Category: Travel Tips

7 things you should know about Canada before traveling

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Canada is a country which offers you pristine beauty and unexplored places. With the increasing awareness of its pristine beauty, more and more travelers are planning a trip to Canada each year. While Canada is generally warm and friendly with tourists but there are a few things which you need to remember before you plan your Canadian trip. We will today share with you seven things which you should know about Canada before traveling to this beautiful country.

1. Large Geographical area:

Canada is the second-largest country on the globe. That is why; the geographical area of Canada is pretty huge. Moreover, if you want to explore the pristine beauty, you must head over to the countryside. It will require you to travel long distances. That is why, when preparing to explore the beauty of Canada, you have to keep the distances in mind before planning your trip. You can also focus on a single geographical region rather than traveling the length and breadth of the country. Some of the areas that you can plan to explore are:
  • Rocky Mountains
  • West Coast
  • Maritimes
When you focus on a single region, you can cover that in a short span. Moreover, the amount of traveling required will be minimal as well. As a result, exploring Canada will be comparatively easy for you.

2. It’s Cold:

The weather in Canada is often harsh. The temperatures can drop to -20 or -30 in the Prairies. The coasts, however, are moderate in temperature. You have to avoid the winter season as far as possible when traveling to Canada. It will ensure that you can avoid harsh temperatures. However, summers can bring problems of its own. There can be thunderstorms and temperature dips at night. That is why it is always better to carry quite a few layers when heading to Canada. It will ensure that you can handle the temperature in a much better way. Generally speaking, you have to stay prepared for freezing temperatures.

3. Do not delay the ETA:

ETA is the acronym for Electronic Travel Authorization. It is the easiest way to explore Canada. It is mandatory for people from all nationalities to get it before heading to Canada. Only Americans are the sole exception. In most cases, you would need this document before you board your flight to Canada. The requirements for eTA Canada are not very elaborate. You will need:

  • Passport
  • Email address
  • Credit card

You will have to answer a small questionnaire and share some personal information to apply for it. The fee is relatively smaller at just $ 7. You need to keep in mind that you have to get this document before heading to Canada. You should not delay procuring this document. Under normal circumstances, you might get it within a few minutes of applying for it. However, it is better to complete this procedure in advance rather than keeping it for the last minute.

4. Want to stay for free? Use Couchsurfing:

The accommodation options are costly in Canada. Whether looking for resorts or hotels or any other type of accommodation, you will have to spend a significant amount of money. The food and beverage options are even more expensive. Hostels and B&Bs might be present in some major cities and tourist centers, but you will not find them in the countryside. That is why it is better to opt for Couch surfing.

Couchsurfing involves staying in an extra bedroom if you’re willing to help the host with a particular task or provide them some company. There are dedicated sites for Couchsurfing which will connect you with the hosts. Couchsurfing is entirely free, which means that you will not have to worry about spending a significant amount of money. Also, since you will be staying with the locals, you can efficiently utilize their knowledge of the surroundings to explore Canada better. That is why; you should never ignore Couchsurfing when heading over to Canada.

5. Do not forget Tim Hortons:

It is always advisable to know about good food chain prominently present in the country to which you’re traveling. In the case of Canada, it is Tim Hortons. You will find it in any city you visit. They are present in smaller towns as well. You can quickly get things like:

  • Donuts
  • Sandwiches
  • Coffee and more

Also, it is affordable, which means that you will not have to shell out a significant amount of money to get a snack.

6. Spend on a travel Insurance policy:

Health care in Canada for tourists is costly. That is why; you must have a travel insurance policy. It will mean that you can access quality health care. Even smaller problems in Canada can cost you hundreds of dollars for consultations. If the procedure is elaborate, it can cost you thousands of dollars.

When you have a travel insurance policy, it is all covered. In case of any unfortunate incident, you can get quality health care. You have to ensure, however, that you read the fine print of your travel insurance policy. Only once you do so, it is easy to understand what is covered and what is not. It is better to choose a policy which covers adventure sports and other such activities so that you get complete coverage. Irrespective of the premiums, you should get travel insurance for yourself when traveling to Canada.

7. Explore the countryside:

While cities in Canada like Toronto, Montréal, Winnipeg, and many more are beautiful in their sense, but if you want to explore Canada, you have to head over to the countryside. You can meet locals and explore their culture. Moreover, you can explore the pristine wilderness of Canada as well. Canada is sparsely populated but has a big landmass, and that is why there are plenty of places to explore. If you are a nature-lover, it is one of the best countries to visit.

Also, it is the ultimate playground, as well. There are plenty of outdoor sports which you can indulge in like:

  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Paddleboarding
  • Bird watching
  • And much more

There is no shortage of physical activities which you can take part in. Moreover, during the physical activities and sports, you can interact with the locals as well, which will help you explore Canada in a much better way. So, when visiting Canada, do make sure that you explore the outdoors.

Canada is a magnificent country. With the help of our travel guide above, you can prepare in advance for your Canadian trip. It will ensure that you have a glitch-free trip when you can enjoy to the fullest. It is time to explore the natural beauty of this beautiful country.

Yoga Online and Glo From Within

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Yoga is more than just stretching and flexing those muscled. It is finding a balance that controls these three core elements: the mind, body, and soul. Yoga has the capacity to help you relax and fight stress. On top of that, it has the capability of increasing flexibility, improving body tone, and working on muscle strength. All of these elements come together to help you live a better quality of life as you become more coordinated, stable, well-balanced, strong, and with a greater range of motion.

Practicing yoga also boosts your mood, improves your energy, and increases your over all vitality. With this comes the confidence of feeling being in control of your body and health. Thankfully, with the advancements in technology, you do not have to attend a physical class to reap its benefits. There are online yoga classes, like Glo, that help you keep your practice even when your schedule is hectic and you cannot physically make it to a live yoga online class. What are Glo’s benefits:

Offers Various Classes for All Levels

Glo is not just a site but a community of practitioners that come together to practice the art that gives them not just exercise, but also peace. There are many different classes to choose from yoga, pilates, and meditation for various fitness levels. Whether you’re a novice, intermediate, or advance, there is a workout available in their roster of classes to suit your needs.

It’s Much Cheaper

Getting your Glo online subscription is much cheaper than making it to an actual class. On top of that, you save time, energy, and gas because you don’t need to commute going the physical site. Glo also stands back by their products, which is why they offer a free 15 day trial subscription so you can look around to see if the site can meet your needs. Glo understands that money is hard earned, which is why they want you to be familiar with their yoga online interface before you commit to signing up.

More Convenient

Working out with the aid of a yoga online class is so much more convenient than going to the yoga hub. Between dressing up, finding parking, riding the bus or train, and even physically walking to the yoga studio, the time wasted before being actually able to practice yoga is a lot. Laying down your mat at home and then clicking the play button is just so much more convenient.

Access to Amazing Teachers

Yoga online gives you access to a roster of amazing talent from different parts of the globe. If you stick to a physical yoga class, you only have one teacher again and again and again. But yoga online gives you a chance to practice with many various teachers that can give you different tips, insights, and styles of doing yoga. You can take an unlimited number of classes with different yogis to keep you inspired and motivated.

Less Intimidating

Let’s face it, if you are a beginner it can be rather intimidating to walk into a class full of advance experts that just execute the various forms without breaking into a sweat. Yes, it is daunting to be with people who do all the poses and understand all the teacher’s instructions in one go with faltering. Doing a yoga online class takes away this stress because you can fumble all you want in the comforts of your own home, and only you will be the witness.

With Glo’s detailed instructions and teachers that explain well, you’ll be on your mat practicing in proper form in a matter of minutes. The time it takes you to get to the studio and wait for the class to start is the time of your entire Glo routine. Time is a precious gift that must not be wasted so choose to spend it wisely on something that will improve your quality of life. Take that Glo trial offer at no charge to help you glow from within!

Are International schools better at teaching kids?

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Global events happens at Singaporean international schools such as food bazaars where parents bring dishes traditionally associated with their country of origin, for everyone to taste. This year on my school, a stall run by a Ukrainian couple was set up adjacent one offering guests beef stroganoff, knish and shashlik which is managed by two Russians.

There was a vigorous conversation between the two parties for sure, but based on the good cheer and interactions of dishes – a friendship seemed to be being forged. Anyone expecting a major international confrontation over the borshch and deruny have been surprised for sure.

Diversity bonded by harmony

The above situations are normal in an international school. Such schools are actually melting pots that many may expect to boil over as the cultural, social, and political ingredients mix to cause division and bitterness. However, what’s nice about these schools is how harmony happens so naturally and comfortably alongside diversity, for the benefit of not just the kids, but everyone in the community.

In any case, tension does arise between students in some cases, especially when 76 countries from all over the world are in one place forging a school identity, which has a set of common and agreed set of values. However, the two are not irreconcilable, and can even be mutually beneficial.

International evenings; academic curriculum projects on global sustainability and international human rights; trips to Tanzania to take part in service projects; attendance of Model United Nations conferences; the display of the students’ national flags in the school canteen; these are all features of international schools wherein the International Baccalaureate provides the ties that bind institutions together.

As you know, IB is not just a school curriculum offering qualifications. It is actually a 3 – 18 programme of learning, which is underpinned by a philosophy of education, permeating everyday life in schools that offer it.

Contained therein is the promotion of academic rigour – which is basically a concept often associated only with the 11 – 18 age range. However, the IB Primary Years Programme, which students begin to study as young as three, offer the foundation on which the Middle Years (11 – 16), as well as the Diploma programmes (16 -18) are created.

Whilst it is not required to start studying the IB at this early stage, research shows that it is more likely, all other things being equal, that students will start to have better potential to get a high IB Diploma score, to which entry to many top universities worldwide is a condition.

Furthermore, IB is so much more than scores and results. It is also about the ‘process’ and the ‘outcome.’ There is no direct conflict between the practice of this uniform set of values and the diverse community, as the example of the Russian and Ukrainian parents illustrate.

The 21st century offers the globe’s parents and teachers with some extraordinary challenges. International schools worldwide spearheaded by one of the top Singapore international schools offer a timely model, and students are equipped with all the necessary qualifications and values to meet those challenges. Plus, they’ll be in a fascinating environment where they can study and work to maximize their potentials.

Tips on how to move in Milan

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Have you ever dreamt to move to Italy? This city of over 1.3million people has a lot to offer.

Milan is unique and marvelous, a metropolis at a fast pace where creativity is part of a large market. In no other Italian city does the fashion world have as much importance as in Milan.

1) Very good possibilities to get around

No doubt is that Milan is cheaper for the cost of living than London. If you move to Milan, you will find that public transport costs are fairly low and that you can choose to use trains, trams, buses and subways to get around. The Milan underground map and information brochure can help you. Car insurance can be expensive, but the city offers excellent bike and car sharing services, which also help to reduce environmental pollution.

More and more it is possible to walk and visit Milan in a single day, especially because of the pedestrian islands that are constantly built The dock and the area of the Navigli, on foot are very comfortable and both in winter and summer immerse yourself in the Parco Sempione passing from the Castello Sforzesco to the Arco della Pace, is a spectacle.

More intimate and romantic is a walk in the Brera district, among narrow streets curiously populated by fortune-tellers and fashionable Milanese, while some painters perform their works of painting.

2) Walking through the historic centre of Milan

To explore the historic centre of Milan, which is not so vast, the best way to do so is to walk around the city, sifting through streets and squares without haste, and walking through the most famous touristic spots like the Duomo with its grandiose square; the Palazzo Reale; the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Teatro alla Scala; the Pinacoteca di Brera; the Castello Sforzesco; the Basilicas of Sant’Ambrogio and last but not least: the Santa Maria delle Grazie church where you can visit Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece “The last supper”.

Milan is a city in the process of depollution and therefore personal vehicles are strongly discouraged, if not even penalized in favor of completely environmentally friendly bicycles. In this respect, the municipality makes public bicycles available to all through so-called “bike sharing”. It is possible to subscribe to a monthly or annual subscription at ATMs, allowing access to more than 1500 bicycles to complement the public transport service.

3) High speed ways to move around

High-speed trains, flights and motorways ensure good connections with other countries and other major Italian cities. When you live in Milan you are only 45 minutes from Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. It is also possible to visit the beautiful Ligurian coast or ski in the Alps. The city of Milan is a wonderful place for shopping, visiting museums and parks. You can discover the activities to do during your free time in Milan on turismo.milan.it.

4) A day in Milan: the surroundings

If you arrive in the city to go to visit Milan in a day, or returning home, we want to take a look at its surroundings, there are three fascinating destinations because to happen in Milan without being aware of touching them, it would be a shame.

One is the Abbey of Chiaravalle, always within the city limits, and then there is another Abbey, that of Viboldone, near San Giuliano Milanese, one of the most important medieval complexes in Lombardy. Further away, but if you arrive from that direction, do not miss the Taccani hydroelectric plant in Trezzo sull’Adda, historical and interesting.

For those who are not willing to customize their itineraries and are lazy in their establishment, can take advantage of the modern and colorful buses of Lombardy City Sightseeing, complete with drivers and hostesses in uniform, disposable earphones and commentary in eight languages.

Keeping Fit While Travelling

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Holidays are always exciting and a great opportunity to relax and take a load off, but what about those out there that like to keep fit and stay active during holidays? There are a whole number of ways to do so – such as taking advantage of hotel gyms while away – but what other activities can you do to keep on top of our routine? Here’s a short list of great tips and tricks to help you make the most of your holiday – while keeping on top of your fitness.

Exercise In Your Hotel

Most hotel chains in the world have gyms and fitness rooms as standard so that travellers for leisure and business can keep up on their fitness routine without missing a day or two at the gym due to being out of town. Not staying in a hotel with a gym? Try doing easy body resistance exercises like squats, planks, star jumps, press ups and the like – all of which can be done in your room and without the need for any equipment whatsoever. Use the wall for help doing press ups and use backs of chairs in the room for balance. Not keen on jumping around your room? Why not try some basic yoga postures like downward facing dog, warrior, happy baby and reclining goddess.

Walk As Much As Possible

Walking is amazing exercise and it actually works a whole number of muscles in your body – not just your legs! Enjoy a walking holiday to really get the most out of walking while away, you might be surprised at just how much fun a walking holiday can be. Whether you amble through tiny villages or hike some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK like the Peak or Lake District, walking holidays are hugely popular for people of all ages. If you really want some spectacular scenery though, check out the Cornish coast and the coastal paths you can explore – you will definitely find yourself coming back for more.

Swimming

One of the best forms of exercise out there, swimming can be done in local pools, hotel pools or in wild water such as rivers, lakes and seas. Many hotels have swimming pools either inside or outside, with guests being able to use the facilities for free. Even if your hotel doesn’t have a pool, many cities have local pools that can be used for a small fee.

Take The Stairs

Taking the stairs is an easy, effective and free way to stay in shape when you’re travelling, allowing you to get some proper exercise without needing to worry about hitting the gym or finding time to do exercises in your hotel room. Any time you can, take the stairs to get that extra bit of effort in so you can relax the rest of the time and know you’re still getting a bit of effort in – even if it’s just a little bit.

So whether you travel for business or pleasure and want to stay on top of your fitness game, hopefully these easy ways to stay in shape while on the road will help you in your quest to be the best you can be.

HOW ENTHRALLING CAN MOROCCO BE AS A HOLIDAY TRIP DESTINATION FOR MUSLIMS

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Everyone loves to go on trips and Morocco is the best destination for this purpose, especially for Muslims. The beauty of this place is unparallel. It is actually a Northern African Country with borders along the Mediterranean Sea and the Northern Atlantic Ocean. In fact, Morocco is one amongst the three nations who coastlines of both Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans.

For every tourist, Morocco is considered to be a beautiful country. Especially the cities, Marrakech, Tangiers, Fez, etc. are considered to be mesmerizing in their aesthetic senses. Other beautiful places in this country are, Asilah, Chefchaouen, Atlas Mountains, Koutoubia Mosque at Marrakech, Meknes, sand dunes near to Merzouga. In fact, if a tourist visits Morocco, he may want to stay back in this country as well. However, this is predominantly a Muslim country. Hence drinking publicly is prohibited here. Even driving after drinking alcohol is not allowed. Thus this place is safe for the tourists. Chefchaouen is a city in the northwest corner of Morocco whose streets are painted with blue paints and hence is also known as the blue city.

The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (middle of March to middle of May) as during this time the green landscapes appear more beautiful and make it easy for tourists to mountain hike.

However, the mosques in this country excel in beauty as well. Being an Islamic nation, Morocco no wonder has a large number of mosques. These are not only attractive but add to the beauty of the place as well. People come to these for prayer, spiritual learning etc.

Some of these mosques are mentioned below.

  • Hassan II –This mosque is located at Casablanca and with its magnificence, it is the city’s one of the most important sites for visitors. In fact, amongst many religious edifices, it is one which is open to the public and is also one of the largest and tallest ones. The architecture of this mosque is unique.
  • Koutoubia –It is located at Marrakech and was once bordered by booksellers and hence its name also means ‘the bookseller’s mosque.’ Since it was built during the Almohad period (between 12th and 13th centuries), the designs of this mosque resemble that era.
  • Tin Mal –This mosque is located at a small village in the mountainside named Tin Mal. It was founded in the 1100s and located at a high area of Atlas Mountains dramatically. However, even non-Muslim visitors are allowed to visit this mosque.
  • Great Mosque located at Taza –Like Koutoubia, this mosque was also built during the Almohad period (the 1100s) and is one of the oldest amongst those built during this era. The Taza city is located at the northern part of Morocco and this mosque is named after this city. There are fountains available in this mosque which adds to its beauty.
  • Syrian Mosque –The Syrian Mosque located in the city of Tangier (northern Morocco) is largely different from the other mosques located in Morocco. The mosques of Morocco have typical angular minarets and measure uniform in width all along their lengths. However, the Syrian mosque has a minaret which tapers towards the top. However, this mosque excels in aesthetic beauty as well.

Since Morocco is an Islamic nation, while visiting these mosques, the Muslim women may need a hijab, which is a kind of veil worn by these women to cover their head and chest. Wearing this veil brings respect to the women of this religion. According to the Islamic women who opt to wear the Hijab believe that it retains their moral, modesty and freedom to choose. They select to cover themselves because in this way they can avoid harassments. The most popular amongst these are the ones which cover the head of the women folk (Muslim). The website which provides these at a reasonable price is https://www.hidden-pearls.co.uk/product-category/hijabs/. Here Hijabs of a different style, fabric and colour are available. These veils are also available for different purpose like Eid hijabs, wedding, and party hijabs, winter hijabs, crimp hijabs, embroidered ones, lace hijabs, pearl hijabs, tassel hijabs, etc.

The hijabs made of chiffon can be found on the website https://www.hidden-pearls.co.uk/product-category/hijabs/chiffon-hijabs/ for online buying purpose. These hijabs are lightweight and are very useful during the summer season. These hijabs are found in different categories like chiffon black lace hijab, chiffon lace hijab, crinkle chiffon hijab, deluxe chiffon hijab, Dubai Shayla Black hijab, everyday chiffon hijab, etc.

Another lightweight product is Jersey Hijab that can be found on the website, https://www.hidden-pearls.co.uk/product-category/hijabs/jersey-hijabs-hijabs/. Types of this hijab are Deluxe Jersey Hijab, Chocolate Deluxe Jersey Hijab, Deep Blue Deluxe Jersey HIjab, etc.  These hijabs are not needed to be pinned and hence are easy to carry. Sometimes a girl’s shirt, being too low in front or back, may be revealing. These hijabs help in covering these thus maintaining the style.

Atlanta to Asia — 5 top travel tips

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According to information gleaned from the Georgia State University Asian Studies Center, the Asian American community in Atlanta grew by 81.6 per cent to 310,004 between 2000 and the last census in 2010.

Combine the family ties of this local populace with the popularity of Asian travel for other US tourists and it’s no wonder that trips from Atlanta to a range of Asian destinations like Mumbai, Beijing, Shenyang and Hong Kong are so popular.

But whatever your reason for flying off on an Asian adventure from Atlanta, these five top travel tips will stand you in good stead.

1. Asian chambers of commerce

If you’re traveling to Asia on business, connecting with an appropriate chamber of commerce is a stitch in time that could pay off handsomely.

For instance, the USPAACC (US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce) is an excellent business networking organization established to forge links between American companies and potential customers in Asian markets. And despite its tongue-twister name, this savvy club could provide a straight path to commercial success.

Whether your business is big or small, or you’re in the private or not-for-profit field, it’s a wise idea to join the USPAACC Southeast Chapter prior to your next enterprising Asian trip — you might even find an entrepreneurial ally to collaborate with in the Atlanta area.

2. Visas and travel advice

Although the US passport remains one of the world’s best in terms of reach and reputation, many American travelers require visas to enter certain Asian destinations as tourists — India being a prime example.

Asia’s a long way to travel to potentially be refused at port by an over-zealous immigration officer, so be sure to check accurate Asian advice at travel.state.gov — the US Government’s official international travel portal for citizens.

You’ll also find vital info on safety advice, currency restrictions and vaccination requirements — essential reading if you want to be as prepared as possible for all eventualities.

Ensure your US passport is up-to-date too — some territories require it to be valid for six months after the date of your visa application.

3. Atlanta airport facilities

 

As you might expect from the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson has a fine choice of pre-flight facilities to keep you feeling satisfied, secure and entertained.

In terms of eateries, you’ll find an inspirational international menu at One Flew South, fantastic Italian fried goat’s cheese at Ecco and Japanese quick-serve snacks at Teriyaki Experience.

And if you want to shop til you drop, treat yourself to some retail therapy at Benefit Cosmetics, L’Occitane, Coach or Salvatore Ferragamo.

Finally, book Atlanta airport parking at Looking4.com before you leave if you’re traveling in your own ride — you’ll feel settled knowing your vehicle’s safe and sound until you return.

These three terrific travel tips will make your next trip from Atlanta to Asia as smooth and satisfying as Chinese steamed egg custard — put them into practice soon.

Do you have more advice for Atlanta to Asia travelers? Share it in the comments section.

Great Ways To Entertain The Whole Family

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With February around the corner and the next half term holiday on the way, families all over the UK are starting to try and decide just what to do to keep the kids entertained over the weeks they’re out of school. Keeping kids entertained at the best of times can be a daunting task even for the most seasoned childcare provider, but winter seems to be a little bit worse. Maybe it’s the cabin fever of being pent up inside all day, or not being able to expend enough energy during downtime. Whatever the cause, here are some great ideas to save your half term breaks this year so you don’t end up pulling your hair out!

A Family Getaway

Family getaways are always a favourite activity during any time of year, but particularly in the winter. The idea of getting away from the everyday routine and boredom of home can really help burn off those feelings of being cooped up, and if you choose to do something that combines activity with getting outside, all the better. Go on a family skiing holiday to some of Europe’s most amazing resorts where you can expect for the kids to have a ball on the slopes, seeing just how far they can push themselves in developing their ski skills. For the parents, there are plenty of great apres ski entertainments, but if you just want to snuggle up in your chalet with a hot cup of cocoa and watch the mountain snow gently fall through the night, that’s just fine too!

Take A Class

Taking a class as a family can be a hugely fun way to pass the time and learn something new while you’re at it. Depending on what everyone’s interested in, you might find yourself doing anything from woodworking to painting, dancing to writing. Classes can be fun for all ages and span a whole array of disciplines and types of hobby. Many local art centres or community colleges often run classes for families, children or just adults, so check in advance to see what’s happening at your local branch. Sometimes church social halls run classes as well, depending on what you’re looking for.

Start A New Tradition

Winter time can be a great time to start a new tradition, partly due to the fact that families spend more time inside and in each other’s company during the winter when the weather is less than brilliant outside and everyone wants to stay warm. Traditions can include family game night, getting friends around for a family and friends quiz, film night or the like. Perhaps you might all pick a new board game to kick off board game night, something that can be mountains of fun with parents, siblings and friends too.

Whatever the way you choose to battle those winter doldrums, one thing is for certain – there’s no shortage of amazing things you can do to make those cold months a little more bearable. So what will you and your family choose this winter? We’d love to hear from you!

Beating The Winter Blues

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With Christmas and New Year come and gone, the winter doldrums seem to really set in. It can seem like spring is years away yet, and as the weather seems to get worse instead of better, it can be agonising to get through the weeks and months before spring sets in again and brightens everyone’s lives. If this sounds like life at the moment, you aren’t alone. Many people suffer from a bit of the winter blues, so here are a couple of great ways you can brighten your days – even if the sun is a couple months off.

Embrace Hygge

Hygge, pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ is a Danish concept of cosy living. Imagine big woollen socks, hot cups of tea, your favourite soft throw blanket and soft music with a good book. Hygge is all about being as warm and snuggly as you can and celebrating the indoors with good friends. Invite your loved ones round for a heartwarming dinner of stews, soups, homemade breads and biscuits to dine by candlelight. This is the essence of hygge and helps people battle those winter blues in snug, warm ways.

Get Outside

Opposite to hygge, there’s always getting outside and enjoying the winter time. While it depends where you live as to what you might be able to do, enjoying winter sports can be a great way to embrace the cold and snow. After all, you can only do these things at this time of year! Hit the slopes, go sledding, ice skating or build a snowman with the kids before heading indoors for a steaming cup of hot cocoa and your favourite feel good movie. There’s so much fun to be had in the winter, you just need to bundle up!

Book A Holiday

If you really want to escape the cold and snow, you can find a good last minute cruise deal easily online to jet off to a far flung place where you will bask in the sun on the top deck before heading down for the exquisite dinners often put on. Many take off to the Caribbean this time of year due to its sun, sea and sand, but other popular options include the Mediterranean, South Asia or even – if you want more of the cold – Alaska.

Bring More Warmth Inside

If you’re sick of the monochrome colours of winter you can always brighten up your inside world by bringing more brightness inside. Doing up your living room or bedroom with warm shades of reds, oranges and yellows can not only brighten a space but also make it feel warmer too. It doesn’t have to break the bank either. Textiles can be a generally inexpensive way to inject more life, colour and warmth into a room without dedicating yourself to a total physical overhaul.

So if you’ve been struggling with the winter blues, worry no more. Hopefully with some of these great ways to beat that seasonal sadness you’ll be feeling perked up in no time flat. While we can’t change the weather, we can change how we react to it, so give yourself a reason to smile in the cold and try something new today!

5 Best Places to Travel in November 2018

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There are plenty of reasons to travel in the month of November- cool and pleasant weather, joys of festivities and events, an ideal condition for beach hopping and hiking, and many more. Someone said, “November is the month to remind us to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our life.” And, the best way to fill November with unlimited positivity is to travel to some of the most beautiful lands on earth. So, when the month of November is about to transform the world into a snowy wonderland, it’s time to check the best vacation planner and explore new horizons! So, here’s the list of 5 best places to travel in November 2018 for you!

Cuba

Cuba tops the list of best places to visit in November 2018. From the sultry streets of Havana to the glittering beaches of Playa Ancon, the Cuban landscapes look straight out of a picture postcard in the month of November. November is comparatively a calmer month in Cuba. Whether you want to walk through the Spanish colonial buildings of Cuba, learn the history of legendary Cuban cigars, or attend the musical cabaret shows at Tropicana, create a Cuba itinerary with TripHobo and explore its scenic beauty.

Australia

September to November is the spring season in Australia. The weather is pleasant, wildflowers bloom, and the Australian landscapes transform into a paradise. This will be the best time to wander through the harbor city of Sidney, jump off the Great Barrier Reef, or enjoy a gorgeous ride on the Great Ocean Road. The sun-kissed beaches of the Gold Coast are the best destinations for your Australian vacations in November. In addition to this, it is also a good time to explore the gardens of Canberra and party in Melbourne.

Patagonia

Patagonia might be a secret gem for many, but the natural beauty of this South American region is incomparable. With Andes Mountains at the border, the region of Patagonia is shared by both Argentina and Chile. The month of November witnesses large colorful blooms in Patagonia, hence making it one of the best destinations in the world for November. While on the Argentine side, you will find desert and grassland, the Chile side of Patagonia features rainforests, glaciers, and majestic fjords.

India

November marks the time of festivities in India. This is when Diwali- the festival of light is celebrated throughout the country. Therefore, this is when you can experience the cultural wealth of India most joyfully. Besides, the clear skies and cooler winds over the Indian terrain make sure that you are comfortable wherever you go. Whether you are partying in Goa, cheering over a wine on the romantic Mussoorie evening, or staying on a houseboat in Kerala, you will find everything blissful and beautiful in India.

Morocco

Morocco, the North African country with a Mediterranean atmosphere is another wonderful place to visit in November. Morocco is the fifth largest Arabian country with a great diversity. The temperature in Morocco fairly drops to make the weather wet and mild. This is a perfect time for activities like hiking along the Atlantic coast, wandering through the markets laden with lanterns, ceramic works, and jewelry. The forts of Morocco look majestic with the backdrop of clear blue skies in November.

Australia or Morocco, whichever place you plan to visit in November, you are sure to have an unforgettable trip.