Now that summer is over, are you wondering what winter holiday destinations to consider during this holiday season? Well, to be honest, I will tell you that summers are usually the best time to vacation for me. That said though it never hurts to know that even during winter, being the holidays and all, you still get the chance to snuggle next to the love of your life under some blanket in front of the fire. Plus I love the silly little games that one can play in the snow.

Got no plans? Well, scroll on and check out some ideas that we got for you…

Where to travel to this Christmas

I like the thought of traveling in winter because I get to feel like a child when we get into snowball fights. So if you are in the US and want to at least travel, then we have a few spots that we can recommend for you today… especially if you are planning to travel within the US.

With winter, it’s never about the kind of traveler you are. Trust me, here on Love is All Colors, we can tell you about just any winter trip that will suit your taste that’s for sure. And guess what, next year you will be sharing those beautiful photos with your friends on social media. So let’s show a few of those snowy spots if you are wondering about holidaying during corona. Because much as it is a bit of a rough year for us, you can still get a place that you can travel to because at least most countries have opened up their airports to tourists.

So f you are not such a winter travel person, I think this Love is All Colors article will give you some ideas of places to try out this miserable year that will lift up your spirits for sure!

Hawaii

If you are looking for a warm place to visit in December in the USA, then Hawaii is it for you. It is the prime whale watching season with the island of Maui as the perfect spot. Plus during this covid winter holidays, Hawaii provides the best surfing spot this time of year.

The break in the North Shore of Oahu is legendary and at its peak in December and January. Much as holidaying during corona is a bit expensive in December, the cost drops dramatically in February and March.

During winter, Kauai is dry, making it one of the perfect winter holiday destinations for two for exploration. There are so many islands to explore. So if you are looking for winter destinations for the family, especially if you are afraid of the cold, then take advantage of the multi-island vacations that are offered by Hawaiian Airlines. Opt for the island hopping package. Aloha and Mahalo.

Belize

The other covid winter holiday destination to consider is Belize. Much as the place has mountainous environs this country boasts of its superb travel destinations that most people underrate. Well, the place is now becoming more popular with visitors.

So if you are wondering where to go in 2020 for Christmas, where the weather is a bit warm, then Belize is the place to be as it has a tropical ambiance, beautiful jungles, and delicious cocktails. Soon, Belize seems to be a place that will one day be infamous for being the go-to Caribbean destination for cool people.

One thing we can hail Belize is that it is the perfect place for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts.  And the best time to enjoy all this is to travel during winter. You will get to enjoy the John Canoe Festival which features traditional Creole and Garifuna dancing competitions as well as the San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade in the month of December making this country irresistible to visit this time of year. So you will get to feast your eyes on the colorfully-lit boats parade along the shoreline and dance at the same time.

Whitefish, Montana

For those who love winter sports, and are looking for winter holiday destinations, then Whitefish, Montana is the place you should be heading to this time of year. The first thing that comes to mind is skiing on a huge mountain.

There is a lot of knee-deep powder which makes the top part of the mountain warmer than the valley. If you feel skiing is not for you, or you prefer more competitive sports, you can always feast your eyes on the World “Skijoring” Championship held every January or even participate in it. This is where the braver skiers go where they get towed through an obstacle path by a horse.

If that is a bit scary for you, then go snowshoeing in nearby Glacier National Park. Here you will find Nordic ski trails all over the golf course in town.

Now you cannot say you visited Whitefish unless you eat their scrumptious burger at The Bulldog Saloon.

Boston, Massachusetts

One of the things that makes Boston, Massachusetts perfect is that this city is rich in history and has beautiful neighborhoods and good cuisine. Now when you move beyond the city, you will find lots of great winter holiday destinations for two with lots of romantic activities for couples to engage in.

The things to really watch for are the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and Newbury Street. Speaking of things to watch out for, if you didn’t know, Boston is home to the world-renowned Ivy League Harvard University. So make a point of visiting Harvard Square which is very vibrant in the afternoons.

Usually, winter checks in Boston are covered in a blanket of snow. It is usually beautiful, and you will find tonnes of things to do.

New Orleans, Louisiana

If you are still wondering where to travel this Christmas New Orleans is perfect because of its hearty food. Plus, in this place, the weather is not too chilly at this time. Don’t get me started on the cozy jazz clubs, and their southern charm.

There are lots of popular attraction spots to visit. Plus if you have a crazy side in you, you can explore the cemeteries there. Apparently, it’s lots of fun. The good thing is the winter here isn’t too freezy so you can get to take walks and explore with your family as you might not always need a coat.

The food here is what makes visitors adore the place. From jambalaya to fried chicken, gumbo to muffulettas… Oh! Trust me it’s all finger-licking good. So better be prepared to enjoy their food whenever you are there.

Final words on where to go in 2020 for Christmas

The thing is, during the cold seasons, people usually don’t have the perfect places to go where you don’t have to be tucked under a heavy blanket in front of the TV or fireplace. But I hope that I have shown you that you can also enjoy a great break from the gateways that I have suggested and get lots of excitement, and satisfaction.

Much as other countries will hail their own for having the best holiday spots, one thing we know for sure is that the US has some of the best winter destinations for the family as well as couples.

Did you love some of these ideas? Well, check out some of the other winter holiday ideas from other countries to consider this year.

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COVID-19 is definitely going to affect Black Friday sales 2020 and how we are going to shop. There are many outlets that have been running sales and deals throughout the month of November. For instance, Walmart announced that they will be running 3 events dubbed the Walmart Black Friday Deals for Days. One of the main reasons that Walmart decided to run 3 events is so as to avoid rush shopping as well as crowded shopping so that its shoppers can stay safe.

Are you prepared to go shopping in crowds with a mask? Scroll on as we give you some tips on how to stay safe while shopping so that you can take advantage of Black Friday deals and make massive savings and stay safe at the same time.

How to protect yourself on Black Friday

A Lot of stores have put in place measures so that customers, as well as attendants, can stay safe and enjoy Black Friday sales during corona. Walmart, for instance, chose to have 3 events on separate days to reduce overcrowded shopping. They are also having online deals to help those avoiding the crush on Black Friday. I know there are many online shops set up to ensure that you have a safer and more manageable shopping experience.

We are glad that there are safety considerations that have been put in place by many stores. So there is a safer and more convenient way to take advantage of some of Black Friday sales 2020. Let’s explore some of the ways you can shop safely and tips on avoiding the crush on Black Friday…

Create a list

The thing is, these deals can make you go crazy. You might look at them and practically have the desire to get everything on every page. If not careful, you might end up getting some things that you don’t’ even need just because they are on sale. You might even find yourself buying toys for kids and yet you have no one to give them to just because they look too cute and are on sale.

Well, if you really want to save yourself from impulse buying, create a shopping list of the things that you really want and need before even browsing the deals that are available. That way you will be able to adapt your list based on what is available. Try and stick to the list as much as possible.

Consider the online deals

Black Friday sales during corona, most retail stores are offering online deals. This is a great way to save up on gas as well as time that you would have wasted standing up in line. Now this year those who will practically visit the stores shopping in crowds with a mask. So if you are really want to avoid crowded places, take a look at the stores that you would otherwise have visited.

Carry your ads

There are some stores that usually take advantage of shoppers and refuse to honor their Black Friday deals. Now it can be hard to rely on ads you saw online because they can be pulled down. One thing you need to do is if you saw a Black Friday ad on paper, cut it out, and carry it. If you saw the ad online, you can also print it out and carry it with you. That will at least help convince the retail attendant.

Get a shopping buddy

Now, I know that we have been advised to stay at home and avoid crowds during Black Friday sales 2020. So you could have someone help you shop online and also peruse different sites in search of products and services on sale so that you can identify the cheapest. But if you really have to visit the store with a friend, make sure that the two of you shop at similar paces. So this can actually help lessen the time you take to shop for stuff since one person can stay in the checkout line while the other picks up stuff.

Stay safe

Wondering how to protect yourself on Black Friday with the pandemic here with us? Well, one thing I know for sure is that a lot of stores where customers will be visiting physically have taken the necessary precautions and have made considerations so that people can shop safely. I am sure there will be associates dishing out sanitized shopping carts,  sanitizing points in the stores, as well as health ambassadors to ensure and remind you to follow the health guidelines such as wearing a mask and social distancing.

Now one thing that I know for sure is that even if all this is put in place, as a person, you need to do your part too. If you are elderly or have some underlying condition, you really need not go shopping. You can simply send someone and stay safe.

Before you even leave the house, make sure that you have carried your sanitizer and are wearing a mask. Whenever I go shopping, I try as much as possible to carry with me more than one mask. Don’t go into the crowds fighting for goods that are on sale. Just follow the social distancing rules and wait your turn.

Just skip the whole thing

There is never a better time than this year to just skip the entire Black Friday sales 2020. The thing is, it doesn’t mean that just because something is on sale you need to buy it. If you have no interest in it, why bother? If you have nothing that you need, why waste your time browsing through the websites and paper looking for something to spend your money on?

If you don’t need anything, don’t leave the house. Much as things are cheap, your money is better off saves up somewhere that spent on things that you will probably never use. So if you are feeling that spending itch, then look for some charity and donate. Alternatively, look for things that you can buy and donate to the homeless. Otherwise, just sit home and relax. You are being advised to do so anyway so that you can stay safe. Save that money for later purchases and emergencies. You never know when you will need it.

That said though, nothing should stop you from enjoying these great deals and getting the people you or yourself great gifts. Remember, Safety begins with you. Stay safe while shopping for these deals.

Have you gotten a few tips from this article? For more of our lifestyle articles, visit Love is All Colors. There is something for everyone!

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How can this be a thankful thanksgiving? See, we have always been looking forward to all our holidays. We do all the planning early enough… we shop for our gifts early and get so excited about the holiday season. Well, this year things are for sure are going to be different. With restrictions that have been put in place, I am sure you are even wondering if it’s even remotely possible to take advantage of the Walmart Black Friday and get your loved one a gift.

Even in these tough times, there is a lot to be thankful for. Read on as I tell you some of the things to be grateful for amid the pandemic…

Thanksgiving during corona pandemic

Before I even get to the thanksgiving bit, one thing we need to talk about is how we need to conduct ourselves during this time. See, even if you don’t believe in the restrictions, try as much as possible to avoid gathering a big group of friends and family members because, believe it or not, if we all resort to this kind of thing, the whole thanksgiving holiday will have been for nothing. We will have less to be thankful for because of the much higher numbers of covid infections a week later.

With everything being different, I had to stop and pause to reflect on what I have to be thankful for. This is an exercise we do with the kids every year around the dinner table, and it’s usually fairly easy–we have so much–but this year, with everything we “lost”, it can be hard to find joy and thankfulness in our hearts. But when you look at it, despite the pandemic, we have so much to be thankful for during this coronavirus thanksgiving.

Let’s look at some of the things I feel you can and need to be thankful for…

Life

Are you alive? One of the things that I have learned to be grateful for this year is every breath I take. I have been hearing the way people have trouble breathing because of the coronavirus. So for every breath I take, I am thankful. So be thankful that you got to see another thanksgiving despite all that is happening. These days, matters of life and death are very real.

Health

Be thankful thanksgiving for health. Health this year is one of the things everyone needs to be grateful for especially if you have managed to survive contacting the coronavirus. This has become one of the biggest health issues that have even made the world go into lockdown. So if you got lucky, be thankful. If you got sick and healed then that should be on your list of things to be thankful for at thanksgiving. And in case you are grappling with any illness, being grateful for other little things working out for you can uplift your spirits. For instance…

The roof over your head

You might be taking some things for granted but thanksgiving in 2020 will really make people appreciate a lot of things in their lives. Have you ever thought to think about what the homeless in the streets live like? Imagine the cold that they will have to deal with during the holidays. So even if you are feeling like ‘what’s there to be happy about’, if you have a roof over your head, then that is something to be grateful for.

Music

Music has a way of always putting someone into a great mood. Music can be very uplifting. So if you are feeling low this Thanksgiving, how about putting on your favorite jam? Just that first bit will turn things around for you.

Little freedoms

Before the covid restrictions, most people used to take things like the freedom to walk for granted. The day we were told to stay at home was the day I realized just how much I missed that freedom. Well, at least some of these restrictions have eased up a bit. At least we are allowed to walk in our masks. Think about it… At least you can sit in front of the TV and watch whatever t is you want. At least you have a choice and the freedom to marry whoever you marry or date. You have the freedom to date online. You have the freedom of speech – you can speak freely without the fear that you will be thrown in jail.

This thanksgiving during corona pandemic, be thankful for the freedom to choose whatever you want.

Technology

… and smartphones of course. Well, this is a thankful thanksgiving because without the internet and our smartphones, I have no idea how most people would have survived the lockdown. What would you have done without Netflix? What would you have done without ZOOM, social media sites, Whatsapp, online dating? Just think about it.

One of the things that the internet has helped with is it has helped people stay in contact with their families and friends. People have been able to work from home. We have been able to do our businesses online. People are able to shop online. Because of this technology, most of us have managed to stay safe during the pandemic. So if you think that during this coronavirus thanksgiving there is nothing to be thankful for, take a minute, and think again. Just be thankful that you have the technology.

Water

Well, on top of the list of things to be thankful for at thanksgiving, water is it. If there is something that has been able to help us stay safe is water. We can wash our hands constantly with soap and water. Well, besides, being able to stay safe, one thing about water that you need to be thankful for is clean drinking water. Plus, you can have a shower whenever you want. Isn’t that just great?

Conclusion: Stay safe!

Be thankful thanksgiving because at least you have the option of staying safe. We all need to acknowledge the fact that there has been a surge in covid cases lately. Do not be tempted to let your guard down. This thing is as real as it can be. To be honest, many thanksgiving dinners are going to add to the risk of the spread of the disease.

Kindly forget involving your whole extended family. Instead, settle for virtual holiday celebrations, starting with thanksgiving in 2020. What begins as a cough at dinner can end up becoming life-threatening for the whole family. There is no sugarcoating things. Those large indoor family dinners will put all of you at risk especially because there are lots of asymptomatic cases.

If you really have to be with your family, consider a socially distanced thanksgiving outdoors. But if you ask me, I would advise you and your family members to follow CDC guidelines and stop the gatherings. Health officials have already warned about a surge in the number of infections during thanksgiving. Wear a mask. Social distance. Avoid indoor gatherings. Better safe than sorry. Have that virtual thanksgiving dinner and be thankful for our technological advancements and the internet.

For more articles about the pandemic, visit Love is All Colors.

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Since nearly the whole of the world went into lockdown and quarantine mode, coronavirus travel has plummetted. The international travel industry is the one that has been hard hit. The capacity of aircraft has taken a dive by as high as 73%. This has really affected international trade as well as the countries that heavily rely on international tourism. A considerable number of airlines have had to ground most of their aircraft. A lot of counties have put travel bans because of corona.

So how are countries making the most of this situation? Take a look at how people are coping and the holiday options to consider below…

Covid 19 holiday options

If you are wondering how to travel during 2020, one thing that most travelers have had to forfeit is globetrotting. If you are one who loved hopping from country to country in 2019, this year, things have definitely not been the same. I know you have probably been dreaming of taking a break and running away from this corona pandemic. We all know how tempting the forbidden can be. I am sure even those who rarely travel or are used to the introvert life, now more than ever, wish they could do this freely.

So what are we left with?

One thing that most people are opting for in places where the coronavirus travel restrictions are still in place is settling for holidays at home. Much as most countries partially locked down local travel, many have now eased local travel and are putting in place public health measures to ensure that they are containing the spread of the virus on a national level as they also give people some freedom to at least enjoy some local tourism. With international tourism having taken such a large hit, in order to try and sustain their economies, countries are now resorting to local travels. Holidaying in your own country is a safer option right now.

Traveling closer to home

Domestic tourism has become the next best thing. Such popular destinations like Berlin, Barcelona, and even Florence, which were some of the most favored are some of the spots being avoided by many international travelers. Demand has become higher domestically. Based on how the counties are fairing in terms of the number of new infections and deaths, those with lower numbers have been gradually easing their lockdown restrictions. With countries like America and Italy where the pandemic has hit hard, foreigners are less interested in visiting these places. This is expected to be the case for months and months to come. 

Are people rushing to overseas holiday destinations?

Whether we like it or not, so long as the pandemic is with us, life will not go back to normal. But in places where governments have managed to keep things in control, some normally is returning, That said though, people would rather have their holidays at home as opposed to overseas destinations.

The thing is, much as some countries have eased travel bans because of corona, people are still skeptical about traveling overseas. There are countries where the numbers of infected people are high. So it makes so much sense that after international travel bans have been lifted, people are still scared of holidaying abroad. No one wants their first holiday after the restrictions have been lifted to be overseas.

The thing is, we cannot predict what the future holds or how all this is going to play out over the next few months.

Covid 19 has changed the way we travel

Changes are there. From the sanitizing to masks and lockdowns. There is a lot of transformation in the travel industry. In some places, traveling has come to a standstill. As much as countries are beginning to emerge from the lockdown, we are all looking at a new normal. Even if we were cooped up in the confines of our homes, people are dreaming about the beaches and holiday excursions.

The thing, with the new normal, coronavirus travel has to adhere to public health recommendations. Plus, we have to admit that it has come with its own challenges.

Traveling in uncertainty

Much as Covid-19 pandemic has hit we cannot compare the situation to where we were sometimes in March 2020. There is some form of stabilization and recovery within the travel sector. What is more encouraging is that the covid 19 holiday options that people prefer are local travel options.

That said though, most people who are wondering how to travel during 2020 still have a genuine fear of getting infected. The main concern of the younger travelers who live home with their older parents and grandparents is the fear of infecting them as the older generation are more at risk.

Today, this genuine fear of infection is what is shaping how people are traveling in these uncertain times.

Key trends of coping with covid-19 travel

One of the things that we are seeing actively is how cautious and religious most people are about adhering to the health guidelines. Most partners within the travel and hospitality industry are working hand in hand to ensure that they are providing safe travel environments.

People now prefer to travel in smaller groups, especially with people that they are comfortable hanging around with. For instance, with coronavirus travel, people would rather go on holiday with the family and good friends that they know are staying safe.

Holidaying in your own country is the other trend. There is a lot of demand for domestic travel. The travel and tourism industry is going local.

We have adapted to the new normal

There is a range of protocols that have been put in place to cover the new normal. All travel providers are doing the best they can to adhere to these protocols. There is the cleaning and sanitization, the masks, thermal and infrared scanners, social distancing, and reduced touchpoints.

Much as things may not be as they used to be, we are still optimistic. The desire and dreams for travel are still strong within the hearts of those who love to travel.

For more articles about how lifestyles have changed to cope with the pandemic, visit Love is All Colors.

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Are there some benefits of being an introvert in these tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic? See most of the people have had to work from home. There are those who are adjusting well to all this and have discovered the perfect work home life balance. Then there are those who are feeling the social effects of having to be alone during this time and are caving under the pressure. Depending on whether you are living the extrovert or introvert life, both types of people might be dealing with all this lockdown business differently.

Read on as I give you my experience about the perks of being an introvert… as I am one…

Advantages of being an introvert

Seeing as I am an introvert, what really makes me sane is being alone. I usually perform optimally when I am alone. So what used to happen when things were normal, that is before the pandemic, I used to like working in quiet places because that is what energized me. So I would go into work very early and then leave after everyone was out. See, when I was alone, that is when I would do my work perfectly well. Mostly, during the day, you would find me in an empty conference room working there since I didn’t have my own office place. Being around people all day used to exhaust me.

Working at home has been a relief

For me, the COVID-19 has been like a blessing in disguise. I have enjoyed so many introvert benefits. Can you imagine how ecstatic I was when a directive was given that we all work from home? The introverted advantage is that people like me are not caving under the pressure of being alone. Working at home during the pandemic has been such a relief. Now, at least I can keep off the constant interactions of my normal workplace. You have no idea how my introvert life used to be affected by having to work in an open-plan office. That is why I used to look for conference rooms to work from there.

Are there some challenges that I am facing?

Much as I have enjoyed the benefits of being an introvert during COVID-19, I have had to face some challenges working from home. Much as I have enjoyed the advantages of being an introvert, there is some intrusiveness that has come with the lockdown. For instance, one thing that I have been having trouble with is video calls. That is quite intrusive. I feel like much as I have left the office, people are still following me into my private space.

I am glad that I live alone. At least I am enjoying the introverted advantage of spending most of my time alone at home without the usual interruptions of the scheduled video calls and all. Now I cannot imagine what is happening to introverts who have to be locked out with others at home.

When I was living at home before I moved out, can you believe that the office space used to be my to-go place to feel sane? All the noise and people fighting over what to watch used to get to me. So at work, at least I would put on my headphones and just tune out people as I worked.

Can you imagine what it can be like having to share some small space at home with others? I cannot begin to imagine how tight that space can feel. No more commuting to have some alone time… No more conference room to lock yourself in. That can really interfere with the perks of being an introvert.

I am thriving because of the limited interactions

Now, as I have mentioned earlier, we introverts are energized by limited social interactions. So sometimes whenever possible, I usually tell people from the workplace to call or email if a video call is not totally necessary. I just wasn’t to fully soak the introvert advantage of working from home.

Now that said, it doesn’t really mean that I hate being around people. I still miss the occasional banters in the office. But what really happens is that at talk to my family and friends whenever I can. Plus in order to feel a little less suffocated in the house, I run and take walks around the block.

So how are extroverts coping?

The extrovert dilemma

Extroverts love being around people. That is what energizes them. They are always trying to look for moments where they can interact and engage with people. They are at their optimal performance when they are working with others… well, at least they thrive way better than introverts do. They don’t like being alone for long. Some feel a bit uncomfortable.

So this is where the extrovert dilemma comes in during the COVID-19 pandemic. These equal opposites of mine are being deprived of the physical presence of their colleagues now that they have to work from home. No open space where they can work as they informally chat with others. They miss the conference meetings where they could get loud and laugh. They are missing the coffee breaks and all.

Well, this extrovert disadvantage is definitely happening to those who aren’t staying at home with other people. This extrovert dilemma is happening to those who have to stay at home alone. They miss the simple interactions they were used to when they were going to work. This staying at home isn’t working for them. My friend was even telling me how he is having difficulty working from home. It is like he has become slower and he feels like there is no motivation to get up in the morning. There is no motivation to even leave the bed and work.

How extroverts are coping

Let me tell you the story of my friend Bob. What he missed most is the socializing with colleagues after work. For me not having to socialize was one of the benefits of being an introvert and working from home. For him, having to stay at home alone was a disaster. So he tried scheduling a zoom drinking gig with me. But all he did was complaining about how having a drink in front of the computer was not the same. He did not want to imagine how he was going to cope especially seeing as the lockdown was somewhat indefinite.

The lack of personal contact was his biggest issue. Video chats are really not doing it for them either. While I am enjoying the introvert benefits of being home alone, he is more scared of catching cabin fever than he is of coronavirus. Every time I used to talk to him, he would make me feel guilty of enjoying the introvert advantage. Anyway eventually, he had to adjust to the zoom meetings and video calls. Plus jogging around the block and going to the supermarket used to be the highlight of his days.

At least most of us are somewhere in between.

The good thing is that most of us tend to lie in between. Much as I am enjoying the benefits of being an introvert during the lockdown, from time to time, I do miss the human interaction at work. I must admit though that I am less motivated to have video calls with my colleagues. I may be alone at home but to be honest, I don’t really feel lonely. If anything my boss is really hailing my work right now.

For more articles about how to cope with the lockdown, visit Love is All Colors.

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I am sure with this worldwide Coronavirus ‘stay at home’ directive, most people are having a hard time nailing the work home life balance. Are you one of those people who used to look at the people who work from home with the you-got-it-too-easy eyes. Well, now that almost all of us are in that same boat, how does it feel? Still think they had it easy?

Since I have been working from home for like 12 years now, read ahead as I show you here some tips on how to balance work and home life that have helped me over the years…

How to balance your time working from home

Most companies have been forced to implement work-from-home policies amidst this coronavirus pandemic. So a lot of people are now struggling with having to learn to balance how to work from home, especially with kids present. Right now, life and work are happening in the same spaces. Do you get up, shower, dress up like you are going to work, or just pull your laptop from under the bed and get to work?

Now, your brain is splitting into half. You have to think about work when you’re home and think about all the things you need to do at home while ‘at work’. All these thoughts are clashing within the same space. Staying focused on work when your kids are busy running around can be very difficult, especially for those who are not used to it.

Even if you’ve done it before, you need to know how to have balance in your life since staying healthy, both mentally and physically is important during this coronavirus pandemic. Now that you are working from home, it means that your life will get in the way of your work. So how get your work done and at the same time, staying sane at home doing it? Here are some of the tips that I used then and have been applying now that are helping me maintain a work home life balance.

Have a designated work area

When I became a stay at home dad, the biggest challenge for me was how to balance work and personal life. With them so intertwined, at first, it was hard to see where one ended and the other begun. The first step was to draw the line! I knew I had to do this otherwise, one of them will suffer eventually.

The thing is, I was used to going to the office every day. There was that physical separation. So I decided to recreate this at home as well. Now, I know there are some of the people who have small apartments hence, having a separate room as a home office is impossible. Well, you could rearrange things and have a corner that feels separate from the rest of the room.

So because I had a 4-year-old kid running around at the time, I still had to keep an eye on her. So I got my corner with great lighting and got my desk and chair and told her that corner in her room was my office. I explained that when I sat there, I was not to be disturbed.

Much as it was my daughter’s room full of her toys and all, for me, just entering that corner also made me respect that workspace. And whenever I did, it was like a switch was turned on that I was ready to get down to work. While it might feel great that now you can work from any corner of the house, then your laptop will sap into your downtime making it harder to have a work and home balance. So do whatever you can to be able to leave the workspace.

Get dressed

This might sound too easy a tip for work home life balance but do not underestimate its power. When I started working from home, initially, I used to wake up, pull out my laptop from under the bed, and started working. Then there were those days I would get out of bed, take a shower, get dressed, have breakfast then get to work. Well, I realized that on these days, I was more productive, more organized and focused

Now, getting dressed doesn’t mean that you dress formally like you would when going to the office. That simple act of changing into day clothes is a great wakeup call that it is time to get down to serious business. This is how to balance work and personal life – by simply drawing the line.

During this crisis, it is important to stay as sane as possible. Things might not be normal but it is important to make them feel that way.  So take a shower, put on some deodorant and lip gloss. Feel great and ready to tackle whatever tasks lie ahead.

Define your work hours

With kids running around? Oh yes. It is possible. This is one of the most important tips on how to balance work and home life. Be clear about when you are working and when you are not.

For me, I had to plan my working hours around my daughter’s schedule. Since she was only 4, I would start my day earlier and work for two-hour blocks. So I sat with her and we came up with a chart that specified when I was working. So I told her, whenever she saw me seated in my corner, that was work time and I wasn’t to be disturbed. During that time, she had her activities. So for her, that became fun and she respected ‘our’ work time.

Define your hours and stick with them. You need to start treating yourself as an employee. Learn how to “STOP” on time. Walk away from your desk and leave the computer behind. Have time to bond with the little ones. Even if you have no kids and nothing to do in the evening, don’t give in to the temptation of extending your work hours. Learn to have balance in your life. Put it away, recharge, and begin in the morning with a fresh brain.

Avoid things that eat into your time

What else are you doing that is making you less productive? To perfectly strike the work home life balance, you need to identify these things. Do not do them during your designated work hours.

For me, it was the constant WhatsApp messages that kept coming in. So what I did was muting the notifications. So anything personal like social media, online bank statements, paying bills, I did it after work hours. Stop checking on your baby more than is necessary. Learn to balance.

Stay social

Right now, the whole office is working from home. Everyone is working from home. We are having less social interactions. At least then, I would have some unwinding time with friends. Now, most of us can’t. We are stuck with ourselves.

One other way to strike your work and home balance is to break that monotony of work and socialize. Stage a call with your coworkers and just have some good old gossip. Keep up with what they have been doing while staying at home. Such small interactions go a long way into keeping you sane.

If you used to have lunch with a coworker, plan a virtual lunch date through video, and catch up one-on-one. These breaks are important when you are having to work from home. Facetime your mum and relatives. Just reach out and connect with them.

Embrace Flexible Working

Now much as you are trying to get that perfect balance with defined working hours and all, one thing I had to accept is that there were times that circumstances forced me to work outside core hours. So, knowing that you are working from home, your boss might schedule a call that probably seeps into your personal hours.

Don’t sacrifice your personal time. When this happens, finish earlier the next day so that you do what you had planned to do.

Now that you have an idea on how to balance your time, visit Love is All Colors after work hours and read some of the articles you might have missed.

The post How I discovered the perfect work home life balance appeared first on Love is all colors.

Easing My Loneliness during the Coronavirus lock down

When I first heard the announcements of the Covid-19 lock down, the first thing I told my friend on the phone was, ‘It’s confirmed. I am going to die single!’.  This was because at first, I was caught up in a roller coaster of mixed emotions.

I am 34 years old. I have been single for quite a while now. And quite a while here is more than 5 years. I long ago had a plan. One that involved having 2 kids and a great husband. Yet in the back of my mind there was always that inevitable clock that weighed heavily on my mind. Then this?!!! How am I supposed to get a dude in the times of Coronavirus? What unprecedented territory!

To be honest, if there was a time when being single was rubbed pretty well in my face, it was this. When we were asked to stay home – and the closure of bars and clubs (the place I always run to whenever I feel down or too lonely).

No more parties? No more family gatherings? For a moment, I stopped worrying about living single. It now became clear that I was going to die alone in my little apartment. If I become ill, who will come to see me? I even started feeling claustrophobic.

How I hated attending family gatherings because I used to dread the “Have you met someone?” question. Now, I would give anything to attend. The isolation was wearing heavy on me. Oh how I wish I had that ‘someone’ right now to keep me company. I needed a distraction from all these feelings of sadness and loneliness.

And the news wasn’t helping…

I never used to be the kind of person who tuned into the news. I used to stay updated in the office through colleagues as they discussed the news of the day instead. That way, I could pick and choose what I listened to. Blocking out the bad news? No problemo. Just hum a little tune in my head. You should see me now. I am glued to every news segment possible. I need to know everything about the COVID-19 virus and how best to protect my lonely self.

During the earlier days, the news was nothing short of depressing. Numbers of cases increasing… not to mention the significant numbers of people dying… Then there was the worry that maybe, just maybe, you came into contact with someone who had the virus already. Digesting this news alone, wasn’t pretty.

My early days in self-isolation

One thing that hit me hard was how much time I had on my hands. My initial plan for distracting myself from all the the depressing news was de-cluttering and getting my house in order. Unfortunately, did you know this is something that won’t take you even more than two days to finish if you are bored enough?

What next? Since the news were all about the Coronavirus, I decided to only tune in once a day. The rest of my time became Netflix time involving laziness and a mega binge watch of my favorite TV shows. Fun as it sounds, that routine gets old too after a week or so.

So What Next?

First off, much as the number of cases keep rising, we are told there is the hope and encouragement that so long as we stick to the guidelines, eventually we will be fine… that we will get used to self isolation.

Ummmm…. Not when you are alone! I was massively feeling the negative effects of social distancing!

All I could think about was the future. I even started thinking that maybe I was a little too hard on some of the douche bags I had dumped in the past. Maybe if I was a little patient with Joshua’s lack of ambition, eventually, he would have found something to get excited about… Was I too impatient?

This period of self isolation has been daunting for me I must admit. How I wish I had Joshua by my side … lol. Oh wait! Let me not cry over spilt milk for too long…

Tinder and Bumble No Longer Doing it for me

Much as I have been relying on the bar scene to meet people I have also simultaneously been dating online. I have used many popular dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble,. However, this time it is different.

Before this whole mess, I used dating apps whenever I wanted to meet someone quickly within my area. So basically, if I was bored and wanted someone to keep me company, the apps were my go-to place. So I wasn’t really too keen on making meaningful connections, it was more about satisfying an urge rather than having meaningful company or someone decent to talk to.

But now I want more and it’s not that easy. Physical dates are clearly out. A month ago, I would have given or done anything to find love. But much as the thought of being within touching distance with a potential boyfriend is steamier, it has now become the scariest thought on my mind.

I had to accept that such is love in times of the Coronavirus. Yes, it is a scary situation. But you know what? Much as I had to self isolate I still need people in my life and not the type of guy I was meeting on the nearby hookup dating apps. I had to find a way to adapt. I realized then more than ever how having someone to talk to was going to make a great difference in coping with the loneliness.

Switching focus to online dating sites instead

I have mentioned about how I used to like keeping things casual. That doesn’t mean that I never yearned for deeper and more meaningful connections online… they just never happened.

Well, after realizing and accepting that swiping for fast dates wasn’t a sane and safe option for me anymore, I decided to try out InterracialDatingCentral.com – a site that is more specialized in dating and helping singles forge long-term relationships, with a proven track record.

What I found out really quickly

There were a lot of people gathering on the site looking to chat with others! I’d assumed that maybe this would not be the case but obviously many others, both men and women, had the same idea that I did.

So I quickly and easily registered which involved creating a well thought out profile. I mean it’s not like I had some place to be. Time is all I had. Here are a few things I made sure to do right….

Killer profile

I always used to rush through the profile creation process on apps. I have an excuse for that… lack of time. Well, now that I have it, I figured, it was about time I stepped things up. Here are some of the essential components of my profile that I paid attention to:

Profile picture

My profile pictures on apps used to pictures of me in front of a plain background. But after seeing rounds of the pictures that people have been posting on the internet during self isolation, I decided to add some activity into my picture. So my profile pictures (which I change often) are pictures of me doing something interesting like baking, painting… At a glance, one is able to see my interests. I also add other pictures that tell a story of what I am all about. And all these are new photos taken during the lock down.

An interesting ‘About Me’ section

Even though my pictures speak for themselves, I figured I’d get more potential mates hitting up my inbox if I shared a little more interesting stuff about myself (Have you seen how creative people have become on social media and the internet in general?). If you don’t step it up, you lose and providing relevance to the coronavirus situation in my description has helped!

Regularly updating my profile

When I registered on InterracialDatingCentral, I got an email from them which was speaking about how constantly updating your profile makes you relevant. Something as simple as adding a simple line or rewording your profile makes you appear on the ‘most active’ list of members.

So, for me, it’s the profile picture that I am capitalizing through. And every week, it’s a picture of me doing something different. That way, if someone didn’t think cooking is fun enough, maybe painting will catch their attention.

Communicating with as many people as possible

Now, there are the simple communication skills that we have all heard of. What self isolation has taught me is to give any potential mate a chance. Before, I used to read through people’s messages, looking for deal breakers and reasons to write them off. Well, that had to change.

Today, when someone hits my inbox, I am more likely to reply. Now more than ever, I have realized the importance of simple social interactions that I used to take for granted and sometimes ignored. So, even if not romantic, I am saner when I just talk to someone about how their day has been without any romantic expectations or pressure.

How to make a long distance relationship work

“I won’t touch you with a ten-foot pole”. Now we literally have to keep that in mind. In our case it’s six feet.

Social distancing, self isolation, quarantine, lock down… All these phrases and words that have come up after the Coronavirus was declared a pandemic mean that dating and romance must adjust. If your special someone wasn’t with you when a lock down was announced, you now have to go the long distance relationship way.

The same applies for singles. Now, we have to rely on online dating features that support instant long distance communication. Skype, Face Time and Video chats provided by online dating sites have become the closest thing to meeting in person.

The other day, I was chatting to this guy and he suggested that I join him for a drink. So he was like: “So what are you having my lady”? I ‘asked’ for chardonnay (this was definitely a bottle I had in my house). We sat, there and talked via Skype long into the night, until the bottle had long emptied, and had a good laugh out of it.

My online dating experience in a nutshell

You are not going to believe what happened as soon as I took my profile live. Put simply, I have never received that much attention on a dating site. Clearly, online dating has become the go-to place for singles to connect and share their experiences. Don’t even get me started on the number of flirts and messages flooding my inbox. And as I mentioned earlier, I have the time to reply to every single one who has messaged. The more I do that, the more I am realizing that there so many people of substance that I passed on in the past because of being too judgmental and relying on what was in front of me at a quick glance.

It’s all about building meaningful connections

One thing that I have noticed that’s different is that men are actually taking their time and are having conversations. They are chatting more and the conversations are becoming more frequent and more consistent. For the first time, I am actually connecting with men online and I am building both friendships and romantic connections. People are sharing more about themselves and in turn it has become easier for me to do the sane, even on my profile.

Now, I have the opportunity to meet someone  and establish an emotional connection. Given the self isolation, I have the time to actually find out what the man is all about and drop those that aren’t adding value to me and, therefore, maintain engagement with those that genuinely want to take it to another level once this Coronavirus crisis blows over.

Make the Best out of a Bad Situation

One good thing that has come out of this crisis is that I have found the time to get to know someone first, as opposed to rushing into meeting someone, then getting to know them later.

I no longer feel as alone as I initially felt at the start of the lock down because I chose to accept the situation and adapt to it. Bond now, have fun and distract yourself, and then meet later when the crisis has been contained.

I am maintaining social interactions with friends and family by catching up on all the silly and ‘not so silly’ ways they are coping with social distancing. This has really diminished the feelings of loneliness that I initially had.

Now I am concentrating on building connections and relationships. And this is one way that living under ‘house arrest’ has forced me to re-learn the way I date online and has shifted my habits… hopefully permanently.

Even though this epidemic has changed the way we interact with each other somehow, pushing us apart has forced people to cultivate better communication skills and come up with ways to reach out and offer support, which are helping us stay together even when we are apart. I hope THAT continues.

The post How online dating has helped ease lock down frustration of Coronavirus appeared first on Love is all colors.

Do you have any ideas on how to add self employed to resume? Are you supposed to create a different section for it? How relevant is your freelance gig to the job that you are eyeing? Should you even consider including it at all? I know you have too many questions about this. And leaving your freelancing job makes you have a rather incomplete resume. This means you end up not getting the stable job that you are applying for.

If this is the scenario that you are dealing with right now, read on Love is All Colors to find out how to go around such a situation…

Being self-employed means you don’t work for a specific employer. Its simply being your own boss. Is freelancing the same as self-employment? Pretty much yes. Basically, it all boils down to how an individual wants to define his or her business. There are those who feel like ‘freelancer’ sounds less serious than self-employed. But the main difference is that most freelancers are employed on a contract basis.

The thing is, after years of being a freelancer, you need to add self-employment experience to your resume! If you don’t, your resume will end up having some unexplained employment gaps in your work history. And this is the main reason why self-employment is a great inclusion to your resume. Here are other reasons why you need to have a self employed resume…

Benefits of self-employment or freelance resume

One thing is that such resumes highlight some great competencies and skills that a person possesses that most employers look for. Below are a few of them…

Self and time management skills

It shows that you are keen about your professional life and about bettering your personal life. Basically, you are a person who values their work and even in the case where you are not formally employed by a specific company, individual or organization, you still go out there and continue working through adversity. This shows initiative, self-direction and the ability to work independently with minimum supervision. It shows the capability to competently manage all of the daily activities in a timely manner in order to see projects to completion.

Project Management skills

Alone? In a team? It doesn’t matter. Being in self-employment shows that you have the ability to get the job done. You can get information and put it into use. This also shows that you can partner and collaborate with people in order to bring a freelancing project to completion.

Planning and decision-making skills

This is another quality that most freelancers possess. They can visualize, plan, prioritize set goals as well as make decisions. The thing is your freelance resume shows that you are responsible for making decisions as an individual.

Leadership and networking skills

Whether you are your own boss or you have a group of employees to assist you being in self-employment proves that you can create lasting business relationships. You can basically lead people towards achieving a specific goal because even in freelancing, you are working for yourself as well as guiding and steering people in order to make that buck you are looking for.

Interpersonal Skills

In order to secure and maintain any contract, you need to cultivate relationships with vendors, partners, and clients. This means this is not an issue for you. It also shows that you are also a great negotiator.

Passion for growth and development

In order to compete in the freelance world say writing, you need to have a  freelance writer resume that shows continuous self-growth and development in the writing field.

Creativity

A freelance writer resume or freelance web developer resume for instance,  also show how creative and visioning one is as one is required to at least add the scope of work they have done when looking for freelancing gigs. Plus one is always initiating new and more creative activities in order to secure work for themselves. It shows you are constantly developing and coming up with new ideas.

You constantly initiate new activities to garner new work opportunities for yourself. You develop, maintain, and synthesize ideas.

 Adding self-employment to a resume

Well, here are of the general directives on how to put self employed on resume:

1. Put a functional job title that clearly shows the nature of your freelance or self-employed work

The whole idea is to treat this work experience break from official employment as other independent contractors would do on their resumes. First off, give yourself a title that captures the nature of the work you did when being on self-employment. So don’t use self-employment for that gap. Instead put things like Fashion Designer, Freelance writer, Software Development Consultant or Contractor for… These descriptions will instantly capture the eyes of the HR people and give them an idea of what your field of expertise is.

2. Add a company name

Most people on self-employment or in consultancy usually have registred business names to add professionalism and make them more competitive when searching for work. So just as you would add a company name when looking for business opportunities consider proving a company name that captures your line of work. This, however, depends on the level of your freelancing or consulting business. But if the company name is there, then add it to your resume.

3. List long-term freelance jobs as normal jobs

Add job titles for the and dates so that they stand out and attract more attention. When you do this, it will also make it easier to give a description of the job experience. Check out self employed resume sample.

3. Give a summary of the services offered

After the job title and the client’s name, including the type of work performed as a freelancer and also the scope. If they were more than one company that you did work for, mention them and remember to add the dates and the industries. Remember to include key accomplishments and achievements. Your duties need to appear impressive.

4.Create a section for freelance projects and bullet points to highlight important projects or clients

If you have done so many projects over time, then the way to include these is to create a section in your resume. Putting every different project might mean that you may end up with a 20-page resume which no one will read. So in this section, but the most impressive projects. Specify the duration of the projects too.

If for instance, you did some noteworthy projects that demonstrate your marketable skills make sure they well presented in bullet points in order to highlight their relevance to the job you are applying for. Plus, mention big organizations that you have done for. Most recruiters get impressed by these. Big clients mean better work and competitiveness and excellency in work.

Then after that, mention in passing other projects you have participated in…

5. Add references

One of the main problems with self-employment on a resume is that half the time, one cannot prove the work they did or the services offered. Make sure you add some references that show the partners, companies or investors you collaborated with.

6. Exclude any irrelevant information.

The best way on how to add self employed to resume is to omit irrelevant information. The thing with freelance work is that there are lots of tasks involved. Are they relevant to the job you are applying for? Not all of them will be. So make sure the information you provide remains relevant otherwise you will end up being declined the offer.

Well, now that you have your resume ready, here is an article on self-improvement measures you can take to a more confident you. All the best.

The post Resume tips – working around being self employed appeared first on Love is all colors.

New Year New Me. This is a phrase that we keep hearing from almost everyone whenever we approach a fresh year. This is when people sit down crafting and thinking about their new year’s eve goals. Most of us vow to be better than we were the previous year. Well, it kind of makes sense because we all want to better people. And very many people have lived by that phrase. Well just like most people, I am hoping that this new year will also bring out a new me.

Read on to find out why this year will be different from my previous ones…

My realistic new year’s resolutions

Letting go of the new year new me mantra

One thing that the previous years have taught me is to make realistic new year’s resolutions. Now looking back at the previous years, to be honest, I think I have failed miserably when it comes to honoring the resolutions I made for myself. So for me, this year, I choose to acknowledge who I truly am by letting go of the ‘New Me’ thing.

The thing is, after a lot of soul searching, I realized that much as we should have new years eve goals,  we need to also learn to believe that in some ways, we are good enough as we are. So you don’t really need to craft a new you. You don’t need to try and be someone you are not. For me, I think over the years, it has damaged my self-worth and identity.

When I go home for the holidays and meet friends and relatives whose lives seem better than mine, that is when I put pressure on myself. One of the new years resolution examples that I kept making was to get married and start a family. Now if I am to be realistic, for that to happen, you need a man and a working relationship. But putting that kind of pressure on myself made me appear desperate to the men I met which sabotaged most of my relationships. So that is the main reason I want to let go of the new year new me mentality.

Go easy on me

The thing is, I made my mistakes in 2019. And if I was able to go back and do things differently, I would have. But unfortunately, I can’t. Yes, I would like to be a better person. But I don’t want to be a different person. I don’t want to let go of the person that I am. I want to be better and still maintain my identity.

The thing is we can be better. And by being better, it means recognizing our strengths and improving on that as opposed to beating ourselves up with new years resolution examples like getting a baby when you have no one to make that baby with. This year, I am going to embrace who I am and improve on my strengths. That way, I won’t be setting myself up for failure.

So one of my ideas for new years resolutions is reflecting on my good qualities, making them even stronger and giving myself daily inspiration. I want to recognize the things that I can accomplish and channel the best qualities of who I am and what I am passionate about for good.

New year better me – I can be better without losing myself

One of the best new years resolution ideas is to just be a better person without losing my identity. So I have decided to change the new year new me to new year better me. I have my flaws and that is what makes me who I am. Those I can change, I will. Those I can’t fix, I can’t run away from. I know I can be a better person. But being better doesn’t mean that I become uncomfortable with who I am.

So, I have decided to look for areas in my life and focus on self-improvements. The best way to come up with realistic ideas for new years resolutions is to ask yourself if whatever you want to work on is worth the trouble. If the answer is “no”, then trying to do it will only lead to failure and you will continue beating yourself up after that failure.

I will stop comparing myself to other people

Whenever I went home for the holidays, I found myself comparing myself to my siblings and the friends I used to meet. And whenever I went back home, I would try and compete with them. But one day I came to realize that they also had the pressure of appearing like their lives were great. So they would go out of their way to put up these appearances. But when I discovered that one of my friends who came with this massive car, that it was a lease, I decided to stop comparing myself to people I only meet once a year.

The thing is, we all want to look better in front of our families. It’s human nature. But then again, you don’t have to go out of your way to live a life that you cannot afford. In the end, you will cave in under that pressure.

Make goals that are achievable

One of the new years resolution ideas that I noticed works is looking at myself, my intentions about the goals that I am making and asking myself if I am doing them for me or doing them to please others. Now, the goals that I have been able to achieve are those that I set for my own good. So always ask yourself why you are setting those goals in the first place.

So here are some things to consider:

Make your resolutions attainable: Set smaller goals that you can build upon over time.

Acknowledge what you are doing well: Stop focusing on your negatives and work more on your positives. Look at the direction that is going well in your life and do that better. Look at yourself through strength-based goggles and motivate yourself to making better what is already working.

Give yourself a thumbs up for all the baby steps you are taking: For instance, if weight is what you want to lose, congratulate yourself for something as small as going to the gym regularly. Always acknowledge that real change happens over time. Plus, just making the effort of exercising means that you are on the path of living a healthy lifestyle.

Positive affirmations: Now stupid as this might seem, positive affirmations do work. So every morning you wake up, try and motivate yourself. Make yourself feel like you are doing great and that you are making progress towards achieving whatever goals you have set for yourself. Being in a positive mood will give you more motivation.

I want to love myself

My new year new me theme is to love myself. Now we are human. And part of being human is usually looking at what we are doing wrong in our lives and focusing on our flaws. And whenever I look at the negative bits of me, I become unhappy and demotivated.

Well, my number one new years resolution is to love myself and to focus on the good. Now one thing I am doing differently this year is keeping a journal of all the good things that are happening in my life and being grateful for them. And even if I don’t find anything, I decide to be grateful for things like just being alive.

So this year, as part of being a new me, I decided to embark on a journey to self-acceptance. This year, I choose to make myself a priority and making time to do things that make me happy – things that uplift me. I want to celebrate even the smallest achievements. I choose not to be too hard on myself.

The thing is, I am not perfect. No one is. So I am choosing to look within me, and the good within me. I choose to embrace who I am and be grateful for every breath I take. I am a work in progress. And I know with time, I will get where I want to be.

For more inspirational articles, visit Love is All Colors.

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During the cold seasons, people usually think that there are no winter holiday ideas to get them away from their ‘boring’ routine lives of being tucked under a heavy blanket in front of the TV or fireplace. So the summer holidays are everyone’s ideal vacationing plan. But has it ever occurred to you that during winter is when you really crave and deserve a break? I will have you know that there are winter holiday getaways that can actually give you that well-deserved break, excitement, and satisfaction.

Love is All Colors knows a thing or two about how you can still vacation during winter. Scroll on to find out what we have compiled for you…

Best vacation spots for couples during winter

Summer vacations have been getting too much attention… Don’t you agree? Whether you are searching for a vacationing spot to snuggle up, freeze up or thaw out with your special someone this year, then we have got you covered. Here are some of the best vacation spots for couples to enjoy this winter.

Slovenia

Whenever you are searching for winter holiday ideas much as people underrate this European country this is a very gorgeous country to visit. Trust me, we are not exaggerating. Just pay this gorgeous mountainous country and you will see for yourself. If anything, like most people, we are probably selling it short.

For a country that small, Slovenia is one of the best places to visit in January. Winter is a magical season in Slovenia. It has a wildly vast topography for tourists to explore. People even call it  “mini Europe”. Meaning this little country has the best Europe has to offer.

Some of the things you can do here are visit Ljubljana if you want historic architecture or skiing in the Instagram worthy ski resorts in the Alps. There is also the alpine paradise of Lake Bohinj in case you want a picturesque tableau of the countryside. If you are even looking for the best places to travel in February too, you will love this country this time of year. Much as it can get pretty cold, the Coastal areas offer milder and more comfortable weather. Plus, this country is shockingly affordable to explore.

Hawaii

This is also one of the warm places to visit in December in USA. It is the prime whale watching season with the island of Maui as the perfect spot. Coming a close second is Kauai. Plus this is the best time for surfing.

The break in the North Shore of Oahu is legendary and at its peak in December and January. Much as traveling costs rise in December, they decrease dramatically in February and March.

During winter, Kauai is dry, making it perfect for exploration. There are so many islands to explore. So if you are looking for winter holiday getaways, take advantage of the multi-island vacations that are offered by Hawaiian Airlines. Opt for the island hopping package. Aloha and Mahalo.

Belize

The other winter holiday ideas destination to consider is Belize. Much as it is similar to Slovenia because of its mountainous environs this country boasts for its superb travel destinations that are underrated by most. Well, watch this space. Not for long.

So if you are looking for warm places to visit in December in USA then Belize is the place to be as it has a tropical ambiance, beautiful jungles, and delicious cocktails. If I am the one to predict, then Belize seems to be a country that will one day be infamous for being the go-to Caribbean destination for the cool people.

One thing we can hail Belize for is that it is a fascinating destination for nature-lovers and diving-enthusiasts. The country has also doubled its marine protected spots. And the best time to enjoy all this is to travel to this tiny country during winter. At the same time, you will get to enjoy the John Canoe Festival which features traditional Creole and Garifuna dancing competitions as well as the San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade in the month of December making this country irresistible to visit this time of year. So you will get to feast your eyes the colorfully-lit boats parade along the shoreline and dance at the same time.

New Zealand

Much as it is winter in the US, the best place to visit if you want to run away from the winter weather is New Zealand. December to February is the summer period. And during summer this country presents the best weather it has to offer. Now, that said, that great weather also comes with thicker tourist crowds higher prices and strained accommodation availability. But if you are looking for the best places to visit in January after the Christmas holidays, then you should consider this.

Home to the infamous All Blacks and Kiwis this country is worth all the hype – 100%Pure New Zealand is what you will experience. It’s breathtaking. It doesn’t matter what you are doing – taking a stroll, wine tasting in the country or having an adventure helicopter-hiking on glaciers in the Southern Alps, this is your number one travel destination as has everything to offer.

While there make sure you travel up north and fully enjoy summertime when the weather is warmest as you enjoy the great outdoors.

Turkey

One of the best places to travel in February is Turkey now that Turkish Airlines have expanded routes and increased airlift as well as the recently-opened Business Class Lounge. So seeing as its February, there is no better time to take that vacation with ease and style to Turkey. And you know what? Turkey is an enticing country all year round.

Since we are focusing on winter holiday ideas, then we have to mention the gorgeous region of Cappadocia in Central Anatolia. This place has a unique landscape and distinctive rock formations. This place is also famous for hot air ballooning and its Insta-ready features.

These rock formations are a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred over three million years ago. So what better way to observe this eye-tantalizing landscape than from high in the sky in the colorful hot-air balloons? And this beautiful scenery looks extra beautiful during winter when there is a touch of snow.

One other advantage of visiting Cappadocia in the wintertime is that it is less crowded hence you have higher chances of getting a spot in one of the balloons. So make sure you book them in advance if you want to enjoy the ride and view the captivating landscape.

Now that you know where your next winter trip will be, read this article on bare travel essentials for men and women.

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