Category: Travelling

Cashless Atms – Reducing Your Worries While Travelling Around Us

Carrying cash is among one of the major worries of people while travelling. They need cash at each and every place during their journey. In order to purchase journey tickets, other travelling expenses like buying food stuff, magazines and book people need cash. This is really a great worry for frequent travelers.

However, you dont have to worry about carrying cash anymore, if you are travelling to any part of United States. Most of the merchants and stores have adopted a new tradition of receiving payments from customers. The new concept of Cashless ATMs has changed the way people used to make payments. Now you dont need to pay in cash when you purchase your favorite Pizza from any of the popular food chains in United States.

Use of cashless scrip ATMs by merchants on most of the departmental stores, gas stations, and food chains has simplified the process of making payments. This new phenomenon of Cashless ATMs is not only popular in major cities and metropolitans. You can find all stores and gas stations on highway equipped with modern cashless ATMs. That means you dont have to worry about cash anymore while you are travelling through state or national highways.

The popularity of Cashless ATMs has also attracted nightclub and bar owners to install them at their place. That means you can enjoy the excellent nightlife with music, dance and total fun without being worried about the payments. You can do it through your ATM card.

You must be wondering what is there in a Cashless ATM machine that changed the whole scenario of shopping and making payments. The reason is the dual benefit provided by these Cashless scrip ATMs to merchants as well as customers.

Installing a Cashless ATM requires less investment and makes you eligible for receiving payments from a wide array of Banks. After installation of Cashless ATM at their place merchants dont have to pay heavy processing fee (as charged in case of receiving payments by Credit Card). They have to pay a fixed amount every month for unlimited number of transactions. Even, customers love the convenience of using Cashless ATMs. They have to pay less convenience fee if compared to the heavy processing fee by Credit Card companies.

Cashless ATMs are very common in United States. Most of the stores have adopted them and rests are also adopting the trend. That means when you will be travelling to different part of United States for touring or business purposes, you dont have to worry about carrying Cash anymore.

Plan Early Before Travelling

Anyone planning to travel through an airline for sure wants to get the cheapest ticket. Traveling domestically or abroad has made air travel a necessity. Every person has to make use of it even the cost is high. One could always look for alternate option like a bus or rail, but going out of the country, one could not utilize these options. The time option is extremely high priced resource. People do not mind spending extra on the air ticket, if it could save them few hours. The cost of airline tickets keeps on varying because of the immense competition among the airlines. Each of them is in contention and struggle that their aircraft’s fly fully loaded. This could only be done if they are ensured that each and every seat on the flight is confirmed and filled.

This tariff war has been started by smaller airline companies, who are trying to get a market share. They try to reduce the fare prices to get more and more customers attracted towards them. The traveling season and weekends are exceptionally beneficial for the airlines, and they try to increase the prices to get the benefit and value of the rush.

Thus, if one knows that he/she has to travel through an airline like Go Airlines or Paramount Airways, in a couple of months, and then one must immediately book the ticket. It is not advised to wait as at weekends and traveling season the fares are the highest and an inappropriate time to book tickets.

One could find and book the cheap seats normally about three to four months before in advance of the day one plans to move. This is not a standard, but one has to look consistently for the revised airfares to take advantage of the discounts offered by the airlines. It is better to make travel plans in advance to take advantage of cheap air tickets, to make it the best time to buy the air tickets.

A Brief Guide On Xiangqi

Do you like playing strategy games for the better functioning of your mind? If yes, then you are likely to be aware of the popular game Xiangqi or Chinese chess played throughout the world. It is true that Xiangqi is not different from modern chess but players of Xiangqi need to follow certain rules when playing the game with a partner or online. This article helps you know more about Xiangqi or Chinese chess.

Xiangqi is a two-player game and belongs to the same family as western chess, chaturanga, and Indian chess. Although Xiangqi players have to follow some of the similar rules and principles as modern chess but there are many specific rules that are not found in modern chess or Chaturanga. Studies have indicated that the history of Xiangqi can be dated back to the 9th century, thus giving it a rich history. Additionally, the board used in Xiangqi is different compared to the board used to play modern chess. This is because; in a Xiangqi board, the centre is separated with a river; the Pawns are promoted after crossing the river whereas the Elephants do not have the permission to move across the river, thus making it slightly more difficult for the players.

Xiangqi or Chinese chess is also referred as the war game or a battle between two armies with each one of them trying to capture the general’s piece at the earliest. This popular game has some of the distinctive features, which includes the moving of the cannon or the pao, the movement of this piece is crucial, as it prevents the general from facing each other directly. The other important feature is the river and the palace board; these pieces also help in restricting the movement of certain pieces. This -Elephant Game-, is not only popular in China and some of the Chinese communities but also in Vietnam. Make sure to be thoroughly aware of the rules before playing Xiangqi.

Xiangqi can be played both online and with a partner offline. For those interested in playing the game with a challenger should have a Xiangqi board, which has 9 wide lines and 10 long lines. The pieces used to play the game are placed on the intersecting lines also known as points. It is good to know that the vertical and horizontal lines are referred as files and ranks. The main objective behind Xiangqi or Chinese chess is to checkmate your challenger’s general. Xiangqi being a mind engaging game, the players have to play with complete understanding of the game. According to many experts, children who play Xiangqi regularly, have a developed thinking power and problem solving abilities.

These days, many people choose to play Xiangqi online, as it can be enjoyed free and one does not have to look for a competitor. Moreover, if you are a beginner you can choose the level of the game to suit your age and play accordingly. Whatever may be your medium to enjoy the game; Xiangqi players should always have a thorough understanding and complete information of the game to enjoy it completely. Moreover, Xiangqi being a popular game played throughout the world, there are many gaming websites offering the game, make sure the website you have chosen is reputed and reliable.

Precautions To Take When Traveling Solo

Traveling alone has its advantages and disadvantages, and can be dangerous if proper precaution is not taken. It can force the traveler to meet other people and to make friends, which can be good, depending on the person. You can go at your own pace and change your plans as and when you like. However, it can be lonely traveling alone and you often end up paying more in the form of single room supplements. And it can also be more challenging especially if you are a woman traveling solo.

There are some basic steps you can take to ensure your solo trip is safe and enjoyable. Do some general research on your destination you should have some idea of where your hotel is located; as well as the basic layout of the city or resort, and which areas of town that it might be best to avoid. Make a point not to look too much like a tourist. For instance, dont walk around with your camera, name tag or guidebook too visible; and try not to read your map in a public place.

ATMs can be found just about anywhere and offer a convenient way to access your cash. If you use an ATM while traveling alone, try to find one that is in a crowded or a public place; and if you are using one at night, try to choose one that is well lit. Take a few moments to check out your surroundings if you are using an ATM in an isolated spot; and once you have completed your transaction, dont linger in front of the ATM, leave the area as quickly as possible.

When you leave your hotel, carry just enough cash on you for that day that way if you are robbed, you wont be completely broke. Make copies of your passport, plane ticket and any other important documents and keep the copies separate from the originals. Use a money belt and wear it inside your clothing, if you have to carry your passport or other valuables with you. Keep a tight grip on your wallet or purse in crowded places, and watch for the distraction tactics that many thieves employ.

Write down the name and address of your hotel in English and the local language, if applicable and carry it with you at all times. Rather than mispronounce the name of your hotel to a cab driver and perhaps be taken to the wrong destination, simply hand over the card. Always use licensed taxis be particularly careful of unlicensed taxis at airports, train stations and major tourist attractions that will almost certainly overcharge you and are also illegal.

In many cities, public transportation is so good that you might not need to take a taxi. Be particularly careful with your purse, wallet or handbag when riding the bus, metro or subway. Try to wait in a well-lit area and board a car that is occupied by several people. Most city transit systems have easy to use route diagrams displayed; if you arent sure where you are going, you should be able to read the map without making it too obvious that you are a tourist and not a local.

If applicable, try to take a hotel room that is on the first floor; that way there is less chance of your room being broken into. Always use the deadbolt lock to secure your door; you can also put a rubber doorstop under the door to further deter any would-be intruder. Avoid using the doorknob hang tab to order room service it can leave the impression that you are alone in the room just pick up the phone instead. Use the Do not disturb sign to prevent the hotel cleaning staff from entering your room unless you actually want them to.

Unfortunately, women still face many more challenges and dangers than men do when traveling alone. Some countries and parts of the world are particularly challenging for a single woman traveler, such as the Middle East; and in many places, the normal rules of behavior that apply at home just wont work. Try to do some research before you leave home and if in doubt, observe how the local women behave and react in particular situations.

Women in particular should be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you just dont feel comfortable, or are being pestered by somebody, be prepared to take refuge in a public building, hotel or large store a tactic that almost always deters people. Be firm but polite if accosted on the street by homeless people, panhandlers, or people trying to sell something. Even if you arent married, a wedding ring can be an essential device for fending off unwanted attention.

Traveling solo can be a rewarding experience just take some basic precautions, avoid looking too much like a tourist, and your trip should be everything you hoped it would be!

Traveling Out Of Body

I can see the cops coming! They’re a good thousand feet away. I can clearly make out their uniforms and swinging nightsticks. How can I be seeing this?

I didn’t dare mention it to my fellow underage drinking mates lounging with me on the grassy knoll in the park. Am I making this up? Projecting it somehow into my vision? Forcefully, I shook my head back and forth in an effort to free my mind of its strange perception.

But the view of the two police officers remained in my sight, as they sauntered closer and closer to our drinking den. In fact, to my further astonishment, I saw a much wider perspective as I swiveled my gaze within the picture before me. I can see myself!

Frantically blinking my eyes open and shut trying to erase this impossibility, I still found myself staring at my own physical body on the ground next to my beer buddies. The place from which I was viewing was about forty feet in the air! As I shifted my attention to look at the looker, I saw an airborne body in the form of a luminous shimmer, much like a ghost is portrayed in a movie. Then, with the ease of a mere thought, I discovered I could shift my point of view from my physical body on the ground back to my ethereal light body in the air. Using my eyes in my subtle body, I surveyed the scene again from my perch in the air.

Am I making all this up? Do I want to impress my pals so much, I’m concocting an extrasensory perception to allow me to warn them of an oncoming bust? My frenetic self-questioning came to an abrupt halt as I heard one of the officers whisper to his colleague, “Do you hear that noise? There are some kids in the park.”

Whether I was conjuring my supernormal sight and hearing to court favor with my friends or not, I needed to act-and quickly. “Hey, guys, don’t ask me how I know, but there are some cops right up the street and they’re on to us. Let’s split.” My three inebriated friends and I quietly sneaked down the hill and out of the park under the helpful cloak of darkness. By a nanosecond, we successfully evaded detection as we heard the policemen slashing at the bushes with their billyclubs right behind us. A close call!

“Hey, how’d ya know the fuzz was there?” my buddy pressed me as we arrived safely back at our car.

“Uh, I just knew somehow. A guess, I guess,” I muttered, covering for myself as best I could under the circumstances.

“Well, a pretty good one, man. We’d be up the creek if they caught us. Thanks. You’re all right. We should have you around every time we go drinking.”

Ah, music to my ears. And so my young career as a drinking guard began!

My friends, at sixteen, were older than I but still under the legal drinking age of eighteen in New York State. I was fifteen and considered myself really lucky to be included in this older gang at a time of life when acceptance and belonging was paramount. And to have access to liquor through their connections was heaven for me.

I would do almost anything to please these guys and stay tight with them. I mused to myself, My newfound super-vision is coming in real handy. If we got busted for underage drinking, we’d all get grounded by our parents, not to mention getting in trouble with the law. I’ve got to keep this good thing going!

On that fateful night, my need for approval prompted me to keep expanding this burgeoning, new skill that I stumbled across in the line of necessity and opportunity.

As I played with my prowess as a night watchman for the gang, I realized I was doing more than clairvoyance, “clear seeing.” Each time I playfully sent myself out to scan the scene for police, I was having a bona fide out-of-body experience. I didn’t have a name for it then, but I sure knew I was doing it! I was right on the mark every time I called a cop alert. My skill was valued by the friends I valued. Literally, I was flying high!

Since my teenage discovery, I’ve continued to explore out-of-body adventures. And I always laugh in admiration when I look back on how God tricked me into developing my first natural spiritual ability.

(c)2004, Keith Varnum. All rights in all media reserved.

Drawing from the wisdom of native and ancient spiritual traditions, Keith Varnum shares his 30 years of practical success as an author, personal coach, acupuncturist, filmmaker, radio host, restaurateur, vision quest guide and international seminar leader with “The Dream Workshops.” Keith helps people get the love, money and health they want with his free Prosperity Ezine, free Empowerment Tape and free Coaching at www.TheDream.com.