Showing posts with label Suitcase Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suitcase Stories. Show all posts

Friday, November 13, 2020

Tips for Traveling During Covid

Most of us are probably itching to get out into the big wide world following the coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions we have all had to deal with this year. While our main focus has been to keep our loved ones safe, we can’t help but miss the call of another seaside, some different food, an alternative view. Not only that, but with the holidays coming up, it might be the case that our families are in a different state, or a flight away.

While restrictions are now in the process of being altered, there is a little bit more leeway when it comes to traveling, which is great news for those who want a mini getaway. However, there are some things to consider now to make sure you keep yourself and everyone else safe during your trip.

Read on for some top tips on traveling during Covid so everyone can stay healthy and happy.

 

 

 

Keep Traveling Simple

Keep the journey to your destination as simple as you possibly can. This means limiting contact with others and as many stop-off points as possible. Ideally, you will want a door to door journey, but that is not always possible, especially if you are flying. So, try and limit the amount of contact you have with everyone else and plan in advance. For example, drive to the airport if you can instead of using public transport, and book your airport parking space online with Parkon.com. This limits contact with assistants and touching well-used surfaces when you get to the airport.  

 

 

Take Sanitizing Essentials

If you have not already been carrying around hand sanitizer with you wherever you go then now is the time to start. Not only is hand sanitizer important for killing bugs and germs on your hands, but it is also great for wiping down other surfaces if you do not have any anti-bacterial wipes to hand. While public toilets should be fully stocked up with soap, especially now, some can get left behind, so carry these individual soap hand sheets which will fit into any bag and ensure you are able to get clean and safe wherever you go.  

 

 

Choose A Safe Location to Stay

Nowhere is Covid-free, as we are well aware, but there are some places and some situations that can lessen the risk of us contracting it and passing it on. For example, camping in your own tents and cabins or places that allow good ventilation (plenty of windows) are good options to keep the airflow fresh.

 

 

Get Outside

In the same vein, the more outside activities the better. Not only is getting out in the fresh air great for you, but there is also a much lower risk of contracting Covid when we are out and about. There are plenty of great activities to do outside, especially for those who love physical exercise. Hiking, cycling, walks along the beach, or a ramble in the woods are all excellent activities that are low risk and also contribute positively to your health and wellbeing.

 

 

The post Tips for Traveling During Covid appeared first on Suitcase Stories.



from Suitcase Stories

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Education Required to Become a Flight Attendant

A flight attendant must enjoy traveling, but there are other requirements for the job. You should enjoy working with people. Keep in mind, many people find travel stressful, so the people you are working with are often not in the best mental state. You should be comfortable de-escalating situations, cannot take bad behavior personally, and be able to enforce rules calmly. If you are someone whose emotions rule their actions, this job may be very stressful for you.

 

 

Educational Requirements

While you can technically get a job as a flight attendant with a high school diploma or GED, most airlines prefer for you to have an undergraduate degree. Your major is not important. Psychology, communications, or other related social science degrees can provide a well-rounded education that enhances your ability to work collaboratively with others. You may have the option to earn an associate’s degree or certification in flight attendant training. These programs are not widespread, so there may not one be available near you. If this type of education is available, expect to take classes in airline operations, emergency management, and aviation safety.

It can be tempting to look for employment without earning your college degree. Focusing on your degree will make you a more attractive candidate for jobs. Once employed, you will be in a better position for promotions than someone who does not have a degree. Concerns about paying for college are normal. There are many grants and scholarships that you may qualify for to help lower the costs. Private student loans can be used to fund the remainder. Earning your degree increases your income potential for the remainder of your working career.

 

 

Training

Regardless of the education you have when you are hired as a flight attendant, you will have extensive training to complete before you are ready to work. Your employer will manage your training, ensuring that you are trained in CPR, emergency management, and rescue techniques. The training period for a newly hired flight attendant can last anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on the airline. In addition to learning what to do in various worst-case scenarios, you will need to learn basic flight procedures, a variety of federal regulations, and other day to day aspects of the job.

 

 

Certification

Once you complete your training, you are required to earn a certification. This is a federal requirement. Your employer can guide you through the steps required to earn this certification, which demonstrates that you have completed all training requirements for your job. Training is not enough to keep you employed as a flight attendant. Most airlines have various requirements regarding physical condition, including age. The airline will also have stringent guidelines regarding your appearance, and you must complete a background check and regular medical screenings. You can see that working as a flight attendant comes with high expectations. The benefits are frequent travel, as well as the ability to travel for free or low cost when you are off work. If the idea sounds appealing, you may find that working as a flight attendant is perfect for you.

 

 

The post Education Required to Become a Flight Attendant appeared first on Suitcase Stories.



from Suitcase Stories

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Cheap activities you can do with your kids in the summer holidays

The summer holidays are upon us, with children up and down the country rejoicing at the thought of a few extra weeks away from school. But for some parents, it can be a tricky time as they look to balance their home and work commitments with the added challenge of keeping the little ones entertained until term starts again in September.

You can’t put a price on quality time together as a family, although there are some activities that can cost a small fortune when you factor in all the expenses involved. Be sure to consider your finances properly before you decide where to go and what to do.

With holidays abroad proving a more complicated option due to the coronavirus pandemic, you and your loved ones might decide to stay closer to home and enjoy your time together doing other things. Here are five activities for the kids that’ll be sure to make priceless memories and won’t cost you the earth.

 

 

Go camping

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but a few nights under the stars can really bring you together as a family. There are plenty of stunning campsites in the UK – take your pick from the easy pace of life on the Norfolk Broads, the rough and ready Lake District or the glorious sea views in Cornwall. The options are endless, and the kids will love the adventure.

 

 

Have a picnic

For a fun-filled day out, why not pack up a basket with all your favourite sandwiches, drinks, snacks and treats and head to a picturesque spot for a picnic? The famous British weather could scupper your plans, so it might be best to keep it spontaneous and make a decision on the spur of the moment when the sun is shining and the skies are blue.

 

 

Go to the beach

We may not have the crystal-clear seas and white sands of some locations around the world, but the UK still has plenty of beautiful beaches for you to try. So pack up some chairs, buckets, spades and a few towels and head to the coast – the kids will love building sandcastles, digging holes and jumping around in the water. And what’s more, the sea air will ensure they’re out for the count come bedtime!

 

 

Treasure hunt

To keep the kids busy, why not set up a treasure hunt around the house or in the garden? By placing clues along the way for them to work out, there’ll be an educational element to the activity, too. And, if you want to keep them occupied for a long time, you can always hide the treasure in especially difficult spots!

 

 

Arts and crafts

There are many benefits of arts and crafts for kids and you’ll encourage them to use their creative and cognitive skills. This could be in the form of painting, drawing or model building using everyday items from around the house – all it takes is a little imagination. The little ones will love it and it’s an activity that won’t cost you a fortune!

 

 

The post Cheap activities you can do with your kids in the summer holidays appeared first on Suitcase Stories.



from Suitcase Stories

Saturday, August 15, 2020

The Art of Getting lost – Unusual Travel Photography Tips

When you think about Paris, you probably think about the Eiffel Tower. Or, you might think of the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, or Notre Dame. Four high-quality sights to see and photograph from all angles. And your results will no doubt be amazing and canvas worthy (see hello canvas for ideas). But they’ll be just like everyone else’s photos who’s ever been to Paris and pointed a camera at the grand old things that stand out on any tourist map. If you want truly original pieces of photography, something that people will want to look at and hold and scour for more clues, you need to get off the beaten track.

 

 

Getting lost in a city is the best and fastest way to find tremendous subjects for photography that you didn’t even know were there – and sometimes, these things may be temporary or only ever likely to happen at that exact moment, so a good wander is entirely called for. I know this to be true because once upon a time in Milan, Italy, while backpacking with a friend, we took a wrong turn and discovered to our utter joy that we had stumbled upon a group of free-runners, climbing all over and jumping between buildings. That’s one photography set that still gets requested by friends and family.

 

So, how can you get lost on purpose? It’s a little harder than it sounds. Another time, I saw a travel photographer (complete with a tell-tale tripod) ask the bus driver to stop just outside of town on our way into Oslo from the airport. The driver commented to me that it was easily a 40 minute walk into town from there, with nothing to see but an industrial estate. Clearly, there’s a way to do this right…

 

 

Ask for places to eat

Ask at your hotel or hostel for places to eat. Be explicit that you don’t want anywhere on a main road or any kind of chain restaurant. Ask for a café, preferably down an alley where the crowds rarely venture. You might think businesses that need footfall wouldn’t be hidden away, but there’s often plenty of choice – this is your chance to snap all sorts of tucked away gems. 

 

 

There’s something about rivers

 Life came from the ocean. And ever since life crawled out of the briny sea and dried off in the sun a bit, it’s been obsessed with jumping back in. People gravitate to rivers. Follow the meander and you’ll no doubt see artists, street performers, romantic couples sharing a boat ride, and a million other fascinating subjects.

 

 

Flea markets

 Flea markets offer local insight and levels of intrigue. Scuffed old bikes and pristine dance shoes labelled “only worn once” tell their own instant stories. Ideal for close ups!

 

 

The post The Art of Getting lost – Unusual Travel Photography Tips appeared first on Suitcase Stories.



from Suitcase Stories

Sunday, August 2, 2020

7 Great Healthcare Careers for Those Who Like to Travel

When you start dreaming about jobs that involve travel, medicine is rarely first on that list. However, there is a surprising number of healthcare professionals that can travel either short-term or long-term. Furthermore, you don’t have to be an EMT or doctor to qualify for such positions. Here are 7 great healthcare careers for those who like to travel. We’ll also discuss the pay rates and job opportunities these positions open up to you.

 

 

Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is one of the best jobs for those who like to travel. As a travel nurse, you will be asked to fill urgent roles where they are experiencing a shortage or are in need of a certain expertise that they might not have on hand. In many cases, both your travel and room and board are covered, and you’re well paid. You can work anywhere from 6 to 26 weeks.

Travel nurses are expected to be registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree, though median pay is much higher than the $70,000 a year most RNs earn. However, this is a job where you could have a few months off between contracts, so that’s something you’ll have to keep in mind.

If you’re interested in the field and want to get your qualifications as fast as possible, we suggest you check out online programs. From all the states in the country, Texas has some of the most reputable online nursing programs you can find. You can find an accredited online accelerated nursing program in Texas that will allow you to get a BSN degree and use previous credits to get your credentials faster. You’ll learn mostly online, but there are hybrid interactive courses and clinical experiences they line up for you.

 

Travel Nurse Recruiter

This is an option for nurses who want to move out of the ward and into administration, though someone with an HR background could also enter this field. As a travel nurse recruiter, you’ll be able to travel even more than the average travel nurse. This is because you’ll be visiting facilities that have trouble finding enough skilled nurses and well as visiting locations with nurses who may want to make a change. Expect to do interviews in the field, but you can hit the sights when you’re done. Recruiters may be salaried or paid on commission.

 

Traveling Medical Scribes

Medical scribes typically work in emergency rooms taking notes so that doctors and nurses don’t have to interrupt care to document what they are doing. Scribing is a great way to enter the medical profession without having to become a doctor or nurse. You could be trained in a matter of months. Furthermore, you can find travel assignments in this area.

 

Travel Therapists

There is currently a shortage of trained therapists, which is why many facilities are hiring traveling therapists while they try to fill openings. There are also opportunities that arise when a therapist is on maternity leave or medical leave.

Most assignments as a travel therapist are between 13 to 26 weeks. You’ll earn more than a standard therapist role. Not only will you be able to choose where you go, but you’ll also be free to travel between assignments if you don’t want to work 3 months in a vacation destination.

 

 

Resort Nurse

There are also tons of resorts around the country that are looking for qualified nurses to fill positions during the high season or full time. As a resort nurse, you will be responsible for attending any medical emergency, whether it’s providing first aid, CPR, or treating injuries.

As a resort nurse, you might be the only medical professional in an entire resort. You will be the one responsible for dealing with first responders when they get on the scene and direct them. However, this is a pretty laid-back position in most cases. This could also be your chance to live on some of the best resorts the world has to offer.

Note that there are all sorts of resorts looking for nurses. However, if you’re looking for seasonal work and love skiing, we strongly suggest you start looking at ski resorts. Not only are these usually in gorgeous locales, but you’ll also get the chance to hit the slopes on your off time.

 

Sales Representative

Whether you’re selling pharmaceuticals or medical equipment, sales representatives have plenty of opportunities to travel. You might spend weeks in the field, hopping from destination to destination. You’ll also get the chance to attend conferences all over the world and meet all sorts of interesting people.

The average sales rep earns more than $90,000 a year, though some earn much more than that. Note that you don’t necessarily need a healthcare background to become a rep, though you will need to have a strong foundation in medical and scientific terminology. You might already have all you need if you’re a former doctor or nurse, however.

 

 

Ship and Yacht Nurse

These are great options if you’d like to see the world and play an essential role. You could work on a cruise ship and visit various ports on your days off, or work on a yacht and spend days or weeks at sea. You could enjoy the French Riviera one week, and sail the Cretan coast the next.

You also shouldn’t assume that getting a job on a yacht is impossible. As a matter of fact, the internet has made it easier than ever for nurses to connect with yacht owners looking for help. However, the most important is having the right qualifications.

To work on a yacht, you will usually need to have at least a bachelor’s degree. People will also tend to favor those who have experience with cardiac rehabilitation modules and have some sort of ER experience. However, some will be happy with nothing but a paramedic qualification.

As far as websites go, there are sites like BoatCareer.com, YaCrew, and YoSpot where you can find positions. They routinely post new listings, and there are many other services and agencies that can help you find owners as well. Note, however, that you may have to take additional safety courses if you want to work on a ship, and will also need to look up B1B2 visas for those thinking of traveling beyond Europe.

Many medical jobs involve local travel. However, it is possible to find medical jobs that allow for regional and global travel, including to the destinations you would love to be paid to visit.

 

 

The post 7 Great Healthcare Careers for Those Who Like to Travel appeared first on Suitcase Stories.



from Suitcase Stories

Saturday, August 1, 2020

Why we’re going to be more cautious where we travel

With the coronavirus pandemic consuming our lives for the past few months, it’s easy to see why many of us have fanaticised about getting away and relaxing in a resort somewhere else. But while we all can’t wait to travel again, I know I’ll be cautious when booking something soon! There are still so many places that are under strict rules and with the risk of a two week isolation when you get home, will these factors determine where we book?

 

 

It’s all about the where

Nobody wants to risk booking to head on holiday somewhere where there is a high risk of infection, I know I wouldn’t. With the possibility of having your travel plans cancelled if the risk gets higher, no businesses being open and the potential need to quarantine when you return, let’s face it we’ll all be booking destinations that we deem the safest.

As of the 25th July you could travel to countries like The Bahamas, Barbados, Croatia and Greece, but we all know that these can change in a heartbeat. I for one, have a few places in mind that I don’t think I’ll be venturing to any time soon, simply based on the high levels of infection in those countries.

According to a survey conducted by Jules Verne, 46% of people would travel to Europe over the next 18 months, while just 17% would head to anywhere in the Americas! And while I can still head on an escorted tour of Portugal, I don’t think I’ll be venturing to the US any time soon.

 

 

What are on people’s top important factors?

With the thought of ticking off those far away and unique destinations probably not a priority for people anymore, what are some of the other things we’re looking for? I for one, tend to look for a travel company who has a very good reputation in the industry, and it seems like those surveyed would have to agree (16%). While the safety of the destination is also high on people’s list (15%) – including mine – the reputation of the airline we travel with doesn’t appear to be as important (8%). Is this maybe because the actual journey is only a very small percentage of our overall holiday?

I guess with a positive reputation comes a good understanding of restrictions, what’s open and what isn’t, places you can visit safely and procedures and processes in place that will help you sleep at night!

 

 

Will you be taking the leap and travelling soon?

As much as I’m bursting to get away again, there are so many things to consider. My next adventures will be much more thought out and planned within an inch of their lives, as I’m sure many peoples will. Are the days of just hopping on the first plane out of the airport on a spontaneous trip gone? Or do you think they’ll come back into our lives eventually? I guess only time will tell!

 

 

The post Why we’re going to be more cautious where we travel appeared first on Suitcase Stories.



from Suitcase Stories