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Things You Should Know When Caring for an Aging Parent

Watching parents progress through age can be challenging, to say the least. The person who raised you and acted as a strong, powerful role model slowly loses their faculty as they grow old—and before you know it, you’re caring for the person who cared for you since you were a baby.

This transition could happen gradually as their condition worsens, or it could happen overnight if they unexpectedly slip, fall, and break a bone.

That’s why it’s critical for families to be proactive and plan for this chapter of life before anyone is caught off guard and thrown into a caretaking role they’re not prepared for.

 

Mix this with your travel plans and your lifestyle, and it gets tricky. Today, we’ll talk about  3 things you should know when caring for an aging parent.

Daily Living Requirements Must Be Met

How do you gauge whether your parent needs additional assistance as they progress through age? It’s a delicate line to walk. You don’t want to offend their dignity or autonomy, but you need to know that they can safely meet the daily living requirements essential to their emotional and physical well-being.

Keep a close eye on their condition to ensure they independently perform the following activities every day:

  • Self-feeding
  • Dressing
  • Bathing or showering
  • Personal hygiene (grooming, brushing teeth, etc.)
  • Toilet hygiene
  • Functional mobility (getting in and out of bed, sitting down and up from a chair)

Many seniors develop age-related illness or mobility issues that impede their ability to conduct their daily activities with ease. They might show signs of cognitive decline and forget to take their prescriptions, or it may prove unsafe for them to walk up and down the stairs after recent surgery.

Whatever the case may be, you’ll need to find them the appropriate help. This may be in the form of you stopping by at lunch to make sure they took their meds, hiring a qualified professional for help, or retrofitting their home and installing the proper safety equipment.

This transition is inevitably challenging. Adult children may be in denial, not ready to accept their parent’s decline in health, and elderly parents may be reluctant to ask for help due to guilt, shame, or stubbornness. However, taking an honest look at their condition and identifying where they need support is the first step to helping them live out the last years of their life most comfortably.

There are Ways to Pay for Senior Care

As health weakens and parents show increased symptoms, many adult children worry over how to pay for senior care. You want the best possible treatment for your parents, but how can you afford it without placing a financial burden on your own family? And how do you know which type of treatment program is best?

Fortunately, there are several ways to pay for senior care without mounting expensive medical bills. Take a look at the options below:

  • Medicare Part A – Original Medicare includes provisions for different types of inpatient care during temporary stays at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. This form of senior health insurance also provides hospice care for terminal illnesses and may cover the costs of at-home nursing care in severe cases.
  • Supplemental Medicare – Also known as a “Medigap policy”, supplemental insurance can be used to bridge the gap between services not covered under Original Medicare Part A and B. This offsets the out-of-pocket costs for dental care, dentures, eye exams, hearing aids, and more.
  • Investment Accounts and Retirement Savings – According to LongtermCare.gov, the average monthly cost of living in an assisted living or nursing facility ranges from $3,600 to $6,800, which could be very difficult to afford on Social Security alone. When your parent can no longer safely age in place, they can receive the treatment they deserve by tapping into the interest accrued on their investment portfolio or the money they’ve placed into a savings account.

Be sure to take advantage of the publicly funded programs that offer financial assistance for the elderly if you need extra help covering medical expenses.

Charities such as Meals on Wheels can provide your loved one with warm food and friendly smiles when you can’t be there, while the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development may be able to find your parent an affordable place to live.

Estate Planning Should Be Aligned

Unfortunately, it’s not a matter of “if” your loved one will die, but “when”. As they develop signs of age, it’s wise to go over their estate plan to ensure their affairs are in order. It can be uncomfortable to discuss what will happen once a parent passes, but it’s crucial to talk about it in advance.

Having a plan laid out will not only minimize stress following their passing, but it will also help minimize the amount paid in taxes, court costs, and legal fees. It’s likely that your parents began preparing their estate when their children were born, but it’s worth reviewing in case any changes need to be made.

For example, a divorce in the family or the birth of grandchildren could warrant names being added or removed. Your parent may have acquired a business since then, in which case they’ll need to formally document who it will be transferred to, or they might have opened a bank account but have yet to record the information necessary for an heir to access the funds.

Go over the documents in detail to confirm nothing’s left out, and if they haven’t already created a plan, make it a priority while they’re still in good health. Talking through various options from the comfort of home will make you and your parents feel much more comfortable as you prepare.

Conclusion

It’s important to have these conversations with your parent(s) well before their condition deteriorates and they have their full mental faculty. Otherwise, family members might feel rushed into a decision and emotions can run tense. Difficult conversations are never easy but going into them prepared helps smooth the discussion.

Come to the table with these talking points in mind and your loved one can rest assured they’ll receive the best care possible.

Author Bio

Kaelee Nelson received her Master degree with an emphasis in Digital Humanities and pursues her career as a writer in San Diego, currently writing for 365 Business Tips and GoodLife. She enjoys informing readers about topics spanning industries such as technology, business, finance, culture, wellness, hospitality, and tourism.

 

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Sustainable Tourism: The Future Of Travel Depends On It

With growth comes prosperity. With prosperity comes an increase in travel and tourism. With an increase in travel and tourism comes pollution, ecological damages, and pandemics.

No, this post is not about Coronavirus. This blog is about the future of travel. This blog is also about how you can practice and promote sustainable travel.

Sustainable Tourism

By 2050, with all other economic sectors having greatly reduced their CO2 emissions, tourism is likely to be generating 40% of global carbon emissions.

The main cause is an increase in the average distance traveled by tourists, which for many years has been increasing at a faster rate than the number of trips taken.

In other words, more people are traveling to faraway international destinations than they did in the past.

Travel and tourism is related to traveling for leisure, business, or visiting friends and family. Tourism also involves primary transportation to the general location, local transportation, accommodations, entertainment, recreation, food and dining, and shopping.

Approximately, 72% of tourism’s CO2 emissions come from the transportation aspect of travel (moving from point A to point B), and 24% from accommodations related activities, and roughly 4% from local activities including eating.

Airline travel alone accounts for more than half of all travel-related CO2 emissions. Do whatever you can do to minimize this part.

How To Promote Sustainable Tourism

The world is massive and has endless possibilities. There is so much that we haven’t seen, and if we don’t travel, we aren’t going to either. Looking at Instagram photos and YouTube videos can only do so much for our wanderlust.

Traveling is adventurous, exciting, and stimulating, and I believe that everyone should make an effort to reach out beyond their borders. That said, it is important to be environmentally conscious while you are traveling. Hence, the promotion of sustainable tourism is essential.

In today’s post, I am going to discuss 10 practical ways to promote sustainable tourism.

Sustainable tourism is the concept of visiting somewhere as a tourist and trying to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy.

This can be done either by staying at a place longer than a few days and visiting adjacent countries, attractions, cities in a single trip instead of making multiple long-distance round-trip flights.

The future of our planet and climate change is in our hands

When Possible, Take Direct Flights

Planes are responsible for a significant amount of carbon emissions, and they are an essential part of traveling, yet we can start moving on sailboats to avoid these emissions.

So, how can we make our travel more sustainable and decrease the impact we have on the environment.

Did you know? Planes emit most of their carbon emissions during takeoff and landing. This means that connecting flights are more damaging to the environment as compared to direct flights.

Therefore, whenever you have the option, choose a direct flight, these flights maybe a little more expensive than connecting flights. Still, they are more convenient and use less fuel as well, which is also suitable for sustainability.

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Find Sustainable Accommodation

Mykonos, Greece

If you are planning to stay at a hotel or a hostel while you are traveling, make sure that the place you chose is environmentally conscious. This will allow you to decrease your carbon footprint. Moreover, you should try to be sustainability-conscious as well.

For example, try not to waste any energy, water, or food. Make sure that you don’t cause any noise pollution, either.

Finally, you should also try to find accommodation that is locally owned so that you can support the local economy.

Only Use Reusable Stuffs

Reusable coffee cups

While you are traveling, you should try to minimize the use of disposable items such as plastic cups, bottles, and straws.

We know that plastic isn’t good for the environment, therefore, when you are traveling, make sure that you keep some useful accessories with you, like a grocery bag for shopping, a glass water bottle, a travel mug, etc.

Leave the Place As You Found It

A clean beach in Greece

This is an essential rule to follow when you are traveling in nature; for instance, if you are hiking or camping. You should try your best to have no adverse effects on your surroundings.

This means that you shouldn’t damage any local plants or trees and be as eco-friendly as possible. In short, you should leave the place as you found it.

Support the Local Food Vendors

A local fruit seller

If you are a foodie like me, you can appreciate the local cuisine and street food or exotic locations. Whenever I am traveling, I take some time to check out the local street foods, and when I’m visiting a restaurant, I choose one that is locally owned.

Instead of eating at fast-food restaurants owned by global conglomerates, I prefer eating at local establishments so that my travels can benefit the local economy.

Moreover, trying out local foods allows me to experience a whole new array of flavors and cuisines. So, make sure that you give it a try as well.

Pack Light and Smart

Carry only the necessities 

One of the first lessons to becoming a master traveler is to pack light. You should always aim to travel with a single backpack or small trolly case.

If you do have a large bag, then traveling in the local transport will be more difficult for you. You will have to take a taxi or use an online ridesharing app, which can result in extra carbon emissions.

Moreover, this is bad for your budget, and if you are using ridesharing apps like UBER, you are once again benefiting large companies rather than the local economy.

Therefore, pack light, but more importantly, pack smart. This is a skill that you will develop with time, so keep making an effort. For instance, once while traveling, I got a painful ear infection; luckily, I knew how to treat an ear infection at home.

Now I always keep some medications with me, because it can be challenging to find a good doctor sometimes, like when you are on a camping trip.

Volunteer to Help Local Communities

A group of UN Peace Corps Volunteers in Ukraine

One of the best ways to travel on a budget and have a significantly positive impact on the world is to volunteer with organizations like the peace corps. Not only will they fund your travels, but you will get a chance to help communities in need all over the world.

If you don’t want to make a long-term commitment with the peace corps, many other non-profit organizations will allow you to volunteer for a shorter time.

Use Sustainable Transport Wherever Possible

A bike parked in Amsterdam, Holland

When you are visiting another country, you will need to move around. Now, what form of transportation should you choose? Your objective should be to minimize your carbon emissions; therefore, for longer routes, choose public transport vehicles like busses and trains.

You can also use public transport to move around locally, but these days, most big cities have electric scooters that everyone can apply through an app. These are quite affordable and convenient as well. You can also consider renting a bicycle for the day.

Respect the Practices of Local Culture

When you are traveling to a foreign country, you will encounter different religions and cultures. To be a sustainable traveler, it is also essential that you respect the practices of the local people.

This means that you should try to be discreet when people are praying or doing cultural rituals. Also, make sure that you follow the appropriate dress code when you are visiting places of worship.

In short, don’t be insensitive and do some research.

Gondola in Venice / Climate change and its impact on Tourism

Raise Awareness About Sustainable Travel

Lastly, apart from following all the tips mentioned above yourself, you should always try to raise awareness in others.

This can be achieved by sharing your sustainable traveling experience with others through vlogs and your social media accounts. Moreover, you should talk to fellow travelers about sustainable traveling as well.

Author’s Bio

Katherine Joseph writes this article. She has been wearing hearing aids for over twenty years and still is a veteran of the audiology industry. She gives a holistic view of the hearing aid industry and the equipment available at DoctEar.

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Safe Hostel Travel: 14 Tips for Teens

Hostel traveling is one of the best ways to explore the world as a young person. These communities that dot every major city on the globe are hot spots for like-minded voyagers looking to visit faraway cultures and people.

However, life on the road doesn’t come without dangers to personal safety. In this article, we’ll highlight a few simple steps to ensure a fun and secure stay at a hostel, particularly if you are a teen traveler.

Find the Right Location

Finding the right location is one of the greatest ways to ensure safety while visiting a new city. Visiting a new destination (often abroad) is fun, but the cost of travel gets substantially high the further away you travel from your home.

Staying in Hostels is one effective way to budget your expenses but hostels are all about who will share the place with you, how far it is from the city center, public transportation, and what’s the cost when compared against Airbnb or Hotels.

Therefore, booking a hostel should be done carefully so that one doesn’t end up staying far from the places they want to explore. If you plan to drink, look for locations close to the nightlife of your city. It’s better to have a short journey back to bed in the nighttime.

Do Advance Research

There are several websites specifically dedicated to this form of travel, and each site posts helpful information such as they type of hostel, the type of community found there, and what to expect from a stay.

Make sure to find one that fits your personality, as this will mitigate culture shock and oftentimes depression.

Also, do some research about:

  • common travel scams in particular destinations you are planning to visit
  • the nearest embassy of your country
  • note down phone numbers for hospitals, ambulance, and police
  • shady neighborhoods to skip

Drink Responsibly

First thing first, find out the legal drinking age in the country you are visiting. And, do not drink in if you are not of age. Drinking is just one tiny way to have good times but traveling offers so much more. Be mindful, present and curious. Let your senses be overwhelmed by the new experiences (so you don’t feel like you are missing on anything).

Another tip is to drink responsibly (if you must) and if you are traveling in a group, then go to a bar with your group. Do not accept drinks from strangers no matter how friendly they appear.

Pack Light & Carefully

Take care when packing for your trip. Remember that most hostels sleep six to ten people in a single room, so the space you live in will be shared with strangers.

Therefore, all your personal items will be in a common space that is potentially open to thievery. Remember, the quickest way for a trip to be ruined is to lose something important.

One great strategy to minimize the threat of robbery is to be a packing minimalist. When gathering the items, carefully revise and prune the list of items that you will bring.

Expensive clothing shouldn’t be brought if it isn’t necessary, along with high-priced electronics that won’t be of use on the trip. Bringing fewer items will decrease your chances of getting something stolen abroad.

Bring a Lock

Inevitably, some valuables will have to be brought on your trip. Passports, money, and cell phones are part of every travelers’ arsenal when living in hostels. In order to keep these items protected, it is imperative that a lock and key is brought on your journey.

Almost every location will offer lockers to store your gear either for free or for a small fee. Using a locker will allow for important documents and information to be kept in a safe place while exploring the city’s sights or bars. Don’t hesitate to bring one!

Private Rooms

In addition to standard mixed-gender dorms, some locations will offer private rooms for booking. Private rooms are great options for additional privacy if you do not want to share living space with strangers.

Additionally, they can add another level of protection to personal items while visiting cities across the globe.

Specialty Hostels

Another option for female globetrotters is all-female dorms and hostels. While these hostels and rooms come fewer and further between, they can provide additional safety and security for women traveling abroad.

Be sure to look for these options if one has concerns about privacy or living with men.

Final Thoughts

Some additional precautionary tips to keep in mind are:

  • Ask the hostel staff for security advice or anything you should know about
  • Don’t open the hostel door for strangers
  • Make a copy of your Passport and email it to yourself
  • Hide some backup money somewhere safe. This is just in case you lose your wallet/purse
  • Plan to check-in at your hostel before dark for the first time
  • Don’t leave your hostel alone late at night (no matter how safe you feel)
  • Trust your gut “feeling” but also use your brain (it is better to be safe than sorry)

I hope these easy to follow steps help when planning your next trip! The world is a gift, and everyone should have the opportunity to see every part fearlessly.

Go forth and experience something new!

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Safe Traveling: 5 Tips On How To Travel Abroad Safely

Safe Traveling gives you a sense of security. We love going places, meeting new people, seeing beautiful sunsets. That is what travel is about. But in the excitement of it all, we should not forget about staying safe.

Don’t be so immersed in walking down a bustling tourist street that you get pick-pocketed. There are some basic tips you need to follow for safety.

It is not just theft that you are up against, you never know when you face a natural disaster, or God forbid an illness during your trip. In that case, you ought to be prepared for the worse. Below are the safety rules for wise travelers.

Carry a door lock with you

No matter what kind of destination you go and no matter how high end the hotel you stay in, you always need to have your privacy.

That is the key to safe traveling. A door lock helps you keep unwanted visitors at bay and is particularly useful for women who travel solo.

Read Next: Be Bold For Solo Travel: International Women’s Day

Along with a door lock pack a smoke detector with you too. Not all the rooms have smoke detectors.

So it is better to have one with you in the case of an emergency it can be a lifesaver. Many buildings do not have smoke detectors, so to be on the safe side take one with you.

Memorize the Emergency Digits

For safe traveling, You need to be well aware of the emergency numbers before you travel to a new country.

For example, the emergency number for an ambulance in America is 911 but in Cuba, it is 104. Google the emergency numbers of your destination before you head out for being safe. It will be beneficial if you find yourself in any trouble.

Translate Important Documents

Image Link

You might snort and say that “English is Global, Why translate it?”. But just a bit of illness abroad and you will know how important the local language is.

Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea are very serious about their mother tongue. If you give them your health documents in English, they can’t understand it because they don’t know it.

In such cases, download the health app if you haven’t already. And then input the information into it. You can use a translation app to translate all the information, So the translation would not be a biggie.

Prepare all these documents before you head out for your trip, And keep apps like to translate Microsoft Translator, Translator and Google Translator in your phone. They come in handy while traveling.

Sign up with the State Department

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program provides US Nationals with many benefits. But above all in any case of emergency, the US Embassies can help you out in a much faster and swifter way.

It is a free service, so all the US citizens but takes advantage of it. The department also sends travel alerts regarding the country you are about to travel to.

Choose to Stay on Lower Floors

By lower floors, we do not mean the ground floor. You know in case of a break in the ground floor is the most vulnerable floor. But in the event of a fire emergency, the top floor is also going to give you trouble.

The comfy of all floors are the second and the third floor. In the case of break-ins, you are relatively safer, and in the event of a fire emergency, the ladder can reach you.

These are just a few practical tips for those travelers who love their safety. And yes it is also for those paranoid travelers who keep checking their door locks.

Related Posts

12 Tips On How To Plan A Perfect Vacation

Everyone loves a perfect vacation. But, planning for a holiday trip may sound like a daunting task with lots of responsibilities and work. Isn’t it true?

Planning a vacation requires work. The goal is to make the travel planning fun and not an anxiety-inducing exercise. If you have the right tools and apps, and you know where to look for information, then travel planning can be pretty simple and surprising as well.

How To Plan A Perfect Vacation

Whether you’re flying to a tropical paradise or heading to a party destination, a well-planned trip will leave everyone happy and with good memories!

In today’s world, we are quite fortunate that we have faster and cheaper flights, cruises, better roads and high-speed rail. We live in an era, where traveling is both cheaper and accessible.

Related: How To Deal With Periods While Traveling

Tips for Perfect Vacation

It is true that some travel challenges are obvious (no matter where you travel to), such as affordability, a limited number of holidays, airport security hassles, tourist crowds, and safety. But, in this digital age, you are your own travel agent, and you decide the budget and control your trip itinerary.

Read Next: How Technology Improves Travel

It may be initially overwhelming to process all the information. That said, with our step-by-step guide, you’ll get the travel planning and preparation done in half the time and no stress.

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1. Decide Where You Want To Go

Various choices are lying in front of you while you are in a state of deciding the best holiday destination. Isn’t it true guys? Giving a chance to your dreams is what life is all about. You should think about those places, which you haven’t been to but always think about.

Related: The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

A lot of people will talk about their preferences for traveling and gives their ideas to you. They never say where they are exactly going, but will share their experience with you.

Choosing a destination is vital and helps in setting your goals. To make the process easy, browse through various options, select the place as per your affordability and range, and finally, gives a full stop to your thinking.

Why Pre-planning?

Most of the people don’t know how much trouble they are going to face when they didn’t have a perfect plan for them. Just getting an idea and pursing on that is not enough, rather you need to think out of the box to have a memorable trip ever. Here are some steps to follow and to fulfill the dreams.

2. Decide on Length of the Trip

The cost of the trip depends on the duration of the trip. Initially, you may not have the idea on how much your trip will cost in total, but if you selected your destination and how many days, you’ll begin to get an idea on how much money your trip may cost you.

Also, knowing the length of your trip helps you plan and schedule activities in advance which is what you ideally want to do.

3. Search for Better Rates

When you are planning a trip, there are lots of things to consider. Oftentimes people don’t search enough and don’t do some basic homework, like reading the reviews, comparing prices, etc. Most of us book everything in the first attempt. Call it laziness or short on time. Point is, please don’t be that person.

You don’t want to pay more for things, at every step, right? Especially, when you may have the option of getting discounts or just better rates! Don’t book the first result that pops up or you will regret your decisions later.

If you are done with step 1 and 2, next, start searching for flights, car rentals, accommodation, tours and travel activities, and compare the options presented. Take your time. Do not rush. Try to go through at least four or five options before booking anything.

You want to do this, because sometimes you may find a discount code, or simply a better alternative for same or lesser price.

4. Create Lists

Let’s all agree that human memory is unreliable. Having a list helps us plan and prepare well. Make list for everything, such as, what to pack, your trip itinerary (which places on which day, and in which order), what to carry, and heck, even which photo poses to do. 

Make your lists precise. A good list is detailed and complete. Lists are effective if you have made and tested them before. If this is your first time making a list, start with the most important things. Then add to it as you remember new things to add.

Lastly, make sure to print your list or else it will just quietly sit in your notebook or in your laptop.

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Tips for Travel Activities Planning

If you are making a list of points of interest, activities to do, etc., you may want to mark such points on a map. This way, you can see which places are nearby, and how many can be covered in a day.

Also, you may want to rank them as per your preferences and write down your favorite places within that vicinity. This will save time on your trip and you won’t miss a key attraction just because you didn’t know it was there or simply forgot.

You can print the map or it could be in the form of a list or could be even hand-drawn. The idea here is to be better organized.

5. Read the Reviews

In this technology-prone era, everything is possible to get at your fingertips. When you are new to a town, you probably don’t have much knowledge about the place. Before you sign-up for any trip, go to a bar or restaurant, buy tickets, check the reviews people are giving genuinely, and then decide whether you should continue or drop the idea.

Reviews also help in guiding you about the safety of places, and it also gives you additional details about the locality, culture, language, and much more.

6. Book Your Tickets Before Time

You need to plan your trip before time so that you will not face issues regarding tickets. Though it is possible to get the tickets within no time, there are certain chances that you may find difficulties.

And if you have children with you on the journey, then sudden booking should be avoided as there will be lots of risks and uncertainties. For example, you would want everyone in your group or family to have seatings together in a row.

7. Buy Foreign Currency

When you are traveling to a foreign country, make sure that you have their currencies with you. You can collect the currencies from your banks or at currency exchange stalls at various malls or at the destination airport.

8. Pack Light (Carry Less)

It is always a good idea to carry only what you’ll need for your travel. First, besides difficulties in handling a lot of luggage during the journey, there is always a chance that your luggage may get lost or delayed, and second, if you travel with just a carry-on, you don’t have to wait for the baggage claim.

Additional benefits of traveling light are that you’ll spend less money on your flight ticket, you’ll be able to walk faster, easily lift or haul your luggage, and overall feel less exerted. This saves time and headache.

Moreover, you don’t have to always call a taxi to just go to the next block. Smaller luggage makes you less confined. Plus, you don’t have to constantly watch your luggage for potential theft in a crowded city. 

Besides packing light, you should also make sure to check the size of the bags allowed on the flight, and read their restrictions as well.

Read More: How to Pack and Travel Light

9. Get No-Fee ATM Cards

Save some extra cash by using a no-fee ATM card from your bank or by getting it from a bank that issues such a card. This way, one, you don’t have to carry a lot of cash on you when you travel, and two, you don’t have to pay extra ATM fee every time you take cash out.

10. Book Your Accommodation

Once you are done with the flights and car rental booking, trip itinerary and activities schedule, now is the time to book your accommodations according to your travel plan. You would want to book something closer to the airport (or train station), but you also want to be in a safe area, and as well as closer to the local attractions.

Book everything at least a few weeks ago, if not a month or two ahead of your travel dates. Note, last minute booking will always cost you more.

11. Buy Travel Insurances

Travel insurances are important and something which you may need on the trip. You never know what unexpected things may happen before or during your trip. Oftentimes, there can be work or health-related issues may cause you to change your travel dates.

If you are traveling abroad, it is good to have medical insurance as well. Having insurance is mainly for the peace of mind and to cover for any unexpected scenarios which we all wish, may never happen to us. Knock on wood!

12. Enjoy your trip

Get the planning done, cross your checklists, head to the airport, and enjoy the time as much as you can. Vacations are meant to turn-off your everyday worries and enjoying your self. Leave office or school work at home and just carry your dreams and excitement!

Read Next: How to Protect and Maintain Your Skin When Traveling

 

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About the Author

Evelyn Clark is one of the reputed authors who love to write about his traveling experiences. Her views inspire many young souls as reality and fun are reading the blogs. She has been writing the blogs for years and aims to motivate people to have a trip with their loved ones. The author believes time will never come back, so you need to enjoy every single bit of it. She is currently working with Holiday Home Rentals Company in Dubai.

5 Best Tips for Traveling Carefree

Travel on its own can be boring if you aren’t mentally equipped to take on a new experience. The extravagance of travel has no limits like your imagination.

You must never be afraid to dream big while traveling and never back down from an opportunity. Whether it’s skydiving off the coast of Dubai or surfing the gnarly waves off the Gulf of Alaska, You should never be afraid to try new things.

What type of  Traveler are you?

Of course, there are people who don’t enjoy the adrenaline filled experience, which is totally fine for you can still have a breathtaking experience as there are always places like the Maroon Bells, USA or Plitvice Lakes, Croatia which offer a different definition of breathtaking. Trust me! When I say these places are just astounding.

However, to fully take in the experience of places like these I recommend actually just taking your time. Take in the scenery and beauty maybe eat out once in a while or just go to the beach.

Related: Find out your travel personality type

Tips for Traveling Carefree

Traveling is fun when you do it right, here are some do’s and don’ts of traveling.

1. Always pack appropriately

Never over pack, I cannot stress this enough choose the type of travel you want to go ahead with, whether it be enjoying a breathtaking scenery or actually experiencing a breathtaking moment.

Traveling light is the best choice that you can make because the lighter your luggage is the more easily you can walk and commute during your vacation. You don’t have to stuff a lot of things in your travel bag, just keep the essentials.

Related: How to pack light and effectively

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2. Don’t Overthink

One issue, people always tend to over think their travel destination. Don’t stress yourself out doing that just go with the flow, lay down a world map on your floor, close your eyes and just randomly pick a place it doesn’t matter where.

Explore a new world of beautiful landscape, remarkable places and much more. Seeing new things for the first time is always a joy whether it’s a small island of Bali or a luxurious trip to Paris or somewhere else that you love.

3. Do a bit research

Once you have decided the place you want to see, there is no harm in asking other people about the places & people like where you can find historic buildings or great monuments? Or, you can even do a quick Google search, what are the most amazing things you can do in Greece or Maldives or any other destination that you are visiting.

If you are having second doubts just because of your travel expenses then find a better way instead of canceling your trip such as choosing different travel deals and packages from many excellent discount websites to make it a budget-friendly trip.

4. Keep your Travel Money Aside

Don’t spend any of your travel money before your trip in useless things like a new t-shirt or a fancy pair of shoes, or any other irrelevant thing for the trip. People buy a lot of stuff before going somewhere may be in the excitement of their journey, but save yourself from this big mistake.

5. Take Good Care of your Skin

Always wear a good & effective sunscreen while traveling because none of us wants to burn our skin with the direct heat of the sun. So, protect your skin and body by evenly applying a good sunscreen from a reliable company that suits your skin type. You can also wear a hat or scarf to cover yourself from heat.

Related: How To Maintain Glowing Skin While Traveling

An Extra Tip

If you ever feel unsafe in a new country alone try traveling with a friend or someone who you feel comfortable with, of course always be wary, but try to enjoy as much as you can. Many countries are completely safe and people are always friendly & welcoming to tourists. In short, don’t let fear overpower your fun!

 

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Author Bio

Hi, I am Catriona Jasica. I love to analyze things and to write about them. Just love reading books, traveling and movies which is basically my ultimate inspiration for writing different kinds of blogs. I find all these things very interesting and always eager to share my views with other people. You can find my other blogs at Top Vouchers Code.    

5 Tips For First-Time Visitors To India

India is a burning cauldron of culture. And people who want to visit India, are most attracted to its diversity and food. But it is all fun and games till someone mugs you and you are left with nothing but your clothes. Here are a few tips to guide you through your first visit to India.

Embrace Comfort Over Fashion

India is a proud mother of four seasons. No matter where you travel in India, you will find yourself unsure of what the weather will be next. For example, let me tell you my own stories from experience.

I once saw a girl dressed up in a summer dress, but wearing heels; heels on a beach! Yeah, you read that right. You have to take that pointy thing off your foot if you want to have a chance at feeling the sands between your toes.

I also once dressed up in three layers of clothing in a hill station, but as the noon came, I regretted my choice of clothes. In India, you will come across different weather in different regions. In summers, Delhi and nearly rest of the country are burning.

But the quiet Himalayan towns are a respite. Carry with you clothes that are modest and comfy. The public here is conservative, so forget showing arms and legs unless you are on a beach or a city like Delhi, Bangalore or Mumbai.

Protection from Strangers

This point may sound weird because travel is all about going places and making friends. But India is a risky place to travel to. You will be appalled at the rape cases that occur on a daily basis in the country. It is not just the safety of women travelers I am talking about but also the males.

I will share a personal story here too. It was the first time my uncle traveled to Delhi, and then he was drugged and mugged by his taxi driver. It was with the help of a few street kids that he made it to the hospital and still lives.  Just want to say that be smart and alert. India is a friendly place till you do not lose your common sense.

 

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Explore Offbeat Bypaths

Yasss! Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Udaipur, and Jaipur – the Golden triangle is all good. But if you want to really discover the essence of India then all you have to do is pack your bags and dare to tread somewhere less traveled. 

Everyone visiting Manali goes to the Hadimba Devi Temple but there are a few who travel to the smallest church in India, which is also located there.

The swargadwara of Puri is the famous beach but take a ride and go to the Chandrabhaga beach which is quiet and surreal, unlike the crowded ones.India, no doubt has popular places to offer but you can steal offbeat from it and still be happy.

Caution: Spice Alert

Those who are the health nuts are going to have a teeny weeny bit of trouble here. Wherever you go, you will find local street foods. And I will be lying if I said they are not good. Try the local food as much as you want but be ready to be hit with a tsunami of spices because Indians do not hold back on it.

Carry medicines with you though, so that you can treat yourself in case of emergency. Drink loads of water ( bottled ones), which will help with the food as well as the excess sweating.

Train Travel is the Best

Mostly all the cities in India are well connected with railways. Rather than taking flights from prominent cities and then using trains or buses. It is better to travel by Train. You can even login to the IRCTC app which offers various trips for tourists.

 

And you can easily book the tickets from one destination to other. Always make sure to book an A/C ticket because the general can be sweaty and cramped (that is if only you want comfort travel).

 

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How To Maintain Glowing Skin While Traveling

Traveling is one of the most entertaining hobbies, one can have. It comes along with immense pleasure, joy, and entertainment. It takes you close to Mother Nature in ways that you can never imagine sitting at home or wandering the same streets of your town repeatedly.

Travel gives you exposure to the world, which is very necessary. It results in broadening your vision and increasing your acceptance. You get rid of ethnic, regional and cultural biases. You develop compassion for humanity all over the world. No doubt, it is a very healthy habit for your body and mind.

 

How to Maintain Glowing Skin

Now understanding that traveling is both fun and good for us, how do we travel in a very healthy way when it comes to skin care. Environmental changes, prolonged exposure to sun, dehydration and lot of other factors can make your skin dull, dry and tan. It can wreck the havoc on your skin, as it is not used to of new environment.

Related: Common Travel Questions

 

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Travel Skin Care Tips

Well, you are in luck, as we are going to tell you about five surprising ways, which can help you to maintain the natural glow and radiance of your skin when you are traveling.

Make a checklist

If you are very much conscious about your looks or you are a beauty freak, you must have a proper skincare routine. There must be a complete set of different products on your table. You use all of these items on a daily basis because you really want to look gorgeous and stand out in parties.

Breaking any routine can be very destructive to the human body. It responds to all changes. Same goes for beauty care routine.

If you are traveling, your skin is not getting all creams, lotions, moisturizers, remedies that it is used to. This disturbance of routine can be disastrous for it.

So try to pack all of these items when you are traveling. Make a checklist, so that you do not forget anything.

Blotting papers

Please read this one very carefully. Blotting papers are one of the most critical items you should have. (Please do not forget them).

Related: Travel Hacks (The ultimate guide with several hundred hacks)

 

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Continually rubbing your skin with tissue papers can damage it significantly. It can destroy the skin. Besides, if you are going to the area with hot temperatures, there are high chances that you will experience oily skin.

So you must have the bloating paper in your hand all the time if you do not want dirt and oil to get accumulated to your skin. Use it and remove the un-necessary oil from your face. These papers do not cause any redness on the skin. They do not leave any residue. These factors make them the decidedly better choice as compared to tissue papers.

Stay Hydrated

This tip is essential when you are indoors, but it becomes indispensable when you are outdoors. Without water, your skin would be ruined. Make sure to stay hydrated all the time. Avoid soft drinks as much as possible. Proper water intake would keep your skin elastic. It will maintain the natural glow of the skin.

Read Next:  How To Pack Like A Pro and Travel Light

Use Effective Cleanser

If your skin is extra sensitive, it will lose its natural glow very quickly during the trip. Skin attracts a lot of dust and dirt when you are traveling. This accumulated dirt can cause severe breakouts. So never, forget to keep your cleanser.

Keep on using it every time you need, and your skin will stay fresh. It will protect your skin from damages and breakouts. It washes out all the dirt and keeps your skin clean.

Besides, you also need to make sure that you are using the same cleanser you use at home. The new brand would be a change when you are already under thousands of variations. Don’t change your skin care products. Even a slight turn can lead to abrupt damages.

Ice Your Eyes

It is the convenient way to refresh your eyes and make them less prone to infections. The new atmosphere can have thousands of deadly germs, which can cause problems to your eyesight. So ice them now and then.

Keep a single ice pack on every eye for a while. It will relieve your stress and exertion and decrease the probability of getting dark circles under eyes.

Sunscreen and moisturizers are two must ingredients of your beauty pack when you are on the trip. Applying the moisturizer will save your skin from adverse weather and keep it moisturized and hydrated. Not using sunscreen can cause severe sunburns.

Also, make it sure that you use comfortable clothes. The tight dress can cause irritation, itches, and rashes.

 

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Author’s Bio

Sania is a student of accounts and finance. She enjoys shopping, trying out skincare remedies and blogging about anything that is related to beauty and self-care. Her love for pets, tea and traveling are eternal. She ritually posts at The Smart Women Blog.

Beach Safety Tips: Ocean, Rip Current, Sharks & Swimming

Everyone loves the beach and water activities. Be it swimming, playing at the beach, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the sun at a sandy beach. However, ocean and beach can be a dangerous place if you are not paying attention. 

In today’s blog, we are going to cover the Beach Safety, Ocean Safety, and Swimming Safety tips to make sure you’ll be equipped to take care of your and your family’s safety on your next vacation.

Water Safety

Whether you are at a beach or pool, swimming is a fun sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Swimming is also the most popular summer activity. That’s why it is important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water.

First thing first, if you do not know swimming, enroll yourself in swimming lessons. Also, if you have kids, you should consider enrolling them in age-appropriate swimming classes. Swimming can be a life-saving skill.

Beach Safety

  • When at the beach, please swim in designated swimming areas supervised by lifeguards.
  • Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
  • If you know swimming and floating, you should try to conserve your energy by floating on your back and staying calm if you are in trouble. This will ensure you have the energy to remain afloat until assistance arrives.
  • Carry appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
  • Know how and when to call “9-1-1” (in the US) or the local emergency number.
  • Enroll in a First Aid and CPR courses to learn how to respond to emergencies.
  • Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least SPF 30.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid or minimize drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
  • Do not hyperventilate before swimming underwater or have breath-holding contests (unless there is professional and medical supervision present).
  • Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers, and lakes. Colder temperatures, flash floods, underwater currents, and other unforeseen hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.
  • If you and your family go out boating, make sure everyone wears approved life jackets. Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.
  • Always remove the cover completely from a pool before swimming. Partially covered pools are dangerous.
  • If you’re caught in a current in a lagoon, ocean, or river, don’t try to swim against the current; swim across the current to gradually get out of it.
  • Be extra watchful at dawn or dusk, as shark attacks are more likely to happen during these times.
  • Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol and swimming is a dangerous combination. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination which affects swimming skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

Beach Safety for Kids

  • Never let your child swim alone, even if she’s wearing armbands or a flotation tube.
  • When swimming in the ocean, hold your child’s hand at all times and make sure your feet and hers can touch the ocean floor at all times.
  • Although much fun can be had, don’t let your child drift in the ocean on an inflatable vessel or board, as the current can quickly drag a child out into the sea.
  • Put children in bright swimming suits and rash shirts which are easy to spot in the water.
  • Identify an easy to find point on the beach, such as the lifeguard tower, where the child can go to if you are separated. Teach the child to not panic and go to the lifeguard tower in case of separation.

Pool Safety for Kids

If you have kids, install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub. Safety covers and pool alarms should be added as additional layers of protection. 

  • Ensure that the pool is secured with appropriate barriers. Pool barrier should be at least 4-feet high with gates that are self-closing, self-latching, open outward or away from the pool. The latch should be high enough to be out of a small child’s reach.
  • Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child. Always keep an eye on them. Remember, it takes only two minutes for a child to drown. (For adults, it is 3-5 minutes which is not a lot of time).
  • If you have an above-ground or inflatable pool, remove access ladders and secure the safety cover whenever the pool is not in use.
  • Remove any structures that provide access to the pool, such as outdoor furniture, climbable trees, decorative walls and playground equipment.
  • Spa baths and Jacuzzis aren’t safe for children because little children can’t support themselves in the swirling water. Keep these covered and locked.
  • Teach your child never to dive into the unknown water. Train them to always jump in feet first until it becomes a habit. If it’s an unfamiliar pool, it could be too shallow to dive into, which can result in serious injuries.
  • Teach children to always ask permission to go near the water. Maintain constant supervision. Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
  • Keep toys that are not in use away from the pool and out of sight. Toys can attract young children to the pool.
  • If a child is missing, check the water first. Every second count in preventing drowning, death or disability.
  • Have young children and novice swimmers wear life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone. Life jackets are not a guarantee for saving your life.

Read: Adventure Travel – The Ultimate Guide

Ocean Safety Tips

Swimming in the ocean takes different skills, so before you get your feet wet, it’s best to learn how to swim in the surf. You should also swim only at a lifeguard-protected beach, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.

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  • While you’re enjoying the water, keep alert and check the local weather conditions. Make sure you swim sober and that you never swim alone. And even if you’re confident in your swimming skills, make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.
  • Have young children or non-swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in water. No one should use any other type of floatation device unless they are able to swim.
  • Don’t dive headfirst as it risks injury to your neck. Check for depth and obstructions before diving, and go in feet first the first time.
  • Pay close attention to the waves. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause a loss of footing and balance.
  • Keep a lookout for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants. Leave the marine life alone.
  • Don’t swim or surf in an ocean alone. Make use of buddy system. Tell others if you are going for surfing to call and check on you later that evening.

Rip Currents

Beachgoers should be aware of how dangerous rip currents are and how they can be hard to spot sometimes. Most of the beach rescues and a lot of drowning incidents are due to rip currents. A “Rip” is a strong current beginning around the shore that runs away from the beach.

Being caught in one may feel like you are in a flowing river. Not all rip currents flow directly out to sea. Some may run parallel to the beach before ultimately heading out to sea. Swim only at beaches with lifeguards present and in the designated swimming area.

Rip currents can form in any large open water area, such as low spots and breaks in sandbars, or near structures such as jetties and piers.

How to spot rip current?

Although not always detectable, strong rip currents have the following signs:

  • Water through a surf zone that is a different color than the surrounding water.
  • A break in the incoming pattern of waves. It means there is an underwater rip going on.
  • Seaweed or debris moving out through the surf zone.
  • Isolated turbulent and choppy water in the surf zone.
Photo credit

Rip Current Safety Tips

If you find yourself in a rip current, be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following for your safety:

  • If you are caught in a rip, try to stay calm and don’t fight the current. This is important.
  • If you feel confident, Swim Parallel to the Beach – often this is towards the breaking waves which can then assist you back to shore. Once you are free of the rip, turn immediately, and start swimming towards the shore. Repeat this process until you are safely back to the shoreline.
  • If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then try to head toward the shore.
  • Try to draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help while floating to conserve energy.
  • Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.
  • If someone is in trouble in the water, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the victim something that floats – a lifejacket, cooler, inflatable tubes, boards, and yell instructions and show hand signs on how to escape the rip current.
  • When at the beach, check conditions before entering the water. Check to see if any warning flags are up or ask a lifeguard about water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.

Large Waves & Surf

While waves are one of the most enjoyable features of the beach and ocean, they are affected by different conditions.

Plunging (dumping) waves break suddenly and can knock you over and throw you to the bottom with great force. These waves usually occur at low tide where sandbanks are shallow. They can cause injuries to swimmers, particularly spinal and head injuries, so you should never try and bodysurf on one of these waves. If in doubt ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety advice.

Spilling waves have white water tumbling down the face of the wave. They usually have less force and are the safest for body surfing. They are found in sheltered bays where the sea floor slopes gradually, and near sandbanks at high tide.

Surging waves may never actually break as they approach the water’s edge because the water below them is very deep. These waves occur in rocky areas around cliff faces and where the beach drops off quickly. They can be very dangerous because they can knock swimmers over and drag them back into deep water.

Large surf should only be attempted by experienced swimmers. Swimmers should also avoid creek and river mouths when a large surf is running because the currents in these areas are often stronger.

Sharks

On average, shark-related deaths are one hundred times less likely to happen than a person drowning over the same period of time. If you are paying attention and usually don’t seek out marine life, chances are you’ll never encounter one. 

Also, it is worth noting that there are over 360 species of sharks in the ocean, but only a few are perceived to be dangerous.

Shark Safety Tips

  • Do not swim, surf or surf-ski when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby.
  • Do not swim in deep water beyond the breakers.
  • Do not swim if you are bleeding.
  • Do not swim near river mouths.
  • Do not swim, surf or surf-ski near areas where trek-netting, fishing or spearfishing is taking place.
  • If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no shark spotters are present, consider using another beach for the day.
  • First-time visitors to beach areas should ask the local law enforcement officials, lifeguards or locals about the area.
  • Obey beach officials at all times.
  • For kayaking or surf-skiing far out to sea, consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond formation).
  • Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches.

Stingers

Non-tropical marine stingers, such as the Bluebottle (Physalia) or Hair Jelly (Cyanea), may be found anywhere. Their stingers are not generally life-threatening but can cause distress and discomfort if you come into contact with them.

Tropical marine stingers, such as the Irukandji and Box Jellyfish, are classed as “dangerous”. Caution must be exercised when entering tropical waters during the ‘marine stinger season’, which generally runs from November to March.

If you get stung, the treatment will vary depending on your location and what type of stinger is involved.

Treating Jellyfish Sting

Try not to build sandcastles and play ball games where there are jellyfish around. But if you get stung, follow the treatment and tips, as follows:

  • Remove the patient from the water and restrain if necessary.
  • Do not allow rubbing of the sting area.
  • In areas where dangerous tropical jellyfish are found, and the species causing the sting cannot be clearly identified, it is safer to treat the patient with vinegar. Vinegar has shown to ‘disarm’ the jellyfish’s stinging cells. This helps prevent more toxins from entering the body.
  • Liberally douse the stung area with vinegar to neutralize invisible stinging cells and Wash with Seawater to remove any invisible stinging cells. Do NOT wash with fresh water, use Seawater.
  • If vinegar is unavailable, pick off any remnants of the tentacles with fingers (preferably with gloves). You may feel a harmless prickling on your finger, it’s okay.
  • Remove all stingers by gently scraping them off with the blunt side of a knife or credit card. Don’t try to scrape them off with your bare hands or nails.
  • The best treatment is hot water – as hot as you can take without burning. Then apply an ice-cold compress or ice pack.
  • Apply cold packs or wrapped ice for pain.
  • Apply a topical anesthetic cream like Stingose or Anthisan.
  • Call for help, dial 9-1-1 or the local emergency number and get a surf lifesaver or lifeguard to help you.
  • Assess the patient and commence CPR as necessary.
  • If the victim’s condition is worsening, seek medical assistance and transport to the hospital immediately.

Bluebottle Sting

If there are bluebottles around, avoid swimming in the sea. Tell your kids not to ‘pop’ the bluebottles lying on the beach. And don’t pick them up.

If someone is bitten, then follow this procedure:

  • Keep the patient at rest and under constant observation.
  • Do not allow rubbing of the sting area.
  • Pick off any remaining tentacles with fingers (a harmless prickling may be felt).
  • Rinse the sting area well with seawater to remove any invisible stinging cells.
  • Place the patient’s sting area in hot water (no hotter than the rescuer can comfortably tolerate).
  • If the pain is unrelieved by the heat, or if hot water is not available, apply cold packs or wrapped ice.
  • Rinse the area with seawater as soon as possible (don’t use freshwater). Make sure you remove all the invisible stinging cells.
  • When removing tentacles, gently rub sea sand on the tentacles that are attached to the affected area – this will help to remove them. Also, try to remove tentacles by hand. If possible, wear protective gloves.
  • Immerse the affected area in hot salt water for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Apply a topical anesthetic cream like Stingose or Anthisan.

Consult a doctor immediately if there’s persistent pain, itchiness, blistering and any symptoms of fever. Call for immediate help if there are any signs of breathing difficulty.

Treating Cuts

If you or your child gets a cut or would from broken glass or other sharp objects lying around on the beach, it’s important to stop the bleeding, avoid infection and prevent shock.

  • Apply pressure (without pushing the object in deeper) to stop the bleeding.
  • Don’t try to remove an object that’s embedded deeper in the skin yourself. Seek out the nearest doctor or hospital to attend the wound.

Preventing Spinal Injuries

Any neck soreness or pain should be treated as a potential spinal injury. Most spinal injuries occur around the beach by accident. No one plans for them. Being careful and using common sense is the best way to avoid them.

Serious spinal or neck injuries can happen by:

  • Being dumped headfirst by a wave
  • Diving headfirst into the water
  • Jumping off rocks (also called cliff diving)
  • Hitting submerged objects other than the seafloor

Beach First Aid Kit

A good travel preparation practice is to always find out where the nearest hospital or ambulance service is to your holiday destination. Also, carrying a travel first aid kit can come really handy when in sudden need.

Travel First Aid Kit

  • Bandaids (regular)
  • Non-sterile gauzes
  • Crepe bandage (150mm)
  • Rehydrate sachets (Dioralyte)
  • High SPF Sunblock
  • First Aid Dressing (FAD 3-5) – 75mm X 100mm X 2.2m
  • Hydrogel Spray (treatment for wounds, cuts, burns, rashes)
  • Burnshield (10 x 10) (burn dressings and burn gels)
  • Thermal Emergency Blanket (Waterproof)
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Paper tape
  • Painkillers
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Antihistamine

Read Next

 

How To Plan A Summer Vacation In India

The Scorching summer heat in the Indian Mainland makes it unbearable to live. It is in these summer months from April- June that the majority of Indian population goes on tours to Hill stations. But when it comes to a trip for respite, I do not want to spend it in a crowded sight-seeing place.

To plan my next trip in summer, I jotted down some places where a summer stay is wonderful. And you can do so just below 10,000 INR. Keep your eyes open because the next places might be your summer rendezvous. But first, you need to make your choice.

PLAN TRIP TO YOUR BUDGET

CHOOSE DESTINATIONS


The first and foremost step to Plan a budget is to choose a destination which is near you. In this way the charges of transport reduce. For example, I planned a trip to Kodaikanal – but the travel charges were exorbitant. So, I skipped Kodai (maybe some other time, when I have money to spare), and settled for Darjeeling and Gangtok which are near to my state (Odisha). It significantly reduced my travel costs by half.

And if you want to book a/c tickets, then better go in flight because the cost is just the same.Train Ticket cost of Balangir (Boarding Station) – Coimbatore (Destination) was 635 INR (In a Sleeper class, and Rs. 1710 INR in 3A a/c. But when I changed my destination from Kodaikanal ( which is in South India, far away from my home) to East India (which is my home) my train fare is Rs. 325 INR (for Sleeper Class) and Rs. 985 INR ( for AC).

EXTRA TRAVEL CHARGES


In India, there are no direct trains to Hill stations. You have to book tickets to a nearby station and take a bus or taxi to the selected destination. Before you go, plan well and, check the followings:

1) What time does your train arrive at the destination?
2) Are there taxis, shared autos or buses available outside the station at that time?
3) What is the estimated travel cost from the station/ airport to the destination?

ACCOMMODATION


Planning a trip is tiresome, but the main headache of it is -booking a hotel. Just like online shopping, there is no guarantee whether the hotel you booked lives up to your expectation. After the travel costs, the accommodation charges consume the majority of your trip’s budget.

Hill stations are cold and damp. When you book, keep in mind to choose a hotel that provides room heater or extra blankets. Homestays are a better option as the hosts are warm and welcoming. They provide you what you require, and help you around to visit the place as well.

I booked a homestay (Pahari Soul) for my trip, and it offers majestic views of the Himalayas and home cooked meals too. If you want to squeeze your budget tight then go for homestays. There are beds available in almost every hill station- Vedanta Wake Up is a hotel chain which provides beds- 800-900 INR/night. But if you need luxury over comfort then I recommend you stick to pricey hotels which charge 2500- 8000 INR/night.

GETTING AROUND

The best way to choose a hotel that is comfortable is to look at its location. Plan your hotel location, it should be in proximity to the sightseeing places. Pahari Soul- the homestay of my choice is near to the Taxi Stand (a two-minute walk). Whenever I want to reach a sightseeing place- Peace Pagoda or Tea Garden, the taxi stand is at an arm’s reach.

There are shared autos available in India, which turns out to be an excellent way to get around. For backpackers and budget travelers, it is the most cost effective option. Others include the Public Transport- most probably the buses. But they do not take you to your required destination but instead, a bus stop, from where you need take an auto again. So, why add to the trouble?

WHAT TO EAT


Eating at the hotel you stay is seldom a good decision. The restaurants in the hotels have an expensive menu, which makes a hole in your pocket. If you want to follow a budget plan, then I suggest you stay at a hotel which has small restaurants or street food nearby.

In this way, the Biriyani you eat costs you half the amount you paid at the Hotel. The hotel in which I stayed during my Puri Trip was impeccable, but once I flipped the menu I was like- what? Who charges a 120 INR for a masala papad. So, I decided to leave the hotel premises and hunted for some good restaurants. I came across Parijat Restaurant where I had yummilicious Hyderabadi Biriyani at a dream price of 180 INR.

ENTRY FEES

After all of the primary costs of your trip gets planned or covered, move on to the other places you would want to visit. Each and every sightseeing place has an entry fee (there are many which do not have). And make a list of the places and their charges- which gives you an estimated cost. Budget Travelers better choose free things to do. But sometimes you can’t let an opportunity pass – like visiting the Nathu La. A shared cab ride costs 700 INR, which is nothing in comparison to thrill you experience.

SHOPPING


Keep aside some money, to buy mementos in the local market. A 1000-1500 INR is enough (for a shopaholic like me). But those who are on a shoestring budget – better skip this part as this is not necessary. A memento can also be a leaf pressed in your diary or a limestone rock you take from the destination.

How To Pack Like A Pro and Travel Light

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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5 Things to Know Before Going to Venice

Venice is a classic tourist destination. This small Italian city is actually made up of several islands. The astounding beauty of historical places and romantic setting of the city attracts travelers.

For a complete list of things to do, read Venice Travel Guide.

Exploring the romantic city is something you should do at least once in your life. But while doing that, you need to keep a few things in mind. Follow these tips, and you will be fine.

OUTER ISLANDS ARE A MUST VISIT

Venice has many historical places you should go. But there are also natural beauties you must not miss. Islands Murano and Burano are one of them.

Vaporetti Venice Lagoon By Peter K Burian  CC BY-SA 4.0

LEARN ABOUT A TRUE GELATO

A yummy scoop of gelato can make your day in Venice. Even if you have not got a sweet tooth, you will be tempted to taste one. But do not be tempted to take an artificial one as a true one. As real gelaterias take the time to be made, they are pricey. Real fruit is used to make the sorbet.

So you must have a critique’s eye to distinguish between a real and a fake one. If you see a too bright green Pistachio Gelato, avoid it. Also, don’t take bright yellow and purple colored ones. Artificial colors are used to make them look appealing.

TRANSPORTATION (WATER BUS)

Venice is a city of canals and bridges. For you to get around you can use your feet or public transport. The widely used transport is a water bus. It can be packed during rush hours. But if you are early, you can get a seat in the bow you will enjoy the scenery. Water bus is safe than a gondola.

Hotel Ca’ Sagredo – Grand Canal – Rialto – Venice Italy Venezia by gnuckx CC BY 3.0

It provides you with life jackets. While it can be romantic to have a gondola ride, it is expensive and less safe. If you want a pseudo- gondola you can ride on traghetto. It will take you through the canals. But keep in mind you have to stand.

PACK NECESSITIES

When you are in Venice, you ought to be attentive to bring a few essentials with you. A city of canals may sound exciting. But did you know that only seventy percent of the city’s sewage is treated? It is the reason for summer and fall mosquitos can increase in number. Pack a mosquito repellent.

Have an Umbrella with you. Whatever may be the weather in Venice it will help you. A beautiful city has beautiful people. So, pack some nice selection of dresses with you. Earplugs are a must when you travel to cities. They will block out the noise.

HOTEL NEAR WATER TAXI SHOP

We say pack light when you travel. In Venice where you have to bring good clothes with you, your luggage might be heavy. You do not want to drag that huge luggage throughout the city. That is why it is comfortable to books a hotel near water taxi shop. You can move around quickly.

Hotel Ca Sagredo – Grand Canal – Rialto – Venice Italy Venezia by gnuckx CC BY 2.0

Hotel Palazzo Vitturi is a good option. It is near top attractions as well as near Rialto and San Marco.

 

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