Building The Ultimate Travel First-Aid Kit

BY  Sibashree Jul 29, 2024

Kenai Fjords National Park is a place rich in biodiversity. Like the Dry Tortugas National Park, it also harbors a diverse marine ecosystem and a wide range of birds.   Further, it is an elusive land of glaciers, icy lands, rocky mountains, and green canopies. It is also the park where you can take part in activities like hunting, fishing, petting at Exit Glacier, boating, and kayaking. However, the most fascinating activity to do here is watching wildlife.   Here, I will be your entourage in finding how the wilderness becomes alive at the Kenai Fjords National Park.   Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife   The Kenai Fjords National Park has one of the highest footfalls among the national parks of America. In 2023, 387,525 people visited this National Park thanks to its wildlife and the most dramatic landscape with glaciers, mountains, ocean, and valleys. (Source)   Further, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game explains why and how the geographical features of the National Park make it rich in wildlife and biodiversity. About the habitat, it says,   “The park contains shallow bays and estuaries, and deeper marine habitats. Regional currents drive nutrients into outer Resurrection Bay, making that area especially rich in fish and an early location for spring bloom of plankton and algae. Cliffs and rocky shores create nesting sites for birds and haul-out areas for marine mammals.”  Do you want a slice of wildlife at this park where whales and mountain goats cohabit in the most amazing way? Let’s explore.   However, if you are more interested in amphibians and reptiles, the Everglades National Park will be your go-to destination.   Whales At Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife  Watching the whales is one of the best activities to do at Kenai Fjords National Park. You can see the whales here throughout the year.   The table below presents a sneak peek into the different species of whales and their best viewing time.  Type of Whale  Best Viewing Time  Humpback Whale Mid-May to August Orca or Killer Whale Mid-May to June Gray Whale Mid-April to May Fin Whale May to September  You can easily spot whales on the surface of the water. As they spout, fluke dive, breach, or spy hop in the water, you will get to know about their playful nature.   The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ensures that cruising companies and visitors maintain respectful behavior when they are on whale-watching trips.   Other Sea Mammals At Kenai Fjords  Kenai Fjords is home to many sea mammals along with various species of whales. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Dall’s Porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters, and sea lions.   Dall’s Porpoise  Dall’s Porpoises look like orcas but are faster. They eat lanternfish, octopus, and squid.   Harbor Seals  You will find these cute sea mammals resting around active glaciers. They also stay on ice floes. They love to eat shellfish and fish.   Sea Otters  You will spot the playful sea otters swimming on their back in the water. They love fish, crabs, sea urchins, and squids.  They are furry, and the funniest thing is to see them using their bellies as tables. For sure, you will want to grab a soft toy version of these sea mammals.   Stellar Sea Lions   Stellar sea lions are an endangered species, and they stay on the icy shore of the sea. They have reddish fur, and they are 6-8 in height.  These mammals survive on fish and mollusks.   Birds At Kenai Fjords  From the NPS archive, a historical document on Kenai Fjords National Park says,   “Kenai Fjords provides habitat for at least 191 species of birds. The black oystercatcher spends most of its time feeding in the rich intertidal zone. Tufted and horned puffins nest in rock crevices along the coast. Bald eagles patrol the waters in search of salmon and other fish.”   It’s time we meet the birds and learn briefly about them.   Horned Puffins  These beautiful birds have unique black horn-like markings over their eyes. The touch of red on the tip of their beaks further makes them easily distinguishable.  You must visit the Kenai Fjords from mid-May to August to catch a glimpse of these birds.   Bald Eagles   You may catch bald eagles preying on fish and waterfowl. They get their name from their white-feathered head.   Peregrine Falcons  Known for excellent hunting abilities, peregrine falcons have a vibrant touch of yellow around their eyes and on their beaks.   Along with these birds, you can also see birds like the common murre, black-legged kittiwake, and cormorant at Kenai Fjords National Park.   Land Mammals At Kenai Fjords  Mountain goats and brown and black bears are common at Kenai Fjords. The mountain goats have split hooves for a better grip on the mountains and on the snowy land.   Further, many people visit the Kenai Fjords only to meet black and brown bears. These bears love eating fish, berries, and other vegetation.   Final Words   Global temperature changes and glacier melting have challenged the vast wilderness at Kenai Fjords National Park. Further, the movements of crustal plates beneath the Earth's surface make the landscape and its ecosystem volatile.   So, there is nothing permanent about the animals found in this park, stretching over 1000 square miles of water and land. Also, it is impossible to know about all the species habituating here thanks to the geographical nature and dramatic differences in weather conditions across seasons.  Nevertheless, as you take a tour of this rich national park on a cruise or explore its various parks, make sure to abide by the safety norms. Respect nature and its inhabitants!  This is the best way to experience the natural abundance the park is known for.   Do you have plans to visit the Kenai Fjords anytime soon? What do you find the most amazing thing about it? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!   Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park: FAQs  What Animals Can You See In Kenai Fjords National Park?  Kenai Fjords wilderness is vivid. As you take a cruise trip or explore the National Park, you will notice the seals first, comfortable on the floating ice in the sea. Further, the male and female sea lions make their presence felt on the icy seashore.   Kenai Fjords is home to many notable species of marine and land mammals. Also, you will find various birds here.  Whales, sea otters, Dall's porpoise, gray wolves, minks, and mountain goats are common animals here.   Birds such as puffins, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons will greet you as you visit this beautiful national park.   Can You See Bears In Kenai Fjords National Park?   Located at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords has black and brown bears. Black bears are easily spotted, and they are more timid than brown bears.   The National Park Service has a set of safety guidelines, including not attracting bears with food and garbage and avoiding their personal spaces. Follow the norms to make your interaction with the bears delightful.   Can You See Northern Lights In Kenai Fjords National Park?   Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Kenai Fjords National Park during the autumn and winter seasons. The night sky of Kenai Fjords looks like the most amazing melange of green, purple, blue, and green shades.   If you are a religious soul, you must visit the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church with the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. It’s the most divine experience.   For a spiritual journey, watch the lights over the Seward boat harbor.   When To See Whales In Kenai Fjords National Park?  You can see whales in Kenai Fjords National Park throughout the year. However, if you want to watch a specific species of whale among the varieties seen here, you must plan a trip according to the right season.   The best time for watching gray whales is March and April. In these months, gray whales migrate to this part of the world through the Gulf of Alaska.  Do you want to watch the humpback whales? You can see them from May to October. They flock in large numbers from Mexico and Hawaii. They live in the water here as they can find nutrient-rich food for them throughout the summer.   In addition, Orcas or the killer whales are seen in mid-May and June. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you will also see minke whales and fin whales in this area.   What Is Special About Kenai Fjords?   Your Alaska trip is incomplete without a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can see the best of the marine world. Also, it is the home to Northwestern, Aialik, and Holgate tidewater glaciers. Glaciers move relentlessly into the sea.   Further, it is the most picturesque landscape where mountains, an ancient icefield, valleys, cascading falls, forest canopies, and the great Pacific Ocean coexist. Thanks to this coexistence, Kenai Fjords National Park is rich in biodiversity. You will find humpback whales, sea otters, mountain goats and many species of birds in the National Park.   Designated as a National Park in 1980, Kenai Fjords National Park also protects various archeological and historical remains. The park has many prehistoric, protohistoric, and historic sites.   Archeologists still conduct surveys in this park to learn more about the human way of living and why it has changed over the years.   Also read Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park. Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore In 2023! What Is The Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park? Find The Answer Here!

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 2, 2021

Sometimes, traveling with kids can bring excitement to your trip. This is because they bring fun and joy to your whole journey. However, when traveling with your children, it'd be a good idea to ensure they're comfortable and safe. That's where travel pillows for kids come in. This article walks you through all you need to know about travel pillows for kids. You'll know what they are, how to select the best ones, the benefits they offer, and much more. Read on to get enlightened. What Is A Travel Pillow For Kids? This is a special pillow designed to provide support to young children when traveling. Since travel pillows are designed for children, they come in small sizes than the standard ones. If you want your small children to be comfortable and well-rested when traveling for long periods of time, you should buy them travel pillows specifically made for their age group. Not only will these provide comfort to your children, but they’ll also allow them to sleep well and enjoy any trip, no matter the duration. Although most travel pillows for kids are U-shaped to help support the neck, children can use other special types of travel pillows to rest their heads on when asleep. A good example of such is the buckwheat travel pillow for kids. A buckwheat pillow serves several purposes. For instance, apart from being used as a travel pillow, it can also be used as a sleep pillow. So, if you're going to camp with your kids for several days, the best deal could be to buy them buckwheat pillows. For more information about buckwheat pillows, you can watch this video. What Are The Benefits Of A Travel Pillow For Kids? Travel pillows can offer several benefits to your kids. Some of these include: Provide Better Sleep Better sleep is one of the reasons why every child needs to carry a pillow when traveling. As you may already know, sleep is better for small children. Better sleep allows for physical and cognitive development in children. If you want your children to boost their overall well-being, the best deal is to provide them with travel pillows when on trips. These offer your children comfort, thus, allowing them to sleep better. Besides, travel pillows can allow your children to have peace of mind, which also helps boost their sleep. If you want to see your children sleep for long hours during travel, it'd be a good idea to allow them to use travel pillows for kids. Prevent Fatigue Another benefit of travel pillows for children is that they can help prevent fatigue. This is important, especially for long journeys that require your kids to remain seated for several hours. Note that young children are susceptible to fatigue. For instance, when they suffer from it, it can affect their overall body health. Fortunately, using travel pillows will help prevent your children from suffering fatigue during long travels. Help Reduce Snoring Another benefit of carrying a travel pillow is that it helps reduce snoring during sleep. Snoring is a situation wherein the nostrils are partially blocked, thus, preventing a smooth flow of air in the body. This happens especially when someone isn't seated upright. If your children snore when they sleep, it'd be a good idea to buy them their own travel pillows. These can offer support to your children, allowing them to sit upright. This goes a long way in assisting them in reducing snoring. Prevent Neck Pain Another reason to have your kids use travel pillows is that they prevent neck pain. Neck pain is a major problem among children when traveling. This occurs after straining their heads for so long, causing internal injuries to the neck. When your child suffers from neck pain, it can cost you a lot of money. This happens especially when you need to take your kid to the hospital for specialized medical care to heal their neck injury. To avoid unnecessary medical expenses, encourage your kids to carry travel pillows. Not only will this help avoid unnecessary medical expenses, but such pillows will also allow your children to enjoy their trips. This is possible because travel pillows can support your children’s necks as these help them avoid straining their heads when traveling. Prevent Spinal Injuries Preventing spinal injuries is another reason your kids need to use travel pillows on all their trips. Most of the spinal injuries among kids are caused by poor posture when traveling by bus or airplane. This occurs when the spinal cord isn't properly aligned. Your children can avoid spinal cord injuries and pains by supporting themselves with travel pillows. This is possible because such pillows can help align your children’s spinal cords, thus, boosting their posture. Combined with one of these high-back booster seats, your child will benefit from increased comfort and safety and will be less likely to suffer a spinal injury in the event of a crash. The Tips For Choosing Travel Pillows For Kids Although travel pillows provide numerous advantages, you must ensure that you're selecting the right type. To start with, here are essential factors to consider when purchasing travel pillows for kids: 1. Breathability Breathability is the most crucial factor to consider when selecting a travel pillow for your kids. This aspect is also synonymous with their ability to absorb moisture. This feature prevents your kid from overheating or sweating. If you want your children to avoid excess heat, buy them breathable travel pillows. These can also prevent the formation of blisters. Such is possible because breathable travel pillows can absorb excess moisture, which is a major cause of blisters among children. 2. Comfort Using travel pillows helps boost comfort. For that reason, you may want your children to carry travel pillows that can offer them maximum support and comfort while traveling. Although it's impossible to know the comfort level of a travel pillow until you use it, the best way is to try it before purchasing it. So, if you're buying travel pillows for kids from an online store, be sure that they can allow you to return the pillows in case they don’t perform as advertised. 3. Size Size is another consideration to put at the back of your mind when selecting travel pillows for your kids. Considering the size is important because, just like any other children's item, there are no one-size-fits-all travel pillows for kids This means that travel pillows for kids come in different forms. So, you need to know and choose the best size of travel pillows for your children. Moreover, some trips may involve carrying a lot of luggage. This is true, especially when you'll be on a trip for several days. So, apart from considering your children’s size, it'd also be a good idea to choose travel pillows that can best fit into your carry-on luggage. For that reason, you can consider purchasing compressible or inflatable travel pillows. 4. Durability Durability is another factor to consider when choosing travel pillows for your kids. This aspect refers to how long it can last. But, apart from considering the durability of a travel pillow, it'd be a good idea to ensure that it's easy to maintain as well. For that reason, be sure to pick a travel pillow that's washable either by hands or machines. 5. Support Support is another essential thing to consider when buying travel pillows for kids. This is important because you need to select the ones that can support the neck and head of your kids when traveling. 6. Cost Cost is another factor to consider to ensure you're buying the right travel pillows for kids. It’s always important to remember that, sometimes, the price doesn't always reflect the quality of a product. For instance, you can pay a high price and end up receiving a substandard travel pillow. Therefore, you must ensure that you get value for your hard-earned money. 7. Warranty Warranty is another factor to consider when purchasing travel pillows for kids. This is a written guarantee by the seller promising to refund or replace a product if they receive the wrong item within a specified timeframe. It also explains the terms and conditions in which exchanges can be made. So, to ensure you possess the right travel pillow for your kid, it'd be a good idea to ensure that your seller provides warranties. This helps ensure you can replace it in case it fails to serve your interests. What Are The Major Types Of Travel Pillows For Kids? There are many types of travel pillows for kids that you can choose from. Some of these include: Seat Belt Travel Pillows Seal belt is one of the most common types of travel pillows for kids. Such pillows are mostly used for long trips to support the neck. Besides, your kids can use seat belt pillows in case they want to sleep for many hours when traveling. To use this type of kid travel pillow, you need to wrap it around the car seat belt. Leg Rest Travel Pillows For Kids They’re mainly used by children when traveling on airplanes. Ideally, a leg travel pillow for kids is a big cushion that can be placed in the front of the child to allow them to rest their legs on top of it. This can allow your children to have a relaxed journey. The Neck Ring Travel Pillows For Kids The neck ring travel pillow for kids is U-shaped to help support the neck. It resembles an adult neck travel pillow, although it’s smaller in size. It can help support your children when sleeping to prevent their heads from leaning forward or backward. How Can You Find The Best Seller Of Travel Pillows For Kids? You must ensure you’re buying travel pillows from a reputable seller. This is important because only by buying your pillows from a recognizable seller can you be guaranteed great quality products and services. You can find a reliable seller by Asking For Referrals This is one of the best ways to find the best pillow seller in the market. It involves seeking recommendations from other buyers and users about the best pillows for kids. However, it’d be a good idea not to make your purchase decision merely on recommendations. For that reason, you need to research and find the best seller from your recommendation list. Read Online Reviews Reading online reviews is another effective strategy to find a reputable seller of travel pillows for kids. It involves going to various sellers’ websites to learn what other customers say about them. You can achieve this by going through other clients’ opinions and feedback. Reading online reviews is helpful because most customers are honest, so they’ll leave genuine opinions. That said, positive reviews are an indication that most customers were satisfied with your prospective pillow seller. On the other hand, you must be worried about buying pillows from a seller with negative reviews as they’re likely to provide poor products or services. However, if you see mixed reactions from different customers, research to find how your seller responds to negative criticism. Takeaway Traveling with your children is the best decision you can ever make when going for a vacation. This is important because, apart from giving you companionship, they get the opportunity to travel and experience the world. However, you must ensure they carry along with them the right gadgets, including their travel pillows As earlier noted, travel pillows for kids are special travel pillows designed to be used by small children when traveling. They resemble the standard travel pillows, but they come in small sizes to suit young children's needs. Besides, there are different types of travel pillows for kids. That's why you need to research and find the ones that best fit your children’s needs. As you've seen above, there are several factors to consider when purchasing travel pillows for your kids. Some of these include breathability, comfort, and support. Besides, you need to consider the size, durability, and cost of the travel pillows for your kids. By using travel pillows, your children can experience better sleep, prevent fatigue and neck pains, avoid spinal injuries, and reduce snoring. All these allow your children to boost their health and enjoy their trips. Read Also: Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World Making The Most Out Of Your Next Flight 14 Hacks To Make Your Road Trip Go Smoothly

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 19, 2021

Traveling is an enlightening experience for anyone. The chance to travel the world, meet new people, and discover more about yourself is appealing, so why not do it with your partner? If you’re in a relationship and you’re wondering if you should explore different countries together, here is why you should. The Chance to Plan Together: Working with somebody really shows you who the person is. Think about group activities at school; often, you would quickly find out who was the natural leader, who was a deep thinker, and who couldn’t care less. By working as a team with your partner, you’ll get to know them much better. Just remember to bring the passports and to book the long term parking Orlando airport! You’ll Get to Know the Other’s Habits: Have you ever thought you liked someone until you spent the night with them? While we tend to brush off annoying habits, in reality, if you are bugged by someone’s habits early on, you’ll most likely become enraged years into the relationship. The chances are you’ll already know your partner’s habits if you’re planning on traveling with them, but spending every single day and night with the person in foreign countries will give insight like never before. To Make Friends Together: As a couple, it’s healthy to have separate friends and fun to meet the people in your other half’s life. It’s just as great to have friends together, though, and by traveling together, you are sure to make plenty. One way to connect with new people is through shared dining experiences—whether abroad or at restaurants back home, such as The Mantl Turkish Restaurant London, where you can enjoy authentic cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, the friends you make will come from various cultures and have many different life lessons, giving you a friendship group that spans way further than a college campus or a work office. You Will Learn Life Lessons:  You learn a lot when you travel. You learn about who you are, how other people live, and how strange your own way of life is to others. As much fun as your travels will be, the lessons you and your partner make will stick for a lifetime. It Boosts Your Sex Life: It might sound strange, but studies show that traveling as a couple boosts your sex life! It does make sense – with all the different places, foods, people, and cultures, your enthusiasm reaches its peak, and that will show in the bedroom. To Grow as a Couple: All the experiences you have will shape you as people, and by growing together, you’ll only grow stronger within your relationship. You might not be the same people when you go home, but that’s OK, as you’ll have evolved as people together. You’ll Make Everlasting Memories: Best of all, you will make memories that you will cherish forever. You’ll remember the time your partner got lost in Paris, or when you danced in Greece until you could barely stand, and when you saw a wild lion for the first time in Africa. All these memories will stay with you both for your whole lives, giving you great stories to tell your families and to laugh about for years to come. Read Also: 5 Secrets On How To Travel Light – Travel Hacks Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try Travel Advice For Different Countries Around The World