HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET FOR 2023 AND MAXIMISE YOUR SAVINGS.
Wednesday, 28 December 2022
I love creating budget spreadsheets and savings vaults on Revolut. Whether I always stick to them is another thing, but at least the intention is there! As we get older you’ve probably realised that there are suddenly a lot more things to pay for, and your take home salary isn’t the same as soon as you start paying things like your pension and life insurance etc. Here is why creating a budget is important and some tips for how to create one and stay on track of your finances.
Why create a budget?
How to start a budget
Create a spreadsheet
Have multiple savings accounts
Pay yourself first
Plan ahead
Plan a savings challenge
A REVIEW OF INAMO'S UNLIMITED ASIAN SUSHI & TAPAS AND BOTTOMLESS DRINKS.
Monday, 17 October 2022
- order your food
- check what you had already ordered
- call the waiter to refill your drink
- play games
- watch the chef in the kitchen
- and see your total
10 TIPS FOR FIRST TIME CRUISERS ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN.
Monday, 26 September 2022
1. Book in advance
2. Look at the port terminal before you book your flights
3. See which stops you can do at your own leisure
4. Take advantage of the drinks package
5. Pack your swimsuit in your carry-on bag
6. Make the most of the drinks allowance
7. Keep your phone in aeroplane mode
8. Download the cruise app
9. Opt to pay for the tips beforehand
10. Dining vs Buffet
5 SIDE HUSTLES TO CONSIDER IN 2022 TO BOOST YOUR INCOME.
Monday, 8 August 2022
Nowadays it feels like every other person is making a second income in some sort of way, and social media has made it easier than ever to create a second revenue stream, and to promote it! I'm lucky that through my blog it has allowed me to earn money in different ways, but that didn't come until after 2 years of establishing myself as a blogger and building up my SEO and following. If you're looking for a way to earn money from the comfort of your own home (mostly), here are 5 side hustles to consider to increase your income.
1. Monetise your blog
Another way to earn money through your blog is with sponsored content. Once you have built up a good domain authority (your Google ranking, basically), brands will pay you to have a link to their website within one of your blog posts. They do this in order to improve their own DA. I have a blog post all about improving your Domain Authority and SEO here.
2. Start your own small business
3. Write an e-book
All you need for this is Microsoft Word (or Google docs), your knowledge, and friends to help promote the product on social media once it's done!
4. Teach english online
5. Sell your unwanted items
A GUIDE TO SPENDING 3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK, CROATIA.
Wednesday, 13 July 2022
Dubrovnik has been on my bucket list for years, the interest was probably sparked when I heard Game of Thrones had been filmed there. The city has definitely milked this as you'll find GOT merch, tours and experiences everywhere. Nevertheless it is a beautiful city and it is the perfect place for a weekend escape or as part of a trip around Croatia! I'd love to explore Split, Zagreb and Hvar another time. Here is my itinerary for things to do and where to eat on a 3 day trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Day 1
Breakfast: Cele
AM - Walk around the city walls
Lunch: Barba
PM: Kayaking Tour
Dinner: Taj Mahal (Bosnian Food)
Day 2
What I liked about this place is that it had a number of healthier options on their menu such as chia pudding and protein pancakes, and it would cost you between £5-£10 depending on what you were eating. They also had an extensive cocktail list, so it’s a great place to come back to in the afternoon.
AM: Game of Thrones Walking Tour
PM: Visit Lokrum Island
The small island of Lokrum is only a 30 minute boat ride away from Dubrovnik, and there isn't much to do there except for seeing the peacocks, an Iron Throne replica and a lake that you can sunbathe by and swim in. During your stay you will probably hear how the island is haunted because of a curse that was placed by the Benedictine monks. I'll leave that story for you to find our for yourselves!
DINNER: Gradska Kavana Arsenal
Day 3
Day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina
For me the highlight of this tour was our driver, our pick up was at 7:30am so safe to say we were half asleep but he made the tour so entertaining and interesting. We drove for around an hour and a half before reaching a waterfall where we had an hour of free time, and then we continued on to the city of Mostar.
I didn’t have any prior knowledge of Mostar or the Bosnian war in the 90s, so it was interesting to get the perspective from our Croat tour guide, and our Bosnian guide in Mostar. You definitely get the sense that people still feel very strongly and divided about what happened.
Lunch: Restaurant Sadrvan
This place was recommended to us by our guide, and a plate of meat, pita bread and chips cost us less than a fiver. They had a terrace so we got a great view of the bridge and river.
Mostar Day Trip from Dubrovnik (£41)
Dinner: Mex Cantina
The tour will have you back in Dubrovnik for dinner time, and if you fancy a change of cuisine then I recommend Mex Cantina. Half the menu was mexican and half was pizza, so we got a bit of everything and thoroughly enjoyed it.
- If you need a pick me up on the go, try the coffee and a pastry (spinach and cheese burek) from Barcaffe in the main street.
- Head to Buza Bar, a cliffside bar that's a popular spot to enjoy a wine or beer and see the sunset. Note that this place only takes cash.
- If you fancy doing something alternative, try the 'Haunted Dubrovnik' Ghost Tour in the evening.
HOW DOES WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT CONTRIBUTE TO DEVELOPMENT?
Friday, 1 July 2022
Women are given more control over their lives and the ability to make their own decisions due to empowerment. As a result, there may be better economic and health outcomes, including greater access to school and better employment possibilities. Increased gender equality, which in turn results in a more equitable society with more opportunities for everybody, is a result of women's empowerment.
Children fare better because women are better equipped to support and care for their families. By offering women a sense of support, approval, and companionship, relationships can empower them. In a healthy, supportive relationship, women might feel safer and more confident in their choices and behaviours. Women feel more powerful and capable of achieving their objectives when they have a partner who listens to them, affirms their emotions, and inspires them to be their best selves.
Everything leads to women's empowerment and continued development, from their clothing choices to their decisions regarding their education, employment, relationships, income, and more. Women shop at luxury boutiques because of their high calibre, vast selection, and ease. Such boutiques provide a wide variety of well-chosen products to cater to the needs of modern women. These fashionable and high-quality products range from dresses to handbags and jewellery and are perfect for any lady who wants to look and feel her best.
An excellent option for busy ladies, boutiques also provide the convenience of internet shopping. Every woman can choose something that fits her exactly and gives her confidence and empowerment, thanks to the boutique's extensive selection of sizes and designs. Women can feel financial stability, power, and control. Women can live the life they want without thinking about money if they have a sense of confidence and independence brought on by having a stable financial situation.
A woman's career can give her much power since it gives her a chance to succeed and be independent. The variety of side jobs available ranges from tutoring or freelance writing to selling handmade goods online or driving for a ride-sharing service. One can generate a sizeable amount of additional income to supplement one's wage with the correct mix of talents, time, and effort. Everyone experiences a tremendous sense of success, self-confidence, and purpose when they have meaningful employment that they enjoy and are proud of.
Governments that are more responsive and inclusive due to women's empowerment may implement better policies that are advantageous to both men and women. For a society to advance, women's social empowerment is crucial because it gives women the information, abilities, and self-assurance they need to assert their rights and realize their full potential. In addition, empowering women has the potential to boost political engagement and representation, which could benefit developmental programs and policy-making.
Conclusion
Women's empowerment aids development by enabling them to fulfil their potential as contributors to their communities and countries. Empowered women are better equipped to make favorable decisions to their families and communities, resulting in a wealthy and equitable society. Developing a fairer and more just society depends on women's empowerment.
*This is a collaborative post*
A FIRST TIME VISITORS GUIDE TO THAILAND - WHERE TO GO?
Thursday, 16 June 2022
Bangkok
Ko Samui
Koh Phangan
Koh Tao
Phuket
Chiang Mai
Pai
GUEST POST | TOP 7 THINGS TO DO IN SIKKIM IN 2022
Wednesday, 1 June 2022
Sikkim is a state that personifies the beauty of nature. It is surrounded by beautiful and majestic mountains, misty hills, lush greenery, and semi-frozen lakes that make the state a frequent spot of recreation for tourists both in India and internationally.
Besides getting lost in the dreamy landscape, you can also indulge in a lot of activities around the state that should make up for your time there. People who visit Sikkim have time and time clarified that they never want to return. Not only is it a nature lover’s paradise, but Sikkim is also equally exciting for adventure enthusiasts. So, if you are planning to Sikkim, do it in a planned manner with eSikkimTourism for the best travel experience. This article will explore the top 7 things that you can do in Sikkim in the year 2022 with a cost breakdown so you can plan ahead of time.
1. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Before we describe it further, be assured that this isn’t for the faint of heart. You do need proper medical documents and verification before you are allowed to even start this trek. Although it is just until the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the paths leading up to the final destination aren’t the simplest.
It is a 90 km long trek and takes around 10 days to finish. Now, you must be wondering why does it take so long for a meager 90km trek? Well, the distance isn’t the factor; the trekking trail is very jagged and needs to be treated with utmost caution. A single wrong move can be very dangerous.
The trail initiates from Yuksom and ends at the Bakkhim point, where the trekkers finally get to take in the beautiful and mesmerizing view of the surroundings.
Cost per person – Rs. 14,700.
2. Camping
Sounds boring, doesn’t it? But, that’s the beauty of Sikkim. Even in the snow-capped mountains, the tourists have the option to wrap their things up and go out for a camping adventure. Camping is a massive revenue source for the locals during the winter months. Yes, you heard it right – During the WINTER MONTHS.
The experience is one of a kind, something that you will never want to indulge in quite frequently and without any questions asked. The backdrop of the wildflowers with the blazing heat from the fit pit in the middle is bound to take you to a whole different dimension.
The cost per person – varies and depends on the camping site.
3. Take Nature Tours
We aren’t saying that Sikkim doesn’t have its staple sightseeing spots, including temples, monasteries, and the local markets. But, if you want to do something off-beat, we’d recommend signing up for the Nature Tours instead. They are fun, enthralling, and are the perfect thing that your inner child needs to explore.
The nature tours are also perfect for the tourists who enjoy a quick trek but don’t want the steep and high-altitude treks. Some of the most popular nature tour trails include Varsey Trail, Kasturi Orar Trail, etc.
Cost per person – Depends on the trail.
4. Bungee Jumping
Now, we had to include a good adventure sport to the list of things to do in Sikkim, right? So, why not start with the most heart-pounding one? Can you even imagine taking a free-fall plunge from a 200m height into the abyss, letting go of all your inhibitions, and taking in the thrill and adrenaline rush?
The experience is one of a kind, something that you are going to want to experience at least once in your life. Freefalling like a bird with the backdrop of the scenic view and the lush greenery is something you need to tick off your bucket list.
The cost per person – Starts from INR 500.
5. Visit the Caves
If you are an explorer, you are going to love exploring the hidden mysteries inside the various caves that are popular in Sikkim. While you are looking for a popular spot, go for North Lha-Ri-Nying Phu. It has a range of history and local traditions associated with it. It is believed to be home to a holy aura, which is one of the reasons why tourists frequent this spot.
Although it might look easy to explore, the caves contain a lot of steep terrains, which are quite difficult to walk through. So, planning your trip ahead of time is crucial for a safe travel experience.
Cost per person – INR 4500.
6. Visit the Local Monasteries
No Sikkim trip is complete without a quick visit to the local monasteries. There are quite a few that you can look around. However, we’d highly recommend that you explore the underrated spots. Visiting a monastery and taking in the peace and calm in the surroundings is something you can only experience once you are there.
Some of the best monasteries to explore in Sikkim are Pemayangtse Gompa, Rumtek, and Enchey. They are a little farther out from the main city but worth the travel.
Cost per person – Entry is free of cost.
7. Explore the National Parks
Lastly, you can’t forget to explore the natural wildlife of Sikkim, now, can you? Kewzing and Khangchendzonga are the two most popular national parks in the state that you can visit and explore. The biodiversity in these parks is stunning and you might cross paths with certain wildlife that you didn’t expect to.
It houses a lot of unique wildlife like red pandas, musk deer, snow leopards, and even the Himalayan tahr. Also, the flora in the area is unique and one of a kind as well. So, don’t forget to add it to your itinerary.
The cost per person – Starts from INR 350.
Conclusion
Sikkim is a blast of nature, one that has to offer a bit of everything for its visitors to explore. If you are sitting here confused as to what you can do and explore around the state, we hope this article gives you all the details that you are on the lookout for.