Dirtiest Hotels for 2009

Based on the Trip Advisor Traveler reviews for 2009.

Dirtiest Hotels - Asia (Pacific)

1.First Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
2.Hotel Grand Central, Singapore, Singapore
3.The Imperial Hotel, Hong Kong, China
4.Royal Peacock Hotel, Singapore, Singapore
5.Woraburi Sukhumvit Hotel and Resort, Bangkok, Thailand
6.Colmar Tropicale, A French-Themed Resort, Bentung, Malaysia
7.Oxford Hotel, Singapore, Singapore
8.City Gate Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam
9.Royal Parkview Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
10.Aseania Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia

Dirtiest Hotels - France
1.Hotel Merryl, Paris, France
2.Hotel Bristol Republique, Paris, France
3.Hotel Lebron, Paris, France
4.Hotel Altona, Paris, France
5.Comfort Hotel Airport CDG, Roissy, France
6.Notre Dame Hotel, Paris, France
7.PV-Holidays Village Pierre & Vacances du Cap Esterel, Agay, France
8.Abotel Hibiscus, Paris, France
9.Plaza Opera Hotel, Paris, France
10.Hotel Saintonge, Paris, France

Dirtiest Hotels - Germany
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)
We looked everywhere, honest. But our members tell us there aren't that many dirty hotels in Germany.
1.Hotel Modern, Munich, Germany
2.Central Hotel am Dom, Cologne, Germany
3.Ludwig Hotel, Munich, Germany
(Beg to differ? Write a review and warn fellow travelers!)

Dirtiest Hotels - India
1.Centaur Hotel, IGI Airport, New Delhi, India
2.Hotel Regent Continental, New Delhi, India
3.Ashok Hotel, New Delhi, India
4.Marina Hotel New Delhi, New Delhi, India
5.Jupiter Spa & Resort, Salcette, India
6.Ajanta Hotel, New Delhi, India
7.The Connaught, New Delhi, India
8.Hotel Janpath Ashok, New Delhi, India
9.Hotel Welcome Palace, New Delhi, India
10.Hotel Yamuna View, Agra, India

Dirtiest Hotels - Italy
1.Hotel Nizza, Rome, Italy
2.Hotel Anglo Americano, Rome, Italy
3.Repubblica Hotel, Rome, Italy
4.Hotel Club Florence, Florence, Italy
5.Piccolo Hotel Il Palio, Siena, Italy
6.Hotel Ascot Florence, Florence, Italy
7.Blue Paradise Resort, Parghelia, Italy
8.Casa Olmata, Rome, Italy
9.Hotel Guelfa, Florence, Italy
10.Hotel Delle Nazioni, Milan, Italy

Dirtiest Hotels - Spain
1.Playamar, S'illot, Spain
2.Catalonia Gardens, Salou, Spain
3.Rambla & Catalunya Hostel, Barcelona, Spain
4.Amalia Apartments, Benidorm, Spain
5.Hostal Abrevadero, Barcelona, Spain
6.Althay Apartments, Costa Calma, Spain
7.HTOP Gran Casino Royal, Lloret de Mar, Spain
8.Hotel Veracruz, Sitges, Spain
9.Hotel Emperador, El Arenal, Spain
10.Guitart Capri, Lloret de Mar, Spain

A-Z of Packing Smart

An article by Michael Co from "The Philippine Star" dated December 12, 2008. After 10 years of travelling 3-4 times a year for business and pleasure and he shares his A-Z of packing smart. He said either travelling domestic or international we should treat our luggage as "an extension of our soul; it should'nt be too heavy and praying of not losing it."

A- Airports- as in "security policies of different airports for check in luggages".

B- Backpack and Bags- The Gold standard of packing is not to check-in anything at all to prevent lost luggage. He uses backpack with light external frame to keep both hands free and lower back cool and dry.

C- Combination locks and cable ties- "forget about keys...just do'nt forget the combination!"

D-Disposable underwear- Tips for guys: don't wear khakis with disposable underwear---they'll "spot"

E- Extra Clothes- "Always, always bring a day's worth of clothes in your carry bag."

F- Folding-"it depends on the article of clothing. We can roll t-shirts, socks and neckties but fold jeans and shirt sleeves"

G- "Good Morning Towel"- it does'nt hurt to bring a small one to freshen up during a long trip.

H- Hotel Map-"download a map from the internet". A copy of the hotel address in the local language.

I- iPods, Cell phones, Laptops, and other tech- invest in separate travel cases for digital toys. Avoid "fanny packs" because they attract thieves.

J- jackets and jewels- wear your jackets or tie them around your waist. Leave your expensive jewelries at home except your wedding ring.

K- Kilograms- as in the weight of your luggage. Pack what you can physically carry if don't want to pay for extra amount.

L- is for liquids and laundry soap- avoid bringing liquids in airports if you can buy them at your destinations. If you like used sachets and packed in a transparent bag for quick inspection.

M- money- US dollar is the ideal currency in travelling. To limit your loss during pickpockets, spread out your money, like putting them in a money belt and securing them around your waist.

N- Notebook and pen- Record your travels like embassy addresses, train schedules etc.

O- organizer bags- you can buy these in department stores. It has different sizes and colors.

P- Photography- photograph your luggage in your cellphone to avoid describing them to airport officials just show them the picture.

Q- Quarantine- Australia has one of the strictest quarantine laws in the world.

R- Reading materials- It can either be fiction or travel guide to kills boredom.

S- Shoes- use comfortable shoes like Boeing and Airbus.

T- Travel Documents- "Keep them together and keep them close."Put them in one place.

U-Umbrella or poncho- Climate varies from places, always bring cheap umbrella or high quality poncho.

V- vitamins and other medicines- Don't forget to declare them when travelling to Australia

W- Wet ones- Hand gels were placed on banned objects.

X- Xerox- photocopy all your travel documents and separate them from the originals.

Y- Yummy- "food does'nt always have to be fuel. Avoid the airport menu unless you're willing to shoulder their profit margins."

Z- Ziploc- "use resealable plastic bags for soap, shampoo and toothpaste."

" Package yourself well, and don't forget to bring your smile." Your representing your country, when you travel.