travel tips

Going on Your First Surf Trip?

Jessica Lippe

Image source

If you are planning your first surf trip, you are no doubt feeling excited and nervous about the whole experience. There is no need to fret: half of the fun is falling off your surfboard and getting back on again. It’s what the experience is all about! Despite this, it is a good idea to prepare and get some practice in. So, let’s take a look at some top tips for surfing beginners…

Have fun – There is only one place to start, and this is with having fun. A lot of people end up getting so consumed in the surfing and where they are going wrong, they forget about the reason they booked a surf trip in the first place: to have fun. After all, if you are not having fun, it is not worth it! There is a great quote: “The best surfer out there is the one that is having fun.”

Bend at the knees – One thing that most beginners forget to do is one of the most basic elements of surfing: bending at the knees. Don’t bend your back! If you do this, you are going to lose your balance, and you will end up falling in the water every time.

You will need to practice paddling too – Paddling may be the most basic part of surfing, but it isn’t easy. A lot of people are shocked to find that they struggle to paddle when they go away on their first surfing trip. The key to paddling is to find the right rhythm and keep it. This can be draining the first few times, which is why it is a good idea to spend some time getting into shape before you go on holiday.

Pace yourself – It can be very difficult to pace yourself when you are excited, but it is vital to do so. You can risk injury if you do not pace yourself properly.

Spend some time on dry land first – This leads on from the former point: don’t rush straight into the water. Do your stretching on the beach. Take a moment to watch the waves, and check your board and your leash. Watch the other surfers to see what they are doing too.

Surf a beginner’s wave – The final tip is to make sure you choose a beach that is suitable for a beginner surfer. This is vital to your surfing success. The whole learning process will be a lot smoother if you select a beach that is known for having good, steady waves.

If you follow the advice that has been mentioned above, you will feel much more confident about surfing for the first time. From bending at the knees to getting into the right rhythm when paddling, there is a lot that needs to be taken into account. Nevertheless, as stated, the most important factor is always to have fun! That is what you are going for, right?

travel tips

Traveling Solo? It’s a Breeze… 

Jessica Lippe

Image source

Traveling solo is something that concerns a lot of people. They are anxious about boarding a plane by themselves, let alone spending a full week or two in their own company. They worry that they will get lost… forever. They fear that the trip will be boring. Sound familiar? If you really want to travel on your own, but you are worried about doing so, here are some great tips that will make traveling solo a breeze.

  • Start saying YES – There is only one place to begin, and this is by saying yes in all walks of your life. The sooner you do this, the better. So, say yes to the hike your friend has been pestering you to take, or the coffee with the girl you have been talking to. Getting out of your comfort zone as much as possible will prepare you for travelling on your own.

  • Book through a specialist company – This is one of the best things you can do. Nowadays, there are travel companies specialising in all kind of areas and niches, including holidays for people that want to travel on their own. By booking through a company like Just You, you can be sure that the holiday is entirely catered to someone going away on their own. This means you will benefit from activities that are for one person, meaning no awkward moments. Plus, you will feel comfortable every step of the way, as you know your holiday has been catered to you and your needs only.

  • Know your limits when it comes to alcohol – If you’re the person who always seems to get in the biggest mess on a night out, you need to start practising some self-control. Getting drunk while you are on your own is never the best idea, so you need to start knowing your limits when it comes to alcohol.

  • Never underestimate the power of ‘hello’ – You will be shocked by how a simple ‘hello’ can transform your entire holiday. You could meet someone who enlightens you to something special about the place you are visiting. You could meet someone who becomes an integral part of your life for the rest of it. You never know what a simple hello could lead to.

  • Prepare a ten-second intro – When you meet new people, you will start with the usual stuff. Where are you from? How long are you visiting for? You know, the usual small talk. But, when these questions are over, it doesn’t mean the conversation needs to be over. You can open the floor for deeper conversation by having a small ten-second intro to fall back on. Of course, this doesn’t mean a rehearsed speech – keep it natural.

If you follow the tips that have been mentioned above, you can ensure that you feel confident, prepared and excited about taking a holiday on your own.

travel tips

Set Your Sydney Itinerary With These Essential Stops

Jessica Lippe

If you ever get a chance to head to Australia, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city of Sydney. It may not be the capital of this amazing country, but it certainly provides something for every kind of tourist or traveler. There are a few forms to fill in for your visa and some very strict entry restrictions. But once you’re in Australia, you won’t believe your eyes! Check out these essential Sydney sights:

The Iconic Opera House

This is one sight that would be very hard to miss! It is clearly visible from many parts of the city and all around the outskirts too. It sits in the harbor, and the design has inspired architects around the world for the last fifty years. Some say it looks like sails, while others believe the designer was looking at repeating patterns of orange slices! Either way, it is as glorious on the outside as it is inside. Book tickets and be blown away by the quality of the stage too.

The opera house lights can change color for different events. Picture source

The Botanic Gardens

There are gardens to enjoy in most cities of the world. But there is something quite different about Sydney’s Botanic Gardens. It is easy to reach from any part of the city. If you’ve taken advantage of an instant book Darling Harbour hotel room, then you’re only a half an hour walk away. Sydney is one of the most congested cities in Australia, but it is still possible to drive in and park if you would prefer without too many headaches! With the beauty and the quiet of the gardens, you might prefer to stay all day.

Sail into Sydney and see what you can see. Picture source

The Blue Mountains

Of course, if you do hire a car during your stay in Australia, you must take a day to head out to The Blue Mountains. The landscape here is quite extraordinary, and the views will not disappoint. Take a camera because you never know what native wildlife you might see for the first time here. There are many other attractions nearby, and plenty of facilities like cafes to keep you refreshed too.

Bondi Beach

If you’ve come to Oz for the beaches, then Bondi Beach won’t disappoint. Of course, it is the busiest of the beaches in the local area, so you might be fighting for space at peak times. Still, there are plenty of activities, and lots to do, including free outdoor gym equipment and seating. You might be able to join in a game of volleyball, or meander along the front to find some refreshments.

The Tower Eye

This tower reaches up higher than any other building in the city center, giving you an amazing 360-degree view. There are a few other ‘experience’ opportunities up there too. But if heights aren’t your thing, you’re only a four-minute walk around the corner to The Queen Victoria Building for the finest shopping in Sydney! Peruse or buy, or simply sit to watch the people go by. What will your experience of Sydney offer you?

photography, Recap

Where Did 2017 Go?

Jessica Lippe

This past year seemed simultaneously both long and short. As it’s become my tradition to recap the adventures of the past year through photos and provide encouragement for the coming year, let’s get started on the good, the bad, and the ugly of 2017!

year 2017

January

January 2017 snow

The year started off with snow, a rare occurrence in these parts! I began the year with a hike up Roxy Ann Peak, and continued enjoying the snow by volunteering in the mountains at Wilderness Trails. I also had the opportunity to interview Sadie Robertson for this year’s spring issue of Girlz 4 Christ Magazine, which was the start of more growth with this project.

February

February 2017 Trees of Mystery

The highlight of February was taking a day trip to Trees of Mystery in Klamath, California. I had given my family tickets as a Christmas present, and it was a fun trip together. Since the New Year is during February in China, I went to the Chinese New Year festival in Jacksonville, Oregon. I also drove my friends out to Gold Beach where we hunted for glass floats, but unfortunately we didn’t find any.

March

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This month focused more on local outdoor adventures. Since I was doing the On Foot series on this blog, my goal was to discover trails and walking paths. I even discovered new tiny towns like Wimer, Oregon and its covered bridge. I took several day trips to Ashland, Rogue River, and Jacksonville, and I hiked Table Rock.

April

April 2017 Susie Shellenberger

April’s adventures started out a lot like May’s. I joined in Ashland’s First Friday Art Walk, which I hadn’t done since college. I also hiked in Jacksonville and went on a few country drives. But then I found out that one of my favorite speakers and writers, Susie Shellenberger, was going to be speaking in Brookings, which is a town on the Southern Oregon Coast. Although I had short notice, I planned a wonderful weekend road trip around her speaking schedule where I got to see beautiful portions of the Pacific Coastline. I even stayed in my first AirBnB… on a boat!

May

May 2017 Redding

This was the hardest month for me. Although I tried to jazz up the year by taking trips and going on adventures, for the most part they were there to cover up some struggles. I applied to several jobs this year, all of which resulted in rejection. My current jobs have gone through some rough patches. I knew a few people who died in car crashes. But it really hit home when I got hit myself. Just three days after my birthday, I was driving some girls home from a Mothers Day event on a Friday night when another car ran a red light and hit us in the intersection. For the most part, we were fine. However, I did have to spend the rest of the year going to chiropractic appointments, and dealing with the insurance companies is still a hassle. But since I got a rental car, I decided to take a road trip the very next weekend, kind of as a way to kick fear in the face. Because I made plans the same day I left, I considered several destinations until I found one that was both affordable and available. I had a nice time exploring several attractions in Redding, California.

June

June 2017 Golden Ghost Town

I drove three different cars this month: a rental from my insurance company, a rental from the other insurance company, and finally, a new car for me! Since June was continued stress of dealing with the aftermath of the car crash, I wasn’t in the mood to travel much. I did take a day trip to the ghost town of Golden, Oregon and nearby Grants Pass. After bidding good-bye to my totaled car, I picked out one that was almost exactly like it, except a year newer. I didn’t get it until the end of the month, but managed a trip to the movie theater the night I bought it to see Cars 3.

July

July 2017: Thor's Well

It was time to really break in my new car. I started off the month with a weekend road trip. I spent the first day and night in Eugene, walking along the river and staying at the hostel. Then I headed out to the Central Oregon Coast. Since that area has been largely unexplored by me, I got to enjoy attractions like Thor’s Well and the Sea Lion Caves for the first time, not to mention beaches and lighthouses. I then re-explored the coastal towns I had driven through in April. The rest of the month was spent relaxing at home, doing things like hammocking, biking, and even fixing up my old tent so I could go backyard camping.

August

August 2017: Lion Sleepover at Wildlife Safari

I’m glad my tent was repaired the previous month, because it allowed me to have one of the most exciting adventures of the year! Although it took place only an hour and a half from home, Wildlife Safari had a sleepover event where guests could camp out next to the lions! We also had encounters with several of the other resident animals, like the bears and cheetahs. The way back home took much longer than an hour and a half, since I stopped to see the Myrtle Creek covered bridges and take my time going through the Applegate Trail Museum. The next weekend, I was out again! I spent the first night once again in Redding, California, where I went to WaterWorks and Bethel. The next day I met my friend Kylie (who I had only ever seen via the internet before), and we explored little Placerville together. I spent the final day of that trip in Tahoe, but this tri-state trip wasn’t the last one of the month! The next weekend, I went on two separate day trips: one I went to Lava Beds National Monument with the kids I babysat, and the other allowed me to explore Bend with a friend.

September

September 2017: Anita Renfroe

After all of August’s adventures, I was spent, both physically and financially. Although wanderlust was still knocking at my door, I planned to explore the local area instead by going on hikes, using my hammock, geocaching, and attending a free retreat. My “No-Spend September Staycation” did allow me one out-of-town trip, though, when I won a ticket to see Anita Renfroe’s comedy show in Klamath Falls.

October

October 2017: Table Rock

October continued the slower pace that September set. I took kids to the pumpkin patch a couple of times. I spent a long day hiking up and around Table Rock. And though I had taken a summer break from Wilderness Trails due to my injured back as well as scheduling conflicts, I jumped back in full-force this month. First there was the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration dinner, followed by two weekend camps.

November

November 2017: Crater Lake Snowshoeing

Although I didn’t do anything to celebrate Halloween, I seemed to make up for it early in November. After joining Ashland’s First Friday Art Walk (where many of the refreshments included leftover candy), I joined Southern Oregon University’s ghost tour. Then came two more Wilderness Trails weekends, the second one introducing snow! The snow fun continued on Thanksgiving. My family decided to burn off some calories before consuming even more of them by snowshoeing at Crater Lake National Park.

December

December 2017: Christmas Eve Church Tour

Since I’ve lived with my immediate family the past few years, I no longer travel much in December, partly because this month’s travel expenses are so high, and partly because there’s so much to do locally for Christmas and other celebrations. Still, there were yet another two Wilderness Trails retreats. The first one was a tree-cutting camp, so I got to cut down a Christmas tree for the first time ever. My family had already set up the fake tree, but it worked out because a few days later, I moved into my own apartment. It’s a “tiny home” of 300 square feet, and it’s walking distance to most places I usually go anyway. So I’ve been enjoying the local mini-adventures of setting up my new home and walking the town even when it’s freezing outside. In fact, what was probably my most cultural experience of the year happened within my new city’s limits! I decided to end 2017 by going to seven different churches for their Christmas Eve services. Some I was familiar with, and other provided a whole new kind of experience.

What About This Blog?

It was a record year for JessicaLippe.com. Here were some of your favorite posts and stats:

Most Read Post: Hostelling International: Is It Worth the Membership?

Most Popular Post Written This Year: Fall Foto Fun

My Personal Favorite Post: 11 Travel Hacks that Don’t Require Credit Cards

Top Ten Countries Readers are From: 1. United States, 2. United Kingdom, 3. Canada, 4. Germany, 5. Australia, 6. Philippines, 7. India, 8. France, 9. Netherlands, 10. Italy

2018

Now that we’re up to speed, we are on the cusp of 2018. This year I will be ringing it in at work, of all places! (It seems to be the only place where I can stay up past midnight!) Then, I’m starting a two-month adventure called grand jury duty. Since this involves weekly involvement, I’m not sure how much travel I will be able to fit in for January and February, but I do have a few Wilderness Trails weekends, and my other weekends are mostly open. After that, I’ll be able to use the airline tickets I was given for Christmas to go to Maui, Hawaii!

After that, I’m not sure exactly where life will take me. I’m not even sure if I’ll stay in the area, although I like it here and don’t currently know of any opportunities to move elsewhere. I’m still entering contests in hopes that one will provide me with a free trip. I’d like to travel more, but I have more important non-travel goals.

I’m starting off 2018 with 21 days of no sugar. I’m not sure if you can call it a New Year’s Resolution since I know it won’t last all year, but it’s an effort to get healthier. I’m also committed to getting more serious about writing, and hope to make it a more substantial part of my year. I’m even going to get more motivated about getting a book published. I’ve gone through this process several times before but have always given up before getting accepted by a traditional publisher, so hopefully all this work can finally come to fruition in the year ahead.

Now that you know what I’ve done and what I’ll do, I want to hear from you! What was your highlight of 2017? What do you hope to accomplish in 2018?

travel tips

5 Must-Do Activities On A Jaunt To Georgia

Jessica Lippe

The possibilities are endless when it comes to planning a classic Southern trip. Whether you’re wanting to relax or spend some fun time with the family there are so many things that Georgia has to offer. Pack your bags and get ready for the journey of a lifetime, because Georgia is bursting with Southern charm which is bound to keep every member of the family entertained.

1. Super Sports and Things To Thrill

In Georgia the combination of water and excitement are a common pairing. Experience some of the greatest water parks and marine activities like swimming, kayaking and even white water rafting. Visit the Island Dive centre, where you can receive professional scuba and snorkelling training. View the local sea life in their natural habitats once you’ve got the hang of your snorkel!

If you’d rather stay out of the water you could visit the most popular hang gliding resort in the whole of the US! Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding allows you to fly up to 2,000 feet in the air, with a fully trained instructor within touching distance. If you’re feeling brave you can even go solo, whilst under close supervision from the expert staff.

2. Health & Wellness

If you prefer to travel and feel healthy and relaxed you could treat yourself to a little Southern indulgence. There are several spas scattered across Georgia which can offer you a variety of different treatments, depending on what you’re looking for. If you want an overnight stay then Crossing Creeks is perfectly situated for a calm and quaint weekend of spa treatments. You will be surrounded by nature and feel at ease with the local environment.

There are also plenty of day spas if you just fancy a quick and calming treatment. Many places offer couples massages, facials and hot stone treatments to rid you off the stresses that may have built up in the recent weeks. Treat yourself to a tantalizing treatment and you’ll be grateful you visited Georgia.

3. Fab and Foody

The best place to fill an empty stomach is most definitely Georgia. With an array of dining options you’re sure to find the right food for you. Take a trip to Gainesville where you can experience live music at 37 Main. Tuck into some classic Southern dishes, like fried chicken and macaroni cheese. Experience the true cuisine of Georgia and you’ll leave with a full belly and a smile on your face.

Cooked Leg Chicken With Green Vegetable Leaf

Image: Pixabay

4. Shop Till You Drop

Try out wide variety of shopping from the quaint boutiques to rustic flea markets. Sample the local Georgia grown products from resident farmers. If you’re looking for a bargain, Pendergrass Flea Market has over 500 booths of wares for you to check out. If you’re into antiques then you can check out The Victorian tea room in Jewell, where you will find exclusive pieces designed from resident artist Denis Coard.

5. Arts and Entertainment

Georgia is home to an abundance of museums, galleries and theatres, where you can make magical memories with all of the family. Enjoy a local concert in The Springer, which is the State Theatre of Georgia. Whether it is music or art that makes you click, you’re bound to find the entertaining place for you.

Don’t delay; make your trip to Georgia today!

Winter

Winter Trips and Pics

Jessica Lippe

In years past, I’ve commonly thought of this season as a time to take a long winter’s nap, certainly not an ideal time to travel. I could go to a local Christmas event or two, but save the real adventures for warmer weather. But so far over the past month, I’ve been surprisingly proven wrong! This could very well become my best winter yet. 

Here’s what I’ve done…

My family went snowshoeing at Crater Lake National Park on Thanksgiving morning to burn off the calories before we even consumed them!


I have gone to several camps with Wilderness Trails. The snowy mountains are fun to enjoy, and one camp, everyone got to cut their own Christmas tree!

This is in addition to the usual Christmas and winter festivities, on top of moving earlier this month! Although I only moved 10 miles away (which is actually closer to work, church, and other places I typically frequent), I am excited for the new adventures to be had in this neighborhood. And I will admit that I am also planning a late- winter trip to a warmer destination. 
Season’s greetings and merry Christmas!

destinations

Splurge On Exotic Vacations Without Breaking The Bank

Jessica Lippe

Looking out of the window to see rain lashing the panes, frost kissing the roofs of houses and cars and hearing those winds howling can be depressing. Winter may bring the holidays and the festive season along with all the delicious comfort foods you could want, but having to brave harsh weather while you shop? Not so fun! Daydreaming about far-flung locations full of white-sugar beaches, crashing oceans and sunbeams that tan your skin to perfection is the favoured past time for most people. You may well have been to some of the most tropical locations across the globe. You may well have jostled for position in front of the Mona Lisa to get the best selfie. The thing is, that wanderlust that once dragged you around on your gap year hasn’t gone away. It’s very much there and yet heading to exotic locations full of beautiful sights and even tastier food is harder when you’re on a tight budget.

You want to book vacations in great locations but you want the best value for your money at the same time. Often, the best and brightest vacation ideas with the clearest oceans and softest sand are expensive. Long-haul vacations are always more expensive than short-haul, and the reason for this is purely distance. The further you travel, the pricier it’ll be to get there. Sure, you could save your cash and recreate your own exotic vacation from home, complete with a seafood order from citarella.com to get those fresh flavours you so crave. You could put in a tanning bulb and stick your feet in a bucket of sand while playing wave sounds – but it’s just not quite the same! This won’t get rid of the desperate need to travel and see new places, breathe new air. So, the trick is to find the best destinations with the cheapest price tag – and we’ve got some of those for you below.

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Puerto Escondido, Mexico

There is so much more to Mexico than the places that are splashed across the travel brochures. Sure, you’re looking for the beaches and the food and the culture, but going to the tourist traps often just gets you the same food in a different place, with a little sunshine on top. Puerto Escondido is a town that was populated by surfers and the prices you will find reflect the reality of life in Mexico, rather than the completely over-inflated tourist version you find online. There are plenty of places to stay on a budget, and the authentic Mexican tacos can be found inexpensively. There’s no need to go to a tourist trap to enjoy a Mexican experience!

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Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a beautiful country that is well-known for its city break popularity. It’s one of the least expensive places to visit in Europe, and because of this it is vastly underrated. People bypass the cobblestoned charm and the tall, towering castles full of history and culture for the islands of Greece or the cities of Italy. Veliko Tarnovo, however, has so much to offer. Hiking for the adventure seekers in the hilly terrains edging the town, and there are places to see in the town itself that offer food and drink at amazingly cheap rates. There is so much history steeped here, that those looking for something more than just a beach and an ocean will find it. Nightly light shows that light up the ruins of a medieval stronghold would usually be expensive and really bust your budget. Not here. Not in Veliko Tarnovo.

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Goa, India

The place to visit to find oneself has always been Goa. Popular for tourists, hippies and those looking to find their inner calm, Goa has grown up significantly over the past twenty years. The attraction of the area hasn’t changed, and neither has the rock bottom prices on offer here. However, you can still see the Arabian Sea in all its calm glory. You can still choose between ancient temples, casinos and beaches full of soft white sand. Nobody misses out when it comes to visiting Goa. You don’t have to be draped in sarongs and get high off of life to enjoy yourself – come as you are, everyone is invited.

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Transylvania, Romania

You’ve heard the stories of vampires and Dracula, but Transylvania is so much more than its stories. Ruins that date back for hundreds of years, hiking trails that are on offer to all those looking for a challenge and vineyards full of white wine that will literally have your taste buds dancing. Transylvania is a place for those who want authenticity, exotic food choices and something off the beaten track. It’s not somewhere that is thrust in your face when you are looking for a break, but it’s somewhere you should consider when you want a change. Not to mention, Transylvania is excellent value for money, meaning you can squeeze a lot of what you fancy into a vacation that won’t cost the earth.

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Selva Negra, Northern Nicaragua

If you haven’t heard of the cloud forest, you need to start doing your research. Selva Negra is a 300-acre nature reserve that is perfect for hiking. Unplug from life and start your vacation hiking the steep hills to the top to see the blanket of moist cloud laying just beneath you. There is a coffee plantation right at the edge of the forest, and that combined with getting stuck into nature are a brilliant way to simply unwind from the working week. You won’t have to pay through the nose for accommodation, either, with options at the Ecolodge starting low.

Getting away somewhere unheard of isn’t the difficult bit – coming home is. Once you get a taste of places that are new and budget-friendly, it’s hard not to be bitten by the travel bug all over again. Don’t worry though, with places being so cheap, you’ll want to be bitten so that you can get a different perspective of the world – wherever you choose to go.

travel tips

Traveling Mistakes To Avoid In Asia

Jessica Lippe

Image source

Without a doubt, Asia is the most popular destination for travelers from all around the globe. Even Asian nationals love to jet off to the likes of Thailand and Cambodia to recharge their batteries! However, popular tourist traps are both a gift and a curse. Sure, it may be a continent which speaks English as a second language and welcomes tourists, but it also lures people into a false sense of security. From security issues to walking the beaten track, travelers often make schoolboy errors as soon as they land.

Here are the most common errors to avoid.


Overspending

Places such as Laos and Myanmar are incredibly cheap, as is Asia and most of the Middle East. So, it isn’t hard to see why people splash out on arrival. From four to five-star hotels and gourmet food, rookie travelers love to live a lifestyle they can’t afford back home. While it’s great at the time, you have to enjoy it while it lasts because it doesn’t last very long. Before you know it, the budget is in tatters and you have to beg your parents to buy you a return flight home. Once at home, you’ll wonder, “why on earth did I blast my savings?!” After all, a couple of grand can go far in Asia, especially if you are frugal.


Staying On The Beaten Track

There are four or five countries in Southeast Asia which travelers adore. They are Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Malaysia. Yes, these five places are well worth a visit and should be on everyone’s bucket list. But, it’s essential to remember that Asia has more than one circuit available to tourists who are willing to venture out of their comfort zone. Hong Kong, for example, is a hub of culture with sights, sounds and tastes which are out of this world. Just book Lan Kwai Fong hotel and find out. Japan is another country which shouldn’t be missed, as is Indonesian Sumatra, Jakarta and Kalimantan.


Expecting Pristine Beaches

Like all land masses, Asia has its fair share of coastline and some are exquisite. Still, it’s worth remembering that cultures aboard are different to the one at home, and India is a prime example. Due to the sanitation issue and poverty, lots of families either fly-tip or burn their garbage by the side of the street. As a result, any beaches nearby often take the brunt of the pressure and end up covered in filth and soot. Elsewhere, the beaches that are in a healthy state may not be sunbather or swimmer-friendly, so it pays to do your research.


Guys And Girls On Tour

A tour is an easy way to see a town or city without much hassle. Plus, Asia is cheap and it won’t set you back from a money point of view. But, it’s best to keep in mind that the almighty dollar is king in a lot of Asian countries. So long as you have the money, locals will accommodate you and go the extra mile. Then, that island which is inaccessible without a tour becomes accessible when a local fisherman offers his services. The same goes for the tuk-tuk and rickshaw drivers, too.


Once you avoid the rookie mistakes, you can have the time of your life.

travel tips

Keeping Your Kids Safe Over the Holidays

Jessica Lippe

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It’s Christmas time and the next month will be filled with school events, community gatherings, and a whole lot of socializing. For many parents, this can be a nice change of pace and gives you the opportunity to catch up with other parents and share craft and recipe ideas for the festive season.

But with all of this excitement in moving around and dragging often-unwilling children from function to function, it does have the potential to get a bit much. There is often a hundred and one things to get done, while also ensuring that your children remain safe over the course of the festive season. How are you to possibly keep an eye on everything?

VIGILANCE

The number one rule for any parent of young children is vigilance. That is, keep an eye on everything at all times. If you are unable to make sure they don’t get into trouble, delegating responsibility to a trusted, responsible adult is another solution to ensuring your children stay out of danger.

This is true both at home and in public. Keep a tight grasp of your child’s hand (even if it embarrasses them) if you’re out and about, especially at Christmas Markets or school productions. If you’re at home, make sure to blow out any candles and avoid gifting anything with super small parts.

DON’T GET COMPLACENT

After so many years of doing the same thing and having nothing go wrong, it is understandable to develop complacency when it comes to checking everything is as it should be. This can range from checking they’ve washed their hands after playing outside, to making sure to fasten their seatbelts.

The holiday season can bring out both the best and the worse in people. This is particularly true when completing cross-country travels, and especially true if the roads are less than ideal. It is crucial to take extra special care when undertaking long drives, particularly with children in the car. If you do suffer an accident on your travels to granny and grandpa, firms such as Powers McCartan can offer advice regarding the correct steps to take moving forward.

DELEGATE KITCHEN ASSISTANCE WISELY

If you’re making Christmas Cookies, baking cakes or preparing Christmas dinner, your kids might just want to lend you a helping hand. While it’s cute of them to offer to help, keep in mind that children are not as strong as you. In the case of younger ones, they do not yet have fully fine-tuned motor skills.

With this considered, you want to try and involve the kids in fun Christmas kitchen activities – it might even inspire them to take up cooking in the future – but you need to give them tasks that suit their age and abilities. That is, keep them away from the hot stove, and instead give them jobs such as sprinkling cake decorations or taking charge of the mixing bowl. Not only will they feel involved, but also teaching them about potential dangers will allow them to behave in future situations.

Christmas is all about family and having fun. But there’s nothing fun about an unfortunate incident happening over the festive months. Keep smart, and keep in mind your child’s safety, and there shouldn’t be any problems.

travel tips

Holidays For Hobbyists: Trips To Take To Fuel Your Pastime Passion

Jessica Lippe

https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-book-business-cactus-297755/

When you think of travel or going on vacation, what immediately comes to mind? Do you think of heading off to a secluded beach surrounded by picture-perfect views, or maybe to a stunning cosmopolitan city completely full of life? Either way, many of our ideals of travel can often be a bit cliche. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But, it might spark some excitement in you to realize that there’s a lot more on offer out there than just your basic vacation packages. In particular, if you have a special interest, then you could actually combine this with your need for a trip and come up with a break away that’s really something special indeed. Forget backpacking or all-inclusive resorts, if you want something special, then one of these holidays for hobbyists are going to go down a treat.

Animal Lovers

First up, it’s one or two for the animal lovers out there. Because can you really call yourself a die-hard animal lover if you’ve not been on an African safari? Perhaps not. If you really love all living things, then you’re going to want to get out there and see them in their natural habitat. If your love is of marine life, then you could consider diving instead. Because there’s nothing quite like getting up close and personal with the species you love the most.

Foodies

Food and travel go hand in hand. So if you are a foodie, then it’s highly likely that your love for good food drives your desire to travel. If not, shame on you! Although there’s a wealth of incredible places out there just waiting to be explored, there’s one that trumps the lot. Italy! It’s a foodie paradise. From fine dining restaurants to street stalls, your stomach will be kept full and your heart happy whenever you’re on Italian soil.

Thrill Seekers

Maybe you’re a bit of a thrill seeker at heart? If you most promising pastimes include the likes of snowboarding or mountain biking, then you may want to get a little more adventurous with your vacation choices. These listed on mydomaine.com/ are going to be well matched for you. From skywalking to cliff diving, your adrenaline-chasing self will feel completely at home.

Trainspotters

Finally, if you have a soft spot for trainspotting, you’re going to lap up this list of train tips that wired.com/ have pulled together. Because why would you want to see the same old styles on home turf when you can jet off to the Swiss Alps or Machu Picchu and ride something spectacular yourself.