to them. Those hotels are usually satisfactory and relatively cheap. Use them as a base if you don't know the city at all, if you wish.

Tips

  • Find someone to help you if possible. This is critical for buying tickets (in advance). No one has time to help you through a phrasebook at the ticket window.
  • Learn the different types of train service. Train numbers refer to the speed or number of stops. There are limited and local trains. Find one that arrives at your destination during the day if possible.
  • BE ON TIME. Nothing else in China works on time except the rail service. They carry the equivalent of the entire U.S. population at any one time and operate efficiently.
  • Pack lightly. Be able to carry everything at once. You CANNOT go back and pick up the second bag from a waiting room or train car.
  • Bring your own maps. Do your research ahead of time. You won't find helpful travel desks or brochures.
  • Trains generally are smooth; you won't get carsick from them. However, bring sleeping aids if you have a long ride. Mostly trains are quiet and the motion often is conducive to sleep.
  • Trains are quiet at night. The lights are turned off, aisle window curtains drawn. This is not the place to have a beer party with your friends, or make out with your girlfriend. You may get security to pay you a visit if you do. If you run into security, remain quiet, polite, eyes down, and passive.
  • If you end in a strange city in the middle of the night, find the closest railroad hotel and stay there until morning, if you can. Don't sleep in the square (it's very dangerous). If necessary, sit in the hall of the police station and smile as a pathetic foreigner (especially for solo women).

Warnings

  • Some large city train stations are notoriously dangerous, such as Guangzhou. Be extremely careful outside the station in the square, near the entrance, in the ticket hall, and in the general waiting rooms. Watch your stuff, and your wallet. This is especially true at night.
  • Be careful of food in and around the trains and stations. Cooked, prepared, warm food can be bad. Buy and eat packaged, sealed food, food you make yourself, canned food, fruit, canned or boxed liquids.
  • DO NOT ride in the "hard seat" general cars unless you are DESPERATE. People have been known to arrive with pneumonia and other serious illnesses from them. These are unreserved seats for the peasant class, and are filthy, crowded, and dangerous.
  • Use of illegal drugs will get you an instant talk with security and eviction, at best, and a trip to the station at worst.

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How to Travel to Hangzhou from Shanghai






Hangzhou is the capital city of Zhejiang province in China. Famous for its picturesque scenery and rich history, Hangzhou has always been among the top tourism sites in China. It is only about 120 miles away from Shanghai, which makes it the ideal place for a weekend vacation if you happen to be in Shanghai and want to see the more traditional side of China. There are numerous ways to travel to Hangzhou from Shanghai. Here are several approaches you can choose according to your location, budget, comfort level and time constraints.

Steps

  1. Take the train. This is the cheapest and safest way to travel to Hangzhou from Shanghai. There are more than 40 trains commuting between Shanghai and Hangzhou every 24 hours. On average, it takes two hours station to station traveling time. The high speed train is available now. It will be a 40-minute ride for about 80RMB (12USD) one way. Trains will run every 30 minutes (at least in peak hours).
    • The one way ticket price varies from 20RMB (3 USD) to 100RMB (14USD), depending on the level of the train and the class of your tickets.
    • The updated schedule in Chinese can be found here. Although it is in Chinese, it’s easy to read the time and train number. You can either choose Shanghai railway station (“上海“) or Shanghai South railway station （“上海南”） depending on where you depart from Shanghai. There are also two arrival stations at Hangzhou: Hangzhou railway station （“杭州”） or Hangzhou East railway station （“杭州东”）. Hangzhou railway station is closer to the major tourism sites, so if you choose to take the train, try to avoid arriving at Hangzhou East railway station if possible. It is also an old station, so the facilities are in relatively poor condition.
    • There are several types of the trains differentiated by the starting letter of the train number. Generally, there are four types of trains running between Shanghai and Hangzhou. The fastest and the most comfortable train you can find now is call “ Dong Che Zhu” (“动车组”) starts with the letter “D” for example “D689”. It’s very new and clean, and takes only 1 hour and 40 minutes to travel from Shanghai South railway station to Hangzhou railway station. The ones start with letter “T” for example “T797” are express trains and the ones start with letter “N” for example “N489” are fast trains. They are generally also acceptable with around 2 to 2 and half hours travel time. The ones that start with “K” (e.g. “K89”) or have no letter (e.g. “1597”) are not recommended. They normally stop in between Shanghai and Hangzhou which delays the travel. Also, most of them are old trains without air conditioning.
  2. Journey by bus. Bus is the most convenient way to travel during the day time. The highway between Shanghai and Hangzhou is one of the best in China and definitely matches international standards. On average, it takes 2-3 hours station to station traveling time.
    • The one way ticket price is 50RMB (7 USD).
    • Compared to taking the train, it is more frequent. Buses depart almost every 10 to 20 minutes time 8am to 8pm.
    • There are several bus stations in Shanghai; you can choose the one close to your departure location. Most of the bus arrives at Hangzhou East bus station（“杭州东”）, which is an old station and in relatively poor condition. Sometimes, you have to wait in a long queue in order to get a taxi due to the terrible traffic around it.
    • If you are leaving from Shanghai Pudong international airport, the easiest way to get to Hangzhou is by taking a long distance airport bus. You can find the bus on the first level of the departure hall. The ticket price is RMB100 (USD14) for one way. It takes about 3 hours depends on the traffic. However, there are two drawbacks with this bus. First, the frequency of the bus is relatively low. It leaves in every three hours starting from 9am to 6pm. Second, the quality of the bus is poorer compared to other transportation modes.
  3. Catch a taxi. This is the most flexible but also the most expensive way to travel to Hangzhou. You can basically get a taxi anyway, anytime from Shanghai. And it normally takes around 2-4 hours door to door, with traveling time depending on the traffic and your departure and destination locations.
    • You can either choose to pay according to the meters or negotiate a lump sum in advance. Negotiating a total in advance is recommended but you can also keep the meter running on the same time just to see how much it actually ends up. The total price is normally between 700 to 800 RMB (100 to 115 USD).
    • If you choose to take taxi, be careful of the taxi companies. Several instances have been reported of kidnappings on long distance taxi rides. Taking taxis from big companies is recommended, especially in the night, as they generally guarantee the integrity of the driver and the quality of the car. Also, if you have any issue, it will be much easier to report and resolve with bigger companies.
    • There are two major taxi companies in Shanghai: Dazong (booking line: 96822; http://www.82222.com/english/index.htm ) and Qiangshen (booking line: 62580000; http://www.qiangshenggroup.com/default.jsp). Both of them also provide car rental service.
  4. Hire a rental car. This is most dangerous way to travel to Hangzhou. The rental car service is still under development in China. However, there are several rental car services available which you can find by searching “Shanghai rental car” on an Internet search engine. Considering China’s high road accidents rate, and the different local driving habits and rules, long distance driving on the highway for a foreigner is not recommended.

Tips

  • As a foreigner traveling in China, it is always good to carry a pocket English-Chinese dictionary with you. If you do not have a local guide, it is better to take the public transportation for its safety. Although most staff in the public transportation companies do not understand English, it shouldn’t be too difficult to write down the train/bus number in order to purchase a ticket. Generally there are English instructions on the public transportation facilities. Another tip is to babble incoherently until a benelovent student who speaks English comes to help you- the educated Chinese youth can be very kind to foreigners.
  • If your travel schedule falls between 8am and 8pm, both busses and trains are excellent choices. If you are traveling at night, the train is much preferred for its safety and schedule. Taking a taxi in the evening for long distance travel is not recommended in China.
  • Hangzhou is a very busy place for tourists and Chinese alike. It's a good idea to buy your return tickets when you arrive as many of the trains to Shanghai fill up quickly. You can buy tickets up to 10 days in advance and since the schedule remains constant, you can just show up with a piece of paper with the date and train number or time if you don't speak Chinese. The ticket office is also very busy so if you do not buy your return tickets ahead of time, give yourself a good 15-45 minutes to get through.

Warnings

  • Drink bottled water, you won't regret it

Things You'll Need

  • Money
  • A good, recent map
  • A translator (optional)
  • Passport ( for foreigners)

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How to Start Your Own Business in the Travel Industry




Nowadays setting up and running a successful and profitable travel business is a highly challenging task. There are a number of ways to enter the travel industry, but one of the safest ways is a travel franchise. If you have a love of travel and are planning to have a career in this industry, investing in a travel franchise business is a good option for you to consider. Here you get the chance to be your own boss, while operating under the security of an established brand.

Steps

  1. Understand the travel industry. First you need to familiarize yourself with different aspects of travel industry. Get as much information as possible about air travel, rail travel, cruises, hotels and vacation destinations. Also learn about what type of travel packages are popular amongst customers and so on.
  2. Analyze your requirements. Decide about whether travel franchise is what you actually want. A travel franchise business has many benefits but always remember that you will have to split your profits with the franchisor.
  3. Get a Franchise license. Obtain travel franchise business licenses and permits of a reputed travel company. Sign the franchise agreement after proper analysis. Check out all the points mentioned in the agreement and in case of any doubt doesn’t hesitate to ask the franchisor about it.
  4. Look for a suitable location. Analyze the location requirements provided by the franchisor and start looking for a location as per those requirements. You will need a good location to where clients can come and meet with you. You office must have ample space to house your computers and other essential equipments.
  5. Hire employees. Like all business ventures, for a travel franchising business you will need to hire an accountant to draw up a business plan if you need a loan to get your business started. An accountant will help you to manage your finances in a smooth way.
  6. Have Marketing strategies: In a franchise travel business, the franchisor will definitely carry out the major advertising and marketing work. But you need to do some marketing within your territory to make people aware of your newly established business.
  7. Find Proper payment methods: As in a travel business your customers will need to make payments through cash, cheques or credit cards you need to make the required arrangements. Open a business banking account and a checking account and credit card that can be used to pay all business related expenses.
  8. Follow guidelines. Always follow the footsteps of the franchisor and try to work towards achieving your goals. Handle customers efficiently and give importance to the USP of the company.

Tips

  • Network with other people in the travel industry to establish strong relationships with your vendors.
  • Buy a travel franchise business of your choice.

Warnings

  • Before you start a travel franchise business, look out for the competitors within your locality.
  • Go the extra mile to offer quality customer service.

Things You'll Need

  • Money to Invest
  • Time
  • List of travel franchisors
  • Good location
  • Honest employees
  • Strong marketing strategies
  • Marketing skills

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How to Travel With One Bag






In this age of airline fare wars, globalization, and the Euro, traveling across multiple borders is increasingly common. Combined with the horror stories of lost luggage that never made it to the baggage claim, and the higher prices for bringing more luggage, the option of traveling with just one bag is becoming more and more attractive. Unless your trip is highly specialized or requires carrying certain items, it is possible to travel and even live indefinitely out of one bag. Here's how.

Steps

  1. Choose the right bag. Your choice will evolve as you consider what you need to put in it, but consider:
    • Size: The largest that airlines will allow as a carry-on is a good starting point. Consider a bigger one if you need to carry extra items such as winter clothes, gifts, a computer, or a fancy camera. Consider a smaller one if you want to carry the bag long distances.
    • Size and weight efficiency: Choose a bag as little of whose size and weight is itself as possible. Avoid the need for expensive extra-light materials with a simple tough, floppy nylon bag. Avoid bulky extending handles and wheels with a bag with a strap, or, preferably, much more comfortable and unrestrictive backpack-type straps. Avoid or reduce a need for padding by packing semi-delicate items such as sturdy laptops and modern tough plastic cameras within clothes. Avoid semi-rigid "soft-sided" suitcases because they add bulk and vulnerability to themselves crushing without much protection to contents.
    • Pockets: Multiple pockets help keep things organized. Pockets accessible from the outside provide convenient access to travel paraphernalia such as an inflatable neck pillow or other sleeping aids and snacks, without unpacking or rummaging.
    • Your choice of bag may evolve with your choices for its contents. It should have just a little room for extras, not so much that the carefully packed contents shift around in transit.
  2. Ask yourself if each item is really necessary. How frequently will you use it? How much will it improve your experience over what you would do if you didn't have it? At the relevant destination, could it be feasibly rented, borrowed or bought (and not kept to bring back)?
  3. Gather essentials:
    • Three changes of clothing (at most). Perhaps more socks, underwear and shirts than pants. Consider synthetics, which are lighter, fold up smaller, slide past each other readily rather than distorting piles, and dry faster--especially for pants, where any difference in feel is less noticeable.
    • Laundry detergent for washing by hand. Powdered is much easier to handle than liquid, and allowed on airplanes.
    • A universal sink stopper (a flat rubber disk, available at any hardware store). A rubber ball can be an alternative, but check that it doesn't tend to float and is plenty big not to risk falling in.
    • A portable clothesline (available at any camping or travel goods store).
    • Toiletries
    • Medications
    • Empty water container. A bottle will do. A flexible "hydration pack" can expand to hold more and is more convenient to carry when in use, but if the main bag is a backpack, check that the hydration pack can be comfortably carried when full along with it.
    • Empty plastic bags. You can put dirty clothes in them until washing to keep them from contaminating the clean ones. They should be clear so they aren't confused with trash and thrown away. Try produce bags.
  4. Pack using the "bundle" method: wrap clothes around large and/or semi-delicate objects (such as bags of toiletries, pairs of shoes, or electronics), rather than folding or rolling clothes. Stuff underwear and socks into shoes to save space and to prevent crushing shoes. The bundle method saves the most space and also reduces wrinkling.
  5. Buy toiletries in miniature sizes or transfer liquid contents like shampoo into smaller travel bottles. Save hotel/airplane toiletries so you can pack them the next time you travel.
  6. Put toiletries that could leak (shampoo, gel, etc.) in plastic bags to avoid the hassle of having your clothes covered in liquid soap. If you use bar soap (which can substitute for other forms of soap such as shampoo and shaving cream), get a ventilated holder for it so it doesn't turn to mush through use and storage. Bags are also useful if clothing doesn't completely dry overnight.
    • For quicker trips through airport security, try to use solids rather than liquids. Shampoo is available in solid soap-block form and even single-use sheets. Check at a backpacking or outdoor store.
    • Alternatively, purchase toiletries at your destination to avoid security issues. They may even be cheaper, depending on the currency.
  7. Minimize the number of items that require electricity, especially those that need to be plugged in continually rather than briefly to recharge, as converters can be costly and space-consuming. Shaving, of course, can be done by hand.
    • Disposable batteries can be a good option for simple low-power electronics such as clocks, but aren't a great option for higher-power devices such as cameras: they will die much faster than rechargeables.
  8. Mail home or give away items not necessary for traveling, such as finished books or souvenirs. Trading books is a great free way to keep your travel library fresh.

Tips

  • If you are planning a bicycle touring vacation, consider leaving your bike at home and renting one for the duration of your trip (or buying and selling or giving away a cheap or used one). You can save the hassle and cost of bringing your own bike.
  • Even if you are checking one main bag, be sure to take one change of clothing and all your important items (documents, prescriptions, etc.) with you in a carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
  • Most youth hostels have laundry rooms and most hotels have laundry services, if you prefer not to wash all your clothing by hand.
  • When travelling in a group, share common items (shampoo, detergent, books etc.)
  • Plan to dress in layers, especially if you anticipate changes in the weather. For example, you could wear a sweater with a shirt underneath.
  • If the trip is longer than a few days, you may consider doing what certain travel writers do: take only the essentials with you on the plane and ship everything else to your final destination (if possible). Buy insurance to cover any damage your stuff may incur when it is shipped.
  • If you are bringing a purse, try to fit it in your larger bag. That way, you'll have fewer pieces to lug around.
  • Wear clothing with pockets whenever possible so that your essentials (ID, passport, credit card, money, hotel key) are on your person at all times. An alternative is a money belt or leg wallet, especially if pickpockets are a concern.
  • Take photographs of your travel documents, credit cards and keep them securely on-line. You can retrieve them from an Internet cafe or hotel business center. That way, if anything gets stolen you will have the information when reporting it.
  • Consider fast-wicking (drying) layers of expedition clothing. These clothes are light, designed for frequent washing, high durability, and are rated by "zones" for specific climates.
  • Pick neutral colors so your outfits are easier to coordinate.

Warnings

  • Try to avoid putting valuables in any checked bag. Bring valuables onto the plane in your carry-on bag.
  • Always make sure your carry-on bags have ID tags on them in case you leave one in the airport or on a plane.

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How to Travel With Children on Long Trip



Traveling with children is not always easy, especially on long-haul flights, or any long trip by train or car. However, with a little preparation your traveling time can possibly become as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

Steps

  1. Have your children's appropriate legal documents. Passports are now required for all children, including infants, for international U.S. travel. Make sure to order them 4-6 weeks in advance to allow for their applications to be processed. Double check everything, as the last thing you want is to cancel a trip because your child's passport application was denied for lack of information. If you don't need a passport to travel, still remember to take a copy of your children's birth certificates. The cut-off age for lap children is two years old. Some airlines don’t ask for a birth certificate and some do. So to be on the safe side, keep a copy of your children’s birth certificates in your purse/bag. Of course, if you have a passport, you will not need to bring birth certificates as the passport will provide complete authentication.
  2. Bring a backpack of toys and activities. Kids like being in charge, so give them something to be in charge of. A backpack is perfect because it stays put, unlike a bag which can slip off their shoulder and you end up with one more thing to carry; just don't make it too heavy for them. Not only is this useful in-flight/on-board entertainment but it'll serve a dual purpose of amusing the kids once you reach your destination. Put in all your favorite ideas, including these suggestions:
    • Books. There’s never enough time in the day to read to the kids, so take advantage of the opportunity of the long plane, train or car ride for some one-on-one time. Pack your kids' favorite books for you to read or easy-reader books for them to read by themselves. There’s no reason to plug their brains into electronics for the whole journey. Expand their imagination through the endless possibilities in a good book!
    • Coloring Books. Coloring books can be a great distraction and can help get out a little scribbling energy. A favorite coloring tool is Crayola’s "Color Wonder" markers and paper. They’re great because the markers only write on Color Wonder paper, which means your little ones leave no evidence behind! Also try dollar stores for coloring books you won't mind them half-completing and being discarded for the sake of extra space.
    • Comfort Toys for Small Children. Throw in a favorite blanket or bear for small children. It may help them snuggle down for quiet time or just help get through a bumpy patch of air or a tedious part of the drive. You can never have enough props for entertaining that last 20-30 minutes of a flight when everyone is impatient to get off! Favorite games to play with a blanket or cuddle friend are "peek-a-boo" and "pat-a-cake".
    • DVDs/Movies and Personal DVD Players. A laptop with a DVD drive works just as well as a personal DVD player. Bring along a set of earphones (or a splitter so you can have two sets of earphones), so your child's viewing of his/her favorite movie doesn’t interfere with the comfort of others. Although, if you are taking a plane flight, you can save on space and rely on the in-flight entertainment. Best suited to car travel.
    • Electronic Games. Hand held games are extremely popular for older kids and can keep them quiet for hours. Bring along a set of earphones so your child’s favorite game doesn’t interfere with the comfort of others. A long plane or car trip might be a good time to invest in a new game for a special surprise!
    • Sticker Books. Reusable sticker books are great for early elementary age kids. You can find them in your child’s favorite TV/movie character or interest. And because they’re reusable you can create new scenes, stories or just mix them up for fun!
  3. Bring your car seat on the plane. One way to rein in a squirrelly toddler is to take their car seat on the plane. Young kids behave much better in a familiar car seat, which keeps everyone happy. They can rest and fall asleep more easily in their car seat because it reminds them of riding in the car. Check with your airline first that this is permissible before lugging it down to the airport.
  4. Divide and conquer. Don't lose the kids, especially if you have more than one to keep an eye on. Decide ahead of time who is in charge of which child. This will eliminate the heart-sinking question “Where is so-and-so?? with the answer of “I thought you were watching him?" Miscommunication and lost children are not a good way to start a vacation!
  5. Take precautions to guard against ear problems:
    • For babies: bring something they can suck on to help regulate their ears during the course of the flight, especially during ascent and descent. Airline flights can be quickly spoiled by a little one with an earache! Some ideas to try: Bottles of juice and/or water, pacifier, jello jigglers with extra Knox gelatin (this is messy but the kids love it!), or any Gerber baby type snacks. They dissolve quickly in the mouth eliminating a choking hazard (read safety precaution on the label before buying). Try such snacks as "Gerber stars" (lots of flavors), fruit snacks (these start dissolving almost instantly) and baby cereal bars. As of August 2006, such snacks and gel products may be prohibited under tight new security regulations. Check with the airline or government transport security sites for prohibited items.
    • For toddlers and older children: toddlers and older kids don’t always understand how to regulate their ears by just swallowing, so a little help is sometimes required. Try Starbursts because they take a long time to chew and a lot of saliva begins flowing, which to keeps the child swallowing. Some other ideas are fruit snacks, gum and hard candy (for older children). Again, check with your airline or government transport security site to see what is and what isn't permitted to be carried on board.
  6. Take items for mess clean ups. Keep a bag of wipes, hand sanitizer and disposable bags for dirty diapers nearby. Baby wipes can clean up almost anything—even something spilled on carpet. Hand sanitizer is a must for traveling with kids and those disposable bags are good for containing messy stuff besides diapers! And don't forget to bring your favorite brand of stain remover wipes or pens for those times when the baby wipes just aren't enough. As of August 2006, very strict security regulations are in place which may impact on which of these items you can take on a plane.
  7. Be flexible with your seating arrangements. If you’re traveling with a group, or a large number of family members, it might be fun to let your children choose which adult they want to sit by. If they don’t see Uncle Bob very often and want to sit by him (and Uncle Bob is okay with the idea), then relinquish parental control for a few hours. It’s a great time to talk and tell stories with people you don’t get to see every day. And the parents have a small rest!
  8. Take snacks. Snacks, snacks and more snacks! Snacking keeps children busy and entertained. So pack your kids favorites for your long journey. The healthier the better - try carrot sticks, celery pieces, permitted nuts, gummy bears etc.

Tips

  • Make plenty of rest stops. Also, buying a toy at a dollar store may help keep your kids quiet for awhile.
  • Check with your airline for any requirements as to where you can place the car seat on the plane. It may be the window seat, which will provide one more source of entertainment—the great outdoors!
  • Sit an adult in between two kids who can be in control of the DVD player. This eliminates power struggles amongst the kids. It sounds like a scary place to be but it sure beats having to control upset children! Always bring the movies you KNOW the kids will watch and stay occupied with.
  • Potty trained - almost: Put a pull-up underneath their underwear. Avoid doing extra laundry and still give kids the feel of staying dry. Do this during the long trip. At your destination, small messes should be easier to deal with.
  • BONUS TIP: Don’t put kid's snacks in their special backpacks or bags. While it’s great for them to be in charge of their games or coloring books, you may not want them in charge of snack time. Take your own a big carry-on bag with all the goodies you need for your kids for the flight or trip. Then you have control over who gets what snacks, when.
  • Travel Surprise. Put a small surprise or two in your kids' travel backpacks - it is like Christmas Day: A new book to read, page of stickers, small toy to play with, activity book with puzzles and mazes or (if they’re really lucky) a new movie to watch.
  • Emergency Toy- Keep a new inexpensive toy in your own bag on reserve and only bring it out in a situation where current toys and distractions are no longer working. It also helps to put the backpack toys away for a few days before the trip so they are more "new" to the child.
  • If using a car to travel make sure to plan for frequent bathroom stops and restaurants.

Warnings

  • Take only *copies* (not originals) of your child's birth certificate--you don't want to take the chance of losing your original legal documents.
  • Make sure a child seat is properly fitted in your car. If you aren't sure, contact your local police station to have them check it or to refer you to someone who can check it for you. Better safe than sorry.
  • Check airline or government transport security sites for changes to carry-on luggage. Don't get caught out by losing things to airport security because they have decided to ban them: Be aware in advance. See How to Know What You Can and Can't Carry on Board an Aircraft for information on how to check.
  • Be careful about how much your child eats on a long trip, especially if they are flying. Children can get nausea much more easily than adults can, and a full stomach doesn't make it any better. Also try to avoid giving kids snacks right off the bat. If they have a couple of hours to get used to the motion of the car/plane/train, they are less likely to become sick.
  • Sometimes it is best to travel with small children at night most of the time they will sleep and then they are no trouble.

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How to Keep a Travel Blog


Are you one of those people who just love to make your friends jealous by sending off giant emails with every detail of your trip? Well, technology has improved to the point that you can now go one better. By keeping a Travel Blog as you move along, you'll be able to keep all your friends up to date on what you're up to, without clogging up their inbox. You can also upload Photos from the road, and even track your progress on a World Map!

Steps

  1. Do some Research. There are plenty of good Blog hosts out there, and several of them are tailored specifically to Travelers. While you can't really go wrong with a generic Blog host like Blogger, you'll probably be better off going with a host that specializes in Travel Blogs. Here are a few Free options that offer unlimited Photo storage and will plot your travels on a Map:
  2. Do some more research. Then sign up for an account. Don't forget your username and password!
  3. Get a good Digital Camera, and make sure it has a standard format memory card. Most modern cameras will use Secure Digital (SD) or Compact Flash (CF) memory cards. Be sure that you have a little USB card reader for the type of memory that your camera uses. Some brands, such as Cannon, will have a special cable that you can use to plug the camera directly into a computer. Don't forget to bring this along!
  4. Send off a HUGE Email to everybody you know, telling them where to find your Blog.
  5. Go!
  6. Jot down details about your trip every once in a while. Try doing this while it's still fresh in your mind. You can refer back to these later when you're writing a blog entry, making sure you don't forget any details.
  7. Find Internet Cafes on The Road. Log onto your Blog host and spout off about the great time you're having. Computers at most internet cafes will have USB ports that allow you to plug in your card reader or digital camera to transfer photos. If not, they'll always have at least one machine with a universal reader. Just ask the guy at the desk.
  8. When you get home, edit some of those frantic posts you made from the road. Upload some more photos now that you have a better internet connection. Polish your Blog so that others can stumble across it and use it for inspiration!

Tips

  • Don't be afraid to create accounts with a few different Blog hosts. Try posting a few sample trip reports to get a feel for how they will look. Pick the host that feels best for you.
  • Internet Cafes usually have really slow internet connections. Try uploading just a few of your best photos while you're on the road, then come back later and upload the rest from a faster connection.
  • Keep your entries brief: if you blog just once or twice a week, you are likely to write about the most memorable experiences rather than all of the details on the meal you just had.

Warnings

  • Some Blog Hosts will want to put advertising on your Blog pages. Try writing a few test entries and make sure that your Blog is not lost in a sea of banner ads!

Related wikiHows


Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Keep a Travel Blog. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.


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