As we know domestic holidays are on the rise, with many destinations on the no-fly list we find ourselves looking to travel by car to local cities, towns and villages. As well as the current situation we find ourselves in, the government also has an initiative to help the environment by banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030! It is this ban and the latest rise in domestic travel that got LeaseCarUK thinking about road trips by electric car, the challenges one could face, and the best places to travel around the UK when on a road trip.

This article will look at the best places to enjoy a road trip in the UK and share some tips for travelling by electric vehicle.

A Road Trip to Edinburgh

Travelling from England or Wales to Edinburgh can be a long but scenic journey, especially if you know which roads to take. If you are driving from the south, a stop in Oxford can be perfect to stretch your legs, charge your vehicle or to explore the university.

Alternatively, travelling to southwest England and visiting the Cotswold’s is a wonderful scenic experience that all the family can enjoy. The Cotswold’s is perfect for an overnight stay whilst on your journey to Edinburgh.

If you are reluctant to stop early on the journey then powering on to the Scottish Borders will make a welcome break. The Borders are filled with history and scenery as this is where many English and Scottish battles took place.

When travelling such a distance by electric car it is important to check the car’s range. The below visual from LeaseCarUK helps to visualise the range of some of the UK’s top selling electric vehicle’s so that you are aware of how many charging stops will be required for the journey to Edinburgh.

A Road Trip to Cornwall

Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK so it is important that we include this destination within this article. Home to beautiful beaches craved by the Atlantic Ocean, surfing opportunities and Cornish pasties, Cornwall is a must visit place.

A stop over in Southampton is perfect when travelling to Cornwall. Southampton is home to amazing maritime history, especially for Titanic enthusiasts. As well as it’s maritime history, visitors can also enjoy the seaside, museums, theatres and parks.

No road trip to Cornwall would be complete without a stop at Stonehenge in Wiltshire. In order to see Stonehenge, you must pay an entrance fee but there is also a visitors’ centre where you can brush up on your history of the famous Neolithic landmark.

To put this journey into perspective when driving an electric vehicle, take a look at the image below.

The UK is home to many scenic drives not mentioned here, such as the Lake District and Peak District. No matter where you are driving from or to, there will be some amazing places to see and stop whilst your vehicle is charging.

 

Monsoon is one of the best seasons to plan trips with your loved ones. It’s when the temperature is just perfect to be outdoors, as the rain settles down the pollution, and the environment is a lot greener and cooler.

A trip to a hilly city, rainforest, or beachside could be the perfect spot for you to enjoy the monsoon season. However, you surely don’t want to suffer due to bad weather or heavy rain. Things can quickly get out of hand if you are not prepared. So, you must carry the monsoon essentials with you on the trip.

Apart from the rainwear, travel bags are a must-pack when you are going out this season. Just make sure to carry the right instruments and tools – for your survival, safety, and to face the torrent rain.

The section below discusses the essentials that you must carry on your monsoon trip.

• Raincoat

There will always be chances of heavy rainfall and storms, especially during this season. So, a raincoat is a must that should be in your bag. Invest in good quality and water-resistant women’s raincoat that could save you from drenching in water.

A raincoat is a lot more beneficial as it covers your whole body and prevents your exposure to water. You would not want to get sick when you are on vacation. It will not only ruin the mood, but you will not be able to enjoy the trip to its fullest. Most importantly, you can accept rain at any time of the day. So, keeping a raincoat with you when out exploring is a smart choice. It will not only keep you dry but your essentials like your phone, wallet, and other important things in your hand pocket are protected.

• Waterproof Bag

There is no compulsion for you to carry a specific type of backpack. You may also take your wheel travel bag on your monsoon trip. However, you should make sure that whichever bag you’ll be carrying must be waterproof. It is because you won’t like it if all your belongings are damaged due to rain.

Also, you may cover your bag with a lightweight, synthetic rain cover to keep your stuff dry and safe.

• Socks and Waterproof Boots

Keeping your feet wet for prolonged hours means you are inviting trouble. You may be enjoying the hike in the mountains or a walk in the rainforest, but it is your feet that are taking a toll. Feet play an essential role in maintaining your body temperature. So, if they are wet, you must immediately dry them. Wear a pair of warm socks along with waterproof boots. These will save you from cold and wet feet during your monsoon trip.

• An Umbrella

Since you’ll be planning a trip during the monsoon season, ensure that an umbrella is always on top of your packing list. It could be a lifesaver for you during extreme sun or heavy rain.

• Waterproof Plastic Ziplock

Smartphones are pretty expensive, and they can easily be damaged, if exposed to water. While smartphones are waterproof to some extent, you must ensure that they don’t meet water. Thus, it would help if you carried with you a waterproof plastic Ziplock, in which you could keep your phones and other electronics safe. You can also keep your money, cards, and other documents in a Ziplock.

• Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitos usually come during the monsoon season, and the worst thing about them is that mosquito bites can be harmful to you. So, to keep yourself safe, you must carry mosquito repellent with you. Mosquito repellents come in all sorts of forms, like sprays, creams, and stickers.

The Bottom Line

With the right tools in your bag, you would not only enjoy your vacation, but you’ll also be prepared for what Mother Nature might send your way. While things like rainwear, travel bags, and umbrellas are must haves, you should also carry the other essential things mentioned above.

 

Some vacations leave an impact that feels magical. Maybe you felt that way about a world-class skiing adventure in the mountains. Or, perhaps you can’t forget the way a coral reef looked during a snorkeling trip on the coast.

Whatever the vacation was, you feel the urge to return and do it again. Everything was perfect, from the food to the people around you. The only question is, how do you get that experience again?

Many people find this experience through a timeshare. A timeshare getaway can be the perfect way to enjoy your vacations for years to come. However, choosing the best timeshares requires several considerations.

In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the best timeshare for your vacation getaway. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

How Do Timeshares Work?

Before we get into all the considerations that go into choosing a timeshare, let’s first explore how timeshares work. A timeshare is a real estate deal that allows several people to buy partial property ownership in a vacation or resort area.

Various resorts allow people to purchase different lengths of time. The standard length, however, is one week out of the year. The size of the property can likewise vary. Some timeshare properties are condos, a suite of rooms, or a single room.

There are two types of timeshares on the market. The first is a deeded timeshare, and the second is a non-deeded timeshare. Deeded contracts function similarly to buying a house.

As such, you get a share of the property’s ownership. This ownership means you can rent out your share, resell it, or leave it as an inheritance. Most of the timeshare transactions out there occur through deeded contracts.

Non-deeded contracts are more akin to renting and signing a lease. Your purchase isn’t so much one of ownership as it is right-to-use. This right may last several years, but the property isn’t yours. When your term runs out, ownership will revert to the original property owner.

Choosing Your Dates

A smart traveler often knows his travel dates well ahead of time. Usually, there’s a particular week or time frame when he goes on his vacation getaway.

If that’s the way you travel, then a fixed-week system is probably your ideal timeshare system. A fixed-week arrangement allows you to use the property for the same dates each year. Most of these systems come through deeded contracts.

If you enjoy predictability, this will likely be your best arrangement. Fixed-week timeshares won’t let you change your dates. If these dates don’t work for you one year, you can rent the property to others during that date. Alternatively, you can trade it with other deeded owners.

This system may seem restrictive to you. If so, you’re not alone. Fixed-week systems are no longer as popular as they were because people want flexibility.

The more flexible alternative to this system is a floating-week system. This timeshare schedule allows you one week per year, but you can choose that week each year.

This system grants you much more freedom, as it allows you to pick your dates at any time or within a particular time frame. However, this freedom comes at a price. You’ll face competition for all the popular times of year in your destination.

Costs Of Timeshares

A timeshare comes with certain fixed costs. The primary expense is the fee you pay upfront, which amounts to your timeshare closing costs.  The second fee is your annual maintenance fee, which is usually the worst part of financing a timeshare.

Maintenance fees come annually, whether you use the property or not. Most of the time, there is no expiration date. You also may end up with additional fees, such as upgrade and repair fees resulting from a storm.

Getting The Most From Your Time Share

Knowing all of these factors, you can now make an informed decision about your timeshare purchase. Now, all you have to consider is where you want your timeshare and what quality of share you want. We’ll explore these choices down below.

Where To Buy Your Timeshare

Only buy your timeshare in a place where you’re sure to travel. This advice may seem obvious, but many people make this mistake. People often like the idea of owning a timeshare in a place they enjoyed and think they’ll come back later. Then, they end up hardly ever visiting the property.

Before you buy your timeshare, you need to assess your travel habits. Are you somebody who likes repetition and routine, or do you prefer variety?

Do you love going somewhere often enough to feel like a local, or do you love to see new places? Once you’ve made these decisions, you can purchase your best timeshare in a place you love.

Amenities and Accommodations

Several timeshares offer accommodations and amenities that hotels won’t match. However, these amenities aren’t necessarily universal. Timeshares divide themselves into classes based on the level of amenities they provide.

If you want a property that feels more like a home, look for a timeshare that doesn’t include an RCI or Interval International award. These places lack many of the resort-level amenities.

However, if you like to travel in luxury, find a resort with an RCI Gold Crown or Interval International award. These places offer a variety of amenities. At the highest levels, they may include rental cars and airfare coverage.

Visit Your Timeshare Prospect Soon

Once you’ve picked out a timeshare location and a property that seems amenable, the next step is to visit the property. Look around and see if it meets your expectations. Will it fit your family comfortably? Does it look to be in good condition?

If you’re satisfied with the type of contract, costs, and its condition, all that’s left to do is make an offer. With any luck, you’ll have your ideal timeshare getaway in no time.

We hope you enjoyed this article! For more like it, check out our other content today!

58 million people visit Disney World each year.

If you’re a Disney fan or are thinking about going for the first time, now is the perfect time to visit Disney World. As the world moves into the “new normal,” a Disney vacation may be just what you and your family need to unwind and relax after a stressful year.

Read on for some of the top reasons why visiting Disney should be on your calendar of “must-dos” this year for your family or group of friends.

1. Reduced Capacity

Disney World is operating at a reduced capacity, thanks to COVID19 and social distancing measures. While this means that some attractions are closed, other attractions remain open with a shorter wait time.

Disney parks have a number that they can hit before they must close down for the day. With COVID, this number has been reduced dramatically, meaning you don’t have to contend with 2-hour waits for your favorite attraction.

Instead, you can bank on seeing more of the parks, as long as you’re okay with the fact that some of the parks and attractions remain closed.

2. Discounts

To attract people to the park, Disney is offering lots of discounts. Earlier in 2021, Disney World offered 35% off entry to the parks, which saves quite a bit of money, especially as a family. The park continues to offer periodic discounts, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled to see if they’ve knocked down the price of admission or other attractions.

2021 is a great time to book a budget-friendly trip to Disney.

If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, keep in mind the DVC banking deadline to make sure you get the most out of your points.

Disney also often offers cheap tickets for the winter months for those that are planning well in advance. You may wish to look at discounts for January and February of 2022 to have a magical beginning to next year!

In 2022, you’ll be able to book a room at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a 2-night immersive adventure. It’s a hotel and a resort rolled into one.

3. Star Wars, Galaxy’s Edge

Are you a Star Wars fan? If so, you’re in luck, as Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With three Star Wars-themed rides and several other experiences, you’ll be sure to have an out-of-this-world experience in this new location.

4. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure–Opening in October 2021

If you’re waiting until the fall to visit Disney World, you can ride on one of its most popular rides from EuroDisney: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Situated in the France pavilion at Epcot, this trackless ride takes you through an adventure where you shrink down to the size of a rat and ride through Gusteau’s restaurant. This is a must for any fans of the film.

5. Cinderella’s Castle Has Had a Makeover

Are you ready to take some truly Insta-worthy pics? Well, you’re in luck, because Cinderella’s castle has recently had a fresh new paint job, meaning it looks spic and span for this new year. You’ll be able to witness the original vibrancy of the castle, as it has aged over time, adding new magic to your experience.

6. Disney Resorts Are Slowly Reopening

For a while, most of the Disney resorts remained closed. However, many of them have reopened or are planning to reopen in time for the summer of 2021. This gives you and your family better access to the parks, as you don’t have to leave the grounds at all during your Disney stay.

With resorts reopening, you can also plan some time to relax on your vacation. Many people who frequent Disney suggest that you take an off-day to recharge your batteries, and now you can do that on Disney property.

7. Blizzard Beach Has Reopened

If you’re a water park fan, you’re in luck. Blizzard Beach, one of Disney’s waterparks, has reopened to allow you and your family to enjoy a day in the Florida sunshine. The park has everything from fast water slides to a lazy river that you can enjoy some downtime in.

8. You Can Park Hop Again

Due to COVID19, park-hopping was closed, and you could only visit one park in one day. But now, that’s all changed, and you can visit more than one park in one day, maximizing your fun. While some people prefer only to visit one park per day, not to get overwhelmed, you can now prioritize what you want to see if you only have a limited amount of time at Disney.

9. Ride the New Skyliner

You can get a bird’s eye view of the Disney parks with the new Skyliner, which takes you over the resorts to travel between them. This mode of transportation is also perfect for those who wish to social distance, as your party is in their own pod completely away from other people making it impossible to transmit COVID, or anything else nasty, between people.

This is the Time to Visit Disney World

Are you ready to start planning your visit to Disney World yet? If you’ve been missing Disney due to the pandemic, or you’re a first-timer, there has never been a better time to experience the magic. Get ready to have a truly unforgettable experience with your family or friends.

For more travel content, be sure to check out the rest of our website. It’s loaded with tips and tricks to get you started on your next vacation.

At any given moment worldwide, there are about 9,728 planes in the sky.

Of course, this number might have changed a bit during the pandemic. But despite any changes that happen on the ground, there are certain facts about airplanes that remain the same.

Looking for some fun facts to “wow” your friends with? Keep reading to learn five amazing aviation facts we guarantee you haven’t heard before.

1. Planes Are Designed to Be Struck by Lightning

Do you feel nervous when your plane flies through a thunderstorm? Calm your fears by reminding yourself that all aircraft are purposely designed to take a lightning strike.

Experts estimate that every plane is struck by lightning about once a year, or every 1,000 hours of flying time. Engineers design the plane so that lightning travels through the plane and exits it without doing any damage.

2. Science Explains Why Airplane Food Tastes Bad

No one will argue the fact that airplane food isn’t the greatest, but there’s a scientific explanation for that.

A study from Cornell University found that the plane’s dry environment and recycled air alter our sense of taste and smell. Salty flavors get heightened, while sweet flavors are diminished. Another study from Germany concluded that it’s 30% harder to detect sweet and salty flavors in the air.

3. A Plane Can Still Fly With Only One Engine

It’s a terrifying notion to think of an aircraft losing an engine mid-flight.

However, you’ll be relieved to hear that all types of airplanes (commercial and cargo) can fly safely with just one engine. The Boeing Dreamliner, for example, can fly for 5.5 hours with only one operational engine.

And a Boeing 747, along with most other aircraft, can glide safely for many miles with no engines at all! The glide ratio for most aircraft is around two miles per every 1,000 feet of elevation, which is more than enough time to get everyone safely to the ground.

4. You Never Know What’s in the Cargo Hold

Planes transport more than just people and boxes of freight. Some unusual items that might be beneath your feet include:

• Zoo animals
• Racehorses
• Luxury cars
• Deceased persons
• Vaccines
• Livestock
• Live fish
• Lobsters
• Artwork & museum collections

Of course, horses, tigers, and elephants don’t just walk through the cabin door. Airlines use a ULD (unit load device) to safely move oversized or live cargo on and off the aircraft.

5. Pilots Are Required to Eat Different Meals

Remember the scene in Airplane when all the pilots get food poisoning from eating the same airplane meal? As it turns out, there are regulations in place to prevent that exact scenario from happening.

By law, the pilot and co-pilot must consume two different meals. The pilot generally eats the first-class or business class offering, while the co-pilot chooses from the economy meal selection.

Amazing Facts About Airplanes (And More)

So, which of these facts about airplanes were new to you? Hopefully you now have a much greater appreciation for airplane transportation and all it entails!

Now that you know these fascinating airplane facts, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more interesting articles like this one!

Do you love to explore new places? If so, you’re certainly not alone.

After all, traveling to new and exciting places is one of the best parts of life. The chance to discover and explore exotic destinations is the perfect opportunity for adventure. And the best way to get the most out of each adventure is to understand the best tips for travel planning.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for help. This article takes a look at great tips for making travel easier. So if you’re in the middle of planning an upcoming summer vacation, keep reading to get the inside scoop.

Always Bring Extra Socks

Regardless of how much walking you’re planning to do, it’s always wise to pack extra socks. That’s because it’s easy to lose a sock during your trip. Thus you need to have a backup pair to prevent an emergency.

Plus, you might sweat through the ones you’re wearing and want to put on a fresh pair in the middle of the day.

Pack More Than One Pair of Sneakers

It’s also easy to lose a pair of sneakers. Or you might find yourself in the rain, and the last thing you want to do is have to spend the rest of the day walking around in wet shoes.

Let the Bank Know You’re Leaving Town

Your bank can’t read your mind. Thus they won’t know you’re leaving town unless you tell them. When out-of-state transactions start showing up on your credit or debit cards, your account might get flagged. Letting them know ahead of time where you’re planning to travel will help prevent any spending problems while you’re out having fun.

Here’s a useful tip to help you find parking before a flight.

Only Take What You Need On Day Trips

When you go out for the day, resist the impulse to take more stuff than you need. Leave as much in the room as possible.

Take a look at your itinerary for the day and plan accordingly. For example, your needs for a day visiting museums will be different than taking a long nature hike or taking a day trip in a rental car. Keep in mind that the less you have to keep track of during the day, the better.

Get Behind Business Travelers Going Through Security

Going through security at the airport can be a major headache. And yet business travelers do this many times a day and have the process figured out to get through as quickly as possible. Thus you should follow business travelers through, reducing the amount of time you have to stand in line.

Watch what they do and do likewise. This will simplify the process and get you where you’re going much faster.

A Vacation Guide to Making Travel Easier

As the weather warms up, more and more people will be making vacation plans. Fortunately, this guide to making travel easier will help to make your summer getaway a little less stressful and a lot more fun.

Keep exploring this blog to discover more great lifestyle tips and advice.

You probably drive thousands of miles each year. With all this driving, a mishap could potentially leave you stranded. Depending on your situation, anything from a jump starter or a car jack can be a life savior. Know what to do when you end up stopped to stay safe and get back on the road quickly.

Where To Safely Park on the Side of the Road

When you have to park in a hurry due to car trouble, make sure to pull as far off the road as possible. That ensures you are safely away from traffic. When applicable, exit your car from the passager side to avoid traffic. During the night, parking in a well-lit area is helpful to maintain awareness of your surroundings and for working on your car. Knowing how to jump start a car means you won’t get stranded if your battery dies while you’re parked.

How To Safely Change Your Tire

If you need a tire replacement, avoid parking on unstable surfaces such as hills, dirt, and grass. Also, be sure to turn on your hazard lights to caution oncoming traffic before you begin changing the tire:

1. Use tire chokes on your wheels to prevent the car from accidentally rolling. Then loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench, but do not remove them yet.
2. Place the car jack according to the manual, then lift the tire about 6 inches off the ground. Remember never to place yourself under the car.
3. Remove all loosened lug nuts. Then remove the defective tire from the lug studs.
4. Slide your spare tire onto the lug studs. With your hand, twist the lug nuts back onto the studs.
5. Lower the car down slowly with the jack. Then use your lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts back onto the studs completely.

How To Safely Jump Start a Car

You can use either a jump starter or cables to jump your car battery. To use the former, connect the colored wires to the corresponding battery terminal, press the power button, then start your engine.

To use jumper cables, be sure the stalled car and the jumper car are close enough for the cables to reach both car batteries, then follow these steps:

1. Connect the first end of the red cable to the red terminal of the stalled battery.
2. Then connect the second end of the red cable to the red terminal of the jumper car.
3. Next, connect the first end of the black cable to the jumper car battery.
4. For the last connecter of the black cable, connect it to an unpainted metal surface under the hood of the stalled car. (Do not connect the last black cable to the black terminal of the stalled battery. Doing so could cause dangerous sparks, though these instances are rare.)
5. When the cables are connected, start the engine of the jumper car and wait for approximately two or three minutes. Then attempt to start the stalled car.

Prepare for Your Next Trip

Before hitting the road on your next big adventure, be sure to have the tools to protect yourself from mishaps. Stop by your local auto repair shop or shop online. Stocking up with things like a jumper starter and an air pump can make a big difference.

 

Because it’s home to both Bigfoot and the highest rate of UFO sightings in the nation, it’s no wonder Washington State is a hotbed of strange and unique travel destinations. Millions of tourists visit Washington State each year, all of them clamoring for the area’s natural beauty and diverse geography. However, some of them are looking for something more.

Whether you want to get your bearings with a leisurely hike, defy gravity, or sift through museum-like curios and curiosities, this destination delivers. Once you’re done with the top tourist attractions in Washington State, head off the beaten path to check out these six unique oddities!

1. Point Roberts

If you’re looking for an unusual gem, Point Roberts is the place to go. This town is on the southern end of Canada’s Tsawwassen peninsula, but it’s still considered part of Washington State. In other words, you’ll have to cross into Canada to get there!

2. Twin Sisters

If you’re a fan of hiking, take a trip out to Twin Sisters Rock. Popular among Washington State tourism opportunities, this one-mile round trip makes for an easy walk, but the destination itself is both beautiful and fascinating. Though erosion is what created these pillars, there are plenty of local legends that claim otherwise.

3. Beacon Rock

When you’re ready for more of a hiking challenge, Beacon Rock is the best and most unique choice. This natural monolith is located along the Columbia River Gorge, and it features a stunning panoramic view at the top. With plenty of guardrails, bridges, and switchbacks, it’s a safe hike for even beginner hikers.

4. Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Open since 1899, this unusual shop is located on Pier 54 in Seattle. If you’re looking for souvenirs, you’re in the right place: there are plenty of shot glasses, magnets, t-shirts, and more.

However, what makes this iconic store stand out are the curiosities and curios placed around the store. From shrunken heads and mummies to fortune teller machines and four-legged hens, this shop has it all.

If you’re coming from your earlier hiking trips, make sure to find a good place to keep your RV. For reliable storage in Kitsap County, check out this article.

5. Seattle Metaphysical Library

While you’re in Seattle, you may want to see the full spectrum of tourist destinations in Washington State and get your fill of the city’s oddities. One of them is the Seattle Metaphysical Library, formerly the As You Like It Library. This independent bookseller exists in an unmarked basement in northwest Seattle, and its extensive book list includes everything from alchemy to UFOs.

6. Gravity Hill

If you want something to brag about once you’re done with your tour of Washington State, defying gravity is a safe bet! Head out to Prosser to find this strange phenomenon.

Gravity Hill allows drivers to put their car in neutral in order to roll uphill. While some say the feat is an optical illusion, testing the elevation has proven that the road does in fact incline!

Plan Your Visit to Washington State

When you visit Washington State, you get to enjoy the area’s pristine beauty, extensive history, and the curiosities scattered around the state. With this list of unusual tourist attractions, Washington State is the clear winner for any vacationer hoping to get off the beaten path. Start planning your visit today!

Want more of the fun and helpful guides you need? Check out our other posts to learn more.

Many people love to vacation in Florida every year. In 2019 alone, over 116 million people visited the Sunshine State. With its sandy beaches and warm weather, it is a great place to have fun and relax.

If you have been thinking about moving to Florida, you have come to the right place. Keep on reading for our ultimate guide on what you should know before you make that move.

Moving to Florida

If you get tired of the hustle and bustle of where you live now and long for warm weather and beautiful scenery, you may want to move to Florida. Before you decide to pack up your things and head out, you may be thinking, ” what should I know before I move to Florida?”

The housing situation is a good thing to know. If you want to build your own home, this company, which has great customer testimonials, has different models to choose from and can build on your lot. Knowing what the real estate market is like, and what you can afford will help determine if you still want to move.

If you have not retired and will need to work, you will want to know what jobs are available. Finding a job before you move is a good idea so you can get a good grasp on your income level.

Look into the economy and cost of living. Is it something you can afford? That is important to know because it affects your everyday life.

Scope out some social media groups for moving to Florida tips. Many of these groups will give you advice about what to expect and how to navigate the move. They can be helpful when checking out a new state.

Things to Consider

If you have wondered, “should I move to Florida?” there are some things to think over. While moving to this beautiful state could never seem like a wrong decision, you still have to think about it.

Do you have a doctor where you live now? If so, you will likely want to get a new one so that you don’t have to travel when you need medical attention.

Do certain climates agree with you more than others? For someone with aches and pains, a warmer temperature is usually better. Someone with asthma may do better in a cooler climate.

Do you have the money to move? Even if you have a job lined up and a house to move into, it still costs money to move. You may need to pay for a moving company, gas for your car, and food to eat along the way.

Know how to get around in the city. That may seem simple if you have a navigation app, but rush hour traffic can be brutal depending on where you go. It is a good idea to know some alternate routes in advance.

Taking the Plunge

If you have decided that moving to Florida is what you need, you are right! With it having the most beautiful beaches you can find anywhere, you can vacation where you live!

It is known as the Sunshine State because of its abundant sunshine and warm temperatures. That may be why so many people flock to it each year. Be sure to check out the rest of our site for more great tips like these.

When you think of a shopping holiday, you probably consider big events like Valentine’s Day and Christmas. You likely also consider your birthday, a personal special day or two, and maybe even Easter Sunday. Outside of the common shopping events, there are a few global shopping holidays that you might have never heard of.

Whether you’re trying to get a birthday gift to tell a friend “Happy birthday,” or you’re looking to buy an engagement ring or some custom jewelry, there are a few days that you should consider. From well-known events such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday to more niche events such as Record Store Day, here are a few of the best shopping holidays that you should keep in mind.

Super Saturday

Christmas is right around the corner. As such, you may want to consider getting your shopping out of the way before this special day. However, some people tend to wait until the last minute no matter what. This is where days like Super Saturday come into play. If you’ve never heard of Super Saturday, it’s often a big day for retail purchases on a budget. On the Saturday before Christmas, this special day is when plenty of shops, boutiques, and retailers put merchandise up for clearance. It’s the best way to score some last-minute deals and find accessories, presents, and discounts without spending a lot of time in any one store. Plus, if you’re concerned about in-person shopping due to COVID-19, you can take advantage of many Super Saturday deals from the comfort of your own home. Make yourself some brunch, browse some promotions, and look for some free shipping deals. It’s a great way to save.

While Super Saturday is arguably the biggest of these days, the handful of days surrounding Christmas are often rife with good deals as well. While you may not be able to snag a custom design bracelet or necklace on one of these days, you’ll likely have luck finding wide width flats, antiques, and children’s clothing. Some brands will even give you added discounts in exchange for your email address. For online shopping, look at the social media pages of your favorite brands and retailers. You can get the highest-quality goods without risking your mental health trying to deal with massive pre-Christmas crowds and long customer service lines. If you want affordable prices, Super Saturday is the day of the year you should keep your eye on.

Record Store Day

Have you ever wondered what to do on your birthday if you’re alone? Because of COVID-19, it may still be a possibility for the next year. If you’re spending a birthday alone or you’re simply a major music lover, you’ll love the promotions offered on Record Store Day. Treat yourself on your birthday by taking advantage of some of these top deals. Then, for a birthday party, you can plan a Zoom call and play some new music over your laptop for your friends and family. Just make sure to send out the invites ahead of time.

Simply put, Record Store Day is an excellent time to score deals on, well, records. Many record stores issue re-releases, bring back out-of-print albums, and offer steep discounts and store credit for trade-ins and purchases. While you may need a reservation for some stores, you’ll have a great time thumbing through rows and rows of quality vinyl. It can make for a great birthday party, and it should be the first stop for any music aficionado. Plus, many record stores are independently owned or are family businesses. The owners often have years of experience and can offer up quality recommendations whenever needed. If it’s a long walk or a bit of a hike to the nearest store, you can sign up for text message notifications to pick out some of the best possible deals.

Boxing Day

If you’re willing to wait a bit to score some top-tier Christmas deals, you could take a bit of an unconventional approach. That’s right: Instead of doing your shopping before Christmas, you can do it the day after. Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a great time to score some last-minute deals on discounted goods. In particular, it’s often easier to find discounts on jewelry. If you’re in the market for a new piece of jewelry, some durable precious stones, or another accessory, you might want to consider Boxing Day.

Many retailers avoid offerings discounts on pendants, diamond rings, and other jewelry right before Christmas. This is because Christmas is a popular jewelry holiday for plenty of couples. After Christmas, jewelry often drops in price. It’s the perfect time to find some fine jewelry or get an appraisal without breaking the bank. If you don’t want to pay a premium price for a diamond ring, you can consider Boxing Day.

If you’re looking for a good jeweler, you can turn to Google. Search based on where you live. For instance, if you’re in Arlington, Fairfax, Herndon, or Leesburg, you should adjust your search terms accordingly. A search like “jewelry store Northern Virginia” can help you find the right jeweler in your area. Whether you need an earring or a wedding band, a jeweler can help you pick out the perfect items at a price you’ll absolutely adore.

Chinese New Year

Think of your average Thanksgiving celebration. Chances are it’s full of food, merriment, and fun. Many families cook large feasts and take a day to indulge and enjoy. Now multiply the size of your Thanksgiving, and you have a rough estimate of what the Chinese New Year looks like. During the holiday, people will shop for clothing, lanterns, food, and other gifts for both themselves and their relatives. It’s a massive celebration, and it’s always treated as such. Since shopping and eating out are so popular, many retailers and restaurants have to work to accommodate the excess traffic and spending. Whether you’re going for a birthday brunch or you’re buying new sneakers or flats for your relatives, it’s a great time to score some deals on popular brands and merchandise.

Aside from shoes like sneakers and hair bows, other popular merchandise includes accessories and grooming products. In most cases, you’ll be able to find just about anything you need at a price that won’t make you wince. It’s also a great way to get together with family and friends (in moderation), cook a delectable meal using family recipes, and spend time exchanging gifts. Chinese New Year is a beautiful celebration of heritage and culture, and it’s also an ideal time to do some additional shopping.

Of course, there are dozens, if not hundreds, more shopping holidays around the world. Each celebrates something exciting and unique. While you may be used to the big ones like Cyber Monday and Valentine’s, each culture has its own way of celebrating special days and promoting additional sales. Whether you’re simply a frugal shopper or you need a bit of retail therapy, it pays to keep an eye out for some of the top shopping holidays. It can help you save a good chunk of money and make it easier to find the perfect gifts, goods, and merchandise for everyone special in your life.