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International Travel Tips Good Eats Event Calendar Retirement Savings Blogging for Profit Community Resources Service Directory
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TOP 5
Mistakes to Avoid TOP 5
on Your Next International Trip
Luxury Cruise Lines for Your Next Vacation
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OVERPACKING OVERSPENDING NOT ENOUGH RESEARCH CARRYING VALUABLES NOT NOTIFYING THE BANK
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Whether it’s your first international trip or your fifth, traveling is all about discovering the unknown. It’s no surprise that there can be problems along the way. Extra planning and learning from these common travel mistakes can help you focus on enjoying your trip without worrying.
Mistake #1 is overpacking - too many packed items can be hard to organize and be uncomfortable to travel with. Mistake #2 is overspending - sticking to a realistic budget and leaving room for unexpected expenses is always best. Mistake #3 is not doing enough research - it’s always safe to do extra research when traveling aborad including weather, laws, and international costs. Mistake #4 is carrying valuables with you while exploring - pick pocketers are notorious for targeting tourists, so keep your valuables locked away safe in your hotel if possible. Most importantly, mistake #5 is not notifying your bank of your international travel plans - otherwise, your debit or credit card may be blocked due to “unusual activity” unfortunately if you don’t do this ahead of time.
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Restaurants Republic at The Linden New American dishes, Sunday brunch & seasonal cocktails dished up in a woodsy-chic gastropub. 10 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: (860) 310-3269 | Web: republicct.com
Agave Grill Tableside guacamole & a long list of tequila star at this lively Mexican restaurant. 100 Allyn St #1418, Hartford, CT 06103 Phone: (860) 882-1557 | Web: agavehartford.com
Peppercorn’s Grill Italian restaurant & bar serving upscale cuisine in a warm, intimate space. 357 Main St, Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: (860) 547-1714 | Web: peppercornsgrill.com
Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature? Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.
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Dolphin Bar
Coyote Flaco
Trummbull Kitchen Seafood headlines the eclectic menu at this casual, industrialchic eatery with a lively bar scene. 150 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103
Casual outpost offering familiar Mexican fare & margaritas in easygoing surrounds. 635 New Britain Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
Feng Chophouse Upscale eatery offers creative sushi & a range of Southeast Asian cuisines in a sleek urban setting. 93 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103
Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue Local BBQ outpost serving smoked meats & sandwiches, plus comfort sides, in a low-key setting. 25 Front St, Hartford, CT 06103
Wood-n-Tap- Hartford Roomy, family-friendly hangout offering craft beers, American comfort food & TVs airing sports. 99 Sisson Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
Red Rock Tavern Veteran, brick-lined hangout featuring late-night American grub & weekend brunch. 369 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
Mo’s Midtown Restaurant This compact neighborhood option serves ample portions of familiar breakfast fare in simple digs. 25 Whitney St, Hartford, CT 06105
King & I Thai Restaurant Classic Thai cooking & specialties served in modest surroundings in a small house. 1901 Park St, Hartford, CT 06106
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EVENTS JAN 8 Winterfest
Skate, catch a play or a concert, be amazed by art, cheer on the Huskies and the Wolf Pack, enjoy a great meal and so much more. Ride the carousel, take free learn-to-skate classes and other special events. Learn more at visitconnecticut.com.
MAR 19 Sugar Maple Festival
Each March, taste nature’s bounty of sweet maple syrup or learn about how maple syrup is produced in Hebron. At this familyfriendly event, taste foods made with maple syrup, enjoy live music, face painting, and sugar house tours and demonstrations. Take home a pint of maple syrup to cook your own delicious creations. Learn more at bestthingsct.com.
MAY 29 Memorial Day Parade
West Hartford takes great pride in hosting its annual Memorial Day Parade held annually on the federal holiday, last Monday of May at 10AM. It follows a tradition established by returning West Hartford veterans from World War I in the 1920s. All veterans, with a group or alone, are welcome to march in the parade. Learn more at westhardfortct.gov.
JUL 16 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz
Bringing together good people, good food, and of course, excellent jazz music, the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is a can’t-miss event. In previous years, the festival has welcomed legendary musicians like the Duke Ellington Orcechestra and Dave Brubeck. Learn more at bestthingsct.com.
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S AV I N G
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FOUR TIPS
to help you boost your retirement savings 1. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR 401(K) If you happen to have the benefit of a traditional 401(k) plan through your employer, you may be able to contribute pretax money. This can be a huge advantage to your retirement savings plan.
2. OPEN AN IRA It is a good idea to establish an individual retirement account (IRA) to help invest in your future. You can do either a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. Take some time to research both options and see what’s best for you.
3. AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS A good idea to help you increase your savings even more is to set automatic payments each month. This will help you grow your money without even having to think about it.
4. SET A GOAL Understanding and planning ahead of time how much you may need in the future not only can help you better understand why you’re saving, but it also can make the process more rewarding.
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Most Profitable Blog Niches
Making money online with a blog has never been easier. There are so many areas you can explore when developing content for a blog. Making a profit from doing this is definitely possible, but it is essential to make sure you are creating high-quality content to help you monetize. Here are some quick tips and ideas to help you get started.
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1 Digital Marketing
Don’t overestimate the value of digital marketing in today’s businesses. SEO, email campaigns, social media, and influencer marketing are just some of the broad range of strategies used in digital marketing.
2 Blogging for Profit
There are many valuable ways to write and help people make money online. Some of these blog topics include freelance writing, working as a virtual assistant, and even starting your own online business.
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EVENTS SEP 3 Artists in the Country
The rural town of Woodstock is the site of one of Connecticut’s most popular folksy arts and crafts festivals. This state has a rich tradition of creative local artists, and each September people travel from all around to enjoy the crisp fall scenery and check out the latest artwork and creations by the residents. Learn more at iexplore.com.
OCT 13 Scarecrows Along Main Street
Come to the historic district of Wethersfield and see something spectacular! Scarecrows will be popping up along side shops, restaurants, museums, colonial homes and more this fall season. Learn more at ctvisit.com.
oct 23 Halloween Trick Or Treating
Downtown Manchester businesses are bringing back Halloween trick or treating for area young people this season. Downtown businesses will be passing out treats outdoors. The Shops at the Manchester Mall at 811 Main will also be featuring a take-and-make craft. Learn more at patch.com.
DEC 19 Gingerbread House Festival “Land of Sweets”
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season while gazing upon replicas of historical buildings alongside edible villages, all created by regional artisans and bakers, students and community members, expert and beginner alike. Stroll past fairy tale houses and fantasy trains all covered with bright, colorful candy. Learn more at ctvisit.com.
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HARTFORD GAY & LESBIAN HEALTH COLLECTIVE The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective empowers individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions to lead healthy lives through the provision of health and support services, education and advocacy. HGLHC.ORG | (860) 278-4163 CLARO Connecticut Latinos Achieving Rights and Opportunities (CLARO), is dedicated to educate and promote equality for the LGTBQI+ community to achieve rights, address homophobia, and discrimination. We accomplish these goals by mobilizing our community and partner agencies on issues like marriage equality, parental rights, anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexual education, adoption, and HIV/AIDS. HARTFORDPRIDE.ORG | (860) 841-2345 METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH We are the church alive, a compassionate community of faith and a spiritual home where all people can experience the liberating love of God. All are always welcome but MCC Hartford ministers especially to the LGBTQ+ community. MCCHARTFORD.COM | (860) 724-4605 CHEZ EST Hartford’s only LGBTQ+ Restaurant, Bar and Cabaret featuring drag queens, DJs & karaoke. Proudly serving ALL of the community for over 45 years! We believe here at Chez “There’s Something For Everyone”. CHEZEST.COM | (860) 525-3243
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3 Health & Fitness
Online fitness classes have become more and more popular over time. There are many areas of fitness content to include such as workout videos, fitness courses, and one-on-one training sessions.
4 Finance & Investing
People are constantly seeking ways to manage their money better. You can help people manage their money wisely in ways like saving for retirement or making the right investments.
5 Food Recipes
People love to learn about quick and easy meals and diets. Getting creative with this is the fun part as you can put own twist on popular dishes or share innovative recipes.
6 Self Care
Now more than ever, people are tapped in to their mental wellness. There are so many beneficial topics to create content on inlcuding routines, stress management, mindfulness, and journaling.
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BAKERY Montecarlo Cafe & Pastry Shop ................................................................................ 17 BATH REMODELING Bath Fitter ................................................................................................................... 17 COUNSELING CHR .............................................................................................................................. 11 CLEANING SERVICES The Cleaning Authority .............................................................................................. 17 DENTIST AGN Dental Associates ............................................................................................... 2 EDUCATION Asnuntuck Community College ................................................................................... 3 FITNESS Healthtrax ....................................................................................... (back inside cover) HAIR SALON Salon Q ......................................................................................... (back outside cover) HEALTH GoHealth Urgent Care ................................................................................................ 3 JEWELRY Hannoush Jewelers ..................................................................................................... 13 LIFE INSURANCE Finn Financial Solutions ................................................................................................ 1 LUXURY HOMES & APARTMENTS The Grand .................................................................................................................. 13 MASSAGES Hands On Therapeutic Massage ............................................................................ 8-9 PANINI SHOP Hot Table Panini .......................................................................................................... 3 PLUMBING Farmington Valley Plumbing ...................................................................................... 11 SKIN CARE Skin Care by Asha G .................................................................................. (front cover) TATTOO Sacred Body Tattoo ..................................................................................................... 2
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