What to Look for When Purchasing a Beach Tent for Vacation

BY  Arnab Jul 12, 2023

Banff National Park is a world-class location famous for its mountain ranges, wildlife, and glacially-fed lakes. It’s so remarkable it became a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site. It acquired the honor in the early 80s for its exceptionality. Today, Banff is the ultimate destination for holidaygoers who want to explore, relax, or both! If you’re planning a trip to Banff this summer or early fall, or you’re planning for a future vacation, then we encourage you to consider visiting several lakes during your travels. You won’t regret it! 1. Lake Louise We’re starting with the most well-known lake, Lake Louise. Located 45 minutes northwest of Banff, Lake Louise gets its name from the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, Princess Louise. This bright blue, tree-lined lake (and its famous Chateau) has jutting mountain peaks surrounding it. It also features the snow-capped Victoria Glacier in the background. During late spring, summer, and early fall, various hiking and mountain biking trails are available for exploration around Lake Louise. And if you have time, a hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House is a must. Horseback riding is also an option here. At Chateau, visitors can spend a half day or a whole day in the saddle discovering the Timberline Trails that wrap around the lake. There is also Paradise Valley and other scenic routes where you can rent canoes at the Chateau, too. 2. Moraine Lake For many, Moraine Lake is the top contender for the most beautiful lake in Banff. Here, you can hike several trails — there are options at Moraine Lake for all hiking abilities. The most popular short hike is the Rockpile trail — which is phenomenal at sunrise. If you're an early riser, we encourage you to add this to your holiday 'to-do' list. Visitors to Moraine Lake can also rock climb, rent canoes, and bring their inflatable SUPs to paddle across the water. The road to Moraine Lake was closed to private vehicles at the end of 2022. Fortunately, shuttle services as offered by Morainelakebus now commute visitors to and from the lake, with buses starting as early as 4 a.m. for those eager to catch sight of the famous sunrise! An extra bonus for this provider is that some of their services also stop at number one on our list, Lake Louise. 3. Lake Minnewanka Located within the Montane Eco Region, Lake Minnewanka —also known as the ‘Lake of the Spirits’ — is the largest lake in Banff; it’s 18 kilometers long and approximately 100 meters deep. At Lake Minnewanka, you can explore footpaths and trails or sit back on a guided boat cruise to learn all about the lake’s rich history. Minnewanka is considered an area of cultural and historical significance; artifacts dating back over 14,000 years have been found here. For scuba enthusiasts, Lake Minnewanka is one of two that you can explore in Banff National Park (the second being Two Jack Lake). 4. Bow Lake If you’re driving along the Icefields Parkway, then a stop at Bow Lake is a must. It's a great spot to stretch your legs, as well as take phenomenal photos of the lake with Crowfoot Mountain and the Wapta Icefield in the background. If you have the time, this area is fantastic for hiking, mountaineering, as well as scrambling — with tons of wildflowers filling the trails in the summer months. The Top Lakes to Visit When you’re in the Banff area, it's possible to visit multiple lakes throughout your stay — there are many more in addition to the four mentioned here. Each offers something unique from the other, and you're sure to have an unbelievable time — whether you visit for adventure or bring a picnic, sit back, and take in the beautiful scenery. Read Also: Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit In 2023! 7 Best National Parks In Ohio You Should Know Before Going From Tokyo To Kyoto: An Epic Journey Through Japanese Culture And History

BY  Barsha Sep 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. If there is an insistence to go travelling, you and your doctor can look at ways that your loved one can be helped. For instance, there are senior monitoring devices in Canada (and elsewhere) that can help them not wander too far and will alert you if they fall. This gives an added layer of protection for when travel is needed. 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  Mashum Feb 12, 2019

Brace yourselves – the storm of starry-eyed romantics, displaying affection in public, is coming. For people who are in a relationship, this Valentine’s Day might be the perfect time to express their love for their partners. But for other folks who are single, this occasion may seem a bit, well, cringe-worthy. It doesn’t have to be. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in different forms. It can be love for a spouse. It can be love for parents, siblings, kids, and friends. It can be a love for the community. Lastly, it can be love for yourself. Traveling is one of the best things you can do to show how much you love yourself. Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck at home, binge-watching series and avoiding social media. Go out. Explore. Visit places and do activities that spark joy. Where to go and what to do this Valentine’s Day? Here are travel tips ideally suited for singles this season of love. 1. Travel to a nearby off-season getaway for the weekend Take a weekend trip to somewhere near yet away from the city – somewhere close to your heart. Just make sure to go “off-peak” to enjoy cheaper rates and less crowd (unless you’re ready to mingle.) If you don’t want smooching couples to rain on your parade, there are utterly cheesy, thus crowded destinations and activities to avoid. Skip fancy flower and chocolate shops, candlelit restaurants, secluded resorts, tall towers, malls, bay view parks, and romantic hotels. Avoid travel packages that say something like “romantic champagne dinner for two.” Instead, go hiking.Search for underrated beach resorts with exciting daytime activities and great nightlife. Visit museums and historical destinations with interesting architectures. Don’t forget to bring a tripod or mono pod to take beautiful photos. 2. Try blood-rushing travel activities for the first time When was the last time you did something daring for the first time? Take advantage of the freedom you have and do something you've been dreading to try. There are travel activities that don’t need a partner to enjoy. Find a hiking trail and explore with strangers and take great pictures along the way. Don’t just chill by the shore – learn surfing, paddle boarding, and other waterspouts. Go skydiving. If that’s too nerve-racking (and expensive) for you, you may try zip line. 3. Fall in love…with animals It’s amazing how an animal can change your life – and make you feel like you’re not alone in this world. Aside from bonding with your pet, you may enjoy visiting an animal sanctuary, a safari, or an octogenarian. You can also drink coffee at a pet cafe nearby. 4. Go have a relaxing staycation in the city Can’t travel far? Book a hotel room in the city all for yourself. Enjoy the view of the skyscrapers from your balcony. Use hotel amenities including in-room television with free movies, roof deck swimming pool, spas, and buffet. You can also go out to nearby establishments, like restaurants, cafes, and pubs, malls, cinemas, and museums have the time of your life. 5. Give yourself a wellness retreat Devote the entire day, or even a weekend to relaxing to treat your body, mind, and senses, at someone special like The Aerial BVI – you deserve it after a long week of working non-stop. The wellness retreats at The Aerial BVI can be booked exclusively for your entire family or group so you can enjoy the private beach, activities, and amenities whether you stay for the day or a week! If hotel accommodation is too expensive, go to a spa for a rejuvenating massage. Get facial treatment. Go to a hair and nail salon for a quick makeover. Go shopping. At the end of the day, pamper yourself with a glass of wine or champagne. Or hot chocolate or tea, if you don’t drink. 6. Master the art of solo dining Avoid candlelit restaurants, they say, for they’ll be packed with lovers this Valentine’s Day. But what if you want to treat yourself to a juicy steak at the best steakhouse in Omaha (or wherever you're traveling), and a glass of wine? Here are the tips for enjoying yourself at a restaurant. Rule number one: Don’t mind them and go treat yourself with your favorite dish and liquor. Avoid encountering couples by going for lunch instead of dinner. If you’re in a fancy restaurant with no entertainment or whatsoever, make sure to bring any reading material or any source of entertainment. You can also take out your phone, take great photos, and edit them like a pro. You may also go to casual coffee joints where you can enjoy your alone time at peace. Check out night markets for interesting food offerings, which may suit your palate. If you’re at a bar, choose a counter seat. Chat with service people. You can even chat with another solo diner. 7. Go to bars/clubs with entertainment Dining places with live performances are perfect for solo travelers, who are sick of looking bored and lonely when dining alone. They also provide great value for time and money, since you can enjoy great food and entertainment at the same time. Find a bar with stand-up comedy acts, jazz, rock, or acoustic band performances, spoken poetry, and other forms of performing arts which suit your taste. 8. See your favorite musicians live Music buff? Celebrate V-Day with your favorite artists. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a pricey concert – it can be a music festival, free outdoor shows, or gigs at a local bar. 9. Attend day workshops Do you want to learn how to make chocolates? Or be your own bartender by learning how to mix cocktails? Do you want to take your skills in photography or painting to the next level? A day of learning more about something you're passionate about and/or something new and exciting pays off in the long run. 10. Travel with friends and/or family Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you have to travel alone. Gather your single friends, guys, and girls, and plan a getaway. Rent out a vacation home, a huge hotel room, or go camping with a bonfire on. Make music, drink, play games, and be merry. Okay, so your friends have other plans. Don’t fret – spend time with your family. You can go third-wheeling with your parents or plan a family getaway out of town. Having fun doesn't have to be expensive and far. A plus point: It’ll be cheaper since you get to share the expenses. Read Also:  Romantic Getaway Tips: 9 Ways to Celebrate Love without Special Occasions Tips For Improving Your Holiday Experience