Avoid Being Scammed Anywhere in the World

September 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s quite easy to get scammed while traveling. Some malcontents prey on tourists because of their inherent vulnerability. Whether you’re inside your home country or visiting another, scams can happen at any time in any area.

travel carefully

But there are ways to avoid being scammed. In this article, we will examine how to do so…

Traveling Inside Your Own Country

When you’re traveling domestically, you tend to think that everything is going to be alright. But this is not always the case, as crime really can happen anywhere.

~Keep wallets in your front pocket and purses near you.

~Watch out for sudden bursts of commotion. This is caused by scam artists at times, who may use a public spectacle to distract people. If you leave a purse across a table or on the ground, it can easily be stolen.

~Always put things like souvenirs in the trunk of a car, rather than the backseat. While a trunk can still be broken into, it’s a far tougher task than a passenger side door. A window versus metal, you do the math. 

~Research the place you’re going, so you know what locations are safe as well as what places to avoid.

Caribbean Cruise Line scams are also quite popular among thieves these days. You might think you’re getting a free trip, or a discounted one, when in reality you are being scammed out of your hard-earned money. Some scammers even use big name cruiselines to make you think you’re getting a great deal, when in reality you’re paying for a converted ferry ride.
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Travel Insurance – Take It, or Leave It?

September 21, 2013 by 1 Comment

Most people buy their travel insurance as soon as they’ve booked their flights / hotel / holiday, as they will usually be covered for cancellations, but there are some people who prefer to leave buying their insurance until the last minute so they can get the cheapest possible premium.  What do you think is best, and why bother with Travel Insurance at all?  Let’s chat with Beth Macer, Travel Insurance Expert.

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Samantha- What made you become so interested in travel insurance?

Beth Macer- I’ve always been interested in travel, different countries and cultures and I spent a gap year traveling and working abroad. The type of cover offered by Payingtoomuch.com is specifically designed to cover those people in the UK with pre-existing medical conditions and I have always been interested in the medical side of things, having previously worked for a medical supply company, so when I had a chance to put the two together, it seemed like the perfect job opportunity to interest me.

S- What is the most common reason people need travel insurance?

B- Travel insurance is designed to protect you against a variety of eventualities, such as loss / theft of personal possessions, holiday cancellation and public liability costs amongst other things, however the most common reason people need insurance is for medical expenses and repatriation. A travel insurance policy is most commonly designed to cover the cost of emergency medical treatment abroad in the event of something unexpected occurring – something which can be very costly!

S- Is travel insurance like homeowners insurance, where they pay only a fraction of what it will actually cost to replace/cancel, or does it fully cover losses and accidents?

B- All travel insurers have different cover levels / policy limits for each section of cover, for example a standard UK insurer will cover £2000 baggage / personal possessions and £5000 cancellation / curtailment. The level of cover is designed to pay you back fully, for any losses or cancellation costs (that are irrecoverable elsewhere), provided that the value you have paid for you holiday etc. is within the limits set by the insurer. With travel insurance there are different levels of cover available, so it is important to make sure you purchase a policy with enough cover to protect your needs.

S- Are there different types of insurance? If so, what do you recommend purchasing?

B-There are different policies available, depending on what it is exactly that you want to insure. Some policies will only cover emergency medical expenses, with no baggage or cancellation cover, which is great for people traveling last minute to a family holiday home, as they are then not paying for something they may not need.  However this type of policy may not be suitable for people taking a 3 week cruise or all inclusive holiday packages which have been booked in advance – in this instance they may need cancellation cover in case they can’t travel, or a policy to cover travel delays if they miss a flight.
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Travel Adventures – Share Your Photos

September 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Have you guys seen the new United Sharing Adventure yet?  I contributed to it, my photos represent the State of New Jersey.  From the Land of Make Believe (geared for kids under twelve) to the teenage stomping grounds at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier & Boardwalk in Ocean City, to adult-sized entertainments at Jersey Shore’s dazzling casinos, award-winning restaurants and theaters – New Jersey has something fun for everyone.

margate NJ elephant

Even visiting their historic sites is fun, with scenic ferry rides to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or guided tours up Lucy the Elephant, a six-story structure standing since 1881 with spectacular views of Atlantic City’s skyline. Once a Hoboken neighborhood secret, when Carlo’s Bakery was dubbed “the Cake Boss” on a popular cooking show, visitors started lining up to score their delicious Grab & Go meals featuring Italian cannoli and lobster tails topped off with luscious gourmet cupcakes. The homemade ice creams at Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery in Bloomfield draws locals but Sopranos’ fans come for the onion rings.
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Family Travel in Upstate NY

September 17, 2013 by 8 Comments

Fall foliage will soon be at its height in many Northeastern states, making this the perfect time for a quick getaway. These family friendly destinations in upstate New York will rival any in beauty for those in search of the perfect photo, and will provide the kids with endless fun.

fall travel

Fall Foliage Train Excursion in Shortsville, N.Y., is a 90 minute nostalgic train ride where riders can not only enjoy the trip, but also the view of the changing colors and landscape from your own window. The slow, rolling ride allows ample time for photography, reflection and enjoying time with the family as you make your way to Phelps and back. Upon your return, visitors can also view the Lehigh Valley Historical Society’s museum in the Old New York Central Freight Station, open during excursions.

Find out more at http://www.lvrrhs.org/

Phone: 585-289-9149

NY State 305

The Seneca Park Zoo is open year round. Home to roughly 300 animals and aquatic life, the zoo will be a treat for kids of all ages. During the month of October, bring the kids in costume for a trick-or-treat event called “Zoo Boo,” where your children can take photos with costumed mascots and larger-than-life lions, watch sea lions play with pumpkins, and ask for treats at assigned locations. Collect all the stamps from every location, and your child will receive a special prize to remember the visit by.

Complete with a playground in the center of the zoo, snacks and lunch areas (where you can bring a picnic or purchase food at the zoo), the Seneca Park Zoo is a great way to spend an autumn day.

Find out more at http://www.senecaparkzoo.org/

Phone: 585-336-7200

NY State zoos

The National Museum of Play at the Strong is a museum not to be missed by any family – or any kid at heart. While it is most certainly a museum, it is like none other. Fully hands on – and sometimes feet, head, or voice – your child will not have an amazing time playing, but will learn about the toys they love while doing so. Home to extensive collections of historic toys, as well as the Toy Hall of Fame (soon to induct another toy in November), the museum also features a Butterfly Garden, outdoor Discovery Garden, Comic Book Heroes interactive superhero center (where kids can not only dress up, but become part of their favorite comic books and shows), a carousel and more. Schedule this as an all-day activity – it cannot be covered in two or three hours, and will be a day the whole family will thoroughly enjoy.
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Where to Stay in Cape Cod/Provincetown

September 4, 2013 by 9 Comments

Thinking about running away?  I suggest you do it.  Why not, you only live once.  If you are looking for a fun getaway with charm, good food, and something a little out of the ordinary- why not visit Massachusetts?  There is so much to do there, and this time of year is perfect for a trip.  Great weather, less crowds, and everything is still open.

cape cod hotel

We recently took a trip up North, and stayed at the very family friendly Harbor Hotel Provincetown, just a short walk from the center of town, famous food and attractions, and right across the street from the beach.  This hotel has a restaurant right on site (a real one, not a dive that you get stuck eating at because it’s there) as well as a poolside cabana offering good eats, drinks, and desserts poolside. Don’t feel like leaving the pool?  Don’t.  It’s a real getaway, you make what you want of it.   Explore, don’t explore, be a hotel-body and lounge about by the pool all day- it’s your trip.  Do what you want!  They even have a fire pit, which as you can see my family very much enjoyed.

cape cod food
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Delsey Garment Bag – Great Travel Suitcase

September 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

 

Delsey offers garment bags in three styles- covers, rolling bags, and non rolling bags. If you need to take along outfits for the family and keep them as neat as they were in the closet, they are great options.

delsey

The non rolling bags are framed bags are slung over your shoulder or held by the top handle, and and have several pockets that hold your shoes, accessories, toiletries and items like socks or undergarmets. They are ususally more compact and lightweight than wheeled bags, and are perfect for talking along to a wedding or trip when you know you will need to keep the family looking their best.
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New York Renaissance Faire Fun

August 30, 2013 by 4 Comments

Last week, we went to the New York Renaissance Faire for some historical fun and silliness.  We also got to see a Mike the Knight show while we were there, which delighted many children in the audience.

toys, coney island, ren faire 085

My son loved all the pirates he saw everywhere, and of course had to check out all the food stalls.  He had to have one of the giant turkey legs that the Ren Faire is famous for, and while eating, chatted with two of the costumed period players who didn’t know what a plastic knife was, nor a napkin.  He even ate a piece of the napkin, much to my son’s delight, lol.

toys, coney island, ren faire 106

Mike the knight did two shows, and the one we went to see was packed.  The kids were shouting and yelling for their favorite knight.  There was also a jousting match with “real” knights on horseback, matching skills and trying to please the “Queen” and win her favor.  At the end, the kids all got to line up and get knighted by the queen and her courtiers.
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Lobster and Beyond: Family-Friendly Hidden Gems in Portland, Maine

August 22, 2013 by 4 Comments

Turns out this historic, progressive New England town has a lot more than just lobster to boast about: it’s a bona-fide foodie’s paradise. Best of all, there are are plenty of family- friendly dining options poised to please not only your sophisticated palette, but also your tot’s budding one.

 Maine

Here’s a sampling of some of the city’s finest offerings for fun, kid-friendly dining:’

For that lobster fix. the charming and whimsical DiMillo’s On the Wateris surprisingly kid-centric, with plenty to engage the little ones as you wait for your meal. This floating restaurant started out a decommissioned car ferry, and its antique ship wheels and oversized portholes with harbor views garner lots of ooohs and aaahs from kids and grownups alike. The lobster is simple and perfectly cooked, as you’d expect from an established Portland eatery, and there is a good kid’s menu that features plenty of crowd pleasers like Mac and Cheese and Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Located ocean-side in South Portland, The Saltwater Grille offers breathtaking water views inside as well as out with it’s a big saltwater aquarium, replete with pint-sized Adirondack chairs right in front of it, so your children can have an up close and personal look-see at all the fish inside while nibbling on their Chicken Fingers, PB&J, or a host of other children’s entrees. For Mom and Dad, Johnny’s Bouillabaisse or Linguini in Lobster Sauce are both excellent choices, and there is a good wine list to complement the seafood- focused fare.
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