Installing a Roller Mosquito Net: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Mosquitos come with many health problems, especially in the warm months. Installing a rolling mosquito net for the window helps keep mosquitos and insects at par. The process of installing one is relatively easy and is also an effective solution that keeps unwanted visitors away from home. Just with the help of a few essential tools are required to make the living space free from flying insects. 

 Let's look at the step-by-step guide for installing a rolling mosquito net for windows.  

Step 1: Gather the materials required to install a Zipline mosquito nets  

Before beginning to install a mosquito net, it's essential to prep with all the necessary materials.  

A Zip system Mosquito net, measuring tape for measurement, scissors for cutting the net, a screwdriver, a pencil/marker, and a drill will be the tools that would be required to install a Roller Mosquito Net successfully.  

Step 2: Measure the area where the Roller Mosquito Net is needed 

Start with measuring the height and width of the window/door where a roller mosquito net is needed.  

Use a measuring tape as it will give accurate measurements.  

For installing a rolling mosquito net for windows, measure the window width from one side of the frame to the other and the height from the top of the window to the frame of the same; for doors, use the measuring tape to measure the width and height of the inner edges of the door frame. Measuring the doors/windows with precision will show how much Roller Mosquito Net will be required.  

- Once the measurements are taken, note them to measure the appropriate size for the Zipline mosquito nets. 

Step 3: Trim the mosquito net fabric according to measurements  

Once the desired measurement is taken, remove the mosquito net fabric from the cover.  

Trim the net, which is required using a pair of scissors or any cutting tool. Also, make it a point to leave some extra space on the sides, as this ensures the net will fit snugly.  

Carefully cut the edges without leaving any fraying or uneven edges, as it will let flying insects enter the house.  

If the Zip system Mosquito nets come with a pre-cut fabric, ensure that the fabric matches the dimensions of the window/door.  

Step 4: Roller mechanism  

Most of the nets come with an installed roller tube and side tracks, which are very easy to install.  

When performing a DIY, start by positioning the roller tube at the top of the window/door and using a pencil to mark the locations of the screw holes on the frame. 

Use a screwdriver to place the roller tube securely to the frame with the help of screws.  

Step 5: Connect the Mosquito Net Fabric 

Once the roller mechanism has been placed securely, attach the Zip system Mosquito nets fabric while sliding the edge of the fabric into the roller tube. Make sure it aligns properly with the roller tube.  

Step 6: Final adjustments  

Once the net is installed and secured, check for any loose edges or gaps that will allow the mosquitos to enter. Ensure all the necessary adjustments are made to ensure a tight fit of the rolling mosquito net for windows. Once you ensure the fit, clean any reduces that are used while installing the net.  

Installing Zipline mosquito nets is easy and can be completed by following a few steps. It's important to maintain the mosquito net by cleaning the net regularly. Keep an eye on any signs of wear and tear as it enables mosquitos to enter the indoor space. Protecting the indoor spaces from flying insects is essential. If you are looking for a proficient provider of automatic mosquito nets, you can opt for the one from Chirag Netting Solutions. Being one of the leading providers for mosquito nets, invisible grills, bird nets, roll up screen and aluminum mesh. 

Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit?

Posted: 11/3/2019 | November 3rd, 2019

Tropical jungles bursting with wildlife, mountainous landscapes extending into the horizon, picture-perfect beaches on both sides of the country, and a never-ending supply of fun activities no matter your budget.

Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s paradise — and it’s one of my favorite countries in the world too. It was the first country I ever traveled to and it was the country that sparked my wanderlust.

The beaches feel like paradise, there’s great surfing, diving, and plenty of places to get away from the hordes of retired Americans that live here. No matter what your interest, there are tons of things to see and do in Costa Rica without breaking the bank.

But is Costa Rica safe to visit?

The country was fortunate to escape the Cold War conflicts and brutal gang violence that impacted other countries in Central America. However, in recent years, Costa Rica has become more involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

But the country is super safe for tourists. At worst, you’ll get scammed for a few bucks. I mean the country is so safe it doesn’t even have an army!

While Costa Rica is one of the safest countries for travel and backpacking in Central America, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Here are some tips to guarantee a safe and stress-free experience:

1. Avoid isolated areas – If you’re somewhere isolated, you’ll be at a greater risk for getting robbed, especially at night and in big cities. Try to stay where the crowds are. That’s the best way to avoid being singled out by potential muggers.

2. Don’t wear flashy items – Petty theft is common here, so remove any jewelry or watches, and don’t wave your phone around. Do your best to blend in, so you don’t become a target for pickpockets. If you happen to find yourself a victim of a robbery, follow the instructions of the robber and give up your valuables; these material items can be replaced but your life cannot.

3. Don’t leave your items unattended – If you are spending the day on the beaches in Puerto Viejo, Santa Theresa, or Manuel Antonio, do not leave your belongings unattended while swimming or walking along the sand; locals or tourists alike can easily take your valuables if you leave them around. Just take what you need with you and nothing more.

4. Be alert when using public transportation – Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime you’ll face in Costa Rica. Most of the theft in Costa Rica occurs while taking the bus. Keep your bag containing valuables and identification on your lap and stay vigilant.

5. Always take an authorized taxi – Crimes against cab riders are infrequent here but it’s best you use a licensed taxi. Also, pay close attention to the meter and make sure it’s running. Cab drivers can turn the meter off and claim it’s broken (a common scam, see below).

6. Buy travel insurance – This is especially important if you plan to join in on activities like ziplining, white water rafting, or surfing. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

We recommend World Nomads for travelers under 70, while Insure My Trip is the best choice for travelers over 70.

For more information on tarvel insurance, check out these posts:

What Does Travel Insurance ACTUALLY Cover?

The 7 Best Travel Companies in 2019

How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance

How to Avoid Scams in Costa Rica

There are really only two common scams found in Costa Rica:

1. Taxi Scam You hop into a taxi and realize the meter isn’t running. You mention this to the driver and their response is the meter is “broken,” and quotes you a price that is outrageously high. Or you might notice that the meter is working but the fare is increasing faster than a running cheetah.

Do your research and get an idea of how much a ride should cost from your hostel or hotel staff before hailing a taxi. In my experience, if the cabbie tries to negotiate the rate, I use the rate quoted to me and if they refuse, I get out and find someone who will turn the meter on. If the meter looks as though it’s rising unusually fast, ask the driver to pull over and get out immediately.

2. The “Cheap Tour” Scam You’re exploring the sites and sounds of the city and a well-mannered, nicely dressed person approaches you and asks if you’re looking to go on a tour. They do a fantastic job describing the most unforgettable trip you’ll ever take in your life, and at a fraction of the cost of other tour companies. You’re sold and hand them a deposit. You wait the next day for them to pick you up, but no one shows up. You realize there was no amazing tour at 50% less; you’d been tricked.

To avoid this scam only use authorized companies when booking tours. Your hostel/hotel can always help you, and if you plan to book through a tour company check their online reviews ahead of time. Never trust someone trying to sell you a tour on the street who does not have an official office or storefront.

These scams are the most common ones you’ll face while in Costa Rica. If you’re worried about scams, read this post on travel scams to avoid. Avoiding travel scams requires a lot of common sense and a healthy dose of suspicion.

Zika Risk in Costa Rica

While there are no reports of a Zika outbreak in the country, Costa Rica has had reported cases of the Zika virus. While risks are low, travelers are advised to take the following precautions:

Use mosquito repellent on your body to prevent bites and sleep under a mosquito net to avoid getting bit while when you’re asleep

Wear breathable garments that cover your arms and legs (if you’re wondering what you should apply first, apply sunscreen first followed by repellent).

Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to prevent mosquitos from entering your room

Pregnant women or couples considering pregnancy should consult a healthcare practitioner prior to travel

FAQ on Costa Rica Safety

Here are the most common questions I get asked about staying safe in Costa Rica (and my answers to them):

Is Street Food in Costa Rica Safe?

In Costa Rica, street food is safe to eat and not to be missed! I’ve had my fair share of empanadas, fresh fruits from open markets, and other local foods and have been perfectly fine.

That being said, if something doesn’t look cooked through (such as chicken) or has been out in the sun for too long, then trust your gut and don’t eat it. But I would encourage you to try the street food as it’s the best way to experience the cuisine and support local businesses (plus, it’s cheap!)

Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink in Costa Rica?

The tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink, however, it’s recommended that you avoid drinking the tap water in most beach destinations. The best way to make sure your drinking water is safe is to bring a SteriPen or LifeStraw for your reusable water bottle. This way you’ll be able to purify the tap water so you don’t get sick — and avoid using single-use plastic bottles in the process.

Are Taxis in Costa Rica Safe?

The taxis in Costa Rica are safe and reliable, though you’ll always want to make sure you’re getting in an authorized taxi. During the day, you can hail a taxi from the street safely, but make sure you pay attention that the meter is turned on and running properly.

If you’re taking a taxi at night it’s best to have your accommodation call it for you. That will ensure you get a reputable company. Never hail a random taxi at night.

As mentioned earlier, taxi drivers will occasionally try to take advantage of travelers by overcharging them. Always remain alert and if anything feels suspicious ask the driver to stop the cab and get out. Don’t take any chances with your safety.

Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Travelers?

Costa Rica is a safe country to visit for solo travelers. As long as you stay away from isolated areas, don’t wave your valuables around, and don’t travel alone at night you will be able to avoid the most common dangerous situations.

Additionally, be sure to download offline maps and an offline language app (like Google Translate) so you can look up directions if you get lost or communicate with the locals in an emergency. If you can, try to learn some Spanish before you go too. Even a few key phrases can go a long way!

Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America so if you’re new to solo female travel, Costa Rica is a great country to start with. However, you’ll still need to take some precautions of course. Always avoid isolated locations and don’t travel alone after dark. If you happen to experience cat calling or harassment from strangers on the street, be confident, avoid eye contact, and walk away.

Solo female travelers will want to remain extra vigilant at bus terminals, bars, and taxi stands where harassment is more common. When traveling around the city, ask your hotel what the safest route is and also which areas you should avoid. Also, avoid taking taxis at night — especially by yourself.

By taking some precautions and planning accordingly, solo female travelers will be able to have a memorable time in Costa Rica. Just make sure to follow the advice and tips above!

Here are helpful posts on safety written by our solo female travel experts:

How to Stay Safe as a Solo Female Traveler

8 Myths About Solo Female Travel Debunked

10 Common Questions About Solo Female Travel

Women Shouldn’t Be Afraid To Travel Alone

*** With any tourist destination, you’ll run into people trying to pull fast ones on visitors. By using caution, common sense, and following the tips above, you’ll be able to stay safe and healthy during your visit to Costa Rica.

Book Your Trip to Costa Rica: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. Some of my favorite places to stay in Costa Rica:

Arenal Backpackers Resort – This is a luxurious, laid-back hsotel with a pool that’s great for hanging out and meeting people.

Rocking J’s (Puerto Viejo) – The coolest hostel in all the country. This hostel located on the beach is the prime spot to meet other backpackers.

Hostel Vista Serena (Manuel Antonio) – With great ammenities, staff, and a pime location, it’s the best place in the area.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Want More Information on Costa Rica? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Costa Rica for even more planning tips!

The post Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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Single and ready to mingle.

After Alyssa and I said our goodbyes in Ho Chi Minh city, I head out to get some food and walk around a little before catching my bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I hadn’t gotten sick at all on the trip yet, and knew that it had to come sooner or later. I think it was a combo of the heat/lack of sleep/alcohol the night before but I felt nauseous the entire 6-hour bus ride and ended up throwing up on the side of the road during our washroom/meal breaks. I got to my hostel pretty late in the evening, and went straight to bed after checking in. Not sure what had gotten into me, but I knew the best thing to do was to try and sleep it off.

The next morning I woke up at a decent hour, had a nice big smoothie for breakfast, and headed out to explore some of the city. I began at the National Museum, which was quite mediocre in my opinion, and then after checking out one of the cities’ many temples, I got lunch along the river, before heading to the Grand Palace. My buddy Thomas, who we had met on our Ha Long Bay cruise, and then again in Hanoi, happened to be at the same hostel in Phnom Penh at the same time as me. He hadn’t visited the palace yet, so he decided to join me. Turns out I wasn’t fully over my sickness yet, because I ended up almost fainting and throwing up on the grounds of the Grand Palace. Thank God I was able to keep it in, because wow, what a place to get sick. After the temple, I knew I had to get back to the hostel, so we shared a tuk-tuk back, and I spent the rest of the afternoon sleeping. I woke up just in time for my dinner plans with Alyson, a friend who had been living in Phnom Penh for a few years. After catching up over dinner, she dropped me back off at my hostel, and since I was feeling much better, decided to partake in the hostel’s bar crawl, although I didn’t partake in the drinking aspect of it.

The following morning, Rohini, one of my roommates during my exchange in Paris, flew from Singapore to meet me and we caught a bus to Siem Reap together. We arrived in the afternoon, checked into our hostel and then spent most of the day walking around town, getting food, and browsing the market. After dark, we eventually made our way back to our hostel, and went to sleep at a decent hour, after participating in a few hostel games.

The following day began at 4am, to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat (classic tourist move), and then exploring a few of the incredible temples around. I honestly didn’t know too much about this temple complex going into is, but I very quickly learned the significance and importance of it, and how it was once the largest civilisation in the world. I was continuously blown away by its intricacy - how immense and how impressive it was especially for its time, and how much of it remains intact today. It was quite an incredible experience and at the end of the day, it actually left me feeling quite insignifiant and miniscule. We stayed longer than the tour and rented a tuktuk to check out some more temples that were a little more off the beaten path, before heading back to the hostel in the afternoon. There was a pool party going on, but we were quite exhausted, so we took a nap and hungout for a bit before heading out to grab dinner, walk around town, and get pedicures.

On our last day, Rohini and I were wanting to do different things, so we ended up going our separate ways, me to a floating village on a lake (w/ Thomas who I had originally met Vietnam), and her on some mountain/waterfall excursion. That night, we met back up at the hostel to grab food together and then met up for a beer with a guy Rohini had met on her excursion. He was living in Shanghai at the time, so it was interesting to talk to him and compare experiences.

Later that night, we caught our overnight bus back to Phnom Penh, and we spent half of the day diving into some of the dark, awful history of the genocide that affected Cambodia not so long ago. After visiting the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide museum, Rohini had to catch her uber to the airport, so I checked into my hostel and freshened up a little bit. Later on that afternoon, after wandering the Central market for a while, I walked over to Wat Phnom Temple. From there I went to the night market, where my friend Alison picked me up on her scooter, and we had the BEST nachos for dinner. (I know it’s not very ‘Cambodian’, but at this point I was so grateful to eat good western food.) After eating, she dropped me off at the hostel and I hung out in my room for a bit before going to bed.

The next morning, I took a shuttle bus to Kampot, a quiet river-side town with a beautiful backdrop of the Elephant mountains. After checking in at my hostel, I recognized a girl from my previous hostel, who also took the same shuttle bus as me, so we got to talking and ended up joining forces since she was also travelling alone. We spent the rest of that afternoon & evening on a booze cruise along the river, blasting music, drinking a couple beers, and getting to know everyone. We also stopped at a little secluded beach to play some volleyball and go swimming before watching the sunset over the river. That night when we got back to the hostel, we ate dinner, and went out with some of our new friends.

The following day we went on an excursion through our hostel, driving scooters around the countryside, first stopping at the salt fields, then a pepper farm, a few temple caves (one of which we swam in), and lastly, at a ‘secret lake’ that apparently was built by slave labour during the Khmer Rouge time. It was so nice to scooter around the beautiful countryside, learning a thing or two about the region and also how pepper is made! That night our hostel was having a pool party, so we hung out at the pool for a bit, ate dinner, and then went out to a bar with our little crew. Long story short, halfway through our night, I ended up burning my leg on the exhuast pipe of our tuktuk. Because I was at the beach and in the water for the next few days after the injury, I wasn’t really able to let it heal properly, so now I have a nice scar that will probably be stuck with me for a loooong time.

On our last day, we slept in and then decided to spend the day at Arcadia, a famous hostel with a riverside waterpark. We took a tuktuk there and spent a few hours hanging out in hammocks, floating around in innertubes, rope swinging and ziplining. There was a huge slide and a blob, but I opted out because I didnt want to risk rubbing my ankle burn and making it worse. When we got back to the hostel it started pouring rain, as in torrential downpour, so we hungout in our room for a while. That evening, we decided to walk into town and get dinner at the market, since we hadn’t really seen much of the actual town yet. Since we had sort of become friends with both our tuktuk driver and the owner of the bar we had been going to everynight, we decided to have one last hurrah (& say our goodbyes.)

The next 6 days were spent on the beach, first on Koh Rong Island, and then the smaller, more remote Koh Rong Samloem. Both were so beautiful, and quiet. I originally wasn’t planning on making it to the islands, but I had met so many people were very adamant about the Cambodian islands being even better than the Thai ones.

Because of the lack of internet, it’s quite difficult to book accomodation online, so we ended up walking around with our bags for most of the afternoon before finding an available guesthouse. Funny story, we actually walked all the way to the furthest beach from the pier (25 minute walk), and ended up paying for a water taxi back to the main beach since there were no vacancies and we didn’t want to walk all the way back. It was a really windy day and the waves were pretty rough, plus we were in a small rowboat, so with every paddle, water came pouring in over the edge and all our clothes and bags got completely drenched. When we finally found a guesthouse, we gathered our clothes to be cleaned and walked around a bit before getting dinner.

The next day we slept in and spent the majority of the day at SokSan Long Beach. I have never seen such white sand, or clear water in my life, plus we surprisingly had almost the entire beach to ourselves. The only downside was that I got attacked by sand flies and for the next few days my legs were covered in flea bites. It literally looked like I had chicken pox all over again. After making our way back to the village to freshen up and eat dinner, we met up with Thom, Liam and Sam at a bar, and then we all went to a beach party together. On our last morning, Maren woke up feeling sick, so she decided to stay in while I spent the day on a boat excursion snorkeling, visiting a few tiny islands hanging out on some beaches, sitting by a campfire during sundown, and diving underwater to see bio-luminescent plankton after dark. I hit it off with a Swedish girl on the excursion, who invited me to meet up with her and some friends for some drinks after dinner. The next morning we caught our ferry boat to Koh Rong Samloem, where we spent 3 of the greatest days of my existence.

There was no wifi at all on the island, and we were staying in little cabins in the woods/along the beach, so it honestly felt kind of like summer camp for adults, and I loved every second of it - mosquito nets and all. We were reunited with our buddies Thom, Sam and Liam, met some new wonderful people, and had the most wonderful technology-free couple of days. During the day, we spent our time hanging out at the beach sun tanning, swimming, and relaxing before playing games and having themed parties at night. One day we went on a boating excursion where we got to snorkel, visit some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, and even go fishing for our own lunch (& then grill it on the boat). The only minor downsides were that there were no food options besides the hostel restaurant, so obviously the food and drinks were a little expensive. They also used a tab system for payment, where you pay up at the end of your stay, which caused some problems for a few people who didn’t have enough cash on then to settle their tab.  

We took a ferry back to Sihanoukville, ran into Thomas at the pier (who was leaving later that afternoon) and spent an afternoon at the beach there together with our buddies Sam and Liam. There isn’t much to do at all in this city - we were actually told to avoid it by several people, but both their buses and my flight wasn’t until the following morning, so we ended up staying the night. After the beach, we said our goodbyes to Thom, then got khmer massages and ate dinner at our hostel with our the British boys before going to bed.

From Sihanoukville, I caught a flight to Kuala Lumpur, where I spent the next 2 and a half days. After settling in and then getting dinner at the nearby market in Chinatown, I returned to my hostel, where much to my surprise, I discovered that Killian, a french guy I had met during the pub crawl in Phnom Penh, was not only staying in the same hostel as me in KL, but he was put in the same room as me. That first night we had gone to a rooftop club, and had quite a late night, so the following morning I had to force him out of bed, and after getting lunch at an indoor market, we spent most of the afternoon at the Islamic Arts Museum and the National Mosque. That evening we got dinner, and I spent the rest of my night hanging out, napping, and catching up on tv shows.

We woke up pretty early the following morning to make the trek out to Batu Caves (a series of caves and Hindu cave temples). We got back to our hostel in the afternoon to change/freshen up and then spent some time walking around the financial district and taking pictures with the Petronas Towers. From there we went for sunset rooftop drinks at the Heli Lounge bar, before heading to Bukit Bintag neighbourhood to wander and get dinner at the Jalan Alor street market.

My third morning, I checked out of my hostel, visited one last temple and got on a bus to Georgetown, Penang. Once again, in hindsight I totally should have booked an overnight bus and squeezed in another city, instead of wasting a whole day travelling, but now I have something to look forward to for next time. It is such a lovely and quaint little city, with picturesque buildings and world-famous food. It was such a lovely mix of so many cultures and religions living in peace, and harmony. When I arrived at my hostel, they had made a mistake and I wasn’t in the system, even though I had made a booking online, so I spent the rest of the evening walking around, trying to find an available hostel. It took me a while, but I eventually found one, got some dinner, and had a pretty early night.

The following morning I got up quite early, checked out of my hostel, and spent the entire day walking around, visiting various sights, including temples and old Peranakan mansions, (desendants of Chinese immigrants who settled between the 15-17th centuries.) It was quite an exhuasting day, so in the early evening I headed back to the hostel, where I met my American roommate, Trey. The rest of the night I just hung out, got dinner, and then participated in the beer pong tournament and pub crawl put on by my hostel.

The next day was quite brutal. One of the worst hangovers of my life, plus the 35 degree heat, but I knew I would feel at least a little better if I got up and did something. With Trey, the guy from my hostel room, we visited the Upside Down museum, took some funny pictures, and then spent a few hours walking around, mostly by the water, checking out some of the Clan Jetties, (floating villages occupied by Chinese clans) and street art. We were both still very exhausted from the night before, plus walking around all day, so we went back to the hostel and hung around most of the evening before getting dinner, and having an early bedtime.

On my last day, I woke up early to go on a free walking tour before taking the tram up to Penang Hill, where I walked around for a bit and enjoyed a nice view of the Island. From there walked over to Kek Lok Si Temple. It’s a massive Temple on a hill, and honestly one of the most beautiful, impressive temples I have ever seen. There was some sort of ceremony going on which added to the experience. I eventually made my way back to my hostel, stopping for athentic Penang Laksa on the way, and spent the rest of the evening hanging out at my hostel, before catching an uber to the bus station.

That night, I caught an overnight bus to Singapore. I arrived just before noon, dropped my things off at Rohini’s apartment, and took a public bus into downtown to meet her at work. We went on a little bike ride, and then walked around downtown and Chinatown. At one point we were walking along Robertson Quay, when I thought I recognized 2 people walking in our direction. We realized we knew each other at the exact same time and ran into each other’s arms. What are the odds of me randomly running into Kelowna friends in Singapore! Rohini also introduced me to a few of her coworkers, whom we met up with for a snack and some afternoon beers. After walking around  a bit more and passing through the National Museum, we went home to hangout before having dinner at a Hawker Center near Roh’s apartment, and had made plans to meet up with Meghan and Nick for rooftop drinks at Marina Bay Sands.

We went to Universal Studios one day, which obviously was a good time. Rohini doesn’t like roller coasters so I did those alone, but thanks to her free fastpast from work, we were able to essentially do all of the rides once! In the evening, we met up with Rohini’s roommate, got dinner together at an outdoor food court/market, and met up with an old friend Patricia (whom we had both met back during exchange in 2015 when we were visiting Poland.) First we went for drinks at a cute wine bar, and then we did some dancing at a salsa bar in Clarke Quay.

On my last day, we went for brunch together in a cute area called Tiong Bahru, and then I spent the rest of the day alone, walking around and exploring different areas including Little India, Kampong Glam (the Malay-Muslim neighbourhood), and a bit of the downtown core, before meeting back up with Rohini and her roommate at Gardens by the Bay to watch the sunset and  grab dinner at an outdoor foodcourt.

That night, I caught an overnight bus back to Kuala Lumpur, because flights back to China were much cheaper from there. I had a bit of a layover in Kuala Lumpur, enough to transfer from the bus station to the airport and still have to wait a couple of hours, and eventually caught my flight to Kunming, where I had a 6-hour layover before finally boarding my flight to Wuhan. It was one of the longest travel days of my life, and when I finally got home just after 1am, I couldn’t have been happier to be back in my very uncomfortable chinese bed.

Laos

Our entry into Laos went all smooth and we soon discovered the beauty of this interesting country, the relaxed mentality of the people and the stunning scenery. We spent a good three weeks exploring its incredible nature, untouched and authentic tribe villages and blooming cities during which we encountered many highlights. Where to start?! # Famous all around the world is the Gibbon Experience, a project that takes tourists on tours through the jungle of Bokeo Nam Kan National Park following some of the longest and highest ziplines in the world and sleeping in treehouses, and so earns money for local development and forest preservation. Out of their three types of tours, we went on the express tour; a 2 day tour with the most ziplines, the intensest hikes and the night in the highest treehouse in the jungle. And it was fan-tas-tic! At the start of the tour the group was divided into smaller teams and we had really pulled the right string ending up with an amazing couple from France and a fellow Dutchie with who we have been laughing for the two days straight. We spent the days trekking through the vast jungle, sliding along the ziplines high above the trees and with the most amazing views, picknick lunching and swimming in the valley river. We spent the evening in the most amazing treehouse, enjoying the sunset view, eating local dinner, playing cards and escaping the many many bugs by crawling up in tentlike mosquito nets listening to the sounds of the jungle some 50 meters above the ground. All while singing songs about September, wonderwalls and avocados. 😂 We were sad to return to the village of Huayxay, and that feeling was amplefied when we heard some very bad news upon arrival. An accident had occured on one of the other tours during our time in the jungle, causing an American traveler to lose his life. His wife was left behind and no details about the accident were shared. Soon afterwards the internet exploded with the news, followed by comments and bad reviews, to which we can in no way relate as we have been feeling safe and guided at all times and we cannot imagine a possible scenario to fall of a zipline just like that. All of this has given our Gibbon experience a bit of a strange aftertaste, but we are still very enhousiastic about the project and we had an absolute blast. # We took a slow boat trip from Huayxay to Luang Prabang, which takes 2 days with a stop for the night at Pak Beng. The journey started well, as we arrived just in time to be amongst the first passengers to board the boat. As we booked the cheapest boat possible, we had not expected to find ourselves on a shiny new boat with comfortable seats, tables and plenty of space. On top of that the views along the Mekong river are just stunning, so we really enjoyed the trip! The second day however was less convenient as it was pouring with rain, we arrived last due to the hostel's tuktuk malfunction and the boat was old, small and cramped with far too many people and luggage. Luckily we managed to find ourselves a seat, but as this was right next to the exit we spent the 8 hour ride shivering with cold and covered in ponchos to dodge the wind, rain and waves of water splashing in. 👍 # As happy we were when we had finally reached Luang Prabang, as much this city turned out to be wonderful! Its small, crooked streets are filled with beautifully designed, wooden guesthouses, shiny and impressive temples, cosy garden cafes, cute shops selling local arts and crafts and tropical plants with the most colourful flowers. While we were traveling through Laos, we kept coming back to Luang Prabang (3 times in total) where we spent a total of 9 nights; the longest we spent in 1 place during all of our trip! # Luckily there is a lot to do and see in and around Luang Prabang, with as absolute highlight the Kuang Si waterfall - arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world! Together with some new friends who we met on the boat we rented a motorbike to drive there. We spent all day enjoying the beautiful ride, the indeed stunning waterfall, the tricky climb along the waterfall to lose most of the tourists on the way to the top, the 2,5 km walk to a spring where we treated ourselves to a cold drink and played cards for hours and the quiet swim back at the bottom the waterfall when the masses were gone and the sun set. Such bliss! # Each day in Luang Prabang starts with morning alms, a ritual during which all monks leave their recidences at 6.00am and walk along the streets to collect food offerings of locals and tourists. The true devotion and effort put in by the community to perform this ritual each and every day is impressive. We woke up early to witness this ritual and were happy that was just a one-timer for us! 😂 # We found this very cute, slightly upperclass French restaurant that sells their delicious desserts with 50% discount after 21.00. Needless to say, we spent our every night in Luang Prabang trying all the different pies, tarts, cakes and eclaires, accompanied by a glass of Lao Lao, the local liquor made out of rice. What a treat! 😍 # The first time we left Luang Prabang we took a minibus to Nong Khiaw, a small village to the North. Located in the mountains, both the drive to get there as the sight of the Nong Khiaw were stunning! Apart from the beautiful surroundings, there is not much to see in Nong Khiaw but a viewpoint. The way to this viewpoint on top of a mountain was quite a struggle, but sooo worth it! The view was spectacular! # Together with an awesome French couple we met in Nong Khiaw, we went to Muang Ngoi, about an hour up stream from Nong Khiaw along the Nam Ou river. This even smaller village is only accessable by boat and even more beautiful than Nong Khiaw. We spent two nights in Muang Ngoi exploring the area with our French friends and a very nice Danish grandpa who dared to tag along! We took a small boat further up North to Sop Jam village, a once very authentic weaving village that is now focusing more and more on tourists, and we hiked along old dirtroads and through dried rice fields, where we found a tiny tribal village where the authenticity has been kept but the food was disgusting. 😂 All in all a very rewarding and interesting couple of days in the breathtaking North of Laos! # A downside of the beautiful mountainous scenery is traveling through; we had the most uncomfortable trip more to the South, to Vang Vieng. We were told that the drive would take 4 hours, but it turned out to be more than 7 hours of turning and shaking in a small uncomfortable bus. The perks of traveling.👌Luckily we were still in the great company of the French, and we arrived just in time to see the sun setting in Vang Vieng's stunning surroundings of limeston karsts. # Vang Vieng once was a true party heaven where backpackers would rent a tube a few km outside of the city and peacefully float down stream the Nam Xong river back into the city center, on the way passing various bars selling illegal drugs and buckets of alcohol. Now those practices have been forbidden, the town feels a little sleepy. Nontheless we had a very fun time; we rented a motorbike to explore the wonderful nature around town and rented a kayak to enjoy the local life and amazing views on the Nam Xong river. Unfortunately Vang Vieng also marked our separation with our new French friends, as they continued South and we returned to Luang Prabang for a last few days in Laos. Sad to part but very happy to have met we said goodbye, for now! ☺️ # Back in Luang Prabang we took our time to enjoy the atmosphere, browse the early morning market filled with crazy types of food (crazy as in beavers, rats, snakes, hamsters and many undefinable items), explore some more surroundings by motorbike, cool down in a local pool, visit the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong after closing, check out the daily night market's all-you-can-eat food section, indulge in refreshing fresh fruit smoothies and eat some more desserts. 😍 # From the 13th to the 15th of April the Thai Sonkrang new year takes place and all kinds of celebrations and traditions happen already in the days before. One of the traditions that we experienced ourselves is those of the children going out on the streets to wet people passing by. Different means are used for this water festival, for which the roads are closed on the 13th, the first day of the new year; we saw water guns, water balloons, garden hoses or just buckets. As the time around the new year is the hottest of all, this is actually a very welcome tradition! We were however unlucky enough to be caught by some kids with buckets full of water with yellow food colouring - just when Lodewijk was wearing his white shirt.. 😂 After a good three weeks we really came to appreciate Laos and its wonderful atmosphere. The Lao people understand life in a far more relaxed and peaceful way than we are used to in the west. We had a blast and we could easily have spent more time exploring the South of this interesting country, but other very exciting events are awaiting!! Next up: Sri Lanka, our friends from Mongolia and my lovely papa and mama! ❤️

6 Best Glamping Resorts & Luxury Tent Camps in Costa Rica

From luxurious tented camps to laid-back rustic lodges, glamping in Costa Rica is up-and-coming. In case you aren’t familiar with the term glamping, it’s a playful combination of glamor and camping. If you’re up for an adventure but are hesitant to camp in the rainforest, don’t miss these safari-style glamping experiences.

Kasiiya Papagayo Luxury Wilderness Retreat

Situated on the Bay of Papagayo just 45 minutes from Liberia international airport, Kasiiya Papagayo Luxury Wilderness Resort features five air-conditioned tented suites and two beaches amid 123 acres of forest. The retreat was designed by world-renowned architects with a focus on sustainability. In fact, Kasiiya was designed to have zero environmental impact. All the materials are natural. The common places and platform tent required no loss of the surrounding forest at the time of construction. The resort is solar-powered and water is collected via rainwater harvesting.

Nayara Tented Camp

Nayara Tented Camp is a brand new luxury tent camp part of the Nayara Hotels collection – a group of luxury hotels world-renowned for their service and high-end guest experience. Nayara Tented Camp features 25 private air-conditioned luxury tents showcasing spectacular views of Arenal Volcano from high in the hillside. Each tent has a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs, a double head outdoor shower, a spacious bathroom with an over-size tub, and a four-post canopy bed.

Isla Chaquita Glamping Resort

Isla Chiquita is the only island glamping experience in Costa Rica. Located on an island in the Gulf of Nicoya, Isla Chaquita is a brand new glamping resort accessible by boat with just 15 premium tents. Each luxury tent has a full private bathroom with double sink, ceiling fans, mini-bar, solar energy hot water, and a spacious open-air deck with views out over the gulf. On the island, explore hiking trails, go birding, and kayak the coastline. From the island, explore a local plantation growing indigenous sweet guava and plantains. Other area activities include beach hopping and visiting the Curu Bio Reserve.

Rafiki Safari Lodge

Rafiki Safari Lodge is a safari-style tent camp on the South Pacific Coast along the Savegre River. Ten rustic tents sit on hardwood decks – each with a private bath and mountain views. A pool with waterslide, restaurant, and bar can be found at the main lodge. The surrounding dense rainforest and Savegre River are a natural playground for travelers. The forests are full of nature and wildlife. With over 300 bird species in the area, Rafiki is considered a world-class birding destination. Hike or horseback down to the river and experience the rush of the Savegre River on a whitewater rafting adventure. Guests can also discover nearby waterfalls and a local village.

Rios Tropicales Lodge

Whitewater rafting into Rios Tropicales Lodge

The Rios Tropicales Lodge experience is truly an adventure. To reach the lodge, guests can white water raft in and out through the rainforest (although alternative transportation can be arranged if you’d prefer it).  Rio Tropicales Lodge was the first eco-lodge built on the Pacuare River and the only one powered by hydro-energy. Multi-day rafting trips are typically between one and three nights. Many other activities are available from the lodge including horseback riding, ziplining, hiking, and tree-planting. Alternatively, guests can relax in hammocks reading a book or taking an afternoon nap.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Private cabin at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge backs up to Piedras Blancas National Park, a wild and remote rainforest on the Golfo Dulce. Located just across the gulf is the Osa Peninsula, home to the famed Corcovado National Park. This remote rainforest region is truly unique for its Jurassic landscapes and the variety of wildlife that still calls the forest home. Each private open-air cabin is especially unique with full-length louver doors that wrap around your room for a panoramic nature experience. In the evenings, the staff comes around to drape mosquito netting around your bed. Each cabin also has a private open-air shower for a truly liberating outdoor experience. Despite its remote location, Playa Nicuesa manages to supply guests with a local and delectable dining experience – family-style.

Ready to book your high-end Costa Rica glamping experience? Plan your trip with a Costa Rica Expert.

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Zip and Relax: The Ultimate Guide to Zipline Mosquito Nets 

Mosquitoes carry deadly diseases like malaria and dengue fever and irritate pests. As summer arrives, the need to have effective mosquito protection is essential to protect from diseases. Zip system mosquito nets are designed to ensure maximum comfort and prevent mosquitoes. Unlike the traditional nets, which need installation, the zipline nets are easy to set up and hassle-free. This makes them an ideal choice for indoor and outdoor settings. Let's understand what zipline mosquito nets are and their benefits.  

What is Zipline Mosquito Net  

A zipline mosquito net is a unique zipping mechanism that is very easy to use while providing the most mosquito protection. These nets are available in different sizes and configurations depending on the needs and preferences of the user. These nets are made from precise fine materials that block the mosquitos from entering while allowing air circulation. The net acts as a barrier between the window and the house, stopping the mosquitos from entering. The nets come with a zipping mechanism that allows users to open and close the net according to their preferences. Installing a zipline mosquito net is relatively easy; the user needs to attach the net securely around the frame of the window and then zip the net whenever needed. The net is an effective way to keep mosquitos out without spraying harmful chemicals.  

Benefits of using Zipline mosquito net  

Adequate Mosquito Protection: 

The zipline mosquito nets act as a barrier between the home and the mosquitos, which prevents them from entering the house. They are made from the finest mesh material, which blocks the entry of even the smallest mosquitos while allowing air circulation. 

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: 

The zipline mosquito nets keep the mosquitos out while contributing to better indoor air quality and preventing the entry of any pets and insects. The nets help to keep the home clean and hygienic while eliminating the risk of insect-borne diseases.  

Improved Convenience and Relaxation: 

Installing the Zip system Mosquito nets is very easy and lets the users enjoy a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep without the buzzing sound of mosquitos and insects. The nets create a comfortable environment that helps the user relax and unwind from a tiring day without worrying about mosquito bites.   

Natural Ventilation: 

Unlike the traditional window screens in the market, the zipline net allows users to have natural ventilation, which allows fresh air to circulate at home.  

Versatile Design Options: 

The nets are available in varied sizes and configurations that are highly customizable according to the user's window type and dimension. Customizability lets users design the net according to the window size while ensuring the perfect fit and not compromising effectiveness.  

Effortless Installation and Care 

Installation of the mosquito nets is easy and quick with the minimal usage of tools. Also, they are easy to maintain and come in an easy-to-clean material that is easy to wipe to remove any dirt or debris that sits on the net.  

Unclogged Views and Natural Light: 

The nets do not obstruct the natural light and the view the user gets from the house while also making it a point to keep the home from mosquitoes and other dangerous insects.  

Child and Pet Safety: 

The net is also ideal if the user has a child or a pet at home, as it is a barrier between the open window and the child/pet. The net gives peace of mind while ensuring their child/pet is safe while eliminating the risk of accidents/injuries with an open window.  

The zipline mosquito covers a wide range of benefits, from mosquito prevention to the safety of the child/pet. Users can enjoy a safer and healthier life with their loved ones by installing a zipline mosquito net. If you are looking for the best quality zipline mosquito net, you can opt for the one from Chirag Nettings Solutions. They are known for mosquito nets for windows, as the automatic mosquito nets offer protection from insects. Apart from the zipline mosquito nets, they offer a wide range of Remote-control Mosquito net in Mumbai. Choosing the appropriate one for you will help you to get a relaxed sleep at night.