Traveling to a Foreign Country for the First Time: 5 Things to Help You Do It Right!

 

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If you are traveling abroad for the first time, there is a lot to take on board when preparing yourself to go to another country overseas. It gives you an abundance of opportunities, but it can be a very daunting experience, especially for families who haven’t done any traveling for a number of years because of the pandemic or haven’t done any traveling at all! This is why it’s worth bearing in mind some of the following when it comes to getting the most out of your international travel experience.

Understand the Country

It’s a good idea to do some research on the country to give you a better insight into the traditions, culture, and language. While you may want to test your French pronunciation and language skills, it’s just as important to get a bigger picture of the country you are traveling to. While you may be venturing to another country as a tourist and plan on having a lot of downtime, it’s common courtesy to ensure that you get a good grasp of the country and the culture. While ordering food in a foreign language isn’t necessary, it’s always beneficial to show willingness. When you show hotel staff or waiters that you have taken the time to learn a few key phrases or have gone beyond the basics, this will result in a far better relationship with everyone.

Prioritize Safety

It is a good idea to understand the country better so you know the places that are safe for tourists, but you also should have some street-smart knowledge. When you’re walking around, if you have bags and wallets unsecured and you venture into a place that is very tourist-heavy, you have to have your wits about you. It’s important to enjoy ourselves, but we should think about keeping most of our valuables in the hotel safe or being a bit more vigilant when we are in unknown areas. As beneficial as it is to go exploring, you need to determine the comfort level of yourself and the family so you minimize risk. It’s a good idea to share your itineraries and information for your accommodation and tour guides with a family member or friend back home so someone knows where you’re supposed to be, just in case the worst-case scenario happens.

Get Travel Insurance

Lots of people avoid getting travel insurance because they think it’s way too expensive, but since COVID, it is becoming far more of an essential practice. Anything can happen when you go traveling, so you need to have something in place to cover medical expenses or ensure you can get medical help overseas. Depending on where you go, healthcare providers may very well ask you to pay upfront for treatment, and this is where travel insurance can cover all of those expenses. And if you need to get home quickly, it can cover the costs of returning you home safe and sound. Travel insurance doesn’t just cover medical emergencies, but it can help if you experience delayed or canceled flights, lost baggage, or even financial problems.

Getting Ready for the Time Difference

If you are venturing from the US to Europe, there can be at least an eight-hour difference. Jet lag can be very difficult to deal with, and learning how to fight jet lag is not about pushing yourself to stay awake as long as possible, although this might be useful. If you have a vacation booked, the best thing you can do is to start moving your body clock closer to that time. This might not be feasible, but for example, if your destination is eight hours ahead, if you can at least get your body clock four hours ahead of what you are normally used to, this can help offset that terrible sickness feeling that comes with jet lag. You should also drink a lot of water during the flights and spend the first couple of days taking it easy, especially if you have young children. If you schedule too much, you could run the risk of burning out and feeling like you need another vacation upon your return!

Do Not Overpack

It might be the vacation of a lifetime, in which case you may feel like you need to pack anything and everything. But packing light will help you travel far easier, especially when it comes to taking luggage up a flight of stairs or navigating public transport. You should pack appropriately for the country you’re traveling to, for example, warm clothes in a cold destination, but make sure that you leave some room for souvenirs!

There are many ways to prepare for travel, and some of these will always make a significant difference in the quality of your vacation.

 

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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Only Got 20 Minutes To Make Dinner? A Tasty Meal Is Possible!

So you’ve had a long day, you’ve got the house to clean now you’re home (or a side hustle to dedicate time to!), and the kids need help with homework and putting to bed too. What does that mean? You’ve got less than an hour to make and enjoy dinner! But don’t panic – even if you’ve only got 20 to 30 minutes to whip up a good meal, you can make dinner taste amazing! So without further ado, here are some ideas for cooking fast, tasty, and healthy. 

dinner

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Pasta Dishes are a Quick Staple

Pasta is a big staple of the food cupboard and you’re likely to have some kicking about right now. Get the kettle or pan on for boiling water, grab the packet out, and throw a good few portions in. Then get a sauce jar out the fridge, or make your own by pureeing a can of tomatoes or melting butter and cheese together. The whole process will only take about 15 minutes, and you’ll have something super rich to eat when you’re done. 

 

Chicken Won’t Take Long

Chicken, while a dangerous food to undercook, can be very easy to cook fast when you need something protein packed NOW! If you’ve got some in the fridge, unwrap it and get it on the grill or in the pan. You can use this easy grilled chicken tenders recipe, or you can mix it in with some sauce and add an egg, or you can chop it up and sprinkle it over a salad. Easy, done in about 10 minutes (depending on how small/thin you cut your pieces), and always scrumptious to dig into. 

 

Throw Some Ingredients in a Wrap

If you’ve got a pack of tortillas in the kitchen right now, you can throw whatever you like in the middle of them and then wrap them up. Leftover ham offcuts? A bit of broccoli you don’t know what else to do with? A pack of rice that takes 2 minutes in the microwave? All of these ingredients can go in a wrap and the flavors will mesh well together. And remember, these tend to be super filling, so you’ll only need one or two per person. 

 

Salads and Bread Baskets Will Fill You Up

If all else fails, and you’ve got some bread on the side and lettuce leaves in the fridge, you can make a salad with a bread side. Add some onions or celery to the salad if you can, sprinkle some cheese on top, and then toast the bread and cover it with some garlic butter. Should only take you about 10 minutes to melt the butter and minced garlic together, or if that’s not possible, simple bread and butter will do! 

20 minutes for dinner time? We’ve got you covered! Use meal ideas like these to make the kitchen work go fast and the food go down easy. When done, you can then leave someone else to clear up!

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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A Taste-Bud Odyssey Around The Globe

An exciting evening awaits you if you plan to host an around-the-world dinner and event! Your menu can begin in Asia or Europe before moving across continents to America or even Australia; whatever you plan, this blog post is here as your culinary travel companion. Make the most of every meal, make it special by perhaps also dressing accordingly to every country.

1) Let’s begin in India:

One of the world’s most tantalizing culinary experiences awaits in India, from street-side snack stalls to elaborate feasts. From exotic spices and curries with aromatic oils to freshly baked bread from tandoori ovens and creamy lassis boasting healthful properties – take the journey and see it for yourself! Don’t forget local favorites like samosas and dal with rice as part of an unforgettable culinary journey.

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2) Next we move on to Italy: 

Italy offers an abundance of delicious dishes, each one boasting its own distinctive flair. From Bologna’s rich pasta dishes to Naples’ thin-crust pizzas and everything in between – from freshly-made mozzarella with its creamy texture, fresh seafood from Amalfi Coast, or one of Italy’s legendary gelatos for an unforgettable treat – Italy truly has something delicious for every palate! If the traditional fare is what satisfies you try lasagne alla Bolognese or Saltimbocca alla Romana for an indulgence that’s sure to leave you satisfied.

 

3) Mexico is famed for its robust and delicious cuisine. 

Traditional tacos al pastor and modern fusion dishes such as quesadillas with an edge are delicious ways to experience Mexican dining culture, while regional favorites such as mole poblano from Puebla or cochinita pibil from Yucatan are not to be missed either. 

Be sure to sample some street food such as tamales, elotes, or esquites to satisfy any spicy craving. Those looking for sweets should look no further than churros con chocolate or the ever-popular tres leches cake.

4) China: 

A culinary traveler shouldn’t overlook China! From fiery Szechuan cuisine in central China to the delectable Cantonese dishes of Hong Kong, there’s an incredible diversity of culinary experiences to discover here. Sample delicious dim sum and succulent Peking duck in Beijing; explore Shanghai’s tantalizing street-food scene; feast upon fresh seafood dishes along the coastlines of Fujian and Guangdong provinces; treat yourself to traditional mooncakes during the mid-autumn festival or try soft custard buns from Guangzhou – you won’t be let down.

 

5) Finally, Japan. 

This country is famous for its delectable sushi, gyudon, and sashimi dishes which pair perfectly with soy sauce and wasabi. Furthermore, Ramen or Udon noodles will delight your senses before ending your visit with some Matcha green tea ice cream or Mochi sweets to complete an enjoyable experience.

So there you have it, a tasty tour around the world without ever having to leave your home. Bon appetit!  Enjoy your journey and explore all the diverse flavors each country offers. Who knows what surprises are in store for us?  Enjoy every bite, and every adventure in this trip around the world of foods. Happy traveling – or rather, happy eating!  

 

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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Five Great Movies to Stream with your Family this Summer

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Summer is a time for entertainment and memories, which makes it the best time to delve into the history and culture of cinema. If you are a movie buff and want to introduce your children to the joys of classic cinema, make sure you create a classic watch list to stream this summer.   

The Lion King 

Who could forget The Lion King? If you are of a certain vintage, you might remember seeing the original in the cinema as a child, so why not give the same experience to your kids this summer? The Lion King is a classic tale of wisdom, ambition, betrayal, and consequence. 

The Lion King is a classic Disney movie that has stood the test of time, perhaps because of its classic elements – the plot is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet – and its timeless characters. If you want a new experience with the movie, you can watch the live-action version.    

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 

If you are in the mood for some classic children’s cinema this summer, don’t forget about the Harry Potter series, which began in 2001. Harry Potter movies open up the classic debate about which is better, the movie or the books. Either way, the movies are a great way to spend a night.  

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone is the first of several Harry Potter movies to arrive on the big screen, and it’s an excellent movie to kickstart the franchise. One of the great things about watching franchise movies over the summer is the fact you can spread them out over weeks.  

God’s Country Song 

If you are looking for a feel-good drama to enjoy with the family this summer, look no further than God’s Country Song. Noah has grand plans to become the next big country movie star, but when his past catches up to him in the form of a child called JJ, he has tough choices to make. 

 God’s Country Song received positive critical reviews and offers an entertaining and emotional exploration of ambition, responsibility, and dedication. You can watch God’s Country Song the movie, anytime by streaming it online, the perfect way to spend a summer night with the family.  

ET the Extra-Terrestrial 

If there’s one thing you can count on children to adopt, it’s a taste in sci-fi movies. Sci-fi captures the imagination like no other genre and is perfect for the summer season. Forget about watching the latest summer releases in the cinema and stream classic sci-fi at home instead. 

If you have kids, you almost have a responsibility to show them ET, the Extra-Terrestrial – it’s an important element in their cultural education. ET hit the big screen in 1982, and its popularity has never diminished. Of course, the effects have dated, but the timeless story is great as ever.  

Classic Star Wars 

Since you are on a quest for classic sci-fi, you simply cannot ignore the entertainment value and cultural impact of the classic Star Wars movies. Your kids might be more familiar with Rey Skywalker than Luke Skywalker, but there is a cultural education in there not to be missed.     

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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Launching a Home-Based Side Hustle in 2023: 8 Ways To Make Your Project Easier

 

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Whether you are looking to stabilize your personal finances, increase your income, or use your free time more efficiently, starting a side hustle can be an excellent project to start this year. Even better, thanks to today’s advances in technology, you can get started from the comfort of your home and enjoy full schedule flexibility. 

However, if you have never managed a small business before, starting a successful side hustle may seem like a daunting task. Luckily, there are some tips and strategies that can make the project much easier and increase your chances of success. Let’s look at these below. 

Leverage Your Existing Skill Set

When it comes down to starting a successful side hustle, some industries and niches are certainly more profitable than others. And, of course, you may decide to invest time and resources in learning the skills that will guarantee you a higher income. 

However, in some cases, you may consider the benefits of tapping into your existing skill set. Doing so allows you to count on your experience when setting your hourly rates, and enables you to get started right away. Some ways to do so include offering consultancy services in your field of expertise or using your craft skills to sell your products online. 

Take Advantage of Automation Tools

Keeping up with paperwork, accountancy, and compliance can drain precious time and resources, especially when you are just getting started. Fortunately, thanks to recent innovations, you can now leverage automation tools that can save you time and energy. For example, you may invest in contract automation from Ontra, automate your invoices, or use automated marketing tools. 

Outsource Non-Core Tasks

If you are looking to achieve success as a home-based business, you’ll need to surround yourself with the right people. For example, consider reaching out to marketing and accounting specialists that can help you run these aspects of your business. If you are starting an eCommerce business, build relationships with suppliers, shipping companies, and warehousing service providers to ensure that you don’t have to do it all by yourself!

Plus, this strategy can help you improve your customer service, avoid unnecessary fees, and boost the efficiency of your branding efforts. 

Calculate Expenses and Estimate How Much You’ll Earn

Before you dive headfirst into your side hustle, it is important to understand how much you’ll need to invest in your business and how much you are likely to earn from it. Although these figures may vary, statistics show that the average side hustle helps people earn around $483 a month. However, as your business grows and expands, you may be able to build your side hustle into a full-time job! 

Consider Building a Passive Income Stream

Undeniably, starting a side business can help you earn money and boost your income. However, this may require a commitment of time, funds, and energy. 

If you are looking for another way to stabilize your finances, you may consider tapping into the benefits of today’s sharing economy and building a passive income stream. 

An excellent way to do so includes leveraging your existing assets. For example, you may consider renting your storage space or garage. Alternatively, you could use your car or vehicle for advertising. Even better, you could rent out your home – or part of it!

For example, hosts who list their homes on websites such as Airbnb can perceive an average income of $13,800!

Consider How Much Time You Are Ready To Dedicate to Your Side Hustle

Before setting up your at-home business, be clear on how much time you are ready to dedicate to it. If your schedule is already at full capacity, you may consider alternative income options such as investing in stocks or renting your home. 

These alternatives can help you boost your income without requiring you to spend too much of your time or energy!

Invest in Yourself and Hone Your Skills

Although your current skills may be enough to get you started on your project, don’t underestimate the importance of investing in yourself and learning something new. Acquiring new skills can help you remain relevant and competitive in today’s fast-changing market, which can contribute to the overall success of your home-based business!

Making the Jump: Choose the Right Time To Leave Your Day Job!

Last but not least, timing is everything! If you have started your business with the goal of leaving your day job, make sure that you are choosing the right time to make this important step. Indeed, leaving your current career behind too early can cause you to deal with significant challenges, including income instability and uncertainty. 

If you are unsure how to make the most of your project, consider partnering with a mentor or financial advisor to help you better understand your needs and goals. 

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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