The Ultimate Travel Essentials Packing List
Be it a staycation, cross-state road trip, or an international tour, there are some essential things that you should carry with you. While packing may seem like a simple task, it is an art and a science that most travelers learn the hard way. Amidst the excitement of your upcoming vacation, you may end up leaving some of the vital items like your medicine. Carrying all essentials is necessary, especially in a world recovering from the effects of the coronavirus. 10 Things You Should Pack Before Your Trip Daily medication When packing your essentials, ensure that you pack your medication in your carry-on bag. When you pack your medication in the checked-luggage, you run the risk of it getting stolen. Additionally, your luggage could get lost and you may find it nearly impossible to get a refill in faraway destinations. Apart from your prescriptions, remember to pack any other over-the-counter medication that you may need during your flight. Reusable water bottle You need to keep your body well-hydrated. However, airplanes are often dry, and the little water bottles you’re given on the plane won’t help to keep you hydrated. You can fill your reusable water bottle with tap water after you go through the security check. Reusable water bottles are cheap, environmentally friendly, and they can actually keep water cold, even when you visit hot destinations. Hand sanitizer and wipes To protect yourself from harmful bacteria and viruses, you need an easy way to sanitize your hands. The CDC recommends using an alcohol-based sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol. You can buy your hand sanitizer in a local store or even make your own. You can follow the WHO do it yourself guide to make your hand sanitizer using aloe vera gel, 96% ethyl alcohol, and a travel bottle. Phone charger Regardless of how great your phone’s battery is, don’t assume that it will have enough juice to last you until you arrive at your hotel. Ensure that you always have your charger with you when traveling in case you need to boost your phone. This is especially important if you need to move from one point to another. Portable power bank You will use your phone more when traveling, like pulling board passes, looking for directions, and keeping in touch with your friends and family. Plus, you may go outside coverage areas, which may drain your battery faster. Also, access to power outlets is not guaranteed when traveling. Travel router When traveling, connecting to the internet can be a hit or miss. However, one thing you can be sure of is that a wired connection will often be more reliable than a wireless connection. This is especially the case in hotels. Therefore, ensure that you carry a travel router. Despite its small size, a travel router is an essential tool if you want reliable internet connectivity. A packable backpack You will almost always need to have a packable backpack when traveling. If you’re like most travelers, your carry-on backpack will get full very quickly with different items that you don’t want to carry with you everywhere you go. Therefore, you should consider carrying a separate bag that you can pack and put in your back pocket. Although you can use luggage storage Seattle so that you don’t have to carry heavy luggage when exploring, a lighter pack will come in handy to carry any souvenirs you purchase. Entertainment You may enjoy looking outside the window during your flight, but that isn’t enough to keep you occupied. Therefore, you may want to bring a magazine, book, game, or any other source of entertainment. However, avoid anything with a giant hardcover as it may weigh you down. Instead, consider stocking your audiobook or e-reader library – but carry a magazine to keep you busy during take-off and landing when you’re required to stow all your electronic devices under the front seat. Earplugs In situations whereby you don’t want to wear headphones, for instance when sleeping but you want to drown the noise around you, you will need to carry a set of earplugs. Tights or compression socks If you will sit in your airplane seat for more than four hours, you should consider changing into a pair of compression socks or tights to help blood circulation in your legs. They will prevent your feet from falling asleep and avoid other serious symptoms because of sitting for several hours like blood clots. Bottom Line Whether you’re packing for a staycation, an international tour, or a vacation rental, the above packing list will help you prepare for your travels. Just remember to pack your ID, house keys, wallet, medications, camera, phone, tablet, cash, laptop, a copy of your itinerary, and valuables on your carry-on bag.
A list of page-turning books that will keep you up at night!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone tell me “I don’t like to read … I can’t finish a book … It’s hard for me to focus … I prefer listening or watching … I am a visual learner.” In fact, I felt this way at some point also. Particularly around the time when I was a student in high school and the books on the mandatory reading lists simply didn’t resonate with me. As a kid, I always enjoyed reading [and writing] but once I felt forced into reading – I convinced myself that reading was just not my thing. “I am a visual learner” was particularly the cool thing to say. The reality is it’s not that you don’t like to read or that you can’t focus … you just haven’t found the right book. And when I hear the same narrative from “visual learners,” I quote J.K. Rowling: If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book. Think about your absolute favorite hobby, your favorite celebrity, or sport. Something you are really passionate about at a given point in time. You know, the kind of thing that would make you impulsively buy anything associated with it. I am willing to bet money that if I gave you a well-written book about it – you’d read it! Anyway, I won’t spend too much time convincing you because since you are here … you are probably a reader already. The reader in me was re-born in college when I was reading during my commutes and during my breaks. I was reading a lot. So much so that I was even learning and practicing speed reading. And I was reading so much because I was reading the things that I wanted to read. I recently asked my audience to recommend page-turning books as I am always expanding my own library. As much as I love reading informative, non-fiction books … I also love reading to get away from reality. To enter another dimension. To “live in someone else’s shoes.” Here are some of my favorite page-turners that I finished in less than 3 days. I already posted my list of must-reads for your next flight so make sure to save those, too. And on the bottom of this page, you will also find a long list of recommendations from my readers and followers. If you’d like to recommend another book – please leave a comment! Elona’s page-turning book recommendations for April 2021: Evicted by Matthew Desmond Religion for Atheists by Alain de Botton I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker Page-turning books recommended by fellow readers: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris Scythe by Neal Shusterman Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson Dear America, Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein The Shoemakers Wife by Adriana Trigiani It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover Becoming Michelle Obama Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson Mystic’s Musings by y Sadhguru The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield Ugly Love Collen Hoover The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy The Namesake by Adrienne Young Verity by Colleen Hoover Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen Unfinished by Priyanka Chopra Jonas Mill River Recluse by Darcie Chan Midnight Library by Matt Haig Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz 1984 by George Orwell A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende Educated by Tara Westover The Archer by Paulo Coelho Children of Blood snd Bone by Tomi Adeyemi The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. The Why Cafe by John Strelecky Conscious Capitalism by Rajendra Sisodia Conscious Leadership by John Mackey, Steve Mcintosh, Carter Phipps This post contains affiliate links and [at no extra cost to you] if you click on the links in this post, I may receive a small $ share. Thank you for your support if you use my links!
Dominican Republic Travel During the Pandemic: Is it Safe?
Dominican Republic Travel During the Pandemic: Is it Safe? Most people know that Dominican Republic has incredible beaches and an abundance of all-inclusive resorts. Dominican Republic is sometimes referred to as the country with the “endless summer.” It has a tropical maritime climate with little seasonal variation in temperature, so it is warm and sunny for the most part of the year. While very popular amongst families, honeymooners, and spring breakers – Dominican Republic is also a fabulous country for solo travel. You can explore cities modeled after medieval Spain or get lost in history at the oldest cathedral in the world. You can go hiking or river rafting or swimming in the crystal blue cenotes, just to name a few. The pre-COVID Dominican Republic was the most visited country in the Caribbean. Now, even with the pandemic still hovering over the travel space, DR is doing a great job ensuring that travelers are safe. Traveling to Dominican Republic: Entry Requirements & International Travel Information Club Med + Hotel Safety Protocols Club Med Punta Cana Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda “Socially-Distanced” Activities you can’t miss! Dominican Republic Entry Requirements Travelers do not need to provide a negative PCR or COVID-19 test upon arrival. Airports and other ports of entry will perform a quick, aleatory breath test to between 3% and 15% of passengers, and all those who present symptoms, upon arrival. Passengers under the age of five and crew members are exempt from this procedure. All passengers will also need to perform a temperature check. Passengers who present symptoms or whose test results are positive will be isolated and attended at authorized locations. COVID-19 Testing: As of January 26, 2021, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is offering viral antigen testing to international visitors staying at a hotel. At an additional cost, some hotels will also offer PCR tests to guests. You can also make an appointment for viral antigen testing or PCR testing across the country. Click here for more information on the various testing centers. Free Health Coverage Plan: All international tourists arriving on commercial flights and staying at a hotel will be granted a temporary, free health coverage plan that provides coverage for emergencies in the event of an infection or exposure to COVID-19 while in-country. The coverage includes medical attention by specialists, medical transfers, transfer of a relative, the penalty for airfare changes, lodging for prolonged stays, and more. This insurance will be provided at no cost to visitors arriving on or before March 31, 2021, and will be 100% paid for by the Dominican government. Note: Traveling is ultimately your personal decision and it is your responsibility to be responsible. Please do your research and monitor official embassy websites for the most up-to-date information. Only travel if you are ready to follow all the necessary procedures to be safe … and to keep others around you safe, too. Club Med Dominican Republic Dominican Republic is known for its plethora of all-inclusive resorts and Club Med sets the bar quite high with its two properties in Punta Cana and Miches. If you’re not familiar with Club Med, here is a quick rundown: Club Med is a French brand that specializes in all-inclusive holidays. It operates all-inclusive resorts known as “resort-villages” all over the world. The resort-villages are anywhere from typical 3-4 star resorts to the Exclusive Collection 5-star properties and even private chalets in the French Alps. The concept of “village” makes sense, because Club Med is not just a brand but essentially an entire culture. Regardless of which Club Med you visit, you will find many cultural similarities: communal dances, drinking games, activities, songs, and events. This was my first time staying at a Club Med property and I was genuinely amazed. It is evident that most guests are not just there because of the versatile vacation packages (that easily appeal to a broad range of travelers); they are there because they are part of the culture and they are loyal. Club Med Punta Cana Dominican Republic The Club Med Punta Cana property is HUGE! I stayed in a part of the resort called Zen Oasis – it is an adults-only area with a separate pool, lounge area, and bar. On the grounds of the resort, you can experience virtually everything: there is a golf school, archery school, fitness school, trapeze, spa, children’s center, and more. One of my favorite experiences was the Cirque de Soleil, which I’ve only seen one other time in my life and both shows blew me away. Club Med implemented new and improved hygiene and safety protocols in light of the pandemic. Guests are required to wear masks in public places and temperature checks are done before guests enter restaurants, shops, etc. Staff members wear masks everywhere and at all times. Rooms are sanitized and stickers are placed on the door so guests know when the rooms were cleaned. Restaurant menus are accessible via QR codes to limit the need to touch various surfaces. The [Club Med] hotels are also operating at a lower occupancy. At the end of the day, while the properties are doing everything they can to maintain certain levels of safety, it ultimately depends on the guests to do their part. During my stay at the Punta Cana property, there were moments where places felt overcrowded and people were not maintaining social distancing. However, because the property is so big, I always had the option of being away from the crowded areas. Throughout my travels during the pandemic, I realized that people all over the world have different takes on “risk.” I am no one to judge the decisions that other people make so for me the important thing is that I have the flexibility and freedom to be comfortable in the way I see the best fit. The latter was not an issue in Club Med Punta Cana – there was plenty of space and open areas to relax in total privacy. Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda Dominican Republic The Club Med Michès property is part of Club Med’s Exclusive Collection: it is an eco-chic and environmentally
Elona Karafin Group Trip FAQ
FAQ Health, Safety, and COVID. What safety precautions are taken on this trip? We are actively monitoring the situation worldwide. The group will be limited to a maximum of 15 people. Most activities will be booked privately to ensure maximum personal space. Because of this, you will be in contact with fewer people throughout the duration of the trip. All accommodation and transportation are held to the highest standard of cleaning and will be sanitized according to CDC guidelines. Currently, a negative PCR test is required to enter the UAE. We will continue to monitor the entry regulations and will contact everyone closer to the date of travel. Unless otherwise instructed, guests should be prepared to travel with a negative COVID test (at their own expense). What if a tour is postponed due to safety risks? Safety is my priority and my goal is to make sure that everyone is comfortable. We will be carefully observing the global environment and if we need to postpone a tour, you will be able to book a future tour. Please note that the decision to travel is your responsibility. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe or ensure a spot on a future trip – we can only offer a credit for a future trip worth the price paid for your original trip (excluding airfare/insurance). If you’ve already paid for your tour in full: If you’ve already paid for your trip in full, we will work with you and prioritize your spot for a future trip. We will provide you with a travel credit worth the price paid for your tour — excluding airfare and insurance — to put towards a future trip departing within the next 2 years. If the price for your tour destination increases, you won’t need to pay more than your original booking price. If you haven’t yet paid for your tour in full, but have made a deposit or some payments: We will work together to rebook your trip and we’ll put your deposit towards it. If you’d like to pay for your tour in full now, you can lock in the original price and not pay more should the tour price increase later. You can also use your deposit and/or payments towards any future tour regardless of destination, based on availability. If you’re eager to travel in the future but aren’t quite sure about timing, we’ll automatically apply the full amount of your deposit to your account so it’s ready to go when you are. Those funds will not expire. What if I pay the deposit / full-price and ultimately don’t feel safe to travel? If you personally don’t feel comfortable traveling, but the tour isn’t canceled or postponed, we will do our best to move you to a future group. We do not guarantee a future group. We do not offer refunds after confirming your spot but will do our best to accommodate you for future travel when you feel comfortable. Please note, we reserve the right to retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking at the time of cancellation. Before you book. Will you help me book my flight? We do not book your flights for you but once you pay the initial deposit and confirm your spot, we will work with you to help you find the best flight times and connect you with other group members if they are flying from the same region. Please note, we do not offer any special rates for flights and can only offer you guidance. Can I do part of the tour or activities on my own? All the activities in the itinerary are optional however, the total price will not change if you choose to skip some of the activities. We will make sure that the itinerary gives you time to spend on your own and strongly recommend you follow the schedule to get the maximum benefit from this trip! If you want to extend your stay, we may be able to help you secure better rates for hotels/activities – you just have to let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate! Is my deposit refundable? Because we confirm our tours and hotels in advance, and only offer a small number of spots on the tours, we do require an upfront deposit to secure your spot, and it is non-refundable upon payment. Do you cater to dietary restrictions? We will do our best to accommodate requests – please let us know in advance. Most of the time we will be dining at restauraunts. We cater to dietary requirements to our best ability and always communicate and confirm in advance, but we don’t always have control over what food is being supplied or is available. We ask the tour participants to please also be mindful of their own dietary requirements when ordering at restaurants and to carry snacks (if needed) to avoid disappointment. There may be times that we are traveling in remote areas and such dietary requirements cannot be met. How does the payment plan work? If you are unable to pay the full amount upfront, we offer a monthly payment plan consisting of a deposit and three equal payments prior to the tour. A 20% deposit is due with 48h hours to confirm your spot for the trip: $580 for double occupancy / $680 for single occupancy $773 due 30 days after deposit (payment 2) / $906.33 for single occupancy $773 due 30 days after payment 2 (payment 3) / $906.33 for single occupancy $773 due 30 days after payment 3 (payment 4) / $906.33 for single occupancy Please review the full Terms & Conditions prior to booking. General Travel Planning. Will you arrange my flights & visas? Unfortunately, this is something we don’t organize. Tour participants are required to organize their own travel visas. Embassy websites in your home country will always have information about requirements, visa costs and will provide the required
Elona Karafin Group Trip Terms and Conditions
Booking Terms & Conditions 1. Our contract All bookings are made through Elona Karafin (us/we). By booking a trip with us you are deemed to have agreed to these Booking Conditions (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us) and your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation invoice. 2. Down Payment requirement You are required to pay a $550 ($650 single supplement) down payment per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. Your down payment is non-refundable after your spot is confirmed (when payment is remitted). If your booking is made within 30 days of the departure date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. 3. Acceptance of booking and final payments If we accept your booking we will issue a confirmation invoice. A contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice or if you book within 7 days of departure the contract will exist when we accept your payment. Please refer to your booking confirmation invoice for details regarding final payments. Payment of the balance of the trip price is due 21 days before the departure date. If this balance is not paid on or before the due date we reserve the right to treat your booking as canceled. 4. Prices & surcharges Our trip prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practices within the travel industry. This means our trip prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions, and availability. Prices are all presented in USD. We reserve the right to impose surcharges up to 60 days before departure due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates, increases in airfares or other transportation costs, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. In such instances, we will be responsible for any amount up to 2% of the trip price and you will be responsible for the balance. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price you may cancel the booking within 14 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to all purchases made by credit card. 5. Your details In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details prior to the trip’s start. Necessary details vary by trip; they include but are not limited to full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue, expiry date, and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. Failure to provide the requested details may result in additional charges or non-refundable cancellation of your trip. 6. Cancellation by the traveler If you cancel some or all portions of your booking cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive a written (email) confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip: If you’ve already paid for your trip in full, we will work with you and prioritize your spot for a future trip. We will provide you with a travel credit worth the price paid for your tour — excluding airfare and insurance — to put towards a future trip departing within the next 2 years. If the price for your tour destination increases, you won’t need to pay more than your original booking price. If no future trips are planned, we will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking. Note that different cancellation conditions including higher charges apply to some styles of trips and additional services. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. We are not responsible for any unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations that may lead to a smaller refund in your local currency. 7. Cancellation by us We may cancel a trip for any reason up to 60 days before departure. We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, or other external events it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. If we cancel your trip, you can transfer the amounts paid to an alternate departure date or receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights. Each Host has the right to exclude any participant in the Host’s sole discretion for any reason or no reason whatsoever. 8. Inclusions The price of your trip includes: All accommodations as listed All transportation as listed Activities listed Meals as listed Tours as listed 9. Exclusions The price of your trip does not include: International or internal flights unless specified Taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified Meals and Beverages other than those specified Alcohol Visa and passport fees Travel Insurance Optional activities and all personal expenses Tour guide tips 10. Health requirements It is your responsibility to ensure that you are suitably fit to allow full participation in the trip and to obtain proper and detailed medical advice for the latest health requirements and recommendations for your destination. Where you do not do so and are either not allowed to enter any country or suffer personal injury as a result, we have no liability to you for any loss or damage which you suffer. 11. Passport and visas You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits, and certificates for the countries which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas,
How to Pack for a Vacation Rental
Whether you are going on a staycation this year or venturing further afield, a vacation rental is a popular option for many couples and families. A vacation rental is a cabin, cottage, boat, or some other renovated space that allows tourists to stay there home from home. There is no room service or hotel bar – although there might be somewhere local to go. A vacation rental is a popular choice because it allows families in particular to vacation in a place on their own terms. But there is a drawback to this seemingly utopian situation. The trouble is you can never bring all of your home essentials with you to a vacation rental. There’s simply too much to carry. This leaves you lacking certain items at important times because there was no room to take them. Don’t despair, help is at hand. The secret to packing effectively for a vacation rental is all in the organization of your things prior to leaving. You need to make lists and prioritize your items so that you’re always in full control of your supplies. Begin by creating broad categories such as general, clothing, gadgets, kitchen, bath, sleep, and kids. You can do this in a notebook or an app. After you have your categories you can start to fill them up with anything and everything that comes to mind. Remember to leave enough time to do this so you don’t forget important items. When you think you have everything it’s time to arrange the list into priorities based on the space you have available. Carolina Designs Carolina Design Vacation Rentals
What Needs To Be Sorted Before You Go Abroad?
If you are going to be going abroad, then there are certain things that need to be sorted about before you leave. The important thing to remember is that while planning might not be the most fun thing in the world, it is necessary to the success of the trip. In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the things that need to be sorted before you go abroad. Budget The first thing that you are going to need to sort is your budget. When it comes time to plan your vacation, you aren’t going to be able to do this without an idea of how much you can spend. If you can work out an exact number, you are going to have a far easier time sorting the rest of the vacation out without potentially spending more than you have. To do this, you need to look at the money that you have saved up, or what you are going to have spare by the time it comes to booking all of this. Money is super important when it comes to vacation because you don’t want to book something that you can’t really afford. Make sure that you account for spending money here too. It’s not just about the essentials that you’re going to need, but about the things that you’re going to want to purchase while you are over there. Flights It’s more than likely that you are getting a flight to your chosen destination, and that means that you need to have your flights sorted out. You can’t simply show up to the airport and ask for a plane that is going to your destination, especially if you want your whole party to sit together. The thing with doing this is that you can never guarantee there is going to be enough if any room on the flight that you are trying to book. If there isn’t and you have to wait until another day, then that could put some of your plans into the trash as you won’t be there to complete them. Make sure that you have got a reference of the number of the plane, the tracking information for anyone at home who wants to know and so on. It’s important that you have the information for the departing and arriving plane. Accommodation You also don’t want to rock up in your destination without somewhere to stay. You can never be sure if there are going to be any spaces in any of the hotels around, even if there are multiple. You don’t know how many people are there, or how many people are due to be arriving at any moment. It’s for this reason that you need to book your accommodation before you get to the destination. You can head straight there from the airport, put your bags down, freshen up and then go explore. Not having to worry about finding somewhere to stay is going to be a huge relief, and means that you aren’t going to have to spend time walking around with all of your items. Visa If you are going to be visiting a country that doesn’t have a visa agreement with your home country, then you’re going to need to apply for one. The process is going to be different depending on which country you are from and which one you are traveling to. Some places have tighter restrictions whereas others will let you in without a second glance. However, the visa is extremely important because without it you can be denied entry at the border, even if you have flown all the way there. Make sure that you have got a reference of the number of the plane, the tracking information for anyone at home who wants to know and so on. It’s important that you have the information for the departing and arriving plane. Items You’re also going to have to think about the items that you’re going to take on vacation with you. Consider your destination and then you will find it a lot easier to pack. If you are going somewhere hot, make sure that you have sunscreen, sunglasses and so on. The last thing that you’re going to want is to be walking around with sunburn after a couple of hours. However, if you are going somewhere cold, don’t forget your sweater so that you don’t end up freezing to death. Itinerary Finally, you should have some kind of itinerary of the things that you want to do while you are there. If you don’t do this, then you might forget and then you ended up missing out on the thing that you were looking forward to. This is especially important if you have kids seeing as they change their minds every five minutes or so. Write down what everyone wants to see or do while you are there, and then you can make your way through the list until you are finished. Don’t add just anything to the list though. It needs to be full of things that people in your travel party are actually excited for and would be sad if you went home without experiencing it. We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that need to be sorted before you go abroad. There are so many elements that come together to make a successful trip, but the main one is making sure that everything is planned so that you don’t miss out on something. You don’t want your entire vacation to go down in flames simply because you didn’t prepare well enough, so make sure you take the advice above. We hope that you have a lovely trip.
Essential Travel Tips When Visiting Arizona
Arizona is a wonderful place to travel to and visit. It’s well-known for the beautiful weather, amazing places to see and things to do, and for all the good food. There are a few essential travel tips you should keep in mind when planning to visit Arizona. When you do your homework and plan accordingly you’ll have a much better time during your stay. Most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy yourself once you arrive. Have A Plan One essential travel tip when visiting Arizona is to have a plan in place of what you want to see and do before you go. Luckily, you can get around pretty easily from town to town and there are many wonderful sights within a reasonable distance from each other. The best time to visit southern Arizona is from January to March based on the weather. There are adventures to be had at the Grand Canyon and national parks as well as places to pamper yourself and explore in areas such as Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Chandler. Stay Energized & Hydrated Since there’s so much to see and do in Arizona you’ll want to ensure you stay energized and hydrated on your trip. The sun may be hot and the weather warm so make sure you bring along and pack plenty of water no matter what you’re doing. Find good food that is delicious and won’t weigh you down or make you feel sluggish, For instance, you can stop and enjoy a meal at a healthy restaurant in Chandler, Arizona when you’re in the area. Also, make sure you get plenty of rest and sleep at night so you are ready for each new day ahead. Be Prepared for the Weather The weather is typically very pleasant in Arizona. However, depending on what time of year you go it can get very hot, there may be a dust storm you encounter, or even some rain or snow, especially if you’re in the mountains. Therefore, make sure you pack wisely and accordingly and have a variety of options and clothes you can layer based on the time of year and weather prediction. Plan Your Transportation You’re likely going to want to rent a car or know someone who has a car when you visit Arizona. There are many places you’re going to want to get to and a car will be the fastest and best way to get around. However, keep in mind there are other options based on what you’re doing or where you are such as airport transfer services, rideshare options, bikes, buses, and a light rail. Experience the Local Culture Another essential travel tip when visiting Arizona is to commit to diving in and experiencing the local culture. Arizona has a rich history and heritage to check out. There are farmer’s markets and shops to stop by as well as well-known landmarks and cuisines to try that you can’t get anywhere else. Research some of the best restaurants in advance and make sure you call for a reservation before you arrive in Arizona.
5 American Staycation Ideas 2021
Maine As we hurtle towards spring and then summer we don’t want to miss out on another vacation season. Jetting off to exotic climates might be out of the question during the pandemic but there is a lot to see and do at home. Consider packing up the RV and heading to Maine. Maine has a ton of activities and sightseeing to offer. This rich coastal state has a diversity of distinctive cultures and activities. It has thousands of lakes to enjoy as well as deep forests and sandy beaches. Don’t forget about its excellent cities as well. New Hampshire The fact is that America is a huge and expensive landmass with some of the most spectacular natural beauty and distinctive cultures in the world. What would you not want to take a staycation in this wonderful place? If you’re stuck for ideas head to New Hampshire. New Hampshire is another American state that’s filled to the brim with spectacular scenery. This state is home to lakes, beaches, waterfalls, woods, mountains, and coasts. You can ski in the winter and hike in the summer, there are also several historical sites that you won’t want to miss. Pigeon Forge Do you love the mountain wilderness? In the winter it is barren, quiet, misty, magical, then in the summer, you will find it is green, bright, musical, and lively. There are a million reasons to head to Pigeon Forge in normal times, but it makes even more sense this year during the pandemic. This spring break or for a staycation this summer why not load up the family RV and head to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee. A pigeon forge trip will give you and your family the chance to experience the great American outdoors where you will hike, see wildflowers, and stay in an authentic mountain cabin. Vermont Vermont is another place on the American road map you don’t want to miss out on. Whether you visit this year or on autumn occasion, Vermont is one of those places that stays with you forever. If you love natural beauty and the great outdoors, go here. Vermont is a mid-eastern state located just north of Massachusetts and east of New Hampshire. Although it’s landlocked you’ll find plenty of lakes to boat in and mountains to ski on. In summer, the state offers hiking, biking, fishing, and boating – perfect for a staycation this summer. New York New York is not just home to one of the most lively cities in the country, and arguably the world. It also has a plentiful supply of natural beauty and wonders to occupy the time of staycation visitors this summer. Once again you can choose between magical mountains, lakes and splendid forests. New York State is often voted as the best place for family vacations, so bear that in mind when planning this summer’s family staycation. You could enjoy the immaculate lawns and crystal clear waters of Lake George, or the educational programs of the shores of Chautauqua Lake.
How to Avoid Getting Into Trouble On Road Trips
Road trips are fantastic ways to explore any new place. You can go as fast or slow as you like, taking your time to stop for a few days in each place or speeding through as many different locations as you can. When you decide to take a road trip, one of the things that you can’t forget to consider is staying safe on the road. Whether you’re driving or making a stop, you need to know how to keep yourself safe and what dangers you should be trying to avoid. Use these tips for a safer road trip before you travel. Learn the Rules of the Road No matter where you’re planning your road trip, you need to know the rules of the road. Even in a country where you have driven before, you can find different laws in different locations. It’s important to know what road signs mean, how fast you should be driving, when you have to give way, how to use a roundabout, and various other rules. You might even need to learn some slightly obscure stuff, like whether you’re required to carry a breathalyzer. It’s helpful to learn some key words if you’re dealing with signs in a foreign language too. Know How to Respond to an Accident No one wants to get into an accident while they’re on a road trip, but it does happen. The most important thing, after knowing how to avoid an accident, is knowing how you should respond to it. You need to know who you should report the accident to and what steps you should take immediately after. Collecting evidence of what happened can be useful, especially if you’re planning on seeking highly skilled car accident lawyers either before or after going home. Getting legal help can make it easier to deal with insurance issues and expenses resulting from the accident. Understand Location-specific Safety Concerns It’s important to be aware of safety concerns that might be specific to certain areas. Will you be dealing with certain weather conditions, such as snow and ice or extreme heat? Are you visiting a location where carjacking is highly likely? Perhaps you’re planning to visit somewhere that generally has poorly maintained roads. Make sure to research your planned route and the place you’re visiting while you’re making your plans so that you understand what specific concerns to take into consideration. Be Prepared Wherever you’re going and for however long you’re going for, it’s essential to be prepared. Prepare for the length of your trip, the weather you will face, the road conditions, and the chance that you might get into any trouble. It’s better to be over-prepared and carry things that you might not need than to find yourself in a sticky situation because your car has broken down, you’re lost or you’ve got into an accident. As well as packing well, be sure to prepare your route and have a list of important phone numbers and places to stay. Stay safe on any road trip with these tips and you can focus on having fun as you explore somewhere new.