by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Vacations & Leisure
The recession has led some families to hit the road in a car stuffed with suitcases and kids—a mix of fun and frustration, nothing bonds like the road trip.
We have four kids. Four. Okay, so we aren’t the Duggers, but four is enough to make the cost of some vacations entirely out of reach right now. We won’t be taking the kids to the French Riviera or any other Riviera, for that matter. They won’t be basking on the beaches of Fiji as long as their mother and I are paying for it – not these days. Money is just too tight. The recession has taken its toll on us in many ways, vacations notwithstanding.
We have been reduced to the last bastion of the American middle-class family on vacation, the road trip. Before airfare was generally affordable, and time seemed more available, the road trip was the standard of the North American holiday. Now that families feel the squeeze of recession, and airlines have bumped up prices, a new generation is discovering America through their windshields. According to a 2018 U.S. Travel Association air travel survey, frustration with air travel resulted in 41 million fewer trips by air in the preceding 12 months. The same study indicates that travelers see little hope for “positive change shortly,” and 76% of us took our leisure trips by car.
I harken back to my childhood in the dark ages before mp3 players and 3D handheld video games. Back then, we’d put the third row of seats down in the family station wagon, and my sisters and I could play board games, stretch out and even lie down while dad drove and mom navigated. Of course, this was before the laws of physics were vigorously enforced. Today, we would never allow our children to ride without their seatbelts. We’ve traded Monopoly and Parcheesi for Nintendo and PlayStation in the name of safety. It’s a fair trade.
Last summer, we loaded the crew into the trusty Buick and headed to my wife’s home state of Pennsylvania. The twelve-hour journey was filled with “Mom, make him stop touching me!” and “I have to go to the bathroom again,” but it was also rich with new experiences and family bonding (albeit forced). We drove through plains and mountains, ate at Big Boys and local joints, and stopped at state parks and Hershey Park. In short, we did and saw many things we would not have had we taken our usual flight to a beach resort.
Searching for fossils in an Ohio riverbed, my middle son said, “This is the best day of my life!” It was probably an enthusiastic exaggeration, but he was pleased with the moment. It’s a mental photograph I’ll have forever.
We are planning another road trip to Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands this year.
Our economic situation looks a bit more promising. We could probably start to plan another cruise or beach resort vacation for next year, but I don’t think we will. My kids have never seen the National Mall or the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Vacations & Leisure
If you crave violence, enjoy slightly unconventional sports, and appreciate a festive atmosphere, spend a Saturday night at a roller derby match.
Roller derby is booming in New Zealand. Recent movies such as Whip It and Dodgeball have explicitly boosted the profile of unconventional sports and roller derby.
The rules are simple. Roller derby involves a team of five members of two groups competing against each other. One team member is a jammer, while the remaining four are blockers. The jammers must get through the other team’s blocks. The jammers race each other to be the first to pass all of the other team’s blockers, and then for each subsequent time a jammer gets past a blocker from the other team, a point is scored.
Blockers can only use their bodies to block the jammers. Blockers cannot punch, push, trip, or intentionally knock jammers out of the way. However, the fun part is watching the carnage as jammers and blockers trip over each other in their efforts to fulfill their functions.
Roller Derby is Unintentionally Violent
Roller derby is particularly exciting for anyone who craves a little competitive violence. As jammers attempt to move past blockers, they either succeed or don’t. When they don’t, they are either pushed outside the bounds of the game – often into spectators, are pushed back and forced to try again, or trip and fall.
Roller derby is one game where it’s ok for a team to gang up on the other. The blockers effectually band together to prevent the jammer of the opposite team from getting past. It’s exciting when the gang succeeds, but it’s also exciting when they fail. It’s particularly entertaining to watch girls competing because it’s not often that one gets to watch girls be aggressive in a situation where body contact is encouraged.
Mesmerizing Crowds at Roller Derby Matches
As a sports fan, I’ve been to two roller derby matches in my short history. And one thing that stands out in the crowd is the crowd. If the spectators in the U.S are anything like the spectators in New Zealand, You’ll like the group as much as the roller derby.
Spectators get behind their favorite teams by dressing up but not in the usual way. Instead, fans wear colorful wigs, joke glasses, tutus, fishnet stockings, and unusual and eccentric outfits. If you are a closet deviant, you can dress up or down to your heart’s delight because you will blend in with this crowd.
Festivities at the Roller Derby
The roller derby appeals to singles, couples, first dates, and families—no need to worry about rival teams fighting. The New Zealand roller derby league teams all appear to be very friendly before and after the games.
In New Zealand, alcohol is offered during sporting events. If you don’t fancy waiting in line at the bar, you can wait until the drinks cooler comes around during the games.
There is likely to be a band that plays at halftime at finals matches. When the band isn’t playing, 50’s rock’n’roll music seems to be the jukebox order of the day. It is a refreshing break from the modern music that is more common at conventional sporting events.
Talented jammers at roller derby rack up vast numbers of fans. So after the game, it’s expected, at least in New Zealand, for both players and spectators to mingle and get photos taken together.
Roller Derby is a Fun Saturday Night Activity
If you’re searching for something unusual to do on Saturday night, find your local roller derby fight. It’s a fun, celebratory sport that’s wonderful for spectators.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
Flying Delta is now an application in mobile. Checking in for flights from Salt Lake City and other cities is now available on most web-enabled cell phones.
I received a Delta email a few weeks ago. I assumed it was an update on my travel itinerary to Hawaii. I was excited to go on my first real vacation in a few years, and I was secretly hoping to read that I was generously upgraded to first class. I was not, unfortunately, elevated, but I was invited to download a Delta application for my mobile phone. The email informed me that the application would allow me to keep track of my frequent flyer miles, check for flight status updates, and check-in for my upcoming flights. The email even promised to add 1,000 miles to my account to download and use the application, so I decided to try it.
Check-in was a breeze.
Before leaving for my flight, I checked Delta’s Mobile Check-in instructions. I checked in to my flight from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas on my cell phone, downloaded my boarding pass, and proceeded through TSA. I wasn’t sure what to do when I approached the security agent, so I handed him my phone and driver’s license. He verified my information and then instructed me how to scan my phone under their electronic device. Getting through the first checkpoint was hassle-free.
As it came time to board the airplane, I showed my phone to the agent at the gate. She helped me scan my phone. There wasn’t anybody behind me, so I asked the agent how many people use this E-boarding Pass. She said she sees maybe ten passengers use smartphones to check-in and download their boarding passes a day. So I was the first passenger to use my phone as a boarding pass for the day.
Check-in from Las Vegas to Los Angeles—yes, I had many connecting flights in this boarding pass experiment—was just as smooth. Unfortunately, when it came time to board for my flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, I could not log in to the application. After a minor panic attack, I wondered if I would be stuck in the airport and not be able to continue to my vacation destination. I got in a long line to talk with a ticketing agent, but then it dawned on me—my frequent flyer number is listed on the application’s login screen. I could quickly go to any one of the ticket kiosks, type in my number, and print out a paper ticket for my flight. The issue was resolved in a flash.
E-boarding Pass
As it turns out, the boarding Pass is currently available in approximately 70 airports serviced by Delta Airlines. Passengers who choose to use their smartphones for their travels would be wise to check Delta’s website before checking in through their phone. Another downside of this service is the cell phone reception and service availability at different destinations, but Delta continues to have traditional check-in desks and kiosks at all airports.
The boarding pass is available on most web-enabled phones and PDAs through the following service providers: AT&T, Alltel, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon within the United States. In addition, applications can be downloaded to many Android and iPhone smartphones. Unfortunately, I haven’t received my 1,000 frequent flyer mile bonus for downloading and using the application yet, but I hope to see it added to my account soon.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Vacations & Leisure
It takes extra effort to dine out when it’s raining. However, it’s an excuse to get dressed up, it’s cozy and romantic, and you’ll get better table service.
When it’s raining, the last thing we feel like doing is going outside to clear the letterbox, let alone venturing out for dinner. However, certain advantages exist for dining out on rainy evenings that you don’t get on clear days. It’s the perfect excuse for getting out of your pajamas, there’s nothing quite as romantic as a candlelit dinner when the windows are all steamed up, and you won’t have to fight quite as hard for a table or a car park.
A Good Excuse for Getting Dressed Up
Dining out when it’s raining is a good reason to get out of your pajamas. I know it’s enticing to stay indoors dressed in nothing as comfortable as pajamas or trackies and an oversized sweater. Yet, it can be just as rewarding to get dressed up. If you are like me and have more clothes than you need, it’s an excellent excuse to wear some of those items that have been relegated to the back of the wardrobe.
During the winter, clothes can get mold spots if they are not aired out properly, so dining out during the rainier months can ensure that the clothes in your wardrobe get a good airing out. And don’t be discouraged by wearing an oversized rain jacket over the top of your clothes, as most restaurants have room to store your wet weather gear.
When it rains, candlelit dinners are more romantic.
Candlelit meals are fantastic. The candlelight and its warmth are even more beautiful when it’s pouring. When you dine out when it’s raining, the extra effort feels more rewarding and makes one more appreciative of the dining experience.
When it’s raining out, you are more likely to make the most of your time out because the possibility of getting wet is a deterrent. In addition, a more extended dining experience can produce a more meaningful and memorable experience. Date nights are also nights that shouldn’t be missed, raining or not. The extra effort is unlikely to go unnoticed or unappreciated.
It’s Easier to get Good Restaurant Service When it’s Raining.
Rain deters many diners, so you are more likely to get a table and a good carpark on a rainy evening. Not only that, but service may improve with fewer diners.
During my last rainy night date, the waiting staff was able to anticipate our needs better, they came back more often to check that we were enjoying our meals, and we didn’t feel so rushed. You’ll also appreciate the greater chance of finding a carpark right outside the restaurant when it’s raining.
Dining Out on Rainy Nights
It takes extra effort to dine out when it’s raining. However, it makes the dining experience far more memorable.
Remember:
Dining out when it’s raining is a good reason to get out of your pajamas. There’s nothing quite as romantic as a candlelit dinner when the windows are steamed up. Dining out during the rainier months can ensure that the clothes in your wardrobe get a good airing out. It takes extra effort to dine out when it’s raining, but it makes the dining experience far more memorable. Date nights are also nights that shouldn’t be missed, rain or not. And don’t be discouraged by wearing an oversized rain jacket – most restaurants have room to store your wet weather gear.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Vacations & Leisure
Fun and Cheap Activities to Do When BoredIf you think you need help because you’re bored, then look no further – here are a few cheap, fun activities to fight boredom and keep you busy.
With people’s busy schedules in today’s society, boredom is no longer the problem that it used to be. However, even with technology and new locales to visit, there are still those days when you are bored and wondering what to do. Having fun shouldn’t be expensive. Relaxation doesn’t have to be costly. Here are a few fun, cheap activities for you to do when you feel bored on those rare occasions — you may be surprised at how fast time flies.
Explore the World around You
You can find something fun to do without spending a dime just by going outside. Take a walk in those nearby woods, go for a stroll on the beach, or hike that uninvestigated hill. Seeing the beauty and diversity of nature around you is a great way to fight foredoom and learn something simultaneously. Make things even more fun by taking note of any exciting animals or plants you see along the way.
Stargaze for a While
Though this may be more difficult for city dwellers, stargazing is a beautiful (and free) way to have some fun when bored. On a fantastic night, pitch out a couple of blankets in your backyard or on a spare spot of grass. You can grab some friends or go yourself — it offers a new perspective. Try pointing out any constellations you see, or even a shooting star!
Cook Something New
Here is yet another fun and cheap activity for you to do when the weather outside isn’t favorable to the above two ideas. Dust off your grandmother’s old cookbook and fight the boredom by whipping up dinner or dessert! You may pass the time and improve your culinary abilities by cooking. Follow the recipes with family and have fun as you bake, season, and spice your food to perfection. Once you’re munching on some delicious snacks that you proudly made yourself, you probably won’t be saying you’re bored any longer.
Participating in these enjoyable but low-cost activities will no longer be boring, and you might have just found a new activity to do more often. But, again, in today’s busy world with deadlines, business meetings, and hectic schedules, sometimes such fun activities like those listed above are just what you need to relax and release the stress that’s been building up inside you. So go out and don’t let boredom bore you another day — take advantage of some of these cheap and fun things to do instead.
Conclusion:
With technology and new locales to visit, there are still those days when you are bored and wondering what to do. Having fun shouldn’t be expensive. Here are a few cheap activities for you to do when you feel bored on those rare occasions — you may be surprised at how fast time flies. Dust off your grandmother’s old cookbook and fight the boredom by whipping up dinner or dessert.
