About Holiday Indochina - About our website

Holiday Indochina is a fully licensed tour operator by Vietnam National Association of Tourism. Since 2008, Holiday Indochina extended to the world through Internet with vital tool was a comprehensive website. Website of Holiday Indochina official launched from Sep 2008 and offered private packages for individuals and groups to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia

HOW WE DIFFERENT?

We are fully licensed tour operator by Vietnam National Association of Tourism (No: 01-091/2009/TCDL-GPLHQT). We always consider that strictly following law of local authority is the fundamental factor of stable and sustainable development. We have full legal rights to operate tours within Vietnam territory as well as taking Vietnamese to overseas and foreign tourists to Vietnam

We deal directly with you: Holiday Indochina develops its website to have chance interact directly with its current and potential customers. You c an talk (via phone), email or live chat directly with our travel consultants to get immediate advice to plan your trips

We self-own our vehicles: Parent company of Holiday Indochina self-invested and owning hundreds of vehicles. The vehicles touring with your holidays are bought from the "manufacturer" then delivery "consumer's hands".

We directly deal with suppliers: Our team works very efficiently with all suppliers: hotels/resorts, cruises, other transporters, tour guides, restaurants ect. That allows us not only cut down any intermediary costs from "middle men" but well control of all services in any parts of Vietnam and Indochina as well. That is the reason allow us guarantee the BEST RATES with BEST VALUE to our customers

Our website continuously updated: The travel industry always change with new products and new program. Our team make every efforts to bring you the newest and lates t information of Vietnam travel. Furthermore, we try my best to keep you not miss any Hot deals and Promotion from suppliers (Hotels, cruises ect) at all parts of Vietnam. Online book a tour or just only keep updated with lastest news of Vietnam travel, click HolidayIndochina.com!

Your holidays � Our holidays: Each holiday is an experience, no one like any others. Holiday Indochina's experts consider each holiday of clients means ourselves going on this holiday. We desire not to be only travel planner but an accompany to share experiences, knowledge, memories and emotion of your holidays

ABOUT OUR WEBSITE

HolidayIndochina.com is a official website of Holiday Indochina Co., Ltd. The backstage team of Holiday Indochina's website has been trying their best to make our website as convenient and safe as possible. On the homepage, Internet users can find all necessary information for their holidays. The slide ba nners are most recommended tours while the lower module on the left showing more options for Overland Packages to Vietnam. Right under packages module is Promotion Section where offers best deals of tours, cruises and much more. Next, we move to right module where the best Vietnam beach resorts carefully selected by our Sales Team are shown.

The smaller banners designed with purpose is to minimum web users click as less as possible. Holiday Indochina works with hundred of partners and suppliers. They often send us their latest deals and promotion which sometimes can not put them all in Promotion section. Then we will put them on that banners to give most "eye-catching" position for web surfers.

Moreover, we put on Luxury Collection section which targets at high-end markets with special luxury products under the Promotion section. The Top Luxury Hotels module is placed right beside the Luxury Collection for customers' easy references while adding more accommodation options. Downward further is section of Destination which is on the left hand side of module News and Announcement. Module News and Announcement is an important part of our website as this is the place we continuously updating Vietnam travel news, Holiday Indochina news as well as official announcement from Board of Director of Holiday Indochina

The bottom menu is a place where users can learn all about Holiday Indochina from our history, our difference from others, our Working Team as well as our Policy.

Last but not the least, thoroughly understanding the concerns about Online card payment in Vietnam, Holiday Indochina integrated with Onepay and Vietcombank - the largest and most prestige bank in Vietnam - to install a Secured Oneline payment Gateway. Your card information will not be stored at our system (merchant) bu t in MasterCard organization with international security standard. OnePay is the representative of the MaterCard Internet Gateway Service (MiGS) in Vietnam. Your card information will be protected during the transmission by using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL/168 bit) software, which encrypts the information that you provide online. OnePAY - MiGS payment system meet PCI Data Security Standard of PCI Security Standards Council. OnePAY - MiGS payment system also joins 3D- Secure program of Visa, MasterCard and JCB

The website HolidayIndochina.com is concrete base for our pride and confidence to bring you the most convenient and safe tool for your travel planning to Vietnam. Take a visual look to our site to understand more at http://holidayindochina.com

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Best Breast Pump - What to Look For

Breastfeeding moms who stay at home may not find a breast pump necessary. However, if you have been breastfeeding your baby and are now returning to work, or you are a stay-at-home mom who has to leave baby with a sitter from time to time, you may need a breast pump. Working mothers who want their babies to enjoy all the benefits of breast milk will typically want to own one But before you buy one, you should first find out what kind would be best for you.

There are many styles of pumps available today and they vary in size, shape and cost. Some are also more efficient than others. If you want to find the best breast pump, you will have to research and evaluate customer reviews.

Pumps can be manual or battery-operated. The important thing is that they must be easy to use, adjustable and efficient. You should be able to pump breast milk comfortably and without pain. A bit of fine-tuning may be necessary to get the milk flowing smoothly. The breast milk can be stored for later use.

It is important to consider how and where you will use it. If you are pumping breast milk everyday, you will need a powerful, good-quality pump. You must also decide if you have the time to pump one breast at a time, or if you need a double pump. If you do not have access to electricity when you pump, you may need a manual or battery-operated one.

Manual Pumps

If you pump only once a day, a manual breast pump may be your best option. Manual pumps are cheap, portable and reliable. However, they can be tiring to use and may be not effective enough if you have to use it several times a day.

Battery-Powered Pumps

Battery powered breast pumps are not as popular as manual or electric pumps. In fact, they are hardly ever recommended by doctors or lactation consultants. They are less powerful than other types of pumps and can cause the milk supply to decline if used regularly for expressing milk. Battery powered ones are portable but you have to replace the batteries frequently.

Electric Pumps

Breastfeeding mothers who are returning to work full-time or expressing milk exclusively will find electric breast pumps to be the best option. These pumps can usually express milk from both breasts at once. Best of all, they closely duplicate a baby's sucking pattern. This is important if you want to maintain your milk supply. A good electric pump can cost a few hundred dollars. They usually come with accessories that include car AC adapter, travel cases, built-in milk coolers and hands free kit.

A breast pump is useful if you have to work full time but want your baby to benefit from your breast milk. Make a thorough research of what's available and choose the best one for you.

There are many styles of pumps available today and they vary in size, shape and cost. Some are also more efficient than others. If you want to find the best breast pump, you will have to research and evaluate customer reviews.

Pumps can be manual or battery-operated. The important thing is that they must be easy to use, adjustable and efficient. You should be able to pump breast milk comfortably and without pain. A bit of fine-tuning may be necessary to get the milk flowing smoothly. The breast milk can be stored for later use.

It is important to consider how and where you will use it. If you are pumping breast milk everyday, you will need a powerful, good-quality pump. You must also decide if you have the time to pump one breast at a time, or if you need a double pump. If you do not have access to electricity when you pump, you may need a manual or battery-operated one.

Manual Pumps

If you pump only once a day, a manual breast pump may be your best option. Manual pumps are cheap, portable and reliable. However, they can be tiring to use and may be not effective enough if you have to use it several times a day.

Battery-Powered Pumps

Battery powered breast pumps are not as popular as manual or electric pumps. In fact, they are hardly ever recommended by doctors or lactation consultants. They are less powerful than other types of pumps and can cause the milk supply to decline if used regularly for expressing milk. Battery powered ones are portable but you have to replace the batteries frequently.

Electric Pumps

Breastfeeding mothers who are returning to work full-time or expressing milk exclusively will find electric breast pumps to be the best option. These pumps can usually express milk from both breasts at once. Best of all, they closely duplicate a baby's sucking pattern. This is important if you want to maintain your milk supply. A good electric pump can cost a few hundred dollars. They usually come with accessories that include car AC adapter, travel cases, built-in milk coolers and hands free kit.

A breast pump is useful if you have to work full time but want your baby to benefit from your breast milk. Make a thorough research of what's available and choose the best one for you.

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The Finest Executive Suites Calgary has to Offer by Urban Suites

Calgary is bustling with business, and in a growing Canadian economy the regular business traveller, is looking for more than "just a place to stay." With so many sights and activities, business executives and associates should arrange their accommodation in the best executive suites Calgary has on the market. Feeling at home, while enjoying the leisure and luxury that Urban Suites provide their clients, will make the next trip feel more like a vacation, rather than simply doing business.

Urban Suites rent fully furnished executive suites in Calgary, Alberta. The apartments provide business travellers the luxury of a fine hotel, with the comfort and privacy of having a place to call their own. The advantages to renting a furnished apartment are plenty: Health conscious business travellers are able to come home for lunch and have a full kitchen for their meal preparation. Home entertainment loving executives enjoy the flat screen TVs that many of Urban Suite's executive suites in Calgary provide. Not to mention the mental clarity having a private space will do for the deadline compressed executive.

Featured Executive Suites � Calgary's Stunning Apartments


The City View on Riverfront Avenue is an exceptional 1500sqft dream apartment. This beauty is located a couple of blocks away from downtown, within walking distance to the east end towers, and has a breathtaking 180 degree view of the cityscape. This top end executive suite includes: two flat screen TVs, a balcony with patio furniture and barbeque, fully equipped kitchen, a king and queen sized bed, 70ft of windows and custom solar blinds with blackout draperies, plus many more great features.

The Bridgestreet executive suite is a charming accommodation blocks away from Calgary's east end city centre. Guests are within walking distance to a leisurely stroll or cycle along the Bow River, or a shopping excursion in the Eau Claire Market. Th e nature loving business traveller will find the easy access to the roadways to Banff National Park, a welcoming perk for a weekend getaway. Amenities of this fine executive suite contain: a serene view of the Bow river, fireplace, plenty of natural daylight, black out draperies, air conditioning, original artwork, parking, full kitchen, high speed internet, free calls to North America and some European countries, cable, housekeeping, washer and dryer.

The high-end J.R. executive suite offered by Urban Suites in Calgary boasts two bedrooms, and two spacious bathrooms. With plenty of closet space, and a mountain view from the balcony, this apartment is luxurious and relaxing. In between meetings, visit the spa nearby, or walk out to many cafes or restaurants in the neighbourhood. Other accommodating perks include: a gym, guest parking, outdoor tennis courts, housekeeping, full kitchen, high speed internet and washer and dryer.

Executive Suites in Calga ry by Urban Suites

Urban Suites cater to the taste and quality expected in high end executive suites. They go beyond expectation with their fully furnished apartments for rent, which give the business traveller a feeling of home and comfort, while being away. They offer short or long term stays, and in-person viewing arrangements. Visit urbansuites to find the most perfect executive suites Calgary has to offer.

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Types of nebulizer machines

Nebulizer machine, commonly manufactured for asthmatic patients, which is a pump which is used for inhaling medicine with the use of room air pressure, to be used only four times in a day with proper doctor's prescription. Various varieties of nebulizer machines are available in the market. Some of them are listed below:
DeVilbiss PulmoNeb Nebulizer Machine
The DeVilbiss nebulizer machine comprises of AC powered air compressor, which can be used by the adult and pediatric patients.
The PulmoNeb Nebulizer machine is sensitively designed in order to give high class results and is durable, reliable nebulizer machine. Its working is so simple so that people can operate them very easily with no complexity. Some features of nebulizer machine are:
- Simple cord-wrap design
- Convenient nebulizer holder
- Easy access
- More compressor pressure
- More reliable and lesser chances of leak
- Integr al wire guides in order to enhance your systems reliability.
- Includes tubing
- Contains users guide make people easy to operate nebulizer machine
DeVilbiss Pulmo-Aide Nebulizer
The DeVilbiss Pulmo Aide Nebulizer machine provides aerosol treatment and it is an approved compressor for use with tobramycin solution for inhalation. Its performance, results and quality is just superb.
The AIRIAL Mini Jet Adult Nebulizer Machine
The aerial mini jet adult nebulizer machine is very easy to easy as it is light weight and have compact design. If you buy this nebulizer machine you will get: compressor, tubing and nebulizer cup
Drive Portable Neb-To-Go Traveler Nebulizer
The drive portable neb- to-go traveler nebulizer is very thin andyou can carry it in your hand even hence, it is highly mobile and convenient as it is very light weighted also. On buying this nebulizer machine you will a lso get:
- Portable battery pack
- AC and DC adapter
- Adult mask
- Pediatric mask
- Mouth piece
- Air filter
- Carrying case to carry it conveniently
- Video containing instructions how operate nebulizer machine.
Respironics Inspiration Elite Compressor Nebulizer Machine
The Respironics inspiration elite compressor nebulizer machine is latest product in nebulizer family. Some features of this nebulizer machine are:
- Durability
- Easy to use
- Easy to maintain
- Provides freedom to use
DeVilbiss Traveler Portable Nebulizer System The DeVilbiss traveler portable nebulizer system is best when you are away from home as it is very easy to carry. its package includes:
� Compressor Nebulizer Machine
� Rechargeable Battery
� Reusable Nebulizer & Tubing
� Disposable Nebulizer & Tubing
� AC Adapter and DC car adapter
� Instructional guide as well as DVD
� Adult mask

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Bolivia Cosmetic Surgery Paradise

With Makeover Travel you have an opportunity
to Change your Life Forever!!
Traveling with us you are certain that you are getting the best price for your procedure and the highest quality service of integrated medical care available.

Makeover Travel Group: a Top choice for surgery abroad...
Makeover Travel has been named the number one choice of Medical Tourism organizations in the country for fifth year (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008); rewarding the company for excellence in Tourism and Medical Services.

Worldwide Leader: Makeover Travel was ranked among the Top 10 medical companies worldwide specialized in Plastic and Cosmetic surgery.
See our Awards and Rewarding. ..

By treating each client as an individual, being focused on there needs and providing them with outstanding service, this is what sets us apart form the �others� and will continue to be the key to our ongoing success.

Makeover Travel provides you the highest quality service of integrated medical care available, and only The Highest Skilled Surgeons....
For many years, Bolivian surgeons have been recognized worldwide for their experience and their professionalism in plastic surgery.
Makeover Travel brings you in touch with Bolivia and it�s world renowned plastic surgeons.
We have selected for you The Most qualified and experienced Health Care Professionals in Bolivia, in the field of Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, MicroSurgery, Laser Treatment, Dental Surgery; etc. in the most advanced and prestigious Surgical and Laser centers.
All our surgeons have more than 25 years experience, and they have all graduated with honors from the best international universities in The United States, and Brazil; this has allowed them not only to achieve professional excellence but also to have the Exquisite Sense of Aesthetics, always by respecting their patient�s likes and needs.
Promoting and maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and patient health care we have achieved excellence in our field.

You will travel to Santa Cruz, considered as the tropical
paradise of South America, and The Economic Capital of BOLIVIA.

Santa Cruz is located in the heart of South America, and populated by a mixture of Spanish, German and Italian descendants; Santa Cruz is the p erfect place to relax, to forget the daily routine, and furthermore, it is the ideal place to become the person that you�ve always Dreamt about being.

Why choose Bolivia for your Transformation?
Bolivia is undoubtedly one of world�s leading countries for cosmetic and plastic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery tourism is not new phenomenon in Bolivia. For years, savvy travelers have traveled to Bolivia for medical, dental and cosmetic surgery procedures, seeking and finding significant cost savings without sacrificing quality of care.
In recent years, however, national government (Health Ministry / Tourism Ministry) has taken increasing notice of this growing source of income and have to formally plan and develop medical infrastructures to cater to this new trend .
Makeover Travel is the premier integrated health company recognized by the national government of Bolivia, by providing access to the highest quality healthcare at a competitive price for foreign patients.

The prices are extremely competitive in Bolivia.
One of the main reasons for going to Bolivia for cosmetic surgery is undoubtedly the professional excellence, the exquisite Latin Sense of Aesthetics of their surgeons, and cost saving.
Offering some of the best cosmetic and plastic surgery treatment in the world, with an excellent reputation for its private clinics and plastic surgeons, Bolivia�s cosmetic surgery sector has undergone an enormous boom in recent years and it has become a global cosmetic surgery destination, with beauty tourism growing up to 60% each year.
Foreign patients are attracted not o nly by the low prices of procedures, but also by the medical equipments, high standards of cosmetic surgery, the use of modern technologies as well as top-quality materials for procedures.
Cost saving for accommodation, food and other shopping and internal transport make of Bolivia an ideal destination.

Makeover Travel is your Cost Saver...
Don�t think that low prices equal low quality. Quite the contrary.
Many of the most advanced medical facilities in the world exist outside of the United States, with specific programs carefully designed to attract international travelers such as your self. In fact, these hospitals have spent the last decade preparing for the explosive growth of medical tourism, specifically adhering to the
same high standards that we in the United States have come to
trust.
Makeover Travel helps yo u to save cost as all the services are very cost effective and if you compare our services with any other countries you would find it much more advantageous.
The cost advantage comes in with the low cost of living and wages compared to the USA, UK, Europe or any other countries in Latin America; coupled with the fact that there is NO TAX paid on treatments.
Also, the special economic advantages granted by the government in terms of doctor fees and the development in the tourism field has allowed us to reduce the costs related to your surgery (clinics, anesthetist, assistants, nurses, surgical products, etc.)
Besides, the great exchange rate means that Bolivia is naturally less expensive than home.
All these factors have a positive effect on our prices, allowing you to enjoy simultaneously, 15 days of vacations in a 5***** Hotel and the opportunity of receiving all the surgeries you want, at a lower cost � up to 70% compared with your country.

We invite you to schedule your Cosmetic surgery trip and
Compare our Prices with any competitors

Why have we chosen the city of Santa Cruz for your trip?
In Santa Cruz, you will find cosmetic surgeons with outstanding skills, wide experience and innovative techniques. Many foreigners had surgery in Bolivia and experienced surgeons who treated them in their warm friendly way, with a very sensitive feeling for aesthetics and with there capability to leave almost invisible scars.
Forest, rivers and prairies. Hallucinated places of exuberant vegetation, rural and suffocating corners conform the terr itory of the department of Santa Cruz de la Sierra located in the oriental part of Bolivia.

Prosperous city of modern shades, Santa Cruz has became the economic heart of the country. Thousands of Bolivians decided to tempt fortune in the hot Orient, attracted by the vertiginous commercial and agricultural development... the borders extended and the old urban helmet was surrounded by showy buildings and very transited avenues.
Santa Cruz is also renowned for having the best hospitals for surgeries in Bolivia, where some of the most complex surgeries like hip or knee replacement surgery or cardiac surgery can be done in just a few days, at a fraction of the cost compared with the Western World.

Sensual and festival. Warm, modern and agitated. That is Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the tropical paradise of South America.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a very safe cosmopolitan city, that offers an impressive v ariety of tourist activities and a great diversity of International restaurants, with a cost of live that you will not find in none of other country�
a young and authentic city with an unique style.

If we have chosen Santa Cruz for your Image transformation
it is not a coincidence.
We could have chosen for your �vacations� another city than Santa Cruz, or another place like �a beach� place for example; or one of those thousands of places you can find in Bolivia with mountains, snow; where you could practice �amazing� activities as swimming, riding, parasailing, or skiing�
But we have decided not to do it for a simple reason:

Not to put the health or life of our patients in danger!

Certain medical procedures due to their nature and required post surgery care do not permit vacations.
We mention this because some plastic s urgery clinics overseas position the surgery package as a way to have some fun while you are in recovery.
That is why apart from airfare and hotel, they also throw in spa services and sightseeing. Our recommendation is that you get the plastic surgery done right in one trip and think about a pleasure trip some other time.

In case of certain treatments like Hair Transplant, Rhinoplasty, some face surgeries and Dental treatments where hospitalization is not required, Makeover Travel makes an arrangement to combine with beautiful and memorable holidays (strictly as per medical advice).


We will pamper you with a trip of a lifetime!
No clinic at home could ever offer this combination of service, quality and great prices.
At Makeover Travel, we have one goal�to provide quality and compassionate care for each individual patient, because that is what you are, an individual with an unique s et of circumstances, symptoms and healthcare needs.
At Makeover Travel, we meet your needs by reaching a new level of healthcare�total healthcare.

We provide every patient an experience customized to their medical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
You should never have a feeling of discomfort travelling to an unfamiliar country because we take good care of you and provides you a very friendly ambience all the time during your stay.

Makeover Travel will offer you a verydifferent trip compared with any other medical organizations. With us you will enjoy a trip of dream, responding to the different needs from the human being; plenty of emotions, of scents and flavors that you will never forget, a unique and wonderful trip that will allow you to reach not only the body you always dreamt, but also the happiness that you looked for during so much years!

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What is a Travel System?

The definition of a travel system is a pushchair with a detachable carrycot and/or car seat.

A travel system is supposed to be a more economical way of buying a pushchair, separate car seat and carrycot.

If you have a car then you will need a car seat for your baby, so that�s the first step in deciding whether or not to buy a travel system. A carrycot can be used as an alternative to a Moses basket or crib for the baby to sleep in at night, so that�s a second step in your decision and of course you will need a pushchair to take your baby out and about � so a travel system is a good choice for you.

The car seat and the carrycot are both able to fit onto the pushchair frame by simply �clicking� into place. If your baby is sleeping in the car and you need to take him/her out then you can just lift the car seat out and click it onto your pushchair frame. If your baby is asleep in his/her carrycot in the house then, again, you can just click th e carrycot onto the pushchair frame and not disturb your little one.

So, now you�ve decided to buy a travel system, but which one? Well it depends on whether you want a travel system with just a car seat or do you want a carrycot too? Travel systems without a carrycot start at around 100 up to around 600. With a carrycot then prices start at around 250 up to 950.

When you�ve decided which type of travel system you want, it�s time to decide on the actual one. How do you do that? The best way is to take a look at some pushchair stores online and see which ones appeal to you. Next so a search for reviews of those particular travel systems, opinions and facts from people who have used them are invaluable. You might like the look of a particular system, purchase it and then find out it�s really not what you wanted � doing your research first will save you time, hassle and money. Also go to a pushchair store that sells the system you�re considering and ask th e assistant to show it to you, have a go yourself, ask questions, then decide if it�s the one for you.

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Travelers' Guide to Avoiding Bed Bugs

A tiny insect the size of an apple seed is turning vacations into nightmares and giving U.S. travelers the willies every time they enter a hotel room. Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug, returned to American shores in the suitcases of international travelers. Over the past decade this blood-feeding parasite has been hitchhiking its way across the U.S. hidden in the luggage of millions of unsuspecting travelers. Spreading from New York City, the nation's busiest international gateway, bed bugs have crept relentlessly across American to infest all 50 states.

Over the past few years, bed bug infestations in the U.S. have increased by 500%. Researchers cite travel as the No. 1 cause of bed bug spread and infestation. The New York City Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications recently reported a 50% increase in bed bug complaints at hotels between 2009 and 2010. In heavily infested cities in Ohio, more than 70% of hotels have battled bed bug infestations. According to the NPMA 2010 Comprehensive Global Bed Bug Study conducted in conjunction with the University of Kentucky, 67% of 1,000 pest management firms surveyed reported treating bed bug infestations at a hotel or motel in the past 12 months.

Bed bugs feed on human blood and are not attracted by dirt or filth. "Bed bugs are brought into hotels by guests; it is not a hotel sanitation issue," the American Hotel and Lodging Association said in a statement. These insects are as likely to be found in a 5-star luxury hotel as a modest 1-star motel. And there's the rub for travelers. A hotel room that is bed bug free one night can be infested the next. Bed bugs do not live on humans. They crawl into beds to feed, then scurry away, hiding in crevices near beds until the next meal. Suitcases and laptop computers placed on the bed make perfect hiding places for these pests. When travelers check out of an infested hotel room, a few bed bugs are likely to stow away in their luggage, creeping out at the next hotel to infest another room or, even worse, following travelers home.

The growing prevalence of bed bugs in the U.S. is no reason to swear off travel and stay home; but travelers who don't want to bring bed bugs home with them will want to be proactive before, during and after a trip. Use this handy guide to protect yourself from bed bugs when you travel.

Before you book a hotel room
� Check Bed Bug Registry and Trip Advisor online to see if bed bugs have been reported at your preferred hotel. If you find multiple reports, choose a different hotel. A new iPhone app, Bed Bug Alert by Apps Genius in New York City, also reports bed bug outbreaks in 10 major U.S. cities.

� Call the hotel and ask how often rooms are inspected for bed bugs and whether bed bug-proof encasements are installed on the beds.

Before you leave home
� Install bed bug-proof encasements and box springs on all the beds in your home.

� Educate yourself about bed bugs so you know what to watch for. Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that feed on human blood. From cream-colored nymphs the size of a poppy-seed, bed bugs progress through 5 larval stages to become reddish brown, 1/4-inch long adults. When they feed, bed bugs leave bloody smears and black fecal dots that look like coffee grounds on bed sheets and mattresses. About 50% of people react to their bites and will exhibit itchy, red, mosquito-like bites, usually in rows or groups of three. Whitish skins shed during molting are another indication of bed bug infestation.

� Download and print the free New York State Integrated Pest Management Bed Bug Travelers' Card prepared by Cornell University. This wallet-size card contains bed bug photos and information, making it a handy guide for travelers (and college students).

When you pack
� Pack a small flashlight, disposable gloves and a selection of garbage bags where they will be easily-accessible.

� Choose hard-sided luggage. Bed bugs like to hide in the seams of soft-sided luggage and prefer to lay their eggs on rough surfaces.

� You may want to spray your luggage inside and out with a permethrin-based luggage spray labeled for your particular use. Permethrin provides 2 to 4 weeks of protection against bed bugs. Do not use a house or garden sprays as they have no effect on bed bugs.

� Only pack clothing that can safely be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer for a minimum of 30 minutes or dry cleaned.

� Before placing into suitcase, pack clothing and other items into bed bug-proof luggage liners or sealable plastic bags like Ziplock bags. Do not use bags with slider openings as bed bugs can squeeze past sliders to infest bag contents.

When you arrive at your hotel
� Ask to inspect the room before you hand over your credit card.

� Inspect the room following the instructions below.

� If you find evidence of bed bugs, ask for another room in a different part of the hotel or move to another hotel. Do not accept a room that is next to, above or below the infested room as these are the first places bed bugs will migrate as an infestation spreads.

� Repeat the inspection procedure in your new room.

How to inspect a hotel room
� Put your luggage and possessions in the bathtub where bed bugs are least likely to harbor. Bed bugs cannot climb smooth surfaces and prefer to stay near their food source (sleeping humans).

� Put on your disposable gloves and get out your flashlight.

� Start at the bed as 80% of bed bug infestations are found in mattresses and box springs.

� Pull the headboard away from the wall. Bed bugs often harbor in this inaccessible space. If the headboard is attached to the wall with brackets, lift it up and away from the wall (ask a hotel employee for help). Use your flashlight to look for crawling bugs or fecal stains.

� Remove linens and pillows from the beds, inspecting them for bloody smears and black fecal stains.

� Inspect the mattress and box springs, especially seams and piping, for live bugs, shed skins, blood smears and fecal stains.

� Using your flashlight, check the rest of the room, including behind hanging pictures, inside and under drawers (pull drawers all the way out), upholstered furniture, around air vents and along carpet edges.

During your hotel stay
� Keep luggage on luggage racks positioned at least 4 inches from the wall or on hard furniture like a table. If you must place luggage on the floor, place it in resealable plastic bags first. Never lay suitcases or clothing on beds or upholstered furniture.

� Keep suitcases closed when not in use to keep bed bugs from crawling inside.

� Do not unpack your clothing into drawers; keep it inside your suitcase.

� Hang clothing, purses and backpacks in the bathroom or from hangers in the closet.

� Seal purchases in plastic bags.

� Place dirty clothes in disposable bed bug-proof laundry bag or sealed plastic bags.

� Keep shoes in sealed plastic bags.

� Inspect sheets and mattresses for bed bug signs every morning. Request a different room if you wake up with itchy bites or see signs of bed bugs. Some upscale hotels will launder clothing and steam-clean your luggage if bed bugs are found in your room.

When you check out
� Check each item as you pack it, as well as luggage surfaces.

� Seal suitcases in large plastic bags before putting them in your car.

When you return home
� Do not carry suitcases into your house. Unpack on a cleared floor in the garage or laundry room. If you must carry your suitcases through the house to reach the laundry room, seal them in large plastic bags to prevent bed bugs or eggs from falling off and infesting your home. Never unpack on a carpet. Dispose of all bags in an outside trash container.

� Unpack suitcase contents directly into new plastic trash bags, carefully inspecting each item as you unpack it. Dispose of all bags in an outside trash container.

� Sort laundry into trash bags, one load per bag. Even unworn clothing should be laundered. Dispose of all bags in an outside trash container.

� Carry clothes directly to washer and launder in hottest water possible (minimum 120 degrees) and dry at hottest setting for 60 minutes. Remove used bags from home immediately.

� Clothing that cannot be washed should be taken to the dry cleaners in a sealed plastic bag. Alert the cleaners that bed bugs may be present. Make certain that they dispose of all bags.

� Items that cannot be laundered should be frozen in sealed plastic bags for 2 weeks.

� Carefully inspect suitcases with a flashlight, brushing surfaces with a stiff-bristled brush to dislodge any eggs. Vacuum thoroughly and immediately dispose of vacuum bag. Store suitcases in sealed plastic bags in the garage. Never store suitcases in or near bedrooms.

� Vacuum entire house and promptly dispose of sweeper bag in the outside trash.

� For the next few weeks, inspect beds daily for bed bug signs.

What to do if bed bugs follow you home
If, despite all your precautions, you discover evidence of bed bugs in your home after traveling, immediately contact a licensed pest control company with an expertise in bed bug extermination. Bed bugs are extremely prolific insects. During its 6- to 12-month lifespan, a female bed bug can lay 500 eggs with offspring capable of reproducing within a month. Prompt treatment by a pest management professional in the early stages of infestation can save you money and prevent bed bugs from spreading through your home.

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