Swiss Delights: Mountains, Lakes, And Chocolate

BY ArnabNov 20, 2023

There are many reasons to travel to Canada in winter. You can set off to iconic mountain resorts, visit a Christmas market, or spend time at an ice rink. At the same time, even more adventures await you if you are ready for winter camping.  The list of perfect cold-weather destinations in Canada is simply endless. Snow-covered Banff National Park in Alberta, untouched nature in the Northwest Territories, and mind-blowing Mont-Tremblant in Quebec to name a few. You will certainly appreciate the silent beauty of the snowy forest in February and January, especially at sunset or dawn.  So, it would be great to pick up a car rental in Toronto and go towards a winter fairy tale. A large selection of Toronto Airport car rental deals allows you to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. If you are traveling with family or friends, consider a more spacious option - car rental for 7 people will be a balanced solution for your icy ride.  However, winter camping in Canada is as dangerous as it’s exciting. Low temperatures can cause hypothermia and the most severe consequences for your body. Thus, such experience requires a particularly careful approach. Here are a few cold-weather adventure tips to keep in mind before embarking on such an outing.  1. Use a layered clothing strategy  When it's hot during the day and cold at night, you need to carry a variety of outfits with you to stay comfortable at all times. Layering is one of the best ways to stay dry and warm without overheating.  Layering is an art and once you master it, you can easily regulate your body temperature depending on your activity level and weather changes. Using layers correctly allows you to add or subtract layers throughout the day so you feel comfortable no matter what.  Start with wool or synthetic thermal underwear. Also, avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and loses all its insulating properties when you sweat, making you feel much colder. The job of thermal underwear is to wick sweat away from your body and keep you dry and warm.  Thus, apply insulating layers such as a fleece, light down jacket, or synthetic jacket as your middle layer to help keep you warm. The greater the middle layer retains heat, the better. Finally, cover the previous two layers with a windproof jacket with a waterproof membrane to keep you warm.  The outer layer also serves to remove moisture evaporated from the body. Don't skimp on a high-quality outer layer if you expect to encounter some serious wind and rain. If it doesn’t cope with its functions, you can become seriously hypothermic. 2. Make sure your sleeping bag can handle low temperatures  Canadian winter camping expeditions require a sleeping bag - this is the golden rule for a hassle-free overnight stay. The temperature label on your sleeping bag can be confusing. For example, if your sleeping bag can withstand +5°C, this doesn’t guarantee that you will feel warm at +5°C. The fact is that sleeping bags have two temperature conditions: a temperature at which a tourist should feel comfortable, and a lower temperature limit at which a sleeping man should feel comfortable.  Temperature values are approximate and depend on multiple factors. Just in case, take a sleeping bag rated for temperatures 5–10°C below expected degrees. You can also add an extra blanket over your sleeping bag to help keep you warm. 3. Select and prepare a place to pitch your tent  Setting up a camp in winter is much more difficult than in summer, so first of all, plan your time correctly - you should arrive at the overnight site at least 30 minutes before sunset. Then, choose the right campsite, prepare it, and set up the tent. Here are some important snow camping hacks to follow.  Place a tent in a sparse forest, on the edge, in a gentle depression between ridges  Remove snow from the area of the tent + 0.5 m around, remove the top layers or clear to the ground if the snow is not deep  Build snow walls around the camp, especially in open areas  Use special elongated winter pegs, which can be replaced with trekking poles  Make an entry from the leeward side 4. Bring all your essentials into the tent Be sure to bring shoes, a backpack with food, a first aid kit and hygiene products, and gas cylinders inside the tent. Plus, put things like your phone and power bank in your sleeping bag. This way you will better conserve charge. If your trekking socks are wet, dry them too.  5. Ventilate your tent The only thing worse than waking up frozen on a hike is waking up cold and wet. It may seem counterintuitive, but opening tent windows for cross-ventilation is among the top priority cold-weather camping essentials. How does it work? When warm, moist air in your tent or RV meets cold surfaces such as tent walls or car windows, condensation occurs. Small droplets of water form and everything becomes wet. Therefore, ensure air circulation in your tent and prevent condensation by opening entrances and windows slightly. 6. Warm up before going to sleep Before you go to bed, warm yourself by the fire or take a walk - whatever you can to warm up. Having a warm drink or snack before bed can also help keep you warm since the process of digestion warms you up from the inside. Just try not to sweat. Wet clothing quickly lowers your body temperature and can contribute to condensation in your tent or camper. Avoid storing wet clothes in the sleeping area and always change into dry clothes before going to sleep. 7. Go to sleep in a dry change of clothes  Advice on how to sleep in a sleeping bag goes to one extreme or the other: some say to wear everything you can, others recommend sleeping in just your underwear. And the correct option is in the middle.  Winter survival techniques claim that thermal underwear is optimal for sleeping in a tent, ideally if it contains merino wool. You need to wear socks on your feet (maybe two pairs), thin gloves on your hands, and a thin hat and/or buff on your head. Provided that the sleeping bag and mat are suitable for the weather, this set will often be sufficient. If not, you can insulate yourself additionally.  Important! All sleepwear should be dry. Thus, be sure to change into a spare set before going to bed, and store it in a waterproof bag while hiking. 8. Use heating pads  A heating pad is definitely a must-have on a winter hike! That's why we advise you to stock up on such items. They are lightweight, easy to use, and provide gentle heat (about 50°C). You can choose among the following options:  Chemical heating pads. They are disposable, with enough heat to last all night and even in the morning (about 12 hours overall).  Reusable heating pads. Such items can radiate heat for about 2 hours. Then, you need to charge it by simply boiling it in water. A more advanced option is electronic heating pads with USB charging. Ultimately, use our winter survival techniques for your camping trip to Canada. Also, don't forget to adjust your plans to the current weather. The forecast can be changeable during the off-season, and you should be prepared for everything. This is especially important when traveling in mountainous areas, where rain and snow can make roads impassable. Read Also: Jet-Set In Style: Unveiling The Monos Luggage Collection For Your Next Adventure This Is The Best Time To Visit The Seven Magic Mountains In Vegas! These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try!

BY Pijus MaityMay 31, 2023

There are very few places on Earth as beautiful as the Glacier National Park. It was protected in the year 1910, during the beginning of the American conservationist movement. This national park ranks with the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone as one of the most astonishing natural beauties of the world. Keep reading till the end to find out more information on the best time to visit glacier national park! About Glacier National Park Image Source: www.tripsavvy.com Glacier National Park is actually an American National Park that is located on the border of Canada and the United States. This park encompasses a total area of more than 1 million acres. The park features two mountain ranges, more than a thousand different species of animals and plants. It also has more than 130 lakes. Best Time To Visit Image Source: assets3.thrillist.com The best time to visit Glacier National Park can vary depending upon a lot of different factors. For some people, pleasant weather may be a priority, while for others, it may be traveling during a time when there are fewer crowds. In this section of the article, I will be talking about the glacier national park best time to visit based on different factors. For Avoiding Crowds There are millions and millions of tourists visiting the park every year. If you are a person, who is notably not fond of crowds, then the perfect time to visit glacier national park would be during one of the off-season times. The time of Spring is one of the park's quietest season. For Wildlife Spotting Image Source: glacierbearcabin.com The Park has been a great wildlife refuge ever since it was established in the year 1910. Its terrain is home to several thousand species of animals. Some of the animal sightings that you can get here are - bears, mountain lions, moose, goats, wolves, bighorn sheep, and deers. You also want to ensure that you are doing it safely while on an animal sighting. You need to ensure that you are staying at least three hundred feet away from the bears. As for all other wildlife, you must stay at least seventy-five feet away from them. Tip: If you are planning on visiting glacier national park in May, then make sure that you avoid hiking, as temperatures can go really high during that time. You wouldn’t want to do a rigorous activity while there’s extremely high temperatures. For A Warm & Pleasant Weather Image Source: www.doi.gov The park has very unpredictable weather. It can go from one to a hundred real quick in a matter of a few minutes. If you want to go there and experience a sunny day hike - the best time to visit glacier national park would be to visit in early July and towards the end of October. During this time, the weather is known to remain mild. Tip: You would best carry a rain jacket and a few extra layers as well, just to be prepared. For Budget Travelers Image Source: www.nps.gov During the winter time (i.e, November through April), the passes and fees of Glacier National Park drop a great deal. For instance, a 7-day private vehicle pass would typically cost thirty-five dollars at other times, but during the winter months, it drops down to twenty-five dollars. While the entry ticket person drops from twenty dollars to fifteen dollars. Things To Note Before Visiting Here are a few things that one needs to take care of before planning a trip to Glacier National Park: Bring Your Own Car Shuttles are available throughout the park, but you would benefit from bringing your car to reach some of the best spots. There are many trailheads situated in different remote locations which are not serviced by the shuttle system. However, if you are someone who does not have a car, then, of course, use the shuttle systems that are available. But you need to make sure that your are checking the schedule of the shuttle and the routes before going out for your adventure. Tip: A while before, I discussed about when is actually the right time to visit glacier national park! If you haven’t given it a read already, you can go back to find out information about it. Read More: Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide Plan A Stay For At Least Five Days A weekend-long trip just won't do! There's much to explore in here. There is a lot to see and do in the Glacier National Park. A majority of the visitors come back year after year to this place and still find new places to explore. You could definitely consider a four nights visit to this place - by spending two nights in the West Glacier and the other two nights in the East Glacier. Do remember to include Sun-Road on your itinerary when visiting this place. Even if you are visiting for just a day - do go on the sun road drive! It connects the east and west sides through the middle of the park - which makes a crossing at Logan Pass. Go On Trails There are over seven hundred miles worth hiking trails in the Glacier National Park. There's trails for every sort of person out there - be it 1 mile - 20 miles. You need to remember that hiking is an extremely popular sport during summer time and you would need to ensure that you arrive early. That is to be done so that you can secure a parking spot and be ahead of midday crowds. Sign Up For Activities Inside the Glacier National Park, there are plenty of activities to partake in. There is a rope course, horseback riding, and rafting options. These are perfect choices for a guided day tour inside the park premises. To Wrap It Up! That was all for information regarding the best time to visit Glacier National Park. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same. Read Also: Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park A Guide Of Top 6 National Parks In Wyoming A Complete Guide To Maine National Parks

BY Ankita TripathyDec 27, 2023

Seeing the world and experiencing different people, places, and activities is one of the greatest joys of travel. No matter how long or short your trip, it is imperative that you have travel medical insurance. In the event of a financial emergency, this coverage could prove invaluable. However, the price of travel health insurance might change depending on several variables. To help you make educated decisions and have a stress-free trip, this post will go over eight main aspects that can affect the premium options for travel medical insurance. Type Of Coverage And Policy Limits Your insurance price will vary widely depending on the level of protection you select. While the premiums for more limited plans may be cheaper, the protection they give may be inadequate. However, comprehensive policies that cover things like emergency evacuation and repatriation may cost more. To assess the policy's worth and suitability for your trip, you must be familiar with the coverages and exclusions it provides. You should carry out research and shop for several travel medical insurances. You should search for platforms that offer different types which include medical insurance for international travel, visitors’ insurance, trip insurance, and others. Looking into different policies will help you pick the most suitable for your travel needs. Understanding the limits of your insurance requires a thorough reading of the policy's exclusions and inclusions. Some medical illnesses, treatments, and/or occurrences may not be covered by your policy. Some may even offer more perks, such as protection in the event of a trip disruption or cancellation. You can tailor your decision to your specific travel needs with this information in hand. Age Of The Traveler Medical insurance rates for international travel are heavily influenced by the policyholder's age. The average premium increases with traveler’s age. This is because older folks may be more prone to health difficulties. Insurers will factor in the potential for increased medical bills. It is especially important for the elderly and those with mobility issues to give this factor serious thought. You should investigate insurance plans that address their unique concerns. Investigations are always important to avoid so much out of pocket expenses when you have a medical insurance policy, just because you assumed age is not a factor. Destination And Duration Of Travel Insurance rates are determined in large part by where you are going and how long you plan to stay there. Premiums may increase if you plan to receive medical care while traveling to a destination with greater healthcare expenditures or fewer medical facilities. A higher risk is associated with a longer length of stay, which might increase premiums. Consider the quality of medical care available at your location and select a plan that will cover any unexpected costs that may arise. Some travel destinations pose a higher risk due to the activities included in the to-do list. Check with your insurance provider to see whether they would pay for medical expenses resulting from injuries sustained while participating in any sports. This should also include other adventurous activities on your trip. Certain high-risk pursuits are not covered by most plans, while others may provide optional coverage for an additional fee. Make sure you're covered for any potentially dangerous activities by evaluating the  of your vacation and purchasing the necessary insurance. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions The greater likelihood of needing medical assistance while traveling may result in higher premiums for individuals with pre-existing medical issues. If you want your pre-existing medical issues to be covered by your travel medical insurance, you must tell the insurance company about them. Coverage for pre-existing conditions may be included in some policies, although the terms and circumstances may be restrictive. It would be wise to choose medical insurance that accepts pre-existing medical conditions. This is because the conditions may be triggered as you travel but not necessarily result from your traveling activities. Deductibles And Copayments The price of travel health insurance may increase or decrease depending on the policyholder's deductible and copayment requirements. You'll be paying for a certain percentage of your covered spending in the form of co-payments and a deductible before your insurance kicks in. Insurance premiums can be reduced by increasing the policyholder's financial responsibility for claims through the selection of a larger deductible or copayment. It is essential to strike a balance between your coverage demands and your financial constraints. Insurance Provider And Reputation The insurance provider you choose can affect not only the premium but also the overall experience in the event of a claim. Finding a trustworthy insurance provider is easy if you do your homework, check customer reviews, and evaluate the company's response time when filing a claim. The provider's reputation for helpful customer service and quick claims processing is just as significant as the price they charge. You should read online reviews or seek counsel on how a medical insurance company for travel needs is reputable. You will feel safer with a reputable medical insurance company. This is because you won’t beat around the bush as you seek compensation for accidents that occurred in a faraway region. Travel History And Frequency Your cost for international health insurance may also be affected by how often and where you've traveled in the past. Insurers may provide you with customized plans or savings if you travel frequently. However, your rate may be changed if your travel history includes stops in areas with higher health risks. If you provide your insurer a complete picture of your travels, they will be better able to meet your unique requirements. Emergency Evacuation And Repatriation Coverage Some level of coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation may be included in most travel medical insurance policies. The maximum amount of coverage for evacuation costs or the requirements for repatriation may vary from plan to plan. Due to the high cost of these services, it is essential to read and completely comprehend the terms connected to emergency evacuation and repatriation to guarantee full coverage in the event of an emergency. Endnote The price of travel health insurance is affected by several variables. All of them should be understood before making any final choices. You may choose a travel medical insurance plan that gives you enough coverage without breaking the bank. This only happens if you give some thought to your specific needs, your destination, and the risks involved. Getting the correct travel insurance isn't just a smart financial move; it's also an important way to make sure your trip goes off without any issues. Read Also: How To Fund The Cost Of Travelling 5 Tips To Protect Your Passport While Travelling Abroad Vacationing Without Travel Insurance? Here’s What Might Happen If You Need It!