Category Archives: Infographics

Travel and tourism-related fun and informative infographics. Sometimes, it’s easier to read through a picture. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Infographics, Travel FAQ, Travel Hacks, Travel Preparation

How To Pack Like A Pro and Travel Light

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The less you carry, the farther you travel – that is the mantra ninja travelers use. If you want to be one of them, then please pay attention.

We have outlines our top hacks and tricks that will teach you how to pack like a pro and travel light.

Must Read: One Golden Rule To Avoid Overpacking

WRITTEN LIST

A checklist is always important when you pack your bags. No matter what kind of trip you are on – adventurous or leisurely, you ought to check out the things you probably need on the trip.

From your toiletries to your electronics everything should be on the list.

STAGING ZONE

 

There is a rehearsal before the final performance- that is what you must do. Use a table and spread out all the things you need to pack- all your gear.

Once you do that, then practice packing. It might sound weird,( what packing practice, duh?) But believe me it helps you to pack faster and smarter.

The more you pack, you know what you want and what you need in your backpack- see the difference? You want that extra pair of shorts, but you need those comfy shoes for your hike.

That is why pack and unpack till you, filter out all the not needed things for your trip. Then you will master the art and Pack like a Pro!

SHADES OF FOLD

A bag has several kinds of species inside it if you know what I mean. Some items need careful folding; some need tying and some rolling.

Your t-shirts, trousers, jeans, dresses, shorts, pajamas need folding. But jackets, blankets need rolling and after rolling them tie them tighter, so they hold their shape.

BAGS OF BAGS

After the major packing of clothes, come the toiletries and accessories. Use separate zip bags or pouches to set them apart. Use one for charger, earphone, batteries and other for passport and documents you need.

Keep them on the top of your pack, so they are easily accessible. You can find it in our Travel Store: Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag.

CEMENT OF SOCKS

Other items like socks and scarves are tiny little things that act like cement. Yes, cement!

The stacks of clothes and rolls of jackets and blanket act as bricks and the socks and scarves you use to fill up the space between them act like cement. It gives your bag a firm shape and balances the weight throughout.

THE GO-BAG

 

Above all, a go-bag is a must. You might ask what is a go-bag? Well, it is like a life-saving kit in times of emergency. It contains Your extra phone charger, extra earphone, copies of your documents, extra toiletries some snacks and change of clothing.

It is like an overnight bag you pack when you do a sleepover. And is a must know if you are to pack like a pro.

THE REVERSE FORMULA

How long is your trip? What is the first thing that you are going to unpack when you reach your destination? Pack in reverse order to keep the necessary things within your grasp. Like the pair of T-shirt and Pyjamas you need when you reach, should rest on the top of your suitcase rather than the dress might wear later on your trip.

Think like a pro, and pack like a pro. Do one thing- line out the things you need according to your days of stay- What you need on day 1? Then day 2 and so on. And pack the things you need on the last day at the bottom and the things you need on the first day at the top.

Do one thing: You can line out the things you need according to your days of stay. What do you need on day 1? Then day 2 and so on. And pack the things you need on the last day at the bottom and the things you need on the first day at the top.

LESS PRESSURE ON YOUR SHOULDERS

Carrying a backpack with a load of your entire trip is sometimes tiring as all the weight rests on your shoulder. But here is how the pros cheat the weight- this packing formula is also one of the best and effective.

It takes the load off your shoulder and rather than pulling you back puts the pressure on the center of your body.

PACK ACCORDING TO WEIGHT

  • Bottom of the Bag – Medium Heavy
  • Middle of the Bag – Heaviest
  • Top of the Bag – Lighter

These are the Ultimate hacks to make your packing smoother. Pack less, Travel More; because you never know what you might bring back with you.

You need some space for the mementos as well as memories. Happy Traveling!

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Infographics, Nature Travel, Did You Know

How Climate Change Is Going To Affect Travel

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There is no doubt that each one of us has an idea about climate change. The rise in temperatures, the ozone hole, the ice sheets melting all point out towards the inevitable truth that our Earth is changing. And in the process, so are the beautiful places changing.

CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

An increasing number of cyclones / The Art of Travel Partners

The major factor leading to Climate Change is the Green House Effect. Now, what is the Greenhouse Effect? A Greenhouse as we all know is a Glass building where plants grow in cold weather.

When the heat enters the Greenhouse, it tries to bounce back outside. But the glass stops it from retreating, hence trapping the heat of the sun rays within the house. In this way, the plants grow even in Winter.

The Art of Travel Partners

 

We use a lot of fossil fuels in our Vehicles. It releases gasses like Carbon Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide which are greenhouse gasses. It means that they have the capability to trap the heat. When these gasses move above in the atmosphere, they form a layer.

Fossil fuel pollution / The Art of Travel Partners

The sun rays penetrate the layers of atmosphere and warm up the earth, but when it is time for them to bounce back they can’t. It is because the Greenhouse Gases absorb the heat. And in this way the temperature of Earth Increases.

The 2000-2010 was the hottest decade ever; you can imagine very well how rapidly the Earth is changing!

Before we move on to the effects of Global Warming, let us have a look at the amount of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the U.S.

Infographic by The Art of Travel

30% – ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION (Mostly 67% of  electricity comes from burning fossil fuel mostly coal and natural gas)

26% – TRANSPORTATION (Over 90% of the fuel used is petroleum based which includes gasoline and diesel)

21% – INDUSTRIES

12% – RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL

9% – AGRICULTURE

11% – LAND USE and FORESTRY (More emission of Carbon dioxide than the forests could absorb)

CLIMATE CHANGE EVIDENCE

THAWING PERMAFROST IN ALASKA

Permafrost Thaw in Alaska / The Art of Travel Partners

Alaska is double the area of Texas, and it spans on both sides of the Arctic Circle. Hence, making the US an Arctic Nation.

Alaska also occupies 20% of the Land area of the United States. As it is in the Arctic Region most of Alaska has the Permafrost. The layers of Permafrost are frozen soils underneath another layer of soil.

In the past 60 years, the temperature of Alaska has increased by 3 degrees Fahrenheit, which is, in fact, twice the increase as compared to the rest of the U.S.

As the temperature increases the frozen layers beneath the soil, start to soften, making the upper layer of soil susceptible to the change. Most of the highways and houses are built on the Permafrost which makes Thawing of Permafrost a nightmare. The frozen soil of Alaska is melting away very fast, and it is all because of climate change.

The glaciers are melting, and that is why Polar wildlife has nowhere to go. In no time we might have to say goodbye to Polar Bears!

If important steps aren’t taken as soon as possible, the temperature of Alaska is going to increase by another 4 degrees Fahrenheit by mid-century.

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HIGHER TEMPERATURES IN GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The Art of Travel Partners

The world-famous Galapagos Islands are near the Equator which makes it vulnerable to temperature rise.

As the Environmentalists predict- by 2100 the average Global temperature will increase by 2-4 degree Fahrenheit. As the Galapagos Islands are near the Equator it has more chances of experiencing a hike in temperature.

When the temperature of the islands increases what is gonna happen? The Rise in Temperature results in higher sea surface temperature. As we know the specific capacity of water is higher than the land, the sea water is going to get heated. Increase in Sea water temperature affects the El Nino current (increased rainfall).

It will also affect marine life- green turtles, Galapagos tortoise, marine iguanas. Sea level will rise by 1m and the pH of the water will drop, making it more acidic. These climatic changes will put a direct effect on beaches, mangroves, and wildlife (all the things why Galapagos is popular for).

CORAL REEFS REDUCING IN SRI LANKA

Reducing coral reef across the world / The Art of Travel Partners

Sri Lanka is a tiny island nation, and it emits a small share of greenhouse gasses as compared to the rest of the countries. Still, it is one of the few countries to be affected adversely by climate change. Sri Lanka is already on the brink of climate change whereas Galapagos has still to experience it.

Due to the increase in temperature, 40 migratory bird species are endangered. The prolonged droughts have also increased the decline in some amphibian species.

The decrease in pH forces the corals to inhibit the growth of shells. And sea level rise also decreases the number of coral reefs in the Sri Lankan Coast. Climate change turns the attraction of Sri Lankan tourism to ashes.

These are just a few instances of what is going on on our planet. And how it is affecting the tourism industry. Either visit these places before they run out of their beauteous charm or follow steps to decrease the Climate Change.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Did you know that a round-trip coach ticket from New York to San Francisco accounts for two metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions? So, unless and until it is necessary to avoid air travel for business (resort to video-conferencing).

Let’s reduce our carbon footprints / The Art of Travel Partners

Use a hybrid, and avoid using your car. Bicycling and walking are the environment-friendly way of getting around.

Use Energy Star products, as they generate less heat. If possible use renewable energy resources. Like, install solar panels if you live in State with Net Metering law state.

Maintain your household electrical devices regularly- insulation, filters; help in controlling emissions.

Follow the 3R:

  • Reduce
  • Reuse
  • Recycle

Consider using less waste generating items. Recycle your waste products and use composting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

From the 26% gasses produced by transportation, 13% Greenhouse gasses generate from vehicles transporting food products. So, use locally produced meat and dairy instead of using the ones transported from Latin America.

It will reduce the greenhouse gas production through transportation, and it will also save the rainforests in Latin America which get cleared for building farmlands.

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Infographics, Travel FAQ, Money for Travel

10 Hacks to Save Money for Your Dream Vacation

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There are a lot of stunning places in the world for you to see. You want to visit these places, and you have already started planning. Sadly, it often does not go further than the planning stage. You always end up not making these plans a reality, which is utterly frustrating.

In most cases, though, it is your fault why it didn’t happen. You have not saved enough money to cover all the expenses of the trip. This should not happen again.

Also Read: 15 Money Saving Tips That Actually Works

Make sure that the next time around, the trip will finally push through. If money is the problem, there is something you can do about it. You just have to stay committed to the goal and be disciplined no matter what happens.

Start Saving Now

The first step is to start saving money for that dream vacation. Yes, it is not easy considering all the expenses that you have to pay for, but it is not impossible. As long as you work hard to earn money and you are also willing to sacrifice, you will have enough in your savings account in no time.

You should also avoid procrastination. It is easy to say that you want to visit different places, but it is not easy committing to it. There will be a lot of times when you are tempted to not follow through with your plans. It is easy just to buy new clothes or dine at a fancy restaurant with your extra money instead of adding it to your savings.

Make Serious Plans

Another reason why your plans are always getting canceled is because you don’t have any serious plans. You keep on saying that you will go for it, but in the end, you don’t. You have not even researched the plane tickets or made advanced hotel reservations. It is one thing to say that you are interested in traveling and another thing altogether to do the necessary steps to make it happen.

The moment you start with serious planning, it is easy for you to keep moving ahead with the plans. You can ask for help whenever necessary. You should read reviews or seek out recommendations from those who have traveled before. Create a timeline that you can easily follow and make sure to go back to what you have written and see if progress has occurred.

Don’t Be Discouraged

There are times when you feel like you don’t have enough money left because of all the expenses incurred. You might also feel like the prices just keep going up each time you check. These are just additional obstacles in your plan, but it does not mean you have to give up.

Rest assured, there are other ways for you to get cheap plane tickets or hotels. You just need to keep searching. Airline prices, for instance, are not constant. They go up or down depending on when you make the reservations. Hotel rooms might be expensive, but if you can find budget hotels, you will save more money.

Find a way to cut the overall cost of the trip whenever possible. You should learn how to use public transportation, so you won’t spend a lot taking cabs. You should even know how to walk around the destinations if possible. This will help save a lot of money.

You Are the Only Obstacle

In the end, you will realize that the biggest obstacle in this plan is you. If you are determined, this trip will happen. If you can sacrifice to save more money, it will pay off. If you can let go of club memberships or stop eating out even for a month or two, it will go a long way.

Related: Common Travel Questions and Our Answers with Tips and Hacks

The moment you change your lifestyle and stick with more practical choices in life, you can easily reach the necessary amount for this trip to happen.

Save Money for Your Dream Vacation

If you still feel confused and you don’t know the concrete steps you have to undertake to save money for your journey, read the infographic below. We have compiled important tips that you can use to save up for this trip easily. They are effective in helping others to pursue their plans. They will also work well for you.

This trip will happen soon. It is just a matter of finding the right strategies and learning to make sacrifices. Before you know it, you will be in your dream destination. The best part is that after the trip, you arrive home without any regrets because you did not blow up your budget.

One Last Step

There are wannabe travelers all around, planning a trip that is never going to happen. We are saying “never going to happen”, because the majority of us have full-time jobs and a tight budget.

How are we going to make that trip to Hawaii or Singapore? We keep thinking, planning, plotting but the vital link we all forget is “money.” Now that we have covered the money part, there remains one last step.

Decide Your Destination

You must decide where you want to go and carefully narrow your lists of available options. Pick a destination that fits both your budget and your dream. Those who want to travel abroad might like to take a decision on a country where their currency is valuable than the local currency.

For example, Americans can plan a trip to Thailand, Indians can go to Hong Kong, Europeans can go to Hawaii. A Smart way to choose your destination is to check your currency value. And…cheap flight tickets.

Use Google Flights

Google flights is hands down the best free tool that you can use to find a flight that is both viable and available. Even if you are planning a last minute trip. You can set your home destination and then play with the dates (into future) to find a cheap deal.

We hope that you have found our article helpful. By keeping the tips we have shared with you in mind, we’re sure that you will be able to make every dollar count in your trip.

We wish you safe travels!

Author’s Bio

Sarah Smith loves to travel. She has been to several countries and has also inspired others to pursue their travel goals. Despite running several businesses, she has still managed to achieve her travel goals. She also loves to explore places most travelers ignore. Learn more about money saving tips on her blog Personal Income.

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Infographics, Did You Know

Game of Thrones Maps of Westeros & Seven Kingdoms

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Beautiful maps of Westeros and the rest of the known world as shown in Game of Thrones. Below you have Game of Thrones Westeros map of all the Houses: Stark, Lannister, Tyrell, Martell, Baratheon, Arryn, Mormons, Tully, Targaryen, and Greyjoy.

Map by guydouglasdesign from Tumblr

Photo by twipzdeeauxilia CC BY SA 2.0

Game of Thrones Maps

The world of Game of Thrones is divided into four major landmasses divided into seven kingdoms.

Dubrovnik, Croatia / Photo by Hans Permana CC BY-NC 2.0

Credit: https://fuckyeahfictionalmaps.tumblr.com (Tumblr)

The Seven Kingdoms

The story’s main focus is on Westeros and King’s Landing (pictured above). Everybody and every kingdom and city-states are fighting everyone else to gain control of the entire Westeros and the seven kingdoms.

Everyone wants to either sit on the Iron Throne or be in a good relationship with the person sitting on the Iron Throne.

At the very bottom of Westeros, you have Dorne. It is separated from the rest of Westeros by Red Hills. To the west, you have The Reach. It is the most fertile region in the continent.

Above Dorne, you have the Stormlands. This one is a rocky and marshy land and also contains many forests. Above it is Crownlands (Waters), the seat of the Iron Throne. The capital city of Westeros, King’s Landing, is in the Waters region.

To the west, you have the Westerland, a mountainous region with gold and silver mines. They are the richest household. The region in the center of the continent is called Riverlands, a medley of plains, hills, forests, and numerous rivers.

The islands to the west are called the Iron Islands. The seas around the islands are very stormy and destructive and have also destroyed and eroded most of the Pyke castle.

To the islands’ diametric right, we have The Vale, a high mountainous region.  Lastly, the North is the largest of the seven kingdoms, and it is called Winterfell. 

Another continent, Essos is further south and the weather is hotter and it is a region made up of several free city-states.

Credit: The Huffington Post

Photo by TaylorHerring CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Bonus: A spectacular dragon skull the size of a double-decker bus appeared to have been washed up on Charmouth beach on Dorset’s Jurassic coast in the United Kingdom.

Hope you enjoyed this collection of Game of Thrones maps! Many thanks!

Infographics, Travel Inspiration, Travel FAQ

Top Travel Brands In Past 150 Years (Infographic)

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We all love to travel. We are all connected through the Internet now. Most of us have smartphones and you are most likely reading this post on your phone right now. We have come a long way.

Have you ever wondered when did National Geographic start or when the Discovery Channel was launched? And what about Priceline, Expedia, etc.

Well, we were curious too and therefore we have compiled this list of the biggest and most popular travel brands in a neat little infographic for you to enjoy!

Vertical Timeline of  Top Travel Brands

The world’s major travel brands of the past 150 years (a vertical timeline).

 

It’s great to see this progress. About 50 years ago, only the US Navy and Army (and other militaries) were using the GPS system. People used to print and bring big maps to go road-tripping. Then we transitioned to GPS and from GPS, we transitioned to smartphones and Google maps.

Travel became a big national hobby and travel magazines turned into Travel Shows and online travel websites. More and more people began to publish their travel stories and travel guides. Suddenly, the world became a much smaller and much more connected place.

Today, it’s hard to not find information on a place you want to visit. Sure, there are extreme places that are still unexplored and beyond the reach of most travelers. Most of the earth’s oceans and sea still remain uncharted. Many underdeveloped countries still don’t have great transportation system and therefore making it harder to explore the country’s inner regions. 

Nevertheless, where there is a will and a passport, there is always a new adventure. Where are you going next?

 

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