Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 34)
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Overlanding is the best way to see Africa on a budget
Imagine going on holiday for a month with 28 of your friends; seeing the most incredible sights, sharing special moments with each other that you will remember for life, creating a unique bond from spending almost 24/7 together, creating in-jokes and laughing all the time. It all sounds amazing right? Well imagine that you didn’t know any of these people before the trip but this is what you take from it at the end. This is what is so rewarding about overlanding in Africa.
Although I tend to shy away from organised tours when I travel, it made sense given the sheer size of Africa and that I wasn’t comfortable trying to navigate the continent as a solo female traveler. I had only ever traveled in a tour once through Egypt and while the country itself was amazing, my experience with a tour group was sub-par. But my trip with Absolute Africa absolutely instilled in me why tours do have a time and place and can be a memorable way to travel.
Africa can be an incredibly expensive place to explore. To put it into perspective, I traveled for almost 11 months on NZ $25,000 and five weeks in Africa cost 1/5 of that. Doing your research is very important because although many tour operators may seem similar in their offering, they can vary a lot in price.
Absolute Africa came highly recommended by a friend and they worked out to be the cheapest. They included breakfast, dinners, accommodation and most game park entries. Some tour operators offer all-inclusive packages but I preferred the option where you could pick and choose your extras such as adventure sports, extra game park tours and cruises so that it can fit within your budget. Very important if you are watching your pennies carefully.
There are many different tours that cater for various budgets so you can stay in 5-star game lodges or if you are like me who prefers backpacking on a budget, you can choose the cheapest option.
This meant sleeping in tents almost every night at campsites with no power. Apart from the odd town, we were moving every single day so this meant packing up and packing down our tents most days. Often in the dark and often in the rain. You soon learn to improvise and tools like twine and an EDC utility knife become daily essentials. Think it is only hot and dusty in Africa? Think again my friends. We were travelling in the rainy season so we got used to the rain and the dirt pretty fast! And let’s just say our tents did not smell amazing by the end of it.
Hot showers were a rarity at most of our camping grounds and often you had to be in quick to get what hot water had been heated by the fire out the back. Days without showering were common and laundry options were few and far between. It takes a special (or budget conscious) type of traveler to love overlanding! But you know what they say, it’s all part of the experience. Looking back on my trip to Africa, those are not the things that stand out for me. It’s the amazing people I traveled with and the incredible things I saw and did.
We also had to pitch in with chores every day including cooking, clearing up, packing up the truck and security. With up to 28 people in your group, they never took long and they were a great way to get to know people on a more individual basis.
The experience I took from my five weeks traveling through Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania with Absolute Africa was a wonderful experience that I will never forget.
Overlanding isn’t glamorous but it is definitely the most fun. If you want to experience Africa on a budget, overlanding is definitely the best way to do it!
Alaina McGregor, from Jandals & A Backpack, is a girl who counts hefting her backpack around the globe as part of her regular fitness regime. She has a passion for exploring the world, volunteering, sampling locals beers in every country, taking photos and likes to share her tips for backpacking on a budget.
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Dreaming of that sweet new ride? The right car loan can help you get it faster.
Us Australians love our cars. Our love affair with the automobile runs deep, passed on through successive generations of car fanatics. Race car drivers are national heroes and the cars themselves have proven to be just as iconic.
A car represents freedom, grand journeys and the ability to cruise this great vast land with relative luxury and ease. Now has never been a better time to purchase your dream car. The market is rich with potential new rides, ready to take you home and onto the next adventure. So, you have been daydreaming about your next car? are you ready to take the next step and make it yours? Finding the best car loan for your situation can be highly advantageous, and while you’re at it, it’s important to find a vehicle extended warranty to keep yourself protected.
Getting personal
Depending on what kind of car you have your eye on, one of two types of car loan will be available to you. As with any loan, a car loans interest rate is calculated based on the potential risk to the lender. If your credit history is less than stellar, a loan may attract a higher rate of interest as your history indicates you have a higher chance of missing payments etc.
When it comes to cars, some purchases are riskier too, an older model of car is very hard to value as it contains a lot of unknown variables, it could be a gem… or it could be a lemon. If you have poor credit history or the car you wish to purchase is less than $10000, you will be limited to a personal loan. A personal loan is risky to the lender and attracts a much higher interest rate than a secured car loan.
It’s not all doom and gloom for you though, a personal loan is an effective way of making the desired purchase quickly and can help rebuild a bad credit rating. For a local lender with real people on the phone give Newcastle Permanent Building Society a call today for the best car loan rates.
Safe and secure
If you are looking to purchase a shiny new or late model car than you can apply for a much more appealing, secured car loan. This type of loan uses the car to be purchased as a security against a default on the loan. All of this means that the risk to the lender is lower, and so are your repayments! A secured car loan attracts the best rates of interest and is designed specifically to make the purchase of a new car achievable and manageable.
There are many institutions offering secured car loans so compare interest rates carefully and never be afraid to contact a lender and negotiate a better interest rate. A local lender like Newcastle permanent can be a good choice for a secured car loan. Whilst there are other more complex types of financing options, a secured car loan can be one of the smartest ways to get behind the wheel of a new car.
To many Australians a car is a vital companion that is used every day and relied upon to get them where they are going safely. If you are looking to purchase your first car or don’t have a credit history, a personal loan is an excellent way of getting mobile quickly. The used car market in Australia is healthy and full of pristine vehicles.
If you have been salivating over that brand-new ride and are ready to make dreams reality, a secured car loan is a fantastic low interest way to get what you want. More than just a tool, cars are interwoven into Australia’s cultural fabric. Hitting the open road and exploring this sunburnt country in your new car is easier than you think.
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How to Keep Your Rental Yard Feeling Like Home
Renting can leave you feeling like you’re in the middle. Every tenant has thought it… it’s not your property but you still want to make it feel like home. In fact, to you, it is home – even if you’re name isn’t on the deed, there is still a pride of ownership that every hard-working renter wants to feel at the end of the day. But with rules and restrictions placed on what is allowed on a rental property, this can be difficult.
Some landlords can be more forgiving than others, but one thing is universally true about all of them: They want their property to be left looking great. One way this can be done without permanently changing the structure or layout of the house is with landscaping work. It’s changeable and also a great way to add your own personality to the property. At any point, the lawn, shrubs and exterior decor can be altered – and you can do the altering.
Rental Nation
With more than 35 percent of America renting, there is a large population that is looking to make a property they don’t own unique to themselves. It’s been more than 50 years since the rental rate was at a similar level, and there is no sign of it slowing down. And with rent now taking up a higher percentage of a tenant’s budget than ever before, there’s little left over to craft a style around personal interests. The ideal situation is to be able to find cheap rentals or to adapt a property within the guidelines of a landlord’s policy while not spending through the nose to do it. Luckily, there is a solution.
Yard time
There’s a great space at your fingertips that you’re able to make your own and it doesn’t take a lot of money or time. Too good to be true? Nope. It’s your yard. It’s great for entertaining and it offers enough variety to allow you to dress it up as your own. With more than $75 billion in annual revenues reported last year, you won’t be the only one concentrating on making your lawn look great. That’s good news, as there’s plenty of equipment and resources available to help you get started. So how exactly do you get going? Well, that’s easy. Right here:
In the weeds
First things first: When it comes to having a great outdoor space, you need a great lawn. That’s where weed control comes in. Clover, crabgrass and thatch can all be killers for your property. The good news is that they’re all treatable with a few simple fertilizers. Whether you want to take the easy route and contact the professionals or opt for selecting the correct spreads on your own, ensuring your grass is weed-free should be priority number one. It will take at least three treatments during the year, but all things considered, that’s not too bad for a great looking lawn the entire neighborhood is talking about.
Follow the Signs
Nothing says “your home” like decorations. Whether it’s wooden signs, colorful planters or lawn ornaments, you’re going to want to add some personality to the place. It’s easy to add some flavor to your unit’s look without being tacky. Picking out what embodies your personality is half the battle. If you don’t like to get carried away with color, mix in some varied textures, and the monotonous feel will slip away.
Time for a trim
Maintenance is key when making your outdoor space look great. That means trimming your shrubs, pulling the weeds and adding a nice edge to your landscaping. It sounds like a simple concept, but it can become an overwhelming load. It’s best to make a schedule. Pick a day for weed-pulling and select a Saturday each month to cut the hedges back a bit. When the grass starts to creep into the mulch, you know it’s time to take a shovel to the edge.
The same approach can be used for even more infrequent tasks. Whether it’s replacing dull mulch or updating the perennials by the mailbox, things tend to become easier if you have them penciled in your schedule book. These are all great ways to keep your rental looking like a well-maintained, appealing residential unit. Go ahead and give them a shot!
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4 Ways to Stay Healthy When Traveling
One of my biggest struggles when traveling, especially longer term, is how to maintain my fitness and stay healthy while on the road. Part of the charm of traveling is that you’re busy trying all the delicious local foods, probably drinking a lot more often than you would usually, and indulging in whatever takes your fancy because when will you next be in Paris or Shanghai? If you can find simple ways to add a little more health and fitness into your travel routine, you’ll be able to minimise the weight gain and perhaps even come back from your trip in better shape than when you left. Keep reading to learn my top 4 ways to stay healthy when traveling.
Don’t Give Up on Fitness
Just because you’re away from home, doesn’t mean you should throw all your fitness goals out the window. You can easily do some small things to bring a little more movement into your life when traveling. I personally find that I walk a lot more when I’m overseas, as it’s such a great way to experience a place. You can also choose options like cycling or even riding a Stunt Scooter to see more of a place. Being in a new country also is a wonderful invitation to do some new hiking trails if that’s your thing, so be sure to incorporate as much fitness as you can.
Eat Breakfast ‘at Home’
We all know that eating out is delicious! But chances are you’re also aware that most breakfast meals have a lot more calories than you’d consume if you were eating at home. When traveling I prefer to have my breakfast at home if it’s not included in my accomodation, and I’ll have something simple and healthy. Maybe some oats with some almond milk, or even just some toast with peanut butter. This is a great way to cut down on spending while traveling, but also cutting down on calories as whatever you prepare at home will almost always be healthier than in a restaurant.
Keep Up Your Hobbies
If you have some hobbies you love at home, such as going to the gym, boxing or even playing badminton. then you should try to find a way to do them on your trip too. You could even take a Badminton Racket along with you so you can easily play no matter where you are. If your hobbies require too much gear to travel with, you can also look into going to a gym or renting the gear when you arrive.
Split Dessert
One my favorite things to do when traveling is to share meals with my husband. In many countries, especially the United States, portion sizes are huge! When I was ordering one main for myself, I was barely finishing half of it and found it to be so wasteful, espcially when traveling and you may not have a space to store and reheat leftovers. Now we are in the habit of splitting meals if we find something we both like, and if we’re really hungry we’ll split an entre, main and even a dessert. This is a great travel strategy that not only helps us keep our calories in check, but is also very budget friendly!
Staying healthy when traveling doesn’t have to be hard, especially if you keep these tips in mind.
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How to Design Your Home Cinema
There are loads of things that you might be considering when it comes to designing your home cinema. One key thing that you should be considering is how you would install your home cinema. If you’re looking into Home Cinema Installation, the technology behind having a home cinema will be taken care of professionally however, you will still be responsible for choosing which room you’d like to have it in, the layout of the room, and how to decorate it. Here, we give you some tips on how to design the perfect home cinema.
Setting
For a realistic cinema experience, your home cinema will need loud, high-quality speakers which will be very disruptive to other areas of the home. Hopefully, you’ll be lucky enough to have a large house that allows you to choose a remote location for your home cinema room but if not, don’t worry as instead, you can simply insulate the room so that it is soundproof. Unless you review films for a living or you’re a serious film buff, the chances of you spending more than one or two evenings a week in the room are slim. Therefore, you should try to choose an area of the home that is rarely used, for example, your basement would make an excellent setting for a home cinema. If you’re planning to invite guests over for regular movie nights, also try to make sure your cinema is located close to a bathroom and a kitchen.
Layout
When it comes to layout, you could opt for a professional setting with individual chairs on different levels, or you could simply have a large sofa for everyone to curl up on together. If you’re going to get individual chairs, have a look into getting recliners for the ultimate comfortable experience but make sure that whatever style you go for your seating is attractive and easy to sit in for at least two hours. You could even get some footstools and cushions to create a more homely feel to the room. You could also get love seats for any couples who visit for rom-com nights. As the room will be in near darkness during the film, just like a professional cinema you will need to have illuminated directions towards exits and to bring attention to any potential hazards such as steps or objects that could get in the way. Any controls will also need to be within easy reach of the seat of whoever is likely to be in control of them.
Decoration
When it comes to decorating a home cinema, colour plays a big role. For the visuals to be successful, the room will need to be as dark as possible so try to stick to dark colour schemes. The walls especially will need to be painted in dark colours and any wallpaper needs to be simplistic so that it doesn’t distract from the film. However, if you have a home cinema with a projector element, you will need one white wall for the film to be projected onto, or even just a carefully measured area however this can look odd when a film is not playing. Choose furniture in a dark wood, and perhaps put up some cool neon signs like those from the Neon Mama shop to get the full cinema effect. Adding carpets will help to create a better sound quality in the room. Other great features to have in your cinema room are a mini-fridge to keep drinks cool, or even a mini bar if you want to go all out. A popcorn machine is another must-have or a range of different snacks for guests, and side tables for guests to keep their snacks and drinks on.
Home cinemas are becoming a staple in a lot of homes now, especially now that such a large variety of films is so easily accessible. If you’re thinking of having one installed in your home, think carefully about which room to use, how to organise the room and how to decorate it to create the ultimate movie experience for yourself and your guests. For more interior ideas, take a look at thewrongwayhome.com.
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Top Anti-Aging Tools and Treatments to Protect Your Skin
There are so many battles to fight in life. One you do not have to fight alone is the anti-aging battle. The skincare industry is there to support you. Industry experts have created many anti-aging tools to provide healing and protection for your skin over the years. Here is a quick overview of some top anti-aging tools and treatments.
Laser Devices That Perform Various Skin Treatments
Lasers have long been a focus of skincare experts. They are powerful heat and light-based tools capable of performing multiple skin-supportive functions. Among the newer laser models are fractional CO2 lasers, or Fraxel devices. Fraxel laser treatments are similar to the treatments performed by more traditional CO2 lasers of the past. However, they have fewer side effects. They perform resurfacing treatments and also help to repair deeper skin layers, in most cases.
More traditional laser skincare treatments are commonly divided into two categories. Those categories are ablative and non-ablative. The experts who used cosmetic lasers tools like those in the past continue to do so successfully today. That is because each laser tool is unique in how it works, as well as the skin issues it treats. An ablative laser can perform a peel-like procedure and sometimes also treat deeper skin layers. A non-ablative laser focuses primarily on strengthening deeper tissues to heal from the inside, primarily by causing an increase in natural production of collagen.
Other Clinical Anti-Aging Options to Explore
There are many other clinical anti-aging options you can explore. Some may be more appropriate for you if you are deemed a poor candidate for a laser procedure. Others may just fit your personal preferences or budget more. Every type of clinical treatment specializes in reversing certain types of damage, including the different types of collagen your body produces. Often, they do so by increasing the amount of collagen your body makes or somehow making your existing collagen more efficient. Collagen is a binding substance that helps your skin hold its shape. Examples of clinical procedures you might try include chemical peels, microdermabrasion and sound wave therapies.
Antioxidant and Peptide Creams to Support Skin Health
Even if you have clinical anti-aging treatments performed, you have to continue making every effort to protect your skin at home as well. One way to do that is by using the right types of skin creams. Some of the best skin creams contain antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that strengthen your skin. They also protect your skin from ongoing damage by defending it from harmful substances called free radicals.
When looking for skin creams to use at home, also look for products that contain peptides. Peptides are specific types of proteins. They have collagen building properties. Peptides can also increase cellular turn over. Cellular turn over is the rate at which your dead skin cells fall off and are replaced by healthier live cells.
The Importance of Vitamin A and How to Recognize It
Another vital product for protecting your skin is Vitamin A. Vitamin A is often found in at-home skin creams. However, it can be difficult to recognize. That is because derivatives of Vitamin A go by many names, including retinoids, Retinol and Retin A. Vitamin A derivatives help prevent existing collagen from breaking down while also contributing to the production of new collagen. Therefore, they can protect your skin in two ways.
In addition to Vitamin A, another vitamin that is good for the skin is Vitamin C which has amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The liposomal vitamin c benefits include improved skin tone and texture, hydrated skin, and reduced signs of aging. Adding vitamin C to your skincare routine can brighten your complexion and can also help to protect against skin damage caused by sun exposure.
There are several ways to obtain creams or lotions that contain Vitamin A. One way is to purchase them over-the-counter at your local drugstore or large chain store. You can also purchase them online. However, the strongest Vitamin A formulas are only available by prescription.
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Style Guide – How to Choose Body Shaper For Yourself?
There are many different shapewear options on the market, but not all are right for you. learn it What characteristics should you pay attention to when choosing corrective underwear?
The right shapewear should give your body the perfect softness, but also make you feel comfortable in it for extended periods.
The Shapewear should be tight enough to give it the “correct” curve, and flexible enough to walk confidently. To make the decision process easier, here are some shapewear rules to help you make the right choice!
- Do not throw away the tape measure.
You may want to opt for smaller size shapewear for extra bounce and better molding results, but this is one of the most common choices. Underwear bug fix. Choosing a smaller size will only result in bloating and extreme discomfort. One significant side effect is that it may make you look bigger.
- Follow the size chart.
The first step is to go to the store and try the shapewear on to see how comfortable it is. Follow the shapewear size chart provided by the shapewear brand. Take a measuring tape, record your measurements and check the table. Ask the seller the same and make a clear and simple decision. Keep in mind that each brand may have its size chart. Make sure you are wearing the correct size and style of shapewear for the best shapewear for tummy and waist.
- Select the product according to your molding requirements.
Everyone is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all shapewear formula. Medium-waisted wear is best for smoothing, while waist-shaped wear completely transforms your body. Even if the brand does not state the purpose of the product, you can tell by looking at the fabric and the degree of compression. Lightweight high nylon fabric that slides easily out of the hand, best for molding. The tight shapewear’s compression zone helps suck in and tighten the loose tissue forming a full body shaper.
- Choose your style according to body parts
When it comes to body shaping products, you need to create a special “body shaping wardrobe” to suit different situations and needs. Every day is the best daily wear that corrects the contours of the upper body and makes you slimmer.
High-waisted panty-type shapewear that goes down to the chest is the best way to cover up a woman’s tummy. Choose high-waisted stockings if you want to shape your waist and hips at the same time. Not only do they provide good compression, but they create the illusion of a properly shaped lower body without drowsiness. A full bodysuit gives you a streamlined head-to-toe look and eliminates the hassle of dressing separately.
This creates a huge difference in waist trainers before and after.
Although shapewear is very effective, it is important to make the right choice for the best results.
With Shapellx, we aim to help you burn calories and transform, sculpt and create. Our goal is to help you burn calories and shred any anxiety. Because nothing stands in your way of success.
The fashion designers we collaborate with understand women’s body structures so that we can create effective and beautiful shapewear. The fashion designers we collaborate with understand women’s body structures so that we can create effective and beautiful shapewear.
Shapewear is usually made from breathable synthetic fibers such as nylon and spandex. This is great in cold climates when you want to keep as much body temperature as possible, but increases your chances of sweating in hot climates. Luckily, Shapellx sells summer shapewear, lighter versions of the original designed for breathability.
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Some Great Reasons to Visit New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the Pacific Ocean, and it is made up of two different landmasses. It also has more than 700 smaller islands. English is the most widely-spoken language in the country, but Maori is also listed as an official language. In this guide, we will cover some great reasons why you should visit New Zealand.
What You Should Expect from a Trip to New Zealand
By you travel to Australia and New Zealand, you should get an overview of these countries. This way, you will be able to travel like a local in the region. One thing we should get out of the way is the fact that the wilderness doesn’t have large predatory animals or poisonous animals, so you can rest easy. The only poisonous animal in the country is the Katipo Spider, and you are unlikely to come across it while hiking.
For accommodation, you can consider getting authentically local small-scale spaces. This way, you will experience the local culture and discover New Zealand. You should also remember that New Zealand is home to the Maori tribe, who are the indigenous Polynesian people of the country. They arrived in the country by boat around 1350.
Here are some reasons why you should visit New Zealand.
1. The Population is Friendly
One of the best things about travelling is getting to know the locals and their culture. In New Zealand, this will be quite easy and interesting since the locals are always ready to interact with tourists in a friendly manner. Lots of travellers also report that the Kiwis have a relaxed approach to life.
2. It Has Lots of Iconic Attractions
Another reason for travelling is to see iconic tourist attractions. One of the best attractions in New Zealand is the Fiordland National Park. This park is a World Heritage Site and has spectacular scenery. You can also visit the Bay of Islands in the North Island. With more than 140 islands, the bay is great for yachting and sailing. Other top attractions you should check out are Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Queenstown, and Rotorua.
3. It Offers Lots of Adventure Activities
New Zealand is also great for people who love adventure. One of the most exciting activities you can enjoy in the country is bungee jumping, which is popular in Queenstown. You can also go canyoning in Waitomo. Other great activities offered in New Zealand are sky diving, kayaking, and jet boating.
4. It Has Incredible Wildlife
New Zealand has some of the most unique wildlife, and this includes native birds, insects, and marine animals. The kiwi is the most famous bird in the country, and it is protected by authorities in New Zealand. People from New Zealand are commonly referred to as Kiwis (with a capital ‘K’) because of the iconic nature of the bird. Other interesting animals in the country are the New Zealand sea lion, yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, kereru, tuatara, and Maui dolphins.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you should visit New Zealand. These include the friendly population, the adventure activities, the incredible wildlife, and the iconic attractions in the country.
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Become a Digital Nomad: 6 Routes to Work from Anywhere
Have you heard about digital nomads and you want to learn more about them? Well, let’s start with the basics; What is a digital nomad? A person who travels around the world, and works online at the same time is called a digital nomad. They use the internet wherever they can get it so that they complete their everyday work tasks and keep in touch with their teams.
Does that sound like a fascinating way to live? Would you like to try it? There are some jobs that can be easily done online. If you are interested in learning what those jobs are, keep reading.
- Voice Acting
Professional actors or people who know about the importance of controlling their tone, pitch, and register have what it takes to become successful voice actors. Some typical voice acting jobs are reading a commercial script, narrating audiobooks, reading out the responses of a virtual machine, acting as an animated or a video game character, and so on. If all these sound like jobs that you would like to do, you should look into online agencies, like voquent.com, in order to make it easy for casting directors to find you and offer you jobs that you can do without having to get to a recording studio.
- Software Developer
For all computer-savvy people out there, becoming a software developer is the dream. In a nutshell, they come up with an idea of a software program, which will make the life of computer users easier, and they make it happen. They are responsible for the successful completion of their idea. Software developers usually work with a team of programmers and other professionals, which means that they are in online meetings a lot, but they can do the actual computer work from anywhere in the world.
- Graphic Designer
Graphic designers combine drawing with technology. They create digital designs that are used for commercial purposes, and they usually aim to catch people’s attention. Graphic designers are the ones who create logos, graphics, presentations, brochures, book covers, and anything else that involves both text and images. It is a very creative and inventive job, which as long as you have all the digital and physical tools you need in order to capture your idea, it can be done from anywhere.
- Copywriter
Unlike the graphic designer who focuses on images to attract people’s attention, a copywriter aims to captivate audiences with the use of words. They write the text in pretty much any physical or digital campaign that aims at the advertisement of a service or a product. The script in a commercial, a company’s slogan, the information in a brochure, the texts in a business website are some of the types of texts a copywriter may be asked to write. And usually, inspiration hits better when you’re on the road.
- Content Creator
One last way to attract potential customers is through captivating online content. It is common for businesses nowadays to be active on social media, to upload stunning photos and interesting videos. Businesses started doing that when they noticed how many followers people who simply enjoyed filming videos and taking photos of themselves acquired. Traveling constantly provides you with new backgrounds and new opportunities to film content based on what your target audience likes.
- Video Editor
When the workload gets too much for a content creator, a video editor comes to the rescue. Video editing takes many hours as they usually have to go through at least an hour of raw footage and it requires technical knowledge as there are numerous improvements that can be done with the magic of editing. A video editor who has the editing program of their preference doesn’t need to be in an office in order to do what they know so well.
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Niseko in Style: 5 Tips for an Unforgettable Luxury Experience
Tucked away on Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido, and easily accessible from Sapporo Airport, Niseko Ski Resort offers the choosy guest the perfect union of convenience and exclusivity. With everything on offer from Michelin star cuisine, traditional Japanese onsen baths, and luxury private transfer services, Niseko has a lot to offer even the most discerning guest. With this in mind, we offer 5 tips to make your stay one remember!
1. Stay with an in-house onsen!
Skiing and snowboarding is hard work, and after a long day, you deserve to relax. Soaking in one of Japan’s natural hot spring baths is a must-do activity for any visitor, and nothing elevates the experience quite like being able to do it in your own room. Several hotels in the area, and even some private residences, have been equipped with access to mineral-rich groundwater, which is temperature-regulated and then pumped straight to your room. Watch the snowfall around you while you enjoy all the benefits of an onsen, without having to leave your room. It is also worth remembering, drinking alcohol in your private bath is not frowned upon, so bring a bottle of champagne with you!
2. Bring Fine Dining to You
It is no secret that Niseko is a melting pot of different cuisines, and there is no shortage of culinary delights in the Niseko area. From Michelin-starred French restaurants to exquisite Japanese Kaiseki dinners and everything in between, there is something to satisfy everyone, even those with even the most sophisticated palette. Sometimes though, the thought of heading back out into the snow can be all too much, but fear not; in-house dining providers can bring world-class Japanese food to you! There are companies like Niseko Gourmet who can provide you with your own at-home chef for your Niseko stay. Choose between a wide variety of styles to suit your tastes and concentrate on winding down. They even take care of the washing up!
Photo by Giovanna Gomes
3. Get a Guide
While it is often not hard to locate powder snow in Japanese ski resorts, being able to find that one line at the perfect pitch, with no tracks, is a skill that takes years to master. Take away the stress of planning your day by enlisting the services of one of Niseko’s experienced guides. For the more advanced skiers and snowboarders, private guides can be booked to explore the incredible backcountry and sidecountry, or, for those with more moderate abilities, guides can be booked for on-mountain orientations and one-on-one lessons.
For the adventure seekers out there, take it to the next level and book to go heli-skiing! Ride the absolutely best and deepest terrain in the area and bring home stories to make all your friends jealous! Hokkaido Backcountry Club operates heli-skiing tours on Shiribetsu-Dake, just a short drive from the Niseko resort, with all transport included.
4. Use a local Concierge Service
Many hotels and serviced apartment complexes have front desk staff on-site to assist you with your needs. That being said, things can get busy, especially during peak periods, and limits to the services they are able to provide do exist. With a private concierge service, your group is the one and only priority, and no request is too much trouble. Staff is able to organise restaurants, excursions, ski lessons as well as many other products and services. Transportation is usually included throughout the day as well, which removes the need to check shuttle bus timetables or call for taxis. This is another excellent way to alleviate stress levels and focus your attention on enjoying your stay.
5. Use a Premium Rental Service
It is certainly nice to have your own gear. We just wish it wasn’t so heavy! Traveling with skis and snowboarding equipment can be a pain, especially with so much other clothing required when heading to the snow. In recent years, the quality of rental equipment has increased dramatically, and Niseko is no exception. These days it is not uncommon to find the latest skis and snowboards available for customers. Twinned with the ability through premium packages to change gear whenever desired, be it to try something new or match the latest snow conditions, rentals have become the default choice for many. To take things further, many operators are now offering a premium in-house rental experience. Gone are the days queuing in a busy rental shop on your first day or after a long journey. Now, get fitted out from the comfort of your accommodation without even having to get up!
With 5-star accommodation options, award-winning restaurants, private transfer services, and everything in between, Niseko ski resort is the perfect choice for those who want the best in luxury travel. Armed with the tips above, you are sure to turn your Hokkaido holiday into a memorable experience for everyone; one that will keep you wanting to come back year after year.
