Travel

If you have a big trip on the horizon, you might be wondering about what to take with you over this long journey. While you might be used to packing for a weekend or a trip that’s relatively close to home, if you’re going to be gone for a longer time or are going to be very far away, you may need to be a little more careful and thoughtful about what you pack to take with you.

To assist you with this, here are three things to bring with you on your next big trip.

Backup Copies Of Important Documents

If you’re traveling within your own country and you lose some of your identification documents, those things can usually be looked up for you if need be. But if you’re going to be in another country, you’re going to need to have some way to get the documents you need if they get lost or stolen.

Knowing this, it’s a good idea to have backup copies of your important documents that you keep with you or have available for you to get it necessary. You could keep copies of your documents in a separate part of your luggage so that, if your wallet or purse gets taken, you can still have the documents you need. Or, if you’d rather keep digital copies, you can leave them with someone you trust and have them send them to you if need be.

Protection For Your Phone

When you’re traveling, you’ll likely be using your phone a lot more than you would on a typical day. To see where you are, stay in communication with your loved ones, check your reservations, take photos and videos to remember for a lifetime, and more, you’ll likely be pulling your phone out over and over again. And since many of the photo-worthy places you stop at could be dangerous for your phone, it’s a good idea to bring some protection along.

If you don’t already have a rugged phone that can handle some abuse, you may want to get a new case or screen protector for your current phone. This way, if you drop your phone, get it wet, or spill something on it, there will be an extra layer of protection available to ensure that you’ll still be able to use your phone on your trip.

Make Laundry Issues Easy

When you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time but don’t want to have to pack brand new clothes for each of these days, you’ll have to come up with some way to get your laundry done while you’re on the move. While you can send out your clothes to be cleaned, you can save yourself a lot of money by doing your laundry yourself.

With just some laundry detergent that’s easy to carry in your luggage and is good at fighting odors, you can quickly and easily wash your clothes in a sink or bathtub and let them air dry. This way, you can have clean clothes without a lot of hassle.

If you’re going on a big trip soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you pack accordingly.

Travelling can be beneficial to the mind, body, and soul. However, it can be unforgiving for your skin due to drastic changes in time zones, long days, red-eye flights, and layovers. Moreover, the tight schedule and the busyness of it all can take a toll on your skin. A non-negotiable to long-haul flights are never to disrupt your skincare regimen. Serums and creams like those from the SkinCeuticals product line may come in handy as a must-have trip essential.

From point A to B, weather pressure drops and even dietary changes may cause the dreaded skin breakouts, dryness, sunburn, or intense oiliness. So here are must-have travel beauty essentials you should bring during your travels.

The necessities

A pro-tip is choosing the most hardworking beauty products and travelling toiletries carefully. For example, instead of separately packing a moisturizer and a sunblock, opt for all in one tinted moisturizer. In this way, it functions as a cosmetic, seals in moisture while protecting the face from harmful UV rays. Streamline your beauty travel products through careful selection and planning.

The inclusions

Set aside the products for your daytime and evening skincare routine and the make-up items. Gather them in a travel pack and re-fill them accordingly. Be wary of expiration dates and best before notices to avoid allergic reactions. Place the products for regular use like a facial wash, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, concealer, and mascara in your carry on. In this way, these items are accessible even during long-hour flights.

• Moisturizer: Take with you a brand you trust. Depending on your skin type and preference, both creams and serums can bring intense hydration that is essential while you travel.
• Primer: Select a brand that has built-in sunblock.
• Concealer: Bring a tone that suits your skin colour and type.
• Tinted Moisturizer
• Mascara
• Multi-tasking tint sticks for lips, eyes, and cheeks: Most tint sticks in the market today can act as colourant for the lips, cheeks, and eyes.
• A palette for eyes, bronzer, and blush
• Setting spray
• Make-up removing wipes
• Mini-eye roller
• Under-eye cream
• Sleep mask

Preparation for long haul flights

Overnight flights, transfers, and layovers can intensely dehydrate the skin. Furthermore, the first line of defence is drinking water consistently. To prepare for a long flight, a road trip, or a cruise, make sure not to sleep on your make-up. Instead, remove gunk and impurities and catch some snooze time when you can. Then, get rid of your make-up with wipes and kick start your basic skincare routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Best to stick with your routine before going to sleep, like using a mini-eye roller, applying an under-eye cream, and putting on a sleep mask for 15 minutes. By sticking to this regimen, your skin gets to be pampered and refreshed.

Wrap-up

The must-have travel essential is your skincare regimen. Moreover, the key to stress-free travel is not to allow the journey to take a toll on your face and appearance. In this way, you look good and refreshed in your travel photos. Ultimately, it depends on visualizing your skincare routine and sticking to multi-tasking products as part of your travels.

Summer vacation for adults involves taking much needed time off. Some people go away for a holiday, while others opt for a staycation and plan activities they can do in their local area. For children, summer vacation refers to an extended break from school.

Whether you’re thinking about traveling within your state, planning a trip across the country, going overseas, or taking day trips in your local area, there are several destinations and activities to choose from that will help you make the most of your summer vacation.

Escape Room

An escape room is an interactive game that has become extremely popular in recent years. Participants are locked in a themed room for a designated period and must complete their mission to escape successfully. Check out superb escape rooms in Los Angeles if you are searching for a truly unique experience with your family and friends. Survive a zombie outbreak. Escape from Pharaoh’s tomb. Battle Greek Gods and Titans to save Olympus. Experience a gunfight in the Wild West. Escape room LA offers many different rooms to choose from. An escape room will make you feel like you’ve traveled through time and space and while offering a fun, team-building activity for friends or family to enjoy.

Science Center

Science centers provide a great experience suitable for children and adults alike. Parents can plan an outing without worrying about the kids touching off-limit things—the interactive displays encourage children to explore science. It’s a fun way to learn, and many science centers also show IMAX films appropriate for the whole family.

Amusement Park

Amusement parks offer rides and entertainment for people of all ages. Head to Disney’s Magic Kingdom or another famous park for a day of fun. Ride the roller coasters, take in a show, and play some of the popular park games. You may even be able to make a music video or have an artist draw your portrait. Whether you have young kids or want to enjoy a day out with your friends, there’s something appropriate for everyone at an amusement park.

Water Park

Water parks offer a fun and refreshing way to beat the summer heat. Lounge in a tube as you float down a lazy river or get your adrenaline flowing as you race down the waterslides. Spend time poolside to soak up some sunlight and vitamin D. Some water parks also have wave pools, which can be a fun way to cool off after laying in the sun.

White Water Rafting

White water rafting offers a day on the water mixed with fresh air, sunshine, and adventure. Enjoy a chance to ride the waves and explore local rivers and rapids. Many tour companies offer white water rafting trips that include riverside picnic lunches. You can even combine your rafting and camping trip if you’re heading to the Grand Canyon.

Golfing

Head to the driving range or play a round of golf. Get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine, and take advantage of this popular summer sport. Spending a few hours at the driving range is also a great way to relieve stress. You can opt to play mini-golf if you have young children.

The Beach

A trip to the beach is the perfect summer getaway. Plan to spend a day swimming and soaking up the sun, or book an extended stay in a beachfront vacation home. Spending time at the beach has physical and mental health benefits. Visiting the beach combats depression, boosts your levels of vitamin D, and reduces stress.

Camping

Some campgrounds feature pools, shuffleboard, paddle boats, and movie nights. Other campgrounds emphasize outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and swimming. No matter which type of camping experience you prefer, camping can be a fun, affordable option. If you’re going away for the weekend or longer, you can pack your travel communion set and have a campsite worship service.

Explore Alaska

Summer is the perfect time to visit Alaska. Anchorage offers many amenities and exciting attractions. Head to Alaska Wild Berry Products to see the world’s largest chocolate waterfall. Visit the Anchorage Light Speed Planet Walk to explore our solar system on foot. Head to Denali National Park and go for a hike across the tundra. If you like animals, you can also go on a bear watching or whale watching tour.

Check out Banff and Lake Louise

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Banff and Lake Louise attract millions of visitors each year. Take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff and enjoy the mountain ranges’ breathtaking views. Hike to one of the region’s backcountry lodges for a chance to disconnect and enjoy nature. Climb up the mountainside to enjoy Lake Louise’s stunning views and have lunch at the teahouse at the top of the trail.

Opt for well-appointed and cozy accommodations while in inviting Beavercreek at the 3-star Hilton Garden Inn Dayton/Beavercreek. It lies near the airport and attractions, including the Beavercreek Golf Course. Feast on savory dishes amid relaxing ambiance in the restaurant after enjoying the indoor swimming pool. Relax in guestrooms complete with flat-screen cable televisions, complimentary wired, and wireless internet access and coffeemakers.

Reserve your hotel room at Hilton Garden Inn Dayton/Beavercreek with Reservations.com

You Should Know:

• Great American Grill, a cozy restaurant specializing in American dishes
• Room service available during limited hours only
• Trendy lounge bar offering soothing drinks and light fare
• Refreshing spa tub and indoor swimming pool
• 24-hour fitness center equipped with cardio and strength facilities
• Meeting rooms and a conference space equipped with audiovisual amenities
• 24-hour business center providing fax, copy and print services
• Complimentary area shuttle service within a 5-mile radius

In and Around:

• Visit the Wright State University
• Master your swing at the Beavercreek Golf Course
• Tour the National Museum of the United States Air Force
• Find a wide selection of trendy items at the Dayton Mall Shopping Center
• Stop by the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
• Join elegant events happening at the Dayton Convention Center
• See the beautiful campus of the University of Dayton

Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, George Town is a city frozen in time, one that has no shortage of colonial buildings, temples, and mosques. These historic landmarks—seamlessly integrating with the city’s iconic street art and modern buildings—form a diverse and multicultural tapestry that’s truly a sight to behold.

The city’s storied past as a centre of spice production and as an important British trading post in the 19^th century attracted a diverse population that included the Chinese, Malays, Indians, Thais, and other ethnicities. All these groups left a mark on George Town, giving birth to its unique cuisine while setting an early example of how multiculturalism can promote harmony and enrich a country’s identity.

Today, George Town continues to thrive, with attractions and establishments catering to young and old alike. Visitors often leave with a heavy heart, as they fall in love with the city’s authentic charm and youthful vibe. Find out why George Town, the capital of the Malaysian state of Penang, is on everyone’s dream itinerary.

Street Art

No Penang tour is complete without an introduction to George Town’s iconic street murals at Armenian Street and surrounding avenues. After the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the government, through the Penang Public Arts Review Panel (PARP), commissioned artists to cover the city’s walls with murals, sometimes complete with prop installations. And while the panel sanctions most of the art, you may also view the “illegal” street art that are just as beautiful and profound.

Nature

George Town is not just an urban jungle, it has actual jungles, too. In fact, a few of its attractions are set in lush rainforests like the Penang National Park, The Habitat, and the Spice Garden.

Penang National Park is only 23 square kilometres and is Malaysia’s smallest national park, but it’s still a substantial trek amongst the beautiful flora and fauna unique to island. Meanwhile, The Habitat on Penang Hill dates back 130 million years and is one of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world. The highlights of this nature adventure destination are the Langur Way Canopy Walk and the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk. Finally, the Spice Garden located at Teluk Bahang gives visitors the opportunity to learn about different spices, with over 500 species of spices having been planted in the garden.

Street Food

Penang is one of the most famous street food destinations in the world. George Town, in particular, has organised food courts like the Medan Renong, Lebuh Kimberley, and Lebuh Chulia—all of which have an array of food stalls selling Penang favourites like Assam Laksa, Char Kway Teow, and more.

Hipster Cafés

For the young coffee-loving crowd who likes to drink their third wave coffee under beautiful ambient lighting, indie coffee shops are the destinations of choice. Make sure to try them yourself, including the China House at Lebuh Pantai, which offers a selection of up to 30 types of cakes, or The Bean Sprout at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, which attracts visitors with its savoury breakfast menu.

Clan Houses

Some of the most beautiful buildings in George Town are the Chinese Kongsi Houses or Clan Houses built by pioneering Hokkien immigrants. Visit the Khoo, Cheah, Yeoh, Lim, and Tan kongsi, and learn more about the history of each house through the museums and galleries housed inside them.

If you want to see what a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and European architectural design is like, visit the Cheah Kongsi clan house. Built in 1873 it’s the oldest of the 5 Hokkien clan houses in the island. Meanwhile, the most popular house is arguably the Leong San Tong Khoo kongsi, where public performances and events often take place.

Beaches

Since George Town is situated on an island, there are a number of white sand beaches here that you can explore and swim in. Batu Feringghi is the most popular beach destination, attracting the most tourists and serving host to a number of attractions such as a night market, an inflatable island, and a butterfly farm. However, if you want a more secluded hideaway, just head a little further to Gertak Sanggul beach.

Clan Jetties

One of the unique attractions of George Town and a part of the Penang Heritage Trail are the clan jetties. These are houses built on stilts that belong to 7 old Chinese clans. While these are actual residential communities, the families welcome visitors who are curious to learn about their heritage. Among the clan jetties open to visitors, the Chew Jetty is the most tourist-friendly. It is home to shops selling souvenirs, a photogenic walkway, and a small temple.

Whatever kind of tourist you are, George Town’s got something for you. With beaches, urban life, and jungles, you’ll never be bored in this city. After you’ve tried a few of these attractions, maybe you’ll fall in love with George Town like the many visitors before you.

You have to be in perfect physical and emotional shape when you’re driving. You’re placing yourself at risk if you drive even if you shouldn’t. Worse, other people’s lives could also be at risk. Therefore, under these circumstances, you need to avoid driving.

Lack of sleep

You can’t drive if you didn’t get enough sleep the night before. If you have to drive at night, you need to sleep throughout the day. Avoid partying or doing other unnecessary things. You don’t want to lose focus because your eyes want to rest.

Intoxication

When you already had a lot to drink, you need to avoid the steering wheel. You know what could happen when you drive when drunk. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of deaths around the world. Stop telling yourself that you can still drive even when drunk. You don’t know the impact of alcohol on your body. It’s best to stay away from the truck and wait until you recover.

Emotionally burdened 

When you have too many things to think about as a result of problems at home, you shouldn’t drive a truck. If you have issues with your employer and you feel enraged, you also shouldn’t drive a truck. Your emotional burden might be too much to bear. You won’t think clearly while driving since your mind is elsewhere. You might even start to tear up and it will impact your vision.

Feeling rushed

It’s common for some employers to ask their truck drivers to keep working even when exhausted. They want to get the goods to the destinations quickly. If you feel like you have to rush, you should decline. It is better to drive slowly and arrive at the destination safely than have an accident along the way. Even if it means you will get fired from the job, it’s okay. You can negotiate a longer driving time, and walk away if not allowed.

Too many repair issues

If the truck requires repairs and maintenance, you need to avoid using it. Unless the necessary checks have already been done, you’re risking your life as you drive. You might think that the truck is okay and it suddenly stops in the middle of the road. If there are parts that need replacement, you need to ask a mechanic to check the problem.

Safety is the priority

The reason why you have to avoid driving in certain conditions is that you might get involved in an accident. It will cost your employer even more if this happens. You can always find another job if you know you’re a good truck driver who prioritizes safety.

If you encounter problems while driving, it also feels good to know that you can count on tow truck services. With one phone call, help will be on its way. You don’t have to think about how you will get out of your situation. These service providers know what to do and they will get to you quickly because they understand the situation.

There are some that think that you cannot possibly enjoy a trip overseas without making a significant investment. However, that could not be farther from the truth. Having fun on an overseas trip is all about enjoying what the locals enjoy – which is not necessarily as expensive as you might think!

Making the most out of your trip is also all about the right kind of preparation. After all, it is vital to expect the unexpected no matter the scenario. Here are just a few ways to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank!

Do a bit of homework regarding the favourite hotspots of the locals

Considering that tourism is naturally one of the best ways a country can make money, it is understandable that some of the most prominent tourist hotspots are also some of the most expensive areas around. However, enjoying your time overseas is not just about doing what all the other tourists are doing. It is about figuring out the favourite spots of the locals.

If you happen to have friends or relatives in the area, you can ask them about places that offer excellent food and other services without necessarily breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are also plenty of travel blogs that provide in-depth information regarding the country you are visiting.

Make use of discounts and promotions when it comes to securing airfares

With ample preparation, you can make the most of your trip before even arriving! For example, there are plenty of discounts available at different times of the year, which means if you play your cards right, you could save a lot of money. Those who are free to make changes and are willing to postpone their trip stand to benefit the most from potential discounts and promotions. When you consider how much airfares can cost during peak times of the year, you could save a substantial amount from just an hour of research.

A bit of preparation goes a long way

For example, there are some people out there who end up with medical emergencies during their trip. While such a scenario is tragic in its own right, it gets even worse as some also neglect to acquire travel insurance before the trip. Without any coverage, you can only imagine how much you would have to pay for emergency treatment in another country. You can help alleviate the situation by getting clearance from your doctor and acquiring anti-allergy medication. It pays to keep in mind that travel insurance from ucompare.ie can help turn the situation around in the event of an emergency.

While it is entirely understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to the prospect of travelling overseas, you can make the most out of your trip without having to make significant investments. By utilising the methods above, you can save money and enjoy your trip without any compromise.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Going on a road trip with your kids is exciting. You used to love going on the road with your friends, but you decided to stop when you started a family. Who says you can’t have one anymore? Yes, it could be more challenging, but it’s possible. As long as you follow these tips and avoid these mistakes, you will have an unforgettable road trip experience.

Taking scenic routes

When you were on a road trip alone or with friends, you intentionally took the roads with scenic spots so you could pause and take photos. Back then, it was a fantastic experience. When you have kids, stopping by these spots could derail the trip. Imagine if you happen to pass by a zoo and your kids decide they want to go inside. It could take the entire day before you finish, and you won’t reach your destination.

Not bringing snacks

When you were travelling without kids, it was possible for you to contain your hunger until you found a store where you could buy something to eat. It’s not the same when you have kids. They get hungry all the time. Therefore, you need to load your vehicle with all sorts of snacks so that your kids will have what they want. There’s no need to rush to the nearest store to buy something to eat.

Assuming that your kids will be alright throughout the trip

Your kids were all okay before the trip, and no one was sick in the past months. You think that a 2-day road trip will pass without any problem. Before you assume the best, you need to understand that you’re in a different situation. Your kids aren’t in the comfort of your house. They might get ill at any time. Therefore, you need to bring their medicines. If your kids have different illnesses, you need to bring all the necessary medicines to avoid having problems along the way.

Putting on your favourite songs

Perhaps, the best part of your road trip before was to sing along to your favourite singers. It’s not going to happen when you have kids. They will want you to play nursery rhymes or songs from their beloved cartoon series. They will cry if you don’t. Therefore, you need to prepare a playlist that contains all the songs they love.

Not taking a break

If you think you can go on a road trip for days without stopping somewhere to rest, you’re wrong. You can’t let your kids suffer those conditions. You need to find a hotel along the way. Better yet, you need to determine your route so you can book a hotel that is on your way. You can check out hotels for family breaks in Oxfordshire if you’re heading in that direction.

It will still be a fun experience to be on a road trip with your children. There might be lots of possible problems along the way, but you can survive them.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/94qZsII4kN8

If you’re looking to check out a Chicago nightclub while visiting, you’re in luck. Just continue reading to discover 5 of Chicago’s most popular nightclubs!

Where to go in Chicago for going out dancing at a nightclub:

1. Smart Bar

Smart Bar is an independent nightclub which frequently features guest DJs from around the world. So if you’d love to dance to sets produced by up and coming DJs who are quickly building names for themselves, it’s definitely well worth visiting the Smart Bar. If you’re curious about what type of music you’ll hear, Smart Bar is known for playing techno dance music. That’s easy to dance to.

2. Tao Chicago 

Tao Chicago is owned by the same franchise which owns Tao Chicago and which is frequently visited by A list celebrities, so if you want to dance the night away at a posh, exclusive nightclub, make sure to head straight to Tao Chicago. Which is a massive nightclub which can comfortably accomodate 1,000 guests and which is decorated with intricately painted floor to ceiling murals and a 10 foot tall Japanese bell.

If you’re keen to listen to some of the world’s most famous DJs play a set at Tao Chicago, make sure to keep up to date with Tao Chicago’s events. As in the past DJs such as Deadmau5 and Afrojack have performed at Tao Chicago.

3. East Room 

East Room boasts a 4 am licence, so if you’re keen to dance the night away until the early hours of the morning, it’s well worth grabbing your dancing shoes and spending a night at East Room. Better yet East Room boasts a spacious outdoor area, where you can enjoy a few drinks with your friends, when you need a break from the dance floor. Just remember to have cash on you as the East Room only offers a cash bar.

4. El Hefe Chicago 

El Hefe is an exciting Mexican themed bar and nightclub which offers a large dance floor and regular theme nights. So if you’re the life of the party and enjoy dancing at nightclubs where there’s no one sitting down and the dance floor is always packed, it’s a great idea to test out El Hefe, on your next night out. As El Hefe’s staff members are fun loving and have creative ways to get their patrons up and dancing.

If you get hungry in the early hours of the morning, you’re in luck as El Hefe also offers scrumptious tacos and delicious cheese quesadillas. That will give you the energy that you need to keep dancing till the sun comes up.

5. Spybar

Spybar is a hidden gem and is tucked away in the basement of an unassuming Chicago building and plays electronic dance music and techno music. So if you’re a huge fan of house music, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself on a night out at Spybar. Spybar opens at 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and doesn’t close till 4 or 5 am in the morning. Which is great if you want to stay out dancing as long as possible.

So if you’re overdue for a night out dancing with your friends, it’s well worth visiting at least a few of the five nightclubs and bars that are listed above.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Post-vacation blues is a mood that affects most people occasionally. This happens especially after a long holiday. Post-vacation blues wear off with time but can last for weeks in some cases. This affects our daily activities and work programmes.

Dealing with post-vacation blues requires effort and dedication. Here are some tips that are helpful in getting over the mood.

Eat healthy

During vacation, you are free to enjoy different meals. However, you should resume your planned diet after vacation. During the first few days of work, a nice dinner and light breakfast is encouraged. The dinner helps you adjust to the normal routine while the breakfast gets you ready for work. A fruit bowl at work increases your productivity too.

Adjust your sleep schedule

Your sleeping hours may have not been regulated during vacation. This contributes to the reluctance in resuming normal activities. Once you are back from vacation, focus on readjusting to your sleep schedule. Try sleeping some hours earlier for the first few days. Slowly work your way back to your normal sleep schedule.

Make time for relaxation

Relaxation boosts your mood and makes you more productive. A hot bath in the evening and short breaks at work are some tricks to help you relax. Brief hangouts in the evening help to wean off post-vacation blues too. Taking lunch breaks also helps to overcome post-vacation blues at work.

Put the trip behind you

Post-vacation blues are harder to overcome if the trip was a pleasant one. The memories linger in our mind and we are driven to dwell on that. You stand a better chance to overcome the mood if you put the trip behind you. Find something engaging and keep busy. Work on old tasks you couldn’t finish before embarking on the vacation. Discussing the trip with co-workers also helps.

Prioritize your tasks using a to-do list

Post-vacation blues makes you lazy when you have a lot to do. For increased productivity, do not rush to finish all your tasks. Create a to-do list and arrange the tasks in order of importance. Start with the important tasks and work at your own pace. When you focus on that, you get more tasks done without being overworked. You also pick up the pace and slowly adjust to your normal routine.

Try Some Natural Light Therapy

Natural Light therapy helps to ease off jet lag and post-vacation blues. It is recommended especially if you saw limited amounts of sunlight during vacation. When your body adjusts to natural light, your spirits are lifted. A prescribed medication like melatonin can be taken too to enhance sleep at night. A good night’s sleep improves your mood and the effects of natural light therapy.

Conclusion

It is normal to feel moody after a vacation. Post-vacation blues reduces our productivity and makes us irritable. However, the mood wears off within days or a few weeks. Embrace it, focus on overcoming it, and give it time. Talk to your therapist if it lingers for more than a month.