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Top 6 Important Things to Know Before You Teach Yourself to Code

Are you thinking about how to teach yourself to code?

Knowing how to code is one of the most valuable skills you can have.

But, teaching yourself to code is no easy feat. It takes hard work, dedication, and patience. Learning code doesn’t happen overnight, so you need to be prepared for the long haul.

How do you stay on track throughout your journey?

Read on to learn 5 important things you should know before you teach yourself to code.

1. How Your Code Looks Counts

It’s always important to keep in mind that you are writing code for humans.

Therefore, how your code looks and reads is extremely important. This means you should always:

• Have good indentations
• Correctly name your variables
• Not leaving broken code
• Not leaving comments

From the very start, paying attention to what your code looks like is very important.

2. Know Why You Want to Learn Code

There are so many directions you can go once you learn to code, that having an idea of what you want to do beforehand can help you narrow down your focus.

Do you want to build websites? What about computer games? Or, maybe you want to be a professional programmer?

You can always change your mind along the way, but having an idea of what you want to do can save you from learning things you don’t need to know. Plus, having a goal in mind will give you the motivation to continue.

3. Don’t Get Too Hung Up on Coding Languages

When you first start teaching yourself to code, you’ll quickly realize there are a lot of coding languages to choose from.

Picking one to start with can feel like an overwhelming decision, but don’t get too worked up over it.

There is no “best language” in coding, and once you learn one, it’s fairly easy to learn others.

That said, there are some more beginner-friendly coding languages out there, such as Ruby. You can also learn Java fast.

And, depending on what you want to do, some coding languages are better to learn than others. For example, if you want to write an iPhone app, then you need to learn Swift.

4. Better to Be an Expert in One Thing

When teaching yourself to code, you shouldn’t try to be a jack of all trades, because likely you’ll just be a master of none.

Therefore, instead of trying to learn the basics of one language, and moving on to the next, you should work to become an expert in a single language.

This will prove to be extremely advantageous later on when you’re trying to market yourself to employers.

5. Put Yourself Out There

When you’re teaching yourself to code, it’s very important to put yourself out there.

Reach out to great programmers you admire, attend conferences, interact online with programming communities. Putting yourself out there and immersing yourself in the coding community is the best way to receive supportive feedback along the way about your coding.

6. Fall in Love With It

All great programmers will tell you that to be a great coder, you really have to fall in love with it.

Honestly, getting through the tough parts of teaching yourself to code is really difficult if you don’t love it.

Technology is what moves the world forward, and learning to code will allow you to change the world. Keep this in mind during the tough parts.

Ready to Teach Yourself to Code?

With these insider tips, you’re definitely ready to teach yourself to code.

And once you’ve taken yourself further in the coding world, check out this article about how to improve a website.

Top 10 Tips to Improve Customer Service in Your Business

It’s not as hard as you might think to make your business stand out in the crowded world of commerce. And you don’t have to slash your prices to ridiculously low levels to do it.

A study done a few years ago revealed that only 7 percent of consumers report having customer service experiences with companies that have exceeded their expectations. 7 percent!

That means there aren’t many businesses out there going above and beyond for their customers. So if you can improve customer service, you can easily gain an advantage over other businesses.

Do you want to improve customer service within your business? Check out 10 tips for improving your company’s customer service skills below.

1. Answer the Phone When Your Customers Call

Unfortunately, there are tons of businesses these days who are greeting their customers with an automated recording when they call.

This frustrates those who just want to speak with a real person, especially if a business makes it difficult to track down someone through their phone system.

When you pick up the phone during business hours and greet your customers, it’ll go a long way towards making them feel like they’re important. It’ll also allow them to address problems or ask questions more easily.

Discover more about how answering the phone can help a business to see the benefits of doing it.

2. Learn to Listen to the Needs of Your Customers Better

When someone calls your business and starts to tell you about a problem they’re having, you should steer clear of immediately trying to fix whatever issue they’re experiencing.

Rather than jumping right in and saying what you think might be wrong, you should allow the customer to talk and express themselves before you respond. You should take that time to really hear what they’re saying to you.

This will show the customer that you care enough to hear what they have to say.

3. Avoid Responding to Complaints About Your Business Negatively

Many business owners get very defensive with customers who have complaints. They end up arguing with customers rather than helping them fix the problem they’re having.

Avoid negativity at all costs when conversing with a customer. Instead, take a positive and proactive approach to dealing with complaints.

A customer might be angry at first when they call you. But once they see you’re genuinely interested in trying to assist them, they’ll be more likely to forgive you for whatever went wrong with your product or service in the first place.

It’ll increase the chances of them coming back to you again in the future.

4. Make the Complaints From Your Customers a Priority

If a customer does have a complaint about a product or service you provided for them, don’t put off dealing with it.

You should spring into action right away and make them feel like their business is important to you. By making them a priority and pushing them to the top of the list, you’ll show them that you care about whatever complaint they had.

The longer you put off dealing with a customer’s complaint, the less chance you have of earning their trust back.

5. Keep Any Promises You Make to Your Customers

If you tell a customer you’re going to do something, make sure you do it.

Breaking a promise is probably the easiest way to lose a customer. You can improve customer service simply by sticking to your word and not breaking it for any reason.

6. Be Nice to People Even When It Won’t Benefit You Immediately

Far too often, a person will pop into a business to ask for directions or use the bathroom and get turned away.

On the surface, you might not think anything of this. They weren’t coming to you to buy a product or service anyway, so who cares how you treated them?

Don’t look at it like that. Instead, looking at a random pop-in like this as an opportunity to be nice to someone and potentially earn their business in the future.

You might be surprised to see that same person pop back into your business in a week or two to repay you for your act of kindness.

7. Tell Your Customers How Much You Appreciate Their Business

Every single time you speak with a customer, whether on the phone or in your business, you should tell them how much you appreciate them calling on your company.

You can’t say “thank you” enough to your customers. So make it a point to say “thank you” and “we appreciate your business” any chance you get.

8. Give Customers Free Promotional Products

People enjoy getting things for free. It makes them feel like they’re important.

If you don’t have promotional products already, you should order some now and start handing them out to your most loyal customers.

From pens and sticky notes to T-shirts and hats, there are so many promo products available. They’ll allow you to say thanks to customers and help you brand your business at the same time.

9. Always Ask Your Customers If There’s Any Other Way You Can Help Them

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” is a question you should ask to your customers early and often.

This will let your customers know that you’re there for them if they need anything else.

Even if they don’t need anything at the moment, they’ll feel more comfortable coming back to you later for assistance if they need it.

10. Provide Customer Service Training for Your Employees

In addition to making every effort to improve customer service on your own, you should also bring your employees into the mix.

They might not feel quite as compelled to be nice to customers as a business owner does. But with the right customer service training courses, you can show them how you expect them to treat customers.

Your employees are usually your first line of defense when it comes to dealing with customers. Make sure they do their part to improve customer service.

Improve Customer Service and See Real Results Today

When you improve customer service in your business, you will see more and more customers return to you in the future. It’ll lead to more sales and give your business a better reputation in your community.

Improving customer service is also just one of the many ways you can go about building up your business.

Check out our blog for more tips that will help you put your business in a better position.

The Top Five Health Benefits of a Balance Board for Your Standing Desk

Have you heard the news that as many as 80% of adults experience lower back pain at one point or another in their lives?

Well, this isn’t some random, baseless statistic.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) says that up to 31 million people in the U.S. suffer from such problems at any given time.

What’s more, low back pain costs almost $500,000 in excess healthcare treatments and lost productivity for every 1,000 employees in the country.

Scary statistics, right?

The good news is that the many benefits of a balance board can help minimize or prevent back pain episodes. If you pair it with a standing desk, and you can enjoy more health benefits.

But what exactly is a balance board? How can it help you?

Continue reading to learn the top ten balance board benefits!

What A Balance Board Is

To really benefit from balancing boards, you first need to understand how balance boards work.

Balance boards, also known as wobble boards, look like a skateboard at first glance. Some resemble a large bathroom scale.

Appearance aside, they consist of a flat platform. Underneath are half-spheres or rounded bottoms. As such, standing on the board requires constant use of various muscle groups so that you can “keep your balance”.

Think of it like riding a bicycle. To keep yourself – and your bike – upright, you’d have to keep pedaling, right?

The same concept of constant movement applies when using a balance board. In other words, you need to keep moving many different muscles to keep yourself aligned.

It takes effort and may seem difficult at first, but you’ll reap great rewards from the exercise! We’ll discuss them in more detail below, but to give you a sneak peek, here’s a few:

• Reduced risks of back pain
• Make you less prone to injuries
• Stronger, more toned muscles
• Enhanced core muscle health
• Slim down and shape up
• Make work more fun

So, without further ado, here are the top wobble board benefits (that will also make you love your standing desk even more).

1. Reduced Risks of Back Pain

Sitting for long periods of time (like your typical office day) can lead to low back pain. It can also make your existing back problems worse. Why so?

Because this static position puts more pressure on the muscles and spinal discs on your back. It also puts more stress on your neck, shoulders, arms, and legs. Problems with the legs can also lead to foot pain.

To make matters worse, prolonged sitting also increases your susceptibility to poor posture. Poor posture, according to health experts, contributes to the rising cases of low back and neck pain. These two conditions, by the way, cost the U.S. $88 billion a year.

All these make the benefit of standing (and standing desks) more apparent. The simple act of standing straight can already help you release those added stress and pressure from your muscles and nerves.

But why not take things to the next level? Hit two birds with one stone, as the saying goes.

With a balance board, you reap the low back pain-reducing benefits of standing. At the same time, you also work out various muscle groups.

2. Lower Odds of Sustaining Injuries

People who have poor balance and bad coordination are injuries waiting to happen. You may dismiss these as being a klutz, but this “clumsiness” increases your odds of accidents and even concussions.

Using the standing desk balance board combination, you can boost your spatial awareness. This makes it easier for you to “autocorrect” the way you hold your body. In case of a possible accident, it’s easier to assume a danger-preventing body position, such as regaining your balance before you fall.

3. Minimized Chances of Falls

Expounding on falls, did you know that these accidents lead to the hospitalization of more than 800,000 people in the U.S. every year? While not all are due to poor balance, many of them are, especially amongst the elderly.

The good news is that balance training has proven helpful in this area. One study found that balance-centered exercise programs can reduce risks of falls by more than one-third.

This should also tell you that if older people can accomplish balance training, then so can you. So long as you keep at it, you’ll master your balance board in no time at all. What’s more important though is that you’ll worry less about the consequences of concussion-inducing falls.

4. Stronger, More Toned Muscles

As mentioned above, you need to keep certain muscles moving to maintain your balance on your board while working on your standing desk. The longer you use your board, the stronger, more toned your muscles become.

Who wouldn’t want to have good-looking legs? Best of all, as you improve your muscles’ strength and appearance, you also get work done.

5. Stronger Core, Better Shape

Losing weight without starving yourself on a rigorous diet is possible. But of course, you need to be more physical.

All that time you spend sitting behind a desk doesn’t help. Why spend your day sitting if you can turn it into an all-day gentle, yet effective exercise?

A balance board with your standing desk gives you this opportunity. All those tiny movements you’ll make on the board, combined with the muscles you use to keep upright, improve your core, legs, back, and glute muscles.

Start shaping up and slimming down with a balance board that’ll make you remember muscles you forgot were part of your body.

Make Work More Fun with These Benefits of a Balance Board

These are only a few benefits of a balance board. They should be enough to make you realize that work will be more fun if you have one paired with your standing desk. Besides, you’d want to make better use of your time than just hunched over your computer, wouldn’t you?

So, as early as now, make your balance work for and not against you. Get a top-quality balance board ASAP.

For more self-improvement tips like this, feel free to check our blog’s self-improvement and motivation section!

The Top 5 Best Nursing Jobs

“Save one life, and you’re a hero, save one hundred lives, and you’re a nurse.”

Have you read that inspirational quote before? Yes, becoming a nurse can save lives!

Earning a nursing degree and going into the medical field is an excellent option for your career. Not only is it a much-needed job, but it is also known to be immensely satisfying as you care for those in need.

But there is not only one way to do nursing. There are numerous job opportunities available within the field. Finding the best one for you is vital to your job happiness and success.

Keep reading to see our top 5 best nursing jobs.

1. Registered Hospital Nurse

Hospital nurses work standard shifts in hospitals or medical facilities. They may work in the ER, maternity ward or general wards.

Job duties include standard nursing tasks such as taking vital signs, helping to manage and care for patients, assisting doctors and administering medication. There are also countless opportunities to advance your skills and earning potential in this particular field.

2. Home Health Nurse

Home health nurses are personal care nurses that visit patients in their homes and provide regular care. The amount of time spent with each patient will vary according to their needs. In some instances, a nurse may need to stay many hours, or they may only need to stay for short periods of time.

Duties range from physical therapy, daily activities, and even total care, all depending on the patient’s needs. There is a great demand for these kinds of nurses, and salaries are expected to rise.

3. Outpatient Care Nurse

Outpatient care nurses generally work in care facilities. Their role is to provide routine care for patients who have just been through treatments or medical procedures.

Duties of the job include monitoring patients, cleaning wounds, checking the progression of a surgical procedure and more. There is quite a need in this field, and the salaries tend to be higher.

4. Care Facility Nurse

Nursing professionals working within a nursing care home are tasked with providing high levels of care to their patients. Much of the work involves caring for the elderly, but sometimes includes younger patients who have special needs.

Job duties include regular care and support of patients, administering medication, checking vital signs and assisting the doctors to work. This is well known to be a satisfying job, with many nurses creating bonds with their patients.

5. Physician’s Office Nurse

Nurses working within a physicians office help to provide routine care to patients.

The variety of job duties include taking vital signs, checking patients history, administering medications, shots, and vaccinations. They also take part in examinations and consultations with patients and spend time consulting with a physician about the best treatments available for the patient.

This is also a growing field, with more private facilities opening up throughout the USA. It’s also a good option for specific work such as in pediatric offices and other specialized areas of medicine.

For information regarding nursing degrees and more about the field of nursing, check out this blog.

Find the Best Nursing Jobs

As you can see, there are several wonderful opportunities in the world of nursing. And these top 5 best nursing jobs that we’ve mentioned have only just scratched the surface!

For more tips and hacks on finding the best job opportunities for you, take a look at our diverse and helpful blog.

Top 9 Men’s Magazines of 2018

Do you like to read the top men’s magazines to keep up with the latest in style, life goals for men, and fitness and business success?

As a driven individual, you want to be the best dressed and most successful of your friends and acquaintances. Who doesn’t?

Running down to the local newsstand and grabbing some of the top men’s magazines can give you the advice and knowledge you never knew you needed.

Here are 9 of the best for you to pick and choose your favorites from.

1. The Art of Manliness

With over 10 million monthly page views, The Art of Manliness is the largest independent web-based magazine for men.

Brett McKay, founder and editor-in-chief, started up the site in response to what he saw as repetitive content in the mainstream mags.

There definitely was an appetite for alternative content. The proof is that his site is now one of the top men’s magazines online.

Popular topics include self-reliance and leadership skills, as well as notes on travel and leisure activities.

When talking about self-reliance skills, it’s a pretty broad set of skills that The Art of Manliness is interested in.

Its archive of “manly skills” covers everything from how to suture a wound, to building a fire properly, and letter writing skills. One article even covers how you should plan your escape from a Prisoner of War camp.

We hope you never find yourself in one of those, but it makes for interesting reading nonetheless!

2. Men’s Health

Far more of a mainstream publication, Men’s Health is a cornerstone of the men’s editorial market.

The title gives away its health and fitness focus, but it also tracks male-focused entertainment news. Though these stories are often written from at least something of a health angle.

Its fitness coverage is still the core of the magazine. Learn all you need to about losing weight, building muscle mass, and boosting your testosterone.

It does cover style, too, but to a much lesser extent. It’s more likely to track workout clothing trends than stylish suits but does touch on other parts of a man’s wardrobe.

Alongside workout advice, you should expect tips on how to deal with common physical problems that men face, such as the causes of hair loss and how to cope with this.

3. Esquire

Esquire is one of the top men’s magazines if you’re interested in keeping up-to-date with developments in style, culture, and entertainment.

If you’re looking to update your style, check out its guide to the best-dressed men in the world. It publishes a new list annually, but here’s the countdown for the coming year.

Also contains interviews with prominent figures from the entertainment industry, such as Liam Neeson, Paddy Considine and, er… Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan’s comic alter ego).

Really, this magazine keeps an open mind about what goes in. The Editor in Chief has said in the past that it’s not about fashion, money or health, specifically. Rather, it’s about current interests and passions of men.

So while content doesn’t focus on one particular area, it’s always an engaging read.

4. Playboy

Playboy is probably best known for its bunnies, centerfold pull-out spreads and as a mark of Hugh Hefner’s decadent life and legacy.

Don’t dismiss it as a simple skin mag. Sure, it does contain NSFW material–you shouldn’t be surprised to find skimpily clad women or a guide on which type of condom to use next. But it also now places a lot of attention on the entertainment industry.

Expect interviews with some very interesting and unusual figures from the mainstream and underground, and some surprisingly challenging material.

It was Playboy, after all, which took a leading part in the normalization of sex in the 20th Century, breaking prudish norms and opening up the conversation for both men and women.

One recently published article investigates the effects of toxic masculinity, showing that it’s not one step removed from reality, even if it does deal with certain fantasies.

Because yes, bunnies and Playmates are still an integral part of the magazine. If that’s what you’re after…

5. Maxim

Maxim isn’t shooting for an audience too dissimilar to Playboy, though it broadens its horizons into reportage on sport, cars and motorbikes and several other areas.

It contains insightful commentary on current affairs from some potentially unexpected people at times.

Devised in the UK during the 1990s, Maxim soon moved its headquarters to New York City and became an international sensation, finding interesting content for audiences living in 75 countries around the world.

Though its still perhaps best known for its countdown–the Maxim Hot 100, which has been topped in the past by celebrities including Jessica Alba and Katy Perry.

6. GQ

GQ is one of the top men’s magazines for sophisticates with luxurious tastes.

The dedicated “Watches” section, for example, shows this magazine to be for a particularly high-earning audience. If you visit the website, the banner ads for sponsors such as Dolce & Gabbana confirm this point further.

That doesn’t mean it has nothing to share with everybody else. It’s well-known for its male grooming tips as well as keeping pace with new films, music, and political developments.

Coverage of high fashion is a staple diet for the GQ writers. Which can be interesting regardless of whether or not you’d wear it yourself.

In recent years, GQ has also developed a “fitness” category, but articles on this topic come few and far between. If you’re a gym nut, you’re better looking elsewhere for your fix of information on that.

7. Men’s Journal

Men’s Journal is one of the top men’s magazines for those interested in gadgets.

It also takes a key interest in some of the finer food and drinks of the world, like great bottles of Scotch (and other whiskeys). People who appreciate this sort of thing might like to take a look at its list of 11 great bourbons for under $25. It also has a section which focuses solely on beer.

Men’s Journal is perhaps a more accessible men’s magazine for those of us who, unlike some GQ readers, aren’t going to salivate at the thought of spending a thousand dollars on a watch.

This magazine has more of a rugged and adventurous outlook, covering extreme sports and hiking trails, making it a great choice for the outdoor enthusiast.

It’s something of a jack of all trades too. Besides its headline feature sections, it offers advice on workout routines, grooming, cars, and recipes for men. There really is something that caters for everybody here.

8. FitnessRX

FitnessRX is the one for the serious bodybuilders.

It goes into great detail about working out each muscle of the body, and how to get the best results out of your exercise regime. This includes the publication of video guides on its website for you to follow along with.

The magazine also offers advice on a number of good diets to follow to maximize gains.

You can enhance your performance at the gym following its nutrition tips. It will also offer you advice on consuming sensible and well-adjusted types of supplements to help you lose weight and build muscle.

If weightlifting is the big thing for you, FitnessRX is probably the choice for you out of all of these top men’s magazines.

9. Hombre

Hombre is a magazine committed to providing content which explicitly pushes men towards fame and power.

Take a look at its website sections: Ego, pleasure, money, sex, power, and fame. Hombre knows what it wants and it’s ready to take it. It wants you to take it too.

Subsections span across fashion advice, global holiday destinations, self-help and much more. It also looks at spirits, new technologies, and luxury cars.

It’s the only bilingual magazine in the States which targets Latino men.

What to Look for in Top Men’s Magazines

Of course, there are other top men’s magazines out there. This is just a small sample of the world’s best.

Depending on your own interests, you might like to seek out others. There is a huge range to choose from. Some focus on sports, some focus on centerfolds.

We’re not a homogenous group of people, so magazines have cropped up to cater for us all. Whether you enjoy sharp suits or muddy boots, a couple of the top men’s magazines on your local newsstand should keep you busy this afternoon. Get out there and check them out.

Maybe you’re even a budding writer looking to supply content to this type of magazine? Check out our guide to writing engaging content for men’s publications.

10 Secrets from the World’s Top Travel Bloggers

Becoming a globe-trotting blogger sounds intriguing in every way. Imagine being able to see the world, all the while earning an income? It’s like being on a lifetime vacation with the perks of earning enough to pay for your travel bills.

But what does it really take to become a travel blogger? The concept of quitting your day job, leaving your home country to travel the world sounds fun but scary.

How do travel bloggers do it? If this is something you aspire to become, then the best way to learn is from those who are already doing it. You can find plenty of individuals and couples on Instagram who has blogs documenting their travels.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways they’re able to achieve this.

1. Go Incognito When Searching for Flights

You’re going to book countless flights while on your travels local and abroad. This means you’ll need to save as much as you can when booking your tickets.

One secret travel bloggers use when they’re shopping for flight tickets is to search while on incognito. Why is this important? Because airlines track your search history to see which routes you’re searching for. Then they hike up the prices.

The way around this is to switch your browser to incognito mode so the airliners are unable to do so. This will allow you to shop around for tickets and double check prices without worry of price hikes.

2. Travel Bloggers Bring Along Comfort Items

Now, there are various tools you can use to help make your travels more comfortable. This is especially important when you’re traveling with children. For instance, you can allow your children to bring along a toy or stuffed animal.

A portable sound machine can also make staying in a strange hotel more comfortable. It will help improve the atmosphere and also drown out loud guests and street noises.

3. Don’t Overpack

You never want to pack too many items when you’re traveling. Not only will it weigh you down, but it’ll empty your wallet. You have to pay for extra luggage that’s not qualified as a carry-on, so more fees to worry about.

Try to only pack what you absolutely need – clothes, underclothes, hygiene products, your laptop, smartphone and maybe a few snacks and drinks.

You’ll also be happy you don’t have to wait around in long lines for your luggage. Too often people lose their baggage because of airliner mistakes.

4. Download All Maps Ahead of Time

You want your maps to be downloaded in advance and in offline mode. This way, you can access them in the event you don’t have cell phone data or Wi-Fi access.

Some areas in foreign countries have no internet access, so you’ll need to ensure you can get to your hotel and other locations without an issue.

It’s a good idea to download the way to your hotel, back to the airport and to the destinations you plan to visit during your stay.

5. Give the Local Cuisine a Try

There’s no better way to experience a culture than to head right to their food markets and restaurants. The types of foods eaten in a particular country is sometimes a complete 360 from what you’re accustomed to in your home country.

This will also give you some interesting content to share with your blog audience. You can even do a video to show the food and the atmosphere of the restaurant you’re dining in.

A lot of people are curious about the foods in different countries and cities, so this will really help your audience out.

6. Get a Filtered Water Bottle

There are two reasons you want to go this route. One, filtered water bottles will ensure your safety, since you’ll drink from tap water quite often in certain foreign countries. Then you can also save money on having to buy bottled water during your stay.

Then there’s the eco-friendliness – you’re not throwing away a bunch of plastic bottles that stay in the landfills, polluting our environment.

7. Bring Hard and Soft Copies of Your IDs

The last thing you need to happen is for you to lose your passport and ID while in a foreign country. It can take weeks, if not months, to sort things out, depending on where you’re at.

So to help ensure things don’t go awry, you should bring along hard and soft copies of your identification cards. You can scan your cards and send them to your email, Dropbox or another cloud service.

If you’ve yet to get your passport or need a new one, you can get an expedited passport. You can purchase it online and have your application processed in just 24 hours.

This is definitely the best friend of travel bloggers.

8. Monetize Your Travel Blog

You’ll need to earn money while you’re on your travels. Since you’re aspiring to become a travel blogger, then it makes sense to earn money doing what you love.

There are different ways you can monetize your blog. For instance, you can use display advertising or earn money promoting products and services via affiliate sales.

Then if you have your own products, you can promote and sell these as well.

9. Fly Around the World for Free

Sure, this sounds a little too good to be true, but it’s really not. At least, not if you play your cards right. It’s all about building up your frequent flyer points. You can visit sites like Frequent Flier, Extra Pack of Peanuts and Frugal Travel Guy for tips and resources.

10. Always Pack Cash

Today, everyone uses credit and debit cards to pay for everything. But if you’re planning to visit third-world countries, then expect there to be cash-only vendors.

Make sure to bring along cash just in case. Plus, if you lose your card, you will have some backup money you can use. Also, note that ATMs aren’t always the norm, so don’t rely on this for cash withdrawals – get it before you arrive!

Becoming One of the Top Travel Bloggers

Wouldn’t it be great to one day be considered as one of the elite travel bloggers? Well, that day could come sooner than you think. But it will take hard work and dedication to pull this off.

With the above tips, you can ensure you’re doing all you can to make your travels easier, so you can continue doing what you love doing – blogging about your travels!

If you need help writing content for your travel blog, you can always hire expert help from Article City. Stop by our site today to find a professional writer to help with your weekly or monthly content!

Top 7 Plastic Surgery Trends in 2018

In 2017, there was a surge in lip augmentations and fillers.

It’s a trend that began in 2015 and continued through 2016. One surgeon, Dr. Simon Ourian, claims it’s all because of Kylie Jenner.

It’s amazing considering how lip augmentations weren’t even that popular 10 years ago. When it comes to minimally invasive procedures, the top five back then were:

• Botox
• Chemical peel
• Laser hair removal
• Microdermabrasion
• Hyaluronic acid injections

As for plastic surgery trends in 2018? Read on to find out!

1. Fat Transfer

If you’ve ever wished you can transfer the fat from your hips and thighs into other parts of your body such as your breasts or your butt, this is the answer. Also known as fat grafting, fat transfer surgery involves removal of fat from one part of the body through liposuction and injecting it someplace else.

Aside from enhancing breasts or butts, fat transfer surgery can be used to enhance cheeks, as well as plump up lower eyelids. Since it uses your own fat, you can say that it’s a more “natural” option compared to using silicone gel-filled implants or synthetic wrinkle fillers.

Of course, it’s not a perfect solution. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, you can’t get fat transfer surgery. That’s because the newly injected cells can interfere with certain breast cancer screenings.

Also, if you’re looking for a big increase in breast size, you’ll need multiple injection sessions. Fat transfer surgery is best for women who are only looking to have a relatively small increase in breast size and already have a good lift and contour.

2. Rhinoplasty

As far as plastic surgery trends in 2018 go, rhinoplasty is one of those procedures that dips and soars in popularity. This year, it’s on the up again.

Also known as nose reshaping surgery, rhinoplasty isn’t just about making the nose smaller. Rhinoplasty may involve correction of bumps, indentations, or other nose defects. And it may also mean changing the nose’s angle or its tip.

Most of the time it’s an outpatient procedure. But there are cases where a patient may need to stay for a night in the hospital or surgery clinic. Like other surgical procedures, rhinoplasty comes with risks.

For example, the procedure can cause a serious nasal blockage due to swelling inside the nose. Infections are also possible. This is why preventive antibiotics are usually given after surgery to minimize the occurrence of infections.

3. Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is more commonly known as an eyelid lift. But it’s a misnomer.

During surgery, the eyelid isn’t really lifted. What actually happens is the surgery makes a number of incisions so he or she can remove skin and fat, creating a crease. There’s also lower eyelid surgery, which when combined with laser resurfacing, help reduce lines and wrinkles.

Sometimes, insurance carriers will cover the cost of blepharoplasty, especially when the procedure is being done so that the patient can see better. In this case, it becomes a medically indicated procedure. But of course, you must submit supporting documents for your coverage to kick in.

4. Vaginal Rejuvenation

Here’s one of the biggest plastic surgery trends in 2018.

Some of the benefits aside from improved aesthetics include increased pleasure during sex, decreased pain, and menopausal relief. Non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation has also been used to ease vaginal dryness, solve urinary leaking and atrophy, as well as organic dysfunction.

If you’re keen on getting vaginal rejuvenation, look for a clinic that specializes in it. You can learn more about vaginal rejuvenation here.

5. Ultherapy

If you’re scared of getting a traditional facelift, you might want to try this nonsurgical option using ultrasound technology.

Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared procedure that helps stimulate collagen production. The best candidates for Ultherapy are those who have sagging skin and superficial wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest. It also works well for those who are experiencing droopiness in the brow area.

Since it’s a nonsurgical procedure, there is zero to minimal downtime. You can resume regular activities after treatment. Results become visible within a few days and can last for up to three months.

6. Laser Bra Lift

There’s a new rival to breast reductions and it’s called “The Laser Bra Lift.” It’s a non-invasive procedure that uses a CO2 laser to create a full, perky look.

Perfect candidates for this procedure are women who have drooping breasts due to aging, childbearing, and weight loss. It was pioneered by Dr. Grant Stevens, a surgeon who practices in Southern California.

The Laser Bra Lift promises breasts that look lifted in a natural position. Other benefits include a more beautiful contour, nipple preservation, and longlasting results.

7. Eye Fillers

For people who want to get rid of their dark circles, eye fillers are a good option. The most common type is an injectable of hyaluronic acid, which a naturally occurring sugar in the body.

It’s a quick procedure. You can be in and out of the clinic in under an hour. But the results could last up to 9 months.

Some side effects you could have after the procedure include bruising, swelling, and some mild discomfort at the site of the injection. If you want to try eye fillers, make sure you get them from a licensed dermatologist.

There have been cases where a blood vessel has been wrongly injected with a filler. When unrecognized, this can cause scarring, tissue scarring, or worse, blindness. This is one procedure you shouldn’t get from a back alley surgeon, even if you find the $800 to $1,000 cost prohibitive.

Which Plastic Surgery Trends in 2018 Will You Go For?

Now that you know plastic surgery trends in 2018, it’s time to decide. Will you jump on the trends or will you give yourself more time to consider undergoing a cosmetic procedure?

Whatever you decide, just make sure you do your research. And if you decide to go for it, get the best surgeon you can find.

For more articles about health and beauty, don’t forget to browse our blog.

Top 10 Travel Accessories for Women

The boom of the travel industry has paved the way for a boom in travel accessories of all shapes, sizes, and uses.

In fact, the amount of choice is almost overwhelming when it comes to kitting yourself out for travel.

From one travel and adventure brand to the next, who does it better and where do you even start?

But in today’s world, the ultimate set of travel accessories is centered on convenience, weight, and style. Travelling light and compact is always the easiest way to go, especially if you’re an adventurous or working traveler.

In this blog, we highlight 10 of the best travel accessories for women who want to keep things both convenient and stylish during their globetrotting!

Our Top 10 Travel Accessories For Women

When it comes to travel accessories, there are three major categories we recommend spending your money on:

1. Luggage
2. Electronics
3. Airplane comforts

We have rounded up 10 essential items to consider for your next hop across the globe.

1. Fossil Crossbody Handbag

This is one of those travel accessories for women which doubles as perfectly convenient and perfectly stylish.

The Fossil Crossbody handbag is ideal for a night out on the town, during the day between sights and even as a small airplane bag for essentials.

The bag features two pockets which are both large enough to fit a cell phone, standard size wallet, a few makeup essentials and a small hairbrush.

It also features a convenient outside zipper, ideal for placing regularly used cards, boarding passes or passports.

2. An Apple iPad

The convenience of an iPad goes without saying. Take it with you on the plane, to coffee shops, to the beach and even to bed and stay on top of emails as and when needed.

It’s a handy travel essential as it can also double as entertainment for kids if you are traveling with little ones.

All you need to do is pre-load a bunch of games, movies, and shows to keep them entertained for hours.

Load holiday photos from an Apple iPhone onto your iPad, cruise the internet for reviews and recommendations and even Skype call home!

3. A Dual USB Charging Port

It’s always better to assume there won’t be enough USB charging points along your travels.

That’s why a dual USB charging point is one of the top travel accessories for women out there.

A dual USB charger in any other country can cost you a pretty penny too, so save your money and buy one before you embark on your travels!

These dual USB chargers are ideal for charging more than one device at a time while hanging out in airports, on long road trips and even long-haul flights.

4. The Vivitar Power Bank

Where have power banks been all our lives, right? The ultimate travel companion, aside from a dual USB charger, has to be the power bank.

Not much could be worse than discovering your phone or camera is about to die in the middle of a day of exploring.

The Vivitar Power Bank is able to charge not one, but two devices at a time and at double the speed!

Its slim size makes it easy to store in a day bag, your carry-on luggage or even a jacket pocket!

5. A Cashmere Scarf

Another one of the most super comfy and stylish travel accessories for women has to be a cashmere scarf.

The cashmere makes for a luxe, comfortable accessory to wear on long, cold flights, in chilly airports and fresh evenings out and about town.

Turn your cashmere scarf into a wrap around your shoulders if you have to enter a place of worship along your travels and need to cover up.

With a cashmere scarf, you have the ultimate travel accessory in terms of both comfort and style.

6. The Voyage Travel Pillow & Eye Mask

This unique travel accessory doubles as both a neck pillow and eye mask, ideal for those long-haul flights where sleep is a priority.

Typically, the Voyage 2-in-1 Travel Pillow is much smaller than your average travel pillow, allowing for a little more versatility as to where you place it.

7. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Now, these may be on the pricier end of the travel accessory spectrum, but if you’re looking for pure solitude on your flight, these headphones are your ticket.

Invest in a pair of these or shop a range of outstanding quality headphones on HeadphonesAddict for the ultimate noise and sound management accessory.

8. A Ricardo Suitcase

If you’re past the age of lugging heavy backpacks, then the highly durable and oh-so-chic Ricardo brand suitcase is a great luggage option.

The hard-sided, spinner roll-aboard suitcase is also extremely lightweight, highly expandable and robust.

No need to worry about rough handling with your luggage, the Ricardo suitcase is renowned for its durability and can withstand a number of heavy blows.

This suitcase is worth the investment and will tide you over on your travels for years to come.

9. The Osprey Packs Pixel Port Daypack

This is the ideal daypack for compact carry-on luggage on flights and days about town exploring with friends or kids.

This Osprey Pixel Port Daypack is fully lined with fleece, so it’s perfect for storing fragile items such as laptops, iPads, and cameras.

It also features a number of handy zippers which are secretly tucked away, perfect for storing valuables out-of-sight in case of potential pick-pockets.

10. A Moleskine City Notebook

If you’re more of a DIY planner when it comes to travel, then this Moleskin City Notebook is an amazing travel companion.

This is the ultimate DIY guidebook of nearly any major city across the globe.

Each notebook features a map of the city you’re visiting, while it offers a bunch of blank pages to make notes on where you want to visit, eat and explore during your stay.

There are approximately 20 or more versions of the Moleskin City Notebook, covering popular cities such as Paris, New York, Milan, London and more.

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The Top Content Marketing Trends Going Into 2018

Content marketing has evolved from a disruptive model to one of value. Content marketing trends in 2018 will become more inspiring and complex. Your success depends on a content marketing strategy that exceeds your customers’ expectations.

Companies are riding a content marketing wave to success. Content formats and channels have evolved to become more engaging for customers. This has led to worldwide growth in revenue generation.

In 2018, content marketing trends will continue their evolution. The world’s biggest companies plan to spend billions on original content. Their efforts are setting new standards for how customer experiences reach beyond their brands.

Your competitors won’t be far behind. That means using content to build a loyal following begins now. But choosing your strategy moving forward needn’t be a hassle.

Content Marketing Trends and Your Business

86% of B2C marketers are using content marketing to drive their brands forward. And content marketing trends are evolving with changing technologies. That means more access to videos, virtual reality, and new social media capabilities.

It’s difficult to understand what that will mean for your business. You can’t adopt all these trending technologies and formats. But you can identify the most effective and choose from those results.

Don’t overlook your existing successes either. Continuity is important for your existing customers. Don’t be afraid to expand on them even as you adopt new ones.

7 Techniques for Successful Content Marketing in 2018

Content marketing trends aren’t limited to either formats or technologies. You will need a well-assembled arsenal of each. Above every trend is a well-developed content marketing strategy.

As you think about your strategy, consider where the following techniques fit in. You may already use some and need only expand upon them. But keep an eye out for successful new adoptions as well.

1. Increased Content Marketing Prioritization

Companies are investing heavily in content marketing in 2018. Expect greater skills and capabilities among your competitors’ marketing teams. Companies will increase budgets for content marketing as well.

That’s because content marketing is becoming more and more unique. Companies need to adopt more platforms and channels as well. Content teams will resemble media companies more than the teams of previous years.

Companies will increase content presence on their websites. Companies like Ronald Joyce make stunning photographs the first thing visitors see. Companies can leverage video in this way as well.

As consumers expand the way they engage content, your competitors will try to respond. As we will find, content strategies are more sophisticated than ever. Your business will depend on a content team that grows with those needs.

2. More Sophisticated Video

Video was a growing trend in 2017. By 2019, it will capture more than 80% of all web traffic. But most video capabilities were only available to larger brands.

Now, new video tools make sophisticated video more opportune than ever. Content teams don’t need specialized skills to make a professional film.

Smartphone recorders are now on par with professional cameras. With the proper direction, small teams can make professional-looking films this way. Smartphones enable companies to host live streaming videos as well.

Video editing tools powered by AI now help produce and market videos. This can take only minutes to develop. It’s easy to integrate these videos into your social media channels.

Your team must develop a video marketing strategy. Carrying this out takes little time and investment. But determining types of content is its own strategy as well.

3. Original Value-Added Content

‘Original content’ is marketing content companies produce as a value-add to customer experiences. That means the content has value in and of itself. This is in stark contrast to branded content that functions as ads.

Customers are increasingly turning down advertisements and branded posts that ‘sell.’ They want to associated brands with styles, moods, and values. Original content offers these things to customers with no request to buy.

Original content can be as simple as how-to articles and eBooks. They can be as advanced as video series with detailed plots and characters. Their authenticity and value are what they have in common.

You can leverage video tools to create a storyline for filmed content. In this way, your team will function like a media company. You can employ internal or third-party writers as well.

4. Social Media and Channel Diversification

Social media has fallen in its appeal as an engagement platform. Facebook has seen a recent decline in organic reach. It’s volatile to host content there as they make updates as well.

Social media is still essential to content marketing. You need to make social media one branch of your overall marketing strategy.

You have more opportunities to automate content marketing. If you want to distribute content across channels, automate the social media component. You can leverage that channel effectively without burdening your team.

5. Transparency

What’s more important than authority in your space? The transparency you offer customers. For Millennials, it has become an expectation.

Your promises to customers are just as reliable as your competitors’. You distinguish yourself by sharing the true values of your company. You need to ensure those values hold up to those of your customers.

You should demonstrate your true values in your content. That might involve live footage of company altruism. It could involve prioritizing green sourcing or reducing your carbon footprint.

6. Next-Generation Technologies

Content has transitioned from physical to digital in the last 20 years. Now it will transition to next-generation technologies.

Creative teams are adapting content for Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). Leveraging these platforms can distinguish you from your competitors. They are opportunities for great original content as well.

Be sure you know what you’re doing with these investments. It’s common for content efforts here to have limited impact. Be sure there are opportunities for publicity or revenue before you invest.

7. Creative Talent is a Foundation

Your team needn’t consist of technology experts to succeed. The accessibility of technologies is changing those standards. The new measure of success is your creative capacity.

Invest in creative people and help develop creative competencies. Your content is only as compelling as the team that develops them. As they adapt to new strategies and technologies, creativity will determine your level of success.

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The Top 15 Things to Do in New Zealand

80 million people are actively thinking about holidaying in New Zealand right now.

That’s because when it comes to tourism, New Zealand is a masterclass. But with so many attractions vying for your attention, how do you know you’re including the top things to do in New Zealand on your itinerary?

Here are 15 top New Zealand attractions to get your adventure holiday off to the best start possible.

1. Bungy Jump off the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown

In 1988, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch started the world’s first commercial Bungy Jump. Where? Off the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown.

Jumping from the Kawarau Bridge isn’t just an exhilarating experience, but a historical one as well.

These days, Kawarau Bridge Bungy is still going strong. It hurtles 38,000 people per year toward the crystalline surface of the Kawarau River. It’s also the only Bungy site in New Zealand that offers tandem jumps, for those who want to share the fear with a friend.

2. Skydive the Abel Tasman

The Abel Tasman is the highest point you can skydive in New Zealand. It’s also one of the only locations you can see both the North and South Island as you jump.

If 16,500 feet sounds like the adventure you’ve been looking for, look no further than the Abel Tasman. It boasts the best views in New Zealand and the most time to truly appreciate them as you dive.

3. Whitewater Raft the Rangitikei

The Rangitikei is one of the top half-day Grade 5 rafting trips in the world.

The river section usually starts at the River Valley Lodge. The real action starts about halfway through rafting, with some Grade 2 and 3 rapids to start. Once you hit the Gorge, your skills are really tested with 10 large rapids, one after the other.

Your finishing point puts you right outside the Lodge. This makes a post-rapid pint practically mandatory after a long days rafting.

At 11km total, this all-season whitewater rafting trip is one of the top things to do in New Zealand.

4. Ski and Snowboard Queenstown

If tracking down the best skiing in the world is your thing, then Queenstown is a must-see. The town is perfectly positioned in the heart of the Southern Alps. This makes it the ideal home base for tackling its four local ski fields.

Each field has its own unique character and varied terrain, which means there’s something for every ability level. The fantastic alpine scenery alone makes a ski trip out of Queenstown one of the top things to do in New Zealand.

5. Visit Hobbiton

In 1999, JRR Tolkien’s Hobbiton Shire came to life on New Zealand farmland two hours outside of Auckland. The rolling green hills proved the perfect place to set the home of the Hobbits in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Since filming wrapped, the area has taken on a new use — bringing movie magic to the general public.

Guided tours of the Hobbiton set as seen in Lord of the Rings commenced in 2002. The area then got an extra makeover in 2009 when Peter Jackson returned to film The Hobbit movies.

Nowadays, the area is a beautifully detailed homage to Tolkien’s extended universe. It’s one of the top things to do in New Zealand, whether you’re a fan of the books, films, or both.

6. See Volcanic Action in Wai-a-tapu

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is part of an 18-square-kilometre active geothermal park. It’s located at the northern perimeter of the Reporoa Caldera, a collapsed volcanic crater formed 230,000 years ago.

Wai-O-Tapu is one of the top things to do in New Zealand. With the park open 365 days a year, you have no excuse not to experience the wonderland that Trip Advisor calls, “one of the most surreal places on Earth.”

7. Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island

New Zealand has a well-earned reputation for some of the best wine in the world. This makes Waiheke Island’s award-winning artisan wine the best of the best. If you’re a wine connoisseur, a tour of Waiheke Island’s vineyards is one of the top things to do in New Zealand.

The majority of the island’s vineyards prop open their cellar doors year-round. This makes the trip from downtown Auckland well worth the 35-minute ferry ride no matter the time of year.

8. Beer Tasting at Hallertau Brewery in Auckland

Hallertau is the leader in craft beer in New Zealand and for good reason. Its iconic numbered beers live up to the brewery’s motto: “Twisting beer traditions for new sensations.”

The Hallertau Brewery exports all over New Zealand, but it also runs its own restaurant in Riverhead, Auckland. Hallertau takes its food as seriously as its beer, making a visit one of the top things to do in New Zealand.

Its fruits and veggies are locally-sourced, often from the kitchen garden. They also keep their own free roaming brewery chooks, so their eggs are as fresh as their home-baked bread.

Hallertau is only 20 minutes from the city centre. This means a pint is in order!

9. Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The glowworms of the Waitomo caves are of the Arachnocampa luminosa species. They are native to New Zealand.

Though called “worms” they’re actually predatory larvae. They glow through a process called bioluminescence.

New Zealand is one of the best places to see glowworms in their natural habitat. It’s also one of the most picturesque. Boat rides through the caves are offered with expert commentary from professional guides.

10. Visit the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua

The Tamaki Maori Village experience is New Zealand’s most awarded cultural attraction. It’s an experience founded by Maori brothers, Mike and Doug Tamaki, and currently run by a majority-team of local Rotorua Maori. This makes the Tamaki Maori Village a cultural experience shared with tourists rather than for tourists.

If you’re looking for insight into Maori culture, history, and stories, the Tamaki Maori Village is one of the top things to do in New Zealand.

11. Swim with Dolphins in the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands sees dolphins and other marine wildlife all year round. This makes an eco-cruise out of Paihia well-worth the 3-hour road trip from Auckland no matter the season.

As well as learning about dolphins, you’ll also gain special insight into the Bay of Islands.

12. Go Whale Watching in Kaikoura

The seaside town of Kaikoura is a 2.5-hour drive north of Christchurch and well worth a spot on your itinerary.

As well as boasting the New Zealand staple of snow-capped mountains, it’s known for the 2km deep underwater Kaikoura Canyon. This canyon is home to a host of marine and plant life, including the Giant Sperm Whale.

Kaikoura’s resident Sperm Whales can reach up to 20 metres in length. This makes them the biggest carnivore species on the planet. Other whale species, dolphins, seals, and albatross also call the Kaikoura Canyon home.

Whale watching tours in Kaikoura boast a 95% whale spotting success rate. This is a statistic many companies back up with an 80% guaranteed refund if your tour doesn’t see a whale.

13. Cruise the Milford Sound

Rudyard Kipling calls the Milford Sound the 8th wonder of the world and for good reason. Its vertical sea cliffs are some of the highest in the world, with the mountain peaks beyond reaching even higher. This combined with the fiord’s many arching waterfalls makes for world-renowned scenery.

Daytime or overnight cruises are an amazing way to experience the Milford Sound. More adventurous types can also kayak, dive, or fly over the area.

As the Kiwi’s most famous tourist destination, the Milford Sound is among the top things to do in New Zealand.

14. Take a Photography Workshop at the Auckland Zoo

The Auckland Zoo is currently home to over 1,000 animals, representing 126 species. These range from mammals to birds to ectotherms. With this sort of diversity, you’ll find your fingertips itching for your DSLR.

Auckland Zoo photography workshops are a great way to build your skill set or beef up your portfolio. The Zoo’s team of photography tutors are professionals in their field. They have invaluable insight and knowledge to impart as they take you on a journey by photos of the animals.

15. Trek the Fox Glacier

The Fox Glacier was named after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1869 to 1872. It’s a 13-kilometre-long temperate maritime glacier nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps.

Many tour companies offer flyovers of the glacier. But if you want to get up close and personal a heli-hike or guided ice walk is the day-trip for you. Most quality New Zealand Winter Travel experiences will include a glacier trek.

Discover Your Own Top Things to Do in New Zealand

Whether you’re looking for your next epic experience or searching for travel blog fodder, New Zealand has something for everyone. It’s one of the only places in the world that combines culture, geothermal wonders, adventure sports, and award-winning food and wine.

Do you tastes run more towards Harry Potter than Hobbiton? Check out these 5 quirky things to do on your trip to London!