Traveling With Your Laptop

Computers don't always make the best traveling companions. They can get cranky when mishandled, their batteries seem to die at the worst possible times, and sometimes they refuse to perform basic tasks like connecting to a wireless network or sending e-mail.

Traveling computers are also prone to becoming victims of the digital version of Montezuma's Revenge, picking up strange viruses and other virtual bugs. And if digital diseases don't get them, there are plenty of hackers and thieves who are eager to steal your computer or poke around in your personal data. The sad truth is that computers immediately become more vulnerable to theft, hack attacks, and viruses when you're working with them in public spaces or are connected to public networks in hotels, coffee shops, and airports.

Happily all of these problems have a solution. Here's how to keep your computer and other digital gear happy and healthy whether you're traveling for work or pleasure.

Please Do Not Disturb (The Computer): Pack your computer in a padded case to shield it from the physical traumas of travel. If you're traveling by air, avoid placing your laptop in the overhead bin where someone will undoubtedly dump a heavy object on top of it. And when the flight attendants push the drinks cart near your seat, close your laptop. A bit of turbulence or just plain klutziness can result in a spill, and a doused laptop is almost always a dead laptop.

What to Pack: Bring along the system restore disk that came with your computer (or the operating system disk) in case some tech trauma occurs while you're away; a backup disk containing any essential files; a power adaptor if you're traveling out of the country (check with your laptop manufacturer for these, and remember to get adaptors for all the electronic gear you're bringing); and perhaps a short extension cord so you can work anywhere in your room instead of right up next to the room's only power outlet.

Power Up: To get the longest life possible from your laptop's battery, go to Start>Control Panel>Power Options, and on the "Power Schemes" pull-down menu choose "Max Battery." Windows will now conserve your battery power by shutting off your screen and spinning down the hard drive when you aren't actively using the computer. (Mac users: go to System Preferences>Energy Saver>Settings for Battery and Optimization>Better Battery Life.) Also, to save the life of your battery, decrease the screen's brightness -- look for the key on your keyboard with the little sun icon on it and press it and the function key simultaneously. (No such key? Check your computer's manual.)

Thwart Thieves: Put your laptop in your room safe or the hotel safe when not in your room (not under the bed or in the drawers underneath your undies -- too many people hide things there, so it's the first place a thief will look). If the hotel safe seems dicey, or you need to bring your laptop to a conference room or onto a convention floor, most laptops have a security slot (Kensington lock). Get a locking device with an attached cable (available at any well-stocked computer supply store), wrap the cable around a heavy, stationery object, and insert the lock into the security slot.

Travel Tummy, The Tech Version: Computer viruses and worms can run rampant on the wide-open public wireless services offered by hotels, coffee shops, bookstores, and libraries. Protect your computer from other people's computer germs by making sure your operating system's firewall is active. (Instructions on how to activate the Windows firewall are here, Mac users click here. Firewalls block most incoming threats. Also make sure that you're running an up-to-date copy of an antivirus program.)

Stop Snoops: Public wireless service is open to any and all, which means that any data you have stored on your computer is accessible to all other users on the network. So in other words, any data you transmit over the Internet is about as private as a message written on the back of a postcard. The best way to ward off snoops is to disable your wireless card's Ad-Hoc (peer-to-peer) mode. This helps to prevent anyone else from connecting to your computer. The software for your wireless modem will allow you to disable Ad-Hoc with a single click. And again, make sure you're running a firewall on your computer.

Get Connected: No wireless service in your hotel? Check here and here for exhaustive listings of public wireless networks around the world.

E-mail Mystery: Once you're connected to a public wireless service you'll be able to receive mail through an e-mail program like Outlook, but you probably won't be able to send out e-mail. That's because most Internet Service Providers block e-mail sent through their network via any other ISP, including wireless ones (as a spam fighting measure). To send e-mail, use your ISP's web mail service or set up a web mail account with a free service like Google's Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail.

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Maximize Your Hotel Experience

1. Ask and you might receive

When you book a hotel room, ask about every possible discount. Do they offer a corporate rate? If you have a business card and you're not staying in a resort property, you probably qualify. Are you a government employee? Do you qualify for a military service rate? AARP? Local resident rate? (Hawaiian hotels offer steep discounts to island residents). If you don't qualify for any of these reductions, politely say "What's the absolute best rate available for the days I want to stay at your property?"

2. Use any available means

If you are attending a convention, trade show or exhibition, check the event's Web site. Chances are the organizers have arranged discount lodging with local hotels and perhaps discounted airfares. Some of these deals are so good it may be worth checking out a trade show in your area of interest while you're on holiday just so that you can legitimately qualify for the lodging discount. Big cities always have a full calendar of shows and conventions. To figure out what's on when you're in town, check the convention center's Web site.

3. Call early, call late

If you want to stay at a specific property, reserve as soon as you can. If there are no rooms available, book a room somewhere else and check your chosen hotel's cancellation policy to find your window of best opportunity. If bookings need to be cancelled 48 hours before arrival, for example, call the hotel again about 72 hours before you'll be in town, and then call back a few times over the next day to see if anyone has cancelled. Don't forget to factor your own reservation's requirements into this equation, of course.

4. Invest some time

Whether you're looking for a bargain or a special room in a special hotel, don't rely on just one source. Check the hotel's Web site and don't forget to scan the special offers/promotions page. Those rates may not be listed if you go directly to the reservations page. Check travel booking sites and airline sites -- sometimes a package deal can save you plenty and get you into a fully-booked hotel (properties often reserve blocks of rooms for "travel partners" such as airlines and agencies). And even if all the Web sites insist a hotel is sold out, call the direct reservation number (not the 800 number). The hotel's own reservationists have the most current information on booking status, and if someone just canceled you'll get their room if you call, not if you book online.

5. Don't beg for upgrades

You'll get upgraded without asking if you're a frequent guest or if it suits the hotel's needs. But do let the hotel know if you're celebrating a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary. This usually just nets you a nice fruit basket, if nothing else. If you're a frequent guest, however, you might get an upgrade if a nicer room happens to be available and the powers that be know you're celebrating something special.

6. Follow the seasons

Hotel rates are based on supply and demand. Book just before or after the peak periods to get the best rates and beat the crowds (you rarely see a city or the locals at their best during peak travel times). Check your guidebook or the hotel's Web site for peak period time frames. If there isn't a chart on the hotel's site with off-season and on-season rates, enter the dates that you're planning to visit into the online reservation system, and then see if the rates go down appreciably if you enter dates a week or two earlier, or a week or two later.

7. Know your options

The cheapest rate may not be the best rate. Sometimes booking a slightly more expensive room on the "club" or "executive" floor can save you money if you'll use the included services. Business floors may offer free high-speed Internet access in a hotel that normally charges a fee for 'net connections, free in-room faxing, and free use of business center or translation services. Club floors often boast a private concierge and a plethora of free food -- continental breakfast, mid-afternoon tea, and late night noshes. Conversely, don't book into a hotel that has amenities you don't need because the cost of providing them is factored into your room rate.

8. Say "thank you"

We often gripe with great gusto over substandard service, but we don't always say thank you with the same enthusiasm. If a hotel staffer goes out of their way for you, send a thank you letter or email to the property's manager and let them know about it. Kudos for good service usually leads to even better service, and that benefits everyone who travels.

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Egypt to add more flights from India

New Delhi, Dec 14: To give an impetus to the growing India-Egypt ties, the number of flights between the two countries are expected to grow to seven a week in the next six months.

"Foreign ministers of both the countries would meet shortly and a memorandum of understanding would be signed to increase the number of Egypt Air flights to seven from the two at present," Ambassador of Egypt Mohammed Higazy said at the sidelines of the Indo-Egypt Joint Commission meet here.

The country is looking to add flights from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Currently only Egypt Air is operating flights between the two countries, flying twice a week from Mumbai.

To boost business and tourist travel, the Egyptian government has made a provision to give visa on arrival, relaxing norms and making it easier for tourists to visit the country, Tourism Counsellor at the Egyptian Consulate Samy Mahmoud said.

He said his country would also make efforts to increase the flow of Indian tourists and promote Egypt both as a stopover and transit destination.

"In 2005, we had 57000 Indian tourists in Egypt and from January to November this year the number stands at 60000," he added.

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TajMahal glows at sunrise..

When to go to India..

Climate plays a key factor in deciding when to visit India. Keep in mind that climatic conditions in the far north are distinctly different to those of the extreme south.

Generally, India's climate is defined by three seasons - the hot, the wet (monsoon) and the cool, each of which can vary in duration from north to south. The most pleasant time to visit most places is during the cooler period: November to around mid-February.

The heat starts to build up on India's northern plains from around February, and by April or May it really hots up, peaking in June. In central India temperatures of 45°C and above are commonplace. South India also becomes uncomfortably hot during this time.

Late in May the first signs of the monsoon are visible in some areas - high humidity, electrical storms, short rainstorms and dust storms that turn day into night. The hot season is the time to abandon the plains and head for the cooler hills, and this is when hill stations are at their best (and busiest).

When the monsoon finally arrives the rain comes in steadily, generally starting around 1 June in the extreme south and sweeping north to cover the whole country by early July. The main monsoon comes from the southwest, but the southeast coast (and southern Kerala) is largely affected by the short and surprisingly wet northeast monsoon, which brings rain from around October to early December.

Things don't really cool down: at first hot, dry and dusty weather is simply replaced by hot, humid and muddy conditions. It doesn't rain all day, but it generally rains every day. Followed by the sun this creates a fatiguing steam bath environment.

Around October the monsoon ends for most of the country. This is when India sees most tourists - however, it's too late to visit Ladakh (May to October is the optimum period). During October and November it's generally not too hot and not too cool (although October can still be hot and/or humid in some regions). In the thick of winter (around mid-December to mid-January), Delhi and other northern cities can become astonishingly cold, especially at night - and it's bone-chilling in the far north. In the far south the temperatures become comfortably warm during this period.

It's worth checking the dates of particular festivals - you may be attracted or repelled by the chaos (and jacked-up prices) that attend them. There are virtually no festivals in May/June. The wedding season falls between November and March, when you're likely to see at least one lively procession through the streets

Beaches in Kerala

Kerala beaches may be take a backseat because of the backwaters, but entire 900-km length of the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms that definitely merit a visit in every tourist itinerary. Touring the beach sites of Kovalam can make any beach holiday a delightful one, as Kerala's beaches are renowned for the gentle surf and blue waters. Beach travel has never before been so exciting!

Kovalam Beach - small village along the shoreline, fabulous beaches, most popular is the Lighthouse Beach, the northern most Samudra beach, least affected.
Marari Beach - one of the local fishing villages, completely new to the holidaymaker, endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory, local charm and traditional Kerala
Kumarakom Beach - cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Birds include Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian storks. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip.
Alappuzha Beach - a popular hangout and relaxation spot, around 140 years old pier that extends in to the sea, lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland.
Beypore Beach - prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, also known for its ancient ship building industry.
Varkala Beach - the most popular beach resorts in Kerala, mineral water springs with medicinal properties, also an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.
Fort Kochi Beach - historic fort, leisurely walk through the lanes of the city to learn about eventful colonial history and European regimes who ruled it.
Kappad Beach in Kerala - Vasco da Gama landed on its shores on 27th May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. A pillar with inscription "Vasco Da Gama landed here, Kappakkadavau in the year 1498" stands on the beach. The beach here is very calm with a stretch of rocks projecting into the sea.
Dharmadam Island - beautiful beach island, coconut palms, green bushes, breathtaking sight. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.
Ezhimala Beach - a picturesque site with a hilly backdrop, carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills, famous for medicinal herbs.
Mopila Bay - natural fishing harbour with quite a modernised fishing harbour look, built with assistance under the Indo-Norwegian pact, ruined fort and temple.
Muzhappilangad Beach - one of the longest beaches in Kerala, also the only drive-in beach in India.
Pathiramanal Beach - island beach on the Backwaters, a favourite natural hub of hundreds of rare migratory birds that reside over here from different parts of the land.
Payyambalam Beach - beautiful beach sites, surfing in calm and peaceful waters.
Sankhumugham Beach - breathtaking sunset, a favourite haunt of sunset watchers.
Tanur Beach - coastal fishing town believed to be visited by Francis Xavier in the year 1546 AD.
Thangassery Beach - a seaside village of historic importance, ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. 144 feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse open to visitors from 1530-1730 hours every day.
Thirumullavaram Beach - beautiful beach filled with coconut palms, ideal for an early morning walk.

Hyderabad-'city of Nawabs'

Holiday at the ever so hospitable city of Hyderabad. Fondly called the 'city of Nawabs' Hyderabad offers a captivating combination of tradition and trend to the tourists and travellers.
The main landmark in Hyderabad is the Charminar. Located in the heart of the city the galleries and arches of Charminar are of great importance to the tourists. The glass bangles are a must buy from Charminar. Close to the Charminar stands the Mecca Masjid. The mosque is large enough for nearly ten thousand men at prayer. Amongst the other mosques in the city are Jami Masjid and the Toli Masjid. Another tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Falakuma palace. The palace was home to the last Nizam and stores the most expensive art objects, tapestries and carpets, in addition to the largest single-man collection of diamonds. Between Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad lays the Husain Sagar Lake.
This large artificial lake offers breathtaking views of Naubat Pahad, a hilltop crowned by the Birla temple. The Salar Jung Museum is another worth visiting place in Hyderabad. For the animal lovers Nehru Zoological Park is the perfect place for lion safari and watching other wild animals. Hyderabad is home to Osmania University also. It is the largest university in India and boasts of students from across India and abroad. State Central Library that was established in 1891 also makes an interesting tourist spot in Hyderabad.

Protect your health when you travel

• f you have any food allergies, learn the names of those foods in the languages used in the countries you’ll be visiting. This way you’ll be better equipped to stay on the look out for them.

• Find out what types of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.

• Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip. Get your vaccinations early in case you have a reaction and need some recovery time.

• You should consider a dental appointment if you haven’t had a check up in a while.

• Be careful what you eat and drink.

• Carry complete health information with you on your trip.

• Consider joining Medic Alert or IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.

Get a better rate on your Airline tickets

• Make your reservations as soon as you have decided on travel plans. Airlines give discounts for early bookings at least 21 days in advance. The best rates are often those that include a Saturday night stay and have travel dates during the week.
• Shopping the Internet can be the quickest and easiest way to compare many different Airlines’ rates to find the best deals.
• If you can be flexible about when you travel, do so. It can bring big savings. Even changing a flight’s time during the same day can effect the rate. Often the less popular early morning or late evening flights have lower rates.
• The best rates tend to be found during the off season and at other times when the Airlines are flying at less than capacity.
• Check into splitting your trip into two roundtrip sections. A stopover at a midpoint could save you over flying a direct route. Although, make sure the saving are large enough to warrant the extra hassles of the stopover.
• Check into booking your travel plans as a package. You might be able to save by booking your Airline tickets along with your hotel room or rental car.
• Ask if this is the best rate that they have available when you are booking your reservation.
• Apply any special discount programs for which you are eligible.
• When you reach check-in, ask to see if any special upgrade deals are available.

Find the best Hotel for your kids..Facts to be considered when selecting hotel for kids..

• What type of pool does the Hotel have?
• Does the Hotel have a kiddy pool?
• Does the pool have a lifeguard on duty? When is a lifeguard on duty?
• Does the Hotel have a common play area? Is this area supervised?
• Are nonsmoking rooms available?
• Can you book adjoining rooms?
• Are rental cribs available?
• Does the Hotel have cots or roll outs available for rent?
• Does the Hotel’s restaurant include a kid’s menu?

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Protect your health when you travel...(Get help to travel healthy..)

The World Health Organization’s International Travel and Health web page. This site contains information on recommended vaccinations and general health advice for travelers.

www.who.int/ith/english/index.htm

Geographical distribution of potential health hazards to travelers web page. This site contains information, divided by regions of the globe, on potential health hazards for travelers within that region.

www.who.int/ith/english/region.htm

Pack in carry-on luggage..It's safer way to pack your valuables..

• Since luggage can be lost, your best defense is to keep all valuables in your carry-on bag.
• Your travel documents, itinerary and coupons..
• Your valuables, such as jewelry and electronics..
• It is best if your carry-on bags are plain.
• Address and phone numbers of friends, relatives and contact phone numbers of your doctor.
• A copy of your credit card numbers and contact information.
• A copy of your travelers checks and contact information..
• All your medications, since it will be less likely to be lost than your checked luggage. Your carry-on will also do less harm to temperature-sensitive medication.