A Backpacker’s Guide: Must-Have Camping Essentials

BY ArnabSep 22, 2022

A UK cancer charity has been raising awareness about what it calls the ‘scandal’ of cancer patients being quoted travel insurance premiums so high they cannot afford to go on holiday.  Hampshire-based PLANETS, which supports people with neuroendocrine, pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal, and pancreatic cancer, has accused travel insurance providers of applying a ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy to cancer patients which often penalizes people even when they are in remission and have been in good health for a number of years.  As well as pointing out that many insurers simply refuse to cover anyone with a history of cancer, making their search for cover more difficult, PLANETS also highlights some of the exorbitant prices cancer patients are sometimes quoted - as if to purposefully put them off. There Are Alternatives For Cancer Patients It points to two cases it came across of patients it worked with, both of whom had neuroendocrine tumors. One was quoted for a two-week trip to Canada requiring £7,000. The other was told to enjoy a week in Spain, it would cost £1,000 for them. PLANETS co-founder Jo Green also has neuroendocrine cancer. The condition is incurable, but with treatment can be managed successfully for many years. She has been living with it for 11 years, has no symptoms, and is in good health. But she too faces obstructive practices whenever she tries to get insurance to go abroad.  The reason why PLANETS has taken up the cause of travel insurance for cancer patients is that, as Jo puts it, going on holiday is an “essential” coping mechanism for many people living with the realities of a long-term medical condition.  “You’ve already been dealt a pretty bad card if you’ve had cancer,” she says. “It is a shame insurance companies can’t be more helpful and realistic in order to allow patients to seek respite through holidays which are important to health and wellbeing.”  Her thoughts are echoed by her fellow co-founder Neil Pearce, a specialist in pancreas, liver, and neuroendocrine tumor surgery. “For many people, the respite and morale boost a holiday away with family or friends brings is invaluable to their life, yet we are in the perverse situation where very little effort [by travel insurers] is even put in to establish the condition a person is in.” Fair Prices And Bespoke Policies After cancer travel insurance reviews, most mainstream travel insurance providers simply aren’t set up to deal with the nuances of people’s health on a case-by-case basis. To them, someone with a pre-existing medical condition represents heightened risk - the risk of falling ill while they are abroad and claiming medical expenses, the risk of requiring more expensive specialist interventions.  Those risks are simply categorized by the condition. Whatever the condition, that’s the additional charge (if they even agree to offer cover for it at all). And everyone with that condition has to pay that same price.  It’s also the case that certain medical conditions attract much higher premiums than others. Cancer is right at the top of that list.  This is all commonplace in the travel insurance sector, but it’s by no means universal. There are providers who specialize in medical travel insurance, i.e. policies specifically geared for people with long-term medical conditions.  The Difference Between The Travel Insurance And Medical Insurance The big difference in how these niche providers operate is that they do take the health of the individual into consideration. This is usually done by means of a simple medical questionnaire. Prospective customers will be asked about their medical history, what condition (or conditions) they are currently living with, how it is managed, what medication they are on, their current state of health, etc.  From this information, medical travel insurance providers are the best insurance for cancer patients and are able to do two things. One, they can make a fairer evaluation of the risk an individual actually poses. So for cancer patients, if they are in remission or if their symptoms are well managed and they are in good health, they can be offered a policy at a fair price.  The insurer understands it isn’t simply cancer that poses the risk - it’s the individual circumstances of the patient. Second, knowing something about the medical background of the individual means specialist insurers can offer policies tailored to their needs.  Although all travel insurance includes cover for medical costs, this is generally only for generic emergency treatments, not interventions specific to a particular condition.  What If You’re Diagnosed With Cancer After You Purchase Travel Insurance? Imagine you and your spouse decide to take a Paris trip to commemorate your 25th wedding anniversary. To safeguard the vacation, you also buy travel insurance. Six months later, a regular mammogram finds a lump in your breast, and stage 2 breast cancer is the result of this discovery. You have to have radiation and surgery, so your eagerly anticipated cruise will have to wait. When you're dealing with a cancer diagnosis, travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits might be really helpful. Travel insurance after breast cancer cancellation benefits can pay you back for your paid, non-refundable trip expenses if your symptoms (or the side effects of treatment) are incapacitating enough to force you to cancel your trip and if your doctor recommends it. In this matter, you can reschedule your Paris trip after your wife has recovered.  Final Words As a cancer patient or anyone else with a long-term medical condition, you want the reassurance that if you do fall ill on your holidays, you will get the care and attention that you need - and that the cost of it will be covered by your insurance. Please remember that travel insurance can't pay for planned medical expenses. Plus, travel insurance will not pay for elective care, non-emergency care,  experimental treatment, and long-term care in your insurance policy.  Apart from this, if you have any more questions, you can ask by commenting below. Please share your opinions, if I missed any points to mention here.  Read Also: Does Traveling Affect Your Life Insurance? Dos And Don’ts Of Travelling With A Campervan Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities In The U.S. To Travel To This Winter

BY Shahnawaz AlamApr 13, 2022

"Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world." ~ Gustave Flaubert. The short lifespan of us humans is not enough to see, explore, and feel the world and all the diverse corners of it. But can't we make it worthwhile by getting away from the tiny apartments we narrow down our lives in? If you have made up your mind to go out and feel the world with all of your senses, I suggest that you set out in the first month of the year–January. This article lists some of the best places to travel in January. I can give you plenty of good reasons to start your journey in January. Travelers looking for a cost-effective journey will find this month the best time to travel. Also, the winter season in January makes a perfect time and opportunity to calm and refresh your body and soul. 10 Best Places To Travel In January You can kick start your year by hiking the snowy mountains that stand tall. You can let the travel thirsty soul within you soak their toes in the salty ocean waves. Then, why not spend the evening in some big city you have longed to visit? You can do all of it in January, and I have the best destinations lined up for you. Here are the best ten places to travel in January- 1. Zanskar Ladakh If you hear the calling of the mountain, then you need to see them in their full glory. Winter is the springtime of the mountains, and Zanskar Ladakh adorns itself with the most welcoming cold that refreshes and rejuvenates you. Mostly known for its Frozen River Trek, uniquely named Chadar Trek, Ladakh opens up its most exotic travel treasure trove only in the winter ( January!). The weather and the landscape of Ladakh Zanskar make it inevitable to list the best places to travel in January. You have numerous trekking destinations in Ladakh. Padum-Darcha Trek, Zanskar-Sham Valley Trek, and Lugnak Trail Trek are some excellent places to trek. The glorious mountains clad in their snowy shawls are waiting to meet you. Countless monasteries in this region seem to be treasuring and cherishing the secrets of the world. How To Reach? Located in the Kargil district of Kashmir, India, Ladakh keeps its arms open for you in all modes of travel. You can visit by air, train, or just hit the road on a motorcycle ( the third one is my personal favorite). If you are going by air, you can go through the Kushok Bakula Airport. It is very close to Leh. If you are going by train, you can start by reaching Jammu Tawi railway station. The dream of many travelers is to ride the 462 km distance between Leh and Ladakh on a motorbike. You can take the NH 01 or NH 301 highway and travel by yourself. Places To Visit: You can visit the Lingshed Monastery, Sani Monastery, and Stongdey Monastery. The Pensi La Pass separates the Zanskar Valley from Suru Valley; it is a must-visit location in Ladakh. You must not miss Pangong Lake and Khardung la Pass. Things To Do: You can trek, hike mountains, and even feel the rush of motorbike riding in the Zanskar region. Cuisines To Try: If you are visiting Ladakh, you must try these dishes– Momo, skyu, Thupka, Chutagi, tingmo, chhurpe. 2. Maldives If you want to get lost and find yourself in a picturesque Island country, Maldives is the location you need to visit. The country is located in the north-central Indian Ocean. The bright, beautiful crystal blue ocean and the beaches that welcome you with open arms are hard not to resist. The emerald water of Maldives is the main attraction of Maldives. Many luxurious overwater bungalows are making it the best location for a trip in January. The Maldives is one of the best places to travel in January for all the water sports you can enjoy there. Also, you can entertain your guests by choosing a private yacht charter in the Maldives. How To Reach? You can reach the Maldives by plane; you can take a chartered plane from anywhere in the world and reach the airport on the island. Places To Visit: Male, Addu Atoll, and Mafushi are the places where you can visit in the Maldives. Things To Do: The Maldives tends to wound your soul with its relaxing weather and environment. There are plenty of activities to do in Maldives–snorkeling, submarine rides, and island hopping are some of my personal recommendations. Cuisines To Try: Some of the mouth-watering delicacies are waiting for you in the Maldives. You can try–fried yams, fish curry, gulha, Maldivian live lobster, mas huni, and masroshi. You may like to Read: Getting The Best From Maldives Tour Packages. 3. Seychelles Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands, is one of the best travel destinations to visit in January. Suppose you can spend a few days in the lap of numerous beaches in Seychelles. The nature reserve of this location appeals to your eyes with coral reefs and rare animals like giant Aldabra. The calm islands and serene beaches will help you find yourself again. Seychelles ranks among the best places to travel in January. So if you are planning a trip in January, then Seychelles has readied the best holiday destinations for January. How To Reach? Seychelles is located in East Africa; you can reach the location through the international airport located on the Mahe island near the capital Victoria. You can travel from most of the countries in the world and their national airports. Places To Visit:  There are 115 islands, so you have plenty of places to visit in Seychelles in January. The best places among them are–Mahe, Beau Vallon, Praslin, and La Digue. Things To Do: Just relaxing on the numerous beaches is enough to freshen you up. You can do snorkeling, Scuba diving, and cruise rides in Seychelles. Cuisines To Try: You must try seafood if you are visiting Seychelles. There are plenty of exquisite delicacies to try out in the place. For instance–octopus curry, grilled fish, satini, ladobs, and local alcoholic beverages. You can also try many fruits like mango, papaya, avocado, and star fruit. 4. Switzerland If you are planning to visit a country Instead of a specific destination, then Switzerland can be one of the best places to travel in January. It is like one of the snowy places out of the Disney movies that you dreamed of visiting as a child. It is the dream country where the urban and the wild live together in harmony. The beautiful alpine scenery of Switzerland, the Alps, wetlands, and the forest area live nearby in this country. So if you are planning to spend the winter in the lavish luxury of urban life and also keep nature close to your chest, then there is no better place than Switzerland. How To Reach? The best option would be to take a direct flight to Switzerland. But if you don't have any other options, you can fly to Milan or Paris and then fly to any Swiss airport. Places To Visit? There are multiple places to visit in Switzerland. Zurich, Lake Geneva, Lucerne, Verbier. Lake Geneva is my personal favorite serene paradise. You also must not skip St.moritz. Things To Do: Come visit the Soglio village in Switzerland; you can also swim in Lake Lucerne and party at the exotic clubs here. Cuisines To Try: Fondue is the signature of Switzerland, and you must try it if you are visiting. Roasted flour soup, rosti, polenta, and braised beef, raclette are some of the most delicious dishes that you need to try here. 5. Dubai Dubai indeed is among the best places to travel in January. If you are a sucker for the luxurious city views, then Dubai has no peers for your travel-thirsty soul. Skyscrapers that penetrate the sky, state-of-the-art buildings, fabulous city life, sporty beeches, and fine dinners are the main attractions of Dubai. How To Reach? You can reach Dubai by landing at the Dubai international airport. Places To Visit: Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab are two of the best places to visit in Dubai. You must also see Dubai creek, Global village, Jumeirah Beach, and Underwater Zoo. Things To Do: You can relax at the beach or go on a desert safari. Cuisines To Try: If you are in Dubai, you must try the best foods in Dubai– Manousheh, Al Harees, Chelo Kebab, Mandi, Iranian Sangak, and Oozie. Read more: 5 Essential Tips For A Smooth Dubai Tour Package. 6. Bali Bali, the island of gods, provides you the peace and tranquility that you have been longing for a long time. In its diverse and rich natural abundance, Bali appears like a scenic painting of what global nature has to offer. The glory of the mountains, the life force of the lush greenery, gushing sacred rivers, beautiful waterfalls, canyons, gardens, and beautiful temples will attract you to Bali. If you are looking for the best honeymoon destination in January, then Bali is my first recommendation. In January, most of the travelers clear out the tourism sports. So you have Bali all to yourself as the most romantic tourism destination in January. How To Reach? You can reach Bali either by Ngurah Rai or Denpasar International Airport. Places To Visit: You must visit Kuta, Seminyak, Gili, Ubud. Things To Do: You can go surfing, visit the temples, and see the rice terraces. Cuisines To Try: Babi Guling, Gado Gado, Mie Goreng, and Pepes Ikan, are some delicious foods you should give your mouth the privilege to taste. You can also check: 4 Tips For First-Time Travelers To Bali. 7. Thailand, Chiang Mai Surrounded by the Thai highlands, Chiang Mai is one of the best places you can visit in Thailand. The best part about a visit to Chiang Mai is that you can visit there during winter, especially in January. The weather, the landscape, and the people of Chiang Mai are the reasons for going to Chiang. The mountain top temples and Doi Inthanon national park are the main attraction of January. Chiang Mai is one of the best places to travel in January. If you are in Thailand, you can also visit the Red Lotus Sea in the Kumphawapi district. The scenic beauty of the millions of water lilies is a sight to behold. How To Reach? You can reach Chiang Mai through the air, by bus, and also by train. You can directly land at the Chiang Mai airport. Also, you can also go by train straight from Bangkok. Places To Visit: The mountain top temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must-visit place in Thailand. You can also go see the Hmong village named Doi Pui. Doi Inthanon national park is another place in Chiang Mai you must go to. Things To Do:  You can go for an adventure in the Doi Inthanon park, do a night safari, and attend local festivals in Chiang Mai. Cuisines To Try: There are many local Thai foods that you can try out. But you must not forget to try the most popular local dish named Khao Soy. 8. Sri Lanka If you are looking for the best places to travel in January for warm weather, then Sri Lanka can be a good choice. Rich in hill stations, pleasant beaches, and wildlife treasures, Sri Lanka can be the best travel destination for warm weather in January. It is also one of the best countries you can visit in the summer. How To Reach? You can take an international flight to reach Sri Lanka from any place in the world. Places To Visit: Bentota, Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy. Things To Do: You can climb the Sirigiya and see the elephants from an up-close distance; you can also explore the Yala national park. Cuisines To Try: Kottu roti, Lamparis, Dhal curry, Gotu Kola mallung, wood apple juice, etc. 9. Tulum Mexico is a place for more than relaxation. You can relax on the beaches of Tulum. The white sand on the beach and the crystal blue water will provoke you to extend your holidays. Since you are in Mexico, you can also recharge yourself by going to parties and enjoying various sports on the beach. The weather in Tulum during January is quite nice. So if you are looking for travel destinations for a January tour, then it's an option worth considering. Click here to know- how to turn your Tulum trip into an unforgettable adventure? How To Reach? You can land at the Cancun International Airport and go to Tulum straight from there. Places To Visit: Tulum archeological sites, cenotes dos ojos, gran cenote, playa paraiso. Things To Do: You can go for day trips, snorkeling, and eco-tours. Click here to read out 12 things that everyone should try in Mexico. Cuisines To Try: Ceviche,Sopa de Lima, tacos al Pastor, Yucateca Antojitos, Cochinita Pibil. 10. East-Central Africa, Serengeti National Park If you are planning a trip in January, then you must hear the call of the jungle. An African safari in the Serengeti national park is one of the best trips you can plan in January. January is the time when many wild beasts breed during their Great Migration. Serengeti should be among the best places to travel in January if you want to see them in their world. How To Reach? You can fly from Kilimanjaro International airport or Arusha International Airport to Serengeti. Places To Visit: Seronera, Naabi Hill, sees the Migration at the Serengeti hippo pool's national park. Things To Do: You can have a balloon safari there, see the wildlife migration, and the Tanzania safari. Cuisines To Try: Nyama choma, chipsi mayai, mshikaki, Zanzibar pizza. These Are The Best Places To Travel In January Different parts of the world have different weather in January. You can enjoy a chilly bike ride in Ladakh. You can also enjoy the mild warm beaches like Tulum and Seychelles. If you want peace and quiet on a romantic trip, then Bali is your destination. For people with a deep love for wild lives, Serengeti is calling you with open arms. In this article, I have tried to diversify the best travel destinations for a trip in January. I wholeheartedly provoke you to personally visit any of these places and share your experience with us. I can assure you that you will have a memorable trip in your life. Read Also: Best Neighborhoods To Discover In Mexico City Reasons To Book Cottages For Your Honeymoon! World’s Legendary Locations That Will Mesmerise You

BY ArnabOct 27, 2023

Travel is more than just setting foot on unfamiliar terrain. It's a journey into the heart of a culture, a deep dive into local traditions, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of a place. Authentic travel experiences allow you to see, taste, and feel the true spirit of a destination. The era of tourist traps is fading. Today, travelers seek genuine interactions, unique tales, and opportunities to venture off the familiar path. So, how can you ensure your next trip is teeming with authentic experiences? Delve into these essential tips. 1. Embrace Language And Communication Mastering a few local phrases can significantly transform your travel. Imagine being in Japan and ordering your meal in Japanese instead of pointing at a menu. Before departing, consider enrolling in Japanese classes online. Doing this not only impresses the locals but also enriches your journey. Language serves as a bridge to deeper interactions and understanding. Dive into local media like films or podcasts. They offer a window into the nation's heartbeat, illuminating its culture, values, and everyday nuances. And keep in mind: patience and an open heart go a long way. Not all conversations will flow seamlessly, but your effort won't go unnoticed. Many appreciate your attempts to speak their language. 2. Opt For Local Accommodations Staying in local lodgings such as guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, or homestays can elevate your journey. In such accommodations, you can feel the warmth of local hospitality and perhaps form lifelong friendships. Often, these places are situated in less touristy areas, letting you explore authentic neighborhoods. Additionally, the owners usually have unmatched local insights and can suggest hidden treasures you won't find in guidebooks. More so, supporting these accommodations boosts sustainability. By backing local businesses, you contribute directly to the community, ensuring a rich experience for yourself and a boost for the local economy. 3. Eat Where The Locals Eat Food plays a central role in travel. Rather than dining at tourist-centric spots, find places where locals congregate. Street food vendors, local markets, and family-run diners often serve the most authentic and tantalizing dishes. Venturing into local culinary scenes also immerses you in a location's cultural and historical narrative. Food mirrors a country's past, influences, and rituals. So, while savoring different dishes, you taste myriad stories and traditions. Stay adventurous and be open to sampling new foods. Some might seem exotic, but they could be the highlights of your trip. Remember, travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's about tasting new flavors, too. 4. Participate In Local Traditions And Festivals Joining local traditions and festivals offers a profound cultural immersion. These events reflect the heartbeat of a community and its binding tales. Whether you're dancing at a festival in Bali or celebrating Carnival in Brazil, active participation profoundly connects you to the local culture. However, approach these events with respect. Stay aware of local customs and etiquette. For instance, if a festival requires a certain attire, respect that. Always ask before taking photos, especially during religious events. While these experiences are new to you, they're integral to many locals' lives. Your attitude can determine whether you're appreciating or appropriating. Respect ensures your experiences are memorable and positive. 5. Take Public Transport Using public transportation isn't just economical; it also offers a front-row seat to everyday life. Riding buses, trams, or trains lets you witness the mundane yet beautiful moments of daily life. Furthermore, public transport can introduce you to lesser-known parts of a city or town. These spots often provide a more authentic experience, whether it's a hidden café, a quiet park, or a lively market. Choosing public transport is also eco-friendly. It reduces your environmental impact, eases traffic, and supports the local economy. So, hop on local transportation during your next trip and discover unexpected treasures. 6. Choose Experience Over Sightseeing While landmarks are captivating, hands-on activities offer unparalleled authenticity. Rather than just sightseeing, dive into local activities. Enroll in a pottery workshop, learn the local dance moves, or whip up local dishes. Such activities immerse you in the details of local traditions. Plus, they often lead to lasting connections with residents. Engaging in a craft or skill provides avenues for rich interactions, leaving indelible memories. 7. Engage With Locals  Conversations with locals offer insights no guidebook can match. Interacting with a street vendor, a fellow commuter, or a café proprietor can deepen your understanding of local beliefs and aspirations. Always approach with genuine interest and respect. Not everyone may be in the mood to chat, but that's okay. When conversations do occur, you might be surprised by the hospitality and warmth. Often, these chats can lead to recommendations for off-the-radar attractions or experiences. Such insider info can redefine your journey, uncovering hidden spots and moments to cherish. Related: Prepping For Your Winter Trip To Salt Lake City 8. Embrace Sustainable Practices Integrating sustainable practices into your travels ensures that the destinations you love remain beautiful and vibrant for future generations. Consider eco-friendly accommodations or those that have sustainable certifications. These places often go the extra mile to reduce waste, conserve water, and support local communities. Another aspect of sustainable travel is conscious consumerism. Opt for handcrafted local products rather than mass-produced items when buying souvenirs or gifts.  This not only supports local artisans but also helps keep traditional crafts alive. Remember, every purchase you make has an impact, and as a traveler, you have the power to make it a positive one. 9. Travel Slowly In this fast-paced world, leisurely travel offers a distinct pleasure. Allowing yourself to explore slowly enables you to soak in the ambiance, sync with local rhythms, and form genuine bonds. Instead of rushing from one spot to another, meander through lanes, relax in parks, or savor extended meals. Slow travel emphasizes mindfulness, helping you appreciate nuances—the scent of fresh bread, the sound of laughter, or the art in local crafts. These moments often encapsulate a destination's essence. In Conclusion True travel goes beyond sightseeing—it's about immersion, comprehension, and connection. By diving into local languages, traditions, and activities, you not only elevate your travels but also leave a positive mark on the places you visit. Embracing these tips means every journey offers a chance to evolve. Here's to more authentic and unforgettable adventures. Safe travels! Read Also: Thailand Travel Guide: This Is The Best Time To Visit Stay Safe And Satisfied: Exploring Paraguay’s Culinary Delights With Travel Insurance In Mind A Newly Launched Tool ‘Skyscanner’ Inspires Travelers To Book Travel Destinations With Ease And Confidence