The GypsyNesters

Experience Puerto Rico Like a Local During your Solo Adventure

Puerto Rico is a charming vacation destination and the perfect place for a solo traveler to visit. With beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and dramatic mountain landscapes… CONTINUE READING >>

Puerto Rico is a charming vacation destination and the perfect place for a solo traveler to visit. With beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and dramatic mountain landscapes, there’s an enormous amount of stunning natural beauty to enjoy, while the gorgeous architecture and vibrant atmosphere of San Juan are an absolute treat.

One of the best things about Puerto Rico, particularly for solo travelers, is how easy it is to immerse oneself in the local culture. When traveling to some exotic destinations, it can be hard to get out of the tourist bubble and discover a more authentic experience, but in Puerto Rico, this is not a problem at all.

So if you are cruising to San Juan next year and want to discover the best that Puerto Rico has to offer, here are some of the most exciting and interesting ways to experience the island like a local.

Eat like a local

One of the best and most important ways to experience a new culture is through its food, and Puerto Rico offers a fantastically delicious and varied cuisine. From traditional dishes like mofongo (mashed plantains) and asopao (rice stew) to fresh seafood and tropical fruits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The island is full of great restaurants, but the most authentic experiences come from the hole-in-the-wall joints in San Juan and Ponce. These spots offer the tastiest and most reasonably priced food on the island, with the seafood particularly spectacular.

Drink like a local

Puerto Rico is famous for its rum, and no trip to the island would be complete without a comprehensive sampling of the best local distillations and locally-produced varieties. Puerto Rican rum is some of the best in the world, and you can discover what makes it so special straight from the source at places like Casa Bacardi, Castillo Serrallés, and Destilería Coquí. Don’t miss the Puerto Rican delicacy of Sangriiia – a mixture of rum and acai that is sold in convenient portable packets by the roadside, or as a frozen, daiquiri-style cocktail at more upmarket spots!

Party like a local

Puerto Ricans love to party, and immersing yourself in the culture of the island means letting your hair down and enjoying yourself when the sun goes down. For a real local experience, head to one of San Juan’s lively open-air cantinas where you can drink, dance, and mingle with the locals well into the early hours of the morning. For a slightly less hard-core and more low-key experience, there are loads of great bars, restaurants, and late-night drinking dens where you can enjoy a rum (or two!) in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Walk around Old San Juan

San Juan is a charming, picturesque city, and incredibly walkable. The Old Town is a must-see for any first-time visitor, and just strolling around the cobbled streets and beautiful, pastel-colored buildings lets you get under the skin of the city incredibly quickly. Head to El Morro Fort or San Cristobal Fort for gorgeous ocean views, and enjoy the many great shops, cafes, and restaurants that the city boasts.

Explore the island

Puerto Rico is a relatively small island, but there’s still plenty to see and do, and the best experiences are often found some way off the beaten track. Go for a hike in El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest network. Explore the beautiful islands of Vieques and Culebra. And most importantly, look for the tiny, undiscovered beaches that are scattered all around the island as you explore! These are the best and most authentic ways to enjoy the best that Puerto Rico has to offer.

Top 5 Automated Gate Maintenance Tips

Automated gates are a preferred option for many home and property owners. One of the reasons for this is the improved security that the gates have to offer. Unlike traditional gates, automatic gates open and close automatically at the touch of a button or with the help of a sensor. One thus doesn’t have to get off their car/vehicle to open the gate, further improving their security and safety. While installing an automated gate will help improve privacy and aesthetics, the gate must be kept in the best condition possible through regular servicing and maintenance. Below are the top 5 ways to ensure your gate remains in good shape.

1. Keep The Gates Clean

As cliché as it may sound, it is common for electric gates to collect dust and rust due to neglect. Leaving your gate at the mercy of rust, dirt, and grime directly impacts its structural integrity, performance, and durability, a reason they ought to be kept clean. A simple hose wash and clearing the tracks is all one needs to do monthly to keep the gate clean. Cleaning the gate will also reduce/prevent the progression of rust.

2. Wax The Gates Regularly

Waxing your electric gates regularly helps preserve the gate’s aesthetics and appeal and prevents flaking. Experts recommend waxing automated gates once every other month, depending on the weather. Consult your gate installation company about the best wax for your gate.

3. Lubricate Movable Parts

Hinges and wheels must be lubricated regularly to reduce friction and ensure the smooth running of the gate. The movable parts are commonly exposed to various elements, hence ought to be lubricated accordingly. This will also reduce strain on the motor, allowing the gate to open and close as required.

4. Inspect Electrical Components Regularly

Automated gates have a circuit board and other electrical parts that should also be well maintained. They need to be protected from harsh weather elements, insects, and anything else that might damage it. Make an effort to inspect these components and ensure insects don’t nest in them.

5. Schedule An Annual Maintenance Check And Servicing

In addition to keeping the track clean, lubricating hinges and wheels, and inspecting electrical components, the gate will still need to be checked and serviced by a qualified technician annually. The technician will diagnose the gate for possible faults and fix any of the issues it might have. This ensures the gate remains functional and doesn’t malfunction for many more years.

THIS is Plymouth Rock?

With Thanksgiving just a week away we take a look back at the history that brought us our favorite holiday.
Turns out that almost everything we were taught in grade school about the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving was a complete fairy tale.
CONTINUE READING >>

The Mayflower replica in Plymouth, Massachusetts

True story: On our pilgrimage to Plymouth, Massachusetts we stopped off at the visitor center to ask directions to Plymouth Rock.

“Hope you guys brought a magnifying glass,” snarked the lady with the welcoming smile behind the desk as she pointed down the road. Ah sarcasm, we had to like her.

Without fully grasping the gist of the lady’s statement we headed across the road, past the replica of the Mayflower, toward the attractive ancient- Greek-esque monument that houses the famous rock where the first Americans landed.

Giddy with the exhilaration that can only come from setting one’s eyes on a truly epic piece of history, we leaned over the rail and peered down into the hole where Plymouth Rock is displayed.

Holy crap! The thing is TINY!

Only one pilgrim with REALLY GOOD BALANCE could “land” on this pebble! Call us gullible, but we always figured that Plymouth Rock was towering cliffs, or at the very least, hefty enough that the Mayflower could tie off to it. We were flabbergasted, felt duped.

Thankfully people had thrown pennies at it, for luck we suppose, giving us
some perspective for a photo.

Turns out that almost everything we were taught in grade school about the
pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving — while we were drawing turkeys from the outlines of our hands — was a complete fairy tale.

The “friendly Indians” were actually just so emaciated and weak from the
smallpox they had contracted from previous European visitors that they had no strength to fight off the Pilgrims who were busy raiding their food supplies, digging up their graves and squatting on their fishing grounds.

Wait a minute, previous visitors?

Yup, the Pilgrims were no where near the first settlers in New England. Europeans had been tromping around stealing food and spreading disease for decades — centuries if you count
the Vikings.

At Plymouth, a few leaders of the depleted remnants of the local tribe of Wampanoag people decided to employ the old “if we can’t beat them, join them” strategy in the hopes of surviving.

Not quite the “hey, welcome to America, here let us show you how to grow corn and eat turkey” that we were taught as youngsters while sporting our construction paper feathers and headbands.

The first time around wasn’t even remotely friendly. The Mayflower first landed on the tip of Cape Cod, where Provincetown is today. There’s even a huge monument marking the landing.

However, the indigenous inhabitants had not been wiped out by viral onslaughts from previous pioneers and were not real big on having their buried food stores dug up and stolen, so they were decidedly unfriendly and sent the Pilgrims packing.

Just a dad-blame second there hoss, first landed?

Everyone knows the Pilgrims first set foot on North America at Plymouth! We’ve seen the pictures. There they are, stepping out of the boat right onto Plymouth Rock.

Wrong again, fact is there wasn’t even such a thing as Plymouth Rock until over a century after the Mayflower’s landing. It wasn’t until 1741, 121 years after the Mayflower landed, that 94-year-old Thomas Faunce claimed he knew the exact rock that the Pilgrims first trod upon. A few years later, in 1774 the townsfolk decided that the rock should be moved to the town meeting hall.

For no apparent reason, the good people of Plymouth decided that only half of the rock needed to be relocated, so they split it in two. For the next century, the rock was moved hither and yon as chunks were hacked off of it for shows and souvenirs.

Finally, in 1880, with only about 1/3 of Plymouth Rock remaining, the famous stone was returned to its original spot on the waterfront in Plymouth. It was at that time that the number 1620 was carved into it.

Not surprisingly, Native Americans don’t tend to hold Plymouth Rock in high regard. Twice, in 1970 and 1995, activists have buried it on the National Day of Mourning or what is more commonly known as Thanksgiving to us nonnative folks. Seems that the folks who wrote our grade school history books and the original inhabitants of this country don’t quite see things eye-to-eye.

Across from the Plymouth Pebble Monument, near a statue of Massasoit
(one of the “friendly, helpful” Native Americans), is a plaque commemorating the National Day of Mourning. Given by the town of Plymouth on behalf of the United American Indians of New England, it states, “Thanksgiving Day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of their people, the theft of their lands, and the relentless assault on their culture.”

It’s not fancy, but it is a nice gesture.

Scattered around the charming little seaside town of Plymouth are various statues and fountains, pretty parks, seafood based eateries and crap shops (GypsyNester slang for fine souvenir emporiums) selling the ever zany pilgrim-pirate-patriot humor t-shirts, lobster bibs, mugs and ships-in-a-bottle.

Once finished with our tour of revisionist history, we relaxed at an outdoor café — sharing a lobster roll — as the ocean cast friendly breezes to tussle our hair. The fake Mayflower shared a bay dotted with sailboats and pleasure cruisers. We stretched our legs and tilted our faces to the sun.

It’s no wonder the Pilgrims and Indians loved this place so much.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

See all of our adventures in Massachusetts.

Top 7 Benefits of Having a Cabin Rental on Your Next Vacation

Renting a cabin is your best bet if you want more bang for your buck on your next vacation and rentals offer the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break in the mountains… CONTINUE READING >>

Can’t wait to escape the daily grind for a few days and unwind in the mountains?

We say ditch your travel ritual of staying at a hotel this time and go for a cabin rental instead, especially if you’re headed to North Carolina!

It’s become the favorite thing to do for people who prefer vacations that are adventurous yet peaceful and private at the same time.

Cabin rentals offer all the benefits of a hotel minus the crowd and staff interference. In fact, you get added value with cabins that take the vacation excitement and comfort to the next level. On top of this, the options with cabin rentals are endless; you can always find that perfect home away from home that aligns with your unique requirements and preferences.

Below, we’ve rounded up the top seven benefits of having a cabin rental on your next vacation to convince you that it doesn’t get better than this.

1. No Crowd Means Full Privacy

If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel on your family vacation, you’d know how small the rooms usually are and how noisy and uncomfortable it can get with multiple families living in the same building. Not to forget, the rooms could be cursed with paper-thin walls (so much for the soundproofing claims, right?).

With cabin rentals, it’s always a private retreat where you enjoy your space without interference from other guests and hotel staff annoyances.

Especially if you’re heading to North Carolina for a weekend getaway, you’ll be glad to know that cabin rentals in the region offer privacy and space like no other. Just look up the keywords cabin rentals NC, and you might be surprised at just how many amazing choices there are waiting for you! For instance, Mountain Country Cabin Rentals has secluded and private rentals with scenic views, perfect for couples or families looking to disconnect while they unwind. And what’s more, the region’s variety of outdoor activities means that you’ll never run out of things to do!

2. Peace like Nowhere Else

The peace that cabin rentals provide is second to none. You’ll love waking up to the sound of birds singing and the sight of breathtaking mountains. Evenings can be spent taking tranquil walks down the road, unwinding in a hot tub, or throwing pebbles in the lake.

Best of all, you can sleep peacefully at night knowing there’ll be no noisy kids running in the hallway or traffic sounds ruining the ambiance. The location will be perfect for a memorable vacation with friends, a romantic getaway, or a family reunion away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

3. The Whole Place to Yourself for Less $$$

The average daily cost of a hotel room in the US, estimated at $145 for 2022, is expected to increase to $155. Family rooms and luxury suites will be more expensive. But the thing is, regardless of the number of people in your group, you’ll probably pay for one room and a bathroom.

On the contrary, if you rent a cabin for the same amount, you get the whole place to yourself. Lots of outdoor space will be included in the price. Talk about value for money!

You can enjoy candle-lit dinners on the porch, build a campfire with your friends, or sit back with your family on the balcony to gaze at the sky on a starry night.

Additionally, cabin rentals promise significant cost savings of having a kitchen because eating out at restaurants every day can make a big hole in your vacation budget. Instead, you can shop for supplies from a nearby grocery store and cook hearty meals for your loved ones. The joy of cooking in a cabin surrounded by woods and mountains is something you’ll cherish for years to come.

4. Enough Room for Kids and Pets

Traveling with kids or pets?

Bring them in!

Unlike most hotels, cabin rentals welcome kids and pets with open arms (without charging extra bucks). You won’t have to shush up every time your baby falls asleep; there’s always another room available for your vacation shenanigans. Moreover, your furry friend can stay outdoors or in a separate room as you like.

Having a kitchen at your disposal also means you don’t have to worry about your kids eating unhealthy food when away from home. Pet food can also be stored in the kitchen for easy access.

5. Scenic Views All Around

One major benefit of having a cabin rental on your next vacation is that dazzling vistas and exquisite scenery 24/7’ll surround you. A relaxing getaway takes on a new meaning when the landscape is so calming and stunning.

You can step outside for hiking or a leisurely stroll during the day to admire the views – and on days when the weather turns sour, you won’t mind staying inside the cabin at all. After all, a cozy, private space that feels like home is far better than a cramped hotel room.

6. Access to Modern Amenities and Activities

The adventure enthusiast in you will be glad to know that cabin rentals offer access to a wide range of outdoor activities. You can go hiking, kayaking, fishing, or horseback riding. You can also enjoy watersports and play frisbee or baseball with your friends or family. At night, you can count on the beautiful landscape to make setting up a bonfire extra fun.

Apart from this, cabins nowadays are packed with amenities – think Wi-Fi, television, hot tub, jungle gym, swing, outdoor grill, and fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, microwave, and dishwasher. These facilities will add to your comfort and convenience so you can de-stress and have the time of your life on your next vacation.

7. Options, Options, Options

As it turns out, cabin rentals come in various sizes, environments, and prices. Each unit has a unique appeal that you’ll never find in hotels.

Whether you’re seeking the rustic charm of a good ol’ cabin or want to stay in a modern, multi-story unit adorned with contemporary furniture and a fancy terrace, you have tons of options to choose from when renting a cabin for your next vacation.

Ideally, you’d want an attractive yet functional unit to get the most out of it. While your budget will determine the cabin’s size, design, and amenities, you can rest assured that your investment will be worth it.

Final Thoughts

Renting a cabin is your best bet if you want more bang for your buck on your next vacation. Cabin rentals offer the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break in the mountains with full privacy, modern comfort, and uncompromised peace.

Besides, the endless size and design varieties can satisfy even the pickiest travelers. With a handpicked cabin, there’s no doubt you’ll have a great vacation that you’ll remember for years.

What Are The Benefits Of Bottle Feeding Babies?

For many parents, bottle feeding is the only option they can follow. Some people can breastfeed, but only enough to give their child a portion of their nutrients, and others simply do not have the capacity.

Because some kids are born lactose intolerant or develop other food needs, breastfeeding isn’t always the best option for a family.

With slogans dotted around parenting websites saying “breast is best”, it can be easy to start doubting your parental decision or start believing that everyone is judging you.

To help you dispel these thoughts, we want to remind you why bottle feeding and formula feeding can be a great help to your parental style.

Buy What You Need And Sell The Rest

Each child will go through their feeding stages at different times. Some can digest solid food at 6 months, others need a lot more time before making the switch.

A lot of naysayers will tell you that buying formula is a waste, because you may end up buying too much. This will lead to an over-stocked cupboard and wasted money. That’s simply not true though.

You can visit Sell Formula to sell your packages to other parents in need. No waste is necessary!

Anyone Can Bottle Feed

One of the biggest pros of bottle feelings is anyone can do it. When your child feeds they develop a bond with the person holding them. If one parent is breastfeeding, this means that the other parent will not have the chance to bond in the same manner.

Allowing them to bottle feed their child can make the experience a family event.

Secondly, when you bottle feed, you allow the breastfeeding parent to take a break. Breastfeeding can be exhausting, as your child needs to feed constantly. Breaking down these responsibilities can allow anyone in the family to be helpful, allowing everyone else to rest.

Feeding In Public

People should be allowed to breastfeed in public. It is a natural experience and yet the western world has created a pornographic obsession with breasts.

Whether you agree with the natural experience of breastfeeding or not, it can feel uncomfortable if people start to watch you and criticize you for simply feeding your child.

To avoid all this tension, you can bottle feed instead. Bottle feeding allows you to fulfill your duty as a parent without the harsh gaze of onlookers judging you.

Easy To Track Baby’s Intake

A lot of baby manuals ask you to keep track of your baby’s diet. Your midwife, parenting guides, and family will all comment on how much your child is eating, but if you breastfeed you cannot say for sure what the measurement is.

When you bottle feed, you can count the milliliters and make a note. This way your midwife and doctors can assess how well your baby is developing.

Even if you don’t use formula, putting your breast milk into a bottle can make it easier to keep track.

There Will Always Be More

When you breastfeed, you rely on your body to develop more milk before the next feeding time. However everyone’s body is different, and some parents cannot produce the amount of milk needed to keep their baby fed.

When you use formula, this isn’t a problem. You can buy way more than you need for the week, keep it in storage and top it up when you need to.

As we said before, you can sell any packages that end up not being used, so you don’t need to act conservatively.

The Parents Don’t Need To Change Their Diet

When you breastfeed, you need to change your diet to contain all the vitamins and minerals your baby needs to digest. You are feeding yourself and your baby, so you need to be aware of your own nutritional needs.

Secondly, you need to avoid foods that could harm your baby. This means no alcohol, coffee, processed foods, or spices.

This type of restriction can make the breastfeeder’s diet very boring and hard to maintain. If you use formula, you don’t need to sacrifice your diet. You can make sure your baby is getting all of the nutrients they need without restricting yourself.

Summary

There are many benefits to bottle feeding. In fact, we could keep going – your breasts will stay firm, your nipples won’t become cracked and bloody, and your upper torso won’t be in pain from the strain of breastfeeding.

You get the picture. If you want to bottle-feed your baby, do it! You know what’s right for you and your family.

7 Essential Requirements for U.S. Tourists Visiting Canada to Hunt

Canada is one of the most preferred hunting destinations. However, visitors should be aware of the strict regulations on game hunting. The country has national and regional laws regulating the sport… CONTINUE READING >>

Hunting is an exotic and popular sport for tourists because of the thrill that comes with it. Most American tourists would like to explore the hunting scene in Canada. They prefer going after big games like the moose, elk, or caribou. Tourists are also fond of the Canadian wild because of its beauty.

1. A Valid Passport

You need a valid passport to enter Canada regardless of the route you take. Whether you come in by air, sea, or land, Canadian migration officers will need a valid passport. Remember to carry your passport all the time as proof of U.S citizenship and legal admission into Canada.

2. Fill Out U.S. Custom Form 4457

This form can be accessed online or at your local customs office. You’re required to declare all the valuables you’re bringing to Canada in the form. This enables you to prove ownership when re-entering the U.S. Remember to include all the weapons, electronic devices, optic apparel, hunting gear, and cameras.

You should keep form 4457 with you after you return because it does not expire. You can use it for your future hunting trips but you should make sure that the items you carry are those included in the form.

3. Complete Canadian Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form 909

You can complete this form online or at the border. However, it’s a good idea to complete the form online to avoid delays and inconveniences to Canadian border officials. Provide accurate information, especially serial numbers. You will be required to print three copies of the form and sign them. Do not include handguns in the form because tourists are not allowed to bring them to Canada.

4. The Permitted Firearms for Hunting in Canada

Canada has strict gun laws compared to the U.S which may catch some tourists off guard. You’re allowed to carry and use manual or semi-automatic rifles or shotguns for hunting. Nevertheless, your firearms should meet the requirements set by authorities.

Canfirearm.com is a reliable gun store in Canada that stocks approved hunting rifles and different types of shotguns. Visit the store to get approved hunting firearms to avoid being denied entry. You’re not allowed to bring modified assault weapons or firearms because they’re illegal. You also need a license from provincial authorities to carry and use guns in Canada.

5. Pay for Your Hunting Permit

Paying for a hunting permit is the last process after filling out and presenting the relevant forms to authorities. Your request to hunt in Canada may be accepted or rejected. If your application is accepted authorities require you to pay a fee for the hunting permit. The permit costs around 25 Canadian dollars. This fee can only be paid in Canadian dollars because customs officials don’t accept U.S currency.

6. Hunting with Dogs

Hunting with dogs is allowed, but you need to check local regulations. The law may restrict the type of animals that can be hunted with the help of dogs. For example, some provinces in Canada allow you to hunt fowl using dogs, but not big animals like moose. Furthermore, you’ll need licenses for the dog in addition to your hunting license.

7. Bringing Back Trophies

There are strict regulations on animals and plants you’re allowed to bring back to the U.S after a successful hunting trip. You can bring back game meat but it depends on specific factors. They include quantity and whether there is a disease outbreak.

These are the 7 essential requirements you need to observe as a U.S tourist to have a successful hunting trip in Canada.

Winter Kayaking Tips For Outdoor Lovers

Winter may not be the favorite season of outdoor enthusiasts due to evident reasons. Cold weather, fewer daylight hours, rain, and snow may keep you indoors. Moreover, sitting by the fireplace with a new book and a cup of steaming coffee seems to be a better option. However, winter kayaking can be an incredible experience as you get to see the beauty of winter closely. The best thing is that the most popular spots have less traffic at this time of the year. But you must consider a few things before heading out for the adventure. Here are some expert-recommended winter kayaking tips for outdoor lovers.

Choose the right clothing

Outdoor clothing for winter must be extra warm to keep the heat in. But you cannot get too heavy because it can hinder mobility while paddling. Investing in super-warm, lightweight, and waterproof clothing is the best way to gear up for cold-weather kayaking. Consider wearing a hat, gloves, and thick wet boots. A BA (Buoyancy aid) is another safety essential you cannot overlook in all seasons. You can trust it to keep you warm and afloat in case of a mishap.

Check the weather

Another tip you cannot overlook is to check the weather before embarking on the adventure. Also, remember that winter can be unpredictable, so rain and snow can come out of the blue. Checking the forecast can save you from trouble as it eliminates guesswork from your kayaking outing. Consider skipping the plan and going on another day if the stats do not look good.

Pick the right boat

Picking the right boat is a no-brainer for paddlers throughout the year. But you must be extra cautious during the cold weather as a sudden spell may force you to get out of the water quickly. An inflatable kayak makes a great option because it is lightweight and easy to navigate. Moreover, you can easily deflate the blow-up kayak, pack it in your car’s trunk, and leave before the storm worsens.

Warm up before hitting the water

Another helpful tip is to warm up well before hitting the water. It enables you to move your muscles and paddle without stress. Warming up also goes a long way in preventing injuries. You can do some stretches outside the water or paddle a bit once you are in to get your muscles into action. Also, avoid the trip if you feel sore or hurt because you should be in top shape to have a good time.

Plan ahead

Planning for the winter kayaking trip makes it safe and enjoyable. Think of the kayaking adventure like any other outdoor activity, such as hunting and skiing. Pack a flask with warm coffee, carry some healthy high-energy snacks, and take along a change of clothes. Also, decide the length of the session, but be ready to cut it short if your body needs rest. Avoid going solo if you are a beginner.

Winter kayaking can be thrilling, but safety should be on top of your mind before embarking on the adventure. Follow these tips to have an incredible time gliding through the water.

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