Summer is the perfect time to explore new destinations, relax by the beach, or embark on an exciting adventure. However, with the increase in tourists, unpredictable weather, and high demand for accommodations, summer travel can also come with its challenges. To help you make the most of your summer vacation, here are some essential travel tips to keep in mind:

Plan Early to Avoid the Crowds

Summer is peak travel season, so planning your trip well in advance is crucial. Early booking of flights, hotels, and activities can help you save money and avoid the hassle of limited availability. By securing your accommodations and transportation early, you’ll also have a wider selection of options to choose from, ensuring you get the best value.

Pack Light, But Smart

Summer destinations often call for lighter clothing, but packing efficiently is still important. Focus on versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. Think breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, which are comfortable and suitable for the heat. Don’t forget essential items like sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Remember, less is more when it comes to packing — the fewer bags you carry, the more freedom you’ll have to explore.

Stay Hydrated and Protect Your Skin

Summer heat can be intense, and staying hydrated is key to avoiding exhaustion or heatstroke. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when you’re outdoors. Bring along a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly. Additionally, the sun’s rays can be harsh, so use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Research Local Festivals and Events

Summer is a prime time for local festivals, concerts, and cultural events. Do some research about the destination you’re visiting and see if there are any exciting events happening during your stay. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience local culture, try delicious foods, and meet new people. Just be sure to book tickets in advance if necessary to avoid missing out

Stay Safe with Health Precautions

As travel has evolved over the years, health and safety have become even more important. Check the health guidelines for your destination to ensure you are aware of any vaccination requirements or health risks. Always carry a basic first aid kit with items like pain relievers, band-aids, and any prescription medications you may need. If traveling internationally, it’s also a good idea to get travel insurance, so you’re covered in case of medical emergencies.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Take advantage of travel apps and tools that can make your trip more convenient. From flight trackers and itinerary planners to navigation apps and language translators, the right apps can save you time and reduce stress. Also, booking services like Google Flights, Airbnb, or Skyscanner allow you to compare prices and find the best deals on accommodations and transportation.

Consider Off Beat Destinations

Summer travel often means popular tourist destinations are packed with visitors. To avoid the crowds and experience something unique, consider venturing off the beaten path. Look for lesser-known destinations that still offer beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and memorable experiences without the large crowds. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you discover.

Prepare for Unexpected Delays

When traveling in the summer, delays are common — whether it’s due to weather conditions, traffic, or overbooked flights. Always plan for some extra time in your itinerary to accommodate potential delays. If you’re flying, make sure you check in early and monitor your flight’s status for any updates. It’s also wise to have a backup plan for transportation in case of delays.

Positive Takeaway

Summer is a time to make unforgettable memories, whether you’re relaxing on the beach, hiking through mountains, or exploring new cities. By planning ahead, packing smartly, and staying flexible, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Remember to prioritize your health, be open to new experiences, and, most importantly, have fun!

The UAE’s airports are gearing up for high passenger volumes during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday

With multiple holidays approaching from March through August, UAE citizens and residents are eagerly packing their bags to enjoy the spring weather at their favorite destinations this year.

The UAE’s airports are gearing up for high passenger volumes during the peak holiday seasons including school spring break (20 March-13 April), Eid Al Fitr (late March), Hajj Season (May), Eid Al Adha (early June) and the School Summer Break (28 June-24 August) this year to ensure a smooth journey for guests.

Emirates expects a surge in traveler volumes arriving in and departing from Dubai during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The peak period for departures from Terminal 3 is projected to occur on March 28 and 29, as well as April 5 and 6. During these dates, more than 80,000 travelers are anticipated to travel abroad for their spring break holidays. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways is preparing to welcome thousands of additional guests at Zayed International Airport during these peak periods.

If you are planning to travel from the UAE during the peak holiday season this year, make sure to follow these tips to ensure a smooth experience:

Book flights and hotels early

Flights from the UAE to popular destinations sell out fast during Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and the summer break, with demand causing significant price hikes. Planning your trip and booking in advance will ensure better ticket options and can also save you money.

Early planning allows you to choose preferred flight times, better seating options and accommodations in prime locations before they get fully booked. If your schedule allows, consider flexible dates to find the best deals and avoid peak pricing surges.

Avoid peak travel days

Airports in the UAE usually experience a surge in travelers right before and after public holidays, leading to long queues, crowded terminals and higher ticket prices. To bypass the rush of peak holiday seasons in the UAE, try to fly out a day or two before the holiday officially begins and return a day after it ends.

This strategy can help you avoid hectic cues, potential flight delays and premium fares charged on high-demand travel days. If your schedule is flexible, consider mid-week departures and arrivals, as these often have lower prices and fewer crowds.

Arrive early at the airport

UAE airports can experience heavy congestion during peak holiday seasons, with long queues at check-in, security and immigration. To avoid unnecessary stress, arrive at least four hours before departure.

Checking in online and using self-service kiosks can save time at the counter. If you’re traveling with baggage, drop it off early to avoid last-minute rushes. Additionally, be aware of potential traffic delays on the way to the airport and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth departure.

Stay informed

Staying informed is key during busy travel periods. During peak travel periods, flight schedules can change due to high air traffic, weather conditions, or operational delays. Stay updated by regularly checking your flight status through your airline’s website or mobile app.

You can also follow Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) airports on social media for any updates on airport conditions, security wait times and travel advisories. Being proactive can help you adjust your plans smoothly and avoid unnecessary disruptions.

Pack smart and follow airline rules

Overpacking can lead to unexpected excess baggage fees, especially during peak travel seasons when airlines strictly enforce weight limits. Check your airline’s baggage allowance in advance and weigh your bags before heading to the airport to avoid last-minute repacking or extra charges.

If possible, opt for carry-on luggage to skip long baggage drop-off lines and avoid delays at baggage claim upon arrival.

Monitor traffic

During peak travel seasons, roads leading to airports in the UAE experience heavy congestion, especially around holiday weekends. To avoid unnecessary stress, plan your route in advance and allow extra travel time. Using a taxi service can help you bypass the hassle of airport parking, which tends to fill up quickly during busy periods.

Consider taking the Dubai Metro to the airport to avoid road traffic. Metro stations connect directly to Terminals 1 and 3 at DXB, providing a convenient and time-saving alternative. Additionally, if staying in the city before your flight, trams and water taxis can help you navigate busy areas while avoiding road congestion.

Keep essential documents on hand

Traveling during peak holiday seasons can be hectic, so having all your important documents easily accessible is crucial. Carry both printed and digital copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, flight tickets and hotel bookings in case of connectivity issues or lost luggage.

Save soft copies on your phone, email or a secure cloud service for quick access. Additionally, if your destination requires vaccination certificates or entry permits, keep those readily available to avoid delays at immigration. Having everything organized ensures a smoother travel experience, especially in case of unexpected situations.

Exchange currency before you fly

Airport currency exchange kiosks often offer less favorable rates and higher fees compared to local exchange houses in the UAE. To get the best value for your money, visit trusted money exchange centers before departure. These centers typically offer better rates and lower service fees than airports or overseas exchanges.

Additionally, carrying a mix of cash and an international travel card ensures you’re prepared for destinations where card payments may not be widely accepted. Planning ahead can help you save money and avoid last-minute hassles.

Travel can make you feel refreshed and alive, but if you have heart disease, it is important to be careful. With good planning, you can have a safe and fun trip. Remember to take it easy, pay attention to how you feel, and make your health the most important thing.

Come summer and you start looking forward to vacations. Travel offers a welcome escape from everyday routines, providing opportunities to explore new cultures, enjoy fresh scenery, and relax. However, for those living with heart disease, venturing out requires a meticulous blend of health management and planning. With the right approach, you can travel confidently, balancing health and enjoyment.

Traveling with heart disease can be daunting, but it is entirely manageable with the right measures, says Dr Niranjan Hiremath, Senior Consultant Cardiac and Aortic Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

Dr Hiremath shares effective tips to help you travel safely:

Before you go: Before traveling, it is important to consult your cardiologist. They can help you discuss your destination, planned activities, and mode of transportation. Your doctor may recommend tests to assess your heart’s ability to handle the trip and adjust your medication accordingly.

Additionally, request a medical letter detailing your condition, medication, and emergency contacts for customs checks and in case of emergencies.

Pack smart: When packing for your trip, be sure to include all necessary medication and medical essentials. Pack enough medication for the entire trip, including extra days’ worth for unexpected delays. Keep your medications in your hand luggage for easy access and consider using a pill organiser. Don’t forget to bring a blood pressure monitor and any other necessary medical devices, along with a travel-sized first-aid kit.

Destination decisions: When choosing your destination, consider factors such as climate, altitude, and proximity to medical facilities. Opt for places with moderate climates and established healthcare facilities to ensure you have access to medical care if needed. Avoid destinations with limited medical care, as this could pose risks to your health while traveling.

Secure travel insurance: Before departing, secure comprehensive travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions. Ensure the policy provides access to medical care without incurring significant financial burdens. Review the policy carefully to understand its scope and coverage limits, and keep insurance information accessible during your trip.

Plan logistics: Plan your travel logistics carefully to ensure a comfortable journey. When flying, request aisle seats or seats with extra legroom for added comfort. During long flights, take regular walks and perform in-seat exercises to maintain circulation. For road trips, schedule breaks to stretch and walk around, and pack healthy snacks to avoid unhealthy eating habits.

Stay healthy: While traveling, it is important to stay active and eat wisely to maintain your health. Maintain your exercise routine with light activities like walking, swimming, or yoga. Choose heart-healthy dining options and carry nutritious snacks to avoid impulsive indulgences and maintain your well-being.

Emergency preparedness: Lastly, be prepared for emergencies by familiarising yourself with emergency contacts and medical facilities at your destination. Carry a medical ID detailing your condition and inform your travel companions of your health status.

I first visited Rome in 1992 and my love for the city has only grown since. I wrote my first book about the city in college and rarely does a year go by since then when I don’t visit my favorite piazza (Navona), enjoy my favorite gelato (cioccolato e limone con panna) or gaze upon my favorite art (Raphael’s Stanze…among many others).

Rome can seem imposing to first-time visitors but enjoying the Eternal City and all its myriad nuances is much easier than many people think. Here are my essential things to know for everyone lucky enough to be headed for magnificent, wonderful Roma.

Planning your trip to Rome – be the architect of your own days

Rome gets crowded and some sights like the Vatican museums are both overwhelming and overwhelmed with other visitors. Many a tourist has lapsed into a stupor as they wander the nearly 7 km (4.5mi) of corridors. By the time they finally reach the Sistine Chapel, they gaze up at Michelangelo’s fantastic ceiling and mutter “oh yeah, more art.”

But with a little planning, you can avoid the most crowded times at the Vatican Museum. Visit Tuesdays and Thursdays; Wednesday mornings are good too; and afternoon is better than morning. Monday is an especially bad day as other museums in Rome are closed (use the day for exploring the city’s streets, squares, back alleys and parks).

Across Rome, weekends are always busier at attractions as tourists are joined by Romans enjoying the sights on their days off.

Buy tickets in advance

You’ve mastered the Metro and finally reached your sight of choice, only to discover a guide ahead of you in the line for tickets methodically – and slowly – buying tickets for 40 people. Or you discover that a few hundred others are already in the queue for tickets. While you wait in the hot sun for your turn, you feel a prime chunk of your day ticking away.

However, you can easily avoid ticket lines by buying in advance online. The Vatican museums are a perfect example of where you’ll feel the joy as you walk past the waiting masses and breeze in. For any major sight in Rome, it’s always worth checking the website for advance ticket sales, especially due to COVID-19 related restrictions. And note that some unmissable attractions like the Museo e Galleria Borghese or special tours, like the secret castle tours at Castel Sant’Angelo require you to have an advance ticket as admissions are limited to avoid overcrowding.

Stack the deck: making your first visit memorable

Decide which of the unmissable top sights you’ll most enjoy – keeping in mind that you almost certainly can’t see them all unless you have loads of time in Rome, and knowing that trying to “do” places like the Vatican or the Forum in a couple of hours borders on the criminal.

And always leave extra time for wandering, café sitting, and people watching. It’s one of the true highlights of Roman life.

Know what to skip

Have the self-awareness to know your limit on churches. Yes, some would cry sacrilege, but if you’re standing in some world-famous house of god and you can’t remember which one you’re in because it’s looking a lot like the previous ten, then it’s better to just pick a couple from the long list and focus on those. Plus, you’ll have something saved for your next trip.

And a word of caution on two specific sights:

The Spanish Steps – a nice stone staircase with good views yes, but a reason to go out of your way, no. Tourist traps, touts and fast-food jostle for space in this neighborhood. Give it a miss (and if you do go, don’t sit down! See below).

Bocca della Verità – an old stone carving of a lion head with a mouth that’s been pawed by millions of sweaty fingers. Every country seems to have one of these (hello Blarney Stone!), right down to a magical legend, in this case the lion will bite your hand if you tell a lie. Uh-huh.

Dining etiquette in Rome

Book your table in advance

Some of Rome’s most vaunted restaurants fill out their reservations list weeks in advance, so it pays to book tables before you arrive. But even if you’re playing it loose, it’s a good idea to always reserve your table in advance, even if you don’t do so until just a couple of hours before your meal (assuming there are still tables available). Having a reservation is one of those intangibles that’s essential in practice, as Roman restaurants clearly give more respect to people arriving with a booking as opposed to mere walk-ins – even when there are plenty of available tables.

Break bread like a Roman

Most restaurants open from noon to 3pm and 7.30pm to 11pm, usually closing one day per week (often Sunday or Monday). In August most eateries close for at least a week; although some close for the entire month.
Other essential tips:

• Dress up to dine out. What to wear? See below.
• Bite through hanging spaghetti – no slurping it up, please.
• Pasta is eaten with a fork (no spoon).
• It’s OK to eat pizza with your hands when you’re getting it to go – in restaurants people usually use a knife and fork.
• Like any Italian grandma, fare la scarpetta (make a little shoe) with your bread to wipe plates clean.

Try to keep up: know when and how to dress to impress

Roman style is world-renowned and there’s no better way to escape the tourist cliche than to dress with panache, especially when going out to celebrated restaurants and clubs. Let sharp and smart be your bywords in this and don’t underestimate what you can achieve with travel-friendly black and eye-catching accents like a truly special scarf. This is true for all genders.
Also, know that by day and when you’re out in the neighborhoods, dapper casual is the rule. Still, there’s never a time when you’ll want to wear a sweatshirt, goofy shorts, hiked-up socks and the like – unless it’s your signature look and you can pull it off!

Don’t break the laws for tourists

Picking up the trash is an ongoing and seemingly eternal challenge for Rome, but efforts are being made on other fronts to try to bring some order. In 2019, a series of laws were introduced to reign in the excesses of the visiting masses. People caught breaking these rules risk fines of up to €400 ($450) or a temporary ban on entering the area in which they caused the offense. Among the restrictions:

• Sitting on the Spanish Steps is forbidden.
• No wading in the city’s fountains.
• No “messy” outdoor eating near historic monuments.
• No walking around bare-chested.
• No dragging strollers or wheelie suitcases up or down historic staircases.
• When drinking from the public drinking fountains known as nasoni, don’t place your lips on the spout – drink from your cupped hands.

Be polite and observe the local formalities

Italy is quite a formal society, and the niceties of social interaction are observed. Greet people in bars, shops, trattorias, etc with a buongiorno (good morning), buon pomeriggio (good afternoon), or buonasera (good evening).
Say mi scusi (excuse me) to attract attention or ask for help. Use permesso (permission) to pass someone in a crowded space and ALWAYS cover up at churches (that means shoulders and legs for a start).

Health and safety in Rome

Rome has no inherent health hazards, beyond the bloating that comes from wildly excessive food (and gelato) intake. But we have a few tips that will keep you feeling tip-top.
Stay hydrated. It gets hot in summer, especially out in the open air of places like the Forum. Carry a water bottle, drink copious amounts and keep it filled at the many public drinking-water fountains.
Ancient cobblestones, long staircases and hours spent wandering are just some of the features that will tire you out. Wear shoes with excellent support and cushioning.

Keep your wits about you

Rome is generally a safe city, but petty theft is a real risk. Use common sense and watch your valuables. Pickpockets and thieves are active in touristy areas such as the Colosseum, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Venezia and St Peter’s Square.
Stay alert around chaotic Termini train station and on crowded public transport – the 64 Vatican bus is notorious. Keep your wallets, phones and valuables out of reach of pickpockets – wallet bulging in your back pocket? No way!
In case of theft or loss, always report the incident to the police within 24 hours and ask for a statement. The emergency number for the police (Carabinieri) is 112. Make sure you never drape your bag over an empty chair at a streetside cafe or put it where you can’t see it.

Beware of gangs of kids or others demanding attention. If you’ve been targeted, take evasive action and/or shout ‘Va via!’ (‘Go away!’).