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Staying at a Hotel? very good info be sure to read

Always take a small magnet on your holiday; they come in handy at the end of it. Thought you all needed to know this…. This is  pretty good info. Never even thought about key cards containing anything other than an access code for the room!  

HOTEL  KEY CARDS
 
Ever wonder what is on your magnetic key card?

Answer:
a.  Customer’s name
B.  Customer’s partial home address
c.  Hotel room number
d.  Check-in date and out dates
e. Customer’s  credit card number and expiration date!

When  you turn them in to the front desk your personal information is there for  any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the hotel scanner..
An  employee can take a hand full of cards home and using a scanning device,  access the information onto a laptop computer and go shopping at your  expense.

Simply  put, hotels do not erase the information on these cards until an employee reissues the card to the next hotel guest. At that time, the new guest’s  information is electronically ‘overwritten’ on the card and the
previous guest’s information is erased in the overwriting  process.

But  until the card is rewritten for the next guest, it usually is kept in a 
drawer at the front desk with YOUR INFORMATION ON IT!

The  bottom line is: Keep the cards, take them home with you, or destroy them.  NEVER leave them behind in the room or room wastebasket, and NEVER turn them  into the front desk when you check out of a room.
They will not charge you  for the card (it’s illegal) and you’ll be
sure you are not leaving a lot of  valuable personal information
on it that could be easily lifted off with any simple scanning device card reader.

For the  same reason, if you arrive at the airport and discover you still have the card key in your pocket, do not toss it in an airport trash basket.
Take it  home and destroy it by cutting it up, especially through the
electronic  information strip!

If you  have a small magnet, pass it across the magnetic strip several times.
Then  try it in the door, it will not work. It erases everything on the  card.

Information  courtesy of:  Metropolitan Police Service.

HERES YOUR SECOND TIP OF THE DAY….When ever or Where ever you decide to fly to and stay ….you will be needing a good set of luggage or maybe just a carry on piece…with that in mind…check out this link for the best buys @ http://www.heresyourluggage.com  Read what others have to say when you stop by.

No one wants lost or damaged luggage sets. Here are some tips to help you and your luggage have an effortless trip.

Before Your Trip
Put your name and the phone number of your destination on the inside and outside of your bag.
Don’t wrap your gifts since all luggage is subject to inspection.
Travel light when you can. Try bringing one carry-on bag that will fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Don’t overstuff your bag. That makes it more likely to get damaged.
Make sure your bags don’t have any straps or hooks sticking out that could get caught on something and damage your bag.
Stay within the Baggage Allowance.
Carry valuables, medication, and travel documents in your carry-on luggage.
Pack anything that might leak inside an air-tight plastic bag.
Know the rules for any of your stuff that might be considered Dangerous Goods. That includes what to do with those spare batteries.
Know the requirements for the Security Checkpoints where you’ll be traveling. There are still restrictions on Liquids and Containers.
During Your Trip
Check with our airport agents if you need extra Packaging.
Check as many as your 5 piece luggage set as possible to make clearing Security Checkpoints smooth and fast.

 Whenever you arrive in any country, whether it be by boat, plane or whatever….. you are vulnerable.
You have all your cash, cards, documents and anything else valuable on you right at that moment.
 It is even worse if you have never been there before and look like you haven’t, there are always people who are willing to “help”.
 Every precaution you take will help to avoid any potential problems. After all you do not want someone to “help” themselves to your belongings, when you have just arrived.

Here are a few tips that should help.

Before leaving for your trip, try to get some prior information as to the rough layout of the airport where you will be arriving.
This will help, to have a vague sense of where you should be going and where the taxis are located etc.

Whenever possible, especially in certain countries we recommend taking either the airport limousine, or a hotel pick up.

NEVER  take a taxi that seems just to be hanging around, offering its services when there is a taxi queue available.

Try to keep your wallet and valuables safely secured in a handbag or in one of your hand luggage.

Change some money into the local currency before you depart. This gives you one less thing to worry about, and will stop you from pulling a large amount of money out at the airport arrivals.

Keep a small amount of this local currency, easily accessible in a pocket or something, and away from the majority of your well earned money.  You will need sufficient for the ride into town, a tip (perhaps) and a little for unforeseen needs like toll ways or a bottle of water.

If you have not been able to find anything out about the airport that you are visiting then ask one of the airline staff, or the government tourism booth (if they have one at the airport) for some assistance, or tips on the best way of travelling.

Most countries really are very safe, but in others it is really very advisable to take as many precautions as possible.
 No matter what, the most important is that……….

You have a Great Holiday!

 Luxury Resorts and Hotels, especially of the four and five star category are normally extremely safe; providing you with a safe in the room and at the reception area, security guards hiding around the place, and cameras that can be as much your friend as your enemy . However still things do occasionally disappear, sometimes without the owner ever knowing that they have gone. 

 Here are a few tips to avoid your valued possessions from taking a walk:

If your vacation place has an in room safe use it and keep all your valuables in there.
However, if the safe is electronic, wipe the touch keys down before operating it with a damp cloth, and then dry it before entering your secret code. Try to do this every time you use the safe. 

 After you have keyed in your code and closed the door firmly locked on the safe. Press all the other keys & numbers that do not make up your code, and press them firmly. Doing this may set off a small alarm from the safe but it stops quickly and no one will pay any attention (!!).

The reason to do this is because certain vacation places have caught their own staff placing, a light oil residue or powder on to the touch keys that shows them when using a certain light what numbers were pressed. They were managing to open the safe, and one very clever thief was taking only 1 or 2 US$ from each room. Would you have noticed ? It is not a lot but in a 400 or 500 room hotel the guy was doing quite well for himself.

NEVER  leave valuables in soft material bags with pockets even if they are padlocked like Alcatraz.

This avoids any potential of somebody simply splitting a seam to a pocket with a knife and removing select contents. This can happen to anyone and you won’t even notice, until you go  into the bag and pocket later.

This should also apply to your  luggage sets that you check into the airplane.

NEVER   get drunk and invite a stranger to your room. This seems funny, indeed, but better safe than sorry.

Have a great Holiday!

Taking the family to Disney can be one of the happiest times you spend with your children but it can also be the hardest. The same fun which creates smiles also provokes over stimulation, exhaustion and general crankiness in both child and parent. And as with many things, big fun can also mean a big price tag. Admission into the Magic Kingdom for a family of four costs almost $350 for one day without any discounts or special rates. Add on sodas, snacks, souvenirs, hotel and travel to and from Orlando and your Disney World vacation can leave you wishing upon a star.

Seasoned parents will tell you that there are secrets to maximizing the magic of your Disney World vacation. Here are just a few.

Stay at one of the Disney hotels located on the Monorail
Although the transportation system within Disney is easy to navigate, accommodations located on the monorail system allow you to get back to your room quickly and with few stops. Nap time is easy to fit into the schedule when you are only one monorail stop away. For family with older children, the close proximity of your room provides a level of comfort when the family decides to split up or when a teenager wants to stay in the park long after you’ve gone back to shower. Disney offers three properties with direct access to the monorail: Contemporary Hotels, The Polynesian Hotel and The Floridian.

Gain early access to the park by staying at a Disney hotel
Staying at a Disney hotel comes with Guest privileges. Each day, Disney offers early admission into Guests who stay at a Disney property. This privilege allows you to get the most popular rides out of the way prior to the park opening to the public. For early risers, try booking a breakfast with the Characters in the park at The Crystal Palace or Cinderella’s Castle.

Begin at the back of the park
It’s a known fact that people will stop at the first attraction they reach so start at the back and work forward. For parents with young children it’s wise to ride Dumbo’s ride as early as possible. The line is always long later in the day. Leave the shows and indoor attractions for the hottest part of the day when you’ll appreciate the cool air conditioning.

Discover Disney fun outside of the park
This is easiest to do with younger children. There are plenty of fun things to do outside of the parks. Take the bus over to Fort Wilderness Campground for some free fun. There is a general store, over-sized petting zoo and several well designed playgrounds. In the evening, try the Mickey character dinner at the Contemporary hotel. Book your reservations so that dinner will be over at 8:45pm and then take a walk outside to the parking lot. From the Valet stand you will have the best and least crowded view of the Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks. (Make sure to confirm the days and times of fireworks.)

Take a break
A full day at Epcot, The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom or MGM Studios can take a great deal of energy. You’ll find that the day will be more enjoyable if you leave the park at midday to recharge your batteries with a short nap or dip in the hotel pool. Re-enter the park late afternoon when others are leaving or having dinner. You’ll find the lines will be shorter and you’ll be more tolerant too.

Purchase multiple day passes
Disney admission passes never expire and it’s always cheaper to purchase multiple day park passes. Use what you need on this visit and save the card for future trips. Florida residents have the opportunity to save on tickets in the off-seasons. Visit www.disney.com for complete pricing on admissions and vacation packages.

Buy your Disney t-shirts prior to arriving at the park
Visit your local Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart prior to leaving for the land of Mickey. You are certain to find a t-shirt of your child’s favorite character on a sale rack. Surprise your kids with a new shirt while unpacking. They’ll feel like they’ve received a souvenir and you’ll be pleased with your frugal accomplishment.

Before you leave on your Disney World Travel Club Package…Don’t forget to check out our family lightweight luggage  5 piece sets  as ththese sets are designed for the family that takes alot when they are traveling but is lightweight to pull and carry.

Check out thses requirements before you embark on your vacation with your hardside luggage set.  

Press Release: Todays Travel Industry

 Whether you are traveling overseas, a cruise, luxury resorts for business, or pleasure, study the best way to ensure a carefree and relaxing trip is to prevent problems before they happen. The more you learn about passports, visas, customs, immunizations, and other travel basics, the less likely you are to have difficulties during your travels.
 

Personal Security While Traveling

Leave contact numbers with family, friends and neighbors.

Check plane, train, and bus times before you travel.
Sit near other people or near aisles or doors. Learn the location of emergency alarms and exits.
Stay awake and alert when using public transportation.
Consider purchasing special clothing or accessories to hide your passport, money, or credit cards. Keep the majority of your funds in travelers checks and hidden; carry some in your wallet or handbag. Use a money clip. If you are robbed, you may lose the money in the clip but will retain important credit cards and documents.
Keep valuables out of sight and luggage close at hand. If carrying a handbag, keep it in front of you, closed, with the fastening toward your body. Keep a wallet in your front pants pocket.
Let go if your bag is snatched.
Do some research on the area you are visiting.

I do hope you find these tips informative and  helpful so you may enjoy a Wonderful Vacation.

Enjoy Your Vacation!

1. The biggest mistake cruising newbies make is booking the wrong ship. Most people focus on the destination (Caribbean, Mexico, etc.) and don’t pay enough attention to the ship itself.  Cruise lines—and even individual ships within a line—vary greatly in terms of atmosphere and facilities. Some have a party-all-the-time ambience and/or a great gym and spa; others are ideal for curling up on deck with a good book

2. Book early. There are two ways to get the best price on a cruise: book early or book at the very last minute. Both will save you money, but early bookers get the best choice of cabins for roughly the same “sale” price as late bookers—and avoid being disappointed because their ship is sold out. “Early” usually means three to six months before the cruise; the savings generally are 25 to 50 percent off the published brochure price per person.

3. Get the best cabin you can afford.

4. A bit of preparation pays off in a carefree trip.Tape a “To Do” list to your fridge, and check things off as you go. Don’t forget to shop for film, extra batteries, sunscreen and travel-size toiletries. These are more expensive to buy on the ship, and you may not find your favorite products. Consider filling small plastic containers with conditioner and shampoo from the big bottles, which you can leave at home.

5. Pack light, pack right. Be prepared for the off chance your luggage will get misplaced. Put a little of everything you’ll want and need in  a  CARRY ON BAG.   As added protection, buy travel insurance that covers you for lost, stolen, damaged or delayed luggage.

6. Beat the rush.It’s also a good idea to make your spa appointments and specialty restaurant reservations on the first day of the cruise so you don’t lose out.

7. Be shore-savvy. Some shore excursions are worth taking. Others are not.To make it more fun (and affordable), put your own group together and share the ride with newfound friends you’ve met on board. But note: if you go solo and miss the boat, you’re on your own.

8. Get the royal treatment. If you celebrating a wedding, Anniversary , Special Birthday, Let the cruise director know. Ask about honeymoon and anniversary parties, dinner at the captain’s table and other special recognition.

9. Then there’s that little business of tipping to take care of. Remember that tipping is always entirely up to you. Most cruise lines will recommend just how much to tip. But when cruising now days most cruise lines add it to your bill at the end of the criuse. The average tip now is $10 per day per person, However if you feel that you did not get the service you exoected you can dicsuss that at the puersors’ office and it will be removed at your request.

10. Cruising for romance. On most cruises, you’ll be assigned a dinner table (usually with other passengers) and time (early or late) for the entire trip. See the maitre d’ as soon as you board to specify which seating you prefer; also let him know if you prefer a table for two and be sure to advise him.  remember that the hot tubs never close, and you’ll probably find yourselves alone under the stars. For more alone time, stay on the ship when everyone else goes ashore it’s like having your own private yacht.

Enjoy Your Cruise!

Time for all you folks out there to pack your luggage sets  and Enjoy a Luxury Vacation!