World Travel

The holiday season is the peak travel season around the world. There is a mass exodus of people from cities to several destinations around this time. More than 55 million people travel through trains, planes, and automobiles to get away from the metropolis in America alone. Some people travel back to their hometowns to be near family. Others arrange vacation getaways for the holidays.

However, COVID -19 has thrown a spanner in the works. This year has seen a record low in traveling during the holiday season. Flight reservations are down by 89%. Some states have closed their borders to travelers, while others have introduced 14 days long mandatory quarantine. Meanwhile, the CDC has strongly advised against traveling in favor of staycations. Furthermore, airlines and train services have developed strict guidelines to protect passengers from infection.

Under such circumstances, it might be best to avoid traveling for the holidays. However, if you have to travel, then there are some precautions you can take to stay safe on your travels. Read through this article to find some tips for holiday travel that can keep you safe from COVID-19.

• Check your destination state’s local health site:

Infection rates differ in each state. Obviously, the more the cases, the higher the risk of infection. Therefore, you should check patients per area before deciding to travel there. Similarly, every state is dealing with the situation differently. Some have imposed 14 days of post-travel isolation, while others are testing travelers. Hence, it is vital to do your research before being aware of the ground realities beforehand. To check the stats, go through the local public health websites that have information on the number of cases and recommended travel practices. Well informed is well prepared.

• What are you planning to do once you get there:

COVID is a virus that can transmit from one person to another. The more closely and the longer you interact with others, the higher the risk of contamination. Therefore, there are some high-risk activities you should avoid. Indoor gatherings with poor ventilation are riskier than outdoor places so going to bars, movie theatres, amusement parks, and concerts is a big no-no. But you do not want your vacation to be boring. So, what can you do to have fun and stay safe from infections? Plan outdoor activities. And suppose you are not a camping person. In that case, you can still have an outdoor experience with multiple activities. You can stay at places like Sevierville Hotel that are 30 minutes away from Smoky Mountain National Park. Such hotels offer and recommend many fun activities such as hikes and nature walks. Not only will you be social distancing, but you will also improve your health and engage in healthy activities. So avoid activities with more than six people in close quarters to stay healthy while traveling on holiday.

• Be extremely sensitive if traveling with children:

Traveling alone during a pandemic is hard enough, but traveling with minors can be almost impossible. Not only do you have to keep everything on schedule, but you also have to keep your family safe from infection. And if your child throws a tantrum because they have to wear a mask, then things can get very frustrating. So, how can you manage your children while making sure they are following the guidelines? Have a talk with them about what they should expect from the trip to be surprised by changes. Explain to them the importance of following the guidelines. The CDC also recommends that children up to and older than two years should wear masks at all times when traveling. Also, make sure the minors wash their hands with 30-minutes intervals for 20 minutes with soap and water. But water is not available while traveling. What do you do then? Stock up on sanitizers and wipes with at least 60% alcohol content. Apart from this, you should wipe all frequently touched surfaces to prevent infection. It is also risky to stop for food during travel as you will contact many people. Try to stock up on food to limit trips to shops for food and treats. To summarise, pack as if you’re going for war. Keep wipes, masks, sanitizers, and snacks with you. Remember, the less contact, the better for your child’s health.

• Travel with as little things as possible:

People bring all sorts of things home when they travel for the holiday season. If you’re visiting family, chances are you’re planning to travel with gifts for all members of your family. Nonetheless, experts recommend that you travel light during the pandemic. Carrying gifts while following all precautions is almost impossible. So, mail all your presents before traveling back. Experts also suggest that travelers limit luggage to carry on bags so that few people handle your luggage. To summarise, travel light to dodge the fright of COVID-19 during the holidays.

• Get a test and avoid unrest:

Coronavirus tests are essential before and after you travel. Pre-travel examinations can minimize the chance of you infecting your loved ones. Ask your primary health care provider about the best test options for you. But you have to time your test so that it’s neither too early nor too late. If you plan it too early before the trip, you might have to get retested before traveling. Alternatively, if you plan it too late, you might not get the results in time. Hence, to be safe, get tested a week before traveling. Do not forget to get tested when you get back. Tests are usually the only way to identify asymptomatic carriers. So, not only is this tip relevant to keep you healthy, but it is also vital to stop the spread to others.

Conclusion

Even though avoiding non-essential travel is the best safety precaution for the current pandemic, most people are still willing to travel during the holiday season. Traveling during COVID-19 can be quite an ordeal as you need to stick to a schedule while following all safety guidelines. The only way to stay safe while traveling is to wear a mask at all times, sanitize surfaces, and wash hands regularly. Finally, avoid close contact with people. If you follow these tips, then you’re good as gold for your holiday vacay.

People love traveling, and hitting the road once in a while is necessary if you want to broaden your horizons. Traveling allows you to explore new places, gain new experiences, and meet people with a distinct culture. Traveling becomes even more fun when you find the right lodging; finding suitable accommodation also means fewer travel expenses. Do proper research about the place and all the possible lodging options. For some travelers, less is more, but some like to have a luxurious trip with the most excellent modern amenities. There are all kinds of convenient and cozy places to stay in; if you are booking your rooms online, ensure that the site is updated.

Here are a few tips that can help you to find the perfect lodging while traveling:

• Know About Your Possible Travel Accommodations

With the advancement in technology, traveling is has become more accessible for everyone. Exploring new cities and countries is fun and amusing, you still need perfect travel accommodation. Most travelers look for an option that suits their goals and budget. There are multiple travel accommodation types; hotels, hostels, Airbnb, Villas, Glamping, and sleeping pods. Hotels are the most popular type on the list; if you are looking for comfort and convenience, go for a hotel room. It is also a popular choice for people with families who like privacy and security. The amenities can vary from hotel to hotel. Still, all hotels have some necessary inclusions like a private bathroom, a closet, and a fridge. If you are traveling to Sevierville, there are multiple Hotels in Sevierville that provide the best services to make your stay memorable. The Great Smoky Mountains are a famous tourist attraction spot in this area. The hotels in this area donate a modest amount from your room rent to The Smoky Mountain National Park. Enjoy your relaxing stay at the hotels with a feel of farm life and modern-day luxuries.

• Stick To Your Budget

Managing a budget on the road is not an easy task. Keep a check on your travel expenditures and enjoy your travel adventure. Most people spend carelessly and are not able to complete their travel goals. Make a daily budget, cut down on the transportation bill, eat at local places, and avoid buying unnecessary things. With these little savings, you can get perfect lodging for yourself.

• Search For Reviews And Feedback

Getting the perfect lodging is a trying task; with proper research, you can find out all the hotel’s deals and services and other lodging options. Before reading the reviews and feedback on the page, make sure it’s updated. Check their rates first; if it’s slightly off your budget, look for their deals and discounts. Pay attention to the stars on the lodges’ online page; a good one will have an average of 4 stars.

• Location

Online apps help you to spot the location of lodges. You can compare your location with all your possible visit sites. Hotels located at a central location have many benefits; you can walk anywhere and save money. Nature enthusiasts like to book a room that offers the best views. Save yourself from the noise and crowd by checking the location of your hotel online. Guide books also offer various location and travel details; it is better to keep a guide book if your phone battery dies. Some tourist attractions sell their heat maps; this enables travelers to find all the sites, monuments, food stations, transportation means, and tourist attraction sites.

• Suit Your Interests

There are diverse travelers worldwide; some like to spend on luxuries and amenities; others adopt a minimal approach while traveling. See what suits your interests more before making a reservation. Shopaholics find it very tempting to visit a new place, and if you are one of them, you can find local shops that sell unique items. Some lodges offer free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking options; if this is what you want, look for the specifics before booking.

• It Is Okay To Ask

If you do not have a pre-booking, then feel free to ask around and then settle for your favorite place to stay. Tourist areas have camping sites reserved for camping enthusiasts. It is an effective way of getting some rest if you cannot get a hotel room during the tourist season.

The Final Word

Traveling helps us learn about the world and expand our knowledge. Regular travelers know how to pick the right lodge and make the best out of their travel experience. If you plan to visit the places from your bucket list, then do proper research about the area. You will find all kinds of data online; location finder can give you a detailed view of the place you are considering. Read hotel reviews and check out their stars; people leave comments based on their personal experiences. You can live with the locals for a paid period; this is suitable for people who want to get a homely feeling away from home. Traveling is an enticing experience; it’s full of adventures, and you get to taste explore different cultures.

 

Traveling is an enticing experience, and it holds a different meaning for different people. Several people like the idea of going on a holiday. Still, they do not appreciate long journeys and feel that it is taxing. Some are traveling freaks, and they do not feel like themselves when they stay in their country for a longer duration. A vast majority tend to live a regular life and go on a trip every once or twice a year. The prospect of going on a holiday reenergizes people. Most people work hard whole year-round, and when it comes to their annual holiday, they try to make the most of it and fulfill their desires. Psychiatrists say that a trip once a year is good for mental health and can significantly help deal with mild depression and anxiety issues.

If you ask traveling enthusiasts, they will say that every aspect of a holiday is exciting. They even enjoy its challenges. From preparing an itinerary, booking hotels, setting a budget, reserving flight seats, or packing things, they don’t find it exhausting but love doing it all. One important element of going on holiday is to create memories, experience different things, and cherish the adventures for the entire life.

Many people enjoy traveling, but they end up in unfortunate situations ruining the whole trip due to inadequate knowledge and insufficient planning. Since the cost of living is rising at an alarming speed, traveling is becoming expensive. Naturally, travelers want to make the most out of their holidays and have maximum fun on their trips.

Below are some ways which will help you make the most out of your traveling trips:

• COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION

Good night sleep is a must for everyone, but on traveling trips, it becomes essential. Traveling requires you to walk miles, and people want to experience multiple things in one day, which can be exhausting. Therefore, it is imperative to book proper accommodation, which helps in relaxing after a taxing day. Gatlinburg is a natural paradise. It hosts innumerable tourists who love mountaineering every year and want to enjoy viewing the city from up there. Suppose you are planning a trip. It would be best to opt for Cabin Rentals Gatlinburg TN, as they take care of all your needs.

• EXPLORE THE PLACE ON FOOT

Roaming about the place on foot has completely different effects than exploring a city in some vehicle. Travel experts recommend as much walking as possible, and if the distance is long, they say one should try local transport. You can enjoy the ambiance of the place, and get a better idea about it. Besides, it provides travelers with enriching and unique experiences.

• LEARN ABOUT THE PLACE’S HISTORY

People pick up a place to travel for reasons such as; they have heard good reviews, it is in their budget, or want to explore monuments or famous sights. When you are on a trip, you should make an effort and try to learn about fascinating historical facts from the locals. You will get authentic information and will increase your knowledge.

• VISIT COUNTRYSIDE AND MEET RURAL PEOPLE

In most countries, people who live in the countryside have more to offer. These people give you an in-depth insight into the place and show you their diverse culture. Their lives are vastly different from people living in metropolitan cities. Most of them still do not rely on technology for their daily activities. Spending a few days with them will be different from living in a metropolitan city. You will enjoy the experience to the fullest.

• ENJOY LOCAL CUISINE

Some countries have exotic food items, and while it may not be as per your taste, you should try them. Local cuisines tell a lot about a region and reflect the culinary preferences of the locals. For instance, you can find authentic pizzas in Italy or Mexican omelets in Mexico. A better approach is to make the most of your travel and indulge in local cuisines. Moreover, in most countries, local cuisines are comparatively reasonable.

• INDULGE IN CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Every place has a unique culture, and you will not get the thrill and excitement of it anywhere else. People say Christmas time in London is completely different than the rest of the year. Similarly, China has an air of festivity during the Dragon festival. When you are on a trip, you should not sit back and view these festivals as a spectator, but should try to indulge in them.

• TAKE LOTS OF SNAPSHOTS

Needless to say that traveling helps you create memories, and the places you visit create a lasting impression on your mind. While you cannot have a replica of experiences, you can certainly have pictures. Try to take plenty of them so that you can relive the experience whenever you look at them. These pictures will serve as a token of cheerfulness when life stresses you, or you feel gloomy.

CONCLUSION

Traveling helps expand our perspective, and it gives various enriching experiences, all of which can provide an element of learning. Besides, it helps explore oneself, and people get in touch with themselves when they are away on a traveling trip. They learn fascinating facts about themselves, which they might have overlooked in hectic mundane lives. Traveling gives a chance to spend some days amid nature, explore different cuisines, and live among different cultural backgrounds. But remember that it can become problematic and exhausting if you have not done your research. You can have maximum fun while keeping yourself healthy and enjoying the fullest if you have picked the right accommodation and done extensive planning.

 

Are you among the 3.57 million Americans who enjoy sailing?

If so, you probably dream of sailing away from your local harbor and taking an extended sailing trip. Whether you take your own boat or sign up for a sailing trip in an exotic locale, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into a successful sailboat trip.

Before you (literally) set sail, read the article below to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and successful sailing trip.

Choose Your Sailing Destination

No doubt there are beautiful areas near your home port, but what if you yearn to sail farther abroad? Some of the best sailing destinations around the world include:

• The Mediterranean Sea
• The Caribbean islands
• The Galapagos islands
• Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia)
• Australia & New Zealand
• The South Pacific

You may need to join a sailing trip or charter a boat for destinations far from home — unless you’re preparing for a very extended trip in your own sailboat!

What to Wear on a Sailing Trip: Packing Tips

Space is limited onboard, so pack as light as possible for the length of your trip. With that said, here are some items you won’t want to forget:

• Sturdy walking shoes
• Reef shoes
• Light windbreaker
• Sun visor, sun hat, or baseball cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (lots of it)
• Beach towel
• Seasickness medication
• Mosquito spray
• Mini first-aid kit

What about your electronics? You’ll need to consider portable chargers and a portable WiFi hotspot if you plan to bring your laptop or other gadgets.

Since a sailing trip is all about disconnecting from the outside world, though, why not consider leaving as many electronics as possible at home? Instead, pack a deck of cards, a few paperback books, or some travel-sized board games to keep yourself entertained.

Stay Safe on the Water

Assuming you’ll be sailing in your own boat, there are some steps to take to ensure it’s safe and ready for the journey.

For example, you need to know how to run the critical systems on your boat, including running lights, radios, and navigation systems. Make sure you have the proper batteries, full propane tanks, and radios in good working order.

You’ll need enough food and water for the length of your trip, or at least enough until your next major port of call. Make sure you have gear for bad weather as well as a fully stocked first-aid kit and emergency supplies.

Speaking of emergencies, do you have a written emergency plan? Keep a “ditch kit” near your dinghy with essentials like flares, water, food rations, and a waterproof radio. And no matter how long or short your sailing trip, be sure someone onshore knows exactly where you’re headed and when to expect to hear from you again.

Where Will Your Sailing Trip Take You?

Whether you’ll be island hopping in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or Southeast Asia, it takes a lot of work to plan the perfect sailing trip.

Use the sailing tips and tricks listed above to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable sailboat trip!

Did you enjoy this article? Keep browsing our site for more great travel-related advice.

The world is filled with natural gems. You might not be able to explore all of them in your lifetime, but you should definitely visit one of the most popular ones. Taking a vacation is one of the best things you can do. Some people prefer to visit sandy beaches and go swimming. However, some are more drawn to the colder activities usually perform during winter.

Speaking of visiting a cold and gorgeous destination, have you ever seen the Canadian Rocky Mountains? They are a wonder to look at. They will make you forget about all your troubles and fill you up with a sense of wanderlust. Anything that marvelous to look at will definitely be memorable. You can even take pictures so that you never forget that sight.

Moreover, there are plenty of options you can try there. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are quite famous, and they attract a lot of tourists throughout the world. It will feel like you’re going on an adventure. Having doubts about whether to witness that mesmerizing sight? Here are some of the reasons that will definitely convince you to visit them:

Train trips

Have you ever been on a train? Trains give that vibe of adventure and wanderlust. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter books, you would surely want to take a ride on a train at least once in your life. However, taking a train trip throughout the Canadian Rockies is something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Let’s face it. Going on foot can be magical too, but you won’t be able to cover that much ground. Follow the link https://canadarail.ca to learn more about the fantastic train trips.

On the other hand, taking a train can show you all the gorgeous spots that you won’t be able to witness just by walking. The trains are fully equipped, and you will feel most comfortable in one. If this is not the perfect way to have a lot of fun and experiencing new things, then what is?

Therefore, don’t waste any more time and book a train trip through the Canadian Rockies. You will not regret it! The mountains call on you to explore them. Otherwise, why decide to visit them in the first place?

An outdoor paradise

If you are a fan of lush forests, rivers, wildlife, and glaciers, the Canadian Rocky Mountains have no shortage of them. It is literally an outdoor paradise that everyone has to visit at least once in their lives. You will be able to relax and unwind and forget about all the obligations and troubles that await you at home.

You can also find all kinds of activities to do there. You don’t always have to walk through different places. Some of the main activities include hiking, canoeing, and even a helicopter ride. You should make the most use out of your vacation there because you won’t always get the chance to come back. Read more on this page.

Fresh air

One of the biggest advantages of visiting a more natural area is the fresh air that comes with it. If you live in the city, you are daily exposed to polluted air. This might not seem like a big problem, but it actually is. At some point, you will need to cleanse your lungs with fresh air coming from deep forests and mesmerizing mountains.

As mentioned above, the Canadian Rockies are surrounded by gorgeous forests that have nothing but fresh air for anyone who decides to wander through them. The mountain air will make you feel calm and tranquil. Plus, you will be in a peaceful surrounding where no one can disturb you. You can check out several national parks there as well.

Also, you can take walks for hours until you’ve had enough fresh air that day. All you can do is absorb all of that peacefulness and tranquility because it won’t be the same once you get back home. So, take advantage of every single day spent there.

Breathtaking landscapes

Everywhere you look, there will be a mesmerizing landscape surrounding you. How amazing is that? You don’t often get the chance to visit a place like that. It’s not the same as being surrounded by busy streets and tall buildings. Nature is beautiful. Anyone that says otherwise is sorely mistaken.

A train trip to the Canadian Rockies can be good for your mental health as well. People love witnessing something beautiful before their eyes. It fills them with joy and peacefulness. As mentioned above, you will definitely feel at peace once you hop on that train. You will get the opportunity to see Canada’s most famous gem. Click on the link to learn more https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/why-mountains-matter-more-than-you-think/.

If you prefer to walk on foot, you can explore the surrounding area and take a lot of pictures. If you are a photographer by profession, you can take magnificent pictures. You won’t be able to take enough of them. The Rockies will leave every traveler wanting more.

Wildlife

One of the best things about the Canadian Rockies is the wildlife. Some of the most famous animals that live in that area are black and brown bears, moose, elk, sheep, squirrels, chipmunks, and goats. Some are more dangerous than others, of course. There are certain areas in the mountains that are not safe for travelers. But, you can easily spot a particular animal from a distance.

There are lots of tour guides organized by professionals that will take you throughout the lush forests for exploration. Chances are that you’ll witness a chipmunk or a squirrel along the way. They are adorable. Click here for more details.

A few final words

If the things listed above don’t convince you to take a train trip across the Canadian Rocky Mountains, then nothing will. It is a sight that will stay with you forever. The more you learn about the world, the more knowledgeable you become. You will get a chance to meet different people and perhaps form strong friendships along the way. It is all part of the fantastic experience. That’s why people love to travel.

You wouldn’t want to come back home after your vacation is over. However, who’s to say that you won’t come back? The Canadian Rockies have that effect over any traveler that comes to explore them. If you end up loving your stay there, you can always come back. There’s no shortage of accommodations in Canada. If you come back, you can always find something new and exciting to explore once more.

 

Australia may be one big continent, but it’s surrounded by smaller islands that dot its coastlines. In fact, there are over 8,000 atolls, islands, and lagoons that can be found in Australia today. You can know more about the list of islands on this site here.

Whether you are looking to dive into the deep, search for fauna, or you want to nurture your adventurous streak, islands like Lord Howe can give you what you need, and you won’t have to search in other faraway places.

Why Indulge in an Australian Holiday?

It seems like there are plenty of options when it comes to spending your holidays overseas. However, if you want to get a bit of paradise that is a short plane ride or ferry away, then you can find it in many in Australian waters without the need to spend most of your time travelling back and forth between countries.

You won’t have to worry about things like exchanging into different currencies, possible food poisoning, language barriers, or foreign laws. When you go local and support sites like lordhowe.com you are helping the economy. The tourism industry that relies on tourists to thrive and grow and you can help a lot of locals have a flourishing business in the process.

The Island Resorts are of a Word-Class Quality

It’s no secret that Australia boasts many luxury resorts and hotels that guests will undoubtedly enjoy. Other people from North America or Europe come to Australia because it offers various flora and fauna. There’s the Great Barrier Reef, beautiful coasts, resorts, infinity pools, beaches, and fine dining that are worth remembering.

Best Destinations to Consider

If you want to save time and look for the best island locations where you could spend your holidays, then here are some recommendations that you should consider. The islands below offer a lot of activities and five-star lodges that can accommodate our budget. Here are some of the destinations to look for:

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

This is considered a world-heritage paradise, and it’s perfect for your next holiday. There are crystal-clear waters, white sands, and diving spots that will make tourists enjoy more of their vacations. A short two-hour plane ride from Brisbane or Sydney is all it takes to explore nature and extinct volcanoes in this islet.

Get ready to see over 80 types of corals, 400 species of fish, turtles, and stingrays, which are all snorkeler’s paradise. In the northeastern part of the island, there’s a beach where tourists can do fish feeding opportunities and create a frenzy in the process.

Feed kingfishes, mullets, and spangled emperors in shallow waters. There’s also a wreck that has been there since 1965, and this is a favourite for divers. If you don’t want to dive into the water, you can also take a tour in boats with glass bottoms.

If you are into surfing, the Blinky Beach on the east side of the island will offer you the perfect waves. Bodyboarders can practice their skills for hours with the seemingly endless and big waves that the sea provides.

For birdwatchers, they can feast their eyes on over 200 different species of birds in Lord Howe. The perfect months to do these activities are from September to May, where red-tailed tropicbirds are seen courting each other.

There’s also the Mt. Gower hike, which is considered as one of the best mountains along the Tasman Sea. You can learn more about Mt. Gower here: https://kids.kiddle.co/Lord_Howe_Island. Walkers will be able to cover treks of rugged terrain, and they can ensure their safety with the help of rope-assisted climbs. Mt. Gower can offer a 360-degree view of the entire island, and the height is 975 meters above sea level.

Know that the island is never fully-occupied and you can have a relaxing time as much as you want. With almost 400 beds available, you won’t run out of options on self-contained apartments, lodges, and guest houses. Make sure to get packages for flight and accommodations for a smoother vacation.

Kangaroo Island

Another option is to go to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. There’s plenty of wildlife that can be found here, and it’s only a 30-minute flight from Adelaide airport. This is the third island that is 155 kilometres long.

Tourists can take daytime and nocturnal tours that can reveal the variety of fauna that can be found in the area. There are kangaroos, geese, goanna, echidnas, and koalas. There are over 30 species of birds, about protected conservation parks in the area.

Most of the residents on the island are fishing and farming. You can enjoy the freshest fish like King George’s, wines, cheese, and marron.

The wilderness can also offer lots of attractions where the tourists can complete in an 8-hour day hike. Many beginners can enjoy the area on a 30-minute walk, and there are other activities that they can choose to do.

Some will surely enjoy sandboarding, kayaking, fat bike tours, and tobogganing. If one is into a little bit of history, there are plenty of shipwrecks in the area, museums, and folk settlement histories that they can know more about.

The accommodations available in the area are farm stays, lighthouse keeper’s cottages, holiday houses, inns, resort rooms, and motels. There are other exclusive places to stay in as long as you know where to search. You can find plenty of options online and see the actual rooms.

With the magnificence of nature in Australia as well as the amazing tropical biodiversity, you’ll never be bored. There are mountains, seas, and sandstone areas where you can explore to your heart’s content.

Vacations don’t need to be expensive, and you can do so much in just a week. With the beautiful holiday islands, explorations deep in the sea, or hiking on top of peaks, this is something that you need away from the gruelling tasks that you have at work.

 

America is a complex country. For one thing, it’s huge. On average, it takes around 124 hours to drive through all 50 states, and you’d see a great variety of history and culture. It’s hard to believe that Alaska and Texas are part of the same country.

Due to COVID-19, more people are staying in the US this year. That means that people are traveling between states more often, and travelers are often surprised at the different rules and regulations between states. So, what should you know before traveling to a new state?

Traffic laws

If you plan on driving on your travels, you’ll need to be aware that each state has its own set of traffic rules. This means that some states have harsher rules than others. Speed limits vary between states, for example, so you’ll need to check that out beforehand. Texas is a prime example of a state with strict (and strange) driving rules, as it’s against the law to drive and eat there. Driving without insurance in Texas is also not allowed. On the flipside, North Dakota is very lenient about traffic laws and has minimal charges for those driving over the speed limit. So, always drive safely and check the laws before you visit a new state.

Climate

Unlike many other countries, the US varies greatly in terms of climate. Generally, the climate becomes warmer the further south you travel, meaning that New York can be quite chilly, especially in winter, whereas Texas has a dry heat that can reach highs of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. So, you’ll need to check before you go to ensure that you pack the right clothing!

Culture

The US is brimming with different cultures. It’s a place founded on the ideals that anyone can achieve their dreams. This means that, throughout the US, there are lots of amazing cultures to celebrate. Southern states, such as New Mexico, Texas and California have the highest rates of Spanish speakers, meaning that you might find some excellent Spanish cuisine. Alternatively, Hawaii has a huge number of Chinese Americans. So, if you’re looking to practice another language or celebrate a certain culture, look up the state beforehand and check it out.

Costs

Certain states are more expensive than others, especially for hotels and eating out. New York is seen as the most expensive state, probably because of the number of tourists that visit. Washington D.C is also expensive, as is California and North Carolina. So, if you’re on a budget, you might want to avoid these states. Virginia, New Mexico and Texas are cheaper options – but it depends where you stay and where you go. As with everywhere, there are cheaper and more expensive options throughout.

Are you planning on making a beach day trip with friends or family? Just about any time of the year is good, especially if you live or travel to a location that is sunny all year-round.

There is one thing that sets apart a good trip from a bad trip: preparation. When you forget to pack a thing or two with you, it can mess up plans or prevent them from being as enjoyable.

You can prevent such complications by creating a checklist every time you plan to go somewhere. Not sure what you should take with you on a beach day trip? Keep reading to find out.

1. Bring the Essentials

At a minimum, your beach packing list should always at least have the essentials. When you plan to stay at the beach all day you should bring sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, snacks, beach towels, and a beach bag to carry it all in.

Another essential most people will overlook to bring is a first aid kit. You never know when you will be in emergency situations, especially when you are bringing kids. Bringing this with will help you treat minor injuries if they happen and prevent infection.

2. Pack Clothes

Your bathing suit is not the only thing you want to wear all day. You want to remember to pack extra clothes (and shoes) so you can change them when you need to. You may want to rest for a bit or get out of wet clothes.

Having options will allow you to wear what you want to meet the occasion. It may be more comfortable to wear a T-shirt and shorts when you want to play in the sand or take part in volleyball.

Coverups are perfect for women who don’t want to bring extra clothes and be able to cover their skin. Other than clothes, bringing hats and glasses shield you from the sun.

3. Must-Have Personal Items

An important part of your beach vacation packing list is the personal items. You want to bring your wallet, phone, hair ties, music player, or book during the trip. Do not forget medication (if applicable) too.

4. Things to Bring for Added Comfort

You will have a better idea of what you take with you when you decide which beach to go to. Florida, the sunshine state, has amazing beaches you can visit. If you plan to visit the beaches in this state with family, view more here to learn which are the best.

5. The Fun and Extras

No one just swims at the beach anymore. We bring fun to the beach by taking sand toys, sports balls, and goggles with us. During down times, you can relax with things like a beach umbrella, blankets, and chairs.

To make the trip “one to remember”, bring a waterproof camera or waterproof case for your phone.

Planning a Complete Beach Day Trip

When you plan to spend more than a few hours at the beach, you want to pack more than you normally would. A beach day trip can be fun and relaxing when you take everything you need with you. Forgetting an item can ruin plans or the atmosphere depending on what it is, and you can avoid this by planning ahead.

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If you’re an adventurer- or are among the 68% of Americans who want to be more adventurous- there are a lot of options for you. Seeing new areas is a lot of fun, as are extreme sports. White water rafting is an activity that combines these two things and allows you to have the experience of a lifetime.

Here, we’re going to give you some rafting tips so that you can have fun and stay safe while experiencing more of the world. Read on to prepare yourself for expanding your horizons in the best possible way!

1. Choose the Right Trip

Before you go white water rafting, you’ll need to choose the trip that appeals most to your needs. There are a couple of questions that you need to ask yourself before setting off. Considering the options available to you will ensure that you have as fun a time as possible while on your trip.

Where Do You Want to Go Rafting?

When considering where you want to have your rafting experience, there are a few things you should ask yourself.

• What kind of weather/temperature do you want to go rafting in?
• What sorts of wildlife do you want to see?
• How strong of currents are you comfortable with?

If you’re really invested in warmer weather, Georgia and Florida are good places to go rafting. However, you’re likely to have a better overall experience in a place like Idaho, where there are strong currents, more sites to see, and a greater amount of wildlife that you can experience.

How Long Do You Want to Be on the Water?

There are generally two options for rafting trip lengths: day trips and half-days.

If you’re a first-timer, you probably will want to try a half-day trip for your initial experience. White water rafting is physically demanding, and you don’t want to overwork your muscles if you’re not used to strenuous activity.

However, for those who have gone rafting before, a day trip is the better alternative. You’ll get to go further from your campsite and therefore see more of the natural world around you. Also, full-day experiences usually include food, which is another plus.

2. Dress Appropriately

When you go white water rafting, it’s important that you wear the appropriate attire. If you don’t, you’re going to be very uncomfortable, especially when you (inevitably) get wet. Wearing the wrong clothes could also become a safety hazard because cold water getting into your clothes for extended periods can cause hypothermia.

In the Summertime

If you’re going rafting in the summer, you’ll want to wear:

• A well-fitting swimsuit
• Shorts
• A t-shirt or tank (over the swimsuit)
• A tight cardigan (in case you get cold when water splashes on you)
• A baseball cap (to keep sun and water out of your eyes
• Water shoes or sneakers

While many people wear flip flops in the summer, this can be dangerous while rafting. If your sandal catches on a rock, it could pull you right off the raft. Loose clothes also carry this risk. Also, flip flops are prone to falling off, which will leave you without a shoe when they float away.

For the Colder Months

If you’re headed off on a fall, spring, or winter adventure, you’ll need:

• Wool sweaters, pants, and socks (wool provides insulation and warmth even when wet)
• A wool cap (you don’t want to lose heat in your neck and face)
• A wetsuit (underneath your clothes)
• Paddling pants and jackets (to keep the spray off your body)
• Water shoes

Note that you also will want to bring a towel, a hairbrush, and a change of clothes so that you can be comfortable again after your time on the water.

3. Wear Your Safety Gear

In addition to wearing the right clothes, you’ll need to wear the safety gear that your tour provides for you. It’s tempting to abandon the life jacket and hard, cumbersome helmet that your tour guide gives you, but this is a terrible idea. White water rafting isn’t a light and easy float- it’s a pretty extreme (and extremely fun!) activity in which safety must be taken seriously.

This is because currents are often fast and rough and there are a lot of rocks within the natural rivers that you’ll be rafting on. If your raft were to hit something or flip over, you would be at risk of hitting your head or being pulled away. Life jackets and helmets prevent this from happening.

Make sure that you listen to your guide and apply these items to your person properly. Fasten them tightly around your head and body before heading off on open waters. You don’t want them to fall off or for the helmet to jostle around and bang you in the head!

4. Listen to Your Safety Guide

As we said, you need to to your safety guide and apply your clothes properly. However, this is a principle that extends to white water rafting as a whole: you need to listen to your guide at all times.

White water rafting guides are people who have trained to ensure the safety of everyone under their charge. They also are enthusiastic about the sport and know a lot about how to make it as safe and fun as possible. Listening to them closely and taking what they have to say to heart will make your experience much more pleasant.

Before you set off, your guide will likely detail the different aspects of your experience and what you can expect. This will prevent you from encountering any surprises and ensure that you know what you’re doing. They also will brief you on what exactly you need to do to maintain control of the raft. This is important for everyone to hear, but it’s especially important for first-timers.

Also, your guide probably knows a lot about the area that you’ll be rafting in. They can give you interesting facts about what you’re looking at and enhance your experience greatly!

5. Know What to Watch Out For

While this is something that your tour guide will likely go over with you, it’s critical that you do your research and know what you need to stay safe against while on your journey. While there are many potential safety hazards while white water rafting, accidents are easily avoidable as long as you take appropriate safety measures.

Some of the most important things you can do to prevent incidents are:

• Learning to swim before your trip
• Talk to a doctor and make sure you’re in good enough shape for strenuous activity
• Get off your raft (when safe to do so) if you feel yourself becoming overexerted
• Avoid rocks, especially sharp ones, and wear your helmet

Safety hazards shouldn’t discourage you from rafting! You will likely be fine as long as you follow appropriate procedures. However, it’s important to prepare for all possibilities and know what you’re getting into.

6. Keep Your Hands on the T-Grip

The T-grip is the end of your rafting paddle where your hand should be. Usually, the T-grip is easy to see and find because it will be in another color than the rest of the paddle. This is usually orange, the universal color for water safety.

One of the most common white water rafting injuries takes place when someone takes their hand off the T-grip. Since paddles are long, those that aren’t constantly being held at the end are likely to hit another rafter in the face and injure them. Accidentally hitting this rafter into the river is another possible issue that you want to avoid, as is snagging the T-grip on something and overturning the entire raft.

7. Stay Hydrated

While on an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime adventure like white water rafting, it’s easy to forget about and neglect your physical needs. However, if you don’t continue to drink enough water, you run the risk of passing out from the strenuous activity. If this happens, you may fall into the water and get injured before your guide has the opportunity to fish you out.

Luckily, this is an easily avoidable issue! Bring a large metal water bottle onto the raft with you. You can ensure that it doesn’t fall out of the raft or bounce away on rocks by securing it to your person. A metal carabiner should do the trick nicely- you can fasten it to your clothing tightly with this,

8. Have Fun!

No matter what you do, white water rafting is an experience that you’ll never forget. Have fun with it! You’re about to see sites that you never would be able to see otherwise, become one with nature in its purest form, and fall in love with the world of sports and activity. Make the most of it!

More Rafting Tips for Your Adventure

Now that you know some of the most important rafting tips so that you can have fun and stay safe while on the open waters, it’s time to learn more about what you can do on your next adventure.

Check out the ‘world travel’ tab on our home page to learn more about the destination that you’re headed to when white water rafting. Here, you’ll learn all of the other things you can do while on your trip so that you can make the most out of every moment!

Is it just me, or does everybody else seem to have travel plans that sound concrete and interesting? Then, when it’s your turn to pick and choose your destination, the options seem overwhelming and you don’t even know whether to stay domestic or go international. Below are some tips on how to decide. Whatever you choose, take it from me – buy souvenirs, write a travel diary, invest in a photo canvas or two, and even start a travel blog (in 20 years when you look back, the more memories you can save now the better).

World travel pros and cons

OK. Let’s think about this. Worldwide adventure is naturally the outright winner when it comes to travel destinations, right? Well, sure. If you like. But what you’re probably doing is jumping ahead in your mind’s eye to those immaculate moments of mirth, spent in a tropical paradise or atop a mountain in the tundra, when it all becomes worth it. This is most definitely the biggest ‘pro’ to setting sail for far flung destinations.

However, getting there is a slog you won’t soon forget. All those long flights. All that time in airports when you haven’t seen the inside of a hotel room or washed in 20 hours. There’s a significant amount of loneliness involved, too, if you’re travelling alone. For truly global travel, It can feel like two days have passed between actually speaking to another human being. And the hunger – travelling means missing meals. What it all comes down to is whether the payoff is worth it in your eyes. Does the goal of reaching the four corners of the world outweigh the inconvenience of actually getting there?

Domestic travel pros and cons

Domestic travel always seems like the easy and half-thought-out way to travel, almost as if you ran out of time to book anything “better”. However, every nation is rich in history and modern sights of interest. You won’t have the language barrier to contend with. Nor will you need to change any money or renew your passport. Admittedly, you may still need to pass some time in an airport, but for domestic flights at least the travel time will be kept to a minimum.

By visiting your country’s most well-known towns and cities you will become more interesting at parties, and certainly more knowledgeable and interesting in general when it comes to making small talk with colleagues or catching up with friends. Domestic travel may not present an exotic escape, but it will certainly broaden your horizons and forgo the ills of long distance jet-setting.

Conclusion – and the winner is…

As a certain Mr Shakespeare once wrote in one of his funny little plays, “costly thy habit as thy purse can buy”. And to spell it out, if you can’t afford the heights of Mauna Kea or the depths of the Amazon basin, you aren’t going anyway, so you’ve lost nothing. But if you can afford long distance, try it. At least once. It’s the only way to know for sure if you’re suited to it.