Avenue78

Traveling in Politically Unsafe Countries

  Wendy Perrin from Conde Nast Traveller shares her views on how to safely navigate the not-so-safe parts of the world.

She says that one of the best ways to feel safe is to travel with a private guide - someone who knows where they're going and how to get there with minimal safety issues if any. Here are some questions to ask your guide before you jump in to their car:

1. How well do you know the vicinity? Ask him how long he has lived there, what news and information sources does he rely on to stay on top of the political situation.

2. What are his credentials? A guide license? Areas of expertise? Driver's license? Insurance? How long has he been working as a guide?

3. How do you keep a low profile? Make sure he dresses to blend in and (sorry gliteratti) no fancy cars or touristy buses.

4. What is his emergency game plan? Cell phone? GPS in case he gets lost? Portable email device?

5. Does he have references? Check with past clients to see what they have to say.

Beauty Secrets

The October Issue of Marie Claire Magazine shares 10 Beauty secrets with us. We picked our favourites to share with you!

1. Don't Get Your Skin Drunk. After binge buying at the beauty counter don't use everything at once. Wait a few days before introducing each new product on your skin so it can become accustomed to it. No need to overstimulate your skin!

2. Give Your Evening Eye Cream a Fighting Chance by removing all your eye makeup. If you don't get rid of every last speck of eye makeup and concealer, your eye cream can't absorb and do what you're paying it for.

3. Keep Sun Spots from Resurfacing in the Winter. Even if you've lasered and peeled your way to a clearer complexion, there is still sun damage lurking beneath the surface to keep up the at home glycolic serums, year round sunscreen and yearly peels to keep spots at bay.

4. Invest in a Good Pillow. If you're going to spend 6-9 hours a day up close and personal with your pillow it had better be good quality, smooth and as clean as possible. For best results use a high thread count, wash it in All Free Clear detergent and change it at least once a week.

5. Rescue Therapy. Any skin type will benefit from an over the counter hydrocortisone cream. Use it all over your face for two or three days in a row. It will diminish puffyness, help to heal red blemishes, and even out your skin tone.