My Trip Blog

Are you an avid sports fan?  If so, there is a good chance that you will try and incorporate sports into your next vacation or business trip. If you are planning on enjoying a game of golf or a game of baseball, it is likely that you will want to bring along some sporting equipment with you.But, did you know those items have some restrictions on them?  If you are planning on traveling with sports equipment, not matter what sport that equipment is for, you are advised to familiarize yourself with these rules and restrictions.

As previously mentioned, golf is a sport that many travelers enjoy participating in.  If you are planning on traveling with your golf clubs, you will need to treat them as checked baggage. All airlines currently have a ban on golf clubs being used as carryon luggage.Either you should be willing to leave your clubs at home or properly protect them as we all know the price of golf club sets.  If you are traveling to a golf resort or other popular vacation destination, there is a good chance that you should be able to rent a set of golf clubs. Although they will not be your own, it is nice to know that your set is safe at home.

In addition to golf, baseball is another sport enjoyed by many.  Like golf clubs, baseball bats are banned from being used as carryon luggage.  If you are planning on enjoying a game of baseball, on your next vacationor business trip, you will want to store your baseball bats in a secure bag that can safely be transported through different airports.  While baseball bats are banned from airplane cabins, there is no mention of any other equipment such as cleats, helmets, or baseballs.  For your own convenience, you may want to store these other baseball supplies in the same place as your baseball bats, in your checked baggage.

Of course, if you are planning on enjoying a hunting excursion, when on vacation or a business trip, you will need to keep your supplies in your checked baggage.  All bows, arrows, and guns are strictly prohibited from being in airplane cabins. In fact, if you try and pass through a security checkpoint with these items, is there is a good chance that you will be detained by airport security, for further questioning. Although you may not necessarily think about it, bows, arrows, and guns are not only used for recreational purposes, but they are also used to harm others.

Additional sporting goods that are banned from being included in your carryon luggage include pool cues, ski poles, lacrosse sticks, or hockey sticks.  As with all other items, if you are concerned with the safety of your sporting equipment, you are advised to rethink your decision to bring that equipment along.You can protect your equipment by ensuring that everything is packed safely and properly, but there are no guarantees.  You are also advised against relying on compensation from the airlines if and when your sports equipment suffers damage. 

As previously mentioned, there are some sporting goods that are outright banned, but other rules are not so clear.If you are trying to make up your mind on whether you can pack other equipment in your carryon luggage or not (like masks or other protective gear), you are suggested to ask before coming to the airport. In the event that these items are banned, you may have to make additional arrangements. Regardless of whether you choose to return the items to your car or mail them to your home, you may end up wasting unnecessary time and money.

Asia is a great retirement option for those seeking affordable yet comfortable living, without compromising on natural beauty, entertainment and great food. Malaysia could be the place you’ve been dreaming about. If you’re not familiar with it, Malaysia is situated on the lower part of the Malay peninsula, just north of Singapore.

East Malaysia is about 400 miles from the mainland. Peninsular Malaysia is more developed, with all of the major cities, and East Malaysia is where you will find large expanses of jungle, many rivers, and some of the best diving in Southeast Asia.

Most retirees would probably find Peninsular Malaysia more convenient for living, and East Malaysia good for occasional visits.  If you want to retire to Asia, Malaysia is as good a place as any. 

Malaysia was a British colony until 1957, and has existed in it’s present form since 1963. English is spoken widely, although many other languages are spoken as well – various dialects of Chinese, Tamil (a south Indian language), Malayalam (another South Indian Language) and the national language, Bahasa Malaysia.

Malaysia is blessed with a pleasant, warm climate, inviting shorelines of white sands skirted by crystal clear waters. Lots of public and private hospitals, recreational/entertainment facilities and developed and quality education system are also available.

Malaysia offers a low cost, tropical paradise to retirees. The monsoon season generally runs from December to March, and hits the East Coast hardest- although rain is year round. Depending on where you are from, Malaysia can be hot and humid in the summer, just like Texas.

Crime is very low in Malaysia, few areas could be considered unsafe, even in the larger cities. Drugs are best avoided completely, since the penalties for possession are severe. The people are very friendly.  This alone makes it one of the best places to retire in Asia.

As long as you respect the local customs and cultures, you will not have a bad experience in Malaysia. You can see signs like the head scarves being worn by women that show Malaysia has Islamic roots.

People who want a little adventure in their retirement years, while still enjoying a decent standard of living would like living here. People who enjoy trying new foods – Malay, all sorts of Indian food, all sorts of Chinese food, fresh seafood all year would enjoy staying here. Same with those people who have decent health and who want to keep it that way by being active and curious.

You can afford to live in Malaysia cheap because the cost of just about everything is so cheap.

Fortunately Malaysia has a low cost of living and helpful tax laws, you can live cheap here.  This is a good reason to retire in Malaysia.

Another reason why some people want to retire in Malaysia is that it has superb healthcare facilities and highly-skilled medical practitioners. Yet medical expenses and insurance can be very cheap and affordable compare to other countries.

Malaysia’s cultural mosaic is marked by multinational traditions, originating from China, India, the Middle East, Europe, and the entire Malay Archipelago.

New cultural influences from Europe and China mixed with Hindu and Islamic traditions later in history. A collective but distinctively Malay cultural pattern has emerged from this blend. It is reflected in literature, music, dance, and art forms.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, where more than a million work and reside, and functions as the center of Malaysia’s political, commercial and social life. It is a city of delightful contrasts. The favorable climate accounts for the lush greenery and profusion of tropical blooms in a riot of colors. The end result is a unique blend of age-old customs and traditions; colorful festivals, songs and dances and a rich variety of foods to tempt the palate.

Credit cards and travelers cheques are accepted at larger establishments. Most banks readily accept foreign currencies like the US Dollar, Pound Sterling, Yen, Deustchmark and Franc for exchange into Malaysian Ringgit.