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Travel Tips
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Traveling to Peru
Editor’s note: Global business, and subsequently, global business travel, continues to expand rapidly. In response, CWT Traveler will provide to readers each month insights and tips on traveling from North America to other countries around the world. This month’s installment focuses on Peru.
In business:
- Most businesses are open six days a week. Some offices close for lunch between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- It is best to avoid scheduling appointments between January and March, as many Peruvians go on vacation during this time as well as during the two weeks before Christmas and Easter.
- Peruvians value personal relationships and relate well with individual business associates rather than a corporation. When approaching a new prospect, it is better to establish a connection through a highly regarded local contact.
- Peruvians may be more comfortable discussing their Spanish heritage than their Indian background. Visitors should avoid making remarks about politics, the Peruvian government, terrorists, and relations with neighboring countries.
Good to know:
- Peru is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T. - 5), or the same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
- Men and women shake hands both in greeting and in parting.
- Peruvians communicate in close proximity, and backing away may be seen as rude or offensive.
Safety and Security:
- Peru is subject to earthquakes and volcanoes, as well as severe weather due to fluctuations in the El Nino. Street crime remains a problem in both cities and rural areas.
- The greatest threat to foreign travelers in Peru is altitude sickness. Lima is near sea level, but other popular destinations (such as Cuzco and the area around Lake Titicaca) are high enough to cause this illness. Anyone can be struck by altitude sickness, and rest is the only sure cure. Sunburn is also a danger at high altitudes, because there is less atmosphere to provide protection from the sun.
Please contact your CWT travel counselor or visit the State Department Web site for the latest security information on travel to Peru.
Sources: travel.state.gov, “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries,” by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Published by Adams Media of Avon, Massachusetts.
Know exit row responsibilities
While the exit row has historically equated to more legroom for most travelers, recent events have turned a focus to exit row responsibilities. Those sitting in the exit row have important actions to take in the event of an emergency. Before each flight, the flight attendants remind passengers about these responsibilities and ask about their willingness and ability to comply.
Exit row responsibilities include opening the exit door in the event of an emergency and assisting others out before exiting. In order to be adequately prepared for these responsibilities, passengers should read the safety card and listen closely to crew-member instructions. No matter where passengers are sitting, it is important to know exit procedures and safety measures. Awareness and preparation help to decrease chaos in the event of an emergency, which is imperative to the safety of all onboard.
Sources: Indiananewscenter.com, Washington Post, Smartertravel.com
Healthy snacks satisfy in-flight hunger
When flying, it can be tempting for travelers to purchase snacks that wouldn’t normally meet their nutritional guidelines. The following are some tips to help fight those temptations.
Plan ahead: Having a healthy, good meal before heading to the airport can help decrease the urge to purchase unnecessary junk food at the airport. Travelers may consider packing a lunch, protein bar, fruit, or vegetables in their carry on. Foods high in fiber and protein are good choices.
Choose wisely: Certain snacks are healthier than others. Protein bars are more nutritious than granola bars and contain more protein and fiber. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants verses the milk chocolate variety. Soda is high in sugar, while water can keep travelers hydrated, and juice contains more vitamins and minerals.
Go baked: Fried potato chips typically are highly processed, high-calorie, low-nutrition snacks and provide little nourishment. Baked alternatives still satisfy the salt and crunch craving while limiting the calories and fat.
Size matters: Select snacks in the appropriate portion size. Large and jumbo size packages add extra temptation.
In-flight options: Many airlines have made great strides to provide healthy, low-calorie snacks in flight. Fruit and veggie plates, salads and healthy sandwiches are often available. Skip the fattening dressings and dipping sauces, though.
Fast foods: While most fast food restaurants contain high-calorie, high-fat menu items, travelers can often find healthier options such as salads and lean proteins on the menu.
Cheers: While it might be tempting to shake off stress, alcohol is filled with calories, provides no nutritional value, and is dehydrating.
Source: Health magazine
