BY Ankita TripathyDec 8, 2023

Embarking on a road trip is an exciting adventure that promises freedom, exploration, and the thrill of the open road. Whether you're planning a cross-country journey or a weekend getaway, a successful road trip requires a bit of careful preparation and consideration. Here are 12 handy road trip tips to help you have an enjoyable time on your next adventure 1. Plan your route It can be a good idea to plan the route you're going to take before you hit the road. Familiarising yourself with the route can help you avoid wrong turns and added time, reducing stress and the fuel bill. Consider scenic routes, interesting stops to visit, and potential detours. Navigation apps or GPS devices can provide assistance in staying on track, while also informing of any road closures or construction updates along the way. A well-planned route adds structure to your trip while allowing for flexibility. 2. Perform vehicle maintenance Before you embark on any road trip, it's important to ensure your vehicle is in good condition and ready for the journey. This includes checking tire pressure, oil, fluid levels, and lights, and ensuring the car is equipped with a spare tire, jumper cables, and a basic toolkit. You may also consider getting your car serviced by a mechanic or dealership in preparation for the trip. Being prepared can prevent breakdowns and ensure a safer journey - better to be safe than sorry! 3. Pack smart Efficient packing is key to maximizing space and comfort, and ensuring everyone's entertained on the trip. Create a checklist of essentials, including clothing, toiletries, medications, and any necessary documents. Pack snacks, water, and entertainment to keep everyone satisfied during the drive (including the kids!). Utilise storage containers and organizers to maintain order in your vehicle. 4. Choose the right travel companions There's nothing worse than being stuck on the open road with someone you just can't stand! The people you travel with significantly impact the overall experience - whether positively or negatively, so pick wisely. Choose companions who share your sense of adventure, have a similar travel style, and are willing to compromise when needed. Good company enhances the journey and creates lasting memories. 5. Reduce the risk of vehicle break-ins It's important to keep the vehicle you'll be road-tripping in safe and secure. Recent research from Compare the Market found that one in ten Australians (8.7 percent) experienced their car being broken into in the 12 months to September 2023. Traveling with your possessions in a vehicle could make it more of a target for opportunistic thieves. When leaving your car, be sure to take valuable possessions with you, and keep other items out of view where possible. Always lock the vehicle when unattended, and park in a secure space (such as a locked garage) where possible. 6. Budget wisely Establish a budget for your road trip to avoid financial stress. Account for fuel, accommodation, meals, and any planned activities along the way or at your intended destination. Look for cost-effective options and consider camping or cooking your own meals to save money. Having a clear budget ensures you can enjoy your trip without worrying about overspending. 7. Schedule breaks Long stretches of driving can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. The Department of Transport and Main Roads recommends taking a 15-minute break every two hours, as a minimum. Plan regular breaks to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the surroundings. Use rest areas, parks, or scenic viewpoints to break up the monotony of the drive, while also experiencing new sights. 8. Be flexible While planning is essential, it's equally important to be flexible when heading out on the road. Unexpected events or interesting discoveries may lead you to alter your route or extend your stay in a particular location. Embrace spontaneity and be open to new experiences along the way. After all, the journey itself is part of the adventure! 9. Capture the moments No road trip is complete without capturing those special memories. Bring a camera or use your phone to document your adventure. Take photos of scenic views, unique landmarks, and memorable experiences with your travel companions. You may also like to write in a travel journal or document your exploration through a blog. If you wish to keep others updated with what you're doing, consider creating a social media account to share your experiences with friends and family. These memories will serve as a lasting reminder of your adventure for the years to come. 10. Stay connected Ensure you have a reliable means of communication, especially if you're traveling through remote areas or alone. Where possible, keep your phone well-charged, and consider investing in a car charger and a portable power bank for additional power. Inform someone about your itinerary and check in regularly, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. If traveling in a group in areas of poor coverage, establish communication protocols and have a designated meeting point in case of separation. 11. Respect the environment Travel responsibly and leave the environment as you found it. This includes disposing of waste properly, respecting the local wildlife, and adhering to any environmental guidelines of the places you visit. Stick to established trails and roads to prevent unnecessary damage to the local ecosystem, and keep noise levels to a minimum (especially when in natural and residential areas). By being mindful of your impact, you contribute to the preservation of natural beauty for future road trippers. 12. Learn as you go Road trips offer an excellent opportunity to learn about the places you visit. Take advantage of guided tours and talk to locals, who can offer valuable insights into the area's history, culture, and lifestyle. Visit museums, landmarks, and other points of interest to gain a deeper understanding of your surroundings. Many exciting local places are free or inexpensive, and provide a unique perspective on the places you visit. A successful road trip is a harmonious blend of preparation, flexibility, and a positive mindset. From packing efficiently to staying safe and respecting the environment, taking the time to plan and prepare can help ensure your journey is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable for all the right reasons. There are always new roads and destinations waiting to be discovered - so why not start planning your next adventure today? Safe travels! Read Also: Journey To Joy: Unleash The Potential Of Your Road Trip With These Tips Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Anticipated As TSA Prepares For Busy Season! The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites Chinese And US Presidents Have Come To A Common Ground Regarding Tourism Facilitation!

BY SumonaSep 8, 2022

When you tell somebody, you are planning a trip to Italy. They always answer, “You must visit Florence in Tuscany!”. Florence is a typical river city developed on the two banks of the Arno, a city rich in history and art. Founded and inhabited by Italic people, Florence extends into a green plain, which is surrounded by hills dotted with cypresses, and olive trees, and also crossed by the Arno river. But above all: a city breathing art and culture everywhere!  Special Attractions Of Florence in Tuscany Many of the travelers are asking, is Tuscany in Florence? And what is there? In the past years, it has been awarded internationally as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You are standing in the middle cradle of the Renaissance. The city is the hub of extraordinary literary, artistic, and scientific development that took place in the 14th-16th centuries. To visit Florence in Tuscany really means jumping back in time!  Note: Appreciated more than anything else is the urban architecture and the presence of traces of a glorious past on every street corner;  with the most iconic places such as the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, etc. You Should Visit Florence For Its Art And Culture Known throughout the world for its artistic masterpieces, the colored marbles of the churches, and the high-sounding architecture, Florence is the city of the Medici, an ancient Tuscan family that became one of the most important dynasties in Italy and Europe. Nowadays, it is home to the most beautiful and important museums in the world; to name a few: the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, the Accademia Gallery, the Pitti Palace, Florence Cathedral and the Opera del Duomo museum, etc. Culture Also Means Food And Wine But the only culture of Florence in Tuscany is not only art & history, and it means food and wine as well. Florence is a food city (delicious food), and you really can’t go there without trying out its local specials: that’s part of the experience!  Things you should try in Florence: 1. CHIANTI WINE  Chianti wine is a red blend of Tuscany that is made from Sangiovese grapes. These are common tasting notes which include different types of red fruits, smoke, dried herbs, balsamic vinegar, and game. Perfect for any kind of aperitivo admiring monuments or to accompany your dinners in Florence!  2. PICI Pici is a type of fresh pasta, similar to spaghetti, which is made with water, flour, and salt. A simple preparation, typical of the Tuscan culinary tradition: a "poor" dish linked to peasant cuisine. They can be combined with different condiments, thanks to their ability to adapt to various preparations: you can, in fact, make them with cheese and pepper, with crumbs, with garlic, with ragù, and in many other ways. Yummy!  3. FIORENTINA One of the most popular Italian steak dishes, Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, is made of young steer or heifer that, in combination with the specific preparations. What preparations are turning it into one of the famous dishes in Tuscan cuisine.  It is a high cut, including the bone, and also cooked on the embers or on the grill, with a degree of "blood" cooking. Try to accompany this Florence in Tuscany special dish with your Chianti wine; a perfect combo.  Visit Florence For Its Welcoming People  Florence's inhabitants are something on their own; the Fiorentini are really strong characters, very different from the typical Italians international people know. The character of the Florentines is judged in a contradictory way. They are considered polite and honest, but their thriftiness, praised for being able to make money well, is often criticized. In Florence, people tend to say things to your face, and often when they do so, they are not too pleasant things. Don’t take it personally, it’s part of the culture! Learn some useful words:  Topping | Gnocchi Ganzo | Cool Grullo | A silly person Boncitto | A good guy Chetarsi | To be silent So Why Visit Florence? For many, Florence is a city they have only heard about, and important events and things to do, such as those in Rome or Venice, are not attributed to it. Wrong! Florence Is Full Of Things To Do!  Those who know the history of the world will know that Florence, with much of Italy, was the central hub of the Renaissance, and many works of art of the period can be found in this city. One of the most iconic sites that many are likely to recognize is the Duomo, a cathedral with a dome at its top.  The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence also exhibits Michelangelo's David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. When it comes to art and history, no one beats Florence for masterpieces! But there are also many fun activities for those who are not very interested in art. Tourists can take a day trip out of town and explore the wonderfully varied landscape of Florence in Tuscany. You can also taste local food and wines.  And events are also an option if you want to dive into the local culture for real. Music festivals, historical reviews, sports events, and much more! To learn everything about Florence and the reasons why you should visit it, learn more at www.ciaoflorence.it Reasons To Visit Florence In Tuscany |Ciao Florence Why should you visit Florence in Tuscany? Art, culture, food, and events. All you need to know about the city of Renaissance! Visit Ciao Florence. So when are you planning to visit Tuscany? Share your opinion through the comment sections. Additionals: Tattoo Bali – Tips Before Getting A Tattoo Canary Wharf: A Mini-Guide For Your Next Visit Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe: T AND TB

BY Ariana SmithDec 16, 2021

You must be wondering why watches and hunting are being mentioned in the same line without any apparent connection. If you ever did take a part in hunting, you would understand how easy it is to lose track of time and even get lost when you get caught up in the moment. For many hunters, it is all about connecting to nature, so they rarely carry their smartphones with them. Therefore, the only contraption they may have, aside from hunting weapons, is a wrist watch. For this reason, some watches have been designed for hunting, and they include the following. Here are The Top 5 Wrist Watches for Hunting: A good quality hunting watch is not only  necessary for hunting, rather you can use the watch for tracking and hiking purposes. The multifunctionality and the tough nature of these watches are making them popular among many travelers and adventure sport lovers. Don't be put off by the possible price of these watches. If you do your research on websites like Raise, you can find some great deals on not just watches, but all hunting gears! Here are the five top picks hunting watches for you. 1. Suunto Traverse Alpha This tough hunting watch is made for harsh conditions. It is made out of glass reinforced with the composite case, a knurled bezel made out of stainless steel, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a water-resistant textile strap, and can be perfectly okay even when you dive 100m deep into the water. Suunto Traverse Alpha is a military standard watch that can withstand anything that is thrown at it.  Features It has an “Automatic Shot Detection” that records data of when and where you shoot. It has an accelerometer that analyzes your motions and gun recoil. It Has sunset and sunrise time alerts to notify you in case you lose track of time. It Has a state-of-the-art navigation system. It is night vision goggle compatible. 2. Garmin Fenix 5X Plus This is a sporty hunting watch that is designed for people who love spending most of their time outdoors hunting. It is small and light, you can barely feel it on your wrists, yet it has a rugged built that makes it tough enough to go through anything in the wild. The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus has a titanium bezel, a fiber-reinforced polymer case, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens. Features It has an Altimeter for checking the exact altitude that you are operating from. It has an in-built barometer. It has a compass for keeping track of direction. It has GPS and a TOPO map for good measure. If you want your watch to really shine during your hunting trip, you can go for personalization options. Credible brands like Mobile Mob, offer personalized design solutions for Garmin hunting watches, which are durable, attractive, and will allow you to blend form and function to a supposedly rugged hunting watch. You can choose between a range of watch strap options according to what you prefer appeals the most to you. 3. Casio Pro Trek WSD-F20-RGBAU The Casio Pro Trek is another military standard Casio hunting watch that comes with a strap made out of resin, a crystal mineral dial, and a water-resistant case that can handle 50 meters of water. The watch is available for Android and IOS, and it is built for durability. Features It comes equipped with an Altimeter. It has a barometer for checking humidity. It has a full-color map on top of having a location memory. It has GPS and a compass. 4. LBJ Outdoor Compass Watch Just as the name implies, this hunting watch is built with a specialized focus on providing the most accurate directions during hunting trips. It has a PU silicone strap, a Hardlex dial window that is enclosed in a tough plastic case that can resist water to a depth of 50 meters. Features It has an Altimeter. It comes bundled up with an in-built thermometer. It has a very advanced compass. It has an alarm that gives you hourly notifications to help keep track of time. 5. Garmin Tactix Bravo Another Garmin hunting watch makes it into the list, a true testament to how reliable a brand they are. Available for both IOS and Android, the Garmin Tactix Bravo has a steel bezel with a DLC coating, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal surface, a nylon strap that makes the watch be water-resistant to a depth of 100m. Features It has an Altimeter. It has a barometer. It is equipped with a 3-axis compass. It has an Omni-directional EXO antenna. It has a state-of-the-art GLONASS GPS. It has a real-time breadcrumb trail that helps you retrace your footsteps if you are lost. It also has a TrackBack feature. It has support for night goggles. The screen has Garmin’s Chroma Display that makes it possible to read the screen even in direct sunlight. What to Consider When Choosing a Hunting Watch When looking for a hunting watch, there are some things you have to pay attention to, features that will make your hunting much easier. They include the following; The hunting watch must have a GPS and a compass. The reason for this is straightforward, you may get lost, and without any network coverage, getting back on track can be hard. Unless you have extensive knowledge of the woods you are hunting on, get a watch that can help with directions when you need it.   It must be water-resistant. Hunting is an intense activity that takes you through tough terrain. You may find yourself needing to wade through water, or you may find yourself at the mercy of heavy rain. A water-resistant hunting watch should be able to withstand all that without any problem.   It must have a sunset and sunrise alarm feature that will help you keep track of time. It is easy to get engrossed in hunting, and you may lose your sense of time, and that could be disastrous if darkness finds you in a place you are not very familiar with.   The battery has to be durable and reliable. The last thing you would want is to end up with a dead watch on your wrist with no other means of navigating. Get a watch whose battery can last for days. Or better yet, a solar-powered one that will never go flat and takes a shorter time to recharge.   Lastly, a good hunting watch must have an in-built barometer. Keeping track of weather changes is vital for a hunter as it not only affects the accuracy of the weapons but also affects the availability of animals. Once it starts raining heavily, animals hide in places that are hard to be found. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the best watch for hunters? A: The SUUNTO Traverse Alpha, is the best watch for hunting. It has GPS, Shot Technology, Storm Alarms, sunrise, sunset features,, full battery life, scratch resistant, an app to record your trips.  Q2: Does Suunto Traverse Alpha have a heart rate? A: This watch tracks the daily activity, with calories and steps and turns into a heart beat rate monitor. This comes with an optional chest or wrist belt. They are resistant to 330 feet.  Q3: How long does it take Suunto 5 to get charged? A: It takes 2 to 3 hours to fully charge an empty battery. A tip for you to keep the battery life, fix the GPS interval while recording.  Q4: Where is Suunto Based? A: Suunto Oy is a Finland company that makes and markets sports watches, dive computers, precision instruments and compasses. The Headquarter is in Vantaa, Finland.  Conclusion There is enough watch supply for every function known to man. It doesn't matter the line of work you are in or the kind of activity you spend your free time engaging in. Hunting watches are just but a small fraction of what watches in the modern world can do. They have gone beyond the traditional role of telling time. If you are a hunting enthusiast, it is time you got yourself a hunting watch. Read Also: Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures Best Time To Visit New York – Know All About New York Weather Your Next Road Trip: 4 Tips Before You Depart