Travel Tips Archives

Hiking Water Strategy: Avoid Carrying weight of Heavy Water

by Robert Domanko | May 10, 2021 | Camping, Outdoor, Travel, Water | 0 comments

Having a Hiking Water Strategy

Hiking water is usually the heaviest addition to a hiker’s backpack. Hikers can reduce their load by investing in lightweight camping gear and dehydrated camping food, but things get tricky when it comes to heavy water. Water is essential yet very heavy to carry. The ideal weight to carry on while hiking is no more than 20-25% of your body weight. For fluid intake, it is recommended for hikers to drink a minimum of three liters (or 5 to 6 pints) for every four hours of walking and more if the hike is particularly strenuous or the weather is hot. If you’re hiking for more than a day, it can get extremely difficult to carry sufficient water for longer hikes. It is important to have a good hiking water strategy.

During most hiking trips, access to water is not the issue. It is more whether the water is safe to drink. It is known that close to 90% of all global waterways are contaminated with life-threatening bacteria in water.

Reducing your backpack weight by choosing the right portable water filter

Thankfully, there are many companies that have come up with water solutions for hiking. Some are more effective than others. There are many cheap and nasty water filters in the market that claim to work.

Sure Aqua has been in the water filtration and purification business for over 20 years and has an enviable reputation for providing world-class military quality water filtration products.

SureAqua has a number of hiking water filter solutions that give you the freedom to drink as much water as you can find. It provides you access to safe clean drinking water, and never add more weight to your backpack than needed. The Sure Aqua purifying and filtering products filters or neutralizing out harmful bacteria. That means that you can be filled up from any water source.

Map out your hike via water sources

However, before you go hiking, it is essential to plan your trip to avoid carrying a heavy water load. Map out where the path meets natural water sources. Maps can give some estimation, but don’t rely on just one source. Use a combination of local knowledge and internet research to back up your hiking water plan.

Don’t rely on having to leave the track to find hiking water. For most hikes, it’s best to stay on the path and fill up your hiking water bottle in convenient locations. Unless the trail follows a creek for most of the time, each person will need at least their own Sure Aqua Bottle.

Hiking water Strategies

There are several hiking water strategies to stay hydrated and reduce the strain of heavy water. The most basic of these is to drink a large volume of water whenever you are at a natural source. That way, you don’t need to carry as much heavy water with you, and you will get less thirsty between refilling opportunities. Regardless of whether you’re at a natural water source or not, make sure to have a large drink of water each morning to hydrate you for the day.

The next most important strategy for hiking water is to manage heat. In hot weather, the body sweats more, releasing water that needs to be replenished. To avoid this, try to organize your hike in two shifts: morning and afternoon, and avoid the heat in the middle of the day. This way, you don’t get too hot, and you get time for a nice siesta too. When hiking, wear sun protection to manage your body temperature.

Also, be prepared to be adaptable. Anything can happen when you’re out hiking, and so however well you plan, you may need to deal with situations as they arise. If you find that one of the natural sources you were relying on for hiking water has dried up, consider other places that could give you access to water or dig a hole into capturing groundwater.

When you head out on an adventure having a hiking water plan can make all the difference. For more information about hiking, camping, and surviving in the bush, check out these related articles;

How to choose a Hiking Water Filter
Survivalist: How to survive in an emergency on a hike
Choosing the Camping Water Filter that meets your needs

Travel Plan Preparation – Travel Tips

by Robert Domanko | May 9, 2021 | Travel, Water | 1 comment

Going Overseas on a lifetime adventure needs some Planning

This suggested Travel Plan Preparation Schedule Check List is based on the extensive experience of traveling abroad. This has worked for us for many years and has reduced the stress and unexpected surprises. It has helped us enjoy the complete journey from thinking about the trip, the actual trip, and the long-term memories. I am sure this will help you.

Suggested Travel Plan Preparation Check List

12 -16 weeks from trip date

Research trip (use your travel agent as a resource as well as the web)
Prepare a budget for daily expenses
Check for travel restrictions and warnings about destinations
Check on local customs and cultural awareness
Have medical checks before booking a trip to make sure you are fit for travel
Check Passports are up to date
Organize travel insurance
Arrange visa’s for proposed destination
Book travel, tours, and accommodation
Pack your bag to see what else you need. See our Tavel Packing List

8-10 weeks from trip date

Vaccinations
Ask a Travel doctor for tips to stay healthy while traveling
Arrange with the doctor to acquire sufficient prescription medication for the trip
Confirm that medication is allowed to be taken in a foreign country
Research credit card/debit card/traveler’s cheques, what suit your needs best
Arrange for global roaming for your mobile phone.

2-3 weeks from trip date

Check travel and insurance arrangements
Check you have all items on the packing list
Let your friends and neighbors know you are on vacation
Arrange maintenance of your home if away for long periods, e.g., mow the lawn
Give a copy of your itinerary to a family member/friend
Arrange mail to be redirected or picked up on a daily basis
Prepare any additional medication
Organize for pets to be looked after
Purchase a basic first aid kit
Consider purchasing a mobile phone in the country of destination if you are there for prolonged periods.

1 Week from trip date

Inform authorities of destinations etc
Make sure have a camera ready and working (Test it, spare battery)
Have a going-away party!
Have a Berroca

2-1 days from trip date

Check flight is still going
Organize transport to the airport
Pack Luggage
On the day of the trip
Lock up your home and leave keys with a friend
Ring Airline to confirm flights

Things not to do while on Vacation

If no one is at home, don’t post any images on Facebook or Instagram (unless it’s a private group), and this may be an invite for home intruders

Things to do while on Vacation

Have fun

Finally

I hope the Travel schedule helps you towards enjoying the complete experience from the time you decide to do on holidays to the time you come home.

Vacation Health Issues: Travel Tips

by Robert Domanko | May 8, 2021 | Travel, Water | 0 comments

Travel tips for avoiding health issues on vacation

When you travel in any foreign country, they say the chances of you getting sick through catching a virus or digesting a bacteria that you are not accustomed to increases 79% as per a study conducted in US National Library of Medicine -National Institutes of Health. Health issues are a significant concern when you travel. So ask your Doctor about travel vaccines and local health issues for where you’re traveling to, precautions to take, and follow the advice given. However, would the following be on your radar?? There are simple issues and precautions that you need to be aware of.

If you need regular medication, take enough for the entire time; take a supporting letter and proof of a prescription for your Doctor.
The risk of developing a blood clot when flying is significantly increased, especially for older people. There are many issues that can increase your risk; over 41, more than 20% of your ideal body weight, recent stay in the hospital, medical history – the list is much longer. DISCUSS this with your Doctor, and it might be appropriate for your to purchase T.E.D Anti Embolic Stockings from a pharmacy (make sure you are measured correctly). Drink plenty of water while flying, walk around if possible, do the exercises that are recommended.
Are you going on a hiking holiday – is there the possibility of altitude sickness, i.e., where the level of oxygen is low. This can be from an elevation of 6,000ft or more. Make an appointment with your doctor if you are going to be hiking to the mentioned altitude.
Have you ever experience travel sickness? Take the anti-nausea medication with you. Your Doctor will advise you regarding the type and amount of medication that you can take with you.
Could jet lag be an issue for you??
Is the water that you are given on the plane from tanks or bottles – is it safe to drink? Might consider using a portable chemical-free solution; Sure Aqua products

Consider your health before the vacation

The above issues are some examples of things that might not occur to you. When you see your Doctor, just before your holiday, remember to discuss everything. That includes your recent medical history, where you are going, how long you’re staying, and what you plan to do when you’re there.

Avoiding illness and injury is the best practice; arm yourself with good advice and remember to get a good travel insurance.

Handy Travel Packing Checklist

by Robert Domanko | May 7, 2021 | Outdoor, Travel | 0 comments

Handy Vacation Travel Packing Checklist

Traveling is really great fun. To help you to enjoy the trip, travel light. It is tough to do! This Travel Packing Checklist is something that we know it will be useful. From experience, it is a must to increase your enjoyment of the trip. There are many reasons such as;

Ease of carrying luggage to and from hotels, train stations, airports, bus;
Easily fit in a boot of a car, taxi, luggage compartment;
Helps to reduce security checks;
Cheaper porter costs
Avoidance of excess baggage charges by airlines Increased mobility and flexibility
Decreases stress as it is less hassle to pack
More room for your treasurers you collect during the trip

It is more prudent to pack less and take a little bit more money in case of emergencies, and you can easily purchase additional clothes.

This travel checklist is the maximum amount of items you should ever need on a long trip. It is compiled for the worst-case scenario. It will be rare for you to need all items specified on the checklist. With careful selection, you should be able to fit all this in one carry-on bag.

One important thing, don’t forget to label your luggage and make sure it is lockable. When packing your main luggage or your carry-on luggage, make sure that it is neatly packed.

We’ve put together a travel checklist to help prepare for your trip and avoid items left behind when repacking!

Click here to download your copy of the Travel Packing CheckList

Travel Packing Checklist for your vacation

Travel Bag

lockable bag with wheels

Clothes

Dressy jacket
2–4 shirts/T-shirts/blouses/tops ( 1 should be a smart casual/dressy) 2 pairs trousers/skirts ( 1 should be a smart casual dressy)
2 pairs of shorts/Skirts
1 Sleeping clothes Swimsuit
2 Dark cardigan/ sweater/ jumper
Rainwear, poncho (avoid umbrella as it is too large)
Parka, coat, or equivalent
3+ pairs socks
3+ pairs undergarments
Long T-shirt or sarong [cover-up] necktie, scarf, hair band, bandanna
Gloves/mittens Sun hat / knitted cap, hat clip
Belt
Laundry bag
Beach towel
Footwear
1 pair of smart casual/ dressy shoes
1 pair walking shoes/boots
flip-flops or sandals

First Aid – Medication

Analgesic of choice
Diarrhea treatment of choice
Infection treatment of choice
Malaria tablets
Tweezers
Basic First Aid Kit – bandages, moleskin (other first aid?)
menstrual, contraceptive, and/or prophylactic supplies
Necessary medications

Stay Healthy Products

Vitamins,
(collapsible) plastic water bottle & cup
Sure Aqua products and or Sure Aqua Bottle (a non-chemical or non-mechanical) water purifier
Sun Block out/ Sun Screen (preferable with moisturizer),
Insect repellent

Toiletries

Toothbrush, Tooth cleaner/paste, Dental floss Razor blades
Shaving oil/cream
Aftershave Perfume Moisturiser Comb and/or hairbrush
Shampoo & Conditioner Bar soap & container
Deodorant
Nail clippers
[unbreakable] mirror
Viscose towel (washcloth?)
Universal (flat) sink stopper
Detergent, spot remover
Makeup
Toilet paper
Antibacterial wipes
Lip balm
Hairbands

Add-on Specialty Items:

Camera (lenses, flash, tripod, extra cards & batteries, charger, laptop connection table)
Camera film
Additional memory card for Camera Additional battery for Camera
Mobile (Cellular) telephone charger
Laptop computer (flash drive, Power cord/adapters, network cables,)
Overseas power converter plugs and/or power converter (check with destination power)
Safe Sex

Miscellaneous Items

Sunglasses, retainer, case
Lens cleaning cloth/supplies,
Maps, guidebooks,
Phrasebooks Luggage lock(s) (cable?)
Flashlight plus extra batteries
A multipurpose tool, scissors (never carry them in Day Pack)
Hostel sheet bag (sleeping bag, bivouac sack, blanket)
Sewing Repair kit (safety pins, rubber bands, cord sewing kit, including large needle
Sealable plastic bags, garbage bags duct/gaffer’s tape (packing tape?)

Travel Documentation

Photocopy of Passport
Photocopy of Tickets
Medical Papers
Insurance Document
Address Book
Visa documentation
Copy of International drivers license
Copy of Visa Card, Credit Cards, Cash Card, etc
Copy of prescription (spare glasses?)
Copy of membership cards, business/calling cards, telephone access numbers
Copy of Medical card

Note: All paperwork should be kept in a waterproof plastic bag within the luggage

What Not to pack

Anything fragile unless in very strong and reliable packaging
Food Drinks or Alcohol
Expensive or sentimental Jewellery

Wallet/Purse

Drivers Licence and or ID
One Cash Card or Credit Card
A small amount of cash
Accommodation details

Carry-on Luggage

(Backpack or the like)
Passport
Visas
Travel Tickets
Copy of Tour tickets
Copy of accommodation details
Photos
Vaccination certificates
Reading Glasses
Sunglasses
Inflatable travel pillow
Cell Phone (Mobile phone)
Toothbrush Small very toothpaste
Laptop
Watch (to be worn)
Whistle (for personal security)
Lightweight digital camera
Notebook & Pen Diary (to remember your trip)
Toilet paper-small roll and place in a plastic bag
Earplugs (eye mask) [to ease sleep]
Reading material (something you don’t mind leaving behind)
Something to tie the bag to you if you are sitting down for coffee.
Note: All paperwork should be kept in a waterproof plastic bag within the Travel Day pack

Security Pouch

Note: the security pouch is to be worn under clothes. Suggest should be cotton to avoid sweating against skin and place all paperwork in a sealable plastic bag.

Charge & ATM cards Cash (no coins)
International Drivers license
Second passport (if dual citizenship)
Charge & ATM cards, cash, 2 personal cheques
Traveler’s cheques
Membership cards
Calling cards
Medical Card Copy of Passport Copy of travel tickets
Tour tickets

Note: All paperwork should be kept in a waterproof plastic bag within the Body pouch

Traveling with Kids

Headphones with MP3 Player or the like
Light snacks. (if unused you may need to dispose before leaving the aircraft)
Favorite sleeping toy
Medicines for unexpected health emergencies like dizziness, stomach aches, headaches, and other travel sicknesses.
Portable DVD player and children’s movies.
Make sure to have multiple headsets
Activity books

How to choose the right Travel Insurance for the Next Vacation

by Robert Domanko | May 6, 2021 | Travel, Water | 0 comments

Travel Insurance a necessary cost when going on Vacation

When choosing the right travel insurance for yourself, there are many questions that you need to ask, and these questions will change depending on the location and the purpose of the trip, time away, etc.

For example, a policy that is suitable for domestic travel within Australia (when you are an Australian citizen) is covered by Medicare. The travel insurance will not be the same policy that you need for overseas travel for business when taking your laptop and other expensive electronic items. You need to be aware of these differences and read all the fine print, particularly when buying your policy online and not through your travel agent or directly from the Insurer.

What do most Vacation Travel policies?

You would expect most policies will cover you for;

Late cancellation of your hotel and airfare – if an immediate family member is suddenly ill.
Your medical expenses while away – though there may be limits
Lost luggage and personal effects. – not all – for experience- they wanted the receipts for everything.
Legal costs if you are involved in an accident

Don’t ASSUME! Insurance companies often have lots of get-out jail clauses for none-payment. They cannot be trusted.

READ THE FINE PRINT

Not all of these clauses are standard, and you must always read the fine print to ensure that you are purchasing the right policy for you.

What should I consider in Travel Insurance?

Some critical questions to ask;

Do you qualify for cancellation coverage, hotels, and airfares?
Do you qualify for medical expenses that suit your personal conditions, or family history, and recent medical history at the time of travel?
Will you receive full compensation for lost/stolen luggage? – What’s in your luggage that might need to be itemized and provide receipts (electronics, sporting equipment, jewelry, etc.)
Are you covered for legal costs if you become involved in an incident/accident that may result in the injury of another party?
What holiday activities will be not covered, like hot-air ballooning, downhill skiing, or biking
How much travel will you be doing in the calendar year? Would it be more cost-effective to purchase a policy covering you for multiple trips?
The policy for my needs overall – for example, there are policies available for Backpacking over general travel, with family, international, long-term travel are some examples.
How easy is it to process a claim and recoup your out-of-pocket expenses?
What documentation do I need for a claim, what receipts/reporting (medical) are needed? These are always easier to get at the time – not when you’re back home!!

Always read the entire policy and then reread it.

I hope that you find this helpful.