Parent’s Guide To Traveling With Kids:

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

No park in the Rockies in Canada is as beautiful as the Banff National Park. This park has a year-round allure. So, no wonder the park had 4.288 million visitors in the 2023-24 fiscal year.  However, Banff National Park is breathtaking in the winter. With an average annual snowfall of 181 inches, the park also offers thrilling winter activities.  Banff National Park Visitor HighlightsBanff National Park had 4.13 million visitors in the 2022-23 fiscal year. So, 2023-24 has seen a massive increase (31%) in the footfall.The traffic congestion in the area has increased with the most traffic in the Lake Louise area. In 2023, there were 2,547 reports of human-wildlife encounters in this national park. So, you must be respectful to the wildlife in the park.  Further, Banff National Park and its surrounding areas expect 10-15 cm of snow in October 2024. The higher terrains can even receive a snowfall of up to 25 cm. So, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and other ski resorts in the area have started preparing for the winter ski season.  These resorts consider this snowy condition ideal for better winter tourism and activities. So, let’s find out the outdoor pursuits you can participate in at Banff National Park this winter. You Surely Don’t Want To Miss These Winter Activities At Banff National Park  Winter calls for an immersive experience in the Canadian Rockies. Banff National Park is not an exception. You can enjoy a casual stroll along the snow-covered streets. Further, you can just cherish the snowy beauty while sipping on your favorite hot chocolate drink. Of course, there are delightful activities like ice skating in the frozen lake, skiing, and snowboarding. However, before putting on your skiing shoes and gear, you must check the snow conditions in the park and at a particular resort.  Nevertheless, let’s talk about the activities without further ado!  1. Skiing And Snowboarding Banff National Park offers some world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities. In fact, the skiing season here is one of the longest in North America. The skiing season starts here from the end of November until May. It is phenomenal, indeed! Further, it does not matter whether you have not done skiing and snowboarding before. You can give it a go, thanks to the guidance and rentals available here. However, if you are not confident enough, you can just get a sightseeing tour ticket and explore the park. The three skiing resorts in Banff National Park are: Mt Norquay (10 Minutes Away from Town) Banff Sunshine (20 Minutes Away from Town) The Lake Louise Ski Resort  (40 Minutes Away from Town) You can try skiing at all the resorts or at least visit one during the cold season. You have to pay a nominal fee to ski at these resorts. However, if you need guidance or rentals, you must pay extra charges. Nevertheless, here is a snapshot of the admission fee to the park for your reference. Moreover, if you want to visit a particular ski resort, you can buy lift tickets. However, if you have plans to visit all the resorts, go for the SkiBig3 tickets for a better deal.  2. Ice Skating Ice skating rinks in Banff National Park are free, and Lake Louise is the best spot in the park. It is a Canadian dream to ice skate on the frozen lake. Also, you can take part in Pond Hockey here.  Further, you can enjoy the snow-capped beauties while enjoying your time at the Lake Louise Ice Skating Rink. The mountains around this lake are: Mount Whyte Mount Niblock Hungabee Mountain Mount Godor Fairview Mountain Mount Goodsir Moreover, you will love the ice castle at the Lake Louise ice skating rink. Don’t forget to take lovely snaps against the backdrop of this ice castle.  3. Snowshoeing/Winter Hikes Snowshoeing and winter hikes are two different activities. However, both make winter in Banff National Park very special.  So, check out the following snowshoeing hotspots in the national park. Lake Louise Marble Canyon Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls Sunshine Meadows Sulphur Mountain Trail Bow Glacier Falls Sulphur Mountain Trail is also a popular hiking route in the park in winter. Here are some hiking trails in the park in winter. Tunnel Mountain Summit - Moderate, 2.4 Km one-way Stewart Canyon - Easy, 1.5 Km, one way Sundance Canyon - Moderate, 3,7 km one way plus 2.1 km loop Spray Connector - Easy, one way 2 Km Marsh Loop, Easy, 2.8 Km loop However, winter is within the avalanche season in the park. The Avalanche Season in the park continues from November to June.  You can even reach the Avalanche Terrain after a short walk. So, follow the Avalanche Danger Signs and Avalanche Symbol while trekking in the park in winter.  4. Dog Sledding Dog Sledding is a great way to explore the park in winter. The mighty and energetic huskies will make your day. While exploring the park, you will also learn about its history and why it is so crucial for the community and locality. In addition, your musher or guide will explain the dog sledding technique to you. Moreover, dog sledding is a popular activity in Banff National Park during the SnowDays  Event in January and February. It is a celebration of Everything Winter in Banff.  5. Relax In Upper Hot Springs Hours of Operation: 10 am to 10 pm (Last entry: 9:30 pm) It will be the most relaxing experience for you to soak in the warm water of the Upper Hot Springs on Sulphur Mountain in the chilling winter. You can kinda call it a Canadian tradition. So, no wonder that it has been one of the best things to do in Banff National Park in winter since 1886.  Banff Upper Hot Springs has 100% natural mineral water. Take a dip in the outdoor pool as you behold the Cascade and Rundle Mountain peaks.  Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Bath House, which is a federal heritage building that houses some interpretive exhibits. These exhibits tell you about the history and nature of the hot springs.  Did you know that Upper Hot Springs is the highest operational hot spring in Canada? 6. Ice Climbing Banff National Park is one of the most popular destinations for ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies, along with Jasper and Kootenay National Park. November to April is the best season for ice climbing in these parks.  Easy access and reliable conditions are two factors promoting ice climbing in these parks. In Banff, the canyons and waterfalls are especially brilliant spots for ice climbing. The most visited spots for ice climbing in this park are: Johnston Canyon Professor Falls Louise Falls Weeping Wall Polar Circus Cascade Falls However, ice climbing requires avalanche training, and you must abide by safety guidelines.  7. Wildlife Spotting In May 2024, the Rocky Mountain Outlook came with disturbing news of Wildlife Paparazzi putting pressure on the Grizzlies of Banff National Park to take snaps. This is a sheer disrespect of wildlife and a form of hunting trophies in the form of photos of those animals. “With cell phone cameras, the digital photos of wildlife have become the 21st Century equivalent of hunters going out and bagging an animal that they can hang on their wall.”Brian Spreadbury, Former Human-Wildlife Conflict Supervisor, Lake Louise Nevertheless, exploring the wildlife of Banff National Park in winter is a delightful experience. It is most famous for the black and grizzly bears. Further, you will find bighorn sheep, cougars, moose, elk, and wolves here.  However, you have to be at the following sports to explore wildlife here. Icefields Parkway Bow Valley Parkway Lake Louise Moraine Lake Vermilion Lakes You will also find many small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels in Banff National Park. Moreover, with bald eagles and hundreds of bird species, this park is a birder’s paradise.  8. Snow Tubing Snow tubing is an exciting winter activity that takes place at the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Further snow tubing activities happen in two different time slots. The first slot is from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and the next slot is from 1:30 pm to 4 pm.  The snow tubing park in Mt. Norquay is the largest in Alberta. Moreover, the eight sliding lanes in the park let you enjoy the activity with your friends and family.  9. Northern Lights Viewing Late September to April is the best time for northern light viewing in Banff National Park. Longer nights and clear skies during these months are the best times for stargazing and northern light watching.  Vermillion Lakes in the national park is easily accessible by car and on foot. It is the best location for watching the Northern Lights.  10. Attending Festivals and Events Along with the SnowDays Festival, many events transform Banff National Park into a festive hub. You can attend the following upcoming events in the park. Event Upcoming Date Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival26th October - 3rd November, 2024Power of Presence - Wellness Retreat1st-3rd November, 2024Embrace Joy - Your New Freedom - Wellness Retreat7th-10th November, 2024Banff Wine & Yoga Festival 8th-11th November, 2024Banff Sunshine Community Ski Day6th December, 2024Mt Norquay Community Ski Day7th December, 2024Lake Louise Community Ski Day8th December, 2024SnowDays Play ZoneJanuary 2025Aerial Yoga Teacher Training16th-19th January 2025SnowDays Festival17th January-2nd February So, get geared up for winter fun at Banff National Park. You can reach the park from Calgary through a shuttle service.  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  Sibashree Dec 13, 2024

Yes, Houston is the party city. In fact, it has the backing of the party expert, Evites. So, from the number of events organized each year to the vibrant nightlife, you will surely find a lot of fun things to do in Houston. Houston is also happening in the socials, with #houstonnightlife having a whopping 786k posts on the socials. Further, the #houstonnightclubs has 65.8k posts.  However, nightclubs are not the only go-to places if you want to party in Houston. You can visit the wineries, restaurants, and sports bars to make the most of your time. You cannot overlook the fact that #houstonfood has 1M posts on Instagram.  So, here is a fun guide for you!  Fun Things To Do In Houston Nightlife | Making The Most Of The Party City Partying at night is surely one of the fun things to do in Houston. Moreover, this is the city that gives you the kick to get ready for the parties as well. As Megan Thee Stallion has said, “Houston is a place where you have to be the best. Everybody gotta be flashy, flashy. It's not like a gaudy thing, but people definitely put on their best dressed even if they go into Wal-Mart.” So, are you ready to get all flashy and get ready for the fun parties at night? Check out the fun things to do in Houston curated by us. 1. Soak In High Energy At The Vibrant Houston Nightclubs  https://www.instagram.com/p/C_36U4aMssp/?img_index=1 The nightclubs in Houston are high energy, and they are spread across various districts of Houston. Moreover, you will find the most happening nightclubs in Houston in the following areas. Washington Avenue Montrose Downtown Midtown Rice Village Also, check out the table below to know the nightclubs you can visit to dance it out with your partner or make new acquaintances. Nightclub in Houston, TexasAddress Phone Number The Fox Trap Restaurant & Lounge11470 Westheimer Houston, TX+1 281-272-8703Vida Garden Htx2300 Louisiana St Houston, TX(346) 537-0885Numbers Night Club300 Westheimer Road Houston(713) 521-1121Club Tropicana3222 Fondren Rd Houston, TX(713) 977-4188South Beach Houston810 Pacific St Houston, TX (713) 529-7623 Some of these places, like the Fox Trap Restaurant & Lounge, also serve the best delicacies. When in Houston nightclubs, you must try the delicacies like lamb sliders, beignets, egg rolls, etc.  2. Visit The Most Happening Sports Bars In Houston https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq0egwsgV68/ The sports bars in Houston offer you every bit of fun you are looking for. You can play billiards, darts, bowling, or other board games to make the nights filled with a sporty vibe. Moreover, the Houstonians are madly in love with their food and sports. They are crazy about the Texans and Astros. Also, they love to come together as they cheer for their favorite teams.  So, you will find many local sports bars filled with high-energy snacks, cold drinks, booze, and more!  Also, do you want to be a part of one of the fun things to do in Houston? You can visit the following sports bars. Name of The Sports BarAddressContact NumberHome Run Dugout1220 Grand W Blvd, Katy, TX 77449(833) 384-6881Nick's Place2713 Rockyridge Dr (Westheimer), Houston, TX 77063(713) 780-8338Flying Saucer Draught Emporium15929 City Walk (at Texas Ave), Sugar Land, TX 77479(281) 242-7468Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Spring Restaurant21930 Kuykendahl Rd, Spring, TX 77379(281) 801-7171T-Bones Sports Pub1971 W T C Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77008(713) 864-3944 Now, you can grab your friends, make a group, and visit any of these sports bars for a high-energy experience. However, don’t worry, even if you are traveling solo, as you can always make new friends at these bars.  Also, as I have mentioned, some of these sports bars serve the best food and drinks. For example, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Spring Restaurant at 21930 Kuykendahl Rd, Spring, has the best Gochubang, burgers, and mojitos.  Moreover, it’s a sin to miss the frozen margarita with the moonshine swirl here and you can reach out to this sports club at (281) 801-7171.  3. These Are The Houston Restaurants You Cannot Miss For Dinner https://www.instagram.com/p/DCZk09nvPWE/ Every time anyone asks me about the fun things to do in Houston, I end up mentioning the best food in the city. If you are traveling to Houston with your partner, fine dining is the most romantic thing you can do here.  Further, when it comes to choosing the best dining restaurant in Houston, you are bound to get spoilt with choices. Also, the city offers a good mix of age-old classics and the ones which have just opened their doors to the world.  Moreover, you will find dominance of the Tex-Mex culture in the Houston delicacies. For a foodie, it is great to savor a wonderful fusion of Mexican and Texas cuisines. Nevertheless, at Tour and Travel, we have curated some of the celebrated fine dining restaurants in Houston. So, let’s check out the details.  Fine Dining Restaurant HoustonAddressContact Number B&B ButchersIt redefines the idea of fine dining with its vast steak menu. Furthermore, its outdoor seating arrangement is pretty cool. 1814 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007(713) 862-1814Armando’sThis is one of the best places to relish the Tex-Mex influence in Houston food. Moreover, the dishes you need to try here are quesadillas, enchiladas, and ceviche. 2630 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77098(229)454-0198Brenner’s on the BayouAt Buffalo Bayou, Brenner’s on the Bayou will give you the feel of a ski lodge.Furthermore, you can have the best wine here. Birdsall Street, Houston, Texas 77007+1 713-868-4444Coltivare Pizza & GardenAs you can see from the name, it is an Italian restaurant close to a beautiful vegetable garden. The entrees and appetizers here are out of the world. Moreover, you will get wood-fired pizzas here. You may have to wait for a table. However, the wait is surely worth it. 3320 White Oak Drive, Houston, Texas 77007713-637-4095/832-203-7890 So, these are the fun things to do in Houston if you want to make the most of its nightlife or party scene. Now, enjoy your days in this Texas city and we wish you the most happening vacation.  Also read Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience. You Cannot Miss These Things To Do In Wilmington, NC (With Tour And Travel Tips And Tricks)

BY  Ankita Apr 18, 2024

Are you feeling wanderlust when looking at TikTok or Instagram videos? Feeling like going somewhere for a vacation? Or maybe an adventure trip in the mountains? Then, you just plan a vacation and execute the plan. But before you go on your journey, you might want to consider taking travel medical insurance.  Don't know what travel medical insurance is? It is a specific medical insurance for travelers designed for travel emergencies. This insurance covers your medical expenses while you are traveling. You know life happens to anywhere and to any one. So staying prepared is all you can do to avoid sudden expenses that you might incur while traveling. Traveling has become a part of life for many, and we travel for work as well. You can face lots of challenges as a traveler in foreign lands or domestically. But to overcome your medical emergencies, you can rely on travel medical insurance that meets the evolving needs of travelers. So, for you, we have noted the top eight travel medical insurance trends in 2024 for travelers. Comprehensive Coverage for Pandemics and Beyond Do you remember the pandemic? With fresh memories of the COVID-19 pandemic in your mind, you are bound to look for travel medical insurance. You saw and lived through the pandemic and saw how medical bills can empty your savings. This is why you need good travel medical insurance for emergencies you can foresee while traveling. When looking for medical insurance for travelers, you must seek a wide range of coverage for emergencies. Your insurance must cover all treatments, accidents, tests, quarantine costs, and emergencies like Covid-19. You might fall ill or need to be evacuated for medical emergencies while traveling. See to it that you get all the complete medical coverage while traveling. Telemedicine Services: Accessing Healthcare Anywhere You live in a technology advanced world where virtual or telemedicine services can easily be accessed when traveling. You can connect with a doctor or any healthcare profession to seek guidance during emergencies. And you can get this service from any place in the world with the internet. Need advice for a minor illness? Just pick up your phone and ask your doctor. Need a prescription to get medicine? you are just a call away for getting it virtually. In case of emergencies, you might get the greatest use of a telemedicine service as a healthcare professional can guide you in the right path towards seeking immediate treatment. Flexibility in Policies: Adapting to Changing Circumstances You need flexibility in your travel medical insurance when traveling. Your trip might get canceled due to an emergency. Or you might find better travel insurance? In this case, you will naturally want to cancel your travel medical insurance. So, your insurance should have a flexible cancellation policy along with a refund option. You do not want to incur a penalty just because you want to cancel your travel insurance. Our circumstances can change at any time, be it due to a medical emergency in your family or a work engagement. In this ever-shifting world, you need flexible medical insurance for your travel. Digital Claims Processing: Streamlining the Experience Are you worried about the paperwork needed to get your claims? Do you detest the extremely time-consuming process of getting your insurance money? Then go for a cashless travel medical insurance that is efficient in giving claims without over digital platforms. Ask the insurance agent if there is any medical insurance for travelers that offers online claims. In the age of advanced technology and digital age, insurance companies are bound to provide you with paperless claims for medical emergencies when travelling. With just a few clicks and information, you will get all the assistance you need during medical emergencies. This makes getting travel insurance easier when traveling, even if you forget it beforehand. You can still get travel medical insurance on your phone with a simple search. Customizable Plans: Tailoring Coverage to Individual Needs Just like no two people are alike, similarly, every insurance is different. You might have different needs for your insurance, while someone might have some other needs. So you should have a travel insurance that is customizable. You should have the option to customize your insurance based on your travel itinerary.  You might be a nomad traveler or an adventure seeker who is always seeking thrills when traveling. So go for insurance that covers all kinds of emergency situations that you can foresee in your travel plan. From extended number of days when traveling to covering high-risk activities, seek for flexible insurance. Mental Health Coverage: Addressing the Importance of Well-being You know traveling can be exciting and freeing but constant traveling can play with your mental health. Different cultures and places where you have to adjust with the environment, weather and people can take a toll on your mind. Therefore, you need a travel medical insurance that can help you with your mental well-being. So, you should opt for a medical insurance that covers mental health treatments and consultancies. You might need a counseling session while traveling so a virtual counseling session should also be covered in your insurance. Remote Monitoring Technology: Empowering Travelers with Data Advancements in wearable technology and remote monitoring devices are empowering travelers to take control of their health while on the move. In 2024, some insurance providers are integrating remote monitoring technology into their offerings, allowing travelers to track their health vitals, receive alerts for potential health issues, and access assistance when needed. Whether it's monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, or sleep patterns, travelers appreciate the ability to stay informed about their health status in real time, enabling them to make informed decisions about their well-being during their travels. Local Healthcare Access: Ensuring Quality Care Worldwide A crucial point you should remember when choosing travel medical insurance is to see the quality of treatment the insurance would provide. Keep note of the healthcare services being offered in the insurance. Be it major medical emergencies or minor illnesses, see to it that your insurance covers all. Reliable medical assistance is crucial for you when in emergency situations, so do not take the quality of the insurance lightly. Do you know that several insurance companies are partnering with large medical facilities to provide services? You can opt for these travel insurance that have tie-ups with major healthcare services which are reputable. Reliable healthcare can help us avoid major disasters when we are in emergency situations. If you are moving abroad for longer time period, consider an international health insurance policy instead of a travel insurance plan because: Your travel insurance plan will only cover emergencies incurred while traveling Your travel insurance plans usually cover your travel for a year Don't think your already existing health conditions will be covered under these policies. You will need regular healthcare insurance to cover your emergency bills when you are not traveling. Conclusion Now you know why following the 2024 travel medical insurance trends can actually be benefitting for you. One of the major reasons why you should opt for travel medical insurance is for your peace of mind.  While traveling, you want to enjoy the experience and not worry about anything else. This is only possible when you have taken care of your future emergencies. So, next time you travel, take a travel medical insurance to make your travel peaceful. It's also convenient to travel with a travel medical insurance. If you ever find yourself in need of urgent medical evacuation, Air Ambulance 1 is ready to provide safe, reliable, and timely transport wherever you are in the world. their global fleet network can access even the remotest parts of the world.