What you can do to avoid a terrorist attack

Having an anti-terror/force protection plan is mandatory for military trips and should be completed by anyone taking an overseas trip.

Most terrorist attacks are the result of careful planning. Just as a car thief will first be attracted to an unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorists are looking for the most accessible targets. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublished program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight. In addition, many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within their own country or region, may not be looking for American targets.

Nevertheless, the following pointers may help you avoid becoming a target of opportunity. These precautions may provide some degree of protection, and can serve as practical and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.

* Schedule direct flights if possible, and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas.

* Be cautious about what you discuss with strangers or what others may overhear.

* Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an airport, which is a less protected area. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. Upon arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible.

* As much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior that may draw attention to yourself.

* Keep an eye out for abandoned packages or briefcases, or other suspicious items. Report them to airport authorities and leave the area promptly.

* Avoid obvious terrorist targets, such as places where Westerners are known to congregate.

* Watch for people following you or "loiterers" observing your comings and goings.

* Report any suspicious activity to local police, and the nearest U. S. embassy or consulate.

* Keep a mental note of safe havens, such as police stations, hotels, and hospitals. Formulate a plan of action for what you will do if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby.

* Select your own taxicabs at random. Don't take a vehicle that is not clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the face of the driver with the one on his or her posted license.

* If possible, travel with others.

* Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don't meet strangers at your hotel room, or at unknown or remote locations.

* Refuse unexpected packages.

* Check for loose wires or other suspicious activity around your car.

* Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition.

* Drive with car windows closed in crowded streets. Bombs can be thrown through open windows.

* If you are ever in a situation where somebody starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible. Don't move until you are sure the danger has passed. Do not attempt to help rescuers and do not pick up a weapon. If possible, shield yourself behind a solid object. If you must move, crawl on your stomach.

How to save money when visiting orlando florida

Many people still see a trip to Walt Disney World and sunny Florida as a once-in-a-life-time trip. They look at the cost of flights, accommodation, car-hire, park tickets and spending money and think that it really will cost the earth.

Today, this is not the case.

If you invest a little time into researching and planning your holiday not only will you get more out of your time, but also more importantly, you will save lots of money.

So where do you start. Firstly, forget the notion that to visit Florida and Orlando, you need to book a package holiday. Although this is unarguably a quick solution, you are paying either a travel agent or a tour company for the convenience. Start thinking independent travel, break the holiday up into its component parts, and you will begin to see ways you can save.

Flights. Shop around for your flights, if you can book well ahead you can often secure the lowest prices, as airlines often increase their prices as the seats begin to fill. This will also mean that you, with many airlines, can choose your seats, allowing you and your party to sit together, (or apart if you choose). If you are looking for a last minute deal, don’t despair. There are still bargains to be had. Some companies buy seats in advance to sell on as last minute deals at prices which are reduced below the carrier’s own prices.

Accommodation. Holidays have come a long way recently. You no longer have to spend your well-earned rest crammed together with your friends or family in a double hotel room. Or pay a premium just to get connecting rooms. Now you can easily rent an entire vacation home in which to really relax and enjoy your holiday. Take a look at a Condo or a Townhouse. These offer you a full home from home with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy yourself. Most Condo and Townhouse rentals are located in wonderful communities which provide all the facilities you would expect from a luxury resort including swimming pools, hot-tubs, gyms, tennis courts and much more. Because a Condo or Townhouse can offer you two, three or four bedrooms you will very quickly find yourself saving lots of money when travelling with a party.

Car-Hire. When you organise a package holiday many companies will include a car. The only problem is they do not include insurances. These are the most expensive part of the car-hire deal. Shop around and you will find you can get a far better deal by yourself, and often you can get a bigger and better car for less money. A few companies even offer all-inclusive car-hire deals, which really do include all your insurances in one low price. This will save you a lot.

These are the three biggest expenses you have when considering a visit to sunny Florida. But when you shop around and look at the options available to you, you will see that you really can save a lot of money, and have a great holiday. A little work at this end will help you get the most out of your time and pocket when visiting Orlando.

How to save your traveling cost

Have you ever dreamt of sampling local wines in Tuscany in September? Will it be a wonderful time to visit Paris in the spring? Enjoy the English countryside in the summer? You may think this is just a dream and cannot reach. It doesn't have to be.

You can travel to some of the world's most interesting and beautiful locations and you will only pay for airfare, dining out and tourist attractions!

Now, you may have questions whether how this can be? The concept is so easy you just use a housing exchange service. You may not know that this service is widely used in Europe, Asia and Australia.

It is so simple like this. You just choose a country you want to visit, duration, and the exact time you want to go. Arrangements are made, and you exchange homes with someone else.

This is how it works and you can cut your costs up to 75 percent. By staying in a home, you're not paying the high cost of hotels (which can run upwards of $125 a night) or dining in restaurants, saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars!

In addition, this is a big chance for you to live like the locals do. You can also enjoy total immersion into the culture, and rather than being treated like a tourist, you have the opportunity to make new friends and participate in your surroundings as a member of the community.

Many of you may be worry while being away from your home. With this service, you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is being carefully looked after, your plants are being watered, and your pets are taken care of.

What you have to do is start searching through the Internet and find a company that you're comfortable with. Sign up and join the housing exchange list. (Some companies have over 10,000 members!) Then, with a click of your mouse, you can find information of other, like-minded travelers, who want to visit your area.

Most of companies provide you pictures of the houses and the description about the houses as well. You can directly contact the owners to reach an agreement.

Here are some of the things you'll want to agree on:

Total number of adults and children staying in the home

Use of the vehicle and it's maintenance

What linen will be provided in house, and how will it be cleaned?

Care of pets

Long distance phone calls

Don't worry though. Your housing exchange company can help you put together a list, and give you ideas for preparing for your guests.

Instead of going to a cold, impersonal hotel room, you go "home" and are welcomed by your next door neighbor, who gives you the house keys and invites you to dinner the next evening, telling you to call them if you have any questions.

You can have the vacation you've always dreamed about, and save thousands of dollars at the same time! Bon voyage!