10 Amazing Things To Do In Medellin

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 3, 2019

In recent years, more and more numbers of people are availing flights for their traveling needs. The number of people who will be using flights will continue to increase over time. The reason is that there will continue to be a need for people to move from one place to another for several reasons.   Whether business travelling is for personal, leisurely needs or for the purpose of business, one has to pay for the airfares. Therefore, there is a need to plan well for the amount that you will be spending on your flight.   But here is Zac, a 17-year-old teenager, who has flown incredibly in an extremely short span of time. For many people, so much flying cannot be done in a lifetime! At such an early age, Zac already knows the secret of flying.   There is one important and interesting thing about all this flying. The truth is that he does not need to spend a cent on flying most of the time. He uses his large bank of frequent flyer points for paying for air travel.   Currently, flying has now become his passion because he knows the secret of earning points and getting free flights. Zac says that his absolute obsession with flying led him to travel via planes from a very young age of 13-14 years. Therefore, his experience of flying is a real one.   He worked at McDonald’s to earn the money for the fare. International travel is getting expensive, Zac looked for ways for cheaper traveling. His work could no longer support the flight and hence he had to look for better ways of funding his ticket.   Using credit card points was a great idea and they proved to be really useful. Basically, the points almost act as currency. Therefore, you can easily convert them into cash.   There are over 10 credit cards that Zac and his family have and these are being used smartly for business class deals. Zac has become an expert in loyalty programs and frequent flyer points. He can now give you a true testimony of how these points work.    He knows the places where the best deal offers are made. There are so many adults who don’t have this knowledge and can learn from Zac. There is so much that you can learn from Zac even if you think you have a lot of experience in flying.   Join Many Loyalty Programs   The first step is to choose the best credit card offers the best points-for-spend-return. Next, joining many loyalty programs is also important for getting the advantage of the various promotions. These tips will make sure that you benefit from these loyalty programs.   Zac recommends signing up for promotions even if one does not end up taking advantage of them. There will come a time in life when you will discover that you need these points. The fact that you don’t need these points today does not imply that you will never require them in the future.   Buy Points at a Discount   It is also possible to buy points at a discount and accumulate great points. You can redeem these points while buying tickets with leading global airlines. It is an excellent way to break even when using these points.   If the points are in the sale, it is possible to get huge discounts on fares of business class flights. The rates of the tickets are almost 1/10th of that of the original price. Make sure you take advantage of these great opportunities because they don’t always come in life.   Check the Corporate companies   Many corporate companies did not have the idea of using the points properly and hence spent lots of money on corporate level business travel. You may discover that you have lost so many opportunities in life when it is too late,   But now that the trick of the trade is known, corporate houses are saving lots of money on air travel. It gives them a chance to pay better for the accommodation facilities available.  Effective Tips from Zac for Collecting Frequent Flyer Points  In this section, we are going to list the effective tips that Zac provides to visitors. Remember this is a young man who has a lot of experience in earning flyer points. You can use them you your good at any tie.   1. Have Multiple Credit Cards   There is no harm in having and using multiple credit cards. Just ensure that the bills in the cards are paid in full every month. You will be able to go far when it comes to earning points via your credit cards.   2. Use Your Credit Card to Make Most Purchases   Make sure that you use the credit cards for making payments at groceries, for fuel filling, restaurants, hotel bookings, etc. You need an active credit card to maximize your winnings on flyer points. Making payments with the credit cards help in attracting points and this will help in increasing points in the credit card. Points are earned not only from the provider of the goods but also from the credit card company and accumulation of points becomes faster. Therefore, don’t allow your credit card to remain dormant if you want to earn more points.   3. Sign up for Promotional Points   It is recommended to sign up for promotional points’ giveaways. Most people don’t make good use of this tip and expect to succeed. You might not be sure whether you will take advantage of them or not. But having registration will help in grabbing an opportunity if it arises at all. Therefore, be in the top of the game when it comes to signing up for promotional points.   4. Use the Points you Earn Promptly   Don’t make delays in using points that are earned from various airlines. It is good to be active when it comes making redeeming your points. Use them as soon as possible. This is because the loyalty programs keep on changing regularly. You don’t want an unfair deal to bypass you before you are able to redeem the points. There are high chances that if the points are not used immediately, you might lose the benefits of the same. Therefore, use the points as soon as you can so that they don’t lose their value.  5. Longevity of the Points That You Earn   Points that are earned on credit cards come with higher longevity. If you have a card like AMEX, you can avail the facility of point transfer between airlines conveniently. Therefore, learn to make good use of this feature so that you can earn more flyer points.   6. Buying Points   Ask and investigate about buying points. Knowledge is key if you want to get maximum benefits from your credit cards. Many airlines have regular sales of points for mileage club members. Joining such memberships is free of cost. Therefore, there is nothing that will prevent you from subscribing to these plans.   7. No need to Waster Your Points on Domestic Travel   Even if you have good numbers of accumulated points, don’t waste them on domestic flying. Save and keep them for international traveling plans. You can avail of extremely cheap business class tickets with such points. Therefore, take strategic moves when choosing these points so that you don’t waste your precious points.   8. Airline Shopping Mall   Also don’t use the points on airline shopping malls, where the value of the points is highly diminished. It is good to put them on flight tickets if you want to get maximum value from them.   9. Use the Points for Upgrades   The points are to be best used for upgrades because the value of the points is maximum in these cases. It means that this is one of the best ways to make use of your point.   10. Frequency Flyer programs   All the frequent flyer programs are not the same and equal. Join the ones that are free and come with good airline collaboration and partnerships.  Conclusion   With all these tips, you have everything that you need to get maximum benefits from the flyer points. You have to make good use of these opportunities so as to get maximum benefits from the points. Zac has benefited more than people who have been using flights for even more than 50 years.   The secret is learning to make smart moves when taking advantage of these points. This article gives you practical tips that can help you at any point in your life.  Read  Also: Making the Most Out of Your Next Flight Tips For Improving Your Holiday Experience

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 13, 2021

Are you planning on traveling to a foreign country in the next few days, weeks, or months during the pandemic? Do you know what are some things you should look out for to ensure that your travel is safe and smooth? Have you tried looking at some of the manuals and suggestions being laid out by governments when it comes to international travel? The Coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of slowing down or stopping. The past month saw the discovery of a new, more dangerous mutation of the Coronavirus in Britain. The same has now been seen in multiple countries all over the world. making traveling to foreign countries a pain-stricken affair.   Does it look like a snippet from the new stories scaring us during the Covid-19 days? It’s great that we are past that devastating phase. However, with bioterrorism being a major concern in the world, it’s good to remain informed about how we traveled in those days.   Safety precautions always help to avoid the spread of infection and its consequences. List of 7 Things to Check when traveling during the Pandemic Make a note of the things to check if you are traveling during the pandemic.   1. International Flight Status Whether you are flying domestic or international, flight timings, routes and other details are something, which you should be aware of. During the pandemic, the international flight status keeps changing because of multiple reasons. Flights are getting rescheduled, canceled, or postponed left, right and center. You do not want to be stranded in the airport of some foreign country as you had failed to check on the flight status before you left for the airport. This will hold you in good stead during the travel. 2. Quarantine Rules Like flights, quarantine rules keep changing at a moment’s notice in many countries and their cities. If you are flying in from countries that are classified as high-risk by the local government, you would need to spend a stipulated period of time in quarantine. The same can be anywhere from seven to fourteen days. It can also be mandated that you spend the days at a government institutional quarantine center and not at a hotel of your choice. Finding out about the rules can help in clearing confusion and planning your trip better. 3. COVID-19 Negative Test Results Most countries have set aside rules for international travelers who are flying in. They need to carry COVID-19 Negative Test Results, which should be done no less than 24-48 hours. If your test results are from an earlier period, you will not be allowed to board the flight. There are many diagnostic centers and labs affiliated by airlines that offer quick one-day results for RT-PCR Tests for COVID-19. This is slightly expensive when you compare the same with normal test results. However, you need to get them before boarding a plane and landing. 4. Safety Protocols at the Hotel or place of stay Individual institutions too have their own safety protocols in place for travelers coming from outside. In most cases, travelers who are coming from other countries would need to disclose the same. This would be followed by a separate area being earmarked for them. Most hotels have done away with Room Service and other normal procedures. In fact, the room fridge, might also not have the snacks you need. Timings for using the restaurant and meals would also be done in a staggered fashion to practice social distancing. 5. New COVID-19 Rules Imposed by the City Most cities around the world have created their own rules and regulations regarding inter-city and intra-city travel. Some cities have placed curfew timings for nights and weekends. Other cities have placed lockdowns on specific zones within the city where cases are rising. This is why you should be careful of where you are traveling to and the local rules and regulations in the same. However, one more thing, which should be pointed out is that rules and laws regarding mobility change instantly, leaving you with little or no time to adjust. 6. Carrying Protective Gear and SOS Medicines We all know how the pandemic has necessitated the use of face masks, shields, gloves, sanitizers, and other protective equipment. When you are traveling, you should ensure that you are carrying substantial amounts of the same with you. Ideally, you do not want to purchase the same in some foreign country. You also need to ensure that you are abiding by all the safety protocols of the place and the pandemic. You can get fined heavily for not following the safety protocols in major countries and cities in the world. 7. Keeping others Informed about your Travel Plans If you have been paying attention to the article, you would have noticed how we have stressed the fact that quarantine, local movement, and other rules can change in an instant. This is why travel experts suggest that you should always keep others informed about your travel plans. You might not have cell phone coverage or access to the internet to send a message back home. International travel has become clouded by diplomatic interference given the testing times we are living under. Keeping others in the loop might just come in handy when you are experiencing a problem abroad and are not being able to communicate the same. The Final Word Even though we know that international travel is not the safest and wisest thing to do, there might be multiple pressing concerns forcing us to do the same. For some, it would be about going back home to their families. For others, it can be about employment and income opportunities. For a third set, it can be because of medical reasons. No matter that the reason you have to undertake international travel, it is best that you keep the above seven points in your head. They will ensure that your international travel is as stress-free and easy as possible. If you have any other points you would like to add to the article, mention them in the comments section below. Also, once again, it is great to get over those nightmares, but we must not be casual about maintaining personal and public hygiene. Read Also: Why You Should Move To San Diego Top 3 Party Destinations For Safety-Conscious Tourism 5 Secrets On How To Travel Light – Travel Hacks

BY  Sibashree Jul 12, 2024

“A river of grass flowing imperceptibly from the hinterland into the sea.” That’s Everglades National Park, a paradise exuding the most pristine and tranquil vibe.  You know, you always don’t need something out-of-the-box to have an ever-lasting impression. The spiritual ones know that being present in the moment and soaking the energy can be the most fulfilling experience.  Similarly, Everglades National Park does not need snowclad mountains or glaciers to draw millions of visitors annually. A diverse ecosystem and the conservation of natural lives here thrive amidst the National Park’s quiet hub.  President Harry S Truman rightly pointed out, "Here is land, tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of water, but as the last receiver of it. To its natural abundance we owe the spectacular plant and animal life that distinguishes this place from all others in our country." (Source) So, if you are heading to Florida and want the most immersive experience, plan a trip to Everglades National Park, a swampland just outside Miami. You will have sea turtles, alligators, manatees, Roseate spoonbills, and fish to welcome you.  Everglades National Park: Know The UNESCO World Heritage Site In the Brief Synthesis of Everglades National Park and its outstanding universal value, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says,  “Everglades National Park is the largest designated sub-tropical wilderness reserve on the North American continent. Its juncture at the interface of temperate and sub-tropical America, fresh and brackish water, shallow bays and deeper coastal waters creates a complex of habitats supporting a high diversity of flora and fauna. It contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere, the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie and the most significant breeding ground for wading birds in North America.” There are many other interesting factors adding to the outstanding value of this place. Let’s have a look at them. The Everglades has limestone substrate, which is one of the most active modern carbonate sedimentation areas. It is home to more than 400 species of birds. It is a major migration corridor for birds. Around 20 threatened, endangered, or rare species live in the Everglades. The Everglades was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Today, various federal, global, local, and tribal governments manage the Everglades, and they work in agreement to restore the sanctity of the place.  An Encounter With The Most Fascinating Wildlife At Everglades National Park  Spanning across 1.5 million acres over Florida’s southern part, Everglades National Park attracted 1,155,193 visitors in 2022 and 810,189 in 2023. Diverse wildlife is the major crowd-puller for this park.  About the Everglades, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says, “The mixture of subtropical and temperate wildlife species is found nowhere else in the United States.” Animals You Will Encounter At Everglades National Park AmphibiansSouthern leopard frogFlorida cricket frogEastern narrow-mouth toadPig frogBirdsRoseate spoonbillBlack-bellied whistling-duckEurasian WigeonAmerican WigeonInsectsArachnidsMosquitoesBiting fliesCentipedesReptilesLizardsSnakesAmerican alligatorsAmerican crocodilesMammalsShort-finned pilot whale Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin White-tailed deerWest Indian manatees The biodiversity of the Everglades is very crucial for Flordia’s ecological benefits. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan has been there since 2000 to restore the ecosystem of the National Park.  ** The table does not furnish exhaustive details of the animals found in the Everglades. Only a few species are mentioned.  What’s More At Everglades National Park?  Along with having an encounter with the most diverse wildlife, you can take part in boating, camping, and guided tours at the Everglades. Let’s make the most of it.  Enjoy Guided Tours & Other Services You cannot help falling in love with the following guided tours at the Everglades. Shark Valley Tram Tour Everglades Institue Tours Permitted Tour Guides You can also take airboat tours to Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park.  Are you in for boating tours? Go for Backcountry boat tours, Florida Bay boat tours, and Ten Thousand Islands boat tours.  Glamping Everglades Style You cannot just miss “glamping Everglades style” if you visit the National Park between November and April. Enjoy the best of wildlife with modern comfort during your stay in these tents equipped with fans, electricity, and other amenities.  Did you know that the Flamingo Eco-tents of Everglades National Park, Florida, was featured on the list of Best Glamping Spot of 2022, published by USA Today? Glamping service here begins at $109 per night. Enjoy A Serene Boating Experience  Being in the water at the Everglades will offer you the most versatile experience. As you paddle through the water, you will also meet amazing birds and fish.  Further, when you pass through narrow channels of mud and seagrass cut through the long banks, you will surely catch a whiff of adventure.   In addition, once you reach Ten Thousand Islands, you will be at a loss for words meeting the oyster reefs and sandbars. If you are a fan of boating and aquatic pursuits, you can also visit other National Parks in Florida, including  Dry Tortugas National Park and Biscayne National Park. Stay Safe At Everglades National Park Everglades National Park has well-chalked safety guidelines, including encounters with wildlife, managing your pets and children, and risks related to mosquitoes and poisonous plants. Don’t forget to check the National Park Service website to know and address safety concerns.  Further, the park provides detailed safety guidelines regarding your visit to the park in dry and wet seasons.   Staying Safe In Wet Season Afternoon downpours and heavy thunderstorms are common Mosquito bites and the attacks of flying bees will be more Weather will be hot (>100-degree F) and humid (over 90%) Wear loose-fitting, full-sleeved/full-length clothes and remain hydrated to beat uncomfortable heat and humidity. Also, use mosquito nets or repellents to avoid mosquito and insect bites.  Staying Safe In Dry Season  The temperature in the dry season is around 53-77 degrees F. Freezing conditions may occur occasionally. Biting flies and mosquitoes will still be present in some parts of the park. Bring a warm jacket, head nets, bug jackets, or mosquito repellents to avoid mosquito and insect bites. Also, wear lightweight and comfortable clothes to explore the place freely during the daytime.  Are You In?  Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches over a massive two million acres across central and south Florida.  It’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with various species coexisting there and contributing to biodiversity. It is also a “noteworthy example of viable biological processes.” In addition, as one of the oldest national parks in America, it was designated in 1934 by the  U.S. Congress.  So, are you ready to surf through miles of water and witness how a tranquil wetland can emerge as the goldmine of natural vegetation and wildlife ecstasy? Pack your bag and count me in!    Everglades National Park FAQs  Why Is Everglades National Park So Famous? Everglades National Park is known for its extraordinary wildlife. It is the hub of rare birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, sea turtles, and other aquatic animals.  It also has Florida Panthers, one of the most endangered mammals. Further, you will meet the endangered West Indian manatee and the most adorable bottlenose dolphin. The place even has a diversity of vegetation. You will get to see sawgrass, cypress, mangrove trees, and orchids.  Why Is It Called Everglades National Park?  The Everglades had vast, grassy fields or glades. If you decipher the name, you will find it to be a combination of two words, “Ever” and “Glades.” Together, these two words mean open grass fields.  What Is The Best Month To Visit Everglades National Park? November to April, or the dry season, is the best or the safest time to visit the Everglades. The temperature at this place remains moderate in this season, and there are fewer attacks by insects and mosquitoes.  Thanks to the lack of rainfall in Florida during this season, you can also explore the wildlife better during this period.  Who Found The Everglades? John Gerard de Brahm, a British surveyor, found the Everglades while mapping the Florida coasts in 1773. He called them River Glades, and it was 1823 when the name “Everglades” first appeared on the map.  From 1851, everyone started calling it “Ever Glades.” Is The Everglades Salt Water? You will have fresh water and saltwater at Everglades National Park. Once you surf through the fresh water for hundreds of miles, you will reach salt water.  Earlier, this meeting of saltwater and freshwater used to form coastal bodies with partial enclosures. These places were dynamic and had the most productive environments.  What To Wear In The Everglades?  You have to pick your outfits and shoes based on the season in which you are visiting the Everglades. If you are at the National Park during summer or the rainy season, you must wear full-length pants and full-sleeve shirts to avoid mosquito bites and contact with poisonous plants. Don’t forget your rain jacket and shoes or boots you wear during rainy seasons.  In winter, you will need warm jackets, closed-toe shoes and full-length trousers.  Also read Pet-Friendly Destinations Worldwide. Beginner Tips For Your First Camino De Santiago. Guide To Visiting Hegra (Madain Saleh) And The Al Ula Valley.