Business travel to high-risk countries provides an adventure of a lifetime and countless opportunities to cut short your life.

As a worldwide speaker and minister who has been to over 50 countries and 6 continents, the bulk of my travel has been to third-world and war-torn countries. My mother calls them “the hell-holes” on earth. Nevertheless there are some wonderful people there who are very kind, hospitable, and intelligent. Plus you can get some great deals and discover some huge economic development opportunities if you are skillful cross-culturally.

Beyond working at Ground Zero in NYC the first week of 9/11, abroad I have comforted genocide victims in Rwanda & Burundi; ministered in East Timor in the middle of a war (before the UN gave them new nation status); been to Pakistan twice since 9/11; worked at the tsunami epicenter in Indonesia; been so deep within the “bush” of Africa I saw people who had never seen a white man and freaked out in my presence. These are just a few of countless experiences I have had.

My advice to business travelers visiting such countries no matter what your purpose:

1. Never travel alone as this greatly heightens your security risk making you an increasingly “soft target”.

2. Always stay at a reputable hotel where quality employees worthy of your trust can provide you help and information.

3. Put your money in the hotel room safe, or underneath the carpet or in an air conditioner unit in an inconspicuous place.

4. Always confirm all information asking someone else completely unrelated to the first person who counseled you.

5. Don’t ever convey a habitual discernible schedule. Make people think you will be right back so they don’t think they have time on their hands to rob you. Be a bit unpredictable intentionally.

6. Get peoples names, first and last, including any police or law enforcement who may stop you seeking a bribe. People are less bold about cheating you when they know you have their name.

7. Guard all of your personal information and don’t give away money unless you want a swarm of people after you.

8. Beware of “friends” who want you to sponsor them or seek to visit you in America.

9. Always be friendly and leave the slight chance that you might be a financial contributor / sponsor so people will treat you right, but beware of committing to anything.

10. Avoid outwardly showing any fear or suspicion. Be a friendly person, but inwardly always be alert.

11. Watch out for social settings where alcohol is involved or you could be drugged and kidnapped.

12. Stay in safe and well-known areas particularly if you are alone.

13. Keep several copies of your passport with you should yours be stolen (and never give your passport to anyone to keep including the hotel front desk staff).

14. If necessary to get a police officer or immigration officer off of your back, give them $5 to $20 if your time is more valuable than the money and hassle. But this is only as a last resort after you resist them. I’ve never had to bribe anyone accept an immigration officer because my passport was near expiration. I didn’t offer the money, he asked it of me – $5 which I paid him and was admitted into the country.

15. Beware of cute girls who may try to play you and come up with sudden “family emergencies” and problems asking you for money.

16. If you invite anyone back to your room, be sure all your valuables are hid and locked away first

By: Paul Davis

About the Author:

Many motorhome tire manufacturers have become better at building products that provide comfort, efficiency and durability for their customers. Tires for these homes on wheels bear a lot more responsibility for safety and efficiency than regular car tires.

According to tire professionals, auto tires have a recommended and maximum cold pressure rating, while truck tires have a minimum cold pressure rating to carry maximum loads. This information is very critical to know and can be the determining factor of whether an accident happens or not. On radial truck tires or motorhome tires the number of plies has no meaning, according to him load range and inflation pressure are the determining factors. Truck tires are typically inflated to carry the present load and this can vary at different times depending what the truck is hauling. The highest load appears to be on the right front and can reach 3000 lbs. of pressure. In the case of some motor homes, the load is constantly changing because of the independent front and rear suspension.

According to research a 10 degree drop in air temperature will reduce pressure by 1 psi. The difference between summer and winter can be as much as 8 psi. For truck tires a 10 psi drop in tire pressure will increase tire rolling resistance by 2%. Maintaining proper tire inflation is the most important tire maintenance function. Good pressure control is directly related with the cost of gas per mile. According to legal and liability concerns proper inflation would save 25,000 lives each year.

Tires older than 10 years old should be replaced immediately. According to MotorHome Magazine, the older the tire the greater the need to be replaced. Any tires in service of 10 years or longer from the date of manufacture should be replaced with new ones due to increased safety concerns.

Motorhome owners should be aware of the condition of their tires. Increased air loss, noise and vibrations are all indicators that new ones may be needed. Always make sure that before engaging on a trip with your motorhome you at least have the tires checked within days of leaving.

According to MotorHome magazine pressure of your motorhome tires can be determined by matching the tire-inflation pressure to the load on each corner of your vehicle. First, each individual wheel must be weighed, and then refer to the manufacturer’s web site or literature regarding inflation. Each manufacturer provides load and inflation tables for their products to help you determine the correct tire inflation pressure. Check with your local dealer if you need assistance. Your family’s safety depends on it.

For more information about motorhome tires and for great resources to get great deals on new ones, take a look at this site.

By: Jon Brant

About the Author: