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August 11, 2018 by Chase Vandros

How to Recover From Your Budget Busting Vacation

The summer is the time of year when the majority of us head off for sunnier climbs, seeking fun, adventure and most importantly, relaxation. Naturally we tend to splurge a little both on the vacation and whilst we are away, which is something that we tell ourselves not to worry about during our holiday. Unfortunately however, reality hits when we arrive home, and many struggle to stay calm when they review their bank balance post-vacation. If you are in this boat after your recent vacation, here are just a few ways that you can recover financially from your pricey vacation.

Budget

Before you even begin to look into ways of making more and spending less, you need to face facts and sit down to do a budget. Very often it can be easy to bury our heads in the sand and ignore our financial situation, but this won’t help by any stretch of the imagination. The best thing to do when you get back from your vacation, is to work out how much more you need to pay out this month, how much more may be coming in, and then look ahead to next month, in order to get a clear picture of your financial situation.

Loan

With most people getting paid at the end of the month, it could mean that the last few weeks of the pay cycle are tough to say the least. A great way to get over this is to take a small loan, which will bridge the gap between now and payday. There are all manner of loans which you could apply for to help, from payday loans to quick online installment loans, that will put some cash in your pocket until you finally get paid.

Working

It sounds very basic but you should be looking to work as much as possible in order to get the pennies in. The reason why now is the best time to get those overtime hours in, is because you will be fully recharged and re-energized after your trip away, which will mean that you have all of the desire and the commitment to go out and work as many hours as possible to put your finances right. In the weeks and months leading up to a vacation, most people are tired and crying out for a break, when you get back however, it is time to turn up the heat and get some more money in the bank.

Saving Techniques

If things are a little tight post-vacation it is time to start employing some savings techniques in order to spend less. For example try maximizing the use of coupons to bring your shopping costs down, buy cheaper brands, recycle what you can, and try out the 10 second rule too. The 10 second rule is basically where you take 10 seconds to think about each purchase before putting it in your trolley, you’ll be amazed at how many things go back on to the shelf. Keep things tight until you can get your finances back to normal.

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August 10, 2018 by Chase Vandros

Fine Details You Can Have for the Proper Taxi Transfers

One of the main obstacles for pet owners is the movement of their animals, especially when they do not have their own vehicle. In some cases, in addition, this trip is not exactly for pleasure, but of vital importance, for example to go to the vet.

Since a little over a month ago, a service provided by the Taxi application was running so that customers can travel accompanied by their pets. The company is applying the same initiative. Since this benefit is underway, more than 1,500 trips with pets have already been made. Of the three thousand taximeters that work with this application, about 600 accept to move the animals. From the firm explained that the drivers accepted that people travel with their pets, aware of how complicated it is to move them in Zurich in other means of transport. For the taxi from Zurich airport  these pets are also allowed.

The modality seeks to make the experience of traveling with pets in a taxi comfortable, easy and safe. Even the company conducted a survey among its passengers and more than 90 percent said that this new initiative is positive.

Following the strong pet friendly trend that exists in different areas, we join to give pet owners alternatives to move. In this way, among other things, they will be able to go to places that are farther from their homes.

What is it about?

The proposal includes taking a pet (only small or medium domestic pets can be moved) per passenger.

The condition is that they must be moved in a blanket, transporters, bags, purses or backpacks. It is also preferable not to feed or give water to the animals before the trip, to avoid inconveniences.

The cost of the service is 15 pesos additional to the traditional travel rate.

How to use

  • This free download and use application searches for the vehicle closest to the taxi user, in addition to granting the data of the vehicle and the taxi driver.
  • Upon entering the application, the passenger can choose the option of a pet-enabled taxi.
  • The indicated vehicle can be easily distinguished with a fingerprint.
  • The passenger will be responsible for the general condition of the animal, in the same way he will have to guarantee his custody and welfare.
  • The passenger receives all the vehicle information: patent, name and photograph of the driver. You can also follow the taxi’s route in real time.

Lots of benefits

  • Several studies confirm and highlight the positive impact that the presence of pets has on productivity.
  • According to science, having a pet and petting it frequently helps reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
  • In that sense, pets became an integral part of the family.
  • Going on vacation with the pet, for example, is a trend that grows in the world.
  • This current is occurring in all public spaces, bars and even offices that are rapidly transforming into pet friendly spaces.

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July 29, 2018 by Chase Vandros

4 Can’t Miss Hikes in the Pacific Northwest

If you’re going to the Pacific Northwest, there’s one activity you don’t want to pass up: exploring the can’t-miss hikes in the area. Of course, Seattle is known for coffee, craft beers, and eclectic restaurants, but what many people don’t realize is some of the best hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest are located in and around Seattle. While making plans for your trip, you just might realize that stationing yourself in and around the Seattle area to be close to these hiking trails is an idea you don’t want to miss.

Old Mount Si Trail

Want to find a trail less traveled but still itching to experience Mount Si in its entirety? The Old Mount Si Trail gives hikers a view similar to one you would find on the newer Mount Si trail but without the crowds. Located in the Snoqualmie region, the Old Trail is only 24 miles from Redmond, the perfect place to make your hub if you’re wanting to be outside of the city. While this hike will give you a more challenging experience with an 8-mile round trip hike and an elevation gain of more than 3,200 feet, it will be well worth the trek.

Little Si Hiking Trail

With an elevation gain of more than 1,200 feet and a 4.7-mile hike round trip, Little Si is perfect for those hikers who are less experienced or want a moderate workout with stunning sights along the way. At the top of Little Si, you will find a panoramic view of Mount Washington, the Upper Snoqualmie Valley, and Mount Si on a clear day. Make sure to obtain the Discover Pass before hiking Old Mount Si Trail and Little Si Trail.

Mount Teneriffe

While Mount Si and Little Si are well-known hikes in the Seattle area, don’t shy away from the lesser-known hikes such as  Mount Teneriffe. It’s longer, at 13.8 miles round trip, and has an elevation gain of 3,800 feet. You will pass the Kamikaze Falls and come across incredible views of Mount Rainier from the summit without dealing with the heavily populated trails at Mount Si and Little Si. Note that the trailhead is only 36 miles from Seattle.

Crystal Lakes Trail 

For those looking for a hike farther outside of the city, Mount Rainer has the Crystal Lakes Trail. Gaining 2,300 feet elevation during this 6-mile round trip hike, you will come across a view of Mount Rainier, the wildflowers lining lower Crystal Lake, and various wildlife as you make your way towards Upper Crystal Lake. If you’re looking to camp, both Lower and Upper Crystal Lakes have sites available, but be sure to obtain a permit.

Whether you decide to hike Mount Si, Little Si, Mount Teneriffe, or Crystal Lakes, the Pacific Northwest does not skimp on diverse terrain or stunning perspectives. If you can’t decide on one trail, make a weeklong trip out of it to enjoy as much as you can of this spectacular region of the United States.

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May 25, 2018 by Chase Vandros

5 Exciting Fort Lauderdale Activities for the Adventurous Family

For families looking for more adventure in Florida than theme parks and beaches, look no further than Fort Lauderdale. This Fort Lauderdale travel guide will help with your thrill-seeking activities during your visit to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Go on a Wildlife Adventure

Thrill your family with an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades. Journey into this incredible ecosystem and learn about the history and area wildlife. As boats leave from Sawgrass Recreation Park and skim across the water, visitors often get to see snakes, gators, turtles, fish, and birds. Daytime and nighttime tours are available, as well as exhibits on the native and non-native wildlife species that can be found in the Everglades.

Take the Scenic Route

Skip travel on roadways and get different views of the city by purchasing tickets on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi. Tickets are valid for 12 hours and allow guests to travel to any of the 15 convenient stops around the city. These stops take passengers to destinations such as restaurants, shopping, historic locations, and beaches. Along the way, passengers are treated to spectacular views of the mansions and mega yachts along Millionaire’s Row.

Journey to a Tropical Isle

Families can take a trip along Fort Lauderdale’s New River aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat. Various guided tours are available, including shorter 90-minute tours, evening tours, and dinner tours. Longer tours include a stop at the Jungle Queen tropical isle, where guests can see exotic birds, alligators, and other wildlife. Guests on the dinner cruises are also treated to an all-you-can-eat dinner with live entertainment during their island visit.

Enjoy a Day on the Ocean

Enjoy a day on the Atlantic Ocean by going on a chartered fishing trip. Most trips provide everything passengers need, including fishing rods, tackle, and bait. Just a few miles from shore, guests can catch seasonal fish, such as snapper, grouper, trigger fish, and amberjacks. Crew members help passengers with various fishing techniques and provide complimentary fish cleaning. Half-day and full day charter trips are available.

Dine While Watching an Exciting Show

After a day along the waterways, enjoy a three-course meal and an exciting show at Mai Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. Decorated in the style of 1950s tiki bars, guests feast on award-wining Cantonese and American dishes. During dinner, families experience lively and vibrant performances by Polynesian dancers, singers, musicians, and other traditional acts, including the Samoan Fire and Ice dance.

No matter the length of your family’s stay, they are sure to experience adventure in the Venice of America.

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May 21, 2018 by Chase Vandros

Relaxing breaks: What NOT to do

It would be fair to say that we are well and truly in the age of the relaxing getaway. Whether it’s because life has suddenly become oh-so stressful, or just because these relaxing destinations are much more accessible, we are not going to speculate.

Unfortunately, saying that you are about to venture away on a relaxing break and actually doing it are two completely different things. Most of us are guilty of breaking the elusive rules that are meant to safeguard a relaxing getaway. This is the reason behind today’s article, and we will now look at some things that you most definitely should not do if you are keen on preserving your peaceful break.

Don’t #1 – The wrong destination

It sounds obvious, but so many people who head out on a relaxing weekend away simply book the wrong type of destination. It should go without saying that there are plenty of stereotypical “quiet” getaways; namely golf weekends, spa breaks and others of a similar ilk.

At the same time, there are others that are anything-but quaint. Sightseeing might be a great thing to do, but only under the right circumstances. If relaxing is your thing this time around, navigating through hordes of tourists certainly isn’t going to cut it and just build up those aggravation levels. At the same time, choosing a popular 18-30 destination isn’t going to work well either – you’re just going to be kept up until the early hours.

Don’t #2 – Over packing

You might have good intentions as you pack your suitcase or weekend bag, but stop and think if you really need to take all of these things. There’s nothing quite worse than having your plans disrupted, just because you don’t fancy carting your great, big suitcase all across your city of choice. At the same time, even if you do decide to take such action, by the time you reach your destination you’re just going to want to sleep.

In other words, it hardly fits into the relaxing definition at all.

Don’t #3 – The over packed itinerary

On the subject of over packing, let’s now turn to your itinerary itself. It can be all-too tempting to try and cram in as many activities as possible on one of these trips, just so you can “make the most of things”.

Well, we are going to recommend going against such advice. The last thing you want is to feel like you need another vacation after arriving back from this one. Unfortunately, if you embark on sightseeing tour after sightseeing tour, this is exactly what is going to happen.

This is your relaxing trip – give your feet and mind a break.

Don’t #4 – Your mobile phone

We’re going to keep this section short, and to the point. Mobile phones are great, but not when it comes to relaxing. They keep your mind constantly switched on and if you happen to have a travel partner, being glued to the small screen is not going to do your reputation any favors in the slightest.

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