Globetrotter’s Guide: The Ultimate International Travel Essentials Checklist 

BY  Abdul Aziz May 31, 2021

Beach tents are becoming more popular as regular beachgoers are searching for ways to enjoy the sun while also receiving additional protection. When it comes to purchasing a beach tent, it is important to know what you are looking for and how you want to benefit from the tent. It is most likely that you are going to be exposed to a variety of options, but here are a few things to consider when picking out your next beach tent: Things To Remember While Buying A Beach Tent For Vacation  Summer vacations seem incomplete without soaking in the Sun at beaches. Are you into outdoor pursuits? Do you want to spend your days at the beach in camps?  You need tents that protect you from different weather conditions and are easy to assemble. Let’s discuss all the factors to consider to pick a tent that meets your requirements.  Protection from UV Rays: Although it is great to have fun in the sun and soak in vitamin D from its natural source, too much sun can be dangerous to your skin. A beach tent can help protect you from UV rays and sun rays. Most beach tents come with an SPF 50+ material to protect you from the sun. Make sure to check the label when buying your tent to determine if the provided SPF is sufficient for your family’s needs. Material: Most beach tents are made of nylon or polyester, which makes them light, easy to put up, and water and heat resistant. When purchasing your next beach tent, make sure that it is made with either of these. These materials allow for greater durability so that your tent will not be water damaged or become overheated. Further, if you are traveling to a windy beach, ensure that you have the best beach canopy for wind. You can try a pergola-like structure so that it remains put up in windy situations. Easy Assembly: Less is better in terms of the number of pieces that come in a beach tent. Why spend close to an hour trying to assemble and take down a tent? Some tents are built to require no assembly with a quick automatic pop-up design. These tents are generally easier to fold back up as their material is made with elasticity material. Generally, labels will communicate this, and if you are not set on one specific tent, why not make your beach tent assembly quick and easy? Size: One of the most common mistakes is buying a tent too big or too small. When buying a tent, think of how many people you are trying to accommodate and how much coverage you want. Perhaps it is for single or double use, it is vital to pay attention to the measurements so that you aren’t surprised by your purchase when you arrive at the beach. Type of Beach Tent: Again, when buying a beach tent, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the options. From front opening tents to canopy or cabana tents, think of the purpose your tent will serve. Do you want coverage for your whole body? Do you want to be able to see your surroundings or have a secluded spot where no one can see you? These are all factors that will determine which beach tent is right for you. Generally, canopy tents are designed to open on all sides with rooftop coverage, front-opening tents can offer protection and some privacy while you look out onto the beach, and cabana tents are secluded to ensure privacy. Durability: If you want a tent that is strong in construction and will withstand wind, ensure a beach tent meets this qualification. While some might be durable in construction, not all of them are. Durability can be an important factor while picking a tent so that you have one less worry it might blow away and potentially end up in another party’s area. Is A Beach Umbrella Different From A Beach Tent?   A beach umbrella and a beach tent are primarily different in their applications. A beach umbrella is used as a portable solution only when you seek protection from the Sun.   On the other hand, a beach tent is suitable for use all through the day. You can put it up on any outdoor surface.   Final Words: Be Confident in Your Purchase  Know what you are looking for in a beach tent for vacation while you are shopping around. Make a list of your qualifications to ensure you are comfortable and satisfied with your purchase.   Whether your priority is durability, protection, or privacy, allow for the tent to successfully serve you and your needs.  What do you consider the most crucial factor in picking a beach tent for vacation? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us.  Beach Tent For Vacation FAQs   Which Color Beach Tent Is The Best?   There is no thumb rule regarding the choice of tent color. It’s your personal choice and also consider if there are additional purposes to serve.  Choose the color blue when you want your tent to be an extension of your aquatic experience at the beach. If you are someone more into nautical aesthetics, a white tent with wide red or blue stripes will be your first choice.  Now, let’s talk about utility. Suppose you have put up the tent in a remote location with limited network connectivity. You have a group of travelers who will join you a few days later.  In this scenario, you must pick a tent of a bold color, such as orange or red.   In addition, you know how color is important when dealing with different weather conditions. A tent in a lighter shade will keep you cool inside by reflecting the light and heat. A dark-colored tent, on the other hand, will keep you warm at night.   Is Canopy Or Umbrella Better For The Beach?  A beach canopy and a beach umbrella have different applications. A beach umbrella is suitable when you are in the Sun for only a couple of hours.   However, if you are camping and sleeping in a tent, you must choose a beach canopy.   What Provides The Best Shade At The Beach?  Beach canopies offer the best shade at the beach. Further, they are great for overall weather protection, privacy, and security.   Which Is The Best Tent Shape For Stability?  Dome-shaped and pergola-shaped tents are the best shapes for stability. These can be easily staked and secured with sandbags.   Read Also: The Top 5 Wrist Watches For Hunting 6 Amazing Things To Do In Sunny Beach Bulgaria In 2021

BY  Abdul Aziz May 10, 2021

Picture this. You're paddling through the water, the smell of pine filling your nose, the warm sun on your face. Is this a dream? Nope, it's you in your new inflatable kayak. There are so many incredible benefits of this kayak over a hardshell. And no matter your needs, there's a perfect model for you. Keep reading to learn why you should buy yourself an inflatable kayak. Lightweight and Portable   These kayaks are portable and fold up into a carry bag, no bigger than a standard duffle bag. So put the roof rack away and throw the bag in the trunk with your other lake day essentials. The weight will depend on the make, but they usually weigh anywhere between 25 and 35 lbs. And if you're a beginner looking for a light and portable kayak, consider the Sevylor Quikpak K5, which has a backpack storage system. Stable and Durable  Inflatable kayaks have wide bottoms, tall sides, and they're very buoyant. They also have a good weight capacity, don't easily capsize, and are hard to tear. But if something goes wrong, you can always repair it using a patch kit. But just note, lower-end kayaks will be significantly less durable than higher-end ones. So if you're kayaking in rough waters, you should get one made from a heavy-duty rubber or PVC material. And if you want a super-strong and versatile kayak, get the Sea Eagle Explorer 300x. But don't worry, it's still light, weighing only 31 lbs. Easy Storage  While you want your kayak to function well for your day on the lake, you also have to think about the off-season storage. To store an inflatable kayak, you have to deflate it, dry it off, fold it, and put it into a carry bag. Inflation and deflation are quick and should take no longer than 10 minutes each. And of course, this bag doesn't take up much space and can be put in any garage, basement, or storage unit. For example, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is a sturdy touring kayak but can still fold up to 30" x 17" x 10." Relatively Inexpensive  While costs vary based upon quality, you can get a great inflatable kayak for a reasonable price. For example, inflatable boat expert Tom Fontana says that they can vary from $100 to $1,700. He claims that if you're buying one for recreational use, then you should look to spend $400 to $500. But if you want your kayak to function similarly to a hardshell, you should spend more than $1,000. If you want to strike a good balance between price and function, the Intex Excursion Pro will be your new best friend. And you can find more pricing information from Tom about inflatable kayaks at pumpupboats.com. Now Go Buy Yourself an Inflatable Kayak  As you can see, an inflatable kayak is great for all types of water and boating activities. So whether you purchase it for durability, easy storage, or the low price point, you'll have a blast when you finally get it on the water. Now go get your perfect kayak! If you enjoyed this article, check out more of our adventure content. Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Apps to Use in 2021 How To Prepare Yourself For The Perfect Vacation: Top 7 Tips 6 Expert Packing Tips that will make your Trips more Fun

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The next location we planned to cover during a USA tour was New Orleans. This time, we discovered how a city with a rich culture cares so much about children.  Along with its heritage, architecture, and a culture that feels like a warm embrace, the kid-friendly activities also make this Louisiana city a popular tourist destination.  However, this time as I pen the things to do in New Orleans with kids, my heart feels heavy. A deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street and the police shoot-out following that have taken the lives of at least 14 people on 2nd January 2025.  Still, the city is on the mend, and everyone is hoping high for the stability of the tourism economy of the city. It’s difficult, considering the city has yet to recover in tourism and finances since the COVID-19 days fully.  Apologies for the grim start! However, as travelers, you cannot disassociate so easily, especially when you have just visited a place. Nevertheless, it’s time for some cheer, and shifting focus to the best things to do in New Orleans with kids can greatly help. So, let’s discuss it.  Fun Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans | Enjoying The Graceful Embrace December to January and February to May are the best times to try fun things to do with kids in New Orleans. And guess what! There are a lot of free activities awaiting your little ones here. I have discussed them in a different Tour and Travel guide.  Nevertheless, here, let’s focus on the unique things to do with kids in New Orleans.  1. Audubon Zoo Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/C4qRCaVrNPe/?img_index=1 Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday and Wednesday Closed) Audubon Zoo Admission: $35 for Adults and $25 for Children Audubon Zoo is one of the topmost family attractions in New Orleans. It is a wonderland of Audubon animals and birds. The place is filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. From the majestic African Lions and Asians Elephants to the Aldabra Tortoise, you will find everything here.  However, for me, the most delightful creatures in the zoo are the Caribbean Flamingos. They are as colorful as their country of origin.  I also loved the Malayan Sun Bears. They are adorable with the cutest expressions. You will even find Malayan tigers here.  Furthermore, we thoroughly enjoyed The Dinosaurs at the Audubon Zoo section. I was not willing to visit the section at first. Yes, I know! I am in my thirties, and I still have my phobia!  Nonetheless, my kids insisted, and I had to take them to the section with 50 life-like dinosaurs growling and making moves. However, this special exhibit program has now ended.  Moreover, if you are in New Orleans for a long span or have plans of staying here, you can allow your kid to be a camper at the Audubon. They can become young experts in animals and they will love to spend some time with their favorite creatures. 2. A Day at Jackson Square | Best Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Jackson Square gets its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the USA and a New Orleans battle hero. So, a visit to Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is like taking a walk down memory lane.  Here, you will also find Pontalba Apartments and many other oldest buildings in the city. Rented places are easily available in these buildings.  As you appreciate the old-yet-young vibe of the space or recall the history of New Orleans, let your little one enjoy the jazz music, live performances, and entertainment events here.  Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can be a part of the art festivals here.  A stone’s throw away from Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral church in North America, and its steeples watch over the French Quarter.  3. A Ghost Tour | Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Well, if your little one loves Halloween and everything spooky, you can definitely take them on a family-friendly ghost tour. These tours are especially popular among adventurous children in their pre-teens.  Tour Organizers like Viator, offer Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans in the French Quarters.  Now, these ghost tours are very much ingrained in the spirit of New Orleans. The LaLaurie Mansion or the New Orleans French Quarter was infamous for the mistreatment of slaves. Supernatural activities and the stories around them started flowing after a neighbor saw a troubling incident. The neighbor saw a lady chasing a slave girl, who jumped from the roof of the mansion as an escape.  Despite the presence of modern boutiques, quaint restaurants and a reimagined and bustling French Market, the spooky vibe simply refuses to go away!  4. Spending Time By The Mississippi River There is something special about New Orleans. And as they say, the Mississippi River is the manifestation of the heart of New Orleans. It’s welcoming and embracing, and its culture and heritage surpass the geographical boundaries.  Further, like the Mississippi River which destroys, restores and builds the banks, New Orleans believes in making a forward move even in the toughest conditions. The recent terror attacks and the means of recuperation are burning examples.  So, if you want your little one to know about the true spirit of New Orleans, allow them to sit and relax by the Mississippi River for a while.  They will love sitting on the steps and watching the boats passing in the water. It is very close to the French Quarter, but a complete contrast in its spirit.  Moreover, your little ones will be elated to have beignets here. You will find the best beignets at Café Du Monde Riverwalk (Contact Number: +1 504-218-7993) here. The coffee there was good and just the way I like it.  5. A Visit To The Louis Armstrong Park  Location: 835 N. Rampart St, New Orleans Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: Entry is Free for a Walk in the Park A visit to Louis Armstrong Park is not ideal for very young children. However, kids in their teens or growing up years with an interest in Jazz music will love this place. It is very close to the French Quarter, and inside the park, you will find Congo Square.  Congo Square is the place where slaves used to unite during the 1800s. Furthermore, your kids will love looking at the ducks in the pond of Louis Armstrong Park.  Moreover, the Mahalia Jackson Theater inside Louis Armstrong Park is a popular place to visit for artists and music lovers. It gets its name from Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer of New Orleans.  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.