edu9.buzz – Page 2

8 secret spots on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River – Amazing Thailand

Longtime Amazing Thailand blog contributor John Borthwick shares his best tips on Bangkok’s historic Chao Phraya River.

Bang Krachao It’s half a kilometre across the Chao Phraya from the tower blocks of Bangkok to the mangroves of Bang Krachao “island”, but it feels like another continent. Bang Krachao, a wetland oasis that sits in an oxbow-bend in the river is not an actual island. Join the Bangkokians heading here for food, drinks and handicrafts at the Sunday morning market, or hire a bicycle to explore its raised pathways and sights like the ageing Wat Bang Kor Bua temple. There’s limited accommodation but it’s a good day trip. thethailandlife.com

Kudijeen On the river’s west bank (“the Thonburi side”), the historic enclave of Kudijeen – aka Kudichin – is where 16^th century Portuguese traders, missionaries and mercenaries became the first Europeans to settle in Siam. The architecture and a unique pastry live on. Kudijeen (“Chinese shrine village”) consists of narrow soi lanes and old teak houses, including the ancestral, family Baan Kudichin Museum. The domed, 1770 Santa Cruz Church and Wat Prayurawongsawat temple with its 60-metre stupa spire are open to all. And be sure to drop into one of the family bakeries that sells the traditional tart called kanom farang — “foreigner sweet”. baankudichinmuseum.com

National Museum of Royal Barges The most beautiful boatshed in the world. The Thai Crown’s fleet of gilded, 40-metre vessels is housed here. ”Barge” is not an adequate word for these works of art with their swan-necked prows and mythological figureheads. At rare intervals they glide for the extraordinary Royal Barge Procession, where a flotilla of 52 boats rowed by chanting sailors parades past the Grand Palace and its Camelot-like golden wats. The museum, in the west bank area called Bangkok Noi, displays eight intricate vessels; watch, fascinated as artisans maintain them. Royal Barge National Museam

Jack’s Bar Jack’s shack teeters on the brink of over-discovery at the end of Soi 42/1 Charoen Krung. Perch at a pew with a cold beer on a hot afternoon, then add spicy snacks, a breeze and longtails running riot on the river. Why leave, ever? There’s a wine list and democratic menu, plus music after dark. A parrot sits on the cashier’s shoulder – as they do. Capacity, about 30 people. Open noon til midnight. Jack’s is a ten-minute walk north from Saphan Taksin BTS station and next to the Shangri-La Hotel: a very Bangkok contrast.

Warehouse 30 A row of old warehouses in riverside Bang Rak has been transformed into galleries, design studios and smart retailers. There’s a bit of everything: art, craft beer, coffee, home decor, books and streetwear. The knockout retailer is Horse Unit & Woot Woot – forget about decoding the name – which looks like the world’s hippest army disposals store. It’s a dump-bin emporium of vintage military clobber, antique toys, vinyls, denim and furniture. Nostalgic, ironic and tons of fun. Warehouse 30 stretches between sois 30 and 32 Charoen Krung Road. warehouse30.com

Loy La Long This tiny hotel hides amid the piers of the river’s eastern bank. Its name implies “Let it be, let it go, let it flow”. This century-old, two-storey teak hideaway, a former warehouse, perched beside the River of Kings has six guestrooms creatively done in a style that might be called retrofunk steampunk. There are two sunny, river-view decks where you can dine, sip or just let your dreams drift downstream. A Chinese pagoda faces Loy La Long across the river and, surprisingly (or not – this is amazing Thailand), this unique, boutique bolthole sits in the grounds of a Buddhist monastery. loylalong.com

Rolling on the River One thing better than being beside a river is being on it. The Chao Phraya’s best public transport mode is the Smart Ferry, electric catamarans that carry up to 250 passengers. A convenient place to board is Sathon Pier beside Saphan Taksin BTS station (minesmartferry.com). Other river experiences range from boom-box dinner boats ablaze with neons to the Anantara Riverside’s stately, converted Manohra boats. This two-hour river cruise with superior Thai cuisine and occasional commentary is a special night out (manohracruises.com).

Meantime, local commuter ferries pull in and out of the local piers at Formula One pit-stop speed. More leisurely are the Chao Phraya Tourist Boats, a commentary ferry service that reaches all the major historic attraction piers. Again, Sathon Pier is a good starting point. chaophrayatouristboat.com

ThreeSixty Rooftop Bar Bangkok CBD bristles with ever-new rooftop bars.Meanwhile, on the Thonburi side of the river, and 31 floors above its restless comings and goings, enjoy a drone’s-eye view of both sides of town and, of course, its river of life. The Millennium Hilton’s ThreeSixty Rooftop Bar and Jazz Lounge is perfect for late-night cocktail meditations, often enhanced by a chanteuse weaving smoky jazz spells. hilton.com

13 December 2024

World Nomads Annual Travel Insurance Review

Two people with backpacks hiking across a rugged mountain trail

If you’re a frequent traveler, you know that planning multiple trips throughout the year can be a logistical challenge. There are lots of moving parts to organize, from flights to accommodation to activities. And it gets even more challenging if you’re traveling with friends or family.

In fact, there’s so much to keep track of that most people neglect one of the most important things you can take on any trip: travel insurance.

A lot of travelers avoid even thinking about travel insurance. Comparing prices and plans seems like a hassle (and an unnecessary expense to boot). After all, you probably won’t need it, and then you’ve just paid for nothing.

But you haven’t paid for “nothing.” You’ve paid for assurance that you have a plan in place should the unexpected or unfortunate happen while you’re abroad. And if something does happen, you will be very glad that you have coverage. Accidents and mishaps that happen on the road can add up quickly, leaving you hundreds (if not thousands) out of pocket.

After over 15 years of traveling the world, travel insurance is the one thing I never leave home without. It’s that important!

And while finding and comparing plans used to be time-consuming (I’ve read a lot of fine print over the years), it’s never been easier to learn about new plans. Gone are the days of having to buy a new plan for each and every trip too, thanks to the growing number of annual multi trip plans.

World Nomads, a company I’ve been recommending for over a decade, has just launched its own Annual Travel Protection Plan for US residents. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if it’s the best plan for your next journey:

What is World Nomads?

The World Nomads travel insurance logo
World Nomads is a travel insurance* company that started out geared towards backpackers and adventure travelers, with an extensive list of more than 250 adventure sports and activities covered. It’s the one I used on my first big trip around the world (and have used it dozens of times since).

They’ve been around for over twenty years and provide coverage for people from more than a hundred countries. Through World Nomads, you can get international and domestic coverage when traveling at least 100 miles from home for:

Emergency medical and dental work
Sudden illness and injury
Medical evacuation and repatriation
24-hour emergency medical assistance
Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
Cancellations and interruptions
Trip and baggage delay
Over 250 types of adventure activities
And more!

Overall, World Nomads is a solid travel insurance company for travelers who want bundled coverage. While there are cheaper plans out there, World Nomads offers multiple plans to choose from and varying levels of coverage (especially when it comes to cancellations and adventure activities).

If you’re going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities and want a variety of covered activities available, World Nomads is the company I recommend.

That said, since I’ve already covered World Nomads in depth in this review, today I’m going to focus on their new Annual Plan. It’s something that many travelers have asked me about, both in my inbox and on our travel insurance webinars. I’m glad to see they’ve created an Annual Plan to fill this need.

What is the World Nomads Annual Travel Protection Plan?

Previously, World Nomads only offered single-trip protection plans. You bought a plan for a predefined period and destination, and that was it.

But what if you travel a lot throughout the year? It’s a hassle to have to buy a new plan every time. Those single-trip plans add up too.

With World Nomads annual plans, however, you pay once and get travel protection for multiple countries, and for an unlimited number of trips up to 45-days long through the entire year. This not only simplifies your planning but could save you money in the long run.

There are four caveats though.

First, each trip under the annual plan is capped at 45 days. Most travelers don’t travel abroad for that long, though, so I don’t really consider that a negative.

Second, annual plans do not auto-renew, so you’ll need to purchase a new plan each year. That said, World Nomads sends a reminder a month before your current plan expires, so this isn’t really a big deal either.

Third, the US Annual Plan is only available to be purchased independently per traveler. The plan is not available for family or couple purchases like the single trip plans; however, you can purchase individual Annual Plans for each member of your family under the age of 69.

Fourth, and most important, the Annual Plan is currently only available to US residents (except residents of Missouri, Montana, New York or Washington). World Nomads also offers a similar Annual Multi Trip plans for UK and Ireland residents, but coverages vary compared to the US plan. Hopefully, if it’s successful, they will expand it to more countries in the future.

What does World Nomads’ Annual Travel Protection Plan cover?

The coverage under a World Nomads Annual Plan is similar to that of its single-trip plans. As a plan holder, you’ll get coverage for more than 250 adventure activities, trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, and some for lost and stolen gear.

Here’s exactly what’s covered found on the World Nomads website:

screenshot from World Nomads website showing policy coverage

The plans also cover incidents that occur while you’re participating in any of 250+ adventure activities in the following categories:

screenshot from World Nomads website showing which general categories of activities they cover

Most activities are included in the Annual Plan. More extensive activities could be covered on the single trip Explorer and Epic Plans. To give you an example, zip-lining and snorkeling are covered by Standard and Annual plans, while heli-skiing is covered by the Explorer plan and free soloing is only covered by the Epic Plan.

Here are all the water-related activities that World Nomads covers:

screenshot from World Nomads website showing which water-related activities they cover

Of course, there are also things World Nomads does not cover. These include (but aren’t limited to):

Engaging in any illegal activities
Incidents that occur when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
Non-emergency medical treatment that can wait until you return home

In short, World Nomads offers travel insurance, not health insurance. It’s there for when the unexpected happens, not for ongoing treatment or checkups.

Additional Perks for all USA Travel Protection Plans

In addition to rolling out the new annual plan, World Nomads is expanding the non-insurance services included within all USA travel protection plans.

24/7 Emergency Assistance supports you in emergency situations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The support team can get you to the nearest hospital or consulate, offer translation services and provide guidance in emergency situations.
FootPrint ID allows to you to keep track of your medical records and emergency contacts in one place. This is helpful in emergency situations when healthcare providers need quick answers regarding your medical history, prescriptions and contacts.
Blue Ribbon Bags offers delayed and lost luggage retrieval services. They can track and expedite the return of delayed airline baggage for outbound flights and are available to assist 24/7.
Runway Health provides free pre-trip online health consultations so travelers can get access to prescriptions and vaccinations for common travel needs like altitude sickness and malaria before taking off for their trip.

Pros of World Nomads’ Annual Travel Protection Plan

Covers you for an unlimited number of trips within a year
Cost-effective and convenient (you don’t have to buy a new plan for each trip)
Coverage for over 250 activities
Coverage for domestic and international travel
Access to 24/7 Emergency Assistance, FootPrint ID, Runway Health and Blue Ribbon Bags
Online claims processing

Cons of Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Per trip duration limit of 45 days
Higher up-front cost than purchasing plans individually
Only available for individual purchase, no family or couple plans
Only available for USA, UK & Irish residents at this time

Comparing Annual and Single-Trip Plans

The cost-effectiveness of annual versus single-trip insurance depends on your habits. If you take multiple trips each year, both domestically and internationally, 12-month travel insurance could save you money.

Let’s say that within a year, you plan to travel to Thailand for three weeks, Paris for a long weekend, Mexico for one month, the Bahamas for 10 days, Iceland for a long weekend, and then Spain for a week. If you got annual travel insurance, the quote for a 40-year-old person from the US would be $506 USD. Not bad at all for an entire year’s worth of coverage (that’s just over $42 USD per month)!

If you were to get separate policies for each trip, it would total around $635 USD. Not to mention the added convenience of only having to buy the plan once and get coverage for the entire year. Plus, you’d still be able to go on more trips (or extend your trips) with the annual plan without spending more money!

While prices vary depending on factors such as where you’re going, the length of the trip, and your planned activities, most of the time, it’s a no-brainer to get the annual plan. It’s just so easy and hassle-free.

Both annual and single-trip plans offer the same benefits too. That includes trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, and personal baggage coverage.

Remember, limits and exclusions may vary. No matter what plan you get, it’s essential to review the plan details carefully.

Who is World Nomads Annual Plan for?

World Nomads annual plan is best for frequent travelers who take several trips throughout the year. You can sign up for a plan once a year, and then go about your travels without thinking about it again. Simply purchase a new plan when the time comes (you’ll get an email reminder).

Personally, I think a lot of travelers who do lots of short weekend trips will find this plan super helpful, as you won’t have to purchase a plan every single time you want to get away. The saved time and money alone make the annual plan worth it, in my opinion.

That said, annual plan is not ideal for full-time digital nomads, since each trip is capped at 45 days. Additionally, World Nomads only covers unexpected emergencies, so if you’re a digital nomad looking for ongoing health insurance (i.e., for non-emergencies), you’ll want to look elsewhere.

***

Having used World Nomads for over 15 years, I think these new additions are a game changer. While they are only available in the US, UK and Ireland currently, I’m super excited to see what direction the company is moving in. Baggage retrieval service, pre-trip online health consultations — these are awesome perks that I know every traveler is going to appreciate.

Don’t let the hassle of arranging travel insurance for each trip hold you back from exploring the world. Get a quote for World Nomads’ Annual travel insurance plan today and enjoy coverage all year round. Safe travels!

Click here to learn more!

*Travel insurance is included as part of the World Nomads travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. U.S. travel protection plan are serviced by their partner Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, who administers both customer service and claims for U.S. customers.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

13 December 2024

Etihad sees ‘sustained growth’ in November

Year-to-date passenger numbers up 30%

13 December 2024

Fun Skydiving Exits | Wisconsin Skydiving Center

Fun skydiving exits come in all shapes and sizes! The thrill of jumping out of a plane is a rush like no other, and how you choose to make that exit can add an extra layer of fun to the jump. There are so many to choose from, each with their advantages, disadvantages, and twists! Let’s dive into some common exits from skydiving planes and explore how the tandem skydiving exit happens.

The Tandem Skydiving Exit

As you ascend to exit altitude, the excitement builds exponentially. Although the climb can take anywhere from around 10 to 25 minutes, it seems to go by in the blink of an eye. The door will pop open, your instructor will ask if you’re ready to skydive, and then you’ll push your fears aside and respond with a resounding “YES!”

Both of you will scooch or shimmy toward the door of the plane and crouch down. The instructor will let go of the airplane with a gentle push and send both of you into glorious freefall. Now it’s time to ARCH – your instructor will teach you all about this ideal body position in the pre-jump briefing!

Two male tandem skydivers exit Cessna aircraft for a skydive

Different Types of Skydiving Exits: The Basics

Skydiving exits are often seen as the simple act of jumping out of a plane, but they hold much more significance than that and each exit serves a unique purpose. When learning how to skydive, understanding how to exit the aircraft safely alone and alongside others, all while having fun, is one of the first lessons. This is why two skydiving exits taught from the get-go are the poised exit and the diving exit.

The poised exit.

This exit entails the skydiver climbing out of the plane and facing forward – toward the propeller(s). The poised exit is the first type of skydiving exit that is taught to solo jumpers. It is known as the most stable exit and keeps the jumper in a belly-to-earth position, which is the first freefall position taught to solo jump students. Plus, belly-to-earth is how tandem pairs fall!

The diving exit.

How to do a diving exit is an important skydiving skill to master before jumping with groups! Diving exits are generally assigned to the last few people leaving the plane in a group. In a smaller aircraft, this may be two people, and in a plane that accommodates dozens of jumpers, this could be the latter 12 people to leave. A diving exit is just as it sounds – think about leaving the plane head first and diving into the breeze.

Different Types of Skydiving Exits: The Extras

While some solo jumpers exit similarly to a tandem or use the two exits mentioned above, they tend to want to mix things up a bit once they get more comfortable in the air! Here’s some whacky skydiving exits that licensed solo jumpers like:

The flips.

Did you know that successfully regaining stability from frontflips and backflips is part of the progression when a person is learning how to skydive solo? To practice this, people like to leave the plane while flipping or doing gainers!

The horny gorilla.

We can’t take credit for this, um, creative name, but we can assure you this is one fun exit! Jumpers – a minimum of two and maximum of four(ish) – will position themselves in the door and intertwine their legs. With their knees and ankles crisscrossing and hands taking light grips on one another, they will tumble into freefall! After a few seconds, and with legs still meshed into one, the jumpers will release their hand grips and beat their chests like gorillas.

The rodeo.

Think about riding a rodeo bull – one person is the bull and one person is the cowboy. The pair will position themselves in the door, exit as one, and enter freefall. The person on top of the others’ back will hold onto their friend’s container and squeeeeeeze their knees together around the person’s torso. Once stability is gained, the person on top can release one hand and hold it in the air, like they do in the rodeo! This is typically done with the person on the bottom wearing a wingsuit, which extends the amount of freefall time.

The Mr. Bill.

Eeek! Mr. Bill exits are OG and were some of the first to show how fun skydiving exits can be. This exit entails two people (and hopefully someone on the outside taking video) leaving the airplane together. Person “B” tightly holds onto the front of Person “A” with their arms and legs, while Person A deploys their parachute immediately after leaving the plane. This leaves Person A under their parachute with Person B dangling from them (with their parachute still secured in their container)! After chatting – yep, you can talk under the parachute – and soaring around for a while, Person B will say farewell and let go of Person A to enter into freefall. Person B will then deploy their own parachute.

The sit train.

Envision doing a wall sit with someone behind you and someone in front of you, all facing forward. Grab onto the top of their container near their shoulders, and tighten your knees around their hips. Now, leave the airplane in that position!

Ready To Send It?

Book today to experience the fun of a tandem skydiving exit. If you love it (which we’re sure you will), learn to skydive solo and send some wicked exits with your new sky fam! Blue skies!

13 December 2024

Where to Stay in San Juan → 3 Best Areas for 2025 (+ Hotels)

Colorful houses line the coast near a historic fortification with a lighthouse, set against a blue ocean and sky.

Hi there! Planning a trip to Puerto Rico? When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in San Juan, I’ve got you covered. This vibrant city has it all—stunning architecture, gorgeous beaches, and mouthwatering food!

I’ve narrowed it down to 3 top areas in San Juan that are perfect for tourists, along with highly rated hotels to suit every budget in each area. This guide is packed with everything you need to know about where to stay in San Juan.

If it’s your first visit, Old San Juan is the place to be, right in the heart of all the action. But keep an eye out for the two other neighborhoods I’ll mention—they might just be a better fit for you!

One last tip: book your stay as soon as possible! The best hotels in San Juan fill up quickly, so don’t wait too long!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

These are the best hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico:

budget hotel

Fortel Hostel

Best affordable accommodation in the center

Here’s a map to help you visualize all the areas in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Old San Juan – where to stay for the first time

Colorful buildings and historic fortress walls overlook the waterfront in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The ocean breeze, the colorful buildings, and the Puerto Rican cuisine make this dreamy Caribbean island a beautiful place to visit! The historic Old San Juan is a neighborhood that serves as the city’s center of culture and has won the hearts of many tourists over the years!

This area is located just a 10-minute drive from the airport and is one of the best places if you’re visiting for the first time! Old San Juan’s rich history and architecture will allow you to travel back in time as you walk its cobblestone streets and explore the famous 5th-century forts!

This neighborhood is one of the most walkable places in the Caribbean, so you better pack some comfy shoes when you visit!

NOTE: Don’t confuse San Juan with Old San Juan! Old San Juan is just one part of the city of San Juan, and the Metro refers to all the areas that make up the city as a whole.

View through an arched stone passageway of a coastal fort, with people walking on the stone path and bright blue sea in the background.

Although Old San Juan will feel like paradise for those who love history, if you’re not a history buff, don’t worry! The nightlife, cafés, and boutique shops here will keep you busy all day long!

TIP: Wondering where to stay in San Juan before your cruise? Any hotel in the area will be more than happy to keep your bags for you before you have to check in for the adventure!

P.S. definitely book your hotel in advance to avoid the high prices, this is the most popular area to stay!

Luxury hotel

Hotel El Convento

Fancy staying in a restored 350-year-old building? Now it’s your chance! This luxurious boutique hotel has a central location and a Spanish design with arched doorways and bold colors. Enjoy the Puerto Rican sun by the outdoor pool and cool off with a swim! Hotel guests can relax with a massage or hit the fitness center at any time!

Other accommodation options in Old San Juan

Mid-Range

Villa Herencia Hotel

This boutique hotel has the coolest design, and it features local artwork, a library, and a hot tub

Budget

Fortel Hostel

Mingle with the guests at the bar of this cool hostel that has an on-site restaurant, and free WiFi

Airbnb

Trendy Loft

Such a cool apartment in Puerto Rico that has a spacious room, a kitchen, and a TV

Things to do in Old San Juan

Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro (map) and Castillo de San Cristóbal (map), 2 main forts
See the second oldest cathedral in the Americas, San Juan Bautista (map)
Take a picture for memories at Puerta de San Juan (map)
Admire the architecture of the Casa Blanca San Juan Museum
Check out the cafes in Plaza de Armas or Plaza Colón
Go on a food tour and try all the delicious dishes

2. Condado – the best place to stay in San Juan for luxury

Aerial view of a coastal city with modern buildings, a sports field, and lush greenery beside the ocean.

If you’re looking to treat yourself during your holiday to San Juan then go to Condado. This upscale area is one of the city’s most luxurious districts and is located just 3 miles (5 km) from Old San Juan.

Expect many beachfront hotels, high-end boutique stores, and fine-dining restaurants in Condado. Here, everyone comes to relax, do yoga, eat delicious food, and enjoy the good life!

Ashford Avenue, also known as the Puerto Rican “Fifth Avenue,” is where you’ll find la creme de la creme! Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier are some of the big brands that have stores here. What better way to end a full day of shopping than with dinner and drinks? Ashford Avenue is also home to a few high-end restaurants.

Condado offers its visitors the full package! Shopping, food, and one of my favorite parts: the beach! Condado Beach is super popular among tourists, and the Sailing Dreams Sunset & Cruises offers some amazing sailing trips. And let’s not forget about the beautiful Condado Lagoon, which is perfect for anyone who likes kayaking!

TIP: For a more secluded beach experience, I recommend going to Punta Piedrita, it has a much longer beach stretch!

Now let’s see the best hotels in Condado. If you want more luxury options, you can find a few more nice luxury hotels in the Isla Grande area by the convention center (like Sheraton).

Luxury hotel

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

Enjoy swimming all day long in the outdoor pool of this luxury hotel that boasts amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean! When you’re not out shopping, you can relax in the spa or work out in the fitness center. The beachfront accommodation also has a restaurant on-site and a bar.

Other accommodation options in Condado

Mid-Range

AC Hotel by Marriott

Sunbathe on the loungers by the outdoor pool of this hotel which has a restaurant and family rooms

Budget

Avila Guesthouse

Enjoy your stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in this budget hotel that has a lounge area and a kitchenette

Airbnb

Cozy Apartment

A lovely private rental on the main avenue just steps from the beach

BONUS: San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino in Condado is another excellent option for couples! It even has a casino on-site, plus a beachfront location, 2 restaurants, and 2 swimming pools.

Things to do in Condado

Treat yourself by shopping at the luxury stores on Ashford Avenue
Sunbathe and relax on Condado Beach
Meet fellow travelers at the favorite La Placita (map) bar
Enjoy a romantic sailing cruise with Sailing Dreams Sunset & Cruises
Have fun kayaking in Condado Lagoon
Take a stroll around the Plaza Antonia Quiñones (map)
Walk along the Puente Dos Hermanos (map) bridge at night to enjoy the city lights

3. Isla Verde – best place to stay for families

Person in a pink swimsuit walking along a sandy beach with buildings and palm trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Located some 7 km (4.5 mi) East of Old San Juan, this area is known for sandy beaches, watersports, and exclusive oceanfront hotels. If you’re traveling with the family and looking for a fun place to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico, then this is the spot for you!

Isla Verde is also a great option if you want to stay near the airport.

Here, you can have all the beach fun that you want with the kids! Whether you prefer to lay low and relax on the sandy beach and swim in the ocean, or you’re an adventurous spirit who wants to try all the different kinds of sports like surfing or parasailing, you’ll find everything you need here.

Some of the best beaches here are Isla Verde Beach, El Alambique Beach, and Carolina Beach.

TIP: Feel free to walk to the nearby Ocean Park area and hang out at the Playa Ocean Park just to change the atmosphere after 1 or 2 days of Isla Verde beach hopping! Also, there are tons of fun day trips you can take from San Juan, especially to El Yunque National Forest!

Luxury hotel

The Royal Sonesta

This amazing 4-star resort offers exceptional breakfast, beautiful rooms, 6 restaurants, and all the spa and fitness amenities you could imagine. It’s ideal for families with kids but also for couples as it’s oh so romantic!

Other accommodation options in Isla Verde

Mid-Range

Casa Aramana

Lovely 3-star hotel just 2 blocks from the beach with 2 swimming pools

Budget

Mar Del Norte

Enjoy your stay in San Juan in this great apartment that has a terrace, a garden, and a kitchenette

Airbnb

Stylish Apartment

I love the design of this apartment that offers beach access, and has a backyard and kitchen

Things to do in Isla Verde

Go sunbathing and swimming with the kids on the sandy beach of El Alambique
Try surfing on Pine Grove Beach (map)
Have fun parasailing with Watersports 4U (map)
Check out the Reserva Marina Arrecife de la Isla Verde (map) with the family
Relax in the iconic Lifeguards of the Reef Café (map)

Colorful hillside buildings in a coastal town by the sea under a clear blue sky.

13 December 2024

Sea Pickle | Barrier Island Eco Tours

December 9, 2024

Sea pickle found by a student!

Have you heard of Sea Pickle, Pickleweed or Glasswort? All common names for the genus Salicornia (and there are several other common names we’ve heard too!). These extremely salt-tolerant succulents are found salt and brackish water marshes along the coast. Some people enjoy using them in salads to add a salty, crunchy flavor while others will use the plant as a sea-salt flavor in dishes once sautéed.

To identify this succulent, look for a long segmented small plant grown in clumps along the high marsh zone of the salt marsh. This zone is occasionally inundated with salt water and the plants here have special adaptations for this harsh environment. Sea pickle is a bright green color but it will turn a stunning bright red during the fall. It is encouraged when foraging just to harvest the tips off of the plant. This allows the plant to continue to grow even after harvesting a little snack of it.

On Capers if you are looking to find sea pickle, head towards the washout area. This area looks as though a huge wave washed through the island almost cutting it in to two smaller islands. The washout is an area that does get “washed” out during storms. Not every storm has a high enough tide to do so. The Nor’easter’ of December 2017, 2023 was the last big storm that the water was so deep cutting through the washout that we couldn’t get to the other side of Capers during a low tide tour. (Thankfully it filled in with sand!) As you cut through the washout head towards where the impoundment is. Look along the edges of the washout area. That is where we find sea pickle on Capers!

13 December 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Skydiving Altimeters

Many wonder how skydivers know when to deploy their parachute – it’s a crucial moment that doesn’t seem like something you’d want to guess about! Luckily, skydivers have a handy little tool that helps them through their jump: the skydiving altimeter.

What is an altimeter and how does it work? We’ll get into the details below, but in a nutshell: a skydiving altimeter is the tool skydivers use to measure their altitude (or distance above the ground) during a jump.

And, like all skydiving gear, altimeters have evolved over the many decades they’ve been in use. Early models were crude and unreliable, but today’s altimeters are highly accurate and include all sorts of bells and whistles.

Read on to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about altimeters!

The Science Behind Skydiving Altimeters

There are two different ways that an altimeter can measure altitude: Above Ground Level (AGL) and Mean Sea Level (MSL). Airplanes often use MSL because this refers to true altitude, but skydivers use AGL because they only care about one thing, the ground!

So, how does an altimeter work? These instruments, regardless of AGL or MSL, work based on the principles of barometric pressure. In simple terms, air pressure decreases the higher you go. Altimeters measure this changing air pressure and convert it into an altitude reading.

Traditional altimeters consist of a sealed aneroid barometer (think balloon), which expands or contracts based on changes in air pressure. This movement is then translated into the movement of the needle to point to a corresponding altitude value on the altimeter’s display. Modern altimeters are often equipped with electronic sensors, which provide more accurate and reliable readings.

Extra credit: What is the difference between a barometer and an altimeter? The main difference lies in their function. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure to predict weather changes, while an altimeter uses barometric pressure to measure altitude.

The science and technology are almost as fun as skydiving!

Types of Skydiving Altimeters

What is an example of an altimeter? Glad you asked! There are actually three main categories of altimeters that skydivers typically use:

Analog Altimeter

skydiving altimeter An analog altimeter for skydiving looks very much like a clock or watch. There’s a circular dial with numbers evenly spaced around the face (representing thousands of feet) and a needle that moves to point at the current altitude. These altimeters are most often worn on the wrist, though skydivers sometimes mount them on their chest or even their feet. The analog version is the oldest iteration of the altimeter, but don’t let that fool you. Even analog altimeters have progressed and improved over the years to be cutting-edge pieces of technology.

Digital Altimeter

digital skydiving altimeter Digital altimeters for skydiving are a more recent addition to the fleet of altitude equipment and they caught the skydiving world by storm. Walk onto any dropzone and you’ll see that most of the skydivers there are using digital altimeters. This is because they tend to be lower profile, quicker to read, and can even store additional information about the jump (like speed, freefall time, and exit altitude). Digital altimeters, like their analog counterparts, are also worn on the wrist – they just display altitude in digital numbers instead of on a dial.

Audible Altimeter

Audible altimeters for skydiving are very similar to digital ones with one big difference: they don’t display the altitude visually in real time. The ‘audible’ in the name refers to the fact that this altimeter uses preset beeping alarms to alert the wearer at certain altitudes. Skydivers set the alarms for important altitudes (like when it’s time to deploy their parachute) and then wear them inside their helmets. This altimeter is typically used as a backup to the one worn on the wrist and can save lives!

How to Use a Skydiving Altimeter

Altimeters are one of the easiest pieces of skydiving gear to use. You just read it! But each type of altimeter does look a little different, so getting used to the way yours displays altitude before you get into the airplane is important.

Analog altimeters will usually have the numbers 1 through 12 listed, each representing 1000s of feet (1=1000 ft, 12=12,000 ft). Any jumps from above 12,000 feet just start the circle over again, which means 1=13,000 ft, and so on. In freefall, the needle on the face of an analog altimeter moves counter-clockwise at about the same speed as a second hand on a clock.

Digital altimeters use a similar system of abbreviation, but they typically show a number with decimals. For example, 9.75 would mean 9,750 feet. Some skydivers prefer this format to analog because people have become more used to digital displays.

Want to see what serious altitude looks like in real life? Book your tandem jump and we’ll show you! Blue skies!

13 December 2024

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Final words

The Science Behind Skydiving Altimeters

Types of Skydiving Altimeters

Analog Altimeter

Digital Altimeter

Audible Altimeter

How to Use a Skydiving Altimeter

Frequently Asked Questions