Drink Water.
Before and during your flight drink plenty of water. Water hydrates the body hence alleviating symptoms of dehydration. Moisture to the nose, eyes, throat and mouth are all maintained through adequate hydration. The process of maintaining pressurized airplane cabins is focused on maintaining enough oxygen – not on enough humidity. Airplane air is very dry and keeping yourself hydrated prevents added stress on your body.
Avoid carbonated drinks, tea and coffee as they are all diuretic in nature

Wear Loose Clothing.
Wearing clothing with an adjustable or expandable waistline, and comfortable footwear.
Sitting long periods of time causes swelling. The same applies to road travel. Restrictive clothing interferes with circulation, digestion and elimination and is unkind to oneself.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine. In addition to the diuretic effect of these beverages, these drinks result in disruption of sleeping patterns.

Choose Flight Times Wisely.
Choose your flight time wisely you can suffer much less from jet lag. Book Air + Hotel together and SAVE with Travelocity It may seem like you ‘wasted’ a whole day traveling – but better that than wasting a day recuperating from lost sleep. The best thing to do is to stay up and go to be at the normal bed time at your destination.

Minimize jet lag by getting plenty of sleep before you go. Reduce alcohol consumption and eat well-balanced meals and do not overeat. Do not eat rich or spicy foods prior to flying.

Avoid over-the-counter and prescription sleeping medications as much as possible and consult a doctor, before using them.
Get as much exercise as you can on your trip. If you have a stop over – don’t sit –take advantage of the airports long corridors for some exercise.

Get enough Sleep.
Many people do not sleep well in different surroundings. Combined with restless sleep and an active schedule and time zone changes it is easy to become overtired. Do not spoil you vacation by neglecting the importance of adequate rest.

Avoid Ear Pain
An existing nasal congestion or a cold can increase the intensity of ear pain during flights. Taking a decongestant medication prior to flight can help. Consult your doctor
Chewing gum or sucking candy, during take-off and landing can normalize pressure on the ear drum. Swallowing hard can help somewhat.

Carry your medications.
Carrying your medications in carry-on luggage reduces the danger of losing access to them, should your luggage get lost or delayed.

Ask you doctor if you need to change the dosage during your trip, and how you should readjust the times you take your medication to deal with time changes. If you have diabetes or epilepsy wear a medical alert bracelet – incase of an emergency. In addition to stating your medical problem, the bracelet needs to be inscribed with your medications and dosages and your doctors contact information.

Bring the details of your medications—stored separately from the medications.

Avoid getting Blood Clots.
Contrary to what we may think it is not only people with circulatory problems that can get blood clots in their legs after long flights. The problem is sitting for lengthy periods of time can restrict proper blood flow to your feet and legs.

Try to get up and walk from end-to-end of the plane once per hour. Wearing support stockings and stretching calf muscles can help. Drinking enough water is the most important preventative strategy.

Special Medical Needs
Some individuals who need oxygen therapy for circulatory, heart, or respiratory problems may need to take oxygen before and after or during a flight. Consult your doctor. Airlines may provide you with oxygen for a fee. Due to federal regulations you cannot carry oxygen onto a plane. This means that if you require oxygen, you need to make arrangements to have access to oxygen at your travel destination.
Prearrange special meal requirements prior to leaving and if you need assistance such as wheel chairs, ensure your ticket is clearly marked.

Scuba Diving to taking Wing
It’s dangerous to fly immediately after scuba diving. You’ll need to wait 12 to 24 hours after diving. Ask your doctor or diving authorities for guidelines on flying after scuba diving.

Get your Exercise
Exercise prevents blood clots,  help prevent swelling which may lead to muscle and joint pain. Doing leg extensions, or standing and raising up onto your tip toes and coming down slowly, exercises the calf muscles. Even gentle exercise helps keep your body working more normally, than remaining in sitting position for countless hours.

Listen to your Body
It is unhealthy to delay emptying your bladder. Older men should empty their bladder every two hours, to prevent escalation of prostrate gland problems.

Eating and Drinking Abroad
Use extreme caution about what you eat abroad. Do not eat rare meats – especially ground meats, steak tartar, raw fish (such as sushi), unpasteurized milk or milk products, egg products such as mayonnaise and custards, salads, shellfish and unpeeled fruits.

In many places tap water is not safe for drinking and is best avoided. This presents a challenge as soft drinks, caffeinated drinks and alcohol are diuretic and drinking water is essential for preventing dehydration, aiding elimination of toxins and general health. Bottled water is available most places and purchasing it is the best way to prevent exposure to water that could cause “tourist diarrhea” – or worse yet hepatitis, typhoid, intestinal parasites, or dysentery. Use bottled water for brushing teeth and for swallowing pills.
In many tropical countries a piece of fruit, or even an ice cube in an alcoholic beverage can be enough to result in getting hepatitis. Countries that pose a high risk include Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Eastern or Southern Europe where risks of Travelers’ Diarrhea, Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever.

Avoid food sold by street vendors. Always wash your hands with soap and water before you eat and every time you use a washroom. Practice washroom hygienic practices.

Vaccines
Four to six weeks before your trip visit your doctor and a travel health clinic to determine necessary vaccinations and regional health risks for the destinations on your itinerary. Most vaccinations require time to take effect and must be administered several weeks in advance, at least. Dukoral is the only oral vaccine available to prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea and Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever. Vivaxim an injected vaccine provides protection with a single shot.

1. Research on your destination.

Before making your bookings, don’t forget to make a research on your destination. Research on the tourist spots on your destination so that you can plan your itinerary beforehand. Also, research on your destination’s culture, food, dress code and gestures to avoid so that you won’t be out of place when you get there. Researching the weather and climate of your destination would also help you in what kind of clothes to pack.

2. Pack light.

Don’t bring your entire wardrobe on your destination. Try to pack light so that you’ll have enough space for souvenirs and other stuff. This is also to avoid extra charges in airports and other terminals.

3. Stack up on your medicines.

Don’t forget to pack your medicines and always place them on your hand carry luggage. Also, bring some motion sickness medicines to avoid getting dizzy and sick while traveling.

4. Exchange money with the currency of your destination.

Always have some local currency of your destination before traveling. This is for your cab fares, snacks, and other stuff that might come about while you’re traveling. Avoid carrying loads of cash though. Having an ATM card or a credit card would be better than carrying lots of cash on hand.

5. Confirm your bookings.

Before leaving, especially if you’re leaving for another country, don’t forget to confirm your hotel, flight details, car rentals, and other bookings. This is to avoid major problems on the day of your trip.

6. Keep track of your expenses.

While traveling, always keep track of your expenses. This is for your reference if ever you plan to return to the place again in the future. This way, you could have a good estimate of how much you it will cost you for such vacation.

7. Take lots of pictures.

Make your trip memorable by taking lots of pictures. This way, even if you’re back at home, you’ll still have lots of things to reminisce on your trip.

Examples of accidents whilst on holiday:

• Slips on wet surfaces within the hotel or trips on raised/defective surfaces.
• Accidents whilst on day trip excursions.
• Injuries whilst taking part in sporting activities.
• Vehicle incidents causing injury.

Travel agents have a responsibility to ensure that accommodation is safe and hygienic, meaning non slip flooring throughout hotels, safety glass windows, and no trip hazards in direct path of customers, safe play areas for children, and swimming pools to have lifeguards.

Examples of claims resulting from Accidents Abroad

For example, if your accident was caused due to a badly maintained section of walkway in the hotel grounds you would be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim against your travel agent. You would also be able to make a personal injury compensation claim against your travel agent if you contracted a form of food poisoning from the hotel restaurant; however, you would not be able to make a personal injury compensation claim against your travel agent if your accident was caused due to a badly maintained pavement in a local town centre.

Equally, if an accident occurred whilst you were engaged in sports or activities that were arranged by you with independent operators in the holiday resort or location, there may be no liability under the Package Tour regulations regime. Potentially dangerous activities on the beach such as paragliding, banana boat rides, waterskiing or snorkeling and diving may not be covered under these regulations as they would not be part of the holiday package deal. One could try and sue the companies in the country they are based but separate detailed local legal advice would then need to be considered and this can be a difficult and costly process.

Even if you have made your travel and accommodation arrangements personally without a tour or travel agent, it is still worth seeking specialist legal advice as to the options that may be available to you.

Even if you are traveling by plane, ship or trains abroad and have not reached your destination, there may be legal remedies available and again you should contact us so that you can be put in touch with specialist solicitors.

If you are involved in road traffic accidents abroad whether as a driver or passenger or whether in a car, taxi, coach or bus, it is possible that you may have a right to seek compensation if another party was to blame and is identifiable.  One must in certain countries however seek medical attention immediately as this can be a pre requisite to compensation schemes in some countries. It is crucial to obtain details of all other persons involved. You must always report the matter to the police and retain all resulting paperwork.

What action should I take after my Accident Abroad?

Collecting evidence after your Accident Abroad

To make a successful personal injury compensation claim, you would need to prove that another person was responsible for your personal injury.  In the case of an accident abroad this would normally be your travel agent or your employer.

To help your case, you should report the accident to your employer / your travel representative at the time, make a note of your accident in the accident book, take names and addresses of witnesses to the accident and if possible take photographs of the area where the accident happened.  You must also keep safely all of the travel documentation, receipts and paperwork including medical letters, receipts for treatment, hospital discharge letters or any other documentation relating to or arising from the holiday and injury.

If you are intending to claim expenses such as prescription costs and traveling expenses, remember to keep receipts as evidence.

Built 400 years ago in concentric horseshoes, they are the rib cage of the city. Coasting their waters on a canal boat opens windows onto a history of vast wealth and global power. The cobbled streets alongside the canals are scenic urban pathways for walking or biking. And they are anchors for funky shops, and cafes.

The inner city of the Dutch capital is a compact warren of heritage buildings, of museums both grand and odd, of hidden gardens and outdoor markets – all within easy reach by any mode of transport except the unwelcome car.

No longer is the bargain city of Europe, Amsterdam still a town of wonders that can be had for a discount, and sometimes for free.

WALKING AND BIKING

Seeing 17th century Amsterdam, with its proud past and sometimes quirky culture on display, from a bike or on foot is a happy cost-free experience. Among its 2,000 or so bridges, the Bridge of 15 Bridges at the intersection of two canals is among the most spectacular, with a view of a series of stone spans whose arches are gracefully lit at night.

The city also has hidden gems that require guidance or tips to find: Some gardens, tucked away in courtyards or behind stately apartments, are open to the public any time, while others open on a special day of the year. The Rijksmuseum, with its Rembrandts and Vermeers, costs 11 euro ($A18.86) entry, but its garden is open year-round for free.

The Begijnhof is a grassy courtyard surrounded by 14th century cottages – an oasis of quiet at one of the busiest sections of town where a small chapel often stages musical recitals. Near the Begijnhof is a covered passageway known as the Civics Guard Gallery, with 15 huge group portraits – from the same time as Rembrandt’s Night Watch – of leading citizens from the Dutch Golden Age.

Outside the well-trod shopping lanes are the lesser known sections, like the Nine Lanes, lined with tiny specialty establishments like the handmade soap shop, the spectacles museum and a store dedicated to toothbrushes. The Jordaan, once the working class district, has been revived with boutiques, tapas bars, ethnic restaurants and Amsterdam Hotels. Advertorial info: sharing files over the internet

The city’s 26 open-air markets offer knick-knacks, antiques, farmers’ produce, artworks, clothing and just about anything else you can think of. The largest and most popular with Dutch food shoppers is the Albert Cuyp Market, where everything is fresh and cheap.

Traveling by bicycle makes you feel like a true local. About 40 per cent of Amsterdam traffic is on two wheels. Most streets have special lanes and traffic lights – and woe be to the unwary pedestrian who walks in the bike path. Although the bicycle is king in Amsterdam, beware of the many trams and getting your wheel caught in their rails.

Tourists can rent a bike for about 10 euro ($A17.15) a day, with special weekly rates. Also available are tandems for two, cargo bikes for hauling groceries or toddlers, and bikes with child seats.

Biking opens up the prospect of escaping the urban setting for countryside of pastureland, windmills and more canals. On the southern side of the city is the 2500-acre Amsterdam forest, the city’s largest park with more than 50 km of bike paths.

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London attracts more American visitors than any other European city. Dig deep enough and you’ll find Roman, Saxon and Medieval remnants but, you’ll also find skyscrapers and imposing Victorian architecture. The past is alive and well in London, you just have to know how to look for it. Over the centuries, all the outlying villages have become consolidated into one huge and wonderful city. The size alone can intimidate the first time visitor. Here are a few suggestions to make your first journey to London stress free.

Take an orientation tour. Get your bearings by taking an orientation tour, such as London Hotels where those offered on the red double-decker buses. Take the tour on the very first afternoon, or the next morning at the latest.

Be sure your accommodations are near a subway (tube) stop. Don’t even think about renting a car within the city. Streets are typically congested, drivers are aggressive and parking is nearly nonexistent. dx newsNot to mention you’d be driving in the left lane. Try to stay within a ten minute (or less) walk from a subway stop. For convenience, purchase a subway pass, which allows speedy entrance and exit of the subway. Buying individual tickets will slow you down and cost more over the long run.

Study a city map and subway map before leaving home. You need not be an expert, just get a feel for the place to lessen confusion. For example, Tower Bridge is on the East side of the city, and Kensington Gardens is on the West side of the city, and so on.

Don’t expect to cover all the sites of the city in one trip. You could return to London five times and still not see everything the city has to offer. On your first trip, narrow down your list to a manageable number. Traveling within the city, even with their efficient subway system will still take a chunk of time from your day. Going from one section of the city to another could take forty minutes to an hour. In other words, don’t plan to see such major sites as the British Museum, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and the Tower of London all in a single day. Unrealistic sightseeing schedules will leave you frustrated and exhausted.

Plan for crowds. London gets millions of visitors year-round, not just in the summer months. Don’t kid yourself, even if you go in November or January, the tourists will be there in full force.

There are a few “must-sees” for any first time visitor to London. Here’s a list.

Changing of the Guard: This is perhaps London’s greatest spectacle and one dating back hundreds of years. It takes place year round outside Buckingham Palace. The Palace itself, the Queen’s official residence, is open each year for two months in late summer. Visitors can see the magnificent State Rooms containing some of the Queen’s fine collection of paintings and furniture.

The Tower of London: Home of the famous Yeomen Warders or Beefeaters, the tower has been a fortress, palace, prison and zoo. The most historic part, the White Tower, was built in the time of William the Conqueror and is more than 900 years old. The priceless crown jewels are on display, as well as new displays of armor. To avoid the long lines at the jewels, arrive at 9:00 a.m. and go straight to the jewels. You’ll also want to take the free Beefeater tour which lasts about an hour. Other famous sights at the Tower include the immense black ravens and Traitors’ Gate.

The British Museum: As the oldest public museum in the world, this mammoth place also claims to be the most visited of all museums in Britain. Highlights include the Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone, the Magna Carta and Egyptian mummies. The museum was founded in 1753 by an Act of Parliament from the collections of Sir Hans Sloane. If it all seems overwhelming, take a “highlights” tour, then come back later to see your favorites in-depth.

Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral: Westminster Abbey is one of Britain’s finest Gothic buildings and the scene of coronations, marriages, and burials of British monarches. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, this church, with its great rose windows, outstanding height and flying buttresses, seems to have been inspired by the great cathedrals of Rheims and Amiens of France. Well-produced Walkman tours are available or you can join a 90-minute tour with a human guide.

St. Paul’s: London’s classical cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is famous for being the site of Prince Charles and Diana’s wedding. It was built between 1675 and 1710 and features the whispering gallery and the crypt, in which many famous individuals are buried. A word of warning, the whispering gallery requires walking up 259 steps.

Tower Bridge and Big Ben: Perhaps the two most photographed sites in London, most first time visitors make time to see both. Although not old by London standards, (opened in 1894) Tower Bridge is the city’s most beloved bridge, while Big Ben is often considered the city’s landmark.

When you are in London, you’re in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Just walking and looking can be an unforgettable experience. Like Samuel Johnson said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford.”