Tips for throwing a child’s birthday party on the road

August 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Your child’s birthdays are special, no matter where in the world you might be located. There’s no need to postpone the party; there are a number of ways to make it an extra-memorable day. Whether you’ve committed to the nomadic lifestyle or simply find yourself away on holiday during a family member’s birthday, here are a few tips to celebrate in style.

1. Connect with friends back home.

Everyone gets homesick, and when you’re away on your birthday it’s only natural to be missing friends and family back at home. You can start off your child’s on-the-road celebrations by setting up a group Skype date with their closest friends. Hang up a few balloons or streamers in the hotel room and let them have a chat to catch up. You can even put on some music and make it a video-enabled dance party!

2. Throw multiple small celebrations.

If you’re moving to a different place every day, use the opportunity to connect with your child in different ways. This may entail throwing smaller parties in different locations as you visit different friends. Your daughter may start off with a tea party in London on Monday followed by a day out with friends in Paris on Thursday.

3. Enjoy local treats.

It’s not a party without cake, but if you’re traveling in far-flung destinations it may be hard to find the ingredients you’re used to. You can order something special, or make the most of this by offering your child local delicacies. Find out what local residents do to celebrate birthdays, and enjoy the new cultural experience whether it’s red bean paste-stuffed pastries in China or sugar cookies in Ecuador. Your child may just find a new tradition for the future.

4. Give your child control.

You might do a lot of the travel planning normally, but your kid’s birthday is one day to take the backseat and let them do the driving. Ask what they’d like to see, do, and eat that day. Brainstorm together and show them which attractions would make sense. Beaches and parks always make good go-to backdrops for impromptu celebrations. In some cases, if you’ve been traveling for a while your child may simply want to spend a quiet day celebrating indoors.

5. Make it a costume party.

Finally, if you’re looking for a way to make any ordinary day a special occasion, throw on costumes. It’s easy to source baby costumes all the way up to adult-sized fancy dress in most locations, so make it a fun theme even if it’s just the family! You can parade around the local streets or simply throw the party in your own hotel room, complete with cake and music.

Travelling on special occasions can make them even more memorable if you use a bit of creativity. Use these tips as a jumping-off point to make the day special for your child.

Filed Under: kids Tagged With: , ,

5 Best Brunch Spots in Buenos Aires, Argentina

August 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Buenos Aires, Argentina is home to juicy steaks, aromatic wines, and yes, the most warming cafe con leche. And when it comes to late morning meals, they may have well been experts of brunch as well. The cafes in the city is where people would chat, read a book in solitude, or work on their papers or reports. But more importantly, it is where they get their daily cup of joe and a huge serving of food.

If you want a taste of Buenos Aires brunch, check out this list of cafes you should go to on your trip. Believe us when we say you will immediately book plane tickets and work on your visas for Argentina as soon as you finished reading this.

Las Violetas 

Treat yourself to an elegant brunch experience in a cafe that offers an old-world atmosphere at Las Violetas. Located at Recoleta neighborhood, by Almagro Av. Rivadavia the cafe has existed since 1884. There are not a lot of brunch spots where waiters don starched collars and shirt cuffs like a Victorian gentleman. Enjoy the Argentinian version of the French croissant called medialuna with a hot cup of coffee. You can also try many of their sharing platters like the María cala which has sweet bread, sandwich triple ham and cheese, your choice of drink (tea, coffee, or milk chocolate), and scones, among others.

Oui Oui 

Oui Oui is the most popular cafe in Buenos Aires, situated in Nicaragua, Palermo Viejo. It is a French-style cafe so, of course, it will be filled with breads, cakes, and pastries. Order their pan au chocolat, buttery croissants, and freshly baked baguettes. You should also try their scrambled, poached, bacon-doused, or Benedict eggs. If you are not up for a heavy brunch, check out their cake and muffin menu.

Tea Connection 

Obviously, Tea Connection’s expertise lie more on the loose leaf direction that ground coffee beans, but do not dismiss this brunch spot just yet. They have an extensive list of teas, categorised under Te Negro (Black Tea), Te Rojo (Red Tea), Te Verde (Green Tea), Infusiones (Infusion). You can also try out their comida natural or natural food menu which includes sandwiches, ensaladas, delis, and aguas de fruta. So if you are up for a healthy brunch, make your way to Gorostiaga, Las Canitas. 

Croque Madame 

Located in the courtyard garden of the MuseoNacional de Arte Decorativo (Museum of Decorative Arts), by the iron gates of the former ambassadorial residence. Once you are done viewing the exhibitions, you can check out their Croque Madame in butter, gruyere cheese, ham, and egg. Pair it up with Smoked Salmon with cream cheese salad and a hot cup of coffee. 

Bartola 

Out of all the brunch spots in this list, Bartola probably fits the “aesthetic Instagram” crowd the most with their decoration. Their use of pastel colours and the rustic feel of the whole cafe makes it an attractive cafe to visit. But more than that, they also offer the classic, delicious grub like eggs and pancakes, veggie sandwich with multicereal bread, and yogurt-granola. 

See? What did we say? You have probably started imagining yourself sitting at one of these cafes, enjoying a hot cup of java, enjoying a plateful of brunch fare, while looking out to the busy streets of Argentina. Go on and book that trip already and enjoy a satisfying brunch experience you will never forget.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

Sick Just Got Real #SummerTravel #SickJustGotReal #sponsored

August 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own. It happens . . . it might even be inevitable: when you’re in strange environments traveling with the kids, they come down with a cold or the flu. With all the time, money and energy you’ve poured into planning your family vacation, it seems such a shame to have everything be ruined for everyone. And, of course, nobody wants to see their little ones in pain and under the weather. And so, you’re faced with the fact that Sick just got real.™

The smart thing to do is to plan ahead of time. After all, whether you’re on the highway, camping or in a secluded area devoid of pharmacies, you still want to be able to come to your child’s rescue! Be prepared for a number of contingencies, a variety of potential illnesses.

Depending on how old you are, you may remember squirming and hollering when it came time “to take your medicine”. It tasted awful! It added to the painful experience. Now, there’s Children’s Advil®*, a great solution for kids as young as 2 and up to 11. Children’s Advil® comes in several kid-friendly flavors, including: Sugar-free Dye-free Berry, Bubble Gum, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape flavors. There’s also Infants’ Advil® White Grape, which provides unsurpassed fever relief (among OTC pain relievers) with a syringe for easy dosing for children 6-23 months. These are the kind of mild, sweet flavors that will make your job easier.

Almost nothing is as sad to listen to – or as wearing for you – as hearing your child with a heavy cough that keeps everyone up all night. And, since you’re in charge of either driving or getting everyone to the train or plane, it’s crucial to nip that hacking in the bud. For your child’s cough, you’ll be glad you packed Children’s Robitussin® Extended-Release 12 Hour Cough Relief to control and relieve symptoms all-day or all- night. Available in grape or orange flavor, for children ages 4 and up. Please note, certain Children’s Robitussin® products are only suitable for children ages 6 and up.

With careful preparation, your family vacation will be carefree.

Filed Under: health Tagged With: , ,

7 Essential Items When Packing for a Cruise

August 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Traveling by cruise ship is a unique and exciting way to travel the globe. But while your bags may be burgeoning at the seams, you may still have that nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten something important. No matter if you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re venturing on a cruise as a novice, the following are 7 essentials you won’t want to leave home without.

Proper ID

There is such excitement in visiting places that you’ve always wanted to travel. Whether it’s flying down the San Gabriel Mountains by zipline or traveling to exotic ports, you’re going to need the right identification during your cruise. A passport is one of the most important pieces of identification as it’s necessary when traveling abroad. It’s also accepted at airports within the United States. Birth certificates and a driver’s license are other important forms of identification. While you want to take the originals with you, you want to make a copy of everything and leave them at home. In case of an emergency, you can have a family member or friend fax or email you the copied documentation.

Carry-on Bag

Cruising excursions are one of the most exciting parts of the ship experience as it allows you to see various parts of the world through the port stops. But certain aspects of the adventure can result in a cruise ship injury to the passengers on the trip. Whether the accident was financial, mental or physical, an injury attorney can help you seek compensation to cope with the issues you may experience. Since you may have to wait for your primary luggage to get delivered to your state room, you can come prepared by having a carry-on bag with some of the essentials. This includes medication, sunscreen, reading material, first aid kit and water. When you’re looking for a handy tote to take with you on your port excursions, you’ll also have a small bag to store your souvenirs in.

Sun Block

First-time cruisers typically remember important essentials such as hats and sunglasses. But if you’re planning on venturing to tropical destinations, you’ll want to bring plenty of sun block. Choose something 30 SPF and above. The lotion should also be waterproof in case you go swimming. Your lips will also need sun protection. Lip balms with SPF can protect your mouth from blisters. The balm will also soothe chapped lips caused by the wind.

First-Aid Essentials

Although the onboard stores can house important essentials on your cruise, they can often be costly. They may not also have the brands that you favor. Before you leave home, you want to pack first-aid essentials. This could include cotton balls, antibiotic salve, gauze pads, cough drops, cold medicine, Imodium, Airborne, aspirin, band aids, vitamins and more. Personalize your kit to serve your needs.

Laundry Solutions

Getting your laundry done on the ship can be another costly expense. You can plan ahead by having several laundry solutions on-hand. Wrinkle release sprays can calm clothes that have become rumpled and disheveled. Stain removers can also help prevent stains from setting in. For undergarments and items that can be washed in your sink, include travel-size detergents in your travel bag. If you’re thinking about wearing an outfit more than once, you can also keep clothes smelling fresh with Febreeze or other scented sprays.

Power Strip

Cabin rooms are small, and you may not have the required outlets to charge your electronic gadgets. A power strip is another essential piece of equipment that can recharge your laptop, smartphone, camera and more.

Formal Dress

During the day, your itinerary may be filled with swims on the beach or sightseeing. But in the evenings, you may be expected to dress more formally. Dependent on where you’ll be dining, you may be required to have some type of formal dress. Women can adhere to dresses, skirts and dressy tops. Men may be expected to wear a suit, tie, collared shirt and tuxedo.

Cruising offers so many exciting opportunities to see the world. But before you depart, you want to make sure you have everything. The above tips can help you determine the necessary items from those that you can purchase onboard.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

5 Tips to Choosing the Best Antivirus Software for your Mac While Staying Within a Modest Budget

August 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Your mac is a costly investment, which is why you need to take care of it, inside and out. When it comes to protecting it from viruses, malwares, spywares and other online threats, you need to be smart. However, many people misconstrue being smart by spending a lot of money on antivirus packages and programs; even if they don’t need the other features. You can find a list of top antivirus products at https://computer-fixperts.com/security/best-antivirus-software/. Fortunately, many reputable antivirus brands are already affordable. You just need to be critical and find one that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the ways to finding the best antivirus program for your mac while staying within a budget:

  1. Try Free

Obviously, the most low-cost way of getting an antivirus for your mac is to try out free software. A lot of brands today offer free antivirus program that offers basic protection for your mac. If your computer usage is not too heavy, a free software may suffice. Make sure to try out different free programs to find one that works well for you.

  1. Monitor Your Mac Activities

Before rushing into buying an antivirus software for your mac, determine what you really need first. Monitor your mac activities to help you determine the level of protection you need. A lot of people do not realize that a low- cost or free software may suffice since they have very light mac activities. Through this, you will be able to make the most of your money.

  1. Compare Prices

When shopping for the right antivirus for your mac, be diligent enough to do some price comparisons. Some brands cost higher than others that may just give you the same level of protection and added features. However, this does not mean sticking to the cheapest you can find if you are not comfortable or convinced that it can deliver the protection it says. Check out as many brands as possible and compare them. Choose the ones with an affordable price that offers decent service for your mac.

  1. Buy Only the Features that You Need

What you can’t get for free, but still need it, you can spend money on it. But never on features that you do not really need. Make sure you know the basic things that you need and the added features you require and base your purchase on that.

  1. Ask for Recommendations

If you are uncertain whether you are buying the right thing or not, do not hesitate to ask for recommendations. You can ask family or friends who have knowledge in these to give you the best options that suit your modest budget. This may save you time and money from shopping and buying the wrong ones.

Getting the best antivirus software doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. You just need to be practical in a lot of aspects and be careful in your purchases.

Filed Under: entertainment Tagged With: ,

Five Reasons to go Fairtrade

August 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Fairtrade is a form of ethical and sustainable production, ensuring that the producer is given a fair price for what they produce.  This means that the communities that are in areas where the produce is grown, or the product has been developed have money going back into the communities, helping to sustain them, giving them a fair price in return for their hard work.

Fairtrade is not just a badge, or a unique selling point, used by companies to tick a box to demonstrate “we care”, it is a symbol that as a company, they are standing up for workers rights, preventing exploitation. As consumers, this would mean that you are supporting such causes and also making a demonstrable statement to less ethical companies that there is a need to consider pursuing such ambition.

The problem is that Fairtrade products are often more expensive than other brands, not necessarily a difference in quality, but the influence and the boost for us as consumers is that we are doing out bit, it demonstrates to other brands that if you do support Fairtrade then so should we.

Whilst Fairtrade doesn’t necessarily mean better quality there are some product categories that by default end up producing some excellent products, the money that gets invested into these communities helps to create and generate improvements in products.  Whilst on occasion these can cost a little more than some of their counterparts, this is wear a little more spending can give you rewards. Most major high street retailer stock Fair Trade produce now.

On example where Fairtrade has really been a progressive has been in the coffee and chocolate industry. In fact, many people associate Fair Trade with coffee, Fair Trade’s highest selling product. Cocoa is Fair Trade’s second leading product in terms of sales and volume and major chocolate companies have recently added Fair Trade product lines. What’s more, coffee pods are even Fairtrade now, Gourmesso is a quality coffee brand that produce Nespresso compatible tea and coffee capsules that are Fairtrade and USDA Organic.

In summary five reasons to make fair trade swaps and feel good about your shopping.

  1. Many farmers and workers who work involved with coffee production do not get to have breakfast themselves, over eighty percent of the world’s coffee production is produced by farmers with smallholding who earn less than $1.95 a day. If they are in receipt of a fair price, then during the tougher times, these farmers are able to protect themselves against some tougher times.
  2. Fairtrade, equals fair prices for farmers in those developing communities. Famers get a fair price that can be used to continue to invest in their communities.
  3. Farmers get a price that ensures that they can work toward reducing poverty in the community.
  4. It doesn’t always have to cost more. But it really is well worth shopping around, you may find a Fairtrade alternative, that matches price, quality and taste of your preferred brand.
  5. If you buy a product with the Fairtrade logo, you are buying a product with the confidence that you are addressing the inequality of trade in the world. You are demonstrating that you believe in a a fair price for fair work, sending out a message that you care about what you are buying.

 

Filed Under: environment, health Tagged With: ,

5 New digital trends that are coming in 2018

August 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

While 2017 is more than halfway over, it is not too late to get started in planning your marketing strategy for 2018. There are many new trends that have emerged since you planned your 2017 marketing strategy which is why this article is important. In this article, we will share some of the hottest digital trends that are coming to fruition in 2018. Are you ready?

 

  • Use of mobile phones over laptops. In 2017 consumers were using their smartphones more than in years past to conduct business, purchase items, and communicate with others. This trend is set to rise again in 2018 taking more people away from using standard desktop PCs and laptops to doing more on tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices. This is important as you need to make sure that your online presence is compatible with mobile platforms or you will become obsolete.
  • Social Media presence. Companies are using social media to communicate with consumers in creative ways. Posting contests, giveaways, and promoting products on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter has now become the norm. It is not unusual to log on to a social media channel to be inundated with information from various companies marketing their products or services. This is rather smart as consumers are spending more time on social media than ever before and are likely to interact with a brand online more so than in the past. Buy building a relationship with consumers and potential customers online, you are likely to increase your sales as well as customer loyalty. If you do not have a social media presence currently, it is a good idea to begin to build one now.
  • Mobile apps. People love to use their smartphones and allowing them to access your services or products through an app is sure to increase your traffic. The ease of using an app to schedule an appointment, find out your hours and about your services, or even make purchases is a great way to increase your interaction with customers as well as bolster profit margins. The easier you make the access to your products or services, the easier it will be for consumers to take advantage of them.
  • Increase in high quality content. With the rise of online marketing, social media presence, and mobile apps, it is more important than ever before to have high quality content. Less is more and if you are unable to post often, just be sure that what you post is of excellent quality.

 

The cost to promote online will increase. Over the past decade, the cost of promoting products online has been affordable. The cost of promoting your product through blogs, banner ads, and other methods is significantly cheaper than marketing in other ways. As with anything, when it catches on and more want to partake, the price is sure to go up. The same is true for promoting products online, no matter the format. In 2018, the cost for marketing online is set to rise and your budget will need to adjust to handle the increase in cost. For help with online marketing while on a budget, consider working with  Las Vegas SEO who can help you get the best bang for your buck!

Filed Under: lifestyle items Tagged With:

Top 9 Places to Visit in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia

August 15, 2017 by 2 Comments

Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are some of the most adored tourist destinations in the world. Whether you’re travelling with your family, touring with your coworkers or backpacking solo – the trio of Asian destinations has something to offer for everyone. They are home to ancient ruins, historic landmarks and beautiful flora and fauna. Singapore Malaysia, Thailand packages are highly revered for their tourist attractions like art museums, beaches, street flea markets etc. Before you book a Singapore Malaysia, Thailand package from Ahmedabad make sure the itinerary includes a visit to the places listed in the post. Read on.

Marina Bay

Marina Bay is the gateway to Singapore river and a marvelous cosmopolitan. It holds the Financial District, Clarke Quay and the central Civic District and is home to the most luxurious and urban landscape dotted with scores of restaurants, hotels, discotheques besides ample shopping avenues. You will be spoilt for choice.

Clarke Quay

For a glimpse of Singapore nightlife, Clarke Quay – a refurbished riverside development of old warehouses is highly recommended. There are many alfresco style eateries overlooking the water. There are numerous clubs and bars for people seeking more debauchery. Perhaps words cannot do justice to the futuristic and amazing jelly like the roof that houses several delights for shoppers and merrymakers alike.

Universal Studios

For media enthusiasts and movie buffs Universal Studios Singapore is a must visit, being the first amusement park of its kind to open in Southeast Asia. Amongst its several attractions, one might particularly enjoy themed parks like the Lost World, Ancient Egypt, New York, Hollywood, Madagascar. You will also find crazy roller coasters and more water-based fun.

(Thailand)

Ayutthaya National Park

Make sure your Singapore Malaysia Thailand package includes a visit to the historical Ayutthaya National Park. The ancient city of Ayutthaya was destroyed by Burmese forces. Some structures managed to survive the onslaught and got buried deep for years until much of the city was excavated. Today, the site is a national park and houses a number of temples and monasteries such as Wat Phra Ram Temple and Wat Chaiwatthanaram monastery, palaces and statues. One of the major attractions of the national park is the overgrown Buddha head located behind Mahathat Temple. Ayutthaya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and your Singapore Malaysia Thailand tour is incomplete without visiting this historic site.

Bangkok’s Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a 218,000-square-meter city. The complex houses magnificent palaces, ancient Buddhist temples, throne halls. You will need at least three hours to explore every part. During your visit, survey the upper terrace featuring the golden chedi. A couple of most noticeable attractions awaiting you at the site are a smaller version of Angkor Wat and the Royal Pantheon. When booking a Singapore Malaysia Thailand tour package, make sure the itinerary includes a visit to this historic site.

Elephant Nature Park

A must visit for animal lovers, Elephant Nature Park is a haven for abused and injured Asian elephants. During your visit learn about these gentle giants including their feeding habits. You can also interact with them, feed them and bathe them. All the proceeds collected from admissions go towards maintaining the park and buying food for the elephants.

Petronas Twin Towers

Inaugurated in 1999, the Twin Towers were the tallest buildings till 2004. Standing at 450 metres each, the towers have 88 floors and are connected through a bridge 170 metres above the ground. From the bridge, you can get a magnificent view of Kuala Lumpur. The towers lighting up is a sight to behold, which is why while choosing a Singapore Malaysia Thailand tour package from Ahmedabad or any other Indian city you must make sure the itinerary includes a visit to these magnificent towers.

Perhentian Island

A must-visit for nature lovers, Perhentian Island is a tiny archipelago whose two main islands are: Besar and Kecil. Most parts are unpopulated, making them the first choice for tourists who want to spend some quiet time away from the maddening city crowd. The islands are home to beautiful beaches famous for their white sand, pristine water and tall palm trees. Here you can also try a number of adventure activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling and canoeing.

Taman Negara

Sprawling over an area of 4,000 sq.km Taman Negara is a national park that is home to a number of endangered species such as Malayan tigers, crab-eating macaques and Asian elephants. To witness the vivid colours of nature, go bird watching, wade through the wild jungle or take a night trip.

Conclusion

Dubbing Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand as three gems in the crown of Asian tourism would not be an exaggeration. The trio is some of the most popular destinations on the travel bucket list of ardent travellers and occasional backpackers alike. The cities of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are a unique mix of modernity and ancient cultural heritage, which is why every year millions of tourists from around the globe flock to these Asian destinations every year. If you too are bitten by the wanderlust bug, consider planning a trip to these destinations. When buying a Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia tour package, make sure the itinerary includes a visit to the tourist spots listed in the post. You can book Singapore Malaysia, Thailand tour packages from Ahmedabad, Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai and all other major cities in the India.

 

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,