4 Travel Gadgets That Can Save Your Time And Power For Leisure

Whether you are doing it for business or pleasure, traveling is something that is in the core of our society. Ever since airfare made it easier to go from one location to the other, people have been scouring the globe finding new opportunities to advance their studies, career or simply to relax and enjoy the beautiful planet we live in. Whether you are a tourist or travel often for business, there are certain appliances that will aid on your journey. To help you out make your travel experience better, we’ve gathered the four best gadgets that can save your time and power for leisure.

A Portable Speaker and a Nice Pair of Headphones/Earplugs

Regardless of the device you are constantly wearing with you, you will most probably need a good sound system to go with it. Making your nights at the hotel a bit more sound, portable speakers are a must-have equipment for any tourist. A perfect accessory, portable speakers will let you enjoy your music library on your trip. Furthermore, if you are a music lover, you will definitely need a nice pair of headphones or earplugs that will let you get into your musical comfort zone when traveling. What’s more a portable speaker and a nice pair of headphones are one of the cheapest accessories that you can purchase with some great budget choices for travel going for as low as $25. Just make sure to do your research before purchasing your accessory.

Depending on what you prefer, there are different options that might be more suitable for you. For example, the Inateck Aries are amazing earphones that look quite expensive and deliver a nice sound quality, but are in fact relatively cheap. On the other hand, if you prefer being recognized for the tech you own, you might consider purchasing Beats headphones. When it comes to Bluetooth speakers there are a ton of different brands and options on the market. One of the more affordable ones for example, the Lava Brightsounds is a great choice that works both as a travel lamp and a Bluetooth speaker. However, if it is too big for you to carry, you might want to check out something that is smaller, but more expensive, like the Denon Envaya Mini or the UE Roll.

The Smart SuitCase

If you travel often, then the BlueSmart Suitcase is a definite must on your list of tourist accessories you should purchase. One of the most innovative pieces of tech in the recent decade, the Bluesmart Smart Suitcase has a number of great features that make it stand out from the regular suitcase. For example, BlueSmart has a built-in GPS that will let you track your suitcase anywhere in the world, so you won’t need to worry about losing your luggage anymore. What’s more, you can easily control the suitcase via a mobile app and the suitcase even has a built-in power bank for your smartphone and other devices, so you also won’t need to purchase any additional power supply for your trips.

On top of all other features, the suitcase also has a built-in scale, so that next time at the airport you will know just how much luggage you have, helping you save on airfare fees. Worried about theft? Nevertheless, the best part about the smart suitcase is the fact that it cost a rather affordable $399, which for a suitcase with that many features is a great price.

Neck Support

One of the accessories you will definitely need for your travel is neck support. If you have slept on a plane or in a vehicle, you are most probably familiar with the neck pain that comes from this experience. While not exactly a gadget, the Trtl Travel Pillow is a nice invention that lets you sleep comfortably be it on a plane, car, train, etc. With a built-in flexible neck support, the pillow can easily be put around your neck like a scarf. You will be able to forget the pain that comes from uncomfortable sleep and you will be able to enjoy your travel experience that much more.

Of course, the Trlt Pillow is not your only option. You might also want to check out accessories such as the Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow that lets your neck breathe, while you are sleeping. Also, there are even neck pillow kits, such as the AERIS Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow Kit that allow you to fully enjoy a comfortable sleep, while on your travels. An interesting pillow, especially if you prefer leaning forward is the Woollip Travel Pillow, which has been developed with the help of physiotherapists and yoga teachers to help deliver a comfortable sleep, while on a road. Whatever the case may be, a Neck Support is a must on your travel accessories list.

Your smartphone has almost everything you need in order to enjoy your time on a road to the fullest. However, even if you own a phablet, you are most probably familiar with the frustration it comes from reading from a smaller device that is in the palm of your hand. If you enjoy reading, then purchasing an E-Reader or a tablet as a travel accessory is a must. There are a number of great options available, depending on what exactly you are searching for in a device. In fact, a nice tablet can further help you enjoy your travels by letting you enjoy a nice movie or a game, while you are traveling.

Most tourists prefer devices such as iPads or E-Readers, such as the Amazon Kindle Voyage, but if you are more of an Android enthusiast, then you might consider purchasing a smaller tablet, such as the 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. Whatever the case may be, the E-Reader or Tablet will help you enjoy all the activities you enjoy at home on a larger screen than your smartphone. What’s more, if you have a tablet and you own a keyboard for it, you might go further and finish the tasks you have been putting off for so long. That way you will better enjoy your vacation.

Nevertheless, the aforementioned four gadgets are some of the best on the market and you should definitely own them if you are traveling a lot. With them, you will not only be the most tech-savvy person on your flight, but you will also be able to enjoy your travel time better and you will be able to save up more time for your leisure activities.

Robert Everett: I am a freelance writer currently based in Chicago. Solving students career and university problems. Having interest in marketing and business.
My Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/roberteverett82
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What Are You Missing In Glasses? Consider LASIK

lasik

It would be nearly impossible to estimate how many people in the U.S. wear glasses or contacts with so many variables to consider. Some people only wear glasses to read, and others wear them only to drive. Many people only wear eyeglasses part of the time and contact lenses the rest of the time. But, according to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction.

That means that 75% of adults are missing out on seeing some pretty amazing sights. Or, they are constantly having to worry about packing glasses or contacts for the trips they are taking.

Have you ever considered LASIK surgery? With LASIK surgery most patients have improved vision immediately. Having LASIK surgery will no doubt make traveling and everyday life much easier and more enjoyable.

From the sunrises to the sunsets and everything in between, vision correction from LASIK surgery results in more freedom to enjoy Mother Nature and all the little things in life you might not have been able to see before. Generally, you can travel just one week after your surgery; Most doctors will want to see you for a follow up 24-48 hours after your surgery and then you can start packing and be on your way to your dream destination.

No more stress of packing or losing your contacts, no more accidentally breaking those glasses that just appear in your seat as you hear the crunch of them breaking beneath your weight. My husband broke his on the train this week- and of course, didn’t have a spare pair with him. With your glorious new eyesight, you can tour the sights and see everything so clearly. Even in the glowing light of a camp fire or flashlight, you will be able to enjoy all the beautiful nature around you. It’s also not the easiest thing to camp with glasses- and fishing around for them in near total darkness when you have to get up to use the bathroom is never fun. Even putting up a tent can be a pain- they love to keep sliding around while you figure out what pole goes where or into what- but you can’t take them off, since you have to see what you are doing.

The world is yours for the taking. You can travel to the beach and feel the warm sand between your toes – but not in your contacts. The beach is one place my husband particularly hates his glasses- between the sand, and having to take them off to head into the ocean, to not being able to see very well without them- it’s one of his personal “most annoying” places with glasses. Visit New York, and take in the sights. Or even venture outside of the U.S. and visit some amazing places like England or Puerto Rico.

No matter what your destination – LASIK surgery gives you the gift of clear vision without glasses or contacts. 

Why is Ukraine the best destination for travelers in Europe

Ukraine is often overlooked by European travelers, which is a pity as it’s a great destination to visit in Eastern Europe. However, in recent years the number of tourists who chose to discover Ukraine has increased significantly.

Many foreign travelers consider Ukraine to be difficult destination to travel to. Many of them are concerned about security issues, due to the conflict thats going on in the east part of the country. Sadly, the situation is not yet stable, but the conflict area is currently occupying remote eastern areas of the country. The conflict zone has no tendency toward expanding, which makes the rest of the territory of Ukraine (which is pretty vast) a safe destination to travel to.

Local people in Ukraine are really welcoming. International travelers used to worry about the language barrier, however the younger generation of Ukrainians speaks English now.

Comparing to other popular European travel destinations Ukraine remains relatively inexpensive country to visit. It still is considered one of the cheapest among the European countries. This includes an average price on accommodation, food and drinks, public transport and cabs, museums and galleries tickets and admission fees to the main tourist attractions. This is a pleasant thing when traveling on a budget.

Ukraine is a beautiful and vast country in Eastern Europe that boasts a supreme geographical position and authentic well-preserved culture, that is the reason our web destinations.com.ua considers Ukraine the best destination for travelers in Europe. Ukraine as a travel destination can offer numerous places to visit for curious and most spoiled travelers. There are ski resorts in the West and beautiful sandy beaches in the South, modern cities with vibrant nightlife and urban buzz as well as traditional authentic villages for eco-tourism fans.

In recent years, Ukraine is also living a busy cultural life. Various popular events put Ukraine on the international cultural map. Country’s festival calendar got exceptionally busy and offers events for different interests and tastes. Lviv Jazz Fest, which takes place every summer in Lviv, is now considered a major European Musical festival and gathers world famous musicians as well as thousands of jazz fans annually. Gastronomical and wine festivals celebrate the world-class food combining it with art, music, history and rich Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Travelers will be awed by well-preserved historical relics and unique nature landmarks scattered all over this vast country. Ukraine can truly bring the unforgettable travel experience.

A Must Follow Guide To Getting The Best Mortgage

Buying your first or any home for that matter is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. You’ll feel like it’s one of the biggest steps you’ve made into adulthood and it can be a great feeling to say you own your own home. You need to make sure you’re ready to buy a home before you commit though.

It can also be an extremely stressful time and sometimes it’s all a little too overwhelming. It’s a huge decision and may be the biggest financial commitment you ever have to make, so you need to make sure you’re getting the best deal you can. Follow these top tips to get the mortgage you truly want.

  1. The bigger, the better – where deposits are concerned

The bigger the deposit, the better. Even if you’re not ready to buy a house now, start saving because the more you have to offer as a down payment, the more choice of mortgages you’ll have to choose from. Mortgage providers keep their best rates for people who have large deposits and the other benefit is that you’ll have far less to pay on a monthly basis as you’ll get a better deal.

If you can’t afford a big deposit upfront, you might want to consider a longer mortgage amortisation to reduce your monthly payments. This means it will take longer to pay back your mortgage, but you’ll have the benefit of reduced payments in the short-term. When you renew, you can always change your amortisation period as your financial circumstances change.

  1. Get the best mortgage rate

Make sure you do your research before committing to a mortgage as you might find you’re being charged an extortionate amount of interest. Home loan rates differ depending on which mortgage provider you go with, so don’t just grab the first opportunity that arises. Shop around.

  1. Clear your debts

Debts won’t do you any favors when you’re trying to lock in the best mortgage deal. When submitting an application, you’ll be asked to declare how much you owe, so resist the urge to put all sorts on your credit card. The last thing a mortgage provider wants to see on a mortgage application is a huge list of outstanding loans that need to be paid back. They need to feel assured that you will be able to pay them back and make your monthly payments. If they don’t get that impression, you won’t be getting your mortgage.

If you do have a fair bit of debt under your belt, hold off on applying for a mortgage until you’ve managed to reduce them. You want to seem like someone who’s responsible with their money and you’re more likely to get that stamp of approval.

  1. The proof is in the pudding

When approaching a mortgage provider for home loan rates, one of the first things they will want to see is proof of how much you earn. People have a tendency to over embellish where earnings are concerned but this won’t do you or the mortgage lender any favors as they will need to calculate what it affordable for you to pay back which is obviously a good thing for you. Take along a P60 form from your employer which displays how much you pay and how much has been deducted. It’s good to take along your last three months’ bank statements and payslips so the lender can work out how much would be a reasonable amount to lend given how much your outgoings are.

Buying A Piece Of Tech For The Kids: 3 Unmissable Tips To Ensure You Make The Right Choice

tablet

You are bound to buy one form of tech for your kids this Christmas. After all, items like iPads and PS4’s are bound to be at the top of their Christmas list. But it’s so important to think carefully before you buy any old tech for your family. You don’t want to buy them something that will get outdated and will need replacing by next Christmas. Or something that has bad reviews and might be faulty. Here are three unmissable tips you need to ensure you make the right decision when buying a piece of tech for the kids.

You need to choose something fairly new

When you are looking for a piece of tech for your kids, you need to choose something that has just come out. For one thing, it will ensure your child isn’t disappointed about not getting a newer model. But also, it’s more likely to last longer than an older model. After all, an older tablet might not get all the latest updates. Therefore, your kid might be asking for a new one by the time Christmas comes around again. And as well as this, if it’s older, you might struggle to find parts if something goes wrong. And you might have to end up buying a new one as it was unable to be fixed! Therefore, make sure you buy a fairly new model for your kids when it comes to tech.

You need to check the reviews before you make a purchase

It’s also important to make sure you read up reviews about the product. After all, you don’t want to buy a piece of tech which is going to break after a few weeks. And you don’t want to choose something which is really hard to use. Therefore, look online and read different reviews before you do make a purchase. Sites similar to http://www.testingteam.net will give you the latest reviews on items. And remember to look online to see if you can get the item somewhere cheaper. That way, you won’t have to break the bank to buy your child the present they want this Christmas.

You need to make sure it’s not easy to break

If your kid is always clumsy, it’s not a good idea to buy them something that could easily break! After all, the screens on the latest tech are not the cheapest to replace. And you could end up spending nearly as much as the item costs! Therefore, make sure you check how easily it can break and find ways to prevent it happening. For example, you might want to get a case for the device which will protect it if it does fall on the floor! Or you ought to insure it so that if something does go wrong, you can easily get it replaced without costing a fortune!

And remember to choose something which is easy to use. Otherwise, your kid might just leave it on the side and not play with it! And check out http://www.makeuseof.com/ for what to do with the old device once your child has a new one for Christmas.

Never too old to get away: what to consider when an elderly loved one travels

More elderly people are traveling nowadays – and why not? All the same, there are things to consider if a loved one’s about to go on a long journey
Increasingly nowadays, owing to so many of us living longer, people are more active as they get older. Indeed, the elderly are also traveling far more than in years past and on their own – and why not? There’s no reason, so long as there aren’t serious health barriers to prevent it, why an older person shouldn’t embark on travel. Adventure in later life isn’t just enjoyable but can also be great for mental and physical health. And anyway, who has a right tell an older loved one what they should and shouldn’t do with their remaining years?

All the same, there are a few things to consider if your elderly mother, father, uncle, aunt, grandparent or friend is about to embark on a long journey…

Research

Whether your loved one is traveling alone or with others (or with you), it’s best to search for travel and accommodation options and to book them as soon as possible. This is because, for obvious ease of travel, you might want to aim for the most direct routes and/ or the shortest in travel duration. Plus, you’ll want to find and reserve suitable accommodation at the other end, of course.

 

Medication and supplements

It’s imperative to remember that, should the traveler be taking to the skies in a plane, all their prescription and over-the-counter medication is placed in a clear plastic bag. Plus, remember that that transportation staff have no obligation to help with medication, so you might want to suggest your loved one takes an alarm watch/ clock with them to alert them when they need to take their medication.

Additionally, it might be an idea for them (assuming they’re not used to traveling alone or even if they are) to try one or two supplements when they do so to ease the experience. For instance, One week flat Optibac (which may ease any abdominal bloating caused by trapped wind, food intolerance or stress) and Oxylift (aids natural body detoxification and gut cleansing) might be a good idea.

Security

Let’s be honest, elderly people can be a bit forgetful now and again; for instance, out of habit they may pop their wallet in their back pocket, forgetting they’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar where pickpockets will love nothing more than to pinch a wallet from someone’s back pocket. So it’s far from a bad idea for your loved one to use a money belt for cash, cards and valuables instead of a wallet or purse. It’s also a good idea to make sure they have a mobile phone – and that your number’s stored in its phonebook where they can find it.

Documents

Just in case the worst happens, it’s advisable for the traveler to have copies of any prescriptions they have and/ or statements of their specific medical conditions from their doctors with them. Also, it’s a good idea to have their passport, driver’s license (if applicable), travel insurance details, tickets and boarding pass (if available beforehand) photocopied to travel with them.

Aid at the airport

If your loved one’s using an airport and doing so on their own, you’ll want to make sure they receive assistance from the entrance right through the process of security, customs (if applicable), at the gate and on to the aircraft. There should be no extra cost for this assistance or wheelchair use, but be sure to request assistance before they arrive at the airport, otherwise its provision may not be possible.

Are they ready at the other end?

If the traveler will be making their way to family or friends, then it’s crucial their eventual hosts are prepared for their arrival and stay. They need to know what sort of support (or, if you prefer, caregiving) your loved one requires, as well as any particular dietary and medication requirements. Also, make sure they have all important travel insurance and legal documents with them should an emergency arise.

 

Moana: The Movie, the Games

moana app

Moana, the newest animated film from Walt Disney Pictures, is still filling theaters around the world. It’s one of the top-ranked movies of the year, beloved by critics and audience members of all ages. If you haven’t already taken your children to see it, I confidently recommend doing so. Older children, teens, and thrill-seeking adults can enjoy Moana in 3D, which offers an entirely next-level type of entertainment. However, the story and 2D visuals are captivating enough that the non-3D movie is very much worth seeing.

After watching Moana at the theater, a great way to stay connected is through video games. These days, sites like Poki offer countless web games for free. On Poki, each game is sorted into categories, which makes it easy to find exactly what you want. Today, I’d like to share what my child has been playing lately: Moana games from Poki!

The Moana games on Poki are a subsection of the movie games category, which includes hundreds of titles. Some of the most popular movie games are based on Frozen, Cars, or Spider-Man. But the hit film of today is Moana, and there are many exciting adventures to discuss.

Moana Waialiki is a Pacific Island princess. To be more specific, Moana is Polynesian, and she is beautiful. When the movie was first announced, there was much discussion surrounding this new type of Disney royalty. Feminists and open-minded citizens everywhere praised the choice to showcase diversity on the silver screen. As a result, we have a movie and now many games that center around the proud Motunui native. The Moana dress-up games on Poki highlight her unique culture and clothing. The fabrics, dress styles, and jewelry are all based on authentic island fashion. Players will learn about Oceania while playing, as these games take place 2000 years in the past, just like the movie.

There are also different types of Moana puzzle games, including hidden-object and jigsaw challenges. In Moana Hidden Letters, players will use a magnifying glass to find the alphabet on the beach. In Disney Moana Puzzle, gamers must unscramble memorable scenes from the movie. Every puzzle piece is a small part of the big picture. This type of gameplay lets us relive iconic movie moments with Moana and Maui.

Have I mentioned that the Moana soundtrack was co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda? That’s right—the award-winning composer and star of Hamilton helped pen the music for Moana. Best of all, some of Poki’s Moana games feature real music from the movie. When playing Kakamora Kaos, gamers are bound to be inspired by the movie’s original soundtrack. The orchestral symphony will charge the coconut-wearing pirates on their massive ship. Instead of playing a game on the computer, it will feel like you’re a part of the film!

After watching Moana, playing these games is the next best thing. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, the Moana titles on Poki are so much fun that they stand tall on their own. It’s time for your children to play with the Polynesian princess and her demigod companion Maui.

Portable travel bed for your toddler – critical tips for choosing the best

Any parent that decided to remain active after they world has been turned upside down when they brought a child into the world knows the struggle.

The struggle of trying to balance between the needs and wants of your child and Sisyphean efforts to keep doing what you love doing. Traveling, hiking, whatever it is, chances are your schedule has suffered.

But when the moment comes and you can finally start bringing your toddler on trips, it’s crucial that you know what you’re doing when preparing for the trip.

So, instead of learning from your mistakes, in this guide will address one of the most important aspects to plan – SLEEP.

sleeping while traveling

It’s hard enough getting them to sleep as is, let alone in strange new place on a different bed.

But if you play your cards right, they might end up liking the new bed more then they like the one at home.

So, let’s dive right in and talk about the one thing that can make or break your trip – the choice of travel bed for your kid.

We’ll be analyzing the pros and cons of three main styles of travel beds for toddlers:

  1. Air mattresses

  2. Foam folding travel beds

  3. Cots for toddlers

So, let’s dive right in, we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

Airbeds for kids

One of the most popular options, mainly because of its convenience, is a toddler air mattress or a blow-up bed as you might hear people calling it.

blow up mattress

Three main fortes of this choice include:

  • Easy to use, practical and pack small – they usually come with a pump that also deflates the bed, so they pretty much pack to the original size. They pack neatly and can easily be carried in a suitcase, which makes them convenient for air travel.

  • Safety – when we say safety here, we refer to two aspects. The first one comes from the fact that airbeds for kids usually come with side rails (see the image above) and that keeps even the restless sleepers from rolling over during the night. The other safety aspect is the concern about the chemicals – the industry of inflatable furniture has changed a lot during the last few decades and no hazardous substances are used in the production (the bed in the image above – Shrunks Tuckaire toddler is an extreme example of that – it is eco-friendly and chemical-free and it comes with an optional sleeping bag).

  • Easy to clean, doesn’t hold smell – if your little one is still prone to accidents, an air mattress without a flocked top but with a fitted cover (Aerobed usually makes this type of inflatables) is your best bet. That way, if a wet mishap happens, you can just throw the cover into the washing machine and clean the smooth surface of the PVC (something you can’t do with the two other styles we’ll talk about in a minute).

Potential negatives:

  • Plastic smell – not a big issue per se, you can resolve it by airing the bed out for a few hours ( a day in extreme cases) until the smell of plastic is gone. But it can be worrisome if you don’t know the facts, the plastic smell will be there (it’s PVC after all), but what’s important is to pick a product that explicitly says that it is free of phthalates and BPAs (the mentioned Shrunks Tuckaire is a good example of that)

  • Potential air leaks – you don’t want to see your child waking up on the ground if the bed deflates during the night and you certainly don’t want that kind of trouble on a trip.

There are three pieces of advice we can give you here:

One – don’t buy the bed a day before you go on a trip. Getting it a few days or weeks before will both give your child a chance to get used to it and give you a chance to see how the bed works and if it loses air.

Two – don’t rely on the patch kit that usually comes included. Instead, get yourself a PVC patch kit from your local store.

Three – go to the websites that carry them and read the air mattress reviews – who could be a better source of information than the people using the products today. Spending some time on websites dedicated to reviewing the airbed and chose the ones that are top-rated. A half an hour extra of your time here will mean night of your child being sound asleep.

Conclusions about inflatables mattresses for kids

An airbed is the most popular choice among portable travel beds for kids, and for a few good reasons that we listed above.

Still, before deciding to go with it, think about the nature of your situation and needs.

For example, if you need it for a night or two and will probably never use it again, a simple cot might do the trick. Also, if you can spare the extra bucks for the comfort of your child and they are accident-free, a foam folding bed might be your best bet.

Folding travel beds – foam-based

Hands down the most comfortable choice, a foldable travel bed is made entirely out of foam and designed with side rails. Having said that, the foam is very soft and the sides are not that high, so there’s a chance or rolling over the edges.

kid sleepovers

Who is it for?

  • Families who have resolved the issue of nightly mishaps – cleaning this bed after an accident will prove to be quite a job and you’ll never get the smell completely out of the foam. If you still want the unparalleled comfort of the folding foam bed, it’s a good idea pairing it with a waterproof cover.

  • Families who are not on a tight budget, it’s the most expensive choice of the three

  • Families who don’t plan to take the bed on trips that involve air travel – it’s great for basking around the house, but it is bulky and can only be carried as a separate piece of luggage. Still a good option for camping.

If you do decide to go with this style, make sure that you choose quality (the bed in the image above, LeachCo BumpZZZ, is the one product that stands alone in the category).

Cots for toddlers – the budget solution

As we mentioned, a cot will most likely be a good choice if you need it for a sleep-over and you’re not very likely to use it often.

child's cot

It’s made of steel and plastic and a lightly padded canvas on top. The canvas is not tight or padded enough and, unless your kid is still very light, chances are they’re going to feel the beams that run across the surface underneath.

It’s still comfortable enough for it not to be problem for most kids, but if your little one is a particularly choosy sleeper, you won’t get much peace.

If you choose a cot, the plus side is that they are so inexpensive that you can easily choose quality – the cot in the image above “Regalo My Cot” is a safe bet.

Packing – the cot folds up like a folding chair. It packs smaller than a foam folding bed but not as small as an air mattress. It packs just small enough for air travel to be an option.

Summing it all up

The purpose of this guide was not to tell you which portable bed to choose for your kid.

It was to give you guidelines about the right questions to ask yourself before you make the decision.

If we managed to do that, our work is done.

Happy trails.