Category: Travel

27
Jul
2023

Practical Tips for Backpacking in Africa

Africa is a travel destination full of adventure and awe-inspiring landscapes. But A pal of mine, Mr. Rudy G, owner of a healthcare supplier company that sells surgical c-arm machines shared with me in a recent talk that it’s vital to know what you’re getting into before you go, especially if you plan backpacking through the continent. Here are helpful tips to keep in mind when planning a backpacking trip in Africa:

Prepare For All Kinds of Weather

Africa can experience extreme temperatures and sudden downpours, so preparing is essential. Pack layers, waterproof jackets and hats, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent to stay comfortable no matter the weather.

Research Local Transport Options Ahead of Time

Bus systems vary by country in Africa, so research the available transportation options before arriving in a new place. Please familiarize yourself with routes you may want to take and their costs.

Be Aware of Political Tensions or Unrest

While most African countries are generally safe for travelers, it is vital to remain aware of any potential political unrest or changes that could affect your trip. Make sure to research news, travel advisories, and local laws before you head out.

Stick to Public Places and Well-lit Areas

To stay safe while backpacking, stick to public spaces and well-lit areas at night. Avoid going off the beaten path and take extra caution in crowded or secluded locations.

Make Copies of Your Passport

Making copies of your passport and other essential documents is always a good idea before heading out on your trip. Keep copies with you at all times in case of emergency.

Carry Cash

Many African countries do not have reliable access to ATMs, so carrying enough cash for food, lodging, transportation, and other necessities is crucial.

Stay Healthy

Make sure to bring along any necessary medications and rehydration packs in case of illness or diarrhea. Also, drink plenty of water, eat hygienically prepared food, and use insect repellent regularly.

Learn Some Local Phrases

Knowing a few basic local phrases can be handy when backpacking in Africa. Even though Africans speak English widely, it’s always nice to communicate with locals in their language.

Respect the Culture

Finally, remember to respect the culture and customs of African countries while visiting. Ask permission before taking photos of people or places, and be mindful of religious traditions.

With some preparation, you can have an excellent and safe backpacking experience in Africa! Enjoy your trip.

28
Feb
2023

Why Young People Should Travel Abroad

In a recent talk with a pal of mine named James Freeda, known for his quality profession as a San Antonio plumber and who happens to do a lot of traveling with his family, he shared that traveling abroad can be a very fun, exciting, and interesting point in life, especially when your young because children have fewer responsibilities and careers and financial support from families. James shares some of the reasons why you should often travel now below.

Gain Confidence

Traveling to a new place, learning new customs, and navigating through different cultures require you to adapt to ask questions and receive help. Therefore, the more situations we adapt to, the more confident we can handle new and challenging situations.

Learn the Language

Besides ordering your favorite food in a hotel, learning a new language has many other advantages. For instance, learning a new language develops unused areas and strengthens our brain’s ability to focus.

Traveling is the best way to learn a new language or enhance an already possessed language skill. It exposes you to new vocabulary and a better world understanding.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

There is less growth in being stuck to your routines, doing the same things, and having the same conversations. You have less to think about and worry about when traveling. Therefore, getting outside your comfort zone requires being comfortable in unfamiliar places, which requires you to go about life differently and interact with people with different values.

It can scare you at first, but once you figure out that you can connect with people despite their differences, you can navigate foreign places easily and become more innovative and competent.

Parting Shot

Traveling can be very daunting and scary, but don’t let that stop you from setting out for an adventure. The benefits gained from traveling abroad can give you a lifetime personal benefit as well as a leg up in your professional world.

07
Oct
2022

The Best Ways to Communicate with the Locals When Traveling

Most people fear communicating with locals when traveling because they might misunderstand them. Essentially, many people are concerned about the language barrier when traveling. If this is a concerning issue for you, these tips should help you communicate better with local people when traveling.

Talk to Appropriate People

Not everybody will be willing to talk to you or answer your questions. Therefore, identify the people to talk to very carefully. Perhaps, the best person to approach is a local aged less than 40 years. Also, consider talking to university students because they are likely to be more open-minded. Consider workers in a 5-start hotel, banks, or pharmacies if you can’t find such people. Such places are likely to have educated people who can understand and speak the English language.

Use Simple Language

If unsure about the language skills of the locals you approach when traveling, use simple nouns, verbs, and adjectives. For instance, instead of asking “when’s the train due,” ask “when does the train come.” Essentially, “due” might not be in a non-native English speaker’s vocabulary. However, they might know the meaning of “come.” Thus, they will quickly understand your question. Always look for ways to simplify your sentences and words. However, don’t patronize. Also, use correct grammar.

Don’t Ask Leading Questions

Don’t assume that you can’t find good people when traveling. Some people are eager to help travelers. In some cases, a person will answer your question with a “yes” or a “no,” yet they didn’t understand your question. Therefore, consider open-minded questions instead of leading ones. That way, you can even start a conversation and get genuine answers to your questions. And you will quickly know if the locals didn’t understand your question.

Write Stuff Down

Perhaps, the staff at the hotel speaks a little English. In that case, you can opt to write down your questions instead of asking them verbally. Your accent can also hinder their understanding. Thus, writing down the questions can enhance their comprehension.

The language barrier shouldn’t hinder you from traveling. Follow these tips to communicate better with the locals when traveling.

14
Dec
2021

What Is So Trendy about Travel? – Why Everyone Is Crazy about Traveling

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The coronavirus pandemic has altered how people perceive the world. More people are now embracing different travel trends. When this virus hit the world, travel was almost at a standstill. That’s because many hotels closed, airlines canceled flights, and governments started implementing travel restrictions. However, things are changing after the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Today, people can travel the world and enjoy great moments away from home. Individuals are drawing inspiration from different travel destinations. And some changes that came with this pandemic have made travel so trendy that everybody is crazy over it. Here’s why travel is so stylish to most people.

New Workstations

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted public and private institutions to allow non-essential workers to work from homes. And this led to the establishment of new workstations where people no longer stick to the stereotypical 9 to 5 office jobs. Consequently, some people could travel and keep their jobs because they didn’t have to travel to their offices every day. According to some experts, this trend will continue, and travelers will continue doing what they like without losing their jobs.

Treasuring Small Things

2020 and 2021 have put the essence of embracing simple and small things in life into perspective. And this explains why many people are now interested in laidback vacations in 2022 and beyond. Relaxing and hiking are now popular trends among travelers. More people are also prioritizing spending more time outdoors with friends and family.

Nurturing Nature

As more people spend time at home, they’ve realized the essence of taking care of the environment and health. Thus, people have become increasingly aware of their surroundings and the importance of taking care of them. What’s more, most people don’t want to visit travel destinations during their peak seasons because they’re primarily overcrowded. And this reduces pressure on travel destinations and attractions.

Travel has changed since the coronavirus pandemic hit the planet. Nevertheless, traveling remains trendy and more people are crazy about traveling to new places as long as they stay safe.

12
Aug
2021

Safety Tips for Female Solo Travelers

Trust Instinct

Politeness can be more essential than safety, Jimmy G, a San Antonio web design expert over at Techy Ninjas and a freelance traveler, explains to us that, if everybody were kind and thoughtful, the world would be great for everyone. However, some allow courtesy to override gut instincts. That’s because they don’t want to overreact or seem rude. However, they forget that not everybody reveals their true colors instantly. They also fail to trust their intuition when necessary. And this leads them into trouble even when their gut instinct tells them something is wrong. So, if your guts tell you something is off, think again.

Pay Attention and Avoid Being the Target

Avoid things that might draw attention to yourself. For instance, don’t carry items that may capture the attention of criminals. Also, avoid wearing expensive jewelry or wearing clothes that may tell everyone that you’re a tourist. Additionally, try to blend in by learning the way of life of the local people. That way, you will avoid doing things that may show the local people you’re not from around.

Stay Connected

Even if you’re traveling to escape your routine, home, or work for a while, let your loved ones know where you’re and how you’re doing. For instance, share your itinerary with your loved ones back at home. Also, leave your phone number with the customer care attendant if you leave your hotel to explore the local area. If necessary, let them know where you’re going and how they can reach you.

Your safety is paramount regardless of your travel destination. Follow these tips for solo female travelers to ensure your security when traveling alone.

10
Jan
2021

Why You Should Make Traveling Your Favorite Hobby

Traveling should be everybody’s favorite hobby. That’s because it enables people to visit new places, see different people, and enjoy new experiences. If you’re yet to make traveling your favorite hobby, here are some of the reasons to do it now. 

Traveling Opens Up the World 

When people travel, they get a chance to experience life beyond their countries. They enjoy different cultures. Your culture is different from that of other people. And, you won’t realize this unless you travel. Traveling enables you to meet and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. This can broaden your perception and perspective of the world. 

Traveling Can Teach You New Languages 

You can learn different languages when traveling. And learning a new language will exercise the brain because you have to master it. You also have to learn how to hold sensible conversations with that language. When you learn the language that is spoken at your travel destination, the natives will appreciate you even if you try to utter a few words. 

Enjoying New Experiences 

Traveling enables you to leave your immediate environment. It also enables you to interact with others and build new relationships. This can bring new experiences that can improve your life in general. 

Traveling Makes You Adventurous 

When you leave your comfort zone, you become more adventurous. You explore the world and nature. This can make you courageous and happy because it lets you escape daily stresses for a while.

Appreciating Natural Beauty 

Traveling enables you to see the world. You see beautiful people and places. This can change how you perceive the world and make you appreciate the natural beauty. Essentially, traveling enables you to appreciate even the finest aspects of nature. 

 Making traveling your favorite hobby can be a transforming experience. It enables you to escape your immediate environment and explore the world. This can transform your entire perception of the world and people that live in different places.

03
Sep
2020

Guidelines for Traveling in a Train

In response to the widespread fears of COVID-19 transmissions in trains and other means of public transport, the train operators have introduced new instructions for passengers. The guidelines are primarily aimed at ensuring public safety by reducing the risks of disease transmission at the train terminals and inside the trains. While the instructions may vary from one train operator to another, the following are the key guidelines for traveling on a train that you should observe. 

Undergo Mandatory Screening 

Unlike in the past, all passengers traveling by train must now undergo mandatory thermal screening at the point of departure.  Only passengers who are asymptomatic will be allowed to board the trains. 

Those who are confirmed or suspected to have been exposed to the deadly virus will not be allowed to board. The authorities will immediately isolate them from the rest and admitted to the designated COVID-19 facilities. 

Follow the Sanitization and Hygiene Procedures 

All passengers are required to wear face masks when boarding. You must also undergo the process of hand hygiene and sanitization when getting into the train. 

Maintain Social Distancing On Board 

The trains have also changed and reduced their seating capacities to minimize physical contact as much as possible inside the cabins. Take your seat and keep a one-meter distance between you and the next passenger. 

Try to also avoid frequent lavatory visits and unnecessary movements inside the train. 

Don’t Eat in the Train 

Trains will also not allow passengers to consume meals or any other edibles while on board, so, make sure that you eat well before leaving home. However, you can carry drinking water in a water bottle. 

Observing the above guidelines will help you to travel safely and conveniently. But, you should also remember to check with your train company about any other mandatory instructions that passengers should observe on-board and upon arrival at their destinations.

27
Feb
2020

Travel Hacks that Will Make Your Trip More Fun

Many people wish they could have more time to explore different parts of the world domestically and internationally. Traveling is a precious activity that allows people to have fun and bonding time with family and loved ones. Nevertheless, the experience is better when you know things you can do to make it more enjoyable and comfortable. Here are travel hacks that will bring more fun into your trip. 

Book Accommodation Carefully 

Instead of choosing a hotel, consider a home for accommodation. This is particularly important when traveling in a group or as a family. Several sites provide private homes that owners rent out to travelers. When you choose a home instead of a hotel room, you get a chance to interact with the locals. You also get an opportunity to prepare meals that your loved ones will love. 

Pack Your Clothes Wisely 

Roll clothes and pack them in a suitcase wisely. This is better than packing them in a folded pile. Rolling clothes makes more of them fit in a suitcase. Additionally, socks and underwear are easy to roll within clothes. This will enable you to save more space. 

Email Yourself Travel Documents 

Scan your identification card, passport, and itinerary and send them to your email address. That way, you will have a copy of each document in case of theft or loss. You can also save the scanned documents on your phone to have an offline record. 

Carry a Water Bottle 

Carrying a water bottle enables you to carry and drink water at any time. That way, you avoid dehydration when traveling. 

Research Extensively 

Start your research when planning the trip. Your research should entail finding better deals, learning more about your travel destination, and accommodation, as well as, things to see and do. Decide on the fun activities to engage in at your travel destination to have more quality time.  Additionally, make proper arrangements to ensure that things go according to plan.

Try these travel hacks to have a more enjoyable trip whether alone or with loved ones. 

31
Oct
2019

Who Travels the Most?

Everyone loves to travel and, that is why the number of international visitors has continued to significantly grow over the last few years. The ease of travel, new discoveries, improvements in the living standards and changes in the lifestyles of populations across the globe has encouraged people from all walks of life to indulge in travelling. The following is a breakdown of the leading countries in world travel with relevant statistics. 

Finland 

Many tourism and travel organizations identify Finland as the country with the highest number of people that travel the world. According to numerous studies on world travel trends, an average Finn makes an estimated 7.5 trips annually, including overseas trips and stay-at-home vacations. 

USA 

The United States boasts the world’s largest domestic travel market. When you also include the national holidays, an average American takes about 6.7 trips each year. However, a majority of Americans are local travellers with only a limited number of people making overseas trips. That is partly because slightly half of the American population own passports. 

Sweden 

Several studies about world travel trends have identified Scandinavia as the most visited part of the globe. An average Swede takes about 4.4 and 1.5 domestic and international trips every year. 

Denmark 

Also found in Scandinavia, Denmark is another home to some of the world’s largest travelers. Unlike in most countries around the world, a majority of the population in Denmark own second country homes. Studies show one in every six families in Denmark has a second home in the countryside. On average, they make about 5.3 total trips annually with domestic trips accounting for 3.9. 

Other countries that also top the list of the world’s largest travelers include Norway, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and France. Based on the statistics, people from Nordic nations are found to travel the most. The trend is attributed to several factors including high incomes and low rates of unemployment. Besides, the high costs of living in those countries make the idea of travelling to cheaper international destinations more appealing to their populations. 

24
Jun
2019

Pre-Travel Tips for Responsible Travelers

Being a responsible traveler makes a trip or vacation better. Before you travel, there are things that you should do if you are a responsible traveler. Here are pre-travel tips that will make you a more responsible and ethical traveler.

Check out Your Destination’s Local Cultures

It’s important that you read about the cultures of the locals at your travel destination. Learn some words of their local language. When you travel with respect, you earn respect. It’s just amazing how far saying thank you in a word like Shukran (Arabic) or Asante (Swahili) can take you.

Leave Excess Packing Behind

Waste disposal or recycling full stop is generally tricky in most places. Therefore, don’t carry excess packaging when traveling. Even better, buy some items at your travel destination to support the local economy.

Be Environmental Friendly

Use eco-friendly products when traveling. These include eco-friendly soaps, deodorants, and sun creams. This is particularly important when you intend to spend more time at your destination in water.

Use a Responsible Travel Company

Use a travel company that advocates for responsible travel. Check the website of the company to see if it encourages people to be responsible travelers. A responsible travel company encourages travelers to minimize their negative social, cultural, and environmental impacts. It also respects and supports human rights as well as the local economies of the countries where it takes travelers.

Plan to Participate in Local Social and Conservation Project

Check if there are local social and conservation projects that you can volunteer to participate in if you have time. This will give you a chance to interact with the locals, learn about them, and play a role in conserving the environment.

Plan to View the Wildlife Responsibly

Some excursions may involve captive or wild animals. It is important that you practice viewing the wildlife responsibly. For instance, don’t plan to ride an elephant because this is an irresponsible act in most places. Even petting wild animals like tiger cubs is wrong.

Take time to learn about responsible travel before you go. Follow these tips when planning for your trip if you want to become a responsible traveler.

December 2023
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Categories