travel Archives - Serendipity Mommy

6 Life-saving Business Travel Hacks

February 18, 2021 by Mandy

Business travel is an important aspect of building your career, therefore, if you’re an ambitious professional, chances are you’ll have to take a business trip at least once in your career. In some cases, business trips are well-organized to perfection, while in others, an individual who travels is supposed to take care of accommodation and transportation. So, if you happen to be in such a situation, then here are some business travel hacks that will help you have a comfortable and productive trip.

If possible, arrive a bit early

If you’re travelling to a place you’re not familiar with, such as a new city or even a country, then arriving a bit earlier is definitely sound advice. First, trips may generally be full of surprises, so it’s important to have some room in case of a traffic jam or late departure. And if you give yourself more time, you’ll be free to organize your stay, and maybe even explore your surroundings before the business meetings.

Find the right type of accommodation

Usually, travelling for business means you’ll be staying in a hotel, often provided by your employer. However, in some cases, you might need to organize your own accommodation, and if that happens, then you should find a place that will suit you. There are fully serviced studios for rent that are trendy, yet perfectly intimate, especially if you want to have a comfortable experience while travelling for business. The accommodation mattes a lot, since it’s a place where you’ll be resting in between the business meetings and other endeavours.

Organize your gadgets

We live in the digital age, which means it’s very likely you’ll bring some of your favourite gadgets with you. Aside from a work laptop and your phone, you might also pack an e-reader, a tablet or any other gadget that you personally prefer. However, if you’re bringing gadgets, it’s essential to keep them well-organized and charged. That’s why you should also pack a multi-device charger, and a power bank is another good idea, especially if you’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Don’t neglect your health

Even if you’re travelling for a couple of days, it’s important to not neglect your health. Business trips can be exhausting and hectic, which is why you should bring your first-aid kit, just to be sure. Your kit should consist of pain relievers, cold meds, a few plasters in case of a cut or a burn and a pain-relieving cream if you get burnt or suffer a mild rash. If you’re going to be out of the country, then also, make sure to bring travel health insurance, so you’ll be able to get proper medical help in case something more serious happens to you.

Never throw away your receipts

Your receipts matter, mainly if you’ll need them for tax season, and if that’s the case, then you should keep them organized. Throwing them away might be tempting, but keep in mind that they might be of value a couple of months in the future. Therefore, make sure to store them in a place where they won’t be lost, and you’ll be able to find them with ease. Scanning the receipts after coming home is a good way to keep them in place without the fear of losing them.

Pack your suitcase accordingly

First, you should check the weather forecast before going on a business trip, that’s for sure. Then, you should pack your suitcase according to the weather and occasions. If you’re expected to spend time in the meetings, the business attire, or at least, business casual should definitely be on your to-pack list. Also, if you’re planning to spend some time sightseeing, then it’s important to pack some casual and comfy clothes (and footwear!) so you’ll be able to enjoy yourself to the fullest.

Conclusion

Travelling for business means you’ll likely have time to enjoy yourself for a bit, so it’s essential to prepare for some sightseeing or maybe even shopping. However, your work should be your sole focus, and everything you do should reflect that. This is why these useful hacks will help you prepare properly, meaning you’ll have a fulfilling and productive business trip,

RV Travel Hacks For Moms

January 26, 2021 by Mandy

Travelling around the country or simply head off for a short yet sweet camping adventure with your best and littlest friends is no easy task. As a mother, you have so much to remember and plan for on a daily basis, you’re likely already pretty equipped to take on the challenges of a camping trip with the whole family along for a ride. There are, however, a couple of travel hacks that are going to help you on your way and make that upcoming adventure as smooth sailing and as successful as it possibly can be! These are as follows…

Your Camper Trailer is Your Best Friend

Firstly, never forget the value that your camper trailer has when you’re out there on the road with your kids. It’s your home away from home, protection, shade, bed, kitchen and bathroom all in one! Treat it with care and maintain it meticulously to ensure that your camper trailer is fighting fit all year round, not just when you’ve planned to take it out for a spin.

And if you’re still in the process of buying your first camper trailer or replacement for your old one it would be wise to first learn about different options you can choose from and learn different advices on owning one. There are variety of resources online like Cub Campers that can help you make smart decision on the type of camper that suits your needs.

Bring the Car Seats

Bring the car seats along to ensure that your kids are safe and secure whilst you’re driving to your chosen destination. You can strap those small ones in and be confident that they are nice and safe even when you’re tackling off road terrain! An adventurous spirit should never come before safety and security, so stayed prepared for any rocky roads or varying surfaces with your car seats, even if they are met with groans about being too old for them.

Sneaky Storage Solutions

Storage is a family’s finest asset! Try to prioritise smart storage solutions such as decanting your toiletries and kitchen essentials, rolling clothes instead of folding and minimising the amount of unnecessary clutter that tends to build up in your camper trailer packing collection overtime. Even the smallest storage adjustments can make a big impact in the long run, so don’t disregard the power of tweaking the smaller details.

Separate the Grown Ups’ Packing from the Kids’

You don’t want to have to fumble through toys, wipes and first aid just to try to find your keys or phone charger, do you? No! You spend the rest of your life doing that anyway! Make sure to separate your kit from your kids’ belongings to make finding your bits and bobs easier.

Bring Entertainment

A big mistake a lot of parents make when they take their kids camping is they ditch all forms of entertainment in an effort to get their children to embrace the great outdoors. The intention is great, but the execution? Not so much. If you want to get rid of the screens, that’s amazing, just be sure to bring plenty of arts and crafts, books, music and games to keep those active minds stimulated during downtime, evenings and bad weather days.

Pack Plenty of Food

This is an obvious one, but it is so imperative that it deserves a shout out every time you’re hunting for camping tips. Pre-plan every meal that you’ll be tucking into, bring plenty of dry snack and try to keep your breakfasts cold, dry and easy to eat to take a lot of work out of at least one of your meals.

Remember Your Own Relaxation

Lastly, please don’t forget that this getaway is as much for you as it is for the rest of your family! It is so easy to put everyone else before yourself and focus on everything going brilliantly instead of actually relaxing, but you really should. A relaxed, rested and happy parent is as important for your kids as an amazing trip is.

Finding Good Deals in the Holidays

December 14, 2020 by Mandy

As the holiday season approaches, you may be wondering how you can give your family a wonderful Christmas, while still making ends meet. Even though increasing your income may be important to you, you can also achieve your goals by learning to become more frugal with your money. One of the ways to achieve this is by learning which sales can help you save the most money on gifts, decorations, and food.

There are some sales that you can expect to pop up throughout the year, while others seem to be featured at random in stores, such as when clearing out old stock. By looking at the patterns from previous years, and keeping your eye out for these offers, you can potentially get everything you need at a lower than average price.

Gift Buying

If you have a large family, buying gifts can be an overwhelming event. Being able to find something for everyone, without spending every last cent, can sometimes feel incredibly challenging. By sticking to a budget, and asking for ideas within that limit months beforehand, you can spread your purchases out over the months, rather than fitting a lot into a short amount of time.

You can also make the most of how stores price their items, looking for the best deals. Sites such as Wicked Uncle have great value products at reasonable prices throughout the year, meaning you may not have to wait for a designated sale period to make your purchases.

Known Sale Periods

Throughout the span of the year, there are certain periods of time where it is near enough assured that reductions will take place. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the periods after Christmas are known to have reductions, especially on the holiday-related stock. By keeping track of when these dates are set for, and putting in the time to get to the sales as quickly as possible, you can be in for some big savings. It may involve waiting in lines, either online or in store, but the payoff can outweigh the work involved.

Preparing for the Following Year

Some people start preparing for the following Christmas as soon as the previous one has ended. Due to the reductions in wrapping paper and popular children’s toys that come about in January, many organized individuals like to get as much of a head start as possible. This then leaves them just under a whole year to collect the final presents, as well as to buy food. Not only does this allow for some hefty savings, but it also gives you a much longer period to save up money again.

Having a good holiday season does not need to be synonymous with being broke. If you can get a little clever about how you prepare and shop, you can put some money back in your pocket, which can be spent on a New Years’ bash, or simply added into a savings account to help it grow even more.

Tips for Planning a Much-Needed Mommy Getaway

November 26, 2020 by Mandy

There’s no denying that the pandemic has put a tremendous amount of pressure on mothers. Taking extra precautions to safeguard the kids’ health and safety, tending to their emotional needs during these uncertain times, ensuring they keep up with their education, and maintaining the financial means to provide has been anything but simple. Whether you have the support of family and friends or you’re going it alone, chances are you’re at your wit’s end.

If you’re going to continue to be the rock that your kids need, you have to find time to cater to yourself. What better way to tune into your needs than a mommy getaway? More than just a proper diet, regular exercise, a decent night’s sleep, and doing things you enjoy, a solo trip gives you that much-needed break you need to recharge and rejuvenate.

No Excuses

The idea of taking a trip alone has likely got your mind all over the place. How can you take a trip and leave the kids home? How are you going to find the funds to afford a decent getaway? Chances are, you’re thinking of everything possible to talk yourself out of this excursion. However, if you’re going to have a good time, you need to pump the brakes on the excuses. The reality is, you need this trip, it’s not selfish, and you can plan a getaway on a budget.

Decide on a Budget

Don’t allow something like limited finances to ruin your mommy getaway. There are lots of ways you can plan a relaxing trip on a shoestring budget. You can opt to travel to neighboring cities or states, take your car instead of going on a plane, and find free and affordable activities instead of splurging on entertainment. Having a travel budget will ensure you can still meet your financial obligations.

Find a Sitter

Unless you want to spend your entire trip worried about the wellbeing of your children, you’ll need to find someone you trust to watch them. You not only want to find someone that’s available on your travel dates, but you want someone who will put the needs of your kids first. Start by asking close relatives.

Keeping the pandemic in mind, it is best to select family members that are the least exposed to the coronavirus. Asking your sister, who’s a nurse, for example, might be a bit risky. However, your parents have likely been sheltering in place and are, therefore, a safer bet. As you never know what could happen between now and your mommy getaway, ask someone who can also serve as a backup in the event, something goes wrong with your first choice.

Make Arrangements for Work

Whether you’re an essential worker, a remote employee, or operating a business from home, securing the workplace before going on your getaway is ideal for enhanced relaxation. Before your trip, you should ensure that you have tied up any loose ends on projects and assignments you have outstanding. You should also delegate tasks and even consider designating an employee or manager to run things while you’re gone.

Plan Your Getaway

Now that you’ve removed all your excuses and covered your responsibilities, you’re ready to plan your getaway. Based on your budget, decide where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and what you’ll do once you arrive. The best part is you get to select things that bring you joy and comfort.

You can lay out on the beach with your animal print bikinis and soak up the sun for a few days. If you have the funds for it, you can treat yourself to some new outfits with a nice shopping excursion. If you’re interested in exploring the arts, history, and culture of a destination, try visiting museums and participating in community events. Another option is to focus on health and wellness with a relaxing retreat.

No one has been pushed to the limits more than mothers amid the pandemic. Though the challenges continue, finding a way to escape for a few days is ideal. A mommy getaway is just what you need to release some tension, unwind, and enjoy yourself despite all that’s going on. A fun and relaxing trip will not only make you feel better, but it will put you in the best position to continue being there for your family when they need you most.

5 Luxury Destinations You’ll Want to Start Saving for Today

November 23, 2020 by Mandy

You scroll through your social media and see these influencers posing in incredible destinations. From tropical backdrops to enjoying a drool-inducing continental breakfast in a metropolitan city, you dream of one day visiting these destinations.

And you deserve to go one day!

Everyone needs a trip in their life where they treat themselves to no end. You work hard taking care of yourself and your family, now it’s time to be rewarded. These are some of the most luxurious destinations in the world that you’ll want to start saving up for starting today.

The Maldives

What if you could spend a week waking up to the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean in your bungalow? You feel the sea breeze flow through your window as you sip on your coffee and eat fresh fruit while staring down into the clear water watching the tropical fish swim carelessly.

This can be your life in the Maldives! There are plenty of resorts that make vacationing in the Maldives easy – most of them are all-inclusive so you get even more bang for your buck.

Tokyo, Japan

If city life is more your vibe, then you’ll definitely want to go to Tokyo. Coming from the West, you will experience an exciting culture shock with the customs, food, atmosphere, fashion, and more in Japan.

You’ll be overwhelmed with neon lights, specialty sushi, advanced technology, and the gorgeous cherry blossoms of the countryside. There is no place in the world like Tokyo where you can experience all of these things!

Paris, France

The city of romance is the epicenter of European culture. For a laidback city vacation surrounded by art, incredible architecture, designer brands, and exquisite cuisine, Paris is the luxury destination for you.

Spend your days sipping on espresso and eating croissants while touring the Louvre and soaking in the gorgeous culture that is Paris. Enjoy a continental breakfast overlooking the Eiffel Tower for the ultimate luxury experience.

Santorini, Greece

White buildings with royal blue roofs is what Santorini’s towns are made up of. Enjoy authentic Greek yogurt, exquisite olive oil, and sweet Greek treats as you soak up the sun on this incredible island.

Filled with culture and history, you get a little bit of everything in Santorini. It’s the perfect combination of an island destination and a European town. Rent a boat for the day and explore the blue waters or book a photo shoot to capture your memories forever.

Seychelles

This gorgeous island is located in the Indian Ocean of the coast of East Africa. With luscious rainforests, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters full of exotic wildlife, the Seychelles feel like heaven on earth.

Stay in a resort for the ultimate luxury experience and be catered to all hours of the day. Enjoy an afternoon or snorkeling and then an evening massage. The only thing that would make this experience even more luxurious is a private jet rental to and from the Seychelles.