Travellers tend to sit at home before their trip... all alone... just thinking of reasons to be stressed. You did your research about the safety of the country you're going to visit, you got all of your vaccinations, but still your "friends" have told you that it's not safe, you're nuts to go there, or you are sure to come down with some exotic fever.
Our advice is not to listen to them. They probably just wish they could be there with you! You've DONE your research. Don't let those nay-sayers stress you out.
Travel problems are always there. You... and your friends... will just start to notice them more when you are planning a trip.
Every year there are demonstrations on the streets of Paris. There are air-traffic controller strikes in Italy and transportation strikes somewhere else. There are train wrecks and bus accidents and terrorists attacks and disease outbreaks. There will be earthquakes and fierce storms.... I could go on and on, but then we'd all soon become travel worriers.
Most of the time these disruptive problems show up way back in the newspaper... on page 17 or something, and you'll never notice them. But it you're planning a trip to India... your friends will notice them. And if problems make the headline news, everyone will think you should just stay home.
You may begin to think that yourself, but even if something unexpected happens, in most cases, you should just take things in stride and go on your trip anyway.
We went to central India to see tigers a few years ago. There was unrest half a continent away. All of our friends said it was too risky, they might go to war. We read travel advisories from several different governments and decided to go anyway. We had no problems. We went to three national parks and saw tigers everyday..... I'm so glad we didn't become travel worriers on that trip!
Sometimes things will happen and you could never have predicted them. We had a friend that went on a cruise as her first trip to Europe. Know what happened? Her ship sank!!!! Want to know what her next trip was? ....A CRUISE!!!
It IS a good idea to expect that there might be problems. If something comes up, tackle them creatively. We got stuck for four days in Queenstown, New Zealand due to weather. If something like that happens to you, do what we did... make friends! You'll probably find that you'll make lots of local new friends because people will try to help you.
The key to enjoying your travel is to take little unexpected glitches in stride. If something comes up before your trip, evaluate it. If it is really a dangerous situation, by all means, cancel your trip... but don't be a travel worrier and ruin a good holiday because your friends said so.
Aug 21, 2010
Enhanced Hotel Security
Some of these things you may notice right off, other measures that they're taking aren't so obvious. And the hotels may or may not let you know what they're doing. They may not want the "bad guys" to know what they're doing, and they have to consider how you might react.
They also walk a fine line with this enhanced hotel security. They don't want to scare you away if you think there is the possibility of unrest.... On the other hand, they might want you to feel reassured that they are taking measures to protect you.
The problem is, of course, that some of these things might seem like a hassle if you encounter them... Just remember that the hotels are doing them to protect you, not to annoy you.
Some of the security measures you may find...
You may discover that there is no longer underground parking or parking right next to the hotel.
They may not let taxis drive up to the hotel entrance. We've stayed in hotels where taxis must park in front, and hotel staff will bring you and your luggage to the entrance in golf carts.
You may find metal detectors at all entrances. We've encountered scanning of luggage on arrival.
At check-in, receptionists (especially in big hotels) will probably tell you your room number quietly. You don't want it announced to everyone. The room number should not be written on the outside of a folder for all to see. Your card key may be a different number than your room number, so if you lose it, no one will know which room is yours.
We've also found that sometimes there are bag searches and scans when you return to the hotel from shopping or sightseeing.
In areas of high threat, you may find an end to luggage storage. Hotels in those areas may also refuse to let you send luggage or packages in advance of your arrival at the hotel. Yep, you might just have to go ahead and pay for those checked bags on your airline flight.
Especially in high profile hotels, you may start seeing uniformed security guards in lobbies, restaurants, and beach or pool areas. You might even encounter random photo ID checks.
You'll also start seeing card keys required to access room floors from the elevator. Those side doors to the pool or beach that used to be open, will start requiring card keys too. In extreme cases, hotels might even limit lobby access to registered guests only.
Just be patient if you encounter this enhanced hotel security. Be thankful that they care enough to make things safer to keep on traveling.
They also walk a fine line with this enhanced hotel security. They don't want to scare you away if you think there is the possibility of unrest.... On the other hand, they might want you to feel reassured that they are taking measures to protect you.
The problem is, of course, that some of these things might seem like a hassle if you encounter them... Just remember that the hotels are doing them to protect you, not to annoy you.
Some of the security measures you may find...
You may discover that there is no longer underground parking or parking right next to the hotel.
They may not let taxis drive up to the hotel entrance. We've stayed in hotels where taxis must park in front, and hotel staff will bring you and your luggage to the entrance in golf carts.
You may find metal detectors at all entrances. We've encountered scanning of luggage on arrival.
At check-in, receptionists (especially in big hotels) will probably tell you your room number quietly. You don't want it announced to everyone. The room number should not be written on the outside of a folder for all to see. Your card key may be a different number than your room number, so if you lose it, no one will know which room is yours.
We've also found that sometimes there are bag searches and scans when you return to the hotel from shopping or sightseeing.
In areas of high threat, you may find an end to luggage storage. Hotels in those areas may also refuse to let you send luggage or packages in advance of your arrival at the hotel. Yep, you might just have to go ahead and pay for those checked bags on your airline flight.
Especially in high profile hotels, you may start seeing uniformed security guards in lobbies, restaurants, and beach or pool areas. You might even encounter random photo ID checks.
You'll also start seeing card keys required to access room floors from the elevator. Those side doors to the pool or beach that used to be open, will start requiring card keys too. In extreme cases, hotels might even limit lobby access to registered guests only.
Just be patient if you encounter this enhanced hotel security. Be thankful that they care enough to make things safer to keep on traveling.
Washington District of Columbia USA
The District of Columbia isn't in any of the states... it was carved out as a federal capital district so it could serve all of the states.
It's a popular vacation destination for American families. What better place to teach your kids a little about history and government while having fun? It's also popular with visitors from abroad because of the museums and monuments.
There is just so much to see.... the White House, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian Museums, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument, the Mall itself.
The National Mall lies at the center of it all. It is a long strip of expansive (mostly) green lawns in the center of the buildings and monuments. It is sometimes called America's front yard. This tree lined area stretches two and a half miles (4 km) from the Potomac River to the U.S. Capitol Building on Capitol Hill with the White House adjoining it off to one side.
The Mall is the central piece of most sightseeing visits to Washington DC. You can walk to the museums and monuments that surround the mall, but seeing it all is more than a leisurely stroll.... it can be quite a hike!
Consider buying a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off buses that serve the area. The Tourmobile circles the Mall with stops at all of the monuments, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery. There are two other options... the Open Top Sightseeing bus and the Old Town Trolley which also have stops on the Mall and serve other areas of Washington DC as well.
White House tours are available again on a limited basis. All tours must be scheduled in advance. If you are an American and want to tour the White House, contact your Member of Congress well in advance of your trip. Tour tickets are free, but they are distributed on a first come first served basis.
Foreign visitors may contact their respective embassies in Washington DC or the US Embassy in their country to inquire about White House tour opportunities.
Guided tours of the U.S. Capitol are available Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 p.m. Free tickets are available on a first-come-first served basis at the Capitol Guide Service Kiosk. They must be used at the time of pick-up. If you want a gallery pass, contact your member of Congress or Ambassador as for the White House.
Keep in mind that there will be security screenings for tours of any of the major government buildings. Don't miss all the monuments scattered around the Mall and all of the Smithsonian Museums, but if you tire of the city, you can always head out to the environs of Washington DC to see things like Mount Vernon, bike along the C&O Canal, or explore the old town sections of Georgetown and Alexandria.
If you have tons of money, you can stay at one of the hotels right in the District. A more inexpensive option is to stay outside the city where you'll have a bigger choice of reasonably priced hotels. Try to find a hotel within walking distance (or a hotel shuttle ride) to a Metro station.
All of the major tourists attractions are within a reasonable walk from a Metro station. There are plenty of things to see in the District to keep you going for days.
It's a popular vacation destination for American families. What better place to teach your kids a little about history and government while having fun? It's also popular with visitors from abroad because of the museums and monuments.
There is just so much to see.... the White House, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian Museums, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument, the Mall itself.
The National Mall lies at the center of it all. It is a long strip of expansive (mostly) green lawns in the center of the buildings and monuments. It is sometimes called America's front yard. This tree lined area stretches two and a half miles (4 km) from the Potomac River to the U.S. Capitol Building on Capitol Hill with the White House adjoining it off to one side.
The Mall is the central piece of most sightseeing visits to Washington DC. You can walk to the museums and monuments that surround the mall, but seeing it all is more than a leisurely stroll.... it can be quite a hike!
Consider buying a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off buses that serve the area. The Tourmobile circles the Mall with stops at all of the monuments, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery. There are two other options... the Open Top Sightseeing bus and the Old Town Trolley which also have stops on the Mall and serve other areas of Washington DC as well.
White House tours are available again on a limited basis. All tours must be scheduled in advance. If you are an American and want to tour the White House, contact your Member of Congress well in advance of your trip. Tour tickets are free, but they are distributed on a first come first served basis.
Foreign visitors may contact their respective embassies in Washington DC or the US Embassy in their country to inquire about White House tour opportunities.
Guided tours of the U.S. Capitol are available Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 p.m. Free tickets are available on a first-come-first served basis at the Capitol Guide Service Kiosk. They must be used at the time of pick-up. If you want a gallery pass, contact your member of Congress or Ambassador as for the White House.
Keep in mind that there will be security screenings for tours of any of the major government buildings. Don't miss all the monuments scattered around the Mall and all of the Smithsonian Museums, but if you tire of the city, you can always head out to the environs of Washington DC to see things like Mount Vernon, bike along the C&O Canal, or explore the old town sections of Georgetown and Alexandria.
If you have tons of money, you can stay at one of the hotels right in the District. A more inexpensive option is to stay outside the city where you'll have a bigger choice of reasonably priced hotels. Try to find a hotel within walking distance (or a hotel shuttle ride) to a Metro station.
All of the major tourists attractions are within a reasonable walk from a Metro station. There are plenty of things to see in the District to keep you going for days.
Hotel Security Tips
With today's global economic problems, riots are occurring in places where we haven't seen them before. There is the threat of terrorism that can't be denied.
You should think about your safety when you're traveling, but don't avoid your trip because you think something might happen. If you really are worried about unrest in the area you're visiting, there are some things you can think about to make your stay safer.
Stay in small, local type hotels rather than big famous landmark hotels. Terrorists want to make headlines, and big international hotels where there may be famous guests are more tempting. That small hotel is less apt to be a terrorist target.
No matter what size hotel you choose, if your destination has had recent unrest or if it is the subject of a U.S. State Department travel warning or travel alert, our next hotel security tip would be don't stay next to government offices or embassies. Also avoid hotels near famous sights or religious centers.
For big hotels, you can check to see if the hotel staff has security and emergency training. See if they have an evacuation plan. Do they do background checks on all members of the staff? Do they have security on duty all day everyday? Do they have sprinklers in every room?
Small hotels should at least have some sort of emergency plan and basic safety features.
For maximum safety it's best to avoid rooms facing busy streets or rooms with ground level windows. This includes sliding doors that front pools or the beach.... anywhere someone could gain easy access.
If your room overlooks the lobby, stay on the fourth floor or higher. Rooms between the third and seventh floors are more secure from prowlers who can gain access from the street, but they are still within reach of most fire department ladders.
Think about safety and escape routes. Look at those diagrams about where the stairs and exits are.
Women traveling alone should avoid staying in rooms by stairwells and elevators. Late at night, don't hesitate to ask that a hotel employee escort you to your room.
Don't indicate that you're traveling alone. A room service order for one breakfast could tip someone off. Also don't put up those little "make up the room" signs that might let someone know that you're not in your room
Only stay at hotels with electronic key-cars access. Do your research... if you'll be staying in a city with a high crime rate, make sure you hotel's elevators also require card keys. Small hotels won't usually have this, but it's a little harder for someone who just doesn't belong to wander in unobserved.
Ask the concierge or receptionist about safety in any areas you're planning to see. Neighborhoods can change and new threats can emerge since the last time you visited or since the guidebook you're using was printed.
We believe that one thing you can do to counteract terrorists is to keep on traveling... don't let them stop you. Keeping a few hotel security tips in mind is smart travel anytime.
You should think about your safety when you're traveling, but don't avoid your trip because you think something might happen. If you really are worried about unrest in the area you're visiting, there are some things you can think about to make your stay safer.
Stay in small, local type hotels rather than big famous landmark hotels. Terrorists want to make headlines, and big international hotels where there may be famous guests are more tempting. That small hotel is less apt to be a terrorist target.
No matter what size hotel you choose, if your destination has had recent unrest or if it is the subject of a U.S. State Department travel warning or travel alert, our next hotel security tip would be don't stay next to government offices or embassies. Also avoid hotels near famous sights or religious centers.
For big hotels, you can check to see if the hotel staff has security and emergency training. See if they have an evacuation plan. Do they do background checks on all members of the staff? Do they have security on duty all day everyday? Do they have sprinklers in every room?
Small hotels should at least have some sort of emergency plan and basic safety features.
For maximum safety it's best to avoid rooms facing busy streets or rooms with ground level windows. This includes sliding doors that front pools or the beach.... anywhere someone could gain easy access.
If your room overlooks the lobby, stay on the fourth floor or higher. Rooms between the third and seventh floors are more secure from prowlers who can gain access from the street, but they are still within reach of most fire department ladders.
Think about safety and escape routes. Look at those diagrams about where the stairs and exits are.
Women traveling alone should avoid staying in rooms by stairwells and elevators. Late at night, don't hesitate to ask that a hotel employee escort you to your room.
Don't indicate that you're traveling alone. A room service order for one breakfast could tip someone off. Also don't put up those little "make up the room" signs that might let someone know that you're not in your room
Only stay at hotels with electronic key-cars access. Do your research... if you'll be staying in a city with a high crime rate, make sure you hotel's elevators also require card keys. Small hotels won't usually have this, but it's a little harder for someone who just doesn't belong to wander in unobserved.
Ask the concierge or receptionist about safety in any areas you're planning to see. Neighborhoods can change and new threats can emerge since the last time you visited or since the guidebook you're using was printed.
We believe that one thing you can do to counteract terrorists is to keep on traveling... don't let them stop you. Keeping a few hotel security tips in mind is smart travel anytime.
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