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New York City Tourist Attractions – The Fifth Avenue
Posted by: | CommentsSt Patricks Cathedral
On street level, a huge bronze sculpture of Atlas, also by Lee Lawrie, stands in front of the International Building, between 50th and 51st streets. St Patrick’s Cathedral O (daily 6.30am-8.45pm; free), on the other side of Fifth Avenue, towers over the scene. Dedicated in 1879, St Patrick’s ornate neo-Gothic facade works as an intriguing counterpoint to the angular lines and smooth surfaces of the surrounding skyscrapers. Take time to admire the cathedral’s interior, notably its impressive stained glass.
Shopping Stops
Beyond St Patrick’s, Fifth Avenue is mostly devoted to the worldly concern of commerce, although several other churches do counterbalance the materialism to some degree. Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the country’s best department stores, is across the street from Rockefeller Center. The super-rich can be seen gliding between Versace, Cartier, Gucci, and other shops from 51st to 54th streets.
53rd To 56th Streets
The ornate facade of St Thomas Church O – built in French Gothic style and completed in 1913 – overlooks Fifth Avenue from 53rd Street. If time allows, stop to admire the sanctuary.
Continue to the end of the next block. On the left is the Peninsula Hotel O, housed in a grand 1905 Renaissance building, which caters mostly to the corporate elite. On the right, the even grander St Regis Hotel is an Edwardian wedding cake of a building, adorned with marvelous filigree and murals by Maxfield Parrish. Inside, amply moneyed guests connect with the ambiance of the Gilded Age of the early 20th century.
Across West 55th Street from the Peninsula Hotel is the stately Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church © built in Gothic style in 1873.
Rising from the corner of 56th Street is Trump Tower- Step into the lobby of this 68-story condominium complex for a glimpse of tycoon Donald Trump’s signature over-the-top style, replete with gleaming brass, polished marble, and a five-story waterfall.
57th Street
There’s shopping galore around the corner on East 57th Street, home to designers including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada. More casual are flagship stores for such well-known chain brands as Levi’s and Nike.
Need a break? Wander into the glass-enclosed atrium of the former IBM Building (590 Madison Avenue), where footsore shoppers can have a rest surrounded by modern sculpture, or enjoy a snack on the mezzanine.
Grand Army Plaza
Beyond 57th Street, it’s a one-block walk past upscale department store Bergdorf Goodman (women’s fashions are in the main store on the west side of Fifth, men’s on the east) to Grand Army Plaza, which serves as a gateway to Central Park and the setting of two grand hotels: the Plaza, a chateaux-style landmark built in 1907, and the Sherry-Netherland, developed in the 1920s by ice-cream magnate Louis Sherry as a bolt-hole for members of the upper classes. Both premises now have apartment dwellers as well as hotel guests, but the classic style remains.
Current World Capital of Singapore – Singapore Travel Guide
Posted by: | CommentsToday, by almost any standard, the republic’s achievements are remarkable. But the constant need to trump these accolades – the world’s busiest port, more than 40 times the world’s best airport award, the least corrupt country in Asia – indicates both ego and a complex with size. But it is also an effective way to manufacture national identity. As a mingling place of races, languages and religions, as a still young country often exposed to the chaos of its region or the vagaries of the world economy, Singapore feels constantly under siege. And so the literature of religious groups is banned if they conscientiously object to military service, capital punishment and censorship exist, and government critics have been sued, silenced, banned and exiled. For a world-class business city with technologically-savvy citizens, the political atmosphere is unusually strict (and self-restricting), top-down, paternalistic and even parochial.
But that has not stopped ten million tourist arrivals per year or 7,000 multinational corporations from setting up home here, attracted by an openness to foreign talent, transparent policies and regulations, strong intellectual rights protection, the use of English, investment protection, tax agreements and ever expanding free trade agreements. One of its greatest appeals also lies in the fact that Singapore has market access to some 2.8 billion people or half the world’s population within a seven hour flight radius. The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region alone has a population of about 500 million people and a combined GDP of almost US$750 billion. With its excellent infrastructure and communication facilities and network, Singapore makes a natural springboard to Asia.
Today, 750,000 expatriates live here and one in four of the 4.84 million inhabitants is foreign. Foreigners occupy both leadership and management positions but they also sweep the roads and clear the garbage. In the local press, Singaporeans engage in a constant discussion on ‘foreign talent’ and speculate if they can still afford homes in their own country. But in the need for economies of scale in acquiring skills and an edge in technology or capturing foreign markets, Singapore has discovered that it has to serve the world in order to deliver to its own people. The tiny red dot too small to have a capital of its own has metamorphosized into one of the world’s business capitals.
Travel Safety Tips on Tanning Beds
Posted by: | CommentsWhen utilizing an artificial suntanning method, it is of principal importance to apply a correct dosage of radiation. This is necessary to prevent harmful effects. Avoiding overexposure is absolutely essential. Overexposure can cause eye and skin injury and allergic reactions. Repeated exposure may cause premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
Because of the potential injury that can occur to one’s eyes, protective eyewear is a must. In addition, since medications and cosmetics may increase one’s sensitivity to the ultraviolet radiation, one should consult a physician before using such a facility.
Are the operators of such equipment familiar with different skin sensitivities and skin types, in order to prevent harmful effects? This knowledge is required to determine the appropriate ultraviolet dosage, termed the Minimum Erythemal Dose (MED). What training has taken place? Such expertise is not normally found among a hotel fitness facility staff.
Other questions that should be addressed include how frequently the lamps in the tanning bed are cleaned, and how often the unit is cleaned with a disinfectant. Regulations concerning the use of the unit should: (1) impose a limitation of no more than 10 exposures with a total effective radiation dose of less than 1 MED; (2) avoid wearing cosmetics, using no suntan lotion, consuming alcoholic beverages prior to, or during, use; and (3) recommend that a physician be consulted initially. Protective eyewear that eliminates harmful ultraviolet radiation must be utilized. Since the application of these rules typically requires experience, the use of such equipment should be under the supervision of professionally trained personnel with experience in dermatology.
Travel Safety Tips on Spas or Hot Tubs
Posted by: | CommentsFor centuries, people have bathed in natural hot springs because of their supposed curative powers. Primitive cultures built temples around such springs, believing them to be the dwelling of gods and spirits. The Romans went a step further and built huge public baths for thousands of people. Today, hot mineral springs are still thought to have therapeutic value, and many famous resorts in the United States and Europe are based around natural mineral baths.
Modern professional athletes have also found value in a good hot soak. Many professional sports teams prescribe hydrotherapy and hot baths for players with painful joints and sore muscles. For the same reasons, a spa or hot tub is appreciated by anyone involved in a physical sport or activity. Upon getting into warm bubbling water, the first response to immersion at this temperature is a general muscular relaxation. The hot water produces dilation of the blood vessels, or vasodilation, which is beneficial to the functioning of weak or spastic muscles and is usually sedative for those with chronic arthritis, muscle pains, and neuralgia.
To hot water devotees, soaking in a bubbling spa or tub provides one of life’s supreme pleasures. But to ensure that the experience is safe and healthy, one must take responsibility for basic safety, as well as use a little common sense. For a few people, this may mean not soaking in a spa or hot tub at all. People with heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, or any serious illness should not enter a spa or hot tub without first consulting their physician. Pregnant women should also stay out of a spa or hot tub unless their physician has advised them that it’s safe.
Soaking for too long in high water temperatures can elevate anyone’s body heat beyond safe limits. The National Spa and Pool Institute considers 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40° C) to be the maximum safe water temperature for adults, with a safe soaking time of no longer than 15 minutes. Other medical authorities think that the maximum safe temperature should be lower, 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7°-38.8° C). Infants and children are especially sensitive to heat; for them, the temperature should be no higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35° C) with a safe soaking time no longer than 10 minutes.
Even a shallow spa or tub contains enough water to drown a bather. Children should never be allowed to soak without adult supervision. Jumping, diving, or underwater swimming should not be permitted in a spa or tub. Long hair can be pulled into an uncovered drain by strong suction, becoming entangled. Grates and drain covers should be in good repair and secured in place.
No one who has an external infection or wound should be permitted into a spa or hot tub. Hot water easily carries the infection to others. As previously noted, disinfection of such water is absolutely essential. Few people realize, at first, the load placed on the small water volume of a spa or tub by a simple sociable soak. According to the National Spa and Pool Institute, 5 people bathing in a spa containing 500 gallons of water equals a crowd of 250 in an average-size, 25,000-gallon swimming pool. To add to the load, the high water temperature of a spa or tub increases the risk of infection from bacterial activity.
Look for the obvious signs of poor or ineffective maintenance, which include: cloudy water; scale; complaints of irritated eyes and skin; colored water and stains; algae; and an absence of, or improper readings of, disinfection chemicals and pH.
Cloudy water typically is the result of improper filtration, a high pH, or an excessive dose of disinfection chemicals. Scale, which sometimes leaves rough deposits on spa walls, is indicative of improper pH management.
Irritation to eyes and skin can occur if the pH is too low or too high. Disinfection chemicals such as chlorine can also combine with nitrogen from perspiration or cosmetics to form chloramines to give off a chlorine odor and irritate eyes and skin. Such problems are indicative of improper maintenance procedures.
Colored water and stains indicate metals in the water. Such metals can originate from the water supply, but can also appear if pH is not properly managed. Algae in a spa or tub is an indication of improper cleaning and application of algaecides.
The maintenance schedule for a spa or tub should reveal proper use of chemicals and disinfectants, weekly removal and cleaning of the skimmer basket for hair and other accumulated debris, regular examination of the pressure gauge on the filter, regular cleaning of the filter tank, quarterly or more frequent draining and cleaning of the spa or tub, and daily cleaning of the floor surfaces around the spa.
Alcohol and drugs don’t mix safely with the use of a spa or hot tub. The hot water intensifies their effect, sometimes dangerously. Avoid the use of both prior to and during a soak. Similarly, facilities should not offer alcoholic beverages to persons utilizing the spa or tub.
Never handle a telephone or electrical appliance while in the water or with wet hands. Building codes typically require that any spa or tub must stand at least five feet from any electrical outlet to prevent a TV, radio, or other electrical device from being placed on the spa edge. Regulations should prohibit the placement of electrically powered devices on the spa edge. If such a device falls into the water, it could electrocute the bathers.
Accidents can be prevented if: skid-proof surfaces are in place around a spa or tub; food and drinks are served in plastic containers to avoid the danger of broke, glass; and adequate lighting is provided near ground level, at steps and other hazardous spots.
Travel Safety Tips – Food-borne Illness and Infectious Disease
Posted by: | CommentsIt must be recognized that microbiological hazards can affect food products, and that a thorough understanding of those practices that reduce the likelihood of such a problem is crucial. In the United States, estimates suggest that a fifth of the population, about 40 million persons, may be mildly or severely poisoned by food each year. The National Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, has attributed cases of food poisoning to various bacterial causes including salmonel-lae, staphylococcus, botulinum, perfringens, and shigella. However, the center has also pointed to specific food products, parasites, and viruses as contributors. Which management practices and procedures will minimize the potential for food poisoning?
No longer can the traveler ignore the potential risk from cross-infection. A food handler, harboring a disease such as hepatitis, who nicks his or her finger while preparing a salad increases the potential for the hepatitis virus to enter a customer’s system, using the food as the mode of transmission. If hand protection has been worn and antimicrobial soap used, this exposure might be reduced. Or what about the traveler who, while relaxing in his or her guestroom on top of a bedspread that was not properly disinfected, contracts a case of scabies, a small microorganism that causes constant itching and a rash? Travel to developing countries has increased, exposing the traveler to a greater risk of cross-infection and disease. Many of the countries being visited have virtually nonexistent public health facilities or even proper health guidelines. In addition, as travel has increased to the United States from developing countries, the potential for cross-contamination and the spread of infectious disease has also increased.
The prevention of disease transmission is an exercise in numbers. Ideally, all harmful microorganisms should be eliminated through sterilization. However, this is not always possible. In many circumstances, the best that can be expected is that effective disinfection procedures and materials will reduce the number of microorganisms to the point that the host’s immune system can handle the infection naturally, and the disease will not develop.
Travel Safety Guide – Scuba Diving
Posted by: | CommentsScuba diving is much more dangerous than is generally realized. To avoid accidents, one should make receiving a scuba certification, through training offered by the National Association of Underwater Instructors or YMCA, the first priority.
In addition, one should never dive with earplugs; never fly within 24 hours of diving; resurface if pain is felt in ears or other parts of the body; never use antihistamines prior to a dive, as they may cause drowsiness and interfere with coordination; avoid touching underwater sponges, which can create a skin irritation; not hyperventilate before a dive; rub down with a rough towel upon exiting the water to prevent “swimmers itch,” caused by organisms called “schistosomes”; and always dry the ears by gently pulling on the cartilage over the lobe to release trapped water.
Travel Insurance – Kidnap and Ransom
Posted by: | CommentsLloyds of London developed kidnap and ransom insurance in 1932, after the abduction and murder of the Lindbergh baby. This type of insurance is a necessity in many parts of the world, particularly for persons or groups that could be subject to terrorist activity.
A standard kidnap and ransom/extortion insurance policy covers: kidnapping or alleged kidnapping; loss of ransom while the money is in transit; extortion, threatening bodily injury; extortion, threatening property damage; reward payments; miscellaneous expenses, such as judgments and salary continuation of the victim; loss of corporate and personal assets; and accidental death and dismemberment.
The cost of kidnap and ransom insurance is difficult to determine. Prior to the rise in terrorist activity, a company with executives who made infrequent trips abroad, and then only to relatively safe areas at the time (i.e., Great Britain, Northern Europe), would have paid about $100 to $300 for $1 million worth of maximum coverage per year. The type of coverage changed in the 1980s. Insurance companies will now provide protection for all employees and their families. A U.S. corporation with ordinary foreign activities that has $100 million in sales could probably purchase a $5 million – limit policy for $5000 in annual premiums, and a $10-million limit for $7500.
An accurate analysis of the cost/benefit ratio of kidnap and ransom insurance is nearly impossible because the underlying causes of loss are too volatile, and the terrorist climate can fluctuate greatly. An area of the world that may be safe one month can become a hotbed of terrorism six months later. When purchasing such insurance, one is trading a known cost for an unknown cost.
Many times the insurance company will require the insured to subscribe to a risk-analysis survey. Such surveys provide assessments of political risk to international travelers, particularly business travelers. The forecasts evaluate risk for a variety of factors that can affect business operations, from expropriation and social turmoil to government policies on investments, trade, and currencies. One such forecast, World Political Risk Forecast, published by Frost and Sullivan Company, analyzes some 70 countries, through a network of 250 specialists. These reports present an 18-month and 5-year forecast of levels of risk for 13 factors affecting international business.
Other sources of information include:
- Offices of the United States Passport Service
- U.S. Department of State desk officer for the region or country of destination
- Industry groups (e.g., American Society of Travel Agents, Association of Retail Travel Agents)
Travel Insurance – Automobile Insurance
Posted by: | CommentsThe normal policy territory for personal automobile policies is the United States, its territories and possessions, and Canada. Sometimes, it is possible to have an underwriter extend coverage for hired and non-owned autos to a worldwide basis. For example, a Mexico Endorsement can be added to an auto policy. This endorsement, for example, would afford coverage for owned automobiles while they are in Mexico, not more than 75 miles from the United States border, for less than 10 consecutive days. This policy is typically of little value to the driver of the vehicle, if the driver were involved in an accident. Such endorsements are typically accompanied by an endorsement indicating that, unless one has automobile insurance written by a Mexican insurance company, hours or days might be spent in jail if one is involved in an accident. A short-term special automobile policy for tourists is available from agents in practically every American city and town near the border. These policies are written by Mexican insurance companies licensed and recognized by the Republic of Mexico.
It is often more reliable to purchase insurance from a company licensed to do business in the destination country. Most countries throughout the world have laws similar to Mexico’s and require the purchase of automobile insurance from companies licensed in those countries. These policies also contain limitations. For example, there may be no coverage if the driver is found to have been under the influence of liquor or drugs at the time of an accident.
The Travel Safety Guide – The Basics of Hotel Security
Posted by: | CommentsAlthough the public police system can assist loss prevention efforts in a hotel, motel, and resort, the degree of assistance is limited. Tight budgets and reduced resources and personnel are the main reasons why public safety agencies play only a small role in private loss prevention programs. Public police agencies cannot afford to assign personnel to patrol inside business establishments or to watch for employee theft. An occasional police patrol and a response to a crime are the primary forms of assistance that the public police can provide to businesses. In essence, loss prevention in the hotel, motel, or resort will result from programs formulated by the security and loss prevention personnel employed by the property.
It is important to understand whether the property employs its own security personnel, whether it contracts for such services, or whether it utilizes a combination of personnel. In any event, it should be clear that all personnel are carefully screened and receive special training for their assignments. Typically, with contract security services, the turnover is high, screening standards may be inadequate, and training is minimal.
The protection of the guest and the guest’s property is a round-the-clock function. Thus, it should be evident from the procedures of the hotel, motel, or resort that patrols and monitoring systems are operable 24 hours a day. The concept of only a night watchman is inappropriate at a hotel, motel, or resort. Criminal actions against guest or property are just as likely, in this type of setting, to occur during the daytime hours.
Arming security personnel neither contributes, nor has any meaningful relationship, to the loss-prevention effort. The presence of armed personnel may generate wholly undesirable and unexpected results. For example, armed robbers may genuinely view the display of weapons as merely coercive. While planning and executing the crime, it is not their desire or intention to fire their guns. However, when robbers find themselves confronting other armed persons, that strongest of human instincts, self-preservation, can result in either an exchange of gunfire, with all of the attendant risks, or a hostage-taking in order to facilitate escape. Thus, if security personnel are armed, the circumstances of their patrols or assignments must clearly justify the weapons.
An invaluable piece of equipment for security personnel is the two-way radio. This piece of equipment can do more to upgrade the quality and operating efficiency of the security department than can additional staff. Such equipment is far more efficient in summoning assistance and alerting other hotel personnel of a problem than is relying on the telephone system in the building.
The Travel Safety Guide – Medical Emergencies
Posted by: | CommentsA traveler is exposed to many potential illnesses and accidental injuries. Unfortunately, the same type of medical treatment that might be available to the traveler in his or her home may not be available while in transit. Thus, a few basic preventive strategies designed to minimize the likelihood of illness and accidental injury should be understood by travelers and travel planners.
General Guidelines
Listed below are some questions that should be asked by the traveler to minimize the likelihood of a medical emergency.
- Does the traveler carry emergency medical information?
- Does the traveler recognize the influence that altitude can have on physical well-being?
- Has the traveler undergone a thorough dental examination?
- Has the traveler secured all immunizations required for international travel?
- Is the traveler alert to the hazards of food-borne illness?
- Is the traveler carrying adequate medical supplies?
- Does the traveler understand how to obtain medical assistance?
- Is the traveler healthy?
Emergency Medical Information
Prior to domestic or international travel, emergency medical information (i.e., immunizations and dates, present medical problems, medicine taken regularly, dangerous allergies, physician, etc.) should be collected. The traveler’s physician should record any information that might prove important. Of particular importance is a telephone number where the physician can be reached, should additional information be required. A three-minute call in the United States or abroad is usually much less expensive and faster than the diagnostic tests an unfamiliar physician might need to get information which the traveler’s own doctor already has on file.
Travelers with special medical problems should enroll in one of the emergency identification systems. Two widely used systems are Medic-Alert Foundation and one devised by the American Medical Association. Each utilizes a medallion, emblazoned in red, with a universal symbol indicating the presence of information important to the life and health of the wearer. On the reverse side is a medical warning symbol (i.e., diabetic, allergic to penicillin, taking anticoagulants, wearing contact lenses, etc.) worn on a chain around the neck, wrist, or ankle. The wearer should also carry a wallet-size ID card listing essential medical information.
The Medic-Alert program also includes, on each medallion, a serial number assigned to the wearer and a phone number of the central Medic-Alert file. Collect calls are accepted from all parts of the world, at any time, from emergency personnel. The serial number facilitates an immediate review of pertinent medical history contained in the Medic-Alert file.
The AMA medical ID card provides a do-it-yourself system, whereby the traveler can prepare pertinent medical information (i.e., name, doctor, immunization dates, present medical problems, medicine taken regularly, dangerous allergies, etc.).
The ten or so dollars 1-time for Medic-Alert and the 24-hour availability seem to be worth the money, if one has medical problems that could cause trouble in an emergency.
Altitudinal Influences on Health
Going from sea level to a high altitude can cause oxygen deprivation and tax the heart. Other symptoms of mountain sickness include headaches, rapid heart rate and breathing, dizziness, sleeplessness, and weakness. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to dangerous buildups of fluid in the lungs and skull, possibly leading to death. The traveler’s physician should be advised of any upcoming high-altitude trip. Often problems can be avoided with small doses of Diamox (acetazolamide) taken a few days before and after the ascent. Alcohol, smoking, and diet can also contribute to the problem. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and stick to a high-carbohydrate, low-calorie diet for a few days upon arrival to minimize the likelihood of an altitude-related problem. Generally, resisting the temptation to overeat and overdrink will minimize associated problems of indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation.
If the symptoms of mountain sickness persist, the traveler may need oxygen therapy and evacuation to an altitude of 5000 feet or lower.
Dental Problems
Toothaches spoil vacations and – generally – any other type of travel. Prior to any lengthy travel, the traveler should undertake a complete dental examination and treatment. However, one should avoid air travel for at least twelve hours after dental procedures involving extractions, root-canal work, and fillings. If any gas is trapped in the tooth, it can expand with the change in atmospheric pressure in an airplane, and cause great pain.
Required Immunizations
The local health department can provide information on immunizations that might be required or recommended for international travel. These immunizations may include polio, malaria, infectious hepatitis, influenza, plague, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal disease, dengue, cholera, measles, smallpox, and yellow fever. Typically, there are no restrictions against people coming directly from the United States. However, if the traveler passes through country A enroute to country B, entry to country B might be barred without proper immunizations.
Generally, for travel to tropical and/or developing countries, the U.S. Public Health Service advises immunization against polio. Even if one has previously been immunized, a supplemental immunization is recommended. Diphtheria and tetanus shots must be kept up to date. Incidences of such diseases are far higher abroad than in the United States.