Travels Something About Travel and Snorkeling 12:09 PM Snorkelling is an under-the-sea activity that involves viewing the underwater depths with the help of a snorkel, a proper diving mask and swim-fins. This happens in shallow water where you get to watch the life under the sea for a long period of time. The best part it; you do not need any sort of physical effort. The sport happens in calm and warm seas where the water is clear. The best spots are the amazing coral reefs and the rich seabed. Something About Travel and Snorkeling How you can do snorkeling You can do it from the water surface without any oxygen cylinders and there is no need to go under the waters. Therefore there is no nervousness involved. You do not need a guide; you can explore the seabed on your own. This activity does not cost any huge amount so a lot of tourists can take part. It’s fit for any age provided you are fit. Snorkeling gears Masks are available in various shapes and sizes so try buying/renting the best full face snorkel mask. The mask is supposed to fit perfectly so that it does not leak at all. Don’t settle for a fogging mask or else you won’t be able to see through. When it comes to buying masks, you will be spoilt for choices. The main consideration is the glass quality and the strap. There are masks that come with digital cameras and video recorders. This is great because it helps to capture underwater images. Now try getting a dry snorkel that comes with a splash guard. Water dripping down the snorkel is a real bad experience. Have fins that fit you just right and do not hurt. Fin is a floating device, a life jacket. These are designed to save lives but there is another advantage as well. You need to work lesser while you are swimming helping you to focus on exploring. If you are doing it for the first time, practice well with your gears and know the skills. The location factor Location plays a major role so if you are indulging for the first time, chooses an interesting but calm location. It can be a bit tough for you to jump off from the boat so better go from the beach. Do not touch any underwater life, treat the ocean well. A good location is all that matters because relaxation should be the aim. If you are not used to snorkeling before, doing breathing practice is a must. You can do this before in a pool or in any shallow water. The breathing should neither be too light or too deep, just accurate. Once you practice and feel confident, go for it. Cleaning the snorkel Cleaning the snorkel needs quite a practice as it involves immersing the head and snorkel deep into the water. The best you can do it take a deep breath and blow out via the mouthpiece and water will come out through the tube. Snorkeling made easy Are you are first time snorkeler? Take a look at the challenges first time snorkelers experience: Leaking face mask Fear Exhaustion Water accumulating your snorkel tube Injury Boredom Conclusion Snorkeling is a fun activity and has basically no such risk. While you are under the waters, there are a few things you must remember. Swim slow and carefully while you take care of the breathing patterns. It is important to judge the distance and see where you go. You are wearing a mask and goggles so things will appear closer than it is. Enjoy the activity, have fun under water and explore sealife at its best. This post may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Fashion & Style 7 Smart Tips For A Smoother Trip 7:00 AM Everybody wants a hassle-free vacation. But things don't always go our way. The most important thing to remember during a trip is to enjoy it. Follow these 7 smart tips for a smoother trip next time. It would be a great help. 7 Smart Tips For A Smoother Trip Research Where do you want to go? What kind of trip is it going to be? Research about the place so you will know what to expect. Check the weather forecast. Know what activities to try, where to get the local delicacies, what the people are like, what to observe and avoid while in the place. Research inns or hotels which are safe, with a good rating, and within your budget. Make a list Have a list of the things you need to bring while planning the itinerary. List down the sites you want to visit including the "how to get there". Download an offline map. Make a list of the food or activities to experience. If you're a vegan, it helps to research vegan restaurants or at least those that offer vegan-friendly food beforehand. Do you have people you want to buy souvenirs for? List them down. At the end of the day, list down your expenses so you can monitor your cash. It doesn't sound sexy but it's essential especially if you're traveling on a budget. Pack light When packing, common sense plays a major role. Don't bring a month's worth of outfits for a 3-day trip. Don't bring a pair of boots if you're going to the beach (duh). Pack only the things you will need. As much as possible, don't bring a valuable jewelry. Aside from clothes, my must-bring stuff includes: Food and water (or a water bottle which you can refill inside the airport) First-aid kit and medicines for pain, allergy, and stomachache Earphones and chargers Toiletries Comfy travel pillow Shawl/jacket and a pair of socks (because I easily get cold) A good book or Kindle in case of down-time like waiting for a delayed flight Like every Catholic school survivor graduate, my rosary beads I have a back problem so it's a no-no to carry a heavy bag. Some bags are already heavy before you put anything in them which is a pain. My favorite fool-proof tip for a smoother trip is to bring a foldable, light-weight, waterproof rolling trolley luggage. I'm so happy to have found Jaswon Overnight Bags Aero Carry-On Rolling Trolley Luggage. Not only does it have different gorgeous designs, but it's also light, and functional. It's lightweight, waterproof and you can bring it as your carry-on. It's every traveler's (especially with back problems) must-have for a smoother trip. Be early Starting the travel time early is better as you get to see more places, prepare calmly, have extra time when any unforeseen delays happen. When traveling by plane, check in online to avoid queuing. Missing your plane or train means more hassle and maybe sacrificing an activity or two. Auto-responder Set your email's auto-responders while you're away. Someone might reach out to you and you don't want them to worry or guess why you're not responding. It could be an important client. Bring extra money As with any trip, expect the unexpected. It is wiser to bring extra cash than be constantly worried about having enough until it's time to go home. Transfer a certain amount of money to an ATM card that you can bring handy with you. Que sera sera It's nice to keep an itinerary and plan your trip carefully. But things happen that are beyond our control. Sometimes the weather will not cooperate with your trip to the beach. Sometimes there will be miscommunication between you and your guide. Sometimes you'd still forget something important despite the planning. Cut yourself some slack. Don't let a minor problem get in the way of fun. Let things be. Go with the flow. Que sera sera. Enjoy! Note: I received Jawson carry-on luggage from Amazon through Uskoop free of charge. All opinions are my own.
Listicle Snowboarding And Other Fun Winter Activities For The Family 7:49 PM Some people like winter, and some people don’t. It could get you stuck inside the house for days. But then, there are many things you can do only during winter, so instead of sulking, why not make the most of it? So here are snowboarding and other fun winter activities for the family to try to take the winter blues away. Build a snowman When there’s snow, it’s time to build that snowman. Let kids make their own. This is not only fun but can also develop their creativity and a great way to bond with them. Oh My Disney Sled You can buy a sled or be resourceful and use a baby tub or lid of large plastic containers. Then, you can sled with your dog. Feel the adrenaline rush sliding through the snow. Have a hot cup of cocoa Whether you curl up on your couch in front of the crackling fire inside the house or sit on your porch watching the snow fall, it’s the perfect time for a hot cup of cocoa. Don’t forget the marshmallows! Books or movies This cold, cozy weather is the best time to start on your reading list. If you’re not into reading, don’t worry. There’s Netflix. Rebloggy Care for animals If you are freezing inside the house, imagine how it is for animals outside. For example, put out seeds for birds with difficulty finding food. Leave some warm water (or water with more cordial) for some stray animals to drink. If you see a stray dog or cat, call the nearest shelter. Or Welcome them into your home with food, water, and some warmth while waiting for someone from the top to pick them up. Be a decent human. Bonfire and s’mores Gather around a bonfire with your friends and enjoy some s’mores while swapping stories. Just because winter is cold and gloomy doesn’t mean you should be too. Surround yourself with the warmth of companionship and laughter. Ice skating Bring out the graceful inner swan in you---or simply enjoy skating on ice. You can play some ice skatings games, like four corners and freeze skating. Just be careful not to hurt or injure yourself. Peanut Skaters Paint the snow If you’re tired of looking at the white snow around you, go painting. Have some watercolors and paint the snow. Then, create graffiti or your own work of art. Unleash your inner Vincent Van Gogh. Go snowboarding If you’re more into the sporty and daring side, go snowboarding. Learn something new. You also get to meet new people and give yourself a natural high. However, remember to take extra precautions and be prepared before going. Do your own research about the things you need to know or bring. For example, you'll need protective gear like the mips helmet for maximum safety.Don’t go without snowboard bindings. They are your body’s connection to the board; therefore, you need this connection to be as solid and comfortable as possible. Also, choose the best all-mountain snowboard. Then, compare what’s in the market and ask the expert’s opinion.Attend a crash course or ask a professional to assist you.GiphyFinal WordsMake the most of every season. This winter, relish being cozy inside your home or enjoy activities outdoors. Either way, don’t let it pass you by without having fun.
Travels Helpful Tips for Your Alaska Fishing Vacation 11:43 AM Alaska will give you lots of variety when it comes to fishing activities. Being popularly known for its untampered nature makes the location very appealing to the majority of tourists. Apart from this, it will offer you waters which are fresh, salty water, Ice and even fly fishing. All you need to do is step out with a good fishing line-kastking braid. To find out more about the types of fishing line available, carry out a kastking braid review here. Alaska has a total of 12000 rivers, more than 3million lakes and thousands of fish-filled rivers. With all these waters at your disposal, your only challenge is to decide the location of your trip and the type of catch. There’s no hustle when it comes to getting a good catch. At Alaska fishing is done in multiple ways by the locals. This includes fishing for subsistence purposes, sport fishing activities and personal use. When fishing here, you will get a great catch of halibut, trout, salmon, a number of finfish and shellfish. Fishing for subsistence and personal consumption is the way of life for people here. Alaska is a beautiful state located in the extreme northwest of Northern America. In this part of US, fishing alone caters for an estimated $652 million as an annual contribution by visitors expenses. These expenses range from buying licenses, fishing equipment and guides. Are you thinking of getting some great returns from fishing while on vacation? Then Alaska is the place for you. Here fishing is traded upon and in plenty. You not only have the opportunity to fish but also bond with the locals. Helpful Tips For Your Fishing Vacation In Alaska Identifying a good fishing lodge Getting to do some research on a great fishing lodge will make your stay at Alaska flawless. With a nice lodge in place, you will definitely have an ample time exploring Alaska. This will also give you more time to concentrate and have lots of fun as you enjoy your vacation. It’s obvious that you will spend little energy in settling down once reservations have been made. Proper planning ensures that your fishing vacation in Alaska has no comparison. If you happen to be with family during the vacation, then identify a lodge that accommodates you all. Planning in advance gives you more time for fishing and increases your chances for a good catch. Enjoy catching the salmons and halibut fish among others upon settling in a good lodge. Considering fishing lodges that provide for chartered boats makes your access to the waters easy. With such a package even those family members who might not be interested in fishing are taken care off. They will simply remain within the facility while the rest have their fun in water. Employing the use of guides/captains If you truly want to have an easy time exploring the unique nature of Alaska then opt for guides. Taking professional guides during fishing ensures that you are heading for the right spots while fishing. Following their professional instructions and warning will make your fishing expedition less disappointing. Through their guidance, you will have proper measures to counter any uncertainties. They will also help you keep off from bad weather which could have been otherwise dangerous. While self-guided vacations are allowed, it’s advisable to take a professional tour guide. Their extensive knowledge and experience in open water angling add more safety to your fishing vacation. Using expert tour guides ensure that everything necessary for your fishing expedition is intact. These include the tackle and bait casting rod, nautical maps for location and direction. And also do not forget the lifesavers which are important for your safety. Do you think safety is important even when having the fun of your lifetime? Well, if you think so then employing professional tour guide services is ideal. Taking precautions for your own safety makes you a responsible person. Acquiring proper documentation and reservations Adopting the services of companies with valid documentation when it comes to fishing vacation in Alaska makes your travel easy. Ensure that you employ a company that gives you valid documents and licenses where necessary. This will ensure that you don’t experience rejection when accessing some locations. Having valid documents makes your vacation manageable and time-saving. Apart from documentation, look for companies that give comprehensive packages on a fishing vacation. Such provision may range from accommodation cost, proper fishing gears and the boat trip. Taking an all-inclusive package makes it easy for you to get ready for the vacation. You will have fewer worries on the type of fishing gears to buy. You will have no reason to worry about other costs that may be involved such as the boat ride. Just remember to also bring along some warmer clothing. Set yourself ready to enjoy all kinds of fishing including sport fishing throughout your vacation. It’s important to focus more when planning than messing up an entire trip. Ensure that the people accompanying you are also well catered for including their documents. Find out also about tipping if practiced and prepare for it also. Make your vacation free from all kinds of negative surprises beforehand. You can do this by reaching out to the relevant support services. With all this perfectly put in place you are now set for a trip of your dreams in Alaska. Conclusion It solely depends on you to make the trip interesting while in Alaska. Take time to prepare as you anticipate for different outcomes. Have some counter plans in place for the same as this puts you in good control of the excursion. Adopting the above tips is enough for you to take a fun and hustle free trip next time. Planning in advance with the right information in terms of location, kind of gear and lodges make it even easier to manage. Try making lasting memories as you keep up with the fun. For you who believe you are an expert angler, grab the opportunity and make Alaska your perfect challenge. Image provided by author. About the Author: Gary Smith Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle Top 3 Tips For Using Tinder For Your Solo Travel 9:21 PM Traveling by yourself is so 2018! If you're thinking about taking a break from it all, traveling to a distant country, exploring new cultures, and pulling an “Eat Pray Love", now is as good a time as any. You wouldn’t believe how many ways there are to do this, provided you can take a couple of months off work or quit altogether and look for another job when you come back refreshed, recharged, and reborn. When you get to your dream destination, you can meet local bikers to show you the ropes, connect with an expat group and explore the sights with someone from your own culture, or use Tinder to meet single locals and put a whole new spin on your adventure. Today, we take a look at how you can use Tinder or any other international dating site or app to spice up your travel, take a real step outside your comfort zone, and live life with zero expectations, limits or time constraints (for as much of it as you have to give). Top 3 Tips For Using Tinder For Your Solo Travel #1: Check Out The Dating Scene Before You Go Say you’ve never been to Malaysia, but are just dying to go. You don’t know anybody there, which is kind of the point of your whole trip, so what do you do? You check out the local dating scene before you get there to lower the chance of disappointment to a minimum. Mind you, this costs extra because Tinder only lets you connect with other users at your current location, but at a price of a few cocktails, it’s definitely worth your investment. On the other hand, if you don't feel like paying to meet singles from across the globe, OKCupid lets you change your location and swipe outside your current location at no cost. #2: To Tell Or Not To Tell Whether you decide to be upfront about your length of stay is up to you. Lots of Tinder users out there are not happy to meet someone super exciting only to find out they're just passing through their town. On the other hand, omitting this important detail doesn’t necessarily mean deception because you can openly state in your profile you're looking for a casual romance. Finally, you can say you're looking for someone to show you everything there is to know about the place you're visiting, especially if they’re cute, single, and preferably sane. Speaking of sanity, you can never be too careful, so keep your eyes and ears open for anything suspicious, and if at one point something starts to smell fishy, just get out of there as soon as possible and move on. #3: Asking For Tips Often Leads To Drinks Asking your matches for tips on what to do while visiting their town can turn into them getting tired of typing up everything there is to do, and just asking you if you were OK with them showing you around. Locals are pretty efficient that way, and if they turn out to be cute, you’ll get your own "Tindering while Traveling” adventure. “What time is the last subway", "How much is cab fare" or "Is the water safe here to drink for tourists" are all questions you can use to break the ice with someone and chat them up to see if they're into you. If, however, they don't turn out to be as interesting or as honest as you'd hoped, don't let it put a damper on the vacation of your life, and try to treat a bad date as you would at home, with as little dwelling on it as possible. Post may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle Bachelorette Yacht Party: Awesome End to Your Single Life 8:00 AM No ordinary bachelorette bash for an extraordinary woman like you, right? Saying goodbye to your singlehood deserves something epic, unforgettable, and FUNtastic. It's the end of a legendary chapter and the exciting first line of a whole new story. But safety comes first. Always gotta keep you and your crew worry-free. Sure, there are tons of bachelorette party ideas, but have you considered a Bachelorette Yacht Party? The ultimate way to set sail on a farewell to your fabulous single life is by renting a yacht. Why choose Bachelorette Yacht for your bachelorette party? Wunderkindof 1. Safety Bachelorette Yacht has an experienced team to ensure you only explore safe waters and avoid rough water and storms. In addition, all their equipment meets the latest safety standards. 2. Fun They make the yachting experience as fun as possible, making it the experience of a lifetime for you and your guests. 3. Weather Insurance While Miami has some of the best tropical weather, sometimes you can get unlucky. No worries. They offer optional weather insurance if you can’t take out the yacht. 4. Freedom to travelDon’t you want to explore more on your last night as a single woman? Literally, travel as a free woman one more time with Bachelorette Yacht. Let them know where you want to go, and they can set up boat tours that can range from 2 to 10 days long, with a capacity for up to 24 passengers and room for many more memories. 5. Yacht party of your dream You can choose from their yachts, ranging from 60 feet to 150 feet, based in South Beach, Miami. So, whether you want to cruise the party scene in Miami or party in the Bahamas, you can. Whatever type of experience you want, from drinking champagne with your girlfriends at sunset to a full-blown DJ-backed party on the yacht….your party, your choice. E! Entertainment Television Singlehood is more like an epic adventure. It's been a journey filled with memories that deserve a legendary send-off. Don't settle for just any last hurrah – you and your besties deserve something fabulous, luxurious, and unforgettable. Picture this: you and your crew setting sail on the Bachelorette Yacht, ready to celebrate your single life in style. It's the perfect way to wave goodbye to "Ms." and say hello to "Mrs." (or just keep living life to the fullest) Image from Bachelorette Yacht website
Dogs How To Travel with Dogs: Tips And Advice 8:00 PM Are you a dog lover? If so you know how incredibly difficult it can be to part with your fur baby while traveling. Our pets are our family, our best friends, and you wouldn’t dare leave one of them behind, would you? Of course not! Fortunately with the right preparations you can travel in style with your healthy and happy pup. Here's some tips and advice on how to travel with your dogs. Tips and Advice on How to Travel with Dogs Traveling by plane? Make things easier on yourself and your pooch by taking a few things into consideration beforehand. Does your dog have the right temperament for a plane ride? Do you have a carrier in line with your airlines size requirements? Is your dog up to date on all their shots and vaccinations? Same thing goes for car rides. You want to be sure your pup is comfortable in their seat, and be prepared to make some potty & stretching stops for them! This graphic by PuppySpot can serve as a helpful checklist before your next trip. Once you determine your mode of transportation, simply check off each necessity to be sure you don’t miss a thing. Once the travel portion is over, be sure to have accommodations at your destination set up for your pet as well. Websites like Bring Fido can help with finding dog friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities going on near you. Planning out these things ahead of time will rid you of the stress of leaving your dog in the hotel all day and allow you all to freely explore the area. Even if you’re not a pet owner at the moment, checking out some of the local dog friendly beaches and hiking trails can still be a fun way to fill your daily dose of cuteness. Do you have any tried and true travel tips? Let me know in the comments! This post may contain affiliate links. About the author: The PuppySpot Team Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle A Bucket List Of 10 Must-See Places 8:00 AM In his most notable play, Shakespeare famously said that the main question of our existence was whether to be or not to be. Where to be Not to criticize his genius, but let us offer an alternative way of looking at life and a different question to be asked: namely, where to be? Being stuck in a stuffy office, sitting in front of the computer while performing the same boring tasks that you have performed yesterday, cannot in any way be compared to being out and about in the world, experiencing cities, forests, beaches and quaint little villages, discovering unknown places and breathing in foreign air. Travelling is a unique state of being and it is no surprise that our bucket lists are usually filled with distant places that we would like to see before our time runs out. Do you have all of the most impressive sights on the list? Or is there something that you could still add to it? Read our guide of 10 must-see things to see and do around the globe and find out! A Bucket List of 10 Must-see Places To Do and See Before Your Mortal Coil Shuffles Off Ponder the magnificence of the Great Wall of China This ancient fortification is not considered to be one of the greatest wonders on this planet for nothing. It is one thing to see it in pictures, but to actually set foot on it and touch the stones that have been there for centuries is an experience which does not compare to anything else. Do not be afraid to stray off the beaten path and explore some of its older stairs and hidden towers. You will find yourself wandering around its crumbling battlements for hours, amazed and enchanted by the history that is embedded in this man-made monument. See the Taj Mahal bathed in the light of a full moon The melancholic beauty of the Taj Mahal is sure to blow your mind at any time of day, but if you wish to experience it at its most profound, visit the memorial when the moon is full. The complex is open to visitors at night during this time and there is nothing quite as beautiful as its solemn white structure drenched in the dazzling moonlight. The building takes on a life of its own during these nights and you can almost hear it whispering the sad story of an emperor and the love of his life sleeping her eternal sleep in the mausoleum. Embark on the Irish Oyster Trail in Galway The annual International Oyster Festival, which is held in Galway, is a must for every self-proclaimed foodie. It takes place over a period of three days and celebrates the beginning of an oyster season in a true Irish fashion – drinking, dancing and traditional hospitality of the locals included. The biggest crustacean worshippers are challenged to drink a pint of beer and chase it with some oysters in every pub along the Oyster Trail over the period of the festival, which adds up to around thirty pints and more than a hundred oysters in three days! You will not find a better way to plunge headfirst into the very middle of the unique culture of Ireland. Gape at the Golden Rock in Myanmar The Golden Rock, or Kyaiktiyo, as the locals call it, is a gigantic granite boulder sitting on the very edge of a natural stone plinth in the Eastern Yoma mountains of the beautiful country of Myanmar. This structure, which seems to defy the laws of physics, is believed to be sacred by the Burmese Buddhists and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year – the legend claims that a few strands of Buddha‘s hair hold it firmly in its place. It is a mind-boggling sight all year round but the peak of its religious significance can only be experienced between the months of November and March, when dedicated Buddhists pray to it among the smell of incense at the dawn of a new day. Discover the Carribean gem of Antigua Nestled cosily between the Atlantic Ocean and the Carribean Sea, the island of Antigua is home to some of the most beautiful beaches that you will ever see – not to mention that this tiny island offers a choice of 365 of them! If you do get a chance to travel to Antigua, make sure to stop by the capital city of St. John‘s as well for some amazing vistas. Get messy at La Tomatina On the last Wednesday of every August, a tiny Spanish town of Buñol descends into the most entertaining of madness. An enormous crowd of people gathers in the city centre and engages in a public tomato fight which has no equals – around 130 000 kilograms of over-ripe tomatoes end up covering the streets and the public over the course of just one hour. Remember how your mother precluded you from getting dirty when you were a child? Well, this is your chance to get as messy as you want while taking part in an unforgettable celebration of life! Experience the wonders of an African safari Even the most impressive zoo cannot be compared to the sight of wild animals roaming around in the wild right next to you. The diversity of species, the intimacy involved in seeing them in their natural habitat and the deep appreciation of nature that stems from it is something that you are bound to treasure for years afterwards. No matter how cliche it might be, experiencing a safari in Africa was always gonna find its way to this bucket list. Visit the marvelous Grand Canyon If one had to choose the most iconic landscape in the USA, a sight that is capable of transforming you as a person, the Grand Canyon would be it. This natural wonder is almost 300 miles long and a whole mile deep. The modern world often forces us to forget our sweet insignificance; we fail to appreciate the vastness of our planet. The immensity of the Grand Canyon is capable of changing that in mere seconds. Explore the city of Petra Petra is a unique historical and archeological site located in southern Jordan. Tourists from all over the world flock to marvel at its rock-carved structures and the surrounding valleys. The Siq – the main entrance to the city comprised of a narrow gorge – is particularly impressive and is sure to remain in your mind forever. Sail around the Whitsunday Islands The Whitsundays is a collection of islands off the central coast of Australia – and it is also one of the most idyllic places on this planet. The bright, transparent seas, the perfectly white sands and the green islets raising their backs timidly out of the water calm a wandering mind instantly and allow you to submerge yourself in undisturbed peace. Definitely to be There is such an overabundance of beauty on our planet and for us, there is meaning in that fact alone. Just scanning over this list should pop the question of being or not right out of your mind. Venture into the world now and start pursuing the ultimate experience of truly being in it. Post may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Travels Planning Your Backpacking Trip through Europe - a Few Tips and Must-see Cities 8:00 PM Planning Your Backpacking Trip through Europe - a Few Tips and Must-see Cities 5 General Tips If this is your first time planning a backpacking trip (through Europe or any other country, as well), these tips might help you. Plan Your Trip When composing the itinerary, you will be tempted to include as many places as it is possible, but be sure to leave yourself enough time to really enjoy the city you are visiting. Choose quality over quantity. And do not underestimate the time you will spend in the transportation, too. Also, try to include a few peaceful destinations just to relax and get some good night’s sleep. Thanks to the best air mattress, which most backpackers carry with them, comfortable sleeping is guaranteed, but sometimes you'll need some peace and quiet, as well. Pack Smart Make a packing list and pack only the things you will really need. With the packing list, you will be sure not to forget anything, and you can use that list as a reminder so you can quickly check if everything is still there. Never pack valuable things - just think about how you’d feel if you lose any of them. Another important thing when it comes to packing your backpack is to pack light - heavy luggage will only slow you down and you might have to pay higher luggage fees during the transportation. And don’t forget to pack some snacks, too. Bring Your Own Air Mattress As camping and backpacking become more and more popular, new, improved versions of air mattresses appear on the market. All you need to do is to find the best air mattress that fits your needs and the size of your backpack. Consider weight and packed size, as well as the comfort and warmth. The best air mattress for backpacking is the one that is light, comfortable and it is easy to roll up. Before choosing one, it might be smart to read some reviews, either by other backpackers or independent review sites like TheSleepStudies.com. Save Your Money Do what the locals do, and go where the locals go. Places in the city center and near the tourist attractions usually overcharge their services, but you do not have to pay more than you opt to. In every destination, there are also many free activities and attractions you do not have to pay to see. Or try to find the ones that offer special deals for students and families or have discount days and hours. Avoid Pickpockets and Scams Although pickpocketing is most likely to happen in large cities full of tourists, be careful wherever you go, you definitely would not want that someone rips you off or scams you in any other way. Pickpockets are usually persons you would never suspect on - young girls and boys or well-dressed people. They work in groups and use the crowd in the popular tourist attractions, as well as in the transportation. Pay attention to all your belongings when you are in places like the beach, restaurant or a bar. In such places, people usually let their guard down and leave their stuff unattended. There are a few tricks that might help you protect your stuff - use a zippered or a pickpocket-proof bag, wear a money-belt, split your money… And get to know a few most common scams before you leave anywhere. This guide on BemusedPackpacker might be useful to avoid common travel scams. Five Must-see Cities in Europe When traveling only with a backpack, you are free to go wherever you want, but it would be a good idea that before you go, you make at least some outline of the cities you want to visit, and that fit your travel style and budget. Here are a few suggestions. Budapest, Hungary With affordable prices and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Budapest is undoubtedly the city you should visit. The St. Stephen’s Basilica, City Park (with the Széchenyi Baths), House of Terror, Great Synagogue, Castle Hill... these are just some of the sights you must see. You can see many of Budapest’s best sights from the Danube Promenade. Also, once you come to Hungary, do not forget to try some of the best traditional Hungarian dishes. And if you love nightlife and cheap alcohol, visit some of the 'ruin pubs' - pubs built in buildings destroyed during the WWII. But, if you are looking for a place to relax, visit thermal baths. There are many, and the two are most famous the Széchenyi Spa and the Gellért Spa. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find an opulent nightlife scene, especially when it comes to pubs. You can use this Budapest pub crawl to find your way around more easily. Munich, Germany Munich is not the cheapest place to visit, but it is also not that expensive as other major cities in Europe are. This city has everything - history, culture, cuisine, sport... and most importantly - huge beer mug. Find a place according to your taste, and enjoy with a cold beer and a soft pretzel. But do not forget about real local specialties, especially if you are a meat lover. You will need a few days to visit all the sights - the Cathedral Church of Our Lady, St. Peter’s Church, Konigsplatz, Residenz, Marienplatz with the New Town Hall… Munich also has a numerous excellent museums (Deutsches Museum, Egyptian Museum, Nazi Documentation Center…). This guide on LonelyPlanet might make things easier. Belgrade, Serbia Belgrade is a pleasant city, with lots of cultural and historical sites to visit. Numerous museums offer you the opportunity to learn more about the culture and tradition of the people from this area. Among many churches, the one that stands out in its beauty and its size is the Church of St. Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world as well as the picturesque Kalemegdan fortress. Other sites you should visit are the Residence of Prince Miloš and Princess Ljubica's Residence, House of Flowers - the resting place of Marshal Josip Broz Tito and his wife, Jovanka Broz... When you come to the city center, walk along the Knez Mihailova Street and come to the Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan), where you can enjoy nature blended with the historic site. Here’s a more detailed guide on must-see sites in Belgrade on TripAdvisor. Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a city you always return to, no matter how many times you have visited it so far. With its breathtaking architecture, untouched during the WWII, it seems like a city from a fairy-tale. Walk around the Old Town and its square, visit St. Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Astronomical Clock Tower and Old Town Hall There are many other sights and attractions to see, such as the Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Lobkowicz Palace, Old Jewish Cemetery and the Old-New Synagogue. Prague is well-known for its quality beer, which you can enjoy along with delicious local specialties at one of the restaurants. And since it has a large student population, the city offers an excellent nightlife. Vienna, Austria Vienna has always been a large city, and it was a home to many artists, especially composers including Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Haydn, Schubert and Johann Strauss II. When you come to Vienna, you will be amazed by the city’s architecture and the combination of various architectural styles. You must see the Schönbrunn Palace, with the Tiergarten Schönbrunn - the zoo in the palace gardens. Other attractions to see are the St. Stephen's Cathedral, Danube Tower (Donauturm), The Giant Ferris Wheel and its Square, Albertina, Imperial Palace (Hofburg), Esterházy Palace… And if you love museums, there are about a hundred of them in Vienna. In conclusion… If you are an adventurous soul, you owe it to yourself to add the Europe experience to your memories. If you are from the USA, it will be discovering a whole new perspective on life. That’s not an exaggeration; Europe is at that sweet spot between urban, busy life and history. The experience will change you. In a good way, too. This article was submitted by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Technology Trade Online While Traveling 8:00 AM If you happen to travel globally and you have some time to spare, then you can use this time to trade. With a good phone that has access to the Internet, it is becoming easier every day for travelers like you to explore the world while doing some online trading. Successful Online trading, however, will vary with your skills and effort you put in acquiring the knowledge on how to trade in online markets. You may have heard of financial markets and trading, but you have no clue of how to take the first step to trading for yourself. First, you have to have immense knowledge about this field of online trading, and the easiest method to achieve this is through consultation with trading experts. Knowledge gives you power, but not so many people have the energy or ability to learn new subjects however much their new found knowledge may contribute in a huge way to their monetary benefits in years to come. If you need a part-time activity while you travel, then trading in financial markets can be a good thing to try. CMC Markets, for instance, offers online trading and investments platforms that provide benefits of buying/selling individual stocks and investing in online bonds known as mutual-bonds. However, if you so much wish to learn about online trading then continue reading but then don't forget you still need to have known some things about the finance industry, and most importantly you have to learn about precise trading expertise so as to control your risk. An accurate knowledge of core and specialized analysis of the financial markets give you an opportunity to create an organized trading plan for yourself, with a clear awareness of the trading psychology that will make you a successful trader. However, the easiest way to acquire knowledge is through advice and feedback from experts monitoring your trading performance. Trading in individual stocks either as a full-service broker or as a discount broker has many advantages as compared to investing in mutual funds. Individual stocks offer independence and the proficiency to determine how to vary and allow option strategies to shield your portfolio or increase overall returns. So as to build a strong portfolio, you need to do your research and hand-pick the stocks that relate to your investment objectives. By doing this, you are also able to reduce management fees and also expense ratios that ever present with the mutual fund industry. Spreading risk forms the basis for all successful investments. Acquiring a portfolio with 8 or more stocks enables one to maximize on the diversification while focusing on better stock movements. By purchasing stocks on an individual basis, the investor has the option of speculating the best time to sell a stock owned, to reduce risk or raise returns. With individual stocks, it becomes possible to adjust your portfolio accordingly. You can gradually purchase assets over a given period to minimize risk as rather than buying lump sums in the case of mutual funds. Wise investors can also gain passively through dividends from purchasing stocks in telecommunication companies, which tend to offer better returns while capitalizing on capital gains. Despite the freedom that comes with private trading wise traders should learn how not to over trade. Over trading can lead to a much formidable risk to a portfolio as compared to an unskillful stock selection. Undisciplined traders tend to ruin their portfolios by raising their costs, lowering their tax gains and failing to recognize the natural trend of the equity markets which consequently keeps their portfolio spiraling in the opposite direction and subjecting the traders to losses. For the big merchants, the bid-ask spread; should be narrow when trading for you are to remain profitable. Traders who purchase stocks to a significant volume are subject to more taxes than investors who buy their stocks and refrain from selling them for a period. For those seeking higher returns, they should consider slowing down the turnover, spending additional time doing research and developing wise strategies to boost their portfolio. Lastly, you can opt for a simpler approach which involves selling someone the right to purchase your stock in the future conceivably. This method allows a raise in the general return of the current portfolio while reducing the yield significantly in bad markets. This article was submitted by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
For Moms 9 Tips For Traveling With Your Toddlers 8:00 AM How can we make it easier for families with younger children to travel with, and what things you think about to ensure you have a wonderful and memorable journey? This article touches on all of those things you should be thinking about when travelling with a family. Children who have a chance to travel with their parents have an opportunity of a lifetime, and they have a chance to build so many memories and wonderful moments that they can look back on when they get older. However, anyone who has traveled with children, especially younger children, to countries without the same infrastructure and facilities knows it's difficult. In order to address this problem, parents should seriously consider developing a simple travel plan. Below are some useful tips for a wonderful journey with your little ones: 9 Tips For Traveling With Your Toddlers #1: Choose Proper Destination Younger children, especially those under 2-year-old, need a little space to play and explore. So think about hotels and resorts that have bigger rooms and may have plenty of spaces to play or maybe have swimming pools or close to the beach. A day out the beach can be a wonderful affordable experience, building sand castles, swimming or playing some simple sports. via http://foter.com/ #2: Book Ahead Once you have found your perfect destination, in addition to booking ahead, parents should inform the hotel that they will be travelling with children. This will give the hotel or resort plenty of time to prepare your room, proving things like cribs, extra chairs or special incentives for kids - if available. #3: Choose Suitable Means of Transportation When traveling ahead especially on planes, try to choose seats closer to the front (if booking online) or request when checking in at the airport. Additionally, parents should remember to bring all the necessary travel documentation for their children. If traveling by train or car, make sure that little ones have enough space for sleeping comfortably. #4: Offer Toddlers a Camera Offering toddlers their own (child-friendly, robust) camera helps them concentrate on what interests them and observe their surroundings. The results will definitely surprise you from the knee-high view. According to a mother whose son is toddler, among photos of wheels and feet, her three-year-old child has captured rabbits, rocks, boats, helicopters, animals and flowers. #5: Anticipate the Weather It might be a simple piece of advice, however, kids dressed comfortably for the climate, terrain and environment are much happier. There’s no reason for leaving kids barefoot on a beach where sea urchins might lurk, forgetting their gloves, hat, rain jacket or dressing them in ski-suits four sizes too big. #6: Prepare Travel Potty It’s really hard when travelling with kids are being potty trained. Nevertheless, everything will be easier with the help of the best travel potty. Thanks to the compact design, you can easily fold the travel potty down to save space for other items and put them in your car’s trunk or the bottom of the diaper bag. In general, this item can be used for a short time and coupled with a potty seat or potty chair. #7: Prepare Travel High Chair If you plan to go on holiday with kids at the age from 6 months to about 3 years old, one of the vital tools of travel kit you should remember to bring with is a travel highchair. The travel high chair will make feeding children much easier. Additionally, you will no longer encounter the dirty floor everyday due to your kid’s naughtiness while eating. #8: Choose Proper Utensils Firstly, pay attention to the garments of kids. When traveling in the summer, kids can sweat a lot, therefore, parents should choose clothes that are cool, and can absorb sweat well. In addition, it is recommended that parents should prepare some longer and warmer clothes for the windy evening or areas with air conditioners. Next, hats, sunglasses, sunscreens, mosquito repellents, and antiseptic creams for small children are also indispensable. Also, more carefully, parents should bring some medicines or medicated plasters to reduce the fever, anti-diarrhea, and personal gauze bandages for children. #9: Put All The Utensils of Children In Private Luggage You have to arrange private luggage for your small children because they have a lot of stuff such as milk bottles, foods, diapers, etc. In addition to checked baggage, parents also need to prepare another small bag for carrying the necessary things which kids need anytime during the trip. via http://foter.com Remember to bring blankets and special pillows for kids. These items will be very useful for them to help them have a good night’s sleep when sleeping in the hotel. Moreover, don’t forget to bring their favorite toys especially if you need to pacify them at any stage. Conclusion With the aforementioned useful tips, it’s certain that parents and children will have a wonderful vacation with unforgettable memories. If you find this article helpful and beneficial, please share it with your friends, and relatives. About the Author: Emma is the founder of ShrewdMommy, where she and associates blog about pregnancy advice, parenting insights, tips for mommy. Those experiences will somehow help you in your search for questions about pregnancy and baby tips. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
