gifts for her – the travel girl
Birthday coming up? Celebration? Is she going away for some time and you just wanna give her something? Out of ideas? The woman traveller (the authentic one) will LOVE practical stuff, related to travel and adventure. Whatever you choose, apply that practicality and versatility rule – and you’ll be alright! 😉 Here, I present you with some examples for inspiration – enjoy! The MAP theme If she loves traveling, she will LOVE a good map. Possibly (probably!), she already has some sort of map hanging somewhere around the house. If she doesn’t, she needs one! https://www.instagram.com/p/BWLfz7yj85r/?taken-by=travelografa I am close to tell you that I can promise you she will spend hours staring at it, daydreaming about discovering new places, playing over some travel memories, wishing for new adventures. Looking at a map is like traveling with the soul. So she does need one. Maybe something with a map within – some postcard (hand-written! How romantic!), a cover (for her phone, camera, laptop, backpack), a table cloth, some jewelry… anything around the topic. If existent, mindful with trendy sentences within the design! She may not like trendy trends! ALL-in-ONE tool Especially if she is a bit of a MacGyver, she’ll enjoy one of those multi-tools to fix any or everything. These tools usually have knife, a screwdriver, a can-opener, tiny scissors… a decent variety of mini-tools altogether. Practical and easy to find. What else could she ask for? Adaptors A true traveller will always carry with her (when traveling, of course), her adaptors. If she does not have them, then she needs them! Nowadays you can find all-in-one ones, which is pretty neat, as they take much less space in the luggage! Practical and necessary to charge all electronics when travelling internationally! Portable battery charger How nice is it to be able to charge your cell while on the go, or having the possibility of doing so when there are no plugs around? A super recommendation here are the solar battery chargers! Rechargeable by usb and just by solar power! Practical AND ecological! Be mindful that the amperes in the portable battery are enough for the electronics she might use with it! The mini I think one of the kings or queens of the traveler’s gifts are the mini gifts, such as personal hygiene items. Gels, shampoos, perfumes, mini-brushes, hair products, face soaps and masks… The adventuress who loves to take care of (and even spoil) herself will always, and I reiterate – always – take advantage of these… if not for this trip, for the upcoming one! Recommendation! Good smells and quality (always quality over quantity!) Activities The authentic traveller will LOVE adventures. So even when she is not traveling, she will be searching for fun activities to do wherever she lives – this keeps her spirit active, and her zest for living and experiencing alive. There are so many websites (depending on where you/she live/s [ask me in the comments below! I’ll give you some links!]) where you could find packs or activities on offer. If she enjoys chilling, spa day is a go-gett(h)er; if she enjoys staying active, maybe some kayaking excursion, abseiling or a new guided dive. If you can afford it, get her a getaway! Don’t worry about all-inclusive or luxury, camping or simple accommodation combined with a nice hike will be luxurious enough! 😉 Tip: The better you know her, the more on spot you’ll be with the surprise!! Certain clothing apparel Here, it depends a bit on whether she loves filling her closet or trying to / staying minimalistic. Translated: more of anything versus only specific items. My thoughts are: underwear, socks, and multi-function pieces will always make her smile! *Underwear. Be mindful with this one, it really depends on the kind of relationship you’ve got with her. It can be awkward if you’re not immediate family (parent, child, sibling, grandparent or partner) or her bestie, and you give her underwear. In many cultures, giving underwear can imply «I wanna see it on», so keep that in mind (and stay respectful and appropriate) before selecting your gift. *Socks. No twists here! Anyone can give anyone socks and they are almost always needed! Winter socks, summer socks, high ones, invisible ones, biking ones, fun ones with cartoons or personalized, odd ones to have a different design on each foot… socks wear out easily. They can be practical and make room for fun stories! Tip! Some people cannot use certain materials or seams make it impossible for them to wear some socks (if so, look for seamless socks). You can also be safe and go for the stay at home kind 😉 *Multi-function pieces. I personally love these! Foulards/throws/scarfs/sarongs/tops… Some throws can be used in a way for summer and rolled around the neck in the winter; some can be used as foulards or tops, or even as a short dress; some can become skirts… For example, I own a piece that is a top, pants, and a dress, all in one! Wonderful! Practical, useful, versatile, and it does not take much space! Miles Are you also a traveller and have accumulated miles? Or maybe you just wanna help her get some new ones? You’re a catch! 😛 She will appreciate the miles – which will help her get to some nice destination for free, be closer to do so, or get a discount for a trip! Guaranteed smile right there! 😉 Items to her liking As mentioned above, the best presents will be practical, versatile, useful, of quality and reduced size… and of course, of her liking! Maybe you do not know her too well – so just pick any of the other options (or one of these movies!). If you do know her well enough, or at least have the opportunity of knowing her likings, you can choose some more «specialized» presents. Here are some examples: *Photography or electronics lover: Memory cards for her cameras or cell phone; covers for her devices (light
Black Friday
What is Black Friday? Black Friday refers to the fourth Friday of November -right after the well-known holiday of Thanksgiving– in which Christmas shopping commences… yes, in November. This nowadays’ worldwide known day leads businesses to offer remarkable discounts, to finish the year with a raise of sales. Origin The terminology Black Friday was born in Philadelphia, in the United States of America, and has slowly spread like a virus all over the world. In the last decade, it has been the most important sales day of the year. Back in the 60’s, in Pensilvania’s main city, traffic police used the expression Black Friday to describe the multitude and chaos that shopping brought to that day. Some others give its origin to the cash register, as numbers went red before that day, and right after, they would go back to black. More modern versions have tended to relate the name of this day with the unfortunate demises of some shoppers due to the crushing of the mass. In many foreign countries they have opted to avoid translation, afraid of being misinterpreted when not understanding the meaning. Expansion Year after year, the movement becomes bigger, expanding to more categories, to previous and subsequent days. Stores will put their offers up on Friday, may expand it to the weekend or even the entire week. As expected, this event will also take place in the travel industry. This week, I am sure that you will find great travel deals! Travelling Airline companies and hotel chains also join this major deal-day, sometimes offering up to 80% discount in their products. Some of the ones that I would recommend checking are the following*: Ryanair Easyjet Vueling Canaryfly Bahía Príncipe and Booking (do not forget to use my code, you’ll get a refund of 15 €!) Stores Set in Spain at the moment, I will recommend you some of the commonly known stores (many of them with worldwide or continental reach). El Corte Inglés is one of the pioneer Spanish businesses to participate in Black Friday. Renown store, also with its own brands, that offers a wide variety of products. Some of their most interesting discounts can be found in their technological merchandise. Photography, video and travel lovers will always be grateful. 😉 Other stores: MediaMarkt Carrefour Decathlon Online shopping Amazon is one of the most prestigious worldwide online stores, innovator with its promotions year after year. It has already been offering discounted prices the entire week, including Cybermonday next week. This year, they have also done a countdown, offering products for only 20% of their original price!! Tips Be careful with scams and with compulsive shopping. The best tip would be to focus on what you actually need or want (and no, «everything» should not be an option). Check prices before the big day so you know it is a real offer. When you are buying online, check the veracity of the website, its certificate and the little lock for security; also, check conditions, minimum purchase if it applies, and date of arrival. Now, enjoy the discounts and make this day useful! *No content or brand have been sponsored.
9 tips for when you’re onboard the plane
When you spend some good amount of hours onboard an airplane to get to your destination, it is good to keep a few things in mind, like staying healthy, resting well or having things to do if you’re unable to sleep. Here are nine tips for you to remember for your next journey, especially if you’re on a long haul flight!! 1. Take some entertainment with you Even if you’re travelling internationally and expect the plane to have entertainment, a movie on your cellphone, some music or a good book won’t weight too much and can save you some boring times if you’re unable to rest. *Check how your airline works for entertainment before departure. Some require downloading an application before hand, to then access the options via «in-flight mode» and Wi-Fi. 2. Stay hydrated Drink water. Don’t be ashamed to ask the crew members to please bring you water – don’t forget it is a basic need! Also, bringing a small water bottle with you to refill once you pass security, will help you and save you some coins. *Remember that unfortunately not all airports have drinking water, and use their fountains when they do! 3. Keep your most important belongings with you It is practical to have a small purse inside your main carryon, with your passport, important documents, cards, money or cellphone. That way, when you get on the aircraft, your just put your main carryon on the overhead compartment, and your little purse with you on your seat. 4. Get your sleeping gear ready! If you can, get some good rest. If you can’t, try again; and at least close your eyes to relax. Your body and mind will appreciate it. The sleeping mask is a must on each of my trips. If you’re not yet used to it, doing worry, you will! I sometimes take an inflatable pillow (they take less space in your backpack/ luggage). Ear plugs or headphones are also quite recommended, especially when you suffer light sleep or have noisy neighbours! 5. Get comfy Forget high heels, tons of make-up, lots of jewelry or any clothing or hair-do that will end up making you uncomfortable. Choose to wear certain tights, lose pants or even in some cases shorts (I may have traveled with shorts twice or three times in my life… It was good! But some planes keep the AC quite high during the entire flight!). Haven’t yet tried the compressive tights, but will let you know my opinion when I do. I usually take off my shoes once seated, loosen my hair, sit back and relax. 6. Bring extra clothing Especially when it is a long haul flight, it is good to freshen up and wear something clean, as you can end up spending two days travelling in some journeys. You don’t wanna be wearing the same underwear all of that time! If your airport has showers, take advantage of them, you will immediately feel and appreciate the difference. However long the flight may be, take at least a light jacket with you. Some companies put the AC really high. Also, when you’re tired, you become more sensitive to temperature changes. 7. Bring a snack Don’t be afraid to take out your sandwich when up in the air. Meals are included in intercontinental flights (re-check with your company anyway), and also in some international flights. It is still good, practical and economic to bring your own sandwich. If you end up not consuming it during your flight, you can always have it for dinner. *Please, if you are really hungry and forgot to prepare a sandwich, use the good service onboard. Don’t be hungry just to save! 8. Freshen up! Stand up, go for a walk, exercise your legs and change positions. Use the toilet facilities, wash your face. And do all of these things more often than usually. The pressure or dryness of the air, not being able to have your legs up or being in a reduced space, are unordinary situations for your body. Listen to it and treat yourself right. 9. Be civilized and respectful Please, don’t be the annoying brat on the plane. Be civil. Don’t get on a plane to get drunk. It will modify your behavior, and you will end up bothering everyone around you, and being disrespectful. Don’t be the person you would hate to sit next to. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.
9 tips on long distance relationships
9 tips on long distance relationships is intended to help those who happen to be the travelers that cupid trapped along the way with, well, like-minded travelers. Poor us, blessed us, wanderers from different cities or nations that get united because of love. From personal experience, talks and observations on other couples who have made it through the distance, here it goes!! We are in a strange era regarding relationships, and each day it becomes harder to find couples who last for the long run. In these last couple of years I’ve been close to so many pairs that have split after 15 years of dating, 30 years of marriage, and so on. What is the clue? Honestly, I still do not have all of the answers, but we are finding out step by step 😉 If relationships “in presence” are difficult, adding the complexity of a long distance relationship pushes many to rush out of it either because they can’t bear with it or with the idea of it. For those out there who do believe, like myself or us, in long distance relationships, here are some tricks and tips for when you want to make it work. Just remember, it is not going to be easy. But which relationship fully is? 1. Communicate Remember: it can get lonely. A huge factor in a relationship is to communicate, and not just to express yourself and listen to the other person, but to learn how to communicate effectively while letting each part be themselves freely. When you’re in the distance, it is super important to keep each other posted, using different technologies (not-so-romantics out there, keep in mind that romantics still enjoy a good hand-written love letter 😉 ), Skyping so you can see each other, apart from texting, whatsapping or calling. Remember that your words count double, and so do your tone and facial expression. All the comfort, affection, and even the negatives have to be expressed with words. At least until you learn how to read each other better. Remember: no one has yet the ability to read someone’s mind! So if you want them to know something, simply tell them. 2. Safety and Security Building a safe and secure space is crucial to open up and be able to share emotions. Love, fear, power, insecurity, trust, jealousy, joy, apathy… don’t hide it. One of the wonders and mysteries of opening up to someone, and specially to your prospective life partner is vulnerability. An awesome word that can become a double-edged sword. So be open (little by little), and be loving with the one that opens up to you. 3. Surprise The simple things become extra sweet. Also, never take anything for granted! As I loved (and love!) the daily good morning-good night, communication should also be fun, creative, deep, trivial, or even spicy! Keep your partner updated with what is going on in your life, from the crucial things to the most mundane ones. Send each other pictures, videos, clips, surprise messages or regular mail. Make some effort to make it worth it. 😉 It makes the other one feel loved, appreciated, attended, accountable. Letting them keep something yours (like that necklace or that shirt she later wears every time she misses you) is another romantic way of being somehow together, and show value and care. 4. Commit You should know the terms of your relationship and in which point you both are. Equality is important. And it is crucial to be honest and know what to expect. Be aware of your commitment level. Especially when there’s time difference, it can be harder to keep in touch… you both have your own responsibilities: work, studies, family, friends, yourselves and your interests… 5. Live the present Sure, you need to Skype and pay attention to each other, but you also need to live in the place and moment where you are, enjoy it and what is happening while you’re there. Let me put it this way: It is not healthy to spend every single minute of every hour of every day in front of the computer. And neither is it to make your beloved one do so. Invest in yourself. Enjoy your time alone and your own space (you are going to miss it many times when you’re not alone anymore!). Enjoy your time and place, and people that surround you. 6. Avoid the danger zone This point depends of course in the type of relationship you have with your beloved one, but… If you know or think something you do may affect your partner (listen to that little voice in your ear!), either avoid it or tell them before hand. That does not mean you’re being tied up or asking for permission, but it means that you care so much about your partner and their feelings that you want to reassure them and show them that they matter so much to you that you want them to feel safe and secure with you – because they can. The other half should appreciate the gesture, avoid reacting, talk things out so things can be understood, give the trust vote, and do the same. Listen to the heart and the mind, be loving, empathic and wise. 7. Value the long distance & stay positive Being in long distance can actually be good and healthy depending on how you see it. I read somewhere: If you want to live together, you first need to learn how to live apart. You can do things together. You can play games, watch a movie or documentary at the same time, a video-clip, sing over Skype, take the other one with you to the street while videoing… just building up experiences, even while being apart. Build topics in common, study something together, teach each other languages, recommend movies, books, music, news… anything that bring you closer. Try to see it as an opportunity to work together in the same direction, towards a common goal that includes one another.