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Costa Rica Travel: 8 Tips To Help You Get Started With Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Costa Rica. Many national parks, rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and viewpoints in Costa Rica require a short or a long hike for exploring the area. Also, many resorts here have well-maintained hiking trails for the guests.

What is hiking?

Hiking is a long and vigorous walk on trails of mountains or natural environments. It also involves walking outdoors on a trail, or off trail, for recreational purposes.

Benefits of hiking

For the unversed, hiking has many benefits for the body, mind & soul. Hiking is believed to reduce stress levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body fat. It can improve mood, mental well-being, and bone density.

Most importantly, hiking helps you connect with nature. Nature can heal your soul, and the fresh air can clear your mind. Going outdoors to hike also helps you to get Vitamin D from the sun, which is rare in today’s sedentary lifestyle.

8 Hiking Tips For Beginners

Now, if you are a beginner and have never hiked before, you probably think of it as something that is not made for you. But, we can help you get started with hiking with these helpful tips.

1 Choose the right trail

Depending on how active you are in your daily life and the kind of lifestyle you have, you should choose the trail. One way to select the distance for the hike is to calculate the average distance you usually walk. Reduce a little from this number for your hike, as you will be walking on an elevated trail and the oxygen levels may also change.

2. Be familiar with the trail

Before heading out for the hike, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the trail. One way to do that is to look up the internet for reviews & suggestions and then analyze the reports and the data.

Most of the tourist places in Costa Rica have a map with properly marked trails and information right at the entrance. It is advisable to click a picture of the map from your cell phone. When looking at the map, take mental note of the intersections where you could possibly take a wrong turn and lose track.

3. Check the weather condition

It is always wise to keep a regular check on the weather conditions in the area where you are planning to go hiking. It will prevent you from getting surprises during the hike. Leading to the day of the hike, look for the weather forecast and be adequately prepared.

Some places like Braulio Carrillo National Park receive rainfall throughout the year. If you are not someone who likes to hike in rain, better avoid going to such places.

4. Pack the essentials

There are some essentials that everyone should pack so as to be prepared for breakdowns, danger, or mishaps. Some of the things that are very helpful during hikes are – a water bottle, a multi-tool, a first-aid kit, a lightweight backpack, a map, a hat/cap, sunglasses, and a headlight (if you are planning to hike in the dark or return after sunset).

5. Wear the right clothing and footwear

Wearing comfortable shoes and clothes is the foremost aspect of planning a hike. Most of the places in Costa Rica are either cold, rainy, or have mosquitos. Therefore, it is advisable to wear covered, comfortable clothing and footwear to protect yourself from such elements.

If you are going hiking to a high altitude, you may consider wearing layers of lightweight clothing. It will not only protect you from the cold but also make it easy for you to wear or remove layers according to the temperature.

6. Stay hydrated

Now, one thing that you should absolutely not forget is carrying a water bottle with you for the hike. Long hikes, especially in the sun, can make your body lose up to two-quarters of water through sweating. This reduces your endurance and wears you out faster. Sipping water at regular intervals will help you make the most of your time. Remember to drink more than you think is needed!

Almost all the tourist places in Costa Rica have water stations with drinkable water. Do not forget to fill your water bottle from these stations.

7. Eat well

If you have had a good meal before the hike, you will feel enthusiastic and full of energy throughout the hike. But as important as it is to eat before the hike, it is equally important to eat during the hike. It works just fine to pack light snacks and energy bars for the hike, as supplying your body with the necessary nutrients is important.

It is important to note that very few national parks and tourist places in Costa Rica have a restaurant inside. Mostly you are on your own for food supply once you enter the area.

8. Listen to your body

Always, and always listen to your body. If your body is not able to cope with the increasing altitude or dropping temperature, or new aches and pains are surfacing, take them seriously. Depending on the intensity of the problem, you should either call off the hike or make a note of these difficulties. Noting these down will help you to be better prepared for your next hike.

Final Words

Stress at work and in our personal lives can be very overwhelming and going for hikes once in a while is a good way to keep stress at bay. We are hopeful that these tips will motivate you to start planning your hike immediately!

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travel

7 essential cybersecurity tips for international travel

International travel is often an exciting opportunity for cultural exploration or a necessity for conducting business. Either way, it is quite easy to focus on the entertaining or professional aspects of the trip and overlook the cybersecurity matters, which may lead to a loss of important data or money. In this article, you will find seven essential tips OctaFX prepared for international travellers.

Keep your devices secure

Use strong passwords and lock your laptop, phone, and other devices when not in use. You should also be cautious when using public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, restaurants and other places. These networks can often be insecure and leave you vulnerable to hacking attempts.

There are several types of cyberattacks that involve public Wi-Fi networks. For instance, some networks do not use encryption, meaning that hackers can intercept the data transmitted over them. Hackers sometimes set up their own Wi-Fi networks that sound the same as legitimate ones. Once you are connected, the hacker may steal your personal information or infect your computer with malware. The third type of Wi-Fi cyberattack involves criminals tricking you into downloading malicious software by implying that it is something you must do to get access to a free public network.

Avoid using publicly accessible computers and USB charging stations

Computers that you can use in hotels, business centres, airports, and other public spaces might be infected with malware that can steal your credentials or credit card information by capturing keystrokes. Do not enter any sensitive information on such devices. If you absolutely have to log in to some of your accounts, do it in incognito mode and log out of the accounts afterwards.

Public USB charging stations might be just as unsafe to use, with criminals putting malware or spyware on them to then get access to your finances and personal data. To protect your devices from this threat, use USB data blockers—they are designed to physically block data pins but do not interrupt the charging.

Backup important data

When travelling, backup copies of your passport and other travel documents, as well as financial and personal information. Store your backup data on an encrypted external hard drive or in a secure cloud storage service, and make sure to update it regularly. This way, if your devices are lost or stolen, you will have a backup of all your important information.

Keep software up-to-date

Keep all software up-to-date for all of your devices, as the updates usually contain important security patches that make it harder for hackers to exploit their vulnerabilities. Update your software before travelling to avoid using potentially corrupted networks during the trip.

Beware of skimming

Skimming is a type of theft in which a device is attached to an ATM or other electronic payment system to steal credit card information. Skimming is a particular risk when travelling, as criminals often target tourists who may be less aware of the dangers. To protect yourself from skimming when travelling, avoid any suspicious devices involved with your electronic payments. If you need to use an ATM, choose the one located at a bank office.

Be cautious of QR codes

Criminals may create fake QR codes that look similar to legitimate ones and then place them on posters, signs, or even menus in cafés. When scanned, these fake QR codes can install malware on your device or direct you to a phishing website where your personal and financial information can be stolen. Be cautious when scanning codes from unknown sources, and try to avoid scanning them if there is a safe option of getting the same information.

Research tour operators and accommodations

Unscrupulous operators offer seemingly legitimate tours and activities at a low cost. Some of those offerings may be either subpar or virtually non-existent. To protect yourself from fraudulent tour operators when travelling, research the company and the tour beforehand, read reviews from previous customers, and only book through reputable sources. Some accommodations even on generally reliable websites turn out to be fake or have artificially inflated ratings, so make your own research for every booking to ensure your stay is not ruined by fraudsters.

It’s essential to take proactive steps to secure your personal and financial information while travelling. Whether it’s keeping your devices secure, protecting your online accounts, or being mindful of your physical surroundings, these cybersecurity tips can help ensure that your travels are safe and enjoyable.

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travel

Tips to keep in mind while travelling in extreme conditions

Trekking in the winter and the summer is a totally different experience. It’s important to prepare for your hikes in preparation because it might come in handy whenever and wherever you are. Studying a few winter hiking guidelines can help you get ready for any hike you plan to go on while staying warm and safe. Whether you’re walking through the snow outside or simply admiring the scenery, this winter hiking advice will surely make your experience enjoyable. All of the factors that contribute to a trek in the great outdoors being secure can be met with the right equipment, tips, clothing, and attitude for winter hiking.

“Cold weather might be a problem on any hiking trip at any time of year, not just in the dead of winter. Depending on your location and the area you’re hiking in, you may come across chilly weather at any time of year, which might make your journey uncomfortable or, worst yet, result in a significant injury or disease,” says Gayatri Mohanty.

Check the weather and trail conditions in advance

Being aware of the weather is one of the most essential winter hiking tips because it can affect the trail by covering it with new snow, which can be quite confusing while you are hiking. Knowing the weather conditions also makes it easier to avoid hiking when there are strong winds, chances of heavy snowfall, or poor visibility. It is therefore advisable to be aware of the anticipated temperatures and wind speed ahead. You can always hike safely in the snow if you follow our advice.

Maintain constant hydration

When trekking in the cold, always make sure you have an insulated bottle and a bottle sleeve with you. If you do this while hiking in bitterly cold weather, the water won’t freeze. If you forget to bring an insulated bottle on your trek or don’t have one, you can also use a spare sock or wrap the water bottle in a towel to keep it warm and insulated.

Carry the proper winter hiking equipment

If your upcoming trip includes hiking paths, you must pack the appropriate winter hiking equipment. When hiking, wearing the appropriate shoes, bag, jacket, and even jeans can make a big impact. The most important thing to remember when trekking in the snow is to keep yourself warm. You can begin by donning a base layer, followed by a fleece jacket that serves as your intermediate layer, and finally a jacket or down jacket that will aid in insulation and safeguard your body from the cold. Softshell trousers are typically advised when trekking in the winter because they are great at maintaining body heat at all times and shielding you from severe winds and snow.

Pack extra equipment

A fire starter, first aid kit, pocket knife, emergency blanket, waterproof matches, and a waterproof backpack are a few other items you can bring with you on your trek. Bringing an extra kit on your hike will always come in handy and be beneficial for surviving in adverse weather. When you are trekking in snow, all of these things will make a huge impact. Since trekking in snow can be slick and slushy when the snow is melting, they also give you protection and a better grip on the snow.

For your winter hike, bring snacks

During your hikes, it’s critical to keep yourself hydrated and energised at all times. Your body often needs twice as many calories to stay warm and hydrated while trekking in the winter as it does at other times of the year. In order to keep energised at all times, be sure to pack yourself some meals that are both very nutritional and protein-rich. Organic pumpkin seeds, granola bars, protein bars, and even your own homemade trail mix are all suitable for carrying as cold-weather snacks.

Consistently keep your feet warm

While snowshoeing, it’s crucial to keep your feet warm. Make sure you include several pairs of wool-based hiking socks that will keep moisture off of your damp skin. In the event that it gets wet while you’re hiking, it dries rapidly and also aids in heat insulation. When trekking, snow is kept off of your feet at all times by donning hiking boots that go up to the ankle. A pair of gaiters, which save your feet from getting buried in the snow, is another item you can get. As you’ll be spending a lot of time in your boots during your winter excursions, it’s ideal to wear comfy ones.

Hike during the daytime

When we hike on our trails in the summer, we often try to stay out of the sun. In contrast, hiking in the winter is completely different. To feel the warmth of the sun in the chilly months, we would basically do anything. You’ll be able to stay warm and have a better time hiking if you plan your hikes for when the sun is out and blazing brightly in the sky. Due to the drop in temperature in the evening, it is also recommended that you schedule your hikes so that you begin early and finish before the sun sets.

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fashion

How to Style Layers Like A Pro This Season

When it comes to layering in winter, there aren’t any hard and fast rules in fashion. However, if you are beginning to start layering clothes, you may need a few tips to proceed. And as you become familiar with it, you can experiment with different choices. The thing with winter fashion is you don’t get the luxury of showing a lot of skin. If you are thinking of layering clothes, pair them smartly. In simple words, go stylish, not bulky. This article will help you teach how to style layers in winter!

Don’t forget winter basics

While shopping for winter basics, always remember how you would build different looks and invest according to that. Our eyes often catch glimpses of quirky pieces, but sometimes they wouldn’t go with the whole outfit. That’s where winter basics show their power. For basics, you can go with oversized sweaters, as these are in trend; there are cardigans or pullovers which you can easily pair with a denim button-up blouse.

Combine different fabrics and colours

Try combining different types of fabrics and textures in one outfit. For example, you can pair a lightweight silk-knit shirt of a classic tone with a sequined blazer and create a whole fancy party or holiday look.

Put on a cosy sweater

Put on a cashmere-silk blend pullover that will keep you protected without overheating. Purchase comfortable pullovers that can go well with anything, and you can wear them easily.

Add an oversized coat

Adding an oversized coat on top of your layered winter basics looks super stunning. Oversized coats can also be donned over dresses. Add a pair of leather boots to complete your overall look.

Combine different lengths

Combine clothes of different lengths to look elegant during winter. For example, styling a pencil skirt of size up to mid-calf with knee-high boots is a great stylish combination. Adding an oversized coat makes the whole look fantastic.

Accessorising

Scarves are beautiful winter accessories that go with all fashion ensembles. Invest in a faux-fur Fendi scarf, which will give you an edgy and warm look. Besides scarves; you can also accessorise your look with a hat, handbag or jewellery that complements your look.

Once you’ve become familiar with how to layer during winter, you can easily begin mixing patterns, playing with textures, and going monochromatic and colour-blocking. Make sure all your clothes fit you well and bring out your personality.

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