BY Barsha BhattacharyaSep 15, 2023

If a loved one is living with dementia, it doesn't mean family holidays must be skipped. Whether you're visiting a cottage for a long weekend or you're heading farther afield for a wedding or family reunion. While travelling during the early stages of dementia is absolutely possible, in the middle stages, it might become more challenging to determine whether a family vacation is both safe and viable; you might find that seeking out reliable dementia care options is a sounder and more comfortable option for your loved one. It’s vital to plan ahead, and factor in a few variables before you consider travelling with a loved one who’s experiencing the middle stages of dementia and whether or not doing so is a sensible decision. Dementia Symptoms That May Make Travel Difficult Or Unsafe Dementia is a multi-faceted disease, with different symptoms presenting throughout the different stages of the illness. Some of these make travelling — even with company — unsafe, overwhelming, and unpleasant for your loved one. Some such symptoms include. Wandering syndrome. Being in a new location may cause more extreme wandering. A change in time zones and different daylight hours can exacerbate sundowning. If your loved one is prone to frustration, unfamiliar surroundings could irritate and confuse them. If they are unstable on their feet and with their balance, this could be worsened by exhaustion from travelling and heightened social activity. Side Effects. New medications may have unexpected behavioural side effects that manifest during the stress of travel. If your loved one becomes anxious or overwhelmed by crowds or noise, travelling in crowded places (like airports) might be disastrous. Travelling can exacerbate symptoms of paranoia and generalized stress. If your loved one has experienced any of these symptoms, travel might be a step too far for them. Connect with their doctor for their professional opinion and insight. It very well may be that staying in the comfort of their own home with help from a specialized caregiver is the safer and more comfortable option. Pre-Trip Planning If you’ve established that a family vacation is viable, some pre-trip measures can help to lay the foundations of a successful voyage. Here are some tips: Streamline the amount of vehicle travel. Travelling by car is ideal. If a plane, train, or bus is necessary, minimize transfers and layovers, which can be tiring. Try not to express any stress you might have when it comes to your travel plans. If it’s possible, go to a familiar accommodation, whether it's a hotel you've visited before or a cottage you've rented in the past. Remember to bring pertinent medical information, like prescriptions, medical history, your doctor’s information, and insurance details. It’s also a good idea to research and take note of the closest health services. Try to keep your everyday activities and routines, like breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime, as close to normal as possible. Don’t overdo it. Try not to go overboard with a jam-packed itinerary. Take plenty of time for rest and relaxation. The Takeaway When someone is living with a disease like dementia, it doesn't mean that they have to skip important family events, like vacations. By planning ahead and being honest with your evaluation of your loved one’s comfort and abilities, it’s more than possible to create a wonderful family memory and a very special, joyful experience for your loved one. Read Also: Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Great Vacation Ideas For Adventurers 4 Fun Trip Ideas To Plan For This Year

BY Nabamita SinhaOct 19, 2022

Every Indian has at least once visited the beautiful snowy hills of Shimla, located in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. If you are thinking of traveling to Shimla for your vacation, you can do that anytime you want. Ideally, there is no best time to visit Shimla, you can visit there anytime you want. Welcome To Shimla! Shimla, also known as Simla until the year 1972, is a city in Himachal Pradesh, in North India. Due to its scenic beauty, mountain landscape, and old English architecture, no doubt it is known as the Summer capital of British India. The beautiful oak trees, colonial old English-style architecture, and an ancient feel are what attract visitors to Shimla. But if you are still wondering when to visit Shimla, then you need to keep on scrolling down the article. Best Time To Visit Shimla Even though you are traveling solo to Shimla or looking for the best time to visit Shimla for honeymoon, then keep on scrolling to know the best time to visit Shimla.  Oct - Feb ❄️Jul - Sept 🌧️Mar - Jun ☀️-7 to 10c10 - 20cc15 - 30c 1. March To June The summer and spring months start from the month of March and continue till the month of June. After long and extreme winter months, the summer months are quite pleasant for tourists looking for the best time to visit Shimla. The temperature around this time rotates around 16c to 30c. The days are quite warmer and rather enjoyable, with a wide range of greenery, colors of blooming flowers, and melting snow. The roads here are clear and without any blockage and interruptions along the way. This way, you can enjoy every nook and cranny of the beautiful city of Shimla. Even though you should carry warm clothes with you, it would be wiser to carry light clothes as well if your tolerance for colder weather is high. 2. July To September Just like any other hill station here in India, the monsoon months are regarded as the offseason for tourists and visitors. With heavy rainfall, landslides, and roadblocks, the monsoon months may not be the best time to visit Shimla. The average amount of rainfall that Shimla receives is more than 1400mm, and the temperature is around 14c to 20c. But the best deal for adventurers during the monsoon months is that since it is the offseason for tourism, huge discounts are given by hotels and lodgings. But if you are willing to take the risk of visiting there during the monsoon months, then you should consider all the dangers ahead of time. 3. October To February One of the best time to visit Shimla for snowfall is during the winter months. The winter months are what attract most of the tourism here in Shimla. The temperature during the winter months ranges from -6c to the highest at 8c. The snow-covered mountain tops are a sight to see for the sore eyes, and if you are lucky enough,, you can also witness snowfall here. Winter months are just magical for the countryside as it is in the citylights here in Shimla. You are definitely going to enjoy every cozy night with your friends, family, or partner, or adventure sports out in the snow. Different Climates In Shimla When you want to visit any hill station, it is very important that you have thorough knowledge about all the potential risks and dangers of the place. 1. Summer In Shimla Summer months is the most enjoyable for tourists who are not too comfortable with the snow and cold climate. Other than going for adventure sports in the snow, there are many adventure sports available during the summer months as well. Adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, rafting, and camping. Even if you are not into all these activities, then during summer, the summer festival is the best entertainment experience that you want to experience. Activities like folk dancing, musical performances, and flower shops go on for about five days. This festival first started in the early 60s, with thousands of visitors visiting each year. 2. Monsoon In Shimla Since the monsoon is usually considered an offseason, there are not a lot of activities to do around this time of the year. But the Rhyali festival, or the monsoon festival, is one of the most attractive attractions during this time of the year. The festival is celebrated in honor of the rain god to appease him in order to have a prosperous agricultural year.  But during the monsoon, the water-washed hill station gives a fresh perspective to the landscape. 3. Winter In Shimla The white fluffy snow-covered mountaintop of Shimla looks like a magical place indeed. With lots of adventure sports such as ice skating and skiing. One of the best places to travel to in Shimla is Mashobra, Kufri, and Narkanda. If you are traveling to Shimla during the month of December, then you should definitely stay till Christmas and New Year in here. The hill station is beautifully decked up during this time, and it is possible that you will celebrate a white Christmas here in Shimla. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) If you have any more queries about the best time to visit Shimla, then here are a few questions you might find helpful. 1. In Which Month Snow Falls In Shimla? The months from October to February, this is the time of the year in Shimla when you are able to witness actual snowfall and a snow-covered hill station. 2. Is 2 Days Enough For Shimla? Traveling to Shimla during an optimal season would take about 3 days and 2 nights to witness the majesty of the whole hill station. Hiring a car or a bike to travel would help you a lot to travel the whole hilly region. 3. Is It A Good Time To Visit Shimla Now? If you want to experience summertime in Shimla, then the best time to visit Shimla is for the months of March to June. But if you want to witness the winter months, then you would want to visit here during the months of November to February. Visit Now! Shimla is one of the most naturally aesthetically pleasing hill stations in India. It is a must-visit place in India, but you need to know the best time to visit Shimla. So when you are backpacking to Shimla on your next vacation, then don’t forget to pack all the warm clothes. Read Also: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Mussoorie? Which Is The Best Time To Visit Sikkim? Top 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling

BY ArnabFeb 20, 2023

Traveling is one of the most exciting and pleasurable activities, especially when you go on long-awaited holidays. But the holiday will not eventuate without a long distance locomoting. If you choose to drive by car, you will probably come across some paid highways or interstates, which means, you will have to pay tolls. What exactly are toll roads? How can you pay a toll? Check it out! What Are Toll Roads?  Toll roads are highways or express lanes that need to be paid a fee in order to drive on them. This fee is named a toll. The users pay tolls for road repairs, improvements, and building new road facilities. That is why toll roads are, in most cases, fast, well-maintained, and high-quality roads. The toll roads are easy to spot. When you enter this road, you must slow down and stop by the toll plaza (toll booth) to pay a fee. Only then, you can be allowed to travel further. The toll system is popular in some European countries, and in most of the US states.  The Long History Of Toll Roads  Toll roads are visible not only in recent history but also in ancient mythologies and treatises. The most well-known reference could be found in Greek mythology. Charon, a boatman who transported the souls of the dead to Hades, was to be paid by putting a coin into the deceased man's mouth. Well then, paying for passage is nothing new. In the Middle Ages, tolls were paid to cross bridges. In the 17th century, turnpikes were introduced, ad since then, they were constantly used. Up to the 1980s, the tool booths were operated by people. But in 1987, the first electronic tool booth was introduced. Since then, electronic toll collection only increases. In the 1990s, the toll highways started to be privately owned, and the state departments lost their monopoly. From 2010, you can pay tolls completely cashless. Distance-based systems boosted significantly in 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak.  The Toll Road - What Kind Of Tolls You Can Come Across? Toll booths can be found on almost any road but there are many types of tolls, which were classified by the payment method. These are: Open system (barrier system): road users need to pay a toll when they pass through the ramp toll plaza or mainline toll booth.  Closed system (ticket system): the vehicle’s license plate is scanned, and the vehicle owner is charged upon the entry toll gantry and exit toll gantry combination. Annual toll: frequent drivers can pay for an annual toll pass, which allows them to travel through all toll routes with a valid toll pass.  How Can You Pay Tolls? When you enter the toll road, you need to be prepared, that you have to pay the fee. Depending on the country and road, you can have different toll facilities to pay a fee. What payment methods you can choose? Cash, credit, or debit card: you can pay using the toll booths. Toll booths accept all the most popular payment types. Pay online: the electronic toll pass plaza allows you to drive through without paying. In order to avoid a toll violation fee, you need to settle the payment online within 14 days. If you don't check the pay-by-plate site, you can also pay a traditional invoice that comes by mail.  How Much Will You Pay? The toll roads are not very expensive and they provide motorists with an optimal traffic flow and great road conditions. The fee depends on the category of vehicle you drive. The average toll for two axes vehicle is approximately $5. Motorcycles will pay an even lower fee. The toll for transfer trucks will be the most expensive. If you want to know more about traveling in the US, check out the Uproad blog at www.uproad.com/blog/what-are-toll-roads Read Also: Sizzling Summer Road Trip Destinations 10 Best Places To Travel In January – Travel Guide 2022 5 Tips To Protect Your Passport While Travelling Abroad