Posted on

5 ways to travel more sustainably

2021-03-31T15:53:01

(BPT) – The pent-up global demand for travel is undeniable. Travelers around the world are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to pack a suitcase, visit new places, reconnect with the people they love and create new memories. In fact, two out of three Americans plan on traveling following the pandemic, according to a Hilton Survey.

Pre-pandemic, the environmental impacts of travel and over-tourism were taking a significant toll on beautiful destinations around the world. As travel rebounds, travelers, tourism businesses and accommodation providers have the opportunity to ensure their choices minimize their environmental footprint while maximizing positive local impact.

For example, Hilton’s Travel with Purpose commitment demonstrates the company’s choice to double its social impact efforts and cut its environmental footprint in half by 2030. By investing in local communities through the Hilton Effect Foundation and taking critical steps to reduce the environmental impact of hotels and its supply chain, organizations like this are spearheading change.

In addition to supporting organizations making a conscious effort to protect the environment, you can make a difference yourself when traveling. Consider these five easy steps when hitting the road, jumping on that next flight or exploring the unbeaten path:

1. Don’t forget your reusables

Many hotels, airports and destinations offer water stations to fill up your reusable water bottle. By taking advantage of these free resources instead of purchasing single use bottles, you’ll save money and help preserve the environment at the same time. Bringing a reusable bag, utensils and straw can also help you reduce single-use plastic waste from to-go food items.

2. Go mobile

From downloading your boarding pass, electronically checking in to your hotel room, or receiving a paperless hotel folio, a contactless experience is preferred by many people. The free-to-download Hilton Honors app provides the option for guests to book, seamlessly check in, select their room and access their room with a digital key, all by using their smartphone. Not only is this technology easy to use but it also eliminates the need for a physical room key. Many hotels also offer contactless check out, enabling you to receive your electronic receipt and be on your way with zero waste involved.

3. Keep your eye out for recycling

Refrain from discarding waste in the first receptacle you see and check if there’s a recycling bin nearby. Often waste containers are split and offer several places for depositing items, so make sure trash goes into the appropriate slot and recycling or compost into its designated area. Every recycled item helps prevent waste from entering oceans and landfills.

4. Buy local and shop small

The best way to support — and get to know — a city or community is to contribute directly to the local economy. Experience local family-owned restaurants, shop at small businesses and hire local tour guides to learn about the community’s history and culture. If you’re not sure where to find the best local places, ask hotel staff who are typically locals themselves and can offer ample suggestions.

5. Opt for alternative wheels

You can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint from transportation, such as taking a direct flight or renting an electric vehicle. When you arrive, consider using alternative modes of transportation such as walking, cycling or public transportation to explore your destination. Guests of Canopy by Hilton can grab a complimentary bike to explore what hidden gems the city has to offer, or hotel staff can recommend local walking and running routes — providing a fun perspective for experiencing a new location.

Traveling is an important part of the human experience. As you dream about your future trips, you can satisfy your wanderlust without sacrificing the environment. These five simple Mother Nature-approved steps will help you travel more sustainably wherever you decide to explore next.

Posted on

4 key tips: Choosing your best possible all-inclusive vacation

2021-03-31T16:39:00

(BPT) – After a year of being stuck at home, many could use a change of scenery and a much-needed escape from the monotony of day-to-day life during the pandemic. Imagine waking up each morning and everything you need is right at your fingertips — sun, fun, entertainment, relaxation, great food and drink and your favorite travel companions.

That’s the very definition of daily life at an all-inclusive resort, and it explains why they’re the preferred vacation destination for so many people. Right now, Americans are excited about getting back to the sun and the sand; in a recent Hilton survey, nearly a quarter of would-be travelers want their first post-pandemic vacation to be at a tropical beach.

Whether it’s your first vacation after the pandemic or if you’ve already started to travel again, an all-inclusive can make the trip a breeze. You don’t need to worry over pulling together the logistics of scheduling hotel accommodations, restaurants or entertainment. Within your package, you’ll be offered a full range of activities, adventures and delicious dining options to please everyone in your party.

All-inclusive resorts can be excellent destination choices in today’s climate, since most of their activities are outdoors with strict cleaning and social distancing policies in place. And with programs such as Hilton CleanStay, guests can enjoy a clean and safe experience and peace of mind throughout the entirety of their all-inclusive stay.

Ready to move forward with the stress-free vacation that offers it all in one easy package? Consider these suggestions as you search and dream.

Decide on an adults-only or family-friendly resort. Are you seeking uninterrupted relaxation, or is your goal to make long-lasting family memories? There’s an all-inclusive resort for everyone; some focus on creating calm, relaxing settings, while others welcome children and have a range of activities to satisfy those with boundless energy. Hilton La Romana in Punta Cana has options for both, offering guests the choice of family and adult-only resorts.

Plan to vacation safely. Ensure that your destination offers opportunities for guests to follow social distancing guidelines, while still ensuring access to fabulous amenities. At Hilton Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico, guests seeking extra privacy may book a suite with their own swim-up access, featuring semi-private pools and private terraces equipped with lounging chaises and hammocks.

Consider an exotic tropical location. Beautiful natural surroundings can be balm for the soul, and may even give you a new perspective on life. Look around for a destination that takes you out of your everyday surroundings and delights your senses. Often, there’s nothing more invigorating than sweeping ocean views, palm-lined white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Seek out favorite activities (or don’t). Decide how you’d really like to spend time on your getaway. You may truly need to just lay low, relax, unwind and enjoy a cocktail or a massage at the spa. Alternatively, you may be seeking a chance to learn windsurfing, practice your scuba diving, dance the night away or tour local historic sites. All-inclusive resorts can help you plan your favorite activities based on your personal interests and preferred travel itinerary.

Check out menu options. By definition, all-inclusive resorts include meals, snacks and drinks in their daily rates. After months of menu planning and scouring the internet for new recipes to keep mealtime interesting, that’s a welcome indulgence that takes away the guesswork and responsibility of cooking. If you consider that to be the greatest perk (and many guests do), you’ll want to choose a resort that places a high priority on the quality and variety of your culinary experiences. The best ones usually offer lots of choices with multiple restaurants, bars and lounges, with delicious, innovative and (often) locally inspired dishes geared toward pleasing a wide spectrum of guests.

Your next venture to an all-inclusive resort may be the cure for your wanderlust and may become your new favorite travel memory. Learn more about choosing the ideal all-inclusive hotel for your wants and needs at Hiltonbyplaya.com.

Posted on

Tips to combat child weight gain during the pandemic

2021-03-31T00:01:00

(BPT) – With the stress of the ongoing pandemic, children starting to go back to school in person after months of virtual school, sport and activity cancellations, and the change of what was considered the “normal” routine, it can be easy to consider your child’s weight gain of a few extra pounds as temporary. But this weight gain may not be trivial.

Since the start of COVID-19, many children have not had access to the nutrition and physical activity they would have received in school. This combined with the stress and change of routines resulting from the pandemic has accelerated the childhood obesity epidemic.

While childhood obesity has been plaguing the United States for years, pediatricians have seen a stark increase in abnormal rates of weight gain over the past year, and it may have lasting effects on children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children who put on excess weight face a greater long-term risk of health issues, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, asthma and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

The good news is it’s never too late to help set a healthy course for your child and your family. Dr. Arethusa Kirk, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare, shares warning signs and ways to help keep children active and healthy:

What warning signs should parents be aware of?

If you notice any changes in your child’s weight, the first step is to determine the underlying cause. There is a difference between normal body changes that come with routine growth and development of growing children and rapid weight gain that indicates a more serious health issue. If your child suddenly gains 10-20 pounds, this may require a deeper investigation and a consultation with your pediatrician or family practice provider.

With the pandemic, health providers are seeing heightened depression and anxiety from limited social interaction for both children and adults. In states of depression, eating habits and appetite can change which can result in excess snacking and extended time spent inactive. Ask questions to understand your child’s motivations. Are they eating out of hunger, just boredom or when they feel emotional or anxious? The more you understand the motivation and cause, the better the ability to intervene and enlist the help of the right professionals like your pediatrician.

Ways to keep your child active and healthy

Replace screen time with family time

With the shift to virtual learning, it’s not uncommon for children to sit idle for hours staring at a screen. To combat this, set a daily limit on screen time for all members of the household. Then use that extra time to engage in activities that keep your family physically and mentally active. Building in “movement snacks” such as stretches, jogging in place or dancing during the school day can be a mood booster and get kids moving.

Encourage healthy nutritional habits

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying treats in moderation, setting expectations around snacking is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. When kids are at home all day, they’re more prone to excessive snacking. Curb those cravings by limiting snacks in general. Making healthy options visible and unhealthy options invisible using a ‘this not that’ approach such as carrots and hummus instead of chips or cookies will help set patterns and habits for building healthy choices that have the potential to last a lifetime.

Reestablish a family routine

The structure and predictability that came with a normal school schedule can be difficult to reestablish or replicate in hybrid, virtual and in-school settings but maintaining regular sleep and meal patterns can be a great starting point. Reestablishing a set of patterns and routines in the new normals as they continue to evolve helps everyone in the household feel a sense of control and understanding of expectations. The bonus is, not only will a bedtime and meal routine help children stay focused during the day, it will also help them maintain a healthy weight.

Supporting your child — no matter what

While you help your child on their journey to a healthier lifestyle, remember to demonstrate compassion and understanding to your children as well as yourself. How you approach your child’s weight challenges will ultimately define how they view themselves. Be sure to provide daily encouragement, pointing out what your child is doing well. If you maintain a positive and supportive approach, the results will follow.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician

If you’re worried your child is putting on too much weight, reach out to their providers. A pediatrician will consider your child’s history of growth and development in the full context of their medical history. This can help determine if your child’s weight is in an unhealthy range and if more lifestyle changes are needed.

While busy schedules and competing demands can often get in the way of good intentions, every parent wants to ensure their child grows up healthy. Each new day provides a fresh opportunity to make the commitment, choices and changes needed to keep your child on a path toward a lifetime of health and wellness.

Posted on

Pursuing a mortgage with ‘less-than-perfect’ credit

2021-03-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – Owning a home is the cornerstone of the American dream. There’s nothing like having a permanent plot of land you can call your own.

But, if you’ve hit a rough patch with your credit score, this dream might feel like it’s out of reach. However, finding a suitable mortgage with a “less than perfect” credit score is still possible.

Is there a minimum credit score for mortgages?

Typically, there isn’t a minimum credit score required for mortgage applications. However, recent blending of government policy and business practice have resulted in a current credit score threshold of around 620. But some lenders may have the power to determine their own score acceptance limit. This can make it hard to find the institution where you may qualify, as each lender operates a little differently. No matter where you’re at in your path to homeownership, or what your score is, here are a few tips to help you secure that mortgage:

Exercise all of your options

If you’ve had lenders reject your conventional mortgage application, there is no need to worry. That’s because there are several loan options available aside from conventional mortgages. Some of those include:

  • FHA loans: This is a loan provided by an FHA-approved lender and while there are no maximum income limits on an FHA insured loan, they have typically been used for first-time homebuyers or low-to-moderate income borrowers. The loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans require a small down payment (typically 3.5%) and will frequently accept borrowers with lower credit scores.
  • VA loans: For current and former members of the military, a VA loan can be a viable option for securing a home. VA loans typically don’t require any down payment; are partially backed or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and are frequently made available to active duty or former members of the military with lower credit scores.
  • USDA loans: Like FHA loans, these are frequently made to low-to-moderate income individuals with low to moderately low credit scores. However, to qualify for a USDA loan, your home must be in a USDA-designated suburban or rural location.

Work to improve your credit

If you’re not interested in utilizing a government-backed loan such as FHA, VA or USDA, improving your payment habits, thereby boosting your credit score, can be another viable option. Even if it takes time to raise your credit score a few points, it can still be beneficial. You can boost your score by making consistent, on-time payments, and finding ways to diversify your credit mix or lower your overall credit usage.

Buy within your means

Even if you have a bad credit score, lenders will perceive you as less of a risk if you stay within your means when buying a home. Lenders will likely analyze your income to obligations closely to see if you have leftover reserves every month (which they refer to as “residual income”) to help absorb the shock of unexpected expenses. Do your best to save as much as you can for a down payment, but remember — private mortgage insurance can help minimize a down payment shortage.

Don’t give up

While the mortgage qualification process can be challenging, it’s essential to stay vigilant. If it looks like you’re going to get a “no” at first, it might just mean more work needs to be done to evaluate your situation more deeply. Many times, a “no” is really a “not just yet.” But with persistence, patience and passion, you can still achieve your dream of homeownership.

Learn more about what your score looks like and examine the factors using VantageScore’s consistent, accurate and inclusive scoring models at https://vantagescore.com/consumers/our-models.

Posted on

Business credit scores: 6 things every entrepreneur should know

2021-03-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you have a side hustle you’re looking to grow? Are you a small-business owner wondering if you should use your personal credit for your business? Before you do, consider your business credit score. Whether it’s a modest side gig or you’re looking to expand your small business into a full-time, multi-person venture, it’s important to understand your business credit score and how it can help you.

Haven’t heard of a business credit score? You’re not alone. “What is a business credit score?” is the top question we get at VantageScore from small-business owners. Our goal is to expand understanding about credit scores for everyone, and when it comes to businesses, helping empower owners with useful information to help them make smart financial decisions.

The credit experts at VantageScore Solutions share must-know info about business credit and how small-business owners can establish and grow their business credit score:

Consumer and business credit reports are different

A consumer credit report is for an individual while a business credit report is for an organization, even if it’s just one person. What’s on the report varies: A business credit report has different number ranges for credit ratings, such as zero to 100. Additionally, you won’t see a list of creditors on a business credit report like you would on a consumer credit report.

A positive business credit report matters

A business credit report shows credit-related data a credit reporting company (CRC) has gathered about an organization from different qualifying sources. This includes records of credit card balances and payments, as well as public records, such as bankruptcies. Having a rich business credit report can help you get better terms on business loans and other financial relationships needed to manage and grow your business, including lower interest rates.

Be proactive to strengthen your business credit report

If you get a consumer loan, that information may be reported to all three bureaus for your consumer credit report. On the business side, there’s less data consistency and less chance your lender is going to report to all the commercial credit bureaus. Be proactive by using strategies that include reporting to the bureaus, such as utilizing small-business credit cards. You can also work with vendors that knowingly report to the bureaus. Finally, as always, pay all bills on time and keep debt low.

Separate yourself and your business

Just like with consumer credit, it takes time to build a rich credit history. Business owners should start building good credit as soon as possible and start by establishing a business entity. The majority of small-business owners in the United States operate as sole proprietors, which means they don’t have a formal business structure such as an LLC, S-corporation or C-corporation. Having these types of designations separates you and your business and therefore separates your business and personal credit.

Avoid tapping personal assets

When starting or growing a business, a lot of people use personal assets such as savings, retirement funds or home equity for funding. Before you do this, exhaust all other possibilities for business financing. There are over 6,500 different companies with lending products for small-business owners, so it’s worthwhile to research and find one that fits your needs so you don’t have to put your personal finances at risk. Plus, many of these other options come with the opportunity to build your business credit report.

Check your business credit report regularly

Just because you pay your bills on time doesn’t mean you should assume your credit report is good. If something negative occurs, you want to respond quickly, such as financial fraud or identity theft. Visit VantageScore.com to access a list of free credit score providers for both your personal and business credit reporting purposes.

Posted on

Resale revolution: 6 tips for scoring great home furnishing deals online

2021-03-31T05:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a fan of finding deals or saving money, you’re far from alone. Shopping in resale shops and online marketplaces is one of the best ways to thrift shop, and if you’ve never given them a try, now may be an excellent time to start.

The desire to save money, recycle and find unique merchandise has driven the resale market forward in the past couple of decades, and 2020 was no exception. Forty-eight percent of Americans shopped resale during the pandemic, reports local resale marketplace OfferUp, with many motivated to “feather their nests” as they increasingly spent time at home. Resale marketplaces were the fastest-growing retail channel for home products like desks, exercise equipment and electronics, and other top-selling items included beds, mattresses, sofas, rugs, lamps and pillows.

Overall, 58% redecorated during the pandemic to make their surroundings more beautiful, comfortable and functional, contributing to an overall $27 billion increase in home décor spending last year.

Are you interested in finding attractive, useful and fun furniture and home goods at lower prices? Consider these suggestions for mastering the resale shopping trend and scoring great purchases to enjoy as you work, play, learn and exercise at home.

Browse from the comfort of your couch. Shopping online has never been easier now that established venues like OfferUp handle all the busywork. Happily, you can now peruse, compare, buy and arrange to receive most anything with a few clicks of a button. That explains why 56 million Americans bought or sold using OfferUp last year, and one in five spent time shopping the convenient and easy-to-navigate marketplace.

Shop local when possible. Not only do you keep money in your community when you buy from people in your area, but you save money on postage or transport when you opt to pick up items yourself. Further, online payments can make local pick-ups easier and more convenient than ever.

Read the fine print. Before committing to a purchase, take time to scrutinize item descriptions and enlarge provided photos so you have a clear idea of the item’s condition and appearance. Still have questions? Contact the seller and (politely) ask for more details or images. Taking that extra step could save time and frustration for both you and the seller.

Don’t hesitate to make offers. It’s OK (and even somewhat expected) to negotiate on prices when you’re buying from other individuals. But do that respectfully; instead of complaining about merchandise shortcomings or announcing that the asking price is way too high, politely ask the seller whether he or she may be willing to accept a lesser amount.

Follow buying etiquette. Simply put, you should treat sellers as you would like to be treated. Ask and answer questions politely, show up on time for meet-ups and have your payments ready as promised. Thank them for their time, effort and merchandise. Let them know (with plenty of notice) if you’ve changed your mind on a purchase and/or will be unable to meet.

Be mindful about safety. Conduct business through online marketplaces that keep profiles of both buyers and sellers to discourage fraud. When possible, meet up to exchange merchandise at local businesses or law enforcement centers that are busy, brightly lit and monitored by video cameras. You may also wish to make payments through online payment venues that allow for stopped payments in the event of disputes.

Since its 2020 acquisition of resale marketplace letgo, OfferUp is now the largest mobile marketplace for local buyers and sellers in the U.S., with 56 million buyers and sellers transacting last year. Learn more about the fun and convenience of online resale shopping at OfferUp.com.

Posted on

Generic and Biosimilar Drugs Have Been Unsung Lifesavers of the Pandemic

2021-03-30T14:01:00

(BPT) – You might not know that generic and biosimilar medicines save Medicare, Medicaid and privately insured patients billions of dollars every year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these safe, effective FDA-approved drugs are also saving lives.

In the early days of the pandemic, personal protective equipment and many consumer goods were in short supply, but health-preserving and lifesaving medicines for major and minor conditions continued to flow to pharmacies and hospitals.

At a recent conference where she appeared on a panel discussing her experience treating COVID patients, Alexandra (Alex) Pratt, M.D., Chair of the Department of Critical Care at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, explained, “Nearly everything that we used in the ICU was generic or biosimilar. Generic sedatives, analgesics, steroids, vasoactives, anticoagulants, were all absolutely critical to the management of this pandemic. Patients would certainly have died if we did not have access to these medications. And we were very grateful that we never had a disruption in the supply of those medications.” Dr. Derek Angus, critical care chief at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, referred to a study confirming the effectiveness of generic steroids as the “most solid news we’ve had yet on how to take care of patients with COVID-19.”

Today, mass distribution of vaccines is under way, but until we have all been vaccinated and herd immunity has been reached, thousands of patients will require care and treatment — and generics and biosimilars will be there for them.

While Pratt and her peers across the nation had the medicines they needed when they needed them, efforts are under way to ensure the continued availability of prescription medicines. The Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM) has published a Blueprint for Enhancing the Security of the U.S. Pharmaceutical Supply Chain, envisioning greater domestic production of priority medicines through tax incentives, strategic stockpiling and guaranteed contracts, among other measures.

“Our association and the makers of generic and biosimilar medicines believe in reinforcing this public health and economic asset,” says Dan Leonard, CEO of AAM. (Discover their SecureOurMeds campaign.) “Strengthening the supply chain and enhancing our already significant manufacturing presence in America will require the commitment of the government to complement the commitment of our industry.”

While Americans hailed frontline staff in hospitals and health care facilities, credit also goes to professionals in facilities, labs and offices that make up the nation’s medicine supply chain. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to people like Roby Epting, manager of second-shift operations at generics manufacturer Sandoz in Wilson, North Carolina, who rose to the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic and worked around the clock to ensure that medicines reached patients in America and around the world.

Sweta Modha, a packaging technician at generics manufacturer Apotex, expressed pride in the role she played in “maintaining the supply continuity of essential medicines that are required in the fight against COVID.”

Safe and effective medicine has never been more important to America than in the past year and a half. During one of the darkest times in our nation’s history, reliable generic and biosimilar medicines played an important role on the front lines of the war against COVID-19. Further increasing patient access will protect the health and increase the quality of life for millions of Americans.

Posted on

4 Tips to Feel Confident in Your Next Car Purchase

2021-03-30T13:01:00

(BPT) – After a house, a car is likely the second-largest purchase most Americans will ever make. While it’s often easy to feel confident in smaller, everyday buys — like a new pair of shoes or takeout from your favorite restaurant — bigger purchases, like a car, can leave you second-guessing. Did you make the right choice? Was there something better out there? Here are the top tips to help you feel fully confident when buying your next ride.

Tip 1: Do your homework

It’s important to find a vehicle that complements your lifestyle — and fits your budget. Whether you’re looking for a compact car to navigate narrow city streets, a convertible for open-air road trips, or an SUV big enough to fit the whole family (and car seats too!), think about what you want in your next ride. Make a list of must-haves, and don’t forget to note the ways your old car came up short — was your cloth interior too much of a magnet for pet hair? Next, get pre-approved for financing to get a sense of what you can spend (pro tip: try out a payment calculator). This will help you feel prepared as you start the search process.

Tip 2: Visit a store or shop around online

Once you’ve conducted your initial research and set a budget, it’s time to find your dream car. Whether you prefer to visit a physical store or shop online, take time to browse your options. You may filter by price, vehicle type, make/model, color, and features (this is where your list of must-haves will come in handy!). Narrow down your top choices — decisions, decisions!

Tip 3: Take it for a 24-hour test drive

Think you’ve found “the one”? Before you sign on the dotted line, take a 24-Hour Test Drive. CarMax, the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, offers customers the Love Your Car Guarantee. This signature experience allows you to take a 24-Hour Test Drive before committing to purchase — providing increased peace of mind and buyer confidence as you experience a day in the life with a new ride. Take it for a spin around the neighborhood, swing by your local drive-through, pick up the kids from practice, and see how groceries fit in the trunk.

Tip 4: Feel even more confident with 30-day money-back returns

Give yourself an added dose of assurance by shopping with a retailer that offers an extended money-back guarantee. As part of CarMax’s Love Your Car Guarantee offering, customers have 30 days to decide if a vehicle is the right fit — plenty of time to see if you can truly fall in love with your new ride. You can return the car for any reason for a full refund up to 1,500 miles. No regrets!

Car shopping should be stress-free — and exciting! Whether you choose to buy online or in-store, these tips can help you feel fully confident in your next purchase.

Posted on

Spring refresh: 5 easy indoor projects to freshen up your home

2021-03-30T11:31:00

(BPT) – While spring cleaning tends to get the most attention this time of year, the best way to usher in the new season is by giving your home a warm-weather refresh. There’s no need to go out and buy all new furniture and décor or undertake a major renovation to give your current interior a fresh look and feel, though — small tweaks can make just as big of an impact!

Spruce up interior spaces with these five simple do-it-yourself projects that can be tackled over a weekend.

Restore and reorganize décor

An easy way to give your living space a mini makeover is to reinvigorate existing décor. Start by repairing any damaged or broken decorative pieces such as frames, vases or display items using DAP RapidFuse Gel Control Applicator. Providing a precise, clean and controlled application on a variety of materials including plastics, wood, rubber, metal, ceramics and more, this gel adhesive is perfect for uneven or vertical applications and sets in just 30 seconds for a completely mess-free repair. Finish up by finding new homes for your prized décor pieces for a completely new look.

Update bathroom hardware

Nothing dates a bathroom more than an outdated faucet. Give your vanity a facelift by swapping out old fixtures with updated designs to help revitalize the sink. But don’t stop there — replacing stained or worn-down caulk can give the entire bathroom a fresh look while preventing future moisture damage. Make sure to use a siliconized sealant, such as DAP’s Kwik Seal Ultra. It’s water ready in four hours and offers lifetime mold and mildew protection, so it stays looking clean, fresh and new.

Brighten interior walls

Whether you want your space to feel more spacious, a bit brighter or even more soothing, a new paint color can do the trick. Everything from earthy, jewel tones to natural, more neutral aesthetics are trending this year. When selecting your color, sticking within the shade family of one of your longtime favorite colors will help guarantee the color brings you joy for years to come. Looking to ease in? Give an accent wall a shot!

Repair holes in the drywall

Before you start painting a room, make sure you take the time to repair any nicks, dents or holes in the drywall for a polished and professional finished result. Whether the damage is small from a picture frame nail or anchor, or as large as doorknob damage, new Eclipse Rapid Wall Repair Patches come in three sizes and make repairing holes in drywall so fast and easy, anyone can do it. No spackling or sanding. Just apply and paint for a completely mess-free repair in minutes.

Upgrade lighting

If your ceiling is still sporting a decades-old light fixture, revitalize it with something a little more modern. The same goes for lampshades and light fixtures. Swapping these out with new, upgraded looks is a simple and budget-friendly way to update any room in an afternoon. To complete your lighting update, consider replacing your current light bulbs with LED bulbs, which will provide a cooler light while helping reduce your energy bill.

For more tips to help tackle your home improvement projects, visit DAP.com.

Posted on

5 top road trips to satisfy your spring wanderlust

2021-03-30T11:01:00

(BPT) – The days are getting longer and warmer and with the pent-up demand to travel, now is the perfect time to start planning your next trip. While you may be approaching spring getaways differently this year, traversing the open road offers endless possibilities to explore new destinations or reconnect with the places you love when you are ready to ease back into travel.

A recent survey by Hilton showed that almost 9 in 10 travelers (88%) believe road trips are a great way to make memories right now. No matter where you’re headed when the time comes, Hilton has a list of top road trips to get you started.

From leisurely routes to short trips exploring local gems, these are some of the best roads to travel this spring — with convenient places to stay along the way.

Long-distance journeys

If you love the open road and are willing to spend some time behind the wheel, each of these memorable routes offers unique sights and experiences.

  • The iconic Route 66 crosses eight states and nearly 2,500 miles, making it the perfect extended spring break road trip. You can start your journey in Chicago, taking time to visit Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) in Millennium Park and enjoy some deep-dish pizza. Then head south to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, where you can overnight at Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Louis/Forest Park. Continuing southwest along the open road, unique venues like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and the Painted Desert in Arizona await you — with your journey ending at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles.
  • America’s longest north-south interstate, I-95, stretches over 1,900 miles down the scenic Atlantic Coast with plenty to see and do along the way. You can kick off your journey with a visit to Acadia National Park in Maine before stopping in Boston to explore the cobblestone streets and city’s waterfront neighborhood. Further your adventure in New York City with endless sights and a stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square-South, NY before continuing down the coast to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., and the scenic shores of the Outer Banks. Take time to explore historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, and enjoy a stay at Tru by Hilton Savannah Midtown in Savannah, Georgia, before reaching your final destination in Miami.

Weekend getaways

If you only have a couple of days, these trips will take you to some fascinating places.

  • The Blue Ridge Parkway extends from Charlottesville, Virginia, to Cherokee, North Carolina, offering stunning views that encourage you to truly slow down and enjoy the moment. With the speed limit rarely exceeding 45 mph, this trip is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast with plenty of opportunities to explore nature’s beauty. Along the way, make a stop to explore the eclectic dining and entertainment scene in Asheville, North Carolina, and book a stay at Hilton Garden Inn Asheville South. Continue driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee, where memorable outdoor adventures await in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Along the 563-mile road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon lies some of Arizona’s most fascinating towns and spectacular adventures. Be sure to check out the red rocks of Sedona and hike on its less-crowded trails to discover why this town is so memorable before driving on to Flagstaff, a vibrant town known for its seven wonders. Stay overnight at Embassy Suites by Hilton Flagstaff before spending the day at Grand Canyon National Park, which is a must-see destination on just about everyone’s bucket list.
  • Drive along U.S. Highway 1 — the Overseas Highway — from Miami to Key West, Florida, and you’ll traverse 42 bridges that connect 34 islands across more than 100 miles. This route takes you through a wonderland of mangrove trees, coral reefs, tropical savanna, quaint islands, and historical sites. Upon reaching the final destination, the famous Mile Marker 0 in Key West welcomes you to your sunny getaway where you can relax oceanside at Hampton Inn by Hilton Key West, minutes away from Duval Street and Smathers Beach.

Bonus: Before you hit the open road, sign up for Hilton Honors to take advantage of benefits like contactless arrival and departure through the Hilton Honors smartphone app, exclusive offers such as the current Points Unlimited promotion, car rentals and the Points Explorer tool to see where your Points can take you, within your budget. Best of all, Hilton’s guest loyalty program is free to join.