architectural photography

A Degree in Airports

(Frequent Flyer, part 5 of 6. Upon arrival)

Formalities

104 .. If visiting a particular country repeatedly, collect multiple arrival and departure cards, (so that in future, these can be completed in advance prior to boarding)

105 .. If visiting a particular country repeatedly, apply for e-channel (biometric) access, so that on future visits, you can minimise or eliminate the time queuing for manual immigration processing

106 .. For security (especially for solo businesswomen or in high-risk airports) instruct hotels and companies who are sending someone to meet you, to hold a greeting sign with your initial and family name only

Communications

107 .. If staying longer than a few days, purchase a local phone company SIM card on arrival. Some phones have a dual SIM capacity

Transport

108 .. If renting a car, consider taking full insurance coverage, so that for a higher daily rate, you are covered with minimal or no excess fees in the case of an accident

109 .. when taking a cab, ensure that you understand and agree a fare in advance or insist on the meter. The concierge / bellboy will translate / negotiate if required

110 .. Where available, Uber can be a far more clean, effective and inexpensive form of transport than a cab
A trip from Downtown L.A. to a Sunset restaurant in a taxi cost US$30. The return in Uber cost $6!

111 .. If visiting a particular country repeatedly, buy the local transport proximity card and top up for an amount suitable for your local travel needs. This can be cheaper than a tourist package card. Often transport cards are also debit cards, accepted by vendors to tap for small purchases

112 .. Share rather than take separate transport. (The frivolity of a rickshaw race in the Mekong Delta, dissipated rapidly when my companion was ridden off on a different route, and I became concerned for her safety)

113 .. In some cities, muggers, pickpockets and purse snatchers operate even around 5 star hotels in daylight, as well as after dark. If in any doubt, wait for a hotel car / taxi rather than walking even a short distance to a local restaurant

114 .. If you are accosted, release your valuables. It is better to lose money than your life

Hotel room

115 .. Use the hotel room safe to store your laptop, external hard drives, passport, foreign currency, and valuables when not using them and out of your room

116 .. Memorise a six-digit code (sometime only the first four will be required), for use in locking and unlocking the safe

117 .. To avoid high mini-bar costs, the frugal traveller will buy cold drinks, snacks at a nearby supermarket or convenience store. If staying long-term, you may choose to ask hospitality to clear your fridge

118 .. For best garment care, take advantage of the hotel dry cleaning, pressing and laundry service. To receive freshly laundered and pressed garments on hangers in your wardrobe is a pleasure

119 .. The frugal traveller will wash and dry small items in their room, to avoid the laundry costs and will need to take a small sachet of laundry powder or use soap. For longer-term stays, a local laundry may provide an inexpensive bag-wash service

120 .. Thousand thread count sheets and large fluffy bath sheets are a delightful luxury, but to be environmentally sensitive, defer the option to change them every day. Most hotels offer a way of notifying housekeeping of your preference

Neighbourhood

121 .. Walk around the local area, to get a feel for the place. Ensure that you take time to savour sights and senses on your travels. Explore. Wander. Roam

122 .. Talk with locals. Share meals and stories. Learn new things. Capture indelible memories. Tell stories of your previous travels. Share your happiness

Departure

123 .. Always check the safe, and all cupboards before checkout

124 .. Ask reception to prepare your bill in advance and check / pay on departure. Hotels with Executive Floors will do this, so you can avoid the tour bus departure queues! And politely decline the proffered envelope. You don’t need the extra weight. The planet will benefit from fewer trees being sacrificed

125 .. Request your car / transport to the airport, in plenty of time for your flight

 

 

.. continue to part 6

 

The Itinerant Itinerary
(Frequent Flyer, part 1 of 6. Logistics)

The Vacuum Pack
(Frequent Flyer, part 2 of 6. In preparation)

The Nearly Terminal
(Frequent Flyer, part 3 of 6. Before departure)

The Forty Hour Wednesday
(Frequent Flyer, part 4 of 6. In the air)

A Degree in Airports
(Frequent Flyer, part 5 of 6. Upon arrival)

The Dust of Two Deserts
(Frequent Flyer, part 6 of 6. In transit)

From Our Clients

Quotation Mark

In taking the time to understand our business, industry and vision, Digital Tsunami created a site which strongly reflects our leadership position in the international market and our strategic direction.

Digital Tsunami's expertise in visual design, information architecture, innovative communication and evocative business writing, resulted in an extremely effective website which will contribute to our continuing expansion across the globe.

Travis Taylor
Communication Coordinator
Stapylton, Queensland, Australia
Multinail
Quotation Mark

The MULS Executive is delighted with this aesthetically pleasing, user friendly site.

We found Digital Tsunami to be a full-service operation and we are satisfied with the products delivered: from the (identity), banners, business cards, letterheads, to the student magazine.

Sebastian Hartford-Davis
President
Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
Macquarie University Law Society
Quotation Mark

We have been fortunate to work with Andrew and his creative team from the inception of our business. The design and execution of our site has been fundamental in winning over clients and establishing our footprint in a very crowded space. We also place great value on their input into our business process.

Vikram Aggarwal
CEO
Singapore
eat2eat
Quotation Mark

Clients have really appreciated the video .. sales staff are so pleased to have this tool. It is very empowering to show.

Anisa Meriem Telwar
President
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Anisa International
Quotation Mark

Thanks to you and the Taishan production crew. Andy and the rest of the team were outstanding. Their professionalism was evident the entire time and they seemed to build a nice relationship with the factory employees, which led to a real spirit of cooperation. My sincere thanks for a job extremely well done.

Stephen Pollack
Marketing Director
Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Kaba Mas
error: We appreciate that you value our content. You are welcome to link to this page, but content is copyright protected.