Top Five Ideas for a Great Staycation
You don’t need a fancy vacation to have fun and relax. You can plan a great staycation without spending a ton of money and with ease. A staycation can be more relaxing without the need for extensive holiday planning and then coming back home to a ton of chores. Vacations can be fun, but in some ways, such trips can be more tiring in the end.
A staycation is a time you spend in leisure and fun activities within easy distance from your home and won’t require you to stay overnight (if you don’ wish to). A staycation can be very relaxing depending on what you plan for the day. Such trips can also be a great way to spend some quality time with your kids. Even couples can plan great staycations for just the two of them.
Consider these five ideas to plan a great staycation.
Go Camping
Camping is always a fun idea at any time of the year. But if you want to plan a great staycation then look no further than camping. No, it is not about finding a solitary forest spot and asking your kids to stay in tents or gather wood all day. There are many organized campsites now where you can go for a fun-filled day with kids and pets.
Let’s say; you want to plan a staycation in Dallas. So, look for organized camping sites in the city where you can take your kids and family for a day of fun. Such camps also have fun facilities for adults. So, you can go there with your friends or just your partner too.
Plan a Picnic
When the weather permits it, planning a picnic can be a great staycation idea. You can go to a park in your city or even the beach.
Pack some sandwiches, crackers, fruits, juice boxes, chocolates, and anything else you fancy. You don’t need to plan it excessively. Also throw in some sheets, blankets, games, books, and enjoy a nice staycation with your family. You can plan a picnic in your backyard too if you have a pool or a pond.
Go on a Food Trail in your City
Plan a food trail staycation, and your kids and partner are sure to love it. Choose a place for each of the three main meals for the day with some snack surprises thrown in the middle. Get up early and get dressed for the day with plenty of water bottles in tow.
Start with a hearty breakfast in a place which is famous in your city but where your kids haven’t visited on any occasion. For lunch or dinner, if you don’t have any new exciting place to visit (highly unlikely), then select one from your family’s favorite places to eat.
Don’t forget to squeeze in baked goods and treats throughout the day. End the food trail staycation on a sweet note with some delicious ice cream on your way home.
Visit a Theme Park
Visiting a theme park can take up an entire day. So, why not make a great staycation out of this trip? Choose one that your kids haven’t been to before or someplace they want to visit again.
You can even choose one in your neighboring town or city. Stop by your kids’ favorite dessert place on the way back to end the day nicely.
Go on a Shopping Trip
Yes, but not to the mall! Plan a great shopping trip staycation but with a difference. Choose to visit the flea market with your family if you have one in your city. Your kids can learn how to bargain and shop for really cool stuff along the way. End the day with a nice lunch of comfort foods before you head home. Even if you don’t buy anything, the trip itself can be fun.
You can go on an organic food shopping trip or visit the farmers’ market on a lazy Sunday. Spend the morning shopping for healthy ingredients. Then have a nice fresh lunch followed by a nap at home.
Read MoreTop Reason to Use a Spousal Visa Processing Company
If you need to get your spouse to join you at your work or retirement destination, consider going to a Spousal Visa Processing Company to help you out with the visa application and acceptance process. This will ensure a hassle-free and successful experience while applying for a visa, saving you both time and money, as well as guaranteeing you a successful visa for your spouse, nearly all of the time.
With such a tantalizingly lucrative deal in front of you, it is easy to see why so many prefer using Spousal Visa companies instead of applying by themselves. Some of the benefits of using a Spousal Visa Processing Company are:
1. They double-check your documents
The Spousal Visa Processing Company will ensure that your documents are in order and valid and that you do not miss any documents while applying. This will ensure that your visa application will get through, saving you time and money spent on rejected applications.
The company has experience in dealing with Spousal Visas and can direct you in the right way to apply and the best way to get your visa quickly, making it a good choice to let someone far more experienced dealing with the bureaucratic processes and pitfalls that accompany a visa application, as you might already know.
In the uncertain and turbulent world of visa applications, it helps to have an experienced hand leading you through the dark and deep seas of documents and directives. Which one of us will deny a helping hand to pull us out of stormy waters, after all?
2. Save on the hassle of applying
The Spousal Visa Processing Company also saves you the hassle of having to go and apply yourself. You have to turn in the documents and fees to the company, who will take care of all the application requirements and deadlines for you, saving you the hassle and pains of having to apply for a visa on your own.
In today’s fast-paced and busy world, it is a great benefit to have someone who has done the application countless times before, for spouses of countless people before you, deal with the now-familiar application processes and bureaucratic forces at play in the dicey world of visas and governmental agencies, saving you time, money, and peace of mind.
Why spend your time in musty offices dealing with paper pushers and bureaucratic loopholes, when you can hire someone to do the menial and dull work for you, ensuring that your time is not wasted on such mindless and dull work, and is spent on far greater things instead.
3. Gain advice and help in the spousal visa application process
Sometimes the process of applying for a visa can seem very challenging and daunting, confusing, and overwhelming too! A Spousal Visa Processing Company can help you through this challenging endeavor by giving you the necessary advice and tips to make your transition process into a smooth and hassle-free one.
The far more experienced and skilled spousal visa company employees know all the major traps and pitfalls that come with such visa applications, and they can lead you with a firm hand through the painful and loopy world of bureaucracy and spousal visas. Their advice will serve you well, because it had been tried and tested time and time again, making their words ironclad and true. They can show you the way out of the dark and deep woods, because though the woods may be lovely and dark and deep, you have miles to go before you can sleep, and your spouse must get their visa to join you and share your life and burdens. This advice can make all the difference between a rejected and wasted application and a successful and productive one, so choose wisely!
Read MoreThings to Do Pre and Post Cruise Trip
While Seattle offers a wide range of cruising options, it is much more than a city to depart from. In fact, Seattle has a plethora of hidden gems within the Emerald city, waiting to be discovered by the keen tourists. So, while your Seattle cruise tickets have already been booked, save some time to sightsee Seattle like a true tourist and find out what this beautiful city is really all about!
Beyond The Serene Cruises
Without a doubt, Seattle has a hundred interesting avenues for you to explore. Whether it’s the Pike Place Market, the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Center, or even the iconic Capitol Hill, you’re sure to be mesmerized by the beauty of it all. If you wish to get to know the culture and really bond with the locals, step outside your comfort zone and walk through the bustling streets of Seattle! One thing’s for certain, and you won’t find a second to spare because there’s so much to do!
Pre-Cruise Shenanigans
Let’s talk Seattle pre cruise trip now! Keep in mind that this itinerary is a very rough idea, and there is no specific order with which you should sightsee Seattle. However, keeping in mind that most tourists would like to get the basic sightseeing done within the first couple of days, let’s get the most iconic sights out of the way.
1. Pike Place Market
Definitely, at the top of the must-visit attractions in Seattle, this is a sight for sore eyes. A hotspot for tourists and locals alike; this is the one place you will experience Seattle hospitality like none other. Presenting a myriad of artisan craft, technicolor flowers, small local shops, and live entertainment throughout, the Pike Place Market is one avenue you cannot miss.
2. The Space Needle
Some may argue that this landmark comes before Pike Place, but it’s all relative! This city landmark stands tall and proud at the Seattle Center and offers a stunning view of the city from its observation deck. Built originally for the World’s Fair in the year 1962, its historical relevance speaks for itself.
3. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Make an appearance at the world-famous Museum of Pop Culture and gawk at the fascinating pieces of art even if you know nothing about it. Tour through the museum and pick up historical facts and intriguing anecdotes about the world of pop culture and its history while you’re at it.
4. The Original Starbucks & Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Fuel up by making a quick pitstop at the world’s original Starbucks and grab a latte while admiring the architectural feat that stands tall even today. If your tastebuds are tickling for a little flavor, get a bowl of Beecher’s signature mac and cheese before heading out into the sun again!
5. The Elliott Bay
Now that we’re getting closer to the cruise let’s talk waterfront views! At the Elliot Bay, you will find an interesting array of gift shops and seafood joints- let your heart take you where you desire to be at. Jump on the Seattle Great Wheel to obtain sweeping views of the city. If you have children with you, make an appearance at the Seattle Aquarium and wave at the friendly aquatic animals.
Post-Cruise Activities
Now that you’re off the idyllic cruise let’s focus on some land-based sights that are less known to the world, but equally intriguing and immersive!
1. Discovery Park
Stroll through the beautiful park in Magnolia, which happens to be Seattle’s largest park. A hidden gem, for sure, because not many tourists know about it. Take a selfie with the picturesque lighthouse in the frame and admire the wildflower meadows that surround you.
2. The Ballard Neighbourhood
A short cab ride (or even walk) from Discovery park is the lovely neighborhood of Ballard- famous for its Scandinavian roots and craft beer! That’s right, grab a mug from the multiple distilleries and breweries at Ballard and walk through the artisan boutiques while soaking up the Seattle vibes like never before.
3. The Ballard Locks
The Ballard Avenue has an iconic Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery that must be tried out if you have a sweet tooth! And of course, the Ballard Locks (yet another typical must-visit attraction in Seattle) must be visited while on this avenue, that offers a view of Lakes Union and Washington in a stunning appeal.
Feel free to mix and match to fit your schedule and curate the itinerary of your dreams!
Read MoreHow a Full Day Tour is a Fantastic Journey for the Whole Family?
A family vacation is never what its cut out to be; no matter how much you plan the meticulously curated itinerary, things are most likely to fall apart. But the best part about family trips is that you find a way to enjoy your fellow family members interests and grow a stronger, deeper bond with them. Now, when your trip is in a lively city like Seattle, there is very little to worry about. Each of the Seattle full day tour is sprinkled with fun, family-friendly activities for you to do and places meant to be enjoyed by families!
Families with Varying Age Groups
“What are some of the full-day tours in Seattle that my family would enjoy?” you ask? Well, the truth is it’ll be hard to find activities your entire family wouldn’t enjoy together. Seattle is jam-packed with fun activities to partake in, and almost all of them are family-centric. Whether you have little kids, distant teenagers, disruptive young adults, or aging old parents, this full-day tour through Seattle’s finest will bring out the best in each age group!
Now, we shall present before you an ideal full-day itinerary in Seattle with some extra activities you may wish to include to yours, depending on your timeframe. Make sure to take into consideration the likes and dislikes of your family members while planning this trip.
The Seattle City Tour
What better way to spend some quality family time than by cramming up in a minivan or coach and sightseeing all that Seattle has to offer? This tour typically lasts a few hours depending on the route taken, and ideally covers all the major sights on the way. The Space Needle at the Seattle Center, the Pike Place Market Tour, and the Fremont Troll Sculpture are sure to be covered on all of them, and are each fun, interactive ways to find out more about Seattle, but also about your family members.
Seattle Underground History Tour
If you’re the kind of family that loves to get involved in the history of the city and learn how it came to be, you might want to try out the captivating underground history tour. This tour lasts close to 2-3 hours and is a fun way to learn all about Seattle and its history with the rest of your family. But if your family also has members who strongly dislike history, you might want to stay away from this tour.
Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery
Ideal for families who enjoy a little adventure, this tour includes a trip to Snoqualmie Falls as well as a visit to a classy boutique winery. A trip to the falls is the most exciting way to spend some quality family time, whether you’re soaking in the stunning views or splashing about in the cold waters. Add a little alcoholic happiness to it at the end of the day to amp up your vacation.
The Pike Place Market
This is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Seattle and for a good reason. You’d need a whole day to tour through the good and bad of the Pike Place Market, and who better to tour it than with your family. Whether you take a cultural walking tour or a food-tasting tour, rest assured there is something for every member of your family. Don’t forget to buy souvenirs to take back home with you and remember this vacation by!
Mount Rainier Full-Day Tour
Take a trip to the Mt Rainier day trip and enjoy picturesque views of the national park with the rest of your family. Trek through the mountainous terrain, witness several sights along your way, and camp inside/outside the park- all within the comfort of your family! Cuddle up together by a fireplace and reminisce childhood stories as you soak up your gorgeous surroundings.
Gourmet Seattle Walking Tour
A family that eats together stays together- walk hand-in-hand through the vibrant streets of Seattle as you make your way to the tastiest restaurants and devour upscale comfort food with the rest of your family. There’s nothing quite like a family bonding together over a meal; partake in this luxury you’ve been gifted with.
These are just some of the fun ways you can spend some quality time bonding with your family while on a full-day tour in Seattle. Mix and match as you please and make sure each family member has something to look forward to in your trip!
Read MoreThe Five Questions You Should Ask in Your K1 Visa Process
What is a K1 Visa?
A K1 visa, more commonly known as a fiancé or fiancée visa, is a nonimmigrant visa which allows the engaged partner of a United States citizen to permanently reside in-country so long as the couple gets married within 90 days of arrival. The newly married spouse is then able to lawfully apply for permanent residency or a green card in the United States. For many, this is the first step towards a legal, permanent residency in the United States where both partners can be together. However, a K1 visa is only eligible if the sponsoring partner is an American citizen, and both partners have terminated any previous marriages.
The Process
The K1 visa application process involves three important steps, including filing an I-129F fiancé visa petition, scheduling a K1 visa interview, and attending the K1 visa interview.
However, acquiring a K1 visa is more complicated than simply filling out paperwork and attending an interview. Both parties must prove that they are indeed a bona fide couple intent on establishing a life together and that they are not marrying for the sole purpose of immigrating to the United States. You must be prepared to prove that you have met in person at least once within the last two years before filing the visa form. Couples can do so by providing flight and hotel itineraries as well as dated photographs. Exceptions do apply for cases that involve extreme hardship, or if meeting in-person violates cultural, religious, or social norms. Regardless of whether or not a couple has been able to meet in person, they must also prove the overall legitimacy of their relationship. This includes photographs, letters or emails between the partners, and even written statements from friends and colleagues.
But what else do you need to know about the K1 visa process? Here are five questions you should be asking:
1. What documents do I need to provide alongside the I-129F petition?
The fiancé visa petition form requires several supporting documents including a cover letter, declaration, and proof of meeting, and commitment to marry. There is also a fee that you must pay when submitting your paperwork. Be sure to ask exactly what is needed as your application will be denied if anything is missing.
2. Where do I go for my medical exam, and what happens if I am denied?
Before attending the interview, the partner entering the United States must complete and pass a medical examination. Exams must be conducted by an embassy-approved doctor, so be sure to ask for referrals or a list of acceptable physicians.
3. How can my children legally enter the United States along with my partner?
K1-visas do not allow children to enter the United States. Be sure to ask what paperwork and criteria must be met for children to legally enter the country.
4. What if my petition is denied?
If your petition is denied, you will receive a letter stating why and how to appeal.
5. Do I need an attorney to apply?
Not necessarily, but if your background check turns up potential issues, you may require legal advice to move forward.
At Olvis immigration and travel, we are the leading experts in providing comprehensive, personalized, and quality visa assistance and other travel services.
Read MoreThe Truth About the K-1 Visa
Are you trying to get a K-1 visa? The process is a bit more difficult if you are in the Philippines, but it isn’t impossible. Here’s how it all works.
What is a K-1 visa?
A K-1 visa may be more commonly known as the fiancé visa. If you are the partner of a US citizen and the two of you get engaged, the K1 visa allows you to enter the United States—just as long as you get married to your fiancé within 90 days of your entry into the country (otherwise you will have to leave the country again). After you are approved for a K-1, are admitted entry, and are married to your partner, you can apply for permanent residence (otherwise known as a green card) as a married spouse.
How does the process differ when you are from the Philippines?
If you are from the Philippines, you are still able to get a K-1 visa. In fact, the Philippines is the country that is most popular for K-1 visas. There is one important difference in eligibility requirements, though. If you are from the Philippines, you are not allowed a joint sponsor for a K-1 visa.
What does this mean for your application?
This means you will have to meet the income requirements for the K-1 visa on your own—without relying on the income of your soon-to-be spouse—before the US embassy or consulate will grant you a K-1 visa. The income requirements act as a safeguard to guarantee that you will be able to support yourself once you are in the country, and they require you to meet 100% of the HHS Poverty Guidelines. For an up-to-date and detailed breakdown of what that income requirement is for your specific situation, take a look at Form I-864P. For instance, as the table shows, as a household of two, you are required to have a current income (which includes your expected total income from all employment sources within the current year, including wages, tips, alimony, child support, capital gains, rental income, workers comp., disability, etc.) of $16,910. Some embassies will allow assets to be considered as income, but this is up to the discretion of the embassy.
Why does the Philippines not allow a joint sponsorship for your K-1 visa?
The rules regarding the K-1 visa vary based on which country you are applying from because each country or embassy has its own rules, governed at its own discretion. Out of over 180 countries, the Philippines is one of four or five that don’t accept joint sponsorship for the K-1 visa.
What are your options?
The plus side is that you have alternative options to the K-1 visa. The best alternative would be to get married and then apply for entry into the US using a CR1 visa. The Philippines does accept joint sponsorship for married couples who are applying for the CR1 visa. There have been rumored instances of individuals applying for a K-1 visa from the Philippines as joint sponsors, but there is no guarantee that this will be accepted, and if your application is rejected, you could face delays. If you are looking into the K-1 visa or the CR1 visa, visit Olvis immigration and travel first. We will help to ensure you meet eligibility criteria, make sure your paperwork is filled out correctly, and help prepare you for the government interviews and other requirements, so the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Read MoreReasons Why You Should Choose Helicopter Tour?
The first thought that comes to mind when doing helicopter tours in, it is very expensive and only rich ones could afford. At the end of this post, you will be easily convinced that it is a necessary activity and the price can be borne by any individual and it is worth it.
The biggest city in Washington State and the entire Northwest, Seattle is a seaport that occupies an isthmus between Puget Sound that leads into the Lake Washington and the Pacific Ocean. The city is famous for its strong coffee, a vibrant rock culture, signature attraction – Space Needle which is a 605-foot tall tower built for the World’s Fair in 1962. There are other famous landmarks such as the historic Pioneer Square, the Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market and the city’s waterfront. Below we have mentioned some convincing reasons why you need to book for Helicopter Tours Seattle.
Helicopter Rides are Less Expensive than you think
You will not be burning your pockets much when you will be flying in a luxury helicopter within city limits. Your tour can cost you as low as $150 to 200 per person. The tour cost will depend on the route and length of the flight.
Ease of Booking
If you are planning to witness the magnificent views of the city with a helicopter ride, then there are multiple reputed tour operators available and you can easily find them online. Go through their websites to know about the booking option and tour information. You can able to compare various tour packages and book the one that fits your budget.
Massive Crowd during Holiday Seasons
If planning to visit Seattle during Christmas or New Year, then ready to face the holiday rush. During the rush, it is really tough to enjoy serene time away from the crowds. By taking yourself to the troposphere, you can easily leave the masses behind.
Sightseeing can be done at a Fast Pace
Rather waiting in long queues, helicopter tours in Seattle will help you to see all the landmarks in a short span. Apart from witnessing the Space Needle, various waterfronts and museums, everything that you wish can be seen from the skies.
Knowing the City Well
Sometimes you may feel lost in the streets, but when you are at the top, you will be able to get a better understanding of the city streets and altogether have a different view when gazing from the sky. If you understand navigation, your pilot will help you understand the city layout better.
Picture Perfect Views
To capture the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Mt. Rainier, Narada Falls, the Paradise View, and other famous landmarks, please carry a camera. From the ground, it is impossible to capture some of the grandest views.
Amazing facts from Experienced Pilots
If you are choosing helicopter tours in Seattle, you may think of some level of service provided by the pilot. The truth you will achieve beyond your expectations. The knowledge and the friendliness of the staff and the pilots will make you mesmerized. Riding in a helicopter is a personal sightseeing experience. The pilots will often point out fascinating landmarks and they are always happy to answer any queries. You can ask about the history, music culture, war stories and they will amaze you with their rich knowledge. They will tell you interesting stories of Jimi Hendrix, political stories, education, economy and what not.
A Memorable Experience
One need not have wings to fly for enjoying the aerial views of the beautiful city. A helicopter ride is a thrilling and luxurious experience that you want to cherish for a lifetime.
In all Popular Destinations, Traffic is Always Crazy Seattle is a big city and you would expect a large population and that leads to traffic. If your plan is to take a road tour, then there are chances that you can get stuck in traffic and you can spoil your day. The tour operators help you to reduce the travel time with a helicopter ride and you can have peace of mind while soaking in the beauty of the city.
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