6 trips to consider taking in an RV

6 trips to consider taking in an RV

Traveling across the country in an RV opens up endless possibilities for adventures and making memories for a lifetime. With a wide range of experiences in the country, from hills and valleys to national parks and riversides, there is a lot you can explore in the comfort of your RV. If you are confused about your next travel destination, here are six places that rank at the top of most RV drivers’ lists: Florida Keys If you are looking for a tropical road trip, the Florida Overseas Highway spans over 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West. This scenic drive also has a lot of exciting activities to offer, such as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and exploring state parks and museums. Alabama Coast Start in Mobile and head down the picturesque Route 98 for an exciting cultural experience with Creole, French, and Spanish heritage. For those with a fascination for history, this coastline also features World War II battleships, submarines, and mansions. Grand Canyon National Park Visit the Grand Canyon National Park in the spring, and experience the gorgeous wildflowers in bloom. With an RV campground right outside the park, you can take up little treks and explore the area at your own pace. Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone is known for its breathtaking views and proximity to wildlife. Visit this national park in the spring to witness wilderness at its peak, with animals coming out of hibernation and baby animals in their natural habitats. The park has access to various campgrounds, so you can park your RV and move around comfortably. Historic New England If you are moved by history, take a trip around New England, covering the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. These areas carry gorgeous glimpses of nature and elegant pieces of history through historic colonial sites.
4 common mistakes to avoid on a safari

4 common mistakes to avoid on a safari

For many of us, going on a safari is a dream. Making the ideal safari holiday a reality requires a lot of preparation, budgeting, and research on the part of the traveler. Some find it exciting because of the thrill safaris present, while others are invested in experiencing mother nature in its true form. However, it is important to consider the responsibility this excitement brings and try to avoid some common mistakes. Overpacking Safaris are one of those instances where less is considered more. Avoid overpacking at all costs. And while you are at it, make sure you are avoiding the types and colors of clothing that are unsafe for safaris. Not to mention overpacking can make the trip an uncomfortable experience. Therefore, pack just the essentials and avoid all that can be left behind. Ignoring safety protocols Safaris come with a set of safety protocols for a reason. You must always follow the guide’s instructions and avoid venturing into the wild on your own. Do not exit the vehicle without permission, and don’t try to go too close to the animals. Remember that you are on forest territory, and it is home to numerous wild animals. Not preparing the right way Safaris are day-long expeditions into the wild, often in scorching temperatures or pouring rain. Equip yourself with safety equipment and dress according to the weather to prepare yourself for the safari. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses on a hot summer day. And make sure you wear waterproof footwear and cover up with a rain jacket if it is pouring. It is important to be prepared for whatever weather you may encounter during the day. Being focused on snapping These days capturing a moment is touted as more important as opposed to living in the moment itself.
6 interesting facts about long-haul flights

6 interesting facts about long-haul flights

A long-haul flight is any non-stop flight that covers a journey time of 6-12 hours. However, after boarding such flights, one might come across many bizarre experiences, such as food tasting worse than normal flights, losing perception of time, and more. But, even after considering these, long-haul flights are still the box of surprises that keeps on giving. Some astonishing facts about long-haul flights that many don’t know are listed below. Food served onboard contains massive amounts of salt In-flight food is known for tasting worse than regular food. At a high altitude, an individual’s senses of taste and smell are weakened. It makes it difficult for passengers to smell or taste the meals served onboard. This effect is significantly amplified on a long-haul flight. To compensate, the meals on such flights contain large amounts of salt, sugar, and extra fat. Besides making the food much more edible, these elements make in-flight food incredibly unhealthy. Increased risk of falling ill Spending large amounts of time on a long-haul flight can make people vulnerable to airborne diseases. Additionally, several research studies have found that long-haul flights negatively affect the immune system. Therefore, people who fly long-distance frequently tend to fall ill more often. Autopilot does about 90% of the flying It may not seem the biggest surprise, but many people will not be aware of it. Trained pilots only involve themselves during the most critical phases of flight, such as landing, taking off, changing directions, and making emergency maneuvers. For example, if a long-haul flight lasts 15 hours, it will likely fly on autopilot for over 10 hours. Easier to get dehydrated The low humidity and dry air circulating inside the cabin of a long-haul flight can cause dehydration in travelers. Therefore, it is always advisable for flyers to keep enough drinking water in stock.
Top 5 foods to avoid before flying

Top 5 foods to avoid before flying

Before leaving for a long flight, one should have a good meal, especially if not a fan of plane meals. However, instead of fast foods, one should choose nutrient-rich foods that do not cause any uneasiness while in the air. Further, avoiding certain foods can help keep health concerns and discomfort at bay, including gas in the stomach triggered by the low air pressure in the cabin, nausea, and bloating. Foods to avoid Brocolli Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower offer various health benefits; however, these veggies can also make one feel gassy. Moreover, research by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders suggests that these green vegetables are packed with fiber and gas-forming sugar known as raffinose, which can cause discomfort during air travel. Apples Fresh fruits such as apples are considered to be extremely nutritious and healthy. However, apples are rich in insoluble fiber, which can make them difficult to digest. This can lead to discomfort in the form of gas and bloating. So, one should avoid the fruit before flying and should choose alternatives such as oranges and bananas to ease the digestion process. Chips Chips are rich in salt content, making them one of the top foods to avoid before flying. Store-bought chips also contain preservatives, which can make one extremely dehydrated and cause bloating. In addition to the above, as the airplane cabin pressure falls, gas begins to expand, which can result in increased discomfort in the gastrointestinal region. So, one can opt for healthy snacks such as unsalted nuts that contain magnesium to counter bloating. Coffee Caffeinated beverages can cause dehydration in the body. Further, caffeine works as a stimulant that interferes with the sleep schedule. This can keep one from catching up on much-needed rest while traveling. So, one can choose alternatives such as protein bars to help stay energized during layovers.
4 common travel mistakes to avoid

4 common travel mistakes to avoid

When it comes to traveling, a common cliché is that it involves the discovery of the unknown. This causes people to make certain travel mistakes, which are fairly basic. But with time, one learns to eliminate such errors. Essentially, one has to tick several boxes while traveling, especially if the trip is for multiple days. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the common travel mistakes that one should avoid. Overpacking One should only carry what they need during a journey. This is because carrying multiple large, heavy suitcases can be tiresome and dispiriting for long travels. Additionally, one will always have worries in the back of their head about their luggage throughout the journey. What’s more, packing multiple items also causes one’s hotel room to be messy, having too much dirty laundry to wash back home, and, ultimately, a sore back and a headache. Booking flights too close together One always takes a risk while booking connecting flights for a travel plan. If there are delays or cancellations on the first flight, then there is always the risk of the second one being affected. This is why, it is never advisable to book connecting flights too close together. One must always at least keep a two-hour contingency period between multiple flights. This helps to save a lot of time, and in case of unforeseen disruptions, loads of money as well. Not negotiating a taxi rate beforehand On foreign tours, taxi drivers and other service providers are likely to be dodgy when it comes to service rates. Taxi drivers especially may exploit their customers if the latter are not assertive and firm when it comes to service charges. A common trick the drivers employ is to not confirm rates and then overcharge when the trip concludes. To avoid this, one must negotiate and clarify in absolutely certain terms the amount of money they will be paying for taxi rides.
4 tips for protecting the eyes while traveling

4 tips for protecting the eyes while traveling

When packing for a vacation, one is likely to load up on sunscreens and other skin essentials while overlooking the effects of extreme weather and sunlight on the eyes. Leaving the eyes unprotected can increase the risk of retinopathy, photokeratitis, and corneal thickness, which can lead to vision-related complications. So, one should be prepared for extreme weather conditions, dry air, and excessive sun exposure. Here are some tips for protecting the eyes while traveling: Avoid contact lenses for long trips Although it might feel convenient to wear contact lenses while traveling, most healthcare professionals suggest otherwise. This is because longer trips—either by car or airplane—come with constant temperature fluctuations and low humidity, irritating the eyes. Moreover, when traveling long distances, one may fall asleep without removing the lenses, which is a huge risk factor for eye infections. So, as an alternative, one must stick to eyeglasses on long trips. Additionally, on a road trip, the air vents should be directed away from the eyes to keep the glasses from fogging up. Pack eye care essentials If prone to allergies due to changes in weather, altitude, or air quality, one needs to pack allergy treatment options before leaving for a trip. Here, allergy-specific eye drops can come in handy. Further, when dirt or dust enters the eyes, many may choose to wash it away with tap water. However, tap water in public washrooms in some parts of the world could have irritating impurities and minerals. So, one should use sterile eye washes to get rid of the irritants. In addition, one must pack hats, top-notch sunglasses, and swimming goggles to protect the eyes. Manage eye strain One of the most common issues while traveling is eye strain, usually brought on by increased screen time and poor lighting. Although the discomfort can seem harmless, it can make the eyes susceptible to infections.
6 types of cruises to avoid for a fun vacation

6 types of cruises to avoid for a fun vacation

Thanks to their all-inclusive nature and the variety of onboard activities, cruise ships are often hailed as the perfect vacation destination. With special cruises to attract singles, families, and older citizens, the industry has been booming. While there is no such thing as a “bad cruise,” some shipping excursions may make one regret spending their time and money. To avoid this from happening, here are six cruises one must avoid: Repositioning cruises Repositioning cruises sail from one port to another, where they begin a new itinerary. These are generally popular for their affordable prices, with rooms costing as little as $30-50 per night. However, these cruises generally sail near the beginning or the end of the season, when seas may be rougher. Additionally, their itineraries have fewer ports and more sea days, which can make the trip seem uncomfortable to many. Short cruises Short cruises generally take place on the cruise line’s older and smaller ships, offering less variety to its customers. While they are an attractive option for weekend travelers, they do not offer the same kind of relaxation that a more traditional 7-day cruise may. Maiden voyages A cruise’s inaugural voyage is generally more of a dry run. The staff and entertainers are still working on setting their rhythm. As a result, there may be unexpected chaos or delays. It may be a better idea to hold off on sailing on these cruises until a few weeks later. Cruises during hurricane season During hurricane season, ships may be delayed, forced to change routes, or even cancel voyages. Officially, hurricane season occurs between June to November. Avoid booking cruise vacations, or avail travel insurance on all bookings made during this time of the year. Cruises before drydock Every 2-3 years, cruises go to drydock for maintenance, repair, and refurbishment.
4 mistakes to avoid when traveling by train

4 mistakes to avoid when traveling by train

Traveling by train is a privilege not everyone can have on a daily basis. Moreover, traversing long distances by train can be exciting and challenging. Despite its seemingly straightforward nature, people make some mistakes when traveling by train. First-time or infrequent travelers generally make these mistakes, which can reduce the overall experience of long-distance train journeys. Here are four common mistakes to avoid when traveling by train. Relying solely on train food A common mistake people tend to make in the pre-booking phase is assuming that food will be served onboard the train. That detail is usually specified in the itinerary and can be seen when one books a ticket online or offline. One should certainly know whether the train they are boarding for a long journey has food served onboard or not. Once in, another common mistake people make is relying solely on train food. Now, eating train food is convenient; however, it is still processed food to a certain degree, and its health-related credibility can be slightly questionable. Ideally, one should get food from home when on a train journey. Not reading the itinerary carefully The itinerary contains all the details of a given journey, such as the stations at which the train will stop, the ETA at the destination, and the seat information. Not reading all these details carefully and then not making necessary changes can be significant mistakes, especially if they come in as shocks during the journey itself. That can be corrected by avoiding the next mistake on the list. Not booking tickets in advance People often miss reading the tickets or itinerary carefully when in a hurry. That happens when travelers book their tickets and the holiday schedule at the last minute. When one books at such a late stage, the ticket prices are at their highest, the best seats are often taken, and travelers have little choice in anything they wish to include in their reservation.
7 amazing hacks to book cheap flight tickets

7 amazing hacks to book cheap flight tickets

The thought of taking a holiday feels so relaxing, doesn’t it? It is time to take that break for real now without having to break the bank. Contrary to popular belief, traveling doesn’t always require big savings because there are plenty of ways to save money and travel in a pocket-friendly manner. This article explores seven amazing hacks customers must try to book flights for cheap for their next getaway. Be flexible with travel dates Being flexible is one of the best ways to score discounts and deals on flight tickets. Try to travel when most people stay home, as airlines are more likely to offer better prices then. Book in incognito mode Websites often track users’ searches and may eventually present inflated rates. To avoid this, it is better to use a VPN or switch to incognito mode when researching and booking tickets. Follow airlines on social media platforms Subscribe to airline newsletters and social media platforms to stay up to date on any new or upcoming deals they may be offering. This can be a superb way of getting an additional discount on one’s airfare. Check ticket prices on less busy days Scheduling flights for the weekends could cost travelers a lot of money. According to recent studies, one can save anywhere between 12-20% on economy tickets for flights scheduled in the middle of the week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Try to plan the travel around these days to travel cost-effectively. Choose a budget airline Instead of booking with well-known airlines, look for budget options to save extra bucks. Note that these airlines generally do not offer the same amenities and may charge extra for luggage, seat allocation, etc. Consider these expenses to get an overall estimate of the cost of the flight. Use a travel credit card Travel credit cards are also a great way of saving money, as they often offer customers a sign-on miles bonus and other benefits.
5 things to avoid while traveling in Europe

5 things to avoid while traveling in Europe

Europe is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Whether it’s the historic Colosseum or the iconic Eiffel Tower, the continent covers a range of avenues, including architecture, cuisine, art, and culture. But during the trip, one must try making the journey as stress-free as possible. After all, no one wants to get into a sticky situation when they travel abroad. Here are five things to avoid while traveling in Europe. Taking a cab Most European cities have exceptional public transportation. For instance, taking a train in Paris is a much faster way to reach the city center. Additionally, a shuttle bus may be convenient and cost-effective. In comparison, taking a cab may increase travel time and involve exorbitant fares. Buying tickets late Scrambling at the eleventh hour in European cities for tickets to a museum or popular attraction is the last thing to do. One might have to spend a long time in the queue or not get to enter at all. So, one should book everything they want to visit in advance. For example, major cities may offer multi-day sightseeing passes, which could help one pre-plan their trip and confirm major attractions. Walking around with cash Carrying cash during a trip is essential. However, one should avoid carrying too much at a time. During a trip to destinations like Europe, one should limit the amount of cash in their wallet and look for credit cards that do not charge transaction fees. Limiting cash will also help prevent being pickpocketed, which is usually common in crowded tourist destinations. Eating at restaurants near tourist attractions Many people make the mistake of eating meals in restaurants near tourist attractions. While this might make for good social media posts, the meal itself could be expensive. One should consider eating from restaurants in the back streets of a main tourist area.
3 common mistakes to avoid when using travel credit cards

3 common mistakes to avoid when using travel credit cards

Travel credit cards are useful financial tools that allow travelers to save money on flight bookings, hotel reservations, rental cars, and more. Some travel credit cards offer perks like complimentary elite status in hotels and access to airport lounges, which can improve one’s travel experience. These benefits help travelers reduce travel costs and enjoy a convenient journey. But, to use a travel credit card wisely, it is important to avoid certain common mistakes.  Not using the card enough One of the main features of a travel credit card is that an individual earns some points for every expense made using it. They can redeem these points for massive discounts on other travel-related expenses. Also, most travel credit cards come with welcome offers. As a part of these offers, the cards reward users with many points once they reach a specific spending limit. But, to enjoy these rewards, one must use a travel credit card frequently. Otherwise, one might miss out on earning points. Also, travel credit cards, like regular credit cards, have consumer protection for disputed transactions, making them a safer alternative than cash or debit cards. Redeeming the points at the wrong time A user may notice they have collected many points after using the travel credit card for some time. At this point, they may be inclined to redeem the reward points as soon as possible on the next big purchase. But this isn’t always a good idea because some places charge more when an individual pays with points than with normal transactions. For instance, a flight ticket may cost around $200 for normal transactions. But if someone wishes to redeem their points for it, the airline may require them to pay about $300 worth of points. So, it would be better to pay using cash than to redeem points for a lower value than what they are worth.