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Latest Travel Warnings have been issued for the following countries:

India: Tsunami Alert / Regions in Conflict
Indonesia: Tsunami Alert / Heightened Terrorism Threat
Iran: Earthquake in Southern Iran and Group Travel Advised in Bam and Kerman.
Nepal: Political Unrest Isolates Kingdom
Sri Lanka: Tsunami Alert / Landmines in North and East
Sumatra: Tsunami Alert
Thailand: Tsunami Alert / Avian flu and conflict in southern Thailand
Vietnam: Avian Influenza

Read more.


Lighters Banned on Airplanes
Airline passengers in the United States, who already are prohibited from carrying torch-like butane lighters onto commercial aircraft, will be prohibited from carrying any type of lighter on planes and into secure areas of airports beginning April 14, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday. Read more.


Procurement vs. Travel Management
An Executive Training Seminar will take place on March 10, 2005 at the Le Meridien Singapore. The event will focus on "Procurement vs. Travel Management"
as well as "Safety & Security". The program jointly hosted by the AustralAsian Business Travel Association and GALIANT Consulting, in partnership with Travel Management Solutions (TMS). Learn more.

2004's Disasters: Lessons for the Future
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is holding an Executive Forum on March 10, 2005 at Raffles City Convention Centre. The Forum will discuss: 2004's Disasters: Lessons for the Future.

Disasters of massive proportions arising from natural causes, disease outbreaks and acts of terrorism signal an urgent need to review what we do to manage risks for the business traveller. How can you prepare your company to switch into disaster recovery mode when the time comes? Experts involved in recent Asia-Pacific disasters will help you answer these questions.

The second topic, very relevant to many, will gain you an insight on airlines' pricing structures, airfare types and how it impacts your programmes. Finally we deal with critical issues that are likely to confront business travel management in 2005. For more information, or to register, click here.


Nepal: Beyond the Mountain
Just a few years ago, Nepalese gourmet food was an oxymoron. More often than not you were faced with a plate of buffalo meat, a side of lentils, a tough roll and a tub of yak butter. Years ago, one spent hundreds of rupees on a nightly bottle of marginal French plonk just to ease the pain. Nepal has changed greatly and wonderfully.

It is wired. It has three Internet Service Providers and an Internet Cafe called K@hmandu. Radio Nepal broadcasts in Real Audio. Nepal now has international-class hotels that furnish safe water and clean power that doesn't blow up your laptop. And while it is not ready to support a regional edition of Gourmet Magazine, it now has excellent cuisine.

Also, most people think of Nepal as a haven for trekkers and mountaineers. It does have Everest, the highest place on earth, but few realize that it has lowland jungles full of rhinos and tigers and birds, whitewater rivers that rush from Tibet to India and that it has some of the world's most important cultural heritage sites including the birthplace of the Lord Buddha. [more]

Top Ten Things To Do Before You Travel

10. Obtain a valid visa by checking with your destinations consulate or embassy.

9. Know the local cool spots to visit in your spare time.

8. Get a mini first aid kit ready.

7. Whether you need vaccinations.

6. The weather at your destination.

5. Put a spare pair of undies and a toothbrush in your carry on bag!

4. Know your destinations' hotel address and telephone number

3. Have your tickets, hotel reservation numbers, Passport and ID Card in one place

2. Learn about the airport and what terminal you leave from and arrive at.

1. Obtain local currency.


"DISINSECTED"
Card placed on toilet lid in St. Petersburg Russia Hotel

"You'll make yourself comfortable by stoking and gobbling up as the local people and then loosen up on soft straw mattress enjoy fresh manure of cattle and sleeping"
from Air China inflight magazine

"Men's Briefs. Try them! They're Comfartable"
Billboard in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

"We take your bags and send them in all directions."
in a Copenhagen airline ticket office

"Please leave your values at the front desk."
in a Paris hotel

"If this is your first visit to the USSR, you are welcome to it."
in a Moscow hotel