SMART SAFE TRAVELER is a broad based book about travel how-to and travel safety. It is 160 pages of real world useful information that can save you time, frustration and MONEY!!
It could even save your life!
In the first part the author takes you through preparing for your trip step by step with tons of helpful tips and tricks.
In Chapter 1, getting your passport/s; you get the info you need to get this all important document, complete with links to government offices and instructions on how to take your own photos (saves you $15) and which type of passport to get (saves you as much as $100).
Chapter 2 is about choosing your destination and some things to consider in making this critical decision.
Chapter 3 gets into the pros and cons of weather and the necessity of this aspect including some things that don't jump into your mind like seasonal insect problems.
In Chapter 4 you research and get you required visas and combine your passport and visa into one pocket size document.
Chapter 5 goes into researching and booking flights and getting the best price and the best value for your travel dollar. Including; getting better meals and more leg room without paying for upper class tickets. (This can be another big money saver.)
In Chapter 6 you look at getting new, or preparing existing, electronics; cell phones, cameras, etc. Don’t find yourself with a cord in your hand saying “Oh Damn it!”
Chapter 7 gets into the rather complex, subject of packing. What goes into carry-on vs. checked bags with lots of helpful tips and tricks. Another chance to save your money and your sanity!
Chapter 8 is all about purchasing luggage and what to look for in each type of baggage. The pros and cons of the 3 C-s; Checked, Carry-on and Custom.
Chapter 9 is about medicines from getting vaccines to packing prescription medications. It’s not as simple as it sounds!
Chapter 10 carries on from Chapter 9 explaining what you will want to put into your first aid kit for traveling in out of the way places.
Chapter 11 is about dealing with foreign languages and how to get by when you don’t speak them.
Chapter 12 walks you through Airports and Check In, dealing with security what is and is not allowed. How to be check point ready and comfortable.
Chapter 13 picks up as you enter the plane and covers storing your bags through flight etiquette.
In Chapter 14 you learn about how to get around once you arrive with tips and cautions.
With Chapter 15 we launch into safety once you’ve reached your destination. There are lots of safety tips presented in chapters 1 – 14 but now in 15 we will really concentrate on safety.
Chapter 15 is about food safety and how to eat and drink without ruining the rest of your trip.
Chapter 16 covers sanitation and goes hand in hand with chapter 15. Sanitation is very important to having a great travel experience.
Chapter 17 looks at crime and how to avoid becoming a victim while having a relaxed trip by being an informed and aware. The author talks about being a hard target vs. a soft target and how to avoid being a target at all. Included here are some common scams and rip-offs you might encounter.
In Chapter 18 we get all wet talking about water safety from frolicking in the surf to venturing into lakes and rivers there are lots of things that you need to be aware of…
Chapter 19 takes you into unfamiliar places and exposes many of the dangers that you might not think of until it’s too late.
Chapter 20 gives you some basic guidance in being prepared for the most unexpected; Natural Disasters and what you can and should do for that big “just in case”.
Chapter 21 points out the pitfalls of putting yourself in harms way with “Don’t try to be a hero”!
Chapter 22 talks about the legalities of foreign travel in the 3rd world and the common misconception that you are “covered” if something goes wrong.
Chapter 23 wraps it up with what to expect from 3rd world medical systems and what to expect should you find yourself going to a doctor or hospital.
After reading this book and following the tips, tricks and cautions you will have a much less stressful adventure. You will be far more apt to have great stories instead of woeful tales to tell when you return.