Useful Tips for Holiday Travels

A while back while having dinner with a friend that happens to own Southwest Appliance Repair and we got into a discussion that when you plan to travel during the holidays, you need tips to help you maintain sanity. That’s because holiday travels can be hectic. Here are useful tips that will make your holiday trip less stressful.

Monitor Holiday Flight Deals

There is no consensus among players in the travel industry and experts on the most appropriate time to book holiday flights. Nevertheless, most airlines offer special deals to people that book holiday flights with them at certain times. It’s therefore wise to monitor holiday flight deals to know when it’s appropriate to book your flight. Typically, early bookings and flash sales will save you money when traveling during the holidays.

Travel on Off-Peak Days

You will get better deals when you avoid the crowds. For instance, when you travel on Thanksgiving Day, you are likely to get cheaper fares. The first and last flights are typically cheaper. That’s because average travelers don’t like the idea of waking up early to catch their flight during the holiday. However, if you endure late or early hours, you will save time and money. What’s more, airports are not busy during the off hours.

Take One-Way Tickets

It’s important to compare prices of one-way tickets between airlines. There are cases when flying with a single airline to a destination and a different one on your way back provides money savings. It’s also possible that this will be more convenient. Therefore, compare ticket prices carefully to determine the best way to save on flight tickets.

Ship Gifts

Instead of carrying gifts while traveling during the holiday, consider shipping them. This will save you the expenses and hassles of having them checked during the flight. You will also avoid carrying an extra bag for gifts.

Stay Safe

It’s impossible to predict illnesses, terrorist attacks and natural disasters while traveling. However, it’s possible to prepare for a worst case scenario. For instance, purchase travel insurance beforehand. This will save you in case of trip cancellation or emergency evacuation.

Basically, these are crucial tips for holiday travels that will make your trip better. Follow them carefully when planning your next holiday trip.

Introduction

Scotland, a land of myths, legends, and breathtaking landscapes, is home to some of the most iconic castles in the world. This guide delves into the historical significance and architectural splendor of these medieval fortresses, offering travelers a glimpse into Scotland’s past.

Exploring Scotland’s Historical Castles

1. Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a symbol of Scottish resilience. Its rich history includes sieges, royal ceremonies, and military occupations.
2. Stirling Castle: Known for its stunning architecture, Stirling Castle played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history, particularly during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
3. Eilean Donan Castle: Set on a small tidal island, Eilean Donan is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, famous for its picturesque setting and historic battles.
4. Urquhart Castle: Overlooking Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle’s ruins offer a glimpse into medieval Scotland, with tales of Nessie sightings adding to its allure.
5. Glamis Castle: With a history steeped in royalty and legends, Glamis Castle is known for its beautiful gardens and as the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
6. Dunrobin Castle: The largest northern castle in Scotland, Dunrobin Castle is notable for its fairy-tale spires and stunning gardens.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit these castles is from late spring to early autumn when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.

Tips for Castle Visits

• Check opening times and ticket prices in advance.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Respect the historical integrity of the sites.

FAQs

1. Which castle is a must-visit in Scotland? Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit for its historical significance and panoramic views of Edinburgh.
2. Can you stay in any Scottish castles? Yes, several castles offer accommodation, allowing guests to experience historic luxury.
3. Are there guided tours available? Most castles offer guided tours, providing insightful historical information.

Conclusion

Visiting Scotland’s historical castles is a journey through time filled with tales of heroism, intrigue, and beauty. Each castle has its unique story, making it a must-visit for any traveler.

Instagram is a popular platform for sharing travel photos and experiences. With its visual nature, it’s no wonder that Instagram has become a go-to resource for discovering the most Instagrammable places in the USA. The USA has plenty of Instagram-worthy destinations, from stunning natural landscapes to iconic landmarks and colorful street art. Here are the most Instagrammable travel destinations in the USA.

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is among the most photographed natural wonders in the world. The park has many dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and breathtaking vistas. From sunrise to sunset, the Grand Canyon is an Instagrammer’s paradise.

1. New York City, New York

With attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, New York City is a playground for photographers. Whether taking in the city skyline from the Empire State Building’s top or capturing the colorful street art in Brooklyn, there are plenty of photo opportunities in the Big Apple.

1. Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach is known for its vibrant culture, colorful art deco buildings, and beautiful beaches. Whether snapping photos of the iconic lifeguard stands or capturing the pastel-colored buildings along Ocean Drive, Miami Beach is a must-visit for Instagrammers.

1. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, a desert, is a wonderland filled with towering rock formations, twisted Joshua trees, and stunning sunsets. From the rock climbers scaling the granite boulders to the wildlife roaming the desert landscape, Joshua Tree is a photographer’s dream.

1. San Francisco, California

Many people know San Francisco for its iconic landmarks, including Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Painted Ladies. Whether you’re capturing the fog rolling over the Golden Gate or photographing the colorful street art in the Mission District, San Francisco is a photographer’s paradise.

In conclusion, the USA is home to countless Instagrammable destinations. Whether you’re exploring the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon or taking in the city skyline from the Empire State Building’s top, these destinations will pop your Instagram feed. So pack your camera and get ready to capture the beauty of the USA.

Some people only use travel insurance coverage when traveling to countries like the US or the UK, where having one is almost mandatory. But according to specialists, it is dangerous to travel, especially overseas, without this insurance. Here are some pointers for choosing the plan that best meets your needs:

Covering Size

It is crucial to choose the sum insured based on the cost of medical services because the more prominent the assured, the more expensive the insurance will be.

Plan Kind

For diverse demands, there are many plans. For instance, there is a single-trip plan for quick trips, a multiple-trip annual plan for regular flyers, and a unique plan created to meet the needs of a particular group, such as students or kids, among others.

Extra Features

If you are going on a leisure trip, pick a conventional plan; however, if you are planning a sports adventure, you may need some unique add-ons to cover related incidents. Additionally, some businesses offer transit insurance bundled into the travel policy if you transport valuables or crucial papers. Of course, there is a cost associated with each of these precautions and many others.

History of Services and Claims

Travel insurance should promptly settle claims and assist you when necessary; otherwise, what good is it?

Health and Aging

Your age and good health are other criteria for approving travel insurance. Most travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions only in cases of imminent danger to life. Drug and alcohol-related illnesses are not covered.

The Bottom Line

This article has several tips to help you purchase the best travel insurance. However, take the time to research the available travel insurance policies to pick what suits you best.

Do you grin ear to ear and have a buzzing feeling of happiness that spreads through your body whenever you book your next trip? Maybe you barely sleep on the night of your travel date due to excitement. Nothing truly makes us happier than experiencing the many wonders of the world. Here are the reasons!

Being Away Makes You Long For Your Family More

Being away from things we often take for granted, like work, family, and close friends, makes us appreciate them more. Calling home will be something you look forward to as they listen with envy about your travel adventures.

Meeting New People

You have probably met new people who spread joy from here to Timbuktu with their kindness and good humor. Well then, travel and you will have the chance to meet locals around the world who are just happy. Most of the time, locals are happy to socialize with tourists- talk to them and let them infect you with their joy.

The Disconnect

When traveling, you tend to disconnect from the internet, which benefits you. Disconnecting from social media does wonders to your peace of mind and not worrying what people you follow are doing. You are on an adventure- TikTok can wait!

Living For Here and Now

Breaking from the daily routine will allow you to live in the present. Tomorrow’s plans and worries can wait. Traveling makes you forget the things you should have done. Just live in the now and enjoy yourself when traveling.

Parting Shot

Travel is suitable for many things, but it can increase mental well-being and not just in the short term. Whether you are traveling for business, on a short family holiday, or have sold all your property to cruise around the world, traveling makes you a happier person by building your personality creating new life experiences and memories.

Many people love traveling because it’s exciting and stress-relieving. Travel is refreshing, especially for people with tight work schedules. But, travel can be costly if you don’t plan your trip wisely. That’s why some people fear traveling because the activity could burn a hole in their pockets. However, savvy travelers know that accommodation and airfare are essential expenses on the road. If costs are why you don’t travel, this guide should help you get started.

Earn Miles and Points for Travel

Some credit cards enable users to earn miles and points to travel for free. That means you can get a reward credit card that allows you to fly to your preferred destination free of charge. However, you must sign up for such a card early and start using it to earn points or miles.

Look for a Free Flight

If an airline bumps you out of a flight, it may reward you with a free flight. But you can only take advantage of this option by booking a flight during the peak season. At this time, some airlines overbook flights. That way, you can use this opportunity to give up your seat, and the airline will reward you with a flight voucher amounting to your ticket price. Also, the airline will allow you to select your travel destination.

Move Around for Free

After landing a free flight, you need to move around without spending anything. Hitchhiking is an effective way to travel without money. When hitchhiking, you can spend time outside camping or going to rural places. Also, you can avoid staying in expensive hotels and instead stay in remote areas.

Couch surfing can also help you get free accommodation. But you need to sign up with sights that connect hosts and travelers. You can also volunteer to work at your travel destination to get free housing while earning some money.

In a nutshell, you don’t need a lot of money to start traveling. If you take the time to research and plan, you can travel the world for free and enjoy the experience.

Most people want to travel but don’t know how to start. For most individuals, money and time are the main hindrances. However, you can begin to travel and enjoy every trip you make. Here’s a guide to help you start traveling and potentially become a seasoned traveler.

Decide On Your Travel Destination

You have a travel destination in mind. And this could be a place you’ve always wanted to visit but lacked adequate time or money. Therefore, take your time to research your destination to know why you find it attractive. That way, you can plan your trip with the things you want to enjoy away from home in mind.

Start Planning

Your trip will be more enjoyable if you take the time to plan it. Therefore, research your travel destination and then plan your trip. Planning entails many things, including the things to do and see. You also have to book your tickets and accommodation. Also, get something like travel insurance, vaccinations, and visas. Planning also involves getting the money you need for your travel budget.

Pack

Once you’ve decided on your travel destination and planned your trip, pack your bag in readiness for the journey. If you don’t have a good travel bag, invest in one. Pick a bag that enables you to carry all the necessities you will need away from home. These may include clothes, electronics, and medicine. And don’t forget the money or credit cards that you can use away from home.

Enjoy the Trip

Travel should be enjoyable. Therefore, get out there and focus on having fun away from home. Interact with the locals and explore your travel destination. You can also try new foods and do things you’ve not tried back at home. Also, take photos to preserve your travel memories.

After the first trip, you will feel the urge to go on another one. And this will eventually make you a seasoned traveler.

Choosing a travel destination is one of the most overwhelming tasks, especially to beginner travelers. That usually happens because each destination has a unique set of attractions and threats that could either make or break your trip. As such, knowing some of the dangerous places to avoid could give you an easier time in finding a suitable travel destination. The following are some of the worst places to travel to. 

North Korea 

The party-state is one of the worst places where the government controls almost every aspect of everyday life. The isolated nation has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons including military threats, which continue to weigh heavily on most governments. Bothe the state officials and the locals are also not very welcoming to strangers and, you could easily get shot for just wandering off in the wrong direction. If you are a citizen of the US or South Korea, it would be more complicated to even gain access to North Korea. 

Myanmar 

Also known as Burma, Myanmar looks like a great tourist destination. However, it is a very dangerous place where the government uses forced labor to develop its infrastructure. A majority of the population is enslaved in opium and heroin production to benefit the government. The high production and consumption of illegal drugs as well as the human abuses resulting from them make Burma quite dangerous for travelers. Myanmar is also popular for cases of illegal imprisonments and state-sanctioned persecutions. 

Democratic Republic of Congo 

Described by many as the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo is also one of the most dangerous places to visit. Apart from the persistent deadly political unrests, the Africa nation is also clothed in tribal clashes, sexual violence, kidnappings, child soldiers and human trafficking. 

The other worse places that you should also be skeptical about traveling to include Chad, Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, and South Sudan. If you must visit, it is advisable that you carefully research the destination and plan for the unexpected. 

It’s no secret that the travel industry is among the sectors that have been affected the most by the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has led to massive revenue and job losses. Businesses that depend on travel have also been affected significantly. Here is a snapshot of how hard the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the travel industry. 

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Airlines 

Many countries announced travel restrictions the moment the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic. Since then, most operations of the major airlines came to a standstill. The global aviation industry has seen its revenue drop drastically. Most airlines have not been making money because their flees have been grounded. 

This has also affected the travel industry because people that prefer flying can’t travel. What’s more, businesses like travel agencies that depend on air transport have also been affected. Some have even closed down since the declaration of COVID-19 pandemic. 

Impact of COVID-19 on the Hotel Industry 

Just like the airlines, hotels have also suffered the same impacts due to COVID-19. Most large hotels that used to host tourists have lost clients and seen a massive drop in revenue. Some have even been forced to lay off some employees. Hotels in major resorts and cities are the most affected. 

Effects of Coronavirus on the Cruise Industry 

Cruise companies will face a major battle trying to recover from the impacts of this pandemic. Since the stories of ships with infected passengers on board hit the news headlines, many people have avoided cruise travels. As such, the cruise industry has suffered serious losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. And, unlike hotels and airlines, cruise businesses are not eligible for aid because they are not considered as enterprises in countries like America.  

Despite these impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on the travel industry, there’s hope at the end of the tunnel. That’s because most countries have reportedly put the disease under control. And, travel restrictions have started to ease in most countries. Thus, there is hope that the travel industry will eventually recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When going on a trip, nutritionists advise that you always remember to carry a few healthy snacks to keep you satisfied and comfortable on the road. However, the selection of travel snacks to carry can be challenging for most travelers. The following are some of the best healthy snacks for travel recommended by nutritionists. 

Fresh Snacks 

When thinking of healthy travel snacks, your first option should be fresh produce. Fresh snacks are great for giving your body the desired boost of vitamins, antioxidants, calories, and minerals for travel. Some of the best fresh produce that you should consider packing in your carry-on includes:

• 1 or 2 apples 
• Banana
• Cucumber 
• Oats 

Freshly chopped fruit and nut mixes will offer your body the right measure of proteins and fibers between meals. Thus, you will be able to avoid constant cravings when traveling. 

Packaged Snacks 

Packaged snacks are also great picks for meeting your body’s nutritional needs on the roads. However, you should be keen when buying packaged snacks since some do not meet the set healthy standards. Nutritionists recommend the following packaged snacks when traveling. 

• Fruit and nut-based bars 
• High protein gluten-free chocolate bars 
• Dried fruit peeled snacks 
• Peanut butter snacks 
• Yogurt 
• Cheese sticks 

You may also want to carry one or two drinks that you are used to like diet coke. Clean drinking water should also be part of your travel snacks package. 

Generally, there are various options for travel snacks. However, the ones mentioned above should be given precedence because they meet the body’s nutritional needs and also portable for stress-free travels. Healthy travel snacks are made with whole food ingredients and controlled amounts of added sugar or sodium. When packing the snacks for a trip, be sure to only carry small quantities that will not exceed the weight limits.

While most people do not like long haul flights, some trips will require you to spend several hours in the air. For instance, an Australian bound flight from London normally takes about 22 hours. To enjoy such trips, you should know how to travel in comfort and keep the body in high spirits all the way. Check out the tips discussed below on how to stay comfortable during long travels. 

Get Your Tickets Early 

Booking early may not directly bring you comfort but, offers the best opportunity for choosing a more suitable seat. Whenever you are buying flight tickets, remember to pick seats with more legroom and a general sense of comfort if you do not have a favorite one. 

Choose Your Clothing Wisely 

During long haul flights, you will fall asleep many times. Therefore, consider wearing soft and loose clothing that will not keep your body crammed. Comfortable jeans, loose tops, flats, and sweater can do the trick. However, do not walk into the airport with pajamas. 

Keep Your Body Hydrated 

To avoid exhaustion and maintain your body’s energy levels, drink lots of freshwaters. A glass of fresh juice or smoothie can also give your energy levels the much-needed boost in long haul flights. The continued exposure of your skin to the air in the cabin could impact dehydration. Therefore, it is also important to have and apply body cream on the face, hands, and lips. 

Eat Well Before and During the Trip 

Sit down to some great meal at home before leaving for the airport. Long haul flights offer food and refreshments but, they may not suit your tastes. You can also eat at the airport restaurants during a stop-over. Passengers on long flights should also consider carrying a few healthy snacks to consume along the way. 

The above ideas can help you ensure greater comfort during long travels. However, you should also set your mind into making the most of the trip. If you focus your mind on a comfortable trip, so it will be.