Home - Travel
8 things to avoid doing on a cruise
01

8 things to avoid doing on a cruise

A relaxing vacation on a cruise for a week is indeed a thrilling experience. It is a great way to explore exotic destinations and islands. Cruise liners also take special care and offer well-chalked procedures and guidelines for the convenience of passengers. But adjusting to a new environment on the cruise ship can be challenging. However, there are a few basic tips that will help you have a pleasant stay on board: Avoid delays in booking shore excursions Space is a constraint, so excursions are often limited to groups of about 15 passengers. With more than 1,000 passengers on a ship, the capacity of the tours fills up quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to book the tours along with cruise bookings. You can also opt for the tours once you board the cruise ship. Excursions are the best opportunity to explore new places, so make the most of them. Avoid restricted areas Certain areas are restricted for public use to ensure the security and protection of passengers. Step away from prohibited areas while on board to avoid embarrassing and unforeseen situations. Also, keep yourself from sneaking into the “crew only area” where access is forbidden to prevent mishaps. Do not breach the rules laid down by the management of the cruise ship and jeopardize your safety. Every cruise has a strict conduct policy which you might have signed before boarding. You might be levied a heavy penalty if you do not adhere to the terms mentioned in the policy. Avoid altercations with the staff Always have polite and positive conversations with the cruise officials and staff. Put forth your requests in a respectful manner. Do not take liberties and bend the rules during your stay. It is best to refrain from doing any activity that officials on the cruise do not recommend.
Read More
Avoid these 6 hotel booking mistakes
02

Avoid these 6 hotel booking mistakes

When planning a trip, the most crucial factor to consider is accommodation; however, booking a hotel is no longer tricky. Thanks to the online booking websites, you can easily find the room you want. You can filter the results based on your requirements and pick the best option. However, rushing through the process or not evaluating the options are blunders that could ruin your stay. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid: Not checking reviews It is important to do your own research before booking a room. So, make sure you check what the guests have to say about the hotel. Popular websites like TripAdvisor have customer reviews and ratings that will help you understand what to expect if you choose a particular hotel. The negative feedback can also help you avoid a hotel. In this scenario, you should compare the number of positive and negative reviews. Always look for up-to-date feedback on the sites. Booking at the wrong time When looking for affordable rooms, timing is important. The off-season at a few popular locations is the best time to plan your vacation and book accommodations. The rates during these periods are relatively lower, allowing you to save money. However, booking at the last minute can be a huge mistake as hotels can charge an exorbitant amount for a stay that would have been so much cheaper when booked well in advance. Further, charges can skyrocket on holidays and during the tourist season. The rooms might also sell out quickly during these periods leaving you with less favorable options. For instance, booking a stay in Orlando during its off-season can fetch you the best prices. Alternatively, you can look up “cheap hotels Orlando” a few weeks before your trip. Room charges are affected by a variety of factors like location, seasonality, convention crowds, and even weather.
Read More
Smart hacks and tips to improve flight experiences
03

Smart hacks and tips to improve flight experiences

Are you planning your holiday to your desired destination? Flying is a wonderful way to travel the whole world, but the entire process can be long and cumbersome. The good news is that there are several solutions to this issue. You can use some tried and tested smart hacks and tips to enhance your overall flight and travel experience. These will make your journey smooth and comfortable from start to finish. Top hacks and trips for smooth flights and journeys Check your passport It is essential to check your passport if you are going on an international journey. Passports tend to have an expiration date after either five or ten years, and for some destinations, you might need a passport that is within a certain period of the expiration date, such as six months before expiry. Also, email a scanned copy of your passport to yourself. This will ensure that in case you lose your passport or have an unfortunate incident, you will be able to access the document for your flights. Provide easy access at security A security check is an important step when flying. Cooperate with the security team and provide easy access to items that need to be scanned. It is suggested that packing a carry-on or travel bag with everything that needs to be scanned will make for a fast process. Also, get through the security queue quickly and keep your ID proof and boarding pass ready. Keep your suitcase organized Packing smart when flying is a good choice. Keep your suitcase organized, and keep your clothes rolled rather than folded. This method will help save space and keep them wrinkle-free. Moreover, the little rolls will help you to access the packed items easily. Exercise the jet lag away It is advised to perform a few light exercises or go for a walk to minimize the effects of jet lag.
Read More
7 mistakes to avoid during hotel stays
04

7 mistakes to avoid during hotel stays

Are you looking for great accommodation for your trip? While choosing the right hotel is important to ensure a comfortable stay, being a good guest is equally crucial. While most hotels are advertised as “home away from home,” you should consider factors like cleanliness—especially in the post-pandemic scenario, privacy, and hotel etiquette during your stay. So, here are a few things you should avoid to ensure an enjoyable and conflict-free experience: Leaving valuables unguarded You should always practice caution when carrying precious items like jewelry, watches, and even cash on your vacation. Keep the valuables, including wallets, smartphones, and laptops, safe in secure places like your suitcase or the room locker (even if it is a paid locker). Avoid leaving precious items on your bed or out in the open in rooms. If you are stepping out for a while, consider taking them with you. Not checking for cleanliness The first thing to do before settling into the room is to check for cleanliness. This is crucial to avoid contracting infectious diseases. You should inspect all surfaces, especially the bathroom. Tiny items in the room like TV remotes and door knobs you can always disinfect on your own. Ask the staff for disinfectant wipes to avoid touching contaminated surfaces. Avoid using the bed without inspecting it first to check for bed bugs, stains, and unclean sheets or mattresses. Although the housekeeping staff is supposed to clean unoccupied rooms, it is likely that they miss a few items. You can always ask for a different room if you find it unsuitable and can also ask the hotel about their cleaning policies. Visiting extremely crowded areas In the post-pandemic era, it is important to avoid contracting an illness from crowded places like hotel pools and gyms. You can choose to visit when these areas have been cleaned and are occupied by fewer people.
Read More
8 mistakes to avoid before booking a hotel
05

8 mistakes to avoid before booking a hotel

Are you planning a vacation? In the Internet era and quick communication space, booking hotel accommodation across the world is only a click away. There are many websites through which you can easily book the entire trip. However, quite a few of us overlook some key points when booking hotels and end up paying extra. Here are a few mistakes that you can completely avoid while booking a hotel, saving time and money: Choosing an inappropriate time Although there is no specific rule for the best time to book hotels, it is important to know the seasonality of a tourist destination. Considering this factor will help you choose the right time to make reservations which in turn can help you save money. For example, most people prefer to travel during the school holidays or long weekends. Hence, you might find it difficult to get a booking on these specific dates. And even if you get it, you might have to shell out more than its original price. Plan your vacation during the off-season to get better deals and discounts. If the travel is necessary, book well in advance to get the hotels at the best rates. Not making a comparative study It is important to conduct a comparative analysis to get the best deal for hotel bookings . Many travel websites claim to provide exciting offers and discounts. However, they might have hidden charges that you might overlook. Do not fall for such marketing gimmicks. It is recommended to compare two to three websites for their prices and features before you go ahead with the bookings. If you have any queries regarding the destination, you can call the helpline number to get clarity. You can also try to negotiate to get the best deal. They might offer even better options.
Read More
4 traveling mistakes that should be avoided
06

4 traveling mistakes that should be avoided

Traveling to a new location allows you to explore the unknown. It is a great way to enjoy and experience new cultures, traditions, and cuisines while you unwind. It is also normal to make a few mistakes and dabble in a few travel glitches during the journey. But, at times, these errors can often put a stop to your fun and frolic. Thankfully, some of these mistakes are avoidable. Let’s look at them. Overpacking When you’re traveling, the last thing you want to do is lug around heavy and huge suitcases. Not only will this completely ruin the vacation spirit, but it also could leave you with a sore arm. Overpacking is one of the most common mistakes people make when traveling. In most cases, overpacking starts with choosing an oversized suitcase or travel bag. Instead, start with a carry-on bag and then move to another if you need to. Also, pick out all the items that you want to take on the trip. Then, slowly eliminate some of them and try to find workarounds. This helps you limit your items to only essentials. Another tip, carry neutral clothing options; this way, you can mix and match your outfits. Carrying expensive items Carrying expensive items like jewelry poses a risk when traveling. First, it could make you an attraction for pickpockets. Second, losing track of your items is very easy when traveling. But, this does not mean you should completely avoid carrying any valuable items. Instead, you can opt for a jacket with zip pockets or a constant waist pouch with all your important belongings. Make sure it is always with you, no matter the location. It is also recommended to leave your work cards and other extra items at home. Creating an over-ambitious itinerary Check out all the happening spots while visiting a new domestic or foreign place is normal.
Read More
10 things tourists must avoid in Las Vegas
07

10 things tourists must avoid in Las Vegas

People plan at least one trip across the many available destinations in the country each year. One popular spot that is part of most bucket lists is Las Vegas. A place we primarily read about in literature or see in films, music videos, and television programs. So when a traveler gets to Vegas, they can’t wait to check off all the items on their agenda. However, as fun as the city can be, there are a few things one should consider avoiding. Uncomfortable shoes If you are going to visit Las Vegas, you’re likely to spend more hours walking or standing outdoors. The blocks on The Strip are long, and you may have to utilize pedestrian bridges and walkways to get around. So if you use worn-out shoes, you might experience sore feet and miss out on all the fun. Find a pair of well-cushioned sneakers made from breathable fabric to enjoy your time in Vegas. High resort fees Those who visit the city book their stays at hotels on the Las Vegas Strip because of the hype created around them. But these hotels have high resort fees bundled with their per-night rates. You might pay up to $50 or more above your hotel rate, which is probably expensive for many. If you’re planning a budget trip, avoid booking a hotel on The Strip. Stay in hotels without resort fees. You can generally find these places in downtown Las Vegas. Overpaying for F&B If you buy something to munch on or drink at a casino on the Vegas Strip, you are likely to pay a lot more than you can expect. This is because establishments on The Strip overcharge for F&B. After all, they are aware that customers have limited options. So if you fancy a drink or two, consider visiting the casinos or restaurants in Downtown Vegas.
Read More
5 things first-time cruisers should avoid doing
08

5 things first-time cruisers should avoid doing

Those who have traveled on a cruise before are probably already familiar with cruise dos and don’ts. But for cruise rookies out there, this is a brand new experience. If you’re one of them, you probably do not know what to expect, especially since there will be a ton of other passengers. Good thing we’re here to help. Read on to know about five things you should not do on your first cruise trip. Don’t forget to turn off your data First-time passengers are often surprised and dumbfounded by their expensive cellular bills after a cruise. These high bills are only a result of the international data and roaming charges applied to cell services. If you do want to avoid these pricy bills, you can opt to turn off cellular data for the whole duration of your trip or while nearing a coast or port. You can also switch off your cell phone or put it on airplane mode to avoid unnecessary costs. However, this does not mean that you cannot contact your loved ones on land. You can simply use the internet cafes onboard or pay to access Wi-Fi services throughout the trip. Don’t shop too much One of the biggest mistakes first-time travelers make is shopping way too much at ports. Sure, shopping on vacation is normal, but going overboard will leave you with more luggage and increase your vacation budget. Many cruise travelers have also observed that they rarely use the things they buy while on vacation. Instead, shop for souvenirs and mementos for yourself and family and friends. These are excellent reminders of a great trip and can fit into your luggage with ease. Don’t skip out on travel insurance Travel insurance is a must-have if you’re thinking about traversing the globe and vacationing on a cruise.
Read More
8 Common Travel Mistakes to Steer Clear Of
09

8 Common Travel Mistakes to Steer Clear Of

Traveling is a fun experience that often helps one explore the unknown and meet new people. Nevertheless, it can come with its share of troubles. This can range from sickness to even missing out on crucial commodities. In rare cases, some mistakes can even cost money and become frustrating. However, with some planning, such mistakes can be avoided, and one can enjoy a hassle-free trip. Read further to know more about these errors. Common traveling mistakes to avoid Any domestic or international trip comes with its share of unforeseen circumstances. Hence, here are a few mistakes that can be avoided to ensure one enjoys the trips to the fullest. Waiting too long to book It is always best to plan a trip ahead of time. This includes reservations for hotel room, sightseeing, and other arrangements. If one waits till the last minute to do this, it can result in disappointment. Furthermore, looking for a hotel nearer to the date can result in paying exorbitant prices. Hence, experts suggest booking flight tickets and making the necessary reservations almost 3 months in advance to avail the best prices and offers. This can also include travel all-inclusive vacation packages, which may cover accommodation, food, and activities as a part of the booking price. Not learning about the local customs, traditions, and laws When traveling to an unknown destination, it’s imperative to do the necessary research. Furthermore, one must read about local traditions, customs, and laws. For instance, bringing nasal sprays while traveling to Japan is illegal. Learning about customs and laws in advance ensures that one faces no violation of laws. In rare cases, the dress one wears may offend the people in the area. Hence it’s advised to gather information on the area’s traditions to help one avoid turning a good trip into a problem.
Read More
11 Cruise Mistakes to Avoid for a Pleasant Trip
10

11 Cruise Mistakes to Avoid for a Pleasant Trip

In today’s fast-paced world, there’s perhaps no better decision than escaping your mundane life and venturing into the sea. A cruise perfectly balances getting away from the urban madness and accessing world-class amenities. Booking a cruise line entails considering one’s requirements and budget limit and conducting thorough research. Moreover, understanding the dos and don’ts to follow onboard a cruise is essential for a fun-filled experience. Here are some mistakes to avoid while on a cruise: Booking a flight on the embarkation day Booking one’s flight to the port city on the embarkation day can increase one’s chances of missing the cruise, as flights are subject to delays due to factors like unpleasant weather conditions and airline issues. Moreover, one may miss out on some or all the activities planned for the embarkation day, including muster drills. In any case, to avoid last-minute panic and distress, it is best to reach the source city or town at least one day before the due date. Using cellular data on board Using mobile internet onboard a ship can cause one’s mobile bills to shoot up considerably. It is important to switch off one’s mobile data at sea to avoid such unexpected bill surges. Most reputed cruises offer Wi-Fi facilities on board; one must check for the availability of such facilities before booking a cruise line. Not purchasing travel insurance While travelers often take several steps to ensure personal safety on trips, it is always necessary to be prepared for the worst situations. Travel insurance provides financial coverage in case of any mishaps on board, helping prevent hefty expenditures in case of accidents or illnesses. It is best to study the various travel insurance plans available, checking out the features and premiums and purchasing the one that provides maximum coverage at affordable rates. Forgetting to carry ID proofs and documents Many seaports ask for identity-proof documents to verify that the passenger is genuine.
Read More

Latest Articles