4 Travel Gadgets That Can Save Your Time And Power For Leisure

December 13, 2016 by 2 Comments

Whether you are doing it for business or pleasure, traveling is something that is in the core of our society. Ever since airfare made it easier to go from one location to the other, people have been scouring the globe finding new opportunities to advance their studies, career or simply to relax and enjoy the beautiful planet we live in. Whether you are a tourist or travel often for business, there are certain appliances that will aid on your journey. To help you out make your travel experience better, we’ve gathered the four best gadgets that can save your time and power for leisure.

A Portable Speaker and a Nice Pair of Headphones/Earplugs

Regardless of the device you are constantly wearing with you, you will most probably need a good sound system to go with it. Making your nights at the hotel a bit more sound, portable speakers are a must-have equipment for any tourist. A perfect accessory, portable speakers will let you enjoy your music library on your trip. Furthermore, if you are a music lover, you will definitely need a nice pair of headphones or earplugs that will let you get into your musical comfort zone when traveling. What’s more a portable speaker and a nice pair of headphones are one of the cheapest accessories that you can purchase with some great budget choices for travel going for as low as $25. Just make sure to do your research before purchasing your accessory.

Depending on what you prefer, there are different options that might be more suitable for you. For example, the Inateck Aries are amazing earphones that look quite expensive and deliver a nice sound quality, but are in fact relatively cheap. On the other hand, if you prefer being recognized for the tech you own, you might consider purchasing Beats headphones. When it comes to Bluetooth speakers there are a ton of different brands and options on the market. One of the more affordable ones for example, the Lava Brightsounds is a great choice that works both as a travel lamp and a Bluetooth speaker. However, if it is too big for you to carry, you might want to check out something that is smaller, but more expensive, like the Denon Envaya Mini or the UE Roll.

The Smart SuitCase

If you travel often, then the BlueSmart Suitcase is a definite must on your list of tourist accessories you should purchase. One of the most innovative pieces of tech in the recent decade, the Bluesmart Smart Suitcase has a number of great features that make it stand out from the regular suitcase. For example, BlueSmart has a built-in GPS that will let you track your suitcase anywhere in the world, so you won’t need to worry about losing your luggage anymore. What’s more, you can easily control the suitcase via a mobile app and the suitcase even has a built-in power bank for your smartphone and other devices, so you also won’t need to purchase any additional power supply for your trips.

On top of all other features, the suitcase also has a built-in scale, so that next time at the airport you will know just how much luggage you have, helping you save on airfare fees. Worried about theft? Nevertheless, the best part about the smart suitcase is the fact that it cost a rather affordable $399, which for a suitcase with that many features is a great price.

Neck Support

One of the accessories you will definitely need for your travel is neck support. If you have slept on a plane or in a vehicle, you are most probably familiar with the neck pain that comes from this experience. While not exactly a gadget, the Trtl Travel Pillow is a nice invention that lets you sleep comfortably be it on a plane, car, train, etc. With a built-in flexible neck support, the pillow can easily be put around your neck like a scarf. You will be able to forget the pain that comes from uncomfortable sleep and you will be able to enjoy your travel experience that much more.

Of course, the Trlt Pillow is not your only option. You might also want to check out accessories such as the Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow that lets your neck breathe, while you are sleeping. Also, there are even neck pillow kits, such as the AERIS Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow Kit that allow you to fully enjoy a comfortable sleep, while on your travels. An interesting pillow, especially if you prefer leaning forward is the Woollip Travel Pillow, which has been developed with the help of physiotherapists and yoga teachers to help deliver a comfortable sleep, while on a road. Whatever the case may be, a Neck Support is a must on your travel accessories list.

Your smartphone has almost everything you need in order to enjoy your time on a road to the fullest. However, even if you own a phablet, you are most probably familiar with the frustration it comes from reading from a smaller device that is in the palm of your hand. If you enjoy reading, then purchasing an E-Reader or a tablet as a travel accessory is a must. There are a number of great options available, depending on what exactly you are searching for in a device. In fact, a nice tablet can further help you enjoy your travels by letting you enjoy a nice movie or a game, while you are traveling.

Most tourists prefer devices such as iPads or E-Readers, such as the Amazon Kindle Voyage, but if you are more of an Android enthusiast, then you might consider purchasing a smaller tablet, such as the 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. Whatever the case may be, the E-Reader or Tablet will help you enjoy all the activities you enjoy at home on a larger screen than your smartphone. What’s more, if you have a tablet and you own a keyboard for it, you might go further and finish the tasks you have been putting off for so long. That way you will better enjoy your vacation.

Nevertheless, the aforementioned four gadgets are some of the best on the market and you should definitely own them if you are traveling a lot. With them, you will not only be the most tech-savvy person on your flight, but you will also be able to enjoy your travel time better and you will be able to save up more time for your leisure activities.

Robert Everett: I am a freelance writer currently based in Chicago. Solving students career and university problems. Having interest in marketing and business.
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Six Tips for Cruising with Kids

December 13, 2016 by 1 Comment

Going on holiday with the kids is as equally rewarding as it can be frustrating. This is especially true if you are trying to travel to a range of different destinations. Corralling little ones onto flights can be tricky at the best of times and this is only exacerbated when you have multiple transfers and connecting flights to make. Fortunately, there’s one way to simplify the process and let the whole family travel to various places with ease – by taking a cruise.

By opting for a family cruise holiday, you just travel to the departure point, get comfy in your cabin and let the world come to you from the comfort of a luxury cruise liner. No longer the preserve of wealthy pensioners, cruise holidays are available to anyone. Whether you fancy touring the Mediterranean, The Caribbean, or even chillier climes – it’s up to you.

Don’t worry if you’ve never cruised before. It’s easy! And to make it even easier we’ve compiled a short list of tips for getting the most out of a cruise with kids. Read on.

Feel free to take the kitchen sink

It is received wisdom these days that it’s best to pack light when traveling. And usually this is the case. However, on a cruise you have the luxury of your cabin as a base of operations throughout the holiday. You don’t have to pack and repack (beyond a day bag for excursions). Combine this with the fact that there are not lots of shopping options on the seven seas, you don’t want to get caught short by forgetting any necessities. So, don’t worry about packing your suitcases a little fuller.

Also, while cruise ships are chock full of entertainment, there can still be a little downtime at sea. Beat the boredom by making sure you have plenty books and gizmos to keep the wee ones amused, as well as yourself.

Arrive at your departure point a day early

Missing a flight is a pain, but there’s always the next one to catch. This isn’t true of cruise ships. And a 60,000 ton luxury liner isn’t going to keep waiting if you’re late! Make sure you have plenty breathing room in case there are any travel hiccups by arriving at the departure point 24 hours before hand. It not only gives you a buffer, it also makes the trip out much less stressful.

Be picky with your cabin

Your cabin is where you’ll be for the duration of the trip, so make sure you pick the right one. Not all rooms are created equally and some may not have the facilities you need for your trip. If you require a room with a bath for example, you need to make sure you book one. If any of your family are prone to seasickness then be careful where the cabin is located. By choosing a room near the center of the ship, the effects of the sea are lessened and everyone will have a less-nauseas time while they get their sealegs.

Read up on the excursions available

Most cruise operators have a full list of excursions and activities posted well before they set sail. It pays to do your homework on these and choose the ones you want to do. Not only does it mean you’re well prepared, it also ensures you don’t miss out before they are fully booked.

Pack walkie talkies

There isn’t much phone reception in the middle of the ocean, so by packing walkie talkies you can keep in regular communication with the family when you’re in different parts of the ship. The kids will love it too!

Check the age requirements

Different cruise operators have different age policies and you need to know these before you head off. This doesn’t just include minimum ages for the cruise itself, but also the age requirements for kids clubs activities and baby sitting services – if the cruise offers them. A good rule of thumb is that if your child is potty trained they should be able to attend most kid focused activities, but make sure and check.

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What Are You Missing In Glasses? Consider LASIK

December 13, 2016 by 7 Comments

lasik

It would be nearly impossible to estimate how many people in the U.S. wear glasses or contacts with so many variables to consider. Some people only wear glasses to read, and others wear them only to drive. Many people only wear eyeglasses part of the time and contact lenses the rest of the time. But, according to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction.

That means that 75% of adults are missing out on seeing some pretty amazing sights. Or, they are constantly having to worry about packing glasses or contacts for the trips they are taking.

Have you ever considered LASIK surgery? With LASIK surgery most patients have improved vision immediately. Having LASIK surgery will no doubt make traveling and everyday life much easier and more enjoyable.

From the sunrises to the sunsets and everything in between, vision correction from LASIK surgery results in more freedom to enjoy Mother Nature and all the little things in life you might not have been able to see before. Generally, you can travel just one week after your surgery; Most doctors will want to see you for a follow up 24-48 hours after your surgery and then you can start packing and be on your way to your dream destination.

No more stress of packing or losing your contacts, no more accidentally breaking those glasses that just appear in your seat as you hear the crunch of them breaking beneath your weight. My husband broke his on the train this week- and of course, didn’t have a spare pair with him. With your glorious new eyesight, you can tour the sights and see everything so clearly. Even in the glowing light of a camp fire or flashlight, you will be able to enjoy all the beautiful nature around you. It’s also not the easiest thing to camp with glasses- and fishing around for them in near total darkness when you have to get up to use the bathroom is never fun. Even putting up a tent can be a pain- they love to keep sliding around while you figure out what pole goes where or into what- but you can’t take them off, since you have to see what you are doing.

The world is yours for the taking. You can travel to the beach and feel the warm sand between your toes – but not in your contacts. The beach is one place my husband particularly hates his glasses- between the sand, and having to take them off to head into the ocean, to not being able to see very well without them- it’s one of his personal “most annoying” places with glasses. Visit New York, and take in the sights. Or even venture outside of the U.S. and visit some amazing places like England or Puerto Rico.

No matter what your destination – LASIK surgery gives you the gift of clear vision without glasses or contacts. 

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New York’s Lake Placid Holiday Stroll

December 13, 2016 by 8 Comments

If you are seeking a great place to get into the holiday spirit, you need look no further then Lake Placid, in upstate New York.   During one magical weekend a year, the area holds a “Holiday Stroll” where the entire town celebrates Christmas with a wide array of activities and festivals, many of which are free, and almost all are family friendly.

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The Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll is amazing for the holiday season- you will find yourself  in an Adirondack Winter Wonderland. The volunteer run committee plans a wonderful weekend of art, music, gourmet foods, and boutique shopping. It’s a fun and festive alternative to  big box store options, and the intimate setting makes the Village Stroll appealing to couples and families (not to mention you gift the local flavor as well- take home a bit of the Adirondacks and give a taste to your friends and family).

There is much to see and to in the area, well known for winter activities and sports, as well as formerly hosting the Olympics. Families will love the ice skating party and Holiday Story Time at the Mirror Lake Inn. Couples will enjoy the wine tastings and art displays. Children will delight in the matinee showing of the Polar Express, the craft workshops and breakfast with Santa at participating hotels on Sunday morning.
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This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Health and Vitality with Lucky Iron Fish

December 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment

It’s official – the holidays are upon us. The demands on your time seem to have tripled since Thanksgiving, and you’re desperate to find the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the favorite women in your life, that they can in turn share with their families.

It’s got to be original and fun, but useful too, and it can’t break the bank. A social good component would also be great. And it should be made out of iron.

OK, maybe that last bit wasn’t on your list of must-haves, but if you think about it, most of us can stand to use an extra dose of iron as part of our daily diet. As many as 3.5 billion people worldwide, women and children in particular, are affected by iron deficiency, which can result in weakness, dizziness, impaired cognition, and increased risk of illness, and ultimately lead to anemia.

Thankfully, a little but mighty fish is making waves to wipe out iron deficiency for good:

Lucky Iron Fish is a carefully formulated and tested cast-iron cooking tool that’s easy and safe to use during food preparation. It gives your entire family up to 90% of their recommended daily iron intake, and it’s reusable for up to 5 years!

Simply boil the Lucky Iron Fish in any liquid or broth-based meals to enrich your food and drinking water with iron. When used as instructed, the Fish doesn’t alter the taste or smell, and doesn’t present side effects like iron pills can.

Lucky Iron Fish has been shown to boost energy and productivity levels, and the best news: When you purchase the Fish for your family for $25 on Amazon or LuckyIronFish.com, another Fish will be donated to a family in need.

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Why is Ukraine the best destination for travelers in Europe

December 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Ukraine is often overlooked by European travelers, which is a pity as it’s a great destination to visit in Eastern Europe. However, in recent years the number of tourists who chose to discover Ukraine has increased significantly.

Many foreign travelers consider Ukraine to be difficult destination to travel to. Many of them are concerned about security issues, due to the conflict that’s going on in the east part of the country. Sadly, the situation is not yet stable, but the conflict area is currently occupying remote eastern areas of the country. The conflict zone has no tendency toward expanding, which makes the rest of the territory of Ukraine (which is pretty vast) a safe destination to travel to.

Local people in Ukraine are really welcoming. International travelers used to worry about the language barrier, however the younger generation of Ukrainians speaks English now.

Comparing to other popular European travel destinations Ukraine remains relatively inexpensive country to visit. It still is considered one of the cheapest among the European countries. This includes an average price on accommodation, food and drinks, public transport and cabs, museums and galleries tickets and admission fees to the main tourist attractions. This is a pleasant thing when traveling on a budget.

Ukraine is a beautiful and vast country in Eastern Europe that boasts a supreme geographical position and authentic well-preserved culture, that is the reason our web destinations.com.ua considers Ukraine the best destination for travelers in Europe. Ukraine as a travel destination can offer numerous places to visit for curious and most spoiled travelers. There are ski resorts in the West and beautiful sandy beaches in the South, modern cities with vibrant nightlife and urban buzz as well as traditional authentic villages for eco-tourism fans.

In recent years, Ukraine is also living a busy cultural life. Various popular events put Ukraine on the international cultural map. Country’s festival calendar got exceptionally busy and offers events for different interests and tastes. Lviv Jazz Fest, which takes place every summer in Lviv, is now considered a major European Musical festival and gathers world famous musicians as well as thousands of jazz fans annually. Gastronomical and wine festivals celebrate the world-class food combining it with art, music, history and rich Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Travelers will be awed by well-preserved historical relics and unique nature landmarks scattered all over this vast country. Ukraine can truly bring the unforgettable travel experience.

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A Must Follow Guide To Getting The Best Mortgage

December 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Buying your first or any home for that matter is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. You’ll feel like it’s one of the biggest steps you’ve made into adulthood and it can be a great feeling to say you own your own home. You need to make sure you’re ready to buy a home before you commit though.

It can also be an extremely stressful time and sometimes it’s all a little too overwhelming. It’s a huge decision and may be the biggest financial commitment you ever have to make, so you need to make sure you’re getting the best deal you can. Follow these top tips to get the mortgage you truly want.

  1. The bigger, the better – where deposits are concerned

The bigger the deposit, the better. Even if you’re not ready to buy a house now, start saving because the more you have to offer as a down payment, the more choice of mortgages you’ll have to choose from. Mortgage providers keep their best rates for people who have large deposits and the other benefit is that you’ll have far less to pay on a monthly basis as you’ll get a better deal.

If you can’t afford a big deposit upfront, you might want to consider a longer mortgage amortisation to reduce your monthly payments. This means it will take longer to pay back your mortgage, but you’ll have the benefit of reduced payments in the short-term. When you renew, you can always change your amortisation period as your financial circumstances change.

  1. Get the best mortgage rate

Make sure you do your research before committing to a mortgage as you might find you’re being charged an extortionate amount of interest. Home loan rates differ depending on which mortgage provider you go with, so don’t just grab the first opportunity that arises. Shop around.

  1. Clear your debts

Debts won’t do you any favors when you’re trying to lock in the best mortgage deal. When submitting an application, you’ll be asked to declare how much you owe, so resist the urge to put all sorts on your credit card. The last thing a mortgage provider wants to see on a mortgage application is a huge list of outstanding loans that need to be paid back. They need to feel assured that you will be able to pay them back and make your monthly payments. If they don’t get that impression, you won’t be getting your mortgage.

If you do have a fair bit of debt under your belt, hold off on applying for a mortgage until you’ve managed to reduce them. You want to seem like someone who’s responsible with their money and you’re more likely to get that stamp of approval.

  1. The proof is in the pudding

When approaching a mortgage provider for home loan rates, one of the first things they will want to see is proof of how much you earn. People have a tendency to over embellish where earnings are concerned but this won’t do you or the mortgage lender any favors as they will need to calculate what it affordable for you to pay back which is obviously a good thing for you. Take along a P60 form from your employer which displays how much you pay and how much has been deducted. It’s good to take along your last three months’ bank statements and payslips so the lender can work out how much would be a reasonable amount to lend given how much your outgoings are.

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Amazon Prime Photos has all new features! Plus an opportunity to Win a $500 gift card provided by Amazon.com

December 9, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Thanks to Amazon for sponsoring this post and providing prizes for the giveaway.

Amazon has launched an all-new Prime Photos experience with Family Vault. Now, Prime members can share their benefit of unlimited photo storage with up to five family members or friends at no additional cost. Prime Photos is free for Prime members and makes it easy for family members to safely store and share all their favorite photos.

Additional new features include: Image Search, People view and Places view. And Prime members can now order photo prints, cards, photo books, and calendars directly from their Prime Photos account. Download the new Prime Photos app here: www.tinyurl.com/PrimePhotos

Amazon Prime is a staple in our household from the free shipping to the many added benefits associated with an account the new Prime Photos brings a whole new dimension to the service bringing simple private photing with their family vault where sharing is as easy as a click and a swipe.  Prime Photos also has Smart search technology where your photos are easier to sift through, looking for that sunset picture from last Summer, search for “sunset,” or maybe that picture with Santa and the dogs?  Simply search for “dogs” or “Santa”.  No longer will you have to sift through thousands of pictures looking for a few key ones.  Primer Members also get free delivery of photo printing including prints, cards, and books all directly from their account.  Making it a breeze to make family memories tangible and personalized gifts all the easier.  All this and unlimited photo storage make Prime Photos a must.  It not only acts as a great place to store your photos but can also be used to free up space on your phone as well.

For more info check out the video below:

 

And now onto the fun stuff, the contest!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks to Amazon for sponsoring this post and providing prizes for the giveaway.
The Trademark language is: Amazon, Fire and the Amazon Fire TV logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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