What Are The General Risks Involved In Traveling By Road?

“Traveling is about making countless memories with just one road trip at a time.”

Traveling is one of the best ways to welcome peace and say goodbye to stress. It helps you get away from your everyday life schedule and try something new and exciting. In fact, the thrill of every trip begins as soon as you finalize the plan. Everything about traveling is magical, from packing your bag to deciding on the transportation method. Don’t you agree?

Nevertheless, it is essential that you do not forget about the risks or threats involved in a trip, specifically related to the selected transportation mood. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, approximately 37,461 people experienced a fatal injury at an average of 102 per day. Every year nearly 500,000 truck accidents occur in the US, with 5000 resulting in fatal injury.

To be more specific, if you are traveling by road, you must learn about the following general risks involved.

 

Vehicle Breakdown

The most evident risk involved in road travel is vehicle breakdown. Not only does it affect your traveling mood, but it also results in a waste of time and money. In the worst-case scenario, it can also result in a collision. If you are visiting a remote location or countryside, the chances of not finding a repair shop nearby are also high. So, you are left with no other choice but to contact the towing company.

In order to avoid such circumstances, it is recommended to check your vehicle before hitting the road. Make sure the battery, engine, and tires are in good condition. If necessary, consider getting proper repair and maintenance of the vehicle. You must also keep a tool kit with you to make minor repairs.

In addition to this, you should keep vehicle and insurance documents, a first aid kit, and an emergency contact list with you.

 

Truck Accidents

Did you know 30% of fatal accidents are caused by trucks? California, Texas, and Florida are the top three US states with the highest number of truck collisions. So, if you are traveling to any of these states, you must stay cautious on the road.

Understand that truck accidents are very severe, resulting in damage to life, vehicle, and whatnot. Such tragedy can change the entire course of your life. So, make sure to follow all the traffic rules and do not speed up your vehicle.

Nevertheless, such incidents are uncertain. No matter how cautious you are, the other party’s response is not predictable. Therefore, you should consult a group of truck accident attorneys and learn about the best course of action you can take. Attorneys can help you get rightful compensation for the vehicle damage, medical bills, trauma, and more. They can also help negotiate the right settlement for the loss you have experienced.

Note: Make sure to get immediate medical attention after the accident to help minimize the damage as much as possible. You can use the first-aid kit to treat minor wounds or stop bleeding while waiting for the ambulance and medical aid.

 

Feeling Nauseous

Feeling nauseous during a trip is quite common, especially if it’s a long, hilly journey. This feeling is further associated with other medical conditions such as stress, anxiety, infection, motion sickness, and others. If the driver is not feeling well, it can make the car ride unsafe. The chances are that drivers will get distracted due to the sickness, leading to unsafe driving or even accidents.

Remember that the sole purpose of traveling is to rejuvenate your mind. Therefore, it would be wise not to travel if you are feeling sick. Or, it would be best if you took small breaks in between to help your body and mind relax.

 

Threat Of Insects And Animals

Insects and wild animals can ruin your vacation mood and cause sickness and infection. The common insects that you need to be aware of are mosquitoes, sandflies, spiders, cockroaches, and centipedes. Apart from these, it would help if you also keep your distance from stray animals.

Know that prevention is better than cure. Getting infected or bitten by these insects or animals can affect your health. It would be wise to keep your body covered, use insect repellent, and not visit dangerous areas, especially if you are hiking.

To Sum It All Up

These are some of the common risks associated with road traveling, which can halt your trip. Therefore, you must take as many preventative measures as possible. For uncertain incidents such as accident injuries, you must consult the attorney to take appropriate action. Nevertheless, make sure to enjoy your trip to the fullest!

D.C.’s Cherry trees are now blooming

National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossoms, March 17 to April 17

With the Region’s Earliest Blooming Cherry Tree Waterfront Display

Special concert on Saturday, March 19 and Sakura Sunday celebration on Sunday, April 3

Washington DC cherry tree

National Harbor has become known for its spring display of hundreds of cherry trees lining the waterfront. The trees bloom each year in March and are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region. This year marks the 110th anniversary since Japan gifted its beautiful cherry trees to Washington, D.C. and, once again, National Harbor is an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

To celebrate National Harbor’s own spectacular display (the trees are now blooming!), the property is hosting a Cherry Blossom Celebration beginning March 17 through April 17. The month-long celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more.

On Saturday, March 19, Minyo Crusaders will perform from 4 to 5 p.m. on the waterfront stage (150 National Plaza.) The group performs minyo music with Latin and African influences and uses instruments from around the world. They will give a short talk explaining minyo and traditional Japanese dance and then will invite (voluntary) audience participation in learning the dance choreography and being part of the performance. The Japan Foundation organized the performance in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the U.S.A. and National Harbor.

In addition, there will be a formal cherry tree planting ceremony at 3 p.m. on March 19 with the Embassy of Japan.  National Harbor has selected a special Kanzan cherry tree. They have been characterized as the “showiest” cherry trees with dramatic, deep pink blossoms.

Special Sakura Sunday festivities will be held on Sunday, April 3 and will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music, dance, culinary delights and a Japanese market.

Art in Bloom artist Josue Martinez who has a gallery at National Harbor will update his chair in time for the festival. Last year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival featured a number of artist’s cherry blossom inspired chairs. National Harbor artist Martinez has updated his chair at National Harbor and will have it on display.

“We are delighted to have become a destination for viewing cherry blossoms,” said Jackie Saunders AVP Marketing at National Harbor. “Because our trees bloom early, we provide visitors with an extended opportunity to view and celebrate cherry blossoms in the Washington, D.C. region.”

National Harbor’s more than 200 trees are Okame cherry trees—recognizable by their masses of striking pink flowers. They are more tolerant to cold than most other types of cherry trees and are early bloomers with flowers lasting up to three weeks. They also grow about two feet a year and are very desirable for areas that want quick, hardy, spectacular color. In a region that is known for its cherry blossom displays and celebrations, the trees at National Harbor have quickly become a large draw.

During the same timeframe, National Harbor will light up every night as The Capital Wheel and lights throughout the property turn pink in honor of the celebration.

Hotels and shops at National Harbor will have a variety of specials and displays. MGM National Harbor will have its beautiful conservatory installation that includes cherry blossoms.  In the Waterfront District, shop windows will be creatively decorated to celebrate the cherry blossoms and retailers will feature a wide array of cherry blossom promotions. Some of the classes that will take place during the celebration include origami, cherry blossom painting, flower making, Japanese gardens and more.

For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/. Events and activities will be added to the schedule in the coming weeks.

These Top Plane Snack Hacks Will Soon Have You Flying

travel hacks

As anyone who’s ever traveled with kids knows, plane entertainment is often less about brightly colored sticker books, and more about having the right food to hand whenever your young ones demand it. Perhaps it’s the feeling of being trapped, or simply the boredom that does it, but kids on a plane always seem to resort to eating to get them through. 

In a way, this is good news. After all, snacks are a whole lot cheaper than expensive activity books, and they’re more peaceful, too. Plus, you can enjoy those snacks as much as your kids do! However, to enjoy the full benefits that plane snacking has to offer, you must think about the most practical solutions for your needs.

This isn’t to say that you should stock up on crisps, chocolate, and all of the other tasty treats that we associate with airport ease. Rather, it’s worth considering the following suggestions for far healthier plane snacks that could send your entire family off in the right ways. 

Choose hassle-free options 

You’ve already got enough on your hands pre-vacation without having to spend crucial packing time in the kitchen. Instead, you want hassle-free options that don’t leave you all at risk of diabetes by the time you touch down. This may seem easier said than done, but there are plenty of options here, including smoothies that you can prepare the morning you’re due to fly, or even chocolate-rich solutions like this chocolate no bake cookies recipe. In each instance, the fast, ready-to-go nature of these snacks is guaranteed to serve you well when you’re rushing. Not to mention that you’ll enjoy these rich and surprisingly nutritious treats a whole lot more than you would a bag of crisps that will inevitably be unsatisfying considering the length of your flight and the energy reserves you all need to get through it.

via GIPHY

Always think about durability

Whether you’re flying to the next state or halfway around the world, your hand luggage is likely going to get a little battered. From being shoved into the boot of your car to having to make do in overhead storage, this means that you can’t expect easily spoiled food to last. And that’s before we even consider things like extreme temperature changes! Making sure that your snacks are actually edible when you come to them therefore means selecting durable options every time. For instance, it’s always worth packing dried fruit over fresh. Equally, replacing meat with veggie snacks that are unlikely to go off under the gaze of airplane heating is always a good solution. Not to mention that the unspoilable nature of these foods significantly increases your chances of getting through customs without questions. 

Opt for easily storable solutions

Soup of leftover casserole might seem like a nutritious airplane snack, but you’ll soon be rueing the day that you thought this was a good idea when you struggle to find a container big enough, and then still have to deal with gravy all over the bottom of your bag. Do yourself a favor by always opting for easily storable solutions like dried fruits, nuts, and trail mixes that you can slip into ziplock bags for ease both at airport security and once you’re on the plane. As well as never leaving you at risk of leakages, these solutions are especially great because they’re a lightweight way to keep everyone satisfied without taking up the vast majority of your hand luggage allowance on plane snacks alone. 

 

Traveling to Canada During the Pandemic – What you Need to Know

Travelling to Canada, let alone any country, has become more complex than ever before. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused governments to put rules and regulations in order to safeguard their citizens and permanent residents, as well as those travelling to the country.    

To make things a little easier when making your travel plans, we’ve highlighted some of the things you need to know about Canada’s Covid-19 travel restrictions and Canada’s visitor visa requirements.

You Must Be Fully Vaccinated

As of January 15, 2022, Canada has made it compulsory for all foreigners entering Canada to be fully vaccinated with one or a combination of approved vaccines. Below is a list of Canada’s approved vaccines: 

AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)

Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C)

Janssen/Johnson & Johnson – 1 dose

Moderna (mRNA-1273)

Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)

Sinopharm BIBP (BBIBP-CorV)

Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc)

All travellers five years and older need to provide a negative COVID test result or proof of vaccination via the Arrive CAN app at least 72 hours before travelling to Canada. You’ll need to provide the following information via the app:  

Contact information

Travel details; and

Vaccination information

You May Be Exempt Under Certain Circumstances

Certain travellers may be considered exempt and be allowed to enter Canada without being fully vaccinated. Below are some situations that may make you exempt:    

You are a temporary foreign worker in the agriculture and food-processing sectors; 

You are a refugee or asylum claimant;

You are travelling to Canada for compassionate reasons, e.g. to attend a funeral, provide care for or support to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or temporary resident who is critically ill;

You are travelling for medical support or treatment;

You provide essential services, trade or transportation; or

You are a minor younger than 18 years old or a dependant adult (must be an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen). 

You will need to follow Canada’s visitor visa requirements for exempt travellers:

Wear a mask in all public areas;

Keep a record of people that you’ve been in contact with for the first 14 days;

Keep track of any COVID symptoms.

You May Need to Take a COVID Test on Arrival in Canada

Even though you may be fully vaccinated, you will receive a health screening and may be asked to be tested for COVID when you get to Canada. This can be done:     

On-site at the airport

Offsite; or

At home with a self-swab test kit (you may be given one at the border)

You may not be able to enter Canada if you exhibit any symptoms or signs of COVID, regardless of where you are travelling from or if you are vaccinated.  

If you are travelling to Canada from anywhere other than the U.S., you’ll need to take a COVID test and self-quarantine until you get your test results. If you are travelling from the U.S. and aren’t fully vaccinated, you’ll need to self-quarantine for 14 days.

14-day Quarantine Plan

If you are travelling to Canada and are unvaccinated, you’ll need a detailed quarantine plan. Your plan should outline:      

Your accommodation

Your transportation details to your accommodation, and 

How you intend on getting essentials like food or medicine.

Canada’s Visitor Visa Requirements

Before applying for your visitor’s visa, keep in mind that even if you have a visa, you may not be allowed to enter Canada if you don’t meet these COVID requirements:    

You must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada unless listed on the exemption list;

You must be asymptomatic or not show any symptoms or signs of COVID;

Follow pre-entry testing and entry requirements:

Upload proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN

Submit all ArriveCAN requirements and get a receipt with a letter – I, V, or A next to your name

Complete an arrival test and quarantine (if need be)

Monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID for the first 14 days after arriving in Canada

Seek medical assistance or advice if you have COVID symptoms.

A visitor’s visa will allow you to stay in Canada for about six months. To apply for a Canadian visitor’s visa, you’ll need:     

A valid travel document, e.g. a passport;

To be in good health;

To have a clear criminal record;

To show that you plan to return home by showing that you have ties, e.g. a job, home, financial assets or family, and a return ticket.

To show that you have enough money for your stay in Canada.

Ready to start your travels to Canada in 2022? Apply today for a Canadian visitor visa using a licensed professional, like the ones at CanadianVisa.org, and you could be on your way to a stress-free adventure abroad.

Valentine Gift Ideas for the Fitness Fanatic

If you are like us, you may have put on a few pounds during the past year and a half. Covid did a lot of damage to many people’s health, waistlines included. Now that we are starting to move toward normalcy, it might be a good time to start to get your body back. After all, the better you look, the better you feel- and the better you feel, the better you will look. It’s a win-win. You know how active we are here, and we are looking forward to getting back to ourselves as much as anyone.

Here are some items that can help you get back on track!

fitness

Whirly Board – Balance Board
Whirly Board is the most versatile gift to give your favorite fitness lover (or get one for yourself). Use it at home or while working out, it’s perfect for board sports training or yoga. Keep moving for better overall health! It has 500+ positive reviews on Amazon, so a lot of people are having fun with this one. My husband in particular likes it.  Add a little fitness, agility, and fun to your routine with Whirly Board. The Whirly Board allows you to spin 360˚ and engage all your body’s core muscles, so it is an excellent training tool for any skill level (even kids). It’s a fun addition for your home or gym. Whirly Board is a great option for core training and home fitness without the need for bulky gym equipment that takes up tons of space. An indoor training tool, it improves strength, balance, and agility. Practice spin and tricks and take your twirl to a whole new level.
hot cold bottle
Price: $29.95
This is one heavy bottle, let me tell you! Use it as a weapon if you’re ever backed into a corner, haha. Keep your fitness enthusiast hydrated through whatever they do with The BOULDER. The BOULDER vacuum insulated water bottle is the flagship bottle of EcoVessel that will keep your drinks hot or cold all day long. Made from premium 18/8 stainless steel, it features the signature TriMax® triple insulation and keeps drinks cold up to 60 hours and hot up to 12 hours. The BOULDER stainless steel water bottle also includes a removable strainer for tea, fruit, and ice cubes, which is pretty handy for tea drinkers (or those of us with sensitive teeth- no more ice cube smacking you in the mouth). Available on Amazon
phone charger
Also sold on BestBuy
My husband has loves this, and it was great to have around during the recent storm. We lost power for 20 hours, and it held a charge super well. We’ve also taken it out hiking, and John goes long distance running on weekends- it’s never had an issue with the rain or snow or any other weather, and he’s definitely dropped it more than once. No problems as of writing this.
For the past five years, Poseidon has built a reputation for being the best portable charger on the market. Introducing the new Poseidon Pro by Dark Energy, an upgraded portable charging system that is fully waterproof (IP68), drop-proof, and crushproof, and is certified to military standard MIL-STD 810G. Recently upgraded to add more advanced tech enhancements, you can’t go wrong with this handy device by your side and never be stranded without power again (even in the extreme cold).
ice pack
Price: $34.95
I’ve got to say, this was hard to wear on your wrist. It was bulky and made it hard to move your hands, as well as didn’t keep the ice/gel pack on the wrist well. Not on my hand, nor on my husband’s. However, when you take the gel pack and put it in your bra- it’s the perfect size, and was instantly cooling. I’m not joking, it was great, and it fit great on the pressure point between your breasts. Guys….well, can’t help you on that one, not sure how you’d keep it there. It also worked if you put the gel pack on your wraparound headband if you have one, right at the back at the point where your neck meets your head. Temples, too. The ice gel packs were the perfect size for so many spots that cooled your down- However, this is off topic.
As for the cuff, here is the info via the company- it is available on Amazon, and a Veteran-Owned Business, made in the USA.
The Cooling Cuff is solely focused on helping your body cool down properly. Wear it on your wrist for the optimal place to cool down during or after a workout. Cooling the body at the wrist can alter thermoregulation, rapidly lower core body temperature and quickly restore temperature homeostasis. That means athletes can train longer, run faster and recover quicker without their bodies using all their energy to cool down.
U-Konserve
Price: $21.95
Sold on Target ($19.99)
These are super useful. Easy to clean, store, and durable, you will find a million reasons to use them. As with a traditional bento box, these divided to-go containers from U-Konserve are easy to separate food and great for portion control. Perfect waste-free solution for daily lunches, takeout, picnics, travel, outdoor adventures, bulk shopping and salad bars. Pack snacks, lunches and main meals while reducing single-use packaging. These square containers are also ideal for kitchen organization, pantry makeovers, meal prep and family leftovers. I also use them for my friend’s daughter when she comes over to eat, who doesn’t like her food to touch. The barrier in the middle keeps them separate, and that keeps us all sane, LOL.
packable luggage
Super useful, and the price is right at $23. Ever been on a trip, and you accidentally buy too many souvenirs? or when you try to repack your bag with the dirty laundry, it just doesn’t fit properly? This will be a lifesaver, I literally do not travel without one anymore- you just never know when you will need it! This bag (an in my past, bags like it) take up no room really in your luggage, but are big on value when you find yourself up a creek, LOL.
Of course, you can just use it as a normal duffle bag in the meantime.
Whether it be a trip to the gym or an outdoor adventure, the 22 L Nomad Packable Duffel allows you to take what you need and more- it’s very roomy. Constructed from durable reinforced nylon, it stuffs into its own pocket so you can travel with it easily. When it’s time to stash it, turn the interior pocket inside out. Then stuff the entire duffel into the pocket, and zip it closed. (It’s as shockingly easy as it sounds, really.)

5 Tips for Cooking for Your Family While Vacationing

healthy foods

One of the beauties of getting to travel is the fact that it’s far from being one-size-fits-all. While some families will go to hotels and go out to eat every night on vacation, other families will rent out an apartment or lodging and will just cook their meals from there.  Food during travels just makes it taste so much better, doesn’t it? 

Even if it’s just home cooked meals, it still tastes so much better. Maybe it has something to do with the variety of ingredients, or the fact that you’re making something new. Whatever the case may be, getting the chance to cook during your travels can be so rewarding. 

Regardless, there still seems to be this idea that cooking during travels is almost impossible when in fact it’s further from the case. Sure, it can be quite challenging to try and cook food in a hotel room, especially one without a kitchen. But taking that aspect out of the count, you can indeed cook and create some of the best food when traveling. So here are some tips for achieving just that.

It all comes down to accommodation

One thing you must think about while planning your trip is whether or not you want to cook. If you’re traveling with a family, such as three or more, then know that going out to eat can get pretty expensive.  That’s why a lot of families will instead opt into lodgings such as a cabin, house, or apartment.

These usually contain kitchens, and some will even go as far as having all the equipment you need.  So if you’re dreaming of making pork tenderloin with cranberry in slow cooker, this can indeed happen. But, you’re going to have to choose your accommodation quite wisely. 

Think about bringing some of your own equipment

If you and your family are going to travel by car or RV, then this can be very easy, but if you’re going by plane or bus it’s best to not count on this tip.  Some methods of traveling can make it easy to pack. When it comes to road trips, you can essentially pack anything you’d like and not have to worry about luggage weight or fees like you do at an airport.  One of the additional benefits is the fact that you can have your own kitchen gadgets as well.

So if you are going to camp in an RV or maybe even go on a vacation in an AirBnB for a week with the family, as long as you’re on the road with your own vehicle, you can essentially bring what you want. This can include

  • Slow cooker
  • Pans
  • Can opener
  • Grater
  • Tongs
  • Tea Steeper
  • Bottle opener
  • Air fryer

Basically, any of the tools that you tend to use at home can help.

Be okay with settling with a microwave

If you and your family can’t afford an expensive apartment or cabin for lodging, then it’s okay. Maybe that’s not you, or maybe even that’s not even offered where the family vacation is at. In cases like this, just know that there are options. Some standard hotels will have mini-refrigerators and microwaves. While you can’t do too much cooking, you can still achieve a bit of food prep and a nice meal with these two kitchen appliances.  Plus, you can upcycle your food waste when finished as well.

You don’t have to cook your meals

If you’re wanting to give your family a nice homemade meal, just know that these don’t have to always be cooked. Sometimes, just having one warm meal is more than enough and this could be something such as going out to eat or even taking out. But there are still options such as buying needed ingredients for sandwiches. But you can even provide fruit, yogurt, cereal, and some other tasty snacks like hummus.

Just don’t get stressed over providing a warm cooked meal because it’s not always necessary. Just go to the grocery store in the area you’re in and see what options they have that don’t need to be cooked. You can still have a delicious and nutritious meal, such as a salad, and not have to worry about anything getting cooked.

Simplicity is key

Overall, when you’re traveling, try to avoid making things complicated for yourself.  You’re on vacation, you’re traveling. Traveling is supposed to be a way to relax and unwind. So if the idea of cooking on vacation just stresses you out too much. Then you should know that it’s far from being a requirement. Just take things easy. Just make sandwiches for lunch or buy snacks here and there. Just enjoy your trip. 

How to choose a travel sleepsuit for babies

When looking for baby sleepsuits, it is essential to consider a few factors. You should pick those that are breathable and comfortable because you will be travelling with your little one- they need their comfort when going through such changes in environments from hotel rooms or airplanes.

Additionally, go for the chemical-free fabric to not cause any reactions on delicate skin during hot weather. Nonetheless, when travelling, the chances are that it may get hot during the day; therefore, cotton is an excellent fabric choice as opposed to synthetic ones because cotton breathes better than polyester or nylon fabrics.

Here are other insights when picking out clothes:

 

1. Consider the baby’s size.

Baby pajamas should have a perfect fit, not too tight or too loose, be comfortable and provide excellent protection from minor burns.

The law has very specific requirements for baby pajamas, and companies that manufacture them must follow suit or risk penalty. One of these regulations is ensuring they don’t exceed the maximum dimensions in various body parts set by respective countries/regions where they will be sold. So it’s essential to pick out sleepsuits from high quality brands with all relevant measurements met to lower risk of the baby sustaining injuries should fire erupts.

2. Baby’s age

Sleepsuits have different designs to fit babies of all ages. For infants, zero to six months, choose sleepsuits that cover the body completely. That is because it might get cold, and it is always advisable to keep the baby warm enough during such a time.

Since you are on the road, pick a sleepsuit that will make changing diapers easy. You will not have the luxury of time when you are travelling. Furthermore, if your baby is learning to walk, choose footless sleepsuits. They allow the baby to walk around more easily.

3. Material

Sleepsuits are made from different fabrics. Some are made from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, while others from natural fabrics like cotton. It is best to be careful with the material you choose because various fabrics offer different comfort levels. It is advisable to select baby sleepsuits made from natural fabrics because they are considered more comfortable.

Organic cotton is the healthiest alternative. That is because they are breathable, chemical-free, gentle on the skin, and are moisture absorbent. Picking a good sleepsuit fabric can make a lot of difference in the level of comfort. It will also improve the quality of sleep.

4. Travel destination

Where you are travelling should also be a factor you put into consideration. If you are travelling to a cold place, the baby should be warm at all times. Further, your destination might be warm. Therefore, pack pajamas made from a light fabric if travelling to a hot destination. Remember always to keep the baby comfortable. If you carry pajamas with a heavy fabric and visit a warm destination, the baby might suffer a rash due to the heat.

Sleep is essential for babies during travel time, especially if they are still infants. Picking the wrong sleepsuits can make a lot of difference in their sleep quality. Comfortable sleepsuits will ensure the baby gets enough sleep and wakes up the following day full of energy. Therefore, when picking a sleepsuit for a baby, consider the baby’s size, type of fabric, baby’s age, and travel destination.

Your Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist For 2022

travel backpack

Experts in the tourism industry suggest that 2022 will see many people make up for lost vacations despite the prevalence of the Omicron variant and other COVID-related issues. A recent report illustrates this as many Americans plan to travel overseas this year. However, traveling can be stressful, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or seasoned globe trotter. Fortunately, this ultimate pre-travel checklist can make your 2022 trips more convenient.

 

  • Get travel insurance

 

Travel insurance is essential when traveling overseas as it can cover several emergencies such as medical insurance coverage, lost baggage, journey termination, and so on. It can also be used for domestic travels by helping you deal with unexpected medical costs and reimbursement for canceled trips or stolen property. However, be sure to do ample research on various plans before you purchase one to ensure you receive sufficient coverage for an affordable price.

 

  • Pack a medical and first aid kit

 

In today’s health climate, safeguarding your health is important. Therefore, it is important to pack a travel medical kit. During your travel, finding various medications or emergency items may be challenging. For example, if you need medical help or get injured while hiking up a mountain. It is advisable to travel with items you need in an emergency to help treat at least minor injuries and illnesses. For your first aid kit, you can consider a thermometer, pain-relievers, Band-Aids, sanitizers or disinfectants, nose masks, and so on. So be sure to pack one.

 

  • Essential paperwork

 

Paperwork is essential for domestic and international travel, and you want to prioritize carrying along with your vital documents. Your travel documents can come in handy in any last-minute emergencies. Travel documents such as visa, passport, ID proof, state travel documents, hotel booking receipt, Covid-19 vaccination certificate, and other travel documents may be required. It is recommended to carry the originals of your travel documents. However, making copies is an excellent idea if the original documents get lost.

 

  • Pre-book your accommodation

 

Your type of vacation should determine the type of accommodation you need, although it is recommended to take at least a night’s accommodation reservation. It can be hard to get accommodation when you are not familiar with a location or don’t have a place to stay. Even if you are familiar with the location, finding a rental upon arrival may come with some anxiety, so it is best to pre-book at least for a night. Booking your accommodation makes it easy to find rental accommodation or a hotel with your preferred features or location. 

 

  • Financial planning

 

It is common to see travelers spend much of the time searching for the cheapest flight discounts, affordable accommodation, and so on. However, they fail to do one thing that matters most – planning their finances. Your finances should be a vital part of your travel checklist, so you’ll need to take cues to properly manage your finances. You can’t afford to have financial problems disrupt your travel experience.

If you are planning on traveling anytime soon, you may want to consider using this checklist to ensure you have a smooth and stress-free process.