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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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Health

Ultimate Spring Guide to Stay Healthy this Season

As warmer weather approaches, ensure utmost health to best enjoy it. Find out how staying healthy this spring can be as breezy as the refreshing springtime air!

As the season shifts from winter to spring, so too can habits. Not only does winter promote hibernation from the cold, but it can also contribute to lackluster health habits.

So as spring cleaning commences this year, extend it beyond the home and into health as well. This is a comprehensive guide on how to stay healthy and other health tips for the spring season!

Importance of Setting Goals

The first step of any new health endeavor is goal setting. Setting clear goals provides direction and serves as a way to monitor and evaluate progress.

One of the simplest ways to distinguish aspirations is through creating SMART goals, where SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely. SMART goals incorporate these criteria to help focus efforts and increase the chances of achieving them.

Often, individuals inadvertently set themselves up to fail by setting generic or unrealistic goals. However, developing SMART goals reduces this chance greatly.

Here are two examples of how to create a general goal into a SMART one:

General: “I will eat healthier.”

SMART version: “I will eat a fruit or veggie with every meal four days out of the week to improve my physical health.”

General: “I will get in shape.”

SMART version: “I will commit to doing cardio for thirty minutes two days a week and strength training two days a week for the next 6 months to improve my endurance and strength.”

Check Personal Health

After setting clear goals, it is prudent to check overall health status in order to gauge the baseline starting point. There are various ways to check health but the most important part is to be comprehensive.

Here are 4 measures of health to acquire, ideally, before diving into spring health endeavors.

Get a Physical

This is a fairly easy way to obtain a thorough report of current health. It includes vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, height, and weight. Examinations and inspections of the head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat may be appropriate as well.

The physical examiner will also assess health history including lifestyle behaviors, smoking, alcohol use, sexual health, diet, exercise, and disease history. This comprehensive assessment provides an accurate picture of current general health status.

Check Blood Work

A more internal look at health, blood work can reveal important measures of health over time. The most common blood panels include:

• Lipid panels to measure HDL and LDL cholesterol

• Basic metabolic panel (BMP) to check glucose, calcium, electrolytes, potassium, carbon dioxide, sodium, chloride, creatinine, and BUN

• Complete metabolic panel including BMP and liver function measurements

• Comprehensive urinalysis to assess content and concentration of urine

• Thyroid panel to check metabolism, growth hormones, body temperature, heart rate, and other hormones

• Complete blood count to measure a range of white and red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit; prothrombin time to assess how long it takes blood to clot

Look Into At-Home Body Scans

One of the most preventative health checks, at-home body scans consist of palpating the body in specific areas. The purpose is to check for lumps, moles, or any other signs of potential dysfunction.

Consult with a doctor about any unusual findings.

Care for Mental Health

Although often less discussed, mental/emotional health is just as important as physical. Unfortunately, there are no concrete mental health exams or even validated check-ins.

However, one can regularly gauge their own mental health in a variety of ways such as with a therapist or counselor. Journaling, meditating, being creative, and talking with trusted friends and family can also be helpful.

How to Become More Active

Physical activity does not only cater to weight management and reduced risk of chronic disease. Exercise also contributes to improved mood, boosted energy and sleep, social connection, and enhanced immunity.

One of the easiest ways to stay active is to prioritize walking throughout the day. This may mean taking the dog on a walk or simply parking further away from the grocery store.

Five additional ways to become more active include:

1. Commit and plan to exercise or obtain 30 minutes of active minutes 4-5 days a week up to 6 when possible.

2. Park in the furthest lots of shopping centers, appointments, grocery stores, etc.

3. Prioritize household chores most days of the week (vacuuming, dusting, walking laundry upstairs, sweeping, tidying up rooms).

4. Adopt a new active hobby such as a recreational sport, gardening, yoga, stretching, hiking, horseback riding, etc.

5. Perform lymphatic massages and draining techniques to move the fluids inside the body. Doing so is equally as important as moving the physical body for a strong immune system and metabolic health.

Eat the Right Food

A not-so underrated health practice, eating healthfully mains vitality and increases life span and quality of life considerably. Although, with so many claims and diet trends circulating the ether, it can be difficult to discern the truth.

However, the following approved tips undoubtedly promote internal and external health.

1. Limit refined and processed sugar.

Except for the truly special occasion, avoid foods with more than 5 grams of added sugar. Also aim to eat carbohydrate sources in their whole and purest form.

Healthy carb choices include whole wheat grains, quinoa, sourdough, lentils, beans, legumes, and starchy vegetables.

2. Consume enough lean protein every day.

Eating enough protein helps with satiation, builds and preserves muscle tissue, and supports a healthy metabolism. Protein also repairs and develops all cells in the body.

The most nutritious lean protein sources include animal products such as grass-fed meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs; fatty fish like salmon, sardines, anchovies, and other seafood. Plant-based sources include beans, lentils, and legumes, tofu, seitan, and tempeh.

3. Prioritize healthy fats.

The most nutritious fat sources boast omega-3 fatty acids. They are also monounsaturated, although some amount of omega-6 and polyunsaturated fats are necessary.

Some of the highest sources of monounsaturated, omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Avocado
• Chia and flax seeds
• Cod liver oil
• Fatty fish such as anchovies herring, salmon, sardines
• Oysters
• Soybeans

Other high contenders are pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed meat and animal products, hemp seeds, and various other nuts and seeds.

4. Eat the recommended 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Fruits and veggies contain healthy forms of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. They also boast plenty of beneficial plant polyphenols that confer cellular and metabolic health benefits.

Plus, as fruit and vegetable intake increases, poor food choices tend to decrease.

5. Supplement as needed.

Supplements help fill in the gaps of an already healthy diet to prevent nutrient deficiencies. The best spring supplements include:

• Vitamin A for healthy skin and aging

• A vitamin B complex for maintaining energy levels and managing stress

• Vitamin C for a natural antioxidant, to enhance collagen production, and because it is a natural antihistamine (antidote for allergies)

• Vitamin D because many people are deficient after staying inside all Winter and to ensure healthy bones, teeth, and muscles

Consult with a health professional if interested in taking a supplement to find the best fit.

Stay Hydrated

Water makes up 60 to 70 percent of total human body weight. Every cell depends on water to function optimally and the body requires it to:

• Rid of waste properly
• Keep adequate temperature ranges
• Lubricate and cushion joints
• Protect sensitive tissues

What’s more, preventing dehydration ensures sufficient exercise performance, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Thus, The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine determined adequate daily fluid intake for men is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) per day. Women are recommended to about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) daily.

Other factors can also influence water needs. This includes certain disease states, exercise patterns, and where one resides to name a few.

Final Thoughts

Staying healthy this spring need not be complicated. After establishing clear and strategic goals and receiving a baseline health report, the simplest ways to adopt healthy habits are through diet, exercise, and hydration.

Using the provided guidelines, staying healthy this spring will be as breezy as the refreshing springtime air!

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