vacation – Success Strategies

The Top 7 Christmas Towns In America…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! . The air has changed. The hustle and bustle brings smiles and Plans are up in full swing. If you are thinking of what to do this year, here’s Trending Trenz top 10 list of holiday towns in America. For sure a writer’s dream getaway. I like seven and share them here. You can view the details of the full top 10 Christmas towns.

Leavenworth Washington
Ail, Colorado
Franklin Tennessee
St. Augustine, Florida
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Grapevine Texas
North Pole, Alaska

Any of your favorite missing? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Travel’s Up And So Is Tipping…

Tips on tips! What to give. When to give. Should you give?

And the gratuity? Did you help me load my luggage? No, but …
-Jack Vance

CNN Headline News (HLN) shared the evolution of tips in our society. Cash registers now have built in tips at the grocery store, retail store and even at the plant nursery! Yikes! All this separated from the traditional tipping places like hospitality-hotels, restaurants, salon, nail services and more. Caused me to think. We are all being bombarded by this new extra invasion of the ‘plastic cards.’ Should we Fair Tip or Guilt Tip? HLN’s Money Coach recommends, no service–no tip.

Not sure when to give and how much? Here I share HLN’s recommendation of the amounts to give as fair tips for both the travel and restaurant dining options.

No Service. No Tip
HLN’s Money Coach

Appropriate Tip: Travel

Skycap & Bellhop: at least $2
Housekeeper: $5 per day
Taxi Driver: 15-20% of fare but minimally $1 (more if they carry your bags)

Appropriate Tip: Restaurant

Wait Service: 15-20%
Take Out: It’s up to you!
Bartender: $1-2 per beer, more for cocktails
Tipping Jars: It’s up to you!

So there you have it. Tips on tips! What to give. When to give. Should you give? It’s all like your career and the workplace. Pay for Performance. The more you work, the more productive you are, the more bonus and salary increase you get (all things being equal, right)?

What are your thoughts on this trend? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Mid-Summer Trek To Find The New…

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are
J.P. Morgan

My youngest turned and asked if we could go on a road trip. Absolutely yessss! Until she said she wanted to go immediately. It was Christmas Day. Brunch with the family was divine. An experience we relived year after year. Thought the little one would be satisfied. But she wanted more. Time with her mom right after the family gathering. Mid afternoon. Christmas Day.

So I sat next to her. Shared how much I loved her. Then explained what a Road trip meant. Planning. Knowing where we’re going. The path we would need to take. She was disappointed. But I used it as a teaching moment. I told her to search ski resorts (yep, she wanted to go skiing) and come up with the top 3 places she would like to visit. That turned into a yearlong project.

In Search Of Snow

There were many places to choose from but we wanted early snow just before peak season. She had never skied before so that meant even more research. We chose Breckinridge Ski Resort in Colorado. Early December. Just as the season was about to begin. We found A beautiful cabin near the peak. We invited her older sister and her two boys.

Being from Florida we had to get the right gear. Rented the ski attire but bought everything else. It was an experience that lasted a life time and kick started our many holiday rendezvous.

Strategies To Find The New

But can the same strategy be applied to other things? Indeed it can.

Investigate. Research. Study. Whatever your goal its important to find information. New knowledge opens minds. Personally I find new things amazing! Are you curious about a different career path? Job search (yes there’s a difference), a research project, a new house, new car? Whatever your prowess, the new is exciting even when it’s dreaded. Here are tips for the novice.

7 Tips for the Novice Researcher

If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. And who knows where you’ll end up.
Unknown

Know what your needs are. What do you want? Think about it
Start with a general Search to see what’s out there. What exists
Do a quick scan of key resources found on your topic or area of interest
Compile the most useful pieces found
Do a deep dive. Read through and highlight things that are important to what you’re searching for (YouTube videos, articles, discussions) whatever works
Organize the flow. What’s important. What’s nice to know. Discard the rest
Then Act. Gathering data is nice but putting it into action is what’s important to any project or task

Hope these tips will help to kickstart your next project. Any missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Traveling? Top 11 Things To Do Before You Board That Flight…

We love to travel! The warmth of new places brings smiles and memories that last. But getting to the pleasures of our vacation destination often comes with a nightmare. Travel and Leisure shared their top 25 Things to do before getting on a plane. Here are my top 11 Favs, which by the way makes business travel a breeze.

Pre-Travel Stress Reducers

Get the airlines credit card which offers perks like priority access and other rewards
Download your airlines app. No check-in and free onboard entertainment
Signup for TSA Pre-Check. Forego It’s a smart strategy for a smoother walk through and some airlines refund you the application fee
Check your bags size and dimensions. Airlines are reducing the space. Rid yourself of the headache and follow the rules before you leave home
Compile your gadgets. Being organized makes your life easier
Lounge around the departure lounges instead of sitting at the gate. Life’s simple
Wear comfortable clothing. But I dare say remember airline rules. For example Sometimes short shorts makes the morning news when tempers flare
Disinfect. Need I say more?
Reserve airport parking before you leave. Works like magic and you will walk away looking at cars circling the garage or squeals at missed flights
Grab and Go is a great idea for starving passengers. Get the app and order ahead
That wretched life-saving Mask. Don’t forget it.

BONUS

Read. Bring a book

So these are my top favs. What’s yours? Do share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

The 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Florida Energizes A Writer’s Getaway…

A writer’s dream getaway comes through with Travel & Leisure’s recommendation of The 5 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Florida! And guess what? One of them happens to be in my backyard! Often I have been guilty of traveling far for the all inclusive getaway experience. Travel and Leisure takes me back to my native island of Jamaica where none beats the all inclusive concept in any of the Caribbean islands. There you will find white Sandy beaches. Tons of drinks usher your presence in a welcoming gala on arrival and throughout your hotel stay. Such include the Jewel Resorts, Sandals, Beaches, Half Moon and tons more.

Getaway To Write

I love to getaway to write, to relax amidst the beauty and safety of the beach shores. Now I commit to trying the concept right here in my backyard. Will get back with the results as I go to my safe place to bask in the beauty of Florida’s sand, seas and shores.

3 Writing Resorts

Oh and by the way, 3 of the Resorts named were:

Bungalows Key Largo, Florida Keys
Club Med Sand Piper Bay, Port St. Lucie
Trade Winds Island Resorts, St Pete Beach

Start planning to get your writing on. Need help? Lets connect.

Cheers!

St. Augustine Among Preferred Top 5 European Destinations You Can Find In The USA…

St. Augustine pops on the list that Travel and leisure shared their list of destinations for those longing to travel and must stay home. Road-trip getaways offer an alternative. World travelers only hope. Adrenaline pumping, I was Incredibly excited to dive into the the list of European destinations that can be enjoyed in the USA. Here are my topic 5 favs:

Getaway Vacays Instead Of:

Madrid Spain, St. Augustine, FL

Tuscany Italy, Napa California

The French Alps: Mount Hood Oregon

Nice Fance, Newport Rhode Island

Rome, New York City

Stwitzerland, New Glarus, Wisconsin

Take a close look at the list and start planning your getaway. If there are other US destinations that can be added to the list that makes you feel like you’re on a European vacay, do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers!

Ring In The Cheer With These Holiday Games…

To laugh and play is to Love during the Holidays

Want to spice up your holiday with friends, family or foe (yikes)? Here are two Holiday Games to help squeeze the giggles. Simple prizes make the laughs sweet. Can’t be together? Try it virtually. Be creative, change ideas to match your mood and enjoy!

What’s your favorite holiday game? Do share. We would love to hear.

Books: Readers Share Their Top Getaway Reads…

Readers Read. Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.

Anna Quindlen

Success Strategies

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. ~Ursula K. Le Guin

We have all had our favorite books that we have read from a young age. Some have left an impact on our lives. On a B&N public forum, a reader asked “What Book has stayed with you long after you’ve read it?” Fellow readers poured in with responses. Here I share a few that may prove worthwhile for your vacation, getaway, or a mid-summer night’s read.

Man’s Search for Meaning
Pecan Man
The Power
We Were the Lucky Ones
The Book Thief
Before I Fall
The Lovely Bones
It Ends with Us
The Sparrow
The Lovely Bones
One Hundred Years f solitude
The Alchemist
Harry Potter
We Were Yours
East of Eden
The Chrysalids
The Bible
The Savage Song
To Kill A Mockingbird
The Notebook
The Outsiders
A History of Loneliness
Tell Me Your Dreams

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Remote Work. Which Affects You The Most?

Remote Work comes with gains, benefits and challenges. Which affects you the most?

Collaboration and communication
Being in a different time zone
Loneliness
Distractions at home
Staying motivated
Vacation time
Reliable WiFi
Not being able to unplug

Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Social Distancing. 21 Things To Do…

With the influx of the pandemic worldwide many regular activities have come to a halt. Kids are home from school. Businesses have closed or implemented work-from-home with only a skeletal staff in office. Things are just basically at a standstill. What can you do when the work stops? When maintaining Social Distance confines you to your home? Beauty Bites and Radical Transformation Projects gave a few tips. Here I share my personal favs of 21 things that you can try:

Sleep. Go ahead. You’ve always wanted to do it. Now you’ve got the time. Do it
Listen to an audio-book
Create a vision board of your dream life and hang it where you can see it
Read a book
Start a blog
Watch motivational speeches online
Make a self-care kit for when you feel down
Write poetry
Plan your week, month, year!
Learn a new recipe
Write a list of things you are thankful for
Dance! Dance in your home
Go for a walk.
Enjoy nature
Make a list of things you’re grateful for
Learn a new language
Make a list of the places you would like to visit
Declutter your phone
Plan to do something different every month for the rest of the year
Update your resume…just in case
Connect spiritually

Try something new!

Cheers!

11 Epic Christmas Movies…

Just love the holidays! Absolutely love the holidays! The air is different. The spirit of Christmas is evident. Family, laughter, fun, and cheer fills the atmosphere. Lights everywhere brightens the sky ushering the spirit of the season. Not to mention the gifts; the fun; the parties and so much more.

Movies

Though I write and it brings me joy, there’s nothing like a good movie. I’m not talking the hallmark type where we can predict the end. It’s always the ideal ending. I’m talking real entertainment. Fun times with the family. Here I share 11 epic holiday movies.

A Christmas Story
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Home Alone
The Holiday
Scrooged
A Christmas Carol
This Christmas
Jingle All The Way
Christmas With The Kranks
The Family Stone
Miracle on 34th Street
Die Hard
Elf

Curl up with popcorn, your favorite blanket, dog or your love and enjoy the delight of these unforgettable holiday movies.

From the list, how many have you seen? Any missing? Add your fav.

Cheers!

Get your copy of book GreenLight and start planning for your holiday gift list.

My Sea Scape Getaway…

Getaway to the Sea, the sand, the beach

I decided to getaway to the sea…my favorite place. To stay on the beach. Ahhh yessss!

The day before was beautiful. Though a bit overcast after a week of rain, the sun shined through. I stayed . Relaxed and enjoyed…til sunset.

The next day was grand. A tanner’s dream. I sat birdwatching without a care. But the midday sun pelted my skin and I could hardly bear it.

The Hammock

Defeated …I headed for the rescue of the hammock in the shade. Crazy! It swung me 180 degrees and I toppled out and landed flat on my back. But it actually felt good lying there on the ground. So I stayed for around 20 mins. Beach Bag, phone, books scattered around me. Lying there, I read.

30 minutes later I retreated for a drink. Strawberry Daiquiri…non alcoholic. I sit contemplating as the clock ticked by. I didn’t have a plan. The goal was to simply relax and listen to the quiet inner voice.

Eyed the hammock again. Perhaps it will give me some insights. But scared I may topple over again, I stood staring.

Hmmm let’s see.

Wonder how the day is gonna end? Will I have the courage to get in and even more, will I get that coveted pic?

Hmmm … tried again. Second time. Yup! I did it again. Toppled over. Stayed right there on the ground again. Maybe it’s meant to be. Ground for me.

To the Rescue

Apparently my plight was seen by a groundskeeper who may have found my situation rather humorous (wonder if it happens all the time). Anyway, he came over.

Yep! I got in. Groundskeeper drove his grounds mobile like Batman to rescue the hilarious sight. With his help, I not only got into the hammock. I was able to get a pic for my girls. Evidence! I did it!

Careful not to swing too much, I chose land and safety. Decided after 15 minutes to get back on the beach to spend time with the birds. Time with the sea. Time listening to the sound of the waves. Time writing, and Time Reading.