The Mophie Juice Pack is a rechargeable battery that looks just like any other iPhone4 or iPhone 4s case. But, it can double your phone's battery life. Here's a review.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Take Copies of Key Documents
Suppose you’re walking down a street in a foreign country and a thief cuts the strap on your waist pack or slips your wallet out of your pocket. Or, you were laughing at a friend’s comment when leaving that outdoor cafe and forgot to grab your purse that was hidden under the table. Either way, your money, credit cards and maybe even your passport are gone.
What do you do now?
If you have photocopies of your passport, credit cards, driver’s license, health-insurance information and other important travel documents it will be easier to replace the originals faster. With a copy of your passport information and number, for example, you can go to the nearest embassy and have your passport reissued more quickly than if the number had to be tracked down and you have to prove that you are “you.” The copy showing the back of your credit cards should have the telephone numbers to use if there’s a problem.
Make Photocopies Before Leaving Home
Even if you’re in a last-minute rush to prepare for a trip, don’t forget to make copies of the first page of your passport, the front and back of your credit cards and details about any medicines you must take on a regular basis. (The wisest approach, of course, is to make these copies long before leaving on a trip.) If you must take a written copy of your passwords and personal ID numbers for the credit cards don’t keep them with the photocopies.
Where to Keep the Copies?
Put one set of copies in the travel bag you are taking on the plane. If you’re traveling with a companion, each take the other person’s photocopies. If your hotel room has a safe, leave the copies in it. Leave another set home with someone you trust.
What Not to Bring
Don't bring any credit cards you don't intend to use. Leave home all passwords and personal identification numbers, especially for bank accounts, that you might have tucked in your wallet.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Top Day Hikes in Switzerland's Alps
The other day a reader asked for information about hiking in Switzerland. Contributing author Greg Witt spends much of his time walking around the Swiss Alps. Here are his top day hikes around the Swiss countryside.
As Witt says, "Where both vacation time and money are tight, you may prefer to spend your limited time in the Alps on day hikes. You'll be able to enjoy the mountain scenery, waterfalls, glaciers, wildlife, and wildflowers during the day, and still be back in town or on to your next destination before sunset."
Photo: Alpine guide/author Greg Witt in the Swiss Alps
Trek in the Himalayas or Europe With Just a Daypack
We've all seen pictures of heavily laden hikers trekking in the Himalayas but on trips with One World Trekking you only need to carry a daypack.? The rest of the gear is carried by a strong support team including a cook, various assistants and porters and/or pack animals.
National Geographic Traveler Magazine has included one of the company's newest trips, the Lost Valleys of NarPhu Trek, in its list of '50 Tours of a Lifetime' 2012. The lengthy list of treks at One World Trekking ranges from Peru and Scotland to Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.
Photo: Entering the lost Narphu Valleys in the Himalayas
Photo by Andy Crisconi, One World Trekking
Earth Day Events & Activities
This year's Earth Day - Sunday, April 22, 2012 - is again a day of action and civic participation, to encourage people to promote renewable energy, practice responsible energy consumption and create quality green jobs.? If you can't play hooky, there are lots of Earth Day activities and trips on surrounding weekends. For events and activities worldwide, visit Earth Day. Earth Day is always April 22.
During National Park Week, April 21-29, 2012, entrance is free at the 397 national parks. In addition, there are lots of deals and discounts in the parks and in nearby cities.
1. Find Earth Day Activities and Events around the World
(c) Lois Friedland
Here's where to find links to activities, hikes and events in countries and cities around the globe.
2. National Parks Week, April 21-29, Includes Earth Day Hikes & Activities
L Friedland
During National Park Week, April 21-29, 2012, there are free entrance fees to all 397 national parks. Several parks have hikes and activities planned on Earth Day, and the weekends surrounding it. Several parks have Junior Ranger programs on the weekends. Others have a variety of activities including family nature walks, sailing adventures, birding and fix-up the trails projects.
If you want details about national parks near you, visit About.com's National & State Parks Web site.
3. The Nature Conservancy Celebrates Earth Day
The Nature Conservancy has links to places in almost every state, where you can volunteer to help clean up protected reserves, which are popular places for hiking, bird watching and family walks. This year, the goal is to create a Picnic for the Planet that will set a world record!4. Earth Day Hikes and Bicycling with the Appalachian Mountain Club
Lots of hikes, bike rides and even climbing trips are scheduled in eastern states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island on Earth Day and later that week.? Go to the outdoor activity page to see what's happening near you.
Where to Combine Luxury and Hiking in Colorado
Some Coloradans have a mission in life: to climb the 54 mountains in this state that rise more than 14,000 feet above sea level.? Park Hyatt Beaver Creek offers the luxe route to climbing one of Colorado's14ers.
During a hiking week, you are prepped with shorter hikes during the day, and spa treatments and gourmet dinners at night. At the end of these hiking trips you get the chance to climb a 14er.
Photo (c) Lois Friedland
Would You Ride 100 Miles in 100-Degree Heat?
This is the challenge for anyone entering the Hotter/N Hell 100 summer race in Wichita Falls, Texas.?? This endurance bicycle race had almost 40,000 entries last summer! Of course, you could just go to the parties wrapped around the four-day race event. There's also a USA Cycling Road Race and USA Cycling Criterium racing at this too-hot-to imagine event.
Photo courtesy of Hotter'N Hell 100
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