Wednesday 30 March 2022

How To Keep Your New Smartphone Safe And Secure

 

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When it comes to buying a new smartphone, you'll likely just want a simple device that lets you make and receive calls and stay in touch with loved ones and friends through various messaging and communications apps.

As you will have no doubt gathered by now, the best smartphones on the market aren't cheap, and when they get damaged, for instance, they can be costly to repair. Likewise, if a smartphone ever got lost or stolen, they are not cheap to replace if they aren't insured.

If you're going to buy a tech item like a new smartphone soon, it makes sense to bear in mind some tips for keeping your new purchase safe and secure. Take a look at the following inspirational ideas to get started:

Get Your Phone Insured

It doesn't matter whether your new smartphone costs £50 or £500. The last thing you want to do is spend the same amount of money again buying a replacement smartphone if something happens to the one you've purchased.

That's why it makes sense to consider getting mobile phone insurance. Such policies don't cost much, and they cover things like accidental damage, loss and theft.

You'd only have to pay a few pounds each month for your cover, and you can usually claim whether something happened at home or when you were out and about.

It's worth checking if your household contents insurance policy covers mobile phones as you don't want to pay for such cover if you've already got it.

Buy A Protective Case

Most smartphones are of a "slab" design rather than a "clamshell" layout. One thing you'll have noticed about virtually all of today's slab-style smartphones is that they have large glass screens that can easily crack if they get dropped from a height.

Accidents like those happen occasionally, but one practical way to avoid accidental damage to your new smartphone is by investing in a phone case.

There are many different designs and styles on the market, but you should ideally look at ones that completely cover the rear and sides of the phone for ultimate protection.

Install A Smartphone Tracking App

What happens if you misplace your smartphone when you're outdoors? Also, what would happen if your phone got stolen? You'd have to claim on your mobile phone insurance or potentially spend lots of money buying a replacement smartphone in those situations.

Did you know that you can use smartphone apps to track where your device is in case it ever gets lost or stolen?

As this article shows, a simple smartphone tracking app that silently runs in the background on your device can help track where it is, wherever you are in the world. Most smartphones come with built-in tracking apps, but you can use third-party ones too.

Avoid Using Your Device In The Rain

Most of today's smartphones have some degree of protection from water, and a few examples can even survive being submerged in water up to a specific depth for a period of time.

With that in mind, why should you avoid using your new smartphone outdoors when it rains? You might not know it, but some devices have hidden internal markers or dyes that become apparent when they contact water.

Smartphone manufacturers can refuse to repair such devices under warranty as they will claim the damage got caused by the owner rather than through an existing fault that occurred from the factory.

Use Only Genuine Chargers

If you tend to visit family members a lot or even stay over at their homes sometimes, you'll need to charge your smartphone at some point.

When you buy a new phone, you only get a single charger or charging cable, so buying another one you can use whenever you travel makes sense.

However, don't make the mistake of buying a cheap, unbranded charger and the reason is that some generic chargers are unsafe and can be a potential fire hazard. Always stick with genuine branded chargers.

Use Strong Passwords For Your Apps

Last but not least, there will be some services or apps on your new smartphone that will require login credentials to access, such as mobile banking or email.

Using strong passwords for each of those services makes sense to reduce the risk of your login credentials getting fraudulently used by nefarious members of society.

Also, ensure you only use secure Wi-Fi networks when apps or services require you to log into them. Ideally, use mobile data connections instead of unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks for increased password protection.


This is a collaborative post.


Wednesday 23 March 2022

A 15-Step Guide On How To Prepare For A Family Vacation

 If you're like most families, you're probably planning a getaway to enjoy some much-needed time away from home. But if you're not careful, your dream vacation can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare. Follow these fifteen steps to make sure you're properly prepared for your family vacation!

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A 15-Step Guide On How To Prepare For A Family Vacation

Step 1: Decide where you want to go

The first step in any family vacation is deciding where you want to go. Do some research and narrow down your options until you find the perfect spot. Once you've chosen a destination, start making arrangements for transportation, lodging, and activities. Setting up your travel budget at this point is also a good idea. This way, you'll know exactly how much money you have to work with, and you can start making plans accordingly.

Step 2: Book your travel arrangements

If you're flying, book your tickets as early as possible to get the best deals. If you're driving, map out your route and make sure you have a reliable vehicle. Make sure to factor in any stops you'll need to make along the way for food, gas, or restroom breaks.

Step 3: Find a place to stay

Once you've settled on a destination, it's time to find a place to stay. If you're camping or hiking, make sure to reserve your campsite well in advance. If you're staying in a hotel, look for discounts and coupons that can help reduce the cost of your lodging. Airbnb is also a great option for finding affordable, unique accommodations.

Step 4: Plan your activities

Now that you know where you're going and where you'll be staying, it's time to start planning your activities. If you're visiting a theme park, make sure to buy your tickets in advance and familiarise yourself with the park's layout. If you're hiking or camping, research the trails and make sure you have the necessary equipment. This is often a difficult call if you have an age spread in your children.

Step 5: Pack your bags

Now comes the fun part: packing for your trip! Make a list of everything you'll need, and then start gathering items from around the house. Don't forget to pack clothes for all weather conditions like sports jackets, as well as any essential toiletries and medications. Remember to focus more on practicality than style, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. Less is more when it comes to packing, so try to be as efficient as possible.

Step 6: Prepare your home for your absence

Before you leave for your trip, take some time to prepare your home. If you're gone for an extended period of time, make sure to have someone water your plants and take out the trash. You may also want to unplug all your electronics to save on electricity costs. House-sitters and pet-sitters are a great option if you have the budget for it.

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Step 7: Make travel arrangements for your pets

If you're travelling with pets, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and vaccinations in order. You'll also need to find a pet-friendly hotel or kennel and pack enough food and water for your trip. Alternatively, arrange with a pet-sitter to take care of your furry friend while you're gone.

Step 8: Educate your kids about travel safety

If you're travelling with young children, it's important to educate them about travel safety. Make sure they know how to behave in public, what to do if they get lost, and whom to contact in case of an emergency. This way, you can rest assured knowing that your kids are prepared in case of an emergency.

Step 9: Plan for potential delays

No matter how well you plan, there's always a chance that something will go wrong and your trip will be delayed. Make sure you have a contingency plan in case of travel delays and pack enough snacks and entertainment to keep your kids occupied.

Step 10: Have an Emergency Kit with you at all times

No matter where you're travelling or how long you'll be gone, it's always a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand. This should include a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a whistle, and anything else that could come in handy in case of an emergency.

Step 11: Secure your valuables

When you're packing for your trip, make sure to secure your valuables in a safe place. This includes items like jewellery, laptops, cameras, and other electronics. You may also want to keep a copy of your passport and travel insurance information in a safe place.

Step 12: Stay hydrated and eat healthily

When you're travelling, it's important to stay hydrated and eat healthy meals. Pack plenty of water and snacks for the road, and try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. If you're travelling by plane, make sure to drink extra water to offset the dry air cabin.

Step 13: Stretch before long flights or car rides

If you're going on a long flight or car ride, it's important to stretch beforehand. This will help prevent muscle cramps and fatigue. Bring along a yoga mat or some other type of exercise equipment if possible.

Step 14: Get organised at your destination

When you finally arrive at your destination, take some time to get organised. Unpack your clothes and put them away, make a list of all the places you want to visit and familiarise yourself with your surroundings.

Step 15: Create lasting memories

After all the planning and preparation, it's finally time to relax and enjoy your vacation. Whether you're exploring a new city or lounging on the beach, make sure to savour every moment of your well-deserved time off.

One of the best things about taking a family vacation is creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Make sure to take lots of photos, write down your experiences in a journal, and keep mementoes from your trip. That way, you can always look back on your trip and recall all the happy moments.

There You Have It

A family vacation can be a great way to bond with your loved ones and explore new places. By following these ten simple steps, you can make sure that your trip goes smoothly and without any major hiccups. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for some fun!


This is a collaborative post.


Friday 4 March 2022

Questions to Ask when Researching Care Homes

 When researching care homes for a loved one, it's essential to ask the right questions. Something we have talked about lately, I do not want my children having to look after me, not fair on them or me. Not all care homes are created equal, and you'll want to make sure that the home you choose is the best fit for your loved one's needs. This blog post will discuss some of the most important questions to ask when researching care homes. Keep in mind that these are just a starting point - you should always tailor your questions to fit your specific situation.

Photo by Matthias Zomer from Pexels


#1 What are the home's staffing levels like?


You'll want to make sure that the care home you're considering has enough staff to provide quality care for residents. Ask about staff ratios and how many employees are on duty during each shift.


It's also important to ask about the qualifications and training of the staff members. For example, find out what kind of experience they have and whether they're certified in many specialities (like dementia care).


Finally, you'll want to get a sense of the staff members' personalities. Are they caring and compassionate? Do they seem like they truly enjoy their job? These are essential factors to consider when choosing a care home for your loved one in West Sussex.

#2 What is the home's philosophy on care?


Each care home has its own unique approach to providing care. For example, some Care homes focus on independence, while others emphasize a more hands-on approach. Some homes also offer specialized care services, like dementia care or palliative care. If your loved one has specific needs, it's important to find a home that can accommodate them. 


Ask the staff members about their philosophy on care and how they implement it in day-to-day life at home. This will give you a good sense of whether the home is a good fit for your loved one.

#3 What are the home's living arrangements like?


Care homes in Worthing area come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of different living arrangements. For example, some homes have private rooms, while others have shared rooms. Some care homes also offer apartment-style living, which allows residents to live more independently. Ask the home about their living arrangements, and find out what would be the best fit for your loved one.


Keep in mind that some care homes require residents to sign a contract committing them to a specific length of stay. So if you're not sure whether your loved one will feel comfortable at home, it's important to ask about this before making any decisions.

#4 What is the home's policy on visitors?


Many care homes have a strict no-visitors policy. This is because they want to ensure that residents are able to get the privacy and quiet they need. However, some homes do allow visitors, either during specific hours or anytime they're not busy with other activities.


If you're considering a care home for your loved one, it's important to ask about their visitor policy. This will help you decide whether the home is right for your family. Keep in mind that many care homes offer occasional family events, like holiday parties or barbecues. If you're not able to visit often, these events can be a great way to stay connected with your loved one.


These are just a few of the critical questions to ask when researching care homes. By taking the time to ask these questions, you can be sure that you're choosing the best possible home for your loved one.


This is a collaborative post