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VACATION POWER SAVING TIPS
As an environmentally aware traveler, you have done your bit to minimize your carbon footprint…. You have researched your vacation on the net, you have found environmentally friendly accommodation that also happens to be bird friendly and your air ticket number was issued electronically…..At home however, while you holiday blissfully unaware, your electricity meter is irresponsibly left ticking away!
Here are some ideas on what you can do to reduce your electricity consumption at home while you are on holiday.
Preparation:
- Use as much of your fridge and freezer food in the run up to your holiday. A full appliance uses more electricity to maintain the temperature than an almost empty one.
- Replace conventional outdoor light globes with motion sensor bulbs that only use electricity when they detect movement.
- Ensure leaking taps (Especially hot water) are fixed.
- Ask a neighbour to turn lights on and off each day rather than leaving them on 24hours a day. You could also replace some globes with day/night sensitive bulbs.
The day before your holiday:
- Turn off your fridge and freezer, empty and defrost it.
- Turn off your geyser.
- Turn off all power outlets and unplug appliances. Apparently they still draw a small amount of electricity if left plugged in, even if the appliance is off.
- Switch off and unplug your oven, air conditioners and your fans.
- Switch off water and power supply to outdoor water features and fountains.
I wonder how much electricity I have wasted while I have not even been in the vicinity to enjoy the light, convenience and comfort that all my electrical appliances offer.
Makes you think…doesn’t it?
TIPS FOR TRAVELING STRESS FREE WITH CHILDREN
Car/ train/ bus
Involving your children from the outset is a good way to build their excitement around an impending trip. The key, is keeping them busy for the duration of the trip. Making sure that they are comfortable and entertained, makes the trip a lot more enjoyable for the whole family. Take along their favourite DVD's, CD's, books and games. I rather like taking a set of earphones that can plug into their laptops, MP3 or portable DVD players so each child can hear their own game/movie/music.
Take into consideration ailments such as motion sickness and traveler's diarohhea, by ensuring that you have the appropriate medication to combat these ailments should they arise. Ensure that you have plenty of liquids and that you plan plenty of stops to stretch legs and for bathroom breaks.Should you stop to eat a meal, allow them time for the tummy to settle, before resuming the journey. I've always tried to make the stops in areas where there is a grassy patch for them to run around in for a while, to really exercise the legs.
Reading the map can be a fun activity for an older child. Keep little containers filled with healthy snacks: Water biscuits, raisens, carrot sticks, cereals and dried fruit that can be passed to the child when they start getting niggly. A fun activity is to give them fruit loops and string that they can thread and then eat! Wrap up cheap toys. Unwrapping them keeps them entertained a little while longer! I also made a felt book, each page had a different activity for my toddler to do.... beads that moved along a string, eyes that moved, pockets to open, zips and buttons and velcro. I used different textures, colours and made fun movabale pictures. It was a fair amount of work though.
Remember to take along a packet for the rubbish and a wet facecloth is very handy for wiping sticky fingers.
If your child suffers from motion sickness, try giving him/her some ginger in the form of ginger bisuits or ginger ale. They should avoid reading while travelling and try to keep them cool.
Aeroplane
I have always found it much easier to take a stroller with me, so that I can strap my child into the seat when I need to handle paperwork etc. They also get very heavy if you need to carry them all over the ariport. Some airports have baby seats on the luggage trolleys, but unfortunately they are not available in all airports. Although many people do not like the idea, I found the lead great. It gave my child the ability to walk next to me, without forcing him to hold my hand. He could stretch his legs a little and I didn't have to worry about him running off into a crowd. I did need to use it a few times before the trip to get him used to it though. The wait for the plane to take off is agonising if your child is not asleep...it seems forever before the plane takes off. You will need to be energetic to entertain your child, keep him on your lap while the plane fills and prepares for take-off. Books are great. Most of the airlines are very good with children. We had particularly good experiences with Emirates. Have something for your child to suck on (Bottle or breast for babies, lollies or gum for older children) for the ascent and descent, it helps to unblock their ears. If they cry, as awful as it is, allow them, as it helps to equalise the pressure in their ears.
| "And that's the wonderful thing about family travel: it provides you with experiences that will remain locked forever in the scar tissue of your mind." ~Dave Barry |
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FUN GAMES TO PLAY
Cricket
Ages 6 up: Playing cricket is a favourite in our car on a journey. Before the game begins, you need to assign a run score for certain types or colour of cars. Eg A lorry/truck could be worth 6 runs, a pick-up/utility/bakkie could be worth 4 runs and a red car is out. The game then begins. The first batsman counts every car on the oncoming side of the road as it passes your vehicle. Each car is 1 run except for the specially assigned 6's and 4's. When the "out" car passes, then the next batsman starts counting/batting.
Eye Spy
Ages 6 up: One person chooses an object inside or outside the car, the others try to guess what they have "spied" based on the first letter of the word. We play it based on the colour of the object for the younger children.
Word Games
1. A parent chooses a word in your mother tongue, and the children need to repeat it in their second or third language.
2. You could also play "I went on holiday and I packed... " each person has a turn to repeat the saying adding another item to the suitcase. The next person needs to remember all the items packed previously as well as adding another item. It can be played with just adding an item, or adding an item and the reason for paking it eg "I went on holiday and I packed a brush to keep my hair tidy and a costume to frolic in the waves and sunscreen to protect my lovely face...."
3. Sue just told me about this game. One person chooses a criteria for allowing a certain item to go with on holiday, the other players need to guess what that criteria is. The person who is on says "I went on holiday and I took a BALL and I am allowed to go" the next person will have to choose and item to take along and the person who is on will say "YES you can go, or NO you may not go", dependent on whether it meets her criteria or not. In the example I gave, perhaps the criteria is anything starting with a "B" or anything with a "double letter". When someone knows the criteria, then they sit out and the game continues. Each person takes a turn to say what they'll take with, including the person who is on.
4. Biddy taught me a game called "uses for..." choose an item like a MATCH or a SPOON (In fact anything will work) and then each person should take it in turn to give a creative use for that item. A use should never be repeated, and each of you takes it in turn to give his/her use for the object until you've exhausted all options. The idea, is not only to occupy and entertain, but stretches the imagination too. We had a lot of fun playing the game on our trip to Mtunzini!
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SAFETY WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD
Safety Tips for Tourists
The following tips are merely suggestions of things to bear in mind when traveling through unfamiliar countries. At all times, one's common sense should be one's guide.
Avoid ostentatious displays of cash and valuables such as cameras and jewelery
It is never advisable to carry large amounts of money on your person
Avoid isolated and/or poorly lit areas
When driving, keep doors locked and windows closed
Do not stop on the side of the road, nor should you take short cuts
Do not pick up strangers
Do not befriend street children
If you are lost, ask a police officer or traffic officer for directions
Do not draw cash from poorly lit or secluded ATMs
If you have valuables in your car, keep them out of sight, preferably in the boot
Should you wish to explore secluded areas, make use of security personnel
Swim only in demarcated areas
Only allow children to swim in the sea or a swimming pool IF there is a lifeguard on duty
Each person being transported in a vehicle, should have their own seat and working seatbelt
Familiarise yourself with the driving laws in the country you are visiting to ensure compliance
Do not feed wild life, although they may seem friendly
Heatstroke can be avoided by using a hat and protective clothing
Sunstroke can be avoided by using a hat and sunblock, even on a cloudy day
Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have spent the day outdoors, and apply an after sun lotion
TRUST YOUR INSTINCT
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"A danger forseen is half avoided." ~Anon |
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CREDIT CARD/ TRAVELER CHEQUE SAFETY
Credit Card Safety When Traveling Abroad
A VISA or Matercard is pobably the safest currency to travel with, but a few key things to bear in mind... Before leaving home, check that your card will remain valid for the duration of your holiday. Ensure that the payments on your card are up to date and that there are sufficient funds available. Keep a photocopy of both sides of your card in a safe place. ie Not with your card. It is wise to separate your card and your cash. Should you lose it or have some stolen, you will not have lost everything. A money belt is a good place to keep your cards, cash and valuable documents. The back pocket of your rucksack is the worst! Many hotels have safe deposit boxes and/or safes; use them for your valuables. Before you sign, make sure the information on the slip is correct. When you receive a statement, check that the purchases reflected on there are correct against your receipts. Never allow anyone access to your PIN number. Memorise it and keep it safe.
Tips for Safe Traveling with Travelers Cheques
Travelers cheques are safer to carry whilst traveling than cash, however there are some pointers to consider… You should only countersign the cheques when you are ready to cash them. The serial numbers should be recorded before you leave home and stored in a safe place apart from the travelers cheques. Treat the cheques as if they were cash. Find out the contact details for the Global Refund Service for the country you are visiting. Keep this telephone number separate from your cheques. Ensure that your purchase agreement is kept in a safe place apart from the cheques.
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"He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses much more; He who loses faith, loses all." ~Eleanor Roosevelt |
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EMBASSIES
Link to Embassies of the World
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VISAS
A type of permission granted to a non-citizen to travel to, enter, transit or remain in a particular country is called a visa. Entry to a country, even with a visa is not guaranteed, but remains the right of the immigration officials of the country concerned. In some countries visitors are asked to present return tickets and evidence of means (vailability of funds) to cover their intended stay. Some countries may refuse entry to visitors who do not comply with their requirements regarding general appearance and clothing. Some countries have compulsory currency exchange regulations on first entry. You need to make enquiries of the country you plan to visit to find out the requirements for entry. It will be specific between the country in which you reside and the country you plan to visit. As deportation is at the traveller's expense, it is a worthwhile exercise to make the enquiries before leaving your home country.
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BROCHURES
Here are a couple of suppliers from which you can purchase quality maps and travel brochures. Click on the bannars to have a look at their web-sites, purchase some literature to ensure that you are well prepared for your impending trip. Ensure you know how to get around the city you are about to visit and find out what there is to do in that city.
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"It is not down on any map; true places never are." ~Herman Melville |
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LUGGAGE from eBags
Need Luggage or a new Carryon? Up to 60% Off on Luggage, Handbags, Backpacks & More. Free Shipping at eBags.com 
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"Most travel is best of all in the anticipation or the remembering; the reality has more to do worth losing your luggage." ~Regina Nadelson |
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TRAVEL AND PACKING TIPS
Planning phase
Look at your itinerary and identify what you NEED to take with you based on the things you have planned to do eg: Swimwear, ski-gear. Study the weather to identify how you need to pack based on the time of year you will be traveling. Check your luggage before packing day. Make sure it's clean and the zippers, wheels and handles are in working order. Check the condition of your locks and keys. Make sure that loose straps, such as those on rucksacks, are secured against the luggage. Check with the airlines as to the weight and dimensional restrictions of your luggage and hand luggage. Not all airlines are the same, so if you are traveling with more than one airline, you will need to comply with the airline with the most stringent specifications.
Choosing
Choose colours and styles that mix and match, making a number of outfits from a few garments; include your accessories and shoes in this decision Choose clothing that does not crease badly. Choose comfortable clothing taking into consideration what you will be doing. Choose items that can be dressed up if necessary. Choose items that can be layered rather than bulky items that take a lot of space in your suitcase
Lay-out
Lay your clothing choices out on the bed so you can see everything that you have decided to take. Photograph it as identification of what was in your suitcase.
Tips
Separate your packing items in cotton or tissue bags. Shoe bags are great and help to keep your clothing clean. Clear bags allow for airport personnel to view contents without disrupting your entire contents in the process. Make a copy of all your important telephone, passport, travelers cheques, credit card numbers and keep them in a safe place, separate from the originals.
Packing
Place the heaviest items in the bottom of the case closest to the wheels. Fold or roll your clothes carefully to ensure minimum creasing. Weigh your case to ensure that you are not overweight. The charge for excess passenger baggage is very steep. Remove old airport tags and write new clearly legible tags. Placing an address inside the case is also a good idea.
Hand Luggage
Ensure that should your luggage go missing, that you have enough in your hand luggage to see you through the emergency eg Medication, toiletries and a change of clothing Valuables and breakables should go in hand luggage. This includes important documentation and jewelery. Anything that you may need for the duration of the flight. No sharp objects should be placed in hand-luggage. Lap-tops will need to be removed from their bags to be screened separately.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE
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"Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow." ~Mahatma Gandhi |
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TIME ZONES AROUND THE WORLD
Click here to find out what the time differences are between various cities around the world.
hoonoze.com aims to give you as many tools as possible to make your travel experience easy, hassle free and enjoyable.
Please remember that hoonoze.com cannot be held responsible for inacurate information listed on an external site. This information is provided in order to assist you with travel arrangements.
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"Time is the longest distance between two places" ~Tennessee Williams |
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Going Overseas? Take your Worldchat Card with you... Now you can also use Worldchat when travelling abroad! We have international access numbers located in 19 different countries worldwide, and you can choose to call using our BEST VALUE option or TOLLFREE!
SATELLITE RENTAL
Sat 4 Rent specializes in rentals of Iridium satellite phones and Inmarsat BGAN modems – for use anywhere in Africa
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"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said." ~Peter F Drucker |
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CURRENCY CONVERTER
Currency Converter
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