tips

Tips on a Stress-Free Weekend Getaway

Tired of the same old routine? Feel like you deserve a break from life’s everyday stresses? Well, we’ve got some tips on how to spend your weekend. Whether it be for 24 hours or 48 hours, these quick getaways will help recharge and revitalize you so that you can return to your normal routine feeling refreshed!

Choose your destination: Deciding on your getaway destination is the first step. Picking somewhere close by will save you time and money, but picking a location that has activities you’re interested in can make for a more enjoyable trip. If you don’t have any specific ideas, do some research online or check out travel guides to find inspiration.

Pack your bag: Once you’ve decided on your destination, it’s time to pack. Pack light since the goal of this trip is to relax not work hard. It will be easier for you and others if you have a set schedule – whether that means going out only at night or taking things day-by-day. If there are any additional items you need, such as medication or toiletries, make sure to pack them.

Choose your transportation: If you’re driving somewhere close by then just get in the car and go! Take along a few magazines if it will help pass the time on longer drives. If you are travelling long distance via plane or train, try to leave extra early so that you can enjoy the ride and have time to settle in before your trip begins.

Budget-friendly accommodations: You don’t need five star accommodation for a weekend getaway so make sure to choose something affordable but still comfortable. If you’re travelling somewhere new, it might be best to stay at an inn or hotel instead of renting out an apartment or house.

Keep track of time: Whether you’re taking a quick weekend getaway to the beach, spending 24 hours in a city, or planning an extended trip with family and friends, it’s important that you keep track of how much time is passing so that you don’t miss your flight home! This can be done online using travel itineraries or by setting alarms on your phone.

Now that you’re armed with these tips, it’s time to plan your stress-free weekend getaway!

Why A Cold Brew Coffee Maker Is The Perfect Gift For A World Traveler

Why a cold brew coffee maker is the perfect gift for a world traveler?

Because it is portable, and you can carry it around in your luggage when you are traveling. The first thing you do when you retire to your hotel room is, you take out the cold brew coffee maker and the container containing your coffee beans that have been grounded in a coarser manner than if you brew your coffee hot.

YOUR COLD BREW COFFEE BEANS – THE COARSER THE BETTER

Rough textured ground coffee beans will make the filtration process easier. This will also make the final output of cold brew coffee far less bitter. What’s good about cold brew coffee is it is lower in acidity – over 67% less acidic than hot brewed coffee.

Since the coffee grounds you’re using have not been exposed to high temperatures, the cold brew coffee you have created will be tasting more flavorful and at the same time, less bitter.

Of course, as a world traveler, and as a coffee lover, one of your main goals is to taste all the coffee varieties of the world. Sometimes you like it hot, sometimes cold. So, be grateful to the friend who gave you this priceless gift of a cold brew coffee maker – you get to taste all the coffee varieties right in the comfort of your hotel room, in its cold version. Just steep overnight the local native coffee beans that were grounded coarsely in your handy cold brew coffee maker. Then, when you wake up refreshed and raring to start your day in a foreign land, just reach out for your cold brew coffee maker with your thirst-quenching and energy injecting cold brew coffee inside, waiting to be poured and enjoyed.

YOUR COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER: FOR YOUR JOURNEYS AND YOUR HOME TOO

Then, when you’re back home, surprise friends who visit you and expect the hot expresso that you always serve. Instead, always have that trusty cold brew coffee maker filled up with your favorite coarsely ground coffee beans steeped in filtered water and chilled in the fridge. You will never know when friends and family come and visit. Offer them a pleasant surprise of cold brew coffee lovingly hand made by you, the erstwhile world traveler.

Unlike hot brewed coffee, which tastes unpleasant after a few hours, cold brew coffee kept in the fridge for a week still tastes spectacular. Cold brew coffee, kept for one week in the fridge, is much like wine which tastes better through time. Isn’t it great and convenient that cold brew coffee maintains its taste and substance even after a week or one-third of a month? Just open the fridge and go pour and enjoy it!

COLD BREW COFFEE MAKER – PERFECT GIFT FOR PEOPLE ON THE GO

And don’t fret, world traveler, if you drink 3 to 5 cups of cold brew coffee every day because of the handiness of your cold brew coffee maker – it may even make you less prone to heart disease by up to 15%. The components in cold brew coffee like magnesium, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents see to that.

When you’re going out of town again, don’t forget to bring in your luggage your beloved cold brew coffee maker. As a thought, because you have been so attached to it, why not give a gift of a cold brew coffee maker to a loved one too today!

How To Prepare for a Running Race

Are you looking for something to do that is beneficial for you? Why not learn something new like taking lessons on arts or learning how to play an instrument. Maybe you are athletic and would like to do something about sports. It could be either learning a new sport or joining competitions. Whatever sport you are interested in, there are surely competitions you can join. If you are in a club, it would be a lot easier for you to find one. 

Running is one of those that always seems to have an event. It could be a marathon or a fun run. No matter what, grab that opportunity. It will be beneficial for you to keep in shape. In addition, some of those events are for charity, so you will be helpful for others too. Running a race is not that simple though. You will need to have preparations for it. 

Have the Best Gear

It is just running, why would you need gear? Do not worry, it does you will not need any equipment, but you would need to have the proper attire for it. You would need the right shoes for it. It will be for supporting your ankle, locking your heel into place, and giving your toes enough room to wiggle around. If you are planning to run long distance, get one that is heavier for added comfort. If you are going for a shorter race, have one that is lighter and easier to run with. Clothing is also an important aspect. It would be wise to invest in good ones. Dri-FIT fabrics are designed for this and better for you to look for those.

Train and Practice

To get ready for anything, you would need to practice and running is not a consideration. By training, you will be able to enhance your ability and condition your body. If you are planning to run long distance, endurance is essential and by training, it will be developed. You would also know what your body needs before, during, and after the race. Have a schedule for your training. Remember to not exhaust yourself because it will affect your performance.

Prepare Mentally

Finishing a race is not just about how your body works, but also how your mind takes it. A positive mentality is one of the keys to success. Remember that it is not always about winning, but finishing it. Do not stress about the race too much but relax and have fun while you are at it. 

Prepare Physically

Your physical needs are not just obtained through training, but also how you will take care of yourself. Make sleep your priority. Be sure to have seven to eight hours of sleep in your course of training. Having enough rest will energize you whereas the lack of it will make you feel groggy and dull. Food intake is also important. Be sure to know about proper diet techniques. Carb intake is important to fuel you. Know what other food you would have to eat and avoid. Hydration is also important especially during training, so have a bottle of water and energy drinks with you always. 

How to Surf for Beginners

When you are on a break, it would be nice to spend some time on the beach. You could have your friend or family and bring food and games to bond over. You could also do some activities and fun sports such as limbo and frisbee. Why not also try new things? You can try riding a jet ski or banana boats. If you love a thrill, why not try surfing? It might sound and look intimidating. It sure doesn’t look easy either. But everyone, even the experts, all had their beginnings. This might be the time for you, and as you start, you will need to learn about the following:

Know the Right Equipment

Of course, when you surf, you will need a surfboard. There are some beaches that have them for rent, and it would be perfect if you just want to give it a try. But if you are planning to have it as a hobby, you can definitely purchase one for your own and have some recommendations that will be perfect for beginners. It is advisable for beginners to use soft-top surfboards because it is safer and convenient.

Know about the Waves

The next thing you will need to learn about are the waves. Remember that not all waves are great for surfing. There will be a time that it is dangerous and not convenient for surfing. As a beginner, the preferable wave would be that breaking over the sand. But as time goes on, you would need to learn more about waves, so you would know the perfect time for you to surf. 

Know the Basics

Now it is time for you to surf. The question is how will you start? The first thing you need to do and remember is not to surf and learn on your own. Have some experienced friends or other companions like in surf school when you surf. This way, you will avoid injuries and danger. As a beginner, it would be wise and helpful to have lessons. This way you will not only know how but also learn about the different techniques. You will also be inspired by their life and make you fall in love more with the sport. Before you start, be sure to have a warm-up and stretching. This way, you will avoid cramps and increase your heart rate. At the water, remember about the following:

  1. Take it slow. Being on the water could make you excited to learn and start. But rushing things will just do bad rather than good.
  2. As said before, everyone was a beginner at some point. So, do not get attached to those who are experienced. Instead, work on your skills and develop them.
  3. Practice sitting on your board so that you will get used to it and be comfortable for sitting on the board is not easy. Another thing you would need to practice is paddling and have the right rhythm.
  4. Get used to wipeouts fo even experts get wipeouts, so it would surely happen a lot to you as a beginner. But for your safety, you will need to learn how to fall with it.

Hiking Tips and Tricks

With all the stress and busyness of our lives, we just want to take a break and unwind. One of the good ways to do it is to have a hike. This is an activity that you can do with your friends and family or just by yourself. There will be planning involved though even it’s just a short one. The reason for this is safety and also to have a smooth adventure. You need to know what to expect. What are those preparations that needed to be done?

Know the right trail and get familiarized

Are you a beginner or an expert? No matter what it is, it is important to know the right trail for you. There are short and easy trails that are perfect for beginners. If you are also looking for a time alone and relax, this may be the trail for you to go for it is less dangerous. Maybe you are an expert and would want to go to a more challenging trail. No matter what will you choose, always be familiarized with it. You should know to expect and what things like what kind of animals or plantsit has around and what kind of terrain it has. You should also have an expectation for what’s to come, so you can prepare what you may need on your trip. 

Know the weather

Another important thing to prepare for is the weather. What season will you take your hike? Will it be during winter with the snow or spring and summer where there are rainfalls? Keep in mind the heat you’ll experience too. The reason for this is because it will affect how you will dress and what to pack. It will also affect the trails you will choose to go to. Also, if the weather is not good and dangerous, you might need to cancel your plans.

Know the essential items

Hiking is not just about dressing up and walking on the trails. There are things you will need to bring during the hike for your safety. Make sure your stuff is clean and ready. The essentials include:

  1. Navigation (map and compass but with technology, your smartphone might have a map, compass, and GPS)
  2. Sun Protection (sunscreen and sunglasses)
  3. Extra Clothing
  4. Flashlight
  5. First Aid Kit
  6. Materials for fire
  7. Food
  8. Water
  9. Emergency Shelter

Know the right clothing

Knowing the right clothing is important for comfort and protection. Light clothing will be a requirement, especially on a hot day. There are all-weather jackets available in case the day is colder and windy. Rain essentials are necessary to be brought because weather is unpredictable at times and you need to be ready at all times. The material of the clothing is also important. Cotton should be avoided because it stays damp. Instead, choose ones that are made of wool or synthetic. Choosing the right hiking boots is also a must. You should have the right type to protect your feet and they should be comfortable for you to wear even in challenging and muddy trails. Choose also a pair that will not cause blisters.

Know about emergency essentials

We will never know what might happen during hiking, so it is important to have emergency shelters and first aid kits in case of accidents. Tell a friend or family where you will be going, so in case of emergency, they will be able to contact professionals and know where to find you. It is also handy to have emergency contacts on hand such as your medical assistance when something serious happens.

Scuba Diving for Beginners

Life is short, so make the most of it. That is what people might say. It is the reason why they have a bucket list or a list of things to try. It would be a mix of simple things such as trying a new food or going to places, and things that will involve danger such as skydiving or climbing a mountain. It is all about the thrill.

Scuba diving is one of those activities that is common but also dangerous. It involves going underwater that is limited to air. It does sound intimidating, but also fulfilling especially when you see the beautiful nature that is underwater. You just have to prepare yourself for it. Here are the things you should do for preparation:

Know The Locations

There are a lot of locations that offer lessons and destinations for beginners. You might want to search for those, but if you do have one within your area, go for it. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with it. 

Know The Gear and Equipment

Scuba diving will certainly involve a lot of gear. From the attire like the wetsuit and masks and then you have the equipment. You would need to choose a wetsuit that is right for you. It is not only looking for the right fitting but also the temperature of the water. You will need to have a research about the place you will most likely diving the most. Masks are also crucial. You should have one that stays on your face and does not leak. As for the equipment such as the oxygen tanks, it would be better to rent first than to buy to see the right one for you. You can definitely invest for one once you have decided that scuba diving is not just a one-time experience.

Get Training

You would need a certificate and license before you will become a scuba diver, so you will definitely need training. Choose a school that is known for safety. It is the most important factor. To know about this, you could have a research and read some reviews. As said before, water temperatures are also significant. So if you are thinking of having scuba diving as a hobby, know about the temperature of the place you will mostly go to.

Some Tips:

  1. If you want to make sure that scuba diving is right for you, why not try first in a swimming pool before doing it in the ocean. In fact, it is required for you to be able to read water or float for 10 minutes and have to swim 200m.
  2. Do not be afraid to ask questions. It is for your safety and enhancement of skills.
  3. If you have decided to have scuba diving as a hobby, always practice. Have a dive as often as you can to enhance your skills.
  4. Join a club or community, so you will be able to know about the latest trends about scuba diving. You can also exchange knowledge with one another and help each other improve.
  5. Relax. Panicking, especially underwater, will just cause you harm.

Tips for Traveling Abroad for the First Time

Being on vacation is exciting. What more exciting is having a trip. What is even more exciting is having a trip abroad especially if it is your first time. There is something about being in a new place with a different atmosphere and even a different culture. It will be really refreshing and relaxing and kind of overwhelming at times even. But it is definitely a great time to take a break and consume the sights that you will see and make new memories.

Like any other trip, it will involve planning and there will surely be a lot. If this will be your first time, here are some important essentials you need to know:

1. Know the necessary documents needed

First thing will definitely be your passport and visa. You should know about the limitation and expiry dates of them when you plan. They might need to be renewed before you plan or you leave and to know your schedule. Another are the files needed for confirmation with your flight and lodging. You can have them printed for you to have a physical copy to carry around when you are traveling and also as evidence in case problems arise. This also includes contacting your credit card company and bank to inform them that you are leaving the country. This will avoid suspicions of fraud and so that you can use them even if you are at another country. Another thing to prepare is your budget. Be sure to know about it and set it up even its limitations to be sure.

2. Know what to pack up

You may get too excited upon leaving for abroad for the first time that you may want to bring a lot of things and clothes. But always remember that you might need or even use all of them during your trip for there will be other things you will do or get excited about. Add to that, your luggage might be added with a lot of memorabilia and souvenirs that will be added. So that is why it is important to pack light and just bring necessary items including enough clothes (with some extras). A great way to know about them is to have a list beforehand. Be sure to have extra clothes in your hand luggage in case something happens like a canceled flight.

3. Know about their culture

When you are going abroad, it will be definitely different from what you are used to. Not only the sights but also the way of living people does. So it is important to know what their culture beforehand. There might be things or gestures that you should avoid because they may get offended or consider it rude. It is also handy to know about their language even just the basics. There are times that you will need to know your way around and it will be hard if people do not speak English. Also, by knowing their culture, the shock will be avoided and you will know that it is how it works for their country. To know about this, you can buy guide books and dictionaries or simply do quick research on the internet.

Skiing Tips for Beginners

It is nice to try something new once in a while. It could be something simple or you could go ahead and do something extreme. What is important is to get to try something and who knows, you might enjoy.

There are various sports out there that you can give a try. There are some that are well known and could be done near you. There are also some even if it is well known but cannot be done at your place or exclusive at certain places. One of those is the skiing. Skiing is commonly found at cooler places such as Canada and Vermont. You would see skiing resorts in those places. If you had the chance to go to those places or even in other countries such as Switzerland or even Japan, why not give skiing a try. If you are a beginner, you will definitely be assisted, but here are some tips that will help you:

1. Know about the Place

It could be at the same or another country, but no matter what, you should familiarize yourself with it. If you are a beginner, there will surely be trails that are available for you. But even if that is the case, you should know about the trails and slopes and the difficulty of it for you. Ask questions about them with some staff or even some experienced ones that will help you. 

2. Know the Essential Gear

For skiing, you will have your gear that you would use and also essential for your safety. Here are the essentials that you will need:

  1. Ski Helmet – used for your head’s protection.
  2. Ski Goggles – not everyone wears goggles but it is helpful as a protection from wind and other particles that may distract you.
  3. Ski Socks – you cannot just use any socks when you ski. You should have one that will not only protect you from cold but also stay up and support you.
  4. Ski Boots – should fit snuggly around your leg, but not so tight as to cause pain or damage. The idea is not only to give you some support, but also to keep snow and water out of your boot. It should definitely not be cutting off circulation to your feet.
  5. Ski Poles – used for balance and propulsion. Find ones that are best for you and learn how to handle them correctly.
  6. Skis – a narrow strip of semi-rigid material worn underfoot to glide over snow.

3. Know the Basics

Now it is time for you to ski. The first thing you need to know is properly putting your skis on. Then after that, you should learn about the proper positioning, stance, and how will you flex and gaze your body. When practicing, you should learn about the following:

  1. Warm up
  2. Learn about the different kinds of slopes
  3. Learn how to stop to avoid dangers
  4. Do not go to fast but take it slow
  5. Round off turns and could be good for controlling speed
  6. Slowly progress to parallel
  7. Warm down

In case you fall it is important that you will know how to get up and have your skis once again. As a beginner, you can also have lessons. There are some things we cannot just learn by ourselves and need some guidance.

Things To Do Before Leaving for Vacation

Going on vacation is very much anticipated by everyone. It is a great time for you to take a break from work and other stress that is happening. It will be a nice way for you to clear your mind and relax. If you are going with someone whether It with your friends or family, it will be a great way for you to bond with them.

But it is also important for you to plan your travel. There are many essentials needed. Before you leave for a vacation, you might need to do this.

1. Prepare the documents needed

Whether you are traveling abroad or not, there will be a lot of documents involve with your trip. When you are traveling abroad, of course, you would need your passport, visa, and plane tickets. Be sure to have confirmations about your flight and lodging. But even if you are just traveling locally, you will still need confirmations about your board and lodging and transportations such as train, bus, and plane. Another thing to confirm are places of entertainment that needed reservation such as stage plays. Documents also include ones at your home that needed to be settled before leaving such as bills. Be sure to update your travel documents and travel insurance too. If you are leaving the country, be sure to inform your credit card company or bank to avoid fraud and so you can also use it if it is applicable. Also, another important thing is that you know and set up your budget that will be needed for your vacation.

2. Prepare a list of emergency numbers

Being on vacation is unpredictable. In case something happens, you should have a list to contact like close friends and relatives. Keep track of other emergency numbers too such as hospitals and conduct research about the local numbers too.

3. Inform a trusted family or friend

When you are leaving, be sure to have a trusted person to know where are you going and how long. They could be the ones you can contact in case of emergency. They are also ones you will entrust with your home especially if you have pets that needed to be fed. 

4. Pack up 

Be sure to pack up the essentials. It will definitely depend on the place where you are going. But no matter where you go, do not overdo it and pack light. Like the clothes for example, just pack enough including the extras. Be sure to have one in your hand luggage too in case of an emergency like canceled flights. To know which one should be packed, it will be handy to have a list needed for your trip.

5. Check the weather

Know if the weather is applicable for you to leave. In case a plane trip is required, you might want to know about the flight being canceled that needed to be rescheduled or even refunded. This is also applicable when you are going home.

6. Secure home

Being on vacation means leaving home for a while, so make sure to check if it will be secured enough. Have a trusted family or friend, maybe a neighbor, to watch out for your home. Be sure that no unnecessary electronics are plugged especially those that might cause to start a fire. Also, be sure to have your trash empty and check your refrigerator if something needed to be disposed of. This will save you from food that might get rotten and the smell it will emit.

Rock Climbing Techniques for Beginners

Sometimes, life gets too boring that we just want to try to do new things. It could be as simple as learning how to cook or play an instrument. It could be traveling to another place, either in another country or just somewhere near. It could also be some exciting sports or even more challenging ones.

One of the activities you could try is rock climbing. You could either do it indoors with artificially made climbing walls. If you want more challenge, there are also a lot of spots outdoors that you could try. No matter where you want to first try, you will surely be guided as a beginner. There are techniques that you could try, and here are some:

1. Footwork

The problem for beginners is that they tend to focus upwards and what to grab. One of the important aspects of rock climbing is what you will step on. There are techniques for footwork that you could work on:

  1. Smearing – If you’re facing an ambiguous surface with not much to stand on, you want to expose as much of your foot’s surface area to the rock as possible. Think of it as making the sole of your foot one with the rock. You want your feet to stick like a suction cup (not really, but you get the idea).
  2. Edging – Sometimes there is an edge to stand on, but it’s very small. In this case, you want to basically wedge the edge of your shoe sole into the edge, as square as possible. This will allow you to maximize your grip to the edge, allowing you to propel forward and upward.
  3. Hooking – In some instances you can use one of your feet as an additional hand, rather than using it as a base like you normally would with your feet. Make sure you are in a good position to do so, as you are temporarily sacrificing one of your two most stable limbs.

2. Use Your Legs

Since your legs are much stronger, make use of them instead of relying too much on your arms which easily tires. 

3. Grip

Gripping the rocks is very essential for this activity. It is not about just for balancing but also for pulling yourself up. Some rocks you will climb on are of different shapes and sizes and tend to get tricky. You should know what to do if you get there. Here are the techniques for your gripping that will help you:

  1. Crimp – Use your thumb to give your index finger a bit of extra support when it needs it.
  2. Open Grip – When you have large holds at your disposal, open your hands and wrap your fingers around it as much as possible.
  3. Pinch – Use your thumb and fingers to pinch the hold like a lobster.
  4. Pockets – When you have a smaller hold you may need to use less fingers but you still want to make as much contact with the surface as possible.

4. Body Movement

The way you will move your body is also essential. You should not be stiff but also not frantic. Eventually, you will develop your own style and dynamic that you are most comfortable with. In the meantime, you can also learn some of the techniques you can begin with and can use or practice on:

  1. Sidepull – Sometimes you simply can’t get a good grip to make upward progress. Consider instead making movements to the side.
  2. Gaston – Another option instead of making upward progress is to make outward progress, potentially making other opportunities for you to grab next.
  3. Palming and Stemming – When palming, you’re relying on your palm rather than your fingers. It’s usually combined in conjunction with stemming, or basically spreading as discussed earlier.
  4. Underclings – This happens when you simultaneously push up with your feet and cling with your fingers.
  5. Dynamic Moves – also called as “dynos.” It is a way of utilizing your body’s momentum to make a movement to a grip that is a bit out of reach.
  6. Core Strength – Not only is it good for a six pack, core strength helps ensure you are strong from the center.

5. Relax

In climbing, be sure you would have resting points to catch a break. It is also important to relax and do not let fear overcome you. Sometimes, it is what will trouble you and might cause you to fall.