========================================================== "How Business Travellers Can Stay Safe in Worlds Hotspots"

- by John Williams

© DigiLectual Inc. 2004 http://www.cheaphotelsdeals.com/ ==========================================================

Business travellers increasingly find themselves needing to visit hotspots. Outside Europe and America, many countries need special care. Obviously, Iraq wouldn't be number one choice for a business trip. But other countries, like Saudi Arabia or parts of Far East, require attention too.

Horrific stories of kidnapping and murder scare anyone planning to visit a hotspot. But what are real risks ? And what can you do to minimize those risks ?

Let's make a list, and discuss each in turn.

* Kidnapping * Attack * Robbery * Accident

It's reassuring to discover few travellers fall victim to kidnapping. Kidnap victims are usually local people or resident expatriates. Why ? Probably because travellers are unpredictable. Kidnappers don't know their plans, where they're staying, or even that they're there at all !

Random attacks are much more likely, but risk of these can be much minimized, as we'll discuss later.

Robbery - theft of possessions and money can be common among travellers. But these risks can also be minimized.

The biggest threat to business travellers comes from accidents. The number of road accidents, in particular, far exceeds any deaths in terrorist incidents.

How to minimize risk

Reduce your risk by good preparation. Learn about country and city you plan to visit. A number of websites will help your research. The U.S State Department runs a website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/ The British Foreign Office maintains a website at www.fco.gov.uk - you can find constantly updated general and country specific travel advice.

If you get advice, follow it. Don't ignore it. Keep a low profile where possible, and don't draw unfavourable attention. Is that a good neighbourhood you plan to walk around ? How about that quaint little bar ? Maybe it's local criminal hangout ?

by Liana Metal

Mount of God, Pandokrator for local people, is tallest peak on green island of Kerkyra (Corfu for non Greek), and is situated in northern part of Ionian Sea , between Greek mainland and Albania and Italy. The mountain was named after God, Who is pandokrator, that is to say ,He governs everything.

The myth says that hospitable Pheakes lived on island long ago and their kind king Alkinoos had an only daughter, Nafsica, who first met Ulysses, king of Ithaca, shipwrecked on a beach of island . There is still his petrified ship to see at Paleokastritsa, a popular area on west side of Corfu.

The northern part of island where Pandokrator lies is richest in green. Mount Of God is 918 meters high and has got a monastery on top dedicated to God Savior. From up there visitor can admire a wonderful view to all directions , let alone marvellous dawn and sunset.

Climbing mount is easy, as there are roads and paths right to top and a drive by bike , motor bike or car is feasible. There are numerous villages scattered among green on way up and there are vast olive groves in every direction. The scenery is adorned by an abundance of tree variety as well. You can see tall cypress trees, pine trees, oaks and orchards and vineyards in between. There you can feel smell of wild herbs and flowers lingering in air.

However, road upwards is winding and narrow so traveler should be careful when driving. There are many routes one can follow, depending on area they want to explore. For walkers, route, Ipsos, Ayios Markos, Korakiana, Dassia, and back to Ipsos is most popular and easiest. Up there you can see nature in its full glory , any time of year.

One of most picturesque villages , literary perched on side of mount is Ayios Markos. The houses are built on very edge of narrow road and overlook vast olive groves that reach beach of Ipsos beyond. To reach beach from Ayios Markos you need only 5 to 10 minutes by car or 30 mins brisk walking.