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25 Travel Tips That Can Save Your Life!

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By John Gentry Travel Channel to travel the world

tips

Travel Tips that could save your life is an ongoing project that will grow over time, and we hope everyone is able to enjoy themselves better while traveling since they will be better prepared. Enjoy these simple but easy-to-understand tips and make your next trip an adventure of a lifetime.

1. Never pass up a good toilet because the next one may be a squat only.


2. Always get cash after customs at your destination airport. Euros and USD may be an exception. Don’t risk breaking local customs regulations.

3. Always carry diarrhea medicine.

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Mysterious Chinese herbs in the traditional medicine shops of Hong Kong

4. Always look up three words before you travel; thank you, yes, and no.

5. Always have tissue packages on hand for the bathroom and eating use.

6. Certain medicine needs to be considered. Tylenol, Panadol, and any needed prescription drugs.

7. Learn and study body language. Most expressions are international.

8. Use modern technology like Twitter to keep you updated on certain travel areas. US Department of State and the CDC have an alert service.

9. Water usage should be increased to offset times when good clean water is not available.

10. Learn some basics in English, German, Mandarin, and Russian, these languages can sometimes be used in emergencies.

travel tips

11. Study the basic history of a region before going there.

12. Learn the taboos of the area you are traveling to. Remember it is their country, not yours.

13. Don’t assume the water is clean to drink just because locals drink it. They have built up immunities you don’t have.


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14. Traveling causes the body to lose sleep. This will lower your immune system so make sure to schedule recovery time.

15. Make sure to schedule a time to re-stock your travel pharmacy on the road.

16. Ziplock bags can solve a lot of problems so take several.

17. Understand and get certified in basic life-saving first aid.

first aid

18. Use large backpacks to travel that way you can never have to check in your bag. This will ensure you always have what you need when you need it.

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19. Don’t take basic hygiene for granted ensure you have it planned for and have what you need to stay healthy.

20. When traveling in crowded unorganized cities try to memorize key locations or landmarks. These can be used to find your way later when needed.

21. Always look and find locals who have language skills that you can use to help gather the information that is key to your trip. Young people know some English and older people could know other languages. People and questions are your best resource for information.

22. Don’t assume your cellphone will work. Print out what you need ahead of time.

23. Carry old fashion maps.

travel tips

24. Get a cellphone app that can translate languages. Make sure it can work without wifi or cellphone service.

25. Buy digital offline mapping software for your mobile phone or other devices.

26. Consider GPS

27. You are only as good as your weakest link. So consider others in your travel party and ensure they stay healthy or you could pay the price later on. We hope you enjoyed these 25 Travel Tips That Can Save Your Life! Happy Travels, ExploreTraveler.com

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Yolanda Village Good Bye’s In Tacloban, Philippines

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Yolanda Village Taclobam
Yolanda Village Taclobam

 Yolanda Village: Saying Goodbye

Yolanda Village grew out of the desperation and determination of 16 million people to survive the worst Typhoon ever recorded. Tacloban and surrounding areas of the Philippines were totally devastated in November 2013 by Super Typhoon Haiyan. Super Typhoon Haiyan is known locally as Super Typhoon Yolanda. Yolanda ripped through the Southern Leyte! She totally destroyed everything in her wake. Villages were flattened. Thousands died and many are still missing.  Farmers were left homeless! Coconut plantations  had been ripped up. Their life’s work had disappeared over night. The working poor in Tacloban were now, the new city homeless. They had no jobs in sight. Fisherman were not only homeless, but they had no boats. Without boats, they can not fish! Many large operations saw their ships washed up to sit on hills. The area around the ships was a no build zone. People soon built a shanty town in the wake of the ships. Fisherman wanted to be as close to the water as they could get. Shanty towns were erected. Shanty towns quickly became the “new normal.” Yolanda Village was born!

January 2015 and things are changing. The Philippines is on the road to recovery. Now, they are in the rehabilitation and reconstruction stage. Three hundred families are leaving Yolanda Village for their new  homes. The government used the aid to purchase building materials and to hire contractors. The people have been doing the sweat equity. New concrete block homes are being built with corrugated roofs. Recovery is always slow, but after only one year, 300 families are saying goodbye to Yolanda Village. Many are thankful for their new permanent home! It is their home! It is the work of their hands! The determination and will to survive made it happen. Others are moving into their temporary homes. They will begin to help build their new permanent homes. This scene is scheduled to be replayed throughout the year of 2015 and beyond. One day there will be no one left in Yolanda Village. All the shanty towns will be gone.

What is happening to these huge ships that call Yolanda Village home? They are being dismantled one by one! The material is being sold as scrap metal and reclaimed lumber. The ships are on their way out! There is a new normal in sight for this southern Leyte region. Tacloban City has seen about 50% of their essential services and business restored. People,once again, have running water and electricity. Farmers are clearing their lands of the giant fallen coconut trees and planting rice. They only make about 50% of what they did with their plantations, but it is money coming in. Many work on the side elsewhere, as they try to pay off the loans made against last years failed coconut harvest.  Many fishermen still have no boats, but many of them now have homes. Some fisherman are back on the water, due to donated boats.  All  are thankful for what 2014 brought. It is yet another step toward recovery.

The year 2015 is all about the hope and determination of 16 million people who have made the choice to move forward. It is a new day! With the aid coming into the country, more building materials will be bought. Farmers will clear fields and replant. Fishing boats will once again be at work. The residents of Yolanda Village are on their way home! Plantation owners are becoming rice farmers! The fisherman dream of a day when they can once again fish. This is the New Norm in the Southern Leyte. It is one of hope! It is one of progress!

https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/423651/philippines-to-spend-nearly-4bn-rebuilding-after-haiyan

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Lake Kasudsuran Philippines

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Lake Kasudsuran Philippines
Lake Kasudsuran Philippines

Lake Kasudsuran Philippines

Lake Kasudsuran is on the lovely island of Leyte, Philippines. It is in an area called the Eastern Visayas. How beautiful this area is. The lake is calm and peaceful. The area is serene! It is quiet! The perfect spot to sit and read a book! It is an artist’s canvas! What a lovely place to paint or sketch. It is a writer’s studio! What better place to write! The lake is excellent for swimming  and canoes are available for rent. Lake Kasudsuran sits next to the stately Mount Pananguan. What an awesome mountain peak!  The area is beautiful!  The hiking is awesome! It is close to the city of Ormoc.  Ormoc is the largest city in the area by land mass.  Ormoc means “Beauty by the Bay.”  It is a beautiful ,small ,progressive city. You will find modern accommodations in Ormoc City at reasonable prices. The Lake is 2-3 hours away from Tacloban City. Tacloban City is the largest city in the providence. It is the capital city of the Eastern Visaya’s.

Lake Kasudsuran is an easy walk from Brgy  Gaas  Ormoc. As you walk through the woods, you will see areas of planted Abaca. What a fantastic view! Miles and miles of Abaca swaying in the tropical  breezes. The Abaca plantations are the major source of income for the people of Brgy Gaas. Abaca plantations are beautiful!  One of the worst devastations of last years Typhoon Haiyan was the ruin of many major Abaca plantations.  Abaca or Hemp is indigenous to the Philippines. The warm and wet climate is excellent for its cultivation. The Abaca plant is a variety of the Banana plant that cannot be eaten. This plant has beautiful non-eddible fruit!  Hemp, as we call it, is used in many products.  Out of this humble plant we get specialty papers, like tea bags and meat casings. Many of the home furnishings are made with hemp or Abaca. Many sofas and dining tables have this fiber mixed in.  Hemp also is a excellent natural fabric for clothing. It is used in the hot tropical climates. Hemp is a miracle plant! It is also used in the production of some medicines. Hemp milk is nutritious and delicious. Hemp or Abaca is the backbone of this region.

There are many other things to do while in Ormoc. Besides Lake Kasudsuran, there are two other lakes in the city. Each lake has an adventure waiting! There is awesome swimming! Canoeing and Kayaking are fantastic.  The hiking is fabulous at Alto Peak. This is the highest mountain in the Eastern Visayas. It is a favorite mountain climb. It is an excellent climb for beginning climbers.

While in Ormoc, be sure to walk across the city’s oldest bridge. The “Bridge of the Queen” dates back to the time of Spanish rule. It is one of a kind! The architecture is beautiful. It is ornate! Located at the end of the bridge is a small street market. It is one of the best in the area. It is local! It is fun! Indulge in some of the favorite street foods of the area! The cuisine is fabulous!  The market atmosphere is alive and joyous!  The people are friendly! The shops have some of the best souvenirs in the area. The prices are reasonable. Most sellers speak Spanish and English. Whats not to like about the market?

In the port area of Ormoc are three of the cities major landmarks. Plan to see the City Superdome  , the Veterans Park, and the Centennial Marker. While in the city, the easiest way to travel is by motor. These are small pedicabs. They are fun! They are unique! They are helping to rebuild the Philippines! Be a part of the solution! Enjoy the ride! See the sights! Enjoy Ormoc today!

All these things make Lake Kasudsuran and Ormoc the perfect destination for your next vacation. Adventure awaits in the Philippines! So what are you waiting for? Now is the time! Today is the day! Pack your bag and grab your passport! Make this the year you visit the Philippines!  Book your Philippine vacation today. See you there!

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Typhoon Hagupit Moves Toward Philippines

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Philippines prepare for Typoon Hagupit
Philippines Devastated by Typhoon Haiyon 2013

Philippines Prepare For Typhoon Hagupit

Philippines Prepare For Typhoon Hagupit, just one year after Super Typhoon Haiyon completely destroyed the region of Tacloban with it’s surrounding communities. Super Typhoon Haiyon had a death toll of over 6,000 and left millions of people homeless. Super Typhoon Haiyon, was the most devastating Typhoon in Philippine history. Typhoon Hagupit currently is sustaining winds of over 145 miles an hour. Typhoon Hagupit is approaching to the north of devastated Tacloban. Typhoon Hagupit is estimated to make landfall Saturday evening local time. While Hagupit has lost its super-typhoon status, it is still a formidable storm with the potential to cause serious damage. Preparations are underway for a potentially life-threatening event.

Current computer models show Typhoon Hagupit making landfall Saturday evening local time just to the north of metropolitan Tacloban. Tacloban was devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyon in November 2013. Tacloban City and its surrounding communities are still in recovery mode from last years super typhoon. There are still thousands of vulnerable people living in tent communities in the greater Tacloban area. The Philippines are preparing for a major life-threatening event.

The typhoon is expected to approach the eastern shores of the Central Philippines on Saturday local time. It is projected to be a Category 3 equivalent tropical cyclone, but good easily still be a category 4 storm. In the area where Typhoon Hagupit comes onshore, dangerous storm surges are predicted. High winds and flooding is still a major concern. The islands of Samar and Leyte are at risk of storm surge of up to 12 feet. This is the average height of a one-story building. Cebu is also an area of concern.

Philippines Prepare For Typhoon Hagupit to crawl west-northwest across the country. As the storm progresses on land the danger transitions from one of wind and storm surge to one of heavy rain fall. The current computer models show it moving in the general direction of Metropolitan Manila. This process could take 48-72 hours to move from the Tacloban area to Metro Manila. For continued up dates check our website:

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Tacloban City Philippines Part II “The Rebuilding”

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People building around the ships at the new Yolanda Village.

As most of our readers know Tacloban was hit by the largest Typhoon to have ever to be recorded,and The Rebuilding of Tacloban City Philippines will take time. The damage was significant and widespread with numerous buildings destroyed by the very large and surprising storm surge. As with most large disasters people need time to grieve and to become adjusted to the new norm. Tacloban, and the surrounding towns is no different; but the life and the heart of the city is now showing signs of re-birth. While driving around you can now see a return to everyday life. Buildings downtown are opening for business, and one can now even get an espresso in the one and only coffee cafe available. Chicken restaurant chains have opened every location that was repairable, and the Robinson’s mall is operating. Now this does not mean that these businesses are operating at full steam and capacity, but they are open for business.

Peddle Cab
Peddle Cab

The driving force of this city has always been small business, and strong signals of a rebound are under way. The building sector, and transportation are in full recovery mode with road side stands popping everywhere. Small grocery stores are opening as well, and banks are open and opening accounts. I suspect that an economic boom is under way since there was nowhere to go but up. Local Filipino businesses should reconise what is happening soon, and a recovery with real financial backbone should rise to the surface. With death and large destruction so wide spread; the emotional impact upon ones psychological health needs to be fully understood. My family and I where glad we could help bring some additional joy, and the understanding that hope is real, and tangimable within the reach of everyone involved. As time marches on we expect the city to continue it’s economic rebound until it reaches the maximum one would expect in this region of the world.

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Tacloban City Philippines

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Tacloban City Philippines

My family and I decided that I should visit Tacloban on December 26th, and visit people we know and to bring some relief , and medical supplies if possible. Getting there right now is still very challenging since it is a disaster zone. Living conditions are still very low; although there is limited hotel service available if they are not booked solid.

With limited time I took off from Taipei and traveled to Manila, and transferred to Cebu arriving around 5:00 PM. Upon arrival I was a little dismayed to find out my large backpack full of medical supplies was not there, and was told it would arrive by 9:00 PM that evening. I was able to find a room across the street from the Cebu airport at a very decent hotel. My flight being at early at 5:00 AM so I didn’t want to be to far away.

IMG-20131229-00244After arriving back at the airport I was able to find food and coffee while becoming aware that the flight time was not 5:00 AM, but really sun rise, due to the fact that Tacloban airport is really only working in daylight hours. Fog had rolled in over Tacloban and there was concern we would not make it on the flight. Since we were able to board and flew to the city, frustration set in since the pilot informed us that he was canceling the landing due to fog and would fly back.

Now having been returned to Cebu with no flight for the day, and only having flight options for late into the very next day. I started asking questions that led me to the option of taking a ferry over to Leyte via Ormac, and then hiring a driver over to Tacloban. So that is exactly what I did, and rushed over to the port ASAP to book a ticket since they were going fast. I secured a 1:30 PM, and was on standby for the 11:30 AM ferry. Having secured the 11:30 AM ticket due to a no show I boarded the ferry for the one and one half hour ride. The trip was comfortable, and they provided coffee, water, and snacks.

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Upon leaving the ferry station there in Ormac, I had several drivers to choose from. It was only a matter of choosing someone I felt comfortable with, and then negotiating the price of the trip. While driving through Ormac it was obvious that they had been hit by a serious storm, but the damage was not as serious as I had expected. Now driving north it became apparent that the storm hit everyone in an unequal manner, and spread the destruction into areas that were not protected by hills or in valley’s.

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As the trip continued through remote villages you could see that rebuilding had begun; new walls from freshly weaved palm leafs were use to fix the side of huts, and metal roofing was already being put into place. However there was several items I had expected. First there was not a single chicken in site, and not a single foreign worker to be seen. It was obvious so far that even though the world was talking about support on the ground the people had left sometime before Christmas. As I arrived much closer to the main city the destruction was made clear with whole villages wiped out or spared, but only because of the geography. The meaning of survival was determined by what you knew about the areas geography in relationship the the oncoming storm. Once I entered the suburban city of Palo, the debris field was most flat with partial structures standing like a wall here and there.DSCN7082

The sun was now going down, and I had already met up with my intended contacts for the evening, so I switched vehicles, and headed into Tacloban to get situated for the night.

Now December 28th, and with little time remaining I headed through the city to see for myself what had transpired there during and after the storm. The downtown was completely gone along the bay where the storm came in. The area from there going out did improve slightly as the elevation and terrain allowed.

DSCN7425Now international support was nowhere to be seen, and I know there was still a few organisations still in town. The one who left did leave behind tents, tarps, and food but organisations were now gone. Now what I did see was a tremendous amount of Filipino people within organisations out of Manila there helping out such as the the local Red Cross.

Later in the afternoon I met up with Boyet

Palma Mijares of Manila, and we went over to an event he organised with a group of business leaders in the Philippines. It will take significant time for this city to recover, but with a helping hand this historic city will recover from the destruction.

Tacloban City Part II the Rebuilding

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