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Group Getaway: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Company Retreat

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.

How To Plan An Unforgettable Camping Trip!

If you can’t get enough of the great outdoors and would love to plan an epic camping trip, simply continue reading to discover a few tips on planning the best camping trip of your life.

How to plan an unforgettable camping trip:

  1. Choose your companions wisely

Ultimately, it’s your choice of camping companions which will make or break your camping trip. So it’s a wise idea to travel with friends or family members who are fun, positive and low maintenance. Also, make sure that the individuals who you invite on your camping trip will get on well, in order to enjoy your best camping trip yet.

  1. Consider packing luxury items

It is always a good idea to have a camping checklist to ensure you have all the essentials for your trip! To make your trip even better, you could consider packing some luxury items as well. As an example, if you plan on driving to your campsite, it’s well worth packing an air bed and a couple of full-sized pillows, so that you’ll have no trouble falling asleep each night.

  1. Make sure to plan plenty of action-packed activities

Examples of which may include swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, mountain biking, rafting, geocaching, and hiking.

  1. Consider going off grid and logging off your social media accounts for a couple of days

If you want to enjoy every second of your camping trip without worrying about uploading selfies to your social media accounts it’s well worth choosing a camping spot that doesn’t offer Wi-Fi. Alternatively, if your camping spot does offer Wi-Fi make a conscious effort not to turn your smartphone on unless you have to make a call. If you rely on using your phone for photos, just turn your mobile data off for the duration of your trip.

While keeping off your smartphone and social media may be tough at first, after a couple of hours you should find that it’s much more fun focusing on having fun with your travel companions.

  1. Make sure to toast smores and sausages

Nothing tastes better on an epic camping trip than fire roasted smores and sausages. So make sure to pack both for your upcoming camping trip. Just remember to keep your sausages in a portable freezer or an ice box until you use them. Especially in summer.

  1. Consider camping in a national park

If you want to pitch your tent in a picturesque area which boasts stunning views, you can’t go wrong applying for a camping permit which will permit you to pitch your tent in a national park. Just be sure to apply for a permit well in advance as most national parks have a strict quota when it comes to the number of camping permits which they can hand out in a single camping season.

  1. Make sure to pack a first aid kit

While no one plans to get injured on a camping trip, it always pays to be prepared and to pack a first aid kit, which contains band-aids, ibuprofen or paracetamol, tweezers, gauze and antiseptic cream. Also remember, to replace any items which you use on your trip, for future trips. As the last thing you want to do is open your first aid kit on a future trip to find that it’s half empty.

  1. Purchase an inexpensive pack of playing cards

You’ll enjoy playing cards by torchlight when the sun goes down.

So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to plan the ultimate camping trip!

5 Tips On Finding The Right Type Of Lawyer

If you find yourself in need of a professional lawyer who will be able to represent your legal interests and require assistance on finding the right lawyer for your situation simply continue reading to discover a few handy tips on finding the right lawyer.

5 Valuable tips on finding the right type of lawyer:

  1. Visit a prospective lawyer’s professional website in order to discover their areas of expertise

Most lawyers specialize in different types of law such as family law or commercial law. So it’s well worth investigating each potential lawyer’s website in order to find out which areas of law they specialize in. As there’s no point contacting a family lawyer if you’re looking to fight a driving offence.

Furthermore, it’s well worth choosing a lawyer who offers a professional website as a lawyer who takes representing their clients seriously will boast a professional, easy to navigate, regularly updated web presence.

If a lawyer’s website features little to no information about their areas of expertize it’s well worth giving their office a call for further information.

  1. Ask each prospective lawyer about their previous experience dealing with cases like yours

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of possible lawyers, you may want to ask each candidate about their experience and whether or not they have experience handling cases which are similar to your own case or situation. As ideally, you’ll want to hire a talented lawyer who has plenty of success dealing with cases which have plenty of similarities to your case.

  1. Consider each prospective lawyers fees before you decide to sign a legally binding contract

While you may be tempted to sign a deal with the first lawyer who can prove that they’ve won cases similar to your case, it’s an extremely wise idea to ask a variety of lawyers for their fees. As there is no point shortlisting a lawyer whose fees are unreasonable or out of your price bracket.

  1. Ask your friends and family members for recommendations

If a trusted friend or family member has been through a similar legal situation, it’s well worth asking them for the name of the lawyer who dealt with their case. Especially if their lawyer was successful and won their case on their behalf.

As while it’s useful to read online reviews for each lawyer that you’re interested in hiring, there’s no better recommendation than a recommendation from someone that you know personally and whose opinion you trust.

  1. Read a variety of reviews before making a final decision

After a conducting a simple Google search to find lawyers who specialize in the right field of law, it’s well worth trying to find honest reviews about each lawyer’s services. If you don’t have a friend or family member who can recommend a lawyer, it’s definitely well worth reading a wide variety of reviews before making a final decision on which lawyer you should hire to defend your interests.

So if you need to hire a professional lawyer, it’s well worth using the 5 handy tips listed above in order to select the right type of lawyer for your case. You may also want to check out Prime Lawyers to start, as they have great legal advice and cover many types of law. You can visit their site for more reviews and recommendations.

10 Incredible Ways Tourists Can Help the Environment While Travelling

10 Incredible Ways Tourists Can Help the Environment While Travelling

When you travel, there are steps you can take to bring environmental change to each place you visit. Here are some steps that tourists can take to make an impact while on vacation.

Traveling abroad is one of the most enriching things you can do for yourself. It’s scientifically proven to make us happier.

Travel is one of the biggest industries in the world, generating 9.5% of the world’s GDP. While these figures look positive, they’re actually detrimental for the environment.

Travel means movement of tourists, and lots of it. Planes, trains, buses, and cars all release emissions which aren’t doing the planet any good. Pollution is one of the biggest problems we face today, and we need to do something about it.

Of course, we can’t tell people to stop traveling. For many, it’s not even an option as more of us have the opportunity to travel the world. But there are some things we can do to help reduce our carbon footprint.

Helping the Environment as Tourists

With World Environment Day 2018 fast approaching, it’s time to start saving our planet. There are many ways to become a more eco-conscious tourist, and it can go a very long way.

Read on for ten of the most awesome ways to can travel the world without harming the planet.

1. Getting There

Getting to your destination can result in a lot of CO2 emissions. Airplanes are the worst for carbon emissions, releasing around 20x that of a train per person.

Trains, buses and ferries are the best ways to travel. They don’t release as many carbon emissions as planes do.

If you have no alternative to flying, make sure to get a direct flight. More layovers mean more flights, so try to book a direct flight if you have to at all.

Getting many flights can increase harmful emissions by up to 35% per person! This is because planes produce most of their emissions as they take off.

2. Staying There

When finding a place to stay, try and find somewhere that is eco-friendly. Do your research to find somewhere certified as an eco-resort. These places will be treating their workers well and use organic and local produce.

They will also be recycling and being efficient with their energy consumption. You will have to follow these rules too. Try to stay at small hotels. B&Bs are ideal as they use local produce and are ran by locals.

If you’re going camping, try to use a small amount of space. Using up lots of space can damage the soil and harm the environment and habitats.

Be conscientious. Don’t be messy, try to stay local and don’t visit chains.

3. Visit Eco-Friendly Locations

When choosing where to go, it’s usually more eco-friendly to visit nearby countries.

Visit places which focus on helping the environment and reducing emissions. Visiting green countries means you help funnel your money into their sustainability efforts. Every little helps and it can go a very long way.

Locations such as the Galapagos have many organisations who help conserve the islands. Galapagos island tours are great for seeing the area and help conserve it at the same time.

Going to eco-conscious locations teaches you new ways to be sustainable. You can take this knowledge home with you and continue to make a difference.

4. Use Public Transport

Most cities around the world have excellent public transport systems.

Using metros and subways results in 76% less emissions than cars or motorbikes. They also mean less cars on the roads giving out gasses.

Some countries use electric buses which are much better for the environment. You can usually buy week-long passes for public transport in big cities which don’t cost much. This helps save you money while saving the environment!

More and more cities have bike share schemes. they don’t cost much and they’re a great way to get around town in an eco friendly way. Or, you could always walk! Walking produces 0 carbon emissions, it’s great exercise, a great way to see the city, and best of all it’s free!

5. Don’t Buy Bottled Water

Traveling is thirsty work. You’re walking a lot and it can reach high temperatures. it can be tempting to buy a bottle of water from the corner store.

Don’t do it. Plastic bottles account for a lot of waste. Instead, bring along a reusable water bottle and refill at taps if possible. There are a lot of

hotels and hostels which have installed water filters to make the local tap water safe to drink, so use them!

A staggering 91% of plastic water bottles are not recycled. If you do have to use one, make sure you find somewhere to recycle it.

6. Shop Local

When it comes to buying foods, make sure to buy local. Local food isn’t imported and thus has produced no emissions to get to your plate.

Buying local foods supports local farmers and businesses. It’s often very fresh and higher quality without any additives.

7. Choose Eco Friendly Activities

On vacation, there are a lot of fun activities to choose from. But, not all are helpful to the environment.

Avoid activities such as motorized tours, hiking in protected areas or hunting trips. They have very negative impacts on the environment and they’re not worth it.

Instead, volunteer at local organisations to help make a direct contribution to conservation.

Turtle conservation and clean up ocean schemes are very fun and rewarding experiences. They help save habitats and the planet in the long run.

8. Remember to Recycle

It’s easy to forget to recycle when on vacation, but it’s very important to do it.

Try not to use anything with plastic wrappings. But if you can’t help it, make sure that you recycle it as soon as possible.

There are a lot of hotels and cities with recycling bins so keep an eye out for them. If you struggle to find any, go to a local park or grocery store, they usually have them there.

9. Conserve Energy

When staying in a hotel, it’s easy to use up a lot of energy. Make a conscious effort to conserve it.

It doesn’t take much, only a few small steps. Turning off lights and air conditioning when leaving the room can help a lot. Use less towels and don’t get the room made up every day.

Regulate room temperatures by opening windows and using the blinds.

10. Stick to the Rules

When visiting a nature reserve for a hike or camping, make sure to follow the signs and rules in place.

Always stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter.

Straying from the marked trails can destroy animal’s habitats or endangered plants.

Being Eco Friendly Tourists

The Earth we live on is a precious place, and it’s deteriorating at an alarming rate. We don’t have another planet to move to, so we need to take care of this one.

Every one of us must make a conscious effort to save the planet. This includes tourists. Tourism results in a lot of harmful emissions. This means tourists must make a real effort to help the environment.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out our other travel tips to make your next trip perfect.

Five Reasons To Have A Day Out At The Races

If you have ever been to a racecourse before, you will have almost certainly have the urge to go back again as the day is packed full of excitement, especially if you are lucky enough to get a glorious day of sunshine. Horse racing is popular all over the world and the majority of the major meetings attract huge crowds.

Here is a list of five reasons why you’d love to have a day out at the races.

1. The Racing

Credit: Racing Post via Twitter

It goes without saying that the focus is the horses and there are typically around six races on a racecard during the meeting you are attending. You don’t need to be an expert in the sport to enjoy the racing or if you want to place a bet to make the action more exciting. The horse racing odds are indicated before the race, therefore you can determine if you want to bet on one of the favourites in the contest or if you want to take a chance on an outsider to try and scoop a bigger return.

2. Drinks

Racecourses make for fantastic settings to share a beer or glass of wine with family and friends. The venues know the day is as much about socialising than it is about the racing so they ensure there are lots of bars and a variety of drinks for racegoers to enjoy. Over 90,000 attended the Belmont Stakes in 2018, which was won by Justify, and Belmont Park was well-stocked with refreshments to serve the large crowd throughout the day.

3. Fashion

Credit: sportz247 via Twitter

Although most racecourses don’t have a dress code for their tracks, many racegoers like dressing up for their afternoon at the races. In order to encourage a wide range of fashion at the venue, some racecourses hold a best-dressed competition for men and women which you can enter on the day and win a fantastic prize, therefore it does pay to make an effort sometimes. In the UK, one of the big flat meetings of the year, Royal Ascot, is very much associated with fashion. There is a strict dress code for certain areas of the course so always check the racecourse’s website before booking.

4. Family Fun

If you are looking to take children to the racecourses with you, there are lots of activities for them to enjoy during the day. Most venues have a funfair, games for the kids to take part in and candy for you to purchase if you want to give them a treat. They can also see the horses in the parade before the racing begins, which is always a fun sight for the young and old.

5. Hospitality

If you really want to treat yourself or book a party at a racecourse, the hospitality facilities at many of the tracks are superb. You are likely to be in the best enclosure at the course, while you can enjoy some great food before the racing begins in your private area.

Sunny Spots To Escape The Winter Blues

Winter has its ups: hot chocolate, extra cozy blankets, taking a hot shower on a cold evening. But it also has its downs: the cold that hits you when you have to get out of bed in the morning; shivering all day because you forgot your jersey at home… and taking a hot shower on a cold evening! Now we could complain about how cold winter is but that would be like complaining about the sun shining — it’s simply a waste of time. So why not change the strategy a bit? Why bear the winter when you could just skip it? Below, we’ve gathered some of the sunniest spots on the planet that you can travel abroad to visit, and all are guaranteed to help you escape the winter blues.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The capital city of a hugely underrated travel destination: Cambodia. While everyone else runs off to Thailand and Vietnam, create your own path and visit Phnom Penh, a towering concrete jungle that somehow never lost touch with nature. Cool down with a one dollar beer, or get a relaxing massage before heading back to the rooftop swimming pool at your hotel.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Home to the only seven-star hotel in the world, the Burj al Arab, Dubai shows that it’s more than ready to compete with the big boys. Dubai also has some of the most jaw-dropping (and not to mention luxurious) shopping malls in the world. The sunshine is year-round and the beaches beautiful. Sick of that winter blues? In Dubai there is no winter blues.

Cape Town, South Africa

History, community, hope, beauty, and strength. Cape Town is the destination of choice for more and more travelers around the world. Visit the docks on a hot day, acquaint yourself with some delicious South African meals, or conquer Table Mountain — take in the view, breathe the air, and embrace the African sun as it shines on both you, and the winter blues you’ve been carrying.

Swakopmund, Namibia

It’s not uncommon for first time visitors to Swakopmund to feel as if they’re stuck in some sort of painting. With picture perfect blue skies, bright green grass, and beautiful architecture lining the streets, it’s not difficult to see why someone might feel they’ve stumbled into a work of art. Walk along the beach and desert at the same time. Stare across the sandy dunes while your feet are washed clean by the ocean. Swakopmund is a living, breathing antidote to the winter blues, and it’s about time you got your medication.

Thanda Island, Tanzania

Maybe you don’t like being around tourists and large crowds of people. Maybe you value privacy, and luxury, and time away from the hustle and bustle of the ordinary. Thanda Island is nestled within Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, and it offers a wide range of incredible experiences for those of us who appreciate a little privacy from time to time: Go on a truly authentic South African Safari, swim in a crystal clear ocean, wake up to the sounds of the island; to the bustling shoreline and dancing trees. Escaping the winter blues? With this kind of private island accommodation, the winter blues are destined to become nothing more than a fleeting memory!

Maui, Hawaii

What kind of a list would this be if we didn’t include Hawaii? I don’t know but it definitely wouldn’t be a sunny spots list, because of all the sunny spots we know of, Hawaii is one of those destinations which seems to be universally adored. Those ideas and images we all have of beach, sun, palm trees and shade — they can all be found in Hawaii. Explore the local cultures, visit lush forests, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, get a closer look at a volcano. It’s easy to see why so many people think of Hawaii as a type of Eden — a place where the sun always shines and nature always flourishes. What more could you ask for?

With destinations like these, you’re going to hope that the Winter Blues swings by more often — that way you’ll get more and more chances to escape it — to experience what’s out there; out there where the sun always shines and the waves are always rolling; in and out… in and out. If there’s one thing I can say with certainty, it’s that the winter blues don’t stand a chance!

Hire a Ticket Lawyer and Take the Stress Out of Your Next Ticket

It’s the moment every driver dreads. You hear a wailing siren and spot flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Heart pounding, you pull over to the side of the road, roll down the window, and try your best to charm the police officer. But sometimes you end up with an unwanted traffic ticket, even if you feel you did nothing wrong. Now what do you do?

Don’t Go It Alone

It may be tempting to pay the fine or even defend yourself in court, but that could be a big mistake. A traffic violation in California can be more than an annoying inconvenience — it can also cost you hefty fines, hike your insurance rates and ruin your driving record.

That’s why you should turn your case over to the experts. Traffic ticket lawyers take the stress out of getting a ticket. They can help you by

  • Working diligently on your behalf to reduce the fines
  • Negotiating alternative penalties
  • Trying to get your case dismissed.

Fight for Your Rights

Most drivers aren’t aware of their rights under California law. By hiring a traffic attorney, you’ll have the benefit of a seasoned legal expert representing you in court. Traffic lawyers know the laws inside and out and can find procedural errors that can cause your case to be dropped or the charges reduced. They also know their way around the court system, which can be intimidating for many people.

Work With the Proven Traffic Ticket Specialists

At the Ticket Clinic, we understand how nerve-racking getting a traffic citation can be. Whether you have a speeding ticket, red light violation, DUI or suspended license, we’ll provide a qualified traffic ticket attorney San Francisco Bay Area drivers can count on. To find out how the Ticket Clinic can help take the stress out of your traffic ticket, call us for a free consultation at 1-800-248-2846 or contact us online.

5 Exotic Cruises You Need To Know About

Cruises are a blast, but how many times can you really travel around the Caribbean before you get bored? Check out these 5 exotic cruises and enjoy a more interesting conversation.

If you’re going to spend the money on a cruise, why not explore something more than the predictable and postcard-ready Carribean? An exotic cruise will give you the relaxing pleasures of a vacation while curbing your adventurous cravings.

Take your expedition to the next level with suggestions from this quick list of exotic cruises below, courtesy of the explorers at Beekman Beer Garden.

5 Exotic Cruises for the Adventurous Heart

Whether your trip takes you somewhere near home or somewhere abroad and unfamiliar, an exotic cruise can change your perspective on life! Here are five cruises that are up to the challenge:

1. The Snowy Arctic

Arctic cruises offer unique sights all around, boasting dark, icy waters and wildlife like polar bears, reindeer, walrus, and certain whales. See the harsh, cold side of planet Earth from the warm and cozy confines of your cruise quarters.

Cruising the Arctic and along Norway’s coast will offer many unforgettable sights, including the unpolluted lights of the northern sky.

2. Myanmar (Burma)

A cruise in this Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar will expose you to exotic, mysterious sights and rich culture. Cruising down the Irrawaddy River, you’ll coast down shallow waters alongside monasteries and temples in the misty forests.

Enjoy one of a kind scenery in luxury and comfort in a traditional Burma riverboat.

3. Tahiti and Fiji

You can’t come by clearer or brighter tropical waters than in the South Pacific. Cruising here, you’ll stop into bustling ports and clean beaches as you coast through some of the most beautiful oceans on the plant.

Embark on tropical excursions such as reef snorkeling and animal watching during your stops and enjoy fresh, wild-caught seafood.

4. Galapagos Islands

A trip to South America exposes you to a world of culture and exotic lifestyle that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. A Galapagos cruise, far off the coast of South America in the Pacific, is no exception.

A province of Ecuador, Galapagos is infamous for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. It was here that Darwin founded his theory of evolution after encountering the isolated and wonderful animals on the islands.

Cruising the deep Pacific waters around Galapagos, you’ll be able to explore strange lands and encounter stranger wildlife in comfort and style. Research Galapagos Islands cruise reviews online to get a better idea of what’s in store.

5. The Amazon River

Few rivers have the reputation and grandeur that the Amazon boasts, considering the lush green forestry and the diverse local wildlife. Piranha and beastly snakes swim the same waters that riverboats cruise along, putting visitors in the hot seat.

Amazon cruises keep a safe distance from such wildlife, but visitors are likely to spot wildlife by sound if not by sight. Some cruises make stops into river villages or on safe hiking excursions deep into the thick and diverse forests for a closer look.

Tapping into your sense of adventure doesn’t have to be without its share of luxury and comfort, as an Amazon river cruise will provide.

Get Connected to the Adventure

Looking for more information on exotic cruises, adventures, and living the best life you can?

Check out the other articles on the Beekman Beer Garden website!

Our resources include helpful info on everything from budgeting for a vacation to sports and everyday excursions. Browse our blog today and check back frequently for regular exciting updates!

Jazz Up Your Campfire Pow-Wow with These Great Camping Cocktails

Jazz Up Your Campfire Pow-Wow with These Great Camping Cocktails

Bring a 12-pack of beer is a given when you’re going camping. But, what if you want something with a little more punch? Here’s a collection of our favorite camping cocktails that’ll make your camping trip a little more fun!

Don’t you love the crackling of a campfire? The radiating heat and the warm glow it gives people’s faces? What if you could add an awesome camping cocktail to that mix?

You’re probably thinking, I don’t want to bring my whole bar cart to the tent! It’s heavy!

We’ve thought that through. All the cocktails on our list use three ingredients max and we did our best to pick versatile mixers. With lemonade, beer, and whiskey you’ve got options for two drinks.

Learn how you can stretch that to make three camping cocktails below.

The Summer Shandy

What’s better than a beer? A glass of beer and a refreshing glass of lemonade at the same time.

Enter, the Summer Shandy. It’s not as acidic as mixing lemonade with hard liquor and you get the carbonation of the beer.

Bring the beer and the bottle of lemonade along in your cooler. The kids can have lemonade while the grownups get fancy. Learn more!

The best beers to pair with lemonade are light ales, light IPAs, or Pilsners. Don’t try it with the powder mix-in. Spring for a bottle of nice premixed lemonade, stored by the juices.

An Old Fashioned

When choosing the drinks for this list, we thought, “what is the least we have to carry?” You don’t need much to make an old-fashioned!

A small bottle of bitters, sugar, bourbon, water. You were bringing water and sugar anyway.

The Maple Leaf

If you can’t decide between these two, there’s a third drink that you can make with lemonade and bourbon. A maple leaf!

Pour a shot or so of bourbon, mix with twice the amount of lemonade and add maple syrup on top. If you didn’t bring any maple, sugar or honey will also do.

That’s three drinks you can make, without bringing extra ingredients for the third.

A Hot Toddy

What’s better than hot tea around the campfire or fireplace (we like glamping). All you need for a hot toddy is tea and whiskey.

We like a sweet or citrus tea, like lemon ginger or anything with apple. Boil the water first, steep the tea and add your whiskey at the end.

If you want to be fancy, add a cinnamon stick for stirring/garnish. If you have fruit on hand, squeeze a little juice into the mug.

Whiskey Coke

Yes, this simple and classic drink travels well! All you need are cans of coke (or bottles) and whiskey.

For less trash to take care of and pack-out, don’t even bother with a cup. Drink some of the coke and pour the whiskey in. Pour it slowly to keep the carbonation from overflowing.

It mixes in the can and you have the whiskey on-hand for a hot toddy. To reduce what you have to carry, even more, tape the tea bag (find the kind that are individually wrapped) to your coke can.

Now you have everything you need for two drinks in one place. Leave the straw at home though, the less trash you bring into the campsite the better!

You need to pack out what you pack in, so save yourself the effort.

Whiskey Ginger

You should always have a ginger ale on hand, it’s a cure for just about anything. Ginger is an ancient remedy for headaches, nausea, upset stomachs – it’s nature’s Pepto Bismol.

You can also mix ginger ale with almost anything. Lemonade, orange juice, anything sweet.

Whiskey and ginger ale? A winning combination.

And, it’s one other can you have to bring with you, instead of a few different things to mix with.

You can use the same trick of mixing it in-can to reduce trash and possible pollution.

Fewer dishes to carry and clean at home too!

Berry Smash

Are you camping somewhere you can pick berries in the wild? Make sure they’re berries you recognize before you try them!

If you happen upon a blackberry or blueberry bush, pick some and wash them off with bottled water.

Then squeeze them into an empty bottle, squishing them a little as you go. Add some sugar or honey and some whiskey. Maybe some ginger ale for good measure.

Put the cap on and shake until everything is well mixed. Using your camping knife, slice open the bottle so the berries can escape. You don’t want that deliciousness stuck in the bottleneck!

Pour and serve. It’ll be nice and frothy from shaking and summer-sweet from the berries. What could be better?

Camping Coffee

You don’t need a fancy cream-based bottle of Baileys to make your camping mornings great. All you need is a little whiskey.

Put a few dashes in your coffee in the morning and see how well it warms you up!

Obviously don’t over do it if you’re going on a hike or doing anything physical. You can’t be tripping over rocks or making drunk decisions in dangerous circumstances.

That stands for all the drinks on this list. It’s nice to relax, but your safety comes first.

Camping Cocktails

When you’re planning a camping trip, make sure you bring what you need for water and food first. Your hydration is very important when you’re in the wilderness.

Alcohol dehydrates you so make sure you have a serving of water for all the camping cocktails you throw down.

Create as little trash as you can and reuse what you bring. Like our tips about mixing your cocktails in-can!

It’s all about having the most fun and leaving the least evidence that you were there.

See ya out there!

Your Ride Based On Your Beer Choice

Your choice in beer says a lot about your personality. For example, someone who enjoys a hardy porter would most likely be bold and sophisticated. What people don’t know is that your choice in beer, based on popular opinion opposed to that of the IDG: Independent Drivers Guild in NY, helps dictates your car choice.

You don’t need to take a defensive driving course online to figure out which beer would represent your ideal car choice. You might be a professional in identifying types of beers, but you might not know what that says about your car. While we’re putting the two words together in the same sentence, it’s a good reminder to never drink and drive. Below we a guide to your ride based on your beer choice.

IPA

India Pale Ales are a hoppier style of beer. Popular amongst young millennials and members of garage bands, the IPA is a distinct choice. That’s why IPA drinkers will often associate themselves with driving a crossover. Everyone knows that hatchbacks are the hoppiest cars on the market.

Lager

The lager is among the most popular beers consumed by drinkers. Its light body is alluring, and the taste is even more so. If you’re drinking a lager, then you probably drive SUV. The SUV car class is one the most popular on the roads. You have the Escape, CR-V, and Cherokee all part of America’s favorite types of cars. The perfect representation of America’s favorite beer.

Stout

Stouts are dark beers with a high ABV made from roasted malts. They’re a popular choice for people who want to show their love for strong beers. That’s why you will see stout drinkers gravitate to pick-up trucks. Not because pick-up trucks represent strength, but because pick-up trucks can carry more malts to be roasted for their stouts. What we’re saying is that stouts are so good, you’ll want to make your own.

Ale

Ale is a sweeter and fruitier beer with a warm body. Drank by people who enjoy a full-body flavor and Vikings looking for battle, Ale is another popular beer choice among drinkers. If you’re drinking an ale, you’ll most likely be driving a sedan, such as a Ford Focus. Compact, fuel efficient vehicles equipped with smart technology is the perfect representation of a drink that’s sweeter in taste. That’s because sedans are sweet.

Wheat Beer

Wheat beers are made with, you guessed it, heavy wheat proportions. This results in a drink that’s consider a “white beer.” Its body is lighter and delicious – like a lager. Which is coincidentally why someone who drives a crossover. Crossovers are the lighter and delicious version of cars – like a SUV, but not quite.

Pilsner

Pilsners are a type of Pale Lager – also known as a blond lager. Its color can range from light to dark gold. That’s why Pilsner drinkers would drive a convertible car. Pilsners have light tastes and bitterness, which is exactly what you would get from driving a convertible around. They’re great, but the maintenance on those things will leave you feeling bitter.

Porter

Porters have a deep history with stouts. Porters tend to be not as strong as stouts – in fact, stouts were created because they were a stronger porter. That’s why people who drink a lot of porters are big fans of hybrid vehicles. They love the efficiency and gas mileage hybrid vehicles get, because they love the mileage they can get on series of delicious porters. You’re also saving the planet!