Category Archives: Tips
The Benefits of Staycation
A staycation is a vacation that doesn’t involve going off to faraway places. It means doing touristy things in your town or going to nearby places (often not including night stays). More and more families are opting for staycations to enjoy the many benefits such holidays offer.
Here are the benefits of staycations.
Affordable
The biggest benefit of a staycation is that it is affordable. You won’t need to break the bank to go on a holiday. You can plan one as per your affordability.
A staycation can be –
- A visit to a park, resort, fair, museum, cafes, a nearby town, or the beach.
- A picnic, a sports tournament, or baking classes with family.
- A cooking competition at home, movie or game nights, or any fun activity.
You can perform a quick online search to find staycation getaways in your area. For instance, if you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area; use keywords such as DFW staycation or anything similar. You will find tons of ideas for your next staycation.
Involves Less Planning
Face it; a vacation requires extensive planning especially if you are traveling with kids. Planning for holidays can seem exciting at first. But it can also be stressful for parents.
There are lots of items to pack. You will have to wash clothes before you pack them. You will need to buy the items you need during the vacation. If you can’t travel with your pet then you will have to make arrangements for your animal companion. If you are going to a country where certain vaccinations are compulsory; you will need to schedule your shots and pay a good amount for them.
Booking tickets and hotels require a lot of research time to find the best deals. If you are traveling to multiple locations then this task alone can add to your stress.
You can bypass such hassles by opting for staycations. You can even decide on the fly and go on a staycation.
If you like the excitement of holiday planning without the added stress; you can choose to go to a resort or a nearby town for a day. Researching for a good resort in and around your area can be fun. Packing for the staycation according to the activities in the resort can augment the fun further. Online research for cafes, restaurants, and events in a nearby town can also be exciting.
Quick and Easy
You don’t have to schedule leaves from work or plan the staycation around the school holidays only. A staycation is a quick and easy solution for a getaway whenever you need one.
You can plan different staycations over a long weekend. You can plan a birthday or anniversary staycations without needing to overly plan the celebrations. You can even decide one morning to go on a quick trip and it’s possible too.
Better for the Pets
You don’t have to leave your animal companions behind while you go on a staycation. You can plan your staycation to places where you can easily take your pets too. Most resorts are per-friendly these days. You can go to most parks and beaches too with your animal companions.
Even if you are going someplace where your pets cannot accompany you, you can easily leave them at home for a few hours. You can even hire a pet-sitter for the day. When you choose a staycation, you won’t need to feel guilty for leaving your beloved pets behind while you have all the fun.
Loads of Fun
Staycations are fun in the superlative. All you need is to choose the right place to go and you are likely to have a good time – be it with family or friends.
Without the stress of unpacking and washing (loads of clothes) post a staycation, you can chill and have a good time. You can even come home and sleep in your bed after a fun-filled day.
You can choose any activity of your choice and plan the staycation around it. A vacation is not a match to a staycation in so many ways.
So, choose staycation fun the next time you need a getaway break.
Five Reasons to Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort
When people hear all-inclusive resorts for families, they usually turn the other way, assuming the worst. Most all-inclusive resorts offer passable accommodations, watered-down drinks, and half-decent buffets. But this doesn’t mean all of them are bad. In fact, there are specific ways in which you can narrow down your list to find the best all inclusive resorts for families: all it requires is some quality research and a dash of determination.
All-Inclusive Resorts for Families: Is This What I Need?
We all know what the ideal summer vacation sounds like beachy shores, luxurious drinks, and endless buffets. This, of course, is possible when you’re on your solo trip or on a romantic vacation with your better half. What happens when you’re with the rest of your family? What if you have children under the age of 5 who need constant attention or are fussy eaters? What if you have closed-off teenagers who would rather be locked up in their rooms with their phones all day? How does one go about planning a “family vacation” that is ideal for all members of the family without any context? Enter: all-inclusive family resorts. This truly is the solution for all family vacation troubles and has been dubbed a lifesaver by many families.
What are the Benefits of an All-Inclusive Resort?
Now, let’s walk you the benefits of choosing the best all-inclusive resort for families!
A Budget Ballpark
If you’re the financier of the family, only you know the stress of funding a family vacation. The bigger your family is the more stress. But that’s the best part about all-inclusive family resorts. You have a fair idea about how much you’re going to spend before even booking tickets. They have all activities, hotel stay, food, and others covered- so you can not only avoid additional last-minute costs (which trust me, happen all the time with families) but you can also plan an itinerary of what to do each day of your trip. This is particularly beneficial for those who like to be prepared (rather than living in the moment). Needless to say, if you’re also on a budget, an all-inclusive resort is definitely the way to go because of the many offers they have. Just make sure not to go for the cheapest option without perusing through their list carefully!
A Plethora of Activities On Board
One of the most daunting challenges on a family vacation is keeping all members of the family entertained. This is where the best all-inclusive resort for families works its magic. You can avoid disagreements between family members on which activity to choose because guess what, there are a tonne to choose from! Basically, it’s your call. Your family can either be together or have the freedom to choose the activity they really want to partake in. Parents, this is also where you can squeeze a little “alone time” from the kids!
Kiss Goodbye Your Nannies
If you think a family vacation is a full-time job for parents, you can finally have some time for yourselves at all-inclusive resorts for families. Almost all of them have free, supervised kids’ clubs where your kids can enjoy and interact with other kids their age. If you were thinking of bringing your nanny along for your trip, you can let go of that thought. Spend some quality time pampering yourself: it is a vacation, after all
Do the Unthinkable
One of the most underrated benefits of an all-inclusive resort for families is that there are plenty of fun-filled activities they have in store for you. For instance, at a normal, expensive resort, you’d find paddleboarding at $50, so you’d prefer not to try it. However, at an all-inclusive resort, this expense is most likely covered. You’ll try new things because you paid for it- and it’ll be worth it!
No More Fussy Eaters
All parents know how difficult it is having children who are fussy eaters. Going to a nice, fancy restaurant might be good for you, but you have to find something kid-friendly on the menu. Thankfully, all-inclusive resorts for families typically have buffets: so your kids can choose to eat what they want to eat! Give them a break about their vegetables, by the way- they’re on vacation (and so are YOU!)
Why Staycation is the New Vacation for Every Travel Lover?
You’re probably wondering what the big whoop about “staycationing” is these days, as everyone is talking about it. Not only that, but there are also a billion different staycation ideas that have taken over the internet that people really seem to enjoy. Have you ever tried staycation yourself? Do you know what makes it so convenient and why people gravitate towards it so easily? Let’s find out!
Let’s talk about staycationing in Fort Worth Texas, a lovely place with plenty of picturesque views and idyllic landscapes. One of the top priorities on any staycation idea is to make it seem like a vacation when you’re really just touring your own city of residence. In Fort Worth, there are a thousand different ways in which you could grab the rest of your family and plan a perfect day out with them: be it at an amusement park, a cozy little cabin rental, a lakeside picnic, and more. Where you want to go is a call you’re going to have to take, but in reality, staycation Fort Worth is just so much more feasible, than say taking a trip to Paris. Not only does it bolster impulsive traveling but it also promises a fun day out, exploring the hidden wonders of your precious city.
Staycation Benefits?
This is a fair question. What is it about staycations that make it so perfect?
The Perfect Mini Vacation
Staycations are the perfect get-away when you need a break from the monotonous routine you follow every day. Let’s say you’ve planning a trip abroad and have been saving up for it. But for some reason, you just can’t seem to squeeze in a week or two into your busy schedule. Here’s where a staycation in Fort Worth would be very beneficial. Let’s say you pack a gourmet picnic lunch, assemble the rest of your gang and head out to Candleridge Park or the Fort Worth Water Gardens for a fun day out with your loved ones and good food. This is the break you’ve been craving for months, and even though you are in your very own city, it feels like a vacation from your daily grind. Staycations in Fort Worth are becoming increasingly popular of late.
A Wallet-Friendly Solution
One of the best things about a staycation in Fort Worth is that it is economically feasible by all! You don’t need the financial aid to spend money on a lavish trip because you won’t be spending more than a few hundred dollars (if that). This is ideal for those who just can’t seem to put together enough money for a big family holiday, but just enough to get far away from the house with your family and friends and spend a quality weekend soaking up the wonders of Fort Worth’s beauty!
The Perfect Bonding Session For Families
If you’re thinking of ways to bond with your teenage children, remember planning impromptu staycations in Fort Worth is a great place to start. For instance, take them to some of Fort Worth’s famous farmer’s markets- they may not like the sound of it at first, but there’s definitely something very intriguing about it! Fort Worth is loaded with fun farmer’s markets, and share with your kids the stories of how you would hit the farmer’s markets with your canvas tote or wicker basket back in the day!
There’s So Much To See
The next time you have a few weeks off from work, make sure you take time to explore the hidden gems of your precious city. We talk about staycations in Fort Worth because there are so many options! Those interested to spend some time with mother nature, there is a plethora of green parks, water gardens, and botanic gardens. Tip: bring some delicious finger foods with you to munch on while soaking up the serene beauty of it all! Or better yet, rent a kayak and get out onto the lake, sprinkling your day with fun-filled water sports activities. Grapevine and Eagle Mountain Lakes are known for its endless lakeside entertainment!
Of course, if you have children, don’t leave amusement parks off your list because it’s the only place ideal for the endless enthusiasm of childhood. And of course, lastly, if you just want some quality alone time with your significant other, book cabins to rent in the great Smoky Mountains, or an all-inclusive resort for your family. The list is endless and the possibilities of a good staycation in Fort Worth is a click away!
Step by Step Guide on How to File for an IR1 or CR1 Spouse Visa for a Foreign Spouse
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visas are immigrant visas issued to foreign spouses of US Citizens. After the US citizen spouse files (and has approved) the proper petition with the USCIS, the foreign spouse will complete the visa process completely outside the US. Upon approval and once issued, the foreign spouse may enter the US with their visa and pass through the arrival Port of Entry, where they will become a Permanent Resident immediately. They will receive a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) in the mail at their US Address within a few weeks. The process for applying for a CR1 Spouse Visa is as follows:
Who is eligible to apply?
U.S. citizens legally married to a foreign national may petition for an IR-1 / CR-1 visa. If the marriage is less than two years old, the consulate will issue a CR-1 Visa (and if longer than two years it will issue an IR-1 Visa). The primary difference between these two visas is that a CR-1 Visa will result in a Conditional Permanent Residency (requiring a petition to be filed later to lift this conditional status) versus an IR-1 Visa resulting in full Permanent Residency upon arrival in the US by the foreign spouse.
Forms Needed to File for an IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa
The following forms are needed while filing for a Spouse Visa:
● The payment as required by USCIS.
● Cover Letter. Should include a description of what you are petitioning for (I-130), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.
● Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
● Copy of the full Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen’s passport. This is used to establish citizenship.
● A copy of petitioner’s proof of naturalization. (If applicable)
● A copy of petitioner’s proof of permanent residency. (If applicable)
● A copy of the intending immigrant’s birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English) (no longer needed)
● A copy of your marriage certificate (If not in English then again get a translation)
● If either you or your spouse was previously married, submit copies of documents showing that all prior marriages were legally terminated (court certified copies of the petitioner’s and/or intending immigrant’s divorce documents).
● A copy of a prior spouse’s death certificate. (If one or both of you were married before, and the prior spouse died)
● Two passport-type photos of the petitioner.
● Two passport-type photos of the non-US Citizen spouse.
● Form I-130A: Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary
● Evidence of a bonafide marriage
What constitutes a bona fide marriage?
The USCIS now requires that when filing an I-130 for a spouse that you include evidence of a bonafide marriage. They list examples of acceptable evidence as:
● Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or
● A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or
● Documentation showing co-mingling of financial resources; or
● Birth certificate(s) of the child(ren) born to you, the petitioner, and your spouse together; or
● Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship (Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner or beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or
● Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.
Mail the I-130 Package to the USCIS
You should mail the completed form(s) to the proper USCIS Lockbox (Note the location & PO Box address for your filing type: stand-alone). Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS.
What happens after filing for the Visa?
A few weeks after you have sent your petition to the USCIS, you will receive a Notice of Action (aka NOA) letter indicating that they have begun processing your I-130 application. A while later, you will receive a call for an interview for the visa, upon passing which your spouse should be able to gain entry to the US permanently. Thus, the process of filing for an IR1 Visa has been demystified.
Tips for Finding the Best Holiday Travel Deals Online
The internet gives us access to just about anything we can imagine. This includes finding flights, trains, buses, hotel rooms, and rental cars that we can use to travel for the holidays. While most of these entities are more expensive when you travel over the holidays due the demand, you can still find some good deals if you take the time to look.
You will generally find that you can save the most money on holiday travel if you purchase a complete package deal. This is less expensive than buying each piece that you need individually. It also provides you with only one confirmation number that you need to keep track of instead of several different ones.
There are literally hundreds of sites online where you can look for holiday travel deals. You can search by your destination in a search engine or choose the various sites you have heard about. It is a good idea to keep a list of the sites you visit and the prices you are coming across. This way you can compare the prices and easily remember where you want to go back to.
Most of the time fares will be cheaper online than by contacting the place directly because it saves their business time of having to set up the travel arrangements for you. Make sure you carefully read all of the information though because some travel deals have hidden costs that you don’t want to be liable for. You also need to check into the cancellation policies and about rescheduling your trip.
Some online travel deals don’t offer any refunds at all so if a family member dies or you have an unexpected illness you won’t be able to get your money back. Even if you show up late for your flight because you got caught up at security they won’t honor your purchase. This can be extremely risky because there are too many variables that can affect holiday travel.
Make sure you also pay close attention to the amount of time that you will be in the process of getting to your destination. You may find a killer price but it isn’t going to be worth it if you have several connecting flights and layovers along the way. Look for direct methods to get to your destination whenever it is possible. There are simply too many delays during holiday travel to ensure you can get to those connections on time.
Many of the sites you visit online will allow you to sign up for special offers and promotions. You should take advantage of these offers so that you don’t have to continually return to their site to check for changes in prices. Some of them even allow you to enter a price so that you can be notified if the price of the trip you want drops to that price. For those that can only afford holiday travel if it fits a specific budget, this is a valuable feature.
During your search online for holiday travel, be flexible with your dates. You will be able to save hundreds of dollars just by being willing to leave a day earlier or leaving in the evening instead of the afternoon. Those that want a specific travel arrangement will find this ties them into more expensive offers. Even if you travel a day earlier and have to pay for a hotel room that extra night you could save hundreds of dollars.
It does take some initial planning of where you want to travel and how you are going to get there in order to find the best travel deals. Investing a few hours of your time in getting the best price though is well worth the savings you will get from it. Millions of people travel each year over the holidays but some of them pay more for the same trip because they didn’t look for holiday travel deals online.
Choosing The Best Travel Accommodation
There are many things to consider when choosing your travel accommodations. The decision could make your trip fun or a disappointment. Choosing the right hotel is a must. Most travelers spend more time in airline ticket reservations and bargains but less time in choosing the right accommodations. Thus they may end up on the wrong side of the bed during their stay.
To get the most out of your hotel accommodations, remember to book as early as possible and make your dates more flexible. Hotels that specialize for business people will consider weekends as off season. Family vacationers could tap into these special packages during weekends. Primarily, you should choose your hotel based on name, amenities, features, price, packages and location.
Here are some considerations in choosing your best travel accommodations:
1. Accommodations should be family-friendly. Always ask if your hotel offers children activity areas with educational and fun activities supervised by duly-trained care-givers.
2. Your hotel should provide a swimming pool for children, daycare service, crib rental and child-proof electrical outlets.
3. Stay in a hotel that has electronic room-key cards and has a security viewer installed on their doors.
4. Make it a priority to choose a room on the upper floor.
5. If you’re the one who likes to spend more time in your hotel room and the balcony, you should ask for the available amenities and the conditions of the surrounding environment.
6. Depending on whether you’re on a private or business trip, ask your hotel about the availability of laundry service, hair dryers, coffee makers, newspapers, free meals, fax machine, bar, cable television, parking, shuttle service, internet connection, etc.
7. The hotel property layout and its location may speak more of its surrounding environment. Noisy locations such as construction on adjacent property, car traffic and noisy waterfalls are not specified on hotel flyers. So be sure to ask about it.
8. Beautifully landscaped surroundings with trees, flowers and inner courts also enhance your travel pleasure. Moreover, gift shops and restaurants all add up to a wonderful travel experience.
9. The location of your hotel with respect to main attraction is equally important. It could save you money on taxi and bus fare.
10. Make sure that the room service is provided 24 hours a day.
11. Check out the room itself. Is it brightly colored or classical? It sets the mood of your travel.
In order to get the most out of your travel, whether for business or family vacations, be sure to know everything about the hotel you are planning to check in to. Ask friends and relatives who have been there. Don’t just depend on the hotel’s webpage which is undoubtedly biased. Having to stay in a hotel which you don’t like could ruin your trip.
How to Save Money with Cheap Travel Deals
You must consider some critical aspects when it comes to getting the cheap travel deals. Some of these include van or car arrangements, hotel accommodations, cruise or flight charges etc. while you are going out on a vacation. Each of these small components can help you save big with the travel deals these days. Let us look into how you can benefit from the cheap travel deals for your abroad or inland travels.
When you look online, you can find cheap deals for a particular destination that includes cruise discounts, hotel accommodation and air travel discounts. You will be amazed to find discounted special rates for bargain hotels with free nights and breakfast; it may also include local sightseeing fees and special cruise that are given in single packages. These cheap travel deals can be a great way to save money and have fun while travelling.
Rental cars are available at competitive prices until the price of gas goes up again. Tourist destinations and hotels are going GREEN with increase in environmental awareness. Some hotels supply foods that are grown through natural farming procedures. These ensure you retain a healthy body, free from any disease while travelling.
Cheap travel deals come with different names like leisure packages, weekday specials, weekend offers and the last minute deals. It is essential that you do research to find out the time when you get the maximum discount. The discount rates tend to vary on the basis of seasons, destinations, and popularity of the attractions. Plenty of travel agents are offering integrated leisure packages to some of the most exotic locations. If you are going for a vacation on an off season, you can expect to save up to 60% of the travel expenses with such cheap travel deals. If you are a last minute planner also, you will benefit immensely from the cheap travel deals.
In case you are looking for the last minute deals, you need to be flexible in terms of the schedule and timing.
You can subscribe to the e newsletters for regular updates and follow them on the social networking sites as well.
However, you get the best discounts when you book in advance.
You can get nearly hundreds of cheap travel deals today on the Internet. So, make sure to compare the different deals and find the one that suits you the best. A well planned tour will not only allow your family to have a wonderful time ahead, you can also make some big savings as well. So, these are some of the vital travel tips and tricks you need to keep in mind to get the best offers and discounts. Most of the travel deals online come for a limited period. So, make sure to avail of the discounts before they close.
