Search…

Tips On How To Write Travel Reviews That Engage Readers

Unearth secrets to writing captivating travel reviews. Learn how to create vivid descriptions, compelling narratives, and genuine impressions that enthrall your readers and inspire wanderlust… CONTINUE READING >> 

Writing engaging travel reviews is an art that demands a well-versed approach rooted in genuine experiences, vivid storytelling, and pertinent information. A good travel review does more than just inform – it immerses readers into the journey, sparking their imagination and fueling their wanderlust. Here are some comprehensive and practical tips to assist you in crafting travel reviews that captivate your readers.

Choosing Your Destination: The Cradle of Engagement

Your choice of destination lays the foundation for your travel review. A well-selected location with unique cultural experiences, vibrant landscapes, and stirring attractions will always appeal to a broad readership. Aim to explore off-the-beaten-path spots and discover your chosen location’s hidden treasures. These often provide rare, engaging perspectives laced with a sense of discovery and novelty, which any reader would value.

Narrating the History of the Destination

Offer your readers a brief historical background of your chosen destination. It instills a sense of time and place, deepening the reader’s engagement. Talk about the location’s origins, significant events, cultural evolution, and other historical nuances. By doing this, you’re allowing your readers to travel spatially and through time.

To gain a deeper grasp of crafting reviews or papers, explore the valuable information available at www.writingpapersucks.com/good-sentence-starters-for-college-essays/. This resource will significantly enhance your ability to write reviews persuasively and captivate a larger audience.

Sharing Your Experiences: The Soul of Your Review

The heart and soul of a travel review lies in personal experiences. Your readers seek authentic, firsthand accounts that are both informative and immersive. Be open about your experiences – share your joys and challenges, pleasant surprises and unexpected disappointments. Transparency builds trust, making readers feel they are companions on your journey.

Making Use of the Five Senses

Creating an immersive reading experience relies heavily on invoking the five senses. Describe the colors that painted your days, the sounds that filled your nights, the smells that wafted through the air, the textures you felt under your fingertips, and the flavors that danced on your tongue. Doing this effectively will make your readers feel like they’re walking in your shoes, exploring the place themselves.

Weaving Personal Anecdotes into Your Narrative

Personal anecdotes add authenticity, depth, and relatability to your review. They create a narrative that reflects the destination and your unique journey through it. Whether it’s a heartwarming interaction with a local, an unusual occurrence during your visit to a landmark, or a comedic mishap on a local bus, these anecdotes enrich your review and make it more memorable.

Discover additional tips for travel writing on dreamandtravel.com. Not only will it transform your writing style, but it will also boost your confidence significantly!

Providing Practical Information: The Backbone of Your Review

While storytelling sets the mood, practical information is the backbone of your travel review. Readers rely on you for advice that will help them plan their adventures. Share detailed information on accommodations, local customs, transportation options, potential expenses, safety concerns, and other practicalities.

But what are good sentence starters for people? With good starters, you can elevate your writing and speech with compelling, attention-grabbing opening lines that captivate your audience from the very first word!

Reviewing Local Cuisine

No travel experience is complete without a foray into local cuisine. Food is an integral part of culture and a fantastic way to connect with the location. Review local dishes, recommend eateries, and describe your culinary experiences. It adds another layer of practical information for food-loving travelers.

Including High-Quality Photos: Your Visual Storytelling Tool

A well-written travel review and high-quality photos make for a compelling read. Images can help depict the destination’s atmosphere, validate your narrative, and stimulate readers’ imaginations. However, remember that photos should supplement your writing, not replace it.

Creating a Visual Itinerary

Consider creating a visual representation of your journey—a map detailing your route, places visited, or even the spots where your best experiences happened. It can help readers visualize your trip and might aid them in their planning phase.

Encouraging Engagement: Building a Travel Community

Encouraging reader engagement fosters a sense of community and extends the reach of your review. You can achieve this by asking thoughtful questions, prompting readers to share their experiences, or inviting them to offer tips. This two-way interaction can create a platform for shared travel wisdom and enrich the reading experience.

Proofreading and Editing: The Final Touches

Lastly, thoroughly proofread and edit your review. A well-written article without grammatical errors and typos speaks volumes about your credibility. Use editing tools and read your review out loud. Your words should flow like a well-navigated journey.

Writing travel reviews that engage readers requires a blend of storytelling, informative content, and reader engagement. By integrating these tips into your writing, you can construct a travel review that informs and inspires readers to pack their bags and explore the world.

Practical Advice For Students Who Dream Of Traveling

Students often dream of traveling after school. Well, you can get ready for such experiences now by following this practice advice on turning your dreams into reality… CONTINUE READING >> 

Many young people dream of exciting world adventures. They can’t wait to finish college and start traveling. However, just dreaming is not enough to prepare yourself for a life of adventures. Students who want to travel need to develop a bit more practical approach to their dreams. Thus, school years can turn into several years-long plans on how to reach your travel goals. Such steps will require some sacrifices and strong management skills. So let’s see practical advice for students that can make your travel dreams a reality.

Set clear goals

Start by defining what kind of travel experiences you want, where, and why. Having clear travel goals will help you build better-adjusted plans. For instance, your goal could be exploring different cultures, learning new languages, meeting new people from around the globe, or gaining a broader perspective on the world. Based on the goals you have, you can embark on completely different journeys, types of travel experiences, destinations, etc. Thus, having a clear vision will help you stay focused and motivated while reducing potential disappointments.

Save money

Traveling can be expensive, so it’s essential to save money. Cut back on unnecessary expenses, create a budget, and create a savings account specifically for travel. Consider diversifying your income by taking part-time jobs, doing freelance work, or applying for scholarships to fund your future adventures.

However, don’t forget to take breaks when needed. It’s better to acknowledge that you need help to avoid burnout. Just say, “I need someone to write my essay for me because I need a break.” Saving money for a dream is great, but you shouldn’t sacrifice your academic performance or health in the process.

Research

Start planning your trips early to take advantage of lower prices for flights, accommodations, and activities. Research your destination, create an itinerary, and make a budget to ensure a well-organized trip. You can also order research essays from WritePaperForMe to help you in your preparations. 

Study abroad programs

Look into study abroad programs offered by your university or other educational institutions. These programs allow you to combine travel with academic studies, giving you a unique and immersive experience in another country. Perhaps, such programs can be the foundation of your future travels as they help you adapt to new places and ease your way into foreign environments.

Learn about budget travel

Travel doesn’t have to be a luxury activity. Everyone should afford traveling when approaching it wisely. That’s where your research skills can come in handy. See how you can afford to travel as far and as long as you want with simple budget traveling options. For example, these days, travelers can rely on multiple online platforms to find free or cheap accommodations in return for part-time work or other services. 

On top of that, students can research tips on how to find the cheapest flights or travel tickets, stay in budget areas and hostels, and use other tricks to save money on the spot. Learning how not to break the bank while traveling will take some time and experience. However, learning about possible budget ways will help you enjoy your adventures without worrying about money all the time.

Travel safely and responsibly

Always stay mindful of your surroundings as well as your behavior and the impact you have on the places you visit. You need to educate yourself about the various cultures you visit and show them respect and appreciation. Moreover, being aware of local cultures and traditions will help you avoid potential conflict or embracing moments, thus, keeping you safe. 

Learn how to stay safe on the road at all times. For example, keep copies of your documents on the cloud. Don’t flash your money or expensive equipment. Be modest. Feel free to make new acquaintances but trust your instincts and be mindful of strangers. 

Also, think about how your presence in new places can be helpful. You have a lot of influence as a tourist, even if you don’t think about it. Simply prioritizing local small businesses, like dining places and gift shops, can make a big difference for the community. Plus, you should follow the no-harm policy. Don’t litter. Don’t be rude. Travel sustainably whenever you can. These may be small things, but they do make an impact on the places you visit and on your personal growth. 

Embrace the unknown

Lastly, take time to define why you want to travel. What does travel mean to you? How do you feel about it? What do you want to gain from these experiences? All travelers have individual purposes for doing what they do. However, you must define your expectations, needs, and fears about future travelers to embark on your adventures open-minded and self-aware.

Students often lack travel experience alongside real-world experiences as such. Hence, they need to be ready for the wild nature of traveling. Be ready to embrace spontaneity and stay open to new experiences. Remember, traveling can be unpredictable. However, all these unexpected situations usually become the most memorable moments of your adventures.

Bottom line

Traveling can offer you the greatest adventures of your life. Just try to be mindful of your plans, and don’t rush it. Don’t let your travel dreams compromise your education or other goals in life. Be patient with your planning and keep educating yourself on the art of traveling whenever you have the time. Good luck!

Prairie Palace Constructed of Corn in South Dakota

We have to say that we were surprised, to say the least, and impressed by the sight of this improbable landmark in this farm town.

The building looks like it may have been transplanted from Moscow or St. Petersburg… CONTINUE READING >> 

When making the seemingly endless drive across the prairie of South Dakota an excuse to pull off the super-slab for a diversion is not only welcome, but a good idea for avoiding highway hypnosis.

So on our way to see Mount Rushmore, and the amazing geologic formations of Badlands National Park, we were more than happy to make a quick pit stop at The World’s Only Corn Palace in the small city of Mitchell.

We have to say that we were surprised, to say the least, and impressed by the sight of this improbable landmark in this farm town. The building looks like it may have been transplanted from Moscow or St. Petersburg.

It is also not every day that we get to see the world’s only anything; it’s a pretty big claim to make, so we were duly excited at that prospect. We later learned that as far as corn palaces are concerned, this one couldn’t always make that declaration.

In the late eighteen hundreds, several towns across the Great Plains erected “crop palaces” or “grain palaces” as a way to promote their harvests. The big idea spread and found a home several places, including Gregory and Plankinton in South Dakota and Sioux City, Iowa.

In 1892 Mitchell joined the craze, building a wooden structure on Main Street, all without the help of any of today’s best woodworking tools. Check out more at contractor culture.

This included a stage for entertainment and served as a gathering place for a fall festival. That tradition still continues with the annual Corn Palace Festival held in late August each year.

But the original hall was fairly short lived, and like the others might have become nothing more than a memory, except that the town council had other plans.

A big reason Mitchell’s maize mansion thrived long after the others disappeared was that the citizens were dedicated to civic advancement. In 1905, the townsfolk made a play to become the state capital, attempting to wrestle the honor away from those uppity big city dwellers up in Pierre.

Their big idea? Build a new, bigger Corn Palace… that’ll show ’em!

Even though the political effort failed, the new palace was a big hit. Renovations continued over the decades, adding the Russian-style onion domes and Moorish minarets that we found so oddly out of place on our visit.

To make the whole scene even more surreal, the whole building is covered with stalks, shocks, husks, and ears, of corn, along with other grains and native grasses to create the self-proclaimed agricultural show-place of the world.

The walls serve as canvases for murals all depicting scenes from a new theme each season. Artistically placing kernels from thirteen different colored varieties of corn is an activity that the corn crazies on the palace council consider worthy of coughing up $130,000 each year to pull off.

They just might be right too, since over half a million curious consumers stop off in Mitchell every year to take a gander at the cornucopia castle.

When we went inside we found out that the Palace doesn’t just sit around doing nothing while wearing its corn coat. We discovered that this is home to more than just an annual harvest festival; this is also a basketball arena.

In fact, it has been hailed as one of the finest basketball venues in the upper Midwest and USA Today named the Corn Palace as one of the top 10 places in America for high school basketball.

The praise is fitting, since one of the first events held in the current version of the corn coliseum was the 1921 South Dakota state high school basketball tournament.

The arena also serves as the home court of the Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers and the Mitchell High School Kernels teams.

We were sad to miss a game, and even more so the Corn Palace Festival or the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo, but most of all we were nearly distraught to find that we were not in time for the Corn Palace Polka Festival.

OK, Just kidding… sort of. Actually, that would be pretty sweet to see. After all, this is polka country. Lawrence Welk Played the Corn Palace at least five times over the years.

As we were leaving, it occurred to us that as surprised as we were to find this anachronism just off the interstate, we were equally intrigued by the lack of other corn celebrating venues in the region.

What’s up Nebraska? Aren’t you the Cornhuskers?

Then it struck us. Maybe another nickname for the Corn Palace – the World’s Largest Bird Feeder – has something to do with it.

Perhaps it was just too difficult to keep chasing off the barrage of squirrels and feathered friends looking to make a meal of the tasty structures, so we should be glad that one remains.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

See all of our adventures in South Dakota!

This post contains sponsored links.

Long-Term Travel Budgeting: How to Save for Extended Trips and Backpacking Adventures

Long-term traveling on a budget means learning how to set goals and when to compromise on a destination, especially if one place offers similar experiences while costing much less… CONTINUE READING >> 

Long-term traveling offers the perfect opportunity to see what the world has to offer, but it remains a simple dream for so many people. Traveling turns long-term once the 3-month mark has passed, but some people will tell you that it has to be more than a year. Regardless of your outlook, you will need to know how to save up for your adventure, which is why you should continue reading below.

Set Strict Saving Goals

If you’re saving without a figure in mind, you’ll find it much more difficult to make the necessary cutbacks. Whereas, if you know that you’re trying to save $30K for a trip around Europe, the anticipation of the adventure will keep you motivated to stick to your goals.

The best way to set a saving goal is to know how much your trip will cost, so consider creating a spreadsheet with all of your expected expenses, and then add around 10% extra to account for emergencies. Even if you don’t have time to total up expenses, just set a realistic goal and roll with it.

Consider Downsizing

The chances are your home is full of items you don’t need, and certainly won’t be using while you’re traveling. Therefore, you should consider downsizing by holding a yard sale or posting your items to an online marketplace. Even if you only make around $30 – this can be an entire day’s budget in a different country.

As well as taking you further toward your saving goals, downsizing allows you to prepare for long-term travel. After all, if you’re going for more than a year, it might be a good idea to let your property go and rent a storage unit.

Do as Much Work as Possible

Nobody likes to work themselves to the point of burnout, but more work leads to more money. In the months leading up to the start of your adventure, take on as much work as you can handle. Even if you feel stressed out, you can remember that you’re going to be traveling the world in no time.

Set Daily Spending Budgets

Traveling on a budget involves sticking to a daily budget, so you may as well get in some practice now. With your saving goal in mind, you can work out what you need to save each day, and then make it happen. There are many tech tools that will help with this including mobile banking apps and the likes of TravelSpend, which breaks your outgoings down into categories.

Search for Flights Early

Flights will account for one of the largest expenses on your trip, so it’s worth knowing how to bag a good deal. You can find the best price for airline tickets by using flight comparison tools, which take hundreds of options and allows you to choose the best. In most cases, cheaper tickets will be released well in advance, but you can set your chosen comparison tool to alert you when overall prices fall.

Explore Strong Currency Destinations

Creating your travel plans based on currency strength may feel a bit tedious, but it’s a great way to save money and get more out of your long-term adventure. For example, just because $30 won’t get you far in America, you’ll find that your hard-earned cash will get you much further in countries like Peru, South Africa, Egypt, and Japan.

Long-term traveling on a budget means learning how to set goals and when to compromise on a destination, especially if one place offers similar experiences while costing much less. By starting your financial preparation early, you’ll be able to afford much more time away.

Living the Laptop Lifestyle in Crete: A Guide for Digital Nomads

Combining your personal touch with Crete’s magic transforms this nomadic experience into an unparalleled and authentic adventure…
CONTINUE READING >> 

In this guide, we embark on an exploration of the laptop lifestyle in Crete, delving into its cultural splendor, work-friendly locations, and the secrets to harmoniously balancing work and leisure.

Embracing the Cretan Way of Life

To truly immerse oneself in the mesmerizing culture of Crete is an enriching endeavor. Ancient myths and folklore entwine with local traditions, captivating the senses and offering a glimpse into the island’s soul. From vibrant Carnival celebrations in Rethymno to the solemn processions of Holy Week in Chania, 

Crete’s festivals are windows into its deeply-rooted heritage.

Gastronomic delights await the discerning palate, with savory treats like Dakos and Bougatsa, complemented by the island’s renowned olive oil and tantalizing seafood. 

These culinary experiences bring alive the history and stories of Crete’s culinary heritage.

Digital Nomad-Friendly Locations in Crete

Discovering the perfect digital nomad haven is a delight in itself. With its cobbled streets and charming harbor, Chania houses an array of co-working spaces and quaint cafes that offer seamless internet connectivity for uninterrupted work. 

Heraklion, the bustling capital city, opens doors to forge connections with like-minded nomads while providing practical tips to ensure safety and productivity. For those craving a tranquil ambiance, the coastal town of Rethymno offers a harmonious blend of work and leisure.

Suppose you seek a genuinely immersive and luxurious experience while staying in Chania. In that case, Aquilahotels.com is a premium hospitality brand that offers world-class accommodations, complete with modern amenities and inspiring views of the Mediterranean. 

Their dedication to providing a serene work environment makes them an excellent choice for digital nomads looking to strike the perfect balance between work and relaxation.

Navigating the Digital Infrastructure

Crete’s digital infrastructure ensures that nomads stay seamlessly connected, especially in urban centers like Chania and Heraklion. 

To remain connected while traversing the island’s stunning landscapes, acquiring a reliable local SIM card with a suitable data plan is a prudent choice.

Legal Considerations for Digital Nomads

Prior to embarking on this exciting journey, familiarizing oneself with the legal aspects is essential. Depending on nationality and the duration of the stay, obtaining an appropriate visa or exploring residency options is paramount. 

Equally important is understanding the tax implications and securing comprehensive health insurance for peace of mind.

Engaging in Cretan Experiences

Beyond work, Cretan experiences paint an unforgettable tapestry of memories. Participation in grape harvest festivals and traditional Cretan music nights imbues travelers with the island’s true spirit. 

Embracing the Greek language with basic phrases enhances interactions and forges deeper connections with the locals.

Balancing Work and Leisure

Mastering the art of balancing work and leisure in Crete is the key to savoring the full experience. Setting designated work hours allows for rewarding downtime, where hidden coves, majestic gorges, and sunset yoga sessions become pathways to rejuvenation.

Staying Connected with the Nomad Community

The nomadic journey in Crete becomes even more enriching when shared with kindred spirits. 

Partaking in meetups, networking events, and collaborating on projects cultivates a sense of belonging within the nomad community.

Essential Travel Tips and Safety Measures

For a seamless exploration of Crete, understanding weather patterns and optimizing transportation options ensures a fulfilling experience. 

Respecting local customs and observing safety measures harmonize nomadic life with Cretan values.

Budgeting and Cost of Living in Crete

Crete offers a diverse range of accommodations, catering to various budgets, from cozy hostels to opulent resorts. 

Exploring local markets presents an opportunity to savor the bounty of Mediterranean produce, embracing simplicity and delight.

Conclusion

Venturing into the laptop lifestyle in Crete unveils an extraordinary odyssey of cultural exploration and nomadic freedom. 

Embrace the island’s unique heritage, delve into its work-friendly locales, and cherish the memories accompanying you on your journey beyond Crete’s shores. Combining your personal touch with Crete’s magic transforms this nomadic experience into an unparalleled and authentic adventure.

If you’re yearning for another enchanting journey, consider exploring the breathtaking “Islands Hopping Honeymoon in Thailand.” Thailand’s pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and romantic settings await you, promising an unforgettable experience for couples seeking the perfect getaway.

Does Adding Something to The Fuel Help Keep the Engine from Knocking?

Let the best fuel additives be your reliable sidekicks, protecting your engine and making sure your drives are as smooth and free of knocks as possible…
CONTINUE READING >> 

Okay, hold on tight! We’re about to go on an exciting ride through the complicated world of car maintenance. What’s the most important question we need to answer today? Simple question: do fuel additives help keep an engine from knocking? Now, don’t let that question knock you off your feet, because we’re going to look into it and make it as clear as a summer sky in the open country.

Now is the time to rev up your engine and put your foot down on the gas. Here we go!

The clanking of metal and the throbbing of an engine

Imagine that you’re taking a nice, quiet drive on a highway. The sky is blue, the road is smooth, and the sound of your car’s engine is the perfect music. All of a sudden, a strange sound breaks up your peace. From under the hood, I hear a knock, a ping, and the sound of metal on metal. It’s that awful engine knock.

A knocking engine can be like pressing the “CTRL” button in your life. The same way that pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL can stop a program from running smoothly, an engine knock can stop your drive. But don’t let this bother you too much. Hit “CTRL+Z” when the engine knocks, and you’ll be back on the road to peace.

Fuel Additives: The Secret Revealed

The world of cars is full of amazing things, and fuel additives are no different. When used right, they can be like superheroes for your car, saving the day when you need it most. So, you might ask, can they really stop engines from knocking? The answer is that they can do it.

The way a heart surgeon keeps your heart beating strong is like how fuel additives keep your engine clean and make it work better. But just like you want the best heart surgeon to work on you, your engine needs the best fuel additives.

Remember that it might not always be easy to find the right fuel additives for diesel engines. It can be hard, like carrying a heavy suitcase up a flight of stairs. But isn’t it all worth it to be able to set that suitcase down at the top of the stairs? That sigh of relief is the peace of mind you get when your engine stops knocking.

The Best Fuel Additives: Your Reliable Companion

So, what are the best fuel additives to help you out and keep your engine safe? I won’t say that the selection process isn’t hard, because it can be. But keep in mind that, as they say in the car world, ACO means “Always Check Octane.”

Octane boosters are a kind of fuel additive that can save your engine from a lot of trouble. They can be your personal auto-care organization that works behind the scenes to keep your engine from knocking and your car running smoothly.

Sure, it can be scary to think about getting into the world of fuel additives. It might feel like the first day of school all over again, with all the excitement, confusion, and anticipation that comes with it. But do you remember how happy you were when you first found your classroom, met your teacher, and made a friend? Finding the best fuel additives can make you feel like you’ve done something good and give you peace.

The Way Forward

So, yes, my dear friend, fuel additives can help a lot to keep an engine from knocking. Choosing the best fuel additives can feel like a chore or even a riddle wrapped in confusion. But if you keep trying, you can turn that puzzle into an exciting journey and that burden into a memory of something you did well.

Even if the road is bumpy or has a lot of turns, you should always remember the ACO principle. Keep checking, keep exploring, and keep growing. Before you know it, the engine knocking will be a thing of the past, your car will purr like a kitten, and you’ll be ready to take on the open road again.

Accept the Challenge: A World Without Engine Knock

As our look at fuel additives comes to a close, think of it as the end of a long road trip. We’ve laughed, faced problems, and learned a lot together, all with the goal of getting you back to those blissful drives with no knocks.

It may seem like it will be hard to stop the engine from knocking. It’s like that CTRL button that stops us from driving in peace. But isn’t it also a chance to grow, learn, and get better at taking care of your favorite car? It is, yes!

Best Fuel Additives Can Do Magic

The best fuel additives can change the game in a world where every little thing is important. They have the potential to change the way your car runs, just like an unexpected turn of events can turn a boring, boring story into an exciting adventure story.

But do you remember our little story about carrying things? At first, it might seem hard to choose the best fuel additive. But when you think about how it makes you feel, it’s worth the work. What’s an adventure without a challenge, after all?

Now, about our story about ACO, which stands for “Always Check Octane.” It might be a story about an underdog or a hidden bit of wisdom, but it will be your reliable compass and guide as you look for the best fuel additive. The ACO principle is like the “Eureka!” moment in a complicated maze. It shows you the way and turns your confusion into understanding.

Your Trip, Your Tale

So, dear reader, fuel additives are a very important part of keeping an engine from knocking. On the way to finding this out, there were lots of stories about CTRL buttons, burdens, and ACOs. We went into the world of best fuel additives and found a bright spot in the middle of all the chaos and confusion.

And you are the hero of this story, my friend. You’ve turned this trip into an adventure of finding new things. You’ve done research, learned, and grown, so what was once a confusing question is now a well-earned fact.

So, as you go forward, remember what you learned today. Accept the CTRL moments, carry the burdens with grace, and live by the ACO principle. And let the best fuel additives be your reliable sidekicks, protecting your engine and making sure your drives are as smooth and free of knocks as possible.

Isn’t that what this is all about in the end? To enjoy the drive, to feel the wind in your hair, and to enjoy the freedom that the open road gives you. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride, because a world without engine knocking is waiting for you!

Here’s to many more happy trips on the open road that don’t get you in trouble. Safe travels!

Delve Deeper: Tags

The Things you Simply have to See and Do when Visiting Ireland

From the Irish hospitality and their delicious traditional cuisine, to the people who call it their home and the history on offer throughout the nation, it’s a country millions of people understandably can’t wait to visit… CONTINUE READING >> 

Ireland is a wonderful country. Commonly paired alongside a visit to the UK, venturing over to the Emerald Isle is recommended. From the Irish hospitality and their delicious traditional cuisine, to the people who call it their home and the history on offer throughout the nation, it’s a country millions of people understandably can’t wait to visit.

From documentaries about iconic Irish singers, such as Sinéad O’Connor’s Nothing Compares, to comical movies from the country, like Waking Ned, plus games with an Irish theme like the luck-themed Wild Wild Riches, Ireland is on show throughout the world. Wherever you are on earth, there probably isn’t an Irish-themed pub too far away to frequent should you want to either. Ireland and Irish culture is therefore not completely unknown to the world, but you need to experience it in the flesh to truly appreciate the delights of the Emerald Isle. There are some things you simply have to do while you’re there, too.

Visit a traditional Irish pub

First and foremost, if you’ve never been to Ireland before, then you have to experience Irish pub culture in the flesh. An environment that brings the community together with fine drink and traditional Irish music, visiting a pub that has been entertaining Irish audiences for centuries is a must. You’ll feel the history of the establishment, you’ll potentially be treated to a few stories from welcoming locals, you can try traditional Irish food and drink, and it’s the perfect place to warm up and relax after a day of sightseeing.

Learn about the world’s most famous shipwreck

You know about the story of the Titanic, right? Well, the legendary ship was actually built in Belfast and, as a result of this, the city boasts a truly brilliant Titanic museum that has been intriguing visitors to the city since 2012. After picking up numerous awards, this fascinating experience is well worth doing, particularly if you’re keen to hear about what occurred in more detail and make the most of one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions.

Take in a game at Croke Park

If you’re interested in sport, then you need to sample an Irish sporting experience. The home of Gaelic football and hurling, Dublin’s Croke Park is the place to go, although you can probably get a taste of Ireland’s passion for sport at a small local sporting event, too. Croke Park is a lovely venue, though, providing supporters with a memorable experience and an atmosphere that many other nations struggle to match. Ireland’s love of sport is impossible to deny once you visit a respected stadium like Croke Park.

Take a tour of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin

One of the most famous prisons in the world, Ireland’s Kilmainham Gaol has housed some big political figures over the years, as well as prominent leaders and mass murderers. As seen in various movies, Ireland’s most notorious prison is engrossing, particularly if you’re able to explore it with a highly knowledgeable guide. Located in Dublin, it’s a great thing to do in the city.

Sample Ireland’s finest at the Guinness Storehouse

It’s hard to compile a list of things do in Ireland without suggesting a Guinness-themed adventure of some sort. While you could sample Guinness in a public house, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse will enable you to learn more about Ireland’s most famous export. Ideal for fans of the black stuff, it’s a memorable day out, although make sure you sort your tickets out before getting there – it’s usually busy!

Also visit The Giant’s Causeway, see Riverdance, and hike up Carrauntoohil.

Marfa Lights, Fact or Fiction?


enlarge video
We ventured deep in the heart of Texas with an eye on viewing the legendary Marfa Lights, hoping to see the mysterious ghost lights from the official viewing area built by… CONTINUE READING >>

Strange, “Ghost lights” appear in Marfa, Texas. What causes them?

We ventured deep in the heart of Texas with an eye on viewing the legendary Marfa Lights, hoping to see the mysterious ghost lights from the official viewing area built by the nearby city of Marfa. As a bonus, the area allows overnight parking for hardy paranormal activity seekers’ RVs.

We pulled in at sundown and found a spot overlooking the famous field where the illuminations are said to appear. After looking around, checking the horizon for possible sources of light and reading the markers explaining the phenomenon, we put some dinner on the stove, cracked open some vino and waited. It would have been a great time to have some ghost detecting equipment.

The first public account of the spook lights was in the July 1957 issue of Coronet Magazine, but the article claimed that they had been reported as far back as the 1800s. People have described them as glowing spheres floating above the ground or high in the air.

They can vary in color from white to yellow, orange or red and zip around in a strange manner, sometimes merging into each other or splitting apart to form new balls.

They are known to hover, or shoot around at high speed and disappear and reappear. We were very excited, but knew our chances might be limited since reports say that they only materialize about twenty times a year and seem to be completely unpredictable.

For more info on the ghost lights and how we saw them: https://www.gypsynester.com/mf.htm

Visit our GypsyNester YouTube Channel!

This post may contain sponsored links.