Warning: Creating default object from empty value in /hermes/bosnacweb06/bosnacweb06aw/b2547/ipw.travelagenthackscom/lxvnmag/wordpress/wp-content/themes/salient/nectar/redux-framework/ReduxCore/inc/class.redux_filesystem.php on line 29 July 2018 - LXVN
Monthly Archives

July 2018

July 24, 2018
0

Lets Taco ’bout Mexico

By | Article, Blogs, Destinations, Places

I don’t need to sit here and convince you Mexico is awesome because all I would need to say is tacos and tequila, and I’ve already won your vote. So, if you’re like me, you’ve always been curious about the place that brought to us the most delicious tacos and mouthwatering tequila. Here are 20 interesting facts about Mexico that will make you want to go there!

MMM… Good thing its Taco Tuesday because I am going to go eat my weight in tacos because we can’t TACO bout it and not get tacos! (punny intended.)

Image result for i love tacos gif

  1. The official name of Mexico is Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States).
  1. Spanish is the national language of Mexico.
  1. Mexico’s population is 130,759,074 people.
  1. Mexico’s size is 756,066 square miles.
  1. The world’s largest tamale made in Mexico, called Zacahuil, is 3 ft long and 150 LBs.
  1. The Jaguar is the largest wildcat and is found in Mexico’s southern jungles.
  1. The oldest university in North America is the National University of Mexico, founded in 1551 by Charles V of Spain.
  1. The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog and is named after a Mexican state.
  1. Millions of monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico, every year, from the U.S and Canada.
  1. Mexico and U.S border is the second largest border in the world (U.S. and Canadian border is number 1).
  1. Mexico has the second highest number of Catholic citizens (Brazil is number 1).
  1. Mexican children do not receive presents on Christmas Day. They receive gifts on January 6, the day on which Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
  1. Mexico’s flag is made up three vertical stripes. The left green stripe stands for hope, the middle white stripe represents purity, and the right red stripe represents the blood of those who died fighting for Mexico’s independence.
  1. Mexico City has the highest elevation, is oldest city in North America, and is one of the largest cities in the world.
  1. Mexico is located in the “Ring of Fire,” one of the earth’s most violent earthquake and volcano zones.
  1. Mexico is home to a very rare rabbit called the volcano rabbit which lives near Mexican volcanoes.
  1. Mexico introduced chocolate, corn, and chilies to the world
  1. Tequila and Tabasco are named after states in Mexico.
  1. The largest pyramid in the world is the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico. It is also the largest monument ever constructed in the world.
  1. Mexico City is built on a lake, over the ruins of a great Aztec city, Tenochtitlan. It is sinking at a rate of 6 to 8 inches a year. Pumps draw water out for the city’s growing population.

Now that you finished this blog and I have convinced you to go to Mexico….

Image result for lets go get tacos

July 23, 2018
0

Maintain a Healthy Sleep Habit While You Travel

By | Article, Blogs, Tips & Tricks

LUCKY FOR YOU, you’re reading advice from a true, medically-diagnosed insomniac… So, I’m basically an expert on the subject of what makes healthy sleeping habits a reality (without any pesky prescriptions). Also lucky for you, working in the travel industry, I’ve had my fair share of long days and even longer nights in unfamiliar hotel rooms. This means I know some handy dandy tricks that will help you receive your much-needed eight hours of sleep while you’re on the road (…or the beach).

Image result for sleeping on a beach gifs

Essential Oils

Calming scents, such as lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood can help to relax and quiet your brain, promoting faster and uninterrupted sleep! (*Hint* using essential oils before bed every night, even while in your own bed, makes this tip more effective when traveling as your brain learns to associate the oil scent with sleep.Image result for essential oil gif

Travel Pillow Comfort

If you’re someone who needs a particular type of pillow (soft, firm, somewhere in between, with feathers, no feathers, tempurpedic, etc.), you may want to look into purchasing either a travel-sized pillow that can fit in your carry-on or just bringing your pillow from home (if you have a mammoth-sized suitcase and only plan on packing two pairs of shoes)! Our Marketing Manager, Miranda, suggests that if you bring a pillow from home, you should use a bright-patterned pillowcase. This way, housekeeping won’t mistake it for the hotels and you won’t forget it when you leave! A comfortable place to lay your head after a long day is essential to a restful night’s sleep.Image result for essential oils to sleep gif

Sound or meditation app

Having white noise or a calming guided meditation helps greatly in assisting most people in falling asleep and calming an over-active brain. Personally, I like to listen to the sound of rain using the Rain App and have it lull me to sleep; but I have friends who put on a guided meditation every night using the Buddhify App to help them drift off. Thank the Lord for Smart Phones replacing the bulky sound machines that were once so popular!Image result for meditation sleeping gif

Sleep Eye Mask

Sleep eye masks work wonders in helping you stay asleep, as the ones made out of nylon material stay cool throughout the night and are thick enough to keep out the pesky morning light (and the unflattering fluorescent airplane lights). They’re small enough to where they are perfect for travel and you can take them with you wherever you go.Related image

Stick with what you know

If you have pre-bedtime rituals, try to stick to them as closely as possible. If you watch a show before bed every night or listen to music to unwind, bring along your laptop or tablet. If you have a favorite before-sleep snack or beverage, pack them with you to enjoy. Unwinding after a long day and calming down your mind is important when it comes to getting to sleep quickly. You’re out of your element enough in a new place, you might as well do everything you can to stick with what you know, right?Image result for watching tv to sleep gif

Bring the COZINESS with you

Comfort is key when it comes to restful sleep. If you’re not comfortable, how are you going to rest your mind enough to actually sleep? It’s not very probably. If you have a favorite cozy blanket or your trusted, long-time stuffed animal (for me, its comfy cashmere socks), pack it with you! I’ve even known some people to pack their own sheets from home and remake the bed when they arrive, giving their room a little sense of “home”. It might seem silly at first, but it’s totally worth it when you wake up refreshed and happy!Image result for be cozy gif

Over-the-counter sleep aids

Although this isn’t something I personally partake in (over-the-counter sleep aids don’t help insomniacs like we wish they would), I have family and friends that swear by taking either ZZZ-Quil or Melatonin when they travel to try and help maintain their regular sleep schedule. Make sure you don’t start out with the full dose of sleep aids if it’s your first time trying them, as they work differently for everyone! Also, check with a pharmacist to make sure they don’t interfere with any allergies you may have or any other medications you may take.Related image

Stay Hydrated

Many people don’t think about this one, but when you travel, drinking your needed eight cups of water a day isn’t really a top priority along with making sure your bags arrived at the same destination as you did. But staying hydrated is super important while traveling, as if you don’t drink as much as you should throughout the day, you’ll wake up the next morning even drowsier than usual.Image result for stay hydrated gif

Trying to get rest on vacation, isn’t always easy, but with these helpful tips and tricks, sleeping can be!

July 20, 2018
0

#INeedaVacation

By | Article, Blogs, Food for thought, Vacations

I think we can all agree that every once in a while, a moment in life happens, that makes us say “I need a vacation.” Usually it happens at home, in the work place, on a car ride, or you just hear someone say something that literally blows your mind. It’s okay. We have all been there and if you haven’t… you’re lying.Image result for i'm done with this job gif

To prove my point that we have all had moments like this; I searched on twitter, the hashtag #INeedAVacation, and constructed this blog of relatable “I need a vacation” moments, so that we can all laugh about the struggles of adulthood.

July 9, 2018
1

Drink the Local Flavors

By | Article, Blogs, Food

THE CRAFT BEER INDUSTRY IS RISING in popularity. People are conforming to the lifestyle of being an “experienced craft-beer drinker” because they do not want to keep drinking the same old watered-down beer. There are so many elements that influence this lifestyle, like what styles, ingredients, flavors, aromas, scents, ABV (Alcohol by volume), IBU (International bitterness units), name brands, locations, and the list goes on. Craft beers are intriguing because no beer is the same. They are all unique in look, flavor, smell, brewery history, and the feeling it gives you.Image result for craft beer gif

Some of the most trendsetting craft beer breweries started in the Caribbean and made its way over to the U.S. So, we listed here 10 local craft beers brewed in the Caribbean.

Red Stripe

Jamaica’s infamous Red Stripe craft beer, is brewed by Desnoes & Geddes Limited at the Red Stripe Brewery in Kingston, Jamaica. This beverage has been brewing since 1928. The locals and tourist love this light amber, butterscotch flavor, with an easy 4.7% alcohol. Red Stripe represents the passion and ethnicity of Jamaica, so every bottle is made with Jamaica’s authenticity.

Balashi Chill

Balashi Chill is micro-brewed at the Brouwrij Nacional Balashi, in Santa Cruz, Aruba. It was first brewed back in 1998. It is the only beer brewed here making it, Aruba’s beer. This golden beer has won taste awards in 2001, 2004, and 2013, crafted only with premium ingredients, like Aruba’s world class water, barley, rice, and corn. It has a 5% ABV and a sweeter taste. This island beer is made with quality and passion.

Tempus Alt Clasica

Tempus Alt Clasica craft beer, is micro-brewed at Cerveceria Primus (Primus Brewery) in Mexico. This 5.2% ABV, deep amber, creamy texture, nutty with earthy hops, balanced with sweet malts; is created to be smooth for your palate. This beverage has the perfect balance of flavors from the fresh produce found in Mexico, making it one of the top craft beers to try.

Presidente

Presidente is brewed by the primary beer producer in the Dominican Republic, since 1935, at the Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana (CND). This gold, pilsner style beer has a 5% ABV and a moderately bitter hops flavor. Made from the best quality raw materials in D.R., definitely makes it the best beer, the realest tasting beer, and gives you the feeling of the Dominican. Because it is so widely accepted by locals and tourists, this increases the contribution to the sales of the products, resources, and people of D.R. It has developed a true beer culture.

Blonde Ale

Boquerón Brewing Company’s Blonde Ale from Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico is on the rise. Their mission isn’t to brew the most quantity of beer, but rather produce the highest quality of the freshest ales. This golden color, 5% ABV, beer uses premium malts, hops, yeast, and lemon to give a mild bitterness and unique taste. This balance of tasty and refreshing pleases lovers of all craft beers.

Island Pirate Ale

Island Pirate Ale is the first- ever Bahamian India Pale Ale, brewed at Pirate Republic Brewing Company in Nassau, Bahamas. This 5.2% ABV, American-style ale is copper color, smooth with a delicious complexity of pineapple and citrus aromas. Their motto is “we bet you’ll be feeling like an island pirate in no time.” This beer is well balanced and refreshing.

10 Saints

10 Saints Hand Crafted Beer is aged in Mount Gay ‘Special Reserve’ rum casks, at 10 Saints Brewing, in Barbados. This 4.8% ABV, golden-amber beer has a lightly roasted malt and vanilla aroma with a smooth finish of spicy rum. 10 Saints Brewing got their name because Barbados is split into 11 parishes, out of the 11 parishes, 10 of them are Saints, getting their name 10 Saints Brewing. The owner of 10 Saints utilizes this by educating tourists and locals about the history of Barbados.

Belikin Lager

Belize Brewing Company, is home of the Belikin Lager, since 1969. This beverage has become one of the top sellers in Belize. This classic, full-bodied beer, is a special blend of Canadian pilsner malt and German hops, with a revitalizing 4.8% ABV. There motto is “Belikin is brewed for Belizeans, by Belizeans, and onli eena Belize.”

Wadadli

This famous flagship craft beer, Wadadli, is micro-brewed at the Antigua Brewery, in Antigua, Guatemala. It has become a favorite amongst the locals and tourists, making it the beer of Antigua. This 4.8% ABV, has strong aromas of sweet malt, tastes of grain, corn, with a light bitter finish. Antigua Brewery has started a new trend in the local beer market by using in-house desalination plant to provide fresh water for their brewing operations. They also offer refunds on returned bottles. The locals are appreciative of how eco-friendly this brewery is and how they stay true to the flavors of Guatemala.

Make sure to try these local beers when you visit one of these 9 Caribbean spots!
July 2, 2018
0

Be So Relaxed You Thought You Were on Vacation

By | Article, Blogs, Fashion, Tips & Tricks

TOO BAD EVERYDAY CAN’T FEEL LIKE VACATION. Unfortunately, you’ll be sitting at work to pay the bills, writing papers in school to get an education, or your home is just filled with clutter and chaos because you’re too overwhelmed to get it together. Life happens and when it does happen, it hits hard. But with the help from these wonderful essential oils; they can make you feel so calm and relaxed, you thought you were on vacation!

Essential oils are the new au natural, anxiety and stress relief remedies. There is no need for pills anymore when you can just smell a few drops of these oils and completely change the whole vibe of your day! Inhale them deeply, add some to your bath or shower, diffuse the oils into the air, or rub a little on your nostrils, palms, temples, or feet because everyone should feel like there on vacation every day.

Related image

Lavender 

Lavender is number one in being a stress reliever. Its scent is light, flowery, and super calming. It relieves nervous tension, anxiety, emotional damage, improves sleep, and can relieve pain. Add the scent to the air, listen to a beach white noise on YouTube, dim the lights, and take a bath and you will feel as relaxed like you’re on vacation.

Image result for lavender essential oil

Bergamot 

Here’s another essential oil that could be the new au natural remedy to relieving depression. Bergamots combination of spicy and citrus is a complex scent that gives you the perfect amount of R&R (reduction & relaxation). It reduces nerve tension, anxiety, stress, high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression by relaxing your nerves, your anxiety levels, and it’s an antidepressant. Just like lavender you can place it in the shower or bathtub, rub it on your skin, and inhale deeply for its warming effects to overcome any stress.

Image result for bergamot essential oil

Tea Tree

Tea Tree, also known as Melaleuca oil, comes from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. The benefits of this oil make it a must-have for every home. Benefits include mental cleansing from stress, anxiety, or physical pain, it soothes skin from irritants or burns, and can be used a great household cleaner, keeping your home smelling like a relaxing day outdoors.

Related image

Eucalyptus

With one inhale of eucalyptus you will instantly imagine yourself outdoors. The smell is unique. It is piney, but minty, with a hint of warm honey. There are so many health benefits to eucalyptus; improves respiratory circulation and immunity. Just rub a little in your hands, inhale deeply through your nose or mouth, and it will open up your air ways, your sinuses, your chest for clear breathing, and all that tight tension you were feeling in your chest, will just disappear.

Related image

Lemon 

When I think of lemon, I think of a lemon in my cold water, iced tea, or cold cocktail, and when I think of a cold beverage, I think of being somewhere tropical and hot. This citrus not only tastes good, but also smells good! Smelling the cent of lemon will stimulate your mind into daydreaming about an island escape, which will enhance your serotonin levels, and bring you to a state of complete tranquility and happiness.

Image result for lemon essential oil

Wild Orange 

This is another citrus smell that will stimulate your mind into thinking you’re on an island. Only, the difference between lemon and orange, is that orange energizes the mind and body. It uplifts the mood and energy levels, so that you are ready to go, go, go. You can diffuse this around your home or take a moment at work to meditate your mind with the scent of wild orange and enhance your performance and keep you charged.

Image result for wild orange essential oil

Patchouli

Patchouli is from a plant called, Lamiaceae, commonly known for being part of the mint family. The scent is warm and spicy, also referred to as “the scent of the 60’s”. Rubbing patchouli oil on your wrists and temples relieves stress, anxiety, and depression, making you feel like you just woke up from a nap on the beach.

Image result for patchouli oil

Ylang Ylang 

Comes from the tropical flower Cananga Ordorata Genuina, It is the “flower of all flowers.” It’s sweet floral scent is an antidepressant, enhances relaxation, and lowers blood pressure (frustration, anger, anxiety). This would be another oil that you could put in the bathtub, listen to some calming music, and imagine yourself on a beach with no stress!

Image result for ylang ylang essential oil

Ginger 

Gut-friendly ginger is great for reducing nausea, stomach knots, pains, or upset stomach. Sometimes when stress happens or nerves, our stomachs react first. With the potent and powerful scent of ginger essential oil, one sniff is a quick remedy for calming our minds and bodies, especially our stomach muscles. This could be great for pre-travel nerves the night before or before your flight.

Image result for ginger essential oil

Seaberry Oil 

Also known as, Sea buckthorn Oil, comes from a berry called Hippophae Rhamnoides. It is the new go-to vacation essential if you are going to be on a beach. It is the au natural remedy for your skin. After laying in the sun for hours, you feel crispy and dried up, you might be burnt or just added to your amazing tan, either way rubbing Seaberry oil all over your skin is great for anti-aging, skins elasticity, heals burns, and rejuvenates skin.

Image result for seaberry essential oil ad