Elona the Explorer

Madeira Travel Itinerary: Tips, Top Places to See and Best Photo Locations

Fajã da Ovelha Madeira

Madeira is quite a popular destination among European travelers. Known as “the Hawaii of Europe” or “the land of eternal Spring”, the island is perfect for anyone who enjoys nature, wine, and warm weather year-round. Madeira is now hoping to gain some popularity with travelers from the United States, with the launch of the first direct flight from JFK to Funchal, Madeira’s Capital city. The flight is only about 6 hours, and it will bring you to the picturesque European gem in the same amount of time as a flight from New York to LA. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the island of Madeira, it is an autonomous region of Portugal located to the west of Morocco. The island has a warm climate and mild ocean temperatures all year round and it is well known for its jaw-dropping views, cliffs, waterfalls, and hikes as well as its eclectic food and wine scene! In this post, I will dive deeper into my experience in Madeira, and I will equip you with everything you need to know to plan your trip. Getting to Madeira In November 2021, Inovtravel in partnership with SATA Azores Airlines, launched the first-ever nonstop flight from a U.S. gateway to Funchal, Madeira’s capital city. The direct flight operates from New York (JFK) to Funchal (FUN), once a week, and Portugal Getaways has some phenomenal packages (I’m not kidding, I’ve seen deals as low as $699 per person inclusive of flights and hotels). The direct flight conveniently departs from JFK at night and arrives in Madeira in the morning. It will operate until the end of March 2022 and it is unclear when it will return hence the low package prices. You can also get to Madiera via a short connection in Lisbon in mainland Portugal … depending on the hub you are departing from. Madeira was voted the #1 Safest Island in Europe and remained in the green zone during the pandemic. Please double-check all entry requirements as they are subject to change. For the sake of having flexibility with your schedule, I recommend renting a car to get around Madeira. The island is relatively small and most of the important points are within an hour’s drive from Funchal on great road networks (albeit, some are tight steep, or windy). For this reason, I recommend getting a good car that can easily get you up and down hills without any hassle. Rentals in Madeira are very affordable (I’ve seen rates as low as a couple of hundred dollars for an entire week with full coverage). Where to Stay I stayed at two 5-star hotels in Madeira: The Pestana Carlton & The Savoy Palace. One thing that strikes me about Madeira, is how affordable it is and how much value you actually get for every dollar spent. The two properties are located within a block’s distance from each other and have gorgeous panoramic views of the Bay of Funchal. Conveniently they are only about ten to fifteen minutes walking distance from the city center.  The lowest room rates I’ve seen at The Pestana Carlton are around ~$100 per night and ~$165 at The Savoy Palace. The Pestana Carlton is older, it was built in 1972 and renovated in 2008 while The Savoy Palace just opened in 2019 and it is the first Leading Hotels of the World property in Madeira. For roughly the same price as a regular category room at The Savoy Palace, you can get a Junior Suite at The Pestana Carlton and it is very spacious with a big balcony and deep soaking tub. The Savoy Palace feels like a modern, lavish luxurious hotel while The Pestana Carlton is more like a laid-back beach resort. Each property has a unique charm! One important note is if you are arriving on an early morning flight, it’s best to secure an early check-in at your hotel. Most hotels don’t check-in guests until later in the afternoon and after an overnight flight, all you may want is some rest. The Savoy Palace Sea View The Pestana Carlton Sea View Map of Madeira For your convenience, I mapped out some key locations you should visit in Madeira including restaurants and vantage points for epic photos. This list is not exhaustive and there are many more places to see and things to do. If you take the direct flight from JFK which services Madeira once a week, you will have seven days to explore the island. The number of days you should spend in Madeira really depends on your style of travel. Madeira is home to some really incredible hikes and if that’s your thing, you may want to stay longer and include more hikes + rest time in between. There are hiking trails with different levels of difficulty so if you’ve never tried before, Madeira is the perfect place. It is worth it. Likewise, the island is perfect for a long weekend getaway and you can enjoy the warm weather, the picture-perfect old town, and the food & wine scene the island is well known for. There are also a number of spectacular vantage points you can see without having to hike at all (ie. Fajã da Ovelha, Ponta do Rosto, and Pico do Arieiro). You’ll likely make many stops during your drive to take in the views from the sides of the roads! Fajã da Ovelha Things you can’t miss in Madeira Food & Wine Madeira is synonymous with wine! There is no shortage of wine on the island and in some instances, it is one of the cheapest drinks on the menu. Winemaking in Madeira dates back to the late 15th century when Madeira was a regular stop for ships heading to the East Indies. Spirits were added to wine barrels to prevent them from spoiling during long voyages.  When an unsold shipment of wine was returned back to the islands, it was discovered that extended exposure to heat and movement in the ship’s holds improved the wine.* Madeira wine was so popular that a bottle of it was

Why Do People Choose Cold Vacation Destinations?

people walking on a ski slope

For many people, the idea of vacation will always come with sunshine, beaches, and tropical climates. Going somewhere warm is a great way to ease your tired body and give yourself the chance to enjoy easy living, but this type of vacation isn’t for everyone. Some people prefer to go to cold destinations for their vacations. There are a lot of reasons for this, and it’s worth exploring them before you choose the trip that you would like to embark on. Winter Sports Skiing, snowboarding, and a host of other winter sports are only possible when snow is falling from the sky. Many people travel to cold regions for the chance to enjoy sports like these, and this can be a good reason to get yourself out on vacation. You will need to choose a destination that is well-suited to the type of sports you’d like to take part in, but there are countless choices available to make this nice and easy for you. Of course, though, you will need to provide your own Wildhorn Roca snow goggles and other safety equipment. Getting Cozy Being warm, snug, and cozy can be a great feeling, allowing you to forget about the world around you. Getting into a state of cosiness can be hard without first getting a little bit cold, though. Spending your days outside in winter weather will make you feel a little uncomfortable, but it will be worth it to make your time inside feel extra special. Few things feel better than wrapping up in a blanket, sipping a mug of hot chocolate, and enjoying time with your loved ones. Seeing New Landscapes Being in a cold place for the first time can feel like stepping into a movie. Snowy and icy landscapes look nothing like what most people are used to seeing at home, and this means that those who love adventures will love to visit a place like this. Taking photos of snowy landscapes can be difficult, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t take on the challenge when you are visiting a cold place for the first time. A Unique Experience Extremely cold weather is quite rare in areas that humans call home. Most people prefer to live somewhere with a mild climate, and this means that quite a lot of people around the world have never even seen snow. Having the chance to do this can provide you with a unique experience that you will never forget. Of course, though, you will have to work hard to make the most of this opportunity once you arrive. Going on vacation can be an exciting experience, but you need to work hard to make sure that you’re getting as much out of it as possible. Some people find this easier than others, but there are plenty of tools available around the web that can help you out.

Where To Stay in Jeddah: Rosewood Jeddah Hotel Review

Staying at the Rosewood Jeddah Hotel If you are looking for a place to stay in Jeddah, add Rosewood Jeddah Hotel to the top of your list. Located in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods of the urban, commercial and artistic capital of Saudi Arabia, Rosewood Jeddah Hotel is an example of traditional luxury hospitality. The property is perfect for families and business travelers alike. There is a business center and executive boardrooms as well as a concierge that can arrange things like bilingual secretary or administrative support. Rosewood Jeddah also has a program for children called Rose Buds which includes everything from kids’ menus to special events/ fun activities and even childproofing rooms (all you need is to give the hotel a heads up for everything to be arranged!) The city of Jeddah rests comfortably on the coast of the Red Sea on the western side of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is home to pristine beaches and untouched, jaw-dropping diving spots. Unlike its more conservative and populous cousin, Riyadh, Jeddah is considered the most open city in Saudi Arabia. What does that mean? Well, like any warm destination near beautiful beaches, the energy is generally more laid back. Fewer men wear traditional attire, women cover up less and the city is vibrant, loud, and full of sculptures, restaurants, galleries, and cafes. One of the best areas in Jeddah is undoubtedly the Corniche which, by definition, is a coastal road. In Jeddah, this coast runs for 30km and has a ton of recreation areas, cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Rosewood Jeddah is located in the Ash Shati district of Jeddah, one of the top neighborhoods in the city for both residents and hospitality. Rosewood Jeddah Hotel Room, Services and Amenities I stayed in the beautiful Rosewood Suite, which stretches across 970 sq feet of the semi-circle shape of the hotel. The suite features a large living room area, a dining room, office workspace, and a separate bedroom. The room directly faces the sunset and the view is unbeatable! Room Highlights: LED screens with satellite channels Touch-screen control for lighting, curtains, temperature, and butler service LED televisions in all bathrooms Espresso coffee machines Internet access National newspapers and magazines Spacious marble bathroom + deep soaking tub 24-hour personal butler service 24-hour concierge service Complimentary pressing of one set of garments upon arrival Valet service Butler wake-up call with tea or coffee If you’ve been following me on Instagram or reading my blog for a while, you’d know how much I rave about the Middle East and particularly Middle Eastern hospitality. The staff at Rosewood Jeddah went beyond my wildest hospitality dreams. So much so that the butler even asked to unpack my luggage for me (which I politely declined). Every day there were fresh fruits and desserts delivered to my room and the staff made note of the ones I ate on the previous days & included more of them. At breakfast, I usually ordered sparkling water, so my fridge was stocked with the latter without me asking. On one occasion, I was straightening my hair in the living room and I left my straightener on the table. When I returned, there was a stand-alone mirror next to the straightener to make it more convenient for me to straighten my hair! Little things like these play a huge role and leave a sweet aftertaste for a long time. The staff was wonderful from the security to the front desk, and housekeeping. Everyone said hello and smiled and any question or request was handled promptly. I truly experienced some of the most stellar service at this Rosewood! Like in most hotels in Saudi Arabia, the pool area & the gym at Rosewood Jeddah are reserved for men only. There are women-only gyms and spas in the city that offer day passes. At sunset, the Sky Lounge (located around the outdoor pool) opens to everyone for drinks and bites. The minimum spend for guests is SAR 250 per person on weekdays & SAR 300 per person during weekends (Thursdays & Fridays). Although it can get windy, it is a very nice area to relax and enjoy the sunset with sweeping views over the corniche. If you have a special occasion, you may reserve the Al Malaki Lounge Terrace, which is a private area at the very top of the hotel and shaped like a sail! There are two other dining areas at the hotel. Habsburg serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a buffet-style environment and has a mix of European, Western, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Finally, there is Soleil, on the ground floor of the hotel. Soleil brings Vienna to Jeddah and serves a variety of coffee, afternoon tea, and sweets. I had a cappuccino there every morning and highly recommend it! Rosewood Jeddah Hotel Neighborhood Jeddah Sign + Jeddah Corniche Angelina Cafe Fakieh Aquarium Al Shallal Theme Park Red Sea Mall Boulevard KSA Stars Avenue Mall King Fahad Fountain FAQ 1. Is alcohol served on the property? Alcohol is not served anywhere in Saudi Arabia at the moment. That said, there are many delicious mocktails served in the hotel restaurants and lounges. 2. How do I dress on property grounds? With the new laws in place, women are no longer required to wear abayas in public. My recommendation is to still wear one. These laws are still in their infancy and while you won’t deal with any consequences for not wearing an abaya, overall you will be more comfortable in public and you’ll draw less attention to yourself if you wear one. On the property, you should have your arms and legs covered (I suggest maxi dresses and maxi skirts – no leggings or skinny jeans). Men should refrain from wearing shorts. Pants, t-shirts, long sleeve shirts are ideal or traditional wear called a thawb. 3. Are the facilities shared? No, the facilities on the property (ie. pool, gym) are for males only. The Sky Lounge, which is located at the pool area,

4 Tips for Starting an Effective Online Business in 2021

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels 1 Create a Business Plan Starting an online business takes a lot of planning. However, a good plan will turn your idea for a successful digital product into reality. In general, you’ll want to start by identifying and understanding the needs of people in your target market: what problems do they have? How can you solve them? Once you understand these issues and their root causes, it’s time to develop possible solutions to address them while also achieving some other goal (e.g., making money). For example, if you wanted to create a practical exercise guide for women over 40 who had never exercised before but were experiencing menopause-related weight gain, you would ask yourselves, “What are this group of people struggling with? 2 Design a Website The next step after you’ve created a business plan is designing the website. This includes everything from creating an appealing and professional-looking logo and color scheme to ensuring that your site’s content is easily accessible on all devices (mobile friendly). An essential part of this process is identifying potential traffic sources for your page: who are visitors going to be? What do they already know about the topic you’re writing about? Make sure that new or less familiar visitors will have no trouble finding their way around the site, and more advanced readers can find what they want quickly as well. 3 Market on Facebook Ads and Google Ads Once you’ve written your first piece of content, it’s time to market. Two effective ways to do this are through Facebook and Google ads. Both platforms let you pay for highly targeted (i.e., specific and relevant) traffic from people who may be interested in speaking with you about what they’re searching for online. So, for example, if you wanted to promote your exercise guide mentioned above, you would run a Facebook ad campaign that targets women over 40 living within 50 miles of the city where our business is located (or anywhere else in the country). When choosing keywords on these platforms, make sure they reflect precisely what users will search for information like yours, and don’t forget about negative keywords! These tell the ad platform not to show your ad when a given search term is used. For example, suppose you wanted your exercise guide to only be visible in the United States. In that case, you could use “exercise” and “USA” as positive keywords and “Canada” as a negative one (this tells Facebook not to display the ad outside of America). As online marketing and web design have become such extremely competitive fields, consider using professionals like WebX360, as they’ve compiled data and information to unbelievable extents, and can use this to boost your business. 4 Offer Quality Products To create an effective online business, you’ll need to provide quality products and services. You can’t expect someone who has never exercised before to be able to change their lifestyle overnight! For example, if you want your exercise guide for women over 40 who have not exercised in a long time, you would like it to include multiple workouts that gradually get more difficult as the weeks go by. This way, people won’t become discouraged or push themselves too hard all at once (which could lead them to give up). Just remember, when providing your product, make sure it’s something of high value and reasonably priced compared with similar items on the market. Starting an online business is a lot of work and requires dedication, but the benefits can be advantageous.

A Few Things to Do, See & Try in Texas

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Texas sometime soon, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. It’s a state with so much to offer and so much variety, and if you’ve never been there before or haven’t spent much time there at least, you’ll find so much to do, see and try. We’re going to talk today about some of the things that it makes sense for you to spend your time on when you’re in Texas, so read on and learn more. Walk Along San Antonio River Taking a walk along the San Antonio River is one of the most relaxing and peaceful things you can do in Texas. It’s something you can do during the day or at night. There are lots of riverside bars and restaurants, so there’s a lot going on in the evenings along the San Antonio River, so you might want to save this activity for the evening of your trip. Take a Dip in Hamilton Pool Hamilton Pool is a natural swimming hole, and you should definitely pay it a visit, especially if you’re traveling to Texas during a hot summer. There’s nothing better than taking a dip in the cool natural water with the waterfall in the background on a hot summer’s day when you need to get the heat off your skin. Be sure to give it a try. Explore Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park is one of the best natural landscapes to explore in Texas. So when you find yourself in the state, make some time to explore it. You can go hiking there, and you can also find a spot to camp if you like. The three canyons found in the park, Mariscal, Boquillas, and Santa Elena, are definitely worth checking out. The Great Tex-Mex Food Finding a good Tex-Mex restaurant isn’t hard to do in Texas, and you should be sure to visit a few of them while you’re in the Lone Star State. Try as much of it as you can; don’t waste your time in generic fast-food restaurants because there’s so much local cuisine to enjoy. If you want one tip, I’d recommend the Texas chili bowl; nothing beats it. Visit Houston Space Center If you have any interest in space and space exploration, you definitely need to pay a visit to Houston Space Center. It’s the kind of place that’s truly awe-inspiring and truly fascinating. It’s particularly good for kids who are just learning about science and the universe at school as they can see the spacecraft and the history right in front of them here. It’s not just kids that’ll be entertained here though.As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do and spend your time on when you’re in Texas. So be sure to make the most of everything the state has to offer. You won’t be disappointed by the experiences offered above, and these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg.

5 Types Of Camping (And How To Prepare For Each)

Camping can be a cheap alternative to staying in a hotel or chalet. It can also be a way of connecting with nature – it forces you to get away from TV screens and spend more time outdoors. For families, it can often be a great bonding experience – without the distractions of technology, you can focus on one another. All in all, there are lots of benefits to going on a camping trip. But just what type of camping is right for you? There are several different ways to enjoy the camping experience. Some are more luxurious, while others are more rugged and basic. This post delves into five different types of camping and how to prepare for each one. 1. Glamping Glamping is the most luxurious form of camping. It involves staying at a campsite in a large pre-assembled tent (you don’t have the hassle of putting up your own tent). Most glamping tents have home comforts in them such as a bed, storage units, and lighting. Some even have power outlets and heating/aircon. It’s typically a lot more expensive than regular camping, which is something to bear in mind if you’re planning a camping trip on a tight budget.   You’ll usually have to use a separate toilet block (it’s very rare you’ll have a toilet in your tent) and you’ll need to bring your own toiletries. Some glamping tents will supply bedsheets and towels, while others won’t. Always do your research in advance as to what is included in the tent.  Some tents will have logs and a fire pit outside and may even supply a gas stove and firewood – if not, you may want to bring your own chairs, gas stove, wood, and firelighters. Knowing how to start a fire and use a gas stove are still valuable skills when glamping so that you can cook and generate warmth. Make sure to bring all your own food, cooking/eating utensils, and washing up liquid/sponge. Alternatively, if you don’t want to cook on a stove, you can always eat out somewhere (some campsites may even have restaurant facilities).  2. Regular camping Regular camping involves staying in your own tent on a campsite. You get your own allotted pitch, which is maintained by the campsite. You have access to on-site bathroom facilities, which may include showers, areas for washing up, and in some cases even washing machines for doing laundry. Different campsites will have different levels of amenities (some have wi-fi, shops, and restaurants on-site, while others are more basic).  If you’ve never been camping before, it could be worth practicing how to put up a tent before you go camping. Most modern tents are fairly simple to put up and come with comprehensive instructions (if you’ve put up flat-pack furniture before, you should have no problem putting up a tent). Pop-up tents are some of the easiest options and are used by many seasoned campers due to their convenience. This post at Trek Baron lists 25 different types of tents to look into. Most people bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and sleep mat. However, if you want to step up the comfort level, you could consider bringing an air bed and pump instead, along with some blankets. It’s worth bringing some pajamas and slippers in case you need to visit the bathroom at night.  As with glamping, you’ll want to bring all your own cooking/eating utensils, as well as a gas stove, washing up equipment and materials for making a fire. Some campsites may not permit campfires – make sure to look into this ahead. Collapsible chairs and a table can be worth bringing for sitting out in the evening (you can just use logs, but chairs are generally more comfortable).  3. Wild camping Wild camping involves pitching up your tent in the wilderness instead of on a campsite. It’s a much more stripped-back form of camping – you have to be able to cope without bathroom facilities and other amenities. Wild camping can give you more freedom if you’re hiking or cycling and is popular in national parks. Compared to staying at a campsite, it’s also free.  Finding the right place to pitch up your tent is important. You need to make sure that the ground isn’t too hard, bumpy, or boggy and you need to be sure that there are no dangers in the area. Be wary that wild camping is not legal in some places – you should always do your research before pitching up in a park or field. Before going wild camping, you should invest in the right gear. If you’re hiking somewhere and pitching up a tent, you’ll want to buy yourself a lightweight tent that easily folds into a backpack. Lightweight waterproof clothing could also be a good investment. There are various compact kits you can buy to help with things like cooking. A decent flashlight could also be necessary as there likely won’t be any artificial lighting where you’re staying. Sites like EcoGearFX are great for sourcing the right gear. If you’re traveling with other people, you may be able to share gear and even out the load (which could be helpful if you’re hiking or cycling and want to reduce weight).  Most people bring their own food and water when wild camping. However, there is a more extreme version of wild camping that some people try called ‘survival camping’. This involves foraging for your own food and finding your own water sources. This type of camping is not recommended unless you’ve done some survival training – there are lots of books and sites that you can use to teach you the necessary skills. 4. RV camping RV camping involves staying in an RV (recreational vehicle). This could be a caravan, a campervan, or a motorhome. RVs typically contain many of the amenities found in homes such as a bed, seating, kitchen facilities, and even a bathroom in some cases. This can make it a slightly more luxurious form of camping than staying in a tent. You

The Best Luxury Stays in Virginia

The Best Luxury Stays in Virginia Looking for a luxury stay in Virginia? Depending on what you prefer to do, Virginia has many luxury options for adults and couples to choose from. Whether it is a stay at the beach where you can fine dine and watch the sunset, or stay in the peaceful countryside overlooking the beautiful scenery, this article outlines some of the best options in Virginia. Luxury at the beach If the sand, sea, and spa sound like your kind of luxury, then a stay at the Cavalier might just be for you. The Cavalier originally opened in 1927 and overlooks the exclusive north end of Virginia Beach. It has a timeless charm that is overflowing with history and elegance and is known for its rich, world-class experience. There is a private beach club and bar, an onsite spa, saltwater pools, three upscale restaurants, and is the only luxury hotel to have its onsite bourbon distillery. With the Cavalier, you get more than luxury, and wouldn’t even need to leave the resort, as there is everything you could need on-site. Luxury activities Do you like your luxury trips to have more adventure and thrill? If so, there are plenty of outdoor activities for you to choose from all over the state, but especially at Virginia Beach. Opt for a kayak tour of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and witness the beautifully preserved waterways around the beach and aquatic wildlife such as sea turtles and dolphins. Depending on how much time you have, you can also take a tour of a sustainable and educational working farm at the New Earth Farm. Explore their 21-acres of land, attend a cooking farm-to-table class and visit the 2,000 square foot market. Luxury outdoor retreats If you want to combine both luxury accommodation and outdoor activities, then why not head to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located across 12,000 acres, you can expect to take outdoor adventures and luxury to a whole new level. There are plenty of luxury accommodations you can choose from up the mountains, for example, the Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, that include farm-to-table cuisine from local sources, an exquisite view of the mountains, and fully equipped private cottages with everything you need. During the day, head out into the mountains and take part in one of the countless activities around, including hiking, golf, archery, sporting clays, fly fishing, horseback riding, yoga and meditation, kayaking, RTC trail riding, tennies, and stargazing. Luxury in the countryside Virginia Wineries are located in the heart of the countryside and are perfect for a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of life. Experience the miles of breathtaking vineyards planted in the early 1900s, along with breweries, cideries, and distilleries, all for your viewing and tasting pleasure. Watch the sunrise through the mountains, walk through the captivating meadows, and indulge in a picnic while sipping on wine and enjoying the stunning view. After an afternoon or weekend retreat at a Virginia Winery, you’ll be sure to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.  Virginia is more than just a beautiful state. In Virginia you can retreat to a place of luxury, and spend your time in the peaceful countryside, spending the day at the spa or heading out for adventures, completely tailoring the trip to meet your desires. 

Five Tips To Set The Mood For Your Dinner Party

What better way to celebrate the holidays than by inviting your closest friends and family over for a perfect dinner party? With some careful planning, you can create an atmosphere that is festive and memorable. Here are five tips for setting the mood for a perfect evening. Start With Appetizers, Cocktails, Or Wine What better way to start than by enjoying conversation and snacks? Invite your guests to share their favorite appetizer, cocktail, or wine pairing. If you are out of ideas, check Pinterest for some inspiration! There’s even a board specifically made for holiday cocktails. It could be a good idea to keep the theme going with a signature cocktail or appetizer at your party. If you’re not comfortable hosting a tasting, make sure there is variety so that everyone can find something they like! Consider Buffet-Style Set up food buffet-style on one side of the room so guests can help themselves. If space is an issue, set out the food buffet style on a long table or dresser. Make sure it’s clear for guests to see what you have available! You can also display the food buffet-style in your kitchen if you have enough counter space. Guests love choosing and picking precisely what they want and how much of it they want. A vital tip to remember is to ensure you’ve catered enough food for your guests. Nothing spoils the mood like still being hungry after your meal. Lighting And Temperature Light candles all around the house – this will add warmth and ambiance. Who doesn’t love the warm glow of candlelight? It will set a pleasant mood for your guests, and they’ll feel relaxed in this environment. You can use multiple colors or tie them all into one theme – choose whatever works best with your decorations and party theme. If you don’t want to buy candles, look around your home for some exciting candlesticks or vases that can double as candle holders! It is essential to set your AC to the ideal temperature to help capture the perfect mood. Ensure a number available for a 24 Hour AC Service on your phone, should you have any AC problems. Background Music Music is another excellent way to set the mood. Play some jazz, classical, or instrumental music that won’t be too distracting but will add a nice touch to your party. Set up a playlist for the evening beforehand so that you have one less thing to worry about. Dessert For The Finale If you are hosting a dinner party, serve the main course first. After everyone has finished eating and paid their compliments to your cooking skills (or lack thereof), then it’s time for dessert. If you are hosting a cocktail party or something similar, serve the dessert before everyone leaves. A lovely dessert could be the perfect evening finale before everyone heads home. Cocktails are a popular choice for dessert as they combine liqueur’s sweetness with other ingredients to create a sophisticated and delicious drink. A dessert cocktail is often served after a meal to add a touch of luxury and to help with digestion. Cocktails can be made from various liqueurs, fruit juices, syrups, and garnishes, providing endless options for unique and creative drinks. At Dramson, you can find a range of liqueurs and syrups perfect for crafting the perfect dessert cocktail. Having a dinner party can be daunting. It’s essential to put effort into the menu and set the mood so that everyone will have an enjoyable time. The most important thing of all is to cherish time with your family and loved ones.

Top 5 US Destinations To Go Camping In Your RV

Top 5 US Destinations To Go Camping In Your RV

Many of us won’t be jetting off overseas this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have an exciting staycation. If you’re keen to take a camping trip in your RV check out these top five destinations. 1. Melville Ponds Campground, Rhode Island Melville Ponds Campground is located on Aquidneck Island. Around the park you’ll find hiking trails, to explore the beautiful landscapes of Melville Ponds Park. If you fancy a swim and a relaxing day, Sandy Point Beach is nearby. Campers can find electric hook-up lots here, along with Wi-Fi facilities and cable TV. The campground isn’t too far from the Newport Mansions, here you can explore a range of different exhibitions, or catch an event such as The Newport Flower Show. 2. Spring Lake RV and Camping Resort, Kansas This is a delightful RV park based in Kansas, a lovely resort along the Spring Lake. Fishing is a popular activity here, you can check out walking trails, the swimming pool, or mini-golf. There are fire rings and camping hook-up sites, to use at your leisure. One of the great things about the resort is the range of events, you can check out the Poker Run, live bands, or watch the fireworks. Fancy a family-friendly day trip nearby? Why not head on down to the Sedgwick county zoo, or the Kaufman museum. 3. Upper Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park Check out this quaint RV park, located amongst Yosemite National Park. Here you can access facilities such as food storage, toilets, and RV lots (non-electric). Yosemite National Park is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, there’s much beauty to explore here from the meadows and valleys to the forest of huge sequoia trees. Take a tour, try a hiking trail, or visit the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. This stunning National Park is certainly a great bucket list destination. 4. White River Campground, Mount Rainier National Park According to NPS, Mount Rainier ascends to ‘14,410 feet above sea level.’ This active volcano is known as ‘the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S spawning five major rivers.’ Mount Rainier National Park is the perfect place for an RV Camping adventure. The White River Campground is located in northeast of the park. At the campground, you’ll find non-electric RV sites and restrooms. It’s worth noting that the grounds do not have showers on-site. While you’re here be sure to try the beautiful ‘Glacier Basin’ route, for the hike of a lifetime. 5. Big Bear RV Park, Palmer, Alaska Here you’ll find an RV park that’s surrounded by beautiful mountains, there are electric RV sites, picnic tables, and fire rings. You’ll love hiking around the park where you’ll discover plenty of wildlife, fir trees, and native wildflowers. While you’re here don’t forget to check out the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you can learn about art, culture, and even try a native dance! You don’t need to go on an expensive luxury vacation to have fun, camping is the perfect trip for all the family. Before you head off on an RV trip ensure that you have your RV serviced, you’ll want to make sure that your vehicle is in good working order before you hit the road. You might even like to give your camper a few nifty upgrades whether it’s rv audio-video installation or solar panels for your roof.

5 Ways to Boost Your Confidence

Having or lacking self-confidence can determine how people choose to live their lives and approach different situations. For example, people who lack self-confidence may shy away from challenges because they don’t think they can handle them successfully, while people who have high levels of self-confidence can persist through these challenges despite their doubts because they know that they will be successful. It is important to remember that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather it shows responsibility and courage. Every day many people struggle with self-confidence for many reasons. Whether that is a lack of confidence because of their experiences or because of the way they look. It’s important to remember that everyone has this at one point in their lives, but there are solutions that can help you with your issues. Here are five ways to boost your self-confidence: Embrace What You Already Have and Boost Your Self-Esteem in Your Own Way For those who feel like we don’t belong or don’t measure up, it’s important, to be honest with yourself and understand that you are just as good as everyone else. So the first step to boosting your self-confidence is to look within yourself and find the qualities you are proud of. Then, once you know what they are, remind yourself of them every day. It’s also important to have some sense of pride in where you come from and where you are now. If you feel as if you can’t do this, you can always get help to change what you believe will make you feel more confident. For example, pampering yourself could be an excellent way to boost your confidence and self-esteem. Some people will try cosmetic procedures like a Mommy makeover or botox to help improve their self-esteem.  Stop Comparing Yourself to Others and Start Celebrating Your Successes People are so often tempted to compare themselves with others. But in reality, they can never be the same as someone else. This is because everyone has their own path and journey in life. And while there will be similarities between people, they will always have their own unique qualities that make them special and worth following. Celebrating your own successes will keep you going and give you that extra push when needed. It also helps to build up your confidence in yourself and rewards you for the hard work already done. Focus on What’s Important to You It is important to try and focus on what’s important. When we are fully engaged in what we do, we feel in control of our lives, which helps us feel confident. It also helps us deal with negative emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, or guilt better. This can be done by focusing on how our contributions benefit the people around us. Prioritize Rest & Recovery as an Important Part of Your Daily Life What we do in the morning sets the tone for the rest of our day; this includes our confidence. We can either start out feeling refreshed or feeling like we’ve had a rough night – it all depends on how well we sleep. The same goes with taking breaks. If you take breaks from your work often enough, it will not feel as daunting when you have to push through because there will always be a break coming up soon. Eliminate Negative Self-Talk Especially Self-Sabotaging Statements When you are feeling stressed or anxious, take a deep breath and acknowledge this. Then, write down what you are thinking about and feeling. Journaling is often a great way to deal with negative thoughts. This will help to ground your thoughts and reduce feelings that can overwhelm you. Don’t forget that you can always reach out for help if the negative thoughts become overwhelming.