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The Ultimate Checklist To Get More From Your First Hiking Holiday

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Modern vacations are evolving, and most people now find that sitting on the beach for a fortnight simply doesn’t tick all the boxes. Exploration is now an integral aspect of any great trip, which is why hiking holidays are an increasingly popular solution. Before taking your first, though, it’s imperative that the right preparations are in place.

Here are six key points of focus that will ensure you choose the right pathway.

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Destination | First and foremost, your hike should reward you with a spectacular scene at the finish. Machu Picchu has become one of the hottest attractions as it merges natural beauty with ancient and unique architecture. You can learn more about tours at http://gadventures.com/destinations/south-america/machu-picchu/. Once you’ve seen it for yourself, you’ll be ecstatic that you chose this instead of a beach deal.

Company | Booking with the right operator ensures that you get to experience the best that a place has to offer. However, you also need to consider the party that you travel with. While the rewards make it all worthwhile, there’s no doubt that hiking can be emotionally testing. Travel with friends that are likely to drain the enthusiasm, and it will take its toll on your fun.

Attire | When you dedicate a few days to hiking, it’s imperative that you are made to feel comfortable. The right footwear should be top of the agenda as it will make a telling difference to your trip. Likewise, the best backpack and suitable campaign essentials can remove a lot of stress. In turn, that’ll allow you to enjoy the great outdoors to its full potential.

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Camera | Depending on where you travel, you might not be able to get online during your stay. This is why laptops are redundant. Still, a camera and rechargeable battery allows you to document your adventures to ensure those memories last a lifetime. You can find the best ones at http:/\switchbacktravel.com/best-cameras-hiking-backpacking. Once you return home, those snaps can be turned into artwork for the home. Perfect.

Journey | The last thing you need is to feel uncomfortable before you’ve even reached the destination. You might have to choose coach, but flying directly to the nearest airport is essential. Meanwhile, you should avoid public transportation for the onward trip. Aside from the direct benefits, it removes the stress of knowing you have a nightmare return leg to come.

Injections | Hiking is an incredibly enjoyable task, but you are likely to choose places where dangers could be lurking. Given that nothing is more important than your health, it’s vital that you take action by getting the right jabs and medications. A little online research should tell you what’s needed. It doesn’t hurt to have medical insurance in place too. Still, prevention is always better.

With the right precautions, there’s no doubt that hiking trips can be the most rewarding. Aside from all the traditional joys, you gain that sense of self-satisfaction too. Frankly, there’s never been a better time to book your adventure.

 

 

 

Exploring Goa in a different way with Goa Unlimited..!!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Goa has always been my most favourite place on this planet and it always will be. I have been to Goa so many times and yet I am always ready for my next visit. There is so much to Goa that however times you may visit, there is always something new to discover about it, and thats the best part. You cannot get tired of exploring Goa, and when you have experts who can guide you through the most unexplored parts of Goa, you simply can’t ask for more.

I am talking about Goa Unlimited, who can be your idle travel partners in Goa. Read the full story here

Ultimate Guide to The Best Travel Backpack of 2017 by Travel Meets Happy

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

I recently stumbled upon this interesting blog post Ultimate Guide to The Best Travel Backpack of 2017 and thought of sharing it with you all lovely readers of mine

How to Buy Your First Travel Backpack:

To make it easier for you, whether you’re buying your first backpack, or you are an experienced traveler, we’ve made a list of our top recommendations for backpacks that are available on the world wide web! We’ve also made our own pros and cons list so that you can decide for yourself what is important to you, based on comfort, cost, color, extra features, and everything else that you can think of!

We’d hate to see you end up buying your plane ticket for your first, second, or even tenth adventure and find yourself both looking and feeling like an inexperienced traveler. Travelers, for either pleasure and business, who are obviously inexperienced with international and other long-distance travel can become targets for pick-pocketers and other petty theft. We hope that we can help you to avoid that situation, and save you some trouble when it comes to locating your luggage on the conveyer belt at the baggage claim! Skip the baggage claim altogether with a backpack that meets carry-on requirements, and makes traveling easier and more fun!

Read the full post here

As I surfed more on the blog, I just fell in love with the content and this surely is one blog one shouldn’t miss. Really commendable work by Colleen. Do subscribe and follow her blog and I am sure you will enjoy the read

Travel Meets Happy

A blog on location independence, backpack, and travel reviews. Because the experience is worth the adventure.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Walking Holiday

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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Getting out into nature using only your own two legs as transportation is a romantic idea for many people. And there is no doubt that a walking holiday provides a sense of adventure that you simply don’t get from other trips. But you also need to make sure that you have done the proper planning and preparation. If not, what seemed like a dream to start off with could quickly turn into a nightmare! So, here are a few top tips when it comes to planning your walking adventure holiday.

Choose a Location and Type of Walk

The location you go for is really based on your personal desires and also your walking experience. You may be looking to get out into the wilderness without many people being around or you may want some clearly marked footpaths with plenty of other people for company. You should also think about how challenging you want the walks to be. Are you looking for something flat or would you prefer mountainous terrain?

Map a Route

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Once you have zeroed in on an area, you then need to start mapping a route. Think about a start point and a destination based on how much walking you want to do each day and plan your stopping points along the way. Use maps and guides to give you a helping hand. To make things easier, there are plenty of walks that have been already completed by other people and the information will already be clearly listed. If you are more adventurous and experienced, you may want to plan your own route entirely.

Arrange Accommodation

B&Bs, hostels, guesthouses, hotels and camping are all viable options when you are walking, so you just need to think about your budget and the level of comfort you are looking for. The internet has made information so much more readily accessible, so check out reviews online so you get a fuller picture of where you will be staying. Arrange your accommodation methodically so you book places as you go along.

Prepare Your Resources

There are a few things that you will need to make your walking holiday a success. First of all, a map and compass are important, and you should also look at downloading a maps app on your phone. Next up, you need clothing including waterproof walking shoes, jacket, thick socks, fleece, and anything else you can think of. And then you need your gear including a backpack, walking poles, water bottle, electronic devices and chargers.

Training

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It is a good idea to get some walking done before your trip so you don’t find yourself completely exhausted before you have even really gotten going. If you can do a walk covering the longest distance you will be covering in a day, you will feel much more like you are fully prepared for what is in store.

A walking holiday is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have, and hopefully these suggestions have provided you with a helping hand to get started!

 

 

Making Long Distance Traveling On Business Less Hectic

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

When you know you’re going to be traveling a long distance, a certain amount of dread can set in. You’re going to be lugging around your suitcase, trying to keep your professional clothes from getting creased, and above all else, replacing the need for comfort with saving time. It’s a busy lifestyle albeit even if it is only temporary. It can start to feel quite stressful when you’re trying to cram in a couple of hours of sleep, but then find yourself running to your airport gateway in the next minute. But it doesn’t have to be like this. Being prepared takes all the worry out of the situation, and minimizes the hassle you’ll be facing if you try to make things happen purely on a whim.

Pack casual clothes

If you know you’re going to be away on business to somewhere far from your location, it’s best to pack different sets of clothes. Your professional clothes like a suit and tie should only be worn when you’re heading into the meeting. This way you don’t ruin it by sweating in it when you’re going to and fro from the airport and hotels. Dress comfortably because you’re going to be sitting in uncomfortable chairs at the airport waiting to take off. Many modern airports require their passengers to check in well ahead of take off; sometimes a couple of hours before. Airports and their restaurants mostly have upright metal and wooden chairs, so put on something that will give you warmth and cushioning.

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Find a decent place to rest

Many people don’t plan on resting properly when they’re on long distance travels. Bear in mind; you’re not on holiday, you’re on business. Work is often times stressful, and the last thing you need to be is unprepared. Since you’re traveling far, who really knows when your meeting or presentation will be over, as most of the time, there is no guarantee. This is especially true if you’re negotiating a deal, which might last long into the night. A brilliant overnight stay at a place like Quality Inn & Suites Cleburne is ideal for a business trip. They have spacious accommodation, free WiFi for you to get some extra work done, a relaxing jacuzzi, and an exercise. On top of all that, you can extend your stay and still get a competitive weekly rate if you need to stay a little longer.

Image by – Jonathan Pincas

Have an onboard routine

When you’re on long-distance flights, you have an opportunity to get some rest. It may not seem like it because there are other people on the plane, eating, talking, and sometimes there’s a baby crying. Don’t lose hope, however, because, with calming routine, you’ll learn to shut the world out and close your eyes until you drift to sleep. The key is to relax as soon as you’ve sat down. Nevermind everyone else, let them put their bags in the overhead storage, starting talking and doing whatever. Take onboard with you something of interest, but that you’ve never experienced before. An audiobook, or an album that you’ve never heard, is great for grabbing your attention and getting lost in a world of your own.

Long distance traveling is dreaded by most people. Especially when you’re on business, because you have a time schedule to keep to, and you might be going somewhere unfamiliar. If you prepare in advance a good inn to spend the night, comfortable clothes, and a way to sleep on the flight, your stress levels will fade.

 

 

 

Hot Topic: Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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To an average person, this isn’t a topic which keeps them up at night. To a traveler, it’s enough to make or break the trip. You see, conventional wisdom says every person who goes abroad needs coverage. However, travel insurance policies are pricey, and travelers only have a small budget. Plus, the majority of individuals who travel never visit a hospital. It seems like a lot of money to waste, but is it worth the risk? After all, should the worst happen, a policy becomes a lifesaver.

Here’s how to find out whether you need insurance or not. 

What Are The Laws Of The Country?

People from countries such as America are surprised when they go to Britain and the healthcare is free. But, to Brits, a NHS-style system is the norm. The moral of the story is that every country is unique and has different rules. Cnn.com says there are places with universal health care, such as Germany and France, where treatment is free. In this case, there is no reason to splash out on a policy. However, a place such as the US requires you to have an insurance plan by law if you want treatment. Before you set off, make sure you understand the fine print.

Is There A Special Arrangement? 

Politics is a funny game. At the moment, with Trump and Brexit, it seems as if the politicians have lost their minds. The truth is they try to do the best for their constituents wherever possible. As such, there are arrangements with foreign countries which cover health care and other vital areas for non-nationals. Take Europe as an example. Any European citizen whose country is part of the EU is liable for treatment within the block. Again, if this is the case for you, a private plan is not a sound investment.

 

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Will It Cost More Or Less?

Travelers think that an insurance policy is bound to cost the more, but it isn’t always the case. Let’s say you need protection. A single policy, such as a travel plan, is cheaper than three or four different plans. By searching healthinsurancequotes.co you can see how the cost of healthcare alone fluctuates. With extras such as contents insurance and airline coverage, the price will skyrocket. At least all of the major features are included in travel insurance, and that keeps the cost low. When a policy is cheaper, it is well worth the investment.

What Are The Odds?

People will say travel insurance is essential regardless. Why? It’s because the odds of something going wrong are high. Are you flying with an airline which has punctuality problems? Or, are you going to a country where there is a high risk of injury? If the answer to these questions is yes, then travel insurance is a savvy investment. So, before you jet set to Florida or hit up Asia, think about your itinerary. If there is a high percentage of danger in any sense, you need a contingency plan.  

Do you need travel insurance? Only you can answer that question.

 

Into The Wild In The Modern Age: The Importance Of Keeping Lines Of Communication Open

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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Ever since the release of Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Wild,’ many of us have fancied an isolated camping trip. Strayed’s fallout in the face of mourning for her mother was heartbreaking, and her subsequent time on the Pacific Crest Trail turned her life around.

It’s no wonder, then, that many of us decide to follow a similar path whenever life gets us down. And, Cheryl wasn’t the first person to start this trend. There’s something cleansing about the idea of spending time alone in the wild. Sometimes, it seems like the best and only way to hit the reset button.

But, far from the romantic depictions in literature, it’s important to consider the practicalities of such an experience. While a completely isolated camping trip will work wonders for your soul, there are clear downfalls. For one, it’s not always safe. There are so many risks in the world today that our loved ones are sure to want to stay in touch. Plus, complete isolation is such a rarity in the modern age that you may find it harder that you’re anticipating. So, small levels of communication could actually help, rather than hinder, your experience.

But, how do can you insert communication into your trip without ruining the process?

Write letters

Your first port of call should be letter writing. Sending letters as you go is sure to ease the loneliness. It’ll also put your loved one’s minds at rest. Plus, letter writing can be incredibly therapeutic. During face to face/phone conversations, we rarely stop and think about what we’re saying. But, when writing a letter, you have to think about every word. You have time to consider each before committing them to paper. Hence, you may find communication like this helps you come to terms with more demons.

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Why not use wifi?

Wifi may not be what you had in mind, but inviting it into your trip could make all the difference. As long as you set boundaries, there’s no reason this needs to have any impact on your journey. Of course, wifi in the middle of nowhere isn’t easy to come by. But, you’re sure to pass through towns on your route with free wifi hotspots. Make the most of these by posting pictures of your trip on Instagram. You could even send postcards via app services like those offered by My Postcard. This is a fast way to update loved ones with a quick message. If you’re taking your phone with you, download the app before you head off and make use of it whenever you get the chance.

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Find a spot for a daily phone call

You may be doing this to get away, but a five-minute phone call each day will make the experience much easier for you. Plus, this can work as a fantastic security backup. Aim to reach a pay phone at some point during the same hour each day. Then, if you don’t ring, your loved ones will know straight away that there’s a problem.

 

Quiet and Relaxing Holidays in Florida

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Holidays don’t always have to be about walking around, exploring a new country or indulging in nightlife. Sometimes, a holiday is just a weekend break; some time to relax after finishing up a busy project at work or to unwind after a stressful period in your life. We should all go on a relaxing break at some point in our lives, and it’s something that doesn’t have to cost much nor does it need to be an effort to plan. All you really need is a flight and a booked hotel and you’ll soon be relaxing in a spa or lounging on a beach.

One of the best places in the world to relax and unwind is Florida. This cosy state offers some of the most enjoyable entertainment you can find and it’s the perfect spot for quiet and peaceful weekend break. In this article, we’ll go through some of the most common and interesting places to visit when you’re on a break in Florida.

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Kendall

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches, Kendall offers some fantastic culinary gems that are just waiting to be uncovered by you. The Kendall Ice Arena (although not technically in Kendall) is an iconic location for all locals and it’s a great spot to do a bit of ice skating no matter what the weather’s like outside. If you’re an avid gamer and love arcades, then Arcade Odyssey offers over 100 classics that range from video games to pinball machines. Be sure to look at accommodation such as Best Western Plus Kendall Airport Hotel and Suites before you travel so you can do a little planning before you head out. With so many sights to see, you’ll want a little bit of direction to help you make the most of your quiet weekend break.

Bahia Honda State Park

If you love beaches but not the usual partying culture that comes with it on most of Florida’s beaches, then Bahia Honda State Park is the place for you. It’s actually made up of three different beaches, each with their own unique qualities. The water is warm and refreshing, and there are plenty of activities that go on throughout the entire day. Since it’s far enough from the city, the night sky isn’t polluted with light, giving you a clear view for some relaxing stargazing. This is one of the most relaxing destinations in Florida and you absolutely have to come here at least once.

Pine Island

Pine Island is a secluded yet laid-back and exciting location to take a weekend break. If you enjoy lush environments mixed with a spot of fishing, then you’ll feel right at home here. There are long stretches of tropical plants, a unique atmosphere, opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, and it’s even noted as a haven for birdwatchers. Being surrounded by nature and small pleasures are the keys to a relaxing and quiet break, and you’ll find them both in abundance at Pine Island.

 

Is It Possible To Travel In Peace?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Anyone who travels regularly will know too well how much stress it can cause. Even holidays can be a powerful source of stress, given the strain on the body and mind they can cause. Likewise, if you find that you have to go on a lot of business trips, you are probably sick of the anxiety that such trips can cause. But there might be hope. By slowing down, taking a step back and changing a few little things, you can make travelling much easier on yourself, and a little more peaceful.

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Get Comfortable With Flying 

A lot of people have trouble flying. It’s not hard to understand why this might be such a source of consternation for many people. After all, humans do not fly naturally, and doing so artificially is always going to create some stress at some level. But it is possible to enjoy flying a little more than you might do currently. One handy tip is to get yourself some noise cancelling earbuds. These are great for planes, as you can shut out the noise of the engine, and even get some well-earned sleep. Something else which can be useful is to take a travel pillow with you. If you are able to sleep for most of the journey, your whole trip will be much easier and more calming. 

Know Your Route

If you are going somewhere unusual or far away, it can be stressful just not knowing where exactly you are going. Generally, it is best to know as much as you can about your route, so that you can keep any potential worry at bay. If you are struggling because you don’t know what’s ahead of you, consider spending a little time planning out your route in more detail. Having more information ahead of time is often all you need to feel more at peace during the journey itself. If you consider yourself a planner, this might even be absolutely vital for you to enjoy yourself.

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Protect Against Sickness

If there is anything that can ruin any travelling, it is getting ill. Nobody wants this – and there is plenty you can do to avoid such a fate if you are careful. If you are travelling to somewhere which has specific guidelines on getting vaccines and so on, be sure to get those. But you should also think about the more simple things – generally looking after your body as you travel. It is also hugely important to look after your body before you travel, as you never know what illnesses might be lurking under the surface which you will want to put a handle on.

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With some simple changes, you can easily enjoy travelling all the more. If you approach it in the right way, there is no reason that travelling of any kind has to be stressful or alarming. A little of the right mindset and some forward-thinking will go a long way towards making your next trip much more peaceful for all involved.

 

 

Witnessing Royalty of Rajasthan at Fairmont, Jaipur!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Opulence, Royalty, Class, Expansiveness, Luxury are some of the words that came to my mind the moment my car stopped at the porch of Fairmont Hotel, Jaipur. And as I kept moving from the porch to the entrance and finally to my room, all these words turned into reality. Right at the welcome, when a man clad in traditional Rajasthani clothes sings “Padharo Mare Des”, you start feeling the royalty of Rajasthan seeping in, at least thats what I felt. To me whenever this song is sung with a deep tone, it gives me goosebumps.

As I moved towards the lobby, smiling faces awaited me to process a smooth check-in. While it just took about 5 minutes for the entire process, even in those 5 minutes, glimpses of luxury started to show. Cold Towels, Welcome Drink and Escorted entry to my room, I had already started to enjoy my short vacation.

Now coming to the best part, the room, it oozed out opulence and class and trust me when you open the doors to the expansive bathroom, your heart almost skips a beat. Calling it lavish, would be an understatement. The bathtub in the centre catches your attention instantly and all you want to do is, fill it up with a hot bubble bath and just soak yourself and let the luxury take its course on you. But as I reached late in the afternoon, the hunger didn’t let me indulge in the bath at that moment, and it had to wait for a later time in the night.

Now to satiate my hunger, I headed down to Zoya, the all day dining multi cuisine restaurant. A chicken caesar salad, a platter of non-veg kebabs and lamb biryani comprised of my hearty meal. The salad was good and gave me a refreshing start to the meal. From the kebab platter, I loved the Kasundi Mahi Tikka the most and also the Chicken Tikka and Chicken Malai Tikka were done well, but the best was the fish.

The Lamb Biryani is surely something you shouldn’t miss, it was one of the highlights. The rice were perfectly spiced and the fried onions garnish added another layer of flavour to it. The mutton pieces were really soft and tender. Served with raita, its a complete meal and believe me you won’t need anything else. 5 senses and toffee date pudding are the desserts you can’t afford to miss again. They will melt in your mouth.

After this appetising meal, I retired to my room for a small nap, whereas my son tried his hand at Table Tennis in the hotel itself. The hotel does offer quite a lot of activities for children of all age groups. Later I spent most time of my evening dipping myself in the expansive pool, almost for 2 hours and it made me feel refreshed and tired at the same time, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

A quick shower and was ready for yet another culinary exploration and this time headed to  Zarin, a speciality restaurant that serves Persian delicacies. Shishlik, boneless lamb chops on skewers was a melt in the mouth experience and is definitely a must try. Jujeh Kebab was the next dish on my platter, succulent pieces of barbecued chicken, this too was delicious. We also ordered for roasted lamb chops and they too were a delight, full of flavours, but only I wished that the meat was a little more tender.

For main course, we tried Dal Zarin, Nihari Khas and a Chicken based gravy dish, and all the main course dishes were fabulous and should surely be given a try. But the best was yet to come, it was the dessert platter, with Baklawa and Baglawa and I just could not have enough of both of these items. They were simply the best I have ever eaten.

After a very hearty meal yet again, I headed to the comfort of my room for a good night’s sleep. I really had a very peaceful sleep as the rooms are completely sound proof, I got up just in time for the breakfast. The breakfast was a lavish spread at Zoya and one can get a lot of options from English breakfast to American and Indian with regional delicacies as well.

I spent the day at leisure, indulging in games, hitting the gym and dipping in pool. The lunch was special on this day, as we got to savour the typical Rajasthani Thali and no amount of words can justify the flavours, the presentation and the taste. You really need to have it yourself to believe the goodness of it. I have to admit that I had once earlier also tasted the Rajasthani Thali but didn’t like it much back then, but here at Fairmont, it was easily one of the best things I had. The veg thali especially included things which I had never tasted before and I loved all of them. Papad Mangodi ki Subzi, Gatte ki Subzi, Sagri Ke Kofte and Dal Batti Churma, everything was outstandingly delicious. In the non-veg thali, Laal Maas was obviously the highlight. Finishing the meal with Kulfi Falooda was just the thing to do.

For dinner, we have a private set up done at the terrace overlooking the pool and a magnificent tomb. We settled for some Asian food that night and I think this is one area where the hotel needs to work a bit. In comparison to the Indian and Persian food, Asian food did not meet much of expectations. Main Course consisting of Sichuan Chicken and Chicken Garlic Noodles was really good whereas starters except Chicken Spring Rolls were disappointing.

After a luxurious bath at night I once again had a comfortable sleep at the Hotel. The third morning, after a continental brunch at Zoya, I had to bid goodbye to this luxury and head back home. I enjoyed a grilled chicken breast with mushroom sauce for my brunch and it truly was delicious.

Goodbyes are often the most difficult thing and who wants to leave such comfort, class and luxury, but like they say ‘all good things come to an end’ and so did my short 2 night-3 day trip to Fairmont Jaipur. But I am sure I will be going there back very soon as I fell in love with the place. If you haven’t stayed at this hotel, it should definitely be in your list. I am still swooning over the place.

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FAIRMONT JAIPUR

Toll Free (Room Reservations only):
1 877 289 1012
[email protected]

2, Riico Kukas
Jaipur
India
303101
Maps & Directions

TEL + 91 142 642 00 00
FAX + 91 142 642 00 11
International Numbers

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Goa, India