With the rising challenges of climate change and sustainability, the travel sector has also been undergoing a lot of changes and embracing a more eco-friendly approach. Setting an example for the same, many European places have gone car-free, and turned more ecologically conscious, and at the same time, offering pollution-free getaways for both residents and tourists. These places are not only mostly pollution free, but are also complemented with natural beauty, and clamour of traffic or the hum of engines to distract you.
Let’s have a look at these must-visit car-free destinations that put sustainability and peace first.

1. Venice, Italy

Venice has been car-free for centuries, and is known as the ‘City of Canals.’ Connected by a complex network of canals and more than 300 bridges, you visit Venice for its memorable gondola rides. Walking along its narrow alleys and crossing charming bridges are some other highlights that will turn your vacation into a memorable one.

2. Giethoorn, Netherlands

Giethoorn is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe, and is famed as a place with no roads. Here, you will find boats instead of cars to take you from one place to another. It is a haven for all those to love to be amid nature, complemented with canals and charming houses. Rent a ‘whisper boat,’ run by quiet electric motors, and live the moment as you glide through the water.

3. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt banned cars for environmental reasons, and to preserve its pristine air and stunning views of the Matterhorn. But, worry not. You will have horse-drawn carriages and electric taxis to take to your desired locations. This eco-friendly holiday destination is also a favourite among hikers and skiers.

4. Hydra Island, Greece

On Hydra, motorized vehicles are forbidden, and donkeys serve as the primary mode of transport. This small island offers unspoiled beauty, historic architecture, and a serene escape from modernity.

5. Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

The historic walled city of Dubrovnik is entirely pedestrianized, allowing visitors to wander its cobblestone streets, explore ancient fortresses, and admire stunning sea views without any vehicle interruptions.

6. Sark Island, Channel Islands

Sark bans motorized vehicles, relying on bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. This small island is a dark-sky reserve, making it perfect for stargazing while enjoying a peaceful, pollution-free environment.

7. Arosa, Switzerland

Arosa’s car-free zone ensures clean mountain air and a quiet atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, and take in the breathtaking scenery of this charming alpine resort town.

It’s a dream for many to see the Northern Lights, and to see them through a camera lens lifts the experience to a whole different level. But, let’s be honest, this is not a quick hop to the local park. Though it isn’t out of this world, it does take a bit of thought, prep, and a smidgen of patience to make it work. The good news? It’s all worth it. Think about it: Dappled green and purple hues shimmering over the Arctic sky, while you are there taking the evidence in your camera.

Planning a Northern Lights photography trip is an adventure in and of itself, however. You’ve got logistics to manage, weather to watch, and gear to learn. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you’ll be snapping photos that even the folks at National Geographic would be proud of. Now, let’s look deeper in to the nitty gritty so your dream adventure goes as smoothly as possible.

Choose The Right Location

Chasing the Aurora Borealis is better in some spots than others. Tromsø in Norway, Iceland, Finnish Lapland and northern Canada are popular destinations. They are located either inside or near the “Auroral Oval,” that sweet spot where the lights are brightest. The best viewing conditions are in areas far from city lights and near the Arctic Circle, according to a study by the Geophysical Institute.

Time Your Trip Wisely

The winter months, from September to March, are the peak of aurora sightings. The longer nights also give you better chances to spot the lights. Scientists also recommend that you plan your visit during times of high solar activity, the intensity of which can be tracked online via NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard.

Check The Weather Forecast

Northern Lights photography is all about clear skies. Even the most promising auroral activity can be ruined by overcast weather. Yr.no or Clear Outside are websites and apps which can provide detailed weather forecasts for ‘the spot’ you want.

Scout Locations In Daylight

Come early so that you can scope out the scene. Hazardously icy or unstable terrain should be checked for. If you know your setting during daylight hours, you’ll be ready when the auroras show up after dark.

Understand Aurora Forecasts

KP scale for Aurora activity is from 0 to 9. The greater the number, the brighter the lights. In prime locations, visible auroras require a KP index of 2 or 3. If you want to keep track you can do so with apps like My Aurora Forecast.

Have A Backup Plan

Auroras are unpredictable. If the lights don’t show, take advantage of your time by visiting local attractions, eating Arctic cuisine, or doing something else like dog sledding.

Pack The Right Gear

The way you set up your camera can make or break your photos. You must have a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, a nice sturdy tripod, and a wide angle lens with a fast aperture, say f/2.8. Extra batteries will drain quickly in cold weather, so don’t forget to pack extra. ‘Your gear is only as good as your preparation,’ advises photographer Chris Burkard, ‘Use it in practice before you go.’

Learn Basic Camera Settings

To shoot the Northern Lights you need long exposure and specific settings. Try starting at ISO 1600, shutter speed 10 – 20 seconds, and your lenses widest aperture. As long as the auroras are bright enough, you can adjust to your local conditions.

Keep Your Gear Protected From The Cold

Electronics can be damaged by cold temperatures. When you’re not using your camera, keep it warm, in an insulated bag or close to your body. When going between cold and warm environments, make sure to not leave your gear sitting out as it not only won’t acclimate, but you’ll run the risk of condensation forming inside your duffles.

Dress For The Cold

You’ll be outside for hours, sometimes in subzero temperatures. Dress in layers: Items including thermal underwear, insulating layers, as well as waterproof outerwear. Don’t skimp on gloves or hats or thick socks. ‘Comfort keeps you focused on the shot, not your freezing toes,’ says Arctic adventurer Alex Strohl.

Practice Patience

Auroras don’t follow a schedule. Other times you’ll wait for hours and see nothing, then the lights will burst across the sky when you least expect it. Pack snacks, hot drinks, and a good sense of humour.

Don’t Overlook Post Processing

The best shots still need editing. Adobe Lightroom is one of several tools allowing you to increase details and bring out all of the auroras’ vibrancy. Contrast, sharpness and color balance experiment to get your photos really popping.

Enjoy The Moment

Lastly, don’t spend so much time messing with your camera settings that you forget to look up. Whether you see the perfect shot or not, witnessing the Northern Lights is a thing you’ll remember forever. It’s not always about the destination, sometimes it’s about the journey too.

Packing cubes are the key to stress-free travel, we’ll show you how to use them

Are you tired of wrestling with your suitcase every trip? Packing cubes are the game-changer you need. These simple yet ingenious organizers can transform your packing experience, making it faster, easier, and more efficient. Keep reading to learn how to use packing cubes to make traveling as stress-free as possible.

What are packing cubes?

Packing cubes are small, rectangular fabric containers used to compartmentalize and organize luggage. They come in various sizes and are typically made of lightweight materials like nylon or mesh.

The idea behind packing cubes is simple: instead of shoving everything into your suitcase and hoping it all fits, you separate your belongings into them based on category, outfit, or even day of the week. This keeps things organized, makes packing and unpacking easier, and even saves you space.

Benefits of using packing cubes

Before we discuss how to use packing cubes, let’s consider why you should incorporate them into your travel routine.

• Organization: Packing cubes let you keep similar items together. Whether it’s grouping tops, pants, or undergarments, everything stays in its designated place. No more rifling through your suitcase to find that one shirt buried at the bottom!
• Space-saving: Believe it or not, packing cubes can help you maximize the space in your luggage. Compressing your clothes into compact bundles allows you to fit more items without overpacking.
• Easy access: Need to grab something quickly? Packing cubes allow you to easily pull out a cube and access your clothes without disrupting your entire suitcase.
• Minimizes wrinkles: When clothes are neatly folded or rolled into packing cubes, they move around less, reducing the chances of wrinkles and creases.

How to use packing cubes effectively

Now that you know why packing cubes are awesome, let’s learn how to use them like a pro. It’s all about strategy and finding the best packing cubes for your travel style.

1. Choose the right sizes and shapes

Packing cubes come in various sizes – small, medium, large, and sometimes even extra-large. Start by choosing a set that suits your luggage and the types of items you plan to pack. For example, use larger cubes for bulkier items like sweaters and pants and smaller cubes for underwear, socks, and accessories.

You might also encounter specialty packing cubes, such as shoe bags or toiletry cubes, which can further streamline your packing.

2. Sort and group items by category

One of the benefits of packing cubes is the ability to categorize your belongings. To start, lay out all the items you plan to pack and group them by type, such as:

• Tops
• Bottoms
• Underwear and socks
• Workout clothes or swimwear
• Sleepwear
• Accessories

Once you’ve sorted your items, allocate each category to a designated packing cube. This makes it easy to find what you need during your trip without pulling everything out of your suitcase.

3. Roll or fold clothes for maximum space

There’s a bit of a debate in the travel community over whether you should roll or fold your clothes when using packing cubes. The answer depends on your personal preference, but here are some tips:

• Roll for casual wear: Rolling your clothes can save space and minimize wrinkles. It’s ideal for casual wear, like T-shirts and shorts.
• Fold for formal wear: Folding clothes is a better option for more structured garments, such as dress shirts or suits, that need to maintain their shape.

Either way, packing cubes help keep everything in place, so you won’t have to worry about your rolled or folded items unraveling.

4. Create a system based on your itinerary

Another way to use packing cubes is to organize them by outfit or day of your trip. For example, if you’re going on a week-long vacation, pack each cube with the clothes you’ll wear for specific days or activities – one cube for daytime wear, another for evening outfits, and a third for workout gear.

This method is especially helpful if you’re staying in multiple locations and don’t want to unpack your entire suitcase every time. Just grab the cube you need and go!

5. Use a dedicated cube for dirty laundry

A common question about packing cubes is how to deal with dirty laundry. The solution? Dedicate one cube solely for used clothes. This keeps them separate from your clean items and prevents odors from spreading.

Alternatively, you can invest in a water-resistant or odor-blocking packing cube to use as your laundry bag. This will keep everything fresh and your suitcase tidy until you’re ready to wash your clothes.

More tips and tricks

• Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting to pack each cube to the brim, but overstuffing can lead to bulky, misshapen cubes that are hard to fit into your suitcase. Aim to leave a bit of breathing room for easier packing.
• Use compression cubes for extra space: If you’re a chronic over-packer, look into compression packing cubes. These have an extra zipper that compresses the contents even more, giving you additional space for those “just-in-case” items.

Knowing these secret airline tips could make travel a little nicer

With the average price of flights on the rise and many airlines charging more for perks that used to be included in your ticket price (hello, window seat), you might long for the good old days when fliers were pampered with little extras like, say, dinner on a domestic flight. While those times are likely gone for good, there are still plenty of free or low-cost benefits out there for air travelers that the airlines don’t always tell you about — and most of them are available even if you’re not in one of the airline’s frequent flyer programs.

Read on for some travel tips that will let you in on a few secret airline perks that you can take advantage of next time you travel.

Fee-free family seating

If you are traveling with children, chances are you’d like to sit together, which can cost you a pretty penny on airlines that charge for seat selection, considering that aisle and window seating is usually more expensive than middle seats. Alaska, American, Frontier, and JetBlue airlines all guarantee adjacent seats for a child aged 13 or under and an accompanying adult at no additional cost for all fare types, as long as certain conditions, such as being on the same reservation, are met.

Additionally, United Airlines does not guarantee family seating, but if families traveling with children 12 and under are separated, families can switch to another flight where they can sit together at no extra charge as long as seats are available on that flight in the same cabin as the original flight. The U.S. Dept. of Transportation recently submitted a legislative proposal to Congress to require all airlines to provide fee-free family seating.

Meals if your flight is delayed or canceled

If a flight cancellation or delay results in you waiting three hours or more, most major U.S. carriers will provide you with a meal or meal cash/voucher. Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United airlines all provide this perk for longer delays.

However, they might not announce it, so make sure to go to the service counter and ask for meal compensation if you qualify. All the airlines listed previously (except for Frontier) also provide complimentary hotel accommodations and transportation to and from the hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight delay or cancellation.

Benefits for bag delays

Checking a bag is expensive nowadays, and after you’ve paid a (sometimes exorbitant) fee to check your bag, the last thing you want to do is stand around for a long time at baggage claim. If you’re waiting at the luggage carousel for more than 20 minutes after your flight arrives, both Delta and Alaska will offer you 2,500 miles to their respective loyalty programs as compensation. Alaska also gives you the alternative of a $25 flight credit. Make sure to check the specific airline’s policies for details and how to go about requesting your points or credit.

A sundae bar in the sky

You might not want to literally scream for ice cream on a plane, but if you fly overseas in United Airlines Polaris class, you won’t have to. After a pandemic hiatus, the airline recently brought back its popular sundae cart for business-class passengers on certain international flights.

The service comes to you on a roll-through cart from which you’ll be served vanilla ice cream and allowed to select from several toppings. And let’s face it, airline food is usually just OK, at best, and it’s usually just a tiny bag of pretzels, but who’s going to say no to ice cream at 30,000 feet?

Lounge access when you’re flying the main cabin

If you’ve ever looked with longing at fellow travelers going into those cushy airline lounges reserved for high-level customers while you sit on an uncomfortable chair at your gate, there are ways you can gain access to the coveted lounge domains even if you’re not an elite member of the airline’s loyalty program or flying first class. Many different airlines sell day passes to their lounges at varying costs (certain restrictions apply, so check with the airline in advance).

Or you can try LoungeBuddy, an airport lounge booking service that lets you purchase access to more than 280 airport lounges they partner with around the world, regardless of what class you’re flying or if you have elite status or a lounge membership with the airline. Just download the app to see what lounges are available and how much a day pass will cost. Once you book, you’ll get a barcode to scan for all-day lounge access.

Fun freebies — even in economy class

While being in economy or the main cabin can make you feel like a second-class citizen compared to the business- and first-class folks, many airlines will still give you little extras for free — the catch is they often aren’t automatically offered, and you might have to ask. Blankets, pillows, eye masks, coloring books for kids, extra snacks, and the full can of soda instead of what’s poured into your glass are all little perks you’ll likely be provided with if you request them and they’re available.

If you’re on a longer international flight, you can also ask for an amenity kit that offers travel needs such as toothbrushes, eye masks, and earplugs. No matter what you’re looking for, just remember your chances of getting it are better if you smile and ask nicely.

Get the airline’s credit card

We’ve all heard the pitch during the flight for the airline’s special branded credit card. Generally, these offers come with an enticing “welcome bonus” of miles for a free ticket, with some offering as many as 70,000 miles. Most cards will double or even triple your rewards points when you use the card to buy a ticket on that airline (American Airlines’ Executive World Elite Mastercard even offers 4 times the miles for airline purchases). While all that sounds like a pretty good incentive, some of these cards come with more special perks that you can use that don’t cost you anything in dollars or miles.

Many airline credit cards offer cardholders priority boarding and free checked bags. The miles gained on the cards help them quickly reach elite status in the airlines’ frequent flyer programs, unlocking new levels of perks.

Complimentary upgraded seating

Just like with hotels, you might be able to get better “accommodations” — or, in this case, seating — simply by asking if any free upgrades are available. Experts say your luck will be better on flights later in the day or on holidays when business travelers aren’t as plentiful.

Even if you don’t get put in business class, you may get better seating — for example, in an exit row where there’s more legroom — just by asking if anything’s available when you check in or at the counter at your gate. This perk probably won’t work if you’re flying basic economy class, however, where “no upgrades” is usually spelled out on the ticketing agreement.

Free booze

Let’s face it: Traveling is stressful, and by the time you get to your seat and squeeze yourself in, hoping the guy in front of you doesn’t recline all the way back, you’re ready for a drink. But since airlines know that you can’t go anywhere else to get a drink (it’s a long way down to any bar), any sort of alcoholic drink on a flight is going to be expensive. To be fair, this is mainly for domestic flights. Most airlines offer free beer, wine, and liquor on long-haul international flights.

Generally, the best way to get free booze on U.S. domestic flights is to either be an elite member of the airline’s loyalty program or to fly on a higher class of service, which could include the extra-legroom seats in economy.

One of the quirkiest ways to get free alcoholic beverages on a flight is to fly Southwest on a holiday. The holidays can vary, but there is generally one per month, and in the past have included:

• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• February 14 – Valentine’s Day
• March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
• June 17 – Southwest’s birthday (hey, it’s a holiday to them)
• July 4 – Independence Day
• September 20 – The anniversary of the launch of Southwest’s credit card (once again, it’s a holiday to them, we guess)
• October 31 – Halloween
• November –  Thanksgiving
• December 25 – Christmas