Travelling Michael Jordan – Page 4 – Contains about travelling Information

11
Jan
2019

What’s So Great About Travelling Alone

The hardest decision that faces most gap year and career break travellers is not choosing between Africa, Asia, Europe or South America. Nor is it, packing the complete world travel guide (just in case) or a lifetime supply of insect repellent. Choosing whether to travel with friends or to go it alone is actually the most important decision youll ever make, and its one that will affect every aspect of your trip.

Whether youre 17 or going on 70, if you havent ever been away by yourself before, it can seem like the most terrifying thing in the world. Though it seems incredibly daunting, boldly going where youve never gone before can be a fantastically liberating experience. Travelling alone gives you the freedom to go wherever you want and do whatever you want; all you need to do is make sure that you make the most of every opportunity and experience along the way!

A little soul searching

Spending time away from everything and everyone youre used to will give you the perfect opportunity to not only do new and exciting things, but to learn a lot of things you never knew about yourself. Relying on your own abilities may seem a little too Bear Grylls but youll be surprised by your newfound sense of capability and independence.

Travelling is a great way to learn about new cultures and challenge yourself, and that doesnt necessarily mean eating unidentified bugs. From climbing Everest to teaching a class of 200 in northern Africa, going it alone will open up a whole world of new experiences that you never thought you could cope with, and give you a whole new set of skills to bring home with you.

A social extravaganza

Travelling with friends can be an amazing experience, but it can also be a limiting one. Setting off with your buddies or your partner might feel comforting, but its all too easy to end up relying on each other so much that you miss out on opportunities to meet new people. Without your trusty friends at your side, youll be far more likely to make an effort to seize each chance to make new friends and youll get to know a lot more people.

Whether youre travelling independently or with a company you will come across people from all walks of life; staying in hostels, interacting with the locals and even as you travel from place to place, its guaranteed that youll meet some like minded people along the way, and almost certain that youll find a few lifelong friends. Dont forget that there are hundreds of travellers out there who have decided to go it alone and they will be just as keen as you are to make new friends.

If you want, a cast-iron guarantee that youll see a few friendly faces when you get out there, the best solution is to go through a company. Travelling as part of a group or volunteer project, you can be certain that there will be other people there and quite a few of them will be solo travellers too. Companies like Real Gap send out a buddy list a few weeks before you go, which gives contact details of all of the travellers going on the same trip as you so you can get in touch before you leave, swap packing tips and maybe even arrange a group flight.

A chance to be selfish

Travelling on your own gives you the chance to be utterly and completely selfish. You can plan to do exactly what you want, where you want, and for however, long you feel like doing it. There will be no need to compromise on which famous sites you want to see and how long or how short your trip up the mountain is; your itinerary will be completely up to you. You might miss your friends for a little while but youll soon appreciate the freedom of choice you have without them.

Youll also be able to make the most of any opportunities that come your way; if you make some new friends and decide that you want to tag along with them for a few weeks or fall in love with a place and want to stay there a little longer, you can. If youre travelling with a company and decide that you want to change your trip or project, there will be no other feelings to consider than your own, so you can always do whats right for you. After all, if you cant make your trip of a lifetime all about you, when can you?

Top solo travel tips

If youre travelling alone, there are a few essential things you need to do to get the most you possibly can out of your gap year or career break trip, here are the top 3.

Be outgoing

Life as a traveller is nothing like life at home, while you wouldnt strike up a conversation with the person next to you in Tesco, thats exactly the kind of thing that will win you friends overseas. Now is the time to get yourself down to the hostel bar, take part in the optional activities and try out your phrase book on the locals! Travelling alone is the best possible cure for shyness, and you will definitely get back what you put in!

Be aware of your personal safety

Through travelling is probably the only situation where its good to talk to strangers, you still need to be aware of where you are and what youre doing. Personal safety may not be the most exciting of things but it is important when youre in an unfamiliar country with not altogether familiar people. Making new friends is great but make sure you dont get too intoxicated, and keep any eye on your valuables when youre out and about. Its a good idea to keep your loved ones updated on how youre doing by sending emails or writing an online blog, that way theyll be able to track of where you are and whats going on.

If youre keen on safety issues, companies like Real Gap offer specialised safety courses that will help you to prepare for any eventuality and give you a lot more confidence about setting off on your own.

Manage your expectations

When youre travelling to a new country youre likely to experience a little of whats known as culture shock. The best way to make sure you get the most out of your trip is to be prepared; do some research into your destinations cultures, traditions and history. Its important to respect the culture of the country youre visiting; different countries have different social rules and different standards of life, its your job to fit in and knowing what to expect will make it a lot easier.

If youre travelling with a company youll get a pre-departure pack full of country and trip information, it might seem tedious but its a good idea to read every single page. Youll definitely be wishing youd read up a bit more if youre the only one who turns up in shorts and a t-shirt in monsoon season!

08
Jan
2019

Cashless Atms – Reducing Your Worries While Travelling Around Us

categories: Travelling

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.

04
Jan
2019

Plan Early Before Travelling

categories: 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.

01
Jan
2019

A Brief Guide On Xiangqi

categories: Travelling

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.

27
Dec
2018

Precautions To Take When Traveling Solo

categories: Travelling

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!