GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

What can be more exciting than travelling internationally for the first time? No matter how much you have travelled within your country, crossing the borders to explore a new nation, its culture, lifestyle, and cuisine is always an exciting experience to cherish.

The number of outbound travellers flying out to foreign destinations has shown significant growth after the ease of global travel restrictions post Covid-19. The travel ecosystem is again flourishing with inbound and outbound tourism, leading to re-establish the harmony in travel relations among various countries.

However, as a first-time traveller, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to make your experience more hassle-free and less daunting. This article will look at a few tips to help you have a successful first international trip.

1. Sort your passport:

The most important document that you need to have is a passport. Ideally, get your passport work done before you even begin planning your trip. However, the Indian government has facilitated “Tatkal” passports if you require a passport urgently. Under this scheme, you can get a passport between two to four days. Remember to keep a digital and a physical copy of your passport with you.
You must present your passport at security checks, immigration, and even at various hotels for identification purposes.

2. Visa process:

Make sure to check the visa requirements of the visiting country before booking tickets. Several countries offer visa-free access or visas on arrival to Indian passport holders. Visa on arrival is a procedure where a visa is provided to people upon arrival in the destination country rather than applying for it before flying.
Countries such as Maldives, Hong Kong, and Mauritius do not require visas for Indian passports. While, countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, etc., have a visa on arrival facility for Indian passport holders.

3. Money and Currency:

Many banks offer you international transactions and withdrawal facilities. Check your bank and understand their requirements, such as international fees, currency exchange rates, and ATM withdrawal fees. Carry some physical money during your trips. Withdraw a significant amount of cash from the airport to skip ATM fees.

4. Accommodation:

We have always heard people talk about the exorbitant rates of hotels and local transportation. Booking your accommodation at the last minute can be expensive. Instead, book at least a couple of months before your trip to get the best deals on good properties. Look for hotels that provide complementary services such as breakfast and Wi-Fi for maximum benefits.
If you are travelling with a group, your ideal choice would be to book a dormitory. You can stock the fridge here with food and groceries from nearby supermarkets, thus significantly cutting your accommodation and food expenses.

5. Transport:

Avoid booking taxis and rentals beforehand. After reaching your destination, download local transport and rental apps to avoid swindling. Travelling on local buses and trains is an excellent way to interact with the locals and other travellers.

6. Safety first:

It is highly important to keep yourself safe, be in your hotel or while travelling. Do not leave your bag and wallets lying around in cafes or public spaces. A crossbody bag is a must for passports and wallets. Keep the emergency contact details in your bag, especially when you're travelling with kids and aged people.
To have an extra layer of safety, look for a general insurance company that provides you with a comprehensive travel cover. This will safeguard you against expenses you might face because of theft, delayed flights, overbooked hotels, etc.

These are a few ways to make your first international trip successful and enjoyable. Do thorough research on the places you want to go, the cost, and your flight timing to avoid long queues. And as mentioned, do not forget to look for a general insurance company that suits your needs for that extra guarantee of a safe trip. First-timers’ trips are always special, and you, too, might want your first international trip to be your best memory.

Click HERE to know more about general insurance and its benefits.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Considering the multitude of experiences, travellers all across the globe talk about India being their preferred destination for travel. Blessed with an extensive network of rivers flowing through the interiors of different states, India opens up to exciting river adventures for travel enthusiasts. One such adventure is river rafting, which charges up travellers' adrenaline.

This off-beat experience was introduced to boost India's inbound and domestic tourism, and over the years, it has shown remarkable responses from travellers. Manoeuvering the raft, feeling the roaring waters gushing past, and trusting the fellow rafters is a lifetime experience. Following is the list of places where you can plan to enjoy river rafting.

1. The Ganges, Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is a traveller’s favourite river rafting destination in India. Rafting in Ganga promises you a vast arena of difficulty levels and routes. No matter the level of expertise, you get to experience river rafting for everyone here.
Another benefit of choosing this stretch is the breathtaking views. The Garhwal mountains and the white sand river beaches are some of the most beautiful sites you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Plan to visit this place between September and June.

2. Barapole, Coorg:

This river in the southern part of Karnataka circles the Deccan Plateau and is one of the best river rafting fronts in South India. However, the route here is not for the faint-hearted as it is incredibly challenging and covers a stretch of about one hundred and fifty kilometres. July to September is the best time to visit Coorg.

3. Spiti, Himachal:

This stretch of one hundred and eighty kilometres spans between the Tuting region and reaches up to Pasighat. Rafting is spread over six days. What makes it worth the experience is the scenic views of villages and a closer look at the local life of the area. Tourists throng the place during July and August.

4. Kundalika, Maharashtra:

Kundalika is considered to be one of the fastest flowing rivers. River rafting here is open throughout the year. Kundalika is close to Pune and Mumbai, making it ideal for weekend getaways with family and friends. The green views and the rich rice fields are sure to be an experience and worth remembering.

5. Beas, Kullu Manali:

A relatively short route between Pirdi and Jhiri, the river rafting here covers a distance of about 14 kilometres. However, the rapids here can be challenging to manoeuver, but the scenery of the Beas makes it a must-visit place when in Kullu. The rafting is open between July and September.

6. Indus, Ladakh:

Indus hosts many river rafting spots, all of which are open for beginners. It offers spectacular courses and locations such as the Grand Canyon of Asia or the Zanskar canyon, the beautiful Ladakh skies, etc. The best season starts from July and goes on up to September.

Now that you have seen the list of places that host spectacular river rafting experiences in the country, get ready to plan your next trip to these places to feel the thrill. Whether going with family or friends or travelling solo, always keep safety your priority. Follow all the instructions carefully and make the optimum use of the safety gears provided to you. A little negligence can be fatal, and don't let carelessness spoil all your fun.

Take that extra mile towards safety and look for general insurance online quote to add value to your trips. Stay protected against all the additional costs you might face during your journey and are compensated for any damage or loss to your luggage. Ensure a safe touring experience with Magma HDI's insurance coverage.

Click HERE to know more about general insurance online quote.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

If you have recently started your fitness journey or are planning to do it soon, you will come across words like “strength training” and “weight training”. But, what do these terms mean, and how much of it should you inculcate in your daily fitness regimen? More often, people primarily focus on weight loss or bodybuilding. However, an important thing to remember is to lose fat healthily. Overdoing your exercises and following unreasonable diets can have the opposite effect on your body.

This article will look at a few key differences between “weight training” and “strength training” to help you understand them better. Always remember to use weights under the guidance of a professional. Improper postures and overestimating your ability can lead to muscular and joint injuries. Let’s get started!

What is weight training?

Weight training indicates exercises that require the use of weights. Weights can be of various types; dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, etc. Weight training is not limited to using gym equipment for your exercises. You can also make use of your body weight to practice weight training. Exercises such as push-ups, planks, and pull-ups are a few examples of using your body weight to see similar results to gym training.

Do not exert too much with excessive weights while doing weight training. Focus on how long it takes to fatigue your muscle with the most basic weight. Build your way up from there. Adding weights and gradually increasing the number of sets is a highly efficient way of building strength. If you experience pain while doing an exercise, it is best to leave that exercise. Take that up later with fewer weights.

Benefits of weight training:

● Increases strength of muscles and tissues

● Improves bone density

● Improves heart health

● It prevents aches in joints and back

● Aids in weight loss

● Defines and sculpts your body

What is strength training?

Strength training focuses on building strength and resistance. The basic purpose of doing strength training is to develop a strong core. It takes advantage of muscle contraction to build endurance and overall body strength. Strength training involves parts of weight training such as push-ups, lunges, etc. Equipment can vary from ropes and sleds to balance balls, and tyres. Strength training involves customised plans to stimulate and emphasise a particular area.

It is highly beneficial for people looking to improve their flexibility. Sportspersons undergo this training to enhance their skills and understand the chain of movement they will require in the game. Strength training plays a crucial role in helping people manoeuvre through these routines and gain optimal body functionality.

Benefits of strength training:

● Strengthens your body

● Boosts your metabolism

● Reduces fat

● Lowers risk of injury

● Helps in managing blood sugar levels

● Makes you more flexible

These are a few key differences between strength and weight training. One thing to remember while starting weight or strength training is to consult a trainer or a professional. Proper guidance is important for first-timers. Professionals can aid you in understanding the requirements of your body and customise a plan accordingly.

Irrespective of what kind of exercise you are doing, do not underestimate the power of a proper warm-up. Warm-ups prepare your muscles and tissues to prepare your body for an intense workout and decrease the chances of injuries. Putting in ten minutes of your time to do cardio or walking makes a good warm-up.

People join a gym or a yoga class to remain fit and healthy. However, investing in health insurance is another good habit of remaining aware of health. Health expenses can severely drain your finances, and reliable health insurance will help you avoid them. Take a step toward a healthier lifestyle and buy health insurance online in India. Enjoy the perks of purchasing a heal insurance policy online and get rewarded with an attractive premium.

Click HERE to find out how to buy health insurance online India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

India is an agricultural-based country, where farmers and farming have an exponential impact on the whole country. The concept of farming should not just be confined to the villages or rural areas. Rather than perceiving it as a profession, it should be practiced as a hobby that can offer several valuable experiences.

Have you thought of maintaining your own farm? This thought might have crossed your mind at least once, but you might be wondering how farming can be helpful to you. It might sound surprising to most city dwellers, but yes, farming in your backyard, lawn, or terrace can positively impact our lives. Let's know-how.

1. Creates multiple opportunities:

The farming sector is booming with many promising job opportunities. The growing demand for education and significant research in the farming sector brings many new opportunities, such as farms, nurseries, and hatcheries.

2. Maintain the economy:

The increasing population can meet the rising job opportunities in the farming sector. This ensures that the demand and supply balance is maintained. As a result, the prices of food and other products stay level for the consumers.

3. Teaches emotional investment:

Growing a crop is what nurturing a child feels like. You sow the seeds at the earliest stage and make sure they grow properly. You provide all the other nutrients and protect the seeds and saplings against harsh wind, heavy rain, and excessive sunlight. You choose suitable pesticides to ensure that the bugs and other insects don't destroy your crops. The whole cultivation process requires a lot of capital, physical labour, and emotional investment. Patience plays a huge role here. Understanding how emotions develop throughout the entire growth helps in the long run.

4. Medicinal purposes:

Many crops and plants act as medicines rich in various nutrients and minerals. Several medical practitioners advise their patients to consume the processed version of these plants (or even raw) to treat nausea, morning sickness during pregnancy, kidney stones, etc. Many of these crops are cultivated to feed the cattle and livestock and get the best quality of dairy products.

5. Saves water and soil:

The roots of the crops hold the soil tightly, thus avoiding soil erosion due to severe climatic factors like heavy rain or wind. This helps keep the nutritional value of the top layer of the soil, which is essential for the growth of plants. Practicing farming also helps avoid the drainage of toxic chemicals into the rivers or seepage into the water table.

4. Self-assurance:

It will help if you build a strong anti-nausea mindset. Keep reciting to yourself that you will not feel sick or nauseous. This prepares your brain to think flying is normal and there is no need to fear. You will gain confidence and reassure your body to stay calm, especially during stressful moments. Ask a friend or travel companion to help you when you feel nauseous.

6. Sustainability:

Farming crops that provide biodegradable products like cotton, paper, wool, etc., contribute immensely to sustainability. Due to the excessive pollution and increased usage of non-biodegradable products, there is a massive negative impact on the climatic conditions. Sustainability is a huge influencing factor in saving our planet against significant issues like global warming and climate change.

Those were some of the pointers on how practicing farming can significantly impact your life. Farming connects you directly to the soil, and the moment you feel the soil, you reap good outcomes. This sublime connection will leave a positive impression and bring out the best version of yourself.

Your contribution through farming does not mean just growing crops. It highlights your contribution to boosting the economy, promoting sustainability, and encouraging healthy living. Farming enables access to a variety of healthy food products, which help in building strength and immunity in people of all age groups. And with global health standards getting a massive blow, it becomes more important to address health issues with seriousness.

Just like you protect your precious crops from getting damaged by using the right pesticides, it is vital to safeguard your and your loved one's health. You can accomplish this by purchasing the best health insurance policy. Make a hassle-free purchase and buy health insurance online to benefit yourself with the best premium and returns on investment.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy health insurance online.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Have you ever felt nauseous and woozy during your flight’s take-off, landing, or while you are up in the air? Or have you felt an aversion to food or beverages during your air journey? If you nod your head in agreement, this condition is called motion sickness. It is a common issue among both frequent travellers and non-travellers.

Dealing with motion sickness becomes challenging for people who travel long distances or have longer durations of flights. They start feeling dizzy and tend to throw up even at the chance of slight turbulence. People with motion sickness issues experience a high level of discomfort, which makes their whole journey experience terrible to put up with.

Travelling while feeling nauseous the whole time is a nightmare. It can also be triggered by anxiety, stress, and panic. And it is very much possible to continue feeling nauseous and sick even hours after your flight. Some symptoms of motion sickness include headaches, nausea, anxiety, palm and forehead sweats, dizziness, fatigue, etc.

This blog will discuss the best tips to help with nausea or any stress during your flight.

1. Book your seat:

Make sure that you pick the right seat while booking your flight tickets. It would be great to select the seats in a stable zone and less prone to turbulence. So, the front wing of the plane is the best option for you not to feel nauseated.

2. Say no to books:

Experts suggest against reading on a plane if you experience nausea whenever you fly. To avoid feeling sick, you need to maintain equilibrium and focus on a horizontal and stable seating position. But while reading, you squint and expand your eyes to read small letters, which ruin your concentration and equilibrium.

3. Eat travel-friendly food:

Monitor the type of food you eat before you board the plane. Avoid having oily and heavy food as it will be difficult for you to digest without any movement. An excessively filled stomach can make you nauseous. Avoid salty food items that trigger dehydration. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated when high in the sky and in drier air.

4. Self-assurance:

It will help if you build a strong anti-nausea mindset. Keep reciting to yourself that you will not feel sick or nauseous. This prepares your brain to think flying is normal and there is no need to fear. You will gain confidence and reassure your body to stay calm, especially during stressful moments. Ask a friend or travel companion to help you when you feel nauseous.

Some other ways to control your nausea are by packing some medicine that aggravates sleep, drinking some ginger ale, acupressure, etc.

We hope that you found this helpful information. While we discussed the best tips to help with nausea during flight, you need to be attentive regarding your health status as well. There is no telling when you might face health distress. To make things easier in such panic health emergencies, you can rely on health insurance.

Start with your research and list all the affordable health insurance plans. Opt for the one which balances all your expectations. It is always a good idea to have a check on your safety measures before flying off or starting a trip.

Click HERE to know more about affordable health insurance plans

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Road trips with your closest friends promise many fun memories and thrilling experiences. But have you thought of taking a cross-country road trip with your travel friends? Cross-country road trips are a fun way to explore the country's diverse and local landscapes. It also leaves space for new additions to the itinerary as you can make pit stops whenever you want to and travel at your own pace.

Planning a cross-country trip involves lots of thought and readiness in all aspects. Physical and mental preparedness is paramount when deciding to plan such extensive journeys. From budgeting to making the itinerary and ensuring the excellent condition of your bike to taking care of your health, the complete road map of your trip should be ready in advance.

In this article, we will take note of a few things to keep in mind before you take that much-awaited road trip with your friends on your bike.

1. Calculate the duration of your trip:

It is essential to calculate how much time you will need to spend on the road to the chosen destination. Depending upon the duration, you will have to decide the number of pit stops you will take and the lodging facility if you plan on halting for the night. Driving non-stop can be tiring, so chalking out the timelines for driving and resting would be an excellent way to give your body some rest.

2. Choose your stops before beginning the trip:

Doing thorough research on the entire route and marking important places to visit is an intelligent way to undertake long road trips. While choosing the places of significance, note other important things such as fuel pumps, public toilets, hygienic restaurants, etc.

3. Booking and lodging:

Booking your lodging well in advance can help you avoid the last-minute panic of finding a place to find good shelter. If you are working with a flexible schedule, look for options on the go. This will give you space for exploring newer routes, and you might stumble upon some hidden gems on the way.

4. Packing and checklist:

It is best to pack light while travelling on a two-wheeler. Since the weather can be pretty unpredictable, choosing bags with rain covers is a clever idea. Add first aid, emergency medicines, sunscreen, and snacks to your travel kit.
Another way to avoid bulky packing is to opt for vacuum packing. Vacuum packing helps in the compression of all your clothes and other essentials. This way, you save space and cut down on the number of bags you need to carry.

5. Preparing your two-wheeler:

Before taking a cross-country road trip, you must take your bike to the service centre. Check for tyre pressure, wheel alignment, brakes, engine performance, etc. Change engine oil if required. Before setting out on the journey, ensure that all your paperwork is in place. Remember to check the batteries and fill the fuel tank before you leave. Another essential thing to note is to insure your bike with 2 wheeler insurance. If you already have, consider getting add-ons such as breakdown assistance, damages due to floods, accidents etc.

A road trip can be enjoyable and one of the most exhilarating experiences if appropriately planned. Keeping a few things in mind and being responsible will add value to your experience.

As mentioned above, your health and bike are essential for your road trip to succeed. Keep a first-aid kit for common medical emergencies during your travel. Also, remember to have a comprehensive 2 wheeler insurance to ensure that your bike is covered and safeguarded against any unprecedented expense you might incur during your trip.

Click HERE to know more about 2 wheeler insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

"To-be" parents enjoy investing time and money to transform their child's room into a small world where their baby feels comfortable. They carefully plan and curate their thoughts about the room, including toys, fancy paints, and furniture for the newborns.

These elements just don't make the room attractive but develop an interest in the child. As babies have excellent observation skills, decorating their room with colours and playful stuff will help them enjoy new experiences.

Parents get tensed while selecting the theme and the other decorative articles. There are various options available in the market, which make the to-be-parents more confused. We are here with a few fantastic themes you can choose from. You can browse through the blog and think of ideas with fresh perspectives. Add a personal touch and get ready to welcome your newborn into the world!

1. Space-time exploration:

You can decorate your baby's room with various maps, flags of different countries, ships, rockets, space shuttles, planets, stars, the sun, the moon, and other images that will bring curiosity. You can also use glow-in-the-dark stickers of the stars and the planets to cap off the night sky.

2. Let's go to the zoo:

A zoo decor would be a great idea to give the room a natural and jungle look. You can create grasses and graphics of different animals and birds to excite your baby. Use colours that pop off to stimulate your child's mind and develop their brains from a very young age. You can also put up a small canopy in the room, giving it a "camping in the woods" feel to engage your child’s creativity and interest in learning new experiences.

3. Beneath the ocean:

Paint the whole room blue. You can depict the diverse life forms in the ocean. Put up pictures of cute whales, sharks, fishes, jellyfishes, coral reefs, etc. Make use of glow-in-the-dark jellyfish stickers displaying their original nature and give the room a complete underwater look. You may put up a bedsheet with designs of fishes or buy cushions in the shape of sea animals to bring more marine character to the room.

4. Cartoon characters are fun:

You can draw and paint famous children's cartoon characters and elements from favourite cartoon shows. You can paint them yourself or call an expert to decorate your baby's room. Select different props from the show, and put the soft toy versions in the crib, chair, or floor.

5. Kids love beaches:

Babies love playing in the sun. And beaches are a whole carnival for them. You can use light yellow wallpaper to display the sand and decorate it with stickers, pictures, or other marine items and plushies of seashells, crabs, forts, oysters, etc. This would complete the beach vibes you want to create.

These were a few exciting theme ideas that you can implement while decorating your child's room. Take your time, research thoroughly, and design a room your baby will enjoy. After all, your baby will be spending most of its developing years in that room.

To be a parent brings many responsibilities. Along with the decoration, it would be wise to consider protecting your home. A home is where you make the most of the memories with your children and loved ones.

The damages to home come uninvited, but you must be prepared beforehand to tackle all the mishaps. Damage to property due to theft or natural disasters can drain your pockets. So, invest in home insurance India to put less monetary pressure and assure guaranteed compensation for these damages. Reap the benefits of providing hassle-free protection for your home and make endless memories with your family.

Click HERE to know more about how you can buy home insurance India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Watching the beautiful horizon from the open deck is a mesmerising experience. Cruise trips seem elite and sound exciting. It is a paradise for ocean lovers. From solo ventures to family getaways, the cruise journeys welcome travellers to enjoy an unforgettable maritime holiday opportunity. Sailing couldn't have been more fun with several recreational activities, games, and cuisine organised onboard. Every moment on the ship reflects a beautiful memory to cherish forever!

Planning your first cruise trip can seem daunting without proper information about bookings, the right time to travel, the expenses, and much more.

This blog is your guide to understanding all the information you need to know before you board the ship. Carefully go through the pointers and chart all the requirements to plan a hassle-free cruise trip. Here’s all you need to know.

1. Timing is everything:

You need to figure out the right time to sail. Finalise your destinations and understand their sailing season. Look up the details of the touchpoints and the locations you wish to visit on the cruise company’s website or reservation site and research their sailing calendar.

2. Choosing the right cruise:

Different cruise liners provide you with various amenities and a range of activities to do while you’re on your sea voyage. Carefully look at different packages and determine which one fits your vacation goals and budget. Choosing the right cruise is important as they will take you on a journey to foreign countries and continents. Multiple onboard activities will keep you engaged throughout your travel.

3. Intent of travel is important:

Determining how and why you wish to take a cruise trip would be best. It is essential to determine your travel purpose as you will be out in the sea longer than expected. And when there are fewer locations to step down and explore and more sea exploration, things can get a little challenging due to the feeling of stagnation. Hence it is essential to figure out how confident and strongly willing you are to take a sea voyage.

4. Book the cruise:

While planning your first-ever cruise trip, you should book with someone trustworthy. Or some of your close contacts have already experienced their services and recommend them. Given the time of the journey and the heavy expenditure, you must ensure to do research regarding the company before you go ahead and book your tickets.

5. What should your itinerary look like:

Foremost finalise your budget and the location before you head out in search of the best cruise trips and their itineraries. Fixing your budget will help you narrow down your list of options and help you efficiently choose the suitable itinerary that covers all your expectations.

6. Choosing the perfect cabin:

You will have several options to pick from when you are finalising your cabin for the cruise journey. But how to choose the right cabin? If you’re easily seasick, looking for cabins with a sea view will not be advisable. You can choose higher or lower cabins according to your preferences, which do not face the sea but open your doorway into the activity area, making you feel more alive!

Certain other pointers like checking on your travel documents: your passports, visa, identity proof, tickets, etc., are paramount. Keep your health as the priority. Make all necessary preparations regarding the medications you might need beforehand to avoid the stress of getting sick when onboard.

While planning your first cruise trip can be stressful yet exciting, it is always helpful to be prepared for any travel or medical emergencies in advance. Unprecedented circumstances can result in panic situations while travelling. Don’t let health emergencies spoil your excitement of enjoying your first cruise trip.

We advise you to browse through Magma HDI’s general insurance plans and purchase the one which would cover your travel insurance in the best way possible. Purchase the best general insurance plan and sail carefree. Bon voyage!

Click HERE to know more about how general insurance plans can make your travel experience risk-free.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.