Search…

My Experience: How Budget Friendly Hotels Are Taking Care of Their Guests During Covid-19

Travel plans have been tremendously affected due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the preventative measures…
CONTINUE READING >> 

My travel plans have been tremendously affected due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Like everyone else, I had to stay locked down in my home. The fear of constant risk of contracting a virus is still real and that there’s no vaccine yet just aggravate the feeling. There’s virtually no one who is not affected by this pandemic, and that includes me as well.

As nothing seems to be stopping this pandemic, the business as usual has slowly started to come back on track. About a week ago, I happened to travel to houston on a business trip. With lives trying to come back to normal, I could see people started travelling – which I think has again given a ray of positivity to the hotels and the hospitality industry. Ever since the nations announced that the lockdown will be relaxed and gradually taken down, the Scrubbed Clean hotels in Houston started to prepare for the new normal. I experienced this first hand when I stepped out of the house for a business trip recently.

I stayed at OYO Hotel near Near NRG Stadium, Houston. To say the least, they have fully geared up to welcome their guests with the best safety protocols.

This is what I truly experienced during my recent visit to houston. I stayed at the hotel for three nights. I could see that the hotel staff were taking up activities right from disinfecting the premises repeatedly, to keeping sanitizers, masks and PPE kits handy, they were leaving no stone unturned to ensure utmost safety of their guests as well as the staff. Measures like social distancing and minimum-touch policies were in place. Emerging from the stasis of months of closure, even my budget-friendly hotel was also coming up with a strict hygiene regime.

I’d prefer budget hotels during my business trips. This time when I picked a best rated hotel for accommodation, I got a firsthand look at what it was like to stay in such hotels in the middle of a pandemic. I observed that my hotel was putting all their efforts in a bid to serve their guests with the best possible services. They are taking serious measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission to their employees and guests.

Here are some of the preventative measures that I found being adopted by these budget-friendly hotels to ensure the safety of guests like me.

 # 1. Adjustment in Policies

In wake of these testing times, my hotel had adjusted its policies to help provide me the required peace of mind. The hotel I visited had already informed me about the change in their reservation, cancellation, and room services. Unlike, pre-COVID times even the hotel staff seemed to have reduced it to minimum. There were displayed guidelines, provisions to ensure less interaction and physical contact between peers. Also, the hotel operations seemed to have received a systematic change for enhanced safety of staff.

# 2. Contactless Check-ins

 There was no one to greet me at the time of check-in. Considering the demand of the situation, there is a considerable change in check-in process. There were no front desk formalities.  Everything was completely swapped with contactless procedure. My check-in looked like social distancing decals, mandatory face masks, hand sanitizing stations, partitioned or no front desk. Also, I had to undergo frequent temperature checks right from the time I entered the hotel premises. There was no reception area furniture, and the other hotel that had ensured it to be arranged in a physically distanced manner.

# 3. Enhanced Cleaning Protocol

Recognizing the need of the hour, where everyone must feel safe and protected, my hotels had also incorporated demanding cleaning standards.

As I headed from the reception area to my room, I observed that there was frequent disinfecting and deep cleaning of touchpoints such as elevator buttons, light switches, TV remotes, thermostats, and doorknobs. The house keeping staff was so thorough that I appeared like it was a mandate for them. Here are additional cleaning protocols that I saw:

    • Housekeeping employees wearing PPE kits, hand gloves and mask 24*7
    • Monitored handwashing for employees.
    • Deep cleaning of bedroom, bathroom, linens before my check-in.
 # 4. Decreased Capacity

As per the new protocols implemented, I saw that OYO’s budget hotel  I visited had reduced their guests’ capacity. Unlike previously when cheap hotels used to allow more guests per room, now the occupancy has been limited. There were only a few rooms left because the hotel considered keeping rooms vacant for a few days between the guests.

This was definitely a weird experience for me. I could see there were a lot of major changes have been prompted considering the seriousness of the situation. But hopefully, even the low-budget hotels are doing a lot to keep their guests and employees protected during COVID-19. Ultimately, during my stay, I should say I felt incredibly safe. Thus, even the pandemic is not restricting the hotels from serving their guests in the best way possible.

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

Smart Tips for Travelling with CBD

Recently, CBD oils have become extremely popular. It is used in lotions, bath bombs and even with coffee. Cannabidiol or CBD, derived from industrial hemp, is recognized for its therapeutic benefits worldwide. Cannabis contains numerous chemical compounds but two components that have been researched widely are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). While THC is a psychoactive compound with an intoxicating effect, CBD does not have the same effect.

Many countries now consider CBD products legal but people are often worried about travel restrictions associated with these products. The rules for domestic and international travel are different.

In the US, CBD oil made from hemp is considered legal at the federal level, as per the changes made to the Farm Bill of 2018. As a result, it can be carried on flights and across the state borders. However, CBD oils derived from marijuana are considered illegal and are prevented from carrying across borders of some states.

Domestic Travel Tips

If you are planning to travel within the United States, you should not worry about carrying CBD oils derived from hemp. It is legal and therefore, there’s nothing to be worried about. But, if you are still confused between the different types of CBD oils available in the market, learn to read product labels. You need to identify the THC content of each product.

Hemp-derived CBD contains less than 0.3 percent of THC and it is totally permissible. Anything above this limit may be a warning sign. To allay concerns, visit the official website of the Transportation Security Administration. They provide a detailed guide about the amount of CBD oil that can be carried across America and the kind of restrictions that have been imposed locally.

Before traveling, it is recommended to thoroughly check local laws in the state you are traveling to and where you are traveling from. If possible, carry a lab report verifying the cannabinoid content of the product. Inquiring authority at the airport or state borders may sometimes ask for these documents. And if you use it for medical reasons, remember to carry a prescription.

International Travel Tips

While CBD is legal in some countries, it is not welcome in others. Before traveling to a country of your choice, check the rules and regulations prevalent in your destination country. It is always better to be cautious and if you do not use CBD for medical reasons, it may be a good idea to leave it behind.

Many countries also abide by stringent drug laws and carrying CBD may be considered a serious offense. To save yourself the trouble of facing law-enforcement agencies in unknown territory, remain vigilant and take an informed decision. Do not try to hide CBD products and if required, ask your airline directly about the rules.

Reasons for Popularity of CBD

Wondering why CBD has become a rage in the health and wellness sector nowadays? There are plenty of reasons. It has proven to be quite effective for the treatment of various medical conditions. It is used to treat cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, inflammation, chronic pain, diabetes, cancer and epilepsy. People suffering from insomnia, depression, stress and anxiety have also benefited from CBD. It is also known to alleviate a number of women’s health issues.

CBD is known to trigger a wide array of physiological responses due to its ability to stimulate our body’s own cannabinoids – endocannabinoids. These remain hidden inside our cells and once you consume CBD, it elicits a unique response that affects our energy levels, mood, metabolism and immunity. Due to its beneficial properties, research on CBD continues and it is now available in the form of oils, tinctures, edible items, topical products and capsules.

Use Your Smartphone or Tablet to Keep You Entertained on Your Travels

Here are some of the best ways to use your phone for entertainment while travelling. Just pull out your smartphone or tablet and you have all the entertainment you need…
CONTINUE READING >> 

Travelling is great for so many reasons. It gives us the ability to discover more about the world, explore other cultures, and even learn about ourselves. Trying new dishes, getting out into nature, and speaking a foreign language can all help us get a new perspective on life.

When you’re out on the road for a long time, embarking on a long-haul flight, or relaxing in your hotel, you want some other forms of entertainment.

In years gone by, that meant paying for an extensive in-flight or hotel movie, carrying a heavy book with you, or buying a “travel” game with smaller playing pieces and a carry case.

Today though, you don’t have to endure these inconveniences. Just pull out your smartphone or tablet and you have all the entertainment you need. Here are some of the best ways to use your phone for entertainment while travelling.

Read

Reading is one of the most popular pastimes among travellers. Head to a beach, park or pool and you’ll almost certainly find someone relaxing in the sun while reading a book. You’ll also be sure to find people on trains and planes reading too.

Books can be bulky and heavy though, so if you’re travelling light you won’t want to be weighed down by your latest piece of fiction.

Since you already have your smartphone and/or tablet with you, why not use it as an e-reader instead. Both Android and iOS have default apps for reading books, while plenty of third party options, including Amazon’s Kindle app, are also available.

You’ll find many ebooks are available for free, including classics that are out of copyright like War and Peace, Dracula, and The Great Gatsby. You can often find newer ones for free for limited periods as part of promotions.

Draw

With your iPad you can draw on Procreate and to be inspired from your trip. With iPad paper screen protector you will have the same feeling of drawing on paper, even if you’re drawing on your iPad!

Play

Playing games while travelling is a common activity that predates the use of smartphones. In years gone by you’d regularly see people playing cards or a travel version of popular board games.

Smartphones make this easier and more convenient. Just like with books, you don’t need to carry extra things with you.

Mobile gaming also opens up many new options, with a much wider variety of titles to choose from and the ability to play online with others.

For example, driving games like Need for Speed: No Limits and first-person shooters like Call of Duty: Mobile are available on both iOS and Android and offer a console-like experience on the go.

Classic card games like blackjack and board games like Monopoly can also be played on the go too, meaning travellers have a wealth of options available to them.

Watch

If you’re in a foreign country, you’ll often find only a handful of English-speaking TV channels will be available in your room. Of them, almost all of them will be news channels like the BBC World Service and Bloomberg.

Some hotels offer on-demand movies, but these are usually charged extra.

Thankfully, travellers now have another option thanks to their mobile devices. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video can be accessed from mobile devices either using your mobile data or the hotel’s WiFi. Some services even let you download movies and TV shows to your device to watch offline.

Through these services, you’ll have access to the latest and greatest films and boxsets, including their own originals like Money Heist and The Grand Tour.

Listen

Many people enjoy listening to music to help them relax. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can do this through your smartphone.

The first is to purchase and download music from iTunes or the Google Play Store. Individual songs usually cost around $0.99, but the price varies from region to region. Once they’re downloaded, you can play them as much as you like, including while you’re not connected to the internet.

The second option is to use a streaming service like Spotify or Pandora. These companies work in a similar way to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, giving you a library of tracks that you can stream over the internet.

They offer free subscriptions but if you pay for a premium version, you’ll be able to download tracks to listen to offline as well.

What is Electrical Motor Control?

Motor control is a generic term that means anything from a complex system to a simple toggle switch with components such as switches, relays, and timers. The main function of all controls, however, is to regulate the operation of an electric motor. As a result, when motor control equipment is installed, many factors need to be considered to ensure that the control will function optimally for the machine for which it has been selected.

An electric motor control modifies torque into voltage references that are transformed into real voltages applied to an electric motor. The main objective of electric motor control is to ensure that the motor’s electric component transports electromagnetic torque at the right dynamic and static accuracy compared to torque reference.

Let us now discuss the purpose of electric motor control.

Purpose of Motor Controller

Some of the complex and exact automatic applications of electric motor control are mentioned below. Remember to keep these elements in mind when selecting and installing motor control components with certain systems and machines.

    • Starting: The motor can be started by connecting it to the main source of voltage directly. However, gradual starting may be required to protect the machine and ensure that the line current inrush upon starting isn’t too much for the utility company’s system.
      Some machines may get damaged if they are started with an abrupt turning maneuver. Therefore, the frequency of starting an electric motor is another factor that influences the controller.
    • Stopping: Most controllers are designed in such a way that allows motors to come to a halt. Some also impose sudden braking action to ensure that the machine stops immediately. This is the reason quick stopping action is a necessary function of the controller for emergency stops.
    • Reversing: Electric motor control is also required to change the direction of the machine rotation automatically or via the command of an operator. The reversing action of a controller is a repeated process in many industrial applications.
    • Running: The maintenance of required operational speed is one of the main objectives and functions of controllers. They help protect motors, machines, materials, and machines while they are running.
      Additionally, these controllers are equipped with multiple safety circuits and devices that protect equipment, people, industrial production, and processes against potential injury that may occur when the machines are up and running.
    • Speed Control: Some electric motor control functions also maintain precise speeds for specific industrial procedures. Other controllers can alter or change the speeds of motors either gradually or in steps.
    • Operator safety: Many mechanical safeguards have been added or supported by electrical means of protection. Electrical control devices provide direct means to protect machine operators from risky operational conditions.
    • Protection from damage: Another aspect of an automatic machine is to protect the machine itself and the manufactured or processed materials that it is responsible for handling.

Some expected benefits of Electrical motor controls:

    • Control features can be personalized to application requirements.
    • Simple and straight-forward speed control procedures.
    • Easy application of electric braking.
    • Obtainable in a wide range of speed, power, and torque grades.
    • Improved Efficiency.
    • Short-time overload capacity.
    • Self-starting and requires no external starting device.
    • Cleaner, less noisy operations, and less maintenance.
    • Capable of achieving full torque at halt without a clutch.
    • Safe operation in harsh and risky environments.
    • Readily available for immediate use as no warmup time is required.
    • Low no-load losses and low acoustic noise.
    • Exceptional control ability.

Suppose you have been looking forward to upgrading tour electrical systems. In that case, we recommend you consult a licensed electrical consultant or approach a leading provider to seek expert recommendations and guidance. They can optimize, provide you with tips for customizing your motors and drive. Doing so ensures you only invest in proper and effective solutions to enable long-term returns and benefits to you!

8 Things You Must Know Before Planning Your Turks and Caicos Vacation


Fasten your seat belt cause you’re in for an unforgettable ride! Here are eight things you must know before planning your Turks and Caicos vacation…
CONTINUE READING >> 

The Turks and Caicos Islands is a luxury destination, popular for its powdery sands and crystal-clear turquoise water. Located southeast of the Bahamas and North of Hispaniola, this group of islands is a famous touristic destination thanks to its luxury hotels, breath-taking scenery, dreamy beaches, and coral reefs.

But, hold your horses! Before you start planning your escape to this paradise, there are a few important things you should know that will prepare you for your trip here.

Fasten your seat belt cause you’re in for an unforgettable ride! Here are eight things you must know before planning your Turks and Caicos vacation.

1.      English Is the Official Language

Remember those trips when you would go around from local to local, trying to get some directions in a language you understand? Well, luckily, in Turks and Caicos, you won’t struggle to find someone who speaks English at all. Why? Because the Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory, which is why English is the official language here.

Everyone here speaks English, so it will be easy to ask for directions, to order food in the restaurant, or to make some new friends among the locals.

2.      You Can Pay with US Dollars

If you thought that English being the official language here is the only reason why it’s easy as an American to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands, find out that this isn’t the only one.

The Turks and Caicos Islands also use the US dollar. So, you can also expect that many hotels, restaurants, and other services will take cheques because they can be cashed at local banks. What’s more, most credit cards are also accepted, and you can easily withdraw money from ATMs whenever you need it.

3.      There’s Excellent Weather Year-Round

Not sure what’s the best time of the year to travel to the Turks and Caicos? Here’s the good news: all year-round is a good time to travel here.

Now, there are definitely some peak tourism seasons, like in every other destination. Here, the peak tourism seasons are the December-January holidays and the March-April Easter, and spring break times. Yet, the weather is excellent all the time. So, especially if you don’t like crowded tourist destinations, you can plan your vacation in any other month of the year except those mentioned above.

Moreover, suppose you don’t want any chance to get your vacation disrupted by a natural phenomenon. In that case, you may want to avoid traveling here in September and October, as they are the height of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Don’t worry, the chances of a storm to hit the shore are very low. And the ocean is typically calm during this period, despite being in the Hurricane Season. But, your travel plans, such as your flights to or from home, may be affected by a major storm.

4.      There Are Lots of Things to Do or See Here

In other words, what you must know is that you couldn’t get bored here even if you wanted to. There are just so many fun things to do and incredible things to see that you’re going to have a full schedule during your vacation time.

What can you do here? From spending a relaxing day on the beach to going horseback riding in the ocean, go snorkeling, exploring the beautiful waters by booking a private boat charter at poseidontci.com, visit the nature reserve locally known as “Iguana Island” or go kitesurfing, there are just so many unique experiences you can have here.

5.      Expect Luxury Accommodation Options

Turks and Caicos is a luxury destination. So, you shouldn’t expect less when it comes to finding out where to stay during your vacation.

You can choose between a private beachfront villa, a luxury rental home, or to stay in a five-star hotel with luxury resort appeal. Either way, you’ll likely be steps from miles of powdery sand beaches and the crystal-clear water.

If you are traveling with your friends or family, you can choose to rent a villa to get that more relaxed atmosphere. But, if you are traveling here with your loved one or someone you want to impress, you should choose a luxury resort hotel.

6.      Beaches in The Turks And Caicos Are Free to Access

When planning your budget for this trip, you should know that you won’t be spending a penny to enjoy the sand, crystal-clear water, and the sun. Yes, you’ve heard that right: all beaches in the Turks and Caicos are free to access for everyone.

Here, you won’t find private beaches, except for private land, of course. In the Turks and Caicos, you’ll find stunning beaches free for everyone.

7.      Avoid Spending Saturdays Or Sundays At the Airport

The Providenciales International Airport in Turks and Caicos tends to be the busiest during the weekend days because there are many planes arriving in a short time span. So, if you are not a fan of waiting in long lines and waiting a lot to get a taxi or to rent a car, it would be best if you’d plan your travel to and from the Turks and Caicos Islands on weekdays.

8.      Taxis Can Cost A Lot

In the Turks and Caicos, pricing can be very expensive, including when it comes to taxis. In fact, taxi rates here are even a bit higher than what’s typical in the US. What’s more, when you take a cab, you should expect to be charged per person, not per ride. Plus, you should know that you won’t find any public transport in the Turks and Caicos.

What are your other options? You can either rent a car at the beginning of your vacation so that you can get around the destination for a price that starts at around 40$ / day or use Conch Can, a ride-hailing service here that operates much like Uber.

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

Rollover Accidents Can Cause Wrongful Death. How Do You Get Compensation?

It is necessary to understand the common causes of rollover accidents in order to comprehend the complexity of making a wrongful death claim…
CONTINUE READING >> 

Rollover accidents occur when a car hits an object, often a guard rail or road curb, and turns to stand on its roof. The car might roll over once or several times before coming to a stop.

While these types of accidents are among the least occurring on our roads, their fatalities are at an all-time high. More than 6,000 people died from rollover accidents in 2018 alone.

The most dangerous thing about roll-over crashes is that a car is not designed to stand on its roof. So when a vehicle rolls over, there is a possibility of the entire car top crumbling. The resulting impact on the occupants can cause back fractures, neck, and spinal cord injuries.

Another reason for such a high number of fatalities is that a car’s fuel line or gas tank might be damaged in the process. A sudden explosion will result in severe burns and even wrongful death.

Wearing a seatbelt can minimize the magnitude of injuries but does not guarantee full-proof protection.

If your loved one died from a rollover accident that resulted from someone’s negligence, it is possible to get compensation. However, proving fault in rollovers has not always been easy because of the many factors that come together in this type of accident.

It is necessary to understand the common causes of rollover accidents in order to comprehend the complexity of making a wrongful death claim. You can visit https://fasigbrooks.com/jacksonville/wrongful-death/ to understand the causes better and learn who can file the claim on behalf of the deceased.

Top Causes of Rollover Accidents

    • Cars with a high center of gravity: SUVs are the most common types of cars involved in rollover accidents because they have a high center of gravity.
    • Faulty car suspension: A vehicle’s stability depends on the suspension system. If it is defective, the car can easily lose control and roll over.
    • Poor weather conditions: Icy and wet roads increase the probability of cars skidding and rolling over.
    • Poor roads: A pothole or road crack can easily throw a car off-course to a rollover.
    • Drunk driving
    • Speeding

How to Prove Fault and Get Compensation for Wrongful Death

Negligent Driver

If your loved one was killed in a rollover accident resulting from another driver’s negligence, a wrongful death lawyer can help you prove fault.

Any driver on the road owes a duty of care to drive in a manner that shows regard for other road users.

Thus, if a driver is intoxicated, speeding, or driving recklessly, they have already breached this duty of care.

Your attorney will help you prove that the driver’s negligence resulted in the death of your loved one.

Car Manufacturer

Rollover accidents can become complex, especially when a car manufacturer is involved. These types of crashes are different in that they can result from a vehicle’s faulty design too.

When a person dies from a rollover accident caused by the vehicle’s design, their spouse or children can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation. Compensatory damages can reimburse losses such as funeral expenses, ambulance bills, loss of a breadwinner, loss of consortium, pain, emotional suffering, and so on.

To prove fault, your attorney will need to show that the manufacturer knowingly distributed a defective car, the faulty design caused an injury or death, and that the claimant was driving in a reasonable manner when the accident occurred.

Car manufacturers have a duty of care to their consumers too. They should design, manufacture, market, and sell vehicles that are safe for road use. For instance, NHTSA states that all post-2012 model cars have proper electronic stability control. If a manufacturer sold a car without adhering to this guideline, they are automatically liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths.

Luckily, through strict liability, such cases do not require a plaintiff to identify the negligent party.

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

Cooking with CBD Oil – 5 CBD Oil Recipes You Can Try for Relaxing

CBD is virtually everywhere nowadays, and that’s a good thing. There has been extensive proof of CBD’s health benefits, and even of how CBD can benefit our pets. Indeed, the ubiquity of CBD and how easily accessible it is in some places can make it very easy to incorporate CBD into your life.

Whatever benefit you wish to derive from CBD, whether you want to alleviate anxiety, relieve pain, or simply just relax, CBD oil should be a staple of your everyday life. Of course, taking CBD oil purely might not be desirable for everyone.

Fortunately, there’s no need to worry, as CBD oil can be mixed with practically any dish or beverage of your choice, so you enjoy its benefits while having a hearty meal or relaxing drink at the same time. Why force yourself to consume pure CBD oil when you can just mix and enjoy it with your food, right? Plus, you could even add CBD oil to already healthy meals for benefits aplenty.

Here are 5 CBD oil recipes that you can use if you want to enjoy a simple yet fulfilling meal or drink while enjoying the benefits of CBD as well:

1. CBD Peppermint Chocolate Cups

Chocolate cups are a go-to guilty pleasure for anyone who would want something sweet and easy on the palate. Luckily, you can reduce the guilt of eating chocolate by infusing CBD with your peppermint chocolate cups. Another great thing about making CBD peppermint chocolate cups is that you can make a lot of them in one batch so you can store some in your fridge and have seconds whenever you want.

2. Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie with CBD Oil

From Better Nutrition

A mint chocolate chip smoothie already sounds refreshing and relaxing in itself. Apart from containing fresh and healthy components such as avocado and spinach, adding CBD oil to the mixture is bound to make you feel better at any time of the day. Adding CBD in the mix is also easy, you just simply let the blender do all the work.

3. CBD Hemp Honey & Matcha Latte 

Mixing CBD-infused honey with a matcha latte will definitely bring a plethora of health benefits as well as help you power through your day. This refreshing concoction has a variety of components that will allow you to enjoy a fulfilling, healthy, and overall beneficial drink. Matcha, apart from containing a healthy amount of antioxidants, is also a great alternative to drinking a cup of CBD coffee for a caffeine boost that won’t make you crash later. The CBD on the other hand will calm your nerves so you pick your day up without being neurotic.

4. Berries & Chamomile CBD Cashew Cream

If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to cap off a filling meal, a serving of berries & chamomile CBD cashew cream might be exactly what you need. Making this is very simple and will take no more than 10 minutes, so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your dessert while soaking in the relaxation brought by CBD. You can opt to have a serving of this as a healthy mid-day snack as well.

5. CBD Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies

Put a twist on your chocolate chip cookies by mixing some CBD oil with it. CBD oil chocolate chip cookies are a great snack for just sitting back and chilling. Another good thing is that you can share some with your friends.