the benefits of cycling and how to start practicing safely

the benefits of cycling and how to start practicing safely

September 09, 2021

Cycling is an activity that can help improve the quality of life

Cycling is a very enjoyable sport and it brings many benefits to health physically and mentally. It can be performed in different ways, physical activity is practiced competitively, recreationally or even as a means of transport. When cycling, the body and mind work together to promote general well-being . But how do you start practicing this exercise safely? We've gathered information about this and all the benefits of cycling. Just take a look!

What are the advantages of cycling?

Cycling is an aerobic exercise that speeds up metabolism, aids in calorie loss, strengthens lower muscles, improves cardiovascular functions, aids blood circulation, reduces bad cholesterol and reduces stress , releasing endorphins and hormones that help promote well-being of the individual. In addition to this series of advantages for the mind and body, the bicycle can be used as a sustainable means of transport: in addition to contributing to the environment, cycling to get to appointments can also help you save, as you don't need to pay for a ticket or fuel.

how to start cycling safely

It's never too late to start cycling and there's no age to enjoy the benefits of cycling. As with any physical exercise, you must not overdo the intensity at first. Beginners should start little by little, increasing the frequency and intensity gradually, to introduce the practice of cycling into everyday life. It is important to pay attention to the body's signals when performing the activity to avoid injury and extreme fatigue.

Safety should never be overlooked, so don't forget to invest in pedaling equipment. The specific clothes for the practice of cycling, in addition to helping you with aerodynamics during the activity, protect against the wind and changes in temperature. In addition, a helmet and other safety equipment, such as gloves, knee and elbow pads, are essential. Also invest in headlights and light equipment if you plan to ride at night. Also, don't forget to set aside a small bottle of water to always take with you.

How to learn to ride a bike?

Many people give up cycling because they believe they are past the age of learning to ride a bicycle. As stated above, it is never too late to learn. If you have no idea how to start learning, choose places with flat terrain or quiet parks. Call someone to help you on this mission and hold the bike for you when you can't balance. If you are alone, use one of your feet to hold on in moments of imbalance. Try to remain stable for at least 10 minutes on the bike.

You have to persist until you pick up the pace. Don't give up on the first few falls, as over time you'll get into the habit and understand how exercise works. And the main thing: only ride on public roads and the busiest places when you're completely confident on the bike.

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7 Essential Items to Have in Your Backpack When Traveling to Work

7 Essential Items to Have in Your Backpack When Traveling to Work

September 06, 2021

We live in a time when taking vacations and working outside the home is usually normal and encouraged. And that's fine! After all, many people have jobs that allow them to be away from the office, as long as they have a working laptop and a quality Internet connection.

So it's not uncommon for some people to pack up and leave, whether it's just for a weekend, or maybe even longer, and work wherever they want. This is often called a workcation: a combination of the words work and vacation .

So if you're thinking of relocating, here are some essential things you need to pack to have fun and work productively.

1. Make sure your electronics are with you

Perhaps you are an online copywriter or tutor. Whatever your job, if you want to travel and work, you need to make sure all your electronics are with you. Also, it is recommended to update anything that is old or malfunctioning so that you can relax and work in peace.

The electronics you might need, plus a laptop: a portable charger, headphones, an external hard drive, a digital notepad, and anything else you think you need for your job.

Electronics is your way of working, especially if you are a digital nomad . Even if not, it's crucial to keep them in good condition, especially while you're traveling.

2. Don't forget your hygiene and beauty products

Hygiene and beauty products are important, the quantity depending on the length of stay. So if you're going for a quick weekend getaway, be sure to bring travel-sized bottles and containers, and if you plan on staying longer, feel free to bring anything you might need. in your suitcase or backpack .

Hand sanitizers, baby wipes, cosmetics and makeup are important, so be sure to pack them. Of course, you'll probably be able to find them when you arrive, but it's always better to be prepared and equipped, especially if it's your first time traveling to that destination.

3. What you eat and drink matters too

If you're planning a job, that means you should make sure you're well fed and hydrated as well. Of course, finding good restaurants, cafes and food stalls should never be a problem, but it's also important to bring some healthy snacks ​​that will keep you afloat while you're busy working.

Plus, consuming nootropic smart drinks will help you increase your focus and productivity, while keeping your health in check. This is a better alternative to over-caffeinated and sugary drinks.

The same goes for the food you eat: spoiling yourself with some fast foods and sweets is fine, but if you want to feel good and energized, it's best to consume whole foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

4. Prepare the first aid kit

If you are a frequent and passionate traveler, you are probably familiar with the importance of travel health insurance . However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't have your first aid kit ready. This is important in case of emergencies such as a skin rash, burn, or minor injuries.

Also, if you experience symptoms of a cold, taking some over-the-counter flu meds is definitely a good idea. However, if symptoms persist despite your best efforts to improve, contact your nearest doctor.

Feeling sick or injured outside the home is a difficult experience, so do everything in your power to minimize the chances of this happening.

5. Bring all your important documents

People tend to forget about these things, as they are often preoccupied with packing other things. But, your important documents such as national identity, passport, driver's license and visa documents must be up to date and with you at all times.

If you are staying at a hotel, be sure to put them in a hotel safe. If you want to stay in private or shared accommodation , you should pay extra attention to your items, or rather, invest in a portable personal safe. Paperwork details should always be your priority, so be sure to take care of them before moving on to other things.

6. A folding laptop table for a more comfortable workflow

This item may not be completely necessary, but it's definitely a good investment. Moving to a new workplace brings a bit of uncertainty, and a folding laptop desk can be of great help if the designated workspace is inadequate.

Some owners and hotels don't have desks on site, and if you want to work, then that might be a risk not worth taking. Also, working sitting on a bed can be bad for your spine, so it's best to have some kind of desk available.  

7. Bring enough cash and/or a credit card

“Workcation” implies work and play, however, it doesn't automatically mean you won't spend money. If you happen to find a charming coffee shop or shared workspace, you'll probably need to pay to stay.

That's why bringing enough cash or a credit card is a smart idea. A credit card is a must, however, if you are traveling to a place with a looser attitude to finances, having enough cash in hand will likely be of great help.

Also, if you're planning to withdraw cash from ATMs, make sure you check the commission rates because you don't want to end up spending more than necessary.

The 7 essential items to have in your backpack when traveling to work are:

1. Make sure your electronics are with you
2. Don't forget your hygiene and beauty products
3. What you eat and drink matters too
4. Prepare the first aid kit
5. Bring all your important documents
6. A folding laptop table for a more comfortable workflow
7. Bring enough cash and/or a credit card

Conclusion

The “workcation” is a great way to experiment with some changes and be more productive. Traveling is one of the most enriching activities out there, and these tips will help you organize a perfect job that you enjoy.

Just remember to pack all the necessities mentioned above, and you're ready to have fun and work at the same time. Being prepared means knowing what to expect, but still having all possible results. Therefore, bringing important items and researching the destination are the best ways to have a productive and fun work experience!

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11 items to always carry in your backpack on travel trips

11 items to always carry in your backpack on travel trips

September 05, 2021

There's nothing better than arriving at a new destination! You've barely arrived at the hostel or hotel and you're already dying to go out exploring every corner of the city. However, before you rush out to start visiting the city's sights, you should be careful and have important items in your backpack.

Don't you have the habit of “walking” around cities with a backpack? Well, you should! In it, you can keep items that are light and can be a real hand on the wheel throughout your walk. We separate some that we consider important and that we always have around:

1. Water bottle

Basic and essential item, as you must stay hydrated! In addition, always having a bottle of water in your backpack saves expenses, as buying it in an establishment, especially near a tourist attraction, will be more expensive than in the market.

In many cities there are public drinking fountains, with proper drinking water. You can save a lot of money by refilling your little bottle. Choose models that keep the water always cold and fres

2. Plastic bag

Be a conscientious traveler: don't litter on the floor! And we don't always see a public dump nearby. Nothing better than having a small bag to solve this problem: you put your little dirt there and “spawn” in the first trash can you find along the way.

Another important tip: depending on the city you are visiting, markets and stores usually charge for the plastic bag, if you make a purchase. Having a returnable, those made of cloth, is also a good optio

3. First aid kit

Which boils down to headache medicine or other medication you take in case of muscle and stomach pain, always with a doctor's recommendation, and band-aid. That simple! As we never know what suit of the public restroom we're going to use, it's worth putting a little toilet paper in this little package (or a roll, if you're one of the exaggerated guys). For girls, having a spare pad is always good.

4. Sunscreen

Especially if you are going to visit a hot city! There's nothing worse than getting burned on the first day, or getting that horrible T-shirt mark on your arm or, even worse, the glasses mark on your face – just around your eyes in the natural color of your skin and, the remaining, burned. Having a lotion like this (it can be a small tube) helps you to protect your skin from the incidence of sunlight and not be embarrassed by simple burns.

5. Cell phone charger, plug adapter, extra battery

This item comes down to the cell phone kit! Running out of the device's battery and not being able to recharge it is a real sadness, because often all our notes, maps and camera are there. Having this kit always at hand, you don't get frustrated with it.

6. Photo camera

Not everyone guarantees photographic records with just the cell phone camera. And everything fits in your backpack perfectly, it's super quiet for you to carry your gear and accessories on your back.

7. Baby wipes and napkins

You're going to walk, you're going to sweat… Having moistened handkerchiefs guarantees basic hygiene and quick cleaning for those who like to be always dressed up. Here, it's ok, if it fits in your backpack, take a deodorant too… It's going to win quickly, isn't it?

The napkins are complements to the handkerchief, as you can clean yourself or something along the way (like the only bench in the square that you found free and that is lined with bird coconut).

8. Thin scarf

This is a super light and practical item. You can use the scarf to sit on, especially for girls who suffer from a urinary tract infection, for example. Besides, if a cold wind starts, throw the scarf around your neck and everything is solved: pure glamour!

9. Sunglasses

Did you leave early and the weather was cloudy? You never know if the biggest solzão will open on trade (have you ever thought about how your photos will look, all with their eyes “squeezed” by the sun?). Carrying the glasses in the backpack is the guarantee of not going around with too much sun exposure.

10. Raincoat

They are extremely light, more than an umbrella. Obviously, you can follow the weather forecast on your cell phone, but climate change can happen overnight and having a raincoat in your backpack helps you not to spend on buying an umbrella, which, as we said, is heavier than that piece of plastic that will protect you.

11. Snack

Snack, no heavy lunchbox, ok? Always having a snack in your bag ensures that you don't go too long without eating or that you don't spend on food on the street (if that's one of your travel goals). A cereal bar, a packet of biscuits, some candy and chewing gum help to cover hunger.

Trust me: your backpack won't be heavy even if you carry these 11 items on your back.

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10 Travel Tips for Visiting New York City

10 Travel Tips for Visiting New York City

September 05, 2021

Visiting New York City will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. That's because this cosmopolitan center is not only home to many points of interest, but it's also diverse and incredibly exciting to see.

Numerous films were shot here and, as you may know, many celebrities live in New York today – for example, you can visit Robert De Niro's penthouse walking through Lower Manhattan or check out Madonna's house walking on the Upper East Side.

No wonder New York is called “the city that never sleeps!”. It has an adventurous nightlife, incredible food and offers 24/7 entertainment available to its visitors. If you are traveling to New York, you will never be bored.

Before we delve into the main topic, let's see why visiting New York should become one of the main goals in your life. Then we'll teach you how to prepare for your trip to New York City and make sure you have an amazing experience! 

Why should I visit New York City?

New York City has a lot to offer. There are lots of things to see and foods to try and never get bored. In fact, you can fall in love and never want to leave, so be careful!

Here are the top reasons to visit New York this year:

• You can visit the most famous museums and art galleries in the world. Don't miss the Guggenheim, MMAT and the Museum of Modern Art.
• You can walk on Broadway and see popular shows. This 21-kilometer street is clustered around Times Square. Who knows, you might be lucky enough to get tickets to see a show.
• Admiring skyscrapers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The World Trade Center and the Empire State Building are two must-see attractions , argues Amanda, a dissertation services specialist and travel enthusiast.
• Taste international and experimental food . Check out Dominique Ansel's Cronuts in Soho or Frankel's Delicatessen in Brooklyn!
• Stroll through different neighborhoods and see what life is like in NY. New York is extremely diverse and full of life at the same time. Discover Chinatown, the Theater District, and walk through Brooklyn. Queens is another amazing area.
• Listen to live music and dance! You can meet celebrities watching live music and stand-up comedy shows. All take place at night, so be prepared to spend the entire night in the city.
• Walk through Times Square and feel the energy! The neon lights and tight crowd will make you feel like you're in a movie set.
• Visit Central Park. You will have to spend at least 4-5 hours here to get the full experience. 
• Cross the Brooklyn Bridge and watch the sun rise. This bridge was completed in 1883 and is 1.13 miles long. Watching the sunrise/sunset from here is amazing, don't miss the opportunity. 

Top 10 Travel Tips: What's the Right Way to Visit New York?

1. You must use public transport when visiting New York

The best way to get around New York is by public transport . There's no better way to visit, even if you're excited to drive or be patient on the road. All this will only take a long time if done by car. You must learn to navigate the subway and trust me, it's nothing complicated.

Never, ever rent a car in New York. Traffic is impossible, you will be stuck at a traffic light for 15-20 minutes, let alone driving through Times Square. Plus, New York City drivers are pretty crazy, so your best bet is to take the subway. You can use Google Maps to check your location or use another app like Citymapper.

2. Don't eat in Times Square

Visiting Times Square is an amazing experience, but avoid eating out here. The food is extremely expensive (in my humble opinion). Another important tip, try to avoid restaurant chains. It makes no sense to visit such a cosmopolitan city just to enjoy McDonald's, Olive Garden or Red Lobster. You can do this anywhere!

If you want a complete New York culinary experience, check out restaurants like Carbone, Catch NYC, Peter Lugers, Pietro Nolita, Old Homestead Steakhouse or Chelsea Market. Check that there is an 'A' rating on the window of the restaurant you have chosen, as this means the premises are clean.

You should also check out the best pizza and bagels places in New York since you're here. You can't visit New York and not eat a traditional New York bagel. Your best choice for bagels would be the Brooklyn Bagels in Chelsea.

3. Tipping is an unwritten rule

It's important to know how New York servers survive – not getting a raise, but tips. Business owners in New York don't offer their employees more than the minimum wage, which is somewhere around $5-6 an hour.

You can't make a living on that pay in New York, so servers live on tips. Somehow, tipping became an unwritten rule in the city. Go to 15-20% of the bill to make sure you're tipping enough.

4. Debunking a Myth: "All New Yorkers are Rude"

This is not true. New Yorkers are amazing people when you get to know them. However, they are rushing to get from point A to point B and may give the wrong impression.

If you spend some time here, you'll find that New Yorkers are stressed - but they are very good people. Mingle with New Yorkers over a New York pizza. You will notice the difference!

5. Watch out for tourist traps

Tourist traps are installed everywhere in this city, so be sure to avoid them – you don't want to get ripped off or robbed right now, do you? Avoid buying from people on the street, no matter what they promise.

Some of them can “take you to a Kevin Hart show” for $10, while others can sell you “real Gucci bags” for $20. These offers are scams and should not be taken seriously. A real Gucci bag costs around US$300 and a Kevin Hart show…. approximately the same!

6. Being harassed is common… unfortunately

Ladies, I'm sorry to break this for you, but… be strong, you'll probably get harassed in New York. Not all men (but most men) in New York City have the impression that whistling and pointing fingers is natural. They are learning – step by step – that this is an insult, but you have to be patient.

Try not to get too upset, let them do their thing. You don't want to pay attention or get involved with these people. Put on your headphones and ignore them! However, be prepared for such reactions when passing a construction building.

7. Learn New York Slang

Learning popular New York slang is a must. Here are some of the words you might hear (but have no idea what they mean):

When meeting someone, the address is usually in this format, “meet me on 28th between 8th and 9th.”. That means meeting me on 28th street between 8th and 9th avenue.

As you may already know, New York is also called “the city”, so know that when people refer to it that way. Don't get confused.

No north or south when explaining where you are going – just east side, west side of uptown or downtown.

One block = one street, two blocks = two streets, etc. Two blocks away basically means two intersections away.

8. Diners are for breakfast and lunch only

Don't go to a diner or a “Diner” for dinner, even if the name might confuse you. Your best bet is to choose a diner for breakfast or lunch. Plus, there are better places than a diner to have brunch in town, so look for the best ones. TripAdvisor has a list you can check.

9. Shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes. Did I say shoes?

Yes, shoes are extremely important in New York. For some reason, people will check your shoes and judge you by your appearance. I know, totally superficial, but it happens, so you better hear from me. In any case, you might want to look elegant as you walk down Broadway anyway, right?

10. Enjoy free activities in New York!

Free activities are best – am I right? Take the free walking tour of New York, walk through Brooklyn, stroll the Brooklyn Bridge, check out Long Island beaches or spend time in Dumbo. There are so many things to do here that you won't get a chance to sleep!

The 10 best travel tips for visiting New York City are:

1. You must use public transport when visiting New York
2. don't eat in times square
3. Tipping is an unwritten rule
4. Debunking a Myth: "All New Yorkers are Rude"
5. Watch out for tourist traps
6. Being harassed is common… unfortunately
7. Learn New York Slang
8. Diners are for breakfast and lunch only
9. Shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes. Did I say shoes?
10. Enjoy free activities in New York! 

concluding

New York is an unforgettable experience. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, an amazing way to spend the summer. Hope you are ready to live this adventure.

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The 5 Most Useful Tips For Traveling

The 5 Most Useful Tips For Traveling

September 04, 2021

In this guide we share 5 basic and essential travel tips that you have to take into account before going to a destination. Don't travel on impulse, travel smart. Analyzing a little more about the route and the destination you are going to go will allow your experience to be pleasant, fun and economical, no matter how many days you go on an adventure. It is always good to get the most out of our vacations and with these tips we assure you that you are going to travel like an expert.

5 very useful Travel Tips

1. Visit the place at the right time

It's easy to say that you would love to go to the Eiffel Tower and plan a trip just to see the Eiffel Tower, but we recommend that you first check the weather, local festivals and the season in which you plan to go. Not only is it cheaper to go during the off-season, it also means fewer people and better photo opportunities. Remember that it is low season for a reason, so do your research and plan accordingly. Once you are there, make sure you know the correct time to visit each attraction.

2. Do a little research before you travel

Visiting somewhere for a particular attraction might disappoint you. We recommend that you have a complete list of activities that you can do in your destination, so that your trip does not only depend on an attraction, which may be closed or under construction right when you go. The beauty of traveling is exploring and finding surprising new places, but in a positive way. Therefore, let the destination surprise you and enjoy something more than the monuments on your list. 

Remember to also delve into the prices of local meals, taxi fares, public transport schedules, etc. In different countries, when they see that you are a tourist without knowledge of the place, they can take advantage of the situation to charge you more than the real value. This is not always the case, but it is better to be informed.

3. Travel with someone you get along with

If you are looking for company on your next trip, traveling with someone with whom you get along and with whom you see yourself having a good time is key. Don't visit your dream destination with someone you just met weeks ago or have never traveled with. Try going somewhere other than your preferred destination first and see how things are going. Then plan your perfect vacation with them if everything goes well. Finally, keep in mind the well-known saying: "Better alone than in bad company."

4. Don't save money by hiring a cheap guide

While we recommend traveling with our tour guides by walking, to be honest, there may be places where our guide is not enough, as you would like to learn more about their history. In places like Athens , it is essential to take a tour to learn more about history, how it affects today's society and to avoid having to walk to the different attractions in unbearable heat. For guided tours, make sure it is the right tour for you, that it visits the places you want to go, and that it is within your budget. Don't take the cheapest tour, it could be the worst experience for you.

5. Book the first hotel night

The worst is when you arrive at your destination and have nowhere to stay, or your hotel is not in a convenient location. It has happened to us several times because we go on adventures at our own pace.

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