Momondo Flights: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Flights In 2023?

BY  Arnab Jun 30, 2023

Embarking on a luxurious yacht journey is an experience like no other, and behind the scenes, a dedicated crew works tirelessly to ensure guests have an unforgettable voyage. You're not alone if you've ever wondered how much these hardworking yacht crew members make. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the fascinating world of yacht crew salaries, exploring factors influencing their income, such as yacht size, experience, location, and various roles within the crew. From captains to deckhands, we'll uncover the earning potential in this alluring industry and shed light on additional compensation, like tips and bonuses. So, you may start to rent a yacht and set sail with us as we navigate the rewarding waters of yacht crew salaries. Yacht Staff Departments Their Roles and Salaries Luxury yachting is synonymous with opulence, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. However, behind the scenes, a dedicated team of yacht staff members works tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the voyage runs smoothly. This article will explore the various departments on a yacht and each staff member's vital role in creating a seamless guest experience and their salaries. 1. Deck Department The deck department is responsible for maintaining the yacht's exterior, ensuring its safety, and assisting with navigation. Key roles within the deck department include: Captain The captain is in charge of the overall operation and safety of the yacht. They oversee the entire crew, manage the yacht's itinerary, and ensure compliance with maritime laws and regulations. Their salaries can range from $48,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on yacht size, experience, and location. Small yachts (up to 24 meters or 79 feet): $48,000 - $84,000 Medium yachts (24-50 meters or 79-164 feet): $72,000 - $120,000 Large yachts (over 50 meters or 164 feet): $96,000 - $180,000 First Officer The first officer, the chief mate or chief officer, assists the captain with navigation, safety procedures, and crew management. They are second-in-command and assume the captain's responsibilities in their absence. The size of the yacht is a significant determinant of the salary range for Chief Officers and First Mates. Small yachts: $3,100 - $6,500 per month Medium yachts: $5,000 - $9,800 per month Large yachts: $7,000 - $14,200 per month Deckhands Deckhands are responsible for the upkeep of the yacht's exterior, including cleaning, painting, and varnishing. They also handle docking procedures, assist with water sports activities, and help with tender operations. Their estimated salaries range from $24,000 to $48,000 annually. Small yachts: $24,000 - $30,000 Medium yachts: $30,000 - $42,000 Large yachts: $36,000 - $48,000 2. Engineering Department The engineering department ensures the smooth operation of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems on board the yacht. Read this article if you are an engineer and are interested in becoming a yacht engineer. Key roles within the engineering department include: Chief Engineer and Assistant Engineer:  The chief engineer is responsible for maintaining and repairing the yacht's engines, generators, air conditioning systems, and other critical equipment. They also oversee fuel consumption and ensure the yacht complies with environmental regulations. Assistant engineers support the chief engineer by performing routine maintenance tasks and assisting with necessary repairs. The estimated salaries for engineers can range from $36,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on their role, yacht size, experience, and location. Small yachts: $36,000 - $60,000 (Assistant Engineer) Medium yachts: $48,000 - $84,000 (Assistant Engineer); $60,000 - $96,000 (Chief Engineer) Large yachts: $72,000 - $120,000 (Chief Engineer) 3. Interior Department The interior department is responsible for providing exceptional guest service and maintaining the cleanliness and presentation of the yacht's interior spaces. Key roles within the interior department include: Chief Steward/Stewardess:  The chief steward or stewardess leads the interior crew and ensures that guests receive top-notch service throughout their stay. They oversee housekeeping, laundry, and meal service, as well as manage inventory and provisioning. Stewards and stewardesses assist the chief steward/stewardess in providing exceptional guest service. Their duties include serving meals, cleaning guest cabins, and attending to guests' needs. Their estimated salaries can range from $37,000 to $84,000 annually. Small yachts: $37,000 - $48,000 Medium yachts: $42,000 - $60,000 Large yachts: $48,000 - $84,000 4. Galley Department The galley department is responsible for preparing delicious and visually appealing meals for guests and crew members. Key roles within the galley department include: Executive Chef/ Sous Chef The executive chef oversees menu planning, preparation, and ensuring that all meals meet guests' dietary requirements and preferences. They also manage the galley staff and maintain food safety standards. The sous chef assists the executive chef in preparing meals and managing the galley staff. The crew cook prepares meals for the yacht's crew members, ensuring they have nutritious and satisfying meals. Their estimated salaries can range from $36,000 to $96,000 annually. Small yachts: $36,000 - $60,000 Medium yachts: $48,000 - $72,000 Large yachts: $60,000 - $96,000 It's essential to note that these salary estimates are subject to change based on market fluctuations, individual performance, and other factors. Yacht crew members may also receive tips, bonuses, and other benefits that can significantly boost their overall income. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the estimated salaries of yacht crew members can be rewarding and vary based on factors such as experience, yacht size, and location. With the potential for additional compensation through tips and bonuses, a career in the luxury yachting industry can be financially lucrative while offering the opportunity to work in a unique and exciting environment. Read Also: Yachting In Dubai – A Memorable Experience 10 Reasons Why You Should Get A Yacht In 2022

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

No, it’s not the battle of the Starks, Lannisters, and other houses of Westeros. In Canada lies Kootenay National Park, the actual land of ice and fire. The glacier-made canyons and valleys sing the song of the ice, while the hot springs and grasslands keep the “fire” element alive here.  Also, the national park is a hub of ancient fossils, encouraging walks through the fossil trails. Moreover, you can take a scenic drive through the park, rich in Indigenous culture, history, architecture, and cultural landscape.   So, do you want a virtual tour of this Canadian national park? THIS is where your journey begins! THESE Are The Things You Will Do At Kootenay National Park With no cell service available in Kootenay National Park, you can get lost in the wilderness and explore the most fascinating landscape. However, being respectful to the wildlife is a must for this national park. This August, I came across disturbing news while doing my research on Kootenay National Park.  I have been in touch with a local from Radium Hot Springs for quite some time now. He told me that a grizzly bear coming out of Kootenay National Park was almost struck by an SUV on 19th August 2024.  This incident occurred on a busy highway in southeastern British Columbia, and fortunately, the Kia Sportage SUV made its way to the other side safely. Further, it was a lesson on why following the safety guidelines is crucial while driving in and around the Kootenay National Park. On the major routes of Kootenay National Park, you will have to maintain a maximum speed of 56 mph.However, on the minor routes, the highest driving speed limit will be 37 mph.  Also, around one month before the incident, on 24th July 2024, there was a minor fire in the  Sinclair Canyon slopes (near Radium Hot Springs) of the national park. It was called the Berland Ridge wildfire. This fire was under control thanks to a helicopter bucketing water on it. However, outside the park’s southern boundary, there was a blazing fire that was brought under control after pain-stricken efforts.  So, these incidents show how mindful and cautious you need to be while taking part in the following activities.  Hiking In Kootenay National Park (Hikers’ Favorite Trails) The hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are full of elevation gains and losses. Also, today, the national park has more than 70 hiking trails at easy, moderate, and difficult levels.  However, I have curated a few hiking trails in the table below. After interacting with a couple of hikers, I found out that these are the ones most preferred. Name of the Trail Difficulty LevelDistanceLocationHighlightsMarble CanyonEasy1.4 Km with 42 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaHiking, snowshoeing, and running are the favorite activities here.It is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly trail. It is a year-long hiking trail. Stanley Glacier Trail Difficult 10.9 Km with 607 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaSnowshoeing, camping, and hiking are popular activities on this trail.You can take your dog as a company.June to September is the best time to hike this trail. Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail Moderate5.8 Km with 291 M Elevation GainIt is close to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia.You will have to hike through a beautiful cedar fir forest on this trail.The view of verdant Sinclair Canyon Falls and the Columbia Valley from this trail is breathtaking.Marble Canyon to Paint PotsModerate2.9 Km with 110 M Elevation GainRadium Hot Springs (Marble Canyon Parking Lot  - 89 km east of Radium Hot Springs, Paint Pots - 86 Km east of Radium Hot Springs).Explore a good mix of mature and burnt forest throughout the trail.Behold the Vermillion River running parallel to the trail. Floe LakeDifficult10.5 Km with 1,110 M Elevation Gain Near Radium Hot Springs (72 Km East)Backpacking and camping are popular activities on this trail. The trail leads to the Floe Lake Backcountry campground. This popular meadowy trail is known for its views of peaks, glaciers, and the beautiful Floe Lake. Numa CreeksModerate 6.3 Km with 385 M Elevation GainThe trailhead is near the Numa Falls, which is 80 Km east of the Radium Hot Springs. It is a forested trail.The trail leads to heavy avalanche paths in the park.  The hikers’ words about the trails in this national park are quite encouraging. Let’s find out what they are saying about the mesmerizing hiking trails.  “This is a beautiful, deep canyon hike. The trail crosses the canyon multiple times to view the ferocious Kootenay river below. Hiking boots aren't necessary since it is a well-traveled trail.” - Deborah Turcotte on the Marble Canyon Trail  “The trail was mostly dry and in very good condition. No snow on the trail, just a few short wet spots. Trek up is mostly sheltered but a bit chilly and windy in the bowl so bring layers as the temp changes quickly when the sun is behind clouds. Still lots of snow in the bowl. Found one rock with fossils. There are a few small waterfalls on Stanley Peak. Lots of boulders at the base of the bowl to sit and enjoy a lunch and 360 views. An easy to moderate 3-4 hour hike with nice views of Stanley Peak, Storm Mtn, and the Kootenay Valley.” - Sue W on the Stanley Glacier Trail  Kootenay National Park Camping  Kootenay National Park is a wonderful place for frontcountry and backcountry camping. You can even live in oTENTiks and spend some unforgettable days in the park under the sky.  Frontcountry Camping You can camp near the Vermillion, Kootenay, and Simpson rivers. Also, you can find some quiet spots near Radium Hot Springs village.  Summer is the best season for front-country camping in the national park. However, the sites remain crowded. So, you must go for a prior booking.  Further, the daytime temperature in the national park remains between 16-23 degrees centigrade. Still, the temperature at night can drop below 0 degrees centigrade. So, abiding by the camping rules is crucial, and especially, be particular about the things you will have to carry. Moreover, like camping in any national park, here also you have to ensure that you don’t leave any trace behind as you leave the site.  Backcountry Camping Backcountry camping and backpacking are the best ways to explore the wilderness of this Canadian national park. However, you must make a prior booking and carry a backcountry permit if you want to spend some days and nights amidst grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elks, and cougars.  Further, there are six backcountry camping grounds in the park, five of which are located along the  Rockwall Trail. The  Verdant Creek Trail has the sixth camping ground.  Random camping is not allowed during summer, as protecting the landscape and vegetation is crucial. This restriction applies from May to October.  However, in the winter months, you can do random camping in the designated areas. You will still need a permit for this. As I have mentioned, the Rockwall trail is the most prominent place for backcountry camping in the park. This site is also popular for the presence of various multi-day hiking trails. These trails are: Honeymoon Pass and Verdant Creek Tumbling - Floe The Rockwall  Tumbling - Helmet - Ochre Loop Numa Creek Helmet Creek and Falls Tumbling Creek Helmet - Ochre Junction In the popular backcountry camping areas, the trails are maintained quite well. Further, there will be amenities like food storage cables, food lockers, picnic tables, and tent pads.  Living in oTENTik An oTENTik is a modern fusion of a cabin and a tent. In the park, you will find the oTENTik site on the Redstreak campground’s A loop.  If you stay in an oTENTik, you will wake up amidst nature, and taking a bath at the hot springs will be the most rejuvenating experience. Then, you can explore the nearby hiking trails and gorge on traditional meals cooked in the campfire.  Relaxing At Radium Hot Springs  Beneath the colorful Sinclair Canyon mountains lie the most refreshing hot springs. Further, the mineral-rich water of the hot springs does not have any odor, and you can take a bath with your entire family.  To reach the Radium Hot Springs, you must drive from Banff and Lake Louise for around 1.5 hours. Further, the journey is as interesting as the destination, as you will get to small turquoise lakes, falls, canyons, and bridges over rivers as you drive through the Kootenay National Park. Also, don’t forget to stop at the following locations to make the most of your journey. Continental Divide (The line diving the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds) Marble Canyon Hike Paint Pots Trail Numa Falls Kootenay Valley Viewpoint (It is the place to get the most beautiful view of Vermilion and Mitchell Ranges.)  Olive Lake Trail and Day-Use Area However, the highlight of the journey, of course, is the Sinclair Canyon, where you will also find big horn sheep roaming. As you hike through the Juniper / Sinclair trail, you will get a “bird’s eye view” of Sinclair Canyon.  Further, as you enter the Radium Hot Springs village, you will see an iconic steel horn sculpture. The “Bighorns Public Art Sculpture” was officially unveiled on 7th April 2021. Moreover, Clara Reinhardt, the mayor of Radium in 2021, said,  “We chose something that implies a sense of arrival to Radium, the Columbia Valley, and beyond. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” “We wanted to create a piece of art that speaks to both the history and the future of bighorn sheep in Radium. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” - Adam Meikle (Artist of the Bighorns Public Art Sculpture) Burgess Shale Fossil Hike  The Burgess Shale Fossil Hike in the national park will give you access to Mount Stephen and Walcott Quarry. These are UNESCO Restricted Sites. Further, you will get to see some of the oldest fossils in the world here.  However, in total, you have three routes to explore in the Burgess Shale Fossil Hike. Let’s discuss them in detail.  Walcott Quarry Starting Point: Takakkaw Falls Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 825 Meters Duration: 11 Hours Return Distance: 22 Kms Walcott Quarry is a classic example of a fossil hike. Also, the top view of the Emerald Lake from here is amazing. Further, you will find Burgess Shale creatures here, which were found in fossilized conditions at the mountaintop in the Yoho National Park.  “The Burgess Shale organisms lived 508 million years ago in a time period that Geologists call the Cambrian, which began at 541 Ma (million years ago) and ended by 485.4 Ma. The first fossil occurence of most animal lineages (at the phylum and class levels) occur in the Cambrian. As a result of this fact, and because the fossils are well preserved, Paleontologists studying the Burgess Shale fossils can deduce a great deal about the ancestory of animal lineages.” The Burgess Shale fossils were discovered at the Walcott Quarry site in 1909 by Charles Doolittle Walcott. 1 Mount Stephen Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 795 Meters Duration: 7.5 Hours Return Distance: 9 Kms As you hike through the Mount Stephen trilobite beds, you will get to overlook the “town of Field” in British Columbia. Railway workers in the 1880s used to call the town of Field the space of “stone bugs.”  Further, during this trek, you will see trilobite fossils (now extinct and one of the earliest marine arthropods), and the view of the Kicking Horse River from the trail is amazing.  Stanley Glacier Difficulty: Moderate Return Distance: 10 km Elevation Gain: 385 m Duration: 7.5 hours You will start hiking the Stanley Glacier in a fire-swept forest. The forest has lodgepole pine and wildflowers. Further, along your route, you will get to see a turquoise river, waterfalls, and the best view of the Stanley Glacier. Moreover, you will get to see the fossils of hyolithids, sponges, trilobites, and sponges here, and they are from the Eldon Formation.  Cambroraster, an ancient arthropod, and many other species are found in the quarry near the Stanley Glacier. Further, the shell of a Cambroraster looks like the Millennium Falcon spaceship in its shape. Important Kootenay National Park Data At A Glance  Before you start for the Kootenay National Park, don’t forget to have a look at the stats. Location: British Columbia, Canada Established: 21st April, 1920 Area: 1,406 km² Highest Landscape: Deltaform Mountain (3,102 m) Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 (As Part of the “Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks ) Visitor Center: Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre (7556 Main Street East; Radium Hot Springs, B.C.) How to Reach: Via Highway 1 from Banff, AB or Calgary, AB/Via Highway 95 at Radium Hot Springs, BC 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.

BY  Shahnawaz Feb 1, 2024

Traveling is liberating; it’s one of the most celebrated hobbies in the world. However, your celebration can be masked by distress and more severe consequences if you don’t travel safely. Traveling safely means always updating your vaccination chart before you set out on your latest adventure.  Your travel plans should always have your travel vaccination on top right after the destination you are choosing to travel to. When planning your travel health, your destination plays a considerable role. Whichever part of the world you are choosing to explore next, make sure you have a list of vaccinations handy and checked before you set out on your travels. Here are some of the most common vaccinations one needs to take care of before setting out to explore the world and its many wonders.  Before You Travel Are your plans made? Have you decided where you are heading to? Here’s what you need right after you have made and set your goals: get your vaccination up-to-date. The easiest way to get your vaccination is to make an appointment with your healthcare professional and discuss your vaccination needs in light of the destination you are traveling to.  Travel vaccinations vary from routine vaccinations. When traveling to underdeveloped countries, you have to be extra careful with your vaccinations. For more information, you can even visit the embassy page of your destination to check their vaccination requirements. These protective measures are highly recommended to keep travelers safe from fast-spreading and deadly viruses like Yellow Fever, typhoid, etc.  Your healthcare professional will help you get up-to-date with destination-specific vaccines, preventive medication, and other materials you may need to keep your travel health in check.  Apart from that, make sure you ask as many questions as you can regarding general health concerns, itineraries, and planned activities when traveling to underdeveloped countries.  Pro Tip: Many vaccinations like COVID-19 require multiple doses, so make sure you seek medical attention as soon as you are sure about traveling.  Apart from vaccinations, discuss preventive medication such as medicines that prevent malaria; these are great for keeping you healthy and protecting you from fevers during your travel. Reasons Why You Should Get Vaccinated To Ensure Travel Health Travel health must be one of the core considerations for an individual. If the individual fails to keep healthy, they will disrupt the entire tour, especially if it is a family-oriented or business tour. You do not have the right to make life difficult for others. Therefore, you must have adequate protection against the issues. However, here we discuss some of the issues that are strictly related to travel. So, let us get started with the discussion so that you have a better understanding of safety concerns. In this section, we discuss why you need to be vaccinated.  The Vaccine Prevented Disease Still Persists Even Today  As we mentioned and discussed below, vaccination is considered one of the major issues linked to the individual; some of them still exist. They pass on to another individual, especially to one who is not vaccinated. The person suffers, being unguarded. Travel health is one of the major concerns; therefore, you need protection to save yourself from these diseases. That's the major problem associated with the spread of disease. Vaccines Will Help You Maintain Your Health When you go to a new place, there is a high chance of getting affected by the deadly virus. If you suffer from physical health disruption, it may harm your schedule badly. You must, therefore, understand the value of travel health, vaccinate yourself with the requirements of the government in that country, and also adhere to the norms of the individual.  Additionally, exploring the use of preventative treatments such as rapamycin can provide further protection against age-related diseases and improve your resilience while traveling. When you skip the vaccines, it will leave you vulnerable, especially on foreign soil. Let me give you a warning here: you might not know that shingles, HPV, and the flu lead to the cause of cancer.  Vaccines Are Important From The Point Of View Of Overall Health.  One of the most complex issues that harm an individual at this point is obesity. A healthy lifestyle is essential to keeping you fit and fighting bacteria and viruses. There has been wide-scale awareness of maintaining good health with regular health check-ups.  Just like it, you need to keep up-to-date with the latest vaccination requirements so that you can be healthy, fit, and fine. It is one of the safest preventives that is available to you.  Vaccines: A Must For Travel Health Different studies on the internet indicate the need for more tourists' adaptability in inclement weather conditions. Moreover, there are hundreds of instances of tourists affected by the deadly viruses succumbing to death when they return to their own country.  In a way, vaccination draws the line between life and death. So, touring without vaccination is antithetical to travel health, and you remain vulnerable in the new destinations. According to a study, around 50000 adults died from COVID-19 viruses.  The Vaccines Are Safe And Secure Making these vaccines took great effort, and they are standardized after many successful trials. Even the licenses were made stringent for the vaccines. They helped the common people and not the travelers.  They can also take them as they are one of the must-haves while traveling to another country. Hence, travelers must not doubt vaccinations and conform to travel health requirements.  Where To Get The Vaccination From? Always get your vaccinations from authorized entities; you can ask your primary healthcare provider as well.  Some of the most common vaccinations to keep in check before you travel are,  COVID-19 Chickenpox Cholera  Flu (Influenza) Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Japanese encephalitis MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Meningococcal Pneumococcal Polio Rabies Shingles Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Typhoid Yellow fever You may not need all of these, as some of these vaccinations are destination-specific. However, to be sure, have a lengthy chat with your primary healthcare provider.  Conclusion Whether you are traveling alone, with kids or with senior citizens, vaccination should be your priority. You wouldn’t want the happiness of your travels dampened by an unforeseen event like contracting a severe virus. Travel safe, get vaccinated, and conquer all your trips.  Read Also: Spring Travel And Eye Health Tips The Ultimate Business Traveler’s Guide To Bangkok 5 Reasons To Travel When You Retire