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Travel Motivation

5 Must Visit Seaside Locations for 2021

By JIFUtravel, Travel Motivation, Travel Tips No Comments

Looking for somewhere warm, sunny, and sandy to spend your 2021 summer days? Check out this list of five of the best beaches to visit and let jifu.com help you save money on the way!

Sunset Beach-Hat Pramong, Thailand

This gorgeous beach is found along the coast of Thailand. Sunset Beach is called this because of the stunning colors that spread across the sky each night as the sun falls below the horizon. This is beach is a quiet, less-visited location that is excellent for relaxing and getting away from everything.

Herring Cove Beach-Provincetown, Massachusetts

Herring Cove Beach is situated on Cape Cod Bay and offers calmer and warmer waters perfect for splashing around in the summer. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Admiral’s Landing bed and breakfast or about 30 minutes if you bike.

Franklin Point Beach-Pescadero, California

Franklin Point Beach is a beautiful wide sandy beach in the northern portion of Ano Nuevo State Reserve. The trail to the beach follows a sandy path and a couple of long boardwalks across the plateau through natural vegetation

Lizard Beach, Australia

As the northernmost resort on the Great Barrier Reef and a luxury lodge of Australia, Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. This is just one wonderful Lizard Island fact that makes it like nowhere else- no long boat rides are needed to enjoy one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

Bora Bora Island

Undoubtedly the most celebrated island in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is French Polynesia’s leading lady. Her beauty is unrivaled and her fame, unwavering. Bora Bora is one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to witness in their lifetime—and once you see it, you are forever enamored.

TSA Screens Record Number of Passengers

By JIFUtravel, Travel Motivation No Comments

“Passengers took to the skies this past weekend where Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day fell one day apart from each other More than 1 million passengers passed through U.S. airports on two consecutive days ahead of Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day, the first time the Transportation Security Administration recorded such numbers since right after New Year’s.” -TSA

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We have compiled the most promising facts and figures that prove that 2021 is the year of travel!

Travel is back and bigger than ever in 2021. Let JIFU help you make your adventure dreams come true and live life to its fullest potential!

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4 Packing Hacks to Lighten Your Suitcase

By JIFUtravel, Travel Motivation, Travel Tips No Comments

As we gear up to travel and explore, let’s begin thinking about how to pack efficiently. These tips are courtesy of Travel and Leisure.

Pack for a week

McAlpin suggests packing a week's worth of clothes, even if your trip is longer, and washing necessary items along the way.

Travel and Leisure
 Pack around one basic color

Whether it’s black, navy, or olive green, McAlpin recommends choosing one basic color to pack around. "It's an old rule of thumb, but it really works," she said. But even if you're simplifying your clothing choices to save space, you don't have to completely sacrifice style. McAlpin suggests taking the opportunity to use accessories to mix up your outfits

McAlpin
Don’t pack any more than three pairs of shoes

According to McAlpin, people often overpack shoes, but setting a maximum of three pairs will help you pare down your wardrobe and avoid overpacking. Always pack shoes at the bottom of your suitcase near the wheels in order to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your back and shoulders.

Travel and Leisure
Use compression cubes and bags

Packing cubes are a popular travel accessory, although cubes that involve compression technology will not only keep you organized, but they'll also help you save space in your luggage. Similarly, compression plastic bags that remove excess air are perfect for storing puffer jackets or other bulky gear. McAlpin also recommends using one compression bag for laundry at the end of your trip in order to keep dirty and clean clothes separate and to lock in odors.

Travel and Leisure

5 High-Rated and Epic Greek Activities

By JIFUtravel, Travel Motivation, Travel Tips No Comments

It is never to early to start planning and saving for your first vacation after 2020! JIFU is here to help make your wanderlust adventures come true, and cheaper than ever before! We have gathered some of our favorite things to do in Greece! Stay tuned into our social media to learn how to potentially earn a trip here! All of the activities chosen have been selected from the top rated opportunities on the JIFU Travel Portal. Click the button below to book your first activity and save big.

All-inclusive Day or Sunset cruises on a luxury Lagoon catamaran 44

Our first adventure begins in Mykonos, South Aegean, with an all-inclusive day or sunset cruise. Relax and enjoy the sea breezes, and take snaps of the views as your catamaran cuts through the waves of the Aegean Sea. As you sail, enjoy homemade wine or our traditional homemade drink that is popular in Crete island. After a short sail across the north part of the island, pass by the small island of BAOS, the Pirate’s Island, then sail to the archeological site of Delos island. As you arrive you will have a short stop in front of the site of Delos where you can take pictures of the archaeological site from the catamaran as our hostess will explain to you some history of the island. Take pictures and enjoy the moment as the sun unravels into evening.

Small-Group Santorini Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour

Taste the award-winning volcanic wines of Santorini as you move between the most legendary wineries of the island on a small-group Santorini wine tour of three traditional wineries. Learn about the ancient vineyard of Santorini, the history of the island through the centuries, and how the volcanic soils influence its wine-making. Visit 3 traditional wineries dotted around the picturesque island and taste a selection of 12 different wines served alongside local cheese and snacks.

Cook like a Local Greek in Mt Pelion Greece

Volos, Greece-Learn the insider tips and special techniques to make handmade pita bread, traditional Greek tzatziki, Greek salad, and the baking secrets for a good “Souvlaki”. Be welcomed with hot mountain tea or homemade sour cheery drink. During this workshop, guests will have the opportunity to taste traditional small snacks “meze” with the famous local drink “Tsipouro” and learn about the Greek culture behind the Greek food. Souvlaki will be served on the table accompanied with seasonal salad and Greek beer. At the end of the lesson, leave with small gifts and a participation diploma.

North Side Beaches Tour

The tour is perfectly suited to anyone who desires to visit the beaches on the northern coastline of Milos without the hassle of having to rent a car. You will be able to enjoy the famously gorgeous coasts of Greece while simultaneously learning about the area from a professional tour guide. Take the time to relax and soak up the beautiful Greek sun or explore the nearby coastal cities. 

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5 of the Best Things to Do in Mexico

By JIFUtravel, Travel Motivation, Travel Tips No Comments

JIFU loves Mexico and our Mexican affiliates, so we thought that we would put together some of the best activities and adventures to have in the amazing country of Mexico. Be sure to click the links to be taken to our Travel Portal.

One of the best cities to visit is Mexico City. It has some of the most interesting history and tourists often have access to the rich culture of the area. One of the most fascinating and often overlooked sights in Mexico City is its street art. Put on your walking shoes and prepare to see some beautiful murals and learn some historical context along the way.
Explore!!

Cancun, Quintana Roo

 One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico is Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is worth it to take a guided tour of the area. Relying on professionals will offer any visitor an in-depth look at such a valuable historical site. You will discover a city that was key in the development of the Mayan civilization and learn about the captivating history of the area. 

Epic AdventureEpic Adventure

Mexico is famous for its beaches, and one of the best beaches to relax and explore is in Puerto Vallarta’s Colomitos Beach. The beach is one of the smaller ones in the state, but this is a hidden jewel that should not be skipped over. There are hiking and snorkeling opportunities, but it is also the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. 

Vacation!Vacation!

Cabo San Lucas is always a popular spot, but many people forget that there is so much to see and do. Securing a private whale watching tour will be sure to result in unforgettable memories and an awe-inspiring experience. Be sure that time is taken to see the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a distinctive rock formation at the southern tip. The pacific ocean offers stunning views and incredibly rich marine life, something that Mexico is very proud of. 

Explore!!

 Whenever visiting Mexico, it is imperative that you take the time to appreciate some of the country’s most famous exports; tequila. One of the most interesting and enjoyable ways to do this is

by booking a tequila tasting in Guadalajara, Jalisco. The state is Mexico’s premier blue agave producer. Throw in a little bit of Mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave. Not only is the tequila tasty, but the tasting is a true educational, cultural, and friendly experience.

Adventure

It is never too early to begin planning your next epic travel adventure. As you can see, Mexico has many beautiful opportunities to create the experience of your dreams. Stay tuned for JIFU’s special promotional chance to live out your wildest dreams…..and it may or may not have something to do with Mexico! Follow our social media to stay up to date!

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Exploring Winter Wonderlands

By Travel Motivation, Travel Tips No Comments

JIFU knows that it’s never too early to start planning vacations for 2021, and that sometimes the best form of travel is through your computer screen. We wanted to share some of our favorite places to visit in the wintertime. These are places that shine most brilliantly in the colder months, from snow capped mountain peaks to stunning icicle-covered landscapes. Snuggle in deeper to your comfiest blankets and prepare to be wowed by the beauty of our natural world.   

Queenstown, New Zealand

The first stop on our remote winter wonderland journey is down under. Queenstown is known for its incredible skiing and snowboarding on the Remarkables Mountain Range, which is located near the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu. If you are not much of a snow bunny, the view of the mountain range from the lake is enough to take your breath away (if the freezing air doesn’t first).

Gullfoss, Iceland

Gullfoss is an Icelandic waterfall that is in the canyon of the Hvítá river and is one of the more popular destinations in the region. The two tier waterfall descends 32 meters (105 feet) down. The freezing cold water comes from the great Langjökull glacier, so the mist that sprays from the waterfall is truly refreshing. Because of this, visitors are urged to bring waterproof clothing in order to fully experience the magnificence of Gullfoss. 

Lake Baikal, Russia

Our adventure brings us to the frozen tundra of Russia. Despite the stereotypes that are foisted upon this area, there are many gorgeous natural features that should not be overlooked. One such a place is Lake Baikal, which is known for being the oldest existing freshwater lake on Earth, as well as being the deepest continental body of water. The lake teems with flora and fauna due to the fact that the climate in the area is relatively more mild. 

Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japan

Perhaps one of the most unique and well known of our featured destinations is Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan. You may be familiar with the images of Japanese Macaques bathing in the hot springs, but the park has quite a bit more to offer. The juxtaposition between the steaming springs that exist because of volcanic activity and the bright white snow that comes along with the park’s evaluation of 850 m (2,800 ft) is truly a sight to behold.

Midway, Utah, USA

Nestled in the Western United States, Midway is your gateway to what seems like another world. From here, visitors can easily access the incredible Homestead Crater. It is a “geothermal hot spring that was created over 10,000 years ago as melting snow went deep into the earth and percolated upward from being heated by the earth’s interior.” You really just have to see it to believe it, and there are many different ways to do so. Additionally, Midway is known for its incredible “ice castles”, which bring fairytales to life. 

Comment below which place you are most amazed by, or any other places that must be explored and experienced in the winter months.

 

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Worldly Warm Winter Drinks

By JIFUlife, Travel Motivation 42 Comments

As the weather darkens and the northern hemisphere angles itself away from the sun, we turn to warm, and comforting drinks. Here at JIFU, we know that exploring the world broadens our horizons and enriches our lives. However, sometimes a trip is not an option, so we have decided to gather a list of warm beverages from around the world. 

The Netherlands: Anijsmelk

Our first stop is in the gorgeous Netherlands, where they are no stranger to cold winters. If anyone knows how to stay warm in a delicious way, it’s the Dutch. Traditionally, the drink is made to keep ice skaters warm. One only needs three ingredients to make anijsmelk.

Recipe 

  • 3 cups whole milk 
  • 1 tablespoon anise seed 
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  1. Combine the milk & anise seeds in a saucepan.
  2. Place over a low-medium heat; allow the milk to come to a low simmer.
  3. Add honey, and keep it simmering for 5-10 more minutes.
  4. Remove saucepan from heat.
  5. Pour the warmed milk through a fine mesh strainer to remove the anise seeds.
  6. Serve warm

Matcha: Japan

Matcha is probably one the more popular warm drinks from Japan. Though it has similar origins in China, there are two specific regions that are known for their matcha; Uji in Kyoto and Nishio in the Aichi prefecture. The drink traditionally has spiritual and ceremonial ties, but is also enjoyed for its earthy flavor and antioxidants.

Recipe 

  • ¼ teaspoon matcha
  • 2 ounces boiling water
  • 6 ounces additional boiling water or steamed milk 
  • Maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener, optional
  1. sift the matcha into a mug or small bowl to get rid of any lumps.
  2. Pour in the 2 ounces boiling water. Using a matcha whisk or small regular whisk, whisk briskly from side to side until the matcha is fully dispersed and there is a foamy layer on top.
  3. Add the remaining 6 ounces boiling water or steamed milk and whisk again until foamy. Sweeten to taste, if desired.

United States: Pumpkin Spice Latte 

The first pumpkin spice latte was developed by coffee giant Starbucks in 2003, but is easy to make for yourself at home, no matter where you are. Something about the pumpkin spice, clove aroma, and touch of sweetness is sure to warm you up and turn any frown upside down.

Recipe

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup hot espresso or strong brewed coffee
  1. Sweetened whipped cream, for serving
  2. Combine the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla in a medium microwave safe bowl
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and vent with a small hole. Microwave until the milk is hot, 1 to 2 minutes.
  4.  Whisk vigorously until the milk mixture is foamy, about 30 seconds.
  5. Pour the espresso or coffee into a large mug and add the foamed milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Tibet: Po Cha

Tibet is another place where the winters require a strong cup of warmness to heat your freezing insides. Po cha is a Tibetan drink, also called butter tea. The tea is salty rather than sweet, and is ideal for those who want to try a simple recipe from abroad.

Recipe

  • 4 cups of water
  • Plain black tea (2 individual teabags, like Lipton’s black tea, or two heaping spoons of loose tea)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
  • 1/3 cup half and half or milk
  1. First bring four cups of water to a boil.
  2. Put two bags of tea or two heaping tablespoons of loose tea in the water and let steep while the water is boiling for a couple of minutes.
  3. Add a heaping quarter of a teaspoon of salt.
  4. Take out the tea bags or if you use loose tea, strain the tea grounds.
  5. Add a third to a half cup of milk or a teaspoon of milk powder.
  6. Pour your tea mixture, along with two tablespoons of butter, into a chandong, which is a kind of churn. Since churns are kind of rare outside of Tibet, you can do what some Tibetans do, which is to use any big container with a lid, so you can shake the tea, or you can just use a blender, which works very well. 
  7. Churn, blend or shake the mixture for two or three minutes. The Tibetans think the po cha tastes better if you churn it longer.

Turin, Italy: Bicerin

We expect nothing less from Italy than another chocolate drink, but this time with classic Italian espresso. Bicerin is actually Piedmontese (an Italian dialect) for small glass, which is what the drink is served in. Bicerin has been popular since the 18th century, and, though it may be small, it packs an energizing punch.

Recipe

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate
  • Italian espresso 

1.Warm milk in a medium-sized saucepan with chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate. Whisk the mixture until it begins to boil, then let it boil for 1 minute, whisking constantly (the chocolate mixture will foam up a bit.)

2. Afterward, remove it from the heat and set aside. Make a small pot of very strong coffee, or good Italian espresso.

3.Fill the bottom third of a clear, heat-proof glass with the warm chocolate mixture. Pour in some coffee or espresso. (If you want to help it create a definite layer, pour it over the back of a spoon, into the glass.)

4. Top with whipped cream.

Mexico: Champurrado

This thick Mexican beverage is delicious and chocolatey, perfect as a sweet treat after a fun day spent out in the cold. Champurrado is popular in Mexico during the Christmas season for obvious reasons. The recipe is slightly more involved, but is worth the effort.

Recipe

  • 8 cups of water
  • 5 oz. of piloncillo or ½ cup of sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 Mexican Chocolate tablets 6.5 ounces
  • ¾ cup of masa harina corn flour
  1. Place 6 cups of water in a large saucepan along with the piloncillo and the cinnamon stick.
  2. Heat water until it starts boiling and then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes until the piloncillo has melted.
  3. Once the piloncillo or sugar has dissolved, add the 2 Mexican Chocolate Tablets and allow about 5 minutes to dissolve, stirring from time to time.

Don’t forget to follow JIFU on our social media platforms for more travel inspo!

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JIFUtravel Will Save You Money

By Travel Motivation, Travel Tips No Comments

Don’t think JIFU Travel can save you money on your next vacation? Think again!!

 

This video introduces us to Savannah and Ashley, two adventurous ladies who love to travel. They share the same passion for exploration, but they have one massive difference….Ashley is a JIFU member. The two went on the exact same vacation, but Ashley saved 40% as compared to Savannah, who thought that JIFU’s deals were too good to be true(big mistake). 

Here’s how it works:  when a hotel, rental car, airline or cruise ship has vacancies, they upload them to a database at a huge discount. Then the travel sites, including JIFU, get special access to these highly discounted rates. The big sites mark the prices up for their customers, JIFU doesn’t. 

With a JIFU monthly membership, members access that SAME inventory with NO markup. JIFU members score with deals not available to the public. This way, members know they are getting the best deal out there with no surprise markups at the end of the checkout process. 

Ashley saved enough money to stay another three days, all thanks to JIFU. Don’t be like Savannah and get started FREE with JIFU today! 

Air Travel Safety

By Travel Motivation, Travel Tips No Comments

You’ve planned your next trip and you’re excited to finally scratch that travel itch, but you’re unsure what the “new normal” at the airport will be. Not to worry! We have gathered some of the most helpful tips that will prove beneficial to any traveler and don’t forget to read our post about pre-travel preparation packing list. Each airport is doing different things to ensure the safety of their passengers, but these universal recommendations will make your flight more relaxing and enjoyable.

Touchless Check-in

Let's start at the beginning: check-in. Most airports and air transportation companies will have touchless options, which can not only reduce your exposure to surface germs, but can make on-boarding even faster than usual. This includes getting an online boarding pass, prepaying baggage fees, and printing your own luggage tags.

Screening Process (American TSA)

Yes, screening is still required, but there are a few changes to be aware of. Every passenger is now permitted to have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces in a carry-on bag. Another notable change is that personal belongings like keys, phones, and wallets should be placed in your carry-on bag instead of the bin to avoid cross-contamination. TSA agents are also being required to wear face masks and shields, as well as change their gloves after every pat down.

Air Circulation


By now you’ve made it into the plane and you’re ready for the flight, but you may still be concerned about the air quality in the cabin. Nearly all airplanes have filters that take 99.9% of contaminated particles from the air, while bringing in fresh outside air. Take note: it is a myth that airplanes recycle 100% of the air. In fact, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency found that the air in the cabin of the plane is similar or better to the air quality in normal indoor environments.

Limited Cabin Capacity

Airlines are also taking precautions by limiting the capacity of each flight. Most major airlines are operating at 50-60% capacity as compared to other years. To ensure proper social distancing, some airlines are blocking people from sitting in middle seats. This also means that there are less tickets available, so it would be beneficial to buy tickets from our Travel Portal in advance to make sure you snag a seat.

Personal Health Questions

Be prepared to answer some questions about your personal health, before and after your flight. Depending on where you are, where you are going, and what your airline of choice is, you may have to provide some information or temperature screening. Do your research (or stay up to date with this blog) to see the requirements of your destination. Save yourself any surprises by making sure that you have a normal body temperature, and never fly when you are sick.

These are just a few pieces of advice that will help you know what to expect when traveling domestically or internationally. Airlines are doing what they can to make sure that their passengers are safe, whether visiting a exotic location or flying to see loved ones, and JIFU is no different. We want you to live life to its fullest potential, all while adapting to our transforming world. 

 

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Living in the Future: E-Markets

By JIFU Success, Travel Motivation No Comments

More than ever, people are becoming aware of what incredible economic value online marketplaces offer, and JIFU is not different. Buying, trading, and selling online has revolutionized the way consumers obtain goods and services. Coming 2021, JIFUshop will offer products from vendors around the globe at value-driven prices, all while rewarding loyalty!

 

Ease of Access 

Online marketplaces have skyrocketed in popularity due, in part, to the ease of access and convenience that they provide. With a few clicks of the mouse or taps of the finger, people can fulfill their wildest wish and have it shipped to their doorstep the next day. 

Vendor-specific online stores can not offer a very wide range of products because of the limitations that come with doing business with a single vendor, but online marketplaces aggregate a massive amount of options from different vendors. Consumer transactions are processed by the marketplace, but each order is fulfilled by each wholesaler, which is far more efficient for buyers and sellers. 

The Sharing Economy 

The immense success of online marketplaces has led to what scholars call the “Sharing Economy.” This is the idea that buyers and sellers can connect to each other by using an online platform. 

People are able to buy goods and services directly from the wholesaler. The Sharing Economy fosters an effect called collaborative consumption. Essentially, idle assets (items that are not being traded) can more easily become physical assets (items that have physical value). 

Online Marketplaces in 2020             

 The global pandemic forced millions of people to stay at home and thousands of physical storefronts to close their doors. As a result, consumers took to their computers to order more than just clothes and electronics. People began to rely on the internet to get their groceries and essentials shipped directly to their doorsteps.

These incredible opportunities are being realized and actualized, thanks to a little encouragement from innovation’s biggest initiator: necessity.  JIFU is integrating our own online market, called JIFUshop, into the incredible services we already provide. Stay tuned to this blog and our Instagram for more exciting announcements coming 2021. This is just another example of JIFU boldly looking into the  future and making it a real part of the present!