A smooth trip ahead: How to keep the peace when traveling with a new friend

Peace sign by Golden Gate Bridge

Traveling with a new friend can be a great experience, but it can also be daunting.

How do you avoid conflicts from arising? How do you make sure that you both have a good time?

Below are some tips to help make your next trip with a new friend a success.

Practicing compromise

You’re both there to enjoy yourselves, what’s the point if you’re constantly butting heads?

Resolving conflicts is all about remaining calm on the issue at hand. Take a step back, and try to figure out why the conflict is happening in the first place. Is one person trying to take over? Are you not agreeing on what to do or where to go?

Once you’ve identified the source of the conflict, it’s time to compromise. Maybe it means one person gets to decide on dinner and the other picks the movie. Or maybe you take turns choosing activities each day. The possibilities are endless, but the goal is always the same: to consider the needs of both.

Respecting personal space

Everyone travels differently and has different comfort levels.

While you may be excited to explore every inch of the city, your new friend might prefer to take things a little slower.

Respect their comfort levels and don’t try to push them outside of their comfort zone. If they’re not interested in going out to a club, don’t get mad—just find something else to do.

Pay attention to their expressions and body language. If they’re not keen on talking, give them some space. If they’re looking uncomfortable, back off. Be considerate of each other’s feelings. If someone is tired or doesn’t feel well, be understanding and allow them to rest.

Keeping the conversation going
two ladies looking at their laptop

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Before your trip, agree on boundaries. What are your expectations? How much downtime do you want? What are your triggers?

This way, there are no surprises once you’re on the road. And, if a conflict does arise, you would have already talked about it and be able to think before you speak.

Remember: long-haul travel is already tiresome enough—you don’t need added tension from a fight with your travel buddy.

Dividing planning tasks for the trip

Divvy up the tasks so that everyone has a chance to contribute and feel like they’re a part of the planning process.

If you’re the one who’s been tasked with finding accommodation, for example, you can look for hotels or Airbnbs that are centrally located and close to public transportation.

If your travel buddy is in charge of finding activities, they can look for things that would be of interest to both of you and make sure there’s the right mix of activities planned for each day.

And if you’re both struggling to agree on what to do, there are always compromise options like using a travel app that allows you to plan out your days together step-by-step.

By doing this, you can each add in the activities that are most important to you and make sure everyone is happy with the final itinerary.

Communicating priorities and expectations

Lastly, reduce the chances of conflict by communicating your expectations and priorities before you even start packing your bags.

If you like to be on the go from sunrise to sunset, but your travel buddy prefers a more relaxed pace, it’s better to know that upfront.

The same goes for other essential details like how much you’re comfortable spending on activities or where you like to stay (budget hotel or five-star resort?).

It’s also important to respect each other’s communication styles. Some people are perfectly happy planning every minute of the trip, while others prefer to go with the flow.

If you’re a planner and your friend is more laid-back, try to find a middle ground that works for both of you. Maybe you can plot the big-picture stuff and leave room for spontaneity when it comes to the day-to-day details.

When traveling with a new friend, the best way to avoid any potential conflict is to communicate openly and honestly. Let your new friend know what your travel plans and expectations are, and be willing to compromise when necessary. By establishing some ground rules and communicating effectively, you can avoid any potential problems and have a smooth and enjoyable trip to come.

Read More...

How To Save Money When You’re Single

Managing your finances as a single man or woman has both its advantages and disadvantages. As such, you have the freedom to choose how you intend to save or spend. On the other hand, married individuals have the safety net of a second income.

The benefit of managing your money when you are single is freedom. There is no one else to check in if you want to spend your Christmas bonus on a trip to Europe. Complete freedom cannot happen when you are married. Living off peanut butter and bread may sound reasonable to you, but your spouse and children may disagree.

When it comes to the disadvantage, you do not have a partner to offer accountability. Moreover, you do not have a safety net of second income should an emergency such as job loss occur. You need to figure out how to pay for food, loan payments, rent, and other expenses alone.

Hence, you must start managing your money by creating a budget.

#1: SET A BUDGET

Control your finances by creating a budget. You can try the 50/30/20 method. With this strategy, you allocate 50% of your income for fixed costs, 20% for savings and debt repayment, and the remaining 30% for your non-essentials. Adjust these percentages when necessary.

#2: FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER

We all need help. If you are single and you are having trouble with staying within your budget, you can find an accountability partner. Here is a helpful phrase: “It is not in the budget!”

#3: MASTER YOUR MEALS

You may be tempted to simply order takeout or eat at restaurants, but this strategy can easily get expensive in the long run. Cooking your own meals can save you a lot of cash. Search online for budget-friendly recipes for one person.

#4: MAKE YOUR GOALS HAPPEN

Set specific, measurable, time-sensitive, and attainable financial goals. Put them into writing. It will be easier to stay motivated when you can read these goals on a daily basis. For instance, you can create a list of goals and stick it to your fridge or make a desktop wallpaper out of it.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

Get hired now: Writing an outstanding cover letter to grab a hiring manager’s attention

sample cover letter

You’ve polished your resume and you’re ready to apply for your dream job. But there’s one more critical piece of the puzzle: the cover letter.

An outstanding cover letter can make all the difference in helping you stand out from the competition and land an interview. It’s your opportunity to show off your skills, share your passion for the job, and explain why you’re the perfect person for the position.

So how do you write a cover letter that will get hiring managers’ attention? Check out our tips below.

Research the company and tailor your message

Your cover letter should start with a strong opening statement that explains why you want the job and what you bring to the table.

Be sure to mention the job title and where you found the position. And most importantly, personalize the letter. This shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and that you’re truly interested in the opportunity.

Include some of your personality

When it comes to writing your cover letter, think about including some of your personality.

After all, this is your opportunity to introduce yourself and show the hiring manager that you will be a great addition to the team. How do you do that? Do it through a story or two from your career that demonstrates your skills.

For example, if you’re applying for a customer service position, talk about a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer. Or, if you’re hoping to work in marketing, share the lessons you’ve learned from a successful campaign you spearheaded.

By allowing your personality to shine through stories like these, you will help the hiring manager see that you don’t just have the skills and experience they’re looking for, you’re more than that. And that’s always a good way to start a conversation.

Understand who you’re writing to
man using his laptop

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Bear in mind who you’re writing to. After all, you want to make sure that your letter is tailored to the person who will be reading it.

Ideally, you should address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, search through LinkedIn. If all else fails, use “Dear Hiring Manager” as a last resort.

Keep it concise and relevant

Focus on the qualifications and experiences that relate to the job you’re applying for.

The hiring manager will appreciate it if you can communicate concisely, in four paragraphs or fewer, why your skills make you a great candidate for the role.

You don’t need to go into all of your experience, just a few relevant points, and remember: focus on the job description requirements. Any non-relevant information should be left out as it will only add clutter and confusion to your letter.

How to end your cover letter

Now that you have the main body of your cover letter sorted out, it’s time to start thinking about how to artfully conclude it.

To make a lasting impression, you should always express a bit of your passion and confidence. Everyone wants a motivated employee, so why not let them know that’s exactly who they’re getting?

When wrapping up your cover letter, show appreciation for the reader’s consideration (and time) while also taking a gentle interest in the next steps. For instance, you can close by saying something like:

“Thank you for your valuable time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps in this process.”

By crafting a confident yet courteous conclusion to your cover letter, you can make an even bigger impact on hiring managers and increase your chances of landing a job interview.

In summary, a well-written cover letter can make a big difference in whether or not you get hired. Follow these tips to write an outstanding cover letter that will grab a hiring manager’s attention and help you land the job you want.

Read More...

How to politely reject a travel invitation from a friend

two ladies having a conversation

You’ve been invited by a friend to come along on their next vacation.

You’re excited about the prospect of spending some time off work, but you’re not sure if that’s the friend or group you would like to hang out with.

The decision of whether or not to travel with a friend can be a tricky one. If you’re on the fence, here are a few ways to politely reject a travel invitation from a friend.

Suggesting alternatives

Here’s a template that works like magic:

“I don’t think I’ll be able to make it this time. How about we meet for a meal before you fly?”

Honesty is the best policy

You don’t want to lead them on or make them think you’re considering their offer. The easiest way to reject a travel invitation is to be direct and say “no” in a polite way.

Keep your response short and sweet, and avoid getting into any unnecessary detail. This will help sidestep any hurtful feelings. If your friend persists, be honest and let them know that you’re not interested or you have other plans.

Ways to politely reject an invitation
chatting in the cold

Image Credits: unsplash.com

First, start by expressing gratitude for the invitation.

Let them know that you appreciate them thinking of you. And if the person is a close friend, feel free to tell them a few reasons why and how much their invitation means to you. Then move into saying why you won’t be able to join them on their trip.

When it comes to the actual refusal, don’t beat around the bush by using phrases like “maybe” or “it depends.” It’s always good to be polite but firm in your response. You can even add a little bit of humor just to lighten the mood a little.

Managing your friend’s disappointment

Let them know that even though you have no intention of going with them, you value the friendship and are thankful they thought of you.

In addition, try to avoid feeling guilty or bad about declining the invite. Remember that your friend asked because they thought it sounded like fun and wanted some company—it wasn’t a life-or-death request. So if the idea of traveling together doesn’t appeal to you, there’s no need to feel guilty about saying no!

The next time you’re invited on a trip by a friend you love but hate traveling together, remember that it’s okay to say no. You don’t have to explain yourself in detail if you don’t want to, and you don’t have to feel bad. But if you can, be honest, and be grateful for the offer.

Read More...

‘Tis the Season to Avoid Romance Scammers

Romance scammers profess their love quickly, without actually meeting you. This is the first sign of an online dating fraud. Online dating and sextortion scams can poke a deep hole in your wallet and your heart. Saying he or she loves you can be a tactic to make you give up personal details and answer security questions to open your bank accounts.

Guard your personal details and be wary of your new love interest by following these tips.

#1: BE VIGILANT OF BAD GRAMMAR

It is one thing to use slang and emojis, it is another to constantly commit grammatical errors. Sweetheart scammers are often operating outside of Singapore, so pay attention for grammatical errors and misspelled words.

#2: OFFER A PUBLIC MEETING

A surefire way to get to know someone is by meeting them in person. Choose a safe, public space that will make you feel comfortable. If your sweetheart scammer refuses to meet you in person after asking multiple times, take it as a sign that he or she is probably lying to you.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: DO NOT GIVE IN

Strangers asking you for favors and money send a red flag. Consult your trusted friend and family members if you are unsure of an online relationship. It is best to avoid giving money to strangers.

#4: DO A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH

Do your research by typing his or her name on Google and social media platforms. Your snooping habits should give you a clear impression if the person is real or a catfish. Remember to reverse search their social media profile images through Google.

#5: DO NOT SEND SENSITIVE PHOTOS

Sextortion is a serious crime that involves a perpetrator threatening to publish private and explicit information to others if you do not give in to the perpetrator’s demands. These demands usually involve money or sexual favors. Despite how deep your affection is towards a person, please avoid sending sensitive, personal photos.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Get to know the person better. Cross-check a person’s name, photo, location, email address and other details for legitimacy.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...