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Travel tips to stay safe with testing for a stress-free summer holiday

Posted on May 25, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

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Doctor shares a few health tips for travel that may help your family return healthy from that much needed summer break while keeping ‘unwelcome’ holiday presents away

Updated On May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

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With the kids breaking for their summer vacation, a huge task for all parents is to plan a safe and enjoyable holiday. After two years of Covid-19 restrictions, travel is starting to feel a lot safer, especially with the increasing number of people getting vaccinated and even getting booster shots. Dr. Mangesh Tiwaskar, Editor in Chief of Journal of Association of Physicians of India shares a few tips that may help your family return healthy from that much needed break while keeping ‘unwelcome’ holiday presents away. (Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash)

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

With the kids breaking for their summer vacation, a huge task for all parents is to plan a safe and enjoyable holiday. After two years of Covid-19 restrictions, travel is starting to feel a lot safer, especially with the increasing number of people getting vaccinated and even getting booster shots. Dr. Mangesh Tiwaskar, Editor in Chief of Journal of Association of Physicians of India shares a few tips that may help your family return healthy from that much needed break while keeping ‘unwelcome’ holiday presents away. (Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash)

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1. Check the Covid-19 rates and restrictions before deciding on the holiday destination - The infection rate and restrictions at your destination is a big factor to consider. If you’re thinking of a location that’s red-hot with infection, your chances of becoming ill can rise, even if you’ve been vaccinated. Its best to check with someone living there or stay updated on infections in the area before you finalize the plan, to avoid any unwanted surprises upon arrival. Also, if you or those you’re traveling with have not yet been vaccinated, you may want to take a rapid antigen Covid-19 test before you leave to reduce the odds of unknowingly bringing the virus to your destination. (Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay )

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

1. Check the Covid-19 rates and restrictions before deciding on the holiday destination – The infection rate and restrictions at your destination is a big factor to consider. If you’re thinking of a location that’s red-hot with infection, your chances of becoming ill can rise, even if you’ve been vaccinated. Its best to check with someone living there or stay updated on infections in the area before you finalize the plan, to avoid any unwanted surprises upon arrival. Also, if you or those you’re traveling with have not yet been vaccinated, you may want to take a rapid antigen Covid-19 test before you leave to reduce the odds of unknowingly bringing the virus to your destination. (Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay )

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2. Carrying a Rapid Antigen Testing Kit as a part of your medicine bag - While travelling, with kids or even otherwise, a medicine kit is a must-have item in a travel bag. Let’s apply this ‘safety first’ mantra not just to our kids but all aspects of life to keep a check on our health. So, this holiday season, ensure you carry a Covid-19 self-test kit for a stress-free and safe holiday. Of course, while making this decision, the quality of the kit is a key factor as well. These kits, such as the Panbio Covid-19 antigen self-test kit, are readily available in pharmacies and online retailer sites and give you quick result in as little as 15 minutes. You can easily test on the go, especially if there is a sudden rise in the number of cases after you have arrived. This can help ensure you and your travelling group are safe. A self-test kit is an important travel partner, and even more so if you’re going to another country! (Photo by Cedrik Wesche on Unsplash)

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

2. Carrying a Rapid Antigen Testing Kit as a part of your medicine bag – While travelling, with kids or even otherwise, a medicine kit is a must-have item in a travel bag. Let’s apply this ‘safety first’ mantra not just to our kids but all aspects of life to keep a check on our health. So, this holiday season, ensure you carry a Covid-19 self-test kit for a stress-free and safe holiday. Of course, while making this decision, the quality of the kit is a key factor as well. These kits, such as the Panbio Covid-19 antigen self-test kit, are readily available in pharmacies and online retailer sites and give you quick result in as little as 15 minutes. You can easily test on the go, especially if there is a sudden rise in the number of cases after you have arrived. This can help ensure you and your travelling group are safe. A self-test kit is an important travel partner, and even more so if you’re going to another country! (Photo by Cedrik Wesche on Unsplash)

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3. Avoid crammed, indoor spaces - While finalizing your travel itinerary, ensure that you avoid indoor places crammed with people whose vaccination status is unknown. There may be vacation activities you always love to do – from karaoke cafes to theme parks with indoor rides – that may be wise to skip for now. These crowded gatherings away from fresh air may carry some Covid-19 risk. But if you visit a packed indoor space that you can’t resist, make sure to mask up and self-test when you return. (Image by Tasos Lekkas from Pixabay )

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

3. Avoid crammed, indoor spaces – While finalizing your travel itinerary, ensure that you avoid indoor places crammed with people whose vaccination status is unknown. There may be vacation activities you always love to do – from karaoke cafes to theme parks with indoor rides – that may be wise to skip for now. These crowded gatherings away from fresh air may carry some Covid-19 risk. But if you visit a packed indoor space that you can’t resist, make sure to mask up and self-test when you return. (Image by Tasos Lekkas from Pixabay )

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4. Don’t forget to relax! You deserve it - Yes! We are all due for a well-deserved break. For all of us, the stress from this pandemic means we yearn to travel more than ever now. For many of us, it’s been two years since we’ve taken a vacation or spent holidays with extended family. While you are on your first holiday away since the pandemic, it may take a while to fully unwind. That’s okay. Getting vaccinated and carrying a quality rapid antigen self-test kit can help you feel more confident, so you can allow yourself to enjoy the break, kick back and relax. (Photo by Jonathan Forage on Unsplash)

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

4. Don’t forget to relax! You deserve it – Yes! We are all due for a well-deserved break. For all of us, the stress from this pandemic means we yearn to travel more than ever now. For many of us, it’s been two years since we’ve taken a vacation or spent holidays with extended family. While you are on your first holiday away since the pandemic, it may take a while to fully unwind. That’s okay. Getting vaccinated and carrying a quality rapid antigen self-test kit can help you feel more confident, so you can allow yourself to enjoy the break, kick back and relax. (Photo by Jonathan Forage on Unsplash)

Flight attendant hotel room tip to stay safe on holiday – replace room key | Travel News | Travel

Posted on May 19, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

As many Britons jet off on holiday for the first time since the pandemic, many may not have stayed in a hotel for a while. A former flight attendant has shared some useful tips for check-in.

Tiktok user (anjas.adventures) shared a video on TikTok with hotel tips they learnt from being cabin crew.

They said: “Never open your door without looking through the spy hole, it could be anyone!”

While hotels often have good security, it could be possible for people to enter the hotel if they aren’t staying there.

Other guests will also be able to walk around hotel hallways freely. While most people would never try to enter someone else’s room, it’s always a good idea to be safe.

READ MORE: Simon Calder shares essential tip amid passport chaos

Nearly all hotel rooms will have a spy hole in the door where guests will be able to check who is outside.

It’s a good idea to check the spy hole before opening the door to a stranger while on holiday.

They added: “Replace your room key with a spare card to keep on the air con and your things charging!”

Most hotel rooms will be operated with a key card which is kept in a slot by the door. This often controls the energy in the room such as lights.

DON’T MISS

The flight attendant said that replacing the room key with another card might keep appliances on while guests are out.

However, this may not work for every hotel and guests should also make sure they don’t forget their keycard if it isn’t in the slot.

It’s also a good idea to turn the air conditioner off if guests are heading out to preserve energy.

The flight attendant added: “Put something in the safe you won’t be able to leave your room without so you won’t forget about the rest of your stuff in there.”

The hotel room safe is the perfect place to store expensive belongings or important documents such as passports.

However, in the rush to pack after a holiday it can be easy to forget important belongings in the safe.

Hotels will be able to post items to guests if they leave them behind but it will be an unnecessary hassle for guests.

The flight attendant suggested guests keep an essential item they won’t be able to leave without in the safe.

If guests leave a shoe or phone charger in the safe while they’re in the room, they might not forget other items in the safe.

However, Hotels & Discounts, has recommended guests leave important items outside of the hotel safe.

It could be the most obvious place for a thief to search. The travel site recommended that guests hide items in a “hairbrush handle” or “lip balm”.

Guests should also take as few valuables as possible if they want to avoid losing an important item.

Travel news: Where to stay, how to travel, and what to eat

Posted on May 14, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note — Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations opening and closing, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments.

(CNN) — This week in travel news: the world’s best hotels, greatest sandwiches and most spectacular railway journeys. Also, pilot emergencies in Florida and London and the latest countries to relax their entry restrictions.

News from the air

A passenger with no flying experience landed a plane at a Florida airport on May 10 after the pilot became incapacitated. An air traffic controller took the call and guided him step-by-step.

That news came after a Virgin Atlantic flight heading to New York from London had to turn back after it emerged that the first officer, though fully qualified, hadn’t completed Virgin’s final flying test.

Earlier this month, a United Airlines passenger was taken into custody after opening an emergency exit and walking on the wing, and in Bangkok, a man was arrested after allegedly going on an armed rampage at the country’s biggest airport.

Spectacular stays

The world’s most loved hotel for 2022 is a Costa Rican resort with more than 50 bungalows and villas and a private beach, according to Tripadvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards. Spots in Brazil, Greece, Turkey and Switzerland also made the top 10.

For something even more exclusive, though, a very lucky few will be able to book a night this June at Paris’ famous Moulin Rouge, in a secret room inside the windmill itself. It will be available through Airbnb with a token one euro price tag, and would-be guests will be able to put in their booking requests from May 17.

If your accommodation preferences lean more simple and back-to-nature, however, you can take inspiration instead from these travelers who converted their own cozy campervans.

Food and drink

France is facing a foie gras crisis, and this time it’s not because of pressure from animal rights campaigners, but a bird flu epidemic.

Next door in Italy, we’ve been looking at Nutella’s classy ancestor gianduiotto: a melt-in-the-mouth blend of cocoa and the premium hazelnuts that grow in Piedmont’s Langhe region.

Further south in Umbria, there’s the region of Lake Trasimeno, which is known for its traditional dishes that differ wildly from its neighbors. Forget pizza and pasta: We’re talking fishy friends such as perch, pike and eel.

And finally, a humble stodgy staple loved by people of all nations: We rounded up 23 of the world’s best sandwiches.

Travel rule changes

New Zealand has announced that it will fully reopen to international visitors on July 31, two months ahead of schedule. Japan has also announced that it will be relaxing its strict border measures in June, although dates and details have yet to be confirmed.

The Polynesian island country of Samoa will open its international borders in August, although again, further details are yet to come. Earlier this week, its neighbor Fiji moved down from Level 3 (“High”) to Level 2 (“Moderate”) on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel advisory for Covid-19 risk. Just one destination — a Caribbean favorite — moved up to Level 3.

Rail adventures

From China’s “Railway to Heaven” to the Australian Outback adventure of The Ghan, these are some of the world’s most incredible train rides.

In case you missed it

We have the technology to end the airport liquid ban.

Don’t provoke and don’t panic.

From hip, vibrant Lima to pre-Columbian Peru.

When Anthony Bourdain visited Peru for “Parts Unknown,” now available as a podcast.

Best travel pillows

There’s nothing better than setting off on a new adventure with your main squeeze, by which, of course, we mean your favorite travel pillow. Our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have selected their best travel pillow for 2022.

Time to travel? Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight stay, here’s how to save some cash

Posted on May 2, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

We know a lot of you are pinching pennies these days, and we wanted to help. Summer travel season is just around the corner, so to help you save some dough while you’re making those plans, we crunched the numbers on two key factors: how to save money on gas and whether a hotel or a vacation rental is the right choice for your trip.

Here’s what we found…

Is a gas card worth it?

With gas prices still hovering near record highs, many people are looking for new ways to save. But is getting a gas credit card or joining a warehouse club worth it?

If you live in Florida or Georgia, you’re likely paying anywhere from $3+ to $4+ for a gallon of gas.

There are, of course, apps like GasBuddy, AAA, and Gas Guru to help you find the lowest prices in your area. But what about applying for a credit card issued by a gas station or oil company?

Many gas cards pay you back a few cents per gallon of gas, like 5 cents or 10 cents, rather than a percentage of your purchase. So, when gas prices are moving up from $3 to $4 or $5, that benefit is worth a lot less.

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Instead, Consumer Reports says look for a credit card with no annual fee that offers rewards, like 5% cashback on gas purchases. And although many gas stations offer a lower price if you pay with cash instead of using a card, the card’s cashback reward could actually be a better deal.

One example is the Citi Custom Cash Card, which gives you 5% cashback on your top spending category each billing cycle— for up to $500 in purchases. That includes gas.

Other options are warehouse clubs, such as Sam’s Club or Costco, which offer their own credit cards that pay you back a percentage on your gas purchases.

If you do a lot of driving and think you’ll reach the card’s cap, consider using that card only when buying gas.

If you don’t belong to a warehouse club, now’s a good time to consider it. That’s because gas prices there are almost always lower than at traditional gas stations.

And those gas discounts alone may be worth the membership cost — though your savings will vary depending on your location and your mileage.

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Consumer Reports says to max out your discounts try to combine them with other rewards programs whenever you can. Many gas brands have their own apps that offer a few cents off per gallon, and they don’t require a gas-branded credit card. So you can use your rewards credit card to pay for your gas instead.

Vacation rental or hotel?

There are pros and cons to whether you should book a vacation rental or hotel on your next vacation.

Keep these three things in mind when deciding: how many people you’re traveling with, where you’re going, and what you want out of a city.

Group size

If you’re traveling with a large group, think more than four people — vacation rentals through a site like Airbnb or Vrbo are almost always cheaper. You can find homes that fit 16-plus people. Plus, there’s usually room to spread around, including a living room and backyard.

How long you’re staying

For trips longer than a few days Airbnb will likely win out. Most Airbnb rentals charge a cleaning fee at the end of the stay, which can cost an extra $150, maybe not as worth it if you are just staying for a night or two.

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Also, the convenience of using hotel shuttles and not needing to do a key exchange with the owner could make it more worth it for a hotel.

Dining options

Almost all vacation rentals come with a kitchen or at least a kitchenette, which could save money for larger families. However, there is a convenience factor of not having to grocery shop if you stay at a hotel.

Amenities

The hotel wins almost every time. Most hotels have a pool, fitness center, shuttle service, concierge, and in some cases free breakfasts.

Hidden fees

With an Airbnb, you need to take into consideration service fees, cleaning fees, owner fees, and potentially even taxes if Airbnb made an agreement with that city’s government.

You can expect government and local taxes with all hotels but beware if a hotel has a resort fee.

Loyalty programs

One thing to consider though is loyalty programs. Many hotels have them and depending on the program you could be looking at free meals, free nights, or waived resort fees. And at the minimum, most hotels will offer loyalty members free WiFi.

Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4Jax – All rights reserved.

Eight tips from industry insiders on how to save and stay

Posted on April 28, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t love a hotel bargain? There’s no better knowledge either than the inside scoop so we have compiled eight tips from those in the know and how to save money and get the best deal when booking a hotel room. There are a range of tips from booking directly with the hotel, to researching loyalty schemes and even checking in late to get a better chance of a free upgrade.

1. Book direct

This tip keeps coming up from the insiders.

Ray Kelleher, Director of Sales and Marketing of The Montenotte Hotel.

Ray Kelleher, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Montenotte Hotel said that he recommends booking on a hotel’s own website.

“Most hotels offer their best available rate on their own website compared to the third party agencies and I would always suggest you click on the offers tab and see what promotional offers the venue has, more often than not, there will be a surprising package available and can include breakfast, dinner, and a local attraction from your visiting location,” he said.

Seasoned traveller and Instagrammer Nadia El Ferdaoussi agrees: “I would always book direct because if you need to make any changes the customer service will always be better. Sometimes saving a few euros can be more expensive in the future, especially in uncertain times.”

2. Pick up the phone

Whatever the price is for the stay you find on the hotel website you should always ring the hotel and try and get a better deal. Once you speak to someone at reception they might be able to reduce the price and if they can’t reduce the price they may be able to offer something extra on your booking. Insiders say that even if you find a cheap deal on sites like Booking.com, ask the hotel if they can match it if you book directly.

Niamh O’Neill, Sales Manager with the O’Donoghue Ring Collection said that contacting the hotel directly will allow the hotel to enhance your stay and experience with the “personal touch”.

3. Stay longer

Bastien Peyraud of The Imperial Hotel in Cork City said that he recommends staying longer and getting a discounted rate. He said that many hotels will offer three nights’ stays for the price of two.

Bastien Peyraud, general manager, the Imperial Hotel, Cork, in front of the hotel.

Also if you have the luxury of extending your stay while you are at the hotel ask for a deal at reception for an extra night. You could get a really good deal if your stay was extending into a mid-week stay or if you can extend your weekend stay on a Sunday night.

4. Check for Loyalty Reward Schemes

Nadia said we should look out for loyalty rewards with hotel groups.

Nadia El Ferdaoussi.

Bigger hotel groups often have loyalty schemes and by signing up to their email list you can be included in offers that are not advertised to the general public.

“You can get great offers when booking direct or added value such as dinner or an activity included,” said Nadia.

5. Shop Around

Tim Fenn, Chief Executive, Irish Hotels Federation said they would always recommend that people shop around to ensure that they find the best venue or package and not just rely on one source when comparing accommodation prices.

“Great value can be had by making direct contact with hotels to find out what specials may be available. When comparing properties, we would also encourage people to check what each price covers from the number of rooms to inclusive facilities to ensure that they are comparing like with like and choose the most suitable option for them.”

6. Tell them it’s your birthday

Always make sure that you let a hotel know too if you are celebrating an occasion as they will generally like to mark it in some way with a free bottle of wine or an upgrade. Even if you are not celebrating an occasion, insiders say that you should always ask for an upgrade when checking in. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

7. Book early and check in late

Planning ahead can ensure that you get the best deal say hotel managers.

Allen Flynn at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare. Picture Dan Linehan

Allen Flynn from The Old Ground said that his advice is to book as early as you can to get the best deal. Also travelling mid-week will ensure you get a better deal than at a busy weekend. Insiders also say that the later you check in at a hotel the better chance you have of getting a free upgrade.

8. Book a package

Dig deep and check out the packages on offer. You can get some great value on package deals. Allen Flynn said that if you are planning any extras to book a package from the outset. If you are planning a dinner or spa for example at the hotel he said there is usually a discount on packages.

For summer travel deals, stay off the beaten path

Posted on April 27, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

Many Americans are looking to travel this summer. Most hope to find a good deal.

Unfortunately, that’s not how the law of supply and demand usually works.

Air travel has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels. Hotels are filling up and vacation rentals are booming.

“Demand across the board for summer 2022 travel is up 20% to 25% relative to 2019,” says Jamie Lane, vice president of research at AirDNA, a vacation rental data platform that tracks trends on Airbnb and Vrbo.

Volatile oil prices could also impact summer travel costs. The price of U.S. Gulf Coast kerosene-type jet fuel hit $3.77 per gallon in March, up from $0.46 per gallon at its low point in May 2020, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

With so many factors pushing travel prices upward, where are the deals? And what destinations should budget-conscious travelers avoid altogether?

ZIG WHILE OTHERS ZAG

The rise of inflation has reminded consumers of a simple economic truth: When everybody wants something and there isn’t enough of it, prices go up. This is true for real estate, microchips and airfare.

So when planning a trip for this summer, it’s helpful to know where demand remains high.

“Destination resort areas are up 40% over 2019,” says Lane, of vacation rental occupancy rates.

Mexico has been a particularly hot destination for U.S. travelers, due to proximity and easygoing testing requirements. Indeed, the number of travelers to Mexico in March 2022 was up nearly 20% compared with 2019 levels.

Deals for summer travel in Mexico could still exist, but they’ll be harder to find than in less popular destinations. The same goes for rural U.S. destinations, especially those close to national parks.

“The strongest demand is in small-town rural areas,” Lane says. “Demand has doubled over 2019.”

Instead, Lane suggests targeting destinations that rely heavily on foreign visitors and have been slower to recover tourists.

“Places like Croatia, Italy and Greece have been very slow to recover and are down anywhere from 40% to 60% in demand. They haven’t seen the price increases that we’ve seen in the U.S.”

Flight bookings to Europe dropped after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, according to data from Hopper, a travel booking app, suggesting that travel to the continent could remain sluggish through the summer. That means deals could (and should) follow.

“A last-minute booking in Croatia? You’re going to find a great deal,” Lane says.

BOOK (SOME THINGS) LATE

The pandemic has reshaped how many travelers make plans. Instead of cementing dates months in advance, many began booking trips mere weeks away. And despite much conventional travel wisdom, this approach is actually a good way to secure deals.

“Generally, if you book far in advance, you’re going to pay more,” says Lane, pointing to how the Airbnb pricing algorithm will drop prices at the last minute to fill remaining availability. “As you get closer to the stay date, if it’s not booked, you’re going to get a discount.”

The same is true of hotels, which are often cheaper to book within a few weeks or days of your stay rather than a few months. Similarly, deals on rental cars are generally easier to find at the last minute.

This advice comes with two big caveats. First, if demand does outstrip supply at a particular destination, prices could actually go up in the few weeks before a trip rather than down. Worse, availability could dry up altogether, leaving few cars or vacation rentals available.

Second, last-minute airfare is usually costlier. This is not an ironclad rule — last-minute deals can pop up, but they’re more common a month or more out.

STAY FLEXIBLE

The only thing we don’t know about what will happen this summer is everything. Another variant could emerge. Borders could close. International conflicts could escalate. Who knows.

As a traveler, that’s why flexibility is a must for finding deals.

Rather than making a firm plan to visit a particular destination, follow the deals. See what airfare and accommodation deals are available on target dates, and build a trip around them. Flexibility has always been important for budget travel. Now it’s necessary.

Make sure to only book travel that can be easily changed or canceled. A great deal on airfare with a low-cost airline such as Spirit Airlines could carry high change and cancellation fees. The same goes for basic economy fares, which usually can’t be changed or canceled at all.

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This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Sam Kemmis is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: skemmis@nerdwallet.com.

RELATED LINK:

NerdWallet: How to account for inflation in your 2022 travel budget https://bit.ly/nerdwallet-travel-inflation

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How to stay reachable while camping or RVing

Posted on April 26, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

Marc Saltzman
| Special to USA TODAY

With the warmer weather upon us and fewer (or no) pandemic-era travel restrictions, perhaps you’re considering a family road trip to a national park, camping ground or maybe a weekend visit to a lakeside summer home.

‘Tis the season to get outside – and stay out – but understandably, many want to keep the same comforts of home in the process, including access to electricity and Wi-Fi.

Besides, you may need to continue to work on a laptop while at a remote cabin and benefit from strong cellular connectivity for conference calls.

Fortunately, you can have your cake and eat it, too, thanks to portable devices like small power generators, mobile hotspots and phone boosters – all of which could make cottaging, RVing or camping/glamping a more pampered experience. (Backup power is a smart safeguard any time of the year, in fact, but especially for those in states affected by the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically starts in June.)

And so, the following are a few tips and tools to consider ahead of your spring or summer excursions.

TALKING TECH NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our guide to the week’s biggest tech news

Stay connected

Along with bringing a smartphone, tablet or laptop, you’ll likely want to use the Internet, for work or play and there are a few ways to ensure fast and reliable access.

Options for high-speed internet will vary based on your location and if you need something temporarily (at a camp site) or long-term (say, at your summer cabin). If satellite-based service (like Elon Musk’s Starlink) isn’t yet available where your summer home is or you have too many trees or other objects that can make it difficult for the dish to get a clear signal, you could benefit from a “mobile hotspot device” from your phone provider.

WIRELESS SERVICE: Which carrier has reception where you’re going?

Using 4G or 5G connectivity, these are essentially little modems that lets you share your cellular network connection with other devices, so they can all access the internet. You would join devices (like a laptop) to your hotspot via Wi-Fi, but then it’s leveraging cellular technology to get online. You will be charged for any data they use, according to your monthly data plan or if you pick up a separate plan with the hotspot device.

All major phone providers all offer affordable mobile hotspot solutions and plans, many of which have a back-up battery in the event the power goes out.

Verizon, for example, offers a few solutions, including the Jetpack MiFi 8800L ($199.99), a 4G/LTE hotspot that supports up to 15 simultaneous devices and features a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, up to 24 hours of a battery life and USB port for charging up smartphones, tablets and other devices. However, it will throttle your connection speed once you hit the monthly data cap.

Before you buy, research which carrier has the strongest signal where you’ll be. Bear in mind, it might not be the network you currently belong to.

SLOW INTERNET? Here’s how to tell if your ISP is throttling your connection speed.

Boost your reception

Speaking of wireless reception, cellphone signal boosters are another popular purchase among those who spend time in remote locations.

Some can be mounted to your car, truck, SUV or RV, while others can be affixed to the roof (or side) of a home or cottage.

The outside antenna of the phone captures the signal from a nearby cell tower, which is connected to the interior components. Your phone picks up and amplifies the signal to send it back to the tower. Sometimes the outside antenna needs to be aimed at a cell tower, if there are no obstructions, while other antennas are omni-directional.

The SureCall Flare 3.0 ($379), for instance, covers up to 3,500 square feet and works with any brand of cell phone or smartphone (or hotspots), regardless of the phone carrier. It supports 4G/LTE and 5G networks. Mounting hardware and a 50-foot RG-6 cable are included.

A FINANCIAL ‘INCONVENIENCE’: Some RV owners regret pandemic purchases

Back-up power

Those who spend time in remote locales know all too well inclement weather could knock out power, even temporarily, which might impede your ability to stay connected (and if need be, get work done).

Always keep your devices juiced up, just in case and keep a portable battery booster (“power bank”) and charging cables in a backpack, jacket pocket or purse (and make sure they’re powered up, too).

For those who need more power to keep everything charged up when off the grid or in the event of an emergency and for long periods of time, Anker’s PowerStation-branded portable power stations (which start at $199) are battery-powered rather than gas-based generators, therefore ideal for indoor use, too. As such, they also don’t produce carbon monoxide.

The company just announced the “world’s longest-lasting portable power station,” the Anker 757 PowerHouse ($1,399, but discounted right now if you preorder), powered by a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, similar to those used in today’s electric vehicles. Rated to last up to 3,000 full charging cycles, which is six times the industry average, says the company, the 757 PowerHouse can be charged up to 80% in just an hour, plus supports optional solar panels to charge up in direct sunlight.

The corrosion- and temperature-resistant device houses 6 AC outlets,1 USB C port and 4 regular USB ports.

On a related note, to safeguard your computer and other indoor electronics, make sure your power strip has a “surge protection” feature, which defends against possible voltage spikes that could damage your electronics (often after the power returns).

And remember to make a copy of your important computer files on a regular basis. Free cloud services are fine, but remember if the power or internet goes down, you’ll be without your files, so consider a local (offline) solution, too, such as an external drive from WD or SanDisk.

DATA STORAGE: Cloud, flash drive or elsewhere, back up your files

Put robots to work

Finally, while you may be enjoying a stay at your summer place, chances are you don’t want to spend your downtime cleaning the place.

Robotic vacuum cleaners, like the Roomba family, can vacuum and/or mop, so you don’t have to. You may also be aware of autonomous window washers.

But you might not know you can also have a robot do your lawn cutting.

From Husqvarna, Automower Robotic Mowers (from $1,199) save time and maintain a manicured lawn. Using GPS navigation and an installed guide wire, these battery-powered mowers autonomously navigate your property with its razor-sharp blades, rain or shine and because it’s super quiet, during the day or night. Tiny grass clippings are recycled onto the lawn as a natural fertilizer. When it detects its running low on battery, it intelligently drives itself back to the base to charge up.

You can start, stop and schedule the mower via an app or via your voice with a compatible smart speaker.

Husqvarna chose its recent Plawn Shop event in Grapevine, Texas, to unveil the Automower 415X ($1,999), the newest member of the family. Available in May, the company says it’s ideal for midsize lawns averaging 1/3 acre (about 1,500m²), even with steep slopes up to 40 degrees and features a new TargetHeight function that can automatically adjust the cut height to meet the set target.

Stay alert on your next trip with these travel safety tips

Posted on April 25, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

Keep in touch with people back home

It’s easy to get swept up in the romance of a vacation and the desire to unplug . However, you should always be sure that someone, whether it’s a friend or family member, knows of your travels plans. Let people know where you’ll be staying, and make sure they know how to contact you.

Talk to your bank

Banks and credit unions have the ability to apply travel notices on your accounts. Some financial institutions will freeze your account if foreign transactions appear and there’s no notice of travel — which is great if they’re protecting you from fraud, but not if you’re just to buy a croissant at the pastry shop near your Airbnb.

If your wallet or purse is stolen, your banks can assist with getting your money back, eliminating the cost of unexpected transitions and fees.

Explore5 tips to help make the most of a family vacation

Watch what you eat and drink

Some places, while beautiful, lack access to clean drinking water. Consuming contaminated water can make you sick enough to ruin your entire trip. When traveling to a destination that with unreliable water infrastructure, be prepared to pack your own water or buy bottled water from the store.

Pay attention

Trusting your gut instincts while on a trip can save you from being robbed or running into something harmful. Experts recommend monitoring your alcohol intake, and not keeping your wallet in your back pocket. Consider buying a fanny pack or money belt, and use ATM’s cautiously. If something feels a little off, it’s best to hone in on that intuition and go elsewhere.

Have an emergency exit plan

Create a plan for emergencies by writing down important contact information like next of kin or the embassy’s address. Store your information on a thumb drive or a laminated card for easier accessibility. Be mindful of common scams when traveling, like “broken” taxi meters. You can read more on common scams here.

While there’s no sure-fire way to avoid anything bad happening, there are ways to help ensure that you’re as safe as possible. Following these safety tips and doing your own research of the destination you’re traveling to might be a little time consuming but it’s well worth it.

UCSF health expert's tips to stay COVID safe while traveling amid mask lift – msnNOW

Posted on April 21, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

UCSF health expert’s tips to stay COVID safe while traveling amid mask lift msnNOW

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Tips on how to stay safe while traveling alone as a woman

Posted on April 8, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

Traveling alone can be an intimidating feat for everyone to conquer. As a woman, traveling anywhere alone can feel impossible and overwhelming. The world can seem like a scary place sometimes, but if you’re wanting to go out on your own, here are some travel tips to keep you safe.

Communicate and plan ahead

Make sure you have some kind of plan in place before setting out on your journey. Have a good idea of where you need to go and how to get there. Uber and Lyft can be safer and more familiar options than taxis.

Create a travel itinerary that lists the spots you plan on going to and plan out how you intend on getting there. Tell a few trusted people your plans and share your itinerary with them. When you arrive at your destination try to scope out populated areas. If you’re in an unfamiliar place, figuring out where the closest shopping area is can help you get your bearings and create a safe “home base” of sorts.

Download safety apps

If you have an iPhone, you can share your exact location with another iPhone user. For android users, using the drop pin feature on Google Maps can also be a good tool for sharing your location with others.

There are also some other apps available that can be helpful for a variety of situations. Noonlight: Feel Protected 24/7 is perfect for if you are walking alone and feel uneasy. All you do is hold down a button. If you are safe you can enter your pin and close the app, if not release the button and police will be notified and given your location.

Another app that could be useful is Sitata Travel Safe, this app gives you updates on safety concerns occurring around the world. Just input your destination and the dates you plan on being there and the app will bring you to a page that lists any safety alerts occurring. The app is also helpful for locating nearby hospitals, vaccination requirements and information that could possibly affect your flight if you’re going out of the country.

Be prepared to defend yourself

Jackie Wolfskill, Dream Vacations franchise owner and travel advisor suggests creating a self-defense kit and enrolling in a self-defense class.

Useful self-defense items include pepper spray, self-defense rings or keychains, personal alarm keychains, voltage stun guns, blinding flashlights, razors or knives and even firearms. Keep in mind the only self-defense items allowed past airport security is the personal alarm keychain and the flashlight, as long as it doesn’t double as a stun gun. Other items can be packed in your checked bags. Make sure you confirm what’s allowed on your airline’s website, Wolfskill said.

“It is a good idea to choose a self-defense kit with at least two of the above weapons,” Wolfskill said. “For example, you may choose to use disguised self-defense weapons, such as a self-defense ring and pepper spray. This allows you to have hand-to-hand defense and a practical option at a distance.”

It’s important to know how to use the items you bring along with you, to make sure you are prepared.

“Another way women can defend themselves is to enroll in a self-defense class,” Wolfskill said. “Self-defense classes help you build up physical strength, fighting skills, and self-confidence to fight off an attacker with your arms, legs, body and mind.”

Know what is nearby

While traveling abroad, figuring out where the closest U.S. Embassy is can be useful.

”U.S. embassies can help travelers in limited and specific circumstances, including getting emergency passports and navigating certain serious emergencies,” Wolfskill said. “However, embassies are no substitute for careful planning, travel insurance or medical evacuation plans.”

It is also a good idea to make note of where the closest hospital is near where you are staying in case of an emergency.

“Generally, embassies offer a limited range of services for Americans traveling overseas,” Wolfskill said. “They include helping you if you’re arrested or detained, if you’ve lost your passport, if you’ve been a victim of a crime or if you’re the relative of someone missing abroad.”

Stay alert and pay attention

It’s important to stay alert and stay alert and aware; don’t bury your face in your phone or be distracted.

“Be aware of your surroundings and keep that $1000 item tucked away,” said Melissa Clack, a DeKalb resident. “Stash some emergency cash somewhere like the inside of your shoe or in your waistband. Stay confident, don’t look lost or nervous.”

Wolfskill said that she is careful about what she posts on social media and waits until she’s left a specific location before posting about it.

“Solo travel, especially as a young woman, is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” said Jennifer Medema, a Chicago resident. “It’s made me more self-confident in decision making, planning, and really growing into who I am as a person.”

Traveling alone as a woman doesn’t have to feel impossible or scary. If you make sure you have a plan and take the right steps to keep yourself safe your trip should run smoothly. Traveling alone can feel incredibly empowering and ladies should be able to experience seeing the world for themselves without constant fear.