How to Plan an Unforgettable Vacation

How to Plan an Unforgettable Vacation

From time to time, everyone needs a good vacation. Because vacations are often expensive, it is important to take time to prepare and plan. Whether you choose to visit the beautiful Six Senses Spa (advised upon by Mukesh Valabhji) or travel to a unique city, the following tips can help you plan an unforgettable experience.

Determine What You Want

To begin with, it is important to identify what you want out of your vacation. Everyone is different, and certain things matter more to certain people. Ask yourself the following questions to better understand what your ideal vacation entails:

  • Do you want adventure or relaxation?
  • Are you interested in visiting a new place?
  • Do you want to go somewhere close or travel across the world?
  • How much time do you have for this vacation?
  • What do you want to do during this vacation – sightsee, sleep, outdoor activities, etc.?

Plan the Details

Once you know what you want, it is much easier to plan the details of the trip. Start by choosing the destination. Then, decide where you want to stay and for how long. While you are planning, you should also decide whom you are going with. Then, plan the smaller details including food and activities. Once you have all of these details, you can book your airfare and accommodations. You may even want to look for travel deals during this time.

Prepare

A little preparation before the trip can be extremely beneficial and it often promotes a better overall experience. Some important things to prepare include your itinerary, clothing, toiletries, luggage, and any necessary travel documents such as a passport. Make sure you do not leave this prep work until the last minute. If you do, your stress prior to the vacation will be much higher.

Research the Destination

Good preparers often research the destination ahead of time. A little research is especially helpful if you have never been to the area. You can educate yourself about the culture and language. Also, determine what the main form of transportation is and what the weather will be like when you arrive. This will help you easily acclimate to the area when you arrive.

Be Realistic With Your Expectations

Sometimes people put too much pressure on the vacation, hoping for a near-perfect experience. Traveling comes with ups and downs, and it is important to understand this. Try not to let the things you cannot control ruin your fun. Sometimes things happen, and it is common for flights to be delayed or a restaurant to disappoint. The good news is when you are realistic these minor inconveniences do not take a toll on the entire trip.

Enjoy the Moments

When you set realistic expectations, it is easier to have a great time and enjoy the moments. Remember, even the simplest activities are often worthwhile. Whether you hike a mountain or sit outside and enjoy the view, these are moments you cannot take back. They are also a lot more appealing than the day-to-day activities of regular life.

There is a reason vacations are so appealing and sought after. Make yours an unforgettable one by following this helpful guide.

Planning the Perfect Party Food

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Food brings people together in a very special way, so having the right foods at your next gathering could be the make or break point at your party. Take this advice and be sure to be prepared the next time you’re playing host and want to make a good impression.

  1. Know your Audience
    It’s important to remember, when you’re planning the menu for your party, the food is for your guests first and foremost -not you. Know what kind of crowd will show up, and be sure to take note of the occasion. For instance, it’s probably not wise to serve escargo at a superbowl party, likewise hot wings probably wouldn’t go over tremendously well at a dinner party.
  2. Have the Right Tools
    Party supplies are a big part of any gathering. You may have prepared the most terrific dish that suits your party guests perfectly, and has everyone’s mouth watering, however if you have no forks, plates, napkins, and other utensils there’s no point really, as no one will be able to enjoy the food eating with their hands.
  3. Try New Things
    Yes, your fudge brownies are amazing; yes, your guests do like eating them; but no, they do not want to eat fudge brownies every single time that they’re over. There’s nothing wrong with having favorites, but it’s important to mix things up and bring something fresh to your party to keep your guests on their toes and coming back for more. 
  4. Variety
    Going back to the Superbowl party scenario covered previously, hot wings are probably a good fit for that type of party -however, if there’s nothing else but hot wings there, your guests may become a little bored. It may also be a problem if you serve nothing but hot wings, only to learn that your guests don’t actually like hot wings. Mix up your menu, and offer dishes that compliment one another.
  5. Keep It Simple
    It can be easy to get caught up planning your menu and wanting to impress your guests, there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if your dishes take an entire day to prepare, are complicated to serve to a large number of people, or are difficult to eat, maybe think about taking it down a notch. Your menu doesn’t need to be a 5 star restaurant’s caliber to be impressive, keep it simple and allow your guests to enjoy the food without working too hard.
  6. Have a Back-Up Plan
    There are always things that you can’t plan for, there is never a “perfect” party. This rule applies to food as well, unexpected things such as allergies, or spilled dishes can occur and as a good hostess, you should be prepared for them. Have a backup dish ready in case of emergency, always.

Sugar & Spiced Coffee

Now that the temperatures have dropped, we’re snuggling up and sipping on these cold weather classics. Community Coffee Company offers seasonal coffee blends (made exclusively with 100% Arabica beans) that are deliciously satisfying on their own AND in a number of food and drink recipes.

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Servings: 8
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
3/4 cup chilled whipping cream
4 1/2 tsp. powdered sugar
1 cup freshly ground Community® coffee
5 tsp. ground cardamom
3 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
7 cup water

Directions:
Using an electric mixer, beat whipping cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Then, add powdered sugar and continue beating. Place ground coffee, cardamom, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a coffee filter. Using spoon, mix gently. Add water to your coffee maker and brew to your liking. Next, divide coffee among 8 cups. Garnish each with a dollop of whipped cream and serve piping hot. Single serve coffee maker is ideal for this recipe, as long as you get one that has reusable pods. They are simple to use and can brew barista like coffee all day long. In case you haven’t gotten one already, check out Single serve coffee maker reviews at KitchenGuyd to find the best pick.

4 Easy Ways To Make Your Anniversary More Fun

If, over the years, your anniversaries have become a little stale, now is the time to change that. Perhaps you always head out for dinner at the same restaurant or maybe you don’t do anything at all to mark the occasion. Your anniversary shouldn’t be just another day; it should be a time when you bond with your partner.

Of course, after being together for a few years, it’s easy for your anniversary to be forgotten or treated as just another day. This year, aim to ensure that you make your anniversary a fun and memorable day when the two of you spend some much-needed quality time together.

Stuck for ideas – don’t worry, with these four easy ways to make your anniversary fun, I’ve got you covered.

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  1. Take a road trip

For an anniversary with a difference, why not plan a road trip? This doesn’t have to be anywhere far away; it can simply be to a beach, theme park or city that you’ve wanted to visit for a while.

There’s something incredibly relaxing about getting away from your hometown for a little while. If you want to spend some undisturbed one-on-one time with your partner, going away for the day is perfect. You can have fun exploring a new place or visiting an attraction while having some quality time as a couple.

  1. Recreate your first date

To make your anniversary extra special, how about recreating your first date? There’s nothing more romantic than going back to the place that the two of your first spent time together. Book at table at the place where you had your first date or go for drinks at the bar where the two of you met. Trust me, recreating your first date is the perfect way to mark your anniversary – it’s fun and romantic.

Even if you don’t live anywhere near where you first met, you can still recreate your first date. It’ll just take a little more creativity; that’s all. It doesn’t have to be the same restaurant; it just needs to remind you of your first date.

  1. Spoil each other

Your anniversary is the perfect time to spoil each other. Believe it or not, spoiling each other doesn’t have to break the bank even if money is tight, you can still make your significant other feel special.

While you could treat your partner to a lovely gift, such as one of Shinola’s watches. If money is tight, you can make them feel just as special with a homemade gift. How about baking them something yummy, like homemade bread, fudge or perhaps chutney? Or what about making them a DIY photo album of the two of you? Get creative and you can give your partner the most amazing pressie.

  1. Book into a fancy hotel and spa

What better way to mark the occasion than with a hotel and spa break? If you’re both in need of a little relaxation and pampering, a weekend away at a fancy hotel and spa could be perfect. You can explore a new place, have a pamper, and enjoy some quality time together, what could be better than that?

The good news is that booking into a nice hotel doesn’t have to be pricey, if you’re willing to shop around, that is. Browse discount sites, and you should be able to find some fantastic deals on hotels.
Want to make your anniversary more fun? Take note of these four awesome ideas for a more memorable day.

Tips for Travel with Children

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I frequently travel, and since becoming a mother, it hasn’t stopped me. Travel with children can be a little difficult. It can be a little stressful. It doesn’t have to be though! They may be, slightly out of their normal routine, but it doesn’t have to mean a bad experience for you. Here are some tips to make travel with children a little easier.

Time

Take your time. Whether that is getting to the airport, making a connection or getting to a hotel. There is no rush. Just plan ahead and make sure you allow a lot of time. I have found that kids love the airport. They get to have a walk, see the airplanes and eat snacks. So allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy it as much as you can. I think if you are feeling stressed, your kids notice.

Plan

This might sound like an obvious one, but it is so important. From the method of travel to the hotel, it all needs to be planned. You don’t want to turn up to the hotel to find that is isn’t family friendly or doesn’t have any travel cribs. Read the fine print when booking a hotel, and opt for family friendly hotels like Hotwire hotels. Then you won’t be faced with any unexpected surprises.

The other important things to plan are what you will do at your destination and how you will travel. If it is just adults you can just hire a car and it isn’t a problem. With children, there is the extra foreplanning for things like car seats. Will you take your own? Does your airline allow you to take them without a charge? How much are they to rent? These are all important questions to think about.

Every destination will have something for the family to do. Do your research ahead of time to find out what the best spots are. Some attractions may need to be booked in advance. You don’t want to find that you have to wait in a long line with tired children!

Pack Light

Well, with kids, as light as you possibly can. They don’t need to bring all their favourite toys. One or two would be plenty. This is when technology comes in handy too. If you have a smartphone or tablet, can you use that to entertain them on the plane or car journeys? You will most likely be taking it anyway, and it will keep them occupied for a length of time for sure.

The other thing to do with the things you are taking is check the climate of the destination. If it is a varied climate, it is trickier. If you know it will be cold, pack accordingly. Likewise for warmth. When you book your hotel or villa, it is worth checking if there is a laundry service or a washing machine available. This will mean you won’t have to pack something for each day. Do a little laundry and you will be able to pack rather light.
Good luck on your travels! It doesn’t need to be a daunting prospect. Relax, deep breaths and enjoy!

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Fear The Dentist

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Are you afraid of going to the dentist? You’re in great company if so – around a quarter of all people in the country are scared of dental appointments. There are plenty of reasons why – the noise of the drill, the poking about with sharp pieces of metal, and the fear of painful operations. But, are those fears justified?

The truth is, no; they are not. And, when you consider that fear is keeping a lot of people from having regular check-ups, the consequences can be severe. As a mother of young children, I like to think that I instill positive feelings about trips to the dentists, but I’m sure that all mothers do the same. So, where do all those fears come from? And is there anything we can do about it?

I thought I would spend some time looking at some of the simple reasons why no-one should be afraid of dental surgeries in this country. So, if you or anyone in your family avoids treatment on their teeth through fear, read on. With a little luck, I might just persuade you otherwise.

It’s treatable

First of all, most fears are irrational, and many of them can be treated. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people who are afraid of spiders, flying and anything else you can think of. So, there’s no reason a few trips to your local therapist can’t help you deal with your phobias about the dentist, either. Think seriously about it if you want to make a positive change in your life. If you are suffering from pain, or are ashamed of the state your teeth have gotten into, you need to get help. And, if there are mental barriers in your way, you will continue to suffer.

More modern

We are leaps and bounds away from the 60s and 70s when dental treatment was a lot more daunting. Perhaps this is where most of those fears have come from. People who were children in those days who have grown up with feeling the dentist is something of a ghoulish figure. In fact, I can remember a lot of TV shows, movies, and books from around this period that painted tips to the dentist as the ultimate scare. Maybe it’s no surprise that so many people these days still have negative feelings? But, these days it is a different story. It’s a much gentler experience than it was in those days – from the waiting room all the way through to the longer procedures.

Friendlier dentists

The image of the gruff and unfriendly dentist is long gone. And, in fact, those types of dentists don’t tend to last long, as their patients will soon go elsewhere! As more people have become aware they have more choice; it’s important for dentists to be as friendly as they can. Or, to be frank, they will risk losing their businesses.

Painless procedures

The vast majority of dental treatments are painless. They can still be a little uncomfortable, of course. But, this isn’t the same as pain, and the benefits far outweigh the pain you will suffer if you don’t look after your teeth. Let’s take one if the most infamous treatments out there for many years – root canal. I can honestly say that there are five or six people I know that would turn pale at just hearing those words – even though they have never had one! Yes, it’s likely to be uncomfortable, but as we mentioned before, it isn’t likely to be too painful. Take a look here for a good example of the root canal experience – http://garidavies.me.

Sedatives

Of course, if you are nervous, your dentist may allow you to have some gas and air. It’s a similar procedure to the one that women have during childbirth, and it can help relax you and ease anxiety. It normally takes place before a procedure, and most people take it through a nosepiece. For those that suffer from extreme nerves, an intravenous injection is given. If you can’t get over your fears, then sedation might be something worth talking about to your dentist.

The cost

There is one fear that we all have about the dentist, regardless of whether we are pain sensitive or not: the sheer cost! Let’s take that root canal procedure again as an example. It’s a big operation to carry out and involves highly skilled work – and that comes at an enormous cost. It would be a big ask for the vast majority of families to fork out that amount, as many just won’t have that amount of cash lying around in their savings. So, make sure that you have a dental plan in place – for you and your family. Take a look here and you can see some of the costs involved – https://www.carefreedental.com/procedures/root-canal. It makes sense to cover yourself with a small monthly payment to avoid losing a lot of money in one hit, right?

The ideas behind dental procedures

When you think of the ways that we use to describe hard or painful things to do, they can often involve the phrase ‘pulling teeth.’ And it’s this kind of idea that lurks around in people’s heads. The thought that they would go to a dentist and spend hours with a knee on their chest, and the terrible struggle to have their teeth pulled out. The truth is somewhat different. Ask any dentist and they will tell you the same thing – pulling teeth is easy. So, forget about the old tropes and sayings you might hear, because most of them are outdated and irrelevant theses days.

It rubs off on your kids

As a parent, you have a responsibility to set an example for your children. They pick up on every little thing, and all those little fears that you have and show in front of the kids will rub off on them, too. So, if you scream when you see a spider, there’s every chance your young ones will develop the same irrational fear. And, when you panic about your dental appointment or show fear when you take them for a checkup, they will begin to do the same. In fact, it’s parent’s fear that is most likely the reason so many people are still scared stiff of having a dental checkup. So, even if you do have fears, you will need to deal with them – or at least, not show them – when you have children. If you do, there is a good chance they will have the same, and suffer from potential problems with their teeth later on down the line.

It’s only going to get worse

Lots of people haven’t been to the dentist for years, know they have lots of cavities, and still won’t go. This is peculiar, to say the least. Because, once you start getting cavities, they won’t just stop and move on to somebody else. They stick around, get bigger, and cause more problems until you fix them. I know it can be tough to deal with a fear of the dentist, and it is a genuine condition – called dentophobia. But, unless you can conquer your fear, you will go through years of pain. Not only that, but your teeth will look horrendous, and you will feel bad about yourself until you treat them. Get help if you need it, because it’s only going to get worse.

Danger of x-rays

Fear of x-rays – or radiophobia – is another genuine condition that might stop you from going to the dentist. X-rays are part and parcel of dental checkups and are a great way of finding out if you have problems before they get too serious. Of course, they can be dangerous, due to the radiation. But, how dangerous, exactly? The facts are that if you go out and spend an hour in the sun, your body will be exposed to more radiation than you will from a normal dental x-ray. So, don’t let your fears get in the way of good dental health, and get help for your radiophobia from your doctor or therapist.

It’s good for your general health

Another important point to make is that your dental health has a direct link to other areas of your body, such as your heart. Ask anyone who has heart problems and they will tell you that you have to get a sign-off from your dentist before undergoing any major surgery. Gum disease and infections can eventually travel down to your heart, and cause infections in there – which can lead to heart disease. So, for the sake of your overall health, please do anything you can to get help for your fears!

Your dentist wants to help

Finally, it’s important to remember that the person you are afraid of only wants to help you. It won’t be like that scene from Marathon Man when Dustin Hoffman receives a special kind of treatment from Laurence Olivier. A successful procedure that is pain-free, quick, and easy for the patient means that the patient will come again. And, they will also recommend the dentist to family and friends. It makes no sense that a professional will actively seek to cause you pain, regardless of how scary and torturous their instruments look.

Top Tips To Get Your Children Excited About Your Camping Trip

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Planning a camping trip can be lots of fun, especially if you’re taking your children with you. It’s an activity that’s filled with adventure and exploration and can ultimately bring you closer together. If your kids have never experienced camping before, you may feel even more under pressure to make this a holiday to remember. There is no need to feel stressed as there are countless ways you can keep your kids entertained and get them excited about the prospect of camping. Use these tips during your planning to ensure you create fun filled and successful trip that you can all enjoy.

Get the involved in the planning

Your children can give you a great deal of help when you’re planning your camping holiday. You can show them websites and pamphlets that advertise tourist attractions and places that might be of interest to them. It could be a kid’s outdoor playground or a family friendly history trail. Compile some potential activities that are nearby to your campsite and share your findings with them. You can talk through which ones you think might be suitable and get their feedback. Be positive when you speak about each activity to grab their attention.

Make them a Camping kit

Just before you head out on your trip present your child with their own individual camping kit. This could contain a blanket, walking boots, a map, a torch and a whistle. Educational books about wildlife would also be a great item to include. This will get them in the mood for an adventure and will be an excellent treat before their vacation. Make this gift to your child personal to them by choosing camping items in their favorite color or cartoon character. You could also include board games and coloring books to keep them entertained if it’s raining outside. Take this opportunity to lay down some rules about camping safety and explain what behavior you expect from them when you arrive at the site.

Do a dummy run

Nothing will get them more excited about their camping trip than a dummy run in their own back yard. It will be beneficial to your children to have some experience in a tent before you get to your campsite, even if it is only for a few hours. They might be nervous about camping for the first time so doing this will put all of their concerns to rest. Reassure them that the tent is perfectly safe and the noises they hear are just friendly animals and insects. You can teach them how to put up the tent properly and even practise cooking outdoors if you like. This activity will also be great during your planning as it may highlight essential items you need to buy or replace before you leave.

These top tips will make sure you and your kids are fully prepared and excited about your camping holiday. Spend lots of time having fun and getting involved in a whole host of outdoor activities. Having a stress-free experience will make camping your top choice in accommodation for the future.

4 Top Tips To Make Your Next Vacation The Best One Ever

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Holidays play a crucial role in the lives of millions. And once you’ve been bitten by the bug, exploring the world becomes top of your agenda.

Progressions to travel and other facilities make exploration easier than ever. Budget airlines and online resources make it possible to book a vacation from the comfort of your own home. Nevertheless, if you want to get more from your next trip, there are a number of steps that must be taken.

Follow these four items, and your next vacation will exceed even your wildest expectations.

Book Better Accommodation

When booking a vacation, your primary thoughts will concern tourist attractions and other fun items. However, you should never underestimate the importance of your digs. It’s easy to dismiss it as nothing more than a bed to sleep. But anyone that has endured a terrible hotel will confirm that accommodation is much more important than that.

A great night’s sleep will allow you to achieve far more from your waking hours. Meanwhile, you should be keen to look for location and cleanliness too. The right accommodation will take your enjoyment to an entirely new level. It’s as simple as that.

Give Something Back

Vacations provide some of the most enjoyable moments in our lives. But what better way to gain ultimate satisfaction than by giving something back to those less fortunate?

The concept of volunteering abroad has become increasingly popular in recent times. The great projects give people the chance to experience wildlife up close and personal. You’ll be doing something great for the planet while also enjoying a unique trip that will not be matched anywhere else.

If animals aren’t your thing, then you can always help out a village of people. Either way, it will help you mature as a person while gaining a truly unforgettable experience.

Be Social

Whatever type of holiday you take, getting involved with the local culture is a must. Make no mistake, we all love sitting by the pool for a few days. But there’s so much to see in this beautiful world and it would be a shame to miss out.

There’s a strong chance that you’ve picked a location for a particular attraction, and you should see it. However, the guide books won’t tell you everything. Try to immerse yourself in the culture. Eat the local cuisine. Enjoy the local entertainment. Speak to the local people.

You’ll gain far greater memories for doing it.

Choose Companions Wisely

Taking a family holiday rarely poses a problem, but travelling with friends can be a great way to end a relationship. Therefore, it’s imperative that you give the process of picking a vacation buddy serious thought.

Being in proximity for extended periods can be testing, especially in a foreign land. You need to be sure that you can handle being around those people. If you are unsure, then try to arrange a big group. Travelling in a large group gives you the chance to break away. Just remember that this is your holiday too, and you should do whatever makes you smile.