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A photograph is worth a thousand words, but what if you have a million photos from your latest holiday, including stunning shots of your Halloween look in which you are wearing cosplay contact lenses or a friend’s party in which you are dressed up as a zombie and wearing white contact lenses? You can move them to your laptop or hard disk, but what if you wanted to share a few of these with friends or loved ones? The best option is to store them in the cloud. Investing in good equipment like second hand cameras if you are on a tight budget or a Leica digital camera can enhance the quality of your photos, making them even more share-worthy. Here are the top cloud computing services to keep your memories safe and accessible from any device with internet access.

Privacy is another essential criterion, particularly for users who are expecting to store their private holiday family photos on the cloud. If that’s the case, it is better to decide on a cloud storage supplier with zero-knowledge coverage (such as Sync.com) or personal encryption (such as IDrive). Below are the top online storage providers for your travel photographs. Notice how all of them provide some free cloud storage for photographs so you can pick the right one for you!

Sync.com

With 5GB of free storage space and zero-knowledge encryption, Sync.com isn’t simply the best cloud photograph storage; it is also the most secure. With the latest technology in encryption, Sync.com is one of our most secure Dropbox options (for more detail, we also have compared Sync.com vs Dropbox). You can upload pictures from a desktop, tablet or mobile. Although the download and upload process takes a lot more than other cloud storage suppliers due to the encryption, that’s simply the price that you pay for privacy.

SugarSync

SugarSync is another one of the best online photo storage platforms for your holiday photography. However, SugarSync does not encrypt files everywhere, images pull up much faster as compared to Sync.com. However, SugarSync only encrypts data when it is in transit and on the cloud server. It will provide 5GB free storage, but only for 90 days. To have access to this free space you need to download SugarSync’s desktop program.

Google Drive

Google has altered its editing tool Picasa to Google Photos and has shifted the whole focus from photo editing to picture storage. With Google Photos, users get unlimited photo storage free of charge, which is perfect for storing your holiday photos. However, there are some catches, as photos can only be up to 16 megapixels in resolution. If you would like to save higher-quality photographs with RAW data, then it will count towards your total Google Drive storage. However, there is a limit of 2000 pictures per folder. Therefore, if you want to save over 2000 pictures, then you will have to split them up into multiple folders.

Moving on from these few grabs, Google Photos has a remarkably powerful search engine, which may identify components in pictures. Therefore, if you search for “shore,” then it will automatically scan through all of the uploaded photographs and pull the pictures that have a beach within them. (Yes, it’s one of the most innovative picture search programs, but it’s not ideal.) Storing pictures on cloud computing is now crucial for any holiday maker wanting to save their precious memories, as storing them on the cloud not only allows the photos to be kept in a central location but also keeps them safe if one of your devices corrupts or gets stolen. After all, our pictures hold lots of memories and losing them can be a huge loss.

Account Receivable Factoring is another term for Invoice Factoring: A type of invoice financing in which you sell a portion or all your business’s outstanding invoices to a third party as a means to increase cash flow and income stability.

With invoice factoring, the business would sell their accounts receivables to improve their working capital, which would give the business instant funds which could be used to cover business expenses.

The company gets the rest of the value of the invoice as a third-party factoring company collects payments from its customers. A factoring company pays most of an invoice upfront to a business, with the balance being paid when the invoice is paid by the customer, less their fee for the factoring. Only companies who issue invoices to customers are eligible to receive a factoring loan, so the factoring process begins when your company does business with the customer.

In businesses that are eligible, working with a factoring company effectively sells payments that you are owed on unpaid invoices, and transfers your risk to the factoring company should your clients make a late or default payment on an invoice.

Larger companies typically prefer to use recourse factors, as they can afford to return funds that they received by selling the outstanding invoices back to the factoring company should their client not make a payment.

Most factoring agreements contain a restitution clause, meaning that a firm that sold an invoice is required to pay back part or all an upfront cash payment if a customer does not pay. If an invoice goes unpaid, unless there is a no-recourse clause, the selling company generally must pay back the factoring company for any advance cash.

Known as a discount rate, a factoring fee is what you pay to borrow money from a bill financing company. Factoring fees, both fixed and variable, generally range between 0.50 percent and 5% for each month that an invoice remains unpaid.

Once a factor has collected from your final client under the standard terms for payment, it releases the rest of the invoices value back to you, less a small factoring fee — usually between one and five percent.

Once you are approved to work with a factor, you can sell off your unpaid receivables to increase working capital and avoid delays from longer-term payments.

With a factoring agreement, you typically factor every approved invoice sent to approved customer companies, no matter the amount of credit outstanding on your business. While factoring generally allows you to borrow against any unpaid invoices that you send to approved clients, invoice financing for small businesses has an underwriting processthat is far more similar to traditional lending products.

Instead of offering a term loan, which is a lump sum, factors will essentially buy the invoices from your company. The invoices themselves serve as collateral, so you do not need to worry about providing property, equipment, or other expensive forms of collateral.

Invoice Factoring Australia wide is one of the easiest types of funding for businesses to qualify for, and it allows you to receive cash very quickly — far quicker than most customer companies will pay out on invoices. While invoice factoring involves higher interest rates than many other types of business funding, the right factoring company can be an excellent partner in giving you fast access to the cash you are already making on work that helps you run and grow your company. Invoice factoring, also known as Account Receivable Factoring, gives small businesses a way to access working capital quickly by turning unpaid client invoices into cash.

A factoring provider makes an offer on your customers invoices, giving you access to much of your invoices cash value instantly, instead of waiting weeks or months for payment. Once you have your factoring arrangement set up and your customers keep paying on time, this process can be repeated over again, maximizing your cash flow and growing your company. After verifying your customers creditworthiness, a factoring company advances as much as 100% of your invoice, providing you with immediate cash flow for use on business needs.

Invoice factoring involves selling your unpaid invoices to a third-party company so the company can increase cash flow, either to finance operations or to pursue growth opportunities. To maintain bill payments and payroll funding, a business-to-business (B2B) business may seek invoice factoring, even if the company has limited credit or poor credit. Instead of working with banks or lenders, a small business owner can partner with a third-party called a factoring company (also known as simply factoring) to access funds by factoring unpaid invoices.

Your small business accepts these terms, then the invoice factoring company says it will pay you $24,000 in total for your accounts receivable. Assuming that the creditor gets all the money it is due on the outstanding invoice, then it sends the remaining 15% to 30% of the invoice amount back to the business, with interest and/or fees paid by the invoice factoring business.

Debtor financing involves borrowing of funds for the purpose of keeping the company running, to develop the company. Also, debtor financing is a broad description describing the type of financing which uses the traded receivables as collateral to secure the loans. It really helps through the form of cash advances or a line of credit for the business, which is secured by the value of the unpaid bills in a company as accounts receivables book. Businesses sell outstanding invoices on accounts receivables to the receivables financing company to get access to needed working capital.

When businesses need to unlock cash flow, selling unpaid invoices may be an option for third-party lenders, which will advance funds based on the value of these invoices. Businesses can opt for debtor finance, or invoice finance, to immediately unlock money that is owed them on unpaid accounts receivable. For businesses looking to extract funds for uncollected invoices, debtor financing provides a convenient option for mitigating company risks and providing stable cash flows.

By funding invoices that are not paid quickly, debtor financing speeds up your income–it increases working capital and gives your business the funds it needs to pay suppliers, salaries, or other expenses. 

A factoring firm advances 80%-85% of invoice value once an invoice is submitted for funding. You send an invoice to a finance company; they will give you a loan of up to 95% of invoices value.

The customer gets 80-85% of the total value of a group of invoices as available funds. When a client pays the invoice into a designated factor account, the factor deducts their fees, interest and advances on the amount sent in, then pays the remainder back to the business. If an invoice or accounts receivable remains unpaid for any longer than is specified in the debtors financing agreement, the factor has recourse against the company for funds that were advanced, meaning that it may recover money from the company.

With factoring, the factor (the institution who advances funds on invoices) participates in company management, including sending statements to a company’s customers and calling them, as needed, either to confirm invoices and deliveries or to monitor debts which are past due. The fees involved in Factoring and Discounting vary depending on the value of the invoices, the length of the financing arrangement, your customers credit rating, and the type of debt being financed. Within the scope of discounting and factoring, there are two major types of debtors financing services, differing by the type of invoice used to access funds.

Unlike invoice factoring, your business continues to manage the invoice bookkeeping and collections, meaning that invoice discounting is typically best for larger companies that have their own in-house credit and accounting departments. Generally, the invoices are not audited by a funding provider in invoice discounting, as your company’s collection and handling of the invoices is handled internally. Invoice discounting can provide privacy insofar as your customers do not or cannot tell if you are using a financing company for the collection of invoice payments.

If you prefer to keep your financing relationships confidential, invoice discounting arrangements may offer a way of obtaining financing without disclosing that the financing company is involved. If you need an ongoing funding source because, say, your company is growing rapidly, invoice discounting could be a good fit, if you are capable of managing the collection of payments. Because there are no interest charges or other costs associated with setting up other types of finance, invoice financing can often be more cost-effective than taking out an overdraft or an unsecured business loan.

If you can leverage money tied up in your debtors account to power your companies growth, invoice finance could be an efficient funding solution. Debtor financing is a form of corporate financing that allows businesses to overcome the cash flow issues that might hold them back. For start-ups and established businesses, debtor financing can be used to cover bills, negotiate discounts on payments in advance with suppliers, and provide net terms to attract new customers.

Painting and staining have benefits that increase the durability and quality of your deck space, but one option is probably best suited to your situation. You can stain your deck with things such as black timber stain. It is important to compare your deck paint options with paint before concluding how best to select wood. Regardless of what you want to protect your deck with, it’s important to prepare it appropriately before applying paint or stain, this can be done with clear decking oil.

Your professional deck builder will recommend instead of painting the deck every year, let the wood turn naturally grey over time. If your deck is wood, you will need to use deck paint to finish the surface based on recommendations unique to the type of wood used.

All wood must be thoroughly cleaned before painting, whether it is a new deck or an old deck that has been exposed to the elements and needs to be repainted. To keep the decking board looking good and extending the life of the wood, it should be painted every two to three years.

While wood stain does not cover the wood in the same way as paint, wood stain on the deck acts as a barrier between moisture and wood. Just like paint on your facade, deck stain can help prevent moisture from entering the wood.

Stain helps protect your deck from moisture and pests, helping to avoid costly problems such as mould, mildew and wood decay that could otherwise cause sagging, cracking, and even deterioration if the damage is severe enough.

Deck spray paint protects the wood from mould, mildew, moisture and rot, ultraviolet rays, and sunlight. Stains can retain moisture but cannot protect the wood from sunlight. 

Applying a high-quality wood stain, to the deck prevents sunlight from fully penetrating the wood and ensures the durability of the deck. A high-quality stain will seal the structure of the wood, so moisture does not seep into the terrace and does not cause rotting.

If you’re looking for a full wood finish, you need to consider the difference between a solid wood stain and a deck paint. If your deck is made from beautiful and expensive wood, you can use a clear stain to accentuate the texture and texture.

Do not reapply more than two times as over-finishing of the deck can promote flaking due to moisture retention in the wood. Horizontal surfaces wear out faster and can be finished first if you don’t want to go through the entire deck painting process.

On an old terrace, before painting, it is necessary to remove dirt, grey from the sun, mould and old stains.

Dyeing a new log will give the wood a more even colour or tone while sealing will help maintain its natural colour. Sealing the flooring will protect the wood from cracking, cracking, moisture, mildew and decay, while maintaining the colour and texture of the wood.

Wood flooring sealant is not the same as wood stain, although both will protect the wood from the elements.

It is hard enough to exercise as part of your normal routine, but when you are on a holiday, your workout and exercises tend to be long forgotten. However, stopping your exercise during your holiday can make it even harder to get back into a fitness routine when you come back home. But no one wants to stress on their holiday, right? And keeping to our regular workout schedule when we are elsewhere can result in more stress. Yet, staying active even when on your holiday will ensure that you have plenty of energy, reduce the tension, help lose some extra calories you ate along the way. It can even help ease jet lag. If you’re lucky enough to stay at a hotel with a luxury day spa, your problem is pretty much solved! But if your accommodation doesn’t offer a gym, you might need to get a bit creative. 

Here are a few tips to help prepare yourself and provide workouts that you can do, even on your holiday:

When you are going on a holiday, planning ahead is a good thing to do. Take your time in figuring out your options so you can be ready. Here are a few ideas to look at:

• Search for walking parks and trails nearby
• Check out hotels that have an exercise room
• If you are staying with family, ask them if they have any fitness equipment
• Talk to your family and see if they will accompany you on doing something active
• Plan very simple workouts that you don’t need much space or equipment for. 
• Plan your workout schedule beforehand, even if you need to change the plan it still shows you have made a commitment to your fitness routine
• Plan to squeeze in exercises where you can
• If you have time to rest in your room before heading out to dinner, check out YouTube for some fitness workouts that don’t need any equipment, and sneak in a quick session.
• Book an activity at your hotel. For example, take a helicopter flight over wineglass bay (if in Tasmania), and do some hiking on the beach. 

Be prepared

Plan for a worst-case scenario, like staying in a basement that has no equipment. Alternatively, imagine a case where you may only have 10 mins to workout. 

Bring your workout plan with you and make sure you only have easy exercises, for example, 10 exercises that you do for 1 min each (like lunges and squats for example). You can even research holiday workouts online, where people from all over the world put up how they exercise and keep active during their holidays.

What to pack 

• Pack your resistance bands. They are small and compact, and you can do a few quick exercises with them wherever you are
• If you have a laptop, bring it along with some workout videos or stream videos with fitness routines (without equipment) online.
• If you have any other small, compact equipment, take it with you if you can. That way you can workout in your room or sneak off to a park nearby whenever you can.
• Take your running shoes with you. They are good to have for any holiday, and you may even get a chance to slip out for 20mins and go for a jog. 

Holiday workouts

If you are looking for some workout ideas, there are many options that you can have a look at. If you want to do a workout in your hotel room, you can stream it on YouTube. Some good things to search for (that usually brings up some free videos) are:  

• 10-minute cardio blast
• No equipment travel exercises
• Low impact cardio blast
• Fat burning circuit
• Travel power strength circuit 
• Resistance bands

Be realistic and don’t be too hard on yourself. You won’t always be in charge of your schedule during a holiday, but if you do your best, you should feel proud and happy regardless of how many times you work out. You can remind yourself about all the good your exercises will do for your body and health. That’s a great way to keep up the motivation, and make sure you get back to your normal routine as soon as you get home.

Costa Rica is an emerging holiday destination with unlimited coastal glory and many attractions such as white water rafting, zip-lining, hot springs bathing and wildlife tours there is something for everyone. The large area of protected national parks is a huge highlight of Costa Rica you can even safely visit volcanoes and mountains have a truly unique experience. Costa Rica is famous for its agriculture and especially coffee, make sure you visit a plantation and taste the freshness from farm to cup. Costa Rica is an extremely diverse country in terms of biodiversity, there are over 500,000 different species of plants and animals to marvel at, they also maintain a commitment to environmentally friendly tourism practices and conservation of natural resources.

The tourism industry is bustling and booming with multiple commercial real estate developments emerging in recent years to cope with demand. There are several areas to Costa Rica, you can explore the beach haven on the Caribbean or venture into rural towns to be totally immersed in the vibrant and spirited culture of the Costa Rican people.

The Costa Rican Tourism Model often referred to “democratic” the tourism sector in Costa Rica is one of the most rapidly growing economic sectors of the country. It is a unique framework that enables tourist to most often visit three to four hotels during their visit. This model allows tourist to explore and get to know several parts of the country thereby spreading their money among several players. This boosts various sectors of the local economy at several locations.

This model has continued to gain more popularity in Costa Rica, and it is entirely different from the mass tourism model used in destinations like Mayan Riviera,the Dominican Republic or the coast of southern Spain. However, the way Costa Rica promotes its brand and experience is in sharp contrast to this model.  Most guests that stay at top branded or large all-inclusive hotels are usually transported from the airport to the hotel, and their destinations and they are not usually allowed to leave their premises except it is tour organized by the hotel. Though this can be convenient for travelers, it restricts the freedom of them to explore the local surroundings and spend money on local businesses such as restaurants and day tours. Big hotels often only organize tour they are business partners with limiting the ability of local operators to reach customers.

Although this model has contributed to the growth of the local economy, byemploying staff and bringing in tourists, however, it is not as direct and beneficial for small business in Costa Rica, and many advocates have voiced out their concern regarding this model.

The impact of this model on “residential” tourism is even more devastating. According to statistics, about 2.5 M+ foreigners arrive the country each year, and some prefer to rent condos, apartments or houses rather than staying at hotels or lodges. The primary concern here is about unfixed transactions, and the staffs that involved in such are part of an informal economy where labor regulations, social benefits, and taxes are simply ignored. There is a huge 400 room Dreams Resort in Guanacaste and a 150 room Casino in Jaco, intensifying the shift towards big tourist resorts, making it even more difficult for independent smaller scale hotels and accommodation to compete. These large commercial property sales and developments are often funded by wealthy corporate individuals who don’t support the local economy and have created controversy due to sewage dumping and degrading the natural environment.

However, these corporates are more reliable to first-time tourists, most likely having a quality management system in place as well as efficient integrated asset management. Big players have a presence on the internet and can afford to engage in advertising activity whereas smaller players in the tourism industry are not able to attract customers or even have a chance unless the partner with large corporates. This may result in the exploitation or mistreatment of unknowing small businesses who are not aware of the contracts they may be engaging in with large hotels. Small businesses should band together and create a trusted network to overcome or cooperate with corporate giants.

Costa Rica is a peaceful and majestic holiday destination that deserves to be seen by many more tourists in the future supported by ethical commercial development. To ensure a solid future for the tourism sector in Costa Rica, regulations and fair deals must be in place so large hotel chains and businesses can work cooperatively with small local businesses to boost the economy and bring the enjoyment of this wonderful country for all.

When you have a business that you work tirelessly and with dedication at, but need a travel break or are required to travel as a part of your work, you want to ensure that your business is in safe and running order whilst you are away. This is mostly to do with the competency and trustworthiness of your employees, but also importantly the effectiveness of the project management systems in place. Being away from you business, you want to ensure that information is at your fingertips and communication is streamlined so you can resolve any issues, luckily in this day and age there are multiple systems you can build into your website design for remote working capability.

Whilst you are away traveling, the safety of your business is a priority. Safety is always an important aspect with your business, preventing accidents and ensuring your employees are protected from harm and it’s crucial that business owners understand the importance of investment in safety. There are many reasons why safety is important as your staff have families to go back to, you must ensure that safety equipment and guards are always available and that appropriate reporting procedures are in place should an incident occur. A proficient safety management system in place will ensure you have peace of mind whist travelling, that your staff will be able to record and communicate any concerns to you directly so action can be taken.

No matter the size of your business, worker productivity shouldn’t be your first priority, managing safety is at the utmost importance, both for legal and moral reasons. With your absence whilst travelling you want to safeguard your business from safety threats, not just trips and accidents but also burglaries, break-ins, fire hazards, and other health risks. Verify that all electric equipment is tagged, smoke alarms are installed, security systems are in place, insurance is paid and health hazards such as mould are removed. A safety management system should record this information and prompt regular check-ups are crucial times. Aim to foster a safe work atmosphere where staff look out for each-other and raise any concerns to you whilst you are away travelling.

As an owner/manager of a business, your duties to promote safety and project monitoring include:

• Initiating and executing safe work procedures in accordance with guidelines such as Work Safe Victoria
• Following up and monitoring of progression of projects
• Training your staff to follow safe work strategies
• Make sure safe equipment and machinery is used
• Follow up and act upon injury and incident reports
• Provide safety gear to staff such as high vis clothing, appropriate footwear and sun protective gear
• Have active workers insurance and compensation as well as a back to work program for those who are injured
• Raise concerns at staff meetings and encourage safe behaviour
• Keep track of projects and procedures via a professional management system
• Ensure your employees practice good housekeeping habits and to not take any shortcuts

Traveling and being away from your business can be a daunting thought, but with proper management systems in place and a trusty web agency by your side to help with any online issues, you can be assured that your staff and business will be protected from harm and that you will be on top of all the happenings of your business no matter where you are in the world.

Perth is traditionally known for its beautiful limitless beaches and top class wineries, but the expanding hotel and food sector are now a real attraction. In the last year, two brand new resorts Aloft Perth and Tribe Hotel emerged, adding to the well-known and world-renowned COMO and The Treasury. Not forgetting about Crown Towers, the town is not full of a riveting selection of resorts that are designed by the most talented Perth interior designers.

On the food landscape, trendy fresh joints and old faves are attracting diners. “WA has plenty of wonderful produce,” says Celebrity chef Tobie Puttock. This really shows in the food served, extremely fresh and flavoursome. Enjoy your meal with a local Perth wine and savour the experience. Perth feels different to other Australian cities, it has a distinct feel that is just more relaxed and exclusive. Perth is now an exciting destination for both international and domestic travellers, due to the fantastic selection of dining and resorts. Below are the standouts of what Perth has to offer:

Tribe: Located in West Perth is the Tribe, Australia’s earliest integrated modular design resort. It prides in 126 fully furnished rooms topped with coastal home decor and focusses on delivering guests a differentiated resort encounter including super-comfortable rooms and integrated free-flowing shared areas. The designers of tribe redefine communal spaces and created a space that exciting and mysterious yet inviting.

The Alex Hotel: dynamic and fashionable, the Alex Hotel is situated right in the middle of the chaos of the cultural hub. The bedrooms are compact but well-equipped to make up for it. Custom made beds, luxurious Italian sheets, Turkish cotton towels and coastal beach furniture adds a special touch. The exterior is modern and lavish, and the communal areas are for interaction and living. An ultra-sleek roof-top bar provides the cocktails and environment perfect for a carefree individual that appreciates some luxury.

Gordon Street Garage: The pinnacle of all-day restaurants in Perth, Gordon Street Garage is an authentic favourite perfect for meet ups. A wine-bar, micro-roaster and bread specialist all in one, it is the city’s best all day food destination. Enjoy coffee and breakfast in the morning and return in the evening for wine and comfort food. Try the signature wood-fired pizzas, feed the crew with share dishes and sip on seasonal influenced cocktails at the interesting setting- a former garage with a garden.

The Richardson Hotel and Spa: a best-loved choice for celebrities whenever they stop-over in Perth. Modern and alluring, it is located right in the centre of town, near superb Kings Park and a selection of chic restaurants in Subiaco. The marble floors and interior exude luxury and you won’t be able to resist treating yourself to a facial and relaxing in the sauna. The daily breakfast and lunch will energise you to explore the surroundings that Pert has to offer.

Ku De Tah: Enjoy the picturesque views of the Swan River from The Deck dining area, dine in opulence at the West and KU Dining areas. The interior is distinct and remarkable, it is as if all great interior designers Perth boasts have come together to create this magnificent space. Observe the sunset and soak in the atmosphere as you eat fresh oysters and lacquered duck. This is a must go, there is no other experience quite like dining at a bespoke table and enjoying the finest produce Perth has to offer.

Remember life before GPS in your smartphone? I do, as it is when I first drove from New York to Philadelphia–and got lost. I wound up on a seemingly never-ending two-lane street, without a place to even turn around. Getting back on track took forever. Getting lost, of course, can lead to exciting adventures. This is why using a readily available GPS device is perfect for most travelers. Whether driving unfamiliar land, walking through the wilderness, or researching a new town, a dependable GPS navigation for your car gives you choices. It can direct you from the beginning, or you could become intentionally lost, knowing there is a way out.

The best GPS devices not only provide spot-on navigation but also include a range of bonus features that maintain the consumer super-informed (weather and traffic reports) and make the exploration experience more fun (with social media connectivity). Some GPS devices in your prestige car do more than simply play electronic tour guide: they can also function as lifesaving devices in a crisis. The DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w, by way of instance, includes a SPOT satellite communicator feature which lets you send an SOS message, in case you end up in danger when braving the elements. You can also use it to send messages to family and friends once your trek takes you out mobile phone range.

Other devices are multifunctional, such as the Garminfone. It’s a terrific GPS device, also it includes many smartphone-like features in addition to a dash mount, so it seamlessly transitions from a handheld to in-the-car navigation. With a contract, the Garminfone is hundreds of dollars less (as low as $99 at press time) than many standalone GPS devices.

Whether you are hiking in the woods, surfing the Souks of Marrakesh, or simply forcing the Northeast Corridor, these terrific GPS Devices can assist you in finding your way.

DeLormeEarthmate PN-60w

The benefits: The SPOT Satellite communicator allows users to send and receive email and social media updates via satellite. Plus, the identical feature may be used to send an SOS in case of an emergency.

Downside: The display is small and not too sharp.

Price: $550

Droid2 by Motorola

The benefits: The compass mode enhances the Google Street view feature. The image display matches what you are seeing through the windshield. As your car turns, the image moves, kind of like a live–activity smart map.

Downside: To use this mode, the telephone must be facing forward; this could be awkward when walking.

Price: $560

DroidIncredible by HTC

The benefits: The phone’s GPS and camera team up with Wikipedia to deliver content related to your environment (using the free Wikitude program, available through the Android shop).

Downside: While impressive, the points-of-interest database is not all-encompassing, yet.

Price: $530

Garminfonefrom T-Mobile

The benefits: The system includes uber-reliable GPS, and it is backed by the spot-on Garmin network. In addition to the car mount (included) means it moves readily in the palm of your hands to your car’s front window.

Downside: The phone’s built-in camera is simply so-so.

Price: $450

GarminOregon 550t

The benefits: This handheld has a built-in 3.2-megapixel camera using geo-tagging Capabilities, so that you can photograph your environment and plot them on a map.

Downside: The device is on the bulky side.

Price: $600

MotorolaMotoNav TN765t

The benefits: The extra-wide 5.1-inch display shows more of your environment. Plus the dashboard menu, which displays direction, speed, and elevation, can stay open without obstructing route instructions.

Downside: Obtaining a constant sign can be problematic in town settings.

Price: $250

TomTomGo 740TM Live

The benefits: Real-time traffic reports and five-day weather forecasts make this In-auto GPS useful for planning multiday itineraries and spontaneous detours.

Downside: Initial setup is a small pain as the steps are long and tedious.

Price: $280

What comes to mind when one thinks of sustainable travel? Gorilla trekking in Uganda, possibly, or a sojourn at a distant yet well-appointed eco-lodge in the forests of Costa Rica, or even a luxury stay at a Galápagos safari camp with an infinity pool and locally made teak furniture. If these high-cost excursions are what pop in your mind, your image of what qualifies as sustainable tourism isn’t necessarily wrong – it is just incomplete. The term sustainable travel has been connected to opulent eco-travel. Fuelled by a desire for guiltless extravagance and increasing attention paid to climate change, sustainability became a misused, industrywide buzzword associated with far-flung, expensive trips.

But sustainable tourism does not have to be costly. Not just that, it should really be more economical. Kelly Bricker, vice-chair of the board of directors of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, or G.S.T.C., claimed that there should be cost savings for doing the proper thing. If you are drifting locally, reinvesting back into the community, it ought to be cheaper than if you are importing from all around the world to make your goods. Not only should travel sustainably not break the bank – it is often a better, more pleasing product compared to its nonsustainable counterpart. I have compiled a few tips from experts, as well as in my own experiences, and have discovered that sustainable journey is something almost all casual tourists can manage.

While there are not definitive statistics on the proportion of the hospitality sector devoting a continuing commitment to sustainable travel, especially restaurants and stalls not investing in quality appliances to avoid frequent, wasteful oven and fridge repair services, there are signs that it’s on the rise. Research indicates that 65 percent of travellers wish to seek out green lodging in 2017 – almost double that of the prior year. And a study conducted by McGraw Hill Construction proves that green construction increased by 50 percent from 2011 to 2013, and now encompasses 25 percent of all hospitality construction.

And that impacts an increasingly huge number of travellers. Almost 1.2 billion people travelled the world in 2015, generating $1.5 trillion – a full 10 percent of international G.D.P.. That amount – and the massive environmental impact that accompanies it – is part of the reason 2017 has been designated the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development from the United Nations. Both destinations and travellers are increasingly acknowledging the effects of sustainable travel. We’re at a crucial crossroads, according to Dirk Glaesser, the manager of sustainable development of tourism to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. We now see lots of countries taking this quite seriously.

Tourism, even though a global economic driver, also leaves an enormous environmental footprint. By some measure it accounts for a total 50 percent of all traffic moves, according to the U.N. Environment Program, and local culture could be strained by a lot of tourists crowding a particularly beautiful location – a concept called overtourism. With a fast growing tourist base (1.6 billion people by 2020), the demand for a sustainable strategy grows increasingly more urgent.

The first challenge facing travellers is defining what sustainable travel really is – and distinguishing it from the many kinds of journey that advocates and entrepreneurs have attempted to tag as sustainable. When folks consider sustainable tourism, they consider little eco-huts instead of engineered timbers and frames, says David Picard, a former professor of anthropology of tourism in the University of Lausanne and a writer of a Unesco research on sustainable development. Eco-tourism rings a bell – Costa Rica, luxurious safari lodges in East Africa. But that’s only a very small element. While those companies certainly have their place, he said, a little lodge built at a remote location is not likely to have a substantial effect on national and local development.

You don’t create sufficient jobs or income. You do not create enough capacity. Ironically, what we recommend is work with AccorHotels since they have a massive professional capacity. They will train an entire resort – 300 or 500 people – and what they saw is that these employees, as soon as they’re trained, is that they’ll begin opening smaller resorts and are employed in larger hotel chains that need in-house tradies in air conditioning installation and maintenance or electrical services. That large-scale paying forward of both ability and financial viability is crucial, Mr. Picard said. That is the definition of sustainability – it is preserving resources for future generations. (He added that he would endorse any resort which has a Green Globe certification.)

As the notion of sustainable travel is now more mainstream, so has the idea that it suggests a degree of distress – but that shouldn’t be true. It is not drinking water from a vine, holding a machete and getting bitten by bugs under poorly structured architectural timbers and products, said Geoff Bolan, chief executive of Sustainable Travel International. What it does mean, he explained, is only exploring the character and culture of a place.

Not all travellers buy into the concept that they need to be worried about sustainability either. That’s the reason advocates have concentrated on getting large companies on board – they could alter the schedule.

Some people like to unwind to a white sandy beach with the waves at their feet, while others prefer to trek hills and explore the wilderness, however, sometimes our thought of the ideal vacation is somewhere we could shop. The planet’s most beautiful stores are home to more than just fashion: many of the world’s best retailers are just as famous for their interior design components. And the best part about shopping overseas is finding these unique and one-piece bits no one else will possess back home. 

Singapore 

This is the city-state where shopping is considered a national hobby. There are over 300 shops, all under the one roof including luxury duplexes for boutiques like Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Cartier, and Prada. 

In case you still have more buying power, you have to visit Singapore’s monster mall, ION Orchard, even if it is just for the building’s structure. Its incredibly futuristic look is a photographer’s dream. Costing about $1.5 billion to build, the ION Orchard spans across eight retail floors, including another 48 residential floors on top of that, with over 333 shops of high-fashion manufacturers and gourmet dining. If you are planning a trip, be sure to reserve it during the Great Singapore Sale, Singapore’s largest sale of the year where you can pick up some great bargains on mens and womens shoes. 

Stockholm 

Home to a few of our favourite brands, Acne- plus a number of the world’s most trendy bloggers (Zanita and Look de Pernille), Stockholm is high up on our list. And if you need further evidence of the city’s global fashion ranking, it even includes its own fashion week. But apart from its trendy setting and individuals, we love the al fresco element of Stockholm’s shopping experience.  

Tokyo 

Tokyo is unquestionably on many people’s shopping bucket checklist. This high heeled city is famous for its unique mix of interesting designer shops, huge shopping malls, and offbeat style boutiques in the favorite Shinjuku neighbourhood. 

If you’re more of a mall shopper, you will enjoy KITTE. Located directly in front of Tokyo station, the six-level atrium construction includes a unique wedge-shaped inside with an outside garden on the top floor. We love the architecture, but with over 100 restaurants and boutiques devoted to Japanese cuisine and aesthetics, the storefronts are the attraction for us. It’s also linked to the underground tube, so tourists can get to and from the building easily. 

For vintage fans, the New York Joe Exchange is a super-fun treasure trove exploding with contemporary secondhand clothing, even finding a funky pair of womens sneakers. You can purchase, sell, and trade. 

A trip to Tokyo isn’t complete without a trip to the wealthy Ginza shopping district. Imagine super-high-end boutiques and shiny department stores, including the avant-garde Dover Street Market Ginza. Famous Comme des Garçons designer Kawakubo Rei has been the creative director behind this phenomenal building which includes seven floors of Japanese style and art installations throughout, making it a must-visit destination. 

Move even higher up the designer tree with a visit to Istean. This is without a doubt among the most lavish department stores in Tokyo, if not the world. Each of the designers reside there: Chloe, Fendi, Chanel, and more. Even in the event that you don’t purchase anything (which we’d find difficult to believe), the experience of shopping in Tokyo is worth the trip alone. 

Milan 

As host to one of the greatest fashion shows in the world, the Milanese live and breathe style. If luxury designers are your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Each of the world-famous Italian designers are all here, from Versace to Armani to Missoni. 

Quality design is anywhere in Milan: A stroll down the quiet side roads will alert you to some of the greatest ateliers making handmade leather shoes and world-class artisanal pieces. Just walking the roads is a feast for the eyes: everyone is impeccably dressed and über-chic. 

For the expansive mall experience, head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls that is home to most of the major design houses, such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, where picking up a pair of formal shoes would not be a problem. 

Dubai 

There is, in fac,t no other shopping destination quite like Dubai. It is home to one of the world’s biggest shopping malls, the Dubai Mall, that has over 1,200 stores. To conquer purchasing fatigue, you can let the staff at the mall’s in-house hotel bring you back to life. Or perhaps a fast trip to the world’s largest candy store, Candylicious, will do just fine. But if your toes are still willing and capable of more, strut on up to the largest shoe store in the world, Level Shoe District, which sells 600 pairs of shoes each day.  This is shoe enthusiast’s paradise, with 96,000 square feet of footwear and 300 brands to choose from, such as 40 stand-alone designer boutiques. 

Paris 

We surely couldn’t compile the world’s best shopping list without including among the most stylish cities in the world: Paris. 

With downright charming department stores like the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, this is a city that you want to get lost in. While the shopping at Printemps is like something out of a fantasy, be prepared for a sensory explosion once you visit the sixth-floor brasserie. Have a seat on one of the famed Philipe Starck Lucite Ghost chairs and enjoy the light show from the magnificent stained-glass dome that reflects onto the mirrored tables under. 

For something a little more casual, but not enchanting, take a stroll down to the historic quarter Le Marais, prime stomping ground for fans of those one-of-a-kind and unique pieces, antiques, and art. A shopping trip to Paris would not be complete without a visit to the hottest and most popular fashion sectors: the Avenue Montaigne, Avenue des Champs-Elysées, and the Saint Honouré with all of the flagship designer boutiques. 

Travelling around the world for a great pair of shoes is an excellent way to find unique buys, however, you can always buy shoes online from these international boutiques and feel part of the international market, all form the comfort of your home.  

Some people can travel for the meals, others for museums or city views. And then there are people who get out on in the city, on a quest to find the best shopping; shoe shopping. Behold, a list of the best shopping cities list below here to dictate your future travel plans. 

– Madrid, Spain
Take from the shopping buzz of Gran Via, the epicenter of retail in Madrid, stroll around the small shopping strips to find your new therapy shoes.  

– Paris, France
In the city of light, you should not miss the extravagant department stores that light up Boulevard Haussmann. There goes all of your travel money…

– Istanbul, Turkey
You may go to expansive indoor malls, or you may spend all of your time exploring the town’s bustling bazaars. We would choose the latter. 

– Singapore
According to the locals, Arab Street provides beautiful (and vibrant) accessories and materials, along with unique shoes just for your liking!  

– Tokyo, Japan
If you are obsessed with shoe fashion and style, you will understand that Harajuku, especially Takeshita Dori, is where you will discover kitschy statement bits and clothing, and of course shoes. Keep an eye out for the different types of mens boots and sandals.  

–  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Plan your trip to Malaysia’s capital around July and August, when the nation holds the Mega Sale Carnival that boasts 70 percent off reductions. You will be spending all your money (and time) and the shoes of your dreams! 

 – London, England
Bypass the hoopla of Oxford Street and take a trip to Boxpark to find things nobody else has. Have a wonder through local shops, you may be surprised with what you find fashion wise. London’s unique allure is not possible to define. In the dizzying wealth of Belgravia into the metropolitan markets of Camden Town, every locality has its own particular character. Explore the unique world shopping strip, such as West End or Harrods, as there are an endless array of shopping (and shoe) options. The popular shoes will be located in the west end, along with on trend womens heels, and boots.

– Los Angeles, California
With amazing vintage finds all around town and big retail centers such as ‘The Grove’, shoppers will have no trouble finding great, fashionable items such as womens high heels to take home.

 –  Berlin, Germany
Go straight to the center of Berlin into Mitte, which has many shops that are modern, and aesthetically pleasing. Berlin’s style for fashion will surprise you, with its trendy clothing to stylistic shoes. Berlin has it all!  

– New York, New York
Sure, Fifth Avenue and Soho are amazing areas available in New York, but if you would like some vintage goods, jump on the train to Williamsburg in Brooklyn and reach all the super unique stores of New York.  

 – Milan, Italy
Milan certainly puts its best foot forward when it comes to stylish shoes. If you are trying to find sophisticated stilettos or a luxury pair of lofas, you will have your pick of independent shops and big name brands. Those in the know head to La Vetrina Di Beryl – the place to find the latest looks for your feet! Any day is a perfect day for shoe shopping and in Milan, as you have an excellent selection to dazzle your appearance! In Via Monte Napoleone or Via Della Spiga you can discover several shops. For an excellent place with a mixture of brands visit Vergelio, for all your fashion needs.  

– Leon, Mexico
On the lookout for stilettos, sneakers or sandals? You will be spoilt for choice in León, Mexico. Informally referred to as the shoe capital of the world it is where the big brand shoes have been made, with many things end up in the city’s outlets shops. Some such as Plaza del Zapato and Zona Piel, really sell nothing but sneakers. León’s high-quality leather makes it the shoe capital of Mexico. The Zona Piel area around the primary bus station is home to a massive choice of shops selling locally made footwear. 

-Franca, Brazil
Ensure you have got loads of room in your luggage when you visit Franca, home to Brazil’s shoe manufacturing industry. You can grab leather shoes by large brands such as Yves St. Laurent, and Adidas from the outlets around town, or unbranded products at one of the numerous markets, which are all very affordable. Over 500 factories in Franca create shoes for brands such as Adidas and Yves Saint Laurent. To pick up footwear deals, why not explore the shops in the major shopping strip, Calçado mall? 

London and Paris predominate as fashion capitals, but New York continues to wow its customers with their fashion and shoes, coming in at one of the very best towns in the world for shopping. Istanbul has also made its place in this list, for its awesome street markets and cheap clothing. For those people with fresh jeans, vintage attire, and new shoes on the mind, this manual is the best way to plan out your next fashionable shoe shopping holiday.