If you’re going away for the winter holidays this year, or just have to drive a fair amount in the winter, there are certain precautions to be taken while driving on icy roads, regardless of whether you are an expert and accomplished driver or a novice.

Driving on snowy and/or icy roads is only possible when you are in firm control of your vehicle. But even then, it can take just one simple mistake to lose control of your car and have an accident, with potentially serious consequences.

Even though the wheels of your vehicle have special tread patterns engraved in them to allow the tire to keep a firm grip on asphalt roads, this is not always the case during a winter storm where snow and underlying ice, particularly black ice, can make for hazardous driving conditions.

If or when applying the brakes, the car, instead of gripping the surface of the snow-covered ice and coming to a halt, can skid. The slippery surface of the ice-covered street does not allow for friction which causes the car to stop. Be wary, bridges can freeze at a different rate than roads, making them even more hazardous.

When planning to drive on snow-covered streets and roads, it is important to:

* Change the regular tires to snow tires and/or utilize chains on them as an extra safety measure. And, ensure the tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s instructions for winter driving. Also, check and be sure there are no bald spots on them.

* Drive the car slowly. Maintain an appropriate distance from the car in front of you so that if you do skid, you will be able to stop your car before hitting the other.

* If snow is falling when you are driving, it can restrict your visibility. This is why it is so important that you change the windshield wipers regularly. Use the heating system in the car, but keep a window open slightly to prevent the windows from fogging up inside. A helpful tip is to mix a little bit of anti-freeze in with the windshield cleaner fluid. Also, carry a bottle of warm water with you to help keep the shield free of freezing salt and spray flying up and sticking to it from the cars and trucks in front of you.

* Use extra caution when you are changing lanes or making turns. Signal well in advance of the turn so that the car behind you has adequate time to adjust their speed. Avoid any sudden or hasty movements or braking.

* If your brakes give out and go flat to the floor board, pump them back up to a firm and taut state. However, do not attempt to pump the brakes if your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes.

* If you should begin skidding, turn the wheel towards the direction you are skidding; not against it. Although the sudden onset of instinct will be to turn away from the direction you are skidding, doing so can send your car into a tail-spin, possibly causing you to loose complete control of it.

* If the roads you are planning to take are particularly icy, try to take a different route. Avoid hilly streets, or snow-covered ones if at all possible.

Best of all, always be sure to check the weather forecast before planning any journey, and avoid going out at all if there is a winter weather advisory or watch. These few precautions should help keep you safe on the road if you have to go out in bad weather. Be safe and sensible this winter!

Winter Sport insurance is an excellent idea to help protect you in case of certain events that might occur while you are on your winter vacation. General life insurance often does not provide coverage for individuals engaging in dangerous winter sports, so it is best to take out extra coverage just to be on the safe side, especially in this current economic climate.

Without insurance, an individual may incur a financial crisis as the result of a seemingly minor accident on the ski slopes. To help prevent this from happening, it is recommended that you take out winter sport insurance before proceeding ahead with your vacation plans.

My friend Gill was standing in a line of students all being instructed by a ski pro when an out of control skier came flying down the slope and crashed right into her, destroying her knee, and her back as well. She was off work for 6 months and never able to ski again as a result. The physical injury was bad enough but the situation, as a whole, could have been far worse had she not taken out Winter Sport insurance. (Fortunately her job was held for her until she recovered).

This insurance will cover you in case any misfortune occurs. The insurance company will provide all necessary coverage, depending upon the type of policy taken. Fortunately, the cost of this type of insurance has decreased.

One factor that has led to the lowering cost of winter sports insurance is the increase in modern winter sports equipment. In addition, the number of accidents and claims have decreased substantially as a result of people taking the time to become more aware of safety issues.

Due to the currant economic climate, many insurance companies have decided to offer a percentage of their commission to clients in order to increase their business. This has led to less expensive premiums, making it more affordable to buy Winter Sport insurance.

There are many web-sites that can provide you with information on inexpensive Winter Sport insurance policies. A brief search on the Internet will assist in helping you find many of these.

You can also find a comparison of policies offered by different insurance companies along with listings of benefits they provide at: http://www.money.co.uk/travel-insurance/wintersports-travel-insurance.htm.

Here you will find a list of the top twenty Winter Sport insurance companies and their prices. The rates offer individuals coverage worldwide. In addition, there are several offered discounts.

If you enjoy participating in winter sports and, even more important, intend on traveling in order to indulge in these types of activities, it is a prudent cowill financiallyurse of action to obtain Winter Sport insurance that protect you and your family in the event of any unforeseen mishaps. Even if you are an excellent winter sports participant, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected.

People love to travel to different places during the winter season. Even though these trips are full of fun and adventure, the enjoyment can be spoiled if proper precautions are not taken to protect yourself from the elements.

The weather during the winter season can change quiet drastically within minutes. Heavy snowfalls and blizzards accompanied by gusty winds can “stir-up” with little or no warning, exposing you to the dangers of frostbite, hypothermia, exhaustion, and other cold weather related conditions.

Before you travel to any destination during the winter season, find out the weather forecasts for the duration of your stay. Equipping yourself with a radio in order to listen to updated weather reports is a good idea as well, especially if you are camping in an isolated area.

Wear appropriate clothing during winter trips, be sure to put them on in layers. Avoid synthetic clothes – instead, choose cotton and woolen clothing. Keep extra pairs of gloves on hand as well.

If you are utilizing a vehicle to get to your destinations, make sure that it is in good running order and can endure possible severe weather conditions. Also, ensure that it has a full tank of gas, and have a shovel in the trunk just in case. Invest in a cold weather kit, and also a two-way radio, since cell phones might not catch the tower signals in certain remote areas. In addition, always be sure to have food and water in the car for emergency situations.

I was caught in a blizzard one time in April in Scotland and though we were all right in the end, we were not prepared at all they way we usually are, and it could have gone very badly for us indeed. We had rented a car and never even thought to check for winter preparedness during the Easter holidays!

Bad weather can happen at any time. This can become very dangerous, particularly if out in wilderness areas, so stay with the side of caution and be sure to take all precaution.

You might also want to bring some suitable sleeping bags and blankets. Bring a high-powered LED flashlight along with a pair of extra batteries. It is also a good idea that a long, strong nylon rope along with a safely harness be added; these would be especially important if you plan on hiking or climbing.

A first aid kit is essential in case of an accident or injury. Take a compass and a map of the region, and know what to do in the event of a storm. Pay attention to road signs so you can state where you are in the event you need to make an emergency phone call.

A small camp stove along with quick igniting fuel pellets for warmth and to heat canned food, a large thermos capable of storing a day’s drinking water, hot water for reconstituting dried food for a hot meal/drink and high calorie, non-perishable food like chocolate and trail mix is also advised.

Whether camping, hiking, or engaging in any other outdoor activity during your winter vacation, having the proper implements and being as prepared as possible can make all the difference between an enjoyable experience and a dangerous nightmare.

The American Red Cross FR150 Microlink is a portable device that would make a valuable addition to your emergency preparedness kit in your car, or when you are outdoors. It can be powered by either solar power or hand cranked with the built-in power generator that recharges the internal battery. An AC adapter can also be used, though this is not included and must be purchased separately.

The radio provides a lifeline to the outside world with its high-quality AM/FM tuner bringing you news, entertainment but also important weather forecasts, alerts and emergency information for backpackers and travelers by way of the NOAA Weatherband tuner.

The Microlink also comes with a built-in cell phone charger, a 3.5 mm earphone jack socket and a cell phone charger output jack. It weighs 7.5oz and can easily be packed into your backpack or car or even your jacket pocket.

The Microlink also contains a white 3-LED flashlight for signaling to others that help is needed or to provide you with a light at night and is also handy for when you are out camping.

The radio comes with a registration card that can be mailed back for free cell-phone adapter tips as well. So, all in all, it is a must have and an ideal gift for people who love the great outdoors, or spend a lot of time driving.

To order this useful product, visit Amazon: American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger

Don’t be caught out when traveling with your family in wintertime. Roads can be treacherous and being prepared for winter weather on the road can be lifesaving in case of a car breakdown or injuries. The AAA Severe Weather Travel Kit contains 63 important winter-related and first aid products to keep you safe and healthy while waiting for help in the cold.

The kit includes:
1 AAA double-sided padded carry bag with handles
1 AAA emergency care guide
AAA membership brochure
1 hand-charged dual LED flashlight
1 three piece fleece set (cap, gloves and scarf)
1 folding shovel with sheath
1 ice scraper
1 LED safety strobe light
1 emergency survival blanket
3 emergency candles
1 box of waterproof matches
2 hand-warmer packets
1 emergency whistle
45 piece first aid kit

Of course, there is no substitute for making sure that your car is in top condition before setting out in winter weather. Still, this road assistance kit should be part of your winter travel preparedness. It contains high quality safety products that are reliable and practical. It also makes a really thoughtful and useful gift!

You can order it from Amazon: AAA 65-Piece Winter Severe Weather Travel Kit

Traveling with Disabilities: Ten Top Tips 3

8. Determine whether the local transport services of the city you are
visiting are equipped with special seats for disabled persons, and
whether the vehicles are equipped with a ramp. Check to see if the
hotel you are staying at has an airport shuttle, how many elevators,
how easy the access to the hotel and your room with be, and so on.

9. If you are utilizing a service dog, check out whether the countries
you are planning to visit permit such dogs. Notify the airlines upon
making the reservation that you will have a service dog on board, and
what the extra handling and service fees might be for this.

10. The most important tip is to ensure that your insurance plan
provides coverage/compensation in the cities you are planning to
visit. You can obtain additional travel insurance at the airport,
online when you book, through the credit card company you are using to
pay for your trip, and/or or through your travel agent, if necessary.

Traveling with disabilities can be difficult, but not impossible. The
main things is to know before you go and be prepared.

Traveling with Disabilities: Ten Top Tips 2

4. Health care is another issue to check out before embarking on your
trip. It makes sense to have a discussion with your doctor regarding
medicines that might not be available in your country/city of
destination. Stock yourself adequately with them prior to departing.
Also remember to pack your medicine in your carry on. At the worst, if
you lose it, remember that you can get a three day emergency supply
from a pharmacy in the US (though you will probably have to pay more
than the co-pay).

5. Check with the airline to determine what the regulations are for
transporting medications to and from destinations. You may require a
doctor’s note for each medication. Be careful with large liquid
bottles in particular because, like baby formula, they might be
disallowed by certain airlines due to heightened security
restrictions. If you are carrying something like insulin that needs to
be refrigerated, make sure you bring it along in a cold back with the
small freezer packs. Also make sure you request a refrigerator in your
room at the hotel.

6. Always carry your medications in a clear plastic bag to take on
board. Do not store it in your luggage as on-board baggage can be lost
or stolen.

7. Carry your doctor’s prescription along with you if you are being
treated with prescription drugs. Also, have on hand the generic name
of the drug just in case you need to refill it in another country.

Traveling with Disabilities: Ten Top Tips 1

Just because you are disabled does not mean that you should not enjoy
the joys of traveling. More and more disabled people are traveling and
enjoying wonderful vacations now thanks to their needs being taken
into consideration.

A lack of mobility should not mean a life sentence stuck inside the
house. Disabled persons have their special individual requirements
depending on their degree of disability, and type. Many more tourist
destinations are adequately equipped to accommodate disabled persons.
If you plan before you go, it should make for a smooth and enjoyable
trip.

Hoverounds and other types of motorized wheelchairs, plus walkers,
strollers, canes that convert into seats, and more, are all available
now, to help take the stress and strain of travel off older people
too, not just the disabled.

If you are disabled or have limited mobility in some way, and want to
ensure that your trip be a memorable one, here are ten tips on how to
travel with disabilities.

1. Research the cities on your itinerary before traveling to ensure
that they have the resources required for disabled persons. Do not
hesitate to ask about the services provided.

2. When making airline reservations either on the phone, online, or
through a travel agent, let them know you need assistance (such as a
wheelchair) from the time you arrive at the airport to the time you
disembark at your destination. Even if you have just a mild
disability, remember that airports can be very large, with long walks
from gate to gate.
Also keep this in mind if you have to change planes on your trip.
Certain airports like Atlanta and Charlotte and the DC airports, can
be impossible to get through in anything less than 30 minutes even for
the physically able, so know before you go, plan your routes
accordingly, and make sure there will be assistance for you as well.

3. Check out the local luggage transportation facilities to and from
the airport/station. In some cases you can send your luggage and heavy
items like your power chair on ahead so it will be there waiting for
you.

10 Tips for Keeping Your Money and Passports Safe When Traveling 2
Reminder: Losing your passport can cause your dream vacation
to become an expensive nightmare! You can’t get on a plane back home
without it, so if you are stuck waiting overseas for a replacement,
the hotel costs, change of flight fees and so on can add up to a small
fortune.

6. In your room, do not leave any valuables lying around. If you are
going to leave a gratuity for housekeeping, leave it in one lump sum
at the end with a thank you note.

7. In case your passport is stolen or misplaced, inform your country’s
embassy or consulate without delay. Lodging a report with the local
police station is also advised, especially during non-business hours.
Make sure you bring a photocopy of your passport with you, in a
separate place like the inner zipped area of one of your suitcases, to
help expedite matters.

8. When you are walking along any street in a foreign country, ensure
that you do not walk close to the curb and keep your fanny pack close
to your body, at the front, not back. If you are a woman, you’re your
handbag close to your chest, or cross the strap over your shoulder and
carry it close to your hip. Avoid the ones with big open compartments.
There are very savvy pickpockets who may steal your wallet without you
ever knowing it. Also be careful of organized thieves who will
distract you at the front while they get hold of something out of your
bag or backpack from the back.

Some of these professional thieves may even wait around and watch
until you notice your purse is gone. Then they will approach you to
say they found your wallet, and ask for a reward (usually the young
kids afraid of a criminal record).

9. When you spend a day shopping in any given city around the world,
never leave your purse on the counter for any reason. When you are
leaving each store or shop, be sure to check your handbag and wallet
to ensure everything is where it is supposed to be.

10. When dining at restaurants, or shopping for that matter, use
traveler’s checks to pay for food and other items. You can carry a
credit card for ATMS for cash, and for emergencies only. In this way,
when you arrive home you won’t be hit with a staggering bill! Make
sure you follow all the instructions on filling out the traveler’s
checks correctly.

Stay safe, and watch your spending too!

10 Tips for Keeping Your Money and Passports Safe When Traveling 1

Many people spend so much time planning their trip that they sometimes
forget about the most important things – how to safeguard your
money and passports and other valuables when you are away from
home. Running out of money or losing a passport can be a disaster, and
can end up ruining an entire trip.

Luckily, thanks to a global network of ATMs, it is easy to get local
currency, but that is not to say that you should be careless, or give
up on traveler’s checks altogether. In fact, in some cases, the bank
fees on the exchange rate when you take the money out of the ATM can
be quite high.

But the main thing is to be sensible and cautious with you most
valuable possessions while you are on vacation. If it would be
difficult if not impossible to replace it, then don’t bring it.
Here are ten great tips on how to keep your money and passports safe
when traveling.

1. Before booking hotel accommodations, research as to whether or not
they have a safe in the hotel, or individual ones in the room. If you
use the hotel safe, put all your belongings in an envelope which is
then sealed, and sign across the seal to prevent tampering. Ask for a
detailed receipt and have it signed by the person who manages the
safe. For a room safe, make sure that you follow the instructions
carefully.

2. Purchase a small amount of foreign currency before you leave the
States. This can be used for tips, taxis, and breakfast upon arrival
at the airport. Keep it in a separate wallet or bag from your usual
money, and make sure you bring 2 different ATM/credit cards with you,
to always have a back up.

3. Instead of carrying large amounts of cash, it is preferable to
carry a combination of traveler’s checks, cash, foreign currency, and
credit/debit cards. You might consider getting a separate account and
using a debit card for that account just in case the card is lost or
stolen, to limit the amount of damage that can be caused. It will also
help you budget for your vacation.
4. Purchase special belt pouches to carry money and passports. Some of
these hang around the neck, and others can be worn around the waist.
Make sure they are under your clothing wherever possible, and keep
track of it whenever you are in a crowd.

5. Never put cash, checks or credit cards in your luggage. Valuable
items should be kept in your on-board carry on luggage. Insure all
valuable items in case of theft. Check to see what insurance coverage
you have through purchasing your travel using a credit card, or
through travel insurance you might have purchased