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5 Tips To Save Money With Coupons

Coupons are everywhere, and you can save a considerable amount of money if you know how and when to use them. Listed below are helpful tips on how you can save money with coupons whenever you make a purchase… CONTINUE READING >> 

Coupons are everywhere, and you can save a considerable amount of money if you know how and when to use them.

In marketing, companies give out coupons to attract more customers and to enhance the buying experience. Also, it is an effective strategy to increase sales and dispose old stocks. Be a smart couponer and reap the best benefits of saving money from buying gifts, personal items, or groceries.

Listed below are helpful tips on how you can save money with coupons whenever you make a purchase.

 1. Learn Where to Get Coupons and How It Works

More than thanking you as a loyal customer or celebrating the holidays, most businesses use coupons as tricks or gimmicks to increase sales. Of course, who wouldn’t want a discount?

However, it makes shopping more inviting, and you’ll find yourself buying things you didn’t plan and don’t need in the first place. Sometimes, you’re happy with a small discount, but you can get more. So, it’s crucial to think before you buy and learn where to get coupons and how couponing works.

Here are some tips:

Check newspapers and magazines to find available coupons intended for items included on your shopping list. Click here to find trusted and reputable online resources to know more on how online coupon works.

• Take advantage of coupon doubling. Some stores allow double coupons at a certain limit. If the coupon doesn’t say “cannot be doubled,” ask the sales staff if you can present double coupons.

• Each Sunday or Saturday in some areas, manufacturers put coupon fliers into newspapers. Buying at least one copy will give you access to all the coupons available in your area.

• You can find some of these coupons at ShipTheDeal.

 2. Know the Specific Store Policy

It’s good to research on the coupon policy of the store where you usually buy your stuff. Just imagine the huge savings you can get instead of paying the full price or getting only a small discount.

Here are some store policies to make your shopping experience more exciting:

• Get a cheap or free product with “coupon stacking.” Some stores, like Target, use two coupons on a single item. One coupon is a store coupon (Target website’s printable coupons), and the other should be a manufacturer coupon (e.g., newspaper, magazine, or couponing website).

• Some stores allow four similar coupons per transaction. It helps when you ask the store manager if you can use more coupons in a single purchase.

• You can use an unlimited number of coupons per transaction at Walmart and Smith’s.

 3. Be Familiar with Couponing Strategies

While coupons have expiration dates, it’s a good practice to wait for the right time to use them. Familiarizing yourself with these strategies will take you far and increases your purchasing power.

• Wait until a sale is announced so you can use your coupons to get the best deal.

• Read the supermarket or grocery ads from your local newspaper to check when specific items go on sale.

• Enjoy shopping at more than one store so you can take advantage of all discounts of different stores in your area.

• Call the 1- 800 number or toll-free number on most of the products you use. The company will be happy to give you coupons and put you on their mailing list if you tell them that you like their products.

 4. Stick With Your Budget

It’s easy to be drawn by the big discounts that you can get with coupons, making you buy more. However, you need to create a shopping list and stick with your budget.

Here are some budget tips:

• Shop with cash. The freedom of swiping your credit card can get you more in trouble of overspending.

• Don’t go shopping with kids. It allows you to focus on the things you need to buy.

 5. Organize Your Coupons

Store your coupons on a clean and safe place, away of children’s reach, so they won’t play with it. You can store coupons in long craft boxes, tool boxes, makeup case, pouch, or any DIY container or holder. 

Conclusion

You can save money with couponing by knowing when, where, and how to use it. As much as possible, always carry it wherever you shop. Get the best value for your money using these, and you’ll be amazed at how much money you can save.

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

Cooking While Camping: 8 Stress-Free Food Ideas

Camping is a cool way to bond with the family while enjoying the great outdoors. You will have more time for fun (and less work) with these food ideas to prepare while camping… CONTINUE READING >> 

Camping is a cool way to bond with the family while enjoying the great outdoors. You can go hiking, fishing, swimming, and hunting or simply marvel at the beauty of nature. All of these camping activities sound fun, but when you add cooking into the picture, it becomes an easy recipe for disaster.

Now, what if there are cook set options to help make camp cooking stress-free? You will have more time for fun (and less work) with these food ideas to prepare while camping.

1. Pancakes. If pancakes for breakfast are a hit with your family, take this food idea to camp.
On the night before you leave home, whip up your favorite pancake recipe.
Place it inside a Ziploc bag and lay it flat inside the freezer for easy packing in the cooler once you are ready to go.
When you need to cook your pancakes, they are already thawed and ready for cooking.
Cut the pointed end of the bag, and you can quickly pour batter out to make the perfect pancakes.
Bring along your favorite syrup to top these yummies!

2. Egg sandwiches. This recipe can be enjoyed with minimal preparation time.
Prepare your sandwiches ahead of time and wrap them in foil.
Freeze them overnight and stack in your cooler before going.
Warm the sandwiches on a grill or over the coals.
In a bit of time, they’ll be ready for eating.
Consider preparing individual portions so that all of you will get a good meal even when you eat at different times.

3. Omelets. You will need boiling water and Ziploc bags for this meal.
Crack two eggs per person into individual bags.
Add your desired toppings – onions, peppers, sausage, ham, or cheese.
Place the bags in the cooler and when you’re ready to cook this, boil water in a large pot.
Drop the bags into boiling water and leave for 12 to 13 minutes.
Carefully take the bags out and slide the meal into your plates.

4. Pizza Log. Pizza is a rare commodity when camping, so it’s bound to be a hit. Enjoying nature and eating pizza are surely wonderful reasons why camping is cool!
Roll out your choice of pizza dough into a rectangle.
You can use refrigerated pizza dough or make one using your own recipe.
Add a half cup of tomato sauce, toppings of your choice, and mozzarella cheese. You can also use this chance to use up the meats and veggies in your fridge.
Start rolling one end of the dough until you create a log.
Pinch the ends to lock in the pizza log, wrap in foil, and freeze.
Cook it over the coals or on a grill for around 25 minutes flipping the log frequently.
Cut or pull apart when done and gobble up!

5. Taco Soup. This tasty soup can be made while camping! Prepare ahead the soup to freeze and pack in your cooler.
Put 1 pound cooked ground beef, 2 cups canned or homemade beans, 1 cup canned or frozen corn, and one packet taco seasoning into one pot and cook together.
Cool before freezing into resealable freezer bags.
Once it has frozen, pack into your cooler.
When you want this for your meal, take the contents into a pot and simmer for at least 2 minutes.

6. Campfire Sandwiches. You’ll need cheese slices, ham, mustard, butter, and a loaf of French bread. You may also choose your own cheese and meats to use for this camping food.
To make six sandwiches, cut your loaf into twelve slices being careful not to cut all the way through.
Combine a tablespoon of mustard and three tablespoons of butter and spread this to every other slice of bread.
Add the ham and cheese slices (or your choice of meat and cheese) into the slots.
Wrap this in foil and freeze or pack into the cooler.
When ready to prepare this meal, place on a grill or in the coils.
You need to turn it frequently until about 20 minutes or when the cheese has melted.
Remove from the loaf and pull the sandwiches apart.

7. Curly Dogs. You’ll need one pack of crescent rolls and hot dogs for this meal. This is definitely a new take on your regular hot dog meal.
Wrap a crescent roll around a hot dog and roast until the hot dog is warm and the dough cooked.
It will take around 10minutes for the dough to be cooked thoroughly.

8. Roasted Apples. For this easy-to-make dessert, you will need butter, sugar, cinnamon, and apples.
Core and slice the apples so that they can still form their apple shape.
Transfer the apple into a foil to keep its shape later.
Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar to the apple slices.
Add a tablespoon of butter slices to the center.
Wrap the foil around the apple.
Place the apples on the coals, turning sides every 5 minutes.
Allow the apples to cool for 2 minutes before digging in!

Final Thoughts

Using these stress-free recipes will give you more time to have fun with your family or camping buddies without anyone getting hungry. Do take note that most of these food ideas require some preparation ahead of time so that all you have to do is cook them at camp. The best thing about these recipes is the minimal cleanup time and you have the rest of the time to play games, drink beer, and do more outdoor activities. Happy camping!

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

The Titanic History of Halifax

Through the centuries of European migration to North America, perhaps no place has been any more consequential than Halifax. That history makes the city one of continent’s most interesting to visit… CONTINUE READING >> 

Through the centuries of European migration to North America, perhaps no single spot has been any more consequential than the harbor at Halifax. That history makes the city one of continent’s most interesting to visit.

The more we researched the museums and historic sites that dot the Halifax boardwalk along the waterfront, the more we learned how little we knew about this part of American history.

All of the sites are within an easy walk of each other and right in the heart of town, making downtown a great place to stay when visiting Halifax. Plus, there are a ton of lodging choices in the area and Expedia has great hotel options in and around downtown Halifax.

We also highly recommend staying near the waterfront because, in addition to all of the history, there are dozens of dining and entertainment options to choose from.

We began our exploration by climbing above the harbor to Citadel Hill. This perch overlooking the port has been fortified since the town was founded by the Brits in 1749.

Originally it was seen as a stronghold for the struggle to wrestle rule of the New World away from their French rivals in what led to the French and Indian War.

What struck us as odd is that at the time Nova Scotia was a colony, just like the thirteen to the south, so when George Washington led troops against the French he was an ally.

A few years later that fourteenth colony decided to stay loyal to the crown instead of joining the revolution and the sides flipped. Suddenly the French were aiding the emerging United States and Nova Scotia was struggling to remain a part of The British Empire.

The fort remained in service through the end of the First World War, but fell into disrepair afterwards. Finally it became the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada and was restored after the second war. Today it perfectly depicts how it stood during the Victorian era of the eighteen hundreds, right down to the people portraying the unit of the famed 78th Highlanders that had been stationed here.

Just below the fort, the Public Gardens also harken back to that era. Typical of a Victorian garden, trees, flowers, and various plants from exotic locales around the world are combined to delight and inform visitors. We found everything from desert cactus and yucca, to towering trees, to roses that smelled so sweet it was like walking by a cake.

Accouterments such as gazebos, fountains, archways, and seating are also essential for a proper Victorian garden, and are well represented here. So while the term Victorian may get misused, this park, and in fact a great deal of Halifax, certainly lives up to the designation.

Back down at the water’s edge, we had a couple of must see museums on our agenda. We began at Pier 21, often referred to as Canada’s Ellis Island. Over one million immigrants fleeing wars and oppression or seeking economic opportunity entered the country through this dock and became Canadians.

Nearby, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic brings to life the rich seafaring history of the region through artifacts and photographs. There are also actual vessels on display, such as a variety of gorgeous smaller wooden sailboats and an amazing collection of magnificent model ships from the volunteer Maritime Ship Modelers Guild.

The sea can be incredibly harsh, so there are disasters documented too. None are more poignant than the worst maritime tragedy of all time, the Titanic. Halifax has a deep connection to the catastrophe, since it was the nearest port to the sinking liner.

Several ships were dispatched as soon as word of the collision with the iceberg arrived. Unfortunately they did not make it in time to save any passengers, but the city served as a mortuary for many of the victims.

Three-hundred-twenty-eight bodies were found, and of those two-hundred and nine were brought to Halifax to be claimed by relatives, or buried if none came forward. That was the fate of three quarters of them, so they are buried in three of the city’s cemeteries.

We were struck speechless at the sight of a tiny pair of shoes displayed among the doomed ship’s artifacts. The child they came from was not identified, so was laid to rest at Fairview Lawn Cemetery.

Fairview Lawn became the final resting place for many of the Titanic victims, so we felt that our explorations should be expanded to include a stop there.

While we walked through the gravesites of the one-hundred-twenty-one casualties to pay our respects, the melancholy weather matched our somber spirits. Adding to the gloom, many of the headstones are marked only by numbers, because the identities of the victims remain unknown.

It is nearly impossible to describe the feeling when we came upon the grave of the unknown two year old child thought to be the owner of the shoes. Recently the boy was identified through DNA samples. However, his family chose to keep the gravestone nameless as a remembrance to all of the other unknown victims.

With the exception of Fairview Lawn, we accomplished our entire visit on foot, because everything is so close to the original port.

Trust us, that’s the facts, the Halifax.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

This article is written in partnership with Expedia.ca, as always all opinions are our own.

Look out below! Holding Our Breath Beneath the BVI

There is an amazing world of colors and scenery, along with an incredible collection of marine wildlife, to be discovered beneath the crystal blue waters of the British Virgin Islands… CONTINUE READING >> 

A big thank you to Dream Yacht Charter for providing this adventure, as always, all opinions are our own.

The Islands of the British Virgin Islands are practically paradise with their vast white sand beaches stretching out under swaying palms and lush mountains rising above to the sky. However, that is only half of the picture.

There is an equally amazing world of colors and scenery, along with an incredible collection of marine wildlife, to be discovered beneath the crystal blue water. We have always felt like it is akin to swimming in an aquarium.

But the ability to get close to many of these places can be quite an obstacle without access to a boat small enough to squeeze into some pretty tight places. Problem solved by sailing with Dream Yacht Charter, and even better, we got to stay the night at some of them.

As always, we took about a million pictures, thanks to the modern technology of digital cameras we are ardent believers in the “take a hundred shots to get one good one” theory. Here are a few of our favorites and the places that we took them.

The Baths

This is perhaps the most famous spot in the BVI, and for good reason, it is phenomenal.

Enormous boulders, some reaching forty feet across, form grottos, tunnels, arches, and caves both above and below the surface. We had a blast snaking through the openings from one formation to another while watching the array of colorful tropical fish swim by.

After about half an hour we swam through a gap into an open area and headlong into a school of squid.

These did not look like the squid we were used to, nothing like calamari we have seen on many a plate. These were quite different from any we had encountered previously and we were mesmerized by their brilliant phosphorescent colors. We took photos like crazy.

After cross referencing our pictures online, we learned that these were Caribbean reef squid. Turns out that they can change those colors, and not just randomly, it is believed that they are able to communicate with one another through the variations.

The Norman Island Caves

For many years Norman Island served as a home base and hideout for pirates. That historic relationship with the pirates of the Caribbean has led to legends of hidden treasure as yet undiscovered.

The caves are often regarded as a prime suspect location by seekers of water-logged fortune, but we figured the possibility was slim considering the popularity of these caverns with snorkelers.

What we did find was an opulent abundance of orange cup coral clinging to the walls. While it can be hard to tell that most corals are actually living creatures, these left little doubt as they moved in reaction to our hands.

If we had come back at night we might have seen them feeding by extending tentacles to capture nearby plankton.

Deeper inside the rock walls we found a trove of glassy sweepers.  The schools of these shiny swimmers moved in and out of the light like a flocks of birds as we swam through the openings and darkened interiors of the caves.

The Indians

Not far from Norman Island stand four jagged stone pinnacles protruding through the waves. Since they are technically islands, we were pretty jazzed at the prospect of circling the whole chain. It’s not often that the feat of a swimming circumnavigation of an entire archipelago can be accomplished!

The mini mountains are mostly undersea, so the canyons and crevices are best explored while free diving. The technique of holding our breath while descending twenty or thirty feet is something we perfected while living on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.

This allowed us a much closer view of the numerous sea fans and corals that have taken hold among the rocky submarine landscape, including several excellent examples of Brain Coral.

These colonies of genetically identical polyps can live as long as 900 years. Maybe they know where some of that pirate booty is stashed.

Fish

At almost every anchorage we found a colorful combination of blue tangs, yellow jacks, blue runners, red snapper, angelfish, parrotfish, and the striped sergeant major variety of damselfish. They populate almost all of these tropical waters near rocks and reefs.

On a couple of occasions a Great Barracuda decided to hang out under our boat while we were anchored. While these big boys are usually harmless to humans, but it is still a touch unnerving to jump in the water and see a razor-toothed fish as big as ourselves keeping an eye on us.

Great barracudas often top six feet long, and there is something about the way they look that screams dangerous predator. Maybe they should be called sea cougars. Nice kitty.

We are happy to say that everyone avoided losing any limbs and actually got quite a charge out of seeing these sleek ocean hunters up close.

Speaking of limbs, keeping them came in quite handy. Not only for swimming, but we also used them to explore some above the surface environs and discovered some very interesting surroundings.

But that’s another story.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

See more of our amazing trip here.

6 Important Safety Tips for Solo Women Travelers

For women travelers, safety may not be limited to simply carrying a bottle of pepper spray around or arming themselves with the skill of martial arts, there need to be extra precautions in place… CONTINUE READING >> 

When travelling, safety should be a paramount concern for all. In spite of the dangerous risks of being trapped in an unfortunate situation on foreign land, we certainly need not give up the very basic and useful art of travel. For women travelers, safety may not be limited to simply carrying a bottle of pepper spray around or arming themselves with the skill of martial arts. When it comes to travelling and you are all by yourself, there need to be extra precautions in place. These can be a last resort even in the most hostile situations, so read what we have for you very carefully.

1. Research Well

Before you set off, ensure you are well acquainted with the specifics of your destination. Fortunately, governments around the world issue travel advisories that would help their citizens in times of trouble. You must read these closely before making your plans. You can look up advisories here for Canada, the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia. Some countries would encourage you not to visit particular regions, and it is always wise to consider their instructions very seriously.

2. Keep People Informed of What You’re Doing

When you have decided on a destination, let people around you know where you will be going. Leave copies of your plans with family and close friends. Get an international or outstation mobile network connection and speak frequently to people to let them know what they are doing. Even a small text can be enough. Speak to your embassy or enroll in their traveler program, if they have one.

3. Use Technology to Your Aid

Technology has made it absolutely simple to keep in touch. There are apps that can be used to trace your location and inform your close ones when you need them to know. For example, apps like Find my iPhone can be used to your advantage. Several other applications work exactly like a panic button for office, sending a red alert to the preset contacts, who can then take necessary action.

Additionally, always stay connected to your family and friends. Use EasyRinger which will give you a new number and a local presence, enabling you to communicate with locals and family over the phone efficiently and affordably.

4. Do Not Get Extra Adventurous on Foreign Soil

Exploring is a lovely thing to do. However, you must never travel at your risk. When you refer to travel advisories issued by governments, you will find clear instructions to avoid certain places. Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not venture into dangerous territory. While travel is all about adventure and gaining new experiences, one must never forget the importance of being safe.

5. Look Sharp and Know the Rules

When you are walking around, do so with a purpose. One must not look confused or scared, as it may attract unwanted attention from malicious individuals in your favor. If approached with questions, provide straight and specific answers. In some parts of the world, certain customs are prohibited, so you must read up on them. If you are detained in foreign territory, try to be calm and ask for consular access. Keep phone numbers of your local embassy with you.

6. Be Careful with Your Documents and Keep Them On You

You must keep your documents with you at all times. These might be useful in helping you get assistance when it is required. When carrying these around, do so with great caution. People are known to have been robbed of their documents during travel. Having no documents immediately makes you illegal and undocumented, but there is no cause of panic. Proceed to your nearest embassy or consulate and declare your problem.

Travelling smart is an important part of a traveler’s planning. You must weigh your options and look for adequate reasons to put in plans on your schedule. The world is an amazing place, and one must explore it in order to truly experience it. From cuisine to culture, there is a lot we can only know when we arrive. Even in the age of the internet, there is literally so much to see, that one cannot sacrifice the dream of travel.

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

Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel

Whenever you are planning a holiday, you must make yourself a survival guide to tackle unforeseen situations away from home…

CONTINUE READING >> 

Whenever you are planning a holiday, more importantly a road trip to a hill station, you must make yourself a survival guide to tackle unforeseen situations away from home. This guide shall contain all the knowledge of the area you are travelling to and stuff from your previous experiences so that you are able to enjoy your trip safely. This guide becomes more important when you are travelling with your family.
So this guide should contain all the data pertaining to three important things:

BE CAUTIOUS!

Take steps to anticipate any issues that could arise during your trip. The information in this section will help you plan for a safe and healthy trip.
Learn about your destination.
Learn about the weather in detail.
See a doctor before you travel.
Check your health status.

BE PREPARED!

No one wants to think about getting sick or hurt during a trip, but sometimes these things happen. You may not be able to prevent every illness or injury, but you can plan ahead to be able to deal with them.

Pack smart. Don’t overburden yourself.
Plan ahead for illnesses or injuries during your trip. Discuss with you GP and pack medical stuff required.
Know what to do if you become sick or injured on your trip.
Know and share important information about your trip to your closed associates so that in case of any adversity, you are to be reached easily.

BE PROTECTED!

It is important to practice healthy behaviors during your trip and after you return home as follows:

Pay attention to your health during your trip.
Use sunscreen and insect repellent as directed.
Be careful about food and water.
Try not to take risks with your health and safety.
Limit alcohol intake, and do not drink alcohol and drive.
Wear a seatbelt.
Wear protective gear when doing adventure activities.
Respect your host area and its people by following local laws and customs.
Pay attention to your health when you come home.

Now if you live in New York and planning a road trip to Las Vegas in winters during holidays, the above mentioned guidelines should be followed by some more regular but significant things. In winters if you are travelling by a car and taking the highway, the weather should be taken into the account. The weather plays a vital role in determining the road conditions a driver has to face while driving especially on the highways. In case of rain and storm the roads become slippery and thus driving the car at higher speeds become difficult. Same is the case when snow falls in winters. With winters arrived in States, it brings with it fog that creates lower visibility on highways and even the roads within the cities. So drivers are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid accidents. But even after all the safety measures; the accidents between vehicles are inevitable on Highways.

You are driving on a highway slowly in fog taking care of the conditions around, but it is always likely that you can hit a car in front or some vehicle hits your car from behind. So as a driver you should always be prepared to face such kind of situations too. In case of such extraordinary situations, whenever you are in Texas you can always need an auto wreck lawyer, who will get you out of uncertain situations and you can happily carry on your trip.

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

How We Pampered Ourselves with Arabian Luxury in Muscat

When one thinks of the Arab lands, they think of exotic places, striking sandy deserts, rare wildlife and above all, luxury…

CONTINUE READING >> 

The land of Arabia is mysterious. When one thinks of the Arab lands, they think of exotic places, striking sandy deserts, rare wildlife and above all, luxury. All of this was what we had in mind when we decided on our excursion to the Middle East and boy, we were not disappointed.

My husband and I have been on many adventures around the world; from icy glaciers to vast grassy plains and from high mountain sides to the lively cityscapes, we have experienced it all. This time, we were in the mood for indulgence, so we chose our next vacation spot to be Muscat, Oman. Oman is an Arab country famous for its scenic tourist spots and luxurious resorts, with the hub of activity being Muscat, the capital city. While researching for luxury hotels in Muscat,  which could give us the fullest feel of city life and arabian hospitality, we came across recommendations for Mysk hotels by Shaza. The essence of the word Mysk caught our eye; in Arabic, Mysk is a form of fragrance. This looked reflective of Arabian mysticism to us, with both the name and the positive reviews convincing us to book our stay there. Safe to say, it was an excellent choice.

On reaching Muscat, we were greeted at the airport by Mysk’s representative, who whisked us off to the hotel. One phrase for our first impression of the hotel: overwhelming treat for the eyes. The exterior of the hotel screamed ‘Arabian luxury’ from the rooftops; just getting from the front entrance to the lobby was an experience in itself, with marvellously designed exteriors to keep your interest the whole way; the lobby itself was nothing short of the entrance to an Arabian palace. We were checked in with minimal effort on our part and then it was off to our room for some much-needed rest. In all honesty, I had made up an image in my mind of the kind of extravagance which was to come our way from our first encounter with the hotel, but boy had I underestimated the Arabian hospitality: opening the door of the room and taking the first step in, we were transported into another world. According to Mysk, they pride themselves on their interior design, focusing on raha (comfort) and tasmim (styling) in particular to truly immerse the guests in the Mysk experience. Safe to say, this completely worked for us; for the duration of our stay, the time spent in that room was the most pampered I felt, even with all the other pampering we experienced in Muscat.

After our brief nap, we woke up feeling refreshed, thanks majorly due to the extremely comfortable bedding. Since it was nearly time for lunch, we decided to eat at a hotel restaurant before venturing out into the city. The food was on par with any top-notch hotel in the world with the Arabic touch making it a sensory delight in all terms. After lunch, it was time for sightseeing, for which we felt it was best to get recommendations from locals. Even here, Mysk came to our rescue with its services: their staff extended its generous and knowledgeable help to arrange tours to Pebble Beach, the historical and ancient city of Nizwa, snorkeling at Bandar Khiran and a desert safari in the Wahiba Sands desert. With 3 days out of our 4 day trip sorted, we were truly amazed at the ease with which this trip was progressing!

We decided to spend the rest of the day at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, an amazing Islamic structure in the city which is an ode to the region’s Islamic roots and heritage. It is a beautiful piece of architecture made even more beautiful by the night-time artistic lighting: a must see for all visitors to Muscat. After the tour, it was time for another scrumptious dinner at Mysk and off to a comfortable night in our home away from home.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the main Mosque in the Sultanate of Oman.

Since we had the next day free, we decided to explore more around the hotel and avail some of its many pampering services for guests. The husband and I booked ourselves a spot at the in-house spa after lunch, and headed to the pool for some sun-bathing. It was a very relaxing experience, with the poolside being fully equipped with comfortable deck-chairs for lounging and drinks being delivered promptly; I might have even fallen asleep there for a little bit (but please don’t tell the husband!). Our spa appointment was every bit as expected: relaxing and soothing to the core. The expert attendants there made sure that the husband and I forgot all about the day-to-day issues awaiting us back home and just lived in that moment to emerge completely rejuvenated. We will be hard-pressed to find a spa with such excellent services back home, that’s for sure!

The next three days passed by in a whirlwind of sightseeing and experiencing true Arabian lifestyle, with the beach, the exotic and unbelievable marine life underwater and the completely out of this world desert safari experience. However, out of all the excursions we made on this trip, our hotel stay was the most memorable, and I think that alone speaks volumes about the hospitality and welcome one can get at Mysk.

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

Four Places To Stay for First Time Hajj Doers

Hajj is one of the most sacred experiences in a Muslim’s life. Therefore, it is important that first-time performers go prepared with all the information they need to make the trip fruitful and avoid any discomfort. CONTINUE READING >> 

Hajj is one of the most sacred experiences in a Muslim’s life. Most people wait their whole lives for this one chance at seeing the house of Allah with their own eyes, to pray standing right in front of it; and when they finally get the chance it is like a dream come true for them. The sheer emotional value of the experience of the first Hajj performers is so immense that it cannot be ignored, and it is very easy for things to go wrong when you are in a new place for the first time. Therefore, it is important that first-time Hajj performers do their research thoroughly and go prepared with all the information they would need to make the trip fruitful and avoid any discomfort; after all, you would not want anything to distract you from your prayers on such a holy journey.

To aid first-timers, we have compiled a list of four hotels which would provide you with the most comfort and peace of mind while you undertake one of the most important religious rituals in Islam. Let’s have a look:

1. Shaza Hotel, Makkah

Shaza is an intimate chain of family hotels across the Middle East. Shaza Makkah is a luxurious hotel which allows guests to enjoy their trip without worrying about the nitty-gritties. It prides itself on its luxurious services which put its guests at ease. The staying quarters are luxurious and comfortable and there is a range of rooms and suites to choose from with varying degrees of services included, the in-house restaurants offer delicacies of regions the world over, and the spa, pool and other recreational services make for a relaxing time. The hotel also offers its guests with a Morafik service (personal attendant) and a Mustachar (guide) is at your service to help you plan your Hajj trip down to the last detail. From airport transfer services to indulgent rooms, fine-dining, spa and guide services, Shaza has it all for first-time Hajj performers to pray in utter peace and leave the rest to Shaza.

2. Movenpick Hotel and Residences, Hajar Tower, Makkah

Movenpick Hotel is a five-star hotel located directly in the heart of the Haram court, facing the King Abdul Aziz Gate as part of the prestigious Abraj-al-Bait complex. Movenpick is an obvious choice for pilgrims, especially first-timers, not only because of its sheer proximity and closeness to the Haram itself but also for its excellent treatment of its guests. It offers an array of luxurious rooms to choose from, each with either a complete or a partial view of the Haram and/or the Kaaba to keep prayers even more soulful. The hotel offers airport transfer services for the guests to bring them to and from the hotel, and there are a number of in-house restaurants to cater to every kind of food craving. It is truly a five-star experience for first-time pilgrims.

3. Makkah Clock Royal Tower (A Fairmont Hotel)

The Clock Tower is one of the most famous symbols of the city. Overlooking the Haram at 76 floors tall, it is the focal point of the Abraj-al-Bait complex. It is the most visible hotel in proximity to the Haram and this is its most interesting point. With an incredible 1650 suites and residences, the hotel boasts 56 elevators to allow ease of access from the rooms to the city beyond. The Clock Royal Tower combines luxury with unrivalled views of the Haram, the Kaaba and the city of Makkah to create a truly life-changing experience. If you are a first-time Hajj pilgrim, you will never forget your trip with the Makkah Clock Royal Tower.

4. InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid

Located what seems like just a few steps away from the Haram, The InterCon Dar Al Tawhid is another feather in the city’s hat of providing comfortable and indulgent accommodation to pilgrims. With a private entrance from the hotel directly into the Haram, guests are sure not to lose time in the journey to and from the mosque and can utilize their time better in prayers. With a choice of rooms between classic, executive or suite, first-time pilgrims have a choice of comfort to spend their time and devote themselves to prayers.

Hajj is a sacred ritual which requires utmost devotion and dedication. A good accommodation is an important step in making the journey comfortable.

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