Russia Travel Safety Tips

Russia is a very popular travel destination. Moscow and St. Petersburg are, by far, the two cities most visited. However, Russia is a vast country with many intriguing places to see. No matter where you go, the tips below will help you to have a safe trip.

Before leaving for Russia, it is a good idea to photocopy your passport and leave a copy or it, along with a detailed itinerary, with a friend or relative.

U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport and appropriate visas for travel to, or transit through, Russia and many of its neighboring countries, whether by train, car, ship or airplane.

A business visa requires a letter of invitation from a business contact in the country to which you are traveling. A transit visa requires a copy of your confirmed ticket and visa, if required, to your onward destination.

An exit visa is usually required to depart Russia. For short stays, the exit visa is issued along with the entry visa and is only valid until the date listed on the visa.

The Caucasus region of Russia experiences civil and political unrest. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to the areas of Chechnya, all areas bordering Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya and Kabardino-Balkariya.

One of the first things you should do upon arriving in Russia is register at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, especially if you plan to stay for a month or longer or you are going to a place where communications are poor.

Carry your photo identification and the name of a person to contact with you in the event of serious illness or other emergency.

Keep copies of your passport, visa, airline or other tickets and a list of your traveler’s checks with you in a separate location from the originals and leave copies with someone at home.

It is always a good idea to use a money belt or concealed pouch for your passport, cash and other valuables although you should leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards and anything you would hate to lose at home. Never display large sums of money when paying a bill.

You should take food and water with you when traveling by train or car. The availability or quality of these goods is not reliable throughout the region.

Avoid driving at night and never drive alone during this time. Highway crime is always a risk, especially at night. Never, under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers.

A valid U.S. driver’s license, a valid international driver’s license or a valid license from the country in which you are traveling are necessary to drive a vehicle in Russia.

Crime against foreigners is a problem. Use common sense to avoid assault, robbery, or pickpockets in the large cities. Keep alert in bus and train stations and on public transportation.

If you have been the victim of a crime, immediately contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agency. For addresses and telephone numbers, see the end of this pamphlet. You should also report the crime to the local police immediately.

Medicare/Medicaid does not cover you when you are outside the United States. If your insurance policy doesn’t cover you outside the United States, you should consider purchasing one that does. You can find a short-term policy for as low as $50.00 for a trip of 30 days.

Bring any necessary medications with you and keep them in the original, labeled containers in your hand luggage.

Following the above tips will help minimize risks during your trip and increase your chances of experiencing a fun, rewarding journey.

Remember to get your U.S. passport and Russian travel visa.

Zen and the art of Bodybuilding for Woman

Going to the gym everyday is a moving meditation. It’s often the biggest piece of ‘me’ time that most of us have available all day. It’s good for the body, it’s good for the mind and it’s even good for the soul. Yet, it is so difficult to get to the gym, and spend some quality time with self.

Why is this ?

Let’s go to the 3rd week of January. You’ve made your new years resolution that this year is going to be it – You’re going to get into shape. You even went as far as to get a membership at the local gym. You’ve read the books, decided on a training program, got yourself a new towel and even get your body fat measured. You even watched an episode of Oprah. All motivated and hyped up, you’re ready for the new you.

So, every morning or evening, you rock up at the gym, working up a sweat and you walk out there feeling great. You follow the diet religiously and you avoid all of live’s sweet temptations. And it’s going great – the more you do it the better your body works. And you last until well into week 5.

And then the trouble starts. Perhaps a bad day at the office, a fight with your partner or it’s “Just one of those days”. Often, going to the gym might be the best thing you could do for yourself – but just not today, I’ll go tomorrow again.

Tomorrow comes, and it’s another reason to let the gym go. Feeling a little guilty, you promise yourself that you’ll start afresh next week Monday. The cycle continues, and you just say – Forget it, this is tough.

Sound familiar ?

So, what’s the real reason you’ve quit?

Einstein said that it takes a lot of energy to get a stationary body to start moving. And in the begining, you invested a lot of energy – you were all fired up and ready to go. It was fun and new, something that really got you excited. And with all the energy that you expend every day, the excuses start rolling in. Before you know it, you’ve come to a standstill again – and getting going again can be tough.

So, don’t feel despondant. These things happen to everyone, and it’s up to you to get back onto the bus and get going again. See it as a minor setback only – this is in no way a failure. It only turns into failure if you quit.

You can read part 2 of “Zen and the art of Bodybuilding for Woman” on the bodybuilding for women website.

http://www.bodaciousbod.com/Zen-And-The-Art-Of-BodyBuilding-Part-2.php

Travel to China Safely

China attracts millions of tourist each year that go to visit such ancient attractions as The Great Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses and the Yangtze River as well as enjoy spectacular shows and exquisite cuisine in the thriving cities of Beijing and Shanghai.

Travel to China, as is the case with any destination, comes with certain risks and challenges. To minimize these risks and to increase your chances of a safe and rewarding trip, take note of the following tips.

Over 1,200 cities and areas in China are open to visitors without special travel permits, including most major scenic and historical sites. However, you should be aware that Chinese regulations strictly prohibit travel in “closed” areas without special permission. Check to make sure you won’t be entering a restricted area. If you have plans to visit a “closed” area, obtain permission from the appropriate authorities.

Get your passport and China travel visa if you don’t already have them. Be sure to start the process early. Passports usually take 6 weeks or more to process. Make a couple of copies of your passport data page. Take one with you but keep it separate from your passport. Leave the other with a friend or relative. Take extra copies of your passport photos in case your passport is lost or stolen.

If you plan to stay a month or longer, register at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate general. They provide a variety of services to U.S. citizens. Keep the location and telephone number with you at all times.

China has a low crime rate; however crime has increased in the past few years, principally in the major cities. U.S. citizens and other foreigners have seldom been victims of violent crime. However, always use good common sense to avoid putting yourself at risk unnecessarily.

Exercise caution and carefully obey local laws. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

If you plan to do business in China, be vigilant in investigating the companies you plan to work with to ensure they are reputable or to learn whether a prior history of disputes exists.

Tourist travel in China can be extremely strenuous and may be especially debilitating to someone in poor health. Tours often involve walking long distances and up steep hills. All, especially those with a history of coronary/pulmonary problems, should have a complete medical checkup before making final travel plans. It is very important to schedule rest periods during your touring activities.

SOS International, Ltd., operates clinics and provides medical evacuation and medical escort services in several Chinese cities. For medical emergencies anywhere in mainland China, Americans can call the SOS International, Ltd., 24-hour “Alarm Center” in Beijing at (86-10) 64629100 or in Shanghai at (86-21) 62950099 for advice and referrals to local facilities. SOS International Alarm Centers can also be contacted in Hong Kong at (852) 24289900 and in the United States at (1-800) 523-6586.

Travelers are encouraged to travel to China with both health insurance and medical evacuation insurance (often included in so-called “travel” insurance and provided as part of a tour group package).

Don’t forget to verify your return flight 72 hours before the departure date. International flights departing China are routinely overbooked. If you don’t verify your flight, you could have your name stricken from the list of passengers. If this results in your remaining in China beyond the date on your visa, you could be fined or, even, detained.

Remember, if you plan to travel to China you need to get your United States Passport and China travel visa.

Are You Playing the Fool to Your Advantage

The Fool is perhaps one of the most important tarot cards in the deck.
He is the first card of the Major Arcana, the first of 22 cards.
He is also the only one of the Major Arcana to remain in our modern card deck, appearing as the Joker.
His journey is at a deeper level the journey we are all on – the journey through life and life’s troubles, as no matter how old we are or what experiences we have been through we will still contine to find ourselves in areas where we are unsure, and vulnerable.
To read more of this article go to: tarot fool card

A new Internet marketing opportunity

The Internet was made for audiobooks.

Totally downloadable, popular with business leaders and others trying to maximize their time, they allow the latest best-sellers to be “read” by hearing.

Just about any book or novel you want in anaudiobook format, perfect for listening to in your car, on your computer or on your iPod.

Audiobooks are being sold through dozens of online sites by Interet marketers. A site called AudioBookstorePortal, is equipping audiobook affiliates to sell the titles and earn 10% commissions.

The site provides premade html pages that affiliates upload to their own sites, providing fresh and individualized content (good for search engines) and a new way to monetize a Web site.

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