Thinking Of A Fiji Cruise? Tips To Get You Started

BY  Ankita Apr 24, 2024

Waiting for your connecting flight is the longest wait period of a person’s life. It might not seem to end soon when you do not end up doing anything to fill up time. However, if you prefer to make the most of your time, a long layover can be an excellent opportunity to explore a new place. From elite lounge to spa facilities, you can experience every bit of comfort and luxury during a layover.   Do you have a layover for your next flight? In this article, you will discover some interesting things to do during your long wait hours at the airport.   List of Things To Do During A Layover Below mentioned is a list of things you can do during a layover.   1. Catch Up On Sleep If you are tired after a long hour of layover and en route to a different time zone, one of the most effective ways to pass the time is to catch up on your sleep. Similarly, for comfortable napping, you can book a stay at an airport hotel as well. Furthermore, if your layover airport does not have a connecting hotel or the booking cost does not justify your budget, make a reservation for a napping pod. It is one of the most rapid choices passengers opt for. If you hold a priority pass, you can easily get suite access at a minimal rate. 2. Read Or Write Who said you can only write in your travel journal when you arrive at the destination? Use the layover time to add entries or read a book or newspaper. Thus, these activities often need to be addressed in favor of more high-tech entertainment in this fast-paced modern world. But once you start, you will remember to relax and engage with either reading or writing. Did you forget to bring your travel journal? Now is the time to download a digital travel journal application and record your journal while it is fresh in your mind. 3. Explore The Lounge The airport lounge has been the epitome of wealth for a long time. From comfortable seating to lounging areas, complimentary food, high-speed Wi-Fi, and drinks, the airport has everything to offer.  However, Miami International Airport offers premium lounge services, a shower facility, La carte dining options, spa services, and nap rooms for long layovers. These lounges will provide you with comfortable surroundings to relax in before your flight. Thus, you can purchase an airport lounge pass and enjoy free snacks and drinks. Similarly, you will get the best food in miami airport even if you are traveling with your five five-year-old. It caters to every type of cuisine and facility that you need. 4. Play A Game Before you leave for your trip, try to pick up a few travel-size games. This will keep you engaged and help you pass the long wait time. Thus, if you do not wish to pack your Uno set, you can download some new games on your phone and invest some time. Therefore, playing games is a surefire way to keep your mind occupied while you wait for those long- hours for your flight to take off. 5. Research About Your Destination If a long flight is on your way to your trip, you can use the time to research and plan a schedule. Therefore, you can spend a few hours creating a list of itineraries, researching the best tourist posts and eateries, and reserving tickets for activities in advance. On the contrary, if you need more time to make a reservation, it is always good to check and ensure advanced reservations are not required beforehand. So, read up and ensure you make the right reservation by using time while sitting around the airport. 6. Relax At Transit Hotels Many hotels have partnerships with the airport. Similarly, there are some places where you can make a reservation a couple of hours before check-in. On the other hand, if you are traveling with a jetlagged child or infant, you tend to be exhausted yourself. In that situation, you can book a transit hotel and get a few hours of sleep before your next flight.   However, booking a transit hotel will make you feel more energized and ready to hit the ground running when you reach your final destination.   Hence, the private space will give you time to relax, freshen up, and shower after your long journey. 7.  Try Local Cuisine Depending on the layover airport, you may try the local cuisine without leaving the airport.   Similarly, if you wish to explore the local cuisine, you need to get away from the terminal, set out, and find local transport that will take you to a regional cuisine place. Moreover, you can also research a few top traditional places to try the local cuisine and indulge in some delicious food. Thus, Miami is teeming with some of the largest fast-food chains and restaurants. Venture away from the airport and explore the best authentic cuisine. 8. Charge Your Devices This is obvious, but layovers are the perfect time to charge up all the devices for your next flight. Similarly, when traveling with your kids, you will likely have multiple devices to charge. These can be smartphones, tablets, GoPro's, laptops, or your power bank. Therefore, find a spot where you can place multiple outlets and plug in. Moreover, if your layover is in another country, check what type of outlets they have and purchase a plug adaptor if necessary. 9. Watch a Movie One does not always have to be active on social media. You can alter this tendency by watching your favorite movie.  This will be enjoyable at the airport because no one will disturb you, unlike at home. Summing Up Long layovers allow you to explore a destination you are simply passing through. Similarly, if you are planning to leave the airport during your layover, there are a few conditions that you need to maintain. All you need is a little airport math and to calculate the time of boarding your next flight.    Thus, whether you are an avid traveler or someone who just wants to pass the time before their next flight, you can do plenty of things during a layover. So, take help from the above-mentioned points and utilize your time wisely. Read Also: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel Navigating The Journey: How To Get To JFK Airport In New York Sky Harbor Airport Parking Made Easy: Insider Tips For A Smooth Journey

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

Going on a hike up the infamous Stairway to Heaven Hawaii on the island of Oahu calls for in-depth preparation on your part. It is one of the most dangerous hiking trails. It is also known as the Haiku Stairs. In this article, you will find information on the hike’s history, current status, alternate routes, incline, security, distance, best weather conditions, helpful gear, and a guide to get there. History Of The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii lifeonearth.com In 1942, contractors for the U.S. Navy began the construction of the Haiku Radio Station. It was a top-secret facility that transmitted radio signals to Navy ships that were operating in the Pacific. To get the right altitude for the antennae, they stretched them across the haiku valley, which is like a natural amphitheater. You might still see the remnants of the wooden ladder beside the new metal steps. The radio station was commissioned in 1943. A stronger transmitter that could relay powerful signals was necessary. This could not be done with the vacuum tube technology used at the time. So they chose to go with an Alexanderson alternator, which uses a huge device that can generate powerful yet low-frequency radio signals. It would need a large antenna. When the Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay was transferred to the Marine Corps around the 1950s, the U.S. Coast Guard used the Haiku Radio Station site for an Omega Navigation System station. In the mid-1950s, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps. The total number of stairs stood at 3,922. The Coast Guard did not stop hikers in the 1970s but had to stop after it featured in the Magnum P.I. movies, which increased the number of visitors. The station as well as the trail have both been closed to the public since 1987. Recent History In 2003, plans were made to reopen the stairs to the public, and the cost incurred to repair the stairs was $87,500. The public access being shut down, residents found themselves surrounded by unknown faces of hikers and tourists and litter all around. In early 2018, the City and County of Honolulu released a statement to not open the stairs to the public, showing liability concerns. Some hikers, however, continued to trespass, which only strengthened the local community’s resolve to keep the structure closed to the public. The Friends of Haiku Stairs, a volunteer group that aims to preserve the trail, pitched that there could be an alternative to a no-trespass, safe public access to the trail without taxpayer costs. The trail now is a disputed one with all its beauty and thrill. However, it has not stopped the locals, hikers, and travelers from stealing past the guards posted at the bottom of the stairs. This hike is a strong dose of adventure, climbing nearly 4,000 steps along an 18-inch wide staircase to reach an elevation of more than 2,000 ft. Incidents squarespace-cdn.com The hiking trail is not a site for any major injuries or accidental Stairway to Heaven Hawaii deaths on the stairs. There have only been minor incidences in the last decade. However, between 2021 and 2022, there have been more number of injuries and rescues of hikers trying to get to the top of the stairs. The rescues have mostly taken place for hikers going through the Moanalua Ridge, which is the longer and more difficult of the trails. Many hikers are rescued “near the Haiku Stairs” and not the Hawaii Stairway to Heaven itself. In 2014, 6 people were arrested, and 135 were quoted to have climbed the stairs. According to the City Prosecutor's Office, a criminal trespass in the second degree carries a $1000 fine. The Stairway To Heaven Hike Hawaii: My Experience The Stairway To Heaven hike on Oahu, Hawaii, is possibly the biggest attraction on the entire island. A grueling number of 3,922 stairs go up to the imposing mountain ridge. Most of the time, the incline is vertical, with only a handrail to save you from falling into the valley below. It sounds dramatic, but it is what it is. But it isn’t too dangerous if you are prepared for it. Distance: 2 miles or 3 km round trip Elevation Gain: 2,630 feet or 800m Duration: 2-3 hrs up, 1-2 hrs down We started out by being dropped off in the neighborhood at 2 am in the morning. It was a clear night with just a few light clouds hovering over the mountains. As soon as we got out of our car, a resident came rushing out of his front yard, yelling at us. Thus, startled by the old man, we hurried away to the “main entrance” to get our eyes fried with a beaming flashlight. The Trail We silently went off in the opposite direction toward an alternate entry point, keeping in mind that the old man quite possibly called the guard or the police to warn them about us. We were thrilled by the idea of being caught and afraid of being caught, actually. Walking through the neighborhood as quietly as possible, the barking of dogs totally blew our cover, making our presence known. We ran down the street to a small alley that led up to the hill. We had to cross over the barbed wire fence, which was close to a residential area. It is understandable why the residents are so annoyed with trespassers. From here, we had to steal past the knee-high undergrowth as quietly as we could go. We were nervous when approaching the guard, understanding that we had trespassed multiple sites that were strictly no-go. As we approached the red car of the guard, we found that no guard was around. We walked past it and towards the stairs. As we ascended the stairs, we finally felt relieved to think that the police or guards didn’t go after the trespassers on the stairs. On The Stairs change.org We felt much safer, and we could now enjoy our 3 a.m. hike along the Stairway to Heaven. In 2015, a storm damaged many parts of the stairs to the point where they could not support use. It is not dangerous per se, but it makes your ascension more thrilling. A few of the steps were loose, and we had to keep that in mind while treading on each of them. We did not have headlamps. We followed the full moon up the narrow and damp stairway. I managed to keep looking back to see the highway, which kept getting smaller as we went higher in order to reach platform one. Grasping the slippery railing tightly, we made our way to the second platform, where an abandoned cabin lay with old machinery inside. It looked straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Another two hours went by, and we almost reached the summit. The final section of the hike consists of boards instead of stairs, which make it a catwalk at 2000 ft. in the air on top of a sharp ridge. At The Top squarespace-cdn.com At the summit, we found an old cabin with huge antennae on top. We moved around the space on top among the clouds. We then returned to the bunker to wait for the spectacular sunset this place always has. Putting on a fresh pair of dry shirts and jackets made the experience much more comfortable while at the summit. The sky became a pale blue and then shades of purple. With that, the sun came tearing through the haze. It shone yellow and gold over the Haiku Hawaii Valley. Many others witnessed the sunrise along with us, who began their descent once the spectacle of the sunrise was over. One of the trails downward is the Moanalua trial, which is a 6-mile route, but you can miss out on the views. It also helps you avoid the guards if that is your main issue, but it is 3 to 4 times longer than other routes. The hike down was a treat for photographers. We were in no rush, so we got down at our own pace, taking in the views and shots for our socials. It feels amazing to have ascended in the dark and then descending in broad daylight. It took less than 2 hours to reach the bottom. We saw the guard’s red car where it was in the morning, but this time, we took the risk and did not avoid it. The Guard Below .journeyera.com Meeting guard, he joked, saying, “I’ve called the cops, they must not have come,” as he began laughing to himself. His sense of humor eased our anxiety. He gave us the look of get-out-of-here-before-you-get-caught, and we crept away on queue. The situation has become much more serious in the recent past, so the guards may not be as friendly as they were. Be careful if you go in 2023. At the final gate, we saw no signs of police or angry residents. We were free! We could not believe we had just hiked the Stairway to Heaven Hawaii! This is truly a place for one and all. It looks like the real version of Jurassic Park. It is dreamy as well as eerie. You can totally attempt this hike if you visit Oahu. Try to have someone who has visited before guide you through this hike if you visit here for the first time. Alternate Route thatadventurelife.com The alternate route is the Moanalua Trail. The route is 9.3 miles in length. It gets you all muddy and is not the easier option, either. It can help you avoid the guards at the beginning of the trail. But it is not hassle-free. It all depends on when you go and how well-prepared you are for any kind of situation. Things To Pack For The Stairway To Heaven Oahu Hawaii Hike Going unprepared for the hike is one of the biggest mistakes you will make. You must have the basics and stay prepared for bad weather. Here is a list of essentials you must consider among everything else. Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is the rain jacket of your dreams. They are super light. They will fold into the tiniest ball and save you from the harshest storm. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For better ankle support on that 400-step long hike, waterproofing and toughened exterior are necessary for your boots. These Solomons can easily be your best buddy. Black Diamond Head Torch: In case you return incredibly late from your hike and it gets dark, a headlamp will help you as nothing else will. Keep this one handy for sure. Darn Tough Socks: These will be the most comfortable hiking socks you will own. They don’t wear out easily, either. They have a lifetime warranty. You simply send them with any sign of wear and tear, and they will replace it without further questions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some common questions people ask about this hike, take a peek: 1. How Did The Stairway Come About?   The stairs were originally built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a top-secret facility to transmit radio signals to ships that were sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The stairs went public, deeming it fit until 1987, when it became dangerous due to disrepair. Residents of Oahu have fond memories of hiking up the stairway to heaven legally a long time ago.The city of Honolulu reportedly spent almost a million dollars in renovating the stairs and considered re-opening the stairs to the public in 2002. Resident complaints and safety concerns halted the re-opening, and the stairs have stayed closed ever since. 2. What Are Some Of The Other Places To Visit In Oahu? You could take a helicopter flight tour without the doors. The view from above will blow you away. A shark cage tour can ensure you don’t talk about thrilling adventures for another year or so. It will give the adrenaline rush like no other. Ecofriendly dolphin and snorkel tours are also available. Wrapping Up The Stairway to Heaven Hawaii trail is dangerous when seen from below. It is only when you undertake the hike (with proper planning and preparedness, of course) that you understand it is not as daunting as it looked. All you need is a thirst for thrill and sharp wit that comes in handy when you go face to face with adversity. There is also the added fear of strict laws around the hike, which will keep you on your toes. Let us know if you visit this amazing trail. And if you have questions or thoughts to share, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Portals To The Unknown: Exploring Natural Gravity Vortex! The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World! Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2025

I just planned a road trip last month. It was a pretty bold step, and my daughter kept reminding me, “Mama, you will throw up again.” She was referring to an earlier road trip last year.  It’s hard to miss the allure of a long-planned road trip, especially when it’s about celebrating the post-exam fun with my daughter. But I do have motion sickness and nausea, giddiness, and throwing up are the common problems I face.  Thankfully, with time, I have learned how to manage motion sickness and still enjoy the ride.  So, in this article, I will break down how you can take control of your symptoms and get the most out of your trip. It begins with talking to your doctor and sharing your symptoms of motion sickness. Sometimes, these medications help to alleviate your discomfort.  Common medications include: Dramamine Meclizine Scopolamine Patches. For more details on how to manage motion sickness during traveling, continue reading below. Understanding Motion Sickness And How Treatment Works. Any treatment for motion sickness blocks the neurotransmitter associated with motion sickness. Here are some signs of motion sickness you must pay attention to.  Nausea Feeling Warm Sweating Vomiting Feeling Drowsy Stomach Unrest Salivating More Than Usual You can talk to your doctor and look out for more indications that it may be at work. How To Manage Motion Sickness When You Are On A Road Trip?  So, you are all set for the road trip. I usually start my trips in the morning, but you can start them at any time of the day.  Now, whenever I go out on a trip, I eat light. However, it does not mean that you have to start the trip with an empty stomach. Just have your usual staples and preferably something with a high carb quotient, low fat, and spices.  Then, drink enough water and take the medications. Now, I have my BP problems. So, I cannot start a day without it.  It’s time to start the car. However, there are some other important aspects of how to manage your motion sickness on a road trip.  So, here are the details.  1. Strategically Plan For Prevention Dress in lightweight clothing to offset feelings of warmth and overheating if you do experience symptoms.  Take a sweater with you if you do get cold, but stick to breathable, lightweight fabrics and footwear while you're traveling.. Sitting on the passenger side may make it more challenging to avoid seeing visual movement because of the wider windowscape you have access to from that seat. 2. Avoid Activities That May Exacerbate Symptoms Additionally, avoid activities that may aggravate your symptoms. Activities to avoid include reading, using your phone or other devices to watch videos, or scrolling. Do not engage in drinking or late-night eating the day before traveling to ensure you’ll feel healthy for your trip. Experiencing a hangover or poor digestion can easily exacerbate motion sickness symptoms. However, to keep your mind relaxed, you can always listen to your favorite road trip songs.  3. Get Good Sleep The Night Before When we don’t sleep well, it is harder for the body to regulate body temperature.  You may find yourself feeling overheated after a night of poor rest. Since feeling warm is already a symptom of motion sickness, make sure you get good rest the night before traveling to avoid worsening these symptoms.  Get to bed early and block out any lights that may interrupt your sleep cycle. Further, to calm your nerves and get a sound sleep on the day before your road trip, you can drink chamomile tea. It works for me!  4. Take Your Medications On Time Take the motion sickness medications recommended to you by your doctor to prevent the onset of symptoms as best as possible.  Follow the timing directions for your medications to get the most benefit before heading out on your road trip.  For example, prescription Scopolamine patches might be applied 30-60 minutes prior to traveling in order to work.  Talk to your doctor to determine when it's the best time to take your medications in order to manage your motion sickness. 5. Look For Balancing Visual Cues Looking at a stationary object as you travel can help your brain and inner ear find a constant understanding of motion, making you less susceptible to motion sickness symptoms.  If you do find yourself feeling woozy, rest your head on the back of the seat to promote physical stability.  You can help establish a greater balance by keeping yourself grounded in your seat. Close your eyes to reduce visual exposure to any changing movement in front of or to the side of you while in the car. 6. Take Short Breaks, Use Soothing Herbs, And Avoid Triggers I take short breaks throughout the trip to get fresh air. Furthermore, ginger and peppermints are my best friends to keep my stomach settled.  Caffeine is a big NO for me when I am traveling. Also, it’s better to avoid smoking and using devices on the go.  Moreover, I avoid wearing strong perfumes or using any strong odor in my car when I am on a road trip. This is my little secret on how to manage motion sickness on a road trip.  7. Take A Nap If You’re The Passenger. When I am not driving the car, I prefer to take a short nap. It may sound boring, but it works! If you can’t sleep, at least get some shut-eye by using an eye mask. Thus, your brain will get the signal of a consistent reality, and it will be easier for you to offset symptoms.  Get Road Trip Ready Medication Use of Peppermint, Ginger, and Lemon Eating Right Taking Short Breaks All these help to manage motion sickness on the go. However, your symptoms can be different from mine or vice versa. So, for medications and tips to alleviate the symptoms, you need a prior medical consultation.  Get road trip ready by doing all you can ahead of time to manage your symptoms. Read Also: Atlanta to Savannah: A Scenic Road Trip Adventure That You Can’t Miss! Thanksgiving Road Trips With Kids: Tips For A Fun And Safe Journey Essential Car Checks Before a Long Journey: Road Trip Ready