March 2020 - The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Much of the excitement about heading off on holiday or travelling is on the flight. Taking selfies at check-in and finding your seat can be just as thrilling as stepping foot in your accommodation for the first time. But once your plane is in the air, the novelty of flight can quickly wear off. Some travellers find they are able to kill the time through sleep, while others take the opportunity to indulge in their favourite drinks and snacks.

In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the more high-tech distractions that can help keep you engaged on long flights. Of course, it’s important that your device doesn’t interfere with the flight equipment, but these days more airlines than ever before provide a data or wi-fi connection to passengers.

Here are three of our favourites –

An immersive musical experience

It’s natural to stock up on essentials ahead of your trip away, and you might consider investing in a pair of high-quality headphones to help you relax. These can be particularly useful on a plane, helping to block out the sound of the engine, the chatter of strangers and the clinking of the hosts’ trolleys.

You should consider investing in a pair that boasts noise-cancelling technology - and these days even the most premium headphones are comfortable and lightweight enough for travel. Check out a top ten list and read the reviews to see what’s out there that suits your budget.

Source: Pexels

Cinematic escapism

If you’re taking along a pair of headphones then you may be able to content yourself with music, but you should also consider having a range of films available. If your flight has data or wi-fi available then you’ll be able to put that Netflix subscription to work.

But even if you’re stuck on Airplane mode, many of the top streaming services allow viewers to download their favourite films to the device. Most modern tablets and phones have ample internal memory, although you may wish to invest in a micro SD card to cram in a little more choice to last your entire trip.

Source: Pexels

The thrill of the spin

Casino gaming is more accessible today than ever before and is no longer just the reserve of experienced gamblers and high rollers. Even if you’re a total beginner, casino games like roulette, poker and blackjack can offer entertainment that will thrill and challenge in equal measure.

If you have a wi-fi connection on board then websites like this one are great places to track down introductory bonuses for new players. If you’re offline, then fear not, there are plenty of apps available to download for Android and iPhone, and who knows, your flight could be the perfect opportunity to finally learn how to play poker!

As you can see, new technology is helping people entertain themselves in a range of scenarios. And while a long-haul flight can be boring – and even sometimes stressful – it’s possible to enjoy your outbound journey with the help of a few gadgets.

March 31, 2020 1 comments

What to pack in a carry on luggage is a question that you may ask every time you have to board a flight but fail to get a satisfactory answer. You choose your carry on essentials carefully, ensuring you're not violating any rule but then once you're in the cab on your way to the airport, whoosh, you've forgotten what you've packed. So next time when you pack for another vacation, you have to restart looking for the answer again. Maybe it's due to the pre-flight anxiety regarding missed flights, hoping the luggage weight is not exceeding the limit and that you've not packed a bomb by mistake! Yes, it happens with me too.

So to help you out, here's a list of my travel carry on essentials.

10 TRAVEL CARRY ON ESSENTIALS

1. Bag

Pretty obvious, I know, but do you know what kind of bag to choose? Now depending on your journey and the kind of vacation, your bag may vary. However, my pick would be the Nasher Miles luggage stroller as it comes in three sizes (carry-on size, medium, and large). Besides, each variant is unique and suits your needs. And, every variant comes in 3-5 colours of their own. I think this is perfect especially if you're too picky when it comes to luggage!

If a luggage stroller is not your choice, then you can carry a large tote to stash all your needs!

2. Jacket/shawl

Flights can get really chilly! Additionally, most people prefer comfort when it comes to travelling. So even if you're wearing a cute tank top because you're heading to Hawaii, you will still love a shawl to wrap you up for maximum comfort. You can either pack a shawl or a jacket, depending on your outfit and the overall need on your trip.

3. Earphones

If you're a solo traveller, earphones are a must to boost your morale in case you're feeling low or to kill boredom. But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't carry a pair of earphones, because you'd still need them to watch a movie on your laptop/mobile or listen to music.

4. Moisturiser

Is it just me or does air-conditioning really suck out the moisture from your body too? Well, packing a travel-sized, carry-on approved moisturiser is super important on flights. Dehydration leads to a loss of moisture plus air-conditioning too can take a toll on your skin's health, making it dry!

5. Book

And when everyone is off to sleep (or if you're a solo traveller), then a book can be your best bud. A few people cannot read on transit so avoid a book if you too are someone who prefers reading when you're at a stable position. Otherwise, a good book will keep you entertained plus kill those long-distance journeys too.

6. Eye mask

Some people just do not sleep during regular hours. They sleep when the world is up, so blame it on their bizarre biological clock or their nocturnal nature. An eye mask lets you have darkness around your eyes whenever you want. So even if the flight attendants have turned on the lights and you want to nap, simply put on an eye mask. Trust me, it helps, especially if you're someone whose sleep is disturbed due to the light.

6. Laptop

For those freelancers, remote workers, or well, workaholics, a laptop is a must item. On most of my journeys, I carry a laptop thinking if I get some time off, I would work. I do generally work on my travels because I somehow cannot stay away from the laptop because of many reasons. And, even if you don't have any work, you can still carry a laptop, especially if it's a light one, to watch movies!

7. Cotton balls

So whether it is the cold environment on the flight or the harsh sound during the take-off and landing or to reduce the ambient noise, a pair of cotton balls are a saviour. Also, if you're visiting a colder place, then nothing like having cotton handy!

8. Important documents

Passport, identity card, debit and credit cards, flight tickets, insurance copies, etc. You know there are so many documents you must carry. Also, not to forget, your hotel bookings, local sightseeing bookings, local transport bookings, etc. It's always better to have your important documents on you instead of keeping it in your check-in luggage because you never know when you misplace your luggage!

9. Glasses

If you wear contact lenses, then a flight is not the correct time to wear them. Instead, wear a pair of your glasses because it's going to be easy to take them on and off during your sleep, especially if it's a long-duration flight. And even if it's a shorter one, I suggest keeping your lenses away! A pair of glasses are just going to give you comfort on your flight.

10. Motion sickness pills

Let's admit it. We usually board flights during crazy hours, when we have to wake up early, skip our night sleep, and whatnot. Less sleep can make you feel nauseous, so always carry a motion sickness pill to avoid any urge of vomiting. Another alternative, which I swear by, is the clove. Just put a clove in your mouth and suck its juice until you feel fresh. You can even put candy or chew gum.

So with this basic carry-on essentials guide that includes items such as Nasher Miles luggage stroller, important documents, laptop, earphones etc., I hope you're prepared for your next flight!

March 18, 2020 No comments

It is true that having good skin is partly due to genetics. If a person's parents or grandparents aged well, it is likely that they will age well also. However, the condition of one's skin is also due in large part to how well they take care of it. In fact, a person's daily skincare habits can have more of an effect on their skin than what their DNA says. In order to have healthy and youthful-looking skin, there are 5 secrets to keep in mind: use quality skincare products, develop a good routine, always apply sunscreen, get plenty of sleep, and eat food containing antioxidants.

1. Use Quality Skin Care Products

Not all skincare products are created equal. Depending on the company that makes them and the ingredients they use, the efficacy of the products can vary greatly. The first thing to consider when choosing products to use on one's face is whether or not they contain any undesirable ingredients. Things like parabens and sulfates should be avoided. In addition, things that can cause an allergic reaction, such as soy, should be avoided by those who are sensitive to the ingredient. After narrowing down options based on what is not wanted, a person should consider the ingredients they do want in their skincare products. Popular ingredients include retinol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and tea tree oil. Another ingredient that is gaining popularity is CBD oil, included in products found at supertrees.com. By deciding on what is not desired and what is desired, a person can read labels and choose a product that best fits their needs.

2. Develop a Good Routine

Once a person chooses their skincare products, it is time to develop a routine for using them. The goal is to fine-tune one's complexion while working on problem areas. Every skincare routine should have 3 steps: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. The purpose of cleansing is to rid the face of dirt, oil, and other impurities, as well as remove any products and makeup that may have been applied. A cleanser is typically chosen based on a person's skin type, oily or dry, and cleansing preference, cream or foaming. Toning is the second step, and its purpose is to balance the skin. In addition, toning can reduce the appearance of pores. The final step is to moisturize. This step is completed in order to hydrate and soften the skin and should be done by everyone regardless of skin type. It is a common misconception that a person with oily skin should not moisturize. However, even a person with oily skin should use a light moisturizer. In fact, with regular use, a moisturizer can cause a person's skin to produce less oil.

3. Always Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects a person's skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. These rays are responsible for causing fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots on a person's skin that can cause them to look old prematurely. In addition, the sun's UVA and UVB rays can alter the DNA of skin cells resulting in cancer. Most people know to apply sunscreen before spending a day by the pool or at the beach. But sunscreen should also be applied to one's face and neck on a daily basis. A dime-sized amount should be sufficient for these areas, and it should be applied twice in succession, as layering is important to get the correct amount of protection.

4. Get Plenty of Sleep

Everyone has heard the phrase, 'get your beauty sleep'. It turns out that there is a lot of truth to this statement. Poor sleep is related to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone is known to increase inflammation in the body and cause damage to the skin. Existing skin conditions can be worsened by lack of sleep and new skin problems can develop. On the flip side, getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night results in an increase in growth hormones. These hormones act to repair and rejuvenate the skin. Skin cells are able to recover lost moisture and repair themselves while a person is sleeping, leading to an improvement in the overall appearance of one's skin.

5. Eat Food Containing Antioxidants

'You are what you eat' is something most people have been told their entire lives as an encouragement to keep healthy. For the most part, this has referred to maintaining a healthy weight. However, it applies to the appearance of one's skin as well. Some foods, such as berries, vegetables, and nuts, are naturally high in chemicals called antioxidants. These chemicals are responsible for binding with free radicals in the body that can cause cellular damage. By eating a diet rich in these foods that contain antioxidants, a person can avoid damage to skin cells by free radicals. Some doctors even recommend taking an antioxidant supplement, such as resveratrol.

Both men and women desire to put their best face forward and have healthy, youthful-looking skin. Great skin can give a person confidence and ultimately lead to greater success in life. However, for most people, great skin does not happen magically. Though one's genetic makeup does play a small role, their skincare and other daily habits are more important. By keeping in mind 5 secrets to healthy, youthful skin, a person is guaranteed to both look and feel great!

March 04, 2020 No comments