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Tips for safe travel

No one can claim that any destination is 100% safe and risk-free. It cannot be said of Istanbul, Madrid, Brussels, Paris, Boston,Orlando, or any other city in the world. So what does that mean for travel? Do we put life on hold and hide in a bunker while waiting for the madness to stop? If we choose to do this, we rob ourselves of the fascinating experiences we could be having and the wonderful people we could be encountering. But it is still important to weigh the risks of sacrificing life experiences for safety.

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No one can claim that any destination is 100% safe and risk-free. It cannot be said of Istanbul, Madrid, Brussels, Paris, Boston,Orlando, or any other city in the world. So what does that mean for travel? Do we put life on hold and hide in a bunker while waiting for the madness to stop? If we choose to do this, we rob ourselves of the fascinating experiences we could be having and the wonderful people we could be encountering. But it is still important to weigh the risks of sacrificing life experiences for safety.

First and foremost, we need to put the risks into a realistic perspective. According to statistics released by the US State Department, the odds of US citizens (for instance) being harmed by terrorist attacks while they are in the United States are over 8 times higher than when they are abroad. The odds of being killed as the result of a car accident while driving through your own town far exceed those of being involved in a terrorist attack while on vacation.

While the risks may be slight to begin with, there are ways to reduce them even further. Before embarking on any vacation or business trip, familiarize yourself with some important steps to reduce the odds of encountering danger.

  1. Enrolling in the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows travelers to receive updates and warnings about safety conditions. This free program also makes it easier for the Embassy and family members to reach you in the unlikely event of an emergency. (For other nationalities, various embassies have programs that link their nationals with them when in a specific country if only to keep track of them should something untoward happens – Ed)
  2. Booking your trip through a reputable travel expert when visiting areas of heightened concern will help ensure that crucial details are handled for you. Arranging reliable transportation, booking hotels in safe neighborhoods, and providing you with trustworthy guides are all ways that can reduce your chances of running into problems. Book with a company that has a physical office location in the country to which you are traveling so you have local reps to contact. Make sure the travel company has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau and read reviews on well-respected travel review websites from past travelers before booking your tour.
  3. When possible, stay away from public demonstrations or protests and steer clear of large crowds. What can start out as a peaceful gathering can quickly turn into a mob and it is best not to let yourself get caught up in the crowd.
  4. Don’t draw negative attention to yourself. Traveling in another country is not the time to have a loud argument, drink too much, or make a scene with a local establishment.
  5. Carry important information with you at all times. It is always a good idea to have a backup, so make sure to email yourself copies of all your travel documents, including your passport, visas, e-tickets, as well as travel and medical insurance. Also carry emergency contact information and your hotel’s business card written in the local language so you can receive help if needed.
  6. Purchase travel insurance to protect your travel investment by covering whatever situations could arise, from a sprained ankle to a hospital stay. Peace of mind is worth a great deal and it is better to be safe than sorry.

We cannot ignore the reality of our present day world, but when we take a smart approach we can continue to embrace the many magnificent opportunities that exist. Yes, there are hateful people in the world, but there are far more who exude kindness, generosity, and hospitality. There are events that cause pain and destruction, but there are far more that celebrate beauty and strive to bring people together. Do not allow fear to rob you of living a full and enriching life!

This article was written by Noam Matas, General Manager of America Israel Tours.

Believing that everyone's perspective is important, Zest Magazine has opted to provide an avenue for these perspectives to be known. care to hear the publication's contributing writers; or better yet, do some contributing yourself by contacting info@zestmag.com.

Destinations

Going Chinese in Pulilan, Bulacan

Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan, and we’re on the fence here (yes if no choice, no if you can go elsewhere).

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We happened to be in Pulilan in Bulacan, and I had pancit craving. As if on cue, we passed by Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan, which – after we Google-checked – is supposedly one of the more frequently-visited Chinese restos in these parts of the province, so… of course we checked.

@outragemag Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, this place is really, REALLY easy to find. Located along the Pulilan Regional Road in Barangay Cut-cot in Pulilan, this is right in the middle of the municipality.

Ikalawa, the resto is actually divided into three parts: one side is for those with reservations, another part is for walk-in diners, and another part is for events. If/when the resto isn’t full, only the main part (middle one) is kept open.

No, this isn’t some fancy resto. More like an airconditioned karinderya, complete with wooden tables and plastic chairs. Look-wise, it wasn’t dirty naman when we were there, so that’s a plus.

Ikatlo, the workers were friendly naman… and they moved fast – e.g. while waiting for our orders, we were given must-check peanuts, and since we finished what we got fast, our waitress was more than happy to accommodate us.

Ika-apat, now… how was the food?

The house specialty, the Lee Foo Chicken (₱265 for half, ₱495 for whole), looked like fried chicken with ketchup. Okay… the breading was okay since it didn’t overpower the meat. The chicken, too, was properly cooked, and it wasn’t dry. But it was tasteless overall; so the ketchup taste is what stays with you.

The Pancit Canton Bihon (₱255) had thin pancit noodles, almost as thin as the bihon. It didn’t have lots of sahog; instead, you’d notice the extenders (like kikiam, and so on). I like good pancit, I swear… but this isn’t one of them, sorry.

The weirdly-wrapped Hakaw (₱155) was small, so it was bitin.

And then there’s the Siomai Steam (₱155), which was, in a word, weird. The size was good, similar to those ₱10 siomais. But the way this was prepared was weird for us – e.g. like the meat was overwatered, and having a hard time staying solid, so that it was smudgy, and disintegrated in the mouth even without chewing. I suppose that, at least, it wasn’t disgusting taste-wise.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is, we believe, popular. Like President in Chinatown, or a branch of David’s in some mall. To each his or her own nga naman. But for us, we’re off to look for other Chinese restos na muna as we head out in search of more lafangan venues.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is located at 159 Barangay Cut-cot, Pulilan, 3005 Bulacan Province. For more information, contact 0925 800 0168, or email leefoopanciteria@yahoo.com.

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Travel

Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales

#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.

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Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.

In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.

@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.

Ikalawa, what’s there?

The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps. 

What will you see while there?

  • the former lighthouse engine room
  • the top of the lighthouse
  • South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins

Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.

This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route. 

Another FYI: It is  allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.

The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.

Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.

But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa

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Travel

Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales

Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.

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When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.

So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.

@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.

Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.

Ikatlo, what’s there?

Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.

So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.

But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.

Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.

But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…

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