Medical Travel Health Insurance for Expatriate and Business Traveller Health care

As We All Know Traveling Can Be Very Infectious

The attraction to wander Earth's continents to see different, interesting and beautiful places is overwhelming. Most of us can only dream of visiting all 7 continents. There is of course ways to do it without having to save hundreds of thousands of dollars but one in particular makes absolute sense. Find people willing to share their world. That's right, find people in the locations you are traveling to before you leave. On average people make friends with about 20 people at school and best friends with 5. So with 7 billion inhabitants on this planet of ours how hard could it be to find someone willing to show you around the place they call home?

So let's look at a few ways social websites can help you travel the world easier:

1. Become an Au pair. You find a family in a country that you want to visit and who requires someone to look after their kids. For a pre-agreed number of hours during the week you take care of the children in return for a bedroom, food and some cash. Depending on the country you may pocket $150 - $200 (USD). It is a fantastic way to experience not only the sites of another country but also the culture of the family you live with. I am sure some of you however are thinking "I don't really want to look after kids". Worldsharer.com has addressed that concern and has families and singles that have a spare room but are not necessarily looking for a babysitter. That takes us to our next point;

2. Find a family or person with a spare room and who need some help around the house. It might be you can help with cleaning or gardening or maybe just a personal assistant. Whatever it might be that you can do some families are happy to swap your help for their spare room.

3. Find a flatmate. Many people looking for a paying flatmate are happy to have people from other countries. It can be a cheap alternative to a hotel room if you intend to stay a while.

4. Become an exchange student. Do some time in a school in another country and save money by staying with a host family.

5. Stay in a youth hostel. They don't adorn 5 stars but most are comfortable, social and cheap. Great value for money.

6. Find a friend before you leave. You may have your accommodation already sorted but would love someone to show you around or just hang out with. Again, with sites like Worldsharer.com, that has become so much easier.

So if you are serious about making the most of your travels then find a tour guide before you leave. Who knows, you might just find some friends for life.

Doing Business in Costa Rica

Tips On How Tourists Can Get Promotional Souvenirs At Special Prices

Promotional products are very popular in Australia and this is the reason why there are many Australian Souvenir shops that operate all over the country. Moreover, with the country's big tourism industry, it is no wonder why there are many items that specialize in making promotional souvenirs for tourists. But with the many souvenir shops that specialize in making small promo items, choosing the right one can be challenging especially if it is your first time tourist in the country.

You can practically taste from the many souvenirs that are available in the country. From wool, fruit jams, tees, wholesale hats and promotional pens, you can be assured that all of these types of souvenir items will remind your experiences in Australia. For tourists who are looking for souvenir items that are lightweight, buying Australian key chains, fridge magnets, stationery papers and glass coasters are great souvenir ideas that you can buy for your loved ones back home.

There are many ways for you to buy souvenirs but if you want to buy custom promotional products at wholesaler's special prices, you can always but them from the many markets and tourists precincts in the country.

Sunday Markets

If you happen to be in Sydney, you can buy souvenirs from the weekend market called The Rocks. This weekend market is nearby the Sydney Opera House and you can find many Australian Souvenir shops that sell different kinds of souvenir items and corporate gifts at low prices. If you happen to be in Canberra, you can buy wholesale souvenirs from Sunday Old Bus Depot Markets which specialize in selling small collectible items such as wholesale hats and promotional pens.

24/7 Open Markets

If you are looking for sophisticated souvenir items in bulk, then you can head to the Southbank Markets in Brisbane, the Fremantle Markets in Perth and the Salamanca Market in Hobart. Unlike, Sunday markets, these are permanent markets and you can visit them anytime of the day and week to buy your souvenirs.

These are the major places where tourists can get their souvenir items from. However, there are still many places where tourists can get souvenir promotional items and it takes is for you to look around you to find shops that sell inexpensive souvenir items.

Buying souvenir items can be very exciting and, at the same time, draining but knowing where to get them will definitely help you save both time and money. This is especially true among tourists who have limited time to explore the many shopping places in the country.

There are plenty of promotionalproducts to choose from our site. You can easily opt for wholesale hats, promotional pens, Australian souvenir and so much more. We are also the leading source of corporate gifts.

So come and check us out now for a wide array of choice items to choose from.

Marketing Your Travel Business/Destination Online with Guidebook America 2013 Travel Guide

Pets On The Road: Tips For Truckers

There are a lot of drivers today that want a bit of company in the cab but don't want a team driver or a partner. For some people a spouse or family member can ride along for companionship, but for others the best possible option is to have a dog with them on the road.

Dogs, like people, can make great companions or they may not be a good option. Truckers need to consider several factors when determining if a dog is the right choice in their truck. Taking a bit of time to consider breed factors, size, exercise levels and even the training of the dog and what you want the dog to do is essential before deciding your four-legged co-pilot.

Breed Selection

When you stop at a highway rest station you will find a variety of different dogs out there with their truck driving owners. It is not uncommon to see small breeds of dogs as well as some huge dogs, but there are some pros and cons to each option.

Small dogs are usually a good match in the smaller spaces of the cab and sleeper of a truck. There is really no comparison between a Chihuahua and a Great Dane when it comes to how much space they will take up, especially in the sleeper area of the truck.

Breeds traits are easier to predict in purebreds than in mixed breeds, so if you know you want a particular personality or temperament it choose a purebred from a reputable breeder. Of course all dogs will have their own personality but it is largely determined by genetics combined with how they are raised and socialized.

You may want to think about the actual logistics of a particular breed or type of dog as well. If you choose a long haired breed that sheds you are going to have issues with dog hair as well as possible issues with a wet, muddy companion in the truck on those miserable days. Short haired dogs can also shed but you won't have long hairs to deal with. Non-shedding or very low shedding breeds are available in all sizes and types, something that is well worth considering.

Energy and Activity Levels

Besides the breed traits and characteristics you will need to consider the energy and activity levels that the dog will require. Many small breeds, including the very popular terriers, are generally considered to be high energy dogs. High energy dogs typically will not mellow out with age and even senior dogs will need lots of time to run and play. This doesn't mean they can't be good dogs in the truck, but you will need to schedule regular times for the dog to get out and burn off some energy.

Dogs that are moderate to low energy levels are usually a good match for the more sedate lifestyle of a trucker's dog. They can be calm in the truck and sit and watch the miles roll by but then ready to get out and run and play when you take a break. Having a dog like this is motivation for you to take a walk and get away from the road for a few minutes every couple of hours or so.

Puppy Or Adult Dog

While it is a good idea to get a puppy used to traveling in the truck as soon as possible, practical issues also need to be considered. A puppy that is not "truck-trained" is going to be a problem and one that can cause distractions when you are trying to stay on a schedule or just pay attention to the traffic.

Puppies, as well as older dogs to a lesser degree, will need ongoing training and socialization. This means that you need to spend a bit of time every day in training and allowing your dog to be around other dogs and people. For most truckers this isn't a problem and can be a great way to unwind after a long day on the road.

Protection or Companion?

Some truckers want a dog that is there purely for companionship. This really leaves the breed and size selection up to personal preference as well as individual dog temperament. If you want a dog that is also going to be a protection or guard dog for the vehicle and yourself you will want to select a larger dog that will be respected by others.

Not all large breeds are natural protection or guard dogs. In fact, many of the large breeds, especially the popular breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and most of the hound breeds are very friendly and, while they may bark, they are more likely to quickly befriend a stranger than to actually protect your vehicle.

Staying Safe

Regardless of the age, breed and size of dog you choose make sure you have the dog microchipped as well as wearing a collar with your cell phone number and information. In addition have a picture of your dog on your phone so it can be emailed to the various shelters or other agencies in the event that the dog gets lost on the road.

Always talk to your vet about taking your dog out of your local area, there may be vaccinations that are necessary to protect your pet in different areas of the country or when traveling internationally. Be sure to carry your dog's health and vaccination record with you, especially if you are crossing the border into Canada or Mexico.

If you would like to learn more about truck driving please visit http://www.truck-school.com/cdl_training.php

Aviation Safety Monitoring: Travel Risk Management by Hart Aviation

Aviation Safety Monitoring: Travel Risk Management by Hart Aviation

6 Strategies To Boost Fuel Efficiency On The Road

As an owner-operator you are keenly aware of even small changes in the cost of fuel, and finding ways to maximize fuel efficiency is always a good strategy. The more that you can save on fuel costs the more profit you will make and the lower the cost of doing business will be. This may also give you the edge in bidding on contracts since you have lower overhead which, in turn, can drop your bid price and earn you additional business.

In an interesting study prepared by the Trucker's Report the following statistics made crystal clear the need to maximize fuel efficiency to boost profitability:
• It costs an average of $180,000 per year to keep a commercial truck in the United Sates on the road.
• The average cost of diesel fuel for a typical truck in the USA is $70,000.
• The cost per mile of operating a commercial truck is approximately $1.38.
• The average trucker fills up the truck with 20,500 gallons of fuel per year while the typical car uses just 500.

There are several different options that you can easily implement to reduce your fuel costs on a routine basis. These six strategies are effective when used individually, but they become major cost savers when used together. To see the results of a bit of effort on your part start logging your fuel use prior to implementing the strategies and then as you build in fuel-saving ideas to your daily routine.

1. Overall Vehicle Maintenance

Overall vehicle maintenance is number one on the list because it is one of the most important factors in how efficient the truck will run. If your vehicle is running rough and not well maintained you are going to waste energy and power and ultimately use more fuel. Routinely checking the engine for any signs of leaks, damage or problems is important, as is checking the oil and fluid levels.

You can easily do this on your own and have a mechanic check the vehicle on a routine basis as well. Generally if you have a good working relationship with the mechanic or shop this is a minor cost every couple of months that can end up saving you hundreds in fuel not to mention issues with breakdowns.

Tire air pressure needs to be correctly maintained as well. Over-inflating or under-inflating tires is unsafe, lowers your control over the truck and trailer, plus it also increases fuel consumption.

2. Idling and Parking
Believe it or not simply idling your truck results in fuel consumption of about a gallon of diesel for every hour idling. While this may not seem like a lot if you idle your truck a couple of hours a day for a week that is at least 14 gallons of fuel. At $3.50 per gallon that is a total of $50 per week or $2600 per year.

Parking in the shade and out of wind and weather also helps in reducing the impact of heat and cold on the fuel and the vehicle when idling or when warming up and cooling down.

3. Plan Your Route And Turn Right

You cannot avoid left turns in traffic completely, but whenever possible try to plan your route to include right turns rather than across traffic lefts. That extra couple of minutes sitting there waiting for a clear opportunity to turn increases your idling time per day, decreasing fuel efficiency.

In addition left turns mean you have to fully gear down, stop and then gear up during and after the turn, each step which is fuel inefficient.

4. Aerodynamic Designs Reduces Wind Resistance

Many new styles of rigs have gone from the traditional square, boxy and classic shapes to the more streamlined curved lines. This change is not just for appearance, smooth, curved lines decrease wind resistance and help with fuel efficiency.

Make sure all deflectors are correctly located to push the wind up and over the highest point of the load. This takes just a few minutes to check and is easy to do by looking at the angle of the deflector and the high point of the load.

5. Minimize Gearing Up and Down

When at all possible limit the number of times that you have to gear up or down since this is a high fuel usage point for the engine. Instead try to adjust speed well out from having to slow down significantly or come to a complete stop. The more than you have to fully stop and start the more fuel you will use. While you may not be able to prevent this in busy traffic areas, choosing the time of day you hit these areas can really help.

6. Drive A Fuel Efficient Speed

Driving at a steady pace of 60 to 65 miles per hour may not get you to your destination as fast as driving 70 or 75, which may be the posted speed, but it is going to leave you with more fuel in your tank when you reach your destination.

Higher rates of speed also add to the costs of vehicle maintenance, tire replacement and wear and tear on the truck and trailer. Driving a bit slower is also safer, making it a good option on virtually any roadway.

Making a few simple changes to the way you drive will help cut your fuel costs. These strategies can become a part of your daily driving routine that will add up to thousands of dollars in fuel savings per year.

For for information about truck driving please visit http://www.truck-school.com/

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Winter Driving Safety Tips For Big Rig Drivers

Driving a truck means working in all types of weather conditions. With strange weather patterns spreading snow and ice even in the southern states it is important, as fall and winter approaches, to take some time to plan for winter driving conditions and brush up on ideas to stay safe on icy, wet and snowy roads.

The key to winter driving for truckers, as for any other type of driver, is to make sure to be prepared. The good news is that there are now a number of apps for smartphones as well as automatic notification programs that can alert you to problematic winter driving conditions and bad weather miles before you reach the area. This not only lets you prepare for the difficult roads but it also may allow you to plan alternate routes that keep you out of the worst of the weather.

Tip 1: Know Your Limitations

Just because you are driving a truck that has a legal weight of over 40 tons and measures 70-80 feet from end of the trailer to front of the cab, it doesn't mean you can across any type of road safely. Ice, snow and combinations of ice and snow can lead to treacherous conditions even on straight, flat roadways. Combine this with curves, hills, stops and turns and you have a definite recipe for disaster.

If you are unsure of the road conditions or feel completely out of control in the vehicle stop and pull over. This could be because of heavy snowfall, blizzard conditions or clear visibility but terrible road conditions. It could also be due to concerns about black ice on the road that is impossible to see until you are into a skid. Trying to simply drive your way through is never the answer as stress, tension and mental fatigue will all play a part in making your drive even more dangerous in these types of conditions.

Tip 2: Know Your Route

In the winter it is not advisable to try a new route. It is far better to stay with a familiar route where you know where the chain-up areas are as well as where you can safely pull over to get out of traffic. Knowing your route means you also know where rest areas are located, where parking is available for rigs, and also where fuel stations and restaurants are that are trucker friendly.

If you have to take a new route be sure to study the route using a navigation program. Most of the trucker specific travel apps for route planning have very detailed information and are much better than a standard mapping app or program. Many of these also provide the option for travelers and truckers to post current weather conditions, road closures or road conditions that are usually more up to date than anything you will hear on the news or through radio reports. Keep your CB on and listen to the chatter, other truckers will be a great resource as to road conditions and weather issues.

Tip 3: Check Your Truck Each Day

Winter inspections before heading out are cold and not much fun, but they are essential for you stay safe on the road. Be sure to check each tire, you don't want to have to deal with changing a flat in the snow and ice. Not only is this difficult to do but you are at greater risk of being injured or, in a worst case scenario, being hit by a vehicle that simply couldn't see you in the snow.

Check all airlines and brakes and make sure everything is working and all tires are turning. Sometimes if the truck is parked overnight and the brakes freeze all it takes is backing the truck up to correct the problem.

Lights, including those on the trailer sides and top, should all be working. Each bulb adds to the ease of visibility for your truck for other drivers. Always carry a few spare bulbs for all lights on the truck and trailer and change them out as needed.

You should also make sure your chains are ready for the season and in good repair. Chains are a relatively low cost way to add grip to your tires, especially when traveling through the mountains or in snowy conditions on less travelled roads.

Tip 4: Have The Right Winter Gear

Plan to have the gear you need to stay warm, frostbite free, and able to work on your vehicle should the need arise. Most winter gear is very compact and easy to store in a small space. With the various thermal materials available you have a good selection to suit the type of conditions you think you may encounter.

You should have on the truck with you a good pair of winter boots. These should have a solid sole that has lots of traction if you have to get out on icy roads. In addition look for a winter parka that has reflective material or consider a reflective vest in a large size that will go over your outside coat. Warm hats, several pairs of gloves and a full balaclava are all must have items in your winter kit. Also pack several pairs of warm full length socks so you can switch out wet socks and gloves as needed.

Make sure you have road flares and signs as well as a good flashlight and lots of extra batteries. If you have a sleeper make sure you have power, food and a heater that will work off of your inverter. Always travel with your diesel tank full and make sure to use anti-gel with each fueling, don't wait for problems before adding.

For more information on becoming a truck driver please visit http://www.truck-school.com/index.php

How to Start a Travel Agency Business From Home? Business Ideas & Reviews

5 Must Have Accessories For Your Truck

Making the cab of your truck and the sleeper a home away from home takes a bit of planning and budgeting, but it is a very worthwhile investment. After all you want to be able to pull off the road and relax in your truck, not feel like you are deprived of the comforts of home.

Once you get the basics; a table, mattress, storage space, a refrigerator and microwave, you can start to add those cool little extras. These items are not always all that expensive and they real add to the features and functionality of your truck cab and sleeper.

1. Power Inverter/Charger

This is a cool little device that hooks up directly to your truck battery or a bank of batteries to convert it to usable AC power in the cab and sleeper. The benefit of having an inverter/charger options is that if you have the ability to connect to an outside power source when you are parked it will automatically keep the batteries in the bank fully charged and ready, without any concern about power drain.

The AC power can be used in the sleeper to run any type of electrical appliance. This means you can watch TV, charge your phone and laptop, run your refrigerator and even have a cooktop just like the one at home. This is also a great way to run heaters and air conditioners or sleeper fans in the truck to keep the temperature just the way you want it. Having this capacity to draw from a battery bank also means you don't have to keep the truck idling when you want to use power, a great way to save on the cost of fuel.

2. Cupboards And Cabinets

Customizing your sleeper with cupboards and cabinets that are similar to those used in campers and RVs is a real time and energy saver. Everything can be put in storage containers in the cabinet area and secured in place. In addition the doors or drawers in the units are locked when the truck is in motion, preventing spills and endless picking up of containers that slide across the floor.

While many truck sleepers offer standard storage under the bed or under the seats, this is rarely enough room for everything you need to have on the road. With the option to fully customize the cabinets you can create specialized spaces for everything from clothes to built-in sound systems, televisions and computer stations.

3. Microwave/Convection Oven

A convection microwave, also known as a microwave convection oven, offers you a different way to prepare food from a standard microwave. A microwave heats the food from the inside, but it does not brown or crisp up foods. A convection microwave, on the other hand, cooks with the speed of a microwave but gives that great crispy, brown appearance and real roasted taste.

Since the appearance and the texture of food are as important as the taste, opting for the convection microwave is one upgrade to consider. Some also have the ability to actually bake in the oven as well as roast.

4. Flat Screen TV and Mount

The ability to relax and unwind in the sleeper is a great option and one that is particularly important for those long road trips. A 22 inch flat screen TV is a good choice for virtually any size of truck. The major problem with any type of TV in a truck is the constant vibration. The constant jarring of simply going down the road can cause major problems with the unit in just a few weeks of use.

Having a mount for the television that is designed to reduce vibration is critical. You can mount the TV directly onto a wood and then securely attach the wood to the interior surface of the truck. In addition you may also be able to use a telescoping mount and have a locking bracket that the TV rests in when not in use.

5. The Best Bed And Pillows Your Budget Can Afford

Getting enough rest on the road is a major safety issue. It is also going to help you stay in the professional a lot longer, reduce your stress, and boost your ability to get up in the morning all ready for another day behind the wheel.

The standard mattress provided with your sleeper will do, but it is not typically going to be a perfect match for your comfort and for any special requirements you may have. If you look around you will find that many mattress companies offer custom mattresses that are designed for a truck based on the size of the bed frame. Memory foam, cool gel, gel foam, spring and non-spring styles of mattresses are all available.

Comfortable pillows are another luxury item you really can't do without. There are all different types of ergonomically designed pillows and even pillows for people that sleep in different positions.

Making your sleeper a home away from home doesn't have to be expensive. You can shop online, look for sales and buy items as your budget allows. The most important thing to keep in mind is the more you enjoy being in your truck the less money you will spend on entertainment, lodging and eating out when you are on the road.

For more information on becoming a truck driver please visit http://www.truck-school.com/cdl_training.php

How to Start a Travel Agency Business? Looking for a Profitable Business Model?

What Every American Should Know About French Business Etiquette and Customs

French business etiquette runs parallel with the country's culture. The people of France are proud of their country's culture and history. Therefore, cultural identity is heavily integrated into their business customs. As an American conducting business in France, keep in mind that your French counterparts are inquisitive and straightforward.

Customary Greetings
As you do in the United States, greet your French counterpart with a handshake. However, unlike the multiple-shake, firm-grip style to which you are accustomed, use a quick, light technique with a loose grip. A firm handshake will make your French business associate feel overpowered. Cheek kissing is another common greeting among work colleagues, but this greeting should only be used if your French associate initiates it.

During introductions, formality is the order of the day. Address superiors and new acquaintances with "Monsieur" for male colleagues and "Madame" for female colleagues. Polite titles of courtesy help make an excellent first impression. When invited to do so by your colleague, you may address them by their first name.

Conversation Principles
Another way to make a good impression is to learn a few basic French phrases. If French dominates the conversation, your business associates will usually switch to English if they notice you are having trouble understanding them. French people separate their personal and professional life in order to maintain workplace formality. Therefore, avoid asking about their family, personal life and political inclinations. Better small talk topics include French art, cuisine, music and philosophy.

Asking a plethora of questions and interrupting others while talking is common during business discussions. Interrupting someone in France shows an expressed interest in the conversation; it is acceptable for you to reciprocate in kind. Be prepared for an abundance of information exchange and multiple detailed discussions. The French people do not respond well to aggressive selling techniques, preferring to take their time making a decision after at least one meeting.

Business Meetings
Business lunches are still a popular way to conduct meetings. If you are invited to lunch, be prepared for a formal dining experience that may last longer than two hours. Proper dining etiquette dictates your hands rest on top of the table instead of on your lap. When wine is being served, leave a small amount in the glass to stop refills. Let your host start the business portion of the conversation, which usually will not begin until after dessert arrives.

Punctuality is key; however, it is acceptable to be up to ten minutes late. Avoid bringing a present to the meeting. It is not uncommon for small gifts to be exchanged, but it should never be done during the first meeting. If the meeting is conducted at an office, give a business card to the secretary and any other person you meet afterward. The cards can be printed in either French or English, and they should include your title or academic degree.

Appearance
Quality business attire should be worn regardless of the venue. Conservative clothing with a few accessories and jewelry pieces are acceptable. If you are invited to an affair that specifies "informal dress," this means a tie and jacket for men and semi-formal attire for women.

Body Language
There are a few body language fundamentals every American in France should know. Always maintain good posture and unobtrusive eye contact. Do not put your hands in your pockets or snap your fingers. To show approval, it is rude to create a circle with your forefinger and thumb. A better alternative to the "okay" sign is a "thumbs up." Remember, a light touch and close distance between people is common conversation etiquette.

This article was written by freelance simultaneous translator James J Jeffrey, who has recently done some French to English interpretation work with Chang-Castillo and Associates for American business travelers in Paris.

For more information about international business, please see the blog of Chang-Castillo and Associates at http://www.chang-castillo.com/blog.