Showing posts with label Travel Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Tips. Show all posts

June 03, 2013

Be Careful! This is a Risk to Buy Online Tour Package

Don't bother when you want to get a vacation. Just sit in front of computers and you can get many tour packages offered online the internet. The price is much cheaper. But remember, there is danger!

Today online travel agents are flourishing on the internet. They offer a variety of tour packages. The price is mostly more affordable. Beyond that, you must be vigilant in your selection.

"It's a lot of people who travel claim online," complained Vice Chairman ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies) Jakarta, Rudiana in time press conference April 2013 Foreign Tourist Visits at Baialrung Susilo Kemenparekraf Soedarman, Sapta Pesona Building, Jl Medan Merdeka Barat, Jakarta, Monday (03/06/2013) afternoon.

Rudiana look really concerned about the proliferation of tour packages sold  the internet. It's nothing, because it is considered to be detrimental to the traveler going for a walk.

Rudiana said, “Many tourists are deceived. So you need to order the packed and transfer the money first, they also will ask for your data or your identitiy."

This fraud is often befall a traveler who booked a package online. If it happened, your money will gone and you do not know who is the mastermind behind it.

They (the traveler) may already be on air tickets. But upon his arrival in the sights, there is none coming and picking them to the hotel.

Rudiana was reminded, though online offers convenience, but the traveler must realize the risk and choose carefully a trusted travel agent online. Choose tour packages online from a trusted provider. Reviews and recommendations of fellow users also important to assess the package online.

"Choose a travel agent should also be trusted," Rudiana warned.

I think its better to choose conventional travel agents rather than packages online. Conventional travel agents are considered more professional and responsible. You can get information clearly and know with whom should you complain.

If you order directly to the travel agent, you can meet the provider and get direct order to him. If there are problems, you can complain to the provider. But if you order from the online package, and you get fooled you don’t know how to get your money back.


April 06, 2012

Travel Tips for Indonesia

Travel Tips for Indonesia
Culture and customs

For The Traveler has some insider tips for safety and to help you, check it!

For women, always carry a sarong – they are light and cheap, and you may need to cover up if you find yourself near a temple or mosque.

No prices are fixed, even if the vendor says it is but usually the price is amount $5 - $15. You can always bargain. (i can help you to get it if you want)

Learn how to say ‘no’ to the hawkers politely; a simple but strong “Tidak, termia kasi” (Tee-dak, ter-ee-ma ka-see) it's mean No, Thank you, will do the trick.

Be careful with the people who offer a stuff to you in the market, they usually give the expensive price for foreigner. You must bargain it! Bargain it until 50%. If they won't give the stuff to you, leave it. Because many seller sell the same stuff. Hehehehe... In Bali the best place to get reasonable price is in Krisna and Joger, because they have price list.

The dogs in Indonesia (particularly Bali) are known to be rabid. And they’re everywhere. If you find one following you, hiss at it loudly. Never run. Or you can get squat pretended to take a stone. hehehe... :D

When there are monkeys around, protect your belongings because they are curious and love to steal things! I am serious about it.

Practicalities

You can also find out about telephoning, emergency numbers and time zones in Indonesia on Virtual Tourist

Here is the lists the useful phrases for Traveler in Indonesian:

Good morning Selemat pa-gee (or just pa-gee)

Good afternoon Selemat see-ang (see-ang)

Yes Ya

No Tee-dak

OK Be-res

Thank you Te-ri-ma-ka-si (or ma-ka-si)

You're welcome Ma-ka-si Kam-ba-li (or Sama-Sama)

How much? Be-ra-pa?

Can you discount? Moo-ra-heen or too-roo-neen har-ga-nya (to an old lady say Moo-ra-heen-bu)

Please Toe-long

Excuse me Permisi

Currency

The local currency is the Rupiah. US dollars are also accepted, however be careful of the exchange rate that is quoted to you; it may not always be as accurate as at the currency exchanges! You can check the exchange rate in the local bank or WU (Westren Union).

Weather

Like all tropical climates, Indonesia has two seasons – Wet and Dry. Wet runs from September to January (the heaviest rainfall is December and January) and the Dry for the rest of the year. The average humidity is 70%. You can check the weather for when you’re planning to go here.

Food

In most tourist areas, it’s likely that street vendors will approach you selling food. Most experienced travellers to Indonesia recommend you don’t buy from them because of the risk of Cholera and ‘Bali Belly’. Bottles of mineral water, if you’re sure they’re sealed, would probably be OK. Better places to eat are the major or well-known restaurants, or hotels – as a rule of thumb if the restaurant is crowded, it’s probably good to eat there.

If you can find a local chef to cook some of the specialities for you, such as Gado-Gado or Nasi Goreng, even better! Some Indonesian food is very spicy (the word for spicy is ‘padas’) – so enquire beforehand – and its best to enquire on the prices as well before you order.

Things to do and see

Bali is well known as an Indonesian tourist destination, but there are many other beautiful and interesting places to visit in Indonesia.

Lombok is a good place to escape the tourist areas and see the real Indonesia. It also has many high quality hotels, shops and restaurants, and is often cheaper than Bali.

Bandung is good for textiles and clothes of both local and western styles.

Yogyakarta is full of beautiful arts and culture, old temples and examples of Indonesian history.

Mangga Dua, in Jakarta, is a good place to buy clothing but also electrical goods such as iPhones and PCs.

Batu, East Java, It is the place if you want to enjoy the calm and peaceful place to take a break. because many people from major city in Indonesia go to this city when a holiday.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go diving, Manado in Northern Sulawesi is a good spot.

View a map of all these destinations here. Blonde Traveller also recommends that you travel between the islands by ferry rather than the local airlines, some of which are blacklisted internationally.

A contributor to Virtual Tourist suggests that the rice fields are very beautiful in Jatiluwuh, Bali; the best time to see them is at planting time.

Other contributors suggest watching the local fishermen (at most villages by the beach) fish the traditional way with a boat and hand net. Small boats (2 or so fishermen) will often sell you their catch straight from the sea and the fish is good if you can find someone to cook it for you.

Disclaimer

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

Don't Carry this Goods When Touring

When traveling, a person usualy is too "complicated" in bringing a lot of stuff. When you are forced to give an option on your favorite stuff, then you are tempted to carry all your stuff.

As a result, might now get luggage counter, you are exposed to additional costs if the excess luggage charge. The types of goods are not what you need to bring when traveling? Here's the list.

Leave your regular beauty equipment.
If you use several different types of products to manage your curly hair, then leave for a moment these items and let you free from those things.

You will not look bad in photographs of your holiday if your hair every night and washed with shampoo. If you are good at exploring the exotic sights, it is guaranteed you will not forget the string of your regular beauty products.

When you stay at a five-star hotel, you'll get complimentary toiletries. Use the products. Bring products that have multiple uses as a moisturizer that also serve to protect your skin from the rays SPF. Of course, take it in small packages.

Do not bring jewelry or valuables you.
This will only invite criminals to steal your jewelry. If you do have to carry jewelry for special occasion, make sure you do not wear it on the street or public place.

Bring a guide book alone.
When traveling, people used to bring up a few pieces of guide books because each book has the advantages of each.

But if the book does have some guidelines that interesting, then you can photocopy the pages of interest to your luggage is not too heavy. Alternatively, you can create a blog or a personal record of travel guides summarize the results from these books.

Do not bring more clothes than you need.
Bring your clothes in neutral colors so that you can memandupadankan style of the clothes properly. Then find the weather information from where you will visit.

When it rains, you can purchase an umbrella or raincoat and save it as a souvenir. You can also use the laundry service at your inn inapi so you do not need to carry a lot of clothes.

If the price of laundry services for your consideration, some of the backpacker tourist destinations to provide cleaning services kilogram. The easiest time is running out of clothes bought in the market. But can become a keepsake, your reckoning has helped the local community economy.

Do not carry unnecessary gadgets.
Items such as Portable DVD Player, reading lamps, coffee maker is not too important for you to take.

Definition of important or unimportant you should think carefully so you will not carry items that are not important. Keep in mind that items such as spare batteries, charger for your gadgets, electric adapter may need to be considered for you to take.

Do not carry items easily found.
Simple stuff that you can find such as migraine headaches, razor, or reading should not need to bring from home.

Also exciting when you take some readings from home and you can give it to other travelers when you will come back. Don't troubled your self. :D

April 05, 2012

Tips to Safety in Travel


Tourists and foreigners often become easy targets of criminals. Surely you've read the scary news about the tourists who are victims of crime and terrorism. However, do not let it dampen our intention to see other parts of the world is full of color.

Although the plight of tourists often made headlines in the media, it really only happens to few people. In fact, millions of other tourists could return home safely.

The crime is underestimated actual casualties are much greater than a terrorist bomb. Tourists are very vulnerable to the practice of brokering, theft, pickpocketing, fraud and violence. This is what to watch out for all travelers. In order not to become victims of crime and stay safe on the trip, consider the following tips:

Pack your luggage safely
A safe journey starts from the way you pack the luggage. Make sure the suitcase or backpack that you carry has a safety lock and is made of strong materials. Avoid carrying a purse or backpack strikingly colored as it will attract the attention of criminals.

If bright red backpacks piled with other dark-colored backpack, what's on the mind of a thief? Almost certainly, bright red backpacks will be targeted first. Also avoid filling your bag or briefcase until it is completely full, because the luggage is "fat" will always invite attention first.

Leave the knick-knacks are not necessary
Remember, you are not set out to attend the party. So no need to carry excessive jewelry. Bring only the necessary electronic equipment like mobile phones, pocket cameras and music players. No need to carry a laptop or other sophisticated equipment that is not really needed.

Leave unneeded identity card as a library membership card or club members. Similarly with credit cards and ATM, do not have to carry everything. Quite a pocket that will actually use it. Carrying trinkets in the minimum amount will allow you to watch. This means reducing the risk of loss.

Do not keep all "eggs" in one basket
Do not put all your money and valuables in a purse. If you lose your wallet, you lose all the money and valuables. Put some money in the bag or hidden in your backpack. If necessary, save money in the stitching clothes as a precaution to cope with an unwanted situation.

Appear confident
Although you are totally blind on a location, berlagaklah as people who already know. When confused about the destination, never once stopped in the middle of the road while showing the expression of panic. Keep walking, follow the current crowd so as not to attract the attention of touts, fraudsters and pickpockets.

After walking for a while to follow the current crowd, looking for a small shop or cafeteria. Well, when it was relaxed in the cafeteria, you can open a map or guide book a trip brought. If anyone wants to ask, ask the shop owner or a cafeteria waitress. Their explanation is certainly more believable than manual brokers who want to make a profit from your ignorance.

Dress like locals
Another trick to avoid the attention of criminals are appearing as local residents. Carrying a camera everywhere and dressed like tourists tantamount to proclaiming yourself as a new person.

Remove the camera now really want to shoot it. Although race and color of our skin is different from local residents, act as if we have been living in that place. If you look already experienced, fraudsters and pickpockets will think twice before launching the action.

Not too hard to look like the locals because it is actually the type of clothing around the world almost the same. Male pedestrian, one way to appear more down to earth is to wear long pants. Wearing short-sleeved T-shirt can also be patterned simply powerful way to look like the local people. In essence, dress modestly and do not choose clothes that are too open.

Beware of pickpockets
In addition to trying to look seasoned, of course you should be extra careful so as not to bring valuables easily targeted actors pickpocketing.

Passport, money, credit cards and other valuables should be stored in a purse or small bag attached to the body. You must be increased vigilance when in crowds or when overcrowding in public transport.

Stay away from demonstrations and riots
You do not come to a place to cover the demonstrations or riots abroad. Immediately move away when he saw a group of people were doing a demonstration.

Although it initially looks peaceful, demonstration activities often end up with chaos and even violence. Before leaving, also follow political developments and security situation of the area you want to go. Do not hesitate to cancel the trip if you are unsure of its safety.

Friendly but not pretentious familiar
A smile is a universal language that shows hospitality and friendship. If our body language fun, local residents would be happy to assist you. But the friendly actions that could provoke excessive attention of the people is going bad.

Nor too familiar with the new people, let alone give a personal identity to a stranger. People are being too friendly often have ulterior motives. Therefore, be careful.

Use the "common sense"
The most important thing to keep safe on the trip is to use "common sense" you. If you feel uncomfortable sending that message, increase your alertness.

Do not be too brave the danger because there is no benefit to ordinary tourists like you. For example, if a place seems very quiet, do not be in this place. Also, it's better to stay in the room if you are not sure of the safety of a place in the evening.

How to Socialize with Native


Many local residents know any advantages. Among others, we can find places that are unspoiled tourist, could be a cheaper price when shopping, or explore the local culture can be more.

Well, how to meet, mingle, and mingle with the locals when we walk? Please try the following tips:

Break the ice
A smile is a universal language to break the ice. Gives the impression of friendly, well-meaning friends and is a must start. After that, Introduce yourself. Try to remember and mention the names of those who have the right during the talks.

When the name is too hard to remember, use the common word such as father, mother, sister or other. Begin a conversation with general questions about the local attractions. For example, what the local specialties, tourist attractions around the area of ​​interest, how to achieve it, and so on.

Bring your attitude as if the information provided is very important and new to you even though you already know.

Polite
When interacting with anyone, keep your manners. Moreover, when a stranger who was visiting in a region. Do not let you do something funny or say things that do not deserve. In general, the standard of decency everywhere the same - especially with regard to the attitude or body language.

Topics for discussion
Sometimes it's hard to talk to strangers (in a strange place anyway). Could be you're afraid of the wrong thing and offending. To avoid things like that, choose a common topic of conversation and light. Avoid sensitive topics such as religion, politics, and ethnicity or race.

If the other person initiate such topics, respond with a polite but not enthusiastic. Even if you agree with the other person's thoughts, listen to it quite a sensitive topic, do not need to be overlaid and extended, much less debated. In addition to fishing the emotions easily, such talk will only make the complicated and hot atmosphere. Rather than be friends, you even get in trouble.

Humor
To make the atmosphere warm and not stiff, tucked humor in conversation is the solution. However, you must be very clever to choose the type of humor that will be removed.

Of course humor sensitive regarding physical and denounced racial intolerance should be avoided. Also do not use humor that is local is only understood by people from your area. As a result you can not understand humor and the atmosphere so crisp. You could take the humor topics that are popular in the media or mild guesswork.

Listen
In a conversation, let alone you as a guest in a foreign place, never dominating. Be a good listener even if the conversation does not interest you. Remember your goal is always involved in the talks is to be a bridge in order to mingle with local people.

If you are "stuck" in a long and tedious conversation, out of the situation slowly. Hear me out for a while, then give a plausible reason that you should leave.

Go to Eat Together
If it finds one or a group of local people who want to make friends hanging out over there, they traktirlah occasional drink or eat. No need of expensive, but enough to show that you want to be friends with them. Also do not overdo it so you do not seem sincere and buy friendship.

April 04, 2012

Prevent theft in many kind situations


Theft can happen anywhere and to anyone. When Theft happened on the way, the impact is much more annoying and troublesome.

Consider the following tips to prevent it:

Have 'money belt'

If you're trip, where to store money, credit cards, tickets and passport, which is the most secure money belt, a sort of a thin waist bag and can be incorporated into the shirt / pants. New wallet and put enough money in your purse / backpack for a day.

In public places

While in the crowd in a public place like a bazaar or a concert, watch out for the pickpockets cunning hand. We recommend that you carry a purse or backpack in front of the body, not on the side, let alone back. Even though you felt it was holding him tight, the position of the body bag next to a very easy groped by a pickpocket. Align the zipper is on the top, not on the side.

In public transport

Public transportation is also an easy target areas the length of the hand, especially if the passengers crowded. In a situation like this, you should not pocketed enough money for anything other than cost. Wallets and other valuables should be placed in a bag, at least in part, or the most difficult to reach, such as pockets on the inside of the bag with a zipper.

Beware, events like this can happen to you.

If you are the kind of bag fabric bag without buttons or zippers, put valuables in a container that is not commonly used as a place valuable items such as food boxes, place the drug, and others. Do not use brown envelopes especially for storing valuables because the envelope is identical with the money.

In hotel

Staying in hotels, especially the rooms filled some people who do not know each other is quite risky to lose. The most appropriate preventive measures are left valuables in safe deposit boxes are usually available at the front desk and just save enough money to need during your stay there.

Unfortunately, not all places have a safe deposit box services. If so, separate your savings into several pieces and place in a variety of containers that are not conspicuous. Can be inserted between the clothes, the pages of books, boxes of drugs, toiletries, and others. Then put all the money and valuables into a bag and make sure you always lock the bag every time they leave the room. When you use a backpack, make sure the backpack can be locked or padlocked.

In waiting room

In a way, it's often a lot of time spent in the waiting. At the airport, train station, bus terminal or other public transport waiting points is one of the favorite locations long hand. Not just because of crowded, but also a lot of people falling asleep exhausted while waiting.

So, if you feel drowsy and will most likely fall asleep, put all valuables in a sealed bag and place the bag in a position where you will wake up if taken. If necessary, especially if you carry lots of bags, make it as bedding.

In market or shop

The market may be the most vulnerable places in the world of pickpocketing. Usually automatically alert level was increased in the market. But what about other places like shopping malls? Although it looks modern, it does not mean sterile from pickpockets.

They generally act in the place of people with enough money and good at taking a chance. One of the critical points of an ATM at the mall is far from the crowds and no guards. Then try to bring enough money when you want to shop or use non-cash transactions. Please be careful with your wallet.

Source

Are You Beginner Divers? Consider These Tips


Indonesia has a very picturesque natural beauty, especially the underwater natural because the variation accounted for 60 percent of the wealth of coral reefs from around the world. Therefore, Indonesia is often the purpose of the divers, both foreign and domestic.

Well, you are interested in exploring the wealth of underwater Indonesia but have not had the experience of diving, do not worry. Kompas.com the opportunity to interview Gemala Hanifah, one of the divers who also hosts the nationally televised adventure about simple tips for novice divers as you dive in Gapang, Sabang, Aceh, Wednesday (03/28/2012).

First, you must choose a coach or club diver to train you with high quality and experience in the field.

Secondly, you are expected to pay attention to all the coaches information about the function of various diving equipment, including masks, BCD (float vest), tank regulator, oxygen tank, weights, wet suits, protective shoes and frog legs. Make sure all equipment is functioning properly.

Third, although often underestimated, drinking water sufficiently to be an important thing before starting this one activity. Water you consume is useful to avoid dehydration during the dive under the water.

Fourth, recognize the symptoms of dysfunction of the body in the water as the temperature of sea water in contrast to the human body temperature. For example, hypothermia, and so on, of course, as well as the ways to overcome them.

Fifth, you must comply with all instructions with good coaches under the sea. Because for novice divers must be accompanied by a trainer. Do not be proud to communicate with coaches about the trouble we are in the water, because it concerns your own life.

Most novice divers, it is difficult to catch his breath with your mouth, here is the key to successful dive. You have to get used to breathing using mouth to avoid struggling in the sea.

Final step, if you are already familiar with diving steps, start is to enhance your ability to dive to depths of more, and enjoy the richness of the underwater world of Indonesia. Try it on :D