5 Essential Things that will Save You During Travel

Let’s all admit that when packing for a long trip (or even a short one) we always prioritize items such as digital camera and phones, clothes, ids and passports. While all of those are required of course in any travel pack, we always almost reconsider on packing the things that we think may not be necessary for the trip but can be the most important!

The tricky thing about packing is choosing between ‘what to pack’ and “what to leave at home’. Now for an assured safe travel and all, here are some of the five things that you need in your travel bags at all cost.

                          

1.   Small Flashlight

Now I know some of you may think, why would I need this along? One may never know when you find yourself staying at a place and then the electricity suddenly goes out. Having one flashlight with you is enough. If you are traveling by Toyota Vios in the Philippines, keep another flashlight packed in the car to make sure you have an extra when your first flashlight is damaged. In addition to another flashlight, bring you an extra set of batteries because you may never when or where you can buy and repack new ones.

      2.   Swiss Army Knife

Now this is some nifty thing to have and small enough that you can keep in your bag. A Swiss Army Knife includes a scissor, a can opener, tweezers, two knives, a corkscrew and awl which is a useful tool to have while travelling. Plus, it’s another added protection for you. Just be sure that you know how to carry and hold it so you don’t cut yourself while holding the swiss army knife since it retracts back in place.

3.   Waterproof Bags

Now these bags can be very useful in any travelling conditions, having a waterproof bag can protect your important items such as ids and passports, cameras, maps and travel documents, phones and other electronic equipment. Make sure that you have waterproof cases for each of these so it’s neatly organized by their set.

4.   Large Bandanna

If you never expected a very hot day and the heat is unbearable, having a bandanna packed gives you some added protection for your skin. You can also use it for trekking to cover your nose and mouth so as to avoid inhaling dirt or any foreign residue from climbing up the mountain. Plus, it slightly helps you in breathing if the air is a bit foggy. Other than that, it’s another extra clothes for warmth.

image:en.wikipedia.org

       5.   Small Med Pack

You can keep your prescribed meds here, disinfectants for wounds, plus some additional medicine for when you feel sick, and having a fever. For women, it is also useful to have a medpack to put in your feminine products and items because there might be a time where access to napkins or tampons will be difficult and running to a store can be a rarity while travelling.

So there you have it, five of the essential items we need and make sure to include when packing for a long trip out of town or out of the country. But also, keep in mind to always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Stay safe everyone!

Author Bio

Randolph Hoover and his family were originally from San Diego California but he is currently studying Business Administration in Umea University in Sweden. Aside from being a student, He also helps his parents with their home maintenance business in their home in Umea. He is also one of the marketing guys for Toyota.

Home Building 101: Definite Guide for First Time Home Builders

One of the most exciting things you will ever do in your life is planning your own home from scratch. This is a chance to not only design your home but also to put in all the little details you have admired over the years in other people's houses or in home magazines.

Image source: pioneersettler.com via Google Images

To be sure your plan does not run into difficulties, it is important that you follow certain steps if you wish to wind up with the desired result. Sometimes something that sounds good does not turn out that way when the result is viewed. Following are some suggestions and places to look for further information.

Neighborhood

Take a close look at the location where you are planning to build. Are the streets and neighboring houses neat and clean? Is there transportation nearby in case you become unable to drive? If you have or are planning to have children, what kinds of schools are available? Will the location be convenient for commuting? This and other neighborhood information can be found at HGTV website.

 

Design

Designing a new home covers a large territory. You no doubt have an idea of the style you want but it is important to blend in your desires with surroundings. That's what makes it so important to contact a reliable builder who is well known for his practical and innovative suggestions. Experienced builders who are knowledgeable regarding all aspects of house design and can show you new ideas regarding appliances, colors, tiles, marble, bathroom fixtures and other things that will make your home comfortable, are the essence of your project.

Many design magazines have excellent ideas regarding homes and other attractive things on the market. Perhaps you want your home in a contemporary, traditional or another design. This is your chance to fulfill all your desires regarding your dream home.

Building Codes and Permits

Every city has different building codes and permits. There are also federal and state codes in some cases. It is important that you have an architect or builder who obtains the proper permits and has plans that include all code requirements. These codes often include things regarding distance a building must be from the curb, type of electrical and water connections, foundation requirements and many other things. Building permit offices require evidence of contractor licenses and other information.

If this is a DIY project, where you are doing the work and just hiring electricians, plumbers and other professionals, these codes must still be followed. Some cities require professional blueprints on any new buildings.

 

Hiring an Architect

It is important to hire a good architect when planning to build your home. They will not only be aware of the requirements of the space, electrical, plumbing and other requirements but will be able to produce a design that will meet your desires and requirements. Their expertise will be invaluable in explaining how things will look when the project is completed.

Architects may be hired primarily for drawing the plans or for following through until the building is done. In the latter case, they will be in charge of hiring professionals for installations that require licensed contractors. It is important that their previous work be carefully checked out prior to hiring.

 

Costs

Building a new home is expensive. Therefore, it is important that all financing be arranged before the first step is taken. Naturally, it is ideal if you already have the funds. However, that is usually not the case in a first time home builder. Always have interviews with a number of lenders if you want to have the best deal. It will be impressive to a lender if you already own the land.

However, it is not impossible to obtain complete financing if you have a good credit score, a good source of income and can supply references regarding your record of paying bills on time. Having a good savings account is also helpful. Now is an ideal time to obtain home financing as interest rates are low and are not expected to remain that way very long.

Good luck on building your new home, an exciting experience will last you a lifetime.

Outdoor Home Enhancements

While there has been plenty of time and energy spent on enhancing the interior of a home, it can be easy to forget about the exterior. There are many things that can be done to the exterior of a home and surrounding area to make it look truly fantastic. There are some tips to consider when looking at possible enhancements.

Landscaping Done Right
To begin, consider landscaping. One of the challenges with landscaping is that it does take time to do. Furthermore, seasonal changes and a lack of available supplies can hinder important landscaping that needs to be accomplished. A good starting point may be to plan what needs to happen. Perhaps older rocks need to be replaced. A new maple tree in the front yard can add a beautiful look during the fall and summer months. When a plan is formulated, it can be easier to follow through on what needs to be done.

Walkways and Driveways
Walkways and driveways may also need to be addressed. Due to snow, ice and other variables, cement and asphalt can crack and look terrible. It can make sense to complete repave a walkway or driveway for homeowners who want a smooth surface for sports activities. Another option is to look at repairing cracks and other blemishes. Whether homeowners go with a local or national group that can do Minneapolis driveway repair, it can certainly be worth it to have a professional do the work. People who like pavers may want to install a special walkway that leads guests and visitors to a home. 

image:asphaltdrivewayco.com

Appropriate Décor
A yard can seem drab even though it may have a beautiful look. Therefore, consider how to enhance the look with outdoor décor. Perhaps a birdfeeder or a birdbath in a backyard can provide an inviting look for birds in the area. A patio table, patio chairs and similar décor can be perfect for the summer months. A grill serves a great purpose to cook meats and vegetables, but it can also be a place where people like to hangout as they wait for their food.

It is up to each homeowner to determine what works best for them. Whether it is time to look at landscaping, pavement or décor, the exterior of a home and surrounding area can be terrific. The result is that it becomes a place where people want to be.