Monthly Archives: March 2018

What to Expect After An Accident

Car accidents are often one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. Victims could lose thousands of dollars in the value of their car and be scarred by injuries for the rest of their lives. Those who suffer through car accidents may be shaken and confused. They may want to focus solely on recovery and not have to worry about the myriad of legal options available to them. But one of the keys to receiving just compensation after a car accident is to act quickly and responsibly. Here are the steps to a car accident injuries lawsuit and what the victim needs to know.

The first step to any lawsuit is to actually file the lawsuit. This filing cannot happen at any time, however. The statute of limitations is different for lawsuits in different states, and it spells out the parameters of lawsuits and when a lawsuit must be filed. If a victim delays and the statute of limitations expires, he or she cannot file a lawsuit under any circumstances. The filing consists of the plaintiff, the charges, the defendant who is being sued, and the legal theory that underpins the lawsuit.

Next, there are a series of preliminary motions. These motions often involve changes to the case like a change of venue or judge. The motions may occur due to either the defendant or the plaintiff being fearful that they will not receive a fair trial in certain places. Many changes at this stage may help a person’s case. The one that would not help, however, is a motion to dismiss. A motion to dismiss suggests that a case is frivolous or unwarranted. If a judge allows a motion to dismiss, a person’s lawsuit will end and they will receive no damages. The plaintiff must have a legally sound, well-crafted suit in order to keep their suit beyond this stage.

After the preliminary motions, there is the pre-trial phase. Attorneys from both sides often meet and attempt to work out a legal settlement. They may undergo mediation by order of the judge. If the two sides cannot reach an agreement, the case will proceed to discovery, where both sides collect evidence and take depositions of the individuals involved in the case. Each side requests many documents from everyone involved. It is a key step in the legal process since many people often do not want to engage in discovery on every possible topic. Discovery can expose personal information and force a person to answer uncomfortable questions under oath.

Attorneys will negotiate for the terms of discovery at this stage. They can also push for a motion of summary judgment. This declaration from a judge involves the judge making a ruling before going through the full process of a trial. The discovery stage is so important that many cases end during this time. “The time before a trial is ten times more pivotal than the trial itself. It is the period when the trial’s outcome, in most cases, is determined,” says auto accident attorney Victor Dante.

Finally, there is the trial itself. It is the culmination of months or even years of hard work from attorneys and plaintiffs. While the trial is of course dramatic, do not pretend that this is the only part of your lawsuit that matters. Every stage of a lawsuit is a stage where a suit can be won or lost. Car accident victims need to be familiar with these stages and the steps they need to take in order to keep their case viable and eventually receive the damages they deserve.

Tips for Successful Family Vacations

Family vacations often get a bad reputation for being stressful and overwhelming. But, they do not have to be this way. Family vacations can truly be some of our most cherished experiences and memories.

Follow our tips on creating a memorable and successful family vacation for your family so that everyone will have a wonderful time.

1. Make a plan and include plenty of time.
When traveling with your whole family, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by chaos. Avoid this from happening by starting with a plan, rather than simply trying to decide as you go.

Also, anything in groups takes more time. Be sure to take that into account and not to overbook any parts of your trip. Your family will have a much more enjoyable vacation if they are not rushing everywhere.

2. Include everyone in the planning.
Try to let each family member choose an activity or a place to visit while on vacation. This can give each person something to look forward to. It can also help to ensure that each family member will actually enjoy the trip.

3. Choose comfortable accommodations.
A tricky aspect of family vacations is that everyone is together all of the time. You get very little moments to be alone and this can cause fighting and agitation.

Try to make this a little easier by choosing accommodations that have plenty of space for everyone in your family. This will give you and your family much more reason to enjoy the trip rather than getting on everyones nerves!

4. Bring activities and entertainment.
If you are taking a long plane ride, or planning a road trip, you will definitely want some activities to keep your kids busy. This can help travel time go much more smoothly, and give your family a chance to bond and have fun.

There are plenty of travel game ideas out there. Maybe you prefer to buy some games to bring along, or maybe you want to give a shot at “eye spy” while on the road. Either way planning entertainment can make the trip much more fun and enjoyable!

5. Eat healthy food.
Eating healthy is often overlooked on vacation because it can be difficult and expensive to do so. However, eating healthy will not only make you feel better, but it can keep your children happier. No one want to deal with a child who has had too much sugar while on vacation, so try to encourage some healthy eating whenever possible.

If you are traveling by car, than it might be a good idea to pack a cooler of some of your favorite foods. Not only will this help you eat healthier because you will avoid fast food, but you can also ensure there will be food available that everyone will like.

6. Plan some downtime.
While vacationing, it can be tempting to plan events for every day and every moment. But, this can get exhausting – especially if you have young children.

You know your children’s’ limits, so plan so time for them (and you!) to take a rest. Taking this time will help you make the most of those moments that you are on the go because you will all be well rested and happier.

7. Document the adventure.
Family vacations often end up building some of the best memories. Chances are you and your family will talk about this trip for years to come. Take some time to document this special moment by taking photos and videos of your trip.

You can even get some great shots right with your smartphone. Building memories with your family is one of the best things you can do together. So, document those memories so they can be cherished forever.

Tips for Dealing with Car Repairs

Every car owner knows that car maintenance is necessary if they want to have a roadworthy vehicle. Some might not like taking in their car for maintenance work, but it is still something that needs to be done. Repairs, however, are completely different. The longer you wait to repair your car, the more damaged and dangerous it becomes. A simple chip that is easy to take care of with a quick windshield repair can become a crack that requires a much more difficult and expensive fix.

The price is an important factor when it comes to car repairs. The average car repair bill in the United States is between $500 and $600. However, a whole third of car owners have to go into debt to be able to afford a car repair. Here are a couple of tips on how to get the best price for a repair, and how to make car repairs a less stressful experience.

Compare the Costs

When the car’s damage is more than just aesthetical, your best course of action is to repair the damage as soon as possible. If you are not completely certain you can repair the car on your own, you will have to visit a mechanic.

One of the worst things you can do is to take the car to the first mechanic you come across. You want to shop around as much as you can to find out what is the average cost of the repair your car needs. Ask for written quotes. You will see that they vary from one mechanic to another. If you are repairing your car in a state different from your own, don’t be surprised to find out that the price of the repair is different than what you are used to. Some states are more expensive for car repairs than others.

Deal with Your Expectations

There are three things you need from a car repair. It needs to be quick, it needs to be good, and it needs to be cheap. However, you should not expect to get all three together. Your repair might be quick and good, but it will cost you. Or, it can be quick and cheap, but you should not expect quality workmanship.

Depending on your circumstances and the type of damage that needs to be repaired, decide where you want to compromise. You have swiftness, quality, and affordability to choose from — pick one to be a priority, and choose a mechanic who can deliver what you need.

Be a Good Owner and a Good Customer

It is your responsibility to ensure that your car is repaired so that it is not a danger to you or anyone else on the road. If you want to be a responsible car owner, you need to communicate with your car mechanic in an effective manner. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can ask about references, business history, the warranty they offer, even the insurance on their shop. You need to make sure your car is in good hands.

But you also need to be a responsible customer. Dropping off a car that is dirty or cluttered is one of the don’ts when dealing with car mechanics. It is rude, it can make the mechanic’s job unnecessarily harder, and it can affect the outcome of the repair. You should also avoid hovering over the mechanic while they are doing their job. Just leave them to do what you are paying them to do and make sure you are available in case they want to get in touch with you.

Experienced car owners know how important it is to have the right mechanic on the job when dealing with car repairs. A bad choice can make the negligible damage worse. A good choice can make the most difficult repairs go without a hitch. So make sure you find a service that fits your car, its needs, and your budget.

8 Easy Ways to Boost Your Car’s Value

Just because you’ve finally saved enough money to buy a new car doesn’t mean that you should offer your old one to the first buyer you run into. Keep in mind that there are some simple ways to boost the value of your vehicle.

Do Minor Car Repair

Some people decide to live with little annoyances such as sticking door latches and don’t see a need to repair them. However, if you want to boost the value of your vehicle, you will need to invest in small repairs. Remember that you will get much more money for your car if everything is in great shape. Simply by making a small repair, your potential buyers will see that you took care of the vehicle you’re selling.

Provide Service Documentation

Providing service documentation is extremely important when selling your vehicle because it will show your potential buyer that the vehicle was in good hands while it was yours. This documentation should include engine repairs, body or paint repairs, fluid changes, and any other kind of maintenance documents.

Mind Your Mileage

If you’re planning on selling your current vehicle within the next few years, you’ll need to watch your mileage. If you plan on driving long distances, it’s best that you think twice about your transportation options. Your average mileage should be around 13,500 per year. If it’s more than that, then your car’s value may decrease. This is mostly because insurance companies look at the mileage of a vehicle when setting premiums.

Have Your Car Detailed

Having your car detailed will probably cost you around $50, but it may increase the value of your vehicle by a few to several hundred dollars. Keep in mind that your potential buyers will first see the exterior, so it’s important that they get a good first impression. It’s also worth mentioning that certain consumer aren’t that interested in what’s under the hood as long as the vehicle is visually appealing.

Check the Tires

If you have old tires on the car you’re looking to sell, make sure to buy at least an inexpensive set of new ones. If you don’t, then the buyer might focus on the bad tires and decide to lower the price because of that. You should consider replacing your current set of tires if they have less than a quarter of tread life left. In case your wheels are scratched, bent or dented, then you should repair them to increase the value of your car.

Add Tech and Safety Features

A great way to boost your car’s value is to add safety and tech features. Safety features like side airbags and radar cruise control will surely help you get more money for your vehicle. It’s also a good idea to add certain tech features, like a quality audio system. Choosing the best car speakers will make your vehicle be worth more, especially in the eyes of people who value a good audio system.

Keep the Headlights Bright

If your headlights are hazy and dingy, then you probably won’t make a good impression with your vehicle. Considering the fact that headlights are very important when it comes to safety, it’s important to keep them as bright as possible. In case they’re still looking hazy after you clean them, it’s time to let a professional do the job.

Improve the Interior

If your car seats have holes or tears, then you should consider getting some good seat covers. There is no need in replacing the whole seat if it simply has holes or tears. However, if the springs are destroyed, then the best option would be to get new seats. Although you shouldn’t do a complete makeover of the interior, keep in mind that the better it looks, the more the value of your vehicle will increase.

What Documents Do I Need to Travel Overseas?

Traveling outside the boundaries of the United States, in almost all cases, requires a valid passport, both to enter another country and to return to the United States. A United States citizen with a passport may also be required to obtain a visa or additional documentation in order to be admitted to other nations, whether the trip is for business or pleasure. Many nations limit the length of time visitors may spend on business or on vacation, or limit the number of trips within specific time periods.

Passport and visa applications are not unduly complicated, but they do require a completed application, adequate documentation, a recent photograph, and payment of the fee. In some cases, applicants must visit a regional passport service center or foreign consulate in person, or have documents and passports shipped to such a processing center. It all takes time, sometimes several weeks, so advance planning is necessary.

Travel Requirements Vary

Before planning a trip, check specific requirements for all countries on the itinerary. Sometimes, visas must be obtained prior to leaving the United States. In many cases, it is possible to complete an online application, or to fill out paperwork at the port or airport, but not always. It is always an individual responsibility, even though some travel agents and tour groups will help facilitate visa applications.

In general, trips to Europe and to EU nations do not require visas, and travelers will find it easy to cross multiple borders with little delay and no problems. Travel to much of South America, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Orient does often require visas. Americans cannot visit Australia without a visa. Some applications are relatively simple and may be completed online; other can take several weeks, require that original passports be stamped with the appropriate visa, or are best obtained with the help of a specialized visa service.

Travel to special events around the world, including the recent Olympic Games, will require advance planning. China is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations today, so if you plan a trip either prior to or during the next Olympics, be sure to arrange for that China travel visa in plenty of time.

Exceptions to Passport Requirements:

Passports and travel visas are issued even to infants; there are no age exemptions or limitations. But obtaining a U.S. passport for a young child has recently become a bit more complicated in an effort to reduce child abduction and trafficking. In general, both parents must be available to obtain a child’s passport, and may have to appear in person to complete the paperwork. Passports issued to minors expire after five years, while adult passports are valid for 10 years.

Americans who are frequent travelers between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean may opt for a Passport Card in lieu of a Passport Book, and such cards are a valid form of identification for travel within the United States as well. They are not acceptable ID for returning to the U.S. from other destinations, however, and the card is not nearly as versatile as the traditional passport.

Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) do not have to present a passport or a Green Card when traveling directly to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or Swains Island and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. However, no intermediate stops in other nations are allowed, whether the travel is by air or by sea.

Minor children under the age of 15 may travel with parents between the United States and Canada or Mexico with only a notarized birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or consular proof of birth in a foreign country. However, a minor under the age of 18 traveling with only one parent is advised to carry a notarized letter giving authorization for the trip by the absent parent.

Children and adults on “closed loop” cruises from U.S. ports may, by law, travel without a passport as long as they have an authorized photo ID and a certified copy of their birth certificate, but cruise lines themselves may require passports. Be sure to check.

Understanding Cryptocurrencies

Although most people are familiar with the term cryptocurrency, not a lot of them actually understand the basics of this innovation. Not only do cryptocurrencies have a high level of security in transactions, but they can also be converted into real cash. Whether you’re an investor or enthusiast, following these tips will certainly ease your path towards understanding the idea behind this form of digital currency.

Understanding the Blockchain Technology

This is the starting point when you’re learning about cryptocurrencies. Blockchain technology was created and implemented by the same person or group of people that designed the Bitcoin. The creator refers to himself as Satoshi Nakamoto, although no one knows his true identity. Although not much is known about Satoshi, he did write that he is a man living in Japan who was born on April 5, 1975. This information was written on a P2P Foundation profile.

It is not necessary to understand the whole technology behind the blockchain in order to use it. Blockchain represents a digital ledger of economic transactions. Therefore, everything of value on internet is virtually recorded by this technology. The interesting part is that blockchain is incorruptible. There’s no single location that stores this database, so there’s no specific target for hackers to attack. Actually, all the data is hosted by millions of computers simultaneously and everyone has access to it.

Types of Online Currencies

In order to understand cryptocurrencies, you have to acknowledge the differences between other online terms of value. All currencies that have a non-physical representation and are managed through computer systems are digital currencies. They have been in use for decades and were implemented so people could make online transactions and purchases.

Digital currencies that are unregulated and used by a certain online community are known as virtual currencies. Virtual currencies are mostly used for in-app purchases. For instance, in order to make these kinds of purchases, you have to buy ‘coins’ first. These coins are regulated by aforementioned communities.

If a virtual currency issued as a formal medium of exchange, with security measures regulated by cryptography, it’s referred to as a cryptocurrency. In this case, cryptography is used to verify transactions and to control the creation of new units for a particular cryptocurrency.

Coins vs Tokens

Cryptocurrencies that operate on an independent blockchain network with their own rules and governance structure are referred to as coins or altcoins. The majority of altcoins are variants of Bitcoin that use Bitcoin’s original open-sourced protocol with changes in its underlying codes. Changing these codes leads to a development of new coins with a different set of features. Some examples of altcoins that are variants of Bitcoin are Litecoin, Namecoin, Peercoin, Dogecoin, and Auroracoin.

If a cryptocurrency resides and depends on a blockchain network regulated by another cryptocurrency, then it is called a token. Transactions made by tokens are linked to the parent platform and followed by transactions on this platform with its own coins.

Start with Bitcoin

Bitcoin stands for the most valuable cryptocurrency and it has become an extremely popular topic in the last few years. As mentioned above, it was developed by a mysterious person who refers to himself as Satoshi Nakamoto. Although it’s followed by many benefits, most people don’t really understand the purpose or the regulations of cryptocurrencies. If you’re just now entering the crypto world, make sure to do your research on Bitcoin first.

Pseudo Anonymous vs Fully Anonymous

Some of the currencies are anonymously managed while others are pseudo anonymous. Bitcoin is pseudo anonymous. This means that other users can’t see your name attached to the IP address. But, if required, the law enforcement can proceed to investigate the case and find out who is behind the IP.

On the other hand, if privacy is your main concern, then Monero would be your best bet. This is a fully anonymous cryptocurrency that doesn’t allow even the law enforcement to track it down. Because of its complicated cryptography, transaction sizes of Monero are fifty times bigger than that of Bitcoin. Although this is the only downside of Monero, it’s worth it for people who demand privacy.

Staying Safe on the Road

Over the past decade, due to stricter regulations, manufacturers have been developing many new methods to keeping drivers safe behind the wheels of their vehicles. However, these developments do not completely remove the responsibility of drivers to ensure that they drive safely for themselves, their passengers, and others on the road. According to Driver Knowledge, on average, there are 6 million accidents in the United States per year. There are many ways that drivers can ensure that they are being safe behind the wheel, and we are here to discuss a few of these ways. By understanding and continually performing the actions, provided by this list, you will continuously improve your driving skills.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Before you even start your vehicle, you will want to make sure that everything is in order. Routinely check your fluids, lights, mirrors, body panels, brakes, and tires. Checking does not take a long time, and a quick walk around your car will allow you to see things that may be broken. Look for parts that are out of place, broken, or seem like they are failing. If you do not know how to inspect your vehicle, make it a habit to take it to a reputable auto shop. Many tire shops, offer free tire inspections despite where you may have originally purchased your tires from. Repairing vital parts on your vehicle, like brakes, when needed, can be the difference between a catastrophic accident or you enjoying your journey.

Use Safety Measures

By law, every car should have fully-functioning airbags. These laws are not in place for manufacturers to make money, but for people to remain healthy when involved in an accident. Laws that require you to wear your seat belt, or drive a certain speed limit, protect drivers during unforeseen events. By utilizing safety measures, such as wearing your seat belt when a vehicle is in motion, or driving sober, you improve your chances of safety by a great margin. For motorcycle riders, these means wearing your safety gear at all times; even when it is hot. In fact, many companies make hot-weather gear for motorcyclists, so that they can remain both cool and safe while riding.

Stay Alert

One of the main reasons that it is illegal to drive under the influence is due to the fact that certain substances decrease a driver’s alertness. It is crucial to stay alert of your surroundings when you are driving. Along with your own driving, you should pay attention to how others around you are driving, and do your best to avoid drivers that are driving recklessly. You will want to be prepared for any situations where you may need to suddenly stop or maneuver; anticipate them.

Pulling Over

If you ever find yourself in situation where you need to stop on the road, try your best to drive your vehicle to the side of the road, where you can safely address the situation; if possible pull over to a parking lot. Ideally, you should remain in your car and try to solve whatever issue you may be having, but if that is not possible then exit the vehicle only when you need to.

Practice

Along with insurance benefits, defensive driving courses offer many great advantages. These courses teach drivers how to react in certain situations, how to practice safety, and how to control their vehicles. Although you may believe that you are the best driver in the world, driving courses can improve your technique and any flaws that you have with your driving. If possible, practice driving defensively at all times and learn what is necessary during certain situations. Practicing driving can include going to a race track and learning, from an instructor, how to drive on the course. Additionally, if it is allowed, you can go to an empty parking lot and set up cones to practice car control.

Conclusion

When driving your vehicle, your objective should always be to remain safe; not only for yourself, but for other people. There is never a time that you should be distracted by your cellphone while driving. If you need to answer a phone call, or text, then it is always best to pull over to a safe location until the conversation is done.

What to Expect After Getting Into a Car Accident

Although everyone tries to avoid them, car accidents happen a lot. Even though the number of accidents has been drastically reduced in the last fifty years, it’s best to know what to do in case they happen. Most driving instructors will provide you with knowledge on how to use a first aid kit, but there’s a lot more to know than that.

Preserve the Evidence

If you get into a car accident, you’ll have to pull yourself together as soon as possible. Chances are that there might be another vehicle heading your way. Get out of the car right away. Call 911 once you are safe, and when the officer arrives, tell them exactly what you remember. If you’re injured, request that they send an ambulance as well.

Before law enforcement and medical help arrives, it’s best to preserve the potential evidence related to the car crash. Since you probably have a smartphone, use your phone’s camera to take pictures of the vehicles. Pay attention to anything that could have caused you or the other person to crash into each other. For instance, some obstacles on the road or unmarked pot holes. This is important because the driver that caused the accident might not remember the reason due to a concussion.

 

Expect Different Emotions

Everyone reacts to car accidents differently. One might experience shock, disbelief or denial almost instantly after the car crash occurs. While the realization that you’ve either been in a car crash can cause these emotions, it’s important to stay focused and try to remain safe. You need to overcome these emotions and stay calm until the situation is under control. You might feel these emotions a couple of days after the crash, and in rare cases there is even a possibility of trauma.

Other emotions you might feel include anxiety, anger, and guilt. While they are natural, it’s important that you don’t respond to them. Keeping your head clear is important because you need to have a full situational awareness at the time. The best way to remain calm is to take deep breaths. Deep breaths are going to help you suppress adrenaline that might act as an amplifier for negative emotions.

Contact an Insurance Company

After a car accident, contacting your insurance company is inevitable. You’ll have to give a call to the company, regardless of who’s guilty. Get the insurance carrier’s name and insurance policy number of the other driver. This information will be on the police accident report. Their insurance should at least cover any injuries you might’ve received as well as the cost of repairing your car.

Your insurance, however, should cover the cost of any immediate necessary help that you might need. Keep in mind that you should never lie to your insurance company. This could lead to great consequences. You don’t need a lawsuit for possible coverage denial for the accident.

Check for Injuries

Even though you might not feel hurt, there’s a possibility that you suffered an injury from the incident. Since car crashes can be stressful, participants of the accidents usually have a higher level of adrenaline. The high level of adrenaline can conceal the pain. Check for any external injuries that you can spot right away and call for medical help.

Some injuries may be internal, so you’ll need to keep an eye on that too. Don’t overlook bruises since they could indicate that there is internal bleeding. Also, be aware that in a rush to help you, medical practitioners might make a mistake. If they do, and they cause your injuries to get worse by misdiagnosing you, you should contact a personal injury solicitor.

You should also be aware that post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) are common in many car accidents. This is one of the hidden problems of a car accident, as well as many other psychological disorders.

Quick Ways to Create Better Spending Habits

Spending is a fun activity. Everyone likes to go out shopping, but most people tend to get carried away. It’s easy to spend more money than you planned, which is why you should always be careful. Bad spending habits can make someone’s life much harder than it should be. This is why it’s important to work on forming better spending habits.

Make a List before Shopping

Whether you’re going to a grocery store or to a shopping mall, this is a great way to cut down on your spending. By making a list before shopping, you won’t have to wander through the store trying to remember what you should by and ending up buying things that you don’t really need. If you make a list, you’ll actually have a goal for your shopping session and make it more time efficient as well.

A list is not only there to remind you what to buy, but also to keep the shopping cart filled only with things you need. This will certainly reduce your unnecessary expenses.

Opt for the Best Prices

It’s normal to assume you want the product at the best possible price. But, sometimes, those great deals need some digging. Usually, this is the case with products you buy every day, like groceries. No one is going to advertise the best price for a low-cost item. While some supermarkets have commercials in which they advertise some household items, it’s usually only a few items. You never get the full picture.

This problem can be solved with some detective skills. Go to each store and try to memorize which one has the best prices. Save your bills and compare them later. You’re not going to find an ultimate store filled with the cheapest stuff, but you’ll most likely be able to find a store with lower prices for most of the products.

Use Coupons

This is a great habit that you should implement. Collecting coupons is a surefire way to save some money. Coupons are usually a tool for companies to keep customers happy and advertise their products. However, they’re also a good marketing trick, since they actually make your purchases cheaper. Coupons can discount any percentage of the retail value.

Therefore, the only thing left to do is get them. Some stores use them as a rewarding system. There’s a lot of ways you can come across coupons. Some can be found on the internet while others are received in the mail. Nowadays, it’s really easy to find coupons online.

Don’t Shop when You’re Hungry or Bored

Everyone knows they shouldn’t shop hungry. This state can be quite problematic for your budget. Make sure you’re full before going to the mall. Hungry shopping is somewhat of a psychological issue. There’s a big possibility that a hungry person will buy more unneeded stuff like some snacks for the road.

While the fact that shopping while hungry is a bad idea is well known, newer researches showed that shopping bored is just as hazardous. Whether you’re waiting for a bus or a plane, it’s best to avoid buying anything. Waiting for something is an annoying process which can be killed by shopping, but it can cost you quite a bit.

Use Cash

Paying with cash is a strategy that’s going to make you more aware of how much you’re spending. There’s something about watching how you give your hard earned money. This feeling is felt less if you’re using a credit card. Think about it – you give someone your credit card and you get it back. It hardly feels that you’ve spent anything.

Try to withdraw enough money from your card each month. However, keep in mind that more withdrawals will take away more fees. So, be sure to carefully plan your monthly spending and withdrawals.

10 Ways to Pass the Time in an Airport

Getting stuck in an airport can be really boring. It gets even worse if your flight is delayed or you have to stay overnight. Before you start dreading the fact that you might have to wait several hours or even a day before you take off, here are a few tips on how to stay entertained while you wait for your flight.

Sleep

There’s probably nothing worse than being stuck in an airport and being exhausted at the same time. Gather your belongings and put them somewhere safe, find a comfortable seat and get a decent rest. This will replenish your energy and make you feel refreshed, which will allow you to do more sightseeing once you reach your destination. But before you do that, remember to set an alarm at least an hour before the flight in order to avoid missing it.

Socialize

Meeting new people is almost always an interesting experience, so why not do it while you wait for the flight? Since a large number of people use airports on a daily basis, you’re definitely going to meet someone with whom you can have an interesting conversation. There’s a big chance you’ll have at least a few things in common with people waiting for the same flight as you do.

Read a Book

Having to wait for your flight is a perfect chance to start reading the book you always carry in your luggage. Time will definitely fly by and you just might discover your next favorite writer.

Listen to Music

Music is known to be a great way of getting in a better mood, especially if you’re stressed out or scared of flying. If you’re stressed out because your flight got delayed, make sure you listen to relaxing music.

Go Shopping

Airport shops offer a variety of options for passengers. Whether it is makeup, clothes, perfumes or books, there is a shop for everything. You can find great bargains and buy gifts for your beloved ones. Also, you can visit restaurants and try different types of drinks and food.

Explore the City

Depending on how much time you have left before your flight, you might just be able to take a quick tour of the city you’re in. Get a taxi or take a bus and go to the city center. This way you get a perfect chance to explore the city, visit famous landmarks, and take great photos.

Adult Coloring Books

Another great way of killing time at the airport is to bring a coloring book for adults. It may seem a little weird and childish at first glance, but it’s an awesome way to reduce stress, express your creative side and stay entertained for many hours. There is a huge variety of adult coloring books so you can choose between various patterns and mandalas.

Exercise

There is no better feeling than stretching your legs after sitting on an uncomfortable seat for many hours. Airports are usually huge structures, so you’ll have a lot to explore. Taking a walk will help you to stay in shape and keep yourself entertained.

Make a New Plan for Your Trip

Since your flight is going to arrive later than expected, it is probably a good idea to make a new plan for your trip. Take out a notebook and a pen and start to plan your time so you don’t waste it when you finally get to your destination. Go online, check for bus schedules or inform the hotel you’re staying at that you’re going to arrive late.

Play

Many airports have activities that can help passengers kill boredom. A lot of times, you’ll be able to find an arts and crafts shop, children’s playground, or even a little screening room where you can watch a movie for free. Even your phone can come in handy since you can download interesting games, which will surely make time fly by.