Hello Elegant World, Welcome to another edition of the magazine that adds a little spice to your life
We all dream of taking a perfect vacation. Unfortunately, most vacations aren't like that for many reasons. Read the following steps to learn how to plan and enjoy the best vacation of your life.
HERE'S HOW TO GO ABOUT IT
Steps
1-
Realize what you want. Do you want to explore? Relax? See a completely different place? There are many different places that you can go to. Some people don't feel comfortable when traveling to places that are too far and different. On the other hand, going somewhere that's too close might make you feel like you're taking a stroll in the neighbourhood.
2-
Plan. Once you choose your vacation spot, you can start with your planning. Don't book a hotel room or a flight too early, because there might be some last minute deals. Use the internet or get some travel brochures to see what the local attractions are, as well. Some places could be dangerous and unwelcoming; make sure to read reviews of places you want to go to and stay in. If you have the choice to choose who you want to go with, think carefully. It has to be someone you like and don't have many fights with. The person you travel with greatly affects your travelling experience. Try to think of things that might ruin the experience (i.e. addictions, different travelling style, etc.)
3-
Book a flight and/or a hotel. This is important, because sometimes those two can ruin an entire vacation. If you've had a bad experience with a certain airline, don't make the same mistake again. As for the flight, don't let any of it get to you. If it's a really bad experience, you can just say that it's technically not a part of the vacation. Find a good hotel that isn't too expensive and is located near many attractions. The hotel might have some flaws, but if it isn't something unbearable, then let it slide.
4-
Avoid stress. There are things that have to be taken care of - just like every other vacation. Don't get it wrong this time; finish things early. If you know that you're always late to the airport, then try to leave the house an hour or two earlier. Also, make sure you have your passport and visa with you if you're going to a different country. Don't leave things for the last minute and pack your suitcase early.
5-
Research. Learn about the place, as there might be some important things that you don't know about. Use Wikipedia and search engines to learn about the local customs. Read about appropriate clothing, tipping, laws, weather, and more. Check the forecast to see what the weather will be like and if the area you will be in might have natural disasters or conflicts that might arise soon. If the place you're going to isn't anything like where you live, make sure to see pictures and videos of the place to avoid culture shock.
6-
Pack. You don't need to bring your entire house with you. Pack things that you know you'll need. If you know you can't live without your mp3 player, then don't hesitate to take it. Packing isn't just about personal toiletries and clothes; it's important to bring things that you'll enjoy as well. Put the items that you use often in your backpack so you'll have easier access to them. Remember to bring extra batteries and all the equipment necessary to make them work throughout the vacation. If you're going on a plane, make sure that you don't put any sharp or dangerous items in your bag (i.e. scissors, Swiss knife, toy gun, etc.). Don't bring a really expensive or unique-looking suitcase, they have a higher chance of getting stolen or opened. Don't pack the things that you might wear. Bring the sort of clothes that you wear now, otherwise, you'll be stuck with a whole lot of clothes that you won't be able/want to wear.
7-
Watch your belongings. These days, there are many things that we need to carry around. It could be cell phones, laptops, digital cameras, and much more. Never let those expensive belongings be out of your sight. Keep them locked in a safe or hidden in a good place. When you're on the street, tie your camera on your wrist so it won't get stolen or keep it in your backpack. Don't leave your luggage and/or backpack unattended, even if you're going for a second. If you're travelling with someone else (who you trust), tell them to watch it while you're gone.
8-
Set realistic expectations. As much as want to have the perfect vacation, we know that the world usually won't cooperate with us. Don't let the small things irk you and ruin your mood, just accept that they happen and move on. Try to see yourself as you are now; don't try to change and become perfect. You need to accept yourself right now instead of imagining yourself as someone you currently aren't and/or will never be. You won't be automatically happy/attractive/perfect the second your vacation starts. If you know that you're not the sort of person that can get up early and walk all day long, then don't expect yourself to be.
9-
Be spontaneous. It's important to plan, but it's just as important to try something new and unexpected. It could be something as big as deciding to bungee jump or something small like trying out some of the exotic cuisine. Either way, you'll have something interesting to do and tell your friends once you do it. Don't be afraid that you might ruin something or be off-schedule. Give yourself some time to do whatever you want and have fun doing it. Don't be afraid to do something you liked doing back at home, either. It will make you feel more comfortable and give you a sense of familiarity. If you find yourself disliking a place you go to, don't hesitate to leave. Try to go to all sorts of different places, not just tourist traps.
10
Cherish the moments. Sometimes we don't realize how happy and carefree we really were until we no longer feel it. Recognize those moments and appreciate them; don't let any of your desires or worries get in the way. Try not to reflect or think too much about how it's been so far or give the vacation a grade before it's really over. Don't give yourself too much time to think about what happened, but give yourself enough to know what to do and where to go. You can take pictures and record videos, but remember to turn them off once in a while. Let yourself be in the present instead of taking pictures of a moment you weren't in for the future.
11
Remember. There are some places that people know they'll never go back to. Some won't come back to keep the memories unique, some understand that they won't be the same, and others just know that they want to keep on going and discovering new and exciting places. Whatever you choose to do, remember this vacation and learn from it. You might just look back at it one day and realize how lucky you were to have experienced it.
It depends, if you like skiing, go to Los Alamos, Red River, or Angel Fire. Just be sure to go at a time where there is enough snow but medium/small crowds. If you are more interested in hiking/physical activities, visit places such as White Sands National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns, or Brazos Cliffs. Make sure to go at a time that is not too cold, but not flaming hot. If you are more interested in history, check out the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, or Loretto Chapel (religious).
Tips-
Learn a few basic phrases and words if you're going to a foreign country.
Don't call/text your friends and family too much when you're there.
Get into their culture, try different foods, different traditions etc.
Try different forms of transportation (i.e. bus, bicycle, roller-blades, cab, underground).
Find out if your friends have ever been to your destination location and ask them for any tips or advice.
You don't have to buy merchandise with the place's name on it to remember your experience. Keep the flight ticket or simple things you found to remember specific moments.
Try to meet and converse with locals if you can.
Always pack what you need, list all your essentials, some could be underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc... Also learn from other vacations, if you are like me, then you have probably forgotten something critical on a vacation. So remember all the critical stuff you need. That way you don't have to go through the hassle of buying extra stuff.
Warnings-
Don't get into arguments or fights with anybody you don't know well.
Stay safe. It's good to discover and see different places, but know which places you should stay away from.
Don't spend too much money. You don't have to be first class or be in a suite to have a great vacation. Let yourself have fun and travel comfortably, but try to stay close to your budget.
Things You'll Need
Passport and visa (for traveling abroad)
Luggage
Digital camera (optional)
Internet (for researching and getting maps)
Money (local currency too)
13 Black Friday shopping hacks: How to shop online like a pro
BLACK FRIDAY IS ON THE 14TH TO 25TH ON JUMIA.COM.NG
18TH TO 21ST ON KONGA.COM
YOU CAN SHOP DIRECTLY FROM THIS PAGE
When it comes to tackling the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales online, there are a number of ways to gain an edge in terms of best products, prices, discounts, cashbacks and other perks - without getting ripped off.
Bargain hunters are expected to spend more than ever in what has become the biggest sales shopping event.
Here are 13 tips to get the most from a day's hard shopping.
1. Spot the 'derivative' deals
inRead invented by Teads
Some products advertised as heavily discounted may not be quite what you hoped for. Companies often release so-called “derivative” products that look very similar to flagship items, but are made with cheaper components or to a lower spec.
This is particularly important for electronic items, where it may not immediately be obvious that internal components are different.
Attention to detail is the only way to combat this. Look closely at model numbers and check the specifications of any item against what you are expecting.
If the discount is huge, get hugely suspicious!
2. Use cashback to amplify your deal
Cashback sites allow you to get money back on purchases. Some stores have their own cashback system - for example, konga.com & jumia.com.ng.
These give you points which can then be redeemed against more shopping.
Other sites give you straightforward cashback on buying flights, holidays, and other purchases. Sites which do this include Quidco and Topcashback.
Some credit cards also give cashback on purchases either at certain shops or everywhere.
3. Set up online accounts ahead
If you’re serious about Black Friday deals make sure you set up online accounts with favourite retailers before the day, storing your details.
4. Haggle using live chat
Even though you’ll be up to your ears in discounts come Black Friday, there’s always a chance you could shave a little more off the price - via online chat.
There’s no awkwardness, you are literally typing your desire for a better deal or discount code into a box.
5. Use a pay on delivery, not debit, to pay
The safest way to spend is to buy then pay when you’ve received the item, rather than you, if the transaction goes awry - is on the debit card.
If the goods fail to arrive or aren’t as promised by the seller’s site, the money might be there hanging, company has a liability and should refund you the money.
If the site is unfamiliar to you or you’re in any doubt, take screen-grabs of the items or printouts, in case you subsequently have to prove to your bank that the item delivered wasn’t what you ordered.
6. Grab an ‘abandoned basket’ discount
Some retailers offer customers deals if they can see they’ve put items in their online shopping basket but not completed the purchase.
This isn't guaranteed but it’s worth checking, especially if you're lukewarm about the item at the offered price.
You’ll need to login to the retailer’s website and and shop as normal. However instead of going through with the purchase, abandon your basket and close the window.
If it works, a few days later you’ll have an email from the retailer enticing you back with money off your purchase.
Retailers who have been known to offer this discount include Asda, Asos, H&M and Waitrose.
7. Check the discount
Just because a website tells you a product is available at a discount doesn’t mean it actually is.
Big retailers been exposed for misleading discount claims.
These include where an item is gradually reduced in price but the discount figure quoted is compared to the "original" price.
A quick check elsewhere might reveal that the sale promoted by an online retailer is actually the same as the non-discounted price somewhere else.
If you know what you want to buy now, it’s worth checking prices today, on a range of sites.
8. Get stalking on social media
Make sure you’re following all your favourite brands on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to hear about offers or further discounts.
Be careful though. There are plenty of fake deals to be found on Facebook and elsewhere.
Make sure the accounts you are following are verified with a blue tick.
Keep an eye on Whatsapp, the messaging app, too. Action Fraud, the cybercrime reporting service, recently highlighted a scam which saw many users receive messages seemingly from their contacts inviting them to click on links to a Sainsbury’s and Topshop deal.
9. Know where you're shopping
Make sure you know that you’re shopping on legitimate websites. It can be easy to be drawn in by an impressive headline-grabbing deal, but you must check before buying that you’re not on a scam website.
Check the web address, if it starts with “https” instead of “http” then it has a certificate that means it has secured customer data.
However, there are different levels of certificate, the highest is shown by a lock symbol and green highlighting in the browser address bar.
Scammers will often set up a website that has a very similar name as popular sites.
Avoid following links sent via email, if possible, and instead type the web address into the search bar.
Review websites can also help to alert you to scam websites or those with poor service. TrustPilot is one easy-to-use website.
10. Use bookmarking to keep track
Organisation is everything.
You’ll be comparing prices across websites, reading reviews and checking email confirmations of purchases.
All web browsers have a “bookmark” function which you can later delete. There are also dedicated bookmarking services – such as Pinboard – that collates bookmarks across different browsers, connect Twitter accounts and, for a fee, has a host of other tools for the ultra-organised shopper.
11. See if Flubit will give you a better price
Flubit is a website which lets you enter an Amazon link and then generates a better price for you.
It can take up to 3 hours for an offer to come through, and once received the offer is only available for a limited period of time.
There are some product categories not covered, and occasionally Flubit admits to you that Amazon has the best price.
Flubit makes its money by acting as a middleman and receiving a commission on each deal it facilitates.
12. Shop around
This sounds obvious, but it's easy to get excited about a discount and fail to check if it's cheaper elsewhere.
A simple google search for the product under the "shopping" tab should show you whether anyone else is offering it more cheaply than the site where you have seen it.
This works particularly well for electrical items which might be discounted or on special offer by different amounts on different sites.
Some price comparison sites will let you do this. For example, My Supermarket will let you look at the prices of items in different shops, including Amazon, high street stores and supermarkets to see which one is cheapest and add an alert for any price rises or falls.
13. Sign up to newsletters
Some retailers will offer Black Friday discounts ahead of time, or exclusive offers, to members or registered users.
Signing up to newsletters or making an account with retailers could get you access to deals ahead of other customers.
It would be wise to avoid doing this on an email address you care about - as you will inevitably incur a large amount of junk emails.
STAYED BLESSED
4-
Avoid stress. There are things that have to be taken care of - just like every other vacation. Don't get it wrong this time; finish things early. If you know that you're always late to the airport, then try to leave the house an hour or two earlier. Also, make sure you have your passport and visa with you if you're going to a different country. Don't leave things for the last minute and pack your suitcase early.
5-
Research. Learn about the place, as there might be some important things that you don't know about. Use Wikipedia and search engines to learn about the local customs. Read about appropriate clothing, tipping, laws, weather, and more. Check the forecast to see what the weather will be like and if the area you will be in might have natural disasters or conflicts that might arise soon. If the place you're going to isn't anything like where you live, make sure to see pictures and videos of the place to avoid culture shock.
6-
Pack. You don't need to bring your entire house with you. Pack things that you know you'll need. If you know you can't live without your mp3 player, then don't hesitate to take it. Packing isn't just about personal toiletries and clothes; it's important to bring things that you'll enjoy as well. Put the items that you use often in your backpack so you'll have easier access to them. Remember to bring extra batteries and all the equipment necessary to make them work throughout the vacation. If you're going on a plane, make sure that you don't put any sharp or dangerous items in your bag (i.e. scissors, Swiss knife, toy gun, etc.). Don't bring a really expensive or unique-looking suitcase, they have a higher chance of getting stolen or opened. Don't pack the things that you might wear. Bring the sort of clothes that you wear now, otherwise, you'll be stuck with a whole lot of clothes that you won't be able/want to wear.
7-
Watch your belongings. These days, there are many things that we need to carry around. It could be cell phones, laptops, digital cameras, and much more. Never let those expensive belongings be out of your sight. Keep them locked in a safe or hidden in a good place. When you're on the street, tie your camera on your wrist so it won't get stolen or keep it in your backpack. Don't leave your luggage and/or backpack unattended, even if you're going for a second. If you're travelling with someone else (who you trust), tell them to watch it while you're gone.
8-
Set realistic expectations. As much as want to have the perfect vacation, we know that the world usually won't cooperate with us. Don't let the small things irk you and ruin your mood, just accept that they happen and move on. Try to see yourself as you are now; don't try to change and become perfect. You need to accept yourself right now instead of imagining yourself as someone you currently aren't and/or will never be. You won't be automatically happy/attractive/perfect the second your vacation starts. If you know that you're not the sort of person that can get up early and walk all day long, then don't expect yourself to be.
9-
Be spontaneous. It's important to plan, but it's just as important to try something new and unexpected. It could be something as big as deciding to bungee jump or something small like trying out some of the exotic cuisine. Either way, you'll have something interesting to do and tell your friends once you do it. Don't be afraid that you might ruin something or be off-schedule. Give yourself some time to do whatever you want and have fun doing it. Don't be afraid to do something you liked doing back at home, either. It will make you feel more comfortable and give you a sense of familiarity. If you find yourself disliking a place you go to, don't hesitate to leave. Try to go to all sorts of different places, not just tourist traps.
10
Cherish the moments. Sometimes we don't realize how happy and carefree we really were until we no longer feel it. Recognize those moments and appreciate them; don't let any of your desires or worries get in the way. Try not to reflect or think too much about how it's been so far or give the vacation a grade before it's really over. Don't give yourself too much time to think about what happened, but give yourself enough to know what to do and where to go. You can take pictures and record videos, but remember to turn them off once in a while. Let yourself be in the present instead of taking pictures of a moment you weren't in for the future.
11
Remember. There are some places that people know they'll never go back to. Some won't come back to keep the memories unique, some understand that they won't be the same, and others just know that they want to keep on going and discovering new and exciting places. Whatever you choose to do, remember this vacation and learn from it. You might just look back at it one day and realize how lucky you were to have experienced it.
It depends, if you like skiing, go to Los Alamos, Red River, or Angel Fire. Just be sure to go at a time where there is enough snow but medium/small crowds. If you are more interested in hiking/physical activities, visit places such as White Sands National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns, or Brazos Cliffs. Make sure to go at a time that is not too cold, but not flaming hot. If you are more interested in history, check out the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, or Loretto Chapel (religious).
Tips-
Learn a few basic phrases and words if you're going to a foreign country.
Don't call/text your friends and family too much when you're there.
Get into their culture, try different foods, different traditions etc.
Try different forms of transportation (i.e. bus, bicycle, roller-blades, cab, underground).
Find out if your friends have ever been to your destination location and ask them for any tips or advice.
You don't have to buy merchandise with the place's name on it to remember your experience. Keep the flight ticket or simple things you found to remember specific moments.
Try to meet and converse with locals if you can.
Always pack what you need, list all your essentials, some could be underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc... Also learn from other vacations, if you are like me, then you have probably forgotten something critical on a vacation. So remember all the critical stuff you need. That way you don't have to go through the hassle of buying extra stuff.
Warnings-
Don't get into arguments or fights with anybody you don't know well.
Stay safe. It's good to discover and see different places, but know which places you should stay away from.
Don't spend too much money. You don't have to be first class or be in a suite to have a great vacation. Let yourself have fun and travel comfortably, but try to stay close to your budget.
Things You'll Need
Passport and visa (for traveling abroad)
Luggage
Digital camera (optional)
Internet (for researching and getting maps)
Money (local currency too)
