Posts tagged with "travel"

Get The Most Money Selling Your Car

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Sales is not everyone’s strong suit, and used car sales has its own stigma. But with the right preparation, you can have the confidence you need to get the most money selling your car. Here are a few strategic tips you can use when selling a used vehicle, no matter the kind or condition.

Preventative Care

Getting the most out of your car in the future begins with how you take care of it today. Preventative care like regular oil changes and safe driving will help you get the most return when it comes time to sell your car.

Oil Change – Motor oil keeps your engine in proper working condition by lubricating its moving parts. This protective barrier also regulates engine temperature and prevents corrosion, which could lead to very dangerous and expensive damage that will show up on your vehicle history report.
Keep Clean – It may not seem like it, but keeping your car clean will help with your resale value. Taking your car through a touch-free car wash on a regular basis will help prevent paint from fading and could even prevent rust.
Safe Driving – A bit of a no brainer, but accidents dramatically decrease the value of your car. Even when repaired, a car that has been repaired following an accident is a red flag on the vehicle history report. Even if the outside looks good, the buyer has no way of knowing any residual effects of the accident and may choose to avoid the risk all together.

Prep for Success

Curb appeal applies to cars as much as it does homes. Getting more money for your vehicle can be as simple as cleaning it up and taking good photos. Prep your car, inside and out, for eye-catching photos from every angle including detailed shots. Wait for a nice day with optimum lighting and drive to a place with ambiance such as a park, atop a parking garage with the skyline in the background, or even just the side of a building with a clean wall. Don’t forget to eliminate distractions like garbage from the area. Great photos of a detailed car will naturally attract more attention and likely get you more cash in the end.

Getting more money for your vehicle can be as simple as cleaning it up and taking good photos. Great photos of a detailed car will naturally attract more attention and likely get you more cash in the end.

Transparency

After you’ve cleaned and photographed your car, put together a consolidated write up. You could even provide your own copy of the vehicle history report. Whether you’re sharing online or in-person, offering as much information as possible gives car buyers confidence that you’re not trying to hide anything. This transparency creates a foundation of trust which will help you secure your ideal asking price.

Understanding Value

Understanding the value of your car is the next step in getting the most out of it. The last thing you want is a situation where the buyer knows more about your car than you do. If you don’t know enough about the value of your car you could either undersell yourself or let someone talk you out of what your car is truly worth. Do a little research and look into pricing across sites such as Kelly Blue Book, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local dealerships.

Key Factors

There are a few primary factors that determine the value of your car, though some of the details can be subjective. The vehicle’s mileage and condition are two standing factors no matter the make or model. The value of your car based on its year is somewhat relative. Typically, the newer the better, unless your buyer is a collector or there have been recalls associated with the year of your car. The make and model can be somewhat subjective because buyers desire different cars for different reasons (ie. electric, luxury, comfort, size). Ask yourself why you bought the car in the first place.

Other factors that affect the value of your car:

Owner Care
Number of Owners
Stock Accessories
Aftermarket Upgrades

Unique Factors

Throughout the time you’ve owned the car, you’ve undoubtedly made some changes to fit your lifestyle. Have you added a roof rack to haul snowboards or mountain bikes? Did you add navigation and update the stereo equipment for a better road trip experience? Did you lift your truck and add bigger tires? These things can increase the value of your car.

Opportunity Factors

Something to keep in mind when you’re prepping to sell is demand. Today’s car market is unique. While many are working from home and driving less, Americans are much more inclined to own a personal vehicle to avoid public transportation. Furthermore, the cost of gasoline and climate change campaigns are inspiring drivers to reduce their carbon footprint. Both of these factors make electric and hybrid vehicles more attractive.

Something to keep in mind when you’re prepping to sell is demand. As more people are inspired to do their part in helping the environment, electric and hybrid vehicles have been more attractive to prospective car buyers.

Negotiating & Wiggle Room

Now that you’ve prepped, photographed, and posted your car for sale, it’s time to gear up for negotiating. Selling privately through sites like Craigslist, eBay or Facebook Marketplace will get you the most for your car. If you have the right connections, you may be able to park your car with a for sale sign in a high-traffic area to attract potential buyers. When you sell to a dealership, they have to plan for overhead, profit, and commissions. This means the purchase price needs to leave enough room for markup and less money for you.

If you’ve researched similar vehicles for sale in your area, as well as the appropriate value for your car based on the factors mentioned above, the final tip for getting the most money for your car is to include a little wiggle-room in the asking price for negotiating. For example, if your car is valued around $10,000 and nearby dealerships are selling the same vehicle for $9,000 to $12,000, consider listing your car with an asking price in that range, but $2,000 above your ideal sale price. Wise buyers will always make an initial offer below asking price, and if you have a cushion for negotiating, you should be able to offer a competitive rate that still gets you the most money for your car.

Your Trade-In is Someone Else’s Treasure

Whether you’re retiring a hand-me-down clunker or you’re growing from sports car to SUV, there is a buyer who will find what they need in what you’re selling. Getting the most money for your used car simply requires a little cleaning, research, and strategic negotiating. In the end, if the sale isn’t as important as your time, you can always donate your car to nonprofits like The Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity, who are helping individuals and families rebuild their lives.

Park MGM & NoMad Las Vegas to Reopen

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MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced today that Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas will open their doors on September 30, completing the reopening of all of its properties around the world following closures earlier this year amid the Covid-19 crisis. Upon reopening, Park MGM/NoMad will be The Strip’s first fully smoke-free casino resort.

“Opening Park MGM and NoMad represent significant milestones, as they are the last of our properties to welcome back employees and guests alike,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts CEO and President. “The last six months have presented extraordinary challenges and I could not be prouder of the MGM Resorts team for the tireless effort required to get us here. There is much work ahead as we remain focused on the health and safety of our employees and guests, but this is an important moment for us.”

Park MGM & NoMad Las Vegas

Park MGM is The Strip’s newest destination resort, having been completed in late 2018, and has quickly become one of the city’s go-to places for entertainment, dining and more. While amenities will be limited initially at opening, guests will be able to enjoy many of the resort’s most popular outlets including the vibrant Italian marketplace, Eataly; Bavette’s Steakhouse; Primrose; and the pool. NoMad Las Vegas, the intimate luxury hotel-within-a-hotel at Park MGM, also will begin welcoming guests on September 30. Days and hours of operation at all venues will vary. For a full listing of amenities, please visit mgmresorts.com. Complimentary self-parking will be available for guests; valet parking will not be operational at this time.

Anton Nikodemus, President of MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas Portfolio, said, “As we looked toward our reopening, we identified an opportunity to be responsive to recurring guest demand for a fully non-smoking casino resort on The Strip. With an expansive Las Vegas portfolio, MGM Resorts is able to offer an array of options for visitors, all within the MGM Resorts family.”

The Company also noted that its Four Seasons Las Vegas property will reopen on September 25.

Health & Safety

The health and safety of employees and guests has been at the forefront of MGM Resorts’ planning since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis earlier this year. The company’s comprehensive “Seven-Point Safety Plan” is a multi-layered set of protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to mitigate the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees and rapidly respond to potential new cases. The full plan can be reviewed at mgmresorts.com. The company continues to evaluate and evolve its safety protocols. Key initiatives include:

Employee screening, temperature checks and COVID-19 specific training
COVID-19 testing for employees as they return to work in partnership with the local medical community
Employees and guests required to wear masks. Complimentary masks are provided as needed
Implemented a physical distancing policy, with floor guides serving as reminders
For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers have been installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks
Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on casino floors
Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App allows hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions
Guestroom Attendants wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and change gloves between guestrooms
In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers are utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently
Digital menus are available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the company’s food and beverage outlets
To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests receive text message notification when their tables are ready

About MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 29 unique hotel and destination gaming offerings in the United States and Macau, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry such as Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA and Park MGM.

The Company’s 50/50 venture, ROAR Digital LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan. Through its “Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet” initiative, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies®.

For more information:

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UC Irvine & Remote Year Partner

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The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) has partnered with Remote Year to offer the Global Leadership Specialized Studies program for an all-new employee learning experience. One of the primary drivers for this partnership is the recognition that the world of work is changing and how creative alternatives to remote work can provide a greater tool to increase talent recruitment, engagement and retention. Today’s working professionals do not want to have to choose between seeking adventure and pursuing their careers. This alliance allows DCE to expand their talent solutions for their clients by offering an engaging and immersive cultural experience for employees to see the world while working and studying abroad.

“Remote Year has always provided experiential learning to developing professionals and leaders. By partnering with UCI DCE we are incredibly excited to offer a real leadership curriculum and certification to complement our global experience,” said Sam Pessin, Co-Founder and CEO, Remote Year. “We believe that professionals and their companies will be really interested in participating in our program.”

Workplaces have become much more globalized and it is essential that those employees seeking leadership roles possess the skills for multi-cultural, multi-generational, and geographically dispersed team communication, interpersonal connection, conflict management, and intelligence. The Global Leadership Specialized Studies Program offers learners the opportunity to select coursework for building these core competencies.

“We are proud to bring this unique opportunity to Remote Year’s professionals, said Brian Breen, Chief Corporate Engagement and Partnerships Officer, DCE. “Traveler-learners will find the coursework in the Global Leadership Specialized Studies Program ideal for developing the skills they will need to lead in a global environment. The curriculum will also be a great complement as they embark on a hands-on cultural and community experience with their professional companions from all over the world.”

Remote Year is making the program a professional development option for workers. Flexible, interactive, and rigorous, the four-course Global Leadership Specialized Studies Program helps students develop four core global leadership competency domains: Leading Across Cultures, Leading Strategy, Leading Innovation, and Leading Self. Coursework is delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous modules.

The program is available to any remote worker involved with the Remote Year organization and is administered by DCE instructors. It is offered in formats ranging from one to fourth months.

For more information about the Global Leadership Specialized Studies Program partnership with Remote Year and available customized corporate training visit the DCE website or email Lindsay Doherty.

The Henry Ford’s Hallowe’en

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The Henry Ford’s Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village presented by Meijer Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Reimagined Experience

The Henry Ford is excited to announce its continued 40-year tradition of Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village, presented by Meijer. Taking place over 15 nights, beginning Oct. 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-31 from 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., this year’s event has been reimagined to ensure every guest’s visit is safe, responsible, and filled with spooky-fun. Tickets for members are now on sale. Non-members tickets become available September 16. All tickets can be purchased at thehenryford.org.

This year, Hallowe’en is completely taking over Greenfield Village, with a festival-like atmosphere replacing the prescribed walking path. Fans of past Hallowe’en events will still recognize many of their favorite aspects including more than 1,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and 50-plus costumed characters from classic stories such as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz, alongside newly-created storybook experiences.

Guests this year will be the first to experience a brand-new train adventure aboard the Hallowe’en Express. This ghostly journey around Greenfield Village is a ride for guests of all ages and due to high demand and increased safety procedures, requires advance timed reservations.

As The Henry Ford continues to prioritize the health and safety of its guests and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to make important program modifications including the omission of treat stations and dining experiences such as the Hallowe’en Fairy Tale Feast and Eagle Tavern Harvest Supper. Fall treats, hot beverages and craft beer will still be available for purchase.

In order to accommodate this large-scale, new experience, Greenfield Village will close its daytime operations beginning October 5, with the intention to reopen operations throughout weekends in November.

Due to limited capacities, advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended for Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village. Tickets are $14.50 for members and $17 for non-members, ages two and up. While each admission includes a ticket aboard the Hallowe’en Express train, timed advanced reservations are required. To make a complimentary reservation, call The Henry Ford’s Contact Center at 313-982.6001. Walk-up Hallowe’en Express tickets will not be available.

About The Henry Ford

Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford, a globally recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence at thf.org, its national television series The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation and Invention Convention Worldwide, the growing affiliation of organizations fostering innovation, invention and entrepreneurship in K-12 students, The Henry Ford inspires individuals to unlock their potential and help shape a better future.

Study Shows State-By-State Reopenings Exacerbate COVID

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As Summer vacations end in Europe and in the United States and students return to college campuses and primary schools worldwide, fresh waves of COVID infections are causing renewed restrictions after loosening in the Spring and Summer. However, a new study shows that this uncoordinated opening, closing, and reopening of states and counties, is making the COVID problem worse in the U.S., according to the authors of a new study released today. Using methods from their previous work, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, MIT PhD student Michael Zhao and Sinan Aral, Director of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy and author of the upcoming book The Hype Machine, have released the first comprehensive study of the impact of state-by-state re-openings on the COVID pandemic, spanning January to July, 2020 with surprising and troubling results.

After studying combined data on the mobility of over 22 million mobile devices, daily data on state-level closure and reopening policies and social media connections among 220 million Facebook users, the team found that reimposing local social distancing or shelter-in-place orders after reopening may be far less effective than policy makers would hope.

In fact, such closures may actually be counterproductive as they encourage those in locked down regions to flee to reopened regions, potentially causing new hotspots to emerge. This analysis demonstrates that travel spillovers are not only systematic and predictable, but also large and meaningful.

Arizona was one of the first states to open businesses, but in late June, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and water parks were shut down for 30 days as the state became one of the virus’s new hot spots. One month after dine-in restaurants, bars, and gyms were allowed to reopen in California, Governor Gavin Newsom made the country’s most aggressive reopening reversal amid his state’s spike in COVID-19 cases, shuttering all indoor dining, bars, zoos, and museums in the state. Similar reversals have occurred in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, West Virginia among other states.

“We’ve seen a patchwork of flip-flopping state policies across the country,” says Sinan Aral, the senior author of the study. “The problem is that, when they are uncoordinated, state re-openings and even closures create massive travel spillovers that are spreading the virus across state borders. If we continue to pursue ad hoc policies across state and regional borders, we’re going to have a difficult time controlling this virus, reopening our economy or even sending our kids back to school.”

The new study showed that while closures directly reduced mobility by 5-6%, re-openings returned mobility to pre-pandemic levels. Once all of a state’s peer states (in travel or social media influence) locked down, focal county mobility in that state dropped by an additional 15-20% but increased by 19-32% once peer states reopened. “State policies have effects far beyond their borders,” says Aral. “We desperately need coordination if we are to control this virus.”

When an origin county was subject to a statewide shelter-in-place order, travel to counties yet to impose lockdowns increased by 52-65%. If the origin had reopened, but the destination was still closed, travel to destination counties was suppressed by 9-17% for nearby counties and 21-27% for distant counties. But when a destination reopened while an origin was still closed, people from the closed origins flooded into the destination by 11-12% from nearby counties and 24% from distant counties. “People flee closures and flood into newly reopened states,” says Aral, “we can’t avoid the travel spillovers caused by our ad hoc policies.”

These findings highlight the urgent need to coordinate COVID-19 reopenings across regions and the risks created by ad hoc local shutdowns and reopenings. In addition, the results highlight the importance of taking spillover effects seriously when formulating national policy and for national and local policies to coordinate across regions where spillovers are strong.

Lithuanian Natural Splendor

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It is becoming all too obvious—traditional commercial tourism needs alternatives. Whether it is pollution, the accelerating threats of climate change, the loss of biodiversity or a myriad of other travel-induced problems, it all goes back to the conventional way of visiting foreign lands. Aware of that, an increasing number of people are choosing a different form of travelling—slower, more environmentally-conscious and education-focused tourism—an ecotourism.

Ecotourism involves responsible travelling to pristine natural environments with the goal of learning more about the natural world, helping the locals and contributing to ecological conservation. To encourage this kind of mindset, Lithuania—one of the lushest countries in Europe—is inviting people to visit its forest green landscapes.

“Our country is small, but it has so much to offer in terms of natural environments and biodiversity,” said Olga Gončarova, Head of Domestic and Inbound Tourism Department at Lithuania Travel. “Over the recent years, we have noticed a growing interest in our unique natural resources—lakes, forests, marshes, rivers. Instead of spending all of the vacation in cities, tourists are choosing to spend more time in nature—exploring, meditating, being. This has been very helpful in the effort of spreading ecological awareness.”

And indeed, Lithuania has some of the most interesting and unique natural wonders, four of which are designed as national reserves—a human here is just a guest.

Čepkeliai Marsh

Fresh air and ancient landscapes surrounded by taiga-type woods with wolves and lynxes strolling around—Lithuania’s most famous swamp—the Čepkeliai Marsh—is second to none when it comes to tranquility and pure nature. The famous swamp invites visitors to take a 1.5 km educational trail and explore wetlands, small lakes, continental dunes and diverse forest fauna, as well as enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower. But beware—the reserve is a highly protected ecosystem, so to limit disturbance during the bird breeding season, from April to July, only visitors with an authorized guide can enter the park (which might be even more exciting!).

Visiting hours: From July to April, the educational trail can be visited independently, with written permission issued by the local directorate. More info here.

Kamanai Reserve

Another marsh, another wonderful opportunity to experience Lithuanian nature. The Kamanai Reserve offers a breathtaking educational trail through an extremely well-preserved ecosystem—so protected that in fact you can visit it only with an official guide. The biodiversity found in the reserve is astonishing—it is home to wolves, lynxes, hazel dormice, blackcocks and a variety of other species, including the near-extinct spoonleaf sundew. While Kamanai is open all-year-round, it is especially stunning during spring and fall when the trees change color—particularly when viewed from the 30-meter-tall observation tower built next to the trail.

Visiting hours: Kamanai Reserve can only be visited with an official guide. More info here.

Viešvilė Reserve

Located in the Western Lithuania, the Viešvilė Reserve offers a guided 1.8 km tour through multiple marshes, lakes, rivers and forests. Wolves, otters, cranes and other animals are among the reserve’s permanent residents, while black alders, spruces, pines make up the majority of the forests. After concluding the hike, guests are invited to learn more about the local flora and fauna by participating in interactive activities at the visitor’s center. On top of that, the reserve is known for its exceptional nursery of wood grouses—the only place in Lithuania where you can see the birds from up close.

Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve

Visiting hours: Guided tours are available daily until 5 PM. For the weekends, booking in advance is required. Local directorate must be contacted before the arrival for availability. The educational trail is available free of charge at any time. More info here.

Though officially established in 1937, the Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve has been attracting scientists and the general public since the 19^th century. And for a good reason—Lithuania’s oldest and largest reserve is home to more than 2000 species of animals, including over 240 different species of birds, many of whom are classified as endangered. While the reserve is mostly composed of marshes, it also features the shallowest lake in the country, Lake Žuvintas, which, with the average depth of only 0.6 m, is often regarded as a paradise for water birds. And no wonder, this place is one of the hottest spots in the country to watch the autumn bird migration, about to reach a peak in mid-September. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Žuvintas continues to offer educational tours and engage in highly-respected scientific research.

Visiting hours: Open only during the day time, the educational trail is free of charge for small groups. Paid guided tours can be booked at visitor center. The rest of the reserve’s territory can only be visited with written permission. More info about ticket prices here.

Photo curtesy of Andrius Aleksandravičius.

Nevada Adventures: Top 5 Unusual Things You Can Do in Vegas

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Most of us associate Las Vegas with a city that never sleeps and a hometown of the biggest casinos and luxurious hotels. Vegas settles in the very heart of Nevada, a state that is considered a motherland of gambling and entertainment. When you arrive in the neon city, be prepared to meet multiple celebs walking down the streets amid casual tourists. Do you want to take a picture with His Highness Elvis Presley? Easy! Dozens of artists dressed up as the King of rock-n-roll will gladly make a selfie with you.

Vegas never sleeps, just like people who visit this marvelous city. Tourists have a myriad of cool things to do in this dazzling place. You can start your trip from attending the legendary Mob Museum to learn more about gangsters and see another dark side of Vegas. Your next destination can be the iconic museum of Madame Tussauds (not to be confused with the museum in London), where you can take a photo with eminent celebs, like Britney Spears or Mike Tyson. You can dive into the atmosphere of luxury and burlesque in the notorious Burlesque Hall of Fame. Are you a huge Marvel fan? Then welcome to the Marvel Avengers Station featuring your beloved superheroes in a full size.

Top 5 unusual things to do in the neon city

Looking for more thrilling Nevada adventures?! For more demanded tourists, who want to get a truly mind-blowing and one-of-a-kind experience in the neon city, we prepared a list of the top 5 unusual things to do in Vegas.

Feel the spirit of the Wild West ghost town

The unique atmosphere of Wild West will never stop intriguing people. No wonder, as the world of brave cowboys, bandits, and saloons seems so mesmerizing and even a bit frightening (thus even more tempting). In Vegas, tourists have a unique chance to feel that Wild West thrilling spirit by booking a tour to the Wild West ghost town. The tour duration is 10 hours (10 AWESOME hours to be exact), during which visitors can learn the history of ancient cowboys, have a drink in the authentic saloon, and try their luck in gold mining. And don’t forget to purchase a cowboy hat as a souvenir from this remarkable spot.

Don’t miss the Titanic exhibition!

The sad history of the most famed liner Titanic is known to everyone. The film adaptation, directed by the eminent James Cameron, gave a second breath to the Titanic’s story and brought 11 Oscars to its creators. People still commemorate all those passengers who tragically passed away in the liner’s crash. In Vegas, you can feel the Titanic spirit as an actual traveler by attending the unique exhibition. You can step on the deck and visit recreated rooms of the legendary ship to get that realistic experience like the Titanic’s passengers decades ago. The organizers assure that those who visited their exhibition at least once would always keep Titanic’s story in their hearts.

Check the National Atomic Testing Museum

Whether you love physics or not, the National Atomic Testing Museum is a must-to-visit spot in Vegas. The museum stores unique pieces of weapons, video recordings, and letters from the times of WWII. Visitors can get a one-of-kind experience of the atomic testing and read the diaries of the prominent scientist Albert Einstein. You can discover the mysteries of atomic evolution and find out how contemporary geniuses continue their ancestors’ path by developing new top-notch technologies. You can put yourself in Sheldon Cooper’s shoes in the museum and find out what it feels like to be a talented physicist.

Visit the Red Rock Canyon

Nothing can beat the beauty of witnessing a picturesque sunset at the Red Rock Canyon. Millions of tourists annually attend this marvelous national conservation spot in Nevada. The views of the magnificent mountains and plains, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable hiking experience make the Canyon the most beloved sightseeing among tourists and locals. Visitors can book a camping tour and spend a night under the open-air, sitting near the fire and listening to the guitar. They can admire the beauty of the surrounding nature and landscape at an aerial view by booking a flight across the Canyon. This mysterious place won’t leave anyone cold.

Get unforgettable emotions in the Caesars Palace

Nevada is a gambling state, and Vegas is the heart of the most luxurious casinos and entertainment spots. When you are in Vegas, the No.1 spot to see on your map should be Caesars Palace. This magnificent place will change your vision of entertaining routine as nobody gets bored there. No wonder that this resort is titled the Palace because once you enter its doors, you dive into the parallel universe with the gorgeous halls, Michelin-starred restaurants, and lavish casinos. The majestic gambling area in the Caesars Palace will make you feel like George Clooney’s hero at Ocean’s Eleven. Visitors can have a tour in the Caesars Palace even if they don’t stay in the hotel. It is a dream place for gamblers and high rollers or casual spectators who want to feel that unique thrill.

Things to know when scheduling a voyage to Vegas

When you are in Vegas, you won’t let yourself get bored. However, there are some rules you must know when planning to visit the city of dazzle:

In Vegas, it is forbidden to drink alcohol if you are under 21.

You can’t stop a taxi on the street in Vegas. Taxis can take passengers only in the designated spots. Usually, they locate near hotels, restaurants, and casinos.

You can get married within an hour in any chapel if you provide your ID. Vegas marriages are the fastest and easy-going, though we can’t say the same thing about the divorces. When considering tying the knot in Vegas, better think twice not to pass through a tiresome divorce process afterward.

Take gambling mindfully! Though casinos and wagering activities are allowed in Nevada, there are many pitfalls that gamblers must learn before visiting a gambling spot. According to the WorldBookmakers’ experts, bettors can start wager on real money only if they set up a strategy in advance. A good strategy is a key to hit the bank on wagering and gambling.

Summing up

People who have been in Vegas at least once admit that this majestic city stole their hearts forever. If you plan a trip to the neon city, pick up the sightseeing you want to visit beforehand. You can schedule a shopping marathon, attend the largest museums in the area, go camping to the legendary Canyon, and try your fortune at the luxurious casinos. So many awesome spots and gorgeous places to visit along the way! Vegas is full of opportunities that you can discover firsthand.

Exploring SouthWest Germany’s Lake Constance by Bicycle

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The State Tourist Board of Baden-Württemberg, also known as SouthWest Germany, is home to one of the most beautiful and relaxing outdoor paradises in all of Europe: Lake Constance and its island jewels. Centrally located in the heart of Europe between SouthWest Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Lake Constance offers outdoor beauty, gardens, palaces and unique museums, including a bronze age village, the Zeppelin Museum and lakeside castles. Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year to pedal around this special corner of Europe.

Lake Constance and its exquisite islands of Mainau and Reichenau offer visitors a safe, luxurious and outdoor destination that combines history, natural beauty, water sports, medieval villages, unique museums and luxurious hotels with Michelin menus that will appeal to the current travelers seeking a beautiful escape. Biking around Lake Constance and visiting the islands by boat is one of the most memorable ways to immerse one’s self in the environment. Visitors can start by bicycle from the city of Constance and make their way to the botanical island of Mainau and then take in the Bronze Age Village, the medieval town of Meersburg followed by the Zepplin Museum in Friedrichshafen.

Botanical Garden Island of Mainau

On the garden island of Mainau, visitors are not only treated to flowers, botanicals and beautiful trees but with exhibits that teach conservation, ecology and the influence of nature. For example, during a tour of the flower island, the island guests learn about photosynthesis in the energy pavilion and generating energy. The main events however are the flowers themselves and they do not disappoint. Year after year, millions of crocuses, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths line the Frühlingallee, peonies from China and Tibet are followed by rhododendrons and azaleas. One of the highlights in the floral year is the month of June when the roses present themselves in more than 1,000 varieties along the allee. The dahlia show has a tradition on the Mainau, which announces a colorful autumn along the banks of the island. More than 12,000 dahlias with 250 varieties unfold, and each year, they choose a dahlia queen.

The Monastery Island of Reichenau

The monastery island of Reichenau is a UNESCO world heritage site and an example of the religious and cultural role of a large Benedictine monastery in the Middle Ages. The three Romanesque churches of the island from the 9th to the 11th century illustrate the early medieval architecture in Central Europe. But it’s not just the architecture, although the buildings are a stunning combination of styles from the Carolingian, Ottoman and Salian periods. The monastery and churches open up a vital historical view into the work and production of the monks and the spread of Christianity in the western world. These monks and monastery had a powerful and lasting influence on the spiritual, intellectual and artistic life in Europe. At the time, the monastery was an important artistic center and today, the wall paintings and illuminations are significant to the art history in Europe of the 10th and 11th centuries.

You can visit each of the churches, get an overview of the art and the lifework of the monks in the museum and you can enjoy the natural beauty of the island, including orchards and gardens. It is easy to reach the island by way of the daily ferry that goes to and from many of the charming towns around Lake Constance.

The Bronze Age Village on the shores of Lake Constance

Just across the lake on the opposite shore is another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pfahlbauten or prehistoric lake dwellings from the Late Neolithic, the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. In 2011, 111 places with pile dwellings in six European countries became UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including nine on Lake Constance. The museum and the village, which is a network of thatched huts built on pilings (said to be for transportation or security), provide re-enactments of the lives of the pile dwellers, including a show of their tools, such as the oldest wheel and textiles in Europe, which date from around 3000 BC. The museum shows the results of the excavations from 3,000 to 900 BC. It was the preservation of archaeological finds in the mud that enabled this unique reconstruction for early life at the lake. They provide fantastic tours in English for all ages.

Medieval Town of Meersburg – the last stop on the Baden Wine Trail

Meersburg is a must visit as it is so charming and picturesque. The town owes its baroque silhouette to the prince bishops of Constance who built sumptuous castles with the participation of the famous baroque architect Balthasar Neumann. Visitors are enamored with the charming wood framework houses, alleyways and cobblestone streets, marvelous squares and panoramic views especially from the terrace of the New Castle where you can enjoy the lake and the background of the Swiss Alps.

The Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen

The Zeppelin Museum brings to life innovations in technology and art. It owes its name to the airships developed by Graf Zeppelin in Friedrichshafen. It houses two collections. The first is the world’s largest collection on airships and the innovation of “lighter than air.” The highlight of this section is the walk-in, partial reconstruction of LZ 129 Hindenburg. The museum is also gradually expanding the collection to include technically innovative products originating in Friedrichshafen that have gained worldwide significance.The art collection includes works of innovative workshops from the Middle Ages and the Baroque period. During the Third Reich, Lake Constance became a refuge for leading avant-garde artists such as Otto Dix, Max Ackermann, Erich Heckel and Willi Baumeister. These artists form another focal point of the art collection.

The City of Constance

The best place to start and end your journey is the city of Constance where you can rent your bicycles and enjoy the charming town, boutique shopping and indulge in a bit of luxury at the beautiful four and five star hotels that dot the shoreline. SouthWest Germany, officially the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, is a beautiful part of Germany that has depth and breadth of history and beauty that is inspiring and instructive. Combined with world class food and wine, beautiful countryside and charming inns and hotels, SouthWest Germany is a true vacation destination. #dreamnowvisitlater

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360 Magazine Marches on Washington

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By Cassandra Yany × Armon Hayes, Vaughn Lowery

Recently, our team journeyed to Washington, D.C. for the National Action Network’s Commitment March. The August 28 march marked 57 years since the March on Washington where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historic “I Have A Dream” speech. According to the National Action Network’s website, the goal of the march was to advocate for comprehensive police accountability reform, promote participation in the Census and motivate voters to cast their ballots in the upcoming Presidential election.

The National Action Network was founded by Rev. Al Sharpton in 1991. With nearly 100 chapters nationwide, the civil rights organization works in the tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr. to achieve “one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, criminal record, economic status, gender, gender expression or sexuality.”

The trip from New York to Washington, D.C. was made easy by taking Amtrak’s Acela service. Despite the higher price point, the Acela is newer and less crowded than regional trains. The express train eliminated the burden of tolls and stopped in only a few cities, arriving in D.C. after about three and a half hours. It can be stressful to travel right now, so it was a relief to see how clean the train was. The quiet car, basic free wifi and outlets on board provided the perfect environment to research and write articles on our tablets. We utilized our extra time to discuss with one another and prepare for our coverage of the march and our days in D.C.

The café offered coffee and various snack options, and the sliding glass doors made it easy for us to walk through the cars. The reclining seats were comfortable and allowed us to rest before our trip. There were also sections of four seats for those traveling in a larger group. Each passenger could bring two personal items weighing up to 25 pounds, and two carry-on bags weighing up to 50 pounds at no additional cost. Amtrak is currently offering reduced fares for two to six tickets purchased together where riders can save eight to 45 percent.

Kaelen Felix illustrates Amtrak story for 360 MAGAZINE

Luckily, we were able to call Amtrak in advance to ensure we could carry on our folding bicycles. With limited parking available in the city, electric bikes served as a great mode of transportation for many protesters. E-bikes such as the DYU Smart Bike and a custom scooter from Good Vibe Gliders were an affordable alternative to renting a car, and made covering and participating in the march much easier.

The Commitment March: Get Your Knee Off Our Necks started early Friday morning. Participants marched through the National Mall, many carrying signs remembering those whose lives have been lost in acts of police violence. Others displayed “Black Lives Matter” on flags, shirts and masks.

Some participants created street art during the event, voicing their support through their work. At one point, a number of demonstrators stood together in the Reflecting Pool in front of the Washington Monument. Marchers reached the section of 16 Street NW that has become known as “Black Lives Matter Plaza” around 3:30 PM before dispersing for the day.

Organizers of the march upheld COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. The National Action Network placed multiple signs throughout the National Mall encouraging social distancing, and took marchers’ temperatures as they entered the area. Face masks were distributed to people who did not have one, and visitors from high-risk areas were urged to join virtually from their homes. There was also a testing booth on site, as reported by WUSA 9.

The march was co-convened by Sharpton and Martin Luther King III. Among the thousands of attendees who gathered on the National Mall were the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner and Jacob Blake. Many members of these families gave speeches at the Lincoln Memorial, along with lawmakers from across the country. These congressmen and women pushed for legislation that would address cases of racial injustice.

Though she was not present, Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris shared her message to marchers via Twitter. In her speech, which was played at the event, she said, “…if we work together, to challenge every instinct our nation has to return to the status quo, and combine the wisdom of long time warriors for justice, with the creative energy of the young leaders today, we have an opportunity to make history, right here and right now.”

Yolanda Renee King took the stage to address the crowd, standing where her grandfather had led March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In a video posted by CNN she said, “We stand and march for love and we will fulfill my grandfather’s dream.” She then led a chant of “Show me what democracy looks like; This is what democracy looks like!”

Friday was also the 65th anniversary of Emmett Till’s murder. The 14-year-old was lynched and thrown off a bridge while visiting family in Mississippi. He was abducted after “allegedly whistling at a white woman,” according to ABC 7 Chicago, and his body was found mutilated in the Tallahatchie River. Till’s family never received justice, as the two men responsible for his death were both acquitted. Till’s murder helped to spark the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s. Civil rights leader and former congressman John Lewis wrote that “Emmett Till was [his] George Floyd” in a New York Times essay that was published on the day of Lewis’ funeral.

The trip provided a meaningful experience to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as time to see local relatives. 360 President Vaughn Lowery visited his uncle Leroy Lowery, the former executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, who raised over $120 million for the Stone of Hope.

Leroy Lowery is the son of the late Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, a civil rights leader who helped Martin Luther King, Jr. establish the Southern Christina Leadership Conference, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Leroy Lowery attended the march with his father in 1963 and stated on Friday, “to see that we have to march [again] 57 years later is deflating.”

4 Observations Showing Us the World Has Changed

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Oh boy. Did you ever think back in, hey, just 2019, that we’d end up where we are now? The world has changed significantly over the course of a year, but honestly, the writing has been on the wall for a while now that things are about to get real.

1. Celebrity status is now cemented as a valid work background as a politician, even president

Yep, Kanye is making a swing at getting on the ballot for the next election in the US. Crazy? No, considering both Trump and Schwarzenegger paved the way have gone on to be successfully voted in, after serving as a reality TV star (/businessman) and action movie hero, respectively.

Celebrities are (mostly) aware that they get a huge platform to speak from: they already have household name recognition. In fact, this is why Taylor Swift said she kept her political opinions to herself for so long. She believed that she was ‘just a pop singer’ so her approval or disapproval of political goings-on shouldn’t be used to sway her listener’s votes. She ended up changing her tune, but it really speaks to the reasons why we shouldn’t listen to celebs just because they’re in our faces.

Instead (sorry, Ye) we should look to people experienced in politics, leadership, international relations, and industry, instead of celebrities who have experience in their craft, marketing, and jet setting. Instead, politicians should listen to celebs as consultants – they have a unique world view which can be useful to hear.

2. International travel is no longer a thing

Planning your next far-flung island getaway? Ha! Hahaha! Yeah… about that.

Throw your mind waaaay back, back to the beginning of 2020. International travel was more affordable than ever. Your Instagram was filled with stories from your mates time at the Maldives, or Bali, or Croatia. Life was grand and you were excited for your summer trip this year. Then came Covid and now international travel is only really for EU citizens (and maybe not even) and everywhere else is closed. No stamps on your passport, ridiculously expensive flights, and zero tourist visas anyway.

Hope you’re happy holidaying somewhere close to home or getting the green screen out and just pretending. How many airlines will collapse before this is all over? How much will the tickets be afterward? When are we going to get to travel? Who. Knows.

3. We’re doing evvvverything online

Working from home, attending classes online, socializing via Zoom. Everyone has had to get used to doing their regular ‘in-person’ activities in a stripped-back, purely online form. And it’s worked for the most part.

Even activities you may not have thought of have shifted online – for instance, gamblers stepping away from the huge, luxury casinos they’re used to playing at in favor of online houses. Of course, these land-based casinos have something their online counterparts cannot replicate (it’s good but not quite the same). When you enter you feel the energy, the scale of the places, and, unless you’re a billionaire, you may feel a little intimidated.

With such a huge shift online, it’s unlikely we’ll see the pendulum swing back entirely the other way to in-person activities. It’s great not having to wear pants, after all.

There is now such a thing as BC and AC: Before COVID-19 and After COVID-19, and it is apparent that there is a shift in international relations during these time periods. While there may not be a significant shift in power dynamics between different countries – yet – there certainly has been some interesting ripples as different countries, and even different regions within countries, feel dismayed at others’ policies.

4. International relations have shifted

Of course, much of this international shift has to do with the posture of the US, with Europeans now alarmed at the rising rates of coronavirus and wondering why US citizens aren’t more concerned with their health. There’s also the president out here returning to calling COVID-19 “The China Virus” which strains already fraught tensions between the two superpowers. The meddling of Russia in both the US elections and (allegedly) Brexit. People are still wary of China and yet intrigued as to how cleverly they’ve seemingly handled their internal coronavirus situation.

To sum up: it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.

However, these new emerging dynamics are unlikely to go away, or back to the way they were any time soon, if at all. It’s going to be a very interesting few years to come.

The world has changed and it’s still changing – faster and faster. Let’s see where we end up next, hey? And can 2020 please be over already?