Travel Blog

3 Reasons You May Have To Cancel Travel Plans

April 8, 2022 by Jaime

Now that many travel bans have been lifted, people are back to traveling all over the world. While planning trips can be a lot of fun, it is important to remember that sometimes in life you may have to make cancellations you don’t want to make.

A lot of things can be easily overcome, but occasionally a wrench is thrown in your plans and there’s nothing you can do about it so you’ll just have to reschedule your trip instead. Here are 3 very valid reasons to cancel your travel plans.

Illness

Not all illnesses are reason to cancel travel plans, but sometimes you just have to accept the fact that you are too sick for a long drive or flight. Some factors to consider here are whether or not you are contagious, how much strenuous activity you plan on doing on your trip, and how much access you’ll need to healthcare and/or medicine. Consider your options for rescheduling your trip at some point in the future and remember that your health is the most important thing.

Death In The Family

Unfortunately, life is fragile and a death may occur in your family at an inopportune time, such as when you are in the middle of making travel plans. Although this may be a time when you need a vacation more than ever, you may have too much on your plate to handle traveling on top of that.

Planning a funeral while grieving the death of a loved one can be really overwhelming so try to give yourself all the time and space that you need. Ask for help when necessary and remember that any trips you had planned on taking can wait.

Work Conflicts

Everyone needs a vacation away from real-life every once in a while and it is a good idea to take breaks from working whenever possible so as to prevent burnout. That being said, your job is your livelihood and sometimes you have to be flexible in order to be a good employee and keep your job.

If you plan a trip and then, later on, find that you have a work conflict that interferes, this can be upsetting. However, sometimes you may have to cancel travel plans you had been looking forward to in order to go to work.

Try not to let this get to you and whenever you plan a trip understand that it may be a possibility. It’s just a part of being a part of the workforce.

Canceling travel plans is never fun but sometimes it’s just necessary. You can always change the dates of your trip and go on it later on when you will be able to enjoy it even more.

A Week in Greensboro, NC, on an $80,000 Salary

December 21, 2021 by Jaime

Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.

Today: a physical therapist who makes $80,000 a year

Occupation: physical therapist

Age: 27

Location: Greensboro, NC

Salary: $80,000 (approx. $2,400 per pay period)

Day One

I work as a physical therapist at a clinic in Greensboro, NC. My spouse, F., and I just purchased our home a few months ago and were looking for window cleaning services. Our neighbor M. referred us to Greensboro Labor Panes. They do window cleaning, pressure washing, and even gutter cleaning. M. had a good experience with them and mentioned it had been a better service than the last company she hired. They even get the inside of the windows and offer free estimates. This is perfect because F. and I have been looking for an affordable service and want to find the best window cleaning company in Greensboro.

Total: $0

Day Two

F. and I haven’t been able to visit my mom in a while. She lives in a nursing home down in Raleigh, so F. suggested looking for gift plants online. My mom loves having greenery in her room. So, we ordered a plant gift from Lively Root. They have free shipping, so we chose a nice peace lily to get delivered to her door. The site had everything from air plants to trendy succulents. Any indoor plant would be a great way to liven up any room.

Total: $30

Day Three

I did some online shopping today because my best friend H.’s bachelorette trip is in two weeks. I needed some travel-sized toiletries and wanted a new bathing suit and some other clothes and accessories. H. wants the bridal party to wear big floppy hats and pink sundresses. Luckily, we got to choose the style of the sundresses and the shades of pink. So, I found a few options online that I could take with me for the upcoming trip.

Total: $171

Day Four

The window cleaning company gave us some pricing options, and I was happy to find that they’re the ultimate professionals. We asked them for quotes for both gutter cleaning and window cleaning. Ultimately, F. and I chose to schedule services on the weekend I’m gone. I had back-to-back appointments all day at the clinic, so I ordered lunch through a food delivery app. As soon as I had the chance, I scarfed down some sushi and prepped some of my equipment.

Total: $15

Day Five

At work, we get a lot of pediatric patients. Because physical therapy feels really exhausting to most kids, we always offer candy at reception. On the way home, I like to pick up candy to fill the bowls once in a while. If I don’t, they’re usually filled with cheap candy. So, I stopped by a CVS and grabbed some of my personal favorites as a kid. There are only so many Tootsie Rolls a kid can enjoy. I bought peanut butter cups and gummy candies.

Total: $12

Day Six

I called my mom on my lunch break, and she mentioned receiving her plant delivery. She was glad to add to her small collection of house plants. After my workday, I drove over to H.’s house and got some Chipotle on the way. We like to watch our favorite reality TV show together. She made us cocktails.

Total: $15

Day Seven

Today, my gym membership is due. I admit that I actually haven’t been there in a while. So, I asked H. if she maybe wanted to take a pilates class together. We decided to go to pilates tomorrow night.

Total: $38.70

Total for the week: $281.70

Enjoy Luxury Safari Vacations for the Whole Family in South Africa

November 16, 2021 by Jaime

Going on a family vacation is a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones. These days, people often have very little time to spend together as a family due to other commitments but going on a trip as a family means that you can enjoy spending time together and experiencing new things as a family. One type of vacation that can provide a truly unique family vacation experience is a South African safari.

By finding the best safari holidays in South Africa, you and your loved ones can look forward to an incredible vacation experience. No matter what the ages of your family members, everyone will be able to enjoy the thrill and excitement of a South African safari. Being able to get up close and personal with the wildlife in a natural setting is an experience like no other for adults and children alike. In this article, we will look at some of the reasons families love this type of vacation experience.

Why Family Safari Vacations Are So Popular

While booking holidays to laze around on the beach for a week or two might be relaxing, they are not particularly enriching for your family. With a trip such as a South African safari, however, you can all enjoy an experience that is educational, enriching, thrilling, and unique. Some of the reasons why family safari vacations have become so popular are:

Exciting for All Ages

One of the reasons this type of vacation has become a popular choice among families is that it provides excitement and thrills for all ages. So, whether your family group includes seniors, young kids, adults, or teens, you will all be able to look forward to a wonderful experience when you head out on safari. Wildlife and nature are fascinating for all people young and old alike, and this makes a family safari the perfect choice.

A Unique and Incredible Experience

Many families are always trying to achieve a unique and memorable experience when they go on treasured family vacations, and going on a South African safari will enable you to achieve this goal. A South African safari is something that is very different from other vacation experiences you may have enjoyed as a family, and this makes it a perfect option for those looking for something that is truly unique.

Educational for the Kids

You should also keep in mind the educational benefits of a safari vacation for your family, as these trips can teach you a lot no matter what your age. Both the children and adults will be able to look forward to an enriching experience that enables them to learn about nature and wildlife. This is something that will provide long-lasting benefits even when the vacation is over.

A Wonderful Family Experience

When you choose a South African safari for your next family vacation, you can look forward to a wonderful experience for all ages. This is the type of vacation that will be etched into your mind for decades to come.

How To Take the Best Vacation Photos for Social Media

October 6, 2021 by Jaime

Traveling is all about living in the moment and opening your mind to new experiences—but it’s always fun to document your adventures and share them with your closest friends on social media. As you embark on your next trip, here are some tips to help you capture the perfect Insta-worthy travel photos.

Look the part.

Whether you’re headed to South Africa, Europe, or just exploring a new city for the weekend, leaving for a new adventure can be exciting. Unfortunately, packing for your vacation isn’t always quite so relaxing. Everyone wants to look the part in their vacation pictures—especially the ones that are going on social media for everyone to see—but filling a suitcase requires deciding exactly what you want to wear in advance.

To plan the best vacation outfits, check your destination’s weather forecast and pack your suitcase a few days in advance. You’ll want to leave enough time to make any last-minute changes to ensure you won’t have any regrets once you leave home. And if you don’t have the time to book a manicure, don’t worry—nail strips can help you achieve a beautiful, spa-quality gel manicure in just minutes. The best part? Nail strip manicures last up to 10 days, so you don’t have to worry about chipped nails during your vacation.

Choose the perfect destination.

What vacation is complete without beautiful sunsets and stunning views? Whether you’re into mountaintop selfies or lounging on the beach, you’ll need to choose the perfect destination for your next adventure. This way, no matter what stops are on your itinerary, you’ll be able to take one-of-a-kind pictures for social media.

If you’re traveling on a budget, there are countless picturesque, affordable vacation destinations in the United States. For example, if you’re interested in American history, Mississippi music, or Southern charm, Vicksburg is the ideal spot for your next vacation. Commonly referred to as the “Key to the South,” Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to rich history, unique culture, and classic Southern cuisine. Plus, Vicksburg is nestled along the mighty Mississippi, providing great photo ops you won’t find anywhere else.

Keep it less touristy.

If you really want to level up your vacation photos, avoid typical tourist pictures with popular landscapes in the background. Instead, search for off-the-beaten-path spots to capture unique, one-of-a-kind vacation photos. If time allows, consider seeking out original locations to spice up your vacation photo album.

You don’t have to go out of your way for unique photos, either. Even a classic beach photo can look more interesting if you choose some unusual conditions. For example, you might visit the beach on a rainy day for a more dramatic picture, or you might try taking a shot from a different angle.

Don’t forget about the nightlife.

When it comes to vacation pictures, most people only think about taking photos during the daytime. While daytime excursions can help you capture some great pictures, it’s important to indulge yourself in the nightlife, too. After all, most cities dress in new colors when the night rolls in, making nighttime the perfect opportunity to capture stunning lights, street art, and local hangouts.

If you’re traveling with a DSLR, consider bringing a tripod along while exploring the city’s nightlife. Tripods can help you capture straight, steady photos of the city’s horizon, along with great selfies. Alternatively, if you don’t have a tripod, it’s still possible to take beautiful pictures by improvising a bit.

No matter where you’re heading for your vacation, taking great pictures can help you relive those memories for years to come. Ultimately, putting in some extra effort can help you upgrade your vacation photo album so you don’t bring back the same pictures as everyone else.

Best Summer Vacations in North America

October 5, 2021 by Jaime

North America is a spoil for choice when it comes to vacations, from Alaska’s glaciers and ice caves to the pristine beaches of Mexico with great food to play the part. If you’re after a vacation hotspot but not sure where to go, here are some of the best summer vacations in North America.

Wailea, Hawaii

Hawai’s reputation as a luxurious spot for tourists precedes it. Wailea presents a variety of all Hawai has to offer. The city has five beaches. The beautiful greenery of Ahihi-Kanau Natural Area Reserve also makes Wailea worth choosing. With an endless horizon and lots of nature, Wailea can become that perfect North American vacation. That being said, ensure you pack all the essentials before going. You need enough underwear, bralettes, shorts, bikinis, and more.

Cambria, California

Cambria is a blissful town stretching along with California’s coastal lands. Cambria can top up your North American vacation with horse riding adventures through California’s Covelli Mountains. Every part of the Cambrian township embodies the California culture. And it’ll be unfortunate to have a limited experience because of unsatisfactory vacation rentals. So for all rentals in Cambria, California, you can opt for properties with DVC advantages. DVC offers a unique and efficient way of using DVC and Marriot vacation ownerships.

Yellow Stone National Park

The typical park experience goes up a notch when you have about 2 million acres of space drenched in beauty. Stretching from Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, Yellow Stone National Park offers a unique wildlife and landscape viewing. During the summer, the national park booms with millions of vacationers. Beyond the warm temperature and photograph-worthy moments, the summer festivals happening in the towns around the park can be too good to ignore.

Cape Cod, Massachussetes

If you desire a medieval experience with quaint villages and pampering people, Cape Cod can be your best pick. It’s also a place to bump into celebrities randomly. Everybody loves a good old place that feels like home with great history and culture to boot. During the summer, demand shoots up, and you may find yourself wanting if booking this holiday experience comes later than August. Some of the activities here include kayaking, fishing, art gallery visits, bike riding, and more.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

What vacation activity works best for you? Is it reading at the back of the road trip van headed for nowhere in particular? Or making a stop randomly to drool over some historic sites? How about a lasting view of just sea and grass to erase the work memories of urban towers?

North Carolina is the place to be on your vacation. Many vacationers would rent a beach house and make it a home. The 130-mile stretch is welcoming, with hospitable residents. Some of its historic sites to look out for include the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, and Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.

Outer Banks also has the world’s largest hang-gliding school located at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The Outer Banks area can work best for families seeking to create a holiday camp experience with various activities for everyone from kids to adults.

Quebec City, Canada

UNESCO named Quebec City as a World Heritage site about a decade ago. Beyond all the many reasons, there simply is no city like Quebec in Canada. With a population under 1 million, Quebec presents a serene and personalized vacation experience.

Quebec has an antique charm with castle-like architecture that dates as far back as the 1600s. It’s not surprising that popular writer Charles Dickens used to call Quebec the Gibraltar of North America. The city boasts of a French-Canadian culture not to be seen anywhere else in the world.