GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

"The best view arrives after the hardest trek," and there is no denying that. The beautiful valleys, the breath of fresh air, the stunning views are just a few of the many rewards you get at the end of a trek. We have heard about the experiences of avid trekkers, and each of them, without fail, has mentioned that everyone should go trekking at least once in their lifetime.

Trends show that more and more people are leaning towards new outdoor experiences, and trekking is something they want to enjoy. While choosing a destination isn't challenging, zeroing in on the other aspects of your travel becomes essential. One crucial question is whether to travel solo or in groups. Today we will try to shed light on both of these to help you make an informed decision before your next trip.

Why travel solo?
People have often associated trekking with catharsis. They enjoy the peace, quiet, and sometimes the mini-adventures that come with it. Navigating through unknown roads, climbing treacherous terrains, cooking your food, and enjoying your solitude is what any travel enthusiast dreams of. This means that you are fully responsible for everything that happens during that trek, and the experience is unique to you.
Another vital aspect is that since you are the sole proprietor of your journey, every decision made and every skill used comes from your judgement. This is an incredible way of learning your strengths and making yourself confident for future solo trips. The added benefit of going solo is that you set your milestones.
You aren't worried about being left behind, you don't have to race to the top to ensure you get the ideal spot for your tent, and you don't have to depend on other people's time. Instead, you get to explore like a wanderer.

Why travel in a group?
Shared knowledge is the best knowledge. When you travel in a group, there is a chance you might meet skilled travellers. Travelling with them helps you gain better insights into immersive experiences, and more often than not, they have tips and tricks to help you in your journey to the top.
There is a zeal associated with travelling in groups, where people constantly support each other and share new stories. There is a powerful sense of euphoria when you stand together, looking at the beautiful view from the top with each other. In addition, there is a distribution of responsibilities, some help in pitching the tent, some help in lighting the fire, and others help with the cooking process.
Travelling in a group ensures the safety of everyone, and in case of injury, there is always someone to help you. And by the end of your expedition, you make many new friends with whom you share fond memories.

These are some of the benefits of travelling solo and in a group. Treks can be a wonderful experience if done right, and in a country like India, there are a plethora of options that you can explore. Some groups conduct annual treks. Signing up with one can be an excellent start to your trek experience.

Keep in mind that your safety is of utmost priority no matter how you travel. So carry a first aid kit, visit your doctor for a checkup, and don't forget to buy general insurance online to get exciting deals and protect yourself from landing into unnecessary trouble.

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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.

Painting your house can be a great way to improve its appeal, increase its monetary value and overall make you love your place even more. The best part is that painting does not even cost you much if you use the right tips and tricks. However, before picking up the paintbrush, remember that it is not child's play.

The gratifying project of giving your house a new look with a fresh coat of paint can become taxing if you follow the wrong ways. To make sure your home stands out in the neighbourhood, you must take an informed and measured approach to painting.

Before you make your selection, here's something you should know.

1. Hire a professional or do it yourself:
Decide on whether you want to hire a professional painter or do everything yourself. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Professional painters will cost more, but they will do the job faster and with correct procedures that non-professionals may not.

2. Choosing the appropriate colours:
The colour selection might be time-consuming due to the importance of each family member's shared decisions and choices. To observe the impact and brightness of the colours, purchase paint samples and apply them to any two sides of the wall. Or check out the colour palette of different paint companies and then choose.

3. Deciding on the best time to paint:
If you want to paint the building's outside walls, you should do so during the summer months so that the paint does not take as long to dry. Otherwise, paint only in the late mornings and early evenings when the weather is warm enough for the paint to dry.

4. Calculating the cost of painting:
You'll need to calculate the entire painting cost, including the equipment, expert painters (if you're employing them), paints, primers, and other supporting materials.

Before you begin the painting process, keep the following recommendations and practices in mind:

• Examining the house:
The painting should begin with a thorough examination of the entire area. Before applying a paint coat, make a list of every crack, hole, and structure that has to be fixed.

• Figuring out how much paint you'll need:
It's much easier to calculate and estimate the amount of paint that needs to be purchased once you've taken down the measurements of the area that is to be painted. It is generally a good idea to buy more paint than you need.

• Getting rid of old paint:
You must remove the old paint if it has deteriorated and flakes have begun to appear on the unsightly walls. Use a paper scraper to remove the old paints. This will eliminate the blemishes from the walls and clean them by removing the undesired dust.

• Cleaning the residence:
Professionals usually do cleaning and remove everything from the house. Before painting, clean the house to prevent dust from adhering to the walls. Remember to use a cloth to cover any other areas and big furniture you will not be painting.

• Begin the painting:
After these preparations, the paramount step is to paint the wall. First, spray the paint on the wall using a sprayer and then roll it down with a roller. Many specialists recommend that you employ the back-rolling method.

The next step is to let the paint cure for at least 24 hours since it will take practically an entire day to completely dry.

Painting is just one more method to nurture your home and take good care of it. Another approach is to get a low-cost home insurance India plan. This will cover your property from various catastrophes and ensure longevity by adding value to your prised possession.

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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.

Cleaning our home is a regular task for all of us. It improves hygiene and promotes physical and mental well-being. Tidying the mess around you gives you clarity of thought and can be therapeutic. But sometimes, sorting the mess doesn't help, and a deep cleaning process is needed.

It might sound stressful, but no need to worry. This blog is a room-to-room manual for deep cleaning your home without getting tired during the process. We have broken it down into small doable tasks that are easy to follow.

But before we begin, go ahead and declutter the mess around you to make it convenient to move around freely while cleaning. Once you have sorted your scattered possessions, follow the subsequent points to proceed with room-wise deep cleaning.

1. Bedroom:
Remove the beddings and put the bedsheet and pillow covers into the laundry. An extra spin would help in drying them faster. Air dry your synthetic pillows. For heavy comforters, a laundry facility would be helpful. You can clean your mattress by sprinkling a little baking soda on it, letting it sit for an hour, and then using a vacuum cleaner to extract all the dirt. Next, declutter your closet by pulling out the clothes you won't wear and donating them. Finally, get all the blazers and the crease-prone garments on hangers to organise your closet.

2. Kitchen:
Start by wiping all the cabinets and external surfaces. You can use newspapers or mats to put on the shelves to avoid dust on the surfaces. Take all the things off your shelves and wipe them using suitable cleaners. Wipe the refrigerator inside out after emptying it. Follow the same process for the stove, dishwasher, and other appliances if possible. Wipe the countertops using cleaner liquids and let them dry.

3. Bathroom:
Some shower curtains have labels that mention if they're washable. Make sure to check yours before you wash it. Afterward, rehang to let it completely dry. You can also wash your plastic shower line or purchase a new one. To remove the water spots and soap scum, use heated distilled white vinegar for the doors and scrub with baking soda using a non-scratch pad. Finally, declutter your washroom cabinets, clean the surfaces, categorise the items, group, and arrange them. Do the same with your first aid and medicine cabinet.

4. Living room:
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean all the furniture. Remove the cushions for easier access to the deepest corners. Collect all your showpieces and photo frames from the shelves and wipe the surfaces with cleaners. Now take all the photo frames and clean them gently using a microfiber cloth. This will help you avoid scratches. You can use a thin dusting wand to clean beneath the surfaces of electronics. Go through all your CDs and DVDs and if they're not of use anymore, collect them to donate or sell.

Use these tips as your guide to deep clean your home without any hassle and stress. Also, ensure to safeguard your home and buy home insurance online. With the world going digital, you can explore your options and buy home insurance online in India with only a few clicks. Additionally, online insurances offer exciting benefits and deals to the policyholders to opt from and take advantage of.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy home insurance online in India.

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.

We all enjoy the occasional getaway to rejuvenate ourselves and break the mundane routine of our day-to-day lives. So often, we find ourselves surfing the internet for hours, trying to zero down on the one place we can go to and relax with our loved ones. But more often than not, we end up not going to these places. And there is no shortage of images on the internet, so we find ourselves looking at them and yearning to be there.

Today we will be looking at six places that will promise you peace and calm on your next getaway.

1. Cherai Beach, Kerala:
Popularly known as the ‘Princess of Arabian sea’, Cherai beach is located about 16 miles from Ernakulam on Vypeen island. This golden beach boasts blue waters and lush green vegetation stretches that are a must-visit for anyone who wants to unwind by a beach. People can enjoy various water sports in this destination. Cherai also hosts a five-day tourism festival that conducts an array of diverse cultural and traditional art forms.

2. Bhimbandh, Bihar:
This hot spring holds great significance in the history of India. Unfolding the pages of the past, during Mahabharat, when the Pandavas had to live in disguise, Bhimbandh was one of the locations that they had chosen. The temperature in this natural spring goes up to 72 degrees celsius. It is believed that Bhim was instrumental in placing slabs across the stream to prevent the water from flowing at high speeds. Hence the name “Bhimbandh”.

3. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh:
India’s Grand Canyon, Gandikota, is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places in the land. The main attraction is the Gandikota fort and its ruins. Built-in red sandstone, the fort has beautiful and intricate carvings, watchtowers, and a few noteworthy temples. Anyone interested in history should add Gandikota to the bucket list of places to visit.

4. Nagore, Tamil Nadu:
Nagore is a quaint town in Tamil Nadu, known for its famous Dargah, dedicated to Shahul Hamid, a renowned Sufi saint. It also promises a rustic, old-world charm and is a must-visit destination for travellers to enjoy beautiful unspoiled beaches.

5. Netarhat, Jharkhand:
A hill station, covered with thick forests known as the “Queen of the Chotanagpur”. One of the few places famous for its breath taking sunrise, and equally beautiful sunset, Netarhat is about 154 km from Ranchi. This hidden gem is surrounded by pines and orchards, making it the perfect picnic spot to enjoy with family and kids.

6. Idukki, Kerala:
This beautiful place has vast spans of mountains and dense forests. It has the lowest population density in Kerala, so its beauty is untouched and unexplored by many. Famously known as the ‘spice garden of India’. The Idukki dam is also one of the largest dams in the country and is a sight to behold.

We hope these places help you curate your next travel trip. Remember, no matter what the place is, always try to live amongst the locals and get a feel of the local lifestyle and the food. This only adds volumes to your experience and can be something that you will remember for the rest of your life. If you plan on taking a vacation, it is ideal to get your general insurance sorted. A beforehand general insurance policy acts as a safety net against any risks or unforeseen expenses you might face while traveling.

Click HERE to know more about general 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.