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Craving seafood? Amazing places to satisfy your cravings for seafood

September 28, 2020

The delicious aroma of seafood combined with the rich taste always makes for memorable meals. Delicious lobsters, shrimps, prawns, and more, the choices available for seafood are seemingly endless. Craving some mouth-watering seafood? The pandemic might have put a stop to your plans to go out, but it certainly cannot stop you from enjoying your favorite seafood! Order your favorite dishes and choice of seafood online and get it delivered right at your doorstep. Shop and enjoy to your heart’s content and satisfy all your cravings.

With a host of great deals, coupons, and codes available online, getting food has never been even more enjoyable. Deals like, 50% off on their orders, 10% Military discount by Omaha Steaks, and many more are now live that can help us get just what we desire along with optimum savings! Save up with every order and enjoy delicious meals with your friends and family.

Amazing Places to Satisfy your Cravings for Seafood:

Red Lobster: Get the most delicious seafood from Red Lobster. From lobsters that are sure to make you go wow, to the freshest shrimp and prawn, Red Lobster has a variety of seafood proteins. From party platters to family meals and more, there is a lot to choose from. Paired with amazing offers, like the Red Lobster menu starting at only $2.79, you can save up on every order.
Omaha Steaks: Omaha Steaks have an extensive stock of the best quality seafood, fresh as well as marinated. You can also customize and order a combo box with your choice of seafood, meat, and any product from Omaha Steaks. You can also look out for their daily specials and get premium seafood at discounts that include up to 50% off with Omaha Steaks Coupons and much more.
Wild Alaskan Company: The Wild Alaskan Company offers wild-caught and sustainable seafood with the help of a monthly subscription. Several choices are available with an assortment of the healthiest and the best seafood.
Vital Choice: With a wide range of seafood available, Vital Choice is the perfect destination for you to add variety to your seafood dishes. They have excellent quality products and are shipped in the best conditions. Choices are many, with even seasoning choices available for customers. You can also opt for their subscription boxes to get your favorites time and again.
The Crab Place: Satisfy your cravings for crabs by grabbing the premiums from The Crab Place! Hard or soft, steamed or frozen, a wide range of choices await your selection. Their unique and efficient packing and the delivery system ensures that you get the freshest order. Other choices are also available like oysters, crab cakes, calamari, and more.
Lobster Anywhere: Another great lobster destination on our list is Lobster Anywhere! Get delectable selections of seafood delivered right at your doorstep with Lobster Anywhere. Besides a wide selection of the best lobsters, you can also get ready to be grilled variants and a variety of seafood soups and sides.
FreshDirect: True to their name, FreshDirect brings to you the choicest and the freshest fish and shellfish. Prices are based on the weight of your order and it is also mentioned how long your order will stay at its best, helping you to plan accordingly.

The ongoing COVID pandemic is a menace that is showing no signs of going away. Keeping it in mind, we should try our best to practice social distancing and stay home for the health and safety of our family and community. Besides this current situation, ordering online, in general, is beneficial in many ways. It saves you time and energy and the convenience is unparalleled. You can also eat it from the comfort of your home without having to worry about dressing up and similar things. You have a wide selection of choices only a few clicks away.

Besides the aforementioned restaurants, food delivery services such as UberEats, Doordash, Postmates, etc also render quick, efficient service and also great benefits and deals that can greatly help you save up.

Good Food to Grill for an Outdoor Party

September 27, 2020

The tradition of cooking meats low and slow over the fire in the USA is older than the nation itself. When Christopher Columbus first arrived, the barbecue fires were already smoldering on Hispaniola Island.

While the basics of this cooking style are still the same, since then we’ve discovered a wealth of good food to grill using this traditional method.

These are the best ones.

How to Grill Meat

The best barbecue meats are pork, chicken, and beef but you can also enjoy turkey, fish, and vegetables on the BBQ. Let’s take a look at the best ways to make these stand out the next time you light the home fires.

The secret to perfectly grilled meat lies in hitting the sweet spot when it comes to cooking temperature and timing. Pork and beef do best at 145° F, while chicken, turkey, and fish need a cooking temp of at least 165° F.

A good way to test the temperature of your barbecue is by holding your hand above the coals. When it’s at the right temperature, you’ll only be able to withstand the heat for five to seven seconds.

Seasoning and marinades are the next most important things when it comes to creating stand-out barbecue meals.

Some of the best flavors to pair with chicken include rosemary and garlic, teriyaki, and Italian-style marinade with garlic and salad dressing.

A good piece of fish shines when it’s got some lemon and herbs to bring out its best, and beef’s one of the most versatile meats of all.

The next time you’re planning a barbecue scour your recipe books and the internet for ideas. Don’t be afraid to try something new, especially when you’re entertaining.

Good Food to Grill for a Party

When you’ve got friends coming around to share in your barbecue prowess, it’s time to get creative. Try some of these grilling food ideas:

A mixed grill of sausages
Shrimp grilled with oregano and lime
Whole chicken with red curry seasoning
Apricot chicken wings
Steak marinated in chipotle and orange juice
Oysters with leek butter

Great side dishes include daikon and cucumber salad, corn on the cob with lashings of salt and pepper, grilled eggplant, and mushroom-celery salad.

Grilling Tips and Tricks

Some of the best ways to stand out when it comes to barbecuing include getting creative with the way you cook and serve your meat.

Try using skewers, making meatballs, or making tacos with your grilled meats.

By far the most important tip is to ensure each meat’s cooked to perfection. Under- or overdone meat loses it’s appeal no matter how elaborate your sauces and marinades are.

Check your meats regularly while they’re cooking and use a meat thermometer if you doubt your ability to gauge when it’s done.

Get Creative

So the next time you’re wondering what to grill this weekend, why not wow your friends with your creative culinary creations? There’s no reason to stick to tradition when it comes to choosing good food to grill.

Do you need some more inspiration for entertaining? Browse my blog for more great tips and tricks about the best food and fun activities

10 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Family Camping Trip

September 27, 2020

The number of U.S. households who camp at least once a year increased 20 percent between 2014 and 2017.

And even more amazing is that some of these campers are having the time of their lives for free. The rest only pay small fees for campsites or facilities. It sure beats spending thousands of dollars taking your children to a major theme park.

Camping is now more popular than ever—due in large part to social distancing guidelines—but if not planned correctly a trip outside can be stressful. Are you planning a family camping trip soon?

If your answer to this question is yes, we’ve compiled these top 10 tips for planning a camping trip for the family.

1. Research Potential Camping Destinations

Selecting the right campsite for your family isn’t as easy as it seems. You will want to research different locations to ensure it has everything you want.

Enjoy fishing? Select a campsite with a lake. Want to have plenty of room from other campers? Select a campsite with extra-large lots. Also, check if your campsite has water and electricity available.

And don’t forget you’ll need to research whether it has hiking, pools or playgrounds for the kids or even shower facilities. There’s a lot to choose from!

2. Choose a Kid-Friendly Camping Location

Once you’ve done your homework, it’s time to select a kid-friendly campsite. You’ll want plenty of activities to keep them occupied and things that all of you can do together.

Some campsites have special movie nights or S’more making workshops.

Another reason for selecting a kid-friendly campsite is to avoid a situation where you have college students or adults partying late into the night. This happens more than you think.

3. Book Your Campsite as Early as Possible

The best campsites book quickly. This means you’ll want to start your research months before the trip. And you’ll want to reserve your campsite well in advance.

It’s particularly important if you’re camping during a peak season or if there’s a popular attraction next door to the campsite.

Pick your camping days and try to reserve the site months in advance. You’ll get to pick the best one and maybe save a few dollars in the long run.

4. Make a Camping Trip Checklist of Outdoor Activities

Making plans for camping is a good idea. The last thing you want to hear from your children is “I’m bored.”

After researching your campsite, you should have an idea about what outdoor activities are available: swimming, boating, wildlife spotting, arts & crafts, and more!

It’s also possible there are educational centers or interesting day trip opportunities next to your campsite. Make a list of everything to do and refer to it when you aren’t sure what’s next.

5. Which Experience Do You Prefer? Camping vs Glamping

Decide early on if you want to rough it the old-fashioned way or use an RV or campervan to enhance your experience.

Most children will prefer the down and dirty way of camping. But, every family is different. Some may prefer glamping with comfortable furniture and air conditioning.

6. Tips on Food Preparation for a Family Camping Trip

Having your food sorted can make or break a camping trip. This is more complex with small children who are less open-minded to new recipes.

The good news is you don’t have to eat hotdogs all week.

Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. Keep in mind what you can prepare depends on whether you are using a campfire or have an RV with a stove.

Prep side dishes like rice in advance and bring containers of marinating meat to cook on the fire. Cooking experts recommend packing only necessary utensils and not forgetting cast iron pans.

7. Camping Trip Planning: What to Bring?

Camping can be challenging and tiring, especially if you don’t pack the right stuff.

Here is a list of what to take camping:

Waterproof tents
Coolers
Comfortable bedding
Awnings
Hiking boots
Firewood
And more!

Follow the link above to see the full list. You can make your list of things to bring when researching campsites. Pack light but make sure you have everything you need.

8. Assign Camping Responsibilities for Everyone

As a family affair, you want to make sure everyone is included in the camping experience. Some families include their children in the decision-making process of where to go and what to do.

Teach your kids how to set up the tent, roll out sleeping bags, or wash dishes. Assign everyone in the family responsibilities to make sure things get done. These are great lessons for your children to learn.

Just make sure what you assign is age-appropriate.

9. Should You Bring the Family Pet Camping?

This is a question a lot of families struggle with. Should they bring their beloved dog camping? The decision is ultimately up to you. Some dogs like labradors would love the opportunity to be out in nature.

Bringing a pet will be extra work on your shoulders. You’ll need to keep track of their food, pick up their droppings, and make sure they don’t run away.

One thing you should do is find out your campsite’s rules on having pets and make sure to follow them as strictly as you can.

10. Leave Yourself Free Time for New Camping Experiences

After reading this blog post you’ve probably noticed how many times we recommended planning out your camping experience in advance. It’s better to be prepared when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

But, you don’t want to plan every second of the day. Leave yourself some free time to do something spontaneous or enjoy unexpected experiences.

You may miss out on something truly special if your schedule is too tight.

Ready To Experience the Outdoors With Your Family?

After reading this article you’ll be prepared to plan a family camping trip. Make sure to complete your research early and create checklists so you don’t forget a thing.

Do you enjoy reading about travel, camping, and outdoor sports? Check out the rest of our blog to learn how you can experience the outdoors while on a budget.

How Video Games Are Helping Veterans

September 24, 2020

Gaming is a way to connect with friends that is a bit of a niche activity. It has stores of knowledge and techniques that only its close followers know about. Many gamers enjoy trying less popular and unique titles that don’t show up in mainstream media.

Part of what makes this community unique is that it accepts people from all walks of life. Gamers don’t discriminate based on age, race, or sex.

Veterans In The Gaming Community

Free video games for veterans provide a pleasant experience to those looking to have a bit of fun and escape the mundane activities of daily life. Others find that online casinos help them take their mind off of negative memories. Jacek Michałski is an expert when it comes to online entertainment like the one you can find at Cookie Casino.

Some even find that these activities provide an alternative to drinking and criminal behaviours. If you enjoy video games, there’s a chance that you can turn your interest into a hobby and positive networking opportunity. After all, what’s a better source than gamers when it comes to exploring the vast world of online interaction.

Not all veterans have a positive experience when joining online communities. It varies by individual. It’s important to consider your current level of stress and sensitivity when participating in online activities.

Also, be sure to consider the intent of the specific forum or chat group that you’re planning to join. These interactive environments can sometimes get competitive and high-stress, so it’s important to take a break when you need one.

FPS Games

First-person shooter is the first category that comes to mind when considering video games for soldiers. The CDC funded several projects to prevent suicide.

One study explored the idea that VR (virtual reality) may function as a form of therapy for PTSD. In the study, participants answered questionnaires about their gaming experiences and playing a FPS. The subjects highlighted the importance of FPS clans and online communities in their recovery. They also reported a sense of brotherhood.

Of course, these kinds of environments can also trigger PTSD-related symptoms. It’s exactly this cross-section that researchers and therapists seek to explore in these studies.

FPS games provide veterans with an outlet and community to encourage them when other support systems aren’t available. There are even clans on Discord, a popular gaming communication platform.

VRET: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

Therapists traditionally employ exposure therapy to treat phobias and other anxiety-related disorders. The use of virtual reality in this form of therapy is a relatively recent development that broadened the scope of exposure therapy.

VRET and AR have been useful tools in many therapeutic areas since their inception. They can certainly be powerful agents of change if used properly.

The positive effects that AR and VR can have, especially in FPS games, are not extremely intuitive. For example, it might seem that triggering traumatic events during a therapy session is counterproductive.

However, it’s this fictional simulation of real events that some find liberating. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs funds research projects that explore the therapeutic potential of video games. Former military members found the opportunity to cognitively reframe traumatic events to be vital to their therapeutic experience.

Conclusion

Augmented reality and virtual reality provide realistic frameworks for veterans to rescript their experiences, and they act as therapeutic tools. These communities also give access to unique networking opportunities. The immersive experience that these environments offer sets them apart from other forms of technology. With the guidance of a skilled therapist, people who struggle with PTSD can find solace in everyday life.

8 Crucial Whitewater Rafting Tips for First Timers

September 21, 2020

If you’re an adventurer- or are among the 68% of Americans who want to be more adventurous- there are a lot of options for you. Seeing new areas is a lot of fun, as are extreme sports. White water rafting is an activity that combines these two things and allows you to have the experience of a lifetime.

Here, we’re going to give you some rafting tips so that you can have fun and stay safe while experiencing more of the world. Read on to prepare yourself for expanding your horizons in the best possible way!

1. Choose the Right Trip

Before you go white water rafting, you’ll need to choose the trip that appeals most to your needs. There are a couple of questions that you need to ask yourself before setting off. Considering the options available to you will ensure that you have as fun a time as possible while on your trip.

Where Do You Want to Go Rafting?

When considering where you want to have your rafting experience, there are a few things you should ask yourself.

What kind of weather/temperature do you want to go rafting in?
What sorts of wildlife do you want to see?
How strong of currents are you comfortable with?

If you’re really invested in warmer weather, Georgia and Florida are good places to go rafting. However, you’re likely to have a better overall experience in a place like Idaho, where there are strong currents, more sites to see, and a greater amount of wildlife that you can experience.

How Long Do You Want to Be on the Water?

There are generally two options for rafting trip lengths: day trips and half-days.

If you’re a first-timer, you probably will want to try a half-day trip for your initial experience. White water rafting is physically demanding, and you don’t want to overwork your muscles if you’re not used to strenuous activity.

However, for those who have gone rafting before, a day trip is the better alternative. You’ll get to go further from your campsite and therefore see more of the natural world around you. Also, full-day experiences usually include food, which is another plus.

2. Dress Appropriately

When you go white water rafting, it’s important that you wear the appropriate attire. If you don’t, you’re going to be very uncomfortable, especially when you (inevitably) get wet. Wearing the wrong clothes could also become a safety hazard because cold water getting into your clothes for extended periods can cause hypothermia.

In the Summertime

If you’re going rafting in the summer, you’ll want to wear:

A well-fitting swimsuit
Shorts
A t-shirt or tank (over the swimsuit)
A tight cardigan (in case you get cold when water splashes on you)
A baseball cap (to keep sun and water out of your eyes
Water shoes or sneakers

While many people wear flip flops in the summer, this can be dangerous while rafting. If your sandal catches on a rock, it could pull you right off the raft. Loose clothes also carry this risk. Also, flip flops are prone to falling off, which will leave you without a shoe when they float away.

For the Colder Months

If you’re headed off on a fall, spring, or winter adventure, you’ll need:

Wool sweaters, pants, and socks (wool provides insulation and warmth even when wet)
A wool cap (you don’t want to lose heat in your neck and face)
A wetsuit (underneath your clothes)
Paddling pants and jackets (to keep the spray off your body)
Water shoes

Note that you also will want to bring a towel, a hairbrush, and a change of clothes so that you can be comfortable again after your time on the water.

3. Wear Your Safety Gear

In addition to wearing the right clothes, you’ll need to wear the safety gear that your tour provides for you. It’s tempting to abandon the life jacket and hard, cumbersome helmet that your tour guide gives you, but this is a terrible idea. White water rafting isn’t a light and easy float- it’s a pretty extreme (and extremely fun!) activity in which safety must be taken seriously.

This is because currents are often fast and rough and there are a lot of rocks within the natural rivers that you’ll be rafting on. If your raft were to hit something or flip over, you would be at risk of hitting your head or being pulled away. Life jackets and helmets prevent this from happening.

Make sure that you listen to your guide and apply these items to your person properly. Fasten them tightly around your head and body before heading off on open waters. You don’t want them to fall off or for the helmet to jostle around and bang you in the head!

4. Listen to Your Safety Guide

As we said, you need to to your safety guide and apply your clothes properly. However, this is a principle that extends to white water rafting as a whole: you need to listen to your guide at all times.

White water rafting guides are people who have trained to ensure the safety of everyone under their charge. They also are enthusiastic about the sport and know a lot about how to make it as safe and fun as possible. Listening to them closely and taking what they have to say to heart will make your experience much more pleasant.

Before you set off, your guide will likely detail the different aspects of your experience and what you can expect. This will prevent you from encountering any surprises and ensure that you know what you’re doing. They also will brief you on what exactly you need to do to maintain control of the raft. This is important for everyone to hear, but it’s especially important for first-timers.

Also, your guide probably knows a lot about the area that you’ll be rafting in. They can give you interesting facts about what you’re looking at and enhance your experience greatly!

5. Know What to Watch Out For

While this is something that your tour guide will likely go over with you, it’s critical that you do your research and know what you need to stay safe against while on your journey. While there are many potential safety hazards while white water rafting, accidents are easily avoidable as long as you take appropriate safety measures.

Some of the most important things you can do to prevent incidents are:

Learning to swim before your trip
Talk to a doctor and make sure you’re in good enough shape for strenuous activity
Get off your raft (when safe to do so) if you feel yourself becoming overexerted
Avoid rocks, especially sharp ones, and wear your helmet

Safety hazards shouldn’t discourage you from rafting! You will likely be fine as long as you follow appropriate procedures. However, it’s important to prepare for all possibilities and know what you’re getting into.

6. Keep Your Hands on the T-Grip

The T-grip is the end of your rafting paddle where your hand should be. Usually, the T-grip is easy to see and find because it will be in another color than the rest of the paddle. This is usually orange, the universal color for water safety.

One of the most common white water rafting injuries takes place when someone takes their hand off the T-grip. Since paddles are long, those that aren’t constantly being held at the end are likely to hit another rafter in the face and injure them. Accidentally hitting this rafter into the river is another possible issue that you want to avoid, as is snagging the T-grip on something and overturning the entire raft.

7. Stay Hydrated

While on an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime adventure like white water rafting, it’s easy to forget about and neglect your physical needs. However, if you don’t continue to drink enough water, you run the risk of passing out from the strenuous activity. If this happens, you may fall into the water and get injured before your guide has the opportunity to fish you out.

Luckily, this is an easily avoidable issue! Bring a large metal water bottle onto the raft with you. You can ensure that it doesn’t fall out of the raft or bounce away on rocks by securing it to your person. A metal carabiner should do the trick nicely- you can fasten it to your clothing tightly with this,

8. Have Fun!

No matter what you do, white water rafting is an experience that you’ll never forget. Have fun with it! You’re about to see sites that you never would be able to see otherwise, become one with nature in its purest form, and fall in love with the world of sports and activity. Make the most of it!

More Rafting Tips for Your Adventure

Now that you know some of the most important rafting tips so that you can have fun and stay safe while on the open waters, it’s time to learn more about what you can do on your next adventure.

Check out the ‘world travel’ tab on our home page to learn more about the destination that you’re headed to when white water rafting. Here, you’ll learn all of the other things you can do while on your trip so that you can make the most out of every moment!

Shopping For A Sporty? Here Are Ten Best Gifts Ideas

September 18, 2020

Good friends are nothing less a treasure. Some people find friends in school and colleges, while others are happy to have friends like spouses. Unsurprisingly, every friend deserves appreciation, and there is no better way than offering gifts. Giving gifts is an act of self-gratification, an ideal way of strengthening relationships. Whether it is friendship or relationship – exchanging gifts is a way of showing love and sincerity.

You must choose from the heart since the purpose is to make the other person feel special. Instead of picking anything random, determine the interests and preferences of your friend. If your friend is a fashionista, grab a jumpsuit or some funky jewelry. But if your friend is sporty, you have to put a little more effort into gift selection. Firstly, choose the sports he/she likes – basketball, cricket, baseball, football, hockey, etc.

If you are unsure, ask about their favorite athlete without leaving any hints. With little information in hand, we can help you select the gift that reflects their passion, have a look below. Here we are unfolding ten incredible gift ideas for a sporty friend.

Champagne Bottle

Is world cup 2020 around the corner? No special event is complete without a bottle of champagne. If your friend’s favorite team is participating, consider giving them a celebratory drink. You don’t have to worry about the budget since there are many options, champagne brands, and gift sets. You can readily pick one that fits under your budget and suits your friend’s taste. If you want to insert a personal touch, add the team’s logo or players on the champagne bottle.

Customized Cups

When people like an athlete, they want to become like them. If your friend is starting to adopt his/her favorite player’s habits, gift something related to them. Basketball players are always slurping coffee, shakes, and tea in tumblers or mugs. So why not give these to your friend? You can give them a polar camel and can also customize the cups with your friend’s or their favorite player’s name on it. You may also find these in varying designs and styles, but make sure to pick the one most athletes to use.

Sports Jersey

Every sports fan accepts jerseys with open arms, but it has to be a memorable gift. You can get jerseys made from the team’s classic threads to give them a genuine sports vibe. Also, get the one with a famous player’s name and number. If you have a budget, get the shorts with a jersey to make it a proper sports attire. It might cost you more, but there couldn’t be a better gift for a sports lover.

Light Gloves

Does your friend believe in fitness? Usually, when people follow sports and have favorite players, they want to become like them. Some see them as an inspiration, while others admire their athletic body. If your friend is engaging in physical activity, surprise him/her with light gloves, especially if he is not a morning person. It will give them the convenience of running at night with ease and peace of mind. Moreover, it won’t leave them with any excuse to skip jogging.

Sports Sneakers

Sneakers have always been a great gift. Since you have a sports fan in your life, sports sneakers could be the perfect gift. From classics that never run out of style to modern runners – you can find plenty of designs in stores. If your friend is brand conscious, you can always wait for sales to get the best prices. There is no such thing as having too many sneakers, meaning your friend might already have this on the shopping list.

Protein Shake

Have you seen players gulping protein shake? Many people believe these shakes give them the power to perform better. If your friend is trying to become like his favorite player, give them the same protein shake. Alongside fulfilling their sports fan obsession, it provides several health benefits. It satisfies all nutritional needs, manages weight, builds muscles, and makes enzymes and hormones, opening doors to a healthy life.

Duffel Sports Bag

Whether your friend is juggling between work and gym or has to travel on work trips – duffel bags always come in hand. These are tough, versatile, strong, and suitable for every occasion. The bag features a large exterior pocket and two side pockets to keep your water bottle or chargers. Most importantly, it has shoulder straps to carry it readily. Moreover, it has a compact size, making it travel friendly. It will last a lifetime for your friend without losing its shine.

Game Tickets

If your friend is not into materialistic things, buy him an experience. Won’t it be exhilarating to attend a sports event in person? Get them a ticket to the game as a present, making it the most logical gift choice for a sports lover. You don’t have to rush over them. If they are a baseball fan, you can even buy them seats to a game for next summer if none is happening this time. After all, this is why booking takes place months before.

Athletic Subscription

Does your friend talk about sports all day? Perhaps because this is what they read and hear 24/7. If you think news and magazines are outdated, give them an athletic subscription. You can get it for $5, yet it is worth every cent. It provides inside news in the player’s life, in-depth reporting of the games, and unrivaled coverage of every event. Furthermore, it offers access to athletic articles and information by the top-notch writers of today’s era.

Pullover Hoodies

If your friend lives in a colder region, sleeveless jerseys won’t work. Therefore, get pullover hoodies for a present. They will get to celebrate their baseball league while beating the brisk winter winds. Most teams sell their hoodies for a charitable cause, meaning you can find them readily. Besides, if you want to customize, you might have to make a special request for it.

Final Thoughts:

Don’t you think action speaks louder than words? Indeed, it can be challenging to pick a gift for a sporty person when you don’t know anything about sports. If you put some thought into it and think outside the box, you can find the perfect gifts for them. After all, there are plenty of sports presents floating on the internet; it only takes some research to find the best one.

Fund your gap year with these easy travel fund boosters

September 16, 2020

So you’ve decided to go travelling. You’re not alone, millions of people from all walks of life, ages and various stages of their lives decide to head off across the globe and find out what the rest of the world has to offer.

There’s a lot to organise, however, you won’t get far without a travel fund and a budget. It’s not always easy to figure out how much money you’re going to need to get the most of out of your travels, however, with a little bit of forward-thinking and these clever travel fund hints, you’ll be able to give your current travel fun a much-needed boost.

Ask friends and family

You don’t have to go cap in hand and beg for money of course. However, if you have a birthday coming up or a holiday is just around the corner, consider asking for donations to your travel fund. Also, if friends or family want to send you money whilst you’re overseas then they can do so via international money transfer – click the link to discover how to transfer money to UK. This is also incredibly useful if you find yourself in need of a little financial boost whilst on the other side of the world.

Sell, sell, sell

Ok, so you’re probably not going to purchase your flight tickets with the contents of your closet, however, selling as many items as possible could fund your ticket for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb or the world-famous tour around Niagara Falls. It might even contribute to your travel snacks and food budget. When you’re saving, a little can go a long way. So, go through your stuff and decide what can be donated to your travel fund.

Work abroad

If you already have a job, is it possible for you to work remotely? If you can still complete your daily tasks and even join online meetings from your laptop, you can do it anywhere in the world. Speak with your boss about the possibility of being a remote worker.

Alternatively, consider looking for a job overseas to help keep your finances afloat. Holiday resorts, hotels, cleaning staff, bar work… a quick search online can help you find a job overseas, just make sure you have a working visa.

And finally, bye, bye expensive habits

That double chocolate muffin you grab from your favourite coffee shop on the way to work, a new pair of shoes every month, face and skin care products, subscriptions you don’t really use and of course, your unused gym membership – all of the money you spend on these things could be used to boost your travel fund and get you where you want to be.

Even if you do utilise some of your expensive habits and you don’t consider them a waste of money, think about giving them up for a few months while you get you finances in order – your bank balance will appreciate it!

World travel or domestic travel?

September 14, 2020

Is it just me, or does everybody else seem to have travel plans that sound concrete and interesting? Then, when it’s your turn to pick and choose your destination, the options seem overwhelming and you don’t even know whether to stay domestic or go international. Below are some tips on how to decide. Whatever you choose, take it from me – buy souvenirs, write a travel diary, invest in a photo canvas or two, and even start a travel blog (in 20 years when you look back, the more memories you can save now the better).

World travel pros and cons

OK. Let’s think about this. Worldwide adventure is naturally the outright winner when it comes to travel destinations, right? Well, sure. If you like. But what you’re probably doing is jumping ahead in your mind’s eye to those immaculate moments of mirth, spent in a tropical paradise or atop a mountain in the tundra, when it all becomes worth it. This is most definitely the biggest ‘pro’ to setting sail for far flung destinations.

However, getting there is a slog you won’t soon forget. All those long flights. All that time in airports when you haven’t seen the inside of a hotel room or washed in 20 hours. There’s a significant amount of loneliness involved, too, if you’re travelling alone. For truly global travel, It can feel like two days have passed between actually speaking to another human being. And the hunger – travelling means missing meals. What it all comes down to is whether the payoff is worth it in your eyes. Does the goal of reaching the four corners of the world outweigh the inconvenience of actually getting there?

Domestic travel pros and cons

Domestic travel always seems like the easy and half-thought-out way to travel, almost as if you ran out of time to book anything “better”. However, every nation is rich in history and modern sights of interest. You won’t have the language barrier to contend with. Nor will you need to change any money or renew your passport. Admittedly, you may still need to pass some time in an airport, but for domestic flights at least the travel time will be kept to a minimum.

By visiting your country’s most well-known towns and cities you will become more interesting at parties, and certainly more knowledgeable and interesting in general when it comes to making small talk with colleagues or catching up with friends. Domestic travel may not present an exotic escape, but it will certainly broaden your horizons and forgo the ills of long distance jet-setting.

Conclusion – and the winner is…

As a certain Mr Shakespeare once wrote in one of his funny little plays, “costly thy habit as thy purse can buy”. And to spell it out, if you can’t afford the heights of Mauna Kea or the depths of the Amazon basin, you aren’t going anyway, so you’ve lost nothing. But if you can afford long distance, try it. At least once. It’s the only way to know for sure if you’re suited to it.

6 Advantages Of Joining a Social Club

September 14, 2020

There are many reasons why joining a social club is a fantastic idea and in this post we’ll be exploring some of the top advantages, to demonstrate how a social club environment can benefit you. It doesn’t matter if it’s a social and entertainment club, a singles group, a chance to get together with others and indulge in your favourite sport or hobby, just being social is a positive thing no matter what.

#1 – You’ll Make So Many, New Friends

One of the key reasons why people join social clubs is to meet other like-minded people and make some cool new friends. Friendships are often forged on common ground, and what better way to shortcut that process than to join a group of people who share the same interests as you.

It doesn’t even matter what type of group it is or what you do when you get together. The point is, you’re already starting out with things in common and you’re bound to all have a fun time together when the group meets up as a whole or getting together with your new friends on other occasions.

#2 – Gone Will Be the Days Of Staying At Home Alone

While you will still have the option of just chilling out at home if you wish, it’s also good to have the option of knowing you have a group of new friends you can meet up with whenever the group plans to get together.

There’s nothing worse than wanting to be social, but you find yourself stuck at home, not knowing where to go or what to do. Joining a social club changes that status quo and opens up a whole new world of opportunities.

Once you become a member of one or more social groups, you’ll never feel bored again.

#3 – Western Sydney Offers Up So Many Social Opportunities

If you’re in the NSW capital, then the Western Suburbs of Sydney is the place to be for social groups. It could be a Lidcombe social club, a club located in the trendy Parramatta district, or anywhere else in this vast playground.

If you’re looking for a social club, Sydney and the Western Suburbs is the place to be.

Of course, there are loads of social clubs and opportunities right around Australia, so no matter where you’re located, you’re bound to find a club that interests you, near you.

#4 – You Could Find a Life Partner

While there are plenty of social groups dedicated to singles, it doesn’t have to be a single group for you to meet someone you really like. Finding a partner can happen anywhere and at any time. It’s often simply a matter of getting out and about and socialising.

So, no matter what your interests are if you join a club or two, you’ll meet people who share the same likes and interests as you do, and that’s always a positive start to any relationship.

You just never know what could happen.

#5 – Social Clubs Get Together Any Day Of the Week

Every social club will have a different schedule, depending on the type of activity involved and the availability of facilities or the club’s members. The great thing about social clubs is there’s usually something happening on every day or night of the week. Join enough clubs and you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice for things to do to keep you entertained.

Everyone has different schedules in life, so knowing that there’s a group you can get together with at practically any time you desire is comforting to know.

#6 – Discover New Job and Business Opportunities

If part of your goal when joining social clubs is to network with people and learn more from them, you may find a new job and business opportunities opening up when you’re an active member of one or more social groups. These clubs are fertile ground for forging new ventures and mingling with people who think like you do.

In Conclusion

As you can clearly see, there are some fantastic advantages attached to joining any type of social club, no matter what your interests are. So, what are you waiting for? Find a social club today.

Wine Tasting Etiquette: How to Act on Your First Wine Tour

September 13, 2020

The wine lovers among you are sure to have dreamed about visiting a winery. But as exciting as the thought of tasting all those amazing wines is, it’s not uncommon for first-timers to feel apprehensive and even a little intimidated.

One thing you definitely shouldn’t worry about is your level of wine knowledge. Wineries pride themselves on welcoming everyone from beginners to experts. That said, there are some expectations about wine tasting etiquette that you’ll need to learn before you attend.

Not sure how to act on your first wine tour? Keep reading to find out how to go wine tasting at wineries.

Avoid Wearing Fragrances

A key part of wine tour etiquette that many first-timers might not consider is how important it is to avoid wearing any fragrances. Smell is a huge part of the experience so filling the air with heavy perfumes and overpowering colognes is a big faux pas.

Keep an Open Mind

One of our top wine tasting tips is to take the opportunity to expand your tastes and challenge your perceptions of certain wines. Even if you’ve yet to try a sweet white wine you liked, take a sip of whatever’s being offered. You never know, it could end up being your favorite.

Don’t Be Afraid to Spit, Dump, or Swallow

One of the more surprising wine tasting tips is that it’s perfectly fine to dump any wine after you’ve had a taste of it, even if you like it.

But the bigger question is often what to do about the wine once it’s in your mouth. Many people are reluctant to spit but all the pros do it so you’ll be in good company. Spitting is also the best option if you plan your visit to include several tasting rooms. That said, don’t be afraid to swallow if you’re only sampling a handful of wines. After all, you’re meant to be having fun!

Eat Something

Tasting wines on an empty stomach is a surefire way to get tipsy, which is a definite no-no when it comes to wine tour etiquette. Even if you plan on spitting out most of the wines you try, it’s a good idea to eat a light meal beforehand. During the tasting session, you should also snack on crackers or plain bread to help cleanse your palate and drink water to stay hydrated.

Take Notes

While nobody’s going to quiz you on the wines you’ve tried, it’s worth noting down your favorites for future reference. Some wineries provide a tasting sheet so bring a pen to mark off those you liked or use your phone to take photos and write notes.

Buy Wine, But Don’t Haggle

Many people are unsure whether buying wine is a compulsory part of wine tour etiquette. It’s not – although since many operators wave the tasting fee when you buy two or three bottles, most people tend to make a purchase. But, under no circumstances should you attempt to haggle for a deal. It’s wine, not a new car.

Wine Tasting Etiquette for First-Timers

A lot of wine tasting etiquette may seem like common sense or good manners. But you’d be surprised how many people make the mistake of wearing perfume, fishing for discounts, or getting drunk.

Of course, now you know how to go wine tasting at wineries, you won’t be the one making those typical first-timer mistakes.

For more travel tips and lifestyle insights, be sure to check out our other blog posts!