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11 Best Apps and Tools for Business Travelers 2023

Business traveling can be so exhausting because sometimes it requires juggling too many things on the road.  This is why business travelers need some apps and tools to help them with things such as time management, communication, expense tracking, travel booking, language translation, and productivity. 

Below are some of the best apps and tools that are helpful for business travelers.

Google Maps 

person holding white samsung android smartphone

As we know Google map is a very helpful tool for most people. However,  it is very useful for business travelers by providing real-time navigation, traffic updates, and directions to their destinations especially when they are in different locations.  

It also allows them to search for nearby businesses and points of interest, such as restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions. In addition,  Google Maps can be used offline, which is helpful for travelers in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.

It also has a feature that allows access to maps and saved locations even without an internet connection, making it a convenient tool for business travelers on the go.

WhatsApp 

person holding black android smartphone

WhatsApp is a very famous communication app around the world. It helps business travelers by providing a simple, fast, and secure way to communicate with colleagues and clients.

WhatsApp offers features such as text messaging, voice and video calls, file sharing, and group chats and group calls which make it easier to stay connected with team members and clients while on a business trip.

WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption that ensures that sensitive business information is protected and secure. In addition to that, WhatsApp can be used on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, making it accessible from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

It’s safe to say that WhatsApp is a valuable tool for business travelers who need to stay connected and communicate effectively while on the go because it’s accessible on most electronic devices.

Evernote 

Evernote helps business travelers by providing a platform for organized note-taking and information management anywhere. 

It allows users to create notes, save web pages, and attach files, making it a comprehensive tool for capturing and organizing information while on the road. Evernote has  OCR (Optical Character Recognition), a technology that makes it possible to search within handwritten notes or images, making it easy to find what you need when you need it without spending a lot of time scrolling. 

The best part about  Evernote,  your notes can be synced across all devices, which gives business travelers access to their information from anywhere.

In addition,  Evernote offers collaboration features such as shared notebooks, making it an effective tool for business travelers who need to share information and work with colleagues in real-time.

Skype

macbook pro displaying group of people

Skype helps business travelers by providing a platform for virtual meetings and video conferencing. This makes it easier for business travelers to participate in meetings and presentations while on a business trip, without having to be physically present.

Skype offers features such as high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, and recording, making it easy to conduct productive and effective virtual meetings. 

In addition, Skype allows for group video calls with more than 40 participants, which is a valuable tool for business travelers who need to collaborate with multiple team members or clients at once.

With Skype, business travelers can stay connected and participate in meetings from anywhere, making it an essential tool for effective communication while on the road.

Dropbox or Google Drive

white laptop computer turned on beside brown paper cup

Dropbox or  Google Drive helps business travelers by providing a secure and accessible way to store and share files in the cloud.

Business travelers can access their files in cloud storage from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easier to work on important documents or presentations while on a business trip.

Both of these tools allow for easy file sharing with colleagues and clients, making it possible to collaborate on projects and presentations in real time.

These tools also offer features such as version history, which allows users to see and revert to previous versions of files, and remote wipe, which ensures that sensitive information can be removed from lost or stolen devices. 

Dropbox or Google Drive can ensure business travelers that their files are accessible and secure, making it an essential tool for effective collaboration and information management while on the road.

Expensify

Expensify helps business travelers by providing a platform for efficient expense tracking and management. It allows users to track expenses, including receipts and mileage, and categorize them for reimbursement or reporting purposes.

It also integrates with major credit card providers and banks, making it easy to automatically import and categorize expenses. Expensify also allows users to generate and submit expense reports, eliminating the need for manual tracking and reconciliation.

This makes it a valuable tool for business travelers because they can ensure that all expenses are accurately tracked and accounted for, and for finance teams, who can save time and effort in processing expenses.

In addition,  Expensify offers features such as real-time notifications, policy enforcement, and approval workflows, making it an effective tool for streamlining the expense management process for both business travelers and finance teams.

Todoist or Trello 

Todoist or Trello is a tool that helps business travelers with task management and project organization. Both of these platforms allow users to create to-do lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks, making it easy to stay on top of important tasks while on the road.

This tool also offers collaboration features such as shared projects and boards, making it possible for business travelers to work with colleagues and stay informed about project progress while on a business trip.

Both of these tools have mobile apps, allowing business travelers to access their task lists and projects from anywhere.

These tools help business travelers stay organized, prioritize their tasks, and stay informed about project progress, making them valuable tools for efficient and effective task management while on business trips.

Airbnb or Booking.com 

white sofa set near window

Airbnb or Booking.com helps business travelers by providing platforms for booking accommodations while on a business trip.

Both of these platforms offer a wide selection of lodging options, including apartments, homes, and hotels, making it easy to find a place to stay that fits the needs and budget of the business traveler.

Airbnb and Booking.com allow users to easily compare prices and amenities, and make bookings in real-time, streamlining the process of securing lodging arrangements while on the road.

These platforms are easy to navigate and they are very open unlike other platforms they will reveal the hotel name after you book the hotel. 

In addition, both platforms offer features such as user reviews, which provide valuable insights about the accommodations and the hosts, and flexible booking policies, which allow for easy changes and cancellations.

Airbnb and Booking.com help business travelers find and book comfortable, affordable, and convenient accommodations, making them essential tools for business travel.

XE Currency

XE Currency is a platform that helps business travelers by providing accurate and up-to-date currency conversion. It allows users to easily convert between multiple currencies, making it a valuable tool for managing expenses especially when you are overseas.

The best thing about XE Currency offers live exchange rates and a simple user interface, making it easy to quickly convert currency while on a business trip.

In addition, XE Currency also provides a historical exchange rate graph, which can be useful for business travelers who need to monitor currency trends and make informed decisions.

With XE Currency, business travelers can manage their finances more effectively, ensuring that they have accurate information about the cost of goods and services in the local currency, making it an essential tool for effective expense management while traveling.

Uber or Lyft

person holding black iphone 5

Uber or Lyft platforms help business travelers by providing convenient and cost-effective transportation options while on the trip.

Both platforms offer on-demand ride services, allowing business travelers to easily book rides from anywhere with an internet connection.

With Uber, you can schedule a ride for later, which is a very good idea when it comes to planning. Uber and Lyft provide real-time information about the driver, vehicle, and arrival time, making it easy for business travelers to track their rides and ensure that they arrive at their destination on time.

Both platforms offer features such as in-app payment, which eliminates the need to carry cash, and the ability to rate and provide feedback about drivers, ensuring high-quality service.

With Uber or Lyft, business travelers can easily and conveniently get around the city, reducing the stress and hassle of finding transportation while on a business trip. Also, you can get rewards for using these platforms.

Google Translate and iTranslate 

selective focus photography of iPhone on MacBook

Google Translate and iTranslate are platforms that can help business travelers when they’re going overseas. It helps with overcoming language barriers and facilitates smooth communication during their trips.

These platforms help in communication by providing real-time voice and text translation of more than 50 languages.

This will help you to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and local partners in foreign countries even if you don’t speak the same language as them.

The best part about  Google Translate is that it can also translate text into images, such as street signs and menus, making it easier for business travelers to navigate in a foreign country.

For instance, when you walk in the street in Portugal or China you see a sign that you are not aware of. Google translate can help you to translate that image.

In addition to that Google Translate and iTranslate both have offline translation capabilities, which can be useful for business travelers traveling to areas without reliable internet connectivity.

Business, Gateway, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures, Vacation,

Advantages of Using a Travel Agent for Luxury Travel

Sometimes luxury travel can be time-consuming because you must do some due diligence. Because some places can advertise themselves as luxurious destinations but once you get there you get traumatized, it’s what you see it’s not what you get. The best thing to do when planning luxury travel is to use a travel agent.  

There are several advantages to using a travel agent for luxury travel. Let’s see what those advantages are.

Getting access to exclusive deals and packages.

The good thing about using a travel agent is, they have access to exclusive deals and packages that may not be available to the general public.

The exclusive deals and packages can also include special rates at luxury hotels, resorts, and cruises, as well as added perks like room upgrades, spa treatments, and private tours.

Getting Personalized service/package

man kneeling in front of a woman by the beach during golden hour

 

A travel agent will go above and beyond to make sure you have a nice experience and they will want to have a positive relationship with you.

They will take the time to understand your travel preferences and create a customized itinerary that fits your needs. For instance, you want to go to a luxurious resort or want to sleep in a luxury hotel.

They will make sure you get it and will try to find a nice package and also do all due diligence.  The travel agent can also help you to plan special events, such as a romantic honeymoon or a milestone anniversary.

Insiders knowledge

man in white t-shirt and brown shorts jumping on brown concrete pathway during daytime

Most travel agents often have first-hand knowledge of the destinations and also have a passion for the industry. Most of the properties they recommend are usually able to provide valuable insights because they have been there before etc.  The travel agent can also help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Time-saving

woman placing sticky notes on wall

As I mentioned before,  planning a luxury trip can be very time-consuming. A travel agent can take care of all the details for you, from booking flights and hotels to arranging transportation and activities/tours. You will not have to worry about spending time planning your trips while you have other things to do.

Guaranteed Support

man using IP phone inside room

Other best advantages of using travel agents are they are available 24/7 to help you with any issues that may arise during your trip.

You will not personally deal with hotels or flights when some issues arise. You will not have to deal with being put on hold over the phone for more than 30 minutes to resolve a 5-minute issue.

Travel agents can do that for you and they can get someone faster to resolve that issue because they have some priority access when it comes to that. 

Using a travel agent will give you a chance to enjoy your vacation without worrying about any problems.

Access to exclusive tours 

woman in blue denim jeans and black hat sitting on car seat

Most travel agents have access to exclusive tours, private guides, and other experiences that can add a lot of value to a luxury vacation. Not everyone has experience with these things or has knowledge of their existence.

Travel agents can introduce you to places that you have never been to or heard of and also provide you with options to choose from that can save you time in your busy life schedule.

Cost-effective

fan of 100 U.S. dollar banknotes

Many people assume that using a travel agent will be more expensive, but that’s not necessarily true. Travel agents often have access to special rates and discounts, and can help you find the best deals on flights, hotels, and activities. Travel agents can also help you create a package or bundle you can save more than you think.

 

Business, Culture, Gateway, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures,

6 Easy Steps On How to Start Tour Guide Business (2023)

For people who love to travel, starting a tour guide business can be a fulfilling and exciting venture. This will allow them to share their knowledge and passion for places they love or history with others.

Not only that, the tour guide business can be a way to earn money while doing something you love or can be what they call a side hustle. 

Once you make the decision on this is something you want to pursue; here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. Determine your niche

First is to decide what type of tour guide you want to do, and the best way to do that is to determine your niche.  One can ask how I can determine my niche. 

The best way to determine your niche is to consider your interests and passions also what do you always love to talk about and learn?  

Once you find a  niche that aligns with your interests and passions it will be easier to enjoy sharing with others. From there you can try to look for areas that are popular with tourists and that have a rich history, culture, or natural beauty to offer.

2. Create a business plan

three men sitting while using laptops and watching man beside whiteboard

Start by defining your business, what type of tours will you offer? Who is your target market? Then outlining your services, pricing, and marketing strategy.

Find something that will make your business unique such as special skills that you can offer like historian expertise, language fluency, outdoor adventure skills, photography skills, and art expertise. 

While you are on it don’t forget to consider the needs and interests of your target audience. Who are you targeting with your tours? Consider what type of tours and experiences they are looking for and how you can meet those needs.

You can start with trials/demos that offer a few different types of tours to see which ones are most popular or most profitable. This little strategy can help you to choose a niche that you should focus on to be successful.

3. Obtain any necessary licenses and permits

Find time to learn as much as you can about your chosen destination or services that you are offering. For instance, when it comes to the city where you will be doing your business, you need to learn its history, culture, landmarks, and attractions. It’s important to have information or history about the place, being knowledgeable will attract more customers and will also build loyalty.

4. Build relationships

Try to build relationships with local businesses that you think can align with your business. Businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses offer your tour services to their guests.

This will benefit you, the business, and also the costumes when you come up with good arrangements.

5. Promote your business

people walking on pedestrian lane during daytime

Any business needs customers/clients, and in order to get them you need to promote your business. Don’t expect to gain clients if you don’t promote your business. There are several ways you can promote your business.

You can promote your business by using social media, advertising, and other marketing strategies Nowadays social media can be helpful especially when you are starting and you don’t have a big budget for advertising.

6. Provide excellent customer service

man in grey crew-neck t-shirt smiling to woman on counter

Good customer service can make your business successful. Make sure you are being professional, and knowledgeable to ensure that your clients have a memorable and enjoyable experience on your tours.

Try to answer all customer questions and needs, in some cases, you can go above and beyond to make sure they are satisfied. Unhappy customers can bring bad reviews and that will be a bad look for a business.

Business, Culture, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures, Vacation,

Travel Moments Adventure and Luxury Travel (2023)

One can ask what is adventure travel?  Adventure travel is a type of travel or tourism that involves exploration or travel to exotic, remote areas, and often dangerous destinations.

Adventure travelers who are different from other types of travelers most of the time participate in different activities such as climbing, backpacking, kayaking, rafting, paragliding, and many more .

Adventure travel mostly includes a sense of exploration,  interacting with local cultures, and an appreciation for nature and outdoor activities. If you feel like you want to start adventure travels here are some ways that you  can get started; 

Find Where You Want To Go

photo of woman climbing mountain

With adventure travel, you can go to any corner of the world as long as you can get there.  The first step is to find or decide where you want to go, think about what type of environment or culture you want to explore, and from there do your research on different countries that interest you.

Planning Travel Moments Adventure

person in blue denim jeans and yellow shirt sitting on yellow chair

After finding and deciding on where you want to go the next step is to plan your trip. You can start researching how you will get there and the best way to do it.

Next, the most important thing you need to plan and research is your accommodation. Do your research into what types of accommodations are available, safety, and how you can get around, and if you can read reviews from people who stayed there before so you can get an idea of the place.

Some people are extremely adventurous so they get their accommodation when they reach their destination. We do not recommend this because you might be stranded in a foreign place. 

Then you can decide what type of activities you want to do, it will be good if you know in advance how much it costs, your schedules and how far are from each other and your accommodation. 

Getting Ready For Your Travel Adventures

woman sitting on cliff overlooking body of water near mountains during daytime

Now you know where you are heading and what type of environment you will be, it’s time to prepare for your trip. Make sure to pack all the necessary items you’ll need for your adventure travel. 

Depending on where you are going, make sure you carry clothes that accommodate the weather. You don’t wanna end up with summer clothes in winter weather.

This will force you to add additional expenses of buying clothes that can accommodate the weather.  Also,  consider bringing a first-aid kit, painkiller, insect repellent, sunscreen, flashlight, etc.

The most important thing is don’t forget to carry your ID. If you are going out of the country carrying your passport is a must and if it’s a domestic trip your state ID or driver’s license will be okay.

Also, make sure your passport or ID is not expired.

Ready, Set, Go 

man standing on rock mountain

Once you put your plan in motion you are set to go.  Make sure you enjoy the experience as much as you can. Try different activities and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Don’t forget to document your experience, take photos or videos, and write in a journal about everything you experience. This will help you to keep the memories of your trip for years to come.

Conclusion

Remember, adventure travel would differ for different people. What you consider an adventure is completely on what I consider an adventure. You get to define your adventures which may consist of backpacking, hostel stays, or luxury glamping on the foothills of The Alps. You get to decide!

Business, Culture, Gateway, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures, Vacation,

7 Ways on How To Travel On A Budget (2023)

Do you want to travel but are always afraid that you can’t afford it? Have you tried to figure out how most people do it? Well it is simple, many people have discovered they can afford to go on their dream vacations, and the best way to do it is to travel on a budget.  

Traveling on a budget can be a great way for you to go on a dream vacation that you always want or a bucket list that you always keep adding.

Not only that, you will get a chance to see the world and have new experiences, without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you plan a budget-friendly trip:

 

Plan ahead

Always give yourself time and plan ahead. This can help you to do some research on your destination.  Planning ahead means booking your flights, accommodation, and activities in advance.

This can help you save money.  You can compare prices and find deals on google travel or use the hopper app. If you can’t find the prices you want you can put an alert so they can notify you when prices go down.

Be flexible

This can be a little bit tricky because of daily life. Being flexible means you are open to any dates, not just only specific dates. Most people have full-time jobs which makes it hard to be open to any dates.

Being flexible with your travel dates and destination can also save you money especially when you are considering traveling during the off-season or to destinations that are less popular at the time you want to travel.

If you can do this, check websites like Skyscanner where you can search for different dates and different destinations. 

All you need to do is just put in your airport and the month you want to travel and for the destination, you will choose any there is a big chance one of the destinations that pops up will be the one you want.

Travel rewards: 

white and blue magnetic card

If you like to travel,  consider signing up for a travel rewards program or credit card. These programs can save you a lot of money because they often provide discounts on flights, accommodation, and activities.

Choose the program you want and stay loyal to it, you can choose one for hotels and one for flights and be loyal to them. Let’s say you decided to enroll on Delta airlines, make sure when you fly you are flying Delta not other flights.

This will be easier for you to collect points and lead to getting your rewards such as discounts, free flights, or airport lounge access.

The same goes for hotels and rental cars, you can enroll in Hilton Honors and book Hilton hotels or enroll in enterprise car rental and do the same thing. These programs are beneficial if you are using these services many times.

Pack light

clothing items and pair of shoes in luggage

Packing light can save you money especially when you are taking a flight.  A packing list will help you avoid checking  in baggage fees and also make your trip more comfortable and convenient.

Try to bring the essential items you need, this will give you a room when you want to buy some souvenirs on your way back.

Public transportation

people walking on pedestrian lane near white and red train during daytime

Instead of using ride-sharing services, taxis, or renting a car, consider using public transportation or walking to get around. 

In big cities like New York City, Tokyo and many in Europe, public transportation works well. This can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to explore your destination and also be safe.

In some cities, you can buy a weekly pass, or hours pass that you can use depending on how long you are staying.

Budget accommodation

tidy room filled with furnitures

Staying in budget accommodation can help you save money but you have to be careful about this.  Some will say instead of staying in a hotel, you can book a budget hostel, Airbnb, or a motel. 

The experience I had with hostels was when I was in college.  This makes me feel most of them are for college students etc and I don’t feel they will be comfortable or accommodating for families.

However, I saw some videos on social media about hostels that adults can stay in.  Airbnb can be affordable when you book early because nowadays the prices are the same as hotels.

However, hostels and Airbnb can often be more affordable and provide a unique local experience. The main thing you need to consider is safety, yes you might find an affordable Airbnb but is it in a safe neighborhood? etc. 

You can always find some hotel deals if you book early or by searching on apps like Hotwire where they have hot rate specials or Priceline where they have express deals, name your price, and many more.

Avoid touristy  locations

 

We all know when we visit our dream destination we want to do all the touristy things. Yes, you can do all this in a smart way.

For instance,  instead of eating at touristy restaurants, you can eat local street food or local restaurants meaning nonfancy restaurants that charge you high prices for the same thing you can eat in local restaurants.

This can also be a great way to save money and also experience the local culture. If you want to experience the fancy restaurant that you saw on social media that is not in your hometown, you can make a budget for it so you can get your experience. 

Another thing if you like to shop, avoid touristy locations. Those places tend to have prices because they know most people around the area are not from there so they don’t know their surroundings.

 

Business, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures,

How to Choose Best Travel Rewards Program

Travel rewards are the programs used by airlines, credit cards, and some hotels to cultivate a sense of loyalty among their customers.  

Customers can earn points or miles that are redeemable for free flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, or shopping sprees.

Some popular travel rewards programs include those offered by credit cards such as  American Express, Capital One, and Chase bank.

Some are offered by airlines, such as Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus, and those offered by hotel chains, such as Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. 

It’s a good idea to compare the features and benefits of several programs before making a decision on what program you want to join.

There are many travel rewards programs available, however, finding the best one for you will depend on your specific travel needs and preferences. Below are some 5  things to consider  when choosing a travel rewards program:

 

Travel rewards earnings potential

person holding credit card

You should consider the earning potential,  how much you will be able to earn in the program, and how long it will take because most of the time is based on your travel and spending habits.

For instance, if you want to earn rewards through credit cards, you want to know what is the better credit card, how much you will need to spend, and if it’s worth it.

For most credit cards the more you spend the more rewards you get.   Some programs offer higher earning potential on certain types of purchases, such as airfare, car rentals, or hotel stays.

However, some rewards programs offer rewards for other purchases. than airfare or hotel stays. For instance, Delta Skymiles do offer rewards when you make purchases at Starbucks and Lyft.

 

Travel rewards program redemption options

person in swimming pool during daytime

Look at how you can redeem the points or miles you earn. Can you use them to book travel with any airline or hotel, or are you limited to certain partners?

Can you use them for other types of redemptions, such as cashback or merchandise? Do the points or miles you earn expire? meaning do you have a deadline to use them?

Knowing all these questions will make you determine if you are choosing the right program.

 

Is there an Elite status in the travel reward program? 

white and brown living room

Some programs offer elite status tiers that provide additional benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and room upgrades. Programs such as  Delta Skymiles provide elite-status silver,  diamond, and platinum medallion.

The elite Medallion status provides benefits such as flight benefits, fee waivers, access to Delta lounges, and many more. Consider whether achieving elite status is a priority for you and whether the program you are considering offers a feasible path to achieving it.

Are there partner benefits associated with the reward program?

When we join these programs most of us are in for the benefits. With that being, having those programs that have partnerships will be a way to go.

Many travel rewards programs have partnerships with other companies, such as car rental agencies or credit card issuers. Consider whether these partnerships provide any additional benefits that could be useful to you.

For instance, again  Delta Skymiles this program has partnerships with different companies such as Starbucks, Instacart, Lyft, and also American Express credit cards. 

So if Delta Skymiles rewards programs you can earn some benefits when you use their partner companies.

What are the annual fees associated with the reward program? 

Some travel rewards programs charge an annual fee for membership. Make sure to consider this fee when deciding which program is right for you. The reward you need to check for annual fees is credit card annual fees.

Credit cards such as Chase Sapphire and Capital One Venture has an annual fee of $95-99, however, some other credit cards their annual fee are higher than $200, some of them are Capital One Venture X has an annual fee of $395 and American Express Platinum card has an annual fee of $695,  and Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550.

 

Business, Culture, Gateway, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures, Vacation,

Weekend Getaway to Atlanta: 4 Days In Atlanta Itinerary For Two

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the eighth most populous city in the Southeast and 38th most populous city in the United States according to the 2020 U.S. census.

Atlanta is home to major attractions in the U.S such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta botanical garden, and many more.

Every place you go there are the goods and bad so we will try to analyze our experience, and we are sure everybody has a different experience. 

We will go over our experience with attractions, transportation, restaurants, etc. We spend  4 days it was labor day weekend from Saturday to Tuesday.  We did have time to explore the city and have some opinions, without further due let’s start.

So How can you spend 3 or 4 days in Atlanta?

Traveling to Atlanta For Two

We flew to Atlanta on Saturday, as usual, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport is always busy no surprise this airport has been ranked as the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic since 1998, briefly losing its title in 2020 due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and regaining it in 2021.

After we landed it took us about one hour to get out of the airport, yes from our gate to pick up our checked-in luggage and to the parking lot.  Well, we didn’t have any issues at the airport but it was a long walk. 

We didn’t do rental reservations, so we used uber to get around which was kind of expensive, according to our hotel receptionist he said its because there was a lot going on in the city, there was a baseball game, college football, concerts, and pride parade all this on one weekend.

 

The Best Attractions and Sightseeing In Atlanta

Atlanta has a lot to offer when comes to attractions and sightseeing. There are a lot of things to do around the city. For us, this was the best part of the trip because we were able to enjoy it even though was crowded.

We were able to visit the Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola, the Atlanta botanical garden, Centennial Olympic Park, Martin Luther King Jr National Park, Ponce city market, and the College Football Hall of fame (we were lucky because it was free that weekend).

Another thing we did was a hoop in Skyview Atlanta. Everything was great in these places the only issue was the crowd was big. 

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and it houses more than 20,000 marine creatures. It is located in Atlanta and it is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

How Many Whale Sharks Are In The Georgia Aquarium?

There are currently four spotted whale sharks in the Georgia Aquarium, in the aquarium’s Ocean Voyager gallery. The whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium were all born in captivity. The aquarium also houses other types of sharks like sandbar sharks, pacific blacktip reef sharks, and more.

The World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola is an interactive museum that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of Coca-Cola and its impact on global culture.

Visitors can learn about the company’s history through interactive exhibits and see how it has evolved over time. They can also sample different types of Coke from around the world or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants inside the building.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden

atlanta botanical garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a botanical garden in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. It is located on 13 acres in Midtown, adjacent to Piedmont Park. It would take you about 2 hours to walk through Atlanta Botanical Garden.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta Botanical Garden?

The best time to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden is in the springtime when the flowers are in bloom. The gardens are also open during the summer and fall, but the heat can be oppressive and the crowds can be larger.

If you do visit during the summer, try to go early in the morning or late in the evening, when it is cooler.

Winter is a beautiful time to visit the Garden as well, although some of the outdoor areas may be closed. The indoor conservatory is always open and is a great place to escape the cold.

Keep in mind that parking can be difficult, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly.

How many lights are at Atlanta Botanical Garden?

The Garden’s Holiday Lights display is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Visitors can stroll through gardens transformed by more than 2 billion lights. The Lights display runs from mid-November through January.

Martin Luther King Jr National Park

The World of Coca-Cola

The Martin Luther King Jr National Park is a national park in the United States that commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

CNN In Atlanta

CNN building atlanta

 

The College Football Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame

What is the best place to eat in Atlanta?

This is where we had a major issue. Usually, when we travel in different cities we like to try new restaurants that are not in our city or not chain restaurants that are a  no, no.

So we usually take recommendations from yelp, TikTok, or Instagram, and we go from there. But recently most of our recommendations come from TikTok.   TikTok never failed us(lol)  but this time we were surprised at how things turned out. 

Southern Fire Kitchen In Atlanta, GA

Our first restaurant was  Southern Fire Kitchen. We saw this restaurant on TikTok. The food looks really good so we thought why not give it a try? According to the restaurant website, it shows it opens at 4 -11:30 pm no reservations are required.

So we decided to go around 8 pm it was a little bit far from downtown.  We arrived there the restaurant was at the strip mall and was giving a nightclub vibe, we did not expect that.

Then we saw a long line outside and we proceed to the staff/receptionist who was outside and asked if we can get in or what are the procedures to get in. To our surprise, the lady told us the waiting list is full and they are closed.

We didn’t get that because the restaurant website showed it closes at 11:30 pm and we didn’t need any reservations. So we didn’t really know what is going on. 

As I mentioned the restaurant was at the strip mall so people were waiting outside some in their cars so is kind of uncomfortable if you are from out of town or not used to the area. We did not get a chance to get in and we think that was misleading and poor customer service on their part.

Lily’s Restaurant & Lounge

Well, we still wanted to eat, so we take a look at our list and see if we can find something close to that area.  Then we found a restaurant calls Lily’s,  the picture, environment, and food look good, but we decided to call before going so we don’t waste our time.

We called and the lady say we can’t make a reservation we can get there and wait to be seated we asked how long is the wait. She said she can’t tell but usually is 30 minutes, we are like okay since there is a place to sit, and maybe we can have a drink while we are waiting.

Well, we got there was crowded and again it gave us nightclub vibes. There was a bouncer outside who asked us if we have a reservation, and we explain what we have been told over the phone.

The bouncer told us to wait so he can check with the receptionist, then he came back and say the wait is 1-2 hours and there is nowhere to sit if we want we can try the nightclub upstairs. 

My question is why the lady who spoke to us did not tell us all this over the phone when we call? We were more than disappointed. At this time we were so tired from all this and went back to the hotel.

Atlanta Breakfast Club

Well the next day, still on our tour we said let’s go for brunch since we have plans to visit the Georgia Aquarium we decide to search for restaurants around that area that’s when we saw Atlanta Breakfast Club.

The food looks good but the place was parked and we arrived at  10:30  we were  #137 on the waiting list at around 2:17 pm we received a text that our table now is ready, and we were long gone.  We couldn’t wait that long because we had some other things to do and places to be. 

So next door to Atlanta Breakfast Club there is a restaurant that has brunch too its called Suite Food Lounge, so we decided to take a shot.  Well, we went there and we encounter two bouncers who asked for our IDs and search our purses.

We were kind of shocked most of the restaurants we visit they have to strip-search us and show our IDs, which was new to us we never experience that in any other cities we traveled to.

We get in and ordered our food which was okay not wow.  Another thing we experience is that in every restaurant there is shisha. This is new to us because we midwesterners have not seen shisha in a regular restaurant. 

We did not say there is no shisha in the midwest, is just not regular at the restaurants, the restaurant might have shisha but they have a designated section for that.  Another thing we experience is that when a bill comes they already add tip/gratuity on your total bill so if you add tip you will be paying twice.

BQE Restaurant

On another day we want to have dinner at a fancy bbq/ soul food restaurant so we did our search then we came up with BQE Restaurant, we browsed the website, and the restaurant had a reservation policy that we read and follow. Then there is the dress code etc. We were so excited now we are going to some decent place. 

So we made our reservation and then we went. When we get close by according to GPS the environment was not giving like we are going somewhere fancy, the place look off and we checked the address it was correct.

We got there were homeless people sleeping or sitting around, they didn’t have parking if they did was maybe behind the building which we didn’t even want to get there.

We were curious to see inside because what we saw on the website was totally different from what was in front of us. We walked to the door here we go there is a bouncer ready to check our IDs and search our purses by this time we know the routine. 

So we got in omg it was totally different nothing looks like their website it took more than 10 minutes for a waitress to come and take care of us, we were hungry so we said let’s order we ordered some food which looked like was not cooked there,  the food came before drinks not only that the food was served with disposable silverware/utensils that were enough for us, we feel like we got robbed.

Conclusion

Usually, when we travel we like to visit some places we saw on social media, tv shows, etc. Most of the time they have been exactly like what we saw or imagined but Atlanta was the opposite we feel like scammed, and what you see on a website or social media is not real life.

But we did enjoy the attractions and we were able to go to  Atlanta Breakfast Club which we really like the brunch was worth waiting for. Atlanta Breakfast Club is the only place we did not see on social media we just found it while we were there.

They have good customer service and there was some entertainment while we were waiting outside. And for our last dinner, we didn’t t wanna encounter another situation so we ended up at Fogo de Chao, and was nice. 

 

Business, Lifestyle, Travel, Vacation,

Airline Changes That You Should Know In 2021

Recently there has been a lot of changes in the travel industry especially when it comes to airlines. The airlines have made some changes due to the COVID 19 outbreak and some of the changes are due to lawsuits the airline companies have experience etc.

Before you book a ticket make sure you check some policy changes that may affect you. There are a lot of airlines domestic and international but we tried to cover as much as we can.

1. No Change/Cancellation Fees Policies

Many airlines have changed their cancellations/change reservations due to the pandemic.  However, it’s important to see the rules and regulations when you want to change or cancel your airline ticket so you won’t be surprised. 

For instance, Delta Airlines is waiving change fees and award redepositing,  issuing e-credit that can be used through December 31st, 2022. This applies to customers who purchased their tickets before April 17th, 2020 and scheduled to travel through March 31st, 2021.

Those who purchased their ticket between  March 1st, 2020, and March 30th, 2021 can change their reservations without a fee or award deposit fees for a year from the date you purchased a ticket.  With Emirates airlines for tickets issued on or before September 30th, 2020, and on or before  October 1st, 2020 can be used later, you have 24 months or two years from the date you originally booked the ticket with no extra fees.

Qatar Airways is offering unlimited date changes, no fee refunds for tickets purchased before  April 30th, 2021 for travel completed before December 31st, 2021.

Another option  Qatar Airlines offers is exchanging tickets to travel vouchers with an additional 10% if you book a flight with them again, that can be good let’s say you were in economy class you can upgrade to business or first class.

 

2. Rules For Emotional Support Animals

Recently the use of emotional support animals has been a controversial issue among travelers. According to industry trade group Airlines for America report, it shows the number of emotional support animals traveling aboard commercial flights increased from 481,000 in 2016 to 751,000 in 2017.

This brought conflicts between passengers to passengers or cabin crews to passengers.  There have been several incidents of emotional support animals misbehaving attacking other passengers or cabin crews. 

Some of the many incidents that led to the rules of traveling with emotional support animals to change are,  a man who was traveling from Atlanta to San Diego filed a lawsuit alleging he was attacked by an emotional support dog and mauled his face on a flight the incident happened in 2017.

Another incident happened last summer when an American Airlines flight attendant received five stitches after she was bitten by an emotional support dog on a flight out.  According to the Department of Transportation, they said they have received reports of biting incidents that led to children being scared and a lot of lawsuits.  

In December 2020, the Department of Transportation announced it will revise rules around flying with emotional support animals and will no longer consider them to be service animals.

There is a difference between service animals and emotional support animals. On the revised Air Carrier Access Act rules (the new rule) the U.S Department of Transportation defines a service animal as  “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animals individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.”  

With that being said the Department of Transportation no longer considers an emotional support animal to be a service animal, this allows the airlines to ban the animals if they don’t fit established rules.  

After the Department of Transportation announcement, Alaskan Airlines was the first one to ban the emotional support animals in their flight, and the most recent one was SouthWest airlines. Here is the list of airlines that already ban emotional support  animals in their flights

  • Alaskan Airlines-  As of  January 11, 2021, Alaskan Airlines only accepts service dogs that are trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Emotional support animals will no longer be accepted. The airline will continue to accept emotional support animals for reservations booked before  January 11, 2021, for flights that are on or before February 28, 2021. No emotional support animals will be transported after February 28, 2021.

 

  • American Airlines-  Starting February 1st, 2021 the airline will only allow trained service animals to fly in the cabin and customers will need to complete and submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation form before their trip. If a customer is traveling with an animal that doesn’t qualify as a trained service animal, it may be transported as a pet.

 

  • Delta Airlines–  As of  January 11th, Delta airlines no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals. The airline will honor reservations submitted and confirmed by Delta before January 11, 2021, but will not accept new emotional support animal reservations for upcoming travel.  With that note starting January 11, 2021, Delta will only accept trained service animals that are dogs. Customers traveling with a trained service dog(s), regardless of breed, must complete the required DOT forms 

 

  • Frontier- As of February 1st, 2021, Frontier will no longer accept emotional support animals onboard. The animal may be eligible to travel in accordance with their  Pet Policy for a fee.

 

  • Jet Blue- The Airline will only allow service animals with restrictions, the customer must notify them that they are traveling with a service animal and receive the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form no later than 48 hours prior to departure.  The airline only accepts fully-trained service animals not the ones in training.

 

  • Southwest Airline – The airlines allows trained service and emotional support animals that comply with certain safety and documentation requirements. Be aware that trained service and emotional support animals may be subject to additional governmental laws and regulations at the destination, including but not limited to, health certificates, permits, and vaccinations required by the country, state, or territory from and/or to which the animal is being transported.

 

  • Spirit Airlines- As of January 11th, 2021 the emotional support animals can travel onboard as pets if they meet airline pet requirements. Those customers who have a return flight on or after January 11, 2021, will be allowed to travel back with their animal per the previous policy.

You can visit the airline websites and find out more information

3. Other Revised Airline Policies from the Department of Transportation.

These are revised airline policies done by the Department of Transportation-Aviation Consumer Protection after several incidents that happened to consumers.

Most of these policies are really beneficial for consumer perspectives. One of the revised policies is Involuntarily Giving Up Your Seat (Bumping) which they are working on increasing the compensation known as Denied Boarding Compensation (DBC).  A ticketed passenger who boards an airplane cannot be involuntarily bumped from an overbooked flight.

This rule applies to flights originating in the United States. For the passengers who involuntarily bumped from a flight, the maximum required compensation that they will be paid is  200% of the one-way fare but no more than $ 675 for arrival delays of up to two hours. 

For over 2 hours arrival delay the compensation will be 400% of one-way fare but no more than $1,350. For international flights, the compensation will be 200% no more than $675 of one-way fare for arrival delay of 1-4 hours. For over 4 hours of arrival delay, the compensation will be 400% and no more than $1350. 

There is no compensation for both domestic and international flights for a 0-1hour arrival delay.  The airline must offer passengers compensation at the airport on the same day.

If they provide substitute transportation that leaves the airport before they compensate the passenger, the airline must pay the passenger within 24 hours of the bumping incident.

For more about  Aviation consumer protection  changes and  policies you can check here

 

Business, Gift Guide, Lifestyle,

13 Best Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas Your Loved Ones Will Love (2023)

Valentine’s Day is almost here, which means you have less than a week to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts. If you’re still struggling to come up with a perfect idea, consider one of these thirteen gifts that your sweetheart will love! These meaningful, memorable, fun, lovely affordable valentine’s day gifts are meant to wow your loved ones.

1. Picture Frame Set of Love Heart

Buy at amazon.com

 A perfect way to showcase your love with this picture a frame. Tell your love story in a beautiful way without talking. With this photo frame, you can put pictures from different events with your loved one.

2. INFMETRY Capsule Letters Message in a Bottle

Buy at amazon

A great way to show your feeling to others if you do not have the courage to speak out. It’s a fun, romantic old fashion way to express your feelings, all you do is write a secret love note to cure her/him broken heart every meal, every day. 

You can tell him/her every day how you adore and miss them, affirmation, wishing them a good day, some small but potent that will make him/her day better and give them the experience they never had before.

3. Drive Safe Keychain Handsome

Drive Safe Keychain Handsome I Love You Trucker Husband Gift for Husband Dad Gift Valentines Day Stocking Stuffer

Buy at amazon

This keychain speaks volumes, a little kitchen but shows how much you care it does make an elegant and sentimental gift for your boyfriend/husband.

4. Tactical Pen Engraved

Buy at amazon

This tactical pen is the best choice for a surprise gift for your loved ones.   It is engraved “I LOVE YOU”, which presents your love to your beloved. With this tactical pen by his/her side, he/she would feel your deep love at any time.

5. Personalized Watercolor Poster from Photo, Custom Couple Portrait.

Buy at amazon

Personalize YOUR photo as a watercolor portrait and give it to that special someone in your life this will be a gift that they will cherish forever. This is also an ideal gift for an Engagement, Anniversary, Bridal, Groom, or any occasion.

6. Creative Kissing Mugs Set.

Buy at amazon

These mugs are a fun and lovely way of showing and saying I love you, we belong together, we got each other. Just place these cute kissing mugs together face to face to form the perfect kiss and that’s it you just show your love for that special someone.

7. Personalized Custom ID Name Bracelets

Buy at amazon

Give something meaningful, engrave your personalized jewelry with a name, date, or thoughtful message to add an extra special touch to your personalized jewelry for Valentine’s day or any other occasion.

8. Chocolate Covered Strawberries, 12 Dark/Milk/White Delight

Buy at Amazon

Perfect gift for chocolate lovers, these strawberries are delicately hand dipped and decorated in culinary artistry and exquisitely decadent taste.

Freshness is 100 % guaranteed because they are made to order and shipped overnight with ice to ensure freshness and perfect arrival.

9. Lamare Affirmation Cards

Buy at Amazon

These inspiring quote cards make an excellent gift idea. Perfect for sticking on the planner, adding to inspiration boards and word collages, they will show off your great taste.

These are more than cards and it’s also a memorable gift that gives full of positive energy to make the most of the day. Also, its vibrant colors will help your special one to immerse in relaxation and get energized to meet their full potential every single day.

It will also help to get rid of negative thinking that holds him/her back from enjoying life, reprogram their thinking, change the mindset and attract positivity in their life.

10. Spa Gift Basket-Bath and Body Gift Set

Spa Gift Basket-Bath and Body Gift Set,Coconut For Women-Spa Bath Kit & Bath Gift Basket Birthday Gift Includes Bath Bombs, Message Oil, Body Scrub, Bath Salt, Body Lotion, Shower Gel and Scrub Brush

Buy at amazon

This Coconut For Women-Spa Bath Kit & Bath Gift includes bath bombs, massage oil, body scrub, bath salt, body lotion, shower gel, and scrub brush. It a perfect gift especially on this pandemic where we don’t have the luxury of going to visit the spa salon.

11. What I Love About You Fill in the Love Book 

Buy at amazon

This little book contains fill-in-the-blank lines describing some aspect of your affection for your loved one. It has simple prompts that make it easy to express yourself all you need is to complete each line and voila: you have a uniquely personal gift your loved one will read again and again.

12. CDE Forever Love Heart Women Necklace

CDE Forever Love Heart Women Necklace 925 Sterling Silver Rose Gold Plated January Birthstone Pendant Necklaces for Women with 5A Cubic Zirconia Valentine‘s Jewelry Gift Birthday Gift for Mom Women Wife Girls Her

Buy at amazon

This unique heart-shaped pendant necklace is a meaningful gift for someone special because of its design. The pendant adopts a unique double heart-shaped structure symbolizing love for each other. 

More than that, the details of the pendant are also full of love. In one of the hearts, it is engraved with “I love you always and forever” to express the love.

It comes in 12 colors of gemstones, corresponding to the birthstone of each month. You can choose the color according to the birth month.

13. Valentine’s Day Love Themed Waterproof Wine Bottle Sticker Wrappers

Buy at amazon

These cute wine bottle wrappers feature messages that are perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day. 

These stickers are little things that will add a festive touch to the bottle of the special wine you bought for your loved one and make it more special.

 

Business, Lifestyle, Travel,

The Best Stylish Backpacks for Women for Different Occasions [2021]

The backpack has become a trend for women nowadays, we can see women carry them around everywhere some carry them at the gym, traveling, hiking, and some even at work or out the places where we never use seeing women carrying backpacks.

I found the backpack to be very convenient and according to some researches they said, backpacks are better than shoulder bags or messenger bags because the weight is distributed across your body. Unlike a shoulder bag or a messenger bag, the weight will be distributed on one side of the body.

There are several factors you need to consider when choosing the right backpack for you, such as you want it to be stylish, anti-theft if possible, The construction of the backpack, is very important you don’t want to carry a backpack that will cause you pain, or have some metals or some objects that will make you uncomfortable.

Choose a backpack base on your needs, meaning when or where will you be carrying this backpack? Is it for work? school? Traveling? Casual?  and what will you be carrying on that backpack? Size does matter when comes to backpacks.

Here are some  stylish backpacks we think might be helpful  to choose for different occasions and what you are going to carry:

1. The Best Backpack for Business, Work, and Travel 

These are the best backpacks for business, work, and traveling this is due to their sizes and what they can do such as having special space for electronic gadgets like laptops, tablets, cellphone, etc.

Samson Classic Leather Backpack

Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack

Check it out at amazon

YTONET  Laptop Backpack with RFID Pocket

check it out at amazon

 

2. Best Backpack for Hiking & Backpacking

These are the best backpack for hiking and backpacking, they are lightweight and you can a lot of things at once and other functions.

Venture Pal  40L  Lightweight Backpack

 

Check it out at amazon

MIRACOL Hydration  Backpack

MIRACOL Hydration Backpack with 2L Water Bladder, Thermal Insulation Pack Keeps Liquid Cool up to 4 Hours, Perfect Outdoor Gear for Skiing, Running, Hiking, Cycling

Check out at amazon

 

3. The Best Carry-On Backpack

These are the best carry-on backpack not only they are stylish, they have space and also anti-theft, so you don’t have to worry about safety when you are traveling and you have to put them under the seat or overhead compartment.

Nomatic Backpack

Check out at amazon

Inateck 40L  Anti-Theft Backpack

Inateck 40L Travel Backpack, Flight Approved Carry on Backpack Hand Luggage, Anti-Theft Business Laptop Rucksack Large Daypack Weekender Bag for 17'' Laptop - Black

Check it out at amazon

 

4. The Best Backpack Purses

These are the best backpack to carry around whether is work, outing, running errands they are like everyday purses or handbags.

Baggalini Anti-Theft Backpack

Baggallini Anti Theft Convertible Backpack

Check it out at amazon

JeHouze Anti-Theft Leather Backpack

JeHouze Fashion Women Anti-Theft Shoulder Handbag Genuine Leather Backpack Casual Bag

Check it out at amazon

 

5. The Best Diaper Backpack

These are the best diaper backpack because of its functions, you can organize your things base on your needs.  They are not only stylish but also easy to carry around and even travel with them. Some of these backpacks have multi-functions, the come with stroller straps, changing pads, anti-water materials, etc.

Bag Nation Diaper Backpack

Check it out at amazon

HapTim Multi-Function Diaper Backpack

HapTim Multi-Function Large Baby Diaper Bag Backpack W/Stroller Straps-Insulated Pockets-Changing Pad, Stylish & Durable with Anti-Water Material(Gray-5284)

Check it out at amazon

Bamomby Multi-Function Water Proof Diaper Backpack

Diaper Bag Backpack, Bamomby Multi-Function Waterproof Large Travel Backpack Nappy Bags for Mom,Dad with Changing Pad, Newborn Diapers Registry Baby Shower Gifts-Black

Check it out at amazon