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  Travel

  Driving Around Texas: Preparations and Suggestions

  We get so used to decorating our homes, that we rarely care to decorate our vehicles — and this makes sense — the decorations in our homes will be more quite in the ours or friends life for a longer time — as opposed to the decorations in our homes would be quite shorter. However, here are a few important things to consider before you hit the road in this state full of variety to ensure your trip will be as enjoyable and safe as possible. Here is a guideto seeing Texas by car.1.GetYour Vehicle ReadyCheck vehicle maintenance before hitting the road. The roads in Texas run long and winding and the weather can change from hot summer to icy winter in some areas. Make sure your tire pressure, tread depth, and oil levels are where they need to be. And, of course, make sure your car's cooling system is working properly; temps can reach searing levelsin the summer. It's also smart to have an emergency kit with a spare tire, jumper cables, flashlight, first-aid supplies and water.2.Follow TexasDriving LawsFamiliarize yourself withdriving laws in Texas. You're required to put the phone down because the state has a hands-free law — it's illegal to drive with a handheld device. The speed limit on many of the interstates is 70-75, but always check the posted signs, as limits will often vary. Stay alert in school zones, where limits are reduced at certain times of the day. Texas also has a move over law that requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when they approach emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or road maintenance workers.3.NavigateTexas HighwaysInterstates 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40 run crosswise throughout the expanded state of Texas, with myriad highways in between. Other major highways include US Routes 69, 75, 83, 87 and 90, which all connect the cities.Check which route to use through trustworthy GPS or map services but have a paper map as backup. Toll roads, such as the tollway system operated by the Texas Tollway Authority, will require electronic toll tags or pay upon exit.
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  Travel

  Last-Minute Vacations at the Best Prices

  The concept of impromptu travel can seem very appealing in the fast paced modern world. If you are looking to get away from the day to day, to recharge your batteries or even just todiscover a new place, then a last-minute vacation might be just what you are looking for.However, with the right strategies, you can score amazing deals and ensure your spontaneous trip is one to remember while keeping costs low. Here's how to book a last-minute vacation on a budget.1.Be Open to Your DestinationBeing flexible is the most important thing when looking to get the best last minute deals. Think in terms of a spectrum of destinations rather than a single location. Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak to help you explore options based on price instead of place. These give you “explore”features that show you the cheapest flights to various places so you can pick a destination within your price range. Last-minute popular destinations include cities that always seem to have flight deals, like Las Vegas and Cancun or European capital cities like Lisbon or Budapest.2.Travel During Off-Peak TimesWhen it comes to saving money, timing is everything. Last-minute vacations on the off-seasons or mid-week, for example, can save a traveler tons of bucks. Airlines, hotels and tour operators often cut prices to fill empty seats and rooms in off-peak times. For instance, a trip to tropical locations in the rainy season or a ski destination in late spring will often come with reduced prices. Flying on Tuesday or Wednesday is also generally less expensive than flying on weekends.3.Use Last-Minute Deal WebsitesSeveral sites specialize in last-minutetravel deals. Platforms like Lastminute.com, Expedia's “Last-Minute Deals”and Priceline's“Express Deals”focus on package deals for discounted flights and hotels as well as car rentals. Subscription services such as Scott's Cheap Flights or Secret Flying also ping you when flash sales and error fares appear — a good way to snag an unbeatable deal.4.Look into Different Types of AccommodationsHotels get all the publicity,but alternatives like Airbnbor Vrbocan save you big, particularly on last-minute bookings. Most hosts reduce their prices to fill up any space, and you might stumble upon unique places to stay for a fraction of the price. And there are house-sitting platforms such as TrustedHousesitters where you can stay in someone's home for no cost in exchange for looking after their pets or property.5.Pack Light and Be Ready to GoAnother great thing about last-minute travel is that it forces you to pack quickly and efficiently. Heading out with nothing but a carry-on helps you avoid luggage fees and makes it easier to take advantage of last-minute flight deals. Have travel documents, toiletries, and a flexible wardrobe packed and ready to go so you can book and leave in hours.6.Use Points and MilesIf you've been hoarding credit card points or airline miles, a spur-of-the-moment vacation is a great opportunity to cash them in. Most loyalty programs allow for last-minute redemptions, and you may have more options for award seats or hotel rooms available during off-peak times. Look at your accounts to see if you can pay for part, or all, of your trip with points.7.Book Activities in AdvanceAlthough the fun of spontaneity is a tube ride or bus tour away, scheduling important activities or tours in advance can save you money and prevent you from missing must-see destinations. Search for discounted tickets on sites like Viator or GetYourGuide, or look up city passes, which package multiple attractions at a discount.So in summary, a last minute trip doesn't have to cost the earth or be overly stressful. With some flexibility, research and creativity, you can score amazing deals and create memorableexperiences. So why wait? Today, start planning your spontaneous getaway and jump at the best deals you can get.
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  Home & Garden

  Patio Furniture to Invigorate Your Outdoor Activities

  It can be understood that the transformation of your outside area into a bright, practical, and welcoming spot can improve the quality of outdoor activities you perform there.No matter for outdoor barbecue in summer, morning coffee or sunlight bath, patio furniture can meet all your desires and standards. From chairs to tables to hammocks, patio furniture is not just about the attraction for eyes, it can also offer you comfortable and durable outdoor activities.1.Comfort Meets StyleComfortable seating is the foundation for any great outdoor space. From cushy lounge chairs to comfy sectionals, patio furniture is made for supreme comfort all while matching your outdoor decor. Weather-resistant fabrics will create a more comfortable atmosphere on cushioned chairs and sofas. Throw pillows are a good way to add some color and warmth to your setup. For those who enjoy entertaining at home, modular seating arrangements are a great way to tailor your setup for entertaining groups, no matter how big or small.2.Sturdy Dining SetDining outdoors is a classic to patio enjoyment. A strong dining set with a big table and chair helps to convert your backyard into the ideal location for family meals or get-togethers with buddies. Seek materials like teak, aluminum or polywood, which are durable and resistant to the elements. You may also include umbrellas or pergolas to shade the area so you can dine comfortably even on sunny days.3.Lounge and UnwindIf you want to have a place to lie down, you can add a lying chair or hammock which are suitable for reading, sleeping or just enjoying the good fresh air outdoors. Pair them with a sidetable, where your drinks, books and snacks will go, to achieve seamless functionality and relaxation. If you have room, a daybedor swing chair can make your outdoor retreat feel luxurious.This kind of living style is so magical and can make a great difference in your life, thanks to the patio furniture you choose right according to this suggestion.4.Fire Pits and WarmthFirepits or outdoor heaters can extend the use of your patio into the cooler evening hours. Later, circle your fire pit with comfy seating for roasting marshmallows or trading stories under the stars. Fire pits come in all kinds of styles, everything from a rough-hewn stone design to a polished metal option so you can find one that suits your aesthetic.5.Durability and MaintenanceWhen choosing patio furniture, research your climate and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Wrought iron and aluminum are rust proof, making them suitable for humid or coastal environments; teak and cedar provide a natural aesthetic and resilience with little maintenance. If you want a low-maintenance alternative, synthetic options such as polywood are environmentally friendly and durable.6.Personalize Your OasisYour patio should be an extension of your personality and lifestyle. From a minimalist modern aesthetic to a bohemian, eclectic vibe, there’s patio furniture for every style palate. Pick and choose pieces to form a space that feels like an extension of your indoor living space. Add things like water features, outdoor art and a bar cart to make your patio feel even more inviting.”Together with the right patio furniture, you can design an outdoor sanctuary that motivates you to head outside, entertain and get close to nature. With a little thought to comfort, style and functionality, you can design a patio that serves your needs and makes you want to spend more time outside. From hosting a raucous gathering or simply finding some quiet moments alone, the right type of patio furniture will give you the inspiration to enliven outdoor activities and make every moment count, not just during the summer months.