Endsleign Travel Insurance Center

We’ve all felt Jack Frost taking a nip at our nose, and facing Jack also means facing the harsh reality that a harsh winter promises, including the toll it’s like to take on our main mode of transportation.

It’s common knowledge that the tempestuous winter months put our vehicles through greater stress and strain, and can often make minor imperfections into major malfunctions. With that said, experts emphasize the importance of getting your car geared up for winter well advance of the plummeting temperatures.

Battery Operation: Since cold weather can be hard on batteries, checking your battery should be a top priority

Tags: safety, travel, wintersafety, travel, winter

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Here are 10 things you ought to try when you’re in Kuching, Sarawak.

1. Taste Kuching’s favourite noodle dish called “kolo mee“. This simple noodle dish with slices of barbecued pork,
a sprinkling of spring onions and a bowl of soup drives Kuchingites (that’s what we call people from Kuching) abroad mad with desire. Available at most coffeeshops and cafes in Kuching. If you can find “kolo mee”, you should also try the spicy Sarawak laksa, another specialty dish of Sarawak.

2. Try “umai“.
“Umai” is the Melanau’s version of the Cantonese ‘yee sang’ (raw fish salad). Imagine a fiesty salad of shallots, raw fish, lime juice and salt.Never leave without giving this dish a try!

3. Take a boat ride to the other side of the Kuching River for 30 sen (or USD 0.10)
The non-motorised boat ride goes across the Kuching River in just under five minutes. It’s a slow and beautiful boat ride across a lovely river. Where to go for this boat ride? Just get to the Kuching Waterfront, the pride of all Kuchingites.

4. Hang loose at the Waterfront.
It’s a hip and happening place to be when the sun sets even if you’re only sipping “teh tarik” which is hot tea with milk. Watch the world go by or observe the boats ply the river.

5. Support the local pepper industry!
Sarawak pepper is world famous so don’t even think of leaving the place without grabbing all sorts of pepper paraphernalia - from pepper sweets to pepper perfume!

6. Bite into a crispy “tebaloi“
This traditional biscuit of the native people of Sarawak is made from another famous Sarawakian export, sago.Sago flour imparts a distinctive taste to this biscuit. It even comes in chocolate flavour, besides the usual traditional recipe.

7. Buy yourself a “pua kumbu“
A pua kumbu is a handwoven cloth used by Iban tribe, inspired by their dreams. The intricate colours and superb workmanship
makes each piece a work of art. Get yourself one if you can afford it.

8. Explore the national parks!
Sarawak is teeming with national parks so go on the adventure of your life. Experience wildlife like you’ve never seen before.
Start with the famous Bako National Park. We assure you it won’t be your last.

9. Take home some lovely pottery!
From rustic jars to pots, from vases to pen holders, there’s nothing like an authentic Sarawakian pottery to remind you of this laidback land, showcasing the best of native culture.

10. Enjoy the Sarawak Cultural Village
The Sarawak Cultural Village is hailed as Asia’s best living museum, showcasing Sarawak’s native peoples, their lifestyle, their homes and their culture. Just 45 minutes by car from the city of Kuching, this village of 14 acres will astound you with the wondrous diversity of people and their culture. If there’s only one place to visit while you’re here, make it the Sarawak Cultural Village.

Krista Goon is a writer and the co-business owner of RedboxStudio.com which helps business owners maximise their website potential through ideas, tips and brainwaves. She also runs SarawakOnline.com, a helpful resource for all things Sarawak.

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Are you ready to tackle a family vacation? These tips might help you to have a more enjoyable experience. I hope you find a few that you can put to use on your next getaway with the little ones.

(1) - Include your family in the planning process. Find out what is important to all family members and try to find a resort that will meet these expectations.

(2) - Let the kids pack a few of their favorite toys in their own small carry on luggage.

(3) - Bring snacks and drinks on the flight, in case the little ones do not like what is offered onboard.

(4) - Have a “meeting place” in case you get separated from each other.

(5) - Let the children take their own photos with disposable cameras, and make a scrapbook when you return home.

(6) - Have a “souvenir allowance”.

(7) - Bring plenty of extra clothes for the little ones. This could cut down on time spent in the laundry room while on vacation.

(8) - Let each child pick a “must see” attraction.

(9) - Consider a little “grown up” alone time. Most resorts and cruises offer child care services.

(10) - Single parents traveling with children may be asked for proof of custody. Be prepared with copies of legal custody papers or even a simple notarized letter from the co-parent.

(11) - Be sure to have your travel documents in an easily accessible carrier. You will be asked to show these documents on several occasions.

(12) - Make photocopies of your itinerary, ID’s and required travel documents.

(13) - Make sure all of your children, including infants have a copy of your itinerary on their person along with the name and phone number of an emergency contact person.

(14) - Should your flight get canceled or if you miss a connecting flight, use your cell phone or a pay phone and call the toll free customer service number for your airline. Often this can save you waiting in line with hundreds of other stranded, stressed out passengers.

(15) - Pack as if you are departing the day before your actual departure date. This will allow for a good nights sleep prior to your actual departure date.

(16) - Make a checklist of needed items and mark them off your list as you go.

(17) - Call the airline to reconfirm your flights on the day of departure to prevent any surprises at the airport.

Make sure you have the required documents for travel. Do not start your vacation with a mad scramble to find the required documents prior to departure. If you are not sure what is required be sure to ask your travel agent or visit the U.S. Department of State site for details.

Planning a family vacation? You can find additional information on choosing the perfect resort and more at our Family Vacation Page.

Jack Reidelberger is co-creator of the online travel website GoAwayTravel.com, a website that specializes in treating your vacation like it’s their own.

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