When traveling abroad or even to places that are new or unknown, many executives choose to take taxis instead of trying to manage a hire car. By rights this should be easier and safer. After all, you are leaving the driving up to a trained professional. This should allow you to relax and get caught up on some phone calls or sight seeing. WRONG.
Taxi's can be a real safety issue to travelers that are not careful and choose not to pay attention to their surroundings. Every year, tourists get mugged, disappear or are murdered after entering a taxi.
Here are a few tips to help keep you safer on your journey.
1. Always try and take a taxi from a taxi stand or a hotel.
Taxi's can usually be found easily in any country. At places like taxi stands and hotels, taxis will gather to pick up fairs. Generally, only cabs authorized to carry passengers are allowed to stop at these cabstands. This means that typically the taxis at these locations will be licensed by the local government. In some countries the taxi drivers can be very aggressive. Make sure that you take the time to fully understand and not just be bullied into the cab.
2. Look for taxi similarities
Make sure to note the types, colours and signs of the taxis on the road and at the taxi stands. A taxi that doesn't look like the others probably isn't. Watch out for gypsy cabs, which are run by criminals to look like licensed taxis.
3. Learn the taxi companies phone number and brand
All companies want to advertise, so typically real cab companies will have their name on the vehicle. Every taxi company everywhere wants to advertise. A taxi without a phone number doesn't want to advertise. Why? Never get into a taxi without a company phone number advertised plainly somewhere on the cab's exterior unless all the taxis are clearly the same (see above).
4. Look for a taximeter and radio
A legitimate taxi will probably have a meter and two way radio inside; look for either before you get in. Never feel obligated to take any cab that stops, if the vehicle does not have a meter or radio, let it go. Without a real radio, it may not be a real taxi.
5. Know where you're going
Have some idea of the direction to your destination. If the destination is near the water and you are headed inland, don't be afraid to speak up. If you feel that the driver is taking you somewhere that is not correct, get out at the next possible opportunity. Pass some fair money to the driver and exit the cab.
6. Keep belongings in the cab not the trunk
Always keep your bags right beside you in a taxi. If you have to leave fast, you'll have to leave your bag if it's in the trunk (and the driver can leave with your bag if you get out before he does). If you're in an emergency situation, leave the bag, no matter what -- you can run faster without it, anyway.
7. Look for a Door Handle
Don't get into a taxi without checking to be sure that there are door handles inside the passenger compartment. It goes without saying that you can't get out in a hurry if you can't get out at all.
8. Ask for the badge
If your cab is pulled over by the police, be sure to politely ask see the policeman's badge. Don't leave a busy street until you know you're following a real cop.
9. Be aware of shared cabs
Sharing a cab with strangers can help you stay safe and save bucks. But in some places it can be a scam.
10. Know who to call in emergencies
Always try to carry a phone. Know the local emergency number (foreign equivalents of 911). Watch for street signs so you know where you are. And always, always be ready to exit the cab.
I hope that these tips help to keep you safe on your next journey.
Travel safe.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
L'academie Restaurant Review, Laval Quebec
Located in Laval Quebec, the L'academie is an upscale restaurant that specializes in French and Italian cuisine. The restaurant boosts a beautiful interior that is tiered to increase the views. At each end of the space are large banks of windows that span from floor to ceiling. The interior design is well laid out with warm and inviting colours.
On February 14, 2008, my group of 10+ was greeted warmly at the door and escorted to our waiting tables. The bilingual staff made the evening easy for my English invites. The menu was somewhat difficult to follow due to the print size and the overemphasis on Italian verbiage. The L'academie is a "bring your own wine" restaurant. This can make your dinner more personal by shopping for wines prior to the dinner. Our group purchased a case of Rosemont Estate Cabernet Sauvignon to celebrate the evening out.
The food selection was excellent with many great Italian items. Prices ranged from $20 to $35 for entrees. The Insalata Italiana and scallops seemed to be the most popular appetizers. All appetizers were delivered on time and with warm smiles. For dinner, the pasta selections and beef seemed to steal the show. The food presentation was appropriate but not extravagant. The food itself was exquisite and of ample portion.
Following dinner, many of my guests relaxed with a coffee and desert from the assorted selection of cakes and light pastries.
I would recommend this restaurant to all those executives looking to impress clients or for an excellent dinner in Laval. The restaurant is well located, near the Radisson, the Sheraton and Hilton in Laval off of the 15 north.
It is recommended that you make reservations prior to ensure availability. The locals told us that L’academie was very popular on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and for special occasions like Valentines Day.
Bon Appetite.
L'accedamie
1730 Avenue Pierre Peladeau
Laval, Quebec
(450) 988 1015
On February 14, 2008, my group of 10+ was greeted warmly at the door and escorted to our waiting tables. The bilingual staff made the evening easy for my English invites. The menu was somewhat difficult to follow due to the print size and the overemphasis on Italian verbiage. The L'academie is a "bring your own wine" restaurant. This can make your dinner more personal by shopping for wines prior to the dinner. Our group purchased a case of Rosemont Estate Cabernet Sauvignon to celebrate the evening out.
The food selection was excellent with many great Italian items. Prices ranged from $20 to $35 for entrees. The Insalata Italiana and scallops seemed to be the most popular appetizers. All appetizers were delivered on time and with warm smiles. For dinner, the pasta selections and beef seemed to steal the show. The food presentation was appropriate but not extravagant. The food itself was exquisite and of ample portion.
Following dinner, many of my guests relaxed with a coffee and desert from the assorted selection of cakes and light pastries.
I would recommend this restaurant to all those executives looking to impress clients or for an excellent dinner in Laval. The restaurant is well located, near the Radisson, the Sheraton and Hilton in Laval off of the 15 north.
It is recommended that you make reservations prior to ensure availability. The locals told us that L’academie was very popular on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and for special occasions like Valentines Day.
Bon Appetite.
L'accedamie
1730 Avenue Pierre Peladeau
Laval, Quebec
(450) 988 1015
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Packing Tips For the Everyday Executive
Packing light and staying professional is challenging even for the most seasoned jetsetter. There are obvious benefits to packing light so that you can easily move through airport security, taxis and hotels.
Here are just a few tips that you can use in order to pack light and travel fast:
· Wear your power suit on the plane and take it off once you get to the hotel.
· Bring interchangeable Outfits
· Purchase travel size toiletries.
· Roll your outfits to save space.
· Pack your security sensitive items together.
· Pack some items within others to reduce space.
· Always choose the Right Luggage.
Remember, travelling does not have to be trade off between looking good and excessive luggage. Enjoy your travel and remember to pack light and pack right.
Here are just a few tips that you can use in order to pack light and travel fast:
· Wear your power suit on the plane and take it off once you get to the hotel.
· Bring interchangeable Outfits
· Purchase travel size toiletries.
· Roll your outfits to save space.
· Pack your security sensitive items together.
· Pack some items within others to reduce space.
· Always choose the Right Luggage.
Remember, travelling does not have to be trade off between looking good and excessive luggage. Enjoy your travel and remember to pack light and pack right.
Exercise When Traveling
So, you're going away on another business trip. This does not mean that you have to leave your good exercise habits behind! Look past the customer dinners, airport food and irregular hours. Try and look at the trip as a change of scenery that provides an exciting opportunity for trying new exercises in interesting places.
Here are some tips for how to keeping yourself active on the road.
Walk at every opportunity. Take a walking tour of the city you're visiting. Buy a pedometer and make a challenge of it!
Try to stay at hotels that have fitness centres.
Bring along an mp3 or DVD player that can be used to listen or watch exercise videos.
Many hotels have free passes for local fitness centres. These facilities are usually better equipped and offer classes.
Bring exercise bands with you. These bands are made of surgical rubber and can be easily packed in your luggage.
When exercising, follow these general guidelines:
1) Always warm-up — Usually 3-5 minutes of light movement.
2) Stretch your body — Stretch and hold for 20-30 seconds.
3) Use strengthening exercises - Push-ups, Sit-ups, lunges, etc.
These are all great exercises for small places like a hotel room.
Remember, a business trip is not an excuse to forget your health.
Here are some tips for how to keeping yourself active on the road.
Walk at every opportunity. Take a walking tour of the city you're visiting. Buy a pedometer and make a challenge of it!
Try to stay at hotels that have fitness centres.
Bring along an mp3 or DVD player that can be used to listen or watch exercise videos.
Many hotels have free passes for local fitness centres. These facilities are usually better equipped and offer classes.
Bring exercise bands with you. These bands are made of surgical rubber and can be easily packed in your luggage.
When exercising, follow these general guidelines:
1) Always warm-up — Usually 3-5 minutes of light movement.
2) Stretch your body — Stretch and hold for 20-30 seconds.
3) Use strengthening exercises - Push-ups, Sit-ups, lunges, etc.
These are all great exercises for small places like a hotel room.
Remember, a business trip is not an excuse to forget your health.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) What is it? What can you do?
All frequent long haul travelers can be affeted by Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Over the past few years this condition has moved from floklore to fact. Below is information that all Word Executive should know to ensure safe global travel.
First recognised back in 1946, travel related DVT is an added potential problem for 'at risk' travellers who are immobile for extended periods of time. While the problem is often associated with air travel, the risk is equally reported among those travelling by car, coach and train.
What is Travel Related DVT?
A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a clotting of the blood in any of the deep veins - usually in the calf. If a clot develops, it usually makes its presence known by an intense pain in the affected calf. Medical attention should be sought immediately if this occurs, especially after a long journey. In some cases this can be fatal, if the clot breaks off and makes its way to the lungs where it can then affect the lung's ability to take in oxygen.
What are the symptoms – How will I know it is a DVT?
A DVT can occur some days or even weeks after a trip. In most situations the person will have no symptoms and through normal movement the clot will break up.
If the clot is larger it can cause an obstruction and prevent the blood flowing through the veins. When this happens a person might experience pain, redness and swelling in the calf – this pain is made worse when walking or standing. If these symptoms are experienced you should seek medical help immediately.
Complications can occur if the cot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking the flow of blood. Breathlessness and chest pain can occur hours or days after the clot formation in the calf. This is a potentially fatal condition and urgent medical attention is required.
Who is at risk?
Most cases have at least 3 predisposing risk factors - the risk increases as risk factors increase.
Very little established research exists in relation to travel. However we do have a wealth of information from hospital research specific to DVT. We already know that immobility for an extended period of time can increase the risk of DVT with the following factors being added risk factors:
Travel for more than 3 hours in the four weeks before and after surgery
A personal or family history of DVT
Active cancer or cancer treatment
Recent surgery or leg surgery
Existing clotting abnormality
Obesity (BMI of above 30)
Chronic or acute medical illnesses
Hormones or the oral contraceptive pill
Inflammatory bowel disease
Varicose veins
Pregnancy or 2 months post-partum
Existing Cardiac problems or a history of cardiac problems or stroke
Dehydration
Severe infection
Aged over 60
How many people are affected?
It is hard to establish just how many people are affected by DVT after travel related activities, as no official records are kept. However it is important to be aware that it is a potential problem for those with risk factors, due to the evidence we already have.
How can I reduce my risk?
Those in a high-risk category should see their travel health advisor before they travel and discuss prevention.
Those at risk should try to exercise at least every hour on long journeys. Exercise the calf muscles by rotating your ankles, or making use of the commercially available exercise equipment. The risk applies to any form of travel where you are routed to one place for hours at the time.
Good hosiery will encourage circulation. However it is important that you do not wear clothing that will cause a restriction of circulation. Any hosiery should be measured properly to ensure a suitable fit.
For long flights wear loose clothing. Due to the change in atmospheric pressure in a plane, parts of your body can expand due to increased gas! In the dry environment of a plane, it is a well-documented fact that too much alcohol, tea and coffee on flights can add to the problem of dehydration. It is therefore very important to remain hydrated during a long flight by drinking plenty of water and fruit juices.
In-Flight Stockings and Socks
With much attention given over the potential risks associated with Travel Related Deep Vein Thrombosis, it is not surprising that many people are looking for products, which will offer protection. Research has shown that correctly fitting anti-thrombosis stockings increase blood flow, thus lowering the risk of DVT in those at risk. Advice related to stocking/socks should apply to all forms of travel when a passenger is sitting still for a long period of time.
Before buying any products it is essential that you are able to assess your personal risk factors and obtain advice from your own doctor regarding fitness to fly if you are in any doubt. If you are in a very high-risk category you should seek advice from your doctor and consider postponing your travel plans.
There are many different brands on the market at the moment, each expressing their own unique qualities. It is important that any stocking/sock purchased is fitted properly by a professional. A stocking that is too tight and worn by a traveller with existing circulation problems can do more harm than good -- cutting into the skin on a long flight and potentially causing ulceration and increased risk of DVT.
Never guess the size stocking or sock you require - ask to be measured properly. A good stocking/sock will come in a variety of sizes allowing for measurement from the knee to the ankle as well as the foot size. If a stocking is too tight around the knee it will prevent essential venous return causing the blood to pool around the knee.
When buying your stockings/socks make sure they are comfortable with your chosen footwear for travelling. Some stockings can be slightly thicker than normal leg covering and can be potentially restrictive with tight foot wear.
Do not think that if you wear tight knee-highs during a flight you will save some money. Any clothing or tight shoes cutting into the skin around will prevent normal blood flow and increase the risk of travel related DVT.
Wear your stockings around the house prior to travel to ensure you have a good, comfortable fitting. On the morning of your travel put them on when you get dressed, especially if you are travelling a distance to the airport. Hurriedly put on stockings in the airport lounge can cause no end of travel related anxiety!
Stockings are just one-way to help prevent travel related DVT - take advice from your doctor as well as preventative advice related to travel.
First recognised back in 1946, travel related DVT is an added potential problem for 'at risk' travellers who are immobile for extended periods of time. While the problem is often associated with air travel, the risk is equally reported among those travelling by car, coach and train.
What is Travel Related DVT?
A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a clotting of the blood in any of the deep veins - usually in the calf. If a clot develops, it usually makes its presence known by an intense pain in the affected calf. Medical attention should be sought immediately if this occurs, especially after a long journey. In some cases this can be fatal, if the clot breaks off and makes its way to the lungs where it can then affect the lung's ability to take in oxygen.
What are the symptoms – How will I know it is a DVT?
A DVT can occur some days or even weeks after a trip. In most situations the person will have no symptoms and through normal movement the clot will break up.
If the clot is larger it can cause an obstruction and prevent the blood flowing through the veins. When this happens a person might experience pain, redness and swelling in the calf – this pain is made worse when walking or standing. If these symptoms are experienced you should seek medical help immediately.
Complications can occur if the cot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking the flow of blood. Breathlessness and chest pain can occur hours or days after the clot formation in the calf. This is a potentially fatal condition and urgent medical attention is required.
Who is at risk?
Most cases have at least 3 predisposing risk factors - the risk increases as risk factors increase.
Very little established research exists in relation to travel. However we do have a wealth of information from hospital research specific to DVT. We already know that immobility for an extended period of time can increase the risk of DVT with the following factors being added risk factors:
Travel for more than 3 hours in the four weeks before and after surgery
A personal or family history of DVT
Active cancer or cancer treatment
Recent surgery or leg surgery
Existing clotting abnormality
Obesity (BMI of above 30)
Chronic or acute medical illnesses
Hormones or the oral contraceptive pill
Inflammatory bowel disease
Varicose veins
Pregnancy or 2 months post-partum
Existing Cardiac problems or a history of cardiac problems or stroke
Dehydration
Severe infection
Aged over 60
How many people are affected?
It is hard to establish just how many people are affected by DVT after travel related activities, as no official records are kept. However it is important to be aware that it is a potential problem for those with risk factors, due to the evidence we already have.
How can I reduce my risk?
Those in a high-risk category should see their travel health advisor before they travel and discuss prevention.
Those at risk should try to exercise at least every hour on long journeys. Exercise the calf muscles by rotating your ankles, or making use of the commercially available exercise equipment. The risk applies to any form of travel where you are routed to one place for hours at the time.
Good hosiery will encourage circulation. However it is important that you do not wear clothing that will cause a restriction of circulation. Any hosiery should be measured properly to ensure a suitable fit.
For long flights wear loose clothing. Due to the change in atmospheric pressure in a plane, parts of your body can expand due to increased gas! In the dry environment of a plane, it is a well-documented fact that too much alcohol, tea and coffee on flights can add to the problem of dehydration. It is therefore very important to remain hydrated during a long flight by drinking plenty of water and fruit juices.
In-Flight Stockings and Socks
With much attention given over the potential risks associated with Travel Related Deep Vein Thrombosis, it is not surprising that many people are looking for products, which will offer protection. Research has shown that correctly fitting anti-thrombosis stockings increase blood flow, thus lowering the risk of DVT in those at risk. Advice related to stocking/socks should apply to all forms of travel when a passenger is sitting still for a long period of time.
Before buying any products it is essential that you are able to assess your personal risk factors and obtain advice from your own doctor regarding fitness to fly if you are in any doubt. If you are in a very high-risk category you should seek advice from your doctor and consider postponing your travel plans.
There are many different brands on the market at the moment, each expressing their own unique qualities. It is important that any stocking/sock purchased is fitted properly by a professional. A stocking that is too tight and worn by a traveller with existing circulation problems can do more harm than good -- cutting into the skin on a long flight and potentially causing ulceration and increased risk of DVT.
Never guess the size stocking or sock you require - ask to be measured properly. A good stocking/sock will come in a variety of sizes allowing for measurement from the knee to the ankle as well as the foot size. If a stocking is too tight around the knee it will prevent essential venous return causing the blood to pool around the knee.
When buying your stockings/socks make sure they are comfortable with your chosen footwear for travelling. Some stockings can be slightly thicker than normal leg covering and can be potentially restrictive with tight foot wear.
Do not think that if you wear tight knee-highs during a flight you will save some money. Any clothing or tight shoes cutting into the skin around will prevent normal blood flow and increase the risk of travel related DVT.
Wear your stockings around the house prior to travel to ensure you have a good, comfortable fitting. On the morning of your travel put them on when you get dressed, especially if you are travelling a distance to the airport. Hurriedly put on stockings in the airport lounge can cause no end of travel related anxiety!
Stockings are just one-way to help prevent travel related DVT - take advice from your doctor as well as preventative advice related to travel.
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