Author Archives: schatzi

How to Plan a Weekend Trip on a Budget

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Taking a weekend trip is really nice because it is the right way to release your stress feeling so you will be able to refresh your mind in a good way. If you do not have a large budget to this trip, you still have a chance to make the best trip on a budget so you can make it more enjoyable for you so you can make it functional for your needs. To help you in creating the plan, just check this article out.

1. The first step you have to do is to begin your weekend from Thursday or Friday so you will be able to save more money that will be great for you. If you would like to take a trip with the use of plane, leaving on Thursday will allow you to get the cheaper tickets so you can make them functional for you. Besides, the accommodation you will need is also cheaper such as hotel rooms, rental cars and vacation packages. By considering this thing, you can make your trip more enjoyable for you and your family.
2. The next step you must know is to avoid taking a trip in holiday weekends because the price is higher than other days. There are some holiday weekends you have to know that should be avoided such as Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Labor Day. Just be sure not to take a trip on that time.
3. The next thing you must think about is to consider about traveling last minute. Although it is without a plan but this trip can be more enjoyable for you and your family. This consideration is also important because there are many hotels and airlines which provide you with good discounted prices for last minute bookings.
4. Another consideration you have to understand is to find anything which is cheap. In this case, it is important for you to know some options of places that offer affordable prices for the tickets. Besides, you can also do cheap activities which are really great such as camping or visiting national park. Besides, taking a trip with a car is cheaper than flying.
5. Also, you can think about taking much rest at your home. In this case, you do not have to spend more so you can save more money. If you spend more time at your home, you can learn on cooking or clean your home. Besides, you can gather with your kids so you have the best quality time so your kids will not lack of your attention. In this case, you have to learn about the results provided so you can take benefits from it.

How to Save Money When Booking a Vacation Through Your Travel Agency

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With an uncertain economy and, for many, an uncertain future, some people are opting to put off vacations. Despite the potential problems on the horizon, that does not have to be the case. When you work with a travel agency, you can save a lot of money. Almost anyone can afford to travel if they follow these six tips when booking a vacation through a travel agency:

Tip #1: Be clear that you’re on a very tight budget.

If you want to save money when you vacation, your best bet is to tell your travel agent that from the start. There is little to be gained by hiding the fact that you want to travel on a shoestring budget. Furthermore, be really clear about what that budget is, since “inexpensive” to one person is not cheap to another. The clearer you are about your price range, the better. That way, your travel agent can put together a vacation package that you can afford, not work for a long time on something that doesn’t even come close to your budget.

Tip #2: Have flexible travel dates and times.

The more options you give your travel agent when it comes to your vacation dates, the better. Flights tend to change prices drastically over the weekend, so moving your vacation just two or three days could save you hundreds of dollars. Avoiding holidays is also good. When you’re flexible, your travel agent can also barter for hotel rooms, show tickets, and so forth with other companies in the travel industry. For example, if your travel agent knows that another agent is trying to fill rooms he or she bought in a chunk for a discounted price, you can get a better deal on one of those rooms. Give your travel agent a bit of wiggle room to negotiate. Likewise, if you are willing to travel at undesirable times, like in the early morning hours or overnight, you may be able to get a cheaper deal, at least on the transportation costs.

Tip #3: Ask for a cheaper version of your dream vacation.

During your initial meeting with your travel agent, have an open mind when it comes to destination. Talk about your dream vacation spot, but then hear out your agent on places that are similar but not as expensive. For example, say you want to visit Aspen for a gorgeous ski vacation. It might be less expensive (but just as fun) to go skiing at one of the resorts in Vermont. You might feel like your compromising too much, but think about your destination choices long and hard. If it is just the name holding you back, you might want to just let go and take a risk on the less expensive location. You might have just as much fun if you stay open-minded

Tip #4: Stay in the United States.

Work with a travel agent who books domestic trips so that you can stay in the United States. In most cases, you should save money on transportation since you will not have to travel as far. You may also be able to travel without documentation, as long as you have a picture ID. When you travel out of the country, you need a passport at the very least, and you may need a visa, certain vaccinations, or other travel documents as well. When you stay in the United States, you should also not have to worry about added cell phone expenses to make calls, losing money on the exchange rate, or paying top dollar to take your luggage with you.

Tip #5: Be willing to do some of the planning yourself.

The whole reason you use a travel agent is to avoid having to do the planning work yourself, but if you compromise on that a bit, you may be able to save money. Instead of working with a travel agent who plans every last detail, get someone that is a little less expensive and just book your flight and hotel through the agent. When it comes to the other stuff, like getting tickets to an event or making restaurant reservations, you can do the work yourself.

Tip #6: Organize a group tour.

A great way to save money on your vacation is to organize a tour through your travel agency. Group rates will apply, but more importantly, the person who organized the vacation typically gets to travel for free. The down side of that is that you have to commit to finding a certain number of people who will go on vacation with you, which can be hard. You are also responsible for them if they do not pay, and you have to, essentially, share you vacation. However, this is a great way to save money and make sure that you can still travel, even if you are on a budget.

Gymnastics – Balance Beam Tips

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Gymnastics is a difficult sport as it is. Competing on four different events against hundreds of other people in front of hundreds of people is not every person’s idea of fun. Gymnasts indulge in that challenge of showing off their skills. The greatest challenge of the four events for many gymnasts is the balance beam.

What is the balance beam? The balance beam is a beam lifted four feet off the ground and is 16 feet long and four inches wide. When the beam was first invented, it was simply a wooden beam. Gymnasts focused more on the dance aspect back in the day instead of tumbling but in today’s age a lot of the focus is on the tricks performed on the beam such as the front tucks, back tucks, and ariels.

Female gymnasts compete on beam doing all kinds of flips, turns, leaps, and jumps but how exactly do they do it? Following a few of these tips will help you to master the beam.

TIP 1:

In order to do well on the balance beam, you want to make sure you can execute the skill on the ground first before you try it on the beam. Building your confidence on the ground first is a must before performing your skills on the beam.

TIP 2:

A gymnast must not be afraid to get hurt. I have fallen off the balance beam many of times doing leaps and turns. You have to build your confidence up and know that you are not going to be the best every time and that you are going to fall off. It happens.

TIP 3:

Use the mats until you are comfortable. You didn’t jump up in start walking in a day; you had to hold on first. Using the mats will help build your confidence. The more you start to land your tricks with the mats, the more comfortable and confident you get. After you start repeatedly nailing your skills, take the mats away.

TIP 4:

Ask for a spot. Your coaches are there to help you. They want to see you mask your skills. So do not hide away and be embarrassed. Believe me; you will be thankful you asked for help now instead of going to a competition unprepared.

TIP 5:

When performing a skill on the beam, take your time. Do not ever do a trick if you are not physically and mentally prepared for it. The beam is too tiny to rush on and could cause serious injury.

TIP 6:

Chalk is your friend. Beam makes a lot of people nervous which causes their hands and feet to sweat. Using chalk can help to prevent slipping off the beam no matter if you are just standing or if you are doing a skill.

TIP 7:

Always watch your surroundings. For example, do not do a cartwheel while someone is running underneath the beam. The beam is already scary enough.

TIP 8:

The beam requires a lot of core muscles. The whole time you are on the beam, you will want to keep perfect posture including a straight back, chin up, and on tip toes. Holding this posture will keep you on the beam a lot longer than just standing like you would on the ground.

TIP 9:

Practice makes perfect. Practicing your skills over and over will get you the results you want. You will master a skill as long as you stay cool, calm, and confident.

The balance beam can be terrifying but using these tips will help you to get over the fear and make the beam your favorite event. Like any activity, it all takes time to become the best you can be.

Montreal Lebanese Restaurants – Get the Top Names

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When it is about enjoying some fine Lebanese cuisines, Montreal restaurants offer few top names especially known for their quality service, reasonable rates to combine to a great dining experience. There is no doubt that Montreal Lebanese restaurants provide you a unique pleasure in dining with friends, family or with your partner.

Few Lebanese restaurants in Montreal even offer a host of entertainment facilities like live music and dancing to add to the charm of enjoying some phenomenal delicacies. No matter what time of the day you may choose to visit, but be sure to get the best dining in the Montreal Lebanese restaurants as always.

Here are some of the top-rated Lebanese restaurants in Montreal. And get to know what can be expected from them.

Ezo

Dining at the Ezo promises a memorable experience. This Lebanese restaurant is popular for offering fine Lebanese delicacies and sea food specialties. It provides a huge variety of plates to provide true Lebanese styled dining.

When you choose it to satisfy your cravings for good food, you can be sure that Ezo will not be a disappointment. Their wide specialties include fresh grill, brochette, seafood, salads and meat. Not only this, the friendly and warm ambiance also adds to the charm of the terrific flavors which you get to taste here. Whether choosing to visit with family or friends or business colleagues, be sure to get charmed with their overall friendly service.

Habibi

The Habibi restaurant in Downtown Montreal offers guests with excellent service and some delightful traditional Lebanese dishes prepared fresh. Their specialties include Fattouch, Taboule, Humus, Filet Mignon, Shrimps and Shish Taouk.Like most other popular Lebanese restaurants in Montreal, the restaurant offers great entertainment options. You will find live musicians and belly danseurs to offer great amusement to the crowd. On Fridays, live music starts from 11 pm onwards. On every Saturday, you can enjoy both belly dancing and live music from 11 pm.

The two floor of the restaurant offers a total of 150 seats. There is a private room and the private lounge offers 20 seats. The VIP lounge offers 40 seats. On the other hand, the terrace offers 50 seats. The first floor reception offers seating arrangements for 100 people.

Kabab

Situated on Boulevard Dagenais in Laval, Restaurant Kabab allows you to discover the exotic flavors of the Lebanese grill. This Montreal Lebanese restaurant welcomes fans to enjoy some Eastern flavors in a beautiful and friendly ambiance. The restaurant staff is there to guide you to pick cuisine if you are not much familiar with the fragrant cuisine. The specialties of this Montreal restaurant are as follows- Merguez, Falafel, Brochettes, Fatouche, Taboule, Humus, Shawarma, Shish Taouk and Grill. You will also find live entertainment options on every Friday and Saturday. Lebanese dance music and belly dancers will add to the pastime.

Daou

The Daou restaurant is located across the Failon Street. The restaurant is known to serve some of the best home styled Lebanese cooking. Some of the best dishes on the menu list include chicken, ground meat, stuffed grape, minced lamb, shrimps, filet mignon and seasoned kababs. The restaurant also offers great catering service to their guests.