Making Business Travel More Enjoyable

On a regular basis, you will likely get to travel to different parts of the country and see different things. This is especially true for those who travel for business on a regular basis. If you travel for work throughout the year, consider the following tips to help make business travel more enjoyable. 

Find The Best Accommodations
It’s common for business owners to think about their company’s bottom line when it comes to planning their trips. However, if you’re planning on staying in an uncomfortable hotel, you might not be able to get the deep sleep that you need to prepare for the next day’s activities.

Since this is the case, you will likely spend a bit extra to ensure that you’ll have a truly relaxing place to rest. This will allow you to recharge between meetings. Also, having a location that’s close to your work area will allow you to avoid getting lost in the shuffle.

Find A Location-Specific Event
One of the most important things that you should consider when it comes to planning your trip is finding a cultural or historical landmark that is significant to the city that you’re visiting. It doesn’t have to be expensive or inconvenient.

Schedule Time For Yourself
Although this step may seem like it’s all in harmony, it’s important to remember that you still need to take time for yourself. If you’re an extroverted individual, try taking some time to do something for yourself instead of working or interacting with your colleagues.

Make A Calendar For The Trip
One of the most effective ways to maximize your time is by planning short business trips. For instance, I usually go to Tokyo and Mexico City for only two or three days. Doing so allows me to achieve more with less energy.

To make this happen, schedule meetings for each meal, such as a coffee or breakfast meeting, a lunch meeting, or a dinner networking session. I have found that this method has made business trips incredibly productive, though you should still have some time to catch up on other tasks.

Make Time For Fun
No matter what industry you are in, it is recommended to break up your meetings into separate parts to keep you relaxed and entertained. One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to planning your trip is finding a way to take a break from business activities. For instance, you can try going kayaking after your trade show or visiting a local street fair. Planning something fun can make the trip seem more enjoyable, and not focused solely on work.

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Great Fall Destinations To Visit

It’s the time of year when school kids go back to class, and adults get back to work, which means it’s the perfect time to find great deals on travel and explore some of the world’s most popular destinations. With beautiful scenery and plenty of fall-themed activities, there are a variety of reasons to plan a trip during the fall season. Learn more about some of the year’s most popular fall destinations. 

Asheville, North Carolina
The beautiful fall colors in North Carolina’s mountains can be seen in the city of Asheville, not far from the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. During the autumn season, visit the area between October and November to see the best of the region’s vibrant colors. There are over 30 breweries, and you can try a wide range of beers, such as pilsners and sours.

Kauai, Hawaii
The island of Hawaii’s oldest county, known as the island of Kauai, has been known for its impeccable sunset and crystal clear beaches. It’s also a no-fuss destination that appeals to a variety of travelers. If you’re looking for a rural location, visit the island through one of its many boat tours. There are only two major highways in the region, and some areas can only be explored on foot.

Sedona, Arizona
Daytime temperatures in the area begin to drop in the 90s by November and the more comfortable 60s by then. Make sure to visit during late September and early October to get the best weather. During these months, you’ll see the changing colors of the trees along the Cookstove Trail and the Baldwin Trail.

Charleston, South Carolina
After the humidity has dropped, getting around the historic areas of The Battery or the beach at Folly Beach is much more enjoyable. Fall is the perfect time to visit the city of Charleston, as various festivals, events, and fairs are held throughout the area. One of these is the Moja Arts Festival, which takes place from late September to early October.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming
In Wyoming’s Jackson Hole valley, the autumn season is a great time to enjoy the beautiful weather. During this time, high temperatures are typically around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. People who are interested in learning more about the animals that live in this region can visit the National Elk Refuge. During this time, visitors can listen to the “bugling” calls of elks as they search for their partners. Other activities include hiking in the mountains of Grand Teton National Park and taking a relaxing dip in the nearby hot springs.

How to Choose a Wedding Theme That Fits Your Personality

Choosing the Perfect Theme
Your wedding theme is the perfect way to reflect both your personality and your partner’s style. It can be used to create a unique and memorable experience, and it should represent your taste. Before you start planning your wedding, take some time to consider how you’ll want to remember that special day. There are countless websites and boards that can help you find inspiration, but it’s important to ensure that the elements of your theme reflect who you are.

It’s important to choose a theme that will reflect who you are as a couple and not what other people think. If you’re having a hard time choosing a theme, take some time to reflect on what your vision of the wedding day will look like.

Consider Your Personal Style
Before you start planning your wedding, take some time to consider how you’ll want to remember that special day. A crucial factor that you should consider is your wardrobe. Even if you’re planning on wearing white, you can still incorporate the colors into your wedding’s various components. If you have a favorite color, try to think of it as a way to add some of your personality to the wedding theme.

What Does the Venue Inspire?
One of the most important factors you should consider is the venue that will serve as the backdrop for your wedding. Since the venue is a significant part of your budget, it’s essential that you plan on having a theme that fits seamlessly into that space.

The venue can do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to your wedding theme. For instance, if you’re planning on getting married on the beach, the backdrop can contribute to a nautical or ocean-inspired theme. On the other hand, if you’re getting married in an urban garden, the backdrop can complement a princess or classic theme. You can additionally add a touch of country or outdoor style to your wedding with a barn or outdoor wedding.

Think About the Dress Code
Your wedding dress code should also be something that you have in mind. A specific dress code can help create an upscale and formal atmosphere on the wedding day. If you’re planning on having a black-tie or formal event, ask your guests to wear this type of attire.

If you’re planning on having a glamorous wedding, a semi-formal or casual dress code might not be appropriate for the guests. When choosing a dress code, think about how you and your partner are as individuals. A casual dress code might not be appropriate for you if you’re a laid-back couple. Use that as your guide when it comes to choosing a wedding dress code.

Go Personal Versus Trendy
There is so much content you can find on the internet to plan your wedding that it can be easy to get caught up in endless ideas and trends. Instead of following a generic Pinterest-style wedding, consider incorporating some personal touches into your wedding.

For instance, if you’re planning on having a 1920s-inspired wedding, consider adding touches from that era to the decor. You can also add a touch of their passion for sports by adding trophy-inspired wedding centerpieces. These small additions can make the day more memorable.

One way to pay tribute to your culture or family is by incorporating their traditional elements into the wedding. This will allow you and your partner to create a unique and inclusive look. The combination of your heritage and personal style will be something that your family will remember for a long time.

Originally posted on LorrieNielson.com.

The Best Time of the Year for Your Major Event

One of the most important factors that you must consider when it comes to planning an event is the time and place that it should be held. This can be determined by the type of event that you want to host and the audience you want to reach. Before you start planning an event, it’s important that you thoroughly research the schedule and make an informed decision. Here are some tips to avoid bad timing.

Non-working Hours
One of the most common reasons why events are held during the week is to ensure that the attendees can make it to the event. An important factor you must consider is the time it should be held. If the event is held close to work hours, then it is less of an issue. If an event is held during work hours, then it can be very difficult for a large number of people to attend.

Evening Events
If you plan an event that is too late in the evening, it can be challenging for the attendees to get home. They will want to go home at a reasonable time. One of the most effective ways to avoid late-night events is to schedule early in the evening.

Food Considerations
Another vital factor that you should consider when it comes to planning an event is the type of food that you will serve. If you plan on having a full meal, schedule the event during the evening. However, if you are not planning to have a full meal, don’t plan to hold the event during dinner. It is usually assumed that the event will include a full meal, and people will show up expecting food. They might leave if they don’t find anything.

If the event is going to be an event like a cooking class, then schedule it for the evening. If you are planning on serving alcohol, then don’t hold the event during the day or in the morning when people may be going back to work.

Speakers & Venues
One of the essential factors that you should consider when it comes to planning an event is the availability of the venue. If the facility is only available at certain times, then it can be challenging to determine the exact time that the event should be held. Before you decide on a time, make sure that you talk to the location manager. This will allow you to avoid having to change the time of the event.

If you are planning on having a large number of speakers, then make sure that you talk to them about their schedule. However, don’t leave them with one particular slot, as it might not work for them. Always check with the venue and the speakers before publicizing the event.

Reference Other Events
Unless your event is unique, you might find similar events in your area. Doing so can help you find the best times for certain types of events. For instance, if the event is taking place in a specific industry, then consider holding the event at a different time to accommodate the attendees who may have other commitments.

Ask Around
Another important factor you should consider when it comes to planning an event is the type of audience that you want to reach. Before you start planning an event, it is essential to have a good understanding of the people who are interested in the event. One of the easiest ways to do this is by asking your attendees when they prefer to attend the event.

If you are planning on holding an event in a public location, then make sure that you ask the location manager when the biggest turnout was. Doing so can give you some ideas on how you can improve the event’s success. Another great way to test different times is by offering events at different times. With the help of reports and analytics, you can determine which time is the most effective for the event.

Originally posted on LorrieNielson.com.

How to Pack for a Tropical Vacation

Tropical vacation destinations exist far and wide. The locations are favored for their oceanfront beaches having varied colors of soft powdery sand. Clear waters of different blue hues entice guests to go swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Jungles, hills, and cascading waterfalls beckon the would-be trekker. Tropical climates are calming and inviting. Local weather varies depending on the time of year. Knowing what to pack in advance makes the trip that much more enjoyable. 

Apparel

Whether desiring to enjoy local water sports or merely choose to bask beneath the warm sun, a swimsuit is a must. Likewise, some type of lightweight cover-up takes the chill out of the air from the occasional oceanic breeze. One or two sundresses are also lightweight and appropriate to wear on a shopping excursion or during a light lunch. Take along a sufficient number of underwear garments. Sandals protect the feet from the extreme heat of the sand or any potentially sharp objects hidden from view. Sun hats and sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. Shorts, shirts, and comfortable shoes or boots are necessary for hiking and trekking. Some types of beach bag enables one to carry sunscreen, a favorite book, and other essentials. 

Personal Toiletries

Travelers must check with local airlines in order to determine what flights permit or prohibit in terms of liquids and substances. Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 plus feminine hygiene products and hand sanitizers are typically allowed. Body sprays, shampoos, conditioners, and other cleansing products are readily available at your final destination. 

Do not forget necessary documentation that may include a driver’s license, passport, and insurance. 

Backpacking Necessities

Consider bringing along a lightweight, medium-sized backpack when planning on hitting the trails. The packs are large enough to take along a wide variety of items, from beverages and snacks to a phone, GPS, or compass. Remember to pack a waterproof jacket or a large trash bag should the weather turn sour while out and about. Do not forget prescription medications and a portable first-aid kit, which may prove life-saving. A multi-function tool, water bottle, and some type of water filtration device come highly recommended too. A phone containing maps, a camera, and possibly a portable charging device also comes in handy.

A Deeper Look into Bali

The Indonesian province of Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands between Java and Lombok. The island encompasses more than 2,000 square miles. A variety of landscape features includes everything from black or white sandy beaches to the 9,944-foot tall peak of Mount Agung. Bali is known for being part of the Coral Triangle, with more than 500 coral species creating a home for a wide range of marine life. Guests visiting the island encounter local history dating back thousands of years, along with a culture rich in the arts. 

Outdoor Adventure Awaits 

The varied terrain of Bali provides endless opportunities for exciting activities. Perhaps go white-water rafting while navigating through the rapids found on the Ayung River. Although the island boasts 16 beautiful cascading waterfalls, sliding down Sambangan’s 105-foot Aling-Aling waterfall is a favorite sport. Challenge yourself and hike to the top of Mount Batur. Or, go for a leisurely bike ride around Lake Batur. 

Enjoy Watersports 

Rent a snorkel and mask to explore the underwater world that surrounds the island. Don your gear and walk through the white sands of Virgin Beach to the sea along the eastern edge of Bali. Swim out to the reefs that stand a mere 15 to 30 feet from the shore to see the abundance of colorful tropical fish and sea turtles. The waters bordering the black, sandy beach of Amad harbors a variety of marine life that includes tropical fish, manta rays, and sea turtles. There are also shipwrecks to see. 

Visit the Temples

Bali served as the backdrop for the popular “Eat, Love, Pray” Hollywood film. Some of the stories take place in the island’s stunning temples, which are worth exploring. Dare to get a little closer to heaven by scaling the 1,500 steps to the top of the Pura Lempuyang temple for scenic views beyond. Venture to the central region of the island to gaze upon the magical Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. The temple was constructed in the middle of a lake and appeared to float on the water when the fog rolled in. Eastern Bali has the expansive Pura Besakih, which features 23 separate shrines and temples, which makes for the ideal day trip.

The Best Travel Tips for Beginners

New travelers who are just starting to explore the world can avoid certain hassles if they follow the right advice. These helpful travel tips can help new travelers enjoy their adventures to the fullest.

Pack Lightly

Travelers should try to pack as lightly as possible so that they aren’t weighed down by heavy luggage and multiple bags. By packing lightly, travelers can also save money on baggage fees that most airlines charge. One of the best ways to pack lightly is by bringing only a few outfits that will be washed at the travel destination so that they can be worn again.

Plan for the Unexpected

As diligent as a traveler might be about researching and planning every detail of the trip, unexpected incidents will likely pop up during the trip that will require a traveler to alter their itinerary. Illnesses, bad experiences with locals and other misfortunes could arise, but travel plans might also change because a traveler wants to explore other points of interest that weren’t part of the original itinerary.

Read Travel Advisories

Even if a person is traveling domestically instead of internationally, they should read travel advisories that may contain important information about the destination. These advisories often warn travelers of disasters, conflicts or increased terror alerts. Entry requirements for a certain location could also change because of pandemic-related issues or political changes.

Take Things Slowly

New travelers may be eager to do as many things as possible during a trip, but packing an itinerary too much can cause additional stress that makes traveling less enjoyable. By going at a slower pace, travelers can enjoy each experience more without feeling so rushed. Plus, there will be opportunities to see more during a future trip if a traveler wishes to return to a particular travel destination.

Traveling for the first time can be a more positive experience if travelers know what to do to get the most out of their adventures. The excitement of traveling for the first time shouldn’t overshadow good common sense and the need for careful planning if new travelers want to be successful while exploring a different part of the world.

Great Tropical Destinations to Visit this Summer

If relaxing in a tropical destination is in your future, there are many options available far and wide. Idyllic weather, soft sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes await. But, some locations additionally offer amazing cuisine selections along with fascinating history.

Puerto Rico

The northeastern Caribbean island is also a territory of the United States. Though the island encompasses more than 3,500 square miles, it is considered small in size. A wide selection of powdery soft sandy beaches and crystal waters accommodate families to seclusion seekers. Coral reefs and colorful marine life found beneath the water appeal to snorkelers and divers alike. Take a peaceful hike through the tropical environment offered by the El Yunque National Forest. Scale the vegetation-rich Cayey, Jayuya or Orocovis mountainside for commanding views and photographic moments. Indulge in an adventure by land or by sea. A number of museums and iconic sites provide a glimpse into Puerto Rico’s rich cultural history.

The Bahamas

The archipelago of 700 islands is another destination closer to home, the Bahamas is a mere 50 miles away from Florida’s coast. The many landmasses provide visitors with the option of choosing more populated regions when in the mood for partying and fun. The islands also provide guests with more tranquil and private options. With the visibility extending up to 200 feet, local waters easily attract diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Couples might choose to enjoy a romantic picnic on a secluded pink- sandbar away from other guests. Or, go shopping for traditional island fashion and make a point of indulging in a fish fry. By night, the clubs are hopping with Junkanoo beats to dance the night away.

Bora Bora

Although the French Polynesian island in the South Pacific is popular with honeymooners, the location welcomes all to visit and become immersed in the incredible beauty of the destination. Reserve a stay in a traditional thatched-roof bungalow that rises above the brilliantly white sand and turquoise waters. Explore the coral reefs and gaze upon the amazing sea creatures. Swim with the local rays and other marine life. Hike to the peak of Mount Otemanu or Mount Pahia. Each rises more than 700 feet toward the sky. 

Up-And-Coming Cities Around the World

Any consideration of naming the world’s most up-and-coming, trendiest, exciting, and innovative urban environments in the world must start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its marvelous city of Dubai.

Since the 1980s, few cities have undergone a more astounding and profound transformation. It was about 40 years ago that Dubai officials realized that the future of the UAE would require moving aggressively away from a fossil-fuel-based economy to something sustainable over the long term.

Dubai began a strategic and highly organized process to become the most modern city on the planet. Because it wanted to be a global destination, it chose the tourism industry as its major focus. The latter would be the driving force along with the development of a robust financial sector and a high-tech ecosystem.

Today, Dubai is home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. It soars to an incredible 2,716 feet (828 meters). The city has also constructed the largest solar power generating plant in the world and just opened the largest water desalination plant. The city skyline looks like something out of a futuristic science fiction film.

Furthermore, Dubai has embraced diversity in a big way. This may be a Muslim nation, but all races, creeds, ethnic groups, and cultures are accepted and at home in this wonderfully cosmopolitan location.

Berlin
A good choice for runner-up to Dubai is Berlin. Much of the German capital was bombed to rubble during World War II. What followed was more than four decades of Cold War separation symbolized by the cruel Berlin Wall. But when the Wall finally fell in 1989, Berlin entered a new Golden Era.

Today, Berlin is among the most economically successful, culturally vibrant, and artistically developed cities in the world. This urban area of 3.6 million people has enjoyed a steady influx of young people. That youthful injection brought with it an explosion of art and creativity. 

At the same time, Berlin retains its ancient past. A lot of the city’s oldest structures survived the bombing of Allied Forces or were restored and rebuilt. It makes Berlin a city of deep culture and history combined with the most fascinating cutting-edge cultural and technological trends.

Austin
Finally, one might not think of Austin, Texas, as being in the world-class echelons of the likes of Dubai and Berlin. However, this American city in the Lone Star State is simply one of the “coolest” destinations anywhere on the globe.

Austin is a city dripping with art and culture along with a powerful academic community that draws the best minds, scholars, scientists, and artists from around the world. It is said that if you can’t have fun in Austin, you just can’t have fun.

What Are The Benefits of Hiring a Wedding Planner?

Many women spend years planning their dream wedding in their heads. When it comes down to the reality of tackling all of the many moving pieces and parts that come with planning an event as big as a wedding, however, it can become overwhelming. Having a vision of the finished product is a far cry from making all of the many decisions that go into seeing it become a reality. That’s why, no matter how big or small your event may be, hiring a wedding planner can save you an enormous amount of time, energy, and stress. Here are three benefits to hiring a wedding planner. 

They already know everything you are going to need

Do you know who pays for the rehearsal dinner, how much a wedding will cost you per guest, which bakeries make the best cakes, where all of the best venues are, and how to get the best prices? A wedding planner can help save you an enormous amount of time doing all the legwork you would otherwise have to do, just gathering all of your options before you even get to the point of making a decision. 

They have contacts you don’t

Wedding planners are deeply embedded in the fabric of the wedding industry. They can not only help you find options that fit your budget, but they can also help you get better options on a smaller budget. They may have photographers on tap that will give you a discount or venue managers that can help you secure a date at an impossible-to-book location. Even when they don’t have a specific contact for certain items on your checklist, they still know the ins and outs of getting the best deals. 

They leave you free to just enjoy your big day

No matter how much time you spend planning a wedding, your wedding day itself will be a flurry of activity with dozens of moving pieces and parts. With a capable wedding planner in charge, a bride is free to just focus on getting herself ready and let her wedding planner handle all of the potential catastrophes and disasters. With a capable enough wedding planner at the helm, the bride need never know about any of them.