(Family Features) While there’s plenty to appreciate about winter travel, including picturesque scenery and festive moments with loved ones, the season brings a unique set of challenges, too. However, you can take steps to manage potential stress as you prepare for a seasonal journey.

For example, as flight delays and cancellations seem to become more common, travel insurance is one way vacationers can ease the burden of common travel issues that arise during crazy winter weather.

Consider these tips to reduce the stress of winter vacationing from the experts at World Nomads, which has protected, connected and inspired global travelers for more than 20 years. Designed to meet the needs of modern travelers, their flexible protection plans provide coverage to more than 100 countries with benefits including trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, baggage cover and more to help you travel bravely.

Set realistic expectations. Some destinations are better when the weather gets blustery, but winter conditions can affect your ability to enjoy certain attractions in other locations. Planning ahead for weather-appropriate activities ensures you can make the most of your visit, whether it’s a prime winter destination or not.

Anticipate delays and cancellations. Unpredictable weather can hinder winter travel, so it’s a good idea to build extra time into your itinerary so you can roll with any potential delays. Especially if you’re traveling with children, have entertainment and backup plans ready so you can avoid adding tired, cranky kids to the mix.

Invest in travel insurance. To prepare for the unexpected, reduce your financial risk of unforeseen events with travel insurance. A leading travel insurance provider, World Nomads offers flexible travel protection plans for U.S. residents, including an Annual Planthat allows travelers to cover multiple trips (up to 45 days in length) over a 12-month period. Designed for frequent travelers, it includes travel insurance benefits for emergency medical expenses, baggage and baggage delay, rental car damage, trip cancellation, trip delay and more for international and domestic trips that are over 100 miles from your home.

What’s more, all plans also cover some of your favorite winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding and beyond for added peace of mind (exclusions may apply). If something unexpected happens, your plan may provide reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, trip interruption coverage and medical evacuation coverage in certain circumstances.

Pack with care. If you’re headed to a sunny spot, sunscreen is (hopefully) a given, but remember sunscreen is essential for cold destinations, too. Reflections off the snow can create sunburn as bad as those from a day on the water. Also be mindful that the air tends to be drier in many locations during the winter months; keeping your skin and body well moisturized can help protect and nourish you.

Maximize luggage space. When traveling to colder climates, the bulkier clothing you need to stay warm and comfortable naturally takes more space than a summer wardrobe. Fitting everything you need into your luggage may be a challenge, but you can boost your chances by getting extra organized. Compression bags and packing cubes can help save space, and rolling garments, rather than folding, is recommended.

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Prioritize function over fashion. When luggage space is at a premium, choose every item with purpose. That might mean forgoing an extra pair of shoes and selecting tops that mix and match with other articles of clothing for a more versatile wardrobe. Also be conscious of packing outfits that layer easily so you can add or drop layers to stay comfortable.

Find more resources for a successful winter getaway at WorldNomads.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
World Nomads

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

(Family Features) If your family suffers from the winter doldrums, a dose of sunshine may be just what they need. Give everyone something special to look forward to this year by planning a vacation that appeals to kids, parents and grandparents alike.

Leaving the country for breathtaking views and relaxation at the world’s beautiful beaches may provide the boost of vitamin D you need, but it also requires a little extra preparation compared to the average road trip. Ensure your memory-making excursion goes off without a hitch by doing the legwork in advance to avoid unnecessary stress.

Plan your winter getaway with these tips for an elevated experience.

Strategize for Stress-Free Travel
As you prepare for your next adventure, planning ahead is essential to ensure a seamless experience, especially when traveling internationally and for long-haul trips. Whether you’re seeking a dreamy beachfront destination or a European vacation, collaborating with a travel advisor as your first step in the planning process can significantly enhance your trip since they provide expert help and ideas tailored to your preferences. One of the key advantages is that their services typically come at no cost to you, allowing you to relax while the experts handle everything from finding the best deals to managing essential travel requirements, such as country entry guidelines and passport regulations.

Discuss Resort Options
Once you’ve settled on a location, it’s time to go over the lodging options with your travel advisor. Whether you’re looking forward to digging your toes into the sand or craving a little adventure, it’s always best to identify what matters most for your trip. Researching resorts that offer a true “all-inclusive experience” can help ease stress and keep the focus on family fun. Consider stays at Sunscape Resorts & Spas offer features like a kid’s check-in experience, welcome treats, connecting rooms and more, all designed to “Press Play” on Unlimited-Fun. This way, your family’s needs and wants are covered – with best-in-class service, all access restaurants, unlimited drinks and a supervised Explorer’s Club for Kids while teens have their own space at the Core Zone Teens Club.

One way to maximize your resort stay is to sign up for hotel loyalty programs, like World of Hyatt’s loyalty program, to earn rewards and benefits that can go toward free nights, exclusive member rates, upgrades and more. Plus, travel advisors who book directly can input your loyalty information to help ensure you get the most out of your getaway.

Ask Your Advisor for Insights
Travel advisors commonly visit locations and resorts, so they know the destinations inside and out. Ask your advisor if he or she has traveled to your desired vacation spot and consider the expert advice offered, from must-have meals to recommended attractions and excursions.

Consider Travel Packages
One way to make memories that last a lifetime is to explore any special family packages that are available at the time of booking. For example, Sunscape Resorts & Spas is offering exhilarating getaways perfect for the kid in everyone with the Press Play on Fun package available through Dec. 20 for travel through Aug. 16, 2025.

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It includes a delightful welcome amenity and exclusive gift, breakfast in bed, a reserved spot by the pool or beach and a family photo on the beach to capture all those smiles. The resorts take family fun to the next level in vibrant, colorful beachfront locations in Mexico, Curaçao and the Dominican Republic.  

Make a Beach Trip Checklist
If you’ve ever traveled so much as an hour or two away from home, you know how important a checklist is to avoid leaving behind any must-haves. A trip to the beach calls for an entirely new set of essentials.

If you plan to spend time at the beach (or pool, for that matter), consider adding these items to your suitcase:

• Swimsuits
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Hat and sunglasses
• Beach- or pool-friendly shoes
• Goggles
• Books or magazines
• Beach bag
• Reusable water bottle or tumbler
• Waterproof phone case
• Cash for tips

To start your winter vacation planning, visit hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/sunscape.

SOURCE:
Hyatt Corporation

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Greetings, stargazers! If you missed the breathtaking display of the Northern Lights this past Thursday or are simply craving another celestial spectacle, there’s an unmissable show taking place in the night sky right now—Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Also known as C/2023 A3, this comet has recently made its closest approach to Earth, and it’s treating us with a glorious exhibition as it makes its way across the post-sunset western horizon.

When and Where to Look

Tonight, Sunday, October 13th, is the perfect opportunity for observers in the northern hemisphere to catch a glimpse of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Approximately 45 minutes after sunset, keep your eyes peeled toward the western horizon. Although it’s close to reaching its intrinsic brightest, spotting the comet just after sunset could be challenging due to fading twilight. However, don’t let the bright, 83%-lit waxing gibbous moon discourage you, as its brightness won’t interfere with your viewing.

How to Spot the Comet

Using some well-known celestial reference points can help you locate the comet. First, ensure you have a clear view of the western horizon. Find the bright planet Venus and the bright star Arcturus—they will be close to the horizon. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be situated slightly below a midpoint between these two brilliant points.

Although you might be able to spot the comet with your naked eyes, a pair of binoculars will enhance your view. The comet will rise a little higher in the sky this weekend compared to previous nights, providing a clearer view. Still, the observing window will be relatively short as the comet will quickly sink below the horizon again.

Upcoming Opportunities

If you’re unable to view the comet tonight, don’t worry. According to Sky & Telescope, the comet-watching conditions will improve as we move into the next week. Monday, October 14th, and Tuesday, October 15th are projected to offer the best viewing experiences since the comet will appear against a darker sky. Be sure to check back for our detailed viewing guides for those nights.

It’s important to note that comets—and weather conditions—can be unpredictable, so take advantage of clear skies whenever possible.

A Glimpse into History

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is more than just a fleeting celestial visitor; it’s an extraordinary long-period comet that hails from the Oort Cloud, the distant sphere of icy bodies that encircles our solar system. This comet makes an incredibly rare journey into the inner solar system only once every 80,000 years—a historic event to witness!

Discovered in early 2023 by astronomers from China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory, with its presence confirmed by the ATLAS telescope in South Africa, Comet C/2023 A3 represents both scientific curiosity and natural beauty.

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Stay tuned to our astronomy section here https://stmdailynews.com/science/astronomy/

If you want more comet news, visit Earth-Sky: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/visible-planets-tonight-mars-jupiter-venus-saturn-mercury/

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/