Posts tagged deals
Summer Delights: A Guide For Things To Do in Venice

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Venice during the summer months? Venice, often hailed as the floating city, holds an irresistible charm that beckons visitors from around the globe.


As you plan your summer itinerary, we share a few tips as soon as you arrive in Italy, along with a list of must-do activities to make the most of your time in this picturesque destination.


No. 1

Piazzale Roma

When you arrive in Italy, the first thing you will want to consider are Transfers from Venice Airport to Piazzale Roma in Venice.

Piazzale Roma is a bustling square located in the heart of Venice, Italy, serving as the gateway to the enchanting city of canals. This vibrant hub is the only part of Venice accessible by car, making it a unique blend of historical charm and modern convenience. Visitors are greeted by a flurry of activity—locals going about their day, tourists arriving and departing, and the constant hum of Vaporetto water buses gliding along the Grand Canal.

Piazzale Roma is a perfect starting point for exploring Venice, with its proximity to the iconic Rialto Bridge, picturesque alleyways, and captivating architecture. It offers a taste of the city's rich culture and lively atmosphere, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the wonders of this extraordinary destination.


No. 2

Gondola Rides

No visit to Venice is complete without a serene gondola ride through the winding canals. Allow yourself to be swept away by the soothing rhythm of the gondolier’s oar as you glide past historic buildings and under elegant bridges. This timeless experience is the perfect way to soak in the romance and beauty of the city.


No. 3

St. Mark's Basilica and Square

Explore the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture adorned with intricate mosaics and golden domes. After your visit, wander around St. Mark’s Square, a bustling hub where you can sip espresso at a cafe, listen to live music, and people-watch as the world goes by.


No. 4

Feast on Venetian Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of Venetian cuisine by sampling local delicacies such as fresh seafood Risotto, savory Cicchetti (small plates), and creamy Tiramisu. Be sure to wander off the beaten path to discover hidden trattorias and osterias where you can savor authentic dishes away from the tourist crowds.

No. 5

Attend a Summer Festival

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Venice by attending one of the many summer festivals held throughout the city. From the Venice Film Festival to the Historic Regatta, these events offer a unique glimpse into the rich traditions and arts that define Venetian culture.


No. 6

Visit the Islands

Escape the hustle and bustle of the main island by taking a private boat ride to the nearby islands of Murano, known for its glassblowing artisans, and Burano, famous for its colorful fishermen’s cottages. These charming islands provide a refreshing change of pace and a chance to explore different facets of Venetian life.


No. 7

Enjoy Sunset at Rialto Bridge

Witness a magical sunset from the iconic Rialto Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Grand Canal, you’ll understand why artists and poets have long been inspired by the ethereal beauty of this city.


Takeaways

Summer in Venice is a time of endless possibilities, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you choose to wander through quiet alleyways, savor gelato by the water, or simply gaze at the grandeur of centuries-old palaces, Venice beckons you to embrace its unique charm and mystique. Soak in the magic of this extraordinary city, and let its beauty ignite your sense of wonder and adventure.


THE LIST

TRAVEL


✔️

HOPPER

Save up to 40% on travel costs + earn free travel rewards with Carrot Cash (equivalent to 1 USD per point).

  • Find smart deals on flights, hotels, cars, and homes

  • Get instant notifications on price drops and the best time to book, and book instantly

  • Find a great deal? Freeze prices for 20 days

  • Price predictions with over 95% accuracy


GET A $25 HOPPER TRAVEL VOUCHER

USE CODE:

HELLOLOVELYLIVING

At Hello Lovely Living, we understand the importance of seeking unforgettable experiences that enrich our lives.

Our travel partners provide a gateway to the enchanting city of Venice. With a curated selection of transformative and immersive experiences—unique opportunities to delve deep into the heart of this magical city are available at the click of a button.

Whether you seek a serene gondola ride along the picturesque canals, a hands-on pasta-making class to connect with the culinary traditions of Italy, or a soul-nourishing meditation session overlooking the Grand Canal—we provide options for unlocking the hidden gems of Venice. Embrace the beauty of travel and self-discovery with our travel resources and where unforgettable memories await.

✔️

TRIPANEER

Tripaneer invites you to embark on transformative travel experiences that nourish your body, mind, and soul. As a leading platform for wellness retreats and unique getaways, they curate a diverse selection of trips designed to help you unlock your true potential and find alignment with your inner self.

Whether you seek to deepen your yoga practice, immerse yourself in mindfulness and meditation, or explore holistic healing modalities, Tripaneer offers a wide range of retreats tailored to your individual needs. Their carefully selected experiences take you off the beaten path and provide a space for personal growth and self-discovery.

Go on a journey of exploration and empowerment as you connect with like-minded individuals, expert facilitators, and stunning destinations around the globe. Begin your inner journey today with Tripaneer and uncover the transformative power of travel.

 

✔️

Viator

Viator is a leading platform that offers a wide range of experiences for travelers looking to explore and discover the world around them. From guided tours of iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path adventures led by local experts, Viator provides a diverse selection of activities to cater to every traveler's interests and preferences.

With user-friendly booking options and trusted reviews, Viator simplifies the process of planning memorable and immersive travel experiences. Whether you're seeking cultural insights, outdoor excursions, or culinary delights, Viator is your go-to resource for creating unforgettable travel memories.

 



How To Plan For Your First Road Trip

As more and more people around the world discover the importance of travel for health, road trips, in particular, are drawing many new discerning travelers. The choice to travel almost exclusively via road trips is largely becoming the mode of choice. The increase in travel costs, combined with waiting times at airports and possible delays can make driving to one’s destination more enticing than ever.

You may want to embark on a new adventure after coming out of an outpatient drug rehab clinic or you may want to get the taste of a new country. Whatever it might be, it is best to plan well for your first road trip experience.

In addition to that, discovering the world at large through taking advantage of nearby destinations, makes traveling accessible to anyone who is willing to step outside of their comfort zone. Traveling on road trips is also a great choice for those who are often deterred from traveling to far-off destinations due to work or family constraints.

If you are someone who has ever considered taking a road trip but has not taken the leap yet, there is no better time than now to start. To help you on this journey, if you have never planned a road trip before, there is a bit more to it than tapping in a postcode and heading out on the road. 

In this article, we will discuss several key details for you to prepare for as you plan for your first road trip.



No. 1

Route

The moment you consider taking a long drive anywhere, you should plan your route accordingly. Planning your route means you must start to do a bit of research. Consider any roadside hazards to expect, routes where you will encounter cities or traffic, and any impending dangers that are scheduled to occur including weather warnings. With the aid of Google Maps, you can even view and walk through the whole route in 3D several times prior to your trip to familiarize yourself with and get a better understanding of the route. 

Furthermore, you will need to look up and plan a backup route. If there is unexpected roadwork or other hazards that will affect your trip, you have another route on standby. This will provide peace of mind knowing that you will not ever be in a position of being stuck somewhere that is unfamiliar to you. You can simply proceed to the next route easily and seamlessly. 

Here are some route planners to use: 

  • Google Maps

  • Roadtrippers: Trip Planner

  • Waze

In addition, always have a road atlas as a backup in your vehicle, and mark the pages in advance for further security for added peace of mind.


No. 2

Car Prep

To prepare for your upcoming road trip, inspect your vehicle to make sure everything is in working order. A road trip will require your car to be in good working condition to avoid causing any unexpected vehicle maintenance issues to arise.

Before hitting the road, it’s a good idea to check your vehicle’s fluids, if it's winter and you’re low on coolant, you can easily order car antifreeze online to ensure your engine stays protected during your trip.

Things to have a look at:

  • Routine inspection: Is your vehicle current? If not, take it in and have it checked.

  • Oil: Ensure your vehicle is up to date with an oil change.

  • Brakes: Ensure that your brakes are not needing an immediate replacement.

  • Tires: Check your tire tread condition.

  • Windshield: Check for cracks, and working wipers, and ensure that your wiper fluid is full.

  • Headlights: Ensure your headlights are working properly.

  • Vehicle tags: Ensure that your vehicle insurance and registration are current.

No. 3

Emergency Kits

No one likes the idea of being in an accident or in an emergency, but if you are unprepared, and it happens, the experience is always much worse. Important documents should always be kept handy. These include your vehicle insurance card, registration, and license, which should be stored in your vehicle along with emergency numbers, medical information, and a personal injury lawyer number to cover all of your bases.  

Here are a couple of extra things: 

  • Water to drink and for your vehicle

  • Snacks that are non-perishable

  • Blankets, pillows, and socks 

  • Cash and coins

  • Spare tire (get it checked in the BET check)

  • Jump starter battery or cables

  • Chargers for your devices


No. 4

Fun Extras 

Road trips can be long, and you do need to get out of the vehicle to stretch your legs regularly, so what better thing to do than pick some fun side trips along the way? Side trips are a great opportunity to see places that you might not usually get to see. There are some very interesting places outside of the city limits, and you can start collecting trinkets from gift shops along the way.

No. 5

Prepare for added Miles 

Whatever the route planner tells you, it is important to add additional miles to be safe. Detours, traffic, and extra stops will use more gas than you think, so try to budget for more than is on the mileage estimation. Not only that but adding more miles will mean you are more mentally prepared to be in the car for longer if necessary. 

If you are heading out on two wheels rather than four, here is a guide for you: Travel Tips and Advice for Solo Female Motorcyclists

No. 6

Find local deals

With a bit of research prior to your road trip, you can find many cost-saving deals that could help with expenses during your trip. Take, for instance, local promotions for restaurants that you would not know about unless you had searched them up prior to your trip. In Las Vegas, for example, you can find deals such as all-you-can-eat sushi and sashimi at Neko Supremo in Chinatown for just $25.95 for lunch, $29.95 for dinner, and $21 after 11 p.m. Many establishments also offer reverse happy hour or bottomless mimosas, which can all add up to huge savings when you travel. 

Takeaways

When thinking about planning for your first road trip, it is always best to cover all bases to ensure that you have your focus on enjoying your trip once it rolls around. While various unexpected events will surely arise along the way, with some planning, you will be in a better position to approach any obstacles with ease. The whole purpose of your trip is to get away to experience something new and exciting, so once you have everything in order, you will feel a lot freer to let your hair down and enjoy all the fun times ahead.



THE LIST

TRAVEL

✔️

Explore HLL reviews and recommendations on Google Maps

✔️

Hopper

Hopper is the #1 most downloaded travel app in North America and an accredited travel agency. They partner with airlines, hotels, homes, and car rental providers across the globe so you can feel confident you are booking the perfect vacation at the best price.

They aspire to be the world’s best—and most fun—place to book travel, and they have helped over 100 million travelers save. They make the most accurate price predictions because their algorithms process and archive trillions of data points. Every day, Hopper analyzes over 30 billion price points in real-time so you’ll never miss a deal.

In addition, every time you book with Hopper, they plant 2 trees for free on your behalf to help offset the carbon footprint of your travel as part of their Hopper Trees program.

Get rewarded for traveling with Hopper! Sign up for Hopper, and get $25 off flight, hotel, and car bookings when you use code: hellolovelyliving

 



Road Trips: Things To Consider When Buying A New Car
HLL x  Family Road Trip

@hellolovelyliving on a road-trip to the Hoover Dam with Lake Mead in the distance.

It is always a thrill to make the decision to purchase a brand-new vehicle. The excitement level might skyrocket when the purchase is motivated by a desire to go on a cross-country road trip with one's loved ones. However, buying a new vehicle on car shopping sites like Edmunds involves more than just choosing the make and model you want. It is important to weigh a number of variables before making such a big investment.

01

financial plan

A financial plan is a top priority when it comes to being prepared to purchase a vehicle. You need to be sure you can afford a new automobile before you make the purchase. If you are not prepared to do a cash payment, you will need to consider your financing options. First, consider your budget, which will be based on your income, cost of living, and any fixed or variable costs. After you have settled on a spending limit, you may decide on whether to purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle.

02

New or pre-owned

After zeroing down on your financial health, the next step is to choose between new and pre-owned vehicles. A new vehicle is likely to be more costly than a used one, but it is more reliable and has fewer mechanical issues thanks to the manufacturer's guarantee. Buying a used automobile might save money upfront, but it could end up costing more in the long run. When deciding between a new and a used automobile, you should consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Hello Lovely Living

@hellolovelyliving enjoying the overlook of the Lake Mead National Recreation area on the way to the Hoover Dam.

03

Make and model

Family road trip cars should have enough room and seating for all passengers. If you are taking the whole family on a road trip, it is important that everyone and their bags fit in the vehicle with ample space to allow for comfort throughout your travels. It is also important to think about the landscape you will be navigating through. Take into consideration the tough terrain you will be traveling through if you are planning a road journey to a distant place. You will need a vehicle that allows for optimal space, comfort, and superior handling and performance.

04

Fuel economy

When looking for a vehicle for a family road trip, fuel economy is another important element to consider. You are looking for a vehicle that can go far while maximizing your fuel economy and vehicle performance. With so many automobile manufacturers transitioning to sustainable energy with electric cars, solar, and integrated renewable energy solutions, there are so many great options to consider.

Hello Lovely Living

@hellolovelyliving learning about the Lake Mead National Recreation area.

05

Vehicle Safety

The car's safety features are another important factor to think about. If you are planning on taking your family on the road, investing in a vehicle with cutting-edge safety features is a must. You want to feel safe at all times while on the road, so this is something that you will need to prioritize.

For instance, an integral part of vehicle safety is the quality of its wheels. If you're about to purchase a car with forged wheels, consulting with an expert is crucial to ensure they are genuinely forged wheels. There's a difference between traditionally and rotary forged wheels, as the manufacturing process is different and greatly impacts their performance and safety.

06

Maintenance

It is crucial to give your new automobile the care it needs once you have bought it. To keep your automobile running smoothly and for as long as possible, regular maintenance is essential. If you want to keep your automobile running smoothly, it is best to have a qualified technician do any necessary maintenance as per the manufacturer's guidelines regularly.

HLL x  Family Road Trip

@hellolovelyliving after enjoying a pit stop to the Lake Mead National Recreation area overlook before heading to the Hoover Dam.

Takeaways

In sum, it is thrilling to shop for a new vehicle for a family road trip, but it is important to do it thoughtfully. Figure out how much money you can spend, and think about the car's interior room, how much gas it will save you, and how safe it will be. Consider whether you want to buy a new or used vehicle, as well as how you will maintain it once you have bought it. The family road trips you take in your new vehicle will be more fun and memorable if you take the time to plan them out in advance so that your vehicle has you covered for many road trips to come.

the list

travel

✔️

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam Tickets & Tours (and other Things to Do in Las Vegas)

✔️

Hopper

Get a $25 Hopper travel Voucher when you sign up with code hellolovelyliving