3 Tips on Travelling with a Drone & Why You Need to Start Bringing Them on Vacation

March 14, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Traveling is a great way to see new sights and meet new people. Experiencing new places can awaken the adventurer inside you and leave you with memories for a lifetime. A great way to enhance your travels even further is by bringing along a drone. Drones have the capability to take amazing aerial photos and videos, and most are easy to use, even for beginners. If you’ve ever considered taking a drone on vacation with you for capturing moments and memories, there’s no better time than now. Here are the the best tips for traveling with a drone and why you need to purchase one for all your future vacations.

 

  1. Purchasing a drone

 

If you’ve never flown a drone before, you may be overwhelmed by the selection of drones to choose from. The good news is that you don’t have to be. Many drone companies manufacture some great beginning drones. Check out the best beginner drones here to get you started. Beginner drones are often less expensive but still come with amazing and helpful features.

 

One tip when purchasing a drone for the first time is to find one with multiple flight modes. Flight modes such as return-to-home, altitude hold, and one-touch takeoff and landing will help you as you learn to fly. Practice flying your drone at home and learn all its features before you leave on a vacation. That way you can take to the skies as soon as you touch down and begin making memories.

 

  1. Traveling with a drone

 

Packing for a vacation can often be stressful. You may feel like you’re scrambling to remember everything you need. The hustle of airports can be overwhelming and busy interstate traffic can be daunting. You probably don’t even want to begin to think about how to travel with a bulky drone. However, traveling with a drone is much easier than you may think.

 

If you’re going to be going through airport security, you can either check your drone or carry it on the plane with you. If your drone is larger, it might be safer and more convenient for you to check it in. Always keep your drone’s batteries in your carry-on bag. Carry-on bags aren’t stored in a pressurized environment, and the temperatures won’t fluctuate as strongly in the passenger cabin. This will ensure that no damage is done to the drone’s batteries.

 

It’s also easy to make space for your drone if you’re traveling by car. Most drone manufacturers have carrying cases specific to carrying your drone. You can easily put the drone and the rest of your equipment in a carrying case so it’s all in one, safe place. All you have to do is put it in the car with the rest of your luggage.

 

  1. Making memories with a drone

 

One of the best reasons to take a drone on vacation with you, is its ability for you to capture memories in a unique way. Just like you’d take photos and videos with your phone or camera, a drone can do the same from a unique point of view. It’s aerial capabilities can give you stunning shots of the scenery and most drones can fly long ranges, making the possibilities endless. You can create time-lapses or creative real-time videos. Many drones offer a follow-me feature. This means that the drone will follow and keep the camera on you as you’re exploring. With simple editing footage, you can compile your drone footage from your trips and create one video to share with your friends and family and to remind you of the special times you had while on vacation.

 

There are so many wonderful places in this world to explore. If you have an adventurous spirit, you’re probably dreaming of visiting as many places as you can. Traveling is a great way to see new sights and embrace new cultures. One way to enhance your travel experiences is by bringing along a drone. Many drones are beginner friendly and give you the opportunity to capture memorable aerial photos and videos. If you love to travel and explore, buying a drone will give you amazing memories for a lifetime.

 

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7 Most common roof issues

March 7, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Roof issues can vary in terms of their importance. Some of them are really minor and they don’t require immediate attention while there are certain situations where you have to react as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.

Understanding which is which is the hardest part. If you’re a new homeowner with limited experience or if you have just taken this duty from your parents, it is very important to understand the issue at hand and how they might impact you.

With that being said, we will analyze some of the most common issues and whether or not you will need a roofing service to remedy the damage.

 

  • Issues with installation

 

There are several reasons why you might experience issues with the installation. In most cases, it is due to faulty material being used. This is something that needs to be checked immediately as bad installation can lead to all sorts of hazards.

 

  • Roof leaks

 

When we mention roof problems, we usually refer to leaks. They can pose either a big or a small problem; it all depends. You can repair some minor leaks yourself but, if you don’t have experience, perhaps it’s better to call a roofing contractor to help you out.

 

  • Punctures

 

Of course, all these leaks are caused by holes in the roof. The best way to address this is by going to the roof periodically and searching for punctures and other signs of damage. Keep in mind that leaks are not necessarily caused by damage to tiles and shingles so you will likely want to address these issues separately.

 

  • Gutter damage

 

Gutters are a very important part of the roof allowing water to drain properly. If there is any damage to it, water will not be able to go where it needs to so puddles will start forming on the roof. Or, the water may start dripping down the side of your house. Sometimes, spills are caused by stuffy gutters as leaves and debris tend to clog them. If it’s just a cleaning issue, you can do it yourself. If there is damage to the gutters, make sure to call a roofing company to help you out.

 

  • Damage from trees

 

Trees are another potential issue. During strong storms, tree branches may start swinging around and damage your roof. Even without wind, they tend to rub against the side of your home and roofing. Over time this can cause all sorts of issues. Furthermore, trees simply invite birds and other animals which can cause damage not only to your roof but home in general. Luckily, this is something you can easily resolve by yourself.

 

  • Animals and insects

 

Insects and animals are among the major causes of a roof and structural damage. Whether its birds or some other animals, they have to be dealt with as soon as possible. Although they won’t cause instant damage, the much bigger issue with them is reproduction; 2 mice can easily turn into a horde!

 

  • Lack of maintenance

 

Roofs are very gentle and need constant care. In fact, most experts will recommend that you check on it at least twice a year. Improper maintenance or lack thereof can lead to all these issues and can increase the existing ones. Make sure that you’re proactive as in some cases, damage can easily be reduced if you treat it immediately.

As you can see, it takes a lot of negligence for major damage to occur. Still, it is possible given that signs of deterioration are not that obvious and most homeowners are not proactive. If you invest just a little bit of your time, you can resolve most of the problems without having to call a roofing contractor.

About the author: At DoItRightRoofing, we pledge to provide extraordinary quality workmanship and superior customer service as we strive to gain respect and trust of our customers. We pride ourselves on overseeing every detail of your roofing works. Our goal is to give you satisfaction while maintaining the highest standard of workmanship.

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Healthy Bodies, Inside and Out

March 6, 2019 by 1 Comment

This winter, as Spring is (hopefully) around the corner, you might be having a hard time holding onto those New Years Resolutions or even trying to stay healthy or active as a part of your regular lifestyle. I know for me, February is my “ugh” month, I often find myself with a case of the winter blues and really just “done” with the gray and the cold. I find it hardest to be motivated in February, and not just grab a bag of chips and pop on the Netflix. What to do? Try something new, a little change can often be just the thing you need, a little bump to get you moving.

DIY kits

Have you ever heard of Purple Carrot? You have probably  heard of similar ideas, pre-ordered meal kits delivered to your home that you cook yourself. This is the ONLY 100% plant-based meal kit company of the kind, where you can get pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step instructions for cooking healthy, vegan meals at home. As we are learning, eating plant-based meals even if only one day or a few times a week, has a positive impact on people’s health, the environment, and animal welfare. The food is very good, but it definitely takes time to make, so prepare to spend some time in the kitchen. While not difficult, some of the items made were challenging and to me very unnecessarily time consuming, like making my own veggie burgers. But we learned new things, so that was something. I can honestly say, even as vegetarians, we had never made any of these recipes before, so they were interesting and new.  Find out more here-

Trying to get yourself moving? It can be challenging in this weather. One of the fitness groups I belong to recently posted a meme which said “I was sad, then I bought some new workout clothes and now I’m running!” I was clearly amused, but it’s also true. Sometimes a new pair of leggings or shirt or sneakers makes you feel good, and then when you feel good, you move. Also, you of course need to show them off, right? Your couch will not be impressed. You however will be impressed with the Brooks Running Ghost Tight. I can’t say enough good things about it. I thought they were going to feel like shrink wrap when I saw them, but they are wildly comfortable. It’s ultralight fabric keeps  you cool and wicks sweat and the color options (3 total) are fun. Price $120 at  https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/brooks-ghost-tight-womens/221347.html

Winter can be rough on the skin, rough all over. The new Limited-Edition NIVEA Creme City Tins from NIVEA® Creme are easy to carry around. They are tiny- easy to toss in your purse, backpack, or pocket, and give you a “protective layer of care that prevents the loss of moisture throughout the day” as per the brand. Smooth and soft, it has provitamin B5, which helps it last longer. You can use it on your face, hands, lips, and body- it’s good all over. These limited-edition tins are now available for $.99, get yours at www.NIVEAusa.com.

give back

For your love, no matter if they are one or a hundred and one, take a look at these. Not only are they amazingly adorable, but each toy funds 10 meals for a hungry person. These ethically produced, hand-knit dolls and stuffed animals give 10 meals to hungry children around the world for every item sold. Hand made by artisan knitters in Peru, these handcrafted, heirloom-quality dolls are great for anyone who loves stuffed cuddles. There are 27 toys to choose from currently, and two sizes are available in most cases.

“cuddle+kind has partnerships with several respected humanitarian agencies including World Food Program USA, Children’s Hunger Fund, Breakfast Club of Canada and WE Charity to guarantee that every purchase directly benefits children in need.” (Information given by the brand)

Choose your favorites here- https://cuddleandkind.com/collections/hand-knit-dolls.

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WIN Tickets to Thomas And Friends Train Ride #Giveaway

March 6, 2019 by 3 Comments

All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to join him and his best friend Percy for a day of engaging activities and fun adventures at Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019. Children are invited to spend the day with their friend Thomas when the #1 Engine and Percy pull into The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat on April 20, 27-28 and May 4-5 , 2019. Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 is presented by Mattel.

This fun-filled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and pose for photos on-site with his best friend Percy, stars of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. In addition, they will meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities including toy play, photo ops, and much more.  The tour, now in its 24th year, will make 37 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2019.

WHO:                   Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy

WHAT:

  • A 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas at The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
  • Photo opportunity with talking Percy engine
  • A Meet & Greet with Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway
  • A Thomas & Friends Imagination Station featuring a variety of activities.
  • A ‘Passport to Adventures’ booklet for children to track their journey at the event and receive a special prize upon completion.
  • Thomas & Friends-themed activities including toy play, photo ops, giveaways, and more
  • Storytelling, video viewing and live music

WHEN:                 April 20, 27-28 and May 4-5

TIME:                    Train rides begin at 9:00 am and run every 45 minutes through 3:45 pm

WHERE:               The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426

Tickets for Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free at 866-468-7630, or by visiting www.dayoutwiththomas.com. Ticket prices are $26.50 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply).

For more information and directions, contact The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat at 860-767-0103 or visit essexsteamtrain.com for more information.
For more information about the world of Thomas & Friends please visit: www.thomasandfriends.com, www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends

One of you can win a 4 pack of tickets on April 27 at 3:45pm.

Please use the RC below if you would like to enter to win. Good luck! Ends April 6, 2019.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Spring Fashion for a Cause #Education #InvestInGirls

March 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Spring is in the air and Easter is around the corner, Olivela not only offers great spring fashion finds,  but a significant portion of every purchase goes to help educate girls worldwide (cause partners include Malala Fund, Too Young To Wed and CARE for Syrian refugees).

Olivela started when Founder and CEO Stacey Boyd joined Malala Yousafzai on a visit to refugee camps in Kenya and Rwanda. There she met amazing girls with extraordinary stories of overcoming poverty and war and escaping forced marriage to pursue their educations. She realized that the opportunities she and her two daughters are lucky enough to have—access to education and the ability to live life on their own terms—these girls literally had to risk their lives for. In that moment, it became crystal clear that while talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not. It was from that realization that a new kind of retailer was born, one with giving back built into every, single transaction.

Olivela is a luxury fashion and beauty platform that offers unique styles from the world’s best designers with 20% of each sale directly benefiting the education of girls worldwide through best-in-class partners CARE, Malala Fund, and Too Young To Wed.

How Olivela Works

  • Consumers: shop their favorite designer fashion and beauty brands.
  • Olivela: Gives 20% of the proceeds of anything purchased directly to one of their partner children’s charities.
  • And at absolutely no additional cost to the shopper.

Impact:

Since launching, Olivela has provided over 41,000 days of school to at-risk girls through Malala Fund, CARE and Too Young To Wed.

Boutiques:

The online platform opened their first physical boutique in Nantucket this summer, the first of 15 boutiques to open across the country through 2019. The next will be opening in Aspen in December.

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Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mecico

March 5, 2019 by 21 Comments

It’s that time of year that feels like winter will never end. First, Winter. Then, “False Spring”, wild cold snap, at least one more blizzard that will lead to “second False Spring”, and then maybe we can finally start to melt. I’m thinking about a shortcut to getting warm.

Mexico is calling. It’s just a short plane ride away, and it’s beautiful beaches, resorts, and diverse entertainment are just the thing to help wipe away the winter blues. Not to mention the food….don’t even try to stay on your diet. Just GO with it.

riviara maya

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts has beautiful options to fit all sorts of budgets and travel styles. What they call experiencing the ‘Mayan jungle without sacrificing luxury’ in Riviera Maya, you can visit Mexico and stay in a resort within a giant resort that you are free to move about in.

Bringing the whole family? That’s great, there are rooms and portions of the resort designed with you in mind. Events just for kids, treasure hunts, kid friendly foods and activities, and no adults who don’t want to be around kids glaring at you when your child has an inevitable meltdown. Hey, kids are kids, even on vacation, right?

mexico all inclusive resort

Running away from the kids? That’s fantastic- mom and dad need some time off sometimes. You are people, too, after all. Maybe all you want is some kid-free time. That’s totally doable at Bahia Principe, there are adults only beaches, pools, restaurants, and resort areas where you won’t have to see a single under 18 if you don’t want to.

No matter how you choose to travel or whom with, you will love the white sand beaches and lush natural scenery. If you are interested in Maya culture, this is the place to visit. The resort is located within close distances to iconic landmarks such as Chichen Itza and the ruins of Tulum that you won’t want to miss. While you are there, active travelers and nature lovers will want to take the time to visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a natural reserve offering tropical flora, an equally impressive underwater world that is home to plenty of fish and coral formations, and Cenote Dos Ojos, which is part of the world’s largest underwater cave system- truly impressive. 

riviara maya mexico

There are quite a few ways to see these beautiful treasures, the front desk can offer you trip options that leave right from the hotel. These and other excursions will give you a better taste of the area and you will observe and experience more of what makes Mexico a top destination for travelers.

Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an portion of the property was designed with the adult guests in mind, offering up the best of the Mexican Caribbean and all the comfort of home (without the cold you left behind or the work of being at home- thank you, housekeeping!) Sian Ka’an boasts 420-rooms on it’s property, as well as four pools, four restaurants, five bars and sporting facilities including a soccer field, tennis courts and the brand’s Riviera Maya Golf Club. There are daily activities such as yoga and bocci, which are listed on the main board for you to see when and where things are located for that day.

riviara maya

The resort is all inclusive, has 24 hour WiFi, a snack bar open all day and night, room service as well as wait service at the pools, an hour per day free to use paddle surf, kayaks, tennis, catamarans for hire, or snorkeling, and much more.

If you are traveling with children, there are other options just as beautiful and accommodating-  Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal, Grand Bahia Principe Coba, and Grand Bahia Principe Tulum, all family-friendly properties as well as being home to the brand’s Bahia Scout program for younger travelers. The options for fun and relaxation are limitless.

mexico golf course

Love golf? You are in luck, because the beautiful course at Riviera Maya Golf Club was designed by the world-renowned Bobby Jones II, and was chosen as one of the top three golf courses in Mexico by Golf & Spa Magazine. The course also ranks in the top five of Golf Digest’s list of best courses in Mexico, so this will be a must putt for any golf enthusiasts.  Featuring an 18-hole course as well as a nine-hole executive course (which takes you through the Mayan jungle, surrounded by  cenotes and natural lakes), the beauty of the area and natural landscape are worked right into the course’s design, you won’t see another like it.

mexican food

With so many ways to relax and get away from it all, why spend another week in the cold? The next time you feel the urge to get away, visit https://www.bahia-principe.com to see what best fits your warm weather wishes.

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5 Best Dog Friendly Cities in Europe

March 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Europe is a dream travel destination for many people. While the same sentiment is expressed by people who love traveling with their dogs, they have to be a little more discerning when it comes to choosing specific countries in Europe that will be more welcoming of their pet. Here, we reveal five of the best cities in Europe where you and your dog will surely have the best time together.

Prepping for Your Trip

Before anything else, you have to plan very well for traveling with your pet. Wherever you’re coming from, it is likely that the best way to travel with a large dog or a small dog is by taking a plane. Research on the procedures and requirements of taking your pooch with you and you will have resolved a big chunk of the whole “travelling with a dog” challenge!

Dog-Friendly Cities to Visit

In no particular order, here are five European cities that are known for being very dog friendly:

  1. Berlin. A popular travel destination for art and culture, this German city is also one that is very friendly towards dogs. One of the best ways to get around with your dog is by joining a walking tour of the city’s top historical sites. Alternatively, a steamer cruise ship is a more relaxing way to get around – and one that welcomes dogs as well. The highlight of Berlin as a dog-friendly European country is the pet-friendly nature of its public transportation system. For as long as you get the right ticket, you’ll have no problem exploring around with your pet. The city also has many cafes and apartments that welcome dogs and go the extra mile to make them feel right at home.
  2. Amsterdam. You’ll immediately know that Amsterdam is pet-friendly once you realize that the city is practically teeming with dogs! The reason for this is probably because Amsterdam has so many beautiful parks that are perfect for sightseeing with a dog or two. Except for galleries and museums, dogs are pretty much allowed all over the city. Places that have no choice but to decline dogs as visitors have a sign that says ‘no dogs allowed’ for your information. They are also allowed to travel for free on public transportations, with the exception of trains that have a dog surcharge of 3 euros.
  3. Prague. The capital city of the Czech Republic has made a lot of effort to become a more dog-friendly city, which likely contributes to its increase in tourists. Most restaurants welcome dogs, and many proprietors even offer small meals for your hungry, four-footed co-traveler. Prague also has a lot of parks which you can explore with your dogs, and pet-friendly beer gardens are aplenty as well. As for getting around with your dog, the basic rule is that they need to be muzzled before they hop aboard. While the city still needs to work on increasing pet-friendly accommodations, a bit of research will yield several that are very accommodating to pooches such as Pod Vezi. In Prague, make sure to catch a flick at The Aero – the continent’s lone dog-friendly cinema! An annual dog film festival, Aero Pes Fest, is also a must-attend event for all dog lovers.
  4. Barcelona. Barcelona locals truly love their dogs, which is why they warmly welcome yours as well. In fact, the locals are very showy of their affection towards pets compared to other European cities. If you’re looking forward to the tapas experience, you’ll be happy to know that many notable places are also dog-friendly and even offer water should your pooch be parched.
  5. Paris. Dogs are an omnipresent feature of Paris, and you’ll instantly see how much the locals love their leashed pooches. They accompany them to the hottest restaurants, the most luxurious boutiques, inside taxicabs – everywhere! While there are some established rules about where dogs can and cannot go, Parisians basically ignore these or try to circumvent them. Dog friendly hotels are also plentiful, and some are even known to provide a welcome basket for both the tourist and his trusty, four-legged side kick!

Excited for your great European adventure with your dog? These tips will surely make it a lot more enjoyable – for both you and your pet!

 

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Best countries for solo travel

March 4, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Going on holiday by yourself can be a very unique experience, especially if you’re intentionally disconnecting from the urban world. Unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder to find completely open areas you can roam through, which can really put a damper on your trip.

Hokkaidō, Japan

Hokkaidō has a huge amount of open space, ranging from natural scenery to protected national parks. Hiking and skiing are not only allowed, but encouraged in certain areas, and there’s nothing pressuring you to rush through your trip and see everything at once. The cities are free of the industrial atmosphere you’ll find in other areas of Japan, making them much nicer if you’re hoping to spend your holiday surrounded by nature.

Ireland

Ireland isn’t a flashy destination that everybody would choose, but there’s plenty of flat fields and historic castle ruins to explore. There’s plenty of pubs and cafés to relax in if you’re starting to get tired, and none of the terrain will be too difficult or dangerous to explore, so camping and cycling are incredibly easy to arrange!

Vietnam

Vietnam is great for solo travellers as it’s easy to explore during your stay. You might need to bring some extra sunscreen, since the weather is usually really good, but other than that you can just take it easy and relax!

Proper Vietnamese food is also quite hard to find in other countries, so it’s a good idea to try as much as possible while you’re there, just in case you never get another chance. Trying local food is also a great way to get to know the local culture.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The walled city of Dubrovnik is full of elegant architecture and fresh water that can make your holiday special. You’ll get easy access to both the coast and the rolling hills closer inland, making it a great place to go for and explore.

Most local businesses are open all year round to accommodate tourists, so you won’t need to worry about limiting yourself if you do visit in off-peak months: you might even be able to avoid the crowds that way, but you’ll miss out on the famous Feast of St. Blaise and the Summer Festival.

Australia

Australia is an entire continent of open land and natural landmarks, all of which you can explore at your own pace and in your own way. You can even camp in the free land across the outback – if you compare campervan hire or tent purchase prices and get a good deal ahead of time, you could technically live on the outskirts of a city for less than the cost of a hotel room.

The country’s also known for being extremely friendly and accessible, both out in the wild and in the big cities, so you won’t ever be shunned for not knowing where to go or how to act. You can even team up with other tourists and travellers to catch a lift or rest in a hotel room together, but there’s nothing stopping you from going deep into the wilderness from a true solo experience.

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