10 DESTINATIONS WHERE YOUR DOLLAR GOES FAR!

Lisbon, Portugal

What $20 Will Buy: A Lisboa card provides use of nearly all public transportation and discounts on some tours and admission to museums and monuments.

Why It's Hot: It's affordable, charming, sophisticated and near the beach.

When To Find Deals: September and October, when four-star hotel in central Lisbon generally go for $100 per night and round-trip airfare from Chicago starts at $800.00.

Top Bargains: At the Instituto do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Institute), you can try more than 300 vintages of the country's signature liquor. Tasting prices start at 1 euro.

Santiago, Chile

What $20 Will Buy: Carmenere, made from a grape originally from the Bordeaux region of France, costs less than $10 a bottle.

Why It's Hot: You can take a day trip to surf the Pacific, tour wineries, hit the slopes or explore the Victorian elegance of nearby Valparaiso.

When To Find Deals: The springlike shoulder-season of October and November, when round-trip flights from Chicago to Santiago start at $1,000 per person.

Top Bargains: Luxury hotels. Under Chilean law, foreign tourists do not pay the 19 percent value-added tax for hoptel stays.


Dubrovnik, Croatia

What $20 Will Buy: A three-course dinner of homemade sausage, roasted lamb or fish and fritule (doughnuts flavored with brandy and lemon zest) in restaurants along the Stradun in Dubrovnik.

Why It's Hot: The islands of the Dalmatian Coast look like Greece and feel and taste like Italy. The walled city of Dubrovnik features distinctive 12th century grey-stone buildings with orange-tile roofs.

Months For The Best Deals: Airfare and hotel accommodations will cost less in September and October, but the weather will still be warm.


Wellington, New Zealand

What $20 Will Buy: Fine vintages of New Zealand's famous Sauvignon Blanc cost less than $20 a bottle.

Why It's Hot: On the water and ringed by green hills, the artsy city is a half-day's travel to two major wine regions -- Hawke's Bay and Marlborough.

Months For The Best Deals: In the fall. The weather will be nice, and you'll save on airfare and lodgings. For example, a round-trip flight from Chicago starts from $2,200 in June, but only $1,500 in September.

Top Bargains: Wine vacations. Bed-and breakfasts in Hastings cost less than $75 per night.


Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

What $20 Will Buy: A meal fit for an emperor at the Phu Xuan restaurant.

Why It's Hot: It's less touristy than Hanoi, and has a thriving dining and entertainment scene. Take a short day trip to Mui Ne, a resort city near the beach, or to the white sand dunes of Binh Thuan desert.

Months For The Best Deals: November or December. You'll save on flights and hotels and miss most of the wet season.

Top Bargains: Hotel rooms are a notable value. In Mui Ne, a room with an ocean view ranges from $20 to $100 per night depending on lavishness.


Budapest, Hungary

What $20 Will Buy: A boat tour of the city along the Danube river.

Why It's Hot: You can enjoy Old Europe charm without paying for it in euros.

Months For The Best Deals: August and September. You'll save on hotel rooms because it's less busy, but the weather is still nice.

Top Bargains: Classic culture comes cheap in Budapest. With a Budapest card, you get discounts on museums and restaurants plus unlimited use of public transportation. A two-day card costs $35 and is available at the city's tourism office.


BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Why it's hot: The dollar still packs a wallop in this elegant capital city. Buenos Aires offers colonial architecture and eclectic culture at cut-rate price

Months for the best deals: The Argentine spring of October and November will have good deals on airfare and hotels.

Top bargains: Custom-made clothing costs three-fourths less than in major U.S. cities. Tango dance parties also offer free or cheap entertainment. Many are held in the colorful La Boca district, shown here.What $20 will buy: A steak dinner with Argentine wine at a fine restaurant.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Why it's hot: The city is a mash-up of medieval and modern. Check out the castles and enjoy a full roster of summer festivals, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an August music festival featuring military bands from around the world

Months for the best deals: The weather is most pleasant from June to September. Prices for hotels and airfare fall later in the season.

Top bargains: Many museums are free to the public, most notably the expansive Museum of Scotland.

What $20 will buy: A ghost tour of the spooky spots in Old Town Edinburgh, often called the most haunted place on Earth.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

Why it's hot: This getaway attracts everything from sport fisherman to Spring Break partiers. One look at the blue ocean and miles of beach and you'll understand why. The dollar's strength against the Mexican peso makes it more affordable than other foreign beach spots.

Months for the best deals: Visit during November and December, when the temperature is still 60 degrees and you'll find values on accommodations and dining.

Top bargains: Tourist traps proliferate in downtown Cabo San Lucas. Head east to San Jose del Cabo for deals on dining and Mexico crafts.

What $20 will buy: Paddle kayaks and canoes for two hours to explore the coast.


BANGKOK, THAILAND

Why it's hot: The bustling city is the perfect starting point to a Thai vacation. Plus, the greenback still buys a lot. Live in the lap of luxury for less than $120 a day

Months for the best deals: June or September. Though Bangkok is always crowded, you'll miss some of the rush. Flights are about $400 cheaper than they are the rest of the year.

Top bargains: Haggle your way to a good deal at the city's Chatuchak Weekend Market. It covers 35 acres and has more than 15,000 shops hawking everything from pythons to garden furniture.

What $20 will buy: A night in a bungalow right on the beach that's a 2-hour trip from Bangkok.

(source: aol.com/kiplenger.com)

TOP TEN CHINESE CITIES

Chongqing

Rich in skyscrapers and natural resources, Chongqing is an immense inland city at the convergence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. As the city mutates into a mega-city, the mood is one of inevitability. "This is the path every developed country has taken," sociologist Tang Jun remarks. As a result of such colossal urbanization, the environmental impacts are legion. With an economy rooted in river transportation, steel, smelting, and the manufacturing of automotive parts, factory smog builds a haze over the city that virtually never dissipates.


Shenzhen

One-time fishing village on the Pearl River Delta, Shenzhen has blasted into a city in less than 20 years, developing a reputation for blood-thirsty capitalism. Replacing farmland with skyscrapers, Shenzhen's 1980 population was less than 100,000. With over 9 million residents, locals now refer to their city as the richest and most dangerous city in China. In a city where McDonald's breached the Chinese fast-food market, it is remarkable to see millionaires who take the time to hang their laundry on the line.

Pingyao

During the Qing Dynasty, Pingyao was the financial center of China. It is an ancient fortress-like city built largely in the 14th and 15th centuries. With moats, 40-foot walls and immense barbican gates, Pingyao is a striking sample of traditional urban design. In the stone streets of Pingyao, China's first banks were opened circa 1400. Recently, Pingyao has failed to modernize largely due to the city's relative poverty. With no great excess, the city and its setting have survived.



Qingdao

Qingdao is a long thin strip of land that stretches into the Yellow Sea across the Shandong Peninsula. A major seaport, naval base and industrial center, Qingdao is famous for producing white goods (like that white T-shirt you're wearing) and Tsingtao Beer. The Tsingtao Brewery was actually founded in 1903 by German settlers, and today's Qingdao is shaped by a combination of German and Chinese architecture. More to the point, the city provides a fine setting for the acclaimed Tsingtao Beer Festival.


Xiamen

Kicking farmers off their land to build a nuclear plant has ignited dissent in this tropical city once known as a haven for pirates and the opium trade. One of China's most suitable cities for living, and a popular tourist destination due to its beach resorts overlooking the Taiwan Strait, Xiamen is a merchant class port city. Fishermen, shipbuilders, food processors, tanners, and textile laborers abound in Xiamen, a city that has seen its GDP rise annually by 20 percent over the past few years.

Tianjin

Set on the Bohai Bay, Tianjin has large offshore oil deposits and is China's major salt-extracting city. While its economic growth is dwarfed by Shanghai and Beijing, Tianjin is more often viewed as the largest city no one has heard of. For the sake of modernization, traditional spots like the Ancient Culture Street have been torn down. Instead, as one local writer describes: "There are now three Wal-Marts, but none of them carry underarm deodorant. And there is a water park with no waterslides ... and a cucumber research institute."


Dalian

Under Russian rule at the turn of the century, Dalian was designed by Russian architects working from a French template. Today, with the addition of China's booming economy, Dalian has added the necessary skyscrapers, resulting in a unique hybrid of urban design. With buildings squeezed into an infrastructure of manicured gardens, lush lawns, squares, and fountains, Dalian is one of China's most pleasant urban centers. Outside the city center, Dalian feels like a resort town -- a picturesque coastal city full of beaches, fashionable locals and renowned seafood.


Guangzhou
Not far from Hong Kong, and also lying on the banks of the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou is a leading commercial and manufacturing city that is growing at a monstrous pace. But back in the 19th century, Canton (now Guangzhou) was China's major trading port with Western Europe. A beautiful and ancient city, Silk Road was a hub of haggling and bartering, a globally attended merchant trading center. Of course, Guangzhou's port remains a crucial access point for international trade, but just over 100 years ago, it was all spices and luxury items.

Dongtan

While much of China has clogged its cities with smog and poisoned its rivers with chemicals, The Dongtan Project, the world's first eco-city, "is leading the way in urban sustainability." It is also the world's most intentional city -- but what a dreamscape. Innovation in resource efficiency is driving The Dongtan Project. Arup, a London-based global engineering and design consultancy, is building an eco-city out of nothing. It is the Chinese Ground Zero -- Chongming Island, a plot the size of Manhattan, off the coast of Shanghai.


Wuhan

Located in central China at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze Rivers, Wuhan is an enormous city divided into three towns: Hankou, Hanyang and Wuchang. A communications mecca, Wuhan has 189 lakes which account for 25 percent of the mega-city?s area -- a phenomenal urban ratio. Wuhan boasts the broadest investment environment in the nation with 40 countries and 40 of the 500 largest multinationals investing in China.

(source: travel.aol.com / presented by askmen.com)

TOP TEN TOURIST-FRIENDLY COUNTRIES

Number 1 -- Ireland

Ireland was chosen by Lonely Planet as the World's Friendliest Country. Ireland's history is based on people working, prospering, socializing, and sometimes fighting together. Tourists can witness it firsthand by watching events like the Galway Arts Festival, complete with street performers, comedy acts and visual arts. Based on the country's falling crime rates, the people of Ireland would rather cozy up at the pub than inflict pain on visitors. In a place that has had its own share of tough times, the people have found comfort through socializing and welcoming newcomers.

Number 2 -- New Zealand

The friendliness of New Zealand is evident in how people treat each other. A visit there would likely include stops at a hip nightclub, a casino or a national park, but it would also feature a communal summertime barbeque or a relaxing evening at a bar with people of all ages. Call it foolishness or trust, but New Zealanders have a high degree of faith in their neighbors. They've been known to leave their doors unlocked and use less security in business settings than Westerners are used to (i.e. no glass between bank tellers and customers).


Number 3 -- Canada


Canada receives over $60 billion annually from tourism, with visitors getting friendly vibes from stops in the French Canadian haven of Quebec City, the urban metropolis of Toronto, and the culturally diverse Vancouver. Canadian crime is low, in part because of a tight stance on gun control. To put things in perspective, Canadian assaults are half the frequency of what they are in America, and Canada has a murder rate that is over 60% lower than that of its southern neighbor.


Number 4 -- Australia

The Anholt Brand Index ranks countries based on culture, tourism and people. It has regularly ranked Australia at, or near, the top of its World's Friendliest Country list. Five million annual visitors and more than $6 billion dollars spent shows us that the Aussies are doing something right. It's not just the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the rugged Outback. The Australian government specifically seeks out visitors who want a true "experience" rather than a vacation. Part of that experience is to ingratiate visitors with the locals and make them feel welcome.


Number 5 -- Switzerland

The people of Switzerland are known for their hard work and honesty. Their friendliness is visible in their organization and consideration for tourists, with carefully crafted hiking trails and neatly polished ski resorts. With four major languages (German, French, Italian, Rhaeto-Romanic), Switzerland's population is a multi-ethnic bunch that express themselves through literature, art exhibits and food. Some of the tourists are more than happy to ski the scenic mountainside, while others might find something more social at one of the country's many youth hostels.


Number 6 -- Italy

Italy attracts close to 40 million visitors annually, which is high enough to put Italy in the top five of the most visited countries on the planet. Hospitality is visible in the comforts of an Italian bed & breakfast or a resort that dates back to the days of the Roman Republic. For a large country, Italy is still safer than most industrialized nations. Pickpockets are known to annoy, but money belts can be used for protection. The biggest safety risk in Italy might be the sun. Heatstroke can be common, but should you feel ill, many folks in this friendly country will be there to help.


Number 7 -- Fiji

With over $430 million of tourist dollars being funnelled into its economy each year, Fiji and its 300-plus tropical islands are dependent on visitors. It's no surprise then that the locals emphasize a culture that celebrates everyone, regardless of religion or country of origin. As a tourist, you can expect a welcome kava celebration from villagers and a sun-drenched stay at a beach hotel or with a village host family. Cultural events, like the Holi Festival of Colours in February and September's Sugar Festival, keep things lively.


Number 8 -- Scotland

For the 16 million people who travel to Scotland every year, they have the pleasure of meeting a nation of well-educated locals who are rich with culture and know how to have fun. The chance to play golf at St. Andrews or some cricket in Edinburgh is also an opportunity to enjoy the company of the friendly people who live there. The festive Scottish spirit is also apparent in the regular arts and musical events, like the annual Highland Festival. Though Scotland is ripe with culture and most of the locals welcome visitors, the ones who don't can lessen the experience.


Number 9 --The Netherlands


Amsterdam receives 7 million international visitors every year. Violent crimes are low here, but pickpockets can be bothersome. What's most appealing about Amsterdam out of all the friendly countries on this list is that this place loves to have fun. In the city on the water, one of the main hooks that brings people together is dance. Amsterdam has a host of discos and dance halls that bring out fancy footwork from tourists and locals alike.


Number 10 -- Germany

Tourists in Germany become connected to the country's warm and cultured atmosphere through numerous museums, classical opera houses and big-scale events like the Oktoberfest fair. Germany is a large country with a fair amount of crime (incidents of aggravated assault have risen 30% in a seven-year period). Nevertheless, Germany's violent crime index is still lower than in the U.S., and most of its other crime rates are falling. If Germany maintains its friendliness and increases its safety, it will be that much more enjoyable.

(source: http://aol.com)
( presented by Askmen.com)

SINGAPORE

Hubby and I grabbed two tickets for ourselves when Cebu Pacific Airline offered a P1.00 seat sale last February 2007 to Singapore and the departure was on June 2007. The roundtrip ticket cost us only around Php 4,481.00 per person (including the Php 1,620.00 travel tax). Lucky us!

I must admit, I'm quite impressed with The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board; the people behind this group are undeniably very active and composed of a great bunch of hardworking people. Visitors can easily find multitude of designed brochures/maps/leaflets throughout the airport, hotels, resturants and other establishments. Alternatively, for Philippine resident, you can visit or contact the Singapore Embassy and ask them for free brochures and information leaflets. That's what I did. Our multiple brochures arrived in just less than a week. *salutes*

First thing that I noticed about Singapore, is the vibrancy, cleanliness and remarkable colonial architecture. It is very safe, well-organized and systematic. This place may be relatively small but a very modern westernized Asian city. There are lots of shops for great shopping bargain, skycrapers, subways, 24-hour hawker centers with tasty food and a vibrant nightlife scene. The mobility of generated traffic has a relatively light flow.

Along the streets of Singapore

What a concidence, while walking along a wide avenue of Singapore we saw a street named "Manila".



During our stay, we visited other places of interest such as Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Sentosa, Orchard Road, Esplanade Mall, Vivo City, Suntec City Mall, Bugis Market, Lucky Plaza, etc. And what was remarkable, we were there during the Great Singapore Sale (May 25 - July 22), we took advantage of it and had a frenzy bargain hunting especially at Mustafa Center.

Singapore is an island-state in Southeast Asia, connected by bridges to Malaysia. Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, since independence it has become one of the world's most prosperous countries with a medley of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences. It has a tropical, hot and humid climate. Temperatures average 23-30°C with heavy rainfall from November to January.


Getting around in Singapore is easy. Excellent bus services complement one of the most modern and efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems in the world. It has stations all over the city and operate from 5:30 am until midnight daily. The ez-link farecard (a stored value card) can be purchased at most MRT stations and is also valid on public buses. The island's plentiful taxis are metered and air-conditioned. Self-drive and chauffer-driven cars are can be hired from a number of operators.

Singapore's government is strict on drug laws, with the death penalty applied for drug trafficking. It is also against the entry of firearms, controlled drugs, endangered species of wildlife, chewing gum and cigarette lighters in the shape of a firearm. Spitting in public places is an offence. Smoking is prohibited in public areas but it is permissible at pubs, discos and lounges. Tipping is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants where there is a 10% service charge.

Visitors entering Singapore must have passports valid for six months from the time of their arrival. Visas are not required for stays of up to two weeks for Commonwealth citizens, British passport holders, and citizens of the Republic of Ireland.

The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents (currency code SGD), abbreviated with S$.

Banking hours are Monday to Friday: 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturday: 9.30 am to 1 PM (some banks are open until 3 PM). Sunday, 9.30 am to 3 PM (some banks in Orchard Road). Most banks handle travelers' cheques and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturday. Passports are required when cashing travelers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.

Local Etiquette for Visitors to note:
Dressing: Dress appropriately (arms and legs should be covered) when visiting temples and mosques.

Removal of shoes: Visitors are required to remove their shoes when visiting Indian temples and mosques. Shoes are also often removed before entering local homes.

Use of hands to eat or pass food: Always remember to use your right hand when eating an Indian / Malay meal.

When having a Chinese meal: Never stick your chopsticks into your food. If you need to rest your chopsticks, leave them on the chopstick rest or by the side of your plate or bowl. If the table setting includes two spoons, remember to use the Chinese porcelain spoon for eating and the silver one (usually with a longer handle) to dish out food only.

TOP TEN WORLD'S DANGEROUS DESTINATIONS

1.) Somalia
iJet: 5
Control Risks: Extreme security and travel risk

Somalia is a lawless land, according to iJet and Control Risks. Various warlords in this East African country traffic weapons and narcotics, while James Smither of Control Risks says, "drugged-up" children and teenagers patrol the streets with guns. Among the risks visitors take are military clashes, kidnappings-for-ransom, pirate attacks and landmines. Even aid agency workers have been attacked, and foreign personnel have been relocated.


2.) Iraq
iJet: 5
Control Risks: Extreme security, terrorism and travel risk

Though security has improved in various regions of this war-torn nation, both iJet and Control Risks believe that the failure to reconcile the various political parties means that the country will endure prolonged fighting and instability. According to Control Risks, the highest-risk areas include Baghdad and stretch from Tikrit in the north to Hillah in the south, and from Ramadi in the west to Mandali in the east.


3.) Afghanistan
iJet: 5
Control Risks: Extreme security, terrorism and travel risk

Warlords, armed criminals and al-Qaeda and Taliban loyalists continue to defy the country's political authority or attack citizens and foreigners, making Afghanistan unstable for the short and long term. Terrorist attacks and bombings that target political leaders, military personnel and Westerners occur in Kabul and in other parts of the country. Threats to physical safety include improvised explosive devices and landmines.


4.) Haiti
iJet: 5
Control Risks: High security and travel risk;extreme travel risk in Port-au-Prince.

IJet has rated this Caribbean country as a five due to "overall lack of law and rule" in combination with persistent civil unrest and high kidnapping risks. Security improved after the long-delayed democratic election of a parliament and president took place in February 2006. However, Control Risks notes that firearms are easily available, police corruption is rampant and the justice system is "inefficient."


5.) Pakistan
iJet: 5
Control Risks: High security and terrorism risk, high travel risk in Karachi and Baluchistan (Extreme security and travel risk in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan)

Ongoing "geo-political turmoil" is a major reason why iJet rates Pakistan as a five. This includes but is not limited to intermittent bomb attacks and rioting between Shia and Sunni Muslim communities, the presence of domestic Islamic extremist groups with links to al-Qaeda, and strife over delayed elections, which culminated in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.


6.) Sudan
iJet: 5
Control Risks: Extreme security and travel risk in Darfur; high security and travel risk in Southern Sudan, Ethiopian and Eritrean border regions

Travelers are advised to stay out of southern Sudan and the Darfur region where government militias and troops continue to battle local insurgent groups. A peace agreement signed in 2005 established a new government and ceasefire, improving the security environment in some cities. Still, armed militias on the Western Upper Nile and the close proximity of the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda pose serious risks.


7.) Democratic Republic Of The Congo
iJet: 5
Control Risks: High security and travel risk--extreme security and travel risk in Ituri district.

A civil war that began in 1998 and formally ended in 2003 still affects this central African country. According to Control Risks, the withdrawal of Ugandan and Rwandan troops from North and South Kivu toward the end of the war created a power vacuum, which militia groups are trying to fill. Crime levels are high in major cities, and security conditions vary drastically even within minor distances.


8.) Lebanon
iJet: 5
Control Risks: High security risk, and medium terrorism and travel risk.

With the country divided by pro- and anti-Syrian forces, Lebanon is struggling to manage political tensions. Assassinations of high-profile leaders and military battles with Israel in southern Lebanon have made this difficult. Unless stability is restored, Control Risks foresees more assassinations, civil unrest and armed conflict.


9.) Zimbabwe
iJet: 5
Control Risks:High security risk, insignificant terrorism risk and medium travel risk.

IJet has deemed Zimbabwe a "failing state." Both government and economic affairs are dismal with an oppressive leadership that condones the use of force against dissenters and unimaginable rates of inflation as well as financial risk to foreign companies. Though the country is home to the tourist destination Victoria Falls, foreigners should be aware of anti-Western sentiments expressed by the government.


10.) Palestine
iJet: Gaza Strip, 5, West Bank, 4
Control Risks: High security and travel risk

Conflict in this Middle Eastern territory has been persistent for decades. The rise of Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip has created a precarious military and political situation with Israel. The lack of a strong government, high levels of poverty and chronic violence have persuaded iJet to rate the Gaza Strip as a five. The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens against traveling in the Gaza Strip.

(source: forbes)

AIRPORT SECURITY Q&A

Q. Are liquids and gels permitted in my checked baggage?
A. Yes. The new rules only apply to carry-on baggage.

Q. May I bring liquids and gels in my carry-on?
A. Yes, but only in limited amounts. Liquids and gels must be in individual containers of three ounces or less and placed inside one clear, quart-size, plastic, zip-top bag. The TSA emphasizes that containers should fit comfortably into your bag, and that only one bag is permitted per passenger. If you need to bring more than three ounces of any liquid or gel substance, it should go into your checked luggage.

Q. What about prescription medications, baby formula or milk?
A. These substances are exempt from the rules above. As long as you declare them at the security checkpoint, you may carry more than three ounces, and they do not need to be placed in a plastic bag. The TSA recommends but does not require that prescription medications be in their original labeled containers to expedite the screening process. The TSA may also make exemptions for other medical necessities such as insulin, eye drops or syringes; see the TSA Web site for more details.

Q. Do solid vitamins and medications need to be packed in their original containers?
While the TSA encourages travelers to keep their medications and vitamins in their original labeled containers to expedite the screening process, you may transfer them into more convenient smaller containers such as daily pill minders.

Q. What about makeup?
A. Makeup is subject to the same liquid and gel rules as all other substances -- so if you're bringing liquid mascara, lip gels (such as Blistex) or other liquid- or gel-like items, they will need to be placed in your quart-size plastic bag in three-ounce or smaller containers. Lipstick, powders, solid lip balms (such as Chapstick) and other solid beauty products are not subject to the rules and may be carried in your hand luggage without restriction.

Q. What about food?
Even though the TSA says to "try not to over-think" the new guidelines, that can be tricky when it comes to food items. Does a cheesecake count as a gel or a solid? What about pecan pie? And can you bring your holiday leftovers like turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes?

A TSA said that turkey and stuffing should be solid enough to pass muster, but mashed potatoes are a bit too gel-like. As for baked goods, the latest word from the TSA is that travelers can take pies, cakes and other bakery products through security, but they should be prepared for random additional screening. Similarly, you can bring solid snack foods such as pretzels, potato chips or carrot sticks for the plane -- but you may want to hold the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Single serving packages of condiments are permitted as long as they fit within your single zip-top bag, so you can add mustard to your ham sandwich after you get through security. All food must be securely wrapped or in a spill-proof container. You may not bring gel packs to refrigerate food (though they are permitted for medication).

Advice? If you have any doubts about an item, either check it or leave it at home. After all, you may buy food or drinks after you pass through the security checkpoint if you need some munchies for the plane.

Q. If I purchase beverages or other liquids/gels beyond the security checkpoint at the airport, may I bring them on the plane?

A. Yes.

Q. Are there any special rules for batteries?
As of January 1, 2008, loose lithium batteries are no longer permitted in checked bags. If your batteries are installed in a device (such as a camera), you may pack the device in either a checked bag or a carry-on, but loose lithium batteries may only be transported in your carry-on luggage. Certain quantity limits apply to both loose and installed batteries; for more information, see the Department of Transportation's Web site.

Q. What if I'm traveling internationally?
A. The European Union (E.U.) as well as other countries such as Australia, Japan, Singapore, Iceland and Norway have adopted similar security restrictions to those in the U.S. You are permitted 100-milliliter containers of liquid and gel substances, packed within a clear, resealable, one-liter plastic bag. More on Australia's rules can be found here. More on the European Union's policies can be found here.

Q. Am I permitted to bring duty-free liquids in my carry-on bags?
Duty-free liquids, such as perfume or alcohol, are subject to the same rules as all other liquids and gels when it comes to U.S. security checkpoints -- containers must be no larger than three ounces, and they must fit into your clear, quart-size, plastic zip-top bag. That means that if you have a connection in a U.S. city before reaching your final stop, you must use your time in customs to put your duty-free items into your checked baggage.

The same rules apply to the security checkpoints in the European Union and other nations mentioned above, with one exception: duty-free items purchased in airports in those countries will be given to you in special tamper-evident bags, which may be safely taken through airport security checkpoints in those countries. However, the tamper-evident bags will not pass muster in the United States, so you must transfer the items into your checked baggage while you're in customs. For more information, see the TSA's tips and rules on duty-free items.

Q. May I bring dry ice in my carry-on? What about my checked bags?
The Department of Transportation has strict regulations about the transportation of dry ice on airplanes. As long as you comply with those regulations, you may pack dry ice in your checked bag. A DOT spokesperson suggests that travelers avoid packing dry ice in carry-on luggage, as individual TSA agents unfamiliar with DOT regulations may confiscate the substance.

Q. How early should I arrive at the airport?
A. We recommend arriving at the airport two hours before your flight, especially if you're traveling during the summer, the holidays or another particularly busy time of year. If you're flying internationally, you should allow yourself even more time.

Q. What should I expect at the security checkpoint?
A. You will have to put all footwear, jackets, jewelry, cell phones, keys and other metal items into a bin for screening before you step through the metal detector. Laptops and video cameras must be removed from their cases and screened individually. You can save time at the checkpoint by putting all metal items into your carry-on ahead of time, taking your electronic items out of their cases before reaching the security checkpoint, and wearing easily removable footwear.

Q. I'm bringing birthday or holiday gifts. What's the best way to pack them?
A. Do not pack wrapped gifts in either your carry-on or checked baggage, as the TSA may have to unwrap them for inspection. Your best bet is to wrap your gifts once you arrive at your destination, or ship them ahead of time.

Q. May I bring electronic items on the plane or in my checked luggage? If so, how should I pack them?
Laptops, video cameras, iPods, Gameboys and most other standard electronic devices are permitted in both checked and carry-on luggage. As noted above, you should be prepared to remove laptops or video cameras from their cases at the security checkpoint for additional screening. Because electronic items tend to be frequent targets for security screening, you may want to pack these near the top of your bag so that inspectors don't need to unpack your whole suitcase to get to them.

Keep in mind that certain electronic devices -- such as radios, cordless computer mice or portable GPS systems -- may not be used in flight even if you do pack them in your carry-on, as they may interfere with the plane's navigational or communications systems.

Q. Can I lock any suitcases that I'm checking?
A. Yes, but you'll need to use a TSA-approved lock so that screeners can open it if your bag is selected for inspection. TSA screeners will simply cut off non-approved locks if they need to get into your bag. You can learn more about approved locks and where to find them at the TSA's Web site.

Q. Where can I find more information about airport security?
A. Check the TSA's Web site for packing tips, a full list of permitted and prohibited items, and information for travelers with special needs.

(Source: Independent Traveler)

ABOUT SHANGHAI & GETTING THERE (Aug. 2006)

The following morning, our group left Beijing at 9:00 am via China Eastern Airline (Flight Attendant's were attentive and snacks were served). We landed smoothly 2 hours later in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 11:00 am on the same day.



But I was disappointed when I discovered my checked-in luggage had been broken and damaged. ( [more info...]

Hongqiao handles most domestic and some International flights, it is situated about 13 kilometers from downton area and more than 40 kilometers from Pudong International Airport. Terminals A and B cover about 82,000 square meters (about 20.3 acres) with 15 waiting halls, 18 VIP lounges and 15 baggage transfer belts.

For Filipinos and other foreign visitors, you have to obtain a visa before entering Shanghai. You can apply for the visa in the Consulate of P.R. China in your country. Alternatively, (just like us) you can obtain the visa through a travel agency.

After checking out, we hopped on a tour bus and headed further into the city. I was busy snapping pictures of the great views, then I decided to take a picture of Jane, our tour guide (uhm, guys she's still single, hehe...), who at that time was engrossed in explaining the city landmarks of Shanghai.



Here are some photos of the city...


Shanghai is the largest industrial city in China and the seventh largest city in the world. Today, it is a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. The city is divided into two main areas, Pudong and Puxi. It is also one of the safest cities in the world for foreign travelers, but like in any major city, pickpockets and thieves do exist.



Vehicles on the city street...