How to Travel with Your Pet Bird on an Airplane?

Traveling along with your pet bird on an airplane can be a troublesome experience until and unless you take on certain precautionary measures. Hence, to avert all of these hassles, it would always be recommendable to keep in note of certain aspects.

Here is a list of all those actions that you need to do while traveling on air along with your pet bird.

Ensure the comfort of your pet bird

First of all, it’s very important to measure both the bird and the cage. You always need to ensure whether the bird is fitting inside the cage or not. You even need to make sure whether your pet bird is comfortable inside the cage or not.

Besides this, it’s also imperative to verify whether your feathered friend is comfortable in riding a vehicle or not.

Preparing the travel cage

Preparing the travel cage is also one of those things that you just can’t afford to overlook. It is in the cage, your pet bird is going to stay during the entire flight journey and hence it’s always advisable to be extremely careful regarding the same.

Make your bird habituated with the travel cage

Don’t just put your winged companion inside the travel cage all of a sudden. Start making your bird habituated with the same at least a month before the trip. Allow it to stay inside the cage for at least an hour every day.

Carry all the necessary items

It’s also mandatory to prepare a travel bag for your pet bird. Inside the bag, you need to carry all the necessary items like first aid kit, toys, paper towels, a blanket and lots more.

Check the airline policies regarding pet

And most importantly, do confirm whether your airline allows birds or not. Each and every airline has different policies regarding these things and hence it would always be a wise decision to keep yourself updated about the same.

Nowadays, most of the airlines require a health certificate for any kind of pet. Hence, always collect one from your veterinarian before the journey starts.

Ayurvedic Treatment Has Now Become a Promotional Tool for Kerala Tourism

Kerala, the “God’s Own Country” is all set to promote its tourism with the help of Ayurveda, a primeval mode of medication. Kerala has always attracted a large number of tourists due to its breathtaking scenic beauty and natural landscapes. And now the latest addition is Ayurveda, which is eventually becoming another significant pillar of Kerala tourism.

According to Suman Billa, the Tourism Secretary of Kerala, their sole objective is to advertise the therapeutic and cosmetic sides of Ayurveda. They want to show how Ayurveda can play a significant role in perking up the lifestyle of an individual.

What’s the specialty of Ayurvedic massages?

Mr. Billa further added that Ayurvedic massages have always been immensely popular among the travelers from all around the world. Now, their aim is to publicize how these massages can even cure some of the serious diseases like rheumatism, psoriasis, back pain, etc.  

Association between Ayurveda and Yoga

In fact, they even want to advertise the mere conglomeration between Ayurveda and yoga. According to Mr. Billa, they want to make sure that from now onwards whenever a tourist undertakes an Ayurvedic treatment, he/she continues to lead that vigorous lifestyle permanently.

Mr. Billa even came up with the instance of “Surya Namaskar” in this context. According to him, it is one kind of activity where nearly 97 percent of the muscles undergo thorough exercise. Thus, whenever an individual goes through an Ayurvedic treatment, it is very important that he/she also attend Yoga classes regularly to restore a balance in the system.

According to Mr. Billa, they are even planning to come up with a new project where all sorts of medicine, such as Ayurveda, Allopath, Unani and Siddha will be available in a single platform. This brand new project is going to take place at Nelliyampathy in Palaghat district.

Improving the quality of service 

Mr. Billa even stated that although Ayurvedic treatment has been one of the inimitable facets of Kerala, but of late they have started to get stiff competition from some of the neighboring countries like Sri Lanka. Hence, the one and only way to outperform their competitors is by improving the quality of service and advertising it properly.

In fact, lately the Kerala Government has also started to take firm initiatives regarding the same. Recently, the Government has extended its approval to all the Ayurvedic treatment centers and resorts and even rated some of them as 5-star and 3-star based on its level of service and quality.

What’s so Special about an Indian Safari?

Are you planning for a safari trip to India? In fact, these days, most of the tourists are coming India with the sole purpose of visiting some of the well-known safari spots of this country. Be it the Jim Corbett National Park of Uttarakhand or the Sunderbans of West Bengal, India has all those top-notch safari spots that can feed the voracious appetite of a traveler. Let’s discuss in brief on few of them.

Jim Corbett National Park

If you consider yourself as a true adventure lover, then it’s high time that you must visit the Jim Corbett National Park. This is one of the oldest national parks in India and has always been a prime attraction for travelers. A jeep safari inside the Jim Corbett National Park is one of those experiences that you would like to cherish forever. Presently, you may not find tigers here, but can definitely have a glance at some of the wild elephants.

Sunderbans National Park

Besides this, there is the Sunderbans National Park of West Bengal, which further attracts the tourists to a large extent. Sunderbans is widely renowned for having the largest number of tigers throughout the country. In addition, there are some of the rare species of birds, reptiles, etc. However, unlike the other national parks of India, here the jungle safari is done via boats instead of jeeps. 

Kaziranga National Park

Furthermore, there is the Kaziranga National Park of Assam, which is well-known for having the one-horned rhinoceros. The forest even comes up with a large number of elephants, water birds, wild buffalos, etc. Here also, you can opt for a jeep safari to roam around the entire forest.

Kanha National Park

Apart from these, there is the Kanha National Park of Madhya Pradesh, which is also widely acclaimed for having a large number of tigers. Apart from tigers, here you will even be able to see leopards, Barasingha and some of the wild Indian dogs. Here the visitors can have safari even by riding elephants.  

Hence, if you are also one of those who are looking forward to have an elating vacation ahead, do consider of visiting these aforementioned Indian safari spots. We bet that you will never regret for this decision in future.

Calculating Air Travel Mileage

Have you ever opt for the attractive mileage programs that are being offered by the airlines? If not, then it is high time to go for the same. A mileage program is definitely one of the most effective ways to enjoy free travel along with several other rewards. Moreover, if you are traveling on some of the specific dates or at a particular of time, then it might even give you the opportunity to enjoy triple mileage bonuses.

However, prior to opt for this mileage program, it is very important to understand how to calculate air miles. It is definitely not an uphill task; you only need to follow certain instructions.

Initially, you need to check your airline reservation online. It has been observed that most of the airlines point out the number of miles for every segment of a flight at the very time when you are booking your tickets. Hence, while booking your tickets, never forget to carry your frequent flier ID. And in case, if you do not have a reservation, you can take the help of the online mileage calculators.

Always check whether any promotional offers or bonuses are available for the destinations where you want to fly. Also don’t forget to verify your passenger status. Nowadays, most of frequent flier programs have started offering bonus miles. However, it is entirely dependent on how many miles you fly each year.

Again, you must be aware of the fact that there are many credit card companies that offer airline miles when you are purchasing goods via their credit card. Hence, it would always be advisable to use a credit card that comes up with the privilege of bonus airline miles.

Apart from these, there are also plenty of car rental agencies and hotels that offer the benefit of frequent flier miles.  Keep an eye on the same and avail the benefits as per your requirement.

The Five Vintage Travel Books That You Must Read

Do you love to read travel books? If yes, then this following write-up will certainly be helpful for you. Here, you will get to know on all those top five vintage travel books that you just can’t afford to miss.

Around the World in 80 Days

Around the World in 80 Days by the French novelist Jules Verne is one such noteworthy instance.  This highly acclaimed novel was first published in the year 1873. The novel depicts the story of Mr. Phileas Fogg, an Englishman who gets on for a journey after reading the news that now it’s possible to travel around the world in eighty days. The novel became highly popular among all the travel enthusiasts. In fact, later on several films have also been made based on this world-famous novel.

On the Road

On the Road by Jack Kerouac is another vintage travel book that has been appreciated all around the world. The novel is based on the travel experiences of Kerouac and his friends across America. When the novel got published for the first time, it got varied reviews. Few termed it as “a disturbing manifesto for mindless degeneracy”, while others claimed it as a “groundbreaking literary genius”. But even after all these controversies, it has been listed among the top-rated novels consecutively.  

Great Railway Bazaar

Besides this, there is the Great Railway Bazaar, a famous travelogue written by the American novelist Paul Theroux. The travelogue describes Theroux’s four month train journey through Asia. Most of the renowned travel writers consider this as a must-read novel as it truly depicts the imagery of a Bohemian lifestyle.

The Snow Leopard

Furthermore, there is Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard, which tells about the story of the author’s two-month journey on the Tibetan Plateau and search for the snow leopard. Here, Matthiessen has even shared his travelling experience with the renowned field biologist George Schaller.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

And last but not the least, there is Hunter S Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which is based on the author’s two Nevada trips in the year 1971. While reading this book, you will even get to know about the American culture of the 70’s. Later on, a film was even made on this novel, where we get to see the two famous Hollywood actors Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro. 

Compression Socks for Air Travel

It is often being recommended by the doctors to use compression socks during air travel. The compression socks are highly effective in preventing blood clots, which tend to occur during the long flight journeys. The compression socks are generally tighter at the ankle portion and actively take care of the blood flow through the veins.

The socks are usually being measured in mmHg. All those socks that are within 8 to 15 mmHg are considered as the loosest ones. On the other hand, if the socks are above 50 mmHg, those are being counted as the tightest one.

The tightest ones are generally being referred for those patients who are already suffering from blood clots. However, for air travel it is always recommendable to use all those socks that are within 15-20 mmHg.

Compression socks are available in both brick-and-mortars as well as online stores. Most of the well-known departmental along with medical stores offer these socks.

Compression socks are generally available under the tags of therapeutic support, anti-embolism stockings, etc. However, never purchase any sock which is under the label of TED stocking. These are specially meant for the recovering patients and might not fulfill your needs.

Sigvaris, Mediven, Theraform and Juzo are some of the well-known brands that come up with these special compression socks.

Apart from these, you will even get to see a huge collection of compression socks over the internet. Nowadays, most of the companies that manufacture compression socks have their branches online. In fact, you will find more varieties if you are purchasing the socks online.

Packing Golf Clubs for Air Travel

Are you someone who is planning to carry golf clubs in your upcoming flight journey? If yes, then this following write-up will certainly be helpful for you. Here, you will get to know on all those tips and techniques that are essential for packing golf clubs during air travel.

Not one of those prohibited goods

You must be aware of the fact that the Transportation Security Administration often forbids travelers from carrying certain items on the flight due to their safety. Fortunately, the golf clubs are not included in this banned category. Although, you can’t carry the golf clubs as a carry-on luggage, but you can definitely take it as a checked one.

However, still it would always be advisable to check with your airline once. This is because, every single airline has its own policy regarding the items like golf clubs and hence you should always verify before traveling.

Packing golf clubs is not at all a difficult task. You just need to follow certain instructions to conduct it successfully.

Importance of a travel safe case

For example, initially it is very important that you must pack your golf clubs in a travel safe case. A travel safe case can be of two types. It can either be the soft golf bag or a hard case. For air travel, it would always be a wise decision to go for a hard case as it protects your golf club more than the softer ones.

Usage of club covers

You can also use the club covers to prevent each of your club from getting banged against each other. You can even keep added towels in your golf bag to prevent the movement of the clubs.

Affix a luggage tag

And most importantly, always attach a luggage tag in your golf case, mentioning your personal details like name, address, contact number, etc. Now, even if your golf clubs get lost, there will always be the probability to get it back. 

Airline Rules and Regulations for Minors

Every airline has certain rules and regulations for the minors. It’s very important that the parents must have a thorough knowledge on the same before going for any journey. Here, in this write-up, you will get to know on all those rules and regulations that have been specifically meant for the minors.

If your child is within 5-12 years of age and is flying alone, then the airline will tag him/her as an unaccompanied minor. There are also several airlines that include children below 16 years of age in this unaccompanied minor section. The airlines generally appoint a staff member to take care of the minor. The appointed person not only assists the child while boarding on the plane, but also accompanies him/her until and unless someone arrives for pickup. It is also the responsibility of the staff member to ensure that the person who is coming to take the child is the same that has been mentioned in the unaccompanied minor form.

These days, the option of unaccompanied minor form comes while purchasing tickets online. In the form, you will need to provide certain information like the name and age of the child, emergency contact information, etc.

However, not all the airlines allow the minors to travel alone. Most of the US airlines do not allow any unaccompanied minor who is below 12 years of age to fly alone. Even if the child is above 12, they are not allowed to travel in the late-night flights.

Specific rules and regulations are there for the accompanied minors also. For instance, if the child is more than 2 years of age, you have to purchase a seat for them. Tickets are not required only for those children who are under 2 years.

There are also certain airlines that allow siblings over the age of 15 to accompany a minor.

And yes, never forget to get a passport for your child. Until and unless you possess the same, your little one won’t be able to fly.

Cautions to Take while Flying with Your Pet Dog

Are you someone who is planning to fly along with your pet dog? If yes, then it’s very important that you must keep in note of certain aspects. Flying with a dog on an airplane often proves to be a bit hazardous for an individual. It has been seen that dogs often suffer from several injuries during an air travel. In fact, some of them have even died inside the airliner. Moreover, if there arises the situation of flight changing, it can even happen that your dogs might get lost.

Hence, today it’s imperative that every single individual must take certain preventive measures to avoid these kinds of mishaps. And all of these will only become possible once you train your dog to accustom it with an air travel.

First of all, you must get in touch with your airline and let them know that you want to fly with your dog. The airline will provide you with all the necessary information on the same. Most of the airlines charge an extra fee for the dog.

Besides this, you even need to get a dog flight clearance from your veterinarian. Until and unless you get hold of the same, the airline won’t allow you to fly with your dog.

You even need to purchase a dog kennel according to the size of your dog. However, prior to purchase, always ensure that it’s certified by USDA. Always write your name, address and phone number on top of the kennel. And yes, don’t forget to tie a small dog food bag outside the kennel.

Again, before boarding on a flight, try to make the dog adapt with the airplane sounds. For this, you can make your dog walk inside the airport for some time. You can even consult with your veterinarian regarding the airport desensitization of your dog.

And most importantly, make your dog sleep inside the kennel for couple of days before the journey. You can even keep a piece of your clothing or any toy inside the kennel. 

How to Prevent Motion Sickness during Air Travel?

Motion sickness is one of the most common diseases that you are going to find during an air travel. There are many people who even restrain themselves from taking an airplane ride due to this very disease. However, with the advancement in medical science, nowadays various treatments have come into the market to cure this illness. Here, in this write-up, we are going to discuss on all those ways that can prevent the symptoms of motion sickness during air travel.

Wearing a ReliefBand

Have you heard about ReliefBand? Well, this is an electronic device that looks like a watch and is usually being worn around the wrist. A ReliefBand is extremely helpful for preventing motion sickness during air travel. It actively interrupts the feeling of nausea via natural nerve stimulation. Moreover, by wearing a ReliefBand, you won’t even feel drowsy both during and after air travel. Nowadays, you will find a ReliefBand in most of the international airports.

Usefulness of ginger and peppermint

Again, you must be aware of the fact that ginger is one of the best ways to get relief from nausea. Hence, prior boarding on a plane, always make sure that you are carrying sufficient amount of ginger along with you. Apart from these, there are black horehound and peppermint, several other remedies for motion sickness.

Medicines that can be used

Transderm Scop patch is one of the renowned medicines that can be used for motion sickness. Prior to board on the plane, you need to place the patch behind your ear. Some of the other medicines that can be used for motion sickness are – antihistamine, promethazine, cyclizine, medlizine, etc. However, never use this medication until and unless your doctor recommends you to do the same.

Few other things to remember

And last but not the least; never have a heavy or greasy meal before catching a flight. It would also be advisable to avoid dairy products or all those items that have high percentage of salt. 

If you are prone to motion sickness, then choosing the proper seats is also very important. While booking your tickets, always try to get the front seats of the plane or all those that are over the wing. This is because, in these particular seats, you won’t be able to feel the motion so much. Also try to avoid looking out of the window.   

However, this does not mean that all of these remedies will work for you. You have to keep on trying and see which one of these is apt for you. 

Purchasing an Air Travel Insurance Policy

Purchasing an insurance policy has now become a chief and essential pre-requisite prior to every journey. And if it’s related to air travel, this rule is applicable more. A mishap can occur at any point of time and to cope with the same, it would always be a wise decision to buy an air travel insurance policy.

What are the benefits?  

With an air travel insurance policy, now you no longer need to pay all those expensive hospital bills like before. This particular section of the policy compensates you for various emergency situations that can happen on the flight, such as ill health, changes in elevation, air pressure, etc.

Besides this, there is the business default insurance that allows you to continue with your trip even if the carriers fail to do the same. Furthermore, there is the flight disruption coverage, through which you can transfer tickets from one airline to another. This particular coverage even gives you the authority to opt for any alternative transportation mode.

Things to keep in note…

However, prior to purchase an air travel insurance policy, do keep in note of certain aspects.

Always make sure that the policy you are purchasing has tie-ups with some of the well-known air carriers. 

Also do verify, how much experienced your travel insurance dealer is and what exactly is his track record.

Understand thoroughly about the life insurance aspects of your policy. It is this particular segment of the policy that repays your family members in case of misfortunes like airplane crashes.

Again, it has been observed that few insurance providers often do not cover all those flights that travel in the remote areas. The risk factor involved in this area is much more than other routes and hence they try to avert the same. Hence, before signing on the policy, do ensure whether your insurance provider is also playing this same trick or not.

             

Things to Remember while Carrying Medicines for Air Travel

Are you one of those who need to travel frequently via airplanes? If yes, then it’s very important that you must pack your medicines properly before boarding on the flight. Emergency situations can arise at any point of time and until and unless you are carrying medicines, situations will worsen further. Hence, to avoid all these mishaps, it’s imperative for every single individual to carry medication while travelling on air.

Here are few tips that will help you to pack medications for air travel. Let’s elucidate in brief on few of them.

Your foremost task is to verify whether you are carrying enough medicines for the flight or not. It would always be advisable to carry extra so that even if you need to stay longer in the flight, you won’t face any problem as such.

Besides this, you also need to check whether the prescription is labeled in your name or not. None of the airlines will allow you to carry medication that is not prescribed in your name. Therefore, it is very important that the name on the prescription must go with the name on your airline ticket.

Again, if your medication consists of any gel or liquid, you must keep it in a 3 oz container. You also need to put the container in a quart-size plastic bag along with a zip top. This is a rule of the airport authorities and every passenger must abide by the same. However, in case you need to carry medicines that require more than 3 oz container, you must inform the airlines beforehand.

While checking inside the airport, the security persons may inspect your medicines and ask several questions about it. Please co-operate with them and provide all the necessary details as all of these are meant for your good only.

Again, if your medicines need refrigeration, do inform the flight attendants about the same so that they can do the necessities. Or else, you can even carry it in a box cooler or portable lunch bag.