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Being amongst nature and being able to explore them is the most fun and exciting thing you can do in life. It is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Being outdoors can even improve our overall health if we do it on the regular.

Hiking and camping are fun outdoor activities. Most people spend their weekends hiking and camping to escape from their mundane, humdrum life. It is also a great way to escape from the chaotic modern world and connect with nature.

However, this outdoor adventure can also bring a lot of trouble—and can be dangerous too—if you are not prepared for it.

That is why we want to share with you in this article how to make your outdoor adventure as exhilarating, exciting, and hassle-free as possible. We have some interesting tips you can use on your next (or first!) adventure so keep reading! Oh, and if you want to know the best outdoor adventure equipment, you can check them out at TourTheOutdoors.

Tip #1: Plan Ahead

Heading off into the wilderness unprepared, without a plan, can bring a series of mishaps. Planning ahead can actually save you from dangerous situations, especially for inexperienced hikers. You can start planning your outdoor adventure by obtaining a map detailing the trails you plan to hike.

Make sure to locate the campsites on the map and, of course, water sources nearby. Estimate the expected miles you can cover a day, depending on the terrain.

Also, make sure to download GPS and compass apps to your mobile phone; but bring a pocket compass, just in case your phone fails during the trail. Even if you bring a battery-operated phone charger, a lot of things can still happen–you could lose your phone on the trail.

Tip #2: Pack Your Hiking Essentials

You should go light when you are hiking. So, bring only the things you need and leave the things you don’t need. The trick to lightweight packing is to pack the heaviest items in the middle for balance, then add the lighter items around them.

Make sure to pack the items you often need last, so you can put them where you can access them easily. These items can be food, water, and maps!

Food

It is important to never run out of energy during a long adventure. When you go hiking, you will be burning a lot of calories. Pack meals that are simple and easy to carry, like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, jerky, carrot sticks, fruit and nuts, and maybe some energy bars. If you opt to go for a jerky snack, there are a lot of varieties. There are beef, fish, turkey, and buffalo. Check out the buffalo jerky for sale if you want one.

Anything that is well-balanced—protein, fat, carb, and fiber—will help you not lose consciousness for a longer period. Make sure to keep fueling your body with energy-giving food at least every 2 hours during an outdoor adventure. This is why we suggest bringing ‘extra food’.

Clothing and Shelter

Weather can be unpredictable, especially when you are in the mountains. So, it’s important to bring along some extra layers to protect yourself. Pack your pants and shirts made of synthetic materials rather than clothes made of cotton material. Cotton keeps the moisture close to your skin. Your jacket should be lightweight and preferably a waterproof one.

Bring a cold weather hat, a beanie, light gloves, a few socks, and of course your sleeping bag and camping tent. Don’t forget to wear a good and durable pair of hiking boots!

First-aid Kit

One of the most important things you need to have when you are going for a hike is a first-aid kit. However, many hikers underestimate its importance. First-aid kits help you minimize or avoid the risk of infection or severity of an injury because you can treat wounds and ailments on the trail.

You should be able to find items that treat injuries such as scrapes, burns, and cuts on a well-supplied kit. Hiking in the wilderness can pose more risks of these injuries, along with blisters and reptile bites. Having a well-supplied first aid kit away from civilization could actually save your life.

Emergency Gear

Most people don’t realize the importance of carrying emergency items that could be crucial to their survival in the wilderness until something goes awry. Always carry emergency gear such as a headlamp and pocket knife.

Headlamps are mostly preferred by hikers because they are hands-free, keeping your hands always available for other tasks. They are not necessarily heavy; you can get bright headlamps that weigh less than an ounce. Also, don’t forget to bring extra batteries!

Tip #3: Stay Hydrated

Going on outdoor adventures is a good way to get ample amounts of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise, therefore, helping you stay healthy. However, you need to stay hydrated as the exertion required for such activity makes you susceptible to dehydration. But there is more to hydration than just simply drinking water.

Your body also needs electrolytes in order to hydrate your cells fully, especially if you go for a longer hike. Pack some electrolyte tablets or sports drinks, and remember to drink them as often as possible to help you stay on top of your game.

Tip #4: Practice

Before you go hiking and camping, it’s important that you are in good shape and condition. Start practicing your ‘hiking skills’ and here’s how:

  • Prepare your body for your upcoming outdoor adventure and hike on local trails first
  • Use your new hiking shoes (if you have one) and go on preparatory hikes; this helps break in your new hiking shoes!
  • Practice setting up your tent
  • Practice using the water pump
  • Learn how to light your stove

Tip #5: Know How to Use Navigation Maps

Using navigation maps can be confusing. Practice locating your position in safe settings, such as the park. Then you can go on practicing in more challenging situations and in weather conditions like snow or rain. So when weather conditions change during your outdoor adventure, you will be more prepared.

You don’t have to go abroad for a holiday, inface a holiday in the UK can be just as fun, if not better than heading abroad! You still have access to all your home comforts, and can easily go with all the family. The UK has plenty to offer this summer, and you can even save money by opting to go on a camping holiday, staying at B&B’s or hiring a motorhome. Let’s take a look at some of the most highly rated UK hotspots for this summer.

Brecon Beacons National Park

One of the most beautiful locations in Wales is the Brecon Beacons National Park. After being cooped up in a town or city, it is amazing to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings of undulating hills and fields full of animals. A must-do on your trip is to visit The Four Falls Trail, which, as its name suggests, compromises of four incredible waterfalls over a five-mile journey, located in the southern section of the national park known as Waterfall Country.

Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove, which is known for being trendy and hip, has pretty much everything you could possibly need for a good getaway: a sea, a beach, tonnes of bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as fantastic shopping options. There is something here for all the family to enjoy, with the famous Royal Pavilion and dock among the sights to view.

York

York is the kind of picture-perfect English city you imagine when you think of a postage stamp. With the ideal blend of historical and modern sights, there is plenty to see and learn here. The city is surrounded by mediaeval walls, yet it still has modern elements from the extensive selection of stores and restaurants. There is a reason it was chosen by the Sunday Times as the best location to live in the UK, and it can be a great place to set up camp whilst you explore the other nearby areas, such as the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

Inverness

The majority of tourists travel to Inverness in the hope of spotting the famous Loch Ness Monster, but the Scottish city offers much more than just trying to spot Nessie. If you want to see submerge yourself into Scottish culture, and see men wearing kilts, hear bagpipes, and drink whiskey— then this is the perfect place to visit this summer.

Lake District

Without the Lake District, no list of beautiful places in the UK would be complete. It is one ne of the most well-known vacation spots and for good reason! From crystal clear lakes and undulating hills that are just as spectacular in real life as you can imagine – it is a family favourite for obvious reasons!

Paris is yours this summer, and quite literally – with many Parisiens flocking from the centre to other parts of France during the warmer months. We jetted to the City of Light for the perfect weekend and swapped dreary London for shimmery Seine boat rides, brasseries and long lunches in the sun.

We touched down with British Airways Holidays right in beating heart of Paris in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th Arrondissement. We were transported from the UK and arrived right in the centre of Paris in a few easy hours. With everything from anique stores, museums, boutique shopping, cosy bars and buzzy restaurants on our doorsteps and having been to Paris countless times previously, we decided to keep it local and uncover everything that was on our doorstep.

First things first was to check into our centrally located hotel, K+K Hotel Cayré, just a stone’s throw from the Latin Quarter and then head for coffee. The chic and comfortable hotel was typically Parisien and the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Louvre Museum were all within walking distance. For an afternoon pick-me-up we chose the historic Les Deux Magots, just a short stroll away. The cafe was first established in 1812 at Rue de Buci and moved to the current address in the 1870s, in the period when the elegant and wide Paris boulevards were being built. Famous amongst the literary set back in the day, we feasted on buttery croissants and steaming black coffee whilst watching the world go by all around us.

Saint-Germain’s major Metro route, Line 4, stops at Saint Michel, Odeon, St-Germain-des-Prés, and Saint-Placide. Line 4 is the link between the north and south of Paris stopping at three of the major Paris train stations — Gare de Nord, Gare de l’Est, and Gare Montparnasse, making it easy to travel just under an hour to the nearby wine regions, the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the summer. We headed to Reims in the Champagne region (45 minutes from Paris) from Gare de l’Est and then onto three Champagne houses for a taste of the good stuff and an introduction to winemaking by lesser-known vineyards and wineries. After a few tipples of the freshest bubbles we have ever tasted it was straight back to the city to put our new-found knowledge to the test at the bars and restaurants by our hotel.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN SAINT-GERMAIN

  • LATE NIGHT DRINKS & PEOPLE WATCHING: Atlas, Saint Germain
  • FLORAL BRUNCHES: Maison Sauvage, Saint Germain
  • WHITE TABLE CLOTH FAMPOUS BRASSERIE: Les Deux Magots, Saint Germain

HOW TO GET THERE

British Airways Holidays offers two nights, at the 4* K+K Hotel Cayré, from £319pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 August – 31 August 2022 inclusive. Includes economy return flights from London Gatwick Airport, 25kg luggage allowance and accommodation. Book by 30 July 2022 at www.britishairways.com/france. Further information on British Airways Holidays can be found here.

WHY CHOOSE BRITISH AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS

  • Package deal: customers can save time and money when they book their flight + hotel or flight + car together
  • Product range: British Airways Holidays offers customers an extensive flight network and over 10,000 carefully selected hotels and villas. It also supplies straight-forward car hire and a range of experiences, transfers and insurance
  • Flexibility: travellers can create a personalised multi-centre holiday with ease. They can book and combine flights in and out of different airports, choose multiple hotels and select car hire for any part of their holiday
  • Low deposit: travellers can secure their holiday with a low deposit (starting from £60pp) and can pay the balance in as many instalments as they want
  • Booking security: for extra peace of mind British Airways Holidays offer a 24-hour helpline and ATOL protection
  • Earn: travellers can collect Avios on flight, hotel and car bookings

If you’re looking to make your next vacation trip unforgettable, look no further! In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips and advice on how to make the most of your time away. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, we’ve got you covered. So sit back and relax – let us show you how to have the best vacation ever! Let’s get started.

Find a Place Where You Want To Go

Of course, your first step in planning a vacation is to decide where you want to go. This can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a specific destination in mind. If you’re struggling to choose a location, try thinking about what kind of experience you’re looking for. Are you hoping to relax and unwind? If so, Old Orchard Beach or the Outer Banks might be perfect for you. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an adventure, consider somewhere like Yellowstone National Park or the Grand Canyon. Once you’ve decided on a destination, it’s time to start planning the details of your trip!

Accommodation

The next step is to book your accommodation. If you’re traveling on a budget, you might want to look into hostels or Airbnbs. However, if you’re looking for a more luxurious vacation, you might want to consider a hotel or resort. There are a few key things to keep in mind when booking accommodation, such as location and amenities. For example, if you’re hoping to be close to the beach, you’ll want to make sure your hotel is within walking distance. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a place with great views, you might want to book a room with a balcony. In addition, it is important to look for something that has the amenities you need, such as a pool or fitness center. Once you’ve found the perfect place to stay, it’s time to start thinking about how to get there!

Find Tickets

Once you’ve sorted out your accommodation, it’s time to start looking for tickets. If you’re traveling by plane, you’ll want to make sure you book your flights in advance. Airline tickets can be expensive, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices. In addition, it is important to mention that you should always search through incognito mode or use a VPN to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. If you’re traveling by car, you’ll want to make sure you have a reliable vehicle and that your insurance is up-to-date. In addition, it is important to map out your route in advance and make sure you have enough gas. Once you’ve sorted out your transportation, it’s time to start thinking about your budget!

Set a Budget

One of the most important aspects of planning a vacation is setting a budget. This will help you determine how much money you need to save in advance and what kind of activities you’ll be able to afford while you’re on vacation. When setting a budget, it is important to consider your accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. For example, if you’re planning to stay in a hotel, you’ll need to factor in the cost of your room and any other fees associated with your stay. In addition, if you’re planning to eat out while you’re on vacation, you’ll need to account for the cost of meals. Additionally, try to set an amount of money for every day of your trip so you don’t overspend.

Pack Accordingly

Now that you’ve sorted out the logistics of your trip, it’s time to start packing! When packing for your vacation, it is important to consider the climate of your destination and the activities you’ll be doing like scuba diving. For example, if you’re traveling to a beach town, you’ll want to make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen and swimsuits. Alternatively, if you’re going on a hiking trip, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper gear, such as hiking boots and a daypack. In addition, it is important not to overpack, as this will make it more difficult to travel. Try to pack only the essentials and leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs! You can always buy items you need when you arrive at your destination.

Be Aware of Local Scams

When traveling to a new place, it is important to be aware of local scams. Unfortunately, there are many people who try to take advantage of tourists. One common scam is someone pretending to be a taxi driver and overcharging you for your ride. Another common scam is someone offering to take your picture and then demanding money. Other scams include people selling fake souvenirs and pickpockets. To avoid being scammed, it is important to be aware of these tricks and to always be cautious when talking to strangers.

Purchase Travel Insurance

One of the most important things to do when planning a vacation is to purchase travel insurance. This will help you in case of any emergencies that may occur while you’re on your trip. Travel insurance will cover things like medical expenses, lost luggage, and canceled flights. It is important to read the fine print of your policy so you know what is and isn’t covered. In addition, it is important to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip so you are covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Have Fun

Now that you’ve planned and prepared for your trip, it’s time to relax and enjoy yourself! Vacations are a time to create memories and have fun, so make sure you take advantage of all your destination has to offer. Try new foods, visit popular tourist attractions, and take plenty of pictures. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your time away from home!

Planning a vacation can be a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. By taking into account the tips we’ve provided, you should be able to have an enjoyable and worry-free trip. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation today!

If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to move from point A to B, shared shuttles may be the perfect option. Shared shuttles are a great alternative to taxis and other forms of transportation, and they’re perfect for groups of people traveling together. When sharing a shuttle with others, it’s vital to follow some basic best practices to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here are four best practices to keep in mind:

1. Book Your Ride in Advance

If you’re using a shared shuttle for the first time, it’s best to book your ride in advance. This will ensure that you get the shuttle you want and that it is available when you need it. You can usually find a shuttle service that operates in your area by searching online or asking around.

For instance, if you’re flying via JFK airport, you can search for the ‘cheapest shuttle to JFK‘ or ‘best-shared shuttle service JKF’ to find a list of shuttle services that operate in the area. Once you have found a few options, compare the prices and reviews to choose the best one. Most shuttle services will require you to provide your contact information, pick-up location, and drop-off location.

2. Be Aware of Your Belongings

When you’re sharing a shuttle with other people, it’s important to be aware of your belongings at all times. Keep your bag close to you and don’t put anything valuable in the overhead compartment. If possible, wear a cross-body bag so you can keep it in front of you where you can see it.

Never leave your belongings unattended in the shuttle, even for a minute. If you need to step away, take your belongings with you or ask someone you trust to watch them for you. This doesn’t mean you need to be paranoid, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution. You don’t want to be the person who lost their phone or wallet because they weren’t paying attention.

3. Be Courteous to Your Fellow Passengers

Shared shuttles are meant to be a convenient and comfortable way to get around, so make sure you are respecting the space and the people around you. This means taking care of your personal items, not putting your feet on the seats, and being mindful of how much noise you’re making. If you’re respectful of your fellow passengers, they will be more likely to do the same for you.

Remember that people with different schedules and destinations often use shared shuttles. So, be patient and courteous when you’re boarding and disembarking the shuttle. Allow people to exit the shuttle before you try to get on, and be sure to have your belongings ready so that you are not holding up the line.

4. Follow the Driver’s Instructions

The driver is there to ensure that everyone gets to their destination safely and on time. They know the route better than anyone else, so it’s important to follow their instructions. If they tell you to buckle your seatbelt, do it. If they tell you to keep your belongings close to you, do it. It may seem like common sense, but following the driver’s instructions is one of the best things to do when riding a shared shuttle.

Remember that the driver is not your personal chauffeur. They are not there to drive you around town or take you on a city tour. If you want to explore a city, you should hire a private car and driver. Shared shuttles are for getting from point A to point B and nothing more. So, please be respectful of the driver and avoid asking them for anything outside of their scope.

Shared Shuttles Save You Time and Money

Shared shuttles are a great way to save time and money. By following the five best practices listed above, you can make the most of your experience. Don’t forget to be on time for your pick-up and departure, and always have your payment ready when you board the shuttle. Happy travels.

Canada is home to some of the most stunning places around the world. There is no doubt as to why this place continues to receive international travelers all year long. From Saskatchewan’s gorgeous flower fields to visiting the Banff National Park in Alberta, to even experiencing the colorful scenery in Fernie located in British Columbia. Canada has over hundreds of different places to choose from when it comes to exploring and traveling. And if you are planning your next trip here, you should definitely consider checking out the breathtaking mountain scenery in Calgary.

One of the largest cities in Alberta, Calgary is home to a unique mixture of nature and city life. According to Forbes, Calgary has been listed as one of the nicest and cleanest cities to live in the world. This fact alone is quite impressive, without even mentioning that this city is also popular for being 80km from the Rocky Mountains.

There is a lot that Calgary has to offer and here are the main 6 reasons why it should be next on your travel itinerary:

1. Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump

One of the main attractions in Calgary is the archaeological site known as Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. While this place is not right in Calgary, but only a short drive away, tourists consider this archaeological landscape iconic as it holds some of the most beautiful views over the cliffs. This place makes it perfect for experienced hunters given that this place is filled with wildlife.

2. The Calgary Stampede Park

Every visitor, as well as any local Canadian fellow, must know that Calgary Stampede Park is a place everyone should visit here. Not only is this attraction quite popular given that it is considered one of the greatest outdoor shows, but what this event mainly displays is wagon races, games, cattle auctions, and cowboy-inspired looks, among many other attractions. The main point about this event is that it happens every July, and it is a mixture of modern culture with the wild west, which can be really entertaining for everyone to experience.

3. Quality of Life in Calgary

Another important fact about Calgary is it’s related to their quality of life. Calgary is home to over 1.1 million residents, with an average age of 35.7 so people consider this place to have one of the youngest populations in all of Canada. And while party life here is very fun, this city is also filled with a multicultural society.

For those looking to relax, CBD oil is available in Calgary and you can buy it online and near you at local dispensaries. In 2018 cannabis was legalized for recreational use throughout Canada.

4. Calgary Holds Some Of The Best Restaurants In Canada

From a list of 50 top restaurants around Canada, Calgary actually holds six of the best restaurants out there, which makes it an amazing place to visit and enjoy the food here. While Calgary holds a very provincial look, its multicultural society has allowed it to expand in various ways, especially on the culinary side. There are so many dining options here, that you will need more than one trip in order to visit them all.

5. The Calgary Tower

One of the most iconic landmarks in Calgary is The Calgary Tower. Every important Canadian city has its own landmark which is no different from Calgary, which built a tower in order for visitors to get a 360 view of the entire city. More than this place is a simple observatory, on top, it has a deck where people can enjoy a drink or a cocktail while gazing over this beautiful town.

6. 1988 Winter Olympics and the 2009 World Water Ski Championship

Another important fact that all visitors must know is that Calgary has been considered one of the cleanest cities in the world, which is why it was chosen for the 1988 Winter Olympics and even the 2009 World Water Ski Championship. These two major events took place in Calgary because this city holds some of the most beautiful water for rafting, as well as beautiful infrastructure surrounding the entire city.

Before you head out on your next road trip, it’s worthwhile looking at ways in which you can cut the costs of your car insurance.

Thankfully, there are several ways you can go about saving money on your auto insurance. Here are seven methods you’ll want to consider.

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/8e2gal_GIE8

1. Ditch Any Coverage You Don’t Need

First off, take a detailed look through your existing car insurance policy. It could include coverage that you don’t actually need, such as car rental or roadside assistance coverage.

Identify anything you don’t need and ask your insurer about removing it from your policy. You could potentially make significant savings.

2. Shop Around for Better Car Insurance Rates

One of the simplest and best ways to cut the costs of your car insurance is to switch to another insurer that offers a better price.

These days, it’s quick and easy to use an online comparison site to compare the rates of different insurance companies.

However, don’t simply go with the cheapest insurer you find. It’s just as important that the insurance company is reputable and has lots of glowing customer reviews.

So, approach getting car insurance in the same way as you would for choosing a credit card, for instance. Shop around!

3. Need an SR-22? You Can Still Shop Around for Cheaper Insurance

If you’re located in the United States and you have committed a serious offence, you’ll need to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is basically a type of auto insurance for high-risk drivers.

The good news is lots of insurance companies offer SR-22 insurance, so you can still use some online comparison platforms to compare different insurers that provide SR-22 insurance.

To learn more, check out this helpful post about SR-22 car insurance facts, which includes some facts you’ll be surprised about.

4. Increase Your Deductible

As you probably know, your deductible is the amount of money you have to pay after an accident, theft, or damage to your vehicle before the insurance company picks up the tab.

By choosing a lower deductible, you’ll have a higher annual premium. On the other hand, when you choose a higher deductible, you’ll pay a lower annual premium.

It could work in your favour to change your deductible, so ask your insurer how your premium will be affected if you raise your deductible.

5. Install Anti-theft Devices

You could cut the costs of your car insurance by installing anti-theft devices on your car, such as a car alarm or LoJack.

But make sure you find out from your insurer which devices can enable you to lower the cost of your insurance before you proceed.

6. Improve Your Credit Rating

While your driving record makes a difference to the cost of your car insurance, don’t forget that your credit rating can also affect the price of your auto insurance.

Therefore, if you can improve your credit score before your next road trip, by doing things like paying bills on time and not taking on any debt, you could make significant savings on your car insurance.

7. Take a Defensive Driving Course

If you have plenty of time before your next road trip, you could save money by securing an auto insurance discount through successfully completing an accredited defensive driving course.

Just make sure you talk to your insurer about this option before you sign up for a course. To qualify for a discount on your insurance, you may need to complete a specific course.

Also, you need to find out how much money you can actually save by completing a defensive driving course to make sure it’s worth your while.

It’s not easy to determine which areas are must-visits and which you can skip during a vacation. And when visiting iconic Alaska, this gets even harder. As one of the largest and most well-preserved landscapes, it has the wildest ocean adventures and a rich history that goes back hundreds of years to the first mankind in Northern America.

From the wildlife to nature’s beauty of Alaska, it’s hard to tell what magical and enchanting sights will be featured in your journey. The tallest mountains, largest glaciers, exuberant forests, and the largest mammals of the abundant wildlife are what to expect to see if you’re still wondering. Read through our article for the top attractive spots to visit when visiting Alaska.

The Arctic National Park

The gates of the Arctic are considered one of the largest, untouched wild areas on earth. There are several camping locations in the remote space, but if you really intend to camp at one of the spots, you will have to rely on the skills, knowledge, and gear you’re allowed to take with you. A journey of discovery and solitude of beautiful nature, aesthetic valleys, breathtaking rivers, and astounding views of the mountains is what you get to explore and experience at the gates of the Arctic National Park. However, visiting without camping is still an option; flightseeing is a good alternative provided by the local air taxis on day trips, where you still get to enjoy the spectacular views.

Denali National Park

The Denali is considered the tallest mountain in North America with a ribbon road that shows off more than 6 million acres of wildlife. As a traveler, you’ll get to see wild animals as they’re roaming and wandering all over the unfenced acres of land. Some of the efforts of the Global Alliance of National Parks and other associations have been dedicated to keeping and preserving the wilderness of the park. The hiking trails at the Denali are mainly gated through the park road at the park’s entrance, where hikers should be able to read maps carefully.

In some places, hiking is prohibited since wild bears and wolves are likely to be encountered. So if you’re into hiking, make sure you determine the safest route and follow the map.

Glacier Bay National Park

It’s hard to visit Alaska and skip the Glacier Bay National Park. Cruising into the world’s most protected and preserved biosphere by UNESCO cannot be missed. You can never predict how lucky you might be to see whales, colored puffins, sea lions, seals, and the largest population of bears. The itinerary of Alaska cruise trips doesn’t come to an end there; you can create a lifetime of memories with the wonders and history of this place.

Katmai National Park

What is so amazing and unique about Katmai National Park, is that it’s considered the biggest world viewing region of bears. The best view platform is at Brooks Falls, where bears are seen catching salmon fish – the scene of huge brown bears heading to the rivers to feed themselves is just priceless. But it’s not only the bears that are seen catching fish, Katmai is also a great place for fishing, known as an exceptional destination for fishing. Many facilities were originally built for fishermen, including the Brooks Camp.

From the tallest mountain of Denali to the Kenai Fjords, you can choose from wild, bold adventures to a calm relaxing vacation with breathtaking sightseeing and aesthetic untouched nature. Alaska is home to one of the world’s biggest wildlife preserves on earth. Experiencing the thrilling beauty of landscapes and the wilderness in the most attractive spots on earth is definitely worth a visit.

When you land at Rovaniemi airport in Finland, there is no mistaking you’ve landed in the “official” home town of Santa Claus with festive signs proudly displayed around the airport along with Santa’s official postbox. It’s not hard to imagine tourists flocking to the region over the Christmas holidays to savour the atmospheric surroundings and also to observe the stunning northern lights.

However, it’s also a wonderful destination to visit during other months of the year, in particular during the summer when you can experience the midnight sun phenomenon. One region I particularly recommend visiting is Pyhä-Luosto National Park which is just under 1.5 hours from Rovaniemi airport by car. It connects the Pyhä and Luosto tourist centres and is an area filled with majestic pine forests, scenic fells and rich in Sámi culture.

Nature lovers will feel right at home with countless outdoor activities to partake in. You can go rock-climbing through the rugged scenery at Pyhä Adventure Park or cross a gorge via zipline. They have varying levels of difficulty so they can cater for adults and children alike.

With the advent of e-bikes, cycling has been made more accessible and you can ride through the Finnish countryside and up to an amethyst mine on an electric fat bike. Depending on the settings you choose, it can be as calorie-burning as you desire. The views on top of Lampivaara fell are scintillating where pine trees stretch into the horizon for miles on end. The amethyst mine tour is endlessly fascinating as you not only learn the geology of the region but it’s also interactive, where you can dig up your amethyst crystal and take it home with you as long as it fits in the palm of your hand.

My favourite outdoor adventure in Pyhä was a serene canoeing adventure in Lake Pyhäjärvi and the surrounding rivers. Canoeing has been slightly out of fashion compared to kayaking, but you get less wet due to the higher sides and the seating is much more comfortable. Canoes are trickier to manoeuvre but this isn’t the type of excursion where speed is of the essence, so you have time to slowly meander down the stream whilst admiring the picturesque riverbanks.

If you want to know what wildlife to spot in the countryside, the best place to start is the visitor centre NAAVA. They have a museum section displaying all the animals you might encounter during your hiking adventure from brown bear to the more common small Siberian Jaybird (there are over 128 different species of bird in the park). It’s not just the fauna but also the flora you can observe whilst hiking through the national park. You’ll come across all types of unusual berries from blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, and other berries to exotic edible mushrooms. You’ll see them at their most vibrant around July and normally they can be found until the first signs of frost commencing around October time. The hiking trails also have a wide range of difficulties with some that are suitable for wheelchair users.

With the Sámi being indigenous to the region, a cultural visit to Jaakkola Reindeer Farm is a must. It’s been a family-run business for almost 30 years where you can visit the majestic animals on site, feed them or go on sleigh rides. More importantly, you can hear from owners Anu and Jani about Sámi traditions and culture, including visiting their Sámi museum. And they can even arrange cookery classes where you can learn to make Anu’s famous mushroom soup. The secret ingredients include using soy sauce and coffee beans. And even world-famous Gordon Ramsay has visited their kitchen to learn how to make the soup for an ITV programme.

You might be wondering what are the local food and accommodation options. As mentioned previously, expect plenty of reindeer whether it’s carpaccio or served as a steak and probably garnished with lingonberries. For your seafood option, you’re likely to frequently see arctic char on the menus. The standard is uniformly high whether you are dining at the bistro at Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi or at the nearby restaurant Punakettu, which has a distinct French influence. The aforementioned hotel has that distinct log cabin vibe that you would come to expect when visiting Finland. They also have an amethyst spa with the obligatory Finnish sauna which is ideal for relaxing those tired muscles after any hiking trips.

Room in Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi starts from 99€ /£85 per night including the use of the Amethyst spa and breakfast.

pyha.fi/en/pyha
www.visitfinland.com/

With the height of the COVID pandemic coming to a close, people around the world are looking forward to traveling this summer more than ever before. But with more people traveling, that means more money being spent on flights, accommodation, and transportation. Check out these top five reasons to skip the beach and stay home this summer instead.

1. Save Tons of Money

Probably one of the most obvious reasons for opting for a staycation over a vacation is that it can save you tons of money. In an article released by Forbes Magazine, it was noted that the average cost for a typical summer vacation for one person was $1,145 or $4,580 for a family of four. Whether you’re saving money for a longer vacation the following year, saving up for a wedding or home down payment, or simply setting some money aside for a rainy day, indulging in a staycation is a great way to spend the summer relaxing without breaking the bank.

2. Spend Time Catching Up on Home Renovations

If you are a homeowner considering skipping the sandy shores for a staycation, the summer months are a perfect time to catch up on some home renovations. The warm weather of the summer months makes a staycation the perfect time to work on outdoor home renovation projects like gardening, landscaping, pool installation, or a garage door remodel and installation.

“Your garage door says a lot about you and your style. Some are more functional while others are more decorative. Whatever your choice, the garage door you install should match your needs, budget and house style,” says M&M Garage Doors, a company specializing in garage doors in Grand Rapids, MI. By passing on an expensive getaway, homeowners can budget for big outdoor projects like this one while also having plenty of time to enjoy a family barbeque in their new home or yard.

3. (Re)Discover Your City

Spending the summer in your hometown doesn’t have to be boring. As humans, we tend to get ourselves into patterns and routines, but trying out something new and creative in your hometown is as simple as checking out that new coffee shop or restaurant around the corner. Instead of spending the summer in the same old rut, try asking friends and family for their recommendations on new things to try right in your own hometown. You may be surprised to try out something new like aerial yoga, pottery classes, or a family friendly escape room challenge.

In addition to checking out some new activities, taking some time off work to revisit some of your hometown favorites can be a heartwarming and relaxing activity for the entire family. With kid out of school and parents off from work, there’s plenty of time for reconnecting with the family by enjoying an evening meal at your favorite restaurant or spending time making memories at home with a family game nigh

4. Pamper Your Pets

No one likes to miss out on all the fun, and that goes for family pets too! Spending the summer months at home may sound boring to us, but for dogs and cats that crave the attention and companionship of their owners, a summer staycation is the perfect time for preserving the human animal bond. Whether you’re taking your Laborador Retriever for a walk in the park or just staying in the air conditioning catching up on Netflix with Ms. Fluffy, there’s no doubt that everyone’s furry friends will be delighted to spend the summer cuddling up with their owners.

5. Stay Safe from COVID

Even though over five billion people across the world are vaccinated for COVID, there are still new cases and each and for people with compromised immune systems, opting for a staycation is still a much safer option than traveling. Although travel has opened up in most places across the world, travelers should still take precautions to avoid contracting and spreading COVID to their loved ones. By spending the summer at home, we can all help reduce the spread of COVID by keeping the ones we love happy and healthy.

Although spending a summer at home will not provide a cure for those who have been bitten by the travel bug, it can be a great budget friendly alternative to an expensive summer vacation. Opting for a staycation can give you the freedom to relax and unwid in the comfort of you own home while saving tons of money for your next big adventure.