4 tips for protecting the eyes while traveling

4 tips for protecting the eyes while traveling

When packing for a vacation, one is likely to load up on sunscreens and other skin essentials while overlooking the effects of extreme weather and sunlight on the eyes. Leaving the eyes unprotected can increase the risk of retinopathy, photokeratitis, and corneal thickness, which can lead to vision-related complications. So, one should be prepared for extreme weather conditions, dry air, and excessive sun exposure. Here are some tips for protecting the eyes while traveling: Avoid contact lenses for long trips Although it might feel convenient to wear contact lenses while traveling, most healthcare professionals suggest otherwise. This is because longer trips—either by car or airplane—come with constant temperature fluctuations and low humidity, irritating the eyes. Moreover, when traveling long distances, one may fall asleep without removing the lenses, which is a huge risk factor for eye infections. So, as an alternative, one must stick to eyeglasses on long trips. Additionally, on a road trip, the air vents should be directed away from the eyes to keep the glasses from fogging up. Pack eye care essentials If prone to allergies due to changes in weather, altitude, or air quality, one needs to pack allergy treatment options before leaving for a trip. Here, allergy-specific eye drops can come in handy. Further, when dirt or dust enters the eyes, many may choose to wash it away with tap water. However, tap water in public washrooms in some parts of the world could have irritating impurities and minerals. So, one should use sterile eye washes to get rid of the irritants. In addition, one must pack hats, top-notch sunglasses, and swimming goggles to protect the eyes. Manage eye strain One of the most common issues while traveling is eye strain, usually brought on by increased screen time and poor lighting. Although the discomfort can seem harmless, it can make the eyes susceptible to infections.
Explore the majestic Arctic with these 4 luxury cruises

Explore the majestic Arctic with these 4 luxury cruises

Traveling to a destination is one of the best parts of vacationing. While some venture on a road trip or simply take the next flight, others prefer voyaging the seas. With onboard entertainment, luxurious rooms, and breathtaking sea view, traveling to your destination on a cruise can be an exceptional experience. And this experience magnifies when you are traveling to the Arctic. So, here are some of the best luxury cruises to the Arctic. Explore the Polar Region in style Quark Expedition brings to you adventurous yet a luxurious cruise to the Arctic. Their newest polar-class ship – Ultramrine can board two helicopters and 20 quick deploy Zodiacs for a closer interaction with the Arctic fauna. It also has a spacious viewing deck to witness the intriguing midnight sun. The cruise is a round trip from Longyearbyen to the Arctic circle. Adrenalin-filled Arctic Expedition Lindblad Expeditions is offering an unmatched experience to its customers on a six-to-26-day excursion to the Arctic. The thrilling zodiac rides gives you an opportunity to become an adept photographer to catch a glimpse of the polar bears, multitudes of penguins, seals, and whales surfacing the blue waters. You can also mingle with Svalbard’s local community and experience their rich culture. The luxury cruise offers 24-hour beverages, meals on land, and even an onboard fitness center. Unparalleled Scandinavian Excursions Explore Scandinavian regions with Viking Ocean Cruises. The luxury polar cruise to the Arctic takes you to the most picturesque locations around Scandinavia and historic sites in the Baltic Sea and the majestic Fjords along the breathtaking Norwegian coasts. Travel back in time as the cruise also lets you explore the medieval old town of Talllinn. The luxury cruise has a spacious veranda and offers complimentary wine and beer onboard with lunch and dinner. Their Culture Curriculum® offers interactive sessions like TED Talks, Met Under the Stars, Munch Moments, and classical music performances.
6 trips to consider taking in an RV

6 trips to consider taking in an RV

Traveling across the country in an RV opens up endless possibilities for adventures and making memories for a lifetime. With a wide range of experiences in the country, from hills and valleys to national parks and riversides, there is a lot you can explore in the comfort of your RV. If you are confused about your next travel destination, here are six places that rank at the top of most RV drivers’ lists: Florida Keys If you are looking for a tropical road trip, the Florida Overseas Highway spans over 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West. This scenic drive also has a lot of exciting activities to offer, such as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and exploring state parks and museums. Alabama Coast Start in Mobile and head down the picturesque Route 98 for an exciting cultural experience with Creole, French, and Spanish heritage. For those with a fascination for history, this coastline also features World War II battleships, submarines, and mansions. Grand Canyon National Park Visit the Grand Canyon National Park in the spring, and experience the gorgeous wildflowers in bloom. With an RV campground right outside the park, you can take up little treks and explore the area at your own pace. Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone is known for its breathtaking views and proximity to wildlife. Visit this national park in the spring to witness wilderness at its peak, with animals coming out of hibernation and baby animals in their natural habitats. The park has access to various campgrounds, so you can park your RV and move around comfortably. Historic New England If you are moved by history, take a trip around New England, covering the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. These areas carry gorgeous glimpses of nature and elegant pieces of history through historic colonial sites.
6 interesting facts about long-haul flights

6 interesting facts about long-haul flights

A long-haul flight is any non-stop flight that covers a journey time of 6-12 hours. However, after boarding such flights, one might come across many bizarre experiences, such as food tasting worse than normal flights, losing perception of time, and more. But, even after considering these, long-haul flights are still the box of surprises that keeps on giving. Some astonishing facts about long-haul flights that many don’t know are listed below. Food served onboard contains massive amounts of salt In-flight food is known for tasting worse than regular food. At a high altitude, an individual’s senses of taste and smell are weakened. It makes it difficult for passengers to smell or taste the meals served onboard. This effect is significantly amplified on a long-haul flight. To compensate, the meals on such flights contain large amounts of salt, sugar, and extra fat. Besides making the food much more edible, these elements make in-flight food incredibly unhealthy. Increased risk of falling ill Spending large amounts of time on a long-haul flight can make people vulnerable to airborne diseases. Additionally, several research studies have found that long-haul flights negatively affect the immune system. Therefore, people who fly long-distance frequently tend to fall ill more often. Autopilot does about 90% of the flying It may not seem the biggest surprise, but many people will not be aware of it. Trained pilots only involve themselves during the most critical phases of flight, such as landing, taking off, changing directions, and making emergency maneuvers. For example, if a long-haul flight lasts 15 hours, it will likely fly on autopilot for over 10 hours. Easier to get dehydrated The low humidity and dry air circulating inside the cabin of a long-haul flight can cause dehydration in travelers. Therefore, it is always advisable for flyers to keep enough drinking water in stock.
6 types of cruises to avoid for a fun vacation

6 types of cruises to avoid for a fun vacation

Thanks to their all-inclusive nature and the variety of onboard activities, cruise ships are often hailed as the perfect vacation destination. With special cruises to attract singles, families, and older citizens, the industry has been booming. While there is no such thing as a “bad cruise,” some shipping excursions may make one regret spending their time and money. To avoid this from happening, here are six cruises one must avoid: Repositioning cruises Repositioning cruises sail from one port to another, where they begin a new itinerary. These are generally popular for their affordable prices, with rooms costing as little as $30-50 per night. However, these cruises generally sail near the beginning or the end of the season, when seas may be rougher. Additionally, their itineraries have fewer ports and more sea days, which can make the trip seem uncomfortable to many. Short cruises Short cruises generally take place on the cruise line’s older and smaller ships, offering less variety to its customers. While they are an attractive option for weekend travelers, they do not offer the same kind of relaxation that a more traditional 7-day cruise may. Maiden voyages A cruise’s inaugural voyage is generally more of a dry run. The staff and entertainers are still working on setting their rhythm. As a result, there may be unexpected chaos or delays. It may be a better idea to hold off on sailing on these cruises until a few weeks later. Cruises during hurricane season During hurricane season, ships may be delayed, forced to change routes, or even cancel voyages. Officially, hurricane season occurs between June to November. Avoid booking cruise vacations, or avail travel insurance on all bookings made during this time of the year. Cruises before drydock Every 2-3 years, cruises go to drydock for maintenance, repair, and refurbishment.
5 affordable hotels for a luxurious stay

5 affordable hotels for a luxurious stay

The country is a traveler’s delight as there is a lot that you can see and explore, but before you head out for your next trip, you must make a list of the hotels that you would like to stay in while you travel across the country. Here is a list of best hotels to check out in the country for a luxurious yet affordable stay on your next vacation: Hotel La Croix, Hawaii Hawaii is not exactly a place for tourists who are on a tight budget, and the hotels are quite expensive too. Hotel La Croix, however, is an exception. The three-star hotel that was recently renovated offers an excellent view of the nearby Waikiki Beach and is, arguably, one of the best hotels in the country. The rooms cost less than $150 for a night-long stay and feature a balcony each. The hotel boasts of excellent room service, and all the studios, rooms, and suites are designed with a luxurious touch to help you relax on your holiday. Eagle Ridge, Illinois Eagle Ridge offers most of the services that you would expect to find in a high-end resort, but what’s great is that staying here will not burn a hole in your pocket. There is a spa in the premises and hopes to send across the thought that a luxurious stay does not have to be expensive. Apart from a spa, it has six restaurants and as many as four championship golf courses. There is also a wide range of activities that you can choose from. La Quinta by Wyndham, Chattanooga If you wish to spend some quality time in a quiet, undiscovered location, heading to the riverfront city of Chattanooga would be a great idea. The hotels here are quite cheap as it’s not a destination frequently flocked by tourists, and the area has some great hotels.
4 eco-friendly products to buy for a sustainable home

4 eco-friendly products to buy for a sustainable home

The need for sustainability and building sustainable habits keeps growing. As consumers, it is their responsibility to make environmentally conscious purchase decisions, such as buying products that have a low impact on the environment. Many eco-friendly alternatives are available for products that are used at home. Studies also suggest that consumers are willing to spend more on eco-friendly products if it means safety for those living at home and the environment. Here are a few eco-friendly products that one can use at home: 1. Refillable bottles Refillable bottles can store drinking water and cleaning solutions, like homemade detergents and shampoos. Refillable spray bottles are also quite popular. This is mostly because many people want to make their own cleaning solutions, as they are affordable, sustainable, and not filled with chemicals that can harm one’s health when used in excess. Refillable bottles ensure that one does not have to run to the grocery store every two weeks to buy a product packaged in a flimsy, disposable plastic bottle. Plastic bottles are disposed of after a single use and find themselves in landfills. 2. Reusable silicone bags Many people use plastic bags to store their produce in the fridge. Sometimes, they also wrap the leftover food or fresh meat to be stored away in the freezer. One can instead opt for reusable silicone bags. They are sturdy, do the job well, and are good for the environment. These bags can be stored in the freezer, microwaved to reheat food, or cleaned in a dishwasher. Furthermore, they can withstand harsh temperatures and do not lose their integrity when put in boiling water. So, they are a versatile product that can be part of your kitchen essentials. 3. Swedish dishcloth Swedish dishcloths can be used as sponges and cleaning cloths for kitchen counters. They are reusable, so one can easily wash them.
Planning a cruise around the coasts of North America

Planning a cruise around the coasts of North America

For holiday goers and frequent vacationers, cruise holidays around the North American continent are an excellent choice. Cruising along the west or the east coast of the beautiful continent is truly a delightful experience and lets you experience the culture uniquely. Fortunately, there is a myriad of different cruise vacations available all around North America. Here are our top choices: Eastern Coast of North America There are several things to do during your cruise holiday to the eastern coast of North America. It is not only ideal for a memorable cruise holiday, but is also a great pick for luxury holidays, family trips, honeymoons, luxury holidays, and even an activity-based holiday. In the cruises around the eastern coast of America, you’ll mostly cover South Carolina, Boston, Florida, New England, as well as New York in the United States of America, and Nova Scotia and Montreal in Canada. Western Coast of North America As for the Western Coast of North America, there’s an equally exciting range of things to do. On your cruise, you can take an exciting and fun family trip to Vancouver, venture the lively and vibrant San Francisco city, relax and unwind on the beaches in California, enjoy a wholesome experience along with fantastic music in Seattle, or take a tour around various ports like those in British Columbia, Oregon, or Washington. Tips to find the best cruise around North America Now, how do you pick the right cruise for yourself? Let’s find out. Family cruisers Are you traveling with children? Well, the little ones are naturally more excited about cruises than adults. There are some cruise lines that cater to the children much better than the others. Unfortunately, there are also a few who completely overlook the needs of child travelers. So, if you are seeking an incredible family cruising experience, then Disney should be your top-pick.
4 budget-friendly cruise lines

4 budget-friendly cruise lines

Cruises are popular these days. They allow you to sit back and relax while exploring the oceans and visiting new destinations. But, most cruise trips turn out to be very expensive. These high costs can be attributed to high cruise fares, onboard and port spending, and even travel. But, what if we tell you that there are affordable cruise lines that do not break the bank? Read on to find out more. Carnival Cruise Line If you’re looking for a budget-friendly affordable cruise line, this one fits the bill. The Carnival Cruise Line was founded in 1971. The popular cruise line offers cruises to almost 425 locations, including the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Europe, Canada, Hawaii, Australia, and even the Panama Canal. The best part about the Carnival Cruise Line is its offerings. Living on one of their ships is like attending a huge Carnival out at sea. What sweetens this deal is the fact that the 24 ships of this cruise line are as affordable as $229 per night for one person. Carnival Cruises are more family-oriented, and they ensure that they provide the best entertainment for all age groups. Princess Cruises And much like its parent company Carnival, Princess Cruises provides the best cruise experience at minimal costs. The 14-ship cruise line has itineraries to multiple destinations, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and even Europe. Their cruise trips can range anywhere between one day to 72 days, and they also offer travelers the option to explore the end destinations. While onboard, the cruise line provides travelers with multiple onboard activities, poolside screenings, magic shows, and even a stage show of the popular “The Voice of the Ocean.” Princess Cruises are exclusively for 18 and older individuals. Norwegian Cruises If you’re looking for a fun yet relaxing cruise experience, this one is for you.
4 websites for great hotel bookings at affordable prices

4 websites for great hotel bookings at affordable prices

There’s hardly anything more fun than traveling and exploring new places. The excitement of creating an itinerary and the thrill of being on the road is unmatched, but it’s so much better if the “getaway” is well in your budget. Accommodation is an important factor that determines your overall travel expenses, so deals on that front can help you save big. Here are some of the best hotel booking websites to help you compare deals and plan a budget-friendly trip: Priceline Priceline may come across as your regular hotel booking website, but it offers some outstanding features. For instance, it offers amazing discounts through its Express Deals® feature and free cancelation on most hotels to ensure flexibility. Additionally, Priceline offers a generous best-price guarantee and assures a 100% refund of the price difference if you find a lower price within 24 hours of booking. That’s not all! They offer a 200% refund of the price difference if you find a better price on an Express Deal®. Kayak Kayak is one of the top hotel booking sites for comparing deals and is known for its filtering options and map feature. Just click on your destination on the map, and Kayak will give you all the information you need, including stay options. Clicking on any option will display the booking prices from several websites. A unique feature of this website is that it allows split booking, wherein you can save more by partly booking your stay from one website and using another site to book the other part of your stay. Hotels.com This is another top entrant on the list of the best websites to find deals on hotel bookings and is known for its ease of use. In addition to deals and free cancelation on most hotels, Hotels.com offers excellent discounts on flight bookings.
6 top business credit card companies

6 top business credit card companies

The right business credit card can help you save thousands of dollars. Business accounts can earn more rewards like discounts, hotel stays, and cashback offers. You may also use these cards to meet short-term financial requirements. In case you haven’t applied for one yet, you must check out 6 of the top business credit cards that you can apply for to make your life easier. American Express Blue Business® Plus Card This is an ideal business credit card offered by one of the leading credit card companies and does not levy any annual fees. You receive twice the Membership Reward ® points upto $50,000 with no category restrictions, which reduces to 1% thereafter. The cashback earned automatically gets credited in your statement. The regular APR on this card is 13.24% to 19.24% variable. CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select ® MasterCard® This is an excellent option if you undertake frequent business travel with American Airlines. You earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Additionally, the card offers 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent on telecommunications, fuel, car rental, and cable and satellite services. All other purchases earn you one mile for every dollar spent. The annual fee is $99 (waived in the first year) and regular APR varies between 15.99% and 24.99%. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card This card provides miles for bookings not only on Delta Airlines but on other business spendings too. Delta Airlines bookings earn two miles for every dollar spent. Additionally, you earn two miles for domestic advertising, restaurants, and shipping. When you spend $10,000 with this card, you receive $100 Delta credit along with priority boarding and free checked bags on all flights. There is no introductory annual fee for the first 12 months; thereafter $99 is applicable.
Hotel booking – 6 common mistakes to avoid

Hotel booking – 6 common mistakes to avoid

Booking a hotel room online before is a pretty straightforward and quick process. In fact, it’s so simple that many travelers overlook a few crucial aspects before booking, which ends up costing more time and money. What’s even worse is that a seemingly-minor misstep can spoil your entire vacation. If you want the best deals and make the most out of your trip, here are some common hotel booking mistakes you must absolutely avoid. Booking at an inopportune time When you book a hotel at the wrong time, you often end up paying a lot more. “Wrong” here means you’re booking too early or late. That being said, there’s no single best time to book, but you must consider the popularity and seasonality of your destination and monitor rates for a few days before booking. Assuming there’s no better deal Nearly every booking website claims to offer the best online hotel deals. But taking their word would be unwise. Compare prices across different sites and check if they’re offering promotions. Sometimes, the lowest prices are available on a hotel’s official website, so you might want to check that too. Not paying with a credit card Always use credit cards for hotel bookings. This path is typically the only means of getting cash-back bonuses, rewards, and free stays, among other benefits. More importantly, credit cards offer fraud protection and immediate refunds for mischarges, which are not offered for payments made through debit cards and cash. Booking without checking reviews Most hotel rooms look spacious, luxurious, and spotlessly clean in pictures, but the reality can be quite different. Reading reviews helps you know whether the hotel is how it looks. In addition, reviews can give you an idea of the quality of service and overall stay experience. Booking non-refundable rooms Non-refundable rooms are cheaper than regular ones, but keep in mind that booking such a room is a high-risk option.