For many everyday drivers, enhancing their vehicles with practical modifications is about more than just style—it’s about function, comfort, and cost-efficiency. Whether you’re into adventurous 4WD fitouts for weekends away or simply refining a custom 4×4 for your daily commute, there are car mods that deliver exceptional value without draining your savings. These modifications balance usability and affordability, making them ideal for drivers who want to upgrade their vehicles without diving into high-end overhauls.

One of the most cost-effective changes you can make is upgrading your lighting system. Replacing standard halogen bulbs with LED headlights not only improves visibility but also consumes less power and lasts significantly longer. For under $100, this simple swap enhances night-time driving safety and gives your car a cleaner, more modern appearance. Many drivers also choose to install LED strip lighting inside the cabin, offering subtle ambience without looking overly customised.

Floor mats and seat covers are often overlooked yet essential modifications. All-weather mats protect your interior from mud, sand, and daily wear—particularly important for those with active lifestyles. Similarly, quality seat covers shield factory upholstery from stains and UV damage. This not only maintains the vehicle’s resale value but also makes cleaning far more manageable. Investing in a snug-fitting set that suits your car’s design brings both style and protection to your everyday drive.

Another high-value addition is a reverse camera system. If your vehicle didn’t come equipped with one, there are other easy-to-install options that you can explore. These cameras are a game-changer in tight parking situations and increase safety when manoeuvring in busy areas. Many kits include dashboard displays or integrate with your existing screen, and most come in under $200—a reasonable trade-off for enhanced peace of mind.

Window tinting also delivers excellent value. Beyond improving the car’s visual appeal, quality tints reduce interior heat, glare, and UV exposure. This keeps cabin temperatures comfortable in summer and protects interior materials from fading. While tinting costs vary, many professional jobs start at budget-friendly rates, especially for smaller vehicles. It’s an upgrade that merges function with long-term savings on air conditioning and interior preservation.

Dash cams have become another budget must-have. These devices record front and rear views while you drive, offering clear evidence in the case of accidents or theft. While some high-end models can be expensive, entry-level dash cams provide reliable video quality and easy installation for a modest price. The security and accountability they offer far outweigh their upfront cost, making them a wise investment for any commuter or family driver.

If your driving experience feels lacklustre, consider improving the ride with upgraded shock absorbers or sway bars. These enhancements don’t need to be competition-grade to make a difference. Even affordable aftermarket suspension kits can improve cornering stability and reduce body roll, particularly noticeable on longer drives or winding roads. These types of performance modifications improve comfort and confidence behind the wheel.

Roof racks and cargo organisers are also popular among value-conscious car owners. A decent roof rack expands your vehicle’s storage capabilities, perfect for camping gear, bikes, or surfboards. Meanwhile, rear cargo trays and trunk organisers help keep everyday items neat and accessible. For family cars or active users, these solutions make transport more efficient without impacting the vehicle’s interior layout.

Another overlooked area of budget modification is the car’s audio system. Upgrading speakers or adding a discreet subwoofer can drastically improve sound quality without modifying the dashboard or spending excessively. For those who spend significant time on the road, a better sound system can transform the driving experience. Many kits are designed for straightforward DIY installation, eliminating labour costs and reducing overall spend.

When it comes to cosmetic upgrades, consider wrapping elements like your side mirrors, roof, or bonnet with vinyl film. It gives the vehicle a sleek or sporty aesthetic without committing to a full respray. These wraps are removable, meaning you can change styles as trends or personal preferences evolve. It’s one of the cheapest ways to add a personalised touch to your vehicle’s exterior.

Short-throw shifters or upgraded gear knobs may appeal to drivers who want a tactile change to their car’s performance without diving into engine modifications. These small additions provide a more precise, responsive feel while driving, especially in manual vehicles. Though often associated with performance cars, these mods add subtle flair and control to any enthusiast’s drive.

For urban drivers dealing with tight spaces or those simply looking to improve convenience, soft-close tailgate dampers are an underrated upgrade. These hydraulic-assisted mechanisms prevent your tailgate from slamming shut, making loading groceries or equipment easier and quieter. It’s a small luxury that adds everyday convenience at a low cost.

Tyre upgrades can’t be overlooked in a list of best-value modifications. Switching to all-season or performance tyres suited to your climate and driving style makes a tangible difference in safety and fuel efficiency. While tyres are technically a maintenance item, choosing wisely during replacement means reaping the benefits of better handling, braking, and ride quality without additional future expense.

Ultimately, the best value car mods are those that elevate your driving experience without straining your finances. Whether it’s a practical interior tweak, exterior enhancement, or functional upgrade, each of these changes offers strong returns in comfort, safety, and usability. For those passionate about driving—whether it’s to the office, the shops, or the bush—modifying your vehicle doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.

Summer is a time for travelling and enjoying the sun, and you will require a new wardrobe to take on your next experience. Why don’t you select a destination which combines both? You will surely need to pack the essentials such as cotton nightdress, flip flops, and bikinis, but you never know what unique finds you will discover overseas.

Read our manual to the best places to go shopping for clothes and men’s and women’s accessories in Europe whilst enjoying a summer holiday.

Lisbon, Portugal

Arguably the most popular destination in Europe in the present time, Americans considering filling up their suitcases with genuine and lovely garments should head over to Portugal. Currently offering approximately 88 cents for a buck, shopping in Lisbon is a superb place to get started. Pick up bespoke women’s casual shoes to cherish forever at Sapataria do Carmo or look at Lanidor for sale pieces.

Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh, UK

Arguably some of the best high street stores exist in the UK. Terrific for Womens and Mens apparel, as well as accessories and Kidswear. London markets are great for secondhand goods and unique creations. Savvy shoppers can also escape the CBD and visit cities like Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh for a different shopping experience.

Stockholm, Sweden

Though not famous for being an inexpensive escape from the United Kingdom, Americans must use the fantastic market to get an entirely new ‘Scandi Chic’ wardrobe. If you prefer dreamy minimalist culottes from Acne or would like to hunt down a brand new and exciting deal in Weekday, there is an infinite selection of stores to select from. Head to the cool Södermalm place for the best shopping, and make sure you try out a cardamom bun while you’re in Stockholm.

Riga, Latvia

Latvia’s exchange rate is a certain bet for informed UK-based shoppers, with economical however achingly trendy stores aplenty. Head to Miera iela (known to be among the most hipster areas on earth) to find excellent antique stores like Uzvalks un Kleita. For designer items, look for the SKALA boutique in the town centre.

Warsaw, Poland

Whether you’re searching for bespoke perfume, women’s wedges or designer clothes at trendy concept shops, the wonderful exchange rate implies that Warsaw is the ideal location for British holidaymakers to go shopping. Browse classic stores for example Safripsti or set your eyes on designer pieces at the Likus Concept Store.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Famous for being a dreamy summer vacation destination, Dubrovnik is also a very great place to go shopping. For designer products visit the Maria Concept Store, in case you’re searching for something much more unique to Croatia get a set of cult women’s shoes from Startas.

Paris, France

The Euro is more affordable compared to pound, meaning that if you are flying from China then a jaunt to Paris is essential. Categories such as luxurious womens loungewear and outerwear are especially good here. Pick up as many designer items as you can because you are able to take home: Dior, Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton. A trip to famous store Galleries LaFayette is essential – only do not forget to observe a few of the sights as you’re there!

Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia’s currency conversion makes for a fantastic and unusual place to go shopping this summer. While all of the mainstream brands are seen at Tallinn’s biggest department store, Kaubamaja, checking out local designers can also be essential. Stop by the Estonian Design House to locate all of them under a single roof.

Ibiza, Spain

While it’s always been cool, Ibiza is getting significant traction. Visitors should visit Loewe’s pop-up in the Museum of Contemporary Art at which the brand is promoting its own Capsule Collection, motivated by Ibiza’s legendary Paula’s Boutique.

Whilst holidays are typically filled with carefree days, lazying in the sun and late morning sleep-ins in your silk pajamas, it’s important that you still maintain a healthy skincare routine. We’re here to assist you and your skin to be ready for the festivities ahead this year. Here we discuss seven holiday season skincare tips to help keep your skin looking stress-free and lovely this season.

Tip 1: Cleanse your skin

Start your morning on a positive by cleansing your skin. This doesn’t just help eliminate sweat and pore-clogging debris out of the complexion, it may create a great clean foundation for your day’s cosmetics. You will feel refreshed and ready for the day after a gentle cleanse.

Tip 2: Apply ice

Speaking of wake-up calls (and late nights), absence of sleep may make your eyes to appear fatigued. To help fight tired-looking eyes, consider using chilled spoons or ice into an under-eye location. This might help temporarily de-puff the appearance of the delicate skin under your eyes. Ice can provide immediate relief to puffy eyes however use with caution.

Tip 3: Pick a nourishing skin primer:

Holiday festivities may be exhausting particularly if you’re juggling activities and commitments, and odds are you are going to be spending a couple more hours on your cosmetics than usual. To make sure your own face remains flawless and effortless select a makeup primer that may provide you greater makeup application and concurrently benefit skin. A primer sets the base for the rest of your makeup and is in direct contact with your skin, so selecting one that is suitable and has beneficial properties will be worthwhile.

Tip 4: Never forget lip balm:

If your vacation plans have been spent away from home, be certain to throw an excess lip balm on your handbag or luggage. Travelling can be drying and strenuous for the skin particularly if you’re traveling by air along with your lips are usually among the first areas to show signs of dehydration. Maintaining a hydrating lip balm available and employing frequently will help moisturise your pout and prep it to the year’s stunning dark lipsticks.

Tip 5: Remove your makeup:

Whether you have been baking and prepping food for hours or just had a few too many drinks and are over all the chaos of the holidays, before slipping into your washable silk pajamas and head to bead you need to wash off your makeup. Plan ahead and have a jar of cosmetics removing micellar water along with your face moisturiser on the bedside table. In this manner, when it is time to hit the bed, all you need to do will give your complexion a couple swipes and you are done. You skin and pillow will thank you for not going to sleep covered in makeup.

Tip 6: Always stay hydrated:

Holidays are the perfect excuse to indulge in a few extra cocktails, but alcohol can take a toll on the look of your skin. Imbibe sensibly and make sure you drink water in between glasses of wine or cocktails to remain hydrated.

Tip 7: Treat your skin to a detox or therapy:

On the morning following a vacation get-together or celebration, treat your complexion with a facial mask formulated with charcoal or other soothing ingredients. Go one step further and visit your local dermatology clinic and book in a delightful HydraFacial to purify and revitalise skin. If your skin needs an urgent refresh due to all the holiday damage book an appointment with your skin doctor and begin reinvigorating your natural glowing skin.

Personal servants, personal swimming pools, drivers, personal shoppers — all these are simply some of the added benefits which luxury resorts implement and provide to create unforgettable enjoyment to their visitors and make a true storytelling hotel. The number of ideas to indulge guests may become never ending.

Rather than go over the more elaborate characteristics that luxury resorts offer, in this article we list down really simple perks and luxury resort amenities found in certain luxury resorts that genuinely make a visitor’s stay unforgettable.

Some of them are so straightforward, it’s surprising how they provide a maximum impact.

1. Chauffer Check-In

While most luxury resorts already offer private airport transfers and pick-ups, some hotels go the extra mile by commencing the check-in procedure on the move.

This is ideal for hotels, that are located very far from the airport and that have guests coming late at night or early in the morning.

2. Mobile Phones

You will find he Shangri-La Maldives now supplies their customers with cellular phones when they check in for numerous factors. To begin with, the hotel is sprawling and so spacious that many guests want hotel buggies to shuttle them to different points around the hotel such as from the breakfast area, back to your room.

Occasionally, visitors also ought to be picked up from specific places and it is simpler for them to simply get the telephone and dial to get a buggy and inform of where in the hotel they are. It is the Uber for the hotel industry.

Second, the mobile smartphone also has the guest’s individual butler’s own number saved so that the butler literally is only a telephone call away from being at service to their guests.

Third, the direct numbers for the resort’s restaurants, spa and other amenities can also be saved in the phone so if a guest, by way of instance, at the centre of appreciating their breakfast suddenly consider booking a spa therapy, they are able to do this quite easily.

3. Breakfast and Drinks Anytime, Anywhere

It is great when hotels make it possible for guests to finish breakfast past mid-day, but you know what is better? When your resort breakfast has no set end time at all.

The Kayumanis Resort at Jimbaran, Bali provides this amenity. Breakfast anytime throughout the day (or even night) and it may also be sent to a villa at no excess price. This together with free afternoon tea everyday which, can be served at the comforts of your own villa.

You barely see other guests at the public regions of the resort if you don’t want to, therefore it is amazing to find that the hotel is often at 100 percent capacity when it seems empty.

4. Complimentary City Pick Up/ Drop Off Service

This amenity is offered mainly by hotels or resorts and waterfront accommodation which are pretty far away from town central, however there are a number of centrally-located resorts which also give the service.

Some resorts perform a van / shuttle that departs from the hotel at particular times and vice versa, however the more luxe brands and properties provide personal services for it.

5. Luggage Forwarding Service

Hotel groups like Starwood Hotels Provide a bag forwarding service for guests, whether they are incoming or leaving.

This includes a packaging service for guests and saves guests a great deal of worries and time of ensuring their items arrive safely.

Even though the forwarding service isn’t complimentary, as it entails third party freight companies, many hotels don’t charge a fee in addition to the transport / forwarding support.

This service is excellent (and sometimes essential) for resorts which are situated in shopping capitals.

The biggest decision you will make when you journey is picking where you live. Deciding where to stay has broken or made several connections, strained or stored several budgets and, above all, enhanced or decimated many vacations.

Hotel rooms are so significant that there are big websites specializing in telling others about these hotel rooms. such as TripAdvisor, in which a hotel’s reputation is put on the line. Unless you have had a particularly frightening encounter, I’d say the majority of the rooms you have stayed in have the identical essential characteristics: doors, walls, bed, roof, loo, bathroom and shower. If all of them have the identical essential attributes, what makes some great and many others not so great? Let us explore this concept further and discuss exactly what it is exactly that makes a hotel room great:

1. The mattress

A comfy bed is completely crucial, seeing as you just actually need a hotel room for two things, showering and sleeping. A big soft, fluffy bed is what dreams are made of, particularly after a 20-hour long-haul trip from Brisbane to London. Sweet inner-spring-lumbar-support goodness. I had the experience of staying in a very small hotel room. However, it had the greatest, most comfortable mattress I have ever had the joy of sleeping in and it made me forget about the size of the room completely.

2. The room view

The smallest of hotel rooms could be made bearable with a wonderful view. In the same way, nothing knocks your socks off longer than walking into a gorgeous hotel room with a massive window along with a birds-eye perspective of the city you are visiting. If You’re in Hobart, head over to Henry Jones Art Hotel. It’ll be a treat.

3. The pillow

In the same group as the bed but equally as significant. There is no incident more disheartening than stepping right into a cozy bed, just to realise the back of your head is resting on a sheet of metal. For shame! Hotel cushions are often the most comfy, for some reason.

4. The shower

There are many things that could go wrong or right with a shower. Let us begin with the fundamentals.

Adequate water pressure and also an ability to keep a constant water temperature. You can’t have a mild, icy cold trickle dribbling from a shower head. In the same way, you don’t want to get trapped against the shower wall, its like you have been trapped in a riot and the cops have turned the water cannon on you.

Shower size matters and 2 heads are always better than only one. The larger the shower, the better it is for you, and if there is any possibility of you having the ability to live La Vida Loca and flip on 2 shower heads at once and operate between them, you will know you have found a winner.

5. The loo

It is hard for everyone to come near what the Japanese are offering, in regard to high-quality resort baths. We are talking heated seats, trickling water and sounds from the rainforest to conceal your each tinkle.

6. The food and beverage

Buffet breakfast and happy hour, people. Imagine waking up at a luxury hotel at Hobart, going down to the hotel restaurant and seeing a jaw-dropping buffet breakfast. That is among the greatest things that could happen to you in a resort. An excellent buffet breakfast or a fantastic happy hour with great cocktails at a fantastic cost can make your stay in any resort much more memorable and enjoyable.

7. Get to the specifics

Towels Big, fluffy, new, white, resort towels. Nothing makes you feel more particular than putting one of these poor boys around you or, even if you are blessed, a bathrobe and a few small slippers.

Products Indulging in expensive bathroom products as you sit in a large bathtub or spoiling yourself with the free body scrubs, face washes and additional little things such as loofahs or televisions that you can see when you are at the tub.

Mirror A heated mirror when you jump from the hot shower, then it is not all fogged up from the shower steam. A complete dream but also somewhat facing if you are more prone to putting on a few holiday kilos (like me)

Pool In case you are very, very lucky you will get to stay someplace with your very own private pool to plunge in. Nothing compares to the sheer delight of being able to wear your swimwear without anyone to view it, you’ll throw all of your inhibitions out the window and feel like royalty for a couple of days.

Are you an extrovert that enjoys meeting people and being outdoors? Do you seek methods to make more income? If so, here are some business ideas that come from popular recreational activities that we think you might like.

Not everybody enjoys working indoors and there are many who look for opportunities to work in an active and outdoor occupation. People who love outdoor tasks but are working inside are constantly searching for opportunities to have the ability to work outside. Working on your own is the best thing since you’re able to set your own schedule without being at the mercy of another person.

But, that is not to mention that beginning an outdoor recreation business is simple, particularly as not all companies prosper and become successful. Most companies fail in their first year of opening and thus before deciding on where you would like your company to be as well as the remainder, you would have to perform in-depth research and possibly seek business coaching and mentoring to seriously consider the options. 

A recreational based business has many benefits like low overhead costs in terms of facility lease and a lot of demand concerning clients. If you’re thinking about starting an outside organisation, and are not actually the sort that enjoys working inside, there are a few lucrative outdoor small business ideas, and while others may call for significant investment, others may need little to no investment in any way.

If you’re ready to earn some cash, then go through the list below that goes through lucrative outdoor enterprise ideas in the recreational field.

Above-Ground Pool

If you are an advanced entrepreneur who has time and can also be prepared to take the risks, then this really is an outdoor company idea that’s ideal for you, since you’d help customers install and sell above-ground pools. You don’t have to understand how to set up yourself. All you would have to do would be to negotiate or associate with the maker of these pools in your planned goal area when it comes to exclusive setup rights. After this was achieved, it is possible to proceed with promoting and marketing the enterprise. You may also provide your customers with extra services also, such as swimming pool upkeep.

Boat Broker

If you love working outside, then this really is a company which you should look at entering. As a boat broker, you’d be asked to sell ships, boats, motorboats, sailboats, and watercraft to potential and interested buyers. Based upon the state where you’d be working from, you’d need a permit before setting up your agency; nevertheless, not all countries require a license. It’s very important that you make your findings before beginning this enterprise. As a shipbroker, you simply make money (commission) after every boat is sold. You will need asset management software to keep inventory organised as well as a boat shed or storage space to facilitate sales.

Camping

Camping Is a Superb summer action, considered a family holiday option. If you’re an outside minded person, then you could look at conducting this company full-time rather than part-time as many camp businesses are. You would have to choose the kind of camp floor you wish to conduct so which you could earn money throughout the year.

To make more cash from the camp business, you would need to make certain you offer campers a fantastic number of goods and services like swimming amenities, an onsite shop, firewood, bath facilities, activity centres, laundry, and much more. Make sure your company is recorded in travelling institutions and websites.

Adventure Club

If you are an adventuresome and a fun enthusiast, then you can begin a club that will cater to people similar to yourself. Your team could provide unique actions to thrill-seekers. You may need to be creative and innovative as fun fans constantly require new exciting actions that will keep them hooked. You could provide different subscription packages in order that possible members are provided many different alternatives that will permit them to select which package will be suitable for them. To attract visitors to a club, then you would have to perform outdoor recreation activities that are popular. Your business could have a hiking club that runs every week or programs for the holidays like visiting theme parks. Sometimes, training certification programs will be necessary. For example, some activities, such as a high-ropes course, might require specific certificates to say that you are capable to run such an activity.

Sundeck Construction

Designing, constructing and installation of sundecks is a facet of the home improvement business which has a speedy expansion. You might not always understand how to set up, but you would still need knowledge with regards to structure. Based upon the state you’d be working out of, you may have to procure a construction permit before it is possible to put in a deck. You can enlist a Melbourne business coach and go through your recreational business plan for success, don’t forget to have supporting construction software to carry out your services.

Canoe and Kayak Tours Business

If you love working outside in all-weather then the canoe and Kayak tour is a company for you. Your customers are individuals who love the experience or are seeking a guided tour of local waterways. If you reside in a region where there’s a lagoon or river, then all you will need is to get your kayak along with other basic gear.

But, there are several other angles that you could pursue, which can be by running your company together with a hotel or waterfront tourist attraction. You can have your customers pick the type of tour they’d enjoy from the many tour packages you have available, for example, child-friendly tours and tours for couples.

Sports can be great recreational leisure activities, aside from being fun and competitive, they can be really beneficial for your health. There are many outdoor activities you can do in your recreational time, which can stimulate your body and increase your fitness level. Spend your free time doing valuable recreational activities. The following outdoor recreational activities can enhance your overall fitness and bring general enjoyment to your everyday routine. Build your strength and endurance by taking on some of these recreation activities in your spare time.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing can be an all-body workout, involving trekking and skiing. It is a winter activity and may not be for everyone but is a great exercise if you are up for a challenge. Each motion incorporates the shoulders, chest, back, core and legs, resulting in the capability to burn about 600 to 900 calories per hour. Consider learning from an instructor, which includes an all-inclusive height safety training, and borrowing equipment from friends to learn the essentials of the cross-country ski. This recreational activity can be turned into a family trip or yearly tradition during the winter months.

Backpacking
The ease of hammering on a trekking backpack and hitting the road makes backpacking one of the five best outdoor sports and recreational activities for a workout. Backpacking and hiking trips can range from short day hikes to multi-day expeditions on easy trails to technical climbs. Irrespective of the intensity and duration of the backpacking trip, you burn a substantial number of calories while experiencing the great outdoors. You can find walking trails nearby in your state, or be adventurous and do some travelling to more remote locations. Backpacking for one hour can burn 600 to 700 calories per hour while constructing lower body power and stamina.

Running
Running is a classic outdoor sport and recreational activity, and one of the most appropriate for building endurance, stamina and muscle fitness when burning calories. It’s also a chance to spend some time with friends and family and requires only minimal gear and coaching. Running can burn many calories an hour and you can increase that level together with the rugged outdoor terrain, such as hills or running surface. Your city should have many free-running trails and parks in which you can utilise, travel a long distance on foot and reward yourself after a good run. All famous personal trainers would recommend running as a recreational activity. Some people may prefer a stair run outdoors to enhance their fitness routine and for this, be sure that the outdoor wood stairs are non-slippery to avoid any potential injury that may arise.

Cycling
Learning how to ride a bicycle is a rite of passage for kids, but cycling can give a life of exercise and recreation. You can ride the bicycle on paved streets or paths along with off-road trails to experience remote locations from the mountains or forests. Together with burning calories each day, cycling builds lower body strength while enhancing balance, coordination and cardiovascular fitness. Cycling is a great recreational activity to do with friends or a group of other cycling enthusiasts. It is important to ensure that the cycle used for long journeys must be properly serviced and coated well with the right stain and varnish to avoid rusting from excessive use. With a few precautionary measures, this can be one of your most memorable cycling trips.

Swimming
Swimming is notorious for providing a high body total body workout, but it is also one of the greatest outdoor sports. It is possible to vary your swimming action from freestyle swimming to aqua aerobics in the outdoor pool or neighbourhood lake. Swimming is a frequent alternative to running, biking or trekking when the weather turns hot. Swimming promotes strength and coordination as well as being a vital life survival skill. Whether you are a recreational once a month swimmer or take part in serious training, swimming is a healthy activity and can also clear your mind when things get stressful. Being an occasional swimmer who prefers using their personal backyard pool, always be sure to maintain the pool well by changing or cleaning the water from time to time, maintaining the right level of chlorine in the pool to avoid any skin or respiratory conditions, and finally be sure to clean the floor or bed of the pool frequently to maintain a healthy pool ready for your perfect leisure time.

Gardening
A recreational activity you can do in your very own backyard or home. Build a small veggie patch or get some window pot planters with fresh herb. Gardening is a great outdoor activity, spending time in the fresh air and moving around by digging, reaching and walking around stimulates physical health as well as creativity. Get out into your garden and do some tree pruning to keep the hedges clean, not need to call the tree cutting companies when you can do it all yourself and get some exercise out of it. This doesn’t just have to be limited to gardening activities, you could also mix it up a bit by giving your garden a new paint for the floors or coat the fences with natural oil. Plenty of intricate yet fun activities you can indulge yourself in when in your backyard.

Team Sports
Team sports are a great recreational activity to keep active as well as socialise. Consider joining a netball, hockey or basketball team for fun. The training sessions and weekly games will keep you fit and bring you enjoyment. Plus you get to look professional and wear sublimated basketball uniforms to the games and really feel apart of a team. Basketball will get your adrenaline up and give you your cardio fix. Time to get out your basketball shirts and hit the court in style with the team. Some games may be indoors, but drills and training outdoors will increase physical fitness as well as promoting mental strategic thinking and competitive match planning.

Fishing
Fishing is a fun outdoor activity where the whole family can get involved. Simply being out on the ocean is a great way to spend recreation time, absorbing the fresh salty air and being in a different environment. Fishing is also a fun social activity to do with friends on the weekend and on holidays. Relax on the beach after a long day of fishing and enjoy the sunset and the great natural surroundings of the seashore.

Canoeing and Kayaking
Get your upper body fit and strong with some canoeing and kayaking, as well as enjoying outdoor surroundings. You can canoe on permitted city lakes and rivers or travel out of the city and into the caves and cliffs of the shore. Take a day trip and enjoy the leisure of exploring hidden caves and splashing with friends. You can even join a canoeing group or compete in competitions around the country.

Surfing
Get straight into the ocean and have some fun with surfing. Surfing helps improve balance and coordination and of course, swimming for all the times you will fall into the ocean. Surfing is great for beginners and children and is mostly about having fun. Make sure you get an instructor well trained in occupational first aid and don’t just learn by yourself if you have never surfed before, there is some technique and knowledge of conditions involved. Pace yourself and don’t rush, just slowly build your skills over time with this recreational activity.

More often than not, it appears that maintaining a business and travelling around the world simultaneously is a glitzy lifestyle: You call the shots for yourself since you’re your own boss, you make the schedules and can work from whatever remote location you so desire.

But the same features that make it seem so appealing also make it appalling. Given the freedom to choose between travelling and exploring exciting lands and meeting new people or doing some SEO job in an internet café, writing e-mails and taking part in conference calls for your steel fabrication in Dandenong company, or it services company, most people would tend to pick the former over the latter.

I’m pretty sure if you had a choice, you would not hesitate to shut down your computer system and go enjoy the cool of the beach with friends who just invited you.

As appealing as the digital-nomad lifestyle might seem, there’s nothing dazzling about freaking out simply because few minutes before an important conference call or product lunch, your internet connection suddenly went down in the small town you are.

Striking a balance is possible and you can effectively run your business from the road, using time management and tactical planning as your tools.

As spontaneous as this might sound, it is never really easy to strike the right balance. It is indeed hard work to fit into a routine when you’re changing locations and time zones all the time. Personally, it took me a long time to fit into a routine. It’s very easy to join people beckoning on you to join them at the new festival while pushing work aside.

My first time travelling, I had no intention of running a business simultaneously. All I wanted to do was just travel. I started a blog as an afterthought and as it began to gain popularity, I was hesitant to put in more of my time. All I wanted to do was just travel.

I wasn’t using the best of my time, hence my business grew rather slowly. For about a week, I was totally offline just because I wanted to go sailing on the Australian coast. Consequently, I missed four interviews and opportunities to guest post.

For me, it has always been travel first, but again I longed to have my cake and eat it, too. After my business scaled through several years of mismanagement, I was finally able to come up with a routine for running my business overseas.

There’s a way to strike a balance. All it requires is discipline by building a schedule that fits into your own rhythm and can be accomplished. Below are my five secrets:

Know your optimal working hours.

This is an essential part of running a business overseas. You must know your best working and most productive hours. Having this knowledge, you can plan your day in such a way that you would attain maximum productivity, also trying to work online when your business specialising in 3d wire forming is probably not ideal as this is a very hands-on, in the factory type of work, as opposed to wireless based.

For me, mornings are my most productive times. Therefore I take on as much task as possible before lunch, then I’m off to sightsee and enjoy happy hours. I attend to “busywork,” such as emails and comments after dinner when I want to perform a few tasks before setting out for the evening.

Create a schedule.

I admit that maintaining a schedule on the road is a tough job since you’re always on the move, but creating one, even if you can’t strictly adhere to it all the time, will help you to batch your work onto certain days, make a more manageable to-do list more and create more time for all the fun stuff that comes with traveling.

Take a day off from the road.

Dedicate a day to work. Develop a routine such that every few days, you sit down and only focus on work, just work. This definitely would enable you to catch up on things and keep your mind from lingering about emails while you’re out catching fun.

While in the Galapagos once, I found out that the human mind can’t be in two places at once. All I could think about was work, hence I barely enjoyed my trip unlike I would have done if I gave it my undivided attention.

I realized I had to change something, upon returning, I decided that I would devote every fourth day solely to work. This led me to focus more on where I was and be a lot happier while still getting work done.

Just say no.

This is two-sided: Firstly, you’ll have to say no to things that don’t help your core business. It’s easy to say yes to interviews, guest posts, phone calls and the like, but when you’re travelling and working, every second count, especially in the commercial property sales industry.

If something simply would not grow your business, don’t be too courteous to say yes. Learn to say no.

Secondly, you also need to learn to say no to people you meet while travelling. Some of them are just travelling for a vacation and are not running a business just like you are. They have all the time in the world to themselves to have fun and will always be trying to encourage you to tag along. Resist. There’s nothing wrong with not partying for one night, there will always be another night to party.

Plan ahead.

I’m a planner and a list maker. This gives me the opportunity to prepare for the times when I might not be able to go online or I am too busy having fun. Keep a calendar, plan and use the days dedicated to working to stay on top of your schedule. Be proactive. Use every moment wisely.

By planning, I’ve been able to go offline and still remain on top of my game with ease via cloud computing services. On one of my travels to Africa a few years ago, I didn’t have to worry about my website because I had already prewritten blog posts and scheduled messages on Facebook and Twitter so that if I couldn’t get online, my content would still be updated. This is what planning ahead does, it reduces stress.

By applying these five techniques, you can build habits that block out distractions inhibit you from accomplishing your business goals. It’s harder to maintain discipline while travelling but not impossible you be a successful commercial real estate in Melbourne office while travelling.

After all the frustrations of organizing a wedding come the honeymoon. And while it’s supposed to be a stress-free vacation, most couples end up getting drained from the decision-making alone. There are a lot of honeymoon activities and destinations to choose from. It all depends on the couple’s personalities, what they enjoy doing, and what they feel would make this post-wedding tradition unique and unforgettable.

In this article, we share with you the world’s top 3 beach style honeymoon resorts.

Four Seasons Bora Bora, French Polynesia

If you’re one of those couples that enjoy doing absolutely nothing in paradise, the Four Seasons Bora Bora in French Polynesia is the perfect honeymoon resort for you. The villas in this resort are built over the water. That means guests can slip in and out of the water anytime they like. Aside from the lounging terraces of the villas, the resort also offers snorkeling activities in the resort’s Ruahatu Lagoon Sanctuary, paddle surfing lessons, and the best seafood salads in their onsite beach bar the Faré Hoa.

Entering the resort’s spa is like reliving your walk down the aisle, only much more dramatic. The temple-like complex’s spa rooms are built with see-through glass flooring which enables guests to gaze at different kinds of fish while getting the well-deserved massage in the comfort of being surrounded by beach coastal furniture. A 7-night stay at the Four Seasons Bora Bora starts at £4,567 per person.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St Lucia

You can make your Caribbean dreams come true when you check in at the Sugar Beach in St. Lucia. The whole property is a UNESCO territory, meaning you get to be mesmerized by the lush forests and the greeneries from the moment you wake up. All of the 59 villas are built on the hillside of the Piton Peaks. And if you check in at one of their pool villas, an enormous four-poster bed, impeccable interior design and an equally amazing terrace await you.

Top this all off is the resort’s Rainforest Spa that boasts treehouse massage rooms and a New York-inspired night lounge. A 7-night stay at the Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort starts from £2385 per person including return flights and breakfast.

Baros, Maldives

This list would not be complete without a representative from the Maldives. The Baros, a resort located in a lagoon, is not only one of the best resorts in the Maldives but is also one of the most secluded. The villas in this resort are all suited with sunbathing decks, some of them with private pools and gardens, to ensure the best coastal style experience.

It is also home the famous Lighthouse – an Indian Ocean restaurant which takes pride in its French cuisine. It is structurally made to make guests feel like they’re dining in the middle of the ocean. Manta rays and sharks which can all be seen over the restaurant’s perches will amaze you while you eat. If you want to make your honeymoon extra-special, this private resort in a coral island will do exactly that – and more with its award winning interior design style!

First of all, your vacation home will probably be only that; a home away from home, where you could go on vacation with no preparation or cash needed. You may go there for a spontaneous weekend vacation, or spend a week. It is entirely your decision.

Another advantage is that the possible profit you could make in the case you opt to lease it from a tenant. Even in the event that you don’t wind up making substantial sums of gain from rent, it will assist in paying for items like insurance policy and maintenance on your vacation home, which you would be paying for from your pocket differently. Your property may also appreciate in value through time, increasing the internet value of your investment.

If your vacation home is also an investment, then it usually means that a number of the running expenses (for example, interest to a mortgage and maintenance) could be tax deductible, however, beware of the ATO’s limitations around this.

Speaking long term, a vacation house in a perfect location with access to all of the requirements could result in a superb main home after you retire as opposed to opting for a home extension. It might also be a great way for the child(ren) to test out living away from home and paying for rent.

The Pros

• Rent-free vacations for you and/or friends whenever you like, for however long you need.
• Possible profit/offset prices from renting out to tenants, together with potential appreciation in value.
• Potential location to live in after retirement, and an effortless way for kids to check out living by themselves.
• You may leave vacation toys there, together with household items you will desire, saving unnecessary packing and crating services each time you go away.
• Lease income will offset maintenance expenses, loan prices and council expenses.
• Hopefully, the house will appreciate in value especially with added features like stone bench tops.
• There are tax benefits for you.

The Cons

Most important to think about is holding prices. If you cannot figure out how to discover a renter, then you are paying insurance, mortgage, maintenance prices and much more from your pocket, with no additional income. Even if you find a renter, the uncertainty and variance in lease rates means that you could still wind up needing to cover a few or lots of your house’s holding costs out of pocket.

Concerning locating a renter, it is important to keep in mind that the ordinary amount of high demand for vacation rentals is eight to fourteen days per year. If you’d like a vacation home for lifestyle purposes rather than investment, know the times when you’re want to utilize your vacation house are probably these high demand intervals, and that means you ought to find out the balance between private use and creating sufficient rental income.

The character of a vacation house usually means you will just test it a couple of times per year, so unless you’ve got a routine cleaner or a safety system, damage to showcase display systems or other issues with the house can go undetected and result in additional complications.

You may also get tired of moving to the identical area each time you go on vacation but nevertheless feel the need to move there out of duty as opposed to a real desire to spend some time in your vacation house.

Overview of the disadvantages:

• Holding prices can be a significant financial burden, particularly in the event that you cannot locate a renter.
• Expanding on this, finding a renter out of peak vacation times can be difficult, and the only instances when locating a renter is simple would be exactly the very same times if you would like to use your vacation house.
• Injuries or damage can go undetected for weeks and may worsen if left too long
• You have the potential to get tired of going to the exact same place each time you go on vacation
• Your idea of the perfect escape place might not be in sync with other holidaymakers, meaning it might be hard to lease.
• Like any investment, there’s the danger that the property might not rise in value sufficiently to offset the costs. You might need to wait around for a nice return on your investment.
• You’ll need to factor in cleaning and management prices into your investment, and of course council expenses, upkeep and improvements such as plumbing services.
• There’ll be additional ongoing costs to lease out your house, like providing linen, replacing lights. You will also need to organise backyard and lawn-mowing to maintain the property in a marketable standard.

Purchasing a vacation home hints

Should you decide to go down the vacation home route, remember the following purchasing tips:

• Do not purchase at the peak. Falling in love with a beach home in the peak of summer, or even a ski lodge in the middle of a wonderful ski season isn’t a fantastic idea. Also, keep in mind if the property market is level an excellent property in a fantastic place will always find a purchaser.
• Maintain a buffer. Even partly renting throughout the tenure to additional holiday-makers can incur costs, because these tenants could be hard-wearing than lasting tenants. Consider having a crisis buffer for ordinary items which can break down quickly or need replacement because of greater wear and tear.
• Calculate ALL reasonable prices. Many vacation home buyers overlook that another house incurs another bunch of expenses: energy, water and council rates, maintenance, cleaning, yearly pest inspections, property taxation, insurances.
• Can it be more economical to holiday-lease yourself, thus saving money for a house extension or renovation around your own home instead? Contemplate the long-term advantages of holidaying in precisely the exact same region on a long-term foundation.

The Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s big island provides amazing sunset views you will not want to miss. While the driveway from KOA airport into Kohala Coast shows a range of lava fields and mesmerizing rock formations, you will find pristine sandy beaches across Kauna’oa Bay, home to the five-star hotel Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

My stay at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel marked my first trip to the Big Island. I knew to expect a more serene experience than highly populated Oahu, or even the tourist heart of Maui. On first impression, flying in with my Hawaiian Airlines connector flight, I was swept up with the stunning landscape of Hawaii, an island famous for its diverse geography and weather patterns. In the air, I was in awe of the way the lava fields weaved down to the sea, with black stone meeting glowing blue waters. After I arrived in Kohala Coast, however, I was thrilled with all the lush greenery, towering palm trees, and light sandy shores surrounding Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

On-Site Dining

The breakfast buffet in Manta was beautiful. As my first stop every morning during my stay, I enjoyed the open air restaurant with a panoramic ocean view. Pack t-shirts and bikinis and forget basketball hoodies and woolen sweaters – the air here is so pleasantly warm! This is a perfect way to start the day and fill up on regional preferences including local ingredients. I was very impressed with the assortment of hot and cold entrees, the bounty of fresh fruits and juices, and a made-to-order omelet and waffle station with a friendly attendant eager to create the perfect breakfast for guests.

Manta is also highly suggested for a sunset dinner. Rent sunroof cars from the hotel and drive down to nearby restaurants in town. Or visit the resort’s restaurant. It provides a fine dining menu featuring local ingredients that will appeal to fish and land lovers alike. For a beginner, I tried the seared dry rub scallops with a roasted corn relish. For my main entrée, I was thrilled with the tender macadamia nut encrusted Mahi Mahi, accompanied by a mild potato puree and sautéed baby bok choy. The culinary team at Manta is directed by Chef De Cuisine Rio Miceli and the set dinner menu is highlighted by daily specials.

On-Site Amenities

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has an impressive art collection throughout the property. It was quite a joy to roam the sprawling property and revel in the range of artwork, elegant decor, and island influences. Several seating areas are sprinkled throughout the hotel, offering loads of gathering spaces for friends to settle in for cocktails and conversation. Needless to say, one of the principal attractions of this home is its beautiful location on the bay with a hot sandy beach within steps from the main building where a private basketball court with tourists in sublimated basketball uniforms is hidden tucked just behind it. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel provides beach towels, chaise lounges, cabana rentals, and a range of water action rentals so guests can paddle board, surf, or kayak the calm waters of Kauna’oa Bay. An equally pleasing spot to soak up the sun is the large beachfront pool. Complete with bar service and lush towels, the pool deck is a superb place to float beneath palm trees and sun, or reserve a private cabana to provide shade for the entire family.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is also home to an award-winning golf course. Added hotel activities include a tennis court with a nearby tennis store much like the Prelli tennis shop back home, beach club, yoga sessions, bocce ball courts, and indulgent treatments at The Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara. In general, I found the extensive assortment of amenities and outdoor sports and activities of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, especially the extended tennis racquet restringing service, to be of high caliber and with such attentive service, I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the options

Area Attractions

Even though Mauna Kea Beach Hotel provides a quiet retreat, you’re going to want to spend some time exploring different regions of the Big Island. If wanting to create your own touring trip and explore the islands on your own, bring your car from home (though a very expensive option!) or rent one and just make sure you’ve got GPS navigation for car – you wouldn’t want to get lost as beautiful as Hawaii is! During my vacation, I ventured into Hilo for a day of exploring the east side of the island. Just outside of the town, I toured the Mauna Loa macadamia nut traffic center and, in city, Big Island Candies. As a coffee lover, I also enjoyed a leisurely drive through Kona coffee country, visiting Mountain Thunder’s farm excursion, sampling Kona coffee, and taking a minute to visit with resident kitty Hubert. There are hundreds of coffee farms on the Big Island, so if you are a java lover you will want to save room in your bag for a gorgeous number of beans to take home and enjoy.

My time on the Kohala Coast was soothing and relaxing, with luxurious hotel accommodations at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Additional island draws were a short drive away from this silent retreat along Kauna’oa Bay, so I found this place to be an ideal sestination for a deluxe hotel to feel at home, while being within reach of everything else I could possibly expect to experience. I am already counting down to a repeat trip to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and highly recommend this beachfront hotel for a scenic, tranquil Hawaiian holiday.

Together with her wood-panelled van and ‘uniform’ of shorts and flip-flops, Krystina Rossworm is about as far from the corporate world as you can get.

And that is exactly how she likes it. After years in the corporate world, Rossworm was ready for a change. She found what she was looking for right in her backyard, she realised, as she had food with her friend in Melbourne, Australia at a breakfast cafe looking through their menu: combining her love of wine with her love of the outdoors by directing wine-lovers across the Okanagan with her companion, Beach Bum Tours.

Rossworm had been in sales for a long time in the Okanagan, and she knew she was done. She said she knew she wanted to do something for herself and start her own company. She didn’t know what the company was, so she gave herself one year from May 1 last year to May 1 this year to think of a business.

She had known the wineries in Lake Country from living there, and then people kept calling her and asking to take their cousins from Australia who would enjoy Port Phillip and Yarra Valley vineyards and wine-touring. She recalled being in the car, driving people she hadn’t known and saying she wanted to start her own business but did not know what to do. She recalled that they would look at her and say that she ought to start a wine tour company.

With encouragement from a number of wineries in Lake Country, who believed Rossworm was well-suited to conducting a tour business, she switched to Community Futures in Kelowna. Together with Beach Bum Tours, Rossworm offers a wide variety of packages, combining some of her favorite activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding, with wine touring.

This tour company aims to make a laid-back, relaxed and enjoyable way to learn about the wine, spirits and beer created from the Okanagan. All of the tours are fun-focused – where they aim to be sure that you have the best experience when getting to know the wines of the beautiful area. They also feature beer and spirit tasting with tours to Kelowna’s local microbreweries and spirit distilleries. They’ve partnered up with local company to have a great number of different tour packages which have wine/spirits/beer together with wake surfing, boating, paddle boarding and yoga.

For Rossworm, every tour is unique and concentrated on that day’s specific group. She says it’s all about being able to read people. And the timing could not have been better: Beach Bum hosted its First tour April 29 this year, and her one-year company contract ended May 1. This month, she celebrated her 50th tour.

She believes that she was looking for a way to combine everything she loves. Coming from a corporate environment she realized that she just didn’t care and wanted to do something interesting, as she was coming into my 40s. Mother of two adolescents, who has lived in the Okanagan for 13 years, said she’d rather be poor and happy than well off and unhappy. She worked for a variety of corporations and she didn’t fit in. She liked wine, and she began her WSET (Wine Spirits Education Trust). Besides, it would be harmful to her health if she drank daily. So how did she join the wine sector without drinking all day? Become a tour guide.

With over 300 wineries in the Okanagan, Rossworm has chosen to concentrate her tours on the smaller wineries between Lake Country and Naramata – much like tour groups do for wineries in the Yarra Valley back home. Beach Bum Tours has hosted guests from all around the world, who’ve enjoyed any range of diverse tours, from the Surf and Sip Tour into the Twisted Tour, which will be a 75-minute personal yoga class either outside or in the winery, followed by a farm-to-table lunch and winery tour. All tours include pick-up and drop-off.

She says it is just knowing the wineries and what is going to fit with who is in the van. The company concentrates on the smaller boutique wineries that are funky and unique and cool like the real food and prepared meals from a lot of hidden but special suburbs of the world. There are so many tiny wineries and they want the exposure and they love to create a relationship with them, and they love to be certain their people will buy.

The one thing that they do not do is mix tours. For someone to reserve a tour they are celebrating something – a friendship, an anniversary, it could be anything – so the folks on the tour cannot be 100 percent themselves but then they say they don’t get a chance to develop some type of relationship together. Whether it’s 14 people or two individuals, by the end of the day they are all best friends.