Spain Travel Guides. Language

Spain Travel Guides. Language resources directory Learn Spanish Spanish lessons -- Sponsored Links Web Site Home Last Additions Most Popular Add a Site Links Reference Book Store Dictionaries Lang. Courses Lang. Schools Study Abroad English Spanish German Italian French Russian - Link to this page. X Cerrar ventana If you want to link to this page copy the following HTML code and paste it on your website: <a href="http://www.searchlanguage.com/travel/guides/spain/index.asp"> Spain Travel Guides. Language resources directory </a> Spanish , English, German , French, Italian and many more language resources . Site Search Related sites SPONSORED BY: Foreign language school Home / Travel / Travel Guides / Spain Travel Guides / Title Visits 1 About Tenerife , your Tourist Guide to the Exotic Spains Paradise full list of hotels, restaurants, maps , weather, festivals, nightlife... in tenerife, canary islands, spain. 403 2 About Barcelona , your travel guide barcelona travel guide with detailed descriptions of monuments , iteneraries , etc and general travel information: cultural activities, festivals, what to do ?, food and drink, sports ... 425 3 About Granada Tourist Guide tourist guide of this beautiful city in southern spain 359 4 About Madrid , your Travel Guide about madrid, iteneraries, museums, excursions, shopping, culture, nightlife, food & drink, weather, maps, restaurants, hotels ... 399 5 About Salamanca Travel Guide salamanca travel guide with detailed descriptions of monuments , iteneraries , etc and general travel information: cultural activities, festivals, what to do ?, food and drink, sports ... 393 6 Property in Spain - Harringtons International property in spain, real estate agents in spain. holiday homes. andalucia, marbella, malaga, costa del sol, costa dorado, costa de la luz, spanish property. spain. 417 7 Accommodation in Barcelona, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, and Majorca tourist accommodation in barcelona, costa brava, costa dorada, and majorca - book online apartments, hotels and b&b - view photos, prices, descriptions and evaluations of former clients. lowest price guaranteed for any hotel and barcelona apartment booking! 126 8 Alicante information about alicante, spain. useful tips on alicante, the airport and the costa blanca 240 9 All About Spain the complete tourist guide to spain in english, spanish, and german 275 10 All Barcelona Guide useful information about barcelona sights, bars, accommodation and many more. chategoriesed for districts. includes information on antoni gaudi and it modernista buildings, important museums, information on transportation methods, accommodation in barcelona. 112 11 Almeria directory for property, holidays, business and information information and photographs in over 100 categories with interactive maps, towns and history, virtual tours, holiday rentals, hotels, property sales, estate agents, audio phrase book, shops, bars, restaurants, beaches, places of interest and so much more. 187 12 A-Z of Tourism travel to spain with a-z of tourism.com. we provide listings of flights, car rental, hotels, cruises, skiing holidays, vacation packages, time share, and adventure holidays to help you plan your holiday. include 378 major cities worldwide and still growing. 277 13 Canary Islands Surfing the first surfing guide from the canary islands.everything you need to know about surfing at canary islands, pictures, beaches, maps, weather, contests, news and much more. 223 14 Complete information about Salamanca - Spain salamanca.com provides a complete guide about salamanca - spain: news, maps, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, monuments,resources to learn spanish and more! click here 261 15 Conozca Espana informaciones generales sobre espaa, biografias de escritores y poetas, principales ciudades y provincias, historia, cultura, banderas, mapas, etc 168 16 Discover Lanzarote your guide to lanzarote with all the important facts and essential information. 235 17 Go Madrid madrid, spain hotels & city guide 224 18 Go Madrid City Guide and online hotel booking madrid spain city guide with online secure server reservations for madrid hotels & hostals.information for tourists going to madrid to see el prado, plaza mayor, gran via and puerta del sol. 228 19 Holidays-Exposed holidays-exposed.com offers a complete travel service; read travel guides written by real travellers, make hotel, flight and car hire reservations online, report on your trip and keep in touch with people you met using our travel friends reunited service. 173 Results... | 1 | 2 | 3 | SPONSORED BY: Spanish lessons TranslationServices provided by Sponsoredby Languagejobs.org Jobs for: -Translators -Language Teachers -Interpreters -Tourist Guides aa Sponsored by Abroad Languages Learn a language where it’s spoken 2000-2005 SearchLanguage.com LEARN LANGUAGES ABROAD -->

Argentina travel information 2002-2005

Argentina travel information: What you need to know when travel to Argentina Introduction When & how to travel How to get Shopping Interesting data General data To bear in mind See the most requested destinations by our visitors. Salta Puerto Iguaz Gualeguaych Mendoza San Juan Crdoba Buenos Aires Mar del Plata Bariloche Puerto Madryn Ushuaia A good way to do tourism in Argentina. It seems that Argentina is destined to forge its identity out of the lack of identity. This can be interpreted as a simple play on words and it is, in part, the result of a country that developed by means of imitating others. However, as one dives into the center of the country, certain cultural and anthropological features reveal making up the Argentinean being. This kind of historical, political and cultural crossroads endured by Argentina is, at the same time, one of the phenomena that seduce Argentinean people and foreigners. This seduction is present in the arising interest of our fanciful geography to people from different corners of the world. But, for truth's sake, Argentina is a country that can only be understood by us, the ones who live in this land. That is why, we include some data to have in mind when you decide to travel to this country. These data can be useful to minimize risks and maximize pleasure. The pieces of advice provided here will not guarantee a successful trip but will help you prevent certain unwilling or inconvenient situations. To sum up, try to enjoy this information menu because the main course will be tasted by you as you finally travel around inexhaustible Argentina . Welcome Argentina - Argentina travel information 2002-2005 Prohibida su reproduccin total o parcial. Derechos de Autor 299606 Ley 11723

Vacation Rentals and Vacation

Vacation Home Rental by Vacation Rentals 411.com Vacation Rentals 411 Renters Owners Contact Help The Web's Best Resource for Finding Vacation Rentals and Vacation Rental Homes Worldwide. Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Finding The Perfect Vacation Home Rental has never been so easy! Imagine spending your next vacation in a fully equipped vacation rental almost anywhere in the world the possibilities are endless. We offer the most diverse selection of private vacation rentals, condominiums, villas and cabins rentals at the worlds top resort locations all listed for rent by the property owner. Picture yourself relaxing in your own private beach front condo on Maui or if you prefer the mountains check out our ski cabins in Big Bear. Need more room....check into a deluxe vacation home on the Island of Hawaii and start enjoying the comfort that only a private vacation rental provides. Lake Tahoe Palm Springs Area California Disney Orlando Hawaiian Islands Florida Colorado British Columbia Big Bear Rentals San Diego Area Vacation Resources Site Map House ID Number Search Your Vacation Location Here Select a Country or Continent Select Country United States South Pacific South America Mexico Europe Central America Caribbean Canada Asia Africa This is what Vacation Rentals411.com Offers: Renters: We offer you over 9,400 + private rentals worldwide, including condos, villas and cabins in exciting and desirable locations. Youll save hundreds of dollars and will have more control over where you enjoy your vacation by renting directly from owners and agents. You can choose a unique rental for the features and amenities that are most important to you, and youll often pay less than the cost of a hotel room since you purchase directly from the owner. Vacation Rentals 411.com is free and easy to use, with your ideal rental just a few clicks away. You can browse our site to find the perfect accommodations, and then contact the owner using our simple reservation form, which is available to you on each listing page. To start searching for your dream vacation rental, select your desired destination by clicking on the map above. Then you can start packing for the trip of a lifetime! Owners: We do not charge booking fees or commissions, and all of our basic listings are 100% free to create and maintain. Youll always have the choice to add Listing Enhancements to increase your exposure to potential renters at a very low cost. With 150,000 renters browsing our site each month, it makes sense to list your property on Vacation Rentals 411. List With Us Now. Think of us as the Yellow Pages of Vacation Rental Listings. Quick Pick Destinations For Your Vacation Home Rental Search Vacation rentals - top Favorite Vacation States in the United States Arizona Alaska Alabama Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Louisiana Maine Maryland Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Massachusetts Montana New Mexico New York New Jersey New Hampshire North Dakota North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon South Carolina Texas Tennessee Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming Rhode Island Nevada Indiana Michigan Favorite Cities and Towns in the United States Blue Ridge Big Bear Big Island Breckenridge Bushkill Clearwater Beach Clermont Corolla Davenport Daytona Beach Destin Encinitas Ft. Myers Fort Lauderdale Fort Myers Beach Galveston Gatlinburg Gold Beach Gulf Shores Green Valley Hilton Head Island Indian Shores Islamorada Kauai Kailua Key Largo Key West Kiawah Island Kissimmee Kihei Kill Devil Hills Kona Lahaina La Quinta Las Vegas Lake Havasu Lake Tahoe Maui Marco Island Myrtle Beach Naples Nags Head New Smyrna Nantucket Oahu Oceanside Princeville Palm Springs Panama Beach Park City San Diego Sanibel Island Saint Augustine Scottsdale Sedona Sanibel Island Saint Augustine Scottsdale Sedona St Simons Island Steamboat Springs Sunriver Tahoe City Vail Winter Park Favorite Worldwide Vacation Spots Acapulco Akumal Albufeira Australia Bahamas Barcelona Bermuda British Columbia Cabo San Lucas Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Cozumel Denmark France Great Britain Greece Italy Jamaica London Montreal Mexico Nerja New Zealand Ontario Paris Portugal Puerto Vallarta Puerto Rico Rome Switzerland Spain Virgin Islands Whistler Caribbean Vacation Condo -Puerto Rico - ESJ Towers Isla Verde, Puerto Rico ESJ Towers is a beach front Condo \ Hotel facility located within minutes of San Juan international airport. It features Olympic size swimming pool, fitness room, restaurant and, mini-market. Other amenities include business center including wirele...( more ) Type Condo Beds 0 Baths 1 Capacity 4 View This Listing ©2002 BBHR Inc. dba Vacation Rentals 411 The Future of Vacation Rentals Services. Disclaimer

Air Travel

Airport timetables of Greece." CaptainChris Greek Air Travel News Airline News Greek Airlines Air Travel News Travel Tips Traveller's Tales Travel surveys Photo section Thessaloniki Airport timetable CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE COMMERCIAL WEB SITE OF CaptainChris C.2000 VirageNet A CaptainChris creation GREEK AIRLINE NEWS Philoxenia2000 Tourist Trade Fair November 2 to 5 in Thessaloniki, Greece at the Helexpo centre. In 10000sq meters, 530 stands from 16 countries with Turkey taking part for the first time. Aegean Airlines and Cronus Airlines had very good representation at the fair with good looking and informative stands. Cronus had several tickets that could be won in a simple competition. Olympic Airways had for the second year the best stand, they had a competition to, with several domestic tickets to be won, but the big attraction was a flight simulator on which you could try to take-off and land at Osaka's Kansai airport, with a choice of All Nippon 737, 767, 777 or 747 aircraft's. Axon Airlines, Galaxy Airways, Alitalia, Crossair and CSA Czech Airlines had a stand of their own, while several airlines were represented by their general sales agents or the tourist bureaus of their countries. Virgin Atlantic was present for the first time in Philoxenia, the airline was placed in a small part of the Aegean Airlines stand. Cyprus Airways, also present with their own stand every year, had a competition for a 4-day holiday in Cyprus for three pairs. Axon Airlines Axon Airlines has ordered four 50 seat Embraer ERJ145s. Deliveries are to take place during 2001. Axon is to return to Rome with a twice daily ERJ145 service next spring, while launching two new destinations to be operated with the new regional jets. Lyon and Strasbourg in France. Olympic Airways Group Olympic Airways has increased the number of domestic operated in Greece with the addition of one daily return from Athens to Thessaloniki, Chania, Kavala and Kerkyra, while at the same time upgraded ATR72 flights to 737-200 four times a week to Lemnos and once daily to Ioannina. On its international network the carrier added two flights per week from Athens to Istanbul now totalling at nine per week. Flights to Milan have been reduced to two, down from three, for the winter months. The airline discontinues flights to Riyadh, while increasing frequencies to the other remaining Saudi Arabia destination, Jeddah from two to five per week. A weekly service to Brussels has been added now totalling 11 flights a week. Olympic Aviation, the regional subsidiary of Olympic has upgraded the twice weekly service between Thessaloniki and Istanbul, Turkey from ATR72 to Boeing 717 aircraft, the regional carrier also launched a once weekly service between Heraklio and Larnaca, Cyprus. 11 Boeing 737-200 and 3 Airbus A300-605R have been fully refurbished, and now work starts on 13 Boeing 737-400s which should be completed by March of 2001. The refurbishment consists of changing the colours and materials used on carpeting, wallpaper, the plastic and foam rubber on passenger seats, seatbelts, wall coverings and flight attendants seats. All entranceways and other surfaces of the cabin have been upgraded. Cutting edge technology materials have been used with special aesthetic specifications. Part of the refurbishment is the installation of new Business Class seats in the Boeing 737 -200, -300 and -400 aircraft family. Convertible Leather seats that convert from a 3-3 layout to a more comfortable 2-3 layout and 35inches of seat pitch giving increased personal space. A spacious drinks table now separates two seats from each other. The seats also have footrests, adjustable headrests and backs that recline at a greater angle than before. Olympic Aviation is to add a third Boeing 717 aircraft this January. This aircraft is to based in Thessaloniki, where two more 717s are based and operated to Munich, Stuttgart, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Paris and Larnaca. The third aircraft is to be used for the launch of new services to Rome and Tel Aviv. The carrier is also evaluating the possibility to re-launch services from Thessaloniki to Belgrade, Yugoslavia and launching new routes to Skopje, Macedonia and Sofia, Bulgaria. Higher costs because of the strong US Dollar and the continuing rise in fuel prices forced the carrier to rise its fares for the second time in one year by 10% on domestic routes only. Galaxy Airways Galaxy Airways is operating this winter with a single Boeing 737-500, while the carriers 737-400 is being returned to its lessor. The airline plans to lease two Boeing 737-400s at the beginning of next year and to add frequencies on existing routes. Galaxy discontinues flights from Preveza for the current winter season. Aegean Airlines Aegean Airlines is to add two ATR72-500s next spring to allow for the increasing of frequencies on some routes and to launch new destinations. Mykonos, Kos and Zakinthos are under consideration. The airline is to replace its three ATR72-100 with a similar number of upgraded ATR72-500 when the leases of these aircraft expire in two years time. The carrier is in talks with both SkyTeam and the Star Alliance with a possibility in joining either one of these alliances. Higher costs because of the strong US Dollar and the continuing rise in fuel prices forced the carrier to increased its fares by 12%. Cronus Airlines Cronus Airlines announced that by the summer of 2001 the company will add two more Boeing 737 aircrafts, one -300 and one -700, to its fleet of 6. 4 737-300 and 2 737-400s. The constantly expanding flight schedule of Cronus Airlines includes as from November 20 a new domestic destination, Mytilene which is to be served twice daily from Athens. New routes from Kavala are also launched and include a daily service to Athens, a second weekly flight to Stuttgart and a service to Cologne. Within the context of the continuous efforts made for the improvement of the services provided by the carrier, Cronus Club, a new business class has been launched. Passengers enjoy more space, priority on reservations, priority check-in and luggage collection, special transport service to the airport, weight allowance of 30Kgs, exquisite food served in flight! Soon special Airport lounges will be offered to Cronus Club passengers waiting for their flight in Athens, Heraklio, Thessaloniki and all international destinations. The airline is refurbishing the cabins of all its aircrafts and by March of 2001 all will have comfortable leather seats with leg room increased to 32 inches in Economy and 34 in Cronus Club, where the new seats will convert from 3-3 to 2-3 giving more elbow space to passengers. Cyprus Airways Cyprus Airways has announced that from next March it will add a fourth daily service between Larnaca and Athens and upgrade its three weekly flights to Thessaloniki to a daily operation. The carrier is soon to decide on a replacement aircraft for its four Airbus A310s. The A330-200 and the new Boeing 767-400 are more favourable. Cyprus Airways is also to add two or three 50-70 seat regional jets to its fleet in the near future to operate short haul routes to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Damascus, Cairo and Rhodes. CSA-Czech Airlines CSA Czech Airlines which is the latest member of the SkyTeam Alliance announced that from next spring will operate a daily schedule from Prague to Athens, while its, until now, seasonal twice weekly flights to Thessaloniki will be operated year-round from next year. The carrier is also to replace its two Airbus A310s in the near future with the Boeing 767-400 being favoured as a convenient replacement. Crossair/Sabena Swissair subsidiary Crossair, is to double its frequencies between Zurich and Thessaloniki next spring with the addition of a mid day departure from Zurich and an afternoon departure from Thessaloniki. The carrier expressed the need for a more frequent schedule after experiencing very high load factors this last summer season. The current early morning departure from Thessaloniki connects in Zurich with Swissair's European and Intercontinental network and many passengers use this convenient service. Swissair's other subsidiary Sabena is to add a third daily service between Brussels and Athens. This new flight will depart Brussels in the evening and Athens early in the morning allowing easy connections to be made in Brussels to several destinations in America. Alitalia Alitalia, is continuing its second daily service from Thessaloniki to Milan citing increased demand especially for passengers wishing to transfer in Milan to Alitalia's European and International network. The airline previously used to operate this second daily flight only during the high summer season. In other Alitalia news, the airline has cut back on many flights citing low load factors and increased costs from strong US Dollar and increasing fuel prices. Flights to Bangkok, Sydney, Addis Ababa and Nairobi have been withdrawn, while cut-backs have been made to its short haul network also. Continental Airlines Continental Airlines announced that it is hoping to launch a daily service between New York Newark and Athens next Spring with brand new Boeing 767-400 equipment. The service will be operated with a smaller 767-200 in the winter months. British Airways British Airways Manager for Greece and Cyprus Mr. Vassilis Dallaris said that the airline plans to discontinue its daily service from London Gatwick to Athens currently operated by Boeing 737-400 aircraft and instead add a third daily 767 service from London Heathrow. This flight will depart Heathrow early in the morning and from Athens in the afternoon. These changes are to be made to satisfying increased demand for travel between Athens and London. While the competition is high with five airlines operating on the route, (British Airways, Olympic Airways, Cronus Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and EasyJet) and recent increased flights from Olympic Airways, the British carrier has managed to maintain its position on the market. In a question if British Airways plans to re-launch flights to Thessaloniki Mr. Dallaris said that he has proposed to the London Headquarters a daily nonstop flight which should depart from London in the evening staying overnight in Thessaloniki and depart in the morning for London allowing transit passengers from Greece to the USA and Canada to connect in either Heathrow or Gatwick. A decision is to be made soon. JAT-Yugoslav Airlines JAT-Yugoslav Airlines has ordered 8 Airbus A319 aircraft and is considering ordering a similar number of Airbus A320 aircrafts to replace its current fleet of 6 Boeing 727-200 and 7 Boeing 737-300s. The airline is also to decide on a replacement for its McDonnell Douglas DC10-30 long-haul aircraft now used only for a twice weekly service between Belgrade and Beijing. The Airbus A330-200 or -300 is favoured by the carrier and a need for two or three examples is being discussed. The airline wants to upgrade its flights to both Athens and Thessaloniki to a daily service, currently operated twice weekly with a 737-300 aircraft on a BEG-ATH-SKG-BEG routing. Iberia Iberia Airlines of Spain, plan to add a second daily service between Madrid and Athens from next Spring. This will be in addition to its daily Madrid-Barcelona-Athens service. The airline also intents to add Thessaloniki to its network with a daily service from Madrid. Maersk Air Maersk Air of Denmark, which has experienced high load factors this summer season with its daily Copenhagen-Athens 737-500 service, has launched a four weekly service to Cairo, Egypt and a trice weekly service to Istanbul, Turkey with Boeing 737-500 equipment. The airline is to change to a larger capacity 737-700 aircraft for its Athens schedule next spring and is evaluating the possibility of launching a service to Larnaca, Cyprus. Athens Airport Charges Many airlines have expressed their concern about the fact that landing and handling fees at the new Athens Airport E. Venizelos, which is to open next March, will be higher 100-200% compared with the current fees charged at Hellinikon Ariport. The airport company says that service levels at the new site will be better and the fees charged will be compatible with other airports in the region. The Greek Transport Minister Mr. Christos Verelis said that Greek tax payers have invested a lot of money into the project and they should get back their moneys as soon as possible. Istanbul Airport in Turkey, which has just opened a new state-of-the-art terminal is charging 10% lower than the current Athens Airport and authorities are more efficient with traffic rights. Istanbul has no plans to increase its tariffs. Larnaca Airport which is also expanding and upgrading its facilities charges the same as the current Athens Airport and has no plans to increase rates. It seems that the new Athens airport will have double or triple the fees charged by neighbouring airport hubs. Vernicos Aviation Vernicos Yachts Shipping SA announced the full takeover of KAL Aviation SA, a Greek airline company, for 2.1 billion drachmas, signalling its expansion into the airline industry. The new company, to be named Vernicos Aviation (VER-AVIA), is expected to present a turnover of 1.25 billion drachmas and net profits of 100 million drachmas this year, with a forecast for a turnover of 1.65 billion and net profit of 300 million drachmas in 2001. KAL Aviation is the largest private light cargo airline in Greece, servicing the country's islands and has recently acquired a self-handling licence for the the new Athens airport at Spata. A Vernicos Yachts statement said the takeover was in the framework of a strategic plan of the company to transform into a holding company, covering sea tourism, air transport and shipping activities. The company plans to expand its aviation activities in the Middle East and the Balkans. The new company employs 60 people and has a fleet of four airplanes servicing 13 domestic destinations daily (including Larnaca, Cyprus). It has acquired traffic rights for flights to Tirana, Albania, and Belgrade, Serbia. Professor Christos Papageorgiou, a former Olympic Airways' chairman, was appointed president of Vernicos Aviation. Cretan Airways Konstantinos Badouvas, former Air Greece founder and chairman, announced that the new airline will finally launch operations December 1st with two 70 seat ATR72 aircraft's. The airline awaits its certificate and operations licence from the Greek CAA which has been delayed two times until now, Mr. Badouvas said to the "Patris" newspaper. The airline has started requiting personnel that is been trained to the highest standards. The two aircraft's have been painted and delivered to the airline's hub in Heraklio. First routes served by Cretan Airways will be Heraklio-Athens, Heraklio-Thessaloniki, Heraklio-Rhodes and Chania-Athens.

Cruise Vacation Travel Cruises

Better Your Chances for a Safe Cruise Vacation  You are here: About > Travel > Cruises > Cruise Planning > Better Your Chances for a Safe Cruise Vacation Travel Cruises Essentials Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Travel Packing List Choosing a Caribbean Cruise Destination How To Get a Passport How to Choose a Cabin on a Cruise Ship Articles & Resources Cruise Lines Cruise Destinations Cruise Photo Album Cruise Planning Cruise Reviews Cruise Cams Cruise Glossary Cruise News Getting There Lifestyle - Theme Cruises Cruise Activities Travel Gear and Gadgets Cruise Jobs More Cruise Resources Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks European Cruise Guidebooks Cruise Guidebooks - General Information Alaska Travel Guide Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Cruises newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Cruises Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular Cruise Packing List Carnival Cruise Line Reviews Choosing a Cruise Ship Cabin Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Jobs What's Hot Carnival Conquest Review HAL Norfolk Cruises Alaska Cruise Itineraries Radisson Seven Seas Mariner Crown Princess 2006 Debut Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Europe for Visitors Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Senior Travel Travel with Kids Better Your Chances for a Safe Cruise Vacation From Linda Garrison , Your Guide to Cruises . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Things to Do to Avoid Being a Crime Victim A cruise ship is one of the safest places you can take a vacation. However, in today's world, that is not saying much! No one sets out to become a crime victim, but it can happen to anyone. There are steps you can take to lower your risk of being a crime statistic when you travel. Before You Leave Home Make copies of your passport, driver's license, credit cards, wallet contents, and travel documents (plane tickets, etc). You also should make a copy of the credit card "lost or stolen" notification phone numbers to include with this package. Leave one set of copies at home with a trusted friend or family member, and take the other set with you, packed separately from the originals. Many cruise ships will hold your passport to expedite clearing the ship in foreign ports. Therefore, I always make a couple of extra copies of my passport to use to take ashore. Buy an under-the-clothing money bag and use it. These can be quite comfortable, and will thwart "cut and run" thieves who have been known to cut purse straps or waist packs right off their victims. Packing Your Luggage Don't rush out and buy expensive luggage. Plain-looking luggage is less likely to be a target. Some thieves might equate expensive luggage with expensive contents. Make a list of everything you have put in your luggage, and take pictures of it while packing in case of loss. Don't pack medications, eyeglasses, and valuables in your checked luggage. (Better yet, don't take valuables like expensive jewelry with you on the cruise.) Although you need to put external (and internal) tags on your luggage, don't list your full home address on the outside. This is a signal to expert thieves that you won't be home for a week! You really don't want to advertise to everyone at the airport where you live. Although you don't want expensive luggage, you do want luggage that will not pop open at an inopportune time. I've seen all sorts of baggage contents (including some "unmentionables") come out on the luggage carousels at the airport, and always felt sorry for the owners whose bags had come open. Consider using an extra band, airport plastic wrap, or duct tape to help secure your bags. You can buy self-locking plastic tags from travel or home improvement stores for about a dollar. These work well on zippered bags. In Your Cabin When you first get to your cabin, check the bathroom and closet while the cabin door is still open. While a ship is in port, many more people have access to it than you might imagine. Being cautious never hurt anyone. In addition, sometimes the locks on cruise ship cabins are not changed as often as hotel locks. Don't leave valuables lying around in your cabin. Put your wallet and valuables in the cabin's safe or the purser's safe. Be sure to use ALL the locks on the door when you are asleep. Don't open the door to strangers. Protect your cabin key and cabin number. On the Ship Although cruise ships are relatively safe, common sense is needed even at sea. Stay in the public areas, and remember that a cruise ship and its crew and passengers are like a small city, not like your family. If you are cruising with your children, set rules just like at home. Establish curfews for your teenagers, and caution them to not accompany crew members to non-public areas. Don't give your children "the run of the ship" while you are in the club, show, or casino. While In Port If you are going to be a crime victim while on a cruise, it is most likely to occur when you are ashore. Most crimes committed against cruise passengers are those of opportunity. I wear an under-the-clothing bag for my money and credit cards. While in Europe on a cruise vacation, there were at least three men on our cruise whose pockets were picked. Two men had their wallets in their back pocket--the worst place to carry it! One of these men was in the elevator of our pre-cruise Barcelona hotel, and another was waiting to cross the street at a busy intersection. The third man was on a crowded subway in Rome, and had his wallet in his front pants pocket. All three of these crimes could have been avoided. I once had my purse stolen while on business in Washington, D. C. I left it on the back of my chair while dining. I now know to hold it in my lap. I was very glad that I had recorded all of my credit card numbers (and notification phone numbers) in a place other than my purse. I was able to quickly notify the credit card companies and my bank, even though the theft occurred at night. You can't put your camera inside your clothing and have it ready to snap that special picture. Don't put it in a backpack, unless you wear it in front! I have a small camera bag that I can attach to a belt. If you want to carry it in a waist pack, put the strap through your belt loops. These tips are all common sense. Use them to make your next cruise vacation a safe one! 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