7 Hotel Tips for The Business Traveler
You can’t control everything on your business trip, but you can create a setting you feel comfortable working in. This starts in your hotel room.
Unpack Upon Arrival
This is arguably the most common piece of advice you’ll hear when it comes to best business travel practices for hotels, and with good reason: It’s simple to repeat and easy to apply.
When you arrive, clearing out your carry-on will make your room feel more like home. Fold clothes neatly in the dresser, and hang shirts, pants, and jackets as needed. You’ll benefit from a sense of accomplishment, as well as reduce the time spent making sure your button-up shirt is wrinkle-free.
Unpacking immediately will set an organizational tone for your business trip and help get you settled–which can go a long way in helping you focus and relax.
Set Up an Office
Just as you unpack your clothes right away, make it a priority to set up an office.
It doesn’t have to be comprehensive, but plugging in your laptop at the desk and placing one or two trinkets from your home will help establish a work atmosphere.
Setting up a makeshift office in your room will make you feel more comfortable about finishing work there, if necessary, rather than in an actual office or business room.
Get Your Workout Done in The Pool
We think of the hotel pool as a haven for little ones. It can also be a great place to get some exercise in. Fitness centers have their drawbacks, especially those short on space and ventilation—not to mention the sweaty walk back to your room.
Instead, make your way down to the pool during off-peak times, and you may find you have it all to yourself. Tread water for several moments, then mix in some laps, and you won’t feel guilty about skipping your normal workout. A hot tub or sauna nearby is an added bonus.
Research exercises ahead of time via YouTube or a simple Google search. You don’t have to overdo it, either. Even a 10-15-minute workout can make a huge difference.
Bring Your Own Coffee
A cup of coffee, depending on its quality, can make or break your morning. Eliminate the guessing game by bringing your favorite brew from home with you on the road. This will help you maintain your routine while offering some benefits you may not have considered: It’ll force you to be active in the morning, and give you a taste base should you sample local coffees throughout the day.
And hey, if your coworkers stumble upon a poor cup, you can bail them out with the good stuff!
If space is a concern, pre-scoop your preferred-size pot of coffee into Ziploc bags.
Make Use of The Iron
Experienced business travelers will spot wrinkled clothes from a mile away. You may have packed well, but lugging bags to and from the airport can still rumple the most well-kept shirts and pants. Add “iron clothes” to your to-do list to prioritize looking sharp throughout your trip.
Even better: Invest in a travel steamer. They’re quick and easy to use, not to mention effective, especially with lighter blazers or suit jackets.
Allow plenty of time between ironing your clothes and actually putting them on. Sometimes wrinkles take time to smooth out, and rushing to do so rather than hanging the clothes up can damage the fabric.
Make A Plan for Dealing with Excess Noise
If you’re traveling to a convention center, there’s a good chance your hotel will be in a downtown location. In other words, peace and quiet won’t necessarily be easy to come by.
Headphone companies such as Bose are now making wireless sleepbuds that use preloaded soothing sounds to block background noise. You can also mimic the effect using streaming services like Spotify or Pandora, both of which carry sleep-aid stations. If this is new to your sleep routine, however, it’s a good idea to try it out at home for a few nights before experimenting on the road.
Just like televisions, iPhones have sleep timers. Set a timer on the clock app and change “When Timer Ends” to “Stop Playing.” This is useful if you plan to play soothing sounds from your phone.
Leave A Good Impression
There is no set tip rate for hotel rooms. If you’re traveling alone, $2-$3 a night is considered reasonable. If the service is above and beyond, consider more—especially if most of your expenses are taken care of by the company anyway.
In addition to a tip, leave a thank you note on a personalized card. Do this for the front desk as well as the cleaning staff. It’s something that could help build your company’s brand and reputation on the road. Leaving a review doesn’t hurt either, and it may influence others to do the same for you. In addition to business cards, consider bringing personalized thank you cards or stationery on your business travels.
8 UNIQUE FEATURES OF SERVICED APARTMENTS
Full service apartments have become an increasingly popular accommodation option for travelers. Unlike traditional hotels or rental apartments, a furnished serviced apartment offers the comfort and convenience of a home away from home.
This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for flexible and convenient accommodation options among business travelers, tourists, and ex-pats, as well as the rising popularity of alternative lodging options in general.
So, what exactly is a fully serviced apartment? A serviced apartment is a furnished accommodation with a wide range of amenities and services, including regular cleaning and maintenance, 24-hour security, and fully equipped kitchens.
Fully serviced apartments are designed to provide a comfortable and flexible living space that caters to the needs of both short-term and long-term stays.
Key takeaways:
- Fully serviced apartments are a popular accommodation option for travelers due to their comfort and convenience.
- Serviced apartments offer unique features and benefits such as personalized decor, fully equipped kitchens, sustainable living options, separate living and sleeping areas, and wellness amenities.
Norfolk Towers is an ideal choice for those looking for a comfortable and stress-free stay with top-notch amenities.
Top 10 Features of Fully Serviced Apartments
Fully serviced apartments offer a range of unique features and benefits that set them apart from traditional accommodation options. Serviced apartments provide a comfortable and convenient home away from home for travelers.
- Personalized décor and design
Unlike traditional hotels, fully serviced apartments offer a personalized and unique living space. Guests can choose from different décor styles and designs that suit their tastes and preferences, creating a truly customized experience.
If you are looking for a serviced apartment that offers a distinct and out-of-the-box experience, consider Norfolk Towers.
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
Serviced apartments have fully equipped kitchens, allowing guests to prepare their meals. This feature is helpful for guests who want to save money on food, have dietary restrictions, or prefer to cook their meals.
- Separate living and sleeping areas
Serviced apartments typically have separate living and sleeping areas, providing guests with more space and privacy. This feature comes in handy for guests traveling with family or friends or those who want to work from home.
- On-site laundry facilities
Serviced apartments typically have on-site laundry facilities, which allow guests to do their laundry without leaving the building. This feature is helpful for guests staying for an extended period or those who prefer to pack light.
- Concierge services
Fully serviced apartments offer concierge services, which include arranging transportation, booking restaurants, and providing local recommendations. Such services are particularly useful for guests unfamiliar with the area or who need assistance with their itinerary.
- Wellness amenities
Many serviced apartments now prioritize wellness amenities such as fitness centers, yoga studios, and swimming pools. These features allow guests to prioritize their health and wellness while on the road.
- Flexible booking options
Serviced apartments offer flexible booking options, which allow guests to book for short or long stays. This facility is assistive to guests unsure about their travel plans or those who need to extend their stay.
- Weekly housekeeping
Unlike traditional hotels, serviced apartments offer weekly housekeeping services, which include cleaning, changing linens, and replacing towels. It is helpful for guests who want a clean and organized living space without the hassle of daily cleaning.
All in all, serviced apartments offer a unique and customizable living experience that combines the comforts of home with the services of a hotel. This makes them an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers, families, and anyone who values space, privacy, and flexibility.
If you are looking for a fully serviced apartment for your next trip, consider Longonot Place for a comfortable and stress-free stay!
4 Tips for Finding the Ideal Serviced Apartment for You
Hotels aren‘t really suitable for a long-term stay. On the other hand, you don‘t want to spend your free time cleaning up after a long and exhausting working day. Individual living solutions with high living comfort are the happy medium.
Serviced Apartments are the “golden mean” between the freedom and comfort of a furnished apartment as well as the security and service of a hotel. They fulfil these needs and are becoming increasingly popular for business trips. They solve the conflict between strict travel guidelines and cutbacks and fulfil the high expectations of business travelers.
With cosy and functional furnishing, they offer a much higher living comfort and are up to 40% cheaper than a hotel room. They also offer a higher added value with lower costs – good arguments to choose a Serviced Apartment!
However, the more detailed the offer and selection criteria, the more difficult it is to find suitable accommodation and make a decision. Consider the following tips when selecting the right Serviced Apartment.
- Location
The location is a crucial factor in the choice of accommodation and should be well considered wherever you are traveling to. To save costs, many travelers choose accommodation far from the city center, meaning the extra travel costs can quickly exceed the travel budget. Because of this, it is important to consider where it is really worth saving. To do so, ask yourself:
• How far away is the workplace?
• How good is the access to public transport?
• Does the accommodation have a good local supply (supermarkets, restaurants, bars, etc.)?
• If you travel by car, is a parking place or garage available?
• If you don‘t want to stop playing sports on your trip, is there a fitness studio/swimming pool/park for jogging nearby?
• If you are traveling as a family, are there any educational facilities, playgrounds, or leisure activities nearby? - Apartment/apartment equipment
Serviced Apartments are designed like private apartments. They have a kitchen/kitchenette as well as a separate living area, mostly including a desk and free WIFI. But they can differ widely in size and furniture. The following points should be considered:
• How much space do you need? How many people will be accommodated?
• If you want to have guests visit, is there sufficient sleeping space?
• If you are a business traveler, is there a suitable workspace?
• To work from home without restrictions, does the accommodation have a good internet connection?
• If you travel abroad, is there a TV with international programs?
• Which kitchen appliances (dishwasher/coffee machine/toaster) are available?
• If you want to take your pet with you, are animals allowed in the accommodation?
• If you’re moving with children, does the apartment have child-friendly furniture (e. g. child’s bed)? - Service
Serviced Apartments offer a wide range of services that vary widely in scope. Many facilities offer additional services such as sports, beauty and wellness services, interpreters, chauffeur services, and car rental, which can be booked by the guest and are – in some cases – even included in the price. Check beforehand:
• What services (e. g. laundry, cleaning service, etc.) are included?
• Is it possible to book additional services?
• How is cleaning handled or is there only a cleaning service on check-out? - Finances
Serviced Apartments are characterized by long-term rates and declining prices the longer you are staying. So, it’s especially worthwhile for project and business travelers who are looking for accommodation for a longer period of time. Nevertheless, you should think about the following points in advance:
• What costs are included in the monthly rental?
• Is a deposit required?
• What are the costs for extra services?
Traditional hotels serve their purpose but if you’re looking for comfort and home-like living combined with the benefits of a hotel – serviced apartments are the way to go.
22 Simple & Practical Ways to Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day
Fathers and father figures play an important role in the lives of children. They are motivators, mentors, friends, and confidants. Here are simple and meaningful ways to celebrate all of the dads in your life this coming Father’s Day weekend.
1. Throw a Themed Party
If you want to go all out this year, throwing a full-blown party for your dad (or partner) and all his favorite people fit the bill. Bonus points if you can give it a theme based on one of his favorite things or something he’s known for. Just remember: Go big or go home.
2. Host a Game Night
He taught you all his poker, Uno, and Monopoly tricks, now it’s time to literally beat him at his own game. Odds are the student won’t become the master when it comes to card and board games with Pa, but you’ll have a ton of fun trying to out-weasel him, that’s for sure.
3. Pack a Picnic
Fix up a bunch of his favorite foods and enjoy a picnic outside in your local park, or stay closer to home and eat al fresco in the garden or the front yard.
4. Have a Movie Night
Let Dad pick the film (even if it’s some obscure historical documentary you have no interest in). Let him choose the snacks, too.
5. Share Some Memories
Make a greatest hits video of your family over the years and get everyone seated to watch it together. Make sure to play it on the big screen so everyone can see it.
6. Work Out Together
Keep your dad in tip-top shape by cueing up a HIIT class on YouTube and getting a sweat on together. Or if that’s too much for him, try to get him to join you in your yoga class.
7. Watch His Favorite Musician
There are few things more memorable than experiencing live music by an artist you really love. Snag some tix to his favorite band, call up a babysitter if necessary, and enjoy a music-filled night to remember with your old man and/or hubby.
8. Go Golfing
Let him show off his stroke while you hone your skills. Alternatively, you can take him to watch a tournament where you can also grab some bites and drinks.
9. Fire Up the Grill
Let Dad try out those new barbecue tools that you just gifted him and offer up some yummy BBQ side recipes to boot. You’ll be looking at one very happy grill master when all is said and done.
10. Play a Video Game Together
Even if he isn’t the most technologically savvy, we bet he can get on board with games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3.
11. Plan a Spa Day
He’d never admit it, but dads need some pampering, too. If a pedicure is too much for him, at least see if he’ll do a massage or face mask with you while watching his favorite show (and be sure to snap some pics if he agrees).
12. Host a Sports Tournament
He’s always bragging about what a great hooper he was back in his heyday so why not challenge that legendary athleticism? Go to the park or plan something in your backyard for a day of fun sporting activities. Think basketball, tennis, or football.
13. Curate a Playlist
Long before you were old enough to hit up karaoke bars, Dad was your first singing partner. Curate a playlist full of your favorite hits from back in the day and take a nice car ride like the old times. Songs like Luther Vandross’ “Dance with My Father,” and Bruce Springsteen’s “My Father’s House” are sure to bring tears to his eyes.
14. Treat Him to a Shopping Spree
You used to do damage to his credit card and now it’s his turn. Does he need to update his toolkit? Some new comfy sweats? A nice raincoat? Or maybe he just wants to splurge your money on a fancy leaf blower. Either way, let him go crazy with your money for a change. Dads don’t ask for much, so it’s always nice when the bill is on you.
15. Host a Beer Tasting
Call up breweries nearby and see if they’re able to host a small party for the dad in your life and a few close friends or family members. If not, bring the beers to you by ordering some craft ales from your neighborhood liquor store and let the sampling begin.
16. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you and your dad always bonded over camping trips or park visits, surprise him with an exciting day enjoying the great outdoors. You can either hit up a longtime favorite or test out a new location. ’Tis the season for hiking, fishing, and cycling, after all.
17. Get Sporty
Even if the dad in your life isn’t a hardcore sports fan, catching a random game can be a fun way to connect. Look for local basketball and soccer games, golf tournaments, or horse races—all are pretty common in June. If you’re really not into tagging along, you can always buy tickets and coordinate with his friends, then catch up afterward.
18. Plan a Guy’s Day
Speaking of spending time with the fellas, if moms out there are dying for some alone time, we can only imagine dads feel the same. So why not scoop the kids for a day, order his favorite foods, and let your love hang out with people who can string full sentences together for an afternoon? Or if he just wants some alone time, let him spend the day by himself too.
19. Take a Trip
Experience gifts are all the rage right now, so get in on the travel boom and take your favorite guy on a long weekend. Plan a daddy-daughter excursion to a lodge or cabin within three hours of home for a memorable adventure. You may find the car ride makes for some of the best conversations you’ve had in years.
20. Go Birdwatching
Birdwatching became a favorite pastime during the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t partake. Take your favorite guy to a serene spot in the park and see what kinds of sky creatures you may run into. This is also a great opportunity to just check in, fill him in on everything that’s going on with you, and see how he’s doing as well.
21. Take a Hike
If you’re not prepared to go all in on a full weekend of roughing it in a tent, don’t worry—we all have our limits, after all. Instead, pack a satisfying picnic spread and schedule a day hike for some invigorating physical activity and time spent in nature. Bonus points if you make the experience extra special by picking a hike that culminates in an amazing scenic view.
22. Go for Ice Cream
Sometimes the best celebrations are the simplest ones—like treating someone to ice cream on a beautiful day. Whether it’s your own dad or the father of your kids, the guest of honor will surely appreciate this sweet and nostalgic activity involving everyone’s favorite frozen childhood treat.
THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN NAIROBI FOR EXPATS.
There are many welcoming neighborhoods in Nairobi where foreigners can settle down. Newcomers should become acquainted with the various neighborhoods and suburbs of the city in terms of housing, healthcare, transportation, and proximity to places of employment and educational institutions. Nairobi has neighborhoods that are better suited to different types of residents:
single foreigners, families, and even a combination of both.
Consider the following areas:
Parklands
The Parklands neighborhood is located just to the north of Nairobi’s central
business district. Many young expats and students find an apartment to call home because it is conveniently located near Nairobi’s amenities. Parklands is home to some of Nairobi’s top hospitals, and the Karura Forest, which it borders, offers hiking trails and relaxing picnic spots.
Westlands
Westlands is a convenient area for young working professionals looking to live close to their place of employment because it is close to Nairobi’s city center and a part of Parklands. There are numerous stores, eateries, nightclubs, and bars in the area to keep tourists entertained. In contrast to the rest of Westlands, which favors apartment buildings, Spring Valley is the more tranquil area of Westlands, where bungalows and big detached houses are the norms. Some of the local housing is gated, and security personnel monitor entryways.
Kilimani and Hurlingham
In Kilimani and Hurlingham, there are numerous high-rise apartment buildings, many of which have swimming pools and round-the-clock security. The better complexes have extra amenities like health clubs, gyms, and saunas. The region is also home to a number of international schools and a wide range of entertainment venues, including shopping centers, movie theaters, dining establishments, and even a casino. In Hurlingham, freestanding townhouses are popular, while gated estates and both furnished and unfurnished apartments are available for rent and sale in Kilimani.
Lavington and Kileleshwa
Families with children frequently reside in bungalows with lush gardens or
contemporary apartments in Lavington and Kileleshwa. This region is home to numerous embassies in addition to private educational institutions like Nairobi International School. In addition to being close to some of Nairobi’s best museums and galleries, these areas provide a more cosmopolitan lifestyle. Additionally, they are close to the city’s core.
Lang’ata
The residential neighborhood of Lang’ata is located to the southwest of Nairobi’s downtown (or Langata). Both wealthy locals and middle-class expats prefer Lang’ata’s estates, which are gated, secure compounds with maisonettes and apartment buildings. Lang’ata life meets a variety of needs. Both young and old newcomers can enjoy the touristy atmosphere, and nearby attractions like Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, the Bomas of Kenya, and Uhuru Gardens, as well as live music at The Carnivore Grounds, can be highly recommended. The accessibility of private schools will also be appreciated by parents of expats.
Karen
Karen is a posh and exclusive neighborhood in Nairobi. Rich foreigners can choose from a wide selection of upscale homes in Karen, including roomy townhouses with sizable gardens. The area is well known for its many private schools and kindergartens, as well as Karen’s golf course. In addition, Karen provides a variety of fine dining establishments and contemporary shopping centers.
Runda
North of the city center, Runda is a self-contained area encircled by forests. Employees of these organizations will find it convenient to live here because of its proximity to the US Embassy and the UN complex. Large, contemporary homes on sizable lots typically serve as the primary form of lodging in these areas. Because there are numerous kindergartens and primary and secondary international schools
nearby, Runda is well-liked by expats with children. Additionally, both public and
private transportation can get you to the area.
Muthaiga
Given that it is the residence of some of the wealthiest Kenyans and wealthy foreigners, Muthaiga is frequently referred to as the “Beverly Hills of Nairobi.” In Muthaiga, the majority of residences are gated, safe, and guarded round-the-clock. Parents who have kids appreciate being close to several top international schools.
The country clubs in the area offer excellent sporting and recreational opportunities for expats in Muthaiga. Nairobi neighborhoods for young professionals
Easy fitness tips for business travelers
As a business traveler, just because you can’t do the workout you’re used to does not mean you can’t squeeze in a bit of time to work on your fitness goals on the go.
So, what can you do to stay healthy and fit when traveling for business? Here’s a quick list of our best fitness travel tips to keep you active!
1. Book a hotel with a fitness center
Whether you’re booking a business trip for yourself or asking your company’s travel manager to do it, make sure you stay in a hotel with a fitness center. Many good hotels will at least have a small gym with a treadmill or bike and a few weights. You can also find hotels with swimming pools or more complete gyms with group classes.
This is a great way to get in a bit of exercise before you start your day, or wind down when you get back to your hotel. Some hotel gyms will even be able to provide you with a personal trainer if you ask for one!
2. Find some great running routes
Before you book your stay, find out the best running routes at your destination.
Even just finding the nearest park to your hotel will be enough to motivate you to squeeze in a 20-minute morning jog before your big meeting. Your mind and body will thank you!
3. Download a fitness app
There are fitness apps for pretty much everything nowadays. From the Nike Training Club to MyFitnessPal to Glo, there’s no excuse not to have on-demand workout classes on your phone. Got 15 minutes to spare before your big work dinner?
That’s a good time to get in a quick stretch or high-intensity workout to clear your mind and energize your body in your hotel room. This will help with both your physical and mental well-being, will make you more productive, and will even lift your spirits for the tasks ahead.
4. Get those legs moving
An easy but effective way to exercise without getting your sweat on is to walk through the city you’re visiting. Skip the taxi ride or chauffeur service to take you from your hotel to the office! Get your legs moving and walk! Even just 20 minutes of walking a day can have incredible health benefits, from improving your mood to increasing your energy.
It’s a great way to get your heart rate up (but not too high up) and is known to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
5. Make time for a workout
We know you’ve got a busy schedule. We know you’re on this trip to work and get things done. But you don’t have to do it at the expense of your own well-being! Pencil a time into your agenda for a quick workout and stick to it.
Keeping a routine and committing to an activity of this kind is going to keep you grounded and healthy. It’s important to carve out time for yourself on any business trip to rest and recharge. You don’t flake out on your meetings with colleagues, so don’t ditch your workout time either.
6. Don’t forget to eat and sleep
This might be an obvious one, but you’d be surprised at how many business travelers get too busy to eat and sleep properly. From countless business lunches and dinners to staying up late to finish that report, there is a myriad of ways to neglect your most basic needs.
Eating healthy food and getting a good night’s sleep is paramount to you being a productive team member. If you’re not going to take care of your eating habits and sleep patterns for yourself, then do it for the better results you’ll get!
7. Mindfulness matters too
Sure, mindfulness isn’t exactly fitness—but it’s just as important to your overall well-being. Download an app like Headspace to help you clear your mind after a long day’s work. You’ll see how much just a few minutes of meditation can help boost your energy and put all the information you received into perspective.
There’s nothing more frustrating than replaying every detail of your day in your head before bed, and practicing mindfulness and meditation can help with that. Mental health is just as important, if not more so, than physical wellness, so don’t forget to care for your mind as well as your body.
8. Don’t forget to pack for fitness
When preparing your packing list, make sure you leave some room in your carry-on suitcase for your workout clothes and accessories. Make it easy for yourself to maintain your exercise routine by bringing everything you need with you, including running shoes, clothes, and even Fitbits if you use them!
9. Use your free time to try something new
Why not take a few hours off and try a new sport activity? Find out what’s trending at your destination and give it a go! Sign up for a Zumba class, yoga, kickboxing, or whatever the “it thing” is to do in the city you’re visiting.
You’ll disconnect from work, take a break from your routine, try something new, and maybe make some friends!
10. Be careful of overindulging
It can be very easy to take it a little too far at a business dinner or lunch. The company is paying, the drinks are flowing, the conversation is engaging… And the next thing you know, it’s 3 days later and you haven’t given your digestive system a break from any of it.
Healthy eating is one of the best methods for staying fit when you’re away from home. Work on forming some healthy habits when you’re on the road to eat well from the moment you wake up until you get back from that all-important dinner.
4 Reasons Why a Serviced Apartment is The Best Choice for Your Next Business Trip
Business travel isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, you get to see new places, and often rack up air miles in the process, but it can also mean long airport queues, lonely hotel rooms, and disruption to your carefully honed routine. And for travelers away for five nights or longer, it can be even harder to feel at home.
That’s where longer-stay hotels can help. Specifically designed to make business travelers feel at home when on the go, longer-stay options — such as serviced apartments — bring home comforts to the classic hotel experience, helping you maximize your stay.
From in-suite kitchens to mapped running routes, here are five reasons to book a serviced apartment for your next business trip.
- They have all the luxuries of a hotel room — and more.
Many business travelers book apartments for long stays, swapping a hotel room’s convenient luxuries for more space and amenities.
At a serviced apartment, you’ll get it all. Along with the comforts you might expect of a hotel — from housekeeping and laundry services — serviced apartments also offer guests a series of furnished suites with full kitchens and separate working, living, and sleeping areas, so you can maintain your work-life balance while on the road.
- It’s easy to stay productive.
Getting work done away from the office can prove tricky. Many hotels skimp on Wi-Fi and workspace, leaving travelers to battle unreliable connections while trying to find somewhere to take a video call from a spot other than their bed.
But serviced apartments do things differently, offering fast in-suite, free Wi-Fi, and a designated desk area for when it’s time to knuckle down. But there are also boardrooms and workspaces that are designed for working and meetings.
- You can still keep fit.
Business travel can wreak havoc on your fitness goals. As well as early starts and shifting time zones, being miles away from your local gym can also sap your motivation.
Luckily, state-of-the-art 24-hour gyms available in serviced apartments make it easier to keep your fitness routine. They let you work out when you want to.
- You don’t have to eat out.
Eating out and expensive meals are one of the perks of business travel. But what if you actually enjoy cooking? Or what if you’re trying to stick to a diet that’s not catered for by nearby restaurants?
In a serviced apartment, you choose what’s on the menu, with an in-suite kitchen equipped with everything you need for a home-cooked meal. Each of the suites features a kitchen area complete with a coffee machine, refrigerator, microwave, hob, oven, dishwasher, and cookware. Plus, you can have your groceries delivered straight to your door at a small fee.
3 Main Things to Consider When Choosing a Holiday Vacation Rental
Vacations are known to be ideal times to relax and have some fun time with your loved ones. Unfortunately, even in most luxurious destinations, most travelers miss their homes which even the plushest hotel rooms cannot offer. You can enjoy your vacation by staying in a hotel. It is now easy to rent private apartments. There are luxurious vacation apartments that give you the pleasure of staying home away from home.
No matter your travel destination, you can find serviced apartments to rent. You need to take into account certain things before choosing the best apartment you wish to spend your time in during the vacation. The following are some of the things you should take into consideration:
The basics
Your rental apartment should provide basic amenities to your family. Every family has its unique definition of what basic amenities are. Thus, it is necessary for the family to come together and decide what is required. For instance, do they have a full kitchen? How many bathrooms are needed? During your research, you should compare some rental properties and even make some calls.
Safety
None wants to think about something going wrong during the vacation. However, it is necessary to think of how the vacation property offers a safe environment for you and your family. For instance, does it have a safe place to store your valuables? As far as amenities are concerned such as swimming pools, are there lifeguards on duty? The other important safety thing to consider is the first-aid kit that is available for general bruises and bumps, which can happen. You should research online reviews and ratings from past visitors and know what they need to say. Have a checklist of safety items and talk to the property employees.
Location
It is important for the property to be located near the actual vacation. Even though the main aim of traveling is to enjoy fun, it will be difficult to have fun times if the villa is far from the place of activity. If it is far from walking, it means you will need to seek transportation. You should note that time is of a very important essence. Moreover, you have struggled to get this time off for your family. You should not spend it hoofing around the entire trip.
It is quite important to carry out extensive homework as far as choosing a vacation rental is concerned. Selecting the right place where you call home is the key to every person’s happiness. Remember that vacations are times when you make lifetime memories, and you do not want them to get ruined.
6 Ways to Celebrate Easter
Easter is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians, but non-religious people often mark the day, too. Religiously, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Non-religious celebrations include things like brunches, family get-togethers, and activities like painting eggs. Regardless of your reasons for celebrating Easter, there are many things you can do to commemorate the day.
Attend Easter services at your church
Almost every Christian church will offer an Easter service on Easter Sunday. Exactly what the service will consist of will vary depending on your church. However, attending any Easter church service can be a good way to focus on the Christian messages that accompany the holiday. Make sure to attend church on Easter morning.
If you have young children, see if there are special Sunday School classes offered on Easter Sunday. It can sometimes be difficult for children to understand the story of Christ’s death due to the scary subject material. A qualified Sunday School teacher can help your child understand the meaning of Easter.
Take a hike with family or friends
Take advantage of the warm weather to celebrate the day. Spend Easter Sunday taking a long walk or hike along a local nature trail.
If you don’t live near a wooded area, you can simply take a walk through your neighborhood with family and friends. For example, instead of driving to your favorite ice cream place, walk or bike there.
Have an Easter brunch
Many people love early afternoon brunches on Easter. You can go out to a restaurant that has an Easter brunch special. You can also have family or friends over for an Easter-themed meal.
Due to the connection with eggs, deviled eggs or scrambled eggs can be a good thematic fit to your Easter meals.
Many people enjoy serving ham as the main dish for their Easter meal. Think about adding some side dishes such as mashed potatoes or glazed carrots.
Try to use a spring-like color scheme. For example, use pastel plates, napkins, tablecloths, and silverware.
Plant something to celebrate new life
As Easter falls during the spring in many parts of world, it is seen as a celebration of life. Stop by a local greenhouse and pick up some seeds. Plant them in your yard or in a pot in your home. Growing some new flowers or other plants can help you commemorate Easter by welcoming spring
Spend time with family and friends
Holidays are great opportunities for us to spend time with our loved ones, enjoying the time together. Most people have the day off on Easter, so take advantage of that time. Make some plans with your loved ones to make your Easter together a great one.
For example, you and a group of friends could get together for dinner on Easter Sunday.
Take photos each year to preserve memories
Photos can be a fun way to remember the holiday. While having brunch, dinner, or engaging in other activities, bring a camera. Take some great photos to help you remember your Easter memories for years to come.
Make it fun for the kids
- Paint eggs
- Arrange an Easter scavenger egg hunt
- Bake themed pastries
- Decorate the house with kids
Women’s History Month
Every March, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of women as part of Women’s History Month.
How it started
Educators in Santa Rosa, California, first celebrated Women’s History Week in March 1978 to increase awareness of women’s contributions to society. Organizers selected a week in early March to correspond with International Women’s Day on March 8. Over the next several years, other cities across the country joined Santa Rosa in celebrating Women’s History Week.
In 1980, U.S. President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week, urging everyone in the United States to participate. According to Carter, “too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
The week-long event officially became a month-long one in 1987 when Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month has been celebrated in the United States every March since.
Whom it honours
Among the notable figures often spotlighted during Women’s History Month are Sacagawea, a Native American woman who helped make Lewis and Clark’s expedition to map parts of the West in the early 19th century a success; Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, who fought for equality for women in the mid-19th century, more than 70 years before the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote in the United States in 1920; Harriet Tubman, a spy who led slaves to freedom during the Civil War; Amelia Earhart, one of the world’s first female pilots (she mysteriously disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937); Madeleine Albright, who became the first female Secretary of State in 1996; and Misty Copeland, the first African-American woman to be named a principal dancer—the highest level—in the 75-year history of the American Ballet Theatre in 2015.
Women’s history month today
Since the first Women’s History Week in 1978, other countries have joined the United States in honoring women and their contribution to history and culture, including Canada and Australia.
Each year the National Women’s History Alliance chooses a theme for Women’s History Month. Previous themes have included “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet”(2009) and “Celebrating Women in STEM” (2013). The theme for 2020 and 2021 is “Valiant Women of the Vote.” (Learn about the fight for the right to vote.) And the theme for 2023 is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”
Beyond the theme of the year, Women’s History Month continues the discussion of women and their contributions through activities such as museum exhibits and film screenings, and by encouraging the study of achievements by women year-round.
