5 Tips to Stretch Your
Page 8 •June 2023 • Mount Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com
AREA - Many of the nation’s leading travel experts are predicting a surge in travel this summer. It’s no surprise that after months of restrictions, Americans are ready to set out on their next adventures. While popular destinations are likely to be open and welcoming visitors, the uptick in traffic combined with higher prices may translate into more expensive travel. If you’re planning a trip this summer, learn how to incorporate some smart spending strategies with these tips from the financial experts at Credit One Bank: Be flexible on travel dates and destinations. Unless your travel is tied to a specific event or occasion, try searching with flexible dates to find the best available rates. Similarly, if you know you want to get away but you’re not particular about where, try looking for destinations offering special promotions or deals for travel
during certain timeframes. Consider trip interruption and cancellation policies. Planning for the unexpected can help protect you if a trip needs to end early or be canceled altogether. Unless you have travel insurance, you’re likely to lose money on non-refundable expenses such as flights, event tickets or tours. However, some travel companies or your credit card provider may cover reimbursement for certain prepaid expenses. Look into what options are available before you travel to avoid extra headaches when the unexpected occurs during a trip. Get rewarded no matter how you travel. Using your credit card rewards to offset travel costs is a smart strategy, but not everyone wants or needs perks like miles or points that are exclusive to use with a single travel partner. With pointbased travel reward cards, like the Credit One Bank Wander
Card, the more places you visit, the more rewards you reap along the way that can be redeemed for future experiences, statement credits, gift cards and more. That means no matter what hotel chain you stay at, car rental agency you select or airline you fly with – or as you mix and match to get the best deals – everyday adventurers have opportunities to earn up to five times the rewards points for doing things they love. Come up with a realistic budget. When you’re planning a trip, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket expenses like airfare and hotel rooms. The reality is, when you add up all the smaller expenses, you may spend significantly more than you realize. To plan a more accurate budget, be sure you account for expenses like dining out at restaurants, paying for fuel at the pump and tickets to attractions and events. Don’t forget fees that add up,
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too, like tips for housekeeping, checked bags, Wi-Fi access, parking and souvenirs. Research and book free and discounted attractions. Some attractions offer discounts for purchasing tickets in advance online, age-based discounts or free admission at certain times or dates, so be sure to look
into any attractions you hope to visit ahead of time. If you’re a travel rewards credit card holder, start your search by looking into your redemption options. If your card offers flexible options by booking through a specific partner site or dedicated travel platform, you might be able to redeem
points or make your spending dollars go further toward earning more rewards for the cost of experiences, entertainment and other expenses while you travel. Find more ways to make your money work for you at CreditOneBank.com/articles. Family Features.
Step 3: Delight in the details Now we’ve arrived at the really fun part - decorating your new space. Some of the top trends in backyard accent d√©cor themes right now include bohemian, farmhouse, coastal and mid-century. Regardless of the theme you choose, one of the first ele-
ments that will tie your space together is an outdoor rug. The brighter the pattern, the better! Since this will live outside, we’re looking for big patterns and splashes of color to hide big splashes of dirt. Once you’ve got your theme and your color scheme, work in some oversized planters, stylish accent pillows, a scalloped
umbrella, durable dining ware and even some low-maintenance but impressive faux plants for the finishing touch. Be a “Backyard BIGionaire” this year and feel like a million bucks while hunting for the best deal at your neighborhood Big Lots or on biglots.com. (BPT)
How to Live BIG in Your Backyard This Summer
AL’S
CONSTRUCTION The sun is shining, a warm breeze is blowing and you’re itching to get outside. You finally step out the door, and what do you see? A vast, empty space with untapped potential. When it comes to designing your backyard staycation station for the summer, you want to make a BIG statement. After all, this is the place where you can be the hostess with the mostest, ready to mix up some margs at a moment’s notice or mingle late into the night by firelight. Patio and outdoor spaces can be tricky to style and decorate, which is why Big Lots has created a step-by-step guide to deck out your backyard this summer. Step 1: Maximize value and comfort The foundation of any space is furniture. Determin-
ing which outdoor furniture to purchase is as simple as viewing it as an extension of your living space. Think about how it will be used and how many people will use it. Create different vignettes and focus on “moments” you want to create in your space. Perhaps you want a cozy little spot for a fire pit. Or maybe you’re planning on hosting a neighborhood potluck around a massive outdoor dining table. Catching some poolside rays will require some lounge chairs with, of course, a side table to hold your vacation drinks. Gazebos, sofas, tables, chairs, swings and matching coolers are all important pieces to consider when designing your space. And because this furniture will be outside and exposed to the elements, don’t
forget to look for items that are trendy AND affordable. Step 2: Light up your night To fully maximize use of your outdoor space, you’ll next need to focus on lighting. And if you’ve ever wondered to yourself: am I fancy enough for an outdoor chandelier? The answer is yes. You can also try mixing and matching candle-lit statement lanterns to give chill vibes to all who come by. Another option would be to create a focal point with a fire pit, which comes in all forms these days, from grand outdoor fireplaces to smokeless metal drums and classy table centerpieces. If you want to set the mood while keeping the bugs away, hang up some string lights and the bugs will fly high as you lie low.
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