GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Going on bike rides in India is an enthralling experience, as our country is home to awe-inspiring landscapes, natural beauty and colourful local rural life. From the snowy Himalayan range to the lush green forests of Kerala, the sandy deserts of Rajasthan, to the beaches of West Bengal, one can never be bored.

As you see, there are many bike routes that any travel enthusiast will be excited to go on, but we have shortlisted the top 5 bike trips you must not miss!

1. To the highest motorable road in the world (Manali – Leh): It is probably one of the most recommended routes for bike trips, and it is famous for all the right reasons. Every second spent away from work and home is worth watching the picturesque scenes pass by. You will come across the beautiful and challenging Rohtang, Gulaba, Khardungla Pass, Dorcha passes on the way. Winter jackets and thermal wear are necessary as the climate is exceptionally chilly.

The tour lasts for about 12 days and 11 nights. The total driving distance is 1055 km from Delhi, and it is worth every mile. The best time for this trip is from July to September. Take refreshment breaks to enjoy warm sips of hot coffee/tea as you en-route towards your destination.

2. The road towards yellow sands and palaces (Jodhpur – Jaisalmer): You cannot possibly find a better way to explore these traditionally rich and rustic cities. These places are all about their palaces, music, dance, and authentic mouth-watering traditional cuisines. It is ideal for bikers who are curious to explore beyond just nature and concentrate on the city's glorious history, rich heritage, and tiny nooks and corners.

3. Riding on the salt marshes (Ahmedabad – Rann of Kutch): The short tour is full of surprises. It is the perfect blend of nature, tradition, and escapade. Don't forget to have a night's stay at a Bhunga (mud house) to experience the local lifestyle. Plan your trip during a full moon because watching the full moon from the Rann is considered a liberating moment in life.

4. To the French heritage town (Chennai – Pondicherry): For the people in Chennai, Pondicherry is a great weekend getaway. A ride along the east coast will take you through tranquil sunsets by the beach, along with eye-catching green rice fields and fascinating fishing villages.

Though many people don't take any halts, there are a few underrated places worth visiting on your way to the French town, like the Chunnambar backwaters and the Dutch Fort.

5. In God's own country (Kochi – Ooty): You will feel close to nature in Kerala, nestled in sublime greenery; the tropical place makes you feel alive. The journey begins from the beautiful city Kochi and continues along the Arabian coastal strip with a soothing breeze encompassing your soul, straight towards the hilly terrain of the state.

You will come across several tea and coffee plantations, which produce the best and most expensive coffee beans in the world. Overall, the plantations, beaches, and backwaters will rejuvenate you! The recommended season is summer, between March and May.

A helpful tip: Bike rides are the best way to connect with nature and learn about a region's traditions, food, and art forms. But, you may not know specific state laws regarding tourists and driving, so go through travel websites to stay out of legal trouble. Also, get your bike an essential servicing, carry a basic tool kit and always ensure valid 2 WHEELER INSURANCE before going on such trips.

Click HERE to know about 2 wheeler insurance.

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.

On a limited budget, going organic and all-natural sounds unusual. Still, the truth is that eating organic is not only better for you, but it is also better for the environment. Let us know, how. Organic food is chemical-free, 100% natural and full of health. In addition, it is environment friendly as natural fertilizers like cow dung or manure and kitchen wastes are used for farming instead of pesticides.

Organic foods are popular among health-conscious consumers, although they might be more expensive than other foods farmed conventionally. Harvesting and managing organic crops is time-consuming for the farmers, thus making them more costly for the consumers. So how can you manage your health and budget wisely? It is certainly conceivable, even though it appears to be impossible. Here are a few ways to manage eating organic foods while on a budget.

1. Shop at budget-friendly stores: The first approach to save money on organic is to shop at the correct place. Stop by the local market on a weekday to see how cheaper local food may be than imported stuff. Deals are constantly available for you to take advantage of.

When you buy organic food at a farmers' market, you may expect fresh and less expensive organic produce than you would find in a supermarket. In this way, you even contribute to promoting the sincere efforts of the local farmers, and you assure maximum profit to the farmers by buying directly from them.

2. Cultivate your garden: You will save some money on vegetables if you grow your own organic produce. You don't even need to have a large garden to grow organic vegetables. You may grow your favourite vegetables in pots, which occupy very little space. Even better, you may choose a raised bed, which is ideal for packing many vegetables into a bit of space.

3. Purchase produce that is in season: Buying produce, even organic stuff, is usually less expensive when it is in season. This is owing to plentiful supply and the fact that it has not been shipped halfway around the world. Seasonal organic vegetables have the advantage of being less expensive, fresh, and more nutritious. If you're not sure when your favourite organic food is in season, check out one of the many seasonal produce guides available online.

4. Consider organic frozen food: Fresh vegetables are always healthier than frozen ones, regardless of the conditions. That isn't always the case, though, as frozen fruits and vegetables are just as healthy and nutritious as their fresh counterparts. Frozen food is collected and frozen at the peak of its season, ensuring that it preserves its nutritional content. On the other hand, fresh veggies lose some nutrients over time when they travel longer distances to retailers. Therefore, consider buying frozen organic food next time you are shopping.

5. Purchase in large quantities: Buying in bulk saves money because most things are less expensive than a single package. However, buying in bulk, even if you don't need it, will result in waste. It exacerbates the problem by removing money from your pockets you can spend on the food you genuinely require.

We hope you no longer have to compromise over the quality of your food simply because your budget is getting in the way of it. If healthy practices are managed efficiently, they can be pocket-friendly, focusing on sustainability and a nourished lifestyle. Healthy practices even include investing in health insurance. When buying health insurance, do not necessarily go by the conventional method; instead, you can buy ONLINE HEALTH INSURANCE conveniently from your smartphone or desktop.

Click HERE to explore our online health insurance services.

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.

Road trips are the best part of any vacation, and if it is with family, then nothing can be perfect than this. Family road trips can turn into a great time for everyone by strengthening the bond among the members.

A road trip can either feel like an exhausting chore with endless hours of constant irritation or a fun-filled adventure with memories that will last a lifetime. It depends entirely on planning a trip and what engaging elements you try to include during your journey.

Are you in a dilemma about how your family trip turns out to be? Then, before you hit the road, be sure to read our recommendations to prepare for a family road trip. These tips will help keep the children happy, parents sane, grandparents comfortable, and make your trip a memorable one.

1. Make frequent halts: Go on the internet to look for exciting places you can stop by on your way to keep everyone engaged. Even stopping at a regular park or a garden space allows everyone to stretch their bodies and get to enjoy themselves. You can also carry a Frisbee to play as these small fun activities keep the excitement intact for the long drive. Driving can be exhausting, so taking breaks helps the driver to de-stress and helps to regain concentration. Refreshment stops are a must. You can discover varieties of food and great highway-side restaurants if you decide to have a meal on the road.

2. Plan your route: Nowadays, most cars come equipped with GPS. Still, you should plan a route suitable for you before leaving. Check if the weather conditions, in any way, would affect your course. It is difficult and dangerous to drive on certain roads in monsoon season, especially the landslide-prone mountain areas. So, try to avoid them as some have traffic congestion while others may be blocked. Keep a physical paper map to navigate through the journey. It comes in handy when you lose a network connection. Plus, it will be a great real-life geography lesson for your kids while travelling.

3. Food and Entertainment: We can quickly be bored on a long trip. And we tend to eat whenever we are bored. So, pack healthy goodies like sandwiches, protein bars, and fruits. Avoid carrying and consuming eatables that can make a person with motion sickness feel nauseous. Instead of sitting in your car and uncomfortably having your meal, you can also plan a picnic at a rest stop or try new hotels and dhabas on your way. Another solution for boredom is to have some good entertainment. Enjoy some good music, make a playlist with songs that everyone likes. Audiobooks are a great way to listen and learn something new.

4. Get comfortable, but safety first: Carry a couple of comforters, blankets, and pillows to ensure a refreshing nap. A neck pillow can be a favourite item for long drives. Along with comfort, ensuring safety is also essential. Make sure to buckle your kids safely in a car seat or a booster seat. Also, have an emergency first-aid kit ready with you. Check your car's tires, oil changing status, wirings, and level of fuel. Carelessness on the roads is something that you cannot afford to do, especially with your family and kids.

What do you think about going on long road trips with your family? With Covid restrictions easing out, you can now plan a long road trip soon to make some priceless memories with your family. Before you leave, double-check your driver's license and other essential papers like PUC and motor insurance. As ONLINE MOTOR INSURANCE is available, you don't need a hard copy of the documents; a soft copy will be enough. Nonetheless, have a fun drive, and enjoy a vacation with family!

Click HERE to know more about online motor insurance for your car.

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.

Your lifestyle choices often determine whether you will lead a healthy life or not. The food you eat and the physical activity you do is directly correlated to your overall health. If you are physically active and keep a check on what you eat, then there is a good probability of you being healthy even in later stages of life. A sedentary lifestyle only increases the risk of chronic diseases.

The rise of COVID-19 infection has forced everyone to stay indoors. It was assumed that doing any physical activity won’t be possible anymore. Yet, the fitness geeks have found ways to work out when quarantining from home as well, leading the path for others to follow.

While quarantining from home, these fitness enthusiasts are following the below tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keeping themselves physically and mentally active:

● Exercise and eat well –

Regular exercising helps in remaining physically healthy, improves mental health and reduces anxiety levels. Initially, you might feel rusty, but exercising regularly will boost your energy levels. You can dance, do yoga, or just play with your children to lift your spirits. Staying at home can make you eat unhealthy and fatty foods, which can decrease energy levels. Avoid sugary and salty foods to stay energetic throughout the day. Stay hydrated, drink a lot of fluids, and at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Consume foods that provide protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, such as green vegetables, fruits, red meat, etc.

● Have an appropriate sleep pattern –

It is important to reduce anxiety to have better sleep. Try to go to bed at night and get up in the morning at the same time daily, irrespective of the quality of sleep. Avoid eating late, or consume alcohol or caffeine at night. The restorative rapid eye movement (REM) time reduction makes you feel rested even being awake. The sleep quality might get impacted with the use of phone, laptop, or TV before sleeping. Try things that keep you calm, such as reading, walking, etc., before going to bed, to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

● Have a routine –

Without a set schedule, one might feel tired and unenthusiastic. It’s important to have time for meals, sleep, work, and relax. Prioritizing such things will help in keeping anxiety in check. Take breaks at regular intervals to stay energized in case of working from home. Ensure there is time off from work, so you can get some me-time as well.

● Think positive –

Having a compassionate mindset helps in conserving energy. Practicing this kind of thinking is known as ‘kind attention’. Be empathetic towards your colleagues or family members, and understand the challenges they are facing while working from home. Supporting your spouse in daily chores will reduce their workload and strengthen your bond. This kind of positive attitude will keep your spirits high, and increase your focus and energy levels.

● Stand up while working –

Whenever possible, take a break from work to stand up to reduce your sedentary time. With the availability of ergonomic furniture, use a standing desk such as a high table or stack a pile of books, or other materials to work while standing. While standing, indulge yourself in reading, and playing board games and puzzles, to refresh your mind.

COVID-19 has made it difficult for people to have a positive outlook while being stuck at home. But with a healthy lifestyle of exercising at home, eating homemade food, and bonding with family can help to survive in these tough times. As nutrition is vital for physical, mental, and social well-being; so is health insurance for the health and security of your loved ones. Always have Health Insurance for you and your family members, so you aren’t worried about money while providing them with the best healthcare.