Post about "Travel Planning"

Pre-Departure Travel Planning

Make sure you’re healthy before you start traveling. If you’re embarking on a long trip, make sure your teeth are OK. If you wear glasses or contact lenses take a spare pair and your prescription. If you require a particular medication take an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally. Take the prescription or, better still, part of the packaging showing the generic rather than the brand name (which may not be locally available), as it will make getting replacements easier. It’s wise to have a legible prescription or a letter from your doctor with you to prove that you legally use the medication to avoid any problems.Health Insurance:A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a wise idea. There is a wide variety of policies available and your travel agent will be able to make recommendations. The international student-travel policies handled by Harvey World Travel and other travel organizations are usually good value. Some policies offer lower and higher medical-expense options but the higher ones are chiefly for countries like the USA which have extremely high medical costs. Check the small print. Some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’, including scuba diving, motorcycling and even trekking. If such activities are on your agenda then you don’t want that sort of policy. A locally acquired motorcycle license may not be valid under your policy.You may prefer a policy which pays doctors or hospitals direct rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later make sure you keep all documentation. Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges) to a centre in your home country where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.Check if the policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.Medical Kit:It is sensible to carry a small, straightforward medical kit. A kit should include:Aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen in the US) – for pain or fever.Antihistamine (such as Benadryl) – useful as a decongestant for colds and allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites or stings and to help prevent motion sickness. There are several antihistamines on the market, all with different pros and cons (eg a tendency to cause drowsiness), so it’s worth discussing your requirements with a pharmacist or doctor. Antihistamines may cause sedation and interact with alcohol so care should be taken when using them.Antibiotics – useful if you’re traveling well off the beaten track, but they must be prescribed and you should carry the prescription with you.Loperamide (eg Imodium) or Lomotil for diarrhoea; prochlorperazine (eg Stemetil) or metaclopramide (eg Maxalon) for nausea and vomiting.Rehydration mixture – for treatment of severe diarrhoea; this is particularly important if traveling with children.Antiseptic such as povidone – iodine (eg Betadine) for cuts and grazes.Multivitamins – especially for long trips when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate.Calamine lotion or aluminum sulphate spray (eg Stingose spray) to ease irritation from bites and stings.Bandages and Band-aids – for minor injuries.Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer (note that mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines).Insect repellent, sunscreen, chap stick and water purification tablets.Cold and flu tablets and throat lozenges. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed) may be useful if flying with a cold to avoid ear damage.A couple of syringes and needles, in case you need injections in a country with medical hygiene problems. Ask your doctor for a note explaining why they have been prescribed.Immunizations:For some countries no immunizations are necessary, but the further off the beaten track you go the more necessary it is to take precautions. Be aware that there is often a greater risk of disease with children and in pregnancy. Leave plenty of time to get your vaccinations before you set off: some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, and some vaccinations should not be given together. It is recommended you seek medical advice at least six weeks prior to travel.Record all vaccinations on a International Health Certificate, which is available from your physician or government health department.

Experience the Elegance of Venice Through Private Tours to Venice

Venice is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, as evidenced by the countless literary masterpieces that the city has inspired. It is for this reason that private tours to Venice are so popular, especially for those who want to experience the city’s infectious romantic vibe. The Floating City, Venice is best known for being built on water. In fact, no car can access the city and canals lead to everywhere you want to go. Venice comprises of some 118 islands, interconnected with countless bridges and winding canals.

Private tours to Venice are even more enjoyable with at least a few hours spent on a Gondola ride. These small canoes are ubiquitous in the city and they are definitely the best way to get around, especially if you want a unique view of the city through the waterways. This said, walking tours of the city’s centuries old streets are also very common, especially for those who want to admire Venice’s rich collection of Gothic architecture that dates back as early as the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Ca’d'Oro the Doge’s Palace, and Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti are only among the must-see architectural marvels in the city.

Surrounded by water, it is no surprise that Venice is also a huge seafood haven. If you want to try a different side of Italy’s cuisine, Venice is definitely a great place to sample its seafood delights. The city doesn’t run out of fresh supply of fish, shellfish, and other seafood favorites hauled out from nearby lagoons.

Private tours to Venice are also not complete without a visit to the Burano Island, which is one of the most iconic fishing villages in the region, known for its floating houses that paint a rainbow-colored backdrop for your excursion. Another interesting island to spend a tour in is Lido or the Golden Island, which is best known for its private beaches and golden dunes.

About the Author

Italy Luxury Tours is the go to source for Exclusive Private Luxury Tours of the Italian Peninsula and its Islands. We provide Italy Private Tours, Enogastronomic Food and Wine Private Tours in most Italian Regions, Italy Off The Beaten Path Private and few selected Sport and Adventures Tours. All our Tours are fully customizable to suite your travel needs, interests and dates. Italy Luxury Tours specializes in delivering Italy Custom Tours where we will create your itinerary from scratch.