But, there are simply so many possible upgrades that you can choose from. While having a choice is often a good thing, in this case it is not, especially when some upgrades simply aren’t worth the money or they just don’t make any sense. So, with that in mind, what are the boat upgrades that would give you the most value for money? 

Engine Upgrade 

While an engine upgrade will most likely be one of the more expensive upgrades you can get for your boat, it will also be the upgrade that’s most likely going to offer the most return. An improved engine means that your boat has a boost in torque, speed, and fuel efficiency. This also sets your boat up for better upgrades like a wakeboard tower from aerialwakeboarding.com, which will require a lot of power in order for you to enjoy wakeboarding thoroughly.

Seat Upholstery 

Most of the wear and tear on a boat happens on the seats. You could get food, water, sand, and all sorts of other dirt and grime on the seats.  This is unfortunate, considering the fact that the reason why you’d want to go for a boat ride is the comfort you find while you’re at sea. While it’s true that upholstery maintenance is inevitable and expensive, higher quality materials will almost always last longer than those of a lower quality.

Onboard Lighting 

Built-in LED lights are very energy-efficient and often come standard on boats. If yours doesn’t already have them, they are a great way to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your boat. Because LEDs also come in strips that are thin and sealed, it’s possible to install them anywhere on your boat.

Portable Power 

Whether you decide to get a house battery or a portable generator, having a portable power module installed on your boat grants you peace of mind. It could be in the form of being able to start your engine after spending the power reserves of your boat after a full day of running onboard systems, or when you simply need a power source to charge your mobile devices. This is especially important when you’re spending your day somewhere there isn’t power that’s readily available, like when you spend a holiday at the beach.

Bimini Top

A bimini top provides your boat with protection from the harsh sun during the summer and it helps keep your deck dry. If your boat doesn’t already come with a bimini top or if your old one simply needs to be replaced, this is a great upgrade and a staple to get for your boat.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of upgrades that you need to get for your boat, this article amply illustrates the wisdom behind prioritizing practicality and functionality when buying upgrades. So, even when you have the money to spend on a boat, you need to make sure that you’re spending your money well.

The post How To Upgrade Your Boat For Maximum Value For Money appeared first on ClickHowTo.

Mark Twain once said, “In 20 years, you will be more disappointed by what you didn’t do than by what you did. “There probably is a bit of truth to this. Ditching the traditional cubicle for a coffee shop in Prague is definitely enticing, and the following globetrotting business ideas can get you there. Let’s dive in!

1. Take Your Professional Experience On The Road With An Online Business

Starting your own business does not need to be challenging. In fact, you probably have the expertise and professional knowledge to pull it off just fine. Just imagine recreating your current office experience and simply making it digital. It really is that simplistic. And the best part is that you can set up your online remote business before you quit the day job and board for Borneo.

Forst, it is important to get your professional skills visible online. This requires a few important essentials, such as a WordPress website theme for an online business, a domain name, and a professional WordPress hosting provider. Once you have that in place, create great web page content, sprinkle in call to action (CTA) buttons, and start advertising.

Not sure what business to start? Here are a few questions to ask

• What experience can I offer to others and help them grow and be successful?
• Can I do this business remotely?
• What is the market for my experience?
• Where can I work (coffee shop, hotel, hostel, etc.)?
• Can I do it all solo, or do I need to hire a few other people?
• What will accepting payments and invoicing customers look like?
• How do I set up a business account and LLC my business?
• How do I file taxes if I’m self-employed?

2. Become A Creative And Provide Freelance Services

Starting a creative website that serves up great creative services, such as content development, SEO, website design, PPC advertising, and more, can have excellent travel funding potential. This is a pretty common career choice for those who want to travel the world and not pay for it. Some creatives even get work in the countries they are traveling through as well.

Since you will be launching an online creative agency, you will need to first establish an online presence. This means launching a website. However, your website can be pretty simple, letting your actual portfolio of work do the talking for you. Incorporate website elements like:

• A website homepage with a picture of you, your story, and your value proposition
• An about page with a more in-depth story about you and your creative career journey
• A portfolio page showcasing your past work and projects
• A contact page with a message capture, as well as your email, phone number, and social media profile links.

3. Launch A Blog About Your Daily Travels

This one is a no brainer when it comes to funding your travel. However, this is probably one of the most saturated ways to get money while globetrotting. Is it impossible? No, but you will need to be ready to put in some work and follow some very simple optimization practices.

Starting a blog is easy. You simply get a website host and choose from a number of blog themes. To have a successful blog, it is all about what you post, and how you post it. You need to do in-depth keyword research to ensure you are going to rank appropriately, earning you the traffic that you can leverage later for ads and affiliate marketing.

Next, post long content. Long-form content in the 2,000-word range has been shown to rank far better than short blog posts. You also want to become a multi-channel blogger. Post videos that compliment your blogs, as well as add in a whole bunch of stunning travel images.

Wrapping Up . . .

There are a number of ways to fund your travel, and the above are definitely not the end-all, be-all ideas. They are, however, a few of the easiest to establish and grow exponentially. You can even start these types of globetrotting business ideas before ever leaving your day job for the Amazon jungle. Have you successfully funded your travel with a digital nomad gig? We want to hear your suggestions.

The post How to Fund Your Trips as a Digital Nomad appeared first on ClickHowTo.

How Geo-Blocking Works

Netflix has a vast collection of movies. However, many movies were acquired by other TV companies long before Netflix came to the picture. To this end, the content available for the service’s users varies from country to country. For instance, the series Sherlock Homes may be available in the UK but not in the U.S.A.

The United States holds the bulk of what Netflix and many other TV services have to offer. Europe and Asia have limited viewership, and several other continents are entirely blocked out from this service. To this end, you may be in for a rude shock when trying to catch up on your favorite movie overseas.

Beating the Ban

For a long time, Netflix users around the world could easily get past Netflix’s geo-blocking systems using VPN services. VPNs hide one’s original IP and make it appear as if it is located elsewhere. Netflix, however, has caught up with this trick and employed a sophisticated VPN detection system. Many VPN services simply cannot get past it.

The new VPN detection system designed by Netflix is so sophisticated that you cannot use VPN for anything else while streaming Netflix, even if you don’t really need to bypass any of Netflix’s bans.

This has caused a lot of complications as Netflix users are forced to choose between streaming and connecting to the internet via VPN – VPN has more uses than just streaming, you know! It has even raised concerns about privacy infringement. Some VPN services, however, have found a way to do it. So, how do you determine the best VPN for streaming?

VPNs that Work

Beating the current security systems installed by Netflix takes the best technology. The truth is that most VPN services are more than just secondary proxies. Quality VPN services go a step further than just masking your IP address. They employ the best security and avoidance systems to get past the company’s sophisticated detection systems.

Three VPNs, in particular, stand out from the recent in wake of the recent roll-out of new VPN bans by Netflix:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN services in the market, and not just for streaming. It is popular for its reliability and fast internet speeds. It has been able to beat the Netflix ban so far by utilizing its vast resources and emerging technologies.

It is worth noting that ExpressVPN has over 2000 servers distributed across 90 countries. It also uses the AES-256-CBC encryption protocol to stay under the radar of VPN detection systems like Netflix’s – it even gets past China’s great firewall systems! However, simultaneous connections are not allowed using this service.

2. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is another upcoming contender. This VPN service has been ranked as one of the best in the market, and just ideal for beating even the toughest TV service geo-blocks. VyprVPN offers all the features of ExpressVPN and more.

It is especially popular for making it possible to have up to 5 simultaneous connections – this means that you can invite friends and loved ones to use your VPN for streaming and more. It is also cheaper.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN is the go-to VPN for streaming. It seems to have specialized in this niche as it employs some of the best technology for streaming. For instance, it has an entire program dedicated to helping users connect to Netflix.

It is also flexible as it allows up to 6 simultaneous connections. It also helps that the company is registered in Panama and can thus get past most of the restrictions set by the U.S. and EU governments. However, its prices reflect its ranking.

More than Just Netflix

Netflix has undoubtedly attained the crown when it comes to movie streaming services. However, several other brands are catching up. Hulu has been a contender for some time now as it has the second-largest following after Netflix. It has also been making key upgrades that will place it at a better position to compete against Netflix and, most importantly, offer a larger variety of movies for its customers to enjoy. Amazon is also making strides in this sector with its friendly services.

Unlike Netflix, Hulu and Amazon have flexible rules when it comes to what you can watch. Granted: you cannot watch as much as Netflix has to offer. However, you can be sure that your VPN, for streaming, will always work – these companies have no desire of taking the extreme measures taken by Netflix, and they may even open up their services to more regions.

Conclusion

Whether you are traveling abroad or just trying to watch a movie restricted to your country, don’t worry as the best VPN services still have your back. Our VPN recommendations will not only let you stream anything on Netflix and other TV services but also ensure that your connection is safe and private.

The post How to Use a VPN to Watch Your Favorite Shows While Traveling appeared first on ClickHowTo.

Plan it together

Just the thought of going away and having some much-needed private time can instill enthusiasm into a relationship. So share the idea of a second honeymoon with your spouse and invite them to plan it with you. Right from when and where to go to selecting the airline and resort that best suit your budget and preferences, planning the vacation together gives a couple something to look forward to each day until the day they pack their bags and leave for the airport.

Be willing to reach a happy compromise

It is very much possible for a couple’s idea of a second honeymoon to differ widely from each other. While you may be dreaming of a fun and adventurous vacation in Thailand, your partner may just want to fly to a tropical island closer home and have an easy and relaxed beach vacation.

It’s tough to reach a compromise when you have such varying choices, but it’s not impossible. If your objective of planning a romantic vacation is to indulge your spouse, you won’t have much difficulty giving in to their wishes—better still, make it a win-win by picking a tropical island that offers plenty of activities and a thriving nightlife for you to have your fill of adventure.

Make advance reservations

Paying up beforehand will not only get you a better price, it will also ensure that you don’t end up cancelling the trip for trivial reasons that tend to crop up and jeopardize a well-deserved and long-awaited vacation.

Book an all-inclusive couples’ retreat

Explore all-inclusive luxury beach resorts for a value-for-money honeymoon trip. All-inclusive vacation plans have multiple advantages: you get to have a luxurious vacation at affordable pricing; several custom perks are included to make your honeymoon more special; a wide range of luxury inclusions ensure that you have an elevated, premium vacation at a preset price; and, lastly, an all-inclusive couples getaway offers a host of recreation and entertainment activities at no extra cost.

Before you pay up for an all-inclusive plan, confirm the perks included in the plan and check whether you need to make advance reservation for any of the activities.

Leave the children at home

As much as you hate the idea of leaving the kids behind and having them miss out on an amazing vacation, refrain from turning your second honeymoon into a family vacation. The whole point of taking this trip and doing so much planning and organizing is to reward yourself and your spouse with alone time where you can forget the stresses of daily life and focus on each other. So make arrangements for the kids to be happy, safe and engaged while you’re away and focus on making the most of your lovers’ getaway.

Consider vow renewal

Many couples on their second or third honeymoon renew their wedding vows to mark the beginning of a new phase in their marital journey. Retying the nuptial knot is a beautiful way for couples to remind each other of the value of love and commitment in a relationship. Find out if your resort can arrange for a simple ceremony for you. In fact, many resorts in the Caribbean specialize in arranging bespoke vow-renewal vacations, honeymoons and destination weddings.

Treat each other well no matter what

The goal of taking a honeymoon after many years of being married should not be to find space and time to resolve marital issues. Rather, it needs to be an opportunity for couples to treat each other with love and respect and shower undivided attention on one another sans the usual distractions of chores, responsibilities and gadgets. This indeed takes effort and commitment, but it is the smaller gestures that will make your honeymoon a resounding success.

Lastly, to make the most of your long-awaited second honeymoon, choose a location and time of year when you can get away for longer without upsetting your finances—look for off-season deals, limited-period offers, and ask the resort how they can make your stay even more special.

The post How to Plan for a Great Second Honeymoon appeared first on ClickHowTo.

If you are a traveler who does not want to compromise on his comfort and ease then it is advisable to pay a little extra and experience a new realm of comfort. Innsbruck airport transfer is the right solution for people planning to travel from Vienna without letting their peace of mind getting hindered.

The most important thing – always assure to make a list of things you will be expecting from your travel partner. The list should at least have:

• A punctual service
• Well-groomed chauffeur
• Clean vehicle
• Helpful driver with pleasantness in tone
• Polite in nature
• Eminent driving skills

Once you have figured it out with whom are you going to travel then that airport transfer will be the best commute of your life, if these are the things you did not compromise on. When luxury is what you choose then nothing but your needs will be kept as priority no matter where you go! They also add the VIP tinge wherever you go. All those eyes are just on you as soon as you land at an airport.

Another thing to consider before booking your vehicle is to see that the private company you have chosen is working 24 hours and 365 days. With the help of a professional driver, you can get through your location well-in-time without getting stuck in traffic. No, he is not a superman, he just knows the shortest routes to your final destination. It is almost like having a cake and eating it too wherever you go!

If you are someone who doesn’t like to spend much on traveling then also there are plenty of options to travel in without actually settling for something less than your comfort zone. When booking professionals, inexpensive cars do not mean the comport will not be your priority. Everything listed above will be provided to you without a doubt because that is what private professional services stand for around the globe.

Last but definitely not the least, Innsbruck airport transfer let you travel around the globe by letting you book your dream transfer right from a mobile application downloaded in your smartphone. Open, inspect, and book! All details about the vehicle are mentioned in this application. Choose what suits you, provide the details about your trip, make the payment, and you are all set to go!

The post  How To Opt for Luxury During Airport Transfers appeared first on ClickHowTo.

Over one million travelers from across the world visit Turks and Caicos each year for a superlative beach vacation experience rated among the best globally. If you are planning a family vacation or a couple’s coastal retreat, Turks and Caicos is an option worth considering. Here are some important and interesting facts about this little paradise on earth.

20 Quick Facts

• Turks and Caicos (TCI) is a string of 40 islands and cays, of which only 8 are inhabited.
• Temperatures range between 73 degrees and 88 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
• Best time to visit is December to May.
• Hurricane season is from June 1 until November 30.
• The total population of the 8 inhabited islands is about 32,000.
• The residents speak English, the islands’ official language.
• US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos.
• The islands follow Atlantic Standard Time (AST) throughout the year.
• Providenciales is Turks and Caicos’ most visited island.
• The international airport is located in Providenciales.
• US citizens with valid passport do not need visa for travel to Turks and Caicos for short durations.
• Maximum stay allowed to tourists is 30 days.
• All tourists must have a round-trip ticket when visiting Turks and Caicos.
• US citizens who have a valid international drivers’ license can drive in Turks and Caicos for up to a period of 30 days.
• The islands use 120 volt (60Hz) electricity.
• Minimum age to drink alcohol is 18 years.
• Nudity in public is prohibited.
• Consumption or possession of drugs is illegal.
• Possession of firearm or other weapon requires permit.
• No vaccination is required before coming to Turks and Caicos.

Best time to visit Turks and Caicos

The islands have a pleasant climate through the year, mainly due to the year-round trade winds. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between December and May, when the temperatures range between a pleasant 80 and 85 degrees. June through October comprise the hot weather months, with maximum temperature of 90 to 95 degrees.

Rains occur during April and May. The first week of June to the end of November is declared hurricane season in Turks and Caicos; however, hurricanes are rare.

The beautiful island of Providenciales

Providenciales in the Caicos Islands is home to nearly three-fourth of TCI’s entire population. It is a popular destination for travelers looking for family-friendly luxurious vacation that combines the best of amenities but also offers an authentic local experience for each family member.

The island is well-equipped with all modern amenities and also has community health clinics, several qualified private doctors, and a well-equipped health center maintained by InterHealth Canada.

The World’s #1 Beach

Providenciales Island is famous for its magnificent Grace Bay beach, recognized as the world’s best beach at the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. This beautiful white-sand beach is pure bliss that stretches 12 miles on the northern coastline of the island.

Grace Bay beach is home to some of the best luxury vacation resorts in all of Turks and Caicos.

Drinking water

As on other Caribbean islands, fresh water is scarce in Turks and Caicos, and therefore often sold at a premium. Tap water is treated through reverse osmosis and is safe to drink; however, if you are prone to getting sick from change in water or climate, it is advisable to drink bottled water purchased from your hotel or the local stores.

Essential services

Local telephone and cellular services are readily available, and so are cable TV, facsimile, courier and internet. Your US cellphone will work in Turks and Caicos provided you have roaming enabled.

The government-run postal service is available on all eight inhabited islands.

Payments and tipping

You can pay your hotel and local restaurants, stores and cab service in cash or through credit card or traveler’s checks. You can withdraw cash from local ATMs and also avail cash advance on your credit card if needed.

Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the service received and is generally 10% or 15%.

To conclude, visiting TCI—and Providenciales in particular—is the once-in-a-lifetime experience that your family will remember for years to come. To get maximum value for your money, look for an all-inclusive value deal for a luxury resort located right at the beach.

The post How To Plan The Perfect Vacation in Turks and Caicos appeared first on ClickHowTo.

Here are the best things to do in Colorado:

1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

This amphitheater can be found near Morrison, Colorado. It is a stone formation which offers raw beauty that will surely impress you. It was said to be used by the Ute Tribe prior to the expansion on the westward part of the area. Up to date, it serves an ideal place for live music performances for the bands and artists alike.

If you’re into music, you’d surely admire the shows here at the Red Rocks. It is under the management of the city of Denver and numerous musicians with different genres have already performed here. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most picturesque concert venues in the world. You’d be in awe once you visit this place.

1. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde means green table in Spanish. It is located in southwest Colorado. This place is considered as a national park by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Due to its beauty, it is also a designated World Heritage site which is home to ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. This place is perfect for history geeks and nature lovers alike. Don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit Mesa Verde.

Since 7500 BC, Mesa Verde has been inhabited by nomadic tribes.  According to the experts, the first pueblos were built in 650 AD. Here, there is an impressive cliff dwelling that attracts visitors to visit the park and it is said to be built in 1200 AD. Spend more time learning a glimpse of history about these Native Americans as you witness the Cliff Palace as well as the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. For a much picturesque view of the canyon, drop by the Mesa Top Loop Road.

1. Strawberry Parks Hot Springs

Strawberry Parks Hot Springs is a paradise that you shouldn’t miss as you visit Colorado. Here, you can have your ultimate relaxation in a wild and gorgeous setting. It is accessible to all. Don’t forget to bring your swimming attire and take a quick dip in these natural springs so you can recharge. Try out the best Jacuzzis our Mother Nature has to offer.

If you plan to stay overnight, don’t worry this is possible. The park also features a day area picnics and changing rooms. You can go and explore the nearby hiking trails or even bring your bike. After that, you can always relax and soothe your muscles as you dip in the springs.  This park’s surroundings is filled with beauty and unique stone formations which will really make your visit a remarkable one.

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve stands in contrast to the popular Rocky Mountain National Park where sandy dunes cover the entire land that resulted in a beautiful vista that will remind you of deserts. It is located in southern Colorado. Be sure to hit the largest dune here. It is called the Star Dune which towers over the rest.

You’ll never be bored once you visit this place because there are numerous activities for outdoor lovers and the like. You can explore the trails and eventually pass through forests and wetlands which surround the dunes. Don’t forget to visit Medano Lake. It is one of the several alpine lakes that you visit in Colorado.

Fond of trekking? Try out the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Medano Pass Primitive Road will guide you on the way to the canyon until you reach your final destination.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

This National Park is located in north-central Colorado. Specifically between the towns of Estes Park and the Grand Lake. In the northwestern part of the park, you’ll find the headwaters of the Colorado River. This river is considered as the World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.

You can visit any of the 5 visitors’ centers in the park. One of those is registered on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. It features numerous landscapes from mountains to mountain tundra and even a range of wildlife. Regardless of the duration of your stay, from a short hike, for a day tour or stay and go on for longer treks, the sceneries will surely mesmerize you. Be sure to visit the Arapaho National Forest or Indian Peaks Wilderness.

1. Toltec Scenic Railroad

You’ll start in Antonito, Colorado since the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is located in the said area. It runs until the Chama, New Mexico which has a total of 64 miles. Go on a trip back in time as you go through the old-fashioned and narrow heritage railroad. The countryside ambiance is definitely enjoyable as you pass through it. Have the best view of the Toltec Gorge. It is the inspiration where the name of this railroad is coined.

You can either book a coach seat or travel in a first class car. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Along the way, you’ll witness the must-see places like the Rio Grande and Carson National Forest.

1. Arkansas River

The birthplace of the Arkansas River is the Rocky Mountains. It is the most popular river in the United States. This is perfect for water rafting regardless of the duration that you prefer if you want to go on half day or turn into a much longer trip. It features numerous rafting routes depending on your expertise which ranges from family-friendly to expert Class IV.

If you are an experienced whitewater rafter, you’ll commence in Bighorn Canyon. You can go for days and even camp on the side of Arkansas River which will definitely provide you a one of a kind nature experience. On the other hand, there are locations for experienced or new rafters namely Royal Gorge and Browns Canyon. Take your time to explore this side of Colorado.

The post How To Plan The Perfect Places To Visit in Colorado appeared first on ClickHowTo.

As exciting as the prospect of working in Singapore is, it is important to approach your job hunt realistically. Finding a job in Singapore can be extremely challenging unless you have specific skills that are sought after by employers in the area. Jobs that require fewer specialized skills usually go to local residents. As you can imagine, that means that the competition for jobs that are open to foreigners can be quite fierce.

To get an idea of just how tough the job market in Singapore is, try searching for jobs in the city online. One of the first things that you will see is that the vast majority of job openings specify that the position is only open to people living permanently in the country. Although there may be a few positions that are open to foreigners, for the most part, they will be searching for local residents. Although it may seem unfair, it is simply a matter of economics. Companies have to expend far less money to hire someone who already lives in the area rather than hiring someone from a foreign country and having to deal with all of the associated expenses.

The tips below will improve your chances of finding a good job in Singapore that is open to people from other countries:

1. One of the worst approaches that you can take is to just show up in Singapore for a short visit without a plan in place, hoping to schedule job interviews while you are in town. Even if you do manage to get an interview or find a job fair, the odds of finding an opening in such a short period of time are quite slim. In most cases, people who take this approach wind up leaving disappointed. If you only have time for a short visit, make the most of your trip by scheduling interviews with possible employers ahead of time. You should also try to connect with a Singapore-based recruiter. Typically, it isn’t worth wasting time attending career fairs since these events tend to focus primarily on jobs for locals.

2. Give online job boards a closer look. Although most of the jobs that are posted online are for locals, positions that are open to foreigners are occasionally posted. Finding these jobs can be somewhat challenging. In most cases, you will have to read through a lot of job openings before you find any that are willing to hire people from other countries. You may be able to speed up the process by using advanced search features on the site to exclude words such as resident, citizen, Singaporean, or PR.

3. Talk to everyone that you know. Although it is unlikely that any of your contacts know about job openings in Singapore, it never hurts to check. Don’t forget to put the word out to your personal or business network through social media, as well.

4. Only apply for jobs that you are qualified for. There is no point in applying for jobs that are not a good match for your skills. Instead, focus your attention on positions that fit with your educational background or your work experience. If you are working with a recruiter, make sure that they have a good understanding of your work history so they can find you jobs that match.

5. Create a high-quality resume that showcases your skills and strengths. Additionally, write a customized cover letter for each position that you apply for that lets the employer know why you are a good candidate for the job.

6. Before going to an interview, spend plenty of time practicing to hone your responses and to get more comfortable answering the types of questions that you may face.

7. If you get a job offer, consider taking it even if it isn’t exactly what you were looking for. You may be able to move into another position after you have a little bit of experience working in the country.

8. If you wish to move to Singapore then sort out a visa via Singapore Immigration Solutions. This will ensure you’re legal to work in the country.

These tips will help you get the marketing job of your dreams and live and work in Singapore.

The post How To Find A Job in Marketing Working Abroad in Singapore appeared first on ClickHowTo.

The Grand Canyon is overwhelming with its sheer size, but hiking below the rim can be the most challenging, and at the same time rewarding, hike you can undertake. The difficulty and challenge come from the fact that the descent, the easiest part, comes before the harder slog back up to the rim; something that can exhaust and test the hardiest mountain hikers. Add to that the summer heat, the thin air, and the high altitude of the Colorado Plateau, which reaches 11,000 feet high, and you’ll get an idea of how even a short trek can be draining. For that as well as other considerations, it’s important to plan well ahead, choose your trail, and pay close attention to these practicalities.

Hiking safety

First and foremost, you should not hike alone. Solo hikers form a large proportion of canyon casualties. You should always plan ahead and heed the rangers’ advice to allow twice as long to climb back out of the canyon as you took to climb down. This will not only guarantee a successful hike but will keep you safe as well. Another thing to consider is to always follow the trail and never take shortcuts. Leaving the trail will make it harder to find you in case of emergency.

Water and food

For such a long and grueling hike it’s important to carry enough food and water in ultra light backpacking gear. In typical summer temperatures exceeding 100°F, you’ll need to carry as much water and food as you possibly can. Each hiking day requires at least one gallon of water and high-energy food. You’ll also need to pre-hydrate before a big hike by drinking large amounts of water the night before. Hydration systems in which a mouthpiece and tube connect to a water pouch in your backpack, are highly recommended.

Snakes and creepy crawlies

While there are lots of snakes in the Grand Canyon, including three species rattlesnakes, there have been no reports of anybody actually dying from snake bites. Scorpions are a different matter. Getting stung, especially from bark scorpions, is quite common. However, their poison causes nausea at worst rather than death. When camping, be sure to shake out your shoes, clothing, and bedding before use.

Security precautions

In the canyon there’s no official check-in or checkout, so if you go missing nobody will notice. That’s why it’s imperative you leave your planned hike itinerary with family and friends before you embark on the hike. Also be aware that mobile phones most likely won’t work as you won’t get a signal either on the rim or down in the canyon.

As you will undoubtedly hear from park rangers, don’t try to hike to the river and back in one day. It’s hard to stress quite how important that advice is. It might not look far on the map, but completing a round trip day hike to the canyon floor, which involves a total walk of at least fourteen miles and an elevation change of one mile in each direction, is harder than running a marathon. But if you take all necessary precautions you’ll enjoy the hike of a lifetime.

The post How to Hike the Grand Canyon appeared first on ClickHowTo.

With the right planning and London Underground know-how, 48 hours is adequate time to appreciate the very best of England’s capital.

Arrive Friday Evening.

In order to give yourself the best opportunity to see the sights of London in a single weekend, you are going to want to arrive on a Friday evening. A Saturday morning spent on the train to King’s Cross is a morning that could otherwise be spent heading out onto the streets of London.

If you arrive early enough, you can begin crossing off parts of your sightseeing checklist with a walking tour around the East End. Here, you can get yourself on a Jack the Ripper pub tour to introduce you to London’s dark underbelly, all while enjoying a pint of your favourite.

Top tip – this walking tour leaves every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at 7pm nearby Aldgate East Underground Station, easily reachable on the Hammersmith and City line from King’s Cross.

Hop on, Hop Off Bus

Just the same as in most major cities around the world, London offers a hop on, hop off sightseeing bus service designed to help tourists, just like you, see as much of the city as possible. With over 60 stops and a choice of 24 or 48-hour tickets available, the service is also an ideal alternative means of getting around London if you do not want to solely rely on the Underground.

Sights such as; the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Oxford Street, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Trafalgar Square and St Paul’s Cathedral feature on the tour, so there is no worry about missing out on London’s most visited landmarks. As well as a bus service, some providers also offer a free boat ride on the Thames, where you can travel along the river where you will have ample opportunity to take pictures of the London Eye, Tower Bridge and the city’s skyline.

Wembley Stadium

If you are a sports fanatic, Wembley Stadium, located in North London, must surely feature on your bucket list. Even if sport isn’t your first love, do not completely rule out a tour of this magnificent stadium, which also plays hosts to some of the biggest concerts in the world.

To get to the stadium, you should head towards Wembley Park Underground Station on the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. Upon exiting the station you will see the stadium as soon as you walk out directly in front of you. With the journey taking little over 20 minutes from King’s Cross on the Underground, you needn’t worry about rushing.

Shopping on Oxford Street

After taking in the sights of the national stadium, you may well fancy hitting Oxford Street for a spot of shopping and a bite to eat. From Wembley Park, head towards Bond Street (roughly 20 minutes on the tube) which will take you straight to the shopping district.

Be prepared to spend a good few hours on Oxford Street, purely because of the number of people around you. You will do well to make this your last stop of the day before retiring for the evening.

Hotel

Do not get suckered into spending big on hotels in Central London, just try to make sure that you are within walking distance of an Underground Station. Hotels in the outer zones on the Underground map are usually much cheaper and, worst case scenario, only an hour on the tube into Central London.

Top tip – Hounslow (Zone 5) makes for a good location to find a hotel, with a number of chains in the area located on the same street as the station, which offers a direct route into the heart of London.

Plan Carefully

Plan in advance and have an idea of where each destination is, as this will help to save you time. For example, if you keep heading from one end of London to the other, instead of heading to the next closest landmark, you are not going to fit everything in.

You will quickly learn that everyone is in a constant rush to get from A to B in the capital, so make sure that you do not fall victim. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

With some knowledge of London’s public transport, geographic familiarity and a well thought out plan, you will be able to fit in more than you might think into a single weekend.

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