A long-haul flight is any non-stop flight that covers a journey time of 6-12 hours. However, after boarding such flights, one might come across many bizarre experiences, such as food tasting worse than normal flights, losing perception of time, and more. But, even after considering these, long-haul flights are still the box of surprises that keeps on giving. Some astonishing facts about long-haul flights that many don’t know are listed below. Food served onboard contains massive amounts of salt In-flight food is known for tasting worse than regular food. At a high altitude, an individual’s senses of taste and smell are weakened. It makes it difficult for passengers to smell or taste the meals served onboard. This effect is significantly amplified on a long-haul flight. To compensate, the meals on such flights contain large amounts of salt, sugar, and extra fat. Besides making the food much more edible, these elements make in-flight food incredibly unhealthy. Increased risk of falling ill Spending large amounts of time on a long-haul flight can make people vulnerable to airborne diseases. Additionally, several research studies have found that long-haul flights negatively affect the immune system. Therefore, people who fly long-distance frequently tend to fall ill more often.

Before leaving for a long flight, one should have a good meal, especially if not a fan of plane meals. However, instead of fast foods, one should choose nutrient-rich foods that do not cause any uneasiness while in the air. Further, avoiding certain foods can help keep health concerns and discomfort at bay, including gas in the stomach triggered by the low air pressure in the cabin, nausea, and bloating. Foods to avoid Brocolli Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower offer various health benefits; however, these veggies can also make one feel gassy. Moreover, research by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders suggests that these green vegetables are packed with fiber and gas-forming sugar known as raffinose, which can cause discomfort during air travel. Apples Fresh fruits such as apples are considered to be extremely nutritious and healthy. However, apples are rich in insoluble fiber, which can make them difficult to digest. This can lead to discomfort in the form of gas and bloating. So, one should avoid the fruit before flying and should choose alternatives such as oranges and bananas to ease the digestion process. Chips Chips are rich in salt content, making them one of the top foods to avoid before flying.

It helps to retreat from life’s hustle and bustle every now and then and enjoy a peaceful vacation alone or with loved ones. Luxurious hotels provide one with this retreat, with premium services, assured privacy, and a welcoming ambiance. Making reservations at hotels has become incredibly easy with several booking apps offering lucrative discounts on stays. However, avoiding certain common mistakes while checking into a hotel can enhance one’s experience considerably. Not clarifying if early check-in and late check-out are available Early check-in and late check-out ensure that guests can spend more time on their holiday. Moreover, the check-in and check-out processes can be more hassle-free if guests have an additional hour to unpack and pack their belongings. Thus, before checking in, guests should request the hotel staff at the reception for early check-in and late check-out. Not speaking to the hotel staff about one’s requirements Speaking with the hotel staff beforehand about one’s purpose of stay and specific requirements can help one book the most suitable rooms. For example, some individuals may be looking for a luxurious deluxe suite with a jacuzzi, while others may want a simple room with no fancy elements. The hotel staff can check out the various options available and communicate them to the guests early on, avoiding any last-moment hassles or disappointments.

When it comes to traveling, a common cliché is that it involves the discovery of the unknown. This causes people to make certain travel mistakes, which are fairly basic. But with time, one learns to eliminate such errors. Essentially, one has to tick several boxes while traveling, especially if the trip is for multiple days. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the common travel mistakes that one should avoid. Overpacking One should only carry what they need during a journey. This is because carrying multiple large, heavy suitcases can be tiresome and dispiriting for long travels. Additionally, one will always have worries in the back of their head about their luggage throughout the journey. What’s more, packing multiple items also causes one’s hotel room to be messy, having too much dirty laundry to wash back home, and, ultimately, a sore back and a headache. Booking flights too close together One always takes a risk while booking connecting flights for a travel plan. If there are delays or cancellations on the first flight, then there is always the risk of the second one being affected. This is why, it is never advisable to book connecting flights too close together.

When packing for a vacation, one is likely to load up on sunscreens and other skin essentials while overlooking the effects of extreme weather and sunlight on the eyes. Leaving the eyes unprotected can increase the risk of retinopathy, photokeratitis, and corneal thickness, which can lead to vision-related complications. So, one should be prepared for extreme weather conditions, dry air, and excessive sun exposure. Here are some tips for protecting the eyes while traveling: Avoid contact lenses for long trips Although it might feel convenient to wear contact lenses while traveling, most healthcare professionals suggest otherwise. This is because longer trips—either by car or airplane—come with constant temperature fluctuations and low humidity, irritating the eyes. Moreover, when traveling long distances, one may fall asleep without removing the lenses, which is a huge risk factor for eye infections. So, as an alternative, one must stick to eyeglasses on long trips. Additionally, on a road trip, the air vents should be directed away from the eyes to keep the glasses from fogging up. Pack eye care essentials If prone to allergies due to changes in weather, altitude, or air quality, one needs to pack allergy treatment options before leaving for a trip.

Thanks to their all-inclusive nature and the variety of onboard activities, cruise ships are often hailed as the perfect vacation destination. With special cruises to attract singles, families, and older citizens, the industry has been booming. While there is no such thing as a “bad cruise,” some shipping excursions may make one regret spending their time and money. To avoid this from happening, here are six cruises one must avoid: Repositioning cruises Repositioning cruises sail from one port to another, where they begin a new itinerary. These are generally popular for their affordable prices, with rooms costing as little as $30-50 per night. However, these cruises generally sail near the beginning or the end of the season, when seas may be rougher. Additionally, their itineraries have fewer ports and more sea days, which can make the trip seem uncomfortable to many. Short cruises Short cruises generally take place on the cruise line’s older and smaller ships, offering less variety to its customers. While they are an attractive option for weekend travelers, they do not offer the same kind of relaxation that a more traditional 7-day cruise may. Maiden voyages A cruise’s inaugural voyage is generally more of a dry run.

A bus tour can offer an enriching and memorable vacation at a more reasonable budget compared to certain other modes of travel. However, as with any adventure, pitfalls await the unprepared traveler. With careful planning, flexibility, and a mindful approach, every traveler can embrace the open road with confidence and make the most of their bus tour experience. All they need to do is research these common travel mistakes and ways to help avoid them. Neglecting research on the tour operator Selecting the right tour operator is pivotal to a successful bus tour experience. Travelers should delve into reviews, testimonials, and the operator’s reputation to ensure a reliable and enjoyable journey. A reputable operator not only enhances the travel experience but also addresses unexpected challenges in a professional manner. Overlooking the itinerary details In the excitement of the upcoming adventure, travelers often overlook the finer details of the tour itinerary. It’s crucial to scrutinize the schedule, understand the included activities, and note any optional excursions. This prevents surprises and ensures that the tour aligns with individual preferences and expectations. Ignoring packing essentials Weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable footwear, necessary remedies, and travel documents are crucial elements. Being ill-prepared for varying weather conditions or neglecting essential items can detract from the overall enjoyment of the journey.

Warm sunshine, blue waters, and a relaxing ambiance — island vacations have always been the perfect getaway. Sure, holidaying on an island can be expensive, but a little planning and research can help one find an excellent package without breaking the bank. Individuals can benefit from several offers from hotels, air carriers, and cruises. Here are the top six island vacations on a budget for those thinking about their next getaway! Caye Caulker, Belize This tiny island must feature on every vacation goer’s checklist. Not many know about Caye Caulker yet, which means it is less crowded. One can enjoy the solitude and likely find affordable accommodations here. The island is accessible from the mainland of Belize and falls right in the heart of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. So, people can explore the vast undersea life through snorkeling and marine tours. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic The resort town of Punta Cana has white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise blue waters. One can stay at an all-inclusive resort here and enjoy the tropical weather. While the resorts may seem expensive, Punta Cana has several accommodation options for those on a budget. Want to have some fun during the island vacation?

International travel is a great way to expand one’s horizons. When leaving the country, a valid passport is a must. Getting this made can be a time-consuming process, so it is ideal to start at least three months before the commencement of any travel plans. However, the smallest of mistakes could result in the rejection of this important document. To ensure a smooth passport application process, here are the seven common mistakes one must avoid. Using the wrong photo One of the most common reasons passports are denied is because the photo is not acceptable. For a hassle-free application process, visit an official passport center to take a photo that meets all the passport photo requirements set by the US Department of State, such as background color, quality, head size, etc. Typos and misspellings People often end up making typos and misspellings on their passport application forms, which can delay the process significantly. To avoid this, make sure to review the form thoroughly before submission. Payment issues The application fee must be paid in the proper amount and to the proper location. Payments cannot be made in cash or via a credit or debit card. They must be made via checks, money orders, certified checks, or cashier’s checks to the US Department of State.

A luxury cruise is your best escape strategy for a much-needed break from life on land. Besides the obvious “breath of fresh air,” the curated spa treatments, impeccable hospitality, varied interactions, and sightseeing can do wonders for your mental health. But choosing the right luxury cruise is crucial for a safe, fun-filled holiday with your loved ones. Here are some all-inclusive luxury cruises to consider for your next sea retreat. Seabourn This classy all-inclusive cruise offers world-class luxury amenities, from ocean-view suites and specialty restaurants to spa treatments, salons, and incredibly fancy open bars. The impactful mindfulness training sessions in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned expert, only add to its splendor. Viking Viking is your answer to a fulfilling sea expedition with a host of amenities on board, including 24×7 room service, a thermal suite spa, elaborate meals, supremely luxurious cabins, and complimentary ground transfers upon purchase of airfare through Viking, to name a few. Silversea Want to travel the world in relatively small but highly vibrant ships? Silversea Cruises has you covered. Gratuities, open bars, in-cabin bar setups, specialty restaurants, fitness sessions, and shuttle service on land are just some benefits. Passengers may opt for port-to-port or door-to-door travel, the only difference being that the latter offers international economy airfare and airport transfers facilitated by private executive car services.