Once you have bought travel insurance, you can assume that it covers all aspects of travel. However, this is mostly not the case. As such, Sasha a blogger from Southwest Appliance Repair says on a recent post that many travelers are frustrated on realizing that not everything is covered by their travel insurance. So, before you buy travel insurance, find out what the policy covers. If necessary, buy special add-ons to ensure that exclusions are covered. Here are some of the things that are not covered by travel insurance.
Losses from Pre-Existing Conditions
Most travel insurance policies do not extend to pre-existing health conditions. Pre-existing definition depends on timing of the day the condition was diagnosed and when travel insurance was purchased. But, travel insurance coverage does not include losses that occur as a result of a condition for which you had treatment or symptoms during your look-back period.
Dental Care
Travel insurance does not cover regular dental care. However, it may cover dental trauma under certain circumstances. For instance, travel insurance may cover damage to natural teeth that are sound.
Losses Occasioned by Emotional or Mental Disorders
Claims that involve emotional or psychiatric disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia are not covered by most insurance policies for travelers. Only on rare cases does travel insurance cover these conditions especially when hospitalization becomes necessary.
Medical Procedures Travel
Most travel insurance covers do not cater for issues that may arise for individuals traveling to undergo medical treatment. For instance, your travel insurance won’t cover overseas travel when going for a medical procedure that is too expensive or unavailable at home.
Childbirth and Pregnancy
If you give birth or you travel when pregnant, your insurance won’t cover child birth expenses and pregnancy-related expenses. However, you can have the associated complications covered by your travel insurance. But, it’s important to check with your insurer carefully to know what exactly is covered and take appropriate measures.
Other things that are not covered by travel insurance include natural disasters if they start before purchasing the insurance, risky sports and activities, medical evacuation, and some personal, favorite stuff. To be on the safe side, find out what exactly is covered by your travel insurance and buy special add-ons if necessary.
Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience, but it often requires more planning to ensure the trip is enjoyable for everyone. Major cities around the world offer a plethora of activities tailored for families, from interactive museums to expansive parks. Here are some of the best kid-friendly activities in major cities that will keep your little ones entertained and create lasting family memories.
New York City, USA
Central Park
Central Park is a must-visit destination for families. With its vast playgrounds, boat rentals, and the Central Park Zoo, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. Don’t miss the iconic Central Park Carousel and the various seasonal activities like ice skating in winter and open-air performances in summer.
American Museum of Natural History
This museum is a favorite among children, with its impressive dinosaur exhibits, planetarium, and hands-on Discovery Room. The dioramas and interactive displays provide a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages.
London, UK
Hyde Park
Hyde Park offers numerous activities for children, including boating on the Serpentine Lake, visiting the Diana Memorial Playground, and enjoying open spaces for picnics. The park’s horse riding paths and rowing boats are also popular with families.
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London is a wonderland for kids, featuring life-sized dinosaur skeletons, the impressive blue whale model, and interactive exhibits. The museum’s hands-on activities and special family programs make it a fantastic educational outing.
Paris, France
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Gardens are perfect for children, with puppet shows, a vintage carousel, and sailboats to rent on the pond. There are also playgrounds and pony rides, making it an ideal spot for a family day out.
Cité des Enfants
Located within the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Cité des Enfants offers interactive exhibits designed specifically for children. With sections for different age groups, this science museum provides a hands-on learning experience that is both fun and educational.
Tokyo, Japan
Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo and home to over 3,000 animals, including giant pandas. The zoo is situated in Ueno Park, which also features playgrounds and museums, making it a great family destination.
Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea
No trip to Tokyo with kids is complete without a visit to Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. These theme parks offer a wide range of rides, shows, and attractions that will delight children of all ages.
Sydney, Australia
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo offers a unique experience with its wide variety of animals and breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. The zoo’s keeper talks, and animal encounters are particularly engaging for kids.
Sydney Opera House Junior Tours
The Sydney Opera House offers special tours for children, where they can learn about the history of this iconic building and participate in creative workshops. These tours are both informative and entertaining.
Barcelona, Spain
Parc Güell
Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Parc Güell is a colorful and whimsical park that fascinates both adults and children. The park’s mosaic structures, and playful designs make it a fun place for families to explore.
Cosmo Caixa
Cosmo Caixa is Barcelona’s science museum, featuring interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a tropical rainforest. The museum’s hands-on approach makes science accessible and exciting for children.
FAQs
Q: What are some essential items to pack when traveling with kids?
A: When traveling with kids, make sure to pack snacks, entertainment (books, toys, tablets), a first-aid kit, extra clothes, and any necessary medications. It’s also helpful to bring a stroller or baby carrier for younger children.
Q: How can I keep my children entertained during long flights?
A: To keep children entertained during long flights, bring a variety of activities such as coloring books, puzzles, and electronic devices loaded with games and movies. Snacks and frequent breaks to stretch and move around can also help.
Q: Are there any tips for visiting museums with kids?
A: When visiting museums with kids, choose ones with interactive exhibits and plan to spend shorter amounts of time to keep their interest. Look for family-friendly programs and activities, and don’t forget to take breaks for snacks and rest.
Conclusion
Traveling to major cities with children can be a delightful and enriching experience. With careful planning and by choosing destinations that offer a range of kid-friendly activities, families can create unforgettable memories together. Whether it’s exploring interactive museums, enjoying beautiful parks, or experiencing unique cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone in these vibrant urban centers. So, pack your bags, prepare your itinerary, and get ready for an adventure that the whole family will cherish.
Do you want to experience ultimate relaxation in an exotic destination? This blog post lists the best places to visit when you want to relax in the United States.
Kauai, Hawaii
Most people know Kauai as the “Garden Isle.” It is a tropical paradise with lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and a slower pace. Explore the Na Pali Coast, relax on Poipu Beach, hike through Waimea Canyon, or take a boat tour along the Wailua River.
Sedona, Arizona
Nestled amidst striking red rock formations, Sedona offers a serene and spiritual retreat. Enjoy the tranquil energy, go on scenic hikes, indulge in spa treatments, and take in the breathtaking views from places like Cathedral Rock or the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Big Sur, California
Situated along the rugged coastline of Central California, Big Sur is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and towering redwood forests. Relax in luxurious cliffside resorts, take scenic drives along Highway 1, or unwind in natural hot springs.
San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands offer a peaceful escape with picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife in Puget Sound. You can kayak around the islands, visit charming seaside towns, observe orca whales on a boat tour, or enjoy the serene island atmosphere.
Key West, Florida
The continental United States’ southernmost point, Key West, exudes a laid-back tropical vibe. Enjoy stunning sunsets at Mallory Square, explore the colorful streets lined with Victorian architecture, snorkel or dive in the coral reefs, or relax on the sandy beaches.
These destinations offer unique experiences and natural beauty, providing an ideal setting for ultimate relaxation in the United States.
A child travel consent is a legal document permitting a child to travel without the parents or legal guardians. The definition of a child or a minor will vary depending on country or jurisdiction, so it is always important to check. However, in the US, this is anyone below 16 years.
Parents or guardians should prepare child travel consent forms as proof that their children have permission to travel. It is crucial in preventing child abductions or disappearances. So, as a parent or guardian, never negate this. Preparing the child consent form is easy.
Provide Child’s Details
All important details about the child should be in the consent form. So, provide the name of the child, the passport details, the birth date/place details, and any special conditions, including allergies that the child may have. Be as specific as possible to get all the essential information.
Provide Destination Details
Outline the details of the child’s travel destination. Be as specific as possible, including providing particular arrival and departure dates. If the child is traveling to Paris, give the expected travel dates.
Provide Your Details
Your details as a parent or guardian are also required. List your name, passport details, custody information, and contact information. These details should also be as clear and correct as possible. For example, if something happens as the child travels, people will use your contact details to get to you.
Sign Consent Letter
Finally, sign the consent letter in front of a witness who should also show that they witnessed the writing and signing of the child travel consent letter. Also, share the necessary information with the child before they travel.
One potential drawback of extended travel is boredom. Imagine spending about six hours on a long-haul flight with other strangers. You are likely to get bored with this. But this doesn’t have to happen whenever you have that long trip. Apply these tips to avoid boredom.
Talking
Starting a conversation with a stranger on a long-haul flight may not be easy, especially if you are an introvert. But talking is a great way of keeping boredom away. When you start talking with your seatmate or other travelers, you get something to keep your mind busy. The conversation may be exciting and fun such that it brings excitement. You can talk about anything. Something unique about talking is that it benefits both of you.
Reading
Long travel could be the ideal time to pick a book you have been yearning to read but had no time for due to your tight schedule. Carry your favorite books or magazines when traveling. Reading keeps your mind focused on the contents and busy. The effect will be more intense if you read something interesting. Reading also adds to the entire experience of traveling.
Music
Are you a music lover? The chances are that you love music of some genre. Music is an art that soothes your heart and mind. When having a long trip, listen to music to avoid boredom. You can carry your music collection on your smartphone or laptop. You can also find fantastic music collections on planes. Just plug in the headphones and enjoy.
Movies
Watching a movie, like reading, shifts your attention from the travel time to a different place. By the time the movie ends, you may realize that you have already been traveling for two hours. And this reduces the time that you are conscious of the exhaustion and effects of the long travel. You can decide to watch as many movies as you choose. Luckily, many airlines provide this entertainment option to customers.
You wonder how to travel, especially if you have a full-time job? Impossible, you say? Well, we know that it’s not only possible but beneficial.
Plan Ahead
Look into your calendar and plan and book for your trips in an advance-this way, you will be able to ask for days off work without conflicting with your colleagues. Planning has its advantages, such as saving up big on the flights and accommodation. Most airlines and hotels have up to 40 percent sale for four months travel notice, so you should consider this.
Take Your Annual Leave around Holidays
If you can take your annual leave around public holidays, you can travel for an extended period without the stress of missing some workdays. For instance, you can plan to take your annual leave around the Christmas season.
Maximize on Your Weekends
Do not underestimate how much you can see of a city in just a couple of days. Take the weekends off to explore. Take a long weekend off work from Friday evening to Sunday evening.
Say Yes To Travel
Working full time can put you in strict eating, sleeping, and job routine. However, it is essential to say yes to that urge or invite to travel. If your friend asks you out of the city for the weekend, please say yes. Travel will make you feel excited and rejuvenated when you get back to work.
Do Not Be Afraid To Travel Solo
The solo travel idea might sound a bit far-fetched and intimidating, and you think that you will be bored to death. But, have you considered the possibility of meeting new friends or just having that alone time to rethink, rejuvenate and restructure your life. Traveling solo saves you the trouble of coordinating your schedule with your travel buddies or the risk of them leaving you unprepared.
In Conclusion
It can be hard to travel with a full-time job, but nothing is impossible if you plan ahead and if you want to do it. Follow these tips to start traveling despite having a full-time job.
Traveling with family and friends is fun. What’s more, you can create and share lasting memories when traveling with loved ones. However, you can also enjoy quality moments traveling alone. But, solo travel doesn’t mean spending all your time away from home alone. You can also join tour groups and hang out with other travelers at bars and restaurants. Staying in a hostel enables you to meet and mingle with other people. Here’s why solo traveling can be a fantastic experience.
Ultimate Control and Flexibility
Solo travel provides a chance to do what you want at any time. That’s because you don’t have to ask somebody about things to do and travel with family or on a group tour. And this enhances your spontaneity. Essentially, solo travel gives you ultimate control and flexibility over your plans.
Meeting New People Is Easier
Most people will find you approachable when you travel alone. That’s because you don’t seem as intimidating as when traveling in a group. And when you meet new people when traveling solo, you create new friendships and get an appreciation of life.
Learn to Be Self-Reliant
Even the most carefully planned solo trip faces challenges. And because you’re traveling alone, you must learn to overcome them. Thus, solo travel teaches you to be self-reliant. You also enjoy the comfort that comes with the independence of solo travel.
Final Thoughts
Humans are social beings. Therefore, solo travel can seem weird to some people. However, you stand to enjoy many benefits when you travel solo than when journeying in a group. Solo travel brings freedom and independence, which attract most people. So, if you’ve dreamed about traveling but can’t find a partner, don’t fear going alone. You will find the experience more enjoyable than you might have thought.
It is normal to get nervous before you travel. Almost everybody experiences pre-travel fears, anxieties, and regrets. The most important thing is to know how to cope with these feelings. Here are tips to guide you if you feel nervous before you travel.
Focus on What Lies Ahead
Forget what you will leave behind once you travel and focus on what you’re about to enjoy. What expectations did you have in mind when planning for the trip? You will find that your new experiences will be more exciting. And, everything will go according to plan as long as you took your time to plan the trip.
Share Your Travel Plans with Loved Ones
You will feel better when you share your travel plans with loved ones. Your trip will get more real when you talk about it more often. What’s more, your loved ones can challenge you to do more during the trip. This discussion will help you cope with pre-travel anxiety.
Do Your Due Diligence
The reason you’re nervous is that you feel like you’ve not planned your trip correctly. To avoid this, research your trip and plan it properly. That way, you can reduce fear and risk. You also stop worrying about what lies ahead and focus on what you are about to enjoy.
Remember Your Reasons for Traveling
Why did you decide to go on a trip? Focus on your reasons for traveling and aim to accomplish your goals. As long as you’ve talked to loved ones about the trip, you should not worry about anything or feel uneasy. Just aim to achieve your goals.
Step Out of the Comfort Zone
Take this as a challenge. You’re traveling to do something you’ve probably not done before. For instance, you’re going to be around unfamiliar people in a strange place. You could be going on a camping trip or a hike away from home. This is a great way to find out what you can do.
When you feel nervous before traveling, know that this is a normal feeling. Embrace the fear, anxiety, and excitement. Go out there to have fun and create unforgettable memories.
Canada is the world’s second-largest country by size and a renowned tourist destination with endless beautiful landscapes and a host of other attractions for remarkable trips. Besides, Canada is also generally safe and stable with very low crime rates compared to most countries around the globe. Nevertheless, the following are some safe travel tips that you should keep in mind when visiting Canada.
Overall Risks
Similar to countries like the United States, Canada is overall safe with low crime rates. The public is also generally tolerant of visitors. However, you should not let your guard down especially when traveling in public transport and visiting unfamiliar parts of the cities.
Travel Documents
While the citizens of some countries need visas to enter Canada, there are exemptions for the U.S, UK, German, French, Japanese, Australian, and Korean citizens. In case you are not sure about the status of your visa, be sure to ask for clarifications from the host country before departure. It is also advisable to ask about any other travel documents that may be required for the visit to avoid inconvenience.
It is also very important to get travel insurance for a safe trip to Canada. It will not only cover the costs of medical emergencies but, also the loss of valuables while on transit.
Weather
Canada is known to experience colder weather compared to the United States and Western Europe. In case you are planning a trip between April and October, it is important to dress in layers and think of how to keep warm. It is usually prone to extremely low temperatures and heavy storms in winter. However, the risk of natural disasters is generally low.
Currency
The Canadian dollar is the most widely accepted currency in many establishments across the country. You can do the exchange at the airport or ATMs but, most establishments also accept credit cards. Canada is a destination for every budget and, it is quite easy to find cheap attractions, food, and drinks.
Generally, Canada is a safe and welcoming tourist destination with endless attractions for every traveler. With the above tips and a good plan, it could be nothing short of the best trip.
Savvy travelers will tell you that the best way to travel is with a carry-on. It not only gives you an easier time to move around but, also enables you to save quite a lot of money in the long term. Due to the space limitations in a carry-on, packing can be a significant problem for many travelers. To avoid stress, check out the following must-have carry-on travel essentials.
Travel Gadgets
Traveling can be boring, especially if you are on long haul flights. Even after arriving at the destination, there are many things that will require the use of devices like phone, e-reader, laptop or tablet or camera. When packing these items, you should also remember to carry their accessories. As such, you should have them with you in a carry-on.
Snacks and Water
Traveling with hunger and thirst for a long time can leave you exhausted and even sick. Instead of waiting to eat and drink only during the scheduled meal times on the plane or when the flight comes to a stop, pack some healthy snacks and fresh drinking water in the carry-on. That will ensure greater convenience whenever you feel hungry or thirsty along the way.
Personal Items
There are various essential personal effects that you also need for your comfort and safety during a trip. They include make-up, lip balm, sunscreen, hair bands, hand sanitizers, and wet wipes. Since you will need to use these items more often on the road, it is best to pack them in your carry-on.
Travel Wallet
Unlike your ordinary wallet, a travel wallet has many compartments that can accommodate multiple items and, also helps you to keep things organized in the carry-on. Apart from just money, the wallet can also safely carry travel documents, keycards, tickets, and other essentials.
Since the carry-on will be with you in the cabin throughout the trip, it should contain the items that you need most on the road. For convenience, always make sure that the above travel essentials go into the carry-on.
