Travel

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.

The travel industry is a sector that typically remains active throughout any given year, considering the frequent trips people make and the various reasons why they do so. College students often travel for class trips or participate in study abroad programs. Many people travel overseas for business conferences and meetings, and many people go on domestic and international trips during the holiday season.

The United States Travel Association reported that in 2019, an estimated 80 percent of trips taken within the United States were for leisure purposes. The top five activities domestic travelers in the U.S. participated in during leisure trips were visits to family members, shopping, visits to friends, fine dining, and rural sightseeing. That being said, many countries enacted various temporary or long-term travel restrictions following the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, causing a decline in trips.

As the ongoing health crisis continues, U.S. residents should consider traveling cross-country instead of leaving the country. The United States is rich with history, and you can find historic sites nearby. Consider a city such as Corinth, Mississippi. There are plenty of things to do in Corinth, MS: visit the Shiloh National Military Park, the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, the Corinth Contraband Camp, the Crossroads Museum, and other sites relevant to the American Civil War. Visiting a nearby historic site such as Corinth will save on the overall trip cost and allow you to expand your travel plans to include more activities.

When traveling amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s crucial to take precautions to protect your health. It would help if you also consider protecting your finances and belongings with a travel insurance policy. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting travel insurance for your next trip.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses.

No one counts on sustaining injuries or getting sick when traveling, but accidents happen. Travel insurance can be beneficial if an accident or medical emergency occurs away from home or overseas. Most travel insurance plans include coverage for expenses from illness or personal injury. When seeking coverage, keep in mind that most travel insurers don’t offer policies that cover pre-existing health conditions, pregnancy-related complications, childbirth, or damages caused by travelers’ willing participation in risky behaviors.

Coverage can help you recover lost or stolen items.

Most travelers fear the theft or loss of their luggage, especially when they’re traveling with belongings that are high in sentimental and monetary value. In actuality, though, the odds of stolen or lost luggage are quite slim. Travelers typically receive their luggage in one day or two following a delay. Luggage that remains lost after two weeks or more typically gets deemed a total loss.

Depending on the circumstances, travel insurance may cover damages and the loss or theft of baggage or other belongings and valuable items.

Insurance policies help with canceled or delayed flights.

Many travelers may find it convenient to purchase their airline tickets, hotel rooms, and other traveling necessities for a trip in advance. Regardless of how much money or time a person spends preparing for a trip, emergencies and other unforeseen events may occur that could keep a traveler from embarking toward their destination. For this reason, people should consider acquiring travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage. Depending on the circumstances, travel insurance may cover missed, canceled, or delayed flights and any resulting accommodation issues.

Travel insurance is practical, especially for people who frequently go on trips. Travelers must read up on what travel insurance policies include and exclude. When considering purchasing travel coverage, people should keep in mind factors including, the destinations they frequent, their trip itinerary, the belongings they travel with, and their health. Obtaining information about travel insurance from a reputable web source can help people decide what travel insurance policy they should choose.

 

If you’re currently planning a whirlwind road trip through the UK, you’ve come to the right place. Simply continue reading in order to discover a few handy UK road trip tips that will make planning your upcoming trip, a breeze.

Stop at service stations for a well-deserved rest:

As it’s dangerous to drive for countless hours, without taking a rest, it’s a great idea to plan stops at some of the service stations along your intended route. As not only can you park and rest up at a service station but you can also use clean rest rooms to freshen up and can purchase affordably priced meals and snacks. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s definitely worth purchasing a fresh sandwich from a local service station for lunch, instead of eating at an expensive cafe or restaurant.

If possible rent a four wheel drive vehicle:

If you plan on driving to isolated country towns or along the UK’s beautiful coast it’s a great idea to opt to rent a four wheel drive vehicle, which will be able to handle dirt roads, without any issues.

Try to avoid paying road tolls:

If you plan your travel route carefully you’ll be able to avoid paying road tolls, by planning to take toll free roads to get to each of your road trip destinations. You can even use an app to create a trip route which avoids toll charges.

Extend your trip by driving to Ireland:

It’s easy to explore Ireland, as you’ll be able to take your car on a ferry to and from Ireland. So if you’ve always dreamed of visiting the emerald isle, it’s well worth visiting Ireland on your UK road trip.

Plan to visit the UK from June to September:

The best time to visit the UK is from June to September. When the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. However, do be warned that it is likely to pour down with rain if you visit the UK, even during the height of summer.

Don’t be afraid to pull over to let other cars past:

Many of the roads in the UK are narrow, so there may be circumstances in which you should pull over and let oncoming traffic past you. As on some narrow country lanes, it’s impossible to move past oncoming traffic, without pulling over and waiting for the oncoming traffic to move past your car.

Consider hiring a motorhome:

If you would love to change your road trip itinerary at the drop of a hat, it’s a great idea to consider hiring a motorhome. As you’ll be able to stay an extra night in a town which you fall in love with. Or you’ll be able to change your itinerary to visit a castle, that another traveller recommended to you.

Use Google Maps instead of a GPS system:

Instead of hiring an expensive GPS system, it’s well worth downloading Google Maps onto your phone. So that you’ll be able to access road directions on your phone for free.

So if you’re serious about planning a road trip through the UK, it’s well worth using some of the handy tips which are listed above, in order to plan your trip of a lifetime.

 

There’s something uniquely enchanting and exciting about city life. From major metropolises such as New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco to smaller cities such as Austin in Texas, there are plenty of examples of places that offer the full urban experience. Thanks to the web, meanwhile, everything from an online Hollywood casino to the recipe for a New York cheesecake can be accessed in just a few clicks. Whether you’re planning to immerse yourself into life in Manhattan for a week or you’re intending to explore somewhere off the beaten track, this article is for you.

Big metropolises

The US is home to some of the world’s biggest and most exciting cities. Immersing yourself in New York City, for example, is a great way to have an urban experience: from the famous sites of Times Square and Central Park to the grittier and more hipster locations of Brooklyn and Harlem, there’s plenty to see and do here if you want to get that city feel. On the other coast, meanwhile, Los Angeles is a favorite choice for many, home to Hollywood and also to some of the finest urban beaches in the country, such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

Heading to a big metropolis, however, can be daunting, especially if you haven’t been to one before. Luckily, this is where the internet can step in and help: by offering travelers the chance to check out streets on Google Maps, for example, the web can help give a simulated urban experience before the real journey begins.

Specialist cities

While some cities are defined by their size, then, others are defined because of their specialties. One such example of a place like this is Las Vegas, which is known around the world for being a prime example of a gambling city. While other US cities such as Atlantic City can lay claim as being one of the country’s secondary gambling cities, nowhere can quite challenge Las Vegas in this regard – and for a gambler who wants to experience the best that a city can offer, Las Vegas is a great choice.

It plays host to over 100 casinos, for example, many of which have been rated among the finest in the world. However, aside from the raw numbers, it also has the prestige of the place to go if you want to gamble. The level of excitement that it generates isn’t the sort of thing that can be easily quantified, but if you’re a keen gambler and you turn up in Las Vegas to experience the trip of a lifetime, then you’re sure to feel it. If you can’t quite make it to Las Vegas in the near future, then don’t panic: you can always head to the web, where you can find amazing and authentic online casino experiences.

Smaller places

However, just because a place is smaller doesn’t mean that it is any less valuable in terms of an urban experience. In fact, some of the most exciting urban experiences are focused on smaller places, and the US is full of cities that are exciting and enticing because of, rather than in spite of, their size. Take the example of Austin, which is located in Texas and which offers all sorts of things to do, including an aquarium, a museum to O. Henry, and even a Lone Star-themed riverboat. If you’re on the West Coast, meanwhile, then a visit to the city of San Luis Obispo is also a must. This place, which has sometimes been called the ‘happiest town in America’, is a college city due to being home to the California Polytechnic State University. It offers everything from an historic center to proximity to Pismo Beach, one of California’s finest ocean-side gems.

The US is full of urban experiences that are often just a short plan, a Greyhound trip or an Amtrak ride away. From huge urban zones such as New York City to relatively smaller yet kooky places such as Austin in Texas, urban life – and all of the excitement that this brings – is never far away. And with the internet on side, meanwhile, you don’t have to wait until your next vacation in order to enjoy the pleasures of city life. Whether you want to take a virtual walk down a Manhattan street or play a highly realistic Hollywood casino game, what you need is available on your screen in just a few clicks.