Are you planning to visit the Saudi Arabian desert? Well, your journey could never be complete without exploring Riyadh. It is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and is located at the heart of the country. Being among the largest cities, Riyadh is competing in the bid to host Expo 2030 and has been making significant strides in enhancing its infrastructure. Currently, one of the most notable construction projects in Saudi Arabia is The Line, a 170km car-free linear city running through the desert’s heart.
Read on to find out what you can explore in Riyadh.
Kingdom Center
This iconic skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in Riyadh and offers visitors stunning views of the city from its observation deck. The Kingdom Center is also home to a luxury shopping mall, a cinema, and a range of high-end restaurants.
Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque
This beautiful mosque is named after the founder of the Wahhabi movement, the dominant form of Islam in Saudi Arabia. Its architecture is a blend of traditional and modern styles, and it is one of the city’s largest and most important mosques.
Masmak citadel
This historic fortress played a significant role in the unification of Saudi Arabia in the late 19th century. Made from mudbrick and clay, the palace is located in Qasr al-Hukm District, al-Dirah, Riyadh, thus proximal to you while visiting. Today, the Masmak Citadel is a museum that tells the story of the city’s history and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the country’s past.
Murabba Palace
Built in the early 20th century, this stunning palace was the residence of King Abdul Aziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. It is located in Al Murabba, Riyadh, and is known for its beautiful gardens, intricate architecture, and luxurious interior design. Remember to take photos when exploring to reminisce about the good times.
Edge of the world
Just outside the city, the Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) is a dramatic geological formation that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. The site got its name since it is atop an escarpment, allowing you a spectacular and uninterrupted view of the horizon. This is a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities, and visitors can also take guided tours to learn more about the history and geology of the area.
And there you have it! While there is so much to explore in Riyadh, nothing beats the unforgettable adventure of the desert night tour. It gives you a shot at Saudi Arabian’s beauty on the sands as you watch the stars.
Don’t forget to include camel rides, traditional Bedouin-style dinners, and stargazing sessions during your desert tour. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Riyadh or a seasoned traveler, this experience will surely leave a lasting impression.
The average person keeps a vehicle for about six years before kicking it to the curb and moving on to their next set of wheels. Unfortunately, this is often not out of a desire for a more modern vehicle, but because they believe their car is at the end of its useful life. If you’d rather not car swap so often, there are things you can do to make sure that your future automotive investments last until you are ready to say goodbye. Your garage can definitely help, but only if you put some time and effort into it. Here’s how!
What is the Secret to a Long Automotive Life?
Parking in a Garage Protects from Theft
For the most part, petty criminals are lazy. They look for convenient targets, such as unlocked cars. Parking your vehicle inside the garage means that vandals and thieves have to take things a bit further if they want to get to the prize inside. To be the most effective, you have to remember to close your garage and make sure it’s connected to your home security system.
Keep Your Garage Tidy and Organized
Even a small dent in the bumper can compromise your vehicle’s paint. When left out in the open, your car is at risk of being hit by everything from falling branches to overly enthusiastic doors being opened in cars parking next to you. Keep your car in the garage and you’ll reduce the chances of these unsightly — and costly — scuffs and scratches. The caveat here is that there has to be enough room in the garage to park your car unobstructed. If cleaning things out feels like a daunting task, look at buying a few organization accessories, like bike storage racks, overhead shelving, and places to hang toys and gardening tools.
Beware of rodent-inflicted damage to your vehicle. If you have a pest problem in your garage, rodents could chew through critical car parts like wires and hoses. If you see traces of mice or rats in your garage, bring in a rodent control company to eliminate the problem.
Another great strategy for dealing with a cluttered garage is to consider a storage unit for all the things you don’t need. That will free up some space, even if it’s just temporary so that you have some breathing room to get sorted. And with 131 storage facilities in the Los Angeles area, you have plenty to choose from!
Parking in the Garage Protects Your Engine
According to Car and Driver, extreme cold temperatures can thicken your engine oil and sludge things up. Further, moisture hanging out in the gas lines can turn into tiny ice crystals. Each of these can affect your motor and fuel system. Parking in the garage will help your vehicle warm up faster, which will result in less strain and better performance in cold weather. However, your garage will only help here if it’s insulated. You can boost your warming efforts by adding a space heater (can be purchased for around $50) to the garage to warm it up before you head out for the day. As a bonus, you can also keep things nice and toasty for those days when you want to poke around under the hood.
Having a Garage Gives You a Space to Perform Maintenance When It’s Cold
Cold weather doesn’t mean that things like oil changes and brake pads can wait. Now that your garage is organized, keep an automotive tool set handy so that you can upkeep your vehicle no matter what the temperature is outdoors. A few things you can do at home are to change the headlights, swap out the windshield wipers, and replace blown fuses. All of these are easy to DIY, and they can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Perhaps more importantly, by staying on top of your vehicle’s needs, you’ll keep it up and operational for the long haul.
Ultimately, your garage is your vehicle’s primary home. So make sure that it’s clean, organized, and has all of the tools you need to keep your investment safe.
Vacations are essential for our personal and professional well-being. We have to get away so that we can reset and come back more productive and enthusiastic than ever. Because we can’t always sneak away for seven days, we often feel as though we can’t enjoy time off. Fortunately, this is a huge myth, and there are many ways to enjoy a long weekend with those you love without overspending. Check out these tips below.
How to vacation on a budget?
Do your research
Research is the number one thing you can do before taking off for a long weekend. You’ll want to first find locations that appeal to you and create a budget, which you should set ahead of time. Look at your destination-of-choice to confirm there are no special events in the area you want to go as this can drive up prices and bring in the crowds.
Find good deals
Shopping around online is a great way to save money on vacation activities. For sports fans, uh, Houston we have a… deal on Astros tickets! Saving money can be fun and provide you with great seats at the ballpark.
Delegate at work
If you are a manager or a business owner, getting away, even if it’s just for one or two business days, can seem like a mammoth-sized task. But, not if you delegate. Don’t be afraid of giving employees the opportunity to take over some of your responsibilities. As long as they are at least 80% as good as you, you should let them do it.
Book a refundable hotel
Even if you definitely plan to go, there are many benefits of booking a refundable room. Key of these is that if the price drops, you can cancel and rebook for the lower price. It also pays to pay attention to your check-in day, and consumer advocacy site Clark notes that Sunday is your best bet for a less expensive bill.
Contact hotels directly
While many major chains don’t have better pricing on their website or through a travel agency, some do. Further, most local hotels and boutiques are happy to work with you if you call, particularly if you have an off schedule and they can fill rooms when they are not busy. Perhaps most importantly, according to Frommer’s, you get better customer service.
Shop before you go
Stopping at a gas station for snacks every few hours? Big mistake. Instead, grab your goodies before you go. Think about it this way: a bottle of water may cost you $3 at the gas station, but you can get an entire case for less than $5. The same with individual snacks.
Road trip, but consider your car
If you’re really looking to save money, drive instead of fly. While it is possible to get great deals on flights, these aren’t always available. Plan to drive, and stick within three hours of home. Ideally, you can have a small crossover or sports car, which will get better mileage than a large SUV. However, if you’re traveling with a group, such as two small families, an eight-seat SUV is a great option since you can share the cost of fuel and accommodations.
Vacations don’t have to be long, lavish, or far away. If possible, plan to take at least a long weekend a few times each year. Your employees/coworkers will be glad you did, and the memories that you make during the days away from home will mean more to you than the timeclock ever could.
Dreaming of a Destination Wedding? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
It has become very popular for young couples to get married abroad. Many of them dream of a destination wedding somewhere far away. However, though they might seem like a dream come true, destination weddings require a lot of detailed planning that can be quite time-consuming. These tips will help you organize your dream destination wedding so that both you and your guests can spend the most beautiful weekend celebrating your special day.
1. The lowdown
One of the first
things you should keep in mind is that a destination wedding isn’t just a
one-day event. It is a celebration that lasts for a few days. Even though the
wedding ceremony is just for one day, you should also account for the days your
guests arrive, relax, and leave. Generally speaking, the average number of
nights guests usually go for is four. On the other hand, the couple usually
stays for seven nights.
You have to make sure to organize a welcome event on the day your guests arrive. And you could also make a closing event once the wedding is over. In case you are planning for it to be longer than four days, make sure to organize an excursion of a sort for your guests. So, when you think about it, it’s not just one event, more like four in total. Destinations weddings are usually not just a regular event. They tend to be more intimate affairs.
For these types
of weddings, the couple usually decides to have around 28 guests. It is the
average number of guests at destination weddings. This way, you get to enjoy
one of the best days of your life with your close friends and family. Plus, you
get to devote time to each and every guest equally.
2. Timing is everything
It’s important
that you take timing into consideration as well. The best time for destination
weddings is between November and May. The peak time, which is in May, is the
most recommended timing for destination weddings. This way you will avoid the
hurricane season and have the best possible weather for your special day.
However, you do need to plan in advance. In fact, you should organize the wedding and book the destination at least a year in advance. This will not only guarantee you to get the place for your wedding ceremony, but you might also find more affordable options if you start looking for them as early as possible. Plus, this way you will have enough time to plan everything properly and let your guests know about the event on time. In some cases, depending on where you are going, your guests might have to secure visas in order to attend the wedding. Letting them know about the wedding destination, time, and cost will help them get organized better so that they can take time off work and save the money they’ll need for the trip.
3. Making the wedding happen
Now, planning a
wedding that is going to happen so far away from home definitely isn’t easy.
It’s a complicated and time-consuming task. However, there are several
different ways to go about it so don’t worry. Firstly, think about the booking
process and how you can do it. For instance, you can book it through a resort.
Some of these resorts even offer packages. They can be either more or less
generous in terms of what they offer. Ideally speaking, this can be a
one-stop-shop, if you manage to instantly find a place you both like and hit
the jackpot. However, even if this doesn’t happen, don’t panic. There will be
other options. After all, the whole point is that you both are satisfied with
the destination you choose.
Having a wedding
coordinator near you can be very helpful. They are capable of handling
everything for you that has to do with the wedding organisation process. They
can help you with travel planning as well. On the other hand, if you work with
someone through a resort, they can only handle the things that will be
happening at the resort. Also, you want to make sure that your wedding planner
is experienced in destination weddings in particular because if you go for
someone who is a local planner, it won’t do much for your plans. So, make sure
to ask specifically for someone who is experienced in destination weddings,
when talking to the agencies.
When choosing
the avenue itself, it’s important that you visit the location before you book
it. Pictures on the internet might not be what you end up getting. They can be
quite deceiving sometimes. Also, it is recommended that you scout out locations
that are not typical wedding venues or resorts. Seek something extraordinary,
something that can be your once in a lifetime experience. If there is a
waterfall that takes your breath away or a beautiful cave with exotic flowers,
go for it. Don’t be afraid to be creative and explore new places with your
partner.
4. The money you’ll spend
You also need to
think about the amount of money you need prepared for this type of wedding.
When it comes to the wedding destinations report, an estimated average cost of
an at-home wedding has increased over the past few years for about $5,500.
However, the average cost for destination weddings has pretty much remained the
same. It’s been under $10,000 for the past ten years or so.
The
accommodations will most likely cost you around $2,000 and the flight just over
$1,127. When it comes to wedding packages, they hover around $1,600 mark. Make
sure you keep these price points in mind when planning a destination wedding is
very important. In case you know you won’t be able to save enough money for
this wedding on time, it’s best that you start looking for the lowest
personal loan rates that could help you get the money you need for
your dream destination.
5. Start early
This one’s pretty much been mentioned for all the aspects so far, but it’s really important to emphasize that you need to start early if you want to organize a destination wedding properly. As soon as you start investigating and looking for destinations, you’ll realize how pricey it is. And you’ll also soon realize that getting there might be more complicated than you thought. Also, your guests need enough time to prepare themselves for the upcoming plans and costs too. Six or eight weeks may be enough time for guests to get ready for a traditional local wedding. However, you’ll have to let them know about the wedding at least four months ahead if you are planning on doing it abroad.
6. Be communicative
Communication
really is the key. You need to send out
save-the-date cards to your guests as soon as you know when and where the
wedding will take place. You can also set up a wedding website and keep everyone
updated about the details. Inform them about their accommodation, how they can
book a flight to there, what to pack, and so on. And try to keep it simple and
to the point. You don’t need to bore them with every little detail that comes
to your mind.
Also, try to discover what kind of activities you can include in order to please a wide range of ages of your guests. For instance, if your dream destination has a great setting for hiking or kayaking, organize a group activity for the day after the wedding. For those who might not be interested in this, schedule a sightseeing tour.
Also, you need
to figure out if anyone needs special help, and take care of it. For instance,
if your grandmother needs a wheelchair to move around, or your sister needs a
crib for the baby, make sure to take care of their needs as well. You can
always arrange these things with the hotel you’re staying at in advance.
7. Anticipate complaints
Not everyone is
going to fully enjoy their trip, so be ready to receive some complaints. Among
the most common ones are about there not being enough hotel options. “The
flight tickets are expensive!” “How am I supposed to take that much time off
just to come to the wedding?” There are always going to be some complaints.
However, don’t beat yourself up about it. There is no possible way for you to
make everyone happy and satisfied. Just make sure you do your best and those
who do attend your wedding will end up having the best time of their lives.
After all, you did kind of give them an excuse to take a vacation.
8. Carefully consider
accommodations
To avoid some of the most common complaints, you can always provide at least two hotel options for your guests. The choice of a hotel is as important as the wedding venue. Everyone will require accommodation. It’s very important that you negotiate a discounted room rate for your guests. Make sure you choose a location that has several hotel options close by. Also, you need to be ready to offer some lower-priced alternatives to those who are on a tight budget. It’s important that you help all of your guests find as affordable options as possible. Be mindful of their financial limitations and help them out by giving them alternatives.
9. In the winter, prepare for
more guests
In most cases,
out-of-town weddings usually have an attendance rate of 50%. However, if you
choose a warm locale during the winter season, you should expect that number to
be higher. Many guests will see this as an opportunity to escape the cold
weather and go on a vacation.
10. Vet the vendors
In most cases, the chances are that you will have a smaller pool of top-notch vendors that you can choose from. Some of the vendors you should be concerned about are the photographer and DJ. The photos are something that will stay with you for life. And the DJ is someone who creates an atmosphere. If you’re not sure about the options of that area are the best for you, you need to consider flying in your own preferred photographer and DJ. And this calls for some additional organization.
Keep in mind that the styles may vary depending on location and
language barriers can create confusion in communication. For instance, if you
want to get married in Santorini, your DJ’s idea of pop music might not be
exactly what you had in mind and a local florist might have a completely
different interpretation of modern romantic flowers than the one you intended
to make. Try to be as specific as possible. You can even make sample playlists
and Pinterest boards to express exactly what you want.
11. Enlist the help of an expert
This type of
wedding will most definitely have you spending the best time of your life with
friends and family. However, it does come with a lot of planning and logistics.
It requires trying out different strategies to make sure the plan suits every
guest. This is why having an expert by your side is crucial to making
everything work nicely.
12. Trending destinations
Lastly, when thinking of destinations to choose from, you can always look for the ones that are trending right now. For instance, tropical destinations never seem to go out of style. So, where do most of the couples like to say their vows and promise the rest of their lives to each other? These are the top six locations according to a destinations wedding report:
Mexico – a destination most popular in May
Dominican Republic – a place that couples like to choose for June
Jamaica – another destination popular in June
Costa Rica – January being the most popular
Aruba – being most popular in September and November
St. Lucia – mostly taken in May
Some other
destinations a lot of couples go for are Bahamas, Canada, Italy, and Iceland.
Conclusion
All things considered, destination wedding takes a lot of detailed planning. It can be quite hard and time-consuming to plan. However, with the right people and help, anything is possible.
Las Vegas is one of the best places to travel and enjoy a vibrant life of adventure, entertainment, and hospitality. If you are planning to throw a Vegas party, here are some of the tips to help you maximize your next trip.
Tips for throwing a Las Vegas Party
1. Racing
Drive any direction away from the Strip for 20 minutes, and you’ll find desert as far as the eye can see. All that open space calls for an adventure, and Exotics Racing is one of the most thrilling ways to get one. This Las Vegas racetrack is home to the world’s largest supercar driving experience where you can get behind the wheel of more than 50 exotic cars, whether it’s a Lamborghini Huracan or a McLaren 720. Each driver is assigned a dedicated instructor who rides in the front seat, guides you through tight curves, and tells you when to put the pedal to the metal. A camera on the dash records the entire experience, which you can purchase at the end of the ride. You can also ride along with a professional racer in a 707 horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat for a high-speed drifting experience. If more than a couple of you choose to drive, spring for the VIP experience, which comes with a private room that’s stocked with snacks and refreshments.
2. Go to Shows
You can’t go to Vegas without seeing a show because some of the best entertainers in the world are performing on the city’s many stages. Celebrity lookalikes in Las Vegas, such as Del Boy and a Marilyn Monroe clone, or a James Bond double with his Bond villains, perhaps Posh and Becks or even Gordon Ramsay or Mr. T. Acrobats, divas, magicians, jokesters, showgirls, and puppets. There are so many shows in Las Vegas that you can’t possibly take them all in, but there’s not a doubt you will find something that will blow you away.
3. Charter Bus
Las Vegas is a roller coaster of exhilarating activities, however, scheduling group travel in a new place can be stressful and intimidating. And, you’re there to have a good time, so no-one wants to draw the short straw as the designated rental car driver! Hiring a charter bus is a great way to go for not having to deal with any of the transport logistics yourself, and having a memorable party experience without overwhelming your wallet.
4. Helicopter Ride
For a thrilling way to see the Grand Canyon, book a helicopter ride from Las Vegas. You will soar over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam before traveling over desert vistas en route to the magnificent Grand Canyon. You’ll love the huge picture windows and comfy seats! You can opt for a tour that lands on the floor of the Grand Canyon for lunch before you return to Las Vegas. How awesome is that? The helicopter rides are pricey but totally worth it!
5. Rent a Themed Suite
At the Palms Casino Resort, outlandish enclaves are just an elevator ride away, including MTV Cribs-style suites where the bedrooms and living spaces are supplemented by private pools, personal bowling alleys, and even your own basketball court. Inside the Hardwood Suite, you can live out NBA fantasies on a half basketball court complete with locker room, scoreboard and entertainment screen. Not much of a baller? Consider the Kingpin Suite with its two bowling alleys or the 6,500-square-foot Sky Suite, where a pool leans out over the edge of the building and a team of butlers tends to your every need.
