Nima Nojavan - HOME SWEET HOME

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courtesy of: Nima Nojavan-Kheiraddin

Dear Homeowners As December arrives, it’s time to let coziness take center stage! This month’s issue of Home Sweet Home is brimming with warm and inviting ideas to transform your home into a winter sanctuary. We share easy tips to create comfort through soft lighting, nostalgic scents, and cozy textures. From layering lighting to embracing seasonal aromas, discover how you can create a peaceful retreat from the cold. For those wanting screen-free activities for indoors on colder days, we’ve got some engaging ways to spend time offline with friends and family. Think homemade “café” corners and acts of kindness that are sure to brighten your winter days. Plus, enjoy our festive recipe for a hot chocolate charcuterie board, a perfect treat for holiday gatherings! And if you’re traveling this holiday season, don’t miss our guide packed with tips to ease the journey. Whether you’re hitting the road or catching a flight, we’ve got you covered!

Enjoy this cozy issue, and please reach out if I can help with any of your real estate needs.

Warmly,

Nima Nojavan-Kheiraddin HomeLife/Cimerman Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage 416-226-9770 info@realtornima.com EstateByNima.com 28 Drewry Ave, North York, ON M2M 1C8

Table of Contents

Let Cozy Take Center Stage This Winter 04 Interior designer Amanda Wyatt shares simple, affordable ways to ramp up the cozy factor—from layering soft lighting to engaging all five senses with nostalgic scents, soothing sounds, and rich textures. Discover how the right lighting, nature-inspired elements, and even a warm cup of cider can bring more comfort and peace to your home. Embrace winter with a space that’s ready to welcome you, no matter the weather outside!

Screen-Free Activities for the Short Days of Winter This article shares expert tips to help you embrace offline activities that foster creativity, connection, and relaxation. From cozying up in a homemade café corner to embarking on neighborhood acts of kindness, discover fresh ideas for screen-free fun that will warm up even the coldest days. Make the most of winter with simple, memorable activities that nurture the soul—and leave the devices behind!

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Recipes • Hot Chocolate “Charcuterie” Board • Spiced Snickerdoodle Cookies

Tips for Every Kind of Holiday Travel Holiday travel can be a hectic experience, but with the right strategies, you can breeze through your journey and avoid common pitfalls. From savvy packing and check-in advice for flights to prepping your car for a winter road trip, this guide has practical tips for every traveler. Learn how to pack efficiently, reserve early to avoid hassles, and stay flexible in case of delays.

December 2024

LET COZY TAKE CENTER STAGE THIS WINTER

As daylight continues to run short and winter weather swirls outside, we find ourselves spending more time indoors. Rather than feeling confined to your space on cold, dark days, set it up for comfort with the right cozy touches. To get input on some easy and inexpensive ways to ramp up the cozy factor in your home, we spoke

with Amanda Wyatt, Interior Designer and Custom Home Builder Consultant. Amanda is also the founder of Design Insider (https:// www.design-insider.com/), a curated online Rolodex that provides access to trade pricing and professional design resources for anyone interested in interior design.

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DEFINING COZY

ELEMENTS OF NATURE

Everyone has their own idea of what defines a cozy space. While candles and fuzzy blankets might be in queue for one person, another might find it stifling. The key is to know your preferences so you can create a relaxing space where you can unwind and immerse in the blessings of your home. Amanda comments, “As designers, we sometimes over-intellectualize the elements needed to create a certain atmosphere, but coziness specifically is tied to comfort—and it is such a subjective feeling! All five senses contribute to feeling comfortable and cozy, and each person will experience comfort differently based on past experiences, personal preferences, and access to resources. Beyond the obvious, my best advice is to lean into whatever makes YOU feel secure and safe.”

Bringing the essence of air, water, earth, and fire into the home grounds us and promotes a sense of balance and peace. Look into biophilic design by purchasing natural fibers, leaning into colors found in nature, adding plants, and choosing scents inspired by rain, the mountains, or the ocean. Include sounds of trickling water and leave a window cracked when the weather allows, or rely on an air filter for fresh air. Also, consider adding a fireplace for ambiance and as a potential heat source. Amanda says, “In my opinion having a fireplace in the winter is perhaps the coziest decision you can make… personally I love the sound of a crackling fire, I enjoy the smell of safely contained clean burning wood, and I live for that heat on my cheeks when I come in from outside to warm up. The dancing light on the walls a fireplace makes (whether it’s real or electric) is another great element I love to enjoy.”

USING ALL THE SENSES TO CREATE A COZY SPACE

We often go straight to the visual aspects of a cozy space—what you see when you walk into a room. Cohesive design goes a long way towards offering this impression with furniture, paint, rugs, and throw pillows. But it’s important to remember that all the senses are involved in creating the atmosphere. Things like soft furnishings, slippers, or a weighted blanket can bring tactile comfort, and burning a candle, incense, or potpourri engages the sense of smell. Similarly, a water feature or nature sounds use the sense of hearing to create a serene escape. Amanda notes, “Nostalgia is a powerful tool and I often encourage my clients to invite more comfort into their spaces by tapping into it. To achieve this, push play on an album you love, light a candle with a scent that reminds you of a good time, or have a quilt/blanket nearby with a familiar weight that you can cozy up with and feel at peace under.”

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LIGHTING Creating the right lighting in a room requires finding the right combination of function and visual appeal. You don’t want a room that’s too dark, but it may not feel cozy if it’s starkly bright either. Aim to make the most of your lighting by choosing a variety of light fixtures, from floor to table lamps, candles, reading lights, and natural light. Amanda is passionate about the power of lighting in setting the mood of a room saying, “I could talk forever about this! Lighting is so essential to creating a specific vibe … and in the winter when natural light is less available it’s especially important to have good layered lighting to create a cozy atmosphere.” She goes on to explain that different types of lighting have different purposes. “Layered lighting is generally grouped into three main components: ambient, task, and accent lighting. I think accent lighting is the most important for creating cozy winter vibes—consider wall sconces with pretty frosted shades to diffuse any harshness, tasteful string lights that cast dancing shadows around the room, or an end table lamp with a dimmer function that allows you to customize the amount of light based on the time of day or task you are performing.” In addition to the type of lighting you choose, consider where you’re putting it. Make sure areas you use for reading offer some form of task lighting, but when the goal is to create ambiance, think of it more in terms of the room as a whole. Amanda says, “Placement is key with accent lighting! Highlight cozy corners, or position lights near a window or mirror allowing the light to bounce playfully around the room. This can also brighten your space without actually adding more light.”

COZINESS DELIVERED THROUGH FOOD AND DRINK There’s more to cozy winter days than blankets and fires, although that’s a great place to start. We also capture comfort through food and drinks. This is the time of year when we shift from lemonade to hot tea, cold beer to whiskey, and salads to soups. Hearty foods like chili, stews, and casseroles warm us from the inside out and provide a full, satisfying feeling. Even if it’s not meal time you can create a cozy vibe by anticipating a cup of hot cider or coffee. Provide a visual cue by keeping a basket of cocoa, tea, and cider selections near the electric kettle. Similarly, baking breads, cookies, and pies delivers delightful warmth, smells, and of course tastes. Amanda adds, “Before my career in design I owned a small chain of boutique bakeries with my sister, so I am particularly nostalgic / comforted by the smell of fresh bread in the morning. I still bake at home a lot for my family, and winter is the perfect time to use your oven to warm the kitchen and fill your home with the smell of baked goods. Also, I’m a big fan of making mulled wines and hot ciders in the crock-pot. Just the simmering smells of orange rinds, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg make the whole house feel warm and inviting when it’s cold outside.” With purpose, fixture style, and location decided, finish the task with the right light bulbs. There are a wide range of bulbs to choose from, each with their own contributions to the space. Amanda agrees, saying, “Perhaps the most important thing to consider is the temperature of your bulbs. I’m partial to warm light year-round, but it feels especially perfect for wintertime. Choose bulbs with soft, or amber light… and I like temperatures under 3000K. LED lights also come in warmer hues so you can still be energy conscious.”

December 2024

CLEAN, ORGANIZED, AND EFFICIENT

Sometimes, a clean and organized space is the most powerful tool when it comes to creating a relaxing and cozy vibe. Prepare for winter with a ‘spring cleaning’ of sorts. Declutter, wipe down surfaces, and make necessary repairs. If you have a difficult time maintaining a tidy home, hire a professional, implement “family clean time” weekly, or simply focus on the areas you use the most so your space is inviting rather than stress-inducing. The weather-related aspects of winter have a way of adding additional gear to your home. With this in mind, rely on hooks and coat racks to hang jackets and keep sweaters nearby. Also, put out a crock or basket for wet umbrellas and designate a space for wet shoes. Amanda expands on this idea saying, “It’s such a good idea to adjust your entryway seasonally. For some of us, the different climates we get in a calendar year are drastic, and this will shift what you need in your entryway. In my experience hooks are never a bad thing. Whether you need them for winter coats or wet swimsuits, having a spot to hang things when you enter your home contributes to less clutter and mess. For winter specifically, I like to have coarse door mats to wipe away mud and snow and always have some boot trays that can be placed right inside or outside the front door to keep my floors cleaner. Having a modular coat rack on hand for months when you’re regularly donning more outerwear, or special event days that bring extra guests to your house is also a great idea.” As winter settles in, there's no better time to transform your home into a haven of warmth and comfort. By embracing cozy elements like soft textures, ambient lighting, and inviting scents, you create a space that wraps you in a sense of calm and relaxation, no matter how cold it gets outside.

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SCREEN-FREE ACTIVITIES FOR THE SHORT DAYS OF WINTER When the days become shorter and the temperature drops, it’s easy to find yourself spending more time curled up beneath a blanket watching television or scrolling on your phone. Let’s face it, cold, dark days aren’t exactly motivating. But rather than slipping into a pattern of finding entertainment in screen form, create a plan for making memories without digital prompts.

December 2024

To help us identify the importance of disconnecting from the electronic world, we talked to Palak Dave, an entrepreneur, speaker, and author of the book Beautiful Everydays: A Guide to Living in the Here and Now . She says, “I truly believe that disconnecting is the new way to reconnect—with yourself, the people around you, and a life that you love. Taking a break from screens allows for more meaningful, in-person interactions and activities that nurture creativity, such as reading, cooking, or engaging in hobbies, as well as spending more time embracing seasonal activities outdoors. These can all lead to not only reduced stress and anxiety that often arise from constant digital stimulation, but also better quality sleep, improved moods, and better relationships.” We asked Palak about some of her favorite screen- free activities, and she noted that it’s about more than simply finding an alternative to spending

time on your phone or computer—but embracing opportunities to truly connect with others and make lasting memories. Much of what we do on screens is passive activity, so the goal is to get actively engaged. She says, “In today’s digital world, it’s easy to be plugged in all the time, but this doesn’t allow for true rest and reconnection with yourself and the people around you, including your family. There are so many ways to tap into ideas that are nostalgic (even from our own childhoods) but create offline activities that everyone can enjoy. Many of the ideas I share are taken from my new book, Beautiful Everydays which offers dozens of screen-free activity suggestions that turn everyday experiences into memorable ones. Although these are seemingly simple concepts, it’s often through the simplicity that we can find the most joy. It’s not always about what we need to add in, but how we can use the moment in front of us to create presence.”

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Another suggestion from Palak is to focus on bringing joy to others. Many people struggle with depression during winter, making it the perfect time to focus on acts of service. Palak says, “The world can always use a bit more kindness, so why not spread it as much as you can? Grab a notepad and pen, and take some time to create a list of acts of kindness that you’d like to do. These can be anything from baking cookies for a neighbor, to helping out with chores, calling grandma to say that you love her, or walking a friend’s dog. When you have about twenty things on the list, display it somewhere you can see (maybe on the fridge), and every day, aim to complete one random act of kindness. This becomes a fun activity for kids to look forward to.” It’s something everyone can feel good about. Palak also suggests spending some time creating thoughtful notes. You can use premade notecards, make your own, or let the kids get creative with stamps and stickers. Plus, you can use the opportunity to teach kids about how to address an envelope and use postage stamps. Even better, take uplifting notes to senior centers, thank the staff at your favorite stores, or deliver messages of appreciation to aid organizations in your town. 3. RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

1. CAFÉ AT HOME

Palak explains that this can take shape as a date for couples or a fun activity that includes the entire family. “The idea is to turn an area in your home into a cozy little café. Set up a small side table, add some decor (fresh flowers, or a candle), select your favorite warm beverage to brew, put on a French jazz or piano playlist, and then sit back and relax, the way you would if you were to be in a cute café. Whether you want to read a book, enjoy a sweet treat, or invite a friend over for a chat, creating a café at home transforms an ordinary space into an extraordinary one.” This works as a wine bar too!

2. BUILD FORTS

Building forts isn’t just for kids—although they will love it too. Grab every blanket you can find, drape them between the furniture, and crawl inside. Add some soft cushions, pillows, and blankets and you’ve built a reading nook or indoor camping spot. Bring in a flashlight or lantern and read to the kids while they prepare for an afternoon nap. You might even find yourself joining them for a snooze. Your fort can easily become a play tent, or you and your significant other can settle in for a competitive board game.

December 2024

There are many positive aspects of the digital world, but one negative result is the disconnect with the people around us. Not only within our homes but our neighborhoods and communities too. Where people used to make an effort to know their neighbors, now often find little interaction. You can take the first step in strengthening relationships within the community by hosting what Palak calls a “drop-in party”. She explains that leaving the hours flexible for drop-ins offers a casual vibe that “allows people to work the event into their schedule without having to commit to the entire time”. She continues, “This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Put together a message or small invitation to send to your neighbors inviting them to drop by on a weekend afternoon for a drink and a snack. It can even be as simple as hot chocolate and cookies! And when they ask what they can bring, instead of saying ‘Oh nothing, just yourself!’, be honest and ask them to contribute a snack or a beverage so that it takes the pressure off of hosting. A casual hangout is a great way to connect with your neighbors, have the kids play, and build community.” 4. HOST A COMMUNITY MEET AND GREET Fresh air often directly results in a fresh mindset, even during the winter. Take a stroll in the snow, let the kids sled down small hills, and have a snowball fight! If it’s raining, grab the rubber boots and raincoat instead. Palak says, “Regardless of the season, it’s essential to find time to spend outside in nature, where you feel connected to the environment around you. Scrolling on your phone for an hour won’t make you feel good, but a walk outside in nature will.” 5. GET OUTDOORS

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6. START A CLUB

Often we have good intentions to reach out to friends or to make plans to spend time together, and then weeks or months go by and we don’t get a date on the calendar. One way to commit to spending time together at regular intervals is to start a club. It can take place in a public place or in your home, and you can set times and days that work for the members. As for what type of club? Anything that interests you. You can play cards or games, solve word puzzles, swap cooking tips, build model airplanes, talk about books, create crafts, exercise, or share collections. Palak says, “I love the concept of a Cookbook Club as a way to gather IRL (in real life) and build memories. It’s something that I started 5 years ago and now have made a part of my membership community, Embiria Social Club. I suggest creating a group of between 6-8 friends. If this is something you want to start, then find a few friends that are interested, and ask them to invite one additional friend each, that way you’re meeting new people and cultivating new friendships. The idea is to select a cookbook each month (which can be done by the person who is hosting that month), cook dishes from the book, and gather for a potluck-style meal together where each member takes a turn at hosting. Because the Cookbook Club is a monthly commitment, it’s such a great way to share delicious food and conversation and deepen friendships. I have made some of my closest friends through hosting the Cookbook Club, and also had the chance to try so many great recipes and dishes which made cooking feel fun again!”

Winter is the perfect time to invest in your education and interests. Learn how to make wreaths, finally sign up for a language class, or find a guitar instructor. Ride horses, swim, become first-aid certified, join a meditation experience, or immerse yourself in a cooking course. Look for hands-on activities that allow you to interact with other students and instructors. 7. TAKE A CLASS

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HOW TO MAINTAIN LESS SCREEN TIME Too often we spend our days bouncing from one type of screen to another without giving a lot of thought to the practice. When we do decide to make a change, it can be difficult. Palak suggests, “I recommend having set times in your calendars for screen-free activities and rituals so that those times become non-negotiable. For example, on Saturday mornings, maybe you go for a weekly family date for coffee and pastries. It’s something everyone can look forward to, and can naturally become device-free. You can also host weekly games night or offline Sundays for everyone, which eventually you’ll crave even more of.”

Once you’re able to break away from the habit of relying on screens, you’ll find a world of rich experiences on the horizon. Palak concludes, “The less time we spend on screens, the more fulfilled we’ll be and the less isolated and depleted we’ll feel. Giving yourself time away from screens allows you to slow down, recharge, and truly savor the quieter moments of the season.” She further advises, “The key to creating lasting change is to keep things simple. And the way to do that is by building rituals and traditions so that you don't have to make a decision to stay off your screens every single time, but that you are so immersed in enjoying other things that your devices become an afterthought.”

December 2024

Hot Chocolate “Charcuterie” Board

INGREDIENTS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make the Hot Chocolate: In a saucepan, combine the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-low, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and hot (do not boil). 2. Assemble the Charcuterie Board: z Pour the hot chocolate into a thermos or a large serving bowl for easy access. z On a large wooden board or platter, arrange the toppings in small bowls or directly on the board for guests to help themselves. 3. Serve: Set out mugs for your guests to fill with hot chocolate and customize with their favorite toppings.

HOT CHOCOLATE: z 4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy) z ½ cup cocoa powder z ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste) z 1 teaspoon vanilla extract z Pinch of salt TOPPINGS: z Whipped cream or marshmallows z Crushed candy canes z Chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) z Cinnamon sticks z Miniature cookies (store-bought or homemade) z Sprinkles z Sliced fruit (like strawberries or bananas)

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Spiced Snickerdoodle Cookies

INGREDIENTS: z 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour z ½ teaspoon baking soda z ½ teaspoon cream of tartar z ¼ teaspoon salt z ½ cup unsalted butter, softened z 1 teaspoon vanilla extract z 1 tablespoon cinnamon z 2 tablespoons sugar (for coating) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). z ¾ cup sugar z 1 large egg 2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside. 3. Make the Dough: z In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. z Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

4. Form the Cookies: z In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for coating. z Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. 5. Bake: Place the coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. 6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

December 2024

TIPS FOR EVERY KIND OF HOLIDAY TRAVEL

The holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. As schools release students for winter break and families get together to celebrate, it seems every form of travel shifts into high gear. Whether you’re headed to the airport, the train station, or your own driveway, being prepared can take away a lot of the headaches that often accompany holiday travel. When it comes to flying these days, knowing the ins and outs of your airline and airports can make a huge difference in your travel experience. TRAVEL TIPS IF YOU’RE FLYING Travelers often find it challenging to pack light, especially for long trips or when special gear is required. But when you’re traveling during peak season, having a lighter bag will save you money, time, and back pain. Luggage fees continue to increase for most airlines, with checked bags costing you $35-70 for each bag, each way. That can tack $140 onto a round-trip flight for each person. If you exceed the weight limit, you’ll pay even more. To minimize baggage fees, weigh checked bags before you leave home and check the restrictions for your airline. Many airlines offer a discount if you pay bag fees during online check-in, so you’ll pay more if you wait until you arrive at the airport. PACK LIGHT 1

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If you can fly with carry-on only, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also reduce the risk of lost luggage. Plus, if you have any sort of international connection, you won’t have to claim your luggage before going through customs. Even if you’re flying domestically, carry-on travel means you can skip the baggage check when you arrive at the airport and fly past the baggage claim on the other end of your journey. Another reason to pack light is simply to reduce the wear and tear on your body as you transition from parking shuttles to the airport, baggage carousel, taxis, and hotels. If you can’t fit your goods into one bag, try putting some essentials in a backpack rather than a second suitcase. This keeps a hand free to wrangle kids, open doors, and pay at the coffee shop while keeping one hand on your suitcase. Another way to pack light is to downsize your purse or work bag. Move it into a small travel purse so you can slip it inside a backpack or other ‘personal item’ for the flight. While you're at it, take everything out of your wallet you don’t need. Remove extra credit and membership cards. Do keep your insurance card, ID, and cards from two different banks in case one bank freezes your cards due to suspicious activity while you’re away. Also, keep medications with you instead of inside checked luggage. One additional tip is to pack laundry strips, which are nearly weightless and won’t leave a mess. Then you can do laundry in the sink or at a laundromat.

Airlines vary when it comes to check-in, but most open up 24 hours before your flight. For some airlines, such as Southwest, it’s essential you’re ready the second check- in counters open up in order to reserve your boarding spot. On other airlines, your boarding position may be based on the type of seat you purchased and if you hold an airline credit card. (For more information, visit: www.islands.com/1579801/how-to-best-airline-make- first-boarding-groups/). Having the ability to choose your seat can keep you from getting stuck in the back row with seats that don’t recline, or being separated from your family. However, airlines are increasingly withdrawing the option to choose your own seat until check-in. If you haven’t been able to choose your seats in advance, it’s another reason to check in as soon as the option is available. CHECK-IN EARLY

December 2024

KNOW YOUR AIRLINE RESTRICTIONS

MAKE RESERVATIONS WELL IN ADVANCE

If you fly frequently, have status, or are traveling business class, you’ll have a different set of benefits than if you’ve picked up a budget ticket. Wherever you land on the spectrum, be sure you understand the restrictions of your ticket. What are your options if you need to cancel or reschedule? Will you pay a fee, get an airline credit, or lose out on the money completely? Also brush up on the airline’s policies in regards to luggage fees, size, and weight restrictions. Understand that you have a responsibility as a customer to educate yourself about airline policies. That includes ensuring you arrive at the airport prior to the recommended time. Peak season isn’t the time to cut things close. Give yourself abundant time and expect to encounter traffic and long security lines. It’s better to have time to pass at the airport than to miss a flight.

Traveling this time of year means competing with everyone else taking the same steps. Save yourself some hassle by reviewing every step of your itinerary and making reservations whenever possible. For example, many parking lots near the airport will take reservations for your dates. That means you’ll be guaranteed a parking spot on the day you arrive rather than discovering the lot is full when you get there. The same holds true for events, shuttles, trains, buses, and restaurants. If it’s important, take the time to see if you can make a reservation.

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DEALING WITH JET LAG

DEALING WITH DELAYS

Long flights that take you to a different time zone can affect your sleep schedule, mental clarity, and even digestive health. If this is a concern, consider whether you’d rather fly during the day or at night. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, however, you won’t always have an option. For example, most U.S. to Europe flights leave in the evening and arrive in the morning, while on the way home, you’re more likely to be traveling during the daytime. If possible, build in an extra day to adjust, especially when there is a significant time change. Also, try to begin adjusting your schedule a few days before you leave home. If a slow transition isn’t an option, force yourself to stay awake the first day you land when traveling east. Go to bed early if you’re tired, and the next day you’ll mostly be acclimated to the time change. If you’re headed west, try to stay up late to avoid waking excessively early. Jet lag can be a drag, but the best approach is simply to change your watch to the local time and get into the groove as soon as possible.

Finally, be prepared for delays. Sadly, they’re almost to be expected during the peak travel season. Be sure to turn on notifications with your airline so you can receive updates. Also, bring along some packaged food and a refillable water bottle in your carry-on items. If you’re traveling with children, pack extra formula, diapers, and other supplies.

While your only option might be to wait out delays, you may have recourse. Again, it’s important to educate yourself about the airline’s policies -- before your flight. In the United States, most airlines will not compensate you for delays caused by weather. However, if the delay is caused by a staffing or mechanic issue, many airlines will rebook you on another flight, offer hotel and flight vouchers, or provide some other form of compensation. Travel insurance can offer peace of mind, especially on high-cost trips where you might lose out on a lot of money. For example, if you miss a cruise because of a delayed flight, insurance will help you recoup the costs of your missed itinerary. If you do invest in travel insurance, read the policy carefully to fully understand the coverage as it pertains to cancellations, interrupted travel, illness, lost luggage, and other situations. If you have a premium travel credit card, also review the travel protections offered prior to booking your trip. Finally, if you’re flying on an international carrier, research their reimbursement obligations, which are often much more comprehensive than domestic airlines.

BE FLEXIBLE

If you’re trying to book a last minute flight, flexibility will be your best friend. Look at all flight options on Google Flights to see what airlines and routes are available. If you’re able to fly standby, book a flight but see if you can get on one earlier the same day. Also keep your options open when it comes to direct vs. having a layover, or repositioning to a larger airport before boarding long or international flights. Similarly, consider whether it makes sense to fly into a city near your final destination and then take a train or rent a car. Allowing for flexible travel will give you more options and will likely save you money too.

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3. Prepare a Safety Kit Any time of year, you should keep some emergency essentials in your vehicle. During the winter this includes warm clothing and blankets, food and water, a flashlight, flares, a phone charger, jumper cables or jump-start device, and a first aid kit. Also, check your spare tire and make sure you have a jack, a lug wrench, and the key/socket required for any locking lug nuts. You may also want to include a paper map in case your GPS doesn’t work, a small shovel, ice scraper, hand warmers, and a can of tire repair. 4. Car Rental Tips If you’re renting a car before or during your trip, make sure you understand the damage and theft coverage. Premium travel cards will often cover damage to a rental vehicle, but only if the name on the card matches the primary driver on the rental and you refuse coverage by the rental company. In short, review coverages with your credit cards, personal car insurance, and the rental company before signing any contracts. The best way to get a low rate on rental cars is to begin your hunt early. Look for aggregate sites online to compare prices. Once you find a deal, book the car, but make sure it offers free cancellation. It’s better if it doesn’t require you to enter a credit card to make the reservation. Then check rates weekly as your travel day approaches. Often, rental rates fluctuate and special deals pop up. Since you’re not locked into the first reservation you can make changes every time you see a better deal. Check right up until the day you leave, and you can save hundreds of dollars on your rental.

TRAVELING BY CAR

If your holiday plans include a road trip, get your travels in gear with a bit of organization.

1. Prepare Documentation Start by making sure your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance are all up-to-date and accessible. Also, grab your AAA membership card if you have one, and review your roadside coverage. 2. Check Road Conditions Winter can be a treacherous time to travel, so make sure you know what you’re in for. Look at online road maps by the Department of Transportation for your state or other source. If there is any chance you will encounter snow or are traveling through areas where it’s required to carry traction devices, be sure to have the correct size of tire chains and know how to put them on.

TRAIN AND BUS TRAVEL

If you’re headed between cities via the train or bus, much of the advice is the same—pack light, verify your reservations, carry extra food, bring water, don’t forget medications, understand the transport companies' policies, and be flexible.

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What Is Your Home Truly Worth? To Request a Copy of My Free Home Value Report to Determine What Your Home is Truly Worth, Call 416-226-9770 or Email info@realtornima.com . This is all 100% free with no obligation. After you submit the online questionnaire, you will receive my free report with information that will help you determine your home's value. I recommend printing it out and taking a drive to see the homes I've identified as comparable to yours. See how your home measures up. This will help you get an even more accurate idea of what your home is worth. An appraiser would charge hundreds for this service, but I will provide one at no cost. If you would like my free, professional opinion on the value of your home, I'd be glad to help. We can talk on the phone, or we can meet in person. I look forward to helping you! Nima Nojavan-Kheiraddin HomeLife/Cimerman Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage 416-226-9770 info@realtornima.com EstateByNima.com

Nima Nojavan-Kheiraddin HomeLife/Cimerman Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

416-226-9770 info@realtornima.com EstateByNima.com

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