10 Tips For Hosting An Elegant Christmas Party

Who doesn’t love a party and especially if it’s on Christmas where Aunt Noah is probably drunk and making no sense? But sometimes, the holiday season calls for a more elegant affair where there will be dinner served but with no lager on the menu. 

So, we have listed ten such Christmas party tips for you to make the most of your sophisticated soiree:

1. Sending an Invite:

If you want to make your first impression impressive, strikeout e-invite. And even if you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket, there are tons of tasteful options. Hire a graphic designer and invest in a professional printer to send across invitations for your fancy fete.

2. Decorate!

You know this large Santa that usually stands on your roof or at the outdoors? That surely conjures up nostalgia, but elegance? Nah! So if you’re thinking of throwing an upscale party, out decorations are a must and this usually means less is more. White lights framing your roofline is not a bad start, followed by rosemary bushes topped with red bows. Also, don’t forget to put nice scented candles!

3. Set the background with some nice Tunes:

There’s nothing worse than being at a party where every lull in the conversation is being heard. Make sure to choose the right set of melodies to make the ambience calm and comfortable. Lean on to some jazzy Christmas classics.

4. Go for Buffet:

You may not have enough seating for all your guests and in that case, buffet style is perfectly acceptable. Impress your guests with some caviar or a fancy shrimp cocktail will also suffice.

5. Also, serve your drinks in Real Glasses!

Never ever make the mistake of serving wine in plastic cups or even regular glass cups from your kitchen cabinet. Keep a couple of wine glasses, your guests are surely going to get enchanted. Or a fully stocked bar with seasonal liquors for an added touch.

6. Dress Code:

If you’re to attend an upscale affair, you don’t want to show up in jeans and sweatshirts, right? Wear your Saturday night best! Also, be sure to state dress requests on your invite.

7. Plan some Games:

You must be thinking, ‘Seriously? A game? It was supposed to be classy, I guess.”

But, just hear out for a moment!

You can do simple games of charades or a fish bowl- works great as an ice breaker and drawing quiet people out of their shell.

8. Valet Parking:

You surely wouldn’t want your nicely dressed guests parking down the street. Consider hiring a valet company to avoid all kinds of mess.

9. A little Souvenir:

Elegant Christmas parties are always incomplete without souvenirs. If you’ve served a special kind of cookie or baked a cake that everyone raves about, wrap up a little portion for your guests to take home or enjoy later. Or you can also choose to gift something.

10. Don’t forget the Desserts!

If there’s one classy thing every Christmas party needs, it is the dessert. It need not be super fancy, you can try something as simple as an Apple Pie. Steer clear of cookie, those are a little too common for the fancy vibe you’re trying to create.

Try to class it up a notch with these ten tips for hosting Christmas party and we’re sure it is going to be the one to remember. 

Why Do You Need A Travel Agent

Are you not tired of ‘do-it-yourself’ yet? From planning the entire trip to pondering over every minute details- it surely becomes quite a task. Many of you might not realize what they are missing out on while travelling unless you don’t use a travel agent. Here, we have listed a few things that your travel agent can do for you:

1- Experience:  

With having proper training and being well-traveled themselves, travel agents can offer you with options you might not have even considered or thought of. Travel agents have a thorough understanding of the market and if they listen to what you are looking for, they’ll be able to match you with a better plan. For instance, if you book a cruise through an agent, he or she is likely to be familiar with various lines, sailings, cabins and excursions.

2- Resources:

Travel agents have access to a variety of tools and mediums that the average consumer might not have or doesn’t know about it. They can get you a better seat of your choice on an airplane, added amenities at hotels, room upgrades, or plan activities for you.

3- Convenience:

We’re sure you won’t be able to manage to organize an entire trip all by yourself. It needs a lot of researching, patience and perseverance. Also, saves you time from scouring the Internet for travel deals. Using a travel agent provides you with unparalleled peace of mind thereby saving you a lot of time.

4- Save money:

Often, travel agents can help you save money or at least match with your requirements while saving you time and effort. They are most likely to book you a package that you might not be able to do it yourself, making the experience appear cheaper.

5- Better destinations:

You are most likely to stay unaware of the inside information or the best time to visit a crowded destination. In that case, take help of a travel agent to get you through all the confusions.

6- Exclusive access:

There are a lot of added values that consumers are not even aware of that can be added by a travel agent. Ever wondered why the couple in the cabin next to you have been offered a champagne and you didn’t? Or maybe an easy upgrade to a better cabin? They probably used a travel agent.

7- Relationships:

As you develop a relationship with your travel agent, they will be able to target the right kind of trips for you without even having a conversation. Ideally, a simple phone call or an email will have your next vacation planned.

Travel agents are some of the most well-rounded, funny and knowledgeable people you’ll ever meet. So, make the most of your vacation with these travel tips. 

6 Tips to Make Your Travel Dream A Reality

Nowadays, it’s very difficult to take some time off from the daily humdrum of our everyday lives.  This can largely depend on time and money and that might be quite a daunting task. We’ll give you a moment to catch your breath! Now think, who doesn’t want some time to unwind and for that here are some of our Travel Tips:

Save up!

First thing first, you need money to make your travel plans a success. Put aside a small amount into your ‘travel fund’, it can be a tiny amount, but it’s certainly a great way to save some money.

Be inspired:

We’re sure like anybody else you also have a must-visit checklist or you follow some Instagram handles that inspire you. Or maybe the glossy pages of travel magazines have always caught your attention. That’s the way to go about with it. Keep that one place in mind and imagine yourself to be there.

Make the most of your long weekends:

There’s nothing as exciting as long weekends and when you get one, you’d want to make the most of it. Hop in the car or take a flight and get to discover new places close to home.

Keep your folks ready!

Surround yourself with people who are also bitten by travel bugs. This way, you can have more fun and reach your vacationing goals.

Look for deals:

Sign up for travel newsletters so that you are always updated with new deals delivered right to your inbox, saving you time from browsing the internet.

Consult a professional:

You might end up feeling overwhelmed with the number of options available when it comes to travel, or you just don’t have time to plan a trip properly. In that case, try using a travel agent. You’ll have your peace of mind knowing that someone will be there to help you if things go out of hand.

We hope these tips will help you in making your dream travel destination a reality, soon!

How to Choose the Right Cruise Cabin

Choosing an ideal cruise cabin might be a challenging task and is definitely a matter of personal choice. There are a couple of things that you need to consider: Do you tend to get seasick? Do you prefer staying all by yourself? Or would you prefer around the pool area?

If you’re feeling indecisive, we’ll help you with ways to choose the best cruise cabin: 

Weigh seasickness concerns:

If seasickness is one of your problems, then cabin location is something that you might put into consideration. The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Try avoiding the higher decks of the ship. Some cruise travellers prefer their cabins to be near to or far away from certain specific areas of the ship.

Too many options can leave you overwhelming:

With a variety of cruise ship cabin choices, it can be difficult for you to pick the best. So you should keep these in mind prior booking- whether you’re looking for a family-friendly cabin or you’re travelling solo, you can find a cruise cabin that caters to all your needs as well as matches price point. And if your vacation is limited, then we’re sure you won’t mind spending a few extra dollars for a better cabin.

Consider your budget:

Only you’re aware of your vacation budget, but figuring out the best way to make the most of it can be tricky. If you don’t know it yet, cruise fares fluctuate like airfares and you shouldn’t be missing out on the cruise offers as well. As a rule of thumb, you should aim to book your cruise several months in advance.

Location should be your priority:

If you’re seeking a peaceful night’s sleep, you would obviously want a place away from the common din. Steer clear of rooms near and around the elevators to avoid its continuous ding! It’s better to consult the ship deck plans before selecting your cabin.

If all these information gets you confused, then it just shows how much diversity there is among various cruise ship cabins and it can get a tad bit difficult, at times! To know more about our latest offers call us today at 561-860-9739! 

The Packing Checklist for Stress-Free Travel

Travel anxiety is the worst, as we all know. No matter how much you rack your brain, there’s always this voice in the back of your mind that says “I think I’m forgetting something, but I can’t figure out what is.”

Wake up, get ready and commute to work. Repeat, repeat, repeat. This monotony can make anyone weary, so once in a while, we need what we call a break. We try to stay as organized as possible that leads to a trip where we want to enjoy being completely stressed free. No one can remember everything in their heads, so we rely on our trusted “travel checklist”. You don’t want to forget the essentials lest you’re interested to buy a shampoo that will cost you around $20. You also cannot be “I don’t know what I’ll be needing so let me just pack everything.”

Also, it’s impossible to predict whether you’ll be needing a jacket or an umbrella, so remember to check the current weather condition of your destination. That really works! We all worry about forgetting things and overpacking can be troublesome as well. And oh, extra baggage fees! Either way, your packing list can help you determine what to pack and what to leave behind.

Clothing

• Outfits for each day

• Special attires

• Night wears

• Workout + yoga gear

• Swimsuit

• Accessories

Electronics & Entertainment

• Phone + Charger

• Laptop

• Magazine (what if travel hours are long!)

• Headphones (must!)

• Camera + Charger + extra batteries

Toiletries

• Shampoo + Conditioner

• Sunscreen (you don’t want to get that tan!)

• Hair Brush, Spray

• Toothbrush + Toothpaste

• Face Wash

Did we miss something obvious? Tell us in the comments below.

Top Five Healthy Foods to Eat while Travelling

Maintaining your diet while you’re travelling could be a difficult job. Travel tips are surely aplenty but it’s not easy sticking to a strict diet plan when you’re busy backpacking through rural landscapes! Nobody would like to be a spoilsport by falling sick with indigestion or an upset stomach while they’re on the go. Which is why, even though it is tough to stick to a proper diet while you’re vacationing, retaining your physical fitness is also crucial if you are to actually enjoy your holiday thoroughly. The foods in healthy quantity will keep you replenished from the inside so you get to make the most of your sojourn. Here’s a list of top five healthy foods that keep you fit as a fiddle throughout your vacation.

Fresh fruits:

However cliché this may sound, there are few alternatives to fresh fruits when it comes to retaining good health while travelling. Loaded with vitamins, nutrients and pulp fibre, fruits will keep you both energized and replenished from the inside. Also, fruits are among the top healthy foods for travellers as they are easy to carry and often doesn’t need refrigeration.

Boiled eggs:

A readily available yet inexpensive source of protein, boiled eggs are among the top five foods you should include in your travel menu. Low in fat, convenient to carry and easy to digest- boiled eggs will satiate your appetite, make you feel full for long and keep you strong and energized.

Skim milk:

Carry a carton in your bag, order it to your room or visit a fancy milk bar- there’s no place on earth that doesn’t serve milk. Consume this healthy food packed with all the right nutrients to keep your digestive system fit and make your bones stronger.

Green salad:

For the diet-conscious and those who are wary of their weight, green salad is one of the best healthy foods, irrespective of whether or not they are travelling. The high fibre content in the vegetable salad will give you enhanced muscle performance and keep your heart health in check.

Plain or roasted nuts:

Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, pecans and the list goes on. Plain nuts are one of the top travel-friendly healthy foods out there. Nuts are rich in protein and healthy fats without containing too many calories which make them one of the ideal snacks while you’re on the go.

Simple Steps to Organize your Travel Photos

For those who always carry a camera along with them while exploring a new place are some of the greatest treasures that exist. There’s no better way to capture the crashing waves, the breathtaking view of the pyramids or your adventurous trip abroad last summer.

But sooner or later you’re going to face difficulties with organizing the photos and videos. There’s nothing like having your pictures arranged by time and event, making this big task a lot easier. Why spend hours looking for one particular video when you could locate it within seconds? 

Get your gallery under control with these simple steps:

In today’s digital era of camera phones and expensive cameras, it’s all too easy to take innumerable pictures and record hours of footage. It definitely becomes a task if these images are not sorted-plus, if your device gets damaged, hacked or simply dies on you, you risk losing all of your data if it’s not backed up properly. You might as well reach a point at which your phone’s hard drive or your camera’s memory card becomes full.

1. So first of all, make sure that the date and time are set correctly on your device. That way, your photos will always be tagged with the correct date, making it easy for you to sort.

2. Take some time out to go through all your photos and videos to delete the ones that came out dark and blurry (even the ones where your thumb covers the frame!). This way you can keep your collection to a manageable size.

3. Next, decide on how you want to back up your photos. Explore a couple of options like Google Photos, Dropbox or shell out a few bucks for other apps.

4. You can also have a separate travel folder where you can put all the travel photos that will save you time.

5. Another option is to invest in a photo printer, which would allow you to have paper copies of every photo. Going forward, make things easier on yourself by organizing photos as you capture them.

By following these simple travel tips, you’ll have an easy access to your data and further to your peace of mind. And before you head out for your next adventure, you’ll have a plan on how to keep your memories safe and sound for the future. To know more contact us.

How to avoid surprise costs while Travelling

Bags are packed, hotels are booked, travel guides are appointed and the budget has been carefully crafted to last the entire trip. You’re all ready to set sail. Well, not so fast! And if you’re like most of us, you should do your budgeting tactfully. It’s important to be aware of where every single penny is going.

Did you know you could spend a bomb on souvenirs if you’re way too shy to haggle in the marketplace? Or have you read up the bank policy? ATM fees are brutal abroad.

Here are a few easy ways for you to save up on your Bahamas vacation packages and How to avoid surprise costs while travelling:

Phone Charges:

Make sure you’re aware of any kind of charges your phone company might apply for using your phone overseas. Ensure that you fit in these phone costs into your budget before you get going or even consider taking a pay as you go SIM.

Credit/Debit Card Fees:

Try to make sure that you carry enough currency as ATMs will often charge an exorbitant amount of money (approximately three percent of the withdrawal amount) for you to withdraw cash.

Hotel Charges

Check on the fine print when booking your hotel, as they might charge you for ‘resort fees’ which include checking out early, housekeeping visits and payment for gym or pool access which is optional.

Airport Boredom Shopping

We all understand the pain behind waiting for the plane to take off. So, you are likely to be an impulsive shopper. If you want to buy a couple of books or magazines or that designer handbag you’ve been eyeing on for months, make sure this is all budgeted into your travel plans.

Taxi Fares

With regards to taxis, the most expensive ones are often the most convenient. It’s advised to walk a little to find your cabs and you could save as much as 75% off the price of the fare.

Camping

Some islands allow visitors to camp on the beach so this can be a good way to save money on accommodation on some of the less inhabited islands or on those where typical hotel prices are astronomical.

All you need to do is a little bit of careful planning and research and you’ll be able to make the most of your cruise and stay while in the Bahamas. To know more visit.

Battling Wind and Rain: Is your Home ready for Hurricane Season?

For people residing along the Gulf coasts, hurricane season comes around just as predictably as every other season. It’s basically from June through November, peaking August through October. Think about Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey. Scary, isn’t it?
But what exactly have you done to get your home prepared for this apocalypse?

If you are still looking for an answer and living in a disaster denial, which most of us do, then you’re not alone. As for hurricanes especially, many people fail to realize that the storm surge is the most threatening bit. So, are you done living in a denial? We’ve listed a couple of critical tips on how to prepare for Hurricane Season: 

1. Storm surge is immensely risky. If you’re living on the coast, be aware that a big surge can rise to your roofline in a matter of seconds. Make a plan in case you need to evacuate. 

2. Plywood to the rescue- Simple 5/8 inch plywood covers offers good protection. Cover all the windows to protect them from breaking. Permanent hurricane shutters of cut-to-fit marine plywood work just about fine. 

3. Protect your garage doors with hurricane panels, or reinforce the doors from the inside with studs or braces. If wind enters a garage space it can cause massive structural damage. 

4. Consider building a safe room. 

5. No disaster preparedness article would be complete without an insurance reminder, so 

• Is your insurance up to date?

• Are you insured for full replacement value?

• Storm surge is classified as flood damage. So should you consider having flood insurance?

Other property precaution tips: 

• If you happen to live in a high-rise building, you need to stay alert of the fact that potentially damaging wind pressures increase with height. 

• Avoid leaving anything outside, be it your furniture, tools, gardening stuff, etc. Trim trees early so that it’s manageable before the hurricane strikes.

• Make sure to fuel up your vehicles and emergency power generator well ahead of time to avoid the last minute rush at the petrol pump station. 

• Most importantly, watch the news. The more you learn, the better you’ll be able to prepare and respond to the emergency. Keep an eye on the Weather channels for any kind of critical information and weather updates about the status of the hurricane. 

• These huge, churning storms can spell disaster with wreaking havoc in many ways. We hope these tips help you to survive the fury of a hurricane. For more information visit.

The difference between a Tropical Storm Vs. A Hurricane

If you’re a native or a long-time inhabitant of the Southwest Florida coast, you are bound to know a thing or two about various tropical storms. But if you’re new to this area, you’d probably want to know more about tropical storm season and hurricane season, specifically, how to prepare for such storms.

Let’s talk about the difference

Both tropical storms and hurricanes are usually huge ones that are formed over the water, starting out as a low-pressure system called a tropical depression. When a tropical depression strengthens, the storm becomes a tropical storm. And if that storm continues to strengthen, the storm is classified as a hurricane. 

So, what’s the main difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane? Wind speed!

But that’s not the only difference. Hurricanes are known for their iconic spiral shape with a small patch of clear sky in the centre, called the ‘eye’ which distinguishes it from other tropical storms. Hurricanes are usually formed due to the air spiralling inward into a counterclockwise direction. It is most intense at lower heights, but the circulation becomes weaker with height and finally turns clockwise near the top of the storm. They also tend to be more compact, smaller in diameter and far more intense than tropical storms.

For instance, when Irene hit New York City, it had lost its wind speed and was considered a tropical storm rather than a hurricane. It did not cause much damage in that region as compared to North Carolina where the wind speed was enough to categorize “Irene” as a hurricane.

Tropical storms are extremely low-pressure areas over the ocean with a cyclonic rotation of winds. Hurricanes are considered to be intense, cyclonic or rotating weather systems formed over oceans usually in the tropics due to the formation of low depression areas.

When the speed of the wind is between 39 mph to 73 mph, the tropical depression developed is classified as a tropical storm. However, when the wind speed exceeds 74 mph, it is called a hurricane. Hurricanes have been observed to be smaller in diameter than mid-latitude storms.
Hurricanes have a well-defined eye while tropical storms lack the presence of an eye.

Over the last several years, the United States has experienced several devastating hurricanes. They have resulted in great damage to the areas they have afflicted and left haunting memories in the minds of those who lived through them.

Hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30, although these severe storms can occur any time prior to or after the official season. Being prepared is the key, and having a survival kit can be extremely helpful in delivering comfort as well as aiding in survival. A kit may include bottled water, non-perishable foods, toilet paper, soap, flashlights and fresh batteries, warm blankets, change of clothing, and personal toiletries.

Becoming more aware will help you to know what to expect for in case of a hurricane. Becoming prepared will help you to get through the adverse time. Find out the time to learn all about hurricane season and what you need to do to protect yourself, the ones you love, and your property. To know more Visit.

How to prepare for Hurricane Season

The onslaught of hurricanes seems unending. Despite being at the threshold of these late-summer storms, the cruise industry has been managing itself with aplomb. When we hear about the Bahamas, there is a range of things that can lure a traveller but before you set sail, you might want to check the weather forecast. So, in case you’re planning to sail during this time, it’s important to know what to expect.

It’s usually unlikely to find out how safe your cruise ship is during this time and by this time we mean most storms happen between mid-August and mid-September. In the Western Caribbean, they occur slightly later, between mid-August and early November.

If you’re still determined to sail, we have jotted down a few hurricane season tips for you:

Is the ship safe at all?

Unlike a fishing boat, a cruise ship can’t be avoiding hurricanes by just mooring in an inland canal or hiding among the mangroves. The only way left is to sail away until it reaches a safe harbour or it meets the calm waters. While cruise lines might end up altering itineraries or skip a place, but the top priority for all the cruise lines in all of this is safety.

Steal a fantastic deal:

If you’re hoping to get an amazing deal, the peak three months of hurricane season (August-October) is an ideal time to book a cruise. For the biggest savings, it is advised to wait until June to get the best last-minute offers from the cruise lines.

Pack sea-sickness remedies:

While a ship can leave behind the storm or change its course, you’re still likely to face turbulences which in turn might make you fall sick. Hence, you should carry some remedies along because it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Be flexible with your expectations:

A change in the itinerary is the most common when a hurricane happens to hit. Expecting a change and being flexible is the key. Don’t make up your mind on visiting a certain point, you might be taken aback with the surprises that a new experience might hold for you. And you never know, you might discover a place that can become your most favourite. Cruising in a hurricane is surely a fun adventure so sit back and relax!

You need travel insurance:

It’s relatively inexpensive and will not only safeguard your investment but also provide peace of mind. Be sure to buy a policy that includes hurricane-related coverage. The aftermath of a hurricane can create havoc to more than just the cruise itself. It will even cover extra expenses incurred for your travel to and from the port.

Pack for the worst:

Choose to relax in the quiet bar while everyone’s busy rushing to find a dryer. Don’t go unprepared. It’s best to pack with the worst in mind when it comes to cruising in hurricane season. Pack a few extra essentials to ensure you don’t get caught up in all the hassles.

Now, with all these hurricane safety tips, we are sure to have you prepared for the adventure of cruising during hurricane season. To know more visit us. 

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