It is true that we can walk the streets of developed countries without worrying about serious threats that may exist in other countries, such as kidnapping or armed robbery. But in any country there are minimum security measures that must be followed to ensure that the trip goes smoothly.

Obviously, if travelling to an underdeveloped country where the physiological conditions are different, maybe due to lack of means or hygiene of the population, visitors are forced to take certain preventive measures, such as medicines or vaccines to prevent infections, that are not needed in developed countries.

The major sites of the world generally involve large clusters of people, which clearly endanger somewhat the personal objects of virtually anyone. There are specialised people acting like fish in water in these types of situations, looking for valuables such as wallets, watches, phones and other goods. It is recommended to leave all valuable documents in a safe-deposit box at the hotel and carry only a card or cash for the expenses of the day, along with a photocopy of the documents. Tourist apartments offer an extra security because only the hosted people can enter it. For this reason, this type of lodging like the apartments offered by GowithOh.co.uk, are are becoming more popular everyday.

Moreover, in some places the local business might offer products to tourists at higher prices. To avoid this, we can compare prices in different places before making a purchase. Also, some taxi drivers could take a longer route to charge a higher fee, so the best practice is to have a map of the city and know the itinerary before starting the trip.

In any tourist regions we should take preventive measures, which do not always have to be in the form of vaccines, etc, but to take care that there is no cheating or similar situations.

One of the safest and most tourist-friendly countries a lone traveler can visit is the Ireland. The locals are generally friendly and warm. Here along with natural charm, a lone traveler can sign up for conducted tours to visit around the main city centers, local breweries, cathedrals, country landscapes, valleys, lake areas, castles and other historical sites. There are also walking tours in Irish cities like Dublin, Cork, Limerick etc. These activities are best explored and enjoyed alone without any pressure of a partner or friends.
2. Costa Rica
If adventure is your true calling, then this Caribbean hot spot is one of the safest bet to explore solo. Zip-lining, hiking, water-rafting, snorkeling, surfing, exploring wild life, beach activities etc are only few of the things that are available here. The place is not a honeymooner’s destination, hence better suited to single travelers. Look out for organized tour programs to avoid travelling completely lonely yet stay on your own. Accommodations are available for both luxury or budget travelers here.
3. Amsterdam
If you are looking to travel solo to a place rich in history and culture yet in friendly surroundings, it has to be Amsterdam. The Dutch respect your liking to be on your own yet are friendly and helpful. Solo activities are in abundance to get to know the culture and history of the place through the architecture and museum tours. You can hire a bike and travel across the country armed with a well-researched travel itinerary and reliable hotel reservations.
4. Peru
With a rich variety of culture, food and history, Peru offers one of the finest stays for someone travelling alone. Covering deserts, to mountains to rain forest it brings in a host of active destinations, which on its own fulfill all needs of a lone tourist. Hiking along ancient Inca trails, discovering the secrets of Machu Picchu, or camping along ancient ruins, kayaking along rivers, to the modern cities with Pubs and discos, Peru has it all. Safety of the tourists are specially taken care by the local government, hence the place is safer and more reliable than many other countries today.
5. Arizona
Arizona offers options of a wide variety of luxurious spas, golf and tennis resorts, gorgeous landscapes and historical sites that lone travelers are likely to feel comfortable around. Lone travelers who are mostly looking for chances to unwind from the regular hustle bustle of a crowded life will find peace and calm in this beautiful red rock land of the Grand Canyon and Sedona.
6. Singapore
English speaking travelers to Asian countries will find Singapore a revolutionary cultural hotspot that is safe for lone travelers, easy on the pocket as well as similar in language, food and very easy to navigate through. It offers a whole lot of activities and cultural programs that will keep the tourists as much busy and occupied that they would prefer. The shopping malls, fun fests, hop-on, hop-off bus tours are extremely helpful and entertaining for the solo travelers. Since its popularity as one of the top tourist destination in the world, the Singaporean government is extremely keen to protect the visitors and make them feel safe and secured in the country, which is an added advantage to the lone traveler.
Conclusion
However, considering all safety arrangements provided by the state, a lonely traveler must always remain cautious and avoid traveling on lonely areas without being aware of the surroundings. They must also stay away from heavy drinking and befriending suspicious strangers. At all times and places pickpockets or snatching could happen to anyone, hence the traveler should be careful and refrain from carrying too much cash around. These few basic dos and donts can make any travel fun, peaceful and rejuvenating in all respects.

1. London

Talking about Europe, the first travel destination worth discussing is London. It has a rich history and is among the hot destinations for people of different age groups. You could find a number of places worth visiting in London. These include, Tower of London and Millennium Wheel, which is filled by a wide range of tourists. Millennium wheel is also referred as London Eye, which is 135 meters of height and visited by countless people daily. And the Tower of London is basically a Royal palace belonging to the Queen and her family. Both the monuments have good historical significance by the Thames.

2. Paris

Paris is also among the top travel destinations in Europe. It is blessed with countless of tourist destinations and is considered as the city of love and romance. If you look at the tourist’s point of view, the Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower are considered as the top attractions of the city. Eiffel Tower is considered an important landmark carrying all beauty and richness along with being the tallest tower in the country. The gorgeous lighting surrounding the tower simply makes the scene mesmerizing, while art lovers simply do not fail to be there in Louvre Museum.

3. Rome

Another worthy travel place to visit in Europe is Rome, which has captivating history for countless of tourists to explore. The tourists, who visit Italy, cannot simply do not miss visiting here. The rich architecture found in this place is worth noticing especially seen at the Roman Colosseum, which is simply magnificent. It has the capacity of more than 50, 000 people during the earlier days. Once people visit Rome then only they think of other places like Milan in Italy, which is a worthy place for fashion and fun lovers.

4. Amsterdam

Another worthy travel destination is Amsterdam in Netherlands, where you get to see places like House of Anny Frank. This place is famous for the young Jewish girl, who was known for writing stories. Her war time diaries are really looked upon as literature masterpieces for people all across the world. Her home is now being revamped like a museum which also has a bookshop, café and several other things, which could easily attract countless of tourists all across the world.

5. Switzerland

Though this place is not the part of EU, yet happens to be a very important travel destination. It is considered as an excellent place for the people who are adventure freak and for people who simply love the natural beauty and sceneries. The whole country is popular for a fresh and clean environment thus remains the best travel destination. The people who simply love skiing and adventure sports, Switzerland happens to be the best place of them.

Final word

The list for travel destinations in Europe is simply endless; however, if you talk about the top five, then the above said places could be best place to consider. All of these places give you enough reason to visit and have good time with family and friends. So, when are you planning a trip to Europe?

About The Author: Alia is a writer/blogger. She loves writing travelling and reading books. She contributes for World Financial Group. Find here her contribution for World Financial Group

Beware of the risks while travelling in these hostile countries and be prepared before heading out.

1.) Gain perspective of the region

You need to be aware of the social and political landscape of the region. Before you head off to any of the hostile countries check out the travel advisory issued by the concerned department. This will help you prepare in a better way.

Check out with local colleagues posted in that region, in case you are heading on an official trip. Go through local newspapers online before heading, as this will help you gain an insight of the region.

Avoid generalizing though, as a particular region in the country might be experiencing trouble, while the country as a whole is peaceful.

2.) Prepare a plan

Preparing a plan in advance and leaving a travel plan itinerary back home is a good idea. Notify your embassy at least two to three weeks in advance. Make a color copy of your passport and leave it with your family or friends back home. In case, you loose your passport, your family will be in a better position to help, as the copy of your passport will make things easy for you.

Prepare your travel plan itinerary and share it through Google document with family and friends. In any unforeseen circumstances that call for emergency action, your friends and family will be in a better situation to help.

3.) Be aware and have confidence

Doing some quality research before heading to any of the dangerous location will help. You will be better prepared to deal with any emergency eventuality. Maintain a confident approach while moving around. Your body language says a lot and if you are confident in your approach, you can deal in a better way with any potential risk that might be waiting.

4.) Assess the risk

Despite being labelled as dangerous, countries as Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia have beautiful locations that you can explore. Life goes on as usual, even as terrorist activities go on simultaneously in distinct parts of these countries.

Assess the situation keeping your interests and needs in mind. You will be able to take a judicious decision and will be able to travel with a free mind.

5.) Extra layer of Defense

In case you are travelling for work, ensure that your company arranges for suitable security cover, as you head to a potential dangerous location. This can be in form of private armed guards as you head out to remote locations.

Take a suitable insurance cover as you head out to any of these hostile locations. In case of any eventuality as potential accident , the insurance cover will take care of all the expenses incurred.

Follow these measures in true earnest and you will be able to enjoy the vacation at its best. Be prepared and enjoy the journey.

Kerala

God’s own country indeed, Kerala attracts tourists from all across the world. Be it the pristine hills of Munnar or the exquisite coastline of Kochi, Kerala will surprise you with its uniqueness. Rows of coconut palms, temples and rice fields are some of the unique attractions that make this south Indian state a must visit location. Alleppey and Kumarakom specially need to be on your travel itinerary, given the presence of backwaters that add a unique charm to the place.

Mumbai

The commercial capital of India, Mumbai attracts visitors from all over the country. Plan a visit between the month of September and April as the weather is cool and dry between these months. The city is extremely lively in evening hours and you can enjoy the vibrant feel of Mumbai, in case you happen to be in any of the locations, be it Gateway of India or the famed beach of chowpatty.

Delhi

The capital city of India, Delhi is a vibrant city indeed. A confluence of cultures exist as one can find the ethnic old Delhi feel and the vibrant feeling of being in modern India in Connaught place, all within a radius of few kilometers. Qutb Minar, Red fort, India Gate and the narrow bylanes of old Delhi are the few places one can visit, while in Delhi.

Agra

When in and around Delhi, plan a visit to Agra, a city known world over for the exquisite Taj Mahal. One of the seven world wonders, Taj is a unique assemblage of fine art and intricate designs that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Goa

Another destination on your travel itinerary needs to be Goa. The alluring beaches have a magical effect on anyone venturing to the coast and the place is alive with people from all over the world making a beeline to Goa.

Plan to spend your New Year eve in Goa. The fun filled holidays will be enshrined in your memory for ever.

Varanasi

A city known for its numerous Ghats Varanasi has a rich culture and is alive since the last 5000 years. The city located on the banks of Ganges, the holy river is a major tourist attraction and attracts pilgrims from all parts of the country.

Ajanta and Ellora

The rock cut temples of Ajanta and Ellora are a major tourist attraction in Maharashtra. Ellora has 34 caves while Ajanta follows suit with its 29 exquisite caves that offer a unique glimpse into the ancient Indian traditions.

Rajasthan

A state known for its exclusive forts and majestic palaces, Rajasthan has been home to Rajput valor. Be it the capital city of Jaipur or the border town of Jaisalmer, the state will surprise you with its unique culture.

India is a vast country with a collage of cultures combining themselves. Visit India to have a feel of the same and travel safe.

Glasses, such as Clic Reading Glasses, are designed to withstand the pressure of accidental or rough treatment. The frames are malleable yet resistant. They are perfect for long journeys where you are likely to get in and out of your seat multiple times. However, the best way to avoid destroying a coveted pair of reading glasses is to know where they are at all times. String neck chains for glasses do not typically stay on very well. They often slip, or they become lost altogether. Clic Reading Glasses have the neck band built into the design of the frame. There will be no more slipping, and you never have to give anymore thought to packing the accessory before you leave for your trip.

The built-in strap does not limit the ways in which these glasses can be packed. A variety of hard-shell cases are available to take your glasses on the go. The casing provides additional safety for the already sturdy frames. You can proceed without fear when your bags are stuffed and tossed about with reckless abandon. Clic Reading Glasses are the perfect safety net for traveling. Never again will you find yourself in a foreign place squinting to read menus. They also come in any color, and they can be fitted to accompany any lens. Single lens, bifocal lenses, and Progressive No Line Sun Readers have you prepared for any environment where reading is needed. The sunny shores of the Florida Keys have your name on them! Read and relax in the brightest environments, or study the tags for artwork in the gentle light of the Tate museum in London. Clic Reading Glasses will become a trusted traveling companion.

While self-storage is ideal as a long-term solution to your problem, bear in mind you’re going to want to do some due diligence and make sure you made the right choice to have peace of mind while you’re gone for a year or more. If you don’t have phone service or access to a computer at all times, you might not be able to get a hold of someone to check up on your stuff and you might have enough immediate concerns at hand that you don’t even have time to think about that kind of thing.

How to find a good self-storage facility

The Internet is probably your first and best option for finding one close to you. Various sites like USStorageSearch.com are an excellent resource to get a quick view of the facilities in your area and what they offer.

Save money – pay in advance for multiple months

Find out if you can do a multi-month contract and pay up-front, especially since you’ll be gone for a while and don’t want to have to worry about your bill being in arrears. Mistakes can and do happen – you don’t want an unpleasant surprise when you return. Not to mention, many self-storage facilities will give you a break on the rate if you go with a multi-month contract.

Insure your belongings and ask about security measures

Given that you’ll be gone for a long time, you definitely want to be sure you have some recourse in the event something does happen. Most self-storage facilities offer insurance, which will cover you in the event of a break-in, fire or other unexpected incident – unlike homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

In addition to insurance, make sure you feel comfortable with the security at the facility. An indoor facility is slightly safer if the units are not out in the open – and you should also check that the facility is fenced off and has security cameras at the bare minimum. When you get a key to your self-storage unit, put it in a safe deposit box at your bank or give it to someone who can be trusted to keep it safe for the time you’ll be gone.

Pack for the long-term

 If you’re going to be gone for a long time, you don’t want anything valuable to suffer from the lack of attention over time. Papers and electronics in particular can be vulnerable to damage from moisture. Sealing them in air and water-tight containers with moisture-absorbent packets is a good idea, as is making sure they are off the floor in the event that there’s a leak or flood that gets water in the unit. If you’re going to store a car, be sure you disconnect the batter, change the oil and add stabilizer to the gas tank to keep the gas from breaking down, at the very minimum.

]]> http://www.adventureblog.org/entry/traveling-world-stuff-safe-home/feed/ 0 http://www.adventureblog.org/entry/fishing-off-road-alaska/ http://www.adventureblog.org/entry/fishing-off-road-alaska/#comments Thu, 06 Sep 2012 06:03:20 +0000 admin http://www.adventureblog.org/?p=1395 About the Author: Karla Fetrow is an experienced off-road driver tackling some of the toughest terrain in the U.S in Alaska on a daily basis. Having been raised in the remote areas of Alaska, it is common knowledge to the rural inhabitant that there are places you just can’t go without a Jeep, Jeep Wrangler or other sturdy off-road vehicle.  Karla frequently writes on behalf of Extreme Terrain.

The Kenai Peninsula is the number one destination in Alaska for fish fever.  This is primarily due to the spectacular salmon runs that usually begin in early June and last until late August.  There aren’t any real tip-offs anymore on taking your vehicle to a remote hide-out.  Most of the accesses in recent years are gravel and crammed with motor homes, campers and RV’s all summer long.  The smartest move for getting away from it all is in entering a beach access and to just keep driving until you find that lonely spot you crave.  The best access spots are at the end of Anchor Point or Deep Creek, near Ninilchik.  It’s a little bit of a rugged downhill grade, but once you’re on the beach, it’s simply time to explore. 

Those gravel access roads, courtesy of the Highway of Transportation, have caused a lot of locals to clam up about their favorite, secret spots.  As long as a motor home can’t get into it, they’re safe from the flood of tourism, but they do have respect for the determined off-road driver who sincerely wants to dip a line in the water, and isn’t as relentlessly determined to find the trophy winning salmon as in simply having a few fish to fry in the great outdoors.  The question is, how extreme do you want to get?

The Hatcher Pass road, with one end just outside of Willow, and the other just outside Palmer on the New Glenn, is riveted with sparkling creeks ripe for trout fishing and for a bit of extreme driving. Old mining trails dot the hillsides, and the instinct to try them out is only natural, but the supreme paradise is Archangel Valley.  This three mile turn off is a dirt road bumping over boulders shaken down from earthquakes and land shifts.  Old mining cabins teeter on rocky ledges.  The trail runs along the Little Susitna River, and the Little Su, as we like to call it, sometimes runs over the trail. It’s a favorite area for hikers, climbers and four wheel drives. The closest entrance is on the Palmer side, but for a true tour of the Hatcher Pass, it’s best to come in from the Willow side.

For real wilderness, try the Klutina Road at mile 101.5 of the Richardson Highway.  This 23 mile, mostly dirt road has an easement through land belonging to the Ahtna Native Corporation.  You may not go off the side of the road without their permission.  It is recommended for four wheel drive or Jeeps with high clearance only, as the road is brutal. The lake, however, is partially owned by the State and is open to camping, hunting and fishing.

A favorite place among Jeep and four wheel drive enthusiasts is Resurrection Creek.  Located near Hope, which is, in itself an off-road, the trail was used first by early gold rushers and is a part of the Iditarod trail.  While the road to Hope was recently paved and development is extending rapidly, the Resurrection Trail is on State Land.  It’s extremely rugged.  While hikers and horseback riders would like to claim it, it’s also used by four wheel drives for hunting, fishing and gold panning.

The most extreme driving is Jim Creek.  It’s actually not a road at all.  You can access it only by following the Knik River from the Knik River bridge near Butte, and only in four wheel drive.  The terrain is sometimes rocky, sometimes boggy, and sometimes means fording a few feeder creeks, but the fishing is spectacular.  If you’re really feeling courageous, you can follow the river all the way to the Knik glacier.  When the salmon start slammin’, the locals slam Jim Creek.  There are no camping facilities.  If you wish to camp, it’s best to turn around at the end of your fishing day, and camp out on the Knik River next to the bridge.

The beauty of fishing in Alaska is there’s hardly a river, creek or lake that doesn’t have fish. Many of our lakes are large, and the best fishing is to be had by canoe or kayak, or by finding an off road access in an all-terrain vehicle.  If you don’t like the gravel roads, just look for a dirt road that leads off to the side, and you’re bound to find that secret fishing spot the locals won’t talk about.