As a tourist, you should always be careful of your surroundings, but business travelers are also targets for travel scams. Business travelers are a very profitable target for scammers since they can use high-limit corporate credit cards and make many reservations at once.
The key to avoiding these problems is to learn how to spot them, whether they are international credit card fraud or flight fraud. We put up the most recent travel safety tips to help you recognize trouble, both at home and abroad.
How many people are impacted by travel scams?
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are often the targets of online fraud because criminals are getting better at it, especially when they utilize AI in phishing scams. A report by UK Finance indicated that small and medium-sized businesses in the UK lost £59.2 million to fraud in 2021, which is a 35% increase from 2020. The survey also revealed that 80% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have been asked for personal information and money without asking.
You might not think so, but travel scams are more widespread than you think, especially when you plan business trips online. A study by McAfee Corp found that 30% of the respondents asked said they had either been a victim of an online travel fraud or knew someone who had. The same research found that 14% made payments through fraudulent platforms, and 18% experienced identity fraud.
There are both easy and complex ways to scam someone. Phishing emails and fake booking websites could trick business travelers. One typical approach is to construct a fake website that appears like a trusted site, but the URL is slightly different.
Digital criminals are also good at making fake invoices that appear like they originate from real suppliers. These invoices have a recognizable corporate logo and a registered office.
Some criminals can pretend to be a representative from a corporate travel agency and call your team to ask for payment information for a trip that is coming soon. But your company's travel policy should make it clear what the rules and budgets are for business travel, as well as which websites and platforms are okay to use. You can prevent these frequent phishing scams by only using reputable, approved sites like Booking.com for Business.
5 reasons why virtual cards are good for business travel
What are cards that are not real?
A virtual card is a digital version of your real bank card that you keep on your device. Virtual cards, especially for corporations, can exist without a real card. You can use it to pay for things in stores or online without having to touch anything. A virtual card has all the same information as a real credit or debit card, such as the
- Name of the cardholder
- Number on the credit card
- CVV
- Billing address
- Expiration date
After big storms, mold and other things that are left behind might be bad for your health.
One effect of climate change is that heavy rainfall and rising sea levels cause severe floods. When water rises quickly and rushes inside structures, it can cause instant injury, such as people drowning, suffering injuries while trying to find refuge or escape, or getting hypothermia after being in cold water without shelter or heat.
Flooding continues to damage communities in both obvious and less obvious ways long after news trucks leave and the public goes on. One of the less obvious dangers is that people are more likely to have breathing difficulties, including asthma and allergic responses. You can take efforts to lower the chance of flooding or the health hazards to your lungs once flooding happens, which is a good thing.
How does flooding cause problems with breathing?
Flooding can transport water that is polluted with heavy metals, pesticides, biotoxins, sewage, and diseases that live in water into structures. Some harmful substances stay in the dried sediments that are left behind. When you move or clean, this becomes minute airborne dust. The harmful compounds, metals, and biotoxins in that dried flood sediment are now in the air you breathe, which could be bad for your lungs.
Flooding doesn't have to completely cover buildings to cause respiratory complications. They looked at a lot of properties after Hurricane Ida and found that water got in through roofs, windows, and ventilation ducts. Some of these homes were more than 100 miles from the shore, where the storm hit hardest.
Mold development can also be bad for your health.
Mold is another widespread danger. It is a type of fungus that grows and spreads on wet or rotting organic materials. Indoor mold usually forms when there is a lot of moisture, which means there is an issue with water or moisture. After a flood, wet things inside buildings are the perfect place for mold to grow quickly.
Mold may grow in any climate, both indoors and outdoors. It spreads by generating tiny spores that float through the air and land in other places. There are no indoor spaces that are completely devoid of mold spores, but being around a lot of them can cause breathing problems like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. So, flooding makes breathing problems worse by making it more likely that people will be exposed to higher levels of mold spores both inside and outside.
For instance, in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the average number of mold spores outside in flooded areas was about twice as much as in non-flooded areas. The highest numbers of mold spores were found inside. A study of the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the flooding in the UK in 2007 found that water damage made mold grow faster and caused more respiratory allergies.
Mold can cause health concerns in kids more than in adults. A study of the respiratory health of young children in 30 Canadian areas found that homes with mold or dampness had greater cases of all respiratory symptoms, such as asthma, bronchitis, eye irritation, and cough. Other studies show that mold can contribute to the development of asthma in kids.
What steps can you take to protect your health from flooding?
After Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans, LA in 2021, it was discovered that there were similar characteristics in both housing and flooding catastrophes that had a big effect on respiratory health. The first results show that the age of a building's roof and how many safety measures residents took after the hurricane flooded their homes were two important determinants in whether or not there was a lot of mold inside. The effect on respiratory health also changed depending on the height of the flood water, how many days a week people were home, and how many safety measures were done when Ida hit.
Based on this and other research, we have some advice for you. Some of them are things you should do before floods or severe rain, and some are things you should do after. You might not be able to stop hurricanes or big storms from flooding your area completely, but following actions can help.
Before storms, flooding, or severe rains that happen every year: Keep water from getting in:
- To stop leaks, fix the roof, clean the gutters, and seal the areas surrounding skylights, vent pipes, and chimneys. During storms and hurricanes, these parts of a building are some of the most likely to be damaged.
- Get rid of trash in the drains and empty the septic tanks.
- To keep heavy rain and floodwater from getting in, build barriers and plug up breaches in the outside walls and around the windows
- Put in a sump pump to get rid of water in the basement and backflow valves on sewer lines to keep water from coming back into the house.
It is possible that blurry vision will go away on its own or continue for a long time. It can happen in one or both eyes. Some things that make your vision blurry are small and easy to fix, while others could be an indication of a more serious problem that needs medical treatment. Knowing what might be causing your vision problems will help you know when to get help and how to keep your vision safe.
What does it mean to have blurry vision?
When your vision is blurry, it signifies that it isn't as clear or sharp as it usually is. Things could look blurry, out of focus, or bent. You can notice that your vision is getting worse over time or all at once. It could be because of problems with the eye itself or because of other health problems that influence vision.
Things that often make your vision blurred
There are a number of common conditions that can cause blurry vision. You can frequently fix these problems with corrective lenses, adjustments to your lifestyle, or medications.
Errors in refraction
Dr. Joan Miller, an ophthalmology professor at Harvard Medical School, says that "refractive error" is the most common reason for blurry vision.
By bending (refracting) light to focus it on the retina, the eye usually makes a clear picture. When portion of the eye's optical system doesn't direct light correctly, it causes a blurred image. Some of the most frequent refractive errors are:
- When the eye is too long or its focusing capacity is too powerful, it causes nearsightedness (myopia). This makes light focus in front of the retina instead than directly on it, which makes things that are far away look blurred.
- When the eye is too short or doesn't have adequate focusing strength, it might cause hyperopia, or farsightedness. This makes light focus behind the retina instead of directly on it, which makes things that are close by look blurry.
- Astigmatism is produced by a cornea that isn't formed uniformly, which causes light focus unevenly on the eye. This makes it hard to see clearly at all distances.
- Presbyopia, commonly known as "aging sight," makes it harder to see things up close. As you become older, the lens loses its capacity to change shape, which makes things like reading harder.
Eyes that are dry
When your eyes don't make enough tears or when tears dry up too rapidly, you have dry eye. This can make your eyes hurt, turn red, and make it hard to see well. Here are some things that can make your eyes dry:
- Getting older
- Changes in hormones
- Eye surgery
- Some medications, such antidepressants and antihistamines, might make the symptoms worse.
- Spending too much time in front of a screen, wind, smoke, or dry air, can also make the symptoms worse Autoimmune illnesses, like Sjögren's syndrome, can also make the symptoms worse
- Diabetes and parkinson
Eye Strain
Reading, using digital devices, or focusing on a subject for a long time without taking breaks might make your eyes tired and make your vision blurry for a short time. Headaches, dry eyes, and trouble focusing are some of the other symptoms.
The "20-20-20 rule" says that every 20 minutes, you should look at anything 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will help keep your eyes from getting tired. Using blue light-filtering glasses, lowering the brightness of your device, and making sure you have the correct lighting may also assist with symptoms.
Could Melaleuca alternifolia oil offer a viable adjunctive therapy for conditions such as acne vulgaris or tinea pedis?
Tea tree oil, derived from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree, is a prominent natural agent frequently incorporated into dermatological and trichological formulations. Its historical application spans centuries, primarily attributed to its purported antibacterial and antifungal properties. This article critically examines the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in managing common dermatological conditions like acne, athlete's foot, and onychomycosis.
Composition and Mechanism of Action of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a complex essential oil comprising over 100 distinct compounds, conferring its potential antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory attributes. These inherent properties underscore its widespread use in skincare, haircare, and various home remedies.
Commercially, tea tree oil is available as a pure essential oil (100%) or in diluted concentrations ranging from 5% to 15% as an active ingredient in topical preparations such as creams, gels, and cleansers. Research indicates that its mechanism of action involves compromising bacterial and fungal cell walls, thereby disrupting their growth and replication cycles. While in vitro and preliminary human studies suggest significant antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, further rigorous human-based research is imperative to fully elucidate its clinical benefits and safety profile.
As planned—and as I mentioned in my previous post—we made our way to Edinburgh Castle today. As expected, on arrival, it was raining; we checked the weather forecast. But well, it is Scotland. We got wet, my partner and I, and of course our Historic Scotland card decided not to work. Thankfully, since the card had already been sent and we were physically at the location, they let us in. They did say we’d need a new card, and all of that admin talk—but we were just glad to be allowed through the gates.
We’d come with high expectations. I say that because most times when I’ve seen the castle, it’s been from the outside. And let’s be honest, the view from both the front and the back is stunning. I’ve always wanted to go inside, just to finally kill the curiosity.
But once inside... well, let’s say it didn’t quite meet the hopes we brought along.
Now, I don't think my partner would say it’s the best of all the castles we’ve visited in Scotland. Dunbarton Castle, for instance, has high climbs and open structures—it felt more adventurous, more layered. Edinburgh Castle, in comparison, felt more like a walk inside a large compound. The views were still impressive—especially of the city—but the castle interior itself didn't quite offer the kind of room-by-room exploration we were hoping for.
It was raining, the small museum spaces were packed, and though there were interesting exhibits about Scotland’s military history, they were hard to enjoy properly. You couldn’t linger or read anything easily because of the crowd. There was one truly beautiful building that looked like a church—it caught my eye—but it wasn’t open to the public. And yes, the views from the edges were breathtaking, but still, we were left wanting something more.
I’ll admit it—I had a bit of a childlike expectation. I thought we’d be exploring old rooms, learning how the castle was built, and walking through hidden corners. But it was mostly about walking outdoors, while trying to stay dry and dodge crowds. My partner kept a good attitude, but I must have looked rather funny—wet, wide-eyed, and clearly underwhelmed.
We didn’t take many photos, partly because the energy dipped. It felt like being promised a playground and then arriving to find only grownups walking around with maps. You’d have laughed if you’d seen my face.
Now, were we disappointed? I wouldn’t say that exactly. I’d say we just brought too much expectation.
Edinburgh Castle is the most talked about, the most visited—so of course we imagined it would be packed with wonder at every corner. But in all honesty, I preferred Dunbarton Castle. And mind you, it was also raining when we visited Dunbarton, but we didn’t mind—it felt worth it because we were exploring inside the actual structure.
The prison area in Edinburgh Castle was interesting, I’ll give it that. But it was crowded, and that sort of close-quarters atmosphere, especially in the rain, isn’t for me. Crowds, wet clothing, and confined spaces don’t exactly mix well—especially in these times when you can’t help but think about germs flying around.
Still, standing outside the castle, looking up at it—that view is something else. Beautiful, dramatic, iconic. I understand why it draws the crowds. But for us, seeing it from the outside may have been more memorable than going in.
Scotland has many castles worth exploring—some less known but just as rich in character. So, now you know how our day at Edinburgh Castle went; let me tell you about the historic aspect.
When you search for Edinburgh, the Castle is probably the first thing that springs. It's not just some old building; it's practically the beating heart of Scottish history, perched dramatically on Castle Rock which is why I said I felt the view from outside it was more satisfying for me. People have been hanging out on that rock since way back in the Iron Age.
Turns out, there's been a royal pad up there since the 11th century, under King Malcolm III. It stayed a royal residence until 1633, but then, like a lot of grand old places, its fancy residential days started to fade from the 15th century onwards. By the 17th century, it was mainly a military garrison. But don't worry, people eventually caught on to how incredibly important it was to Scotland's story, and they've been restoring it for the last century and a half.
This isn't just any old castle; it's worn so many hats. It's been a royal home, a place to store weapons (arsenal), a treasury, a national archive, even a mint, a prison and now a tourist attraction. Plus, it's where the Honours of Scotland (our crown jewels) call home. Being such a vital stronghold, it was right in the thick of things during so many historical dust-ups, from the Wars of Scottish Independence to the Jacobite rising of 1745. Research from 2014 found it's been besieged 26 times in its 1,100-year history. That makes it, supposedly, "the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world." Pretty intense, right?
Honestly, not much of the original castle from before the Lang Siege of 1573 is still standing, because artillery pretty much flattened the medieval defenses back then. But thankfully, we still have St Margaret's Chapel from the early 12th century (the oldest building in Edinburgh), the Royal Palace, and the early 16th-century Great Hall. The castle is also home to the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum. Even the British Army still has a presence there, though it's mostly ceremonial and administrative now – it's the headquarters for the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and you can find their regimental museums there too, like I mentioned.
Now, if you've ever visited, you know it's buzzing with people. Historic Environment Scotland takes care of it, and it's Scotland's most visited paid tourist attraction (and the UK's second). In 2019, over 2.2 million people walked through its gates, and more than 70% of folks visiting Edinburgh make a point of seeing it. And, of course, if you've ever watched the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, you know the castle is the ultimate backdrop. It's truly an iconic symbol, not just for Edinburgh, but for all of Scotland.
Getting to Edinburgh Castle: Your Best Bets (and how I usually do it)
It's pretty central, so once you're in Edinburgh, it's fairly easy to reach.
From Glasgow (my usual starting point!):
Train (My Top Pick): This is, hands down, the easiest and fastest way. Hop on a train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley. Services are super frequent (every 20 minutes, usually), and it takes about 50 minutes. From Waverley Station, you're practically there. Just follow the signs uphill towards the Royal Mile and the castle. It's a bit of a walk uphill, mind you, maybe 10-15 minutes, but you get cracking views as you climb. Tickets usually range from £13-35, depending on how far in advance you book and what class you go for.
Bus: The Scottish Citylink 900 service runs frequently from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow to Princes Street in Edinburgh. This takes a bit longer, around 1 hour 18 minutes, and costs about £9-14. Princes Street is also very central, so again, a straightforward walk up to the castle from there.
Driving: If you're set on driving, it's about 45-50 miles and takes around an hour, depending on traffic (and believe me, Edinburgh city traffic can be a nightmare). Parking near the castle is extremely limited and usually expensive. There are car parks like NCP Edinburgh Castle Terrace Car Park nearby, but even then, it's a walk up a hill. Honestly, driving into central Edinburgh is often more hassle than it's worth. Save yourself the stress and take the train!
Taxi/Rideshare: You can, of course, taxi it from Glasgow, but we're talking £130-170, so unless you're rolling in it, probably not the most budget-friendly option. Rideshares like BlaBlaCar might be cheaper (£3-7), but you're relying on someone else's schedule.
Once you're in Edinburgh City Centre:
Walking: If you're already in the city centre, especially around Princes Street or the Royal Mile, walking is your best bet. It's a steep climb up to the castle, so wear comfy shoes.
Public Transport (Buses/Trams): Edinburgh has a decent bus network. Many buses stop on Princes Street, which is a short walk from the castle. The tram also stops on Princes Street.
Alright, let's get to the common questions people have when planning their visit to Edinburgh castle.
What are the opening times?
Generally, the castle is open daily from 9:30 AM.
Closing times vary by season: 6 PM from April to September, and 5 PM from October to March.
Last entry is usually one hour before closing.
Crucially: It's CLOSED on December 25th and 26th. Always, always check the official Historic Environment Scotland website (edinburghcastle.scot) for the most up-to-date timings, especially around public holidays or if the weather's looking dodgy. They can close due to high winds or other operational reasons.
How much are tickets and should I book in advance?
YES, book in advance. Seriously, I can't stress this enough. Not only is it usually a bit cheaper online, but it guarantees your entry. This place gets absolutely heaving. Imagine turning up, all excited, only to be told it's sold out for the next few hours. Nightmare.
Prices (these are approximate as they can change, always check the official site):
Adult (16-64yrs): Around £21.50 online, £24 at the gate.
Child (7-15yrs): Around £13.00 online, £14.50 at the gate.
Concessions (65yrs+ and unemployed): Around £17.00 online, £19.00 at the gate.
They also have family tickets, which can offer savings.
Historic Scotland Membership / Explorer Pass: If you're planning to visit a few historic sites in Scotland (and there are tons of amazing ones), a Historic Scotland membership or Explorer Pass can save you a bundle. You usually get free entry, but you still need to book a time slot online with your membership/pass. Don't forget that.
How long should I spend at Edinburgh Castle?
The official recommendation is to set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions.
From my experience, if you want to properly read the exhibits, take in the views, maybe grab a coffee, and generally not feel rushed, 2 to 3 hours is a good estimate. If it's really crowded, or if you're like me and get a bit overwhelmed, you might zip through some parts quicker.
What's the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Your best bet for fewer crowds is to go early in the morning, right at opening (9:30 AM), especially on a weekday during the off-peak season (October to March).
Weekends are always busier, and July-August (peak season, Military Tattoo time) is absolutely rammed. If you must go on a weekend or during peak season, get there before 10 AM, maybe even before 9 AM to get in line for opening. The midday rush (11 AM to 2 PM) is when it's busiest. I do not recommend going on sunday like we did today.
Is Edinburgh Castle accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues?
This is a big one, and the short answer is: partially, but it's challenging.
The castle is built on a volcanic rock, with steep, cobbled paths throughout. Lots of steps, uneven surfaces.
They do have a mobility vehicle that can take visitors from the entrance up to Crown Square (the main central area), which is a huge help. You need to arrange this with staff at the entrance. It has specific dimensions it can accommodate, so check their access guide online if you have a larger wheelchair or scooter.
There are adapted toilets.
They offer manual wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Blue Badge parking is available on the Esplanade, but it's limited and needs to be booked in advance.
My take: They've made efforts, but the nature of the site means it's inherently difficult. If mobility is a significant concern, definitely check the detailed access guide on the official website before you go.
Are there food and drink facilities?
Yes, there are a few options. There's usually the Redcoat Café and The Tea Rooms for snacks, light meals, and drinks. Prices are, as you'd expect, a bit on the higher side. You can also bring your own snacks and water, which I often do.
Can I bring my dog?
Generally, only assistance dogs are permitted inside the castle grounds and buildings. Your furry friend will likely have to stay at home or with someone else.
What about the One O'Clock Gun?
This is a classic Edinburgh tradition. A field gun is fired at 1 PM every day, except Sundays, Christmas Day, and Good Friday. It's loud, so if you're sensitive to noise, be aware. It's fired from Mills Mount Battery.
If you noticed, There are very few photos of me; this is because our excitement dropped; don't laugh, I know, but yeah, enjoy these.
So, there you have it. All the practical bits you'll need to know. While my own experience inside was a mixed bag, it's undeniable that Edinburgh Castle is a massive piece of Scottish history, and for many, it's a must-see. Just go prepared, manage those expectations, and maybe, just maybe, you'll catch it on a less rainy, less crowded day than I did. Enjoy, no matter what.
For my birthday outfit, I wore a beautiful yellow dress, but you know what? I changed into a black outfit before we entered the boat to Loch Leven Castle. If there’s one thing I really look good in, it’s yellow—I mean, you all told me, and I appreciate your words.
As part of my birthday wish list was to spend most of my time in nature, we also went to two more castles the next day. One I have shared with you is Newark Castle, and the other one I have not shared on the blog yet, but the name is Bothwell Castle. And guess what? My partner already made reservations—we are finally visiting the most visited castle and the most talked-about city in Scotland: Edinburgh Castle.
I have been to Edinburgh several times, but you know what? I’ve taken photos in front of the castle, but I have never entered it. I mean, look at me—I was like, “£22 just to enter a castle?” But I give it to them—even the view in front of the castle is amazing. But now that we are members of histroc scotland walla we get to enter for free isnt that lovely? yes it is.
My partner and I have decided to read about locations before we visit them, so no more learning about everything on sight and then reading more about it later to share. He said he wants to know the must-sees and understand everything while touring the locations we travel to.
We have to travel to Edinburgh after attending church, and the drive should be about one hour. After church, get a bite, and then start heading out this Sunday. I can’t wait to share the photos with you all.