Ways to Meet People When Traveling Alone

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When traveling solo, you are likely to get bored somewhere along the road. One of the best ways of breaking the boredom is by meeting new people and making friends. However, many solo travelers usually find it hard to make friends on the road. The following are smart ways on how to meet people when traveling alone. 

Stay in Hostels 

Booking a hostel for accommodation is one of the best ways to strike relationships when traveling solo. Whether you stay in hostel dorms or private rooms, hostels bring together travelers from different backgrounds and destinations. As such, booking hostels will surely offer you greater opportunities for meeting new people. 

Interact on Transit 

Whether you are flying, traveling by bus or train, you can still meet different people to interact with on your journey. All you need is to start a conversation and see how it goes. However, you should only engage those who are willing to interact with you. One of the benefits of meeting people on transit is that you can easily find travelers headed to the same destination, making the trip much fun. 

Sharing Food 

This might seem awkward but, trust me food is one of the easiest ways into people’s hearts and minds. Whether it is at the hostel kitchen, street food kiosks or restaurant, sharing food with others is a great way to gain people’s confidence and indulge in conversations. But, you should never force anyone to grab a bite. 

Join the Online Travel Community 

Today, there are several online communities where travelers can meet and interact in various ways. All you need to do is find the right community with solo travelers that share your interests. Sometimes, you could even find other solo travelers visiting the same destination, thereby making the experience much fun. 

Contrary to what some people often think, solo travel does not make you feel lonely. And, the above insights are proof of that. 

How to Travel When You Are Young

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Many years back, traveling was a reserve of the wealthy and retired folks with fat bank accounts. But, that has completely changed today since there are many more young people are taking up travel. Traveling when you are young offers endless opportunities for fun and personal growth and development. The following are important tips for traveling when you are young. 

Choose a Suitable Travel Destination 

Young people usually have constantly shifting interests that can sometimes make it quite hard when planning trips. The secret is to select a destination that offers most of the things that you would like to do and see during the trip. If you have a specific place that you have always wanted to visit then, simply go there. 

Develop a Proper Travel Budget 

This is where most young travelers find it wrong. When planning the trip, think about how much it will cost for the entire duration. Your travel budget should clearly show the cost of airfares, accommodation, meals, activities and other travel essentials. Besides, you should also include an extra amount of money miscellaneous expenses or emergencies. 

Be Flexible with Travel Dates  

As a young traveler, you do not have so much money to lavishly spend on the road. Therefore, it is advisable to consider traveling against the clock when not many people go on vacation. During such times, the airfares and hotel rates are often on the low. 

Traveling during off-peak seasons also offers you ample time to get the most of your trips since most attractions sites and hotels are not crowded. 

Talk to Savvy Travelers 

Seasoned travelers have a lot of experience on the road and, can offer great insights on how to plan different kinds of trips, save money, get cheap flights and hotels. You can interact with other travelers on social media platforms as well as along the way to share experiences and learn more about travel. 

The world is filled with lots of attractions and activities for every young traveler, just waiting for you to explore. All you need to get the most of every trip is a detailed travel plan and an open mind. 

A Guide for Carrying Oxygen when Flying

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When you have a health condition that requires you to carry oxygen when traveling, you need to know how to carry it. Here is a guideline for carrying oxygen when flying.

Contact Your Airline

Before booking a flight, contact your airline to inquire about their policy. Also take time to make appropriate arrangements for special accommodations if necessary. Your airline might require you to produce a physician’s letter and medical history as well as your current prescription. Get these documents in advance to make transition easier.

Consider Getting Direct Flights

If possible, go for direct flights. This enables you to avoid boarding and disembarking from the plane with the oxygen concentrator severally. Layovers can increase the flight time. In turn, you may end using more batteries.

Keep the Unit Charged

Ensure that the unit is charged on alternating current as you wait to board or during layovers. Not all airlines can charge AC or DC power units during the flight. However, it’s possible to locate an outlet where you can plug the oxygen concentrator while waiting for a flight. This enables you to run the unit without using its battery. However, the battery will also charge. If you can’t find an outlet, seek help from the check-in counter.

Use the Pulse Dose

If possible, use settings for the pulse dose while resting or sitting. Some machines come with increased battery time when turned to pulse dose instead of continuous flow setting.

Arrive Early

It’s advisable that you arrive at the airport early so that you can board fist and store the POC properly. When you arrive early, you avoid moving other passengers around.

In addition to these factors, make sure that you have adequate battery life to keep the concentrator powered for a minimum of 150% of the flight time. Also carry a minimum of two batteries. Finally, update yourself with the FAA Regulations in relation to oxygen concentrators before the trip.

How Travel Insurance Covers You When a Parent is Ill

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You Will Be Covered If You Have a Parent in a Stable Condition When You Buy Insurance

Covering trip interruption or trip cancellation because of a medical issue with an aging parent is a major reason why many travelers buy insurance. But, many travelers are afraid of traveling because they may have to go back home before the end of their trip when a parent’s condition worsens. For that reason, many travelers want to know circumstances under which they will be covered by travel insurance.

Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver

Actually, this is a serious cause for concern for a couple with a terminally ill parent. That’s because if there is a sick parent or an in-law, it’s not easy to know the available option. In most cases, coverage terms are the same for trip interruption and trip cancellation. But, there are things that you should bear in mind.

A medical condition is considered stable when your parent is undergoing treatment for a medical problem but it hasn’t changed to warrant a medical plan change or change in prescription drugs within 90 days before purchasing the policy. Maybe you believe that it is unlikely for the health of your parent to deteriorate seriously when traveling. However, you might want to ensure that you will be covered if something requires you to go back home.

If a Parent is Receiving Palliative Care when Buying Insurance and the Condition Worsens

If you have a parent in palliative care like hospice when purchasing your insurance then the condition worsens, your insurance company will not cover trip interruption or trip cancellation claim. This will be considered as a known risk since you already knew that your parent was in hospice and you didn’t expect the condition to improve. But, if your parent dies while receiving hospice care, your insurance will cover both trip interruption and trip cancellation. That’s because death is considered a “dramatic downturn in health.”

This might apply to travelers only and not to family members. However, there are policies that provide pre-existing waiver to travelers and their family members.

These are some of the things to know about travel insurance cover for people with ill parents. It’s however important to check with your insurance providers to know what exactly will be covered by your policy.

How to Survive Long Distance Flights

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How to Survive Long Distance Flights

Long distance flights can be one of the worst nightmares for some travelers. That’s particularly the case for travelers that are not used to traveling a lot on planes. But, you can make the experience more enjoyable and refreshing with a little preparation and tips for managing the discomfort. Here are important ideas to help you deal with the exhaustion of long haul flights.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Sitting still on a flight for over eight hours under the chilly aircon systems can cause serious discomfort. Wearing clothes that are a bit heavy will help you keep warm and calm through the trip. With regards to footwear, consider putting on closed toes shoes instead of flip flops. Additionally, avoid shoes that are too tight and clunky.

Choose a Good Seat

When planning a long haul flight, think ahead and select a better seat. If you need more leg room, seats at the exit rows are the best. If you are a traveler that is bothered by crying babies, avoid the seats at the front of the plane. Aisle seats on the other hand, are the most suitable for travelers that may want to move around the plane during flight.

Carry Your Snacks

While food is served to passengers during long distance flights, it may not be available whenever you need it. Besides, the food might not include what you want. In order to keep away hunger pangs, remember to pack a few snacks like nuts, cereal and chocolate bars or dried fruits in your hand luggage. Drinking plenty of water during the flight is also important because it prevents dehydration.

Find Ways to Relax

Being on a flight for several hours without mobile phone coverage or anyone to attend to your personal needs can be boring. To release the stress, find something relaxing to do during the flight. For instance, you can carry a novel and read it during the flight. You can also carry a guide book or something to watch on your tablet, Smartphone or flight’s entertainment system. You can also use the free time to interact with other passengers and make new friends.

These are some of the tips that will enable you to survive long distance flights. They make flights more relaxing and enjoyable. Try them to avoid emerging from the flight exhausted and fatigued.

 

Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel

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Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel

Traveling to a tourist destination and back home during the holiday is generally not easy. Apart from this being the busiest time of the year to travel, it’s also quite stressful. Worrying about flight delays, winter storms, traffic jams, and millions of other travelers make holiday traveling quite challenging for most people. Nevertheless, it’s possible to survive holiday travel.

Follow these tips to survive your next holiday travel:

Leave Later

For many people, it’s not easy to leave very early when traveling during the holidays. However, this is the best way to beat crowds when traveling. But, if you can’t do this, leave later. That way, you will avoid the big crowds that are found at hotels and restaurants over the holidays.

Arrive Early

If you intend to fly while traveling, make sure that you get to the airport early. That’s because there are millions of travelers that will go through the same airport. Getting at the gate early will enable you to board the plane early. What’s more, you will know about flight delays or changes and make appropriate arrangements when you arrive at the airport early.

Use Carry-on Bags

Carry-on bags will save you time that you spend at the airport. They will also make you prepared for any eventuality such as flight delay. Remember that flights get delayed or canceled during the holidays. In that case, you will be lucky to have your medication, toiletries and clothes in carry-on bags.

Triple Check

You don’t want to arrive at the airport and realize that your flight was cancelled, delayed, or postponed to the next day. Therefore, check the status of your flight carefully. Also check the weather at your travel destination and terminal before you leave your hotel room or home.

Basically, you need to be extra keen to survive holiday travel. Therefore, follow these tips to make your holiday travel hassle-free and successful.

Debit and Credit card Precautions for Travelers

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Debit and Credit card Precautions for Travelers

Protecting personal information is very important when it comes to averting fraud. This applies to credit and debit cards too. When traveling, you should be careful on how you use your cards.

Here are essential debit and credit card precautions for travelers to guide you:

Protect your debit and credit cards

Carry debit or credit cards that you intend to use while traveling. You can also carry a backup card and keep them all safely. Once you return home from the trip, verify the charges and balances in your cards. If possible, monitor your balances after making transactions while traveling. Nevertheless, exercise caution because accessing your financial account over the internet can be risky.

Protect your PIN code

Memorize the personal identification number of your credit and debit cards instead of writing it somewhere. Additionally, make sure that nobody watches you as you type the PIN while withdrawing money or paying purchases with the cards. That way, you will ensure that your PIN remains safe and even if somebody steals your card, they won’t access your money.

Use credit cards sparingly

Some shop clerks and restaurant servers attempt to steal credit card information of their customers. In some cases, they do this by swiping the cards in special machines or surreptitiously using mobile phones to snap photos of the cards. Most restaurants provide portable credit card readers. These are brought to the table by waitresses. These are secure because you will monitor how the transaction is done right there. Nevertheless, giving out cash is the safest way of paying for purchases while traveling.

Use debit card at ATMs only

A debit card draws money from your financial account directly. That means if a thief uses it to withdraw money, the charges can be scary and it’s your fund that will be gone. As such, use your debit card to withdraw money from cash machines only. Use credit cards or cash to make purchases.

Basically, these are the major debit and credit card precautions for travelers. If your card is stolen or lost, report to your bank or the card provider immediately.

Security Tips for Traveling Abroad

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Foreign trips present unique security challenges. Thus, though traveling abroad should generally be about new experiences and fun, there are safety issues that should be considered. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce security risks while traveling abroad.

Here are security tips that you should follow when traveling abroad:

Plan before you go

Before you leave your country, take time to prepare for the trip. You definitely don’t want to land in a country that is embroiled in a coup attempt or civil war. Therefore, take time to do some research about your destination. Additionally, handle all paperwork in advance.

This includes:

  • Travel papers like visas and passports
  • Health insurance
  • International driving license
  • Prescription for any necessary medication

While in a foreign country

Once you arrive in the foreign country, take care of yourself and your belongings.

Do the following to ensure your safety:

  • Protect your identification documents and devices physically
  • Use ATMs only when you don’t have an option
  • Avoid sharing photos and telling friends about your whereabouts or adventures until you arrive back home
  • Avoid using computers in public places, cyber cafes, or hotel business centers because they can be loaded with malware and keyloggers
  • Avoid using insecure Wi-Fi hotspots and public wireless networks
  • When not using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, disconnect them  
  • Keep laptop, phone, and other devices close when not using them

Upon your return

Getting back to your home county doesn’t mean you can’t be affected by the security risks in the country that you visited.

To ensure your security when you get back to your country, do the following:

  • Change the passwords that you used abroad
  • Run a full antivirus scan on your laptop, tablet, and other devices
  • Check monthly statements of the credit cards that you used abroad for discrepancies
  • Delete apps that you may have downloaded in a foreign country if you no longer need them

Follow these tips to ensure your security while traveling abroad and you will have the most fulfilling experience.

Easy Steps to Follow when Planning a Foreign Trip

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Traveling abroad comes with challenges especially when making your first trip into a foreign country. Nevertheless, when you know the steps to follow when planning a foreign trip, things become easier.

Here are the steps to follow when planning a foreign trip:  

Step 1: Choose your destination

Deciding where you want to travel to compares to setting a goal. Don’t plan your foreign trip blindly. Instead, pick a destination after careful research. Nevertheless, planning to travel abroad becomes easier when you have a destination in mind.

Step 2: Decide on the amount of time to spend abroad

How long will you stay in the foreign country? How much money do you intend to spend abroad? When you answer such questions, you will figure out the amount of money that you should save to make your dream a reality.

Step 3: Conduct extensive research

Now that you know the country that you want to visit and the amount of time that you want to spend there, embark on conducting research. Find out about the flight costs, hotel costs, cost of tour services, and fees for attraction sites. Do careful calculations while planning for your foreign trip.

Step 4: Get money ready

Once you have estimated the cost of your foreign travel, get money ready. Save money for the foreign trip and find out about the currency exchange rates. Decide whether to use credit cards or cash while in a foreign country and make appropriate arrangements.

Step 5: Check for the available deals

It’s now time to check whether there are deals that you can take advantage of. Find out whether the airline that you want to use has some offers. Also check for hotels and travel agencies deals. Make sure that you use services of a travel agency or hotel that offers the best deals. Additionally, plan your activities carefully by considering all expenses including insurance.

Step 6: Enjoy your foreign trip

Travel to the foreign country of your choice and have fun. Take care while abroad and focus on having the most from your foreign trip.

If you are planning to tour a foreign country, follow these steps to prepare for it and you will enjoy a seamless experience.

Benefits of Using a Travel Agency

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The increasing numbers of people that are traveling have made travel increasingly complex. However, with increasing travel websites, online booking for hotels and airlines, it’s easy to wonder why you should use a travel agency. But, since travel agencies are run by experts, they provide a better experience than when you travel alone. They also enable their clients to access lucrative deals that you may not have access to without their help.

Here are the major benefits of using a travel agency:

Money and time savings

Spending hours on your computer looking for the best tour deals may not get you results. In some cases, you may not even have the time to do online research. However, when you work with a travel agency, all legwork is done by a specialist. This saves you time and money without compromising your travel experience. Essentially, travel agencies have access to the latest information on routes and rates that you may not have access to.

Travel assistance

Your flight to a foreign country can be disrupted by a snowstorm in the middle of a place that is completely unfamiliar to you. When using a travel agency, you simply call them and get assistance right away. For instance, a rebooking for your travel can be arranged. However, if you opt to travel without the help of an agency, you might end up with troubles because you may not know who to call for help.

Personalized attention

When using a travel agency, you get different travel packages to choose from. The package that you choose determines the experience that you get and treatment that receive while traveling. That means you are assured of spending time in a room that meets your expectations. You also get the exact services that you pay for with ease. That means unlike when traveling without an agency, you will not struggle to find services that you will need in your travel destination.

Travel recommendations

Maybe you want to travel abroad but you don’t know which country is the best to visit. Perhaps, you want to go on a family vacation but you don’t know which destination can provide the best experience. When you use a travel agency, you get expert recommendations. These will enable you to plan your trip on the basis of your budget and needs.

Basically, a travel agency provides information that may not be accessible to you. It also provides expert advice and personalized services. Therefore, if you are planning to travel abroad or even regionally, consider using a travel agency. Here is one of my favorites as its an excellent and east to use platform. Click here.