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3 Tips for Using an Online Travel Agent

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Surprise expenses, less than sanitary hotel rooms, and tourist destinations that are ripoffs – sure travel can be fun, exciting, and even rewarding, but everyone has their travel horror stories

Fortunately, you can mitigate your risk of a nightmare vacation by using an online travel agent. They can take the headache out of trip planning, and help you find the best place to travel that meets your requirements for both budget and enjoyment. 

But before you hire just anyone from a pool of online travel agents, here are 3 tips you need to know. 

1. Look For Transparent Pricing

No one likes hidden fees. It happens enough with travel transportation. Hidden baggage fees and cancelation fees can eat into your travel budget. 

The last thing you want is more hidden fees from your travel agent. Always read the fine print and make sure the advertised price is the final price and includes no hidden fees or surprise taxes. 

Booking through a travel agent won’t usually cost you more. Some agents may charge a nominal planning fee, but the bulk of their income comes from commissions paid by the vendors. 

As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Look behind the initial price and see what unique value a travel agent can bring.

2. Check Their Credentials

One of the best ways you can ensure you find a good agent is by checking their credentials. Don’t go solely by recommendations from your friends and family. While recommendations can certainly be helpful, you also want to find an accredited agent. 

There are a few certifications you can look for. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and The Travel Institue both certify travel professionals, helping keep out the riff-raff. 

3. Use A Specialist

Once you decide on a location you would like to visit, try to find a specialist for your destination.

A travel agent will know the ideal things to do for your chosen destination. This is especially true for agents who specialize in a specific area or niche market. 

Agents often have package deals too, so you can get your airfare and hotel booking in one trip. If you’re needing a car, an agent can help you rent one too. If you’re traveling as part of a group, such as a large family or a corporation, an online agent can also help you get group discounts to your destination.

And if you want something a little different and off the beaten path, a knowledgeable agent can help you with that. Not everything is planes, trains, and automobiles. Maybe you want to bike from one destination to another, hike an obscure trail, or kayak from one destination to another. 

Basically, an agent can serve as your all-in-one, one-stop shop for your vacation destination. 

A Good Online Travel Agent Is Invaluable

A good online travel agent is trustworthy, reliable, and provides good value. By following these tips you can find the right agent to help with your travel planning.

If you’re ready to plan your next trip but aren’t sure where to go, check out the Destinations section on our site to find the best places to travel. Don’t let your 2022 travel plans be boring!

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What Do You Do If You’re Injured While Traveling?

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What Do You Do If You’re Injured While Traveling?

Taking a vacation is supposed to be an opportunity to relax and refuel. But it’s not so relaxing if you end up getting injured during your trip.

This is what you need to know if you suffer an injury while you’re traveling, and which steps to take next.

1. Prepare Ahead of Time

Before you go on a vacation, it’s best to prepare in advance for any issue that could arise. If you plan to travel outside of the country, for example, make sure you plan ahead by having the appropriate international emergency numbers readily available on your phone.

You may also want to consider getting travel insurance. That can help to cover any medical expenses you may incur unexpectedly or assist if you should have to rebook a flight.

Though some countries have universal healthcare, they vary on how reliable and affordable they can be for travelers and ex-pats.

Don’t forget to look into insurance coverage if you’re planning to rent a car while you’re out of the country. Some rental companies feature great coverage, but others will insist you pay an outrageous amount out of pocket, and undergo an arduous process to obtain compensation.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the most important thing here. Before you do anything else, always seek medical attention first. Follow the treatment plan prescribed by the medical professionals to ensure you enjoy the quickest and safest recovery.

3. Get the Details for the Others Involved

Some injuries that happen while you’re traveling may be attributable to the actions of another party, such as in a motor vehicle collision. In that case, make sure you gather all the details from the other party involved.

These will include the other driver’s:

  • Full name and contact information
  • Driver’s license number
  • Insurance company phone number
  • Insurance policy number

Depending on whether you’re in another state or another nation, various factors may become crucial when you fill out the insurance claim. You might be driving a rental car or under the auspices of an unfamiliar jurisdiction.

If such is the case, you’ll probably want to consult with a personal injury lawyer. He or she will be the professional who has a solid understanding of local laws and what your rights may be in this situation.

4. Collect All Documentation

Filing a claim to cover medical expenses or vehicle damage will require you to provide pertinent details to your insurance company. Out-of-state claims are filed similar to in-state claims.

You’ll have to provide vital data such as a police report and any photos or videos of the scene of the accident.

5. Talk to Your Host or Hotel

Getting injured might necessitate a delay in your return home. You may want to speak with your Airbnb host or hotel about the possibility of extending your stay.

The facility might already have booked your room during the coming days. Find out whether you may negotiate a room switch. Otherwise, you’ll have to look for another place to stay in the area during your recovery.

There is also the possibility that your injury occurred while you were on someone’s property. The owner could share some of the liability for the incident, and therefore your injuries.

Most establishments have protocols for these situations. Here again, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer if the incident happened on company property.

6. Go to Your Local U.S. Embassy

If you’re traveling abroad and didn’t obtain travel insurance, you should get in touch with the nearest U.S. embassy immediately. They’ll be able to assist you in finding the nearest medical and legal professionals who can address your situation.

The embassy may also have the ability to provide accommodations if you need them.

Summary

No one wants to get injured at any time, but especially while you’re on vacation. Always try to plan ahead by carrying the appropriate travel insurance regardless of where you may be headed.

Have local emergency numbers readily available. Most important, seek medical attention right away. You don’t want to find out you’ve had a traumatic brain injury down the road because you refused to seek treatment at the time.

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Why You Need an Inboard Boat Motor for Long-Distance Travel

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Why You Need an Inboard Boat Motor for Long-Distance Travel

Do you plan on taking a long-distance trip on the water? Traveling long distances on a boat is fun and exciting, and is an excellent way to see the world when you know where to dock along the way. The only problem with being out on the water is that you’re essentially alone, and you have to make sure your boat is in top shape and has been well-maintained.

While standard boat maintenance is fairly easy to manage, you may not have considered how your boat motor will impact your trip. If you’ve got an outboard motor, for example, you may want to consider getting an inboard motor before you head out, and here’s why.

Long trips require high fuel efficiency

Long trips require plenty of fuel. When your boat doesn’t have good fuel efficiency, you’ll need to refuel more often on your long-distance trip. You can certainly get a more fuel-efficient motor, but you won’t get that much more out of it compared to an inboard motor.

While an inboard motor is more fuel-efficient than any outboard motor, electric inboard motors are superior in this realm. Electric inboard boat motors are the ultimate motor for long-distance boating adventures since they don’t rely on fuel. You can’t get more efficient than that!

How far will you travel before stopping to dock? If you’re going on a long-distance trip, you’ll benefit most from an electric inboard motor for two reasons. First, fuel is expensive and getting better mileage will save you money. Second, you’ll be able to travel further without refueling, which could mean choosing your ideal destination rather than settling for something closer because of your motor’s limitations.

Long trips necessitate more power

Traveling a long way on a boat is better when you have more power, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with an inboard motor. Since inboards are constructed in a way similar to car engines, they have more horsepower and torque. You’re probably going to be traveling in a larger boat for a long trip, which necessitates more power. You won’t do well on a long trip in a small boat with an outboard motor. You need a larger boat, which requires an inboard motor.

If you need a detailed explanation for how an inboard motor works, this guide will explain everything. There are many different types, and they operate slightly differently. Knowing these details can help you decide if switching to an inboard is the right move.

You’ll create less pollution

Outboard motors can have a serious impact on the environment in several ways. There’s far more potential for pollution than you might realize. Not only do gas outboard motors produce emissions, but they can also pollute the water since they sit outside of the boat and are always partially in the water.

The Wisconsin DNR studied how boat motors affect water quality, and found that they often introduce metals and chemicals into the water. With respect to gas-powered motors, some of the fuel actually ends up in the water, unburned. For instance, a two-stroke motor deposits between 25-30% of unburned gas and oil into the water.

You don’t want to deal with maintenance needs

All boat motors require maintenance at some point, but inboards require less frequent adjustments. Since maintenance needs are less frequent with inboard motors, you won’t have to worry so much about breakdowns on a long-distance trip. As long as you’ve been maintaining your motor properly, an inboard motor is less likely to cause problems on a long trip.

Outboard motors, on the other hand, require maintenance more frequently, and that means there’s more of a chance that something could go wrong while you’re traveling.

Maximize your fun with an inboard motor

When you’re traveling far on a boat, you want to spend your time enjoying your trip and the beautiful scenery, not worrying about all the technical details or possible breakdowns.

Before you set sail, consider trading your outboard motor for an inboard motor and enjoy your trip knowing you’re polluting less without sacrificing your power.

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5 Camping Resorts Every Camper Should Visit At Least Once: Scenic Campgrounds Across America

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Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities in America. According to a study by the Outdoor Foundation, camping ranks as the third most popular outdoor activity, with more than 31 million people participating each year. If you’re one of those people who love to camp or are just getting into it and looking for some great camping spots, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll discuss five excellent camping resorts every camper should visit at least once.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular campgrounds in the United States for travel experts like Victoria Gerrard La Crosse, and it’s easy to see why. The park is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The mild climate makes it a great place to visit any time of year. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Rocky Mountain National Park is a campground that everyone should visit at least once.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular campgrounds in Virginia. The park offers various camping options, from primitive sites to developed campgrounds with electrical hookups. There are also many activities to enjoy in the park, including hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing. Shenandoah is also home to various wildlife, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. One of the best things about Shenandoah National Park is its proximity to Washington, D.C. The park is just a short drive from the nation’s capital, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique campgrounds in the United States. Situated on the border of Montana and Canada, the park is home to more than 1,000 glaciers and an abundance of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep. Travel experts like Victoria Gerrard La Crosse visiting Glacier National Park can enjoy various activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. The scenery is truly breathtaking, and there is no better place to experience the beauty of nature. In addition to its natural beauty, Glacier National Park also offers a sense of peace and tranquility that can be hard to find in today’s busy world.

Yosemite National Park

Few places on Earth are as naturally stunning as Yosemite National Park. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the park is home to towering waterfalls, pristine meadows, and some of the tallest trees in the world. Visitors can experience Yosemite’s natural beauty by hiking through its many trails, camping under the stars, or simply driving through the park to take in the sights. There is truly something for everyone at Yosemite, making it one of the most popular national parks in the country. However, what sets Yosemite apart from other campgrounds is its accessibility. Although it is located in a remote corner of California, the park is easily reachable by car, making it an excellent destination for a weekend getaway. Yosemite should be at the top of your list whether you’re looking for a short day trip or a more extended vacation.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a campground everyone should visit at least once. The park is located in Texas and boasts more than 8,000 feet of elevation. Big Bend is also one of the largest national parks in the contiguous united states. The park has more than 1,200 hiking trails, passing through various landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and canyons. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including javelinas, black bears, and mountain lions. Campers can also enjoy stargazing, bird watching, and horseback riding. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Big Bend National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the country.

Conclusion

There are many beautiful and unique campgrounds located throughout the United States. However, there are five that stand out above the rest. Rocky Mountain National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Glacier National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Big Bend National Park are all must-see destinations for anyone who loves camping. Each park offers unique scenery and activities, making it a great place to spend a weekend or longer. Pack your camping gear and head to one of these five scenic campgrounds today.

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