5 Essential Tips on How to Survive A Long-Haul Flight

What is the longest you’ve been on a flight? Was it horrendous or did you know of a few tricks to make the whole trip less stressful?

Whether you are taking your first or your seventh long flight, you can never be too prepared. While exhaustion is guaranteed, there are a few things you can try to make your trip less tiresome and stressful. Here are tips on how you can make your next trips easy:

  • Stay calm and avoid carry-on luggage

Working as an ICBC personal injury lawyer is demanding, and if you are taking your first dream vacation to the furthest part of the world, then you are most likely to pack more than you need. The unfortunate part is that even after years of travel, some people still pack more than they need. To get control of this, you should not have checked and carry-on luggage.

If your trip lasts many months, then you can carry one checked luggage. Though you can carry about 15 more pounds of luggage as a carryon, it is a bad idea which you’ll realize at your destination as you try to lug around some elephant bags. Even if your carry-on bag has rollers, you will minimize stress by avoiding the carryon completely.

  • Pack all your in-flight essentials in a clutch or a small bag

A long flight means that you must have everything you may need within reach. You need an on-flight bag that has a lot of water, a scarf, eye mask, earplugs, hand sanitizer/ wipes, snacks, headphones, toiletries, eye drops, a change of clothes and a good book. You should also keep your makeup bag within your reach.

You need comfortable but classy clothes and shoes. You should also consider getting compression socks. Don’t forget your pillow.

Entertainment gadgets will keep you entertained throughout the flight, and the flight is a perfect opportunity for you to catch up on that TV series you’ve been planning to watch.

  • Set your watch to your destination time

To avoid a bad jetlag that will cost you days upon arrival at your destination, you should use the World Clock function on your smartphone to set the time. With the time set, you should try your best to sleep when it is nighttime at your destination and stay awake during the day at your destination. Fortunately, the flight crew will help with your adjustment by adjusting the lights.

  • Stay hydrated

Even though drinking a lot of water means making multiple trips to the bathroom, staying hydrated is good for your skin and your body in general. You may opt to drink a lot of water before your flight. You also need to drink water as long as you are awake on the flight.

  • Stay away from caffeine and alcohol

That stiff drink, though appealing and somewhat comfortable isn’t your best pick for a long trip. Alcohol and caffeine will disrupt your sleep, and even if you pass out, you won’t get any meaningful sleep. Also, you will get dehydrated, and your skin will suffer.

Finally, you should stay productive during your flight. You also need to stretch. Some flights pack in more seats than others, so, research before booking your flight.

4 Reasons you should visit the Baltic States on your next holiday

Traveling on holiday is a great way to spend time with loved ones and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily tasks. When you set out to plan your next holiday, consider taking it to a location that appreciates mindfulness and values sincere hospitality towards visitors. This article will highlight some of the best reasons that you should consider visiting the Baltic States on your next holiday.

 

 

  • Mindfulness. While mindfulness has become fairly popular, it is unique to find a place that values it as a community or business. When you visit the Baltic States and stay in a hotel, you are likely to find some that value mindfulness. This particular hotel in Riga values mindfulness and operates its business with the concept at the forefront. By providing many options for you to relax your mind and body, this hotel is a great one to look into if you want to de-stress while on holiday.

 

 

 

  • Somewhat undiscovered. If you want to visit a country that has not been discovered by the mainstream population, the Baltic States is certainly something to consider. You can go on vacation and not have to worry about fussing with crowds or long lines. The Baltic can offer a great deal of history to appeal to the mind and beauty to appeal to the senses. Stay ahead of the crowd and visit the Baltic’s before others catch on to its greatness.

 

 

 

  • Something to do regardless of season. It is important to keep in mind that the Baltic States are blessed with very long summers which means that the weather is typically exquisite for a substantial period of the year. However, during the winter, many tourists enjoy visiting during “white nights” as this is the time when the sun stays out very late into the evening hours. You can even visit the nearby islands in the winter via an ice road. Now that is cool!

 

 

 

  • Delicious food. Most countries provide great hospitality, beautiful scenery, and substantial history. Not every country however, can provide outstanding cuisine. The Baltic States is well known for fresh and flavorful foods that can entice any palate. If you like classic dishes made by neighboring countries, Poland and Latvia, you will likely enjoy the Baltic fare.  

 

 

In addition to all of these wonderful benefits, the Baltic States is also well known to be a safe place to visit as a tourist. If you are concerned that you will have a tough time in navigating the country, you can rest assured that the Baltic’s have a solid infrastructure in place and are considered to be one of the fastest growing countries in the area. If you enjoy being on the cutting edge of travel and staying up on the latest trends, visiting the Baltic States will prove to be an enjoyable experience and one that friends will envy.

Going Camping? Check these out.

If you are headed out into the great outdoors anytime soon, you might want to check out some of these items. Not just for camping, but having other outdoor uses as well, you will find they make your camp experience that much more comfortable.

The new Quik Shade canopies recently launched SOLO Steel. This series of six portable, instant shade canopies makes setting up a breeze. They are lightweight and easy to carry, can be set up by one person, are pinch free and allow you to adjust it’s height as needed as the sun moves or if the ground is uneven- this is a real boon and very helpful. It has 99% UV sun protection built in, so it keeps away harmful rays, as well. Easy to set up AND put away (yes, really), it goes easily back into it’s carry rolling bag for easy storage. It is durable and built to last, with Rip-Stop polyester camping tent fabric that has water-resistant coating and features the Aluminex™ back lining to help you and your stuff stay dry.

The SOLO Steel canopies has a ton of options depending on your needs. Sizes range from  50 square feet of shade to 170 square feet, and comes in 5 color choices.  From $119.99 to $249.99 at https://www.quikshade.com/

One of my favorite camping finds has to have been a Kickstarter campaign. The GoGo Lantern is a very cool option for camping, and for several reasons. It’s solar powered, which means you can charge it all day long and use it for longer periods of time without having to run off and use batteries after batteries or propane etc- and the charge lasts a long time, as well. It is fully charged after roughly 8 hours of solar charge, or you can charge via USB for about 3 hours. It’s waterproof- not merely water resistant. You can actually submerge it, and it’s still both fully functional and keeps working. It’s very light and thus extremely portable. The GoGo Lantern is extraordinarily bright, much more then most I have used. It folds up into itself/collapses, which makes it easy to store and put away while not in use (or for charging). It also is magnetized, and will stick should you want it to. That’s also a pretty neat option, and one I’ve not personally seen before.

The GoGo Lantern is “the world’s first bucket which integrated LED & solar cell in one”, according to it’s  website. You can get yours for $39 and up at https://www.indiegogo.com/project/preview/294dad3a#/

If you are headed out into the water, you might want to bring along some dry bags. Seal Line has different sizes and colors available, and they definitely keep your stuff dry, even if the bag ends up in the water. These are space saving as well, the rectangular shape packing and saving %20 more space then rounder bags. They pack together closer as well, leaving less space in between. This saves space. They have strong, welded seams which are 50% stronger then sewn seams, to keep water out and your items dry.

Featuring an efficient-packing, patent-pending rectangular shape and strong fully welded seam construction, Blocker waterproof dry sacks are the easiest way to organize and protect clothing and gear in your pack, luggage, or on a boat. PVC free, yet tough, they are more environmentally friendly then other types of vinyls and nylons but still tough and durable. They are easy to organize by color and size, and are available starting at $15 and up at https://www.seallinegear.com/dry-sacks

To dry off, you might want to grab a few pack towels. They dry quickly, are uber soft, and are fantastic for all sorts of travel. My favorite is the “nano”, which is tiny yet mighty. I love how useful it is- and how handy. Quick drying, slim, and absorbing twice its weight in water, you can toss it in your pocket, clip it to your waistband or backpack (or whatever you’d like, Carabiner clip and mesh storage pouch included), or wear it as a headband. Or more, just some ideas. Wipe off ski goggles, your Go Pro, your face- whatever- and keep moving. You’ve got stuff to do. Then wring it out, and it’s nearly dry. It really does dry super quickly.  The nano is $10, other sizes and sizes available for $10 and up. These are more useful then you might think at first glance- give them a go, you won’t be sorry. https://www.packtowl.com

On the go, and way out there? Check out the GravityWorks 4.0L Water Filter System from Platypus. It’s perfect for basecamps, and has the high-capacity, pump-free filtration that is both easy and useful. It can deliver 4 liters of filtered water in under 3 minutes with no pumping, which we all know is a real pain in the end. This is the fastest and simplest way to get your water filtered while you are way out there. Just dip it into water, fill it, hang, and wait. The filter can be cleaned easily in the field as well, for continues use. This system meets all EPA & NSF guidelines for the removal of 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa, so it is effective and will help keep the ew out of your drinking water. This is a great size for your average family, a medium size group of friends, or a basecamp. The system as an 8-liter total capacity,which is enough filtered water for drinking,  cooking, and cleaning up any dishes.  Get yours at https://www.platy.com/gravityworks-4-0l-filter for $120.

 

Dressing For Fall Travel

No matter where your travels take you this season, we have some great options to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

Now that it’s Autumn (and it’s finally cooled off), you want to make sure you have some layers available. One of my current go-to’s has been Dare 2b‘s Women’s Loveline II Core Stretch, a pull over the head, half zip sweatshirt. It’s not your mom’s sweatshirt, however- soft, warm, lined inside with a quick drying/water repelling outside, it’s pretty tough as well as functional. It comes in several color options, and is easy to care for as well. The price is right at $22, and it’s easy to pair with your running gear or toss on with jeans etc. The more options, the better, and it’s just the right weight for the fall season or to layer under your clothing as it gets colder.

Craghoppers has comfortable clothing for the entire family that protects against UV rays, insect bites, and even digital theft. No matter if you are out in the woods, in a national park, or on the city streets, these clothes are easy to wear, match, and keep you protected on all sorts of levels.  The Nosilife Pro Trousers for women havd a slim fit, but not too slim, with several pockets that zip closed to keep your valuables safe. The fabric is soft and quick drying, so quick showers or muddy patches won’t be an issue. They are also generously cut around the ankle for boots should you want to wear them.  The long sleeve NosliLife Erin Long Sleeve Shirt is breathable and quick drying as well, and the entire NosiLife collection is also insect bite repellent. Who needs all the bites that so often accompany time in the great outdoors? Not you, that’s for sure. Prices vary, visit https://www.craghoppers.com/us/

Another option to layer while keeping warm and cuddly would be the Hazelton Half Zip. So soft, and available in three very pretty colors, it’s both lightweight and durable, so it’s great by itself or as a top or middle layer. It’s a great jogger, but I can see using it underneath a ski parka when it’s time to hit the slopes- I’m really loving the feel of this one. It’s easy to wash and wear, though I personally prefer to hang it to dry so it stays extra fluffy as long as possible.  Pick yours up at https://www.craghoppers.com/us/hazelton-half-zip-bluebell/

As for fall footwear, I’m loving the Icebug Metro BUGrip for hiking. They are very comfortable, and fantastic for all kinds of weather. They have amazing soles- they grip is fantastic, and will help keep you on whatever trail you find yourself on. The Icebugs are great for keeping your feet warm and dry as well- which is always a good thing, but especially now with the weather cooling down. Nothing like cold, wet feet to ruin a hike.  Easy pull on and off, comfortable and tough with studded running shoe soles, these boots have it all. I really enjoy them, and think you will as well. $189 and worth every cent.

 

5 Tips for Planning a Family-friendly Ski Trip in Sapporo

A family trip can be a wonderful way to encourage bonding and help members become closer to one another. However, it comes with its own set of challenges: it’s not always possible for an entire family to enjoy certain activities. Thankfully, the diverse city of Sapporo has plenty to offer for the young and old alike. Below are a few tips on where to go and what to do as a family in Sapporo:

  1. Book at a Kid-Friendly Ski Resort

A family friendly resort such as Kiroro offers activities that both parents and kids can enjoy, from beginner skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, and other winter sports. Kiroro also offers hot spring facilities for those who have had enough of the powder outside and just want to spend some time in a relaxing onsen, as well as various indoor activities geared towards children such as musical shows, workshops and lessons.

  1. Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival

Held every year for a week in February, when the snowfall is heaviest, the Sapporo Snow Festival turns the famous Odori Park into a winter fantasy wonderland. Here, you’ll find the International Snow Sculpture Contest, which has been held on-site since 1974. You’ll also be able to find hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures in the nearby Susukino area. They are lit beautifully at night, which makes them great for family photos. There is also a wide variety of winter activities available, including sledding and snow tubing, as well as musical performances.

  1. Visit The Zoo

A visit to the zoo can be both great fun and educational for children. Maruyama Zoo is a popular destination in Sapporo for families. Here, the aim is to recreate the animals’ natural habitat so visitors are able to view them in their most natural state, safely. The Kid’s Zoo section is sure to delight young children – they’ll be able to feed and pet small animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits. There is also a large playground on-site for children who are just overflowing with energy. The Maruyama Zoo is open all year and anyone below the age of 16 gets in for free, while adults are required to pay a small fee.

  1. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Just a short ride from Sapporo by train is Shiroi Koibito Park: a toy museum, candy store and chocolate factory all in one. Entrance to the main park is free of charge, and a mini steam train ride is available to board for a small fee. The main draw here is the Shiroi Koibito chocolate cookie: a butter cookie with a white chocolate filling. For a small fee, families can visit the factory where these cookies are made and be treated to a presentation of the history of the confection. On the second floor of the Shiroi Koibito shop is a museum that houses an impressive collection of toys – and what kid wouldn’t be interested in that?

  1. See a Puppet Show

At the Kogumaza Sapporo Children’s Puppet Theatre in Nakajima Park, a puppet show is held every weekend and every day during the long school holidays. It’s a great place to take young children to experience art and culture. The best part is the place is friendly even to parents with infants or children who can be a little restless and loud.

Going on a family trip to Sapporo can be an exciting experience. By following these tips and including these locations in your itinerary, you’re ensuring that even the youngest members of your family will have a lot of fun creating happy memories.

Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling With These Four Tips

No one likes getting sick, but feeling under the weather is even worse if you’re on vacation. Especially if it means you have to take time out of your trip to visit the doctor and get a prescription.

If you want to enjoy your vacation as much as possible, you have to avoid getting sick in the first place. Here are four tips that will help you do just that.

Reduce Stress as Much as Possible Before, During, and Immediately After Your Trip

Stress is a frustratingly common problem before, during, and immediately after a trip. Unfortunately, prolonged or chronic stress can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

Reduce stress by:

  • Not overbooking yourself the day before or after your trip
  • Planning out the logistics of how you’re getting there and how you’re getting home
  • Giving yourself plenty of time to pack
  • Leaving work at home—don’t check email or voicemail while you’re away

Wash Your Hands

Of course you should wash your hands! However, this piece of advice is even more important when you’re on vacation.

While you’re away from home, you will be coming in contact with strange germs and bacteria that your body may not be prepared for, especially if you’re traveling outside the country. Wash your hands many times a day and bring along hand sanitizer for when a sink isn’t available.

Drink Plenty of Water

When you’re on vacation, you may be tempted to live it up a little, which means leaving healthy habits at the door. Ordering a few mixed drinks and trying a new soda won’t cause a lot of problems, but you should really focus on drinking water as much as you can.

Not only can water ensure you’re fully hydrated, it can help with congestion, and it can help you bounce back more quickly if you are feeling a little under the weather. Just make sure you drink filtered or purified water. Tap water in some areas can actually make you sick.

Get Plenty of Sleep

It’s easy to skimp on the sleep when it comes to your vacation. You may lose sleep beforehand worrying about the vacation itself, and you may lose sleep while you’re on vacation as you try and see as much as you can before you leave.

Sleep can enhance stress and lower your immune system, which in turn will increase your odds of getting sick while you’re away from home. Plan to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, even if it means sleeping in a little in the morning because you were out later than usual the night before.

Don’t shy away from taking naps either! Even if it takes an hour out of your afternoon, a nap can provide you with a healthy energy boost.

Don’t get stuck coughing and sniffling on your next vacation! With these tips, you and your family will be in perfect health so you can enjoy every second of your time away from home.

The Best Luxury Treehouse Holidays in the UK

It’s true that the UK has no shortage of amazing places to stay.  There are ultra-modern hotels and castles, scenic camping sites and stately homes.  But there’s one type of holiday accommodation that is truly different and that’s the luxury treehouse – but where are the best ones around the UK?

South-east England

West Lexham Treehouses and Glamping offers options both for treehouse holidays and for those who prefer glamping.  Located near Kings Lynn in Norfolk, the site has units that can sleep two to six people and has hand-built, rustic treehouses that are insulated, have log burning stoves and even a private BBQ area.  The location is half an hour from the Holkham coast and near locations such as Swaffham and Castle Acre.

South-west England

Lavender Hill’s The Treehouse is probably one of the sturdiest looking treehouses you can image and ideal for anyone who is a little uncertain about the idea of treehouse holidays.  Located near Taunton, the property sleeps four and is a two storey property surrounded by trees that gives the feel of a treehouse while offering the stability of a wood cabin.  It has five star boutique interiors with plasma TV and log wood burner among the features.

Sunridge Treehouse is another that is part treehouse and part wood cabin and gives visitors the luxury experience.  The accommodation can sleep six across three bedrooms and features modern touches such as TVs in every bedroom.  There’s a state of the art kitchen and open plan living-dining room area on the upper floor with amazing views out across Devon’s Yealm Valley.

The Midlands

The Woodlands Treehouse at Hothorpe Hall is near Theddingworth, Leicestershire and is another location ideal for a couple’s getaway.  The treehouse is in five acres of woodland but is also very much a modern, five star accommodation.  It features comfy sofas and beds, surrounds sound music system and even gas central heating so doesn’t be put off if you want to visit in winter – it is always cosy inside.

Northern England

Cleveley Mere Treehouse is close to Garstang, Lancashire and is a spacious and very modern treehouse that includes Hypnos mattresses and a £40,000 kitchen – so is definitely at the top end of the luxury scale!  It also has access to a range of features with its lakeside location including mountain bikes, kayaks, crazy gold and even its own ping pong table.

Scotland

Brockloch Eco Retreat is near Kirkpatrick Durham in Dumfries and Galloway and offers a treehouse with double bed, small kitchen and even a small bath.  It is the perfect refuge for a romantic getaway and spring is a great time to visit as woods floor below is filled with bluebells.  The site is near Dumfries with lots of beautiful villages to explore, hiking trails and the coast to the south.

Tree Howf has been expertly built around an ancient ash tree and has amazing views across Dunblane and the wider Perthshire area.  It is a single bedroom treehouse that sleeps two and has handmade, rustic furniture, stained glass windows and wood burning stove to add to that woodsy experience.  Whether you want to see the animals in spring and summer or stargaze in winter, there is always something on offer here.

Wales

Living Room Treehouses offers the classic treehouse design, a single bedroom treehouse that can sleep up to four with the pull-down bunks.  The treehouse has a pod-like design and is ideal if you want a digital detox, away from all that technology.  There is a wood burning stove and you even arrive across a wooden suspension bridge – or via the spiral staircase if you prefer.

The 3 Beaches in Singapore Everyone Should Visit at Least Once

It’s widely known that Singapore is one of the best tourist locations on the globe, and many visit just for  its beaches. Most Singapore Visa agents recommend their clients to visit these Singapore beaches at least once. Here I am going to share my personal experience about Singapore beaches.

Siloso Beach
Out of Sentosa island’s three beaches, I liked the Siloso beach best, but it’s the busiest one too. If you plan to visit on a sunny weekend, be prepared to face the crowds. This is the place where bikini lovers, beach volleyball players, and sunkissed swimmers gather. The Siloso beach is also famous for its beach bars found surrounding it. If you’re one who’s always up for an adventure, here you can carry out various activities like kayaking, rollerblading, swimming, and cycling.

East Coast Beach
This is a beach and park all rolled in one. Here again, weekends will be busy. I love visiting this beach mainly for the activities. After a tough day, I love to go for some cycling and rollerblading here. The beach is picturesque, and the park is peppered with sporting, entertainment and dining attractions. I’ve organized plenty of barbeques with my friends here. It’s a blissful experience—having a smoky meal near the sea, followed by a walk along the white sands. Above all, this is a family-oriented beach. You will see plenty of kids enjoying their weekends here.

Palawan Beach:
This beach is also on the island resort of Sentosa; located at a walking distance from the Siloso beach. It’s quieter and more peaceful when compared to the Siloso. My most favorite part about this beach is the suspension hanging bridge that links this beach to a small sandy island called Pulau Palawan. I love walking along this bridge above the clear and beautiful sea waters.
This beach is also family-friendly. Parents will be pleased to know that the kids’ club “Port of Lost Wonder” can be found here. The children have a great time here, where they enjoy a number of activities, keeping them occupied all through the day, while their parents can enjoy you are taking a tranquil walk along the beach and relax.

I’ve given you just a taster here about these top Singapore beaches. If you’d like to know more, you must definitely visit. Don’t miss them.