Travelling with babies and toddlers

Travel to far flung destinations is increasing. But what advice should you give to parents who plan to take babies or young children on package holidays?

Taking children on a package holiday can be a positive experience and is often a family's first taste of overseas travel. However, the importance of careful planning and realistic expectations should not be underestimated.1 Babies and young children have always been taken abroad. However, packages to increasingly exotic locations are becoming more common for many UK families.

While package holidays, especially to established tourist resorts, generally offer families a protected environment, they do not give complete immunity from travel-related illnesses or accidents.

The most frequently reported childhood travel problems are diarrhoea, malaria and accidents (specifically related to traffic and water safety).2 Often, parents focus on vaccine-related concerns during their pre-travel consultation. The practice nurse's role involves emphasising safety and non-vaccine preventable hazards, as well as offering appropriate travel vaccines and, if required, anti-malarials.
RISK ASSESSMENT

Practice nurses involved in travel medicine need to develop the skills required for an effective assessment, taking into account the family's travel plans and tailored to the child's individual needs. Usually the package holiday has been booked before the family attends for advice, so working in collaboration with parents is crucial to help ensure children are as fully protected as possible. While no trip can ever be guaranteed as risk free, awareness of issues and careful planning facilitates safer travel.

The risk assessment should consider the child's specific requirements:

* How old are they?

* Where are they going?

* How long are they away for?

* Why are they travelling?

* Have they got any medical or family history of significance?

As it is difficult to reduce exposure to environmental hazards3 all children should be up to date with recommended childhood vaccines. Ideally, travel should be delayed until at least the initial routine childhood vaccines have been given, usually by the age of four months. Parents planning to take babies abroad before completion of these vaccines must be informed that their children are at risk of vaccine preventable diseases.34

Expert advice, from a travel medicine specialist or authority such as NaTHNaC, should be sought about pre-existing medical conditions, special needs or complex travel itineraries.
MALARIA

All health professionals involved in the provision of pre-travel advice must ensure they understand the significance of malaria risks and are familiar with the current UK national guidelines. These recommendations from the Health Protection Agency Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the United Kingdom (see resources section) provide clear information and guidance and are regularly updated online.

Children, particularly babies and very young children, are at risk of severe malaria, which can rapidly be fatal. Parents should be advised not to take children to malarial areas.5 6 Realistically, parents may choose to disregard this advice. In these circumstances, it is essential that the nurse fully informs parents of both the risks and the appropriate preventative measures. These include prescribing appropriate anti-malaria drugs and advising parents to follow the ABCD malaria prevention recommendations:

* Awareness of risk

* Bite prevention

* Chemoprophylaxis

* Diagnosis and prompt treatment.5

DEET- (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) based insect repellents are considered safe for babies from the age of two months. Obviously, the manufacturer's guidelines should be carefully followed. Cot nets and protective clothing should also be used.5

These anti-bite measures also help protect against other insect spread diseases, such as dengue and yellow fever (spread by day-biting mosquitoes) and Japanese encephalitis, which - like malaria - is spread by night-biting mosquitoes.
Malaria tablets

Weight rather than age is the best guide for determining correct anti-malarial doses for children.5 Again, practice nurses should refer to the Health Protection Agency guidelines, which includes guidance on appropriate drug regimes, weight/dosage tables, contradictions and country specific drug recommendations. To ensure accuracy, babies and young children need to be weighed in the surgery, by the practice nurse or prescriber.
Symptoms

Anyone who has been to a malaria risk region (and for up to a year after returning home) who becomes ill, especially if they have a fever, flu symptoms or diarrhoea, must seek immediate medical attention. Parents must be informed that malaria in a baby or young child is a medical emergency that can rapidly kill.5,6
FOOD AND WATER HYGIENE

Babies and young children at risk of severe illness if they catch food and water-borne infections, so scrupulous care must be taken with food, water and hand hygiene. This is notoriously difficult with toddlers, and constant vigilance is required. Young children should not be given unpasteurised dairy products or undercooked food.2 3 Parents should also be advised to try to ensure that toddlers avoid salads, unpeeled fruit and any food that has been left uncovered. While hand washing provides the most effective hand hygiene, antiseptic hand wipes and gels can be considered when hand washing is not possible.

For babies, breastfeeding, if possible, is safest. However, dehydration can be an issue if the mother gets diarrhoea and vomiting. Boiled, not bottled mineral, water must be used for reconstituting baby milk, as mineral water can have a high salt content, which is dangerous for babies. Care should be taken with the sterilisation of baby bottles.

Rehydration is essential for diarrhoea and vomiting. Urgent medical advice must always be sought straight away for a baby or child who is dehydrated, has projectile vomiting, bloody stools, diarrhoea with a fever or who cannot keep any fluids down. Heat and humidity can accelerate dehydration.
JOURNEY RISKS

Travelling with young children, particularly long distances, can be stressful. Considering this before travel and formulating strategies to cope with journey pressures, helps parents manage stress more effectively.7 It is helpful to involve older children in this process, but obviously this is not possible with babies and very young children.
Flying

Healthy, full-term babies can fly 48 hours after birth, but it is sensible to wait until they are at least one week old. Premature babies need to be evaluated as fit to fly by a paediatrician.4

Charter flights are often cramped, with less legroom than scheduled flights, and they are more likely to be cancelled or delayed.
Travel sickness

Motion sickness can be a problem for children, especially between the ages of 3 and 12 years. Paediatric over-the-counter remedies are usually effective. Acupressure wristbands may help older children, although currently there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.
Jet lag

Sleeping tablets and medicines to prevent jet lag are not recommended for babies and children. Again, as with adults, young children should be encouraged to try to adapt to local time when they arrive at their holiday destination.
SAFETY

Young children are at increased risk of injury and should always be carefully supervised, especially on balconies, near traffic and in and around water. Drowning is a leading cause of death in children globally.2, 8 Near-drowning is also a serious issue, as it can have lifelong effects and the recovery rate from may be lower among young children than in teenagers and adults.8 Appropriate safety devices, such as inflatable armbands and rubber rings can be used, but are not a substitute for careful supervision by a responsible adult.
SUN

Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to sun damage, as their skin is much thinner than adult skin. Babies under 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

All children should be kept out of the sun when it's at its strongest - usually between 11am and 3pm, protected with a high factor UVA/UVB sun cream of at least SPF15+, clothes (there are now clothes available with in-built sun protection), hats, sunglasses for toddlers and sun shelters. Sun cream should be spread thickly on all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going outside. It needs be reapplied at least two hourly - more frequently, if in contact with water. 'Single' application sun screen preparations are not recommended.
INSURANCE

Specific medical cover, including cover for repatriation costs, is needed for each individual baby and child.
CONCLUSION

Package holidays can be a safe and positive experience for the whole family and health professionals have an important role in preparing and advising families prior to travel.9 However, parents may underestimate the hazards associated with more exotic package holiday destinations and can be unaware of specific health risks. For example, they may not realise young children with malaria are likely to become more severely ill than adults and older children.

Without being alarmist, practice nurses need to provide realistic, consistent advice, encompassing nationally recognised recommendations. The ability to clarify information, often diplomatically, is also required. Undertaking a collaborative risk assessment is an integral part of enabling parents to make informed choices about their family's health.
KEY POINTS

* Parents should be advised not to take babies and young children to malarial regions as, if they catch malaria, their risk of dying is high.

* If parents decide to take young children to malarial areas, they must be advised about appropriate anti-malarial drugs, bite avoidance and the significance of malaria in young children.

* International travel should preferably be delayed until initial routine childhood vaccinations have been completed (usually by the age of four months).

* Babies and young children are more susceptible to serious consequences of diarrhoea. Good food and water hygiene is crucial and whenever possible, breast feeding is best for babies.

* Appropriate paediatric medical care can be limited or non-existent in some regions.

* Comprehensive medical insurance is essential, whatever the child's age.

* Safety issues and behavioural factors need to be highlighted.
CASE STUDY 1

Michelle, 23, and her husband Paul, 24, are taking their two-month-old daughter, Tia, to a coastal tourist resort in Turkey for a two-week package holiday. This is their first family holiday. They plan to go in three weeks' time. All the family are fit and well, with no medical problems. Michelle is breastfeeding Tia.
Action points

* The importance of Tia completing her initial baby vaccines and the possibility of postponing travel should be discussed.

* Recommend the appropriate travel vaccines for the parents, with reassurance about the safety of inactivated vaccines in breastfeeding.

* Explain that Tia is currently too young to have travel vaccines and stress the importance of food and water hygiene (advising Michelle to continue breastfeeding), insurance and prompt medical treatment for Tia if she becomes unwell.

* As Tia is under six months old, emphasise the importance of keeping her out of the sun.
CASE STUDY 2

Dan and Rachel, both 38, are taking their three-year-old son Jake on a two-week package holiday to Tanzania in a month's time. They will be staying in a coastal resort, but are also planning a three-day safari. They are all fit and well.
Action points

* Tanzania is a high-risk country for malaria: prescription anti-malarials are advised for all areas. Highlight the implications of taking such a young child to a malarial area. Suggest the possibility a similar holiday in a country without a malaria risk.

* If Jake's parents remain determined to travel, recommend the appropriate malaria tablets, using current national UK recommendations.

* Stress the importance of insect bite avoidance and seeking emergency medical treatment if Jake becomes unwell, especially with a fever or flu like symptoms, as malaria can rapidly be fatal in young children.

* Make sure that his parents understand that malaria symptoms can be delayed. So if Jake becomes unwell for up to a year after they return home, he will need emergency medical treatment and they must tell his doctor that he has been at risk of malaria.

* Check that Jake is up to date for all his routine childhood vaccinations, including MMR.

* Recommend the appropriate travel vaccines for all the family, advising Tanzania is now considered low risk for yellow fever and vaccination is not usually recommended. Explain that yellow fever vaccination certificate requirements are only for arrival from an endemic country.

* Emphasise the importance of sun protection, food and water hygiene and insurance.
USEFUL RESOURCES

British National Formulary for Children. http://bnfc.org/bnfc/index.htm

Cancer Research UK: Protecting children in the sun. http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/aboutcancer/cancer-questions/protecting-children-in-the-sun

Health Protection Agency: Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the United Kingdom. http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/ topics_az/malaria/guidelines.htm

Health Protection Agency: Malaria cases up almost 30 per cent in two years as it's revealed most cases haven't taken antimalaria tablets. http://www.hpa.org.uk/NewsCentre/Nati onalPressReleases/2011 PressReleases/ 110425Malaria/

National Autistic Society: Holidays: preparation and practicalities. http://www.autism.org.uk/living-withautism/out-and-about/holidays-and-days-out/ holidays-preparation-andpracticalities.aspx

National Travel Health Network and Centre: Country Information. http://www.nathnac.org/ds/map_world. aspx

NHS Choices: for advice on diarrhoea and vomiting, motion sickness and travel with children. www.nhs.uk

Royal College of Nursing: RCN competencies: an integrated career and competency framework for nurses in travel health medicine. http://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/ pdf_file/0006/78747/003146.pdf

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A cautionary tale: a family's ordeal with malaria. http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/stories/ malaria_traveling_family.html

Motion sickness is a common problem and can make air travel a misery

Long-distance travel with young children can be stressful
REFERENCES

1. Stauffer W, Christenson J C, Fischer PR. Preparing children for international travel. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2008;6:101-113.

2. Weinberg N, Weinberg M, Maloney S. Chapter 7Travelling Safely with Infants and Children. In Brunette GW, Kozarsky PE, Magill AJ et al, (eds) CDC Health Information for International Travel. 2010. Atlanta. 428 -436. Available at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/ travel/ yellowbook/2010/chapter-7/traveling-with-infants-andchildren.aspx

3. World Health Organization. Chapter 6: Vaccine preventable diseases and vaccines. In International Travel and Health 2010, Geneva. 132 Available at: http://www. who.int/ith/chapters/en/index.html

4. Field VF, Ford L. Hill DR, (eds). Special Risks Children. Health Information for Overseas Travel. National Travel Health Network and Centre, London, UK, 2010. 73 -86.

5. Chiodini P, Hill D, Lalloo D et al. Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the United Kingdom. HPA/ ACMP; January 2007, London. Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/publications/2006/Malaria/ Chap_6.pdf

6. World Health Organization. Chapter 7: Malaria in International Travel and Health 2011, WHO; May 2011, Geneva.144 - 167. Available at: http://www.who.int/ith/chapters/en/index.html

7. Dawood R,ed. Chapter 11. Travellers at higher risk. In Travellers' Health. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2002. 484-489.World Health.

8. World Health Organization. Chapter 2: Drowning and injury prevention in Water Sanitation and Health. Guidelines for safe recreational waters. Volume 2. WHO; 2006, Geneva. 12-13. Available at: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/bathing/ bathing2/en/

9. Stauffer WM, Konop RJ, Kamat D. Travelling with Infants and Young Children. Part 1: Anticipatory Guidance: Travel Preparation and Preventive Health Advice. J Travel Med. 2001;8:254 - 259.

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By Mary Gawthrop, RGN, BSc (Hons), Post Graduate Diploma in Travel Medicine, MA, MFTM (RCPSG) Specialist Travel Nurse, National Travel Health Network and Centre, London and Liverpool.

Traveling With Your Camera: What to Take

Planning to snap photos while you're on the road? Here's what to pack

You don't have to be a National Geographic photographer to take your camera on the road, but you might need a few accessories to take the best photos and keep them safe. I've rounded up some gear designed for traveling photographers.

Put it in a proper bag: If you're still stuffing your camera into a backpack made for schoolbooks--or not using a bag at all--consider upgrading. You'll find a million bags for sale, but you can narrow the field by looking for a design that suits your lifestyle and equipment (a backpack versus a messenger bag, for example). Select a bag with a healthy amount of padding and with compartments for lenses and accessories. Some bags also have room for electronics such as an iPad or a laptop. Check out go.macworld.com/cambags for additional pointers.

Keep the rain away: With rare exceptions, cameras aren't made to thrive in wet environments. At a minimum, avoid damage to your camera and lenses from unexpected showers by grabbing a disposable rain cover such as the Op/Tech USA Rainsleeve (two for $7; go.macworld.com/rainsleeve); you can even use it to take smartphone photos in the rain. For a roundup of heavy-duty camera covers, see go.macworld.com/raincover.

Carry spares: Equip yourself with two fully charged batteries--one in your camera and a spare in your bag--plus a charger if you're going to be away from home for more than a day. And since memory cards are crazy-cheap these days, carry two or more cards. Don't rely on a single card, no matter how big it is, because if you do and it fails, you're out of business.

Use your phone for sharing: We've long been fans of the Eye-Fi memory card, which can use Wi-Fi to upload photos to your Mac. When you're on the go, you might appreciate the new Eye-Fi Mobi (starting at $50 for 8GB; www.eye.fi), which can send photos from your camera to your phone for posting to sharing services.

Improve your flash: Need to use your flash on a shot? The Lightscoop (www.lightscoop.com) bounces and diffuses light from a built-in flash for better results--and it takes up almost no space in your bag. Choose between the original Lightscoop (for DSLRs; $30) and the Lightscoop Jr. version (for compact cameras; $19).

Steady your camera: Tripods are big, bulky, and clumsy. For a lightweight, compact alternative, try the Joby Gorilla-Pod (joby.com); the Original model costs $20, while the fanciest of the other five models runs $100. Or check out The Pod (thepod.ca), a beanbag with a tripod mount. Prices range from $8 to $45.

Consider carrying a laptop and cable: If you're going to be away for more than a day or two and you want to protect your photos, your first line of defense is a laptop. Bring one along with a memory card reader or USB cable, and you can copy photos to it each evening for safekeeping and editing. Another option is to store your photos on an iPad, with help from the Camera Connection Kit ($29; go.macworld.com/camconnect).

Prepare to back up: Also consider carrying an external hard drive with you. The decision here comes down to how neurotic you are about ensuring that you've protected and backed up your photos. A palm-size hard drive such as Seagate's Slim Portable Drive (go.macworld.com/slim) costs less than $100, holds 500GB of data, and connects without requiring external power.

Keep Things Safe A good bag and a rain cover are essential items for protecting your gear during travel.

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By DAVE JOHNSON

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See point & shoot cameras resources you can find here!

COOL Travel TOOLS

Trek Lime Bike ($699.99) Step away from the computer and hop off the treadmill. It's time to feel the wind on your face. Trek Lime was created to lure lapsed cyclists back on two wheels with a ride that's simple, comfortable and, most of all, retro-cool. It has a three-speed internal shifter that works like an automatic transmission, so there's nothing to do with your hands but steer (even braking is done with your Feet). Fun features include flip-flop-friendly pedals and a cushy seat that lifts to stash your stuff. Optional colour kits allow for customization. Available in men's and women's models, as well as a low-frame Lime Easy Step. www.trekbikes.com/lime

Juice without the jiggle

Nathan Muse Women's Hydration Waistpak ($55) When it comes to carrying fluids with comfort and grace, not all runners are created equal. This pack's ergonomic design and horizontal bounce-free holster make it a girl's best friend. An elasticized waist belt designed for female hips and an insulated holster that flexes to the contours of her body are what keep the 0.65-litre squeezable hydration bottle securely in place. Other features include two zippered pockets for small essentials and a moisture-wicking mesh backing, www.nathansports.com

Toast your toes

Montrail Molokini Thermo-Moldable FlipFlop ($59.99) It's not every day that a pair of flip-flops comes with baking instructions. But pop this pair in the oven at 225°F (107°C) for three minutes, step into them, allowing your soles to make an impression along the thick contoured footbed, and find yourself basking in the pleasures of a customized fit. Soft neoprene straps and super-sturdy traction conspire to make these sandals comfy for the long haul. They may not be the cutest thongs on the beach, but for those who suffer from arch pain and foot fatigue, support will trump style, www.montrail.com

Full-metal shirt dress

Victorinox Swiss Army Marah Shirt Dress ($398) It's not surprising that the makers of the world-famous pocket knife would design timeless clothing for women that is inspired by the same multi-functional ethos and sleek styling. But this curve-flattering sleeveless shirt dress has at least one unexpected element: it's made of seven percent stainless steel. The innovative mesh-lined fabric is ideal for travellers (and won't set off airport metal detectors). Not only is it rugged, wrinkle-friendly and water-repellent, but it keeps its soft-structured shape in fine form for any fashion emergency, www.swissarmy.com

May the spork be with you

Light My Fire Outdoor Meal Kit ($24.99) The age-old mess kit gets a funky makeover thanks to the Scandinavian knack for combining style, functionality and vibrant colours. The nesting kit contains everything needed to nosh on the go: a triangular waterproof box that tucks easily into luggage corners, two plates, a spill-free cup with lid and a combined colander and cutting board -- all made of polypropylene, sometimes called a low-emission plastic. As for the near-indestructible "spork," a spoonfork-knife combo, you may never want to leave home without it. lightmyfireusa.com

Luck of the straw

Tilley Raffia Hat ($95) Toss or crush this lovely lightweight hat in your bag, and enjoy the security of travelling with certified ultraviolet protection rated UPF 50+. Made From natural Madagascar raffia, it boasts a 7.5-centimetre brim that can be worn up or down for two different looks. And leave it to Tilley to think of adding a secret compartment in which to stash valuables and an ingenious removable, washable sweatband. Each hat comes with a hat box and an insurance policy against loss (a 50-percent discount on a new one). www.tilley.com

Swell, no smell

Lolë Ready Sweater ($$5), Silhouette Tank ($55) and Nile Shorts ($75) Sure, you need to look good, but what if your clothes could also keep you cool, comfortable and protected from the elements? According to Lolë, a fabric called Nano Carbon will do just that and keep you smelling good too The activated carbon from bamboo that used to create these stylish, stretchy quick drying shorts is odour's worst enemy. The sun's harmful rays are no match either; it's UPF 50+. The tank (with handy removable bra cups) and cozy matching cropped zip sweater are lightweight and designed to wick away moisture. MP3 players and other essentials will find plenty of strategically placed pockets, www.lolewomen.com

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More motorcycle and power-sports resources here

Nissan tackles its larger models now

With most of its small and high-volume models redesigned, Nissan will begin rolling out freshened and re-engineered versions of its larger models and trucks.

In addition, over the next two years, Nissan will bring its lower-volume products up to date and take another step into hybrid-electric models.

Nissan will deliver a new-generation Murano crossover, Maxima sedan and Titan and Frontier pickups. It will also offer a hybrid version of the Rogue crossover for the first time.

Nissan faces decisions on whether to bring a trio of proposed vehicles to market. The company remains uncertain about whether its long-discussed e-NV200 electric compact commercial van, on sale in Europe, makes sense for U.S. dealerships.

Also far from certain is the future of the IDx concept small car, unveiled in late 2013 with assurances that it will be commercialized. And Nissan has vowed to bring its BladeGlider electric sports car concept to market, with a nontraditional arrow shape that features a narrower front end than rear.

Nissan's 2012-14 wave of redesigns covered 75 percent of its U.S. sales volume. The next two years will focus on reshaping the remaining 25 percent, and on keeping the larger-volume products fresh.

Murano: The redesigned third-generation Murano will reach showrooms at the end of this year as a 2015 model. In a bid to give the new version the same visual impact it had when it debuted in 2002, Nissan's San Diego design studio emphasized the crossover's curvaceous body lines with pronounced creases and created a sharper, floating roofline over concealed D-pillars.

The model also gets a touch more interior elegance and technology in a bid for more high-end buyers, including turn-by-turn navigation. Its new predictive forward-collision system, previously available only in Infiniti models, reacts to traffic activity two cars ahead by automatically braking when necessary. The crossover will receive a panoramic moonroof, customizable lighting, climate-controlled seats and enlarged instrument gauges and center stack. It will be available in S, SV, SL and Platinum trim levels, with each available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Murano CrossCabriolet: Nissan will drop the high-end convertible Murano at the end of the 2014 model year, with no plan to resurrect it.

Maxima: The redesigned Nissan flagship will arrive in the second half of 2016. Its "show car" styling will closely adhere to the Sport Sedan Concept that was unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January, featuring a low, sloping roof and downward curving hood line. Nissan executives say the 2016 Maxima will retain the concept car's long curving body side creases, in addition to picking up 5 mpg.

Titan: The next Titan pickup will be unveiled at next year's Detroit auto show and go on sale later next year as a 2016. Nissan has lavished attention on improving the styling, configuration and performance of the underperforming pickup in hopes of making it a more serious full-sized segment contender.

The key change for 2016 will be its variation. The new model will come in three cab configurations -- crew cab, extended cab and, for the first time, a regular cab -- with both gasoline and diesel engine options. In addition to its usual V-8 gasoline engine, Nissan will offer a Cummins-branded turbocharged 5.0-liter V-8 diesel. The Cummins package will put the Titan for the first time into what Nissan is calling internally the "1500-plus" segment, the economy-oriented pickup segment that serves customers who need the hauling power of a 2500-class pickup but not that size gasoline engine.

Armada: Changes in door trim will be the only notable difference on the 2015 Armada when it arrives in September. But a new generation of the full-sized SUV will follow the Titan's redesign next year. The 2016 will see fuel economy improvements and reduced body weight, without surrendering towing strength, a key selling point.

Rogue: Nissan's fast-rising crossover was redesigned for an early 2014 market launch and continues as a 2015 in September with no significant change. Rogue Select, the nameplate for the previous-generation Rogue, will continue selling as a 2015 model starting next January. A hybrid-electric version of the Rogue will appear in late 2015 or early 2016.

Frontier: The Frontier's overseas twin -- the mid-sized Navara pickup -- already has been revealed in Thailand and South American markets. The Navara indicates that the next Frontier will be redesigned with a new body, altered roofline, higher ground clearance, enlarged cargo space, improved fuel efficiency, and styling that links it to Nissan's brand look.

Nissan is also testing a Cummins diesel engine to offer in the United States. Now that the Frontier has fewer mid-sized segment competitors, Nissan believes a small diesel could chip into Detroit's full-sized customer base. The key unresolved issue is whether Nissan and Cummins can arrive at a sticker price low enough to satisfy the junior segment's more price-sensitive customers.

Juke: The Juke will appear in October with freshened styling, flashier front and rear lights and more body cladding. Nissan will also begin marketing more color customization on the model, allowing customers to mix and match interior and exterior, seat and trim colors. In the Juke's next iteration, later in this decade, Nissan will aim for a still more polarizing design.

Altima: A freshening is scheduled for 2016 model year.

Pathfinder: A major freshening is planned for the 2016 model.

Sentra: The car will be freshened for 2016.

Versa Note, sedan: The Versa sedan received a freshened front and rear for 2015, and two new trims, the SR and SL, were added to the Versa Note.

Quest: The minivan, which arrives in October, sees little change for 2015. A higher-end Platinum grade is added, and the van picks up 1 mpg of fuel economy.

IDx: The rear-wheel IDx compact sports sedan concept presented to audiences at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show is designed to recall the Datsun 510 sedan. "DX" is even the Roman numeral for 510. Global product planning chief Andy Palmer said at the time that the model would fit into Nissan's portfolio as a lower-end sports car -- an affordable option below the 370Z, arriving on the market as early as 2017. However, the company continues to debate the investment, which would require the creation of a low-volume rear-wheel platform not shared by other models.

Leaf: As of the 2015 model year, the electric Leaf is one of the only vehicles not in line with Nissan's new brand styling. The Leaf is at least a year away from receiving the common V-motion front grille and boomerang headlights. But Nissan is also planning a more significant reshaping of the car, probably in model year 2018. That project will deliver two changes: a more traditional styling to tone down the futuristic impact of the car's first generation, while remaining a hatchback; and an enhanced lithium-ion battery system with greater driving range. Despite the manufacturer's imperative to make the Leaf and the upcoming Infiniti EV look as different as possible in the 2017-18 time frame, the two models will share the same underpinnings. Since the Infiniti has vowed to use an inductive battery-charging technology on its EV, it is likely that the Leaf will offer the technology.

370Z: The 2015 Z models reached showrooms in July with only minor trim and technology package changes. The rear-wheel-drive sports car is not due for a redesign before 2017. Look for the next version to offer a smaller turbocharged engine option, and to be slimmed down, addressing criticism that its current body is too bulky.

GT-R: The GT-R was freshened for 2015, with new headlights and suspension, steering and brake enhancements. The model will carry over into 2016. A GT-R Nismo performance version arrives in August.

Cube: The boxy, low-selling Cube has been discontinued, as of the end of the 2014 model year.

BladeGlider: If Nissan greenlights the program, the arrow-shaped hybrid-electric BladeGlider sports car concept could appear before 2018. But public reaction to die late-2013 concept unveil was more curious than enthusiastic. Nissan wants to challenge world racing circuits with the concept of EV race cars; the BladeGlider's racing twin, the ZEOD, ran at 24 Hours of Le Mans in June with mixed results. But it is still far from clear whether Nissan will commercialize the concept for U.S. showrooms.

The redesigned Maxima's styling will adhere to that of the Sport Sedan Concept, shown.

Nissan is considering a lower-end sports car based on the IDx compact sports sedan concept.

The 2015 Nissan Navara previews the redesigned Frontier's styling.

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By Lindsay Chappell, lchappell@crain.com

Using Custom Drinkware As Giveaways

Using Custom Drinkware As Giveaways
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Noah_Zee]Noah Zee

Companies that attend special events, conventions, and tradeshows have one main objective; get their company's name out to the masses. They attend this assortment of events to let potential clients know all of the goods and services they offer, while thanking their past and current client base. Along with all of the speeches, demonstrations, and assorted presentations given at these events comes the various giveaways.

The executives and owners of companies know that giving away free items to people that attend these events is one way to keep the company name on their mind. Many companies give away informational pamphlets and flyers, which as beneficial as these items are, tend to end up buried in a drawer, or worse, in the trash.

Grab Their Attention with Drinkware

If your company wants to grab the attention of potential customers when attending an assortment of events, such as tradeshows, give things away they can use. As beneficial as pamphlets and flyers may be, giving away items, such as drinkware, is a way to give potential clients usable items all while giving them a tangible reminder of your company.

Long after attendees have left special events, tradeshows, and conferences, they will still have the drinkware giveaways offered by companies that use this great advertising tool. When they use the various drinkware items, such as travel mugs, cups, water bottles, and desk mugs they will be able to see the company logo, slogan, or other information it displays. Other individuals, who may borrow this drinkware, will then see the company information, which could lead to potential clients.

Customize It!

One essential element of customizable drinkware is just that, it is customizable. Company owners or those in charge of marketing or advertising can make the decision exactly how to promote the company. This means putting the company logo, contact information, or even the company slogan on the drinkware that was chosen to give away. It's a fresh idea to add to your business marketing campaign. It's cost effective and it spreads your brand in a cool way.

Using custom drinkware as giveaways is a winning situation for everyone involved. The company that gives them away benefits from the advertising and promotion the items offer when used. The individual that receives these special drinkware giveaways benefits from having something that they can use repeatedly, at no cost to them. If you are planning to offer giveaways, custom drinkware is an ideal option.

Drink Branders is a [http://www.drinkbranders.com/]great company to check out for custom drinkware. They offer high quality products along with great [http://www.drinkbranders.com/custom-water-bottles.html]branding with custom water bottles.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Using-Custom-Drinkware-As-Giveaways&id=8747747] Using Custom Drinkware As Giveaways

Plenty of Reasons to Love Krups Coffee Makers

Plenty of Reasons to Love Krups Coffee Makers
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mark_Van_Tuel]Mark Van Tuel

When it comes to coffee makers, Krups coffee makers are the cream of the crop. Krups coffee makers can be found in a large number of kitchens and offices around the world. Krups has made sure that homemakers and coffee lovers will find many reasons to prefer their products over others.

And the best reason they found? A much more affordable price for their coffee makers. Bearing the weapon of a more affordable price tag, Krups coffee makers went into the market and conquered large chunks of it. Coffee lovers looking for their ultimate coffee making companion and those who want to have good cups of coffee at home will definitely love the reasonably-priced Krups coffee makers.

Why You'll Love Krups Coffee Makers

If you are wondering whether Krups coffee makers are worth buying, here are some reasons why they most certainly are. First of all, coffee makers manufactured by Krups are made entirely for the purpose of brewing excellent-tasting coffee that can perk up your mornings, boost your energy when you need it, and nurture your love for coffee.

The result is always good coffee with a strong, natural flavoring. If you have a Krups coffee maker, then that means you can brew your perfect cup anytime. And what will this perfect cup cost you? Not much, if Krups has anything to do about it. Krups coffee makers are among the most comfortable coffee brewing products around.

Their products are all priced just right, so anyone who loves coffee don't have to worry about the price. By appealing to the part of the market that's more budget-conscious, these coffee makers sure provided a way for everyone to enjoy brewing their own coffee. And if good coffee now does not cost that much for your pocket, it certainly does not cost much effort in making as well, especially with Krups coffee makers in the picture. Coffee makers with the Krups brand on it are synonymous to fast and easy coffee making without the hassle. They are very user-friendly and can be operated with the least amount of effort from you.

These smart coffee makers can come up with the perfect blend of coffee without your assistance. Coffee making is not impossible even without coffee makers. In fact, you can make coffee without these machines like people in history did.

But coffee makers are around to make life so much easier for you and to make coffee making a breeze. So why buy a coffee maker that you'd have to exert a lot of effort operating? Better buy a Krups coffee maker, sit back, let the machine do what it does best, and enjoy your perfect cup of freshly brewed coffee afterwards.

Complete Your Coffee Experience

Krups coffee makers can complete your coffee making and coffee drinking experience with the help of several great features on their coffee makers. Coffee makers from Krups are quite advanced. They come with automatic brewing timers, built-in water filters for pure coffee taste, and pause function for instant coffee servings anytime. Also, some models can brew coffee within minutes, and some can brew for a lot of people all at once.

Krups coffee makers even come with filters that keep your coffee not just tasting great but smelling wonderfully as well. Since half of the magic of coffee lies in its soothing and tempting aroma, you can be sure that you get every part of your coffee experience with Krups. So if you are in the market for a coffee maker that can offer durability, affordability, efficiency, and great coffee, you have only one brand to go to, and that's Krups.

You can find more about Krups Coffee Makers on our website

Copyright 2008 Coffee-maker-guide.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Mark is the editor Coffee-maker-guide.com which provides you with the best coffee maker reviews and ratings. You can find more about the Krups coffee makers [http://www.coffee-maker-guide.com/krups-coffee-makers.html] on our Best coffee makers [http://www.coffee-maker-guide.com/] website.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Plenty-of-Reasons-to-Love-Krups-Coffee-Makers&id=1541811] Plenty of Reasons to Love Krups Coffee Makers

Travel Insurance, It's a Spiritual Thing

Travel Insurance is the terminal abstract whatever of us conceive most before a vacation. You see comfort erst the activate is stipendiary for. Then you move state the “spending money.” By the time, you end where to go, when to go, where to stay, which grace or voyage to take, you meet don’t advert “travel insurance” and this could be a Brobdingnagian nonachievement for every of us.

We equip in a activate to farther absent places, we carefully acquire newborn clothes, solarise glasses, newborn luggage, newborn underwear, and another accessories exclusive to yield ourselves panoramic unstoppered for hardship and forfeited of money if whatever of the mass events were to occur: Tour consort cause decides that she needs a breadbasket tuck, at your expense, or the journeying consort disappears, or the Airline goes smash or on strike, or the hurricane of the century, titled after your ex-wife, makes a mitt invoke and heads straightforward for your movement destination, or a conception of Calif. liquid into the ocean cod to an seism and this state upsets the rest of the oceans in the world, subject unrest in the Middle East when they encounter discover Hilary strength be President, extremity grace delays, sickness during the pass because you drank the water, and the BIG one, terrorist attack, not to name if you lax your passport, or worst, the ocean rises up and claims the beach face where you are staying.

All jokes aside, you crapper acquire movement shelter for endorsement against activate cancellation, activate interruption, uncomprehensible connections, distinction listing coverage, scrutiny expense, crisis scrutiny transportation, baggage, case delay, unplanned modification and impact 24 distance movement resource assist acquirable to you from whatever where in the world.

The "Real" Reasons to acquire Travel Insurance

OK, sufficiency of the negative. I'm trusty you intend the point. However, there is a more essential think to acquire Travel Insurance; It protects your assets backwards bag if something were to hap during your trip.

Example: What most grownup citizens who impact waited their whole chronicle to movement exclusive to encounter discover that Medicare module NOT counterbalance anyone right the United States! Can you ikon outlay a large invoke of your withdrawal income to clear scrutiny bills in a external country? There are Major Medical Polices for travelers (including seniors) who are feat foreign for at diminutive 6 months and order more imperishable insurance. These plans wage broad scrutiny endorsement including crisis scrutiny treatment, welfare tending and nonmandatory medication take coverage.

Example: People who had movement shelter had an every assorted undergo when Emily (Hurricane) impact the Mexican peninsula in July of 2005. First, everyone titled and went to the airfield disagreeable to grownup a grace out. At whatever point, there were no more flights out, there were exclusive buses agitated thousands of traveler midland absent from the storm. Those with Travel Insurance were not anxiety with "cost" (I am trusty it was sufficiency meet to vexation most your life) realizing that they would be reimbursed finished their Policy. Those without Insurance necessary to be afraid with the outlay of accommodations and matter until Emily got a meliorate attitude. For sure, whatever of the traveler without movement shelter had to clear a assets of their upcoming monthly budget before making it backwards bag safely. (I astonishment what hap to those who had reached their bounds on the assign cards) We won't go into what hap to the traveler that were staying in diminutive hotels when Katrina impact town!

Another warning of the “real” reasons to acquire Travel Insurance, you are skiing in the Alps, you are uninterrupted the moguls (or they are uninterrupted you) and you artefact in the turn. No actual problem, but you impact to be airlifted to the close infirmary to impact x-rays taken. The outlay of the airlift? Who pays? You do, if you don’t impact the comely (travel) scrutiny shelter or happening insurance. (Will stipendiary for a eggbeater mate to a infirmary status your monthly budget backwards home?)

And what most the artist example? You yield your money cavity with your assign game and your Travelers Checks in the equipage on the artefact backwards to your hotel. It happens every the time. No insurance, No reimbursement.

Important Information:

Please note, this is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: With the eld of the Travel Insurance companies, you MUST administer for the default, coercion shelter and pre-existing shelter WITHIN 10 life of the initial engagement of your trip. Bottom line, you can't move until your instruction is on the US State Department's Travel Warning List to acquire Insurance.

The inferior you impact to vexation most on vacations, the safer you module be. When motion right of the US, a beatific care of your tending staleness be presented to reviewing your surroundings. Always be alive of your surroundings.

Enough of the examples. If you protect yourself and your investment, you belike won’t requirement the Insurance Its’ nearly same the Insurance Companies place an concealed “umbrella of protection” around us, meet so they won’t impact to clear or is that our prayers ownership us safe?