How to open a travel agency? Here’re the 5 steps

March 26, 2019 by 1 Comment

Digital transformation proved to be a good friend for travelers. Popularizing alternative transportation and lodging services – such as Airbnb or Uber, makes it easier and cheaper to travel that was previously a dream for many people. In this context, opening a travel agency becomes more challenging, and you need to think of innovative strategies so you don’t miss out.

The World Tourism Organization reported that in 2018 more than 1.3 billion people around the world packed their bags and traveled, representing a 7% growth in this sector compared to the previous year. This shows a favorable scenario for many tourism service companies around the world.

With this new opportunity scenario, we will show in this article 5 important steps to opening a travel agency and how to make it successful.

Travel Agency: Business in Decline or Up?

Travel agents have traditionally been the main intermediaries between tourists and companies in the industry – such as airlines, road transportation, hotels and restaurants. Technology has facilitated access to a variety of choices and values ​​for travel and lodging, but travel agents remain strong in the market because of the difference in having professionals who qualify, save time, money and produce more comfort and safety for clients.

If you are thinking of investing in this industry and don’t know where to start, see our tips below.
Here are 5 steps to open a travel agent:

1. Commercial consultation: First, it is necessary to know whether the chosen business place is suitable for commercial activities.

  1. Search for names and brands: If a brand name has been determined, look to see if there are companies listed with the same name as you want. You must consult the Commercial Board, Notary or in agencies related to Intellectual Property;
  2. Business formalization: You should make a social contract submission or an individual company statement. At this stage, requests must be made with Federal Revenue Services and state registration requests for Revenue from the company’s operating conditions;
  3. Promotion: Even for consumers who prefer the convenience of having a special company when planning their trip, it is necessary to think about differences to attract and retain customers – who are increasingly demanding. For this, a good alternative is to invest in a promotional campaign. One of the main advantages of closing a package with an agent is the possibility of dividing the trip. Thinking about smart pricing strategies and promotions is an action with a good chance of success. Using affordable brochures is recommended.
  4. Your blog. Customers become more demanding and connected, so it is very important that the company is present on social networks and develop marketing strategies to increase revenue. This branch allows blogging about travel, for example, which might be the customer’s first contact with the brand when looking for curiosity about their goals.

If you can go through the 5 steps above well then your chances of success in this sector will be even greater.

Filed Under: lifestyle items Tagged With: ,

How to Set up a Cat Litter Box

March 26, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Does your kitty spray and do her business outside of the box? You have been setting her litter box up all wrong! Cats are our family and like other members, they need their stuff to be perfectly placed. Yes, for instance, their litter box shouldn’t be under the car in a garage just because you won’t have to look at her poop.

 

There are many other things to consider while setting up a litter box. So it’s always better to focus on the correct way to set up a litter box rather than only researching and testing automatic cat litter boxes in order to solve litter problems.

How Many Litter Boxes Do You Need?

Have at least one litter box per cat, plus an extra one. That means you’ll need 2 of them if you have a cat, 11 for 10 cats, and 5 for 4 cats. Keep in mind that all the litter boxes are not in the same room placed side by side.

 

The ideal no. of litter boxes is no. of cats + 1 and all of them should be placed separately in different rooms at ‘socially important places’. So that your cat will have enough litter boxes to spray and poop in to mark her territories.

 

In a nutshell, it is important where you place them. If your cats are doing fine otherwise, never spray or poop outside the box, you have limited space in the house, and your cat litter problems are solved then there’s no need to put extra ones out there.

Place Litter Boxes at Socially Important Places

Some of you believe, your cat needs privacy to do their business. They need a box which has a hood over it or the litter box which is disguised as a cabinet in your drawing room. But that’s ridiculous because if your cat had her way, she would poop and pee in your yard in front of the door. It’s us who don’t like to see her litter box open.

 

People would put litter boxes where they don’t have to look at her poop often such as behind the washing machine, in the mudroom, under the car in a garage, or in the bathroom etc. I too resent it but the truth is you should do the exact opposite. Put the litter box in a drawing room or in the bedroom. Socially important places are important for ‘catification’.

 

Well, “Catification is the art of making changes and adjustments to your home that meet the needs of both you and your cat (aesthetically and spatially).”, according to Jackson Galaxy, aka Cat Daddy.

 

Moreover, if your cat is feeling insecure and marks territory in some places, place the litter box on that spot. That will help you solve litter problems.

No Deodorizers Around

Cats have aversion to  some scents and that includes the scents of deodorants. That said, you should not use any plug-in or sprinkle-on deodorizers around their poop box. I don’t believe in using scented litter because a cat always like a clean litter box and a clean one never stinks.

 

All you need to do is scoop litter regularly and wash the box every week. This will keep the litter box fresh and it won’t stink. Deodorizers and scents may lead to an aversion to the area and the litter box which will add to litter problems.

Provide Multiple Exits to the Litter Box While Catifying the Setup

As we discussed, catifying is the process of environmental enrichment for you and your cat without precluding your aesthetic sense. So when you catify the litter box arrangement, you might want to put the whole box in a corner or the way one of its exits/entrances facing too close to a wall making it only open from one side.

 

When another cat, dog, or a human comes behind them while kitty is doing her business inside, she won’t have any option left but to feel being ambushed. This situation can trigger fear, stress, and anxiety in a cat.

 

So make sure the covered cat litter box has multiple (most commonly 2) doors so that cat can leave the box whenever they sense danger from other pets or humans.

Try Different Litter Boxes of Litter Problems Are Not Solved

It is possible that you have tried everything but still, your kitty sprays and mark territories in the house. Some of the adopted cats might have a bad memory with their litter box in their previous parents’ home. When they are confronted by the similar litter box in your home, that might trigger fear and anxiety as a result of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

 

To litter train your cat, use litter boxes of different, color, shape, size, and depth. There’ll be at least one box which will be the most suitable to her.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a litter box for a cat is not difficult but there are certain points to keep in mind. Wrongly set up boxes can lead to cat litter problems which are harmful to you and your cats. Keep these points in your mind and that will be all to easily set up the litter box. However, cat litter problems won’t disappear if you do not clean it properly. If you have to share something with us, drop a comment in a comment section below.

 

Author Bio:

Clara Lou is Co-founder and the Head of Marketing at Petlovesbest.com. Petlovesbest is a one-stop solution for all your pet supplies shopping and pet-related queries.

Filed Under: animals Tagged With: , , ,

When is the Best Time to Vacation in France?

March 26, 2019 by Leave a Comment

While France is a great country to visit at any time of the year you may wish to visit the country when the weather’s not too hot or too cold. Let’s take a look at each month of the year and what the weather is likely to doing.

January

If you are headed to the south of France you will find that the weather is much warmer in January than it is in other parts of the country. While January is France’s coldest month the temperatures in the daytime are likely to be around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.

 

Make sure you take your waterproofs with you when you’re in France in January as there may be a lot of rain. However, the beaches are likely to be quite empty which is never a bad thing.

 

February

Temperatures tend to rise a little in February which means they can be as much as 9 degrees Celsius. There’s also a bit more sunshine this month too. You will still need some winter clothes, however, as it can get quite cold in the evening and during the night. Be prepared for a few heavy downpours as there are often a few showers in February.

 

March

 

The month of March is when the weather changes quite noticeably. At this time of the year, the temperature can reach as high as 12 degrees Celsius and there will be approximately 5 hours of sunshine each day. However, you may want to pack some warmer clothes as there will still be some wind and rain around.

 

April

 

When April comes around you will see the beginning of Spring arrive in France. Temperatures can be as high as 15 degrees Celsius although there will still be a few windy and rainy days. Make sure you pack a few waterproofs just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.

 

May

 

May is a far more pleasant month and you can expect to see temperatures reaching as high as 18 degrees Celsius. The wind tends to die down a little during the month of May and although it can get a little chilly from time to time you shouldn’t get too cold.

 

June

 

June brings with it temperatures that range anywhere between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. You may even see up to 8 hours of sunshine each day. While you may need to wear a light jacket in the evening you’ll find that you can wear those summer clothes you love during the month of June.

 

July – August

 

Between July and August, you should see temperatures reaching as high as 24 degrees Celsius. There is a lot less rain during these months, but it can get a little cool during the evenings so you may need to bring warmer clothing. Take a look at some Voyage Prive offers so you get a great deal on your time in France.

 

September

 

In Early September you should see temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius, however, at the end of the month, they can be as low as 21 degrees. You may need to bring some warmer clothing with you as the weather starts to change.

 

October

 

October brings with it cooler temperatures that can be as low as 11 degrees Celsius. You will also see much more rain during this month so you will need to pack your waterproofs.

 

November – December

 

If you travel to France in November – December you should expect the country to be cold, windy and wet. There is a lot less sunshine and you should see rain fairly often. You will need to pack your cold weather clothes if you come to France during these months.

 

You can now make a more informed decision about when you should visit France, helping you to get the most out of your holiday.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

4 Fun & Creative Ways to Eat Beef Jerky

March 26, 2019 by 2 Comments

To most people, jerky is just a grab and go snack, something you eat quickly without much thought of presentation, plating or any of the fancy stuff. But what if I told you that you could elevate humble beef jerky. What if I told you that you can turn it into an ingredient worthy of gourmet meal, or at least something a lot more thought that you could whip up on date night perhaps?

 

It’s time to forget everything you know about jerky and start seeing it in a different light, start seeing it as an ingredient with a lot of potential. It can bring some much needed flavor to a meal, add a little crunch or just take an otherwise normal meal to a higher level. So if you want to take your meals up a notch with an ingredient that you might have been underestimating, this blog will give you some ideas you can add to your recipe list.

 

In Salads

 

Let’s face it, when you’re trying to eat more greens, salad can get really boring, really quickly. This is why we add things like feta cheese and croutons to it. Jerky is also another addition you can make to your salad. You can grate it into the leafy greens to add some salty flavour. It will elevate a boring old salad into a five-star dish.

 

In Pasta

 

We put bacon in pasta and all sort of meat, so why not beef jerky too? You can cut it up into chunks and add it to your creamy pasta dish. It will give you a break from the standard pasta dishes you’re used to making every single day.

 

On Pizza

 

Now you don’t have to make the pizza to enjoy this little hack. Next time you order a pizza, whatever flavor you get, you can add a little more pizazz to it with some beef jerky. Sprinkle some chunks of jerky on your slices and even add a little extra cheese. Pizza night will be a whole lot more interesting, and next time you’re entertaining, you can just throw your secret ingredient on your regular pepperoni pizza.

 

As a Starter

A very popular starter is asparagus spears wrapped in bacon and grilled. Trade the asparagus for a stick of jerky, and instead of grilling the bacon with it, cook the bacon separately and then wrap it around the jerky. It’s a meaty starter that will definitely get people talking.

Before you look down on jerky as a snack for road trips, consider all the possibilities of this humble food. There are so many new combinations, dishes and treats you can come up with. From salads to pasta, there are so many ways to infuse jerky into your cooking and food prep, and introduce something new and fresh to your diet. Remember, jerky isn’t just tasty, if you buy the right kinds, it’s actually healthy. It’s also packed with protein, and many variations are low in fat. You can get it without any additives, in fact nitrate free jerky is a very popular snack you can easily find. The moral of the story is, don’t knock the jerky, it just might be the hero of your next meal!

Filed Under: food Tagged With: , ,

Cost Effective Home Makeover Tips You Should Know

March 26, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Doing a home makeover is not a big deal. What you need is an excellent plan which contains some creative and innovative tips. In fact, you don’t need a lot of money to have a home makeover. Here are ten cost effective home makeover tips which you should know;

 

Repaint

Repainting is the least inexpensive method to do a home makeover. When you repaint your home, it will definitely look more attractive and beautiful.

 

Don’t just paint your walls only. You should also repaint your shelves, cabinets and dressers. Also, make sure that you choose the correct color combination. As asserted by Country Living, it is wise to look out for the latest color and interior design trends.

 

Install Advanced Home Security Systems

 

You should have advanced home security systems. A reliable security system will keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe.  

 

There is a common myth which states that advanced home security systems are expensive. Worry not – you can find some affordable security systems if you deal with the right security companies.

 

Perhaps you already have a home security system. If so, you should scan it and see whether it is still functioning properly. If not, then you should replace it with a new one.

 

If you just have a simple security system, you can swap it with a more advanced one. If you own an advanced home security system, you will eliminate all possible attacks of burglars and thieves.

 

Install Beadboard Ceiling

 

Beadboard ceiling is cheap. What’s more – it is a great tool which you can use to totally revamp your home décor!

 

If you install beadboard ceiling, your house will look more attractive, sleek and elegant. What you need to do is to buy beadboard from a local hardware vendor, then install it yourself.

 

After buying the beadboard, you should measure and make it proportionate to the size of your house. Then you just fit it in. However, if this process looks to be difficult to you, you can hire a local handy man to do the fixing for you at a small fee.

 

Use Artisanal Homewares

 

You should always strive to purchase homewares which appear unique and attractive.  This will make your home to have a new look.

 

Avoid purchasing homewares from large store chains. Homewares from these chains are usually generic and expensive. However, you should take your time to look out for specific artisans who design homewares. Most artisanal homewares are cheap and attractive.

 

Have A Focal Point

 

One of the most cost effective ways to remodel your home is to create a focal point. A focal point should be the main center of attraction in your home.

 

For instance; if the television is your main focal point, you should surround it with some of your most fashionable and stylish home décor. You should also place your major decorations around the television.

 

Use Themes Frequently

 

Each part of your home should adhere to a specific theme. You can do this by using matching patterns, accessories and color schemes.  

 

Moreover, you should not randomly hang your family photos and artworks on the walls. However, you should create galleries which all adhere to a specific and distinct theme. You will have to be really creative in designing these themes.

 

Make Your Accessories to Be More Stylish

 

Purchasing new accessories is not cost effective. To do a complete home makeover, you can just choose to update your existing home accessories. For instance; you can change your pillow covers. Or polish your worn out decorative items.

 

Improve On Your Flooring

 

Maybe your floor appears to be hideous and ugly. According to Business Today, an old dull floor can make your home to look gloomy and deplorable.

 

So, you should improve on your flooring. Installing new flooring is a costly affair; but there are cheaper alternatives to get rid of an ugly hideous floor.

 

Just buy a patterned carpet or rug and place it on your floor. You can also look out for artisanal rugs from online stores.

 

Add More Storage Space in Your Kitchen

Another ingenious way to have a home makeover is to increase your kitchen storage space. You should always aim to have more storage space especially if your kitchen appears to be cluttered.

 

You can increase your kitchen’s storage space by adding more racks, shelves and cabinets. Just make an appointment with a local carpenter and instruct him on your storage needs.

 

Moreover, you should install open shelves in preference to closed shelves. Open shelves offer a lot of flexibility in placing and retrieving items. Also, you can use open shelves to display some of your beautiful and valuable home décor.

 

Conclusion

 

You are not obligated to implement all of these tips. Even if you implement just one of these tips, your home will definitely be the point of envy of all your friends, neighbors and relatives.

Filed Under: home Tagged With: , ,

What To Do When There’s An Accident

March 19, 2019 by Leave a Comment

On a list of things that could happen to ruin your day, an automobile crash has to rank towards the top. Most of the time, they arise out of nowhere with little to no warning. Most are minor, yet some can be utterly catastrophic. Car crashes can and do happen to everyone. Whether you are on vacation, commuting, or just taking a leisurely drive, a crash can happen. 

It’s helpful to know a few things that can make what happens after an accident go a little more smoothly. Make sure you know what to do after a car accident not your fault, not sure, or when you are at fault. 

Before the accident

Believe it or not, there are steps you can take to prepare for a crash before it happens that can make the entire ordeal a little less stressful. These include:

  • Remove potential flying objects
  • Print out your states DMV Crash checklist
  • Have a first aid kit

Remove anything from your vehicle that could turn into a projectile. Remember that loose objects in your vehicle travel at the same speed as you do. In the event of a crash, the objects will continue moving at driving speeds until it strikes something to make it stop. For example, say your child left a marble in the back seat. You’re driving down the highway at 60 mph. It’s setting harmlessly in the back seat then you are struck by an oncoming vehicle. It launches forward at 60 mph and strikes you in the back of the head. Not so harmless anymore is it?

The DMV accident guide can help you to organize your thoughts after a crash so that you don’t forget anything in the ensuing chaos.

The first aid kit should contain bandages and sterile wipes at a minimum but can consist of more should you so choose.

Immediately following the crash

Stay safe! The last thing you want to do is to put yourself in any more danger. Reconstitute yourself and become aware of your surroundings. If you are on a busy freeway, stay in your vehicle until it is safe to exit. Check yourself; see if you have any injuries. With all the adrenaline coursing through you it is very common not to know that you are injured until minutes later. Check on any passengers that were traveling with you. Call 911 to inform the police and get an ambulance en route, if needed.

What to do next

After you are safe and first responders are on the way, you are going to want to start collecting information if you are able. Start by taking pictures and exchanging insurance information. NEVER ADMIT FAULT. Be polite, but saying it was your fault isn’t going to help the situation any. It is not your job to determine who is at fault; admitting fault could cause you unnecessary financial burden. Make sure you write down anything that could become important such as your speed or what you noticed just before the accident. Take note of anything that the police may need for their report.

Contact your insurance company and answer any questions they have and follow all instructions. It is imperative that you answer their questions thoroughly as this information can become crucial if you are taken to court. Your insurance company will be able to assist you in making sure that you have covered all of your bases.

On the thought of court, make sure to call your lawyer. Hiring a good attorney can be critical in saving you from financial harm. If you do not have an attorney already, I suggest that you begin researching and trying to find a good one. Besides being sore or recovering from the crash, an attorney should be at the forefront of your thinking. Always be honest and open with your attorney. No attorney can help you if they do not have all the necessary information.

As stated earlier, a car crash is never pleasant. There is nothing about an accident that makes you say “hmmm, now that sounds fun! I think I’ll crash today!” But taking steps to be prepared for a crash before it happens and knowing what to do after is sure to ease the headache that is a car crash.

Filed Under: safety Tagged With: , ,

Budget city breaks – How not to break the bank

March 15, 2019 by Leave a Comment

To say that city breaks have come into their own over the last few years would be a gross understatement. Once upon a time it was just about sun, sea and sand and while these getaways certainly haven’t died out, tourists are now looking for alternatives.

City breaks fill this gap and can provide something different for a weekend, or longer. Unfortunately, many of these destinations have caught on to the fact that tourists are now flocking in their millions, and before you know it a break of this ilk can really break the bank.

This is the reason we have put together today’s post. We are now going to look at some of the best ways to save money on a city break, whilst still having a great time.

Location, location, location

It’s one of the biggest clichés going in the travel world, but we really can’t emphasize location when it comes to a city break. There are some destinations out there which always capture the tourists, but always happen to capture the dollars as well. In other words, it’s impossible to do them on a budget. London can quite often fall into this category, while Paris isn’t far behind either.

However, there are some destinations which appeal to tourists, but aren’t overpriced. Belfast can be included here, and with hotels in the area being really good valuable it is places like this which should be worth considering.  If you are looking to explore a city in  a tropical locale, a last minute all inclusive vacation is sure to save you money.

The power of “off-season”

Next, let’s talk about school holidays. This next point might not be music to many ears, but just be aware of the price hikes if you have your heart set on a trip during this period. The prices are inflated ridiculously, and it means that the once-affordable city break is suddenly costing a fortune.

The solution? Become creative with your dates, or postpone for another period.

Forget the suitcase

This next point is becoming more understood amongst travellers, but suitcases are so last decade. Most of the time, you’re going to need to take very little on one of these breaks. It means that a suitcase is not necessary, and can in some cases double the cost of your flight. Learn to pack shrewdly, and watch your costs dwindle.

Don’t be afraid of exercise

Finally, don’t be lazy! This point relates to transport and while at times it can be interesting to sample the local transport networks, in some cities this can increase your costs.

It’s something else that isn’t always necessary, either. For example, in London, it has been found that it’s quicker to walk between some tube stations rather than get the metro. As such, do your research before traveling.

There’s a time and place to save money

Following on from all the above, let’s conclude with a point about common sense. Sure, you can really dive into one of these city breaks and save money in countless areas. However, there’s a time and a place to be smart, and if you are looking to cut something out that is going to cost you in terms of safety or even significant enjoyment, this might be a step too far.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

What You Need To Know About Medical Malpractice

March 14, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Medical malpractice is the term used for when a medical professional neglects to provide the appropriate treatment to a patient, and this results in injuries or harm to the patient, or even results in them dying. This is usually the result of the medical professional giving subpar treatment to the patient or omitting to take the appropriate action for a patient’s best interests. However, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to malpractice and in determining whether or not a lawsuit can or should be brought. Because of that, it’s worth looking at what’s generally involved in medical malpractice and what’s typically involved in a lawsuit. As Oxford Online Pharmacy notes, it’s always worth knowing whether or not medical malpractice has occurred before trying to launch a lawsuit.

What’s Involved In Medical Malpractice?

In the majority of legal definitions of medical malpractice, it’s defined as when a hospital, doctor or other medical professional doesn’t provide a certain standard of care. While a medical professional is normally not held liable for any harm that comes to a patient, they are liable if this harm was a direct result of a deviation in quality of care. This would be in comparison to any similar situations that these medical professionals may have dealt with. Because of that, medical professionals and institutions will be held legally responsible for these injuries. However, for a medical malpractice lawsuit to be viable, a few factors must be taken into account.

The first of these is that the medical professional didn’t provide a proper standard of care. Federal law requires that medical professionals provide a certain level of care; anything below this could result in the professional facing charges of negligence. The second of these factors is that this negligence results in injury to the patient. Furthermore, the patient must be able to prove that these injuries were as a result of the negligence suffered. Lastly, the patient must be able to show that the injuries have damaging consequences. While this is somewhat vaguely defined, many have come to view it as including the likes of:

  • Disability;
  • Enduring Hardship;
  • Considerable Loss Of Income;
  • Constant Pain; &
  • Suffering.

However, this isn’t to say that not being satisfied with the level of care you received can result in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Having said that, the majority of laws have been written in such a way as to avoid this kind of cases, and any ones that slip through usually don’t have a chance of winning.

Types Of Medical Malpractice

There are a few different types of medical malpractice, as there are a variety of ways that a medical professional can deviate from a standard level of care. These include the likes of misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose, which can often result in a significant amount of suffering or even death for the patient. A failure to act appropriately on test results, or to not order the appropriate tests can also be a key factor in medical malpractice. One of the ones that people may be most familiar with would be objects being left in a patient during surgery, although it may not be as common as you think. Performing surgery on the wrong part of the body has also been shown to be grounds for malpractice; many have also shown that unnecessary or incorrect surgery can also result in malpractice.

What Does A Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Involve?

A medical malpractice lawsuit is no different from any other kind of lawsuit. In this case, the plaintiff is the patient and is suing the defendant, the medical professional. A malpractice lawsuit should typically include a few essential elements to prove that medical malpractice occurred. The first of these is that the medical professional or hospital owed a duty of care to the patient. Second, they must prove that this duty was breached because the professional or hospital did not live up to an expected level of care. Thirdly, they must show that this negligence resulting in some form of injury; in the case of death, the suit would be brought by their estate, who must prove that the negligence resulted in death. In the case of injuries, they must lastly prove that the injuries had some kind of damages, such as disability or loss of income.

Filed Under: health, safety Tagged With: , ,