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Questions to Ask Your Singapore Travel Agent

January 22nd, 2010

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There are many people in Singapore who book their vacation through a travel agency. Although the travel agents are certified with a license, the standard of service varies. Some travellers get very good experiences while others get frustrations. In order not to lose out, be sure to ask these questions the next time you book through them.

1. Are there alternative travel dates where I can get cheaper rates?

A good Singapore travel agent will proactively suggest alternate travel dates where you can get a better deal. If you have flexible vacation days, you can save quite a bit. For example, you can usually get cheaper fares on your flights if you fly on off-peak days like Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For hotels too, you can get different rates on weekends and weekdays. Tourist attractions too may have lower rates during weekdays as compared to weekends.

2. What are the extra charges?

Almost every travel agency in Singapore will not show the extra charges in their ads. So it is very important to find out the final price after all the taxes, surcharges, etc. You should also find out from the travel agent if there are any fees you need to pay yourself at the destination, for example, airport tax. By checking this out fully, you can then see for yourself if the value of the tour is worth the price.

3. Are the deposit and tickets refundable?

When you book through a travel agent, you usually have to pay a deposit at the time of booking. This could be months in advance of your travel dates. You would have to pay the full price for your tour package at a later date. Your circumstances can change during this time, but the price you paid are typically non-refundable. Exceptions do exist, however. These could be events of natural disasters or security or health threats. Check with your travel agent if refunds are covered under such situations.

4. Do you have more information on the destination?

A travel agency in Singapore would have a wealth of information in the form of booklets or brochures. Check with them and get a copy. You can also ask about shopping and local food tips.

A good travel agent will be able to help you with the above questions. It is part of their service. Happy vacation!

Cynthia Lee is an avid writer and traveler. For reviews of travel agencies and tour deals from Singapore, check out Travel Agency Singapore.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/questions-to-ask-your-singapore-travel-agent-1767204.html

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Air travel guidelines for pregnant women

December 29th, 2009

Unlike what many people think, air travel is not dangerous for a healthy pregnant woman or her baby. Of course, pregnant women need to take special precautions and they need to check with their health care provider before they fly. The reason is the increased risk for certain conditions such as severe anemia, placental insufficiency or clotting disorders.

If you are pregnant 14 to 28 weeks and you are flexible in your travel plans, this is the best period to fly. In midpregnancy, the risks of miscarriage and premature labor are low and you still feel active and in good shape. Before 12 weeks you probably suffer from morning sickness and the risk for miscarriage is increased. After 28 weeks, most carriers typically require a certification from your doctor that can guarantee that you are fit to travel by plane while pregnant and confirm your estimated due date. After 36 weeks of pregnancy, normally you are not allowed to fly as the risk of delivering onboard is increased or if you are at risk of preterm delivery.

In general, here are some important guidelines to consider if you are pregnant and you plan to fly:

a)      Check the pregnancy policies with the airline

Each carrier has its own pregnancy policies. If you’re booking your flights with a travel agent, let them know you are pregnant and make sure you are allowed to fly. If you’re booking your flights online, make sure you check the carrier’s website about pregnancy policies. Pregnancy policies may vary by airline, so it makes sense to give them a phone and tell them you are pregnant to make sure you get a special service and you make your flight more comfortable.

b)      Make sure you choose a comfortable seat

During pregnancy, reserving the right seat can make you feel very differently. First of all, you will need to get up several times and move around the plane. Therefore, make sure you book an aisle seat, especially if you are travelling long-distance. Also, try to book a spacious seat. If you’re booking online, you will see that many carriers provide information about the different legroom they offer in their seats. A travel agent can also give you information about how different carriers size up their legroom. If you cannot book in advance, try to make it to the airport earlier and ask for a bulkhead seat, which is located between business class and economy class. Bear in mind though that, typically, spacious seats are a bit more expensive. However, it’s worth spending extra money for a bit more room.

c)       Make sure you promote blood circulation during the flight

Every half an hour, particularly during long flights, make sure you stand and walk in the plane. This goes for all passengers, but particularly pregnant women need to move their legs periodically. If you must remain seated, make sure you extend your ankles often. Also, you should wear support stockings and avoid restrictive clothing to minimize the risk of blood clots.

Besides, you should be buckled up during the flight to prevent the risk of traumatizing your body in case of severe air turbulence. Also, make sure you drink a lot of fluids to keep your body hydrated because low humidity in the cabin causes the air to dehydrate. If you are concerned about air pressure in the cabin, in fact, it may reduce the oxygen in your blood, but your body will adjust naturally. However, by drinking many natural fluids’ you will help your body to adjust quicker. Finally, avoid gassy foods and carbonated drinks before the flight because as the altitude increases the stomach expands and the gas trapped in your stomach may cause discomfort.

Christina Pomoni has acquired her MBA Finance from the American College of Greece. Her advanced familiarity with financial statement analysis, capital budgeting and market research has been acquired through her professional career at high-esteemed organizations. As part of her long journey, Christina has served as an Equity Research Associate at Telesis Securities (EFG Eurobank) and a Financial & Investment Advisor at ING Group. Besides, having lived at Chicago, IL, Boca Raton, FL and Paris, France has helped her, not only to be a successful professional, but mostly to see life under a more creative and innovative perspective.

Since 2005, Christina provides high quality writing services to numerous websites and research companies contributing her knowledge and expertise. Her areas of specialization are Business, Finance & Investment, Society, Politics & Culture. She also has a very good knowledge of Entertainment, Health & Fitness and Computers & Technology.

Christina currently designs the website of her own writing company. Believing that knowledge is the road to opportunity and development, her mission is to promote her already established knowledge to a growing number of visitors and to provide high quality writing services to meet the most demanding customer requirements.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/air-travel-guidelines-for-pregnant-women-1640156.html

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Fly With Your CPAP Machine – 3 Travel Tips for the Sleep-Challenged

December 4th, 2009

Fifty years ago, no one would believe you if you told them that one day, sleep apnea sufferers would be able to travel anytime, anywhere with a CPAP machine in tow. Today, advances in design and technology have made the equipment so travel-friendly you can take yours with you wherever you go.

Fifty years ago, no one would believe you if you told them there would be CPAP machines they can use outside the hospital, or that CPAP replacement parts in Toronto (or any other area for that matter) would be available to the average, do-it-yourself Janes and Joes.

But how times have changed!

Airplanes and Your CPAP Machine

Today, you can fly to any corner of the globe and not lose a good night’s sleep. All you have to do to treat sleep apnea in Toronto, Vietnam, or even Timbuktu is bring your device with you.

For maximum comfort when you fly, be sure to check on your airline’s regulations concerning your equipment. They can also bring you up-to-date on any new airport regulations that concern you and your device.

Ask and Ye Shall Be Told

You’ll be surprised how much helpful information a simple phonecall or website inquiry will turn up. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, too. You’re not the first one to lug a medical equipment around and you certainly won’t be the last. Below are 3 tips to keep in mind so you’ll never have to miss a night of sleep therapy, on flight or off.

1. If you can, bring either a letter from your physician or your prescription. This isn’t required by most airlines, but it’s a good thing to have on hand should there be questions on how absolutely necessary the equipment is to you.

2. Carry your CPAP machine. If you’re worried you may have to pay for this, you won’t. It’s not counted as part of your carry-on baggage total because it’s a medical equipment. Moreover, with your equipment in tow, you won’t have to worry that it might get damaged or lost. Don’t forget to label the bag with your contact info, though, so it’s easier for you to get it back, should you lose it somehow.

3. Ask about your seat’s power options. When you’re traveling halfway across the globe and have to stay seated for 14 hours or so, odds are you’ll spend most of your time sleeping. So, ask about your seat’s power options, and be prepared. Depending on your airline, you may need to bring a battery pack, special cables, and plug adapters. Don’t forget to pay attention to your equipment’s altitude settings, too. Of course, this wouldn’t be a concern if your equipment is capable of adjusting its altitude settings automatically.

You don’t have to deprive yourself of a good night’s sleep just because you’re on the go or are ready to go. Get the rest you need by putting your CPAP machine to work when you travel!

CPAP Clinic – healthcare at your home
We serve Greater Toronto Area in Canada.
Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca

Treat sleep apnea in Toronto? Why not? Whether you’re looking for a CPAP machine in Toronto or CPAP replacement parts in Toronto, CPAPClinic.ca has what you need and more!Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/fly-with-your-cpap-machine-3-travel-tips-for-the-sleepchallenged-1543685.html

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Need For Travel Insurance

November 9th, 2009

Traveling insurance is something that is as important as the tickets that you cut to your destination. There are many people who undermine the importance of travel insurance. But it is also a fact that numerous individuals have suffered immensely because of not having travel insurance. In order to ensure that you do not ruin your entire trip and repent later, it is best to find out all about travel insurance and getting it done.

Why do you need Travel Insurance?

There are many things that can suddenly happen, leaving you in dire straits. In case of emergency situations and unexpected circumstances, you should always have travel insurance to fall back on. Have you ever imagined what would happen if a planned trip gets cancelled or the airline you were planning to fly with goes bankrupt? These are situations that are, indeed, unlikely. But at the same time, they are not impossible. As the old saying goes, it is always better to be safe than sorry. So getting travel insurance is a very good idea.

Even in cases like loss of luggage, having travel insurance ensures that you get replacements for what was lost. When you are traveling to another country, you must find out whether normal insurance will grant you cover in that country or not. It often happens that the insurance you have is not accepted in the country you go to. If this is the case, and there is some medical emergency, you will face a lot of problems in a completely foreign land. This is where travel insurance steps in. It guarantees you cover even in medical emergencies.

How does Travel Insurance help you?

Travel insurance is a great friend in need. Even if you fall ill and cannot travel, you can rest assured about getting your money back, thanks to travel insurance.

The whole point of insurance is to guard you from unprecedented trouble. Life is uncertain. There is no way in which we can tell what is about to happen even in the very next moment. Thus, it is best not to take chances and make proper arrangements so that when you land up in trouble, you have something to fall back on. Travel insurance is very important because it provides a buffer for you in case anything goes wrong. It is especially important because when you are in a foreign land, you are at a greater risk because your familiarity with the place is low.

How will you Choose your Insurance Plan?

Once you understand the importance of travel insurance, you should take it seriously and start conducting basic research about the companies that offer travel insurance. There are numerous companies that do so and you just need to find out which one suits your needs best. One factor that is very important in your decision is your frequency of travel. The insurance needs of a regular traveler are completely different from the requirements of a family going on a vacation. So before you finally zero in on a particular policy, you should make it a point to carefully consider all your options.

Simon Johnnson is the director of content for Executive Gift Shoppe. They specialize in passport holders and travel alarm clocks.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/need-for-travel-insurance-1439987.html

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10 (almost) Free Travel Deals

October 28th, 2009
While you’re unlikely to get an all-expenses-paid trip unless you win a game show, you can still get portions your trip for free if you book certain promotions or take advantage of some alternative modes of travel. Here are my picks for top limited-time and long-term “free” travel deals worth checking out. 1. Kids Fly Free to French Polynesia Never considered French Polynesia for family vacation? Maybe Air Tahiti Nui’s kids-fly-free deal will persuade you. When you book two adult Air Tah

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