Staying Organized When Planning the Trip of a Lifetime

May 13, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

We all dream of that one vacation, that trip of a lifetime, and finally we’ve saved what we think is enough money and have our tickets in hand, ordered early of course for that discounted price! But as the time draws nearer, we suddenly realize that we’ve not taken the time to plan what to bring, what to leave, and a million other little things we hadn’t thought of when booking our travel and accommodations. The actual key to staying organized when planning that trip is to start early enough to get everything done. However, if you are like the rest of us, you’ve only weeks to do and aren’t nearly ready. What to do? Here is a bit of advice.

First and Foremost Is Your Health

Before you take another step, do a solid inventory of your medications. Bear in mind that many of these prescription drugs you will not be able to get in other countries. Talk to your doctor to ensure that you have enough medication to see you through your trip, which may be lengthy, and then fill those prescriptions prior to embarking on that dream vacation you’ve been yearning for. If your medication is expensive normally, you might want to check out options for discount prescriptions online. Leave yourself enough time to do a thorough search and if at all possible, check out coupons for use at your local pharmacies.

What to Pack and What to Leave

What you bring along with you will be largely dictated by where you are going. If at all possible bring two (or more!) of everything from bathing suits to walking shoes. Do you plan to dine at award-winning bistros or go out for an evening at the opera in London? Formal attire should be carried along first because that is the most expensive to buy on the road. Casual attire is easy to find and affordable almost anywhere you go. Also, keep in mind that you will almost assuredly need to pay for excess baggage, so pack that which you can’t replace on the journey and leave behind the rest.

Seasonal Considerations

Finally, if you are traveling to a tropical paradise in the winter months here at home or to a ski resort at the height of summer where you are now, you might not be prepared for the variation in climates where you are headed. The Internet can be your best friend when it comes to planning a trip because you can get weather conditions in real time for literally every location around the globe. Check to make sure you are bringing the right type of clothing for the climate you will be staying in. It sounds like it should be common sense, but when it comes to taking that trip of a lifetime, all sense seems to fly out the door! Also, we have been seeing weird anomalies in global weather patterns, so stay informed of any ‘out of the ordinary’ temperatures and weather conditions where you will be staying.

What tips for staying organized when traveling do you have?

Again, the key to staying organized on that trip of a lifetime is to start planning well in advance. Learn what you can about the culture and the climate and be prepared for contingencies. Your health is of prime importance so plan well for any medications or medical devices you may need to carry along with you.

Angie

Angie is a coffee-fueled writer, artist-wanna-be, and over-worker who currently resides in a tiny fixer-upper near Salt Lake City with her boyfriend and 70lb rescue pittie. She works full time in Customer Service/Computers, part-time in retail and fashion, goes to school part-time on and off, maintains this and another couple of blogs, as well as volunteers with rescue dogs. In her free time, what little of it there is, she likes to read, play nerd games, craft and create art, and spend time with all of the awesome people in her life.

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Great Places to Visit in the United States

March 14, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

The US is so large and has so many different types of vacation on offer that the hardest part is deciding where to go. Take the family to Disneyland? See the nightlife of Miami? Hit the sunny SoCal beaches? There is a whole host of great places to choose from.

Great Places to Visit in the United States

While there’s plenty of fantastic places to see in the USA, there’s a few really great options for your next visit to the United States. Plus, they’re a few of my favorites!

San Francisco: Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, & More

If you want to see some of the most famous landmarks in the world, the US has plenty. You could head to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge and while you’re there take a boat trip over to Alcatraz. Enjoy the great restaurants and nightlife and the compulsory trip on a streetcar.

Southern California: The Sun, the Sand, & the Tans

Fancy a bit more of a beach vacation? Head down the (rather long) road in LA to the famous Venice Beach or Santa Monica. Alternatively, Laguna Beach is a very popular hangout for the rich and famous. California is covered with fantastic, long beaches that have good pathways to cycle or walk along. Take a trip into central LA to walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the famous stars along the pavement. If you take an open top bus tour, you will get taken to see some of the most iconic film scenes ever.

New York: Broadway, Buildings, & More

If California doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then how about a trip to the Big Apple? The city that never sleeps, the unique city of New York? There are loads of exciting things to do in this fantastic city – a trip up the Empire State Building, a boat trip to see the Statue of Liberty, a walk over Brooklyn Bridge at night, go to see a show on Broadway and not forgetting a trip to Central Park!

Utah: Relaxing Among Red Rocks

Maybe that all sounds a bit too hectic for you and you’d rather go somewhere a bit more peaceful and scenic, like the tranquility of Utah? As well as seeing one of nature’s most famous places, you can enjoy the tranquility of Hiking Trails in Zion Canyon, visit a desert oasis and have a go at pretty much any water sport that you can think of.

Las Vegas: Bright Lights Baby

Next head to the bright lights of Sin City – the one and only Las Vegas! Spend time in the amazing hotels with their own casinos, bars, restaurants and even shows. You barely need to leave the hotel to have a full holiday experience in Las Vegas. Some of the greatest musical performers and shows have graced the famous hotels in Vegas.

Florida: Beaches and Amusement Parks

Millions of people travel to the US each year for the theme park experience in Florida. With so many theme parks including Universal Studios, Disney World, Magic Kingdom and a handful of waterparks, you can keep the whole family entertained for weeks. Florida is also a great destination to try out the fantastic golf courses.

A few hours’ drive away is the excitement of Miami Beach, where you can experience one of the world’s most famous beach resorts and some very interesting nightlife!

Where’s your favorite place to visit in the United States?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

4 Historical Cities Worth a Visit

February 2, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

The world is filled with so many intriguing places, and unfortunately, there isn’t enough time in the world to experience them all. However, there are some destinations you must visit before you stop traveling the world. Here are 5 historic cities that are worth a visit:

Berlin, Germany

You will feel like you are stepping inside a piece of history from the moment you enter Berlin. In the last 100 years, the city has played an integral role in modern history, as it was the capital of Nazi Germany, and Berlin was also divided in two during the Cold War. It is, therefore, an intriguing place to visit when you think and learn about the history behind the modern city that stands today.

Places to See in Berlin

However, Berlin is now known for its vibrant nightlife, which is complemented by its chic restaurants. Tourists can also visit the Berlin Wall’s outdoor memorial and the Brandenburg Gate, which stands as a memorial to the Cold War. Successfully navigate your way across the German capital with the Berlin city guide.

Athens, Greece

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and has a recorded history of 3,400 years, and was a prominent city in 1400 BC. It is therefore filled with history and culture, playing an integral role in philosophy, literature, science and the shape of the Western World.

Places to See in Athens

You can, therefore, explore the many museums in the city, offering an intriguing insight into Athens’s extensive history. Despite its ancient history, the Greek capital now offers a busy metropolis providing a range of sophisticated restaurants, chic hotels, and stores. Those looking to explore the history of Athens should visit the city’s famous historic landmarks, such as Acropolis, Temple of Poseidon, Parthenon, and Keramikos.

Beijing, China

The 3,000-year-old Beijing has played an integral role in China’s history, as the city served as the home of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and it was also the capital during the reign of Chairman Mao throughout the Chinese Communist Revolution. Tourists can now explore the architecture and culture defined by China’s extensive history.

Places to See in Beijing

For example, tourists should certainly visit the Forbidden City, which was created as an imperial palace during the Qing Dynasty. You can take a walk along the expansive Great Wall of China, which offers a unique stroll you are likely to take. Visitors should also not miss the many breath-taking Chinese Temples located across Beijing.

Varanasi, India

India’s Varanasi dates way back to 11th century BC and is therefore regarded as one of the oldest cities in the world. You can trust you will enjoy a culture-filled adventure, as the city offers many temples and is viewed as one of seven holy Hinduism cities.

Places to See in Varanasi

One of the most famous temples is, of course, the Golden Temple, which celebrates the Hindu god Shiva. Many people often visit the banks of the River Ganges to perform funeral rites, as it is thought that people who die here will receive the gift of eternal life.

Which historical cities do you want to see?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

The Happiest Places In The World

January 18, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Are you looking for somewhere to visit that will make you feel amazing and lift your spirits to no end? Look no further! In this list, you’ll find the happiest places in the world. You can’t go far wrong by adding these places to your bucket list. Whether you plan on going on a week long holiday or you want to get away for a number of weeks, or an indefinite amount of time, you should consider these locations a must. Take a look and see what you find (bear in mind they are in no particular order).

Sweden

Sweden is the 10th happiest in the world according to Happiness Index. There are museums for those intellectual types who want to learn more about this happy place. There are even food tours and botanical gardens to enjoy.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has some of the most incredible views you will ever see. There are the canals, and some beautiful buildings and architecture. When visiting in the summer, you’ll be able to see the incredible tulips. The great coffee shops could even be a reason many of the people have a smile on their faces!

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most amazing places to visit. You can spot wildlife in Wellington if you want to see some amazing animals. There’s a great coffee culture over here too, along with amazing food.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the happiest, laid back places in the world. People work hard here but are very happy and friendly. They’ll all smile and acknowledge you when they see you. Some people say that as they have no army, this makes them happy. The place is very peaceful. There’s the sunshine, wildlife, and of course, beautiful scenery. You could even decide to volunteer in Costa Rica, which will be a rewarding experience for both you and the people you help. You could teach English, get involved in construction work, and even help wildlife. There are so many choices.

Denmark

Denmark has received high scores in studies due to its strong social support system, freedom to live how you like, and the low perceived government corruption. There are museums to explore, castles, towns, and bridges.

Australia

Australia has pretty much anything you could want. It has so many watersports, and gorgeous places like Whitehaven beach to practice them on. If you do decide to visit here, you can’t miss the Great Barrier Reef. Their motto is usually ‘Work hard play harder’. They encourage time off when it comes to their employees. The laid back culture and lifestyle are likely what makes them so happy. That, and the fact that it’s very sunny. Many people emigrate here, with good reason too.

What are your happiest places?

Will you be adding these places to your list? Have you visited any of them already? Let us know by leaving a comment and your thoughts below. It would be great to hear from you – come back for more posts soon!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Rock Your Housewarming Party In Sacramento

December 13, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

Sacramento, the capital of the state of California, offers a variety of quirky and trendy houses that could tempt you to move in and enjoy the Californian sunny weather. So as you are looking for your dream house under the sun, here are our indispensable tips to prepare a fabulous housewarming party in Sacramento.

#1 There Are Advocados Everywhere: Use Them

California is full of farmers who produces plenty of fresh and delicious products. The farmers markets are amazing there so prepared to be spoiled rotten! There is one specific thing that seems to come in abundance, and this is advocados. You will find them on every restaurant menu and in every recipe, whether it’s a salad, barbecue, sushi, or Mexican delicacy. So to get you to the idea, here’s the home-made guacamole recipe: A fresh, healthy and completely vegan alternative for your housewarming party.

#2 Sacramento Is A Friendly Place

It sounds like its generous climate and agriculture have made the town a place of genuine friendliness. But you will soon find out that you meet in Sacramento people who are genuinely a little kinder and friendlier than anywhere else: This is because Sacramento has succeeding in keeping its small town heart under the big city vibe. It’s hard not to feel welcome in this lovely place. So, take good note of it, and make sure to invite your new neighbors to your housewarming party.

#3 The Emergency Lot For When Things Go Wrong

You never know what could happen: Someone could get drunk and accidentally fall down the stairs, you could lock yourself outside at the end of the day as you wave goodbye to your friends, etc. Don’t worry, it’s part of the little incidents that make your housewarming party memorable! To be on the safe side, make sure to keep the address of the UC Davis Medical Centre which is one of the best hospitals in the country and your local police station – although you don’t need to worry too much about it: Sacramento has among the lowest crime rate in the entire country. Also make sure to have saved the number of a local locksmith, such as locksmith Sacramento for example, to cover all eventualities.

#4 Set The Sacramento Scene

You will discover that many celebrities have graduated from California State University in Sacramento, so why not set little reminders to your guests at the housewarming party? You’ll find Tom Hank, Ann Weldy, Carlos Alazraqui, and even Giselle Fernández, and naturally many more. So you could have Forrest Gump running in the background on the TV to set the ambiance, while you place The Beebo Brinker Chronicles by Ann Weldy on the shelf. What matters, after all, is to give a cheeky wink to the town you live in and help those of your friends who don’t know it yet to discover its cultural jewels.

All in one, have a lovely housewarming party in Sacramento, and don’t forget to prepare yummy drinks to keep your guests’ spirits up!

Have you considered moving to Sacramento?

This post contains an affiliate link. Thank you so much for supporting my blog.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Moving Abroad? Don’t Forget These Important Things!

November 22, 2016 by Angie 1 Comment

Moving to a different country isn’t as scary as it sounds. Sure, there’s probably a lot of paperwork involved and a lot of planning, but it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come around often, and it could transform your life into an exciting adventure full of discovery.

Pack All Your Important Things

This can’t be stressed enough: remember all your belongings! It costs a lot of money and time to send things abroad, and you don’t want to be forgetting your most precious items or most important pieces of gear. Check once, check again, then check one more time. Sometimes, the most important things are the most obvious, such as passports or other identification!

Check Your Documents Are Valid

Travel documents last a long time—long enough for us to forget when they expire! Applying for a visa in another country may take a very long time, so plan ahead and make sure you have the relevant documents and that you understand the application process for the country you plan to move to. Make sure your travel documents have plenty of time left on them—you don’t want them to expire mid-application. If you’re travelling with friends or family, make sure that their documents are also valid. There’s nothing worse than being separated.

Consider Hiring Professional Removalists

Moving house is hard work, but moving to an entirely different country is an even bigger task! If you’re serious about taking some large pieces of furniture or technology with you, then consider speaking to some Interstate Removalists. A lot of removalists will also specialise in moving your belongings abroad, cutting much of the hassle that’s involved in shipping large items to different countries.

Cancel Utilities in Advance

A lot of utility bills are paid in advance for up to 6 months. You don’t want to be paying for half a year’s worth of bills in a home that you aren’t living in. Try your best to plan ahead and cancel any bills so that they end around the time you leave the country.

Pay Any Outstanding Bills

In addition to cancelling utility bills, make sure you’ve paid off any debts, loans, and bills before you leave. Corporations are powerful, and they’ll be able to track you down no matter where you move to. In some cases, you might end up in serious trouble and they may consider you as fleeing the country, which would seriously hurt your chances of living in another country or worse, give you a criminal record. Remember to also inform any tax authorities that you plan to leave the country.

Keep In Touch With Friends and Family

Saying goodbye is tough, but it doesn’t need to be the end of a relationship. Make sure you have an email address or phone number so that your friends and family and stay in touch with you no matter where you decide to move to. Most of the time, your current SIM card won’t work in another country unless you tell your provider that you’re travelling abroad. Instead, you can use social media to keep in touch with others, such as Facebook.

Have you considered moving abroad?

This post contains an affiliate link. Thank you so much for supporting this blog of mine. 🙂

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Unusual Vacation Destinations That Are Often Underrated

November 21, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

Picking where to go on vacation these days can be so difficult. There are few places on earth that remain unreachable. So the world really is your oyster! The problem is though that after a while you can get bored visiting the same old touristy places. Yes, they can be fun, but they aren’t too adventurous, and when you get to talk about them you find everyone else has been there too.

Happily, there are still a few places left that no everyone has visited yet. So if you have an open mind and a taste for adventure try it out one of the unusual but underrated locations below for your next break.

Unusual Vacation Destinations: South Africa

South Africa is a country that benefits from amazing vistas and warm weather all year round. There is also plenty to do in South Africa, whatever type of holiday you are looking for.

For example, the luxury hotel complexes on the coast are perfect for a romantic getaway or a honeymooning couple. The warm weather makes it perfect to sunbathe or cool off in the pool too.

Vacationing with Wildlife

The coastal region is also a great bet for seeing some of the ocean wildlife that it’s abundant in this location. Most coastal town offer snorkeling and diving experiences, and many have whale watching trip you can attend as well.

Talking of wildlife, the landlocked parts of South Africa are pretty good for this too. One of the most popular pulls of a vacation in this location is the chance to see the big five game animals. These are the rhinos, buffalo, elephants, leopard and the king of the jungle himself the lion. There is also a myriad of other endangered animals that can be viewing on safari in this location like zebra and giraffes.

Take a Tour of the Bush

Most people visiting South Africa take the time to go on an organized tour in the bush. This provides the safety of trained local guides. As well as the greatest chance of seeing these majestic beasts up-close.

Camp in the Bush

Some people choose to camp out overnight at specially constructed bush hotels. These give you the experience of staying close to nature but with the added facilities like catering and a guard to keep the animals from your door. Literally.

Why you should consider South Africa and it’s amazing wildlife for your next big trip…

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Visit South Africa

If all this sounds like too much fun to pass up, you can book your break with companies such as Imagine Holidays South Africa over the internet. The all you have to do is pack your bags, and it’s off you go!

Unusual Vacation Destinations: Ukraine

The first thing to consider when booking a holiday to visit the Ukraine is safety. Due to the troubles, there some parts of the Ukraine are no longer safe to travel to including Lugansk and Donetsk. But travel to the main tourist locations is still possible. Although it is always best to check your government’s recommendations for travel before you book and fly.

Vacationing in Rich History

The appeal of the Ukraine is partly due to it’s rich and turbulent history with Russia and other surrounding nations. Because of this, there is a lot of historical sites to visit that you may find interesting such as Lviv’s Old Town and Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Unique Architecture

There is also a glut of stunning Orthodox Catholic churches built in traditional style with turrets and domes. These are a not only beautiful but a testament to the architects and workers that built them without the use of modern technology.

Kiev and Chernobyl

The capital city of Kiev is a must-see for all travelers, as is the site surrounding Chernobyl. Of course, the actual site itself is still off limits, but it is possible to tour the surrounding countryside to get an idea of what happened there.

You will need to follow all the safety instructions that are given to you during the tour. As there are still trace amounts of radiation that can be harmful if you are exposed to them for an extended amount of time.

The Ukraine is full of rich history and beautiful sunbathing. Add it to your list of must-see travel locations!

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Sunbathing in Odessa

There is even a beautiful beach to sunbath on in Odessa if you are looking for a more relaxing time after all that exploring. All these things really make the Ukraine a nation of contrasts.

Visit the Ukraine

Before you book your holiday to the Ukraine, check the safety travel information for your country. Then search for your and accommodation on the internet to get the best price.

Unusual Vacation Destinations: Kosovo

When visiting Kosovo, it is worth bearing in mind that their public holidays are not like the rest of the world. In fact, they celebrate Orthodox Christmas on the 7th of January. So bear in mind that many public places will be close if you plan to be there during this time.

Inexpensive Tourist-Free Travel

A big advantage of holidaying in Kosovo is, that as it doesn’t have an established tourist trade, accommodation and food are still cheap. In addition, people are pleased to talk to you about their heritage as they have not yet become jaded with the steady influx of visitors.

Relaxing Sunny Days

When traveling to Kosovo, it’s vital that you check out the capital Pristina. There you can spend a lazy day in Germia Park. Which apart from walks through the woods and foundations to check out, has a massive man-made outdoor swimming pool. This is a huge draw on sunny days. So get there seriously early if you want a good spot.

Culture and Education

If you are feeling the need for something a little more cultural, then you should try the Ethnographic Museum or the National Library. Whether you are into reading or not, the library is always worth a visit due to its unusually modern and domed architecture.

Shopping

There are also the more traditional thing to do in any city like visiting the shopping mall and local bazaars to grab a bargain. Or you could check out the Marble Cave. Which is a beautiful underground cavern hewn from marble rock. It also contains lots beautiful crystal and is a stunning site, not to be missed.

Kosovo hasn’t hit the tourist market yet, so it’s still relatively inexpensive to visit…

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Unusual Vacation Destinations: Mongolia

If you are consider visiting Asia for your net trip, but you want something a little more off the beaten track, then why not try a vacation to Mongolia?

Expansive Wilderness

Mongolia is bordered by China and Russia, and it’s well known for its wild open spaces and expanses of wilderness. The traditional culture there is nomadic one and there are some people still living that life on the plains today.

Mongolia may be one of the most fun and unusual travel destinations you need to see…

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Monasteries and Monuments

If you are visiting Mongolia, there are few things that you would kick yourself if you missed. The first is visiting the capital city Ulaanbaatar to check out the Genghis Khan monuments. Then there are plenty of religious sites to view like the Gandantegchinlen Monastery and the Choijin Lama Temple Museum.

Landscape & Wildlife

As Mongolia is so well known for its landscape and wildlife, it would be silly not to see some of this on your trip. You can visit one of the many national parks to view yaks and bird of prey. You can even take a camel tour into the Gobi Desert and live like the native nomadic people for a while.

Unusual Vacation Destinations: Cambodia

Cambodia is located in south-east Asia. It is bordered by three countries Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Probably the most famous thing apart from the food that Cambodia is known for is the temple of Angkor Wat.

This is located in the Northwest of the country. It is a huge temple complex, and it’s actually the largest religious monument in the entire world. It was built in the 12th century as a temple to Vishnu the Hindu responsible for protecting the universe. But it became a Buddhist site of reverence as the counties religious traditions changed over time.

Tour the Temple of Angkor Wat

While you can walk around the temple site on your own, many people choose to go on an organized tour to get the most of the experience. This is because there is such a vast space to cover it can be easy to miss the interesting and usual aspects if you are without a guide. There are plenty of tours that you can book online before you get to Cambodia. Just remember to compare them, so you are getting the best deal for your money.

Monks in Worship

Also, it is still a place of worship for Buddhist monks so being part of a guided tour stops you disturbing them. You will also need to make sure you have dressed appropriately for visiting a religious site. Also if possible get your tuk-tuk drivers to take you from temple to temple on a hot day. This can stop the heat becoming unbearable. Then take a break in on of the air-conditioned resultants in the midday heat to make your visit a little more pleasant.

Adrenaline & the Jungle

If you are a bit of an adrenaline junky, there are also activities that you can do at the Angkor Wat site. These include a zip line trail across the top of the Cambodian jungle. A once in a lifetime experience you will find it hard to beat.

Education & Wildlife

Or if you are looking for something to do other than the Angkor Wat complex, why not visit the Sen Monorom and Elephant Valley Project? There you will get to see the good work they are doing to educate the locals about keeping their animals healthy and happy in a sustainable way. Of course, you get to meet a few cheeky characters too, and watching the elephants feed and bathe is a wonderful experience that will stay with you.

Cambodia has a deep history and isn’t the easiest place to visit, but it’s amazing to see!

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Deep History

Of course, Cambodia is also known for the harsh political regime under the Khmer Rouge that reigned there during 1970’s. If you are interested in the history of this, you can visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center.

Real Experience

Be warned it is not an easy visit to make. But you will leave understanding the plight of the country in a better way. You will also know that you have visited Cambodia and experienced it as it really is rather than just cherry picking the less difficult parts.

What unusual vacation destinations must you see?

This post contains an affiliate link or two. Thank you so much for supporting my blog.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Working In Italy? Here’s How To Live Like A Local In 5 Easy Steps!

October 20, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

There’s no denying that Italy is a country rich with culture, style, history, and fun! It’s also a place that offers a plethora of job opportunities for people. Each year, thousands of individuals temporarily live in Italy for work reasons. They take up a variety of roles on a project by project basis.

Have you ever lived in Italy before? If not, it’s crucial you iron out any cultural differences before you move there. Here’s how to live like a local in five easy steps:

Public Transport Strikes Are Common

It seems that public transport operators always strike about something each week in Italy. The good news is they often warn about those strikes in advance. Make sure you keep up-to-date with the news to avoid issues with commuting.

You Don’t Need to Tip

Believe it or not, tipping is not a typical thing to do in Italy! In many cases, a “service charge” or servizio gets added to a bill. You’ll usually see it listed in restaurant bills, for example.

Don’t Handle Food with Your Bare Hands

Buying fresh produce for your meals? If so, you’ll get some dirty looks if you handle food with your bare hands! Instead, use a pair of gloves (plastic ones are often nearby). Or get the stallholder to handle them for you.

Get Used to Different Meal Times

When do most Italians eat? Breakfast is usually eaten at around 8 am, lunch at 1 pm and dinner at 7 pm.

You Can Use the Internet to Buy Almost Anything

From food to electronics goods, Italians love using the Internet to purchase products. They also take advantage of discount codes. After all; Italians are known for their haggling skills. Have you ever seen someone in Italy pay full price for something?

Infographic By http://www.piucodicisconto.com

Have you been to Italy?

This post contains an affiliate link. Thanks so much for supporting my blog!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

How Eating Different Cuisines Can Keep You Healthy

September 17, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

If you are getting bored of eating the same old healthy meals, you might need to go traveling. Don’t worry; you won’t have to buy an expensive flight ticket and hotel room! Instead, you can go traveling in your kitchen. It’s easily done; simply start cooking meals and dishes from different world cuisines. International cuisines place different ingredients at the forefront of dishes. And that means each country’s cuisine can have different health benefits. Interested in eating your way around the world? Here are some cuisines to try. Not only will the meals be super delicious, but they also have some surprising health benefits.

Mediterranean Cuisine

Travel to Italy, Greece, and Spain and you will be welcomed by Mediterranean cuisine. This type of diet has received a lot of media attention recently. And there is no wonder why. The Mediterranean diet features lots of fresh vegetables and fruit as well as whole grains and oily fish. It’s easy to cook this food in your whole kitchen. Think about creating pasta dishes with whole grain pasta and plenty of veggies. Another aspect of the Mediterranean diet is high amount of healthy fats that are found in all the usual ingredients. All the olive oil and oily fish can provide you plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids that can help your body function.

Health Benefits of Mediterranean Cuisine

But what exactly are the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet? Well, for starters, all the fiber in this type of food can help to slow down digestion. And this, in turn, is useful for helping the body control its blood sugar levels, which can reduce the risk of diabetes. Controlled blood sugar levels can also help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. And other degenerative illnesses. Many of the fresh fruits and vegetables that are used will also have high levels of antioxidants. These can help to prevent a number of life-threatening illnesses, such as Parkinson’s and various cancers. You’ll also find that all these antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals do wonders for your skin!

Indian Food

Most people love tucking into Indian curries and other Indian-inspired spicy food. The colors in each dish are incredibly attractive. And I’m pretty sure no one can resist the incredible aroma that comes from a tasty curry! It is also incredibly easy to cook yourself as well! So there is no excuse not to cook this ridiculously delicious and healthy cuisine.

Health Benefits of Curry

But what health benefits are there from eating curries exactly? Most of the benefits come from the food’s spiciness. An extra kick of spice can help you to lose some extra pounds. Capsaicin is found in chillies, so the spicier your food is, the more capsaicin will be in your food. This chemical compound can help to speed up your metabolism, and your body will burn more calories after eating the meal. The capsaicin has also been shown to effectively fight some cancers. Not only that, though, but it can also help prevent illnesses such as strokes.

Turmeric

One of the main benefits of curries comes from one of their key ingredients. Turmeric is a spice that is widely used in Indian cooking to give a rich yellow color to the food. This spice also has some amazing healing properties and is regularly used in Eastern medicine. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which help it to fight infections and repair muscle damage. And by helping with this small damage in the body, it can help stave off much more serious diseases such as heart disease. Another great consequence of its anti-inflammatory properties is that it can help to relieve arthritic pain. Want to learn more about the great benefits of turmeric? Check sites online such as this The Alternative Daily article.

French Cuisine

When you think of French cuisine, you probably instantly think about croissants, frogs legs, and cheese. However, that isn’t just it. The French cook with a range of ingredients to ensure that all their dishes are bursting with flavor and are highly satisfying. They also love their rich food and cook with plenty of foods that many dieticians wouldn’t normally recommend to those trying to be healthy!

The Health Benefits of French Food

So how do the French stay so slim and healthy? Surprisingly, it could be down to all this enjoyable food. The French are extremely good at portion control. They know that they can eat anything they want as long as they don’t eat too much. Moderation is key when it comes to eating. Once you begin to overeat, you will start to put on weight. Even if you start overindulging on healthy foods! So it is important to stick to small portions and try not to snack in between meals.

Quality over Quantity

The French also believe in quality over quantity. If you have a smaller portion of high-quality food, you are very likely to be sated after eating only a small amount. However, if the food is of a poor quality, you may be left wanting more. So try and stick to the freshest ingredients as possible. It is also important not to eat any processed foods. When it comes to bread and pasta, always try and stick to whole grains, as they are much better for your heart’s health.

Vietnamese Dishes

If you love your curries and want to try some more adventurous ones than just Indian, take a trip to Vietnam. Vietnamese food is largely free from any gluten, so can even be enjoyed by celiacs. But that isn’t the only reason you should enjoy these colorful curries. Their health benefits are manifold. Vietnamese food has been proven to help fight fatigue. This is because it is a great source of B vitamins, magnesium, and iron. All of these minerals are all important in helping your body feel a lot more energized and ready for action. Meaning you’ll always be pumped for your workouts! All these minerals and the vitamin C in curries are also great at giving your immune system a boost. So the next time you feel that you have a cold coming on, head to your local Vietnamese restaurant. Enjoying one of their pho dishes could help you stave off the sniffles!

The Health Benefits of Vietnamese Cuisine

There are plenty more health benefits that come with eating Vietnamese meals. Each dish often contains lots of fresh coriander and mint. These two herbs are widely regarded as being restorative and can help to relieve indigestion and feelings of nausea. Vietnamese curries are also very low in sugar. And that means that you can enjoy more without worrying about quickly piling on the pounds!

Mexican Food

Mexican food isn’t just all the usual food you find in your local takeout joint. They are all highly calorific and extremely high in fat. However, you can still enjoy these delicious treats, such as burritos and nachos, as long as you make them yourself at home. They are perfect hearty winter dishes, so it’s a good idea to start to practice them now so that you can quickly make them once the weather turns. Be sure to use plenty of tomato-rich sauces as these have been shown to reduce women’s risk of breast cancer.

Health Benefits of Mexican Food

There is also another fantastic benefit of eating all this yummy Mexican food. And that comes from the cuisine’s fixation on using ingredients such as beans and corns. These kinds of ingredients are slowly digested by the body. This prevents the body’s blood sugar levels from spiking, which can help to reduce your risk of getting diabetes. When you are making your very own Mexican dishes, be sure to use slow-release carbohydrates. So get brown rice instead or white. And try to find whole grain tortillas if possible. This can also help reduce your risk of diabetes, and can also help you lose weight.

Nordic Cuisine

Just like with Mediterranean food, the Nordic cuisine is also currently being touted as one of the healthiest ways for us to eat. Everyone up in Scandinavia eats plenty of oily fish, which has multiple health benefits. Often considered a superfood, oily fish such include mackerel and salmon. They are widely thought to help fight cardiovascular disease. That’s all thanks to their high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, which can also help promote excellent brain health. That’s not it, though, as they are also packed full of vitamins and minerals.

The Nordic countries also use a lot of different berries in their cooking. Berries thrive in cold weather, which means cold countries such as Denmark and Sweden are the perfect place for them to grow. Lingonberries are bursting with vitamin C and are closely related to cranberries. No matter which type of berry you enjoy, you can be sure that it will be high in antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals.

What are your favorite world cuisines?

So where will your kitchen travels take you? Try not to just stick to one of the above cuisines. You will need to mix and match your dishes so that you can enjoy a rich and varied diet. Variety won’t only keep your taste buds on their toes, but it will also help you get your body the wide range of vitamins and minerals that it needs.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting my blog!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Festival Survival Kit: What to Pack for Style & Comfort

July 15, 2016 by Angie 7 Comments

The festival season is in full swing. If you’re planning your first festival this year, take a look at our checklist of essential items you should pack in your festival survival kid.

Festival Survival Kit: Clothes And Spares

If you’re staying at the festival, you’re going need clothes. Don’t pack too much; you’ll only have to carry it all. Just take enough for the days you’re there and a few extras. Extras are important. The weather is unpredictable, and you might get wet. You will be glad of a few dry items to change into. There’s nothing worse than sitting around in wet clothes.

As a rule of thumb, take the following. There may be a few variations, depending on the length of your stay.

Dresses – Maxi dresses are ideal as they are light and easy to move around in. You can throw them on in the morning and then forget about them. You don’t need to worry about coordinating items, and they are light to pack. Labels like Minkpink provide cool festival attire. And remember, it’s all about having fun. Festivals provide a great opportunity to be a little flamboyant, so make the most of it.
Shorts And Tops – Shorts and tops are ideal for during the day, especially if it’s hot and sunny. A couple of pairs of shorts and a couple of tops should be fine.
Bras And Pants – Take a few in case it rains, and you get wet.
Sun Hat – When you’re having fun and enjoying yourself you don’t always notice if you’re getting sunburned. So take a hat to cover your head and face. It will shade you from the worst of the heat, and it will add to your festival get-up.
Rain Poncho – When you’re camping in the middle of nowhere it’s difficult to get dry if it rains. So take a rain poncho or raincoat. There are plenty of options that can be folded until you need to use them. Don’t take an umbrella!
Wellies – It gets muddy. Take a sturdy pair of wellies. You will probably be wearing them for most of the time so make sure you wear them in first. You don’t want to be hobbling around with blisters.
Hoodie Or Sweater – Believe it or not, it can get cold in the evenings. So take a hoodie or sweater to keep you warm. You’ll appreciate that extra little bit of comfort.
Flip Flops – These are ideal for popping on first thing in the morning.
Comfy Shoes – As well as your wellies, take a pair of comfortable shoes. You’ll need something for traveling home in that isn’t caked in mud.
Sunnies – Take a big pair of sunnies to protect your eyes from the sun.
Pajamas – Take pajamas, lounge pants or something comfortable to sleep in.
Fancy Dress – Feather boas, headdresses, face paints, etc. Anything goes. Be bold, creative, and flamboyant.
Makeup – Take only the essentials and remember to pack a mirror.

Festival Survival Kit: Toiletries

Take your usual toiletries in small bottles. Some festivals have a no glass policy, so make sure you transfer everything into plastic containers. Even perfume bottles are not allowed.

Also, take toilet paper and wet wipes. You may not have the option to shower properly and so dry shampoo will be your friend. And it goes without saying, you will need plenty of bug repellant and sunscreen.

Camping Equipment

If you’re camping you’re going to need the usual items:

Tent – Having a place to sleep or sit out a rainstorm is important.
Sleeping Bag and/or Roll – You’ll want bedding, some nights can get cool.
Flag – This may seem funny, but in a sea of tents at a festival you’ll want one so you can recognize your tent in the dark
Cooler – For water and cold drinks on a hot day.
Flashlight – You need to get to and from the bathroom or your friends’ tents at night.
Chairs – You will need something to sit on between gigs, and the ground can soon get uncomfortable.
Water Bottle – Don’t let yourself get dehydrated!

It’s also a good idea to pack a few first aid items such as plasters, aftersun and painkillers.

Festival Survival Kit: Extras

These are the ad hoc items that will make your stay a bit more comfortable.

Ear Plugs – It’s difficult to sleep in a tent at the best of times. When you’re in the middle of a festival ground, it’s even more difficult. Ear plugs will help you block out some of the sounds when you’re trying to get to sleep.
Sleeping Masks – Sleeping masks are also a good idea if you don’t want to wake up with the sun.
Spare Batteries and/or Chargers – If you’re taking your phone and camera, remember to take spare batteries. Solar powered charging devices are ideal for cell phones.
Cash – Bring cash as there are often queues for ATMs and you will be charged for using them. Make sure you keep it on your person at all times.
Guitar – If you’re musical bring a guitar for the evenings. It always goes down well.

And lastly, whatever you do, don’t forget your festival pass! That would seriously hinder the fun. 🙂

Have you attended a festival?

This post does contain affiliate links. Thank you so much for supporting this blog!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com