• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About & Contact
  • The Blog
  • World Travel
  • Food and Beer
  • Budget Travel
  • Adventure and Sports
  • Life Tips

Beekman Beer Garden

Two Beekman Brothers - Traveling the World in Search of Great Beer

Life Tips

How To Buy Wines Worth A Swirl

October 22, 2018

 

C:\Users\Bala\Downloads\wine-1761613_1920.jpg

A ceremony has never been complete without a glass of wine to go with it. A bottle of wine is not only soothing to the eyes but also pleasing to the spirit. Quality is of high importance in wine. I wouldn’t want to raise a glass on some cheap stuff the whole night to some good toast. It is often where there is a reserved bottle for special occasions. Some of us have developed not only a tongue for the sweetest but also a nose for the best. I will take you down this road and by the end of it, you will have fully understood how to buy wine that is worth a swirl.

1. Go with a brand

Now, this may be a rookie tactic but trust me even experts will revert to it costs of the times. Some brands have already created a reputable name for themselves for they press out only the best wine. Wine is usually measured by its quality. Some brands will take advantage and just sell some cheap booze sorry to say in the name of the wine.

2. Link up with the experts

It is very important that you align yourself with the best to get the best. learn more about the Direct Cellars wine club is the best way to go when dealing with wine. They have stocked up with wineries with only the best which has been sourced worldwide. If you have never noticed wine will taste different in every country depending on the grapes in the place. Get the best out of your every penny. They have distributors all over and have the best prices in the market. Have you eve gotten better offer online than referring three people and getting free wine from the best global wine cellar.

3. Roll the time dice

The time dice will do the trick when it comes to swirling wine. Butlers will do use physics ton unleash a blend of finesse and taste. Swirling is a trigger for taste and it works every time. The best wine is one which has passed the time test and it does well when swirled. This is, however, a trick that most people might have known but have not yet tried. Get to try it and trust me the results are impeccable.

4. Try some top shelf stash

Top shelf wine is wine worth a good swirl. By itself without a swirl has achieved a high standard of taste. Now with a swirl you can be sure that it will only make it better. The thing with the swirling hat it just oxidizes the wine and releases its beauty all together in one sip.

Swirling of wine has been an old concept in the industry and it has been done by those that really understand the specs of wine. Swirling definitely adds some taste to the wine and it improves its quality. However, you cannot swirl it for long as it will now lose its taste.

Filed Under: Life Tips

8 Simple Ways To Keep Your Liver Healthy

October 20, 2018

Healthy living is actually a thing that many people struggle with. However this should not be the case. Most people will actually not struggle with it due to lack of food but rather due to excess junk. It does not take long before you hear that someone needs a kidney transplant and all this is due to some poor life choices. However, there is a better way to live. Here are a couple of ways of how to keep your liver healthy.

  1. Use Alcohol Responsibly.

Alcohol is the number one serial killer of livers. Alcohol burns out the liver to such a point that it can no longer function and makes it useless. A shredded liver is of no use and at that point, there is no going back. The best cure a liver problem is avoiding it in the first place. Take alcohol responsibly and if you are not yet hooked up to it, It is only wise that you cut your consumption on alcohol and try another beverage. Apart from alcohol you can even quit

  1. Keep A Healthy Weight

Keep your body weight in check and avoid being overweight. Having an overweight situation means that you have a higher level of fats than an ordinary weighted person. Having a fatty liver should be at the top of your concerns when you realize that you are overweight. However, at this point, all hope is not lost as you can redeem yourself before it goes too far.

  1. Avoid Toxins

Toxins are a part of our daily lives and despite the many efforts to live toxin-free many people have found it problematic, thanks to all the junk on the supermarket shelves. Detoxing is the way to handle such a situation.

  1. Exercise Regularly.

You notice that you don’t do alcohol and you are not overweight and wonder what more is there for you to do to keep a healthy liver. Exercise will actually do the trick for you. Exercising burns out calories and helps your body get rid of unwanted components.

  1. Take Lots Of Water.

Water will always do the cleansing trick when it comes to the liver and the kidney. Water has a way with the body where it helps rejuvenate the body and keep it in check.

  1. Have Safe Sex

Hepatitis is a real thing in today’s world. There has been an increase in the number of such cases and this can actually be prevented by using contraceptives. It actually affects the liver and the best way to get rid of it is by actually preventing it.

  1. Manage Your Medication.

Once in a while we all visit the chemist and given a certain prescription depending on what we are suffering from. The interesting fact about drugs is that most of them are broken down in the liver and so in case of wrong consumption; you can only imagine what it does to your liver. Take your medication as prescribed and all will be well with your liver.

  1. Smoking.

A 2011 study shows that nearly half of all liver cancer cases were the result of smoking. Change to e-cigarettes which is the best and easy way to quit smoking. Visit Liquido24 to know more about the benefits of e-cigarettes rather than smoking cigarettes.

Filed Under: Life Tips

5 Places To Meet Men During Weekends

October 20, 2018

You have had a long busy week and its finally Friday and guess what you are feeling all chatty and ready to meet someone new. Somehow deep within you-you feel the urge to make a new connection, trust me you don’t want to ignore that voice. This could actually be your lucky day to meet your mate. You get all dressed up, you have you’re A-game one and ready to meet someone. So where do you start? Where do you meet the guy you are looking for. I have a couple of suggestions here that are worth considering as you look for him.

restaurant-690975_1920.jpg

1. Bars

What better place is there to meet a guy than in a bar. The bar is the kind of place where these guys flock on weekends. They fancy taking the bar as this is one of the places where you have no obligation as per say and starting up a conversation is very easy. However, have in mind that the bar has very many kinds of people. There are those that are there to celebrate, there those that have just been laid off from work and are all stressed up(I suggest you skip those), there is the kind that is there for the same exact reason that took you there, to look for someone to hook up with. These are the kind of people that really know how to get things going really fast.

2. In events

Most of the places will always have this big event every weekend. This is the kind of thing that will get the attention of even the hottest guys around. Get yourself a ticket to such events and wait for the magic to happen. Most of the men actually have hobbies and they get involved in the most of the times. So it will be very easy to find all the men stuck in the stadium waiting for a match to start or somewhere waiting to see their favorite artists. It is also good to at least get to know some basics of whatever event you choose to attend. It will not be a good thing to look as though you were just there for the guys.

3. Parties

Now Monday to Friday is a no-go zone for parties but wait till Friday evening as they welcome the weekend this is the place where you can find a lot of men. Weekends are all about dropping the formalities and taking up the casual you and being just you. Parties are actually designed in such a way that one of the main objectives there is having fun and making new friends and knowing new people. Parties are actually very considerable when it comes to meeting new guys. However, it is not a very good idea to let out the party animal in you that goes way out of control. It is actually good to have your limits and this way you will get some guys attention ASAP as they try to engage you.

4. Trips

What do I mean? What am I talking about? I am talking about trips. Sometimes the thing that you are actually lacking is exposure and some new energy running. Get to visit new places and get to meet different people there. A good place to try visiting are the popular cities. This is actually because they have a lot of people there both local and international. You will get to be exposed to different cultures, languages, and ways. This is not only exciting but is also one of the best ways to keep yourself young and radiant. The good thing about traveling is that you can make your trip as exciting as you want. You can start up a chat with someone on your journey on the bus or on the plane, you can get some pretty good connections and also good investment ideas while away.

5. Online

Now with the changing world and trend, the one thing I have learned is that you don’t need to go to the store down the street to get a shoe, all you need to do is check it up from your phone or laptop and bam! there it is. This also applies to this case. You can actually find some guys on the internet via the many dating sites or even social media sites. The good thing about social media sites and the internet is that there is a variety and you can take your time and analyze someone even before you meet. This is not only a place to get someone to hang out during the weekend but also a place you can find a chat buddy throughout the week. The online world has a variety to offer too from fantasy calls to hookups and even dating sites. You can also get guys from both locally and internationally.

Filed Under: Life Tips

How to be Fully Prepared for an Autumn Hike

October 4, 2018

Hiking is a fantastic way to see more of a country. It offers you the chance to meet interesting people and see places most other people totally miss. But, if you are going to go hiking at some point during your vacation, you will need to pack carefully. To help you to do that, we have put together a bit of packing advice.

A decent pair of boots

It really is worth investing in a new pair of boots like these. They need to be sturdy enough to withstand rough terrain and offer your feet a good level of support. It is wise to buy your boots a few weeks in advance, so that you can wear them in and spot any issues.

If you can, wear them for the journey to your destination. A good pair of hiking boots will be both bulky and heavy, so you don’t want to carry them if you can avoid doing so.

The right clothes

Potentially you can wear any style of clothes while hiking. The cut and style you choose does not really matter, but what they are made of and how they fit are both important.

Everything you wear should be made out of fabrics that allow your skin to breathe and make it as easy as possible for your body to regulate its temperature. This in-depth article explains everything you need to know about the various options.

Getting the fit right is important. Anything that is too loose will flap and annoy the hell out of you. But, equally you want to avoid tight clothes. They will make it harder for you to move fast and will cut in and make you feel uncomfortable.

Pack items of clothing that you can easily layer

You can never be 100% sure what the weather is going to do, so you need to go prepared. Packing clothes that can easily be worn in layers will help you to do exactly that. If you get the chance, try everything on together before you pack. You want to make sure that you can still move freely and fit your coat over the top of everything.

A good coat

A decent coat that will keep the wind and rain off of you is a hiking essential. Ideally you want one with a hood. The type with a zip-out hood is more practical and comfortable.

Waterproofs

It is also worth packing a pair of lightweight waterproof trousers, leggings or whatever legwear you feel comfortable in while out in the mountains. Hiking in wet jeans is pretty awful. Not something you want to experience.

Protect your head and hands

You need to pack a hat to keep you warm on colder days and protect your head from the sun on the warmer days. A scarf and gloves are also a good idea. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sun cream either.

First aid kit and basic rations

Occasionally, things are going to go wrong, so it is wise to be prepared. Pack a basic first aid kit, a full water bottle and some high energy food items.

More hiking holiday advice

If this has inspired you to get your hiking boots out and set off on an adventure, read this post, next. There we explain how to combine rustic travel with camping and brewery visits. You will be surprised by just how easy it is to put together a trip that allows you to enjoy all three pastimes.

 

Filed Under: Life Tips

5 Unexpected Causes of Aging Skin You Never Knew About

September 26, 2018

Let’s see now! You take perfect care of your skin.

You moisturize religiously and stay out of the sun as much as you can.

You follow a careful exfoliating and toning regimen.

But, a few weeks after your 35th birthday, you might start to see signs of aging skin like fine lines and wrinkles.

Like this feature on MedlinePlus explains, aging causes the regeneration of your skin to slow down. Not only are you likely to develop more lines, age spots, and pigmentation, but the skin starts to become thinner and more fragile. That’s because the layer of collagen and elastin under the skin starts to weaken. You may also note that any wounds or injuries you have take longer to heal.

However, aside from aging, various other factors can result in skin blemishes and aging before time. Before you start to panic and buy loads of concealers and makeup, you may want to explore some unexpected causes of the aging skin. If you could resolve those issues, you might just be able to delay the signs for a good many years.

 

1. You Could be Experiencing Waning Hormone Levels

Most women are unaware that as they cross the age of 35, levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone start to decline quickly. These hormones are responsible for keeping your skin plump, elastic, and hydrated. Hormones also maintain the integrity of the collagen and elastin in the skin so it appears taut and smooth in texture. As the levels of hormones begin to wane around the age of 35, you might start to notice that your skin seems drier than usual or that it is taking on a pale, sallow look.

The expert skin consultants at the Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Centre advise that it is possible to replenish the waning levels without the use of chemical or synthetic supplements. Opt for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that uses supplements derived from plants. Such medications have no side effects and once they start to take effect, you may notice that the texture of your aging skin is improving.

2. The Free Radicals in Your Body Could be Causing Skin Damage

As your body metabolizes the food you eat, free radicals are also formed as a by-product during the process. Most free radicals develop because of the chemicals, pesticides, preservatives, and food coloring in your meals. These agents can also enter your body with the polluted air you breathe and some of the chemical products you use in the house. Free radicals act like rust in the body and are instrumental in causing skin aging by damaging the collagen and elastin in your skin.

Check out this feature on U.S. News that talks about how you can prevent the effects of the free radicals on your skin by choosing more of organic foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are free of chemicals. Pick sources of protein that are grass-fed and free-range, and use healthier cooking oils that don’t contain Trans fats and saturated fats.

3. You May Need to Cut Back on Your Intake of Sugars

The effects of excess sugar on your body cells can cause the skin to display damage. The American Heart Association stresses that women should restrict their intake of sugar to 100 calories in a given day. That’s because sugar combines with the proteins and fats in your body by way of a process called glycation. The molecules of Advanced Glycation End products or AGEs also form when you speed up cooking by frying foods on a high flame.

Prevent the formation of AGEs in your food by cooking it on a slow heat and cut back on the sugar intake. You’ll also prevent the risk of diabetes that can also cause skin aging by slowing blood circulation in your body. Taking these simple precautions may help you prevent the speedy degeneration of your skin.

4. Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Intake Can Cause Skin Aging

The American Academy of Dermatology warns that if you smoke and drink excessively, you may need to be aware of the effects of nicotine and alcohol on your skin. Nicotine slows blood circulation by constricting the vessels and capillaries that nourish your body with fresh oxygen and nutrients. Without this regular supply, your skin in unable to repair and rejuvenate, and starts to appear dull and sallow. Alcohol, on the other hand, has a dehydrating effect on your body. And, dry skin quickly starts to show more of fine lines and wrinkles.

Give your skin the time and nutrients to regenerate by stopping smoking and lowering your intake of alcohol significantly. Not only will you notice overall better health, but your skin will thank you for it.

5. Stress and Anxiety Can Affect Your Skin

Long-term stress and anxiety result in your body releasing high levels of cortisol in the bloodstream. Research conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information clearly shows that cortisol could be one of the most potent agents that causes skin aging. Not only does it raise levels of blood sugar and slows circulation in the body, but it also alters your sleep patterns. And, getting adequate sleep is one of the key requirements for skin repair. Cortisol is also known to slow the production of Hyaluronic acid in the skin. This agent is highly essential for maintaining the hydration in your skin and making it look young and plumped up. Do keep in mind that no amount of external moisturizing can make up for the natural hydration of your body.

Work on lowering the stress levels by taking up any methods that work for you. For instance, try meditation, yoga, or light exercise. You could also try aromatherapy, tai chi, swimming, or simply, spending quality time with family and friends.

Your skin may be showing signs of damage from causes that are entirely unrelated to normal aging. While genetic factors may also dictate how your skin responds to the progression of years, many lifestyle changes can improve its condition and delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Try them and regain a younger look.

Filed Under: Life Tips

How To Keep Fit

September 14, 2018

If your goal is not just to increase your current level of fitness but also to maintain your new level of fitness for years to come, simply continue reading to discover a few key tricks to keeping fit in the long term!

How To Keep Fit:

  1. Realize that in order to increase your fitness, you’ll have to change your lifestyle

One of the reasons why a high percentage of individuals fail to create long-lasting results when it comes to their health and fitness is that they’re unwilling to create long-term changes to their everyday lifestyle. Remember that in order to achieve your fitness related goals, you’ll have to change the way in which you live your day to day life.

As examples, you will have to spend far more time being active and you may have to alter the way that you socialize with your friends, in order to be able to make healthier choices.

  1. Consider hiring a personal trainer, who’ll be able to provide you with motivation and teach you valuable new skills

While you don’t have to belong to a local gym in order to keep fit, as long as you make an effort to exercise 5 days a week, if you are planning on signing up for a gym membership, it’s a wise idea to seriously contemplate hiring a personal trainer.

While you may not want to budget to pay a professional personal trainer on an ongoing basis, if you hire a personal trainer for a short period of 3 months, you’ll be able to learn valuable skills which you’ll be able to use for a lifetime.

As examples, you’ll be able to use gym equipment properly in order to decrease your chances of developing injuries and you’ll be able to plan gym workouts which target every area of your body and which will kickstart your heart rate. As a bonus, if you find it difficult to motivate yourself to get down to the gym, you’ll have no excuse to skip a workout if you’ve already paid for the services of a qualified personal trainer.

  1. Incorporate foods into your diet which will provide you with the energy which you need to complete vigorous daily workouts

If you would love to run up to every workout feeling energized and ready to work hard and push through your comfort zone, it’s important to alter your current diet to add new foods which are packed full of nutrients and vitamins.

As an example, if you don’t eat lean chicken breast on a weekly basis, it’s well worth incorporating lean chicken breast into your diet 2-3 times a week as it is low in fat and is packed full of protein. The latter of which your body requires to repair and build muscle tissue after a difficult workout.

If cooking and purchasing food is a chore for you, you may want to consider fitness muscle meals. You can get fresh, nutritious food that will help keep you going throughout the day.

  1. Consider training for events, which will require you to work out on a daily basis

As examples, you may have always dreamed of training for a half marathon or for a triathlon. If you always have a fitness challenge or goal in mind to achieve, is a great idea as you’ll be far less likely to skip out on your workouts.

So if you’re serious about changing your lifestyle in order to enjoy a higher level of fitness, it’s well worth taking the advice presented above seriously!

Filed Under: Life Tips

Understanding The Purpose and Benefits of Bog Mats

September 14, 2018

If you’re unsure about the situations in which you may want to consider hiring and using a bog mat, simply continue reading to understand the purpose and benefits.

Understanding the purpose and benefits of bag mats:

  1. You can use carefully laid out bog mats in order to protect grass from being destroyed by car traffic

If you plan on hosting an event and require your guests to park on a grass field and don’t want your grass being destroyed by being driven over by dozens of heavy vehicles, which will ruin your grass, you can hire and lay down bog mats for your guests to drive over in order to protect your grass.

As an added bonus if you lay down bog mats, that are designed to withstand the weight of vehicles, your guests will also be sure to stick to the path laid out for them, instead of freely driving all over your grass.

  1. Bog mats can also be used as pathways for outdoor events

If you are in charge of planning an outdoor vent, such as a corporate event or a wedding reception which is set to be held in an outdoor marquee, it’s well worth using bog mats to protect your grass and to allow your guests to safely be able to walk around your venue.

  1. Bog mats can double as a dance floor

If you foresee dancing taking place at your event, you’ll be able to use your bog mats to form a non-slip dance floor, which will allow your guests to safely dance the night away.

  1. You can use bog mats in order to prevent your guests from slipping over

If you’re hosting an event at a venue which has uneven terrain and you’re worried about your guests being able to safely move around your venue, it’s well worth investing in hiring bog mats for the duration of your event.

  1. Laying down bog mats can stop your guests from wandering off into areas which are restricted

Another benefit of laying down bog mats is that the vast majority of your guests will instinctively follow your bog mats and will avoid walking around areas of your venue, which are strictly off limit to guests.

  1. Bog mats are also used on construction sites

Bog mats are commonly used on construction sites in order to protect the ground surrounding the construction site which is being worked on. As an example, construction sites often use bog mats on areas of a construction site which are muddy or which are high traffic areas which will be prone to being torn up.

  1. Bog mats can be used in order to allow individuals or vehicles to access hard to access terrain

Bog mats are also routinely used in order to allow vehicles and individuals to access hard to access terrain, that would be nearly impossible to access without the use of handy bog mats.

Hopefully, after reading the information on bog mats listed above you now have a better understanding of the purpose and numerous benefits of bog mats!

Filed Under: Life Tips

Top 5 Reasons Why Volunteer Travel is the Best Way to Travel

September 10, 2018

While lying on the beach is nice, nothing beats a volunteer travel experience. Read on to learn why volunteer travel is the best way to travel.

Have you ever wanted to visit the beaches of Greece or the temples of Bali?

You can experience these and so much more all while helping others. Lying on the beach is nice, but nothing beats a volunteer travel experience. There are so many reasons to volunteer globally. Check out five reasons why volunteer travel is the best way to travel.

1. Make a Real Difference

Volunteer travel is an awesome way to make a real difference in the world. You can help other people across the globe. You can teach in Japan, Thailand, or Bali. Help women and children at a commune in Fiji. You can help educate Filipino people on nutrition and health issues.

2. Gain a New Perspective

If you’ve ever wanted to gain a new perspective, you should consider volunteer traveling. In such a fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with everyday stresses. When you choose to volunteer to help others, you can gain a whole new perspective on the world and your life.

Volunteering abroad can give you a new appreciation for your own life and community.

3. See the World

If you’ve ever wanted to see the world, you should volunteer overseas. There are so many beautiful parts of the world that you can explore while volunteering and helping others. You can see different parts of the world like Cambodia, Peru, and Greece. Volunteering is a great way to see different cultures.

4. Have a Home Away From Home

When you join volunteer organizations, you have the chance to have a home away from home. You build relationships with the people and communities that you help. These communities become second homes for you.

5. Grow Your Confidence

Volunteering on your solo vacations is a great way to grow your confidence. You can become more confident in learning a new language or developing a new skill. You become more confident knowing that you can travel the world by yourself while helping other people.

Is Volunteer Travel Affordable?

Are you ready to travel and volunteer, but are worried that you can’t afford it? Volunteer travel is actually affordable. You may even qualify for free travel.

If you’re wondering how to travel for free, you should prepare yourself for doing some research. In some cases, you can have free travel in exchange for work. If you feel called to do so, you could join the Peace Corps and see different parts of the world.

You can even find companies to work for that will help you travel for free. There are different companies that you can work for that will pay you to do things like teaching English to other cultures. Are you a nurse? There are many opportunities for travel nurses worldwide.

Volunteer Travel Can be Life-Changing

Volunteer travel can truly be a life-changing experience. You learn more about the world and yourself. If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in this world, you should consider volunteering globally.

If you want more tips and inspiration for traveling the world, be sure to check out our world travel blog.

Filed Under: Life Tips, World Travel

Group Getaway: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Company Retreat

September 6, 2018

Group Getaway: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Company Retreat

There’s no better way to show appreciation to your employees than planning a company retreat. But if you don’t know where to start, click here to find out.

There are many reasons to plan a corporate retreat. It’s a time to get away from the office to work on creating stronger bonds between employees.

A business retreat is also a great way to build trust within a company. And it’s also just a nice way to show your employees how much you appreciate them.

But you can’t just book hotel rooms and call it a day. Without a formal plan, you won’t gain the benefits of a company retreat.

To help you and your employees get the most out of your time together, keep reading. We’re sharing with you the ultimate guide to planning a company retreat.

Create an Agenda for Your Company Retreat

Prepare and hand out the agenda before you head out on your business retreat. The agenda will help everyone plan accordingly.

Not only will they be able to pack essential items to help them participate in the planned events, it also helps everyone mentally prepare.

However, don’t have every minute planned. This agenda should be less structured than a day at the office since you are here to actually have some fun.

Allow for changes and adaptations so everyone gets the most out of it they possibly can.

Use Corporate Retreat Ideas That Help Introverts Feel Comfortable

Remember that not everyone is a leader. Some people are introverts and don’t always feel comfortable in large group settings.

In fact, if done incorrectly, your corporate retreat can end up exhausting the introverts while invigorating the extroverts. This isn’t what you want to achieve.

Instead, plan games and events that both introverts and extroverts can play. Extroverts can shout out answers while introverts write them down.

Make sure there’s plenty of downtimes so introverts can rest up while extroverts can gather together.

Make Sure Everyone Has Transportation

Not everyone owns a car or has their own form of transportation. Perhaps employees share one car and a spouse needs it to shuttle the kids around.

One way to ensure everyone comes on your business retreat is to help plan travel arrangements ahead of time. You can hire shuttle vans or buses to pick up everyone to travel together.

The bus ride can be filled with lots of fun activities or you can even take the time for everyone to share their own company retreat ideas. You can even give a prize to the person who comes up with the best event idea.

Click here to learn more about making corporate travel arrangements.

Be Aware of Food, Alcohol, and Physical Limitations

A corporate retreat to wine country sounds amazing. And there are plenty of breweries you can visit as well.

But before you book any excursions, make sure no employee is struggling with alcohol addiction or simply chooses to be a teetotaler. Otherwise, it’s not a fun or fair trip for them.

Another issue you may have to watch out for is with food. Many people are on special diets which may make it difficult for them to find food during your retreat.

Then there are those people who physically can’t do certain activities.

Try to make sure your food menus include plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables and that you address any food allergies anyone may have.

For those who can’t be around alcohol or who have a physical ailment making it difficult to participate in certain activities, try to find alternative activities during those times.

Create a Budget

To plan a fun corporate retreat, plan on spending a minimum of $500 per person per night. That should include the hotel stay, meeting space, food and beverages, transportation, and a few other things.

If you’re booking your stay at a hotel then don’t forget to ask for concessions. Hotels love booking corporate events because it means big money for them, especially if you plan on using their hotel more than once.

Do not be afraid to ask if they’re willing to add in extra concessions like waving the resort fee or giving you all free Wi-Fi. The more money you can save, the better.

And research ways you can save extra money before you book your trip.

Choose Someone to Facilitate the Retreat

Someone will need to be in charge of ensuring everything goes smoothly. Appoint someone who is already trained in dealing with groups and knows how to maintain neutrality throughout the entire process.

While you may think the CEO or manager is a great choice, these people aren’t usually known for being neutral. Which is why it’s usually best to hire a professional facilitator.

However, since they can cost up to $5,000, if that’s not in your budget, whoever you appoint to be the leader needs to tread lightly.

It’s not so easy to be a leader and then ask employees to openly and honestly give their opinion.

They’re worried about their jobs. It’s your job at the retreat to create a space where people feel they can speak freely.

Make it Fun, Not Cheesy

Your goal is to come up with company retreat ideas that are fun but aren’t cheesy. You don’t want your attendees to feel they are being forced to pretend they’re having fun when secretly, they’re rolling their eyes.

Do some research on fun activities that aren’t the typical games people play. While it’s okay to use some classics, a potato sack race just might be a bit too much for people.

Book Early

The sooner you book a place to hold your company retreat, the less expensive it will be. It’s also easier for you to plan something in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to prepare.

Try searching for a place to hold your retreat that’s not in a major city or town. Not only will you save more money but your attendees won’t be as tempted to leave the retreat in search of their own fun.

And book your trip off-season. Again, you’ll save money, you’ll probably get a better package, and with fewer people around you can really focus on team building.

Keep Researching Corporate Retreat Ideas

If your first company retreat is a success, it makes sense to keep doing it. But you don’t want to keep doing the same thing year after year.

Instead, keep researching around for new ideas. Don’t forget to ask employees to share their favorite ideas as well.

And our blog can help. We’re constantly sharing our favorite places on the planet to travel to. Find out where your next retreat will be by clicking here.

Filed Under: Life Tips, The Blog, World Travel

Tips For Moving to Tennessee That You Didn’t Think You Needed to Know

August 23, 2018

Tips For Moving to Tennessee That You Didn’t Think You Needed to Know

If you are thinking about moving to Tennessee, make sure you go through this article. We explain all the tips you will need to know about Tennessee while you consider moving to the volunteer state

Whether you’re interested in the living in a bustling city or a charming mountain town, Tennessee has you covered. The Volunteer State may be known for its country music origins, but it truly has something to please everyone.

Cities like Nashville and Memphis are frequently sought out by millennials. Their booming job markets and up-and-coming neighborhoods are attractive to recent graduates. Smaller towns such as Cleveland and Lynchburg are praised for their southern grassroots appeal.

If you’re moving to Tennessee, we’re confident you’ll enjoy all this state has to offer. Before relocating, it’s good to know what life here is all about. Here’s what to know if you plan on making the Volunteer State your home!

No Personal Income Tax

One of the greatest advantages of moving to Tennessee is a fiscal one. Over the next 3 years, the Volunteer State will join 7 other states in becoming income tax-free. Currently, the Hall income tax rate stands at just 3%. It will continue to decrease by one percent until disseminating entirely in 2021.

Being a Tennessee resident doesn’t just mean you can avoid paying interest and dividend income. You also get to steer clear of paying wage and retirement income. Property tax here is quite low as well, so Tennessee is popular among retirees.

Drink the Whiskey

There’s whiskey- and then there’s Tennessee Whiskey. It’s so smooth, it has been the inspiration for many hit tunes from many of country’s biggest artists.

What makes Tennessee’s brown distilled beverages better than the rest? Well, for one, the process for making a Tennessee whiskey is unique compared to other Bourbons. The process for each drink appears similar, in that distilled corn must age in a new oak barrel.

But, before aging, Tennessee whiskey is filtered through charcoal, giving it it’s smooth taste. One of the most notorious examples of this fine beverage is Jack Daniels. Step into any watering hole in the Volunteer State for a neatly poured “Jack”.

Learn Your History

Because of its location, Tennessee was fought after by the Union and Confederates. Ultimately, Tennessee became the last state to join the Confederates in 1861. However, it still saw more armed conflicts-2,900 to be exact– than any other state except for Virginia.

There are plenty of places in this state to learn more about Tennessee’s background. If you’re interested in learning about its role in the Civil War, check out some of these historical sites, parks, and battlegrounds.

Music lovers have plenty to rejoice about, as well. Although Nashville has been dubbed the “Capital of Country”, it’s not it’s birthplace. Instead, that can be found just a few hours east of Nashville in Bristol, Tennessee.

Bristol is home to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and it also hosts many events and concerts. Check out the Rhythm & Roots Festival which falls on Labor Day weekend each year.

Community College is Free

Thanks to the Tennessee Promise program, TN high school graduates can attend community college for free. This federal program was created as an effort to develop a more educated workforce.

Students must apply for the scholarship through the Tennessee Promise website. There are partnering organizations throughout the state to assist both students and parents.

These groups can help students fill out scholarship paperwork or apply for colleges. They can also help find community service opportunities, which are mandatory for eligibility in the program.

Plus, once you graduate you won’t have to move far to find a new job. As we mentioned, many recent grads are moving to Knoxville, Nashville, and other cities for their booming markets.

Eat Your Heart Out

Just as iconic as Tennessee whiskey is it’s slow-cooked Memphis-style BBQ. This style of cooking was developed after World War 2 in the Blues and Rock and Roll City.

Fortunately, many new ventures stay true to this style of creating succulent dishes. In Tennessee, Memphis-style BBQ generally refers to succulent dry-rubbed ribs.

If barbecue isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other tasty Tennessee treats to feast on. We can’t help but indulge in some of the classic Southern staples, such as biscuits and fried chicken.

“Meat and Three” is another go-to for Volunteers, which consists of 1 meat option and 3 side dishes. You can choose from meats such as chicken, ham, or steak and some form of vegetables, corn, and potatoes for the sides. Meat and three is also traditionally served with cornbread and sweet tea.

The Mountains are Calling

The Great Smoky Mountains draw in over 11.3 million visitors each year. If you’ve visited before, we’re sure you understand why.

With nearly 262,000 acres of natural beauty, there’s plenty of adventure to be had. The Smoky Mountains are packed with forested areas, waterfalls, wildflowers, and more. Take in the mountainous landscape at one of few national parks that don’t charge entry fees.

You can find all sorts of trails through the mountains, as well as areas for camping. The brave can try their hand at white-water rafting or hang-gliding over the mountains.

There is a good range of nearby towns and cities to visit during a Smoky Mountains trip. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are touristy, but they’re home to must-sees such as Dollywood. For a more quaint feel, check out Sevierville or Townsend.

Moving to Tennessee?

If you’re planning on moving to Tennessee, you’ve got lots to look forward. Quality food, scenery, and people are just a few things you can expect. Oh, and great beer!

Moving can be tough but we’re here to help. We offer advice on budget travel, relocation, general life hacks, and more. Check out some of our other articles here! Also, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Filed Under: Life Tips

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

About Us

Hey :) I'm Markus, the youngest of the Beekman brothers. My camera shy brother is Jeff Beekman. I tend to do the writing and he does the photography. We grew up in the United States and have been traveling around the world for about 2 years now. Read More…

Don’t Miss These!

Taste Adventures: Finding Food You’ll Love While Traveling

The ‘One-Drink Hangover’: Why Some People Feel Terrible After Just One Glass

Tasty Ways for Seniors to Put On Weight (Without It Feeling Like a Chore)

A Clean Getaway: Simple Ways to Keep Your Vacation Rental Bathroom Fresh on a Long Trip

Most Popular Recipes

Taste Adventures: Finding Food You’ll Love While Traveling

The ‘One-Drink Hangover’: Why Some People Feel Terrible After Just One Glass

Stay Updated

Footer

About Us

Hey :) I'm Markus, the youngest of the Beekman brothers. My camera shy brother is Jeff Beekman. I tend to do the writing and he does the photography. We grew up in the United States and have been traveling around the world for about 2 years now. Read More…

My Favorites

stay connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Get the Latest Posts

© 2026 · Beekman Beer Garden