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

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

It is the time of the year when many in the country plan a vacation, and one of the most popular getaways is cruise trips. Once aboard, people get to experience a suite of activities, events, and delicacies. However, at the cruise buffets, most people choose foods that can lead to an upset stomach, making them unable to enjoy the rest of the trip. So, here are foods to avoid on a cruise: Scrambled eggs Scrambled eggs, if not part of a made-to-order breakfast, can get dry and soggy in a few hours on the breakfast station, making them unpleasant to eat. Many cruise liners may also serve scrambled eggs using powdered or liquid mixes. So, the eggs can be unhealthy for passengers on a cruise ship. Sushi While cruise ships take food hygiene seriously, there is always room for error. So when you see sushi at the buffet, it is possible that the dish is not entirely fresh and has been left on the serving station for a long time. In either case, it can cause an upset stomach that lasts for days. Communal condiments During one’s time on the ship, passengers can find huge bottles of tomato sauce, mustard sauce, and other condiments during meal times.

Migraine is a neurological disorder marked by headache, severe throbbing pain, or pulsating sensation in a part of one’s head. The condition can vary in intensity and can affect one’s daily life. Many factors play a role in offsetting one’s migraine, the major ones being a city’s environmental factors and stress. Studies show that the following cities are more likely to trigger migraines in people, thanks to their stress-inducing environmental factors. Worst cities that trigger migraines Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, TN A Vanderbilt University research has linked Tennessee’s barometric pressure to migraine issues in its cities. Barometric pressure is the atmospheric pressure that affects the oxygen level in the air. Those who reside in cities with maximum fluctuations in air pressure are at a greater risk of experiencing migraine attacks. Cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga see multiple barometric pressure shifts during a year, making them unsuitable for migraine sufferers. Dallas, TX Hot summers with rapid air pressure changes or places prone to frequent storms can also contribute to migraines. For example, Dallas, TX, has more violent weather and may not be suitable for some. Phoenix, AZ Phoenix is considered the country’s hottest city, reaching even 100 degrees on most days from May to September.

Booking a hotel room online before is a pretty straightforward and quick process. In fact, it’s so simple that many travelers overlook a few crucial aspects before booking, which ends up costing more time and money. What’s even worse is that a seemingly-minor misstep can spoil your entire vacation. If you want the best deals and make the most out of your trip, here are some common hotel booking mistakes you must absolutely avoid. Booking at an inopportune time When you book a hotel at the wrong time, you often end up paying a lot more. “Wrong” here means you’re booking too early or late. That being said, there’s no single best time to book, but you must consider the popularity and seasonality of your destination and monitor rates for a few days before booking. Assuming there’s no better deal Nearly every booking website claims to offer the best online hotel deals. But taking their word would be unwise. Compare prices across different sites and check if they’re offering promotions. Sometimes, the lowest prices are available on a hotel’s official website, so you might want to check that too. Not paying with a credit card Always use credit cards for hotel bookings.

There is nothing more thrilling than the idea of owning a recreational vehicle (RV). You can travel whenever you want and carry whatever you wish to. You also get numerous opportunities to explore national parks and other scenic settings. Let’s not forget that you get to become a part of the RV community. So if you have decided to invest in and buy an RV, here are some benefits you should look forward to. Money saver An RV is a major investment. But you get to save a lot of money in the long run. You can save on expenses like hotel and restaurant bills since you’ll have your own place to stay. Additionally, you can save more when you buy a used RV. However, always make sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before making the purchase. Look for signs of water damage, sun damage, tire condition, and other factors. A home-like feeling An RV can be customized so that you feel as comfy as possible. Stock it up with books, install a snack cabinet, or store board and video games. You can also bring your favorite mattress from home or your family pictures and hang them in the RV.

Whether it is for business or pleasure, traveling calls for meticulous planning and execution. Frequent travelers probably have their own set of tried and tested tricks to easily move through airports, avoid being stranded or stuck in a foreign place, and have an altogether safe and efficient trip. As most of us resume travel after a long break, it is important to revisit and avoid common traveling mistakes for a smooth journey. Overpacking This is a common issue for most people regardless of the number of trips they have taken in the past. The art of packing light doesn’t have to be complicated. It is okay to repeat a few outfits to make space for the essentials. Also, wouldn’t you want to set aside some space in case you decide to go shopping on your trip? To avoid paying an excess baggage fee, review your itinerary and pack accordingly. No cell phone plan One of the common traveling mistakes is completely relying on Wi-Fi. However, not every café, station, or hotel is likely to offer free or reasonably fast internet. So, when you have no access to the Wi-Fi, you wouldn’t want to be stranded and have no means of calling for help.

Cruising is the best way to travel from one destination to another. It is far more relaxed and fun compared to other modes of travel. But there are some rules that one needs to keep in mind while on a cruise. Like any other societal norm, there are some unsaid rules to follow, and if this is your first cruise experience, you should check them. Following are five things to avoid doing on a cruise vacation. Don’t overload the luggage With travel comes the shopping spree. That said, one needs to be mindful while packing. Always remember to pack light and carry clothes that can be reused. Don’t forget to pack according to the climatic conditions of the destination. There might not be any weight limitations on the luggage per se, but the cabin storage can be limited. The only thing one needs to pack liberally is sunscreen. Don’t reserve places Cruise ships are made for a luxurious vacation experience. One can enjoy multiple activities like swimming, surfing, snorkeling, spas, and ziplines, among others. Make sure you do not reserve those suntan tables, rides, or a seat at the bar. Manage your time accordingly. Understand that people on board have also come to experience the same amenities.