Tools for Building Better Sandcastles

Tools for Building Better Sandcastles

by | Mar 25, 2022 | Vacations & Leisure

Master sandcastle builders compete worldwide, but you don’t have to be a master sandcastle builder to create your sand masterpiece.

Playing in the sand is one of the joys of being at the beach, sinking your toes and fingers into the white sands, building mounds, surrounding them with water-filled trenches, and decorating them with shells and seaweed. It’s an activity for all age groups, and taking a few simple tips from the masters makes it even more fun. I recently attended the Sandbach Sand Castle competition at Fort Myers Beach, where I picked up a few tips from Bill Knight and Andy Hancock of Sandlubber’s “Sandvertising” Agency on building a better sandcastle.

Sandcastle Building Basics

Even the experts build with simple sand and water. While Elmer’s Glue is sometimes introduced into the competitions, this is simply a way to preserve the detail work and has no bearing on the structural integrity of a sand sculpture. Simple sand and water are all we need. At the beach, Bill and Andy recommend using 5-gallon buckets to move your sand to the desired location and first constructing a platform on which to build your masterpiece. You will significantly elevate your finished product, drawing more attention to it and protecting it from foot-level damage.

In viewing the masters’ sculptures, it is easy to see that they all build in a pyramid shape with a broader base and narrowing as it gets taller. Andy Hancock explains this is simply a matter of physics. The foundation needs to be wider and more vital to support the height. Pack the sand carefully to avoid air pockets, as these may cause your structure to collapse. Use plenty of water when hand-stacking the sand and allow it to dry adequately before continuing to build height.

Household Items for Building Sand Sculptures

Any expert will tell you how important it is to use the appropriate tools for the job. Building sand sculptures is no different. In addition to the 5-gallon jug, Bill and Andy sport tool belts with simple household items for sand sculpting. Jokingly telling the crowd that he stole his wife’s cake knife for Sandbach, Bill recommended it for slicing and carving sand. It is particularly effective for creating staircases. He used flat discs intended to move furniture to smooth large areas of sand and make-up brushes to sweep away debris. Andy used a drinking straw to blow loose sand and draw details in the sand. Both stressed that each sculptor finds his grouping of best-loved tools. Andy, however, sells a specialized sand-castle-building toolkit with lessons on South Padre Island.

Once you have put together the appropriate tools and created a platform to build, the possibilities are endless. Forget the plastic molds and hand-stack wet sand, building a large enough mound to carve into whatever you imagine. Use your toolkit to cut away a design once the stack is solid and dry enough. Slow down and cut bit by little. It’s easier to take a little more sand off than add more back on. Dare to test the limits, though. After all, it’s only sand, and this is supposed to be fun!

Psychic Holidays & Spiritual Retreats

Psychic Holidays & Spiritual Retreats

by | Mar 25, 2022 | Vacations & Leisure

Holidays with a Difference

Tired of the same old vacation spots? Do something different and consider a psychic holiday or spiritual retreat for your 2018 holidays. Conducted over weekends through to a couple of weeks, you may find yourself having fun with runes and communicating with passed loved ones while enjoying some of the world’s most picturesque and dramatic scenery.

Identifying Psychic Abilities

Suppose you believe everyone is born with psychic ability and want to know what yours is, presuming it hasn’t made itself perfectly obvious already. In that case, a psychic weekend or spiritual retreat spent in the company of like-minded individuals could sound appealing. These getaways provide several ways to discover your unique talents.

Psychic Net, a U.K-based tourism operation, allows one to experiment with crystals, tarot cards, runes, crystal balls, and candles. The Hana Pacha Retreat Centre in Peru teaches participants how to harness the sun’s power, rainbows, and crystal energy. Psychic Retreats, another U.K-owned operation, specializes in crystal dowsing, reading auras, and mediumship.

Benefits of a Spiritual or Psychic Retreat

Most people that consider a psychic holiday do so because they have something in mind that they want to achieve, e.g., communicating with loved ones or self-healing. Different retreats cater to other ambitions, so when considering which retreat to attend, one needs to know what they wish to achieve.

Psychic Sisters, a U.K company, completes their weekends with a ghost hunt. If you’ve always wanted to convince yourself of the validity of ghosts, then their ghost hunt claims to allow participants to touch, sense, and feel the energies of real spirits. Their course also focuses on communicating with loved ones.

Psychic Net seeks to help attendees understand spiritualism and develop one’s psychic abilities while having fun doing it. In addition, the Hana Pacha Retreat Centre attracts proponents of spiritual healing, personal growth, and ascension.

Scenic Psychic Holidays

Just because one is on a psychic holiday, there is no need to forgo the usual things that one demands from a holiday, including beautiful scenery. Nature’s quiet beauty perfectly fits the contemplative, inner search for higher awareness. The locations of many psychic holiday spots are amongst the most beautiful in the world.

Many tourism visitors to the U.K, including myself, consider the Lakes District among the most picturesque parts of England. It is where Psychic Net holds its weekend workshops.

In South America, no spiritual vacation would be complete without visiting magical Machu Picchu. This amazingly scenic destination is included in the ten-day sun retreat offered by the Hanaq Pacha Retreat Centre in Peru.

Psychic Holidays and Spiritual Retreats

There are so many destinations and activities now available to enjoy on holiday. Do something different and enjoy some crystal ball-gazing, ghost hunting, and having fun with some like-minded individuals. You can do all this by enjoying a psychic holiday or spiritual retreat for your 2019 holidays.

Why Some Flight Routes Produce Unreasonably Expensive Airfares

Why Some Flight Routes Produce Unreasonably Expensive Airfares

by | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips

Ever wonder why the flight or series of flights you want are wildly expensive? It could be because no single airfare exists for it.

Not every route that can be flown has affordable airfare. For example, a complicated itinerary may produce completely unreasonable airfare. This is because, behind the scenes, that total may be made up of two or more individual airfares. As illogical as it seems, it may work out cheaper to do the same itinerary but include a few more stopovers, fly an alternative airline and purchase a return ticket when you only need a one-way airfare.

Routing Restrictions on Airfares

It’s not always clear why you can’t travel straight between A and B. This is because airlines need to maximize profitability, and even though it may seem illogical, this is achieved by traveling out of the way to collect more passengers.

For example, a flight between Auckland and London that flies via Seoul, Korea, and which involves an overnight stay is often cheaper than a direct flight. Direct flights commonly attract a premium even though they probably cost less technically. This is because demand for direct flights is greater. No one wants to stop over unless they have to. If there is a choice, most people will pay more to get between A and B as quickly as possible.

 

Flight Number Restrictions on Airfares

Ever wonder why you can’t just fly any flight number you choose? Sometimes specific flight numbers are restricted based on where the ticket is purchased, the combination of flights being purchased, and whether the airline is the operating carrier or a codeshare flight.

Airlines usually work within alliances to reach destinations that they don’t fly to themselves. It is how an airline can cater to the most significant number of passengers, even if it does not serve the destinations themselves.

For example, any domestic Australian travel must use Virgin Blue when flying between Sydney and Buenos Aires on Aerolineas Argentinas. Likewise, any domestic travel in Argentina must use only Aerolineas or Austral Lineas Aereas.

Airfare Rules and Cost Vary by Place of Purchase

Not all airfares are created equally. For example, an airfare that governs a domestic route can vary from an airfare sold from overseas in the same way. For example, a London to Auckland airfare on Singapore airlines is twice the cost when purchased from New Zealand as it is when bought from the U.K. Airlines decide where they want to sell seats from when setting their airfares.

Return flights may be cheaper than one-way flights. For instance, purchasing a one-way Lufthansa airline ticket between Frankfurt and Manchester might cost up to five times as much as purchasing a round-trip ticket. So it can work out to accept the return airfare and only use the first coupon.

How to Avoid Expensive Airfares

Airfares are not calculated in the way that an average person would expect. The most direct route is rarely the cheapest, even though it might be the shortest. A return ticket can be more affordable than a one-way airfare, and some seats on an aircraft are likely to be sold by other airlines.

Low Cost Vacation Tips

Low Cost Vacation Tips

by | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips

Epic Adventures, Modest Budget: Your Ultimate Travel Savings Guide

Are you thinking of traveling on a budget? Well, no worries! This article is all about how we can manage that. Nowadays, people love to travel, whether it’s to hill stations or desert areas, for fun, scenic views, adventures, and an environment where one can relax and de-stress.

Travel used to be something only a few considered, but now most of us research and plan well for trips around the globe. We have better ways to get there, many places to explore, and loads of tips on how to do it without burning a hole in your pocket.

For those seeking budget-friendly destinations, exploring state and national parks within a reasonable driving distance can provide a change of landscape without breaking the bank. Additionally, house exchanges with friends or relatives offer cost-free accommodations, enabling the exploration of new regions at a minimal expense. Vacations don’t have to be expensive with low-cost lodging options like rental cabins in state parks or last-minute discounts on unsold cruise cabins. The key lies in making the most of available resources and seeking out discounted alternatives. Moreover, we will brief all the tips on exploring travel destinations on a budget and how to plan a low-cost vacation trip.

The possibilities for affordable and enjoyable holidays are abundant, offering alternatives beyond extravagant expenses and distant travels. Fun can be found in a change of scenery within 100 miles of home or a simple change of pace in the comfort of one’s residence. So, whether you’re planning a quick break, a relaxed getaway, or a big backpacking adventure, you can make it awesome without going broke.

Some fantastic tips to elevate your vacation experience are

  • Think Ahead and Plan Wisely
  • Choose Budget-Friendly Places to Stay
  • Pack Wisely
  • Avoid the Busy Times
  • Secure Savings with Early Booking
  • Choose Your Meals Wisely
  • Save with Budget Airlines
  • Combine Travel with Work
  • Use Public Transport
  • Make Memories Without Overspending

Let’s delve into these valuable insights!

  1. Think Ahead and Plan Wisely:

When traveling on a budget, meticulous planning is your best friend. While spontaneity has its charm, a well-thought-out plan can help you avoid unnecessary expenses. Think about how long you’ll be staying in each place and draw a general route for your journey. Planning prevents last-minute expensive decisions on flights and accommodations, as they are more costly when booked in haste.

  1. Choose Budget-Friendly Places to Stay:

Replace expensive hotel rooms with budget-friendly alternatives like hostel dormitories or accommodations on platforms like Airbnb and Agoda. Sharing expenses in communal areas not only extends your budget but also gives you the chance to connect with fellow travelers. Staying with family, friends, or acquaintances can provide a unique and cost-effective lodging option, while also providing personalized insights into the local scene.

  1. Pack Wisely:

Pack smartly to avoid unnecessary expenses during your journey. Having everything you need means there’s no need for last-minute shopping. When traveling to warm or chilly destinations, make sure to bring versatile items like long jeans, a warm hoodie, and a waterproof jacket. Plan and pack accordingly to avoid overspending on souvenirs.

  1. Avoid the Busy Times:

Avoid peak travel times, particularly during school holidays when prices spike. Take benefit of the “shoulder season” by planning your trip just before or after the busiest travel dates. During this period, you can still have a fantastic trip for less money, even if the sun doesn’t shine as brightly. Airlines and hotels frequently decrease their prices during these off-peak periods to attract budget-conscious travelers.

  1. Secure Savings with Early Booking:

Ensure you have your flights booked well ahead of time, particularly your return tickets. Airlines commonly offer seats up to a year prior, and the cost tends to increase as the departure date nears. Choosing flights during the middle of the week, especially on Tuesdays, can also help you save money. Alternatively, think about flying economy to allocate your budget towards experiences at your destination, instead of spending it on the flight.

  1. Choose Your Meals Wisely:

While choosing affordable lunches from supermarkets or local markets, you can save money on meals. Make sure to explore dining options before choosing a restaurant, as it prevents overspending. If your hotel has a kitchen, consider cooking for yourself to save money and be healthier.

  1. Save with Budget Airlines:

Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying during off-peak hours or weekdays. Pack light to avoid baggage fees, and subscribe to airline newsletters for exclusive discounts. Check nearby airports and use online comparison sites to find the most affordable options. Sometimes booking one-way tickets can be cheaper than round-trip fares. Watch out for extra fees, like seat selection or in-flight meals, and only pay for what you need. Understanding baggage policies is crucial to avoiding unexpected costs.

  1. Combine Travel with Work:

While working during your explorations, you can transform your travel dreams into reality. Seasonal jobs, social media marketing, blog writing, video making, web developing, or freelancing on the go are all ways to earn money while immersing yourself in different cultures. There are many ways to earn money while traveling, like remote freelancing.

  1. Use Public Transport:

Choosing public transport on a budget trip is a smart move. It’s wallet-friendly, saving on fuel and parking hassles. In cities, buses and trains offer stress-free navigation, letting you soak in the local scene. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, reducing your carbon footprint. Engaging with locals becomes easier, adding a cultural touch. Forget about vehicle maintenance costs and insurance fees that come with renting a car. Public transport systems often have flexible ticket options, and they help you avoid traffic delays, ensuring a smooth journey. It’s a budget-savvy, convenient, and authentic way to explore, making your trip memorable.

  1. Make Memories Without Overspending:

When you’re exploring a new place, really soak in the local vibes by getting to know the culture and making friends. Look for free walking or bike tours in cities, it’s a super cool way to see the sights and meet new people, especially if you’re traveling solo. Some hostels even offer free stuff like cooking classes or pub crawls. And don’t forget to chat with locals and do a bit of digging – you might find out about free museum days or discover cool spots like parks and street markets that aren’t just for tourists.

By embracing the concept of a vacation day or evening each week, individuals and families can engage in local activities, from hiking and picnicking to exploring nearby landmarks. Quality time spent with loved ones often transcends monetary considerations and memorable moments can be created through new experiences, such as paddling a canoe, going fishing, hiking a mountain, climbing a rope, eating with friends or family, dancing in groups, sunbathing near the beach, exploring an island full of adventure, enjoying natural and eye-catching views, and much more.

Taking off on a low-cost vacation involves strategic planning and a willingness to explore the wealth of affordable options available. Whether opting for a staycation, day trips to nearby destinations, or embracing cost-effective lodging choices like camping or house swapping, there are numerous ways to enjoy a fulfilling getaway without straining your budget. Choosing off-peak travel times, leveraging discounts on activities, and utilizing public transportation can further contribute to cost savings. By prioritizing experiences over extravagant expenses and remaining open to creative alternatives, travelers can create lasting memories without the financial burden. With careful consideration and a sense of adventure, a budget-friendly vacation can be just as enriching and enjoyable as a more costly one.

Ultimately, the true essence of a vacation lies in the quality of shared experiences and laughter with loved ones. Lasting memories are not determined by the amount of money spent or the distance traveled but by the depth of connection and joy experienced during the time spent together. Whether it’s a simple day trip, a local adventure, or an unconventional vacation choice, the heart of a fulfilling holiday is in the moments created and shared with those we cherish.

Casinos as Tourist Attractions: Pros and Cons

Casinos as Tourist Attractions: Pros and Cons

by | Mar 12, 2022 | Vacations & Leisure

Casinos invite controversy. Find out why governments support using casinos to draw tourists while residents are harder to convince.

Many consider gambling a sin, so it is no wonder that any plan to increase the number of casinos is met with support by those who see the economic benefits to tourism and disapproval by those who anticipate the social and moral implications. However, studies have also suggested that casinos have a limited ability to attract tourists.

Benefits of Casino Tourism

The economic benefits to the local economy seem apparent. People go to the casino and spend money. Everyone knows that despite the odd win by the persistent punter, the house wins at the end of the day. It’s a simplistic analysis, but it’s true. Eadington and Butler report that governments such as the U.S, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have employed strategies in recent years to stimulate revenue by legalizing gambling for its perceived economic benefits.

Even though much of the casino revenue go to sources outside of the casino’s areas, reinvestment into the immediate area is required to maintain existing casinos and keep attracting visitors and tourists.

 

Casinos provide jobs for residents. They also offer recreational and cultural opportunities for tourists and locals. In addition, the conversion of historical buildings or structures into casinos can help to breathe new life and preservation into many buildings of historical significance.

Disadvantages of Casino Tourism

Is it a coincidence that the benefits of casino tourism are more likely to be perceived by the decision-makers, i.e., those who don’t live and work in the immediate casino vicinity? It does appear to be true when it comes to disreputable forms of entertainment like casinos and brothels. Of course, no one minds them too much as long as they are not in one’s backyard. But unfortunately, residents don’t often get the choice.

The perceived associations with casinos are the rise in crimes like drugs, prostitution, robbery, and assault. However, in Mississippi, it was reported by Giacopassi and Stitt that while robbery and aggravated assault have increased, other crimes such as rape and murder have decreased.

According to Perdue, Long and Kang, a higher population also leads to increases in the cost of living, traffic congestion, driving hazards, and noise levels. While this may be true, many new attractions could say the same.

And even if one couldn’t think of any valid objection, there is a pervasive sense that entertainment such as that provided by gambling and casinos is these activities are antisocial and anti-family. Gambling can also be addictive, so one could argue that every dollar spent on the blackjack table is a dollar that could be better spent feeding one’s children.

Do Casinos Attract Tourists?

While casino cities such as Las Vegas and Monte Carlo are best known for their casinos, they are not their only sources of income. The Tourism Company suggests that casinos on their own are not a guaranteed source of visitors and tourists. Las Vegas is now known just as much for its shows and convention facilities for its casinos.

Casinos and Tourism

Casinos are associated with tourism, but they are not a guaranteed source of tourism. Therefore, it’s valid that a tourism strategy would include casinos, but only once both the benefits and the disadvantages have been discussed and addressed.

Surviving Single at a Destination Wedding

Surviving Single at a Destination Wedding

by | Mar 12, 2022 | Vacations & Leisure

Going single to a destination wedding can be very daunting. How to make the most of it.

Going dateless to a friend’s wedding is generally no big deal. One harmless evening spent at the singles table eating a good meal and listening to corny speeches is usually tolerable.

Flying solo at a resort for a destination wedding is quite another story.

Seven dateless days- and nights- in Mexico? 

It’s a frightening concept. Occasionally, though, you must bite the bullet and make the most of it for the sake of your friends. This is how:

Plan ahead

1. Unless you enjoy alone time, try to find someone to share a room with. It will be much cheaper, and you will have an automatic partner-in-crime to hang out with. If none of your friends are going solo or are already sharing with others, talk to the bride and groom and see if they can suggest another guest who might be in the same situation as you.

2. Fish around for a reasonable price. The group booking with the wedding package will not always be the best deal. Check discount websites and with the hotel itself.

3. Do some research. Find out what activities are available nearby or at the resort that you can do by yourself or with other guests. For example, consider booking a cultural tour, hopping on a bus, or renting snorkel gear.

When you arrive

4. Greetings to everybody. If there is a welcome reception, make sure you get acquainted with as many wedding guests as possible, whether it’s the old aunt with the lousy make-up or the twelve-year-old pimply cousin. You’ll be happy you did when you later find yourself alone at the dessert table, scanning the room for a familiar face.

5. Go outside your comfort zone and carry yourself with confidence. Even if you feel insecure, there is a good chance that nobody has noticed. So challenge yourself to be just a touch more social than usual.

6. Befriend other singles. Although couples are generally happy to hang out with others, you don’t want to feel like a third wheel. Besides, singles have more fun …

During the week

7. Participate in all the organized wedding activities. Play the silly games, go golfing and wear your happy face for group meals. The bride and groom will appreciate it, and you will have the opportunity to get to know the other guests better.

8. Make meal dates with other guests. Dinners often roll into evening socializing and next-day activity-planning.

9. Don’t be afraid of alone time; you will inevitably have some. Please take advantage of it by bringing lots of books and a journal or practicing meditation.

10. Go with the flow. When in Rome, Mexico or Greece … Relax. You’re on vacation. Although this week is all about the bride and groom, they want you to have fun too, so don’t sweat the small stuff.

It’s not so bad…

Even if you don’t have the best week of your life, the couple will appreciate your attendance at the wedding. Plus, all your friends will be talking about this vacation for the next ten years, so think carefully before you opt-out on a friend’s special week just because you don’t have a date.

Also, consider what your friends can do for your wedding…