Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 35)
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Places I want to visit in America
I never thought I’d like America… I don’t know why. I guess the way it was portrayed in the movies made it look so superficial, but after my first visit for Coachella last year, I kind of fell in love. While it’s not one of my favourite countries, San Diego definitely makes the list of places I could live in.
That first trip sparked some genuine curiosity, and now I have a decent size list of places I’d love to visit in America. Some of the places are obvious, and some of them are not-so-obvious. Here are the places I want to visit in America the most:
Austin, Texas:
Everyone always laughs when I tell them I want to go to Austin, probably because I don’t really have a good reason. Just try the local food, maybe check out an Austin spa. I just think I’ll like Austin, and it feels like it would be really different to New Zealand. Plus, everyone I’ve met from Austin just meets this stereotype of being a “typical American”. I’d like to see if my imagination aligns with reality.
New York:
No surprises here, who doesn’t want to go to New York? I feel like it’s such a cultural hub. I’d like to go there while I’m still relatively poor and just be in the middle of all the chaos. I like big cities because they have a lot to offer, but also because you kind of feel significant. It’s easier to grasp what a big world we live in, when you’re surrounded by millions of people too busy going about their own day to notice you. I also really want to eat a cupcake in Central park.
San Francisco:
I saw LA and I saw San Diego, but I didn’t make it to San Fran and I think that’s a real shame. My home town of Christchurch endured a massive earthquake and I’d like to go to San Fran to see how a city can recover and come out almost better from such a disaster – emphasis on almost. I’d also love to go on a sightseeing boat trip, using the Red and White fleet discount to keep costs down.
Colorado:
One of my best friends lived here for a year and she fell in love – and I fell in love directly through her photos. Colorado looks absolutely stunning and I’ve heard the skiing there is just incredible. I’d love to rent out an apartment in Colorado for a month or two and just make the most of the winter wonderland this place turns into.
Vegas:
I had the opportunity to go to Vegas last time I was in America, but I decided on Couchsurfing in Mexico instead. Part of me thinks I’ll hate Vegas – it seems to be a tacky version of other parts of the world, but I guess it’s one of those places you just need to see. Recently, my sister visited Vegas and her photos from that trip were actually really lovely so maybe it’s not as bad as I imagined. Either way, I need to see for myself!
Joshua Tree National Park:
Last year we were supposed to go camping in Joshua Tree National Park but I have poor time management and my camera was stolen, so things just didn’t pan out that way. I spent a while Googling photos and it looks absolutely gorgeous. I’d love to spend a long weekend camping here going on some excellent walks, but maybe not in the middle of summer where the temperatures are almost deadly!
So those are the places I want to visit in America – have you been to any of them? What did you think?
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4 Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights
Seeing the northern lights is one of those bucket-list activities that require a little more prep than the usual trip. You’ll have to research when is the best time of year to see them, and from where. Because for most of us it’s a considerable distance to travel in order to see the northern lights, you want to increase your chances of actually being able to see them and to record them, too. With that in mind, here are my top 4 tips for seeing the Northern Lights to ensure you have a wonderful experience.
1. Consider a Cruise
Booking a northern lights cruise can be a great way to increase the chances of being able to see the lights. By being out on the water, you’re going to dramatically reduce the light pollution, and because you’ll travel to different locations, it also increases your chances of seeing the light shows. I personally love going on cruises because they’re such an easy way to travel, that you actually feel like you’re getting a vacation. While you only unpack once, you get to see numerous different towns while also enjoying all the entertainment and amenities that the cruise ship has.
2. Don’t Go Alone
Not only is the experience of enjoying the northern lights better shared with a friend or family member, if you’re planning to try to find the lights yourself it actually can be dangerous to go in the arctic alone. Weather conditions change rapidly, roads can be dangerous and it can be very easy to get lost when everything’s dotted in snow. It’s safer to go with a local guide if you can, but at the very least don’t go by yourself.
3. Don’t Stress About Photos
Unless you’re a photographer and have a lot of experience shooting different light conditions, chances are you’re probably not going to get great shots of the northern lights. So my suggestion is to give yourself a minute to soak it all in with your own eyes before trying. Many people spend so long fumbling with their camera and settings, that they miss most of the magic of the auroras. While I know it’s tempting to get a photo, enjoy the magic of it first for a while before trying, just in case it’s gone as quick as it appeared.
4. Give Yourself Enough Time
Plan a trip for as long as you can to ensure you maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights. As it’s such a long way to travel, it would be a real shame to go all that way and not be lucky enough to see them. For that reason, I always suggest picking the longest cruise or trip length that you can in order to increase your chances of seeing them.
Seeing the northern lights is a wonderful adventure trip, allowing you to see one of the world’s special wonders. Hopefully, these tips help ensure you actually see the lights and have a great trip while doing so.
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4 Tips for Handling a Stressful Life
I feel like not enough attention is given to the fact that modern life is pretty stressful. We have so many things to juggle in our lives, from jobs, relationships, family, and of course friends. Finding the time to manage everything and to also do a good job with everything, can be really hard. Another modern challenge that I think many of us suffer from, is struggling to disconnect and relax. We have so many distractions available to us at all times, that it can be hard to switch off and allow our brain to properly refresh.
1. Consider Supplements
If you’re finding life really stressful, then you need to know there are things you can use and take to help alleviate some of that stress. If you’re finding that you’re unable to sleep properly at night due to pressure or commitments, then that’s going to affect every area of your lifeThere are many supplements you can use for improving sleep. such as CBD creams, gummies, or oils, but I personally prefer taking magnesium supplements – they help me relax without feeling drowsy the following day. Of course please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements. Likewise, you can also look into where to buy shatter online and https://ingaiashands.net/product-category/cbd-tinctures/ for herbal options for relaxing.
2. Implement an Exercise Routine
Are you exercising? If you’re not, then you might find that adding in a regular exercise routine really helps you relax and unwind, which can dramatically decrease your stress levels. The most important thing is to find a type of exercise you enjoy so that you can make it a part of your regular routine. Don’t try to force yourself that you find hard to do, as it will always be a struggle. I personally really like doing group classes as I find they help me stay accountable and also are a wonderful way to meet new friends.
3. Cut Down on Screen Time After Dark
The truth is, we’re not designed to be wired and wide awake through the middle of the night. Traditionally, when the sun would set most people would go to sleep, allowing our bodies to follow a natural circadian rhythm. Many of us don’t finish work until it’s already dark, so this wouldn’t necessarily be realistic for us, but I do suggest implementing at least an hour before you sleep where you detach from screens – read a book, talk to your partner, write down a list of things you plan to do the following day – whatever you want to do in order to keep yourself away from staring at your laptop, phone or television. If you still feel like you need a little extra help getting to sleep in the evening, you could look to a supplement from somewhere like Nature Happiness to help you relax and clear your mind ready for bed at night, as well as making sure to put your devices down.
4. Take a Hot Bath
If you’re lucky enough to have a bath in your home, then I hope you’re using it regularly. There’s something so relaxing about water, whether it’s the ocean, a swimming pool or even a bath at home. Taking a long, warm soak can be an excellent way to ensure your body is relaxing as much as possible. If you don’t have a bath in your home, then you can consider having a spa day with a massage and spa bath experience – which is one of my favourite ways to unwind.
Do you have any tips for handling a stressful life? Please let me know in the comments below!
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Dealing with Food Poisoning
Part of the charm of traveling is trying all the local food. When I was in Thailand, especially, I developed a fondness for street food. It appeared that flavour was directly proportionate to how dirty the preparation area appeared to be, the dirtier it was the more delicious the meal was going to be. Often I felt like I was playing roulette with food poisoning and a few times on my trip I’ve got unlucky and found myself regretting my adventurous taste buds. Especially that time I was on a bus for 33 hours, from Vang Vieng, Laos to Hanoi, Vietnam, with food poisoning. Dealing with food poisoning is horrible, but this advice might help you minimize or at least reduce the pain.
Tips For Avoiding Food Poisoning
Eat Where The Locals Eat – I’m a sucker for eating in popular places, my theory is that if the locals are prepared to wait for something, then generally it’s worth waiting for. This proved to be true when I randomly stumbled across Mustafas Gemüse Kebab in Berlin, which had a huge line down the street, so I decided to join the queue – best kebap of my life.
Like It Hot – Some people freak out about eating street food, but I love it. I always pick things that will be cooked in front of me and heated up so much that any nasty bacteria will be burned to smithereens.
Watch Out For Ice – In Asia you know ice is safe when it’s in the shape of a cylinder with a hole right through it. When I’m traveling in countries where the tap water isn’t drinkable, I’m cautious about ice.
Brush With Bottled Water – Again, this is only really necessary in countries where the tap water isn’t drinkable. I routinely brushed my teeth with bottled water when I was in Laos and the one time I stopped I wound up with a sore stomach.
Keep Your Probiotics Up – When you can grab a yoghurt or some kefir to keep your stomach bacteria happy and balanced. You may even wish to make space for a supplement containing probiotics in your luggage, having seen a few Activated You reviews and decided that this might be something worth packing.
Dealing With Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is awful. Your body’s natural instinct is to remove the cause of the illness, as fast as possible. The result of this is a very upset stomach, probably paired with vomiting and diarrhea. This is one of the last things you’ll want while you’re on holiday, but the chances of falling victim to it at least once in third world countries is pretty high. Before you leave your home country, I suggest that you see a doctor and obtain a kit for dealing with food poisoning.
In your medical kit you’ll want at least:
Loperamide (or similar) – essentially a “stopper”, good for when symptoms are mild but inconvenient. Will allow you to carry on with your daily activities.
Anti giardia pill – this is the most common intestinal parasite in the world, so having some medical on hand incase you ingest it is essential. Thankfully I’ve never had this, as I’ve heard it’s really awful.
Antibiotic – Something generic such as Ciprofloxacin is good to have on hand.
Pain Killers – To help deal with the cramps or general discomfort of food poisoning.
Rehydration Packets – One of the biggest issues you’ll face when dealing with food poisoning is how to keep liquids down. It’s easy to become quickly dehydrated, which will worsen your symptoms. It’s very important to maintain your liquid consumption even if it is particularly unpleasant. Rehydration packets allow the water to be taken up much faster by your cells.
Thrush pill – For the ladies, only. Treatment of food poisoning can throw your body’s natural bacteria out of whack, leading to imbalances. Thrush can be very uncomfortable, so it is best to have a dose on hand so you can treat it immediately if necessary.
Wet Wipes – Throughout Asia these were a life saver. They’re extremely practical – if you’re in a circumstance where you can’t have a shower or need to clean yourself up quickly, they make a world of difference. Needless to say they’re good to have around when your tummy is being unpredictable.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
It depends on how severe your food poisoning is and what type it is. I would personally suggest using your body as the best gauge of how serious it is. If you are trying any of the above treatments and see no improvement within 24 hours, then I would personally suggest going to a doctor. I’m not medically trained, so my opinion is just my own. But from my own experience, my body has been well able to handle all of the food poisoning I’ve ever had except for in one circumstance. It was so bad a walk that usually took me 10 minutes took closer to 45.
It’s best to stick to a pretty simple diet when you are suffering from food poisoning. Avoid dairy products, unless it is something that is probiotic, such as yoghurt or kefir. Eat simple food that has little to no risk of giving you food poisoning again. As awful as it sounds, I chose to eat foods that I could image being easiest for my body to get rid of fast, if it needed to. Foods high in carbohydrates seemed to be the most comforting, such as bread, rice, pasta etc. Readjust your schedule so that you are not putting much strain on your body while you are dealing with food poisoning.
Do you have any bad food poisoning stories? Or advice for new travelers who might be worried about getting sick on the road?
Dealing with food poisoning can be quite serious over a prolonged period of time, so make sure that you are keeping yourself properly hydrated.
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6 Tips To Prep Your Home For Sale
Selling your home is an exciting step, whether you’re upgrading or downsizing. Preparing your home for sale is an important part of the process, so let’s make a start with a few pointers.
1 . Boost your curb appeal
First impressions mean a whole lot, if you’re looking to sell your home, you’ve got to boost your curb appeal. You don’t want to put buyers off before they even walk through the door, if the front of your home is looking a bit shabby it’s time to make some changes. For some general ideas to boost your curb appeal, make a start with these:
- Fix any cracked paving stones, or replace your driveway.
- Paint your fences, (you can use a bold color or a fence stain).
- Plant new flowers, (you might also use window boxes).
- Consider adding ornaments to your front yard.
2. Remove the clutter
A cluttered home quickly looks messy and this is a fast way to put off potential buyers. If you’re keen to prep your home for sale, it’s best to ditch the clutter first. Once you’ve got rid of the clutter your home will look much neater, plus it will be far easier to pack. Need some handy decluttering tips? Try apps like ‘Clutter Free’ or ‘Clean My House’.
3. Deep clean your home
Once you’ve removed the clutter it’s time to deep clean your home. If you’re looking to save money you can do this yourself. Alternatively, you might like to hire a professional cleaner. There’s lots to do when you’re moving home, and hiring professionals can save a bit of time.
When potential buyers visit your home they’ll be expecting a clean and inviting environment. Unless you want to put people off, your home needs to be sparkling and fresh. Give your home a deep clean once, and then quick spruce before every house visit. It might feel like a chore, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the long run!
4. Consider the decor
When you’re preparing your home for sale you’ll want to carefully consider your decor choices. Generally speaking, it’s best to choose neutral decor schemes where possible. Buyers can be put off by bold decor schemes that aren’t to their taste. It’s helpful to style your home as a blank canvas. When people walk around your home, you’ll want to ensure that they can focus on the features, picturing themselves in the space.
5. Fix maintenance issues
If your home has any maintenance issues that need attending to, now is the time to fix these. Check for any chipped paintwork, cracks, squeaky doors, or tattered upholstery. Fix anything that’s broken and revamp anything that looks unsightly. Leaving maintenance issues can make a home look neglected, which is the opposite of what you want!
6. Support options
Selling your home can be a difficult process, there’s plenty to do. It Is advisable to work with a great realtor. A professional realtor can provide you with lots of support, whether you’re buying or selling your home, Jennifer Jewell realtors can provide plenty of expertise, start your home search today by clicking here.
Using these 6 tips you’ll get your home in the best condition for sale. Remember, it’s your job to impress the buyers. Unless you present your home properly, this will be pretty difficult!
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The Importance Of Regular House Cleaning
Failing to clean your house regularly is going to lead to big problems in the future. You need to make sure that your home remains clean at all times. Otherwise, you’re going to be exposing your family members to bacteria and germs. This could make them sick! Simultaneously, you need to get rid of the dust, pests and debris. You might even need to get professional help if you need to get rid of unwanted pests. Use a company like https://www.
Not Overwhelming
If you do not clean your house daily, you’re going to have a much bigger chore to deal with in the future. This is a problem that you cannot allow. Do you want to spend an entire day cleaning your home? You don’t and you shouldn’t have to. Well, you won’t have to as long as you clean your house regularly. This will ensure that your home remains cleaner. In return, you’ll have a much easier time keeping it clean.
Killing Germs
There are many benefits associated with the best cleaning services Long Island has to offer. One of the most notable is that cleaning in this manner will kill germs. As you should know, germs are going to suppress your immune system. In return, this could make you sick! You do not want to get sick and you also want to keep your family members health. Clean your home and get rid of those germs. This will keep them healthier for a much longer period.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Another reason to clean your home regularly is to improve the quality of the air. Many people suffer from allergy problems and asthma. If the air quality is poor, these individuals are going to expensive many problems. Suffice to say, you need to get rid of that dust, animal dander, and mildew immediately. If you’ve been coughing and sneezing frequently, you should clean up your home. This will improve the indoor air quality and ensure that you’ll be able to breathe a little easier.
Vacuum
Ultimately, you need to use multiple tools to clean up your home. Using a vacuum cleaner is a must. This is the best way to prevent the dirt and dust from building up inside of the home. Remember that you can use the vacuum to get rid of dirt and dust elsewhere too. Once you’ve finished with the carpets, you should turn your attention to the drapes and other upholstery in your home.
Sleep Soundly
Finally, you should know that it is going to be very tough to sleep when your home is dirty. If your bed is filthy, you’re not going to sleep well. This is why you should spend some time cleaning up your home. This will ensure that you’re able to sleep soundly throughout the night. It might be a hassle to clean your home but it’ll be worth it in the long run. Make a habit of cleaning your home and it’ll be much easier.
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Six Ways to Modify Your Home After an Accident
Accident injuries can be severe to the point of causing permanent disability to those involved. If you were in a tragic accident that left you with limited movement, you might need to modify your house for easier access as soon as possible. Doing these renovations might be challenging, considering the time it takes to get your compensation.
Fortunately, you do not have to wait that long. By seeking Money First Funding pre-settlement loans, you will have the financial freedom to make your house more accessible for you. Here are six ways you can modify your home after an accident.
How to Modify Your Home After an Accident
1. Widen Your Doorways
One of the first modifications you should consider is wider doors. If you use crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair, your entryways will need to widen. Although this may be costly, it is a good way to prevent any further injuries that may occur from forcing your way through narrow doors.
2. Ramps Instead of Stairs
If you have any problem moving around naturally on your feet, then ramps are a must-have modification. They will help you move about in a safe way that you can not achieve by using stairs. There are different types of ramps you can choose from. You can select one that blends perfectly with your house decor and general architecture. If your house is relatively small, you may consider a collapsible ramp, which is more portable.
3. Install an Elevator
As extravagant as it sounds, elevators maybe your best modification in the house. They not only portray elegance and class but also increase the value of your home by leaps and bounds. The only limitation with elevators is that you can only install them in big houses. They are also very expensive and will require a huge chunk of money for you to install. The pros of installing an elevator outweigh the cons.
4. Get Rid of Door Knobs
Using door knobs can be frustratingly cumbersome for people with various disabilities. For instance, people whose hands are not fully functional may find it challenging to use doorknobs. You may want to replace them with more practical solutions such as pull and push bars, or even automatic doors. Automatic doors may prove to be the best solution if you can afford them.
5. Rearrange Your Furniture
You may have to rearrange your house soon after the accident to ensure easier accessibility. If your furniture was arranged in a particularly limiting way, you might have to rearrange it. If you can afford it, you might consider replacing your inaccessible furniture with more accessible choices. A low table that accommodates your wheelchair, for instance, can be a significant modification that improves your quality of life.
6. Modify Your Toilet
Of course, you need bathroom facilities, so it’s only wise to make a few alterations there, also. Ensure that the whole facility is slip-proof. Install bars on various parts of the toilet and bathroom for adequate support. The bars should be effective and leave no room for accidents that may occur. You may also want to modify your floor and get rid of slippery tiles that may cause you to fall.
Let Safety Be Your Priority
Making all these alterations will undoubtedly be costly. Making them by yourself may be impossible. Do not let any of these hold you back. Remember that your safety is the most important thing. Take a pre-settlement loan if necessary and request your loved ones to help with the installation. You could even get professionals to do all the technical work for you. Whatever the means, ensure that your house is both accessible and safe.
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3 Industries to Open a Business
I’m constantly on the hunt for new business ideas, offline and online, so I thought it would be fun to share some new industries that you could open a business in if you’re looking to build a profitable company from the ground up. Here are my top 4 industries to open a business in.
1. A Franchise
Have you ever considered opening a franchise? As long as you have a decent amount of money available, then you should be able to get started pretty quickly. Opening a franchise is an easy way to get started because you’ll be handed everything from the contacts to the formula for sales. It’s a great starting place for someone without a ton of experience, as you’re going to be operating something that’s tried and tested. The type of franchise you can open will vary, but fast food is one of the most common franchises. Whether you fancy opening a KFC or a Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill, the principles are very similar. Bear in mind that operating a franchise can come with a number of rules and regulations in order to maintain the same standard across the board. Some people might find that restrictive, I personally feel that it makes it easier to get things off the ground faster as you have a clear blueprint.
2. Construction
Construction and take off services are always going to be an important industry because not only do we need new builds for our growing populations almost everywhere, but many people also choose to renovate their homes making them more modern. Over the past few decades, there has been a shift in what kind of careers people lean towards, with many trade based careers such as construction (check out Rochester Stone), mechanics, and electrician based careers becoming less popular. This has resulted in a pretty good pay increase for these trade-based positions after all, pay scale often follows a supply and demand correlation. If you’re looking for a different type of construction, check out the best modular clean room manufacturers.
3. An Online Business
I obviously love online businesses, but you might wonder why. Here are some of the reasons that an online business is an excellent type of business to start. Firstly, there are low start-up costs, depending on the type of business you want to start there could be close to zero start-up costs. For example, if you are looking to start a beauty business, look for help from a private label lip balm manufacturer, or a more varied skincare manufacturer, and get started! If you want to get into Youtube, it’s free to sign up and you can use your smartphone as your camera for filming in the beginning until you’re ready to invest more. If you want to start with a blog, or something more website focused, then I would say it’s worthwhile paying for a domain name and hosting, which in total might set you back around $60-70 for the first year, depending on what company you go with. Compared to a traditional business, these starting costs are extremely low, meaning that almost anyone could get started online if they wanted to.
If you’re looking to start a new business, take a look into these three industries and you’ll b starting in the right place!
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7 Unforgettable Motorcycling Destinations
The best way to see the world is arguably on a motorcycle. While you can do it on a bicycle or even on foot, you get to see so much more when you get on a motorbike. You have unparalleled freedom.
But where, exactly, should you go? In this post, we find out. These are the top motorcycling destinations and circuits around the world that will provide you with an utterly unparalleled experience. Read on to learn more.
Che Guevara Highway, Cuba
The Che Guevara Highway is the product of the communist regime, but that doesn’t matter for tourists. They’re free to cruise down it like they’re in a Hollywood movie.
If you want to go on a motorcycle tour in the country, you’ll need to do it through a licensed company. Cuba has strict rules about who can come and where they can go.
All in all, the Che Guevara Highway offers around 1,240 miles of the route to explore, encircling the vast majority of the island.
Anatolia To Istanbul, Turkey
Western tourists to Turkey explore the country’s major cities and tourist resorts, particularly Istanbul. However, Asia Minor offers considerably more than that. The majority of the country is a rural wilderness, offering stunning landscapes and numerous beautiful villages to explore.
The Anatolia to Istanbul circuit takes you past Byzantine landmarks and unusual troglodyte houses built into the rock. You can also explore the Black Sea coast and Taurus mountains along the route.
Yorkshire Dales And Moors, UK
The Yorkshire Dales and Moors aren’t quite as epic as Turkey, but they offer their own unique charm. They’re quintessentially English and offer excellent accommodation, plenty of campsites, wild scenery, forests, and hiking trails. As you make your way through them, you’ll come across many attractive market towns, including Pickering in the Moors and Grassington in the Dales. For a coastal experience, head east of the North Moors National Park to Whitby, one of the country’s most famous and picturesque seaside towns.
Andes Circuit, Chile
Chile is perhaps the most picturesque country in South America, and that’s saying something. The mountain nation is cut off from the rest of the continent by the mighty Andes mountain range and is incredibly well protected.
The Andes circuit runs parallel to the great mountains themselves – and it goes on for thousands of miles. Most tourists like to begin their adventure in the south of the country and then slowly make their way north, stopping off at various features and landmarks along the way.
Fjordland, Norway
Norway is biking heaven for motorcycling enthusiasts. Not only is it one of the wealthiest countries in the world, offering all kinds of amenities for bikers. But it is also one of the most spectacular. The Norwegians have the money to carve great roads through the landscape that seem to effortlessly snake their way through the most challenging terrain.
Practically any road in the country will provide you with a breathtaking experience. However, if you want to make the most of your trip, start in Bergen and then head to Gudvangen. Here, take a ferry to Naerlandsford where you’ll encounter the world’s deepest and longest fjord.
The American West, USA
The American West is a vast area for motorcyclists to explore. There’s so much to see that you’d require a lifetime to do it all.
Expert motorcycle accident attorneys recommend being careful though. The American West is a potentially dangerous place, particularly because drivers do not expect other people to be around.
If you begin your adventure in LA, pick up Route 66 and then follow it inland to Arizona. Here, you can get close to the Grand Canyon for a bit of sightseeing.
Heading north, you can visit the Natural Bridges National Park, as well as Zion and Bryce. Those feeling brave can also head on down to Death Valley and experience the highest temperatures in the mainland USA. Just make sure that you pack plenty of sunscreens.
Pyrenees Loop, Spain, And France
The Pyrenees is a mountain range that splits Spain from France. The roads that serve it are exceptional and offer more than 1,500 miles of scenic driving. Expect plenty of hairpins along the way.
The route usually starts from Bilbao. From here, you take the N260 which meanders its way up into the Pyrenees. Then you’ll reach La Seu d’Urgell and head to the tiny mountain kingdom of Andorra. From there, you’ll drop back into Spain, heading for Ripoli. Along the way, be sure to stop off on the Mediterranean coast and also check out the Salvador Dali museum.
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How to File Real Estate Taxes
If you’re a real estate property owner, you’re required to pay tax on the property’s income. Every state, city, county, and even local jurisdiction have their own list of what type of property is taxed and specifications on how property owners should determine a property’s taxable value. You’re required to file an annual tax return to report the tax you owe.
If you’re wondering how to file real estate taxes, here’s a simple guide:
How to Pay Your Taxes
Property taxes are paid to the state or other local jurisdiction — make sure to check your state’s rules on real estate tax filing. The local government accesses your property to determine its worth and how it should be taxed. The filing process is different in every state, so make sure to check that you’re using the correct forms. Consult a tax professional if not sure.
Property Tax Deductions
Like many property owners, you’re probably asking yourself if you can deduct property taxes from your federal tax return. The truth is, you can deduct your real estate property taxes that you paid on your property in the financial year you file taxes. The taxes are deductible if they’re:
- Based on the market value of your property
- Levied uniformly throughout the local community
- Assessed and paid before the end of the tax year
- Used for a general or governmental purpose
Real estate owners can deduct up to $10,000 of state and local real estate income taxes, including personal property taxes, or $5,000 if married and filing your taxes separately.
What To Keep in Mind When Deducting Property Taxes
It’s crucial to differentiate between deductible real estate taxes and non-deductible property charges. Expenses like fees charged for delivering services like water and flat fees for paying fines and assessments and costs that benefit the property like the construction of a sidewalk can’t be deducted. Check your local tax authority’s bill to see if you can deduct maintenance and repair costs.
Real estate taxes may also be divided where a property was sold or bought. The seller can deduct the property taxes up to the date before the actual sale, while the buyer can deduct taxes starting on the sale date. If you sell or buy a home during the tax year, your settlement statement also reports real estate and property taxes. +
Timing Is Important When Taking Deductions
The timing of your real estate property tax payments is critical when taking deductions from your federal income tax return. If you want to claim a deduction, the IRS requires that you make the payment during the same year you report the property tax deduction. For instance, if you’re filing your 2020 tax return in 2021, you can only deduct the property taxes paid on or between Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2020.
Report on Schedule A
Before paying real estate taxes online, ensure you itemize your deductions to take your property tax deduction. You should claim this on Schedule A. If you pay real estate property taxes through an escrow account each month as part of your mortgage payment, don’t treat the entire payment as part of your property tax deduction.
If you need a consultation about real estate taxes, deductions, and tax breaks, or you need help with your tax return consult TFX, your tax professionals, so you can get back as much money as possible.
