Donald Steven

Holidays

Why January is a Great Time for a Last Minute Holiday

by Donald Steven on

It’s fair to say that January is recognized as about the worst part of the year by many people. The weather is typically terrible – cold, short days with never-ending rain and drizzle. Storms, snow even something as innocuous as fallen leaves causing travel chaos on a daily basis.

 For some reason however and despite all these good reasons, January is not really seen as a traditional holiday month. Perhaps it’s because it comes too soon after the expense of the Christmas period.

However, January is a great time to get away – especially on a last minute holiday, where there can be some really attractive deals and bargains.

This year therefore, perhaps put a little money aside for a January break. Or, like I do, when friends and relatives ask what I’d like for Christmas, ask for travel vouchers, Travelers Cheques – or just good old fashioned cash – and put it toward a January escape.

Here are some more reasons why a last minute January holiday might be just the thing to help avoid the winter blues.

Escape the Crowds

A winter holiday can be a great way to experience popular destinations – especially ones that are known for their summer sunshine. Barcelona, the Canary Islands, Lisbon, Malta and the Seychelles are just a tiny handful of the holiday destinations that attract well over a million visitors during peak, summer weather.

However, by visiting out of season, you will not be stuck in endless queues for the top attractions. Restaurants will not require weeks advance booking; typical tourist attractions will be empty enough for you to actually enjoy what they have to offer.

Just as a small example, I took a January city break to Berlin. Wandering though the near empty zoo, even in the snow, was a holiday memory that I will treasure.

Experience More

Live like a local! Again, to put a small personal spin on this advice, I live in London. Like most sensible Londoners, I don’t bother trying to get to any museum or Central London attraction during the summer months.

By visiting a city or town or even a resort out of season, you will get a lot more interaction with locals who will be out and about enjoying their local attractions and restaurants without hoards of tourists.

If you want to see what a city, or even a country is really like, then get there outside of tourist season.

Cheaper

Again, as mentioned near the start of this piece, January is not a time that many people typically look to go on holiday.

This means that both airlines and hotels have plenty of surplus capacity – and they are looking to sell it off cheap. This can be particularly fortuitous for the last minute traveler.

With the growth of websites that offer a range of last minute deals (one of them may even have a similar sounding name to that…) there are ample opportunities to get a bargain – especially if you are flexible about your destination.

So use this opportunity to have a real adventure!

Winter Sunshine

 

Finally, and possibly just one of the best reasons to get out there and have a January Holiday – to get some much needed Vitamin D! The winter after all, can be depressingly long, and the poor weather can really limit the opportunities to just get out there and enjoy life!

Instead of sitting at home however, desperately waiting for summer, take advantage of the ample travel opportunities presented to us by affordable air travel and last minute travel websites.

After all, you only live once – and I never heard of anyone on their deathbed regretting that they took too many holidays, or had too much fun.

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Travel

Tips for Your First Solo Travel to Myanmar

by Donald Steven on

For the longest time, Myanmar has not opened its doors wide for the rest of the world to see. It was ruled by an autocratic government and tourism was not really encouraged. With the change in administration, Myanmar has become more open. It has increased partnerships with several nations and more tourists have flocked to see its untouched beauty.

If you are planning to visit Myanmar as a solo traveller for the first time, there are important things you need to remember.

Flying to the country

Yangon Airport is the main entry point for trips to Myanmar. It also has the most number of international flights in Myanmar. The Mandalay Airport has also opened, but it currently serves only international flights to and from Bangkok.

Money

Kyat is the local currency used in the country but US dollars are also widely accepted. It is best to have both along with a credit card as a backup option. If you intend to change your money for local currency, make sure that your money is in pristine condition as it is checked carefully. Discolouration and other flaws will decrease the value of the money. They might even be rejected. ATM machines are usually available in certain places but be careful as some of them are always out of service.

Cost

It looks like the cost of living in the country is low, but provide an allowance in your budget. The prices could be higher than expected. Even hotels are relatively more expensive than those in neighbouring countries like Thailand or Vietnam.

Local transportation

You have to spend approximately 1,000 Kyat per kilometre if you are taking a cab. You can also hire private drivers as the cost can be lower and they can also drive longer distances. Fascinating places like the Golden Rock which is over 2 hours away from the capital won’t cost you that much if you are hiring a private driver. Just make sure you learn how to say no if you are asked to go to certain places that you are not interested in visiting anyway.

Proper attire

You need to dress conservatively. Most locals cover their shoulders and legs even with high temperatures. You are highly encouraged to wear appropriate attire especially if you are entering temples and pagodas.

Don’t be afraid to try

From foods to tourist destinations, the country has a lot to offer. You just have to discover them and make the most of your experience. The locals are very friendly and hospitable. They will welcome you with warm greetings and make you feel at home.

You can get some more travelling tips by reading blogs by Varsha Rao. Given her expertise, you will certainly learn a lot.

Image: Pixabay.com

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Travel

Maximize Your Money in Japan

by Donald Steven on

Japan’s marriage of the modern lifestyle and traditional culture makes it a go-to destination for many travelers around the globe. However, its high standards of living make it one of the most expensive destinations in the world. But, don’t worry! There’s a way to travel Japan without doling out too much. Just keep in mind these tips and tricks and you will surely maximize your budget for exploring the land of the rising sun!

If you are a first time traveler, the most important thing that you should remember is the currency. The value of a country’s currency changes to whichever place you are. In Japan, the national currency is Yen. When you exchange your currency to Yen, remember that you will not be getting the same value.

After exchanging your money to Japanese Yen, the next thing that you should remember is budgeting your cash. Set aside the money for your food and accommodation so you will not have to worry about them any longer. A huge chunk of your expenses will go to transportation. It is necessary to plan ahead your itinerary so you will not encounter possible problems.

Transportation in Japan is expensive. The bullet train with its superb comfort and lightyear speed is definitely pricey. But it’s the best way for any traveler to get to explore the entire country. To minimize the cost a little bit, get the Japan Rail Trail Pass. You can use this pass to travel to different cities around Japan.

The passes are valid for 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days, depending on your need. You can buy the passes in Japan. But you may also purchase them online with a discount of up to 20%.

An alternative from bullet trains and trains are buses. But, they are definitely slower. A 2-hour bullet train ride from Osaka to Tokyo can be a 10-hour bus ride. Now, it’s up to you which one to prioritize: your travel time or your budget. If you have very limited time in Japan, it is better to take the bullet train. But if you are staying for a longer time, you may opt to use the bus.

Aside from transportation and adventures, you also need to take into consideration your food. There are a lot of food places in Japan that are pocket-friendly. One of these places is the 100-yen stores. They sell food packages and boxes for 100 yen. Not only that can, you can find toiletries, groceries and other necessities in the store.

If you want to indulge yourself to authentic Japanese sushi, then you must check out the sushi trains. At 100-170 yen per plate, you can enjoy authentic and delicious sushi.

You may also eat in convenient stores like 7-11 so that you can save money for other recreations or adventures.

If you are staying in a hostel, you may opt to cook your food. Just get your groceries and whip up something for yourself. Also, avoid buying fruits in Japan. They are really expensive.

These are just some tips to fully maximize your budget for Japan. Just be fearless and adventurous and everything will go well!

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Hotel

Advantages of Corporate Housing Services

by Donald Steven on

Project managers and executives frequently finish up in a situation where they need to travel for many days or even several weeks for an affiliate office. Regardless of how good hotels is, it’ll never seem like a house and therefore visiting company officials and business owners need a home-like destination. However, finding a condo to book for that short-term can be very challenging. Fortunately, corporate housing services are showing to become a good option. There’s a rise in the amount of private housing agencies offering companies condominiums or furnished apartments to facilitate temporary accommodation solutions for visiting employees. The advantages for corporate housing services in supplying excellent solution for temporary rental arrangement include:

· Convenience

The majority of the corporate rentals come in the town, which frequently eliminates the trouble connected with business journeys, including extended commuting on unfamiliar roads. In addition, corporate housing services offer better living conditions in contrast to other housing solutions. Instead of being stuck within an impersonal accommodation, following a lengthy work day, corporate housing services offer visitors a house-like atmosphere to unwind and do their very own cooking.

· Favorable atmosphere

Corporate housing services present an atmosphere that’s well accepted by employees who are able to set-up home abroad. The facilities offer extra room, kitchens, laundry facilities plus much more. This provides lots of possibilities for entertaining visitors – you could have co-workers over for any meeting the family for that weekend, with no experiencing any challenges. The facilities offer more versatility for residents due to the many service-oriented features, much like individuals present in hotels. A few of the corporate housing staples include cable television, fully furnished rooms, fully furnished kitchens (with microwaves, fundamental cookware, dishes and silverware), linens, local telephone service, answering machines, ironing boards, washers & dryers and house cleaning service. Considering growing competition, the possibilities are lots of.

· Economical

Companies have found placing their personnel in housing provides a more cost-effective solution. Should you compare the price of corporate rentals to hotels or lengthy-term leases, the cost is minimal. In addition, companies can take into account these housing services as business expenses, without doubt an attractive factor. Furthermore, individuals or families who opt to reside in hotels soon realize going to center 3 occasions each day, rapidly drains their travel budgets, while residing in accommodations encourages these to buy well balanced meals in the nearby supermarket, saving them a large amount of money.

Looking for corporate housing Singapore? Well, you can now check photos and other details online, which can help in saving considerable time. Besides the location, do check the facilities and other advantages of the concerned property before taking the call.

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Hotel

Questions to Ask When Booking a Meeting Room

by Donald Steven on

Many companies are in the habit of conducting their annual general meetings or even important conferences in conference halls or congress halls of hotels. And if you are in charge of making the bookings then your selection of the hall or room will contribute directly to the success of the event or meet. This makes your selection all the more critical.

So how do you select an ideal conference room or location de salle de congrès en Estrie for a corporate or personal event? What questions you should ask when you are going through the selection process?

How Many People Will the Room Accommodate?

If you know that you have 100 people attending the conference then you should select a room that accommodates 140 people. It is better to overbook than under book for such events. The room should not feel cramped up to the guests and should have enough space for the people to move around.

What is the Layout of the Room?

All types of layouts are not ideal for all types of events. For examples annual general meetings should be ideally held in a room with a rectangular or square layout. A wedding can be held in a circular room. The room should also not have a lot of beams coming in way because that can mar the experience of the guests.

What is the Ambience of the Room?

A corporate event should not be held in a conference room that has very vibrant or bright colours. The room should not have large windows and should not be adjacent to a pool. These things can distract the guests from important discussion points. However, if it is a wedding, then the room can have an adjacent pool where your guests can lounge around whenever they feel like it. How the lighting is set up in the room will also matter.

What Can Be Done to Set up the Room?

If you have an event where there will be presentations and speeches then you are going to need a podium to be set up inside the room. You would also need a projector to project the presentations for the guests. You will need enough power outlets to connect laptops and microphones. In addition to this, if there is going to be a Q&A session then you would need additional microphones. Check if these things are available with the room or have to be hired separately.

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Travel

Have An Adventurous Dog? Get These Travel Essentials For Your Pooch!

by Donald Steven on

Dogs are smart and they love adventurous activities. Of course, some breeds of dogs are more active than others, but this is a species that doesn’t like to be contained in general. If you travel with your pet frequently, you need to get a few essentials for him, especially for extreme activities. We have enlisted the top things for your shopping list.

  • Start with his medicines. Your little pooch may need medicines for motion sickness, upset stomach and a lot of unforeseen medical circumstances. Make sure that you speak to your vet and have all the meds and a first aid kit in place.
  • Get a harness. When it comes to outdoor activities, you need to have adequate control on your pet, and for that, a collar is never enough. You can get a Harness by Ruffwear, which is designed exclusively for activities like hiking. The harness should have space for a few things like water and treats and should be designed in a way that the animal doesn’t feel heavy.

  • You need a long leash. No matter how trained your dog might be, he still needs to be controlled, at least in areas that he is not familiar with. NEVER leave your dog without a leash. Get one that’s sturdy and is made of a strong material.
  • A dog towel is important. If you are traveling in the mountains, you never know when it rains. Get a good towel for your pet, so that he can be dried as required, but don’t buy something too heavy.
  • A good all-weather coat. Dogs like to get out in the sun and they love the rains too. You need an all weather coat that can withstand the weather. You can get a raincoat too if needed. Look for a reputed brand, and the product should last for years.
  • Wet dog food is necessary. If you plan to walk and hike for long hours, your pooch will need wet food. Unlike dry food, wet food is full of water content, which will keep the animal hydrated, especially if the dog doesn’t like drinking water on the go.

  • Get a tick collar. When it comes to outdoors, your dog is exposed to endless things, and the last thing you would want are ticks and fleas. Get a tick collar or any form of repellent that works and is safe for regular use.

Start shopping now!

 

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Travel

Traveling To Cornwall, UK? Check These Quick Tips!

by Donald Steven on

If you are looking for a distinctive holiday in the US, Cornwall can be a great pick. Famously known as the home to legendary King Arthur, this is a destination that offers amazing options for enjoying the weather. People often come here for peace and calmness, away from the deafening crowds of the big cities

The basics

Cornwall is located in the southwest of the UK and is a duchy. It’s quite different in terms of feel and is known well for cultural tourism. This is also a great place to enjoy good food, and you will love the small town charm of the local villages. Most people speak English here, so you won’t have a hard time as a tourist.

What to see?

  • If you are fond of beaches, Bude is a good place, which beaches like Summerleaze that are extremely popular. Surfing is a good activity that can be enjoyed here, and there are small hotels, where you can stay for a night.
  • Another awesome holiday destination is Padstow. Known for its harbor, Padstow is amazing and very different as far as the activities are concerned. Here you have The National Lobster Hatchery, where lobsters are reared and returned to the sea. The good thing is Padstow has some amazing self-catering apartments and houses, so you can spend a relaxed vacation over the weekend or can extend your stay for a week or more.
  • Bodmin is known for Arthur’s Hall, and you can also visit Brown Willy, which is the highest point of this duchy. Visitors are also interested in the small lake called Dozmary Pool.
  • Cornwall is best recognized for the legends of King Arthur, and if you are here, you must make time for the Tintagel Castle, which was made in the medieval times and is considered to be the birth place of King Arthur.

What to enjoy?

Coasteering is quite popular in Cornwall, and you will find some of the best facilities in the UK here. Most people are also interested in rock climbing, which is also popular with the locals. If you are experienced enough, you can include George Mallory in your list. Don’t forget to taste the Cornish cream tea.

You can check harbourholidays.co.uk to find some of the best stay options in Cornwall, and make sure that you book in advance, especially if you want the best properties at the best prices.

 

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Hotel

Where to find Cheap Hotel Deals

by Donald Steven on

If you’re searching for many Cheap Hotel Deals, then you might want to understand how to locate them. There are numerous places to can look for the best cost on hotel stays. Be it for business or a holiday, you’ll place deals in several sources.

Many people who travel using their business will constantly locate a good bargain. This is because the greater money they invest in their hotel visit, the less cash they’ve with regards to their business. To help keep travel costs low, so that you can still travel making a profit, you’ll find deals with a couple of various ways.

If you’re a registered business, you might be eligible for a special promotions through various hotels. Most hotel chains will offer you a campaign for businesses who stick with them. They could give you a code to make use of any time you call to reserve, or they might pass company name only. The deals could vary from a company discount, to some deal in which you stay for some time for you to earn a totally free stay.

Booking a vacation could possibly get pricey if you don’t understand how to find low prices. One method to locate an ideal cost, would be to book a final minute holiday stay. You’ll find many deals online through hotels that also have space and room within their location. They might publish a good deal for several rooms that are offered.

To get the best rate on the hotel visit, you are able to contact hotels in the region you’re wishing in which to stay. Contacting them and asking regarding their cost is a terrific way to discover the cheapest possible fee. You may also try websites to learn more, so you are aware what’s in every hotel package. Try for the greatest package and cost combination.

Calling a tour operator will help you look for a nice fee on the hotel. They’ll know which of them are providing discounted prices and just what season is right for traveling. As experts in the area of travel, they could demonstrate how you can place deals and obtain a holiday at a lower price. To discover a travel agent, you can test a web-based search or look at your local papers. Another fantastic way to find the best agent, would be to check around to family and buddies for recommendations.

With last minute hotel deals Singapore, you can save more on your stay. Many hotels have great offers and discounts on their website, and you can grab special vouchers, which will entail deals on their services. Book your room now!

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Travel

Check These Simple Tips For Booking Apartment Rentals In Costa Rica

by Donald Steven on

Traveling to Costa Rica? Well, your vacation can be more fun if you stay at the right place. Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a land of many adventures. From active volcanoes to amazing national parts and reserve forests that cover 25% of the country’s area, Costa Rica is a treasure for anyone who loves nature. If you are here, you would want to explore the best places, and in the ideal case, you would need at least a month to get a tease of the weather and local life.

Where to stay?

Costa Rica has some amazing apartment rentals, which are easy to rent. You have options like Villas de Cariari Building 2, where you can stay close to the nature, without the maddening crowd of the hotels. Unlike hotels, apartment rentals are designed to ensure privacy. You can be at ease at all times, and there’s no need to spend on restaurant food every day, because you can cook in a fully furnished kitchen. Most of the rentals have the basic facilities, and you don’t need to rely on anyone for services.

How to book apartment rentals?

Costa Rican rentals remain occupied for most parts of the year, but if you are looking for good deals, it is wise to book in advance. Keep in mind that good rentals are booked early. Look for rentals that are close to San Jose, and you also check them out online, with all the details. Bookings can be made online, as well, which is a great idea in many ways, especially because you can select the properties you like. Also, you need to check the inclusions in advance. For long term stay, extending beyond two weeks, you can expect to get an offer.

Apartment rentals in San Jose are pretty popular for travelers and honeymooners who want to explore the nearby areas. Before you take a call, make sure that you check the additional expenses if any. Take a moment to check the services offered in the property, which will matter if you plan to stay with a group or your family. Costa Rican rentals have cheaper prices as compared to many other destinations of the world. The time between May 1st and November 30th is considered to be a low season, and the prices are pretty much on the lower side during this period. For monthly stays from December, you can expect to pay around $2000.

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Accommodation

Are Jobs Easy to Find in Spain?

by Donald Steven on

Whn we were looking for apartments in Javea, we also needed to find jobs. Jobs can be easy to find in Spain, depending on the area of Spain you are in and what qualifications you have. You will need to be able to speak fluent Spanish as well as English, German, and/or Dutch. Being fluent in these languages will make your job search easier because of the high number of internationals living in Spain. There are only a few legal requirements to be able to work in Spain.

Legalities

To legally work in Spain it is necessary to have an NIE number. The NIE number is similar to the Social Security Number (U.S.A.) and the National Insurance Number (U.K.). This can easily be applied for at the nearest town hall (ayuntimiento) or the nearest main police station (Guardia Civil), depending on the rules and laws of the area of Spain in which you plan to live and work. If you are originally from a country within the E.U., you will not need to apply for a visa but you will have to apply for an NIE to work or to be able to purchase property, a vehicle and/or a business. All that is required to apply for an NIE is your original passport and photo copies, a padron (see below) and money to cover any possible photocopying and local process charges. Each area varies on costs but it is not expensive to apply.

Padron

Before you can apply for an NIE number you will be required to provide an original copy of your padron to complete your application. The padron is a document which shows where you are currently residing within Spain. There is no charge to obtain a padron but some town halls may request a small photocopying or printing fee. A padron is required for anyone who intends to work or live in Spain long term.

Specialized Employment

In Spain there are certain qualifications for particular jobs that must be obtained in Spanish. For example if you are a qualified driving instructor, you will need to retrain and qualify with a Spanish driving course to be able to teach people to drive in Spain. Holistic practices are not completely recognized in Spain but if you have qualifications or licensing from another country, you will have to have them translated and certified by a legal representative and displayed within your place of work alongside your insurance documents. This goes for many qualifications, but to be sure, check with a lawyer before you begin to work.

The Open Market

If you do not have qualifications in a specific area but you have the experience and ability to work in a variety of public sector jobs, you will find that speaking Spanish fluently is a must. If you can speak Spanish and German and/or Dutch, there are many jobs available on the market today. There are a lot of companies that require skilled office workers who are able to translate information to their clients as there are a lot of different nationalities living in Spain. There is a high volume of website design work available for individuals who can create websites in Spanish, translating from English and vice versa. There are also high volumes of IT and legal vacancies available as well as management and accounting jobs, but all require a certain level of Spanish language skills.

Social Security

Most jobs in Spain are hard to come by if you do not speak the language fluently. There are many English bars and restaurants who employ temporary staff but usually there is no contract offered and it is illegal to work long term in Spain without a contract of employment. Further, you will not receive the benefits from paying your taxes. However, some companies will employ you if you offer to pay your own taxes on a self-employed basis. On average it will cost you 240 to 265 euros per month for social security, to show that you are working legally. When you pay your social security, you are able to apply for a mortgage, receive free medical aid and certain benefits towards child care, disability and sick leave.

How to Find a Job that Suits You

Hundreds of full-time and contract jobs are placed online every day on job-search sites. English-language newspapers tend to only list jobs that have low salaries (averaging five euros per hour) and that are mostly without contracts. There are an honest few that do advertise locally for legal permanent positions but when they appear, hundreds apply for one position. Recently a popular company advertised for a shelf-stacking position or two and over 10,000 applications were received. These types of jobs usually involve bar, restaurant, sales and assistant types of employment.

 Final Tip

If you are interested in working in Spain, learn the language and your job options can increase tenfold.

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