Camping is Always a Good Idea – Best Camping Places in the US

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January 31, 2023

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been doing it for years, or you’re just getting started, camping is an incredibly fun activity you can do both on your own, and with friends and family. You get some fresh air, breathtaking views, and you get to leave your house and enjoy some peace.
And make no mistake, the US has the perfect conditions for many. We’re talking about incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and some of the world’s most breathtaking trails to conquer. All you’ll need is the proper essential gear, you can check Hyke & Byke for some really cool, quality, and affordable sleeping bags & tents, and a bit of time!
So, what are some of the US’s best camping places? With so many options, we’re taking a look at the three options you absolutely mustn’t miss, so read on!

Denali, Alaska

A country that’s popular for the incredible wildlife that you can come across, Alaska is a camper’s paradise. And there’s no better place to experience all that wildlife and stunning bird species than the Denali National Park. Known as the location of Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, which is North America’s tallest mountain, the park spreads across six million acres of open land that you can enjoy.

Copyright: Unsplash | CC0 Public Domain
As part of the national park, you have 291 camping sites, and they’re spread across six campgrounds. Of course, for the adventurous folks, backcountry camping is also possible – all you’ll need is a permit, which is available for free. Note that with so much wildlife, this isn’t something for the inexperienced. A potential downside is that Riley Creek is the only one that you can get to by car out of the six campgrounds.
What many people seem to love about Denali is the difficulty levels of the trails – they range from incredibly easy, to some rather challenging ones, so you can find a suitable one regardless of your skill level. Most of the trails will start right at the visitor center, so you don’t have to go out of your way to get to the trailhead.

READ: What is there to do in San Antonio, Texas?

When it comes to availability, the park is open throughout the year. Note that some of the roads are closed during winter due to the weather, so make sure you do your research before heading out.

Joshua Tree, California

Another national park, Joshua Tree covers over 800 thousand acres of surface. And while many people are admittedly not that enthusiastic about camping in the desert, you should know that there is a lot more than just sand in your shoes if you head out.

One of the best things about the national park is that it’s on an intersection between two vastly different ecosystems. On one hand, you have the Mojave Desert, which is home to the Joshua tree that gave this national park its name, while on the other is the warm Colorado Desert.
To add to this, rock climbing enthusiasts will love the fact that you have 10 peaks with over 5,000 feet in terms of elevation, so you can try your hand at altitude camping as well. You can set up camp close to one of the rock climbing routes, too, and have a bit of fun.
There are nine campgrounds established in the park for you to choose from. Some of them will require you to make a reservation, while the others work on a first-come, first-served basis. You can do backcountry camping as well, as long as you register in advance. The national park is open year-round, but make sure you call in advance if you’d like to camp there and check availability.

READ: World’s Best Cruising Destinations

Crater Lake, Oregon

If you’re wondering what’s cool about Crater Lake, that’s a simple answer – it’s a sleeping volcano you get to hang out in. Wake up in the morning and cool off in the US’s deepest lake, sitting at almost 2,000 feet. It’s one of the cleanest bodies of water in the US, which is a stunning fact in and of itself.

Copyright: Unsplash | CC0 Public Domain
You have two options for camping, Mazama and Lost Creek, as part of the national park. Mazama is a few miles of Rim Village, and has plenty of room for RVs, along with electric hookups. On the other hand, Lost Creek is for tent camping only and is oftentimes the preferred location. Of course, backcountry camping is an option, as long as you get a permit.
A thing to note is that Mazama is only open from the beginning of June to the beginning of October, and Lost Creek is open from the beginning of July, to the middle of October. Backcountry camping is an option between the middle of July and the beginning of September. This is due to the high altitude nature of the national park, and with such a limited time frame, make sure you call to make reservations.

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How to Earn Passive Income via Coinbase

By

Jane - Two Budget Travelers

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January 31, 2023

Over the past couple of years, cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the way we think of online markets and an open financial system. Today, there are many digital platforms that allow you to sell, buy, or transfer different digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and many others.
The main idea of Coinbase is to offer an online space where people will be able to exchange cryptocurrencies into local currencies in just a couple of clicks. This, as well as the fact that doing business on Coinbase may offer passive income, is one of the reasons it has been among the top cryptocurrency platforms.
Next, we will take a look at what type of profit you are able to make, as well as the intuitive security features that it is highlighted by. Let’s get to it!

What Is Coinbase?

As we have mentioned above, this is a cryptocurrency trading platform that offers much more than just buying/selling Bitcoin and other popular digital currencies. One of the coolest things is that it is built using API, and it serves as a one-stop-shop. This means that you can store, buy, sell, and trade all in the same place.
Most importantly, you have nothing to worry about in terms of backup and security features, as Coinbase offers fantastic encryption.
Additionally, unlike some other platforms, trading with your friends and family members, as well as other cryptocurrency enthusiasts, is completely free.
Keep in mind that this is if you decide to go for the Coinbase Pro option, which offers many advantages. However, it could also be a little too much in terms of monthly maintenance for new traders.

Pros Of Coinbase

There are a couple of different advantages that you will reap from being a Coinbase (Pro) user. Firstly, compared to other trading platforms, it is incredibly versatile and has more than 25 different altcoins available for buying/selling/staking at any given point.
This, as well as the fact that it is highlighted by high liquidity, means that you have complete freedom in trading, and the risk of huge price slippages is almost eliminated.
Coinbase features a user-friendly interface that will not require more than a couple of minutes of research to get comfortable with. One of the newest features is the cryptocurrency guide.
You get an opportunity to be paid for going through it, and you will learn more about how alt-currencies work. Visit website to know more.

Earning Passive Income With Coinbase

While mining has been one of the most effective methods to earn passive income on cryptocurrency trading platforms, it isn’t as good of a solution today.
In our personal opinion, staking is probably your best option when it comes to the amount of time and money invested compared to the final result that you will be getting.
It comes down to keeping your digital currencies in a wallet, such as Coinbase, and getting certain tasks done, such as validating transactions or adding further funds to the staking pool. You should know that not all staking projects are legit, and in some cases, the return rate is inflated.
For this reason, you will want to investigate the token models/algorithm before deciding that staking will be your way of earning passive income.

How To Register With Coinbase

The registration process itself is simple and consists of only a couple of steps. The first thing that you should do is log onto the official Coinbase website and go to “open an account”. Here, you will need to submit some info, such as your email address, password, and name.
Once you receive a verification email, the next step is to prove your identity (much like with any bank). After you get approved, you should be able to connect your bank account, credit card, or debit card to Coinbase.
From there, this trading platform is available 24/7 for you to sell, buy, stake, and transfer cryptocurrencies.
If you would like to learn the steps to register for a coins.ph account, look here.

Summary

Coinbase is one of the best digital currency platforms, especially for new users who are looking to get educated on how it all works. While you will be charged a maintenance fee for the Coinbase Pro option, the many benefits make it a worthy choice!

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Growing Singapore’s Cultural Scope of Artistic Expression

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Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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January 31, 2023

Previously, Singapore’s art and design industry could not compare with that of other East Asia city-states like Hong Kong, and Singapore has had a lot of catching up to do. Policies on culture set by the ruling government worsened the situation. Works of art had and have to be judged before the committee with the government banning those seen to have gone beyond the boundaries of set markers. With the out of bounds markers not openly defined, art pieces focusing on delicate issues such as religion and race have failed to see the light of day.

What has made Singapore stand out in the otherwise anarchic East Asia has been its low cost of living within the city and eco-friendly modernization policies.
However, over time, Singapore has continued to show tremendous growth in its cultural variety. Differences such as religion, traditions, language, skin color, immigration policies, etc. that hindered continued progress in Singapore’s cultural harmony are being ironed out. A good example is their straightforward acceptance of foreign professionals into their economy, which makes it easy for them to acquire employment visas. Here’s more information on what is an employment visa.
Singapore is considered a bridge between the East and the West, and has played a considerable role in cultivating its cultural realm.

So, how has Singapore worked on changing its image to boost the scope of its artistic diversity?

Building and Renovation of Museums and Art Galleries

Almost ten years ago, tourists fascinated with works of art influenced by Singapore’s multicultural blends could only view them at overseas art and cultural institutions. Regional museums and other exhibition facilities had limited content containing Singapore’s modern-day art.
With the hope of making Singapore a world-renowned art center, the government has pumped a lot of cash into creating more art exhibitions and cultural centers. An example of this is the Esplanade and SAM at 8Q, a museum that displays revolutionary artwork.

Grass Roots Level Art Exhibition Platforms

Local Singaporean artists have created avenues for people to locally display their works of art by creating programs for this. A good example is Torrance Goh, a local architect and founder of an independent cultural scene dubbed Rojak that is hosted twice a year.
Through this, local photographers, filmmakers, painters, and other artists have a chance to exhibit their works. This is done in an attempt to boost Singapore’s previously restrained artistic expression. Other than that, it is also an honest attempt at encouraging Singapore’s local art and design industry.

Attracting Global Artists to Singapore

With local investors working to provide a stepping stone for local art, the Singaporean government is aiming to attract globally applauded artists to Singapore. A good example was the Art Stage Singapore debut of international artists such David LaChapelle and Anish Kapoor at an event organized by legendary art world star Lorenzo Rudolf. Thousands of global visitors thronged to attend the event.
Apart from the above endeavors by the government and private art organizers, local fashion designers and artists alike are also working to expand Singapore’s cultural borders. Shops and boutiques stocked with clothes only designed by locals are being set up to show that Singapore too has its specific brand.

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Hairstyles for Girls that You can Try at Home

By

Jane - Two Budget Travelers

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January 31, 2023

At the time when almost everyone is home, doing new things and learning new skills can be a form of entertainment. Learning new things shouldn’t intimidate you because simple things like styling your hair and trying new hairstyles is an accomplishment.

There are a bunch of hairstyles for girls that you can try at home. Some of these hairstyles require no equipment, and can be achieved with just clips, headbands, and elastic bands.

Plus, many of the hairstyles are easy to follow, thanks to the step-by-step process.

In case you’re sick of buns and braids, you can try some of these hairstyles. Next-level ponytails look gorgeous and can make you look sleek and stylish. You can also try these hairstyles for your kids.

Modern messy bun

A simple and clean up-do that can make you look polished is the modern messy bun. It takes little effort to do and requires a headband, pins, and elastic. It is so simple that you can do it to your child in less than five minutes.

To do this hairstyle, simply brush hair into a high ponytail then slip a headband over the hair. Carefully twist the ponytail into a bun and then secure with bobby pins.

To finish the look, add volume to the top part using a tail comb. Gently wiggle and tug sections of the hair to add volume.

Twist wrap ponytail

If you’re going for a chic hairstyle, the twist wrap ponytail can simply elevate any look. This style looks like a ponytail but with a twist, literally. It is perfect for any occasion or even when you are at home.

What you need is a hairbrush, elastics, and hairspray (optional). First, pull the hair back into a ponytail and secure with elastic band. Section off a small piece from the ponytail and wrap around the elastic until it is covered.

Pick a small piece of hair on each side and create a rope twist with each section. Follow the twist pattern and secure it with a pin underneath.

Fishtail braid

This is no ordinary braid because it looks firmer and more organized. This hairstyle requires a little practice, as it’s different from the normal braid.

First, divide the hair into two even sections. Take a thin strand of hair from the left section, gathering from the outside.

Tuck the thin strand under the right section, which now becomes a part of it. Tug gently to tighten the strand of hair.

Now, take a thin strand from the right section, gathering again from the outside. Pull it across the right section and move towards the left section. Tuck underneath the left section and tug gently.

Keep alternating sides until you reach the end of the hair. Secure with elastic bands.

Grown up half-up

If you want a posh and chic look with wavy hair, the grown up half-up is the best style to try. It is perfect for anyone with long hair. The hairstyle looks nicer if you curl your hair for some texture.

Sweep the hair into a half-up, half-down style, leaving two layers of hair from your face. Secure this using an elastic band or a ponytail.

Get the bottom of the ponytail up and tug a little at the band to create an opening above. Tuck and pull the bottom half of the ponytail.

Readjust the band so the opening won’t slip out. Hairspray is optional but you can also add volume by scratching the upper part of the hair using a tail comb.

Knotted low bun

Reinvent the bun and make it chic with a knotted low bun hairstyle. It only takes three to four minutes to do, which is pretty easy.

Pull hair in a low ponytail and tie using elastic. From this, create a loose braid and secure with another tie.

Gently wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, appearing like a bun. Secure this bun using bobby pins and viola!

Conclusion

Experimenting with your hair is easy and requires no heavy-duty equipment or tools. The hairstyles for girls mentioned above are perfect for little kids, teenagers, and adults, who want to look neat and chic.

Practice your skills and make the up-do more stylish and clean.

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Isabela celebrates Bambanti Festival 2020

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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January 31, 2023

Isabela celebrates Bambanti Festival 2020

ILAGAN CITY, Isabela—To exhibit cultural identity, exceptional talent, delicate craftsmanship, and epicurean delight, Isabela celebrated its week-long Bambanti Festival 2020—the greatest and grandest annual festivity in the province—which kicked off last Monday, January 27, and capped off last Friday, January 31, in Ilagan City. The festive celebration included participation by 34 municipalities and 3 cities, prompted by their municipal and city mayors.

Bambanti, an Ilocano term meaning “scarecrow,” was organized by the provincial government, headed by Governor Rodito T. Albano III and Vice Governor Faustino G. Dy III. Started in 1997, the festival pays tribute to all local farmers who persevere and are dedicated to planting rice and corn in sprawling green fields, earning a living for their families and providing food for the community.
Festival highlights included a Bambanti Village: Agri-Ecotourism Exhibit and Sale, Search for Queen Isabela 2020, iRUNFORTAAL: Color Fun Run, Makan Ken Mainum, Street-Dance Parade Competition, Bambanti Musical Production, and Isabela Grand Concert Party.
In the Bambanti Village: Agri-Ecotourism Exhibit and Sale, all municipalities and cities (except Santiago City) joined the exhibit, showcasing different intricately made Giant Bambanti and Agri-Ecotourism Booths that sell the best agricultural products and items originally from their hometowns. For Giant Bambanti, the town of Jones took home the bacon in category A while Quirino topped category B. For Agri-Ecotourism Booth, the town of Alicia stood out among all contenders in category A while Burgos won category B.

The Search for Queen Isabela showcased the wit and talent of thirty-one beauties. Ms. Quirino, the fairest of them all, was crowned as Queen Isabela. She will represent the province of Isabela in Miss Millennial 2020, the beauty pageant with a cause sponsored by Eat Bulaga!
Bambanti Festival is not a typical celebration. It is a celebration with a cause. Due to the recent eruption of Taal Volcano, the organizers came up with an idea, iRUNFORTAAL: Color Fun Run, to raise funds for the victims. The preparation for this event was done in only five days; however, 12,000 runners participated and more than 1 million pesos were raised. All proceeds will be donated to affected areas of Batangas and Cavite.
Meanwhile, Makan ken Mainum, a cooking and drink-making contest, was held on the third day. For Makan, home cooks were tasked to cook leveled up dishes incorporating noodles made of rice, corn, and cassava. On the other hand, for Mainum, participants were assigned to create cocktail drinks using indigenous wines and juice products available in the local market. The City of Ilagan cooked the most delicious dish while Tumauini made the best-mixed cocktail drink.

Locals and tourists filled the stadium of Isabela Sports Complex as the 2700 dancers from 27 municipalities wore colorful scarecrow-inspired costumes, performed their routines, and danced their way to the beat of music while chanting “Bam-ban-ti!” Besting 11 contingents in category A, the town of Alicia took home the top prize with their performance spelling out the letters A-L-I-C-I-A using their bodies. With so much energy and lively moves, Luna won in category B. The festival kings and queens presented their costumes made of local fabrics and indigenous materials.
Other activities included a bubble parade and rave party, a foam party, the Globe Music Festival featuring Ben & Ben and some social media influencers, the Bambanti Musical Production, and a grand fireworks display.

Capping it all off was the Isabel Grand Concert Party, an after-party, starring Piolo Pascual, Kakai Bautista and K. Brosas at Queen Isabela Park.
This trip was arranged by Ysmael Moyer Valenzuela & Associates, Inc. and made possible by Isabela Provincial Tourism.

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AurumOne Makati: Business Traveling with Style | Hotel Review

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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January 31, 2023

When we need a little break in our lives, we wanted to have the best. On an occasion we are celebrating, 6 months of successful blogging and 1 year as a couple, AurumOne served us the finest we could have even at a little time we could handle.
AurumOne Hotel left a good remark on us. Our celebration was turned extra special with the room offered to us, the Premiere Suite. The only room in all 8 floors.
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The Premiere Suite was one of the best rooms we had ever stayed on. Modern, classy style with contemporary finesse. A space that is truly private and absolutely yours. You could also invite friends and other people over to your room without having second thoughts they wouldn’t like the place. Not just they would like it, they will love every bit of it.
The living room/area would have you in awe. It styles of a modern living era with classy sofa, centre glass table, dining table and entertainment system. A bathroom separate for guests is also available. Dining/kitchen area includes a refrigerator, microwave oven, water kettle, and a classy dining set. A high-class living will sure set your pace.

What I loved the most was the bedroom. It is a separate room for the Premiere Suite. The lights, bed location, tables, home office setup was perfect. A separate bathroom was also situated in the bedroom, hence, 2 bathrooms in a single room. That’s just perfect! The bathrooms were both neat, clean, and even classy. It has a hot and cold shower with a rain shower effect.

Here’s why we recommend you stay with AurumOne:

*Close to Banks/ATM Machines, Fast Food Chains, Drugstore, Clinics/Hospitals, Fire and Police Station. Safety is secured.
*One Ride to SM Mall of Asia, MRT Station, Bus Terminals, Ayala CBD and other. Transportation is efficient. Taxis are readily available. Family Mart convenience store situated on the ground floor.
*Close to the airports.
*Good Wifi Connection (FREE)
*Building is new (2-3 years old)
*Breakfast buffet on the 8^th Floor, “The Nook” with fantastic views covering parts of Makati and Manila
*Well-maintained rooms, Friendly staffs, and managers, Great customer service.
*Pet-friendly! (It’s a plus!)
*Offers shuttle service at a certain rate.
Note: Iron and Iron Board will be available upon request.

Most people like businessmen, travelers, families, and the likes are booking for AurumOne because of its location. Most establishments are within walking distance and or a ride away via a jeepney, bus, and a train. The Nook on the 8^th floor is where the guests are having their buffet breakfast and special functions (function rooms).
AurumOne Makati recently received an award with Expedia and TripAdvisor. It’s tagged as the 16^th best hotel in Makati. It is owned by Francisco Colayco. With a total of 63 rooms in all 8^th floors and are planning to expand in facilities in the coming years.
AurumOne let us had a look at all the other rooms. They have about 4 types of rooms but only those available ones were shown to us. Here’s a little preview of their rooms.

And the following comments are from people who stayed in AurumOne.
“You can’t go wrong here. Book it! I’ve stayed here before. The hotel is very modern and very clean. They are not greedy on the room rates. The staff loves their work and it shows. If they see you’ve stayed before, it is evident that the will make an effort to reward your loyalty to the hotel. You would have to be a difficult bugger to find fault with this place. The great value far outweighs any perceived disadvantage. Enjoy your stay. I always do.” – Harvey V. – TripAdvisor review

“I stayed with my wife and 2 kids @aurumone Makati for 9 days and we could say our experience is great! Al the staff from the doorman all the way to the managers are friendly, they helped in everything that we need. They call the taxi for us every time and write the info of the taxi and in a few case, the doorman asks the taxi driver an ID. Highly recommendable! We will be back on our next vacation!! Thank you AurumOne Makati and staff for a stress-free stay!” – Emmanuel John Encarnation Antazo, Facebook Review
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“Very close to the airport; it took 15 minutes to get to the hotel from the airport at about midnight and 30 minutes from the hotel to airport in midday traffic. It’s a new hotel, very clean and great staff. Basic breakfast. Good in Room WiFi. Located on a busy street. There is a Family Mart in the hotel premises. Great choice for the price.” – Mevan D., Agoda Review

“A clean and decent hotel with friendly staff who were able to accommodate my request. Only had a slight issue as when I booked the promo was that my card wouldn’t be charged. However, it was and they said it was for deposit purpose. Having a mini mart downstairs helped with getting snacks and drinks. The location was alright. Accessible although not in a fancy part of town. But it suited our needs. Will go back again and recommend to friends too.” – Dawn Curlz, Booking.com Review

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Breakfast for two? Yes! Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast with @aurumonemakati! #aurumone #hotel #anniversary #TheJerny
A post shared by The Jerny (Jerny Destacamento) (@thejerny) on Jul 23, 2016 at 6:01pm PDT

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Double celebration with @aurumonemakati! Theirs' and our anniversary! #thankyou #hotel #hotellife #aurumone
A post shared by The Jerny (Jerny Destacamento) (@thejerny) on Jul 23, 2016 at 5:49am PDT

Book here for discounted hotel rates!

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5 tips that will help you forget the bad credit

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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January 30, 2023

People with good credit can reap the benefits of buying a new car and a new home with very low-interest rates. And, it is relatively easy for these same people to be approved for a new credit card when it is needed. People with good credit are usually the ones that automatically qualify for the lowest monthly insurance rates. All of these things and more are some of the most commonly known benefits of having a good credit score today.

On the other hand, if you have bad credit, you may not be approved for a new car or used car loan when you need it most. In fact, in some cases, a bad credit score may even keep you from getting a loan to buy new appliances when your old appliances are breaking down. Whatever the case or situation, you need to look for the most effective ways to improve your credit today.

So, for those of you who fall into the latter category, here are 5 tips that will help you forget the bad credit.

Continuously Monitor Your Credit

First of all, one of the essential keys to improving your credit score is to monitor your credit history regularly. In fact, there are many different reasons for keeping tabs on what is happening with your credit history and credit score in the background.

In addition to checking your credit report for incidents of identity theft, you will also have a chance to see what types of activities cause your credit score to go up and down. For instance, if you make a lot of costly charges on your credit card during the month, your credit score may take a huge dive. To prevent this from happening, these charges may need to be paid off in full before the payment becomes due.

On the flipside, when you monitor your score regularly, you can proactively take specific measures that will improve your credit score drastically, too. For instance, if you pay off one of your credit cards, you will automatically reduce your credit utilization. And, when this part of the score gets low enough, your credit score rating may go up from 650 – 700. When this type of change happens, you can go from a poor rating to a good rating.

Build a Positive Payment History

Now that you have a basic idea of how credit scores can fluctuate up and down, you can use the knowledge that you have acquired to build a good credit history. To improve your score, you need to pay close attention to the timing of how you are paying your bills. For instance, if you are not paying your bills on time every month, you need to make specific changes to positively impact your credit score. In order to build this positive payment history, it is important that you pay all of your bills on or before the due date. In case you don’t have the full amount on time, you can always take advantage of loans for people with bad credit and cover your monthly bill.

Understand Your Credit Card Bill

Another significant part of correcting a bad credit score is to learn how your credit card transactions are affecting your credit score. Because the 3 major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) are factoring in specific activities on your credit card, you need to take full control of what is actually happening.

As mentioned before, the credit bureaus are tracking when your credit card bills are being paid each month. Therefore, the total amounts of these payments can also impact your score as well. For instance, when you only pay the minimum amount on your bill each month and not the full amount, your credit score can easily drop for a number of different reasons. Therefore, you need to understand your credit card bill and how it impacts your credit score.

Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

Improving your credit score may not be as difficult as some people may think. So, there is really nothing left, but to do it. However, once you have reached the target that you have set for yourself, you need to know how to maintain it. If you do not follow the maintenance part of this kind of strategy, your score can easily drop at any time.

With that being said, you need a simple strategy that will protect your credit utilization. Because credit utilization makes up 30% of your credit score, you need to pay close attention to how much you charge up on your credit card each month. For instance, if you have a credit card limit of 1,000 dollars, the remaining balance on your credit card each month cannot be less than $900 (i.e.10% of the balance). If you maintain this percentage, you can keep this part of your credit score at the highest rating.

Avoid Closing Credit Card Accounts

Before you close a credit card account, you need to make sure that you know the total impact that will have on your credit score. Because each credit card account can factor into how your score is calculated, you need to know if your credit score will take a huge dive. For instance, if the credit account that you want to close makes up a huge sum of your credit utilization, you may want to keep the account open for this purpose only.

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Unwnd Cafe: The Newest Place to Chill in Makati

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

January 30, 2023

Since the start of the pandemic this year, people have been locked out of their rooms and homes for almost 8 months. With this, most people are dying to go out even just in the streets.
Come October, quarantine restrictions have eased little by little and people are starting to go out. By then, we also had the chance to go to one of the newest spots in Makati, particularly Poblacion, where most of the hang-out spots were booming prior to the start of the pandemic.
Last November, we went to this chill-out spot in Poblacion, the Unwnd Cafe.

Unwnd Cafe in Unwnd Lux Hostel

Unwnd Cafe, the newest spot to dine and chill in Poblacion, is already open to accept clients and guests who long to go out while making sure that safety and sanitation are secured. Located in the heart of Makati, this cafe place will surely captivate your heart and attention as you see unmask what’s behind the entry door.
While we know that the virus/pandemic is still out there, Unwnd Lux Hostel makes sure that the area is safe for anyone, including their staff, to accommodate guests. With this, strict COVID-19 sanitation protocols are being followed.
Prior to entering the lobby, you would also need to fill out a digital form from which you can scan via your QR code reader, required to each guest for contact tracing. A sanitized foot bath and sanitation spray will be available as well.

READ: Mad Monkey Hostel Boracay: Luxury at a Backpacker’s Price

Unwnd Lobby Bar

Upon entry to the hotel, you’ll immediately witness the intricate details of their decoration. This surely has captured our eyes and attention as this feels like a new world full of glamour and style while keeping the chill vibe it claims to have.
Our first dinner was spent here and everything has been very delightful. The staff, I must say, were also attentive and are all ready to serve their guests with smiles on their faces. This what makes a pleasant stay and Uwnd Lux Hostel gave us that. Customer service is a top priority!
Here’s what we had for dinner.

Lemon Chicken Brocolli

unwnd-cafe-the-newest-place-to-chill-in-makati — Lemon Chicken Brocolli

Beef Pares Ricebowl

Drunken Shrimp

Poison Abby

The Pob

With all these dishes and lovely cocktails at sight, who cannot munch in on that? Plus with the interior design so lovely, your appetite will surely be boosted. Not to flatter, we take it that the service is at par with those 5-star hotel services and that’s very good considering this is a small hotel with only a few floors!
We remembered our stay at a hotel in Cambodia with all the intricate details and stuff, it helped us reminisce the good old times when traveling was still at its peak.
More photos of our food (for your eyes only!)

Unwnd Roofdeck Bar

The area where we spent quite a lot of time because the place was just so good, you can’t get enough of it!
Located on the top floor of Unwnd Lux Hostel, the roof-deck bar is probably one of the best roof deck bars we ever went to (even though it’s just low rise).

There are far more buildings that are higher than Unwnd Roofdeck Bar but Unwnd Lux Hotel made it better by adding a jacuzzi! Yes, you read that right, a JACUZZI, and that’s where spent most of our time having lunch!
The vibes to this area are unmatchable as well, with all the tall buildings on your backdrop, a lovely and wonderful place to be. An asset the Unwnd Lux Hostel should be proud of.

Yeah, you can also take your Brunch while splunging in the jacuzzi and that experience will truly be lovely! As a guest (you must have a booked stay at one of their rooms), you can enjoy all these. Roofdeck Brunch + Jacuzzi plunge is just perfectly splendid!
Here’s what we had for BRUNCH (Breakfast + Lunch). The serving is truly generous and overwhelming too!

Croque Madam

Breakfast of Champions

Brewed Coffee

Signature Cocktails

The Roofdeck Bar can be very hot during the day, that’s why it’s mostly advisable to go there during the afternoon or at night so you can also see the city views (building views).

And the next morning before we leave, we also had our breakfast still in the roof-deck bar as meetings are being held in the lobby bar. As usual, the food serving is really generous and this is also one of the reasons why we love it here at Unwnd Lux Hostel!
Here’s what we had by that time.

Crispy Bacon

Eggs Benedict Unwnd Cafe

Ceasar Salad

We truly sincerely enjoyed our stay and of course the food, the hospitality, the friendliness of the people, the location as well. The experience was superb! It’s more than what we have expected from a 5-floor building.
Unwnd Cafe at Unwnd Lux Hostel will now be one of the memorable stays we had this 2020!
Don’t forget to visit them when you have the time and enjoy the luxurious experience at an affordable price. Unwnd Cafe
NOTE: At the moment, the maximum they can accommodate in Unwnd Lux Hostel is 20 people. If you are a large group, make sure you call them first for a reservation.
To use the jacuzzi, you must be staying in one of their rooms and must be in healthy condition. They accept online bookings at the moment, see booking ling below. Walk-in bookings are not allowed yet until further notice.
See their details below.
Unwnd Lux Hostel
5396 General Luna, Makati, Metro Manila
0917 513 8998
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unwndluxhostel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unwndluxhostels/
Website: https://www.unwndluxhostel.com/
Book via Agoda and check rates: Unwnd Lux Hostel
Compare with Booking.com: Unwnd Lux Hostel

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Indonesia Travel Tips: Make The Most Of Your Holiday

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

January 30, 2023

Indonesia Travel Tips: Make The Most Of Your Holiday

Indonesia is a destination that never ceases to excite. Whether you’re traveling to popular Bali or venturing to remote Raja Ampat, you’re sure to have a splendid time in Indonesia. Here are some tips to make your trip as smooth as possible and maximize the fun!

Pack a first aid kit

I never leave on a holiday without packing my trusted first aid kit with me. For a backpacking trip, the key is to bring just the essentials — you don’t want half of your luggage to be medical supplies. Indonesia Travel Tips
Here’s what I pack in my first aid kit for Indonesia: plenty of band-aids of various sizes, antiseptic wipes to prevent infections, painkillers, bandages, diarrhea medication, electrolytes to replenish minerals, and antihistamine cream for insect bites.
If you’re going to spend a lot of time in the sun (which in Indonesia, you will), consider bringing burn relief for those painful sunburns. Aloe Vera and vitamin E creams are both great for soothing the pain.

Download offline maps

Don’t let lack of Wi-Fi stop you from reaching your destination! Always download offline maps ahead of the trip. It’s also a good idea to “star” all the hotels and hostels you’re staying in so you don’t have to rely on your email confirmation.

Learn how to get around

Different countries have different taxi/transportation apps. For Indonesia, the biggest and most used app is Go-Jek, the local equivalent of Uber. If you want a traditional taxi, the most reputable taxi operator is Blue Bird. Indonesia Travel Tips
You may contact Bali Customized Tours for tour packages as DIY-ing Bali is really not advisable due to lack of transportation except local taxis.
TIP: If you’re going to Bali, you’ll often see signs saying “No Uber, Grab or Gojek allowed”. That’s because the arrival of those apps threatened the homegrown Balinese community of taxi drivers. If you want to support the locals, opt for a traditional taxi while in Bali.

Be careful with the water

Tap water in Indonesia is not safe to drink. Always buy bottled water when you travel. If you’re looking for a more environmentally-friendly option, consider investing in the LifeStraw water filter or another water purification system.
If your trip is limited to just Bali, you can simply bring your reusable water bottle. The super handy RefillMyBottle app will show you where to refill your bottle with drinking water for free or a small fee. That way you can enjoy freshwater and reduce plastic waste on the island.

Stay safe online

Something very few travelers think about it cybersecurity on the road. Public Wi-Fi is usually unencrypted, meaning that anyone connected to the same network can spy on your online activity. Whenever you browse from the airport, hotel or cafe, you risk that hackers will access your passwords and other sensitive data. Indonesia Travel Tips
The best way to stay safe from cybersecurity attacks on public Wi-Fi is to simply not use it. But that’s not always feasible on holiday. Another strategy is to protect yourself with Indonesia VPN whenever accessing the Internet through an open Wi-Fi.
VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts all your traffic so hackers can’t easily spy on what websites you visit or what information you input. The technology is also handy if you want to access pages that might be geo-blocked in Indonesia, such as your national streaming services. VPNs allow you to change your IP location to any country you want, circumventing geo-blocks and censorship.

Try local dishes

You can’t truly get to know a country without trying its food. And luckily, Indonesian cuisine is some of the most delicious and flavorful in the world! While in Indonesia, make sure to savor as many local delicacies. Must-try dishes include nasi goreng, gado-gado salad, chicken satay, and rendang beef. If you’re traveling on a budget, mobile apps such as Eatigo can provide you with exclusive deals from top diners. You can find discounts on Jakarta restaurants, book, and save up to 50% on your total bill. Trying out the country’s local dishes is a great way of embracing its culture and will help get more connected to their community
Indonesia Travel Tips

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Punta Verde Resort: A Must Visit in Lobo, Batangas | What to Expect | Travel Guide | Rates

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

January 30, 2023

Batangas had always been a summer favorite destination in the Philippines especially to those people who are working in the city center of Manila. Batangas has a different vibe, a vibe that’s away from the bustle of the city. Plus, this place in Southern Luzon is a location of hidden gems and rich marine biodiversity.
One weekend, our blogging squad explored a part of Batangas with a lush pebble-ish beach. A resort that offers a magnificent view of the skyline and the sea via its infinity pool at the top of a cliff.

PUNTA VERDE RESORT

Punta Verde Resort is located in Lobo, Batangas. From Manila, it takes about 4-5 hours. The travel time may be longer than expected but as their slogan on the road says “It’s worth the trip” and believe me, it’s definitely worth it! This resort offers privacy, nature calling scenery, luxury, and adventure.

What to Expect at Punta Verde Resort

1. Infinity Pool overlooking the passage to Verde Island.

This is one of the gems that the resort is proud of. Infinity pool lies at the ridge of a cliff and offers a magnificent view of the sky and the sea. Perfect for your OOTD shoots and summer-ish Instagram feed.
At night, the infinity pool is lit and has temperature control (or so I thought). The breeze, nevertheless, is cold so you would have a hard time swimming at night due to the cold air whooshing in the area.

2. Luxurious Accommodation at a reasonable price.

We stayed at the Mulawin Villas where a single room is good for 2-6 people. It has a great view of nature and calming sounds of the birds. There’s no sea view from the window but privacy and serenity are definitely secured. Room review below.

3. Malabrigo Beach at the foot of the Resort

At the foot of the resort’s high lands is a part of the Malabrigo Beach. It has stunning rock formations where you can shoot your favorite rock-star pose. If you are checked-in at Punta Verde Resort, you also have access to this beach. The beach has white-gray sands and has pebbles and big rocks all over the shore. I suggest you wear slippers while walking on the beach.

4. A restaurant that serves sumptuous meals.

You should know that you cannot bring meals to the resort, however, they don’t usually check bags so it’s up to you. Their restaurant serves fresh, made to order meals, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our room (Mulawin Villa) includes breakfast, so we only had to share for other meals.

5. Instagramable spots all over the resort.

Since the place is located at almost the end of Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas, this resort has one of the best nature vibes you can ever experience. They have the hanging bridge, the infinity pool, the museum, nature itself is all over the resort. You will only have to relax and chill.

6. They don’t have WiFi.

“We don’t have WiFi, talk to each other, pretend like it’s 1995” is the post you will see at their restaurant. It may be a little disappointing but there is a point why they have no wifi or internet connection. They want their guests to interact with one another, share the beauty of the place, and enjoy the resort by themselves without ever thinking about getting connected to the outside online world. They have the policy of “Disconnect to Connect” for nature and you to become one. They still have a good phone signal for texts and calls but erratic 3G/data signal though.
Who cares about data signal if you could indulge yourself in this beautiful paradise, right?

Mulawin Villa

Our accommodation was the Mulawin Villas. It’s a villa that could either be divided into two rooms, the Mulawin A and Mulawin B. Each room can accommodate about 6 people. Also, in each room lies a queen size bed, 2 double beds, and 2 single beds extension. The place is fully airconditioned and I have not experienced getting an insect bite. Equipped with hot and cold shower.
The comfort room, I swear, is likable. It’s large and is pleasant to the eyes. A bath gel is provided but if you’re quite picky about your toiletries, please bring your own. Towels are also provided for each person.
There’s no any kind of entertainment systems (i.e. speakers, television) in the Mulawin Villa A and B, so if you’re kind of bored, just play music on your phone or talk with one another.
The Mulawin Villa is also closely located to the museum.

Punta Verde Resort, Lobo, Batangas - https://twobudgettravelers.com — We love these CabinZero Bags!

How to get to Punta Verde Resort

You may either rent a van or commute to the place. In our case, we rented a van. If you’d like a comfortable ride and hassle-free service, we recommend Kuya Rex – please contact him at 0905-556-8123.

Via Commute:

Courtesy of Byahero si Bes:
1. From Cubao/Buendia, Ride a bus going to SM Lipa city grand terminal. From there, You may take a van bound to Lobo (O-HAP Van).
2. From Lobo city proper:
Option 1: Wait for the resort’s little jeepney to pick you up. Fare P500/Jeep good for 8pax.
Option 2: Ride a tricycle going to Punta Verde Resort.
Courtesy of Project Gora:
1. Cubao to Batangas Grand Terminal – 165 pesos
2. Batangas Grand Terminal to SM Batangas – 25 pesos
3. SM Batangas (Jeepney Terminal) to Lobo Town Proper – 55 pesos
4. Lobo Town Proper to Punta Verde (tricycle) – more or less 150 pesos
5. Lobo Town Proper to SM Batangas – 55 pesos
6. SM Batangas to Batangas Grand Terminal – 25 pesos
7. Batangas Grand Terminal to Cubao – 165 pesos

Punta Verde Resort Rates:

Daytour Rates
Mon-Thursday Php 500
Fri-Sunday Php 750
Room Accommodation Rates
Please visit https://www.puntaverde.ph/rates-and-availability/
a. The LAKANIPAO Lodge [14 pax max]
b. The Villas (Mulawin, Ligasong, Balayong) [6 pax per room | 12 pax max]
c. Talisay Lodge [8 pax max]
d. Ilang-Ilang Hut [2 – 4 pax max]
e. Narra Hut [4 pax per room | 8 pax max]
f. Sampaguita Hut [2 pax max]

Side Trips while in Lobo, Batangas:

Malabrigo Lighthouse
Kalingag Falls
Malabrigo Beach
Special thanks to Rizanoia for bringing us to Punta Verde Resort and making this visit happen!

Punta Verde Resort
Sitio Punas,
Lobo-Malabrigo-Laiya Rd.
Brgy. Balibago, Lobo, Batangas
Tel. Nos.: (02)509-1039, 0906-5293614, (02)899-8276
email: puntaverderesorts@gmail.com
www.puntaverde.ph

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Unwnd Cafe in Unwnd Lux Hostel

Unwnd Lobby Bar

Lemon Chicken Brocolli

Beef Pares Ricebowl

Drunken Shrimp

Poison Abby

The Pob

Unwnd Roofdeck Bar

Croque Madam

Breakfast of Champions

Brewed Coffee

Signature Cocktails

Crispy Bacon

Eggs Benedict Unwnd Cafe

Ceasar Salad

Indonesia Travel Tips: Make The Most Of Your Holiday

Pack a first aid kit

Download offline maps

Learn how to get around

Be careful with the water

Stay safe online

Try local dishes

WHAT TO READ NEXT

PUNTA VERDE RESORT

What to Expect at Punta Verde Resort

1. Infinity Pool overlooking the passage to Verde Island.

2. Luxurious Accommodation at a reasonable price.

3. Malabrigo Beach at the foot of the Resort

4. A restaurant that serves sumptuous meals.

5. Instagramable spots all over the resort.

6. They don’t have WiFi.

Mulawin Villa

How to get to Punta Verde Resort

Via Commute:

Punta Verde Resort Rates:

Side Trips while in Lobo, Batangas:

Punta Verde Resort

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