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Remember when you were a kid and the only thing you lived for was summer vacation? You and your family would pack up and head off to the beach, mountains, or anywhere that suited your fancy. You cherished the memories and vowed to do the same for your family. When you kids are small, but not so little that they can’t remember the time you spend together.

So, if you’re still trying to decide on where to take your kids this summer, here are some of the best vacations destinations you should consider visiting this summer.

Planning Your Trip

Before we let you in on the top vacation spots, let’s talk about planning your trip. Aside from deciding on a destination, you need to create a checklist of everything you want, need and even the things you’re willing to forego. After all, vacation costs can add up quickly, so you want to make sure that both you and your family can make the most out of your time together. You also need to think how much you want to spend and whether or not your dream vacation fits into your budget. If you have a vacation fund, then make sure that you have enough to cover all of the expenses, including potential emergency trips to the ER. As a parent, you already know how fast accidents can happen.

If you’re short funds but still want to get away, you have a couple of options. You can either choose a less expensive location, or you could consider getting a personal loan. Personal loans can be tailored to meet your specific needs, which means you aren’t obligated to borrow than you can easily pay back. You should also check out your credit report prior to applying. It’s not uncommon to find mistakes, which if severe, might disqualify you from being approved. Check out your report and if you find any errors, make sure they’re corrected before you apply.

Another cost factor is how close you are to your destination.  If you live in the United States, here are a few options in various locations.

Miami Beach, Florida

What’s not to love about the sun and the sea? No matter what time of year your travel, southern cities like Miami make it easy to plan a hot vacation any time of the year.  If your family loves to spend time at the beach, Miami Beach is the place to go. With beautiful blue water, white sand beaches, and plenty of kid-friendly hotels, the hardest decision will be deciding when to head back home.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If rural settings and small towns are more your cup of tea, you might want to check out Jackson Hole. This serene vacation spot has something for every kind of nature lover in your family. You can go white water rafting on Snake River or tubing Snow King Resort. If your children are into castles, you can head to Teton Village. There are also plenty of budget-friendly hotels in the area as well.

Islands of Hawaii

If you want to visit the tropics but want to remain in the US, Hawaii should be on your radar. All of the islands are family-friendly, and offer a wide variety of activities to keep you busy. On Kauai, you can hike until your heart’s content, or simply take in the beauty of Waimea Canyon. If you’re more into lively beach vibes, Honolulu is the place to go. White sand beaches and the smell of coconut oil create the perfect backdrop for any family getaway. You can even attend a luau or learn how to do the hula with the locals.

Disney World

If you’ve been wondering whether Disney World is really worth the hype, then you’ll be happy to hear that yes, it is. If you want to instill a love of travel in your kids, this long-term family favorite has something for everyone. You can visit Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs. You can opt to stay on site at Disney Villas, or you can stay in one of the numerous hotels of all price points.

Dinosaur Valley, Texas

Located 75 miles southwest of Dallas, your little ones can see some of the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in history. In addition to scouting for tracks, you can also hike along the Paluxy River, go mountain biking or take a ride in a covered wagon. There are also plenty of museums to visit in nearby Glen Rose, which happens to be the dinosaur capital of the world. When it comes to accommodations, you can pitch a tent, rent an RV or stay in one of the many budget-friendly hotels.

Black Hills, South Dakota

From taking a walk back in history to the wild west in the town of Deadwood, to the epic view of past presidents on Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota will not disappoint.  There are plenty of places to camp, fish, and hike in the Black Hills National Forest. Drive through a pasture of roaming buffalo, witness archaeology digs for dinosaurs,  or take a ride on a steam engine.  There are endless activities and events that a family of all ages will never forget.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a home for Gatlinburg, which in itself is a historic destination in the heart of the park.  It is a small town that offers visitors a chance to see the natural beauty of the area. There are several trails that lead to different parts of the park. Some of them are easy while others require hiking skills.  Hiking is not just about seeing the scenery, but also about getting closer to nature. Head north to Pigeon Forge and experience the charm of the south. This trip provides a glimpse of what life was like before the arrival of man.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is an excellent vacation destination for families due to its diverse attractions and vibrant culture. The city offers engaging experiences like the Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest, and the Atlanta Zoo, home to over 1,500 animals. Families can explore interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta or enjoy the scenic beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Atlanta History Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. With its blend of educational, recreational, and cultural activities, Atlanta provides a memorable and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

In a word.  It’s big!  The Grand Canyon is truly one of the natural wonders of America.  It spans across 277 miles in northwestern Arizona.  You simply have to see it, to believe it.  And that what makes this vacation destination memorable with it’s epic depth and towering peaks and gorges and ravines throughout.  Stay overnight in one of the nearby towns to explore all the Grand Canyon has to offer or make a day trip from Las Vegas.  Either way, it’s truly one of the wonders of America.

Glacier National Park, Montana

If you choose to make Glacier National Park your destination make sure you take the slow way there.  Going-to-the-Sun Road is perhaps the most awe inspiring mountain road there is.  Large trucks and camper trailers are no long allowed which makes it a pleasure for in cars to meander through the mountain road.   Plenty of roadside turn outs make is easy to stop and look over the edge. Make sure to check for seasonal road closures so you don’t have to turn around and take another road into the part.  The park feature melting glaciers, beautiful alpine meadows, valleys, and crystal clear lake.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave in west-central Kentucky is an adventure for explorers at heart, with caves to the east and west that are connected.  It’s been called the largest mapped cave system in the world. The caves possess striking stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.  Many unique animals make this area their home in the dark caves, from crickets, eyeless fish, and eyeless crayfish.  Lighted tours reveal all the wonders of the caves that were first seen by native humans with fire and later by the first explorers with lanterns.

Kids Week in London, England

Kids Week is a popular annual event in London every August where children 17 and under can go to top West End theatre shows for free. It’s the perfect chance to introduce kids to the magic of live theatre. When planning your trip, book tickets early and choose a centrally located hotel to cut down on travel time.  Plan some kid-friendly activities between shows like a visit to the London Transport Museum or a ride on the London Eye. Use the Tube during off-peak hours to avoid the rush. With a little prep, your Kids Week trip to London can be both memorable and manageable!

Bullying is not new, as it has been around for a long time in various aspects of life. However, with the presence of the internet and social media, it has become a menace due to cyberbullying. Many may wonder, is cyberbullying a crime?  The primary concern is that any type of bullying may be hurtful to the victim.

73% of students claim to have been bullied at school, and 44% share experiencing bullying in the span of thirty days.  Even though it’s quite prevalent, it’s not quantifiable when a victim feels unsafe due to something sent to them online or written about them. This online humiliation and harassment can be direct, indirect, or invading someone’s online privacy with the intention of hurting them.

With the growing number of rude online interactions that turn into threats, there are cyber harassment laws to punish offenders. This protects the victims, preventing cyberbullying effects. Keep reading to find out more so you can stay safe from bullying while having the resources to fight it legally.

What is Considered Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying refers to online harassment using digital platforms such as cell phones, computers, and the internet to threaten or defame a person. What cyberbullying means is that an individual is sharing hurtful texts, images, and videos of another person, making them feel embarrassed, sad, angry, or frustrated. It may also include rumors and false accusations that might put the one getting bullied in mental turmoil.

For those unaware of how cyberbullying starts, it may be as small as someone sharing hurtful texts directly or in a group. It may be anonymous or someone you already know. As people are using the internet more frequently now, they are more susceptible to getting bullied. This includes both adults and children.

However, children are more at risk of mental struggles due to bullying. A few factors that cause bullying of children are lack of awareness and peer pressure. Many may consider something to be a harmless joke, but it has the potential to turn into cybercrime without the intervention of parents and authorities.

The child who experiences cyberbullying may feel anxious and fall into depression, withdrawing from social activities. As parents, you need to ensure your children are safe online and not under the stress of cyberbullying. In California, cyberbullying and cyberstalking may lead to hefty fines and significant incarceration if an individual is guilty.

Current Electronic Cyber Harassment Laws are in California

As per the California Penal Code 653.2 PC, any electronic media, including texts or emails, with an intention to threaten an individual or their family is considered a crime. This also includes putting the other person’s safety at risk via electronic mediums with the purpose of harassment, public embarrassment, injury, or physical contact.

Anyone who publishes or distributes nonconsensual emails, pictures, or other personal information may be considered guilty of a misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to one year in county jail or a one thousand dollar fine (both in some cases).

Ways to Deal with Cyberbullying

If you’re wondering can cyberbullying cause depression, 37% of children have been noted to link their depression to cyberbullying. Will cyber bullying ever end? We may not be able to eliminate cyberbullying completely. As a result, we need stern measures and actions to deal with it alongside the laws. Here are some ways to deal in case you or your child is going through online bullying.

Don’t brush it off

If any situation feels unsafe and may pose a threat to your safety, it’s better to take action. Victims may be able to pick bullying cues earlier than others. Therefore, as parents, it’s essential to trust your children and empower them to voice these concerns when needed.

Avoid direct retaliation

Sometimes, bullies just want a reaction and enjoy it when their victim retaliates. It may be hard not to revert to harsh comments and rude remarks, but you may need to keep calm and think about your next step calmly. Make sure you save proof of your online interaction when required in the future.

Report

Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat have a report abuse feature in case someone gets bullied on the app. Moreover, some mobile phone providers offer anti-bullying features to prevent it over the phone.

Seek legal help

You don’t have to be clueless in these situations and suffer. It’s ideal take legal steps and seek help from an attorney to proceed with the case if the situation requires more than just reporting these offenders online.

Hiring Professional Criminal Defense Attorney

If your child or loved one is a victim of cyberbullying, do not stay quiet wondering is cyberbullying a crime. If you’re worried about your child being bullied, you may want to hire a professional attorney to fight against cybercrimes and bullying.

Criminal defense attorney Samantha Greene says, “With rising cases of cyberbullying and cybercrimes, we need to safeguard our youth from it, now more than ever. Legal council can greatly  assist anyone in need of legal aid against cyberbullying.”

Seeking proper legal council can:

• Support you throughout your battle against cyberbullying.
• Ensure your case is strong and all facts are considered to make sure you win.
• Law firms with expertise in this area understand that this legal battle may get challenging for your child and your family.
• They can guide you while representing your court case.

Your child may suffer more if the situation is ignored and takes an unfortunate turn. Consider taking the necessary action to deal quickly with issues such as cyberbullying and cybercrimes. You may also want to contact an attorney if your child is being accused of cyberbully.

Author Bio:

Attorney Samantha Greene is an attorney at Sevens Legal, APC.  She is the winner of the Client Choice award from AVVO and the Top Attorneys award from San Diego, signifying credibility in the field. With her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, Mrs. Greene has expertise in dealing with criminal defense cases.  Before starting a private practice, she worked as a Certified Law Clerk for the Public Defender’s Office and Senior Associate for one of San Diego’s top trial law firms.

Predictive analytics is a branch of advanced analytics. It is the use of historical data to make predictions about future activities, trends and events.  Businesses hire professional predictive analytics that use data mining techniques, machine learning and historical data to find a pattern in the available data.

That pattern can then be used to forecast future opportunities and avoid potential risks.

When you start a business, it doesn’t take off the next day. Microsoft and Apple didn’t become billion-dollar companies overnight. It took years for them to become what they are today.

So, what was their secret? What does it take to successfully grow a business or be a successful entrepreneur?

Well, you need to know your business before you grow it.

“Without big data analytics, companies are blind and deaf, wandering out onto the web like deer on a freeway.” Geoffrey Moore.

You need to find answers to questions like: What do my customers want? What is making them happy and what are they willing to spend their bucks on? How frequently are they purchasing? Where are you losing money and what is not working for your company?

You need to work hard and smart at the same time.

Collecting answers to all those questions means gathering a bulk of information. That information is your data and using that data for your benefit is the goal.

That’s where predictive analytics help. It helps you outline a relevant pattern in the collected data and then come up with building models that predict what will most likely happen in the future.

Listed below are few examples of predictive analytics put to the test and how it helps in generating better outcomes.

4 Real World Applications of Predictive Analytics

1. Banking and Finance:

The financial industry always has huge amount of data and money at stake. Predictive analytics helps it reduce fraud, measure credit risks and hence retain important customers. By analyzing past data and trends, it gets easier for developers to model more accurate fraud prevention strategies. It also helps in forecasting sales, revenues and expenses to get a better idea of what the future may bring and make decisions accordingly.

2. Health Care

The healthcare industry is a big implementer of predictive analytics as it helps them save money and improve practices. It helps in analyzing global disease statistics, drug interactions and patients’ diagnostic history to come up with the most advanced care. Furthermore, a clinic can apply predictive analytics on their appointments to identify people who don’t show up or cancel last minute, in order to save time and resources.

Most importantly, health insurance industry is using predictive analytics to detect claims fraud. It helps in detecting and managing the care of chronically ill patients.

3. Marketing

Customers have more choices today than they had before and so they are not limited to any store for their purchases. Hence there is a lot of competition among businesses. Customers attract to a business because of its marketing. Predictive analytics can be applied to marketing, using data an analysis to forecast sale trends at different times of the year and then design campaigns accordingly. It helps in understanding consumer behaviors and what might work best in the future.

Moreover, it also helps marketers identify customers that are most valuable for their company and plan which set of information should be displayed to attract such consumers. It also helps in prioritizing where to focus their ad money based on the value the customers present.

4. Education

Predictive analytics in education studies data to generate better outcomes for students by identifying at-risk individuals, personalizing learning experiences, and optimizing resources. By analyzing patterns in student performance, attendance, and behavior, educators can predict which students are likely to struggle and apply support immediately. Educators who learn analytics can also see benefits for young learners as well. Predictive models help tailor instruction to individual learning styles and paces, enhancing student engagement and achievement.

Schools can also use predictive analytics to allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that students and teachers have the tools they need for success. Overall, these data-driven insights foster a proactive approach to education, promoting higher retention rates and improved academic performance.

5. Retail

Predictive analytics helps retailers by giving them full control over their business. How exactly? Well, firstly it helps you forecast everything, from sales to potential product shortage. It helps ensure that you always have enough stock for your customers based on your previous sale history or loyalty to brands. Having a track of which products were your best sellers and which didn’t do so well, help in coming up with better plans for the future.

Furthermore, predictive analytics also prepares you for change. If we take Covid-19 as an example, businesses knew that the minute cases will rise again, lockdown will be imposed. Due to their previous data history, they were aware of the losses that may come with another lockdown, so predictive analytics helped them protect their business.

Conclusion

Predictive analytics is bringing a change in how companies used to operate. With time, businesses are slowly recognizing how much benefit predictive analytics can bring them. The market value of predictive analytics software was at 5.29 billion U.S. Dollars in 2020 and it is predicted to grow up to 41.52 billion U.S. Dollars till 2028. Predictive analytics gives companies insights which need to be considered to make safe and successful decisions for the future of the company.

Charter schools are independently operated public or private schools. Although associated with state-run schools, charter schools are able to tailor their curriculum to suit the various needs of their students. Charter schools fall under state school systems and are further broken up into districts with their own resources and programs on offer.

Charter schools have been around for almost 30 years but have recently gained increased interest over the last few years. With the flexibility and variety available for students, charter schools are quickly becoming sought after so families can tailor their children’s education to suit their lifestyle and not the other way around. For example, California charter schools have a wide variety of program options led by Springs Charter Schools.

From homeschooling to in-person academies, charter schools can meet the needs of any family.  So what exactly does a charter school offer that might be beneficial to you and your children.

Let’s look at 5 reasons why a charter school might be right for you.

Flexibility

This is one of the most important aspects of charter schools; the ability to customize your child’s education and schedule to better suit their interests. If you have a competitive cheerleader in the household that needs to be at practice during the day, traditional schools don’t allow for that kind of itinerary. Charter schools offer online learning options that can be accessed any time of the day. Let’s say your child excels in the arts and is often traveling to be on a movie set or at a theater.

Online learning means they can log on during their downtime or after their day is done. This highly adaptive learning program means that your child can study whenever they want to without sacrificing the quality of their education. That kind of flexibility is priceless.

Quality

With smaller class sizes and more one-on-one time with an instructor, your child will receive a top-rate learning experience. With access to in-person learning centers, students can have weekly check-ins with teachers to make sure they are on track with their educational goals. Students will learn more than just what is in a textbook, charter schools focus on fostering integrity and motivation. These life skills are invaluable when going out into the world.

The Career programs offered also include internship tracks and development towards industry or businesses that students wish to pursue. This kind of hands-on education is unlike any other and prepares students for their dream jobs.

Variety

Education doesn’t have to be the same thing one day after another. Every child is different and so are their needs for education and engagement. In order to keep students interested, having a choice over their classes and programming can help break up the monotony of traditional day-to-day learning. By providing this element of autonomy, students will feel that they are able to shape their education. In order to stay interested and engaged, many students excel with programming that adjusts to their interests and needs.

Support

Smaller more selective classes mean that students see more one-on-one time with their instructors. Charter schools offer a variety of programs that allow for both in-person and online learning and provide the student with access to teachers to help them on their educational journey. Some students are drawn to more independent studying and therefore teachers will be available for weekly touch bases to ensure that the students have everything they need. With Learning Centers, home-schooled students are able to attend in-person classes and workshops and meet other students.

Adaptability

Children who attend more flexible schooling tend to become more independent and adaptive to their surroundings. Charter school programs enable this flexibility for future careers and working environments. As students progress in their education, they may find they want to adjust their scheduling to better suit their needs and with programs like Venture Online or homeschooling support, students can do just that. There is no rigid curriculum in a charter school because that is not reflective of the day-to-day. Students and parents are able to adjust their programming to better accommodate their lifestyles.

Charter schools offer the utmost flexibility for families from all walks of life. Charter Schools aim to bring education to children of all ages with a variety of different needs. Through adaptable programming, support systems and empowerment, students and parents will find the options highly accessible. The traditional school system was not built for everyone.  It is encouraged to find what works best for you and your family. With online and in-person resources, you are sure to discover a program that makes education exciting again.

Read about the top insider tips on what to look for in a prep school.