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Take Your Wheelchair on Your Next Vacation

Posted by on Oct 15, 2012 in Planning

So many people feel as though the exciting times of their lives are over once they start using a mobility device. This does not have to be the case because there are now ways that you can do your favorite activities while staying comfortable. It is even possible to take your wheelchair on your next cross-country vacation, and the whole process is easier than you think.

Pack Light

While it may be impossible to pack a light suitcase for your next trip, you can pack a light wheelchair. Choose a chair that is comfortable to sit in but that can easily fit in the back of your trunk.

When you travel with a light wheelchair, you will be able to go on tours without worrying about getting tired or weak. You can see all of the beautiful sights without fear of losing energy before you are finished. You can even take the lightweight wheelchair into cabs, airplanes or trains, which means you can take advantage of all modes of transportation.

Experiment with each wheelchair before you buy it. Practice folding and unfolding it to make sure that you can use it without any problems. Be familiar with it before you take it on your vacation.

Get a Wheelchair Lift

If you will be taking your own vehicle, invest in a wheelchair lift. This will give you the ability to carry your wheelchair across the country no matter how large it is.

If you rely heavily on your wheelchair, you can use the wheelchair lift to transport it easily. You can find a lift for every type of vehicle, which means that you can take your car, truck, van or SUV on your vacation. You’ll have easy access to your wheelchair at all times, and you won’t have to worry about finding a way to store your chair.

Do Your Research

Before you go on your trip, check out the different venues that you will be visiting. Find out where the access ramps are, and gain special permission to enter tours if necessary. Make sure that each site that you are visiting will have everything prepared for you so that your tour can be even more enjoyable.

Top 10 Tips for Traveling Abroad

Posted by on Oct 11, 2012 in Planning

Visiting far away destinations can be an incredible experience, an opportunity to truly experience a new culture. However, traveling overseas can also be stressful, especially if it’s your first venture abroad. Here are the top 10 tips to make the experience go as smoothly as possible.

  1. Travel in comfort or as much as possible.The most painful part of traveling abroad is the long, overseas flight. However, there are things you can do to make it as easy as possible. Try to get the best seat possible on the flight. If you think you will have to get up often that may mean sitting in an aisle seat. If you plan on sleeping the entire flight you may want to snag a window seat. Take a book, blanket, pillow, and eye covers. It can seem surreal to have only a couple short hours of darkness en route. Covering your eyes will let you turn the lights out sooner and sleep more peacefully.
  2. Proper documentation. Every country has different entry requirements. Make sure you check the entry requirements for your destination and start on the necessary documentation as soon as possible. It can be stressful waiting on documentation, so do yourself a favor and don’t put it off.
  3. Vaccinations.Check the immunization suggestions for the country you will be visiting. Talk to your doctor about what you may need.
  4. Health stuff. Check with your health insurance company to establish whether you will be protected while you are abroad. It may be necessary to purchase extra coverage. Don’t take the risk and go overseas without the protection of health coverage.
  5. Money stuff. Don’t count on your debit card working while you’re abroad. Make sure you have a credit card, even if only for emergency purposes. When exchanging money, look for a bank or a business that specializes in exchanging currency, as airport exchanges tack on extra fees.
  6. Electronics. If you can’t live without your shaver or blow dryer, you will need to purchase an adaptor before you leave. Even if you can locate one abroad, chances are the prices will be escalated far above what you would find at home.
  7. Food. The food you are going to be experiencing abroad is going to be different than what you are used to. Period. However, different doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Just make sure you know what you are ordering to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation where your stomach can’t handle your selection.
  8. Culture. Do your best to be respectful of the culture and acclimate yourself to that as much as possible. Do some reading about the culture before you leave so you will feel as comfortable as possible.
  9. Language. While no one expects you to learn an entirely new language, you might try learning a few phrases that will be especially useful. Phrases like asking where the bathroom is or asking for directions will increase your sense of control.
  10. Souvenirs. Make sure whatever items you choose to take home can either fit in your carry-on or can fit into your suitcase. If you fall in love with an item that will not fit in your luggage you might consider shipping. Just be prepared, as this can get a little pricey!
  • Health stuff. Check with your health insurance company to establish whether you will be protected while you are abroad. It may be necessary to purchase extra coverage. Don’t take the risk and go overseas without the protection of health coverage.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6418412

Choosing the Best Chauffeur Service Company

Posted by on Oct 5, 2012 in Budget

Once you are aware of the benefits of hiring chauffeur services compared to hiring a taxi, you will not have second thoughts to book one. But the next step that you have to go through is choosing the chauffeur service company that will be able to meet your expectations and needs with a price worth paying for.

Whether you hire a taxi or minicab, their services will just be limited in their area. You also won’t feel secure since taxi drivers would tend to roam around the city and you pay for high meter fare. Since there a lot of professional chauffeur services, it will be hard to find one that will suit your preferences. So here are some tips on how to choose a car hire company.

Car hire company reviews

Reading customer reviews for car hire companies is one way of knowing which company is reliable. This is firsthand information from customers who have experienced hiring a car hire company while having a business trip or vacation. These are reliable information you can trust.

The range of available cars

There is a huge difference between a chauffeur service company owned cars than any of those taxis or minicab. You get to choose the kind of car you want to ride with during the whole trip. You also get to travel in luxury, style, comfort and enjoy your privacy. Amenities are also available which cannot be found in any of those taxis around.

Quotes or rental fee

Each car hire company has a different way of pricing. So make sure that you compare their quotes first before choosing one. Make sure to take note also of the refund rules and cancellation fees if you change your mind about the booking. Do some detailed research on each company that you would like to hire.

Chauffeur services

This is probably one of the most important factors that can help you determine which company to hire. There is a wide range of services included in being a chauffeur. You would actually have to rely on him to take you to your destination on time and enjoy your trip. He also makes sure that the car is well cleaned and well maintained to avoid delays along the way. He can even be a tour guide that can take you to popular places in the area and recommend good restaurants or malls.