Traveling and Living

There are some important considerations to take into account when choosing an accessible travel agent.  This is because many travel agents will claim to specialize in accessible travel but they actually don’t.  In reality, they are normal travel agents that find an “accessible” hotel and charge you a big fee. When choosing an accessible travel agent, you should make sure that they research and provide detailed accessibility information.  First, ask them the open ended question “what makes your trip accessible?”  If they miss any important aspects of an accessible vacation, don’t use them as a travel agent.

Your accessibility needs will depend on the type of disability that you have but here are some aspects you may want to consider and a good travel agent would mention:

• Accessible hotel room – Are there steps at the entrance?  How wide is the elevator?  How wide is the bathroom door?  Can a wheelchair be rolled into the shower and positioned next to the toilet?  Don’t trust a travel agent that only tells you they have arranged for an “accessible hotel”….if they can’t give you more details than that, you run the risk of arriving at a hotel that does not meet your needs!
• Getting to the hotel – Will you be taking a normal taxi?  A taxi with a wheelchair ramp?  An accessible bus?  An accessible train?
• Accessibility at the tourist sights – Which museums have steps to enter?  Which palaces have no elevator to get upstairs?  Which ancient ruins have uneven ground that is too difficult for people with wheelchairs or canes?  If the travel agency can not answer these questions for you, you might spend a lot of energy getting to a tourist attraction that you can’t actually visit.
• Getting around the city – How hilly is the city?  How prevalent are cobblestones?  Are they mild cobblestones or severe cobblestones?  How far are the tourist sights from each other? Which Metro stations have elevators?  Which bus routes have busses with wheelchair ramps?  Where can you find taxis with wheelchair ramps?

If a travel agent does not mention these details from the outset, you will probably encounter some difficulties on their trips.

Other disabled travel agents are very knowledgeable about planning accessible holidays, but may know very little about the destination you want to visit.  Consequently, they won’t be able to make helpful recommendations on what you should do while you’re there. Your best option for selecting a disabled travel agent is to find someone who understands the needs of disabled travelers, can customize the trip, and is knowledgeable about the destination.

If you are interested in traveling to Australia, consider using the Last Minute Flights.  Our agents have traveled extensively through Europe and understand the accessibility challenges you are likely to encounter.  We will customize your trip to take into account your particular interests, abilities, and energy level. You will see the sights that you want to see at the pace you want to move at.

Traveling is exciting. It is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences for each and everyone. We need to travel to change the sight of those who are around us and avoid the depression of being in the same place. When we travel with our family, it strengthens the relationship bond which seems to lose its grip. It is also possible to see and experience different cultures, sights, and spots which you have never been before. Before traveling to a new destination, try to get as much information as possible about the destination .It helps to make your journey more comfortable. Even though traveling is very exciting we should not forget that there are risks in traveling. It is a must to take care of yourself and your belongings.

Crime is a fact throughout the world. In most of the places, tourists are targeted for theft. To have a safe and pleasant vacation, it is a must to follow the safety travel tips. Read the rest of this entry »

Once you have made the brave step to a new life in a foreign country, inevitably, at some stage you will start missing home and the things that you were used to. Missing friends, family, traditions and the food are typically the most difficult things you will have to deal with as an expatriate.

Missing home and the various other things that were important to you before you left is normal and is part of the transition into a new country and new culture. It can be especially hard if the culture of the country you have moved to is really different to what you were used to.

In the first few months or even the first year, you may feel as if you have lost your identity. Having this state of mind can amplify the feelings of missing home. Back home, people knew you and knew your personality. It may feel like you have to rebuild your identity. In some respects you have to, but it is important to remember why you moved to a new country in the first place. Maybe you wanted a fresh start in life. Grasp the opportunity this fresh start has given you. You could even give your personality a makeover and be someone new.

Dealing with missing home, friends and family can be made that much easier, but it takes effort. One of the important aspects you can do is to plan. Plan to make calls to friends and loved ones. Plan not to be alone. Don’t let yourself be alone too much as this is not good for your morale. Invite the new friends you make to spend time with you. Arrange for your family and friends back home to come and visit as much as possible. By being proactive and planning, you will have something to look forward to and this helps with the thoughts of missing home. Read the rest of this entry »

Traveling in a foreign place could be quite stressful especially to those who are traveling for the first time. But with proper preparation and research, your vacation can be a lot of fun. So for the first time travelers out there, here are some tips that you have to remember before, during and after traveling.

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. Read the rest of this entry »

1 – Your Passport

Of course, but if you like to collect stamps in your passport, you’ll have to ask…

2 – A Little French

Yes, it is true that many Europeans speak English… But you’re in France, after all, and you’ll go a long way in avoiding the famed “snootiness” of the French if you learn -and use – some basic French phrases… They’ll love to help you as you stumble along in really bad French!

3 – A Map…

If nothing else, you can stand there, hopelessly lost on a Parisian street corner, and stare at your map… someone is sure to offer to help. Make sure you say “Bonjour and Merci…”

4 – An Umbrella…

“April in Paris” sounds romantic. It’s an American myth that April in Paris is the loveliest time to visit. May is better, but always expect some rain and always be prepared for changeable weather! The sun might be shining when you leave your Paris Hotels, but it might start raining any time!.

Read the rest of this entry »