Traveling During Winter? Here Is A Winter Vacation Planning Checklist

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 24, 2023

Traveling could be among the most rewarding experiences one can have, whether it's for leisure or business. The idea of discovering a new destination and wandering its streets is really exciting. However, before you embark on a fresh journey, have you ever thought of what might go wrong during your travel arrangements? Imagine arriving at your destination only to discover that your luggage is nowhere to be found. Consider the scenario where your flight unexpectedly gets canceled. The solution to these uncertainties is travel insurance. What Is A Travel Insurance?  Suppose you missed your early flight to America or forgot your bags in China- who is going to take responsibility?  Have you ever thought about the priceless money you will lose without a stable backup? Here is when the need for travel insurance kicks in.  Travel insurance refers to an insurance type that covers financial losses related to traveling. But it doesn’t end there. Insurance for traveling can also be helpful while getting protection for international or domestic travel. Other factors that might also affect travel are also covered under this, like injury, illness, accidents, etc.  Many travelers either forget to opt for travel insurance or purposely avoid purchasing it. In both these cases, you will have to bear the consequences. Regardless of whether you are traveling abroad or within your own country, travel insurance is an essential safeguard that offers multiple advantages. Why Do You Need This Insurance Right Away: 6 Key Reasons?  Imagine going on a fun tour with your friends or your loved one, and something unfortunate happens. Nobody would ever want that, right? This is why here are the top 6 reasons why travel insurance is important when you embark on any journey. Financial Security When Traveling Abroad Imagine a situation where you visit a foreign country for the first time and find your wallet or bags stolen. What could you do in this situation? This is where your travel insurance proves its worth. In cases of unexpected emergencies, such as thefts, your travel insurance company becomes your support system, providing the necessary financial assistance to address the situation. If you're uncertain about which service provider to choose from the many available, you can easily compare prices with Utility Saving Expert and find the cheapest and most appropriate cover for your travel needs. It Covers Medical Emergencies Every Travel Insurance policy includes coverage for medical treatment expenses up to a specified limit. These policies are inclusive and do not differentiate between various types of medical emergencies. Whether it's medical treatment or accident-related expenses, the insurance company will reimburse costs up to the predetermined limit. Moreover, insurance providers maintain a roster of network hospitals where you can receive the necessary treatment. If You Lose Luggage And Personal Belongings In case your luggage is lost or significantly delayed, whether due to your negligence or the airport authority, travel insurance offers you peace of mind. The policy will provide coverage for purchasing essential items temporarily while your baggage is located. While your personal belongings may be irreplaceable, your travel experience will remain unaffected thanks to this coverage. If the Trip Get Cancelled Travel insurance additionally safeguards you in cases where you might need to cancel your trip for valid reasons, such as illness, injuries, national emergencies, or natural disasters. With travel insurance, you can be reassured that you won't lose the entire sum you invested in the trip if it happens to get canceled. When You Miss A Connecting Flight When you encounter the unfortunate situation of missing a connecting flight, perhaps due to a delay in your first flight, travel insurance comes to your rescue. This coverage enables you to seek reimbursement for the expenses incurred as a result of the missed connecting flight. The policy would allow you to file a claim for the expenses you've had to incur due to missing the connecting flight. This reimbursement can cover various aspects, including the cost of rebooking your missed flight, arranging new transportation, and even adjusting your accommodations if necessary. Fraudulent Charges Imagine yourself losing your credit/debit card during a trip, and suddenly, you start getting texts that someone is using your credit or debit card. Scary, right? You are not only losing your money, but you are losing in an unfamiliar place where assistance might be hard to come by. However, with the safety net of travel insurance, you would not have to face this problem. Your insurance coverage will reimburse you for any monetary losses incurred due to stolen payment cards, even covering transactions up to 12 hours preceding your initial report of the incident. What Is Meant By Comprehensive Travel Insurance?  Another very popular type of insurance is comprehensive travel insurance which consists of various other coverage. They are generally grouped under a single plan. Very commonly, comprehensive insurance for travel consists of a 24-hour helpline for healthcare when some emergency arrives. Alternatively, you might be able to buy every coverage type separately.  Interruption Coverage & Trip Cancellation This particular insurance helps in reimbursing a traveler for all or some prepaid travel expenses. Under it come trip cancellations, travel delays, cancellations, and trip interruptions.  Baggage Loss and Damage Coverage A frequent travel problem is your personal belongings getting either lost, damaged, or stolen. It immediately sabotages your whole mood because you have to look for replacements. However, various travel insurance policies pay only for belongings after exhausting other claims.  Rental Insurance Thirdly, vacation rental insurance coverage includes accidental damage costs from a vacation rental property. Some of these plans might also provide trip interruption and cancellation that help in reimbursing travel costs, particularly when you cannot access your vacation rental.  Conclusion Whether you're preparing for a vacation within your own country or embarking on an international journey, it's crucial to consider obtaining travel insurance. This prudent step will help guarantee a vacation that is not only secure and trouble-free but also offers you peace of mind throughout your travels. Read Also: How To Apply For A Passport Online In This Pandemic, And Which Countries Allow You To Travel Now?

BY  Mashum Aug 2, 2021

Indiana state is famous globally as the “Covered Bridge Capital” because there are 32 covered bridges alone in Historic Parke County, which are discoverable through a road trip. Apart from the Indiana national parks, the state is also famous by the name of “great lakes state” since it shares 40 miles of shoreline with Lake Michigan.  The four national parks in Indiana are renowned as outdoor adventure destinations, namely the Indiana Dunes National Park, President Lincoln’s Boyhood Cabin, George Roger Clark, and the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail. Of the four national parks, Indiana Dunes National Park is a must-see destination. Indiana Dunes National Park and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park are national parks in the term's true meaning. And, the other two national parks in Indiana, i.e., Lincoln’s Boyhood National Memorial and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, are the two memorial sites in Indiana, recognized for their routes of historical significance or original trails by the National Historic Trails. Let’s check more details about each of the national parks in Indiana and see how we can spend our day if we plan a trip there. The Four Noted Indiana National Parks 1. Indiana Dunes National Park:  Of the four celebrated Indiana national parks, this one is an unmissable destination if you are in the state. The national park shares 15 miles with the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Indiana Dunes National Park is spread over 15,000 acres and has a lot to offer.  Your search for rare species of birds will end here, along with 1,100 native plant species and the fun of flying kites on the sandy beach. You will feel enchanted with every step you take in this national park as this place is among the most biologically rich areas in the nation.   The park offers 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, sunny prairies, mysterious wetlands, peaceful forests, and meandering rivers for hikers. Shall we now check out basic information about the national park to plan our tour accordingly? Directions To The Park: You can access Indiana Dunes National Park through Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road, U.S. Highway 12 & 20, Indiana State Road 49, and several other local roads. To visit the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, you need to take Indiana State Road 49, between U.SD. Highway 20 and Interstate 94. Operating Hours Of The National Park: This Indiana national park has general areas that are open throughout the year but have specific hours of operation. The standard working hours of the general areas of the national park are Monday to Sunday from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm. The entrance to the Indiana Dunes National Park is through the west beach. The hours of operation of this portion of the park is Monday to Saturday from 07:00 am to 09:00 pm. Weather News: Usually, July is the warmest month in the national park, and January is the coldest month. June month witnesses the heaviest rainfall with 4.66 inches of rain on average. Entrance Fees To The Park:  West Beach - Standard Entrance Fee $6.00, Senior Pass Entrance Fee $3.00, Access Pass Entrance Fee $3.00, Bus Entrance Fee $30.00. Dunewood Campground - Standard Camping Fee $25.00, Senior Pass Camping Fee $12.50, Access Pass Camping Fee $12.50. This campground is 1.5 miles from the beach and boasts 67 campsites made for both RVs and tent camping.  One-half of the site is open for reserve, and the other half is given on a first-come-first-served basis. You will find showers and restrooms at the campground but no water or electric hookups.  Indiana Dunes Visitors Centers:  Dorothy Buell Visitor Center - This Indiana national park visitor center is open on all days except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The operation hours are 09:00 am to 04:00 pm Central Time (Due to covid-19). At Dorothy Buell, you will view lobby displays, read brochures about Porter County, Dunes State Park, Indiana, and Indiana Dunes National Park. You can also shop in the Eastern National Bookstore and enjoy watching educational displays and two short orientation videos. Paul H. Douglas Center For Environmental Education - This visitor center is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm Central Time during Summers and from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm during Winters. This center is your gateway to the magnificent Paul H. Douglas Trail via Miller Woods. You will find a natural environment all through the center through its hands-on educational exhibits, animals, lectures, Nature Play Zone, ranger-guided hikes, and crafts. Popular Activities To Do At The National Park: Hiking. Picnic at the beach. Birding. Swimming. Fishing and Paddling. Geocaching. Horse Riding on the equestrian trails. Camping (Between April 1st to October 31st). Biking. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Shuttle Bus Services: During the summer period, on weekends, you can take the services of free shuttle buses from the Dunewood Campground to the beaches. You can stop at sites like the Miller Train Station, Marquette Park, Lake Street Beach, and The Douglas Center.  Pet Friendliness: Indiana Dunes National Park is completely dog-friendly. You can take your pet to almost all trails and other parts of the park, besides a few exceptions. For example, you cannot take your pets on Glenwood Dunes Trail’s equestrian part, in the lifeguard area of the West Beach, and the Pinhook Bog Trail. You can enjoy a free public wi-fi facility at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. 2. George Rogers Clark National Historical Park:  Located on Southwest Indiana and beside the Wabash River, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is one of the small Indiana national parks, which has a few monuments, a picnic spot, statutes, and a visitor center as its main center of attraction. The national park is about an hour tour in total.   Why Was George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Built? George Rogers Clark National Park was built in the 1920s in memory of an American Colonel named George Rogers Clark, who captured Fort Sackville in 1779 and his army with help from French residents of the Illinois country. The capture of the fort guaranteed the United States a claim to the frontier, which is approximately an area as big as the original 13 states. The National Park is a memorial built to commemorate Clark’s success for his unmatchable success for the revolutionary war’s 150th anniversary. When you visit this national park’s visitor center, you will discover the fort’s history, how it was built, and how it felt living in the Pullman District. In addition, at the national park, you will be shown a 30-minute short film on the life of George Rogers Clark. Things To Do At The George Rogers Clark National Park A short walk around the nearby town of Vincennes will offer you the following things to do at this small Indiana national park: Dine at restaurants. Camping at Campgrounds. The Old Cathedral. State Historic Sites. Shops to shop. Antique Stores. There are particularly no campgrounds at George Rogers Clark National Park. But, visitors can find campgrounds for RV and tent camping at the Ouabache Trails Park, located in Vincennes.  Space For Pets: Your leashed pets can accompany you on the walkways around the Memorial and the visitor center, but their entry inside any buildings is strictly prohibited. Operating Hours: The park is open for visitors on all seven days of the week. At the same time, it is closed on most of the federal holidays except Independence Day, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. Timings for the Park District: George Rogers Clark Memorial is from 09:00 am to 04:45 pm on demand. Weather At The Park: The weather inside the national park is very much typical for the Midwest. Summer months can be hot and humid, and winters quite cool. Entrance Fees To The Park: For a George Rogers Clark National Park tour, there is no entrance fee charged.  The Visitors Centers To Visit: This Indiana national park has one visitor center with the same name as the national park. This center has a small exhibit area. You will be shown a short 30-minute introductory movie titled “Long Knives,” which tells about the backstory of George Rogers Clark and his military campaign. No drinks or food are allowed at the visitor center or Memorial. Services offered here are charging stations, restrooms, bookstores, and drinking fountains. 3. Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial:  In the southern part of Indiana and Lincoln City, you will find the third Indiana national park, named Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. This is where former President Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood before becoming the 16th President of the United States of America. Operating Hours Of The Lincoln Boyhood National Park: All visitors are allowed to tour the national park grounds and visit all the outside areas daily, between sunrise and sunset. Once you arrive at the park, there are plenty of things that you can do, such as two miles of trails, watching the sculptured panels on the outside of the Lincoln Memorial Visitor Center, visiting the Cabin-Site Memorial, the Pioneer Cemetery, and the Living Historical Farm. Unfortunately, the park is closed on almost all federal holidays. Weather At The Park: The climate in Southern Indiana is moderate, with a touch of warmness and moistness. The summers are warmer and winters cooler. It rains the most during Spring. Visitor Center At The Park: The Lincoln Boyhood park has a Memorial Visitor Center built in 1943 with two memorial halls and a connecting cloister. In the Memorial Court, you will find the works of E.H. Daniels and five sculptured panels that mark significant periods in Abraham Lincoln’s life. Taking a tour of the whole Memorial will take up to 30 to 60 minutes. There is also an orientation film shown at the visitor center every half an hour from 08:00 am to half an hour before the day’s closing. The Museum artifacts and exhibits speak about Abraham Lincoln’s life.  This national park is all about Lincoln’s family, boyhood, and frontier life in this Indiana national park area. During summers, the visitor center is open on all seven days from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm except for the federal holidays. And, at the time of the Fall season, the timings are 07:00 am to 03:00 pm. Place For Pets At The Park: Visitors are permitted to bring in their pets inside the park, but with certain restrictions. The pets must be restrained at all times on a leash, which should not be longer than six feet in length.  The pets are only allowed on the 2 miles of hiking trails and roads in the park and barred from entering public buildings. Things You Can Do At The Park: It will take at least two hours to complete a tour of the whole park. The indoor activities at the park include: Watching the Park Film at the Memorial, titled Forging Greatness and Lincoln in Indiana, which is 14 minutes in length. Paying a visit at the Lincoln in Indiana Museum, which would take around 15 to 30 minutes. The outdoor activities include: Hike the Trail of Twelve Stones, a type of front-country hiking of 20 minutes. Hike the Boyhood Trail, which is another front-country hike of 10 to 15 minutes. Visiting the Lincoln Living Historical Fa, you'll find a re-created homestead with outbuildings, log cabins, field crops, gardens, livestock, and split rail fences.  For kids of 05 years and above, there is a Junior Lincoln Boyhood Ranger Program. Lincoln Spring, which is an obscure waterway. The entry to the Lincoln Boyhood Indiana national park is free. 4. Lewis And Clark National Historic Trail:  The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is nearly 4,900 miles long, starting from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Columbia River mouth, which is near the present-day Astoria, Oregon. This Indiana national park follows the historic incoming and outgoing routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along with the preceding section initiating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Wood River in Illinois. This Trail connects 16 U.S. States and many Tribal lands. Today, visitors are allowed to explore the whole Trail using varied transportation methods and interpretive means, following the approximate route of the Corps of Discovery, i.e. Lewis and Clark Expedition Members.  Places To Visit In Lewis And Clark National Park:  Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Centers and Museums: At Lewis and Clark Historic Trail Museums and Visitor Centers and Cultural Centers, visitors can learn more about the expedition and experience blissful and diversified landscapes and communities on the Trail. Directions To The National Park: You will find the Lewis and Clark Indiana national park visitor center inside the DOI, National Park Service. Weather At The Park: The summers are sweltering, so you must drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen when stepping out for a tour of the Trail. The winters are icy, with ice settling on trails and sidewalks. Since this Trail covers 16 U.S. states, you must watch the weather prediction of the state you are planning to visit. The Final Thoughts We hope that the above comprehensive guide on Indiana national parks is a one-stop solution and a valuable guide for you if you plan a trip to any of the four national parks and trails. From serenity to beautiful natural landscapes, from magnificent and ancient monuments to rare species of animals, you will find every part of each of the four national parks surprising. More Resources: A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide 8 Best Bachelor Party Destinations To Visit In 2021 A Guide To National Parks In Michigan – Latest Guide 2021

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 27, 2023

Rome's hotel industry, like Rome itself, was not built in a day. Although luxurious suites have long been a feature of Italy's capital city, the industry has just begun to gain traction. There are new establishments popping up everywhere. A few have buzzing rooftop terraces and Michelin-starred restaurants, while others have opulent spas that are modeled after traditional Roman rituals. Here are the best hotels in Rome you can check out if you are planning to visit. Rome will undoubtedly mesmerize you. Best Hotels In Rome The greatest hotels in Rome blend in with the rich mosaic of art, culture, and cuisine of the Eternal City. These accommodations range from historic palazzos converted into opulent retreats to modern, art-filled sanctuaries. Let's look at some of the best hotels in Rome accordingly: Hotel Artemide Hotel Artemide is your four-star hotel option in Rome's downtown. The Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain are all very close by. Artemide is located in the center of Via Nazionale, a bustling, bright street with lots of stores. The Artemide Hotel is the ideal place to begin exploring the Eternal City. The Repubblica metro station stands only 100 meters away, and Termini Train Station is conveniently close by. As amenities, they provide their visitors with a fully-stocked gym, a complimentary minibar, and Wi-Fi in each room. Don't forget to visit Artemís Spa, where you can treat yourself or a partner to a massage. Lastly, don't forget to visit the Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, which is located on the hotel's seventh floor and offers a breathtaking view of the Rome skyline to round out the experience. Hotel Colosseum Because of its unique location in the heart of Monumental Rome, you will be able to explore the top tourist destinations on foot. The Domus Aurea, the Colosseum, and the Basilica of S. Maria Maggiore are all located very close to the hotel. Via Cavour will lead you across to Via Urbana. Known as "Vicus Patricius" in antiquity, it is most known for the visits that, according to tradition, St. Peter made to the home of a Christian senator located here. You can also visit the Imperial Fora and the Church of St. Pietro in Vincoli. It is home to Michelangelo's well-known Moses statue. A 360° panoramic view of Rome and its surroundings is available from the magnificent, furnished terrace on the eighth floor of Hotel Colosseum, which is perched atop Esquiline Hill. Guests can take in the view while sipping cocktails from the bar. There is Wi-Fi in every room and in the hotel's common areas. There's also a useable internet point. Information about transportation within the city is available at the reception. It includes car, scooter, and bicycle rentals, guided tours, taxis, as well as bus services. Hotel Barocco Situated in a refined edifice, Hotel Barocco provides a view of Piazza Barberini Square and its renowned fountain. Baroque maestro Bernini of Rome designed the structure. In 2019, the Hotel Barocco underwent a meticulous renovation to provide guests with an exceptional level of comfort as well as style. The hotel comprises only 37 rooms and employs 22 individuals. Modern amenities, impeccable cleanliness, a throwback atmosphere, and 21st-century technology combine to make a guest's stay at the Barocco a delightfully magical Italian experience. The knowledgeable staff at the Barocco Hotel is ready to assist you as needed. The Concierge serves as your point of contact for the vast array of experiences Rome has in store for you. The Reception is open at length, around the clock. Savor the mouthwatering American-style breakfasts, expertly crafted using carefully chosen ingredients. Within a ten-minute stroll are the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and Via Veneto. Hotel Santa Maria Situated in a 16th-century cloister, the Hotel Santa Maria is a charming hotel that underwent a complete renovation in 2000. It also managed to preserve the original construction's character. It creates a very calming and romantic atmosphere while making a very nice base. The hotel is situated in the center of Trastevere, one of the oldest and most distinctive neighborhoods in Rome, in a historically significant area. The historical and archaeological highlights of the city are a short stroll from the hotel for the guests. With parking available in the private garage next to the hotel, you can simply drive to the establishment. The hotel's rooms are connected by a monastic portico. Look out onto either the rooftop garden, surrounded by evergreen vines, or an expansive, quiet garden with orange trees, flowers, and Mediterranean plants. These are the ideal places to enjoy breakfast on warm, sunny days in Rome or to unwind after a day of sightseeing. If you want to ride a bike through the narrow streets of ancient Rome, the hotel also has a number of bicycles available. A secured wireless LAN connects the hotel to the Internet. You can use your computer in comfort anywhere you choose, whether it's in your room, the garden, or the lounge bar. In case you are not carrying your personal computer, you can use the computer in the living room, which has a free internet connection. Domidea Hotel A contemporary 4-star hotel is Hotel Domidea. Only 300 meters separate it from the hotel, and with the Tor Sapienza Railway Station connecting it to the city center, it takes just 25 minutes to get there. The private shuttle bus that travels to metro B in five minutes is only available to guests who have reserved comfort rooms. The forte is the abundant continental breakfast, featuring a variety of sweet as well as savory options. The chic lounge bar located inside the hall is where it hosts happy hours in addition to live music. The rooms are incredibly roomy, and some of them have large balconies. There is no charge for parking. Additionally, the staff at reception recommended a number of nearby attractions and bike rides along the River Aniene, which is surrounded by a natural reserve. Wrapping Up To put it simply, Rome's hotels are now an extension of the immersive experience, not merely a place to rest after a day of touring the Vatican City, the Colosseum, and dozens of basilicas. They cannot be disregarded as a consequence. But choosing a base isn't simple when there are so many options available. We have listed the best hotels in Rome in different categories to make it easier for you to choose. That is regardless of whether you're looking for a modern place to stay in contrast to the history that lies outside or a romantic getaway. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! 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