Answering The Most Asked, “Can You Bring Scissors On A Plane?”

BY  Arnab Jun 20, 2023

Few experiences compare to traveling or living abroad. The thrill of immersing yourself in a vibrant new culture or experiencing the lifestyle of a different country is unrivaled. But despite the sheer joy of these adventures, many travelers and ex-pats will miss certain home comforts from time to time. Whether it’s your favorite snack or a specific brand of skincare you’ve always used, there are always things we miss when we’re abroad. But getting your hands on your favorite products when you’re abroad can be a challenge. Local international shops have limited options, and international fees can quickly get expensive. The good news is there’s a simple solution — parcel forwarding services. If you’re an ex-pat or a globetrotter looking to buy products from home, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together everything you need to know about parcel forwarding in one place. Understanding Parcel Forwarding At its core, parcel forwarding is a pretty straightforward concept- pretty much like what Canada shipping companies do. It’s a service designed to make international shopping easier and give access to a wider range of products. We’ll dig into the specific steps of how it works later, but here’s roughly how it works: Go to your favorite eCommerce store and shop as you usually would When it comes to ordering the products, you use a local delivery address that your parcel forwarding service has provided. The parcel forwarding service receives your order, usually at a warehouse where it will be processed. The company will ship your parcel to you wherever you are in the world. Essentially, the parcel forwarding service gives you a local address and then takes care of getting your parcel to you. Plus, they often offer parcel consolidation, so you can order from multiple places and just pay one shipping fee. The Benefits Of Parcel Forwarding Obviously, the biggest benefit of parcel forwarding is you can order from anywhere in the world without having to worry about shipping restrictions. But the benefits go well beyond that: Consolidation Of Multiple Purchases One of the significant benefits of parcel forwarding services is the ability to consolidate multiple purchases into a single shipment. This not only simplifies the tracking process but can also save substantially on international shipping costs. Reduced Shipping Rates Parcel forwarding companies have contracts with leading courier companies, which allow them to negotiate lower shipping rates. These reduced rates are passed on to customers, making international shipping more affordable. Reliable And Secure Parcel forwarding services are known for their reliability and security. They ensure your packages are safely stored and securely shipped to your destination. In many cases, insurance is also available for added protection. Flexible Delivery Options Whether you need express delivery, standard shipping, or other specialized shipping methods, you can select the best option for your situation. Efficient And Time-Saving Parcel forwarding takes the hassle out of international shipping. They manage all aspects, including customs documentation, which can save customers a significant amount of time. Your Step-By-Step Guide To Parcel Forwarding Now you understand what parcel forwarding is and why it's a fantastic tool for international shoppers, let's dive into how to make the most of it: Step 1: Choose Your Parcel Forwarding Service Start by selecting a parcel forwarding service provider aligned with your needs. Look for a company with a good reputation, transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and flexible shipping options. Step 2: Setting Up Your Account Once you've selected a service, the next step is to set up an account. During this process, you'll provide essential details such as your contact information, shipping address, and payment details. Step 3: Time To Shop! Now comes the fun part — shopping! When you're ready to checkout, simply use the address provided by your parcel forwarding service. Step 4: Handling Your Parcels Once your items arrive at the forwarding service's warehouse, they'll notify you. At this stage, you can choose to consolidate multiple packages or select your preferred shipping method. Step 5: Forwarding Your Parcels Finally, your items are forwarded to your current location. Choose your preferred shipping method, pay the associated costs, and wait for your package to arrive! Tips And Tricks For Parcel Forwarding Just like any process, there are a few tips and tricks to make parcel forwarding a breeze: Merge your packages — If you're shopping from multiple stores, take advantage of your service's package consolidation feature. This can significantly reduce your overall shipping costs. Check prohibited items — Always check the shipping restrictions of your current country before making a purchase. A good parcel forwarding service should have a comprehensive list of prohibited items for reference. Repackaging options — Look for parcel forwarding services offering repackaging to reduce shipping weight and subsequent costs. As a traveler or ex-pat, parcel forwarding is a fantastic tool for maintaining access to your favorite products without the hassle and high costs of international shipping. So the next time you crave a taste of home or spot a must-have item, don't let shipping restrictions hold you back. Read Also: Why Myrtle Beach Is The Ideal Summer Destination 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2024

Is it about getting most of your travel credits? It’s time to check out the FintechZoom best travel credit card alternatives.  As I was traveling in July this year, the travel credit card I was using gave me a lot of hassle. Only a traveler stuck in a foreign land knows what a nightmare it is! The bonus policies were all over the place for me, and every time I wanted to redeem my award points, the hotels charged me a certain fee. I was angry and did not know why I earned those points!  However, as I returned home, I started exploring other options and found the Platinum Card® from American Express a feasible option.  Then again, a better option for me may not work for others. So, as a traveler, I felt that I should have a sincere discussion about the traveler-friendly options available.  The travel credit card you choose will decide your travel benefits and how many miles you gather. FintechZoom has suggested some of the most suitable travel credit card options. In this guide, we will delve deeper and determine the best options for you.  THIS IS Why You Will Choose FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card Let me be as honest as a mirror for you! I am always skeptical about what financial solutions to trust, and I piss my partner off with endless questions as he has a better understanding of these things. Then again, he wanted me to learn things the hard way. So, he suggested that I explore the FintechZoom options.  FintechZoom is the best platform for choosing the best travel credit card because of its in-depth analysis and comparisons. Further, FintechZoom makes the most of the artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide specific information based on accurate financial stats.  In addition, I was really impressed by the transparency of the platform, and the app offered easy navigation while I was exploring options.  THIS Is The FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card  Here, I present the FintechZoom best travel credit card! I will keep it to the point and drive to your travel requirements.  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card As I was exploring the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card travel benefits, I found out that USA Today has called it the best travel credit card for “beginners and experienced travelers.” Indeed, the terms are pretty clear and transparent.  Also, my research said that in 2021, Chase was the largest credit card issuer based on market share. So, there is enough backing to go by the FintechZoom suggestion.  What You Get From The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card The table below explains the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.  Welcome Bonus60000Flexible Point Transfers* 14 Airline or Hotel Partners (Or you can redeem through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.)Travel Purchase through the Card5x Reward PointsDining3x Reward PointsAll Other Travel Purchases2x Reward PointsAnnual Hotel CreditsUp to $50Points Worth 25% More When Booking Travels (For example, for 10000 points, you will get $125 as cash back or gift cards)Yearly Bonus10%Repay Eligible PurchasesUp to 24 Months Without Interest (Purchase of $100 or More)Complimentary Travel Protections$10,000 Per Person and $20,000 Per Trip (Against non-refundable, pre-paid travel expenses when the trip is canceled or interrupted)Purchase Protection Benefits $500 for Each Item and $50000 for Every AccountForeign Transaction FeesWaived OffReferral PointUp to 75000 a Year on Successful Referrals (15000 Points on Each Referral)  However, I found two downsides of the card. The $95 annual fee is a little bothersome. Also, the “21.49%-28.49% variable APR” is high.  * Point transfers can occur among 11 airlines and 3 hotel partners on a 1:1 basis. So, there will be no transfer fees. Marriott, Hyatt, United Airlines, Air Canada, and Air France are some of the prestigious partners for this point transfer benefit.  2. The Platinum Card® from American Express Platinum Card® from American Express is celebrating its 40th year. So, you will get many years of trust and safety when you pick this one. Further, with this best travel credit card, you will get access to airport lounges, and as I have started using this travel credit card, I am already in love with the car rental benefits.  Even though the $695 annual fee is quite high, it has offered me more than $1500 in benefits and values. For me, it is a suitable option as I travel quite often. Honestly, the high annual fee can be justified only when you are using the card frequently. “No other card comes with as much perk potential as The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees). If you travel frequently and want to do so in style, this card deserves a place in your wallet. However, this card is best for urban fitness buffs, frequent travelers, high-end shoppers and those who want top rewards on flights and premium accommodations. If you don’t fit the profile, justifying the $695 annual fee might be a stretch.” - Forbes This Is What You Get From Platinum Card® from American Express Learn the American Express Platinum Card® benefits from the table below.  Membership Rewards80000 (After spending $8000 on “eligible purchases in the first six months of the card ownership.)Foreign Purchase Transaction Fees NoneFlight And Prepaid Hotels Booked through the Card5x Reward PointsOther Purchases 1x Reward PointsAirline Free Credit Up to $200CLEAR® Plus Membership$199Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Application Fee CreditUp to $85Hotel Benefits Up to $200Digital Entertainment CreditMaximum $240Equinox Credit $300Cellphone ProtectionUp to $800 for Each Eligible Card Account Further,  British Airways Avios and Air Canada Aeroplan are some of the prestigious aviation partners of this travel credit card. Also, among the hotel partners,  Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton deserve a special mention.  I am so proud to have chosen this card!  3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers an easy and transparent reward program. Here is what you get with this best travel credit card. Unlimited 2x reward points on every purchase 75000 sign-up bonus on a $4000 purchase in the first three months 1,300+ airport lounges access So, overall, this is a card for travelers who go on a trip twice or thrice a year and prefer simple terms.  4. Citi Premier® Card The Citi Premier® Card has great rewards for travelers. You can earn 3x reward points on air travel, hotel booking, and gas station usage.  You have to visit the ThankYou® Rewards program to redeem your reward points. Further, you can transfer the points to the airline partners of the travel credit card for added benefits.  Things No One Told You About Choosing FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card FintechZoom’s selections are great, and now you have better options. However, to choose the best travel credit card for you, you will have to abide by the following smart tips.  Earlier, I was foolish not to think of these aspects, and I don’t want you to make the same mistakes.  Consider Your Travel Habits You must keep your frequency and expense of traveling and the benefits a card offers on purchases. Further, be careful about dining, lodging, flight booking, and car rental benefits. These are the things that cover the majority of our travel expenses, right?  Know the Sign-Up Bonus When you get a travel credit card, know the minimum amount you need to spend to get the sign-up bonus. It is crucial to get the sign-up bonus if you want to increase your rewards balance.  Further, make sure that the minimum amount you need to spend for the sign-up bonus is within your budget.  Look at the Annual Fee Is your travel credit card waiving off the annual fee for the first year? Or does it offer annual credits?  These are some of the factors that you need to consider to get the best travel credit card. Also. ensure that the perks and rewards of your card are more than the annual fee you pay.  Know About The Foreign Transaction Fees Benefits Foreign transaction fees are bothersome for international travelers. So, waiving foreign transaction fees is crucial if you travel to other countries frequently.  Flexible Redemption Options Flexibility and versatility in redemption options are important while using a travel credit card. The best one will allow you to transfer points to hotels and airline partners.  Of course, the option of redeeming your points as cashback or gift cards is always available.  FAQs About FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card 1. What makes FintechZoom’s travel credit card recommendations reliable? FintechZoom is famous for its objective and accurate reviews. Further, FintechZoom has reviewed factors, such as sign-up bonuses, redemption points, travel benefits, and annual fees, to suggest the best travel credit cards for us.  Also, the FintechZoom travel credit card suggestions cater to all types of travelers and their different requirements.  2. Can I have more than one travel credit card? Yes, you can have more than one travel credit card. Each card comes with its unique reward redemption benefits and bonuses.  If you are an aware user, you will know the perks of each card and which one will be the most suitable for the type of travel expenses you are making now.  So, use your cards strategically to optimize your travel benefits and earn more points.  3. How can I maximize my travel rewards with the FintechZoom best travel credit card? You can follow simple tricks to optimize your travel credit card benefits.  Know and use the sign-up bonuses. Pay your credit card bill in full and final at the end of every month. Know and transfer the transfer points and transfer them to travel and airline partners for optimized benefits.  4. Are there any downsides to using the FintechZoom best travel credit card? Yes, some travel credit cards can have downsides in the form of high annual fees and APR. Also, the interest rates of these credit cards increase in leaps and bounds if you don’t pay the monthly bill in full. Therefore, you have to be mindful of your financial state and control your spending habits before you apply for a credit card.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Mashum Apr 13, 2022

Hey travelers!!! Do you know the time when Mother Earth starts experiencing the glimpse of both fall and spring at the same time? Well, it is August. During this month, you can find the summer bidding adieu in the entire northern hemisphere of the earth. Again, the countries in the southern hemisphere get ready to welcome the summer.  In some parts, you can even check out the mesmerizing hues of nature while it is monsoon.  Along with traveling, the best places to stay also convert your holiday into the most memorable one. Go Rentals can provide you with the best options for staying in your vacation time pick hours. So, why not plan a trip in August? All you need to have is some will, some money, and a perfect destination to travel to. While the first two things lie totally in your hands, I can help you with the last one. Finding a perfect destination to visit in August can be tiring for you. Well, not anymore!! Here is a list of ten destinations that can welcome you with a king-size smile. All you need to do is consult with your travel agent and plan for a trip in August. Even your travel agent would agree that the destination you choose would be one of the best places to travel in August. Just have a look. Click Here To Read: How To Avoid Disagreements When Traveling With Your Partner? Best Places To Travel In August 2022 You Must Know About Trips are soul’s food for the travel freaks. So, if you are one, here are the destinations to which you can reach out. There are places in this list where you can visit solo or with other people. Some entries of places are also present where you can both find adventure and romance. So, check out each entry below. 1. Langkawi, Malaysia Overview: Malaysia has forever been a darling destination among travelers who go crazy about beaches. If you are too a sea-freak, consider it the high time to plan for a trip to Langkawi this August. It was one of the best places to travel in August 2021 and nothing has changed this year too. Here you can get a lot of exotic beaches and wonderful resorts. Now, you can expect to save a lot of money as August marks the monsoon season at this place. You can take rain gears but I do not think you would need it when having fun at the beach. Enjoy all the beach activities in Langwaki and rejuvenate yourself in the resorts. You should not forget to take your camera as the photos of Langkawi that you might get would not be present with others who have been to the same place. It would be fun, isn’t it? Flights/Trains/Car: One-stop and two-stop flights to Langkawi are available from all major cities in the US. After you land at the airport, you can take a car ride to the city center. Things To Do: Ride the Langkawi cable car. Visit the Mahsuri tomb. Do not miss the Langkawi aquarium. Indulge in water activities in Pantai Cenang. Famous Local Foods: Nasi Tomato, Nasi Lemak, Beef Redank etc 2. Kerala, India Overview: You can blindly consider Kerala as one of the best places to visit in August for many reasons. Well, it is an Indian state that turns heavenly during the monsoon. Secondly, you can find a lot of festivals happening in this place during the month of August. The best way you can start your journey is from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. Next, you can head towards places like Alleppy and Munnar. You would be mesmerized looking at the greenery and gray sky during the monsoon and understand why it is called the “God’s Own Country”. Flights/Trains/Car: The best way to reach Kerala from the US is by taking a flight to Delhi and then a connecting flight to Trivandrum. Things To Do: Explore the Eravikulam National Park. Stay in a houseboat at Alleppey. Taste the outstanding Malayali Cusine. Famous Local Foods: Curd rice, Fish Curry, Dosa Read More: Alabama Travel Guide 3. Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA Overview: If you are not in the condition to plan a foreign trip anytime soon, you can visit the Nantucket in Massachusetts. So, you can expect your own country to give you a perfect beach trip. It is one of the best places to travel in August in the USA because of the water activities. The weather turns quite warm and you can indulge in the water activities on the beaches. Moreover, you can explore the entire place on foot to observe the lifestyle of the local people. Flights/Trains/Car: There are regular domestic flights to Massachusetts from all other states of the US. Otherwise, you can take the highways too. Things To Do: Take part in the Sconset Bluff Walk. Watch the August races done by the locals. Enjoy the local parties. Famous Local Foods: Brownies, Burgers, Homemade Donuts. 4. Budapest, Hungary Overview: If you are a city tour person and looking forward to spending some time in a new city, Budapest can be the best pick for you. The weather in Budapest during August turns outstanding and you can comfortably sit by River Danube and rejuvenate. As you reach up to the city, try taking a hotel in the 5th district. Here you can expect to find a lot of affordable cafes and restaurants. Apart from the best places to travel in august in US, you can head to Hungary due to the festivals. You should not miss the Budapest Summer Festival and The Festival Of Crafts. Flights/Trains/Car: You can either look for direct flights to Budapest or choose to take a train from any of the nearby cities in Europe. Things To Do: Indulge in the city sightseeing. Enjoy in the grand Budapest festivals. Do not miss out to explore the Buda Castle. Famous Local Foods: Gulyas, Husleves, Solet, Lecso 5. Balearic Island, Spain Overview: Balearic Island has an enriched history and it is one of the most remarkable tourist destinations in Spain. It has got a place on this list of the best places to travel in August. You can listen to the whispers of the Roman and Byzantine Emire. Ibiza falls on one of the islands of the Balearic. So, you can spend a lot of time in this place to make your august trip memorable. Even you can witness the white sandy beaches when in the Balearic Islands. Flights/Trains/Car: the best you can do is take a flight directly from the Miami or New York Airport. You can get direct flights from American Airlines. Things To Do: Enjoy a comforting and outstanding beach life. Indulge into the festivals and enjoy. Stay up all night in Ibiza to make memories of the nightlife. Famous Local Foods: Arros Brut, Greixonera, Trempo 6. Brisbane, Australia   Overview: Brisbane in Australia can be one of the off-beat getaways in the month of August. The temperate here remains cool but does not touch the cooling spot. So, you can have a tour of this city just with some basic winter gear. Expect the Brisbane River to welcome you with all the love as you step into the city. As it is one of the culturally rich cities in Australia, you can have a blast here. Do not miss out on the outdoor activities of the city where you can play, walk and swim in the river. On the other hand, you can also enjoy the enchanting nightlife of Brisbane. So, I would recommend you to plan for a long holiday at this place, precisely seven days. Flights/Trains/Car: A few direct flights and several connecting flights connect Brisbane with the US. Things To Do: Check out the famous Queensland Show. Hike or bike at Mt. Coot-Tha. Witness the Great Barrier Reef. Famous Local Foods: Kentucky Fried Duck, The Bombe, Potato Gnocchi 7. Trondalag County, Norway Overview: Are you a foodie and for you, traveling and tasting food dishes go hand to hand? Well, then consider visiting Trondalag County in Norway. Other than extraordinary food you can get a chance to witness some forests, fields, and mountains in the place. Norway is a Scandinavian country, and most people living here have a tough time dealing with the harsh weather conditions. It is the only reason why they become a part of nature and make their food in an organic way. So, you can take a break from the processed food and eat all organic while enjoying nature in Norway. However, you should not consider Trondalag County as one of the best places to travel in October as the weather turns harsher. So, you can go on a food tour to Norway, solo, with a couple, or with friends. In case, you desire to explore the country more, you can visit the other counties too. Flights/Trains/Car: A lot of connecting flights are there for you to go for a trip to Norway from the US. Later you can take a bus/train to reach the County. Things To Do: Spend time in the Norwegian fields and forests. Treat your eyes to the views of the outstanding mountain ranges. Do not miss to taste the Norwegian apples and brown cheese. Famous Local Foods: Lapskaus, Farikal, Raspeball 8. Tanzania, East Africa Overview: August is a month when the adventure travelers head towards eastern Africa to spend some days in the jungle. During this time, the weather of this region remains pleasant, and spotting wild animals in the jungle becomes easier. You can easily find lions, zebras, African elephants, and Giraffes in your vicinity. When in Tanzania, you should also observe the lifestyle of the local people. Most of these people are tribals and they are always eager to showcase their culture through dance and music. Flights/Trains/Car: You can find a lot of connecting flights between the US and Tanzania. You can get to the Zanzibar International Airport via Doha or Dubai depending on the airline. Things To Do: Explore the Serengeti National Park. Get a glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Visit and take a photo of the Ngorongoro Crater. Famous Local Foods: Ugali, Nyama Choma, Mshikaki. You May Like To Read This: Easy Ways To Avoid Disaster When Traveling 9. Istanbul, Turkey   Overview: Istanbul is the capital city of Turkey and for its grandeur, it is able to attract tourists from all parts of the world. Well, it can also be one of the best places to visit in August. It is a summer month in Turkey and you can get a chance to spend most of your time outdoors. So, if you want to escape from your daily mundane, plan up for a trip to Turkey the next August. Moreover, you can get to see a lot of festivals in the capital city of Turkey. So, it can be a mesmerising chance to get an exposure to the middle eastern culture. Flights/Trains/Car: There are both direct and indirect flights to Istanbul from the major airports in the US. Things To Do: Visit the Istanbul Museum of Modern Arts. Spend some time at the Pera Museum. Take part in the sacrifice feast. Have fun at the Istanbul Cocktail Festival. Famous Local Foods: Simit, Sis Kebab, Pide, Kofte. 10. The Cook Islands, UK, NZ Overview: The Cook Islands is politically linked with New Zealand. So, you can easily head towards the place for an isolated island holiday. This can be the best place for you if you are a solo traveler. However, you should take much time and plan for the trip in a proper manner. The best you can do is get a proper itinerary done by an experienced tour manager. He can even seek out the activities that you can do in the Cook Islands. Flights/Trains/Car: Special flights from New Zealand are available in the Cooks Islands. Things To Do: Spend time in the Aitutaki Lagoon. Visit the Tapuaetai island. Experience beach life in Rarotonga. Famous Local Foods: Seafood Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. Where Should I Vacation In Summer 2022? You can go for a summer vacation at a seaside or a hill station in 2022. Q2. Where Is The Best Place To Travel In August? The best place to travel in August is somewhere to the sea or a city like Budapest. Q3. What Is The #1 Vacation Destination In The World? Paris, for now is the #1 vacation destination in the world. The city has something for every tourist. Q4. What Island Is Best To Visit In August? The Cook Islands is the best to visit in August. Final Take Away If you are a traveler, you would know the importance of seasons when it comes to trips. So, the best you can do is choose to visit any of the destinations given here in August. As you are aware that this list contains more beaches and cities and fewer hill stations. The only reason for it is the risk of visiting the mountains in the monsoon season. However, if you are choosing places like Norway, make sure to take proper safety gear before setting out. Also, you can visit the physician and go for a thorough medical check-up before the trip. Read More: Australian Travel Ideas For 2022 Top 10 Best Travel Sites For Tour In 2022