February 2017

If you are a little on the romantic side, and would like to whisk your partner off to some idyllic spot and have 5 star facilities at hand, Scotland is the ideal location. The spectacular scenery is the perfect backdrop for a romantic encounter, and with a hot tub lodge that is fully self-contained, the setting is complete.

A Touch of Class

If you are planning to pop the question, or maybe celebrate a number of years together, there are stylish hot tub lodges with superior interiors in Scotland, and with a choice of stunning locations, you will find something just right for that special encounter. It’s one thing to be tucked away in a remote corner of the Scottish countryside, but if you are staying in a private 5 star lodge with all the amenities, you never have to leave the comfort of the elegant accommodation.

The Element of Surprise

If your partner is in need of a break, and you want to make it something special, you can search online for reputable holiday accommodation, and with the right lodge at an affordable price, you can make an online booking. This kind of surprise is a welcome one indeed, and with so much to see and do in the area, you have the best of both worlds.

The Hot Tub Experience

If you have experienced a hot tub, then you will understand how it can bring the romantic out in a person, and with the stunning backdrop of a Scottish loch, you couldn’t ask for a better setting to pop the magic question. Lie back and sample some of the local malt whisky and you can both watch the spectacular sunset in your own private outdoor hot tub.

A Popular Choice

Hot tub holidays in the Scottish countryside are fast becoming the new trend in holidaying. People want to be close to nature and Scotland has some of the best natural landscapes in the world. Untouched over the centuries, the lowlands and highlands are a wonder for tourists to explore, and for a young couple, there is a wealth of activities if you get tired of the cosy lodge. If you plan to go between March and September, you had best make an early booking, as the best lodges will soon be fully booked up.

Romantic Walks

There is nothing more appealing for a romantic couple than a stroll through the leafy glens and valleys, and if you are both up to hiking, there are some spectacular and very challenging hike trails to explore. Packed lunches will see you through until you return to your lodge, when you can jump in the hot tub and revitalize those tired muscles.

Local Attractions

If you are bikers than join up with the regular cycling tours, and if you didn’t bring a fold up bike with you, they can be rented almost everywhere. If golf is your thing, welcome to the home of the game, and there are some very challenging courses to play. Salmon and trout fishing is an experience on its own, and with local advice, you will find the best spots to catch dinner.

Hot tub lodges are a familiar sight on the shores of many Scottish lochs, as more and more people find the tranquility and luxury a welcome combination for the perfect holiday.

 

Life in New York City is always full of excitement, and few things are as exciting as moving into your first new home. Yet, moving NYC day can also generate a lot of stress that can take the fun out of your big moment. As you prepare for your move, here are the steps you need to take to make sure your first night in your new home is like a dream come true.

Recruit Help

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they move into a new home is underestimating the amount of things they own. Even if you are planning to purge, you will still likely be keeping most of your furniture, clothing and treasured heirlooms. For this reason, having a professional assess your overall household load will help you to choose the right size truck when it comes to moving NYC residences. Knowing exactly how large of a truck you will need prevents you from making upsetting last minute decisions about what else you might have to trash.

Pack a First Night Box

The transition that occurs when moving NYC homes is not always seamless. If you opt not to have help unpacking, then you may be left with tons of boxes and no idea where to start. This is why it is often recommended to have a special box already packed with everything you need for the first night. Pack blankets, pillows and a change of clothes along with your toiletries. Make sure there is a box for each person in the house, and add a few comfort items such as stuffed animals for any kids in your family. Even if you do have professionals help set up your home, having this box handy is ideal for helping everyone know where to start.

Set Up Utilities in Advance

New York City may be known as the city that never sleeps, but you will definitely be ready for some rest after your move. While your movers are busy planning how to pack and transport your belongings, take advantage of the extra time by setting up your utilities. When moving NYC homes, the utility company will work with you to set up the perfect start and end dates for your electricity, gas and water so that you never have to worry about an interruption in your service. Having running water and electricity is a must for the first night in your new residence that you don’t want to forget in all the moving madness.

The first night in your new home sets the stage for your life in New York. Make sure that it is as amazing as you dreamed it would be by making a few simple preparations before you go. Then, you can watch as your moving truck pulls up with full confidence that you have executed your move with the finesse of a pro.

Many people have to travel frequently owing to their job and business. The whole process of moving between cities and traveling for weeks can be tiring, and what’s even more frustrating is the need to maintain a home. If you don’t intend to stay at one place for the next few months, it makes no sense to pay for a home. Rental prices are insane, and you can save on the costs by hiring storage units for your belongings. In this post, we will discuss self-storage services in detail.

Quick facts

Self storage services offer units, also known as containers, to individuals and businesses for a fixed charge each month. The cost of such units depends on a number of factors, including location, size and facilities. If you are new to storage services, it is always wise to ascertain your needs in advance. Measure the amount of space you need, based on the size of the objects, boxes and belongings. If you intend to store furniture, car and other big things, you can measure the products directly. Such services allow you to store almost anything, except for a few things like perishables, live animals and inflammable & hazardous substances. The terms and conditions of such services vary from company to company, so do read the contract in detail.

Tips for finding services

• Since you would be traveling, you can choose a storage unit that’s located away from the main town. Services on the outskirts are often cheaper than prime areas.
• Keep in mind that storage services have different pricing strategies. However, if you use the service for more than a year, you can try for discounts.
• Pay a personal visit to the premises. This will help in checking two of the most important concerns – security and maintenance. Many companies are infamous for reducing costs by compromising on these aspects, and you need to be double sure of the services.
• Check if you actually need additional services. For some of the valuables, such as antiques and cars, a climate controlled unit is a better choice for protection against unwanted damage from humidity and mold.

• Most people also miss on insurance, which is a good consideration. You may want to spend a little more to cover your valuables against any kind of unforeseen damage.

Traveling without a second thought about your stuff was never this easy!

If you travel to Southeast Asia, you may have difficulty pinpointing a destination. After all, this part of the world is home to some culturally and historically interesting countries. However, if you want to relax on your trip, Laos offers the best accommodations for your specific needs.

When you arrive in Laos, you immediately notice that no one is really in a rush. Whilst the country is home to lush vegetation and fertile soils, many locals are happy to harvest rice crops once a year.

The Ideal Destination for Foodies

Plus, guests who arrive in the country surprisingly discover that the food is fresh and flavourful. Nothing is processed. So, instead of bakery goods or chips, foods represent delights such as veggies, sticky rice, steamed fish, and crunchy greens.

An Unforgettable Experience

If you choose to take a tour in the country, you are regularly rewarded with amazing, if not mind-altering, sunsets. Whether you are visiting the Mekong delta region or are viewing the sunset from a rooftop pub, the lack of pollution makes the day’s ending an unforgettable experience.

Kuang Si Falls

Laos travel specialists claim that Laos has a high annual rainfall. As a result, the mountainous terrain and extensive river system also feature several impressive cascades. One of the popular falls is the Kuang Si Falls, which is located just outside Luang Prabang.

Besides the cascades, you can also discover the city’s rustic and beautiful scenery in the form of rice fields, woods, jungles, and hillsides. You really cannot go anywhere without seeing the colour green.

The Hmong Story Cloths

If you are seeking authentic handcrafts, Laos is the ideal spot to make your selections. Whilst much of Southeast Asia’s embroidery is factory-made for visitors, Laos features handicrafts made by local artisans. For example, the Hmong Story Cloths are favourite hand-made crafts, as they are designed to relate myths, folktales, and creation stories.

A Communist Country

Whilst the main religion in Laos is Buddhism, its government is Communist. In fact, Laos is one of only five Communist countries in the world today. The other countries include Vietnam, China, Cuba, and North Korea.

Everyone Wins

Tourists who visit Laos notice the country’s commitment towards providing ecotourism travel. In fact, many communities in Laos feature tourism-based initiatives to support the country’s economy. Therefore, everyone wins when countries concentrate on providing eco-friendly accommodation, tours, and attractions.

A few of the most popular tours available for travellers include the following:

• Phongsaly Loop
• Vang Vieng Escape
• Luang Prabang Trekking Retreat

Something for Everyone

If you plan to visit Southeast Asia but are not sure where to begin or end your journey, you should review the available tours in Laos. Tours are designed for both families and singles, as well as every age groups. There is something for everyone who visits this fascinating country. Therefore, when deciding on a tour, review the travel styles and consider your length of stay and budget before making a decision.

Traveling is a well-sought pastime by business people, families, couples, and singles.  However, the modern-day road warrior is much more equipped than those taking adventures in the past.  Imagine having to travel decades ago with no handheld devices, smartphones, and no apps!  Today, seasoned travelers use a range of apps from the Android store to accommodate the need to find gas, alternate routes, restaurants, etc.

Gas Buddy

At home, you have your regular routes and likely know the best price in town for gas.  But when you’re traveling or on vacation, it’s unclear as to where to go to find the best prices for gas…until now.  Gas Buddy takes your location into consideration and then provides you with intelligence regarding stations with the best prices.  If you’re an advocate of a type of gas or a particular company, then you can further narrow your search.

Booking

The Booking.com site offers an app so customers can compare hotel room prices.  The map option is especially convenient since travelers can get a better idea as to whether a certain accommodation is out of their way or close to other points on their travel itinerary.  Also, it’s a great backup to have if prior reservations fall through or you’re not pleased with the state of a particular hotel.

7 Minute Workout

We all want to be healthy and look great, but not all of us dedicate the time toward the effort.  It’s especially easy to make excuses when one is traveling, but not if you have the 7 Minute Workout app, your workout partner to help burn calories, build muscle, and accelerate your cardiovascular system.  Who doesn’t have seven minutes to dedicate toward a healthier lifestyle?

Podcast Addict

The number of published podcasts is growing along with the interest of listeners.  It takes a lot of time to peruse through the web and read a bunch of blogs.  However, you can get educated on a range of topics while sitting in your car, cleaning the home, or working at your desk.  Podcast Addict lets you search, download, and listen to podcasts.  Are you searching for something new?  The app features a trending function that will continuously introduce you to fresh content.

Camera 360

Who goes on vacation or an irregular place and doesn’t take pictures to catalog the experience?  The Camera 360 app has over 200 filters to make your pictures look perfect and unique.  Of course, we’re living in the age of social media.  Once you’ve modified your photo to your liking, you can upload and share on your favorite social channels.  Will the weather influence the places you go to take pictures?  There’s an app for that.  Get it on Google Play.

VLC

Well, why would you be satisfied with still frame pictures when you can capture live video footage of your vacation or time on the road?  The VLC app has a load of video formats and adjustable settings.  Furthermore, the app works to accelerate your phone’s hardware so you’ll get the best video capture performance from your smartphone.  If you’re a hardcore videographer you can probably find better apps, yet VLC provides more than satisfactory service.

Patrick Griffiths loves travel and outdoor adventure sports. A bit of a free spirit at heart, he writes about places, sports/events and his top travel tips.

If you’re like me, you live to travel. I’ve trekked across the United States, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe. However, while I love Seattle, I’ve never had the pleasure of stepping foot in Hong Kong. Hopefully, someday soon, I can change that.

Let’s say I had the money to make that trip happen. How would I get from Asia to the Pacific Northwest? How much would it cost? How long are the flights? Are there similarities between the two cities? Differences?

Hong Kong sits on the Southeastern corner of China and is known for its strategically located harbor, which has attracted people from around the World for centuries. It’s a hub of trade, entertainment, and once served as one of the most important colonies of the British Empire. Now an autonomous territory, Hong Kong plays a strategic role in international relations, particularly between Asia and the Western World.

Seattle is located on the Puget Sound, within the State of Washington. Like Hong Kong, it’s famous for fresh seafood, unique dining options, and fine hotels. Seattle is also home to wine, fish markets, professional sport franchises, music, and art.

The typical flight from Hong Kong to Seattle lasts a little more than 12 hours. Yea, almost half a day of flying. What about cost? Well, that depends on the airline and the time of year in which you travel. As I write this article, most airlines appear to offer flights from $500 to $1000, round-trip. Obviously, if you want to fly in business or first class, these prices could double; however, it’s helpful to know that it won’t break the bank to travel from Hong Kong to Seattle.

So, what should one expect when they land in Seattle? Both cities are known for fresh seafood, quality restaurants, and entertainment, but what separates them? How are they different? One major difference: the weather. Seattle is known for rain. It’s not unusual for it to rain 3, 4, 5 times a week, sometimes more. In Hong Kong, however, rain is less frequent. Hong Kong is also generally warmer. If you’re traveling from Hong Kong, you might want to pack an umbrella and some warmer clothes. In Seattle, regardless of the time of year, you need to be prepared for rain. You also need to realize that you may not see the sun as often. Most days, Seattle is overcast, and certain weeks, the sun barely makes an appearance. It may not seem significant, but you would be surprised how a lack of sunlight can affect even the most optimistic of people.

1. We’ve talked about the two cities. We discussed the similarities, differences, costs, and travel tips. Now, all that’s left is to book your trip from Hong Kong to Seattle. I’m already looking at flights. I invite you to do the same.

I live in the Midwest, and in the summer, my family and I love to go to the lake. My daughter can’t wait to put her feet in the sand, and she will swim for hours. While she enjoys the beach, her and our favorite past-time is taking the boat out.

Years ago, my parents bought a speed boat. It’s nice; we can ski, fish, tube, and stop by our favorite shore-side restaurant. Recently, as our family has grown in size, it’s been more and more difficult to get everyone on the boat. We’ve been forced to take turns, which everyone agrees isn’t nearly as fun. My parents decided to make a change and looked into pontoon boats.

At first, my brothers, wife, and I weren’t excited to trade in our sporty, sleak speed boat, for a giant, comparatively slow pontoon. However, after we took the pontoon out on the lake, we fell in love. All of us, our entire family, our dogs, and even our neighbors, can fit comfortably. The pontoon has enough power to pull my daughter on skis, and is large enough to allow us parents to anchor the boat and have a drink while our kids jump off the side of the pontoon.

Before my parents bought their pontoon, they voiced an interest in luxury performance boats. They, like us, thought the most luxurious, modern boats would be smaller, sporty, and not a pontoon boat. We were wrong. After browsing the selection of boats, we found that some of the most durable, modern looking boats were the pontoons. Many are equipped with modern, top-of-the line stereo systems, navigation, depth finders, and large, sturdy tables and chairs where families like us can have a meal together.

Besides the beautiful design and spacious layouts of the pontoons, we were also pleasantly surprised that we wouldn’t have to give-up power. The sales team showed us pontoons with the best engines in the business. Unlike pontoons of the past, which were known for being clunky, these modern boats were fast, and able to both hold a large number of people and tow a skier, depending on the circumstances.

So, if you’re in the market for a new boat, take a look at a pontoon. You may be hesitant, like we were. You may think they’re out of your price range; they’re not. There are many affordable options. You may not believe that they’re the right boat for you, but, please, at least give them a try. Who knows, you may, like us, be very surprised and pleased with what you find. Pontoons can be just as luxurious, just as fun, as any other boat on the market. Take it out on the water and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.