Driving somewhere, filling up with gas, looking for a parking spot, and then wandering around numerous stores in the hopes of finding something you like can be a very stressful way to go shopping. That's why a lot of individuals today choose to do their shopping online. Without the headache of crowded stores, filled parking lots, and time-consuming roaming through stores, you may obtain the perfect present for everyone on your list. If you want to shop online, you should be aware of the risks and take precautions. Especially during this holiday season, and beyond, keep these online shopping safety tips in mind.
Online Shopping Safety Tips:
When shopping online, avoid opening attachments from stores you are unfamiliar with.
Avoid opening links delivered to you over SMS or text message that look suspicious.
Before you hand over your credit card number to an online store, read some reviews.
Using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your financial and personal information when buying online is a must.
Make the switch to Cellular before making any online gift purchases.
Protect your online shopping and connected devices.
Protect many devices at once, including laptops, cellphones, and tablets
Safe Money is a proven, award-winning system for online banking and shopping.
Using Safe Kids software, you can keep an eye on and limit your children's time spent online.
Confirm the safety of your Wi-Fi connection to prevent hackers from monitoring your house through a webcam.
Passwords may be made, synced, and managed with ease.
Save your most precious memories in video and photo form online and for free.
This pandemic has all of us thinking of where we will go after all of this is over! Many airlines are offering the lowest rates for travel during this time. Why not plan your future travel now!
See below for details:
All over the world when one says 'vacation' The Bahamas comes to mind. Why? well it's tranquility, great food, a diverse of warm and friendly people and of course it's white sandy beaches; is what draws thousands to the islands each and every year.
Though this year (2019) two (2) islands - "Freeport" the country's 2nd largest city and "The Abacos" were devastated by the monster Hurricane "Dorian", the other 14 developed islands were fortunately spared and are still fully functioning, welcoming all travelers. The two islands impacted by Dorian are in the process of rebuilding hopefully,bigger and better than before.
Many don't know that The Bahamas is a chain of 700 islands, rocks and Cays just Southeast of Florida. The more developed islands being New Providence (Nassau) which is the largest city, then the outer islands Eleuthera, San Salvador, The Exumas, Andros, Long Island, Cat Island, Rum Cay, Ragged Island, Bimini, Acklins/Crooked Islands and more. Each has its own unique features and attractions. Lots of folks prefer these "Family of Islands" as opposed to Nassau city when they seek peace and quiet.
Believe it or not many celebrities such as; Michael Jordan, Johnny Depp, John Travolta, David Copperfield, Nicholas Cage, and Oprah; just to name a few own islands and homes in The Bahamas.
Nassau City on the Island of New Providence, has the largest population. Most tourists visit Nassau, Bahamas because, like every other city in the world there is more to see and do. So, if you are planning a trip to this beautiful country here are just a few things to consider:
WHAT TO EAT:
The minute you land on the Bahamian soil do ensure your stomach is on "E" as in empty! The choices of restaurants are endless and can be found all over. If, however, you are in Nassau and interested in a more casual setting you may want to try "The Fish-Fry" atArawak Cay. There you can find lots of food stalls selling delicious native cuisines such as; Conch Fritters, Cracked Conch, Conch Salad, Bahamian Peas n' Rice, with Grilled or Fried Fish, Shrimp, Conch and Crabeverything you can name... it's like seafood haven! If you prefer soup dishes, then it's the Boil fish, Stew fish, or Steamed fish which is usually served at breakfast but can be eaten anytime of the day! Many upscale restaurants are also throughout the islands if your preference is Fine Dining if you want to celebrate a special occasion or dinner for TWO!
DRINKS:
If you are a cocktail lover you will love the many tropical beverages likeBahama Mama, Goombay Smash, and the Yellow Bird.
Imported beer can be found on the island but, why not try the popular Bahamian beers "Sands" & "Kalik" which are locally brewed.
WHAT TO DO:
Dare-devils will enjoy the many water features like Parasailing, Jet ski, Banana boat ride, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Through the day you can shop at the Straw Market, located downtown Nassau which sells handmade straw baskets, hats, bags and Bahamian paraphernalia.
Nightlife is when the locals clubs are most exciting, where you can sing karaoke, listen to live bands, local Dj's and dance the night away.
Off Island Adventures:
Blue Lagoon Island & Dolphin Encounters
Have you ever swam with or been kissed by a dolphin?
Both of these excursions require a boat ride, which is just three miles offshore. Blue Lagoon is a fun-filled island where you go beaching all day.
At Dolphin Encounters, the dolphins there are quite similar to the movie "Flipper" ... smart, and fun to watch. You will have the opportunity to interact with the Dolphins and even swim along with them. Sounds scary right? ...It's amazing!
ATLANTIS RESORT - PARADISE ISLAND
This is a very popular Resort in Nassau. It is an experience within itself, with a huge selection of marine life, pools, restaurants, a world class Casino, and thrilling water slides. You would definitely need to extend your visit or make another trip to enjoy the full pleasure of Atlantis and Nassau's mainland.
Beautiful, clear beaches of The Bahamas are usually the main features of the islands; and to some it is enough but what would your trip be if you did not experience the Bahamian culture.
"Junkanoo"is a huge part of the Bahamian culture. The biggest parade takes place around Christmas, then again in the New Year; though samples can be seen and heard at different venues throughout
the island.
The best way to describe Junkanoo is unique, loud, and energetic, consisting of cowbells, drums, and whistles, all crafted by the natives then performed as a parade.
Many cruise ship passengers only get to experience a few hours of the Bahamian islands, and all can agree it is definitely not long enough.
So, if you do decide to visit I suggest you start planning and saving now, you won't regret it! Q: Were The Bahamas destroyed by Hurricane Dorian? A: No, after Hurricane Dorian, 2 islands (The Abacos and Freeport) are currently rebuilding. However, 14 other islands were completely unaffected and are welcoming travellers.
Sadly after months of battling to stay open, Sky Bahamas Airline has officially closed it's doors. Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) formally confirmed its decision to deny renewal of the permit that allows them to carry fare-paying passengers.
An insensitive video circulated on social media showing the company's sign being taken down and tossed into a garbage bin. Which seems to be the action of an eviction.
The airline had about 63 employees who had to enter survival mode, when the key permit needed to operate was being reviewed. This caused a halt in flights and all aircrafts were grounded due to the wait process. Mr. Butler described the impact of the BCAA's actions as "heartbreaking" for Sky Bahamas' employees; who had all "gone home", as well as creditors, vendors and partners who were either owed monies or relied upon the airline's continued operations.
Revealing that he had spent $200,000 of his own monies to "pay bills" and reimburse Sky Bahamas employees, Captain Butler said the airline's enforced shutdown had cost "hundreds of thousands of dollars" as well as endangering his own personal reputation.
Captain Randy Butler, Sky Bahamas' Chief Executive, recently stated that the private, Bahamian-owned carrier has incurred a cost of "$4.2 million and counting".
Sky Bahamas was told by the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority, the industry regulator, to “discontinue” commercial passenger services from July 8, 2019. The airline needed an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), the approval required for an airline to carry fare-paying passengers, which had expired on June 29, 2019. Captain Butler said normal protocol was for the previous license to remain in effect until the new one was granted, provided it was not “suspended, revoked or terminated”.
However; he was called to a meeting on July 9 at The Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority and stated that the regulator “came up with some ridiculous findings” in relation to a recent safety inspection conducted on the airline.
We certainly wish Captain Butler the best! He stated that he refuses "to lay down and play dead" as he is beginning the appeals process in a bid to overturn the regulator's decision.
