The next time you are floating around or swimming underwater, think about the amount of people that go in the pool. It’s hot out, the average person sweats 2-4 liters per hour! How many hours are you spending at the pool? Probably an afternoon worth at the least, you do the math on that one. What about other human excrements? Did you know that 1 in 5 adults, yes, adults, admit to peeing in the pool? If you think that’s gross, let’s not forget about the kiddies who are jumping in and out.

Speaking about pee, unfortunately our pee contains nitrogen. Why is that significant? Oh, maybe because it kills chlorine, your only defense when thinking about if the pool is clean or not. No more hoping that the “chlorine kills it.”

Well, the story doesn’t end there. Check out the infographic that was produced by http://www.schofields.ltd.uk/. They explain all the other gross details on what else is swimming with you when all you want is a nice cool down at the pool.

The post Summer Fun Pool Facts appeared first on .

Beginnings

Founded by Billie Jean King in the month of June in 1973, the Woman Tennis Association has it’s headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida. London ,and Beijing. Despite being founded in June, the beginnings were really a few years earlier in Houston, Texas at The Virgina Slims Tournament back in September of 1970. It was won by Rosie Casals.

Prizes

The next year was big for Billie Jean King. She earned over $100,000, becoming the first female athlete to earn that amount in one year. As the years went on, the prize money grew. By the early 80’s the total prize was $7.2 million and there were over 250 women competing for it around 47 global events. Nowadays, the competition is heating up, and the prize money just keeps getting bigger. In 2009 Serena Williams earned over six million in one year. Both Serena and Victoria Azarenka become the first two women competitors to earn over seven million in prizes in just a single season.

Leading up

The 2012 tournament was held in the culturally rich and beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey. The Sinan Erdem Dome held the crowds of onlookers as the contestants played their heart out. Two talented ladies, Agnieszka Radwańska and Sara Errani, broke the record of the longest match in WTA history within the best-of-three system. The woman’s singles winner was Serena Williams from the USA. The doubles were won by Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova from Russia. The WTA Tour Champions for singles in 2013 was Serena William from the USA. The doubles were won by Hsieh Su-wei from Taiwan and Peng Shuai from China. The next championship games will surely be as competitive and thrilling as the past seasons. TicketBis can help you get a fantastic deal on any of the upcoming tournaments.

Now

The WTA now has over 2,500 woman, across 92 nations. The crowds are nearing 6 million and that doesn’t include the audience at home. This association is the leader in women’s professional sports and is breaking records with it’s $118 million prize money won by the lucky players. There are 54 WTA’s events and four Grand Slams. There over 30 participating countries including Singapore who is hosting the 2014 WTA finals after a very competitive season.

Next Event

Cities all over the world have been host to the Woman’s Tennis Association including Munich, Madrid, Los Angeles, and Doha. This year’s event will be hosted in the small, yet profoundly cultural and economic leading country of Singapore. The top eight singles players and the top eight doubles players will be going head to head for $6 million in prizes.

The post Looking back and to the future of WTA appeared first on .

From restaurant reviews to culture and history

The rising prominence of state-of-the-art mobile devices like smartphones and tablets has definitely enabled modern-day travelers to access a virtual treasure trove of information right in the palm of their hands. These days, it’s not too surprising to find out that there’s a mobile app for practically everything under the sun. Avid travelers to Southeast Asia certainly have no shortage of mobile apps to choose from.

With the number of smartphone users growing by the year, it only makes sense for enterprising Southeast Asian travel aficionados to connect with the global travel community through intuitively designed mobile apps from Google Play and iTunes. Online gaming giant Gaming Realms, the company behind innovative mobile slots hub pocket fruity, claims that smartphone users currently make up 17% of total mobile usage. Interestingly, the same company cites that there were already an estimated one billion smartphone users at the end of 2012.

With the abundance of smartphone users out there, here are just two of the many incredibly useful mobile apps for Southeast Asian travel enthusiasts.

BuUuk

From pad thai and pho to banh mi and balut, travelers will never run out of gastronomic curiosities to eat in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re in Laos, Singapore, or the Philippines, the constantly changing food and drink scene in Southeast Asia can be quite overwhelming for seasoned foodies and first-time visitors alike. Fortunately, the BuUuk mobile app doesn’t just stop with being a very reliable GPS-based restaurant/eatery finder. BuUuk lets you search by cuisine, location or rating, in addition to displaying discounted offers on food and drinks. As a bonus, iPhone 3GS users can view their surroundings using BuUuk’s augmented reality capabilities.

HarperCollins UNESCO World Heritage

Simply put, the HarperCollins UNESCO World Heritage mobile app is a fantastic resource for culture, architecture, and history buffs. Majestic photographs accompany detailed descriptions of all 981 World Heritage Sites to date. Southeast Asia currently boasts 33 World Heritage Sites across seven countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos. Some of the region’s most famous World Heritage Sites include the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty in Vietnam, the Komodo National Park in Indonesia, and the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

The post Mobile Apps for Traveling in Southeast Asia appeared first on .

Bring a combination of cash and cards

These days, you can bring money with you on your trip through several means, the most popular of which would be cash and credit/debit cards. Not all establishments around the world accept credit cards; hence having cash on hand will be your lifesaver.

Check if your ATM card has the ability to be used as a debit card. If it does, you don’t have to withdraw money from your account but just swipe it as you would a credit card. The amount will be deducted from your card, and the rates will be based on the bank’s rates for the day. You can also ask your bank if they offer debit cards.

Don’t put all your money and cards in one place

This tip is a practical one that should be practiced not only when you travel, but also at home. Separating your money and you cards gives you a back-up in the cases when you lose your wallet.

Shop around for the best rates

Hotels and airports offer currency exchange services, making it convenient for you to turn your money to the local currency. The downside of this option is that many often tack a high service charge separate from the exchange rate that can make you lose out.

To get an idea of the best rates available, take note of the forex rates. It fluctuates by a few cents every so often, but that isn’t something to worry about. Exchange centers that have rates that are close to these are your best bet.

If you do plan exchange your money before you leave home, do some research if the country you are going to has limits about the amount of cash you can bring in. These measures are put into place as a sort of anti-money laundering precaution.

Get it from an ATM

You can also opt to withdraw money from your account using the ATM when you arrive. this is especially helpful if your card is affiliated with Visa, Mastercard or Cirrus. Just remember to inform your bank about your travel plans so they won’t flag your account for suspicious activity.

Exchanging at your destination

You can easily exchange money when you arrive at your destination, as mentioned previously. There’s bound to be plenty of currency exchange shops in and out of the airport and hotels. However, to find the best rates, ask people in travel communities, particularly online. Knowing other people’s experience with such services will save you the time of hunting them down. Chances are, you may even avoid unnecessary fees.

In some cases, local banks are also a good place to go to for exchanging money.

Don’t exchange all your currency

Try to keep some of the non-local currency with you, particularly if it’s US Dollars or Euros, as these are among the most widely recognized currencies around the world. Having a decent amount on-hand may be useful for emergencies.

General Tips

• Know the current exchange rate based on the forex rates. Take note of the buying and selling rates. The closer an exchange service rate is to those numbers, the better.
• Ask if there are any charges for the exchange transaction.
• Always ask for a receipt for every transaction that you do. Not only will it help you keep track of your spending, but it will also help you know how much was the exchange rate — especially useful if you used your credit card.
• Foreign coins are virtually useless when you return home and most exchange centers do not accept them. Spend these coins as much as you can before you go back home.

The post Travel Tips: Preparing Your Finances appeared first on .

There are other ways to use that well-deserved holiday you’ve been waiting for, and they don’t involve sunburn, sand or hangovers. The alternatives are plenty, and you get the added bonus of being able to see and do far more than you would if you were lying by the pool. Below are 4 of my favourite holidays and why you should consider them this year.

1. Mountain Climbing

Mountain climbing is challenging, but that’s precisely why it’s such great fun. There are mountains and climbs for people of all skill levels, so there’s no excuse as to why you shouldn’t go – unless you’re afraid of heights.

The element of exercise adds another dimension to the experience, as well as the beautiful scenery you’re likely to witness depending on the time of year. The actual climbs themselves tend to leave you feeling as though you’ve achieved something magnificent, and even if you go for that reason alone, it’s worth it.

2. Yoga

Yoga is perhaps not the first thing you’d think of, but it’s definitely something you’ll not forget in a hurry. Disappear to a beautiful sanctuary in the forest to reconnect with both yourself and the nature around you. Yoga is billed as one of the ultimate methods of self-discovery and can have profound effects on both the body and the mind.

If you thought lying on a beach was relaxing, see if it compares it to a week’s worth of yoga practice in the mountains.

3. Biking

Biking is an excellent holiday type that can be undertaken with all the family. There are so many different types of cycling to try that half the fun is deciding. If you don’t happen to have bike that’s no problem either – renting a bike or two hasn’t been easier as there are now hundreds of bike rental companies operating across the whole of the UK.

If you’d like a recommendation of where to cycle, Wales is a particularly good choice for both cycling and many other types of family activity holiday for that matter – have a look at the activity page of their site for more information.

4. Sports

Sports holidays are often neglected, but it doesn’t take much to realise that there are significant health benefits to taking time off work to get some exercise in. The sport itself doesn’t matter, but something more physical is ideal, as you want to make the most of the short time you have.

One popular sport is tennis, or if you fancy something slightly less aggressive, then book yourself a 2-hour session at an open air badminton court to enjoy the fresh air.

If you’ve got any suggestions as to what makes a good beach holiday alternative then let us know in the comments!

family activity holiday –

Photo by lululemon athletic and Bill Brooks

The post 4 Alternatives to a Beach Holiday appeared first on .

In the words of Southeast Asian transplants coming from frigid corners of the northern hemisphere, you earn money fast there, you spend it slow here.

That’s why so many people with dollars to spend come here in droves. In fact, neighboring citizens who earn dollars through online work seriously contemplate to live abroad since their dollars are worth less in their own countries than their cheaper neighbors. The Philippines, for example, is currently experiencing an appreciation of its peso against the greenback. This means that for every dollar an online worker earns, he or she gets fewer and fewer pesos out of it.

And this is not just mere anecdote. InternationalLiving.com, an online magazine geared to people with peripatetic lifestyle, has compiled a list of five Southeast Asian countries where retirement could indeed be golden. It also doesn’t hurt that in these countries, the scenery is staggering, the beaches are endless, and summer is definitely longer than three months.

1. Malaysia

Pluses: excellent infrastructure, supportive network of retirees and expats, friendly people speaking English as the first unofficial language, and owning property by expatriates is easy.

Something to think about: Getting from one point to another entails a lot of driving, so you will have to have your own transport to get around quick and easy.

2. Thailand

Pluses: medical and dental facilities comparable to developed countries; retail commerce is mature and well-developed; cuisine is both cheap and tasty; entertainment options – be it daytime or at night – are endless.

Something to think about: English is spoken but in limited areas, so language barrier may at first be an issue. Leasing property is difficult, as expatriates are not allowed to own one.

3. The Philippines

Pluses: English fluency is top-rate; integration with locals is easy. Buying property can be done via Filipino spouse, otherwise, leasing is a viable option.

Something to think about: Security issues are a concern in some parts of the country, in particular, Manila the capital, and southwestern Philippines where insurgency is frequently reported.

4. Indonesia

Pluses: Bali is heaven on earth for expatriates long before Eat, Pray, Love zoomed in again to the “center of the universe.” Jakarta is a feasible option, if the expat can put up with the capital’s heaving population. Jakarta is home to a pulsing restaurant and club scene. Yogyakarta, Indonesia’s ancient capital, is gateway to Borobudur and home to all things fine arts.

Something to think about: Buying property in Indonesia is not open to expatriates, so leasing is the only option. Running a legitimate business also poses some risks, as Indonesian commerce is said to be riddled with red tape.

5. Cambodia

Pluses: French-inspired architecture and cuisine is what beckons expatriates to settle down in Phnom Penh, the country’s capital. Angkor Wat is an added bonus, if not the clincher.

Something to think about: Owning immovable property in Cambodia is not allowed for a natural or juridical (as in a corporation) foreigner so leasing (for up to 99 years) is the other way to go around.

The post Five Southeast Asian Countries to Retire Well appeared first on .

In any culture around the world, the holidays are a good reason to party and eat hearty. It’s also a great way to get together with family and friends and reconnect.

Unfortunately, the fun and excitement for the few days of merriment may bring some heartache to you in the future. The holidays can bring a lot of stress to people, and these stress factors can come from many sources.

Health Worries

It’s impossible not to enjoy food once the holidays roll in. You’ve got your feasts at home, at the office, your friends’ house, the bar and so on. The diet certainly goes out the window during the holiday season, and feeling sad about the possible weight gain is understandable.

In an article in the South China Morning Post, Atrium Health researcher and dietitian Lucy Aphramor says that food is closely linked to emotion. Fighting your body’s yearning to eat, makes you unhappy and stressed. Avoid this by taking in small portions of the food laid out. That way, you not only get to eat but you might even be able to try everything.

Exercise

Remember that having a healthy body isn’t just about monitoring what you eat. You also have to exercise, so stick with your routine if you have one. If you don’t, try taking small activities and incorporating them into your talk. Walking for at least thirty minutes, taking the stairs, doing squats or lunges can help.

If you already have an existing health condition, or if your family has a history of it and you know there’s a chance you might get it, find ways not to stress yourself.

Balancing Emotions

Emotions are heightened during the holidays too.  These can trigger stress more than anything. It’s easy to say that you have to take it easy and approach things in a relaxed manner, but it’s harder to do.

When you feel like stress is coming on, pause what you’re doing. Take a deep breath, count to ten before resuming. Take a break as often as you need. If there are a lot of things you need to do, ask for help. Your family would most likely be more than happy to pitch in.

Find simple things to make your tasks easier. If you’re cooking, buy pre-cut food and some pre-prepared ingredients to make cooking easier.

Do good deeds

There is a popular saying that “it’s better to give than to receive”, and that much is true. The act of sharing and giving has been proven to lessen the amount of cortisol in the body, a hormone that contributes to stress. Have old but still in good condition clothes? Donate them. Leftover food from the festivities? Bring them to shelters and share.

Money Matters

Financial worries are always stressful, but it can be more so during the holidays. Often there is this pressure of trying to keep up with the expectations of giving gifts and preparing lavish parties. However, if money is tight, don’t push it. Instead, find ways to make it easier on your budget but still allow people to have a great time.

Hosting a party? Suggest a potluck theme where guests can bring one dish to share with everyone. It’ll be a great way for people to show off their cooking skills. Want to give gifts but the list is bigger than the budget? Trim your list down to close family and friends. For everyone else, you can make a card to send, but personalize the message so people will know you still took time.

The holidays are meant to be fun and a time for thanks and bonding. Don’t let stress get the best of you. Take time to appreciate your blessings and you can have that worry free holiday season that you’ve always wanted.

The post Keeping It Together and Staying Happy: The Holiday Survival Guide appeared first on .