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Italian Restaurant Hunting: The Best Choices To Include In Your Bucket List

The Italian restaurant scene in America has changed. Let’s check out this list of the best classic and Michelin-starred Italian restaurants to include in your bucket list… CONTINUE READING >> 

For the past 50 years, the Italian restaurant scene in America had since then changed. Gone are the days of white and red checkered tablecloths and red sauced menu. Let’s check out this list of the best classic and Michelin-starred Italian restaurants to include in your bucket list.

Lex Restaurant

New York, NY

If you’re in New York, Lex Restaurant is where you’ll find the best Italian food. They serve mouth-watering dishes like homemade pappardelle — slowly cooked veal with sage; grilled shrimp salad with spinach, mandarin orange, goat cheese, and walnuts; or tickle your palate with their chicken Caesar salad. Their food is served on fine china and white tablecloths to make you feel like you’re at home away from home.

Cotogna

San Francisco, CA

This Italian restaurant, owned by chef Michael Tusk and wife Lindsay, has been Jackson Square’s famous casual restaurant since its opening in 2010. Known for their mouth-watering agnolotti dal plin, ravioli with brown butter, focaccia, wood-fired dishes, and cocktails; this casual restaurant has the best plates of pasta outside of North Beach.

Giulia

Cambridge, MA

If your craving Italian food in Boston, Italian restaurant Giulia is your best bet. Chef Micheal Pagliarini’s Italian joint has been New England’s staple for pasta-linked food. Since 2013, Guilia had been serving the best spaghetti con Alici — pasta with pangrattato, chilies, garlic, fennel, and white anchovies cured in-house; and warm dipping sauces made with their special anchovies.

Monteverde

Chicago, IL

This Michelin-starred and James Beard award-winning Italian restaurant have undoubtedly captured the Chicagoans love for pasta. Owned by chef Sarah Grueneberg, this Italian joint features a mirrored kitchen which allows its diners to see the process of how they make their mouth-watering dishes. However, if you don’t mind the process, the restaurant serves their famous handmade agnolotti with preserved plum and chanterelles.

Nostrana

Portland, OR

An epitome of Portland’s Italian dining scene, Nostrana had been serving Italian dishes since 2005. This Italian restaurant sources its ingredients locally to make upscale dining more affordable. Feast on Nostrana’s famous wood-fired oven specialties like pappardelle with goat cheese stuffings or any of their excellent hand-tossed pizzas. Also, their charcuterie menu features their mouth-watering rillettes and hams.

Ristorante Bartolotta

Wauwatosa, WI

This rustic Italian restaurant is situated in a historical establishment in a Milwaukee suburb. Its chef, Juan Urbieta, had cooked for Michelin-starred Italian diners in Italy and Chicago before entering the Milwaukee restaurant scene. Ristorante Bartolotta serves sumptuous handmade dishes like pappardelle with duck ragu, spaghetti with lobsters, and a chef’s menu that only cost $60.

Vetri Cucina

Philadelphia, PA

Vetri Cucina is a restaurant exhibiting the finest Italian luxuries, where you’d be enveloped by the smell of the finest ingredients and wines. Chef Marc Vetri offers custom-tailored and seasonal dishes like prosciutto cotto, tortellini in white truffle, and duck osso buco. Whether it’s a celebration for your birthday or anniversary, this Italian restaurant is the best place to commemorate any occasion.

Mosca’s

Westwego, LA

Mosca’s is a family-owned restaurant since 1946 and has served generations of New Orleanians. This restaurant offers Creole-Italian dishes like spaghetti bordelaise, shrimp Mosca and oyster Mosca. If you’re not familiar with the restaurant’s dishes, their creations are made with a lot of garlic, olive oil, and mind-boggling secret ingredients.

La Ciccia

San Francisco, CA

This Sardinian restaurant is located on the outskirts of Noe Valley; the neighborhood loves La Ciccia for their creations like pezza de angioni sa saba and pani guttiau; then chase that sumptuous food with Sardinian wine and understand why this restaurant is loved by many.

Overall

Over the years many italian restaurants have come and gone, however there are some that have stood the test of time. Are you ready to visit any of these above?

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

5+ Adventurous Family Activities to Do in Dubai

If  a  trip  to  the  Arabian  Desert  and  the  great  city  of  Dubai  is  in  the  near  future  for  you  and  your  family, then  you’re  in  for  a  treat. Here  are  some  of  the  best  examples  of  things  to  do  during  your  stay… CONTINUE READING >> 

If  a  trip  to  the  Arabian  Desert  and  the  great  city  of  Dubai  is  in  the  near  future  for  you  and  your  family, then  you’re  in  for  a  treat.  If  you  haven’t  already  filled your  days  with  desert  sun-loving,  action-packed fun  for  you  and  your  kids,  then  here  are  some  of  the  best  examples  of  things  to  do  during  your  stay.

Deep-Sea  Fishing

Hanging  out  in  the  Mediterranean  is  a  great  place  to  start.  With  the  city  resting  on  the  edge  of  the  Persian  Gulf,  what  better  way  to  experience  what’s  above  and  below  the  water  than  by  deep-sea fishing?

With  the  desert  sun  shining  on  the  water,  you  and  your  family  can  experience  these  waters  from  a  local  perspective  and  catch  all  sorts  of  fish  such  as  Grouper,  Snapper,  Barracuda,  or  Kingfish.

Sandboarding in the Dubai Desert

One  of  the  most  exciting  places  to  be  in  the  Arabian  desert  isthe  giant  sand  dunes.  But  what  is  even  more  exciting  is  sliding  down  them  like  you’re  snowboarding,  except  its  bright  red  sand  andits  warm.

Sandboarding in  Dubai  is  a  huge  kick  because  the  dunes  reach  up  to  1000  feet  in  elevation  as  well  as  being  a  year-round  activity.  This  makes your  traveling  plans  work  no  matter  the  season. However,  the best  time  is  said  to  be  between  October  and  April.

If  you’re  looking  for  the  biggest  and  the  best,  you’ll  have  to  travel  approximately  40  minutes  from  the  city  and  up  to  the  Big  Red,  the  biggest  dune  in  the  Arabian  Desert.These  dunes  have  a  rich  iron-red  color  that  shines  like  fire,  illuminating  the  scenery  in  front  of  you.

Camel  Riding

You  can  set  off  on  your  own  adventure  with  a  camel  ride  across  the  dunes,  too.  There truly  is  no  more  realistic  way  to  experience  desert  beauty  than  by  trekking  across  the  dunes  on  camelback.

With  this  truly  desert  experience,  you  will  get  to  see  what  it  was  like  for  Persians  to  cross  the  sea  of  sand  as  their  way  of  life  had  them,  guided  by  their  instinct  and  the  position  of  the  stars.

As  you  are  riding,  you  will  get  a  fantastic  view  of  various  wildlife  like  the  Arabian  Oryx  or Tahr.  You  may  even  get  the  chance  to  be  shaded  by  the  date  palms and  acacia,  desert  flora  that  serves as  an  oasis  from  the  sun.

For  winter  rides,  they  usually  take  off  in  the  morning,  while  summer  during  the  evening.  As  such,  some  tours  may  even  take  you  out  at  night to  see  the  vast  cosmos  open  up  before  you  and  maybe  even  a  full  moon!

4×4  Safari  Drive

For  a  more  action-packed  ride,  the  4×4  Safari  Drives  will  satisfy  your  thirst  for  adventure.

If  you  choose  the  self-drive  ride,  the  tour  guide  will  show  you  the  way  to  some  of  the  best  dunes.  With  this  option,  you  will  be  able  to  ride  around  at  your  disposal,  experiencing  the  greatest  adrenaline  rush  the  desert  has  to  offer.

Miracle  Garden

If  you’re  looking  to  experience  something  casual, beautiful,  and  with  the  same  if  not  more  magical  appeal  than  Disney  World,  then  you  definitely  have  to  check  out  the  Dubai  Miracle  Garden.

Each  year  from November  to  May, the  72,000  square  meter  garden  is  packed  with  fully-bloomed  flower  sculptures  made  of  over  150  million  flowers,  letting  you  walk  through  a  modern-day  Garden  of  Eden.

In  its  7th season,  it  has  become  the  world’s  largest  natural  flower  garden.  With  walkways  such  as  the  Butterfly  or  Hearts  Passages,  you  will  be  able  to  walk  within  the  beautifully  framed  tunnels  with  more  flowers  over  your  head  than  you  can  imagine.

They  also  have  other  attractions  such  as  Trampoline  Park,  which  is  a  great  way  for  kids  to  get  out  all  their  energy,  as  well  as  an  amphitheater  for  special  shows  and  events.

Added  Extras

For  a  few  more  fun  things  to  add  to  your  list,  you  can  also  check  out  Kite  Beach,  Wild  Wadi  Waterpark,  or  even  the  Dubai  Aquarium.  All  of  these are  sure  to  keep  your family  smiling  and  enjoying  the  great  city  of  Dubai.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

10 Places in Colorado to Visit With the Kids

Colorado is a state filled with so many sights to see and places to be. There is an endless array of child-friendly activities throughout the state that will help you create those special memories that you’ll forever cherish… CONTINUE READING >> 

Colorado is a state filled with so many sights to see and places to be. While most people associate the state with mountains, hiking, and skiing, it’s a great place to create special memories with the kids, too.

For an unforgettable experience, you can book a cabin in Estes Park – there’s plenty of outdoor sightseeing and adventure for the whole family in the Rockies! There is an endless array of child-friendly activities throughout the state that will help you create those special memories that you’ll forever cherish. Take a look at the top 10 places in Colorado to visit with the kids and plan your itinerary today!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Located in Colorado Springs, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is filled with over 750 animals from 150 different species . It is not a huge zoo, but one of the most intriguing that you could ever visit. It is the only mountain zoo in the U.S. and certainly offers a great time for all ages of children and adults. Enjoy up close encounters with giraffes, bears, tigers, lions, and more!

Sangre de Cristo Art Center

Located in Pueblo, the Sangre de Cristo Art Center is located inside of an artfully decorated building that turns heads. Once inside, there is much for kids to enjoy, including various pieces of artwork, hands-on learning activity and fun, waterfalls, dressup, and more. Kids can enjoy the entire day here and never grow bored!

Dinosaur Resource Center

Visitors take a step back in prehistoric time when they visit the Dinosaur Resource Center, a top children’s activity in the  state. Here, dinosaurs rule the land and massive exhibits come to life. It is a must visit spot for any dinosaur fan! There is much ado for anyone that appreciates a dinosaur at this Woodland Park, Colorado hotspot.

Denver Puppet Theater

The Denver Puppet Theater has been a beloved attraction in the city for more than 20 years because kids adore the show in its entirety. Plan a visit to the puppet theater to experience the magic firsthand. Kids not only enjoy a great puppet show, but also have the opportunity to make their own puppet at no extra charge!

Pearl Street Mall

The Pearl Street Mall is one of the best kid-friendly attractions in Boulder. If you visit for a bit of snow-fun, make it to this downtown attraction with the little ones. Street performers and kid-friendly scents make kids smile and the stores that cater to them are just as nice!

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is located adjacent to the Denver Zoo so families can get a two-for-one attraction. This awesome museum features Egyptian mummies, a planetarium, anIMAX theater and numerous hands-on science activities for children. It is a great time for all!

Garden of the Gods

Another Colorado Springs spectacle, Garden of the Gods is home of the ‘Kissing Camels’ rock formation, as well as many other brilliant works of art sprawled across the park’s 1,364-foot of space. Red rock formations are especially nice to see. Hike, bike, or drive your car through the park and experience a fun-filled day of nature with kids 4-up.

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is another Colorado adventure for the family. Here you’ll discover many science-related activities to pass the time. These activities all combine education into them so the fun is with merit! Fort Collins is located about 60 miles from Denver and 30 miles from Colorado Springs.

Did You Know?

Denver is ranked by Forbes as one of the Top 10 U.S. locations to start a business. When you take a trip with the kids to the state, why not learn more about the great business opportunities that exist? There’s so much to do for the kids, it’s a family-friendly, beautiful place, and business is good! Business loans are available to help alleviate some of the initial start-up financial stress. There’s no doubt you’ll love life in Colorado.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Hire A Car & Mauritius: Things To Never Do When Renting Transportation While Traveling

Travel experts note that renting a car during your holiday can ultimately give you significant savings! Hence, car rentals have become more and more popular today…. CONTINUE READING >> 

Travelers have now become smarter and more practical. Most of you would love to maximize the money spent on that holiday on the beautiful island of Mauritius – and even find ways to stretch that budget further so you can enjoy more. One of the travel expenses that can pile up quickly when traveling is the transportation costs. Travel experts note that renting a car during your holiday can ultimately give you significant savings! Hence, car rentals have become more and more popular today. If you’re still planning your trip look up the Transferiste Car Rental website to help you get a start on that perfect holiday in Mauritius!

Here are some of the things to NEVER do when renting a car while on your Mauritian holiday:

Never Forget To Compare Prices And Ask The Locals

It’s easy to get tempted and immediately book the first car rental option you may find on the Internet. But don’t get too excited! Research on more options, compare prices and see if you can even try to haggle for the best price. When you’ve finally reached Mauritius, don’t forget to ask the locals about the usual cost of transportation and car rentals. Doing this will make sure that you’re not paying an overpriced tourist rate. Do remember to factor in the local gas prices as well, as this should add up to your daily transportation costs.

Never Forget To Study The Roads – and Basic Transportation Law

Some roads in Mauritius (depending on where exactly you’re going) may be narrower than others, so if you’ve rented a big van to fit your entire family, then this might cause you some trouble. If you do plan on renting a car, please do your research first. Make sure that you’re aware of the road conditions before making a final booking as to the type of car that you’re going to use.

It’s also best that you have basic knowledge regarding the transportation laws in Mauritius. Be aware of their driving practices and the norms, and even travel signs. Mauritius follows a left-hand drive policy, and you’re supposed to give way to the right.

 Don’t Get Into An Accident

You’re on holiday, and you want to enjoy. Mauritius offers you countless opportunities to make your stay an extremely memorable one. But – don’t get drunk! Mauritius has a strict drunk driving law. Limit your alcohol intake to only 50mg in your bloodstream. Getting caught or worse, having an accident are situations you don’t want to get yourself in when you’re supposed to be relaxing and enjoying.

Never Forget Your Insurance Policy

If you initially didn’t think of obtaining a travel insurance policy, then you probably should. Choosing to travel by rental car increases your accident risk as you’re wholly responsible for yourself – and each other’s safety – compared with the more comfortable options of taking public transportation instead. It’s better to be prepared, just in case something untoward might happen.

Never Return Your Rental Car Dirty

A dirty car is almost inevitable for families traveling with children. But – this is no excuse for you to leave the car dirty when you return it. Even if you’re a paying customer, it’s a common practice of respect and courtesy always to return borrowed cars in the state that you received it. Take time to clean the car before you surrender it upon your departure from Mauritius. If there are any stains or dirt that may be hard to clean, please be honest to the car owner about it.

Never Experiment

Now isn’t the time for you to try and practice driving a manual transmission rental car when all you’ve been used to driving is an automatic car. You don’t want to get yourself into any trouble.

Never Forget Your Map!

Bringing a map is as self-explainable as it can get. You’re not a local. You’ll get lost. You need that map when you want to drive by car in Mauritius.

If you plan to stay for more than a week, then car rentals are the best transportation option for you. Do remember all these tips (or write them down, if you must!!) to help make sure that your holiday in Mauritius will be as calm and stress-free as the peaceful and serene white beaches. Most importantly: DON’T FORGET YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE. Be sure to know what to expect. Mauritius is a foreign country to you, and there are many differences that you have to be aware of – and to adjust.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Dive into South Florida Deep Sea Fishing Without Leaving a Mark

Deep sea fishing is sustainable, since single line fishing and eating your catch are both good environmental practices. But we wanted to go further, so we tried to minimize our impact on the ocean… CONTINUE READING >> 

One of the things we are sensitive to as we travel the world is the impact we’re leaving behind for our children and their children. We want to leave behind a healthy ocean for future generations. Deep sea fishing is sustainable, since single line fishing and eating your catch are both good environmental practices. But we wanted to go further, so we tried to minimize our impact on the ocean and the world during our trip to South Florida.

If you’ve been to South Florida, you’ll know that it has some of the most stunning beaches and ocean in the world. Use this packing guide to minimize your impact when you visit Miami and the surrounding area.

Choose UV protective clothing made from natural fibers

If you are out on the ocean all day, you need clothing that will protect you from strong UV rays. The challenge for environmentally conscious travelers is that many fabrics that protect you from UV are synthetic. In fact, sixty percent of all clothing is made from synthetic fabrics, but many of these materials release tiny plastic bits, called microfibers, that are contaminating the ocean.

Do your part and stay protected by choosing tightly woven cotton or other natural materials. UPF gauges a fabric’s effectiveness against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Companies like Solumbra make hats in 100% cotton that have a UPF rating of 100, which allows less than 2% of UV rays through.

Suggested by: fishfindly.com

Wear water shoes with gripping soles to prevent a nasty spill on a slick boat deck, and keep your sunglasses from contributing to the trash at the bottom of the ocean by wearing a leash.

Don’t leave behind a toxic chemical slick

A hat with a large brim will help protect you from the sun, but you’ll need sunscreen even if there’s cloud cover. When you’re deep sea fishing near the Great Florida Reef, choose one that is reef-safe. Biodegradable mineral-based sunscreens don’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals that are toxic to coral reefs and other marine life.

Pack along a small first aid kit with anti-nausea medication and bug repellent. Even the most seaworthy anglers can suffer from seasickness when the weather turns rough.

Bring reusable containers to hold your personal belongings

You’ll need cash to tip your guide and your phone to take pictures of your big haul. Instead of packing your phone, wallet, and keys in a Ziploc plastic bag, invest in a reusable waterproof bag. Small dry sacks are more environmentally responsible than single-use plastics.

Visitors don’t need a saltwater fishing license as long as they fish from a for-hire guide or charter vessel that has a valid vessel license, or if the operator of the vessel has a valid recreational saltwater vessel license in the name of the operator.

While the majority of deep sea fishing charters in Miami don’t require a passport, it’s a good idea to pack your passport book or card. Many charters, especially multi-day charters, can reach international waters.

Leave behind a healthier ocean for future generations

Make a few simple choices and reduce the impact you make on the Earth. Leave behind a healthy ocean for your kids when you take a deep sea fishing trip. South Florida has stunning beaches and the only barrier reef in the contiguous United States. Update your packing list by choosing environmentally conscious items from this guide when you visit Miami and the surrounding area.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Ho – Ho – Ho! How About the GypsyNester Gift Guide!

With Thanksgiving behind us, we enter the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Of course that means surprising friends and loved ones with something special, so we thought we’d share a few of the handy and helpful travel items that we discovered this year…. CONTINUE READING >> 

With Thanksgiving behind us, we enter the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Of course that means surprising friends and loved ones with something special, so we thought we’d share a few of the handy and helpful travel items that we discovered this year.

After a week of biking across France with Backroads Travel, we totally fell in love with these shades from Cocoons Eyewear.

They fit right over our regular glasses and kept the wind out of our eyes no matter how fast we glided across Normandy

…and no watery eyes meant that we never missed an important sign like this one.

Not only are these pants and tops from prAna nearly wrinkle-proof for easy packing, they are all made from sustainable materials such as hemp, organic cotton, and recycled wool.

This means way less energy, pesticides, and fertilizers go into creating every outfit.

We found that they are also more than comfortable enough for hiking or riding bikes all day, then good looking enough to hit the town after dark.

Safty is always an issue while globe trotting, and the TARRISS GoDark Privacy Bag provides an added measure of it.

Inside the stylish cover  an industrial strength Faraday cage is hidden and it stops hacking cold by blocking ALL incoming and outgoing signals to our smartphones and tablets.

We realize that life isn’t all about travel, so we have these fun and festive…

Ornaments for Empty Nester’s First Christmas!

This time of year we want to trim the tree, give goofy gifts, and fill the house with music.

We think that we might have just the things – especially for us empty nesters.

These colorful ornaments can lift the spirits of any newly empty-nested parent.

Also a nice gift wrapping element! Available in many styles and colors – and customizable.

Or we have an exclusive line of other GypsyNester Gifts!

Gifts For Boomers: Tee Shirts Gifts For Boomers: Coffee Mugs Gifts For Boomers: Kitchen and Garden Aprons
Shirts & Tees Mugs Kitchen & Garden Aprons

Or for the more experienced empty nester on your list, these cheeky shirts, mugs, and aprons should certainly put a bounce in even a grumpy Bumble.

See our full line of GypsyNester gifts! All items available in many styles and colors – and customizable.

Just in case there is a music lover residing on your Nice list, we have all of the tunes heard on our online videos available right here and here.

For those who might not know, that is David writing, performing, and singing on all of them.

Gifts for Boomers - Going Gypsy: One Couple's Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest at AllAnd don’t forget the perfect present for any parent that has faced, or is about to face, that Now What? moment that hits us all when the last chick leaves the nest — a copy of our bestselling book, GOING GYPSY: One Couple’s Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest at All.

We wish you a happy, humorous, and healthy, holiday season – filled with the joy that an advent of avoiding the crowds and ignoring how many shopping days are left until Christmas can bring.

And remember… when reaching to place a star upon the highest bough, that Bumbles bounce!

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

YOUR TURN: Which gifts would you like to see under your tree? Did we spark some gift-giving ideas? Anything we should add?

Top Reasons Why You Should Travel to Golf Villas Algarve

We all want that perfect getaway. The Algarve, which is the southernmost region of Portugal, is a name that has been coming up more frequently in recent years… CONTINUE READING >> 

We all want that perfect getaway. Many places come into mind when planning for a trip, especially places with white-sand beaches, good food, and interesting art and culture. The Algarve, which is the southernmost region of Portugal, is a name that has been coming up more frequently in recent years. But why is the Algarve becoming popular, and why should you travel there?

1. Best golf villas

 There’s a reason why Portugal has been awarded as the “World’s Best Golf Destination” for the fifth consecutive time this year. Portugal has more than 80 golf courses, most of which are in the Algarve. One of the criteria for such award was the number of rounds played in the country, and the competition-level golf courses and amenities have significantly contributed to Portugal’s success as the most popular golfing destination. Haven on Earth’s Algarve properties are great examples of villas that are perfect for your getaway, with complete amenities and stunning views.

2. Pristine beaches

 Many of the Algarve’s beaches have received the Blue Flag award, which is a certification given by the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE). The coasts of the Algarve are dubbed as Europe’s best-kept secrets, with tourists either beach hopping, relaxing by the shore, or enjoying water sports activities. In addition, many beaches have scenic views of rock cliffs and caves that make the beach more picturesque. Praia da Amoreira is known for surfers due to plentiful waves, and Praia da Marinha for the best Algarve sand. Other beautiful beaches are Falesia and São Rafael, Praia do Vale de Centeanes, and Vale de Covo Beach.

3. Gastronomic experience

 The Algarve is also known for delicious food, wine, and Algarvian coffee. There are even food tours that you can join where you can taste Algarvian cuisine. Some food you can try are:

Caldo verde – which means “green soup” and is cooked with olive oil, cabbage, and other local products
Sopa da Pedra – which means “stone soup,” literally, and originated from an old folk story
Enchidos – different kinds of filled smoked sausages
Francesinhas – a kind of sandwich filled with enchidos and various kinds of meat, topped with cheese
Pastéis de bacalhau – salt cod fritters made of shredded codfish, onion, eggs, and parsley
Bacalhau à brás – shredded codfish, thinly chopped fried potatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs
Ameijoas na cataplana – which means “clams in the cataplana”; a cataplana is a kind of cooking pan that is used in traditional Algarvian cuisine
Pastéis de nata – Portuguese egg tart dessert dusted with cinnamon
Arroz doce – which means “sweet rice” and is made of rice, milk, and sugar and is chilled and served with cinnamon

4. Many sunny days

 The Algarve is also known for having many sunny days. With most days of the year being sunny, it’s no wonder that Algarve is a prime wedding destination. July to August are peak seasons; hotels are often fully booked, and beaches are flocked by tourists. The best time to go to the beach would be from May until the end of September, so that’s a lot of time to get some tan, have fun surfing or other water sports, and engage in activities like dolphin watching, cave tours, snorkel trips, and boat cruises.

5. Activities for every kind of traveler

 Besides being one of the cheapest places to travel in 2018, the Algarve is becoming a favorite because of its versatility to tourists. Whether you’re a solo traveler or you’re with your family and with children, the Algarve has the perfect places to suit your needs. Here are some examples:

Place to surf – Sagres
Best for golfing – Albufeira, Quarteira, and Vilamoura
Historical and cultural preferences  – Tavira, Faro, Lagos, and Vila Real de Santo António
Places to party – Praia da Rocha, Albufeira, and Lagos
More exclusive and stylish towns – Vale do Lobo Region, and Vilamoura
Best areas with large resorts – Albufeira, Vilamoura, and Lagos
Best areas with smaller resorts – Alvor, Carvoeiro, and Praia da Luz
Suitable for teenagers – Praia da Rocha, and Albufeira to Olhos de Agua
Suitable for older tourists and relaxing travel – Alvor, Tavira, Praia da Luz, Carvoeiro, and Olhos de Agua
Suitable for those with young children – Mostly all of central Algarve (just not the Strip in the Albufeira)

There is always something to do in the Algarve, Portugal. You can stay in the best golf villas and tick off items in your Algarve bucket list like watching the sunset in Cape St. Vincent, take Instagram-worthy photos of the Ponta da Piedade rock formations, or purchase colorful pottery in Porches. The Algarve definitely has a lot to offer. Be spontaneous and explore!

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

How to Save Money And Travel More

Everyone wants to travel. With some smart saving and strategic planning, you can easily save money and travel more every year. Here are a few tips to get you started… CONTINUE READING >> 

Everyone wants to travel. We get questions all the time on how we were able to create our livelihood as travel bloggers, but the reality is, traveling isn’t as hard as people make it out to be. With some smart saving and strategic planning, you can easily save money and travel more every year. Here are a few tips to get you started, and help you pursue a travel-friendly lifestyle.

Pick up an extra job or “side hustle”

An easy way to pick up some extra cash, and on your own schedule is by becoming a delivery person for any one of the delivery-based apps that are out there today, such as Postmates or Grubhub. If you need a flexible schedule or if you already have a day job, this is a great option, since you can sign up to go on shift whenever it works best for your existing needs. Plus, it’s a very simple job – all you need to be able to do is drive and interact with customers.

Another great side hustle is driving for the apps Uber or Lyft, if they are available in your area. All you have to do is sign up through the app. From there, you can set up your profile and start driving on your own time. It’s pretty much as easy as that!

Another great additional income source especially around the holidays is becoming a freelance writer. If you enjoy writing, then this will be an enjoyable and easy side-hustle for you. You can sign up to offer your services on websites like Fiverr, Freelancer, or Upwork, or reach out to connections to find some leads. Plus, with web-based work, you can do it from anywhere – even when you’re traveling.

Sell unnecessary items

If you’re interested in traveling more, or even pursuing a nomadic lifestyle where you’re always on the mood, then you’re going to want to downsize your belongings. Chances are, you have a quite a few items around the house that you’re no longer using. Make some extra cash by selling these items, and streamline your household essentials. Both will help you travel lighter and more often!

Use deal sites to save money

Another great way to help you save money that you can then put towards traveling is using deal and discount sites for your standard purchases. Take advantage of Groupon deals and other discounts to save money on the expenses you already have planned, and strategize on where you can cut down on other expenses, like dining out, shopping, and more.

Plan trips in off seasons

A great way to maximize your travel budget is to shift your travel schedule to “off seasons,” where flights, hotels and others have excess space that needs to be filled. You can easily save hundreds of dollars by traveling outside of peak seasons – and you’ll still be able to create a trip that’s just as memorable and special.

With these tips you’ll be well on your way to saving money and traveling more often. What other tips do you have for facilitating a pro-travel lifestyle?

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