Top 10 activities in Kerala, India’s deep south

Kerala has been a favourite haunt of travellers for nearly 600 years; exhilarating, enchanting and enthralling with its top-notch beauty and culture. Here are our favourite 10 activities that get under the skin of this incredible state.

 

Cruise the backwaters
No trip to Kerala is complete without a languid boat ride on its idyllic backwaters. Lined by emerald coconut plantations and interspersed with turquoise lakes, these placid lagoons are the perfect place to shake off pent-up urban stress. For an extra-special experience, spend the night on board a houseboat, and witness a dreamy sunrise break over the serene bayous at dawn. Houseboats can be chartered through the District Tourism Promotion Councils in Kollam or Alleppey, or a multitude of private operators.

Live it up in Munnar
Green is the colour that swathes the lush mountain slopes of Munnar, Kerala’s answer to the fabled hill stations of north India. The crisp air and clement weather in this scenic hill town are perfectly engineered to give you the most restful experience possible. Order a steaming cup of tea from a nearby plantation to go with the breathtaking views.

Photograph Kochi’s fishing nets
Top among Kerala’s iconic photo opportunities are the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets – dating back to the 1400s – that line the harbour at Kochi. Crafted out of teakwood beams and resembling giant alien arachnids poised to sting, they form unreal silhouettes against the seascape and provide some dramatic camera fodder, especially at dusk.

Get beached in Varkala
You will wish you were an Alex Garland character the moment you set foot in picturesque Varkala. Perched on a precipitous cliff and overlooking the sapphire waters of the Arabian Sea, this beachy paradise boasts some dazzling and pristine sands to relax on.

Embrace Ayurveda
Centuries of Indian therapeutic wisdom and practices, perfected to soothe the body, mind and soul, can now be accessed at the many ayurvedic spas across the state. Feel your senses come alive with an invigorating panchakarma session, or pamper those knotty sinews with a revitalising aromatherapy or herbal massage. Try the Kannur Ayurvedic Centre, a small, government-certified, family-run clinic in Kalpetta.

 

Watch a Kathakali show
If you thought Kabuki was spectacular, think again. Kathakali, Kerala’s very own classical dance tradition dating back to the 17th Century, is a highly-celebrated performance art known for its colourful make-up, elaborate costumes and graceful movements, not to mention the trance-inducing music that accompanies each spirited performance. If you are inspired to give it a go, head to the Margi Kathakali School for courses in kathakali and kootiattam (traditional Sanskrit drama) for beginner and advanced students.

Know your spices
You will find a huge range of spices in this state, such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, mace, fennel, turmeric, cumin, coriander, aniseed, tamarind, allspice, saffron, poppy and mustard. Ambush your senses at the spice markets of Mattancherry in Kochi, and pack an extra bag for the inevitable shopping.

Meet Periyar’s tigers
Some 50 of India’s fabled Royal Bengal tigers can still be found in the virgin forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve in inland Kerala. Keeping them company are elephants, leopards, Indian bison and myriad species of snakes, deer and monkeys. Head out for a wild day with the beasts.

 

Learn your Kalarippayat moves
The basics of this acrobatic and flamboyant 12th-century martial art are based on the science of attacking pressure points in the human body, Kalarippayat is known to be the fount of other revered martial arts such as kung fu and karate. If you want to see real professionals have a go at it, it is best to travel out to Ens Kalari, a renowned Kalarippayat learning centre eight kilometres southeast of Ernakulam.

Get a taste for Malabar
Fiery pothu (beef), fluffy appams (rice hoppers), aviyal (vegetables in aromatic coconut gravy), fish molee (spicy yellow curry) and payasam (semolina in caramelised milk) -- these are just a few of the delectable dishes that emerge from Kerala’s kitchens day after day. Pair a platter with a glass of the locally-tapped and deliciously refreshing toddy (coconut palm wine). Try Suprabhatham in Kovalam or Sreepadman in Varkala for cheap and truly authentic Keralan fare.

For a variety of packages in Kerala please check our website:

God's Own Country Packages 

Text courtesy: BBC Travel

Holiday ideas from Sep-Dec'11

Indonesia:

Brimming with sunshine, culture and golden coastline, Bali is the ultimate destination for a September beach getaway. Ideal for both adventure-seekers and those in need of a spot of relaxation, Bali is teeming with exotic plant life and abundant hiking trails begging for exploration. But arguably its biggest draw is the alluring sandy beaches that extend as far as the eye can see.

Whether it’s the lava-black sand of the eastern coast or the white stretch of coast to the south, Bali’s beaches appeal to wide-ranging tastes. Relieve any lingering tension by sipping a frozen cocktail in the sun or swimming in the warm, crystal-clear waters of this peaceful island in Indonesia.

If you’re hankering for an adventure away from the shore, explore Bali Barat National Park, a mountainous area of natural rainforest, mangrove forest, savannah and coral islands that provides refuge for a plethora of wildlife. Alternatively, hike the rugged path to the summit of Mount Batur where you’ll find spectacular views and bubbling hot springs.

Bali is also rich in culture with diverse art forms, from silversmiths and wood-carving to painting, lively events and traditional dancing. Bali is unquestionably the beach destination with everything to offer.

Kenya

September is a good time to visit Kenya as the region is in the midst of its drier season, the temperatures hover around a comfortable mid-20°s C (60-70° F) and the wildlife activity is at its peak.

A spectacular sanctuary for majestic wildlife such as the black and white rhino, lion, leopard, elephant, and endangered Grevy’s zebra among others, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is the perfect option for the adventurous holidaymaker looking for an action-filled safari. National Parks such as Chyulu Hills, Laikipia and Meru also offer brilliant opportunities to view awe-inspiring flora and fauna. Wildlife viewing is at its peak in September due to the sparseness of vegetation and the animals’ greater dependence on watering holes. What’s more, the famous wildebeest migration also takes place in Kenya during August and September – so don’t forget your camera and look out for a thrilling stampede.

For all inclusive Bali Honeymoon packages & Kenya Safari packages:  

http://www.goworldholidays.com

Vasco, Goa-a place to unwind and enjoy

The Scenic Bogmalo Beach, Vasco

Vasco da Gama is Goa’s largest city, commonly is referred as “Vasco”, located at the mouth of the Zuari River. Vasco da Gama is a planned city with a geometric road network, with two main avenues and smaller connecting perpendicular roads. The Municipal Garden like most in Goa’s big cities is pretty, well maintained and at the heart of the city. Vasco’s garden was built by the Portuguese. The city makes most of its money from the sea port at Mormugao, which exports enormous amounts of manganese ore mined further inland. Over a third of India’s ore exports leave from here.
 

The history of Vasco started in 1543 when Portuguese acquired the area for its strategic location, and within a few years, it was transformed into one of the western India’s busiest ports. Around this time, plans were made to shift the capital city of old Goa, even the Viceroy D Francisco de Tavora was in favor of Vasco becoming the Capital of the Goa State, with this purpose many buildings were constructed as the Viceroy’s Palace, offices and warehouses, but all plans ended abruptly when the court of Lisbon scrapped the plans of making Vasco as the Capital of Goa, before the city well planned became an important city.

Tourist Attractions in Vasco da Gama

The captivating Dudh Sagar Falls during rainy season

The city’s large size is due to its business focus, and it does not have an enormous amount of attractions for tourists. There are a few highlights, though.

Pilot Point : Follow the Mormugao Port Trust Road, which climbs uphill to an open space with benches and a concrete deck. This is Pilot Point, which affords a magnificent view of the core of this port city, bustling Mormugao Harbour. If you visit Pilot Point during the monsoons, watch your step since the floor is mossy.

Mormugao Port : One of India’s few natural harbours, the port’s importance is as an export point for Goa’s premier industry – mining. But the Goa tourism industry is fast catching up with mining. Around 30 cruise ships dock at Mormugao every year. They sail-in in the morning and streat out in the evening. Passengers take a quick tour of Goa’s beaches, churches and temples, or as much as they can pack into a few hours.

Bogmalo Beach :Bogmalo seaside can be a well-liked attraction of Vasco Da Gama and tourists visit this seashore since it is less commercialized than other seashores. The local shacks there supply superb foods and it is possible to attempt out diverse Goan dishes. Here you can try your hand at open h2o diving as the water is very secure for swimming.

Naval Aviation Museum : National Naval Aviation MuseumThis museum is on the road to Bogmalo, adjoining INS Hansa, is the only one of its kind in India and one of a few in Asia. The museum, against the backdrop of the picturesque Bogmalo Beach, has displays of various kinds of aircraft and weapons systems that the Indian naval air arm, which is headquartered in Goa, has operated. A seaman accompanies guests to explain the various exhibits. The armament room houses difference bombs used against surface targets and torpedos that target submarines. The safety equipment room displays complete pilot flying gear, complete with an ejection seat. There are models and rare photographs of the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.

The Archive Hall houses a large model of the Ship INS Viraat. It also showcases rare photographs of the Indian naval aviation’s proudest moment: the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.

Saint Andrews church : The town is also famous for the ancient Saint Andrews church, which is almost 400 years old and is a picturesque monument.

Japanese Garden : Further up the road from Pilot Point, right at the very top of the Mormugao Ridge, is the Japanese Garden, maintained by Mormugao Port Trust. It is home to the ruins of the Fortaleza Santa Catarina. The massive wall of the fort runs through the garden. It commanded a strategic point for defence during colonial times – an uninterrupted view of the mouth of the Zuari River.

Saptah Festival in Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama is famous for the 15-day Saptah at the Damodar Temple, its September festival which is quite possibly the biggest in Goa India. The 105th Saptah was celebrated in 2004.

Saptah begins with a coconut being carried in a procession to the Damodar Temple. Vasco comes alive at night when the parade begins. Each ward sends a tableau and the entire city turns out to witness it.

Where to Eat in Vasco da Gama

The famour pomfret fry-a local delicacy of Goa

Vasco da Gama has a large sprinkling of non-Goan cuisine restaurants.

Annapura Restaurant, is popular for vegetarian food, as is Meghdoot, in Colaco Building on Swatantra Path. Try pao bhaji at the latter.

Lymaur’s is also on Swatantra Path, and serves Goan, Chinese and a few continental dishes. Try anything in fish and chicken. Biryani and fish curry rice are the best bets at Royal Durbar, in Indira Niwas near Madina Masjid.

Don’t miss a meal at Anant Ashram near the Municipal Gardens. They have a huge variety, but the chicken dum biryani and seafood Goan dishes are best. Anant Ashram also has the City Shack garden restaurant, which has live music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Shopping in Vasco da Gama
Vasco has an enormous shopping option. Its specialty lies in the traditional handicrafts as well as designer clothes and accessories.

How Reach Vasco da Gama
By Air: The Dabolim airport is located at a distance of just 4 kilometers from Vasco Da Gama and has flights plying from major metros of India regularly.

By Rail: Vasco Da Gama features a railway station in the southern finish where trains from nearby places in south and central India appear right here on a typical foundation.

By Road: Vasco Da Gama is effectively related by a broad network of roads and this location can be reached quickly by hiring local transport. Inter state buses also ply right here from close by states.

For attractive, value for money packages to Goa, visit us at: http://www.goworldholidays.com

Text cortesy: India Travel Blog

Golden Sands of Goa-Enjoy the Tranquility

 A week or two spent revelling in the languid luxury of Goa’s sunny sosegado, or susegad, two Portuguese colonial-era terms roughly translated as “laid-backness”, should not be missed on any hectic visit to mammoth, fascinating, often impossibly frenetic India.

Though five-star resorts such as the Intercontinental, the Hyatt and the Kempinski have long made their mark on this most diminutive of Indian states (all characterised by top-notch service, opulent surroundings and calm, sand-raked beaches) there is nevertheless much charm to be had in forsaking the mammoth swimming pools and generic - if generous - resort bedrooms, and plumping instead for a stay in one of Goa's most evocative, charismatic, heritage boutique hotels.

North Goa, best known for its package holiday- and party-friendly resorts of Calangute, Baga and Candolim, as well as its flea market at hippyish Anjuna, also offers a whole host of atmospheric delights for those keen to experience a slice of life of an older, more "authentic" Goa. Opt to stay in Siolim, a sleepy, slightly inland village famed for its bevy of palaçios (manor houses) ranged along the banks of the Chapora River. Here you will find Siolim House, an impeccably restored centuries-old home with seven high-ceilinged guest rooms all decked out in Goan antiques, four poster beds and terracotta tiles. Dine in the inner courtyard on fresh snapper or pomfret, avail yourself of an Ayurvedic massage courtesy of the in-house masseur, or take a quick dip in the sparkling garden-side pool.

For something completely different, head up to the northernmost tip of the state, not far from the backpacker haven of Arambol, for a stay at Fort Tiracol, a 17th-century Portuguese fort teetering on the cliffs of the Indian Ocean. Seven rooms, each named after a day of the week, have contemporary furnishings and stunning seaside vistas. After a fiery Goan curry lunch, or a sunset cocktail, served on the fort ramparts, look in on the in-fort chapel, then dip your toes in the shallows across the river at Aswem beach. Alternatively, if barefoot luxury is more the order of the day, arrange a stay at Elsewhere near Mandrem, a collection of three 19th-century Portuguese homes (known as the Priest's House, the Bakery and the Piggery) on a mile or so of privately owned beach, perfect for bobbing about undisturbed with only gulls and ghosts of Portuguese past for company.

In central Goa and the lazy riverside state capital of Panaji (most commonly known as Panjim) stay in secluded nearby splendour at Casa Britona, once a customs warehouse and nowadays a seven-room boutique property set on the banks of the Mandovi River. Rooms here include antique Goan furniture and riverside verandas; the resident chef can whip you up an Indian feast to be eaten al fresco beside the slow-moving Mandovi waters. The historical, architectural treasure-trove of Old Goa, filled with the remnants of a city that once rivalled Rome, are a quick rickshaw or moped ride away.

Further south again, South Goa lays claim to the very best of the state's beaches, a slower pace both of life and of tourism development, and a heady combination of emerald paddy fields, white sands beaches and warm, azure waters. If you are not in the mood for the rustic beach huts at Palolem or the swish Park Hyatt resort further up the coast, opt instead for the beautiful inland Vivenda dos Palhacos. Set in a restored Portuguese-Hindu mansion, the hotel's six bedrooms and separate cottage (endearingly named The Chummery) are ranged around a gorgeous small pool. Dinner here is candlelit, locally sourced and courtesy of a highly proficient Keralan chef - and if you are suitably impressed with the food, you can request cooking lessons the following day.

Finally, to escape from the beach, head into the hinterland to Casa Susegad, a restored Portuguese villa set in the atmospheric, seldom-visited village of Loutolim. Run by a friendly British couple, all five rooms are lovingly restored, meals include ingredients from the hotel's organic garden, and animal-lovers will revel in the presence of half a dozen friendly canines. Laze by the pool, indulge in a long lunch while monkeys cavort in the trees and knock back a coconut feni or two (the local Goan firewater), and you will truly appreciate the meaning of a good Goan susegad.

Starting with 2 nights, we offer various options for a laid-back holiday in Goa. Contact us:

http://www.goworldholidays.com

Text courtesy: bbc.com/travel

TIME MACHINE TRAVEL

Fancy going around the world in 80 days? Or what about a trip down the Silk Route? Retracing famous journeys is an idea that is gripping many travellers 

 

Praveen Jadhav, an advertising professional, took a train journey last year. But it wasn't just any other train that he hopped on to. Jadhav boarded the Venice-Simplon Orient Express that recreates the iconic Paris-Istanbul journey of the original Orient Express once every year. He says the trip — traversing through France, Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey — was just as exotic as he had imagined and worth every penny of the steep price. “In my childhood, I had devoured Agatha Christie’s novels, and “Murder on the Orient Express” was one of my favourites. The charm of travelling in the original carriages from the 1920s and '30s made me imagine that I was a character in a mystery pot-boiler and part of the days when the iconic train used to be a symbol of intrigue and romance,” he says.

Jadhav is not alone. Retracing the paths of famous explorers — and travelling on legendary routes — is a high that a few are determined to experience, whatever that takes. Former army Major HPS Ahluwalia climbed Everest as part of the first Indian expedition to the mountain in 1965. He saw central Asia from the summit of the world’s highest peak and instantly fell in love with it. “I vowed that one day I will explore this region,” he says. However, Ahluwalia was able to make the journey on the Silk Route only 30 years later. By that time he was on a wheelchair as a result of a bullet injury sustained during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. There were a lot of other bottlenecks as well, like organizing funds for the expedition and getting clearances. “It took me seven years just to get the required permissions from the Chinese government,” he recalls.

Purist travellers —who wish to retrace a famous journey almost exactly as it might have happened — often face several hurdles. Nicholas Coleridge, who decided to follow the ‘Around-the-world’ trail of Phileas Fogg, found while contemplating the journey in 1984 that the political map of the world had changed drastically. “Fogg was able to make two-thirds of his journey on British territory. On the other hand, I would pass through 19 countries of which only one, Hong Kong, still has a British governor-general,” he wrote in his book “Around the world in 78 days”. To imitate the journey in a way it resembled the original as closely as possible, Coleridge shunned aeroplanes and proceeded only by rail, steamer, rickshaw, taxi, dhow, elephant and camel. But unlike Fogg, who travelled with his faithful servant Passpertout, Coleridge chose to go solo, saying it would save time and he would hire his “Passpertouts at every port.”

Another solo traveler, Antonio Martinelli, a Paris-based photographer, was so taken up by the drawings of Indian landscapes and monuments done by Englishmen duo of Thomas and William Daniells in the late 18th century that he retraced their steps in modern day India, reproducing through his photographs the same views that had so enchanted the Daniells — and from the same angles. “It was like planning a voyage through space and time,” he says. The Daniells travelled through India for nine years and produced a series of remarkable drawings of landscapes and monuments with the help of an artistic device known as the ‘camera obscura.’

Martinelli took almost two years to find the correct sites and precise locations of each of the Daniells’ views. The trip was an eye-opener, says the photographer. “During my journey, I often thought of how courageous the two artists were to visit and record sites that even today are almost unknown within India, overlooked in most tourist guide books. The contemporary reality, I discovered, was not always that easy.”

Many ardent travellers, however, feel that modern-day conveniences have taken the charm out of retracing epic journeys. “I do not think that the journeys of famous explorers of the past can be truthfully recreated,” says author and explorer Akhil Bakshi. “When Christopher Columbus, Captain Cook, Robert Peary or Roald Amundsen set out on their adventures, they were venturing literally into the unknown. Nowadays, we are armed with detailed maps, guide books, GPS, satphones, weather forecasts, laptops —not to mention the cartons of mineral water.”

That may be true — but it's hardly a deterrent for the die-hard travel buff. “Even though the world may have been pretty much discovered, it’s always a pleasure to have one’s own experiences on famous routes. In fact, each time it can create a sense of awe and be a different experience,” says Mandip Singh Soin of Ibex Expeditions that has organized trips following the footsteps of mountaineer-explorers like Edmund Hillary, Bill Tilman and Eric Shipton as well as the ever-popular Marco Polo.

What finally counts for those who make such journeys are a life-time of cherished memories, sometimes lending themselves to evocative books. Ahluwalia, who recently released his book on his Silk Route expedition, recalls how “each day of the two-month long voyage revealed a new aspect of life. I found out why the Silk Route is called the lifeline of the Orient.”

For Martinelli, retracing the path of the two Daniells was a “process of jubilation and euphoria every time I found the exact point at which the Daniells stopped to locate their perspectives.” In fact, he says, a trifle dramatically, “Sometimes I imagined the two artists standing beside me and watching me doing strange things with a curious little box.”

That’s a tantalizing thought — who knows which other explorers of the past are watching over as modern-day travellers take to the routes made famous by them.

King of explorers

Venetian merchant traveller Marco Polo is believed to have embarked on his journey across Asia in 1271, when he was 17. He was accompanied by his father Niccolo and uncle Matteo. The trio travelled continuously for 24 years. When they returned, Venice was at war with Genoa. Marco Polo was captured by the Genoese and put in prison. He spent his confinement dictating the accounts of his travels and adventures to a cell-mate. The acount, known as “Il Milione” or “The Travels of Marco Polo”, gave Europeans their first insights into the Far East, and established Marco Polo as one of history’s gretest explorer.

Thanks to Times of India

The Fun of Driving To Cameron Highlands-Malaysia

Escape the heat and dust to the cool Cameron Highlands. PART of the joy of holidaying in Cameron Highlands is the journey itself.

 

There are two ways to get there by road. First is the older winding road from the Tapah toll exit of the North-South Expressway. Then, there’s the newer, easier route from the Simpang Pulai toll exit.

Both routes are challenging to take, especially when it rains. You need patience and good driving skills to maneuver your car at some of the sharp corners of the winding roads and to overtake slower vehicles.

Driving along the Tapah road unveils the rolling mountains, deep valleys and the beautiful Lata Iskandar waterfalls. Along the roadside are simple huts where the Orang Asli (indigenous people of Malaysia) sell handicraft and jungle products. The temptation to stop at these stalls is strong, especially for those who can’t resist petai (a local bean) and other jungle vegetables and flowers.

The Simpang Pulai route is less winding and the road is wider with two lanes on one side at some stretches. Vegetable farms dot the landscape, especially near Kampung Raja.

The journey on either routes takes one to two hours, depending on your driving speed and the number of stops you make. The weather in Cameron Highlands is very unpredictable, depending on the month, but the average day temperature is about 33C and at night 22C. For most people who come from other places, it’s time to “show off” their sweaters and leather jackets. But, what a picture of contrast you will make when you see the locals move about in their shorts and singlets! 

Kings of the Mountain

The first town that greets you in Cameron Highlands is Ringlet. It’s the first settlement on the highlands and most visitors usually bypass it. 

After Ringlet, you reach Tanah Rata, Camerons’ biggest town with rows of shop houses along its main road. It has the feel of a resort town with many eateries and shops catering to tourists. 

You’ve to be more alert when you drive further up the highlands. It’s not because the road is more challenging but because your driving skills will be challenged by the “kings of the mountain” – those famous and notorious modified Land Rovers used by the highlanders to get in and out of their farms and other workplaces.

Often, these rugged four-wheelers are overloaded with vegetables and other farm produce. These mean machines seem to appear out of nowhere and you’ve to be deft at your driving so as not to collide with them.

Must Do

For many, a must-do in Camerons is sipping tea and having scones at English-styled inns or tea houses. For a breathtaking view of tea plantations while you sip the golden brew, don’t miss the Bharat Teahouse located between Ringlet and Tanah Rata and the Boh Teahouse in Sungai Palas. While there, you can enter the tea plantations and even pick some tea leaves yourself. 

At vegetable and fruit farms, you get to learn a thing or two about farming. At strawberry farms, you even get to pick your own strawberries. Fresh strawberry jam is an excellent buy.

For dinner, nothing beats having steamboat in the cool night. Ferns Restaurant at Hotel Rosa Passadena serves delightful steamboat at RM25 per person. You get fresh Camerons vegetables to go with pieces of chicken, fish, prawns, meatballs, crabsticks, tofu and other ingredients. Order Strawberry Delight – thick, juicy and yummy strawberry juice to go with your steamboat at Ferns.

You can’t leave Camerons without going to one of its markets. Not only can you get fruits and vegetables but you’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to flowers – both fresh and dried – and also cacti in a multitude of colours.

Look also for Camerons’ homegrown apples at the wet markets. The fresh apples are sweet and juicy and the locals say they are good to cool the body. 

The markets there are so enticing that you can’t help but to buy and buy. But don’t be surprised if some of these items are much cheaper in hypermarkets in Kuala Lumpur! But hey, what’s a trip to Camerons without shopping?

Where To Stay

For accommodation, there are many choices — from five-star to budget. A local chain of hotels offers three types of lodging: Rosa Passadena (three-star); Hotel Rainbow (budget); and Casa dela Rosa (boutique). Both Rosa Passadena and Hotel Rainbow are located in Brinchang town while Casa dela Rosa is in Tanah Rata.

Named after a rose, Rosa Passadena has nicely furnished rooms and penthouse suites. Altogether, there are 120 units. The weekday rate is RM128 nett per room per night (twin sharing) with breakfast. Weekend rates are slightly higher. The hotel arranges sightseeing tours for its guests.

For a memorable holiday in Cameron Highlands, contact us:

http://www.goworldholidays.com

 Story and pictures by ZAHARI ZAKARIA-holidaysinmalaysia.org

Tech tools for surviving travel emergencies

In light of the recent violence in London, Oslo, Marrakesh, Cairo and Acapulco, it’s easy to feel like man-made catastrophes can happen just about anywhere — even places considered relatively safe.

Throw in the natural disasters that have affected Chile (volcano), Australia (floods) and eastern Japan (earthquake and tsunami), and you have even more cause to prepare a basic Plan B in the event your trip goes bad.

In addition to knowing the insider secrets of how airlines operate and having the right type of travel insurance, several high and low tech travel tips will prepare you for many emergencies that arise. Pick and choose the preparedness tips that work for you.

Low-tech
The most obvious response to a crisis is to get to a safe place. Waiting things out at your hotel bar is a wiser option than attempting to, say, photograph the calamity. But if you lose access to your hotel, and in turn, your passport, make sure to have a backup. Before leaving home, scan a copy of your passport (open to the page with key identifying information) and email the scanned image to a webmail account that you can access overseas. This will make it easier to get a new passport and return home.

In the unlikely event that you fall unconscious because you are a victim of a catastrophe, make sure hospital personnel can easily pinpoint your next-of-kin. Paramedics and hospital workers will likely not have the time to fumble through your cell phone and look up your contact information. Using old-fashioned pen, paper and tape, affix your emergency contact information to the back of your photo identification.

People who prefer to be ultra-prepared can create dog tags that list essential information ($3 from Amazon.com). Larger versions of these tags, which also come in bracelet form, can be used to note any allergic reactions or special medical conditions that paramedics would need to know.

Dog Tags

High-tech
If you accidentally stumble into harm's way, you may need to call police or medics. The mobile apps Travel SOS (iPhone, free) and Useful Numbers (Android, free) fetch relevant emergency numbers based on your location.

Spot Connect

Phone service and Internet data connections aren't always available during a crisis. Or sometimes an itinerary takes you beyond the reach of standard communications tools. SPOT Connect ($99), a hand-held satellite GPS device that broadcasts SOS signals, connects with your smart phone via a Bluetooth signal, then transmits the phone calls you make via satellite. The company also sells devices that send out automated SOS signals by satellite without requiring the use of a phone.

Another great way to get information is through a traditional shortwave AM/FM radio. Grundig makes a durable small-sized version, the ETON Mini GM400 Supercompact (recently $30 on Amazon). Remember, as long as you're not injured or in immediate physical danger, chances are that things will work out all right.

AM/FM Radio

 Thanks to: bbc.com/travel