Planning for a road trip with your kids and wondering how you can make it exciting for everyone? Usually, a road trip with children turns out to be a hectic and tiring ride. A little knowledge and advanced planning can assure you have a trouble free vacation.

Carry Entertainment

Carry toys and games that your kids would like. If you are traveling with more than one child, make sure they have separate toys to avoid fights.

Beat Boredom

Avoid boredom for your kids and ensure everyone is making the most out of the trip. If there is more than one child, don’t forget to plan on the seating arrangements beforehand. For instance; make sure that one child gets the window seat. Come up with a few driving games as such activities are great to keep everyone involved.

Take Frequent Breaks

Don’t forget to take regular breaks during the trip. It would give everyone a chance to stretch. If you are on a plane, get up every hour and take your kid for a walk on the aisles. If you’re on a road trip for more than a few hours then stop at the local town supermarkets to purchase a few snacks.

Stock Up on Food

Keep a stock of your child’s favorite refreshments at hand on a road trip. Children are much less irritable on a full stomach and the trip will be pleasant for both you and them.

Most important of all, don’t forget to ensure that everyone gets something to participate in. Try and plan for one major stop for the kids like an amusement park or the zoo so that they have something to look forward to. If you follow these tips in and plan a road trip with children in your mind, they can be a source of unparalleled joy and fond memories to bring back from the trip.

One always indulges in local cuisine and culture while traveling to different places. This can sometimes turn out to be unhealthy and very tiring. One always tends to neglect their health while traveling. We bring you 10 easy precautions that will keep you healthy so you can enjoy your vacation worry free.

1. Low Fat Snacks & Fruits

If you’re in a different country you will be going to places for sightseeing, and would need to travel by different means of commute. In such situations one tends to eat from the first place that comes in sight. Such food might affect your health and spoil your vacation. To avoid such a situation, always keep low fat snacks or fruits handy while traveling.

2. Be Hydrated

Traveling often includes long stretches of exertion for the body which can lead to dehydration. Always keep a good amount of water with you, so that wherever you are, you are well hydrated.

3. Say No to Excess Alcohol

If you’re fond of the best quality wines and other alcoholic drinks, you will not refrain from trying new ones while on a vacation. However, alcohol tends to dehydrate the body and drain it of essential energy. You must keep alcohol consumption under control to have a truly enjoyable travel experience.

4. Enough Sleep & Rest

Keeping enough time in your itinerary for proper sleep and essential rest is a must to avoid exhaustion from ruining your trip abroad. A well rested body and mind is necessary to experience the joys you travel for.

5. Wear Comfortable Shoes

You must always keep a comfortable pair of shoes when traveling. You never know when you’re required to walk and these will keep you comfortable after long hours of continuous walk.

6. Trek

Trekking and Hiking are one of the best ways to exercise. Always keep a little trekking a part of your travel plan. This way you can experience nature’s best and also get your dose of exercise.

7. Hand Sanitizer

During your travel you will be exposed to various types of objects. One should always have a hand sanitizer to keep away from germs that might be a threat.

8. No Excess Fried Food

Fried food is very tasty and it’s very difficult to avoid a delicacy in a new country. Fried food makes the body lethargic. Avoid it or else you will have less energy left for all that you planned to do.

9. Stretch Enough

Your travel will involve you sitting in one place for long hours. Whenever you get a chance, stretch your legs and walk around to keep your body from going stiff.

10. Relax enough and Enjoy!

Make the most of your vacation by keeping away your stressful work life and constant phone calls. Stay away from all distractions which can ruin your vacation and last but not the least, enjoy every bit of the experience just the way you planned it.

]]> http://italk.royalsundaram.in/featured/top-10-health-precautions-when-you-travel/feed/ 0 http://italk.royalsundaram.in/featured/insure-your-home-while-you%e2%80%99re-away-%e2%80%93-royal-sundaram-travel-insurance/ http://italk.royalsundaram.in/featured/insure-your-home-while-you%e2%80%99re-away-%e2%80%93-royal-sundaram-travel-insurance/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 13:14:51 +0000 admin http://italk.royalsundaram.in/?p=3034
Travelling around the globe can give you the greatest experience and wonderful memories forever. However, sometimes the most carefully planned trips takes a total twist due to unanticipated events. It could be a flight cancellation, medical emergency or even an unexpected mishap such as a theft or a fire accident at your home. Such incidents turn a relaxing vacation into a traumatic experience. Therefore, a complete Travel Insurance policy is one which covers all the above. This will always keep you prepared for the worst and be secured to enjoy your travel without any worries. Royal Sundaram Travel Insurance comes with a compensation for any unseen home emergencies while you’re travelling abroad. While it would normally be difficult for anyone to get a home insurance while it is vacant, Royal Sundaram’s Travel Insurance ensures that you enjoy absolute peace of mind and gives you home insurance coverage. It covers your residence in India for up to Rs. 2 Lakhs against theft, fire accidents, house breaking, and natural calamities during your stay abroad.
In case you are a frequent traveler you can opt for the multi-trip policy, where in your home is covered for Rs 2 Lakhs. While if you are opting for specific single trip insurance the insurance provided for your home during your stay away is for Rs. 1 lakh available under classic silver and classic silver plus plans.
Nobody would wish to think of the probabilities that could derail one’s vacation plans. Yet it is always better to be prepared for the worst. Royal Sundaram Travel Insurance is one such product that helps to keep worries off your mind as you enjoy the vacation. To learn more about the benefits, visit http://www.royalsundaram.in/travel-shield.aspx

Being near the ocean is a magical feeling and first on our list is an exotic beach destination. A place to keep on your checklist is the South Pacific Island of Bora Bora. Set in the Pacific Ocean, this French island in the American seas is known well for its aqua-centric luxury resorts. Thatched roof bungalows set on stilts over a crystal blue lagoon.

Next on our list is the Caribbean Island of Nassau in the Bahamas, which has just the most beautiful pink sand and turquoise waters. Topped with the greatest places to eat, perfect nightlife and the best beach resorts to woo any avid traveler, Nassau is a dream destination.

If the beaches are not your kind of destination and exotic landscapes and rainforests are more akin to your taste, then a trip to Costa Rica is a must. You might initially wonder where to begin with, but if you are heading there, then a tour to the La Paz Waterfalls and Butterfly gardens or a trip through the Braulio Carillo National Park are some must visit attractions.

Take your pick, the rainforests or the beaches. Just make sure you pack the trip with the right company and a will for adventure to enjoy an enchanting experience to cherish for life.

What you should know –

In-depth Research

Compare all available home insurance policies in the market and choose the most beneficial policy that suits your needs. Keep an eye on details such as scope of coverage, sum insured, premium and tenure of the policy. Simple, speedy policy purchase and renewal along with claims servicing are also points to be kept in mind while hunting for a home insurance.

Perils Covered -

Read through the coverage and understand the list of risks covered under the policy. Ensure the coverage provided matches with your requirement, just in case to avoid any shocks after purchase of the policy. The normal fire insurance for home covers any damage due to fire, lightning, riot, strike& malicious damage.

There are certain costs involved at the time of claim like professional fees, debris removal and reconstruction costs which might seem insignificant at the time of opting for a policy but holds great amount of significance in case of happening of the insured event. Hence at the time of opting for a policy ensure the extent to which these costs are covered.

Home Insurance and Home Content Insurance

Home Insurance covers the building against fire and other natural perils. At the option of the insured he can choose to opt for add on covers comprising of damage due to earthquake or terrorism. The insured has the right of opting for the sum insured either on replacement value or reinstatement value, subject to the maximum sum insured.

Home content insurance covers the contents inside your home comprising of electrical and electronic appliances, jewellery, furniture& fixtures and other items in your home. Home contents insurance shields your home contents from any damage due to fire and burglary.

Based on your need one can opt for either one of the coverage or both as per your need. In case you have a home loan, check with your financial institution before insuring for the building insurance as it is a normal practice for the financier to insure the property for which they have extended loan, which would help avoid double insurance for the building.

Timely planning and purchasing of home insurance will help you to protect and safe guard your home and its contents from any unforeseen event at all times.

Insure your home, now with Royal Sundaram Home Insurance Online.

• Get long term cover for up to 15 years
• Up to 50% discount on premium for tenure of 10 years or above
• Renew policy anytime, anywhere with InstaRenew
• Clarify your queries through online chat
• ISO Certified Claims process

Here’s a list of things you got check first hand before you move into your new home.

• Paint your new home in white, beige or light shades that best compliments your furniture and summer as well. Its lot easier to work on the empty rooms. Allow enough time for the paint to dry up, before you move in.
• At the least you can do the major patching, priming, trim work, and base coats before adding another wall color at a later date. Don’t do double chores in summer.
• Install crown molding around the house before painting the interior walls. Ensure to prime and pre-paint the strips of molding before installation.
• Re-key your new home. Get new locks or re-key the existing locks. Why? You’ll never know who else already has the keys to your new home. The previous owners could have given their spare keys to neighbors, caretakers and so on while they were on a summer vacation.
• This summer, add value and utility to your new home with an organized, well-fitted closet system. Plan ahead by measuring your new home before you move in.
• Upgrade and check electrical outlets in your new home, during summer to avoid short circuits in rainy days. Decide whether you might want better work light in your kitchen or reading spotlights over your bed and work on them.
• Carpeted floors aren’t for summer. If you want to replace flooring in your new home, make arrangements to install them a day or two before you move in. Cover the new flooring with mats, tarps, or area rugs so the movers don’t track in dirt or scratch the wood.

Done with the checklist? It’s not over yet. Protect your home with Royal Sundaram Home Insurance. And then you’re all set to move into your new home.

Nepal is nestled amidst the greatest heights of the Himalaya, on the valleys of Kathmandu. It is home to the yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpas and one of the best trekking spots on earth. Out of the 14 peaks in the world that are over 8000 meters, 8 are in Nepal. Its also culturally rich as the Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur kingdoms of Nepal are host to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage.



Places to visit:

Ichangu Narayan (Vishnu shrine) is built around 1200c.c, in the two-tiered pagoda style and its courtyard is dotted with ancient Garuda statues and other Vaishnavite symbols.

Swayambhunath in the Kathmandu Valley is the greatest Buddhist temple also known as ‘Monkey Temple’

Visit Tansen to tour ancient temples and visit traditional villages

At Lumbini you can meditate on the nature of existence at the birthplace of the Buddha

Activities ‘To-Do’:

The Annapurna Circuit is a favorite with trekkers and mountaineers, world over. Only in Nepal can you trek for weeks without the need even for a tent.

Not lured by the mountains? Get your adrenaline kick from world-class white-water rafting, kayaking on the Bhote Kosi river or take ride on the mountain bike.

Are you a nature-lover? Don’t miss out on the spine-tingling sight of your first tiger or rhino in Royal Chitwan National Park.

People who visit Nepal for its adventure, beauty and tranquility are also equally enchanted by the friendly and outspoken Nepali people. Nepal is an amazingly diverse country that offers something for everyone. A journey through this land at the foot of the ‘Abode of Snows’ (Himalaya in Sanskrit) is an experience worthwhile.

Best time to visit:

Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) bring almost perfect weather and are definitely the best times to come to Nepal.

Entry via India

All of the land borders between India and Nepal are in the Terai. The most popular crossing point is Sunauli, near Bhairawa, which provides easy access to Delhi and Varanasi in India.

By air

Kathmandu is the site of Nepal’s only international airport, Tribhuvan Airport (4472 256).

Nepal is a traveler-friendly country. All entry points to Nepal offer visas on arrival and money exchange.

When you plan on a trip with your loved ones, it’s thoughtful to insure your journey with Royal Sundaram Travel Insurance.

How does heat affects our body?

A human body has natural cooling systems such as skin, blood vessels and sweat glands to bring down the body temperature. But these may fail if you’re exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long, you sweat heavily and you don’t drink enough fluids.

And when you exercise…

What you should do

• Get acclimated. – Your body takes about 10 and 14 days to adapt to warmer, more humid temperatures. So, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts.
• Know your fitness level – If you’re a newbie, be extra cautious when working out in the heat. Your body may have a lower tolerance to the heat. Keep your exercise at low intensity and take frequent breaks.
• Re-hydrate your body - Your body can easily lose up to a quart of water an hour while exercising in hot weather. Drink water before, during and after exercising. Since your body can only absorb 8 ounces of cold water every 20 minutes, continue to drink fluids even after you no longer feel thirsty.
• Get simple on clothing – Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing helps sweat evaporate and keeps you cooler. Light colored clothing will reflect sunlight while cotton and linen are natural fabrics, they will absorb moisture (sweat).
• Cool off in the water – Swimming is an excellent exercise in hot weather. While the buoyancy of the water helps support your body weight (making it easier on your joints), it also adds natural resistance that helps tone and strengthen your muscles.

What you should not do

• Avoid midday sun – Exercise in the morning or evening, when it’s likely to be cooler outdoors. If possible, exercise in shady areas or do a water workout in a pool.
• Avoid sunburn which decreases your body’s ability to cool itself with a high SPF level sunscreen.
• A backup plan – Don’t opt for outdoors when it is hot and humid. Work out at the gym, walk laps inside the mall or climb stairs inside an air-conditioned building.
• Don’t put health at risk – Certain medical conditions or medications can increase your risk of a heat-related illness. If you plan to exercise in the heat, talk to your doctor about precautions.

There are 1440 minutes in every day…Schedule 30 of them for physical activity!

Add a complete protection to yourself and your family’s health with Royal Sundaram Health Insurance

• Lubricate your car’s engine. Oil your car as the engine is more likely to get overheated in summer. Check all of the fluid levels including coolant, transmission, differential, power steering and brake fluid so as to make sure there weren’t any leaks.
• The hoses connected to the radiator help pump coolant to and from the engine block. If a hose breaks or a fan belt snaps, your car may overheat.
• Choose the right level of octane for your vehicle’s fuel. Lower octane levels, easier the ignition. Use the manufacturer’s recommended octane levels as in the handbook to avoid knocking noises from under the car’s hood.
• You car’s fuel has a 30-day shelf life before it changes chemically causing engine start-up problems. If you are planning on a long vacation this summer, don’t fill-up your fuel tank or use a fuel additive to preserve petrol.
• A leaky gas tank leaves a strong fuel odor around the back wheels. This requires immediate attention due to its potential health hazard and the environmental impact.
• Frequent fuel filter replacement is good for your injectors and engine. The recommended replacement varies between 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers.
• Tire pressure changes with the rising temperatures. Check your tire pressure at regular intervals.

Drill your car, inch by inch for a thorough check on every detail. Keep your car hydrated with all the required fluids to avoid break downs.

Not just in summer, your car and your finances need protection at all times. Insure your car with Royal Sundaram’s Car Insurance Online and enjoy all round protection.

If you are a women here are a few things you should know about Health Insurance:

1. Researching your options. Most people randomly select Health Insurance companies. This may back fire later for obvious reasons. Make sure you do a thorough research on your options available. Start by searching online and asking for more info from the company website.
2. Choosing the right company. If not done cleverly will cause nothing but frustration over your lost money and time. Make sure you dig into a little company history and their past track record. Check if the customer testimonials are well supported.
3. Choosing the best plan. There are a number of plans available today. Some come and go but some stay for a considerable time. Rather than choosing a plan recommended by someone you must choose a plan based on its merits and compatibility with your needs. Here are a few pointers:
   1. Find out who can be covered among the members of your family
   2. Find out how much coverage it offers for each member of your family
   3. If you have a special coverage need for any particular member, will the insurer provide the same
   4. Do they cover day care expenses along with pre and post hospitalization and in-patient cover
   5. What are the exclusions in the policy
   6. Do they cover pre-existing diseases
4. Cashless Networks : It is important to know the number of cashless hospitals the insurer is tied up with and whether your insurer is tied up with your preferred hospital
5. No Claim Bonus: Learn about the no claim bonus policy to understand how much money you can save during renewals

So dear lady, are you and your family adequately protected? If not do it as soon as possible. The last thing you want is a health related problem with no medical insurance to claim it for.