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Does Travel Make You a Better Person

Travel is exhilarating, fun, exciting, and inspiring. Valerie and Alex are friends of mine that have the #1 San Antonio collision repair shop our in Texas, and the loooooveee to travel. They said that we are lucky to have a world that is easy to travel to and cheaper than ever before. While a beach vacation might be what the doctor advised you to have, studies show that suitable travel can change you immensely in the long term. Traveling can rewire your brain and alter how you see the world, and make you a better person. Here is how. 

Travel Awakens Your Understanding

Packing up a bag and jumping on the next airplane takes you to a whole new world. You become exposed to endless variations of culture and happiness, all in the name of exploring the world that lies beyond your home. And this can change how you think about the world. 

Travel Makes You Flexible

The 8-5 work routine may leave you confined to a tight schedule. Explore the world and break away from the norm. Time varies from place to place. Therefore, sit back, relax and enjoy your travels without minding time. Have fun and expect the unexpected along the way.

Traveling Makes You Fearless

Traveling makes you achieve the dreams you never thought were possible. For instance, you can skydive, paraglide, or bungee jump during a trip. Also, you can travel to an unknown country alone and enjoy the experience.

Travel makes us realize who we are

The travel bug will make you learn a few things about yourself that you never knew. Traveling forces us to get in touch with our true selves. Your self-confidence allows you to venture to a new city without knowing a single soul. And you can find happiness from friendly hi from a fellow traveler.

Take Away

On the surface, it may seem like a small fate. After all, you get to see more people’s cultures and learn more about yourself and your environment. But these are the little things that could change your personality when traveling. 

Exploring the Underwater World: Scuba Diving in Canada

Canada has the most beautiful underwater life in the world. From majestic coral reefs in the Caribbean islands to incredible kelp forests along the Pacific coast and hidden freshwater lakes, Canada’s waters are teaming with vibrant aquatic creatures that make any scuba dive an unforgettable experience. Here are the best places to go scuba diving in Canada.

British Columbia

Desolation Sound Marine Park is an excellent spot for beginner and experienced divers. The park’s protected waters are home to various marine life, like wolf eels, sea lions, giant octopuses, lingcod, and even some whales! Plenty of dives are available for those looking to explore the caves and canyons at depths up to 80 meters.

Nova Scotia

Sable Island is an isolated island situated off the east coast of Nova Scotia. It’s known as one of the best places in Canada for drift diving, thanks to its strong currents, which bring all sorts of life into the area, such as sharks, rays, turtles, and much more.

Ontario

Tobermory is one of Canada’s most popular dive sites, thanks to its abundance of shipwrecks. With depths ranging from 10-35 meters, divers can explore remains from various ships dating back centuries.

Newfoundland and Labrador

L’Anse aux Meadows is home to some incredible coral reef formations, including vibrant sea fans and hundreds of years old sponges. Explore this site’s many caves, canyons, and walls, with depths up to 40 meters.

Quebec

The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is a diver’s paradise. With its crystal-clear waters, this park is home to amazing sea life, like sea stars, anemones, crabs, and lobsters. Also, divers can explore various shipwrecks at depths up to 70 meters.

Whether you’re a veteran diver or a beginner, scuba diving in Canada is an unforgettable experience you will remember. All it takes is a little research beforehand, and you’ll be ready to explore the many wonders of Canada’s underwater world. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go diving!…

How to Prepare for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Adventures

Scuba diving and snorkeling adventures are thrilling and exciting, but you should also take them seriously. Proper preparation before you go out on the water is essential for a safe and successful dive. Here are some tips to make sure that your underwater adventure is memorable in all the right ways:

Research Your Destination

Before you book a trip:

  • Research the location thoroughly.
  • Gather as much information as possible about conditions, diving depths, currents, and marine life at your destination.
  • Ask local divers or operators what you need to know and prepare to follow their advice.

Get Certified

A professional scuba certification class is an essential first step before embarking on any diving expedition. Learning from an experienced instructor will help you understand safety procedures and adequately use the equipment.

Watch Your Weight

Ensure you have the right weight for your body size, as too much weight will make it difficult to move in the water.

Practice Breathing Techniques

Becoming familiar with breathing techniques and safety protocols is essential for a successful dive. Please practice being comfortable underwater before your trip to relax and enjoy the experience once you’re out on the water.

Check Your Gear

Ensure all your equipment is in good working condition before you go out, including fins, masks, snorkels, tanks, regulators, and other necessary items. Bring an extra set of everything in case something fails during the dive.

Pack Appropriate Clothing

Dress appropriately for your destination, including swimwear and a rash guard or wetsuit. Consider bringing clothes that are lightweight and dry quickly, such as shorts and a T-shirt.

Hydrate

Hydrating your body before, during, and after a dive is essential. Therefore, drink plenty of water throughout the day, so you don’t become dehydrated while underwater.

Stay Alert

Remember that you are in an unfamiliar environment. Stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared for any unexpected events.

Have Fun

Most importantly, remember to have fun! Scuba diving is a unique experience that all participants should enjoy. Respect the environment, stay safe, and enjoy the adventure.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your scuba diving and snorkeling adventures are enjoyable and safe. With the proper preparation, you’ll be able to make the most of your underwater exploration and come back with some fantastic stories to share. Happy diving!…

Reason to Travel to the Netherlands

Netherland is a small and densely populated country in Europe. It holds back all the attractions one needs to travel to anytime. Below are some sites that will make you fall in love with the government.

Flower Powder

The Netherlands is known as ‘the flower shop of the world because of its unrivaled tulips with sweeping fields of glorious bloom and stunning gardens. Thousands of people flock to the country yearly to see the beautiful flowers.

Netherland Canals

It’s a crime not to include the Amstaderm Canals on your list while visiting Amsterdam. They are the country’s most famous tourist attractions. You can access the beautiful canals by boat, water taxis, walk around the small bridge and quaint street to enjoy them.

Charming Dutch Towns and Villages

Besides the big cities, the Netherlands has charming towns and villages like Volendam, Goes, Middleburg, and much more! Each city has its quality, and it’s worth checking out.

Rotterdam City

Rotterdam is a fantastic, lesser-known city in the Netherlands and utterly different from the other cities. That’s because when the city bombing during the second world war, the citizens did not dwell on the terrible event but rebuilt the city unitedly.

Spectacular Festivals

The Dutch love to dance and are famed for their vibrant festivals. For instance, on the 27th of April, they celebrate Kings Day to commemorate the Dutch monarch King Willem Alexander’s birthday. Everyone gets off on this day, and the streets are crowded with people dressed in orange, waving orange flags, and blasting music.

Cycling Paradise

In the Netherlands, everyone loves bicycles. The country owns the most bicycles in the world. It has more bicycles than people! Also, it is flat, so it is accessible to bike, plus it’s one of the cheapest ways.

The Bottom Line

There is no excuse for travelers not to visit this magnificent county, from its cordial citizens to the prominent historical landmarks. It is the ideal tourist destination.…

How to Choose the Right Travel Companion

When looking for a travel companion, find someone with whom you have aligning travel philosophies. The person you spend a lot of time with back at home is not necessarily your best travel companion. Ideally, you need an easy-going person that you can overcome challenges on the road. When planning a big adventure, start by going on a short trip or a weekend getaway with the person to see if you’re a good fit. Here are more tips to help you pick the right travel companion.

Consider What You Have in Common

Do you enjoy the same activities with your travel buddy? For instance, do you love mountain climbing, or is your companion afraid of high grounds or heights? Do you prefer exploring abandoned landmarks than visiting the museum? Essentially, a good travel companion is a person you have common interests. That way, you will have a relatively more straightforward time coordinating your itinerary and planning your travel days.

Do You Have Differences?

You’re likely to butt heads when making essential decisions if you travel with somebody you have many similarities with. Therefore, look for somebody that is a little different. For instance, look for an extrovert if you are an introvert. You can also look for somebody that always knows what you want whenever you’re indecisive. That way, your companion will help you out when stuck, not knowing what to do next.

Agree About the Details of Your Trip

Don’t leave home without agreeing on what you will do while away. That’s because disagreements could ruin your trip. Therefore, sit down with your travel partner to discuss the details of your journey and agree before leaving. For instance, talk about the destination and budget. Decide where you will stay and the activities you will engage in while traveling. That way, you will always know the next move even without discussing it.

Above all, find a travel companion you can always be happy to have around. Make sure it’s a person that you always get along with, even back at home.

Helpful Tips for Saving on Flights when Traveling

In most cases, flights are the most significant expenses when traveling. Therefore, taking your time to research flights before you travel can help you save a lot of money. Here are practical tips for saving on flights whenever you travel.

Use More Websites to Research

The internet is awash with websites that allow you to research different airlines and their fares. Use several sites to research airfares before you travel by comparing prices and service quality. That way, you can identify the best airline to use to get quality services at affordable prices.

Be Flexible

Different travel days might have incredible discrepancies in terms of ticket prices. Therefore, use various sites to identify the best days to fly when prices are low. Flexibility is crucial if you’re not supposed to be at your travel destination on a specific date. Nevertheless, be diligent in ensuring that your travel date and hotel bookings match.

Fly During the Low Season

Most airlines charge relatively low prices for air tickets when people travel during the low season. That’s because fewer people travel during this time compared to the peak season. Therefore, decide when to travel based on when people go on vacation to your destination. That means you have to research your destination before you choose to travel.

Buy Your Tickets Early

Avoid purchasing your tickets at the last minute because they will cost you more. That’s because airlines know that people that buy tickets at the last minute are desperate to travel. As such, they can charge you a higher price for your ticket because they know you’re likely to pay. To avoid this, buy your air tickets early.

Check Promotions

Some companies offer promotions because they want to fill their empty flights. Therefore, research the available offers and then use them to save money.

Research is always essential when traveling, and you want to cut costs. Follow these tips to save on flights when traveling.

Unsafe Countries to Travel to in 2020

As a precautionary measure for the safety of its citizens abroad, the U.S Department of State issues travels advisories for the countries it considers to be dangerous. However, some unsafe nations do not feature in the travel advisories. To help you with ensuring smooth and enjoyable adventures around the globe, the following are some of the most unsafe countries to visit in 2020. 

Middle East 

Quite several countries in the Middle East have been flagged as dangerous to travelers on most occasions. The countries that appear at the top of that list include Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Apart from the constant political unrest, those countries are also hotbeds of gender discrimination, kidnappings, murders, and health risks. 

Japan 

While Japan has for many years been one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, visiting the Asian nation could be dangerous. Most parts of the world experience natural disasters from time to time but, Japan experiences some of the worst earthquakes that often result in massive property destruction and deaths. That is the greatest danger that could ruin your trip to Japan. 

Africa 

Generally, there are various safe destinations in Africa. However, it is also home to a handful of dangerous countries with reputations of kidnappings, gender violence, killings, muggings, and human trafficking. The most unsafe African nations that you should think carefully about visiting this year include Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Congo, and South Africa. 

India 

India has continued to receive significant attention as one of the most beautiful travel destinations. However, it can also be a dangerous place, especially for foreign tourists. Besides the high crime rates, India also scores very low in terms of gender discrimination, sexual violence, and medical threats. 

Regardless of where you visit, every destination has unique safety concerns. The best way to ensuring safe and memorable trips is to carefully research the risks and plan the itinerary according to the threats. 

How Travel Will Improve Your Mental Health

Traveling starts with planning. And, this alone excites some people. But, this is not what travel is all about. Here are other ways via which travel can improve your mental health. 

Opening the Mind

Your mind won’t open up unless you meet new people, visit new places, and interact with individuals from different backgrounds. Traveling enables you to leave your routine and home to explore the world. This can be mind-opening because you will meet people from different cultures. 

Stress Reduction 

Most people lead stressed lives. They are stressed by their jobs and family responsibilities. When people travel, they get a chance to relax in new places. They hang out with new people and in different places. This makes them feel calm and their stress melts away. 

Boosting Creativity 

Traveling gives the brain a break. And, when a person leaves their routine and home, creative instinct increases. The passion for hobbies is fueled. Different sounds, smells, and sensations can light up their new synapses in the brain. This can break their creative blocks. 

Increased Productivity 

Sprinting through daily life leads to the buildup of stress and thoughts. Even taking some time for self-care, mental weight might slow you down if you don’t take a break. Traveling gives you the break you need from the routine. This ensures that this mental weight doesn’t end up ruining your productivity. When you travel, you come back feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. 

Life Transformation 

Traveling can lead to life transformation. That’s because traveling to places where people have a different culture opens up your mind. It teaches you more about other people and this can change your perceptions and perspectives towards life. 

Traveling is a great way to enhance your mental health. It enables you to escape the routine and have some relaxing moments. And this can boost your creativity and productivity.

Wellness Tips that Will Revive Your Travel

If you love traveling, achieving your wellness goals can be a challenge. When traveling for work, you might not have time to stick to an exercise routine. Even when traveling for leisure, sticking to a healthy diet can be a challenge. But, it’s important to make health a priority while having fun. Here are wellness tips that will revive your travel. 

Pack Snacks 

When you pack healthy snacks, you avoid eating junk foods on the road. This enables you to keep your body energized to engage in different travel activities. You also ensure that your body gets the right nutrients. 

Carry a Yoga Mat 

Doing yoga is among the best exercises you can do while traveling. It enables you to stretch and relax your muscles, especially after sitting on a train or plane for hours. 

Carry the Right Clothes 

You might not know how the weather will be at your destination. But, you can check out the weather forecast and carry clothes that will keep your body warm or cool depending on the weather condition at your destination. Without the right clothing, you won’t be comfortable during the trip. And without comfort, your trip won’t be enjoyable. 

Carry Travel Toiletries 

You might assume that you can buy travel toiletries on the road but this doesn’t always work. It’s difficult to find a place to purchase soap or toilet papers in some places. Therefore, pack such travel essentials to ensure a convenient and enjoyable trip.

In addition to these wellness tips for reviving your travel, see your doctor before you leave, especially when traveling abroad. Share your itinerary with the doctor to help them know where you will be going and the possible threats to your health. Based on the details you will share with your doctor, they will give you the right advice and vaccinations if necessary.  

Should I Book a Flight or Hotel First?

Booking flights and accommodations are critical procedures in planning trips. However, a majority of people are never sure of whether to book a flight or hotel first. Generally, most travel experts recommend that you should book flights before hotels. But, certain factors may affect the decision including timing, travel regulations and funding for the trip. The following are some of the key elements that will determine whether you should book a flight or hotel first. 

Timing of the Trip 

The cost of air tickets and hotel accommodations often fluctuate depending on the travel destinations and seasons. That means you should know the best times to book flights and hotels. According to the latest travel reports, the best time to book flights should be about 70 days before the travel date. 

You can either book earlier or a little later but, just do not wait until three weeks of departure since airfares often skyrocket at such times. Although airfares can be costly during those periods, hotels usually offer relatively cheaper deals. Thus, it is important to plan your trips around the times for booking flights. 

For hotels, the best time to book is one month before departure. Based on the above guidelines, it means you should first book flights then; wait for a little more time to book hotels. However, there are a few things to consider. For instance, if you are planning for a vacation, it is advisable to book hotels much earlier to avoid the last-minute rush. 

On the other hand, you should also book accommodations as soon as possible in case there is a major event or gatherings scheduled to take place near the hotel during your visit. Besides, some hotels provide standard rates for customers that book months in advance. If that is the case, you should never wait to book one month to departure. Other hotels also offer last-minute deals but, those are only recommended if you are sure that the accommodation will not be sold out before your trip. 

It is advisable to book flights first because they have readily available deals and can also be easily modified if the airfares are non-refundable. However, you should consider booking a hotel first if the fees are refundable.