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Great Alternative Budget Vacation Ideas

While many of us dream of traveling the world it’s not always feasible, even for those with the best of intentions. But while you might not have a lot of time or money, luckily there’s more than one way to see the world. Travel is…

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While many of us dream of traveling the world it’s not always feasible, even for those with the best of intentions. But while you might not have a lot of time or money, luckily there’s more than one way to see the world. Travel is simply the art of going somewhere new and different and exploring everything the place has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you have two days, two weeks, or two months. There are many ways to get on the road and see the world, so here are some budget ways to travel and explore even if you are cash-strapped or time-poor:

 

Be a local tourist – How often do you visit the tourist sites in your own city? Hardly ever, right? We always put it off until tomorrow, because when we live in a city, there is always a tomorrow. If you’re short on time and money, there’s no better way to spend some free time than to wander your own city. No matter what its size, it has a number of wonders just waiting to be explored. When you become a local tourist, check out of your house and into a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse. It’s important to get out of your familiar environment, because if you stay home, you’ll find something to do around the house and create excuses for why you can’t sightsee. Moving to a different location can help give you that feeling of adventure, excitement, and unfamiliarity. Moreover, be sure to go to your local tourism office and get a city tourism pass. These cards allow you to see a wide range of local attractions for free or reduced prices and can be your way to see your local sites on a budget. They aren’t just for outsiders!

Travel regionally – Travel brings to mind faraway and exotic destinations. Because of that, few people look in their own backyard for adventure, but it offers just as many places to travel. Exploring your own region is an underrated and often overlooked aspect of travel. So you don’t have to fly across an ocean to explore the world. Head to the bookstore, buy a regional guidebook, and see what there is to see in your area. Your backyard holds as many possible travel destinations as does a country half a world away.

Go to National Parks – There’s almost always a park nearby and spending a few days with nature is not only good for your wallet but also good for your soul. Camping, after all, costs very little money. Camping fees in national parks are as little as $15 USD per night in the United States, $15-40 CAD in Canada, $30-60 AUD in Australia, and $17-22 NZD in New Zealand. And in many places in Japan and Europe (especially Scandinavia), you can camp on public lands for free. Additionally, you go camping stocked with all your own supplies and accommodation so you don’t have to worry about spending lots of extra money. Your food bill can be whatever you spend on groceries and nothing more. You don’t need to love camping to spend time in the national parks, either. Luckily, many parks provide cabins.

Book a last minute cruise – Cruise lines always offer incredible last-minute deals. No ship’s captain wants to leave with half the cabins empty. If you wait until the last minute, you can find some really amazing deals as cruise lines scramble to find passengers. Plus, cruise operators always throw in some on-board amenities, free upgrades, and cash vouchers to sweeten the deal. After you book, keep an eye out on prices, because if they drop, you can often call your travel agent or the cruise company itself to get a partial refund or vouchers to use for dining and alcohol on the boat.

Think outside the box – Travel counter to the prevailing trend. If people are going in the summer, you go in the spring or winter. Skip the popular destinations and head off the beaten path a bit. It might not be the most ideal time to go or your favorite destination, but thinking of unusual places to go and visiting in the off-season are going to save you a lot of money.

Book a last-minute tour – Just like cruises, tours are best booked last-minute. Tour companies need to fill the seats because once that trip departs, they still have the same costs. Why are tours so cheap last-minute? Well, think about how people plan vacations. You get the time off work, you book your vacation, you buy your flight, and you go. Since people pre-book, prices are higher in advance because these companies understand booking patterns and then price accordingly. As departure time nears, companies know people aren’t likely to turn up and book on departure day, so they sweeten the price to increase bookings. So take the time off work, wait until the week before, see what’s cheap, and then go.

Become a house sitter – Accommodation can eat into the cost of a trip big-time. A way around that is to stay somewhere for free. A unique way to overcome this is to house-sit for someone while they are on vacation. You get free accommodation, a kitchen to cook in, and the chance to explore a destination in depth. It’s a pretty unique way to travel and one that a lot of world travelers take advantage of. You can even do this in your own region too, to cut down on transportation costs.

Grab a cheap flight – Nowadays, you don’t have to guess where the cheapest flight from your home would be. You can look up a whole list of flights using a site like Momondo or Google Flights. With those sites you can type in “(the closest airport to you)” for your departure city and “everywhere” for your destination. Then a list of the cheapest flights appears in front of your very eyes, so you can choose where to go within your budget.

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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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