Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 224

Travel Guest Post: The Perfect Winter Escape

It's been a while since the Christmas break and we're all in need of a winter escape. But whether it's to enjoy a bit of sunshine or just to leave the daily grind of the office behind, take a look at the top picks for where to go and what to wear on your vacation.

For a relaxing beach break escape to Palolem Beach, Goa.

To escape the winter blues and get the sand between your toes, head to Palolem Beach where you'll find 35 degree heat, and a coast lined with palm trees and beautiful beach huts. Explore the tropical forests buzzing with wildlife, including kingfishers, hummingbirds, and eagles.

What to Wear: Stick to classic and chic holiday clothes by wearing a black one-piece or bikini and practical Haviana flip-flops. Then add a splash of colour with a printed kaftan and embroidered beach tote. The key to holiday makeup is to keep it natural and opt for bold accessories instead.

For a cultural city break escape to Marrakech.

Make sure you visit the city's vibrant markets and intimate souks, where you can experience incredible food and aromatic teas. Then pack up and head to the breath-taking scenery of the High Atlas Range and Draa Valley.

What to Wear: The first must-have is a pair of comfortable, stylish flats as you'll be on your feet for much of the day. Take a light, silk shirt to keep you cool in the humid heat of the local markets, and a printed maxi dress will keep you looking chic but covered-up; an essential in Marrakech.

For an exhilarating but cold weather break, escape to Zermatt, Switzerland

This is the best time of year to go skiing in Zermatt. Try taking the first helicopter of the day, and fly to the top of Klein Matterhorn. You can then land at Plateau Rosa Testa Grigia, which is at the top of the Italian ski area. Then take in the incredible views before skiing back down the 12km to Italy, completely free of other skiers still waiting for the ski lifts to open.

What to Wear: Wrap up warm in lots of layers. Wear cashmere under layers, including leggings or a onesy and thick knitted sweaters. Make sure you keep your feet warm, and opt for moon boots. But just as important, don't forget the sunscreen!

Author: Sara Leeds

Filed under: guest post, outdoors, switzerland, travel

Travel Guest Post: Best Holiday Destinations for Cold Lovers

While most of the world seems to enjoy hot weather, some intrepid travellers are energized by snow, brisk temperatures and blustery winds. If you seek to escape the heat or avoid the inevitable crowds and sky-high travel costs of warm-weather sites, consider a cold-weather destination for your next holiday.

If slipping into a sweater with a hot coffee or liqueur sounds preferable to tropical drinks on the beach, you're in luck. Although ski resorts offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy frosty weather, or just skip to the après-ski activities, you don't have to hit the slopes to enjoy a fabulous cold-weather destination getaway. Avoid high-season prices and prevent predictability by opting for a charmingly chilly holiday.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Certain cityscapes are best enjoyed in the winter. Edinburgh may be famous for its summer festivals, but its craggy terrain and the medieval architecture of its Old Town district are particularly well-suited to windy, chilly days. Warm and inviting pubs beckon after a long day of touring the city.

Absorbing the city's history is infinitely more pleasurable when Edinburgh's narrow Old Town streets aren't clogged with tourists. You'll also have the chance to get to know the fun-loving locals at Edinburgh's boisterous comedy clubs, pubs and restaurants. Warming up around fireplaces or electric heaters in one of the city's enchanting inns is a perfect way to end the day.

Banff, Alberta, Canada

If you want to stray farther away but still soak up some Scottish charm, try Banff in Alberta, Canada. The town's famous Scottish castle-styled Banff Springs Hotel draws tourists from around the globe. With the stunning Tunnel Mountain as a backdrop, Banff's winter wonderland scenery will make swimsuits and suntans pale in comparison.

Ski the Canadian Rockies, enjoy afternoon tea and dine on sushi, regional delicacies and other fine cuisine. Sip world-class wines and indulge in decadent spa services. After a day on the slopes or an evening of Banff nightlife, cuddle with your significant other around one of the hotel's fireplaces or electric heaters to melt away the cold.

New York City, USA

With so many sightseeing opportunities and plenty of shopping bargains, New York City is a great place for a winter escape. Fewer tourists crowd the bustling New York streets during the cold months, and you'll find great deals on travel and accommodations.

The city's hustle and bustle combines with the crisp winter air to stimulate the senses. NYC Restaurant Week will surely kick your sense of taste into high gear as you sample some of New York's best food at incredible prices. Enjoy MOMA and other great museums, sans the long queues.

Cold-climate holidays offer a welcome break from the everyday. Even in the winter, a cold-weather destination loaded with personality and charm can be exciting and romantic. Whether your preferred getaway involves getting back to nature, hitting the city streets or simply unwinding in luxurious accommodations, escaping to cooler temperatures may be just what you need to relax and re-charge.

Author: James Bentham

Filed under: guest post, holiday, new york, outdoors, travel Tagged: canada, NEW YORK CITY, winter travel

Lifestyle Guest Post: The Coffees of Africa

 

If you've ever woken up to the sound of a cockerel crowing and smells of breakfast drifting over the morning breeze like mist creeping down from mountain slopes, then you'll understand its poetry.

If you're a mother or a father who has spent half the night cradling a babe in arms until their crying finally abates to be replaced by the soft breath of sleep, then you'll appreciate its soothing qualities.

If you've ever undertaken volunteer work abroad and your hands are hardened from helping to build houses out of mud and your mind is swimming with questions about the idiosyncrasies of English language, then you will recognise its rejuvenating powers.

For many, coffee is simply a dark and mysterious hot drink best left to those with an acquired palate. However, for the few, it represents far more and from lazy Sundays with the papers to early starts in the jungle, once you become a convert, there's no going back.

Below is a beginner's guide to the coffees of Africa (the birthplace of coffee) so if you have plans to work abroad or if you're simply curious as to which African blend maybe right for you, kick back, relax and read on.

Note:

The two main types of coffee beans that are used for roasting are Arabica and Robusta, there follows a short description of each:

Arabica –commonly grown in highlands such as mountain slopes and considered to be a superior bean with more subtle caffeine content.

Robusta – represents about 20% of the world's commercial coffee, has twice the caffeine content of Arabica and is cheaper to produce.

Ethiopian

Ethiopia is regarded as the birthplace of coffee where Arabica beans were growing wild long before the existence of man. From the exotic citrus tastes of the Yergacheffe region to the dark chocolate undertones of Harrar, you'll find plenty of variation in strength and flavour so be prepared to shop around to find the perfect blend for you.

 

Kenyan

Well-known for high-quality production and distribution methods, Kenyan coffee is much sought after the world over. Taste wise you'll discover an acidic, but nonetheless refreshing, blend with a full, almost blackcurrant wine, flavour, that is intelligently cultivated from the plains of Nairobi to the slopes of Mount Kenya.

 

Ugandan

Not as full-bodied as a Kenyan but just as refreshing with spiced fruit tones producing an extremely balanced and tasty 'drink me anytime' coffee. As Uganda is the indigenous home of the caffeine-fuelled Robusta beans, most crops are produced relatively cheaply for export. Although, when you discover a cheeky little local Arabica blend called Bugishu prepare yourself for a taste to savour.

 

Tanzanian

As rich and mellow as George Clooney in an aftershave commercial, the coffee grown on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro provides the perfect accompaniment for those all-important views from the summit. Tanzania is also responsible for the magical peaberry which is a natural occurrence where a single bean becomes fertilised and forms a pea shape as opposed to two flat beans. Regarded as better roasters and only representing 5% of all harvested coffee beans, the Tanzanian peaberry produces a light and convivial blend widely appreciated in the US and Japan.

 

Zambian

Grown in the realm of the Muchinga Mountains to the north of the country, Zambian coffee tends to fall within the strength of Kenya and the softness of Tanzania however, due to poor distribution, it's quite a rarity on most coffee shop shelves. If you're lucky enough to discover the perfect cup of Zambian coffee then a nutty cocoa taste with a hint of citrus is as good as it gets.

 

Malawian

Often overlooked as a poor relation, coffee from Malawi presents a smooth and pleasantly earthy taste that should more than hold its own on the world stage. Although not as highly regarded as Kenyan and Tanzanian beans, it's worth comparing and judging results for yourself. Note: if you're going to work abroad, keep an eye out for brands trading under the Mzuzu Smallholder Coffee Farmers Association.

If you're not already a coffee convert and have plans to volunteer work abroad in Africa, hold dear to that first taste of the good stuff that will stay on the tip of your tongue far longer than it takes for your tan to fade.

Author: Chris is a coffee lover who has big plans to work abroad in Africa in the not too distant future.

 

Filed under: drink, guest post, travel Tagged: africa, arabica, coffee, robusta

Travel Guest Post: Ski Chalet Design

The differences between a log cabin of 200 years ago and the super ski chalets of today, seems strikingly obvious. Where once a log cabin had no heating, hot water, indoor toilet or electricity; the five star fully catered dream homes seem far removed. So, as ski chalets fast become pimped-out snow versions of the Bat Cave, are the humble origins of a mountain cabin still alive?

From the floor boards and wooden clad walls to the large fireplaces, everything about the inside of a ski chalet screams natural beauty and cosy warmth. Wood covers the majority of surfaces, ceilings included, with large exposed beams throughout the chalets. Ski chalets are rarely pushed for space, with open plan living and high ceilings a common trend, and ideal for large get-togethers. To make the most of the awe-inspiring views surrounding the ski chalet, large windows (with top-notch insulation) are essential. Fireplaces are often the focal point to living areas as well as imperative providers of heat. From the outside, ski chalets tend to be angular, reflecting the mountainous landscape in which they stand. The wooden structures tend to feature steep rooflines, exposed beams, and generous overhangs providing decks and balconies for appreciating the views from. Throughout Scandinavia and parts of the Alps it is traditional to have insulating grass covered roofs, which blossom during summer months.

The materials used in the making and the decorating of ski chalets tend to be very raw and natural. This has seen little change over the years. As for decoration, the natural and rustic theme is typically continued with the use of animal fur rugs, leather furniture, antler mountings, gingham curtains, and pieces of furniture carved from hunks of wood. Colour palettes tend to be luxurious warm and dark colours complementing the timber theme. Soft lighting from candles and lamps add to the warm and cosy feeling, with perhaps just the occasional cowbell.

Disregarding the extravagant plasma screens, sound systems, occasional Jacuzzi, and live-in catering staff, ski chalets are fundamentally the same today as they used to be. What sets a ski chalet apart from another home is its setting, its design, and its atmosphere, and this hasn't changed over time.

Author: Travel guru Tess is a ski enthusiast, and lovesski chalets"> Switzerland ski holidays.

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Filed under: adventure, holiday, outdoors Tagged: chalets, ski

Travel Guest Post: Perfect Romantic Destinations

If you're eager to get into the spirit of things during the romantic spring season, you might want to consider taking a trip overseas, as some of the world's most romantic cities are just a short trip from the UK. Whether you're whisking someone away for a weekend to remember or acting on a whim, you could find some great last-minute deals on transport and accommodation when you search online.

Venice is one of the most distinctive cities in Europe and in the world, and if you've never visited this unique city in Northern Italy before, a romantic getaway can be the perfect excuse. With its complete absence of cars, canals sweeping through the city and eye-catching baroque architecture, Venice is truly a city unlike any other. You can escape the crowds by hiring a private gondola ride down the Grand Canal at sunset. Don't forget to try authentic Venetian pizza or a calzone, as well as gelato ice cream if you have a sweet tooth.

Rome is another Italian city steeped in romance and intrigue, and whether you're interested in the historical or the artistic, Italy's capital won't disappoint. Take a tour of world-famous monuments like the Colosseum or just enjoy spending time together in your hotel room while taking in the magnificent views over the city.

Prague is becoming increasingly popular for romantic breaks too, especially due to its easy access from the UK. Share a horse-drawn carriage ride around its medieval centre, visit stunning Prague Castle or see the sunrise at Charles Bridge, allowing you to beat the lunchtime crowds. You might also consider equally convenient and accessible Amsterdam, which offers an abundance of attractions for couples of all interests – from some of the world's best museums to its cycling culture and more romantic canals.

No selection of European romantic break destinations would be complete without mentioning Paris, of course, which for many people represents the ultimate romantic escape. With its close proximity to the UK, Paris is ideal for last-minute city breaks. There are plenty of cheap hotels, so you can save your money for delicious French pastries and boat cruises along the Seine. A stylish, modern and amorous city, Paris offers many opportunities for couples to enjoy their shared time on this special occasion, whether you're celebrating your first romantic break together or returning to old haunts.

If you don't fancy travelling overseas however, you can still enjoy a great romantic break right here in the UK. Everywhere from cosmopolitan London to countryside areas could be the perfect setting for a memorable holiday or long weekend with the person closest to you.

Author: Sarah Jamerson writes for a digital marketing agency.

Filed under: guest post, holiday, honeymoon, travel Tagged: romantic destinations, UK

Travel: Le Village Arc 1950

Le Village Arc 1950 features eight luxury ski-to-door residences in France in the Paradiski area make the perfect ski weekend getaway with all the comforts of being in your own space. The traditional stone and timber Alpine design of the buildings are set with a white snow backdrop and majestic mountains in the quaint valley, with a car-free  environment and cobbled stone streets. Perfect for families or a romantic weekend for lovers.

The grounds feature bar, restaurants,  indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, spa, indoor beach and grocery delivery service. For those craving even more outdoor activities after skiing and snowboarding, try snow shoeing and sledding.

The Deep Nature Spa includes an indoor pool with water features and an indoor beach. The spa features 9 treatment rooms and 3 hammams and luxurious services such as massage, body scrub, a nail bar and hair salon. For the adventurous, check out the ice cave, a dragon cave, a cold water waterfall and four cold water ponds.

For the families, the kiddies will not only enjoy the Spirit 1950 Ski School, but also the Resort Kids Club. The Caribou 1950 Club offers several daycare options, so Mom & Dad can escape to the slopes or have a romantic dinner.

 

For more information or to book: Le Village Arc 1950.

Filed under: adventure, europe, france, holiday, luxury, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: france, luxury, ski

Travel Guest Post: Rental Apartments- Perfect for Business & Pleasure

Vacation rentals or short-term rental apartments are a home away from home, no matter whether you are on a business tour or a holiday trip with your family and friends. With many condos and fully furnished apartmentsavailable for rent, staying in a hotel has become a less preferred option. Renting an apartment for a short period has become a more  reasonable option for people who have to go on business trips very often. Apart from keeping the cost of staying affordable, a rented apartment also ensures a private stay. You can also combine your business trip with a family holiday while choosing to stay at a short-term apartment rentals. Here are a few reasons to stay in a rented home for short stay:

-Opposite for short stays, these temporary housing facilities have already been there for many years, but have gained popularity lately. One of the key factors for their being popular is Internet, as it cuts out the middleman and travel agencies, thus helping the customers to contact directly to the service providers.

-Online booking of such apartments is like an icing on the cake. You can book a vacation rental by viewing the facility on the Internet. You can plan ahead of your moving date, which leaves less room for confusion.

-Privacy maintained. You are able to keep up privacy while staying at these short-term or extended stay rental homes. They won't perturb you with room service, maid service at early morning hours or the family with 6 kids in the pool.

-An added benefit, you would not feel homesick for a moment, as these apartments are fully furnished with almost everything. You will feel so at home, as you can always enjoy your own personal space while having everything that you need.

-Cost effectiveness. While short-term hotel living is nothing but a mere extravagance, you also would have to move a lot of items with you while staying in a hotel. in cities like New York, where hotel costs are extremely high, renting an apartment can be truly cost effective.  On the other hand apartment rented for short-term are fully furnished. You need not carry anything with you, except your personal items. These apartments consist of all amenities which are necessary for a comfortable stay. Moreover, if you are on a vacation with your large family, children can get their own rooms in rental suites. Living in a condominium with a family will add to your joy of holidaying together. Choosing a good apartment rental is a click away on Internet, which also helps you to pre-рlаn your trip.

This post was sponsored by Roomlender.com.

 

Filed under: guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips

Travel Guest Post: How to Turn Your Vacation Into a Novel

On vacation to Carlsbad Caverns, I saw a sign that started my writing career. I was thirty-eight miles north of Roswell, New Mexico and passed an abandoned rest stop; the bullet ridden sign warned me to "Watch for Rattlesnakes." At the end of that day, I began writing my first novel, Rattlesnake Lawyer.

You too can begin writing your first novel on your next vacation.

Let's say you want to write a romantic thriller while on a European vacation. This is the Jet Set Era website after all. After downloading a few books on plot and structure for the long flight, you are ready to begin. The venerable book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell, offers an excellent discussion of the hero's journey from the known into the unknown and back again.

You are on your own hero's journey once you leave JFK. After you pass through French customs and rent a car in Paris, you will see the first road sign of your own–a sign that will probably employ the metric system. You know that you've left your familiar turf and that Europe will be a character in your own novel.

A long forgotten English professor told me to make "the extraordinary ordinary and the ordinary extraordinary." How is your new locale like your home town and how is it different? Even before you leave the airport, you can begin the process. What are the bathrooms like? How are we going to get to the hotel safely? How do we communicate with the locals without getting the patented French sneer?

John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson famously discussed how a Paris Quarterpounder is called a Royale with Cheese. These little differences are the details that belong in your book to make it come alive.

When you check into your hotel, and wake up for your first full day, you need to make a decision regarding your novel. Paris can be a friend or a foe in your story. The city can bring your characters together or it can push them apart. Good drama comes from conflict– one character might love Paris, the other hate it, and the two must reconcile before the story ends.

In Joseph Campbell's version of the hero's myth, the hero is on a quest for something. In a romantic thriller, it is often some kind of computer file filled with secrets. Alfred Hitchcock called it "the McGuffin." Usually, the hero encounters a variety of people, each more dangerous than the last before they can bring the McGuffin back from the bad guys.

As you wander around Paris, think of exciting settings for your characters to meet people on their quest. Perhaps they have a meeting with a hunchback in Notre Dame or femme fatale on top of the Eiffel tower. Even better, perhaps your protagonist should encounter the hunchback at the Eiffel tower and the femme fatale at Notre Dame. These scenes have been done countless times before, but if you keep an eye out for the little differences, you can make these scenes fresh and exciting.

Keep an eye out for interesting people who can become part of the story. The traffic cop with the big mustache, might be the double agent. The young couple walking along the Seine holding hands might be plotting to steal the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. Even the loud American tourists take pictures could be a part of your plot. Although if your readers wanted to read about encounters with American tourists who remind them of their next door neighbors, they wouldn't be reading your book. Keep your characters as exotic as possible.

Take your protagonists even further out of their comfort zone. Get off the Champs Elysee and into the real France, the places the tourists don't often go. I was once stuck at a New Years' Eve party near Versailles, where I was the only person who spoke English. At least, I thought I was near Versailles, but I certainly wasn't in a palace and the host, a punk rocker with a Mohawk did not resemble Louis XIV, even though he did have a miniature guillotine on his coffee table.

Getting lost can be a wonderful catalyst for your writing.

As you take notes along the way, you should synthesize them at the end of the day or first thing in the morning. Do this right away, or your can forget the little details that will make your story come alive.

On your flight home, start putting it all together. You're writing a novel after all, so use your imagination. If you didn't make it to the Louvre on Monday, don't feel that your characters have to have the same itinerary as you. Aristotle came up with the three act structure of drama- the beginning, the middle and the end. Try to place the events of your last week in an appropriate part of the story. The Eiffel tower usually seems to be at the end.

When you touch down at JFK or your final destination, you need to make one more crucial decision about your story. Did your protagonists like their journey and wish to return, or like Dorothy, did they realize that there is no place like home? The character's decision does not necessarily have to be the same as yours, but chances are that if you liked Paris, your main character will as well.
To be honest, you probably won't get enough in a single one week Paris vacation to complete a novel. That's the best excuse to return on another hero's journey. Rome might be nice this time of year.

Here's hoping that you too see a sign on your trip and start writing a novel of your own! I look forward to reading it on my next vacation.

Author: Jonathan Miller is the author of Lawyer Geisha Pink, Volcano Verdict, La Bajada Lawyer and Crater County: A Legal Thriller of New Mexico. 

Filed under: adventure, books, guest post, holiday, travel, travel planning, travel tips, travel writing

Travel Guest Post: Top 5 Reasons to Visit the UK

 

The landscape

The British landscape offers spectacular scenery and is therefore definitely the number one reason of why to visit the UK. There are some places in the UK that are worthwhile visiting such as Richmond Park in South West London. The park was originally established by Charles I in 1637 and it was known to be a hunting area. You get a medieval feel when you walk through the park and it is usually crowded with locals and visitors during the summer months. Another place to visit is the Lake District in North West England which is also a very popular holiday destination for the British themselves. The views are spectacular and the lake has been voted as Britain's "favourite view".

Shopping

There are many cities in Britain where you can shop until you drop, as they might say it. According to the Telegraph, the best cities to shop in are Bath, Glasgow, Newcastle, Bristol, Brighton and Manchester. The retail outlets in the UK offer a variety of clothes that may range from very cheap to very expensive. My favourite shop is Primark as you can buy lots for little money. I would recommend you visiting Primark as well for the experience because it is usually packed with people who are out for bargains.

 

Music

There are many artists that are from the UK who became very popular. To name a couple of them, The Beatles, the Spice Girls, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. In Britain, the majority of youth listens to punk, garage and other sorts of underground music. If you'd like to get a taste of the music life in Britain, try visiting some pubs and bars that have live music on the weekends. I guarantee that you will have a good time.

British sense of humour

The British sense of humour is probably one of the most recognised humours out there. The theory goes that Britain has more humour over other nations and that it is consistently funnier too. With British humour, word play is of huge importance as well as general nonsense. Others might call it black humour because the British are known to find humoristic characteristics in any situation, no matter how grim the situation actually is. If you'd like to see or hear the British sense of humour yourselves, then I would suggest to go to a pub and to listen to the conversations that are held there, better yet, converse with the locals, I'm sure you will get a good laugh out of it.

Heritage

The Heritage in Britain has a significant influence on other countries, for example, the British Legal System can be found in many other countries.  Besides that, the language, as you know, is the second biggest language in the world (Important to mention here is that the Americans certainly helped as well). The British heritage can be found mostly throughout the UK. There are many castles, old houses, battlefields, monuments and gardens to visit. Personally, the most impressive piece of heritage in Britain is the Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. It is almost 500 years old and is breath-taking when you walk inside the chapel.

Author: This is a guest post written by Susanna Cha on behalf of Pearson PTE, writing about travel, tier 4 student visa and English tests.

Filed under: europe, guest post, travel, travel planning Tagged: UK

Lifestyle Guest Post: 9 Bachelorette Party Ideas for Boomer Brides

Can you still call a bachelorette party a special gals night out when the "gals" are of Baby Boomer age? You bet you can! Whether this is your first, third or sixth wedding (no judgement), there's no reason to forgo a fun time with your friends.

What does change with time is the desire to wear a tiara with veil and get blasted to the max (see "Bridesmaids"). This begs the question how best to celebrate without acting like a gaggle of giggling pre-pubescent girls. Here are a few thoughts applicable to our status in life that won't wring all the fun out of the occasion. Oh, and I've included a few money-saving ideas, some of which are based on my thrice-married experience.

1. Vegas, Baby!

You know your secrets will stay in Las Vegas, right? While you and your gal pals don't have to go the route of the boys in "Hangover," the town that never sleeps is mighty tempting for a destination event. Plane fair and accommodations are usually cheap and there's nothing that says you have to blow a pile of money to have fun. Atlantic City makes for a good alternative, should you live on the East Coast.

2. Ante Up

If a trip is out of the question, how about hosting a poker night with friends? The bride might even walk away with enough cash to pay for a portion of the wedding or — if everyone is a high roller — the entire event. If cash flow is a problem for some, play penny ante or with poker chips. (Wood matches also make a cheap and funky substitute.)

3. Gift Card Your Way to Happiness

There are registries for weddings…why not a registry for bachelorette parties? You can defray costs by setting up a gift registry at such sites as CardAvenue. Register for everything from hotels and gas to car rentals and party supplies. This works particularly well for Boomers, since we already have all the fine china and blenders we normally would request in a wedding registry. (Unless, of course, you lost all those things in the divorce.)

4. Live in the Lap of Luxury

If you can't afford a spa weekend, how about just a spa day or a few hours of pampering? My first (and only) pedicure was administered during a bachelorette party, during which we all gabbled away while luxuriating in personal care. It was a total blast, particularly because the spa allowed us to supply our own libations and treats. They were happy for the group business and we came out maximally relaxed.

5. Sing Your Hearts Out

Karaoke isn't for everyone, particularly in public, but it's hard to resist a good warble in front of your closest friends. Remember that nobody expects everyone to turn all Beyoncé. There are always a few group-sing numbers particularly suited for those with a tin ear. You can rent a karaoke system for anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on the quality and number of song collections you select. If you don't have a rental company in town, companies like Nationwide Karaoke will ship a system to you.

6. Take Them Out to the Ballgame

…or the football, soccer or hockey game, perhaps? Whatever your gang's favorite sport, it's more fun when you share the experience. Baseball games particularly make for great bachelorette parties as there's plenty of time to chat while sitting in the sun and sipping a beer or margarita, depending on the refreshments available at your local ballpark. Don't overlook minor-league games as an inexpensive alternative.

7. Give Back

A new trend in bachelorette parties is to forsake the traditional debauchery in favor of volunteering on a community project, such as working on a home-building project for Habitat for Humanity. You might also organize donations for The Women's Community, which supports victims of abuse and assault.

8. Get Cheesy

Our mothers were the original fondue nuts, but this is a trend that's making a sizable comeback, with entire restaurants devoted to this customer-cooks method. Naturally, you don't have to limit yourselves to cheese. You can add separate pots of boiling bouillon for meat and melted chocolate for dessert. You can round up the necessary fondue sets without making a major investment by cruising a few garage sales.

9. Exchange Clothes

One of the best parties I ever hosted was a clothes swap. We all brought cast-off items in good shape and had a great time modeling our new wardrobe items for each other. Best of all, it didn't cost a cent. You can donate any remaining items to a local non-profit.

Author:

Kate Forgach is a Baby Boomer consumer specialist for Kinoli Inc. She has written about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines. She has been featured in USA Today, Detroit News, New Orleans Times-Picayune, New Yorker magazine, "ABC World News," NBC's "TODAY" show and many other media outlets.

To arrange an interview, please call 970-217-7444 or email kate@kinoliinc.com.

Filed under: guest post, lifestyle, Uncategorized Tagged: bachlorette party, Vegas