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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.

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.

Source – Pixabay

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.

 

 

 

Which Optional Insurance Types Are Actually Worth Having?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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Insurance can help to pay for those unexpected out-of-pocket life costs. Some insurance schemes are compulsory such as motor insurance if you’re a driver. Others are optional. It’s possible to take a gamble and forgo insurance altogether in the hope that you never run into a disaster. It’s also possible to spend a fortune insuring everything from your phone to your new pet hamster. When it comes to getting your money’s worth, here are some of the optional insurance schemes that you should be considering.

Medical insurance 

Getting medical treatment is expensive. If you do fall ill or have an injury, you don’t want to be in a position where you cannot pay for surgery or medication. Medical insurance can help to pay for such a situation. If you’re not in and out of the hospital on a regular basis, it’s likely you’ll pay lower rates. You can also save money on family bundle rates and by upping your deductible (many people are able to use a savings account called an FSA to pay for this deductible). Sites like CompareMedicalPlans.net can help you shop for the best rate.

Property insurance

Property insurance can help to cover the costs of theft or damage to your home. This is worth having as such costs can be huge and unpredictable. Property insurance is more expensive in risk-prone zones (such as a flood zone or an area with a high burglary rate). In such cases, you may need to take a specialist scheme out from a specialist insurer as some may outright refuse to insure you. In many areas where it isn’t a risk it can be very cheap. Just make sure you always read the small-print and keep on top of policy changes (some property insurance companies have recently started rejecting claims from property owners without a burglar alarm).

Life insurance

Taking out life insurance can be a great way of ensuring that those left behind don’t have to financially suffer. It can help to pay for funeral costs as well as giving your loved ones something to keep them going if you were the main breadwinner. There are two types of life insurance – term insurance and whole life insurance – which a site such as TermLifeInsurance.co can offer more information on. Those that are in a dangerous career should be wary as life insurance rates could be much higher to cover the risk.

Travel insurance 

When going on holiday abroad, it can often be worth getting insured, mainly in case you get ill and need medical attention. Travel insurance schemes can also cover loss of baggage as well as flight cancellations. You can take them out on an individual basis as and when you travel and they are generally very cheap, unless you’re going to an extreme location and taking part in an extreme activity. Sometimes you can buy these schemes with a holiday package, although it could be cheaper to buy them separately.

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

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Flickr Image

 

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.

Pixabay Image

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.

 

3 Disasters To Avoid When Going Abroad!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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Going abroad is a very exciting thing to do. You’re going to be taking a very long trip to get somewhere that you’ve never been to before, getting to experience different cultures and climates, eating new food and visiting new places, it’s a really wonderful time! However there are some really horrendous mistakes that people make when they go abroad, so here’s what they are and how to avoid them!

Not Booking A House To Stay At 

When people go on a trip, a lot of us think that it’s okay to not book somewhere to stay because we’re going to be able to find a hotel that will accommodate us, and for small trips this sometimes works! But in other countries, you cannot take this risk, especially if you’re going to a very tourist heavy area! You’ll find that once you get there, everything is going to be booked up and you’re going to have nowhere to stay. This is why it’s a good idea to rent or even buy (if you’ve got the cash) a house before you go over to your holiday destination, and you can do this from companies like alamo homes. By renting out or buying a house where you plan on going then it saves you the hassle of sorting it out, and failing, whilst you’re actually on holiday! 

The Plane Doesn’t Land Near Your Destination

Another seemingly simple thing that people overlook a lot of the time is where their flight is actually going to take them. People often just see it as simple as they’re getting a plane from America to say the United Kingdom, but there are loads of different airports that you can land at! If you’re going to stay in London, but end up in Manchester, then you’re going to spend a very long time getting to your destination which could waste a day or two of your holiday time! This is why you need to book your flight and know what airport you’re landing at, ensuring that you land as close to your destination as possible so that you can start enjoying your holiday straight away.

You Haven’t Got Enough Cash

A lot of places around the world haven’t quite caught up yet with technology, or maybe they have chosen not to in order to preserve their feel, but for whatever reason not all places in the world do not accept card, and you’re going to need cash for things. Paying for parking and other things require cash in other countries, so you need to make sure that you have ample amounts of it! You can get foreign currencies from place like Travelex, giving you the ability to pay for the small things that you need to so you’re not going to be caught without it!

You need to make sure you have all of these things checked before you go away. Ensure that you’ve got the right currency for the country just in case you need it, check to see where your plane is landing so it’s as close to your destination as it can be to reduce your travel time and make sure you’ve got dedicated accommodation in advance! There are not only these mistakes to be made, but medical ones too, so check this out to make sure you stay safe abroad.

Avoid These Medical Mistakes When Travelling Abroad

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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It’s easy to neglect your health when on holiday. Even if you’re not climbing mountains or diving with sharks, you can still pick up a nasty bug or have a drunken accident after a few cocktails by the beach that could result in a need for medical treatment. Preparing for such eventualities could make such a disaster less of a scare – both to your health and your wallet. Here are just a few of the big medical mistakes to avoid when planning your trip and what to do instead.

Not getting insured

Travel insurance is worth taking out to help cover not just medical treatment but events like flight cancellations, baggage loss, delays and personal property damage. Not all travel insurance schemes will cover all these eventualities, so it’s worth always looking into what’s covered. Medical cover can be one of the most important things to look out for as a trip to a hospital abroad could cost thousands in some cases if you’re not insured. Travel insurance is generally cheap and you can sometimes get family deals. Whilst some holiday companies and airlines will try to sell you it as an add-on, shopping around may get you a cheaper price. Print these insurance documents off and take them with you in case a doctor needs proof.

Ignoring vaccination advice

Some areas of the world may be high risk zones for diseases such as malaria or yellow fever. Whilst you don’t have to get vaccinated, you could be putting your health in serious danger by doing so. Vaccinations are costly and can be scary to needle-phobes if they involve jabs, which can lead some people to take a gamble and forgo them. Weigh up the risks and leave yourself enough time to go through the vaccination process.

Not researching local emergency contact details 

You should always try and make a record of the local emergency number in case you need to ring an ambulance. If you’re travelling somewhere remote without a local guide – especially if you’re taking part in an extreme sports such as mountaineering or off-piste skiing – it could be worth also researching into medevac services. You don’t want to be in need of medical attention but unable to obtain it simply because you don’t have the contact details.

Forgetting travel meds

Bringing all the right travel meds can also keep you prepared in an emergency. Some may be more important such as insulin, EpiPens for allergies and inhalers for serious asthma. Others may be more of a convenience such as antihistamines for hayfever, Imodium for diarrhoea, tablets for period pains and travel sickness pills. Plasters and bandages can also be handy to have.

Drinking local tap water 

In some places in the world, the local tap water may not be as clean as what you’re used to back home. Drinking it may only result in the runs, but in some cases could result in catching more serious diseases. In such locations, always buy bottled water. You should also be wary of buying drinks that contain ice – always ask for drinks without ice cubes just to be safe.

 

Trip Ideas That Everyone In The Family Will Love

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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There are always squabbles during summer about where the family should go on vacation. The parents want a relaxing trip, but the kids don’t want to be bored out of their minds. Of course, there’s always the factor of money; you don’t want to spend a fortune on a short trip, and you might not be able to afford to do so anyway. Here are some ideas for trips that everyone in the family will love (and you’ll be able to afford them).

A road trip.

As talked about over at ikreatepassions.com, nothing beats a road trip with the family. If there’s one way to compromise and give everybody in the family something they love on your next big trip away then think outside the box. You don’t have to settle on one destination if you can’t find one place that’s everyone’s cup of tea. Head off on a road trip and see several destinations in the space of one day. Give everybody a taste of what they want from a family vacation. It’s the perfect solution. Make sure you’re prepared in every sense. Bring plenty of food and water with you, and create a solid plan for the day (or several days) involved with your trip. If you’re seeing multiple places then you want to make sure there’s time to fit everything into your vacation.

Exploring nature.

Perhaps your family isn’t the wealthiest in the world, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise and give up on the idea of a vacation this year. A family vacation is all about spending some time together with your loved ones and having a laugh. It might be nice to do that on a sunny beach in some distant, exotic resort, but you don’t have to go somewhere so far away and so expensive to do that.

You could have fun simply by keeping things closer to home and exploring nature in a nearby valley, national park, or trail. You could turn it into a fun camping trip, as suggested over at densonline.com, with fun daytime activities involving seeing the natural sights which surround you. You don’t need to head off on a ten-mile hike; a small walk to admire the natural sights, whether that be a lake or a stunning forest, is enough to get a feel for your surroundings. Better yet, it usually costs next to nothing to hire out a camping site for a night or two.

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Head to the city.

Of course, if you’re really running out of ideas to keep everyone happy then you could go to a place wherein there’s enough to do to keep all people of all preferences happy: the city. You don’t have to spend a fortune going abroad, and you don’t have to worry about running out of things to do. You could check out some options on sites such as familyvacationcritic.com for cities near you that the family may never have visited before. You don’t always have to go to a different country to experience a cultural shift; vacations can be had practically on your doorstep. The world is a diverse place.

 

The Heartland: Seeing The Real America!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Pixabay

If you really want to know what America is about, it can’t be done by going to Disney World and spending two weeks with Mickey Mouse and his friends! You need to see the heartland, and get the sights, sounds and smells of a vast and plentiful land. If you have the time to explore what America has to offer them it’s time to saddle up and take a journey through some wholesome all-American activities. Here we go!

Go to a ball game

This is probably the first thing you need to tick off on your list of activities. The best time to catch a game would be during a warm summer’s night, where the rustic snacks of hot dogs and beer scent the stadium with its intoxicating aromas. You can either choose to go to a Major League Baseball game or opt for one of the minor league teams where the local ambience is far more infectious.

View the mountains… from the sky!

There are many ways to get some fantastic views of the mountains and rolling rocks of America’s heartland. But one of the most relaxing ways to do it is by hot air balloon, and if you time it right, you can pick a journey where you get to see the sun coming up over the horizon, which is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. If you check out the hot air balloon price and options available you could do it in style and have a champagne breakfast, or just relax and take in that amazing view!

Cruise down the open road

It’s more than essential that you need to see small town America by hitting the open road via the Pacific Coast Highway or Route 66 while the wind is blowing in your hair and you’ve got some traditional country music on the stereo. If you have the time, or if you are just on a short journey, there are plenty of road trips to take via the heartland of this country. One simple, time-saving option is to go from Las Vegas to Los Angeles via the Mojave Desert, which is home to one of the greatest landmarks in American history, as well as one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon.

Pay a visit to The King’s home!

Even if you aren’t a fan of Elvis Presley, you need to see the home of the man who personified rock and roll and brought it to millions. Graceland, the museum/home of The King, boasts a collection of his most iconic jumpsuits, as well as his classic cars and even his two private planes, called Lisa Marie and, of course, Hounddog II.

Witness a rodeo

You couldn’t escape America’s heartlands without catching a glimpse of real cowboys at the traditional all-American rodeo. Get a cowboy hat on and get in the stands to look at, quite possibly, one of the most dangerous sports the world has ever seen, and have a great time while you’re at it!

Essential Guide To Camping For Camping-Haters

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

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Camping is a lot like Marmite. A lot like Marmite. It’s not that you either love it or absolutely loathe it, for those that absolutely loathe it, it’s also the fact you can’t comprehend what there is to like about it. Sleeping is uncomfortable, eating is a challenge, it’s either too hot or too cold and then there is the bathroom situation which, in a nutshell, is not ideal.

Despite all this, we are firmly in the love camp. However, we do sympathise with those that aren’t. We get it. However, it is one of the best ways to get some me time. That is why we have come up with a list of tips and tricks and bits of advice to help you get an enjoyable experience out of it the next time your friends or family convince you to attend such a thing.

Think of this as the essential guide to camping for camp-haters:

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Entertainment Is Essential

One of the reasons why camp-haters detest camping so much is because they miss their creature comforts, which is where entertainment can really help. Bring with you a tablet or a laptop that has a long battery life, such as those new Asus computers, and a bunch of your favourite films too. There is nothing to say you can’t do this. Yes, if you are true camper then you’re going to find this suggest abhorrent, but who cares. You don’t see the chef at a restaurant come out and tell you off putting salt on the meal they’ve just cooked to perfection, and that is because it is a matter of preference. Sam goes here.

Food You Love

It is a big turn off for most camping-haters, which is fair enough. One-pot meals just aren’t to everyone’s fancy. Luckily, it doesn’t say you have to eat stewed roadkill just because you are camping. That’s why we recommend you pack a cooler full of your favourite foods, bring a portable grill with some pans and utensils and cook the foods you like. Want bacon and eggs in the morning instead of cereal bar, then indulge that, especially if it will make your experience more enjoyable.

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Doesn’t Have To Be In-Tents

Just because you are camping, it doesn’t have to mean sleeping in a tent that leaks wind and water and creepy crawlies. You can go with something that is a little more aligned with glamping. Teepees, hammocks, bell tents, campervans with an awning, even a cabin; all of these are totally acceptable, and all of these offer way more space and protection. We’ve seen people with bell tents that have got double beds and sofas in them. Now that’s the life, right there.

Best Bathroom Ever

If you can find a way to enjoy the bathroom experience a bit more then you’ll probably start enjoying the whole camping thing a bit more too. That’s just hard when you have to dig a whole fifteen metres away from your base. However, there are ways to overcome this. First off, take a portable camping toilet with you, and do exactly the same as you do at home, just with a far better view. As for the shower, just grab yourself a solar powered shower with a privacy cubicle and all, which will allow you to enjoy a long warm shower in any secluded spot you fancy.

 

Hangout- A perfect place of amusement for both children and adults

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Come summer vacations and parents start thinking of places to amuse their children and give them some entertainment value, and I am no different. I always try to explore some new places where the child can have fun to the fullest and also we as adults can spend a good time and Hangout is definitely one such option.

With 6 different segments, it has something to offer to all age groups, whether its a kindergarten , a teen ager or an adult. There are enough gaming options to satiate different needs. Also the sports diner gives a chance to indulge in good food and drinks for everyone and more especially the adults can relax over a drink or two while the kids try their hands at different games.

The 6 different segments making this very unique Family Entertainment Center, The VR Zone-brings in a 360 degree turning roller coaster that replicates a real rollercoaster. The VR Roller coaster simulator is full motion cockpit, where riders can program their own journey by selecting track pieces. Every loop, leap, and lunge is seen on huge HD projection screen. The VR Zone also boasts of the VR shooting a 360 degree head turning shooting game & a 6-seater VR ride with the Virtual glasses, bringing virtual reality into the entertainment industry & more virtual games & rides under one roof. In addition to this The Sports Diner has the 1st black light arena bowling with UV lights, neon balls, black light reflecting carpet, lanes, capping, side painted walls to give you the 1st of its kind neon bowling experience as its 2nd segment called the Hi Lanes Bowling, with 4 lanes each catering to 6 players with full seating capacity & service & party area. We ourselves had a lot of fun enjoying a couple of bowling games, it was after years that I played it again, and I thoroughly loved going back to it.

The Private party & Pool table area is the 3rd segment where interestingly the pool tables convert into dining tables if your requirement is not to play, with choice of games like beer pong, beer buck it, electronic darts, you sure can have a party for grownups here while the kids have a separate floor upstairs on the 4th floor called Hang Out kids.

The fully stocked bar made of individual wine corks and changing LED light pillars adds character to the place with its high tables seating is a perfect place to grab a bite or catch the happy hour. The dining area has 6 seater family booths promoting mealtimes with family and friends. The game room at the SD is different from the a-typical HangOut kids these games are selected keeping the grown-ups in mind, with bar stools and drink service in the game room we saw many grown-ups enjoying playing to win the prizes at the Winners Corner. The Winners corner has prizes to be won ranging from pens to a steam iron, power banks & you may even win an I-pad too, all you need to do it get lucky on those games. The staircase separates and segregates and yet connects the Hang Out kids upstairs a full floor catering to 10 and under with games, rides, playgrounds and lots more which is again is carefully selected keeping their tender age & requirement in mind.

My son enjoyed games like Slot Machine, Spinning the Wheel and Claw Machine. What he enjoyed most was winning tickets with each game, which could later be redeemed for exciting gifts. He collected around 2800 points and redeemed it for a magnetic dart board and a fidget spinner. I personally think that this concept attracts kids a lot.

The food at sports diner was also commendable. We tried a variety of things and in starters I would like to recommend the non veg platter and the chicken dim sums. They were really nice. For main course my recommendations would be the Mutton Burger, and Mutton Lasagne, Keema Pao and Butter Chicken.

Completing the Entertainment needs and living up to its promise of ever evolving & bringing in the newest there is to offer in terms of technology and entertainment Hang Out yet once again opened doors to  2 floors, The Sports Diner & Hang Out kids offering a one stop shop in Entertainment.

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