Article Travel Leisure Tip

With over 5.8 million visitors in 2005 and occupancy rate in excess of 83% Dubai is fast becoming one of the world's premier tourist destinations in the world with tourism business reaching unprecedented levels.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with a population over 1 million that offers a wonderful taste of Arabia
seamlessly combining some of the world’s most exciting tourists developments in a distinctive blend of modern city and desert. Where else can you spend a vacation that combines sand dunes and Middle East culture with stunning high rise hotels overlooking pristine beaches and the warm turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf?

Dubai is also a shopper's paradise. The tiny emirate is a duty-free zone and during its Shopping Festival
two million visitors arrive looking for discounts on gold
electronics
clothing
and Persian carpets.

Dubai has a subtropical arid climate and the weather is sunny pretty much all the year round… Dubai has experienced a total of 4 days of rain in 2005!

Given all the above reasons and keeping aside many others
is clear that the travel industry hence the local accommodation providers are riding the biggest wave of their life in fact in many cases the request for holiday accommodation as taken over the supply and it’s not breaking news for frequent travelers to hear that the hotels are fully booked and capable of offering only the most expensive suites (whatever left available).

There is a wide choice of accommodation available in Dubai ranging from hotels
hotel apartments and private villas or apartments for more exclusive retreats. Renting an apartment might be a cheaper option then staying in a hotel especially if you intend staying in Dubai for longer then the usual package holiday or if you are a large group or simply wish to have greater flexibility and privacy
this latest option being the most sought after in recent days.

One of the most popular areas of Dubai is the Dubai Marina which creates an awe-inspiring city-within-a city that delights residents with its cosmopolitan
free-spirited atmosphere and unique
invigorating lifestyle. It is a urban center on the water
comparable to the most exclusive waterfront developments in the world's leading cities. Dubai Marina is the place where people meet
laugh
live and enjoy life to the full
always alive
with the glittering Marina at its heart.

Booking a Hotel in Dubai Marina is out of reach for many travelers who rather spend their budget on shopping and dining
for this reason renting a self–catering apartment in the Dubai Marina itself or a self-catering villa on the world famous Palm Island can be a much cheaper option
more affordable
comfortable and also more exciting….

There are many villas and apartments available for short term rental on self-catering basis and can cater from a minimum of 1 guest to as much as 15 guests according to the number of bedrooms available.

When planning to book a holiday apartment or villa in Dubai on self-catering basis it is necessary to carefully select the right real estate agent to deal with.

The most recommended would certainly be those actually based in Dubai that can guarantee you full assistance on a 24 hrs basis. It’s really the quality that matters when you choose your holiday home in Dubai
yes you could be spending some extra bucks but in the end it will pay off.

Some properties are equipped with every amenity
from the bread toaster to the kettle
from the coffee machine to the microwave and also include a twice weekly house keeping service
fresh towels
fresh bed sheets
miniature shampoo and shower gel etc. some other properties that come across as a good bargain could end up being a bad surprise to say the least and you might experience issues such as faulty air conditioning
lack of cutlery items or crockery or cooking pans or lack of water pressure
poor hygiene and the list can go on and on to a point where your vacation could get badly compromised.

Professional agencies maintain and check on the properties on regular basis in addition to supply amenities and accessories to a level that can meet and in some cases go beyond the standard of a 5 stars hotel. When booking a self catering apartment or villa there are few questions that you might want to ask such as:

How far and where is the nearest hospital? Does the property have a telephone line to make outgoing calls in case of emergency? Will you be awaited at your arrival in the early ours of the morning and will you be escorted and checked in your apartment by professional and English speaking staff? Will you find first hand groceries in the fridge at your arrival? How far is the closest supermarket? How far is the closest pharmacy? How far is the closest restaurant or coffee shop? Are the bills included in the rent? Is there a house keeping service provided? Is there a maintenance number that you could call in case it was required? Will you be able to receive international calls from your loved ones? How far is the beach? How far is the closest mall? Is the area fully developed or is it still under construction? How noisy or quite is it and do the windows have double glazing to serve this purpose? Are taxis easily available? Etc etc….

In the end it all comes to experience and professionalism…

There are many companies over the internet offering holiday villas around the world which is a great advantage as it keeps the competition alive and the rates affordable however be always careful and do your homework before making your final choice
at the end of the day it’s your holiday on the line.

In Dubai
the lodging industry is revealing itself as the golden fruit of the country real estate developments and extensive marketing.

Although the number of players entering the market is growing there are still numerous opportunities available for successful entries and thanks to the lodging industry’s recent performance and outlook
financing for service apartments construction or investment is becoming more readily available.

The Serviced Apartments category has been doing consistently well meeting the needs of corporate executives and travelers alike with a good combination of short and medium term rentals.

Speculative hoteliers are taking advantage of the market
pushing rates to new heights and there seem to be no underperforming properties on the Dubai market to a point where it is reasonable to consider converting a residential property into a commercial one.

While pursuing service apartments construction or lease seems like a good investment
there is a fair chance that you would not be the only one to have this idea. While your overview for the project might look good today
given current market conditions
five more similar projects planned for the same market may turn your forecast into an alternative reality.

Remember
existing accommodation providers are likely to put up a battle
including lowering their rates substantially
to keep their clients away from your new property.

In any case the lodging industry will undoubtedly continue to be an exciting market over the next few years
with plenty of opportunities for hotel and hotel apartment investments.

A small size building between 2 to 5 floors or a compound of villas close to the beach could be the right step to begin with and if supported by a solid management and marketing plan
a tiny development could result in a large triumph.

Remember that not all successful projects have to be gigantic in fact a small property will most likely be perceived by the guests as cozy and private
something rather unique in Dubai in fact a valuable market gap can be identified with regards to small size projects in the 3 or 4 stars category and the potential for successful new entries is tangible.

For those new investors looking into exploring the Serviced Apartments business it is advisable to place a solid emphasis on careful market research and analysis for the property so that strategic plans can be developed tracking both expenditure and results.

These strategies incorporate: Industry networking
Database utilization
Telemarketing
Internet visibility & interaction
Media design & promotions etc

It is also essential to identify and appoint a management and marketing company for the property which will professionally look after all aspects related to the set up and running of the business from the recruiting and training of the staff to the daily management and marketing requirements in addition to a brand building and awareness program.

A tiny project will not be of any interest for those huge and well established international franchise however it can be very attractive for those management & marketing companies who are looking to enter the Dubai market in gradual steps bringing along their solid overseas experience and business relationships.

Here you are! You waited with great anticipation for this moment - Holidays are here!
There it is - your motorhome. Fully equipped
beds are made
a breakfast basket on the little table by the window
the tank is full and you are ready to go.

You probably have some questions when you handle a large vehicle for the first time. The change from driving a car to “piloting” a Motorhome requires some special attention and concentration. Always obey rules and regulation and use common sense.

The Motorhome is longer
larger
higher and heavier than cars you are used to driving but they are easy to handle. After the first km’s of driving you will find that they respond beautifully and are fun to drive. So don’t worry!

Please read the motorhome’s instructions carefully before you get behind the wheel. You will avoid mistakes and your travel through our beautiful country will be pleasant and trouble free.

Many of the hazards encountered on the road result from incorrect loading of an otherwise safe Motorhome. Overloading is the most common cause of accidents. A slight over load or poor weight distribution can seriously restrict steering and braking. It can also result in sudden blowouts an breakdowns. You can help control this situation.

To minimize swing and wobble keep the vehicle’s center of gravity low. Store heavy items low
forward and between the axles: lightweight items high. Try to balance the load between the vehicle’s two sides. Make sure everything is in place and easy to get at when needed. Secure all cargo inside and outside the vehicle or it will shift. Always leave room for the usual ground gear: leveling plank
wedges
water hose
jack and tools.

Avoid carrying spare gasoline; if you must
carry it in the storage container possible
tape the lid shut to prevent spillage and protect it with a shield.

While you are at the gas station check your motor oil
automatic transmission oil
radiator water
battery water and tire pressure. Heat in the desert can affect the tire pressure
over or under pressure can cause problems in steering your Motorhome.

Check your travel route every morning before you start. Plan for a camping place for the night for rest stops and dump stations. Also consider gasoline stops
especially if you travel in the desert.

Reserving a campsite in advance can save a lot of frustration later
especially during high season. When traveling without reservation
the earlier in the day you stop
the better are your chances to get to a good campground.

When driving into the campsite
especially at night
scout around the area of you on foot. A large log
a hydrant or other obstacles can punch through the paneling
tearing pipes or wiring and causing costly repairs.

Make sure you park level at the campsite. A board under one wheel or under one side might be all you need to do this. Check for rocks and jagged outcrops near the entry door. Avoid loose wires or hoses around the Motorhome. Check fuel lines and all connections before you use your appliances. Use a soap and water solution to detect leaks
NOT a match!

Should there be a leak somewhere
(it can happen because your Motorhome is constantly in motion) be sure to air the entire unit thoroughly
before using any matches or open flame. Your Motorhome is equipped with a fire extinguisher. Use it if needed. Dirt and baking soda are also great and effective agents to fight a fire. Do not use water! It can be very dangerous. Water on a gas or oil fire results in a bigger fire. Water on an electric fire can result in death or injury.

When you leave the camping place
it is a good idea to check your packing list for all items. It also helps to check the members of your travel party. You’d be amazed
how many travelers forget wives and kids. Disconnect all wires and pipes
shut off appliances (except the refrigerator). Drive the Motorhome off the boards or other supports and stow away. O around the Motorhome campsite for any articles left there. Always allow a little more time than you think you will need
to get started. Check your planned route and rest stops.

Written by Birgit Jurock (birgit@jurock.ws) for Happy Holidays Motorhome Canada at http://www.canadamotorhome.ws

Thailand has a good network of well-maintained roads and highways between all main centres. Road signage follows international convention and is in both Thai and English. Drunk drivers and an abudance of haphazardly driven motorcycles make night-time driving a real problem
however.

Road rules

Traffic drives on the left hand side and drivers must be at least 18 and hold a full
valid Thailand driving licence or an international driving permit. If you only have a national driving licence from your own country you will be permitted to use for up to two months. To hire a car
renters have to be at least 25 years old. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory and drunk-driving laws apply; all insurance is invalid if drivers exceed the legal alcohol limit.

Police regularly occassionally set up speed traps and offenders breaking the limits will be subject to on-the-spot fines
which are routinely less than the official rate
but no ‘ticket’ is given. The maximum blood/alcohol limit is 0.5mg/ml. Unfortunately the Thai police are very lax in controlling drunk drivers and this creates a hazard late at night.

Speed limits:
Urban areas: 45 - 60kph/28 - 37mph
Highways: 90 – 110kph/56 – 68mph.


Motorways and the road network

There are about 64
600
141
of paved roads in Thailand as well as a large network of unpaved roads (especially in the North). Major highways radiate outwards from Bangkok to all the major cities
with most of the north-south route consisting of dual carriageway. Interconnecting roads to smaller towns and cities are usually wide
and single-laned with two-lane sections at interchanges.

Parking in cities is usually on the street for a small charge or
for the most part
covered parking in hotel/plazas or shopping centres. Farther out of town centres parking is usually free
if you can find a space. Don’t block government building entrances or you’re likely to be towed.

Costs
distances and times

Service stations are plentiful and most of the larger ones accept major international credit cards. In more remote locations
hand pumps are common and cash will be required. Unleaded 91
95
and high-octane 98 fuels are available as well as diesel
and LPG at some locations. Unleaded 95 is about 18 baht per litre; diesel
15
baht.

Typical driving distances and times:

Bangkok to Chiang Mai: 686kms/426mls 9 hours
Bangkok to Hat Yai: 993kms/617mls 12 hours
Hat Yai to Phuket: 474kms/294mls 7 hours.

Safety

Renters requiring assistance will find an emergency phone number printed on their rental agreement and on the windscreen sticker. Try to refrain from driving at night as unsuspecting potholes
local drivers without tail lights and wandering livestock can greatly increase the possibility of having an accident.

Since Thai motorists are notoriously ill-disciplined with giving way or observing traffic rules
motorists are advised to drive at an ‘easy pace’ (50kms or less) in urban areas. In the event of an accident
Thais perfer to settle the legal outcome on the spot and often expect the wealthier motorist to absorb the cost
this includes foreigners.

Stay away from downtown Bangkok; traffic is horrendous and roads are confusing
not to mention road users who have a general disregard for other vehicles. Don’t drive too close to the edge of the road on any highway as motorcycles quite often drive up the wrong way
and keep out of the path of buses and trucks. The ‘songteaw’ minibus trucks have a habit of suddenly pulling ove

I will start off with some ‘common sense’ information like your drivers license. Of course if you are not a German citizen your drivers license probably does not authorize you to drive in Germany. You will need to contact your local license branch (BMV) and find out the steps you need to take to receive an international drivers license. I have not personally done this because I have a European military drivers license but from what I have heard it is not too hard to do or terribly costly.

Next of course is having a car to drive when you arrive in Germany. This is pretty obvious. Coordinate with any INTERNATIONAL car rental service and they can have a car ready and waiting for you at your arrival city. Another option is to rent the car in Germany
which is a pretty easy process as well. Most service representatives speak English and will be happy to help you out.

Now you will need to know the ‘meat and potatoes’ of driving in Germany
the traffic laws. If you are an American
or have driven in the U.S.
you will find that driving in Germany is not much different. Without telling you every single travel law written in Germany
I will try to shed some light on some of the major differences:

Traffic lights: When pulling up to a traffic light you will notice that unlike the U.S. traffic lights which go from green to yellow to red and then directly back to green
German traffic lights will go from red to yellow and then green. This is nothing to worry about. I guess they just want to make sure you have it in gear and your ready to take off. The second thing
but extremely more important
is the ‘right on red’ rule we have in the U.S. This rule DOES NOT EXIST in Germany. If you try to make a right turn when the traffic light is red you may find yourself in a lot of pain and in a major lawsuit.

Autobahn: If you are thinking that the autobahn is the paradise for people with a lead foot you may end up with a speeding ticket. Although there are some stretches of the autobahn that have no speed limit there is a recommended speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour that you should obey. Granted
most do exceed this speed recommendation but now you know you CAN be ticketed.

Accidents: If you are the first on the seen of an accident in which someone has been injured you are required by law to provide assistance. Whether you simply stop and call an ambulance (112) not (911)
or you provide medical aid
you must do something to help the casualty.

Where is Ausfhart Germany? No Ausfhart is not a city that seems to pop up everywhere you go. Ausfhart is the German word for exit.

When considering driving in Europe
the image that comes to mind for many of us will no doubt be something like the infamous driving scene in National Lampoon's European Vacation: eternally trapped in a roundabout
surrounded by aggressive French (or Italian or British) drivers who won't let the timid Americans out.

It's true that driving in a foreign country can be daunting at first
especially when you're unfamiliar with the driving rules in Europe
but driving is often a necessity for visitors renting a villa or apartment outside of the major cities.

So unless you've managed to convince your companions that a full-time chauffeur is the answer to your European driving woes
you're going to need a little help. Here
for your edification
are some general guidelines about driving in Europe.

DRIVER AGGRESSION

Let's talk first about "driver aggression." In whether you're driving in Italy
France
or England
drivers tend to be more assertive and quick-to-act than we are in the US. I once came across a website of a British woman who had visited America and marveled at the way everyone came to an orderly halt and waved each other forward at a four-way stop. Americans will know that this isn't always the case in the US
but it does make the point!

When you start driving in Europe
you may find yourself feeling frustrated when someone "cuts you off" or fails to use their turn signal. However
because the pace of driving is faster in Europe
you've got to act more quickly. Often an opening between cars is only momentary
and if a driver takes the time to signal he'll have lost his chance.

The key is not to hesitate. Don't be reckless-- use your signals
even if others don't-- but act quickly and don't question yourself. Don't be afraid to use your horn
either! It's easy to become overly cautious in a new environment
but hesitation is likely to cause you more problems than anything else.

If you must drive slowly
however
be polite. When someone behind you flashes their lights
they are asking you to pull over and let them by. My advice? Do it! Being stubborn about your place on the road is considered incredibly rude
and if blinking is ineffective it will be followed by honking
cursing
or worse!

ROUNDABOUT

So now let's take a look at that roundabout
most commonly encountered when driving in France. The most important thing here is to realize that cars already in the circle have the right-of-way
so you need to let them out. You'll also need to wait for a break in traffic before you "go for it" and join the flow. The great thing about roundabouts is that you can
in fact
circle them as many times as you need
so if you miss your exit the first time
it's okay.

ROAD SIGNS

Since the Union
European countries are now implementing a set of standardized road signs that you should be familiar with. Here are some common international road signs to watch out for while driving in Europe:

A red circle with a white dash inside means NO ENTRY.

An inverted white triangle with a red border means YEILD.

An upright triangle with a red border is INFORMATIONAL. Inside there will be a fairly self explanatory symbol representing bumps
merging lanes
or other potential hazards.

A red circle with a slash on a blue background means NO PARKING.

A white circle with a red border means CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES.

If there are two cars inside a red circle
one black and one red
PASSING IS PROHIBITED.

A yellow diamond grants the RIGHT OF WAY.

A blue circle with white numbers indicates the SPEED LIMIT (in km!)

Anything with arrows arranged in a circle means ROUNDABOUT!

PARKING

Parking is usually not a problem in more rural or countryside areas
but finding parking in London
Paris
Rome
or another large European city can be a major ordeal. Traffic is simply horrendous
and the majority American drivers are just not prepared. My suggestion is to park in a garage on the outskirts and use local transportation within the city. You could search for a "free" parking spot
but these are few and far between. Finding one is also risky in an unfamiliar place
since most parking is restricted to locals and police are quick to give tickets. Having a rental car makes no difference: even if you try to avoid payment
they will track you down. It might be one year
or it might be longer... but they will find you!

CARRY CASH

Wherever you're driving in Britain or France
it's a good idea to carry some cash. The reason for this is threefold: First
older gas stations may still be on a cash-only basis. Secondly
there are many toll roads
which you will need to pay for in cash. And thirdly
in many countries (France
for example) tickets are "on the spot
which means that if you get pulled over the officer is going to expect you to pay him immediately! Hopefully this doesn't happen, but it's good to be prepared.

Now that you've got a leg up on driving in Europe, be bold! European drivers may seem reckless and aggressive, but in fact they’re accustomed to their way of doing things. So as long as you obey the rules, pay attention, and pull over when you're asked, you should be fine.

Oh, and one last note to all Americans driving in Europe: NO RIGHT TURN ON RED!

Having had my Driver’s License for 47 years now and having driven manual transmissions and automatics from Volkswagen bugs
to Corvettes
to Nissan 300 ZX Turbo’s to more refined Lincoln luxury cars you would think that I could drive anywhere in the world.

My driving record is excellent. No accidents and no points off in the last 6 years and that qualifies me for the best rating and the best insurance rate in Canada. An experienced driver with the best driving record.

Coming to Chiang Mai
Thailand and renting a car to see the sites and get around town should be a breeze you would expect. Well anyone who thinks so is dead wrong.

Driving here has to be seen to be believed. Do not try it unless you know someone here who has educated you as to What to Watch Out For.

Here is my list:

The lines on the roads do not mean a thing here. You can drive on them
you can drive on the side of them
but do not expect drivers to drive between them. Why? Because on the left side of the road you will find motorbikes so cars move over knowing that this is the preferred route of the motorbikes. That is one reason. Another is that both red taxi’s (converted pick up trucks used as taxis) and tuk tuk’s (three wheeled motorcycles used as taxis) move over from the fast lane to the middle of the two lanes in an attempt to pick up more passengers and yet not lose out on positioning in a fast lane of traffic.

Traffic signals do not mean a thing here. Vehicles can jump the green and make a turn against the flow of traffic if they are hmmm. the first
second
third or even the fourth vehicles in line at a red light as you want to cross an intersection with the light just having turned green. Expect vehicles to run the red if it just turned red hmmm. what one
two
or perhaps three seconds ago.
Watch out for the 3 wheeled bicycles. These are normally driven by slim men in their sixties who have doing this for years. This may have been a fashionable and popular means of transportation 50 years ago or so but now it is a danger out on the roads as they move along at 4 mph on streets full of cars and motorcycles
all of which are in a hurry to go somewhere.

Watch out for vendors pushing their carts at 2 mph down the street on the left hand side of the road.

Watch out for dogs who lay on the road and refuse to move or move reluctantly as the last second.

If you are keeping up with the flow of traffic on a fast moving road at 45 mph in bumper to bumper traffic EXPECT someone to tailgate your vehicle. Oh maybe 10 ft from your rear bumper or perhaps 5 ft. from your bumper. Nice
polite
quiet people that they are Thai’s when they get behind the steering wheel change they make a transition from Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll.
In my opinion most drivers here only have the mandatory basic insurance which is almost useless should they have an accident. So they try to be careful and not hit other cars by driving 3 ft away from vehicles on their passenger side. Either they cannot judge the distance as they are inexperienced drivers or they are extremely careful
either way they will drive down the street using part of your lane forcing you out of your lane.

Overtaking can be done regardless of whether you do it by passing the vehicle in front of you on the left or right side. So if you drive down the road EXPECT to see a vehicle coming straight for you in your lane passing a slower vehicle. They will pass and expect you to slow down or move out of your lane as they are going somewhere in a hurry.

Overtaking another vehicle will happen by vehicles going uphill and not seeing what is ahead of them
overtaking will occur on turns and the drivers not seeing what is ahead of them
overtaking will occur whenever and wherever.
Pedestrians crossing with the traffic light green DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY
vehicles go first and you should cross when you it is safe to do so.

Now having said all of that you may be thinking to yourself
Is this guy trying to scare me
is he trying to be funny
does he not want me to drive in Chiang Mai? The answer to these questions is:
I want you to know what you will be facing should you decide to drive here. I want you not to injure yourself or someone else thinking you can go ahead and rent/drive a vehicle without having driven here before or without some advice.

When I first arrived and saw the traffic I thought that I would never be able to drive here. Well now I do drive here. I know what to watch out for and drivers running greens or red lights does not surprise me or anger me. I merely expect it.

The Thai drivers here have probably not had any formal driving instruction
they may not have any decent insurance coverage
and they may be pushy when it comes to driving as they may be in a hurry to earn money so that they can feed their family. So nothing against them
I try to understand their driving habits and adjust mine accordingly. No matter how they drive they are happy go lucky
cheerful
hard working people and I love them.

Having had my Driver’s License for 47 years now and having driven manual transmissions and automatics from Volkswagen bugs
to Corvettes
to Nissan 300 ZX Turbo’s to more refined Lincoln luxury cars you would think that I could drive anywhere in the world.

My driving record is excellent. No accidents and no points off in the last 6 years and that qualifies me for the best rating and the best insurance rate in Canada. An experienced driver with the best driving record.

Coming to Chiang Mai
Thailand and renting a car to see the sites and get around town should be a breeze you would expect. Well anyone who thinks so is dead wrong.

Driving here has to be seen to be believed. Do not try it unless you know someone here who has educated you as to What to Watch Out For.

Here is my list:

The lines on the roads do not mean a thing here. You can drive on them
you can drive on the side of them
but do not expect drivers to drive between them. Why? Because on the left side of the road you will find motorbikes so cars move over knowing that this is the preferred route of the motorbikes. That is one reason. Another is that both red taxi’s (converted pick up trucks used as taxis) and tuk tuk’s (three wheeled motorcycles used as taxis) move over from the fast lane to the middle of the two lanes in an attempt to pick up more passengers and yet not lose out on positioning in a fast lane of traffic.

Traffic signals do not mean a thing here. Vehicles can jump the green and make a turn against the flow of traffic if they are hmmm. the first
second
third or even the fourth vehicles in line at a red light as you want to cross an intersection with the light just having turned green. Expect vehicles to run the red if it just turned red hmmm. what one
two
or perhaps three seconds ago.
Watch out for the 3 wheeled bicycles. These are normally driven by slim men in their sixties who have doing this for years. This may have been a fashionable and popular means of transportation 50 years ago or so but now it is a danger out on the roads as they move along at 4 mph on streets full of cars and motorcycles
all of which are in a hurry to go somewhere.

Watch out for vendors pushing their carts at 2 mph down the street on the left hand side of the road.

Watch out for dogs who lay on the road and refuse to move or move reluctantly as the last second.

If you are keeping up with the flow of traffic on a fast moving road at 45 mph in bumper to bumper traffic EXPECT someone to tailgate your vehicle. Oh maybe 10 ft from your rear bumper or perhaps 5 ft. from your bumper. Nice
polite
quiet people that they are Thai’s when they get behind the steering wheel change they make a transition from Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll.
In my opinion most drivers here only have the mandatory basic insurance which is almost useless should they have an accident. So they try to be careful and not hit other cars by driving 3 ft away from vehicles on their passenger side. Either they cannot judge the distance as they are inexperienced drivers or they are extremely careful
either way they will drive down the street using part of your lane forcing you out of your lane.

Overtaking can be done regardless of whether you do it by passing the vehicle in front of you on the left or right side. So if you drive down the road EXPECT to see a vehicle coming straight for you in your lane passing a slower vehicle. They will pass and expect you to slow down or move out of your lane as they are going somewhere in a hurry.

Overtaking another vehicle will happen by vehicles going uphill and not seeing what is ahead of them
overtaking will occur on turns and the drivers not seeing what is ahead of them
overtaking will occur whenever and wherever.
Pedestrians crossing with the traffic light green DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY
vehicles go first and you should cross when you it is safe to do so.

Now having said all of that you may be thinking to yourself
Is this guy trying to scare me
is he trying to be funny
does he not want me to drive in Chiang Mai? The answer to these questions is:
I want you to know what you will be facing should you decide to drive here. I want you not to injure yourself or someone else thinking you can go ahead and rent/drive a vehicle without having driven here before or without some advice.

When I first arrived and saw the traffic I thought that I would never be able to drive here. Well now I do drive here. I know what to watch out for and drivers running greens or red lights does not surprise me or anger me. I merely expect it.

The Thai drivers here have probably not had any formal driving instruction
they may not have any decent insurance coverage
and they may be pushy when it comes to driving as they may be in a hurry to earn money so that they can feed their family. So nothing against them
I try to understand their driving habits and adjust mine accordingly. No matter how they drive they are happy go lucky
cheerful
hard working people and I love them.

As a high school history teacher
I have had the privilege of bringing my senior students on tours of Europe for the past fifteen years. I never imagined that I would get so many opportunities to travel when I went into the teaching profession
but I ended up working in a great district that made room in their budget for the senior class to travel to Europe and help make history come alive for them each year. I am so blessed to be a part of a district that is so committed to giving their students real life experiences. I have learned many things during my years of leading this trips
but one of the first things I learned was that you cannot go to Europe and return home with a clean conscience unless you have taken time to visit one or many cathedrals.

Europe is so full of history
architecture and sheer beauty that there is obviously too much to do in a ten day tour. Since I get to lead this trips each year
I have gotten to see almost all of the wonders of Europe
but I must plan carefully each year to see that my students get the most out of their ten day experience. I am careful to combine adequate amounts of history
modern attractions
and time for fun on our trips. But any of my students will be quick to tell you that whether we are visiting Ireland or Italy
I will never lead a ten day trip without making my team experience at least one or two cathedrals

I am not sure what attracts me to cathedrals so much except their sheer beauty. I have looked far and wide in the U.S. and have never seen any building that compares with the detailed intricacies that most European cathedrals hold. I guess because our buildings are not nearly as old as those in Europe we have a far lower standard of what is beautiful and of what is true architecture. I love dragging my students into cathedrals and seeing their jaws drop as their realize just how much history has happened in these European countries and as they see how young America truly is.

So
the next time you plan a trip to Europe for any reason
make sure that your trip includes time visiting cathedrals. You will be amazed by their size
their beauty and their architecture
not to mention the amazing amounts of history that have happened in each cathedral. I guarentee you'll be looking for more cathedrals to visit once you begin.

Many countries have stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug laws. If you are caught buying
selling
carrying or using any type of drug - from hashish to heroin
marijuana to mescaline
cocaine to quaaludes - you will be arrested. You are subject to foreign laws overseas
not U.S. laws
and
if arrested
you will find that:

• Few countries provide a jury trial.
• Trials are often long
with delays and postponements.
• Most countries do not accept bail.
• Pre-trial detention
often in solitary confinement
may last for months.
If you are convicted
you face a possible sentence of:
• 2 - 10 years in many countries
• A minimum of 6 years hard labor and a stiff fine in some countries
• The death penalty in a number of countries (e.g. Malaysia
Pakistan
Turkey
Thailand
Saudi Arabia)

During recent years
there has been an increase in the number of women arrested abroad. These are usually women who serve as drug couriers or "mules" and who believe that they can make fast money and have a vacation at the same time
without getting caught. Instead of a vacation
they receive a permanent residence in an overseas jail.

U.S. citizens have been arrested abroad on drug charges because they possessed just one ounce or less of marijuana. The risk of being jailed for just one marijuana cigarette is simply not worth it!

Once you are arrested
the U.S. consular officer CANNOT get you out of jail nor out of the country!

Likewise
the U.S. consular officer CANNOT
• Represent you at trial or give you legal counsel.
• Pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. Government funds.
PLEASE REMEMBER!
• If someone offers you a free trip and some quick and easy money
just for bringing back a suitcase...SAY NO!
• Do not carry a package for anyone
no matter how small it may be.
• Do not let anyone pack your suitcases for you while you are abroad.
• If the drugs are in you suitcase
you will be caught.

Do not get involved with illegal drugs overseas! It can spoil more than your vacation. It can ruin your life!

Many countries have stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug laws. If you are caught buying
selling
carrying or using any type of drug - from hashish to heroin
marijuana to mescaline
cocaine to quaaludes - you will be arrested. You are subject to foreign laws overseas
not U.S. laws
and
if arrested
you will find that:

• Few countries provide a jury trial.
• Trials are often long
with delays and postponements.
• Most countries do not accept bail.
• Pre-trial detention
often in solitary confinement
may last for months.
If you are convicted
you face a possible sentence of:
• 2 - 10 years in many countries
• A minimum of 6 years hard labor and a stiff fine in some countries
• The death penalty in a number of countries (e.g. Malaysia
Pakistan
Turkey
Thailand
Saudi Arabia)

During recent years
there has been an increase in the number of women arrested abroad. These are usually women who serve as drug couriers or "mules" and who believe that they can make fast money and have a vacation at the same time
without getting caught. Instead of a vacation
they receive a permanent residence in an overseas jail.

U.S. citizens have been arrested abroad on drug charges because they possessed just one ounce or less of marijuana. The risk of being jailed for just one marijuana cigarette is simply not worth it!

Once you are arrested
the U.S. consular officer CANNOT get you out of jail nor out of the country!

Likewise
the U.S. consular officer CANNOT
• Represent you at trial or give you legal counsel.
• Pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. Government funds.
PLEASE REMEMBER!
• If someone offers you a free trip and some quick and easy money
just for bringing back a suitcase...SAY NO!
• Do not carry a package for anyone
no matter how small it may be.
• Do not let anyone pack your suitcases for you while you are abroad.
• If the drugs are in you suitcase
you will be caught.

Do not get involved with illegal drugs overseas! It can spoil more than your vacation. It can ruin your life!

Prison and Detention Center Conditions

Prison conditions were poor and severely overcrowded. The prison population of approximately 168 thousand inmates was held in 139 prisons and detention centers designed for 111 thousand prisoners. Sleeping accommodations were insufficient. Medical care was inadequate and communicable diseases were widespread in some prisons. The number of full-time medical professionals increased significantly in 2004. The corrections department employed 17 full-time doctors
309
full-time nurses
and 6 full time dentists. There were also a small number of part-time doctors to supplement the permanent medical staff. Prisoners who are seriously ill now may be transferred to provincial or state hospitals. A 500-bed hospital at Klong Prem Prison opened during the year.

Prison authorities sometimes used solitary confinement of not more than three months to punish difficult male prisoners who consistently violated prison rules or regulations. They also used heavy leg irons to control prisoners who were deemed escape risks and often for prisoners serving life sentences or on death row. There were unconfirmed reports that in some institutions designated prisoners were authorized to discipline other prisoners.

Approximately 23 percent of the total prison population were pretrial detainees
who were not segregated from the general prison population. Men
women
and children often were held together in police station cells pending indictment. During the year the government opened a number of juvenile detention centers
and at year's end separate facilities for juvenile offenders were available in 64 of the country's 76 provinces; but in some regions of the country
juveniles were detained with adults. An additional 12 facilities were scheduled to be opened in 2006.

Conditions in Bangkok's Suan Phlu immigration detention center met minimum international standards; however
conditions in nine provincial detention centers remained poor. Immigration detention facilities were administered by the Immigration Police Bureau
which reported to the Office of the Prime Minister and were not subject to many of the regulations that governed the regular prison system. There were credible reports that guards physically abused detainees in some detention centers. Overcrowding and a lack of basic medical care continued to be serious problems.

Access to prisons was not restricted
and the government permitted visits by independent human rights observers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Prison and Detention Center Conditions

Prison conditions were poor and severely overcrowded. The prison population of approximately 168 thousand inmates was held in 139 prisons and detention centers designed for 111 thousand prisoners. Sleeping accommodations were insufficient. Medical care was inadequate and communicable diseases were widespread in some prisons. The number of full-time medical professionals increased significantly in 2004. The corrections department employed 17 full-time doctors
309
full-time nurses
and 6 full time dentists. There were also a small number of part-time doctors to supplement the permanent medical staff. Prisoners who are seriously ill now may be transferred to provincial or state hospitals. A 500-bed hospital at Klong Prem Prison opened during the year.

Prison authorities sometimes used solitary confinement of not more than three months to punish difficult male prisoners who consistently violated prison rules or regulations. They also used heavy leg irons to control prisoners who were deemed escape risks and often for prisoners serving life sentences or on death row. There were unconfirmed reports that in some institutions designated prisoners were authorized to discipline other prisoners.

Approximately 23 percent of the total prison population were pretrial detainees
who were not segregated from the general prison population. Men
women
and children often were held together in police station cells pending indictment. During the year the government opened a number of juvenile detention centers
and at year's end separate facilities for juvenile offenders were available in 64 of the country's 76 provinces; but in some regions of the country
juveniles were detained with adults. An additional 12 facilities were scheduled to be opened in 2006.

Conditions in Bangkok's Suan Phlu immigration detention center met minimum international standards; however
conditions in nine provincial detention centers remained poor. Immigration detention facilities were administered by the Immigration Police Bureau
which reported to the Office of the Prime Minister and were not subject to many of the regulations that governed the regular prison system. There were credible reports that guards physically abused detainees in some detention centers. Overcrowding and a lack of basic medical care continued to be serious problems.

Access to prisons was not restricted
and the government permitted visits by independent human rights observers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Prison and Detention Center Conditions

Prison conditions were poor and severely overcrowded. The prison population of approximately 168 thousand inmates was held in 139 prisons and detention centers designed for 111 thousand prisoners. Sleeping accommodations were insufficient. Medical care was inadequate and communicable diseases were widespread in some prisons. The number of full-time medical professionals increased significantly in 2004. The corrections department employed 17 full-time doctors
309
full-time nurses
and 6 full time dentists. There were also a small number of part-time doctors to supplement the permanent medical staff. Prisoners who are seriously ill now may be transferred to provincial or state hospitals. A 500-bed hospital at Klong Prem Prison opened during the year.

Prison authorities sometimes used solitary confinement of not more than three months to punish difficult male prisoners who consistently violated prison rules or regulations. They also used heavy leg irons to control prisoners who were deemed escape risks and often for prisoners serving life sentences or on death row. There were unconfirmed reports that in some institutions designated prisoners were authorized to discipline other prisoners.

Approximately 23 percent of the total prison population were pretrial detainees
who were not segregated from the general prison population. Men
women
and children often were held together in police station cells pending indictment. During the year the government opened a number of juvenile detention centers
and at year's end separate facilities for juvenile offenders were available in 64 of the country's 76 provinces; but in some regions of the country
juveniles were detained with adults. An additional 12 facilities were scheduled to be opened in 2006.

Conditions in Bangkok's Suan Phlu immigration detention center met minimum international standards; however
conditions in nine provincial detention centers remained poor. Immigration detention facilities were administered by the Immigration Police Bureau
which reported to the Office of the Prime Minister and were not subject to many of the regulations that governed the regular prison system. There were credible reports that guards physically abused detainees in some detention centers. Overcrowding and a lack of basic medical care continued to be serious problems.

Access to prisons was not restricted
and the government permitted visits by independent human rights observers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Prison and Detention Center Conditions

Prison conditions were poor and severely overcrowded. The prison population of approximately 168 thousand inmates was held in 139 prisons and detention centers designed for 111 thousand prisoners. Sleeping accommodations were insufficient. Medical care was inadequate and communicable diseases were widespread in some prisons. The number of full-time medical professionals increased significantly in 2004. The corrections department employed 17 full-time doctors
309
full-time nurses
and 6 full time dentists. There were also a small number of part-time doctors to supplement the permanent medical staff. Prisoners who are seriously ill now may be transferred to provincial or state hospitals. A 500-bed hospital at Klong Prem Prison opened during the year.

Prison authorities sometimes used solitary confinement of not more than three months to punish difficult male prisoners who consistently violated prison rules or regulations. They also used heavy leg irons to control prisoners who were deemed escape risks and often for prisoners serving life sentences or on death row. There were unconfirmed reports that in some institutions designated prisoners were authorized to discipline other prisoners.

Approximately 23 percent of the total prison population were pretrial detainees
who were not segregated from the general prison population. Men
women
and children often were held together in police station cells pending indictment. During the year the government opened a number of juvenile detention centers
and at year's end separate facilities for juvenile offenders were available in 64 of the country's 76 provinces; but in some regions of the country
juveniles were detained with adults. An additional 12 facilities were scheduled to be opened in 2006.

Conditions in Bangkok's Suan Phlu immigration detention center met minimum international standards; however
conditions in nine provincial detention centers remained poor. Immigration detention facilities were administered by the Immigration Police Bureau
which reported to the Office of the Prime Minister and were not subject to many of the regulations that governed the regular prison system. There were credible reports that guards physically abused detainees in some detention centers. Overcrowding and a lack of basic medical care continued to be serious problems.

Access to prisons was not restricted
and the government permitted visits by independent human rights observers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Prison and Detention Center Conditions

Prison conditions were poor and severely overcrowded. The prison population of approximately 168 thousand inmates was held in 139 prisons and detention centers designed for 111 thousand prisoners. Sleeping accommodations were insufficient. Medical care was inadequate and communicable diseases were widespread in some prisons. The number of full-time medical professionals increased significantly in 2004. The corrections department employed 17 full-time doctors
309
full-time nurses
and 6 full time dentists. There were also a small number of part-time doctors to supplement the permanent medical staff. Prisoners who are seriously ill now may be transferred to provincial or state hospitals. A 500-bed hospital at Klong Prem Prison opened during the year.

Prison authorities sometimes used solitary confinement of not more than three months to punish difficult male prisoners who consistently violated prison rules or regulations. They also used heavy leg irons to control prisoners who were deemed escape risks and often for prisoners serving life sentences or on death row. There were unconfirmed reports that in some institutions designated prisoners were authorized to discipline other prisoners.

Approximately 23 percent of the total prison population were pretrial detainees
who were not segregated from the general prison population. Men
women
and children often were held together in police station cells pending indictment. During the year the government opened a number of juvenile detention centers
and at year's end separate facilities for juvenile offenders were available in 64 of the country's 76 provinces; but in some regions of the country
juveniles were detained with adults. An additional 12 facilities were scheduled to be opened in 2006.

Conditions in Bangkok's Suan Phlu immigration detention center met minimum international standards; however
conditions in nine provincial detention centers remained poor. Immigration detention facilities were administered by the Immigration Police Bureau
which reported to the Office of the Prime Minister and were not subject to many of the regulations that governed the regular prison system. There were credible reports that guards physically abused detainees in some detention centers. Overcrowding and a lack of basic medical care continued to be serious problems.

Access to prisons was not restricted
and the government permitted visits by independent human rights observers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Frequent Flyer programs allow you to earn free trips
upgrades (e.g.
from Coach to First Class) or other awards based on how often you fly on that airline. In some programs you can earn credit by using specified hotels
rental car companies
credit cards
etc. It doesn't cost anything to join a program
and you can enroll in the programs of any number of different airlines.

However
it may not be to your advantage to "put all your eggs in one basket" with one plan by accumulating a high mileage balance only to find out later that another carrier's program suits your needs better. Here are some things to look at when selecting a frequent-flyer program.

* Does the airline fly where you're likely to want to go?

* Are there tie-ins with other carriers
especially those with international routes? Is some of the airline's service provided by commuter-carrier "partners"? In both cases
can you earn credits and use awards on those other airlines?

* How many miles (or trips) are required for particular awards?

* Is there a minimum award per flight (e.g.
you are only flying 200 miles but the airline always awards at least 500)?

* Is there a deadline for using accumulated miles?

* Carefully examine the number and length of any "blackout periods" during which awards cannot be used. On some carriers
the Thanksgiving blackout may last a week.

* If you are planning a big trip and are thinking about joining that airline's frequent-flyer program
enroll before you travel. Airlines usually won't credit mileage that was flown before you became a member.

After you join a program
there are other things that you should know:

* Airlines reserve the right to make changes to their programs
sometimes on short notice. The number of miles required for particular awards might be raised
requiring you to use your old mileage (i.e.
your current balance) under the more restrictive new rules. The airline may cease service on a route that you were particularly interested in-or it may drop the city you live in! The carrier may eliminate attractive frequent-flyer tie-ins with particular airlines or hotel chains.

* Cashing in your mileage frequently will limit your losses in case the carrier changes the rules
merges
or goes out of business. (Some private companies sell insurance covering some of these eventualities.) Accumulating a larger mileage balance will entitle you to bigger awards
however.

* Carriers often limit the number of seats on each flight for which frequent-flyer awards can be used. You may not be able to get reservations on your first- or second-choice dates or flights.

* Awards can often be issued in the name of immediate family members. However
if you sell or give an award to someone not named on the award or the travel document and the airline finds out
the recipient could have his or her ticket confiscated
and the carrier may penalize the program member's account balance.

* Ask the airline how mileage is registered; you will probably have to identify yourself as a program member when you book your flight or when you check in.

* Keep your boarding passes and the passenger coupon of your ticket until you receive a statement from the frequent-flyer program reflecting the correct mileage earnings for that trip. If a problem arises
get the names of the people you speak with and keep notes of your conversations.

Visiting Thailand only requires a passport for visits that are 30 days or less. This pertains to U.S. citizens. Citizens from other countries need to check with their country’s embassy or consular section and see what the rules are.

For Americans
a current passport and a visa are required if you are planning on vacation of more than 30 days. You can pick up the visa at the nearest Thai consulate or embassy. Online forms and information are all over the place making it easy to get current information and prepare better.

The normal requirement is your passport
a filled out visa request form
and two pictures. There is a fee of approximately $50 but you should check and see what the current fees are. If your passport is going to expire within the next six months
you may be required to purchase a new one.

If there is no consulate near your home
you can pick up a visa upon arrival at the airport or visit the immigration office in Bangkok
Pattaya
Phuket
or Chiang Mai. The easiest and recommend way is to get the visa before you go so you don’t have to worry about it when you are in Thailand.

There are other types of visa available for foreigners. You can get a work visa if you are going to be employed in Thailand. Check the rules and regulations for this. There are serious criminal penalties for working in Thailand without a work visa.

If you are planning on retiring in Thailand
you can get a one-year visa. You still have to check in with Thai immigration every 3 months
but the one year visa has been a godsend for most expats. It sure beats making quarterly visa runs to Laos or Cambodia. You have to be at least 50-years old to qualify for this visa. There are also some medical and financial requirements. Check for the latest as it seems that the rules for this visa change annually.

There has also been some mass confusion on some changes that were imposed in 2007 limiting the amount of days that a foreigner could spend in Thailand with visa extensions. Again
check for the latest updates and be prepared for additional changes. Hopefully
the new Prime Minister is favorable to foreigners.

Visiting Thailand can be a wonderful experience and can be enhanced by staying even long than the normal 2-week vacation. For most countries
acquiring a visa for an extended stay is a minor bureaucratic exercise and only requires one form
2
pictures
and a little bit of money. With the cost of fuel and airline fares
I prefer to stay longer than shorter.

Be flexible in your travel plans in order to get the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited to travel on certain days of the week (often Tuesday through Thursday
or Friday night through Sunday morning) or particular hours of the day (e.g.
late-night departures). This applies to each of your flights
not just the first flight in your itinerary. After you get a fare quote
ask the reservations agent if you could save even more by flying a day earlier or later
or by taking a different flight on the same day. Or simply ask the agent what the lowest fare is
and what you need to do to qualify for it.

Discount seats are usually "blacked out" during holiday periods. However
you might be able to get a discount fare if you fly on the holiday itself (e.g.
New Year's Day).

Plan as far ahead as you can. Most airlines set aside only a few seats on many desirable flights at the lower rates. The real best bargains often sell out very quickly. On the other hand
if a particular flight is not selling as well as expected
air carriers sometimes make more discount seats available for a particular flight just before the advance-purchase deadline expires. For example
if the lowest fare has a 21-day advance-purchase requirement but is sold out for most dates
and you can go any time
ask about fare availability on flights 21 or 22 days from when you call.

While planning ahead is a good general rule
if you can bide your time you might encounter a "fare sale." Many airlines put seats on sale for brief periods several times a year (although you usually can purchase tickets for flights weeks or months after the end of the sale period). It is difficult to predict when these sales will occur
although they often fall during times when people are less likely to buy airline tickets (e.g. early autumn or right immediately after New Years).

In a large metropolitan area
the fare could depend on which airport you use. For example
if you are going to Southeast Florida and plan to rent a car
it might not make much difference if you fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale
except for ticket price. Also
a connection (change of planes) or a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop. Always check on alternate airports and routings when pricing a ticket.

Look into all airlines that serve the market you are interested in
including low-cost carriers that offer low fares. Many times the major carriers will match the fares of a low-cost airline between the same cities; but often this will only be for a certain limited number of seats on each flight. On a low-cost carrier
find out what you get for your money: baggage transfers from one carrier to another
meals
advance seat assignments
etc. Note that small airlines sometimes have only one flight per day in many markets
and they frequently will not reroute you on another airline if your flight is canceled or delayed. In such cases you may have to wait until the next day to fly.

Ask about all restrictions on your fare. Typical requirements for discount fares include purchasing a round-trip ticket
buying the ticket a certain number of days before departure (e.g.
for many fares
at least 14 or 21 days before you leave)
purchasing the ticket within 24 hours of making a reservation
staying over a Saturday night
traveling during a certain time of the year
staying no more than 30 days
and
as discussed below
refund/change restrictions.

Ask about your ability to change or cancel your flight if you need to. Even if you get sick
you cannot assume you will get a refund. In fact
most discount tickets now are non-refundable
but can be applied toward the purchase of other tickets on the same carrier. You must usually pay an administrative charge and any difference between the fares for the old and new flights when you do this.

Consider using a travel agent. Agents usually do not charge a fee (they get a commission from the airline)
and they can tell you about "consolidators" and other sources of discounted seats that are not available directly from the airline. However
consolidator seats can have even more severe restrictions than the airlines' own deep-discount fares
particularly if the flight is delayed or canceled. A few travel agents sometimes have access to special deals with a particular airline (either discounts or extra services). If you are flying to a popular foreign destination
or to Las Vegas or Hawaii
ask the travel agent about Public Charters. These charters sometimes offer lower fares
but again with significant restrictions that are spelled out in an operator/participant contract that you should review carefully.

Ask the travel agent if the city where you live or the city where you are going is an airline "hub." If it is
fares may be higher than for flights to other nearby cities because of reduced competition. Someone who lives at a hub might save money by leaving from another nearby city
even if they end up connecting through the hub to get to their destination.

A number of airlines send e-mail messages every week to receive notification of last-minute fare specials for departures within the next few days. See the airlines' World Wide Web sites for information about these programs
or call their reservations line. (Do not assume that an airline reservation agent or travel agent will be aware of the fares offered to e-mail subscribers.)

Many airlines offer a seniors discount off any fare to travelers over a certain age. In addition
some carriers offer bereavement and emergency illness fares with varying documentation requirements and discounts.

If you are a member of an airline's frequent-flyer program and you are considering buying a promotional or deep-discount fare
ask if that fare will earn frequent-flyer miles.

After you buy your ticket
you may wish to call the airline or travel agent once or twice before departure to confirm your reservations and check the fare. Fares change all the time
and if that same fare goes down before you fly
some airlines will refund the difference. But you have to ask.

When passengers comment on airline service
most airlines do listen. They analyze and keep track of the complaints and compliments they receive and use the information to determine what the public wants and to identify problem areas that need special attention. They also try to resolve individual complaints.

Like other businesses
airlines have a lot of discretion in how they respond to problems. While you do have some rights as a passenger
your demands for compensation will probably be subject to negotiation and the kind of action you get depends in large part on the way you go about complaining. Start with the airline. Before you call or write to DOT or some other agency for help with an air travel problem
you should give the airline a chance to resolve it.

As a rule
airlines have trouble-shooters at the airports (they're usually called Customer Service Representatives) who can take care of many problems on the spot. They can arrange meals and hotel rooms for stranded passengers
write checks for denied boarding compensation
arrange luggage repairs and settle other routine claims or complaints

If you can't resolve the problem at the airport and want to file a complaint
it's best to call or write the airline's consumer office at its corporate headquarters. Take notes at the time the incident occurs and jot down the names of the carrier employees with whom you dealt. Keep all of your travel documents (ticket receipts
baggage check stubs
boarding passes
etc.) as well as receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses that were incurred as a result of the mishandling.

Here are some helpful tips should you choose to write a letter.

* Type the letter and
if at all possible
limit it to one page in length.

* Include your daytime telephone number (with area code).

* No matter how angry you might be
keep your letter businesslike in tone and don't exaggerate what happened. If the complaint sounds very vehement or sarcastic
you might wait a day and then consider rewriting it.

* Describe what happened
and give dates
cities
and flight numbers or flight times.

* Send copies
never the originals
of tickets and receipts or other documents that can back up your claim.

* Include the names of any employees who were rude or made things worse
as well as anyone who might have been especially helpful.

* Don't clutter up your complaint with petty gripes that can obscure what you're really angry about.

* Let the airline know if you've suffered any special inconvenience or monetary losses.

* Say just what you expect the carrier to do to make amends. An airline may offer to settle your claim with a check or some other kind of compensation
possibly free transportation. You might want a written apology from a rude employee or reimbursement for some loss you incurred-but the airline needs to know what you want before it can decide what action to take.

* Be reasonable. If your demands are way out of line
your letter might earn you a polite apology and a place in the airline's crank files.

If you follow these guidelines
the airlines will probably treat your complaint seriously. Your letter will help them to determine what caused your problem
as well as to suggest actions the company can take to keep the same thing from happening to other people.