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Travel trends break from routine in 2023

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(Family Features) Travel in 2023 will be about saying “no” to normal, breaking routines and searching for experiences without compromises. Whether it’s flying to those once-in-a-lifetime events or hosting group celebrations at a vacation rental home, travelers are no longer adapting to the next new normal, but creating their own status quo altogether.

“We see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” Expedia Brands President Jon Gieselman said. “We’re seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains. It’s not a new normal so much as people branching out to unexpected trends in what we’re calling the ‘no normal.’”

A close look at these trends suggests there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to travel in 2023. Insights sourced from the company’s first-party data, and from custom research of thousands of travelers and industry professionals across 17 countries, show food, abundant space and unconventional destinations are influencing travel choices.

Consider these conclusions from the experts at Vrbo:

Foodie-Menities
Kitchen credentials are a must with travelers looking to plate up at their own convenience in a private vacation home. Outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens and air fryers are the top three foodie-menities travelers crave. Additionally, nearly half of U.S. travelers (43%) use cooking to cut down on costs.

Travelers are looking for amenities in their vacation rentals rather than focusing on location. In fact, more than half (57%) of travelers would rather book a unique vacation home to be with their people in a lesser-known destination than a less interesting, less equipped vacation home in a popular area.

Cowboy-Cations
Rustic getaways are on the rise as travelers crave private vacation homes with abundant space and exhilarating views. Cue the cowboy-cation, offering an intimate escape in the rugged wilderness. Demand for homes in western destinations increased by more than 30% from September 2021-August 2022. Plus, 42% of U.S. travelers find inspiration in outdoorsy destinations and landscapes that include log-lined cabins, flickering fires and sweeping vistas.

Travelers can live out their western fantasies by booking a luxurious lodge, ranch retreat or farmhouse that fits the whole crew. Destinations across Montana, Colorado and other western states spring to mind, but the cowboy-cation is not confined to the U.S. For a home on the range in Europe, travelers are booking converted barns and farmhouses in Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom. Thrill-seekers can also embrace their inner cowboy in Australia, where farmhouses in the outback overlook acres of wineries and wild brush.

Hidden Gems
Travelers are exploring unassuming locales and new places. Top hidden gems in the U.S. have one thing in common: beautiful lakes where travelers can take in tranquil views. Demand for private vacation homes in these unconventional destinations has increased by 30% or more since September 2021:

  • Nampa, Idaho
  • Greensboro, North Carolina
  • Layton, Utah
  • Irmo, South Carolina
  • Oneonta, New York
  • Hampton, Virginia
  • Bristol, Rhode Island
  • Spokane, Washington
  • Las Cruces, New Mexico
  • Missoula, Montana

Find more ideas to plan an adventure that’s uniquely your own at Vrbo.com or by downloading the app.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images


SOURCE:
Vrbo

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4 tips for a fresh start in 2025

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(Family Features) Moving from one year to the next is a perfect opportunity to think about the new chapter you want to write for yourself. It’s a time to celebrate your wins, identify your growth opportunities and define the goals you want to accomplish. This fresh start is an ideal moment to put pen to paper and set your goals for the year. 

Writing your goals on paper can increase the likelihood you achieve them. Pick up a journal and your favorite pens and find a comfortable place to sit. Spend a little time thinking about what will bring you the most joy and fulfillment in the coming year. Utilize the power of color as part of bringing these resolutions to life. Whether you’re resolving to reset mentally or want to get organized, you can achieve more (and have fun doing it) by adding color to your self-mastery toolkit.

Begin setting and achieving your goals with the G2 Boost Collection from Pilot Pen to make this year about your personal growth. Here are some steps you can take, with the additional assistance of color science, to boost your goal-reaching potential.
 

  1. Reflect on last year’s progress – and the goals you didn’t achieve. 
    Write down the goals you achieved last year and those that remained out of reach to give yourself an empowered fresh start.
     
  2. Select your goals and intentions for 2025.
    Review the goals you didn’t achieve last year. Select and rewrite those you want to carry forward as goals for 2025. Pick up a G2 Boost “Optimism” pack to write these goals in pink. Color science has shown writing with shades of pink can improve focus and calm nervous energy. If the goal you’re carrying forward is to have a more positive mindset, rewrite it in brighter shades of pink to feel more optimistic about achieving it this year. You can also spend time journaling about your emotions surrounding this goal in lighter shades of pink to feel soothed and comforted.
     
  3. Map out your action plan.
    Define the steps you’ll take to achieve your goals using blue shades. Blues can power your forward momentum and critical thinking ability, while also evoking feelings of peace and tranquility, thus making you more productive. Mapping out your plan in shades of blue can help you visualize the big picture and identify each of the key steps to get it all done. Writing with darker shades of blue may help your decision-making process while lighter shades of blue can help you focus on the details.
     
  4. Practice self-compassion.
    Revisit your goals and action plan monthly. Note your wins and setbacks. Use the shades of green in the G2 Boost “Balance” pack to help nurture yourself and maintain momentum. The colors of green are associated with nature and evoke feelings of balance and harmony. Greens can be especially beneficial when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Lighter shades of green inspire positive thinking and harmony, while darker shades can boost your memory.
     

Your blank page awaits – you have the power to create the life you want. Using color can be a powerful tool to help elevate your well-being and maximize your mindset as you write your story for the year ahead.

This year, find the colors to help reach your resolutions by visiting amazon.com/pilotpen.


SOURCE:
Pilot Pen

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Reasons to consider an up-an-coming career in 2025

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(Family Features) If you’re thinking about making a career change, re-evaluating your long-term career path or looking for a career with purpose, there is one path you may not have considered – and it might be the perfect fit: funeral service.

Consider this: Funeral service is facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals in the next decade due to retiring funeral home owners and rising death rates. In fact, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) estimates 5,700 openings for funeral service workers during each of the next 10 years.

In a world where Gen Zers said having a sense of purpose is important to their overall job satisfaction and well-being, according to a study by Deloitte, there’s an opportunity for business-minded individuals, young professionals and those seeking second career paths to explore this distinguished and fulfilling profession. While 1 in 10 (12%) adults would consider a career as a funeral director, Gen Zers (44%) and Millennials (38%) admit they do not know enough about the profession based on a survey by the NFDA.

There are several reasons to consider funeral service as a career, whether you’re a new grad, a young professional looking to get your foot in the door or someone with years of experience who’d like to test your transferable skills in a new career.

1. Fulfillment and Purpose
Funerals and memorial services are an important part of the grieving process and an opportunity for family and friends to gather to comfort one another and say goodbye to their loved one.

Funeral directors are not just in charge of logistics. They play a vital role in helping families navigate one of the most challenging times in their lives. They provide emotional support, guide families through funeral arrangements and ensure the service honors the deceased’s life.

2. Community Involvement
Funeral directors are often deeply involved in the communities they serve, volunteering with local nonprofit and community organizations, sponsoring little league teams and organizing collections for troops overseas. This sense of community extends beyond the immediate responsibilities of the job, as many funeral directors take on the role of mentors and leaders, guiding the next generation of professionals.

“As I look ahead to the next 15 years of my career and beyond, I ask myself one question and encourage others to do the same, no matter what career they are in: Are you doing the work to inspire a new generation of leaders and being the person you needed when you first started out?” said Allyse Worland, CFSP, licensed funeral director. “For me, the answer is always yes, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

3. Ability to Own a Business
A career in funeral service offers the opportunity to own your own funeral home. With experience and business skills, you can manage and grow a company that provides essential services to your community. It’s a unique blend of compassion and entrepreneurship, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while running a successful business.

If you’re looking for a meaningful career that combines purpose, community and the opportunity for growth, funeral service might be the path for you. With the occupation’s demand for skilled professionals on the rise, now is the time to consider how you can make a difference in the lives of others while shaping the future of a growing profession.

Learn more about the career path and take a quiz to determine whether it’s right for you by visiting rememberingalife.com/careers.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock


SOURCE:
National Funeral Directors Association

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Meet a colorful new Supertunia

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In This week’s Home and Garden page, The Garden Guy Norman Winter introduces us to an award-winning Supertunia with bright yellow color. Also read about New Year resolutions for your yard.

Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow annual of year

As we headed into December we start to glance to the future, to the award-winning flowers for 2025. This is always a terrific choice for your garden dollar, whether you are looking toward the landscape, porch, patio or deck.
One such award winner is Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow, Proven Winners 2025 Annual of the Year.

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