#holidays booking app cost

[inkskinned]

i think a lot about exactly 1 thing from the roman empire: the concept of bread and circus. the idea was that if your population was fed and entertained, they wouldn't revolt. you are asking us to give up our one small life, is the thing - for under 15 dollars an hour.

what would that buy, even. i am trading weekends and late nights and my back health. i am trading slow mornings and long walks and cortisol levels. i am trading sleep and silence and peace. for ... this. for what barely-covers-rent.

life really is more expensive right now. you aren't making that up. i make almost 3 times what i did 5 years ago, and despite an incredibly equal series of bills - i am still struggling. the most expensive line item i added was to own a dog. the money is just evaporating.

we were okay with it because it's a cost-benefit analysis. i could handle the customer harassment and standing all day and the manager's constantly changing temperament - i was coming home to hope, and my life planned in a blue envelope. three hours would buy me my dog's food for a month. i can give up three hours for him, for his shiny coat and wide, happy mouth. three days could be a new mattress, if i was thrifty. if i really scrimped and saved, we could maybe afford a trip into the city.

recently i cried in the car about the price of groceries.

business majors will be mad at me, but my most inflammatory opinion is that people should never be valued at the same place as products. your staff should not be a series of numbers in an excel sheet that you can just "replace" whenever you need something at that moment. your staff should be people, end of sentence.

it feels like someone somewhere is playing a very bad video game. like my life is a toy. like someone opened an app on their phone and hired me in diner dash ultra. they don't need to pay me well or treat me alright - they can always just show me the door. there is always someone more desperate, always someone more willing.

but i go to work and know i could save for years and not afford housing. i am never going to own my own home, most likely. i have no idea how to afford her ring, much less the wedding. my dog doesn't have his own yard. everything i love is on subscription. if i lose my job, i have no "nest egg" to catch my falling.

this thin life - they want me to give up summer for it. to open my mouth and throat and swallow the horrible hours and counted keystrokes. they want me to give up mountains and any non-federal holiday. to give up snow days. to give up talking to my mom whenever i want. to give up visiting the ocean and hearing the waves.

bread and circus worked for a while, actually. it was the kind of plan that would probably now be denounced by republicans as socialist commie liberal pronoun bullshit.

but sometimes i wonder if we should point them to the part of the history book that says: it worked until it didn't.

[rideboomcabs]

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[writeforfandoms]

It’s a Marshmallow World

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Fresh off a bad breakup, you go on a vacation out to a ranch to go horseback riding, get out of the apartment, and get some fresh air. You deserve a vacation, after all. Except everything goes wrong, leaving you just about ready to pack up and call it quits until Jack comes to the rescue. 

Warnings: Swearing, emotions, I threw an OC in because why not (but he only appears over the phone), brief mention of alcohol and drinking, Jack is too charming, fluff. So much fluff. I chose the title for a reason. 

The place described is based off a place I stayed a few years back. However I did take artistic license with the horses. 

Word count: 5.6k

Jack Daniels x f!reader

Part 2 will be up by the end of the week

Prologue 

You stared at the calendar app on your phone, fingers numb, heart rabbiting in your chest. 

You had nearly forgotten, with everything else happening. 

But the blocked out dates showing "Vacation time!!!" taunted you with the truth. And, honestly, added more things to add to your to-do list. 

The vacation was supposed to be a one year trip and holiday celebration with your now ex-boyfriend Todd. The two of you had figured everything out together, although looking back on it now you realized you'd done the lion's share of the work. But you'd paid separately, sharing the cost of the room. 

Clearly, he wouldn't be going on that trip now. 

You huffed out a breath, staring at the still-empty half of the room where his shit used to be. Before you kicked him out. Lying piece of shit. 

Well. Time to make a decision. 

A few quick taps on your phone got you to Dev's contact, and you called. And then waited. 

"'Lo?" He grumbled into the phone, sounding half asleep still. 

"Hey. I need your opinion on something."

Dev made a rough noise of amusement. "You sure? Last time you asked my opinion, it led to you ending your relationship." 

"That was a necessary kick in the pants," you excused, waving a hand absently. "That's fine. Besides, I trust your judgment." 

Dev yawned. "Hit me."

"Remember that vacation Todd and I booked? Back in August?"

"Yeah?" Dev sounded faintly confused. 

"I never canceled it. Totally slipped my mind with everything else going on." 

"Shit, really?" Dev laughed a little. "Well, damn. You should go. The deposit is probably non-refundable. And it'll be good for you to get away for a few days, get out of the house for something other than work."

"I know," you admitted, sheepish and nervous and stressed. "I just… what if I don't like it? What if I'm still too caught up in my own head?"

"Sweetie, I say this with all the love in my cold black heart. You are always too caught up in your own head." 

You snorted. You couldn't help yourself. He wasn't wrong exactly. 

"Listen. You're going to go on this trip. You're going to have fun. Play with some horses, find someone pretty to flirt with, have a few extra drinks. You deserve it." Dev sounded both firm and amused, because he knew you too well. 

"I mean…"

"Nope. No arguing with me. Or I'll come over there and kick your ass." 

You laughed finally, and it felt like some vice around your heart relaxed, just a little. "Alright, alright. Fine. I'll go on this trip. But if I don't have a good time, you'll be hearing about it forever." 

"If you don't have a good time, I'll take you to the Bahamas myself," Dev told you. "Is that your only existential crisis for the day? Please say yes. I'm still exhausted."

You snickered. "Yeah, that's all. Get some more sleep, you vampire." 

"Uh huh. You're welcome." Dev hung up on you. 

Snorting in amusement, you dropped your phone back to your lap. Well. Looks like you needed to do some more research. You still remembered everything about the property and the ranch and all that, but you needed to look at the weather and accommodations again. So you could pack sufficiently. 

Despite yourself, a little spark of excitement started, sheltered snug in your ribs. This could be fun. 

Part One 

You were this close to crying out of sheer frustration. The drive had been too long and quiet by yourself, even with one of your favorite playlists on. Traffic had been bad and it had taken you an extra hour, because of course the holiday traffic had started more than a week before the actual holiday. Then you got to your cabin and discovered that the heating hadn't been turned on, so your cabin was freezing. Not quite literally, but it felt that way. 

And, to top it all off, you couldn't get the damn fire going. 

You stared in utter betrayal at the logs in the fireplace, hot tears pricking your eyes. You took a deep breath. No, you were not going to cry. You refused. You just weren't going to do it. 

One more deep breath, and you felt steady enough to call up to the front desk. 

"Front desk, how can I help?" The voice on the other end of the phone was definitely not the soft-spoken young woman you had checked in with. 

"Um, I can't get the heat turned on," you said slowly, unreasonably embarrassed. "And I'm trying to get a fire going, but uh…" 

"I'll have someone come down to check on the heat right now," the man assured you soothingly. "Apologies for that, ma'am."

"Thank you." You hung up and buried your face in your hands. 

This was really not going your way. 

Fortunately, you didn't have to wait longer than two minutes before there was a knock on your door. You let a young man in, and he nodded to you before going straight to the fireplace. In moments, he succeeded where you had failed, the logs lighting with soft crackles. 

"You said the heating wouldn't turn on?" He asked with a very southern drawl. 

"That's right." 

"Huh." He walked over to the heating unit, tapping it a few times and then messing with the buttons. When nothing happened, he turned to you with a sheepish look. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I'm not sure what the problem is. I'm gonna run 'round back to check the unit, but the fire should warm ya up in the meantime."

"Thank you." Well, the fire was warm, and apparently the heating issue wasn't just you, so you felt a bit better. 

He nodded, lifting one hand as if to tip a hat to you, and walked out the door with as little ceremony as when he'd entered. Well. Okay then. 

With a soft huff, you sank down into one of the chairs in front of the fire, starting to thaw out. Unless something drastically changed, you were tempted to call this entire trip a wash and go back home. 

One more day. You'd give it one more day. This was just the stress of traveling, and having to explain to the nice lady at check in that no it was just you. This was just hunger and cold. 

Tomorrow would be a better day. 

You slowly relaxed as you warmed up, picking up your information packet to look through. Dinner was a sit down affair in the main building every night, and you'd need to get going soon to make it in time. The first horseback riding session was early the next morning, but that was a big part of why you'd chosen this place, so you'd do it. You'd just have to dress warmly. 

Dinner did indeed help - you felt better after you'd eaten. It helped that dinner was frankly delicious, possibly some of the best food you'd ever had. (Although that might have just been because you hadn't eaten anything since breakfast…) 

The heat still wasn't on in your room, which you knew because there was a note taped to your door. 

Terribly sorry, the heater still isn't working. I've scheduled a tech to come out tomorrow. For tonight, I've left extra blankets and lots of logs for the fire. I'll take some off the reservation price, too.

It was signed, simply, management. Not that helpful. Oh well. 

It wasn't even that late, not yet, but you were tired, and the stress from the day was catching up to you. Your cabin was finally warmer, and you made the executive decision to read a bit and then go to bed. Changing into your pajamas felt wonderful, and you arranged another log on the fire and the extra blankets on your bed before you picked up your book. 

You were asleep before you'd read half a dozen pages. 

Music from your phone woke you, and you groaned softly. The fire had gone out overnight, of course, and the room was cold again. 

"Fuck," you hissed, scrambling out of bed and yet again trying to light a fire. You gave up even more quickly this time, just washing your face in hot water and dressing in the warmest clothes you had for the trail ride. 

The walk from your cabin to the main building was nearly silent and very pretty. The sun was just rising, frost on the grass sparkling on either side of the pathway. Light spilled out from the windows of the main building, warm and inviting. The blast of warm air that greeted you as soon as you opened the door was even better. 

"Good morning," the nice lady from yesterday greeted you. This morning you finally had the mental energy to notice the decorations - garlands with tasteful ornaments ringed the room, and a small tree hung with tinsel and candy canes stood in the corner. 

"Morning," you responded, flexing your hands. "Feels good in here." 

She chuckled. "Yeah, it's a chilly walk in the mornings. We've got coffee, tea, and hot cocoa, as well as breakfast just through there." She pointed. 

"Excellent. Thanks." You smiled at her, glancing at her name badge. Ginger. You could remember that. 

Breakfast was delicious, up until you realized you were running late. Then you chugged the last of it and walked briskly off towards the barn, which Ginger had pointed out to you yesterday. 

You slowed as you approached, a bit confused. You didn't see anyone else around, didn't hear anything. But you peeked into the barn anyway. 

A single man stood in the barn, brushing out the mane of a beautiful bay horse. He looked over when he heard you and smiled. 

"Mornin', ma’am." He tipped his head to you. 

"Hi again." You smiled a little more easily, recognizing him as the one who'd started the fire for you yesterday. "Are you leading the trail ride this morning?"

He blinked and paused, hands stilling on the horse. "Oh, uh, there's a tree down in the middle of the trail," he told you. "The ride’s been canceled for this morning, 'til we can go clear out the tree."

"Oh." You wilted. 

"I'm real sorry," he said, looking a little distressed. 

"It's not your fault," you managed, a little faint. "I'll just head back to the main house." You backed out of the barn before he could say anything else, though you didn't start walking immediately. Instead you stood there, staring up at the sky, willing yourself not to cry. Again. 

A deep breath in burned, the cold air a little too brisk, and you hurried back to the main house. You'd find a quiet place to sit for a while, read on your phone maybe. Or maybe you'd run back to your cabin to grab your book first. 

"Dev is definitely hearing about this," you muttered to yourself. "He owes me a vacation." 

The main house was still warm, and you shivered a little. Well. You might as well get something warm to drink, maybe one more nibble. 

A little wandering found a perfect little nook, and it was even decorated. A single white candle sat on the little table next to the cozy armchair, the candleholder red and gold and sparkly. You settled there with your drink and your phone. You didn't feel like running back to your cabin, not right now. Maybe later you would. 

But for now, you had reading material on your phone, a warm drink, and a comfy spot to sit. That was good enough. 

"Oh," a deep voice startled you out of your reading some time later. "Can I get ya anything, ma'am?"

You looked up from your phone at one of the most handsome men you'd seen in your life. Dark brown hair just fell over his forehead, his mustache neatly trimmed. Big brown eyes focused on you, warm and almost puppy-ish. 

"Oh, um, thanks, but I should check in with Ginger," you answered shyly. "See if the heat has been fixed." 

"Is that your room?" Recognition lit his eyes. 

"Yeah." You grimaced. 

"Well, I've got good news and bad news on that front." The man shifted his weight. "Bad news is the heat isn't fixed. Good news is we got a couple space heaters in there to keep you toasty warm." 

"Oh." You didn't wilt this time, but you did frown. So far, you were quite underwhelmed with this entire experience. It was very tempting to just cancel the rest of your reservation and go home. 

"I know it's an inconvenience," he offered with a sympathetic smile. "Why don't I pour you a drink, and we can talk about how I can make it up to ya?" 

You blinked. "I mean, it's not your fault, you didn't do it." 

"I'm the owner," he told you. "Jack. Pleasure to meet you." 

You shook his hand, offering your name in return. "Well, in that case, I guess I could go for a drink." 

"This way." Smiling, he motioned for you to follow him, leading the way past the dining room and further back, to a small bar. It was deserted at the moment, not even a bartender behind the counter. "Have a seat, anywhere you like. What can I get for you?" He lifted the partition and stepped behind the counter. 

"Just a glass of red wine." You shrugged, sitting at the bar in front of him. 

"Comin' right up." He moved with easy competence, pulling a glass up from beneath the counter and pouring your wine without a single drop spilled. "Now. What can I do to make it up to you?"

You hesitated, fingers curling around the stem of your glass. "I'm gonna be honest," you managed, feet tapping anxiously against the bar stool. "I'm thinking of just going home." 

His smile turned into a frown. "That bad? I can see if there's anywhere else you can stay, I'll call into town if you want and put you up there."

"No, it's not just the heat." You shook your head, frowning down into your wine. "It's… this whole trip has been bad. The drive, the cold, just all of it. And I really wanted to go riding, that's half the reason I chose this place, and then this morning the trail was closed and I just…" You trailed off, unwilling to get into your own baggage with someone you'd just met. 

He closed his eyes briefly, sighing. "Well, can't blame you for being upset," he agreed lightly. "But I'm gonna make you a counter offer." 

"I'm listening." You took a sip of your wine, which was actually very good. 

"I'm not gonna charge you for your stay," Jack started, ducking his head a little to meet your gaze. "You can have the room for your full stay, no charge. And I'll personally take you out riding every morning." 

Your jaw dropped and you were idly glad you hadn't been drinking right then. "What? No, that's too much!" 

"I insist." Jack smiled. "Can't have you going home unhappy. Besides, the room wouldn't be available for anyone else, since the heat isn't working, so it's not fair to charge you for it." 

"Well… I don't know what to say." You laughed a little, shaking your head. 

"Say yes." He leaned down on his elbows on the bar, charming smile aimed at you. "Gimme a good reason to get up every mornin' while you're here." He winked. 

You warmed and clapped a hand over your mouth, trying to hide your grin. "Okay," you agreed, a bit muffled. You cleared your throat and removed your hand, repeating, "Okay." 

"Excellent!" Jack grinned. "What time do you wanna go in the morning? We can leave before the trail ride, after, same time. Whatever you want, darlin'." 

The easy pet name made you even warmer, and you couldn't even blame the wine. "How about a little later?"

"Sounds good to me." Jack's smile widened. "Any requests for our first ride? Any limits I need to know about?"

"I've been riding before, but it's been a few years, so nothing too crazy," you admitted. "Other than that, I'm fine with whatever." 

Jack nodded. "Got it. I'll make sure you have a beautiful ride, then." 

You nearly choked on your wine, though there had been no double entendre in his words. But the playful gleam of his eyes caught you. 

"I don't doubt that," you managed to say without squeaking or choking, which was quite the accomplishment. 

Jack grinned. "Dinner starts in an hour," he informed you, standing up straight again. "Feel free to sit here, or take your wine with you. Unfortunately, I have to get back to work. But I'll see you in the morning." He winked at you again before he lifted the partition once more and walked away. Well. Walked may have been a mild word. He kind of… sauntered. Like he assumed you watched him go. (Which you low-key did, but that wasn't the point.) 

You finished your wine and left the glass there at the bar before going back to your room to change for dinner. 

Once again, the food was delicious. This time, though, you spotted Jack making his way around the room. He chatted with a table full of men, completely at ease. Not twenty minutes later, he was sitting with an older couple, smile warm and posture easy as he chatted. 

He was a kind of social chameleon, matching the energy of every table he visited, able to talk to anybody. Something you would have considered stressful seemed easy for him. 

Honestly, he made great entertainment as you ate your dinner. 

But you finished and left before he made it to your table, content to go back to your room for the night. You even drew yourself a hot bath, relaxing in the water while the space heater in your room chugged away, keeping the chill at bay. 

You did end up texting Dev, though. 

Not sold on this place. Been lots of problems. But the owner comped my room so I'll stay.

Dev texted back immediately, being the utter night owl that he was. 

Lay all your troubles at my door so I can laugh and then console you.

You laughed at him, shaking your head, and gave him the abbreviated version of events. You already felt better about things after talking to Jack. 

What the actual fuck, was the immediate reaction text once you'd finally sent the entire saga to Dev. How the fuck, came the next text. You snickered. 

And then waited, as Dev typed out what must be an entire rant. 

First off, I'm almost bloody sorry for telling you to go now. That is a lot to happen, and it is incredibly frustrating. I can't believe you have no heat. Are you okay? You can always go buy more clothes if you need to, you're not that far outside of town. But I'm glad he comped the room, or I would have called and had strong words with him on your behalf. Now… is he hot? You sound like you like him already, so I hope he is hot. Flirt with him. You'll have time. Flirt with him like I would. All the flirting. 

You groaned and dropped your phone on the bed next to you, covering your face with a pillow. "You ass," you growled. But you did pick up your phone again to reply. 

I won't flirt with him, he's the owner. He is nice, at least. No need to call. I'm fine. He also left me extra blankets. I'm gonna go to sleep now. 

Huffing to yourself, you put your phone on the bedside table and got ready for bed. It didn't take long, fortunately, and then you laid in bed and relaxed. 

At least tonight you were plenty warm enough. 

You woke before your alarm, feeling very awake. And you even knew why, after a moment.

You were excited to go on the trail ride. And not just for the trail ride. But for Jack, too. 

That could be problematic. 

But you got up and ready for the day, dressing warmly again. Your room was not freezing today, thankfully, so you had no problems. 

Breakfast was a little quieter, and you didn't feel so rushed, giving you more time to enjoy yourself. 

The walk to the barn was still cold and quiet, but you could see evidence of other people this time: trampled grass, a piece of trash, clear hoof prints. 

Cautiously optimistic, you stepped into the barn. 

Jack had his back to you, jeans clinging to him like a second skin, coat pulled tight across his shoulders. This morning, he also wore a black cowboy hat. You swallowed hard, gaze straying. Oh dear. 

"Morning," you called before you could make a fool of yourself.

He turned and grinned at you, just as warm as last night. "Good mornin', sugar. You all ready to go?" 

"I am." You smiled as you walked over closer. "Which one am I riding today?"

"This beautiful girl here is for you." Jack patted the shoulder of the palomino next to him. "Her name is Buttercup, she's a nice, easy ride. Responsive. You need a hand up into the saddle?"

"Probably," you admitted, eyeing the distance carefully. "It's, uh, been a while." 

Jack chuckled and nodded. "C'mon over here," he murmured, motioning you over closer. "You're gonna put your foot in my hands, and I'll help boost you up. Grab the saddle too, that's the way. You ready?"

You hesitated, foot in the air above his linked hands. "You sure this is fine?"

Jack chuckled. "I'm sure. Darlin', I've boosted Tequila up many a time. You're no trouble." 

"Tequila?" You asked, even as you rested your foot on his linked hands, your hands grasping the saddle. 

"Up we go." Jack boosted you up, and you squeaked and scrambled the rest of the way into the saddle. "He's the one who helped you out with the fire, and reported the heat non-functional." 

"Oh." You settled in the saddle, tucking your feet into the stirrups. 

"How do those feel?" Jack tapped your ankle gently, gaze assessing. 

"A little long, maybe?"

"Lift this foot out, I'll fix it for you." Jack winked at you, stepping closer. "Good girl." He smirked as your heart fluttered and adjusted the stirrup for you with deft movements, getting the adjustment done quickly before he moved to the other side. "There. How's it feel now?" 

"Good." You tested your weight against the stirrups and nodded. "Definitely better." 

"Good." Jack took a step back and smirked. "You look good there, darlin'." He patted Buttercup's neck before striding over to his own horse. One foot went in the stirrup and he lifted himself up and onto the saddle like it was nothing. 

"So, who are you riding today?" You asked, to cover up your absolute flustered over watching him. "Westley?"

"Nah, he's actually out on trail right now. This here is Inigo." Jack patted his horse's neck, grinning. 

You laughed. "Well, that's good enough. Do you have a Fezzick too?"

"Oh yeah. Big draft mix, we don't take him out on trail rides as often. But he did help us move the downed tree yesterday." Jack smirked and nudged his horse into a walk, leading the way out of the barn. 

"Are all the horses named after The Princess Bride?" You asked curiously, hardly paying attention to the ride for now. 

"Nah. We've got a bunch'a different names. All pop culture, though. I've got a few horses names after characters from Labyrinth." Jack glanced back at you. "Not my idea, Ginger did it." 

"I love Labyrinth," you admitted with a grin. "It's so much fun. And David Bowie." 

Jack laughed, shaking his head a little and tipping his hat against the glare of the early morning sun. "True," he admitted. "You can see where the trail ride goes off to the right there," he pointed out, motioning to the ground. "Their ride takes about an hour and a half. We, however, will be going this way." He turned Inigo to the left, and Buttercup followed. 

"We're going off on our own adventure?" You asked, surprised. 

"Mmhm." Jack sounded pleased. "Trust me, you'll get better views going this way. It's not a hard ride, but it is a longer one, which is why we generally don't bring people out this way." 

"Sounds like fun." You smiled, leaning back a little in the saddle. 

The silence between the two of you was comfortable, easy. And you didn't mind it. The quiet gave you a chance to listen to the world around you, taking in the nature and the beauty. And it was beautiful - though you hadn't gone far yet, you couldn't see any buildings in sight at all, and everything was lush and green. Sunlight sparkled off the remaining morning frost. 

"Lake or forest?" Jack called back to you, half-turning in his saddle to look at you. 

"Um." You blinked, unprepared for a choice, and bit your lower lip. "Forest."

"You got it, sugar." Jack faced forward again and nudged Inigo into a faster walk, turning him just slightly. Buttercup followed her companion without any prompting from you, which you honestly kind of loved. "You been out this way before?"

"Not much," you admitted. "I've been to the town before, for a couple days trips, but I've never stayed in the area. Honestly I didn't even know the ranch was out here until I was looking for a vacation spot."

"Well, I'm glad you found us." Jack looked over his shoulder to wink at you. "There's a lot of good things out here. The views, the quiet, the horses… the company."

You warmed again, tugging at the collar of your jacket briefly. You were quickly learning that this man was an outrageous flirt. "Yes, I'm learning that." 

Jack chuckled. "You have any plans for later today?"

You shook your head. "I intentionally didn't make any plans, figured it would be better to see what I felt up to doing after the riding." 

Jack nodded, tipping his hat up to scratch at his forehead. "Well, if you're amenable, I'd be happy to show you 'round a bit more," he offered. 

"We'll see how I feel after we get back," you hedged carefully. He seemed fun, but realistically, you knew next to nothing about him. And after Todd… well. You needed some time, that's all. You weren't ready to just jump into something. 

"'Course," he agreed easily. "Ah, look up ahead. We're gettin' close to my favorite spot." 

You looked around and smiled. The trees were growing thicker together now, most of them rapidly losing their leaves to the cold, leaving a brown carpet of dead leaves around. "This is beautiful," you agreed softly. 

"All part of our property," Jack told you. "The ranch owns a lot of the surrounding land, so we've got plenty of space to roam." 

"How did you get into this?" You asked, nudging Buttercup a bit faster so you pulled up even with Jack. It was easier to talk this way. 

"I've been working here for years, bought the place when the previous owner decided to retire." Jack shrugged. "He still comes 'round and visits, especially at holiday times." 

"Oh that sounds nice." You smiled. "I bet you get a lot of people just after Christmas." 

Jack shook his head, glancing over at you. "Nah, we close down, actually. You're one of the last to check out. Not a lot of people wanna go riding when there's more than an inch or two of snow on the ground, easier for us to just close for a coupl'a months." 

"Oh." You shifted in the saddle, chewing on your lower lip. "Do you stay here? For the holidays?"

"Sure do." Jack shrugged. "This is home, now. Don't have much family, so might as well stay and take care of the herd." He patted his horse's neck. 

Your heart clenched in sympathy, even though your holiday plans were… lacking. "Well, I'm glad you're open at least this long. It's way prettier here than at home." 

"Oh?" Jack smiled encouragingly at you. 

"The shops are all decked out, of course, but we don't have any snow. And when we do get snow, it turns gray and slushy within a day." You made a face. You had opinions about that awful gray slush. 

"Ah yes, the slush. Don't miss that about living in the city." 

"It's pretty gross." You hesitated for a moment. You didn't usually share, and definitely not with handsome cowboys you were pretty sure you were crushing on, but… "I didn't put up any decorations at home. So all the decorations in the main house are extra nice to me. Super pretty." 

"Thanks. I don't do much of it, Ginger kinda takes that over. I tried one year and she called me hopeless and redid it." 

You laughed quietly, grinning. "Really?"

"Really." Jack grinned. "Swore she'd take over if I tried to do the decorating again." 

At that, you tipped your head back and laughed. It felt good to laugh like that. Honestly, you felt like you hadn't really laughed since before the fiasco with Todd. Grinning, you looked over at Jack, catching his wide smile and sparkling eyes. "Well, we can't have that." 

"No indeed." Jack pulled Inigo to a halt, and you followed suit a moment later. "Now, this is one of my favorite spots. It's real pretty in the fall, when the trees have turned, but it's still a good spot." 

You looked around, already smiling, and had to agree. The trees formed a natural semi-circle, with leaves and twigs littering the ground, along with some small bushy plants. Sunlight shone off the remaining frost and water on the trees, making the whole area sparkle. 

"Oh wow." You turned slowly in the saddle to look around more. "This is beautiful. I bet it's gorgeous with fresh snow, too." 

"Mmhm. Maybe we'll get some snow and you can see for yourself." 

You smiled at the thought. "Maybe. We'll have to wait and see." 

Jack sat quietly, letting you look your fill until you nodded to him that you were ready to go. Then he clicked and nudged Inigo on again, once again taking the lead through the trees. 

"There's a stream up here," he told you. "Feeds into the lake I mentioned earlier. We'll go a little ways beyond that, then loop around back to the main trail and head back. Sound good?"

"Sounds good," you agreed, resting one hand on the pommel of the saddle, reins loose in your hand. 

"Can I ask you somethin'?" Jack called back after several minutes of quiet riding. You had been busy taking in the views and the air and the quiet sounds of nature around you. 

"Sure." You turned your attention back to him. 

"How come you're here alone? Don't often see people by themselves." 

You sighed. You'd known this would come up eventually, one way or another. "I was going to come out with my ex," you told him, speaking carefully, like the words might bite you. "But things ended poorly, so here I am." 

"I'm sorry." He glanced back at you over his shoulder.

"Not your fault," you assured him. "Besides, I made the choice to come." 

"I'm glad you did." Jack turned to look at you, and you warmed. Again. This was becoming far too frequent around this man. 

"I'm getting there, too." You smiled. "Now that I'm warmer and am getting to go riding."

Jack chuckled. "Oh don't worry, darlin', there's plenty more riding to be done." He faced forward again. 

Which was a good thing, because you were pretty sure your jaw dropped. Oh this man. This man was absolutely outrageous. 

You kind of loved it, even though it also made you very flustered. 

The rest of the ride was quiet. Jack glanced back at you every so often, but didn't ask anything else. Which was fine. The ride was very pleasant, and reminded you just how much you loved riding. 

Jack dismounted first outside the barn, holding Buttercup's reins so you could get down too. 

"Thank you." You smiled at him. "For all of this, really. I appreciate it."

"It really is my pleasure, sugar." Jack smiled. "I'll be around all day. Come find me in the main house, or ask for me, if you want to do anything else, or need any suggestions." 

"I will." You stepped away from him and Buttercup carefully, stumbling just a little. Jack shifted, leaning closer, one hand reaching out, but you recovered. And ducked your head, a little embarrassed, even as you walked away. 

You ended up back in your cabin to grab your book. But you stopped there. Because you needed a minute to sit and think. 

You'd had a lot of fun on the ride with Jack. With anyone else, you wouldn't worry about it too much. Sure, it had been fun, but you only had a few days left here. 

But Jack was clearly a flirt, and handsome, and you liked him. You could very easily see that turning into something more, given an opportunity. 

And you couldn't. You just couldn't. Todd had been bad for you, hadn't been out of your life for very long yet, you weren't ready for anything more yet. You weren't. 

But your damn heart was thinking about it, thinking of the fall but not the landing. 

You resolved to talk yourself out of this craziness. You didn't need it in your life. You needed time to yourself and stability. You were absolutely not going to fall for the charming, handsome cowboy.

[rideboomindia]

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[pure-ablution]

How do you make and save money?

It’s mostly about increasing your income, and then reducing how much of that income you actually need to spend. This is what I do. Not all of it is technically allowed because of my university’s employment rules, but I haven’t run into trouble yet. It’s not always fun to live frugally, but it allows me to indulge in the things that matter to me.

Increasing income:

I receive a termly stipend as part of my scholarships, covering my rent and utilities and leaving me with a little money left over.

I work at least one shift at the student bar per week, and usually receive tips.

I do part-time paid internships during term-time, and full-time paid internships in most holidays.

I work for my university by taking shifts in the libraries, and working with admissions and outreach.

I offer myself for some compensated research trials and surveys at my uni.

I do online tutoring, mostly to foreign highschoolers whose parents are willing to pay a fortune for my university’s name.

I work freelance in translation services and proofreading in my native languages. This pays by the word.

I offer basic beauty services (waxing, eyebrows, etc.), styling and tailoring/mending services to students at a reduced rate compared to local salons and tailors.

I sell PDF copies of my notes and lecture transcripts to students on my course, and very occasionally write essays for a higher fee.

I babysit/pet-sit/house-sit for my professors, neighbours, and other local families I know.

I receive occasional cash prizes for competitions.

I have some music and poetry published, and receive a little bit of money regularly as royalties.

I sell clothes etc. on behalf of people who are too old or lazy to use online secondhand sites, and take a portion of the cost.

I sell a few printables and some of my embroidery and other handicrafts on Etsy.

I take on any little ‘odd job’ offered to me. Last week I was paid £25 as an extra in a student film production.

I have a few investments, and I withdraw portions of the interest already generated if I feel I need to.

My parents send me a small amount of money every month (something like £75) specifically for groceries.

Reducing outgoings:

All of my tuition is covered by my scholarships, plus a single airfare to and from home per year.

I get all my fish free from my neighbour, and I eat a lot of it.

I get all my milk free, in exchange for doing the eyebrows of the girl who runs the dairy near me.

I buy the rejected fruit and vegetables from the greengrocer’s at the end of the day for a discount.

I buy rice and beans in bulk from the international market a few miles from my house.

I cook everything from scratch at home. Most meals I make come out at less than a £1 spend per portion, because I buy in bulk.

I walk everywhere, and I have a Railcard for when I need to use the train.

I pirate books and movies, or use my university’s libraries. I never, ever pay for books.

I always shop in sales or usually secondhand, and I’m really good at using discount codes.

I don’t bother with fancy salons. I do most of my cosmetic work myself, or I go to independent aestheticians who work from their houses.

I get a friends’ discount with the dry cleaning shop I use, because it’s run by the local monastery and I know most of the monks there.

I don’t have any subscriptions or monthly payments to anything except magazines. My phone and laptop were bought outright for me as a part of my scholarship agreement, and I don’t have a car or any streaming services.

I have a black and white television (the licensing charge for B&W in the UK is significantly lower than colour).

I use a cashback app whenever I buy anything online. It’s only a small percentage, but it adds up over time.

I never buy alcohol. There are more than enough events with free drinks in a student city.

Saturday brunch was recently swapped to a homemade brunch, so now I no longer pay for any meals out at all.

Most of my cleaning products are homemade in the way my grandmother taught me. All you really need is bar soap, white vinegar, lemon juice and a cheap bottle of bleach in your cleaning kit.

I never, ever forget to use my student discount.

[cloysauce]

With the one and only: My Son Yejin BIFAN chronicles

Last July 8, the media exploded with articles following a talkshow event with Son Yejin a couple days ago.

Typically, I get news about stuff like this from two sources: a Korean news app and a translator (either another app or a friend I follow on Twitter). I'm used to seeing news in the form of a tweet and then retweeting with the necessary bursts of enthusiasm.

So I was quite unprepared to instead be in the exact room where it happens, to sit on one of the clothed chairs of the Hyundai Department Store Jungdong Culture Hall, with just one row of chairs between me and the stage where the actress was speaking herself. It wasn't a phone screen anymore. There's still a surreal state of mind of "How did I get myself into this situation?" that lasts until this day.

I had no plans of flying back to Korea after my visit last August 2023, and if I would I wanted it to be planned more meticulously. That was until May 2024 when BIFAN announced Son Yejin as the main character of their actor retrospective with events (plural) dedicated to her. For 10 days I agonized whether I should go, especially as it will clash with my birthday. Back then, the mere idea of planning an impulsive trip to see Son Yejin was ridiculous, but there was a nagging thought of a challenge and the possibility of something incredible.

At work, I gave a heads up that I plan to be on tentative leave for the first week of July while I quietly gathered documents. Everyone understood it to be my birthday leave and gave me the right to it, but until the last week of June, this out-of-office holiday was left tentative because of many things:

I needed to prepare for a visa

I needed to submit said visa

Said visa must be approved

I then needed to get flights and a hotel booking that wouldn't cost me a leg and arm, which was asking too much with airfares notoriously more expensive the sooner the travel dates are.

More importantly, I needed to somehow grab a ticket for the megatalk event I'm flying for, an exclusive opportunity to be in an audience with the one actress I've watched and adored for years.

There were several barriers to overcome in a span of a little over a month and that put me up with a lot of doubts and hesitations going forward and some personal matters to consider. I asked friends for their opinions; is this a wise move? They all said yes, the enablers they were. (But maybe that's the reason why I sought their opinions)

The visa preparation and application took almost all of June but it was granted, leaving me only a week to grab a hotel and flights. Again for someone who's used to booking at least 2-3 months prior to departure to secure the best prices, this was really stressful. I was very tempted to just say 'screw it,' and just catch the exhibition at a later week or just go to Korea later.

On June 25, I tried ticketing for the BIFAN opening ceremony and failed miserably. Nothing new, I have shit luck with things like this so the pressure was on and the stakes were high considering it will determine my fate on how I will spend my birthday or whether everything was a waste of time and money, and I could only scream about it to a few, including a good friend who would then save my life.

Son Yejin's megatalk ticketing came and I had to lock myself inside a room to ensure full concentration and also because I felt like screaming every now and then. My hands were shaking so badly. Everything was all over in the flash of a minute, and I busted out of the room actually yelling because the odds said: let's give this poor girl a chance to see Son Yejin in the flesh. 

And what transpired in the days to follow was nothing short of the stuff dreams are made of.

Last year, I've only seen the waning traces of Crash Landing on You's popularity in the countries I visited. In Seoul, Son Yejin was on a TV cf, an ad on a health supplement kiosk, and a few airport buses in the city. In Tokyo, a few Hyun Bin goods were on sale at Koreatown and luckily his movies finally made it to Japan so there were posters. I saw them in a couple of magazines and memorabilia and that was the fullest extent of their 'influence.'

But if it were in 2021-2022, there would have been a chance to see an exhibition and concert for CLOY in Tokyo and a musical in Seoul.

It seemed I missed the bus to go to these countries while the drama was hugely felt. I found joy in what little there was, better than nothing.

The moment I arrived in Seoul last July 3rd, Son Yejin was already greeting from the airport bus tv, she would say hello again in Myeongdong decorating a jewelry shop. Her movies The Pirates and A Moment to Remember were also on TV. Finally I'm feeling the rockstar effect.

In Bucheon, she was everywhere, in the subway, the mall. It was quite exactly, a Son Yejin festival, and I was in a buffet.

And I'm no longer just an outsider looking through the articles of Naver, but quite in the navel of the action. I watched the BIFAN red carpet event from a train in Seoul and the opening ceremony from the Banpo rainbow bridge and I can't tell you how thrilling these already were even from afar. It hits different versus watching at home at the comfort of my bed, because it's not in an imaginary far-flung place. It's happening right under the same skies, like a concert of an idol at a local concert hall.

One can say it's the closest I felt to attending a concert for a favorite singer.

On July 5, I traveled to Bucheon to see the opening of the exhibition, which I assumed was going to be open-air so there are plenty of chances to see Yejin for the first time.

Bucheon is an hour ride from where I stay so there's some tourist moments. There's a funny story how the train I was in got swapped to an express and I ended up in a different station. On Twitter, pictures of the exhibit start to appear. I thought: 'oh it's just tiny' and I managed my expectations.

I met with a long-time Korean friend, who wasn't a fan but was thrilled at the prospect of seeing Son Yejin. I got some merch ticket to get the chance to get a commemorative booklet and a poster. I didn't even expect to be so lucky to score freebies (and it feels unfair to call them as such because the poster is pretty and the book??? Is worth going to Bucheon for this alone).

My friend spoke with someone in the exhibition and confirmed that Yejin will grace the opening so we made preparations to have lunch. How does one prepare to see a favorite star in the flesh, I wish I knew.

By 3:00 PM, there was a crowd building up and they were setting up these flimsy ankle-height strings that remind me of the Chinese garter street game, intended to be rope barriers. I stood at the west side watching the organizers stretch out a red carpet and set up the ribbon to be cut. Press started coming in and even more people were gathering not just around the exhibition but also the second and third floor balconies.

15-20 minutes later, the crowd got thick and Yejin's bodyguards came in, ordering the crowds to step back. My friend told me they didn't use polite words too, lmao. A bodyguard argued with someone in the crowd who was complaining and threatened to cancel the event if they didn't cooperate akjdasdlk (But that same bodyguard spoke to me and was actually nice, reminding me to just "follow the line, okay?" )

To add to the chaos, the press started to get upset and I'm not sure if it's because some of them didn't have the permit or they were being territorial about vacating their spots, but there was a lot of yelling that led to walk-outs eventually. I was watching this like YIKES but also just standing both horrified and fascinated of what's happening. Like does this happen all the time? lol

Yejin's retinue arrived 10 minutes later and you could tell from the cheers of the people from the back.

(poor quality shot of a high-quality woman)

As a tiny person I had to tiptoe the best of my ability. I saw her coming in from the left side of the exhibition. A friend asked me if she was smaller or taller than I imagined but I don't actually have an answer. I know she wasn't tall tall but she wasn't short too. And the whole time, I was in awe of this woman who wasn't a gif or an HD mp4, but a real live breathing human being. But the confusion was there because wdym she dazzled even more in person? Does her skin have a built-in filter? Son Yejin was ethereally beautiful, with silky-smooth arms and alabaster skin. She wore a welcoming smile from eyebrows to lips that lights up the room. And she readily gave it to everyone who looked her way and makes people the luckiest creatures to be the end-recipient of them. She came in like a breath of fresh air in that humid city, it's unbelievable how she puts cameras to shame.

Unfortunately I was pushed out of my position that all I saw for the majority of the ribbon cutting is the left (stage-right) column of the exhibit lol. But just as well, people took better (less shaky) videos than me anyway. I was happy for whatever glimpse afforded when I lean to the right.

Now I happened to have brought a little gift for her that I had in a pink gift bag. So my mind was also half-watching, half-preparing to give it. After Yejin walked around the exhibit and waved to the fans, she started going back to where she came from. My only thought then is that I came from afar and I don't want to bring that bag again the next day. So out I ran toward the exit (with my friend calling me not to run asldjk) and I found an opening where I could slip in the throng of people waving at her and call her attention. I called twice, "Yejinssi! Yejinssi!" (I wasn't even sure how to call her, it was so crazy). And her manager reached out her hand and I transferred the bag handle to her and I exclaimed my thanks.

What I was not prepared to see was Son Yejin looking at me straight in the eye like there was no one else in that Hyundai mall. With a happy smile, she waved both hands at me and bowed her head with her beautiful straight hair fanning the sides of her face and said "Gomawo." At Me.

If this was an arcade game it would have been a devastating triple combo attack that would have knocked me out.

But the most it did of course is left me too stunned to record anything on camera. Later I would feel stupid for not having at least the video running but please, I couldn't even dare bring up a camera to such a precious face.  

So yes, the gift was delivered and even made it in a couple of fancams. My friend comforted me saying at least I have the memory of interacting with Son Yejin when I didn't even expect her to even bat her eyelashes at a random fan like me. And it's true, I didn't expect to receive such a genuine and heartfelt reaction from her.

Now I completely understand why the film critic said, "If Son Yejin gives me her hand, I would do anything for her, even pick out the stars and the moon and give them to her."

With Yejin leaving the building, I went back to the exhibition to the waiting arms of fandom-induced capitalism by purchasing my merchandise. I got the Yejin filmography shirt (which is gonna be like my version of the Eras tour shirt ig), a souvenir badge of her BIFAN event, and a postcard book. I've not opened these, including the commemorative book, to this day. Please give me more time to enjoy their plastic-wrapped newness. Then I figured out with my friend how to take the poster home intact.

(+ a couple of pamphlets from her current jewelry ad campaign)

The exhibit itself, although tiny, was quite touching. With the theme of a blossoming flower, you can chart Yejin's colorful journey as an actress and her unique filmography as she challenged different genres. Ultimately you get the sense of her success and how her hard work paid off after all those years. You could feel immense pride of being there at that moment in her acting history and being a fan of the actress. The video at the middle was poignant with its stop and motion style transitions, and immersed me to a point of tearing up. The constant use of pink (the color often attached to her), the unseen photos, and reading Yejin's own thoughts lend to a warm atmosphere in a showcase that is charming and stylish at the same time.

Randomly, the department store was also next to the Ahn Jung-geum Park which is a very relevant detour to get to know more of the historical figure that Yejin's husband, Hyun Bin, will star next (at the Toronto International Film Festival, too, natch).

Next day is megatalk day. It's quite overwhelming thinking I'll be spending an hour with Son Yejin in the same room. I had my phone ready—not so much to record or take pictures, I'm sure there are probably 10 iPhone 15s in that room—but to transcribe her words and translate them in English.

She came out in a knitted top and jeans which made me think how I'm also up close and personal with her designer clothes and jewelry. But unlike what I was expecting, the talk was not so formal, I thought there would be film professors and critics, but it was really an animated, laid-back conversation. While the megatalk tackled her 23-year long filmography from her debut to the present, she was also sharing about her life experiences and perspectives. She talked about her acting methodology (and crying as she's famous for), some anecdotes of her past works, and what she wants to do next as an actress. And of course, how thankful she is for the fans being the sweetheart she is.

These were the expected topics, which is all well and interesting for me. This is a film festival after all. So imagine my surprise to hear her (and read through the transcription app) discuss a bit of Crash Landing on You and her husband at length. Two topics that I thought are taboo. I was shocked hearing in my own ears - the name Yoon Seri and the word she often describes her relationship with Hyun Bin - 운명 (which any cloy fan would know as fate, destiny.)

(these were her reactions to the hb question 😁😁)

And I felt immediately so incredibly spoiled. It's almost as though she knew it's my birthday and she gave me these gifts, especially as I would not even dream or dare of asking her these knowing how past interviews/fanmeets have filtered such mentions. Because as much as I'm enjoying how she's sharing about her life and her works, I wish her to be comfortable and feel respected above all, especially with how much her boundaries would have been tested those past 3 days.

The talk provided a wide range of topics and it seemed Yejin had a great time herself. There was a group photo (that idk would see the light of day) and the farewell. Yejin was hard to let go, despite knowing how she's given so much time and so much of herself in the past hour. I wished it could go for another hour and another day. But she's been working hard for the past few days and it's enough to see her so happy and fulfilled that day.

For myself, I've somehow managed to connect with her personally even for a few seconds, and I'm grateful how those memories are very much natural and positive. After all, I flew to Seoul with the hopes to see her even from afar, and I got more than that. I'm glad to have bestowed her something, because I truly want her to know how much this random fan, a mere raindrop in the whole ocean, sincerely appreciates her existence and knowing her.

(yejin and me in one frame 😁)

[unpluggedfinancial]

Start Budgeting and Planning for Christmas Now: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Holiday Season

As the summer sun blazes and the year speeds towards its end, it might seem premature to start thinking about Christmas. Yet, as any seasoned planner knows, the key to a stress-free and joyful holiday season is starting early. By budgeting and planning for Christmas now, you can avoid the last-minute rush and financial strain that often accompany the festivities. Here’s how to get started:

1. Set Your Budget

The first step in planning for Christmas is setting a realistic budget. Consider all potential expenses, including:

Gifts: Make a list of people you plan to buy gifts for and set a spending limit for each.

Decorations: Factor in any new decorations you might need or want.

Food and Drinks: Consider the cost of holiday meals, baking, and beverages.

Travel: If you’ll be traveling, include transportation and accommodation costs.

Events and Activities: Plan for holiday parties, events, and any special outings.

2. Start Saving Now

Once you have a budget, divide the total amount by the number of weeks remaining until Christmas. This will give you a weekly savings goal. Setting aside a small amount each week can make the overall cost more manageable.

3. Track Your Spending

Keep a close eye on your spending to ensure you’re sticking to your budget. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track expenses and adjust as necessary.

4. Create a Gift List

Start brainstorming gift ideas now. Creating a list early allows you to take advantage of sales throughout the year, avoiding the December rush and higher prices. Keep an eye out for deals and consider DIY gifts to add a personal touch and save money.

5. Shop Smart

Sales and Discounts: Look for sales, discount codes, and cashback offers.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These events can offer significant savings on gifts and other holiday necessities.

Buy in Bulk: For items like wrapping paper, cards, and non-perishable foods, buying in bulk can reduce costs.

6. Plan Your Holiday Meals

Plan your holiday menu in advance and start purchasing non-perishable items over the coming months. This spreads out the cost and reduces the last-minute grocery store rush. Consider preparing and freezing some dishes ahead of time.

7. Declutter and Sell

Take the time to declutter your home. Sell items you no longer need or use. This can free up space for new items and provide extra funds for your holiday budget.

8. Get Creative with Decorations

You don’t need to buy new decorations every year. Get creative with DIY projects using materials you already have. Involve your family in crafting unique decorations, which can also be a fun holiday activity.

9. Plan Travel Early

If you’re traveling for the holidays, book your transportation and accommodation as early as possible. Early booking can result in significant savings and more options.

10. Prepare for Unexpected Costs

No matter how well you plan, unexpected expenses can arise. Set aside a small contingency fund to cover any surprises without derailing your budget.

11. Reflect and Adjust

After the holiday season, reflect on your spending and planning process. What worked well? What could be improved next year? Adjust your plan accordingly to make next year’s holiday season even smoother.

Conclusion

Starting to budget and plan for Christmas now can transform your holiday experience from stressful to serene. By taking these steps, you’ll not only enjoy the festive season without the financial hangover but also foster habits that contribute to long-term financial stability and freedom. Remember, the goal is to create a joyful and memorable holiday for you and your loved ones, not to stress over expenses. Happy planning!

By planning ahead, you're taking control of your finances, reducing the likelihood of debt, and setting a positive example for others. Financial freedom starts with small, manageable steps, and holiday planning is a perfect opportunity to practice this. Embrace the spirit of the season with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve prepared well.

Take Action Towards Financial Independence

If this article has sparked your interest in the transformative potential of Bitcoin, there's so much more to explore! Dive deeper into the world of financial independence and revolutionize your understanding of money by following my blog and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

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[magz]

November to December 2022 Humble Bundle Deals

On Humble Bundle's 2022 Black Friday sale:

Celeste is $5, a 75% discount

Slime Rancher is $5, a 75% discount

RPG Maker MV is $12, a 80% discount

Monster Hunter Rise is $20, a 50% discount

Persona 5 Royal is $42, a 30% discount

Persona 5 Strikers Digital Deluxe Edition is $26.59, a 62% discount

Hitman 3 Steam Deluxe edition is $31.49, a 65% discount

Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition is $30, a 70% discount

Asesprite (pixel art and animation tool) is $14, at a 20% discount

Cuphead is $14, at a 30% discount

Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition is $20, at a 60% discount

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is $7.49, at a 75% discount

Yakuza: Like A Dragon - Legendary Hero Edition is $27, at a 70% discount

Yakuza 4 Remastered, Yakuza 5 Remastered, Yakuza 6 song of life are $7 each, at a 65% discount

Bayonetta 1 is $5, at a 75% discount

Guilty Gear -Strive- is $30, a 25% discount

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Mega Mix+ is $23.63, a 40% discount

Night In The Woods is $10, a 50% discount

Code Vein Digital Deluxe Edition is $12, an 85% discount

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (Remastered) is $7.59, an 85% discount

Sonic Generations is $5, a $75% discount

Noita is $10, at a 50% discount

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout is $36, a 50% discount

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Game of The Year Edition) is $10, an 80% discount

…and more. Check the details.

Humble Bundle's Current Bundle Packs as of November 26, 2022

Black Friday VR Voyager's pack (game bundle). Pay at least $12 for all 11 games ($274 value) as minimum. Featuring Cook-out, Until You Fall, SuperHot VR, The Wizards - Dark Times, etc.

Unreal Engine, Ultimate Game Dev Assets (software bundle). Average cost of $25 for all 28 items (value of $1162). $1 minimum gives 2 items. Featuring different UI icons and 3D environment assets.

Image Comics, the '10s (book bundle). Pay at least $25 for all 28 items ($1290 value). $1 minimum gives 3 comic books. Featuring Saga volumes 1-9, Motor Crush volumes 1-2, Curse Worlds volumes 1-5, Nail Biter volumes 1-8, and more.

Unf*ck the Holidays by Microcosm Publishing (book bundle). Pay at least $18 for all 31 books ($300 value). $1 minimum gives 3 books. Books to get a better handle on life on a variety of topics. Featuring Unf*ck your anxiety - 2nd edition, Unf*ck your grief, The practical witch's 2023 almanac, How to resist Amazon & why, Radical Sewing, The transmasculine guide to physical transition, Un*fck your blowjobs, The Autism Relationships workbook, etc.

Mega Music Maker - Black Friday Special (software bundle). Pay at least $25 for all 54 items ($1701 value). $1 minimum gives 3 sample/loop types. Samples, Loops, and more for music production.

Anything But Ordinary Painter Bundle - Encore (software bundle). Average cost of $32 for 26 items ($1402 value). $1 minimum gives 1 item (1 year winzip subscription). Features PaintShop Pro 2022, Brush packs, paper texture packs, Corel Painter 2022, AfterShop Pro 3, etc.

Design and Develop For Web Apps by O'Reilly (book bundle). Pay at least $18 for all 14 books ($606 value). $1 minimum gives 5 books. Features books on Angular, HTML5, Data visualization, Flask, Typescript, etc.

The NaNoWriMo Writing Bundle (book bundle). Pay at least $18 for 20 books ($225 value). $1 minimum gives 2 books. Creative inspiration and advice for writing. Featuring Writing dialogue, Outlining your novel, Wonderbook (revised and expanded): The Illustrative Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, etc.

Working With Audio - From Taylor & Francis (book bundle). Pay at least $18 for 18 books ($960 value). $1 minimum gives 4 books. Featuring Music in video games, How to make great music mashups: The start-to-finis guide to making mashups with Ableton live, Music Production: Learn how to record, mix, and master music, etc.

Learn IT Ops (Information Technology Operations) with PluralSight (Software bundle). Pay at least $25 for 20 items. $1 minimum gives 4 items. A selection of courses from PluralSight including topics of cloud computing, security, virtualization, and more. Featuring Kubernets for developers, Terraform Deep Dive, Securing AWS Infrastructure, etc.

IOS, Android, and Flutter: Mobile Development by <packt> (book bundle). Pay at least $18 for all 19 items ($1000 value). $1 minimum gives 3 books. A collection of books and videos on building mobile apps and games.

Learn to Create Game Art in Blender 2022 by GameDev.tv. Pay at least $25 for 12 items ($1525 value). $1 minimum gives 2 tutorials. Tutorials on 3D modelling and animation and texture painting, and game assets.

...and more, check the details.

[neckromancy]

Not self ship related.

I've barely told anyone but I've decided to fuck it all and book my dream vacation.

I've been saving up since I was 19 to go to New Zealand. I am 31 now. I've had enough savings for a while and it has actually caused me so much financial distress to have so much money in my bank account; any financial benefit was forfeit despite being low income. I've saved hard with the little that I've always had. Only since a year ago I became more financially stable, although old habits die hard, I am still quite scarce in what I spend on food, living etc... I've always prioritized my dream vacation. The thing to keep going for, the reason to live, etc etc.

I've not booked my holiday because I had fear of going alone. I have autism and I get stressed out easily, and when I get stressed, I basically blank out, nothing makes sense anymore, and I basically go crazy (not in an angry way, but just a very upset way).

However, I've been grinding my gears so hard over this. None of my friends shared this dream and only in recent years it had come to light that some are interested. Issue is that they never saved up for it, and I honestly felt my heart dropp when they told me they would be ready no sooner than 2029.

A lot can happen in those years. They can lose interest, they can fail to bring up their savings, any of us can get cancer and die - YES this is literally where my mind goes. I genuinely often think about getting some terminal disease before I can go. I'll also be closer to 40, I am overweight, will I be as capable of going? It brings a lot of anxiety. Heck, what if my financial situation turns around again and I have to go back the way I lived before? My savings started draining VERY hard because I had to find out I cannot work fulltime and I had to eat away at my New Zealand money, watching my dream falter slowly, because any financial benefit... I was just not eligible for unless my savings would lower drastically.

So I've been thinking for a couple months now, more than half a year actually... about going alone after all. I've had so many talks in therapy, with fellow colleagues, just... people, about the situation, and honestly... I've cut the tie.

I'm going to New Zealand. I'm like ... crying over how much stress it is giving me, yet also joy. I've booked a trip and paid for the deposit. To pay for the rest I am still managing bank administration.

It's just giving me SO much stress though.

I've had to do the one thing I hate: install a banking app on my phone. It is the only way for me to do a payment above the 5k threshold, they literally won't let me do it through the browser (I tried, I called them, and I hate phone calls). I had to order a credit card because it is the only way to get my e-visum, along with accidentally uploading the wrong photo which means that I have to re-do it after they find the mistake in a few days, which I also needed to install an app for... gods!

I never wanted my phone to be involved with any financial things, but I suppose it's worth it for my dream vacation.

But here's the thing.

I did not tell the friends yet. The ones I'd go with. I am still too heartbroken by the 2029 shocker. I don't know how to tell them I'm going by myself, that I said "fuck it, 2024 is my year" and went ahead with it.

It's why I am posting about it on this blog and not my personal one, one of them follows me there.

I don't really know how to deal well with this. I'll first focus on getting my administration sorted, because god damn.

A cancellation insurance costs another 500 euros, and for what? The small chance I end up hospitalized and cannot go anymore? I have 6 more days to pick it up... but for now I am too stressed. It's just so much to do all of this by myself.

Oh, and the only reason I am capable of doing this alone is because I am taking a guided tour. No way I could do without, I have no driver's license or anything. The tour includes the flight, the hotels, the travel... it's nice. I just need to do a separate booking to visit Hobbiton, obviously I am going to Hobbiton. For that I also need to wait for my credit card...

I'll be so relieved when all administration is done.

[ezeraodoi]

Travel Smarter: How to Slash Your Airfare Costs in Half [40 Tested and approved Tricks and Hacks]

Are you tired of depressing yourself trying to figure out how to satisfy your wanderlust? You're not alone. Traveling on a budget is an art, and one of the most significant expenses is often the cost of flights. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore a myriad of tricks and tips to help you travel on half the price of tickets. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to find great deals and explore the world without emptying your wallet. (Read to the end_100% _Worthy_applicable for every traveller)

1. Book in Advance

One of the simplest ways to save on airfare is to plan ahead. Airlines often offer cheaper fares for those who book well in advance. Aim to book your flights at least a few weeks or even months ahead of your departure date.

2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

If your travel schedule allows, being flexible with your departure and return dates can lead to significant savings. Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend flights, and traveling during off-peak seasons can also yield lower prices.

3. Use Fare Comparison Websites

Utilize fare comparison websites and apps to your advantage. Platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms to find the best deal.

4. Sign Up for Fare Alerts

Many travel websites and airlines offer fare alert services. Sign up to receive notifications when the price of your desired route drops, allowing you to snag the best deal.

5. Consider Alternative Airports

Check if there are alternative airports near your destination. Flying to a nearby airport and using ground transportation can sometimes be more cost-effective than flying directly to your intended location.

6. Embrace Red-Eye Flights

Red-eye flights, which depart late at night and arrive in the early morning, are often cheaper. Plus, you can maximize your travel time by sleeping on the plane.

7. Travel Light

Avoid checked baggage fees by packing only what you need in a carry-on bag. This not only saves money but also time at the airport.

8. Utilize Airline Miles and Rewards

If you frequently travel, consider signing up for a frequent flyer program or credit card with travel rewards. Accumulating miles and points can lead to free or heavily discounted flights.

9. Be Patient and Persistent

Finding the best deals takes time and persistence. Don't settle for the first fare you see. Monitor prices over a period and strike when the cost is right.

10. Mix and Match Airlines

Sometimes, booking one-way flights on different airlines can be more affordable than a round-trip ticket with a single carrier.

11. Student and Youth Discounts

If you're a student or a young traveler, there are often special discounts available. Make sure to explore options like the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and youth travel programs.

12. Join Travel Forums and Communities

Engage with travel enthusiasts on forums like TripAdvisor or Reddit's r/travel. You can gain valuable insights into deals, mistakes to avoid, and insider tips.

13. Wait for Sales and Promotions

Keep an eye out for airline sales and promotions. Airlines frequently offer discounts on specific routes or during holidays and special events.

14. Negotiate with Airlines

In some cases, you can negotiate with airlines directly, especially if you've found a better deal elsewhere. It never hurts to ask for a discount.

15. Use Loyalty Points

Check if your credit card or other loyalty programs offer opportunities to redeem points for flights or discounts.

16. Consider Nearby Cities

If your destination is in Europe, you may find it cheaper to fly to a major hub city and then take a budget airline or train to your final stop.

17. Clear Your Browser Cookies

Some believe that airlines may track your search history to increase prices. Clear your browser cookies or search in incognito mode to avoid this.

18. Be Open to Layovers

While direct flights are convenient, flights with layovers can be significantly cheaper. Use layovers as an opportunity to explore another city for a few hours.

19. Package Deals

Sometimes, booking a flight and accommodation together as a package can result in savings. Explore options from travel agencies and websites that offer package deals.

20. Embrace the Sharing Economy

Use services like economybookings for accommodations and Uber/Lyft for transportation to save on overall travel costs.

21. Hacker Fares

Hacker fares are combinations of one-way tickets from different airlines to create your own round-trip journey. They can sometimes be cheaper than traditional round-trip bookings.

22. Travel Off-Peak

Avoiding peak travel seasons can result in lower fares and more affordable accommodations. Be mindful of school holidays and major events at your destination.

23. Volunteer for Bump Compensation

In cases of overbooked flights, airlines often offer compensation to passengers who volunteer to take a later flight. This can include vouchers or even free tickets. In addition, (Sponsored) Compensair will compensate you for delayed, cancelled or denied flight 🛫 JOIN the Compensation program today and get compensations of up to 60%

24. Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with passenger rights and regulations. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for delays or cancellations.

25. Book Round-the-World Tickets

If you plan to visit multiple destinations, consider round-the-world tickets, which offer substantial savings compared to individual flights.

26. Explore Error Fares

Error fares occur when airlines or booking websites accidentally publish fares at a significantly lower price than intended. Websites like Secret Flying and Fly4Free specialize in finding and sharing these deals.

27. Consider Credit Card Rewards

Certain credit cards offer travel rewards, such as points or miles, that can be redeemed for flights or travel-related expenses. Research which credit cards align with your travel goals and apply for the one that suits you best.

28. Check for Military, Senior, and Group Discounts

If you're a member of the military, a senior citizen, or traveling as part of a group, inquire about any discounts available. Many airlines offer reduced fares for these categories.

29. Book Refundable Tickets Strategically

Refundable tickets are typically more expensive than non-refundable ones. However, if you anticipate potential changes in your travel plans, booking a refundable ticket might be cost-effective in the long run.

30. Learn to Use Airline Alliances

Major airlines are often part of global alliances, such as the Star Alliance or oneworld. Knowing how to leverage these alliances can lead to cost-effective multi-destination trips.

31. Use Miles and Points Strategically

Earning miles and points is just one part of the equation. Knowing how to use them strategically can maximize their value. Research sweet spots in airline award charts to get the most out of your miles.

32. Consider Hidden-City Ticketing

Hidden-city ticketing involves booking a flight with a layover in your actual destination city. This can sometimes be cheaper than booking a direct flight. However, it's essential to read the terms and conditions as it's often against airline policies.

33. Fly on Low-Cost Carriers

Low-cost carriers often offer significantly cheaper flights than traditional airlines. While they may not provide the same amenities, they are a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers.

34. Use Incognito Mode

To avoid dynamic pricing based on your search history, browse for flights in incognito or private browsing mode.

35. Negotiate Baggage Fees

When booking with budget airlines, baggage fees can add up. Negotiate or purchase baggage allowances in advance to save on additional charges at the airport.

36. Leverage Airline Vouchers

If you've been bumped from a flight, received a voucher, or encountered any issues during your journey, use these vouchers on future flights to reduce your costs.

37. Currency Exchange Savings

Sometimes, booking flights in a foreign currency can result in lower prices. Use exchange rate comparison websites to find the best deals.

38. Booking for Multiple Passengers

When booking for multiple passengers, airlines often group the fares. This can sometimes result in a higher price for all tickets. Try booking each passenger separately to potentially save money.

39. Avoid Travel Insurance from Airlines

While travel insurance is essential, purchasing it from airlines is often more expensive. Shop around for the best travel insurance deals.

40. Research Visa and Entry Requirements

Before booking international flights, check visa and entry requirements. Some destinations require a return ticket for entry. Make sure your travel plans align with these regulations.

Final Words: Mastering the Art of Budget Travel

Traveling on half the price of tickets isn't just a pipe dream; it's a reality if you're willing to put in the effort and follow these tips. As you plan your next adventure, remember that patience and flexibility are your best friends when it comes to finding the best deals. With the money saved on airfare, you'll have more to spend on experiences, accommodation, and making lifelong memories.

Ready to embark on your next budget-friendly adventure? Start implementing these tips today and watch your travel costs plummet. Bon voyage!

Stay in the loop for more travel hacks, destination guides, and tips on saving big on your journeys. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

YouTube Link:

Companies that offer cheap flights;

1.Aviasales

2. Tiqets

Car and bike rentals and taxi services

1. Kiwitaxi

2. Discover cars

For Self audio guided tours

WeGoTrip, is the best choice

[suckitsurveys]

How much did your senior prom dress cost you?I Less than $200. It was on sale from David’s Bridal and needed a couple alterations.

What dreams have stuck with you since childhood? I don’t know.

Have you ever been in a serious romantic relationship? Yes, I am in one now.

Did you ever take your dog to school? No.

If you had had a baby in high school, what would you have named him or her? Probably some dumb shit like Roxy.

If you had a baby now, what would you name him or her? I am not having a baby ever.

Have you ever seen someone throw up on a plane? No.

Do you get motion sickness? Sometimes.

Has God ever healed you of any sickness? No, because doctors and science heal you, buddy.

What is the most boring church you have ever attended? I haven’t been to many traditional church services but I used to have to go to a service every week in high school and it was the awful. Buncha stinky teens sitting on uncomfy bleachers in the school gym at 7 in the morning listening to our principle blabber on about shit. I went to a Lutheran high school because the Chicago Public School system is bullshit and I had to go to a private school and almost all private schools are religious even though my family wasn’t/isn’t religious in the slightest.

What is the most lively church you have ever attended? None.

Do you find church fun or boring? Boring af.

What do you hate the most about summer? Sometimes it can be too hot, but for the most part I love summer.

Which part of your body is the most muscular? My legs.

Did you ever take Latin in school? No, it wasn't offered.

Which major holiday is closest to your birthday? Labor Daybor.

What is your favorite Japanese name? I don’t have one.

Have you ever ran a cash register? Yes.

Did you collect Bratz dolls when you were younger? That was a little after my time.

Do you think your mom is attractive? She was really pretty.

What was the last thing that disappointed you? Having to wake up this morning.

Do you like the feeling in your stomach on a big drop on a roller coaster? I do actually.

Skeletons or scarecrows? Skeletons.

Do you own pumpkin earrings? I do.

What computer game did you used to play all the time? I didn’t really play a ton of computer games.

When was the last time you read a book? Good question.

Would you allow your children to date prior to 16? (assuming you want any) --

What was the last restaurant you made a reservation at? I think that was Hampton Social over the summer. Which app on your phone do you tend to get the most notifications from? Instagram

What is something you gave up on after many failed attempts? Actually liking my brother in law. Do you watch political shows? Not regularly. How fucking boring is your life that you watch political shows FOR FUN.

Do you play any fantasy/roleplaying games? No.

Do you like salami? Not particularly.

When was the last time you ate meat? I had a tuna sandwich for lunch today.

What was the last hot drink you drank? A matcha latte.

Have your parents met your boyfriend/exes? My parents have met my husband, yes.

How about your boyfriend’s parents? Met them? Only his mother; his dad past away when he was young.

Do you know how to say I love you in at least 4 languages? I think so.

Do you find the sound of a cat’s purr relaxing? It’s SO relaxing.

Do you know your mum’s first pet’s name? She had a dog named Drum she talked about a lot. She lost him in a fire. :( I’m not sure if that was her first pet though.

Would you ever want to be famous? If so, for what? I want to be Pete Davidson’s next ex girlfriend hahahhahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Would you ever get a heart tattoo or your back? I want a heart tattoo that my older niece draws and my younger niece colors in, but I’m not sure where I want to get it.

What fruit can’t you stand? Grapefruit.

Do you know anyone autistic? Yes.

How about someone bipolar? Yes.

What do you consider private to you? Depends on the context.

Name somebody you know who deserves a better life than they have: --

Name something that you’re good at but don’t like: Working.

Name something that you’re bad at but DO like: Singing and dancing.

Name somebody who has tried to help you and ended up hurting you: --

Name a date that has a lot of significance to you: July 24th. It’s the date Mark and I started dating (2011) and the date we got married (2017).

Name something in your life that was a blessing in disguise: Ending a friendship.

Name something that you’ve done that would be considered rebellious: Tattoos ooooooooooo I’m so bad.

Name something you wish you had enough money to do: Travel more.

[sakhshimandal]

Seasonal Offers and Discounts: Get the Best Deals on Villas with Pools in Lonavala

Lonavala, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, has long been a favorite weekend getaway for city dwellers from Mumbai and Pune. Its lush greenery, cool climate, and proximity to urban centers make it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation away from the hustle of city life. One of the best ways to experience the beauty and tranquility of Lonavala is by staying in a private villa with a pool. However, luxury doesn't always have to come at a high cost. With a bit of planning and some smart tips, you can find excellent seasonal offers and discounts on villas in Lonavala with pools, ensuring a luxurious yet budget-friendly stay.

Why Choose Villas in Lonavala with Pools?

Staying in a villa with a private pool offers a blend of privacy, comfort, and exclusivity that hotels and resorts can't always provide. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or even planning a romantic getaway, a villa with a pool allows you to enjoy personalized service and an undisturbed environment. Moreover, the scenic beauty of Lonavala can be best appreciated while lounging by your poolside, overlooking the serene hills and valleys.

Private villas in Lonavala often come with luxurious amenities, such as outdoor decks, spacious gardens, BBQ areas, and fully-equipped kitchens, making them a home-away-from-home. However, since these properties can be quite pricey, especially during peak travel seasons, finding the best deals can make a significant difference.

Seasonal Offers and Discounts: When to Book

To take advantage of the best offers and discounts on villas in Lonavala with pools, timing is key. Like most travel destinations, Lonavala experiences peak seasons when prices tend to skyrocket, and off-peak seasons when significant discounts are available.

1. Off-Peak Seasons: Monsoon and Post-Monsoon

Lonavala is famous for its monsoon season, as the rains transform the landscape into a lush, green paradise. However, since the weather can be unpredictable, many tourists avoid visiting during this period, which typically runs from June to September. This is actually the perfect time to score excellent deals on villas in Lonavala with pools. Many properties offer monsoon discounts, promotional packages, and added perks like complimentary meals or spa services to attract visitors during this less crowded season.

While you may not be able to swim as much in the rain, many villas have covered or heated pools, allowing you to enjoy the water despite the weather. Additionally, the rainy season brings with it fewer crowds, quieter experiences, and the stunning beauty of waterfalls and mist-covered hills, making it a unique time to visit.

2. Mid-Week Stays

Another great way to save on your villa stay is by booking a mid-week trip. Most travelers head to Lonavala on weekends, so villa prices tend to be higher from Friday to Sunday. If you can plan a stay from Monday to Thursday, you'll likely find significant discounts. Many villa owners are eager to fill their properties during the slower weekdays, offering reduced rates or adding value to your stay, such as extended check-out times or free upgrades.

3. Last-Minute Deals

If you’re flexible with your travel dates and villa preferences, last-minute booking can lead to considerable savings. Many villa owners offer steep discounts for bookings made within a few days of the stay to avoid vacant properties. You can use online booking platforms or work with local travel agencies to find these last-minute offers. Apps that offer flash sales on vacation rentals may also provide real-time discounts on villas in Lonavala with pools.

4. Off-Peak Holidays and Festivals

Visiting Lonavala during non-traditional holidays can also be a smart move to get deals. For example, while villa prices tend to surge around major holidays like Diwali, Christmas, and New Year’s, quieter holidays such as Holi or smaller regional festivals may offer a window of opportunity for discounted stays. Plan your trip during these off-peak holidays to enjoy festival vibes in a more relaxed setting, all while saving on accommodation costs.

Where to Find the Best Deals

Several online platforms and travel websites offer deals on villas in Lonavala with pools. Some of the best places to start your search include:

Online Booking Platforms: Websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo regularly offer seasonal discounts, flash sales, and special promotions for villa rentals.

Local Travel Agencies: Many local agencies in Lonavala have access to exclusive deals with villa owners, especially for last-minute or bulk bookings.

Direct Booking with Villa Owners: Sometimes, booking directly with villa owners can yield better prices, as it cuts out the middleman. Check if the villa’s website offers promotional codes or seasonal offers.

Social Media and Newsletter Subscriptions: Follow villa rental companies or property owners on social media and subscribe to their newsletters to stay updated on flash sales, exclusive offers, and discounts.

Conclusion

Staying in villas in Lonavala with pool doesn’t have to break the bank. By strategically planning your stay during off-peak seasons, booking mid-week or last-minute, and keeping an eye on special offers, you can enjoy a luxurious and serene vacation at an affordable price. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a retreat with friends, these tips will help you find the best deals while enjoying all the benefits of a private villa with a pool in the scenic surroundings of Lonavala.

[bookandfly]

Off-Season Travel: When to Fly for the Best Deals

When planning a trip, finding the best flight deals is always a top priority for travelers. Whether you're searching for last-minute flights to Mangalore or trying to book flights to Boston, off-season travel can often offer the most cost-effective options. Understanding the best time to fly can save you significant money, whether you’re looking for cheap flights to Mangalore or trying to compare flights to Boston.

The Advantage of Off-Season Travel

Traveling in the off-season is all about timing. Every destination has its busiest times of day. If you can stay away from these, you can find cheap flights to Boston or cheap flights to Mangalore. Peak seasons are typically identified by popular events, school vacations, and holidays, which means that airfares and hotel rates soar during these times. Off-season travel, on the other hand, has reduced demand, which results in cheaper airline tickets.

For example, flights to Boston during the fall season (outside of major holidays) can be more affordable compared to summer or spring, when tourists flock to the city for its festivals and events. Similarly, flights to Mangalore can be found at a lower price during the monsoon season, when fewer travelers visit coastal cities in India.

Last-Minute Flights and Flexibility

Finding last-minute tickets to Boston or Mangalore can be challenging, but flexibility is crucial. As the departure date approaches, airlines often reduce the price of tickets if a flight is not fully filled. Apps and websites that monitor travel prices might help you find the best deals. If you're ready to travel at odd hours or have a layover, there might be even more reasonably priced direct flights to Boston or Mangalore.

Some travel comparison websites allow you to compare flights to Mangalore or Boston side by side. Tools like fare alerts and flexible date searches enable you to monitor prices and identify the most affordable travel dates. This is particularly useful when planning last-minute trips, as being flexible with your departure and return dates increases your chances of finding great deals.

Timing is Everything

The ideal time to visit places like Mangalore is greatly influenced by the weather. The best deals on flight are usually found during the off-season, which runs parallel to the monsoon season (June to September). Even if there may be a lot of rain, now is the best time to find cheap flights to Mangalore. When visiting during these periods, visitors frequently find the beaches to be calmer and less crowded, which makes it an ideal time for adventurers on a tight budget.

In contrast, Boston's off-season is from late fall to early winter, outside of the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas periods. Booking last-minute flights to Boston during these months can yield excellent deals, with direct flights to Boston often priced significantly lower than during the summer. Visiting Boston during this time offers fewer crowds at popular attractions, and the city’s winter charm offers a different, quieter experience.

Comparing Airlines for the Best Deals

Whether you're looking to compare flights to Boston or airline tickets to Mangalore, using travel comparison websites is essential to get the best deals. With the help of these tools, you may enter your destination and travel dates to get a variety of airline flight possibilities. After comparing costs, you can decide which one best suits your timetable and financial constraints.

You may also be able to save even more money by using these websites to book flights to Boston or Mangalore in conjunction with discounts on other travel-related services like lodging and vehicle rentals. Purchasing a whole travel package can be advantageous, particularly when traveling during off-peak hours.

Finding cheap flights to Mangalore or Boston during the off-season is a great idea, and researching airline alternatives can help you obtain the best value. No matter where you're going, you can find cheap plane tickets and enjoy your trip by being adaptable and using flight comparison tools.

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Top Tips for Finding Affordable Car Parking in Melbourne's City Centre

Finding affordable parking in melbourne cbd car parking  bustling city centre can feel like navigating a maze. With limited spaces and often sky-high prices, many drivers find themselves frustrated before they even step foot into the vibrant streets filled with shops, cafes, and culture. But don’t let the challenge of car parking deter you from exploring all that Melbourne has to offer. There are smart strategies to uncover hidden gems for budget-friendly parking options that won’t break the bank. Whether you're heading out for a day of shopping or attending an event in the CBD, we've got you covered with some top tips to make your parking experience smoother and more economical!

Parking at alternative locations outside the city centre

If you're looking to save on parking, consider alternative locations just outside the city centre. Suburban areas often offer more affordable options while still keeping you close to all the action. Public transport makes it easy to navigate back into the CBD. Park your car at a nearby train station or tram stop, and enjoy a short ride into the heart of Melbourne. This not only saves you money but also eliminates stress over finding a spot in crowded areas. Additionally, some residential streets near the edges of the CBD provide free or cheaper parking during certain hours. Just be sure to check signage for any restrictions before leaving your vehicle. Exploring these alternatives can open up new possibilities for enjoying Melbourne without worrying about high parking fees in busy zones.

Taking advantage of discounted rates and promotions

Melbourne’s city centre often comes with steep parking prices. However, savvy drivers can discover great deals by keeping an eye out for discounted rates and promotions. Many parking facilities offer special rates during off-peak hours or on weekends. Researching these times can save you a significant amount. Additionally, some establishments partner with local car parks to provide discounts. If you're visiting a restaurant or shop, ask if they have any arrangements that could benefit you. Don’t forget about seasonal promotions. During holidays or events, many parking lots may lower their fees to attract more customers. Sign up for newsletters from popular parking providers in Melbourne CBD to stay informed about limited-time offers and coupon codes. Smartly navigating promotions allows you to enjoy the convenience of city centre access without breaking the bank on car parking costs.

Negotiating for better rates or using parking apps for deals

When it comes to saving money on Melbourne CBD car parking, negotiation and technology can be your best friends. Start by simply asking for better rates at parking facilities. Many operators have the flexibility to adjust prices, especially if you're a frequent visitor or booking for an extended stay. Additionally, don’t overlook the power of parking apps. These platforms often feature exclusive deals and discounts not available elsewhere. They also allow you to compare prices easily, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck. Using these tools effectively can transform what is typically a stress-inducing experience into one that's budget-friendly and efficient. By employing these strategies—whether it's negotiating directly or utilizing modern tech—you'll find that affordable car parking in Melbourne's city centre doesn't have to be an elusive dream; it’s within reach!

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Are Irish Taxi Services the Best Option for Getting Around Ireland?

About

Whether you're visiting the stunning landscapes of Ireland or navigating through its bustling cities, having access to reliable transportation is essential. Irish taxi services offer convenient and efficient travel options, whether you need a quick ride within town or an airport transfer. From Dublin to Galway, Cork to Limerick, taxis in Ireland are a dependable choice for locals and tourists alike.

Why Choose Irish Taxi Services?

Irish taxi services are an excellent transportation solution for several reasons:

Convenience: Taxis are readily available in most towns and cities in Ireland, making them an easy choice for getting from one place to another without the hassle of public transport schedules.

Local Knowledge: Taxi drivers in Ireland are known for their in-depth knowledge of local routes, landmarks, and traffic conditions. Whether you need a ride to a tourist attraction or a recommendation for a great local pub, your taxi driver is a valuable resource.

Comfort: Irish taxis are generally modern, clean, and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and safe way to travel. Many taxis also offer additional services like wheelchair accessibility and baby seats for families traveling with young children.

Safety: Licensed Irish taxi services are strictly regulated, ensuring that vehicles and drivers meet high safety standards. This gives passengers peace of mind, knowing that they are in the hands of a professional driver.

Availability: Whether you need a taxi during the day or late at night, taxi services in Ireland are available 24/7 in most cities, offering round-the-clock convenience for travelers.

How to Find a Taxi in Ireland

Finding a taxi in Ireland is easy, thanks to several options available to passengers:

Taxi Ranks: Major towns and cities have designated taxi ranks where you can find licensed taxis waiting for passengers. These ranks are typically located near busy areas such as shopping districts, train stations, and airports. In cities like Dublin, taxi ranks are well-marked and easy to spot.

Hailing a Taxi: In urban areas, you can easily hail an Irish taxi on the street. Look for a taxi with a lit-up "TAXI" sign on the roof, indicating that it is available. Simply raise your hand to signal the driver, and they’ll pull over to pick you up.

Taxi Apps: In recent years, many Irish taxi services have integrated with smartphone apps, making it even easier to book a taxi. Apps like Free Now allow you to request a ride, track your driver’s arrival, and pay for your fare electronically.

Pre-Booking: For those who prefer to plan ahead, many Irish taxi services offer pre-booking options. You can call the taxi company directly or use their online booking systems to reserve a taxi for a specific time and location.

Taxi Fares in Ireland

Irish taxi fares are regulated by local authorities, and meters are used to calculate the cost of your journey. Taxi fares typically start with a base rate, and the total fare depends on the distance traveled and the time spent in the taxi. It’s worth noting that fares may be higher during certain times, such as public holidays or late at night.

In most taxis, you can pay with cash or card, and many drivers now accept mobile payment options as well. Always check with the driver if you're unsure about the payment methods available.

Airport Taxi Services in Ireland

For travelers arriving at or departing from Ireland’s major airports, taxis provide a convenient mode of transport. Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, and Shannon Airport all have dedicated taxi ranks where you can catch a ride directly to your hotel, city center, or any other destination. Pre-booking a taxi for airport transfers is also popular, as it guarantees a smooth, stress-free experience after a long flight.

Conclusion

Taxi services in Ireland are an essential part of the country’s transportation network, offering quick, comfortable, and reliable travel options. Whether you need a taxi for a short trip within the city or a longer ride to a rural destination, taxis in Ireland provide safe and efficient transport. So, next time you’re in need of a ride, simply search for "Irish taxi" or "taxi services in Ireland" to find a dependable taxi service near you.

[tourwithme93]

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TourWithMe: Your Gateway to Memorable Travel Adventures

Located in the heart of Greater Noida at Shop No 42, 2nd Floor, KB Complex, Pocket G, Alpha 2, Uttar Pradesh 201307, TourWithMe has quickly established itself as one of the best travel companies in the region. With a strong commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences, the company has become a favorite among travelers seeking well-curated, affordable, and unique adventures both within India and abroad.

Why TourWithMe Stands Out

What sets TourWithMe apart from other travel agencies is its focus on personalization. Every traveler has a unique vision of the perfect trip, and TourWithMe makes it a reality by offering tailor-made travel packages. Whether it's a serene beach holiday, an action-packed adventure trek, or a deep dive into the culture of a foreign land, the agency ensures that each itinerary is meticulously designed to meet the client's preferences.

A Wide Range of Travel Options

TourWithMe caters to diverse travel needs:

Domestic and International Tours: From exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh and Kerala to experiencing the vibrant cultures of Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond, TourWithMe has extensive options for both domestic and international travelers.

Group Travel and Solo Adventures: The agency designs trips for families, friends, corporate groups, or solo explorers, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for everyone.

Luxury to Budget-Friendly Packages: With a focus on inclusivity, TourWithMe provides packages that range from luxurious stays at five-star resorts to budget-friendly options for the cost-conscious traveler.

Unmatched Customer Service

Customer satisfaction is at the core of TourWithMe's business philosophy. The team of travel experts goes the extra mile to ensure that every client enjoys a hassle-free experience from the moment they begin planning their trip until their return. The company offers 24/7 customer support, which means travelers are never left stranded in case of an issue.

Additionally, TourWithMe partners with trusted airlines, hotels, and tour guides, ensuring the best deals and highest standards of service. Clients also have access to insider tips and recommendations, allowing them to discover hidden gems at their destinations.

Unique Local Experiences

One of the hallmarks of TourWithMe is its dedication to authentic travel experiences. Rather than offering cookie-cutter itineraries, the company works with local experts and communities to provide off-the-beaten-path tours and immersive cultural experiences. This means travelers can engage with the local way of life, be it through cooking classes, guided heritage walks, or eco-tourism adventures.

A Commitment to Sustainability

TourWithMe also emphasizes responsible travel. The company advocates for sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impact and support local economies. This commitment makes them an ideal choice for eco-conscious travelers who want to explore the world while contributing positively to the places they visit.

Convenient Location and Easy Booking

Conveniently located in KB Complex, Greater Noida, TourWithMe's office is easily accessible to residents of the region. However, travelers from all over the country can benefit from their user-friendly online booking system, which simplifies trip planning and payment processes. The agency’s website and app offer seamless browsing, with all the necessary information at your fingertips.

Conclusion

TourWithMe is more than just a travel agency; it’s a gateway to unforgettable journeys. With their expertise, dedication to customer satisfaction, and a wide array of personalized travel options, they have earned their reputation as the best travel company in Greater Noida. Whether you're dreaming of a tranquil retreat, an exhilarating adventure, or a cultural exploration, TourWithMe is ready to make your travel dreams come true. Visit their office at Shop No 42, 2nd Floor, KB Complex, or contact them online to start planning your next great adventure today!