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4 cruises that are both luxurious and easy on the pocket

4 cruises that are both luxurious and easy on the pocket
Cruises are often stereotyped as being a travel option for only those with a lot of money. The idea stems basically from old cinema, where luxurious cabins and picturesque decks formed the backdrop mostly for well-to-do characters. The narrative, however, has gradually changed with people prioritizing time over luxury. Therefore, cruises have been much more affordable despite significant improvement in their underlying design and facilities compared to some decades ago. Celebrity Reflection Built in 2012 and owned by the Royal Caribbean Cruises, the Reflection offers not just excellent all-round service but does so at an affordable price. The vessel is run by a 1000-strong crew and has a top-deck Lawn Club, 14 bars, three pools, and one casino. It is highly recommended by passengers, who are especially fond of the Alcoves – a crowd-free cabana lounging. Among its other standout facilities include a Basketball court, a wide variety of suite cabins, and the Lawn Club Grill, where you can cook yourself or have a chef do it for you. Nieuw Statendam With worldwide cruises starting at a reasonable price, the Nieuw Statendam offers tremendous services, which include Live Music at Music Walk, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Lincoln Center Stage.

Useful travel tips to help plan your next vacation efficiently

Useful travel tips to help plan your next vacation efficiently
It doesn’t matter if you plan to travel solo or visit exotic destinations for a much needed holiday with your family. Traveling comes with its own challenges, and the more prepared you are, the better your experience will be, especially while going abroad. Planning for travel entails more than just booking flights and hotels. You have to be responsible for a number of things, especially when you go with your family. So here are a few useful travel tips you must consider while planning your next destination travel to stay one step ahead, and most importantly, in charge! Organize your info When you plan a multi-city tour, ensure that all the details of the upcoming trips are organized in a single destination travel folder. These include your itinerary and all particulars of flight, hotel, and activity bookings. Organizing a travel folder helps you stay prepared for the next city on the list. This is especially helpful when you are hopping across cities in different nations and have to be at certain places on fixed dates. Planning ahead can save you both time and efforts once you reach the place. Plan in advance From the cab ride to the airport to the last leg of your multi-city destination travel, it pays to plan well in advance.

The ultimate guide to booking cheap flight tickets online

The ultimate guide to booking cheap flight tickets online
Flying can be super expensive, and there’s no doubt about that. Even after using all your miles or various discounts, flight tickets can burn a hole in your pocket rather easily. So, how do you get affordable tickets without compromising on your in-flight comfort? Well, here’s a complete guide that will help you with just that: Go incognito A lot of online websites use cookies to inflate the prices of flight tickets. No, you did not make a mistake when you saw the prices the first time, it truly did change. Multiple sites use these cookies to check if the route has been searched before. With that information, they hike their prices and scare the customer into buying the tickets as soon as possible. Book the tickets as early as possible Booking the flight tickets at the last moment means high prices. Instead, plan your trips in advance and book the tickets at least three months before the trip. This will help you save a lot of money, and you will be able to choose better seats. If not three months, book the flight tickets at least 30 days before the trip. Ticket prices see a hike during the final three weeks before a flight.

Pro tips to get the best hotels at affordable prices

Pro tips to get the best hotels at affordable prices
Booking hotels online saves you both time and effort. As a part of your travel itinerary, you try to find cheap accommodation at the next destination. But often, despite your best efforts, the discount you tend to get is not really worth the booking. Your booking methods are not wrong, but there are simple ways to ensure that you get the best deal online. Check out these pro tips you can try out on your next booking. Book smartly Hotels often give you the best prices for multiple days of stay. If you book only for one night, the room may be pricier. However, blocking the days for a longer duration can get you night and day packages cheaper than in comparison. It is also a good idea to plan your vacation so that the days coincide with your hotel booking mid-week. Room rates are cheaper during the weekdays, especially in popular tourist locations like Las Vegas or Atlantic City. People here usually book the weekend stay to gamble and go on a night out. Check out the hotel website Granted, it is easier to find cheap hotels on popular online websites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Trivago, among several others.

Specs and trims of the 2019 Toyota Highlander

Specs and trims of the 2019 Toyota Highlander
Looking to buy an SUV that’s the perfect combination of luxury, quality, and affordability. Well, look no further, the 2019 Toyota Highlander is the epitome of all the adjectives described above. With an excellent reliability rating, the 2019 Toyota highlander is a decent mid-sized SUV. So, what makes it a good car? What’s with all the hype? How do you get the car for an absolute steal? Read on to find out. Specs The 2019 Toyota highlander comes with a distinct set of features. With three rows of seats, the car is perfectly capable of 8 passengers. The spacious interior makes it the perfect choice for a family car and long drives. It also comes with a drive train with an all-wheel drive. The car also features a gas mileage of 30 mpg. The vehicle also features an amazing safety standard including pedestrian detection, cruise control, active lane control, and more. The interior features of the car have had a major makeover. The car provides the optional leather seats, heated front seats, a moon roof, a 360-degree camera and an in-drive entertainment system for the rear seats. Trims The 2019 Toyota Highlander comes with different trim levels. There is LE, SE, XLE, LE Plus, Limited, and Platinum of which many can be fitted with a hybrid powertrain.

5 reasons you should consider buying the 2020 Honda CR-V

5 reasons you should consider buying the 2020 Honda CR-V
Honda’s CR-V model has been among the top-selling cars for years now because of its consistently good performance. Just when you thought the CR-V couldn’t get any better, the automaker accepted the challenge and came up with it’s 2020 Honda CR-V. The new model has quite a few upgrades that impressed many Honda lovers. Let’s look at the top features that can compel you to buy the 2020 Honda CR-V. Superior turbocharged engine This is one of the biggest upgrades in the new CR-V, and the key reason you must consider buying it. The automaker dropped the old 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that was standard on the base LX trim level previously. This is replaced with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is now the new standard in all trim variants LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring, undoubtedly making it a great improvement from the previous model. Generous cargo space The huge amount of cargo space—one of the largest in its segment—is another significant reason for buying the new CR-V. You can virtually fit anything you want in the spacious and flexible cargo space of the CR-V. The easy fold-down 60/40 split-rear seatback opens up more space with just a pull of a lever in the rear cargo area and has a lot of versatile storage spaces too.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks. It is very common to get into a depressive state before or after the manic episode. Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression) This depression episode is characterized by dramatic hormonal changes in women after giving birth. They may tend to experience bouts of sadness and cry anytime. The symptoms usually alleviate after a week or two of giving birth. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) People with this type of depression start experiencing depressive symptoms with a change in seasons. For many, it happens during winter. The individual starts feeling worse as the season progresses and can even have suicidal thoughts.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress. Nausea and vomiting may also cause headaches, but medications cannot always be taken, as they may affect the baby’s health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extreme mood swings, so everyone around must be prepared to deal with this. Maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s partner and responding to their needs is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, when the baby starts developing quickly. Counseling One of the more crucial aspects of family and pregnancy planning is prenatal counseling.
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