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	<title>Vacation Blog :: Travel Agents &#187; Travel</title>
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	<link>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog</link>
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		<title>The Attractions At Beach Resort</title>
		<link>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/the-attractions-at-beach-resort/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/the-attractions-at-beach-resort/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:12:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alan Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Beach Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beach Resort]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/the-attractions-at-beach-resort/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A beach resort offers great beach access. It&#8217;s not possible to have a beach resort that is away from a beach. However, you also have to realize that while some of the more popular beach resorts are on the ocean, other beach resorts rest on the side of a lake. As long as there is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A beach resort offers great beach access. It&#8217;s not possible to have a beach resort that is away from a beach. However, you also have to realize that while some of the more popular beach resorts are on the ocean, other beach resorts rest on the side of a lake. As long as there is a sandy dune and water present, you can have a beach resort, so you need to decide how warm you&#8217;d like to be. If you&#8217;re looking for a warm, tropical style vacation, head to a Caribbean beach resort. For a cooler climate, look to a beach resort in northern areas of the country. It&#8217;s important to note, though, that this type of beach resort is typically only open during the warmer summer months.</p>
<p>The beach is the most obvious attraction in a beach resort. Most long to get out into the sun and rest on the quiet, warm sand. A beach resort is certainly the best way to achieve that, but a beach resort isn&#8217;t just a spot on the sand &#8211; it&#8217;s so much more.<br />
Many of the most popular beach resorts available have a number of things that you can do inside of the beach resort. If you&#8217;re looking to get pampered, you can book a luxury treatment at the spa inside of the beach resort. If you want to eat delicious cuisine, put on your best outfit and head down to the fine dining restaurant located directly in the beach resort. You can book scuba diving trips with the help of guides at the beach resort. Often you can rent boats from the beach resort. Most of the more popular beach resorts you will find also have babysitting services available, making it easy to enjoy yourself as an adult without having to worry about your children.</p>
<p>There are also many things for children to do at a beach resort. If you want to avoid the sand and the crowds, head to the swimming pool in the beach resort. Some beach resorts have waterfalls and slides that will delight and amaze most children. Many beach resorts also have amusements that are designed specifically for children who travel to beach resorts with their parents, and simply calling ahead can help you to learn what type of pastimes your beach resort has for your entire family.</p>
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		<title>Finding Top Hotels By Travel Agents</title>
		<link>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/finding-top-hotels-by-travel-agents/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/finding-top-hotels-by-travel-agents/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:42:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel Agents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[travel tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/finding-top-hotels-by-travel-agents/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A travel agent can help you determine exactly what hotel you are looking for along with all of the specific accommodations you want to revel in while being away. A travel agent can also help you deal with any added stress that might come from dealing with and booking a hotel at a far away [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A travel agent can help you determine exactly what hotel you are looking for along with all of the specific accommodations you want to revel in while being away. A travel agent can also help you deal with any added stress that might come from dealing with and booking a hotel at a far away destination. It is highly suggested to invest in the use of a travel agent when booking hotels, flights, car rentals and more, so that you are sure to get the best deals, most discounts, and a guaranteed fantastic trip.</p>
<p>There is a laundry list of top hotels recommended by travel agents at most popular resort locations. It is very important for you to find the type of hotel that is going to be best for you and your family, so that you can be eligible to get the best deals. No matter where you are going, there is usually a star-rated hotel in the vicinity. If you choose to stay at a travel agent recommended hotel, not only will you be staying in a wonderful place, but you are also more prone to receive discounts and special advantages as per request from your travel agent. Many hotels have relationships with travel agents and will treat their customers like royalty as part of a thank you to the travel agent for sending business their way.</p>
<p>There are several qualities in a hotel that can make them one that a travel agent will recommend. It is important for the hotel to first be in a good area where the traveler will feel safe and comfortable to bring their friends or family. Another great reason to use a travel agent is that they will be able to steer you clear of any unsafe areas in destination location. You might be unaware of the local conditions of a hotel when you book it yourself, whereas a travel agent can inform you with those necessary details. If you are spending money on a hotel you want to be one hundred percent sure that you find exactly what you are looking for including your safety. A travel agent can look at the hotel and let you know whether your preferences will be accessible from that area.</p>
<p>Being safe and in a highly touristy area are two very important aspects that will determine if a hotel will be recommended by travel agencies. Another criterion for a recommended hotel is that the hotel meets high standards on the inside. The hotels need to be clean, comfortable and reliable. If a hotel has a 24 hour concierge desk, room service, and other amenities they will most likely be a highly praised and highly recommended place to stay. Hotels with other accommodations such as an indoor pool, sauna, gym, and complimentary services will often be on the top of the recommended lists and will, in turn, be the most popular. Again, the more business a hotel will get the more prone they will be to give discounts as a thanks offering for doing business with them.</p>
<p>A travel agency also tends to recommend any hotels that carry a good reputation and an impressive history. This is very important because it is part of what makes staying in a hotel a memorable experience for you. When you find a hotel that has a good reputation, you will be able to confidently enjoy your stay, knowing that you and your family are being left in good hands that will take care of every need you may have. It is very comforting when a hotel enables you to feel right at home while you are enjoying the perks of a new and exciting destination.</p>
<p>Whether you are using a travel agency to book your trip, or to get great hotel recommendations from them, you can rest assured knowing that the hotels they recommend will be worth staying in. These hotels are going to be safe, in a good location, have all of the necessary amenities and perks, and will have a valuable reputation and history. Using a professional and qualified travel agent to book your next hotel stay will be a great way to get wonderful discounts and a guaranteed fabulous vacation. </p>
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		<title>Travel The Globe With A Sound Travel Plan</title>
		<link>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/travel-the-globe-with-a-sound-travel-plan/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/travel-the-globe-with-a-sound-travel-plan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:42:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alan Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Plan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/travel-the-globe-with-a-sound-travel-plan/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many reasons why people like to travel. Some travel for leisure, some travel for business, while others travel for the sake of different experiences. Traveling for leisure &#8211; Many families like to travel on a yearly basis just to take a long deserved break from work. People who are traveling for leisure can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are many reasons why people like to travel. Some travel for leisure, some travel for business, while others travel for the sake of different experiences.</p>
<p>Traveling for leisure &#8211; Many families like to travel on a yearly basis just to take a long deserved break from work. People who are traveling for leisure can look forward to shopping, water sports, or life night entertainment. For those who prefer a more peaceful trip, they can look forward to a comfortable stay in luxury hotels, massages offered by health parlors, or lazy afternoons by the seaside.</p>
<p>Traveling for business &#8211; These are the aggressive executives, usually with endless energy. A business trip will give a very different experience compared to a leisure trip. Chances are, business trips are often tightly packed with meetings and appointments, leaving little time for sight seeing. Still, these trips allow travelers to come in contact with people of different cultures, and may provide priceless life experiences.</p>
<p>Traveling for personal growth &#8211; Some people just want to enjoy experiencing different things. These are the more adventurous people, seeking to learn more about life. Some seek excitement, while others just seek to learn more about the people in different countries.</p>
<p>These reasons may change as one progresses through life. But for whatever reason, any trip &#8211; whether for leisure, business or personal growth &#8211; will require a sound travel plan.</p>
<p>Putting together a sound travel plan</p>
<p>For a start, think about your own personal goals and objectives. Based on these goals, how would you organize your travel plans? It may be a good idea to start traveling to nearby continents. That could take years. After that, you may consider visiting other continents, one country at a time. The more trips you take, the more traveling experience you gain. As a result, your traveling plans may also change.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s easy to come up with an overly ambitious travel plan and end up feeling overwhelmed. If so, simply narrow down the scope of the destinations. Conquer these destinations one at a time. You can always add new destinations along the way if you like.</p>
<p>It is beyond the scope of a single article to discuss in depth about travel plans. But a good place to start would be to visit travel gateways. These are travel websites that offer valuable information that may help you in your planning. So visit travel websites, and use the information to help you travel the globe.</p>
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		<title>Advantages Of A Travel Agent</title>
		<link>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/advantages-of-a-travel-agent/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/advantages-of-a-travel-agent/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:27:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel Agents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advantages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Agent]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/advantages-of-a-travel-agent/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When making plan to travel, some people get all of the information about flights, hotels, rental vehicles and other aspects of a vacation on the internet. Others work with a travel agent. You choose which way? After you read article, you can understand how a travel agent will help you, then making decision for yourself. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When making plan to travel, some people get all of the information about flights, hotels, rental vehicles and other aspects of a vacation on the internet. Others work with a travel agent. You choose which way? After you read article, you can understand how a travel agent will help you, then making decision for yourself.</p>
<p>The foremost advantage of working with a travel agent is experience they bring. He or she has likely been working in the field of travel for years and has learned all of the ins and outs of the industry. Even brand new agents have their colleagues to help them learn the ropes. Most agents also undergo rigorous training. This experience and training will allow the agent to serve the consumer very effectively. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of the experience and training is an agent’s ability to understand the fine print. Sure, you can go on an airline ticket search engine and find what seems to be the cheapest deal. But do you know what you are really getting for that money? More importantly, do you know what you will be missing out on because of the discount? There may also be hidden charges, fees and taxes as a part of the apparently cheaper ticket price, driving what you actually pay up as much as a few hundred dollars. A more expensive flight may often be the best value. The travel agent will always know.</p>
<p>A second advantage that a travel agent can boast is connections. Over years of service, agencies develop relationships with individuals throughout the world. This means that you can have the best options available for you before you even begin your trip. Looking by yourself you may be able to find a great deal of information on what to do at your eventual destinations. However, only a travel agent with good connections can really take care of all the details. Using their ability to get information about the area where you will be visiting, they can get every aspect of your vacation taken care of, even the most miniscule of points. Instead of stopping for lunch at a place that looks okay from the outside, you can be recommended to the perfect local cafe. Instead of wrangling through throngs of tourists to get to an overpriced monument, you can be told the best times during the day to hit each spot. For example, many cities have one day a week in which public museums are open for free. Your agent will be able to find out the best times to go anywhere. All in all, the agent can use his or her connections to set you up with the best possible ways to have the vacation of your dreams.</p>
<p>A recent trend for online travel shopping is packages. Companies will get together to put hotel, food, flights and many other amenities altogether into one bundle that will leave you spending less money. But these bundles are not always as great as they seem. Not only can you end up having to pay hidden fees and charges, but you can also be lured into a sense of security that everything will be taken care of for you. Sometimes everything is not taken care of. It is easy to get yourself trapped into buying an all-inclusive package thinking that you will not need much cash while on vacation, only to find that any slight change in plan is going to change your bill drastically. There also may be little details not covered in your package that you would never think about ahead of time. With any package deal the fine print can be a very important thing, and if you do not have a complete understanding of what you are doing, you could miss something crucial. But travel agents know the industry jargon. They know the best websites, what the packages actually contain and they are out to get you the best deal. Sometimes buying a package that is not the cheapest, but only slightly more expensive will lead to you having a much better vacation. It is not that travel agencies do not take advantage of special packages and promotions. It is that they know the best way to use them.</p>
<p>A final and very beneficial advantage of using travel agents is simply that they are after your best interests. Any supplier of service, whether an airline, hotel, restaurant or rental company; is looking to sell you their product. They also may not tell you when another company offers a better service for a very similar price, or a similar service for a better price. A travel agent wants you to come back again, and therefore will work to find you the best value deal with whatever supplier is offering it. Within that, they are looking for the best deal for you, not for an anonymous internet customer. Using a travel agent can ensure that you have the plans in place to give you a perfect vacation. Also, if something goes wrong during the vacation, the travel agent will be available to help fix the problem.</p>
<p>Moreover, a good travel agents have an edge over almost any other seller of travel. They know what you want. They speak your language. And they&#8217;re there for you when you run into trouble. In other words, travel agents aren&#8217;t obsolete. Only the bad ones are.</p>
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		<title>Budget Travel Tips</title>
		<link>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/budget-travel-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/budget-travel-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:24:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[budget travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/budget-travel-tips/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Travel is one of the most exciting and interesting things, and in today&#8217;s world traveling on a budget is becoming more and more of a necessity. If you are planning to travel on a budget and have the holiday of a lifetime, there is no reason why you cannot. Budget travel still makes exotic locations [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Travel is one of the most exciting and interesting things, and in today&#8217;s world traveling on a budget is becoming more and more of a necessity. If you are planning to travel on a budget and have the holiday of a lifetime, there is no reason why you cannot. Budget travel still makes exotic locations available and affordable. </p>
<p>Budget travel is more than just booking a cheap fare somewhere, it is also about the best value for your dollar. Budget travel is about compromising certain parts of your travel to get a better deal, about selecting one particular offer over another, depending what the package is and similar decisions like this.</p>
<p>You can only make these decisions if you thoroughly research your destinations. As we all know it is a great big, big world out there and to catch the tourist, operators have to be inventive in their promotions and at certain times will lower costs or add in extras to get the customers. These are the little things that can make a difference when travelling on a budget.</p>
<p>Your research will help you find these facts and figures and when you have the answers you are searching for, then you can go ahead and book.</p>
<p>By researching everything in the area you are planning to go to, you can establish if there are any special events on at the time you are arriving, which of course will elevate the cost of accommodation and blow out any idea of budget travel. Such changes can cost you extra money that you had not allowed for.</p>
<p>Be careful when booking ahead and read the fine print on anything that you are paying. It is often in the fine print that there are extra charges. Examples that I can think of are, being charged extra for a room with a balcony, extra costs for toiletries or car parking, to name just a few.</p>
<p>In certain places like Aspen for example, you are going there for the snow and the fun, so you could probably have just as much fun living in cheaper accommodation, whereas if you were going to a place like Ibiza you may wish to be able to have a room with a view and cut back on other costs.</p>
<p>It is all relative as what sort of holiday you are looking for, and what your travel budget is at the time.</p>
<p>With any travel that you are going to do overseas, don&#8217;t forget to check what visas, documents or other costs you may run into when entering different countries. These are all costs that you need to have allowed for when making decisions.</p>
<p>It is very important to check that the information you are reading is current. This is most important because if it is a couple of years old, anything could have changed in the meantime.</p>
<p>Budget travel is very interesting, right? Because budget travel can bring to you and someone a lot of fun. In fact, you will probably meet more locals and have a greater experience by mixing with them. Locals make a trip. Beautiful views and clear blue oceans are one thing, but interacting with the locals is another. With budget travel you can experience both. No matter how you save money on your next vacation, having a budget and sticking to it will help you enjoy your vacation more, and worry less about paying for it.</p>
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		<title>The Best Destinations In Caribbean</title>
		<link>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/the-best-destinations-in-caribbean/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/the-best-destinations-in-caribbean/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:19:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Destination Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caribbean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/the-best-destinations-in-caribbean/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations in the world. The tropical setting, combined with the exotic views, warm weather and oceanfront beaches makes the Caribbean a perfect romantic spot for your trip. A Caribbean travel vacation has something for everyone whether you are one for water sports, hiking, swimming, diving, and just plain [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations in the world. The tropical setting, combined with the exotic views, warm weather and oceanfront beaches makes the Caribbean a perfect romantic spot for your trip. A Caribbean travel vacation has something for everyone whether you are one for water sports, hiking, swimming, diving, and just plain frolicking in its white sand beaches.</p>
<p>But traveling to a hot destination like the Caribbean can be quite expensive, and for this reason, many people balk at the idea of a Caribbean travel. Indeed, why spend so much on a single vacation when you could visit much cheaper vacation destinations? Never mind if these places do not even come close to what a Caribbean travel entails.</p>
<p>What if we told you that there is a much better way to spend a vacation? What if we told you that you can go on a Caribbean travel vacation without having to spend a lot of your hard earned money?</p>
<p>A Caribbean travel for less. Now, there is a thought.</p>
<p>Below are four chic hotels where you can keep the island flavor high and the prices at a bare minimum while on a Caribbean travel vacation.</p>
<p>Flash and Glamour Anguilla</p>
<p>The most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, Anguilla is an island known for the flash and glamour of many of it resorts. For this reason, the island is a popular Caribbean travel destination for many visitors who want to bask in the compelling charm, romance, and excitement that the islands are known for.</p>
<p>Rendezvous Bay Hotel and Villas may not have all that flash and glamour, but it lacks in that department, the hotel makes up for their own location and fantastic rates starts at hundred dollars while villa costs few hundred dollars. This Caribbean travel resort hotel offers rooms, all sitting directly on fifty palm laden acres of fronting a one and half mile long sugary sand beach. The resort has been recently renovated, offering white tile floors and simple rattan furnishings, and is divided among a dozen low rise buildings.</p>
<p>Another worthy hotel group is Ku, its name meaning sacred place in the Arawak Indian language. With room rates starting at two hundred ninety five dollar, these twenty seven suite hotels overlooks Shoal Bay East and are South Beach Chic, with minimalist white decoration, air conditioning, and full kitchens.</p>
<p>Honeymoon Favorite Antigua</p>
<p>Located just south of another popular Caribbean travel destination of Barbuda. Antigua markets itself as a luxury Caribbean travel escape. Its many hotels and resorts located around the coastline are all favorites when it comes to honeymooning while on a Caribbean travel.</p>
<p>While you do not have to be on your honeymoon to enjoy Antigua island charm, the Cocobay Resort location on a hillside facing the Caribbean Sea makes for a very romantic atmosphere. The idyllic hotel is made of forty seven Creole style cottages in soft pastel hues with rates that are very affordable at two hundred forty dollar.</p>
<p>Hybrid Beat Bahamas</p>
<p>If you want a decidedly patrician vibe during your Caribbean travel vacation, then the Landing, a seven room inn on Harbor Island is exactly for you. There are no televisions, no phones, or Internet connections things that distract you from the sheer beauty of the beach a few blocks away. And for only two hundred forty dollar, you can get one of the bay view rooms, which offer the best views of the harbor and comes with crisp white linens, terraces, and four poster beds.</p>
<p>Here are the best destinations in Caribbean, they are plentiful and the competition makes for reasonable prices. If you come here once, surely you&#8217;d like to come back in the next time because of private attractions of this Caribbean beach.</p>
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		<title>Travel the World on a Backpack</title>
		<link>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/travel-the-world-on-a-backpack/</link>
		<comments>http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/travel-the-world-on-a-backpack/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2009 07:08:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Thomson Thomas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Backpacking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Backpacker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.portalvacation.com/blog/?p=37</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Backpacking is the cheapest way to travel the world. There are certain things though, that you must know as a backpacker. Here&#8217;s your travel checklist: 1) You carry your own backpack, always. When applied broadly, this means that as a backpacker you&#8217;re on your own, even if you travel in a group. You need to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Backpacking is the cheapest way to travel the world. There are certain things though, that you must know as a backpacker. Here&#8217;s your travel checklist:</p>
<p>1) You carry your own backpack, always. When applied broadly, this means that as a backpacker you&#8217;re on your own, even if you travel in a group. You need to be able to take care of yourself, no matter what. As such resourcefulness is important. Evaluate all decisions in this light. Plan your trip keeping in mind what you can handle and what you can&#8217;t. You&#8217;re not out there to prove anything. The idea is to have fun, but not pay a heavy price.</p>
<p>2) Backpacking is no joke. It requires thorough and advance planning. Since you will be on your own and out of your home for a decent period of time, planning will ensure that you do not run into problems that end up ruining the trip or those that were completely avoidable. Planning is also important to ensure that you manage your time and your money efficiently while you&#8217;re traveling. Plan your date of departure, route, tickets, the places you will see, where you would like to stop, where you would like to stay in advance. Whether you stick to this or not is of course entirely optional. The purpose of the plan is to give you some idea as to what you&#8217;re doing. It&#8217;s pretty hard to change a plan you never had.</p>
<p>3) Carry information, by the truckload. This is the single most important item on the list. Knowledge of the place you&#8217;re visiting is of utmost importance, not just to make your trip safer and easier but to turn it into a learning experience. The more you know of a place theoretically, the more the actual experience will mean to you. Also, in case of an emergency, information about the place you&#8217;re in will be your saving grace. Knowing a place beforehand will also ensure you don&#8217;t miss out on anything.</p>
<p>4) Prepare the backpack well: The backpack is what will stay with you throughout, so you want to ensure it has what you need to survive. The emphasis is on &#8216;survive&#8217; so you need to carry accordingly. A backpack is ergonomically built &#8211; which means when used correctly it causes no or minimal discomfort. For this it has to be used intelligently. Learn how to pack a backpack well (courtesy the internet) and then how to carry it properly. The last thing you want is a backache on your travels.</p>
<p>5) Prepare yourself better: On a tour like this, you&#8217;re up against a lot. As long you carry your presence of mind and don&#8217;t lose your sense of adventure &#8211; you&#8217;ll do great. However exercising caution never hurt anybody. So maybe a course in self defense or learning the language are really good ideas.</p>
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