Paatpong is actually a small street between Silom and Surawong Roads with wall-to-wall bars and restaurants. At night, the street is vendors catering to tourists charging ridiculously high prices in hopes of finding suckers.

There are actually 4 streets in the area catering to the nightlife. There is Patpong I & II, Soi Jaruwan, catering to gay men, and Soi Thaniya, exclusively for Japanese tourists.

Patpong started off as an undeveloped plot of land purchased by Chinese immigrants in 1946. The Patpongpanich (or Patpongpanit) family built some shop-houses and rented out to normal businesses. Bars eventually overtook the other businesses on these two private roads, and the entertainment zone was created.

I was stationed in Bangkok in the early 1970’s and we would go out to Patpong almost nightly. Back then it was bar after bar after bar. There were no vendors blocking the road and, unlike today, it was safe to go to the upstairs bars.

Then, the bars on the ground level were just that – bars. Second floor bars were go-go’s with bikini clad girls. And if a bar had a third floor, it was for the special shows.

Today, vendors set up show and block the entire road, and most of the walkway, selling everything under the sun (or moon). Tours line the street promoting shows upstairs with guarantees of no cover charge and cheap beer prices. Don’t believe either.

If you visit Patpong, it is best to avoid the upstairs bars altogether. The owners may try to extract large sums of money in order for you to leave alive.

There is one place that I do enjoy visiting on Patpong. The Madrid Lounge is the only bar that has the same name, décor, and menu that it had in 1973. It caters primarily to the embassy and expat crowd and has some great American food. The staff is very friendly and will sit with you if you want or leave you alone if you choose.

The Madrid became a meeting place when I returned to Thailand in the mid 90’s during exercise Cobra Gold. I took my guys there the first night and it became the official hangout from that day forward. They still use it as a rendezvous point and place to meet.

Personally, I have tired of Patpong but it is a must-see for the first time visitor. I have not only tired of Patpong, but of Bangkok as well. I only stay in Bangkok if I have to spend the night to catch a flight the next day; otherwise I go direct to my location regardless of time. If I am going to Pattaya, I leave direct from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and never set foot in Bangkok city. When I am going northeast to Khon Kaen, I have to spend the night to catch a connecting flight the next day. I usually just go out to a few local beer bars in walking distance of my hotel.

Patpong is a unique little street and should be on every first-timer’s visit list. Don’t buy anything from the vendors in the street. Prices are much cheaper anywhere else in Thailand. Have a few drinks, check out activities, and avoid the second floor bars.

Patpong Road Bangkok Thailand is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Your passport is the most valuable document that you will carry abroad. It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Please guard it carefully. Do not use it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone. It is your best form of identification. You will need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels, embassies or consulates.

When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number, destination, local address, and reason for travel. You may be required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight so that it may be checked by local police officials. These are normal procedures required by local laws. If your passport is not returned the following morning, immediately report the impoundment to local police authorities and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Passport Fraud

Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used for illegal entry into the United States, or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. This can cause embarrassment to innocent U.S. citizens whose names become associated with illegal activities. To protect the integrity of the U.S. passport and the security of the person bearing it, consular officers overseas have found it necessary to take precautions in processing lost passport cases. These precautions may involve some delay before a new passport is issued.

Safeguard Your Passport

Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having it stolen. You may find that you have to carry your passport with you because you need to show it when you cash traveler’s checks or the country that you are visiting requires you to carry it as an identity document. When you must carry your passport, hide it securely on your person. Do not leave it in a handbag or in an exposed pocket. Whenever possible, leave your passport in the hotel safe, not in an empty hotel room, and not packed in your luggage. One family member should not carry all the passports for the entire family.

Guard Against Thieves

Coat pockets, handbags, and hip pockets are particularly susceptible to theft. Thieves will use all kinds of ploys to divert your attention just long enough to pick your pocket and grab your purse or wallet. These ploys include creating a disturbance, spilling something on your clothing, or even handing you a baby to hold!

You can try to prevent theft by carrying your belongings in a secure manner. For example, consider not carrying a purse or wallet when going along crowded streets.

Women who carry a shoulder bag should keep it tucked under the arm and held securely by the strap. Men should put their wallets in their front trouser pockets or use money belts instead of hip pockets. A wallet wrapped in rubber bands is more difficult to remove without notice. Be especially cautious in a large crowd – in the subway, on buses, at the marketplace, at a festival, or if surrounded by groups of vagrant children. Do not make it easy for thieves!

I always make a color copy of my passport and visa and carry that with me and secure my passport in the hotel safe. Some countries require you to always carry your passport on your person. But, most will not have a problem if you carry a color copy.

Passport Safety Tips is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

In the Los Angeles, California area, VanGo is recognizing the need for this type of service and has party buses available. Don’t be mistaken though, party buses aren’t just for those interested in consuming alcohol, any age group can rent a party bus from VanGo.

If you are planning a special event, be it a wedding, a baby shower, or a bachelor party, consider the benefit of party buses and how they add to your experience. If you are planning a party at a destination in the Los Angeles area and you have some out-of-town visitors attending, imagine all of the fun they’ll have aboard one of our party buses.

It’s not only an economical and easy way to get all your guests to the event it also serves as a comfortable atmosphere for mingling. Aboard VanGo party buses your guests can get to know one another before arriving at their final destination. They’ll feel more comfortable at the party having already gotten acquainted with other attendees.

Renting one of the party buses from VanGo is also a nice gesture in that your guests don’t have to worry about things like directions and parking at the event. All they have to do is jump on the bus and enjoy the ride. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and will welcome the chance to leave their car behind while they use the transportation you’ve provided for them.

In addition to getting your guests to the party on time, VanGo will work hard to make them feel comfortable during the trip. VanGo can provide a host or hostess to accompany your guests on their trip. The host is very familiar with the Los Angeles area and can provide answers to any questions your guests may have about this popular area of California.

Leave your party transportation needs to the professionals at VanGo. You’ll appreciate the chance to leave those worries to them and your guests will be impressed by your gesture. Traveling to any party in comfort and style sets the tone for a great event. Let VanGo party buses take on your guest list and get everyone to the event on time.

Party Bus Rentals for Los Angeles is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

As Senior Editor of “Paris Eiffel Tower News”, I often peruse these forums to find out about the concerns voiced by fellow travelers headed to the ‘City of Lights’.

Among the postings which keep coming back, one stands out from the crowd: what does a 3-star rating really mean? Travelers tend to be confused by the many star-rating systems in use. I felt the subject called for an educated explanation.

The meaning of stars in the US

First of all, let’s be clear: there is absolutely no relationship whatsoever between the number of stars commercial travel sites award to hotels, and the hotel rating system in use in France.

The core business of commercial travel sites is to sell you hotel rooms, flight tickets, car rentals, and cruise packages. They purport to guide your choice by awarding stars to the products they peddle.

When you book a room on such sites, a significant portion of your money goes to the travel operator which presents the hotel – up to 50% on well-known websites.

For this reason alone, you could reasonably ask yourself: are these ratings unbiased, or tainted by corporate greed?

To make matters more complicated, each travel website uses its own rating method. Consumer Reports published an enlightening article on the topic in its November 2005 issue.

In other words, the number of stars awarded by commercial travel sites is not a fully reliable yardstick for selecting a hotel.

The meaning of stars in France

The French hotel rating system works on a completely different set of rules.

1.It is a standardized system: meaning, all hotels across France are categorized on the same unique basis.

2.The rating system was not born out of mercantile purposes: it was framed by the French lawmakers without any concern for profit.

3.Last but not least, the French hotel rating system does not measure quality. Instead, it uses 22 measurement criteria to assess the presence or absence of certain features in the hotel.

Among the main criteria used:

- Room sizes and numbers
- Room soundproofing
- Heating and air-conditioning
- Design of bathroom facilities
- Phone system
- Electrical equipment
- Elevators

Each requirement varies from one star category to another. (See link to full article below.)

Subjective quality vs. objective quantity

The French rating system does not take into account subjective quality criteria.

And because of this limited approach, it does not guarantee your expectations will be fulfilled.

First, there are keen differences in perception between populations. For example, American travellers are used to larger sizes of rooms and beds than the average room and bed sizes offered in Parisian hotels. This can be a source of disappointment.

Moreover, the French rating system does not measure service quality – cleanliness, absence of smells, staff attitude, speed of service, etc.

It may thus be chancy to base your hotel choice solely on the French rating system.

The safer bet

To afford the best chances to pick the right hotel in Paris I recommend the following 4 steps:

- Have a basic understanding of the French rating criteria
- Check guests’ reviews on Travelocity
- Visit the hotel’s own website
- Do not hesitate to e-mail your questions to the hotel.

Many travellers use Travelocity to write reviews on the hotels they stayed at. No hotel satisfies 100% of its guests throughout the year, so both extreme judgments and moderate opinions can be found on this open forum. My advice: favor moderate reviews with some flesh on the bones. They will usually give you a useful picture of what to expect from the hotel – good and less good.

Visiting the hotel’s website will usually allow you to see multiple views of its rooms and bathrooms. I insist on visiting the hotel’s own website since it usually is the place which offers the greatest number of photos.

Lastly, e-mailing your questions to the hotel owners may or may not get you an answer, usually depending on the proficiency of the receptionist in your language. Receiving informative answers to your questions is a good sign that the hotel cares for his prospective guests.

Following these 4 steps should help you minimize the risk of being disappointed during your stay in Paris. This is no guarantee though. Remember that cultures differ from each other, and your expectations of service might not be fully understood. In such case, communicate with the owner. They are usually keen on serving you to the best of their means.

Have a safe and pleasant trip to Paris!

Paris hotels: How to reduce your risk of being disappointed is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Flower and fruit markets are scattered all over Paris. Montorgueil Market (Rue Montorgueil and Rue Montmartre, 1st) is good for both fresh fruit and pastries also. For organic products, every Saturday mornings we suggest to go on Boulevard des Batignolles.

Some of the city’s bakeries and pastry shops are at the Mouffetard Market (Rue Mouffetard, 5th) while the Port Royal Market (Blv. Port-Royal, 5th) has not only food produce, but cheap clothing also.

Throughout June and July Paris holds a yearly International Rose Competition at beautiful Parc de Bagatelle. It definitely is a place to see, where a riot of colours explodes everywhere making the air perfumed and a walk through the park something divine.
If you wish to crown your desire for flowers, blossom and rejuvenation you might consider taking a 40 minute train ride to Giverni and visit Monet’s enchanting house literally floating on a pond of nymphs, lilies, tulips and narcissi.

If you wish to stay in Paris and dedicate an entire day on regular shopping, you can visit some department stores as: Au Printemps (Blv. Haussmann, 64; ph.: +33 01 42 82 50 00) or Le Bon Marché stores (24, Rue de Sèvres, ph. : +33 01 44 39 80 00) or the Galeries Lafayette (Blv. Haussmann, 40, ph: +33 01 42 823 456) the flagship of Paris retailing with one of the largest stores.

It handles Duty Free purchasing and Tourist Tax Refunds, has a Welcome Desk with interpreters and restaurants. An inexpensive chain of department stores is Tati (76, Av. de Clichy, 17th Arr.). Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. It has other branches around the city.

Very nice places where to rest in your trip are boutique hotels offering colourful rooms, fresh ambience, secret gardens or terraces where to enjoy your breakfast. Many of them are located in central Paris but a little out of the standard circuits as they privilege a more authentic touch and a familiar relationship with their guests.

You may try these ones where prices range from 30-50 euros per person: Cecil hotel, Taylor hotel, Des Artes hotel, Altona hotel, Mon reve Hotel, Bac Saint Germain ( in Latin quarter) or the Hotel du Parc Saint Charles.

Paris flower markets, flee markets and regular shopping is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Since I am a regular visitor to the land of smiles, I usually have a few thousand Baht left from my previous trip. Along with that I will also bring about 500 US dollars in cash to see me through the first few days. Don’t exchange currency in your home country.

I have stopped using traveler’s checks for a couple of reasons. I don’t have a local bank account; I do all of my banking online. So, if I want to get traveler’s checks, I have to pay a fee. Then I will have to pay a small fee to cash the checks at the bank. I also don’t like being restricted to accessing funds only when the banks are open.

I would never cash a traveler’s check at a hotel because of the terrible rate of exchange they give. Unless you get the checks for free, I wouldn’t use them at all.

Using your credit card in Thailand is very risky. Even at the finest of hotels, the local staff is not paid much at all. It is very easy to skim and clone your credit card. It may not get used for months since the bad guys will wait until you get back home before they use it.

If you must use your credit card, keep an eagle eye on it. Don’t let it out of your site. Don’t let the hotel desk clerk take it to the back room. Don’t let the waitress take it back to the cashier. Don’t use it unless you absolutely have no other means of funds.

Using a debit card with an ATM machine is the easiest and most convenient way to acquire the local currency. I use a separate account and transfer the funds to it a week or two before I go to Thailand. That way, I know exactly how much I have available when I arrive.

ATM machines are located about every 10 feet in Thailand and are even available in the smallest of cities throughout the country. You will get a good exchange rate and you can access them 24 hours per day.

You still need to be careful with ATM machines because bad guys are everywhere. I try to use the ATMs that are in a foyer or inside of a mall. If you access one on a small, dimly lit street at two in the morning, you are definitely risking your money and your life.

If you intend to do any online banking, do not access your account using any of the internet cafes. You never know what software is on those computers or whether someone has installed a keystroke logger to steal your password. Using your own laptop will be as secure as it is at home. It is best to complete as much of your online financial transactions before you go, just to be safe.

So, you should use a combination of paper and plastic on your Thailand vacation. Bring some of your home currency to cover you during your first couple of days. You can exchange this at the Thai airport at any of the currency exchange booths. If you don’t want to carry that much cash, you can always use your debit card at the airport ATM machines.

For your day to day funds, I would again use the ATM machines. Do this during the day for additional security and make sure that you keep your plastic locked up in the safe along with your passport, plane ticket and any other valuables.

Remember to only carry as much cash as you will need for your day or night activity and the rest in the safe. You can always go back to your room if you need additional funds.

If you have any Baht left over at the end of your trip, you can exchange it at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, or keep it stashed away for your next Thailand holiday.

Paper or Plastic? Paying For Your Thailand Vacation is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Packing Your Backpack for Europe

Millions of people head off to Europe on a backpacking trip each year. Having done it five times, I can tell you that it will be one of the best times of your life. That being said, you must take some things with you. On the positive side, you don’t need that much.

Europe is not another planet. I mention this because you should keep in mind you can buy everything there if you forget it here. The first time people go backpacking in Europe, they tend to completely overdue it on the packing front. You are not climbing Mount Everest, so don’t overdue it!

The first things to pack are clothes. Depending on where you are going, you may need clothes for warm weather or cold. Assuming it is warm, you need a couple of shirts that are wrinkle resistant. You will buy others there, so don’t pack ten. You also will need a pair of shorts and a bathing suit. If you plan on visiting museums and churches, you will need a pair of long pants to get into many of them. Pack something light that is wrinkle resistant.

For your feet, you can load up on socks because they do not take much space. You will need some sandals and then a pair of something comfortable. Some prefer hiking boots, but I usually went with cross trainers. Whatever you do, make sure you get used to the shoes before heading off. You are going to walk a lot, so blisters from new shoes can be a killer.

On the personal front, you need a brush, toothpaste and any medicinal needs. That is it. You can buy anything else you need as you need it. There is zero point to lugging around shampoo all over Europe. Murphy’s law says it will open in your backpack! Keep it super simple.

While your trip will result in great memories, they will fade in time. Take a camera and, of course, one of our travel journals. The camera should be hardy so it can take the inevitable beating that will occur. Our Nomad travel journals are compact and in a case. They are perfect for trips to Europe because we were on one when we got the idea!

Europeans can read. This means you can buy guidebooks over there. If you plan to visit three or four countries, take the guidebook for the FIRST country only. You can pick up the others over there or trade with other backpackers. Guidebooks are heavy and this will save you the aggravation of hauling them everywhere. Also, cybercafés are everywhere, so you do not need to bring a laptop unless you really have a specific need.

Finally, keep copies of your passport and any supporting documentation with you. One set goes in your backpack while another goes in your shorts, money belt or wherever you have space.

Pack light. If you forget something, you can buy it over there. Have a blast!

Packing Your Backpack for Europe is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

A thousand different items could go into that open bag– but don’t get bogged down in “what-ifs,” or you’ll end up lugging around the kitchen sink! Don’t procrastinate, either… Good packing can make the difference between a brisk walk to another terminal and a missed-plane disaster; between exploring all day and “sitting this one out” to nurse swollen blisters; between sleeping soundly and staying up all night to a symphony of barking dogs. So pack light– and smart! Here’s how.

Clothes: The secret is layers. I usually take a few light, short-sleeved shirts that can be washed in the sink, a few pairs of underwear, and two good pairs of pants. After that, pack one or two long-sleeved shirts that can be worn over the t-shirts, a sweater, a canvas hat, and a waterproof windbreaker with a hood. If you have clothes that layer well, topped off with the windbreaker, you won’t need a jacket. You’ll be tromping around more than you think, and in the course of even the coldest day you’ll start stripping off those layers one by one. For the ladies, bring one wrinkle-free black dress– this can be accessorized for any occasion.

Shoes and socks: People are often under the impression that you’ve got to “dress up” in Europe. While this isn’t always true, the Italian, French, and Spanish appreciate fine style (you won’t see shorts in the evening). So if you want to bring your nicest clothes (in layers), that’s dandy. But when it comes to shoes, comfort comes first. This is not the time to break in a new pair or suffer for the sake of fashion: After a day traipsing through ancient ruins, up and down city blocks, or around an alpine lake, those frumpy old tennis shoes are going to be your new best friends. Another way to keep your feet happy is to carry an extra pair of (new) socks. Changing into a clean pair at noon is an easy way to refresh your tired toes! Also bring a pair of flip flops or sandals. These will come in handy at the beach, or just bumming around your villa or apartment.

Miscellany: So you’ve got your clothes, your shoes, and your toothbrush… that covers everything you’d need for a hotel. But you’ve rented a villa, which means you’ll be on your own. What do you bring to make your rental as comfy as home? As a veteran villa renter, this is what I’ve learned to take along.

1) Ziplock bags (in many sizes) are number one on my list. They’re practically weightless– great for storing leftovers, small gifts, damp clothing, jewelry… and everything else. Pack empty baggies, pack baggies with cooking spices (salt, pepper, etc), and pack baggies with laundry soap (for machine or hand use).

2) A small plastic cutting board and a sharp knife will do wonders for your Italian cooking, and a sponge and scrubber will facilitate easy cleanup of any unanticipated mess– especially if you’re traveling with kids!

3) Just in case: a roll of toilet paper, a book of matches, and a pair of earplugs never did anyone any harm. Other small (but handy) items include a stain remover stick, flashlight, sewing kit, and multipurpose tool (a Swiss Army knife or my tool of choice, the Leatherman).

4) This may come as a surprise… but Europe has insects, too. Your vacation is going to involve spending lots of time outdoors, so bring some repellant to keep those pests at bay. In Italy, most homes don’t have window screens, but plug-in insect repellants can be bought in most grocery stores.

5) The item I use most frequently while traveling is a small package of baby wipes. These can be used in lieu of napkins, hand soap, toilet paper, a clean restaurant table, and even a shower (on occasion). A pack of tissue also works nearly as well… except for showers.

6) Airborne is the closest thing to magic I have found. Take a water-soluble tablet before you get on the plane or whenever you’ll be exposed to large crowds– and avoid whatever plague may be circulating locally.

Cell Phones: Though not absolutely necessary, I highly recommend taking a cell phone to your European rental– it just makes everything easier. If you have a dual- or tri-band cell phone, you should be able to use it with your current plan, but it’s more affordable to contact your provider and ask them how to “unlock” your phone. You can then purchase a pre-paid SIM Card that will work like a local number while in Europe. If you need a dual band cell phone, you can rent one.

Space: That’s right, take along some extra room! Take a larger bag than you need, pack a collapsible canvas tote, or take things (like toiletries, paperbacks, and even clothes) that you wouldn’t mind replacing if they had to make room for that precious new pair of Italian leather shoes…

Finally, remember that packing is a vital part of the vacation experience. So don’t let it wait until the last minute! Make your list now and check it twice– or even thrice– before you go.

Packing Smart and Light for Your European Rental is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

When in a foreign country it is usually pretty easy to spot the experienced traveler from the novice. The novice is usually dragging a giant suitcase or trying to lug a brightly coloured backpack that is even bigger than they are. They are dressed in the latest “must have” adventure gear from the most expensive adventure stores and have “trekking” shoes worth hundreds of dollars. This is not the way to do it for several reasons. The first is comfort. You will usually be doing a lot of walking whenever you go on a vacation and walking with 50 kg of luggage is both tiring and difficult. You will also, most likely, be getting extremely dirty and ruining whatever clothing you take (even if it’s expensive “adventure clothing”) and don’t forget that some of your gear may even be stolen (sometimes by other travelers). If you show up with all the best and most expensive gear you are also a walking target for hustlers and thieves. With all of this in mind here are a few tips:

Luggage – If you are going to be doing anything even remotely physical and walking any further than a few hundred meters, then a backpack is definitely the way to go. But not all packs are created equal! Think small and inconspicuous. Dark colours like brown and black will attract less attention than a bright purple or red pack. Make sure it is the type of pack that has a flap on the top that closes over the pack’s opening to keep out water (the types that zip up WILL get your stuff wet). You will also want to put your clothing in waterproof stuff bags – I use standard plastic shopping bags, but there are tougher ones that you can buy from disposals and camping stores. You also want your pack to be as small as possible. Especially if you are only touring (mountaineers may need something bigger). I use a 30 liter pack but would say 45 liters is an absolute maximum for general purpose use. You will be carrying it around a lot and if you cannot fit something in then you probably don’t really need it.

Clothing – Think light and breathable! Cotton is always good. Three shirts is usually enough because you can wear one, wash one and have a spare. Take ones with collars to keep the sun off your neck if you are going anywhere remotely sunny. For pants, I like cargoes that can zip off the legs and turn into shorts (which can also double as swimming trunks). Dark colours are always going to hide the dirt and grime so that’s also a good idea. Usually, other than underwear and socks, I don’t take much more than this. Remember that if you need something you can always buy it there and usually for a fraction of the price than at home! Don’t forget to take some type of hat as being sunburnt is a real drag when you are traveling.

Shoes – Unless you are doing some serious mountaineering then you probably won’t need those $300 Scarpa trekking boots. In many poorer countries you can buy those $300 Scarpas at the local markets for $10 anyway, because some idiot tourist left them outside his door to dry and an enterprising local stole them to sell at the markets! Think comfort – I usually go for Converse All Stars, but any type of cheap canvas shoe will probably be ok. On a trek across England my Converse shoes allowed my feet to get wet about 10 minutes before my buddy’s feet got wet – he was wearing the $300 Scarpas! Once again, if you need something better, you can probably buy it at your destination for a cheaper price.

Other stuff – There are a few things I will never travel without. Sunscreen is the main one because I REALLY hate getting sunburnt. A small multi-tool is often pretty handy too – don’t get a leatherman because you will lose it or get it stolen. You can often buy multi-tools for $5 anyway that work perfectly well. I also always take a lighter ($1 plastic kind) for anything from lighting people’s cigarettes to sealing the ends of ropes.

The trick to packing for adventure travel is to pack light, inconspicuous and cheap. This avoids you becoming a human pack-mule or a target for thieves and hustlers. You will also find that you will enjoy your traveling more because you won’t be so tired nor worrying about your gear so much.

Packing For Adventure Travel is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Packing and travel tips

1. While you arrange your suitcase and travel bags you should put your name and address both inside and outside it. If you already have this information, you should check whether it is the current one.

2. Leave all medicines, jewelry, eyeglasses, airplane tickets, money, passports, camera or other valuable out of the checked luggage. You should carry these items with you. Many airlines such as the southwest and other carriers don’t reimburse you for any loss of such items.

3. You should take a statement from your physician with details of nay particular problems like allergies and a copy of medication and eyeglass prescriptions. You should anticipate any medication you would require and carry it with you.

4. You should put cosmetics, nail enamel, shoe polish, perfume, liquor or anything that might break or spoil your clothes into a plastic or unbreakable container.

5. You should always convert cash into traveler’s check that could be reissued in case it is lost. Carry any serial numbers separately from the traveler’s checks. Airlines such as the southwest accept only American Express Travelers Cheques for purchase of tickets.

6. Make a list of the items in your luggage and carry the list with you. Also remove any hooks or pull straps before checking luggage to insure that they don’t come off while handling.

7. Never lock your checked luggage because they might require to be opened in case of an inspection. So if you lock your luggage and the TSA forcibly opens your bag via cutting your lock, you shall be responsible for any loss or damage to your luggage.

8. Most of the airlines are liable for loss or damage of checked luggage to a maximum of $ 2,800 only. You can purchase excess valuation insurance for a nominal charge.

9. When you leave the aircraft you should look around to make sure that you have all your personal items with you because airlines cannot be held responsible for items left on board.

For further details log on to southwest-airlines-guide.info

Packing and travel tips for your flight is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org