You might not associate Utah with white water rafting, but it is a land of surprises. The Wasatch Mountain Range in the north and the La Sal Mountains in the south get some of the best snow in the United States. When that snow melts, it feeds rivers that have been carving incredible sandstone canyons for millennia. With several national parks, Utah is one of the best states in the country for rafting adventures through the wilderness. When you plan a rafting trip in Utah, you will experience big whitewater, breathtaking scenery, and interesting cultural artifacts.

In Moab, Utah, you will find a land filled with diverse landscapes and some of the most exciting white water rafting around. A rafting trip to Utah will let you escape your hectic schedule and explore magnificent red rock canyons and soaring stone towers along the legendary Colorado River. You will explore fascinating geology and stories of local history as you explore one of the most picturesque river trips. With I and II class rapids as well as sections of calm, pristine waters, a Utah rafting trip offers something for everyone.

Ranked as one of the top travel and adventure destinations in the world, Moab, Utah, offers an unforgettable rafting experience. With multi-day rafting adventures coupled with exciting day trips and awe-inspiring scenery, you are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Let’s take a closer look at rafting in Utah and some of the things you can expect.

What should you bring?

Your packing list will be determined by the adventure that you choose. Utah river rafting trips range from two days to five days. You will be hiking, rafting, and exploring the great Utah wilderness. This means that you must prepare for various temperatures, weather conditions, and walking. You will need to consider your activities and expectations when planning and packing for your trip.

Aside from proper attire for the river and hiking, you need to consider the camping aspect of your trip. Everything that you bring with you will need to fit into a small duffle bag that will be placed into a waterproof bag before getting on the boat. Given that there will not be a lot of room, and everything you bring must be carried with you, there isn’t a lot of room for many comforts. Your tour company will provide your sleeping gear, but you will need to bring any items that you need at night. Yout tour outfitter can provide you with a detailed list of suggested items to pack.

What should you expect?

Once you arrive for your Utah river trip, you will be given a complete orientation that includes safety precautions and tips. A typical day will begin with breakfast at your camp before you shove off for the day. The morning will be spent on the river taking in the scenery and navigating the quality rapids. Your experienced guide knows where the swimming spots are and places to stop for canyon hikes among historic rock formations and bathroom breaks.

At lunch, you can take your sandwich with you on a scenic walk, or you can just relax in the sun. You will spend several more hours on the river in the afternoon before stopping for dinner. The evening will offer the opportunity to take in a beautiful sunset and enjoy a great meal with friends. At night you will settle into your tent for a night outdoors. Every trip is unique, and the things you experience will be different from someone else’s trip.

An expedition down the Colorado River in scenic Utah is a vacation like no other you have ever taken. If you are up for a great adventure with unmatched scenery and fun, a whitewater trip in Moab, Utah, could be just what you are looking for.

 

Hong Kong is often seen as proof that capitalism is the economic system. When you compare the growth and freedom of Hong Kong to mainland China, it is clear that investors and business people prefer to be associated with the former.

The Hong Kong economy is recovering nicely during the coronavirus pandemic. However, the recovery is also uneven. Due to a zero-tolerance Covid policy, private consumption has been dragging.

The financial sector has been strong and is supported by a well-functioning Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS), strong institutional frameworks, and significant buffers.

Securing a strong recovery and keeping Hong Kong in a competitive position will require a policy strategy aimed at growth and financial stability.

In this article, we will go over the top things that you need to know about the economy of Hong Kong.

1. The Hong Kong Economy Has Recovered Strongly

The economy of Hong Kong has been dealt a variety of external and domestic shocks since 2019. This includes the coronavirus pandemic, tensions between China and the United States, and social unrest. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hong Kong’s economy contracted for two years in a row.

Thankfully, there are have been fast and strong policy actions to help mitigate these shocks. That includes a large fiscal stimulus in both 2020 and 2021.

Private investment and consumption have offset the drag on growth from softening external demand and fiscal withdrawal.

2. The Recovery Remains Uneven

There is continued stress in Hong Kong on tourism and other activities that typically foster contact because of the state’s zero-tolerance approach to Covid.

Private consumption is still far behind other components of GDP (gross domestic product). It is also far below pre-pandemic levels. This shows that there is a big decline in household income and an uneven recovery in the labor market.

Employment in retail services and tourism has declined even though the unemployment rate is falling overall.

3. Real GDP is Expected to Grow Significantly in 2022

As we noted earlier, we are seeing a continued recovery in private demand. This means that growth projection anticipates a moderate slowdown in fiscal consolidation for the new year. We’ll also see more scaling back of the fiscal stimulus measures.

The border is also expected to gradually be opened again in 2022. This is going to start with a limited opening to Mainland China.

The negative output gap is also going to narrow. And CPI inflation should gradually rise to around two percent in 2022. This shows that there will be better conditions for the labor market.

The pandemic will have scarring effects on potential output for the short term. This is due to the uneven recovery in the labor market and the impact that it is having on labor participation. That will hopefully be balanced out by an increasing move to digitalization.

4. Climate Change Also Poses Risks to Financial Stability and Growth

There is a chance that global efforts to lower carbon emissions will fall short of their planned benchmarks. This means that could be more risks related to the climate and they can impact financial institutions and businesses.

Banks that are exposed to transportation, metals, and fossil fuels are very vulnerable as the world transitions to alternative forms of energy.

5. As the Recovery Gains Further Momentum, Financial Policies Are Going to Move Towards Addressing Solvency Concerns

The government plans to engage with banks to come up with an exit strategy from the loan repayment deferral scheme. This is expected to expire in April of this year.

Financial policies will facilitate the efficient restructuring of viable firms while leveraging some of Hong Kong’s robust corporate insolvency frameworks. This will allow nonviable companies to exit.

With this in place, the planned introduction of a  corporate rescue procedure from the government is in line with international best practices.

6. Financial Linkages with Mainland China Will Grow Stronger

Recently, we saw the launch of the cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme in the GBA. We also saw the Southbound Bond Connect Scheme. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is also now collaborating with the People’s Bank of China.

It is doing this to potentially use a wholesale CBDC (central bank digital currency) for cross-border payments (Multiple CBDC Bridge project). It has tested the cross-border retail use of the e-CNY in Hong Kong.

The e-CNY might be able to lower the costs and boost the speed of transactions across the border for both companies and residents. This will strengthen the financial integration between the two economies even more.

However, there are possible risks. This can include problems with compliance with regulations in both jurisdictions.

7. A Comprehensive Tax Reform Remains Imperative

The government is going to be spending a lot of money in the near future to maintain fiscal sustainability and address rapid population aging. They will likely consider a comprehensive tax reform to broaden the tax.

The tax system in Hong Kong can be very confusing for people. You can read more on tax services here.

The Importance of Knowing About the Hong Kong Economy in 2022

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now understand how the Hong Kong economy might look in the year 2022. As we can see, the economy should grow significantly as it attempts to rebound from setbacks caused by the coronavirus pandemic and social unrest.

Are you looking for other helpful and interesting articles like this one? If you are then you should check out the rest of our site today for more!

Are you thinking about joining a Hilton Vacation Club?

Hilton timeshares allow you to stay at a Hilton property for a specific period of time at a lesser price. With properties all over the world, the amenities will vary but are top-notch no matter where you decide to hang your hat.

Have you ever looked into the opportunities you can gain by joining the Hilton vacation club? Keep reading to learn about the possibilities with this guide to the best Hilton Vacation Club locations.

What is the Hilton Vacation Club?

Hilton, one of the best vacation clubs, is based in Orlando, Florida, but has locations around the world. They offer 4-star, upscale to upper-upscale accommodations.

These accommodations include hotels, resorts, and villas. When you are a club member, you have the chance to use the property you choose for a specific period of time to which you agree when you join.

The vacation club membership differs from a traditional timeshare because it’s point-based. Your membership gives you a set of ClubPoints every year that you can redeem at any participating Hilton Grand Vacations hotel or resort.

Top Hilton Vacation Club Locations

Let’s take a look at some of the best Hilton Vacation Club locations!

Maui Bay Villas

This is one of the newest resorts available to club members. It’s a beachfront resort located on 27 acres filled with resort-style amenities. Nearby are tropical reefs, amazing waterfalls, black and gold-sand beaches, and more. Spend your vacation club points on this beautiful island and have the vacation of your dreams!

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa

Located in Carlsbad, California, just north of San Diego, and close to beaches and Legoland, this is a property that any family would love. All units have a patio and a kitchenette.

There are three pools under beautiful palm trees, a playground, a gym, and volleyball courts. Schedule a spa day next door or lounge around the pool while you’re there.

Elara

This is the most popular of the Hilton Grand Vacation Club properties. It’s located in Las Vegas, Nevada in the middle of the strip adjacent to Planet Hollywood and the Miracle Mile Shops.

Rooms are very posh, with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy a panoramic view of Vegas. Each room comes with a fully-equipped kitchenette, a whirlpool tub, free wifi, and more.

Learn more about Hilton timeshare seasons by following this link. Once you understand how the different seasons work, you’ll see how easy it is to get the best value for your dollars.

Hilton Vacation Club Locations

Now that you know more about the available and best Hilton Vacation Club locations, are you considering joining the club? Remember that while these locations are some of the best, there are plenty of other properties to explore. Which ones pique your interest the most?

Did you find this information helpful? Leave a comment with your thoughts or anything you’d like to add. Find more helpful information like this by bookmarking our site for easy access to blog articles about lifestyle, tech, travel, and more.

We here at Arlo Hotels know all too well that there is no shortage of delicious food in New York City. So, whether you’re looking for a casual meal experience or more upscale dining, you can always find something to your liking in New York. In today’s mouthwatering blog post, we take a bite out of the most iconic food from the Big Apple.

Let’s start with a classic – the famed New York pizza. The combination of thin crust and savory toppings makes for a delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You can find pizzerias all over the city, but for an authentic New York experience, head to one of the boroughs outside of Manhattan.

Another all-time favorite NY treat is the bagel. There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, warm bagel with a schmear of cream cheese. But if you’re in search of something a tad more filling, New York has some of the best delis in the country. From pastrami sandwiches to matzo ball soup, you’re sure to find a meal that will leave you satisfied.

We at Arlo Hotels also believe that no discussion of New York eats would be complete without mentioning the city’s many world-famous restaurants. So, whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Persian, French, or Japanese cuisine, the city is brimming with restaurants that will satisfy your cravings.

Some of the most notable NYC restaurants include Michelin-starred establishments Per Se and Eleven Madison Park and perennial favorites Katz’s Deli and Shake Shack. There are also famous food stalls in Grand Central Station and Chelsea Market that offer everything from dumplings to tacos. Surely you’ll never go hungry.

In short, New York City is a foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for a classic dish or something more exotic, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re in the Big Apple, make sure to plan for a food adventure.

Although road trips are generally viewed as spontaneous activities, sometimes it can be a good idea to work out the places you want to visit beforehand. While the UK is a tiny country when it comes to the likes of America and Canada, you might think that you don’t need to plan, but these travel tips will make your trip a lot smoother. From visiting the ghosts in Edinburgh to finding the secrets of London, there are so many places that you won’t want to miss.

Before you travel…

If you’re not from the UK, it’s helpful to brush up on your English, especially as some words differ depending on the dialect. To stop you from getting your chips and crisps confused, you might want to take an advanced English course with Preply. With expert tutors and structured lessons, such as dealing with culture shock and how to socialize, you’ll be up to speed in no time. Not only will brushing up on the local language help on your road trip, but private lessons will ensure you learn exactly what you need to.

Places in the UK to visit

The UK is a small country, fitting into the US over 40 times, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any interesting places you should visit. However, before visiting, you should be aware of the road safety laws, and what to do if your car breaks down while you’re visiting. Be sure to take all the technology you may need too. We’re talking battery packs, plug adapters, and even noise-canceling headphones if you need some alone time.

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

One of the six counties that makes up Northern Ireland, County Antrim is also the home to Giant’s Causeway. With a choice of six different trails to take when you visit this World Heritage Site, you’ll be sure to get a good view of the stones and local wildlife.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Famous around the world, Edinburgh is a mix of old and new, as well as being the most haunted city in the world. Whether you’re looking across the city from Arthur’s Seat or spotting some famous faces resting in the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery, there is plenty to see, so spend your time wisely!

Hay-on-Wye, Wales

If you’re wanting somewhere to visit where you can relax as you look around, then Hay-on-Wye is the perfect location. Known for its many bookshops, as well as being home to the world-famous literary Hay Festival, this quaint little town will be a welcome stop if you’re traveling all around the UK.

London, England

The capital of England is a hive of activity, with hidden secrets down every alleyway, from wandering down Spitalfields and Brick Lane to searching for the hidden bars throughout the city. It’s a perfect place to take not only selfies but any potential photos for any aspiring photographers. London is a place you don’t want to miss on your visit here.

With a lot more people wanting to go on a road trip when they have the time, it can be a good idea to think about driving around in an electric car. Not only will it benefit the environment, but you may even see some interesting sites while you wait for the car to charge. Ultimately, though, you’ll want to make sure your trip is filled with happy memories you’ll never forget.

 

As we know domestic holidays are on the rise, with many destinations on the no-fly list we find ourselves looking to travel by car to local cities, towns and villages. As well as the current situation we find ourselves in, the government also has an initiative to help the environment by banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030! It is this ban and the latest rise in domestic travel that got LeaseCarUK thinking about road trips by electric car, the challenges one could face, and the best places to travel around the UK when on a road trip.

This article will look at the best places to enjoy a road trip in the UK and share some tips for travelling by electric vehicle.

A Road Trip to Edinburgh

Travelling from England or Wales to Edinburgh can be a long but scenic journey, especially if you know which roads to take. If you are driving from the south, a stop in Oxford can be perfect to stretch your legs, charge your vehicle or to explore the university.

Alternatively, travelling to southwest England and visiting the Cotswold’s is a wonderful scenic experience that all the family can enjoy. The Cotswold’s is perfect for an overnight stay whilst on your journey to Edinburgh.

If you are reluctant to stop early on the journey then powering on to the Scottish Borders will make a welcome break. The Borders are filled with history and scenery as this is where many English and Scottish battles took place.

When travelling such a distance by electric car it is important to check the car’s range. The below visual from LeaseCarUK helps to visualise the range of some of the UK’s top selling electric vehicle’s so that you are aware of how many charging stops will be required for the journey to Edinburgh.

A Road Trip to Cornwall

Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK so it is important that we include this destination within this article. Home to beautiful beaches craved by the Atlantic Ocean, surfing opportunities and Cornish pasties, Cornwall is a must visit place.

A stop over in Southampton is perfect when travelling to Cornwall. Southampton is home to amazing maritime history, especially for Titanic enthusiasts. As well as it’s maritime history, visitors can also enjoy the seaside, museums, theatres and parks.

No road trip to Cornwall would be complete without a stop at Stonehenge in Wiltshire. In order to see Stonehenge, you must pay an entrance fee but there is also a visitors’ centre where you can brush up on your history of the famous Neolithic landmark.

To put this journey into perspective when driving an electric vehicle, take a look at the image below.

The UK is home to many scenic drives not mentioned here, such as the Lake District and Peak District. No matter where you are driving from or to, there will be some amazing places to see and stop whilst your vehicle is charging.

 

Monsoon is one of the best seasons to plan trips with your loved ones. It’s when the temperature is just perfect to be outdoors, as the rain settles down the pollution, and the environment is a lot greener and cooler.

A trip to a hilly city, rainforest, or beachside could be the perfect spot for you to enjoy the monsoon season. However, you surely don’t want to suffer due to bad weather or heavy rain. Things can quickly get out of hand if you are not prepared. So, you must carry the monsoon essentials with you on the trip.

Apart from the rainwear, travel bags are a must-pack when you are going out this season. Just make sure to carry the right instruments and tools – for your survival, safety, and to face the torrent rain.

The section below discusses the essentials that you must carry on your monsoon trip.

• Raincoat

There will always be chances of heavy rainfall and storms, especially during this season. So, a raincoat is a must that should be in your bag. Invest in good quality and water-resistant women’s raincoat that could save you from drenching in water.

A raincoat is a lot more beneficial as it covers your whole body and prevents your exposure to water. You would not want to get sick when you are on vacation. It will not only ruin the mood, but you will not be able to enjoy the trip to its fullest. Most importantly, you can accept rain at any time of the day. So, keeping a raincoat with you when out exploring is a smart choice. It will not only keep you dry but your essentials like your phone, wallet, and other important things in your hand pocket are protected.

• Waterproof Bag

There is no compulsion for you to carry a specific type of backpack. You may also take your wheel travel bag on your monsoon trip. However, you should make sure that whichever bag you’ll be carrying must be waterproof. It is because you won’t like it if all your belongings are damaged due to rain.

Also, you may cover your bag with a lightweight, synthetic rain cover to keep your stuff dry and safe.

• Socks and Waterproof Boots

Keeping your feet wet for prolonged hours means you are inviting trouble. You may be enjoying the hike in the mountains or a walk in the rainforest, but it is your feet that are taking a toll. Feet play an essential role in maintaining your body temperature. So, if they are wet, you must immediately dry them. Wear a pair of warm socks along with waterproof boots. These will save you from cold and wet feet during your monsoon trip.

• An Umbrella

Since you’ll be planning a trip during the monsoon season, ensure that an umbrella is always on top of your packing list. It could be a lifesaver for you during extreme sun or heavy rain.

• Waterproof Plastic Ziplock

Smartphones are pretty expensive, and they can easily be damaged, if exposed to water. While smartphones are waterproof to some extent, you must ensure that they don’t meet water. Thus, it would help if you carried with you a waterproof plastic Ziplock, in which you could keep your phones and other electronics safe. You can also keep your money, cards, and other documents in a Ziplock.

• Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitos usually come during the monsoon season, and the worst thing about them is that mosquito bites can be harmful to you. So, to keep yourself safe, you must carry mosquito repellent with you. Mosquito repellents come in all sorts of forms, like sprays, creams, and stickers.

The Bottom Line

With the right tools in your bag, you would not only enjoy your vacation, but you’ll also be prepared for what Mother Nature might send your way. While things like rainwear, travel bags, and umbrellas are must haves, you should also carry the other essential things mentioned above.

 

Some vacations leave an impact that feels magical. Maybe you felt that way about a world-class skiing adventure in the mountains. Or, perhaps you can’t forget the way a coral reef looked during a snorkeling trip on the coast.

Whatever the vacation was, you feel the urge to return and do it again. Everything was perfect, from the food to the people around you. The only question is, how do you get that experience again?

Many people find this experience through a timeshare. A timeshare getaway can be the perfect way to enjoy your vacations for years to come. However, choosing the best timeshares requires several considerations.

In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the best timeshare for your vacation getaway. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

How Do Timeshares Work?

Before we get into all the considerations that go into choosing a timeshare, let’s first explore how timeshares work. A timeshare is a real estate deal that allows several people to buy partial property ownership in a vacation or resort area.

Various resorts allow people to purchase different lengths of time. The standard length, however, is one week out of the year. The size of the property can likewise vary. Some timeshare properties are condos, a suite of rooms, or a single room.

There are two types of timeshares on the market. The first is a deeded timeshare, and the second is a non-deeded timeshare. Deeded contracts function similarly to buying a house.

As such, you get a share of the property’s ownership. This ownership means you can rent out your share, resell it, or leave it as an inheritance. Most of the timeshare transactions out there occur through deeded contracts.

Non-deeded contracts are more akin to renting and signing a lease. Your purchase isn’t so much one of ownership as it is right-to-use. This right may last several years, but the property isn’t yours. When your term runs out, ownership will revert to the original property owner.

Choosing Your Dates

A smart traveler often knows his travel dates well ahead of time. Usually, there’s a particular week or time frame when he goes on his vacation getaway.

If that’s the way you travel, then a fixed-week system is probably your ideal timeshare system. A fixed-week arrangement allows you to use the property for the same dates each year. Most of these systems come through deeded contracts.

If you enjoy predictability, this will likely be your best arrangement. Fixed-week timeshares won’t let you change your dates. If these dates don’t work for you one year, you can rent the property to others during that date. Alternatively, you can trade it with other deeded owners.

This system may seem restrictive to you. If so, you’re not alone. Fixed-week systems are no longer as popular as they were because people want flexibility.

The more flexible alternative to this system is a floating-week system. This timeshare schedule allows you one week per year, but you can choose that week each year.

This system grants you much more freedom, as it allows you to pick your dates at any time or within a particular time frame. However, this freedom comes at a price. You’ll face competition for all the popular times of year in your destination.

Costs Of Timeshares

A timeshare comes with certain fixed costs. The primary expense is the fee you pay upfront, which amounts to your timeshare closing costs.  The second fee is your annual maintenance fee, which is usually the worst part of financing a timeshare.

Maintenance fees come annually, whether you use the property or not. Most of the time, there is no expiration date. You also may end up with additional fees, such as upgrade and repair fees resulting from a storm.

Getting The Most From Your Time Share

Knowing all of these factors, you can now make an informed decision about your timeshare purchase. Now, all you have to consider is where you want your timeshare and what quality of share you want. We’ll explore these choices down below.

Where To Buy Your Timeshare

Only buy your timeshare in a place where you’re sure to travel. This advice may seem obvious, but many people make this mistake. People often like the idea of owning a timeshare in a place they enjoyed and think they’ll come back later. Then, they end up hardly ever visiting the property.

Before you buy your timeshare, you need to assess your travel habits. Are you somebody who likes repetition and routine, or do you prefer variety?

Do you love going somewhere often enough to feel like a local, or do you love to see new places? Once you’ve made these decisions, you can purchase your best timeshare in a place you love.

Amenities and Accommodations

Several timeshares offer accommodations and amenities that hotels won’t match. However, these amenities aren’t necessarily universal. Timeshares divide themselves into classes based on the level of amenities they provide.

If you want a property that feels more like a home, look for a timeshare that doesn’t include an RCI or Interval International award. These places lack many of the resort-level amenities.

However, if you like to travel in luxury, find a resort with an RCI Gold Crown or Interval International award. These places offer a variety of amenities. At the highest levels, they may include rental cars and airfare coverage.

Visit Your Timeshare Prospect Soon

Once you’ve picked out a timeshare location and a property that seems amenable, the next step is to visit the property. Look around and see if it meets your expectations. Will it fit your family comfortably? Does it look to be in good condition?

If you’re satisfied with the type of contract, costs, and its condition, all that’s left to do is make an offer. With any luck, you’ll have your ideal timeshare getaway in no time.

We hope you enjoyed this article! For more like it, check out our other content today!

58 million people visit Disney World each year.

If you’re a Disney fan or are thinking about going for the first time, now is the perfect time to visit Disney World. As the world moves into the “new normal,” a Disney vacation may be just what you and your family need to unwind and relax after a stressful year.

Read on for some of the top reasons why visiting Disney should be on your calendar of “must-dos” this year for your family or group of friends.

1. Reduced Capacity

Disney World is operating at a reduced capacity, thanks to COVID19 and social distancing measures. While this means that some attractions are closed, other attractions remain open with a shorter wait time.

Disney parks have a number that they can hit before they must close down for the day. With COVID, this number has been reduced dramatically, meaning you don’t have to contend with 2-hour waits for your favorite attraction.

Instead, you can bank on seeing more of the parks, as long as you’re okay with the fact that some of the parks and attractions remain closed.

2. Discounts

To attract people to the park, Disney is offering lots of discounts. Earlier in 2021, Disney World offered 35% off entry to the parks, which saves quite a bit of money, especially as a family. The park continues to offer periodic discounts, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled to see if they’ve knocked down the price of admission or other attractions.

2021 is a great time to book a budget-friendly trip to Disney.

If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, keep in mind the DVC banking deadline to make sure you get the most out of your points.

Disney also often offers cheap tickets for the winter months for those that are planning well in advance. You may wish to look at discounts for January and February of 2022 to have a magical beginning to next year!

In 2022, you’ll be able to book a room at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a 2-night immersive adventure. It’s a hotel and a resort rolled into one.

3. Star Wars, Galaxy’s Edge

Are you a Star Wars fan? If so, you’re in luck, as Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With three Star Wars-themed rides and several other experiences, you’ll be sure to have an out-of-this-world experience in this new location.

4. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure–Opening in October 2021

If you’re waiting until the fall to visit Disney World, you can ride on one of its most popular rides from EuroDisney: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Situated in the France pavilion at Epcot, this trackless ride takes you through an adventure where you shrink down to the size of a rat and ride through Gusteau’s restaurant. This is a must for any fans of the film.

5. Cinderella’s Castle Has Had a Makeover

Are you ready to take some truly Insta-worthy pics? Well, you’re in luck, because Cinderella’s castle has recently had a fresh new paint job, meaning it looks spic and span for this new year. You’ll be able to witness the original vibrancy of the castle, as it has aged over time, adding new magic to your experience.

6. Disney Resorts Are Slowly Reopening

For a while, most of the Disney resorts remained closed. However, many of them have reopened or are planning to reopen in time for the summer of 2021. This gives you and your family better access to the parks, as you don’t have to leave the grounds at all during your Disney stay.

With resorts reopening, you can also plan some time to relax on your vacation. Many people who frequent Disney suggest that you take an off-day to recharge your batteries, and now you can do that on Disney property.

7. Blizzard Beach Has Reopened

If you’re a water park fan, you’re in luck. Blizzard Beach, one of Disney’s waterparks, has reopened to allow you and your family to enjoy a day in the Florida sunshine. The park has everything from fast water slides to a lazy river that you can enjoy some downtime in.

8. You Can Park Hop Again

Due to COVID19, park-hopping was closed, and you could only visit one park in one day. But now, that’s all changed, and you can visit more than one park in one day, maximizing your fun. While some people prefer only to visit one park per day, not to get overwhelmed, you can now prioritize what you want to see if you only have a limited amount of time at Disney.

9. Ride the New Skyliner

You can get a bird’s eye view of the Disney parks with the new Skyliner, which takes you over the resorts to travel between them. This mode of transportation is also perfect for those who wish to social distance, as your party is in their own pod completely away from other people making it impossible to transmit COVID, or anything else nasty, between people.

This is the Time to Visit Disney World

Are you ready to start planning your visit to Disney World yet? If you’ve been missing Disney due to the pandemic, or you’re a first-timer, there has never been a better time to experience the magic. Get ready to have a truly unforgettable experience with your family or friends.

For more travel content, be sure to check out the rest of our website. It’s loaded with tips and tricks to get you started on your next vacation.

At any given moment worldwide, there are about 9,728 planes in the sky.

Of course, this number might have changed a bit during the pandemic. But despite any changes that happen on the ground, there are certain facts about airplanes that remain the same.

Looking for some fun facts to “wow” your friends with? Keep reading to learn five amazing aviation facts we guarantee you haven’t heard before.

1. Planes Are Designed to Be Struck by Lightning

Do you feel nervous when your plane flies through a thunderstorm? Calm your fears by reminding yourself that all aircraft are purposely designed to take a lightning strike.

Experts estimate that every plane is struck by lightning about once a year, or every 1,000 hours of flying time. Engineers design the plane so that lightning travels through the plane and exits it without doing any damage.

2. Science Explains Why Airplane Food Tastes Bad

No one will argue the fact that airplane food isn’t the greatest, but there’s a scientific explanation for that.

A study from Cornell University found that the plane’s dry environment and recycled air alter our sense of taste and smell. Salty flavors get heightened, while sweet flavors are diminished. Another study from Germany concluded that it’s 30% harder to detect sweet and salty flavors in the air.

3. A Plane Can Still Fly With Only One Engine

It’s a terrifying notion to think of an aircraft losing an engine mid-flight.

However, you’ll be relieved to hear that all types of airplanes (commercial and cargo) can fly safely with just one engine. The Boeing Dreamliner, for example, can fly for 5.5 hours with only one operational engine.

And a Boeing 747, along with most other aircraft, can glide safely for many miles with no engines at all! The glide ratio for most aircraft is around two miles per every 1,000 feet of elevation, which is more than enough time to get everyone safely to the ground.

4. You Never Know What’s in the Cargo Hold

Planes transport more than just people and boxes of freight. Some unusual items that might be beneath your feet include:

• Zoo animals
• Racehorses
• Luxury cars
• Deceased persons
• Vaccines
• Livestock
• Live fish
• Lobsters
• Artwork & museum collections

Of course, horses, tigers, and elephants don’t just walk through the cabin door. Airlines use a ULD (unit load device) to safely move oversized or live cargo on and off the aircraft.

5. Pilots Are Required to Eat Different Meals

Remember the scene in Airplane when all the pilots get food poisoning from eating the same airplane meal? As it turns out, there are regulations in place to prevent that exact scenario from happening.

By law, the pilot and co-pilot must consume two different meals. The pilot generally eats the first-class or business class offering, while the co-pilot chooses from the economy meal selection.

Amazing Facts About Airplanes (And More)

So, which of these facts about airplanes were new to you? Hopefully you now have a much greater appreciation for airplane transportation and all it entails!

Now that you know these fascinating airplane facts, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more interesting articles like this one!