Want The Best Travel Tips: Go Through Velvet Escape Travel Blog

BY  Barsha Sep 13, 2023

Before you set off on your global adventure, it's crucial to have a well-thought-out plan for what to pack and what to store. Create two lists; one for items you'll need on your travels and another for possessions that will stay behind. This will help you prioritize and make the packing process more manageable. Remember, the aim is to travel light but also ensure that your life back home remains intact for your return. Sorting Your Essentials Deciding what to take with you on your journey is a balancing act between necessity and luxury. Start by listing all the essentials like travel documents, medication, TEFL accreditation, and basic clothing. Once you’ve got that sorted, think about the climate of your destination and pack accordingly. Don’t forget to include a small first-aid kit and any specialized gear you might need for activities you plan to do. It’s always better to have a few versatile items rather than overpacking with things you might not use. Using Storage Units Storage units are an excellent option for keeping your larger possessions safe while you're away. Not only do they offer a secure environment for items like furniture, but they also provide a climate-controlled setting for keepsakes that may be sensitive to temperature or humidity. Make sure to pack these items carefully, using bubble wrap or cloth to prevent any damage. Opt for a storage facility that has robust security measures like 24/7 surveillance and coded access to ensure the utmost safety of your belongings. Safestore’s storage units all have 24-hour CCTV, and they have locations across the country. Their dry, clean, and secure units are the perfect place to store your belongings while you travel the world. What To Do With Your Car If you own a car, you'll need to decide what to do with it while you're traveling. Long-term parking can be expensive and may expose your vehicle to the elements. A better option might be to leave it with a trusted friend or family member who can occasionally run the engine and keep it maintained. Alternatively, you could look into professional vehicle storage services that offer secure, climate-controlled environments specifically designed for car storage. Preparing Your Home For Your Absence Before you leave, make sure to take care of household responsibilities that could become issues in your absence. Contact your utility providers to inform them of your travel plans and see if any services can be paused. Arrange for someone to collect your mail or have it held at the post office. If you have subscriptions or regular deliveries, pause or cancel them for the duration of your trip. These small steps will help you avoid unnecessary costs and complications when you return. Make Your Return As Smooth As Possible The excitement of traveling the world is unparalleled, but eventually, the time will come to return home. To ensure a smooth transition back to your regular life, it's essential to plan your homecoming as meticulously as your departure. Start by making a checklist of tasks to complete upon your return, such as restocking your pantry, reactivating paused services, and checking the condition of stored items. If you've left your car with someone, coordinate the return beforehand to avoid any last-minute hassles. Don't forget to reach out to friends or family who've been looking after your home, plants, or pets to let them know your return date. A little planning can go a long way in making your return not just bearable but enjoyable, allowing you to seamlessly pick up where you left off. Planning a long-term trip abroad is an exciting but complex task that requires meticulous preparation. From sorting your essentials and securing your possessions to taking care of your home and vehicle, each step is crucial for a hassle-free experience. By following these guidelines, you can embark on your adventure with peace of mind, knowing that everything will be ready and waiting for you when you return. Read Also: How To Save Money On A Trip To Abu Dhabi 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg How To Use Videos To Drive Conversions In Travel Business

BY  Mashum Feb 14, 2019

With the number of people who are exploring the world increasing, you can gain a lot from a travel blog. The good thing is that it is not hard to begin a vacation website or blog. The most important thing is to have some tips on how to undertake this process. Here are the ten steps that you need to follow to start a travel blog. Step 1: Define the Goals and Purpose of Your Travel Blog The first thing to do is sitting down and defining the primary goals and purpose of your website. In case you have over one goal, start thinking about your primary goal before thinking about the secondary goals. For instance, your primary goal may be providing how-to info about travel in India. Make sure your specific goal is in a particular niche or geographical location. These tips will help you to determine the kind of content that you will create. As think about how to start a travel blog, you need to make your page to stand out. You cannot achieve this objective unless you define your goals and purpose. Step 2: Select a Domain Name for the Travel Blog Once you know the purpose, goals, audience, and tone of your travel website, you need to choose a name and speak to someone about web design Melbourne (or wherever you plan on writing about it) for your site. The decision you make will help you to select a domain name which is the address for your website. You want to make sure that these two match one another and are as similar as possible. You may need several options because your first choice may not be available. You can buy a domain name that is already taken but it will be more expensive. You can get a free domain name from Weebly, Blog post, or WordPress.com. However, the free version will be a subdomain of that website. Choose an SEO-friendly domain name that will help in ranking your site. Step 3: Choose a Website Builder or Content Management System A content management system (CMS) is what you will use in building your site, inserting images, content, and so on. The CMS that you choose will affect how you will build your website and how much you can add to it and edit. It will affect the customization of your website, available templates, and plug-ins. Some platforms like Wix and Weebly have intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces while others like Drupal and Joomla will require you to have some coding knowledge. Most people use WordPress because it is user-friendly and fairly intuitive. You don’t need any advanced coding knowledge to use this platform - there are plenty of online resources, like these bluehost tutorial videos, out there to teach you the fundamentals you need to know to create a website. Step 4: Decide on a Web Hosting Service for the Travel Blog A web hosting service is a form of internet hosting service that enables users to make their website accessible online and offers space for the site on their servers. You have to think about the publishing platform, web host, and domain name in conjunction and not choosing one at a time. For instance, most WordPress hosts will give you a free registration of the domain name once you host your website with them. Therefore, you will not buy a domain name but get it as a package.  While hosting, think about the cost, what is included, what other users have to say, and the supported publishing platforms, web builders, and CMS. Step 5: Put Together the Web Hosting Service, CMS, and Domain Name Choices and Commit Once you have all the above three elements in place, it is time to commit to a decision and begin to set them up. You can get all the three as a package from some sites like Weebly blog, Blogger, and WordPress. It is a more practical step on how to start a travel blog. Step 6: Set Up the File Transfer Protocol Program for the Travel Website You need to set up the File Transfer Protocol program for your new website. However, this may not be the case if you are using a free host or website package. This step is useful because it offers a simple way of transferring files from your website to the computer and vice versa. The FTP also allows you to edit your data without having to log into your site. The market has several options such as FTP Voyager, Smart FTP, Cyberduck, and Filezilla among others. Compare all these options with the compatibility of your operating system, computer, transfer needs, ease of use with your hosting service, and the level of security you need. Some of these options come at a small fee while others are free open-source downloads. Step 7: Pick a Theme The next step on how to start a blog is picking the right theme for your site. At this point, you almost have everything that you require to proceed with the blog development process. Choose a default theme that has the features that you want to have on your website. Go for a fast theme that is highly responsive. It should also have an intuitive user interface so that you can use it with a lot of ease. Step 8: Pick the Required Plugins The next step is to install some plugins especially if you are using WordPress which is an excellent choice for anyone who is developing a travel blog for the first time. Plugins are pre-created pieces of codes that add functionality to your website. You don’t have to install many plugins to your website because they will slow your website down. A slow site is a bad feature for both search engines and user experience. Some of the highly recommended plugins include Yoast SEO, Autoptimize, ReSmush.it, and Akismet Anti-Spam. The plugins you choose depend on the type of website and these are good for a travel blog. Step 9: Set Up a Backup Schedule It can be very bad for your site to crash and then you discover that you have lost all your data. Some of the reasons for crashing include an error from your part, hardware failure, and hacking of the site among others. It is good to set up a regular backup schedule to mitigate this risk. It will help you to restore your back-up data whenever something goes wrong. Step 10: Start to Create and Publish Content The last step is to begin to create and publish content for your website. You need to publish high-quality content regularly to help your site to rank well in the search engines. Get a routine that will work well for you and stick to it. The above tips will guide you on how to start a travel blog. Travel blogs are long-term ventures that will take you a lot of work and time to create. However, spending your time on it is a worthwhile venture that you may not want to leave. Read Also: 10 Travel Tips For Singles Who Want To Journey Solo This Valentine’s Day 10 Travel Books You Should Be Read in 2019 Top Places to Visit in Italy on your next Travel Escapade

BY  Sibashree Jul 18, 2024

Is it your dream to climb Denali in Denali National Park? Standing at 6,190 meters height from sea level, the highest peak of North America is surely going to give you a tough time. However, the toughest routes in the world are the most alluring for travelers. So, its remote location and the deadliest terrains attract mountain lovers across the globe. As the monumental centerpiece, Denali adds to the popularity of Denali National Park.  Are you also planning a climb on Denali or Mount McKinley? Here are the things you must know before you make an attempt. Many people talk about the magnificence of the peak and its beauty. I will primarily discuss how you will prepare and conduct yourself for the pain-stricken journey and sail through it.  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park (How You Will Prepare Yourself) Many people find climbing Denali in Alaska’s Denali National Park more difficult than climbing Mount Everest. Extreme weather conditions, steep terrains, and fixed lines make this exotic peak one of the deadliest in the world.  So, we must be particular about our preparations, and these are the areas where we need to prepare ourselves.  Physical Preparedness And Endurance Physical preparedness and endurance are the most crucial things while climbing Denali. Your training activities will include the following.  Fitness Test  VO₂ Max Test Carrying Packs Weighing around 55lbs Hike Training at Sea Level Strength Building While attending a training session for physical strength and endurance, take a step-by-step approach to success.  Working On Team Dynamics And Preparations Traveling solo is not a great idea when it comes to conquering Denali. Maintain clear communication, mutual respect, trust, and a supportive environment within the team. Trust me! Denali will challenge you in every possible way. You don’t want to add to it by having a discord within the team.  Make Sure To Have The Correct Mental Training Reaching the Denali summit is going to be tough. The weather conditions and the routes will throw endless challenges. So, you have to be mentally resolute to keep at it. Train yourself mentally and learn to push limits during your physical training sessions for the Denali trek. Staying positive and being persistent is very crucial in your journey.  Work On Your Technical Proficiency Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is a demanding task. Things are not going to be as easy as visiting Biscayne National Park,  Everglades National Park, or any other national park.  You can attend courses on the following prior to joining a trip to Denali. Ice and snow travel Crevasse rescue Self-rescue Fixed line climbing Self-arrest techniques These technical climbing skills will prepare you for adverse conditions.  Be Particular About Food And Hydration  Planning food and nutrition before and during climbing Denali has two aspects. You have to eat healthy and nutritious food that keeps you in shape. If you are on a guided tour, you will have a proper diet and nutrition plan that you need to follow.  At the same time, having good food is crucial when it comes to climbing a height. You may face appetite issues at a higher altitude. However, you must ensure that you finish your meal properly. There will be no scope for overpacking snacks.  Further, nutrition is different for each person. So, your primary diet will be rich in healthy fats and high protein. However, for the instant energy kick, you must also carry some energy food items and chocolate bars.  The “Diet, Supplementation and Nutritional Habits of Climbers in High Mountain Conditions” report featured in the National Library of Medicine shows the food choices of climbers. Check the table below.  Food Choices Of Climbers Canned Meat3.6%Fruit Mousses7.1%Canned Fish7.1%Halvah7.1%Dry Smoked Pork Sausage10.7%Sandwiches10.7%Dried Fruits10.7%Nuts 10.7%Instant Dishes10.7%Dried Meat28.6%Salty Snacks32.1%Jelly Beans35.7%Energy Gels39.3%Chocolate71%Freeze-dried Dishes86.8%Bars100% Data Source: Diet, Supplementation and Nutritional Habits of Climbers in High Mountain Conditions This study was conducted on 28 men, and the average age group was “33.12 ± 5.96 years.” Take Care Of Hydration  Your body needs more hydration as you climb up the mountain. Water boosts the efficiency of our red blood corpuscles, which collect oxygen in the lungs. So, for proper breathing at a high altitude like Denali, you will have to keep drinking water.   You also need water to stay away from body aches and injuries and preserve your energy level. Water further helps in digesting your food.  Moreover, as you climb up, the air starts getting dry, and rapid breathing and an increased heartbeat promote faster loss of water from our bodies.  Along with drinking 3-4 liters of water every day, you will need to take multivitamins, electrolytes, and hyperhydration solutions available in sachets.  Work On Gear Selection And Preparation Pick and prepare your gear right for climbing Denali in Denali National Park. You will need to pack layered clothing, insulated boots, sleeping bags (-20 F), and mountaineering jackets. Further, if you are on a guided tour, you will be handed over a detailed kit list. Be particular about procuring the following items. Climbing helmet Balaclava Glacier glasses  Goggles Crampons Ice axe Harness Climbing rope Carabiners, etc. These gears ensure that you can navigate through the hard terrain comfortably and remain connected to your team.  Acclimatize With The Condition  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6gg_LffzeI With Denali, you are going to make a trek on harsh terrains under extreme weather conditions. So, you cannot plan a successful trip to Denali without devoting some time to acclimatization.  Join a group or guided expeditions that have acclimatization built into their itineraries.   Did You Know?  Mount Denali was renamed Mount McKinley on 28th August 2015.  Denali is the third-highest peak among the Seven Summits or the tallest peaks in seven continents. Denali means “the tall one,” and its name is derived from a Native Alaskan language, Koyukon.  Harry Karstens, Hudson Stuck, and their team of climbers first conquered Mount Denali in 1913.  Galen Johnston became the youngest climber to Mount Denali in 2001. He was 11 years old, and he climbed the peak with his parents.  Final Words  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is going to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Reaching the summit can be the ultimate reward for your years of training and preparations.  Also, when your road leads to the highest peak in North America, you have to be physically and mentally fit and proficient in technical skills related to mountaineering.  In addition, respect the wonder of nature and be humble so that the wonder of nature embraces you with open arms and paves your way to the summit. Have you ever been a part of a climbing team to Denali? Do you have plans to make a trip to this steep mountain soon? What do you think is most important to prepare yourself for this arduous trek? Don’t forget to share your insights with us!  Denali National Park FAQs How Difficult Is Denali To Climb?  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is a serious affair. You will at least need intermediate-level expertise or advanced expertise to climb the highest peak in North America.  If you are a serious climber and want to climb Denali, you must get your preparations right and acclimatize to difficult situations with some prior ventures. For preparations, you can climb the Cascades of Washington or the European Alps before your attempts to climb Denali. Further, you need to have the fitness and the agility to survive at all altitudes. You also need to be experienced in knots and hitches, rope work, and fixed-line climbing. In addition, you have to know about glacier travel, crampon techniques, and crevasse rescue.  What Is The Cost Of Climbing To Denali? The cost of climbing Denali for each person will be around $400 per day. Overall, the cost of climbing Denali will be around $12000. In addition, you will have to pay the NPS climbing registration fee. The National Park Service offers a detailed breakdown of the expenses you will need to bear when climbing Denali.  The expenditure includes guides, meals, and transportation costs to reach the kick-off point.  What Is The Hardest Part About Climbing Denali? Climbing the north face of Denali is the hardest, as there will be encounters with avalanches at Wickersham Wall. The Wickersham Wall extends 4,572 m upward from the glacier to the northern peak of Denali.  Another deadliest route for climbing Denali is the West Buttress route. Since the 1980s, there have been reports of at least 14 people dying on this route. (Source) What Is The Best Time To Climb Denali? Late April to mid-July is the best Denali climbing season. However, if you want to experience a milder temperature, you must visit the mountain in June and July. The weather is also less windy in June and July.  Traveling in late July is not a great idea, though, as the snow bridges over the crevasses will start melting. Further, it will be difficult for you to reach the base camp by airplane.  Climbing Denali in any season is not going to be a cakewalk for you. So, daily weather observations are crucial in determining the right time to climb the highest peak in North America. Also, it is always to be a part of guided expeditions to avoid fatal consequences and casualties.  Can I Die While Climbing Denali?  It would be harsh to say that you will die while climbing Denali. However, climbing the highest peak in North America is an arduous journey. You at least need an intermediate-level skill and glacier experience for the trek.  However, a solo climber to Denali died recently, just as the summer climb season this year kickstarted. The body of the deceased climber was found on 20th May 2024. (Source) So, commit to the climb only if you have the desired mental and physical fitness, have the expertise and experience, and have proper safety measures in place. Also read From Hiking To Stargazing: The Top 10 National Parks In Utah! 7 Fun Things To Do In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plan A Day Trip To Dry Tortugas National Park: This Is How You Will Do It.