12 Diet Mistakes To Avoid When You’re Trying To Lose Weight

TODAY'S HEALTH TIP

12 Diet Mistakes To Avoid When You’re Trying To Lose Weight

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By: Bestie
Title: 12 Diet Mistakes To Avoid When You’re Trying To Lose Weight
Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzrWLQ7V-bo

14 Signs That Indicate You Have A Nutritional Deficiency

TODAY'S HEALTH TIP

14 Signs That Indicate You Have A Nutritional Deficiency

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By: Bestie
Title: 14 Signs That Indicate You Have A Nutritional Deficiency
Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4bPBJpFih8

Here’s What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Working Out

TODAY'S HEALTH TIP

Here’s What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Working Out

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By: Bestie
Title: Here’s What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Working Out
Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fk6fnXIA8Y

15 Habits That Will Give You Stronger, Shinier And Healthier Hair

TODAY'S HEALTH TIP

15 Habits That Will Give You Stronger, Shinier And Healthier Hair

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By: Bestie
Title: 15 Habits That Will Give You Stronger, Shinier And Healthier Hair
Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ypeAxwCs8

12 Products That Will Make Eating Healthy Easier For You

TODAY'S HEALTH TIP

12 Products That Will Make Eating Healthy Easier For You

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By: Bestie
Title: 12 Products That Will Make Eating Healthy Easier For You
Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-zcA4JgC6Q

Tower of London: The Ultimate Guide

HOSTED BY:  https://onebagtravel.club

Almost 1000 years ago, William the Conqueror wanted to construct an imposing stone tower that would remind the people of London who was now in charge. The resulting building would become known as the Tower of London, a name that conjures images of tourture racks, executions, royal feuds and ghostly mysteries.

In the millennium that followed its construction, the Tower would have many lives and be put to multiple uses. It served as the residence of kings and queens, a Mint for producing coins, an armory, a zoo, and, infamously, as a notorious prison, house of torture and place of execution. From the Middle Ages right through to the Second World War, enemies of the Crown have lived out their last days in one the Tower’s many dungeons.

Today, however, your chances of getting tortured, imprisoned or executed at the Tower of London are fairly slim. That’s probably why as many as three million tourists visit each year to see the armour displays in the White Tower, gaze with envy at the Crown Jewels, learn about the rich and grim history, and meet the many ravens who call this ancient castle home.

In this article, we’ll look at how to visit the Tower of London today. If you’re hunkered down in the UK and looking for something to explore in your own backyard, traveling in England, or just in the mood for some living history, then this needs to be near the top of your list. Let’s start with the basics, afterall, they’re not gonna let you in if you don’t have your ticket! Here goes:

Where to get Tower of London Tickets

The official price for Tower of London tickets is £25.00 for an adult and £12.50 for a child. You can purchase tickets at these prices from the official booths at the Tower site. 

If you want to skip the ticket queues and also save money, consider getting your ticket online through GetYourGuide. A ticket there costs at least 10% less than the official rate, and gives you instant confirmation, the ability to cancel if your travel plans change, and a mobile voucher you can use to enter the exhibition when you arrive.

If you plan to visit a few attractions while in London, you'll find better value purchasing a London Pass. This single pass grants you access to over 80 attractions, as well as a 1-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour. The pass is valid for 1 to 10 days depending on which pass you buy, and it's instantly accessible from your mobile device.

Tower of London Hours

Because of the coronavirus situation, the hours of the Tower of London may be subject to change, so please check the official Tower of London Opening Hours webpage on the Historic Royal Palaces website before your visit.

At the time of writing, the Tower of London is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10am and 6pm (last admission at 5pm).

From November 1, 2020, the plan is for the Tower to be open every day, with slightly different hours. From November, the Tower will be open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9am and 4.30pm, and on Mondays and Sundays between 10am and 4.30pm.

Tower of London Tours

Some visitors choose to visit the Tower of London under their own steam. This gives you the freedom to explore the grounds at your own pace. Others choose to take advantage of a tour-guide who can place the buildings and artefacts in context, and help you get a sense of the history and significance of this infamous landmark.

Your entrance ticket, whether purchased at the site or with a discount through GetYourGuide, includes the option to take a free tour with a Beefeater – these eccentrically dressed guards are unfailingly entertaining and will tell your stories sure to make the blood curdle! Beefeater tours start every 30 minutes during opening hours, groups can be large.

If you’d prefer to dodge the crowds, check out a VIP Early Access Tour – this will get you in at 8.15AM, well before most visitors are even allowed to enter. If you want to appreciate the history without the risk of photobombing someone’s selfie, this may be the answer!

History of the Tower of London

Where to begin! There’s enough history at the Tower of London to fill a library! And indeed, books are still being written to introduce modern readers to the story of one of the most fabled castles in Europe.

The Tower of London: The Biography by Stephen Porter introduces the Tower as an “Icon of England’s history.” Tower: An Epic History of the Tower of London by Nigel H. Jones claims “No building in Britain has been more intimately involved in our island's story than this mighty, brooding stronghold in the very heart of the capital.” 

There is no way we can do justice to this mighty story in a wee article! However, here are a few fun facts to whet your appetite…

Built to Intimidate: William of Normandy AKA William the Conqueror built the Tower in the 1070s shortly after invading and conquering England. At the time, his hold on power in England was established but not secure, so he decided to build an imposing tower to strike awe into the hearts of the people of London. A thousand years later, the Tower still has that effect on many visitors!Protector of the Crown Jewels. One of the main tourist draws to the Tower today (and something you will most definitely want to see on your visit) is the Crown Jewels. Containing 142 ceremonial objects, the Crown Jewels span the latest 900 years of British history, dating back to the 12th century. The crowns and scepters get all of the attention, but the oldest object in the collection is actually a Coronation Spoon! The official owner of the crown jewels is Queen  Elizabeth II, but she won’t mind you taking a peek. Home to the Bones of Princes. The Tower is not exactly short on ghoulish myths and legends, but one of the more chilling stories is true: During the War of the Roses in the 15th century, two boys aged 10 and 12 were imprisoned in the Tower and later vanished. The boys were princes, the children of Edward IV and potential claimants to the throne. Rumor had it that they were murdered. Nothing was proven until much later: In the late 17th century, two childlike skeletons were discovered hidden in the Tower. In the 1930s, scientific analysis of those two skeletons showed them to belong to boys aged 10 and 12 respectively, the exact age of the princes when they disappeared! Scene of Anne Boleyn’s Execution. It’s now widely understood that marrying Henry VIII was not a good career move. No one told Anne Boleyn this, however. Sure enough, her “failure” to produce a son led her to be executed on fabricated charges of adultery. The grim event happened on May 19, 1536. As was customary back then, huge crowds gathered to see the spectacle of the execution. Being a Queen, Anne was afforded the “privilege” of being beheaded by a skilled swordsman specially imported for this purpose from France. After her head was separated from her shoulders, onlookers claim they saw her eyes wide open… and her lips move!

These stories may have made you eager to visit the Tower, but perhaps not so eager to sleep there overnight. Don’t worry, if you’re visiting from elsewhere, London has plenty of accommodation options to suit any budget, and most are absolutely ghost free!

Where to Stay

A visit to the Tower of London can easily take up the better part of the day. And if you’re traveling to London, chances are you want to stay a bit longer and take in some of the many other sights that England’s capital has to offer.

Here are some options that will help you find a cosy place to stay near the Tower:

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – Tower of London. Located barely one minute’s walk from the Tower itself, this hotel from the venerable Hilton chain has good reviews from travelers and will certainly make your visit convenient! Rates vary depending on demand but will typically set you back around £95 per night. You can compare the rates with other hotels on HotelsCombined. Airbnb – Options abound throughout London ranging from glamorous penthouse suites to shared rooms in student hovels. If you’re planning your trip around a visit to the Tower, look for something near London Bridge Station, Liverpool Street Station, London Charring Cross Station, or Tower Hill underground station, all of which are within walking distance to the Tower.HostelWorld – if you’re visiting on a budget, check our Hostel World. There are several hostels located in the area of London Bridge which is walking distance to the Tower, including Wombat’s City Hostel (around £23/night for a dorm room). Hostels are, of course, at high risk of temporary closure due to Covid-19, which is why the website now offers free cancellation for bookings within 14 days. Though currently unavailable due to Covid, St Christopher’s Inn London Bridge is another budget friendly hostel option worth checking out when it opens again.

Tower of London Map

If you’re thinking that the Tower of London is just one building, then you’re in for a surprise. While it started out as one imposing tower, over the centuries it has been steadfastly expanded into the whopping complex that it is today. 

At the time of writing, Covid-19 restrictions have forced the temporary closure of many of the buildings, however the main attractions remain open. Those include all public outdoor areas, the Crown Jewels, and several floors of the White Tower itself.

A map will help you find your way to the sites you most want to see, and will make sure you know what is what when you can’t find a handy Beefeater to ask!

Here’s one courtesy of Thomas Romer: 

By Thomas Römer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

The Thrifty Gist

Built almost 1000 years ago, the Tower of London is as popular now as it has ever been! If you’re from the UK and want to rediscover parts of your own backyard, or traveling from overseas and want to see the full force of English history up-close and personal, then visiting the Tower is a must!Tickets purchased at the official ticket booths cost £25.00 for an adult and £12.50 for a child. Consider getting your ticket online in advance through GetYourGuide for a discounted rate and instant confirmation. If you're visiting a few attractions in London, consider a London Pass.Opening hours vary based on the season and also depending on what Covid-19 restrictions may be in place. At the time of writing, it is open for visitors Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00 -18.00. From November 1, this will change to Tuesday-Saturday: 09:00-16:30, Sunday-Monday: 10:00-16:30Your ticket includes a free tour with a Tower guard known as a Beefeater. These tours start every 30 minutes during opening hours, and can attract large crowds. For a more private experience, you can book a VIP Early Access Tour to get in before official opening time.The Tower of London’s history is as rich as it is infamous! Here, child princes have been murdered, Ann Boleyn and countless others were executed, and enemies suspected of treason were tortured into confession. On a cheerier note, it’s also the home to the Crown Jewels, which you’ll be able to see on your visit!London offers a banquet of accommodation options, including the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – Tower of London which is right on the doorstep. Airbnb and HotelsCombined are great spots for comparing other offers, while Hostel World is depleted temporarily due to Covid-19 but will be ideal for finding dorm rooms when things open back up.The Tower complex is a vast site, containing several spots worth visiting indoors and outdoors including the White Tower, the Tower’s Mint, and the Crown Jewels. Consider downloading a map to plan your trip in advance.

The post Tower of London: The Ultimate Guide appeared first on Thrifty Nomads.

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By: Nathan James Thomas
Title: Tower of London: The Ultimate Guide
Sourced From: feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThriftyNomads/~3/3XmRivAOB0Q/
Published Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2020 15:14:33 +0000

More One Bag Travel News:: https://onebagtravel.club

10 Ways to Cut Your Monthly Expenses for Good

When Jen and I first began on our backpacking ventures 7 years ago, friends, family, and many a stranger questioned just how we got the funds to do so. Were we rich? Lucky lottery winners? Exploring on Mommy and Daddy's money?

In short: nope. One of the main reasons we were able to see the world on such a tight budget was from something I like to call a thrifty mentality. Simply put, we were mindful of each and every dollar we saved for what it would buy us on the road.

That $20 coupon we just found for our hotel? That's another 4 meals in Vietnam!

The $100 we saved taking the train instead of a plane? Now we can go on that kayaking tour!

That $1 we just picked up off the ground? Awesome, a bonus coffee!!!

The truth is, this mentality didn't just kick in for us on the road. It's something that we've practiced since childhood from both of our humble upbringings.

Whether you're saving for a big trip, schooling, or just the latest iPhone, make this your mantra:

Every dollar saved OR spent should be working for YOU!

One of the easiest ways to do this is to optimise your monthly spending. When's the last time you changed your bank, your credit card, or insurance? It's probably been awhile – and that's exactly the point.

A one-time change to your monthly bills can pay dividends for years to come.

Here are 10 monthly expenses to put under the microscope and save for years to come.

1. Earn on every purchase with a rewards credit card

It might seem counter-intuitive that a credit card could save you money. But a travel rewards or cashback credit card earns you points or cash on every single purchase you make.

Your groceries, gas, transit pass, Amazon orders – if you aren't earning points or cashback on every purchase, you are tossing away free money. Just make sure to pay your full bill every month so you don't pay any interest!

 

For Americans, the best all around credit card we recommend is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Though travel is the focus, points can be converted to cashback, other airline and hotel points programs, gift cards, or to any available hotel or flight in Chase Ultimate Rewards – with no blackout dates. Basically any kind of reward you could want, this card can get.

As a massive bonus, you get a 60,000 points welcome bonus worth $750 just for signing up and hitting the minimum spend of $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. You also earn 2x the points on travel and dining, with no foreign transaction fees and included car rental insurance. Learn how to apply, or if you want a full breakdown, check out our full review of the card.

Rather than comparing a ton of credit card options yourself, use a card comparison website. They rank all the cards based on the features you're looking for, like travel rewards and cashback, or more specific needs, like balance transfer or cards for people with bad credit.

Some of the best credit card comparison websites are:

United States: CardRatings.comCanada: RateSupermarket.caUnited Kingdom: MoneySuperMarketAustralia: Point Hacks

The sooner you get a good credit card, the more points you'll have, and the sooner you'll hit the minimum spend for the welcome bonus. So get on it!

2. Cut your car insurance

Car insurance is one of those decisions that most people make once, then never look at it again. But think about it – you're paying this expense every single month.

Unless you're crashing your car every other month, switching is an easy one-time effort that will cut your expenses for good.

If you're American, you can save yourself the time of shopping around by using Insure.com, an auto insurance comparison website. On average, their users find savings of $540, and you can save even more (up to 20%) if you bundle with other insurance (e.g. home). Those are huge savings for a small effort! Just enter some basic info, and a number of insurance options will display in a table for you to compare.

Some of the best auto insurance comparison sites worldwide are:

United States: Insure.comCanada: RateSupermarket.caUnited Kingdom: Confused.comAustralia: CanStar

3. Boost interest on your savings account

Thanks to the internet, there are now banks without branches that exist only online. And since their costs are so low, customers get interest rates that are more than 21x the national average.

I'll say that again: You can get 21x the interest on your savings each month, simply by keeping your money with one bank instead of another.

A lot of people are scared off by internet banks because they think their money isn't safe. However, a legitimate bank will be FDIC insured (or CDIC in Canada and ASIC in Australia). That means that if the bank closed shop, the government ensures you'll get your money back.

Here are some banks with the highest interest rates to check out:

United States: CIT Bank (Up to 0.45% APY)Canada: EQ Bank Savings Plus Account (1.50%* interest.)Australia: ING (1.50% interest)United Kingdom: MoneySupermarket

4. Get a phone plan with the smaller guys

While it's tempting to get your cell phone service from a major network provider, you can get the same service for a fraction of the price with a smaller company. 

For example, even though there are over 130 mobile providers in the United States, they all operate on just 1 of 4 major networks: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

You could easily save $20-$30 per month while getting the same coverage and even more data. All it takes is a one-time change to your phone provider to enjoy savings for years to come.

Here's a few options to check out:

United States:

AT&T network: Straight Talk Wireless (uses all 4 major networks)Verizon network: Total WirelessSprint network: Tello (get 15% off with code 15OFFAFF)T-Mobile network: Simple Mobile

Other countries:

Canada: Public Mobile (uses the Telus network)Australia: Boost Mobile (uses the Telstra network. Pay for a 6 or 12 month plan for even more savings)United Kingdom: SMARTY (uses the Three network)

A final thrifty tip: While getting a phone on contract with your cell phone plan may seem like a good idea, it's almost always cheaper to buy your phone outright and get a BYO plan if you have the cash up front.

5. Halve your health insurance

If you don't get health insurance with your employer, this is yet another monthly bill that's worth shopping around for savings. But don't get too thrifty – make sure you choose a plan where you can afford the deductible if a medical emergency were to happen.

Instead of checking a bunch of individual websites, use a comparison tool like eHealthInsurance (for Americans). With just your zip code and a bit of non-personal info, a number of health insurance options will appear. You can add the ones that look good to the comparison tool, then view their features side-by-side.

Some of the best health insurance comparison sites worldwide are:

United States: eHealthInsuranceUnited Kingdom: MoneySupermarketAustralia: PrivateHealth.gov.au (official government website)

6. Check coupons and cashback

You know the old saying “a penny saved is a penny earned”? This is an essential concept of a thrifty mentality. We've personally earned over a thousand dollars doing this using cashback sites to shop online. It's cost-free and incredibly easy to do.

Gone are the days of collecting flyers and cutting out the coupons. Today, virtually everything can be done from an app on your phone! Not only is this easier, but it means there are far more coupon and cashback deals than ever before.

Typically these apps work in 1 of 2 ways:

For in-store offers: Check the app for items with offers. Purchase the item from any store, then upload a picture of your receipt, and receive a cash/point credit to your account.For online offers: Before shopping online, click the special tracking link in the cashback app/website. Your purchase will automatically be tracked, and the amount will be credited back to your account.

This is yet another case where if you make a purchase without a coupon or cashback offer, you are tossing away free money. All it takes is an extra 30 seconds of your time.

By simply using free cash back sites, we've personally earned $1,400 back over 5 years.

The best coupon and cashback apps to check out are:

In-store

Checkout 51 ($5 sign-up bonus! U.S. and Canada)Ibotta ($20 sign-up bonus! U.S. only)Fetch Rewards (U.S.)Cashrewards ($5 sign-up bonus! Australia only)

Online

Ibotta (Up to $20 sign-up bonus! U.S. only)Rakuten ($10 sign-up bonus! U.S. and Canada)Swagbucks ($5 sign-up bonus! U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K.)Rebaid (Increased cashback offers on Amazon purchases)Cashrewards ($5 sign-up bonus! Australia only)Shopback ($5 sign-up bonus! Australia only)

7. Compare home internet plans

Just like your cell phone, your home internet plan is yet another monthly bill that's worth comparing prices for.

There aren't a ton of options in the United States, but Verizon Fios is generally good for affordable, high-speed fibre internet. When you order online, the $99 setup fee is waived. Otherwise, your best bet is to look for introductory offers, or to try bundling with a phone plan for additional savings.

In other countries, you can find smaller companies using the same networks as the major providers, but for a fraction of the price.

Canada: TekSavvy (resells service from Rogers and Bell)Australia: TPGUnited Kingdom: Compare options on MoneySupermarket

8. Reduce your mortgage and/or rent

Your mortgage is the longest, most expensive loan you'll ever have in your life. The average home loan term is 30 years, so even a tiny difference in interest can equate to thousands of dollars over the long term.

Rather than comparing infinite options yourself, check out LendingTree if you're in the US. It's a comparison site that puts a huge number of mortgage options on a single page, so you can easily find the best deal for you. Just select whether you are purchasing or refinancing, answer a few questions about your situation, and your mortgage options will be displayed for easy comparison. Use Finder instead if you live in Canada, Australia, or the UK.

There's not many hacks to saving on rent, but small differences in price add up, so bust out a calculator and do the math! Even a $100 difference in rent each month is a $1,200 over the whole year. If you take your time and shop around, some major savings can be had.

9. Reduce your energy bills

A lot of local governments run their own utility companies, so depending on where you live, saving on utilities might not be an option for you. But in a growing number of places, you can actually shop around and choose a cheaper utility company. In the US, at least 19 states offer either full or partial retail choice for electricity.

And let's face it – as long as your lights are on and your gas is running, all that matters in choosing a utility company is price. The choice you make will affect your savings for years to come.

Once again, you can use a comparison website to find the cheapest option.:

United States: Choose EnergyCanada: EnergyRates.caUnited Kingdom: MoneySupermarketAustralia: Energy Made Easy (official government website)

10. Be mindful of monthly purchases and subscriptions

Each of us make regular purchases without fully being aware of how much it costs us. That daily coffee from Starbucks, the chocolate bar you buy at the checkout, the pizza place you order from because you don't feel like cooking – you'd be surprised how quickly these little purchases add up.

An easy way to stay mindful of purchases is to use a budgeting app. These apps connect to your credit card or bank to automatically add and categorise the things you spend money on, so you always have an eye on your budget. Mint is a great option in the US and Canada, and it's free! In Australia, check out Pocketbook.

One kind of expense to keep an eye on are monthly online media and cloud subscriptions like Spotify, Apple Music, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and iCloud to name a few.

Many of these services have family plans, allowing you to bundle multiple user accounts together at a discounted price. This is offered by almost every music and video streaming service, as well as Apple's iCloud (letting you share app purchases and music/arcade subscriptions). Coordinate with family or friends to see if you can share a family plan for savings.

The Thrifty Gist

While there are a lot of ways to cut your monthly expenses, don't get overwhelmed. Embrace the thrifty mentality, use comparison websites, and remember, every dollar counts in making your financial goals a reality!

What did we miss? Let us know your thrifty tips in the comments below.

*Interest is calculated daily on the total closing balance and paid monthly. Rates are per annum and subject to change without notice.

The post 10 Ways to Cut Your Monthly Expenses for Good appeared first on Thrifty Nomads.

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By: Ted Avery
Title: 10 Ways to Cut Your Monthly Expenses for Good
Sourced From: feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThriftyNomads/~3/jZ3Lf2BU_t4/
Published Date: Wed, 27 May 2020 15:07:19 +0000

More Daily News Notes Travel: https://dailynewsnotes.info/category/travel/