Now We Have TSA Approved Laptop Bags

First we had TSA approved locks which only prevents you from having your locks broken but not your luggages broken into. Yes, there are cases of TSA agents stealing from our checked-in luggages. Now there's TSA approved laptop bags, by MobileEdge. They don't look superfancy, and they don't even look fancy. The new regulations allow some notebooks to remain in their bag, as long as the X-ray equipment can see through and nothing is placed in front of, or behind the notebook. However, there's always at least one TSA buthead agent who didn't get/read/understand the memo, and still yells at you to remove your notebook. After all, these are the same people who doubted the MacBook Air was a real notebook.

TSA Agents Stealing Things from Our Luggages?

Ever crossed your mind after you return from your wonderful vacation from Hawaii or Japan or wherever that's nice to you, you find that your camera is stolen from your luggage bag? Yes, even if you have the TSA-approved lock thingy. There are cases where valuables have been stolen from the checked-in luggage bags. Rings, cameras, camcorders, cellphones, jewelwries, gifts, and even meds! You name it! Think about it, you checked in your bag, and your bag is well taken care of by the airport staff. The TSA thieves are smart. They pick the more expensive and smaller items.

Since it was created in 2001, the agency has fired about 200 employees accused of stealing. How much do you believe in the TSA. Before this, I never believed that I'd someday be the victim of this kinda theft. But after gaining some info and opinions, I changed my mind. I am gonna carry on my valuables with me starting from my next flight. I wouldn't wanna regret it. Neither would you all.

If you suspect that a TSA agent has stolen your precious items, please, please, please fill out a complaint form on the TSA website. If you don't fill it out, your case won't be tracked and a thief might target other travelers' gear, too.

Link to MSNBC Article Titled "Tips to ensure the TSA doesn't swipe your stuff"

Zumanity Summer Ticket Discount Offer - 35% Off!

I received an email for a special offer for the Zumanity performance show. A 35% discount off select performances. Zumanity - The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil is at New York New York Hotel and Casino. Show tickets start from $69. What do you expect? It's Las Vegas. Head over to Zumanity.com for the details. I don't know when this offer ends. I have not been to Zumanity before and maybe I should pencil it into my Vegas plan this Christmas. After you select the date and time, you'll see the 35% discount. As stated in the website, "The 35% discount will be applied on the Summary Page prior to purchase. "

Top 10 Tips for Your Most Enjoyable Holiday Yet

Don't go on holiday without the Post Office Travel Checklist!
Top ten tips for your most enjoyable holiday yet:
1. Online check inChecking in online can save you loads of time at the airport. You can drop your luggage off in a designated area at the airport, or better still, just take hand luggage and start your holiday while everyone else is waiting for their bags!
2. Luggage loveDon't lose your luggage or walk off with someone else's. Get a really distinctive suitcase, or decorate yours with colourful straps and ribbons. If you don't want to put your address on your suitcase, just put a mobile number instead.
3. In flight essentials Your holiday experience begins on the flight. Take ear plugs, eye mask and travel pillow for sleeping on the plane, and socks and a jumper to keep warm.
4. First aid kitAs well as any prescription medicines, remember to pack paracetamol, plasters, insect repellent and dehydration sachets.
5. Spare juiceYou'll need batteries or the charger for your camera, MP3 player, laptop or handheld computer. Make sure they're charged up, take spares and a battery charger, and don't forget the right adapter for the country you're going to.
6. Extra eyesLose your glasses and sightseeing loses its edge. Take a spare pair with you, it's a requirement in some European countries if you're the designated driver. Contact lens wearers should go disposable. You won't have to worry about losing a lens or carry solution around with you.
7. The right suncreamTake suncream that's the right strength for your skin. Cancer Research recommends at least SPF15, higher for children, people with fair skin or lots of moles or freckles.
8. A pre booked parking spaceFor the ultimate in convenience, pre book a guaranteed parking space at the airport. A Meet and Greet service is ideal if you've got lots of luggage and/or kids.
9. ConnectionsDon't get stung when making calls, sending texts or using the Internet on holiday. Ask your network provider if your phone will work abroad and what the charges are. Remember that it can cost as much as £1 per minute even to receive calls abroad. It may work out cheaper to buy a local phone card when you are there or an international SIM card before you go.
10. Travel insuranceYour own travel insurance is essential, even if you have an EHIC card. It's your peace of mind in case your luggage gets lost, or someone in your family becomes ill. Post Office travel insurance policies start at just £5.50 for singe trip travel insurance, or - if you're going away more than twice this year - save money with an annual travel insurance policy, and kids go free!

International Travel + Shopping Tips (TIPS FOR SHIPPING ANYTHING, ANYWHERE)

Know the Rules: When returning to the U.S., American citizens may bring up to $800 of goods for personal use without paying duties and taxes. There are some tricks for going above that limit. You're allowed to ship up to $200 of goods per day to yourself at a U.S. address without a duty charge. And you can send, duty-free, gifts worth up to $100 per person per day to friends and family in the U.S.

Avoid Unnecessary Fees: Anything sent from the U.S. for your trip--golf clubs, skis, etc.--should be listed as "used personal effects" to qualify for duty-free status. Otherwise, the destination country may view the items as new and try to hit you with an import charge. If you ship the items back home, note them as "American goods returned" on the green customs sticker, so they're not counted as part of your U.S. Customs duty-free allowance.

Bulky or Heavy Goods: Shipping costs are based on the package's bulk or weight, whichever costs more. Too much padding can make for more-expensive shipping.

To Insure or Not to Insure: Most shipping services have a limited liability of $100 per package; in some countries, the liability is about $9 per pound. Buying insurance is a no-brainer for large, valuable, and fragile items.

What's OK and Not OK: Cuban cigars and absinthe are among the many items prohibited from entering the U.S. Bringing plants or seeds home is difficult, when allowed at all. Call 877/227-5511 or go to customs.gov for the specifics. Every country has its own rules on what visitors can take out: Art and handicrafts are generally fine, but cultural artifacts and antiques are often restricted. Check with local officials--not the shopkeepers--before you buy.

Sam and Cruiser Bikes in South Beach

This spring break, many of the young college students definitely opt to go somewhere sandy and tropical. The beach is a common icon of spring break destination. An ex-classmate of mine has decided to make a trip to the South Beach this year, again. However, he countered the "again?" slam with his idea of a more relaxed trip, focused on sightseeing rather than booze and more booze. He said he was gonna rent cruisers bikes and cycle by the beach in the morning, evening and night.

He said he'd cycle through the morning breeze and inhale the cool oxygen in the mornings, cycle under the afternoon heat as he makes his way to beach volleyball sessions with his friends and tanned girls in bikinis, and cycle his way to the clubs at night, just to grab some extra attention from the ladies. New idea there buddy. I am actually buying this novelty of his. One, it will be something different from his previous spring breaks in South Beach. Two, he'll get to see more of the beach and people instead of more booze during his spring break. Three, he could use some exercise to work off his tummy he built over winter break. So yeah, I agree with your cruisers bikes plan buddy. If only you can get the rest of the gang to ride with you....

@mosphere Revolving Restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

I read about this restaurant in a in-flight magazine and its selling point is that it is a revolving restaurant on the 18th floor of Menara Tun Mustapha and it is currently the one and only revolving restaurant in Sabah. It's called the @mosphere Restaurant, which reminds me of the fact that the Stratosphere in Las Vegas also has a revolving restaurant some 1000 feet above the city of Las Vegas which offers a unique dining experience and a view of the shining Las Vegas at night. Top of the World Restaurant has a separate level with a cocktail lounge and live music for the Las Vegas party crowd.

Back to the @mosphere Restaurant, it is located 10 minutes away from town and offers us a sweeping 360 degree views of the city of Kota Kinabalu. The restaurant revolves one full round in 60 minutes. I am thinking of stopping by whenever I have a chance to catch the beautiful sunset as I reward myself with their cuisine. Free valet and Wi-Fi is provided for its customers. One reviewer mentioned that he was pleasantly surprised by the ambiance. The @mosphere Restaurant has comfy sofas and designer chairs and is equipped modern lamps. Sounds like a perfect spot for a laid back romantic dinner with my loved one.

They claim that the sunset lasts longer on higher ground and from the 18th floor, I should really check it out. Can it live up to its described attributes as on the website? I guess I'd need to try it for myself for this breathtaking experience! The website is very well maintained and reflects its restaurant profile with a modern and classy look which easily attracts every visitor's heart.

Details:
Address: 18th Floor Menara Tun Mustapha, Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone: 088 425 100
Website: http://www.atmosphererestaurant.com/

Sky Train to Tibet - The Highest Train in the World

The Sky Train which is the highest train in the world departs from Beijing West Railway Station heading to Tibet. About 710 miles of track across western China and the Tibetan plateau, it is the highest elevated railway ever built in this world as of today. The Sky Train climbs to 16,640 feet at the highest point. A trip from Beijing to 48-hour trip from Beijing to Lhasa takes 48 hours.

"Like a railway to heaven, the highest train in the world cuts a stunning path from Beijing to Tibet."

The Sky Train leaves Beijing daily at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at the Beijing West Railway Station (011-86/10-95-105-105). One-way prices range from $173 for a soft-sleeper ticket to $53 in the seating-only cabins. Booking months in advance is recommended.

Tempurung Seaside Lodge: A Mirror of Paradise

Although my holidaying days are numbered and it's a long time away before a nice getaway with my soulmate, I still won't stop jotting down the possible destinations of where we could spend some private time together. The Tempurung Seaside Lodge in Kuala Penyu, Sabah is located 90 minutes away from Sabah's capital Kota Kinabalu. Tempurung Seaside Lodge occupies a commanding position atop a small hill overlooking the South China sea and is about 2 hours drive from the city of Kota Kinabalu. Tastefully built with a modern and traditional architecture, our "jungle boutique" lodge offers guest the prefect gateaway. With miles of beautiful beachscape, clean sea, private beach, spectacular and stunning sunset, it is here where your dreams and reality converge. Not your typical 4 or 5 star type hotel, but it's good to experience something different once in a while, don;t you agree?

Things to do there:

1. Mount Kinabalu and its surroundings

2. The Klias Wetland cruise in search of wildlife

3. White water rafting

4. Monsopiad Cultural village

5. Kudat longhouse and tip of Borneo

6.Climbing Mount Kinabalu

7. Island Escapades to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

8. Viewing the Orang Utan either at Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan

9. Sabah Zoo experience

10. Kinabatangan River and wildlife sanctuary tour

11. Langkayan Island

12. Sipadan Island either for diving or snorkelling

13. Turtle Island

14. Pulau Tiga Island

15. Discover Scuba Diving at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

16. Diving courses

17. Leisure diving in Sabah

18. 4Wd excursions into the wild od Sabah tailor-made to suit your needs.

Location address:
1st Floor, Lot 3, Putatan Point,
Jalan Kompleks Jkr, Putatan
88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Property information/details:

Guesthouse: 30 guest rooms/units
Built in 2000, last renovated in 2006