http://www.mobal.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:42 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Maybe you think: - It's part of the experience to try and blend in - You're less likely to be obviously targeted as a tourist - You feel you get more respect ...Or do you think: - The local's are going to spot you a mile off anyway, so why bother - You're proud of ... http://www.mobal.com/blog/uncategorized/is-important-to-try-and-not-stand-out-as-a-tourist-even-in-europe/ I had a lot of replies to this, and there was a definite majority opinion... Bad: 18% Good: 77% Right idea, wrong solution: 5% Here's what you fellow Mobal Members had to say... Bad idea: "All the high tech equipment in the world won’t help against stone age tactics." Ron "I think they are silly. The kind ... http://www.mobal.com/blog/uncategorized/new-full-body-x-ray-machines-at-airports-good-or-bad/ 1. Keep your luggage safe in a car Our bags have been stolen twice from inside locked rental cars.  Now we travel with a bicycle cable and lock.  If we absolutely must leave our suitcases in the car, I hook them together by the handles and attach the whole thing ... http://www.mobal.com/blog/uncategorized/mobal-members-travel-tips-for-march/ 1. Take photos of what you pack "In order to provide any reimbursement for a lost suitcase, most airlines and insurance companies require an itemized list of exactly what was inside it. Unfortunately, remembering everything you packed after the fact is virtually impossible. To avoid the headache, take pictures of the ... http://www.mobal.com/blog/uncategorized/februarys-must-know-travel-tips/ Below are the countries where your fellow Mobal Members claim they've experienced the most hassle as tourists (in alphabetical order). If you agree, disagree, or have your own tale to tell, leave it as a comment at the end... 1. BAHAMAS Paul B Says: "Freeport Bahamas…….locals driving you nuts with time share offers and ... http://www.mobal.com/blog/uncategorized/18-countries-where-tourists-get-hassled/ Are they a vital improvement to our safety, or just another infringement of our personal freedom... ...what do you think? Leave you answer in the comments box below... http://www.mobal.com/blog/uncategorized/what-do-you-think-of-the-new-airport-security-full-body-x-ray-machines/ Doing business in another country requires more than just a knowledge of the language or a good interpreter. Communication on an international level requires knowledge of basic business etiquette in the country where you are doing business. So before you pick up your international phones and call your business associate ... http://www.mobal.com/blog/information/doing-business-in-other-cultures/ The Globalstar network was developed specifically with the business traveler in mind. They envisioned their customers as people who were working on the fringes of cellular networks, crossing in and out of coverage areas. Therefore they designed a compact tri-band handset that would work on both the cellular AMPS and ... http://www.mobal.com/blog/information/the-globalstar-satellite-phone-network/ Inmarsat, the first mobile satellite system to be conceived, is a great example of how the technology has emerged from a niche market and been made available to all. Originally designed for the maritime industry, they now have over 100,000 registered Mini-M satellite phone terminals that are used across a ... http://www.mobal.com/blog/information/the-inmarsat-satellite-phone-network/ Now remember folks, these are based on personal experience, so don't shoot the messenger... Includes entries from the USA, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Russia, Canada, Spain, Morocco, the Caribbean, Hotel Websites, Airlines and Taxis... USA 1. Fairmont Hotels Worst tourist trap? Fairmont Hotels! Santa Monica and Chicago, too. Premium rates for ... http://www.mobal.com/blog/travel-tips/the-29-tourist-traps-you-must-avoid/