The portable computer has become a staple for many business travelers. If you are planning to travel with yours here are some things to check before you go.
–You will be required to pass your computer through the hand carry baggage X-ray scanner. The X-ray machine will not harm your disk drive although some travelers prefer to carry their floppy diskettes around the X-ray and hand to the guard for review.
- Carry your computer separately from your luggage so that you can easily present it to airport security.
Expect to be stopped at the airport by security. You may be asked to power up your computer to ensure that it is not a security threat. Make sure the computer has enough battery charge to do this multiple times.
Keep your eye on the portable computer while on the belt lest someone picks it up in error or intended theft.
If you plan to work on the plane you will not be allowed to power up until the airplane is at cruising altitude and you will need to turn off during the airplane descent.
Check to see if your portable computer has an international power supply so that you can plug in to various outlets. Bring adapters for the different countries you will visit.
- Most business travelers suggest to carry at least two batteries with you for back up and to upgrade your batteries where possible to longer life batteries.
Check with your International hotel in advance to find out if your room will have a data line and a telephone line so you can plug in your computer and use the phone at the same time. Some hotels now offer in- room PC’s so you can just bring diskettes etc.
Make sure you pack all necessary items to create an international connection such as a small screwdriver, adaptor jacks, security password cards etc.
Make sure you get all necessary phone numbers and set up information in advance.
If you work for a large firm you should confirm in advance all necessary phone numbers and make any necessary changes before you leave. Print out phone numbers for multiple cities and locations that you might possibly be in.
If you work for a small firm, or you own your own firm call your ISP (internet service provider) before you go and make sure they have international connections and phone numbers where you are traveling. Some do not.
Check your email software package. Some will allow you to put in your own phone calling card. This will be cheaper than using the hotel phone line.
Make sure you test your connection before you go. It is worth the long distance call to ensure that a connection can be made.
Make sure you bring all necessary files with you and have them loaded on the portable computer before you go.
Dr. Tracey Wilen (www.globalwomen.biz) is the author of International Business: A Basic Guide for Women (2001), ($16.00 USD) , Europe for Women in Business, ($12.95 USD) and co-author of Asia for Woman in Business, ($15.00 USD) Doing Business with Japanese Men, ($9.95 USD) and Doing Business with Western Women (Tokyo Only). Well known to the media, she has been on major television and radio network programs and has published numerous in major newspapers worldwide as well. She is a frequent speaker at major business and women’s conferences and corporations on this subject. She is currently working at Cisco Systems in business management and is an adjunct professor at local universities. Books are available at www.amazon.com, www.xlibris.com, www.bn.com, and www.borders.com.
Tracey Wilen is Author at http://www.globalwomen.biz/
Tags: computer, Tips, travel, Womencomputer, Tips, travel, WomenShare This
If you were born between the end of World War II and the beginning of the Vietnam War, you are a Baby Boomer. Some Boomers have taken early retirement already, and others are on the verge of this new chapter in their lives. ‘Travel’ is at the top of the list for many.
Planning Your Trip
Your travel itinerary should be part of a careful process. Plan a holiday with plenty of ‘you’ time. You should finish every vacation feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Baby Boomers are generally quite fit when compared to our ancestors. However, increasing numbers of obese or overweight adults are plagued with bad backs, high cholesterol levels, and fragile knee joints.
Don’t just pick a cruise and pack your bags. Keep your interests and physical limitations in mind. If you are a swimming fanatic, you might want to try scuba diving. However, asthma would preclude a scuba vacation. You might have to settle for snorkeling instead. If you have a bad back, don’t plan to go hiking in the Andes.
The older you are, the less likely you are to have a comfortable night’s sleep. Try to find a hotel or bed and breakfast with memory foam mattresses and soundproof walls.
When booking your room, ask the reservations desk if they offer discounts for seniors. Some lodging establishments will provide a substantial discount as early as age 55. Don’t consider yourself ‘old’ just because you are 55. Think of some fabulous Baby Boomers like Suzanne Somers, Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone, and Dolly Parton. They all celebrated 60th birthdays in 2006.
Preparations
Apply for a passport at least 6 months in advance if you don’t already have one. Some countries will not allow you to cross their borders with a passport that is near its expiry date. Contact embassies or do some research online so that you are aware of current regulations.
Check with your physician to see if there are any activities you should avoid. Your doctor can also advise you regarding immunizations, give you prescription refills, and provide photocopies of crucial medical information. Many countries will only allow clearly labeled prescription medications where the name on the bottle matches the passport. If you require supplies like alcohol swabs and other support products, purchase them ahead of time. You may not be able to locate what you need in a foreign country.
Be aware of the coverage provided by your current medical insurance policies. It may be prudent to purchase extra insurance for unexpected (and uncovered) contingencies such as air evacuation.
Packing
Travel activities can cause swollen feet. Sensible, comfortable footwear that is one width wider and 1/2 size larger than usual is advisable. Never pack brand new shoes or boots.
Sleep disturbances become more frequent as we age. Pack some foam earplugs so you won’t have to worry about your partner’s snoring, creaking floorboards, or disturbances in the hallway outside your room.
Many of us find that foods we used to enjoy now cause symptoms like gas, cramps, or constipation. At home, we can compensate by watching what we eat. However, when dining in restaurants, we are often faced with unfamiliar and exotic fare that can wreak havoc with the gastrointestinal system. Pack a bottle of digestive enzymes. They are available in big department stores like Wal-Mart, as well as pharmacies and health food stores.
A small memory foam travel pillow can cradle your head while you nap onboard the plane - or it can provide relief from a sore back if you put it between your knees while you sleep at night.
Keep your hands free when you go on tours. A good backpack is the key. Shop around until you find a comfortable pack that is easy to put on and remove.
Partay!
Each day before you leave the room, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly - in layers. If you get too warm later in the day, you can peel something off and put it in your backpack.
Your backpack can also be used for meds, your travel pillow, a bottle of water, and other essentials. Valuables and important papers should never go in the pack, however. Keep them in a next-to-skin money belt (zipper side in) with only small amounts of cash in another easily accessed wallet or pocket.
Fresh water is crucial. Proper hydration will keep your energy level at optimum and prevent that old travel bane - constipation.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, wear a smile and be polite. A cheerful attitude will be infectious and will transform your time away from home into a truly happy, memorable experience.
Kathy Steinemann writes for several websites, including 1st Rate Articles, 111 Travel Directory, and 1000 Tips 4 Trips - a site with over 1000 travel tips.
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Zimbabwe’s biggest draw is undoubtedly the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. But the country also has other natural and historical advantages to captivate travellers and beckon them to return. Wildlife, fish and birds abound including a number of unique, rare and endangered species making game viewing, bird watching, fishing and hunting popular activities.
Home to four World Heritage Sites, Zimbabwe has a rich history of ancient civilisations that makes its friendly people stand proud, despite hardship. From the refreshing spray of the Falls on your face, to a Lake Kariba sunset, a lush mountain escape to a river rafting adventure on the Zambezi, Zimbabwe is sure to leave you with memories as indelible as those of Livingstone and Rhodes when they witnessed the country’s riches.
CAPITAL: Harare
CLIMATE: Subtropical. The best time to visit is Apr-Oct when weather is mild with little rain. Winter (May-Aug) is dry and sunny. Rainy weather is Nov-Mar/Apr.
CURRENCY: 1 Zimbabwe Dollar = 100 cents. You may take 15000 Zimbabwean dollars out of the country. There are no restrictions on foreign currency brought in. If you don’t declare the foreign money you bring in, you’ll only be able to take out 500 US dollars. You may be asked to account for foreign currency exchanged/spent in country. Hotel bills must be payed for with credit cards or in foreign hard currencies e.g. US dollar.
Users of credit cards are subject to a surcharge of about 3 percent on the total value of goods purchased. US dollar traveller’s cheques are recommended. Avoid street money changers who promise “no commission, best rates”, but then cheat on delivery. There are strict penalties for illegal foreign currency trading. Several of the city’s large stores don’t accept American Express cards; travellers’ cheques are the most convenient means of payment.
HEALTH: Yellow fever immunisation is essential if you arrive from an infected country or area. Visitors are also advised to take pre-arrival precautions against hepatitis A, polio, typhoid and malaria (depending on the area visited especially those outside of towns). Other health concerns include bilharzia (don’t swim in the rivers/dams or drink the water from them as it may be infected), sunburn, limited medical facilities and supplies outside of towns, AIDS and influenza (risk extends throughout the year).
LANGUAGE: English is the official language. Chishona and Sindebele are widely spoken.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
1 January New Year’s Day
12 April Easter Monday
18 April Independence Day
1 May Workers’ Day
25 May Africa Day
11 August Heroes’ Day
12 August Defence Forces Day
22 December Unity Day
25-26 December Christmas
SHOPPING: Shona soft-stone carvings; woodcarvings; T-shirts; safari clothing; pottery; leather goods; basket ware; sculptures; textiles. Nail polish and old clothes can sometimes be swopped for carvings.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS: Christianity is the main religion, but in rural areas people have traditional beliefs. Western/European courtesies are observed. Return invitations are appreciated. Handshaking is the common form of greeting. Dress is casual, but most hotels require more formal wear, e.g. tie and jacket; business meetings require suits.
TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT+2
TIPPING: Ten-fifteen percent is common.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Victoria Falls:
Called by locals “Mosi-oa-Tunya” - the smoke that thunders, Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and undoubtedly the most majestic waterfall in the world; popular activities include walking through the rainforest, white water rafting, bungi jumps, flights over the falls, river cruises, and much more.
Lake Kariba Unique scenery of dead trees rising from the depths of this huge man-made lake is especially beautiful during sunset; a popular way to enjoy the lake is on a houseboat with friends viewing the large numbers of crocodile and hippo, going game viewing at the Matusadona National Park or Tiger fishing - the largest Tiger fish ever was caught here and weighed 15.5kg.
Harare:
The capital city offers sightseeing at the National Gallery; National Archives; Queen Victoria Museum; Queen Victoria National Library; National Botanic Garden; Mbare Market; Chapungu village; tobacco auction floors; Mukuvisi Woodlands; Museum of Human Sciences; Harare Gardens; Cecil House; National Handicraft Centre; Africa Unity Square and The Residency.
Kame Ruins:
22 km west of Bulawayo is Kame Ruins, one of southern Africa’s magnificent Late Iron Age ruins, now a World Heritage Site showing the area was the seat of government of earlier civilisations.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument:
Ruins of an ancient African city, believed to have flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries AD, is the only one in existence south of the Sahara and a World Heritage Site; the country has taken its name from it and the famous Zimbabwe birds found at the site has become the national bird and been incorporated in the flag; visit the museum on the site, the Kyle recreational park and do game viewing by car or horseback nearby.
Hwange National Park:
The country’s largest national park, both in size and variety of wild game and bird life; also one of the few remaining elephant sanctuaries in Africa, with herds of up to 100 strong seen; the only area in the country where gemsbok and brown hyena occur in reasonable numbers and where the population of wild dog is thought to be the largest surviving in Africa today.
Mana Pools National Park:
Part of the Middle Zambezi Valley, Mana Pools is host to some of the biggest concentrations of large mammals to be seen in Zimbabwe; it is also renowned for its varied and colourful birdlife and forms one of the last remaining strongholds of the black rhino; game viewing, hunting and canoe safaris are popular.
Bulawayo & Matobo:
Zimbabwe’s second largest city which stands on the site of the royal kraal of Lobengula, last of the Ndebele Kings; view the Natural History Museum, Railway Museum, Mzilikazi art and craft centre, Centenary park, central parks and National Art Gallery; 30 km from the city is Matobo National Park, a unique area of some 2000 square kilometres of gigantic wind-sculpted rock formations. Cecil John Rhodes’ burial site and thousands of ancient rock paintings can also be found here.
Eastern highlands:
Luxuriant natural surroundings characterise this region with mountains, grassy plains, streams, waterfalls, mountain flowers, rare birds, etc. contributing to panoramic views of exquisite beauty attracting nature lovers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts; visit the Nyanga National Park, Mutare, Mutarazi Falls, Bunga Botanical Reserve, Bvumba Botanical Gardens and the wilderness of the Chimanimani National Park.
Gona-re-Zhou park:
This park adjoins the Kruger National Park in South Africa and is home to some of the rarest bird and animal life in Africa. The bat-eared fox, suni, Liechtenstein’s hartebeest, nyala and roan antelope are to be found along the famous African elephants of this park, which are unlike any others in the world.
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: www.12234455.co.za
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