China experienced a period of havoc after the Chinese Communist Party took control in 1949. The Traditional Chinese Culture was totally ruined and the whole generation of intellectuals was persecuted. So even the majority of Chinese people do not know the real Chinese culture either.

In consequence this root problem has made information on real Chinese culture often unavailable to foreigners. In China, if you are traveling there or doing business there, please bear in mind that the culture in the main stream society there is actually a modernized Communist culture instead of traditional Chinese culture.

The foreign traveler to China needs to remain conscious of the fact that it is not a democratic culture, that the language is ambiguous even in translation, and that it a very large country – with varying degrees of modernization occurring all over its landscape.

It is also a very traditional country and places much importance on etiquette, and dress codes tend to be conservative.

Being well prepared – with good information about places you want to visit – how to travel domestically there – possessing good travel insurance – and giving your self enough time – will make your vacation there much more enjoyable.

There is almost an endless list of sights to see.  Beijing alone, with the Forbidden City and the old Imperial Gardens of the summer palace, offers plenty to see.  The gardens are well worth the time spent there – they are quite extraordinary.

Of course, the Great Wall of China is one of the great wonders of the world.  Considering it is over 7,000 kilometers long, you can access it at different points of your journey around China, including near Beijing (about a 40 minute drive).

Many people hire local guides when they travel in China – and any good hotel will have a list of reliable people who can smooth the way for you as you make your way around cities and regions of interest.

Suggestions

1. Ming dynasty tombs
2. terracotta warriors
3. imperial palace
4. Tiananmen square
5. temple of heaven
6. The Olympic stadium

And of course Chinese cuisine – especially Peking duck!

Shanghai – ultra modern city, and Hong Kong for shopping should also be considered as alternative cities to visit.

Practical Tips

• Have complete travel insurance
• Hire a guide
• Take appropriate clothes for the weather – the climate is quite diverse
• Don’t over-pack – travel light.
• Allow plenty of time for visa applications – if you also visit Hong Kong, you may need a multiple-entry visa.
• Check out times for festivals – these can be great fun to see – though it may pay to avoid major holidays as many workers in China return home on these days.
• Medical – check the CDC for any vaccination needs at least 8 weeks before departure
• Watch out for counterfeit Yuan when exchanging money.
• Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the USA – cash is the norm.  Discover is more widely accepted than other cards.
• As a rule, tips remain an insult – except in tourist traps
• Traffic in China can be very dangerous, and driving in China is not for the faint hearted.

In touristy places in China be cautious about unknown people approaching you on the street and striking up a conversation in English, as this may be a prelude to a scam.

From the Atlas mountains to Egypt to the Mountains of the Moon to the Kalahari and the wonders of safaris to view the wildlife are only some possibilities.

Africa, where mankind probably originated, has such diverse landscape, flora and fauna and cultures that it almost boogles the mind making a decision about where and what to do.

Africa is wild – there is no doubt about it – and I don’t mean just the animals. Many African countries are beset with civil unrest so caution is always a consideration that must be taken seriously.

Safe Traveling
Having said that, many African countries have well developed tourist industries and go to great lengths to protect visitors – so safe travel is possible.

Africa is filled with accessible wonders to name a few
• Victoria Falls
• the ruins of ancient Zimbabwe
• the Sahara and Kalahari deserts
• Roman ruins scattered across the north Afrcan countries
• mysterious Timbuktu
• The Serengeti Plains
• Egypt, of course, and the Nile
• Trekking up Mt Kilimanjaro
• the rain forest of Uganda and Rwanda – and see the gorillas
• Namibia’s Fish River Canyon – 2nd only to the Grand Canyon

Africa For The First Time

If your first trip to Africa is also your first time visiting a developing country, you may be in for a cultural shock. Find out what to expect from your first trip to Africa from the advice given below.

1.   Give yourself time to get used to being in a different environment. Don’t compare things with “home” and just keep an open mind. If you are afraid or suspicious of local people’s motives, you can needlessly ruin your vacation. Read the tips below, file them away and enjoy your visit to Africa.

2. The poverty in much of Africa is usually what strikes first-time visitors the most. You will see beggars and you may not know how to respond. You will realize you can’t give to every beggar, but giving to none will most likely make you feel guilty. It’s a good idea to keep small change with you and give to those who you feel need it the most.

If you don’t have small change, a kind smile and a sorry are perfectly acceptable. If you can’t handle the guilt, make a donation at a hospital or to a development agency that will spend your money wisely.

3. Children begging on their own will often have to give up the money to a parent, guardian or gang leader. If you want to give something to begging children, give them food instead of money, that way they’ll benefit directly.

4. For women, being stared at by groups of men is naturally somewhat threatening. But this is what you can expect when you travel to some African countries, especially in Northern Africa (Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia). Try not to let it bother you. You have to just learn to ignore it and not get annoyed by it.

5. Beware of scams and touts – assume nothing is free – despite what people approaching you claim.

Research where you are going to and use a respected guide like Fodors or the Lonely Planet to learn about the do’s and don’t's. The little time you spend doing this may just save you lots of time of hurt and anger.

Consider an African Safari Holiday – see more CLICK HERE

Also take notice of “Travel Advisories” from your foreign affairs department – especially if you are visiting, or even transitting, a strife torn region.

Safety When You Travel Around Africa
Don’t assume that what is safe at home is also safe abroad.
You don’t face any more danger traveling in Africa than in other parts of the world.


Petty theft is probably the most common crime you are likely to come across when visiting Africa. As a tourist with cameras and cash, you just have to be careful.

Violent muggings are quite rare for most African countries. Dakar, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg are probably most notorious for violent crime, car-jacking and murder. Keep up to date with African news so you can avoid areas where there is war, famine or obvious political instability.

Some Safety Tips While Traveling In Africa
• Wear a flat money belt that fits underneath your clothes. Use this to keep your credit credit cards, passport and travelers checks safe.

• Make a copy of your passport, ticket, credit card and traveler check numbers. Put these in your main luggage so if you do get robbed of the originals, you still have all the information for insurance and replacement purposes.

• Use a fanny pack or your pockets for your day to day cash. I always think of this as a decoy. If you get robbed, then all you lose is a day’s worth of spending money.

• Don’t wear jewelery, flashy watches or cameras around your neck, you’re just inviting trouble.

• Don’t walk alone at night especially in major town and cities and in stick to well lit areas even if you are walking with a group.

• Beware of thieves posing as police officers.

Health: Be Smart
Enquire about appropriate health precautions (vaccinations and so on) – malaria is endemic and those of European descent are susceptible to contracting it.

• A travel agent should know the latest recommendations based on where you are going. Specify which African country/s.

• Consider taking a first aid kit with you – especially if you are venturing outside of cities and big towns.

Climate
The climate of Africa varies from tropical to sub-arctic on its highest peaks; including the desert in the northern half, while it is able to find both savanna plains and dense jungle regions in the central and southern areas.

Pack sensible clothes, noting that in Islamic countries standards of dress are different.

The list of possibilities is almost endless. So how do you decide which destination is for you?  A few factors that can help you are:

• Budget – flights, accommodation, food, tours. Do you want to travel cheaply or all the way up to first class and 5 star.
• The purpose – vacation or business
• Are you adventurous, or do you prefer to stay in your own comfort zone as much as possible.
• Activities – for skiing (& other sports), tours, white water rafting, sightseeing, just plain good old relaxing and so on.
• Your interests – if ancient history and monuments – then don’t go to Australia; if its snorkeling and diving then perhaps Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the place to go.

If It’s Tuesday It Must Be Belgium
Many people, especially first time travelers, try to cram as much as possible into that “once in a lifetime” holiday.  This is natural, as they want to see all those things they have seen on TV or read about over the years. But, it can turn a holiday into a hell-a-day!

So it is good sense to research well before deciding and then planning the trip.  Get an idea of things like

• distances to be traveled and the time used up on planes, trains etc PLUS sitting around in airports or stations
• modes of transport (hire cars, trains, buses etc)
• Time differences ( From the States, you lose a day going to the Southern Hemisphere, but gain it on the return – but not so if you travel “around the world”)
• Tours – see what is actually offered, whether you have ‘free time” to do some sightseeing or shopping at your own pace.

You may be surprised at how much “lost time” there is – and this affects your schedule of hoped for sightseeing and other activities.

Be Practical

Time - how long will the trip be – don’t try and see all of Europe if you only have two weeks – prioritize your preferences – and make sure you plan to see things well and not rush so much you don’t really take anything in and then need a vacation to recover when you get home.  The same applies to the other continents.

Flight time – East coast US to Europe is at least 6-7 hours, but to Australia it is at least 20 hours – plus airport changeover times.  Note jet lag is worst when traveling in an Easterly direction – and the Southern Hemisphere may be on a different day!

Language – perhaps an English speaking country, if it is your first overseas trip, will help you learn the pitfalls and joys of international travel more easily.

People choose their travel destinations for all sorts of reasons

• To meet people of different cultures and experience their lifestyle and differences
• To practice a newly learnt language
• To meet relatives from the “old country”
• To see famous art, museums, places
• For shopping (yes!)
• Pilgrimages (Mecca, Lourdes)
• To play golf at St Andrew’s or watch a major sports event (Olympics, Tour de France, Socer World Cup)
• There are other nefarious reasons which we won’t mention.

Avoid cultural Fatigue
In the long run, for both value for dollar spent and enjoyment gained, it is usually better to narrow down the number of countries to visit.

And, within those places, again narrow down what you want to see.  What is the point of running around every museum in, for example, Rome over a 4-5 day period – - just to say you have been in them? St Peter’s alone takes a whole day to see properly – let alone the Vatican museum!

This is true of most of Rome’s museums and art galleries – and pretty well true for Paris and other major cities,

It is better to see some things well, than all badly!  You will retain more memories and certainly enjoy what you do see better. Your memories shouldn’t be locked into a camera! And, you will also have a holiday – which should be restful!

Whatever travel destinations you consider, prepare for your trip well and you will enjoy it.

There is nothing worse than requiring serious medical attention and not having money to cover the costs – and the burden then falls on families who may be bankrupted if the costs are high.

What is the point of a risk just save a few dollars?
And, insurance is not just about medical costs – you get cover for lost luggage – and boy, does that happen often! It’s just great to arrive in a strange city, far from home, and only having the clothes that you are wearing.

As for being mugged, or pickpocketed and losing your wallet or handbag – money makes the world go round – and good insurance can get you cash flush again within 24 hours or even less. And, these things do happen, all too frequently.

The benefits far outweigh the costs, and cover can now be obtained on the internet for almost any travel experience, including; extreme sports, dangerous locations, and for people with health issues.


Types of Travel Insurance
There are many different types of travel insurance, including; annual cover, multi travel cover, daily or weekly cover, cheaper backpacking cover, and one off cover. Which one of these you choose depends on your circumstances, but generally boils down to whom and what is cheapest, which is why searching the internet can help save you money!

Specialized Insurance
There are some specialist travel insurance agencies / brokers, that can provide cover for; sports, hobbies, and potential health issues. Sports such as sailing require additional cover and proof of good health, whereas a standard holiday travel insurance package may not cover you if you are harmed or cause injury to another person whilst sailing.

When traveling to more than one country or continent, ensure your insurance cover may is applicable to all places you will visit. There are different zones, with different costs – based on levels of risk: war zones being the most obvious, but also certain activities, like mountaineering, white water rafting, and situations such as political stability, urban travel or city travel are factors which affect the coverage prices.

It is also possible that some countries may have compulsory travel insurance and may request proof prior to entering.

Overseas Visitors To The USA
Traveling within the USA really requires top coverage due to the high cost of medical treatment and hospitalization. It will include liability insurance in the event you are sued.

The U.S.  is a great place to travel to, but it does have more than its fair share of dangerous (read mugging) places and scams in major cities.

Compare Travel Insurance Quotes
Travelers insurance is a huge industry, and you will find many different plans on offer.
You can purchase from insurance companies directly, on the internet or at a travel agency.
That latter will usually know which are the ‘big’ companies and therefore reliable.

Some credit cards offer free travel-insurance cover if you purchase your tickets using them. However, check that the level of coverage is not just the bare minimum or have exclusions for items like jewelry.

Always read the fine print, and question the insurer directly if you are unsure of any point of coverage.

Peace of Mind
Travel Insurance is just a great way to give you peace of mind, so you don’t have to worry if anything should go wrong whilst you are away.

Hopefully, you have now completed your travel insurance bookings, and are ready to go on your holiday – Have a great time!

This means unsafe places, credit and currency, official documentation, emergency contacts, taking photos, airport security and the like.

The smart traveler prepares for eventualities that can occur on any trip – the negative ones are exacerbated if you are far from home and in a country where they speak a different language and have different legal perspectives.

Keep Your Cash Safe
Never keep all your cash and credit cards in th one place (e.g. wallet, pocket). If traveling alone, split them up into different pockets – secure ones at that – with zippers or at least velcro tabs. Under a shirt is also good. Many also use ‘bum’ bags – but still don’t keep all your money and passport in them – spread them out.


Use hotel safes – at reception – not the ones in your room – especially for passports and ID’s and extra credit card and cash – you don’t need to carry it all with you all the time. NEVER leave valuables in your room.

Duplicate Documentation and Contact
Take a photocopy copy of your official documents with you, and leave a copy at home. Secure copies as you would the real thing and not in the same place. People do go through suitcases in hotels, and airports.

Consider leaving your details with your consulate or embassy in the countries you visit – especially if you intend to go off the beaten track or into a possibly risky area. This is prudent if you are in a country for an extended time.

Make sure someone at home has your travel itinerary. Consider setting up regular contact – by email or text messages.

With ‘roaming’ available on cell phones make sure you have one – just watch the costs and, also make sure you have the charger with you – plus conversion plugs for the powerpoints – obtainable in any airport.

Airport security: leave plenty of time to go through this and your check in. Don’t leave your baggage untended. Use recommended padlocks and or plastic wrap to ensure no one can put illicit materials into your suitcases.

Dangerous places and actions
Respect Local Conditions
Learn what these are – when you get to a new place. Most major cities have ‘no go’ areas. Always stick to well populated areas in cities.

Never travel alone at night unless you know it is a safe area. Take a cab – and in places like Bangkok these are cheap.

Do not go near political demonstrations in foreign countries, even if you sympathise with the cause.

In patriarchal societies don’t antagonize people by wearing inappropriate dress or behavior.

Keep you eye out for pickpockets – they brush up to you very quickly.

Don’t photograph sensitive political or military sites without permission. If you want to photograph some of the local people – be courteous and ask first. They are not exhibits in a zoo.

Lastly, when planning your safe travel, always check your foreign affairs departments travel advisories – they warn not only about unsafe political situations, but also about epidemics and the other disasters,

Your preconceived ideas or dreams about visiting another country could well be changed once you delve into such things as security, cultural differences, climate and weather and so on – either making you change about an intended destination or allowing it to be more fully enjoyed.


Just a quick look around at any major airport will soon clue you up on some things that it is good to be prepared for.

How many people have too much luggage and really struggle along with it? See how many folks arrive at the last minute and forget that there are long queues at airport security.

Look at the people who load up on duty free goods – at departure – is it necessary – coming home , yes, but going? It’s more baggage to handle – and apart from alcohol and tobacco, most goods at duty free shops can be obtained cheaper in markets and department stores in most cities – and even at home in the States.

Have you chosen the right time of the year to travel? Wet season in the tropics can be very unpleasant, more so if you have no idea how heavy tropical rainfalls can be. The southern hemisphere has its seasons the opposite of the northern hemisphere, so don’t plan a skiing trip to Australia or New Zealand at Christmas break.

Don’t pack heavy clothing for countries that have hot summers or are in the tropics – it just more weight to lug around. And, if it is unseasonally cool – see it as a good excuse to go shopping!

SECURITY
The smart traveler is aware of both public and personal security – for self, baggage, documentation and money. Pickpockets abound in places you do not expect. Mugging isn’t always up a dark alley!

INSURANCE
Likewise, the smart traveler takes out insurance, has credit arrangement for lost money, checks on his or her foreign affairs departments travel advisories – that note places of risk and so on. They are some of the most important travel tips you can get!

Murphy’s Law does operate a lot with travelling – especially on planes, trains and boats. If you use your own transport (e.g. car) then you are in more control.

However, long distances and international travel obviously means a plane or ship – so as travelers we are at the mercy of the travel agencies, airlines and so on – even with direct bookings on the internet.

At Premier, we aim to provide information and reliable travel tips that can help you plan your trip better and thus have more control over the results.

Our coverage here will increase over time, but intially our information covers
• Accommodation Tips
• Flights and Cruises
• Travel destinations – Recommended Countries
• Travelling Tips (re baggage, security, when to travel etc)
• Exotic destinations
• Travel Insurance
• Sports and business trips
• Themed vacations (e.g. Travel and Wine)

International travel can be exciting, rewarding and it doesn’t have to be tiring if you plan well. It is better to see some things well, than trying to see everything – especially when you are a city like Rome or large countries such as China, Africa and Australia. So being selective can make your holiday more enjoyable and memorable.


The prudent traveler always takes out full coverage travel insurance and this is recommended for all ages – young people get sick and have accidents too.

The good tourist or traveler always remembers that he or she is a ‘guest’ in another country – and realizes that there are different customs and cultural differences to be respected – no matter what he or she personally believes to be correct.

The smart traveler travels light, has practical clothing, security for travel documents and funds and keeps in touch with folks back home or the local embassy/consulate when traveling outside of main tourist areas.