1. Have a sturdy backpack:

Make sure you invest in a good quality backpack. It should be spacious and should fit your lower back perfectly to meet your body’s comfort in weight and volume. Do not invest in something only because you are getting in for a great price, also check on the durability and if possible ask for a warranty card from the company.

2.  Get a Good Lock:

It may sound very basic but investing a good quality lock goes a long way in making a trip safe and sound. It should be something that isn’t too fancy to operate and at the same time guarantees a good amount of security.

3.  Know the baggage requirements:

In certain countries like the USA there are very strict baggage check rules. They allow only a certain type of lock on your backpacks and if it does not match the ones that they stand by they will ask you to open your baggage to check on the contents. Hence make sure to study the specific baggage requirements of the country you are planning to visit.

4. Secure your backpack with a chain:

A good strong metal chain can be wrapped around your backpack quite easily with a lock if you have to leave your baggage for some time. It can have its own locking system with a combination lock ensuring maximum safety.

5. Have an Address Tag:

In case of your baggage getting lost or being delayed due to change in flights, have your address posted on it is a safe way to ensure that it gets returned you as soon as possible either by the flight personnel or someone else who has come across it.

6.  Check the Destination tag:

Make sure that after you check in, the luggage staffs has given you the correct destination tag with your flight’s code number along with your seat number and name attached. This will prevent your luggage from getting lost or misplaced.

7.  Do not carry anything illegal:

Be sure to avoid carrying anything that is against the protocols of your host country’s immigration standards. Also, do not carry more than the weight prescribed. Duty- free shopping is the best way to ensure that nothing unwanted has been kept in your backpack.

8.  Keep your Travel Insurance in Handy:

Do not place your travel insurance in your main backpack. Keep it along with your other travel documents and passport in your handbag or carry bag, since in a case of loss of luggage or contents, you can place a complaint immediately and demand fast action.

Travel safe and travel light. Ensure your safety with these few tips that can be very essential guides in making your trip a great experience that gives your happy and lasting memories.

Bio: Michelle Ro is a travel agent that plans golf vacations in the UAE, safari trips in Africa and organizes river rafting races in Canada. He loves his job and is always backpacking to a new country anytime he gets the chance.

A Tent

Shelter is one of the most important things to have with you at all times during a camping and hiking trip. Avid hikers will want to carry along one that is practical, meets their space requirements, is weather resistant and does not put a lot of weight onto their back. For example, the Fast Stash tent by MRS is an excellent option.

Hiking Tools

Throw the essentials hiking tools into your bag before traveling such as a first-aid kit in the event of an injury, rope, matches, a lighter, tent stakes, a compass, cooking utensils and a knife. By having the right tools with you, you will be prepared for any situation.

Water

Every hiker needs to stay hydrated during their journey. By investing in custom water bottles or mugs and glasses that can be used around the campfire, you will always have something readily available to store your water in and to drink from.

Food

As an avid hiker, you may not always have the time to sit down, get a campfire started and to prepare a meal over the hot burning wood. While out on the trail, you will want to have food that is easy to grab and eat. Dried fruit, granola bars and trail mix are just a few ideal options.

A Sleeping Bag

Depending on the season that you’re going camping during, you may either want to bring a heavy sleeping bag or light-weight sleeping pad with you. A sleeping bag will keep you comfortable and warm during those cold nights while a sleeping pad simply provides you with a soft surface to lay on.

Hiking Boots

A good pair of hiking boots is an absolute must-have. You will want to have boots that will stay dry and provide you with enough support. An ill-fitting pair of boots can truly ruin the entire trip and provide you with sore feet.

The Career Resolution

Especially in these trying economic times, many individuals find themselves at the proverbial crossroads of their career.  Some may even wish to change jobs but lack the perspective to consider their options clearly.  Taking a trip to the sandy Mediterranean beaches of southern Spain can give a restful respite as well as some much-needed objectivity. 

Likewise, only a few hours away lie the Pyrenees mountains.  Both locations can help provide the career-questioning individual the separation and clarity they need to make an objective choice before returning home. Also, should a job change be your target for this year, your trip might reveal some places you’d like to come back to with your vacation allowance!

The Spiritual Resolution

Many will choose to undergo a spiritual transformation in the New Year.  Such a task requires a great deal of emotional commitment as well as the correct frame of mind.  This is the very same reason that thousands have taken pilgrimages across Europe in the years’ past.  With the advent of quick crossings from p and o ferries, trips from the British Isles to the local churches of France, across the picturesque Spanish countryside to the monastery at Montserrat, or further afield, one can find the tranquility and spiritual relationship that may have been lacking in the previous year. 

Not only does this give the ability to be closer to God, but it also allows for personal introspection that may not be possible without a brief change of scenery.

 The Multi culture and Educational Resolution

In these days of modern communication and light-speed internet access it is easy to lose touch with the very human side of the world around us.  Nothing compares to the interpersonal experience of meeting a local Belgian sheep farmer or engaging in local discourse with a few well-educated Parisians at a local café.  The world has indeed become a smaller place and taking a vacation to mainland Europe provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate what other cultures have to offer while reminding us of how special our homes really are.

You can always choose to explore the history and culture of your destination independently, or with a local tour and keep to the local cuisine – or shop and picnic – rather than being drawn in to one of those global food outlets!

Our resolutions come in all forms, yet the underlying theme here is the same.  The unique perspective taking a holiday can provide is frequently impossible to find while in our familiar environments.  Whether one seeks spiritual enlightenment, a change in employment or simply to absorb other cultures, travelling will provide both the insight and the clarity to help these resolutions become a reality. 

And of course, the ever-popular “Travel more” resolution; well that comes for free with all of the above – the trick is to keep them all going when you get home!

This article was written by Audrey Reuter on behalf of P&O Ferries. The information and views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. The following is a link to the P&O Ferries homepage – http://www.poferries.com/

• Camping check list: Every camping trip should start first with that all-important list of what to bring.  Right away you can search and find a few apps to get you organized and on your way to packing up and being on your way to the mountains.   Try a few free apps here, there are some that charge you .99 cents to $1.99 for this list capabilities but you can just as easily download a free app that provides the exact service the pricier options offer.
• Compass: Every camper should have one of these; they’re free and probably not a bad idea to have on your phone or Ipad anyway.   If you are into Mountaineering or geocaching this will be an absolute necessity to bring along.  There are a few GPS systems that you can research a little, some might be worth the .99 cents to download.  Who knows, you might even need it to find a short cut to lessen the long drive home.
• Star gazing: When under the cover of all those amazing sparks of light, wouldn’t it be great to show off all your knowledge of the stars and heavenly bodies, well now you can—with a little help from your phone.  Check out the different apps, many of the free versions received 4-5 star reviews.
• Camping recipes: Be careful here, some ‘free’ apps advertise thousands of camping recipes for free however, once you download the app you’ll realize that you actually have to ‘buy’ most of the recipes, don’t get ripped off.  Double check the entire app before making your selection.   Not a bad idea to have, but probably not a necessity, either.
• Camping reservations: If your plans include a camping trip to Indiana you might be in luck, there’s a free app to download.  What’s more you can also view hunting and fishing regulations, nature brochures as well as upcoming events.  Not traveling to the Hoosier State? Not to fret, you can still find suitable apps for those reservations; you just might need to shell out a couple bucks to do it with.  Though it costs $4.99 to download, The Great Outdoors can help you make reservations anywhere in the United States, choose your camping sites (RV, cabin, lodge, day use, etc.).  Want to bring the family dog along? Make sure your campsite allows pets with this handy app.

Do your homework, find out what you need to bring (don’t forget about that handy checklist app) then start getting packed.  After all, the quicker you can get to your site, the better.  And now technology can make your weekend getaways even more enjoyable.

Now if they only had an app for ridding your campsite of mosquitos!

Bill Weston is an avid adventurist and outdoorsman who loves hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, writing, and good conversation with new and interesting people. Bill blogs on the topics of the RV lifestyle and outdoor recreation for Lakeshore RV, a premier RV dealer.

Now all you need to do is stick a pin in a map and head off to see the big wide world – but woah there. Put down the keys, and listen to us – you’ll need to do some fairly thorough preparation before you head off.

Cooking with gas…

Don’t be fooled into thinking you can run an electric hob to cook from – nothing will eat your battery power faster. It’s always best to cook with a gas cooker, and even if you’re not leaving the country, stick with Calor Gas (it’s universal, so you’ll never have to worry about buying a bottle that won’t fit your stove).

Always cook in a well-ventilated area and invest in a CO2 detector. If that sounds like a bit too much fuss, try a woodburner. They’re not particularly glam, but they’re much cheaper to run. It goes without saying that you also need to purchase fire blankets and fire extinguishers – and never cook under the influence. Lecture over.

Keep warm (even in the summer)

Even if the van always seems to be ten degrees hotter than its surroundings, make sure you stock up on warm, comfortable bedding, and don’t scrimp on thermals – even in the summer. Hot water bottles are never a bad idea, and don’t forget to layer up before bed. If you’re used to, er, sleeping in your birthday suit, this can take some getting used to.

Unfortunately, this is tough luck. Also make sure that water, a torch, and loo roll are within easy access when you head off to bed. Make sure that you’ve taken enough batteries to power your torch for as long as you need, and always take more than one light source. If you don’t, good luck to you.

You can go your own way (within reason)

It sounds obvious, but don’t forget the satnav – or maps. Relying entirely on satnav is asking for trouble. It’s also a good idea to research your journey online before you leave, even if you’re fairly confident about where you’re heading. And don’t forget the music! Whether you’re rocking a tape deck or relying on CDs, take enough music with you to ensure you’ll have some charming background music when you run out of things to say to each other.

This will happen, so when it does, don’t be alarmed. Even the most convivial crowd can and will run out of conversation at some point – embrace it, and have a nap (if you’re not driving). Don’t forget to bring as many books as you can – if you’re travelling abroad, getting hold of them in foreign cities will be hard.

Food, glorious food

Food and drink essentials are a huge part of your trip, so listen carefully. You will need the following: mineral water, canned foods (soup, baked beans, chilli, peeled plum tomatoes – anything goes), crispbreads, pitta breads, cereal bars, sweets (for energy purposes), UHT milk, tea, coffee, and squash. This is just a short list, feel free to expand it – but anything that doesn’t need a fridge or go off in the heat is a good bet.

Last-minute preparation…

Don’t forget to make sure that your van is fully-serviced before you head off, and always check oil levels/antifreeze/water levels. Check that you’ve got enough windscreen fluid to tide you over, that your tyres are fully inflated, and that all your seatbelts are in good working order.

Don’t forget to top up your petrol levels in your excitement – and above all, make sure that you’ve got a renewed subscription to a company that offer 24/7 roadside assistance. They’ll be your new best friends if things start to go wrong…

About the author

Vicky Anscombe is a blogger, editor and travel enthusiast. By day she is a pioneering digital scribbler, but at night she fanaticises about hitting the open road. A lover of summer and music, she is naturally also a writer for Festival Mag.

First Aid Kit

One of the first things that you will want to pack for your excursion is a travel-size first aid kit. This is essential in case you or someone else gets sick or injured during your hike. Some of the items that you should include in your kit are bandages, alcohol wipes, antibiotic cream, Benadryl, and ace wraps.

Food

The kind of food you pack will need to be light as you will be carrying it on your back. Thus, it is best to pack dehydrated foods. These foods are very light and convenient for backpacking trips. Dehydrated food comes in many different varieties, and you simply need to add water to them to prepare a meal.

Water

Water can be quite heavy; thus, you may not want to carry a lot of water in your backpack. However, if you know that you will have access to a lake or stream while hiking, the only things you will need to pack are some water purifying tablets or a compact water purifier. If you absolutely need to take water with you, you will want to ration it so that you do not need to carry as much.

Clothing

Packing the right clothing is essential to having an enjoyable and safe trip. If you will be hiking in the mountains, you will want to be sure to include a good pair of hiking boots, a warm jacket and gloves. If you will be hiking through the woods, be sure to pack long-sleeved shirts and pants. This will help protect you from ticks and other insects.

Miscellaneous Necessities

There are a few other things you will want to be sure to pack for your backpacking adventure as well. These items include bug repellent, a satellite phone, maps of the area, a pocket knife and a GPS. All of these items will be valuable to you while exploring the wilderness.

What Not to Pack

If you will be taking an airplane to your hiking destination, there are some things that you should not pack. Some items are simply not allowed on planes, and they include self-defense items, guns, lighters, and knives or scissors that are more than four inches long. These items may be allowed under the plane if they are wrapped properly. However, you should always check first to make sure.

Backpacking can be extremely fun and exciting. However, you should always make sure that you are properly prepared for your trip. In this way, you will be sure that your trip will go smoothly from the time that you leave to the time you return home.

Author Bio

Lyndsi is a nanny and freelance writer. In her free time she enjoys going camping and backpacking. She is also a bow and knife collector and gets her automatic knives from BladeOps.com.

photo credit: gizmag.com

Flash Drives

They come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing they have in common is their need for USB ports to connect to one device or another. They also vary according to the amount of disk space you get from each drive.

External Drives

Think of your CPU’s hard disk now made portable. They offer a lot more storage space compared to flash drives. The largest external drives – figuratively speaking – can contain up to several terrabytes of data. They are fairly expensive, though, and they can be easily damaged as well if they are not protected by heavy-duty shockproof casing. Both flash drives and external drives do not require you to install any program in any laptop or netbook in order to run.

Dropbox

This file-hosting site is actually offered as one of the built-in services integrated with the email application of Apple’s iOS devices. If there is an email you wish to save, you can simply have it transferred to Dropbox. The same goes for attached files in your email messages.

S-Beam

S Beam is a new service that you can enjoy from Samsung Galaxy S3. Think of it as a proprietary and patented way of sending and receiving files between Samsung users. It works basically like Android Beam. The upside: it’s quite fast. The downside: it’s limited to Samsung Galaxy S3 users only. Of course, there’s no saying whether Samsung Beam would be made available with future models from Samsung as well.

In order to make use of S Beam, you just need to tap another S3 with yours and maintain contact until S Beam has registered the connection. You then tap the files you wish to transfer and once the other party gives the OK for receiving the files, transmission will start immediately. According to Samsung, S Beam can transfer 1GB files in just 3 minutes and a 10MB audio file for 2 seconds alone.

More importantly, S Beam does not need cellular or Wi-Fi signal. It relies on Wi-Fi Direct alone. However, S Beam will try connecting via Wi-Fi before relying on other types of connections.

Blackberry Messenger

Blackberry messenger service does not always need an Internet connection in order to run. Obviously, this type of file exchange can only be possible when you and the other party are using Blackberry devices both. However, unlike Samsung’s S Beam, Blackberry messenger service is not limited to any particular model.

With Blackberry messenger service, you will be able to transfer multimedia files and even voice mails for free. You just need to be accepted as a BBM contact first by the other party.

Bluetooth

When all things fail, there’s always Bluetooth connection to rely on. It does not require an Internet connection, but it does require both the sender and receiver to be within a certain range from each other. Unlike infrared connection, you do not need both devices to be facing each other in any way.

When it comes to file transfers made easy, just remember that you have one major requirement for all the options listed above and that’s to have high-speed Internet. Without that, none of the options above will likely work effectively.

Author Bio:

Norris Lemuel Lasay is a writer on technology, lifestyle and businesses at Broadband Expert. During his free time, Norris writes for relevant blogs in order to share his ideas on his favorite niches.

Photo credit: aussienow.com.au

What is Travel Insurance?

Also known as trip insurance, travel insurance offers extra protection for frequent travelers on either business or leisure-related trips. The insurance commonly offers coverage that is outside the protection offered by other insurance plans. Travel insurance plans can address just about any facet of traveling, from offering compensation for lodging problems to covering spontaneous health ailments that your existing health plan does not cover.

Travel insurance plays a useful tool when it comes to managing unanticipated delays that lead to additional unplanned costs. For instance, flight coverage on your travel insurance can offer compensation in the event that your flight is delayed and you require lodging for the night to wait for the next scheduled flight. This type of travel insurance can also assist in covering the expenses of replacing vital items when baggage is lost or delayed as a result of the negligence of the airport staff.

There are also parts in other travel insurance plans that offer coverage for issues relevant to flight arrangements. Travel insurance packages may also offer identical coverage for trips made by boat. The cruise insurance segment of travel insurance policies can be handy when the cruise ship is delayed and lodging has been altered, ultimately leading to costs. In case of the need for emergency medical treatment, many travel insurance policies are offered with coverage for ambulance air transportation costs.

Getting Travel Insurance

• Assess your current insurance plans and credit card coverage features prior purchasing travel insurance schemes. You may already be covered for medical costs, cancelled tickets or lost baggage.

• Determine what coverage features best suit your needs and circumstances. For instance, if you are travelling to Iraq or Pakistan during wartime, consider a terrorism coverage on your insurance. Remember that the expenses differ extensively. Key factors that influence cost include age, health status, length of trip, and expenses related to the trip.

• Identify whether or not essential features are included on your travel insurance policy. These include international medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation, unintentional death, and family travel promotions.

• Request for your travel agency to buy an insurance policy on your behalf or browse commission-free via the Internet. You will be given a myriad array of reputable insurance firms online that can get you a good policy within a day or so.

Tips to Remember

When purchasing a travel insurance policy, remember that many trip-related accidents and criminal cases are not completely covered by your credit card provider, homeowner’s, or medical insurance plan. Also, assess the fine print to guarantee that your cruise or airline is backed up by sufficient coverage in the event of bankruptcy.

Author’s Bio: Dan Young is a freelance writer, professional blogger, and social media enthusiast. His blog Travelinsurance.org focuses on travel bloggers and insurance bloggers. You can follow him on Google+

photo credit: techiemania.com

Arm yourself with a debit card

The ATM, is the most convenient way to access money especially when you are traveling. Ensure that you have a debit card that you’ve used before. Verify that the expiry date is not anytime before you leave. The card cannot be of much use if you forget the PIN; cross-confirm it. Also, it is likely that the ATMs overseas , may not have an alpha-numeric keyboard. So make sure the PIN is only a combination of numerals.

Transferring money online

Transferring money online is both  hassle-free and inexpensive, so ascertain whether your bank supports this. Get your user credentials-password and user name, and verify it before you leave.

These credentials have to be noted down in a safe and convenient place. Don’t save them in your email account, it can be hacked easily.

Give a serious thought to internet security. Be cautious about  keyboard logging software in public computers that are designed to capture your passwords. Use only the virtual keyboard to enter your password by mouse-click. Try to use only your personal computer and USB stick.

Make sure you can also transfer money by phone

Despite the advantages of online transfers, you would do well to have an alternative. Make sure you are aware of phone banking services and have noted the phone number to dial. Run a trial and note the answers to the typical security questions, this could save you time when you actually need to avail the service.

Choose your bank with care

Make sure you’ve  deposited your money in a reputed financial  institution. Choosing a global bank with worldwide branches could serve your purpose well.

A credit card to fall back on

Unwelcome surprises cans spring in from somewhere and  spell trouble, so you need to have something that supports you through it. This makes it inevitable that you carry at least one credit card. Tuck it away in a separate wallet and use it in case the need arises.

Travelers checks

You may not be able to use credit cards in remote areas, in which cases travelers checks  would be the best back-up idea. But as they are generally expensive, use them only in emergencies.

Be on the vigil to save your money

Avoid changing large chunks of money at a high street bank  that offer poor exchange rates and at the airport where you are nearly fleeced by commissions.

When you are traveling between countries , bank fees could become a major concern. Choose a money exchange service that is transparent about its fees.

Managing money might seem hard at first, but when mastered, it leaves you time for those priceless moments of joy that only traveling can bring.

Grace is a writer who particularly enjoys travelling and writing travel advice articles. She’s associaled with travelmoneydeals.com and her advice for managing money on a trip is currency cards

If you are one curious soul too, here is a list of top 10 adventure activities to do in India:

1. Rafting in Rishikesh- Paddling through unforgiving rapids with all your might is always an exhilarating experience. One of the best places in India to have that experience is Rishikesh. You get to have a roller coaster ride on the Grade III and Grade IV rapids of River Ganga here. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, rafting in Rishikesh is one of the best options.

2. Heli skiing Manali- The high mountain passes of Manali, including the stunning Rohtang Pass, have some of the best peaks for skiing during winters. If you are avid skier, travel to Manali for an amazing skiing experience. The snow-capped peaks of the region come alive every season with skiing enthusiasts having the time of their life.

3. Camel Safari in Ladakh- There are amazing treks in Ladakh, rafting in Zanskar River, paragliding and so much more. Out of all the adventure experiences possible in Ladakh, one of the most eclectic is camel safari in Ladakh. It may not be an adrenaline pumping experience per se, but riding atop a double humped camel, with snow-capped peaks surrounding you, does make for a very different experience.

4. Hot air ballooning This is the latest entrant in the field of adventure activities in India. You can enjoy hot air ballooning on a Rajasthan tour, and get to see the many forts and palaces of the region from a completely different perspective. Hot air ballooning kind of takes you back to old times, when a hot air balloon was the only mode of air transport available.

5. Trekking and mountaineering There are a lot of trekking trails in India, along with opportunities for mountain climbing as well. A lot here implies literally hundreds of them, many of them taking you to really remote locations. Some of the best trekking trails are located in the Himalayan region. However, don’t forget to scourge for the rest of India, for there are treks in almost every corner of the country.

6. Snorkeling with elephant- The remote islands of Andaman and Nicobar offer a very unique kind of adventure experience. The islands, known for their coral reefs and exotic marine life, give you an opportunity to snorkel with an elephant. Rajan is the resident elephant of the islands with some incredible underwater swimming skills.

7. Chadar trek- Of all the trekking and mountaineering opportunities possible in India, Chadar Trek deserves a special mention. It is a trek which almost transports to the Arctic Circle, figuratively of course. You get to trek on a frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh in the months January and February, when the temperatures are well below zero and there is nothing but ice all around you. Calling it a magical experience is an understatement.

8. Dune bashing in Rajasthan- Whether we agree with it or not, we all have a destructive streak in us. Let out your destructive streak in a positive and fun way with dune bashing in Rajasthan. Hop aboard a mean machine and destroy one sand dune after the other. You will enjoy this child like experience which gives you a certain kind of satisfaction.

9. Caving in Meghalaya- Caves are often associated with interesting folklore, and tales of horror. That makes them enchanting, and there are a lot of them in Meghalaya. Meghalaya has a huge network of caves to explore, owing to its extremely wet climate and limestone deposits. Yu can go caving in Meghalaya and explore some of the easier caves of Jaintia hills to travel through some of the more intricate ones.

10. Jungle safari at Jim Corbett National Park- An adventurous journey of India isn’t complete without a jungle safari at Jim Corbett National Park. It is the oldest of all wildlife reserves in the country and one of the best places in the country to spot the tiger. Tiger population in India has been on the decline over the last decade or so, but conservation efforts at the park have made it one of the best habitats for the national animal of India.