Vikki Nicolai La Crosse Resident Shares 6 Eco-Friendly Vacations You Should Take

If you’re looking for a vacation that will let you relax and enjoy the natural world, consider taking an eco-friendly trip. Many options are available, and Vikki Nicolai La Crosse shares six eco-friendly vacations to help get you started. There is truly something for everyone in this article to make your vacation dreams come true.

Stay In Eco-Friendly Hotels

Hotels have a significant impact on the environment. They use large amounts of energy to power their facilities and generate a lot of waste. As more people become aware of the environmental impact of their travel choices, eco-friendly hotels are becoming increasingly popular. Eco-friendly hotels take measures to reduce their impact on the environment by using green energy and recycling their waste.

Hotels that use green energy sources, such as solar and wind power, help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and combat climate change. Additionally, eco-friendly hotels often recycle their waste, reducing the pollution generated by the hotel. By staying in an eco-friendly hotel, you can help to impact the environment positively.

Take A Solar Or Wind Powered Cruise

Vikki Nicolai La Crosse says that one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to take a cruise on a boat that runs on solar or wind power. Not only does this help to protect the environment, but it also provides a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. Solar and wind-powered boats are quieter than traditional boats, so you can enjoy the sounds of nature as you cruise down the river or across the lake. In addition, solar and wind-powered boats produce no emissions, so you can feel good about taking a cruise without harming the environment. And finally, because solar and wind power are accessible energy sources, a cruise on a solar or wind-powered boat can save you money on fuel costs.

Visit A National Park

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of our planet is to visit a national park. These parks are committed to preserving the environment and providing visitors with an opportunity to experience nature in all its glory. Whether hiking through lush forests or admiring the rocky cliffs of the coast, national parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience. But the benefits of visiting a national park go beyond simply enjoying the scenery. National parks play an essential role in protecting our planet’s natural resources. By promoting conservation and education, they help ensure that future generations can enjoy the same unique places that we do today. So next time you’re looking for a vacation destination, consider visiting one of our national parks.

Rent An Apartment With Public Transportation

Save the environment by renting an apartment in a city with excellent public transportation if you plan an extended stay while traveling. This is probably the most efficient and cheapest way to get around the city, and you won’t have to worry about the traffic or find a place to park. Furthermore, you can avoid renting a car altogether and save money on gas. And because public transportation systems are becoming more environmentally friendly, you can feel good about taking the bus or train instead of hailing a cab or driving your car. From an ecological standpoint, it’s a win-win situation. So next time you’re looking for a place to stay in a new city, remember to consider your carbon footprint – and rent an apartment near public transportation.

Camp In A Cabin Near A Nature Reserve

When vacationing, many people enjoy staying in hotels near popular attractions. However, this can often be detrimental to the environment. Hotels require a lot of energy to operate and generate a lot of waste. If you want a more eco-friendly vacation option, consider camping or staying in a cabin near a nature reserve. Campgrounds are typically located in already environmentally protected areas, so you can be confident that your presence will not disturb the local ecosystem.

Camping is a very low-impact activity, so you can minimally impact the area while still enjoying all that nature offers. For those who prefer a little more comfort, many eco-friendly cabin rentals are also available. These usually use green building practices and include solar power and rainwater harvesting features. By choosing an eco-friendly vacation option, you can help protect the environment while still enjoying your time off.

Book Your Vacation With A Travel Agency Specializing In Sustainable Tourism

When you book a vacation through an online travel agency specializing in sustainable tourism, you can be confident that your travel dollars are supporting businesses committed to sustainable practices. Sustainable tourism is an integral part of developing a more sustainable world. By sponsoring companies working to reduce their environmental impact, you can help make a difference. In addition, when you book through a sustainable travel agency, you can ensure that your vacation will be eco-friendly and responsible. You can rest assured knowing that your travel choices are not contributing to the problem of climate change. So whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly vacation or want to support businesses working towards sustainability, booking through a sustainable travel agency is a great choice.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to make your vacation more eco-friendly and responsible. By staying in an eco-friendly hotel, cruising on a green vessel, visiting a national park, using public transportation, and camping, you can help preserve our planet for future generations. So next time you plan a trip, keep these tips in mind and do your part to protect our planet.

How to Find an Apartment That’s Suitable for a Young Family

There are many reasons why you might want to choose an apartment for your family over a more conventional house. For a start, it gives you the freedom to live on a lower budget. And it makes city living possible, which is something that’s beneficial to lots of families.

best family apartments

But finding the right one for your young family certainly can be something of a challenge and it’s one that you won’t want to overlook. We’re going to talk today about some of the most important things to do when trying to find an apartment suitable for your young family, so read on.

Find Outdoor Space

Outdoor space in some form or another is usually great for your kids. But having your own private garden when living in an apartment is pretty rare. That’s why you should at least make sure that there is some kind of communal space in which kids can play or perhaps a nearby park where they can play. If you can’t have your own outdoor space, you should at least think about the alternatives that you can make use of as a family.

Ensure There’s Space to Grow

It’s important to make sure that the home you ultimately choose is one that enables your family to potentially grow and expand in the future, whether you choose an apartment or a regular home. Maybe you don’t plan on having any more kids and this isn’t a major issue for you. But if it is, you should think about how that might work and whether the apartment you choose affords you that extra space you might later need.

Check the Local Schools

As a parent, you’ll no doubt care a lot about your child’s education going forward. You want to make sure that they have access to the very best educational opportunities. And there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s why when choosing your next home, you should take the time to research and understand the best local schools and ensure your child will be able to attend them.

Look for a Functional Layout

The layout of the apartment should at least be functional and suited to how your family lives. Maybe you want a dedicated play area or perhaps it’s more important for you to have an open plan layout where you have more freedom and flexibility in terms of how you make use of the space. This is all stuff for you to think about and consider going forward. It’s been to have made these decisions before you start looking for a home.

Cast the Net Wider

Casting the net a little further afield is something that can definitely help a lot when you’re looking to find the apartment that’s going to be ideal for you. By doing so, you’ll discover apartments that are maybe a little more affordable and offer more space within your budget. You can take a look at some options you might want to consider at https://www.zoomproperty.com/en/buy/dubai/apartments-for-sale-business-bay and expand your search from there if you need to.

Research the Safety of the Local Area

From a parental point of view, you probably want to make sure that the location you’re moving to is as safe as possible. No parent wants to move their child into an unsafe neighborhood. Luckily, you can find out a lot about crime statistics and the general safety of a given area by doing a little online research. All the information you need is out there to find. You can then make a more informed decision which neighborhood is likely to be the best one for you and your family going forward.

Look for Spots Where Other Families Live

One great way to identify a location that would make a good place for your family to live is to look at where other families are living. This is on I spilt a sign that families in the local area see that particular setting as somewhere that’s family-friendly and safe. You could even reach out to other parents in the area to see whether the location is good for families and whether they’d recommend it to you. It’s better to find out this information now rather than later.

Finding an apartment that’s suitable for a young family isn’t always easy. You want to make sure that it’s safe and that you won’t sacrifice anything by not choosing a regular house. By following the tips and ideas laid out above, that’s something that you should have no problem doing.

How to Help Your Employees Feel Valued

It’s no secret that happy employees lead to successful businesses. When employees feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be productive and innovative. In addition, studies have shown that employee engagement is a crucial driver of business success. So, how can you make sure your employees feel valued? Here are a few tips:

happy employees

Offer Praise and Recognition

One of the simplest ways to make your employees feel valued is to offer praise and recognition for a job well done. Publicly acknowledging an employee’s accomplishments is a great way to show your appreciation. You can also give small tokens of appreciation, such as gift cards or thank-you notes. For example, a nurse necklace is an excellent gift for a nurse to recognize their achievement in the field. You can also give flowers or dinner vouchers to your employees.

Create Opportunities for Learning and Growth

Giving employees opportunities to learn new skills and grow in their careers is one of the most important things you can do to make them feel valued. When employees feel stuck in a rut, it’s only natural for them to start looking for new opportunities elsewhere. By offering learning and development opportunities, you’re letting your employees know that you’ve invested in their growth and want them to stick around for the long haul.

One way to create these opportunities is to offer tuition reimbursement for any job-related courses or programs your employees want to take. Another is to provide paid time off for attending conferences or seminars related to their work. You can also encourage learning by creating an internal mentorship program where more experienced employees share their knowledge with newer employees.

Provide Competitive Packages and Benefits

To make your employees feel valued, you need to provide them with competitive salaries and benefits. Employees who feel like they’re being underpaid or that their benefits aren’t up to par are much more likely to start looking for new job opportunities. By offering competitive packages and benefits, you’re sending the message that you appreciate your employees and want to keep them happy and healthy.

Provide Constructive Feedback

No one is perfect, and employees are bound to make mistakes from time to time. However, you must provide constructive feedback rather than criticism. This will help your employees learn and grow while still feeling valued.

Always aim to be specific, objective, and actionable when giving feedback. For example, rather than saying, “you’re doing a great job!” try something like “I appreciate the way you handled that customer issue – thanks for going above and beyond!” or “Thanks for staying late to finish that project, it made a big difference.”

By taking the time to give specific and positive feedback, you can help your employees feel valued and appreciated. This will, in turn, motivate them to continue doing their best work for your company.

Making your employees feel valued is essential to the success of your business. Following the tips above shows your employees that you appreciate their hard work and dedication. As a result, they will be more likely to stick around and continue working hard to help your business grow.

 

Making Your Bedroom Bright And Beautiful For Summer

Summer is here and, with it, a bunch more sunlight, heat, and clear skies. You want to make sure that your home is prepared for summer, made as comfortable as possible, taking advantage of the light while making things comfortable in the heat. There are few places where that is more important than in your own bedroom. Here, we’re going to look at some key changes you might want to make.

bright and sunny bedroom

Brighten it up

A bedroom with a lot of darker decor can look a little pallid and ill-fitting when there’s a lot more light in the room. To that end, you should look at some of the more summery color schemes that you can make use of. They can be bright, bold, and engaging, or you can opt for more airy pastels that create a sense of relaxation, and also work a little better at night.

Open up for more natural light

The natural light that comes streaming in through the windows is going to play a big role in defining the mood of the bedroom throughout the day. If you use it a lot during the day, then you should aim to let more of that light in. Opting for lighter window treatments such as plantation shutters that you can open easily is one of the best ways that you can do that. Keeping the windowsill clear of unnecessary items is a good tip, too.

Cut the clutter

It’s not just your windowsill that you should try to clear up. Clutter becomes a lot more noticeable in the light and can create a lot of unwelcome shadows in the bedroom that make it look even messier than it is. To that end, you should look to declutter the space as best as possible, which can be helped by finding additional storage space. Even a wicker basket under the bed can serve as a great temporary storage place so you don’t leave your clothes on the floor.

Switch out your bedding

Of course, it’s not just about how the room looks and feels. You need to make sure that your bed is ready, as well. Heavy duvets and covers aren’t going to be very conducive to a good night’s sleep. Lighter bedding, including breathable sheets to go beneath you, can help you stay more comfortable and cool throughout those sweltering nights.

Introduce some summer scents

If you have a bouquet of fragrant flowers outside your bedroom, then you can simply crack open your windows to let in some of the smells of summer. However, if that doesn’t work for you (or you have allergies) then you can make your bedroom a much fresher and more inviting place to be by getting some essential oils in there via a diffuser.

Welcome summer into your bedroom while making sure that it’s still comfortable and chill enough to enjoy a night’s sleep in. The tips above are only the beginning, look around to see what other changes you can make.

Why You Should Visit Dubai

Dubai is one of the most glamorous and richest cities in the world, and it’s one of the top travel destinations in Asia if you’d like to go there. It’s a popular international travel destination due to the fact that it’s dripping in luxury, and it certainly is not a place to visit if you’re a backpacker looking to keep to a tight budget. 

Dubai has so much to offer the other travelers, but you are not the average traveler if you choose to go to Dubai. Whether you are traveling and looking for a luxury hotel, or you like to splash out on a vacation rental in Dubai, you should make sure that you know all the reasons you should be going in the first place. We have got four excellent reasons that will force you to put your ticket to Dubai next.

dubai

  • It’s a luxury escape. Why should you visit Dubai? Because of the luxury. There is really no other reason! The pristine beaches where luxurious resorts are white and sandy, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel which is famous for the wave-like architecture, and the food – oh god the food is as luxurious as it could ever be. The Burj Al Arab is voted one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, which means you’re never going to have to worry about the quality of the service.
  • The nature. Dubai may have man made beaches as luxury resorts, but the Dubai coral reefs here are fantastic. The turquoise oceans are wonderful for diving, so when you are in Dubai, you get to dive deep and see nature from a different perspective. There are many diving schools and scuba options here, so you can really whet your appetite on the waves.
  • You can bring the whole family. For all of its wonderful luxury, Dubai is not just for travelers who are on their honeymoon or for single businessmen. Being on holiday with the kids it’s not going to be an issue in Dubai as there are plenty of activities for the children and from places that they can enjoy together. There are hop on hop off bus tours which offer one day sightseeing options to visit the best places to see. There are also fun and amazing characters that the children can enjoy. The wildlife sanctuary is another one here in Dubai, and you’ll be able to show them the diverse range of animal species here. For an even better day out, head to the wetlands!
  • The beaches. The pristine beaches in Dubai are perfect for a sun and sand vacation. If you’re bringing the kids, bring the buckets and spades! Many of the beaches along the Jumeirah stretch are only accessible to the hotel guests. If you’re willing to pay a fee, you can also access the beaches but there are still few public beaches where no or a small fee is to be paid. Don’t forget to clear up after yourself. Dubai is hot!

 

6 Ways to Prevent Mold from Attacking Your Home

Sometimes, it can be hard to improve a household, especially if you’re having to fight against mold. Molds are a common problem in most homes and offices. They can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies. and make the air smell bad. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye and spread quickly in damp environments. The best way to get rid of them is to clean up regularly, but if you are really struggling with mold, try these methods that may help you get rid of the mold around your home.

mold in your house

Keep humidity levels low

A low humidity level will prevent mold from growing and help you breathe better. You can look into getting a dehumidifier, as they prevent humidity levels from getting too high. No matter what season it is, what temperature it is, mold can grow. If you don’t want to fork over the money for a dehumidifier then you can open up your doors and windows to help allow humidity to escape. Doing this for a couple of hours a week can even make a major difference.

Keep surfaces dry

The best way to keep your home dry is to wipe down all surfaces at least once a day with a damp cloth or paper towel. When it comes to your bathroom or kitchen you’ll also want to make sure there isn’t any water or humidity in there. These two spaces are far more prone to having mold grow in them. So, if there is ever a spill, no matter where it is, make sure you immediately begin cleaning it.

Seal Gaps

Make sure that windows are closed when you’re not using them, and seal up all gaps around doors. While it can be good to have your windows and doors open to allow moisture to escape, keep in mind that too much of a thing can be bad. When it rains, snows, or if the air is wet, this can get into your home. So, by sealing the gaps, you’re keeping air and moisture out of your home.

Regularly check to see if there are any sources of moisture

If there is a leaky pipe or any other source of water where molds can grow, fix it first before trying to prevent any mold. A lot of reasons why mold remediation is needed is mostly due to an unknown leak somewhere in the house growing into a major mold issue.

Clean up regularly

If you clean regularly, this gives you the chance to see if there is any sort of mold around the house. It gives you the chance to find wet or moist spots, and anything that could be growing mold, overall, this is a more proactive approach to mold prevention for one’s home.

Keep a close eye on foods with a high moisture content

It’s already a common fact that food items like bread, milk, cheese, and veggies can all produce mold within a matter of a couple of days. Even the mold on these items can cause the spores to spread elsewhere in the home. Make sure to throw out molded items immediately. 

How To Get Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Ontario

Auto insurance prices in Ontario are one of the costliest in Canada, making car insurance a huge financial liability for car owners. But, considering the increasing rate of accidents and theft, car insurance makes sense. So, efforts should be made to understand what to look for and how to get great discounts on auto insurance.

Whether it is liability insurance or comprehensive coverage, you must make some efforts to get the best deal. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to cut costs on auto insurance — you can start this journey by comparing quotes from reputed insurance companies in Canada with Surex.

Read on to know other ways to get a cheap Ontario auto insurance quote.

What is the average cost of an Ontario auto insurance quote?

The average cost of car insurance in Ontario is approximately $1,528. Depending on the type of vehicle, make, model, age, and the driver’s driving history, this figure can range from $1,300 to $2,000 annually.

Teenagers or young drivers end up spending two to three times more than adult drivers for auto insurance in Ontario.

How to get a cheap Ontario auto insurance quote

While the car insurance rates in Ontario are high, you can utilize the following tips to get cheap auto insurance in Ontario.

Compare auto insurance online

Sometimes small, private insurance companies can also beat national insurers in terms of coverage and rates. So, do not hesitate to compare quotes from multiple insurers while purchasing auto insurance.

Several online insurance providers offer personalized quotes from different insurance companies in one place. You can easily compare the coverage and rates of auto insurance on such websites.

Review your coverage limits

Do not purchase a fully-loaded policy blindly without assessing your situation. Depending on the type, age, and model of your car, there is always some scope to cut down on coverage limits.

For instance, full coverage, including comprehensive and collision coverage, is much costlier than liability auto insurance. For old car models, collision coverage is not feasible.

Consider a higher deductible

The quickest and most effective way to lower your monthly premiums is to raise your deductible. But, in the event of an accident, you may have to shell out the extra out-of-pocket costs. If you are comfortable taking this risk, it is the best way to reduce your premiums. However, it is important to note that do not choose a deductible amount from your budget.

Think about usage-based insurance

Usage-based insurance (UBI) or telematics makes sense if you use your vehicle only for leisure or driving a few miles annually. When you spend less time on roads, the probability of accidents lowers. It has a direct impact on your monthly premiums. Through this policy, you can avail up to a 30% discount on auto insurance premiums.

You only have to show proof of the annual kilometres travelled by you. Fortunately, through technology, you can keep a complete track of your driving history.

Look for car insurance discounts

It is a good practice to ask your insurance provider whether you are eligible for any special discounts. Surprisingly, insurance companies provide several great discounts in the following cases:

  • Cars installed with anti-theft, airbags, and other advanced safety features

  • Winter tire discount

  • Students with good grades

  • Drivers who have undergone safe driver courses

  • Members of certain organizations

  • Loyalty discount

Bundle policies together

If your family owns multiple cars or you have a boat, homeowners, or jewelry insurance, you can bundle these insurances together to get extra discounts. When you combine all of your policies with one insurer, you can:

  • Easily handle all policies

  • Save on monthly premiums compared to having multiple insurers.

  • Save time spent on managing a variety of policies with different carriers.

Pay your premium in a lump sum

It is another great method to get a decent discount on auto insurance premiums. Instead of paying a monthly premium, you can choose to pay bi-annually or annually. Most insurance companies offer a flat discount on lump-sum payments. Moreover, you will be free from the risk of missing a monthly payment and incurring late fees.

Good credit

Your credit history can play an important role in deciding your auto insurance rates. A bad credit score signals your bad financial habits and greater liabilities. As a result, insurance companies categorize you as risky customers. Such customers do not get desirable insurance quotes.

Therefore, it is a good practice to check your credit report before inquiring about car insurance.

Have a good driving record

Drivers with a clean driving record tend to fetch a lower premium compared to risky drivers. Risky drivers mean drivers with traffic tickets, demerit points, accident records, and other traffic violations. It sends a wrong signal to insurers about your driving habits.

As a result, insurance companies spike car insurance rates for such drivers. So, if you want your auto insurance quotes in Ontario to be low, follow good driving habits and abide by the law.

Avoid bad claim history

The number of claims you have made and your past payment history greatly impact your premiums. Regularly missing monthly premiums or too many claims can elevate your premium.

On the other hand, some insurance companies also offer no-claim bonuses to customers with a no-claim history.

Choose your car wisely

Lastly, if you have not purchased your car, try to avoid high-end cars. These cars are costly to repair and replace. So, in the event of an accident, insurance companies have to spend a huge sum on the coverage. This directly affects your auto insurance rates. To put it simply, costly cars tend to fetch higher insurance rates.

What have you learned about finding a cheap auto insurance quote Ontario?

If you want to get a cheap auto insurance Ontario quote, there are multiple ways to accomplish this. All you have to do is access your needs and shop around. Furthermore, never forget to ask your insurer for an extra discount. While we have mentioned all the significant ways to get additional discounts on auto insurance quotes, your credit score and history are equally important.

Lastly, the thumb rule is to compare quotes from different insurance providers and countercheck the extent of coverage. Nobody knows you may hit the jackpot with some little effort.

4 Things To Do During Summer Vacation

camping

Summer is a great time to relax and enjoy the warm weather. However, it can also be a time when the kids are out of school and looking for something to do. Here are a few things to do during the summer to keep the kids entertained:

Hike

Hiking is a great way to get out of the house, away from your computer and phone, and into nature. It’s also an excellent way to exercise, improve your health, explore new places and make friends.

Hiking isn’t just for mountain climbers or experienced hikers. Anyone can enjoy hiking—all you need are some water, snacks, and good shoes (and maybe sunscreen).

The best part about hiking? You can do it almost anywhere and with anyone. It’s a great way to teach your children about nature and get them out of the house. In addition, it can be a great bonding experience.

Camping

Take your children camping. Camping is a great way to return to nature and spend quality time with your kids. Not only will you get a chance to see new sights and sounds, but there’s also an opportunity for bonding over campfires and outdoor activities like hiking or swimming in lakes or rivers.

Camping can keep your children entertained, learning about nature, and learning some life skills while bonding with your children. You’ll get to explore nature, build fires, cook delicious food, tell scary stories around the campfire, and spend quality time together as a family. It’s a great way to get in touch with what matters most: your family.

Build A Fort 

 If you don’t have a fort in your garden, this is the perfect time to build one. You can use pillows and blankets to build the walls and then find some old sheets to cover them. If you want to make it extra special, try making it a secret hideout for you and your friends by hiding the entrance under a bush or something else that will camouflage it.

If you don’t have much room in your garden, why not try building one in the living room? Just be careful not to let your parents see it—they probably won’t be too happy about it.

Make a science project.

You can do a science project. You don’t need a lot of experience with it. For example, if you want to know about the history of space travel, you could make a model of the solar system and its planets at different points. If you’re going to learn about how animals adapt to their surroundings, then maybe a poster board depicting various types of animals.

Conclusion

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the long list of things to do with your family this summer. But don’t worry. Just having these few things can help to ensure that you and your family have either a nice quiet summer or a fun summer filled with adventures. And if all fails you can just take them on vacation to the beach.