Category: Travel

6 Flight Carbon Offset Guidelines for Air Travelers

Did you know that air travel and adverse climate change has a direct relation? The need of the hour is green travel! Airplanes are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

Regardless, owing to the safety, efficiency, and convenience of air travel continues to overshadow its drawbacks. However, responsible passengers can create a revolution through carbon offset technology.

1.Carbon Offset- Meaning

Carbon Offset- Meaning

Every flight emits carbon that is harmful to the environment. Hence, in simple words, carbon offsetting programs allow passengers to cancel out their flight’s emissions by investing in carbon reduction programs.

For instance, if you are to board flights from Melbourne to Mumbai, enrolling for a carbon offset program will balance out the negative environmental impact caused by that particular flight.

You may be wondering how the balancing out works? The answer varies from reforestation to reducing methane emissions from nearby rice paddies.

Carbon offsets are measured in metric tons. A traveler can make use of online calculators to ascertain the amount of carbon emissions a particular flight is producing through an independent source or project website.

2.Carbon Offsets- Passenger Benefits

Carbon Offsets- Passenger Benefits

Apart from the passengers, carbon offsets are beneficial for everyone in general. Hence, not just travelers, but anyone can invest in carbon offsetting.

However, traveling is accountable for the toxins that cause climate change. Air passengers may feel more responsible for opting for such programs.

Imagine you have to travel at the eleventh hour, and direct last-minute flight to India is the quickest mode of transport. You are left with no choice but to take it. The point being, sometimes travel is inevitable.

A carbon offset is perhaps the best way to pay back the environment. Especially for frequent flyers, it is an affordable way to negate the carbon emissions.

3.Carbon Offsets- Analyzing Program of Choice

Carbon Offsets- Analyzing Program of Choice
Before sealing the deal, ensure that you are investing in a legitimate carbon offset program. Some of them are rip-offs. This is majorly because of insufficient regulation and lack of transparency. Hence, be extra careful while selecting your program of choice.

Several breakthroughs are underway. For instance, providing a unique serial number per one metric ton of carbon reduction will help in managing, regulating, and verifying the operations of carbon offset programs.

It will also help in ensuring that the same carbon emission is not sold multiple times. For instance, giving Australia to India flight route a unique ID will help evaluate its progress.

Another important thing to consider choosing a carbon offset program is the project type. If it is an already existing project, there are chances that it is not legitimate. On the contrary, additional projects that are at the funding stage suggest they are genuine.

4.Carbon Offset- Purchase Guide

Carbon Offset- Purchase Guide

After making up your mind to contribute to green travel, the next step is to find a carbon offset program. The best method is online. Multiple websites such as Gold Standard and Green-e help you locate an authentic project.

The best piece of advice is to select a program that strikes a chord with you. Since there are a lot of environment-conscious programs out there, you will be posed with a wide range of choices.

You can select programs based in your hometown or your favorite destination.

Moreover, some programs have gone a step further. Apart from greenhouse emission reduction, they have humanitarian side projects. Such projects benefit ecosystems and create employment for the underprivileged.

5.Carbon Offset- Tax Regulations

Carbon Offset- Tax Regulations

A legitimate carbon reduction program registered under 501(c) (3) your carbon offset purchase is tax-deductible.

Carbon taxes are effective in greenhouse gas reduction and protect against adverse climate change.

So, next time to book cheap flight deals to India from the USA or other great-value deals, balance it out with carbon offsets!

6.Carbon Offsets- Green Travel Alternates

Carbon Offsets- Green Travel Alternates

Lastly, investing in carbon offsetting is not the only way to contribute to a greener environment. Whether you are a traveler or not, one thing everyone has in common is coexistence.

Therefore, plant trees and invest in carbon reduction projects, however, only after thorough research. Make USA to India flights or other long-haul flights emission-free.

12 Airport Hacks to Make your Travel Smart

Millions of people travel every day. Some of them are just taking a break while others mean serious business.

Even though people travel for different reasons, they all feel similar about commuting on a long-haul flight. It can be tiring. However, with a few simple tricks, you can make your next travel experience pleasant.

Here are 12 Airport Hacks to turn every passenger into a smart traveler:

1. Download Boarding Pass and Airport Map

Boarding Pass and Airport Map

Always download your boarding pass before even reaching the airport. Even better, print it! Also, download the airport map and save it in your phone so you can view it offline.

Some airports do not offer free Wi-Fi. Besides, a technical glitch may occur at any given moment. Hence, you must be prepared to slide through any contingency.

Imagine making it to the airport in time with everything in place. On your way to the check-in counter, the airport Wi-Fi betrays you. Good thing you saved your flight tickets to India on your smartphone.

2. Always Check-in Online

Always Check-in Online

Once again, technology comes to the rescue. Checking in online has many advantages over checking in at the airport. The former is far more convenient than the latter, to say the least.

Web check-in confirms your flight reservation. You may even add details such as meal preferences, baggage quantity, preferred seats, and so on.

Moreover, online check-in significantly reduces the time you spend at the airport check-in airport. So, skip the long queues at the check-in counters and head straight to the luggage drop-off area.

3. Use TSA Approved Locks

Use TSA Approved Locks

A lot of travelers lock their luggage for protection and mental satisfaction.

However, using locks while traveling through the United States of America is against the laws of TSA (Transportation Security Administration). The US airport security may break the locks to check baggage physically.

However, if you use TSA-approved locks, the security staff can unlock it with a universal key. This means no more broken locks on flights from Florida to Jaipur.

Combination locks that are TSA-approved protect your stuff from others. Also, the airport security can check your baggage minus the damage.

4. Apply for Global Entry

Apply for Global Entry

Global Entry is instrumental in passing through the screening and security process at the airport quickly. However, this program is useful within the United States only.

Enrolling yourself for Global Entry means submitting your fingerprints and other details to establish your identity with the airport and customs authorities. Following which you gain swift passage through security at airports by means of a membership card.

If you belong to these countries, you can apply for a global entry and travel smart:

  • United States (including permanent residents)
  • United Kingdom (British citizens only)
  • India
  • Mexico
  • Switzerland
  • Panama
  • Germany
  • Singapore
  • Argentina
  • South Korea (Smart Entry Service members)
  • Colombia
  • Taiwan

5. Get Yourself a Travel Credit Card

Get Yourself a Travel Credit Card

A travel credit card is a smart option, particularly for frequent flyers. These cards can even earn you a free global entry.

However, the highlight is the privilege to travel at discounted airfare, and in some cases, free of cost.

As a frequent flyer, you can use the miles you’ve traveled to encash benefits. It is even more useful for an international commute. Picture flights to India from the USA with no costs involved!

In addition, you gain access to the lounge across different airports. What’s more is that these lounges offer free food and beverages, Wi-Fi, alcohol, and more.

6. Share Flight Number while Booking Taxi’s, etc.

Share Flight Number while Booking Taxi’s, etc.

While aircraft takes care of most of your expedition, you may require car rentals or public transportation for airport transfers.

Always remember to share your flight number while booking a cab. Doing so, the transportation that you have hired can track the updates relating to flight delays or cancelation, if any.

Therefore, even if you are behind schedule, the taxi operator can change the pick-up details, thereby saving you a lot of time and trouble.

7. Take Photos of Checked Luggage, Parking Spots, etc.

Take Photos of Checked Luggage, Parking Spots, etc.

Forgot where you parked? Having trouble filing a claim with your travel insurance provider for lost luggage?

One solution for many such airport and travel-related problems, take photos!

For instance, after leaving your car at the airport, photograph the parking lot. After you have checked your luggage in, take a photo of your bags.

This way, you don’t have to remember the details, you can simply resort to the picture.

8. Pack Important Stuff in your Carry-On

Pack Important Stuff in your Carry-On

One rule, if it is important, it goes on board with you. Stuff every important thing in a carry-on. Also, if your kit of essentials consists of electronics, and liquids pack them as the outermost layer.

You do not have to worry about lost luggage. Moreover, you do not have to stand by the carousel, trying to figure out where your bags went.

Make a list of items that you will use during your commute. Make sure none of those articles interfere with the items prohibited on board.

9. Join Frequent Flyer Programs

Join Frequent Flyer Programs

Even if you are not going to travel with the airline again, sign up for their loyalty program. There are plenty of rewards lined up for members. From getting a seat upgrade to free meals, frequent flyer programs offer all of it and much more.

You are also eligible for various airline amenities. Besides, some airlines offer complimentary tickets to festivals, vacations, or other events in exchange for the points earned.

You can also use these points to avail discounted airfare on domestic and international travel. Cheap flight tickets to Delhi are just a few points away.

10. Bring your own Food

Bring your own Food

Unless you have access to the complimentary delectables at the airport lounges, carry your food. Healthy snacks, fruits, and other alternatives work fine. You are expected to lose energy while in transition.

Apart from jet lag, tarmac delays and long layovers can also wear one down. Moreover, the food is not always readily available. You can pack a few calories for emergencies. Dry fruits are another good idea. Otherwise, there are lots of packaged food meant for consumption on-the-go. Explore your options!

11. Get a Portable Charger

Get a Portable Charger

This is not only limited to business travelers, as leisure travelers are equally dependant on devices. While corporate travelers like to stay updated with work through their smartphones, a backpacker likes to explore nearby attractions and events.

Always equip your carry-on with a portable charger. Keep devices alive, and working is crucial to a smooth travel experience.

12. Read Travel Guides In-flight

Read Travel Guides In-flight

Lastly, instead of sleeping or catching up on a novel, read travel guides. Familiarize yourself with your destination. Go through the itinerary in your mind and make a note of any glitches in the plan.

This way, you can make sure that you stay clear of inconveniences. Use the insights to your advantage.

Are you feeling smarter yet? Make use of the hacks mentioned in the article to make your next vacation or business trip a success. Even last minute flights to India can be bought for great value from multiple sources.

For instance, your best bet is an online booking portal. Next, you can avail of your loyalty program points, or even travel credit cards. Every tourist has their own set of travel tricks, what’s yours?

Travel Insurance – Top 8 Reasons To Buy It!

If you are a traveler, questions like why buy travel insurance must have crossed your mind multiple times. Purchasing travel insurance while booking your flight usually seems like an unnecessary expense.

However, you should always remember that life is uncertain. There is still a little chance of an inevitable mishap in your well-planned trip to India. Therefore, you need to prepare yourself well for such occasions. Travel insurance can shield you by providing monetary compensation against your financial loss.

Here is a well-devised list of the top reasons for investing in a travel insurance plan while booking flights from the USA to India:

1. Savior During Unanticipated Occasions

Even if you are very careful when planning for your next trip, there is always a probability of things going wrong. The most common thing that can happen abroad is you getting sick. Besides, a single hospitalization there can burn a massive hole in your pocket. This way, your entire vacation can turn into a nightmare.

This is when you realize the importance of this insurance. If you have one, it can cover your medical emergencies easily. Thus, it can prevent you from a huge financial drain. Also, a travel insurance policy online includes various services. These include services like an air ambulance, medical evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains, etc. You just need to choose a plan that is right for you.

2. A Companion in Foreign Land

A Companion in Foreign Land

Travel insurance is like your friend in a strange land. It provides you with the much-needed direction and assistance in case of any emergency. Also, these services are available globally too. Therefore, along with looking for cheap flights from Boston to India, look for a good travel insurance policy too.

Furthermore, with the internet thriving these days, availing such travel services online has become easy. To settle a claim in a foreign land, you do not need to visit the insurance office. You can easily do this just by visiting the official website. Even the 24/7 customer care services are of great help and assure instant assistance in case of emergencies. Thus, all this process is not only beneficial but also a hassle-free process.

3. Takes Care of Travel-Related Emergencies

Takes Care of Travel-Related Emergencies

Along with medical expenses, your travel insurance will also cover individual non-medical costs. These may include – loss of passport, baggage, flight delays, etc. However, if you do not have one, you will have to bear all this expenditure yourself.

Since you cannot predict the fate, getting one is a good idea. Hence, your travel insurance is sure to cover the insured for these expenses by offering financial assistance.

4. A Necessity

A Necessity

These days, if you want to enter certain countries, having a travel insurance policy is a mandatory requirement for travelers. Thus, to avail of the visa of these countries, you need to buy one along with having all other necessary documents.

Hence, make sure to check if the country you are traveling to has made getting travel insurance as a prerequisite or not.

5. Fraudulent Charges

Fraudulent Charges

Along with booking cheap flight deals to India from the USA, you need to prepare yourself for tourist frauds and scams as well. It is scary to lose a credit or debit card on a foreign trip. However, getting a message that someone else is using it is even more terrifying.

Thus, you need to be prepared just in case you face this daunting experience in a place you barely know. At this time, your insurance will come handy. You can get a refund for the money you lost within a specified period. Also, you have to file a report against this theft.

6. Takes Care of Personal Liabilities

Takes Care of Personal Liabilities 

When in a foreign place, situations like damage to a third party can occur. Travel Insurance also covers such types of property or bodily injury that can lead to financial liability.

Under this clause of your travel insurance, your insurance company will bear all the lawful expenses for the insured. Thus, you need not worry about such legal situations that occur as a mistake.

7. Global Round-The-Clock Support

Global Round-The-Clock Support

We all know that nothing can be more uneasy than being stuck in an unknown country without any help. However, if you have a travel insurance policy, you have a 24×7 helpline always at your service. It is sure to come handy during such a crisis and provide you with much-needed guidance.

Therefore, always make sure to carry a Xerox of your policy document while you are traveling. This way, you are sure to make the most out of it in case an emergency strikes. Just by dialing their helpline number, you can get a lot of help. They will assist you in finding and getting into the nearest hospital. Also, you can get an immediate medical flight.

8. Emergency Evacuation In Case Of a Medical Crisis

Emergency Evacuation In Case Of a Medical Crisis

You found yourself cheap flight tickets to Delhi, and are now enjoying your vacation there. However, a medical emergency can occur anytime. This is the time when your travel insurance will benefit you.

In case your medical condition gets severe, your insurance company will assist you in it too. They can help you reach from the incident spot to the nearby hospital. Further, if you have to go back to your country due to a medical crisis, the insurance company will cover all the transport expenses.

Even if you are on a domestic trip, travel insurance is beneficial for you. It can help you transfer from one hospital to a better one. Thus, medical evacuation is way more comfortable and cheaper if you have a travel insurance policy.

Amidst the daily monotonous city life, a wonderful holiday sounds exciting. This excitement doubles, especially in the case of an overseas journey. However, you need to prepare well to have a pleasant experience. Apart from booking flights from the USA to India and finding suitable accommodation, getting travel insurance is vital to ensure a memorable and fun-filled vacation.