Welcome Guest!
Teachers are welcome to read and post on Teachers.Net.
Login to access to these free features:
• Relaxed spam filters
• Post pics, links & comments
• Get notified of responses |
• Join teacher groups
• Apply to teacher jobs
• Post a resume |
Welcome Guest!
You must login to comment on posts.
Login to access to these free features:
• Relaxed spam filters
• Post links & upload pics
• Get notified of responses |
• Join teacher groups
• Apply to teacher jobs
• Post a resume |
Welcome Guest!
Your account must login to post.
Login to access to these free features:
• Relaxed spam filters
• Post, comment, & upload pics
• Get notified of responses |
• Join teacher groups
• Apply to teacher jobs
• Post a resume |
by teachinTexas
Oct 17, 2007
/blockquote>
well, I was hoping to find great travel places to go to on
vacation or spring break. Anyone been somewhere pleasant
for a decent price? If I have mistaken what this board is
about, my apologies in advance.
by R. Garcia
Nov 26, 2007
/blockquote>
Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at
home so that you can be contacted in case of an
emergency. Prior to your departure, you should register
with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the
State Department’s travel registration website
(travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs). Reg...See More/blockquote>
Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at
home so that you can be contacted in case of an
emergency. Prior to your departure, you should register
with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the
State Department’s travel registration website
(travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs). Registration will
make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is
necessary to contact you in an emergency.
Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the
countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S.
Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign
country, you are subject to its laws. Read the Consular
Information Sheets (travel.state.gov/) and Public
Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable for the
countries you plan to visit. In order to avoid violating
local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you
exchange money or purchase art or antiques. If you get
into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.
When you cross several time zones, there are ways to
minimize the effects of "jet lag". For example, try to get
extra sleep the week before your trip. Take earplugs and
an eye mask to shut out distractions so that you can
easily sleep on the new schedule. And force yourself to
maintain your normal sleep pattern so that your body can
adjust more quickly. It is common to become dehydrated on
a long flight, so drink plenty of water and avoid drinking
alcohol, which dehydrates the body even further.
Keep all of your receipts for purchases of goods or
services outside of the U.S. In many other countries, a
VAT, or "value added tax" is added to the purchase price
of everything from theater tickets to toothpaste.
Depending on the country that you are traveling to, these
taxes can be as high as 25% or 30%. The good news is that
if you have your receipts, VAT is reimbursable when you
return to the U.S. Also be aware that U.S. Customs
regulations allow travelers a maximum of $400.00 per
person duty free allowance upon re-entry to the United
States
by R. Garcia
Nov 26, 2007
/blockquote>
Avoid being a target of crime; try to blend in and not
wear conspicuous (American) clothing and expensive (Bling)
jewelry (leave that stuff at home) and do not carry
excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
Carry your wallet in the front left pocket. Most people
are right handed, so pick-p...See More/blockquote>
Avoid being a target of crime; try to blend in and not
wear conspicuous (American) clothing and expensive (Bling)
jewelry (leave that stuff at home) and do not carry
excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
Carry your wallet in the front left pocket. Most people
are right handed, so pick-pockets will tend to direct
their activities to the right pocket. Also in areas that
lend themselves to theft, I often will use a “throw away
wallet” in the back pocket with nothing of value in it as
a decoy.
Or, you can wear a money belt and carry a “throw away
wallet.” Note: It’s best to have a wallet with cash for
day to day spending to use, separate from your passport
and credit cards. This “throw away wallet” is for use,
when being robbed. Toss the wallet so that it falls to
the floor away from you and slightly out of reach of the
criminal and run in the opposite direction of the wallet.
The criminal has a choice; waste time chasing you or get
what he came for.
Bras with removable inner pads are great to carry/hide
your cash. Remove the pads and put your cash in them and
put back the inner pads. Roll up your cash and place it
in an (unused) feminine applicator tube (you know what I
mean). If someone ruffles through your handbag, they will
be less likely to want to invade that intimate item to
find any cash.
Staying at a hotel in a large city? Always take and carry
the hotel business card with you. It’s easier to find
your way back with the address and telephone number on the
card. Make note of all fire exits, since most fire trucks
ladders can’t reach higher than the sixth floor. Keep
important documents and non-replaceable items near you
when you sleep, to prevent loss time searching for
important items, during a fire. Thief's in the rooms
normally occur closer’s to the fire exits and also on the
first two floors of a buildings (easier for thieves to
getaways). To prevent assaults when you’re in the room
sleeping, try using a door jam/wedge.
by R. Garcia
Nov 26, 2007
/blockquote>
Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do
not accept packages from strangers. When you sit on a
plane or bus, put your luggage on the overhead across from
you. This way, you can keep an eye on your belongings.
It’s easy for thieves, to go through your luggage above
your head, when you ca...See More/blockquote>
Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do
not accept packages from strangers. When you sit on a
plane or bus, put your luggage on the overhead across from
you. This way, you can keep an eye on your belongings.
It’s easy for thieves, to go through your luggage above
your head, when you can’t see their hands. Always mark
your bag with something distinctive, so you can recognize
it quickly when you see it on the baggage carousel.
Learn the language of emergency words/escape words. In
case of trouble it is helpful to learn a few words of the
country you’re in. Such as; where is the toilet? Where
is the hospital, can you take me there, can you help me,
can you point me in the direction of the American Embassy,
etc…
Walk in well lighted areas. Walk in the middle of
sidewalks to avoid robbers. Stand away from curbs to
avoid robbers in cars on motorbikes. If approached by a
suspicious person, cross the street, change direction,
approach a policeman or enter a store or public building.
Remember to wash your hands daily. Be aware that
everything you touch, i.e.; hand rails, doorknobs, shake
hands with, all carry germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi,
protozoa, helminthes, etc.). Do not eat undercooked beef,
pork, or fish. Wash all fruits before eating. We know
bottle water is safe to drink. But why do Americans
insist on ice cubes with their drinks? It’s a bad idea,
because you don’t know, if the tap water used for the ice
cubes is germ-free clean water. When buying “bottle
water,” turn it upside down before you pay for it. If it
leaks, it may have been refilled and is being resold.
Photo tip: Take a photo of the town’s name, i.e.; on a
sign, a poster, shop name, drain covers usually have them
as well, for example. When you first arrive somewhere to
help you remember exactly where you were, when you first
took that batch of photos. And repeat as often as
needed, as you travel to new locations.
by R. Garcia
Nov 26, 2007
/blockquote>
--Hotels
-Do not stay in the most expensive hotels.
-Do not unnecessarily remain in the hotel public areas.
They are likely targets for bombing and surveillance.
-Do not open the door if you are not expecting callers.
Call the reception desk to verify.
-Use hotel safe for excess cash and valuables. Never...See More/blockquote>
--Hotels
-Do not stay in the most expensive hotels.
-Do not unnecessarily remain in the hotel public areas.
They are likely targets for bombing and surveillance.
-Do not open the door if you are not expecting callers.
Call the reception desk to verify.
-Use hotel safe for excess cash and valuables. Never
leave them in your room, even in a locked suitcase.
-Do not enter a elevator containing a suspicious person.
-If robbed, do not resist. Nothing takes priority over
your life.
--Surviving Fire
-Locate the two closest fire exits and identify how many
doorways they are from your room.
-Hotel fires usually happen at night. If awaken and see
or smell smoke, do not stand. Fires often produces
deadly, odorless, colorless gases that rise to the
ceiling. Instead, roll out of bed onto the floor. Get
your key and crawl to the door or window.
-Feel the door before opening it. If it is cool, slowly
open it and go to the nearest fire exit. Take your key and
crawl if the air is smokey. Do not use elevators. If
exits are inaccessible, return to your room.
-If your room door is hot, do not open it. Your room may
be the safest place. Seal all cracks with wet towels, and
turn off any fans or air conditioning. Telephone for help
or signal from window. Fill ice bucket or waste basket
with water to keep the door cool.
by R. Garcia
Nov 26, 2007
/blockquote>
--If you are Hijacked.
-Do not volunteer any information, nor aid the victims of
the hijackers.
-Downplay your importance if your are questioned.
-Surrender your personal articles without comment.
-Do not be abusive or belligerent.
-During a rescue, stay down on the floor or ground and
behind cover u...See More/blockquote>
--If you are Hijacked.
-Do not volunteer any information, nor aid the victims of
the hijackers.
-Downplay your importance if your are questioned.
-Surrender your personal articles without comment.
-Do not be abusive or belligerent.
-During a rescue, stay down on the floor or ground and
behind cover until all violence is over. Expect rough
treatment from the rescuers until they have established
your identity.
--If you are taken hostage.
-Do not resist or aggravate your abductor. Expect to be
blindfolded or drugged.
-Do not panic. Stay calm and as rational as possible.
Although your fear of death may be realistic and
overwhelming, recognize that your responses may help you
successfully adapt to the situation.
-Manage yourself by remaining confident and physically
active.
-Make mental notes of your abductors, your surroundings
and everything that you can sense.
-Stay alert, stretch and exercise. Remain mentally alert
by writing, reading books, studying your abductors
language, or devising solutions to hypothetical problems.
-Gradually increase your request for personal comforts.
-Maintain your dignity and self-respect at all times. Do
no show belligerence.
-Try to develop a rapport with your abductors.
Communicate and cooperate with them fully. Becoming non-
communicative can depersonalize you to them.
by R. Garcia
Nov 26, 2007
/blockquote>
--First aid supplies should include bandages, gauze, tape,
scissors, and tweezers. An elastic bandage can be helpful
for strains or sprains.
-A topical antibiotic ointment is also useful to prevent
infection of minor wounds & abrasions.
-An anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibupro...See More/blockquote>
--First aid supplies should include bandages, gauze, tape,
scissors, and tweezers. An elastic bandage can be helpful
for strains or sprains.
-A topical antibiotic ointment is also useful to prevent
infection of minor wounds & abrasions.
-An anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen
can help relieve pain. An antihistamine can be used to
treat allergic reactions and relive itching from insect
bites.
-A topical steroid cream such as hydrocortisone 1% may be
helpful for treating skin rashes or relieving sunburn.
-A decongestant is useful for colds or sinus congestion
especially during airplane travel where cabin
pressurization can cause ear pain if the Eustachian tubes
that equalize the air pressure in the ears are
swollen shut. Note: Chewing gum also helps with popping
ear drum during pressurization of aircraft.
-If you are prone to motion sickness you also should carry
along some Dramamine or Ginger tablets.
-Sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 since most travelers
will be visiting areas closer to the equator where the
sun's rays are stronger and it takes less time for skin to
burn.
-Insect repellents containing at least 30% DEET (Deep
Woods Off, Repel or Ultrathon by 3M) should be used when
traveling in areas where mosquitoes are present.
Permethrin can be used to spray all your clothing before a
trip (spray till clothing is slightly damp, let dry, then
pack). It will last even after 6 to 8 washes in your
clothes.
-For jet lag, melatonin tablets taken at bedtime may help
restore the normal sleep-wake cycle.
-Pepto-Bismol liquid or tablets; as a preventive measure
along with Imodium AD to slow down a bad stomach. Bananas
are also a natural way to help a bad stomach.
by R. Garcia (over 30 countries and counting)
Nov 26, 2007
/blockquote>
Pack everything of value in your carry-on luggage. Though
it may seem to be stating the obvious, if your luggage is
lost, even temporarily, you could experience problems that
are easily prevented. Insure to fill any prescriptions you
need, before you leave and carry an extra pair of contact
lenses or gla...See More/blockquote>
Pack everything of value in your carry-on luggage. Though
it may seem to be stating the obvious, if your luggage is
lost, even temporarily, you could experience problems that
are easily prevented. Insure to fill any prescriptions you
need, before you leave and carry an extra pair of contact
lenses or glasses, just in case.
Pack as light as possible and be sure that you have room
in your luggage for souvenirs. Pack clothes that can be
mixed and matched with each other. If going with a
partner, pack some of yours in theirs and vice versa, so
if a bag goes missing you will have clothes for both of
you. Comfortable walking shoes and loose fitting clothes
are a must. Wrap your toiletries in little (plastic)
sandwich bags; if they accidentally spill you won’t ruin
all your clothes. Remember that many airlines are
enforcing the "one piece of carry-on luggage" rule,
particularly when the flight is full, so pack your bags
accordingly.
As the saying goes, “take twice as much money and half as
many clothes as you think you’ll need.” Make copies of
your traveler’s checks. Securing replacements of these
documents when you travel abroad is much easier when you
can provide copies of originals. Credit cards are widely
accepted and ATM machines have become part of the
landscape in many foreign countries. But, you may still
find it necessary to carry cash when you venture into
small towns and rural areas.
Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if
required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency
information page of your passport!
Make copies of your passport identification page. This
will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or
stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives.
Insert one inside each luggage; carry the other with you
in a separate place from your passport and with your spare
passport photos.
next page »
« prev page
Teacher Chatboards
