Tag: travel membership club

Before you think to travel to Paris, Switzerland, Bordeaux or Quebec, you absolutely need to learn basic French phrases. Without these common sentences and words, you will be lost and frustrated.

There are sentences and words that you will use every single day. Let's start to learn them, because life will be extremely hard if you chose to ignore this lesson and travel to a French speaking country.

We will start with the most common words because it's easier, and then, we will learn basic French phrases...

1. Most common words in French (and any other foreign language)

Note: I will write the English word first, and then, translate it in French.

1 - Yes = Oui
2 - No = Non
3 – Ok = D'accord (Note that French say OK as well!)
4 – Why = Pourquoi
5 – Where = Ou
6 – How = Comment
7 – Thanks = Merci
8 – How much = Combien
9 – Hotel = Hotel
10 – Room = Chambre

2. Three Must Know French Phrases

Note: I will write the English word first, and then, translate it in French.

These are four sentences that you will use every single day.

1 - Good Morning! How are you? = Bonjour! Comment allez – vous?

2 - I'm fine thank you = Je vais bien, merci.

3 – Do you speak French? = Parlez-vous Français?

4 – Where are you from? = De quel pays venez vous?

As you can see, these French words and sentences are essential if you want to travel to France or any other French speaking country. No need to say that you will not be able to live in France without those...

To learn basic French phrases with a French native speaker is your best option. However, there is no harm to learn with a Canadian or even a English native if he is fluent.

Learning from home is another option, and after all, you can quickly learn these essential sentences before you decide to travel to Paris!

The J.P. Chase and Company provides tons of options to the people at large, thus enabling them to properly manage their money matters. The same can be said about the Chase credit cards, which come with very lucrative and beneficial offers. One of them is the Chase Travel Plus Platinum Visa Card, which is truly beneficial for those who are frequent travelers.

The Various Aspects of the Credit Card

The introductory annual percentage rate of this card is 0 percent; this rate is applicable on balance transfers or new purchase for the first twelve months. Once the introductory period expires, the annual percentage rate increase to 14.24 percent. The variable annual percentage rates depend on the prime rate.

If you pay your balance full each month then you are sure to reap great benefits. If, however, you plan to carry balances, you will invite unnecessary finance charges (due to the ‘Two Cycles Average Daily Balance’ method used to calculate the finance charges).

The card charges no fees. You are not required to pay anything towards annual fee; there is nothing as participation fee, reload fee, application fee and/or inactive fee. The rewards for this card are in the form of miles.

The Credit Card Rewards

The Chase Travel Plus Platinum Visa Card is very apt for those who are interested in travel reward credit cards. If you are a credit savvy and credit worthy consumer, then this card is worth your needs.

The reward program for this credit card is very interesting. You will have to pay $29 to be inducted into the rewards program. There is the chance of earning one mile for every single dollar spent on the purchases. You can also use your accumulated miles towards hotel charges, car rentals, cruises and many more. The reward program enables you to save for 250 airlines.

The various platinum services of this card incorporate auto rental insurance, travel accident insurance, travel and emergency services and many more. You can also make transactions with your account from anywhere in the world through the Internet.

The other services of the platinum card include emergency card replacement, emergency cash replacement, lost and stolen card reporting and many more. The cardholders also get purchase protection and they will not be liable for unauthorized card transactions.

Therefore, if you love to travel, then you should start using the Chase Travel Plus Platinum Visa Card, which will enable you to save miles for your next vacation. Before you do so, go through the card limitations and restrictions.

We all know the temptations of traveling… grabbing a slice of pizza while running to your gate at the airport, an elaborate steak dinner with a client, and being so tired at day’s end that all you want to do is fall into bed. Traveling can often create havoc on regular exercise and golf conditioning. Fitness and good nutrition while on the road can help keep you on top of your game. With a bit of planning and creative strategy you can help keep your body ready to hit the golf course.

First thoughts about travel, exercise and maintaining good nutrition can be negative for many. Some will think, I don’t have the equipment I usually have, my meals will all be eating out or fast food. Instead of giving up on preparing your body for golf, consider ways to maintain a good portion of your normal fitness and health routine. You’ll be surprised at just how much you can accomplish. Here’s a few tips to help:

• As you plan your trip be sure to define your fitness goals while you travel. Keep them specific, measurable, realistic and timely. Consider the constraints you’ll have by your travel schedule and logistics.

• When booking your flights and hotel call ahead or check the internet to find details about exercise facilities. If no facility is available, plan alternate activities like an in-room workout.

• As you pack be sure to include workout gear as space allows.

• If your travel involves time-based appointment, schedule appointment with yourself for your workout. Treat this appointment just as you would any other meeting.

You’ll be surprised at just how much you can accomplish even in your hotel room. Stretches, and some exercises are easily performed as no equipment is necessary. With fitness awareness soaring, many hotels have first-rate fitness centers with a full variety of equipment and their own fitness staff. For most travelers, the best way to fit exercise into their day is by simply setting the alarm a bit earlier to accommodate time for conditioning. This helps to leave the remainder of the day free for your other scheduled activities.

While exercising regularly is important for your health and golf game, so is how you eat. It is so easy to get off course when you are not at home. Try to pack snacks for the trip and an extra water bottle. Travel can place stress on the body and zap you of your energy. Snack and meal replacement bars are handy for travelers with hectic schedules. While bars are no substitute for real food (i.e., fresh vegetables, fruit, and protein), they’re a certainly a step in the right direction from burgers and fries. As you choose your bars read the label to check calorie, fat, carbohydrate and protein content. All bars are not equal.

With a little planning and determination, continued conditioning during your travel can keep your body ready for the golf course.

For many, one of the worst things that can happen while traveling is having your belongings lost or stolen. Trying to maintain a security-conscious mindset is one of the most effective ways to minimize potential risks. Following some common steps, and training yourself to carry them out instinctively will help keep your travels free of the expense and hassle of replacing missing items.

First and foremost, your belongings are only as secure as you are willing to keep them. If you are careless, or don't follow all the reasonable steps you should, a certain amount of risk creeps in. Nothing you can do will 100% guarantee any item is secure. Keep this in mind when packing for the trip. Consider whether you can afford to lose any item you pack, both financially and emotionally. Think about what can easily be bought at your destination so that you can leave more behind. Before you leave, look into an appropriate amount of insurance. If you are traveling to a foreign country, especially one that is known for pickpockets and theft, get as much insurance as you can afford. It is worth the relief when something goes wrong. Make several copies of anything that has information on it, like a passport or a vaccination certificate. Leave a copy at home and distribute several copies amongst your luggage.

During your travels you need to constantly be aware of yourself and your possessions. Don't let your bags go out of sight unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Try and minimize the time you spend physically carrying your luggage around with you. If you are encumbered with a heavy suitcase, you are less likely to give pursuit if someone snatches your wallet or purse, so make sure these items are very close to you and, if possible, hidden out of sight. Make sure you always check any seats you have used for anything you may have dropped or forgotten. Though this advice sounds obvious, maintaining an automatic awareness of your personal security is something that has to be practiced over time until it becomes almost subconscious.

You are at your most vulnerable when out in crowded places. Sizeable amounts of money, passports, or any other valuables should be kept underneath your clothing in a money belt or some other zippered pouch that isn't your main pocket. Any money you think you'll need during the day should be kept in a separate front pocket. You can top this up in private places to hide your money belt from view. If you are going to be carrying any bags with you, try and 'slashproof' them by running wire or mesh through the places that would likely be cut. Additionally, the less you show off in public the less likely you are to be a target, so keep electronics, expensive-looking bags, and bulky items hidden as much as possible. Consider getting a scuffed-up rucksack specifically for city travel. Remember, anything that makes you stand out as a tourist marks you as a target for thieves.

Practice these steps in the weeks leading up to your trip so that they become more automatic. As always, good preparation and good advice are the cornerstones to any enjoyable travel experience. There are many more extensive guides on security and safety abroad on the web, and more information can be obtained from the tourist board of your destination.