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Seven Tips for Planning a Beach Trip to Gulf Shores Orange Beach

1. Check the calendar

Every trip in our household begins with a check of the calendar, but the research goes far beyond “availability.”

If you’re planning a family getaway, then you’ll need to balance school and extra-curricular activities. Are you still doing virtual school, which allows you to travel during the week when crowds are thinner? Or maybe you’re looking for a date-night escape, and you first need to check when the grandparents can stay with the kids.

While our family usually opts for off-peak travel to save money, you might prefer to plan at the height of the season. This usually means more attractions are open (or open longer hours), and it typically coincides with the seasonal festivals like the Annual National Shrimp Festival or The Hangout Music Festival.

2. Select your accommodations

The right (or wrong) accommodations can make (or break) a vacation, so this is where we spend the bulk of our planning efforts. What’s necessary for one family is not always the right option for another – or even from vacation to vacation.

The first step is to determine what is required, what is desired, and what is the icing on the cake for your current adventure; and then try to match it to your budget.

  • Do you need a full kitchen because you’ll be cooking most meals, or will you be noshing at Brick & Spoon, Hog Wild Beach & BBQ, or other fan favorites for most meals?
  • Do you need a washer and dryer?
  • How close do you want to be to the beach? Is it important to have the beach in your backyard? Is walking across the street ok? What about driving in the car?
  • What is the cancellation policy? In the current environment, you never know what the future holds. Your tolerance for risk should coincide with the cancellation policy.

Whatever your decision, we recommend you book direct through the vacation rental management company. Why? You can leverage the knowledgeable locals who are always happy to assist with area information and can offer quick guidance should anything go wrong. You can usually secure better rates and fewer fees, as well.

3. Pick the right water activities

You’re at the beach – let’s make the most of it.

If your vacation brings you in the warm months, then plan for parasailing, snorkeling and jet-skiing. Visiting during the cooler months? That doesn’t mean you can’t play at the beach. Try sailing, kayaking or offshore fishing.

In addition to letting the temperature dictate our water play, we also try to do something new and exciting with every visit – stretch your comfort zone and explore the possibilities

4. Check out the local attractions

Our family always selects one non-beach day for every three days of vacation; checking out the local attractions is a great way to spend that off-day.

Whether you are exploring The Wharf, heading to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or building your arm strength at Civil Axe Throwing we offer the same advice as above – try something new!

If you’re visiting more than one attraction, also be sure to mix it up. Select one indoor activity and one outdoor activity, or pick one energetic activity and one calming activity.

5. Plan meals for your budget

You’re at the beach friends; you’re going to need snacks. Bring your list for a stop at the grocery store as you head in, and remember your supermarket stop might take longer if you’re stocking a full kitchen. On our last trip at Turquoise Place, we ate most of our meals at restaurants but still saved one evening to enjoy the fantastic balcony grill!

As you’re planning restaurant stops, consider where you are staying, the water activities and planned local attractions – you’ll want to select restaurants near your itinerary options.

For example, plan an oyster lunch at Sea N Suds when you’re visiting Gulf State Park…or dine on the Caribbean eats at Sassy Bass before you head out on the ferry to Dauphin Island.

6. Build a contingency plan

If a rainstorm happens or one of the kids gets a bad sunburn, you can still have an amazing vacation if you plan ahead.

Are the kids are bouncing off the walls? Try the indoor trampoline park, The Factory, or challenge them to a game of laser tag at The Wharf.

If you’ve been bitten by the history bug, take a field trip to the City of Foley Museum Archives where you can enjoy the model train, or to the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum where you can still soak up some ocean antiquity (and it’s free!)

7. Go with the flow

My final word of advice? Be willing to ditch the plan.

A decade or two from now, when the kids are remembering all their fond times in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach…packing a suitcase for their own children, and calling you – the grandparents – to tell you they are on the way to pick you up for another extended getaway…they won’t remember that you didn’t stick to the plan.

They will remember that you walked out to the pier with them and watched the dolphins for a long time. They will remember that you built a gigantic sandcastle and decorated it with shells. They’ll remember the time you went twice on The Wharf Ferris wheel, or when you posed together for silly-face photos in front of the sign at Flora-Bama.

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travel

Six Important Tips To Remember While Going Out On Vacation

It’s a good idea to put Electronics, Medications, Toothbrush, and an Extra Pair of Underwear in Your Carry-on A couple of significant things ought to consistently go in a lightweight suitcase. A bathing suit is likewise a smart thought on the off chance that you are going on a seashore excursion. You can purchase the vast majority of these things if your package gets lost, however having them in your portable will set aside your cash and time if your baggage becomes mixed up in travel.

Always ask before jumping on to any form of public transport It’s a smart thought to get some information about the cost before you jump on a transport or other types of open transportation.

Hydration is key while flying Remaining hydrated particularly on whole deal flights makes it simpler to get over jet lag. Minimize the risk of getting sick 30,000 feet up in the air and stay hydrated.

Never Forget To Put Your Room Number and Hotel Address in Your Phone Always a key thing to remember. The entire trip might go to waste if you don’t remember where you booked rooms.

Ask The Locals Who knows about the local scene better than the locals?! It’s pretty much a solid choice to be asking the locals about the local scene like the food, places to go for sightseeing, etc.

Be careful with Free Public WIFI One thing people tend to forget while on vacation is they are constantly under the threat of cybercrimes. It’s generally not a good idea to be logging into free public WiFis.

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travel

Ladakh Travel Tips To Bear In Mind While Traveling To The Himalayan Desert In 2022

There is one Indian destination that everyone dreams of going to with friends and has thousands of cancelled plans for and if they somehow manage to convince the gods (read their parents and friends) they would have actually had a happening Ladakh trip! Sounds relatable, eh? It does to us too. Ladakh is the high-altitude Himalayan Mountain Region of India. Majestic Himalayas, rivers, plateau, mountain peaks, snow, and high altitude glaciers are just some of the factors. The road to Ladakh will give you the complete vistas of the snowy Himalayas and that is just another add on. It is a tourist-friendly place in India. Its coordinates are 34.2996° North and 78.2932° East. Naturally when a place is at such a height and is so charming, it will have its cons. Here, we have listed important Ladakh travel tips for first-time travelers to save you the trouble.

Travel Tips For Ladakh
Here are the top 10 Ladakh travel tips, which will be useful to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and Himalayan tour takers. Just take a quick glance at these and plan your trip accordingly.

1. Ladakh Climate
Ladakh occupies a greater part of the high-altitude mountain ranges of the Himalayas in India. Cold desert type climate prevails throughout the year. One of the important Leh Ladakh travel tips to bear in mind is that there is cold wind throughout the day and night in this region. People who are unable to withstand the cold weather even with warm clothing must avoid the Ladakh trip during the winter of November to March. The weather will be extreme as it reaches below freezing point. You must carry sweaters and warm jackets in all seasons here. It is advisable to visit during the dry season, which is from April to June. You can feel some sunshine and heat during the day. The summer season is the best time to travel here by all ages of people. You can go exploring the glaciers, Indus River, trekking in its mountain pass and valleys. You can also take a scenic drive route to Ladakh through a bike or SUV.

2. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Medications
This is one of the most important Ladakh travel tips. It is advisable to consult your doctor before traveling to Ladakh. This is because you will be on the high-altitude mountain ranges with an altitude ranging from 10,000-ft to 23,000-ft above mean sea level. It is advisable to carry AMS medication as prescribed by your doctor. This is because; AMS can cause breathlessness, severe headache, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Without AMS medication, there are chances to get bubbles formation in the lungs. This is a medical emergency if not treated can lead to coma or death. It is advisable to carry a personal thermometer, sphygmomanometer, and first aid kit. It is advisable to check your BP and temperature whenever you are feeling dizziness in high-altitude ranges in Ladakh. This is because; you have to reach Leh for any medical emergency. Traveling by road is the only option available here.

3. Mountain Bike Rental
High-altitude mountain biking is one of the most important adventure activities and you must try it in Ladakh. Traveling on the road to Ladakh, you are also traveling on the highest motorable road in the world. This will be one of the most memorable rides in your life. You will never forget the enchanting beauty of the Himalayas that you will witness while mountain biking. You can hire a bike on rental from Leh or Manali. They are in-between 350-cc to 490-cc. A few places on the road are rigid. Therefore, you must have some experience during a bike on mountain terrain. This is an affordable way to take the road not taken in Ladakh. It is advisable to bring your helmet, jerkins, boots, and hand gloves. You can also bring a knee, elbow and kidney guard for additional safety. This road is safe to drive and that is one of your Leh Ladakh travel tips right there. You can only find a few military and goods trucks on the way. Other SUVs are of tourists.

4. Ladakh Road Safari Car Rentals
Travel tips for Leh Ladakh includes telling you how road is the best choice for those who are not willing to take mountain biking. There are many car rental service providers in Leh. They will allow a maximum of 6-person to travel. You can self-drive or hire a driver if you are not able to drive on the high-altitude mountain road. This is a much more cost-effective way to explore the world’s highest road in Ladakh. It is advisable to plan in advance during the peak season from March to May. Yet, the tourist does take road safari on other seasons to see the white beauty of the Himalayas. They do provide drivers. Exploring by road is the utmost way to see the Majestic Himalayas at the fullest. You can browse online for car rental for Leh to Ladakh road safari. This is a scenic mountain road drive on the Himalayas.

5. Tourist Accommodation In Ladakh
This Leh Ladakh travel tips on accommodation will help you to find the right place to stay in various tourist seasons. March to June is the peak tourist season. It will be difficult to find accommodation if you come here and search. This is because it has very few lodging facilities. Most budget-friendly hotels are in Leh. It will be better to plan in advance during the peak season. The non peak seasons are snowy. Yet, there are many tourists, who wish to see the snow beauty of the Himalayas during winter. You cannot find luxury stay in Ladakh. You can expect standard accommodation with an HVAC system, a TV, and hot bath facilities. The night temperature will drop below the minus degree Celsius. If did not get accommodation, you will be in trouble to stay in your SUV with warm clothing or with a bonfire. It will be good to get a room with mountain views from the balcony or through the windows.

6. Clothing For Ladakh Trip
The clothing travel tips for Ladakh tells you that there is no other choice than warm clothing. The day temperature during the summer will remain from below 25-degrees Celsius. During the night, it may drop to 15-degrees Celsius. Wearing jeans shirt and pants are the best for men and women tourists during the day. During the winter, the day temperature will be below 15-degree Celsius. During the night, it will fall below zero degrees Celsius. It is advisable to bring warm jackets, furry socks and glows, mufflers, sweaters, and pair of boots above ankle level. If your warm clothing does not give much protection from the cold, it will be better to buy from Leh. They are handmade natural fur. It will give immediate worthiness soon after you wear them. They are affordable too.

7. Backpacking For Ladakh
Packing in a large size backpack is the best way to carry many materials and that is one of your primarily important Leh Ladakh travel tips. This is because; you need to carry woolen blankets and woolen cloths, which occupy most of your luggage space. You must also carry two pairs of boots, jerkins, and woolen accessories to keep you warm. It is advisable to carry emergency lights, torch, and a portable gas stove. These are essential items during your night travel for the light source and drink hot water. You must keep your photo and video camera as this is the finest place to capture the beauty of the Himalayas inch by inch. You must also not forget to keep a first aid kit. If you take any medicines daily, you must stock them for your travel too. You must also pack your GPS devices if any. Bathroom kit is a necessary one, as you cannot find any shops on the way to Ladakh from Leh.

8. Currency
This Leh Ladakh travel guide will be most helpful to international tourists. They have to convert their currency from New Delhi itself. This is because; Indian Rupees or INR is valid in Ladakh. Here, you cannot find a shop with POS and accepting other modes of electronic payments. This is due to a lack of internet connectivity. Moreover, there are a few money exchange service providers in Leh. If you are not coming through Leh, it will be a problem. You need INR for transport, food, and stay. This is because; this place has no ticketed entry places. You need cash to buy authentic crafts. There are a few ATMs in Leh. Most of the time, they are without cash. The banks with currency exchange are also very less in Leh. It is advisable to convert your nation’s currency into INR and visit Ladakh to enjoy your tour.

9. Food In Ladakh
This Ladakh Travel tips deals with the food in Ladakh. The people of Ladakh follow the Tibetan culture. Therefore, it is the finest place to taste Tibetan food without going to Tibet. Most of the food available here is of non-vegetarian foods. It is advisable to eat or pack your food from wherever you find a shop open. You cannot find food vendors on the road to Ladakh. When you are looking for places to stay at, it is advisable to see they serve food or not. If not, you have to travel some distance for food alone. It is advisable to stock some tinned food to fill your appetite. You cannot expect a multi-cuisine restaurant in Ladakh. It will be better to inquire about what they serve before giving the food orders. The vegetarians must find a hotel, which serves vegetarian food only. Leh has such restaurants.

10. Commutation In Ladakh
This Ladakh travel guide will not be complete without mentioning how you can commute to Ladakh. You can reach Leh through a flight from Delhi. The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the only passenger or commercial airport in Ladakh. Locally, you must hire a private travel agent’s vehicle to commute and explore Ladakh attractions. There are no mountain rail services in the Ladakh region. There are no lifts too. All you have to depend on is on-road transportation only. Bike and car rentals are available from Leh. You can do self-driving and hire them with a driver too. Camel safari is available in some attractions of Ladakh. This is a vast mountain cold desert region. It is not advisable to commute through walking and hiking. You may get tired soon due to altitude sickness. Altogether, transportation costs will be high due to long-distance travel in Ladakh. It is advisable to come under any of the all-inclusive Ladakh tour packages. This will include your local transportation facility too.

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travel

How to Make Travel Easier on Your Body

Backache after a long car ride? Sore neck from trying to sleep on a plane? Try these tips before the next time you head out of town.

I love taking vacations, but travel has an uncanny way of making me feel old. I inevitably pull a muscle trying to lift my bag into the plane’s overhead bin. My lower back aches during long car rides. My neck throbs after a short airplane nap.

It’s not surprising that travel causes pain and, sometimes, injury. “You’re out of your norm, you’re changing your patterns,” said Dr. D.J. Kennedy, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. You’re doing things like pulling a 30-pound suitcase for what feels like six miles as you sprint to catch your connecting flight, which is probably not something your body has trained for.

With summer travel approaching prepandemic levels in the United States, I’m sure I’m not alone in experiencing — and wondering what can be done to ease — travel-induced aches and pains. So for this week’s newsletter, in part because I have a cross-country flight in a few days, I talked to a physical therapist and two physicians to get advice.

Make travel plans with your body in mind

When you’re planning a vacation, keep your body’s strengths and limitations in mind, Dr. Kennedy suggested. If sitting in a car for long periods tends to hurt your back, a weeklong road trip might not be your best option.

That said, if you really want to take the trip that might make your body unhappy, you can take steps to prepare for it in advance. If you have arthritis in your knee and walking is painful, you can still go on a walking tour, but you might want to see a physical therapist or physical medicine doctor in the months leading up to the trip to improve your range of motion and endurance, Dr. Kennedy said. Or, he added, you might think about getting a shot to reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to bring any doctor-recommended pain medications with you in case you need them, too, he said.

Limit the weight you must bear

When it comes to handling luggage, the best approach is to pack lightly so your bags aren’t heavy. But that’s simply not possible for some people (including me). Thankfully, there are ways to make heavy luggage more manageable.

Dr. Kennedy said that roller bags are less likely to cause injury and pain than bags you must carry by hand or on your shoulder. He prefers bags that move on four wheels rather than two, because moving them requires less effort. The big pushcarts you can rent from the airport can also be helpful for moving luggage, he said.

If you need to carry a bag on your body, a backpack is the best option, said Dr. Deborah Venesy, a physician in the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Spine Health in Ohio, and she said you should use both straps to distribute the weight evenly. Colleen Louw, a physical therapist based in Iowa and a spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association, added that backpacks should hang evenly in the middle of the back — not down against the low back — and that straps should be adjusted to make it easy to take the backpack on and off.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you struggle to lift your luggage, Dr. Kennedy said. (He is a former competitive powerlifter, but said he has a shoulder injury and often asks for help lifting his bags into the plane’s overhead compartment.)

If sitting causes pain, take movement and stretching breaks

An hour or so into every car or plane ride, the side of my back starts aching, and that’s in part because bodies aren’t meant to stay stationary. “Movement is essential to keep blood flowing to your muscles and joints to help prevent stiffness and pain,” Ms. Louw explained. Ideally, you’ll want to stand up and walk around at least once every hour if you’re feeling pain, Dr. Kennedy advised. If you have trouble remembering to do this, set a timer or drink lots of water so you need frequent bathroom breaks, he suggested. (Dr. Venesy said she prefers aisle seats so she can get up regularly.)

As for how to sit, Ms. Louw said that sitting upright, or with a slight recline, is generally the best position for the spine. Dr. Venesy added that rolling up a sweatshirt or fleece and resting it behind your lower back could also provide pain-relieving lumbar support.

Stretching can also be useful. One good stretch to do while sitting is a spine twist, where you put both hands on one leg and gently twist your upper body in the same direction, then repeat on the other side, Dr. Venesy said. A good seated stretch for the low back and hips is a figure four stretch, where you rest your right heel on your left knee and lean forward, and vice versa, she added. Dr. Kennedy said that it may feel good to stand up and do a slight back bend, too. (If you’re in pain from standing for a long time, the opposite could ease your pain — leaning into a forward fold, he said.)

If you experience leg cramps while sitting, try pumping your ankles — alternately pointing and then flexing your feet — with your knees bent and extended, Ms. Louw suggested.

Prevent neck pain by reading or watching tablets at eye level and using a neck pillow

If you’re anything like me, you look down a lot during flights or as a car passenger — at your phone, a tablet or a book. But this position can cause neck pain, Dr. Kennedy said. It’s far better to bring things closer to eye level. Some airplanes now have devices that allow you to hang your phone or tablet on the back of the seat in front of you, he said, and you can also buy accessories that will do this for you (or even fashion one out of a sickness bag).

If you think you’ll doze off in the plane or car, you may also want to invest in a neck pillow. Dr. Kennedy prefers designs that are thinner in the back than on the sides, because they don’t pitch the head forward too much when you lean against the seat.

I’m not going to be able to put all these suggestions into practice for my upcoming trip — I’m sure my suitcase will be just under the maximum weight limit, as usual — but I’ll certainly make some changes to my travel habits.

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