Magellan Travel Books

Terrorist acts occur unpredictably, making it impossible to protect yourself absolutely. The first and best protection is to avoid travel to areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnappings.

Most terrorist attacks are the result of careful planning. Just as a car thief will first be attracted to an unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorists are looking for the most accessible targets. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublished program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight. In addition, many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within their own country or region, may not be looking for American targets. Nevertheless, the following pointers may help you avoid becoming a target of opportunity. They should be considered as adjuncts to the tips listed in the previous sections on how to protect you against the far greater likelihood of being a victim of crime. These precautions may provide some degree of protection, and can serve as practical and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.

Schedule direct flights if possible and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas.

Be cautious about what you discuss with strangers or what others may overhear.

Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an airport, which is a less protected area. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. Upon arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible.

As much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior that may identify you as an American.

Keep an eye out for abandoned packages or briefcases, or other suspicious items. Report them to airport authorities and leave the area promptly.

Avoid obvious terrorist targets such as places where Americans and Westerners are known to congregate.

Visit the U.S. Government web site and the country you are visiting's web site for the latest updates and warnings. Make sure that you register with the state department web site or register at the embassy or consulate. Let your family know your itinerary and local contact phone numbers. A little bit of prevention will save you a ton of misery.

Keep a low profile, and dress conservatively. You basically want to remain anonymous and not bring any attention to yourself. It isn’t hard to do.

Be aware of your surroundings and report anything suspicious. You never know when bad things can happen to good people. You have to remain alert always.

Why Volunteer Overseas?

Travel to new destinations, live in exotic locations and feel a tremendous sense of achievement attained only by making a difference with vital humanitarian and preservation projects. Volunteer travel is the ideal way to make a difference while still having the adventure of a lifetime.

Here are a few of the reasons why volunteering is an excellent way to travel:

Learn about another culture, language and way of life, while making a positive contribution

Package holidays on the Costa del Sol keep a lot of people very happy, but many of us need more. For those who loathe the idea of lying on a beach for weeks on end, volunteering is the way forward. Volunteering offers you the opportunity to experience life most people only dream about or see on BBC travel programs. Volunteering programs frequently take place in exotic locations and you feel a tremendous sense of achievement as you make a difference. Enjoy an adventure with like minded people&ndashpeople who want to return home from their holiday with the satisfaction that they have made a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet. Everyone has different goals. But if your goal is a bit greater than avoiding tan lines, then volunteering might be your calling.

Grow, and remember who you are

It is not hard to get sucked into the rigors of daily life... how many pairs of shoes can we afford or where can we get the latest accessories for our iPod music player. Volunteering is a wonderful way to peel off the layers and to remember who we are, and what we are capable of, away from consumerism and the trials of our own societies. Volunteering can be very challenging. Leave your mobile phone behind and delve into the work and goals at hand. You will find that you can do things you never dreamt yourself capable of. Oftentimes the work you complete with your hands is not the most lasting effect. Getting to know the local communities has an impact that might be less visible, but it is certainly very strong. By making new friendships you will remember as well as teach and remind others that we are all people with hearts and minds, dreams and aspirations, who want to feel safe and happy. Volunteering breaks down barriers and makes the world smaller. It is a marvelous way to put the world, as well as our personal lives, in perspective.

Get international experience in a field of interest

Are you studying social work or African wildlife? Chances are there is a volunteering opportunity out there that will add a whole new dimension to whatever your field of study may be. A degree is one thing, but having hands on experience in the field cannot be replicated in a classroom.

Power pack that CV

Volunteerism is a wonderful way to make your CV a bit juicier. Employers value CVs from people who have vision and drive, and volunteering during your vacation is a lot more impressive than a ski holiday at Meribel. Volunteering overseas shows your potential employer that you are committed, flexible and patient.

All this on a budget...

Volunteering remains one of the least expensive ways to travel overseas and gain international experience.

Although volunteering programs are generally less expensive than standard tourism, programs are not free and oftentimes not cheap. Volunteers usually cover their own flights, insurance, room and board, as well as other costs and a donation to the project itself. Volunteering placement organisations also charge a fee to cover their costs. Unless you are a medical professional or you are planning on committing more than a year to a volunteering program, chances are you will have to pay to volunteer. Volunteer placement programs work hard to provide an enriching, cultural experience for the volunteers while simultaneously making concentrated efforts in accomplishing volunteering goals. There are hundreds of different volunteering organisations, so it is necessary to do the appropriate research and use caution when choosing your program. We realize that there is a lot to choose from! But this really is a good thing, because it provides you with more choice, and it provides more opportunities for potential volunteers. Volunteering organisations are responsible for helping to recruit and build an army of volunteers, and this is absolutely necessary in order to make a sustainable impact on the planet and its lives.

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SENDING IN YOUR CHECK...

Say goodbye to hot showers

Volunteering is very different than going on a holiday where you expect the meals to be gourmet and the beds to have fresh linens daily. Volunteering requires patience and energy, flexibility yet drive. Oftentimes conditions are basic, food is tasteless, plumbing and electricity is unheard of, and you’ll be sleeping in a sleeping bag. The focus of volunteering programs is not about the creature comforts, rather the activities that forgoing modern amenities can afford. Many programs take place in developing countries or exotic places where life is simpler, and you will surprise yourself at how little you need to truly be happy. So before sending in your check, take a nice hot bubble bath, order a pizza and sit down for some prime time television because these are just a few of the things you will go without on your program.

Volunteering is different than changing

Many of the communities where volunteering programs take place are steeped in centuries of culture and tradition. Respecting the local culture is a vital part of volunteering, so any feelings of western superiority should be left at the airport.

Why are you volunteering?

Volunteering overseas is a true test of your tenacity and ability to adjust. You will undoubtedly find it very difficult at times. Chances are you will be volunteering and working with a group of people from many different cultural backgrounds and of many different ages. Some programs take place in very isolated areas where you will most likely be working very hard for results that are not immediately evident. This can be hard work. It is important that volunteers realize and respect this before committing to a program. Volunteering is an endeavor to embrace life and help others, yet there are cases of people choosing to volunteer to escape bad marriages, depression, or other general unhappiness at home. It’s important that you are happy at home before you embark on a volunteering program or else you will most likely not find the experience an enjoyable one.

Brace yourself!

Volunteering can provide you with the experience of a lifetime. There are so many opportunities to learn about new ways of life, cultures, languages, skills and more. Go into your program with an open mind and remember to remain flexible. There are always unforeseen bumps in the road, especially in developing countries. Nothing ever goes as planned, such as missed flights, lost baggage, protests blocking road routes, stomach bugs, corrupt government officials and various other problems that will most likely arise. This is all part of the experience so just brace yourself, hold on, and enjoy the ride!

Shopping In Italy

Italy's hottest shopping draw is of course fashion. Milan is home of the country's fashion industry, but Rome is the main Italian bazaar where the threads are put on the market. Here you can find the ultra chic garments of celebrated designers numbering in the hundreds. Quality is very high and the range of materials includes leather, cotton, silk and wool.

Other than garments, Italy is pre-eminent in the production of quality glassware, furniture, jewellery and porcelain goods.

Shopping In Rome

While Rome is overrun with international fashion boutiques, shopping in the Eternal City can still offer its own very Roman flavour. For the ultimate in windows shopping, the area around via Condotti at the foot of the Spanish Steps is the place to go. You can gaze at the creations of Armani, Prada, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and the other grand names in the elegant windows under the baroque or neoclassical facades. But remember that rents in Rome are sky high and so are the prices.

For antiques, head to Via dei Coronari. It's a narrow pedestrianised street near Piazza Navona. The 500-meter long thoroughfare is lined with antique stores and galleries.

For the true Roman experience, you have to visit one of the city's many markets. The Sunday morning flea market at Porta Portese is an overcrowded event where you can buy almost anything. It's held on via Portuense south of the Porta Portese gate. Beware of pickpockets.

From Monday to Saturday, the morning market is in via Sannio, just outside the Roman walls by San Giovanni in Laterano. Here you can browse huge volumes of cheap clothes.

Shopping In Venice

Venice has long been a place of trade and remains a busy retail center. Though the big name fashion houses are well-represented, the joy of shopping in Venice lies in hunting down those local novelty items that evoke the spirit of La Serenissima.

However if it's brand name fashions you're after, Venice won't disappoint. The island's busiest shopping strip is the Merceri. It runs all the ways from the Piazza to the Rialto Bridge and almost all the celebrated Italian labels have boutiques here.

For other items, Calle della Mandola is the place to browse books and glass beads. And Campo Santo Stefano is the square for antique hunting. However, you can't leave Venice without getting a souvenir carnival mask.

Carnival is the great event held every February but the masks are manufactured as souvenirs all year-round in Venice's small workshops. You can get everything from full size porcelain masks with a hefty price tag to inexpensive ornaments such as silver earrings in the shape of carnival masks.

The other great specialty of Venice is glassware from the island of Murano. These include such items as vases, clocks and wine bottle caps. And you can also get decorative items such as rings, bracelets or pendants made out of the delightful colored glass. These can be very inexpensive and make great souvenirs of Venice. Other delights special to Venice include porcelain dolls and Burano lace work.

The festival film programme features six sections, each one headed by a responsible director who selects the films together with correspondents and other experts. This year the 6 sections are:

Competition: where are shown films made for the big screen and broad audiences.

Panorama: where the emphasis is on independent and art-house cinema. These films are made in a personal style and attract a demanding, passionate audience.

The Generation section presents lively cinema aimed at young audiences.

The Perspektive Deutsches Kino introduces international audiences to the latest developments and stylistic trends in the German film industry.

The Berlinale's most experimental section is the International Forum of New Cinema offering a sharper focus on experimental formats and "distant" film-producing countries. It’s a chance to discover highly original, often provocative and disturbing cinema.

The Retrospective is a special section for those looking for hidden treasures. The programme puts the festival's contemporary films into an historical context re-discovering classics and giving due homage great film actors and film-makers.

In the Perspektive Deutsches Kino and Generation programmes short film awards are bestowed.

In terms of locations, superb cinemas across the city, including the Arsenal, CinemaxX and CineStar host the films. Look for the Festival official poster series to get further detailed information. There’s the Babylon where they often have English movies (Dresdener Str. 126; Kreuzberg; ph. +49 (0)306160 9693; U- Bahn Kottbusser Tor); Cinemaxx Potsdamer Platz or the Cinestar Sony Center are huge multiplex that project movies in original languages. (both in Potsdamer Platz, U/ S Bahn Potsdamer Platz; respectively phone numbers: (0)30 44316316; (0)30 26066260).

France is renowned as a shopping city but you have to choose your times well. Shop hours are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm. Many small shops close for a two-hour lunch break. Thursday is the best time for late-night shopping. Many stores stay open until 9 or 10pm. Sunday shopping is generally limited to tourist areas and flea markets.

Shopping In Paris

If you want an authentic Paris shopping experience, you need to get away from the elegant outlets on the grand boulevards and to head to the flea markets. Paris has three main flea markets. Once haunted mainly by rogues and gypsies, the flea markets of Paris are now popular with everyone and a good place to look for bargains and serendipitous finds.

The first of the three main Paris flea markets is in Porte de Montreuil. This is one of the cheaper flea markets. It mainly hawks old clothes, furniture and other household items. The second is in Porte de Vanves which sells a wide range of bric-a-brac. The last one is located in Saint-Ouen / Porte de Clignancourt. This is the most famous and often simply known as the Paris Flea Market.

It's best to visit flea markets in the morning. They're quieter and there's more to buy. The Paris Flea Market is the place to buy antiques. It is located in a working-class district so rents are low and also is a cash-driven business. So costs are low and so are the prices.

Shopping In Nice

Nice has its share of the affluent, both residents and visitors. So there's no shortage of shops catering for the jet set.

Nice is a delightful city for a shopping stroll. You can browse the boutiques along pedestrianised rue Massena, place Magenta, avenue Jean-M

As a high school history teacher, I have had the privilege of bringing my senior students on tours of Europe for the past fifteen years. I never imagined that I would get so many opportunities to travel when I went into the teaching profession, but I ended up working in a great district that made room in their budget for the senior class to travel to Europe and help make history come alive for them each year. I am so blessed to be a part of a district that is so committed to giving their students real life experiences. I have learned many things during my years of leading this trips, but one of the first things I learned was that you cannot go to Europe and return home with a clean conscience unless you have taken time to visit one or many cathedrals.

Europe is so full of history, architecture and sheer beauty that there is obviously too much to do in a ten day tour. Since I get to lead this trips each year, I have gotten to see almost all of the wonders of Europe, but I must plan carefully each year to see that my students get the most out of their ten day experience. I am careful to combine adequate amounts of history, modern attractions, and time for fun on our trips. But any of my students will be quick to tell you that whether we are visiting Ireland or Italy, I will never lead a ten day trip without making my team experience at least one or two cathedrals

I am not sure what attracts me to cathedrals so much except their sheer beauty. I have looked far and wide in the U.S. and have never seen any building that compares with the detailed intricacies that most European cathedrals hold. I guess because our buildings are not nearly as old as those in Europe we have a far lower standard of what is beautiful and of what is true architecture. I love dragging my students into cathedrals and seeing their jaws drop as their realize just how much history has happened in these European countries and as they see how young America truly is.

So, the next time you plan a trip to Europe for any reason, make sure that your trip includes time visiting cathedrals. You will be amazed by their size, their beauty and their architecture, not to mention the amazing amounts of history that have happened in each cathedral. I guarentee you'll be looking for more cathedrals to visit once you begin.

We all want to have a nice, relaxing vacation from time to time, if possible on a sunny beach in a foreign country. When we finally manage to get it, we find ourselves confronted with other issues - apart from the usual hotel reservations, flight, etc. When you travel to a foreign country, you feel the need to tell everyone back home how things are, assure them you're alright and you're having fun. Unfortunately, it's not always that easy. And here's why:

If you have a cell phone with you, you may surprisingly find that it's not working properly, because the cell phone operator in the country that you're in uses a different technology or you don't have international calling activated. And if all the above doesn't apply, you may find yourself in an area with poor or no network coverage at all...

If you don't have your cell phone with you, the only thing left to do is to try to call from a local phone or from the hotel.

In both situations, you're at a disadvantage, mainly because it involves huge costs - international calls are charged with much higher rates because of the technology involved and depending on the agreements between carriers and operators in different countries. Plus, hotels always charge you extra for using their lines.

So what's the solution? It's very simple - get a calling card before you leave. Nowadays, calling cards are the easiest and most affordable communication way when you're traveling. When you buy it, you receive instantly a PIN number, access numbers from all international locations and dialing instructions. Most of the time, you'll also have special local access numbers in cities across the world - you'll get a lower rate when using them.

Plus, you can get a call back feature - meaning that not only you'll be able to call home, but also your friends and family can call you back! And all this at a very low cost, enabling you to do more of the things you like during your vacation.

So, you're finally going away for your well-deserved vacation. Don't let careless packing spoil a great holiday. Airport security systems have changed and has become much tighter. You might want to think about leaving some items at home and there are also some items that you might want to think about taking along. Here are some items to think about taking with you for a smoother trip and holiday:

Bottled water: many people are afraid of causing delays at the security checkpoint and some may insist that you finish it in front of the guards. Sipping water regularly while you fly can alleviate much of the discomfort that flying can cause. Also, depending on your destination - it can be very useful to have a bottle to fill with drinking water.

If you are diabetic it goes without saying; but even non-diabetic travelers will benefit from having some small food items on hand. Food wouldn't usually bother security guards. Keep some small sugary and high protein snacks on hand to curb low blood sugar levels.

Baby Wipes will most likely be needed as well even if you don't have a baby. If you eat something sticky and can't get up to go to the bathroom these will help.

No matter where you are going you will need to find some secure way to carry your money and valuables. Your passports and credit cards will cause a vacation ruining mess for you and your family. If you travel often then it might be worth your while to invest a bit in something special and practical. Money belts are one way to carry around your valuables but they sometimes look bulky and obvious. A fanny pack is another idea. It depends on where you are going. You don't want to draw attention to yourself or to your nerdy lime green fanny pack. Depending on where you are going you may want to leave jewelry at home. Foreign criminals are just looking for unsuspecting Americans.

Some kind of portable entertainment system is essential if you are traveling alone for long periods of time. It isn't only techno junkies that can benefit from one of the many portable entertainment systems. Delays can be expected if you fly and you will be glad for something to keep you amused. Load an iPod with some of your favorite music and you have an instant mood lift wherever you are.

Another item that could be useful is a first aid kit. Even if you don’t need one - it will be reassuring that you are equipped for any emergency. Include headache tablets, some Mylanta is a must and anti-inflammatory. There are some excellent small travel first aid kits available nowadays.

Packing a plastic bag or two into your bag is a good idea. It will be a handy at some stage of your trip. Plastic bags have an uncanny way of being both useful and hard to find when you need one. Roll it up - won't take any space and you will find a use for it at some stage of your trip. Otherwise you might land up having to pack your wet shoes in with your clothes.These are just a few tips to ease your trip stress. Since 9/11 air travel has changed and it's important to keep this in mind when traveling. Plan ahead, be prepared and most importantly - have a great trip!

The number-one rule in packing for a trip is to pack lightly because we often forget how frequently we’ll have to lift or carry our luggage during our travels. Consider how, you’ll be dragging your luggage into the trunk of your car and out again, through the airport, off of the luggage carousel, through another airport, back into the trunk of your rental car and out again until finally you get to the hotel where hopefully they’ll have a porter.

On top of having to lug your bags around, your airline will have strict rules on the size, weight and the number of bags you can travel with&ndashfor both carry-on and checked baggage. Make sure you check your airline's website for current information on restrictions and don’t assume that what you took last time will be allowed this time&ndashespecially if you are travelling on a different airline. Luggage size and weight restrictions can vary by airline or travel destination.

*MONEY-SAVING TRAVEL TIP*

Packing lightly for your travels can save you money. Many airlines are now charging fees for overweight bags, oversized bags, and for checking more than the allowed number of bags per passenger.

Other great reasons for packing lightly: shorter waits around the luggage carousel, less need for porters (and tips!) and easier Customs inspections (after all, if you had to force your bags closed, imagine how happy the Customs agents will be!)

Travel tips for packing your carry-on

Your carry-on should contain all your most valuable items and must-have documentation like:

• Your wallet

• Your passport

• Your tickets

• Your traveller’s cheques

• Your emergency medical travel insurance

• Your medications (be sure to keep them in their original bottles)

• Phone numbers and addresses of where you’ll be staying

• A small amount of local currency for immediate use when you arrive

• The maps you’ll need to get where you are staying once you’ve arrived

• If you must bring valuables like jewellery with you, your carry-on is your safest bet &ndash but leave them at home if you can.

Travel tips for packing your checked luggage

The following tips should help you keep your luggage light and leave enough room so you can pack souvenirs when you return:

• Find out if where you are staying offers laundry services or has facilities you can use. This is one of the major secrets of packing lightly.

• Coordinate your outfits around a central color so you’ll be able to mix and match.

• Plan your outfits so you can layer instead of bringing lots of coats.

• Take a solid color sweater that will match any outfit to use to keep you warm

• Why pack the rain gear if rain is nowhere in the forecast? Check the weather online, so you can pack weather-appropriate clothing without wasting space on things you won’t need.

• Rolling clothes rather than folding them will help prevent wrinkles and optimize your limited space.

• Take small sample sizes of toiletries that will last just long enough instead of huge bottles.

• Don’t waste an inch of your luggage space, pack underwear and socks inside your shoes. This will also help your shoes keep their shape. Pack your belts around the edge of the luggage.

A final travel tip

Although already mentioned as one of the items you should keep in your carry-on so it doesn’t get lost, emergency medical travel insurance is a must-have for all Canadians. Even Canada’s Consular Affairs don’t mince words when they say on their website “DO NOT leave Canada without supplementary medical insurance.”

Even for the smallest of accidents, or the most common illnesses, emergency medical travel insurance offers you protection by ensuring you get the attention you need, when you need it while not having to worry about how your emergency treatment will get paid.

Before you leave, get emergency medical travel insurance quotes from competing insurers online and get the coverage you need. And don’t forget to pack it with your other must-have documentation!

Compare emergency medical travel insurance today!

Ever since man has moved from place to place and took his belongings with him some sort of luggage was used. It was used to keep all belongings together and even organized. Like everything luggage has evolved.

Christopher Columbus likely had a trunk filled with clothing and necessary navigational tools such as maps. Trunks were often made of fine woods like oak, pine, or cedar. Others are made of a combination of materials including cloth and leather. Trunks were often ornately decorated with nails and brass clasps with locks. Families have passed them down through generations and have become family heirlooms.

Luggage was and is made of a variety of materials. The hides of animals such as deer, horse, and even cow were used and were very popular. Come to think of it, Leather is still a popular material used in the making of

luggage. They were meant to last a long time.

Since trunks were often large and cumbersome smaller bags were made such as the carpet bags. We now have suitcases, tote bags, and backpacks. We have luggage with wheels, luggage that expands, luggage that is soft and able to be put in tight spaces, and hard luggage that protects your belongings and will survive the very rough handling of baggage handlers.

Luggage now comes with wheels. Telescoping handles and leather pull straps are used. They come with places for bottles of water, CD players, and lunch pouches. They are laptop computer compatible and are more durable than ever before.