Traveling when You Have Food Allergies

Whether you are traveling locally or internationally, you will always be treated to a wide range of traditional and modern dishes. While travelers with food allergies can still face several challenges when it comes to finding the right cuisines, there are a few tricks to overcome such hurdles. The following are useful tips for traveling when you have food allergies. 

Speak Up About Your Allergies  

When traveling, you will meet different kinds of people at the hotel, restaurant or street food joints. To avoid problems, you should always be confident to tell the people preparing or serving your food about the allergies beforehand. You should also tell your airline about the allergies before the trip so they know what to serve you on the flight. 

If you are going to a destination where the language barrier can be an issue, it is advisable to consider carrying custom-designed allergy translation cards or food allergy tags. The general rule is to keep the people around you know informed of the food allergies. 

Bring Your Snacks 

There is no guarantee that your airline or the restaurants that you visit along the way will provide the right meals. Thus, carrying your pack of healthy snacks is the best way to making sure that you do not run out of options on what to eat. 

Do Advance Research into the Destination 

For convenience, it is recommended that you conduct a little research about the destination to find restaurants, eateries and other food outlets or chefs in the area that can cater to your needs. Today, there are also various apps like AllergyEats that travelers with food allergies can use to find safe places and foods to eat at different destinations. 

Considering the diverse food scenes in many destinations around the world today, there is always something for everyone including travelers with food allergies. The above tips will help you to stay healthy and happy when traveling with food allergies.  

Useful Technology Tips for Travelers

Technology is now integrated into different aspects of the modern life. In fact, some people have arguably become reliant on technology. Today, travelers depend on technology to accomplish different things. However, some travelers are still not utilizing technology fully to enjoy travel. Here are useful technology tips for travelers to help you enjoy travel more.

Use Technology to Track Your Trips

When traveling abroad or even domestically, you have to take several long flights. Today, there is technology you can use to track your flights. This is particularly important when traveling to a distant destination. Using the right technology, you can accurately track and predict your flights. In some cases, this can save you money by enabling to avoid missing flights.

Use Technology to Store Your Travel Documents

Every traveler needs some form of documentation. For instance, you may need some documents to proof that you are who you claim to be. In some cases, storing crucial documents can be a challenge. However, you can use technology to ensure that your documents are not stolen. Technology enables you to store scanned travel documents in your tablet or phone. In addition to keeping the documents safe, it makes it more convenient.

Use Technology to Back up Your Travel Pictures and Videos

One thing that most travelers do is taking photos and recording videos of their travel destinations. This enables them to keep memories of their travel destinations. Although most travelers know that smartphones can be used to document travel experiences, there is technology that can do that. For instance, there are apps you can use to back up your travel videos and photos to the cloud. This implies that you can still access them if you lose your smartphone or if somebody deletes them.

Use Technology to Plan and Organize Your Travels

Planning and organizing a trip can be a real challenge. However, you can use technology to handle different aspects of trip planning and organization. For instance, you can use technology to find and compare airfares. You can also use technology to book flights and accommodation.

Generally, there are many things travelers can do using technology to enhance their overall experiences. Just take time to learn about technology for travelers and use it to enhance your travels.

Signs That You Have the Right Travel Buddy

Traveling with someone is no doubt an opportunity for more exciting experiences. However, the choice of your travel buddy is crucial to the overall experience. Without the right travel buddy, you could end up with a lot of regrets. While every trip comes with its highs and lows, choosing the right travel buddy can make your next adventure much fun and memorable. The following are signs that you have the right travel buddy.

You Share a Variety of Interests

Although the trip may only last a few days, weeks or months, your travel buddy will be your companion throughout all that period. As a result, it is always important that you pick someone with whom your travel goals are aligned. If he or she is passionate about the same cultures, activities and places that you would like to experience, then that is the right travel buddy.

Shows a Sense of Responsibility

One of the reasons you need a travel buddy is to make you feel safer. Therefore, you do not want to travel with someone who is easily distracted and irresponsible. A travel buddy who is curious and concerned about the decisions you make during the trip is a great companion. With such a travel buddy, your adventure will always be memorable.

Easily Fits into Your Schedule

Many travelers think planning an excursion is hard but, staying with the plan is hardest part. To ensure you get the most out of the trip as set out in the initial plan, it is advisable to find a travel buddy who is flexible and can easily travel on your schedule. If your travel buddy is the kind that likes to go out of their comfort zones and try new things then, he or she is definitely a right match.

Apart from the above signs, you should also look for someone who is respectful, patient, and witty and can travel on an almost similar budget as yours. Overall, the right travel buddy is someone who understands you, shares your travel goals and adventurous.  

Important Medications to Pack when Traveling

Important Medications to Pack when Traveling

Nobody wants their travel experience to be ruined by a minor sickness. That’s why you should know the mediations that you should pack whenever you travel. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that taking medications, even over the counter drugs can cause serious repercussions. Therefore, talk to your doctor before you start taking medication. Here is a collection of important medications that you should pack when traveling.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition that is potentially fatal. It entails development of blood clots in the leg. It is common among people that take long-haul flights regardless of their travel class. Basically, this condition is associated with restricted movement. The best way to prevent this condition is to stretch, stand and walk around when flying. But, to be on the safe side, carry DVT medications when traveling and talk to your doctor about it.

Motion Sickness

This condition is complex and it is more of senses jumbling. It is caused by abnormal and irregular motion that cause organs disturbance that interfere with inner ear balance. It also causes discordant signals from the balance mechanism and eyes. Nausea, headaches, cold perspiration and dizziness can also set in. It’s therefore you carry medication for motion sickness when traveling. Nevertheless, talk to your doctor about this medication just to be sure that it is right for you.

Sleeping Medication

Many people find sleeping when flying challenging. Cabin noise and cramped seats combined with constant interruptions are some of the things that make sleeping challenging. As such, some travelers use medications that help them sleep during long flights. However, talk to your doctor about sleeping medications to avoid unpleasant side effects that may ruin your travel experience.

Prescription Medication

If you have a medical condition, pack your prescription medication. This will save you the trouble of looking for the medication at your travel destination in vain.

Generally, these are important medications that you should pack when traveling. Nevertheless, use any medication with care and preferably after consulting your doctor.

Important Things to Check Before You Book a Flight

Important Things to Check Before You Book a Flight

Booking a flight for a next vacation is exciting. However, this excitement should not compel you to make things that you may live to regret. Before you book a flight, find out what you are paying for and what to expect during the flight. Here are some of the things that you should check before booking a flight for your next trip.

Bumping

This is a controversial practice that most airlines employ. It entails offering more tickets than the available seats. The aim is to cancel out possible losses in case some passengers fail to show up for the flight. If you get bumped, you get an upgraded seat on the flight that follows. This may come with a hotel room or meal vouchers. Although some passengers volunteer to be bumped, this is not something to take lightly. Therefore, find out about this to avoid being bumped if that is not something that you would like to experience.

Insurance

Many people travel without insurance despite this sounding crazy. However, this is not a risk that is worth taking. Although you may get be lucky during several trips, this won’t be the case all the times. Travel insurance comes with an additional cost. That’s why most people tend to put it off. However, don’t neglect it because it protects you during the trip. Instead, choose and buy travel insurance that covers your entire trip including possible injuries, cancelled flight, and lost luggage.

Terms and Conditions

Check terms and conditions of the flight that you book. This is particularly important when booking a flight via the website of a third party. Be careful because costs may be higher than you might think especially if you book connected flights. Read the terms and conditions carefully to know your responsibilities. You can also talk to your travel agency about this to know the complications involved.

Check these things before you book a flight to ensure a seamless experience from booking to flying. Check this site as its one of my fav’s.

Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Southeast Asia

Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Southeast Asia

For a long time, Southeast Asia has been a travel destination for budget-conscious travelers and backpackers looking for a destination that enables them to stretch their money to the fullest. After all, this is the place where you can get meals for not more than a dollar. Transport can cost almost nothing. A guest house with a floor mattress can cost $2 to $3. But, before you travel to Southeast Asia, there are the things that you should know. A close friend out in Texas gave me some travel tips once before as he went to explaining to me his story and how owns his own business called Auto Masters Collision Center and happens to travel at least 2-3 times per year. They include the following.

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your travel destination. For instance, when an American travels to Thailand, they need a 30-day stamp only unless when they intend to stay longer than this. When you arrive in Cambodia, you will need a visa that will cost you about $20. However, you must obtain a visa beforehand when traveling to Vietnam or apply for visa-on arrival while at home.

Scams

Scams are real in Southeast Asia. For instance, Taxi drivers can try to extort money from you. A tuk-tuk driver can also tell you that a temple or palace that you want to visit is closed. They will also try to recommend another place so that you can give them commission. Don’t be surprised when even a body guard tries to extort you.

Poverty

You will face real poverty in Southeast Asia. That’s why this is place of the world is considered developing. Sometimes, you can tell that some of the recent tragedies that include natural disasters have occurred in this place. Vehicles do not run all the time and some roads are poor. Accommodation may not be what you are used to in your country. So be ready for this.

Be Respectful

People in Southeast Asia have different perceptions. It’s important that you show respect and you will be treated nicely. For instance, it’s rude to put on shoes when entering some buildings. Southeast Asia people also expect you to cover the knees and shoulders when entering the temples. Therefore, avoid being ignorant and observe the cultural norms of the Southeast Asia people and they will treat you nicely.

If you plan to travel to Southeast Asia, bear these facts in mind and you will have a great experience during your trip.

The Four Best Attractions to See and Explore in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an ideal destination for Americans and visitors from around the world who want to enjoy tropical temperatures, different water sports, relax on pristine beaches, explore stunning bioluminescent bays, and enjoy the local cuisine with flavor. The attractions on the Caribbean Island range from the historic to the adventurous. Whether you’re the kind of traveler who loves spending your afternoons on the beach or partying heartily, Puerto Rico has plenty to offer. So you can prioritize your vacation or trip to this amazing destination, here are top five attractions in Puerto Rico.

The Vieques Biobay

Near Esperanza, the island’s Bioluminescent Bay, also referred to as the Mosquito Bay, is such a pleasurable attraction surrounded by rustling mangroves which allow visitors to have one of the most amazing experiences in this Caribbean Island. Visitors often refer to it as the closest thing to magical waters anyone can find on the planet. Those who’ve been to Vieques appreciate its seclusion. At night, the Mosquito Bay attracts visitors who want to enjoy the visibility of half-plant, half-animal microorganisms. During the day, the spot becomes a stereotypical Caribbean hideout for travelers.

San Juan National Historic Site

The San Juan National Historic Site allows travelers to have a compelling alternative to a typical afternoon on the Puerto Rico beaches. Hugging the coastline, the site comprises of colonial fortresses and historic walls dating back to the sixteenth century. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes so you can enjoy dramatic views as you explore the Castillo San Cristobal and Castillo El Morro forts. Both forts offer extensive history on the island’s military activities as well as the Spanish colonial era.

El Yunque National Forest

If you’re the kind of a traveler who loves hiking, together with your friends, you can try conquering the rainy slopes of the Luquillo Mountain Range as you observe different plants and animals. The jungle in this Forest is the perfect tropical escape from the busy urbanized environment. Don’t forget to search for colorful parrots as well as small coque frogs while exploring this jungle. The lush, mountainous terrain is separated from the resorts and beaches which makes it a perfect place to walk, refresh, and connect with the abundant flora in the rainforest.

Rio Camuy Cave Park

Puerto Rico is home to one of the largest cave networks in the world. Perfect for travelers looking for adventure. So, a tour to the Rio Camuy Cave Park will allow you to take an eco-excursion involving body rafting and mud-sliding and finish with an exciting trip to an underground river. Remember you can’t do a self-guided tour to the underground caves in this park. To enjoy the park you must embrace patience. The first thing you do as soon as you arrive here is to have a tram ride down to a one-hundred-and-eighty-foot high cave filled with bats, crabs, tarantulas, and other wildlife. As mentioned, be prepared as it can get muddy and wet.

In conclusion, Puerto Rico offers plenty of attractions for everyone, especially those looking to escape urbanity. From coral reefs to beautiful white beaches to rich history and secluded rainforests, you can explore this amazing Caribbean Island from corner to corner in a couple of days.