Top 10 Tips To Help Prevent Your Home Being Burgled

By Stephen posted June 18, 2013 at 8:39 am

Your home is your castle, whether you rent it or own it. For some folks, just having a valid renter’s insurance policy is all they feel they need to protect themselves from a home invasion. Did you know that not every policy will actually fully recompense you if you have items that are stolen? Not only will you have to likely pay a deductible, but you’ll only get a market price compensation for your items. That means many items won’t be of full value. Protecting your home from being burgled is incredibly important so you don’t have to worry about theft, so here are the Top 10 tips to help you stop a burglar now.

1. Have Good Exterior Lighting

A thief loves to operate in the darkness of night. Darkness gives a burglar the cover they need not only to approach your home, but to get away cleanly after robbing it. One of the easiest ways to eliminate a home invasion is to improve the exterior lighting around your entry ways. Whether you use solar lights, install motion detector activated lights, or just utilize a strong porch light, it’s more difficult for a thief to operate in the light than in the dark.

2. Install Burglar Alarms

Modern wireless technology lets you be able to install a security system in any home or apartment today. Because you can take the security system with you and install it without having to drill holes for wires, they are compatible with a majority of rental leases! With cellular technology built into them, all you do is affix your security alarm panel in a central location in your home and then hook up the equipment you need to protect yourself. Door and window sensors, motion detectors, and even video cameras can be hooked up into a wireless system!

3. Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Thieves like to break into a home, grab what they want, and get out quickly. Because of this, they will often scout out which homes have the best stuff within the closest reach. Think of it like burglar window shopping – someone can come up to your window when you’re away from home and peer in. If they see expensive items like jewelry there, within

easy reach, you’ll become a likely target for a home invasion attempt. By keeping items locked away, you’ll remove the temptation a burglar might have.

4. Run a Randomized Lighting Pattern

Many people hook up lights to an automated switch so they turn on and off at predetermined times when they’re away from home for awhile. Thieves aren’t stupid – they can see your lights turn on at 6am and turn off at at 9pm. This actually lets a burglar know you’re not home and it’s likely a safe target to hit, even if you do have a security system! With a randomized light switch that allows you to set different times for different days, you’ll be able to eliminate this threat.

5. Stop Your Mail

If you are going to be on an extended vacation or business trip and no one is going to be at home, don’t have your neighbor get your mail. Have your mail held instead at your local postal location. When your mailbox has a buildup of mail or a thief sees someone other than you picking up your mail, they’ll know your home is vacant and an easy target. Most postal services simply require a day or two notice to stop your mail, then you can have delivery service started again once you come home. Stop other deliveries that could accumulate as well, like newspaper deliveries.

6. Make Sure You Lock Your Windows and Doors

A good burglar can break through any lock, including a deadbolt, in one minute or less. Having your doors and windows locked, however, can buy you the minute or two you may need to call for the authorities or formulate an appropriate response. If you have the ability to install additional locks on a door, each additional lock can add up to an extra minute of response time during a home invasion attempt. Seconds count during a burglary, so every second you can add is a second that could help you be safe.

7. Don’t Keep a Spare Key Outside

We all lock ourselves out of our homes every now and again, so it is tempting to keep a spare key outside the home in case that happens. There are some fancy rocks and other decorations that have hidden key slots, but thieves know this too. It only takes a few minutes to check under rocks and landscaping items to see if you’ve got a spare key out. With a spare key, a home invasion is incredibly easy and can be done without leaving much, if any, of a trace.

8. Keep Your Landscaping Trimmed

Landscaping features make for fantastic hiding spots. A shrub or a hedge can help a thief stay in hiding until you leave. It can provide cover for after a home invasion happens as well. Keeping your landscaping features trimmed up can help to reduce or eliminate hiding spots, while prickly bushes under windows can prevent a thief from breaking into an easily accessible window. If you know you’re going to be gone for awhile, make sure you’ve contracted someone to mow your lawn, pull your weeds, and take care of other landscaping needs.

9. Where Are Your Door Hinges?

Though we never really think about where the hinges of a door are located unless we need to replace the door itself, if the door hinges are accessible to a thief, they can pull the pins or cut through them to just remove a door. Sometimes you can simply flip the hinges around and resolve the problem, but often you may need to install the hinges on the opposite side of the door or even install a new door jamb. If your hinges are accessible, you may wish to consider speaking with a general contractor.

10. Keep the Garage Locked

Garage doors are easier to break into than you might believe. Older automatic garage door openers operate on specific remote codes, so one push button remote can often open several doors in a single neighborhood when within range. Modern openers change the remote code every time the remote is used, which helps to prevent this issue. Many also include lock-tight technology that keeps them closed and inaccessible so the only method to get through the door for a thief is to cut through it.

Being vigilant is often the best defense in keeping your home from being burgled. By knowing your neighbors, being aware of vehicles that are parked around your home, and having open sight lines from your entry points can help discourage a burglar who might be thinking about breaking into your home. Utilize these tips today in your own unique way to keep your home, your assets, and your loved ones safe.

Top 10 Most Famous Hackers

By Stephen posted June 17, 2013 at 9:39 am

In the modern information sharing age, it is easier than ever to hack into someone’s computer or personal account and steal their identity. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States right now and is a global epidemic. Some figures put the cost of identity theft at over $40 billion dollars! Because of that fact, identity theft protection is even more important than ever. Though there are limits on your personal liability when it comes to your credit cards, a hacker can drain your checking account in seconds if they’ve got your information. Here are the top 10 most famous hackers of all time:

1. Kevin Mitnick

It is almost a badge of pride to be wanted by the FBI as a hacker, and Kevin Mitnick wore that badge proudly. Jailed twice for his hacking attempts, Mitnick caused over $15 million worth of damage with an early internet worm that crashed about 10% of operating sites at the time. Though Mitnick doesn’t consider himself a hacker – a “persuader” is how he refers to himself, he was able to convince plenty of people to share with him their relevant information, such as their Social Security number, in a number of different ways. He’s appeared on TV, had several books written about his life, and there’s even a movie called Takedown about him.

2. Kevin Poulsen

The first hacker to actually be charged with espionage, Poulsen learned how to hack into things as a kid. When he was young and had braces, he learned how to whistle into payphones so that he could make free calls. He hacked the telephone lines of a radio station so that he could win a Porsche. What got him the espionage charges was his alleged ability to hack into the Air Force computer network to steal classified documents. Though a journalist now, Poulsen was also wanted by the FBI at one point and has also had a biography written about his hacking exploits.

3. Robert Tappan Morris

Most people know Robert Tappan Morris as the guy who created the very first internet worm. Though he claimed he created it in order to explore the actual size of the internet itself in 1988, he ended up crippling just about every computer hooked up to the internet, as well as the internet itself. At the time Morris received a fine and three years of probation time as the first person convicted under the newly created Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, but since then he’s made millions designing software and earned his Ph.D. from Harvard in Applied Sciences and is a professor at M.I.T.

4. Adrian Lamo

Most people know Adrian Lamo because he’s identified as the “journalist” who turned in Army Pfc. Bradley Manning, who allegedly leaked classified information to the website WikiLeaks. Before this notoriety, however, Lamo was actually known as the “Homeless Hacker.” He grabbed this moniker because he used to set up shop in abandoned buildings or at public locations. He would hack into major corporations, but then tell them he had successfully hacked them, then sometimes even help to fix the holes he had discovered. From a Kinko’s shop, Lamo was able to hack into The New York Times and gather personal information on thousands of people.

5. Gary McKinnon

Though many hackers delve into the networks of governments and businesses in order to gather personal information that they can use to their advantage and profit, McKinnon allegedly had something else on his mind when he supposedly hacked most of U.S. government’s computer networks in 2001 and 2002: UFOs. McKinnon, who is also known as “Solo,” is based out of London has never been extradited to the United States to face charges. Though he didn’t find what he was looking for, which was evidence of flying saucers with great gas mileage, the United States is accusing him of causing over $36 million in damages. He was convicted for his activities in the United Kingdom, however.

6. Richard Pryce

Along with Matthew Bevan, Richard Pryce is known as the hacker that almost started a war. He and Bevan hacked into U.S. Government computers in 1996 in order to collect passwords and data, then used a U.S. computer to attempt to hack into a Korean one. Officials in the United States initially thought that the attempt had been directed at a North Korean computer network at the exact time the U.S. was attempting to negotiate with the Communist country. If that had been the case, it could have been considered an act of war. Fortunately for everyone involved, the network was South Korean.

7. Jonathan James

Jonathan James is one of the sadder stories when it comes to the most famous hackers of all time. James was just a kid when he was first arrested for hacking into computer networks and ended up having to spend 6 months in juvenile detention. His efforts at hacking into NASA and other U.S. Government sites cost the government tens of thousands of dollars and he had managed to download sensitive information.

Just eight years later, James committed suicide after a battle with drugs and being considered part of the largest identity theft ring ever discovered at the time in 2008. He was suspected of having been able to hack into the networks of several large businesses to obtain personal information on customers, including credit card information, and then being able to use that information to make millions of dollars. His last words were that he was innocent, but since he had a past, he figured everyone would blame him.

8. Albert Gonzalez

Gonzalez was one of the hackers that was working with Jonathan James and his efforts were fundamental in being able to hack into literally dozens of computer networks. Accused of stealing over 36 million different credit card numbers, the cost of repairing the damage that Gonzalez caused was well into nine figures.

What makes Gonzalez even more unique is the fact that he was working as an informant for the Secret Service at the time of his arrest. What was he doing? Working as an informant regarding the activities of identity theives and hackers. For his efforts at playing both sides of the field, Gonzalez was convicted of his crimes and sentenced to 20 years behind bars.

9. Vladimir Levin

Would you do three years of jail time if that meant you could potentially keep $10 million that you were able to successfully steal through hacking? If so, then your life is much like that of Vladimir Levin, who pioneered the cracking version of hacking. Using his advanced math skills, he was able to log into the Citibank of New York from St. Petersburg, Russia, and transfer $10 million into several different accounts he had set up throughout the world.

What is cracking? Cracking, or a “cracker,” is someone with the desire to do work as a hacker so that you get financial gain from it. Levin was arrested in 1995 in London for his theft efforts and ended up just serving three years in prison. Not every hacker is a cracker, but every cracker is a hacker.

10. Richard Stallman

Though he isn’t really known as a computer hacker, he was a well-known hacker back in the early 1980′s and has been instrumental in developing artificial intelligence. Today he is known for his development of CopyLeft and GNU, which Linux uses extensively, but back in the day he was known more for his efforts at developing free software. Much of his work actually originated because of his objections to M.I.T. privitizing software.

Known more by his initials, RMS, than his actual name, Stallman is very concerned about the intrusions into privacy that are occurring today. Not only can your cell phones be tracked, but so can your internet activities – as evidenced by recent disclosures leaked from the U.S. Government by an NSA contractor. He continues to work and lecture regularly about the importance of using free software and staying off the grid as much as possible.

Though some hackers have the general public’s best interests at heart, many other hackers do not. From the theft of personal information and bank accounts to disrupting global commerce, the best hackers in the world are removing millions of dollars per day from the economy. By knowing about how the best hackers work, you can work toward providing your identity with an adequate level of protection. Don’t let yourself be at risk! Empower yourself with knowledge about identity theft and hacking so that you can keep your identity your own.

3 Features of Upcoming Smartphones That Will Help Prevent Damage and Theft

By Jenny posted June 12, 2013 at 6:00 am

Ever since the first iPhone was plucked from its Apple packaging and shown to the world, theft and damage have been a constant concern for the smartphone industry. In a few short years these pocket-sized computers have undergone massive structural and usability changes, constantly in pursuit of the evolutionarily perfect gadget: a smartphone that is both indestructible and theft-proof. While we’re still quite a way from that particular dream, here are 3 features of soon-to-be-released smartphones that are getting us closer to our goal:

1. OLED And Industrial Sapphire Screens

Anyone who’s ever been the proud owner of a smartphone with a glass screen has felt that twinge of parental fear when they realize how fragile their device really is. For the last few gadget generations, consumers have had to choose either a powerful but fragile HD-capable screen, or a more durable—but less capable—plastic screen. But as early as the end of 2013, that choice may finally be unnecessary.

OLED screens, short for Organic Light-Emitting Diode, will become a common feature of near-future smartphones. An OLED screen is capable of the same HD output as a glass-based LCD, but can be displayed on plastic substrates, which means you’ll have a fully flexible, droppable screen, without the possibility of cracking or shattering it.

If, despite the OLED’s HD output, you find yourself still favoring the sharp, glossy shine of a more solid device, there will be another option in common usage: industrial sapphire screens. With a thin coating of this powerful element, a smartphone’s screen will be as tough and scratchproof as a marble statue, without sacrificing the elegance of traditional glass screens.

2. A Wireless Database Will Make Stolen Smartphones Inoperable On Any Network In The World

In April of 2012, in response to the rising crime rate involving smartphone theft, the major wireless carriers got together and began work on a massive database that will ultimately block a stolen phone from being operated on any of their networks, both in the United States and globally. When the database is activated in the near future, the ultimate goal will be to make a stolen smartphone as worthless as a blank ATM or debit card.

Combined with the fact that most digital media consumed on smartphones—videos, music, games, and more—is streamed from a network such as Netflix, Amazon, or a cloud-based storage system, this means that smartphones will merely be one access point of many to services that people pay for separately, and have individual accounts and security for. With no vital content being lost with a disappearing smartphone, and no way for a thief to activate or use the phone on any major network, the value of a disabled phone will quickly drop to nothing, becoming a strong deterrent against theft.

3. Improved Hands-Free Features Will Make Smartphone Use Easier And More Integrated Into Daily Life

Whether you love her or hate her, every iPhone owner has conversed with the incorporeal genie known as Siri. In the near future, voice-activated A.I. assistants will be even more ubiquitous, along with other comprehensive hands-free features that will require increasingly-smaller amounts of direct mechanical manipulation. This means that your smartphone will ultimately become a device that can remain secure in your pocket, vehicle or desk, while still providing you with the same features and services you’ve become accustomed to, reducing the threat of damage or theft even further.

While you’re waiting for that perfect gadget to enter the market, you may want to consider getting a little extra protection for your current phone. We at Protect Your Bubble can help safeguard your smartphone against theft, damage, hardware failures, and many other problems that will exist until the world’s first damage-and-theft-proof smartphone arrives.

Photo credit: IntelFreePress via Flickr.com

The Top 10 Rental Car Tips That Will Save You Money For Your Next Trip

By Stephen posted June 10, 2013 at 6:00 am

Renting a vehicle can be a trying experience for those who are not very familiar with the process. However, even those who have rented vehicles before may not be aware of all the options that exist. What follows are 10 simple rental car tips to help you rent the right vehicle at the right price for your needs.

1) Expand Your Search Beyond Recognizable Brand Names

While we are all familiar with rental agencies such as Hertz or Avis, there are many independent agencies that have just as sterling reputation but charge less for renting their vehicles. You can start your search at websites such as CarRentals.com for example and find the same vehicles listed from 15% to 30% or more less than from the nationally recognizable brands. This is especially true when searching for larger or luxury vehicles since many of these rental agencies specialize in carrying a certain fleet of cars.

2) Use Your Negotiation Skills

The old saying “it never hurts to ask” certainly applies to renting a vehicle. You can use your negotiation skills to get the best rate, but quite often you can get a larger vehicle for the same price as a compact model if you ask. This is especially true if you see a large number of a particular type of rental vehicle sitting on the lot. Saying, “I’ll take the minivan for the same rate as the compact car if that’s alright?” can get you a larger vehicle for the same rate. It doesn’t always work, but it never hurts to ask.

3) Avoid Airport Car Rentals

Many states and cities will levy very high fees and user taxes on airport rental agencies while the same agencies located away from the airport will often not have such charges present. This means that you can actually save money by renting from locations nearer to downtown than at the airport. Be sure to check out these rental agencies before booking your trip.

4) Rent When You Need the Vehicle

Another way to save money is only renting the vehicle when you need it for the time that you are staying. Even if you need a rental car each day, returning it each night can actually save you money over keeping it overnight. This will mean that you need to plan your trip accordingly, but knowing when to return your vehicle can save a considerable amount of money.

5) Find Outside Discounts

If the company you work for does not offer a corporate discount, then you should look for other companies that offer discounts when renting vehicles. Many organizations such as the American Automobile Association or AAA offer discounts when renting vehicles. For seniors, being a member of the AARP is also a way to get discounts for renting vehicles as well. Even the airline you fly may offer discounts for renting vehicles from certain companies, so be sure to check out their website for more details.

6) Catch the Weekend Discount

Most car rental agencies charge less for weekend use over weekday use because weekends generally see leisure travelers and the prices are lowered to attract their business. For example, if you are leaving on a Friday morning you may want to extend your car rental to the afternoon to catch the weekend rate which will apply towards your entire rental time. This can lower the base rental rate and save you money even if you return the car early.

7) Prepay

As with hotels, rental car agencies often provide discounts for those who prepay and book their rental well in advance. While you will most likely face a higher cancellation fee, that won’t apply if you show up and take the vehicle. Certain websites such as Hotwire.com or Priceline.com for example will offer discounts for travelers who prepay well in advance, so you can get a hotel and car rental for a much cheaper price when you do both at the same time.

8 ) Book Over the Web

In addition to prepaying for your rental, booking over the web can provide you with additional discounts as well. With the advancement of mobile websites, you can often book your rental car and hotel over your mobile device quickly and easily. You’ll want to keep your eye out for any special deals or discounts that you can incorporate as you book your trip. Remember, the more you plan ahead the greater the chances of discovering a discount or getting lower rates than if you wait until the last moment.

9) Find Cheap Gas

In your community, you probably know where the cheapest gas stations are located. However, you can find the cheapest gas stations in any city thanks to websites such as GasBuddy.com or GasPriceWatch.com and save money on your trip. By checking out these internet sites first, you can potentially save several dollars just on a single fill-up.

10) Prepaid Gas

One option that many rental agencies are offering is paying for a tank of upfront before you get the vehicle. While the fees charged for this prepay is often less than what you can find by purchasing it yourself, the problem is that in order to get the maximum value from this service you need to almost fully use up the gas in the tank. Otherwise, it is cheaper just to purchase the gas on your own. If you are planning on doing a lot of driving, then this option may pay off but otherwise, you should probably avoid it.

11) An extra bonus tip! Save yourself money by taking out rental car insurance from a 3^rd party like Protect Your Bubble before you get to the Rental Car Counter. This will save you lots of money. Typical insurance prices at the counter are $30-40 a day. With Protect Your Bubble you can get insurance that covers you for up to $35,000 worth of damage for only $7.99 a day. 1 in 6 people who rent a car have an accident, so make sure you get the insurance and save yourself money by purchasing from a 3^rd party rather than the Rental Car company.

These 10 car rental tips will help you rent the right vehicle for your needs and perhaps save you some money as well. Generally speaking, it is best to act quickly when you know you are going on a trip and booking your car rental, hotel and travel arrangements in advance because this saves you the most amount of money. By using these rental tips as a guideline, you can better plan your trip and keep within your budget so you can get the most out of your travels.

Como Proteger Su iPhone de Daños

By Stephen posted June 7, 2013 at 6:00 am

Hoy en día hay pocos aparatos electrónicos que tengan tanta importancia para nosotros como la tienen nuestros teléfonos celulares. Vivimos en un
mundo que se comunica por medio de internet y chats desde los nuevos teléfonos inteligentes (smartphones) que hacen muchas tareas diarias más fáciles para los usuarios.

El problema con esta nueva tecnología es que sus precios son mayores y su construcción es mucho más vulnerable que los celulares de la década anterior. Si bien cada vez son más avanzados y prácticamente pueden considerarse como mini computadoras portátiles, tienen el grave problema de ser delicados y requieren más cuidado por parte del usuario.

Existen protectores plásticos para cubrir su equipo iphone, pero estos no
protegen muchas áreas delicadas del teléfono y tampoco evitan que un golpe
fuerte los dañe seriamente. Este teléfono en particular es muy eficiente
pero también costoso. Y un gran problema es que la garantía solo cubre
daños de fábrica del teléfono y no le sirve si usted daña o pierde su
equipo.

Para eso es que nació protectyourbubble.com. Esta empresa le ofrece un
servicio de seguro para iphone y su teléfono inteligente. Al comprar este seguro
para su iphone, usted podrá obtener los siguientes beneficios por los
cuales se le dará un celular nuevo:

Si su teléfono es robado o si usted lo pierde (esto casi nunca lo ofrecen los competidores que venden este seguro)
Daños por líquidos
Accidentes que dañen su equipo, incluyendo daños a la pantalla
Su teléfono será reemplazado el día siguiente
Todo esto por solo$7.99 mensuales
El negocio tiene rating de “A” por AM Best

Las personas no se dan cuenta de la gran cantidad de incidentes que pueden
provocar que su celular deje de funcionar y se vea dañado permanentemente.
Miles de personas tienen accidentes comunes cada mes, y por ellos deben
invertir en la compra de un equipo caro que fácilmente puede sufrir otro
accidente en cualquier momento.

Muchos accidentes incluyen la caída del celular en el piso desde un metro o
más altura. Golpes provocados por tropiezos o descuidos. Líquidos que
entran en los circuitos del teléfono y lo dañan de forma irreparable. El
robo de su equipo en cualquier lugar público done usted lo deje fuera de su
vista por unos minutos. En fin, existe una gran cantidad de posibilidades
muy comunes por las cuales su teléfono puede dejar de funcionar y
provocarle un problema de comunicación con sus clientes, amigos y
compañeros de trabajo.

El seguro de iphone realmente es una inversión que vale la pena tomar.
Usted no quiere ser una de esas miles de personas que accidentalmente dañan
sus celulares y se ven forzados a comprarlos nuevamente. La adquisición de
este seguro para su teléfono es realmente beneficiosa, y usted no tendrá
que preocuparse por pagar cientos de dólares nuevamente por esta tecnología
de punta.

Proteja su inversión y siéntase seguro de poder utilizar su teléfono si ese
miedo a cada momento que el celular se resbala de sus dedos y usted logra
salvarlo de esa caída que casi siempre es inevitable eventualmente. Por esa
simple razón, usted sabe que este seguro es una inversión que muy
probablemente utilizara en algún momento. Los accidentes ocurren, y el
celular está entre las posesiones que más daños sufren.

Comuníquese con el equipo de servicio al cliente de protectyourbubble.com y
ellos le brindaran cualquier información extra que usted aun quiera
recibir. Este tipo de servicio lo ofrecen otras empresas, pero no con el
nivel de protección de accidentes con el cual este negocio en particular lo
hace.

Viva sin preocupaciones sobre su celular con este excelente servicio!

5 Things to Remember about a College Student’s First Apartment

By Jenny posted June 6, 2013 at 6:00 am

For a college student, that first apartment or house rental is usually a great experience: Many college towns are relatively cheap, the student’s parents will be used as verification for income and rental history, and the combination of low cost, student loans, and family money means that students usually don’t have to be gainfully employed to qualify as a renter. Although a college rental is generally easier than the market in the adult world, here are 5 things to keep in mind when selecting a college student’s first home away from home:

1. If Possible, Try to Find a Rental Where You’ll Deal Directly with the Owner

In addition to large apartment complexes run by national management agencies, college towns usually have quite a few landlords that operate a handful of college rental properties under their own name. A more independent place will allow you to deal directly with the owner or a fully-informed assistant, rather than the ever-changing horde of impersonal employees that work in the office of a larger complex. This can be an incredible advantage when you’re dealing with issues like noise complaints, utilities management, maintenance, and many other problems that pop up in the rental world.

2. Research the Average Heating and Cooling Costs of Each College Rental

Speak with any former tenants if possible and check out the online rental boards in the area for comments and reviews. College town rentals are notorious for their hasty—and sometimes cheap—construction, and one of the most commonly neglected features is good insulation. The winter heating bill for two homes or apartments of similar size can be wildly different because of this single cause, so it’s definitely a good idea to figure out where you stand insulation-wise.

3. Make Sure You’re Dealing with the Owner or the Rental Company Directly, Instead of Subletting

Subletting is a great thing to do in the adult world when you’re temporarily in a new city, or you’re looking to float between places for a few months while waiting for the perfect spot to become available. But considering how easy it is to qualify for a college town rental, there’s really no reason why a student can’t have his or her name directly on the contract itself, rather than renting a sublet. If you find yourself dealing with another student or tenant, instead of the actual manager, someone may be trying to charge you more than your fair share by dealing with the landlord themselves and not informing you of the actual cost of the rental.

4. Keep Damage Costs In Mind

No matter how quiet and respectful an individual student may be, it’s a fact of life that college rentals suffer more wear and tear than apartments in the adult market. If you keep this in mind when selecting a place, you can easily save yourself some money by avoiding apartments or houses that have more damageable features, such as light-colored carpeting, overly expensive appliances, sliding glass doors, fireplaces, and other options that look great but might not be the best choice for a group of 18-to-20 year olds.

5. Pay Attention to the Building’s Parking Regulations

Even though an apartment may be zoned for 4 occupants, you may find that there are only 2 official parking spaces per unit, with the other 2 needing to buy additional parking passes, park in the guest lot (which may quickly fill up on nights and weekends), or even park off-site entirely. A rental house may have unwieldy parking situations also, such as a long, narrow driveway that requires single-file parking, forcing students to constantly jockey around vehicles, or a lack of overnight street parking availability. While a good price and location are always important, the difference between a relaxing place and an agitating one might be as simple as how many times you need to move your car each night.

If, in addition to finding the perfect college rental, you’re also concerned with keeping your student’s possessions safe, we’d love for you to consider a renter’s insurance policy from us at Protect Your Bubble. Gadgets, furniture, and many other valuables can be protected, helping to give your student the peace of mind necessary to perform in school.

Photo credit: Flickr

The Top 10 Beaches in the World You’ll Want to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

By Stephen posted June 4, 2013 at 4:07 pm

There’s nothing quite like being able to sit out on a beach and relax. Maybe you can have some drinks brought your way as you sit under the shade of a nice umbrella… or maybe you’ve got your sweatshirt on because it is cold and blustery and you’re at the beach not sun-soaked relaxation, but adventure. Whatever the case is for you, there is a perfect beach for you to explore that will be able to meet all your needs, much like having travel insurance can meet your needs should something happen on your trip! Here are the top 10 beaches in the world for you to explore:

10. South Beach, Miami FL

If you are looking to go to a beach that has a party atmosphere, the South Beach is definitely the place to go! Though known for the many hard bodies that continuously cycle through your gaze, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy the surf as you enjoy some eye candy! You can snorkel out in the pristine waters and see coral reefs, colorful sea life, or just pretend to do so in order to see more of the human life on the beach. And remember, at South Beach, sometimes it’s more fun to be looked at than to be the one looking!

9. White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

The best way to describe White Beach is that it is two miles of pure perfection. No matter how warm it happens to be, you can always take a stroll on the beach barefooted because the sand will never burn your feed! Crystal clear blue waters gently crash up on the beach and are an unspoken invitation to be splashed through. You can watch an entire day, from sunrise to sunset, from the comfort of the beach with you barely having to move a muscle. When it’s the winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the perfect time to visit White Beach because the weather will be just right.

8. Fethiye, Turkey

When you’ve got a little extra money to spend, you could travel halfway around the world to go visit a pristine beach… or you could do what many other people do and visit one of the resort beaches that sprinkle the Turkish coastline. Out of all of them, however, the best one is definitely Fethiye. The city itself is built on the ruins of an ancient city and you can explore these ruins at will. In addition to the fabulous beaches, you’ve got incredible dining opportunities as well. If you’re going during the busy season, however, be prepared for a lot of competition – up to 600,000 people visit Fethiye every Summer.

7. La Minitas Beach, Dominican Republic

If you are looking for one of the best and most secluded beaches anywhere, then you’ll want to invest into a trip to La Minitas Beach in the DR. A ten minute shuttle ride is the only way to be able to access this beach. With many easier beaches to access that have “better” amenities, most people who visit this beautiful beach find that they essentially have it to themselves. Don’t worry! You can still enjoy a morning massage right out there on the sand with the gentle waves while you work on your tan for a while. Head into town for a quick bite to eat and then repeat your adventure for the rest of the afternoon!

6. Capri, Italy

Only one hotel may have direct beach access in Capri, which is off the Sorrento Peninsula in Italy, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the incredible blue waters that this mountainous island provides access to. What makes a trip to Capri interesting is that it is easier to access many of the beaches by boat than it is by vehicle or by walking. This also allows you to the opportunity to access hidden coves around Capri that you might not otherwise be able to do!

5. The Maldives

Spend a day deep sea fishing, then get a massage from that long day of fishing, and then go enjoy some of the best nightlife in the world today. You could even end up having the best meal of your life! For many people who visit the Maldives, that’s exactly how they spend each and every day. Made up of over 1,000 islands that form 26 separate atolls, the Maldives are right on the equator, in the middle of the shipping lanes. This means they have access to everything you could possibly want when you are seeking out a great beach! If you are seeking comfort, refinement, and luxury, you’ll get what you’re looking to find with an adventure to the Maldives.

4. Hanalei Beach, Hawaii

Great surfing, mountains that seem to stretch straight up from the sea, and great food are all things that are waiting for you at Hanalei Beach. It’s definitely one of the more crowded beaches in this list, but it is worth it to fight for a spot on this beach. It’s situated on a bay and the beach is almost a perfect half circle of tropical delight that lets you focus on relaxation. There are plenty of trails that lead up to the mountains if you’re interested in some adventure and don’t forget to learn how to surf!

3. Bora Bora, Tahiti

Any list of the best beaches in the world simply must include Bora Bora. Why? With a fantastic lagoon that let’s you dive, snorkel, jetski, or even windsurf, you can enjoy plenty of activities out on the water. If you ever get tired of the beach, you can always take a trip into town and explore the many different native art galleries, walking tours, and fine dining establishments. Many folks believe that you simply go to the beach to party and drink cocktails when you travel to Bora Bora, but your trip might just be more adventurous then you believe it could be! Make sure to spend some time with the local manta rays while you’re there!

2. The Red Beach of Santorini

Sometimes the most picturesque beaches get completely ignored because they’re difficult to get to, don’t have the right amenities, or they might not be in a tropical location. Yet the Red Beach of Santorini, though it is probably one of the most difficult beaches to access, is also one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. This beach, which is in the heart of the Greek Isles, really does seem like it has been painted red! Thanks to its location by a dormant volcano, it is only accessible by boat or a 10 minute hike, so make sure you’ve brought along plenty of water, a portable lunch, and comfortable walking shoes. Once you take a look at it, however, you’ll always want to come back.

1. Ruby Beach, Washington

Ruby Beach is a part of Olympic National Park and lies in seclusion about 20 miles west of Forks, which is the closest community. Though it may not be a tropical beach, it is one of the most fantastic beaches there is. With purple sands, monoliths that jut out of the ocean, and plenty of wide open spaces, Ruby Beach is picturesque, isolated, but still close enough to allow you to be adventurous. The Hoh Rain Forest, also part of Olympic National Park, is just ten minutes away. You can go camping along an isolated river, but still get a five star meal at one of the local Native American casinos that are just an hour away.

How many of the Top 10 beaches have you visited so far? What’s the next beach that you plan to go visit? Each beach has its own advantages, uniqueness, and sights to see – which ones excite you the most?

It is a good idea to make sure that all of your beach holidays are backed up with a reliable travel insurance package. Protect Your Bubble is a trusted name. We will ensure that you have reliable, effective coverage.

Photo via Lecates on Flickr

Did you Gift a Graduation Trip? 4 Important Considerations You Need to Think About

By Jenny posted June 3, 2013 at 2:51 pm

travel insurance for travel graduation gift One of the best gifts a recent high school or college grad can get is a graduation trip abroad: they’ll be temporarily free of responsibilities, in-between additional school or employment, and readily available to spend some time in a new culture. Now that you’ve made the hard decision about where to send your grad and how much you’re able to spend on their expedition, you may then want to take a little extra time and research a few important facts that will make the trip safer, easier, and more enjoyable. Here are 4 quick things to consider as your loved one prepares to roam the world:

Possible Rental Car Restrictions

After you’ve booked the plane tickets, hotel reservations, and deposited some cash in their travel fund, you may think you’ve got everything covered. But if the location your grad is visiting will require automobile travel, you’ll want to take a few minutes and make sure there aren’t any rental car regulations that could cause a problem. For example, many countries don’t allow anyone under 25 to drive a rental car, even if they have a valid driver’s license. It may not come up with the rental agency—especially if you paid for the car yourself and put it in your child’s name—but you don’t want your recent grad to find out the hard way that they aren’t legally allowed to operate a rental in that country.

Understand The Procedure For Replacing Lost Or Stolen IDs

Because of our increased connectivity, this task is easier than it’s ever been before, but you’ll still want to fully understand the steps in replacing your student’s lost identification, and then make sure they understand it too. Getting a new ID, credit card, or passport in a foreign country usually involves contacting loved ones at home, insurance companies, the local U.S. embassy or consulate, and anyone else that’s relevant. With a little preparation, you can have a complete procedure in place for this unfortunate possibility.

How To Find Medical Care

This varies wildly depending on the country, so this is another great category to research before you pack your grad’s bags. Understanding the medical system of the destination country, and how a foreigner can access care will give you incredible peace of mind, as you’ll have plans to accommodate this particularly stressful scenario.

General Ways To Be Safe, Avoid Theft, And Not Stand Out As A Target

While your grad’s particular country may have a unique environment that you’ll want to research beforehand, many valuable tips concerning general safety can be applied virtually anywhere. Carrying a wallet stocked with items that won’t lead to identity theft if stolen (such as prepaid debit or credit cards), using a smartphone instead of a paper map to help avoid the lost tourist label, keeping valuable items in pickpocket-proof apparel, and dozens of other tips can give your grad the information needed to be as safe and inconspicuous as possible in a foreign land.

If you’re looking for another way to add a layer of security to your loved one’s graduation trip, you should consider travel insurance from Protect Your Bubble. They can help protect your grad from missed, delayed, or canceled flights, provide rental car coverage, help locate medical care when needed, and much more.

Photo credit: rileyroxx via Flickr.com

Looking for the Best Cell Phone Camera? Here is a Straightforward Buyers Guide

By Stephen posted May 30, 2013 at 7:00 am

cell phone camera Today’s modern cell phones now have high powered and top quality built in cameras. From the low cost to the high end phones, a camera is now a core factor for a good cell phone. For example the new Nokia 520 comes in at about $120. Its five megapixel camera is really entry level HD video producing 720 P, not 1080p.

For those that want a cell phone that is just stunning and are looking for a Windows Phone, the Nokia Lumina 920 is an excellent choice. It features an eight megapixel autofocus camera with a dual LED flash and an image processing chip decked out with Karl Zeiss optics. It also includes a front facing 1.2 megapixel camera featuring a wide F2 aperture on a 26 mm lens for self-portraits.

In the Android world, Samsung is rocking the world with the Galaxy S4. Considered currently to be one of the most powerful super phones it comes in with an amazing 13 megapixel camera and even supports doing slow-motion video.

Meanwhile HTC is looking to steal Samsung’s thunder with the HTC One. The unibody is a beautiful aluminum also featuring an F2 aperture along with a 28 mm lens and can feature 1080 P video recording using HDR video and slow-motion recording with variable speed playback. Using the Snapdragon quad core at 1.7 GHz certainly makes it quite speedy. And of course is another Android offering.

Which of course brings us to the people who started the category – Apple. On paper it looks like it is lagging, featuring a mere eight megapixel iSight camera. It’s front facing FaceTime HD camera is limited to 720 P video.

Looking at the real world and what most people are really doing, every camera phone we have looked at here (with the exception of the entry-level 520) seems to be offering everything you need and more.

Given this, what it comes down to is: pick what is most pleasing to you. The feature list is impressive across-the-board of competitors. You simply cannot lose whatever you pick. These high end camera phones can cost mucho deniro! And now that you have invested in a new phone and camera? Make sure you consider our cell phone insurance to protect your investment.

Got a Rental Car “OOPS!” Story to Share? Submit to Win an iPad Mini

By Jenny posted May 29, 2013 at 12:00 pm

Have you had an “OOPS!” moment during a business trip or vacation with your rental car? Maybe your rental got impounded, booted, scratched, stolen or hit. If so (and you can laugh about it now!) we want to hear about it.

Tell us about your “Rental Car ‘OOPS!’ Story” in the comments below for the chance to win an iPad Mini. Whichever story gets the most votes wins!

Submit Your Story in 4 Easy Steps:

Share your story in the comments section of this blog post below (give your story a fun title)
Share this link and encourage people to vote for your story: http://us.protectyourbubble.com/blog/rental-car-oops-story/
Friends, family and fans of your story will vote here through Rafflecoptor
The person with the story with the most votes – by June 30, 2013 – wins an iPad Mini

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now, a few official house rules:

In submitting your story, you are stating that your story is true and accurate, and you are giving Protect Your Bubble the right to share your story online (keeping your identity anonymous of course).

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE OR PAYMENT DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. Open only to residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 21 and older. Contest ends June 30, 2013. Subject to complete Official Rules.