Mark Hiss

Mark Hisshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/mark-hissMark Hisshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/thinking-of-an-alternative-spring-break-check-this-outAlternative Spring Breaks involve volunteering your time in some way – and these are becoming very popular with students.2017-02-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/thinking-of-an-alternative-spring-break-check-this-outhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#finding-the-right-alternative-spring-break-program">Finding the Right Alternative Spring Break Program</a></li> <li><a href="#researching-alternative-spring-break-programs">Researching Alternative Spring Break Programs</a></li> <li><a href="#starting-a-fundraising-campaign-for-an-alternative-spring-break">Starting a Fund-raising Campaign for an Alternative Spring Break</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="finding-the-right-alternative-spring-break-program">Finding the Right Alternative Spring Break Program</h2> <p>Before committing to an alternative Spring Break program, you should ask yourself a few questions:</p> <ul> <li><strong>What do I want to get out of my trip? </strong>If you don't know exactly, that's OK. However, if you can answer in more detail, that will inform your research and narrow your search.</li> <li><strong>Do I want to travel internationally? If so, where? </strong>The sooner you know where you want to travel the better. If you are traveling internationally, you should start looking for programs a few months in advance so you can get any visas in order. This will also make your flight cheaper.</li> <li><strong>Do I want to find something related to my interests and/or major? </strong>Knowing the answer to this question can drastically help narrow your search. For example, if you are an architecture student, then perhaps a construction volunteering program like <a href="https://buildabroad.org/" target="_blank">Build Abroad</a> is a good fit for you.</li> </ul> <h2 id="researching-alternative-spring-break-programs">Researching Alternative Spring Break Programs</h2> <p>Even when you can answer the questions above, there are still many volunteer organizations to choose from. Performing a simple internet search can yield thousands of results and it can be hard to tell the good from the bad. Luckily there are trusted volunteer review sites where you can read firsthand volunteer accounts and search by location and program type:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.goabroad.com/" target="_blank">GoAbroad</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gooverseas.com/" target="_blank">GoOverseas</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.volunteerforever.com/" target="_blank">Volunteer Forever</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="starting-a-fundraising-campaign-for-an-alternative-spring-break">Starting a Fund-raising Campaign for an Alternative Spring Break</h2> <p>One of the best things about an alternative Spring Break is the fact you're doing something positive for the world. This affords you the opportunity to fund-raise for your trip. You can then use this money to cover the cost of your flight, the trip itself, or to donate directly to the cause you are supporting. If you do decide to donate to your cause, just make sure the organization accepts cash donations. Sometimes organizations would rather you donate things like tools, clothes, or vitamins to locals. There are many ways you can fund-raise for your trip and if you choose to fund-raise online, there are multiple options for you:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a> - One of the original fund-raising sites for volunteers. They also have a ton of great articles and tutorials to help your campaign reach its goal.</li> <li><a href="https://fundrazr.com/" target="_blank">Fundrazr</a> - Another easy-to-use fund-raising website that will get your campaign up and running in minutes.</li> </ul> <h3>Bring Friends... and Make New Ones</h3> <p>Trips are always more fun with friends, but one of the best things about volunteering abroad is the friends you'll make. Even if you're only traveling for a week or so, that's still plenty of time to make some memories and befriend volunteers from other countries.</p> <p style="text-align: right;">- Chad Johnson, Director of International Programs, Build Abroad</p> 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/tired-of-the-same-spring-break-destinations-try-theseSometimes the tried and true becomes the tired and trite, so instead of going to one of those same old Spring Break locations, why not snag some bragging rights this year and give one of these under-the-radar destinations a shot?2017-02-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/tired-of-the-same-spring-break-destinations-try-thesehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#spring-break-in-panama">Spring Break in Panama</a></li> <li><a href="#spring-break-in-nicaragua">Spring Break in Nicaragua</a></li> <li><a href="#spring-break-in-aruba">Spring Break in Aruba</a></li> <li><a href="#spring-break-in-st-lucia">Spring Break in St. Lucia</a></li> <li><a href="#spring-break-in-anguilla">Spring Break in Anguilla</a></li> <li><a href="#spring-break-on-a-yacht-charter">Spring Break on a Yacht Charter</a></li> </ul> <p>Mexico, Jamaica, The Bahamas ... they're all going to be rocking this Spring Break, as usual. But maybe this is the year to go someplace <em>un</em>usual. World Nomads has a few suggestions for international Spring Break destinations where you'll find a killer beachside party - just don't expect to see too many of your classmates there.</p> <h2 id="spring-break-in-panama">Spring Break in Panama</h2> <p><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/spring-break/panama.jpg" alt="Panama" width="375" height="245" /></p> <p>No, not Panama City Beach, the overrun Spring Break destination in Florida. We're talking the actual Central American country of Panama. The capital, also known as Panama City, is a cosmopolitan mix of modern and colonial, but head to the Pacific shore for tropical-flavored beach time. Farallon and Playa Blanca have become the hottest beach-resort areas in the country; there's even a nearby international airport so you can maximize your beach time.</p> <h2 id="spring-break-in-nicaragua">Spring Break in Nicaragua</h2> <p>In the 1980s, Spring Break in Nicaragua might have referred to a ceasefire between the government and CIA-backed rebels. Nowadays, this Central American country is fully in the tourism game. And if surfing is a priority for you this Spring Break, gain some serious cred by checking out the breaks around San Juan del Sur. Set on a horseshoe bay near the Costa Rica border, colorful San Juan del Sur was named by <em>Men's Journal</em> as one of the world's 15 best beach towns.</p> <h2 id="spring-break-in-aruba">Spring Break in Aruba</h2> <p><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/spring-break/aruba.jpg" alt="Aruba" width="375" height="245" /></p> <p>Aruba! Even the name sounds like a call to party arms. This small island (just 20 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point), located not far off the coast of Venezuela, is known as the Las Vegas of the Caribbean thanks to its numerous casinos. Unlike Vegas, though, the minimum gambling age here is 18. Aruba's west coast, in particular Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, is where you'll find most of the resorts, clubs and casinos - as well as opportunities for snorkeling, parasailing, kitesurfing and water skiing.</p> <h2 id="spring-break-in-st-lucia">Spring Break in St. Lucia</h2> <p>With its volcanic peaks and lush tropical foliage, St. Lucia (pronounced Saint Loo-sha) has some of the most dramatic scenery in all of the Caribbean. Rodney Bay Village offers a cluster of bars and clubs, plus a casino. And adjacent Reduit Beach (pronounced Red-wee) offers a mile of golden sand and plenty of rollicking fun. Every Friday the Gros Islet Jump Up gets the street party rolling with music, local libations, and vendors selling barbecued fish and chicken. English is the official language here.</p> <h2 id="spring-break-in-anguilla">Spring Break in Anguilla</h2> <p>From Bieber to De Niro, the Eastern Caribbean island of Anguilla (pronounced an-Gwill-uh) has long been a destination of choice for A-listers. And even if you're not a celeb - and on a budget - you can still soak up the old-school charm and chill out on what <em>Conde Nast Traveller</em> calls "hands down the finest beaches in the Caribbean." No cruise ships dock here, there are no casinos that rattle and hum; it's just low-key, laid-back good times with a surprisingly impressive food scene and an ever-present music culture that rivals Jamaica's.</p> <h2 id="spring-break-on-a-yacht-charter">Spring Break on a Yacht Charter</h2> <p><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/spring-break/yacht.jpg" alt="Yacht" width="375" height="245" /></p> <p>Wanna party on my yacht? Not too shabby as far as pickup lines go. So go ahead and play Master and Commander with your own yacht charter. With outfits like <a href="https://www.moorings.com/" target="_blank">The Moorings</a>, if you're over 18 you can charter a boat with or without a crew, cruise around the Caribbean, and drop anchor at some awesome beaches. And speaking of crews, when you bring a posse of your own, you'll end up spending about as much for your charter as you would if you stayed at a resort.</p> 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/worldwide/avoid-trouble-this-spring-break-with-these-travel-tipsWe promised your mom we’d publish some Spring Break safety information, so wherever you’re headed to Mexico or the Caribbean and beyond – here are some safety tips you can actually use. 2018-11-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/worldwide/avoid-trouble-this-spring-break-with-these-travel-tipshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#crowd-safety-and-terrorism">Crowd Safety and Terrorism</a></li> <li><a href="#zika-and-spring-break">Zika and Spring Break</a></li> <li><a href="#alcohol-use-and-spring-break">Alcohol Use and Spring Break</a></li> <li><a href="#spring-break-safety-tips-for-women">Spring Break Safety Tips for Women</a></li> <li><a href="#lgbtq-spring-break-safety-tips">LGBTQ Spring Break Safety Tips</a></li> </ul> <p>We all know that spring break can be a pretty wild time, but being a responsible and respectful traveler is at the heart of being a World Nomad. And that responsibility extends to your own personal safety, as well. So with threats ranging from Zika to terrorism, let alone plain old overindulgence, keeping your travel wits about you during Spring Break has never been more important.</p> <h2 id="crowd-safety-and-terrorism">Crowd safety and terrorism</h2> <p>Large crowds have made soft targets for terrorists in recent years. Don't become overly paranoid, but you should pay attention to the security around large-scale, easily accessible public events. If at all possible get yourself inside a secure area; this may mean a ticketed space or VIP area set up by organizers. Being inside those areas, like being behind the security checkpoint at an airport, is the safest option.</p> <p>If you are in a publicly accessible area, stay away from the heaviest concentration of crowds, keep to the fringes where the sheer number of people presents less of a target and there is the option of making a quick escape if trouble should occur.</p> <p>And whether in a nightclub, restaurant or outdoor venue, always know where the nearest exit is. As your friendly flight attendant always reminds you, it might be behind you.</p> <h2 id="zika-and-spring-break">Zika and spring break</h2> <p>If you're traveling to a destination that has been hit by the Zika virus, both men and women should try to prevent mosquito bites and always use a condom (the virus can be sexually transmitted). While keeping covered up may not be an option for your beachy Spring Break, mosquitoes are nasty buggers which carry a variety of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, so you should always try to minimize your exposure to them.</p> <ul> <li>Cover up as often as possible and use tropical-strength insect repellant</li> <li>Make sure there are no mosquitoes in your living quarters. That means no unscreened open windows</li> <li>Depending on your destination, sleep under a mosquito net or sleep with a fan where possible</li> <li>Avoid tight-fitting, dark-colored clothing. The color attracts the mosquitoes and they can bite through the material.</li> </ul> <h2 id="alcohol-use-and-spring-break">Alcohol use and spring break</h2> <p>OK, you knew this one was coming.</p> <p>The issue with alcohol is that it can increase the likelihood of crimes and accidents such as robbery, rape, assault, motor vehicle crashes, falls, burns and drowning, as well as STDs and unintended pregnancy. Mix alcohol, testosterone and a possible language barrier, and a misunderstanding can also quickly lead to disaster.</p> <p>And a word to the wise: travel insurance doesn't cover injuries or accidents that result from bad choices or behavior while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.</p> <h2 id="spring-break-safety-tips-for-women">Spring break safety tips for women</h2> <p>A few simple travel tips:</p> <ul> <li>Get the business card of the place you're staying so you can show the cab driver where you need to go</li> <li>Make sure someone knows where you're going and when you're likely to return</li> <li>Study a map before going out; once on the street, use a pocket-size guidebook to avoid looking like a tourist. Your hotel's concierge or a female employee can mark any dangerous areas on your map</li> <li>Drink spiking happens. If you didn't watch it being poured, refuse it and never leave your drink unattended</li> <li>Drink in moderation so you can still get back to your accommodation later.</li> </ul> <h2 id="lgbtq-spring-break-safety-tips">LGBTQ+ spring break safety tips</h2> <p>There are dozens of destinations around the world where homosexuality is illegal. So the first thing to do is find out the laws and attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community in your spring break location. And tempting as it is to go all Stonewall on these places, it may be a better idea to just let your cash do the talking and go someplace that <em>is</em> LGBTQ+-friendly.</p> <p>For country-specific information on safety, scams and laws, visit our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/destinations" target="_blank">Travel Safety</a> page and just type in the name of your destination.</p>GettyImages/Image Source 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/in-the-news/2017-travel-destinations-and-trendsWhere are the hot destinations for 2017 and what are the travel trends that are capturing everyone's interest? World Nomads looks at where to go in 2017.2016-12-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/in-the-news/2017-travel-destinations-and-trendshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The top international destinations for US residents? Thailand, Cuba, Peru and Mexico.</p> <p>Thailand and Nepal led the pack for long-duration trips (4-5 weeks). With the death of its beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand will be in official mourning until Oct. 2017 … but look for the country to make up for lost time once the black clothing is put away.</p> <h2>The hot list:</h2> <h2>Iran:</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/in-the-news/Hot%202017/iStock-515678922-iran.jpg" /></figure> <p>While the tourism infrastructure is lacking, the country is making a concerted effort to open its arms to visitors. And with its ancient ruins, friendly locals, and incredible food and culture, it’s time to welcome the embrace. It should be noted, though, that some Iranian-Americans have run into serious issues when traveling in Iran.</p> <h2>Greenland:</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/in-the-news/Hot%202017/iStock-535916897-greenland-lights.jpg" /></figure> <p>Hot springs and dog sledding, scuba diving(!) and kayaking, skiing and hiking, plus a mixture of Inuit and Norse cultures, lit by a midnight sun and northern lights. Oh, and <a href="“http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-global-warming-greenland-ice-melting-rate-sea-levels-rise-a7147846.html”">Greenland is melting</a>, so you might want to prioritize this one.</p> <h2>Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico:</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/in-the-news/Hot%202017/iStock-171325233-mexico-grapes.jpg" /></figure> <p>About a 90-minute drive from the San Diego/Tijuana border is Mexico’s Napa Valley: the Valle de Guadalupe. Rustic and rural, you’ll find dozens of wineries here, from major players to a number of mom y papi operations. You’ll also find amazing farm-to-table restaurants like Laja and Corazon de Tierra, as well as super-cool lodgings in post-modern “pods” at Encuentro Guadalupe.</p> <h2>Piran, Slovenia:</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/in-the-news/Hot%202017/iStock-522714621-slovenia.jpg" /></figure> <p>Get to know your next First Lady a little better with a trip to her home country. And this medieval gem of a town (population 5,000) is the perfect starting point. With its mash-up of Byzantine and Gothic architecture, it’s reminiscent of Venice, which sits across the Adriatic from Piran, a three-hour ferry ride away. In fact, Piran was part of the Venetian Republic for nearly 500 years and boasts an impressive array of historic churches, squares and palaces, not to mention a stout wall defending the city (no doubt paid for by invading Ottomans).</p> <h2>Serbia:</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/in-the-news/Hot%202017/iStock-514990928-belgrade.jpg" /></figure> <p>Serbia has doubled its tourism to 1 million visits a year and it plans to forge ahead with even more growth. And events like the EXIT Festival, one of Europe’s best music gatherings (held in a 17th century fortress along the Danube), are helping to drive the traffic.</p> <h2>South Africa:</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/in-the-news/Hot%202017/iStock-472103995-cape-town.jpg" /></figure> <p>The upside of economic troubles is that the Rand is poorly valued, and the place is really cheap. Great scenery, wild game, beaches … it has it all.</p> <h2>Colombia:</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/in-the-news/Hot%202017/iStock-539027405-cartegena.jpg" /></figure> <p>While the peace agreement failed to pass, Colombia’s Caribbean coast, including Santa Marta and Cartagena, continue to be safe – and alluring – for travelers.</p> <h2>The No-Go list:</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Turkey</strong>: War on its borders, terror attacks, and a failed coup with a strong-arm response have led the US Department of State to issue a Turkey Travel Warning. The warning states: “S. citizens should avoid travel to southeast Turkey and carefully consider the risks of travel to and throughout the country.”</li> <li><strong>Venezuela</strong>: Rampant inflation, shortages of food and medicine, roiling civil strife … Venezuela is teetering on the brink of becoming a failed state.</li> <li><strong>Egypt</strong>: On top of all its recent troubles there are food shortages and the currency has been devalued by 50 percent. Lots of angry, hungry, desperate young men. Not a good place to go.</li> <li><strong>Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon</strong>: The 2014 kidnapping of nearly 300 schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram shocked the world. Most of the girls are still missing and Boko Haram is still a serious threat in these countries. It killed more people in 2015 than any other outlawed group, including ISIS.</li> </ul> <h2>Must-Dos:</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Total Solar Eclipse, Aug. 21, 2017</strong>: America will be making eclipses great again with the so-called <a href="https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/best-places-to-view/">Great American Eclipse</a>, the first total eclipse to be seen from mainland USA since 1979. It will traverse across 10 states, from Oregon to South Carolina; it will also be fully seen in Iceland, Scotland and Ireland.</li> <li><strong>European Capitals of Culture 2017</strong>: Aarhus, Denmark, and Paphos, Cyprus, are the Euro Capitals of Culture for 2017, with a full lineup of scheduled events and exhibitions.</li> </ul> <h2>Trends:</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Gap-year travel</strong>: Malia Obama is part of the growing trend of taking time off to explore the world either before or after going to college. According to a survey by hostel booking site Hostelworld.com, 50 percent of respondents under age 30 would consider taking a gap year before or after college.</li> <li><strong>Ancestry travel</strong>: The growing popularity of DNA testing to trace your ancestry has fired a trend of traveling to those countries that spring up in the family tree.</li> </ul>iStock/PeskyMonkey 1184393216 iStock Where to next?

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/in-the-news/outside-magazine-world-nomads-base-jumping-insuranceOutside Magazine reports on the amazing story of a man seriously injured in a BASE jumping accident in Switzerland.2016-10-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/in-the-news/outside-magazine-world-nomads-base-jumping-insurancehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Outside, a leading adventure and active-lifestyle publication dug deeply into the story of a young American BASE jumper who was seriously injured in Switzerland and how his World Nomads' coverage got him back home.</p> <p>At the time of the incident, US residents were able to get cover for BASE jumping, however, it is <strong>important<em></em></strong> to note the <strong>cover is no longer available.</strong></p> <p>"We believe in supporting adventurous travelers," Phil Sylvester, the head of communications at World Nomads, says. "So we negotiate with underwriters around the world to cover as many of those activities as possible. Sadly, not everything is able to be covered. Check your policy actually covers what you think it does."</p> <p>Read the full <a href="http://www.outsideonline.com/2116676/trick-getting-base-jumping-insurance-be-american" target="_blank" title="World Nomads BASE Jumping coverage">Outside article here</a>.</p> <p><em>Photo: <a href=" https://www.flickr.com/photos/121483302@N02/16388726461/in/photolist-qYdvpk-cxa1zW-eQD8Zc-iFMEAF-91hLJ8-eHeALt-bABKKT-9EGM1a-g8YjZH-5Hvse2-wQcoHW-pvBTy8-gtzxet-fj9jPL-gyied3-4BoZAq-8AWue9-8B3PLE-7ScLXL-pVCjgF-c8woc7-74jKzz-dgbgPD-3R2wG4-nLMovj-8vKaLW-guoa1M-3R2yJB-62Yv2h-p63WBV-dkbAHw-6GrWCP-47BLjy-8JgWaA-dLmoRP-51yyzz-dDaR1q-4n6DBE-a9pkFQ-Acutg-8UnbBh-88XmFb-5eME8V-ggkSRN-75uH3Q-hDuD6w-8qRYbE-e3ofYE-9e9Rsh-9w6BKz" target="_blank" title="Flickr">Global Panorama</a></em></p>iStock/Prathaan 11017120042 iStock Skydiver

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/worldwide/places-to-go-in-novemberWant to get away before the rush of Christmas and New Year's celebrations? Here are a few destinations to consider for November.2019-02-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/worldwide/places-to-go-in-novemberhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Grab your passport, and escape the run-up to the festive season madness in one of these destinations.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#montreal-canada">Montreal, Canada</a></li> <li><a href="#valle-de-guadalupe-baja-california-mexico">Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico</a></li> <li><a href="#molokai-hawaii">Molokai, Hawaii</a></li> <li><a href="#antarctica">Antarctica</a></li> <li><a href="#london-england">London, England</a></li> <li><a href="#piran-slovenia">Piran, Slovenia</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="montreal-canada">Montreal, Canada</h2> <p>While the November weather in Montreal can be bracing, perhaps you'll be warmed by the delicious food. With low-season rates in place, now is the ultimate time for a <a href="/explore/guides/canada-insiders-guide">Canadian escape</a>. Enjoy Montreal's Euro-style vibe, incredible architecture <g class="gr_ gr_69 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="69" data-gr-id="69">and</g> design (Montreal was named a UNESCO City of Design), Montreal Restaurant Week, and the <a href="http://www.mformontreal.com/">M for Montreal music festival</a>. Or see the Montreal Canadiens (founded in 1909) play a game of ice hockey.</p> <h2 id="valle-de-guadalupe-baja-california-mexico">Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico</h2> <p>Get some R&R in Mexico. About a 90-minute drive from Tijuana is the Napa Valley of Mexico: <a href="/explore/north-america/mexico/the-rebirth-of-baja-norte">Valle de Guadalupe</a>. Rustic and rural, you'll find dozens of wineries here, from major players like Monte Xanic and L.A. Cetto to a number of mom y papi operations. You'll also find amazing farm-to-table restaurants like Laja and Corazon de Tierra, as well as super-cool lodgings in post-modern "pods" at Encuentro Guadalupe.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/valle-de-guadalupe-mexico-gettyimages-arturogi.jpg" /> <figcaption>Vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe. Photo credit: Getty Images/Arturogi</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="molokai-hawaii">Molokai, Hawaii</h2> <p><a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/hawaii-travel-discover-molokai-and-lanai">Molokai</a>, with its miniscule population, pristine landscapes, and deep ties to traditional Hawaiian culture, is the perfect place to escape. Take a mule ride down a spectacular trail to the historic town of Kalaupapa, one of the most remote settlements in the state, and formerly St. Damien's famous leper colony. Or snorkel, kayak, fish and enjoy the aloha spirit of a place with no traffic lights and no buildings taller than a palm tree.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/molokai-hawaii-sea-cliffs-gettyimages-kridsada-kamsombat.jpg" /> <figcaption>The world's tallest sea cliffs in Molokai, Hawaii. Photo credit: Getty Images/Kridsada Kamsombat</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="antarctica">Antarctica</h2> <p>If you're really looking to get away from it all, make your way south to the bottom of the globe. November to March is the best time to go to Antarctica, but if you don't have a ton of money for a fancy cruise, there are other ways to get there. The National Science Foundation operates several Antarctic bases and you can try to land a job at one. You don't have to be a scientist or researcher, but you do need some kind of skill, like plumbing or cooking.</p> <p>More intriguing is the NSF's <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503518&org=PLR&sel_org=PLR&from=fund">Antarctic Artists and Writers Program</a>, which offers "operational support" and round-trip airfares for artists, writers <g class="gr_ gr_58 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="58" data-gr-id="58">and</g> filmmakers who have a project that interprets or represents the scientific work being done there. Cool.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/paradise-bay-antarctica-gettyimages-ruben-earth.jpg" /> <figcaption>Paradise Bay, Antarctica. Photo credit: Getty Images/Ruben Earth</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="london-england">London, England</h2> <p>Participate in the spirited holiday inspired by Guy Fawkes, the 17th-century plotter who attempted to blow up Parliament. Guy Fawkes Day – aka <a href="/stories/discovery/devons-village-of-fire">Bonfire Night</a> – is November 5, and is celebrated throughout the London area with numerous fireworks displays and festivities. Plus, the British pound is low right now, making this a perfect time to get a great deal on everything from lodgings to a pint at the local pub.</p> <h2 id="piran-slovenia">Piran, Slovenia</h2> <p>This medieval gem of a town, with a population of just 4,000, has a mash-up of Byzantine and Gothic architecture that might remind you of Venice, across the Adriatic from Piran, a three-hour ferry ride away. In fact, Piran was part of the Venetian Republic for nearly 500 years and boasts an impressive array of historic churches, squares <g class="gr_ gr_62 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="62" data-gr-id="62">and</g> palaces – not to mention a stout wall defending the city (no doubt paid for by invading Ottomans).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/saint-george-church-over-piran-slovenia-gettyimages-john-and-tina-reid.jpg" /> <figcaption>St George Church looks over the town of Piran, Slovenia. Photo credit: Getty Images/John and Tina Reid</figcaption></figure>Getty Images/Tan Yilmaz 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/travel-health-tipsBefore you embark on a wilderness adventure while traveling in the USA, learn to protect yourself from these insects and bugs you may find along the way.2019-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/travel-health-tipshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Warning: You're probably not going to like reading this any more than I liked researching it, but soldier on to find out how to stay safe from these suckers and biters.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#kissing-bugs">Kissing bugs</a></li> <li><a href="#fire-bullet-and-driver-ants">Fire, bullet and driver ants</a></li> <li><a href="#fleas">Fleas</a></li> <li><a href="#ticks">Ticks</a></li> <li><a href="#tsetse-flies">Tsetse flies</a></li> <li><a href="#asian-giant-hornet">Asian giant hornet</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="kissing-bugs">Kissing bugs</h2> <p><strong>Where:</strong> These nocturnal bloodsuckers are a problem throughout the Americas, from the United States to Argentina.</p> <p><strong>How they bug you:</strong> Kissing bugs can carry Chagas disease, which may produce symptoms like fever, fatigue, rashes, diarrhea and vomiting, and lead to heart and intestinal complications decades later. About 14,000 people die each year from Chagas disease.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Kissing bugs are found in old, rural, substandard dwellings, so look for streaks of feces on the walls and check cracks and crevices for signs of their whitish, pinkish eggs. If you think you have been bitten - it's usually painless and occurs around the mouth or eyes - DO NOT rub the bite. The parasite that causes Chagas disease is in the bugs' poop, not its saliva, so carefully wash the area to prevent the feces from getting into the puncture wound. If you think you've been infected, see a doctor.</p> <h2 id="fire-bullet-and-driver-ants">Fire, bullet and driver ants</h2> <p><strong>Where:</strong> Fire ants - United States, South America, China and Australia; bullet ants - rainforests of Central and South America; driver ants - Africa and tropical Asia.</p> <p><strong>How they bug you:</strong> These little buggers can inflict some serious pain. In fact fire and bullet ants get their names from what their stings feel like. Fire ant stings leave a painful, irritable bump which can easily become infected, and the venom can be fatal to those with allergies, so be sure to carry an epinephrine injector if you fall in that category.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Avoid them - don't disturb ant hills, wear high socks or long pants when hiking, immediately brush them off before they have a chance to deliver a sting or bite.</p> <h2 id="fleas">Fleas</h2> <p><strong>Where:</strong> Just about anywhere that isn't super cold or super hot.</p> <p><strong>How they bug you:</strong> While they're mostly just a nuisance, fleas can spread bacterial and viral diseases, including the plague. Their bites can also cause an allergic reaction, while scratching your bites can lead to infections.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> In wilderness areas, use an insect repellent (20-30 percent DEET) and/or permethrin-treated clothing; wear closed-toe shoes; don't feed or touch wildlife, particularly squirrels and other rodents; don't pitch tents near rodent burrows or possible rodent habitats like woodpiles or dense brush. Calamine lotion, ice or cold water can help relieve the itching of flea bites.</p> <h2 id="ticks">Ticks</h2> <p><strong>Where:</strong> They like countries with warm, humid conditions, but you'll find them anywhere you find deer.</p> <p><strong>How they bug you:</strong> Tick-borne illnesses include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, African tick bite fever, encephalitis, and paralysis. Yeah, they're nasty.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Like flea defense (above), use DEET insect repellent and permethrin-treated clothing. Bathe or shower as soon as you can after being in a tick-infested area and give yourself a thorough inspection. Give your gear the once-over, too, in case there's an unwanted hitchhiker. To remove a tick, use tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Then clean the area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water. DO NOT crush the tick with your fingers.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/USA/bugs/tick.jpg" alt="wood tick" width="750" height="490" /><figcaption>A tick. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="tsetse-flies">Tsetse flies</h2> <p><strong>Where:</strong> Sub-Saharan Africa.</p> <p><strong>How they bug you:</strong> Not just the figment of screenwriters' imaginations, African sleeping sickness is a parasitic disease spread by the tsetse fly. It causes fatigue, fever, headaches and body aches; if not treated, it can be fatal.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Keep skin covered with neutral-colored, medium weight clothing (the flies are attracted to bright and dark colors and can bite through thin fabric). Use insect repellent and permethrin-treated clothing. Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/USA/bugs/tsetse-fly.jpg" alt="tsetse fly" width="750" height="490" /><figcaption>A tsetse fly. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="asian-giant-hornet">Asian giant hornet</h2> <p><strong>Where:</strong> Eastern Asia, particularly rural Japan.</p> <p><strong>How they bug you:</strong> Nearly 2 inches in length, with a 3-inch wingspan, and quarter inch-long stingers, these bad girls (the male drones lack a stinger) can deliver a heavy dose of venom. Dozens of people are killed each year by the hornets.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> You can't outrun these behemoths, so if you are attacked, DO NOT run. They like the thrill of a moving target so crouch low to the ground and try to cover up. They don't usually sting without reason, though, so stay away from their nest.</p>iStock/BallBall14 0506503992 iStock Fire ants meeting on a banana leaf

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/adventure-junkies-these-national-parks-are-for-youSeeking adventure but want to avoid crowds? These national parks and preserves in the United States offer plenty of natural beauty and lots of solitude.2019-03-07T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/adventure-junkies-these-national-parks-are-for-youhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><em>The National Park Service has been reopening park operations in phases, and a majority of sites are open to visitors, but some facilities may be limited. Before visting a park during the COVID-19 pandemic, find out about its operating status <a href="https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm">here</a>.</em></p> <ul> <li><a href="#gates-of-the-arctic-national-park-and-preserve-alaska">Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska</a></li> <li><a href="#black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-colorado">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado</a></li> <li><a href="#wrangell-st-elias-national-park-alaska">Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska</a></li> <li><a href="#aniakchak-national-monument-and-preserve-alaska">Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Alaska</a></li> <li><a href="#outdoor-adventure-safety-essentials">Outdoor Adventure Safety Essentials</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="gates-of-the-arctic-national-park-and-preserve-alaska">Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska</h2> <p>Without any roads, clear trails or visitor services, this is the least-visited national park in the United States.</p> <p>Which isn't to say there aren't any people here: Indigenous Alaskans have been tracking herds of migrating caribou through this landscape for 12,000 years, and a Nunamiut Inupiat village lies within the park.</p> <p>This 8.4 million-acre wilderness is entirely within the Arctic Circle, and the diverse ecosystem varies from alpine tundra to boreal forest, with granite and limestone peaks rising 7,000ft (2,130m). It's also the site of six officially designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. Home to <a href="/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/how-to-avoid-bears-tips-for-wilderness-safety">black and brown bears</a>, wolves, moose, muskox and voracious mosquitos, the only way in and out is by hiking or flying, and about 12,000 people do it each year.</p> <p>It's recommended you pack along a satellite phone in case of emergency, as well as a Bear Resistant Food Canister (BRFC). <a href="/travel-insurance/trekking-and-hiking">Don't forget your travel insurance</a>, too.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/gates-of-the-arctic-alaska-united-states-national-park-service.jpg" /> <figcaption>Gates of the Arctic. Photo credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-colorado">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado</h2> <p>With a name and landscape reminiscent of a setting from <em>The Lord of the Rings</em>, the Park Service boasts that Black Canyon of the Gunnison has some of the "steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America." Naturally, this is a rock climber's paradise.</p> <p>There are 145 known climbing routes, and 117 of those are rated between 5.10 and 5.13. If you don't know what that means, you shouldn't be climbing here.</p> <p>Sufficiently badass kayakers can shoot Class V rapids along the Gunnison River, too.</p> <p>Even driving here can be a white-knuckle experience. There are three scenic routes with steep grades, hairpin turns and overlooks into the canyon which reaches a depth of more than 2,700ft (822m).</p> <p>Read your <a href="/travel-insurance/">travel insurance</a> policy wording very carefully before you embark on an adventure in this park, <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/">you may not be covered for these activities</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/black-canyon-gunnison-colorado-united-states-national-park-service.jpg" /> <figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Photo credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="wrangell-st-elias-national-park-alaska">Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska</h2> <p>Covering some 13.2 million acres, this is the largest national park in the United States, expansive enough to comfortably fit Switzerland within its borders, with room to spare.</p> <p>It rises from the coastline to the 18,008ft (5,488m) peak of Mount St. Elias, the second highest peak in the US; nine of the country's 16 tallest mountains are here. Icefields, smoldering volcanoes and glaciers the size of Rhode Island are all part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and 87,000 people make it here each year to hike its alpine meadows, scale its mountains, <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/a-local-park-rangers-guide-to-exploring-southeast-alaska">kayak its bays</a>, float its rivers, and ski its glaciers.</p> <p>Eighteen hours of summer daylight ensure plenty of time to see the highlights; 18 hours of darkness in winter provide ample opportunity to <a href="/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lights">witness the northern lights</a>.</p> <p>For those scaling the heights, <a href="/travel-safety/how-to-deal-with-altitude-sickness">find out what you need to know about altitude sickness.</a></p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/wrangell-st-elias-alaska-united-states-national-park-service.jpg" /><figcaption>Wrangell-St. Elias. Photo credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="aniakchak-national-monument-and-preserve-alaska">Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Alaska</h2> <p><g class="gr_ gr_136 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="136" data-gr-id="136">You</g> really want solitude? Try to get yourself to Aniakchak, one of the wildest and least-visited areas in America. It's not easy to get here; 450mi (724km) southwest of Anchorage, midway down the roadless <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/top-destinations-for-dramatic-landscapes-in-alaska">Alaska Peninsula</a>, visitors must hike or fly into this desolate park. In 2017 just 100 people made it here.</p> <p>A cataclysmic volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago created the 6mi (9.5km) wide crater that plunges 2,500ft (760m) down to iridescent Surprise Lake, which feeds the Aniakchak River through a crack in the caldera, known as The Gates.</p> <p>Hard-pressed on either side by the Bering Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, Aniakchak is often blanketed in fog and rain, so visitors need to expect delays for both entering and leaving the park.</p> <p>With wolves cruising in packs that number dozens, and some of the biggest, <g class="gr_ gr_92 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="92" data-gr-id="92"><g class="gr_ gr_131 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="131" data-gr-id="131">baddest</g></g> bears on the planet, you need to be an experienced backpacker. If you aren't, take advantage of the authorized tour guides that can take you on bear-viewing, sport-fishing or <a href="/create/learn/photography/">photography expeditions</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/aniakchak-alaska-united-states-national-park-service.jpg" /> <figcaption>Aniakchak. Photo credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="outdoor-adventure-safety-essentials">Outdoor Adventure Safety Essentials</h2> <p>Exploring these remote national parks requires extra preparation. Here are the basics of what you need to pack for an outdoor adventure:</p> <ul> <li>A signaling device, such as a satellite phone</li> <li>Enough food for the days you are planning to be away, and <g class="gr_ gr_93 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="93" data-gr-id="93">then</g> extra in case you get stuck</li> <li>Extra water, as well as water-purification tablets or a <a href="https://thegrayl.com/">purification bottle</a></li> <li>A firestarter</li> <li>A multi-tool/knife</li> <li>An extra layer of warmth</li> <li>A navigation kit, and the knowledge of how to use it</li> <li>Basic first-aid kit</li> <li>Portable shelter.</li> </ul> <p>Always leave an itinerary of where you're going and how long you intend to be away, with someone you trust.</p> <p><strong>Want to know more about the USA? Check out our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/north-america/united-states/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-10-usa">podcast</a>. Embracing the kitsch in America’s South, what are the bees up to in Brooklyn? The budget travel idea proving a hit, and exploring New York with the Bowery Boys.</strong></p>All Images: National Park Service 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/water-lovers-you-need-to-go-to-these-national-parksThe crowds are scarce and the rewards plentiful at these 5 wet-and-wild destinations.2019-03-07T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/water-lovers-you-need-to-go-to-these-national-parkshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The crowds are scarce and the rewards plentiful at these five wet-and-wild destinations.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#isle-royale-national-park">Isle Royale National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#congaree-national-park">Congaree National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#salt-river-bay-national-historical-park-and-ecological-preserve">Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve</a></li> <li><a href="#dry-tortugas-national-park">Dry Tortugas National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#national-park-of-american-samoa">National Park of American Samoa</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="isle-royale-national-park">Isle Royale National Park, Michigan</h2> <p>The park is made up of a cluster of islands on <a href="https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm">Lake Superior</a>, including Isle Royale and around 400 smaller islands. Isle Royale National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the United States, averaging about 20,000 visitors per year. It's a short year, though, as this park is closed from November to mid-April (the only national park to fully close during winter).</p> <p>Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve offers camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking <g class="gr_ gr_187 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="187" data-gr-id="187">and</g> <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">scuba diving</a>. Nine shipwrecks, some dating back to the 19th century, are marked with buoys for easy identification. But given the challenging conditions – such as freezing water temperatures – diving isn't easy here.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/isle-royale-national-park-michigan-national-park-service.jpg" /> <figcaption>Isle Royale National Park. Photo credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="congaree-national-park">Congaree National Park, South Carolina</h2> <p>An epic 50mi (80km) paddle down the Congaree River Blue Trail takes you from South Carolina's capital city, Columbia, to the forest primeval of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm">Congaree National Park</a>. This 27,000-acre floodplain habitat also has been designated a UNESCO International Biosphere <g class="gr_ gr_101 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="101" data-gr-id="101">Reserve,</g> and is home to some of the tallest trees in eastern North America, which form a forest canopy of magnificent proportions.</p> <p>You'll also find everything from bobcats and armadillos to otters and alligators. Summer thunder-and-lightning storms can be deadly, though, so get off the water, take cover and stay low.</p> <p>In 2018, almost 146,000 hikers, campers, canoeists and kayakers visited the park. Keep this environment pristine by taking all your rubbish out with you, and leave no trace aside from your footsteps.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/congaree-national-park-south-carolina-national-park-service.jpg" /><figcaption>Congaree <g class="gr_ gr_72 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="72" data-gr-id="72">swamp</g>. Photo credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="salt-river-bay-national-historical-park-and-ecological-preserve">Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, Virgin Islands</h2> <p>A self-proclaimed "living museum, where nature and history blend," <a href="https://www.nps.gov/sari/index.htm">Salt River Bay</a> features one of the largest mangrove forests in the Virgin Islands, as well as coral reefs and a submarine canyon ideal for scuba diving.</p> <p>The 1,015-acre park is also the only place in US territory documented to have been visited by Christopher Columbus – an event which promptly incited the first known skirmish between Native Americans and European invaders. Columbus commemorated the encounter by naming the site <em>Cabo de las Flechas</em> (Cape of the Arrows).</p> <p>The park, which sees about 5,000 visitors annually, is also home to the world's most dangerous tree – the manchineel. It's so poisonous even just touching it can scorch the skin and lead to temporary blindness. </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/salt-river-bay-virgin-islands-national-park-service.jpg" /><figcaption>Kayakers in Salt River Bay. Photo credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="dry-tortugas-national-park">Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida</h2> <p>About 70mi (112km) west of Key West in Florida (closer to Cuba than mainland USA), is the 100<span>mi²</span> (260<span>km²)</span> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm">Dry Tortugas National Park</a>. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the ironically named park is actually less than 1% dry ground, and is made up of seven small islands surrounded by a wonderland of coral reefs and seagrasses.</p> <p>One of those islands, Garden Key, features imposing Fort Jefferson, which began construction in 1846 and remains the largest masonry structure in the Americas. The park is best explored if you have your own boat, and campers will want a canoe or kayak.</p> <p>With clear water and 200 shipwrecks, it's bliss for snorkelers and divers. But, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safe-scuba-diving">beware of the park's prickly side</a>: fire coral, lionfish, jellyfish <g class="gr_ gr_98 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="98" data-gr-id="98">and</g> sea urchins. About 80,000 people take the plunge here each year.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/dry-tortugas-national-park-florida-national-park-service.jpg" /><figcaption>Dry Tortugas National Park. Photo credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="national-park-of-american-samoa">National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa</h2> <p>Situated 2,600mi (4,185km) southwest of Hawaii, this is the only US national park located below the equator. Encompassing parts of three different volcanic islands, the tropical rainforest and stunning coral reefs of American Samoa <g class="gr_ gr_103 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="103" data-gr-id="103">are</g> home to a colorful array of critters.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/npsa/index.htm">The park</a> also helps to maintain the traditional Samoan culture – believed to be the oldest in Polynesia – and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/npsa/learn/historyculture/homestay.htm">homestays are available through the Park Service</a> for visitors who want to soak up the lifestyle with a local family.</p> <p>There can be trouble in paradise, though: <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-a-tsunami">tsunamis</a> are a threat and dengue is also present, so employ a full arsenal of tactics to prevent mosquito bites.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/united-states/turtle-underwater-in-american-samoa-national-park-dry-tortugas-national-park-florida-national-park-service.jpg" /><figcaption>A turtle underwater in the National Park of American Samoa. Photo credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure> <p></p>All images: National Park Service 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/tips-and-trouble-in-the-usaHere's how to keep your waiters, waitresses, bartenders and cab drivers happy, while also fighting wage inequality in the USA.2023-06-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/tips-and-trouble-in-the-usahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Tipping in America can seem complicated, especially if you're visiting from a place where tipping is not the norm. Here's how to keep your waiters, waitresses, bartenders and cab drivers happy, while also fighting wage inequality in the USA.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#how-much"> How much do I need to tip? </a></li> <li><a href="#tips">General tipping advice </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="how-much">How much should you tip?</h2> <h3>Taxi drivers</h3> <p>Taxi drivers should get tipped 15% of the fare, but a minimum tip is US $2.</p> <p>Ridesharing services such as Lyft and Uber offer an in-app method for tipping. It's recommended to tip 15–20% for a great service, 10–15% for good service, and 10% for mediocre service. Don't forget, your Uber or Lyft driver will rate you, too.</p> <h3>Bartenders</h3> <p>Tip about US $1 per drink – even during happy hour. If your bartender is making expensive cocktails, pay up with a larger tip. If you're unsure, aim to tip 15% of the bill.</p> <h3>Valet </h3> <p>When you retrieve your car from the valet, US $2 is a standard tip. Some people also tip when dropping the car off. If your valet driver has sprinted three blocks to get your car in a timely fashion, US $5 is a nice gesture.</p> <h3>Bellhop/Concierge</h3> <p>Tip concierge US $1 per bag (US $2 minimum). When you're assisted by a skycap or porter, US $1 per bag is also advised, or US $2 per bag if your luggage is heavier. </p> <h3>Cafe or restaurant</h3> <p>Tip cafe or restaurant staff 20% for good service, 25% for excellent service, and 15-18% for below average service.</p> <p>Many restaurants and cafes will recommend how much to tip at the bottom of your receipt, which removes a lot of confusion for customers. <span>Many restaurants will include a gratuity on the bill for groups of eight or more; look over your check before paying to avoid leaving two tips.</span></p> <p>The only time it's acceptable to not tip your waiter or waitress is if you’ve had a truly awful experience, and you’re confident it’s the wait staff’s fault. Don't take a chef's inadequacies out on your wait staff. Always communicate what the problem was before you leave; you might get a free dessert or a discount for your trouble.</p> <p>For cafes or takeaway restaurants that do not offer table service, you are not typically obligated to leave a tip, thought it's always appreciated. However, you should tip around 15-20% for delivery. Tips aren't required at fast-food restaurants.</p> <p>No tip is required for a barista, but dropping any loose change into the tip jar is always a nice gesture.</p> <h3>Hotel stays</h3> <p>Leave US $2–$5 a day for housekeeping staff, depending on the condition you’ve left your room. Leave a tip daily, as the same person may not be cleaning your room each day.</p> <p>For room service, tip US $5 minimum, but check to make sure the tip hasn't been included on the bill.</p> <p>The tipping economy extends beyond cabs, restaurants and hotels. In casinos – win or lose – tip your dealer US $5 per hour at minimum, or 10% of your buy-in. Use chips only, never cash. Tip your cocktail waitress US $1 each for free drinks (with either chips or cash).</p> <p>For spa services, tip 15-20%. Tip your hairdresser or manicurist 20%. Coat checkers should get US $1 per garment.</p> <h2 id="tips">General tipping advice</h2> <p>Though electronic tipping methods are increasingly common, cash tips are always appreciated. Hair or nail salons may require you tip your hairdresser or manicurist separately, rather than as part of the bill for service, so be prepared with cash, or ask if the worker would like to be paid via Venmo or a similar payment system.</p> <p>If you're paying for a two-for-one special or are using a discount coupon, your tip should still be based on the full price.</p> <p>Many Americans in the service industry work for low hourly wages and feed their families on the tips they earn, so failing to tip is a serious, and personal, affront. It can get ugly when confronted by an angry worker who, quite rightly, believes you’ve ripped them off.</p> <p>Always tip discreetly; don’t make a big deal out of it. Don’t feel obligated to tip if the service has been unacceptable. Perhaps provide the person with polite feedback to let them know why you aren't tipping, and maybe they'll take your advice on board for future customers. But it's better speak to the manager about poor service, rather than leaving no tip at all. </p>Getty Images/Tetra Images 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/gun-crime-in-the-usaDespite the news reports on gun related violence, will you really see guns in the USA? What's the risk of being victim? We take a look at the situation.2017-12-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/gun-crime-in-the-usahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Some people assume everyone walks around with guns in America. Not true. Nor are there gang shootouts on every street corner contrary to what tv shows like to portray.</p> <p>For the most part, the people who own or carry guns legally aren't the problem. It's the criminals with illegal weapons that pose the most threat, and that's only a concern to travelers because there are so many illegal guns out there.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#illegal-guns">Illegal guns</a></li> <li><a href="#mass-shooting">Mass shootings</a></li> <li><a href="#cities">10 most dangerous U.S cities</a></li> </ul> <p>First a few statistics:</p> <ul> <li>In 2016, U.S. gun manufacturers cranked out 11 million weapons. Some estimates now claim there are more guns than people in this country</li> <li>On average, more than 33,900 Americans die from gun violence every year (including suicide). That’s about how many people die in car accidents on our streets and highways annually</li> <li>According to Gun Violence Archive, there were 447 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2016 (increase of 147 on 2015) in which four or more people were wounded and/or killed (not including the shooter)</li> <li>Forty percent of the guns sold in the U.S. are done without a background check, via online sales and gun shows.</li> </ul> <h2 id="illegal-guns">Illegal guns</h2> <p>As of 2015, Americans owned about 357 million firearms, with 100 million being handguns. Each year, however, tens of thousands more illegal guns circulate around the U.S.</p> <p>The states exporting the highest number of illegal guns are currently West Virginia and Mississippi. Over 15 percent of West Virginia's guns are recovered during a crime two years or sooner after the initial sale. For Mississippi, this number is 17.4 percent. The states importing the greatest numbers of illegal guns are Florida and California.</p> <h2 id="mass-shooting">Mass shootings</h2> <p>It seems a week doesn't go by that there isn't some kind shooting in the United States, particularly of the mass shooting type. Should travelers be scared of a mass shooting while in the US? In short, no.  Statistically, the likelihood of you being killed in a mass shooting is small. Winning the lottery small. </p> <p>The US Department of Homeland Security has <a href="https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter">published some advice</a> on how to prepare for an active-shooter emergency but no matter where you are </p> <ul> <li>Be aware of your surroundings</li> <li>Take note of the two nearest exits in any place you visit.</li> </ul> <h2 id="cities">10 most dangerous U.S cities</h2> <p>Based on the violent crime rate, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported the 10 most dangerous cities in the United States in 2018 were:</p> <ol> <li>St. Louis, MO</li> <li>Memphis, TN</li> <li>Little Rock, AR</li> <li>Springfield</li> <li>Albuquerque</li> <li>Oakland, CA</li> <li>Chattanooga</li> <li>Pueblo</li> <li>Baltimore, MD</li> <li>Anchorage, AL</li> </ol> <p>Of course this list should be viewed with a grain of salt. The chances of being randomly targeted remain slim, but if you stroll into the wrong neighborhood or walk on the wrong block, your risk of getting caught in the crossfire of drug and poverty-fueled violence may rise. Always ask locals which areas you should avoid. Some places are ok during the day and not at night, others can be a total no-go regardless of the time of day.</p> <p>Every place has its good and bad areas. Detriot featured for many years on the FBI listings for cities with the highest crime rate, but the city has experienced a revival recently, drawing in creative types. New bars, restaurants and hotels are opening on a regular basis. </p>Getty Images/EyeEm 1674479449 Getty Images View of a USA city from above

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/automobiles-and-vehicular-traffic-usa-road-safetyAll about American roads: Speed limits, highways to avoid and other road safety tips for your big USA road trip. Know before you get behind the wheel.2020-08-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/automobiles-and-vehicular-traffic-usa-road-safetyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>First, check your hire car thoroughly before you take to the <a href="/explore/guides/usa-nomads-guide" target="_blank" title="Download our free guide to the USA">open roads in the United States</a>.</p> <p>Check the tires, wiper blades, defroster, fluids, and the belt and hose connections. Make sure your spare tire is in good shape, too.</p> <p>Then gear up with water (for both you and your radiator), snacks, a blanket, travel pillow, first-aid kit, flashlight, the tools (and know-how) you need to repair a flat tire, safety reflector or flares, and an extra quart of oil.</p> <p>Bring along a map (yes, an actual paper map) and keep a spare key in your pocket, separate from the rest of your other keys.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#the-most-dangerous-highways-in-the-us">The most dangerous highways in the USA</a></li> <li><a href="#traffic-laws-by-state">Traffic laws by state</a></li> <li><a href="#where-can-i-park-my-rv">Where can I park my RV?</a></li> <li><a href="#tips-for-driving-in-the-mountains">Tips for driving in the mountains</a></li> <li><a href="#tips-for-driving-in-wet-conditions">Tips for driving in wet conditions</a></li> <li><a href="#tips-for-driving-in-the-desert">Tips for driving in the desert</a></li> <li><a href="#getting-pulled-over">Getting pulled over: What not to do</a></li> <li><a href="#how-to-avoid-a-road-rage-incident">How to avoid a road rage incident</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="the-most-dangerous-highways-in-the-us">The most dangerous highways in the USA</h2> <p>While a fender bender in the city can be a bummer, a high-speed accident on the interstate can be fatal. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ValuePenguin ranked the US highways with the highest number of fatal crashes. Traffic volumes and higher speed limits on some highways helped contribute to these fatalities. Also a factor is the time it takes for help to reach a remote location.</p> <h3>ValuePengin's Top 10 Most Dangerous Highways in the U.S:</h3> <ul> <li>US-93, Arizona</li> <li>SR-9, Oklahoma</li> <li>US-160, Colorado</li> <li>I-5, California</li> <li>I-10, Texas</li> <li>I-20, Texas</li> <li>I-80, Iowa</li> <li>I-10, Florida</li> <li>I-95, Florida</li> <li>I-10, Mississippi</li> </ul> <p>There are more than 34,000 traffic deaths every year in this country, roughly the same as the amount of Americans killed annually by <a href="/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/guns-and-travel-us" target="_blank" title="Gun crime in the USA">gun violence.</a> Drunk driving is a factor in around a third of those car accidents, so it goes without saying, don’t drink and drive. You’ll find zero tolerance for it everywhere and stiff penalties if you’re busted.</p> <p>A few other statistics to keep in mind: According to the National Safety Council, texting while driving raises the likelihood of an accident eight times, and crashes involving texting or talking on a cell phone – both hands free and hand held – make up nearly 30% of all accidents.</p> <p><em><strong><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/top-tips-to-stay-safe-while-driving-in-remote-areas">How safe is it to drive across America during the COVID-19 pandemic? Find out here.</a></strong></em></p> <h2 id="traffic-laws-by-state">Traffic laws by state</h2> <p>Did you know New Hampshire is the only state in the union that doesn’t require adults to wear a seatbelt? Seeing as how seatbelts can improve your odds of surviving a fatal crash by 45% (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), it seems folks in the Granite State really take their state motto of “Live Free or Die” seriously.</p> <p>States also differ on helmets for motorcyclists, cell phone usage, and on smoking cigarettes in a car with minors, among numerous other things. Luckily the AAA has this handy guide on <a href="https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/" target="_blank" title="Driving Laws">traffic laws by state</a>.</p> <p>So just know that when you’re on your road trip, you can blow smoke rings in your kid’s face in Texas, but don’t do it in Louisiana.</p> <h2 id="where-can-i-park-my-rv">Where can I park my RV?</h2> <p>If you’re making the highway your home in an RV or van, campgrounds are your best bet. Truck stops are another alternative, but you may want to pack along some earplugs and a sleep mask; it’s also considered proper etiquette to buy something or have a meal there. Rest areas aren’t intended for overnight stays but can do the trick if you just need a few quick Zs; because of their often-isolated locations and poor lighting, though, they can sometimes be unsafe. Your ace in the hole just might be a Walmart – most of them will allow RVs to park overnight in the parking lot. Just check in with the manager first, and again, it’s polite to make some kind of purchase.</p> <h2 id="tips-for-driving-in-the-mountains">Tips for driving in the mountains</h2> <ul> <li>Don’t ride your brakes when going downhill; shift into a lower gear even in a car with automatic transmission. Use lower gears to head up steep grades, too</li> <li>Don’t hug the centerline of the road</li> <li>Keep your gas tank filled – gas stations may be few and far between</li> <li>If there are more than three cars behind you, pull over when it’s safe and allow them to pass</li> <li>In winter (which can last well into spring) be sure to carry antifreeze, snow chains, an ice scraper, and a small shovel.</li> </ul> <p><em><strong><a href="/travel-insurance/">Traveling to the USA soon? Get a travel insurance quote.</a></strong></em></p> <h2 id="tips-for-driving-in-wet-conditions">Tips for driving in wet conditions</h2> <ul> <li>Slow down; posted speed limits are intended for ideal conditions</li> <li>Don’t drive through standing water – there’s no telling how deep it is</li> <li>If your car hydroplanes, don’t use the brakes or turn the wheel. Just take your foot off the gas and keep looking and steering in the direction you want to go</li> <li>In fog, don’t use your high beams</li> <li>Avoid sudden stops in fog. If you do stop to wait out the weather, pull as far off the road as possible.</li> </ul> <h2 id="tips-for-driving-in-the-desert">Tips for driving in the desert</h2> <ul> <li>Let someone know what route you’re taking</li> <li>Avoid driving in the afternoon when temperatures peak</li> <li>Keep yourself hydrated</li> <li>If your engine begins to overheat, pull over or roll down your windows and blast the heater</li> <li>In the event of a breakdown, stay with your car unless you know exactly where the next oasis is. Keep the hood raised so people know you need help; it can also provide some shade.</li> </ul> <h2 id="getting-pulled-over">Getting pulled over: What to do (and what not to do)</h2> <p>The black and white cruiser is flashing blue and red in your rearview mirror. A queasy feeling that falls somewhere between an invasive medical exam and an IRS audit washes over you. You’re getting pulled over – what should you do? First, stay cool. Try not to panic and this info, provided by the American Civil Liberties Union, will get you through it … although we can’t promise you won’t get that speeding ticket.</p> <ul> <li>Turn off the engine</li> <li>Keep your hands visible – don’t reach into the glove box or under the seat</li> <li>Stay calm and be polite</li> <li>You have the right to remain silent. You DO need to give your name (and some states require more info, such as your address), as well as provide your license, registration and proof of insurance, but beyond that you DON’T have to say anything. “Sorry, officer, I’d prefer not to answer that question.” Really, you can say that</li> <li>You DON’T have to allow a search of your car or yourself. If there’s probable cause or you’re under arrest, the cops won’t need consent to search you (and sometimes your car)</li> <li>If you are arrested, ask for a lawyer immediately</li> <li>If you are stopped but not arrested, ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, calmly go on your way.</li> </ul> <p>And if you feel like you’ve been treated badly, don’t argue it out on the roadside. You won’t win. Take down the officer’s name and badge number then make a complaint afterward.</p> <h2 id="how-to-avoid-a-road-rage-incident">How to avoid a road rage incident</h2> <p>According to the AAA, aggressive driving – as in tailgating and erratic lane-changing – is a factor in up to 56% of all fatal car accidents. Combine that with a Harvard School of Public Health study that found motorists with guns are more likely to act aggressively, and you have a potentially lethal combination. The AAA studied 10,000 road rage cases over a seven-year period, tallying more than 200 murders and 12,000 injuries.</p> <p>So how can you avoid a road rage incident? Here’s what the AAA recommends.</p> <h3>Don’t offend anyone</h3> <p>Seems pretty basic, but just don’t cut anyone off (check your blind spot before changing lanes); don’t drive slowly in the left lane (that lane is for passing or faster traffic); don’t tailgate (you’ll be at fault for any accident); don’t make rude gestures (no matter how well deserved).</p> <h3>Don’t engage</h3> <p>Give angry drivers plenty of space and avoid eye contact. If you need help, call the police or drive to a populated location like a shopping center or hospital. Remain in your car and honk the horn to get attention.</p> <h3>Adjust your attitude</h3> <p>Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going, and perhaps switch up your drive tunes from fast and furious to a slow jam. Do a little deep breathing and try not to take another driver’s actions personally. There could be any number of reasons why they’re driving like a doofus.</p>Getty Images/Nick Ocean Photography 1510666354 Getty Images Car Camping in the Washington Woods near Mt Baker with our pop up camper