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12 mistakes to avoid while on a cruise
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12 mistakes to avoid while on a cruise

Spending a holiday on a cruise ship is a novel experience that every traveler should try at least once. A cozy room, delicious buffets for each cuisine, and hype nightlife can be enjoyed while sailing across beautiful ocean waters. Apart from the perks offered by a liner, not indulging in certain things when you are on board is imperative. If you’re embarking on such a vacation for the first time, avoid these mistakes: Entering restricted zones Several quarters on a cruise vessel are marked as dangerous or off-limits. These areas might house equipment and other elements that ensure the ship’s safety. Without appropriate approval from the staff, entering such restricted sections will land you in quite a bit of trouble. Sleeping in all day The parties on a cruise can be a lot of fun, but the activities conducted during the day are equally good. As comfortable as your room may be, spend some time exploring the rest of the ship while the sun shines. Take a dip in the pool, get a tan, and make the most of the time spent on the vessel. Not using sunscreen If you sunbathe by the pool or on the beach at a docking port, don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
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12 things to avoid doing in hotels
travel

12 things to avoid doing in hotels

When planning a trip, picking a hotel is one of the things that require careful consideration. People usually check reviews and ratings to ensure that the hotel offers adequate comfort and cleanliness, good food, and excellent service. On your part, following the rules and being polite can help you avoid unpleasant experiences or conflict with the staff and other guests. So, here are a few things to avoid to have a comfortable hotel stay: Being loud or rude Do not play loud music on speakers in your room as it can be an inconvenience for other guests. When you are at the hotel bar or the restaurant, be polite and courteous in your conversations with other guests and the staff. Don’t be rude to the employees if you are unhappy with the service. Instead, talk to the manager or try to get the problem resolved patiently.  Placing the suitcase on the bed Hotel rooms will generally have dedicated storage space for luggage. Do not place your bags and suitcases on your bed when you enter the room. Your suitcase is most likely dirty and dusty from your travels, which can ruin the clean sheets that you would sleep on.  Cheating the minibar When you take something from the minibar, it gets added to your bill.
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11 mistakes to avoid when booking a hotel
travel

11 mistakes to avoid when booking a hotel

Booking a hotel in this time and age is easy. All you have to do is land on a third-party platform, see the options available in the destination you are traveling to, set the date or date range, and hit the search button. Undoubtedly, third-party platforms have made it super easy for you to make hotel reservations. But making a few mistakes is inevitable. Read further to see the hotel booking mistakes one should avoid: Booking a non-refundable room More often than not, non-refundable rooms are priced much lower than the regular ones. While they seem to be a great deal at first, they clearly should be high-risk. Non-refundable rooms are best avoided, especially if you are on a business trip or have a large family. There is a high risk of losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in case of cancellation. The better bet would be to look for a reservation that can be amended. You can choose hotels that allow you to postpone your stay in case of a cancelation of the existing booking. Not signing up for a reward program Renowned hotels offer loyalty programs where repeat customers get certain reward points added against every booking. There are instances where people have stayed for five nights in a row without having to pay for their hotel booking; they just redeem their reward points with the hotel.
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6 simple airplane hacks for a better travel experience
travel

6 simple airplane hacks for a better travel experience

Airplanes are a marvel that the Wright brothers presented to the world. Since its inception, air travel has come a long way. You can now climb into a metal bird worry-free and fly wherever you want, be it for work or a holiday, and reach quickly. However, despite all the technological development, an air journey can be stressful for some. So, here are a few airplane hacks to boost your flight and travel experience: Ship your baggage in advance Packing for an airplane journey can get tricky because of the baggage restrictions. Most carriers have strict rules and charge for additional baggage. So, check the limit imposed by the airline and pack accordingly. Heavy bags are problematic if you have connecting flights and need to haul them around crowded airports. If there is a real need to travel heavy, consider shipping things in advance. It will save you from moving around with your stuff and waiting in a chaotic baggage claim area. But, remember that shipping prices vary depending on the weight and cost of your items. The rates may shoot up during holidays, as the crowds surge at this time. Plan the timing of your flight Many people traveling by air fear that they will miss their flight.
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Avoid these 6 hotel booking mistakes
travel

Avoid these 6 hotel booking mistakes

When you plan for a vacation, you start with booking the tickets, planning the itinerary, and looking for accommodation. You may already have a few hotel options to choose from, or you may ask friends and family for recommendations. You may also look at places online as multiple platforms offer hotel rooms and resort stays. However, certain errors can make the experience unpleasant, which is you should avoid the following mistakes while booking a room: Overlooking additional charges If you are looking at rooms online, the cost you see initially may only be the basic room charges. However, as you proceed with the booking, additional fees and taxes will be added to the cost. So, when you set a budget, it is important to consider room charges, taxes, hidden costs, and additional charges for special requests like booking a pool-side room, in-room kitchen, or seeking pet accommodation. Further, you should contact the hotel before booking the room and talk to them about additional costs other than what is mentioned on its or the travel partner’s website. Without a detailed understanding of room costs, you may end up spending more than you expected. So, avoid being unprepared for surprise costs. Additionally, when looking for accommodation at your destination, try looking for inexpensive options so that extra charges don’t make a huge dent in your total budget.
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6 travel mistakes one can easily avoid
travel

6 travel mistakes one can easily avoid

Traveling to different places to enjoy new traditions, cultures, and cuisines can be an endearing experience. However, it can be equally disastrous if one makes a mistake or overlooks certain travel-related aspects during the process. While some mistakes can be quickly resolved, some can be expensive, confusing, and time-consuming. Getting yourself stuck in difficult situations can lead to an unpleasant trip experience. Here are some common travel mistakes one can easily avoid: Overpacking Traveling is already an arduous task. The last thing one should have to do while on journeys is carry multiple heavy suitcases from one connected transport alternative to another. Heavy luggage bags, a consequence of overpacking, could leave travelers with aching shoulders and forearms by the end of the journey. As a result, some of the enjoyment of traveling (especially on holiday retreats) is taken away. To avoid this problem, one can carry a smaller bag with only the essentials needed for travel and stay. Carrying neutral clothing enables multiple travelers to reuse outfits, reducing the weight and space taken by clothes in the luggage. Overlooking passport issues Forgetting one’s passport before leaving home for the airport is one thing. However, looking past passport details such as expiration date, unutilized blank pages, and visa information before making a flight reservation is on another level.
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01
Health

4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
02
Health

6 toxic plants to keep away from dogs

It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
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Pets

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
04
Pets

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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7 common plants that are dangerous for cats

7 common plants that are dangerous for cats

Cats are naturally curious and tend to grab and play with things they find in their environment. So, they can end up grabbing or even chewing on dangerous plants, which can cause multiple complications and health-related issues. Cat parents should exercise caution when exposing their feline companions to outdoor environments or their own home and garden that can house poisonous plants. Some of the common plants that are toxic to cats are: Amaryllis Amaryllis is a popular indoor and outdoor plant that is grown in pots and containers, making it a popular gift during the holiday season. Cats can be drawn to its vibrant flowers, however, the plant contains toxins like lycorine and phenanthridine alkaloids. While the bulbs have the highest concentration of toxins, the stalks are also poisonous to cats. If ingested, cats can experience symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. They may even seem lazy, lethargic, and show no willingness to eat. Other severe effects include a drop in their blood pressure and seizures. Autumn crocus The autumn crocus contains colchicine and other alkaloids, which can be toxic to many animals, including cats. If cats chew on the flower or seeds of this ornamental plant, they can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
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Top 5 human foods that are also safe for dogs

Top 5 human foods that are also safe for dogs

If you own a pet, you know that every time you eat, your dog sits right next to you in hopes that you’ll share your food. Human food can be safe for dogs if it doesn’t contain toxins. Every pet owner must know which food is and isn’t suitable for your furry friend. This way, you can feed your dog the right foods. Here are some foods you can share with your dogs without hesitation: Fish Just like omega-3 fatty acids benefits humans, it can also help dogs fight inflammation. Fish is also an alternative source of protein for dogs that may be allergic to red meat. Ensure that you cook it well without too much oil and seasoning. Raw fish may contain salmonella and listeria, causing infection for the dog and your family. Clean and pick the bones well before serving them. Fish bones are risky for dogs, as they can lodge in their mouth, throat, and intestines or perforate their organ walls. Choose fish that have lower mercury levels. Ideal fish for dogs include tuna, whitefish, cod, and whiting. Meat Meat is a natural dog-friendly food, as they are carnivores. If you are preparing the meat at home, choose lean ground beef, chuck steak, chicken, turkey, or roast.
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Top 7 beauty and fashion trends

Top 7 beauty and fashion trends

Fashion trends are dynamic and go through constant change and innovation. While some styles have remained timeless for decades, some trends fail to impress and disappear without making an impact. The approach to beauty today focuses on sustainability, minimalism, inclusion, and no cruelty. The trends in beauty and fashion quite naturally follow similar lines. Based on these factors, some of the top beauty and fashion trends in the coming year are as follows: Skincare The buzzword in the last couple of years has been minimalism, especially for skin care. Women prefer to use lesser products for their skincare routines. Utilizing a bevy of cosmetics for everyday skin nourishment and enhancement is time-consuming, overwhelming, and may affect the skin negatively. Skincare trends focus on improving skin health and reducing the negative impact of long-term use of skin-related products. This move hopes to reduce the overuse of skincare and control the damage caused by chemical products. Microbiome skincare is a new trend, featuring prebiotic and probiotic components that nourish the skin. Hybrid beauty Hybrid cosmetics combine multiple active ingredients that now work both as skin care products and as cosmetics. It reduces the time one spends on beauty routine and the number of products one needs to buy, saving money, effort, and time.
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Top 5 cat foods that are recommended by vets

Top 5 cat foods that are recommended by vets

Cats are strict carnivores by nature, and their bodies cannot digest a carbohydrate-rich diet. And pet parents must feed them a nutritionally balanced diet matching their weight, age, lifestyle, and current health condition. Look for food with animal protein as the prime ingredient and has fatty acids, essential amino acids, and minerals. If you are unsure of what food to choose, you can consider the following vet-recommended food for your cats: Human-Grade Fresh, Wet Cat Food by Smalls Smalls is an ultra-high protein USDA-certified cat food subscription service that uses humanely harvested and human-grade ingredients. Trained chefs prepare the food avoiding cheaper fillers like carbs and grains that add volume and reduce cost. The food does not contain any preservatives. You can choose from chicken, a combination of chicken and turkey, beef, or fish for fresh food. Freeze-dried raw cat food is available in turkey, duck, and chicken flavors. While fresh meals can go to the freezer, freeze-dried raw food can be in the pantry. One package may last five meals, and you must read the instructions to store the leftover package properly to avoid contamination. The approximate cost of Smalls cat food is $2.50 to $3.50 daily. Pro Plan® Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food by Purina® Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food is available without a prescription and is a less expensive alternative for weight loss diets.
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