Image Source

For most people, travel entails heading away on an annual holiday or vacation for a week or two. Most of us will save enough throughout the year to book a break to an all inclusive resort in a hot and sunny location. Alternatively, we’ll book the trip and then pay the balance off in monthly instalments in the lead up to the getaway date. But if you’re planning on travelling the world for a longer period of time, or more regularly than once a year, you may have to manage your finances in an altogether different manner. Here’s everything you need to know about managing your finances as a regular traveller!

Clear Debt Before Getting Started

If you have your sights set on travelling the world, but have outstanding debts, it can be tempting to ignore your debt and make minimum payments on what you owe while you travel. But generally speaking, this isn’t the best approach. Not only will it weigh on your mind when you are meant to be enjoying your experience, but it can often prove difficult to generate sufficient money while you’re travelling to survive and meet extra payments for loans and credit cards. So, clear your debts before you go travelling. This may seem difficult, but where there’s a will there’s a way. Some questions to ask yourself and research include:

Save Money

It can be tempting to book your trip as soon as you get the money together for your flight out and accommodation. But you really do need to have some savings behind you if you are going to go travelling. This will provide you with a security blanket, ensuring you have enough money to tide yourself over or get yourself home if you are impacted financially while you’re away. Always have at least the money of a flight home available in your bank account.

Find a Remote Position

Working while you’re away can help to generate income during your travels. Not everyone wants to work in a hostel or bar. So, try securing a remote and freelance position before heading away. This will help you to maintain yourself and earn money for treats and extras.

Invest in Insurance

Travel insurance shouldn’t be an optional investment when you go travelling. It needs to be essential. This will protect your belongings and ensure that they can be replaced should you lose anything or should anything be stolen. But this isn’t even the main financial protection that a good insurance policy will provide you with. Insurance will also ensure that any medical costs while you are away are covered. This can prevent you from plummeting into debt if you require any medical attention while you’re away.

These are just a few suggestions that can help you to effectively manage your finances as a regular traveller. Hopefully, they’ll help you out!

*Contributed Post*

As some of you know, my precious mama and I are embarking on a new adventure starting this week. 

We are moving back to Tennessee after 5 years away! There will be more details to come, but for now we appreciate your prayers for us. 

There are tons of details we are finishing up and I find myself in lots of tears often as we say goodbye to a place that is incredibly dear to our hearts. 

Thank you for your prayers as we prepare in these final days to move, for our safety as we travel, for our hearts as we return to Tennessee after all of these years away (for the first time) without my precious daddy, and for our transition... thank you for all of your love and support. 

Image via Pexels - CC0 Licence 

Taking care of your teeth is hugely important - from physical to mental health, our smiles have a huge impact on the rest of our health that you may not ever have realized. Delaying or avoiding dental treatment because of perceived cost or fear can be a real issue, but all it means is storing up problems for further down the line. Good oral care has so many benefits, and it's up to you to make sure you get regular appointments with the dentist and hygienist and look after your teeth at home in between with flossing, regular brushing your teeth in the right way and mouthwash. If you neglect your teeth it can be very difficult to come back once decay sets in. We need to take steps to safeguard our oral hygiene, pass the message on to kids by teaching them great habits and if we care for our elders, making sure their teeth are looked after too. Here's why you should care about keeping a bright smile. 

The impact of not looking after our teeth and perhaps developing serious issues. We could then find ourselves in need of a Dentist, Dental Implants, Dentistry to correct smiles that are discoloured or perhaps missing teeth. Then we don't smile out of embarrassment, and this can have a huge impact on our relationships with others and how we interact with the world. When we smile, it sends a signal to our brain that all is well and helps to release serotonin, the happy hormone that regulates our mood. A world without smiles can really alter how we feel and the perceptions that others have of us. And that can impact our lives in more ways than you may first think! Literally our whole experience of the world can be affected if we don't smile because of bad teeth. 

We are beginning to understand more about the importance of good oral hygiene in maintaining heart health as well. Inflammation and disease of the gums leads to a higher risk of heart disease, so it's very important to move flossing further up your daily agenda, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Similarly, there are also links to the development of diabetes, as gum disease affects blood glucose. With diagnoses of diabetes on the rise, it really is time to take care of your teeth. 

If you need to lose a few pounds, or are trying to maintain a healthy body weight and change your relationship with food, then a clean mouth is another key to success. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash can help with portion control, because when we brush it sends a signal to our brains that we have finished eating. You can use this trick by brushing and flossing straight after a small healthy meal, to stop yourself from eating seconds or indulging in a sugary dessert. Carry a small travel toothbrush and paste, Insta Floss or a compact bottle of mouthwash with you and you can practice this trick and have fresh breath all the time. 

*contributed post*

We’ve all been there, your head is throbbing, you feel like you’re going to be sick, it's like you’ve suddenly gained twice your weight and any type of noise hurts your head even more. Hangovers are not fun with any stretch of the imagination. But our bodies are punishing us for taking it too far, enjoying ourselves at the party last night and not being careful. Well, we can say sorry to our bodies by doing a few things.

l_cwojdzinski

A good hearty breakfast

As much as you may not want to, you have to eat something. It might feel like a chore because you’re so tired and groggy, but you should have a good hearty meal to start the day. Make sure you have meat, fat, vegetables, and carbs all in one meal. This is why people like the Full English breakfast because it's packed full of calories and has a bit of everything. You can also have toast, with bacon and fried vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes to name a few. The additional minerals and nutrients will minimize the symptoms of your hangover and the important vitamins will slowly wash your insides.

Don’t fight the hurl

When you feel like vomiting in the morning, don’t fight it. Don’t try to take any kind of medicine or treatment that will prevent you from throwing up. Your body is doing the right thing, it's trying to expel the bad chemicals and waste product in your gut and system. This is all part of the healing process when you have a bad hangover. Read this brilliant article to see what affects a hangover. It depends on your age, weight, gender, and lifestyle. They say you should vomit if you can and this will speed up your recovery. However, taking some pain killers will also relieve some symptoms and allow you to get to work on time and be in good general health throughout the day.

Drink away

Drink a lot of water and by a lot, we mean A LOT. You should try to consume 1 liter of water at breakfast if you can. If you think about it, this isn’t that much. You’ll be feeling very dehydrated anyway so you can probably manage to drink 2 liters of water. This flushes out your system, quite literally. Water is great for removing toxins, general waste products, and keeps your system healthy.

Don’t drink again

They say that alcohol itself is a good hangover cure but it's a little more nuanced than that. When you drink alcohol, the methanol is converted to formaldehyde. This is a toxic chemical compound that makes you feel tired and as if you have aching muscles. By drinking, the process that is done to convert the methanol is prevented from occurring. However, this leads to bad habits and alcohol dependency. You will also become more hydrated and it will limit your choices throughout the day, i.e. not allowed to drive to work in the morning.

This has been your guide to smoothing over a hangover. But, don’t drink until you can’t walk. Don’t put yourself through this horrible feeling in the first place.

*contributed post*

Happy Tuesday! I hope that you have a wonderful day with loved ones!

Thank you so much to Moon Guides again for letting me part of this incredible project!!

Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend!

I wanted to give an update as Zoey and Preston left yesterday for Germany! I have been in contact with Zoey and we are rejoicing that the first flight was smooth and peaceful! Thank you so much to all of y'all that were praying! 

As Zoey and Preston begin this new adventure and season, I am so excited for the people of Kandern, Germany to get to live and do life with these two incredible human beings. Their love for God and others is a courageous inspiration, especially with all that is going on in our world.

If you didn't get to read my original post (click HERE) about how I know Zoey and Preston then you may not understand how grateful I am for these two people. I can personally attest to the beauty and love that they will be bringing to the BFA community and Kandern, as a whole.

NO donation amount is to small (seriously y'all- EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR is a help!) and it is tax deductible! Please consider donating right now to help us meet our original goal of raising $4000 (click HERE!)

PS- PLEASE share this with everyone you know so that we can spread the word! 

THANK YOU AGAIN for helping Zoey and Preston get to 100% of their goal and continuing to pray for them as they begin this new journey!! Please continue to pray for them as they continue to travel to BFA, their first few weeks (which will be in quarantine), and the beginning of their new jobs and adjusting to different time zones and a different country. Thank you again for all of your support for them!!

No one wants to think about their parents getting older, and not having the same abilities they once did. Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life for many people. The “baby boomer” generation is not only getting older, but they’re a huge portion of the population. By 2030, that entire generation will be over the age of 65. 

While it’s important for everyone to take care of themselves while aging, sometimes seniors need a bit more help. 

So, what can you do to make sure your parents (or other aging loved ones) get the best care possible and live life to the fullest during their golden years? 

Unsplash

1. Know Just How Much Care is Needed

Different people need different levels of care as they age. A good rule of thumb is to sit down with your aging parent and discuss the daily, weekly, and monthly tasks they need help with. You should also discuss what they feel comfortable doing on their own, or what they would like someone else to do for them. 

For example, your parent might be comfortable cooking and cleaning for themselves at home, but they might need someone to run to the grocery store for them each week. 

By establishing this “plan” ahead of time, you’re less likely to become overwhelmed, and you can ensure your parent has everything they need to live comfortably. 

2. Share the Responsibilities

If you have siblings, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask to share some of the care giving responsibilities for your parent. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. There is no reason to run down your emotional, physical, and mental well being as you try to do everything for your parent. 

Even if you don’t have siblings, you can reach out to other family members or friends and ask about different ways they can help. Be specific when it comes to your needs. Giving people certain tasks can make things feel less overwhelming for them while it effectively removes things from your plate. 

3. Hire Home Health Services

Sometimes, the care your parent needs may go beyond the scope of what you can do or what you’re comfortable with. In these cases, home health services can be a huge help. They allow your parent to remain comfortable in their own home while getting the professional care they need. Typical home health services include things like: 

If you want to know more about home health care services, check out https://serenityhomehealth.com/services/. 

The bottom line? Aging in place is one of the best ways to ensure your loving parent is able to enjoy their senior years. While you certainly want to be able to provide the best care possible for them, that doesn’t mean you need to wear yourself thin. 

Keep these tips in mind if your parent has started to need more help, and don’t be afraid to ask for help of your own if things start to become too stressful or overwhelming. 

*contributed post*

As some of you already know, this week is a week of saying "goodbye" to a beautiful and wonderful season of being the Director of International Students this past year. I know that I have already said this (many times in the past couple of weeks) to my precious students, my incredible host parents, and the amazing community that I have been blessed to work with, but once again I want to say "thank you". 

It has been a wonderful and inspiring season and I will truly miss all of you. On Monday I cleaned out my cozy office (and the white lights - but left the water JP! Haha!) and as I stood there in the doorway, countless memories flooded back. There has been so much "life" that has happened within that space it feels "holy" in many ways. I smiled and had tears of gratitude. Thank you to each of you that have made that happen.

Shortly after I started in my job I painted a verse that I had been recently introduced to from a Robin Jones Gunn book on my wall. It became the prayer of my heart for all who entered and for myself. As I leave, I confidently and joyfully look forward to these next steps and season for all of us. Thank you again so much. I love you guys. 

We joyfully and confidently look forward to becoming all that God has in mind for us to be. 

// Romans 5:2 //

The stories you have heard are true. Disney World is if not the happiest place on earth than certainly one of them. This is true regardless of your age and it’s definitely not just for kids. Did you know that there’s no such thing as a lost child at Disney? After all, how could any child be lost at the happiest place on Earth? 

Of course, you might be wondering whether you can still enjoy Disney if you are suffering from chronic pain. According to the latest research, 21.8% of individuals suffer from high impact chronic pain so you’re definitely not alone with this fear. Rest assured Disney is suitable for those who are suffering from chronic pain. You just need to make sure that you aren’t making some of the more common mistakes. 

Pexels Source CCO License

Forgetting Off Days 

Ideally, if you are visiting Disney with chronic pain, you do want to make sure that there are off days in your plans. Remember, Disney World is roughly the same size as the city of San Francisco. That’s a lot of travelling and a lot of stress that could exacerbate any pain you're feeling. Luckily, Disney is perfectly suited for off days. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you’ll find that there are several pools to enjoy the property. You used to be able to pool hop between different hotels but this is now actively discouraged. However, you can still enjoy the different restaurants and activities that each hotel provides. 

Alternatively, you might want to think about heading to one of the two water parks that Disney has on-site. There’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Both have massive lazy rivers and there’s nothing stopping you from spending a morning drifting around either of these attractions. 

Avoiding Alternative Medicines

You might not have found much luck with the typical medicines available for your chronic pain. But what about alternate medicines? CBD solutions are legal in most states across the US when they are used to treat chronic pain and that does include Florida. This means that you can take CBD products into Disney World and products that you can consume will often be the best choice here. If you look to Urban Greenhouse and similar businesses, you’ll find various types of edibles that could be perfect for a trip around Disney World. 

Make sure to speak to your doctor about this possibility and check that this is the right solution for you. 

Choosing The Wrong Hotel 

We have mentioned before the importance of staying in a Disney hotel if you are suffering from chronic pain. This is going to provide a vast range of benefits. However, if you have never been to before, you might not be aware of just how many hotels there are. It’s important to make the right choice here. The best option is always going to be a hotel that is close to different attractions. 

If you are travelling on a budget, then our recommendation would be the Art of Animation resort. The new Skyliner system means that you can easily access both Hollywood Studios and Epcot. From Epcot, you can also get the Monorail straight to the Magic Kingdom. Of course, if money isn’t a major concern then you can book a room at one of the luxury hotels closest to the Magic Kingdom. The Contemporary Resort is the nearest you can get to the most popular park on the property. 

Forgetting To Ask For Help 

Customer service at Disney World is exceptional and cast members are always ready to go the extra mile to help anyone staying at Disney World or visiting the theme parks. To get the most support, you should make sure that you are contacting Disney World before you travel. Their contact points are always open and they will be able to provide a range of different support options. If you are staying at a Disney hotel they can make sure that you get a ground floor room, if this is going to be more beneficial to you. They can also make sure that you get a room near the dining area as well as other facilities. You can also ask for help once you arrive and staff are still going to do everything they can to make you as comfortable as possible. 

Failing To Learn The Tricks

Pexels Source CCO License

There are a lot of tricks to visiting Disney World. For instance, if you visit the Vacation Club tents scattered around the parks, you can usually earn about four extra fast passes for certain rides. You might also be interested to know that certain attractions can be seen from various points in the park. For instance, many people are not aware that Happily Ever After can be viewed and heard from the back of the castle, away from the massive crowds. 

We hope this helps you avoid some of the key mistakes that people often make when visiting one of the most wonderful places for a vacation. 

*contributed post*

There are some HUGE changes coming about in the next month (will be sharing more soon, but in the meantime we appreciate prayers!). I have been finding such peace, comfort, and encouragement in the following verses. If you are staring at these next weeks and months as a time of change like we are, I hope they encourage you too...

The people who survived the wars have found favor in the desert. The LORD appeared to me in a faraway place and said, “I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness. Once again I will build you up, and you will be rebuilt, my dear people Israel. Once again you will take your tambourines, and you will go dancing with happy people. Once again you will plant... 

// Jeremiah 31:2-5 //

[Photo taken in Seward, Alaska in August 2019 at the beautiful Seward Windsong Lodge while exploring on a beautiful morning walk.]