Destination weddings and destination bachelorette parties often make the news, but you seldom hear about destination baby showers. That’s a shame. A destination baby shower is a great way to get all your friends and family together and celebrate the impending birth of your child.

Destination baby showers are becoming more popular these days for new parents-to-be. If you have a large number of out-of-town friends and family or simply want to get away one last time before you become a parent, a destination baby shower is the way to go.

If you are considering a destination baby shower, take a look at what the Windy City has to offer. A destination baby shower in Chicago is a fantastic experience that will be as memorable as it is fun. Here are a few reasons to consider Chicago for a destination baby shower.

Central location

One reason destination baby showers are becoming so popular is that people tend to have more friends all around the country. As technology helps keep us more connected, it is easier to keep in touch with your college roommate in Dallas or your cousin in Des Moines. When you have your baby shower, you want to invite all these people but asking them to travel to you can be asking too much of a favor.

Chicago, also known as the Jewel of the Midwest, is the premier big city in the middle of the country. If you want a destination for your baby shower that is convenient for the most invitees, Chicago is it. The city is no more than a three-and-a-half hour flight from basically anywhere in the country and is drivable from a good chunk of it. It is the perfect “meet in the middle” location.

Two airports

In addition to being relatively close to everyone coming to your baby shower, Chicago is also easy to get to from virtually anywhere. Chicago has two major airports – O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. New York, LA, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington DC are the only cities with comparable travel options.

This offers travelers a better chance to get direct flights, reasonable prices on flights, and flights at convenient times. Flying into either of these airports is fine since both are close to downtown Chicago and offer a number of easy transportation options to get into the city. Having two airports is an underrated draw when it comes to destination events.

Large variety of venues

In addition to Chicago’s central location and ease of access, there are also an incredible amount of wonderful venues to choose from to host your baby shower. No matter what your taste, style, and budget, you can find a perfect Windy City venue where you can throw your party.

Whether you like classy and traditional, funky and modern, or anything in between, there is a Chicago venue for you. The city is also home to world-class caterers, entertainment companies, photographers, videographers, and more. You can find everything you need in Chicago for the baby shower of your dreams. Party Slate has compiled a list with some of the best Chicago baby shower venues if you’re looking for a place to start.

Many Activities

The important thing to remember about a destination baby shower is that the baby shower piece is generally just one part of a larger weekend, or even week. It is the reason you are all there but it is not the only thing you will do while in town.

If you have your destination baby shower in Chicago, finding things to do while you are not baby showering will be very easy. You can see some of the famous Chicago sites such as the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the famous Bean (aka Cloud Gate) sculpture in Millennium Park.

If you and your party want to do a little retail celebration while you are in the White City, great shopping is available, too. The Magnificent Mile, in the heart of downtown Chicago, offers high-end retail that rivals Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive. You can find trendy boutiques around the city, too, especially in neighborhoods such as Logan Square, Bridgeport, and Andersonville (A-Ville to the kids).

Great food and drink

If you are coming to Chicago for the first time, you may want to try one of the city’s famous indulgences such as Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, or a Chicago dog run through the garden. For a destination baby shower, though, you probably want some more upscale fare. Luckily, Chicago has that covered these days, too.

Several celebrity chefs call Chicago home including Stephanie Izard, Rick Bayless, and Grant Achatz. Achatz’s Alinea restaurant is Chicago’s only 3-starred Michelin restaurant but Arcadia, Oriole, and Smyth all have 2 stars, and 21 others in the city make the prestigious list with 1 star.

As for drinks, if the baby shower is in your honor, you probably won’t spend a late-night bar-hopping in Wicker Park or River North, but many great neighborhoods in Chicago offer fine bar-hopping locales. Don’t worry, you won’t get left out of the drinking festivities just because you’re pregnant.

The historic Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago hosts a well-known Afternoon Tea in its lovely Palm Court room. The room oozes elegance with a fountain in the middle and a huge chandelier. You can get tiny sandwiches, delicate desserts, and a three-tiered tray of scones here. A tea sommelier can walk you and your group through what you’re drinking. It is the perfect pairing for a destination baby shower.

Conclusion

A destination baby shower is a great idea for expectant parents who want to do something a little out of the ordinary for their baby shower. If you think this may be a good idea for you, Chicago is a great place to do it. The city is centrally located with two major airports and chock full of venues, things to do, and places to eat and drink. It will make your baby shower one that people will remember long after your baby is delivered.

 

It is an unusual time for everyone in the country, to say the least, this year has been full of pandemic and protest news. As such, if you are in the market for an escape and are looking for travel destinations, you are not alone. The good news is that if you are looking for a destination that’s choke-full of activities and sights and sounds that you can explore safely, it doesn’t get any better than what Atlantic City has to offer.

Like most parts of the country, Atlantic City is trying as best as it can to carry on as usual. With affordable midweek rates for rooms and canceled out of state vacations, Atlantic City is an attractive option for many people itching to get out and travel. Plus, you’ll never run out of things to do while in AC.

If visiting Atlantic City sounds like a plan to you, here are 5 things I did last time I went to Atlantic City that you may want to try out:

Go to the beach

If you have been stuck indoors for a while and are craving a bit of normalcy, the beach could just be what you need. For anyone residing anywhere in the northeast, a road trip to Atlantic City Beach is a great and budget-friendly vacation. And a motorcycle road trip will be even more of a scenic experience of the beach views. Simply browse through the Harley-Davidson road king models, and you’ll be well on your way to beach paradise!

Indeed, the best place that you can be during this pandemic is outdoors. Not only is going to the beach good for you, but there are lots of other activities that you can try such as kayaking or surfboarding. Just remember to bring your hand sanitisers with you so that you can remain protected at all times.

Experience the boardwalk first hand

There are many boardwalks in America, but none are as well-known or as well-liked as the Atlantic City boardwalk. Unlike many other parts of town, Atlantic City did not shut down its beaches or boardwalk. As such, you will find that most eateries and restaurants on the boardwalks already enjoyed ample outdoor space.

The boardwalk stretches as far as the eyes can see and is lined with restaurants and casinos for you to explore. You’ll find that most people are in masks at the boardwalk and there is sufficient space to maintain a good distance between yourself and other travelers.

The city also allows open drinking on the boardwalk, so you shouldn’t have any issues ordering drinks, alcoholic or otherwise. Most restaurants either offer customers lush outdoor seating areas or takeaway options although the seating capacity has been limited thanks to the virus. If you opt to sit for a meal, arrive early or expect to wait in line as restaurants currently are experiencing hardships accommodating everyone arriving from the casinos.

Shop your heart out at Tanger Outlets

The Tanger Outlets are situated right behind the beach and boardwalk. This ginormous outdoor mall hosts 109 big name stores that are spread out around 3 blocks. So if you are looking to take some knick-knacks back home, this would be the place to spend your hard-earned cash.

The stores inside the mall are constantly offering discounts to keep customers coming back. As such, this is a great location to carry out some bargain shopping. Please note that you will be required to wear a mask while inside. If you don’t have one, you can easily get one from the Shopper Services center where you will also find some hand sanitizer to keep you safe.

Go to the Steel Pier

If you still have time after your lunch at the Boardwalk, consider heading out to the Steel Pier. The Steel Pier is situated on the boardwalk just a couple of steps from the beach and the casino resorts. Not only does the Pier have rides to excite visitors of all ages and sizes, but it also offers some of the best views of the city.

This is a great stopover especially if you have little ones thanks to the rides and attractions contained in the 1,000 ft long amusement park. For weeks, the park remained closed thanks to the pandemic, but it has since re-opened its doors with strict hygiene protocols.

All the rides have been configured to maintain the recommended safe distance between groups and amenities are constantly sanitized so that you can continue to have a great time without worrying about your safety.

Try legal sports betting for the first time

Unless you’ve been taking cover under a rock, you must know that states all over the country are now working to legalize sports betting. What you may not know was that none of these sweeping changes happening in the world of sports betting would have been possible without New Jersey and Atlantic City’s casino’s as a whole.

It was the Garden State that pioneered the legalization of sports betting. So it comes as no surprise that New Jersey is now referred to as the gambling capital of America, overtaking once-great sports betting states like Nevada.

This means that if you’ve never tried sports betting before and are curious to try your hand and luck, there is no better place to do it than AC. You’ll be treated to an array of sportsbooks that are decked out with lounges designed to make you as comfortable as possible. One of the very best sportsbooks so far is the Borgata New Sportsbooks which launched recently.

Because MGM is Borgata’s parent company, expect nothing short of perfection and first-class entertainment at the Moneyline Bar & Book. Like many sportsbooks, the total capacity has been reduced, which means that you will have lots of space to enjoy yourself around the bar or tables. But don’t take my word for it, this review article has everything that you need to know: https://www.njgamblingfun.com/nj/review/borgata-online-new-jersey-review.

How to travel to Atlantic City safely

While the pandemic cases continue to rise and fall in the country, you will want to make sure that you are traveling safely to keep those you love and those around you safe. Some flights might require proof of a negative COVID-19 test depending on which part of the world or country that you are arriving from, so you will want to put this into consideration when making your arrangements.

If you do decide to travel to AC:

· Look for hotels and casino operators that are following strict COVID-19 safety guidelines.

· Check your state’s travel advisory.

· Educate yourself as much as possible so that you can learn which things to avoid and stay safe during this pandemic.

 

From the calming sounds of the sea to the awe-inspiring beauty of Mother Nature’s untainted creations, island nations have it all.

If you’re like most people, living on a peaceful island may sound like an expensive vacation that you can only experience in a dream.

But believe it or not, that dream can become a reality. With Caribbean citizenship by investment, you can enjoy the perks of having a home closer to nature and have an opportunity to grow your wealth through real estate investment.

Whether you’ve decided to relocate elsewhere, the Caribbean should be one of the first places to consider for your dream island home.

4 Reasons to Build Your Dream Island Home in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. But while this is a well-known fact, some people are still unaware that the region can also be a great place to call home.

If you’re planning to build your dream island home, below are the four crucial reasons the Caribbean should be your first choice:

Paradise-like location

Tourism is and has always been the bread and butter of the Caribbean nations, and this is all thanks to the region’s paradise-like locations.

Paradise is often painted as a place with azure waters, lush foliage, and pleasant weather. If this is the same as your definition, you can consider the Caribbean as paradise.

Many island nations under the jurisdiction of the Caribbean are known for their beaches and natural attractions of unparalleled beauty. This and the colorful culture and diverse population make the Caribbean a place worth considering as your second home.

International mobility

Although it may not be the primary reason you’re buying in the Caribbean, one of the major perks you get from investing in a real estate property is international mobility.

With Caribbean investment properties, you can have a home to live in at a beautiful place while also enjoying easy access to many other countries and territories around the world.

Take the island of Antigua, for instance. Located in the Leeward Islands, the bigger of the twin-islands of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda is near Europe and several North American countries. With its strategic location, Antigua is a suitable place to stay for both business and leisure.

It also has close ties to other countries and is a member of both the United Nations and the British Commonwealth. Because of this, a passport from this country grants you access to over 100 countries worldwide without a visa.

Tax benefits

As far as money is concerned, Caribbean citizenship offers more value than others because of the tax benefits you can enjoy.

As an economic citizen, you can save a lot on tax exemptions from wealth, global income, inheritance, and gift taxes. This is true for most of the islands in the region, especially popular tourist destinations like Antigua, Grenada, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and many others.

Potential for rental investment

Besides freeing yourself from some taxes, another way to get the most value from Caribbean real estate is by using it as a rental investment. With the region being quite famous among tourists, it’s safe to say that you are likely to fill your house with renters all-year-round.

On top of that, people are more than willing to pay a reasonable sum of money for a beachfront villa, especially when they are on holiday. The Caribbean is quite popular among couples, too, with the region once deemed as the top honeymoon destination by a Luxurious Magazine report.

By considering this, you can make the most of your real estate investment not just from soaring property values but also from the steady rental income you can get from it.

4 Things to Consider When Investing in Real Estate in the Caribbean

There are plenty of considerations you need to consider when buying a property for investment anywhere, but these four are the most crucial when it comes to the Caribbean:

Eligibility

Before you decide to invest in real estate, you should first determine whether you are eligible.

In some countries like St. Lucia, you will be required to be in the island to sign the conveyance documents necessary for the property purchase.

In Jamaica, the process won’t begin unless you have your own unique taxpayer registration number, which you can get from the Tax Administration Department. Meanwhile, other island nations would require you to accomplish other mandatory requirements before you can buy a property.

Purpose

When buying a property, people usually have two primary purposes: for residence and for rental.

For the former, you can choose to live there permanently or use it as a vacation home for when you’re in the country. The latter comes with different rent modes you can choose from, such as long-term lease and vacation rental. All this is crucial in determining what kind of property you must invest in.

Living in the Caribbean is most recommended, but if that doesn’t fit your circumstances, you can always use the property as a stable source of a second income. If this is the case, you should buy real estate near amenities like restaurants, shops, beaches, and offer facilities that make your property more luxurious.

Long-term profits

Whether you choose to stay in your Caribbean home permanently is up to you. However, it is still wise to think about the potential for long-term profit from the property you buy.

Besides the rent, the value of your real estate property matters when choosing where you must buy into.

In the Caribbean, you can expect properties to retain their value or appreciate because the islands are well-known tourist destinations. Plus, such places are geographically limited because only a few villas can be built near the best beaches or mountains.

Rental income potential

Besides value appreciation, island properties also have a high potential to become a stable source of rental income.

Since the Caribbean is popular among tourists, you have a better chance of having a steady income source because of the continuous stream of guests for vacation rentals and long-term leases.

Just don’t forget to crunch the numbers before you decide. Maintenance, utilities, and other expenses you incur on top of the actual price of the real estate can significantly affect your potential profit. If you’re a passive investor, you might even need help from property management experts.

Fulfill Your Dream to Live on an Island

Be it short-term or permanent, fulfilling your dream of living on an island is best achieved in the Caribbean.

With plenty of real estate properties to choose from, your decision to build your dream island home in the region will be worth it.

AUTHOR BIO

Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship, residency, and investment into the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.

 

I love ferry rides. Before the pandemic, every now and then, we will go for holiday on a nearby island. We usually travel by car and parked our car near the ferry jetty. Then we will buy the ferry tickets from the tickets counter and wait to board the ferry to take us over to the island. The ferries departed at scheduled time. If possible, I will always look for a seat next to the window. I love to watch the view outside and also to feel the sea breeze blowing in my hair.

While boarding the ferry, I also enjoy watching people loading all types of goods and motorcycles onto the ferry. Before that, I used to wonder how the vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, and trucks were taken over to the island. It was only recently that I have some rough idea and the procedure involved on how to transport a motorcycle, a car or a truck over to an island.

For some islands, it is possible to bring along your car or motorcycle over to the island by ferry. There are ferries providing transporting services for car, motorcycle, van, bus and truck to and from the islands. If you are looking for services to ship your motorcycle or any other vehicle from one place to another, the best place to start your search for transporting or shipment services will be at Shiply. Shiply will help you get the best competitive quotes from multiple shipping companies and to enable you to make quotes comparisons from the different companies. All you have to do is to make direct calls for future inquiry concerning your shipment.

The rates quoted will depends on the size and weight of your shipment. It will also depends on the distance between the original or boarding location and the destination location. The charges will be different depending on the time taken to deliver your shipment. If there is a fixed time frame, definitely the rate will be much higher than those taking normal delivery time. Another factor affecting the rate is the route taken by the transport company.

If the destination is not on the common route and is far off, then extra charge will apply just to get a transport on the purpose to deliver one single item. The longer the distance, the higher the rate. The rate also depends on the method of transportation used to transport the motorcycle. Before committing to the shipping company, it is better to find out the type of services provided and what to expect if your motorcycle is damaged during the transportation.

There are three ways to transport a motorcycle. The first method is loading your motorcycle onto a pickup truck. The second method is securing your motorcycle to the sides of a truck or a trailer. If you are not comfortable with these two methods of transportation, then the next option is to use a shipping company. This is when you will decide whether you wish to transport your motorcycle in an open trailer or in an enclosed trailer.

 

Holidays used to be the time of the year we would all eagerly wait for. They would bring our family a chance to spend some quality time together while discovering new places. But now, because of the global pandemic situation caused by the COVID-19 virus, leaving the safety of our homes may seem scary for most of us. Thankfully, there are safe alternatives where your family and you will be able to enjoy your holidays in a safe and controlled environment.

The perfect opportunity to discover Cancun

Who hasn’t ever dreamt about visiting the Caribbean? Especially the stunning city of Cancun, in the beautiful shores of Mexico. The combination of nature, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and luxurious resorts have made this destination one of the most visited by tourists every year. Just imagine how much fun your children could have playing on such beautiful beaches!

However, many people decided to postpone their summer holidays this year because of the global pandemic. But contrary to what some people may believe, Cancun is safe for travel.

The best all-inclusive resorts in the area have recently instated safety measures in accordance with the Mexican Government and the recommendations given by the World Health Organization (WHO). That is the case of Atelier de Hoteles, a luxurious hotel chain that has recently reopened its doors with its shielded vacations program. This program aims to keep both clients and employees safe during their stay in the hotel.

To ensure this, the following safety measures have been taken:

• Shoes and guests’ suitcases will be nebulized upon arrival.
• A mobile app has been developed to assist with check-ins, consulting the restaurants menus, ordering suite service and chatting with the e-concierge. This will drastically reduce human interaction and therefore, exposure.
• All public areas and food/beverage outlets count with anti-bacterial gel dispensers.
• A “health squad” was created to deep clean and disinfect all rooms and hotel areas.
• Anti-Covid 19 spraying on the suites before the guests’ arrival, as well as constantly on the common areas.
• Safe distancing measures will be implemented in the beverage and food outlets.
• Obligatory hand washing program.
• Use of the detergent and chemical products “USA Clean Line” and “Global 9” for disinfecting and cleaning all areas.

All the fun your family could wish for

Now that we know how safe your holiday experience in Cancun will be, the next thing is to decide where you are going to spend it. The best All inclusive Resorts Mexico are, by far, those run by the hotel chain Atelier de Hoteles. That is why we can not stop recommending their resort Hotel Playa Mujeres. Traditionally, parents would have to sacrifice their own share of fun in order to find activities for their kids to enjoy themselves in, but this does not have to happen any more. This resort was created keeping the needs of all the family in mind, so you can all enjoy your holidays without having to give up on anything.

Kids can enjoy themselves and interact with the world through the many activities offered at the exclusive Doodle Land® program. With its exclusive gastronomic workshops, interactive activities, art sessions, etc., your kid will be entertained while having fun with other children within his same age.

Adults also have their fair share of fun at Playa Mujeres Family Resort, enjoying their multiple installations like the luxurious Nuup Spa or the fantastic 18 hole golf course.

But what makes this resort so special is the amount of activities your family will be able to enjoy together. From spending time together in the luxurious suites (in which, by the way, pets are allowed too since they are considered a member of the family) to luxurious dinners in one of the 5 different restaurants in the resort or to have fun by the hotel pool. The possibilities are endless as long as you are together with your loved ones.

The Vatican is a place that many dream of visiting when they’re in Rome. For some, it’s a place they visit for religious reasons, including to hear the Pope address large crowds.

The Vatican is steeped in history as well as some mystery. There has been numerous scandals, too, including claims of sexual abuse against children, unfortunately.

Despite some of the potentially darker sides of the Vatican and its history, it’s still a major tourist destination.

If you’re planning a trip there, keep the following in mind.

An Overview of Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and a two-mile border with Italy surrounds it. Vatican City covers a little more than 100 acres, and it’s governed as an absolute monarchy, with the pope as the leader.

The Vatican mints its own money, issues passports, operates media outlets, and has its own flag. It doesn’t assess taxes, however. Instead, the revenue for the Vatican is generated through admission fees to the museum, sales of stamps and souvenirs, and contributions.

On Vatican Hill during pagan times was a Roman necropolis. Emperor Nero crucified St. Peter there.

Vatican City was signed into existence by Benito Mussolini, following a dispute between the government of Italy and the Catholic Church. The 1929 Lateran Pacts let the Vatican exist as a sovereign state.

The Swiss Guard was hired as a mercenary force in the 1500s, and you’ll still find the guards there, whose sole role is the protection of the pope.

The Vatican is to the west of the Tiber River in Rome, between the districts of Prati and Aurelio.

When To Visit

Lines start forming early at the Vatican, as it’s a destination for more than six million tourists a year.

The earlier you can get there in the morning, the better. It’s advisable to try and be in line by 7:30 to get in when the museum opens at 9 a.m. unless you’ve booked a tour that allows you to get in at a certain time.

If you get a Vatican Museum ticket, you get admission to several museums, including the Sistine Chapel.

There are skip the line tickets offered by tour companies.

The Vatican Museums are closed Sundays other than the last Sunday of the month, which is a free day.

There’s not one day, in particular, that’s considered the best day to visit the Vatican, but the weekends can be busier.

On Wednesdays, if there is the Papal Audience, the crowds might be quite a bit bigger.

If you want to beat the crowds and you visit Rome from April to October, you can book a Friday night visit to the Vatican Museums.

The most crowded day is probably Saturday because there are not only international travelers, but there are often visitors from other parts of Italy.

As far as the pope’s audience, this may be different because of the coronavirus pandemic, but typically it’s held each Wednesday except in July. In warm weather months, it’s in the square. In cold months, it’s in a hall to the left of the basilica.

If you are going to the Vatican specifically for the Papal Audience, you can get tickets in advance, but it’s still first-come-first-serve, so you may want to get there early to get a good seat. It gets very hot in Rome in the summer when the Audience is outside.

The Papal Audience usually starts at 9 or 9:30 a.m.

There is also the chance to see the Pope on some Sundays at noon if he’s in Rome. Sundays are called the Papal Blessing, and this is when the Pope appears at an apartment window and gives a short speech and blessing. The event in total usually lasts anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.

What Are the Rules?

When you visit the Vatican, you have to follow some rules. First, be aware of what the restrictions are for bringing backpacks or bags in. You can’t bring large umbrellas, video stands, tripods, weapons or knives.

You have to dress appropriately, meaning that you need to wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees. You can’t wear shorts, short skirts or sleeveless shirts.

You can’t take videos or photos in the Sistine Chapel, although you can elsewhere. You also can’t use a mobile phone in the Sistine chapel.

You can’t touch any art either.

Main Areas

If you’re going to the Vatican without a tour, you might want to start with the museums because they’re the most rigorous part of visiting.

If you do take a tour, you can go directly from the Sistine Chapel to the basilica.

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s largest churches, and it dates back to the Renaissance era.

It’s not a cathedral but does have a bishop.

If you want to climb the Vatican dome, there are hundreds of steps, and it can be claustrophobic.

If you make it to the top, the views of the city are beautiful.

The Vatican Museums showcase the world’s largest private art collection.

You can’t just go and see the Sistine Chapel. To see it, you have to go through the whole of the Vatican Museums, although you can book express tours which last just under two hours. You still have to walk through the other museums, but not actually tour them.

Overall, if you have the opportunity, it can be best to see the Vatican, especially for the first time, with a tour guide. This might mean a group tour or a private tour, but either way, it can make your experience a lot more fulfilling and manageable. There’s a lot to see and it’s overwhelming to try to do on your own without a guide.

You can also have a scheduled time to enter with a guide, and a guide can help you figure out what your priorities are as far as what you most want to see during your visit, so you don’t miss those things.

 

People go out on a holiday to relax and have fun, but there are times that they are not successful because they failed to strategize right and do everything necessary for their holidays to be one of a kind and spectacular. Planning holidays is like playing slots games in online casinos or their sister sites, if you do it wrong, it will take a huge compensation from your bank account.

Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and if you fail to do it, you will end up regretful and sad that you spent money for something that is useless and nonsense.

Do not worry as there are so many ways you can do to make your holiday worth remembering for a very long time. Read this article and be amazed how you can turn your simple holiday to something extraordinary and fun.

Tag along fun to be with people

Your holiday would definitely be different if you spend it with the right people. Be with people you know can maximize your experience. You can have a jolly and fun loving officemate join you or you can tag your most favorite comedian high school batchmate.

The more lively the people around you while you are on a holiday, the happier your holiday could get.

Find a good destination

There are so many places to go, but not all of them are best for you to visit. You have to choose a destination where you can have fun and could really excite you. If you love the beach, then go to a beach, if you like peace, go for a place where you can find a good landscape of nature and so on.

Do not go to a popular place instead go to a place that suits your interest and personality.

Take photos

How to make your holiday remarkable? Take photos. Photos you captured can make your holiday fun. Apart from the experience, it is nice to bring home still photos of good memories.

Also, the photo taking itself is fun and something to look forward to too. Invite your friends and have playful photos captured.

Play games

Sure, playing games is one of the things you can do to maximize your experience. Travelling to your destination can be long, dragging and tiring, playing games along the way can minimize the burden you feel and can definitely make your trip exciting.

Playing games can also be done while you are in the hotel. Make sure to bring cards with you or other board games so fun won’t stop anywhere you are.

Try different things

Try something different, if you have not tried cliff diving, maybe it is time you do it today. On your holiday, do something unusual, something you have not tried or you do not do every day.

Keep your gadgets away

Sure, keep all your gadgets away and stop using them. Take advantage of your break and enjoy the scenery, fresh air and real life landscapes.

The suburban setting of Hilton Garden Inn Lake Mary is only minutes from restaurants, shopping options, and popular theme parks in Orlando. Its modern accommodations help guests relax through the signature Hilton Garden beds that allow flexibility. Corporate travelers can find plenty of valuable services in the hotel’s business center.

Reserve your hotel room at Hilton Garden Inn Lake Mary with Reservations.com

You Should Know:

• Modern conveniences are in every room, including an ergonomic work desk, coffee maker and microwave
• All rooms are equipped with free high-speed Internet access
• The room’s Garden Sleep System provides a flexible bed that adjusts to the guest’s weight
• Self-laundry facilities are included in the hotel’s amenities
• Select rooms come with jetted tubs for a touch of luxury
• Full-service restaurant with menu options for breakfast and dinner
• Business center with a full host of services

In and Around:

• Lake Mary is 15 miles from downtown Orlando
• Central Florida Zoo is just seven miles from the hotel
• Charge up your day by watching the races at Daytona Speedway
• Within 15 miles from the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center

New Zealand has been described by some as just an extension of Australia. Being neighbours, with similar flags, indigenous culture, and landscapes, the statement is not far from the truth.

There are nearly half a million Kiwis currently living in Australia – that’s more than the total population of Wellington. On average, more than 20,000 Kiwis move to Australia annually. Interestingly, many Australians are now taking the opposite route back to New Zealand.

Let’s take a look at possible reasons why Kiwis are flowing into Australia in their numbers …

The Weather

The weather in Australia is considered very desirable to most Kiwi emigrants. With New Zealand having a nearly round-the-year rainy and cold weather, Australia’s hot climate is a breath of fresh air to some. The weather is just as unpredictable in Australia as it is in New Zealand, but in some places such as Brisbane, you can get up to 283 days of sunshine in a year. Other capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne also record a sunny climate which most Kiwis are delighted to get used to.

The Wildlife

The scariest animal in New Zealand, and about the only animal the country is known for, is the Kiwi bird. This is unlike Australia that has a rich wildlife offering. Impressive creatures such as the kangaroo, koala, and wombats, among others, attract thousands of tourists to the country each year. Australia is also home to more than 20 of the most dangerous creatures on the planet such as the box jellyfish, the eastern brown snake, the red-back spider, the blue-ringed octopus, and bull sharks. While New Zealand is known for its cool mountains, Australia’s parks and nature reserves are quite enticing.

The Wine

Aussies love their wine more than New Zealanders! There are about 60 designated wine regions in Australia producing more than 1.3 trillion bottles of wine yearly – making it the fifth-highest producer of wine in the world. On the other hand, New Zealand is also remarkable in wine production. With prominent labels like the Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail for wine-loving tourists; the country is the fifteenth top producer of wine in the world.

The Beaches

This is probably the loveliest thing about Australia. There are more than 10,000 beaches in Australia. In fact, if you were to visit a new beach every day in Australia, it would take you about 29 years to go round. From Bondi Beach to sailing Whitsundays around Whitehaven Island, Cable Beach, and Bells Beach amongst others, you will certainly have a great time touring the beautiful and picturesque beaches the country has to offer. New Zealand has great beaches too – the likes of Cathedral Cove, Ninety Mile Beach, Medlands, Sandfly Bay and more than 400 others.

Better Pay

While the cost of living in Australia is a bit higher than that of New Zealand, especially in big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne; Australia pays higher. There are also better job opportunities in Australia than in New Zealand. When you compare Melbourne and Wellington, you will find that workers comfortably take care of bills in the former rather than in the latter. Given that Australia is already developed, the tax is much reduced too, unlike in New Zealand. Australia also ranks higher on the world Human Development Index.

Better Lifestyle

Being a continent that is about five times the size of New Zealand in population and also better developed, Australia generally has a much better lifestyle. With better music, food, and art offerings, you will easily adapt as a Kiwi. Australia is about the sports capital of the world, with many international sporting activities taking place in the country all year round. In terms of culture, while the Maori are better accepted in New Zealand than the Aboriginals are accepted in Australia, there are more colourful cultural festivals in Australia.

Ease of Movement

It is much easier to move from New Zealand to Australia than it is from the latter to the former. In fact, as a Kiwi, you can visit, work and live in Australia without a tourist or work visa. As a Kiwi migrant to Australia, there are many benefits you stand to enjoy, unlike other migrants. It is also very easy to move property from New Zealand to cities in Australia such as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. (Visit https://www.ausmove.co.nz/moving-to-australia)

Better Phone Services

Service providers are more generous in Australia than in New Zealand. Telecom companies in the continent offer great data plans with unlimited texting, calling and other fantastic offers. For the same cost, you will get far less service in New Zealand. So if you are comfortable with the phone service in Auckland or Wellington, you will be mind-blown in Australia. You get free Wi-Fi in nearly every proper establishment in the country unlike in New Zealand.

These are the possible eight reasons why thousands of Kiwis migrate to Australia every year. There could be many other reasons but they will inevitably centre around the better life Australia offers. With the recent positive developments in New Zealand, however, statistics show a significant drop in the number of emigrants and an actual increase in the number of people coming into the country. Reports also indicate that more Aussies are coming to New Zealand to live. Hopefully, in a few years to come, more Kiwis will return home.

 

San Diego is a famous city for tourism, especially with its beautiful landscapes, warm weather, attractive beaches, many attractions, and excellent restaurants.

The city is known for its sunshine and warm weather year-round to visitors, but locals would warn to avoid May and June because it is not as sunny and warm during those months when the marine layer stretches a cloud of gray over the skies most of the day.

Getting around San Diego is quite comfortable with the many transportation options such as the coaster, the trolley, taxis, buses, or driving yourself.

So, if your thinking of visiting San Diego for a day and want to pack in as much as you can, here is a guide of five locations you need to visit while here.

1. Coronado

 

A famous landmark for San Diego is the Coronado Bay Bridge. Over the bridge is the city of Coronado where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches. A notable place to visit is the Hotel Del Coronado, which was known to cater to Hollywood royalty over the years, and even is the star is some ghost stories. Visitors are welcome in the grand lobby, bars, and restaurants in the hotel. You can sit on a patio and enjoy the view of the white sand beaches.

Tip: Start your day in Coronado early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views of the magnificent beaches and the hotel public areas. Grab yourself a coffee or mimosa, and enjoy the views in the morning. In order to get in all your locations, allot for only 90 minutes in Coronado.

2. Old Town

After your early morning at the beach, enjoy the history of San Diego in Old Town. In Old Town, you will find many Mexican restaurants and souvenir shops, but further in, there are many tourist-oriented shops, fascinating artifacts and historical buildings to tour, such as Casa de Estudillo, Mason Street School, McCoy House, Old Adobe Chapel, Whaley House, and Heritage Park. Most can be visited for free.

Grab lunch in a San Diego restaurant in Old Town. In Old Town, you will find some of the best Mexican food, enjoy lunch as Café Coyote or Old Town Mexican Café Restaurant.

3. Mission Beach/Belmont Park

Belmont Park and Mission Beach are fun for the whole family. Belmont is an amusement park, with an old-school wooden roller coaster and many other rides and games. Head to the Wave House, a restaurant and bar that features sand floors and wave simulators where you can watch novice and expert surfboarders do tricks. Or rent a surfboard and try catching waves on the Pacific Ocean directly behind Belmont Park.

Tip: Since your trying to pack a lot into one day, only spend a maximum of two hours at the beach.

4. La Jolla Cove

In the northern neighborhood of San Diego along the coast, you will find La Jolla Cove, one of the most exquisite pieces of coastline in all Southern California, and it curves around a bay which is home to leopard sharks, seals, spiny lobsters and a variety of species of fish. If you were hoping to snorkel or scuba dive during your visit to San Diego, this is the spot to do it.

5. San Diego Breweries

San Diego is a popular spot for premier microbreweries, and consistently winning awards for its diverse and tasty craft beer. After a day of sun, adventures, and beach, unwind from your busy day or enjoy a brewery tour at one of these top breweries, Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits, AleSmith Brewing Company, Green Flash, Pizza Port, or Stone Brewing Company.

Packing Tips

Here are a few items you should make sure to pack for your one day in San Diego. You probably already have a swimsuit, sunscreen, and good walking shoes, but here are other items to consider:

• Sweater -nights can be cold, and the coastal breezes could catch you off guard when the temperature drops suddenly after the sun goes down. Keep warm with a sweater.
• Flip flops – you’ll want to walk the beaches in flip flops
• Wetsuit – if it is not July or August, the ocean can be cold, so if you’re swimming for an extended period, a wetsuit will help keep you warm.
• Umbrella – there’s not much shade on the beaches of San Diego, so bring an umbrella to shade yourself.