What the Olympics Mean For Travelers
Written by Alex Bach
It’s that time of the decade again: the Olympics! Specifically, the Winter Olympics. That time when countries across the world submit their best athletes to compete against the rest of the world’s greatest athletes.
And if you’ve got to ship some items to or from Sochi, Schumacher Cargo can help. Check out some of our international shipping locations that will help transport your precious cargo.
And with those athletes comes reporters, families, politicians and other national representatives. Unfortunately, in our world’s turbulent climate, that also means a large target for extremist groups. As the world’s competing countries are aware of that risk, that means security in the course of your travels will be greatly increased as a means of prevention.
While there haven’t been any specific plots to emerge against the 2014 Winter Games, held in Sochi, Russia this year, there has been “chatter” and most airlines are erring on the side of caution.
What This Means For You
You can expect amped-up security for people traveling internationally, with specific security escalation in flights to Russia. This doesn’t necessarily mean mandatory pat downs for every traveler, but it does mean more scrutiny placed on carry-on items.
Recent chatter has made mention of explosives hidden in toothpaste containers and so airline security agents are told to look for suspicious containers such as toothpaste or other gels and liquids. If you can afford to travel without any of these items, do so as it will save you unnecessary headaches and expedite your travel greatly.
Note:
This doesn’t apply to every traveler and every country; these are mainly items of security intended for travelers flying into Russia or neighboring areas.
Are There Other Risks?
Unfortunately, yes; hacking is one of the big threats for travelers going to Sochi. As recently reported by NBC’s Richard Engle, hackers are primed and ready to access your laptop and cellphones the minute you step off the plane. As Russia’s hackers are among the most skilled hackers in the world, it’s a good idea to protect yourself. Leave whatever electronic devices you can at home, or else make sure and remove any sensitive materials, and never, ever, ever click on any of the links from unknown emails.
The Olympics are surely a fantastic event to travel to, just remember to travel safely and smartly: thankfully those two go hand in hand.
Written by Alex Bach
We’ve all got places we’d like to see before we make our big exit. But where do you start? Not to worry, we’ve got five places that absolutely have to be on your list right here.
And if you need help getting there, Schumacher Cargo can help, we’ve shipped thousands of goods and vehicles across the globe and can assist in your big move or help ship your prized souvenir.
Top 5 Places to Visit Before You Die
Machu Picchu:
Get this one in while you can as there’s been talk of shutting down this ancient city to tourists. Not an easily accessible site by any means, this relic of the Incan Empire is located 8,000 feet up in the Andes and resides at the end of the popular Inca Trail. Just an astounding feat of architecture.
The Grand Canyon:
An architectural feat of mother nature that dwarfs any man-made skyscrapers out of sheer scope. Just look at the numbers: 277 miles long, 6,000 feet deep, and spanning 18 miles across at it’s widest. The canyon has a variety of activities to help you explore its wonder too, including hiking, camping and rafting down the Snake River.
The Great Wall of China:
What mother nature did with the Grand Canyon, man did with the Great Wall of China. First “opening” in 206 BC, the Great Wall stretches across 5,500 miles and can even be seen from space. Built by laborers under several different dynasties, the Wall is easily one of the Seven Wonders of the World and something you should absolutely have on your bucket list.
The Amazon:
There are a handful of countries that will allow you access to one of the biggest river systems in the entire world. The fact that parts of it still remain unexplored to this day should give you some indication of its size and majesty. With equally uncharted species of flora and fauna–along with some very charted snakes, jaguars, and caymen–the Amazon is one of the most fascinating places you could ever hope to discover.
The Kalahari:
A safari is crucial to any bucket list–no matter how averse you are to snakes, crocodiles, and gigantic cats with huge teeth. The Kalahari, spread over parts of South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, is home to lions, cheetahs, rhinos and more of your favorite zoo animals…this time out of the cage and in their own habitat. Zambia also shares the honor with Zimbabwe of having the Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall. And don’t worry, it won’t get too rustic, not with the posh accommodations, fantastic dining options, and great wine & vineyards.
Written by Jason Lowder
With the advent of flight, passenger train traveler got pushed aside for the faster technology. Which is unfortunate as train travel offers so many opportunities for excitement, adventure, history and scenic views. Here are some of the best train lines in the world, all of which would make for a fantastic vacation.
And if you’re looking to make this trip part of a longer move, Schumacher Cargo can help. Maybe you’re taking the Indian-Pacific from Sydney to Perth, we can help with your Australia move by taking care of the bigger items, allowing you to just enjoy the ride.
6 Greatest Train Trips
1. Trans-Siberian Express:
This rail boasts the longest track in the world: over 6,000 miles of track. There are three different routes you can take, all of which will take you through luscious vistas of mountains, tundras, and anything else between Moscow and Beijing…that’s right Moscow to Beijing!
2. Venice Simpleton-Orient Express:
Agatha Christie made this one of the most famous trains in the world. This classic trip takes commuters from Paris all the way to Istanbul, with stops in Venice, Prague and Krakow. As an added bonus: the vintage cars have been restored to their 1920s grandeur. And with the aura of murder and mystery, how can you not book a trip.
3. The Indian-Pacific:
While it might be a little faster than your average Walkabout. This train takes passengers across Australia on the longest straight track stretch in the world, taking you through one of the world’s most unique and iconic geographies…and without the risk of snake or spider bite!
4. The Blue Train:
This famous train in South Africa whisks travelers along 1,000 miles of track from Cape Town to Pretoria, the country’s capital with all the amenities of a five-star hotel. Take in your safari from aboard the train while sipping on cocktails, dining on world-class meals or smoking a cigar and embracing your inner Hemingway.
5. The Peruvian Central Railway:
Reaching heights of 13,000 feet, this South American train is the highest in the world. And with 59 bridges and 66 tunnels, this zigzagging train is one of the greatest rail adventures you could ever hope to have.
6. California Zephyr:
A classic American railway experience. The California zephyr takes travelers from Chicago 2,4389 miles across the continent to Emeryville, California, hitting just about every scenic geography on the way. You’ll see the Rocky Mountains, climb the Sierra Nevadas, traverse the desert and go through a tunnel 6.2 miles long!
Written by Damien Shields
Moving away to a new country can be one of life’s greatest adventures. And while there are sure to be many, many exciting new features and experiences in your new country, homesickness is almost a surefire malady to hit at some point. Luckily, there are many ways you can combat it and power through that speed bump into a comfortable stay in your new home.
Schumacher Cargo can help alleviate your stressful move by taking care of the big headaches: shipping. Our experienced team has helped people ship their household goods overseas in moves from Germany to Hong Kong. Let us know how we can help you today.
Beating Homesickness:
A Slice of Home:
One of the best things you can do to combat homesickness is to find something of your home country in your new country. The world is becoming increasingly populated with expats from just about every country, and you should be able to find people from your home country in just about every major city in the world. Look for bars or restaurants that cater specifically to your country. Or check online, see if there are any groups in your new country with people from your old activities or sport outings.
Embrace Your New Culture:
A great way to conquer homesickness is by digging in to your new home. Be proactive. You’re in a new place you’ve never been before; so don’t just go home to your apartment after work and plop down in front of the TV. Explore; go see your new countryside. Check out the local geography, museums, concerts, etc. Pretend like you’re a tourist there for an indefinite stay. After all, aren’t you?
Learn The Language:
The culture barrier is usually what makes living in a new country a challenge; and while it might take some time to get used to all the little nuances, one of the easiest hurdles is to learn the new language. This isn’t to say that learning a language is easy–it usually isn’t–this is to say that getting involved with a classroom, software or just engaging your neighbors, even with what little you know of the language, can be easy and fun.
Beating homesickness is just one of those unavoidable hurdles you’ll have to face at some point much like going to the DMV. But these tips will help you make it through it, and hopefully provide you with some fun as well.
Written by Alex Bach
Airplanes allow us some of the fastest and widest transportation possible. Unfortunately they can also be a major hassle and headache. Here are some ways to help make airport travel easier, getting you from the departure drop off to the gate as smoothly as possible.
While you probably won’t be able to check your motorcycle or yacht, Shumacher Cargo is here to help you take some of your bigger and more precious items with you on your travels. Check out some of our over-sized cargo shipping options.
Checking Bags:
Sky cab is an often overlooked service, thought to be somehow too bourgeois for most travelers but it can save you some serious time and effort for only about $5 dollars per bag. Sky cab will take your carry on luggage right where your limo, cab or sister-in-law drops you off. What’s more is that Sky cab will also issue you your boarding pass. This means you’ll be able to entirely bypass the ticketing line.
Getting through security as quickly and easily as possible requires two components: Packing Your Carry-On Efficiently and Traveling Expediently.
Packing Your Carry-On Efficiently:
This means doing away with unnecessary items, loose change, old wrappers, trinkets, etc. Look through your bag beforehand and remove any possible contraband. If you’re a big reader and traveler it might be time to consider an eReader or tablet. This will allow you to carry as many books, magazines, movies, music or other entertainment without weighing down your bag. Lastly, compartmentalize your carry-on to make TSA checks easier; put the plastic bag containing your liquid materials in an easily accessible pouch.
Traveling Expediently
Traveling Expediently refers to traveling in a manner that will allow you the fastest way through the gates. If you are part of an airlines reward system you might have special lines awarded to you. Don’t worry if you aren’t, many airports also have lines designated for traveler experience (using the same system used in skiing); a black diamond is for experienced travelers who know the ropes. This will be the fastest line. And don’t go to the lines with more than one attendant if possible as they are usually training new TSA officers and will tend to be slower.
Your clothing is another big aspect of this category. Choose clothing options with the least amount of accessories (belts, ties, bracelets, etc.); cut down on anything that will have to be removed an placed on the screening belt. Slip on shoes will help too.
