Travel Blogs (264)

I have never traveled abroad before and I am planning a trip to the Philippines in January. I will be arriving in Cebu and taking a ferry to Bohol. Upon my research on the internet, that seems like the typical tourist trip taken.

Of course, my research and my inquiries have turned up even more questions about traveling abroad that I can find answers for. For one, how safe is it to travel to the Philippines? I have discovered that kidnapping does indeed happen there and that theft and robberies are commonplace. Of course, being a smart traveler will help safeguard against dangers, but there is no guarantees in life either. In order to be a smart traveler, I felt I needed to write this blog to hopefully get some tips on traveling abroad from the more experienced than myself.

Here are some additional concerns that I do have, that I have heard from some other people...not sure how true they are or not. Any other things I should watch for would greatly be appreciated.

...My first hold over will be in South Korea. (I was told that I would have difficulty making it out of that airport because they are huge and very busy and that the signs will be written in a language other than English). That really does not make sense because it is an international airport. But, I have never been there so I don't know for sure.

...This leads to another concern. I will be traveling by myself...and of course being new to this experience, I myself am also responsible for any language barriers. Not everyone I am going to need to associate with will know English. How do you communicate or deal with situations like that?

...I was also told that security at airports look for people who are nervous and will take them for questioning. Sometimes that questioning can go bad really quick, especially if there are language barriers. There is a good chance I will be a little nervous at times being an unseasoned international traveler. Any advice about that?

...I was also told to be very careful in international airports, especially the Philippines about employees slipping things in your luggage and then asking for money from you to not report it. I was told to not have luggage with pockets on its outside and if you can, wrap your luggage. Also, don't help anyone carry their luggage because this is how drugs get transported and if you get caught carrying that luggage, of course you will be responsible for its contents.

...Also, are there any tips on getting great airfare rates?

...Anything else that a new international traveler should be careful with or it would be helpful if it is known about?

Thanks all for your advice.

Taman Hutan Raya - TAHURA..the name of a conservation forest in Bandung area,
is an integrated conservation area between secondary nature and forest..

Alhamdulillah..Be grateful to have the opportunity to be there last Sunday at an eventForest Archery Tournament





As a newbie in Horse Bow Archery, this experience was .adventure , excited, and fun, ..
met with many senior and expert people in archery of course improve and add my knowledge





Previously I enjoyed walking in the forest to go up or down the mountain,
but this time it was the first experience going through the forest and archery ...

That's my sunday.. how with your sunday.. wish you all Joyfull and happy too

Wow all the money siphoned out of this great state.

No wonder they built the biggest casino in the US at the border between Oklahoma and Texas. Winstar, an hour drive from Dallas. Mostly players are yes, Texans. High rollers they are many.

I drove many a times in Houston and San Antonio but not in Dallas and golly, the roads are built for the future.

Anyways while I'm enjoying my stay I just noticed how everything is "big" here.

Yesterday I was in Orgiva, a small town in the Alpujarras and did have my camera. I'm not a good photographer, though.

Pics - Orgiva is hot enough to shade its main street - I do enjoy the effect when towns do.



This particular bit of road is watched over by this gent. I have no idea who he is. I did walk round him looking for a plaque.



The reason I was in Orgiva was to put my 9-year-old UK car through the first and vital stage of becoming a 9-year-old Spanish car - the ITV test. Since its last MOT in the UK it has driven to and around Spain, been used as a mini truck for building supplies, lived in the street and been bumped and scraped and peed on by dogs and crapped on by birds and not had a single service. It passed. Damn I love this car.



The ITV station is not in Orgiva, but nearby in the mountains. I don't know what other advantages the site may have but the view is good while you wait your turn



and now for something completely different. I live in a town, without a garden, and the townhouse has 10 foot walls. I have some plants in my atrium, at least 40 yards from the nearest garden, and they have been there a couple of months. These chives have died and I think this is the culprit but - how the hell did he get here?



I did say I'm not a good photographer.

REALLY starting to worry about Eks now. Hoping all SA bloggers affected by blizzards are keeping well-wrapped up and warm

This pic one of several taken by a photographer called Kitty Viljoen near Graaff-Reinet (Eastern Cape) - fab photo, frightening implications. Hope this is a fleeting situation, I was in my 20s when it snowed early in September (spring in the southern hemisphere) and JHB came to a joyful stop but it was just a couple of days. In other words, doesn't happen often.

Get there once ot twice a year, usually with Family. A little touch of Europe in North America. This time want with Motorcycle group. At my age. Roundly criticised by women in the family. Men and women.

Should I invite someone to tour Portugal in my motorhome with me. Is it better to stay alone..

and in the order that I got them -

good morning
goie more
sawubona
tumela
bonjour
guten morgen
g'day
bore da
madainn mhath
buenos dias
bon dia

and now

dobre rano.



I noticed one change, before, I learned them by going there, now I am learning them from guests coming to me. Are my travelling days over? A year ago today the pets got their rabies shots ready to make the trip to Spain with me (I don't keep track of these things, but FB does). One month short of being in Spain a year. I may have melted into a puddle before then, it ain't 'alf 'ot.

selfie 2............

went for a walk! Had that compelling feeling to just keep going even though it was really hot and had been going all day, Glad I did, sometimes you need to just burn up that built up energy. ;-}