As we move into 2019, most of us are taking the time to evaluate the last year and deciding where we excelled and where we could improve. If you’re doing the same, now’s the time to consider how you can upgrade your life and ensure that 2019 is your best year yet.

Here’s how you can get more out of life in 2019:

Take more time off

This may sound counter-intuitive- especially if you’re hoping to make big strides in your career in 2019, however taking the time to rest and recharge will actually help you be more focused, increase your productivity, and avoid burnout. That’s why now is also the time to plan your holidays. Work out how you can make the most of your holiday days, and ensure you have a few long weekends to look forward to, and at least one big trip from Loveholidays.

This is a great way to find all-inclusive hotels, which is (in my opinion) the best way to truly relax on holiday. All-inclusive means you can get on with enjoying yourself, without constantly putting your hand in your pocket every day. The Loveholidays hotel finder is interactive, and you simply enter a destination to see a list of the best hotels in each particular area.

You can then narrow down your search based on ratings, price, the type of holiday you’re looking for (spa, luxury, family, or couples), and more. One of the most stressful parts of going on holiday is choosing your accommodation, and this holiday finder makes it easy.

Find a new hobby

Most of us have at least one hobby that we’ve always wanted to try. Maybe you’d like to learn a language, write a book, or try salsa dancing. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to do a martial art, take a cooking class, or learn to paint. Whatever it is, hobbies help you have something fun to focus on, and they encourage you to think more creatively. Do yourself a favor and commit to finally beginning your new hobby in 2019.

Make more time for yourself

This tip goes hand-in-hand with the ones above, however this should be an everyday thing. When you’re working, you have kids, and you’re juggling the needs of your partner, family, friends, and work commitments, it can seem like you never have time for yourself. Whether you need to get up early to take a walk before the morning chaos, spend some time lounging in the bath after the kids have gone to bed, or simply read a book in a quiet cafe alone, make sure you’re including enough ‘me time’ throughout the week so you can hold onto your sanity.

Get more sleep

None of us are at our best when we’re sleep deprived, and yet a large chunk of the population is operating on too little sleep. If this sounds like you, make a conscious effort to get more Zs in 2019. That may mean going to bed early, removing any screens from the bedroom, or coming up with a nighttime routine that works for you.

One of the most essential travel items that you don’t want to forget to pack is a great swimsuit. But finding the perfect combination of comfort and style in your swimsuit can be really tricky. So much of the time it seems as though you’re forced to choose between having a very comfortable swimsuit you can wear all day but isn’t very flattering, or you find a sexy bombshell suit that is anything but comfortable. Finding the balance between the two, especially when looking for a travel-friendly swimsuit, can seem impossible. That’s why we were so excited when we found the brand CoolTanⓇ and their unique line of TanThrough swimsuits which we have found to be the best travel-friendly swimsuits that also give you the easiest and most natural looking tan at the same time!

What makes CoolTan so amazing is that you can get a tan right through your suit, which means you won’t have to think about it or have to resort to sticky and streaky tanning lotions. The secret to what makes CoolTan so amazing is their specially formulated Microsol V fabric which is knitted to create millions of pores to allow in around half the sun’s rays. This gets you an even, natural tan in about the same time as you would with a medium-level SPF sunscreen. Because you tan right through the fabric this means you won’t have to worry about one of the most annoying things about going out in a swimsuit: tan lines. Tan lines be gone thanks to CoolTan! And getting an incredible tan can be as easy as walking along the beach, hanging out by the pool, or going boating with friends. Win, win, win!

The porous Microsol fabric in CoolTan’s swimwear is also amazing at letting air and water pass freely through the suit. This keeps you cool and comfortable, even on the hottest of summer days, while also wicking moisture to dry up to 3x faster than normal fabric. This makes it the perfect choice for traveling because you won’t have to worry about getting hot and sweaty and you won’t have to wait hours and hours for your swimsuit to dry before throwing it back in your bag. Because there’s nothing more annoying than a soaking wet swimsuit that just won’t dry and threatens to get all your other belongings wet and moldy.

CoolTan’s swimsuits are incredibly lightweight but aren’t revealing at all. I couldn’t believe just how comfortable these swimsuits were, I really could wear it all day without having to worry about it being too tight or the straps digging in or the suit clinging in weird ways. You can also tell that these suits are just really well made- they’re durably stitched so you will be able to wear them for multiple seasons and won’t run the risk of an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction!

CoolTan also has a line of TanThrough shirts which are great for everyday wear, super comfortable, and also let you get a great tan through your daily activities such as tennis, golf, or even just running errands. These shirts are super travel-friendly as well as they are also made using that same Microsol fabric so they wick moisture, let air flow through easily, and let you get some sun without having to fret about getting a Farmer’s Tan! With the choice between Polos, Henleys, V-Necks, and T-Shirts, you’re guaranteed to find a style that suits you. I will definitely be bringing a few of these with me on my next holiday,, and they make great gifts as well!

With a variety of styles for both men and women, CoolTan’s swimwear has something for everyone. Whether you prefer one-pieces and monokinis or halter and string bikinis, briefs and hipsters or trunks and board shorts, you’re guaranteed to find a style to fit your comfort-level and make you look absolutely amazing. I loved how many patterns they had to choose from in addition to all the styles for when I want to switch things up.

I really love CoolTan’s TanThrough swimwear and shirts and stand behind them 100% as the best travel-friendly swimwear and shirts out there. These are the most comfortable swimsuits and shirts I have ever tried and I would highly recommend checking out their website to see for yourself just how easy it can be to get a great tan, no more tan lines required!

As a freelancer, I’m not constrained by company policy, and I can have anything I like on my desk. A recent campaign by Furniture at Work called #MyDeskStory got me thinking about the things we keep on our desks, how they impact our productivity, and what they say about us.  

For the most part, I tend to keep my desk fairly clutter-free, as I have a tendency to collect junk otherwise.

Along with the typical pens, pencils, laptop stand, extra keyboard, mouse, and notebooks, I have one sentimental item.

A month ago, I was the maid of honor for my best friend’s wedding. It was an amazing day and she was a beautiful bride. As part of her gifts to her bridesmaids, she got us all these amazing boxes. Mine is pink, with my name in rose gold along the top. Inside the box, she wrote us each a heartfelt letter and included our bridesmaid robes, a facemask, a luggage tag, some gorgeous pearl earrings, and even a personalized cup and makeup bag- both of them with our names on them.

These gifts are amazing, and I keep this box on my desk not only because it’s beautiful and personalized, but because it reminds me of that day and the whole experience of standing beside her as her life changed. It’s also the perfect size to store special documents and other bits and pieces that I would rather not have out on my desk.

The things we choose to put on our desk are special since we look at them every day. They’re the pictures that keep us going when we’re having a bad day, the knickknacks we pick up and examine when we’re brainstorming, and the things we like to surround ourselves with we’re working on our project of the day.

For me, as soon as I saw this box, I knew it would have a spot on my work desk. Not only is it beautiful and personalized, but it’s a great memory to think about when I’m working hard, and a great way to store some of the papers and things that would otherwise be taking up space and contributing to the clutter that tends to overwhelm my work life.

What’s on your desk? Whether you work from home or in an office, the things you’ve chosen to keep on your desk say a lot about you. Leave a comment below and share something special that’s on your desk.

Not yet segmenting your marketing emails? You’re missing out. I recently read a great post by My Emma about email segmentation, and it got me thinking. How many small business owners are actually segmenting their emails, and of those people, how many are doing it effectively?

Gone are the days that you can send generic email  blasts to all of the people on your email list at once. Now, that’s simply likely to lead to those subscribers becoming unsubscribers. Instead, subscribers expect a highly personalized experience with the brands they choose to shop with, and they’ll simply switch to another provider if this doesn’t happen.

Fortunately, it’s now easier than ever for you to meet those expectations. With plenty of automated marketing tools on the  market, you can easily segment your lists, ensuring that your subscribers feel valued and stay loyal. Of course, this all depends on the email marketing segmentation strategy you choose as well, which is why it’s well worth reading the post about email marketing segmentation by My Emma.

Email marketing is changing all the time, and businesses that don’t keep up will quickly be left behind. Do yourself and your business a favor and get up to spend with email segmentation ASAP.

Here is an article about 7 segmentation tips to improve your email results:

Segmentation is more than just a buzzword when it comes to email marketing—it’s absolutely crucial for your success.

Not only do you need to choose the correct market segments for your niche, but you must also know when to engage them.

In order to determine what time is best, you’ll need to tap into your customers’ interests and behaviors to develop meaningful relationships and provide authentic interaction.

And that will take you full circle back to segmentation—the key to boosting the results of your email marketing campaign.

Now that you understand the importance of segmentation, let’s look at some simple and creative ways to incorporate it into your next campaign.

7 next-level tips for segmentation

Whether you realize it or not, you already have a target audience. They’re the people you imagine receiving your emails, buying your products, and keeping up with your brand. No matter how big or small, they are your target audience.

Now, you need to break that audience down even further into a series of mini-niches that will help you get the right message to the right audience at exactly the right time.

This, of course, can give help elevate your email marketing campaign into a personalized effort to help your customers find products and services relevant to their lifestyle.

The more relevant you can make your offers, content, and marketing — the more likely you are to convert browsers into buyers.

Here’s how to take your email marketing campaign to the next level using segmentation:

1. Start fresh.

You need a pristine database to do the best job of segmenting your audience. This tip is our first one because it’s that important. Don’t skip it!

Your database is your email marketing campaign’s foundation, and a good database requires work to keep it functioning effectively.

For the most powerful and accurate segmentation results, you’ll need to check your unsubscribes and your low contact engagement lists and scrub them at least once a month.

If you’re in between scrubbings and your bounce rate climbs higher that about 3%-5%, that’s a good time to jump in and do a little maintenance.

This will ensure you’re not wasting time contacting ineligible customers or irritating people who don’t want your emails and are flagging your emails as spam. 

2. Let your customers choose their own niche.

Once you have a solid, clean database of customers, you can easily sort them into groups by just asking them.

Better than “guessing” preferences by using demographic or other data, asking customers outright how they’d like to move forward is a no-brainer.

If you couple this email survey with a personalized profile they can access on your site, they can adjust the frequency of contact up or down, as needed.

And that kind of autonomy can help keep your emails out of the spam folder and in the inbox, where you want them.

3. Move from demographics-based to needs-based segmentation.

Focusing on details like traditional demographics often leads to money spent chasing the wrong data.

In fact, an article for Harvard Business Review breaks down the problem with using data in this way into one brilliant nugget of truth: correlation doesn’t equal causality.

It can be more beneficial long-term to uncover audience touch points. This email example, from Lonely Planet, show you one way to accomplish this.

One of the best things about traveling in Europe is that so many countries are so close together. That means that not only can you see a lot in a small amount of time, but one of the best ways to travel in Europe is by car.

A road trip gives you the freedom to go wherever you like, whenever you like. If you hear about a great scenic lookout from other travelers, you can easily take a detour. Don’t like a particular town? Simply keep driving.

Here are a few of the best road trips in Europe:

Verdon Gorge Circuit, France

This drive will give you a chance to experience Provence- one of the most incredible regions in France. You’ll drive along rustic roads to high village like Tourtour which were designed for defence. Keep driving and you’ll find the Verdon gorges, which are a European version of America’s Grand Canyon.

You’ll see drops of 2000ft, before driving back south along Sainte-Croix lake and Thoronet Abbey. Allow all day for this drive so you can stop frequently and take your time as you drive around the hills.

Romantische Strasse, Germany

This road trip is the one for you if you like the sound of natural wonders, iposing walled towns, palaces, and fairy-tale castles. You’ll see romance at every turn, from the architecture at Wurzburg Residenz to the medieval wine village of Tauberbischofsheim. Visit small towns along the way, and give yourself several days so you can take your time with the sightseeing.

Route One

Located in Iceland, route one is jam-packed with spectacular extremes. From waterfalls to volcanoes, lava fields to hot springs, this road trip will allow you to see them all, as it takes you around the island. The south coast has rocky vistas that you’ll want to stop and photograph. The north-east ash fields are both bleak and beautiful, while the Dettifoss waterfall is thunderous and incredible.

Driving safe in Europe

Just like anywhere, it’s important that you and your car are both ready for all of the conditions you’re likely to face in Europe. That means checking everything from your oil levels to your tyre pressure. TyrePlus can ensure that you have the right pressure and your tyres are safe for driving so you can enjoy piece of mind on your road trip.

Be sure to take snacks, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a phone charger along with you, and ensure that you have everything you need on the off chance that you break down.

Planning to escape the cold and head to Miami in the next few months? There are many reasons why Miami is a great choice for couples, solo travelers and families, and there really is something here for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Maimi, here are some of the best things to do:

Visit South Beach

One of the best ways to see Miami is by car, since it gives you the freedom to switch between city and beach whenever you like. Vehicle rental in Miami is super affordable, and public transport isn’t the greatest so it simply makes sense to hire a car. South Beach is a must if you’re planning to spend any time in Miami, and no visit here is complete without spending some time shopping, partying, or just frolicking in the waves in South Beach.

Hit up the zoo

Zoo Miami is one of the most well-known zoos in the country right now, and it’s easy to see why. The exhibits are cage-free, and the climate in Miami allows a wide variety of animals to live here, from Africa, Australia, and Asia. Zoo Miami is an active leader in a number of global environmental and wildlife conservation initiatives, and this is quite simply a great day out- especially if you’re travelling with kids.

Visit the Jungle

Monkey Jungle is found in southern Miami, and this park is truly unique. You’ll walk along a number of wire pathways, while a huge variety of primates swing through the trees and scamper above you. This is an immersive experience, and you’ll get to see these animals interacting with each other in a way you wouldn’t simply watching them in a cage.

Shop on Lincoln Road

This complex was designed by Morris Lapidus, one of Miami’s most well-known architects in the 1950s, and it’s still hugely popular today. Now, it’s lined with restaurants, shops, and venus for culture and art. If you choose car rental in Miami you can easily spend a whole day here, whether you plan to have something to eat, window shop, or spend up a storm.

Check out the design district

The Design District was once just for designers and decorators, but it’s now a hub for trendy architecture, art, and fashion. Even if you don’t feel like shopping, you can enjoy the free museums and galleries here.

Are you bored with the status quo? Ready to try something new and different? Maybe you’ve found yourself Googling best motorcycle helmets for women, or you’ve always wanted to learn to ski? Or maybe you’re looking for a fun hobby but you don’t know what that is yet. Whatever the case, we’ve got some great new hobbies for you to try in 2019:

Pole dancing

How do pole dancers make it look so easy when it’s really so challenging? Don’t get put off by the challenge though ladies, it’s well worth it when you manage to master a new trick or two. Pole dancing is for women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and skill level, so do yourself a favor and sign up for a trial class- we’ll be pretty surprised if you don’t get addicted.

Cooking

I see you rolling your eyes. But so many people can barely scrape together a meal, and all they need is to learn a few basic skills before their passion for food will take over. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn how to make your own pasta, or you’d really like to be the queen of desserts, there are plenty of great cooking classes out there to help you learn the skills you need.

Motorcycling

Have you always secretly wanted to own a motorcycle? Maybe you find yourself looking at cheap motorcycle helmets in your spare time? This can be a safe, fun, and rewarding hobby, and owning a motorcycle isn’t as expensive as you might think- with Honda bike parts available online, and plenty of websites devoted to all the gear you might need for your new hobby. If you’ve always wanted to own a motorcycle, don’t let fear hold you back. Make 2019 the year you finally do it.

Coding

Ok, so this may seem like a head-scratcher because coding seems like a lot of work right? Well… sure. But it can also be super fun- especially when you start to see all of your coding come to life. Now is definitely the time to get into it, especially since you can start it as a hobby, continue it as a side hustle, and end up making some serious money if you choose to go freelance or start your own business.

There are tons of free resources online, so give it a go. If you like it, there are plenty of great courses and boot camps developed specifically to teach women to code.

Spain offers its visitors a host of options for memorable holidays in 2019, so much so that you may be struggling to decide where to go. Be sure to find the best options for villas in Spain before you head out, so you can live a life of luxury without breaking the bank too. If you are still unsure about where to head, read below to get an idea of the top destinations, and what they offer.

Ibiza

Ibiza is the perfect option for those who want the best of both worlds, offering a superb nightlife with world-famous clubs hosting acclaimed DJs throughout the summer months. The beaches are beautiful, and, surprising to some, it’s also a family-friendly destination. From boat trips to water parks, and jeep safaris and bustling markets, this hub of the Balearic Islands is certainly a must for party animals and adventurers alike.

Granada

Located near the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is world renowned for the beautiful palace fort that dominates the landscape. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and unsurprisingly sees visitors from all over the world visit to take in the stunning architecture on a sunny day. There is the added bonus of Granada being a University town, meaning there is a lively nightlife you can enjoy. Be sure to claim your free tapas with every drink, which is an essential part of Spanish culture. What better way to feel like a local?

Barcelona

Barcelona’s architecture is another must-see for anybody wanting to discover the best sights of Spain. Sagrada Familia, constructed in the 1800s, offers a stunning example of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture and is nestled right in the heart of Barcelona.

The city’s unique road system is a sight to behold, and Gaudi’s architecture can be seen in other parts of the city as well as his world famous unfinished church. The striking Gaudi park, or Park Güell, is sure to satisfy budding architects and novices alike, making Barcelona a top destination in Spain. Don’t miss the Picasso Museum, and head to Las Ramblas, the city’s famous, partly pedestrianised boulevard, for a memorable night out. Shop, eat, drink and dance the night away after a day of exploring this vibrant city.

Seville

Seville is perhaps best known for offering the finest glimpse of Flamenco. This traditional form of Spanish folk music is instantly recognisable, and can be enjoyed at the Muestra de Flamenco del Teatro Central, or perhaps the Bienal de Flamenco, or in a local theatre. The Real Alcàzar de Sevilla should be given your time so that you can take in the palace in all its glory, from the finite details to the exquisite gardens. This romantic city hosts many festivals and fiestas and offers awe-inspiring attractions all year round.

Valencia

For a mix of science and culture, be sure to add Valencia to your list. This port city, located in the South East, plays host to futuristic structures such as the aquarium, or L’Oceanografic, and the magnificent City of Arts and Sciences. This complex offers visitors cultural and scientific discovery in the heart of Valencia and holds festivals regularly. Valencia Cathedral is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and can be enjoyed in all its splendour along with an ice cream in the bustling Plaça de l’Almoina.

Mallorca

Mallorca is another top location in Spain that offers visitors the best of both worlds. The Moorish Almudaina royal palace and Santa Maria cathedral can offer a touch of culture to your trip, and spend the rest of your time exploring the sheltered coves, magnificent beaches and impressive mountains. If this isn’t enough to satisfy, the nightlife in Capital Palma can make your trip even more memorable. Enjoy a range of festivals in the summer including La Patrona Festival, or perhaps the Sa Rua Carnival for those visiting in February, wanting to escape a harsh winter at home.

Madrid

When comprising a list of the top destinations in Spain to discover, one that cannot be forgotten is Madrid. The Spanish capital city, Madrid offers a flavour of Spain to suit every holidaymaker. The Royal Palace of Madrid and the Plaza Mayor are perfect locations for a walk around. Football fanatics can explore the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which plays host to the Real Madrid football team with a staggering capacity of 81,000.

Offering magnificent sights and attractions all over the country, a trip to Spain should certainly be on your to-do list for 2019. This list should hopefully narrow down your options, so you find the perfect destination and make your holiday one to remember for years to come.

While Niagara Falls often markets itself as a bastion of natural beauty, the city next to the falls is relatively well-developed for tourism. There, you can find tens of hotel-resorts and hundreds of B&Bs, family-friendly restaurants galore and must-see attractions by the dozen. Due to this, many travelers are turned off, despite the undeniable uniqueness of the falls and the magnificence of the surrounding wilderness.

The truth is, you can find authentic travel experiences everywhere — even in Niagara Falls. Here are a few hidden gems in and around Niagara Falls, nestled amidst the hokey tourist stuff.

Niagara Boat Cruise

Admittedly, this Niagara Falls adventure isn’t hidden; in fact, it is arguably the most popular tourist attraction in the entire area. Still, you shouldn’t skip a boat cruise to the falls just because everyone is doing it. This is a secret gem because it truly is a magical and thrilling experience that you definitely need to do.

There are two cruises to choose from: Hornblower on the Canadian side and Maid of the Mist on the American side. Regardless of which you choose, you will undoubtedly feel exhilarated by being so close to the thundering waters and feeling their mist on your skin. There are different cruise options — with different pricing levels — so you can choose your precise experience, but you should book in advance because spots fill up fast.

Whirlpool Aero Car

While you can catch jaw-dropping views of the waterfalls just steps from the hotels in Niagara Falls, Canada, you might want to venture deeper into the Niagara Gorge to explore the rapids and whirlpool of the Niagara River. There are a few walks and hikes that get you right next to the action, but for a heart-stopping experience, you need to book a ride on the Aero Car. Built in 1916 (and well-maintained since) the car is suspended above the churning water, so you can get a birds-eye view into the giant whirlpool itself. It’s a short ride, but the pictures and stories you’ll tell will make it worth your time.

Niagara Falls History

Niagara Falls has attracted visitors for millennia. First, the native peoples of the continent determined the falls to be sacred; then, critical battles were fought between British, American and French forces on fields nearby. Later, the city was deemed the most romantic place on Earth. You can learn more about Niagara Falls history by visiting the history museum as well as a number of historic sites, such as:

• Lundy’s Lane. Here, one of the most significant battles of the War of 1812 was fought. On site, there is a museum that was once a hotel, where you can learn more about the battle and war.
• Old Fort Eerie. Even if military history isn’t your thing, Fort Eerie is an important landmark to visit. Like Lundy’s Lane, this fort was critical during the War of 1812 and contains many fascinating scars of its use.
• Heritage Railway Station. This historic railway station stands beautiful and stalwart. Most importantly, this was a final stop for slaves fleeing on the underground railroad, who found freedom in Niagara Falls.
• Toronto Power Generating Station. The most revolutionary hydroelectric facility of its time, this station was first built in 1906. You can visit the original building, which boasts gorgeous design even if the machinery has since been updated.

Niagara Tesla Monuments

Likely, you know a bit about Nikola Tesla — the genius inventor and engineer who famously fought with Thomas Edison about electricity. However, you probably don’t know about all the work Tesla did in and around Niagara Falls. Though New York City was undoubtedly his home, Tesla’s greatest achievement remains in Niagara: the world’s first hydroelectric power plant. Indeed, it is thanks in large part to Tesla that many areas utilize natural energy, like water, wind and sunlight, for power today.

As a result, Niagara Falls happily commemorates Tesla’s work with two monuments: one for each side of the falls. You can find Canada’s statue of Tesla standing atop AC motors in Queen Victoria Park. America’s Tesla statue overlooks the American falls, so you can’t miss it if you venture to outlooks along the U.S. border.

Screaming Tunnel

Finally, for a less historic and more folkloric experience, you must take a journey to the screaming tunnel. Among the most haunted places in all of Canada, the tunnel allows for pedestrian traffic beneath what was once a railway line. It is said that if you visit the tunnel at night and light a match off the tunnel wall, you will hear a girl’s piercing scream. This is because stories say a girl died in the tunnel, burned to death for a now unknown reason — perhaps she was running from a house fire, perhaps she was murdered by a spurned lover, rapist or abusive father. Perhaps you can ask her about her fate herself during your visit.

You can find the tunnel near Niagara-on-the-Lake, which offers some additional fun attractions, like wineries and boutique shops.