Travel

San Francisco is a thriving cultural, financial, and commercial center of Northern California. From the modern city square, Victorian architecture to scenic beauty, the city has a lot to offer.

A private tour provides you with an expert, local guide. The best part of such tours is that you get to customize your trip according to your interests. While your private tour guide prepares the best itinerary for you, it takes some planning from your side as well.

Read on to know how to plan a San Francisco private tour to get the best experience.

Places to Visit

The San Francisco Travel Association states that 26.2 million people visited this vibrant city in 2019. With so many places to visit here, make sure to do some research. You can pick the places that pique your interest the most.

The magnificent Golden Gate Bridge is a popular destination. You can bike or drive across it. Another excellent method to explore it is by waking with your private tour guide. A ferry trip to Alcatraz Island to see the former military fortification can take you down its history.

Appreciate the splendid Roman-style architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts. Design your tour in a way that leaves you enough room to admire each destination as much as you desire.

Things to Do

A private tour is flexible. You can curate it according to the things you would like to try. If you are in a mood for some mild adventure, include hiking in your itinerary. The Golden Gate Park has many walking and hiking trails. You can spend quality time amidst scenic nature.

A cable car ride can slowly lounge through the city. You can try this unique experience. Make sure to incorporate the activities you find interesting. Go shopping at UniSquare, San Francisco’s shopping epicenter. Or enjoy the view from the Twin Peaks.

Your private guide will also give you some recommendations. Discuss with them beforehand to zero in on the best activities for you.

Place to Stay

The hotel occupancy rate by tourists in San Francisco has been increasing ever since 2001. It is essential to discuss your accommodation options with your private tour guide. They may be able to give you some good recommendations according to your budget. Proximity to the places you are going to visit is another factor to consider.

Hotel accommodations can be expensive. It also depends on the amenities you receive. You can opt for local hostels if you want an affordable stay option. Each neighborhood exudes its charm.

What to Eat and Drink?

San Francisco offers a wide variety of cuisines. Your private guide can offer you a list of some of the best diners and restaurants. Select the ones that appeal to your palate. However, do not forget to get adventurous and try some new dishes.

You can explore the radiance of San Francisco with a personalized tour. Clam chowder with a sourdough bread bowl is a favorite of many tourists. You can also visit North Beach for a classic dinner. Or head to the smoky dive bars for fresh appetizers and wine.

A San Francisco private tour allows you to explore this vibrant city at your pace. Plan ahead with your private tour guide and design your itinerary in a way that gives you the best San Francisco experience.

 

I often see conflicting reports when it comes to Mexico City, a fascinating place which offers a wide range of experiences to those who come here. Having lived here for just over 5 years now I can say that I have seen pretty much all sides of the place, and that is why I wanted to offer something of a more honest breakdown, based on what many people say about the place. Is this paradise? No, it’s a bustling city with plenty to offer, and it does take a certain type of person to live here. For me however, it is one of the coolest cities on Earth, and here is a more truthful look at the place.

The Food Makes You Sick

One of the first things that people say to me when they come here is that the street food makes them sick, some even say the same about the restaurant meals. My take on it is that yes, foreigners do struggle with the food here, be it on the street or in restaurants. In some cases this is down to poor hygiene, in most cases however it is because of the growing conditions. Different soil, different plant treatments and different ways of raising all contribute towards an upset stomach. My advice is to eat at places with good reputations and not to try all new foods at once. Ease yourself in.

Narcos Everywhere

If you have been watching the Netflix special Narcos then you may very well believe that narco violence takes place across the capital. There is no doubt that there is a lot of money here from drug trafficking and to suggest there is no activity here would be like saying there is no mafia activity in New York. The reality is however, we don’t see any of it, there are no street shoot outs, and there are very few events which take place that you would ever notice.

Get Mugged

Many of my friends who grew up in Mexico have stories about getting mugged and assaulted, it happens here just as it does in any big city. For my part however, I have been here for 5 years and never even had a wrong look. I think much of it comes down to just being street smart and knowing where you should and shouldn’t be at certain times.

Always Earthquakes

The first quake which I had here back in 2017 was a pretty scary experience, and following that we had a series of mini-quakes too which were no joke. After that first one however I was talking to my friend here Rose Burillo, and she was saying how there hadn’t been an earthquake for many years before 2017. Since 2019 I cannot remember a single one, not even a small one, and the reality is that whilst it can happen, this is not something which takes place every day. Furthermore, it is important to know that the earthquakes actually don’t hit the city, generally, and that is why they have an alarm which gives you about a minute to 90 seconds to get to safety.

Any more questions you have, feel free to write them in the comments below.

 

Traveling in style is as simple as planning. No matter where your destination, you can travel in style with a little prep work and some research before leaving for your trip. If you’ve got the travel bug and want to settle your wanderlust in style, read on.

Plan to commemorate your trip.

Before you step out your front door, pick up a travel book or journal. If you love taking photos, think about picking up a scrapbook or one of the best photo books out there too. You’ll want to document your trip from beginning to end and might be surprised at how many things you come across while planning y our trip that will work as travel journal embellishments. This photo book will make the perfect keepsake, too.

Whether you’re a professional photographer, digital photographer, or prefer readily available, basic clip art google photos of your favorite destinations, a great way to commemorate any trip is to capture it in style. Sure, an iPhone will work for capturing snapshots and selfies for family and friends but walking away with a custom photo book for your trip will be all the more stylish and help keep those memories fresh too.

Research destinations ahead.

If style’s what you’re going for, but your destination involves camping in a place like Zion national park, fear not. There are ways to camp and sleep under the stars that give class and luxury living a nod. Often known as glamping, glamorous camping has become popular with crowds who love adventure like exploring Kolob Canyons but want to sleep with the comforts of home. By planning, you can make this happen too.

Whether traveling in a rented RV or flying and staying in the Zion Lodge, the best way to know your adventures will be in high-quality style is to do your research. Great photographs of canyons, ledges, hot springs, and more are temping. But consider giving that ranch by the waterfalls a call to find out the specifics before booking your next glamper vacation. You’ll want to ask about bathrooms, food, water, and other accommodations if considering traveling somewhere more rustic like a national park.

If you plan to visit Las Vegas, the same thing applies. While five-star hotels hosting casinos are the norm, smaller motels along the strip can be deceiving. Remember, you get what you pay for, and if you want to travel in style, your best bet is to do the research and read reviews.

Pack with style.

One of the best ways to travel in style is to pack that way. From clothing, you can layer to costume statement jewelry pieces, take as much time with packing as you do your destination research. Think about bringing clothing in neutral colors, which will give you more style options depending on if you’re heading out for a waterfall picnic by day or to a dance club at night. Don’t forget to pack your camera too. Street photography in the places you come across can be quite stylish, too, and will make great additions to that travel blog, travel journal, or vlog thumbnail.

Consider alternative accommodations.

Part of style is standing out from the cloud. Think about your favorite images online. Backgrounds matter. It’s likely most aren’t in the fanciest hotels, but instead, on the edges of rivers, mountains, or other stunning spots. When planning your trip, keep your mind open to alternative accommodations that will not only give you something to brag about but make your trip stand out too. A cute Airbnb tiny house, a converted RV, a bungalow, or a cabin could be exactly right for you.

In the end, the work you do ahead will make for a better. Whether the plan is to post your unique memories all over social media or in a travel blog or vlog, you can travel in style if you do your homework ahead. Happy, stylish travels to you.

The transportation industry can be a difficult industry to navigate because of all the odds that are already stacked against it—weather changes, distance, poor roads (in some cases), and hard to remember traffic rules. Staying safe on the road can be hard, but here are a few tips that can help you have a better experience on the road.

1. Wear a protective earpiece.

One risk of being on the road too long is that you may develop hearing problems, such as tinnitus. Tinnitus is a persistent or occasional buzzing, roaring, ringing, or hissing sound felt in the ear. There are two types of tinnitus, subjective tinnitus, and objective tinnitus. With subjective tinnitus, the tinnitus patient is the only one who can hear the perception of tinnitus, while with objective tinnitus, other people can also hear the tinnitus sounds.

While the cause of tinnitus is not yet known, certain risk factors can predispose an individual to develop this condition. Some common causes of tinnitus include exposure to loud noise, old age, earwax buildup, whiplash, and reactions to medication—to mention a few. Being on the road can lead to increased exposure to loud noise, which is why truckers have an elevated risk of developing tinnitus.

Continued exposure to loud sounds can damage the auditory nerve cells whose work it is to carry sound to the brain. Due to to the nature of their work, truckers are at a higher risk for noise-induced hearing loss, and those effects are permanent. Loud noise also puts them at risk for developing tinnitus symptoms, and in most cases, tinnitus is a symptom of impending hearing loss.

While there is still no cure for tinnitus, the American Tinnitus Association recommends the following remedies for tinnitus symptoms.

• Hearing aids are special electronic hearing devices that amplify ambient noise to the tinnitus sufferer by using their in-built amplifier, microphone, and speaker. In most cases, tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss. As a result of this, hearing aids help reduce the perception of tinnitus by helping the auditory nerve process sound frequencies.
• Sound therapy
• Tinnitus retraining therapy
• Holistic approaches like acupuncture and hypnosis work as a complement to traditional medication to provide tinnitus relief, although these methods are speculative and need further research. In addition, natural remedies such as ginkgo Biloba to be have been found to be effective in providing tinnitus relief.
• Sound masking devices work to drown out the tinnitus sound by playing ambient noise. Masking the perception of tinnitus means that they create an external sound that feels louder than the tinnitus sound in the ear.

Tinnitus symptoms can affect the quality of life of tinnitus sufferers. Some of the things truckers can do to avoid this include limiting their exposure to intense noise by keeping their windows closed and reducing the volume on their stereos. Where possible, make the area around your motor engine, brakes, and gearbox soundproof by padding it with sound absorbent material. Additionally, you can wear earplugs to shield your ears from noise exposure alarms and other machinery, especially at truck stops.

2. Ensure your fleet meets the ELD requirements.

An electronic logging device (ELD) is a device that records a driver’s worked hours. ELDs are often attached to commercial vehicles to ensure that drivers adhere to the Hours of Service (HOS) which are stipulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) which oversees the transportation industry in the United States.

A master ELD takes care of truckers on the road by ensuring that truckers are not overworked by putting in more hours than they are allowed to, legally. This protects drivers as it eliminates fatigue, which is a common cause of fatal road accidents that result from collisions. Additionally, HOS allows drivers to take wholesome breaks, sleep longer, all while eliminating the tedious process of having to log their worked hours and distance traveled manually.

3. Avoid abrupt lane-splitting.

Lane-splitting is a common cause of road accidents in the United States. This is because when most motorists do this, they typically fail to signal other drivers. Trucks are bigger vehicles and, as a result, are more likely to have blindspots. No matter how vigilant the next motorist may seem, always signal if you really need to switch lanes.

 

Obtaining dual citizenship is easier and more straightforward now, thanks to numerous programs. With various countries offering different routes, you will be able to find a second passport that meets your requirements and other factors, such as your budget, lifestyle, and tax break needs.

Moreover, you can get a second passport within the shortest time possible. This means that you won’t have to wait for a year or more to get your additional legal travel document and use it as you please.

Reasons to Apply for an Antigua and Barbuda Passport

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the countries that has an attractive second citizenship program. It was first established in 2013 and has undergone several changes in the past years to make it more appealing to foreigners and easier for them to obtain a passport.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) has the fastest processing time among the similar routes in the Caribbean. If your application is successful, you can get your passport within six months.

Moreover, when you get an Antigua and Barbados passport, you will enjoy visa-free travel to more than 130 countries and lifetime dual citizenship. Also, you will not be subjected to capital gains, estate, inheritance, and wealth taxes.

All these benefits make the Antigua and Barbuda CIP the best value citizenship program in the Caribbean.

What You Need to Acquire Second Citizenship from Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application is pretty straightforward. You need to submit key requirements that demonstrate your capability and investment plan.

During the application process, you won’t need to travel to Antigua and Barbuda; you only have to compile and complete the requirements.

But what documents and requirements do you have to submit to obtain second citizenship from this Caribbean country? These are the five most important ones:

Police Certificate

Once you decide to apply for a second passport under the Antigua and Barbuda CIP, a crucial part of the whole process is passing the background check. As such, you must not have an existing criminal record.

One document that you have to submit to support this is a police certificate or police clearance certificate that states you have no criminal record in your country of citizenship.

If you are currently living in a foreign country (not your country of residence) and have been staying here for more than six months, you also need to get a police clearance certificate from the issuing agency.

Police certificates have to be less than six months old at the time of submission. Due to this reason, avoid delaying your application, unless you want to get another one.

Additionally, you also need to submit a certified copy of the proof of name change and your military records, if applicable.

Good Health

Aside from passing the background check, you also have to show that you are of good health when you apply for an Antigua and Barbuda passport. This means undergoing a medical exam.

Aside from the usual exams and evaluations, your medical certificate should include the original results of an HIV test. This is required for all applicants 12 years and older.

If you are including your spouse and children in your application, they need to get an HIV test too.

The HIV test results should not be older than three months at the time of your application.

An Investment Pathway

The Antigua and Barbuda CIP has three investment options. These are:

Government Donation

Through this route, you have to make a non-refundable contribution of at least USD 100,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF). Another option is to donate a minimum non-refundable amount of USD 150,000 to the University of the West Indies. The biggest benefit of this pathway is that it costs less than the other options.

Business Investment

This pathway requires applicants to purchase an eligible, government-approved business for a minimum amount of USD 1.5 million as an individual. You can also partner with other investors and participate in a joint purchase where each person contributes at least USD 400,000, with a minimum total amount of USD 5 million.

Real Estate Purchase

If you choose this route, you have to invest in a government-approved real estate project worth at least USD 200,000. With this pathway, you can own a property, live in it, turn it into a rental to earn extra income, or both. Due to these reasons, it is the best path in the medium term.

Before or during your application, you need to know which investment route to take so that you can prepare your finances.

Financial Documents

Regardless of which investment route you take, you need to demonstrate that you are financially capable of completing them.

A key document that you have to prepare is at least one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank where you have an account. This should not be older than six months at the time of your submission.

Other financial documents you have to submit are statements regarding your source of funds which you will invest in Antigua and Barbuda.

In most instances, you will be asked to submit the original documents or notarized copies.

Citizenship Consultant

Finally, the whole second citizenship application process can go faster and more smoothly if you work with a citizenship consultant.

Once you hire a consultant, you will get expert advice at every step of the application process. From choosing which citizenship investment program suits your needs and lifestyle, giving you a checklist of requirements and helping you complete them, to submitting your application pack, you will have an expert assisting you.

If you choose the real estate or business investment pathway, you will also get assistance with finding a property or company that meets your requirements, including your budget.

Your consultant will also act as your representative throughout the whole application process. You won’t need to go to Antigua and Barbuda anytime; your advisor can complete most of the steps for you.

Moreover, your consultant will give you constant updates regarding the status of your purchase or donation and your application.

Whether you want to call Antigua and Barbuda your new home, be an entrepreneur, or enjoy the benefits of having a second passport, make sure you have all these requirements so that you can be a legal citizen of this Caribbean country in the shortest time possible.

AUTHOR BIO:

Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship, residency and investment into the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.

 

 

Camping is one of the oldest and most time-honoured traditions known to man. However, it’s important to follow all safety tips, and take every precaution when you’re out there alone, or as a family. There are also a few things that you absolutely must take with you when you head out for a night, or a weekend, in the great outdoors. Your camping trip could end up being a disaster without them, so keep on reading to find out the essentials you need to pack before anything else.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Even on days that promise hot and humid weather, you may still want to take weather-appropriate clothing, in order to stay warm overnight, as temperatures drop at dusk, depending on where you’re camping. Remember when you saw those jeans on sale last week? Now might be the perfect time that you pick them up. Since these are denim jeans, they can stand up to the rigors of camp life and will keep your legs warm. They should also help keep them bite-free; as everyone knows insects rule the areas where you’re camping. Don’t forget to pack a few long-sleeved flannel shirts, and a jacket, even if you’re on a summer camping trip.

Mosquito Repellent

Mosquito repellent is essential for when you’re heading out to camp in the woods. Natural mosquito repellent is the better, if not the best option, because you don’t have to worry that the ingredients in the repellent will harm your family and pets. The last thing you want is to be miserable because you forgot to pack anything that will repel bugs. Therefore, any form of natural bug repellents are an absolutely essential item. Also, mosquitoes tend to show up most in warmer weather, and are known to carry many different diseases, such as malaria, so keeping them away is the best way to keep your family from being at risk.

A Tent

You’ll want a tent that is easy to set up and 100% waterproof. While you should also opt for a well-ventilated, sturdy tent, the size of it will depend on how many people are going to be sleeping in it, and how much space you’re going to need for other activities.

Sleeping Bags

While many well-seasoned campers feel that all they need is a good solid piece of ground and the stars above their head, that’s not the case for everyone. It’s best to have a high-quality, waterproof sleeping bag for each member of your party. It can be dangerous in some cases, if you choose the wrong sleeping bag for the conditions you’ll be camping in, so make sure to do your research well. Also, sleeping bags are good for keeping the bug bites away too.

A Water Bottle

Water is the most important thing to take on your camping trip with you, as you simply can’t live without it. Pack a reusable water bottle, so that you can refill from the spigots at your campsite. Do not refill water bottles from streams or rivers, as you don’t know what kind of bacteria is in them that can make you and your family sick, or worse, be fatal.

Food Supplies

Deciding what you’re going to eat on your camping trip is essential. While you may be planning to eat the fish you’ve caught or possibly wild game, it’s important to bring stuff with you anyway, just in case. Having a planned menu and a few healthy snacks is better than having nothing to eat, when the catch of the day doesn’t go quite the way it should have. Beef jerky, trail mix, and other non-perishables are great to take on a camping trip. Don’t forget the portable gas stove either, for if the fire doesn’t work out quite as you expected it to.

These are just a few of the things that you absolutely need when you’re going on a camping trip. From food to weather-appropriate clothes, you’ll have a much better time if you’re well prepared.