Staycations have become the new vacation

Apr 22 2021

While the concept of staycations has been around for some time now, the Covid-19 pandemic has been the driving force that put this style of vacationing back on the map as border closures forced people to put their big travel plans on hold. So, instead of hopping on an airplane and heading to the other side of the globe, feed your travel bug and rediscover your own country.

Here are the top six reasons that will make you want to travel locally and explore lesser-known marvels within your country:

More affordable

By choosing a staycation, you will avoid the heavy costs that come with international travel, including booking flights, accommodation for long periods of time, transportation, and surprisingly expensive meals at a city you may not know very well. And since staycations are cheaper, you‘ll have more spending money.

Reduced Travel Time

Reduced travel time allows for more relaxing, adventuring, and fulfilling moments during your trip, whether it’s treating yourself by going to a nearby spa or discovering hidden gems locally. Traveling internationally also requires a lot of planning and organisation beforehand; from budgeting to reading up about the culture and looking for well-priced decent accommodation… … the list could go on and on.

Pets are more likely to be welcome

Staying home also means it is easier to take pets on your staycation. Whether you are camping, glamping, or in a pet-friendly rental – your pet will love the getaway as much as you.

Support local economy

A staycation is the perfect opportunity to support the local economy by trying out new restaurants, visiting local museums and uncovering tourist attractions that you would never ordinarily visit. During your “stay-at-home holidays”, you’ll visit local food markets, try out new eateries, and probably book a nearby comfy accommodation, which will certainly boost local revenue and sustainable travel efforts.

Be a tourist in your own country

The thing is that sometimes we get so caught up in going abroad, that we forget how beautiful our own country can be. A staycation might give you the opportunity to feel like a tourist, without having to travel somewhere. You can appreciate things through a new perspective and discover things about your home you didn’t even know existed.

Be prepared

If you’re visiting a number of hidden gems, make sure you get yourself sorted with a motor policy. For the young adventurers, GasanMamo’s BOOSH gives you an instant 65% discount on your policy. And always check that your home insurance is up to date especially if you’re’ planning to leave it unattended for a few days. Find out more on www.gasanmamo.com

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Photo Source: @dejfit.d

European Union ramps up vaccination efforts to beat back COVID-19 spike

Apr 22 2021

With the one shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine adding to the momentum, the European Union has ramped up COVID-19 vaccination efforts in order to curb a spike in cases. Comparatively, the EU lags far behind the US and UK in its total of vaccinated citizens, with only 1 in 5 of the bloc’s 450 million inhabitants having received their first jab.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which has been approved for use after being halted due to blood clot rumours, will play a pivotal role due to it being a one shot vaccine. France has administered at least one dose to all of its 700,000 nursing home residents. Other countries, including Italy and Netherlands, are pressing ahead with plans to start dispensing Johnson & Johnson shots. With many hospitals in the EU under immense pressure, the vaccine rollout will be crucial in mitigation and easing of strains.

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New research reassures pregnant women getting their vaccine

Apr 22 2021

New preliminary results from reports which included over 35,000 US women show that vaccination during pregnancy is safe. Further research is needed but the current results so far indicate that vaccination does not negatively impact the health of either the mother or the child in the womb. The women received either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, and the rates of miscarriage, premature birth and any other complications were comparable to those observed before the pandemic.

The new evidence was published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine and gathered by the federal Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. No woman received the one shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to it becoming available after the study was conducted. Another American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said that, despite results being promising, further research and long term follow up is necessary.

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Destiny’s ‘Je Me Casse’ in a new acoustic version with Kevin Paul Calleja

Apr 22 2021

Destiny’s Je Me Casse is already making rounds as a possible Eurovision 2021 victor, with its energetic rhythm and catchy tune. And now we are treated to a new acoustic version of the song accompanied by Kevin Paul Calleja on guitar. Performing during Eurovoix’s Concert in the Dark, which saw several artists who will be performing their song during the song contest in Rotterdam, the two played off each others talent with exquisite skill.

Their harmony together is something one has to hear to believe. Destiny is facing some tough competition in this 2021 edition of the song contest, but if the comments and online response to song is anything to go by, Je Me Casse seems to be moving closer and closer towards a big win for Malta.

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