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The Top 10 Tips for Mountain Hiking

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Trekking is a sport that has become more and more popular among travelers in the past few years. This is especially true in some Latin American countries, where the industry has developed amazing leaps. There are options for everyone, the most popular ones are around the Andes.

Whether you’re hiking to the top of Long Peaks Mountain while visiting Colorado vacation rentals, climbing Mount Everest in the Himalayans, or walking along the short Inca Trail on Machu Picchu in the Andes, there are some general safety rules to be aware of when trekking through the mountains.

Tips for Mountain Hiking

1. Drink lots of water

Whenever you exert yourself at a high altitude, there is a risk of becoming dehydrated, so be sure to bring lots with you. Remember that even though the spring water may look clear and enticing it could be filled with bacteria and parasites, if you’re going to be out for long bring along a filter or iodine tablets to purify the water before you consume it.

2. Be aware of the air

As you climb higher, air can get thinner, putting you at risk for altitude sickness.

If you experience an intensifying of any of the following symptoms, you should descend immediately:

• A headache (often the first warning sign)
• Sleep disturbances
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

This occurs when your body has difficulty adjusting to the sudden changes in altitude. It can occur as low as 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) and can start any time within 72 hours of the change in elevation, with symptoms tending to worsen at night. It is a potentially fatal illness as it causes fluid to build in your lungs and puts pressure on the brain, so it is important to take any symptoms seriously.

Before embarking on a trip over 6,500 feet, you should speak to your doctor. There are certain medications that can be taken beforehand to reduce the risk of symptoms. Though, the best way to prevent experiencing altitude sickness is to ascend high altitudes slowly.

3. Acclimatize Slowly

The time it takes to acclimatize properly is different for everyone, but here are some tips to get you started:

• Avoid flying directly at high altitudes. Instead, begin your journey at or below 10,000 feet and gradually work your way up the mountain.
• A rule of thumb to remember is every time you climb 3,000 feet, you should spend two nights at the same elevation.
• During your trek, ensure sure your diet contains lots of carbs
• Stay away from consuming alcohol
• As mentioned above, keep hydrated

4. Prepare for Diverse Weather Conditions

During summer run the risk of afternoon thunderstorms, and you don’t want to get caught on a barren peak. Start the hike early. If you happen to be above treeline during a storm, crouch down or look for shelter, but be careful to stay away from small cave entrances and overhangs. And during the winter, there is an even higher risk of avalanches, especially after a fresh snowfall. It is advised to take an avalanche safety course before heading out to the backcountry.

5. Take an Emergency Kit

Always bring along an emergency kit that includes items such as a compass, map, string, iodine tablets, a space blanket, whistle, duct tape, and of course, matches.

6. Dress Appropriately

The weather can be hot and sunny when you start off and then quickly change to a blustery snowstorm, so it’s best to dress in layers and wear appropriate hiking shoes or boots. Make sure you have at least one waterproof layer, as well as a fleece top, gloves, and hat. It’s also good to bring along sunglasses to protect your eyes as UV rays are stronger when reflected off snow in higher elevations.

7. Tell a Friend

Before leaving on your mountain journey, it’s important to let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to return. If there is no one for you to leave these details with there are places you can leave this information, like the Voluntary Safety Registration at the Canadian Rocky Mountain National Park’s visitor center. Note that if you do this, you must also register when you return.

8. Don’t Go Swimming

Beware of swimming in mountain lakes and streams—even the ones that seem harmless. Due to their cold temperatures, hypothermia is a real possibility.

9. Know Where You’re Going

It might not be as interesting, but choosing to hike clearly marked trails is more fun than getting lost out there. If you are experienced enough to navigate the less-traveled trails, it’s always a good idea to map out your route ahead of time.

10. Respect Wildlife

Mountain peaks around the world are known for their amazing opportunities to view wildlife in their own settings—the Himalayas for instance, are known for sightings of tigers, elephants, and Tibetan blue bears whereas the Colorado Rockies are home to grizzlies, cougars, and elk.

To ensure your safety, travel in groups, make noise while you’re hiking so as not to catch any animal unaware and if you do spot an animal be sure to keep a safe distance away, no matter how tempted you are to take a photo.

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travel

9 Mistakes to Avoid in the Maldives

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The Maldives, a collection of more than a thousand islands in the Indian Ocean, is known for its clear emerald waters, beautiful beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, and of course, luxurious overwater bungalows. With features like these, the archipelago makes for an idyllic sanctuary where guests can snorkel, scuba dive, swim, and savor some truly unforgettable sunsets. Aside from being one of the most stunning island getaways in the world, the Maldives is also a perfect addition to an itinerary for travelers visiting magnificent South Asian cities or Middle Eastern capitals.

For those planning to visit the Maldives, there are certain things to keep in mind. To be fully prepared for your trip — whether you’re in the planning stages or are already lounging by your infinity pool in the Baa Atoll — here are nine mistakes to avoid in the Maldives.

1. Visiting Only One Island

The first thing to know about the Maldives is that most resorts are situated on their own private island — in fact, one island, one resort is the typical approach for hotels within the archipelago. This makes sense geographically, considering the Maldives is home to at least 1,192 uninhabited and 200 inhabited islands. Whether you tour multiple islands by staying at more than one resort over the course of your vacation, or you charter a boat or take a day tour to an adjacent atoll, make sure to island hop while visiting the destination.

2. Assuming the Maldives Can’t Be Budget-friendly

The Maldives has a reputation for being an exclusive, ultra-lavish destination. But it’s actually quite possible to visit the Maldives on a budget — even the airfare isn’t prohibitively expensive, if you scout out connecting flights through Europe or Asia. To cut down on expenses, stay at a local guest house or affordable hotel, like the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma. As for attractions on a budget, life in the Maldives doesn’t have to be all about chartering yachts and diving off the deck of an overwater bungalow. There are many ways to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Maldives: You can plant coral to help conserve the Maldivian reefs through a number of ongoing initiatives, many of which are set up by affordable resorts, like Summer Island, where guests can take part in planting pieces of a 3D-printed reef for just $5. And while folks staying at a resort may be able to snorkel along the property’s house reefs, those opting for a rental home can easily snorkel on select public beaches instead.

3. Not Going Until Your Honeymoon

Thanks to its dreamy overwater bungalows and romantic sunsets, the Maldives will always rank as a top honeymoon destination. But this isn’t a place you need to save for your honeymoon or a romantic getaway with a partner. The Maldives is just as well-suited for a girls’ trip or family escape. In fact, many island resorts in the Maldives cater specifically to families. And more than being a spot for couples, the Maldives is a place where you can relax and leave your real-life worries at home — and that luxury shouldn’t be reserved solely for honeymooners.

4. Not Considering a Liveaboard for Part of Your Trip

The Maldives has 158 liveaboards — also known as localized cruise ships, houseboats, and the like — that offer sea safaris around the pristine waters and coral reefs. The liveaboards come with a wide range of accommodations and facilities, including personal chefs, dive and surf instructors, and other staff members depending on the type of liveaboard you book. Travelers can even rent out the entirety of a yacht, houseboat, or small cruising vessel, and then customize the staff to their requirements — perhaps adding an on-site masseuse or sommelier. Renting an entire liveaboard vessel can also make for a perfect distanced vacation — you have the space all to yourself and can tailor your vacation such that, apart from the staff and the other guests in your party, you won’t see another soul.

5. Avoiding the Local Culture

Because the Maldives is known as a beach destination, its South Asian influences are often overlooked — a plight that often befalls many South Pacific islands as well. The culture here is a unique melting pot of Sri Lankan, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Indonesian, and African influences. This heady blend can really only be experienced here in the Maldives. You can witness the Maldivian culture firsthand by attending music and dance performances or sampling the local cuisine rather than just sticking to resort food. You can also arrange a day trip to a nearby village island to learn more about the traditional way of life.

6. Forgetting the Reef-safe Sunscreen at Home

The Maldivian islands sit on the equator, which means the sun’s rays beat down at a 90-degree angle. In other words, the sun is exceptionally strong and your sunscreen should be waterproof, packed with SPF, and constantly reapplied. Also, be sure to pack sun protection like hats, visors (they’re making a comeback), and light, breathable, full-sleeve shirts and long pants for when you need extra coverage. When visiting any destination where the native reef is a main attraction, reef-safe sunscreen is crucial. To support the ongoing environmental initiatives to preserve the Maldivian reefs, purchase reef-safe sunscreen before traveling to the islands.

7. Not Considering an All-inclusive Resort

When scoping out accommodations in the Maldives, don’t forget that food and alcohol are expensive. You’re on an island in the middle of the sea, so it costs a lot to transport your favorite spirits. For this reason, many tourists choose an all-inclusive resort — even though the nightly rate and resort fees may be higher than some of the budget hotels, it bundles the cost of food and drink into the price of your stay.

8. Not Combining the Maldives With a Trip to Southeast Asia or the Middle East

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a remote tropical paradise that’s actually quite accessible from major Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian hubs like Dubai (a four-hour direct flight from the Maldives) and Sri Lanka (a three-hour flight from the Maldives). Thanks to a fantastic range of flight deals in partnership with airlines and carriers like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, the Maldives can be easily tacked on to a trip to Dubai, Sri Lanka, or any destination that flies directly to either port (think: Singapore, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, or Doha).

9. Skipping the Bioluminescent Views

Did you know the Maldives is known for having shores that illuminate at night, lit up by bioluminescent plankton? In addition to boasting diverse sea life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and more than 2,000 species of fish, most islands are visited by bioluminescent plankton at certain points throughout the year. To experience this magical light show, you’ll want to visit during plankton high season (mid-summer to mid-winter), when the bioluminescent organisms line the shores and create a glow-in-the-dark effect at the water’s edge.

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travel

7 Travel Tips on a Tight Budget

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1. Book Early

The moment you know you’re headed away, book all of your travel accommodations as well as flights or bus tickets right away. This allows you to choose the most affordable dates for your vacation.

2. Travel Off-Season

Summer is probably the worst time to visit any place as it means tons of tourists and rising ticket prices. Wait to book your flight and accommodations off-season, and you can save a great deal of money. Plus, famous attractions are less likely to get overrun by eager tourists.

3. Campsites Are Cheap Accommodations

Scotland is steeped in natural beauty and boasts about 5,000 different campsites. Why not make your accommodations more interesting by booking your own campground? Plus, there are cabins and motorhomes for rent you can consider. Take care during the high travel season as you will need to book early to ensure your place. You may even consider hostels as a way to cut travel costs or a traditional farm as many operate as a bed and breakfast. Look around to see what may interest you and make your travels easier. If you want a hotel then you can get great prices on Oban hotels and plan a staycation.

4. Share Travel Costs

Consider traveling with friends or family so you can split travel costs and rent a cabin or house together. This can help you keep your vacation budget in check.

5. Buy Local Food

Prepare your own food using fresh ingredients that are locally sourced. This can cut your food expenses in half while also opening your door to new possibilities. Attend a local farmer’s market or try a grocery store to buy ingredients you can prepare. A picnic at a park is a great way to enjoy your trip without spending needless money on fancy cuisine. Street food in Scotland is not only delicious but some of the best in the world! From cheese purchased on the streets to the freshly churned butter, there are limitless opportunities.

6. Try Local Fresh Drinks

Purchase a reusable water bottle that can keep its contents cold. Fill it with fresh and clean tap water to save yourself some much needed travel money. Apple juice is also a delicacy that you should try for breakfast whenever you get a chance! Of course, Scottish alcohol is another can’t miss on your trip. Stay away from expensive local pubs and opt for microbreweries and manufacturers as they offer highly affordable drinks.

7. Go For Affordable Restaurants

Of course, your trip experience is hardly complete without visiting a local restaurant. Choose a smaller restaurant to get access to local foodstuffs such as a moose burger, fish soup or bacalao. These are all delicious and filling menu items that don’t break your budget. Waffles, svele, and cinnamon buns are also local delicacies that you will want to try! They can provide a great treat while also giving you enough energy to keep going through the day. Once you reach Scotland, you can also just walk around and check out popular places where locals like to stop by to eat.

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travel

Top 4 honeymoon destinations for newlywed couples

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Selecting a honeymoon destination can be a tiresome yet thrilling task. Once the wedding is over, you need a charming place to travel to with your partner in order to strengthen the bond you share. While deciding the honeymoon destination, you must keep some factors in mind. These factors include your partner’s choice, the budget, the scenic view you are looking for and many more. You must make sure that your partner’s preferences align with yours so as to gain the best experience out of the honeymoon. Some of the most popular and enchanting places that can make great honeymoon destinations have been stated below.

Bali
Bali is often considered to be synonymous to ‘paradise’ due to the picturesque view it offers. It is a region in the Indonesian islands which is renowned to be a home to a number of volcanic mountains, beaches and coral reefs. It is a magical mixture of ethnicity, rich heritage, nightlife and scenic beauty. The blend of spirituality and rich heritage, Bali serves as a great platform for honeymoon. You can visit the temples and other areas of historical importance during the day and visit the moonlit beach at night with your special one. Romantic moments spent with your loved one by the sea are priceless.

Fiji
The Fijian Islands is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean and is a hub of thrilling and adventurous experience. It comprises of 333 islands out of which 110 are inhabited by the local population. It has a large number of quality resorts and guest houses with appealing ambience for you to attain the best experience during the honeymoon. The luxury resorts are couple friendly and one can thoroughly enjoy activities, both outdoors and indoors. The breath taking view of the sea during sunrise is something to be cherished. Witnessing it with our significant other will be recollected throughout your life.

Mauritius
Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean that is highly renowned for beaches, reef and lagoons. It comprises of a number of dense rainforests, waterfalls and hiking trails. You can participate in several adventure sports like scuba diving and boating with your partner if you seek thrill and fun while travelling. The clear water is a home to diverse aquatic wildlife. The luxury resorts offer high level comfort and privacy for you to indulge in some naughty love making with your spouse.

Paris
Paris is a renowned place that has been on the bucket list of almost every individual. It is an active city in Europe that can offer a great deal of marvellous view. You can visit eminent places like the Eiffel Tower and art galleries and museums with your partner and enjoy the peace the city has to offer.

To conclude, honeymoon destinations shall be selected after conducting effective research and it must comply with your budget and preferences. A worthwhile travel experience shall keep relationship issues like cheating in love and arguing, at bay since you will rediscover the person you got married to and will not regret the choice.

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