Want better sex? Travel more

If the fallout from Valentine’s Day is hitting you hard, maybe it’s time to take that special vacation you’ve been planning.

According to a new Valentine’s survey commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association, traveling together will improve a couple’s sex life.

And not just during the travel period — the survey found that the romance and better sex enjoyed during travel lasts long after the trip is over.

“Couples who travel together are significantly more likely to report that their relationship is more romantic, more intimate and more balanced,” Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said in news release.

For the survey, Edge Research interviewed 1,100 adults. Some 72 percent of the couples said travel inspires romance, and 63 percent said a weekend getaway is more romantic than receiving large or small gifts.

Approximately 77 percent of respondents who traveled with a significant other reported a good sex life, compared with 63 percent of couples who don’t travel as a couple.

“Couples who travel together feel closer to one another and are more likely to report that they are best friends,” said Dow.

To that we say: awww …

Want better sex? Travel more

Airplane Horror Stories

Sure, you can laugh about it now — but at the time, it was far from funny. Unfortunately, it’s also inevitable. The more you travel, the more likely it is that you’ve had an ill-fated journey (or five). In this day and age, the transport du jour is the airplane, and stories abound from travelers who didn’t find the skies quite so friendly. Straight from our very own message boards, our members shared with us their tumultuous air travel tales of sick seatmates and nail-biting nose dives — so many that we also posted apart two!

Got one of your own? We want to hear it! Post it on our message boards.

Houston, We Have a Problem

“My worst flight was on a trip from Dublin to London. Out of nowhere, the plane took a nose dive … for about eight seconds! I know it doesn’t seem like that long, but seriously, count for eight seconds. That’s a long nose dive! Passengers started screaming, luggage went flying out of the overhead bins and the lights went out. So scary! I really thought the plane was going to crash. Everything ended up being okay, at least I think so. The pilot never even announced what happened.” – Evalla

Cleanup on Aisle Five!

“On a recent flight from Jacksonville to Newark, I was seated directly across from a very ill woman. This wasn’t simple motion sickness either. She was using her complimentary ‘bag’ before we even began taxiing. The flight attendants asked her if she wanted to deplane but she insisted on staying … and continued to get sick for the entire flight, shaking and lying across three seats. Eventually, the attendants just gave her an industrial-sized black garbage bag. Yuck. Trust me, nobody within a three-row radius ate their in-flight snack.

“I was never so happy to see Newark in my life. The kicker is, as I was headed to baggage claim, I heard over the P.A. system, ‘Cleanup at gate X.’ Hmm, wonder what happened there!” – TravelMel

Is It Hot in Here?

“I had the delayed flight horror on one trip from Denver to Ottawa via Chicago. I was squeezed into the middle seat between two football-player-sized fellows who smelled of garlic and last night’s beer. We sat on the tarmac for five hours. They wouldn’t let us off the plane, would not serve food, or let us stand or go to the bathroom as we were waiting for permission to take off — and the air-conditioning didn’t work! The two fellows on either side turned into a bath of sweat.

“Finally the plane took off, and took a very long flight detour to the south as there were storms in our path. The hot food had long since cooled off. The cold drinks were warm, and the staff finally decided they couldn’t serve the food as it was not suitable to eat. Of course, any connecting flights were non-existent on our arrival in Chicago, many hours late. And at the baggage counter, they advised that they couldn’t find the luggage of anyone on the whole plane.” – Anonymous

Have You Seen Our Bags?
“Like a bad dream, en route from LAX to O’Hare taking a red-eye flight December 23. We were the first ones greeted to nothing but rows of suitcases and baggage waiting to be claimed or shipped to other parts of the country to deserted passengers. Our luggage was still in LAX; we were all up in arms considering it was only four degrees outside and most of us had packed our heavy jackets with our suitcases! This was due to a heavy snowstorm that hit the Ohio Valley, and United baggage handlers were calling in sick countrywide.

“I did not see my suitcase for another three days. I went home the following day — thank God it departed on time.” – ppadilla

Losing Your Lunch

“When we lived in Oklahoma and were coming home from a visit to Pennsylvania, we went through some terrible, frightening turbulence. The flight attendant was serving meals (that’s how long ago it was!), and she’d gotten to our row when the bumpy ride became a roller coaster. The pilot announced that all flight personnel should be seated and secure all items. The woman threw a few meals at me because I was traveling with young children and rushed to lock up her cart and herself.

“A few rows behind us, a woman started screaming, ‘Hey, where is my meal? I’m a diabetic and I need to eat now!’ The stewardess told the screaming woman to shut up and sit down, or she won’t have to worry about getting another meal! I passed my tray back to her because I didn’t figure my food was going to stay down. I think I kissed the ground once we were off the plane.” – Cruisin’ Cats

Where There’s Smoke …

“About 20 years ago, on an airline serving and indigenous to Mexico, I was taking a flight back to New York from Acapulco via Mexico City. It was a twin engine jet, but I can’t recall what type. As usual, I snagged a window seat just forward of the starboard side wing. About 20 minutes into the flight, the engine on the wing started trailing flames. As you can imagine, there were a lot of very scared people onboard.

“The pilot must have shut the engine down or something around that point because the flames died out suddenly, but the flight got very bumpy and it seemed the plane was vibrating. Somehow we limped into Mexico City where we were greeted on the runway with emergency foam and just about every emergency vehicle that the airport must have had access to. The pilot put us down on the ground rather gracefully, and after a quick inspection they towed us to a gate.

“For some reason they didn’t want anyone deplaning and they kept us in the airplane for about an hour while the mechanic worked on the engine. Now, when I say worked, I mean worked. The guy tinkered with the engine for about 40 minutes, then said something to two confused-looking fellows on the ground off to the side of the wing and then started beating on the thing with a pipe wrench. Nine or ten good whacks later the whole engine tore loose and plunged to the tarmac. At this point, they decided we might be slightly delayed … and they let us off the plane into a sealed waiting room (no food, dubious telephones).

“Now we could only see the other side of the airplane — the one away from the problem. They left us there for about three hours, telling us that a new plane was coming. Then they announced that they didn’t have another plane and that this one was being repaired. As you might guess, somewhere along the line during the next seven hours when they were repairing the plane (duct tape and bailing wire is my guess), the pilots timed out and had to get some time off. So we waited another four hours for a fresh flight crew. We got home, 18 hours late, and I’ll never again fly a local airline into that area of the world.” – DocNY

Airplane Horror Stories

What's the Rudest Thing You've Seen or Experienced When Flying?

MELANIE PINOLA3/22/13 7:30am

Being stuck for hours in a cramped airplane seat can really bring out the worst in people. You might have a few examples of strangers discarding common courtesy on a plane, from playing loud videos to letting kids run wild to your seatmate even falling asleep on you. What’s the rudest thing you’ve seen?

Steven Frischling (a.k.a. flyingfish in the travel hacker world) laments the end of travel etiquette and common courtesy, describing a flight in which his seatmate: whacked him with her bag (twice), took her shoes and socks off her smelly feet, woke him for the beverage service (when the cart was already past their row), and tucked her pillow behind his shoulder to fall asleep on him. What a nightmare—one that isn’t hard to imagine. He also points out an incredible situation where parents let their kids slap stickers all over the wall of the aircraft (photo at right), in addition to leaving trash all over the seating area.

Do you have a similar story or can you top this? Let’s hear it!

What's the Rudest Thing You've Seen or Experienced When Flying?

mschnell

Mine happened earlier this summer on my way to China from Chicago. Our plane was somewhere north of Alaska when they told us we were being re-routed to Anchorage because the bathrooms were overflowing. We got there and sat for a while before they told us that we’d be spending the night there. Then they told us that they couldn’t because the Chinese people on the plane weren’t allowed to get off on American soil. They told us we’d be flying to San Francisco to change flight crews because flying to Beijing would put them over regulations for time on duty. Anchorage to Beijing is only a few more hours than Anchorage to San Francisco so that was not fun. Then at San Francisco we sat around for a few hours before finally leaving for Beijing. All-in-all we got to Beijing in around 30 hours when our flight was supposed to be less than 13.

What’s your worst flight experience?

What's your worst air travel experience?

'I'm living my dream' says Fortune 500 CEO Ilene Gordon

Leading Women connects you to extraordinary women of our time — remarkable professionals who have made it to the top in all areas of business, the arts, sport, culture, science and more.

(CNN) – Since she was a college student, Ilene Gordon dreamed of running a Fortune 500 company.

She finally achieved that goal last year when her company Ingredion exceeded sales of $6 billion for the first time, making her one of only 21 women to run a company in the coveted Fortune 500 list.

“Over a 35 year career, I got there,” said Gordon, chief executive, chairman and president of Ingredion. “When we became a Fortune 500 company a year ago when our sales hit over six billion, I have to say that was my dream, it was very satisfying to fulfil that dream.”

In the four years since Gordon joined Ingredion — which makes food additives such as starches and corn syrup – its share price has gone from $25 to $60.

“We’re a very global company with over 11,000 people,” she said. “So really my job entails not only running the company from our Chicago base but really getting out into the field and to our 40 different factories. ”

I’ve built on my whole career to be ready for a position like this.

Ilene Gordon

“It’s a 24/7 job. I love it, and I’ve built on my whole career to be ready for a position like this.”

Read: Best-selling female authors with male pseudonyms

Her achievement is even more remarkable given the company has faced a public backlash over one of its staple products, high-fructose corn syrup, which many people blame for rising obesity.

When Gordon joined the company — then called Corn Products — in 2009, she quickly diversified into other products, acquired National Starch and changed its name to Ingredion to reflect its new focus.

“We really diversified and actually only 14% of our sales globally are focused on high fructose for the soft drink industry,” said Gordon.

“It is a perception problem and high fructose and sugar are really the same dynamics,” said Gordon. “Consumers really want healthy food, and so it became clear that to grow the company why not grow with this trend of people looking for health and nutrition type ingredients.

“So we’ve made acquisitions, and we’ve diversified away from that and really have grown the company with modified starches that really provide a very healthy ingredient.”

Gordon, born in 1953, studied math at MIT in the 1970s, originally intending to be a high school math teacher.

Read: Lessons from a self-made billionaire

It is a perception problem and high fructose and sugar are really the same dynamics

Ilene Gordon

“Instead I met these incredible women that were going to be lawyers, doctors, and PhDs in nutrition and science,” she said. “It really influenced me to say ‘Wait a minute. I can do more than teach.’ which was a traditional field. And that’s when I decided to go into business.”

Gordon earned a Masters degree in business and decided to go into manufacturing because there were so few women, and she felt it was an opportunity to be a “pioneer”.

This eventually led to her first CEO role, heading up Alcun Packaging, a division of Rio Tinto.

“They wanted me to move to Paris and make a decision in 48 hours. My family was in Chicago, and I didn’t know quite how we would make it happen. But it was a great opportunity to be a global CEO of a six and half billion dollar company, and I said ‘I’ll take it, and I’ll figure it out.”

Gordon has never been afraid of standing out.

At school, she complained to her principal about being forced to take sewing and cooking classes with the girls, and instead took shop lessons with the boys.

Later, at MIT, she was outnumbered by more than 10 to one by men.

“I’ve always pushed ahead and been a pioneer in everything that I’ve done,” she said.

'I'm living my dream' says Fortune 500 CEO Ilene Gordon

R134a been specifically employed to awesome pc's in most overclocking efforts

Gas R134a is an inert gas used as a “high-temperature” refrigerant for domestic refrigeration and automobile air conditioners. It is used for replacing the more environmentally harmful R-12 and convert units that were originally R-12-equipped. Other uses include plastic foam blowing, as a cleaning solvent, a propellant for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, wine cork removers, gas dusters and in air driers for removing the moisture from compressed air. R134a has also been used to cool computers in some overclocking attempts.

Recently, gas R134a has been subject to use restrictions due to its contribution to climate change. The Society of Automotive Engineers has proposed R134a to be best replaced by a new fluorochemical refrigerant HFO-1234yf in automobile air-conditioning systems.

The package of R134a are variable, and the main ones ate as below:

1: Packed in small cans for car cooling system. The net weight is usually from 340g to 820g.. There are tow kinds of these cans, one of them is the 3slices one and the other is the 2 slices which is more expensive.

2: The most welcomed package is the cylinders whose net weight is 30lbs and 50lbs. Customers from Asia and Africa are prefer the 30lbs, in the other way, customer in Europe and America would like to import the ones with DOT or CE standard, and sometimes, the reusable ones.

3: If the buyer has the storage or cylinders of their own, they would chose the ISOTANK for importing. After the ISOTANK arrived at their factory, they will convert the gas to their own cylinder or storage. After that,, ISOTANK will send back to their supplier.

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??? ?? ??????? ????? ????????? ???????? R134a ??? ???? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ???? ???????

???????? R134a ????? ?? ??? ???? ?????? ? “?????? ???? ???????” ???????? ?????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ????????. ??? ???????? ???????? ????? ???? ???? ????? R-12 ? ????? ???? ???? ???? R-12 ?????. ????? ??????????? ?????? ?????? ??????????? ???? ????? ???????? ????? ?????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ??????? ????? ????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ??????? ?? ?????? ???????. ??? ?? ??????? ????? ????????? ???????? R134a ??? ???? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ???? ???????.

?? ?????? ???????? ??? ?? ???????? R134a ????? ???? ???????? ???? ???? ???????? ?? ???? ??????. ?????? ????? ?????? ???????? ???????? R134a ???? ????? ???? ?? ???????? ?????????? ???????? ????? HFO-1234yf ?? ????? ????? ?????? ????????.

???? ?? ???????? R134a ?? ???????? ?????? ?????? ??? ????? ??????:

1: ????? ?? ??? ????? ????? ????? ???????. ????? ?????? ?? ???? ?? 340G ??? 820G .. ???? ????? ????? ?? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ?? 3slices ???? ?????? ?? 2 ????? ???? ?? ???? ?????.

2: ???? ???? ??? ?? ???????? ???? ?? ? 30 ? 50 ?????? ??????. ??????? ?? ???? ???????? ????? 30 ?? ?? ????? ????? ??? ??????? ?? ?????? ??????? ???? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ????? ????? ?? ????? CE? ???????? ??? ???? ???? ?????????.

3: ??? ??? ??????? ???? ????? ?? ???????? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ISOTANK ????????. ??? ???? ISOTANK ?? ??????? ????? ??? ????? ????? ??? ????????? ?????? ??? ?? ???????. ??? ????? ISOTANK ??? ?????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???.

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R134a ????? ???????????? ??? ?????????? ??????????? ? ????????? ??????? ???????

??? R134a ???????? ???????? ???, ???????????? ? ???????? “???????????????????” ?????????? ??? ??????? ????????????? ? ????????????? ?????????????. ?? ???????????? ??? ?????? ????? ???????????? ??????? R-12 ? ?????????????? ???????, ??????? ?????????? ???? R-12 ???????????. ?????? ??????? ?????????? ???????? ????????? ????, ? ???????? ?????????? ????????????, ??????? ??? ???????? ????????????? ???????, ???????? ???? ??????, ???? ? ???? ? ????????? ??????? ??? ???????? ????? ?? ??????? ???????. R134a ????? ???????????? ??? ?????????? ??????????? ? ????????? ??????? ???????.

??????? ???? R134a ????? ????????? ??????????? ???????????? ??-?? ??? ?????? ? ????????? ???????.???????? ????????? ????????????? ?????????????? ?????????? R134a ???? ?????? ??????? ????? ?????????????? ??????????? ???-1234yf ? ????????????? ???????? ????????????????? ???????.

????? R134a ???????? ???????????, ? ???????? ?? ??? ???, ??? ???????? ????:

1: ??????????? ? ????????? ????? ??? ?????????? ???????? ??????????.??? ????? ?????????? ?????? ?? 340? ?? 820? .. ???? ?????? ????? ???? ??????, ???? ?? ??? ???????? 3slices ????? ? ?????? ???????? 2 ??????? ??????? ???????? ????? ???????.

2: ???????? ????????????? ????? ?????????, ??? ????? 30 ?????? ? 50 ??????. ??????? ?? ???? ? ?????? ???????????? 30 ??????, ? ?????? ????, ?????????? ? ?????? ? ??????? ?????? ?? ????????????? ??, ? ????? ??? CE ???????????, ? ?????? ? ??, ????????????.

3: ???? ?????????? ????? ???????? ??? ???????? ??????????????, ??? ?? ??????? ISOTANK ??? ???????. ????? ISOTANK ?????? ? ?????????, ??? ????? ??????????????? ??? ? ???? ??????? ??? ????????. ????? ?????, ISOTANK ?????? ????? ? ?? ??????????.

R134a been specifically would once cooler personal computers a number of overclocking tries

Gas R134a is definitely an inert gas used for a “high-temperature” refrigerant R314a Refrigerant regarding household refrigeration plus car or truck air conditioning systems. It can be intended for overtaking the greater amount of environmentally harmful R-12 along with convert machines which in actual fact R-12-equipped. Additional uses comprise plastic-made polyurethane foam forced, as a clearing favourable, a new propellant for any transport with pharaceutical medication, wine beverage cork removers, gas dusters and also in atmosphere driers with regard to treatment of moisture content with condensed ticket. R134a has additionally been used to fascinating desktops in many R410a Freon Gas overclocking endeavors.

A short while ago, gas R134a happens to be subjected to employ polices because contribution that will climate change. The Modern culture regarding Automobile Technicians features indicated R134a to get perfect replaced by an exciting new fluorochemical refrigerant HFO-1234yf when it comes to car air-conditioning models.

The packet about R134a are changing, and also wholesale R600 essential ones dined on seeing that following:

Only one: Filled in little beers for truck air conditioning system. The online market place extra weight can often be via 340g so that you can 820g.. One can find tow styles of most of these bins, a single is considered the 3slices a particular as well as the alternative could be the 2 cuts which is certainly more costly.

Three: The foremost welcomed packet stands out as the tanks who is online extra fat is 30lbs along with R404a Freon Gas 50lbs. Consumers right from Japan and even The african continent are actually choose 30lbs, on the other way, user inside The world as well as The usa want to scan those that by way of DOT or even R22 Refrigerant CE basic, and regularly, the particular multiple-use a person’s.

3: Should the R-404a shopper uses the storeroom and tanks , they would frequently selected the ISOTANK R290 Freon Gas regarding publishing. When the ISOTANK arrived at his or her’s production, they will certainly change all the gas to their personal cylinder R406a Refrigerant or memory space. And then,, ISOTANK will send back up in their own company.

R314a Freon Gas

R134a been specifically employed to awesome pc's in most overclocking efforts

Hotels focus on traveling women

Hotels focus on traveling women

Hotels cater for surge in solo women travellers

London – Who needs a man or even a travelling companion on holiday? Exploring the world alone is not only becoming more accepted, but is also the preferred option for many women, research has found.

IOL reports that demand for hotel rooms booked by single-occupant women is on the rise and the trend has led to hotels going further in trying to make women feel safer by offering women-only floors and rooms with more feminine touches.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has experienced a rise in the number of women booking rooms as single occupants across their portfolio in the US, China, Australia, the UK and other countries.

In 2011 and 2012, the group saw a surge in bookings by lone women, with a 53 percent increase in demand for rooms.

Last year, France was the only country to see a drop in female single occupancy travel, with a fall of almost 6 000 room nights year on year.

This matches an overall decline in travel to France from the UK, according to the UK’s Office of National Statistics, which reported a drop of 19 percent between 2008 and last year.

“According to the results of a survey on female travellers in the UK and US, by CAP Strategic Research in 2011, women represent the most important and fastest-growing segment of the travel market,” a spokesperson for the hotel chain said.

The ways the group is appealing to woman travellers include having women-only floors at its Naumi Hotel in Singapore, Duke’s in London, and The Chesterfield, Palm Beach.

The spokesperson for the group added that the “trend towards embracing solo female experiences has certainly gone beyond the ‘spa and beauty’ focus”.

At the Naumi Hotel the rooms on the women-only floor have specific feminine touches, such as in-room girly magazines, premium toiletries and hair straighteners. While the Capital Hotel has created a list of restaurants and bars that are recommended for solo woman travellers. They also offer a female private guide to accompany guests on sightseeing trips.

And just in case any woman travelling solo gets lonely, L Hotel Seminyak in Bali can provide “in room guppy love” – placing a fish bowl in hotel rooms with fish to keep guests company.

Do you think hotels catering for women in this way is hospitable or simply sexist? Tell us in the comment section below or send your thoughts to info@news24travel.com

Hotels cater for surge in solo women travellers

Senator McCaskill's Humorous Jab At Senator Graham Is Newsworthy

“You’re toast, Graham,” cracked Ms. McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat.

This comment, as reported by the New York Times this morning,  was said in jest by Senator Claire McCaskill to Senator Lindsey Graham as she walked past him before a Senate Armed Services Committee.

This is an example of a powerful woman using humor towards a powerful man.  You have to wonder: did Senator McCaskill’s comment put Senator Graham off balance? Perhaps, or perhaps Senator McCaskill uses sarcastic humor frequently and he is used to it. I think that the fact the New York Times quoted her as saying what she did is notable. Until recently, we have not been used to women wielding humor towards men in powerful positions. But now we are.

The ratio of women to men on the in the senate is still small, but the 20 senators who are women are using their power in significant ways to effect change. The exposure of the alarming number of rapes in the US military may be in part due to the women Senators serving on the Armed Services Committee. The Senator for New York, Kirsten Gilibrand said when she served on the House Armed Services Committee. “The men asked all the questions about ships, hardware, that sort of thing,” she said. “We asked why divorce and suicide rates were so high.”

Women bring a new perspective to whatever table they are sitting at, and it benefits everyone. And we are using humor to accent–and perhaps even strengthen– the power we have.

 

You can find me on twitter, where I am sometimes humorous.

Senator McCaskill's Humorous Jab At Senator Graham Is Newsworthy

Inspiring and Newsworthy Women

Hadassah Patterson is using Pinterest, an online pinboard to collect and share what inspires you.

Inspiring and Newsworthy Women

Newsworthy: The Lives of Media Women

Formac Publishing Company, Jan 1, 1987 - Biography & Autobiography - 352 pages

In this book you’ll meet some of the best-known women in Canada, past and present: Barbara Frum, Betty Kennedy, June Callwood, Ann Medina, Doris Anderson, Hana Gartner, Pamela Wallin.

Susan Crean has written profiles of more than a hundred Canadian media women, print journalists, writers, editors, radio and television broadcasters. They tell the stories of their careers, and the obstacles they’ve overcome in pursuit of success and power. Women are more prominent than ever before in the media–but as this book makes clear, many barriers to advancement remain.

Newsworthy: The Lives of Media Women offers lively portraits of many of Canada’s most successful media personalities.

More »

Newsworthy: The Lives of Media Women

Thailand Tourist Services Bangkok Airport Taxis & Transfers and Bangkok Tours & Excursions

Bangkok Tours and Excursions

Thailand Tourist Services Bangkok Airport Taxis & Transfers and Bangkok Tours & Excursions

Top Five Best Things to Buy in Thailand

There Are Many Incredible Products to Buy in Thailand, but These Five Are the Best

Cassandra James, Yahoo! Contributor Network

Nov 13, 2008 “Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here.”

The shopping in Thailand is some of the best in the world. Quality is great, the choice is amazing and prices are cheap. If you come on a trip to Thailand though, what should you buy? Out of all the choices you will have, what are the best things to buy and why? I’m an expert shopper and, having lived in Thailand for five years, I know the best things to buy. Here are the top things you should consider buying while you’re in Thailand and why.

1. Thai Silk - Thai silk is known world-wide as the best in the world. The quality of Thai silk is excellent, the weave is beautiful and the colors and designs are gorgeous. In Thailand, you can buy silks in either plain colors or hand-painted. You can buy silk shirts, silk jackets, silk skirts, silk scarves, silk shawls, silk purses, silk wallets, silk bags, silk pajamas, silk cushion covers, silk tablecloths – you name it, it’s available in Thailand in silk. One of the best places for silk is Jim Thompson House. Jim Thompson House sells top-quality silk products, at a much higher price than most other places in Thailand, but still much cheaper than in the USA or Europe. There are several Jim Thompson House branches, but most of the large malls have one so they’re easy to find. For cheaper silks but that are still good quality, check out Mahboonkrong Mall, Chatuchak Market or any of the silk shops scattered all over Bangkok. You can also have clothing made to measure in silk, in any color and any design.

2. Orchids - Thailand is world-famous for its orchids. Orchids are shipped all over the world fromBangkok and Chiang Mai and many other towns in Thailand. In the West, orchids are incredibly expensive. In Thailand, they are cheap. Last week, I bought a bunch of orchids at the supermarket for 10 baht (around US 28 cents!). You can buy orchids and arrange to have them shipped to your own country from any florist in Thailand. You can also order orchids from the orchid farms near Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. It’s also interesting to visit the orchid farms, as you can see how they are grown and the enormous number of orchid varieties they have. If you buy orchids, they will usually be shipped out the next day, although you can choose what day they will be mailed. The orchids or orchid plant will be packed perfectly and will arrive in your home country within 48 hours, looking just as perfect and beautiful as they did in Thailand.

3. Carved Wood Furniture - There are carved wooden furniture factories in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. They have the most beautiful carved wood furniture you have ever seen and at a fraction of the cost of the US or Europe. Every piece of carved wood furniture you could require is available and most factories will also make anything to your specifications. An intricately carved wooden cabinet, which opens out to become a full bar, will cost less than $1,000. In the US, these pieces of carved furniture are retailing at between $4,000 and $8,000. Even paying the shipping from Thailand, you can still buy a gorgeous piece of unusual made-to-order furniture for much less than in the US. Shipping will take from between 4 to 8 weeks. You can also buy wooden garden furniture, dining room tables, statues, clocks, decorative panels, screens, chairs, coffee tables – you name it, it’s available and if you don’t see what you want, ask them to make it for you.

4. Lacquer Products - Lacquer ware is all over Thailand and very beautiful. These products are usually made of bamboo or teak wood and then lacquered through a very long process to create brightly colored, shiny objects that shimmer in the light. You can buy lacquered trays, boxes, table mats, bowls, cups, vases, ornaments, even candlestick holders. There are many lacquer factories in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Bangkok. You can also buy lacquer ware at Chatuchak Market, the Night Bazaars in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and any number of department stores and shops all over Thailand. The highest priced items are usually at the factories and department stores, but the quality is impeccable. These places will also ship anything you buy back to your home country for you, so you don’t have to worry about excess baggage costs or struggling with them on the plane.

5. Gold, Jewelry and Gems - Thailand has become one of the world hubs for gold, jewelry and gem stones. Kanchanaburi, near Bangkok, is known for its gem mines, especially for rubies. Thailand is now a world supplier of jade and sapphire. There are also gold shops all over Thailand, even in the very small towns, as Thais prefer to keep their money in gold, feeling like it is more secure and a better investment. The quality of much of the gold and jewelry is superb and, because Thai craftsmen are experts but paid a lower salary than their Western counterparts, they can sell the gold and jewelry cheaper. Friends have bought gold and ruby or jade bracelets in Thailand for under $150, and then had the bracelet valued in the US for more than $500. If you buy gold, jewelry or gems though, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer. There are scams in Thailand, like anywhere else, especially with gems. You will have many market stall owners trying to sell you rubies or jade, if they know you’re interested, but these will not actually be the genuine product. Buy from a reputable dealer and make sure you get a certificate of authenticity and the agreement you can return it if it is not what they say it is. Thailand also doesn’t charge export or import duties on gem stones, so much of the world’s gems are cut in Thailand, which also opens up the availability. For gold, almost all gold shops are reputable. Prices will differ slightly at each shop so shop around for the best deal before you buy.

There are many gorgeous, beautifully-crafted items available to buy in Thailand. For best price and quality though, you cannot go wrong buying silk, orchids, carved wooden furniture, lacquer ware or gold, jewelry and gems.

 

Top Five Best Things to Buy in Thailand

Best in Travel 2013 - Top 10 cities

23 October, 2012

1. San Francisco

Darling of America’s west coast

Best for: Culture, events, food

Famous for hills, earthquakes and a penchant for liberal politics, San Francisco continues to attract kindred spirits, eagerly embracing all newcomers to the bosom of its cultural mélange. If you need an extra incentive to get yourself to San Francisco, the city has an ace up its sleeve – the 34th America’s Cup is coming to fog city in 2013, and big changes and upgrades are afoot all along San Francisco’s heaving waterfront.

2. Amsterdam

Golden Age charmer prepares to party

Best for: Culture, events, food

Amsterdam always cast a spell on travellers, but the party ramps up big-time in 2013, when more anniversaries than you can shake a herring at coincide. The famed canal ring turns 400 years old. It’s Vincent van Gogh’s 160th birthday and the 40th for his colour-swirled museum. The Rijksmuseum re-opens after a 10-year renovation. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra – often considered the world’s best – blows out 125 candles. Plus the Artis Royal Zoo and Felix Meritis cultural centre mark 175 years and 225 years, respectively. It all adds up to a slew of celebratory concerts, exhibits and street fests grooving throughout 2013.

3. Hyderabad

Old City recapturing past glories

Best for: Culture, food, value for money

Vendor at street stall at foot of the Charminar.

© Copyright Lonely Planet Images

Hyderabad was once the capital of a filthy-rich princely state. After India’s independence, the palaces and pleasure gardens were sold off, built over and looted, and you had to be really sharp to see the city’s beauty. But several palaces in Hyderabad’s Old City have recently been refurbished, including Falaknuma Palace, a seven-star hotel that was skilfully restored by the Taj Group and is now an exceedingly plush time capsule. Other monuments and buildings are being fixed up, but the city, and many of its architectural gems, are still off the radar – which keeps the masses at bay. Elegant and blossoming, but also weathered and undiscovered, Hyderabad’s Old City is ripe for exploration.

4. Londonderry/Derry

Packed calendar for UK City of Culture

Best for: Culture, events, family

You Are Now Entering Free Derry by mkairishstudies. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Londonderry/Derry is the UK City of Culture 2013, which means this vibrant, historic walled city is undergoing a renaissance. The year will see a wealth of cultural events, including the 10-day All Ireland Fleadh, the world’s biggest Irish festival and it also plays host to the always-controversial Turner Prize. The city will buzz throughout the year with hundreds of other events, from pageants to music to contemporary dance. Derry also hosts lots of regular festivals, such as the Jazz Festival and Earhart Festival (in 2013 celebrating 80 years since American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart landed here), celebrations for which will all be cranked up a notch.

5. Běijīng

Capital on cusp of greatness

Best for: Culture, value for money, food

Běijīng remains as the cultural and artistic centre of China. While the 2008 Olympics may now seem like a distant memory, their effect is enduring – there are English street signs and a multitude of architectural gems such as the Bird’s Nest studded across the sprawling city. More recently, the Běijīng–Shanghai high-speed rail now connects the two cities in under five hours. Today, Běijīng tentatively balances a multitude of (growing) populations and subcultures. There’s a palpable sense of change in the air, though no-one quite knows what to expect. China is on the cusp of true greatness and one day, people will look back and say it all started here.

6. Christchurch

Rising from the rubble with flair

Best for: Culture, events, family

New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’ is rising from the rubble created by devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 with a breathtaking mix of spirit, determination and flair. With a unique opportunity to rethink urban form, Christchurch is bouncing back with a new energy and inventiveness. Foodies will be surprised by the variety of what is on offer, from Burmese to Turkish to local specialities, live-music venues have popped up all over the place, and innovative artworks fill empty demolition sites. 2013 will be an intriguing year to join the rebirth.

7. Hobart

Harbour town becomes hip

Best for: Events, culture, food

The sleepy harbour town reputation attracts a solid ‘outdoorsy’ set, but the recent arrival of the world-class MONA museum has the waters rippling, hip tourists flocking and Hobart rousing from its slumber. 2013 will see the new kid on the block team up with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) for the Theatre of the World exhibition curated by Jean-Hubert Martin, former director of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. This year will also prove exciting for Hobart’s already burgeoning gastronomic scene as the city’s culinary credentials continue to rise.

8. Montréal

Mélange of cultures marries brains and beauty

Best for: Culture, events, value for money

Le Vieux-Montréal by abdallahh. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Having recently gained a high rank on city lists including the world’s happiest (Lonely Planet, 2010) and hippest (New York Times, 2011), this year Montréal’s angling for a top spot, showing off in Stephen Spielberg’s summer release Robopocalypse, and inviting everyone for drinks at the new urban beach. But Montréal’s got brains as well as beauty. Spring 2013 marks the launch of the new Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, rounding out the ambitious ‘Space for Life’ project. And Montréal’s social calendar is also bubbling over with the unveiling of the Grévin wax museum at the Eaton Centre, the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Place des Arts, and the new Point Zero hotel, owned by the eponymous fashion label.

9. Addis Ababa

Ethiopian metropolis evolving at pace

Best for: Culture, food, value for money

Like the Ethiopian marathon runners, Addis Ababa (often shortened to plain ‘Addis’) is evolving at a fast pace. The fact that the country’s economic growth should reach almost 5% in 2013 helps create a feeling of confidence and stamina. Founded little more than a century ago, Addis Ababa, which in Amharic means ‘New Flower’, is not only the diplomatic capital of Africa and a thriving metropolis, but also a groovy city that takes pride in its multifaceted assets.

10. Puerto Iguazú

Much more than just a waterfall

Best for: Family, activities, adventure

Iguazú Falls by Phillie Casablanca. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

It’s official: votes are in, and the Foz de Iguazú has won its place among the prestigious new seven wonders of nature, following a worldwide 2011 poll. That this phenomenal waterfall, spread-eagled along the Argentine–Brazil border, should make the final reckoning is no great shock. So tourism to these falls is set to morph: good news for Puerto Iguazú, the main tourist base hereabouts. ‘Iguazú’ – as locals call it – doesn’t just want to be the fall guy, though. After all, it offers some of the best hostels, top-end hotels and spas in the country, not to mention some stunning side trips.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/best-in-travel/top-10-cities/#ixzz2Z4fOOgFD

Best in Travel 2013 - Top 10 cities

Irishwoman allegedly raped in India: police

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Irishwoman allegedly raped in India: police

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From hunting in the Amazon to drumming at a powwow, explorers, travel writers and tour operators remember their favourite travel moments

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WOMEN AND CRUISING - Advice, Resources and Inspiration for Women Cruisers

Women cruisers get cruising inspiration, ideas, advice, tips, recommendations, links, articles and books from Women and Cruising. Check out the Women and Cruising seminars.

WOMEN AND CRUISING - Advice, Resources and Inspiration for Women Cruisers

Women's Travel in The Middle East

The Middle East can seem like an off-limits destination to some female travelers, but there’s no reason why women should miss out on visiting this fascinating country, rich with history, a unique culture and beautiful scenery.

Yes, there are vast cultural differences in attitudes to women, and these are countries where women are not usually seen travelling alone. But with a little common sense, and a respect for cultural and religious differences, you can still travel and stay safe in the Middle East.

 

Attitudes Towards Women Travelers

The place of women in Muslim countries depends on the degree of Sharia Law operating in each country, but in general, it is unusual for women to be seen travelling alone without their families, and women have rigidly defined roles.

In Saudi Arabia, for example, women are covered up most of the time and are not allowed to drive cars. In general, women are held in high esteem, but their place is extremely regimented and conservative. Women are expected to be reserved and behaviour otherwise will make you stick out for all the wrong reasons. But this doesn’t mean that you will treated badly in Middle Eastern countries – just show some respect for local traditions and culture and you will be respected in return and left alone.

One shock most women will find is that in countries like Iran, women don’t go anywhere alone, and are never seen alone in public, only out with their families or in groups of other women. So you will stand out, and may feel a bit strange sitting alone in a café or restaurant, which are usually male dominated.

However, you are still perfectly safe, simply follow the rules you would anywhere – don’t go off alone with a man, or group of men, and if you do feel awkward, there are plenty of women-only areas in many parks, restaurants and cafes. Don’t worry about being rude: no-one will be offended if you insist on sitting next to a woman on a bus or train.

Be aware that if travelling with a man, everyone will talk to him and may ignore you. There’s not much you can do about this, so use it to your advantage- use your male travel buddy to haggle for you, and you are much less likely to be bothered by touts!

Also be prepared for Gender segregation in countries like Iran: On local buses, men and women sit separately even if related. On most trains and long-distance buses, men and women sit together. If on public transport, the woman should sit in the window seat, or try and sit where a group of women are sitting together. In general, if you are travelling alone, sit next to someone of your own sex. In a taxi, sit in the back behind the driver.

Unrelated men and women may not be alone together, so don’t be offended if men try and avoid you! In a home, be prepared to sit and eat separately from the men – do not join them!

Safety Advice

• Firstly take the same precautions you would take in other countries – don’t go to isolated places after dark, and be wary of ending up alone with strange men.


• You will also need to be sensitive of cultural differences, and be careful not to be misinterpreted – a simple ‘western’ gesture such as fixing the gaze of a man or smiling could be seen as a sexual advancement. Of course if someone is talking to you, maintain eye contact! The best advice is to be more reserved than you normally would, and avoid being openly friendly.


• The chances are you won’t have to worry about being hassled or harassed by men – as it is considered rude to approach a woman sitting alone and force your company on her without invitation.


• If you do feel uncomfortable in any situation, feel free to be rude, and make a fuss – they will not want the attention and should leave you alone. Don’t don’t feel like you have to respond if someone starts talking to you, and do leave if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.


• If you are blonde, you will attract more attention than dark haired women, so maybe bring a hat or headscarf to cover up if you find yourself being hassled.


• Traveling alone or with another female will make you more vulnerable – sometimes it can help to make a male ‘buddy’ in your hostel if you don’t want to venture out alone. Be aware that if you are out with a man, you may be addressed through him, and that it will be assumed you are married. In many cases, it’s best to pretend that you are.


• Avoid public displays of affection.

 

Places to Avoid

There are no places that are off limits for women, but solo female travelers may be more comfortable visiting the countries that employ a less strict version of Sharia Law. Saudi Arabia employs one of the strictest interpretations of Sharia.

Women are not allowed to drive, they are under the guardianship of male relatives at all times, and must be completely covered in public. In Kuwait, Yemen and Iran women must also be completely covered.

Countries like Egypt may be more relaxed towards females travelling alone, but many women can still feel uncomfortable by the hassling they may get in Cairo and the more touristy areas – usually this will only be to sell you things, but some can be quite persistent, so try to ignore any unwanted attention, and show a fake wedding ring, or tell men you are married to try and stave off any unwanted advances.

If you have blond hair especially, you will be approached, so consider covering your head, wearing a hat and wearing your hair up. Even in the main cities, do not walk around alone at night.

Best Places for Women Travelers

Attitudes in Egypt, and the more touristy parts of the United Arab Emirates, are more relaxed to solo female travelers, although the hassle women can get can put many solo females off. In cosmopolitan cities such as Beirut, women will feel alot more comfortable traveling alone.

But aside from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, there is no hard and fast rule to how strict countries are.  For example. you’ll find attitudes in the major cities in Iran are surprisingly laid back – women can be seen wearing makeup an jeans as well as veils.

In general, as long as you are respectful of local cultures, customs and dress codes, don’t go out alone after dark, and use your common sense, many destinations are fine for female travelers.

What to Pack

• Tampons/Sanitary Towels/Any other feminine hygiene products, and nappy bags for disposal – they will be hard to find.


• Toilet paper – you won’t be able to get it outside of hotels, and the squat toilet is inevitable – so some sort of antibacterial hand gel/sanitizer might be a good idea.


• Clothes – What you are expected to wear varies a lot from place to place. In a Red Sea resort, and more Westernized places, you can relax a bit, but otherwise, you’ll need to cover your body.

• Bring loose, linen trousers, long sleeves or a loose tunic, and a headscarf if you enter a mosque.


• Never wear shorts. A long skirt is also a god send – not only is it modest and cool, it’s ideal for squatting down to go to the toilet!


• In Iran, the dress code is very strict and must be observed – you must cover everything except your hands and face. If you are visiting a really strict country, bring a shirt dress or long sleeved shirt, buy a ‘monatu’ (loose, knee-length light jacket worn over trousers) from a local market, and bring a pashmina to wear over your head. It’s unlikely you’ll need to wear a ‘chador’- a black cape-like garment, unless you are visiting a mosque far away from the tourist trail.


• In general, it is better to be dressed too conservatively than to offend the locals. Do your research for each country before you travel to check what women wear.


• Bring shoes as well as sandals in case feet are covered as well.


• A (fake) wedding ring – this is a useful thing to have if you are travelling alone, with other women or with a partner if you aren’t married. Being seen as married will help lower your profile as you will be seen an unavailable.


• Carry a basic kit of plasters, rehydration salts etc.

 

 

What to Leave Out

• Normal Women’s magazines such as Vogue, as well as any indecent images.


• Alcohol (strictly forbidden)

 

Women's Travel in The Middle East

Airline Tips for Women

by Veronica Mayo

For the better part of 23 years, I traveled almost every week for either business or pleasure. I love travel and was lucky enough to land a job with American Airlines in the early 1980s. There aren’t many stories that I hear from travelers that I haven’t experienced myself.  At parties or any social gathering for that matter, one simply needs to mention that you are an airline employee and right on cue, the stories begin.  I was the Managing Director for the airline’s Customer Relations department for a few years.  Suffice it to say, that experience could generate an entire book of travel tips. Traveling is extremely enjoyable if one has the right frame of mind, is flexible and goes into the travel adventure knowing that everything will not be perfect.  Here are some of my more unusual lessons learned, specifically as it relates to the “in-flight experience”.

Introduce Yourself

A flight attendant’s job is not what it used to be and certainly nothing similar to what is portrayed in movies such as, “Caught Me If You Can”. Most flight attendants work long days and much of the glamour is unfortunately gone. The financial pressures that are present in the airline industry and 9/11 have forever changed the job for flight attendants. In addition to their safety duties, more and more of their attention is focused on security and the increasing number of passengers who behave badly. It is a stressful job.  Luckily, most flight attendants that I know are well trained and love their jobs. One way to ensure that you have a pleasant trip is to introduce yourself to the flight attendant. I have done this for many years and always with great results. If you don’t make them invisible, they won’t may you invisible.  This translates into a better service level. Plus it pays to be nice to the flight attendants on your flight, since they might be placed in a position to save your life if you have a medical emergency!

Dress Yourself

Wear a dress or skirt on your flight. There is not a delicate way to say this. Airplane bathrooms are in effect public restrooms. Most are clean, some are not. You will encounter bathrooms with leaky toilets and wet/dirty floors. Do you see where I am going with this? There is nothing worse than the bottom of your pant legs getting wet from the mystery liquids on the bathroom floor. Wearing a dress, skirt or even Capri pants will allow you to deal with this issue in style. I understand that jean or pants are often selected because of comfort and warmth. But a comfortable dress/skirt with a pair of tights or leggings will solve the problem. This tip also applies to navigating airport bathrooms.

Cover Your Ears

There is one item that I don’t leave home without. My Bose Noise Cancelling headset is an essential travel item for me. It is clear that male frequent flyers have figured this out. But rarely do I see a female traveler with her own set of noise cancelling headsets. Why is that? I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that a good pair of noise cancelling headset will vastly improve your “in-flight experience”. If you are lucky enough to be on a flight with a movie, noise-cancelling headsets will allow you to actually hear the movie! Even if no video programming is offered, you still might have the option to plug into the airline’s audio system and enjoy one of the many channels that are the usually available. The sound quality will amaze you. I often fly on MD-80 aircraft where no entertainment is offered. That doesn’t stop me from packing my headsets since they can be used to cancel the aircraft noise. This will allow you to reach your destination more rested since the constant drone of the engine noise is drowned out. As an added bonus, if you end up with a talkative seatmate, you have a defensive tool. Simply whip out your headsets and iPod and avoid talking to anyone for the entire flight.

Grab the Purse

I want to go back to the fact that the aircraft is essentially a public area. For some reason, most of us let our guard down when the aircraft door shuts. There is no reason to become paranoid, but keep in mind that you are traveling with the general public. Don’t leave valuable items unattended or in clear view of other passengers. Don’t leave your purse at your seat while visiting the restroom (I can’t tell you how many times I see this happen). It is too much of a temptation for some. Although not a common occurrence, there are reports of missing wallets and money reported from time to time. My former assistant had money stolen from her purse on a flight (she suspected her seat mate). She didn’t discover it until she went to grab cash for a taxi. It was too late to do anything about it and she was relieved that her entire wallet wasn’t stolen.

Sweater Weather

Despite what you think, the pilot is not plotting to make the aircraft as cold as possible. Actually, aircraft heating and the cooling system differ from aircraft to aircraft, so setting the cabin to a comfortable temperature can be a bit tricky. In fact, as hard as it is to believe, it is more of an art than a science. If you are uncomfortable, let the flight attendant know. They are used to the swings in the aircraft temperatures. Flight attendants may not notice how cold or warm the aircraft is at the same time you do. Know that the pilot may or may not be able to adjust the temperature settings to everyone’s liking, so be prepared. I have been on aircraft that were freezing cold at boarding and minutes after take-off it felt like a sauna. Most airlines provide a limited number of blankets (if any). So your best bet is to dress in layers. I always tuck a sweater and scarf in my carry-on bag. I don’t necessarily bring extra clothing but I plan ahead to keep a few pieces handy so that I can wear in-flight, if needed.

* * * * *

Veronica Mayo spent 23 years working for American Airlines as a marketing executive. She held positions in AAdvantage, Customer Relations, In-flight Products and Flight Services. She has traveled extensively around the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin and South America, Asia, and to Europe. After leaving American Airlines, she launched her own line of Vemayca cosmetic bags.  The concept for the cosmetic bag with a removable liner was based on her many trips. She enjoys writing about organizing, traveling and her experiences as the mother of a college student. Veronica and her husband Dave are the parents of two grown children and they live in Bellevue, WA.

Photo Credits:

Flight Safety: Sugar Sweet Sunshine
Headphones: downing.amanda

Airplane View: allygirl520

See more at: http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/wandertips/general/airline-tips-for-women/

Airline Tips for Women

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Developing a thoughtful itinerary helps make the most of a trip. Start by brainstorming a must-see wish list in logical geographic order, then pare it down based upon time and interest. Time spent planning will pay off later and help ensure rich, rewarding and efficient trip.

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