How to save money when booking a summer holiday

Recent headlines have not been kind to those of us who like a bargain getaway. With the price of hotels, self-catering and package holidays all rising, there’s been a barrage of bad news. 【小题1】 But these straitened times also give you an opportunity to sharpen your holiday booking skills.

Where should you begin?

If you want to spend less this summer, it’s all about being flexible, having an open mind and double checking all your costs. 【小题2】 The three points are: transport, accommodation and daily costs. Nail all three, and you’re on track to stay within your budget.

What dates should you avoid?

Beginning your holiday on a weekend can cost you more, with Saturday being the most expensive day for starting a trip. Instead, choose to depart midweek to save a few pounds. 【小题3】 However, going away in the last week of August can offer much better value, thanks in part to schoolchildren in many countries having already returned to school.

【小题4】

If you have your heart set on a specific hotel in a specific resort and you’re happy with the price you’re being offered and have the means to book it, get it booked. Last-minute package deals can still pop up if agents are looking to fill spots, but you’ll have a lot less choice and there is always the chance that you won’t find anything that works out and you’ll end up stuck at home.

How can you protect yourself from problems down the line?

Take out cover on the day you book to ensure that you’re protected if your trip is canceled, or if you’re unable to travel. 【小题5】 So you can be confident it’s the right choice for your individual needs.

Taking an online course for the first time? Based on research and best practices from our community, here are some tips for learning online.

Set daily goals for studying

Ask yourself what you hope to accomplish in your course each day. Setting a clear goal can help you stay focused. 【小题1】 And don’t forget to praise yourself when you make progress towards your goal!

Have your learning space

It’s easier to recall information if you’ re in the same place where you first learned it, so having your learning space at home to take online courses can make your learning more effective. 【小题2】 If possible, make it separate from your bed or sofa. A clear distinction between where you study and where you take breaks can help you focus.

Join the discussion

Course discussion forums are a great place to ask questions about tasks, discuss topics, share resources, and make friends. Our research shows that learners who take part in the discussion forums are 37% more likely to complete a course.【小题3】

Do one thing at a time

Doing several things at the same time is less efficient than focusing on a single task at a time. Researchers found that people who multitask all the time cannot pay attention, recall information, or switch from one job to another as well as those who complete one task at a time.【小题4】 You’ll absorb more information and complete tasks with greater ease than if you were trying to do many things at once.

Take breaks

【小题5】 If you find yourself working on a challenging problem without much progress for an hour, take a break. Walking outside, taking a shower, or talking with a friend can lift your spirits and even give you new ideas on how to deal with that problem.

How often do you use the phrases “please” and “thank you”? Do you use these polite words with your parents? Do you use them with your children? Do you use them when you are angry? You need to use these words in your home every time they are proper; that includes with your parents and child even if you are angry. It also includes your friends who may call during dinner. Being polite - for example, "Please don't call here again. Thank you." ----works very well with them, in fact.

Start teaching manners to your child when he is very young. Even though a baby does not understand what you are saying, he knows you're saying something. As he grows, you will be pleased to find that he has included these words in his vocabulary. In fact, if you've started this right away, "please" and "thank you" will be among the first twenty words he says regularly.

There are a few times that your child may choose not to use these polite phrases. Sometimes it is on purpose and sometimes it is a mistake. For example, when meeting someone who is a stranger, he may become very quiet and not speak. Some support and a gentle reminder will work here. Or, he may get angry with his siblings(兄弟姊妹)and not use his manners on purpose. You'll need to remind him that being angry is no excuse for being rude.

When your child is invited to do something with another family, remind him to always say “please” and “thank you”. Simple reminders for everyday manners go a long way. Don't warn him; just remind him. Your child is often just as busy as you are and with the excitement of going out with a friend, he may just simply forget.