tips for the

Solo Traveler

Whether you’re a lone wolf at heart or looking to broaden your sense of independence, traveling solo can be a richly empowering and satisfying experience.

Setting out on your own has many practical advantages. You’re not worrying about accommodating another’s schedule, interest or needs, and you’re free to decide what you want to do and when. Solo travel also elicits some mental and emotional benefits, as you experience a unique sense of freedom, liberation and self-sufficiency.

If you’re considering a solo journey, consider these tips from the book “101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers,” which is offered by Overseas Adventure Travel in free digital and print editions.

1. MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT IS UPDATED Many countries now require your passport to be valid for six months after your return to the United States. If you don’t have a passport, or need to renew one, apply for one as soon as possible. Ideally you should have your application in six months before you depart.

2. LOOK FOR TRIPS WITH NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Often, quoted rates are “per person, based on double occupancy.” This is because travel hosts know they can make more from a couple traveling than an individual. You can avoid paying a single supplement premium by being willing to match with a roommate or traveling with a tour company or cruise line with free or low-cost single supplement fees.

3. USE THE ATM As an affordable and convenient way to get cash, you can avoid wasting time in line at a bank or currency exchange bureau by visiting an ATM. While you’ll likely incur a fee for using an ATM that’s not part of your bank, it is often less than the commission you’d pay at an exchange bureau.

Let's get glowing for great-looking summer skin!

4. DOWNLOAD ENTERTAINMENT BEFORE YOU LEAVE When traveling, Wi-Fi can be expensive, slow or just not available. Before you leave, download music, e-books, podcasts, favorite tv shows or movies to enjoy when you're en route or during down time.

5. JOIN GROUP TOURS Once you reach your destination, you may enjoy joining small groups for excursions or to explore local cuisine. Or you can make your entire journey a group experience. A small group adventure with Overseas Adventure Travel has many benefits, and built-in dining companions is just one of them.

6. TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN YOUR HOTEL ROOM When you check in, ask the receptionist to write your room number down instead of announcing it so everyone can hear. Make sure your room’s locks work on both the door into the hallway and the balcony. Never let any repair person or staff member into your room without confirming with the front desk first. Bring a rubber doorstop, which makes a hotel room door nearly impossible to open. Finally, have an exit plan: Know where the nearest exit is located and the route from your room.

7. MAKE NEW FRIENDS For some, making friends seems to happen naturally while traveling alone by chatting with strangers at a neighboring restaurant table or striking up a conversation while waiting in line at a store. If those situations don’t occur naturally, there are useful apps that can connect you with local people as well as fellow travelers.

Find more tips to prepare for your journey at oattravel.com

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Exfoliate and lighten dark spots on hands and cheeks. Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle baking soda on lemon & rub into hands and cheeks.

Remove dull peach fuzz with Dermaflash.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate with lemon water to flush toxins.

As designers, we often get this question when it comes to kitchen countertops, ”Which is better - quartz or quartzite?”. It can be very perplexing if you are not informed. Hiring professionals, such as interior designers, can help educate and steer you toward the perfect countertop for your home. However, If you are managing your own remodel it helps to know about the products prior to heading out to the slab yard.

Two of the most popular surfaces we use with our clients are Quartzite and Quartz.. The names are a little deceiving as they sound the same and often are confused with one another. Quartzite is a natural stone while Quartz is a man-made material. Both are gorgeous and offer unique qualities specific to various needs. When choosing between the two you must consider style, practicality, and longevity. Following is a breakdown that will give you more insight into making the right choice for your home.

WHAT IS QUARTZITE?

Quartzite is a natural product formed when quartz

Quartzite or Quartz

WHICH SHOULD YOU USE IN YOUR KITCHEN?

sandstone is exposed to high temperatures and pressure. It comes from deep within the earth and is extracted in blocks by quarrying. When heated, individual quartz pieces recrystallize adding beautiful sparkly accents.

PROS:

Quartzite is a natural stone. Each slab is one-of-a-kind. No need to worry about a pattern repeat when using multiple slabs for your counters. Many clients fall in love with the natural veining and uniqueness of quartzite. There is nothing like the beauty of Mother Nature’s work. Quartzite is also a very durable material. On the Mohs scale of hardness (from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest) it is a 7. In comparison, granite on the same scale is a 6-6.5.

CONS:

The biggest con to quartzite is etching (surface damage). Be careful to use cutting boards with this natural stone. Quartzite also requires annual sealing as it is a naturally porous material. Acidic substances like lemon juice, ketchup, etc. can also cause surface damage if the stone is not sealed properly. If etching does occur, a stone resurfacing company can repair it. Another con is that quartzite is typically more expensive than quartz per slab. It will also cost more to fabricate as it is a tougher material to work with.

WHAT IS QUARTZ?

Quartz is engineered with the same quartz crystals found in quartzite, but a man-made process binds the crystal with resins, pigments, and other materials such as bits of glass. (MSI Stone Surfaces).

PROS:

Quartz is very durable and non-porous. It is resistant to chipping, scratching and bacteria and virtually needs no maintenance. Since it’s manmade, quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and designs. It typically is more cost-efficient than natural stone. Quartz may be the ideal choice if you have kids that like to use your countertops for arts and crafts, or if you are susceptible to spilling red wine ;)

CONS:

You cannot put hot pots or pans on quartz. Excessive heat can damage the resin which melts when in direct contact with heat. Quartz cannot be used outdoors. It can discolor and fade with direct sunlight. Another con to consider is the pattern. Unlike natural stone, the design on quartz is a pattern that is repeated through all its batches. One or two styles may offer a book-match option, but you still only have two patterns to use throughout your kitchen.

When it comes down to it, the choice is personal preference. Do you like the durable qualities of quartz or the beauty of natural stone? Depending on how your household functions and your personal taste, either can be a good choice. But fair warning, much as you may think you want one versus the other, looking at the full slab at a slab yard may change your mind completely. Keep an open mind. We have had many clients that come in adamant on the functionality of quartz but are mesmerized by the artistic beauty of Mother Nature’s quartzite. Countertops can be a very emotional purchase. It takes up a great amount of surface space in your kitchen. You see it every day. You use it every day. Seeing the quartz or quartzite slabs in full effect is highly recommended. If after visiting the slab yard you are still undecided, give us a ring.

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