travel Archives - Page 3 of 9 - Serendipity Mommy

Why You Should Get a Portable Charger Before Traveling This Year

February 27, 2018 by Mandy

If your New Year’s resolution in 2018 is to become a digital nomad, then you need a portable wireless battery charger. The necessity of a portable charger for traveling is obvious to everyone who tries to do work while traveling. Even if you plan to avoid work during your travels, being able to charge your phone everywhere helps you stay in contact with the people at home.

No More Inconveniences Related to Electrical Outlets

The best travel charger is one that works everywhere. With a wireless charger, you do not have to worry about whether the outlets are 110 volts or 220 volts. The same charger will work in every country you visit. Besides, trying to find an outlet for phone charging in an airport is a major hassle. With a portable charger, you don’t have to ration your phone time during a long layover.

Take Backpacking into the Next Century

Backpacking in the 90s was an adventure. You could send paper postcards to your friends, and you would occasionally find an Internet café. Today, social media is an important part of the backpacking experience. With a charger backpack, you can post updates during the train ride from one country to another. You will not have to wait until you get to the next city to find out your friends’ latest news.

A charger backpack is not just great for traveling. You can also use it for commuting to school or work. If the weather gets too rainy or snowy during your bike ride, you can stop indoors and call for a ride. It will not matter how recently you have charged your phone.

Whether you are traveling internationally or just down the street, a charger backpack is a big help.

How To Keep You & Your Family Safe On The Road

February 12, 2018 by Mandy

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Driving seems elementary and second nature when you’re not thinking about it in detail. However, when you take time to digest the dangers of being on the road and all there is to know about driving, it paints a very different picture.

It goes without saying that you love and care about your family and want them to be safe at all times. Therefore, this includes you taking the proper precautions when it comes to driving vehicles. It’s vital that you educate yourself on the various ways you can be proactive with the hopes of keeping everyone in your family protected. Take the matter seriously, after all; you don’t want to deal with any unwanted consequences that are all too common.

Always get the Recommended Repairs

It’s not good practice to ignore maintenance and repairs your car needs. For example, if you drive a SMART car then know the signs of SMART Car Repair and get into the shop right away if any of them show up in your vehicle. Save your money and budget each month for repairs your car may require, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Take the initiative to read up on your type of car and understand what kind of work it’s going to need in the future. Remember to get regular oil changes because this is when the shop can catch a lot of the recommended fixes.

Armored Vehicle

Use your vehicle itself as protection by purchasing an armored car that’s built to keep you safe. This way you can drive freely knowing that other people’s mistakes won’t hurt you and your family. The cars come in all different styles and are prepared to face anything. You can travel anywhere knowing that whatever comes at you won’t harm you. You can never be too safe these days.

Buckle up

Make it a rule that anyone who rides in your car needs to wear their seat belt. This way there’s no question about it when people enter your vehicle. As the parent and driver, it’s your responsibility to double check and make sure everyone’s buckled up before you start driving. Should you get in an accident, it’s likely that wearing a seat belt will save your life. There’s a reason law enforcement puts wearing a seat belt at the top of their list. If there aren’t enough in your vehicle, then you have too many passengers, and you’ll have to make a few trips.

Eliminate Distractions

It’s way too easy to get distracted when you’re driving in your car. Do yourself a favor by putting your cell phone away, having the music at a decent level and making sure the kids are preoccupied, so they don’t bother you. It’s your job to be focused on the road and not on any distractions that may be trying to grab your attention. Get in the right mindset before you start the car and remind yourself that whatever is on your mind can wait until after the car is parked.

Don’t Drive when Tired

Keep you and your family safe on the road by getting a good night’s sleep each night. You not only need to be alert to work and to take care of your daily responsibilities but also for driving. If you’re overtired, then you risk making silly decisions or not having a quick enough reaction time to other drivers. Be honest with yourself if you’re too tired to drive and stay home or have someone else drive or pick you up. While coffee and rolling down the window helps, it may not have the ability to overcome your extreme sleepiness. Your best bet is to focus on getting a decent amount of sleep each night, so you’re ready to seize the day.

Help your Kids Learn how to Drive

Stay safe on the road by getting involved in your children’s driving experience. Teach them the rules of the road and guide them to learning how to drive maturely. Make it clear that they should always have safety first in mind. Take them to driver’s education classes and go out on the road with them to practice. Your support will mean a great deal to them, and you’ll be able to offer them some sound advice and tips. Hopefully, this will mean you won’t panic as much once they finally get their license and they’re free to drive themselves around.

Be A Proactive Driver

It’s not a good idea to sit back and hope nothing bad happens to you on the road. You always have to be on the lookout and watching other drivers and what they’re about to do. You have to anticipate what someone may or may not do and be ready to act quickly. It’s another reason you can’t be distracted or overtired while driving. Being proactive may save you from being involved in a bad accident and wrecking your car or getting hurt. Be smart and attentive whenever you’re behind the wheel, and you’ll have better driving experiences.

Purchase Good Tires

Having good tires on your car is always important. Follow a schedule for getting them rotated and keep track of how long you’ve had them. Bad tires, especially in the winter, are dangerous and put you and your family at risk for hazardous situations. While tires aren’t cheap, they’re necessary and will get you where you need to go safely. Conduct your own tire research before buying a set to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

It’s extremely important always to be safe while driving on the road, especially with your family. Use these tips to help you meet this goal and travel in your vehicle with confidence. All it takes is one small mistake, and you may find yourself in an undesirable circumstance. Be smart, proactive and know that your investment in the right type of vehicle and continuous maintenance is worth it. Remember to be alert and attentive each time you enter your vehicle, and then enjoy your ride.

My Handpan Travel Sketches

December 11, 2017 by Mandy

I am sitting on a big rock on the highest pick of the Carpathians mountain in Romania. All around me I see the greenish blue ranges, like waves in the ocean, and I am in the middle of this beauty. I am on top of the world. I enjoy the smell of flowers and the green grass. The wind is playing with my hair. There is no one around, just me and the world. I simply love this smell of freedom. In my hands, I hold my Tzevaot handpan. The magic sound of the instrument travels up to the sky and back. I cherish the beauty of the moment and disappear in eternity.

Sun is shining so brightly that I almost cannot open my eyes without sunglasses. I am laying down on the crowded beach of the Crete island in the mid-summer. The feeling of total relaxation and happiness is all around. People are having their vacations, they swim and play in warm waters, laughing and having fun, enjoying their summer. And I am sitting with my back to the palm tree, a bit aside from the crowd. Refreshed by the waves and the sudden wind, I take my handpan and start playing. I barely notice people turning their necks to me, amused by the fantastic tunes. I am enjoying every vibe of this hot day. I am feeling so alive.

The smell of fresh doughnuts brings my childhood memories back. I am sitting at the table at a gas station in Ohio, having my morning coffee after the night of driving. My friends are buying their snacks and my girlfriend is laying down on my shoulder. I take out the handpan and start playing. My friends come back with their breakfasts and we all together start singing our road song to the cosmic tunes of the handpan. The gas station owner and elderly African lady grabs a chair and sits with us. We are all enjoying the feeling of togetherness. We are all like one.

I am walking along the streets of London with my girlfriend. Hand in hand, enjoying the morning fog and admiring the beauty of the buildings. London is one of the best cities for family travel by the way. When a drizzle starts, we go under the bridge. She takes out the sandwiches she has made in the hostel, I take out my dear handpan. We lose the track of time, falling into the melody, flying along with the sound over the Thames and all around the globe.

It is a Christmas time. My family is gathered all around the chimney. We sing traditional carols and drink mulled wine. My mother brings her special apple pie that feels the air with the festive smell of cinnamon. My wife is setting the table. “Can you play”, she asks. And I take out my old handpan, releasing the wonderful sounds of mountains and the sea, of a big city and local gas stations, of all the roads in the world and home, my sweet home.

Haris Ahmed Looks at Some of Chicago’s Most Iconic Historic Buildings

November 28, 2017 by Mandy

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Haris Ahmed loves Chicago. For him, it is home. He is from Removille himself, but he knows every part of the city like he back of his hand. Chicago truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is filled with historical and daring architecture, having always been the place to see and be seen. Ahmed has always been interested in architecture, which is why he has completed a piece of research on the most amazing buildings in the city.

Haris Ahmed on the Best Chicago Buildings

Merchandise Mart, the world’s largest trade center and commercial building. So much more than the block of businesses people expect it to be, it is one of significant historical importance. Construction finished in 1930 and the building covers a total of 4.2 million sq/ft. The Mart isn’t just “of the block”, it actually is the block. In fact, it is two entire blocks! It is also 25 stories high and when you see it, you will truly experience the vision of Graham, Anderson, Probst and White, its architectures, who wanted to create a city inside a city. The building truly is unique with is “business boulevards”, featuring a total of 6.5 miles of glass windows.
The Chicago Water Tower, which is the second oldest in the country. It was built in 1869 by William W. Boyington, using yellowing Joliet limestone. It stands at 154 feet in height and has a 138 foot pipe fitted into it. This was historically used to control water surges and for firefighting.
The Wrigley Building, which is perhaps the most famous office building in the world. People call it the “Jewel of the Magnificent Mile”. The building is comprised of two towers with an open walkway in between at street level, as well as two enclosed ones higher up. Graham, Anderson, Probst and White were charged with designing this building. The architect firm paid a visit to the Cathedral Giralda Tower in Seville, Spain, after which the Wrigley Building was modeled. It took many years for completion of these towers. In fact, it wasn’t until 1931 that the walkway was put into place on the 14^thfloor, 11 years after the ground was broken.
Macy’s, originally known as Marshall Field and Company, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1978. Then, in 2005, it became a designated Chicago Landmark. The building is 12 stories high and is made of granite. Construction started in 1892 and finally completed in 1914. It has a Tiffany & Co. mosaic ceiling, multiple atria, and two huge outdoor clocks, symbolic of the store itself.

As you can see, there is fantastic architecture all over Chicago and it has very strong historic links. Men, women, and children walk the streets of Chicago every day and rarely think about the beautiful stories they see around them. Yet, according to Haris Ahmed, taking a minute to really look will quickly reveal the beauty of the city as a whole.

5 items that can easily fit into your bag

October 26, 2017 by Mandy

If you are struggling to balance a busy schedule, it is vital that you always have easy access to your essentials. When you are in a rush, the last thing that you need is to be rooting around for something important. That is why you have to make sure that your bag is well organized. One way to do this is by filling it with items that are small and compact. Instead of stuffing your bag to the brim, there should be plenty of space for everything that you require. If you are searching for inspiration, you will need to read on. Below are five items that can easily fit into your bag.

Hand sanitizer

If you are very conscious about germs, it is vital that you have a hand sanitizer in your bag. Luckily, you can get small bottles that are designed to be carried around. In order to protect yourself, you should use your sanitizer before and after meeting new people. This is especially important if you are required to shake their hand, however, do not do this in front of them as it can come across as rude. Hand sanitizer is also useful for the times that you have to eat something messy or are required to hold a railing on public transport. When it comes to protecting your health, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

A weekly planner

One of the best ways for you to stay on top of your schedule is by planning ahead. Make sure that you keep a weekly planner in your bag. This will ensure that you are always up to date with your appointments. This is also the perfect place for you to keep your important contacts and a check list of all of your tasks for the week ahead.

A small mirror

If you are determined to make a good impression, you should keep a small mirror in your bag. You can buy hand-mirrors that will fit neatly into any space. You should try to choose one that has a clasp case, as this will prevent your mirror from breaking or getting scratched. If you are about to deliver an important presentation or sit in on a big meeting, a discreet mirror in your bag may be just the thing to ward off any insecurities. You don’t want to be thinking about crumbs around your mouth or a mark on your collar when you are trying to keep your nerve.

Your vaping equipment

If you love to vape, you should be on the lookout for vaping products that will fit perfectly into your bag. For instance, you could purchase a vape cartridge that will be ideal for break times and can be easily stored in a work bag. You want one that isn’t too bulky, but also big enough to not become lost in your bag.

Some healthy snacks

In order to keep your energy levels up, you should store some handy snacks in your bag. This is the best way for you to stay motivated and active throughout the day. Try to opt for healthy snacks such as nuts or berries. Unlike sweets and crisps, healthy alternatives are much more likely to give you a sustained release of energy.