Points of Interest in Chicago

Chicago is a beautiful city, with lots of things to see and do. Make the most of your trip thereby checking out the most popular sites.If you are planning a visit to Chicago, make sure you see the best city has to offer before you head back home. Chicago is truly beautiful and full of interesting cultural attractions you can?t miss. From fantastic architecture to awesome museums to the best food in the Midwest to the shores of Lake Michigan, there is something that everyone will love. Be sure to plan out your trip before you get to the city, though, because seeing things that are close together on the same day can make everything easier for you, as travel between points in the city can be cumbersome, especially during peak travel times.

Architecture

Chicago is home to some of the most fascinating architecture in the country. One of the oldest buildings in the city is the Water Tower, which was built in 1869. It is one of the structures to survive the Chicago Fire in 1871. It is a fascinating building to see, and houses a theater and is nearby the Water Tower Place, which has great shopping. Another stop along the architecture tour of Chicago must be the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. Go to the top and walk out on the clear walkway to take a look straight down on the city. Another great building to visit is the John Hancock Building. If you have the time, be sure to have dinner or a fabulous cocktail in the Signature Room on the 95th floor. Not only is the food great, but the views are breathtaking, too.

Boat Tours

If architecture is your thing, Wendella Boats offers a great architecture tour of Chicago. You can see some of the beautiful buildings from the Chicago River, which is a side of the buildings you don?t usually get to see. There are several other boat tours that are just as great, too, and many will even take you from the river out to Lake Michigan where you can see the Chicago skyline at any time of day. These tours are great ways to gain knowledge of this spectacular city, and it?s also a fun way to rest your legs between walking trips.

Famous Pizza

You cannot come to Chicago without trying some famous, deep-dish pizza. There are many places to get this delicious, thick pizza, but three stores stand out from the rest. Gino?s East, Giordano?s, and Lou Malnati?s are the best places to get authentic, Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza. Try it with all the toppings or just cheese, but be sure you try it at some point. Many people think that much pizza and cheese seems disgusting, but don?t knock it till you try it. You might find a new favorite way of eating this Italian classic.

Museums

Chicago boasts some of the best museums in the nation, and many of them are very close to each other on the Museum Campus along Lake Shore Drive. You can begin your museum tour at the Field Museum of Natural History where you can see dinosaur fossils and artifacts from Ancient Egypt. Then, you can move down the street to the Adler Planetarium to discover more about our universe, planets, and stars. After that, check out the Shedd Aquarium with its awesome sea life and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Drive a little bit south on Lake Shore Drive to find the Museum of Science and Industry, where you can explore more modern innovations like planes, trains, and automobiles.

Other Landmarks

While in the city, don?t miss other landmarks like Buckingham Fountain, Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, and US Cellular Field. These are among the best places to go to get a true taste of Chicago.

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Pros and Cons of Voluntourism

Going on a vacation to places we have heard of, but never visited, is something most people love to do. But what if your conscience decided to go on an altruistic trip, while your heart is longing for a much-needed tour trip? Well, you could please both by being a 'voluntourist'!White sandy beaches, gondola rides in the moonlight and trekking are some of the exciting items on the 'things to do' list of a travel lover or even someone who just wants a break from their mundane, often stressful, lives. But if the rising trends in tourism are to be believed, villages in developing countries and places which have been adversely affected by natural disasters are the newly frequented 'tourist spots,' for those with an inclination towards doing good during holidays.

What is Voluntourism

Voluntourism or Volunteer Tourism is about killing two birds with one stone - traveling and volunteering. You get to visit new places, meet new people, learn new cultures and experience new things along with making a difference in the place you visit and in the lives of the people you meet. Voluntours are made to place where there is a need, and voluntourists are people who are willing to spend their hard-earned money, vacation time and energy to meet those needs. Often, people choose voluntourism to use their skills for a worthy cause rather than the usual monetary gain.

Voluntourism gives you an opportunity to explore another side of the world you live in. One tour as a volunteer among people with struggles far greater than yours, has the power to permanently change your perspective on life. According to recent statistics, voluntourism is the new rage in the tourism industry. The Travel Association of America has been following this trend since 2005 and has only seen an increase in its popularity.

Voluntourism Pros and Cons

Though voluntourism trips have garnered a lot of attention, not all of it is focused on the bright side. While some consider voluntouring a blessing, others consider it a curse in disguise. The reasons behind this difference in opinion are not very hard to see. Voluntourism pros and cons can be seen on two aspects - one from the individual point of view and the other from the local community's point of view.

Pros of Voluntourism

Individual Benefits of Voluntourism Gets to volunteer and travelGains an insight into 'another world' and gets a break from the ordinary, regular lifeGets to learn from placements and experience new thingsGets an opportunity to use skills for sustained servicesEye-opening experience related to third world development, progress and living conditionsSatisfaction of making a difference in lives and fulfills altruistic desiresFinds a new zeal and purpose for lifeInspired for long-term volunteering and creates advocates or donors for a worthy causeHealth benefits - alleviates depression, different cures and treatments are acquired (according to Corporation for National and Community Service report)Community Benefits of Voluntourism Many types of productive services are received.There is an increase in tourist income.There is an influx of special and expert skills.Cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect are promoted.People get glimpses of better living conditions and touchstone for their own development.Sustainable tourism is encouraged.Social and physical conditions are improved.Immediate concerns are addressed.Local Government and Administration are pressed to act.Cons of Voluntourism

Individual Harms of Voluntourism Less of leisure and more of workIneffective use of skills (because of rash decisions or faulty attitude)Dissatisfaction with personal role (due to wrong choice of project or high expectations)Exploitation by fraudulent voluntour agents and organizationsFalse sense of self-importance as a result of ego polishingDisillusionment with life and increased cynicism after witnessing the dark side of lifeBad experiences that give rise to pessimism and distrustCommunity Harms of Voluntourism Poor screening of voluntourists leads to reduced effectiveness and opens avenues for harmful activities.Short-term development, dependent solely on voluntourist, gives rise to 'new colonists'.It highlights the differences and hence, widens the rift between the developed and the developing communities.Creates 'market of orphans' in case of orphanage projects (some organizations hire 'orphans' from their parents to invite donors.).It hinders self-development.Ill-considered projects have less or no usefulness.There is adverse effect on local employment and markets.As can be seen, voluntourism can be as harmful as it is useful, if the voluntours and voluntourists are not well-organized with well-targeted projects. That's why, a lot of thought should be put into decisions of becoming a voluntourist and choosing a voluntourism project. One effective way of doing this, is by bearing in mind, the voluntourism harms and benefits.

Voluntourism Trips or 'Voluntours'

A voluntour is a great option for those who want to do something more useful than getting sun-burned on a Greek island. But in order to increase the effectiveness and benefits, while reducing the ill-effects and harms of your voluntour, you will have to make a fair amount of preparation for it.

Personal Preparations for a Voluntour

Purpose: The first stage of going on a voluntour is knowing your reason or purpose of being a voluntourist and then finding a voluntour that will meet your purpose. There are many number of reasons why people want to leave leisure and luxury of normal tour trips, and join a volunteer tour which requires them to give mostly more than what they will receive. These reasons can be generalized into few categories: PhilanthropyAdventureHands-on Experience in International AidFind Purpose in LifeSelf-explorationBreak from RoutineFill the Gap YearCareer EnhancementDepending on your purpose and your idea of how you think it will be satisfactorily met, you could choose a voluntour or a normal tour. It is also this purpose that determines how good a voluntourist you will be. Deciding to be voluntourist just because you have nothing better to do or you want to make your CV look better is not a good enough reason. You will not be able to give fully if you have self-interest as a priority. Keep in mind that the place you would be going to, is where real people with real needs and real emotions live. Your services are going to impact not only their present, but possibly even their future.

Budget: How much do you want to spend on the voluntour? Like for any other thing, you could choose to voluntour on a small budget or be willing to spend huge bucks. Out of this, decide on a specific amount for things. Travel expenditureAmount you want to spend on yourself (accommodation, food and shopping)Amount for the project (donation or funds for required materials)Spare amount for emergencyTime Division: This includes only two things: Percentage of time for touringVolunteeringYour Role: To be an effective voluntourist, you need to decide your role in the volunteering project. Ask yourself these questions: Which of my skills do I want to use for voluntouring?What kind of project do I want to be involved with? (medical, building, orphanage, etc.)How deep do I want to get involved in a given project?Will I be okay working under another person (maybe a less qualified local) or do I want to be the leader?Do I want the project I choose to be completed before my departure, or is it okay if it was continued by others?Choosing a Voluntour

Once you have found your reason, hunt for genuine voluntours, whom you think will meet your criteria. A thorough research on the organization and its project is a must. Get in contact with people who have gone on voluntours before. A good voluntour organizer will be more interested in meeting the needs of the community they will work for, than meeting the superfluous demands of the volunteers. Your services as a volunteer should be beneficial, not harmful, for the local people. It is best to make a list of things you would want to do on a voluntour and the impact you want the project to have on the community there. Your list of criteria for voluntours could be something like the one given below.

Project Requirements for a Voluntour AffiliationsDetails of previous voluntours and projectsProject type (medical, educational, building etc)Approvals from concerned authorityReasons behind the choice of project (Were the local people consulted? Is it really needed?)Ethical legitimacy of the project (Does it respect the customs and beliefs of the local community? Will it have positive influence in the lives of those involved?)Local involvement (For a lasting impact, a project should be locally led.)Sourcing of skills and material (Will material and skills available locally be used or ignored?)Time period (Is the project short-term or long-term?)Impact on the community (include both positive and negative points)Personal Requirement Budget (Ask for detailed cost split up)Refund in case of cancellationMeans of communication (how will you be able to contact back home?)Safety MeasuresYour role in the projectIn addition to these, you need to include other things like identification proof, travel insurance, medical necessities (e.g., appropriate vaccinations and allergy treatment) in your itinerary. For choices of places for voluntourism, there are many agents and organizations which offer voluntours to various countries, mostly to countries that are developing or underdeveloped (e.g., Haiti, Cambodia, Thailand etc.). Two very famous and recognized websites on voluntourism trips are 'voluntourism.com' and 'voluntourism.org'.

Having an open mind, learner's attitude, and a team spirit will go a long way in making you an effective voluntourist. Voluntours that are carefully chosen and rightly executed, gift a lifetime of happy memories and friendships to everyone who is involved - the organizers, voluntourists and the local community.

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Booking Tickets Online or Through a Travel Agent - Which is Better?

As the vacation season approaches, you will notice a maddening rush for booking family vacations. It is quite natural for one to search for a value for money travel deal that offers maximum excitement and luxury. Travel agents and online booking sites are prominent contenders that offer the best deals to travelers. My article will help you choose the right option for making bookings for your vacation.

With a whopping growth in the use of the Internet in the last decade, we have seen a gradual transition in methods used for customer service, from the traditional to booking online. In line with this trend, the tourism industry is gradually expanding in the form of online travel booking facilities too. I have listed below some pros and cons of booking through a travel agent as well as online travel websites. Hope this helps you to choose the right option.

Booking Online Vs. Travel Agents

Online Booking
With the advent of the Internet, a customer's approach to the travel industry has undergone a drastic change. With help of facilities like online payment services, all bookings can now be done at the click of a button right in the comfort of one's home.

Pros
? Customers just need to hint their travel destination onto a search engine and a dizzying list of online travel booking sites and hotel websites will start showing up on the screen. Each site is designed in a user-friendly manner which helps customers browse and choose the best possible holiday deal. If that is not enough, customers can now choose their airplane seats and take a virtual tour of their hotel room even before they have paid for their trip. Online bookings can surely woo their customers by adding a visual factor to their booking techniques.

? Online booking facilities are available around the clock and help customers to plan a holiday or book an emergency rail or airline ticket at any time and from any place. Once the booking is done, there is a prompt issuance of an invoice, itinerary and e-tickets to the customer as an assurance of the booking. Frequent business fliers have found these facilities extremely useful as they can plan their business trips from remote locations too.

? Online bookings provide a wider exposure to customers with reference to travel destinations, customer referrals, sight-seeing activities and so on. This means that customers looking for online bookings can easily book their holidays at some virgin coasts and other less explored locations around the world. Since these online sites are browsed by customers from around the world, there is a wider scope for reading comments and suggestions posted by previous travelers.

Cons
? Every technology has its disadvantages and so does online bookings. While the Internet offers good reviews and comments of some supposed previous travelers, there is no guarantee that the names and positive comments are authentic. The travel agent on the other hand, tends to make a suggestion based on his personal experience and quotes by his previous customers.

? With a huge scale of frauds and Internet crimes taking place, online booking sites are not far behind. There are several well-designed sites that offer to do online bookings for their customers. They offer fake reviews and holiday discounts to lure customers. There is a high chance of innocent customers booking a holiday or an airplane ticket through these sites. These sites generally issue fake itineraries and tickets after the payment is made. Preference for online bookings demands that customers stay alert and ensure authenticity of the online booking sites before proceeding with any transaction.

? Online booking sites are designed to make the customers feel that they have got the cheapest travel deal on offer. However, the grim reality is that the commission, taxes and hidden charges on online booking sites are way higher than traditional travel agents.

Travel Agents
These refer to the traditional traveling and ticketing agents who guide the customer to plan their holidays and business trips in return for a fixed commission. If you plan to book a trip through a travel agent, make sure to confirm that he possesses any of the following certifications - IATA, UFTAA, ASTA, USTOA, or TAP.

Pros
? Someone has rightly said that travel agents act like their customer's advocate or representative when dealing with bookings in the travel industry. It is often seen that travel agents suggest a particular hotel or airline to their new customers based on traveling industry reports or upon feedback of their previous customers. In all, there is a personal assurance of quality of services to the customers from a travel agent. In case of any deflection from the expected service standards, the travel agent works as an advocate to get a suitable compensation and reimbursement for his customers.

? There is a sense of personalized touch when dealing with a travel agent. Most customers have only a faint idea about ideal holiday destinations. Travel agents then try to understand the customers' needs. With the aid of their experience in the travel industry, they can guide their customers and draw up customized itineraries for their clients. A travel agent may recommend his customers to plan a holiday at a place depending upon a favorable season at that tourist destination.

? Travel agents are very helpful when you're trying to add a variety of components to your trip. e.g. airline booking, local sight-seeing, airport transfers, hotel bookings etc. Most travel agents are in constant touch with airline companies and hotels, and this tie-up can help improve chances of getting a mass scale booking even on short notice.

Cons
? The choice of airlines, hotels, and destination services such as cab services or restaurant choices can be limited as travel agents tend to have tie-ups with a limited number of service providers. There are many regular travelers who feel that travel agents tend to suggest commonly tried hotels and resorts rather than exploring and providing diverse options to their customers.

? There are several customers around the world who feel that suggestions of travel agents are based on commissions and profitability. It is common for a travel agent to press his customer into opting for a hotel booking from which the agent is likely to get a higher commission both from the hotel as well as the customer.

? Travel agencies are manually run by people. Except for bookings which get done on the internet, most of the other work is done verbally. Therefore, this profession can never be guaranteed to be error free.

I suggest all my readers to hire services of a reputed travel agent when planning a long and expensive holiday. Personally, I strike a golden balance by using the online booking sites to browse for some really attractive destinations and best rated hotels. I even use some reputed online sites to make my rail and flight bookings and ask my travel agent to make arrangements for local sight-seeing. I make sure to choose a hotel or resort after a careful discussion with my travel agent. This way, I use both options to my best possible benefit.

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Fun and Interesting Things to Do in New Zealand

A TV commercial that aired the other day about New Zealand tourism said, "you not only celebrate in New Zealand, but it celebrates YOU too." With such a wonderful tag-line, I decided my next holiday destination; and New Zealand it was! Read the article to know more about the fun and interesting things you can do in New Zealand.New Zealand is known for its fun adventure tourism and has a strong mountaineering tradition. It is just too good to be true. And If you think I am exaggerating the whole thing; well, you have to be there to experience the ultimate high. So, if you are looking for an adventurous yet relaxing trip, New Zealand is the place. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful climate, watch the playful waves and immerse into thrilling experiences like bungee jumping, skiing, and kayaking that this country offers you. Whichever city you choose to halt in, make sure you hire a Harley Davidson to explore the city's major sites. Highest of safety measures are ensured while you hire these bikes, in fact if required a specialized chauffeur is sent along for a fully guided tour. And riding on a Harley Davidson gives you plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and capture the many panoramic views of the city. This is just the beginning, this Buzzle article will take you through the many fun and interesting things to do in New Zealand, in detail. So, get ready while I take you through a mini trip to this beautiful country of New Zealand. Things to Do in New Zealand
New Zealand is called a diver's paradise and there is nothing denying this fact. With 15,000 kilometers of coastline, clean waters and a diverse underwater landscape, you cannot help but immerse yourself in these clear waters. Don't forget to carry your diver's certificate card along. And if you are new to diving; you don't have to worry at all, a certification in scuba diving is readily available with the diving tours and they also help you find the safest place for your first dive! Poor Knights Islands off the east coast of the North Island, is an excellent spot for diving. The rich marine life and amazing photographic opportunities here make this place one of the top dive sites in the world.They say that before man invaded the lands of New Zealand, it was dominated by a bird population quite different than you see elsewhere in the world. There are around 14 national parks throughout New Zealand to explore. Amongst the many, Tongariro National Park located in the central North Island and Fiordland National Park in the South Island of New Zealand are considered world heritage sites. You can visit any of these close to your place of stay. You are sure to see the most dramatic and beautiful species of animals and birds here. New Zealand is every skier's paradise. There is no other place on earth more captivating than the breathtaking scenery and mountains of fresh virgin snow. Wow! In the North Island there are two commercial skiing fields namely Turoa and Whakapapa; whereas the South Island has many fields to choose from. You don't have to be an advanced skier to explore the snow clad mountains, all you have to do is hire the skiing gear, don it and just enjoy the whole experience. There are skiing tours to help you out with your initial skiing lessons! Here is something that will keep the adrenalin rush rising. Well, New Zealand is the home of bungee jumping. All around the country you can leap from bridges, climbs, edge of cliffs, and stadium roofs. However, I recommend the highest jump off, the Auckland Harbour bridge, which involves an incredible 134 meter jump, whoa! Without giving bungee a go, you don't really capture the true spirit of New Zealand. So, get going and try the ultimate high.Rotorua is a city in New Zealand, which has the world's most lively fields of geothermal activity. This is not it, book for an organized one day trip to Rotorua to experience the rich Maori tradition. Enjoy the Hangi feast and the traditional Maori performance. Involve yourself in this Maori tradition, which is an integral part of the New Zealanders' culture. You will also hear a few Maori terms and phrases mixed with the English language, you are sure to pick up a few yourself. Allow me to introduce you to one such term, "Kia ora" meaning hello. The natives will certainly be delighted to hear a Maori response from you.The White Island is New Zealand's only active marine volcano and the most easily accessible volcanoes on earth. However, visitors cannot land there without permission; only a few authorized tourist operators have the permission. Hence, you have to book your tour through them; a luxury motor launch takes to this fascinating Island. The roaring steam vents, lush beds of yellow and white sulfur, bubbling pits of mud, and the amazing lake of steaming acid offers some great photographic opportunities. And that's not it, the journey back provides an opportunity to meet the adorable dolphins (frequently encountered in large pods). Of course you get to watch whales, sea birds, and other marine life as well. Did you know, dolphins love to surf in front of a boat, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture them!If you haven't had enough of marine life, here is more to it and you just can't help but be charmed by these little creatures. Watching the world's rarest penguins! New Zealand has three species of penguins; little blue penguins (world's smallest penguin) aka Korora, yellow-eyed penguin aka Hoiho, and the crested penguins. There are plenty of places along the long coastline of New Zealand, which serve as a haven for many of these marine reserves and magnificent mammals.Waitomo is an artful creation of water and time both above and below the ground, making it one of New Zealand's most beautiful natural wonders and a must-see destination. You have to assign an entire day to enjoy this magical world. 30 millions years ago Waitomo lay beneath the sea and today, the spectacular limestone formations and tumbling waterfalls make the destination like no other. Be sure to get a boat ride into the Waitomo glowworm caves and get ready to be amazed about how these tiny creatures (glowworms) illuminate the entire caves! There are a few other activities in this area such as horse riding, farm shows, Black Water rafting and cave rappelling, which visitors can enjoy.
New Zealand is a fantastic place; apart from the fun things mentioned above there's an array of things you can explore. Enjoy the cycling trails, the beautiful churches in the cities, waterfalls, the exotic resorts and at the end of the day don't forget to indulge yourself in a relaxing spa. It truly celebrates you and makes you want to come here again and again for more! So, what are you waiting for? Get going and explore this fascinating country "New Zealand."
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Travel Safety Tips for Tourists Traveling to Guatemala

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America, Guatemala receives a vast number of tourists during the peak travel season. Unfortunately, the country also experiences an increasing crime rate and tourists must be extra careful when traveling. This write up furnishes some travel safety tips if you plan to spend time in Guatemala as a tourist.

Guatemala is a country dotted with forest-clad mountains interspersed with smoky volcanoes, with coastal areas in the south and lowlands in the north. With very heavy rains, the lowlands can get hot and humid, but the highlands are lucky enough to experience a moderately cool climate all through the year. Guatemala is one of the best places to study ancient Mayan civilization, and small towns still observe the Mayan beliefs and rituals. Antigua is arguably the most visited city by tourists. Other places of interest to tourists include Peten, Lake Atitlan, and Tikal ruins. Sadly, the capital, Guatemala City, and Antigua are notorious for being dangerous and full of crime. Travelers commuting on city roads and between cities must remain alert and watch out for thefts and armed robberies carried out on public transport, bus terminals, etc. So for a safe travel and to avoid getting into trouble, follow the tips outlined below.

Travel Safety Tips for Tourists When you are on the move, keep all your important documents (passports, travel, and health insurance papers) safe by depositing them in a safe deposit box available in most hotels. But it is recommended that you carry a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times with you.Do not keep large amounts of money with you. Carry an ATM card which can be used at any of the ATMs found all over the major cities.Traveling at night should be strictly avoided. Call for a cab, never walk alone on the streets after dark. Incidents of tourists being mugged and robbed at night, especially on deserted streets, are commonplace.In the unfortunate event of you falling prey to mugging, it's advisable that you cooperate with the criminals. Raising an alarm and calling for help or resisting and fighting them will land you in deeper trouble. Muggers are often armed with guns and will not hesitate to injure or even kill their victims. Give up whatever they ask for; your safety is far more important than the worth of the valuables you are carrying.Guatemala City is particularly infamous for express kidnappings. Gangs kidnap individuals and release them only after they have been forced to use their debit cards to withdraw a specified sum of money. If travelers do not pay heed to the demands, these gangs do not hesitate to commit murder. To avoid such a nasty incident, never travel or walk alone, especially on lonely roads and highways.Guatemala City is subdivided into zones. Of these, zone 1 in particular is where most criminals operate. Tourists fall prey to thefts and robberies often. It is unsafe also because this area sees a lot of drug dealers who engage in drunken brawls, so it is advisable to steer clear of zone 1.Incidents of carjacking are common on highways leading up to international airports. Travelers are advised against using the highways after dark, especially when going to or coming from the airport. Cars and buses are targeted by assailants wearing police uniforms, who stop the cars and rob the passengers. In case you need to travel to the airport in the evening or night, contact PROATUR, the local agency that provides assistance to tourists. You can call a radio cab, which will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your hotel, or vice versa. Note down the number on the license plate of the vehicle. If the cab does not arrive on time, do not linger outside the airport.Do not display the valuables you have with you, and these include laptops, iPods, jewelry, snazzy cell phones and the latest cameras. It's best to leave laptops and iPods back at the hotel, locked in your bag or deposited in the safety lockers most hotels provide. Even cell phones and cameras can lure criminals, so be very cautious when out on the streets. Carry your bag strapped across your shoulders and keep all money, ATM cards and other things deep inside the pockets, with the bag never out of your sight.Political demonstrations are held regularly on city streets, and can be held without any notice. They can turn hostile for no apparent reason, leading to violent confrontations between the police and the protesters. If you sense a crowd beginning to gather to protest, leave the place before you find yourself becoming a part of a swelling mob. Check the local news daily to keep yourself updated about any security information and road closures, and avoid such areas.Chicken buses, the brightly painted intercity buses often entice travelers who want to take a ride in them. These are old US school buses used by locals to ferry goods and passengers across cities. Do not travel in these buses, however inexpensive they might seem. They are not in good shape and the drivers often drive riskily, and are almost always targeted by armed thieves. Intercity travel by road should be avoided at all costs. Violent criminal activities are carried out on the highways and criminals do not think twice before inflicting bodily harm to tourists.Scams are another way of divesting tourists of their belongings. Unsuspecting tourists are informed by the criminals posing as regular citizens that their car has developed mechanical problems. The tourists are then led to a desolate parking spot and robbed off all their valuables. Other cases involve criminals using advanced technology to place electronic devices outside ATM doors, which prompts users to insert their PIN numbers to open the door. The PIN gets recorded and thieves use it to empty the accounts of tourists. Beware of such deceptive devices placed outside ATMs.Tourists are often tempted to take photographs of the locals, especially children wearing traditional costumes in rural areas. Locals may look upon you with suspicion and think of you as potential child kidnappers. So stay safe and do not click photographs of locals!Though Guatemala City has a liberal environment, smaller towns and rural areas are a lot more conservative. Abide by the local customs. Do not indulge in a public display of affection, and this is true especially in the case of homosexual couples.Pickpockets abound on city roads. They cleverly trick people by accidentally spilling water or other food on them, and then offering to clean it, creating a disturbance to divert attention, ask for time and directions, and nudge you before fleeing with your bag. And it's not just men, women and children can also be pickpockets.If you happen to lose your way, it is safer to go to a nearby store to ask for directions. Try not to appear lost, that would be inviting trouble!If you rent a car to drive around, you should know that most cars do not have automatic transmission. Be informed about the rules and regulations before you take to the wheel. Drivers do not always observe traffic rules, so driving around yourself demands total attention. Mountainous roads are steep and not well maintained, and are prone to landslides. Always keep a road map with you (roads are not well marked) and do not drive at night.Travelers who wish to visit the areas of Peten, the Mayan ruins in Tikal, and Lake Atitlan should contact PROATUR at INGUAT for tourist assistance, and travel in groups for added safety. These tourist agencies provide security escorts to tourists and even aid victims. These areas are patrolled by the police, but it's recommended that travelers stay alert and be a part of a group at all times, and not venture out alone to any remote area.Buy comprehensive medical insurance before traveling to Guatemala. Most major cities like Guatemala City and Antigua have adequate medical care facilities, but the same cannot be said for smaller towns. Hospitals and private clinics may ask if you are covered by insurance before providing treatment. Ensure you receive all travel shots before you set off.Observe hygiene standards while eating the local street food. Do not eat it if you are unsure about the sanitary conditions of the place.Nature-related Safety Concerns Guatemala is a seismically and geologically active country, with frequent, minor earthquakes, and active volcanoes. The most recent eruption of Pacaya volcano caused the airport near Guatemala City to briefly shut down. Monitor the news channels for up-to-date information on volcanic activity. If your itinerary involves climbing an active volcano, contact PROATUR so they can arrange for a professional guide to escort you.The rainy season coincides with the hurricane season in Guatemala, lasting from May to November, and heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. Keep tab on the weather forecast for road closures and avoid traveling on highways in case of heavy rains.Be careful when you swim. The Pacific coast is known for riptides, undertows, and strong currents. Warning signs are inconspicuous on most public beaches and lifeguards may not be present.Even though Guatemala is rife with crime, that does not mean it receives less tourists. A helpful tip would be to learn a few phrases in the local lingo, which can be of immense help when you are out on the roads. Do not go out at night (zona viva in zone 10 is an exception, the poshest neighborhood in Guatemala City teeming with tourists). Like a tourist in any big city, be street smart. Follow the suggestions listed above, stay vigilant at all times, and you can be sure to have a fun-filled vacation in this country! Like This Article? Please Share!

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