Protecting your plans when purchasing travel

There's good news for travelers who fear their money may take flight if the airline they've booked tickets on declares bankruptcy. There are practical steps travelers can take to protect their travel plans and their money.

Legally, struggling airlines may declare bankruptcy while continuing flight operations. Here are a few tips for travelers to consider when purchasing travel:

• Use a credit card. When selecting a supplier that might be be in financial trouble, consumers should pay by credit card. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, credit card customers have the right to refuse to pay for charges for services not rendered. Details of the Fair Credit Billing Act can be found at the Federal Trade Commission's Web site.

• Consider insurance. Some travel insurance policies may include supplier default protection. However, vendors that have declared bankruptcy protection are generally excluded.

• Remember Section 145. According to the experts at the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), consumers who have purchased a ticket on an airline that ceases operations may be entitled to standby travel on other airlines.

Section 145 of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act provides that airline passengers holding tickets (paper or electronic) from a bankrupt carrier for a particular route are entitled, at minimum, to transportation on a space-available basis on any airline currently serving that route provided the passenger makes alternate arrangements within 60 days after an airline has suspended operations.

Additionally, the maximum fee that an airline can charge for providing standby transportation should not exceed $50 each way. Unless extended, Section 145 is valid through November 30, 2006.

• File a claim. If an airline defaults and a consumer is unable to take advantage of the Fair Credit Billing Act or Section 145, he should file a claim with the bankruptcy court. The bankruptcy court usually provides filing instructions, including claim forms, within months after a bankruptcy is filed.

ASTA is the world's largest association of travel professionals.

Good things to know about singapore

Singapore is the perfect destination for tourists in search of relaxation, peace and quiet. The diamond-shaped island of Singapore is a magnificent oasis of exotic vegetation, consisting of various magnificent species of plants. The beauty of the botanical gardens and parks found in Singapore is renown all over the world. One of the most treasured Singapore places of interest is the National Orchid Garden, which contains an impressive collection of more than 3000 species of orchids, some of them growing only on this particular island.

Situated in the South-eastern region of the Asian continent, Singapore is a very important center for trade and tourism. Singapore communicates with Malaysia through a set of bridges, while the access to the neighboring islands of the Indonesian archipelago is facilitated by the presence of many ferry ports along the coastal regions, ferry boats providing a quick means of transportation by sea. A major center for tourism, Singapore also has an extended and modern network of airlines, facilitating the tourists’ access on the island by air.

The vast, beautiful beaches found on the island are a major Singapore attraction. The tropical climate of Singapore renders the island the best destination for people in search for a memorable vacation by the beach. The beaches of Singapore are packed with tourists over the entire duration of the year, as the island preserves its warm climate regardless of season. The only impediment for tourists who enjoy sunbathing and swimming is tropical rain, which wets the surface of the island in brief, sporadic showers. However, the good news is that rain predominantly falls in autumn and winter, more rarely showering the island of Singapore during spring and summer.

A very famous Singapore place of interest is the world’s first open zoo, which shelters a wide range of species characteristic to various geographical regions. The zoological garden found in Singapore is a major attraction for tourists, allowing visitors to closely observe the various animal species sheltered by the island. Unlike conventional zoos, the zoological garden in Singapore doesn’t confine animals inside cages. The simulated environments and landscapes themselves separate the species that grow here, while additional man-made barriers prevent visitors from getting too near from the animals.

Apart from these common attractions, the ancient cultural and religious monuments found on the island are also major reasons for you to visit Singapore. Additional Singapore places of interest such as Thian Hock Keng temple, the shrines built in honour of Ma Po Cho - the Mother of the Heavenly Sages and the abundance of other religious monuments and statues render the island of Singapore an appropriate destination for tourists in search for mystical places. Whether you decide to visit Singapore for its sunny beaches, the splendour of its gardens or the intriguing ancient Oriental worship sites found on the island, a vacation in this region of the world is definitely a unique and unforgettable experience!

What happens if you are arrested overseas

When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws, and American officials are limited as to how they can assist you. They cannot, for instance, represent you in legal proceedings or pay your legal fees or other expenses. They can, however, perform a variety of vital services, which include providing a list of attorneys, assisting in contacting your family in the U. S. if you wish it, helping you obtain money from family in the U. S., and monitoring your health and welfare and the conditions under which you are being held.

If you are arrested, immediately ask to speak to a consular officer at the nearest U. S. Embassy or Consulate. Under international agreements, the U. S. Government has a right to provide consular assistance to you upon your request. If your request to speak to your consul is turned down, keep asking—politely, but persistently.

Special warning about drug offenses abroad

Every year, several hundred Americans are arrested abroad on drug charges. Persons caught with illegal drugs in a foreign country are subject to the drug laws of that country, not those of the U. S.; as always, ignorance of the law is no excuse. In many countries, the burden of proof is on the accused to show that he or she is innocent of the charges.

Some Americans take advantage of an offer of an all-expenses-paid vacation abroad in exchange for carrying a small package in the luggage. When, to their surprise, they are caught, the fact that they did not know that there were drugs in that package will not reduce the charges against them.

Every aspect of a drug arrest abroad can be different from U. S. practice. For instance:

* few countries provide a jury trial

* many countries do not permit pre-trial release on bail

* pre-trial detention, often in solitary confinement, can last several months

* prisons may lack even minimal comforts, such as beds, toilets, and washbasins

* diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relatives and friends

* officials may not speak English

* physical abuse, confiscation of property, degrading treatment and extortion are

possible.

* persons convicted may face sentences ranging from fines and jail time, to years of hard labor, and even the death penalty

* penalties for drug possession and for drug trafficking are often the same abroad, so possession of one ounce of marijuana could result in years in a foreign jail

As with any arrest of a U. S. citizen abroad, consular officers perform a variety of services. But, you will basically be on your own. Don’t be stupid. Stay away from drugs.

Paris flower markets flee markets and regular shopping

Another good market for second hand clothing is the Porte de Vanves Flea Market (Blvd. Lefebvre, 14th Arr.).We suggest you contact the tourist offices for any update on markets days and location.

Flower and fruit markets are scattered all over Paris. Montorgueil Market (Rue Montorgueil and Rue Montmartre, 1st) is good for both fresh fruit and pastries also. For organic products, every Saturday mornings we suggest to go on Boulevard des Batignolles.

Some of the city's bakeries and pastry shops are at the Mouffetard Market (Rue Mouffetard, 5th) while the Port Royal Market (Blv. Port-Royal, 5th) has not only food produce, but cheap clothing also.

Throughout June and July Paris holds a yearly International Rose Competition at beautiful Parc de Bagatelle. It definitely is a place to see, where a riot of colours explodes everywhere making the air perfumed and a walk through the park something divine.

If you wish to crown your desire for flowers, blossom and rejuvenation you might consider taking a 40 minute train ride to Giverni and visit Monet’s enchanting house literally floating on a pond of nymphs, lilies, tulips and narcissi.

If you wish to stay in Paris and dedicate an entire day on regular shopping, you can visit some department stores as: Au Printemps (Blv. Haussmann, 64; ph.: +33 01 42 82 50 00) or Le Bon Marchй stores (24, Rue de Sиvres, ph. : +33 01 44 39 80 00) or the Galeries Lafayette (Blv. Haussmann, 40, ph: +33 01 42 823 456) the flagship of Paris retailing with one of the largest stores.

It handles Duty Free purchasing and Tourist Tax Refunds, has a Welcome Desk with interpreters and restaurants. An inexpensive chain of department stores is Tati (76, Av. de Clichy, 17th Arr.). Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. It has other branches around the city.

Very nice places where to rest in your trip are boutique hotels offering colourful rooms, fresh ambience, secret gardens or terraces where to enjoy your breakfast. Many of them are located in central Paris but a little out of the standard circuits as they privilege a more authentic touch and a familiar relationship with their guests.

You may try these ones where prices range from 30-50 euros per person: Cecil hotel, Taylor hotel, Des Artes hotel, Altona hotel, Mon reve Hotel, Bac Saint Germain ( in Latin quarter) or the Hotel du Parc Saint Charles.