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5 Hacks To Prevent You From Being Pickpocketed When You Travel

2020-11-26T00:05:00.002-08:00

5 Hacks To Prevent You From Being Pickpocketed When You Travel

When you are traveling, you naturally want to relax and enjoy your trip. However, letting your guard down can make you a target by thieves and other unscrupulous elements. Before, you know it, your wallet and other valuables have disappeared! While there is little or nothing you can do to stop pickpockets from stealing, there are ways you can avoid being a victim. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, highlights precautions you should take to avoid being pickpocketed.

Avoid keeping valuables in your back pocket

The ultimate advice to escape being pickpocketed is to avoid keeping your valuables in your back pocket. In fact, to be completely safe, store money and passports in a money belt. Wear this around your waist and under your shirt. The only way anyone can get your money is to attack you!

Don’t act like a tourist

This may be difficult because you are visiting an unfamiliar destination. Some of the things you can do to blend-in include not being too extravagant in your appearance, always act like you know where you’re going, and be careful when you handle money.

Obey your instincts

Never hesitate to cross the street, stop, turn around, and do whatever is necessary to get away from someone who looks like trouble or seems to be trailing you. Your instinct is right most times, so don’t ignore it.

Shorten bag straps

Don’t allow your bags and purses to dangle below your waist. Adjust the strap so that it is close to your elbow. If you allow it to dangle, it can easily be cut!

Be wary in crowds

The truth is that it is almost impossible to completely avoid crowded places, but you can be extra careful when walking through crowds. Keep your bag close to your body. Also, if you’re carrying a backpack wear it in front.

Five Things You Should As a Startups To Stand Out From Competition

2020-09-25T19:36:00.001-07:00

Five Things You Should As a Startups To Stand Out From Competition

There is no need for a business to be averse or scared of competition. This is because competition make businesses efficient and non-complacent. If you tend to always copy or imitate your competition, you will discover that your business model won't be different and customers will patronise the other party.

Jumia, Nigeria's no 1 shopping destination has demonstrated over the years to be always ahead of the competition, especially in the area of innovation. It started as one vertical business. Presently, it operates in different verticals. It is, therefore, true that the biggest Jumia competitor in Nigeria's eCommerce space is Jumia.

So, how can your startup or business stand out from the competition, just like Jumia? Read on to know the ways!

Create an online presence

One of the biggest mistakes most startups make is not building an online reputation from the onset of their business. Before you even launch your startup, your company needs to have a strong online presence. Use your online presence to spread awareness about your brand. Deliver information about your new company to your followers and keep them updated about the progress.

Provide excellent customer service

The one thing that can surely set you apart from your competition is how you treat your customers. Even if you are not in the service industry, you still need to treat your customers well. Customers dislike talking to representatives who have poor knowledge about the brand. You, therefore, need to train your team well.

Sell your Unique Selling Point

You should make sure that your customers are aware of the Unique Selling Point of your business and let them know what sets you apart from your competitors. Explain the problem your business has to tackle and why you are better than the other solution providers out there.

Be honest about what you're offering

Honestly should be your business's main policy. If you cannot deliver an order or a project by a certain deadline, you should tell your customer as soon as possible. If your field reps have messed up on a bid, immediately inform your client about the blunder. Taking your customers and clients for a ride can cost you immeasurably in the future. The faster you share bad news, the more your clients will respect you.

Give your product to the right influencers

Seek out influencers that are right for promoting your brand and send your product to them before it launches in the market. They will help you create awareness in your target community. You should only use influencers who will care about the purpose of your product and provide the Return on Investment (ROI) you are looking for.

5 Reason Why You Should Shop Online

2020-09-25T19:32:00.002-07:00

5 Reason Why You Should Shop Online

Online shopping is easy and it is no longer rocket science for you to orders things online. As easy as counting A, B, C. Although some Nigerians have fully welcomed online shopping, others are still struggling to endorse or accept the idea despite the efforts of eCommerce platforms like Jumia. There is no reason why you should not be shopping especially on Jumia! So, what’s stopping you? Here are reasons why you should shop online.

It’s easy to return things

Although there are terms and conditions for returning things you buy online, the truth remains that it is very seamless to return items as long as they meet the terms and conditions. It is money-back guaranteed. But if you buy from the traditional stores, or even on social media, you won't get your money back. The only option you have is to buy another item.

It keeps on evolving

Online marketplaces are innovating daily because they want to remain competitive. They know people are becoming used to the convenience of the internet, so they are always looking for ways to make that experience exciting.

Sending gifts to relatives is easy

If you want to send gifts, you can simply have a quick look online, make your purchase and get your gift delivered that same day or the next day. In fact, you can include a little notecard and you’ll look like the most organised relative.

Use your voucher codes

There’s always a voucher code to be found and applied when you shop online. Buying large home appliances? There is a good chance that you will get a voucher code that will reduce or cut the prices.

Cheaper and affordable goods

Traditional stores rarely give discount vouchers which are something online stores do not shy away from. As a result, shopping online is very cheap and affordable plus the fact that you have to pay a token to get the items delivered at your doorstep.

Opportunity to check the reviews

Reviews play a huge role in determining whether you should buy an item or not. The more positive the reviews, the higher your chances of purchasing a particular item and vice-versa. This is why Jumia goes all out to ensure that it offers quality products to her customers to attract good reviews which influences buying decisions.

Five Nigerian Destinations to Explore For Less Than $50

2020-09-25T19:28:00.006-07:00

Five Nigerian Destinations to Explore For Less Than $50

There is no gainsaying that Nigeria is endowed with lush green vegetation, faux and fauna, awesome tourist attractions, historical monuments and much more. Each Nigerian state has something to offer tourists.

The interesting thing here is that Nigerians have recognized this fact and are beginning to tour Nigeria. Efforts by Jumia’s hotel and flight marketplace through Jumia Travel is beginning to yield results. The online travel agency has been promoting Nigeria as an exciting tourist hub that you do not need to break the bank to visit. It has listed on its website packages to different local destinations. As an incentive to encourage local travel and support tour operators, the OTA opened up its platform to tour operators to list their tour packages.

Nevertheless, some Nigerians still think you cannot travel Nigeria on a budget. This is far from the truth. For $50 (19k) or less, you can explore some states. So, if you have been searching for a state (s) you can explore for less than the referenced amount, here are some of them.

Ogun (Olumo Rock, Adire Market & the Presidential Library)

For Ogun state, $50 is too much especially if you reside in Lagos. It is very affordable to visit this southwestern state and of course, there is so much to do in the state’s capital - the ancient city of Abeokuta. One of Lagos next door neighbour’s most valuable possession is the Olumo Rock. The rock served as a source of refuge during the war era. There is also the Itoku Market where you can have a firsthand experience of how the indigenous traditional Adire is made. You can also explore the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

Osun (Osun/Osogbo groove, Erin Ijesha Waterfall, and the Osun/Osogbo festival)

Osun is the cradle of the Yorubas’. As such it is revered by persons of Yoruba extraction. It is the bedrock of Yoruba culture and you can visit to see cultural sites and festivals to celebrate Osun state‘s very cultural background. On your itinerary, add a visit to the Unesco World Heritage site, Osun Osogbo groove, the popular Osun/Osogbo festival and experience nature at Erin-Ijesha Waterfall.

Calabar (The Calabar Carnival)

Calabar has so much to offer in terms of tourism. The state, over the years, has positioned itself as a must-visit for local and international tourists. Calabar, located in south-south Nigeria, has the Slave Museum, Statue of Mary Slessor, Calabar Drill Monkey Ranch, Agbokim Waterfall, the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Tinapa Resort, Waterfall and host Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar Carnival. You cannot visit all these destinations for less than $50. You have to increase your budget. But with this said amount, you will comfortably visit any one of these destinations. And you decide to sleep, you can book a hotel for the best price here.

Lagos (Nigeria’s Commercial City)

Lagos is never a dull city. There are so many things to do in Lagos. There are destinations to explore, monuments to see, museums to visit, clubs to unwind, and beaches to pass time. Just ask for what you want to do and there is a spot or hub for it as far as it is legal. You will really have a swell time in Lagos.

Abia (Nigeria War Museum, New Yam & Mmanwu festival, Ariaria International Market)

Abia state in South East Nigeria is also a destination you can visit for $50. Dominated by the Igbos, and they hold their culture in high esteem. They have a handful of festivals to celebrate their cultural heritage: Mmanwu (masquerade festival), Museum of Colonial History, New Yam festival and others. You can also experience the industriousness of an ‘Abian’ by visiting one of the biggest markets in West Africa - The Ariaria International Market. And to round off your visit, go learn about the Biafran War at Nigeria War Museum. Due to the distance, it is advisable to go with a group of travellers to reduce costs.

Six Benefits of Using a Mobile App Whenever you Shop

2020-09-25T19:24:00.003-07:00

Six Benefits of Using a Mobile App Whenever you Shop

The increase in internet and mobile penetration, as well as affordability of smartphones in Nigeria, have prompted a lot of businesses and companies to invest and launch mobile apps. The Jumia Mobile Report 2018 confirmed that mobile penetration increased from 53% in 2016 to 84% in 2018 while the cost of phones sold on Jumia was priced at an average of $216 in 2016, and by 2017 the price had gone down to $100.

With more and more smartphones in the hands of consumers, they are more likely to use their mobile apps for shopping. This is actually true as the Jumia Mobile report discovered that 79% of customers accessed the Jumia website via their mobile, 18% via desktop and 3% via tablet.

Six Benefits of Using a Mobile App Whenever you Shop

Little data needed for installation

One important reason why some people do not download certain apps is because of the data required for its installation. To download some apps, you need as much as 30 to 40 Mb. This is not the case with the Jumia mobile App. For just 7.5 Mb, you will have the Jumia app on your phone!

Low data consumption during browsing

We all want to manage our data. So, we avoid any website or app that will 'eat' it up. The Jumia Mobile app does not consume data, plus you will enjoy smoother and faster browsing. Shop more on low data with the Jumia Mobile App.

Enjoy an additional 5% discount

Jumia Pay is Jumia's response to customer demand for easy and secure payment solutions. Therefore, to encourage you to use the Jumia mobile app whenever you shop, Jumia Pay will offer you 5% off your order. To enjoy this 5%, you should select Jumia Pay as a payment method.

Mouthwatering discounts on treasure hunt & flash sales

Jumia offers fantastic discounts on different products and the only way you can enjoy the discount is when you use the mobile app. You will enjoy a 99% discount off products with Treasure Hunt. For example, the Jumia Home Makeover kicked off on Monday, March 11th and on Thursday & Friday, March 14th & 15th, you can buy a Scanfrost washing machine which cost 45k for N500. The same goes for the flash sales, you will get 50% off.

Enjoy exclusive access to daily app vouchers

Jumia gives out a lot of app vouchers every day. You can only use the voucher when you shop with the app. No App, no voucher. Imagine buying a 30k appliances and get 2k off your order. In addition, you can also get 5% off if you use Jumia Pay.

Exclusive product launch + deals on the app

By activating the push notification of your Jumia mobile app, you will get exclusive information about Jumia product launch and deals on the app. Due to this information, you will be the first to buy these exclusive products and enjoy the deals.

Mistakes Parents Make When Traveling With Kids - Lifestyletower

2018-03-18T19:23:00.001-07:00

Mistakes Parents Make When Traveling With Kids

As a parent or would-be parent, travelling with your children for the first time can feel daunting and stress-inducing. From figuring out what to pack to being concerned for your child, these are the real fears of parents. Regardless, there are mistakes you should avoid when travelling with your children or kids. Lifestyletower, Nigeria no 1 Lifestyle Blog, shares some of these mistakes.

Reducing screen time

In your house, you might have a policy about how much time your kids can spend playing games or watching movies on devices. But when you're travelling, you might have to bend the rules a little to survive your travel. Make sure any device you're bringing is fully loaded with approved videos and apps and allow them to have as much screen time as they want to keep them distracted.

Overplanning

You have ideas about what destination you want to visit during your trip, but remember that when you have kids, flexibility is everything. Just know that kids will create better memories - swimming in a vacation home pool and eating vacation food than they will trek or climb a mountain. It is really not difficult to satisfy them. In fact, it is probably better to allow the kids to decide where they want to go.

Choosing the wrong time of day to travel

You might not have your kids’ sleep cycle at the top of your mind when you're trying to book an affordable flight, but if you have the flexibility to book based on your kid's energy, sleep and food needs, it can be a huge help. You can choose a flight departure that is closest to your child’s bedtime and avoid day flights that mean your kids will be awake.

Not bringing entertainment or toys

It's worth leaving space in your luggage for a few items that help entertain and soothe your kids. Pack your child's favourite toy, animal or blanket so they can feel comfortable and at home wherever you are. Never forget their toys and entertainment if you want peace during your trip.

Overpacking

It's not smart to under-pack when you're travelling with kids. But, at the same, you don't want to overpack. In your desire not to forget anything your kids might need, you risk bringing way too much, which only adds to stress. The rule of thumb should be to pack what is really important.

Helpful Hacks To Avoid Getting Sick When You Travel - Lifestyletower

2018-03-18T19:20:00.001-07:00

Helpful Hacks To Avoid Getting Sick When You Travel

Getting sick is a part of everyday life, and travelling doesn’t exempt you from that fact before you are more exposed to bugs, parasites, and environments. The fact of the matter is the longer you are travelling, the more likely you may get sick. The secret to reducing the chances of this, however, is to actively combat the risk factors of becoming sick in the first place. Lifestyletower, Nigeria no 1 Lifestyle Blog shares tips to prevent you from getting sick anytime you travel.

Wash your hands

Hand washing is the most important thing anybody can do to protect their health. If you can’t wash your hands right away, you should not touch your face to prevent germs from entering via your eyes, nose or mouth. You can also use a sanitizer as an alternative to soap and water.

Stay hydrated

Water is the source of all life. It is very essential that your body gets the fluids it needs to support a healthy immune system. Imbibe the habit of drinking water and other non-sugary, decaffeinated beverages. Your body and your health will thank you.

Eat healthily and exercise

A healthy diet filled with plenty of vegetables and fruits is a great way to stay healthy. Eat Also, exercising and eating healthy go hand in hand. Even though you are on vacation or travelling, do not forget to exercise. Exercising and eating healthily has so many great benefits to keep you from getting sick.

Protect yourself against the sun

Protecting yourself from the sun goes beyond getting a bad sunburn. You should cover up with loose clothing and even use a hat or scarf. If you don’t, then dehydration can set in very quickly, and that can lead to more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which if left unattended can become a medical emergency.

Carry a medical kit

You cannot predict when you will fall sick, this is why you are advised to carry a medical kit whenever you travel. The kit should contain basic medical items.

Get enough sleep

This can be difficult if your trip involves a hectic schedule, noisy hotels or frequent flights, but it’s key to maintaining a healthy body system.

Checkout These Delicious Sleep Boosting Foods - Lifestyletower

2018-03-18T19:18:00.001-07:00

Checkout These Delicious Sleep Boosting Foods

Quite a number of foods contain naturally occurring substances that improve sleep and enable us to sleep better. So, if you are finding it difficult to sleep, Lifestyletower shares some of the best choices to help you settle down for a quality rest.

Bananas

Bananas are loaded with potassium and magnesium. These compounds don't just refuel your muscles, they also serve as a natural sleep aid. So, the more you eat bananas the better your sleep.

Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal can soothe you right to sleep. Whole grains, like oats, are naturally rich in the amino acid, which your body uses to make the sleep hormones. It will help establish and maintain steady sleep cycles.

Pineapples

You don't hear pineapples being praised for their health benefits very often. But the fruit can raise melatonin levels in your blood. This helps the body maintain its temperature thus boosting your sleep.

Cereal

Cereal may be your go-to morning meal, but it can also make the perfect before-bed snack. Carbs make certain chemicals more available to the brain, which is why carb-heavy meals tend to make you sleepy.

Walnuts

Walnuts are a naturally rich source of sleep-enhancing amino acid that helps make melatonin. This helps you fall asleep faster because of walnut increase concentrations of melatonin in the blood.

Top Five Tasty Nigerian Soups For Tourists

2018-03-12T19:31:00.001-07:00

Top Five Tasty Nigerian Soups For Tourists

Soups are very important in Nigeria as they are usually served alongside swallows like Eba, Amala, Fufu, and Semo. In Nigeria, we have an uncountable number of delicious soups. In fact, as a tourist, you are spoilt for choices. As such, Lifestyletower, Nigeria no 1 Lifestyle Blog, shares top 5 tasty Nigerian soups for tourists.

Edikang Ikong

Edikang Ikong soup is native to the people from Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. It is prepared with a lot of pumpkin leaves, water leaves and assorted meat as well as beef. It is quite nourishing.

Efo Riro

Efo Riro is a rich vegetable soup that is widely prepared among the Yorubas. The vegetables that can be used to cook this soup is Efo shoko (Green Amaranth). If this is not available you can simply use spinach.

Bitter leaf soup (Ofe Onugbu)

Bitter leaf soup is very popular in Eastern Nigeria. The name bitter leaf soup can discourage you from eating it. This is not the case as the traces of bitterness is removed by squeezing and washing the leaves several times.

Miyan Kuka

This soup is made from baobab leaves. It is mostly eaten in Northern Nigeria. Hence, when you find yourself in that region, make sure you have a plate of Miyan Kuka with Tuwo Shinkafa (mashed rice).

Abak Atama

Abak Atama Soup is a delicious soup popular amongst the Ibibios of Akwa Ibom. The name is derived from the two main ingredients- Palm Fruit Concentrate (Abak) and Atama Leaves

6 Ways To Spot A Fake eCommerce Website

2018-03-12T19:28:00.001-07:00

6 Ways To Spot A Fake eCommerce Website

The internet has made shopping and booking very easy. You can sit in the comfort of your room to buy or book anything. The consequence of the shopping ease is that many popular retail or eCommerce websites have been cloned. This is done in a bid to swindle unsuspecting persons of their hard earned money. If you are are not careful, you will fall for this because the fake and original websites are very similar. Notwithstanding, there are still ways you can spot the differences. Lifestyletower, Nigeria no 1 Lifestyle Blog highlights ways you can spot a fake eCommerce website.

The URL is suspicious

The URL of eCommerce websites is very simple and easy to remember. When the URL is complicated and different from the usual website you are familiar with, it is a red flag.

There is an obvious language barrier

Quite a number of sites have language options to cater for different markets and region. However, if there is a language barrier and you do not understand what is written, it is a cause for concern. In addition, if there are so many spelling mistakes and the translation is poor, just move on. It is probably cloned.

The brand selection makes no sense

Does a site's brand list sound more like a random mix of popular names? Counterfeit sites thrive on confusing people who want what is popular. So, be very careful.

Questionable contact information

Any serious eCommerce business will have an email in their name and not a Gmail or Hotmail account.

Unclear refund policy

For most websites, refund policies are very clear. You just call their customer care number and make a complaint that you do not want the product anymore. They will send a courier to pick up the item and your money will be refunded. If the opposite is the case, do not make purchases on that website.

The prices are too good to be true

Clearly, many people love cheap offers. However, when the offer appears too fantastic and you know the particular product can never be available at the price, it is a sign that they just want to grab your attention with the price. For example, 80% off a N50,000 product. It’s too incredible to be true!

Things To Look For When Booking A Nigerian Hotel

2018-03-12T19:23:00.001-07:00

Things To Look For When Booking A Nigerian Hotel

While searching a Nigerian hotel, you have to struggle hard to choose the hotel of your choice as you will be faced with a wide array of choices. Choosing the one that meets your needs and requirements out of the available options can prove to be a difficult task. Lifestyletower presents a quick checklist you can seek for while booking a suitable Nigerian hotel online

Facilities

There are some hotels whose facilities are not up-to-scratch. They should have basic facilities like kids’ area and swimming pool if your trip is a family trip.While if your trip is intended for the business purpose, a Wifi connection along with other business level services may prioritise your list.

Location

The location should be feasible and easily accessible to nearby picnic spots and other tourist attractions if you are planning a family outing. If your trip is for business purpose, then proximity to nearby town becomes crucial. Close proximity to various shopping sites and other amenities can also be a point setter in your preference list.

Reviews

Don’t miss out to check the reviews. Look out for reviews shared by various people who have stayed there to know whether their experience is good or bad. Online travel forums, hotel review sites and social media sites can help you in finding the one that you yearn for. There is the probability of finding a negative review too as it differs from person to person. Make a wise decision.

Accessibility

Easy accessibility by air, road or train along with parking facility is what one should look for. Availability of hotel shuttle service to the nearby airport, railway station and other tourist attractions can be a plus point. If not, easy accessibility to public transport should be there to make things more manageable. Size of accommodation along with other facilities and some sort of loyalty benefits are some other factors that you should consider.

Price factor

Before making a final decision, consider various other value-added services including laundry, extended hour room service etc that can make your stay more comfortable. Search for the hotel that offers attractive price with luxurious accommodation in your budget. You can also perform an online comparison of various available options.

Yummy Foods That Combat Fat

2018-03-12T19:20:00.001-07:00

Yummy Foods That Combat Fat

Exercise is not the only way you can burn fat, You can combat fat or burn calories by eating yummy foods by selecting the right picks. What are some of these right picks? Lifestyletower, Nigeria no 1 Lifestyle Blog, shares some of them. Henceforth, add these tasty picks to your diet.

Salmon

The omega-3s in salmon and other fatty fish help build muscle and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Omega-3s may also help reduce fat storage by lowering cortisol levels.

Yogurt

Calcium-rich foods like Yogurt have slimming powers. So, downing Yoghurt regularly will help your body to cut fat. Yoghurt can also keep belly fat under control.

Eggs

High-protein breakfasts, especially ones that include eggs, have been linked to weight loss, reducing belly fat in the process.

Coffee

The caffeine in one cup of coffee boosts your metabolism by as much as 15 percent. Caffeine also helps mobilize the forces that burn stored fat. You should take one to two cups a day, especially before exercise.

Beans

Beans can also be beneficial for weight loss. This food is high in protein and fibre, which are two nutrients that have been shown to lead to satisfaction. They also tend to contain some resistant starch.

Important Things to Know About the All-In-One App

2018-02-23T16:49:00.001-08:00

Important Things to Know About the All-In-One App

Nigeria's eCommerce sector is currently worth around $13B and is projected to hit $50B over the next decades. This is according to experts in the Nigerian financial sector.

An eCommerce company that is leading the charge to achieve the aforementioned numbers is Jumia. It has spearheaded the charge to boost the growth of the online technology-based retail business as well as repositioned eCommerce in Nigeria. At this point, Jumia is a household name not only in Nigeria but in Africa.

A way Jumia has been able to cement and maintain its market position is due to innovation. Of course, a company that does not innovate will liquidate sooner rather than later.

Since 2012, Jumia has evolved to become a tech ecosystem featuring different startups. One of the startups in the ecosystem is the recently launched Jumia One.

Jumia One aims to bring every online service in one place and to make them easier, more secure and affordable for everyone. For example, if you want to perform various online transactions, you have to visit different websites to perform them. However, with the arrival of Jumia One, you can do nearly all the transactions on the app. This is why Jumia One is tagged an All-In-One App.

How Jumia One Works

Download either the Android or the iOS App.Sign in and select the transaction you want to perform. Some of the services include airtime purchase, utility payment and TV bills, hotel & flight booking and online food ordering platform, taxi e-hailing apps such as Uber & Taxify as well as the purchase of movie tickets and much more.Follow the instructions, choose your payment method and your transaction will be processed.

Why you should use Jumia One

Get 5% reimbursed as cashback on all your airtime and data plans purchases for MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9MobileHigh security of your paymentsInstant refundsZero fees on bills and save N100 each timeEnjoy all Jumia services in One App

Jumia One is convenient and seamless! Start downloading and using Jumia One!

How To Pack Light When Travelling With Kids - Lifestyletower

2018-02-15T06:01:00.001-08:00

How To Pack Light When Travelling With Kids

When travelling with kids, there is a very high possibility that you are going to overpack. This is because you have to pack for your kids. This should not always be the case since you can pack light regardless of the number of kids or people you are travelling with. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency highlights ways you can pack light when on vacation with your kids.

Make a minimal list of what you need

To pack light with kids, without leaving anything important behind, always start by making a list of travel essentials. This should be a minimal list that answers the question: what do I absolutely need on this trip? Examples of what should be on the list include tickets, documents, prescription medicines and money.

Be realistic about what they will/will not wear

Once you have your list of essentials, you can now move on to clothes. Here, you start with the essentials like a swimsuit for a beach family vacation or coat for cold destinations. Afterwards, select clothes they will wear daily. You can do this based on the number of days you are spending at your destination.

Save a special toy just for your trips

You can keep special toy(s) just for your trip. Endeavour to ensure that it is small and easy to use, with little or no adult help needed. Books and drawing materials work well.

Embrace laundry

When you have kids, you will inevitably find yourself washing their clothes more often than you would your own. Some travellers who do not want to wash tend to pack more clothes. However, if you are serious about packing light, be ready to do some laundry while travelling.

Best Restaurants To Wine And Dine In Port Harcourt - Lifestyletower

2018-02-15T02:57:00.001-08:00

Best Restaurants To Wine And Dine In Port Harcourt

The garden city as it is fondly called is an exciting place that offers visitors an unforgettable nightlife and delectable cuisine. So, whenever you find yourself in the oil city, Lifestyletower, Nigeria's No 1 Lifestyle Blog shares impressive restaurants you can wine and dine.

Le Meridien Ogeyi Place Hotel

Le Meridien Ogeyi Place Hotel is located in the GRA Phase 2 area of PH. This hotel has a restaurant which offers both traditional and continental dishes. It is a perfect place to unwind.

Charcoal & Spice

Charcoal and spice is a place to have a late morning meal after a busy half day. So, if you fancy having brunch or dinner, you can find them at King Perekule Street, GRA phase 2. Their menu is very rich. Hence, you will be spoilt for choice.

Hotel Presidential

Hotel Presidential is on the Ph Aba Highway. It is also very near the airport. The hotel has many restaurants to suit everyone's taste. Choose from continental, local, Arabian or Asian cuisine. Choice of restaurants includes Rivers Restaurant, Asian Restaurant and Why Not Restaurant.

Red Coral Restaurant & Bar

A trip to Port Harcourt is not complete if you do not try the seafood. The finest shrimps and crabs can be ordered at Red Coral. It is located at 17 Peter Odili Road, The Dome, Trans Amadi Industrial Area, Port Harcourt.

Spice Route

Spice is the spot to visit if you love Indian food. Regardless, you can still be served your favourite Nigerian and international cuisine. It is located at, No 1 Azikiwe Road, shop 36/37 Port Harcourt Mall.

How menstruating before 10, reaching menopause earlier than 45 cause stroke

2018-02-14T19:16:00.001-08:00

How menstruating before 10, reaching menopause earlier than 45 cause stroke

Women who start their period before 10 years old, or enter the menopause younger than 45, have an increased risk of suffering a stroke

Women who start their period before 10 years old, or enter the menopause younger than 45, have an increased risk of suffering a stroke, new research suggests.

Menstruating before the age of 13 is often caused by obesity, which also puts individuals at a higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke, a study review found.

The menopause is associated with a decline in heart-protective hormones, such as oestrogen, which prevents fats from circulating in the bloodstream and raising women’s stroke risk, the research adds.

Experiencing hot flushes prematurely could mean women lack these protective hormones for longer than the average female, raising their risk of a blood clot in the brain.

Fluctuating hormones during the menopause also increase so-called ‘bad cholesterol’ levels, further boosting such women’s risk, the research adds.

Their findings were published in the journal Stroke.

Study author, Dr. Kathryn Rexrode, from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said: “These women should be monitored carefully and they should be aware that they are at higher risk, and motivated to adhere to the healthiest lifestyle behaviors to decrease the risk of hypertension and subsequent stroke.”

Women can cut their risk of an early menopause by eating oily fish and eggs, research suggested in May 2017.

A high vitamin D intake via food and supplements lowers the risk by 17 percent, a study found.

Vitamin D is thought to slow the ageing of women’s ovaries.

Calcium-rich foods make women 13 percent less likely to suffer, the research adds.

Special Meanings of 7 Yoruba Traditional Wedding Gifts You Should Know

2018-02-14T19:07:00.001-08:00

Special Meanings of 7 Yoruba Traditional Wedding Gifts You Should Know

If you know the Yoruba culture very well, then you know that almost everything Yorubas do has a meaning. And they take major events, like weddings or the birth of a child, very seriously. You only need to take a look at Yoruba names to understand. Every child is named based on the circumstances of her birth or events surrounding her birth. Children can be named after their grandparents or given long standing family names. Either way, with the Yoruba culture, everything means something.

That’s why the bridal gifts for a Yoruba traditional wedding ceremony are chosen very specifically because they mean something. These gifts are collectively called “Eru Iyawo” and the list varies with each family and locality. However, most lists share some items in common. Here are seven of them and what they mean for the new marriage:

Bible/Quran

This is brought to show that the couple needs God in their union. The bride is asked to choose the gift which is most important to her and she’s expected to pick this one.

Sugar and Honey

This is to show that the marriage will be sweet.

Bitter Kola (Orogbo)

Used to pray that the couple will grow old together.

Salt

Salt is never expected to finish in a home so this is meant to signify abundance.

Aadun (A snack made from corn flour, palm oil and spices)

A symbol that there will be joy in the new marriage.

42 Tubers of yam (Isu) and 42 pieces of dried Fish (Eja Osan)

To show that the husband is able to cater for a large family.

Baskets of fruits

This is a symbol of fruitfulness to show that the couple will have many children.

Is there any special wedding tradition in your area? Share with us below.

WhatsApp digital payment service launched!

2018-02-14T18:51:00.001-08:00

WhatsApp digital payment service launched!

Last week Wednesday, WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, with over 1.2 billion users worldwide and 200 million in India alone, launched its digital payment service, with India being the first country to taste this. WhatsApp cost Facebook $ 22 billion to acquire, but the company before now had not figured out a way to bring in cash to its parent. Thus, the launched payment service should delight Facebook. In India, according to the original plan, the payment platform will be geared toward small businesses employing less than 10 people.

India is a perfect target for the new platform: The country has the most users of WhatsApp in the world. In fact, WhatsApp is more popular than Facebook in India because of a few reasons that include poor bandwidth; meaning that the payment system in Facebook’s Messenger app is not accessible to the average Indian. Although China has the largest population of Internet users at a reported 750 million, the country does not have a free-market economy. India does have some level of protectionism as well, but it appears the country is more receptive to companies from outside.

Another factor favoring India is the fact that the country is at present reportedly experiencing a boom in mobile payment; subsequent to its government’s announcement in 2016 of plans to remove large-denomination bank notes as a way to help crack down on tax evasion and counterfeits. The attendant shortage in notes seems to be driving the increased interest in mobile payment apps. There are reports that people are already using WhatsApp in India to sell goods, in an e-commerce portal mode, even though the app does not offer features that specifically support the practice.

As mentioned in the 10 April 2017 article in this column, digital payment services are nothing new in India, thereby paving the way for WhatsApp. This also means that WhatsApp has to compete with the incumbents. The Reserve Bank of India reported that in January of 2016, India recorded more than 262 million transactions worth over $1.3 billion in digital payment services, compared to 100 million transactions in October of 2015. The government of India has launched the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which allows banks and mobile apps to easily exchange currency.

Obviously, mobile financial transaction solutions have a special meaning for unbanked or under-banked communities in rural areas of developing countries such as Nigeria or India; providing impetus for technology. As a result, associated projects have attracted public and private funding from organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID.

If you are on a supported network, you’ll see a Payments window under Setting in WhatsApp, through which you can navigate to select a bank from a long list. WhatsApp has partnered with ICICI Bank in India to process UPI payments across the platform. Both Android and iOS are reportedly supported.

With whom is WhatsApp going to lock horns in India digital payment service business? There are quite a few. A potential competitor for WhatsApp is Truecaller, an app out of Sweden that was developed to remove spam calls coming into your phone. Truecaller announced its intention, at the end of March 2017, to roll out a payments service in India, and plugging into the UPI platform by partnering with a local Indian bank (ICICI Bank).

M-Pesa might as well be the one for WhatsApp to beat in India. It is a mobile phone-based money transfer, financing and microfinancing service out of Kenya that was launched in 2007 by Vodafone for Safaricom and Vodacom, the largest mobile network operators in Kenya and Tanzania. M-Pesa is now being used throughout the developing world - Afghanistan, Kenya, India, South Africa, and Tanzania.

M-Pesa found its way into the Indian market in 2008, where it is locally referred to as M-Paisa, (the paisa is a subunit of the Indian rupee). The success of Kenya’s M-Pesa has reportedly generated a competitive environment, to the tune of almost 200 similar products! Vodafone M-Pesa was reportedly launched in India in 2013 and has brought financial and digital inclusion to more than 8.4 million Indians. As of the middle of last year, the service boasted of around 130,000 outlets across India, both in major towns and increasingly in rural areas. As a retailer or merchant in India, you simply need to download the Vodafone M-Pesa app, register for Vodafone M-Pesa Pay as a merchant, and your customers can use their (M-Pesa) wallet, bank account or debit/credit cards, in a completely seamless manner.

Paytm, an indigenous mobile payment platform in India, has also gained ground; receiving approximately $2 billion in financing from Alibaba and SoftBank. Paytm handles payments made by credit and debit cards, among other capabilities.

Thus, as it were, WhatsApp will not be “discovering” India with its new deployment. It is conceivable that a country like Nigeria, which has some similarities with India, could be targeted for WhatsApp’s payment system. However, the local banks in that country seem to be highly placed technologically to offer effective resistance.

Source : FunTech.com

WhatsApp digital payment service launched!

2018-02-14T18:43:00.001-08:00

WhatsApp digital payment service launched!

Source : FunTech.com

Oukitel Releases Clone Of iPhone X That Costs Less Than N60,000 - Oukitel U18

2018-02-14T18:38:00.001-08:00

Oukitel Releases Clone Of iPhone X That Costs Less Than N60,000 - Oukitel U18

When it comes to cloning devices, I'll always give Chinese manufacturers a 5 star rating.This time
Oukitel put a notch on its U18 smartphone making it look like a perfect clone of the iPhone X.

Check out the comparison between the iPhone X and Oukitel U18

If you think the copying would have ended there but it didn't , they also copied the lower edge of the Galaxy S8 – and even the Samsung icons – so the screen still does not occupy as much space as possible on the front.

The “ultrawide” screen has a 21:9 ratio, used in CinemaScope or anamorphic movies. However, most of the content available for mobile phones are formatted at 16:9.

The 5.85-inch screen has a resolution of only 1512 x 720 makes it perfect for watching HD videos.

Coming to the specs, the Oukitel U18 has a MediaTek MT6750T processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage coupled with an expandable storage, and a 4000mAh battery. There is also a fingerprint reader at the back.

It has a dual rear camera with 16 and 5-megapixel sensors made by Sony. Meanwhile, the front camera has 13-megapixel. It also comes with something I'd call a gimmicky “Face ID” feature, which is just the same facial recognition built into Android since the Ice Cream Sandwich – and that can be fooled by a photo as well.

Oukitel is selling this device in limited edition. It will produce 999 units, which will cost US $160.

Source: Naijatechguy.com

What smoking just one cigarette a day does to your body

2018-02-14T18:30:00.001-08:00

What smoking just one cigarette a day does to your body

There are some serious risks even if you’re not going through a pack a day

It's been a common belief held by smokers for ages: Smoking a pack of cigarettes a day is bad so if you cut down to just a cig or two, that's much better, right?

Well, it might not be as helpful as you think: Smoking just one cigarette a day is linked to a surprisingly high level of health risks, new research published in the journal BMJsuggests.

In the meta-analysis, researchers crunched the numbers from 141 previous studies looking at the number of cigarettes people smoked and their subsequent health risks.

They discovered that men who smoked just one cigarette were 74 percent more likely to develop coronary heart disease than nonsmokers were, even when the researchers adjusted for possible factors that could skew the results, like age and other heart risks like high cholesterol. Men who smoked 20 cigs a day generally a pack had more than double the chances of heart disease than nonsmokers.

As for brain health? Men who smoked just one cigarette a day were 30 percent more likely to have a stroke than nonsmokers were. Guys who sucked down 20 cigs a day had more than twice the risk of stroke as nonsmokers did.

While the excess risk of developing heart disease and suffering a stroke was lower for those smoking just one cigarette a day compared to a pack a day, it wasn't as low as the researchers thought they'd be.

If you did the math, you'd expect that smoking one cigarette a day compared to 20 would give you 1/20 the risk, or five percent of the excess risk you'd expect from smoking a pack a day.

Instead, they found that men smoking just one cig a day had almost half the risk of heart disease and just over 40 percent of the stroke risk that pack-a-day guys had.

The chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the structure and function of your blood vessels, increasing your risk of arteriosclerosis, or the buildup of waxy plaque. Over time, this can narrow and harden your arteries, limiting blood flow and potentially leading to heart attack or stroke, according to the National Institutes of Health.

8 Weird Facts You Never Knew About Your Heart:

The findings of this study suggest that simply limiting your cigarettes isn't the answer.

What this tells us is that people who smoke shouldn't just cut down'they should aim to stop smoking altogether, study author Allan Hackshaw, Ph.D., said in a statement. There is no safe level of smoking.

So make 2018 the year you finally quit smoking for good. Need some motivation to get started? Find out what really worked for three former smokers who finally kicked the habit.

And don't worry if you've failed a quit attempt in the past, Michael Chaiton, Ph.D., told us previously. It might take you a few more times than you originally thought to become smoke-free for good. Something you can do to boost your odds of quitting? Don't be afraid to combine quitting aids, like trying behavioral counseling along with meds like nicotine replacement therapy.

5 incredible ways to use your smartphone's camera

2018-02-14T18:23:00.001-08:00

5 incredible ways to use your smartphone's camera

Unless you’re a serious photographer, you probably don’t carry a digital camera anymore. There’s no need: A typical smartphone comes with at least one camera, and lenses are sharper and more dynamic than ever. Even pro photojournalists often turn to their Samsung Galaxy, and entire feature films have been shot with iPhones.

It’s hard to believe but many people, including myself, hardly use a smartphone to make phone calls anymore. By the way, in case you still do and need to find someone’s cell phone number, click here for 5 ways to find a cell phone number online.

Smartphones also have an advantage that regular cameras don’t, that is, apps.

Your phone’s camera is a powerful tool, capable of far more than regular picture-taking. With the right apps, your phone can absorb visual information and use it for everyday tasks. You can conduct searches, tackle a shopping list, read a foreign language, or solve math problems, all with a lens the size of a marker tip.

What is your camera actually capable of? Here are five unexpected ways to use your smartphone camera.

1. Use a visual search engine

CamFind is a bit like a regular internet search site, except it uses images instead of words. The app is available for both Android and iOS phones. Open the app, snap a photo, and watch as it runs through keywords that identify what’s in the picture. It will then generate a list of similar images and related search results.

CamFind doesn’t always get everything exactly right, but it does take darn good guesses, and sometimes it’s dead-on accurate. It will change the way you think about doing internet searches.

2. Be a power shopper

If you don’t have the Amazon mobile shopping app, then you’re missing out on some cool camera tricks that can make purchasing easier. Click on the camera icon in the app’s search box to pull up your camera’s view. From here, choose which feature you want to access. You can search for products by snapping a photo, scan a barcode, or check and redeem gift cards.

This is cool. You can also use your camera to scan the shipping label on an Amazon box and find out what’s inside without opening it.

The app’s augmented-reality stickers feel downright futuristic, enabling you to place digital objects into your surroundings. For example, you can see how that turntable-shaped cat scratcher would look in your living room. Naturally, you can order those items if you wish. If you’re a visual person, this is a fun feature to play with.

3. Find what you’re looking for with ease

You own an object, but you’re not quite sure what it’s called. All you know is that it looks kind of like an artist’s palette and you use it to slice the leaves of kale. But how do you search for that, especially on a sprawling site like eBay?

Don’t worry. The eBay app is here to help. Just open it up and look at the end of the search box for a camera icon. Touch that and choose “image search.” This will open up your smartphone camera. Point it at the item you're looking for, take a photo, and crop it. The app will then search for auction listings that match the look of the item in your photo.

How accurate is eBay’s image search? It does an admirable job. We tested it out by snapping a picture of a plastic fox figurine, and it returned a list of similar animal figurines. A photo of a metal storage cabinet generated a group of similar filing cabinets.

It’s a great way to search eBay when you’re having trouble coming up with the right keywords to describe what you’re shopping for. .

4. Do math by taking a picture

Math might not be your strong suit, but you don’t have to reach for a calculator every time you need to put some numbers together. The Photomath app lets you point your camera at an equation and get an answer. It can even show you the steps it took to find that answer. That’s a handy feature for students and people looking to improve their mathematical skills.

You can use Photomath for simple subtraction, multiplication, addition, and division problems, but it can also tackle more complex equations. It can even read your handwriting so you can scribble down your math problem and let the app hand you the solution.

5. Translate languages in real-time

You’re traveling in a foreign country. Maybe you speak a smattering of the local language, or maybe you only know how to say “hello” and “where’s the restroom?” With the Google Translate app, you can quickly get your bearings even if you don’t speak the language.

The app’s extremely nifty instant camera translation feature works in 38 different languages. Start up the app, tap on the camera icon, and point the lens at what you’re trying to translate. It will magically change the text right on the screen.

This is especially handy for street and store signs or menus in restaurants. The app isn’t just for Android; you can also get an iOS version. This can help turn you into a much more confident traveler.

VALENTINE: TO BE OR NOT TO BE

2018-02-14T05:14:00.003-08:00

For a couple of weeks now, there has been a buzz about February 14, Not Valentine, but February 14th. This day of the year which has traditionally become lovers’ day, (much to the distaste of the originators-the Catholics), is much sought after as a time for lavish show of love and appreciation for spouses and lovers.

Well, this year’s Valentine has been a thing of concern for Valentine fanatics lovers as the day February 14, holds a lot of other major distractions and there are fears that men would play casper.

First the day coincides with the Catholic Ash Wednesday which happens to be the first day of a fasting period; the first day of the Lent period. Now, the Ash Wednesday is observed by many Western Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, and some Baptists.

It’s just so unfortunately funny that the Ash Wednesday which can fall as early as on February 4 or as late as on March 10, this year, fell on a ‘’lovers’ day’’.

Now, as if that is not enough, European Football governing body, UEFA, decided also to fix a bout of football clashes for the same date as the lovers’ day, and worse still, the lovers’ time. [weeping now].

Ladies with partners who are football lovers would be familiar-or not- with the UEFA Champions League. Well the football showpiece has fixtures for February 14th and the big clashes are irresistible; Real Madrid vs PSG, Porto vs Liverpool, and these matches have their kick-off time at 8:45pm. Valentine’s Day, NO! Valentine’s Evening, Such Evil!!!!

If you don’t wanna find yourself playing CeeC of BBNaija with your partner/boyfriend/spouse begging you for missing a date or for ignoring your calls, then you just might have a grip on your Football loving boyfriend after all, IF YOU ARE NOT SELFISH.

C’mon, think of it, these men have been there-or not-for several valentines, taken you out, and given you times of your lives, it’s time to show them some love too-in the language they understand-and here’s how.

Invite him over to actually watch the game, YES. And it’s gonna be fun if you can have roses beautifully littered around, a powerfully distracting outfit, a nice scent to the atmosphere, dim or no lights, have some pizza and his favorite drink while you sit or cuddle with him watching the game. Trust me with this strategy; you just might be playing your own ‘one-on-one’ football before half-time or the return match before the return match. And if his team loses, [LOL] well, rely on your powerfully distracting outfit as you console him and make sure you give him a soft and comfy place to rest his head. [Wink] Thank me later.

Source: FuReal.com.ng

Safety Tips For A Travelling Group

2018-02-06T01:20:00.001-08:00

Safety Tips For A Travelling Group

Traveling with a group can be exceedingly fun for everyone involved, but it does not come without complexities. If you are the leader of a group trip, then you may want to take note of these safety tips shared by Lifestyletower, Nigeria's No 1 Lifestyle Blog.

Pair your travellers

Endeavour to pair your travellers and ask each person to remain with each other at all times. Instruct each person in the group to alert the group leader when their assigned buddy or partner is out of sight.

Pick your hotel wisely

Reach out to someone who is familiar with the cities you are visiting and is able to help you select a location that is safe and group-friendly.

Do a door check

As the group leader, before you head to bed, check every external door to make sure they are bolted. If you can, you can check to ensure that everyone is in their rooms. This is especially important if you are travelling to big cities.

Emergency contact

If almost everyone in your group has a smartphone, then make sure the members of the group have the phone number for the leader and one more group member to their contact list. Also, make sure everyone has taken note of the address and phone number of the hotel where the group is staying.

Have an agreed meeting spot

If your group is visiting a large attraction, then pick a centrally located spot and turn it into the rendezvous spot, should someone become separated from the group.

Secrets For Finding The Cheapest Airfare

2018-02-06T01:14:00.001-08:00

Secrets For Finding The Cheapest Airfare

If you're travelling tomorrow and you start looking for cheap airfare today, your chances of finding a great deal will decrease rather dramatically. Thus, the earlier you start looking, the better. To pay low airfare prices, Lifestyletower, Nigeria's No 1 Lifestyle Blog shares secrets for finding the cheapest airfare.

Check often
Since you don't know exactly when these changes are going to happen, it is important to check often at least every day, preferably several times a day. You may be lucky enough to come across cheap fares.

Set alerts

Some sites allow you to set alerts for specific routes. Others are set up to let you track specific flights. The approach may be to set a particular price you want to pay, and when the route or flight drops to (or below) that number, you receive an email. Know that because the fares change so often, it's important to book quickly when an alert arrives if you like the price. If you wait, the fare could be a lot higher by the time you are ready to book.

Try off-peak and off-hours

This is very simple: lower demand means lower prices. As such, make efforts to find out the off-peak as well as off-hours period for your route so that that you can take advantage of the lower prices.

Compare prices

You should visit several websites to view and compare prices before settling for the cheapest one. If you simply accept to book the fare of your favourite booking website, you may be paying more than the usual price.

Book early

This is the most important secret for anyone who is looking for a cheap flight. This is because airlines increase their fares as the flight date gets closer.