6 Expert Packing Tips that will make your Trips more Fun

BY  Arnab Mar 17, 2023

Holidays are all about spending quality time together. Many families today prefer to take a break where they can escape from their work routine and unwind and relax. One of the best ways to break your routine is to get rid of the technology and escape into the real world where nature surrounds you. Hence, heading for a safari or wildlife trip sounds like the best plan you can come up with. However, if you are planning to head out into the wild you need to focus on how you can optimize your wildlife travel the right way. This is essential because when you are heading for a safari trip you want to be prepared and ready. Today, you can find many places and destinations that can provide you with the right safaris and wildlife trips. If you are unsure about how to plan a wildlife trip Naturetrek can help you design and personalize holidays as per your requirements and preferences. Here Are Nine Ideas On How To Make The Most Of Your Wildlife Travel While wildlife travel and tours can provide you with a much-needed break you need to know certain things that can help you optimize your trip. 1. Know What You Want The term wildlife trip today can mean a lot of things. Hence, you will have to be more specific about what you want and expect when you reach the destination. Different people have different ways to explore nature and animals. If you are interested in wildlife animals you would want to look for national parks and locations where you can find more animals. Similarly, if you are an avid bird watcher you want to look for places that attract different species of birds. Also, those interested in marine life can look for spots that attract more marine wildlife. Knowing what you want makes your job of finding the best locations easier. 2. Choose the Right Location Once you have clarity on what you want you need to make a list of destinations and places that can offer you the best wildlife travel experiences. For instance, if you are interested in bird species in Asia you can look for nature holidays in Nepal for birdwatching. This would ensure that you can cover the region and the type of wildlife experiences you want. 3. Pack the Right Clothing When you are headed for a wildlife or safari trip you need to be clear about the clothes you pack. The most important thing is that you pack according to the weather because you want to be comfortable in whatever you wear. Bright colour clothes are not advisable for wildlife tours and therefore you need to pack clothes that have an earthy colour tone. Also, you need to know that certain countries do not allow camouflage print so make sure you know what to pack for your safari trip. 4. Travel Light Even when you are done packing your clothing you need to focus on how you can travel light. Try not to carry perfumes along with you on a wildlife tour because animals are sensitive to smell and strong deodorants and perfumes can put them off. Also, when you are packing you would want to pack in the right shoes and other electronic equipment like your camera and chargers to help you make the most of your travel. Additionally, you need to know that some of the national parks and game reserves are accessible only by small aircraft which might not accommodate large travel bags. Hence, smaller bags would be a convenient way to board such flights. 5. Take Expert Advice If you have never been on a wildlife tour before you need to gather more information from experts and professionals. This is essential because you want to optimize the time you have. You can talk to friends who have already been on a wildlife trip before and they can share their insights and recommendations. Similarly, you can talk to local tour operators who would share their experience and expertise with you to help you be prepared for the tour. Also, you would want to know more about the seasons before you make an itinerary for your trip. 6. Plan Your Trip When you have limited time to cover more places and local attractions you must plan your wildlife trip. This would allow you to have a clear idea of how you want to optimize the time you have. If you are hiring experts who can tailor the trip you don’t have to worry much because they have the experience and expertise to create an itinerary for you. Also, you can choose from the list of itineraries they already have. This would allow you to make the most of the time you have. If you have plenty of time at hand, you can look for a few days where you can relax and unwind. 7. Skip the Technology While some safari accommodations provide internet connectivity, and power to charge your devices, you should skip the technology altogether. This is critical because you want to experience and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. Appreciate the untouched natural beauty before you and immerse yourself in the surroundings and local flora and fauna to help you discover the local geography and history as well. 8. Respect Nature While you are heading for your wildlife trip you also have to respect Mother Nature. Hence, you need to focus on certain parameters that are important as you head out in the wild with your local guide. Being silent is important when you are going for a jeep safari or nightlife safari because you would drive away animals if you make noise. Hence, talk quietly in lower tones to prevent any distress to animals and wildlife. Also, don’t litter when you are travelling in natural spaces. Hence, avoid carrying plastic bags or disposing of them in wildlife spaces. Also, try and avoid using camera flashes and rely on other photography techniques to capture good wildlife shots. Keep a minimum distance from wild animals and do not feed them. If you are in a vehicle, do not step out of the vehicle unless instructed by your local guide. 9. Be Open Wildlife travel tours would also include you exploring the local villages and interacting with the local villagers and tribal people. This is a great way to learn more about how they survive and go about their daily lives in the jungle. However, they might have a different culture and traditions which would be alien to you. Hence, you must be open to what they have to say and show and share. Try and learn about them and you can also buy their local products which would help the local tourism industry. Read Also: Main Reasons To Travel As A Student Popular Travel Destinations For Students How To Be A Sensible Smoker When Traveling

BY  Subham Shah Oct 25, 2022

Credit card is a convenient way of banking. It has made banking easy over the course of years. They can also save you money if you know how to use them effectively.  Credit cards will allow you to have funds to pay for goods and services. If you have ever used a credit card, you would know that you can buy things without spending any of your money initially. Are you thinking about debt compilation on credit cards? You can strategize to enjoy luxury on a budget. However, credit card holders are expected to repay the borrowed money and a little additional interest later. Types Of Credit Cards There are some major types of credit cards which also include Visa, Mastercard, and other types of Discover, along with American Express.  They are issued by different banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to attract customers by providing them incentives such as hotel room bookings, gift cards, discounts, airline miles, and cash back on purchases. Credit cards will reward their users for ensuring customer loyalty. Some stores even offer credit cards so that customers can purchase from retailers. They will provide customers with promotional notices, special sales, discounts, and other perks.  Some credit card users will be allowed a separate cash line of credit (LOC) so that they can borrow cash money in advance using a credit card. However, cash advances have some disadvantages, including higher interest rates and no grace period. How Can Credit Cards Save You Money On Travel Holidays? Credit cards are a good way to spend money on holidays.  Here are the ways you can use credit cards to save money. You can get details about credit card spending. Transfer Balances If you are using a credit card with a humongous balance and a higher interest rate. Then you can transfer that amount to a credit card with lower interest rates. This 0% APR balance transfer will offer you some time to ease up your payment with accumulating interest.  According to data, if you move a $3,000 balance at 17% to a credit card with a 0% APR, you will save upto $400. After that, if you pay on a monthly basis, you will end up gaining money in the process. Credit Card & Rewards If you are accustomed to paying with credit cards on holidays. Then you should use a reward credit card to save yourself some money. If you are using a reward credit card during holiday seasons, you can earn rewards, points, miles, and cash back rewards for your every payment.  The more you use these reward cards to purchase, the more you will earn points and save money. Some reward cards even allow cash back on eligible purchases. You can redeem those points to travel or to buy more merchandise.  However, reward cards will have annual fees that you have to pay at the year-end. So, you can manage your finances according to your needs by comparing the values of the yearly rewards and the annual payment fee. Some reward cards will not offer you a grace period. A grace period is considered the time between the last billing cycle and the date of due payment. During this time, the credit card issuer might not charge you any interest since you are supposed to pay your balance on the expected day. Interest Rates You can use a card with a 0% introductory rate, where you won’t be charged interest on purchases for a certain time period. You can pay off your credit card balances before the due date to avoid interest rates.  In introductory offers, you are expected to make payments on time. If you make late payments, your introductory officer can revoke the offer. They can impose interest rates on the remaining balances. So, pay even a minimal amount before the due time.   If you want to avoid paying any extra charges during your 0% promotional introductory offer, then you should calculate each amount you have to pay on a monthly basis. So that you can reach a 0 balance when the introductory offer ends. You can Avail Balance Transfer Offer Balance transfer offers are similar to that promotional interest rates, but instead of making any purchase, you are expected to pay your already existing credit card debt.  A balance transfer card will let you move your remaining balance from one credit card to another one. However, the amount of balance you can move depends on the transfer limit.  Some credit card companies will charge minimal fees to complete the transfer. The fees range from 3-5% of the transferred amount. If you are managing finances on a holiday evening, you should calculate the amount you need to transfer. Track Every Purchase You should be tracking your every purchase. No, you don’t have to write down your every purchase but tracking is an easier option with credit cards.  You can simply log into your online account using a credit card and review the statement. If you are aware of your spending data, then it can be easier to calculate the amount you have to repay in the end.  You can check your account statement and categorize your expenses to build a budget that suits you. You Can Earn Free Travel For Your Holidays Too! When it comes to travel, it is very important to manage finances. However, spending a lot of cash on the way to travel can get stressful.  However, the reward credit cards will allow you to have a smooth ending in the holiday season. You can earn miles or points you can redeem for a free flight and hotel stay.  These free flights can also be used for annual vacations and travel. You can even avail of car rental agencies if you are not too keen on flying.  A credit card can be a fitting approach for arranging that holiday travel you’ve been planning for a long time. There are also cashback benefits that can save you a lot of money. And you can also benefit from repaying your credits till your grace period lasts.  Read Also: Vrbo.com - Best Review By Users In 2022 Hotwire.Com - Best Review By Users In 2022 Where To Stay In Key West? | Tour And Travel Guide [2022]

BY  Barsha Dec 8, 2022

Why stick to the same beaches in the Nashville area, or even in and around? Have you thought about venturing out to beaches a little far away? Check out the closest beach to Nashville or even some of the closest beaches near Nashville.  Nashville is a popular tourist attraction on prestigious lists like the New York Times' 52 Places to Go. It has a colorful history, great heritage, and architectural excellence.  However, if you want some coastal fun and some sultry sunbathing seasons, the beaches around Nashville will be your ultimate call! Closest Beach To Nashville - Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit So here you are, searching for the closest beach to Nashville, TN! And here we are with a curated list featuring the best beaches near Nashville.  “The Music City” is the door to cool sand and water pursuits. Let’s check out the names. 1. Dauphin Island, Alabama: Instead of asking what is the closest beach to Nashville, it’s best that you check out all your options before you make any solid travel plan. Dauphin Island in Alabama is fairly close to Nashville - it will take you about 7 hours to drive to Mobile since the island is located in the southern part of Mobile. You can also fly to Mobile.  Spend time playing with the waves and collecting seashells, or take a ferry and go up to the beautiful Fort Morgan in order to check out some dolphins. Also, you must not miss out on other prime tourist spots nearby, like, Fort Gaines, Bird Sanctuary, and The Estuarium. It is a charming place with scenic views, and you can visit with your family. It is quite idyllic along with being a family friendly island with some of the beautiful attractions such as Alabama Aquarium, Mobile Bay Ferry and others. Excitement, wildlife and southern culture is quite apparent in and around Dauphin Island. With white sand and blue water. 2. Gulf Shores, Alabama: While looking for beaches near Nashville, TN, there’s no way you can forget about the Gulf Shores in Alabama.  It’s pretty popular among tourists, especially Tennessee residents. Located only seven hours drive away from Nashville, the area boasts several lodging options, activities, and fresh seafood.  The area has amusement parks, entertainment zones, shopping opportunities, and more.  Plus, if you love educational activities and history, there’s much to do in this area. So just pack your bags already – because the beach awaits you! With its warm and soothing water, Gulf Shores also has bright white beaches. You can perform daytime activities such as dolphin-watching, hiking, and scenic cruises. There is an Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and a recreation center with bumper boats called The Track, where you can visit with your family. Gulf Shores is about to get a Goodwill Center. The 50,000-square-foot facility in Foley will offer job and employment training to the local people. With time, it will likely be developed as a community development center. The center is likely to open its doors in the fall of 2025. Then, it will be an added attraction to the places of interest.  3. Pensacola, Florida: There are several beaches close to Nashville but Pensacola, located in Florida, stands out because it will take you less than seven hours to drive from Nashville! Popular for its charming historic culture and exquisite natural beauty, Pensacola is a must-visit. Spanning over eight acres, the historic village of Pensacola is timeless.  From golfing and go-karting to other fun activities, there’s so much to do when you are bored of the beach. Pensacola is also known as ‘the city of five flags’ since it was passed around in History - you will spot British, French, Confederate, American, and even Spanish flags all over this charming city. The beach is at the panhandle of Florida surrounded by coastline across 50 plus miles. There is crystal clear bay areas and emerald-green Gulf of Mexico waters thus, when you visit the beach, you can find a vibe that is a mix between bustling metropolitan center along with some relaxation beach town! 4. Destin, Florida: Looking for the closest beach to Nashville? Why aren’t you considering Destin, located in Florida? Plus, it will take you only around seven hours to drive to Destin from Nashville! Destin has been a prime vacation spot for families! There are several places to eat - you could check out the popular chain dining, Whataburger! Then there are so many outlet stores for you to visit if you love shopping. If you are traveling with kids, then you have to check out the following places, The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Local Zoo, and  Big Kahuna Water Park (only if you are traveling to Destin during Summer!) Located in northwest Florida, the area of Destin beach is called Panhandle! There are natural trails through the dunes of Henderson Beach State Park. There are beautiful oak trees and pine trees where they provide wildlife shelter. There are also waterfalls, pools and tall slides along with Big Kahuna’s water park hence, you can explore all these places. The emerald-green waters of the beach are breathtaking along with unique geology! 5. Panama City, Florida: It's not like there are no beaches in Tennessee. Of course, there are beaches in Tennessee, but sometimes, venturing a little away from home feels so much better! And how can you ignore Panama City, located in Florida? Famed as a destination for Spring Break, it will take you about 7.5 hours to drive to Panama City from Nashville. You can also opt for direct flights.  The beaches span 27 miles, and Panama City farther boats about a hundred public accesses. While you are in Panama City, you must visit Pier Park - you will spot several restaurants, playing areas, bungee jumping opportunities, bumper boats, sky wheels, passenger trains, and plenty of places to shop.  6. 30A, Florida: People who reside in the Middle Tennessee area either have or know others who have the bumper sticker with 30A on them. This is because 30A has now become perhaps one of the most well-known getaway spots for most residents of Nashville! And that too throughout the whole year.  30A is not your regular Nashville beach! Instead, it's a pretty coastal highway with solid touristy spots, like, Miramar Beach, Rosemary Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach.  Read More: 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall 7. Tybee Island, Georgia: Tybee Island might not be the closest beach to Nashville, but that doesn’t mean it's that far away - you can either drive to Tybee Island in the Savannah region or even directly fly to Savannah. If you drive, it will take you more than eight hours, and if you take a flight, it will take a little less than two hours.  An Atlantic getaway that’s historical - this is exactly what Savannah stands for! Steeped deeply in culture and history, there’s so much to see and so much to do - from local restaurants and shopping outlets to the lighthouse near Tybee Island, you will need about three days to check out the place properly.   8. Gulfport, Mississippi: While looking up the closest ocean beach to Nashville TN, it's impossible not to stumble upon Gulfport, located in Mississippi. The entire Mississippi coastline is unforgettable. It takes about seven hours to drive from Nashville, or you could also do something adventurous and fly to New Orleans - it will be worth the trip! The area boasts miles of beaches known for their beautiful sand, fun attractions, and exciting water activities. Once you are done spending time on the beach, don’t forget to check out,  The Gulfport children’s museum, INFINITY Science Center, a space facility by NASA, A famous aquarium, Drag racing, Waterparks, and The railroad museum. 9. Charleston, South Carolina: Move any beach in Tennessee over, because it’s time for Charleston to shine! Yes, it will take you more than 8 hours to drive to Charleston, located in South Carolina, or a flight of 1.5 hours, but who cares? It will be worth the journey. Another coast town in the Atlantic steeped deeply in history, this place is perfect for visiting with your family, especially kids.  If you love visiting historical spots, you have to visit Fort Sumter. And that’s not all! Pamper yourself with some spa time and some golfing while your kids can enjoy the children’s museum and the aquarium. You will also get to see some world-class restaurants, sandy beaches, and cobblestone paths. The easiest way to enjoy South Carolina is to dip your toes in the white sand and enjoy the beautiful weather. It is perfect for frolicking as you can walk across the sand and visit the lighthouses. The beaches are wild hence, you gotta have a towel and a sturdy shoes to enjoy your best! 10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: It is not the closest beach to Nashville if you have a packed itinerary. It will take you about nine hours to drive to Myrtle Beach, but it’s so worth the drive.  We say keep at least three to four days in hand while going to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina!  From cheering the baseball team and Pelicans, riding the gigantic Ferris wheel, visiting New South Brewing MicroBrewery, or even having a night out at some local dinner theater, there’s so much to do here. Myrtle Beach has a subtropical climate, with 86 golf courses and 1800 restaurants to visit. The Myrtle Beach Area Fact Sheet states that around 17 million people visit Myrtle Beach annually. If you plan to visit the beach, you can take your family to the Kingdom amusement park. If you love adventure, the SkyWheel is the way to go, considering it is one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the world. In 2024, Myrtle Beach was the top trending destination for the Memorial Day weekend in the USA, according to Booking.com reports. Tripadvisor also featured it as the second-most coveted destination for the Memorial Day weekend 2024.  11. Anderson Beach, Tennessee At just 17 miles from Nashville, Anderson Beach is a popular picnic spot in Tennessee. You will enjoy amenities like picnic grills, tables, and cheap parking sites at this closest beach to Nashville.  You must pay $5 to park your vehicle for the entire day. Also, restrooms and a shelter make your time at the beach more comfortable.  Further, on Percy Priest Lake, Anderson Beach is great for canoeing and kayaking. You can even swim in the lake water for a rejuvenating experience. The water here is tranquil, with allocated swimming areas.  You can relax in the wooded area if you are not in for adventurous outdoor pursuits. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the closest beach to Nashville mentioned below.  1. What Is The Closest Ocean Beach To Nashville? Ans: The closest beaches to Nashville are as follows,➊ Pensacola,➋ Panama City Beach,➌ Tybee Island,➍ Hilton Head Beach, and➎ Gulf Shores. 2. What Is The Best Beach In Tennessee? Ans: The best beaches in Tennessee are as follows,➊ Big Ridge Lake,➋ Cheatham Lake,➌ Cherokee Lake,➍ Chickamauga Lake, and➎ Center Hill Lake. 3. What Is There To See Between Nashville And Gulf Shores? Ans: The top tourist spots between Nashville and Gulf Shores are as follows,➊ Lotz House Museum, ➋ Stones River National Battlefield,➌ Carnton,➍ Vulcan Park & Museum,➎ U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and➏ Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center. 4. What Is The Most Beautiful Town In Tennessee? Ans: The most beautiful towns in Tennessee are as follows,➊ Gatlinburg,➋ Townsend,➌ Bell Buckle,➍ Rogersville, and➎ Jonesborough. And It’s A Wrap! Finding the closest beach to Nashville proved to be an adventure, considering we made sure that you are aware of all your options! So now what? What are you still doing here? Pack your bags and get this trip started! All you have to do is plan a kickass trip and make some memories to treasure forever. In the meantime, don’t forget to share your thoughts and if you have any related past experiences in the comments below. Read Also: A Complete Guide Of West Beach 10 Best Nude Beaches In The World What To Look For When Purchasing A Beach Tent For Vacation