4 key hospitality trends to look out for in 2024
Discover the most important hospitality trends and how they’re shaping guest experiences and hotel operations.
1.Guests want experiences, not products
What?
Serviced apartments rates have been increasing due to inflation, dragging down guest satisfaction.
So expectations have changed. Today’s guests and tourists expect both hyper-personalization and unique experiences. They want to feel special in return for the money they spend.
Guests want serviced apartments to remember their individual needs and preferences and deliver experiences that are specifically tailored to them. This ranges from welcome baskets and in-room services to promotions and room upgrades.
At the same time, more guests and tourists are seeking unique experiences and activities and not just a comfortable place to spend the night in. From yoga retreats and surf camps to diving trips, food tours, and dark tourism, many guests are searching for memorable and immersive adventures. They’re after those “Instagrammable” moments.
So what?
This is a ripe opportunity for hospitality businesses to venture beyond the conventional services they’ve traditionally offered.
In fact, 65% of hospitality businesses predict they’ll become “experience centers” where guests can engage more closely with their brand. Another 62% saw better conversion rates from personalization. After all, guests are willing to shell out a little extra for more personalized experiences.
Now what?
As the industry embraces the experience economy trend, businesses are coming face to face with the demanding task of personalization. Resonating with guests is no easy feat. Knowing which guests want what and when is a business in and of itself.
Payments data can clear the way for delivering better personalized experiences and catering to guest expectations from pre-arrival to post-stay. Serviced apartments can use real-time payments data to get insights into where guests come from, how they want to pay, how much they spend, what they spend their money on, and why they’re visiting (e.g., for work, leisure, or a mixture).
Serviced apartments can then personalize their upsells and cross-sells, from room upgrades and transportation to food and beverage amenities.
They can also offer a variety of check-in and check-out options for different guest segments. Business travelers, for example, prefer to bypass the front desk and get to their rooms faster so they can rest or work. So self check-in kiosks or mobile check-ins might work better for them.
Serviced apartments can also become curators for the experiences their guests seek. For instance, they can partner with local businesses to recommend local excursions, offer organic toiletries made from local ingredients, hold cooking classes on the local cuisine, and share insider tips on lesser-known attractions. This extends to luxury apartments , which can offer unique and personalized culinary experiences like farm-to-table dining concepts or design holistic wellness programs so guests can rejuvenate.
- Omnichannel payments technology upgrades experiences for guests and Serviced apartments alike
What?
Long gone are the days when guests could only reserve rooms by calling serviced apartments or using travel agents, and when they could only pay for their stay in-person. In 2000, offering online bookings was still considered revolutionary. Now it’s business as usual.
Today, the majority of serviced apartments reservations take place online, whether through online travel agencies or a serviced apartment’s own website or app.
And guests pay for these reservations on different channels, both online and in-person. In 2022, 72% of guests paid for their trips online and a sizable portion (almost 1 in 3) paid in-person.
So what?
We’re operating in the era of consumer flexibility and choice. If guests don’t get what they want, they’ll switch to another serviced apartment or reservation channel. In fact, 55% of guests don’t complete their reservations if they can’t pay how they want.
As inflation continues to test guest loyalty, the hospitality industry is pressed into giving more options. In 2022, 39% of hospitality businesses offered both online and in-person payment methods to cater to their guests’ diverse preferences.
Now what?
It’s not enough to offer more payment methods or channels. How it’s done matters. With payments, it’s about quality, not just quantity.
A significant problem with most payment setups in the hospitality industry is that there are separate backend systems and payment providers for each payment channel. So while guests can engage with the serviced apartment on premise or through mobile apps, the payment journeys remain separate and feed into disconnected systems.
Disconnected systems and fragmentation mean more operational hassle, costs, and lost insights for the business. Guests can also experience the brand inconsistently, sometimes to the extent of experiencing separate brands and not one.
- Fraud is on the rise but new security solutions have strong potential
What?
Hospitality is one of the industries most prone to cyberattacks. In 2022, over a third of hospitality businesses worldwide (37%) experienced increased payment fraud attempts. Another 32% experienced data leaks.
Many hotels face challenges when setting up and implementing security measures that meet these constantly changing requirements. These range from outdated systems to a shortage of staff and technological resources.
So what?
Rising fraud brings significant costs, loss of sensitive data, and reputational damage to hotels. The average cost of a breach in the industry is estimated at $3.4 million.
Now what?
Serviced apartments can work with the right fintech partner to implement a compliant security system that addresses all stages in the payments data lifecycle, from collection and transfer to processing, storage, and disposal.
New cybersecurity solutions are frequently launched and hotels can choose what suits their business needs. Notable among these is tokenization.
Tokenization converts a guest’s payment data into a string of randomized numbers, or tokens, so that it can be safely stored and shared between hotels and their different partners. It’s a PCI-compliant solution that also brings about a host of benefits, like operational agility, automation, and insights-driven personalization. And it lets guests move without their wallets and still pay for drinks, meals, and spa treatments at hotels. In a nutshell, more security with style.
- Automation helps serviced apartments find operational agility
What?
Many serviced apartments still rely on manual processes in their daily operations.
Staff may manually register a guest into the system at the reception or type the payment details which a guest shares over the phone to complete reservations.
Payment reconciliation is also largely manual, with only 22% of hospitality businesses having centralized reconciliation across all sales channels. This means that the finance team manually checks each of the hotel’s sales transactions, through all payment channels and methods. And they must spot inconsistencies between the hotel’s own sales data and the data from the payment service providers.
So what?
Manual tasks in serviced apartments are resource intensive, time consuming, and inefficient. Staff may lose track of completed and pending tasks, like which hotel rooms to clean next. Updating room availability across the numerous distribution channels and travel agencies also takes up significant time if done manually and it’s prone to errors like double bookings.
On top of this, serviced apartments have been experiencing a staffing shortage. Many young workers leave for the gig economy because it offers flexible work arrangements and doesn’t require learning multiple outdated systems. This leaves serviced apartments with far too few staff to handle the many mundane tasks involved in running a serviced apartments.
Now what?
Automation helps meet this challenge. It doesn’t replace staff or substitute human interaction. Instead, it optimizes workflows.
Solutions like contactless payments, mobile check-ins, real-time payments data, and tokenization aren’t just nice-to-haves. They allow hotels to accurately and swiftly capture guest data and payment details.
The apartment’s front desk staff doesn’t waste time manually entering card details onto payment terminals. They can instead focus on engaging with guests and answering their requests faster. They can also identify repeat guests and personalize their stays.
And a smooth integration with key partners (like booking engines and property management systems) provides insights into the exact booking status of rooms for a more straightforward reservation process.
Serviced apartments can then apply better pricing strategies, adjusting the rates depending on the market demand, room types, and guest segments. They can also reduce the workload of finance teams by up to 10 hours by automating reconciliation and removing the need to conduct night audits.
4 Amazing Alternatives to Hotels
Finding a place to stay when you’re away from home may be an exciting and stressful experience. On the one hand, there’s the concept of staying somewhere new and taking a break, whether for work or pleasure; on the other, there’s the stress of finding somewhere good that’s also affordable.
While hotels have been the standard option for decades, they may be costly. Fortunately, there are lots of accommodation options for everyone, from families to lone business travelers. Here are four hotel selections for both long and short visits.
- Serviced Apartments
(Longonot Place Serviced Apartments, Nairobi)
If true luxury and quality service is desired, look no further than the serviced apartment. A mid-to long-term alternative accommodation to hotels, serviced apartments provide five-star hotel-like service and amenities for both single travelers and groups, alike.
While serviced apartments come in at the high end of the budget spectrum, the comfort, security and relaxed luxury are second to none. Sometimes called aparthotels, as a portmanteau between an apartment and a hotel, serviced apartments are expansive, private spaces that provide a true home-from-home for your stay.
With multiple rooms, including a fully fitted kitchen and a separate living area, a serviced apartment is particularly suitable when the stay is extended beyond a few days. Living in a hotel beyond a few nights can be somewhat oppressive for many.
Despite the comfort of a hotel room itself, the smaller space and lack of a kitchen can make travelers yearn for their own homes. By contrast, a serviced apartment provides a larger area that can easily accommodate guests, allow for personal meal preparation, and deliver the kind of relaxed comfort that soothes the mind.
Like a hotel, serviced apartments are focused on their individual guests’ needs. Many have concierge and security services for convenience and safety and all will have modern amenities, and be cleaned regularly to a high standard with regular housekeeping services.
Good for:
• Business travelers looking for longer-term accommodation
• Guests looking for a luxury experience
• Families visiting a city for a quality time
Looking to Stay in A Serviced Apartment? View Our Luxury Apartments
2. Vacation Rentals
With the rise of Airbnb, vacation rentals offer a huge range of options for travelers. Vacation rentals function by individual landlords offering their property for short-term rental via one of the service sites.
As an alternative to a hotel, vacation rentals can provide a good budget alternative both in cities and across the country, however, there are no guarantees of quality, and care must be taken to fully research and read reviews.
The individual and unique nature of each vacation rental also means that care must be taken to ensure the booking is satisfactory. Parking, WIFI, supplied bedding, nearby facilities, and other factors should be checked before finalizing.
Good for:
• A huge range of options and locations
• Budget to suit
• Confident travelers
- Bed and Breakfasts
Also called guesthouses, bed and breakfasts are family-run businesses where a larger home has been converted to provide private bedrooms as a hotel alternative. Typically, with fewer than ten bedrooms on offer, B&Bs are small and cozy but tend to offer little in terms of luxury.
Modern bed and breakfasts may provide en-suite facilities, but older ones typically have shared bathrooms. As the name suggests, breakfast is included, with full English available (as well as uncooked fare like cereal and yogurts) in the breakfast room each morning.
Though a budget option compared to higher quality hotels, B&Bs tend to be priced on a comparative level to chain hotels, such as Travelodge or Premier Inn. Their locations tend to be quite good, with city guesthouses readily available.
Due to their smaller family-business ethos, B&Bs are typically quite flexible and offer both short- and long-term stays.
Good for:
• Business travelers on a budget
• Short stays in desirable locations
• Weekend getaways
- Hostels
Another budget option, hostels provide a reasonably priced, no-frills bed for the night in a range of locations, including city centers. London has a wide range of hostels that offer good, cheap alternatives to hotels.
Although some hostels do have private bedrooms and even en-suite bathrooms, the budget option is typically with dorm-style rooms where guests share space with others. While great for young adults traveling with a desire to meet others, hostels are typically unglamorous and lack privacy.
Good for:
• Young adults traveling on a budget
• People who wish to meet others and socialize
• Inexpensive short-city stays
What Can You Do if You Don’t Have a Hotel?
One thing a hotel offers that is typically superior to most of the alternatives is its walk-in nature. If you find yourself unexpectedly in a city overnight with no plans, then hotels do provide a safe room for the night at no notice. Alternatives, though they may be kinder on the budget or a better long-term option, do typically require booking in advance.
Look to bed and breakfasts as one of the hotel alternatives that are equally willing to accommodate no-notice guests. Similarly, hostels can be good for backpackers or other solo travelers. If you do have some time, check sites such as Airbnb to see if there are any short-term options nearby that can be booked for that night.
But, when all else fails, short notice means you may find yourself in a hotel after all!
Choosing the Best Hotel Alternative
Location, budget, and size. These three factors affect accommodation bookings more than anything else. Take the time to research the options that suit those three requirements and you will find a hotel alternative to suit. Perhaps this list has provided some extra inspiration for a unique holiday idea for the future, we certainly hope so.
Here at Longonot Place, we offer the finest quality Nairobi serviced apartments – perfect for an enjoyable luxury stay in the capital. Contact us today for more information.
The Difference Between a Hotel and Serviced Apartments
The question of staying in serviced apartments vs. hotels is one many travelers now face. Although there are many similarities between the two accommodation options, there are some fundamental differences too. Hotels usually offer guests no more than a bed and a bathroom, with all chores and household jobs done for you by the hotel staff. Serviced apartments, on the other hand, give guests the option to be more self-sufficient when it comes to meal preparation and laundry for example.
(Penthouse suite at Longonot Place)
What is a serviced apartment?
A serviced apartment is an accommodation option that offers guests a fully furnished studio, two or three-bedroomed flat, or apartment. Some apartments require guests to bring their linen and towels, however, it’s more common for serviced apartment owners or managers to provide these for you. Serviced apartments offer guests a lot more autonomy than a hotel, with facilities in place to live self-sufficiently for however long you’re planning on staying.
The differences between a serviced apartment and a hotel
The key difference between a serviced apartment and a hotel is the level of service you can expect during your stay vs. how much of the cooking, cleaning, and washing you’re expected to do yourself. Serviced apartments have more facilities in the room than a hotel does. The following aspects are what differentiate hotels and serviced apartments from one another.
The kitchen
(Woman cooking vegetables in pan, freepik.com)
In a hotel, there are small kitchenettes that usually contain no more than a kettle and tea and coffee-making facilities. In some hotels, guests can also take advantage of a minibar, the contents of which will be charged to a final hotel bill if used or consumed. This is the full extent of the kitchen facilities in hotel rooms. A serviced apartment, however, offers guests a fully equipped kitchen with facilities in which they can prepare their own meals should they wish. For this reason, serviced apartments are often more appealing for anyone needing to stay in certain areas for periods longer than a week and up to a few months at a time. A fully equipped kitchen in a serviced apartment means travellers will save money as they will not have to spend money on eating out or ordering from a hotel restaurant or bar.
The living spaces
(Couple watching film on television and eating takeaway meal from delivery, Freepik.com)
Hotels usually do not provide guests with much more than sleeping facilities, and it’s rare that a hotel room will contain sofas and armchairs to create a suitable living space – unless it’s a particularly luxurious establishment. In comparison, a serviced apartment will have appropriate living space available to the guests. These accommodation options are as fully furnished as any apartment would be, therefore guests can expect to be able to enjoy a living area separate from their beds.
The furniture
(Standard two-bedroom apartment at Longonot Place)
When staying in a hotel, you will only have access to a bed and possibly another chair, a writing dress, or a dressing table. Furnishings in hotel rooms are often fairly limited, with the purpose of the room being somewhere you can keep your possessions and rest for the night. In a furnished apartment, however, the space will contain a lot more furniture, much like any apartment would. The living space will probably have sofas and armchairs, and the kitchen may also have an area in which guests can dine. As mentioned, some serviced apartments may expect guests to bring their own linen and towels, however, it’s more common for these to be provided, much like a hotel.
The amenities
(A fully equipped gym at Longonot Place)
When staying in a hotel, you can expect to enjoy amenities such as a bar, a pool, and often a restaurant. Depending on the type of hotel there may be other amenities including a gym, various activity options, and possibly resort-like facilities. Spas, airport transfer options, and package deals are often more associated with hotels than they are with serviced apartments.
For some serviced apartment blocks, the amenities can be the same but not as centred around the guests’ experiences. Some apartments will have pools, gyms, and laundry facilities in the block, all available for communal use. However, serviced apartments are much more geared toward providing guests with the option to be self-sustaining.
The stay itself
(A standard one-bedroom apartment at Longonot Place)
Hotel stays are much more geared toward those who do not plan on spending a lot of time at their accommodation and who do not want to worry about everyday living chores. Hotels can often be a more relaxed stay in comparison to serviced apartments. When you stay in a serviced apartment, the space is more inviting to spend more time in which is why they are becoming more and more popular for business trips and those wanting to explore new places on a budget. You’re able to experience living in a new place even if you opt for a short-term rental.
The cost
(A fully equipped kitchen at Longonot Place)
When you take the overall cost of feeding yourself and making sure the essentials get done. A serviced apartment is definitely the cheaper option, especially if you plan on staying in a place for a few weeks or even a few months. Serviced apartments allow you to cook for yourself and do your own laundry, saving money in the long run. Renting a serviced apartment tends to become cheaper the longer you plan on staying.
For short stays, some hotels offer all-inclusive deals that can work out cheaper and are ideal for short breaks away from work. However, as a general rule, hotel stays are more expensive as guests have to pay extra for dining out and to take advantage of other facilities like laundry and spa use.
How do you choose between a serviced apartment and a hotel?
(Black woman relaxing at home, Freepik.com)
If you’re after a complete break from everything and don’t want to worry too much about household chores, you may want to consider staying in a hotel vs. a serviced apartment. In a hotel, everything is done for you including your laundry. The hotel staff will make your bed and your linen and towels will be changed often. Seeing as though there are no facilities to cook, a hotel stay means you can enjoy eating out.
However, if you want to explore somewhere new with someone, or require a place to stay for a slightly extended period, a serviced apartment is a better option as it gives you the option to prepare your own meals and ensures you save money on additional services. Serviced apartments are also better for work trips, as they have more appropriate facilities to set up a home office than a hotel would.
Top 6 Serviced Apartments in Nairobi
Serviced Apartments are a great alternative to hotels and let you stay at the location of your choice while enjoying high-quality self-catering accommodation.
A serviced apartment allows you greater privacy on your city break and provides excellent value for money and more space when compared with similar-specification hotels.
The number of serviced apartments in Nairobi continues to grow rapidly, offering amazing alternatives to traditional hotels. If you are looking for a short-term or long-term let, Here’s our selection of the best serviced apartments in Nairobi.
- Mimosa Court Apartments
Mimosa Court is Nairobi’s premier executive apartment Located just two kilometers from the city center. Mimosa Court offers a distinctly tranquil environment amidst all the luxuries and privacy of a contemporary home away from home living with fully furnished and serviced apartments.
Choose from a selection of fully furnished one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom signature penthouses; plus, a fully equipped gym, a wellness center offering spa treatments and massages, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant – Mimosa Grill.
See more >>
- Palacina
Palacina is an oasis of peace and calm in the bustling city of Nairobi and a great place to meet business and leisure travelers from all around the world. Conveniently located in the State House area, it is the perfect base for your Nairobi visit. As a small boutique hotel, it features luxurious, serviced, and furnished hotel apartments, premium suites, and a full-service hotel with all the amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and memorable.
Experience the warmth of Nairobi with its hospitality in this dynamic, cosmopolitan city. Palacina features stylish spaces celebrating the spirit of Kenya. Country breakfast is served daily and the Bistro restaurant offers full service in a tranquil and beautiful setting.
See more here >>
- Fedha Residences
This 20-apartment hotel offers contemporary and spacious apartment living with the benefit of hotel services. Enjoy an extensive range of personalized services, convenient working spaces, and a fully equipped kitchen to self-cater in the comforts of your new home as you travel for either business or leisure. A twenty-four-hour reception desk will ensure that assistance is only a phone call away during your stay.
It is conveniently located in the proximity of Yaya shopping mall, offices, and popular Nairobi attractions: the location is perfect for business travelers and leisure guests alike.
See more here >>
- Woodmere Serviced Apartment
Situated in Nairobi, Woodmere Serviced Apartment provides both WIFI and private parking accessible on-site free of charge. The property boasts BBQ facilities, a garden, and an outdoor swimming pool.
A balcony with pool views is offered in each unit. The accommodation comes with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels, and a kitchen. The aparthotel offers accommodation with a hot tub. The accommodation offers a private bathroom with free toiletries.
The property offers car hire services upon request. The nearest airport Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a 45-minute drive from the property.
See more here >>
- Norfolk Towers
Nestled in the heart of the Central business district, Norfolk towers service apartment offers 70 fully furnished apartments to leisure travelers as well as business travelers. A cool escape far from the hustle and bustle of city life stress and pollution, the apartments stand as the perfect gateway for long and extended stays in Nairobi.
The prime location of Norfolk Towers Serviced Apartments in the heart of Nairobi’s central business district allows for easy access to business and entertainment venues in the city.
WHY GUESTS CHOOSE NORFOLK TOWERS?
• 24-hour reception service and an electronic safe
• Daily housekeeping services with laundry service (at a fee)
• Airport transfers (at a fee) and Taxi services (at a fee)
• Grocery shopping (at a fee)
• Security & Safety with 24-hour guard services
• Secure the perimeter wall with an electric wire
• CCTV camera surveillance
• Peepholes in most apartments
• Panic button in most apartments
See more here >> https://bit.ly/3DSI8jS
- Longonot Place
(Deluxe three-bedroom apartment at Longonot Place)
Situated on Harry Thuku Road, Longonot Place Nairobi Serviced Apartments is the perfect base to explore Kenya’s capital while staying for business or leisure in our 99 spacious apartments. Our mix of 1–3-bedroom apartments are popular with both local and international corporate clientele. We provide ideal accommodation within Nairobi City, featuring a central location, stylishly curated living spaces, personalized guest services, and modern amenities.
The beauty of serviced apartments is that it provides you with a fully furnished stay with personalized services that make you feel right at home.
Longonot Place is the best option for those seeking both short- and long-term accommodation options. We offer you that home away from home feeling with an emphasis on personalized service. Choose Longonot Place for your perfect stay filled with luxury and comfort.
Learn more >>
Final Thoughts
When you’re staying away on business for a long period of time, your accommodation is a higher priority than ever. While hotels are fine for overnight stays and transfers, serviced apartments are a better option for trips lasting longer than three weeks.
Why? Because when you stay in a serviced apartment, you can enjoy a private home away from home, with kitchen facilities giving you the option to cook for yourself, and your own living space means you can truly relax and put your feet up at the end of a long day. Furthermore, you don’t have to forego the additional services of hotels; weekly housekeeping and cleaning services are provided, as well as on-site concierge and reception teams.
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.
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
4 Things to Consider When Choosing Your First Office Space
Stepping into your own office space is a significant deal, and it could be the choice that increases your brand’s visibility and boosts business. It is vital to consider factors that benefit the company without being too costly when choosing a space. Below are some tips to use when selecting your first office space.
Create a Budget
Knowing the type of space you want is essential, but it means nothing if you don’t have the funding to cover your expenses. Most office spaces are rented, especially for new entrepreneurs. Therefore, creating a budget allows you to narrow your search when looking for places to rent or lease. When developing a budget, it would be best to keep adverse factors in mind, such as lack of production or sales and unforeseen reasons that lead to business shutdowns. Knowing what could be harmful to your business revenue allows you to prepare for shortages without affecting your office space payments.
Office Furniture
Once you have secured your space, it is time to buy furniture, which can be another costly expense. Sure, you can take your time to select chairs, desks, and other necessities, but this will limit the work you do and your interactions with customers. To avoid this type of setback, it would be an excellent idea to choose office space for rent that comes pre-furnished. In addition to furniture, some areas come with electronic devices like computers, copy machines, and phone lines.
Inquire About Repairs
Many business owners are so excited about leasing or renting their first office space that they sign the agreement without going over crucial questions, such as repairs. While you will need to keep the area in good shape, normal wear and tear issues are nearly impossible to avoid. These repairs may be minor, but their costs can be expensive and setback your business. Therefore, it is beneficial to know ahead of time who is responsible for handling the repairs and covering the final costs. Asking this question ahead of time could help you eliminate some spaces on your list or use it as a negotiation strategy.
Location
Knowing what is nearby could be critical for some companies. Some businesses thrive off other attractions and can gain loyal customers. For example, if you are near a shopping center, consumers will often take advantage of other small businesses before or after shopping at the nearby mall and retail stores. Keep in mind that some companies attract so much business that nearby buildings are more expensive to rent and lease. However, if your budget can cover these costs, it would be a good idea to choose office space near flourishing attractions and businesses. You’ll also want to take transportation into account. Places like 26 Journal Square have close proximity to public transport, which makes your business more easily accessible to both clients and employees.
When looking for a space for your company’s services or products, these tips can come in handy. It is always best to create budgets and a thorough business plan. These are things that could prevent many problems and benefit your company or organization.
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15 Fantastic Facts About February
February is mostly recognized for Valentine’s Day and flowers. Oddly enough, even though it’s just another month, there’s a lot of history behind this month of romance and love!
Read on to find out some fun facts about February, as well as how it came to be the shortest month of the year.
- February fluctuates between having 28 and 29 days per year. The 29th day only occurs every 4 years during leap years.
- The length of February was finalized when Julius Caesar remade the Roman calendar and assigned the month 28 days and 29 days. In 713 B.C., February was officially added to the Roman calendar.
- If you were born in February, your birthstone is an amethyst, and your flower is a primrose.
- The western zodiac signs in February are Aquarius which is until February 19th, and Pisces, which is until February 20th.
- Over time, the length of February kept changing. At one point, it had as little as 23 days.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, February is the third month of winter. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, February is the last month of summer. Between the North and South Hemispheres, February is the equivalent of August.
- The name of February comes from the Latin word “februum,” which means purification.
- February was named after a purification ritual which was like an early Roman spring-cleaning festival.
- In Welsh, February is sometimes known as “y mis bach,” which means “little month.”
- February and January were the last months added to the Roman numeral calendar.
- The Saxons called February “Sol-monath” which means “cake month,” because they would offer cakes to the gods during February.
- Of all the words you can misspell, February is one of the most misspelled words in the English language. Even the White House has misprinted the word “February” before in a press release!
- February is the only month where it’s possible to go the entire time without having a full moon.
- The odds of being born on February 29th are about 1 in 1,461. Those born on a leap day can be called a “leaper” or “leapling.”
- February, March, and November always start on the same day of the week unless it is a leap year.
So now you know, February isn’t all about Valentine’s Day. This month is also about purification. It’s a month to prepare for spring: bringing the promise of longer days in the Northern hemisphere.
February is the only month of the year to have only 28 days (with the exception of leap years, of course). It’s also the only month that can go without having a full moon. Above are just a few reasons to really celebrate the whole month of February.
7 Reasons to Spend Time with Family This Holiday Season
Our calendars are filled up with work, school, homework, and many other activities throughout the year. It is getting harder to find enough free time to spend with your loved ones. However, holidays are a perfect opportunity to be with your family uninterrupted and it is a perfect escape from the demands of everyday life.
This is a chance to make priceless memories that last a lifetime and enjoy moments of laughter and fun, but there are many other benefits of spending time with your family during the holidays.
Disconnecting from technology
Disconnecting from technology will help you realize the importance of face-to-face conversation with your family members. You will enjoy hearty, honest interactions, without being distracted by the digital world.
Sharing pre- and post-holiday happiness
Planning holidays in advance will let your brain produce more “happy” hormones, which will result in a cheerful, more positive attitude that increases performance in school and at work. This effect will also last for a couple of weeks after the holiday.
Spending time with family helps kids develop parenting skills
Children love spending time with their parents, and that helps them develop parenting skills because kids learn by example. They will apply the parenting skills they learn from you to their future children and treat their siblings the way you treat them.
More family time results in fewer behavioral problems
Children who communicate more with their parents tend to have fewer behavioural issues. Communication is the key to the solution to many problems. If you help your children learn to talk through their problems while they are little, they will keep doing the same when they grow older. This is especially important for teenagers who are going through a lot of hard moments, and there is no better thing for them than caring, non-judgmental advice from their parents. That kind of approach will help them choose better solutions for their problems in adulthood, too.
More family time builds greater self-confidence
Family can foster healthy self-esteem and a positive self-concept by helping the child develop important skills that lead to self-confidence, like social confidence and problem-solving skills. This will change the way family members see themselves, and their ability to succeed in life. If parents show a positive value of themselves, the children will learn to value themselves too.
Family time strengthens family bonding
Many people think that only fancy activities that require a bigger sum of money can impact the “health” of the family. Even low-cost, home-based activities like playing a board game, gardening, or playing outdoors can make everyone involved feel closer to each other emotionally. The strengthening of bonds is one of the most important benefits of spending holidays with your family.
Trying new things
Being on a holiday means that you are more relaxed than usual and more open to new ideas. There is no safer and more comfortable feeling than being with your family, and vacations are a perfect time to do something you haven’t done before. Each member of your family can pick the activity they enjoy, and then everyone should participate.
Have You Started Making Plans for Your Next Family Holiday?
We live in an age when technology and busy schedules disconnect us from reality. We are unable to make time and visit our family, and sometimes we think that a birthday wish written on social media can replace human interaction.
All of this affects the connection we have with our family members and although we don’t see that right away, we don’t even have a chance to connect on a deeper level. The best way to prevent this from happening to you is to spend quality time with your family.
