Great Tips for Traveling While Studying

March 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Many of us dream of seeing the world. In truth, there is no better time to do it than while you are at college. You’re young enough to enjoy it, experience everything, and have no responsibilities at home, but old enough to appreciate all the world has to offer and be safe while you travel. Unfortunately, however, many students are put off traveling due to the rising costs of both travel and tuition, as well as the worries that they won’t be able to commit to their studies while they travel. This doesn’t have to be the case; if you want to travel while you are at school, you can. Here are some great tips to help you.

Study Online

There are some great options when it comes to online study. With so many courses now available, there is bound to be something that suits you. Degrees available include addiction studies online from the University of South Dakota. Courses such as this in growing industries could offer you a fantastic future career, but studying online gives you the opportunity to study flexibly, and on the move, while you travel.

Travel Out of Season

Avoiding the main holiday seasons is the easiest way to save money. You might be surprised to learn just how much you could save by moving your vacation dates by just a week or two. Traveling out of season also allows you a more relaxing time, and a better chance to experience local life.

Avoid Tourist Spots

Another way to save money on your travels is to avoid tourist hotspots. Traveling to quieter destinations will save you money, allow you to relax, and give you a more authentic view of local life. Eating away from touristy restaurants and instead opting for local, family run eateries is another excellent way to save money.

Plan Ahead

Think about when you should travel. If you’ve got big exams or assignments coming up, either avoid travel completely, or head out for a relaxing week away. Save the exciting adventure breaks for after exams. Use it as a way to celebrate and unwind after all your hard work.

Technology

Technology can be exceptionally helpful when it comes to traveling while you study. Especially if you are intending to travel for long periods of time and study while you are away. A lightweight laptop means you can study from anywhere, without losing any ease of use or connectivity. An eReader is also incredibly useful, as it allows you to take all your course books away with you, without worrying about the weight or baggage.

There are also some great smartphone apps, which can help you to study and aid your travels. These include maps, translators, budgeting tools and itinerary creators.

Traveling while you study isn’t just possible; it can also be incredibly rewarding. Travel can help you relax and blow off steam, both of which can improve your focus, making you more likely to succeed at school. You may even gain experiences on your travels, which will help you secure a great job upon graduation.

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For the Young Ones, Pineapple Pen app

March 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

apps for kids

Games geared towards children are everywhere. There are dress-up games for girls, popular cartoon games for boys, and just about everything in between. But not all kids’ games are worth our children’s time. More specifically, I’ve seen my fair share of “kids’ games” that are simply inappropriate. That’s why the hubby and/or I check every game first. If our young one is going to spend hours (or even just a few minutes) playing, we want to ensure that everything is up to par. And that means no violence, no bad language, and hopefully, a productive time.

The Purpose
Pineapple Pen is a game that tests players’ reflexes and timing. In that sense, I’ve found the gameplay to be pretty productive. Plus, its simple nature—there’s only one button to press—is perfect for our youngest to enjoy. In Pineapple Pen, players try to hit gliding pieces of fruit. There’s nothing else to control or worry about. In fact, there isn’t even a character to move left or right. Tap the screen to throw the pen, and hope to hit the target.

The very basic controls are part of Pineapple Pen’s mass appeal. Everyone from age 2 to 92 can play. Of course, there are a few other elements to the gameplay that make things even more challenging. For one, no two fruits glide exactly the same way. During the first couple of rounds, apples and pineapples might fly straight left and right. But after that, anything goes. Fruits can glide in circles, diagonal lines, or totally random paths. Certain fruits are also armored. Instead of falling after one hit, protected fruits require three strikes. More hits = more points = more fun!

Types of Games
There are three different ways to play Pineapple Pen. Classic mode was described above. That’s the main gameplay mode, and our young one’s favorite. For older players, Hardcore mode is a great choice. There are no slow-moving, easy levels in Hardcore mode. Instead, players will face zippy fruits right from the first round. The third mode, Orbital, is a bit more unique. All of the fruits in Orbital mode fly around in a circle. Each fruit crosses your path twice during every orbit, but at different distances. So, it’s actually twice as hard to hit. Try it, and you’ll see what I mean.

Unlockables
Practically every addictive game gives players a reason to come back for more action: unlockable items. In Pineapple Pen, there are 16 different throwing utensils. Players begin with a basic pen. After earning 200 coins, they can unlock a pencil. The standard pencil is followed by all sorts of oddities, from darts to screwdrivers. There’s even sharp lipstick! With a new item every 200 coins, the savviest gamers will keep playing to unlock each one.

Overall
Pineapple Pen is simple enough for the youngest players and can be tough enough for the most experienced ones. It’s safe for kids and entertaining for us parents, too!

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Five Family Friendly Destinations for 2017

March 14, 2017 by Leave a Comment

It always takes a little extra thought to plan a holiday when you have kids. Long gone are the days when you could jet off at nary a day’s notice. As parents, we need to make sure any destination is child-friendly and suitable for the whole family. But taking some extra time doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the best destinations that the world has to offer. In fact, why not make a point this year to take the family on an adventure somewhere new? To help offer some inspiration here are five super places you should consider for a holiday in 2017.

Cape Verde

If you’ve ever fanciest taking the family to see the natural beauty of the Canary Islands, but were put off by the high-rise hotels and throngs of tourists, then Cape Verde is for you. With all the beauty and more of the nearby Spanish archipelago, Cape Verde makes a fantastic alternative to Tenerife and Lanzarote. The laid-back African island nation offers some of the finest unspoilt beauty you’ll find anywhere. Across its ten islands you’ll discover stunning beaches like Mindelo beach on São Vicente, ordramatic mountains like as Pico do Fogo on Fogo island. The island’s beguiling culture blends Portuguese and African influences and is worth visiting for in its own right.

Ibiza

Don’t doubt this Balearic Island’s family-friendly credentials. Ibiza may conjure up images of super-clubs and party beaches, but this multi-faceted Mediterranean gem has plenty to offer children. The island’s beaches are worth the plane ticket on their own, and there are enough of them that it can feel like you have one each! Visit Cala Llentrisca to enjoy some seafront seclusion, or take the wee ones to Cala Tarida for a more activity filled day by the beach. If lounging in the sun gets to much, then why not take the kids zorbing, or on a trip to one of the island’s waterparks? After that take a trip to the colorful Hippy Market in El Cana to pick up some mementos of the trip.

Sri Lanka

For the more adventurous families out there a holiday to Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable experience. Embodying the mysteries of the orient, the island still has the power to amaze and enchant. Few destination offer as much opportunity to discover amazing wildlife, and a trip to Minneriya National Park is a must. Here you can see herds of elephants roam in their natural environment, and even spot leopards, crocodiles, and the odd monkey! For some history take your children to Sigiriya and teach them about the county’s ancient civilization and colorful past. For family’s with older children, a hike up the famous and sacred mountain of Sri Pada will offer views and memories that will endure long after you get home.

St Lucia

If you have the picture of the perfect Caribbean island in your mind, then it probably looks like St Lucia. This stunningly verdant isle, offers the archetypal Caribbean experience thanks to the blue waters, golden beaches and lush greenery. The island’s most famous sites are the two Pitons. These towering volcanic stacks are a must see, and a trek up the larger of the two – Gros Piton – should be doable for older children and teenagers. Families with younger kids can just enjoy the breath-taking views from the beaches below.

Mauritius

This Indian Ocean nation is more than worth the long-haul trip. With unbeatable natural beauty, this tropical paradise has a world of things to experience. Thanks to its well-developed tourist network it is easy to get around and its turquoise coastline is peppered with first-rate resorts. Make sure and visit the amazing Seven Colored Earths, and enjoy a visit to one of the island’s many nature reserves. Keep a lookout for its colorful bird life, especially the famous pink pigeon! Thanks to the island’s Chinese, Indian, and French influences, the food isn’t bad either.

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Personalizing Your Decor With Your Own Travel Photos

March 12, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Our homes are intensely personal places. We love to bring our own touch to our home, to make it look like our own instead of just a generic space where we store things and sleep.

The personalization of a home includes every element, whether we rent or own. We choose an overall design based on what we like, and then we select paints, floor coverings, and other final details that match our personal tastes.

One of the things that really finishes a home is art. After getting everything else set according to what we like, we can get the final flair with artwork. And today, even that final element can be supremely individualized. It’s now easier and more affordable than ever to include fine art prints of our own photographs.

It used to take considerable effort and money to take and develop photographs that were suitable for framing. In the days before digital photography, you had no way of knowing if you had gotten a good shot until you were already back home–and by then, you might have had no way to go back and try again.

And even after all that, you still had to find someone in your hometown who could print the final product onto some type of medium that would look nice on your wall.

Everything has changed about that now. The advent of digital photography has made the whole process easier, and you can now get beautiful photographs from your own experiences–travel in particular–to decorate your home.

Imagine all the travel options you have, and then imagine being able to come home and document your journeys on the walls of your home! What would be the most unique would be to tie in the photos with the function or design of the room.

For example, after an amazing Brazilian hang-gliding excursion, you could have a huge print made for the soaring open space of a vaulted ceiling in your living room or foyer. Or a culinary trip to Italy could be remembered through a series of photos hung throughout your kitchen.

If you love classical music and had the opportunity to take in a performance by the London Philharmonic. The photo of you and your family in your formal attire standing outside the venue is the perfect choice for a portrait atop your piano or near where your own strings are played.

Of course, you can play it in reverse as well. As you think about what to use for the walls of your sports-viewing man cave (or woman cave), why not set out to get just the right photos? Travel to different pro stadiums, college sports venues, and Olympic cities to get photos of the places where your favorite moments have taken place.

For a personal touch, join a wedding photo with some more modern shots of you returning to the site of your honeymoon or destination wedding. You could even repeat it periodically to document your marriage in year 0, then year 10, 20, and so on. You’ll not only decorate, you’ll make an amazing tradition.

Your home should reflect what you like and what’s important to you. What fits the bill better than your own photos? Hit the road, document your stops, and return with some perfect personal decor.

 

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Unique Ways to Preserve Family History

March 12, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Connections are a critical part of our culture. It is in our basic nature to search for connections with other people. Ancestors and families can assist in creating a huge sense of connection. Many times though, we can feel as if we are alone, but if we reach out and try to learn more about our ancestors, it can at times give us the answers and or the sense of belonging that we need. We feel as if we are a part of something larger than ourselves. Each family has its own heritage and it is well worth it to preserve that heritage.

Photos

How many boxes of old family photos do you have in your attic? How many photo albums are on your shelves? Now, how often are those photos looked at? Maybe once a year? When family comes in from out of state? At reunions? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have some special photos, or one special photo to pass down that would be looked at more often? That is easy to do. Now, you can have custom photo blankets made. Just find that special photo that you want to remember and for your progeny to remember for years to come and have it made into a blanket!

Videos

How many of you remember mom, dad, or some other older family member chasing you around with a video camera of some sort? That was a great way to capture more than just a moment. Do you ever go back and watch those old home movies though? You might consider having a family movie night one night and get out all of those old home movies and watch them. This could be a great way to show your kids what life looked like when you were their age.

Record Those Memories

Yes, media changes through the years, but you can always have recordings changed over to the latest and greatest media. How cool would it be if you had recordings of your great grandparents’ voices as they were telling stories? This is a great way to preserve family memories. Even if you don’t have recordings of your elders, you can make recordings for your future generations to listen to. You can also interview your elders to make recordings for you and for the future. Preserving living memories and connecting with your family members are critical aspects of a family history. You can use a digital recorder or even a smartphone app. A camera will also help you preserve those old stories and share them with other members of the family while preserving them for future generations.

Record Everything You Learn

As you begin to learn more and more about your ancestors, you can add the information you come across to the family tree. You can also share it with other members of your family. Remember to encourage them to share what they learn with you as well.

Start a Blog

This doesn’t have to be for the general public, but it would be a good idea to start a family or personal blog. It can be a fun way to make sure that the important experiences in your life will be recorded for future posterity. You can also share the blog with your family and friends. Many of the blogging services you can find online are free and most of those free ones are also quite easy to use.

Social Media

There are so many tools that you can find online today. Take advantage of these tools to share your photos, or other types of updates with your friends and family. You can even upload images of important family documents. Social media is a great way to make sure that your family history is shared with the family.

Remember that your family history consists of so much more than simply research, records, and dates. It is the stories behind the people. It is the culture and knowing where you came from. It can’t define you, but it can let you know what is in your past. It is important that you learn this and then save it for future generations. Knowing your family history can give you a sense of purpose and belonging. It can connect generations past, present, and future. Take the time to discover and preserve your family history while you can.

 

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How to Sleep Well When You Have Kids

March 2, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Waking up in the middle of the night to requests for water, complaints about the monsters in the closet, or pleas to slide into bed and warm up cold toes—these are just some of the treats of parenthood. Of course, parents love waking up to their children, even in the middle of the night … but not night after night. If you want to sleep better, you have to make sure the kids sleep well first.

Give the Kids a Set Schedule

Kids thrive on structure—they don’t necessarily love it, but they thrive on it all the same. Setting a schedule for your children is so important—and that goes for more than just bedtime. However, making sure that the tykes go to bed at the same time each night is a sure way to make them sleep better.

Although it might take a while, there will come a time when the kids naturally start to feel sleepy once bedtime rolls around, in much the same way they probably get hungry for meals at the same time each day. Set your child’s bedtime to correspond with their age, as younger kids need up to 12 hours of sleep a night.

The key here is that you have to wake the kids at the same time every morning, as well. Obviously, weekends may have different rules. You might change the schedule during holidays, too, but don’t many any drastic changes. Let the kids stay up and thus sleep in perhaps half an hour longer.

Create a Routine for Bedtime

A nighttime routine is critical for a good night’s sleep—for everyone. A pattern like this helps your kids to wind down and literally get ready for bed. Every child is different, however, so one kid’s routine won’t work for another one. Yes, that means that if you have more than one child, each tot might have different bedtime preferences.

Play around with what works, basing it around what your child enjoys and what relaxes her or him. Most bedtime schedules involve the same activities. Bath time, some light playtime, and a storybook before turning out the lights combine to make a solid nighttime plan.

No Screen Time before Bed

It’s tempting to let the kids watch a movie or play on the iPad before bed, but it’s not a good idea. Those activities are a bit too stimulating, and they can keep the children awake for a couple of hours. In fact, you should eliminate screen time about two hours before bedtime. That’s when you can begin your routine, which is a fantastic tactic for distracting the little ones from whatever movie or game has their attention.

Encourage Active Playtime after School

You can get the kids ready for bed while the sun’s still bright. After school, encourage them to play outside or to do some type of physical activity. Steering them away from video games and TV keeps them from being sedentary. They’re much more likely to feel sleepy at night if they’ve been active throughout the day.

Put the Focus on Relaxation

Kids are no different than adults. They have problems turning off their brains, especially when they know it’s time to sleep. Sound familiar? Lying in bed wide awake causes them to get antsy, which means that mom and dad are probably going to find a kid in their room at some point.

Frame bedtime not as a time for sleep, but as a time to relax. Children are never too young to learn meditation techniques, but a calming book, a soothing lullaby, and a comforting environment work just as well.

When the kids sleep better, mom and dad sleep better, too. Your children need a full night of sleep, not broken rest. You can’t survive on broken sleep, either. What do you do to make sure your children sleep soundly through the night?

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Top Destinations Rave Fans Have to Visit in 2017

March 2, 2017 by Leave a Comment

If you’re a techno fan like some of the Holiday Transfers team are and are looking for an awesome vacation, you have a lot of towns to paint red! The following cities are known the world over for their excellent parties and clubbing, and they’re on everybody’s list of “Best Rave Cities” this year. Check them out and get ready for loads of fun and the most electric nights ever!

Bristol, England

While some may consider London as a hot destination for clubbing and dancing, Bristol is a central node for contemporary techno and dance music. It has a legacy in dubstep and the prices here are considerably more affordable than almost any venue in London, allowing a healthy population of electronic music fans to grow and prosper. The beloved Idle Hands label is in Bristol, and promising producers such as Killing Sound call this place home as well – not to mention top-notch events and festivals like Simple Things just waiting to get you movin’!

Warsaw, Poland

Bustling with after-hours gigs and experimental techno happenings, as well as bigger nightclub events, Warsaw has built a name for itself not only on the Polish dance music scene, but also all throughout Europe. The capital’s art scene is flourishing too, and the historical and cultural landmarks here will ensure that not only your nights out in the city will be exciting, but your day trips as well.

Moscow, Russia

Because of the harsh political conditions in Russia, Moscow’s rave and techno scene often has to operate more underground, so you may not hear about the most exciting happenings unless you’re “on the inside” and you know the right people. But this only makes things more thrilling and appealing if you’re the adventurous type, right? Plus, the dance culture here is truly promising, with names like OL (Oleg Buyanov) or Nina Kraviz calling Moscow “home”.

Mexico City, Mexico

Thanks to a growing number of young talented creatives sick of expensive clubs opening up their own underground venues, Mexico City has become more and more attractive for rave and techno music fans. The rise of experimental artists such as AAA and the punk-oriented NAAFI collective has turned the Mexican capital into a top destination for those interested in the electronic underground scene.

Bogota, Colombia

South America certainly doesn’t lack places to go clubbing, but what’s excited everyone lately is the healthy and flourishing dance music scene in Bogota. The city has managed to create a perfect balance between importing talent from abroad (bringing names such as Anthony Naples or Discwoman to play for the welcoming crowd here) and fostering local artists, such as the Downpitch Recordings group, bringing the excellent venues here to life when the sun sets.

Leipzig, Germany

Having made a name for itself as a hub for underground electronic and dance music, Leipzig has become one of the most exciting and promising scenes in Germany. With excellent clubs and anti-authority venues such as Conne Island, the city boasts an ideal infrastructure to promote and support local musicians. If you’re into experimental techno, Leipzig is the place to be in 2017.

These are just some of the best rave destinations to check out this year, with a vivid dance culture and a lot of surprises in store for you. Start planning your trip, book your transport and accommodation in advance, and get ready to party!

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How to Choose a Reliable International Moving Company?

March 2, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Moving to a new house, let alone to a whole new country is a very big decision. However, if your job or certain family responsibilities require you to do so, then, you do not really have much of a choice than to make the move. The next step is to find a reliable moving company that serves internationally. So, here a few things to absolutely keep in mind while looking for one to make your moving and shifting experience as smooth as it can be.

  • Look for at least three options

Settling for the first mover you come across is a rookie mistake. You might end up paying double the price for half the work, which is obviously not good. So, look up for different options. If not more, then at least three and compare their services and prices. You can do so either by sifting through their website or by giving them a call. Give some weightage to the kind of packing material they use, years of experience and positive or negative feedbacks they have had as well. It will help you identify the right service for your needs and budget constraints.

  • Compare everything

While your first instinct might be to settle down for the one with the lowest quote, it might not always be the best decision. In fact, at times, with all the additional charges you might end paying tons more in the end. So, compare the quotations for everything included in the services. Some of the most important services to keep an eye for include:

  • The shipment method
  • Packing and Unpacking Services
  • Time frame required
  • Type of containers being used
  • Inclusion of terminal & port handling charges
  • Custom clearance
  • Ask about your service provider

By service provider here I do not mean the company. In fact, by this time you would already have covered that part. Keep in mind that whoever comes in to look at your things and provide you an estimate might not be the same person who will handle things at the other end. So, make sure that you enquire about the international mover and the packing crew before settling for one.

  • Check if they are accredited by FIDI

FIDI is a quality control association for international movers. They set guidelines and strict quality requirements for the movers to be qualified as reliable. An independent auditor periodically assesses the accredited moving company in order to ensure that the standards of compliance are being met. In addition to this, most FIDI accredited international movers have insurance and protection policies in benefit of their customers. All in all, if you are a sucker for quality, no matter if you are moving from Japan to U.S. or U.S. to China, always go for an FIDI accredited mover.

  • Ask for the quotes for additional services

Needing additional assistance when you are moving to a different country is only understandable. So, ask your mover if they could help with additional services like currency transfer or immigration assistance or pet transport etc. and what would the charges be. It will help keep your budget intact. In fact, some might even agree to unload and help you settle and re-assemble things in your new home. So, don’t be afraid to ask the right questions. After all, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Lastly, get recommendations from your friends and check for the reviews from previous customers. Once everything is said and done, ask for a detailed contract and you are good to go.

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