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3 Things to Know Before Visiting Long Island

From New England or New York, by train, plane, or automobile, Long Island is the strong island when it comes to access and options…

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Anyone traveling to Long Island by car needs to know the three letters that will demand your attention during your visit: L-I-E. They stand for the Long Island Expressway, otherwise known as Interstate 495 and the artery that carries the lifeblood of this region.

You should treat the Long Island Expressway with respect. It can whisk you off to your destination or stop you cold with bumper-to-bumper traffic. But before you begin your journey, here are three things to know as you head to the island.

Take a Car Trip Via Interstate 495

Under the proper circumstances, Interstate 495 can take you from one end of Long Island to the other. It offers entry points to just about everywhere in between. Avoid it during the morning and evening rush hours. In addition, steer clear of it entirely on any Friday or Sunday evening during the summer.

Seven bridges and two tunnels will get you out of New York City and heading in the proper direction for Nassau and Suffolk counties. From either way, you can reach the eastern tip of Long Island, home of the Hamptons, Shelter Island, and the North and South Forks.

As an alternate method, ferries may increase your travel time, but they are likely to reduce your stress and anxiety. Long Island is served by a pair of year-round ferries that span the Long Island Sound, connecting Port Jefferson to Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Orient Point to New London, Connecticut.

Choose the Scenic Route With Long Island Rail Road


Image via Flickr by Emmanuel Nicolas Transit Photography

More than just a means to an end for commuters, the Long Island Rail Road can also provide a relaxing and scenic opportunity to enjoy Long Island from a unique vantage point as you stay off the Long Island Expressway.

If you are visiting Long Island from a galaxy far, far away, JFK and LaGuardia airports are both located in Queens. Not to be overlooked is Long Island MacArthur Airport, a public aviation facility in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County. Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Frontier Airlines fly out of MacArthur Airport, which is located 50 miles east of Manhattan.

Explore the Scenery, Enjoy the Entertainment

Once you arrive at your destination, you can unwind and relax by enjoying a range of offerings, beginning with your accommodations. Many visitors will want to take advantage of staying in hotels close to beaches, cultural attractions, and entertainment.

Jones Beach in Wantagh offers the sand, the surf, and live music by national headliners, while the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett hosts bands just a short drive from the Hamptons.

The Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island offers walking paths through more than 2,000 acres of lush plant and animal habitats. Belmont Park in Elmont, which hosts the final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, has been a destination for the sports world for more than a century.

Yet more ferries, from Patchogue and Sayville, will take you from Long Island proper to Fire Island National Seashore for a day of exploration and opportunity for stunning photography. Once on the “island with no roads,” you can enjoy 26 miles of high dunes, maritime forests, and desolate beaches.

From New England or New York, by train, plane, or automobile, Long Island is the strong island when it comes to access and options.

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

A Slice of New York City: An Iconic Pizza Tour

Could there be a single food that is quintessentially New York City? 

If there is one food that screams New York from the top of the Empire State Building, it has got to be pizza.

How did this happen? We didn’t know, but we do now!…

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Who doesn’t love pizza? If there is anybody out there, we haven’t met them yet. With that in mind we present this story from our tour a few years ago.

Veronica loves Lombardi's pizza in New York City! GypsyNester.com

Could there be a single food that is quintessentially New York City?

Maybe a hot dog from the cart on the corner, or a sandwich piled high with pastrami from the deli defines The Big Apple.

No, if there is one food that screams New York from the top of the Empire State Building, it has got to be pizza. The tasty pies are so popular that even the boxes have become iconic and spawned the genre of Pizza Box Advertising.

How did this happen? We didn’t know, but we do now. The Crosstown Pizza Walking Tour took us right to the source. We got to spend an afternoon with an expert exploring the area where it all began, Little Italy and Greenwich Village.

Gatsby's in New York City, the home of the original Lombardi's Pizza

We met Cedric (and yes, he was entertaining), our tour guide/pizza aficionado extraordinaire, at the site of the first pizzeria ever opened outside of Italy, Lombardi’s.

The Spring Street location was a bakery, then the original Lombardi’s, and is now home to Gatsby’s, a neighborhood bar. While there are no longer hot, delicious pies flying out the door, the historic spot still occupies a big slice of pizza history.

We were issued pizza survival kits!
We were issued “pizza survival kits!”

Before we bit into the crust of the matter, Cedric gave us the lowdown on how pizza migrated from Naples to New York.

Back in 1904, a teenaged Gennaro Lombardi came across the Atlantic and found work as a baker.

The history of pizza in New York City can be traced to Genaro Lombardi
The history of pizza in New York City can be traced to
Genaro Lombardi,
click to enlarge

Since he was from Naples, he knew how to make his hometown favorite, pizza.

Soon he was baking a few in the big coal fired oven at the old bakery. The new taste sensation was a big hit, and became the bread and butter of the business.

But in 1970 the huge brick oven collapsed from the vibrations of the subway running underneath it and, without his signature pies, Lombardi’s soon went out of business.

Lombardi's Pizza in New York City

That triggered a search for a similar oven. After several years a giant, 1890s vintage, brick coal-fired oven just like the old bakery had was discovered only two blocks up Spring Street.

A new Lombardi’s was opened, with Gennaro’s grandson Gerry at the helm, and pizza lovers started flocking in just like the good old days.

The coal fired pizza oven at Lombardi's Pizza in New York City

To demonstrate the difference between a regular oven and these classic stone behemoths, Cedric whipped out his handy dandy laser thermometer. The big coal oven was burning at over 900 degrees–regular gas or electric runs about half that.

Lombardi's Pizza in New York City

The pies cook in a matter of minutes and have a chewy, fiery flavor that is unlike any pizza most Americans have ever experienced. While we ate, we discussed the reasons why.

High-protein wheat gives the crust a more chewy body, uncooked crushed tomatoes give the sauce a tangy zip, and soft, fresh mozzarella adds a mild sweetness.

Somehow these qualities have been long lost in most fast-food versions.

The wood-fired pizza oven at Forcella in New York City

After tasting the New World original, the pie-o-neer, we figuratively stepped back in time to give the old Neapolitan style pizza that started it all a try.

At Forcella, the pizzas are cooked in a smaller wood-fired oven, just like back in the old country.

Checking the temperature of the wood-fired pizza oven at Forcella in New York City

Cedric’s magic laser hit 1000 degrees inside their oven, which cooked the pizza in just two minutes, and made for a slightly crispier, smoky flavored crust.

The wood-fired pizza oven at Forcella in New York City

We have enjoyed many a pizza Margherita in Italy, and this was the closest we’ve experienced in the States.

Pizza at Forcella in New York City

As wonderful as those two notable offerings were, they did not embody the classic New York slice, a big greasy wedge of cheesy, saucy goodness that has to be folded to be eaten properly.

For that experience, we headed toward Joe’s in Greenwich Village.

The Village is packed with great pizza places, but its real claim to fame are the nightclubs that helped launch the careers of some of the world’s top musicians and comedians.

David grabs a slice at Joe's Pizza in New York City! GypsyNester.com

Since Joe’s has been around for almost forty years, some of those stars must have snagged a slice from time to time.

How could they resist?

This is the grab and go pizza that New York has become famous for, no fancy brick ovens, definitely no knives and forks–just a soft, chewy crust, some sauce, and lots and lots of cheese served on a paper plate.

Famous Joe's Pizza in New York City

It’s a style of pizza that caught on in the sixties and seventies, after the advent of a low-moisture type of mozzarella.

The old soft, high-moisture cheese had a short shelf life and was next to impossible to shred, but as the harder, drier variety became common, pizza ingredients were much easier to ship and store.

Hundreds of little walk-up, by-the-slice pizza joints sprung up throughout the city. These are the pies that became synonymous with The Big Apple, and Joe’s is widely considered to make one of the best.

Pizza from Famous Joe's Pizza in New York City

Cedric’s final performance as our guide was to pass around the giant slices that topped off our tour, and our bellies.

It was enough to quell our craving for John’s of Bleeker Street — just down the block — and home of our favorite pizza in New York.

Pizza at the park by Joe's Pizza in NYC

We asked Cedric what he thought about John’s and it is high on his list too. It is also often included in the tour as the stops rotate among a group of Manhattan’s best pizzerias.

We felt good that our top choice got the expert’s seal of approval, but mostly we felt full after taking some big bites out of the Big Apple’s favorite food.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Big thanks to Viator for providing this delicious adventure! As always, all opinions are our own. To see more about this tour, click here.

See all of our adventures in New York City!

YOUR TURN: Could there BE a better day than walking off pizza around New York City? Where would YOU start?

Things to Avoid When You Rent a Car on Your Vacation

Take your time and learn all the ins and outs of things you should avoid before you rent your car for a vacation and open up opportunities… CONTINUE READING >> 

For those who have been under a rock, you will learn on the things you should avoid when planning to rent a car for vacation. Some of busiest travel periods through the year is during holidays and vacations. Most people usually travel to their homes during the vacation using automobile and others through rental cars.

The horror stories arise when they get sky-high prices due to bills for the damages they didn’t even cause. When you need a vehicle, we recommend hiring a car with SCVH. You might be scared off to rent yourself a car, but don’t worry anymore because you can now navigate the world with rental cars and you won’t destroy your wallet. Here, you will find the primer of what you need to avoid before renting a car on your vacation time.

Renting After You Touch Down:

When planning to fly into a destination of your interest and plan to use a rental car,  you should avoid renting after you land. When you go to rent a car for vacation at airport terminals, you will stand in long lines and also pay high prices. In case you rent the vehicle in advance, it will allow you to choose the car you want from the wide selection of cars. Besides, you will save yourself from a headache and money because you will know the exact car waiting for you after the plane touches down.

You can also save by bringing your own accessories such as GPS or a child car seat. If you are unsure of the best seat for your needs you can choose here.

Don’t Hire Without Enough Research:

Avoid taking a rental car without the satisfaction of the following results:

Make sure you have known the cost of different companies with their different cars. When comparing, the small cars always tend to cost cheap and have fuel efficiency saving cost. Avoid large cars to save the additional money.

When choosing a rental agency, check and consider the one that offers discounts especially to AAA members or other programs. You should also be kept on the options against recalls from the government and avoid the cars whose models have recalled.

It is also essential to read and understand cars tips and guides also your rights and responsibilities so that you can solve any problematic issues that may arise.

Solve all taxes, surcharges or other fees. Before taking a rental car, ensure you factor your early or late return fees, fuel charges, roadside assistance fees, mileage fees, airport surcharges, costs for driving out of your state, additional drivers fees and drop-off fees that you are needed to pay. The problem is that some of the renting agencies will not reflect these costs when advertising their price. To be on the safer side, first read the fine print before you can sign any contract.

Call the Rental Agency:

Even if you have booked a car you want to rent, ensure that it is secured for you. You can be sure after you call the agency. It is something critical and especially during the business travel or vacations where delay might cause you to miss important family dinner.

Know Your Age Limits:

Sometimes you should consider the age limit that different car rental policies vary between the same company, different branches and between states or countries. Most agencies allow even under 25 years to also rent, but you may incur an unnecessary hefty fee for your privilege. So that to avoid all these problems, call your exact agency at the location and determine your eligibility for renting a car.

Valid Personal Documents:

It is vital to rent the car if you have valid documents. When you want to pick a vehicle from an agency, you must present your valid state’s driving license or an active credit card matching the driver’s license and also proof of car’s insurance. Be sure that you have confirmed from your specific rental agency and find out if they will need any more additional documents. Besides, you should also remember that most of the agencies check your driving records. If you have a history of accidents, reckless driving, driving using invalid license, seat belt law violations and DUI, they may disqualify you and don’t rent you a car.

Insurance Cover:

It is an age-old question: Have you purchased rental insurance cover, or not? Most of these sources will agree when you have insurance. Before you rent a car, confirm from your agent and only borrow from the favoring rental agency. When you own a car, and your insurance covers you entirely, then it is necessary to be covered under the existing policy. But owning a car and have limited coverage, ensure you invest in the extra coverage to help you during the rental. Besides, when you don’t own any car, then you might be forced to buy insurance for your rental vehicle.

Inspect the Car before Using:

It is crucial if you inspect the car thoroughly before you leave the rental agency for any dents, stain, scratches or other damages. You should document anything that is not ordinary where you will take pictures using your Smartphone or camera. Then you should first notify the agency and let them make the notes of the damages in their paperwork. It is necessary because you will avoid sticking with a damage fee you didn’t cause.

Confirm The Gas:

Most of the rental cars come with a full tank, and they will expect you to fill it again as you return. It is therefore essential to ensure that before you take a rental car for your vacation, you have confirmed the gas level. You may also check on the agreement and establish how it applies.

Inspect the Rental Car during Drop Off:

When the vacation is over, you will need to drop off the rental car. Ensure you inspect all its crannies and nooks and make sure you have not left anything belonging to you. Also, note new damages that you have caused and take their pictures and they will help you fight any erroneous charges.

It seems a little daunting, but take your time and learn all the ins and outs of things you should avoid before you rent your car for vacation and open up learning opportunities.

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

Enjoy Road Biking Near Rexburg Idaho

It’s not by chance that over the years, the world’s cycling champions have trained in Idaho. With the perfect weather for the most part of the year, beautiful surrounding and vast clear routes who wouldn’t want to ride? CONTINUE READING >> 

It’s not by chance that over the years, the world’s cycling champions have trained in Idaho. In fact, Boise the capital of Idaho is one of the best cities for cycling in the US. Needless to say, Rexburg surroundings is even better for biking.

With the perfect weather for the most part of the year, beautiful surrounding and vast clear routes who wouldn’t want to ride? Besides the area has communities that engage in riding activity for pleasure.

Joining the communities biking groups will help you explore Rexburg area more.

Jackson Hole

For most cyclists, this is heaven. You have access to about 56 miles of paved pathways linking Jackson hole to Teton Village and Wilson town. There is also about 115 miles for mountain bikers. This area allows you the space to ride peacefully on an undercrowded route.

The area has the Jackson community pathway which you could peacefully cruise around. From here, go via the Jackson hole valley and notice that the trail is between the Rocky Mountains giving you a scenic view.

The north side pathway of Jackson hole allows you access to Grand Teton National Park. Here you find many pathways for both riders and pedestrians. The separated paths link the Jenny lake which is about 30 miles South of the Jackson town.

Although the pathways are many they link to the roads in the town and further down to Teton Village. Forget not that the park GTNP offers sufficient recreational activities and camping if there’s need.

On the eastern side of the trail, you will see the national elk which is home to wildlife. For more fun activity you may go around the block for some 100-mile ride taking you over the Teton pass and through the snake river canyon.

The Idaho greenbelt falls

The best route to think of is Idaho greenbelt falls. It’s about 5 miles covering both sides of the snake river. The north end trail runs adjacent to the university place and freeman park. The Freeman park is for your rest at the picnic shelters and restroom while enjoying the sight.

Whenever you feel like you need to continue then take the route South where you will pass the Civitan Park and Idaho Falls. For more adventure, use the bridge at sportsman park to reach the community snake river landing.

At Sportsman Park, you can sit on the available picnic tables to enjoy the panoramic view of the river. Meanwhile, notice the eye-catching Japanese style garden. Alternatively, you could take the East side of the path which leads you to South tourist park for camping.

Don’t forget the 600-foot-wide waterfalls that span the river. As you ride, watch out for motorists who don’t care about the cyclists because the area isn’t bike-friendly. The trees and lush of green grass make the surrounding beautiful enough for you to clear your mind.

The warm river rail-trail

This is located near St Anthony Idaho and about 36.4 miles from Rexburg. The trail is about 30.9 miles with less to moderate traffic. Note that, its best visited between March and October.

As you ride, just a few feet after the starting point you will notice the warm spring side excursion which is also the source of the river and the place where the water gushes off the island plateau. You also expect to see Mesa falls and Targhee national forest.

The ride is meant for a moderate rider because it’s technical. Consider camping at the island park plateau for fun. There are areas that are very hard to ride on so watch out for the selected bike pathways.

Victor to Driggs trail

This offers a stunning view of the Teton mountain ranges. The trail stretches for around 104 miles all the way to Yellowstone of Montana. Victor Driggs rests in an Eastern Idaho valley. It has designed North and South route that is parallel to Wyoming.

This is the area where you will find a movie theatre that began operating in the 1953-spud drive in. despite the Teton valley’s low-key nature, the Victor to Driggs pathway makes it a little vibrant. The pathway is narrower than the rest and the wind may make riding a challenge at times.

Aside from the weather which is never guaranteed, the ride will offer you the scenic view. You could also camp at victor. Go further north of Driggs for more fun on the Ashton-Tetons trail. This trail goes for about 30 miles offering a scenic view of the countryside.

Thousand spring trails

Thousand spring trails is about 12 miles Southeast of Rexburg. The biking trail is about 9.6miles which is suitable for all kinds of riders but especially the intermediate riders. To spot the attraction sites, maintain a high level of observance as you ride.

This is because the sites are at a close distance to each other.

This park is home to various things apart from the river which include: Malad gorge, Billingsley creek, Ritter island, Crystal spring as well as Niagara springs, Earl m hardy nature preserve and Kelton creek. The trail is nicely wide making it easy to ride alongside your friend.

If you wish to approach the Red Butte you could use this trail. It’s best used during the months of July to August. Whenever you are planning these trips consider the fact that you could camp in one of the surrounding areas.

The sugar city to Rexburg path

The sugar city is the other path that you can enjoy riding on your way to Rexburg. If you have a good road bike you should manage the ride in a limited time. The sugar city region is home to all needed amenities and you can comfortably camp there.

It shouldn’t take you long before reaching since its only 4.7 miles.

Conclusion

It’s inevitable to enjoy your bike ride in the Rexburg surrounding. The routes/paths mentioned above are just a few of the notable best. Always conduct a research to know exactly where you are going or hire a guide.

With the right resources, riding is a mixture of exploring and fun activities as well as making new friends.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Sophie Elise is a passionate cyclist, author, and blogger. She is very passionate about writing on different types of women’s bikes, accessories, health, fitness and more. She regularly writes on sportsly.net

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

5 Top Romantic Vacation ideas for Couples

Tired of your daily work chores and monotonous routine? Then, what are you waiting for? Pack up your things to spend some good time with your spouse to revive the good old moments and to ease the stress… CONTINUE READING >> 

Tired of your daily work chores and monotonous routine? Then, what are you waiting for? Pack up your things to spend some good time with your spouse to revive the good old moments and to ease the stress. And if you are confused about choosing the right way to enjoy a perfect one, here we go with a list of 5 top romantic vacation ideas for couples. Pick your choice and book your tickets now! Now, let’s check out the places we have listed for you to enjoy a romantic vacation.

New York City

Well, one cannot just go on a random trip to New York City. You need the right plan and focus before you head here. Start off with the Empire State Building. A New York trip will be incomplete without a visit to Central Park. Here you can enjoy that most romantic horse and carriage ride that any woman will cherish for the many years to come. Even an ice skating at the Wollman Rink will add a great experience. One World Observatory shouldn’t be missed where you can get a view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and the water. The New York Botanical Garden is a treat to your eyes with more than a million plants in 250 acres of land! WOW!!!

Now, if you are a couple who have an interest in dancing, you can probably check out the New York Hip-Hop tour. This provides a unique insight into the musical and cultural insights of the New York City and an authentic experience of hip-hop culture and to the birth of this music genre. A pizza tour at Manhattan will make you drool over the most varieties of pizzas to enjoy some lip-smacking tastes, a street art tour will explore you to some amazing artists in the city.

The city is quite expensive, but you can save quite a bit if you book your stay online. Using coupons and deals they will reach you at amazingly low rates. You can try out reservations.com, a perfect site that meets all your travel needs.

Seychelles

How about enjoying a romantic vacation at a private island? Indulge yourself into the archipelago in the Indian Ocean and stay on a rented yacht to sip every bit of a joyful vacation. Enjoy the perfect romantic vacation at the world’s beautiful and surreal beach Anse Source D’argent  D’argent where you can enjoy snorkelling, diving and even enjoy the white sand beach and lay back to enjoy the sunbath. If you are specifically looking for a dream vacation, this is the best choice.

Bahamas

Head to the most sought-after Paradise Island to enjoy a romantic vacation in the midst of private islands where you can enjoy a perfect vacation. Imagine enjoying a vacation on a private island almost alone? The way it sounds cool, you will enjoy it better. Only limited guests are allowed at these private islands and this means the couple gets enough time to spend quality time for each other and can kill out the stress. The sandy beaches, the sun, and the serene ambiance around will add more colour to your moments. You are sure to enjoy every bit of your stay in these private islands carrying lots of memories.

Maui

Maui, Hawaii is one of the top-rated romantic destinations in the world. This is the best choice for those newly wedded couples or those couples who have plans to revive their good old honeymoon moments once again. The Honua Kai Resort was recently voted one of the top ten resorts in Hawaii. Whatever it be, the place adds more romance and colour to your vacation. Enjoy a relaxing vacation with a helicopter tour to enjoy the diverse landscape, a food tour to enjoy the local flavours, a ride on the bike down the volcano and much more.Check out the top 5 things you shouldn’t miss at Maui:

• Blue Hawaii Helicopter ride
• Awapuhi Adventures
• The Sacred Garden
• Aqua Sports Maui
• Hawaii Tasting Tours

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is known for the honeymoon destination for couples. It is romantic, inspiring and magical with its amazing beaches. The beautiful villages here namely Uluwatu, Ubud, Batur, Gili Islands, Tegenungan Islands, Canggu are a must visit.  So, here is a list of things you miss when you visit Bali to enjoy a perfect holiday…

• The peninsular hotspot for weddings – Uluwatu
• Mount Batur – enjoy a sunrise volcanic walk
• A romantic sunset horse ride at Canggu
• Crystal Bay at Penida Island – a remote island paradise
• Dive Deep in Menjangan

More Ideas:

For some more fantastic ideas for romantic or honeymoon getaways check out this guide.

Now, pack your bags and pick your destination to enjoy the most romantic vacation you have been longing for.

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

The Insider’s Guide to Canadian Train Getaways

Canada is the second largest country in the world. If you’re aiming to see it all from coast to coast in one trip, cross country train travel is the ultimate way to go… CONTINUE READING >> 

A classic Canadian train journey is full of history, scenery and quintessential Canuck culture.

But with the trip spanning more than 2,700 miles, planning a seamless trans-Canada train vacation is no simple task.

I spoke to Canada travel expert Katherine Foxcroft at Canadian Train Vacations (which has booked over 15,000 Canadian train vacations over the past 25 years) about how you can make the most of your Canada train vacation.

She had a lot of helpful things to say about planning the perfect Cross-Canada odyssey. Here are some of the insider tips she had to offer:

How Much of Canada Can I See in One Trip?

Canada is the second largest country in the world. If you’re aiming to see it all from coast to coast in one trip, it is possible to travel cross country by train in two weeks. You’d simply have to book a ride on the overnight sleeper train Via Rail Canadian.

However, you won’t have much time to stop and look around. (You’ll see most of the scenery through the train window.)

“For those who want to get off and explore along the way,” says Katherine, “we’d recommend around at least 20 days to see all of Canada, or a couple of weeks to explore some of Eastern Canada, and the Rockies.”

If you have a shorter vacation, it might be better to choose one region of Canada (such as the West Coast, The Rockies or the Maritimes) and really immerse yourself in it.

When you narrow it down to a specific region you’ll have more time to get off the train, walk around and really see your destination up close. (After all, there’s so much to see and do in every province… so you don’t want to rush it!)

Which Part of Canada Should I Visit?

Here’s one of the most difficult Canada conundrums – if you have to choose only one part of the True North Strong and Free to visit, which one should it be?

Katherine says there is no right answer – it depends on your interests. She has met travelers who are fascinated with the First Nations cultures of British Columbia, those who dream of hiking to glacial lakes in the Albertan Rockies, or those who want to embrace the unique cultures of Canada’s big cities such as Toronto and Montreal. So the key is to ask yourself – what aspect of Canada most intrigues you?

It might help to think about the types of experiences you want to have during your trip. If you love history, you’ll want to explore the East Coast and Quebec, where some of Canada’s earliest settlements can be found. If you crave stunning mountain scenery, a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver To Banff is an absolute must.

Do some research into the festivals, museums and attractions you want to visit, then plan a train journey that hits your top highlights. Canadian train journeys are much more flexible than you might think. You can add in stops at different cities along the route, as well as tours, excursions and other activities.

Katherine recommends talking to someone who understands the logistics of how the trains fit together, and what the distances and travel times are. This can really help when figuring out how to make connections between different trains and ensuring your logistics are smooth.  

Which Level of Service Should I Choose?

The various trains in Canada offer a range of service levels, from simple economy class seats to luxurious and spacious private cabins.

So, I asked Katherine to share the insider scoop on which level of service offers the best value on each train.

Train: Which Level of Service is Best?
The Rocky Mountaineer The highlight of this journey is the stunning scenery, so opt for GoldLeaf service as this will give you access to the spectacular views from the upper dome cars.
The Canadian Train Choose Sleeper Plus and get your own private cabin on this cross- country route. You’ll have the best of both worlds – the social atmosphere of the dining car and dome car, plus a quiet place of your own to sleep.
The Corridor Train Business Class offers the best value when traveling on this Ontario/Quebec route. You’ll enjoy priority service at the train stations and you’ll be treated to drinks and food.
The Ocean Train On this East Coast train, you’ll enjoy the best value service in Sleeper Plus Class. (Be sure to wake up early and watch the sun come up as the train glides through Chaleur Bay.)
What’s It Like to Sleep on a Train?

Wondering what to expect on an overnight train?

“The first night is a little strange,” Katherine explains, “listening to the sounds of the train, and feeling it go up and down hills and mountains.”

However, that strangeness quickly fades and the experience becomes cozy and familiar.

“You get to know the people in your car really well. It’s super relaxing to meander from the lounge cars, dining cars, dome cars, and your cabin.”

Life on the train is incredibly relaxing – a chance to sit back and watch the stunning scenery go by – dense forests, mirror-like lakes, craggy peaks that fill the horizon. Many passengers say they bring a book along with them thinking that they will get some reading done, only to leave the book untouched on their lap as they gaze in awe out the window.

In addition to the hypnotic scenery, sleeping on the train means your every need will be taken care of. Katherine says one of the most surprising things that travelers on train trips across Canada discover is how high-quality the service is.

The staff are incredibly attentive and will bring you snacks, make up your cabin and help you with anything you might need. Plus, on many of the trips they will host activities such as local wine tastings and live music performances, as well as entertain you with tales about Canadian history.

When you add in the fun of mingling with other passengers onboard, the Canadian train experience is unlike anything else in the world.

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

A Little Talked About Sign of Aging

Here’s the thing. My best features come from my Romanian roots. I’ve always enjoyed having dark hair and blue eyes. I am psyched that my “gray” hair is silver, some people pay big bucks for that. Dracula was Romanian, and by most accounts was a particularly handsome man-thing.

That being said, we Romanians are a very hairy people. My beloved Grandpa not only had follicles growing out of his ears, but in his later years his lobes looked like small woodland creatures. My stunningly gorgeous mother had quite the collection of… CONTINUE READING >>

Veronica Writing

Here’s the thing.

My best features come from my Romanian roots. I’ve always enjoyed having dark hair and blue eyes.

I am psyched that my “gray” hair is silver, some people pay big bucks for that.

Dracula was Romanian, and by most accounts was a particularly handsome man-thing.

That being said, we Romanians are a very hairy people. My beloved Grandpa not only had follicles growing out of his ears, but in his later years his lobes looked like small woodland creatures.

My stunningly gorgeous mother had quite the collection of creams, bleaches, waxes and other tortuous means of ripping hair out of unwanted locations. No hair loss treatments in her bathroom! She was just the opposite.

Luckily, I have a dash of the less hirsute Western European DNA in the mix, so I don’t look like Cousin Itt. Yet.

Armed and ever aware of my Romanian hairy-heritage, I remain on steadfast lookout for the inevitable mustache, the gratuitous nose whisker or stray fur bearing mole. I’ve been beating back a unibrow since puberty. I am immune to the pain of tweezers.

But as the years have passed, I’ve been forced to employ magnifying reading glasses to keep up my persistent plucking practice. Seeing is a top priority while I keep unruly outgrowths at bay.

But nothing prepared me for what I found in the mirror recently.

I HAVE AN EYEBROW ON MY EYELID! And it’s a honker. Browbeating me, as it were.

Let me clarify a bit. My newest brow tress is situated on the lid that covers my eye when I blink. This position gives the little monster the undue advantage of not being visible when look in the mirror with my eyelids open.

I’ve concluded that the ten-foot-long eyebrow hair achieved its great length by hiding under the rim of said eye-wear. But discovering the existence of the strong willed stray gave me no advantage, it had cleverly chosen an impossible-to-tweeze spot. This fact did not detour me from the task at hand though, the sucker had to be plucked.

In order to get close enough to the mirror for my assault, I donned my cheater-glasses and hoisted one knee up on the vanity for hands-free support while leaning in at a vertigo inducing angle.

With one eye closed, clutching the tweezers in my right hand, I used my left forefinger to gingerly reach behind the lens of my cheaters whilst trying not to leave a view-obstructing smudge. I could therefore elevate my upper lid high enough to see the offending hair.

Unfortunately, this feat prevented any light from coming in from above, seriously impeding my efforts. The thought of pinching even a teeny part of my eyelid with the tweezers during the yanking procedure promptly precipitated my aborting of the mission.

Three more eye-wateringly unsuccessful attempts and I had resigned to the fact that the obstinate sucker was never coming out. I was destined to go through the rest of my life with a marmot covering my eye. Maybe I should just treat it as a pet and name it.

Problem is, the only moniker I can come up with should not be repeated in mixed company.

Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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Is Cape Town the perfect destination for a honeymoon holiday?

Do you want to spend your honeymoon in the most spectacular place on earth? In this case, you should no longer search; Cape Town is the ideal destination… CONTINUE READING >> 

Do you want to spend your honeymoon in the most spectacular place on earth? In this case, you should no longer search; Cape Town is the ideal destination for a honeymoon. Cape Town is considered one of the most gorgeous locations worldwide because it has numerous harbours, towering peaks, and breath-taking views. If you want to take your beloved partner in a place where you can have a dramatic view of the mountain, when you open the windows of the hotel room, but which is also placed on the shore of the ocean, then buy your tickets for Africa.

If you have ever heard the term eclectic, then this is the perfect word for describing this spot on the African continent. There are countless tourist attractions here, but if you are not convinced, then here are some things you should know about Cape Town.

The spectacular views from the Table Mountain National Park do not have a term of comparison

If you are the type of couple who love to get lost in nature, then a trip in the Table Mountain National Park will convince you that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places in the world. This park extends from the southwest point of the part to its north point. The sights you will take here will marvel you. Considering that it will be your first trip here, you should try two of the most famous hiking routes from the park, the Platteklip Gorge and the Skeleton Gorge.

The weather is amazing

It is important to mention the weather from Cape Town if you plan to have your honeymoon trip here. It is a coastal city, and this means that from October to April the weather is warm and dry. There is nothing more you can desire for your honeymoon. If you want to enjoy the weather at its best time then you should plan your trip from January to April. The average temperature is 20 degree Celsius during this period and the wind will slowly blow.

Cape Town is the best city for gourmands

Cape Town has numerous restaurants, with varied specifics. Experts recommend couples to have a dinner at La Colombe. This restaurant is located in the Constantia Winelands and it is considered the seventh best restaurant in the world. If you are in Cape Town, it will be a pity to not delight your senses with the dishes from one of the best restaurants worldwide. The chefs make sure to change the menu according to the season. In this way, they offer their clients fresh food cooked in the most creative ways. Considering that the restaurant is located in the Constantia Winelands, you will receive recommendations on what type of wine to pair with the dish you order.

Wine tasting is an activity perfect for newly weds

While in Constantia Winelands, you should have a wine tasting. One of the most amazing estates from Cape Town is Groot Constantia, but if you do not have the possibility to get there, you can check any other estate. You can add on your list the estates from Springfield, Jordan or Spier. The wine from Cape Town is famous worldwide, so you may even want to take a bottle home, to remember of the lovely days you spend on your honeymoon.

You can have dinner in a romantic scenery

Every couple wants to have a romantic dinner during their honeymoon. The Cape Point Nature Reserve is one of the most enchanting spots from Cape Town. You will have to hike up to the cliff, if you want to have a magnificent view. All the restaurants are placed in such a way the clients to view the ocean while they are eating. You will be delighted and scared at the same, time, because the cliffs from the Cape Point are not looking very friendly. This spot is located at an hour drive from the city centre, and every couple in the honeymoon visit it, before getting back home.

Get baths of sun on the coast of the Indian Ocean

What is more amazing than relaxing on the beach on your honeymoon? The majority of couples choose a destination where they can enjoy the sun on the beach. Cape Town offers more than this. Booking one of the Kulula flights to Cape Town takes you one-step closer to the redefined Clifton Beach. It is one of the most well-known beaches in Africa, and it is a quiet place where you can relax together with your partner, after the busy day of your wedding. Here you can have your after-wedding photos, because the scenic view has no equal in the world.

If you want to experience cooler waters, then you should try Llandudno. The sand is clean, the water is cool and the surf is great. The imposing landscape does not stop to impress the visitors, even if they see it in pictures.

Get in touch with wildlife

When you say Africa, you say the opportunity of your life to see animals you will not be able to see at home. Or, at least you will not be able to see them in their natural habitat. One experience you should not miss is diving among the sharks. The shark is one of the fiercest predators from the ocean and in Cape Town you can try cage diving. You will get in a cage that is thrown into the depth of the ocean and there you can swim close to the sharks.

And even if you may not believe it, you can see penguins on the beach. There is a species of penguins, small in size that enjoy spending their days on the coastal areas of Cape Town. You should travel to the Betty’s Bar and Boulder’s Beach if you want to have an encounter with them.

Cape Town will offer you one of the most amazing experiences you will have in your entire life. Your honeymoon is a special moment, so you should not think twice before travelling to one of the most wonderful places on Earth.

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