These tips seemed well worth passing on to our readers. Anything to ease stress at this time of year is helpful.

SYDNEY, Dec. 7, 2009 – Wrapped presents, home addresses on luggage tags and tipsy travelers can rack up negative travel points and stress, especially during the year-end holidays that count as some of the busiest travel days of the year.

WorldNomads.com, the travel services company that’s in the business of helping independent travelers stay safe and stress-free on the road, offers a web page full of products and tips offering advice, breaking destination news and relevant recommendations about what to do in a pickle. Please see http://safety.worldnomads.com.

In preparation for the upcoming holidays the company recently issued some savvy travel trips to help ease stress before and during travel that include securing your home while you’re gone by canceling newspapers, installing an automatic light timer programmed to go on and off at various times and asking a neighbor to collect mail.

WorldNomads.com also recommends reducing airport stress by allowing ample time to get to your gate; but if you find yourself in long lines, they also offer a free language guide podcast or App that you can download into your iPhone so you can learn a few handy travel phrases. See:
http://journals.worldnomads.com/language-guides/

They suggest traveling light, with hand-held luggage that fits in the overhead compartments (photograph its contents before leaving home and put contact details inside the case); identify ownership on luggage tags but only with a name, cell number and email – no home address please. In the event of delays, pack snacks such as dried fruits and nuts. And, wear shoes that are easy to slide off for security check.

Bring essential medicines with prescriptions, sanitized wipes and if you want to be super-cautious, a face mask for airports and flights.

Presents, either those being given or received, must be unwrapped. Make absolutely sure you know and trust what’s in those presents; don’t unwittingly carry illegal goods through customs.

Drink responsibly; while under the influence of alcohol a traveler is a bigger target for pickpockets and thieves, especially solo and women travelers.

“We are committed to being an integral part of every adventurous traveler’s journey. Since launching in 2002, our focus has been on providing a range of services to keep adventurous and independent travelers safe on the road,” said Chris Nobel, General Manager of WorldNomads.com and the producer of the ‘Positive Footprints’ documentary series.

WorldNomads.com products and services include global travel insurance (http://www.worldnomads.com/insurance.aspx) protecting residents from over 150 countries with high value medical and evacuation coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance and coverage for a large range of adventure activities; language guides (http://journals.worldnomads.com/language-guides/) and travel blogs (http://adventures.worldnomads.com/journals/?m=2) plus a stream of travel safety information to ensure all World Nomads stay informed, educated and safe when traveling.

WorldNomads.com clients may also donate to a range of community development projects when purchasing travel insurance through the company’s Footprints Charity program http://footprints.worldnomads.com/.

Collectively, The Footprints Network (http://www.FootPrintsNetwork.Org/) has raised over $770,000, from over 295,000 donations, which has funded 53 projects across the globe through partner organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children and Water Aid.

WorldNomads.com provides the tools to keep clients travelling safely throughout the world. For more information visit http://worldnomads.com.

Big Blend Magazine

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Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.