Safety Tips for Your Singles Dream Vacation

Jul 22, 2011 No Comments »

When you finally have enough saved to book that singles vacation you’ve dreamed about night after night and really look forward to leaving stress behind and embracing excitement, no one can really blame you. However, remember just a few safety tips that are borne from common sense, and you can heighten your enjoyment with peace of mind and create wonderful memories that can last a very long time.

Pre-Trip Planning

Make sure you pack for seasonal weather. Include something for inclement weather just in case, but don’t overload your suitcases. Most airlines allow two checked bags, each weighing less than 50 pounds, before you incur extra fees. Keep the total weight down by not over-packing. You will probably have access to laundry facilities at some point during your vacation. Taking a few hours early one morning won’t crimp plans a whole lot.

Make sure someone has your itinerary. Include the name, address and contact numbers for your accommodations and modes of travel. Create a check-in schedule.

Don’t take any personal documents or information that you won’t need for that trip: Keep extra credit cards at home. Remove any receipts, bank account information or checks and your regular cell phone. Instead, purchase a low-cost replacement just for the trip. Include important phone numbers only in the contact list. If it’s lost or stolen, report it, but you won’t lose your primary cell phone.

Remember to make copies of your passport, visa, social security card and driver’s license. Leave one full copy set with your home contact person. Pack one copy each in each bag you take, except the social security card, including your carry-on items. Keep the original set on your person along with one extra copy.

Carry very little cash with you. Allow for snacks and small incidentals only. Instead, use recognized traveler’s checks, which work like cash but are replaceable if lost or stolen. Cash isn’t. If you need more cash during your vacation, you can cash a traveler’s check at almost any bank.

Upon Arrival

Let your contact person know when you depart and when you arrive at your destination. Send word back during your stay that you are well.

When you arrive at your destination, secure the original passport and visa and a copy of the social security card in the hotel or ship safe: Do not count on the security of any in-room safe. Even if you set your own code, they’re easily cracked.

If you won’t need your driver’s license or SS card for ID while shopping or dining, place the original license in the safe, too, and carry a copy. If you need the original with you, then place a copy of it in the safe. Ensure you receive two copies of an itemized receipt for items you place in their safe and include a copy of it in the safe as well.

During Your Stay

Enjoy. Relax and have a great time. But above all: Be safe. Don’t go anywhere alone, especially after dark or with someone you just met. It’s far better to protect your belongings, health and even your life to enjoy the next dream vacation you want.

Until Next Time,

Holly Miller

This post is by Holly Miller from Coupon Croc. Visit us and save on all of your vacation essentials, including clothing, sunglasses, and even sunblock with Debenhams discount codes.

10 Creative and Fun Summertime Dates

Jul 18, 2011 No Comments »

The weather’s warmer and the days are longer, and summer is a great time of year for romantic, outdoor dates. Here are 10 creative and fun ways to make the most of your summertime dates:

1. Bring some delicious food, a bottle of wine, and a blanket for a picnic.
2. Go to the beach, build a sand castle and play volleyball in the sand.
3. Watch outdoor concerts, movies or plays under the stars.
4. Learn about wines at the wineries.
5. Go kayaking or canoeing on a lake.
6. Go to the zoo and enjoy the animals.
7. Go to street fairs and festivals or a parade together.
8. Take a day trip somewhere and travel by bikes.
9. Go hiking and then camping overnight.
10. Enjoy the magnificent views from a hot air balloon ride.

Whether you use one of these ideas or you come up with something else to do on your exciting date, enjoy!

Until Next Time,

Tracey L. Steinberg, Esq.
Life Coach and Dating Expert
www.LifeCoachTracey.com

Super Single!

Jul 16, 2011 No Comments »

The word super is used all over the globe to describe something that is larger than life. You have super tornadoes, super models, and super stars. But what about being a “Super Single”

Being single is one thing, but being a super single is a whole other. To be considered for this elite group you must fully understand what singlehood is all about.

It starts with the core believe that life is about having fun. You don’t need a man or woman on your arm to get out there and live life as it was intended. Being a super single means you understand this and embrace it. You’re not afraid to join clubs, go to outings and have fun with your life.

It also means that you are not weighed down by the label of “single”, because being single is great! You have freedom to do what you want to do, meet who you want to meet, and have fun with every second of your singlehood.

If you have ever looked at being single as a bad thing, then it is time for you to join the elite group of “Super Singles” and start living life large. Get out there and try new things, have fun being solo and discovering your own passions. You don’t need a mate to live life like a rock star, you just need an adventures spirit and the drive to get out there and go!

Until Next time,

Kim Ward
www.chickgab.com

Who To Confide In And Who NOT To!

Jul 07, 2011 No Comments »

One friend, one person who is truly understanding, who takes the trouble to listen to us as we consider a problem, can change our whole outlook on the world. — Dr. E. H. Mayo

When we are seeking relationship advice – or a sounding board – we need to choose that listening ear with care. We need to protect our relationship from unhelpful or toxic influences, just as we would protect a treasured plant from inhospitable conditions in our garden.

In this day of instant information and advice, I hope these guidelines will help you select trustworthy advisors.

When we need to talk

We all have times when we need to talk about a concern or issue in our partnership or dating relationship. Perhaps we are upset about something that has happened, frustrated with a recurrent problem or unable to let go of a resentment. At such times, it can be helpful to talk it out with someone. And it is in our best interests to choose that “someone” consciously and wisely.

I confess that I was horrified to learn about an Internet site designed to help people decide whether or not to leave their marriage. Individuals post their marital problems and then ask for others’ advice on whether or not they should leave. Anyone can weigh in with their opinion. Yikes! I liken this to someone with a health issue, who solicits advice from anyone and everyone — regardless of their medical knowledge and experience.

Consider the risk

I believe there is a real danger in exposing your precious primary relationship to the opinions and judgments of others, without discrimination. I believe we need to be responsible for who we permit to influence us.

This is doubly important when we are upset or struggling with a relationship challenge. At such a time, we are emotionally vulnerable – perhaps confused – and we are additionally susceptible to the influence of others.

If we receive wise counsel at such a time, we can experience a breakthrough in our own personal and relational growth. If we receive poor counsel, we may get stuck or side-tracked in a way that isn’t at all helpful to our relationship – and may actually harm it.

What to look for

When in need of positive support, here are some guidelines of what to look for in a confidant:

1) Someone who sees you as a responsible choice-maker, NOT a victim of your circumstances.
2) Someone who is supportive of you as an individual AND is also supportive of your relationship.
3) Someone who will listen with loving kindness, yet also give honest feedback when asked.
4) Some who accepts and respects you — and your decisions.
5) Someone who conducts themselves in relationships in a way that you respect and admire.
6) Someone who will celebrate your relationship success.

Watch for these red flags

When you are looking for constructive relationship support, I suggest you avoid the following:

1) Someone who can’t keep a confidence. The last thing you need is to have the privacy of your relationship compromised or gossiped about.
2) Someone who will blame or judge your partner – or will collude with you in blaming your partner. Blaming will not solve the problem or help you connect with your own power. It is a tempting side-track that never leads to problem resolution. Blaming will keep you angry and stuck.
3) Someone who has an “axe to grind” or is chronically negative – about men, women, relationships, etc. Such an individual has a negative agenda and may be looking for proof of their perceptions. They won’t be able to hear you objectively or listen with an open mind.
4) Someone who thinks they know what you need/want/should do – better than you do. This individual will want to tell you what to do, rather than listen for what YOU want.
5) Someone who isn’t supportive of your relationship succeeding. This person may look for an opportunity to say “I told you so”, rather than help you constructively resolve the situation.
6) Someone who doesn’t respect your relationship values.

Choose the best

So be discriminating about who you confide in — and who you don’t. Nourish yourself and your relationship by choosing your relationship confidants wisely. Protect your partnership from toxic opinions or advice — and feed it with the best of influences.

Until Next Time,

Shirley Vollett

Shirley Vollett, BSW PCC is a Life and Relationship Coach, with over 20 years of combined experience in counselling and coaching. She loves to empower single and divorced individuals, who are frustrated or discouraged in their relationship quest. Shirley helps them avoid past relationship mistakes and create a game plan for attracting the “right” person for them. www.shirley.vollett.com

Having Bullet-Proof Confidence

Jun 18, 2011 No Comments »

Imagine how amazing you would feel if you had bullet-proof confidence every day of your life. Here are a few ways to give yours a boost and help get you on your way.

AWESOME COMPLIMENTS - If you receive a compliment take it at face value. So, if a co-worker tells you they love the way you dress, add “stylish” to your list and if your friends are still talking about the party you hosted, add “good at entertaining” to your list of traits. Lingering on compliments, instead of dismissing them, helps reinforce strengths you may not even know you had and helps you become more aware of the ways other people appreciate you.

YOUR SKILLZZZZ - Think back to a time when you were fully engaged in what you were doing and loving every moment of it. My guess is that you were probably doing something you excel at. Perhaps you were taking pictures at a friend’s party or fixing your broken ipad. Choosing to spend time doing the things that you love makes you feel good and reminds you of your successes and strengths.

YOUR HOTNESS - Take a good look in the mirror and find 3 parts of your body you like. Then take a few moments and think about how grateful you are for all your body has done for you. Perhaps your gorgeous legs helps you catch the train or your awesome singing voice helps you win the karaoke contest. From here on out, I urge you to define your appearance by your favorite features and to feel grateful for all they do for you.

Until Next Time,

Tracey L. Steinberg, Esq.
Life Coach and Dating Expert
www.LifeCoachTracey.com