TRAVEL – ANYONE?

Traveling has become everybody’s favorite leisure activity. People want to travel alone, in groups, with their family, or spending several days in dating hideaway with a sweetheart. This fad can be easily seen by the ever increasing yearly revenues in tourism industry. Just during the past year for instance, international tourism receipts reached close to a thousand million dollars! No wonder that staff agencies are always receiving requests for addition help in tourism-related industries.

There used to be a time when traveling was a hobby exclusive for the rich. Tourist destinations are usually expensive to reach and traveling rates are costly. But as more and more people take in the hobby despite the expenses, tourism became more affordable.

Those who love going places are delighted today with the fact that travel agencies have sprung up by the dozens annually. With the increase in the number of tour operators, traveling rates have become a lot less. Tours and tailor-made tour packages are being offered on competitive rates as rivalries in this business became stiffer. A wide-range of holiday ideas are likewise being implemented everywhere. A favorite among travelers for instance is to avail of holiday packages which include pocket-friendly air travel rates, lodging accommodation , vehicle service, restaurant reservations, landmark tours, and so on and so forth.

FAVORITE DESTINATIONS

Even with the best travel deals, you could actually get dizzy trying to choose which places to go to for vacation. Practically every country strives to improve their tourism industry by competing through intensive promotional offers – in fares, accommodations, scenic showcases, recreational activities – to attract your attention. Trend in real estate has leaned into the acquisitions of properties related to the traveling industry so that tourist destinations are even more beautified and developed to the pleasure of the visitors. The top ten holiday destinations worldwide are listed below. It only follows that these places have the best to offer so far:

1. United States

2. Spain

3. France

4. Italy

5. China

6. Germany

7. United Kingdom

8. Australia

9. Turkey

10. Austria

ACTIVITY IDEAS

People go to places primarily for sightseeing. But recreational activities had been gaining prominence and popularity as spending the holidays became synonymous with having fun-filled activities to maximize the time. Incidentally, these activities have opened avenues for more jobs in the tourism industry.

Studies have shown that the following activities are some of travelers’ favorites:

Water Activities

· Dolphin rides

· Banana boat rides

· Water scooter rides

· Diving

· Cruising

· Diving

· Angling

Air activities

· Parasailing

· Paragliding

Land activities

· Rail tours

· Jungle safari

· Camel safari

· Elephant safari

· City tours

· Hiking

· Camping

· Barrel racing

A TROUBLE-FREE TRIP

When traveling, it is very important that you plan the trip carefully. To ensure that you will be enjoying to the fullest, these are a few aspects you need to keep in mind.

Before you leave:

· It is your ultimate job to do research about the place you are going to. Pay particular attention to possible risks and be prepared for them.

· Know the local laws and ordinances.

· Take care of your accommodation beforehand. Be sure you get hotel or resort reservations and transportation providers ready.

· Before you depart, change some money into the local currency and keep a portion of that amount accessible. You will usually need them for rides, tips, tokens, a bottle of water, snacks, or the likes.

Pertaining luggage:

· Travel light.

· List down the items you want to carry. Carry a hand bag for your essentials – this includes your tickets, passport and other important travel documents.

· Take clothes that won’t require ironing.

· Make sure you are aware of the limitation on weight of the baggage,

· Double check everything before you zip your luggage.

Upon arrival in your destination:

Arriving in a foreign destination whether by boat, plane or whatever means of transportation, always puts you in a vulnerable position because in that particular moment you have all your cash, cards, documents and your valuables with you. As a rule, you need to take every precaution to avoid any potential problems.

· It could be very helpful if before actually arriving in the airport of your destination, you have some prior information regarding its rough layout. Know where taxis or airport limousines are located. Whenever possible, take a holiday package where accommodation includes pick up. Never take a taxi that seems to be just hanging around and offering its services.

· Make sure that your wallet and valuables are secured in your hand bag or hand luggage.

· Lodging accommodation is usually safe when recommended by travel agencies. Hotels especially of star categories provide safes in their rooms and at the reception area, security guards and cameras that further ensure your safety. There are occasions however that disappearances do happen. Keep your important possessions in the hotel safe. Never keep valuables inside secret pockets, on clothing, etc.

SAFETY TIPS DURING TRAVEL

Anything could go wrong in a trip. What was imagined to have been a vacation galore could easily turn into a big disappointment if you don’t take the proper care and precautions. You can make your vacation a success by observing a few tips:

· As much as you can, avoid appearing that you are a tourist. Try to look confident. Do not fumble and give an obvious impression that you seem lost and perplexed.

· Do not carry large amounts of cash with you as you go around. Use travelers’ cheques or a credit card for your purchases. Do not flaunt your money around. Before going out, determine beforehand where you will be visiting, what you will be buying. Bring just enough to cover your expected expenditures.

· Be wary of over-friendly strangers. Do not accept food or drinks from anybody especially in dubious surroundings. Do not accept rides from people who approach you in the streets. In many cases, take advantage of chauffer service or concierge assistance that is usually part of your accommodation perks.

· Do not carry your passport around. Keep it in the safety of your hotel. Just bring a photocopy in case you may be asked for it.

· If possible, do not travel alone. If this is not the case, try to blend in. Remember that you do not want to call attention to yourself and you want to avoid all appearances of hostility. Dress and behave appropriately as not to draw unnecessary attention.

SOME “NEVERS” IN TRAVELING:

· Never get drunk

· Never invite strangers to your room

· Never share your travel plans with people you don’t know

· Never take shortcuts down narrow alleys and poorly-lit streets

· Never take a transportation service that you can’t trust.

· Never accept gifts or packages from unknown parties

· Never part with your personal items unless you are completely sure you can have them back

· Never accept items from locals to carry out of the country

You have selected your destination, purchased a perfect travel and accommodation deal, you know the most important things that pertain to your trip – you are set to go. Bon voyage!