Traveling 101: Backpacking Essentials for the Newcomer

Summary: When traveling around with just the items in your backpack you want to be certain you have all you will need throughout your travels.

 

When traveling for fun there are a number of approaches you can take. When comfort is your main priority, you can travel in airplanes, stay in nice resorts, and keep all of your belongings in a spacious suitcase. Backpacking is a different way of traveling, where all of the items you can expect to need are kept within just a backpack.

 

If you are going across the country or are heading out on a hiking trip to watch the sunrise from atop the mountains, there are some essentials you will want to keep with you at all times.

 

Protecting Your Body

 

When you are outside walking around for potentially hours at a time you need to think about how you can protect your body from the elements. Items such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, bandanas, and lip balm could shield you from the sun and prevent burns. At the end of each day use soap to get accumulated dirt and sweat out of your hair and pores. Moisturizing is also critical, because the heat and wind can dry your skin out throughout the day.

 

For cold nights invest in jackets and pants to keep your body warm. When you are sleeping outdoors you will need to be wise about how you can stay comfortable.

 

Getting Around

 

Even though you will likely have your phone on you there is no guarantee that you will have cell service wherever you go. Go old school with a map and compass to help you get around and know where you are, no matter the conditions.

 

Blog submitted by Monte Carlo Rent a Car, LLC: If you need a short-term leasing car or an Amman rent a car, get in touch with Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC for your transportation needs.

Interesting places to go in NYC

New York City holds a lot of charm, both for tourists coming from overseas, or locals looking to explore every nook and cranny of this amazing city. There is so much to see and so much to do that no single guide could ever capture everything. However, here is a bullet list of places by Garden Retreat Spa, for those looking to make the most of their visit:

Carnegie Hall

Built by its namesake founder, Carnegie Hall feels like it’s from another era. Experience live performances in this world-class performance hall. Please note that not all performances are family friendly, so plan ahead if you travel with kids.

Central Park Zoo

The intimacy and accessibility are the draws for the Central Park Zoo, which was the zoo in the animated hit “Madagascar.”

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge built back in 1883 was at the time the longest suspension bridge in the world. One of its hallmarks is that pedestrians travel above while vehicles travel below. No trip to New York City is complete without a trip to this historic and iconic structure.

Coney Island

Looking for a circus-worthy tourist trap? Then Coney Island is exactly what you want. The food is amazing, with some yummy dishes served up from Queen Cobra Thai, Red Hook Lobster Pound, and El Gato Nacho.

Spa

Finally, get the best sensual massage NYC has to offer and wind down from all the action and adventure of the city.

How to Stay Safe When Travelling Abroad

Summary: Safety should always be your number one concern if you’re planning a trip overseas.

If you’re planning a trip abroad, get ready for one of the most memorable trips of your life. Not only will you be meeting new people and participating in a bunch of new activities, but you’ll also experience the culture and lifestyle of a new country. However, one should always be cautious when they travel as there can be safety concerns. Here are some tips that’ll keep you safe and sound.

Always be Ready With Documentation

Before you depart, be sure to make copies of your passport, medical card, credit cards, and itinerary. All of these play a crucial role in having a smooth trip. You can give a copy to a friend or family member back home while also having one on you. Email all the important details to yourself so you can access it if you forget to do something.

A common travel tip that many people do is store a $20 folded under the sole of your shoe in the case of an emergency.

Don’t Be Loud and Obnoxious

Sure, you might come from a city that’s less reserved and is accustomed to people that love to be outspoken. However, don’t let this personality translate when you cross the border. You might be doing something that’ll piss off people without you even knowing it. Always stay mild-mannered, especially in areas that value tradition and culture. The next place you might find yourself is in a police station being questioned about things that you aren’t even associated with. Or worse, you could even be jailed.

Blog submitted by Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC: For the finest car rental in Abu Dhabi International Airport, visit the professionals at Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC today!

The Top Precautions to Take When Renting a Car Abroad

Summary: Following these tips can help you save a significant amount of money and time.

Once you’ve finalized your car hire in Jordan, or whichever country you’re planning on visiting, be sure that you take the following precautions and inspect the car before driving off. These little tips could end up saving you money – and even your life.

Quick Inspection

While you may not want to spend hours looking at every detail of the car, be sure that you check the essentials like: oil and windshield wiper fluid, tire pressure, paint job, stains, and interior damage. If you notice some damage that’s visible, be sure to take a picture and record it so you don’t end up being charged by the rental company for something you didn’t even do.

Fuel Levels

Rental companies are known for charging high rates for refilling the tank. Before you depart, be sure that you have a full tank on your end. Also, be sure to read their policy on what you need to return the car with. Even the slightest showing that the fuel is under what they consider is optimal could end up costing you in extra fees. Don’t let this happen to you.

Check the Glove Compartment

One of the last things you might do is check the glove compartment for a copy of the car registration, but it’s one of the most important things you need to take care of before you leave. If you’re stopped by the local police, chances are you’ll need that registration to avoid any problems. Every business that does car rentals in Jordan will have a registration paper available for you – just confirm it’s in there before you leave.

Bio: If you’re looking for a short term leasing car in Amman Jordan, look no further than the experts at Monte Carlo Rent a Car, LLC. Their low prices and wide selection are what makes them the best in the business.

Day Hike in Europe Gear List

You’re off on a day hike in Europe. The most important question is what to pack and how to stay comfortable. This advice from Dev Randhawa will help.

First, consider:

• How long does the hike take on average?
• What is the altitude gain?
• What is the weather forecast?
• Will you be hiking by yourself?

Here are some tips for what to bring to stay warm, dry and happy when you’re out on a day hike.

• A day pack is the most essential piece of equipment for any hike.
• Water bottle, preferably with a loop in it to secure to the outside of your pack.
• Besides lunch and a fruit, bring along some nuts and chocolate for energy.
• Band-aids and antiseptic ointment in case of minor cuts and blisters.
• A charged cell phone in case you get lost.
• Camera
• Small notepad and pen
• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots, depending on the terrain of the hike.
• Two pairs of socks. Wearing two pairs of socks protects against blisters. If you are wearing boots, it’s extremely helpful to have one thin pair of socks for sweat-absorption underneath a thicker pair of socks that can be pulled up over your ankles.
• Comfortable trousers, zip-off trousers or long shorts that do not constrain your waist.
• A long sleeved shirt to protect against the sun, and a hat to protect your head and ears from too much sun.
• No matter what the weather looks like when you leave, pack a lightweight fleece and a lightweight rain jacket for inevitable sudden weather changes.

Most Incredible Chateaus Throughout Europe

Europe has an impressive collection of incredible chateaus that are steeped in history, breathtakingly beautiful, and protected as treasures in each of their respective countries. The following are a few chateaus that are renowned for their unforgettable aesthetic.

The Palace of Pena

Built in the 19^th century and heavily influenced by Moorish architecture, the Palace of Pena in Lisbon was created on the basis of King Ferdinand II’s love of the era’s Romantic period. A luxurious park surrounds the palace, boasting more than five hundred varying species of trees that have been collected from every part of the world.

The Alcazar Castle

Located in Segovia, Spain, the Alcazar Castle is a stone fortress that is arguably one of the most distinctive in the world. Its rich history over the years has included service as a state prison, military academy, and home to the Royal Artillery College. It is also noted for being just one of the chateaus that inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.

The Neuschwanstein Castle

Specifically built in the 19^th century to avoid the masses, the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany is now one of the most visited in the world annually, with more than 1.5 million people that trek there to take in its picturesque beauty.

Conwy Castle

Built by Edward I on the northern coast of Wales between 1283 and 1289, the Conwy Castle is regarded as an architectural landmark of the highest order. Featuring imported stone and residing on the rivery Conwy, the chateau is an internationally acclaimed landmark.

Bio: Today, Dev Randhawa manages multiple blogs that help to fund his travels around the world. Since 2010, Dev Randhawa has been at the forefront of fashion insight and men’s style.

How to Effectively Score a Good Deal on a Rental Car

Summary: Rental car companies can often be swayed to give you a solid discount.

Saving money on a car rental in Abu Dhabi is much easier than you imagined. It’s all about being prepared. What this means is that doing the right amount of research and negotiations with a company of your choice could end up with you getting the upper hand. And, with vacation costs adding up to the thousands, it’s likely that you’ll want to be discounted every dollar that you can get.

Leave Your Options Open

If one rental company doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to move on to another one. There are numerous car rentals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the UAE that are waiting to do business with you. And, with a conversation with these companies, you could end up scoring a huge discount. These companies want your business and are looking to do anything that they can to have you sign under them – even if this means lowering the price. While some businesses will remain firm with their prices, if you feel that it is unreasonable, don’t be afraid to simply move on to another company. Leaving your options open could be your ticket to saving money.

Regardless of the outcome, know that there are always companies waiting in the wings to provide you with a discount. Compare prices in advance and you’ll undoubtedly score a deal that could provide you with all the amenities for free. The negotiation process doesn’t have to be a heated debate, it’s a simple process that questions whether or not they want another customer in their books.

Bio: Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC is a long term car rental in Dubai International Airport. With premium vehicle choices and the best prices, Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC is your home for car rentals.

How to open a protein smoothie business?

Written by Gelato Products

For the health conscious, smoothies have become a popular dessert choice. Often these smoothies are made with low-fat ice cream or gelato, milk and fruits and are therefore lower in calories than other dessert options. If you are considering venturing into the smoothie market, here are some areas to consider.

Licenses and permits – To operate a food service business it is a legal requirement to obtain a business permit, licenses and pass all state required sanitation certifications. The requirements will vary from state to Therefore it is best to contact your local state, county or city licensing division for assistance.

Favorable location – Selecting an appropriate location for your business is crucial for business success. Look at a location that has a lot of foot traffic, tourist attractions or a space close to a mall or recreational center. Other areas such as schools, parks, and playgrounds are also lucrative locations.

Capital – The amount of capital will vary, depending on the size of your business. On average a smoothie business will require approximately $75,000 to $250,000 in start-up capital.

Appliances and equipment – Smoothie stores will need to invest in refrigeration units, freezers, storage units and ice bins. For your cold treats look at Ice Cream supplies from quality vendors who will provide you products that match your customers’ requirements.

Supplies – To serve your smoothies you will need custom ice cream cups, plastic cups, bowls, straws, napkins, spoons, toothpicks, lids, and caps.

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In the market for a supplier of ice cream spoons? Gelato Products will have the best Los Angeles wholesale frozen yogurt supplies.

Haggling Prices at a Car Rental Company Can Save You Tons

Successful negotiations have netted customers hundreds of dollars in savings.

When it comes to price haggling, the place that you’d least expect to be able to obtain a better rate is at a car rental business. Even after you believe that you have booked the cheapest price, it’s always worth going over to the rental counter to see if you can negotiate the prices.

It Never Hurts to Ask

It’s true. Depending on the type of approach that you take, you could potentially haggle your way to a better deal. Let’s say you’re looking to find a car rental in Abu Dhabi. You walk to the counter and see what they have to offer. Don’t hesitate to see if they have a current discount available. Many times, depending on the mood of the rental car consultant, they’ll look in to see what their “manager has to say”. This could be anything from a 5% discount to obtaining a bigger vehicle for the price of a compact car. It’s important that you don’t come in believing that you’ll already get a discount. It’s just flat-out rude and most of these employees are just looking to do business.

Not every company will offer you a discount though. For instance a long term car rental in Dubai International Airport may not graciously offer a discount due to their affiliation with the airlines. This could be for financial reasons or a legal contract that they are bound by. But again, it never hurts to ask. And, when it comes to a vacation, you already know the amount of money that you’re going to pay for the trip – the more money you can save, the better.

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Monte Carlo Rent a Car, LLC can help you find premium car rentals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the UAE. Contact them today for more information.

Three Reasons Why a Train Date Should Be Your Next Romantic Getaway

Trains are a romantic adventure, but they aren’t the first thought that comes to mind for most people looking for a romantic date. Why not? What’s more romantic that speeding through the most beautiful parts of California, eating an amazing dinner with the person you care most for?

Here are three reasons why train tours are the next romantic date you don’t know about yet.

The Destination

Take the Napa Valley Wine Train and you’ll find yourself headed to one of the most beautiful parts of the state, with a destination getaway. You can arrange to stay in Napa Valley if you like, going wine tasting or just relaxing at one of the many boutique hotels you’ll find. It’s not a terribly long trip, but it does take through some sweeping views.

You Control the Experience

Many trains offer different packages so you control the experience you get. Expect to spend anywhere from about two to four hours in a train with your loved one, so it’s wise to consider upgrading to whatever luxury packages are available so you have plenty of space to move around and relax. If you opt for a more cozy atmosphere, make sure you bring some things from home (like nice smelling lotions or romantic music) to make the experience more personal.

The View

Of course, the most romantic of all is the view you’ll see speeding through the country side. There isn’t really an average length of route, as every route is different, but bring your camera and be prepared to snap some photos. During Christmas time, it’s extra special because you get the snow and the starlight shining through clear night skies.

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James Provence is a volunteer docent for the California Railway Museums. As a retired Archbishop James Provence resides in Vacaville California.

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