Going straight to vacation-home owners often gives you more selection and better prices. But it can also mean no quick fix if problems arise. Follow these numbered instructions to reduce the risks within the rental process.

1. Choose a destination
Consult guidebooks and visitors bureaus, ask friends for their input and recommendations, and do all the research possible to figure out where you'd like to rent. There are hundreds of thousands of vacation rentals available around the globe, so be as specific as you can to winnow down the choices.

2. Weigh your options
Start by skimming the rental listings on a few Web sites for the location you've chosen. Note the sort of properties available, what you get for the money, and the typical rental policies, such as minimum-stay requirements. Compare your results with the nightly lodging rates charged by local hotels, real-estate agents, or management companies, which are often posted on the same sites. And then be honest with yourself: Are you really OK without maids, room service, an on-site restaurant, or hotel amenities? Decide which type of accommodations makes the most sense for you.

3. Rank your priorities
Most sites let you sort listings according to the number of bedrooms, the price, and other variables, which can be a huge time-saver in finding what you're looking for. Don't be too rigid in defining your search, though — you may be willing to have one less bedroom if the location is exactly where you want. Leave yourself some wiggle room.

4. Contact the rentals on your short list
First, ask if your desired dates are free. Even if they appear to be available on an online calendar, the site might not be up-to-date. Be sure to ask for the exact address of the rental as well as the layout of the property, more photos, and any other details you're curious about. Some owners have separate sites where they have more information about the lodging than what appears on the rental site. E-mailing is the best method for the first contact; give the owner 24 hours to answer. If it takes much longer than that, he or she could be just as slow to respond if there's a problem.

5. Do your own research
Compare the listing with what you find when you plug the address into the satellite view on Google Maps or Google Earth. Scope the area for nearby attractions both bad (factory complex) and good (local park). The property might be three blocks from the beach as stated, but there could be a four-lane highway in between. Do a regular Google search with the rental's address or the owner's phone number in quotes. The results will reveal whether the property is listed at more than one Web site — an indication that the owner is serious about renting — or only listed on a single site. Reputable owners often run multiple listings for their properties. Your Google search might also bring up complaints, which you'll want to review carefully.

6. Call your top choice(s)
Be candid and up front about your expectations and your concerns: Tell the owner that you have kids, that you want to walk to the market every day, or that your husband is a light sleeper and needs a quiet neighborhood. Ask specific questions like "Where do you think the baby should sleep?" The answer you get, such as "Not in the front of the house, because traffic might wake her up," may well be revealing. You could handle these queries via e-mail, but it's easier to get a sense of a person over the phone. Be wary if he or she is evasive, impatient, or curt. Also, be cautious when someone seems to be telling you exactly what he or she thinks you want to hear. Conscientious owners want to find good matches for their properties and won't be so eager to rent to just anyone.

7. Check references
A lot of Web sites have pages for renters to post comments on, but the bulk of properties have no reviews at all. The few reviews that are there tend to be positive, which is unsurprising considering that owners can generally edit or delete comments at will. Vacation-home owners are also in control of supplying references, so it's difficult to get an unbiased opinion, but ask anyway. And then call those references rather than using e-mail, because people tend to open up more in phone conversations than online.

8. Try negotiating
If the listing says the owner only rents on a monthly or biweekly basis, ask if he or she can make an exception. Most owners are willing to deal at least a little bit, especially if your dates are coming up soon. (Then again, some owners raise their prices at the last minute.) Either way, it's fair to ask for at least 10 percent off if you're arriving within two weeks. Think back to the browsing stage: Did most rentals offer a seventh night free or waive the cleaning fee for guests staying more than five days? Ask for the same.

9. Know your different payment options
If you're not comfortable with the owner's suggested payment procedure, request an alternative method. Credit cards are easiest and offer renters some level of protection, and more and more vacation-home owners in North America accept plastic via PayPal (an online payment service that keeps your credit card and banking details hidden from the recipient). For overseas rentals, you're more likely to be asked for a bank-to-bank transfer. If you don't want the extra hassle or costs, and the owner is game, try to hold the dates with a credit card or a partial deposit via check, and then pay the rest in cash on arrival. Most owners are happiest with cash, anyway. Never — ever — pay with Western Union or a money order. They're virtually untraceable, so in the rare case of a scam, your money could be gone for good.

10. Read the contract
Make sure everything is clearly spelled out before putting any money down. Start with the basics. Check dates and dollar amounts. Home owners will often draw up all their rental contracts themselves, and mistakes can happen. Also double-check that you're renting the correct property. After searching through hundreds of listings, it's easy to get mixed up. Finally, keep a copy of the contract for your records.

11. Buy insurance
Most vacation-rental cancellation policies are very strict, which is understandable considering they don't have a walk-up business as hotels do. The later you cancel, the stiffer the penalties. Buying travel insurance is an especially good idea in these situations because you have to pay the full amount up front; if something happens and you can't travel, you could lose most or all of your money. Compare travel insurance policies at squaremouth.com or insuremytrip.com.

12. Prepare for your arrival
Make sure you know the procedure for getting the keys. Some owners mail them out; others have a code to unlock a key box on the door. You should also ask the owner for tips on restaurants, baby-sitting services, farmers markets, grocery delivery, shopping, hiking, or whatever sorts of activities you're interested in. Many vacation-home owners have advice typed up and waiting for you at the rental house, so ask them to e-mail you a copy of it in advance. Don't forget to print out the directions, the owner's phone number and e-mail address, and the number to call if there's a problem with the property — the owner should have someone available 24/7 in case of emergency. E-mail yourself the same information so you can still get a hold of it even if you misplace the hard copy en route.

13. Go in with realistic expectations
No matter how much scouting you do beforehand, there's always some sort of surprise when you open the door. Rentals are not hotels, and no property is perfect. Your best bet is to embrace the quirks: Toasters break. Wallpaper can be ugly. Beds may be too firm or too soft. Give the owner the benefit of the doubt, and don't let minor problems ruin your vacation.

14. Peruse the log
Check out the guest log and read through the comments from former visitors. They'll clue you in on what people loved (or hated) about the place, and they can also offer good suggestions on what to do while you're in the area.

15. Got a problem? Call immediately
Contacting the owner as soon as possible is the best — and often the only — way to resolve an issue. Be cordial, but be firm. The problem doesn't have to be major to merit mentioning; let someone know about the crack in the bathroom window or the stains on the living room rug. At the very least, you want the owner to know you weren't responsible for them. It's also OK to call if you can't find beach chairs or the promised lobster pot. If you need an item that's not in the house, ask if you can be reimbursed if you buy one and leave it there. Most owners want guests to have enjoyable stays, if only for recommendations and return visits.

16. Leave the place in good shape
Follow the instructions in the contract and those detailed at the house. That might mean taking out the garbage or sweeping sand off the deck. (Not doing so will likely inconvenience the next renters more than the owner.) Share your insights with a review in the log and on rental Web sites. Then do the same for the owners: Send an e-mail thanking them and giving them feedback.

17. Get your deposit
Call if your deposit is not returned by the agreed-upon time; and if the deposit is less than you expected, get an explanation immediately. (The discrepancy could be due to a cleaning fee or a tax you overlooked.) If there's a dispute or the owner doesn't return your calls, contact the listing site. Its reputation is at stake, and it may be willing to mediate. Small-claims court is a last resort.

I'm sure with these tips your vacation rental will be smooth and enjoyable. Article taken from: Budget Travel October 2008 edition.

Summer is almost there, beach and ocean are waiting for us. If you like Scuba Diving or plan to learn it this summer, read this article, and don't leave the dock without understanding it.

When you pack your gear bag, your checklist probably includes the usual gear and emergency equipment, mask, fins, regulator and one of those kits with a few extra o-rings, neoprene patches and regulator mouthpieces. Here are a few extra things that you can throw into your gear bag that will make your dive more comfortable, confident, and safe.

Citrus beverages
When I surface, the first thing I want to do is get the taste of ocean out of my mouth. As much as I appreciate the smell of the sea and the salty air, I'm not so enthusiastic about having it on my tongue. Water is refreshing, but I find that I can drink a few liters of bottled water and still taste the remnants of the sea in my mouth.

After experimenting with dozens of beverage candidates, I find that Five Alive is hands-down the best cure for oceanmouth. Other citrus juices are good, but none are quite as effective as Five Alive. The better ones were those that contain acidic juices like pineapple and grapefruit.

The juice serves another purpose: rehydration. It seems counterintuitive that spending an hour submerged in water can cause dehydration, but it's true. The air in your tanks is very dry - necessarily so, since moisture in a tank will rust it from the inside. Just breathing in that dry air for an hour will silently dehydrate you. Drink something when you get back to the boat and you can avoid the symptoms of dehydration such as headache, nausea and dizziness.

Long-sleeved rashgard or cotton shirt
Did you know that the chemicals in sunscreen are poisonous to reef-dwelling marine life? You need to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, but you don't want to slather on the SPF lotion before your dive. Cover up the old fashioned way with a cotton shirt or a long-sleeved rashguard.

Laminated Dive Table Chart
Are you dependent on your computer? Go back and review your certification training and learn how to calculate your residual nitrogen using tables. Computers are great tools, but it behooves every diver to remember how to manage their nitrogen levels without gadgetry.

A "dry bag"
A dry bag needn't be anything fancy, just inexpensive bags with resealable flaps are available at most camping or marine supply stores. They don't need to be watertight to 100 ft, since you leave them on the boat in your gear bag. My favorite is a bright yellow, rubber bag with a top that folds over three times and tucks into itself for an easy watertight seal. Many divers on a budget will use a variety of disposable resealable freezer bags.

Here are some things to keep in dry bag:
Tissues: a necessity. After purging my mask a few times, my sinuses get rebellious.
Cotton Swabs: some gentle attention to get the water out of my ears.
A photocopy of my identification & passport - just in case
Band-aids: because I stub my toes on boats
Everything that was in my pockets
Before donning my wetsuit, my dry bag (by virtue of its sealability) is a good place to keep a cell phone, camera, wallet, jewelery, car keys, etc.

Tell someone where you are going and who you're with.
Make this a habit, so you don't need to be concerned when an emergency arises.

First, make sure the dive operator knows who you are, where you are staying, and who to contact in case of an emergency. If you are injured during a dive, the dive operators might whisk you directly to the nearest hospital, medical clinic or decompression chamber. If the medical staff can't determine your identity, it can complicate your medical attention.

Second, tell someone who isn't diving with you where you are going. That could be others in your party, the hotel concierge, or a phone call to a relative back home. Tell them the name of the dive shop, your destination, the departure time and estimated return time for your dive excursion. If you know it, include the names of the boat, its captain, and divemaster. If you are traveling alone or diving in a group, write the information down and leave it with the hotel office. If your hotel is near a popular diving spot, they will be used to that sort of thing.

For more read: www.thescubaguide.com - a site that offers information every scuba enthusiast can use. Information on scuba masks, buying scuba gear and more.

Even though you are not travelling to the jungle, where you need to know how to make fire, on regular vacation to the beach, you still need to know how to make your trip safe. Because in one way or another, aside from the business purpose that some travelers pursue, traveling is known to be one outlet for the adventurous aspect of a lot of people. Sure, traveling can be one heck of a fun activity. However, one is never sure on what untoward incident that can be encountered while enjoying the sights and scenes during the trip.

To avoid getting caught off guard while traveling, here are a few tips to ensure survival while traveling:

1. Know your water.
Ever heard of the traveler's diarrhea? This condition is caused by contaminated water that a foreigner has drunk. Aside from that diarrhea, a list of diseases abounds due to contaminated water. To prevent getting any of those water-borne diseases, make sure you boil your drinking water for at least 10 minutes.

2. Milk will do.
Remember that thing they say regarding milk as the complete food? It still is true. As long as you boil it for at least 10 minutes too, like how you should have your water, it will serve as one of your best sources of nutrition. Local processed milk products may not be safe for your tummy, better opt for a more popular brand of milk product.

3. Vitamins Schmitamins.
Bringing vitamins will help in warding off many of the diseases that an unguarded (with resistance-building supplements) person may be so prone to. Multivitamins can be more convenient to bring than separate vitamins for various needs.

4. Battling extreme temperatures.
Doing one's homework before going to any foreign country will save one from a lot of trouble. These troubles may include temperature or weather induced inconveniences. An online consultation will inform one what to bring to gear up against any problem that may be caused by the weather or temperature.
If you are to go to one hot spot of the world, your luggage will benefit a lot since you don't have to bring a heavy and thick wardrobes. Now if you are about to visit a place like Antarctica, one tip is to choose well your clothes so as not to stock up much on those that you will not be using that much.

5. Taking care of your skin.
Don't forget your bottle of moisturizer if you're going somewhere cold. A sunscreen will be very indispensable too. A lotion or anything that will ward off insects is one must-have that should never be overlooked either. One best advice that is applicable too even when you're not traveling that much is to avoid getting sun exposure as much as possible.

Article writen by Jay, the web owner of airline-tickets.biz

Winter is almost gone, but now it is actually the perfect time to enjoy the last snow cap on the mountain. No more snow shower or storm. Just perfect sunny days with the snow.

Few things in life are better than an adventurous and exciting vacation. Especially a ski vacation. Whether it's a family outing, a romantic get-away with your special someone, or you are going solo in search of snow and fun in the sun, this site can assist you in determining which destination is right for you. First decision: a ski resort in the United States or a trip to a more exotic foreign destination, perhaps the majestic and scenic Alps? If you decide on an North American ski vacation, your next decision might be choosing which geographic region of the United States most beckons you.

Thanks to the presence of the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Cascades, the western portions of the United States feature breathtaking scenery in addition to fantastic skiing conditions. With 12,000 foot peaks, azure blue skies and hundreds of inches of snow it doesn't get much better. Do you want to blast down the ruggedly beautiful mountains of Montana through waist-deep, dry powder the natives call "white smoke"?

Maybe skiing with the rich and famous is more your style, if so try Aspen, Colorado, known for its majestic four mountains. Mammoth Mountain, Vail, Jackson Hole, Steamboat Springs, Taos, Snowbird, the hundreds of runs and resorts of Utah, Washington, California, and Idaho.

Just north of the 49th parallel (the Canadian border) lie some of the world's best skiing options featuring the top ski resort destinations. Banff/Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, located in the heart of Canada's Banff National Park, ranks as one of the most scenic mountain resorts in North America, if not the entire world.

And Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia with 8,000 skiable acres and its 100+ bars and restaurants in the village is definitely a "must do" destination. These magnificent mountain peaks provide gorgeous scenery, abundant snowfall, pristine wildlife areas, and the steepest vertical drop in North America. The Japanese have repeatedly ranked it as their favorite international destination.

One valuable tip for planning a ski vacation: get all of your necessary items in a single package or as some travel agents refer to it, "bundling." In simple terms it means to get your airline tickets, hotel accommodations, car rental, lift tickets all from a single source at the same time. Some agencies will even make arrangements for off-slope activities that you are interested in. These inclusive packages make vacationing easy, affordable, convenient and fun. Use online searches to find the best resorts, the most affordable prices and the best travel companies.

A ski vacation can provide you and your family the perfect break during the long, dark winter months, and allow you to experience some quality bonding time. Picture your family conquering the slopes, making snow angels, riding snowmobiles or soaking in the heavenly heated pool as the brilliant stars twinkle brightly overhead. You can choose from a wide array of destinations, accommodations and flight plans. No matter where you want to ski or snowboard, you will find the best deals on the Internet.

Whether you are an experienced downhill racer, a beginning snowboarder, or someone in between, you can get a mountain of free skiing information by doing some research on the Internet. Comparison shop and gain the knowledge you need to become a smart ski shopper!

Article written by Larry Denton www.SkiResortSpot.com

In general terms, travel insurance protects all holiday costs against adverse events such as cancellation and interruption and also reimburses medical expenses, the loss or damage of property and transit delays. Travellers are compensated if they have to cancel or interrupt their travel, they will also be covered should they need emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation and other situations.

Many millions of travellers and holiday makers every year purchase some form of travel insurance, but few people know really what it is and how it can be defined. If you know what is included, and what is not you will be able to make the most of your protection, and get reimbursed fairly

There are four primary categories of travel insurance:

1. Health and Medical reasons
Medical evacuation: This provides emergency transportation to either a local hospital in the event that the traveller is unable to get there by themselves or back to a hospital near the traveller's home town. If family members are covered on the same policy they can travel back home also.
Medical and health reasons: This reimburses medical and emergency dental costs. Almost all travel insurance plans work by reimbursing the traveller after they have paid locally for treatment. Claims are usually paid within 7 - 10 days. Pre-existing conditions are covered by most policies if the policy is purchased within (at the most) 21 days from the date the traveller made the first payment or deposit.

2. Delays and cancellation, including curtailment
Delay: This reimburses travellers for hotel, food or clothing expenses in the event of a flight delay. Some plans also cover costs associated with catching up with a cruise should another delay cause the traveller to miss embarkation.
Cancellation: Re-imbursement comes into effect if travellers have booked and paid for a holiday, but are unable to embark because of personal illness or injury, death (of the individual or of a family member), adverse weather conditions, transportation strikes, terrorism, bankruptcy, sudden unemployment, jury duty or by sustaining serious damage to their home causing it to be uninhabitable due to fire or flooding.
Interruption: Insurance companies pay money to policy holders abroad if they have to cut short their trip due to illness, death (of the traveller or a family member), terrorism, weather, airline strikes, bankruptcy, sudden unemployment, and other adverse conditions which mean that, due to events outside the control of the holiday-maker, a trip has to be curtailed.

3. Death
Accidental death: covers death or dismemberment at any time of your trip. Usually provides the lowest amount of coverage due to a higher risk.
Air Flight accident: this covers death or dismemberment during an air flight only. Usually provides the highest amount of coverage due to fairly low likelihood of this occurring.
Common carrier: Covers death or dismemberment while travelling on public transport such as a plane, ferry, train bus or taxi.

4. Loss or damage of personal effects:
Baggage loss: reimburses travellers for lost, stolen or damaged personal items. This coverage is usually restricted to the duration of the trip and not confined to baggage damaged or lost by the airline.
There are two policy limits, total claim and per item maximum. Some policies also place limits on the type of items that can be claimed for, such as precious jewellery, laptops and sporting goods.
Rental Car damage: Reimburses travellers for damage or loss to a rental vehicle. It is designed to allow the traveller to decline collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage offered by the car rental companies. Liability coverage should still be purchased through the car rental company.
Rental Car Damage coverage is also often included with the credit card used to pay for the car rental which is often matches the coverage provided in the policy. -Assistance services - provides a 24-hour collect telephonel advice and assistance service to travellers. This service can be used anytime a traveller needs advice. Make sure you don't leave home without it.

So in conclusion, travel Insurance is the one product in the modern risk averse, insurance-saturated world that really is essential. You will not regret taking it out, because not being insured for your travel mishaps is a source of huge regret for far too many holiday-makers every year.

Article taken from: holidayinsuranceweb.com

You are on a mission to plan a great vacation, but keeping it within a budget, you need to find a discount hotel. Where do you look, and how do you know that? What will your choices be? Can you find a way to make it even cheaper? Before you make those reservations at just any hotel or the first one you find, try using the internet as a guide to finding the best discount hotel.

First, consider what type of discount hotel you're looking for. If you do not have any preference in amenities or features, great, your job is easy. But, when you travel with children or need special accommodations, you need to do some small research. Realize, though, that it's great to have a nice pool at the hotel, but how much time will you spend there? Will you have time to enjoy the extra features like expensive gaming systems, computer hookups, and cable TV? All of these extras add up to unnecessary charges if you are not going to use them. So, if not, try to find a discount hotel that does not offer many of these.

Now to find the right discount hotel, try using the internet. Just entering the city and state you plan to travel to will give you a bunch of options that may offer even better discounts. Search these sites for best offers. When there, consider all the options they offer. If you can, staying during the week would possibly be cheaper then over the weekend. Sundays are usually less expensive then Saturdays. And always remember to make discount hotel reservations ahead of time as it will cost much more to just walk in that day and request a room. The discount hotels will give you many features as well as comforts, but they will be things you can actually use. The first of these is more cash in your pocket.

When you are on a mission to plan a great, but affordable vacation, always consider finding a discount hotel. They may offer you less amenities and features, but will you really use those anyway? Discount hotel, maybe even a Las Vegas discount hotel, is a great deal when they allow you to stay close to your travel location, but keep that extra money in your pocket!

For more information, visit: www.my-hotel-4me.com

Traveling isn't always for relaxing or fun. Sometimes, you need to travel in your job. So, although most business travel lasts shorter than gateaway vacation, but it can pretty stressful.

If you're a road warrior, these travel tips will help reduce the stress of your journeys.

1. Choose your Travel Modality Wisely
Planes, trains or automobiles: what's the choice to be? While air travel is clearly the only way to go for long journeys, shorter trips of a couple of hundred miles might be faster via train, bus or auto. When making your decision, consider time spent traveling to and from airports, plus time spent lining up for check in, security and departure. Also consider the effects inclement weather can have on your travel choice. It's no fun hearing the announcement that your plane can't land due to poor visibility and you'll be returning to your departure airport.

2. Consider Alternative Airports
If you're flying, consider alternative airports that are outside the city you're going to visit. As a rule, these airports have fewer flights, less overbooking and less delays than their larger counterparts.

3. Obtain an International Drivers License
If traveling outside your own country, an international driver's license will be more readily recognized than your locally issued driver's license. The cost is not prohibitive and in most regions, the licenses are easily obtained by showing your local driver's license. Inquire at your local Automobile Association.

4. Get Your Maps Before You Leave Home
Travel is less stressful if you know how to get around. Before leaving home, obtain maps of your destination city. One approach is to visit web sites such as City Search (www.citysearch.com/) and print out maps. Place your printed maps in plastic folders for protection against the elements. Trying to read a road map while standing on a rainy street corner has its obvious disadvantages.

5. Carry Electronic Documents Rather than Hard Copy
Rather than carry heavy stacks of brochures or sales letters, take electronic documents on diskettes and have them printed at a local printing service. Similarly, if you are working a booth in a trade show, it's a good idea to carry electronic documents in case you run out of the stack you shipped from the office.

6. Find Hotels that Cater to Business Travelers
Hotels that cater to business travelers will have Internet capabilities and offer access to business machines such as faxes and photocopiers.

7. Remember Adaptors and Converters
If you're traveling to a foreign country, remember that you might need special voltage adaptors for electricity. You might also need plug adapters to accommodate both electrical plugs and telephone jacks. A good travel store will be able to help you decide what's needed.

8. Use Calling Cards
When you're staying at a hotel, the phone bill can be a major expense. The cost of calling your family, checking your voice mail and checking your email is best handled by using a telephone calling card or a corporate credit card.

9. Check your Cellular Service
Cellular phone companies regularly offer new rates. Check to be sure you're getting the best deal -- some now include long distance charges in the monthly fee. If your business travel will take you to small, out-of-the way towns, your digital phone might not work. You will need an analog or dual digital/anlog phone for such trips.

10. Protect Yourself Against Theft
Before leaving home, make copies of your travel documents (passport, airline tickets, travel insurance, credit cards and itinerary).
Take copies with you and leave a copy with a contact at home. Take special precautions for your electronics. See what your local travel store has to offer in terms of protective luggage. You can purchase laptop cases that disguise the fact that they're used for laptops, or laptop cases that look old and battered. And of course, you already know how fast and savvy a pickpocket can be. Avoid carrying important documents in your purse or hip pocket.

This article is writen by: June Campbell How to Write Business Plans, Business Proposals, JV Contracts,Human Resource Package, More! No-cost ebook "Beginners Guide to Ecommerce".

Carelessness is the number one reason for a passport application being rejected or delayed or for a passport being lost, stolen, or damaged.

What steps are necessary to prevent these things from happening? How can you take care of your passport? Below are 16 practical tips you can follow to acquire your passport, keep it in your possession, and preserve it in good condition.

Before You Leave On Your Trip

1. Check to see if you even need a passport.
Countries can, and often do, change foreign entry requirements. If you arrive at the airport without the required documents, you'll be denied boarding privileges. And, of course, this isn't covered by travel insurance.
Currently, more than 80% of the world's countries require a valid passport for entrance. It's important to verify the foreign entry requirements for the country you plan to visit as early as possible.

2. Apply for your passport early.
You should apply for a new passport at least 90 days before your departure date. For a renewal, begin the process 8 to 11 months before your passport expires. Why so early? Many countries require that your passport have six to eight months of validity remaining before they will issue a visa.

3. Fill out the correct form correctly.
Each type of passport service has specific criteria that must be met. Make sure you get the right application form, and then fill it in carefully. Double-check each entry. Ask a friend or relative to verify it as well. Errors made on the application form can lead to delays, or even rejection of your passport request.

4. Follow the specifications for the required documents exactly.
When applying for a new passport, the most frequently used documents are a certified birth certificate for proof of citizenship along with a valid driver's license for proof of your identity.
Your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal, registrar's signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. No photocopies are accepted. Your driver's license must be more than six months old.
For a passport renewal, your previous passport serves as both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. To be valid, it cannot be mutilated, altered, or damaged in any way.
You must send two identical passport photos taken within the last 6 months. These passport photos must be 2x2 inch with a plain white or off-white background. They have to be a full-face view with the head being from 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of the head. The photos can be either color or black and white.

5. Sign both the passport application form and your check.
Surprisingly, many people forget to sign either the passport application form or their check to Passport Services. Once again, check everything twice, or even three times.

6. Request additional pages.
Are you a frequent flyer? Request a 48-page passport (at no additional cost). It will allow you to travel longer before having to replace it.

7. Sign your passport and fill out the emergency information.
When your passport arrives, check to see that all the information contained in it is correct. If it is, sign it and fill in your current address and the name of a person to contact in case of emergency. If not, return it to the State Department for correction.

8. Make two copies of your passport and photos.
Give one copy of your passport to a friend or relative who can be easily contacted in case of an emergency. Take the other copy and the extra photos with you on your trip. If you use an online document storage service, you can scan your passport and upload a copy. That way, you can access it from almost anywhere in the world.

While You're Away

9. Always keep your passport in a safe place!
Never leave your passport in your baggage, backpack, purse, car, hotel room, or anywhere else! When you must carry your passport, keep it in a money belt or inside coat pocket. Upon arrival at the hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe.

10. Never lay your passport down anywhere.
Passports placed on a counter, phone booth or table can be easily forgotten or stolen. Practice the habit of immediately putting your passport away after using it.

11. If you travel as a family or as part of a group, don't let one person carry all the passports.
The odds are much greater for one person carrying all the passports to lose them or have them stolen than for all the passports to be stolen or lost if each individual owner carries them.

12. Never let anyone leave your presence with your passport.
When you're checking in at the airport, passing through customs, exchanging currency, or doing anything else that requires you to show your passport, never allow the person examining your passport to leave your presence. If the person starts to leave, call their attention and request to accompany them.
Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used for unlawful entry into the United States or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. You would be pretty embarrassed if your name were associated with illegal activities.

13. Immediately report the loss of your passport.
If you are careful and follow the tips above, you shouldn't have any problem with the loss of your passport.
If it does occur though, immediately notify the local police and then proceed to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Take the copy of your passport and extra photos with you. You will be issued a temporary passport that you can replace upon returning to the United States.

After You Return

14. Schedule your passport renewal.
Check the expiration date and make a reminder to renew your passport at the proper time. Remember, you should begin the process 8 to 11 months prior to the expiration date. Put the reminder somewhere where it won't be forgotten.

15. Check the number of blank pages remaining.
Some countries require a blank page for their visa. If you plan a future trip on which you will visit various countries, you might need the same number of pages as countries to be visited.
If you do not have an adequate number of pages but your passport is not due for renewal, you can request additional pages.

16. Store your passport in a safe place.
If you have a safe in your home, keep your passport there. If not, consider a safety deposit box at your local bank.

Follow the practical tips above and you can easily avoid passport problems and more fully enjoy your international travels.

For more resource, visit: www.us-passport-service-guide .com

No mountain vacation is complete until travelers have stayed in a cabin. Most mountain lodgings consist of beautiful and historic wood cabins not unlike the ones early settlers lived in. Rest assured that though these cabins look rustic, they often have all of the modern day amenities that people look for in a lodging. There are literally over a thousand different cabin models to choose from. They vary depending on location, amenities, and size. A solitary traveler, couple, or entire family or group will be able to find a cabin to suit their needs.

Mountain cabin rentals provide a great alternative to standard hotels and motels. They can vary in size from one bedroom to over ten. A secluded one-bedroom cabin is perfect for a honeymoon or any sort of romantic vacation. A larger cabin is perfect for a family reunion, corporate retreat, road trip, or any other large group activity.

Cabins can come with all of the features of modern hotels. They can have hot tubs, cable TV, fireplaces, and other comforts. Of course, a major advantage of mountain cabin rental is the mountains themselves. Many cabins are situated within walking distance of the mountains, and have breathtaking mountain views.

Mountain cabin rentals are common in most mountain locales. The types of cabins differ from region to region. For example, colder locales have warmer cabins with fireplaces and other heating options, while cabins located in warmer climates may feature swimming pools. Many cabins are located near ski slopes, hiking trails, lakes, or other outdoor activities. One advantage of cabins is their privacy; visitors are not stuck close together as they are in hotels. Cabins can either be secluded in the mountains or clustered in small groups.

Mountain cabin rentals provide unique comfort and charm to mountain visitors. Cabins often have all of the modern features and amenities of hotels, but in a more private, rustic setting. Different cabins can accommodate groups of any size. Mountain Vacations Info provides detailed information on vacations in the Rocky, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains, as well as mountain biking vacations and mountain rental cabins in Colorado, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and other destinations. Mountain Vacations Info is the sister site of Dude Ranch Web.

In one way or another, aside from the business purpose that some travelers pursue, traveling is known to be one outlet for the adventurous aspect of a lot of people. Sure, traveling can be one heck of a fun activity. However, one is never sure on what untoward incident that can be encountered while enjoying the sights and scenes during the trip.

To avoid getting caught off guard while traveling, here are a few tips to ensure survival while traveling:

1. Know your water.
Ever heard of the traveler's diarrhea? This condition is caused by contaminated water that a foreigner has drunk. Aside from that diarrhea, a list of diseases abounds due to contaminated water. To prevent getting any of those water-borne diseases, make sure you boil your drinking water for at least 10 minutes.

2. Milk will do.
Remember that thing they say regarding milk as the complete food? It still is true. As long as you boil it for at least 10 minutes too, like how you should have your water, it will serve as one of your best sources of nutrition. Local processed milk products may not be safe for your tummy, better opt for a more popular brand of milk product.

3. Vitamins Schmitamins.
Bringing vitamins will help in warding off many of the diseases that an unguarded (with resistance-building supplements) person may be so prone to. Multivitamins can be more convenient to bring than separate vitamins for various needs.

4. Battling extreme temperatures.
Doing one's homework before going to any foreign country will save one from a lot of trouble. These troubles may include temperature or weather induced inconveniences. An online consultation will inform one what to bring to gear up against any problem that may be caused by the weather or temperature.
If you are to go to one hot spot of the world, your luggage will benefit a lot since you don't have to bring a heavy and thick wardrobes. Now if you are about to visit a place like Antarctica, one tip is to choose well your clothes so as not to stock up much on those that you will not be using that much.

5. Taking care of your skin.
Don't forget your bottle of moisturizer if you're going somewhere cold. A sunscreen will be very indispensable too. A lotion or anything that will ward off insects is one must-have that should never be overlooked either. One best advice that is applicable too even when you're not traveling that much is to avoid getting sun exposure as much as possible.

About the author:
Jay is the web owner of www.airline-tickets.biz, which provides information and resources on vacations, airfare, hotels, and travel.