Travel Tip: Everyone who has a Mobile Phone  SHOULD  want this GENUINELY FREE App  ??? Stay in touch on your travels at home or abroad with Viber !!

By Making FREE Calls and Texts from Your Mobile Phone – be it Android or iPhone ( or indeed an iPad) locally and internationally- Easily !!

I speak of the the Viber App for use on iPhones and Android mobiles. We all want to save cash on charges in the current economic climate and this is a useful assistant for us all to this end to save a few bob.

Lots of you are no doubt already happily using Viber – but this is for the newbies- like me until recently when a friend asked me to set it up !!. Thanks Kieran.
 

To make FREE phone calls and texts using Viber you need a 3G connection or Wi-Fi connection. You are using your phones data allowance on 3g but most of us have or should have generous allowances from our providers. When travelling abroad in particular seek out Wifi – this way you cannot go wrong !!!

Once two iPhone users have the Viber app installed on their phones and their numbers are present in each others phones on their contact lists, then they will get unlimited free calls and texts, either over 3G or Wi-Fi to each other. It is as simple as that Folks !!! Really.

Viber works very like Skype, but unlike Skype, where you have to sign up and get a unique skype name , add users contacts etc — with Viber you do not need to sign up to use it. Once installed you only have to call your friends mobile phone number from your contact phone list like you always did.Convenient in a word.

Easy  Installation- Its Free !!

On the Itunes store – or Android market- Get the Free app

Then you simply install the app – run it – and then just register your phone number once, and you receive immediately an SMS/text message with a code. You simply Enter this code into Viber and that’s it … You have lift off *****

  How  Does it  Work

 Instead of using your iPhone’s phone app, you use Viber App instead.

When you make a call out of Viber, it checks to see if that phone number is registered with another Viber user. Viber automatically detects from your contact list on your phone whether persons on your list are using the viber app or not (no matter the model of your iPhone) If it is, Viber handles the call over VOIP. If it’s not, Viber automatically routes the call through your iPhone’s as normal (ie.like before you installed the app).

The app gets you free calls to other Viber users and other calls to non viber people work just the same as always( as your phone was before installation of viber).

Thoughts about Viber in Summary

• Viber is Very simple to use- it’s basically a purple version of your iPhone’s phone app
• No editing or having to add anything to your phones contact list.
• It Notifies you of which of your contacts are on Viber
• Make free international phone calls
• Call quality is very good every time we have used it
• You will be able to make calls over Wi-Fi when your cellular reception is particularly poor – a hidden bonus

The only downside we see

• No conference calling or video calls or screen share- which you get with Skype – but the portability and simplicity using Viber more than compensates particularly when you are travelling either at home or abroad. In any event if this bothers you – you can use both services- after its fair to say that many of us use more than one web browser !!

So FOLKS get ready to make free calls or texts to other Viber users, no matter wherever he or she lives anywhere on the planet as long as you have Wi-Fi or 3G access. It really is a powerful tool for all of us travellers!!

We believe that when you try this out that you will Pass the word to friends, relatives, siblings, customers or any regularly used contacts and IMPRESS UPON THEM the value in installing this app- emails are forgotten or ignored- many of us are swamped with them. Thereafter you will see from your phones Viber contact list if they have signed up – if so- happy days for you both!! Some cash saved !!!

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With Many Thanks Rosemary

1. Make sure you arrange to arrive at your destination during daylight hours. I book my flights well in advance and it has an hidden bonus of cheaper airline tickets in general.

2. If possible avoid using a handbag by wearing travel clothing with pockets for your passport, money etc. When you are trying to manage baggage you can be distracted and one needs to be street wise when you are in strange surroundings.

3. A friend the other day mentioned that she carried pepper with her.  But there are many personal alarms available including

Personal Alarms you can wear on your wrist - Alarms with flash lights - Self Defence Spray

Click Our Amazon Images for the USA and UK to check these products

 

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With Many Thanks Rosemary

Click Here For Travel Pocket Clothing

Be Secure With These Travel Tips

Think about it folks Tourists are easy ripe pickings and targets for professional thieves, so here are some security tips and thoughts to consider- not rocket science, but we can all be lazy !!!. Many thieves are opportunists and if you make it more difficult for them to hit you rather than the next guy or gal they will pick that easy target instead. They want an easy hit.

 1. SECURITY BEFORE DEPARTURE

 Just because you are going on vacation remember your local neighbourhood thief isn’t!

Do not make it obvious that your home is empty vacant and available for theft. Properly secure your home before you leave, locking all windows and doors and setting your alarm. Be careful who you tell about your absence, because professional thieves have a network of spies to help them hit easy targets .Use home timed security lighting for example.

2. KEEP YOUR CASH CLOSE – Smart Travellers Do !

Pickpockets are a worldwide scourge and they thrive on tourists. Wear a money-belt or at a minimum keep your wallet in your front pocket. Women, wear your purse over your shoulder and securely tucked under one arm- much better still use multi pocketed zipped clothing for out and about.

3. USE YOUR CARRY ON – a no brainer!
I religiously put all of my most valuable items and tech gadgets and at least one change of clothes in my carry-on, firstly for security and secondly in case I lose my other luggage. You are unlikely to lose your carry on. Remember the cost of valuable tech items- I’d hate to lose them- that would be an expensive vacation.

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4. USE THE HOTEL ROOM SAFE – why do you think its there?
Even the most security-conscious hotel can be vulnerable to the dedicated thief- seriously !. Do not make it easy for anyone to dart in and grab your valuables- use the safe in the room or at reception. Cleaning staff frequently leave room doors wide open, sometimes when they’re not even in the room.

5. USE PRACTICAL CAUTION- observe local custom
Google your destination before departure and get a feel for the place- check the crime rate of a place before you go and remember the criminals there are not on vacation too- its business as usual !!. Be alcohol wise- ladies do not over do it and then leave a bar with someone you don’t know. Ladies and indeed gents do not accept a drink unless you’ve watched the chain of delivery from the bartender directly to you. What is the crime rate on late night public transport ? Dress wise /research local custom- dress like a local.

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With Many Thanks Rosemary

Money Belts folks were a great invention and still are a very useful and necessary travel accessory for all of us. I continue to promote money belts on my site for good reason. However I decided to make this post purely to get you thinking about using as an alternative - “specialist multi pocketed clothing” – that is available out there in the market place THAT Lets your Clothing Become Your Money Belt !!!

Last year ago unable to sleep one night I was watching a repeat of an unremararkable travel programme and by chance was lucky to watch a segement about travel clothing  which turned out to be -the Scottevest range and brand of travel clothing. What caught my attention about  this product range was watching on video a woman pack a travel jacket with all her goodies and valuables – showing her then going to the airport and basicalluy using the jacket as an extra FREE Carry on. I had to buy it and try it and as a regular traveller and did – I saw the obvious security benefits and also the realisation of how it could help me avoid excess baggage charges.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGX2TC1Jnvg[/youtube]The Scottevest range – is multi-pocketed in general and the core concept is that you carry all of your essentials, tech  and valuables on your person in your clothing safely and securely. (Check out my other posts to learn more).  Scottevest really is travel friendly clothing at its best.

The product range has varying numbers of  multiple  pockets most of which are zippered both  inside and outside allowing you to carry all essentials on your actual person . No longer will you have to  worry about losing a handbag ,or leaving a handbag behind, or leaving a wallet exposed for the thiefs out there . Imagine the freedom of simply having all your valuables now safe and secure – ON YOU?

I bought my first Scotte Travel Vest because  the core concept Grabbed me because I travel a lot – quite often on short visits abroad, and thus I have little need for extensive luggage and the concept grabbed my attention because of the freedom it gives me in allowing me to travel with just a Scottevest for all my valuables and a small free travel  carry  on bag for essential clothing.In short for these travels I have 2 FREE CARRY ONS. I can assure you that I am very attached and remain attached to my Scottevest jacket and have since purchased a number of other items from their site- GLADLY.

Better Still I found OTHER USES FOR THE SCOTTEVEST PRODUCTS at home on terra firma. I find that the freedom they give me is fantastic – If I am meeting the girls casually or informally in town – I do not bother with a handbag anymore. No longer do I have worries about my handbag and purse – whether they’re still safely under a chair and have’nt gone for a walk. Those worries are bygone ones. Indeed when I do my business banking at least three times weekly I go to the bank and transport  all the valuable cash and cheques- ON ME !!  safely hidden in my jacket. Lets face it folks you would want to be a very unlucky traveller to be forced to take off your jacket and hand it to a thief – because like many of you  I have been relieved on a few occasions of my precious purse by both the opportunist and the professional thief – who are always looking for that  unprotected exposed  bag , purse or handbag .

I strongly and genuinely recommend that you consider this range of clothing for all the security and usefulness it can bring into your life and travelling life

Happy travelling

Rosemary

• Offers For UKOffers
• For The USA Scottevest Offers
• For UK and USA

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A Special Thanks Rosemary

Travel with Children brings a definite security risk.Unfortunately theft is and always was a major problem whilst travelling  but more so in times of economic recession like now. Travel with toddlers can make parents especially vulnerable and at risk because young children require constant care and supervision. Our  poor innocent children through no fault of their own can very easily distract either or both parents. Unfortunately it is a sign of our times that parents represent prime targets for thieves. A busy parent, distracted by a couple of young kids- look at the thiefs viewpoint – what could be a better easier target for a pickpocket or bag thief???
Not only have parents to mind the children or toddlers but at the same time they are trying to keep an eye on family valuables, handbags etc.
Here are some Simple Precautions and Ideas and Tips- Not Rocket Science BUT Worth Reflecting Upon.

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Click Here Amazon UK  Security Items

Click Here Amazon USA Security Items

Click Here For Security Suggestions

• Before  leaving home: do you have insurance on your camcorders, laptop, and/or digital camera. If not it’s often possible to  insure these items for a small cost– with “zero deductible” (discuss this with the insurance salesperson)
• Consider taking along a small amount of travelers’ cheques for emergency- whilst they are normally a pain they are like insured cash.
• Photocopy all of your passports and visas; Scan them and EMAIL them to yourself – this will reduce your hassles if these documents disappear- the internet is accessible worldwide.
• When possible on your trip, leave passports, tickets, etc. in the safe at your lodgings or hotel.  Most accommodation offers this service.
• Husbands and Wives should both carry/divide seperately their own cash and credit cards.
• If you’re loaded with  bags, camcorder bag, bags for the kids stuff etc, etc., you can easily lose track and temporarily forget your belongings! Sound Familiar? Consider keeping your money in a money belt that never leaves your body- or indeed use multi pocketed specialist  travel clothing which can also carry many valuables, Ladies try and leave the handbag at home- use your money belt or better still- multi pocketed clothing for your normal handbag contents
• Be aware of common scams— one person distracts you (maybe even spilling his/her food or drink right on you!) while a second person plucks your valuables. Research your destination on the net before departure – theres a lot of info out there
• Be Really vigilant if you’re being jostled in a crowd: This brings back a very bad costly memory to me.
• Also be vigilant when your kids are clamoring for attention, crying, tugging at you, etc.Remember you are then badly distracted.

Happy Travels

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Many thanks Rosemary

Here is another thought you might consider ?

Why not let your clothes be your money belt

Click here Expedia

Travel Tip: – Expedia Reward Loyalty Scheme

Here is some brilliant news from Expedia they are offering a reward loyalty programme which will be a great way to get value for our holidays especially in these hard economic times.

The new schemes offers travelers the opportunity to gain 1 to four points for per every one dollar spent on airlines, hotels packages using Expedia.com .

I find it staggering to think 2 million people go to Expedia every day Scott Durchslag president of Expedia.com said in a recent press release that this programme is a good way to thank customers for their loyalty.

The more items you book with Expedia the more points you can earn for that special holiday to help relieve stress in these hard economic times.

Here is an example, if you book a Delta Airline light and then choose Hilton or Marriott hotel for Miami, this choice would entitle you to two bonus points for each dollar you spend with Expedia.then if you choose a car and activities you will get four base point for every dollar you spend. If you have VIP access you will receive more bonus points for every dollar you spend

Members of the Elite programme also get extra privileges. In this programme there are 140 airlines and 70.000 hotels to choose from and lots of variety for your special holiday or trip.

You need to earn 10.000 points to get 100 dollars hotel coupon or 50.000 gets you a coupon for a 1.000 dollars – that would be a great start for your holidays.

The brilliant thing is there are no date restrictions. There is nothing more annoying to gain the point in a programme to discover you have missed the date deadline. How many vouchers have you missed due to date restrictions.

On another positive note, it does not stop you from earning airline miles or benefits  Expedia credit card programe.

I would recommend you go to

Click Here For Your Travel Bottles

Here is a travel tip: Speaking from experience , it is very important to have a travel bottle set  for your cosmetics or buy miniature bottles of your favourite products. There is nothing worse that an airport employee throwing away  your well loved creams etc  just as you board a plane. I have often felt very sorry for people in this position. Don’t forget your  hand cream to keep your  hands nice and fresh. Here is an article giving more detailed  advice

Click Here For Travel Cosmetics

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Cheap Flights – Even the Low-Cost Airlines would have to Laugh Aloud at this Video!!

Cheap flights and Low-cost Airlines – Love them or Hate them – but don’t we all use them a lot out of financial necessity when our cash is tight – seeking that Bargain of Bargains

Some days ago having had a bad bad day a Facebook friend was kind enough to forward me the link to this video which made me laugh aloud.

Have a look at it Folks – I hope it makes you Laugh Too !!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPyl2tOaKxM[/youtube]

Happy Travelling
Rosemary

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Travel destinations intrigue us all. The expectation of Travel into the unknown is always exciting but don’t we all ponder about what we can do, what is safe to do ,what we really should see , how do we get about there etc– because our travel destination is unknown to us.

A number of years ago I happened to dine in my city centre in a Moroccan restaurant and by chance I was travelling to Morocco a week later on vacation. The owner was an expat from  Marrakech – one of the main venues I was travelling to.

We both had time for conversation and within 20 minutes I had a list of the must see sites in Marrakech, female safety and dress tips , bartering tips- tips for the bus and train – not to mention the address for a hamann his wife went to on her annual trip home and his insistance that I give his name and be looked after – which transpired on the trip- the hamann owner in fact would not take any money.

My trip turned out to be  a memorable one for me- the insider info invaluable. I have used this approach many times since.

Bottom line folks – the moral of my story is that you have insider travel information for your destination obtainable on your doorstep. Most expats from around the world are proud of their countries of origin, and are delighted that you are travelling there and will in fact go to great lengths to help you have a good time. Let’s face it if we met a friendly tourist in our local bar or restaurant – would we also not be happy to impart all sorts of useful tips and tricks to them.

Try it out! That Curry may pay for itself several times over

Happy travelling

Rosemary