Pre-Trip Caravan Servicing Checklists

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 28, 2023

Houston provides its visitors with a refined assortment of places to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing, regardless of whether they are in the city for business or pleasure. And may we offer location as a tried-and-true starting point if you're unsure of even where to start your search? These hotels, which provide amenities and experiences to enhance your stay, have shaped the distinct personalities of each area of The Space City. Read on for our list of the best hotels in Houston, which includes the trendiest new hotels in downtown, accommodations close to the Astros stadium, and hip neighborhoods like Montrose. Best Hotels In Houston Here are some of the best hotels in Houston that you simple can't miss: Four Seasons Entering the Four Seasons is akin to entering a private club that has been in existence for a very long time. The interior, which is entirely composed of marble and mahogany, successfully blends traditional and contemporary Texas design elements. The hotel is incredibly kid-friendly, offering activities like mommy-and-me yoga, movies by the pool, and pizza-making classes. The recently renovated gym is open 24 hours a day. The Four Seasons is the best hotel in The Bayou City with regards to staff, amenities, and accommodations, so it makes sense that business travelers frequent this prime downtown location that is only a short distance from the convention center. Post Oak Hotel Billionaire and businessman Tilman Fertitta of Houston put his heart and soul into creating the 250-room Post Oak Hotel. He filled it with hundreds of original artworks and meticulously crafted each element, down to the custom chocolates served at turndown and the flip-flops at the pool with the hotel's logo emblazoned on them. A few people exclaimed, "It is by far the most beautiful hotel I've visited," and "the finest in luxury living." Nevertheless, readers gave the "first-class" service the most appreciation. One person remarked, "You are treated like a VIP guest from the moment you walk in." One more person described a "unforgettable experience" that can only be had with five-star accommodations: “They upgraded my room at no additional charge — and service was above and beyond my expectations.” Lancaster Hotel The famed Lancaster Hotel in Houston is redefining contemporary hospitality. The Lancaster emanates a cozy, classic elegance, from its collection of more than 200 pieces by well-known contemporary Texans to its prime location in the center of the city's renowned Theater District. The historic boutique hotel from the 1920s era was recently voted Houston's best hotel by Conde Nast Readers. It has a rich history of serving a diverse and illustrious clientele that includes writers, poets, actors, musicians, dancers, business and leisure travelers, newlyweds, circus and rodeo performers, and even a horse. The Lancaster Hotel would be delighted to have the chance to treat you to our special brand of hospitality and service. Hotel ZaZa Nestled near the Houston Museum of Fine Art, Hotel ZaZa is an elegant and seductive venue that seamlessly blends business and pleasure. One of ZaZa's so-called Concept Suites, the Houston We Have a Problem suite, goes all out with a moon-inspired couch and a life-size astronaut statue dominating one corner. The room is enormous—it is over 1,000 square feet—and has a large executive-style table that can accommodate up to eight people. ZaSpa's Have No Mercy deep-tissue massage is to die for, and the fitness machines have individual TVs (hallelujah); an extensive poolside menu offers adult popsicles and drinks by the pitcher. Meanwhile, the restaurant's terrace offers good views of the Mecom Foundation and the Museum of Fine Arts, drawing a mix of locals and hotel guests. St. Regis The opulent St. Regis, which is sandwiched between The Galleria and the affluent River Oaks neighborhood, resembles a glitzy high-rise condominium. Junior suites feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking River Oaks and the pool, as well as a separate sleeping area. No, this isn't your normal Houston hotel; the bathrooms are appointed with marble and granite, and the king-size beds have pillow tops. Observe that The St. Regis, wherever it may be, has a long-standing tradition of serving afternoon tea. JW Marriott Situated in one of Houston's most popular business districts, the JW Marriott draws a discerning clientele of business travelers looking for first-rate amenities and service without the fuss that boutique hotels sometimes bring. The rooms are remarkably modern and roomy, with free wifi, an iPad for booking spa treatments or ordering room service, and Nespresso machines as amenities. The Spa by JW provides a variety of intriguing treatments, such as massages, facials, and foot soaks. How Hotels Are Judged? Readers are asked to rank their favorite hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. The 2023 survey was completed by nearly 165,000 readers, a nearly 25% increase over pre-pandemic voting levels. Across more than 8,500 distinct properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.), more than 685,000 votes were cast. Based on their location and amenities, hotels were categorized as either safari lodges, city hotels, or resort hotels. They were also evaluated according to the following criteria: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value Respondents could select an option for excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor for each characteristic. These responses are averaged to determine the final scores. Wrapping Up Located in the center of Houston, Texas, and only a short distance from Discovery Green Park and the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Marriott Marquis boasts an outdoor pool that is open year-round and a lazy river shaped like a Texas. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center, a full-service spa, and six restaurants on the premises. A flat-screen TV with premium channels and cable is provided in every room. There is a refrigerator, coffee maker, and ironing facilities available. A hair dryer and complimentary toiletries are provided in the private bathroom. A few rooms offer views of Discovery Green Park or the lazy river. Diners can choose to eat at Biggio's, which serves American cuisine, or at Xochi, which serves Mexican food and drinks under the direction of award-winning chef Hugo Ortega. Around 200 varieties of wine and tapas are served at Cueva Wine Bar. Walker Street Kitchen and Texas T Coffee House both serve breakfast. The Marriott Marquis Houston is only 250 meters from Minute Maid Park, which is home to the Houston Astros baseball team. It takes five minutes to walk to Toyota Center and BBVA Compass Stadium. William P. Hobby International Airport is the closest airport, located 15 kilometers away. Read Also: Luxe Living: The Best Hotels In Dallas Sin City Stays: Here Are The Best Hotels In Vegas! Taste Of Houston: A Culinary Adventure In Diversity

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 8, 2019

Planning a trip is not only overwhelming but sometimes it might be time-consuming as well. It is always much harder to plan a trip, especially when traveling overseas and with some family members or even your kids gave all the things that you may have to put into consideration. Nonetheless, planning a trip is therefore very essential if you wish to travel. The plan you make for your trip will guide you appropriately on what to do where and how. You will be able to put almost everything that you will do while on the trip into consideration.  Therefore, planning a trip will help you to estimate the total cost of your vacation. One thing you need to understand is that different trips come with different plans. If you are planning to go on vacation with your family, you will require a different strategy compared to the person who is traveling to attend to his or her business duties. One thing that is clear is that whatever the purpose of the trip, you will need to plan to help you sort out everything properly. If you are planning to go on a trip but are stuck at the crossroads with regards to what to do, then a plan will be essential. The tips below should be able to guide you effectively when planning a trip to whatever destination and for whatever purpose. It is good to follow them if you are looking for a memorable trip experience. 10 Useful Tips for Planning a Trip: Do You Know These? The tips for planning a trip are exhaustive. So, let’s get into the thick of it directly. 1. Select the Right Destination for Your Trip: The first thing you may need to do when planning a trip will be to select a destination for your trip. You will have to ensure that the destination you choose will not only meet your preferences but also be friendly to your budget. Another important thing you have to consider will be the duration of your trip. The length of your journey will help you to choose where to visit. If you have about four weeks or more, then you will be able to travel overseas for your trip. If you have little time, a domestic trip will be reasonable. However, you will have to ensure that the destination that you choose for your trip will offer you an opportunity to enjoy and have fun to the fullest. It will not be a good idea for you to plan a trip to a place where you will not be able to enjoy and have fun. That will be a total wastage of your time and other valuable resources. If you are convinced that your travel destination is right for you, you will now have to consider your travel companions. Will you be traveling alone, with your family (including your children) or with your colleagues? You need to put into consideration the aspect of diverse interest. Consequently, if you are bringing some people along with you on your trip, you should also consider their tests and preferences. It is a crucial element to consider when planning a trip. It might be essential for you to sit down with them and discuss their travel preferences and later on agree on a common destination. Lastly, you may have to choose a destination that will allow you to fully enjoy and even remember your trip for days to come. 2. Plan for Your Flight: Immediately after choosing the destination, the next thing you have to do is a plan for your flight. It is essential for you to try and explore the number of options with regards to the available flights and select the cheaper one. Choosing a cheaper flight when planning a trip will help you to reduce your budget when significantly. If you choose to travel with your family, it is advisable to pick a flight that will get you to your destination within the shortest time possible. You also have to ensure the flight offers you and your family maximum comfort. If you are traveling for the first time, then it will be essential for you to go for premium direct flights. This decision will help you to avoid long hours that come with connecting flights. If you are unable to find a cheaper flight, then you can try out some online sites that offer useful information regarding flights. The information will help you to get a cheaper flight that will save you costs in the long run. 3. Book Your Accommodation: It is advisable to choose a suitable accommodation for yourself when planning a trip. However, you need to be so keen not to overspend on accommodation while on your trip. Go for the most affordable accommodation options. Choosing affordable accommodation options will help you to save some money for other activities while on your trip. The length of your trip will also be a significant aspect when planning for your accommodation. If you intend to stay for a shorter period, then you can reward yourself a fantastic moment in prestigious accommodation centers. If you want to stay for a more extended period, then it will only be right that you settle for cheaper accommodation options. If you wish to travel to a country that you are not familiar with, you need to go online and explore some of the cheaper accommodation options available. However, don’t compromise your comfort by choosing the cheapest hotels. Usually, online sites will provide you with a broad range of accommodation options from the most expensive to cheaper options. You can also get privately owned accommodation centers being the best options. 4. Planning for Transportation: After choosing your destination, you need to plan on how you will have fun in different areas. This factor implies that you may have to move around. Therefore, it is vital to start making arrangements on how you will be able to move around your travel destination when planning a trip to ensure that you don’t get stranded at some points. Try and research on the existing travel options in your travel destination and see which one fits you best. You can either choose to use taxis or opt for commuter buses. You will have to be a bit vigilant in some destinations when planning a trip due to insecurity or even avoiding getting conned. Try to avoid rental car companies from the airport since some of them might charge you highly hence reducing your budget. However, there could be some other car rental companies that charge reasonably well. The only problem will be that you may not be able to get them due to the higher demand they face. If you intend to make use of such transportation options, then you need to make an earlier booking. If you manage to catch a vehicle from the company, it will help you to save money and other resources. This is because the vehicles will transport you to and from your destination without making stopovers that tend to waste time. 5. Things to See and Do on the Vacation: It is very much essential for you to determine the place you will have to visit without failure when planning a trip, and possibly the kind of things to do in those places. Also, look around and see if there are other fun things you can do free of charge. If you choose to travel at a peak season, you will be able to catch up with more fun, and more people who are having fun as well. Through having fun, you may find yourself creating new friends in the process. However, traveling during the peak season may force you to make prior bookings to accommodation centers and tourist’s sites. This earlier booking is advisable since there may be many people visiting the sites as well hence making the accommodation options scarce. The research will be fundamental when planning a trip, and more particularly on the kind of things, you will intend to do while on your journey. Some countries offer online booking options to zoos and theme parks. You should make use of these options to avoid last-minute rushes while planning a trip. If you are not so sure of the kind of activities to engage in when planning a trip, you may have to enquire for a guide. The guide will take you through all the events in your selected tour destination, though at a smaller fee. You can also go online and try to research your selected tourist destination. The research will help you to see if there are some things you will need to give priority to while on your trip. The only thing you need to look for will be an exceptional experience in whatever activity you will choose to engage. Ensure the activities present you with an opportunity of enjoying optimally. 6. Places To Drink and Eat While on the Trip: Some travel destinations are famous because of the drinks and foods they offer. If you are a big fan of beverages and foods, then you need to consider such destinations. If you are a fan of testing new things, probably new cafes and drinks, these destinations should have your priority any time you will be planning a trip. If you are traveling with family, it will be vital for you to consider destinations that provide excellent eating places. If you visit these excellent places then you will have an opportunity to sit with your family and enjoy excellent delicious meals. The good thing about such travel destinations is that they come with multiple locations where you will be able to enjoy meals. If you are concerned about budgets, you should find a place where you will be able to enjoy a meal and a drink at relatively lower prices. You need to do a lot of research when planning a trip while on a budget. 7. Check Your Passport: It will just be unreasonable for you to carry on with your trip plans overseas without a visa. If you don’t have a passport, you will need to give yourself enough time to apply for one before eventually carrying on with your trip plans. You have to acquire a passport first before eventually carrying on with the booking of your accommodation and even getting your flight tickets. You also need to check the expiry date of your passport. If the expiry date of your passport is after six months, then you have to fit your travel and vacation plans within the same period.  Some countries or travel destinations will even require you to have a passport with the validity of six months beyond your vocational stay. 8. Understand the Visa Requirements for Your Preferred Destination: You will need to know and understand the visa requirements of your travel destination before eventually setting sail. You also need to know how exactly you will be able to get a specific visa when you need it. Usually, when it comes to visas, different countries provide different rules for nationalities. Therefore, it is essential you to carefully study the kind of rules and regulations that pertains to the Visa of the country you intend to travel to before eventually acquiring one. If you manage to access the rules and regulations regarding the visa, you will have to move with speed and acquire a permit. This speed will help you to avoid the last-minute rushes which might in some cases, end up delaying you. If you are not so sure about overseas travel and what such visas entail, you can gather some information on the same from online sites. 9. Plan To Get Immunized if You Will be Going Oversees: Some travel destinations may cause a risk to your health. Therefore, it is vital for you to ensure you get the necessary immunization before proceeding to visit your preferred travel destination. Most countries give priority to health, and you may even find yourself unable to travel due to the lack of vaccination documents. To stay on the right side of things, ensure you talk to a doctor about the right travel vaccines for you and have yourself vaccinated before eventually traveling. 10. Prepare Copies of Essential Travel Documents: It is a normal thing for people to misplace copies of essential papers when planning a trip. Some companies may even lose your booking reservation. If not so, you could also find yourself encountering a communication breakdown with your company. This breakdown could be due to the amount of money paid and the expected service or possibly many other things. With all these possibilities in mind, it is vital for you to ensure you keep copies of all the essential documents. These documents include passports, visas, flight tickets, and other necessary and relevant records. The copies will help you to confirm your details in case of any misunderstanding. Practical Tips For Writing A Trip Itinerary  Now, let’s focus on the more crucial part of planning a trip. Once you have ticked all the ten points on your checklist, you must draft an itinerary. If you have a travel management company onboard, it will set everything for you. However, if it’s a self-guided tour, you have to create a draft of the stops, time, attractions, and many other things. A good itinerary plan is detailed, with proper time and budget allocations.  Let me share a travel itinerary template with you. Travel ItineraryPurpose: Friends’ ReunionDestination:Travel Start Date:Travel End Date: Departure Flight Details DateTime Of DepartureAirport NameGate NumberArrival TimeAirport NameCar Rental from the AirportDateTime of Pickup from the AirportCar NumberContact Number of the DriverArrival Destination (Hotel) and TimeAccommodation Name and AddressContact PersonRoom NumberBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Options and TimingCheck-in and Check-out DateDay 1 to 5Destinations to VisitTime of Trip StartActivities throughout the DayLunch and Refreshment DetailsThings to CarrySafety Instructions (if any)Departure Flight DetailsDateTime Of DepartureAirport NameGate NumberArrival TimeAirport Name If you are uncomfortable making an Itinerary, you can check out the templates available online. However, when organizing solo, family, and friends trips, you will be more aware of your preferences. So, there will be a lot of customization.  In fact, you can use travel guide apps to plan trips to a different country and have a workable itinerary.  These tips for planning a trip should be a perfect guide for you. Whether you will be traveling with your family or alone, these tips will give you the right guidance. Bon voyage!  Conclusion: If you are planning a trip, then the tips mentioned above should act as a perfect guide for you to ensure that you end up with a journey that you will love. Whether you will be traveling with your family or alone, these tips will give you the right guidance. Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2019 6 Expert Packing Tips That Will Make Your Trips More Fun Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade 7 Key Points Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip

BY  Sibashree Sep 16, 2024

Everest Base Camp is situated on the southern side of Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world at 5,364 meters. The place is accessible for climbers and trekkers to stay and see the beautiful sights of the Himalayas.  However, before you begin your trekking, you should enjoy and relish the places, towns, and bazaars. They offer many holiday centers like billiards, and gambling areas to enjoy the time. Also, do not forget beautiful food and antique pieces to enhance your trekking experience.  So, look down to see the things before you Experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.  Things to See While Camping at Everest Base Camp Trek  Here are a few places and things to see while camping at Everest base camp trek -  Lukla  Lukla is one of the famous destinations for travelers. It stands at 2860 meters and is situated in the northeastern part of Nepal, where you can see the beautiful sight of the Himalayas. Moreover, it is the place where you start your trekking journey.  Hence, the town has evolved over the years to become a commercial place where tourists can find the best food and shops to buy. Also, the city has a small airport with a landing strip of 525 meters and boasts of having the most petite landing strip and being the airport at the highest peak in the world.  Syangboche and Everest View Hotel  Syangboche is one of the famous places to visit when you visit Everest base camp. Everest View Hotel is located at the highest peak in the world, which gave it a Guinness record for being the highest-placed hotel in the world. That way, you can see the 360-degree view of the snow-capped mountain from the hotel.  Peaks like Mt. Everest, Tawache, Ama Dablam, and Khumbu Himal are sights to behold. Takashi Miyahara and Yoshinobu Kumagaya envisioned the hotel's construction. Moreover, they had to transport loads of materials to the Himalayas with the help of local Sherpas. The task began in 1960 and came into action in 1971.  Tengboche Tengboche is one of the towns located near the Imja Khola, a typical night halt after Namche. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Tenzing Norgay was also born in Tengboche.  Furthermore, every year in October, the Tengboche Monastery holds the Mani Rimdu festival. This is primarily a Buddhist celebration that includes religious gatherings, ritual singing, and dancing. During the celebration, famous people visit the place, especially Rinpoche, who blesses pilgrims and travelers.  Namche Bazaar Namche Bazaar is one of the bubbling places in Nepal. From the town, you can see the Everest Region. It is also one of the vibrant markets where you can buy Tibetan antiquities, especially trekking and climbing attire. From every point of the city, you can see a panoramic view of the Himalayas.  Moreover, the town has been preserving its historical culture and natural friendliness. It is a trading town known for its yak cheese and butter. Also, you can see a pub, motels, and hotels where travelers can enjoy and have fun. Thus, you can stop in the town for two days before you move on to the trek. Lastly, many Sherpa settlements like Khunde, Khumjung, and Thane can be seen when you visit the town.    Dingboche Dingboche is another popular point from which trekkers move on to Mount Everest from the base camp. You can stay for two nights in the town to see the beautiful Imja River and the beautiful sights of the Himalayas. Thus, many lodges and tents are available, providing the best accommodation for tourists.  Also, a helicopter landing pad lies on the west of Imja River, especially near Moonlight Lodge. Moreover, you can find a satellite cafe and enjoy playing billiards in one of the tallest billiards parlors. Lastly, you can see the kilometers of Mani Walls, which is a great way to create a tourist sight. Additionally, it is made in various sizes and put on top of the kilometers of walls.  Gorakshep Gorakshep is the last stop before you go on your trekking journey. It is a village amidst the Sagarmatha National Park, a hub for Sherpa guides, tourism businesses, and porters. Beyond this point, there is no accommodation facility, so you have to stay in tents amidst the cold weather and winds of the Himalayas.  You will find various guesthouses to stay in before you go for a hike. It is the last resting point for trekkers to experience the great wilderness of the Himalayas. Thus, you can visit Gorakshep before you start your trekking to Mt. Everest. So, spend the night in the lodging house and enjoy the great wilderness of the Himalayas.      The Bottom Line  In the end, Everest Base Camp is where you can begin your trekking journey. However, if you go trekking, you have to wait and see the beautiful sights of the Himalayas. The serene nature that comes along with the great wilderness and bazaar is full of Tibetan things. Furthermore, you can gamble and play billiards in the parlor, as it is one of the best places for visitors to have fun.  Hence, you can visit the place mentioned above, where you must carry a hard disk to capture millions of beautiful pictures. Consequently, you can taste beautiful Nepali and Tibetan dishes, filling your soul. So, pack your bags and start your trekking journey right now.  FAQs  Here are a few frequently asked questions -  Do you need oxygen at Everest Base Camp? Yes, you need a reliable oxygen tank before you go on a trek to higher altitudes.  Can you drink alcohol at Everest Base Camp? You should avoid drinking alcohol while camping at the Everest Base Camp. It will reduce your vision and judgment as the trails are rough.  How many hours of walking is Everest Base Camp? You must walk 7 to 8 hours a day before walking to the Everest Base Camp.   What is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp? The best time to visit Everest Base Camp is during the late-May to mid-September. Also read Top Reasons To Do Everest Trekking – Himalaya View Treks. Explore Human History And Wildlife With Backcountry Camping In Gates Of The Arctic National Park. From Himalayan Peaks to Cultural Experiences: The Ultimate Guide to Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit Trek.