Whether you have no credit or bad credit, practicing money management can help you to improve your credit score and get your finances back on track. That’s why we put together a list of the top 5 money management tips for anyone with bad credit or no credit. Keep reading to learn some quick and easy ways you can improve your money management skills today!
Smart Borrowing
Getting approved for a loan can seem impossible when you have less than perfect credit. However, there are lenders who provide bad credit loans to those who qualify. With that said, it’s important to be sure that a bad credit loan is the right solution for your situation. What’s more, make sure you’re fully informed about the terms and conditions before applying. Good reasons to use short-term loans include emergency car repairs, home repairs, and medical bills. Conversely, you should not consider these loan options as a way to afford extraneous vacations, pay for leisure activities, or buy unnecessary items.
Monitor Your Spending
If you want to properly manage your money, you have to first be aware of exactly how much you’re spending and making. This means tracking your spending over the course of months. One of the best ways to maintain control of your finances is to keep a record of all of your spending and incoming cash. You can do this the old fashioned way with a designated notebook and pen, or let your phone or computer do the work for you with a money tracking app or program.
Make a Budget
Once you have a full picture of your finances, you can begin to make your budget. To keep your personal budget on track, it can be helpful to make a list of financial goals and to categorize your spending into subsections like necessities, bills, groceries, spending cash, etc. If this results in leftover money at the end of the month, stick it into a savings account and pretend it doesn’t exist. Over time, your amassed savings can help keep you debt-free and consequently improve your credit.
Stick to Your Budget
Perhaps the most difficult part of creating a budget is actually sticking to it. Many people fall into the trap of creating a budget and never using it, leaving them in the same predicament they started in. A great way to avoid straying too far from your budgetary restrictions is to create lists for shopping and grocery trips. If you can make a shopping list and stick to it, then you can avoid making unnecessary impulse purchases and save yourself some money in the process.
Use Your Credit Card Carefully
Our final tip to properly managing your money is to use your credit cards carefully. This may seem like a given, but it can be challenging for many to know when they should or shouldn’t use their credit card. Credit cards should only be used for purchases that you can afford and absolutely need. Any purchases that do not fit those two requirements should not be charged as they’ll just cause more trouble down the line.
So there you have it. Five tips for managing money with bad credit. It’s plenty to get started, but putting it to practice will depend on your discipline, diligence, and resilience. Do you have what it takes? We say yes. What do you say?
There is a never ending supply of family travel tips out there, no matter what type of travelers you and your family are — from yearly international travel to frequent day trips to your favorite beach or state park. The aim when traveling with the family is always to have a stress-free, exciting and fun time during the vacation. The importance should always be on focusing on the fun, adventure, and unique sights to see.
What do you do, however, when you are looking for easy-to-implement sustainable travel tips that are kid-friendly during your vacations? While the possibilities for eco-friendly travel are endless, the highest focus for sustainable vacation habits should be on the eating habits during the trip and time away. It can be harder to pack, eat, snack, and dispose of environmentally friendly products while on the road with the kids in tow, despite what habits you may keep at home. How do you, and your kids, stay eco-friendly while traveling and exploring the world without sacrificing simplicity and delicious meals?
Here are five of the easiest eco-friendly tips to utilize when traveling with the family and maintaining sustainable eating and recycling habits. It does not have to be a struggle to maintain an environmentally friendly livelihood while living life on the road, and in fact, you might be better off implementing these for health and educational reasons, anyway!
Eco Friendly Travel Tips for Families
Give them a go, and watch how much waste you reduce without sacrificing time or convenience along the way.
Forget the Wrappers – Pack Snacks With Stacking Tupperware
Whether you are traveling by car or by plane, you always need to think ahead on how to keep everyone in the family fed during travel. A lot of those convenient snack packs you may be relying on, or have relied on in the past, aren’t individually wrapped in environmentally friendly packaging material. In addition to clogging your car, pockets, and jacket with trash, you aren’t able to separate what can be recycled and what can’t, and it feels like you’re living in the landfill.
Plan your snacks ahead of time with reusable, stacking and collapsible Tupperware containers. Nuts, granola, dry cereal, dried fruit, and more can all be purchased in bulk and then packed in small Tubberware containers. Sizes range from tiny to family-sized and can be purchased in narrow or tall sizes, whatever fits best for your suitcase and travel bags.
The best part of packing snacks this way is that the snacks stay fresher longer, you have healthier options, and the empty containers stack together or collapse to take up less space. These can also be reused so you can constantly have fresh snacks on hand that are self-contained, easy to access, and don’t result in endless amounts of trash every time the kids have a craving. Forget individually wrapped packets, and pack fresh treats in sealable containers instead to help spare the trash you would otherwise have when traveling.
Reusable Utensils and the Proper Cleaning Equipment is a Must
If you have not caught on to the craze of packing your own reusable utensils yet, now is the best time to do so. Dozens of options are out there for reusable utensil kits that fit conveniently in a purse, fanny pack, suitcase, and more. These kits generally include forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, straws, sporks, and more. You can opt for an all-in-one that has every item, or pick a smaller package option that only provides the utensils you use most.
Whichever pack you pick, be sure you get the one that includes the proper cleaning equipment, like a brush specific to the straw. You can order one for the entire family to share, or purchase a kit for every family member. The utensil kits are inexpensive and often come in a variety of colors, so every family member can get a piece unique to their style, which will mean they’ll care for it more and be excited to use it during every meal.
With one of these reusable utensil kits, you can forgo all the plastic utensils and straws you normally use while dining out. These are also easy to clean with a splash of water or a towel, so you don’t have to worry about dirty dishes — simply pack them back into their case until next time, and do a more thorough cleaning once you are at the hotel or back home.
Pack Your Own Meals for Day Trips and Enjoy a Picnic
If you and the family are not going away for a long trip, pack your own meals instead of relying on dining out or fast food while you are away. A lot of waste during travel comes from constantly dining out and taking home leftovers, or hitting the drive-thru options.
Some simple packing suggestions for easy-to-please meals include deli meats, cheese, and bread for both snacks and sandwiches; your favorite drinks pre-poured into tumblers and kept in the cooler; smoothies; fruit salads; pasta salads; salad; taco supplies for taco in a bag, and more.
With a freezer bag or cooler and some ice packs, you can keep your food stored in reusable containers for hours on end, providing your family with waste-free meal options whenever they get hungry. Plus, these are healthier meals than most other options you grab while on the road. Forget all the paper and waste you get going through the drive-thru, and have fun with a picnic on the hiking trail or on the beach, no waste required.
Pay Attention to Go-To Packaging When Dining Out and Recycle Wisely
When you do dine out with the family during your trips, always pay attention to the to-go containers the restaurant is using. Some packaging materials, like styrofoam, are not eco-friendly at all and can’t be recycled. If a restaurant provides these, or uses plastic bags, try to consolidate your leftovers to a single container, instead of everyone getting a large container for each meal, and pass on the bag.
Other to-go containers, like paper bags or fiber bowls, however, are 100% recyclable and safe for the environment. If a restaurant provides these eco-friendly to-go boxes or paper straws, you can be sure to recycle them once the leftovers are devoured and know they won’t end up in the landfill.
Paying attention to the to-go containers is a great way to measure how you are going to save the kids’ leftover meals and ensure you recycle wisely. Always be aware of what items can and cannot be recycled, and try to reduce the ones that can’t by opting for less waste when you pack your food up to go. It’s a small thing to notice, but it goes a long way!
Traveling Eco-Friendly is a Learning Opportunity, Not a Chore
If taking the small steps to travel eco-friendly seems cumbersome to you and the family, take the chance to turn it into a learning opportunity for the kids by way of a game. By purchasing these materials, packing ahead, and reducing the waste you use in restaurants, you are leading by example for your children and can involve them in the activities.
To make it more interactive and more fun for the entire family, have the kids help pack their snacks, meals, and pick ingredients for smoothies or drinks they want on the road. As you go along the way, ask the kids how they think these changes help the earth. Remind them of the good habits of recycling, and teach them that reusable containers are more sustainable than wrappers and why it matters.
Every place you go on your travels can be an example — a beach trip can be used to help explain the importance of recycling and proper trash disposal to avoid pollution, and flying can help you explain air pollution and how waste has a repetitive cycle. No matter what you are doing or where you are going, use your travels as another way to explain responsibility and the earth’s health to your family. Once everyone is involved, it won’t seem like a chore, but a family bonding experience, and everyone can feel good about the changes being made.
Conclusion
Your eco-friendly habits don’t have to stop when you leave home. Involving your kids as part of the environmentally-friendly process can be an exciting adventure for all of you. Be aware of your utensils, how you eat, and what you pack. There are dozens of creative ways to pack snacks and meals for road trips or flights that reduce waste and offer delicious, healthy treats as a benefit.
When eating out, use your own reusable utensils whenever possible, and double-check what materials can and cannot be recycled when disposing of your leftovers’ packaging. Kids will be delighted to learn about the earth and how they can make a difference with small actions like these. Lead by example and show your kids the wonderful earth while protecting it during your travels. One meal at a time can make all the difference. Happy and safe travels!
Seeing as how young people are more and more interested in preserving the planet for future generations and helping the humans and animals currently inhabiting it, it comes as no surprise that they are constantly on the lookout for exciting and invaluable volunteering opportunities. If you too are in search of some fulfilling work that will help other people and the environment, take a look at some of the top destinations to be considered in 2020.
Keep track of volcano activity in Iceland
With Iceland’s Eastern Volcanic Zone becoming more active recently, local researchers are in need of more data to see why this is happening and to better predict future eruptions. While this area was not hugely populated in the past, it is now home to a power plant and has a growing tourist industry. Due to this fact, it’s not hard to see that the damage that an eruption could cause is much higher. This is where volunteers come into the picture. Your role here would be to document minor disturbances that happen beneath the earth’s surface and thus give scientists a heads-up when it comes to possible seismic activity. As a team member, you are taught how to properly use the research and safety equipment but work is not all you will have to do. This country is full of gorgeous vistas that will leave you breathless and when you have some free time, you can explore the best places that Iceland has to offer, from geysers and hot springs to glaciers and the northern lights.
Spend time with elephants in Thailand
In case you prefer working with animals, you should most certainly consider volunteering in an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. When you decide that this is the right option for you, you must first do proper research seeing as how, unfortunately, not all sanctuaries are ethical. For instance, you need to find a place that trains their elephant keepers and allows elephants to live their lives in peace and as they please. In addition to not providing people with elephant riding, an ethical sanctuary knows not to allow tourists to touch, feed or bathe these animals nor do they use them for any type of performance. Keep in mind that you will not only be working with elephants there, you might also need to do some manual labor such as assisting with construction and cleaning the site. While there are some things you should know before traveling to Thailand, this whole experience will definitely make you feel much more accomplished as a person and you might even get to see some of the unique sights that this country boasts.
Help the wildlife of Australia
Staying on the topic of helping animals, you have probably heard about all the wildlife that has been affected due to the serious fires that occurred in the Land Down Under this season. With such a big loss, you can see how choosing to volunteer in Australia might be a great option for you. Thankfully, due to the size of the country, there are plenty of wildlife parks and sanctuaries you can help out at. From building enclosures and feeding the local animals to taking part in the breeding programs and rehabilitating them so that they can safely be returned into the wild, your services will be highly appreciated. Of course, Australia is also known for its gorgeous cities and the Outback so depending on where you get placed, you can even get to explore the most famous landmarks of Sydney or Melbourne, for example.
Head to South Africa to volunteer with kids
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in helping people, you can opt for some of the poorest towns and neighborhoods in South Africa and offer your services to those in need. There are many nurseries, schools and other childcare institutions that will be more than happy to have you. In addition to providing these kids with the necessary education and teaching them the subjects you are skilled in, you can also partake in sports, games and other extra-curricular activities. If you’re taking a gap year to really experience how the world is and provide help to someone who needs it, this will surely make you a better person and give you memories to last a lifetime.
Build houses in Brazil
Finally, the last destination for you to consider in 2020 is Brazil. According to a 2017 estimate, more than 50 million people in this country live in inadequate conditions. One way how you can contribute to the betterment of their lives is by volunteering in Rio de Janeiro where you can build homes for families with over ten members. For instance, many favelas are full of plywood and canvas structures that don’t even have running water. By helping build solid structures that have both bathrooms and kitchens, you can make a real difference in the lives of these families. While there, you will not only get a chance to learn some Portuguese but you will also have some time to explore Rio de Janeiro and all the amazing places it is home to.
There you go – if you plan on volunteering this year, you should most certainly look into these destinations. From preserving the wildlife to building homes for families in need, there are plenty of ways how you can make a difference. Plus, even if your spot of choice has no places left, you can always find something similar to grow as a person.
Sacramento city is rich in culture and history and is regarded as the easiest city to fall in love with. This city is the capital of California and there is a famous saying that “California begins here”.
Unique Things to do in Sacramento
This city is a true travel destination that is surrounded by productive agriculture. Sacramento city is overshadowed by the glamour and glitz of Los Angeles. It offers a completely different charm than other cities.
Unique Things to do in Sacramento
In every corner of the street in the city of Sacramento, there are fine trees and green areas where you can spend your time and enjoy the beauty of nature. So, let’s look at these top things to do in Sacramento.
7 Unique Things to do in Sacramento:
There are lots of other things too that you can do in this city of Sacramento than just enjoying the true beauty of nature. Sacramento is known for its contemporary culture in California as this city is regarded as the most diverse city in America.
At New Helvetia, Relax with some beers
New Helvetia is known for its famous breweries. Therefore, when you visit this city, you must visit New Helvetia and enjoy having some beers with your friends.
Sacramento is well known for its thriving beer scene, so you must chill in this place with a beer in your hand with music in the background.
Buy Retro Toys At The Art of Toys:
The Art of Toys on all toy stores in Sacramento adds uniqueness in this city and also doubles as an art gallery. You can get a variety of toys in this city which your children will surely love it.
And guess what more? You can purchase your favorite toys at a reasonable price! Isn’t it amazing? Whenever I visit Sacramento, I don’t forget to visit this place, and often mark this place as the best toy shop on my list.
Feast With Your Closed Ones at Broderick Roadhouse:
At Broderick Roadhouse, you will find the best burgers in Sacramento. You will be served with good quality of ingredients at a reasonable price. You will find varieties of burgers, both veg, and nonveg.
Every bite of the burger has an amazing taste that your tongue won’t forget and will surely demand it more. Feel free to add additional toppings to your burger to make it more tasty and crispy.
Visit WAL Public Market for Vintage Gems:
WAL Public Market is situated in the midtown of Sacramento. It sells numerous array of items ranging from rare collectibles to quirky trinkets.
If you are willing to add an extra charm to your home and searching for funky homeware and quality vinyl records then you must visit in this unique place of Sacramento. You can also visit many food stalls at WAL Public Market and spend your great time there with your family and friends.
Visit the Crocker Art Museum:
In the west of America, this art museum is regarded as the longest continuously operating art museum. Those who love artworks then what can be an amazing place for them to visit here.
Crocker Art Museum has numerous collections of International ceramics in the United States. By visiting this place and enjoying its rich artworks you can gain some memories of arts.
Enjoy Your Time At Sacramento Zoo:
Therefore, enjoying the beautiful and impressive zoo in Sacramento is one of the most amazing things you can do in this city of Sacramento.
There is a wide collection of animals and birds in this zoo that after watching them you will be amazed. When you will visit this zoo with your family then you can enjoy more with your children because as we know children love to watch animals and birds more than us.
Book A Show At The B Street Theatre:
This place is recognized as the ‘Best Live Theatre’ in Sacramento. The main purpose of this theatre is to promote literacy and education through their acts.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a show at the B Street Theatre and enjoy your moment. Therefore, this is one of the best unique things that you can do in Sacramento.
Wrapping it Up
Don’t waste your time just laying down on the bed. There are tons of things that you can do in the city of Sacramento. The above mentioned are the best places that you can visit and do some amazing stuff with your family and friends.
It can be hard to find fun things to do to occupy your kiddo’s mind when you are visiting a new city. Well, if you are visiting Seattle, WA, this is the article for you because we’re going to tell you our favorite attractions to do with your young ones.
The Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is a great place for kids. Why? Because it’s like a real-life adventure book.
Your kids can get up close to wonderful animals like sea otters. Sea otters are probably the most fun creature at the Aquarium because they are so playful. They have human characteristics in that they tend to play in groups, float on their backs, and even hold hand, or in this case, paws.
Not only do kids love the different animals at the Aquarium, but the Aquarium also has activities that just will just draw your kids’ attention like a magnet, like the Diver Show. The Diver Show only takes place on the weekends, but they take place three times a day.
Your kids can watch the divers as they tend to the Aquarium, and they can also ask and have questions answered by the divers because they were a specialized face mask that lets them talk with the guests.
If you have younger children, in the 3 to 6 years old range, then you’ll want to stop by the Family Activity Center for Story Time (only on the weekends). For Story Time a staff member pulls a Puget Sound or Pacific Ocean themed story to read aloud, and afterward answer questions with the kiddos.
Ticket prices are free for kids 3 and under, $25 for ages 4-12, and $35 for ages 13 and up.
You can learn more about the history of the Seattle Aquarium here: https://www.historylink.org/File/2203
Ride The Ducks of Seattle
Probably the most fun way to see the sights of the city is on these WWII style amphibious “Duck” boats. They’re called Duck boat because like a duck, these open-air vehicles can travel on both the land and water.
The kids will love the “quackiness” of it. The tour guides, with funny names like Chance O’Rayne, and Chip Ahoy, keep the tour upbeat and lighthearted with family-friendly jokes and encouraging participation such as clapping and even dancing.
The tour prices are family-friendly as well, Child (4-12): $23 and Infant (0-3): $5
You can learn more about the Ride The Ducks here: https://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/seattle-sightseeing-tours/
Chocolate Walking tour
This one is at the parent’s discretion as chocolate is known to turn kids up to 11. So, if you’re up to it, a chocolate walking tour is a blast with the family.
There are three main stops on the tour which are Boehms Candies & Chocolates, Liberty Orchards (they sell fruits, nuts, and candies), and the star of the tour Theo Chocolate Factory.
The Theo Chocolate Factory is the most fun and educational of the three. They explain the entire process from the planting of the cacao seeds to harvesting the beans to the creation of the dark chocolate that every child loves.
Theo also has a Kids Story Time tour. During Story Time the chocolate guide reads from the book Molly And The Chocolate Tree (recommended for kids 2-6).
At only $8 per person, the factory tour is a reasonable price, but then when you see how many chocolate samples they give you, it’s a steal. And if you still want more, after the tour you get a discount on any chocolate purchases made at the factory store.
Artists At Play
The Artists At Play playground is located at the Seattle Center in the shadows of the odd-looking MoPOP. This epic playground boasts a massive 35-foot climbing structure that kids love. There are rope ladders, rope climbing nets, rope swings, and two huge slides.
There’s also a walking maze, and interesting music devices, and a merry-go-round.
The city of Seattle went all out creating the most fun playground in the country where your kids can spend hours. Something to watch out for is the crowds. Due to the popularity of the playground, it can become overcrowded, so your best bet is to get there early in the morning.
And finally, the best part for parents is that Artist At Play is free.
You can learn more about Artists At Play here: http://www.seattlecenter.com/explore/attractions/artists-at-play
The Museum of Flight
Located just outside of south Seattle is the Museum of Flight (it’s also a member of the Smithsonian Museums). If your child has any interest in flight, airplanes, or spacecraft, they’ll love this place. It’s located in what was the original Boeing factory, which is at Seattle’s oldest airport and there are over 160 airplanes and spaceships on display.
Your kids will love the 3D movies on aircraft carriers and full-motion flight simulators. Even the adults love flight simulators.
From rocket engines to lunar rovers, to M-21 Blackbird spy planes, to WWII fighter planes like the “Big Stud”, the Museum of Flight has enough attractions to keep the whole family entertained for a day.
Ticket prices are not cheap, but reasonable at free for kids 4 and under, $17 for ages 4-17, and $25 for adults.
You can learn more about the Museum of Flight here: https://www.museumofflight.org/
Seattle Children’s Museum
This huge museum boasts 18,000 square feet of interactive exhibits for children 6 months to 8 years old. It’s broken up into different sections like the Discovery Bay. The Discovery Bay area is for small children up to 3 years old that can safely touch and play with all the displays in the Bay.
For the little artists in your family, there’s the Imagination Studio. In this area, your kids can paint, make clay pottery and just generally let their creative energy flow.
For the more active types be sure to check out The Mountain, where you can scale a small mountain and learn about some of the native Washington species that call the nearby alpine region of the Cascade Range home.
Ticket prices are free for infants to 12 months old, and $12 for all other children and adults.
Sightseeing in a big city like Seattle with kids in tow can be a challenge, but it’s not that bad. With a little planning and not too much money, you can have a great family day. For tours like Ride the Ducks of Seattle and the Walking Chocolate tour, you’ll want to make sure to call ahead and reserve your tickets. Reserving tickets is not necessary for the other spots on this list, but due to their popularity, the earlier you get there, the less crowded and more enjoyable your family experience will be. Get out there, and have fun!
That time flies by very fast is an inevitable fact that nobody can deny. Apart from all other proofs that we have of this, we can add another one – all the digital nomads, who have in their early twenties tried to make a better living somewhere else (or around the globe) are slowly making their own families, so it’s not only them who is moving to different countries right now, but whole families. The number of expats is growing every year, and there are different speculations to why this might be the case. Some say that it is because of the poor condition in their own country or the inability to progress, others state that it is because they want to travel the world and see what other countries have to offer. Be as it may, China is one of the countries that is welcoming expats families all around the world. In case you have been thinking of moving there with your own family but still do not know how to make a living there at first, take a look at the following expat guide:
Do the necessary pre-planning
Just like any trip, the process of moving to a different country requires a lot of pre-planning. This is especially important if you are moving to a country that is very far away, as not only is it physically far, but the culture is different as well. So the first thing that you need to do is do a bit of reading and prepare yourself for all the things that might end up in a culture shock. Bear in mind that China is indeed a completely unique and different country and that plenty of things will be different.
Accommodation and transportation
Another thing that you should worry about is the accommodation that you will find in China and the transportation that you will use once there. Of course, you will (or you already do) have a place where you will move in mind, so it will be easy to browse for apartments in advance. See the prices, do research on the transportation and the safety of the area. Hong Kong is, for example, a great place for expats as, first of all, it is full of people from all around the world so the culture shock is not that big, and secondly, you will be able to find more opportunities for accommodation. Some parts might be pricier, but you will be able to find places to live at a reasonable price as well. Other parts that you might have in mind are Singapore (also a very popular place for expats), Ho Chi Minh City, and of course, Beijing.
Day-to-day life
If you are not working at an office (which will require your going to work every day), then you will need some activities that will make your stay there feel more like home. Apart from that, it is also important to fill the days of the members of your family who are not working. If you have a kid, a great way would be to opt for a high-quality education center in Hong Kong (for the state of the example), as this place really has some great centers for foreigners. Not only will they be getting proper education for their age, but they will also be learning more about the foreign culture or cultures that they might encounter while living there. As far as the hobbies are concerned, there are plenty of sports and hobby options that you can choose from, both for the two of you (the adults) and the kids.
What you also need to have in mind
Apart from all these essentials, such as accommodation and transportation, do not forget to do research on all the other things, which are seemingly unimportant, but actually detrimental for your stay there. This includes socializing as you will have to think about the places where you will meet new people and hang out. Try to see if there is a group of people from your country there – it is always good to have someone who can help you out. Also, see what restaurants you have nearby as the Chinese cuisine might be a bit overwhelming for you if you’re a newbie (and perhaps your kid will not like everything).
Expat Guide For Family Travel to East Asia
Being an expat is perhaps a big step for you, but it is definitely not something one should be scared of. There are so many people around the world who are trying to see what life in other countries is like, and bottom line – if you don’t like it, you can always return home.
In May of 2016, the Pullmantur Monarch departed from Cartagena, Colombia to return to its Spanish homeport. Every winter, this Mediterranean ship flees Europe for the warmer—and more profitable—waters of the Caribbean. It returns homeevery May.
This 13-day voyage across the Atlantic is called “repositioning.” Repositioning cruises often offer legendary prices. Really. Stunning prices.
In this case, the total came out to about $200—includingtax—for a trip from Colombia to Portugal that included unlimited meals and drinks. Not to mention a stop at St. Maarten, a solid gym, and nightly entertainment.
So what’s the catch? Follow along and find out.
What was Included
4,496 miles
The Pullmantur Monarch took off from Cartagena, Colombia on May 28th and arrived in Lisbon on June 9th. This means the $200 covered what could have otherwise been,at minimum,a $900 flight. Flights can reach $2,000. That is already a win in my book.
Unlimited Food
There were two restaurants onboard the Monarch. One was a buffet that served lunch, dinner, and breakfast; the other was an elegant sit-down restaurant on the first level with 3-course meals and generous wine and cava accompaniment. The sit-down restaurant was also included in the $200 package, so it surprised us that the food was actually very good.
At this sit-down dinner restaurant, the night typically included 4-5 options, with plates like oxtail, steak, and fish. There were pseudo-marriages and jugglers who would come by the table as well.
Yes, the sit-down restaurant included dessert.
Unlimited Drinks
Even the drinks were of good quality! The free stuff included Beefeater gin and Stoli vodka, but you could splurge on Bombay Sapphire cocktails for $2. Bloody marys were also free.
The Digital Nomad Conference
The global community of digital nomadscame together on the Monarch to present and share skills. What is digital nomads, you ask? A digital nomad is a professional who works remotely and is often also defined by living a in a semi-permanent state of travel.
Aboard the Monarch, more than 200 Youtubers, bloggers, and ecommerce operators united under this flag to host conferences with names such as Choose Your Content Strategy.
Fitness
There was not only a gym, but also a massage salon. You had to pay extra for the right to use the massage facilities, but it was worth it.
Entertainment
Cruise ships are seaworthy horizontal entertainment buildings. The Monarch included five bars and a discotech. Not only this, it also had a performance stage with two stories of viewing. Among the performances were plays, tangos, flamencos, and comedy. My highlight was a singer with dreads who played an original song called Gay Black Stoner Jesus.
Pool & Jacuzzi
The Monarch was built in 1991, so we expected a mediocre overall experience, but such was not the case. The ship didn’t have any exciting features compared to more modern ships, which inevitably offer toboggans and VR arcades, but nevertheless, it had the required basics like a central pool and jacuzzi.
What Was the Catch?
A cruise ship injury would have probably had you out of commission, as the medical station was probably 20 years old.
The Vucci Law Group says, “More and more U.S. citizens are opting to spend their vacations aboard cruise ships. The United States Coast Guard reports that there are around 200 overnight, ocean-going cruise ships across the world.
The average cruise ship carries about 2,000 passengers and includes a crew of 950 people. The Coast Guard speculates that more than 23,000,000 people will be cruise ship passengers in 2017. Unfortunately, this incredibly popular vacation option comes with its fair share of risks and dangers.”
More than 44% of these injuries are caused by falls.
Conclusion
If you are a traveler or digital nomad looking for a cheap way to get around the world, repositioning cruises might be something you can look into. The only catch is that you will not have a ride back for six months or more.
What is the best price you have ever found on your travels? Let us know below.
With Iceland’s Eastern Volcanic Zone becoming more active recently, local researchers are in need of more data to see why this is happening and to better predict future eruptions. While this area was not hugely populated in the past, it is now home to a power plant and has a growing tourist industry. Due to this fact, it’s not hard to see that the damage that an eruption could cause is much higher. This is where volunteers come into the picture. Your role here would be to document minor disturbances that happen beneath the earth’s surface and thus give scientists a heads-up when it comes to possible seismic activity. As a team member, you are taught how to properly use the research and safety equipment but work is not all you will have to do. This country is full of gorgeous vistas that will leave you breathless and when you have some free time, you can 
Staying on the topic of helping animals, you have probably heard about all the wildlife that has been affected due to the serious fires that occurred in the Land Down Under this season. With such a big loss, you can see how 
