• Keep your money on your person during transit, and in a hotel safe (except for what you need) while at your location. Use inside pockets or a money belt, or divide the money up amongst several pockets, avoiding outside pockets or bags that do not strap to your body.
  • Carry only one or two credit cards with you. You might consider using traveler’s checks instead of cash. Have international phone numbers (the 1-800 numbers won't work abroad) for your credit card companies and banks.
  • Keep a copy of your credit card information and your passport at home so that you have the numbers, should anything be lost.
  • If you run into trouble abroad, call your embassy. It isn't a bad idea to have their number on hand.
  • Research food and water safety in any foreign country you are visiting, so you'll know what to avoid.
  • Leave your expensive jewelry at home.
  • Pack light- you'll have less to carry, you won't get nearly as tired, you will be able to handle your luggage more easily and will be less likely to leave your luggage unattended.
  • Cover brand names on expensive items such as cameras- if pickpockets think it's a knock-off, they won't be as tempted to steal it.
  • Carry medications in clearly labeled bottles.
  • Hire guides in dangerous areas- being with a tour group can help usher you through areas you want to see but would not want to experience the harsher realities of.
  • Do not accept rides from unmarked taxi-cabs.
  • Carry an international cell phone (or satellite if you are in remote areas), or have a calling card or plan that will allow you to make phone calls anywhere.
  • Avoid traveling to areas of political instability, and avoid protests or demonstrations.
  • Use your head and keep your eyes open. Knowing what is going on around you is key to your personal safety.
Japan can be the perfect travel destination for just about anyone because of the variety of climate and regional culture. Whether it's a family trip to learn about foreign cultures, a personal journey to explore ancient spiritual sites, an outdoor adventure, a shopping trip, or a culinary excursion you're looking for, get ready to find it in Japan!

Japan has a great deal to offer in terms of natural beauty, and because the islands are situated on a north-south axis, the climate changes quite a bit from one area to another. Obviously, Mt Fuji is a well known landmark, but Japan is also known for its hot springs and beautiful gardens. Whether you're looking at the beautiful deep colors of the forests, the overwhelmingly springtime beauty of the cherry blossoms, or the fantastic fall colors as the maples turn, there is a breathtaking site around every corner.

From ancient temples to modern architecture, Japan is also quite the cultural experience. With museums and festivals aplenty, the entertainment options are seemingly endless. If you're a bit shy about new culinary experiences, never fear, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has put together an English guide to Japanese food! Of course, some things transcend borders... like shopping. Tokyo and Osaka are two hot shopping destination spots for tourists, although it would be well worth anyone's time to explore some of the more traditional craft forms of the Japanese as well.

At the end of the day, there just isn't ever enough time to explore all that Japan has to offer – which is which is why you'll just have to visit again!
Looking for cheap, or at least more affordable airline tickets? There are lots of little tricks that people in the know use to ensure that they book the cheapest possible fare. While some websites do offer discounted tickets or the ability to compare pricing, you still won't get the deals unless you know how to search. When looking for plane tickets, try looking for tickets:
  • During off hours (flying before dawn or after sunset is usually cheaper than during the day).
  • On off days (Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually cheaper days to fly, and definitely avoid weekends if possible).
  • During the low season (non holiday and non-tourist season, usually. If you do need to fly during the high season, ask if there are any days within your travel dates that count as low season – it never hurts to ask).
  • Leaving from an alternate airport (sometimes, an extra hour on the road can save you a lot of money, especially if you happen to be driving to an airline's hub where you can catch a direct flight).
  • With varying lengths of stay (the length of your trip can actually affect your plane ticket price).
  • Last minute (this is good for spontaneous travel, but not for the holidays).
  • With split fares (it can sometimes be cheaper to purchase separate tickets for each leg of your trip).
  • Nationally (If you fly into another country, check the cost of flights nationally before booking an international flight that extends past your first landing in that country).
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Besuchen den Rhein: Visit the Rhine
Visiting the Rhine usually means a trip to Germany or Switzerland, although you can also see the Rhine in Austria, Liechtenstein, France, or the Netherlands. To visit the Rhine River, you can take the aquatic route of traveling the Rhine as your main form of transportation, with stops to visit cities and natural areas along the way, or you can focus your trip on land, stopping in cities such as Bonn, Koblenz, Cologne, and Mainz. If you are traveling on land, day cruises are a wonderful way to spend some time on the Rhine.



Three Tips for Overseas Shopping
1. Know what you can bring home: there are certain items that you will not be allowed to cross the border with, so find out in advance before spending your money.

2. Keep a current list of items that need to be declared upon re-entry: knowing that some items will need to be inspected upon re-entry can help you to make shopping choices. Also, there are limits on how much you can bring back into the country without incurring charges.

3. Know the policies when you buy: in many countries, all sales are final unless promised in advance, so be sure that your terms of purchase are clear before you buy anything while shopping abroad. You may be able to apply to receive your VAT (value added tax) back, especially in European countries. Certain purchases may require an export license, which you should handle before leaving the country of purchase.


The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
Effective June 1st, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) has changed the requirements for travel into the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean Area (includes seventeen Caribbean nations). Those previously exempt will now have to present identification upon entering the United States unless flying directly to or from a US territory. Children under the age of sixteen will still be able to cross land and sea borders into the US using only a US birth certificate, but adults will need to present one of the following WHTI-compliant documents: US passport, passport card, US Military ID with military travel orders, Trusted Traveler Card, Enhanced Tribal Card, US Merchant Mariner Document (when on official maritime business), Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card, State Issued Enhanced Driver's License or Form I-872 American Indian Card.
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