Search…

Want to Optimize Your Retirement Travel? Here’s How

Retirement is the best time to start traveling and exploring the world to make up for the time you spent working and meeting deadlines. Most retirees have a fixed budget so it’s good to save… CONTINUE READING >> 

Retirement is the best time to start traveling and exploring the world to make up for the time you spent working and meeting deadlines.

Most retirees have a fixed budget while traveling so it’s good to save enough to avoid over- spending or taking out unnecessary poor credit loans, which end up becoming a burden later in retirement.

It is advisable to start traveling soon after retiring, when you’re still in good health, with a lot of energy and morale. It also prevents you from spending your traveling savings on other unplanned events.

Ways to Optimize Retirement Travel:

• Slow travel

Slow travel is convenient for retirees because you spend more time traveling and less of your savings. You also tend to spend more time at planned destinations, which means you get friendlier rates. Most hotels in tourist destinations will give you better rates if you are staying longer.

• Recreational vehicles

Driving yourself around different destinations is another great option to save you money. You get the chance to visit national parks and see other beautiful places your destination has to offer at your leisure, while still making significant savings.

Drive-yourself options come in different packages with different levels of comfort. You have the advantage of choosing which level of comfort you prefer.

You also save on meals by cooking in your own kitchen instead of going to a restaurant. Save the money you would have otherwise spent on room and board by parking and sleeping in the recreational vehicle.

An RV has the added convenience of carrying any amount of luggage you need at no additional costs. Bring your own entertainment so you don’t get bored and save.

If you don’t travel by RV, consider bringing your own tents and camping gear as an alternative for sleeping in the car.

• Extended city visits

Nowadays, it is easy to book long stays or vacations at any destination of your choice. Most retirees tend to book cottages rather than hotels, where you get significant discounts, especially in the outskirts of a big city.

Do your research before making any commitments to find out what amenities are offered by the place you choose.

• Train travel

Train travel is another comfortable option that will cost you less than flying. You get to explore the route’s fascinating sights at no extra cost.

When opting for train travel, consider factors such as hygiene and sleeping arrangements if you have special needs. It is advisable to carry your own snacks to avoid spending on expensive options sold onboard.

• Round-the-world flights

This is another way you can explore the world. Having a full itinerary planned out is much cheaper compared to planning on your way. It allows better budgeting because you can predict when each portion of the trip starts and ends. Round-the-world excursions allow you to optimize retirement travel costs by minimizing the costs of day-to-day travel.

• Retirement cruises

These are great choices when you want to save on everyday living expenses while traveling.  Once you’ve chosen the destinations you’d like to visit and the cruise package, the rest is taken care of, including meals and round-the-clock age-appropriate activities.

On the cruise, you visit more than one destination with stops at different ports, making significant savings on overall travel costs. An added advantage is the opportunity to meet and interact with people of the same age from all over the world. If you are a retiree looking for adventures on the sea, then think about a retirement cruise.

• Travel rewards

These are points and miles you earn from credit cards, bonuses, regular spending, frequent flying, and vacationing. Most retirees earn these rewards while still in the workforce accumulating points to use for their retirement travel.

Financial advisors recommend paying off your credit cards and other debts to benefit from the rewards and avoid high penalties from accrued interest and late payment fees.

• Skip the rental car

Consider booking accommodations near where it’s easier to use public transport like the locals do. In larger cities, you can book hotels a walking or cycling distance from places of interest.

While using public transportation, you may be afraid of getting lost, but technology has made it easier for travelers of all ages. Use Google maps or check online for directions. Most tourist destinations listed online will have directions and a contact you can use to ask in case you lose your way.

Bonus Tips to optimize retirement travel on a budget

For most people, traveling means cutting back on luxuries and extra expenses to afford a vacation. You might have to forego that new car to go on a trip to Hawaii. It also means you have to forego expensive clothing, among other things, even reducing the number of times you go out to eat.

If you are a retiree with modest means, but still want to experience the joys of travel in your golden years, here’s a list of ways to optimize retirement travel on a budget.

 Early Planning

If you have specific destinations in mind, planning early might help you get better deals. Early bookings come with significant discounts and perks. It also helps if you start saving before retirement so you have a good amount to spend on travel.

Shop for discounts

Shop for discounts and cheap travel options. Some airlines have special packages for retirees traveling on a budget. You have to be careful with these, as some come with extra costs.

Look for value-added accommodation

When shopping for your board, search for cheap motels and hotels that offer free breakfast or free transportation to and from the airport.

Save on food

For some retirees, trying exotic cuisine is a big part of traveling, but eating out can dent your travel budget. Look for grocery stores and purchase supplies to pack your own snacks and picnic baskets whenever possible; it’s healthier too.

Another way to cut on food costs is by splitting meals and ordering appetizers. You can also shop for your own drinks to keep the costs even lower.

House sitting/house swapping

With retirement, comes a certain expectation of comfort, since your couch surfing is well behind you. Consider house-swapping. There are lots of sites that facilitate safe and simple swapping for seniors.

Take flattering pictures and list your property to show it and choose from the available options to swap. The fee charged on these sites is low compared to paying for hotel rooms.

House-sitting is also a great option for those who don’t own property. If you have pet allergies, look for homes without pets, as taking care of them is often part of the package. Similar to house swapping sites, house-sitting sites charge a membership fee. You might also have to prove your dependability and ability to care for a home.

Use Bargains and Benefits

While most retirees may not feel or look like seniors, sometimes it is good to use this to your advantage. You can get senior discounts in most tourist destinations, so do not be afraid to ask if it saves you some money. A small discount here and there adds up to significant savings.

 Financial advisors warn against unnecessary withdrawals in order to save on money and avoid impulse spending.

It’s even better to stash your vacation money in a different account and access this only when you need it. A clever trick is to make use of consistent paychecks withdrawals at regular intervals while traveling in retirement, which helps you avoid overspending.

Traveling can be difficult, but with these tips, you can optimize your retirement travel. Happy retirement traveling!

Tips for Sighting-in your bow

Something that separates the amateur target-shooter from the professional is the ability to accurately sight in a bow… CONTINUE READING >> 

To take up archery, all you need is a sense of adventure. To bring it to the next level and become a pro takes serious skill. Something that separates the amateur target-shooter from the professional is the ability to accurately sight in a bow.

A sight is a device using pin(s) or other marks as a reference point for shooting your arrow, giving you an extra edge in hitting that bullseye., Sighting-in is just a term for adjusting your sight so that it helps you land your target.

I’ve written these steps for multi-pin bow sights used with compound bows, but they can be applied to any type.

First Things First

Make sure that your bow is tuned and your sight is properly installed. You want to do that before jumping into anything else. You also want to make sure that all adjustable features are brought to mid-point.

Try to be in the same posture, location, and position every time you adjust and shoot your arrow. It’s important that your anchor point is constant throughout to make sure that that your arrow quiver is at hand so you get the most of your sight.

Starting Shot

We recommend starting off with a large target that can be seen at least forty yards away.

For a multi-pin sight, the first adjustment you’ll be making is with the first (top) pin, usually designated for a distance of10-20 yards.

Set up and mark the distance between you and your target. Since the bow is not properly sighted yet, the first shot should be relatively close to the target (around 10 yards). If you’re just starting out, you might need multiple shots to get a better picture of where you’re venturing off.

Two things to keep in mind is how far right or left you land, as well as how high or low.

One method you can use is as follows:

Windage – The windage scale determines how far left or right your pin will be sighted-in. It should be adjusted first, before elevation. One tip for determining the correct windage is to put a large piece of tape vertically across your target. See which side most of your arrows land.

Of course, if your arrows end up landing on both sides of the line, you will first need to practice your form and make sure that your bow is tuned. Before moving on, your arrows should at least land on the same side of the tape.

It is necessary to adjust your pin in the direction of error. (Note: this is the complete opposite of adjusting a snipper). In other words, if your starting arrow(s) are too far to the left, it is important to move your pin to the LEFT. This is called “chasing the error.”

Elevation– After the windage has been properly set up, the next step is to determine the correct elevation. The sight box can be adjusted to move the sight up and down. Most models come with micro-adjustable wheels that will allow you to do this with ease, but others will require screws.

This time, place a piece of tape horizontally across your target. Aim directly at the line and see where your arrows land. If they are too far up, you would move your sight UP. If it is too low, you move it DOWN.

Only slight adjustments should be made if you are already close to the target. Slight changes can make huge differences as to where your arrow lands.

Setting additional pins

Each pin must be sighted-in individually. Meanwhile, you are pretty much done for a one-pin sight. The convenience in this is that you’ll never choose the wrong pin when you make your aim.

You’ll also get a clearer, more straight-forward picture, making it easier to concentrate on your aim. On the other hand, multi-pin sights allow you to have a pin for multiple distances without needing to adjust every time.

Here are some things to keep in mind.

 1. Use the first pin to gauge the placement of your second and subsequent pins.

Step back an additional 10 yards. Use the first pin as a reference and see how far off from the center your arrows land. Change the windage and elevation accordingly. If your aim is good, you should see that your second group will land quite close to the first. You’ll just need to make slight adjustments to the sight box to land right at the center. If you have any axes on your sight-box, it is important to adjust them here before moving further.

 2. The second pin should be the anchor of your sight and remain where it is.

Once you have placed the second (30 yard) pin at the right location, you want to keep it there and leave it alone. During the rest of your sighting-in routine, refrain from touch the sight housing or this pin in particular. Focus only on the pins below. If you don’t, you might also screw up the one above.

 3. After setting the second pin, move all other pins without moving the sight box.

With the 40 yard pin and further, you can sight-in just as you did with the first. However, since the second pin is set in place, all you want to do now is move the pin itself. In most cases, the distance between 30 and 40 yard pins should be greater than between 20 and 30 yard pins.

 4. Re-test.

It’s a good idea to move back to the 10 yard mark and shoot your arrow again. This is to make sure that you’ve not moved the top pin by accident and are ready to go.

Sight Axes (If You Have Them)

Certain bows used by competitors also come with adjustable sight axes. This can give you maximum accuracy that is not found with other sights. Axes usually come with sights used for targeting and 3-D shooting, usually as a set of three.

1.    The first axis allows you to spin your sight around a horizontal line (top to bottom).
2.   The second axis allows you to spin your sight clockwise and counterclockwise.
3.    The third axis helps to stabilize your bow, allowing to to be vertically aligned for any shot position. It is most useful if you are shooting uphill or downhill.

The steps above may seem like a lot but once you get the hang of it, they will become second nature. You will fly by them and work your aim like a pro. The steps are also much simpler if you are just using a one-pin bow sight. All you need to do is locate the one pin on your sight based on the distance you are shooting.

The convenience in this is that you’ll never choose the wrong pin when you make your aim. You’ll also get a clearer sight picture that is straightforward. in fact, both amateurs and professional archers have said that single-pin sights make it a lot easier to concentrate their aim.

On the other hand, multi-pin sights give you the advantage of being able to place a pin for various distances without further adjustments. They can also serve as rangefinders for hunting purposes.

It may take a while to practice sighting your bow, but with the proper step-by-step approach, you will master it for good.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

5 Must-see Top Attractions in Romania

There are hidden gems of Europe that are worth visiting and Romania is one of them. With many hidden natural wonders and sights, Romania is one of the best places to visit if you are planning a trip… CONTINUE READING >> 

When you are thinking about a vacation in Europe, popular countries like Italy, France, Greece and Spain are the first to come to mind. But there are other hidden gems of Europe that are worth visiting and Romania is one of them.

Romania is one of the countries with the most diverse biogeography in Europe. From the 2,500m high Carpathian Mountains covered in snow until late Spring, to the Danube Delta which is Europe’s largest wetland area and the Black Sea where you can to relax on fine sand beaches, Romania has it all. There are many hidden natural wonders and sights that make Romania one of the best places to visit if you are planning a trip to a lesser-known destination so here’s a couple of suggestions on what not to miss:

The famous region of Transylvania

Transylvania is mostly known for being home of Dracula, but this region in central Romania offers much more than that and tourists that chose to visit it are in for a big treat. Bound by the Carpathian Mountains in the South, West and East, the region of Transylvania offers many attractions and places to visit. Set up base in the cities of Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu or Brasov and start planning your trip. And don’t miss the chance to go on tours in Transylvania countryside where traditional and authentic Romanian village life is well preserved to see what a simple, far from civilization life looks like.

Turda Salt Mine

This mine turned musem and amusement park is included in the top 10 must-see underground places in the world and is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. The first salt exploitation was started 2,000 years ago by the Romans and since then the mine has had many uses throughout history, including a bomb shelter in WWII. Measuring about 400 feet in depth, Turda Salt Mine has been transformed into a breathtaking underground theme park. There’s minigolf, bowling, a Ferris Wheel and even a lake where you can practice your rowing skills. And did you know that breathing salty air is good for your lungs?

Hoia-Baciu Forest

If you’re looking for an adventure that will send shivers down your spine, the Hoia-Baciu Forest near Cluj-Napoca is the place for you. Locals consider the forest to be haunted as it got its name from a shepherd that once entered with 200 sheep and never returned. In the 1960s a UFO was sighted and photographed above it and this added more even more hype – or terror, to the forest’s reputation. Nevertheless, the forest is a popular choice for travelers and daring campers in search of adventure and mysticism. The forest presents some very peculiar vegetation with trees growing in spirals or bending in unnatural ways and a large circle-shaped area where nothing but grass seems to grow.

Transalpina Road

Though not as famous as Transfagarasan Road, Transalpina Road was built during the reign of King Carol II and is also known as King’s Road. Located between Sebes and Novaci, after a steep climb during which your car’s strength will be tested, you emerge on a road going over plateaus and mountain crests at 2,200m altitude. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the road has many twists and turns and is a must-do for any passionate driver. Due to heavy snowfalls in the area, the road is closed during Winter so the best time to visit is during Summer or Fall. Some people even go camping in the area as Parang Mountains are among the wildest and beautiful in Romania. When planning your drive on Translapina Road start early in the morning so you have enough time for stops to admire the views, but also at local guesthouses serving delicious traditional Romanian food.

Retezat National Park

Speaking of camping and mountains, Retezat National Park in South-Western Romania is a popular choice for traveler interested in hiking in Romania. Reaching a maximum altitude of 2,509m at Peleaga peak, the park is one of the top destinations for hikers thanks to its impressive landscape of untouched nature and challenging trails. It is also home to one of the last pristine forests in Europe with 130 rare species of plants, 120 species of birds and 55 species of mammals. The Park is also known as the “Blue Eyed Land” thanks to the 80 glacial lakes it hosts, including the deepest one in Romania Zanoaga (95.1 feet) and the largest Bucura (21.8 acres). That’s why the 3 lakes hiking trail is the most popular!

Mud Volcanoes

First discovered in 1867 in an attempted search for petroleum, this peculiar natural attraction is about 2h away from Bucharest and is protected by law since 1924. The Mud Volcanoes are both a geological and botanical reservation due to the rare plants found in the area. The explanation behind the phenomenon is quite simple actually: gas coming from 30.000 meters underground goes through a layer of clay and then water, thus forming mud that is pushed to the surface almost constantly. In time small cones resembling the shape of a volcano were formed and now the ‘volcanoes’ are almost always active. Due to heavy deforestation in the area, the place looks out of this world, similar to the surface of the Moon – which makes it one of the most photographed areas in Romania.

Danube Delta

After passing through ten countries and four capitals, the Danube River finally reaches the Black Sea in Romania forming the largest and best-preserved delta in Europe. Rated 3rd of the top 300 natural reservation in the world due to its ecological importance and biodiversity, the Danube Delta is home to more than 300 species of birds and a paradise for ornithologists around the world. Only around 15.000 people live in the area thus preserving its wilderness, with accommodation and transport being usually provided by locals with boats that can navigate the canals. The Danube Delta is also the home of Romania’s largest aquarium hosted by the Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Museum Center. A rare finding for this part of the world are also the ancient forests found on the small islands of the delta, where subtropical vegetation grows among sand dunes surrounded by white lilies. Letea Forest is the most popular and you shouldn’t miss it!

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

How to Travel Between Scandinavian Countries

The region is known for Viking adventures, breath-taking natural beauty, modern cities packed with history, well defined Scandinavian culture and style… CONTINUE READING >> 

Scandinavia is a geographical and historical region covering a large part of Northern Europe. Extending from above the Arctic Circle to the North and Baltic Seas, Scandinavia includes the following countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland

The region is known for Viking adventures, breath-taking natural beauty, modern cities packed with history, well defined Scandinavian culture and style. Scandinavian capitals are popular with tourists all year round with nearly every Scandinavian city offering something unique and attractive.

Best places to visit in Scandinavia

Although Scandinavian countries are often seen as one similar region, they are all uniquely special.

The common thing about all of them are happy, cultured people, knowing foreign languages and sincerely welcoming you to their country, ready to introduce their fascinating cultures. However, the main reason you should be visiting Scandinavia is the breathtaking dramatic landscapes and natural wonders you will hardly find elsewhere in the world.

So if you’re thinking of heading to the region, what should be the places to visit in Scandinavia on the top of your list?

The Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock. It is one of nature’s unique rock formations and is the most famous viewpoint in Norway included in probably all Scandinavia travel packages.

The Atlantic Road, Norway should be at the top of your list of amazing highways if you look for exciting drives. The curved Atlantic Road takes you through an archipelago of islands on the western coast of Norway.

Ice Hotel in the town of Jukkasjärvi in northern Sweden is a unique and very special experience.

Lofoten Islands, Norway offer landscapes which look as if they could only have been created by the most imaginative of game designers.

Geirangerfjord, Norway is the most spectacular Norwegian fjord featured in every Scandinavia travel guide. With cliffs on both sides and several awe-inspiring waterfalls, Geirangerfjord is very beautiful and offers some of the most exciting hiking trails in the world.

Where to go in Scandinavia to get the most of the region?

If you have a limited time for traveling it is an important question. Planning a trip on your own is an exciting experience but time-consuming and requires a lot of knowledge. A better option is to rely on Scandinavia travel packages designed by professionals offering the best places to visit in Scandinavia.

How to choose a tour to Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a popular destination, and there are numerous tours to choose from. Any guided group Scandinavian countries tour is a perfect way to explore several countries at once in an affordable yet comfortable way. Even relatively cheap Scandinavian tours offer to explore the region in style. If you choose a guided tour according to your wishes and interests, you can travel with a bit of luxury and relaxation. Although it is not a bad idea to travel on your own visiting the main points of interest you want to see; the Northern Lights hunt trip has to be trusted to the experienced professionals. You can find a huge supply of Scandinavia Northern Lights tours offering this experience but be wise and choose the tour provider who has a reliable reputation to be sure you will be taken to the best destinations for witnessing this fantastic natural phenomenon.

How to Save Money on Travel

Often the primary obstacle that stops us from a trip to Scandinavia is the cost.

Scandinavia can be expensive if you are not careful about how you spend your money. A trip to these countries can be pricier than to other areas of Europe, but if you know a few things how to save money not compromising on your comfort and experiences, you can have a perfect Scandinavian vacation without draining your family’s savings.

First of all, you should know when the cheapest time to go to Scandinavia is.

If you want to save on your trip to Scandinavia whether traveling on your own or purchasing a tour package, “shoulder-season” is your option. Late May, early June, and September can be pleasantly warm, especially in the south, but less touristy and therefore,  hotels may be lower priced,  airlines will have better deals, train and bus tickets between cities have lower rates and the sightseeing tickets are often discounted.

Book ahead and be flexible with flights. The smartest time to book your trip is a few months in advance. If your dates can be flexible, that will make a huge difference in booking a tour package, renting a car, booking hotels and your flights.

Want to explore Scandinavia and get the best bang for your buck? An off season group tour is the best the way to go.

Get ready. Scandinavia is waiting for you!

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

What Are The Best Tips You Have For Raising A Daughter?

Daughters are gifts from heaven that we should always be thankful for. If you have a daughter, you are doubtlessly the luckiest parent on earth… CONTINUE READING >> 

Daughters are gifts from heaven that we should always be thankful for. If you have a daughter, you are doubtlessly the luckiest parent on earth.

Nevertheless, you need to know that raising a girl child is not a stroll in the park.

If you raise your girl while impacting negative behavior, rest assured that she will not grow to be the woman you would have wanted her to be.

In case you are the type of parent who believes that pinching and spanking your daughter will solve a few disciplinary issues, then be ready for a violent woman she  grows up.

Well, what if you pamper her? After all, she is as cute as a doll! Doing this is the worst mistake you can make. She will grow up knowing that she is too special, and she might not grow to be that confident and morally upright woman the society needs.

So, what do you do? How do you raise a happy, confident, and independent daughter?

Here are some things that you need to avoid at all costs!

Don’t focus too much on her looks

The reason why most girls end up hating their body is because their parents focused on their looks from the outset. Just because society cares about appearance should not make you force your girl to be what she can’t be. You should understand that children have different body types; thus when you see your neighbor’s daughter looking good in a certain hairstyle or outfit, don’t force it on your girl.

Some parents will even force their daughters to cut weight so that they can look good. They will put them in a certain diet plan so that they can ‘look good’ in the eyes of others. Well, this is an injustice to the girl! She might grow up hating her body, and having low self-esteem as a result.

Never let the opinions given by others make your daughter believe that she can look better. Always encourage her to accept herself as she is!

Never avoid uncomfortable talks

You like listening to your girl when she is talking about things like Yabadoo kids parties, how school was, and other childish things. But when it comes to things that involve adult talk, you avoid them like plague. If you want your daughter to grow as a responsible person, let her learn things like sex, puberty, and relationships from you.  Let her see you as a resource to turn to whenever she needs help. This is doubtlessly the most prudent decision you can make for your daughter’s future.

Avoid focusing too much on the wrongs

As a parent, don’t dig too much into the wrong things that your daughter is doing. Your duty is to prepare her for adulthood. Therefore, envision how your girl will look at 30, and endeavor to make her that woman today. Of course, correct mistakes, but don’t do an injustice of not praising and rewarding good deeds. Advise her where you can, and if you are religious, praying for her will not hurt!

Do not expect her to be like you

As parents, we always want the best for our children. However, we need to give them the power to choose what they want to be from the word go. Therefore, don’t expect your daughter to be like you. If she is different, let her be!

Never avoid coaching her on relationships with men

Peer pressure will make your daughter believe that she has to have a boyfriend for her to be valuable in society. Well, ensure that you help her get rid of such beliefs, and then advise her on the type of guy she should date. Don’t wait for her to start dating so that you can give her some advice, because you might be too late to save her from bad relationships. Stay ahead of the game. Continually give her advice, and when she grows up, she will doubtlessly make the right decisions!

Raise your daughter to be a woman of value with these tips. Best of luck!

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Why the Train is the Most Beautiful Way to See Eastern Canada

Rail travel in Eastern Canada offers a unique perspective and an unforgettable travel experience. From French-Canadian chateaus to historic harbours to pristine national parks, there’s so much to discover… CONTINUE READING >> 

If the rugged coastline, brightly-painted fishing villages and historic outposts of Atlantic Canada are tugging at your heartstrings – there’s no better time to plan a trip.

The best way to experience this remote and beautiful region? Take the train through Eastern Canada.

Rail travel in Canada offers a unique perspective on this destination and an unforgettable travel experience. From French-Canadian chateaus to historic harbours to pristine national parks, there’s so much to discover.

Travel Through Serene Scenery

From the peaceful rural communities on the south shores of Quebec to the brightly painted clapboard houses of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, it’s hard to take your eyes off the scenery here. The train cars often fall silent, as passengers stare out the window in awe at the unfolding views.

Train travel means you’ll see eastern Canada from a different vantage point. The train route is older and cuts through remote swathes of the countryside where the roads don’t.

Via Rail’s “Corridor Train” travels from Windsor to Quebec City, bringing you to the heart of some of Canada’s most exciting cities in between stretches of pretty countryside. Via Rail’s “The Ocean” is a 24 hour sleeper train between Montreal to Halifax, through the rolling farmland and coastal communities of the Maritimes.

When you reach the endless sparkling expanse of the Atlantic, you’ll travel along the coast through quiet seaside towns perched on the rocky coastline. Sip your morning coffee as the sunrise gives the waters of Chaleur Bay a warm, pink glow.

Taste The Best of Eastern Canadian Cuisine

Melt-in-your-mouth Nova Scotia lobster. A juicy Montreal smoked meat sandwich on rye. Poutine with fresh cheese curds and hearty brown gravy poured over thick-cut fries. Fluffy pancakes smothered in pure Quebec maple syrup. Flaky French Canadian tourtiere, a ground beef, pork and game pie infused with herbs and spices.

A trip across Eastern Canada will allow you to enjoy these unique flavors. Plus, when you travel via train you’ll be served meals on board so you can dine while you watch the landscapes roll by.

Learn About Canada’s History

Eastern Canada is home to the earliest settlements in Canada and it has centuries of fascinating history to explore.

Travel through the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, where most of the locals are descended from the first French families who settled Canada in the 17th century. Take a tour of Quebec City to hear over 400 years of historic tales. Learn the stories of several generations of Canadian immigrants at the Pier 21 museum in Halifax.

The past really comes to life when you travel by train, as the on-board hosts weave stories about local history throughout your trip. Many of the staff on The Ocean train are Arcadian and are passionate about their heritage.

Sit Back and Enjoy  

One of the nice things about traveling Eastern Canada by train is that you won’t have to worry about finding your way from point A to point B. Unlike a road trip, you don’t have to look at a map to pay attention to your route. You can simply sit back on the train and relax, concentrating fully on the scenery.

While you watch the lakes, rivers and forests go by, you’ll be pampered by Via Rail staff with everything from wine tastings to live music. Train travel is so much more enjoyable than a self-drive vacation.

Plus, your train trip will be more social as well. During the journey you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and bond over card games and conversation.

See These Unforgettable Highlights

An eastern Canada train will take you through some of the best cities in Canada.

Montreal

A city with one of the best food scenes in North America, a year-round calendar packed with festivals and a fantastic art community, Montreal really knows how to enjoy the good things in life. While Toronto is the economic capital of the country, Montreal is undeniably the cultural capital. As well as its cultural offerings, it boasts a wealth of stunning historic architecture, such as the glittering Basilique Notre-Dame.

Quebec City

Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico. It’s narrow, winding cobblestone streets and 17th-century buildings are a living museum of early French Canadian settlement. With the ornate facade of the Chateau Frontenac standing proudly above it all, when you take the train from Montreal to Quebec City you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

Halifax

Wander into any cozy Celtic-inspired pub in Halifax and you’ll find lively tunes and plenty of friendly smiles. This breezy seaside city has a bright happy vibe, especially along the busy historic waterfront. One of the most important cities in Canada’s history and a common point of first arrival for many new Canadians, it boasts impressive museums such as the Citadel Hill National Historic Site and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

Tips for The Perfect Eastern Canada Train Trip

Bring card games or good old fashioned paper books to entertain yourself while on the journey – there may be remote sections of the route where WiFi is not available.

The best time to visit Eastern Canada, hands down, is the early autumn. In September/October the weather will still be warm and the changing foliage will be at its most spectacular.

However, be sure to avoid Labour Day weekend (held on the same weekend as the equivalent holiday in the USA). This is a popular travel weekend and you’ll be faced with heavier crowds and higher prices.

Customize your train travel experience to suit your interests. For example, if you love history be sure to leave extra time for museum visits and architectural walking tours. You can also add on day trips, wine tasting tours, whale watching and other experiences to create your dream trip.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

7 Misconceptions About Drug Addiction That Aren’t True

Here are several misconceptions about drug addiction that have infected our society…

CONTINUE READING >> 

There are a lot of falsified comments, opinions and downright lies—which are spewed as facts—about drug addiction and addicts. It’s downright baffling. Here are several misconceptions about drug addiction that have infected our society.

1. Prescriptions

One of the most popular myths permeating peoples’ heads is that prescription drugs aren’t addictive. The fact is any drug, whether it’s given to us by a doctor or a street dealer can be abused. Of course, you could make the argument that the pharmaceutical industry is full of legal drug dealers. This is doubly so when prescribed drugs are taken by people they weren’t intended for.

2. Drug Addiction Is A Choice

Because my mom smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 9 months, I was born an asthmatic – and I loved cigarettes. Without knowing it, I was born addicted to cigarettes. It wasn’t my choice to be addicted to them, but it was my choice to start smoking cigarettes with my cousin when we were 11. Although nicotine isn’t considered a drug like cocaine, heroin, etc., the fact is that prolonged use of any drug does change our brain chemistry. Addiction is an illness; diabetics or asthmatics don’t choose whether or not to have their illness. Neither do drug or alcohol addicts.

It can be hard to discern drug and alcohol addicts and you can visit http://alcohol.org/helping-an-alcoholic/husband/ if you are unsure.

3. You Can Spot Them

Addicts look like you and me. One of the most popular “images” of drug/alcohol addiction is a scruffy-looking homeless human, stinking like they haven’t showered for days and are missing all their teeth. My neighbour across the hall works a 9-5 as an administrative assistant at a convention center during the day. After work she almost always has an 8-ball of cocaine across her table.

4. Natural Drugs Are Safe

Marijuana and mushrooms are two drugs (out of many) that are considered natural; there are no chemicals involved. It’s a wide misconception that nature-grown highs aren’t addictive and dangerous when taken by the wrong person. While the plants themselves aren’t to blame, the danger of abuse lies in the user’s personality and neurology.

5. Quitting Is Easy

Drug addiction isn’t simple. As addicts, our bodies literally need the drug in order to function properly. This is why ANR Subutex withdrawal timeline is sometimes so life-curdling painful – like a nightmare that never stops. But with right Drug addiction help VA, many can recover. Quitting is more than putting the drugs down – as William Mercado said, “Abstinence and recovery are two different things.”

6. Heroin and Crack Are Gone

While their popularity has diminished in recent times—as Oxycontin and Fentanyl became the abused drug of choice—crack and heroin are still prevalent. Drugs don’t simply vanish over time. In fact, Dilaudid (a narcotic painkiller) is a legal form of heroin. Even if “old drugs” themselves aren’t as abused, derivatives of them still are – and share similarities to crack symptoms.

7. Addicts Are Horrible

Because of horrible experiences with addicts, people tend to think that they are worthless, vile, self-centered scum. Addicts are not part of the “dark side” trying to join the light. We are sick people, with an illness, trying to get well enough to enjoy life naturally. Drug addiction does not care about financial history, race, gender or culture or what our role in society is. We are lawyers, doctors, administrative assistants, writers and teachers.

Conclusion

Despite these misconceptions surrounding drug and alcohol addiction, recovery is always achievable. Rehab is always available to those who have the courage and determination to seek help. Think about this the next time you hear a story about drug addiction or meet someone who is unfortunately an addict.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

These Simple Ways Will Help You Save A Lot

We all love to do our fair share of shopping. So here are a few simple ways that can help you get the best savings without worrying too much… CONTINUE READING >> 

While we all love to do our fair share of shopping, you can only shop to your heart’s content when you save enough money. Saving a designated amount every month can help you get that dress that you have been eyeing on for so long. Most of the young generation seems to have lost the idea of saving up and instead loves to get the necessities in order with the help of credit card and other such means. This will not only get your salary and hard money on the roll but will always keep you busy in paying bills months after you have stopped using the product. Here are a few simple ways that can help you get the best saving ideas so that you can buy without worrying too much.

Stop impulsive shopping: We all know the feeling of walking past by our favourite brand stores in the mall and ending up with a bag full of things that we do not need. Millennials suffer from this habit of impulse shopping. Not only is this bad for your upkeep of the latest trends in the market but it also leads to an imbalance in your monthly budget. If you keep spending money on impulse, you are likely to use your credit card for things that you might need during the month. It leads you into the big billing cycle for your credit card.

Shop during the discount season: Gone are the days when discount on your favourite brands was a one of two times affair during the year. These days the discount offers run every few months, and you can easily procure the same items for a much lesser amount than you would buy when it was fresh off the stock. The rule applies to both online and offline stores. When shopping online, you can ‘wish list’ the products that you love and wait for them to go on sale. The leftover money in this process will help buy more things than you can imagine. Hence, it is best to make the smart move of shopping when there is a sale on brands.

Keep a tab on the money spent: One of the best practices is to keep a track on the money spent during the month. When you develop a habit of noting down the expenditure done during the day, it will subconsciously run in your mind as a check post to ask, “do I this?”. If you can put it off for a while and save the money, you will have a good sum of money collected at the end of the month. It is also helpful for those who end up using the reserve money kept for emergency purposes. To help you keep track of money, there are applications available for free in the market that can instantly be updated when you shop so that you do not forget to do any entries. Moreover, these applications also come with an inbuilt alarm to warn you if you go overboard with the set limit on the application. It is one of the most convenient and helpful ways to save.

Ask yourself before you make the purchase: As mentioned earlier in the article, it is essential to ask yourself if you need the product. Evaluate the whole situation before swiping the card. If you can wait for a few months before you make the purchase, you should save until you have enough money. Secondly, you should make a priority list of things and check if other items are more important than the one that you are spending the money on, right now. If you feel that other things need your attention, then spend on the necessities before you spend on indulges.

If you keep these few basic pointers in your mind while heading out for shopping, you are bound to get over the habit of impulse buying within a few months. You will also develop a habit of keeping the credit card for emergency use only. Trust us when we tell you that these are a few things that you should learn with the perks of your first job so that you can be ahead of the game.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Delve Deeper: Tags