GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

We all have one bucket list to travel the world and witness every corner and culture of the globe. Ranging from road trips, hiking, camping, trekking, the excitement is never-ending for a traveller, and if this is a solo trip, the experience is unparalleled. Travelling solo is one of the most liberating and adventurous experiences in life.

You might doubt that travelling solo is not that easy, especially if this is your first. Below is the guide to give you the ten best tips to plan your backpacking for a solo trip.

1. Be a wanderer:

Don't stick to one place. Instead, explore as much as you can by walking around in the cities & countryside. Be like a free spirit, save your transportation cost within the destination.

2. Split up your spending:

Organize your budget smartly and choose public transport to travel. If you need a flight, then try grabbing some reasonable offers. For example, choose a safe hostel stay or travel by night train to cut your hotel costs.

3. Do your research:

More than the excitement for the travel, you need the proper planning. Once you have finalised the destination, do some homework about the culture, the best hotspots, local monuments, popular joints and the best travel route to reach there. You won’t feel alien and will be able to explore places freely and with a better perspective.

4. Don't bind yourself:

Decide a budget before leaving and adhere to it. The motive is to travel and discover maximum with minimum cost. So, research about free public attractions days, bus passes and discounted tickets that cost less than the usual fare. Prior planning will save your time and money for these discoveries.

5. Pack up mindfully:

Going light is still the thumb rule for every solo traveller. Remember to make an essential items list that helps you carry your luggage like a backpack and save time and money searching luggage cloakrooms.

6. Stick to your itinerary:

Before your actual trip, you must imagine yourself visiting the attractions mentally or virtually through your itinerary. Therefore, it is vital to design an ideal itinerary to have an organized trip. If you sincerely follow the itinerary, you are less likely to waste extra money and time.

7. Safety & essentials:

Don't forget that safety is a primary concern while you travel solo. Take a local SIM card to stay in touch with your family and friends if travelling overseas. Note down and save the emergency numbers, helpline numbers of the destination. Carry all the essential items you might require, such as a small first-aid kit, pair of masks, hand sanitizer for additional safety.

8. Organization is the key:

Keep a separate bag or folder and organize your important documents and papers like passport, hotel bookings, tickets, identity card, health insurance agency details etc. Keep a spare copy separately.

9. Communicate and socialize:

You can find other solo backpack travellers and can team up with them. Networking is the gift you will bring back with you, so open up and enjoy the excursions together. And interactions with fellow travellers might get you some ideas and advice that might help you navigate easily.

10. Enjoy low-cost thrills:

Not all good things are expensive. Enjoy local cuisines, weekly markets for shopping with less spending and more memories. Budget trips teach you several worthy life lessons. Through travel and planning, you get an opportunity to uncover your hidden abilities to be the best version of yourself.

You don't always need a company to travel. Managing everything yourself on a solo trip will help you reflect upon your true self. Lastly, as you are travelling alone most of the time, buckle up your health with the laces of health insurance to cover all your needs for the perfect solo trip ever. As it is rightly quoted, "You have to get out of the box and travel to identify who you are!"

Are you looking to buy health insurance? Click HERE .

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

No one likes to be caught in traffic for hours. But let’s face it, it isn't easy to find our way without any traffic jams on the route. We can't blame the number of vehicles plying on the road solely, but our driving habits as well cause the heavy traffic jams. Almost every driver wants to get through traffic as quickly as possible, which is not always accurate and time saver.

It’s all too easy to give in to the temptation of switching to a lane that appears free from traffic. But if you think of it, will changing lanes constantly get you any closer to your destination? Or is it all just psychological to be thinking that the lane is always faster on the other side?

Following are the top ten tips to get through traffic keeping in mind the safety and rules.

1. Plan beforehand:

Plan your trip keeping in mind weather conditions, road construction, seasons and festivals, and the peak hours.

2. Keep your cool:

Getting frustrated while driving can lead to aggressive and reckless behaviour. This can hinder your mental state and make you lose your focus while driving, thereby endangering everyone on the road.

3. Reduce your speed:

Now naturally, in the middle of the traffic, you would not get a chance to drive speedily. Yet, some drivers habitually try to speed up to make up for a lost time, resulting in a crash.

4. Do not swerve through lanes or attempt to get ahead of traffic:

Other drivers may change lanes as you approach as they can’t foresee what you’re up to and vice versa. So, staying in one lane and abiding by the lane discipline is essential and the safest option.

5. Use indicators:

While weaving in and out of lanes is not advisable, it is occasionally required. Doing so with indicators will let people know what you’re doing, keep you safe, and make it easier for you if a vehicle enables you to pass them.

6. Remove all sources of distraction:

Always keep your eyes on the road. This is especially critical while travelling in congested areas. It doesn’t make driving less dangerous because you’re moving slower.

6. Remove all sources of distraction:

Always keep your eyes on the road. This is especially critical while travelling in congested areas. It doesn’t make driving less dangerous because you’re moving slower.

7. Practice driving proactively:

Just because you’re driving safely doesn’t guarantee everyone else is as well. So, stay alert and make judgments of fellow drivers on the road.

8. Take a break whenever needed:

Pull over to the side of the road and extend your legs while trying to relax.

9. Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of yours:

The ideal gap is said to be 3 seconds. Maintaining a safe buffer distance from vehicles ahead of you is crucial to eliminate the chances of collisions due to sudden braking.

10. Don’t stop and stare:

Turning your head to look at a crowd or a collision that isn’t involving you is a bad idea. Instead, keep an eye on the road ahead of you.

Always keep in mind that arriving at your destination safely is the first goal for all drivers on the road. Unfortunately, a traffic jam may take up most of your time, and delays are unavoidable in many situations. It is nearly impossible to eliminate traffic jams from our lives. But you can surely reduce the impact it might have on you.

Take the road safety measures, follow the above tips and ensure that you have online car insurance are some of the ways to make your driving smoother and stress-free. Remember that choosing trustworthy online car insurance supplements a layer of protection for you and your vehicle on the road against any eventuality.

To look for online car insurance, click HERE .

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

The past two years have indeed taught us the importance of staying at home and keeping our house and surroundings healthy. Spending most of our time indoors, we naturally miss going out in the fresh air. But, a basic hack to welcome nature to your home and make it feel fresher is to adopt domestic plants.

Many of us prioritize the maintenance and size of a plant while purchasing them for our home but never really look for the benefits they provide. Of course, having ‘trendy’ plants around is a good idea. Still, a beautiful plant that silently works its magic on your health while you go along with your daily routine is even better. Here are the top indoor plants that can help you recover some common health issues;

1. Peace lily:

As beautiful as the name is, the essence of its nature remains unparalleled. These lilies demand no high maintenance and effortlessly add elegance to the room. Apart from its lovely appearance, this plant is known for eliminating hazardous chemicals from the air, such as ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. They even contribute to keeping the environment fresh and relatively humid.

2. Aloe vera:

Nothing makes a kitchen windowsill come alive like this warmth-loving succulent. Being one of the most low-maintenance plants; Aloe vera can do much more than make your skin glow. All you have to do is give it plenty of sunlight and watch out for brown spots on its leaves. The spots are an indication of abundant chemicals present in the air.

3. Philodendrons:

This big-leafed plant has made its mark all over Instagram for its attractive leaves. However, that is not all it offers; Philodendrons are renowned for removing hazardous substances from the air, including xylene and formaldehyde. It doesn’t ask for much attention except for being placed in a low-light and cool spot.

4. Herbs:

Shelter some herbs like Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme for multiple benefits. For example, lavender is well known for its aromatherapy to provide relief from stress. Traditionally, Rosemary has been considered to help people concentrate and sleep better. Whereas, Peppermint can help get rid of bacteria and bugs.

5. Transvaal Daisy:

Commonly known as Gerbera, it has pretty flowers and the capacity to remove benzene from indoor environments. A surprising fact about this plant is that it produces oxygen in tremendous amounts at night, making it the perfect decor for people suffering from lung problems, sleep apnea, and insomnia. Also, NASA recently acknowledged it as the best antioxidant plant.

Just the sense of being around nature can solve more than half of your health disorders, and it is a scientifically proven fact. Having indoor plants not only make your space more beautiful but also offer you many health benefits. Nevertheless, you cannot only rely on your houseplants to keep your health secured. Remember that choosing trustworthy health insurance supplements a layer of protection for your health. So, the next time when you water your indoor plants, consider what they’re giving you in return!

Click HERE to know more about the health insurance plans for you and your family.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Winter is just around the corner, and we all are excited to welcome it with a smile. There is something magnificent about the chilly breeze, beanies, heaters, and crisp evenings. The sweater weather inspires us in numerous ways. Although, a large percentage of people despise this season due to varied reasons apart from the discomfort it brings along.

Our body can have a tough time adapting to the change in winters. Moving becomes a task, and we tend to get lethargic. Being curled up in a blanket doesn't allow us to leave, and all morning alarms go snoozed. We start late, and our daily schedules get hampered. Physical activities slow down drastically, and we love being idle rather than active.

But not anymore because we have compiled the best tips to keep yourself productive and increase your body's activeness. Have a quick look at it:

• Increase hydration and the intake of tea. Staying hydrated and warm throughout the day will keep you from being lethargic.

• The addition of supplements like vitamin D, C, E, and Zinc is a must in your diet as they can assist in remaining healthy throughout the winter. It will also make up for your body not getting enough sun.

• Exercising is an essential factor when it comes to staying active. Regular exercise has several advantages that assist in preventing our bodies from a variety of health disorders.

• Keep a natural diet plan. Take advantage of the season's whole fruits and vegetables and add them to your everyday meals for a nutritious diet.

• A good sleep helps your body regains its composure and energy. As a result, getting a proper amount of sleep is critical to cope with the tiredness and strains.

• A regular eating schedule can help to increase your metabolism and keep your glycogen stores maintained throughout winter.

• Practice conscious eating. Use moderation and substitution techniques in your diet. For example, soups are great options to add fibre-filled vegetables into your diet.

• Maintain personal hygiene. There is a significant risk of becoming a victim of viral infections if you do not possess a proper sanitary environment.

• Find ways to avoid winter blues. Find an activity to perform each day to keep yourself entertained and engaged which won't make you feel lazy. Listen to your favourite upbeat music, take short walks, treat yourself to some hot chocolate or green tea and hot showers, go out in the sun, and play outdoor sports with your friends.

• Start skincare. How your skin would react to cold is unpredictable. Hence, keep it moisturized all the time.

Make the most of the above tips to help you feel warmer and cozier during the winter season. Add them to your ways of dealing with winter blues and flu(s) and see how it works for you. Winter can be harsh, but we can keep our bodies healthy with suitable precautions and care. Sometimes despite being cautious, you may end up as a victim of viral diseases. So, as you layer yourself with warm clothes for protection, add another layer of health insurance to have the perfect winters.

Winters can be a little overwhelming, but it still brings the best; the berries, snow, Christmas, and new year. A little effort from your side can make the season your favourite!

To view the best health insurance policies, click HERE .

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.