While traveling in general can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous situation, hitting the road with an elderly loved one can throw some additional hurdles into your path. But with the right planning and attitude, traveling with an older friend or family member can be just as enjoyable as journeying with any other travel mate.
To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for safely traveling with an elderly loved one.
Schedule In Down Time
As people age, it becomes much easier for them to get tired and worn out while traveling. Knowing this, Renata Gelman, a contributor to AgingCare.com, advises that you consciously schedule more down time into your travel plans when you’re going with an elderly loved one.
By planning fewer activities during the day and planning to end your adventures earlier than you otherwise might, you’ll ensure that your loved one and travel companion can physically and mentally keep up with you. And because travel can easily tire anyone out, regardless of their age, you might find that you enjoy taking a break in the middle of the day, too.
Keep Their Meds In Check
One thing that you don’t have to have to worry about when traveling with your elderly loved one is any issues with their medications. As a result, it’s virtual that you get everything with their medication or other medical equipment squared away well before you plan to leave on any kind of trip.
In some instances, getting their medications together might entail speaking with their caregiver if they’re not living with you or living on their own anymore. Once you have all the information and medication they’ll need to have on your trip together, Smarter Travel advises that you always pack their medication in a carry-on bag so that it won’t easily get lost. Additionally, you should plan to have at least a few extra days of medication on-hand so that, in the event that things don’t go as planned, you can have easy access to the medication they’ll need.
Choose The Right Accommodations
If your elderly loved one has any kind of mobility issues, you’ll want to be extra careful about the accommodations that you set up. For example, Joy Intriago, a contributor to SeniorsMatter.com, shares that it’s best for most seniors to get a hotel room on the ground floor and close to an entrance. Along with this, you should also try to find accommodations close to the places you’ll be visiting during the day. Then, if you need to take a break in the middle of the day, it’s easy to head back to your accommodations without wasting a lot of time in transit.
If you’re planning to travel with your elderly loved one in the future, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do so safely and wisely.
Going out on a holiday? You sure are very excited, who would not be anyway, you have waited for this for a long time and sacrificed a lot of burgers just to save for this trip. And the time has come, all your bags are packed and you are now ready to go. But wait, before you close your luggage bag, you may want to check if there is a camera inside it. Some use their mobile phones to take photos during their holiday, sure it is okay but not enough if you want to capture the best photographs.
Whether you are a professional photographer or not, there are ways for you to capture great photos. To help you with it, read this article.
Ways To Take Great Holiday Photos
Great photos are a good way to remember your holiday, without it, there is no way you can reminisce how beautiful your holiday experience was, it is also like winning in casinos and their sister sites that if you do not withdraw your money and buy anything you like, winning is useless. Many online casinos are owned by the same company, we call this sister sites and sites like AllSisterSites.com are the experts in this.
Going back to taking great photos, below are some of the things you have to keep in mind if you want your photos to seem like taken by a pro.
Take photos of the least popular tourist destinations
Do not capture too many photos of already popular tourist destinations. If this happens, you won’t get the chance of taking unique photos that are interesting and new to the eyes of others. Sure, they have seen a lot of popular tourist destinations on the internet and seeing it again may not be as appealing anymore.
Take photos until night time
Taking photos until night time is also a good idea as there are places best captured when the city lights are on. The night sky indeed is a dramatic natural landscape only in night time you can see. Photos of it will give novice photographers outstanding photos.
Do not forget local foods
And yes, food is without a doubt a good subject to photograph. The colors, the appearance and appeal of food would make any photo turn to a gem. Photos of their local food would give you a remembrance of how well your experience was.
Consider taking photos of their locals
Instead of taking photos of tourists like you, take photos of their locals. You would not want to miss the opportunity of seeing their locals in action and making sure that it is taken in still photos so you have something to look back at when you are already back to your hometown.
Take photos of the small details
Of course, it is nice to take photos of structures, buildings, the oceans and the skyline, but have you ever considered taking photos of details of a statue, fountains, pillars etc? Sometimes it is in the smallest details you can see a great subject to photograph.
Photos are a must when on a holiday as it will give something to look back and reminisce.
Backpackers benefit immensely when they put time and energy into what they bring with them. There are smart, travel-sized items all the way to innovative backpack tools that help them stay safe and comfortable whether they sleep in hostels or under the stars. With so many different options, it is imperative that you know how you like to travel and what tools are available to help you enjoy yourself more comfortably, even with a smaller budget.
Not only do travel packs help you maximize space, but they are also designed to help you redistribute the weight as effectively as possible. Considering how much weight you will likely be carrying on your back, the importance of a professional travel pack cannot be emphasized enough.
Travel toiletries are definitely one of the items that will make the biggest difference. Microfiber towels dry quickly and pack away tightly. Foldable brushes and other grooming supplies also count.
When it comes to the actual washing items, like soap or hair conditioner, try to stick to bars. Shampoo bars and bars of soap don’t apply towards your liquid limit and are easier (and smaller) to pack away.
We cannot live today without our electronics, and that is perfectly acceptable. What electronics you bring, however, can either be a boon to you or a drag. Bulky, heavy laptops should almost always stay home. Stick to tablets instead if you can, especially as you can easily add a tap keyboard with ease.
Other electronics you will want to invest in include:
Travel packs can become very, very expensive. Unfortunately, when items are lighter and easy to pack, they often carry a high price tag. Camping equipment especially falls under this rule, so stick with the necessities, look for discounts, and remember to check back again during sales for items you want.
When buying anything, always look online for coupons first. Keep an eye open for any discounts from big discount department stores like Walmart all the way to specialty sports stores. If you are on a particularly tight budget, then places like Walmart are going to be your friend. Just do yourself the favor of checking for any Walmart coupons before you buy to save even more.
The biggest way you will waste money is by buying items that you don’t need. That is why it is a good idea to stick to the necessities first, and then continue to build your pack from there, so you know how you travel and what you need to make it more comfortable.
Some items you can save by buying second-hand or even swapping with someone else, but you do want to be careful, however, and only buy barely used items. Saving on someone’s failed adventure is fine, but it’s not a good idea to try and trust items that have seen a lot of use over the years.
Planning a photography trip can be an exciting thing to do, especially in these times where we’re not sure when we’ll be allowed to travel again and having something to look forward to will help.
There are many popular locations to get photos of: the Matterhorn mountain in the Alps, on the border between Switzerland and Italy; the impressive skyline of New York; the imposing pyramids of Giza. These are just some of the most amazing places to photograph in the world – we could go on and on!
It’s exciting to think about taking a trip. That said, being able to relax and get the best shot can only happen if you’re not worried about anything. Planning a trip can be incredibly stressful, so here are a few things we recommend that you plan before turning up:
Research not only what you’ll be photographing, but also the area you’ll be in. Is it a pickpocketing hotspot? Is it very sandy or incredibly humid? Take extra precautions around your gear.
The number-one thing you don’t want to be worrying about on a photography trip is your gear. You want to be able to grab your camera and get the shot. Accidents happen, we’ll never be able to stop that, but if you plan for the possibility and make sure your gear is insured, that takes away one level of worry.
A big worry for many is leaving your car while you’re on the trip of a lifetime, so trust in a company like Parkon.com to organize airport parking for you, whether you need short-term or long-term parking.
If you can, pack your most valuable camera gear in your carry-on luggage. While you may be concerned about the extra weight, having your most valuable possessions with you is vital.
Similarly, ditch the camera bag if you can. Using a generic-looking day bag that doesn’t look like a camera-specific bag will mean you don’t stand out as much to potential thieves. The same goes for that branded camera strap.
Popular travel photography locations (like the Matterhorn) get booked up pretty far in advance. Make sure you reserve your spot to get the shot you have been waiting for. As an extra bonus tip, quieter or more out of the way hotels usually lend themselves better to leaving before dawn and arriving after sunset for those two all-important golden hour opportunities.
At the end of the day, your trip should be a fun experience. Making sure you plan in advance will go a long way to ensuring you can make the most of what might be a limited window to get that ‘bucket shot.’ Once you have this shot get it printed on a canvas by personalizedbykate.com.
Always keep your eyes open. Remember that most tourist crime can be prevented with prior planning, so act in a respectful manner and don’t draw attention to the gear you’re carrying.
If you want to plan a trip to the UK, proper planning could help you have the best trip to the UK. However, you can only enjoy the best trip to the UK when you plan and implement the best trip to the UK. Here are some of the things that your plan should cover when you want to plan the best trip to the United Kingdom.
Pick at least 2 weeks
One of the first things you want to do when you want to plan the best trip to the United Kingdom is to pick at least 2 weeks. This is considering that the United Kingdom is a considerably big country and you would need enough time to be able to enjoy the best in the country. The more time you can make out, the more it is expected for you to enjoy the trip. If the time you are going to have is less than 2 weeks, then it might be best to just focus on a particular city like London or Manchester. However, with 2 weeks, you should be able to get to see the most important cities and locations with the United Kingdom. Your budget and other schedules would determine the time that you should choose. If you have enough money and you are chanced during the peak period, visiting the UK during the peak period might be more exciting. If you are on a budget or your break is only available during the off-peak period, there is still enough to see and do that would make the trip to be worth it.
Save towards the trip
Having enough money for your trip is very important. You have transportation, accommodation, feeding, laundry as well as tickets to tourist attractions to think about at the very least. Ensure that you have enough money to cover for these for the two weeks or more that you intend to spend. This would contribute significantly to helping you enjoy your trip while you are within the country.
Plan ahead for the trip
Planning for the trip is vital. Lack of proper planning could mean getting to the country with enough money but not knowing what to do. If you want tips on how to spread your trip and in which city, it is recommended that you spend 2 days in London; 2 days in Oxford and the Cotswolds, 2 days in Peak District and Manchester; 1 day in York; 2 days in Edinburgh via Northumberland; 2 days in Ireland, 1 day in South Wales and Cardiff as well as one day in Bristol and Bath. The longer the time you want to spend, you can adjust the itinerary above relatively. Alternatively, you could introduce more cities. One of your best bet might be to use a holiday agency such as Great Little Breaks. You can read about Great Little Breaks to know if you should patronize them or not.
Implement the trip
Once you have everything in order, it is important to start implementing the plan on time. Pay for flights in advance and also accommodation and tourist attraction tickets. All of these would save you money and help to ensure that tickets are not exhausted before you are ready to buy them.
When you are planning your next vacation, you will have so much to look forward to. Maybe you are planning an island getaway for some much-needed rest and relaxation, or perhaps you are going to set off on an adventure in a foreign city full of culture and excitement. No matter what your trip has in store, there is one thing that you are very likely dreading as the necessary evil involved in any trip: going to the airport.
Airports tend to be overcrowded with passengers and employees who would probably much rather be elsewhere. Long lines at check-in, security, and restaurants can add to the stress of having to make it to your gate on time only to stand in another line to board the aircraft.
While it might not be the most fun part of your trip, being at the airport is a necessity. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to make the experience a bit less stressful so that you can start your vacation off right.
From the moment you arrive at the airport, you are faced with some tedious and time-consuming tasks. You can decrease the amount of time you have to dedicate to such things, though, by doing a bit of planning ahead of time.
If you are traveling through one of the larger airports, you might not be looking forward to finding a parking space upon your arrival. Lots seem always to be full, and the cost of parking at an airport is high. However, you can book a parking spot in advance to save yourself some time and money. For example, if you would like to book a spot at Newark Airport Parking, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be under constant security while you are away so that you can relax. It will also mean that you do not have to stress about arriving early to try and find an elusive parking space.
Another thing that you can do to save yourself some stress upon arriving at the airport is check-in for your flight online. Most airlines will allow you to do this around 24 hours before your flight. You can save time by packing carry-on luggage only so that upon arriving at the airport, you can just head straight to the security checkpoint.
These days there indeed seems to be an app for everything, including airports. By downloading the app for the airport that you will be traveling through, you can have a look at any amenities that will be available to you. Some airports now even offer the ability to order food from various restaurants via their app so that all you have to do is stop by and pick up your meal. This does away with standing in long lines for food entirely.
You can also have a look at the airport’s map so that you know exactly where you are heading once you get through the security line.
It’s frustrating when you always plan your family trips, but they don’t happen. Everyone has an excuse for not making it. Whether it’s work-related or about school projects, you have no choice but to cancel the trip. Some of your family members have other priorities, and this trip isn’t one of them. Before you lose hope, it’s still possible to make this plan a reality.
Plan months ahead
It’s easy for everyone to say that they’re busy because you only finalized your plans for the last minute. If you can plan everything, it would be great. Every family member can place the travel date on their calendar. They won’t accept any other appointment or task on that date.
Have a family meeting
It’s also possible that your family members are making up excuses not to attend the trip. They’re not too busy, but they don’t seem interested in the plan at all. The best option is to ask everyone to plan the trip as a family. You can set a meeting to discuss the details. No one will feel left out anymore since everyone got involved in planning. You can even delegate tasks if you have adult children, so they will help you pursue this trip.
Avoid trips to distant locations
Another reason why you have to cancel your travel plans is that you’re always thinking about overseas trips. This plan requires everyone to be away for at least a week. Not everyone has that luxury. You can rethink your plans. Try visiting a closer place so that you can do it for one or two days. No one has to make significant sacrifices to join the trip. You can consider renting large houses for rent like the ones at thewowhousecompany.co.uk. The good thing about this idea is that you will feel like you’ve been to other places. You’re going to stay in a different house that you can call your home for a night or two. It’s like being in a house you will never own. There’s also something for everyone. Your children can have fun in the entertainment and gaming rooms. There’s a swimming pool, billiards room, Jacuzzi, and other features. No one will complain about this plan at all.
Now that you already thought of other ways to make this plan a reality, you will finally make it. You have to regularly plan a trip with your family members. Your children won’t always be around since they will grow and have a family. You might regret that you didn’t spend enough time with them. These trips also create lifelong memories. You want them to have something to remember you by when they grow up.
It’s easy for families to drift apart, especially if everyone is busy. Regardless of what you need to do, you have to allot time for the people you love. It’s also a chance to talk about issues and prevent them from getting worse.
Family vacations are important experiences, and every parent will want to whisk their kids away for an unforgettable holiday that shows them the great beauty of the world. Family holidays are a great chance to spend quality time with the kids, to make new memories and to teach them important life skills, but they certainly can be expensive when you factor in travel, accommodation, food, entertainment and any other costs involved. While a family holiday will always be a cost, there are various ways that you can bring these costs down while still providing a valuable experience that you will all enjoy together.
Book In Advance
When you book aspects of your family holiday in advance, you can often find more affordable deals, plus you will have a much greater choice available to you. Alternatively, last-minute deals can help you to make savings, but you will not have much control or variety over the aspects of the trip. You will not have the luxury of traveling outside of school holidays, so booking as far in advance is always intelligent.
Opt For A Staycation
Of course, you do not necessarily have to leave the States for a special trip. Due to the large, beautiful, and diverse country that America is, there will always be somewhere new and exciting to take the kids. In addition to being more affordable, you also have the benefit of having no language barrier and the same culture, which can make these trips stress-free and easier to plan.
Use Coupons, Deals & Promo Codes
The internet is a great resource for saving money when booking a holiday because there are always coupons, deals, and promo codes that you can easily find for aspects like hotels, car rentals, and flights. A Hotwire promo code can be a brilliant way to make big savings and could allow you to afford a nice hotel than you previously would have been able to.
Self-Catering Accommodation
Self-catering accommodation is a good option for a family holiday because it allows you to avoid having to eat out for every meal. Not only this, but with self-catering accommodation, you can also enjoy greater privacy and have a home-away-from-home, so you don’t feel like you have to be out exploring (and spending money) at all times.
Cheap/Free Entertainment
There will always be events and activities which will cost some money, but you can also find lots of ways to entertain yourself and the kids for free or for very little. It will depend on your location, but this might include:
Relaxing on the beach
Long walks
Museums
Local parks
Self-guided sightseeing
Avoid Tourist Traps
Following this, you will want to avoid tourist traps at all times as these are expensive, but they also do not provide an authentic experience. This is why you should research your destination beforehand and ask any friendly locals for their recommendations.
Follow these tips, and you could have an affordable family holiday but one which is still fantastic fun, highly valuable, and a special experience for both you and the kids.
Travel is like food for the soul, but there is no denying that it can eat a huge chunk out of your savings if you aren’t careful. The good news is that planning a memorable vacation need not be as expensive as you anticipated.
Here is a helpful how-to guide on how to budget for your big trip, especially in terms of when to save and when to splurge.
The destination
Where you choose to go is of the utmost importance when it comes to saving money on your holiday. There are countless countries out there that promise an unforgettable experience on the cheap – you just need to know where to look and how to find those budget-friendly travel tours. According to those who travel regularly, some of the most affordable destinations for 2020 include:
The accommodation
This is where you need to be careful when it comes to being stingy with your cash. If you neglect to do your research, you could wind up in a filthy, unkempt inn in the middle of nowhere and far from any of the hot spots and sights that you so desperately wanted to explore.
The best way in which to find cheap accommodation in your destination of choice is to make use of hotel comparison websites or to book tour packages that come with accommodation included in the total price. If you’ll be booking your accommodation on your own, always be sure to look into testimonials written by previous guests to ensure that you are making a good choice.
There is no point in saving if you are uncomfortable for the duration of your getaway, after all.
The food
This is another aspect of a vacation that you need to be careful with. While it may seem tempting to save money by eating cheap street food the entire time you are away, the consequences may not be worth it. A better way to conserve your money is to find an accommodation option that allows for self-catering.
This way, you can purchase fresh local ingredients and make your own food – no need to break your budget by eating out at a different restaurant every evening.
The itinerary
If you have chosen an affordable destination, you should have plenty of remaining money to spend on the activities that you enjoy while you are there. The various activities included on your itinerary are going to be responsible for maximizing the vacation experience, so don’t hesitate to spend a little extra here and there.
A good rule of thumb is to book early, as this will often enable you to take advantage of early bird specials and discounts. You should also strive to keep an eye out for combo deals that could help you save. For instance, many service providers will be partnered with other service providers.
So, if you book to go on a safari game drive on your trip to South Africa, you may score yourself a free breakfast the following morning. Scope out as many deals as you can and watch as the savings sky-rocket the closer you get to the date of your departure flight.
As we are fast approaching the end of another year, the cold winter weather leaves many people reminiscing about their summer holidays and the glorious weather that they experienced. However, it’s no good just reminiscing about it! You should put all those thoughts into planning next year’s holiday. Looking into 2020, you can start making preparations for a luxury getaway that will give you the experience of a lifetime. So, how do you do this? This handy guide has been put together to help you plan the ultimate luxury getaway for 2020.
If you are unsure about where you want to go, it’s important to think about what you want from the holiday. Are you only interested in relaxing? Or are you keen to go exploring? Maybe you want a bit of both. Whatever it is you want to experience during your getaway, be sure to recognise this early on, as it will affect the destination you choose.
The location that you choose plays a big part in how luxurious your holiday will feel. For example, a trip to Magaluf or Benidorm, which are both famous for attracting people who want to spend their entire holiday drinking and partying, might not be suitable. However, somewhere like Côte d’Azur, in France, or the Maldives, in South Asia, which offers stunning views and tranquil resorts, could provide the luxury you crave.
Having a luxury getaway doesn’t have to wait until you are there; you can ensure that it starts off stress-free and enjoyable. However, planning a holiday is normally the opposite; it often ends in a lot of debate and stress. With so many different things to organise, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Where will you go? What will you do? Where will you stay? All these questions can be challenging to answer when you really don’t know what you want from your luxury holiday. So why not take the stress away by having a luxury tailor made itinerary? Experts at Mr Hudson can take into consideration your budget and what you like to do, and within 5 business days, they will suggest everything you need to do during your holiday.
As a special treat for 2020, why not consider upgrading your flight tickets to first class? The first-class experience will enable you to kickstart your 2020 getaway in style and minimise the stress of flying. Take advantage of a superb service that will offer delicious food and drink in the pre-flight room, before settling down in the comfy and spacious chairs on the plane.
In order to make your holiday one to remember, you need to pay attention to the small details. This includes reading the reviews of the various locations you are considering visiting and delving into the accommodation feedback from other holidaymakers. You can then see what kind of service they offer that you could receive. Do they provide a personalised service, for example, that will make you feel welcome and relaxed during your time there? What kind of food do they offer? Is it all-inclusive, or are there any catches that will result in you paying more money? All this and more will need to be taken into account when you are booking your 2020 getaway.
