The GypsyNesters

Boost Your Business: Hire an AdWords Consultant Today!

Investing in a Google AdWords consultant isn’t just about outsourcing your digital marketing efforts—it’s about investing in expertise, strategy, and tangible results… CONTINUE READING >>

Imagine this scenario: you’ve spent months crafting the perfect ad campaign for your business. You’ve poured your heart and soul into creating compelling copy, selecting eye-catching images, and targeting your audience meticulously. Yet, despite your efforts, the results are underwhelming. Your ads are seen but not clicked, and your budget is draining faster than anticipated. Frustrating, isn’t it? This is where a Google AdWords consultant can be your saving grace.

Why You Need an AdWords Consultant

Let’s be real here—you’re an expert in your business, not in deciphering Google’s ever-changing algorithms or understanding the nuances of PPC (pay-per-click) advertising. That’s where an AdWords consultant comes in. Think of them as your secret weapon in the digital marketing battlefield. They live and breathe AdWords, constantly updating their strategies to keep up with Google’s latest quirks and algorithm updates.

Remember the word “allowed”? Just like in a race where you’re allowed a pit stop to refuel and recalibrate, an AdWords consultant allows your business to pause, strategize, and optimize your campaigns effectively. They analyze your current setup, identify bottlenecks, and fine-tune your ads for maximum impact. This pit stop isn’t just about a quick fix—it’s about crafting a sustainable strategy that propels your business forward.

The Treasure of Expertise

AdWords consultants aren’t just tech-savvy marketers; they are the superstars of the digital advertising realm. They bring a treasure trove of expertise and experience to the table, accumulated through years of navigating the complex terrain of online advertising. Like any seasoned professional, they understand that success isn’t just about running ads—it’s about crafting compelling narratives that resonate with your audience.

Think of your AdWords consultant as a coach who trains your ads to perform like Olympic athletes. They analyze your competition, fine-tune your targeting, and optimize your bidding strategies to ensure that every dollar you spend brings you closer to your business goals. Their expertise isn’t just about clicks and impressions; it’s about translating those metrics into tangible results that boost your bottom line.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Running a business is like sailing through uncharted waters—you face challenges at every turn. Maybe your ad click-through rates are plummeting, or perhaps your competitors seem to be outshining you at every corner. This is where the strategic prowess of an AdWords consultant shines brightest. They thrive on turning challenges into opportunities, leveraging their deep understanding of digital marketing to steer your campaigns towards success.

Consider the word “superstars”. Just like how sports teams have superstars who elevate the game with their talent and experience, an AdWords consultant brings star power to your advertising efforts. They know the tricks of the trade, from crafting compelling ad copy that converts to optimizing landing pages that seal the deal. With their guidance, your ads transform from mere digital placeholders to magnetic beacons that attract and engage your target audience.

The ROI Gamechanger

At the end of the day, it’s all about the ROI (return on investment). You’re not just looking for clicks—you’re looking for conversions, sales, and growth. An AdWords consultant understands this implicitly. They are driven by results, constantly monitoring your campaigns, analyzing data, and making informed adjustments to ensure that every dollar you spend delivers a substantial return.

Think of your Google AdWords consultant as an investment rather than an expense. They’re not just managing your ad spend; they’re maximizing it. While you focus on steering your business towards greater heights, they’re behind the scenes, fine-tuning your campaigns to capture qualified leads and drive sales. It’s a partnership built on trust, expertise, and a shared commitment to achieving measurable success.

Empowering Your Business

In a competitive digital landscape, standing out isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Your business deserves to be seen, heard, and remembered by your target audience. An AdWords consultant empowers you to do just that. They bring clarity to the complexities of online advertising, guiding you through the maze of keywords, bidding strategies, and ad formats with ease.

Consider the analogy of “treasure”. Just as treasure hunters meticulously seek out hidden gems, an AdWords consultant mines your data for valuable insights that drive strategic decisions. They uncover opportunities that you might have overlooked, identify untapped markets, and position your ads where they yield the highest returns. It’s about unlocking the full potential of your advertising efforts and discovering new avenues for growth.

Taking the Leap

Now that you understand the pivotal role of an AdWords consultant in transforming your digital marketing efforts, it’s time to take action. Don’t let your ad campaigns languish in obscurity or fall victim to trial-and-error tactics. Hire a Google AdWords consultant today and unlock the true potential of your business’s online presence.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your existing campaigns, launch a new product line, or scale your business to new heights, an AdWords consultant is your strategic ally in achieving these goals. They’re not just there to manage your ads—they’re there to elevate your entire digital marketing strategy.

In conclusion, investing in a Google AdWords consultant isn’t just about outsourcing your digital marketing efforts—it’s about investing in expertise, strategy, and tangible results. It’s about partnering with a seasoned professional who understands the nuances of online advertising and has the skills to navigate your business towards success. So, what are you waiting for? Boost your business today—hire an AdWords consultant and watch your ROI soar!

Lights, Camera, Action at The Palace of Versailles

There’s nothing quite like an afternoon of opulence at the Palace of Versailles.

After a short drive out from Paris, we bypassed the waiting crowds and walked right in.

It was almost as if we belonged in a crib like this… CONTINUE READING >>

With the television series Versailles gaining in popularity, we thought that we would revisit the foremost French château for another look around.

Besides, there’s nothing quite like an afternoon of opulence at the Palace of Versailles.

After a short drive out from Paris, we bypassed the waiting crowds and walked right in (see how we pulled that off here).

It was almost as if we belonged in a crib like this… almost.

Truth is, it was a little before our time.

The Château de Versailles became the royal residence in 1682, when Louis the Fourteenth moved out of the Louvre in favor of the country house and gardens that had served as his father’s hunting lodge since 1624.

If you have watched the show then you know that major renovations were in order. One simply can’t rule properly from a hunting lodge.

From our point of view it looks as though the redecorating was quite a success! No wonder Louis is known for his furnishings.

We were particularly enthralled by the Hall of Mirrors, and the artwork on the ceilings, but every room made it quite obvious that it was good to be king… that is… until there is a revolution.

The royal beds – nice, eh?

But the rise of the republic did not vanquish the palace, even though many of the furnishings were hauled off by angry mobs — no cake for them — it has been restored to its previous glory.

Versailles continues to play host to political functions by hosting heads of state in the Hall of Mirrors, and housing meetings of the Sénat and the Assemblée whenever revisions or amendments are made to the French Constitution.

Nearly as impressive as the interior, the grounds have to be seen to be believed as well.

After all, what is an emperor’s country château without a garden?

We wouldn’t have to answer that question, because Versailles has the backyard to end all backyards.

Even in late autumn, we were easily engulfed by its lovely, lush repose.

Just have time for one day in Paris? Here’s what to do!

Almost two thousand acres of trees, flowers, fountains, ponds, statues, and perfectly trimmed hedges forming designs and mazes, all with string quartet music perfectly piped throughout.

No kidding, no matter where we walked it always sounded like they were right behind the next tree.

Over time the gardens fell into a state of overgrowth, but now the Petit Parc – Louis XIV’s pleasure garden – is being restored to the same condition that it was in at the end of his reign in 1715.

Statue of La Seine in the gardens of Versailles near Paris, France — La Seine

And these are no made for TV reproductions either, this is the real deal.

Talk bout reality TV.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

DELVE DEEPER:
Just have time for one day in Paris? Here’s what to do!
See where we stayed in Paris
Want to see our full collection of odd art at the Louvre?
Head deep inside the Catacombes de Paris
Take a peek inside the Arc de Triomphe
Check out more about Notre Dame Cathedral
See more of our antics at the Eiffel Tower
Want more Paris? Click here!
Check out all of our adventures in France!

YOUR TURN: Is Paris at the top of your must-see list? Or have you already checked it off? What would be YOUR first stop in Paris?

Utterly Unexpected Palo Duro Canyon

It isn’t hard to keep your social distance out on the lone prairie, in fact it might be harder to find someone to get too close to. Still, there are some big surprises and here’s one of the biggest! Out of nowhere the Texas prairie drops one thousand feet down into the second largest canyon in the United States. CONTINUE READING >>

Fall just might be the perfect time to visit this little known gem in Texas.

We know everything’s big in Texas, and the Lone Star State is full of surprises… but this was one BIG surprise!

To make it even more surprising, we didn’t find it in Big Bend National Park, or even in that southwest part of the state where mountains are a part of the landscape.

No, the impressive Palo Duro Canyon is right smack in the middle of the plains of the panhandle. Out of nowhere the prairie drops one thousand feet down into the second largest canyon in the United States.

If we hadn’t known what we were about to encounter our jaws would have hit the ground. They almost did anyway.

Driving toward the rim we couldn’t help but think about what early settlers rolling across the smooth, open prairie in their covered wagons must have though when they hit the edge. “This is too easy, nothin’ to it. We’ll be in Caiforn… Holy $#*%!!!! What in the Sam Hill is this?”

It was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River during the Pleistocene era, when melting Ice Age glaciers provided massive torrents of water. Thousands of years later, in 1934, this incredible geologic wonder became Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Soon after that the CCC, Civilian Conservation Corps, built roads, trails, cabins, and campgrounds that still serve the park’s hundreds of thousands of visitors.

On our recent autumnal visit we found nary a drop of the water that carved through the layers of rock through the ages, but we did find amazing colors in the resulting formations. These are very reminiscent of the Grand Canyon.

Even in the fall it can still be pretty hot, so we spent most of our time driving the miles of roads that took us over the edge and down the slope of the canyon wall then in a loop along the floor.

We did stop for a couple short hikes, one led to a formation called the painted rocks, where fairly recent erosion has exposed a large cliff of red-orange stone.

The other took us to a stone that natives had used for grinding roots, mesquite beans, and various seeds for food.

Over the ages the process wore down obvious holes in the rock that allowed archeologists to make the discovery.

Soon after that we encountered a good sized flock of wild turkeys. With the heat and lack of water, these were the only wildlife we saw all day, but we guess that they would have made a fine meal too.

When we drove back up on the rim, we stopped in for a quick look through the visitor’s center and then another short walk that took us to an overlook with a panoramic view of the entire upper portion of the canyon.

From there we got a long distance view of the park’s most famous landmark, Lighthouse Rock, which made us feel okay about skipping the six mile trail that would have given us a close up view. With that, we felt that we had done a pretty good job seeing most of the sights.

Amarillo is only twenty five miles to the north, but we decided to stay in the closer town of Canyon. This smaller, and definitely quirkier, little enclave proved to be a good choice.

It is home to West Texas A&M University, and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum on its campus, along with a couple interesting eating establishments that we can heartily give two thumbs up.

Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner was fun, with model trains circling the ceiling, but our favorite for both the food and its unique combination had to be Pepito’s Mexican Restaurante & Auto Sales.

We have a strict rule to never stop in Texas without getting our fill of Tex-Mex. However, we can’t say that we’ve ever considered getting our burritos and Buicks in the same place, but we can declare that at least the food was fantastic. No word on the wheels

On our way back to the main road in Amarillo the following morning, we made a quick pit stop at the RV Museum. The collection is on display at Jack Sisemore Traveland, which is the oldest RV dealership in the state.

Jack began collecting vintage trailers, campers, and motorhomes back in 1986, and has managed to gather quite an impressive array that embody the past century of Recreational Vehicle development.

After spending most of the last ten years in our three motorhomes, we couldn’t help but be intrigued, and were definitely not disappointed.

Right off the bat we were greeted by a 1915 Ford Kampkar. The body was actually made by Anheuser-Busch and fitted on to a Ford chassis, creating what was one of the first motorhomes, rustic as it may have been.

As we moved on, we encountered over a dozen other iconic models including the very first Airstream from 1935, a 1967 VW hippie bus, a 1976 FMC that was owned by Max Factor, and the 1948 Flxible bus featured in the Robin Williams movie RV.

One of the coolest things about this museum is that we were not only able to view these babies from the outside; the interiors are also open and impeccably restored. We could have spent all day, but had to get going.

As we pulled back out onto the highway it seemed more than fitting that we were traveling along the course of Route 66.

We certainly got our kicks.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Best Private Tours in Spain for the Whole Family

Spain is a fantastic destination for a family vacation and here is why we think a private guide is the best way to see as much as possible on your trip…
CONTINUE READING >>

Spain is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. We know this because we got three generations of ours together there two years ago for Veronica’s big birthday celebration. (We won’t say which one.) We will say that it was so great that we are now thinking of doing it again, even without a birthday to celebrate.

Everyone had a wonderful time but one thing we learned on that trip, and will do better this time, is that a little bit more planning ahead will be a good thing. Last time we all just did whatever popped into our heads, hit the beach, go biking, swim, eat lots of great food, or just relax. However, we do feel like we might have missed out on a lot of the local attractions by not taking a tour.

So this time we are looking for a good guided excursion. We have, and I imagine you have too, heard about free tours in many popular places, but with the broad range of ages we have traveling together, from toddlers to seniors, we have decided that a private tour will be much better way to see all of the things we want to see.

By hiring a private guide in Spain we will be able to customize our tour to see only the things that we are interested in, while skipping some things that we might not care as much about. Even better, we will have the flexibility to change things up in the middle of the tour if something comes up. This way, if the little ones start getting tired, we can rearrange the schedule so that they can drop out early while everyone else still gets to visit everything that they wanted to see.

We can also schedule it for what ever time works best for us, such as not being out and about when nap time comes around, or staying out too late. That sounds like a fantastic way to avoid grouchy grand-babies… and grandparents.

Plus we get private, one on one attention from the guide. Everyone can ask questions and have the time and privacy to dig for deeper, more meaningful answers. So if we want to stay a little longer in one place and a little less in another that’s not a problem. What a great way to see and learn more about Spain.

It also means that it is just us, our family, in the group so everyone can be more relaxed and never feel crowded or herded around like the big groups often do. And another huge benefit, it is way easier to keep track of the little ones so no one wanders off or gets lost in the crowd. We feel like that peace of mind alone is more than worth the price.

Now the main thing that is left for us to do is decide on a destination. We are thinking about Madrid, Toledo, or Segovia.

Toledo sounds great. It first became prominent as a Roman city around two hundred years before Christ. It went on to become the capital of the Visigoth Kingdom, and later the seat of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain from 1516 to 1556.

Clearly there is more than enough history to fill several tours so we will have our work cut out for us picking the highlights, but we know that certainly the Castle of San Servando, the Alcázar, the Baños de Tenerías, and the Historic Old City of Toledo must be included.

Oh, and we certainly can’t leave out the incredible Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo, which is generally considered to be the ultimate example of the Gothic style in Spain. Construction began in the year 1226 and lasted until Columbus was first sailing to the New World.

But let’s not overlook Segovia. This smaller city near the mountains is famous for its historic buildings and three main landmarks. The nearly two thousand year old Roman aqueduct runs right through the center of the city and remained in use until 1973; The cathedral, which is one of the last ones in Europe to be built in the Gothic style; and the Alcázar of Segovia, which was one of the models used to design Cinderella’s Castle by Walt Disney, are all intriguing.

There is also the smaller church of San Miguel de Segovia that has a huge place in history since it is where the coronation of Queen Isabella took place in 1474, as well as several other landmarks worth visiting

But Madrid is too hard to pass up. So even though Veronica and I have been there before, we can guarantee that there is a whole lot we missed because we only spent one whirlwind day exploring. That is the main reason that we want to have the Madrid Tour Experience.

We walked by many of the highlights, such as the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral, with the enormous Plaza de la Armería between them, but wished we had a guide to explain the history and background of them.

We also saw the Cibeles Palace, now used as the Municipal Hall, and the famous El Retiro Park, with the glorious Palacio de Cristal glass palace, but again, without a guide there is so much we missed.

Plus, there are so many more amazing sites in the Spanish capital city awaiting us, the Puerta de Alcalá, the Plaza de España, and the Mercado San Miguel, that a good guide can show us and help us see as many as possible.

That is why we are sold on taking private tours in Spain. And whether you have a dozen people over three generations like we do, or just a handful, we are sure you will be sold on it too.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Give a Gift He will Remember, Give Him Chicago!

Giftory is the best website for choosing experiential gifts tailored for men. They have done the hard work of gathering and evaluating every experience available, so you can count on the quality and value of any choice you make…. CONTINUE READING >>

Every now and then we stumble on to something that perfectly describes our attitude about something. That is one reason why we were so happy that we discovered Giftory.

They believe that the best gifts are experiences, not things, and we couldn’t agree more. That is why we are so excited to find their Chicago experiences and pass that excitement on to you.

Choosing the Best Experience

We love Chicago, so choosing from these adventures won’t be easy, but it will be a pleasure. Many of them are perfect for the man in your life, and most are pretty great for you to join him in the fun if you like. So whether he is an active, push the envelope kind of guy, or a laid back, quiet evening of fantastic food and entertainment type, Giftory has a whole bunch of unique ideas that will certainly give him an experience to remember.

Just jump on to their website and look through the vast array of unforgettable possibilities that will create memories to last a lifetime. They are easy to find, just pick a category and take your pick. They cover everything from over the top exhilarating exploits such as skydiving or bungee jumping, to lower key relaxing escapes like cooking classes or sunset cruises.

Speaking of cruises, a river cruise is without a doubt the best way we have ever found for seeing downtown in the Windy City, but lunch or dinner out on Lake Michigan is pretty darn good too. We absolutely loved our leisurely architecture cruise on the river through the business district however, if you think that your man might be up for something more adventurous then the Extreme Speedboat Thrill Ride looks like a high speed adventure that will rev up any guy.

Other exciting options include zip-lining through the treetops, throwing axes (yikes!), or exploring Lemont Quarry Lake in pedal boats, kayaks, or canoes, or my personal favorite a Tall Ship Fireworks Cruise.

Give the Gift of Great Food

Is your special guy a foodie? If so there’s plenty to pick from on the Giftory website. He would most likely love Chicago’s finest dining experience at a Michelin Star restaurant, or the ultimate Chicago wine tasting tour, really splurge and get him a Private Chef Experience.

For the less fancy appetite a VIP Deep Dish Pizza Tour of the city, or better yet a Craft Brewery Tour on the bus that looks like an old fashioned beer barrel might fill the bill.

Or maybe he’d rather learn to cook his own gourmet meals. No problem, there are plenty of hands-on cooking classes ranging from learning to make the perfect gnocchi, to creating fabulous French macaroons, to mastering the art of making and rolling Sushi.

Send Him Back in Time

Is he a history buff? Then the Prohibition Walking Tour or the Speakeasy Bus Tour ought to be right up his alley. Or for the more romantic, choose from several catered picnics including a Mystery Picnic Experience that works like a scavenger hunt across the city.

This is why Giftory is the best website for choosing experiential gifts tailored for men. They have done the hard work of gathering and evaluating every experience available, so you can count on the quality and value of any choice you make.

So if there is any occasion coming up for any man in your life we can’t think of any better way to find the perfect gift than Giftory.

I wish I had a birthday coming up.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Revolutionize Your Beauty Salon Business with Cutting-Edge Geneo Machines

It’s time to revolutionize your beauty salon business and elevate the beauty experience for each and every one of your clients…
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Hey there, beauty enthusiasts! Are you ready to take your salon business to the next level? If you’re relaying on traditional skincare methods, it might be time to switch things up and dive into the world of advanced technology. Picture this: your clients walking into your salon, feeling excited and rejuvenated at the mere thought of experiencing something truly extraordinary. That’s where Geneo facial machines come into play. These marvels of modern skincare technology are here to transform the way you pamper your clients and elevate their beauty experiences to new heights. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey to skincare bliss!

Unveiling the Marvels of Geneo Facial Machines

You might be wondering, what exactly are Geneo machines, and how can they benefit your beauty salon business? Well, let me break it down for you. The Geneo machine is an innovative skincare device that harnesses the power of three advanced technologies: exfoliation, oxygenation, and infusion. This triple-action approach works wonders for the skin, delivering unparalleled results that leave your clients glowing from the inside out.

Let’s delve into each component of the Geneo facial experience, shall we? First up, exfoliation. This step involves the gentle removal of dead skin cells, revealing a fresh and radiant complexion underneath. Say goodbye to dullness and hello to luminosity! Next, we have oxygenation, which boosts the skin’s oxygen levels and enhances its natural healing processes. Think of it as a breath of fresh air for your skin, leaving it revitalized and rejuvenated. Last but not least, infusion. This is where potent serums packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other skin-loving ingredients are deeply penetrated into the skin, maximizing their efficacy and delivering transformative results.

Now, imagine offering your clients a treatment that combines all three of these powerhouse technologies in one luxurious session. That’s the magic of Geneo facial machines! With just a single treatment, your clients can experience smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin, making them feel like they’ve just stepped out of a high-end spa in Havana.

Elevate Your Client’s Experience with Geneo Technology

In the competitive world of beauty salons, standing out from the crowd is key to success. And what better way to differentiate your business than by offering cutting-edge skincare treatments that deliver real results? By investing in Geneo facial machines, you’re not only staying ahead of the curve but also showing your clients that you’re committed to providing them with the best possible experience.

Imagine this: a new client walks into your salon, drawn in by the promise of a luxurious skincare experience. As they settle into the plush chair and you begin their Geneo treatment, they can’t help but marvel at the state-of-the-art technology at work. With each gentle glide of the Geneo wand, they can feel their skin being transformed, their worries melting away, and their confidence soaring. And as they leave your salon with a radiant glow and a spring in their step, they can’t wait to tell all their friends about the amazing experience they had at your salon.

But it’s not just about attracting new clients—it’s also about retaining the ones you already have. With Geneo facial machines, you can offer your loyal clients something truly special, keeping them coming back for more time and time again. After all, who can resist the allure of youthful, glowing skin?

Unlock the Potential of Geneo Technology in Your Salon Today

Ready to take the plunge and incorporate Geneo facial machines into your beauty salon business? You won’t regret it, I promise! Not only will you be offering your clients unparalleled skincare treatments, but you’ll also be positioning your salon as a leader in the industry. So why wait? Dive in headfirst and watch as your business thrives like never before. Your clients—and your bottom line—will thank you for it!

Incorporate Geneo facial machines into your salon today and join the ranks of the skincare elite. Your clients deserve nothing but the best, and with Geneo technology, you can give it to them. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to revolutionize your beauty salon business and elevate the beauty experience for each and every one of your clients. Trust me, once you go Geneo, you’ll never look back!

Everything An Adventurer Should Know Before Cycling Across The USA

Cycling staycations are appealing as they are perfect for any thrill-seeker while going easy on the bank balance: a win-win…
CONTINUE READING >>

Staycations have become the preferred vacation choice for many in recent years. Many people are no longer satisfied with traditional holidays. Instead, they want adventure and excitement. Alongside seeking a thrilling adventure, vacationers want a budget-friendly way to get out and explore the world without going abroad.

This is where cycling staycations make an entrance. Cycling staycations are appealing as they are perfect for any thrill-seeker while going easy on the bank balance: a win-win! Keen to learn more? Keep reading as we share tips on what you should know before setting off on this great adventure.

Choose Your Bike Wisely

Starting with an obvious point, choosing the right bike will impact your cycling experience. Before you embark on your ride, you should consider how far you will be going, what the weather, humidity, and temperature are likely to be, and your own fitness levels.

Your bike should be of good quality, fitted to your size and body shape, and, of course, comfortable to ride. Since you will be riding your bike for hours at a time on a trip across the US, take your bicycle out for some long journeys before you go. This will allow you to check that your bike is the right fit before you head off on your journey.

If this is your first time on a long-distance bike ride, it may be worth considering your ebike options. These bikes have a battery-powered motor that helps to take some of the burden of powering the bike from you. This type of bicycle can help prevent overstraining and reduce fatigue on your trip. If you think an ebike would suit you, keep in mind that it will need charging as you go, so it won’t be ideal for long journeys off the beaten track.

Preparation Is Key

Before you set off, you should ensure that you have everything you will need for your trip. Avoid overpacking by only taking your essentials. The last thing you want is to travel with a heavy load. You should include food, water, clothes, and a tent. Taking food that will keep is essential, so energy bars, dried fruit and cured meats are perfect for snacking on when you take a quick pit stop.

If you are camping on your trip, then a specially designed bike tent could be perfect for you. These are compact, lightweight, and can be put up using your bike’s frame as part of the structure.

Something that will certainly prove useful on the trip is a small bike repairs kit. You should pack a puncture repair kit, spare tubes and a multitool that can help you repair any minor damage on the road. This will help to ensure you can get back on your bike in no time!

Maintaining Your Bike On The Go

Speaking of caring for your bike, after every ride, you should ensure that you clean off your bike where possible. Any dirt or damp on your bicycle can weaken it and cause damage further along the line. As such, check your bike at the end of every day for any rusting, damage, or punctures in the tires. Anything you notice should be fixed immediately, either by you or by a local bicycle mechanic.

As you get ready for a good night’s sleep, you should ensure that your bike is stored correctly. This will depend primarily on whether you are sleeping inside or out, in warm, cold, or wet weather. Check out this article from Velosurance for a more detailed guide on how to store a bicycle.

Allow Yourself To Have A Break

You should regularly stop for two reasons: to prevent overtiredness and to ensure you see all the sights. It might even help to try stopping every couple of hours as it enables you to have a drink and something to eat, look your bike over and explore where you’ve come to a stop. You never know, you might uncover a hidden gem that you hadn’t planned to see!

Stopping every hour or two will help ensure that you get enough water and food to keep you going. During your breaks, it would also help to ensure that you’re topped up with sunscreen. The last thing you want on your cycling trip is to be in pain from sunburn.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

If you’re taking one of the most popular cross-country routes across the US, it is highly likely you will encounter other cyclists. This can be a great way to make new friends, and team up if you want a bit of company for your ride.

Other cyclists on the road can also be a great source of help and information. No matter how experienced you are with cycling, it can never hurt to have advice about the road you’ll be travelling on or different weather or terrain you might encounter. If you have any questions, you’ll find someone on the road who will be more than happy to help you out.

So, ready to get on your bike and begin the journey?

Our Favorite (Lesser Known) Cities on Each Continent

For a trip down Memory Lane, and maybe to offer some ideas for summer travel, we decided to go back through our past few years of globetrotting and pick out our favorite metropolises along the way… CONTINUE READING >>

For a trip down Memory Lane, and maybe to offer some ideas for summer travel, we decided to go back through our past few years of globetrotting and pick out our favorite metropolises along the way.

We didn’t want to just randomly select, and choosing them by geographic landmass seemed like a good criteria, so here we go…

Europe:

There is an intimidating list of fantastic choices in Europe, so picking one is a daunting task. Certainly Paris and Rome spring to mind, and Prague always comes up when we get asked about our favorite places, but for this recollection are looking to venture a little more off of the beaten path.

With that in mind we pick Wangen im Allgäu in Germany.

We stumbled upon this southern German gem completely by accident when seeking a night’s lodging on our way to Switzerland. By the time we parked at our hotel we were immediately enamored.

The berg most certainly has a sense of humor, with fanciful fountains featuring whimsical sculptures scattered throughout, yet it also has maintained its authenticity as a picture perfect dollop of Deutschland.

The food and architecture could not have been more genuine, and we even happened upon the town’s weekly outdoor market when we ventured out the next morning. We couldn’t have asked for a better overnight.

South America:

Whenever the subject of South America arises our first recommendation is always to visit the Galápagos Islands, but since we are focusing on urban areas for this retrospect we will jump back over to the mainland and choose Cusco in Peru.

Perched over ten thousand feet high up in the Andes, this once capital of the Inca Empire now serves as the homebase for explorations of The Sacred Valley.

It is the perfect jumping off point for venturing into the mysteries of the ancient cities and ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu.

But it would be a mistake to rush off to those ruins without indulging on the rich past and vibrant present that Cusco has to offer. The city has several layers to reveal as it was transformed from the ancient Incan, to Spanish, and now the Peruvian cultures.

To convince you further, here are additional reasons to visit Cusco:

- You’ll get to see a traditional mix of colorful clothing from traditional, modern and everything in between.
- You’ll see llamas and alpacas.
- You’ll come across architecture that will send you back in time.

If you’re looking for other hidden Latin American destinations, we’ve got you covered there, too.

Africa:

We have not travelled extensively across Africa, but we were able to collect lifelong memories in the village of Rau, on the outskirts of the city of Moshi in Tanzania.

Our time there became an experience that will live in our hearts forever as we jumped in to teaching and repairing the Lunguo Primary School. Our time with the vivacious students and dedicated faculty will bring us joy for the rest of our lives.

Beyond that, we were able to get a small taste of what day to day life is really like away from any tourist attractions or high-rise hotels.

Mixed in with our construction and educational activities, we also found time to meet and learn a few of the customs of the Chagga and Maasai people, and see an amazing array of African animals in the Ngorongoro Crater .

All under the powerful shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Asia:

Growing up as Cold War kids we never in a million years dreamt that we would ever have a chance to set foot in China. My how times have changed!

After observing the uproarious hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, the work-a-day city of Dalian gave us a welcome glimpse into the life of Chinese people away from these massive urban areas.

Hopping aboard a creaking and clanking old wooden streetcar, we rode into the city with no particular destination in mind and discovered gleaming modern skyscrapers next to a marketplace of shops mish-mashed together that looked as though it had hardly changed in centuries.

We also indulged in perhaps the best street food we have ever encountered, as well as the worst thing we have ever put in our mouths.

No wonder we called it a city of contrasts.

Australia:

Even though we only had the chance to explore a small slice of the Land Down Under, we feel comfortable proclaiming Gold Coast as a pick.

It is aptly named, because this stretch of beach along the Coral Sea certainly is top notch all the way.

Spectacular hotels overlook the ocean while innovative restaurants serve up its bounty.

We even tried our hands (and luckily didn’t lose any) at surfing and feeding enormous, hungry crocodiles.

North America:

As hard as it is to arrive at a choice of a favorite on our home continent, after much debate we managed. Having traveled all across the US, actually making it to all 50 states, it was nearly impossible to narrow it down in our own country.

So we thought of Canada. Among the many great places we have seen in our northern neighbor, Twillingate on the island of Newfoundland came to mind. In fact, we fell in love with the entire island and the fantastic folks there.

For those who do not live right next door a visa may be necessary for travel to Canada and we found a way to make getting one super easy with eTA Canada.

However, when it came to picking just one special town, we decided that Valladolid had to be it. Considered to be the most perfectly preserved colonial city in all of Mexico, it was hard not to be completely captivated while wandering its streets.

The combination of the Mayan and Spanish has survived so stunningly that at times we felt as though we had stepped into a time capsule and been transported back a couple of centuries.

Antarctica:

The bottom of the world is the one continent that we have yet to visit so we can’t pick a favorite.

Good thing it doesn’t have any cities so we don’t have to.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

YOUR TURN: What would your picks be? We’d love to hear.

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