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How to Choose the Best Internet Service Provider

Are you considering changing your Internet Service Provider and choose a plan that offers sufficient broadband bandwidth to fit your needs. Let’s discuss some of the top broadband connections to help you understand what your options are… CONTINUE READING >> 

Are you considering changing your Internet Service Provider and choose a plan that offers sufficient broadband bandwidth to fit your needs. Do you know what broadband is, how it works and what are the different types of connections available in the market? No? You should! This information can help you make an informed decision by making you compare broadband deals.

Broadband is an umbrella term used for high-speed internet connections such as Fiber Optic, DSL, Cable, and satellite. Choosing the right provider is confusing, especially with all the great options such as starlink internet now available out there. Let’s discuss some of the top broadband connections to help you understand what your options are.

You will also want to make sure you have good antivirus software such as Avira installed before changing your Internet Service Provider.

DSL

DSL works on a regular telephone line to deliver 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps. There are two types of DSL, ADSL, and SDSL. ADSL is inexpensive and provides incredibly fast speeds. SDSL delivers equally fast internet speed for household usage, which matters a lot when uploading large backup files on the cloud. DSL connection is less expensive than any other internet provider, and there are more than one DSL service options for customers as opposed to fiber, cable or satellite providers. A dedicated line provides a consistent and stable speed for subscribers. The quality of DSL service depends on the distance between the customer’s house and the central office. More distance can sometimes mean less reliability and a slower bandwidth.

Cable

Cable service is offered by cable TV providers. It operates over coaxial cable and delivers download speed of up to 3 Mbps to over 100 Mbps.  Cable is more readily available as compared to fiber optic and DSL connection. The speed and quality of the service are always high regardless of the distance between you and the provider. Cable provides much faster speeds than DSL and satellite. Often one connection is shared with other connections in the neighborhood; the more consumers using the cable internet service at once, the slower the broadband service will be for everyone.

Fiber Optic

Fiber services such as AT&T and FiOS, are the latest in broadband connectivity types. These connections operate over an optical network. The major fiber optic providers, AT&T, U-verse, Verizon, and Qwest, deliver speeds ranging from 65 Mbps to 300 Mbps. It offers the fastest speeds available compared to traditional cable or copper wire connections such as DSL. Fiber is costly for using expensive fiber cables, and not everyone can access it because of its limited availability and high prices. The speeds depend on users’ location as well. While choosing a provider the most critical feature is availability. There is no use looking for an AT&T or FiOS service if the company does not offer services in your area. To find out if the service is available in your area and more, head to homeinternetproviders.com where you will find a variety of different internet providers including satellite providers such as DIRECTV and Viasat, traditional cable companies such as Spectrum and Xfinity, and wired fibers providers such as AT&T. You will also find channel lineups, notable features, broadband speed, and package details of each provider near your area. Home Internet Providers helps customers choose a provider to fit their connectivity and entertainment needs.

Comparing different plans is essential to know which provider has the best speed, deals, and prices for your area of residence. Compare plans based on both upload and download speeds. To find out the best ISPs with the highest broadband speeds, visit Home internet providers and get details on a variety of packages which will help you compare various providers. In particular, pay attention to upload and download speeds. To find the broadband service providers with fastest download and upload speeds compare broadband services of top providers carefully.

Points to Remember

Some service providers offer a modem for free. Others require users to rent it or buy it. Some provide free setup installation while others charge customers for every single service. Most deliver internet at a discount price if subscribers bundle TV or phone but only for a few months during a promotional period. While comparing services, it is necessary to keep in mind how the prices will change after a promotional period and when will the deal expire. Many services offer extras to make it seem subscribers are getting a great value which is not the case. These services include free antivirus software, personal email address and free Wi-Fi hotspot service however you should make sure that these services will remain free forever and you won’t be charged for an extra price after a while.

Last but not least consider if it is easy to get support when one faces issues regarding connectivity? Do they provide a free installation service? You can get the answers to all of these questions at Home Internet Providers. Good luck with your choice!

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5 unexpected destinations to add to your bucket list

e don’t always stick to the guidebooks or the reviews on TripAdvisor. These are the 5 unexpected destinations to add to your bucket list… CONTINUE READING >> 

Now that the kids have flown the nest, we’re trying to fill the child-shaped hole in our lives with travel… and we’re loving every minute of it! One destination at a time, we are ticking new places off our bucket list and proving that people really can travel full-time and see the world in all of its glory. Yet, we don’t always stick to the guidebooks or the reviews on TripAdvisor. These are the 5 unexpected destinations to add to your bucket list…

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan in Asia might not be the first place you think of when you’re booking your next travel adventure, but it definitely deserves a place on your bucket list. Located along the famous and historic Silk Road, this country is an epic conglomeration of picturesque mountains and bustling bazaars. In the summer, you can check out the beautiful lakes and national parks, and in the winter you can grab your skis and take in the views as you hurtle down a mountain!

Tanzania

Located between Uganda and Kenya, Tanzania is the long-forgotten African friend that we all need more of in our lives. Boasting the famous Serengeti National Park, Tanzania is the perfect destination for those who have always wanted to see the ‘Big Five’ in front of their very eyes. Of course, Tanzania is thriving with other activities and attractions, including some stunning beaches, but going on a safari will truly make it a trip to remember and Audley Travel can make that happen.

Andorra

If you’re looking for a European break, look no further than the picturesque country of Andorra. Located slap bang in the middle of the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra is a haven for lovers of the outdoors. You can check out the hot springs, toboggan down the mountains, and even hike the days away before returning to your cabin.

Guatemala

We loved our time in Guatemala, and we’d encourage anyone to add this destination to their bucket list. Central America is bustling with beautiful lakes, rivers, and historic sites — and Guatemala is no different. From ancient Mayan ruins to bustling cities, dense rainforests and even a few volcanoes thrown in for good measure, this place has everything you could possibly want from a trip away.

Armenia

We think that it’s about time Armenia got the credit it deserves because this country is absolutely stunning. Steeped in history and filled to the brim with culture, this country offers scenic walks through mountainous areas and beautiful forests, ancient monasteries and churches, and even busy cities that give you a glimpse of their vibrant and unique culture. You probably should add Armenia to your list right away!

When booking your next travel adventure, why not venture outside of the box and check out these unexpected destinations? We promise you that you won’t regret it. Have you already been to one of these destinations? Let us know what you thought of it in the comments or if you have any others to add!

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

Choose A Reputable Travel Agent With These Tips

Traveling to unfamiliar locations can be extremely stressful. Hiring a travel agent is a great way to ensure everyone a fun and memorable trip… CONTINUE READING >> 

Traveling to unfamiliar locations can be extremely stressful. Whether you are planning to visit a state, province, territory or country for the first time, you will need to be fully prepared. There are so many things that will need to be done in advance to ensure everyone a fun and memorable trip. One of the most difficult tasks people face when traveling is budgeting. Since you do not really know how much the necessities will cost, it will be extremely difficult to set a budget. Hiring a travel agent is a great way to determine all the expenses, right down to the lodging and transportation fees.

Get Recommendations

Surely you know someone who has utilized a travel agency in the past. These individuals can provide you with details about their experiences. They can also tell you whether or not they recommend the travel agents they hired. You really cannot beat the word-of-mouth advertising method. Even today with all of the other options available, it is still hard to beat this method. Just be sure to obtain recommendations from the people you trust, like your co-workers, friends, family members and neighbors.

Online Travel Agencies

Online travel agencies offer a broad range of services to people all around the globe. Not only are these services extremely easy to access, but they are also very resourceful. However, it is never wise to just choose one of these companies to handle your vacation without conducting thorough research. If you conduct research, you will discover that some travel agencies have a history of scamming consumers out of money. To prevent becoming the next victim of these fraudulent companies, it is crucial to do thorough research on all the travel agencies you are contemplating hiring.

Face-To-Face Interviews

If you were going to hire a developer to build a business or home, you would definitely want to interview them first. This only makes sense, because face-to-face interviews allows consumers to determine if a particular service provider is suitable for their projects. Well, the same thing can be said about a travel agent. Choose several agencies in your area and then contact them to determine if they offer face-to-face interviews. Those that do not offer these services should immediately be eliminated from your list. Be sure the agency offers the same or similar services offered by Le Bus Direct.

Offers Competitive Pricing

There is no doubt that many people avoid hiring a travel agent because they do not want to pay the extra expense. Of course, this is not a cheap service, but when you consider the fact that travel agents can actually help you save money, it is possible that the service will pay for itself. With that said, it is not wise to hire a travel agent without doing a price comparison first. This will ensure you get the most out of your money.

Start by obtaining quotes from at least three travel agencies. Once you receive the quotes, you need to compare them carefully to determine with agency is offering the best deal. Do not base your decision on the lowest price, because travel agencies are known for omitting important services just to keep their prices competitive.

ASTA Member

Finding a reputable travel agent requires a lot of time, which is something that many people do not have to spare. The American Society of Travel Agents, better known as ASTA, can help keep your research time to a minimum. This organization connects consumers with reputable travel agencies. You cannot go wrong with hiring a certified ASTA travel agent, because they are required to follow a set of guidelines that protect consumers from fraud.

Experienced Agents Only

Just because you are planning to visit a new location does not mean you have not done your research. The information you collected during your research can be utilized to test potential travel agents. Many travel agencies will oftentimes send their agents to specific locations for training and learning purposes. These agents are very knowledgeable, because they have firsthand experiences. Even though a travel agent tells you that they are familiar with the location does not make it so, but how do you know if they are lying? Put them to the test, by asking them questions about local landmarks, transportation systems and shopping malls.

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

Why Adventure Travel Will Change Your Life

Unlike other tours, an adventure trip will change your life in many different ways. The roller-coaster of emotions or the adrenaline rush that you feel in an adventure trip cannot be felt elsewhere… CONTINUE READING >> 

Bored or your monotonous daily life or looking for stress buster to relieve you from all the hassle? The best thing you could do is pamper yourself by going on an adventure trip. Unlike other tours, an adventure trip will change your life in many different ways. The roller-coaster of emotions or the adrenaline rush that you feel in an adventure trip cannot be felt elsewhere. Also, unplanned adventure trips are the best for many a time, trips planned by friends or family don’t happen due to whatsoever reasons.

Here are some of the reasons why adventure trips are the best.

For A Healthier Body And Mind:

Ever wondered why our parents forced us out of our homes to play outdoors? It is because contrary to the age old belief that cleanliness will keep us healthy, getting out in the dirty will actually will help us maintain a healthier body by building a stronger immune system. Also, by playing you overcome and cope with the fear of failures. It replenishes our mind and provides us with an escape from our daily woes. You could try by going on a simple cycling trip in France to going to a fancy Boutique Yachting Ang Thong Tour.

Builds Your Confidence:

It is not every day that you get to do something exciting or totally new. Making a presentation for the first time, in front of an important client to impress your boss may not be as exciting as paragliding in Goa for the adrenaline rush you feel for the latter is more. The aspect of trying something new especially, on an adventure trip will excite you beyond limits due to its thrilling factor. It helps you overcome your fears and deal with uncertainties, which is one of the biggest challenges of life. You soul craves for better and much bigger challenge every time accomplish the previous one. Up for a challenge? Go get a bird’s eye view of the Las Vegas Strip. How? Simple, go skydiving!

Build New Relationships:

With people’s modern take on relationships and the inability to make conversations with people in real rather than virtual, we often have a lot of ups and downs in our friendships and relationships. The chances of you meeting people that you connect with better are more during such trips because you don’t try too hard to impress them and your love for adventure, will automatically bring you closer. These people will go on to become your must visit in that place later on. They give you a glimpse of a different relationship dynamics and help you to accept new and different perspectives. On the lookout for a new relationship? Go to a tribal camp to meet the Rabaris in the Northwestern parts of India.

Gives You New Stories To Tell:

Going about your daily life rarely brings interesting stories other than work, but it is a different tale altogether with adventure trips due to the discovery of new places, traditions, and cultures. The challenges and the memories that you get to live during an adventure trip can become great stories to tell. You wouldn’t realise you’re making memories to last for a lifetime when you think you’re just having fun. Let’s face it, even bad storytellers or boring people can make heads turn with words like “while kayaking in Thailand.” It makes everyday activities like having a hot cup of tea near the Himalayas, interesting.

Opportunity To Connect With Nature:

Life has become mechanical to a point where we don’t get enough time to even spend with our loved ones or appreciate and value the gift and beauty of nature, for we are always in the control of our gadgets, which leads to stress, anxiety and other mental disorders. We’re ready to spend millions in hospitals to treat those ailments, but not venture out of our homes or workplaces, for it can easily regenerate and rejuvenate your mental state. It is scientifically proven that enjoying and feeling the beauty of nature can make us happy, thereby releasing endorphins and boosting our mental health. Need a mental boost? Pack your bags and leave for Peru to experience the picturesque beauty of Machu Picchu.

Travelling provides an ocean of knowledge that’s impossible to acquire in school. Getting to know people from other cultures will give you perspective and getting a hands-on experience will improve you a clear vision of reality. If you’re stuck at some point in your life, an adventure trip will help you move forward due to your now different outlook on things. Even Lord Buddha had to come out to get his enlightenment, what are you waiting for?

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

Marketing in Gyms Guide for Personal Trainers

Having completed a substantial part of the study in fitness, you may decide it’s time to start working in your gym… CONTINUE READING >> 

Having completed a substantial part of the study in fitness, you may decide it’s time to start working in your gym. This is a troubling stage for a personal trainer, either fresh from school or opting out of their current employment. If this phase is cruised successfully, the remaining part of your career may never get to be this tough. Just like anybody else venturing into an income earning activity its pleasing to know that what you input will grow tenfold especially financially.

Advantages of Working in a Gym

1. Security: A gym houses all your training equipment and gear under locked doors. It minimizes wear and tear that may be caused in their constant movement from one point of training to the other. Tools like mats get to remain clean for more extended periods.

2. Easy Consultation: It becomes easy for a new client to get in touch with you as your gym acts as your consultation office.

3. Weather Proof: A gym ensures your clients can exercise and train despite what the weather may be dictating outside. Your metal gear is also saved from rust.

4. Relaxation Space: When it’s not the time for your clients to be in the gym you can always have space to yourself and read a book that makes you a better trainer.

5. Reduces traveling costs:As a personal trainer you should be prepared to train some of your clients in their preferred locations, however having a gym may give you the option of only working with clients who come to your gym. This cut in expenses can cushion you even to drop your training charges to a very attractive rate.

6. Eases Assessment: When always training clients on one to one basis it might be difficult for you to notice some common challenges in your program. However, when teaching in a gym, observations are easy to make, which guides you in improving your program design.

Marketing in Gyms Guide for Personal Trainers

1. Dynamic Designing: If a client feels unchained upon entering your gym they are more likely to bring a friend along. Make the color scheme of your gym vibrant yet not so glittering and glaring. Try to work the space such that it feels spacious without necessarily locking many clients outside.

2. Seek Improvement: If the handles of various gears are beginning to lose grip and fade you can decide to sell them to a backyard gym enthusiast. This will favor your funds when buying your newer equipment. Every client wants to see part of their fee being used on them and not in a trickling manner. If you can further your practicing qualifications, it will add up to your confidence and recognition.

3. Create a Website: An online portal for your clients is aesthetic as it makes them feel more and more a part of the gym. It also displays your presence to the infinite outside world which can bring you clients from distant places easily. You can also upload learning material for your clients on this platform not to mention the possible advertisement links you can host. In addition, choose the best gym software so that handling your clients and running your gym business will be easy.

4. Be Compassionate: Clients are likely to be of different emotional strengths, the use of a commanding tone could lead you to lose a good number of them. Value each of them equally because they all set your dining table.

5. Location Strategy: It is more financially rewarding to set up your gym in a secure and easily accessible place. It better not be near a disco or a noisy industrial plant. Try to locate it in an area that has a higher population to secure a steady number of clients.

6. Have Affiliates: It’s charming to once in a while to surprise your clients with a fitness expert visitor. They may never forget that session.

7. Be Consistent: Ensure timely payment of gym bills, your parking space is clean. Be present as always. A slip in the gym status could chase a few clients away.

8. Be Fun: Occasionally plan a nearby mountain climbing expedition, this can make the gym turn up to skyrocket.

Conclusion

New strategies will often crop up as time goes on. Remember to maintain your standards even when on a financially shaky season as this gives your business stamina and a reputation. For more information and details visit Origym’s website for a complete marketing in gyms guide for personal trainers

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

Easy Ways to Make Money While Studying Abroad

As a foreign student, your job opportunities are limited. Now the good news! None of this means you can’t earn money. You just have to work hard and be creative. Here are some things to try… CONTINUE READING >> 

As someone who has traveled overseas to study, you may have your living expenses and tuition covered, but what about everything else? Who wants to travel to a great country, then be stuck at home because they can’t afford to do anything?

The problem is this. As a foreign student, your job opportunities are limited. You can’t just walk into any office or store, and ask for a job. There are rules set by different governments, and you may not be allowed to work as you would back home.

Now the good news! None of this means you can’t earn money. You just have to work hard and be creative. It also helps to have a great looking resume and that’s where these templates can make a big difference.

Here are some things to try.

Earn Spare Money Through Online Side Hustles

If you would like to earn a few hundred dollars a month to cover small expenses, or to buy extras you’ve got several options. There are several websites where you can a bit of money doing the following:

• Filling out surveys.
• Watching movie trailers.
• Testing apps and websites.
• Signing up for special offers.
• Watching videos and advertisements.
• Printing coupons.
• Taking photographs.
• Transcribing information.
• Affiliate Marketing.
• Sell feet pics or other photos.

There are other small tasks you can perform as well. You can join multiple sites that aggregate these tasks for you. The pay for this work isn’t spectacular in any way. Sometimes payment comes in the form of Amazon credits or gift cards. However, many sites will pay using PayPal or direct deposit. Here are a few sites to consider:

• Amazon’s Mechanical Turk
• Swagbucks
• Earning Station
• Clickworkers
• Inbox Dollars
•Field Agent
•Gig Walk

Disclaimer: Not all of these websites accept applicants from every country.

Think of this a great option if most of your expenses are covered, and you want to fund shopping, hobbies, and fun excursions.

Teach English

There is a huge market for people who are able to teach others to speak English. Once you arrive in the city where you will be staying, start looking for opportunities. Look up discussion boards on Facebook and your school. You may find students there who need someone to help them learn English.

There are also opportunities available online. Check out, Italki, Udemy, and Palfish. The latter hires English speakers to tutor Chinese children in English, and you don’t even need to speak Chinese.

Be aware that with some of these jobs, you may need to complete a resume or CV. If you pursue this option, you should probably have yours polished and ready to go. If you need extra help, you might consider looking into helpful writing service reviews as well as online tools that you can use to produce a professional looking resume. We recommend, TrustmyPaper.com, Grammarly, and Microsoft resume templates.

Make Items to Sell

Are you a talented artist, crafter, or photographer? If so, you can earn money by selling the products that you make. Depending on your talent, you might even be able to do some work on commission. To sell your items online, check out Facebook marketplace, Etsy, Craigslist, and other venues. Just be sure to check the local regulations regarding shipping items overseas.

You might also check out local shops and bazaars. It is possible that you can lease out space, or work with a local retailer to consign some of your products.

Use Your Skills to Become a Freelancer

If you need a bigger income than you can make with a side gig, consider freelancing. To get started, think of some things that you can do that are in demand. If you have a computer and a reliable internet connection, you can earn money:

• Writing blog posts, web content, and articles
• Doing medical transcription work
• Performing data entry and administrative tasks
• Translating documents
• Voiceover work
• Web and graphic design
• App and software development
• Providing customer service

To find jobs as a writer or to use your other talents you can refer to many online sources including, Freelancer, Guru, Fiverr, and any of these top 10 websites for writing help. You might also consider creating a website and posting your resume, portfolio, and other information. You can advertise your services on local marketplaces and social media.

Get a Part-Time Job

Your work options might be limited, but that doesn’t mean there are no opportunities for you. In some cases, you may be allowed to work part-time. Some students are also given permission to work on campus. There may be restrictions, so check with student services, and be sure that you understand the policies you have to follow as they relate to your Visa. If you are able to work check out the following:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Bookstores
• Museums and libraries
• Local tourist offices
• Attractions and gift shops

If you don’t speak the local language, you can improve your chances of getting a job by at least picking up a few phrases. Also, you might consider getting help with your resume using writing services for students. It can really help. If you are staying in an area that is popular among tourists, your ability to speak English can be a real asset.

Do Odd Jobs

 No matter where you are, there are going to be people who simply don’t have enough time to get everything done. Many of them will gladly hire people to take care of these small jobs for them. This includes running errands, babysitting, assembling furniture, and cleaning.

You’ll have to do a bit of research to determine the best places to advertise your services. There may be local Facebook groups, a local newspaper, even bulletin boards at the nearby supermarket. Sometimes, word of mouth works best. It’s also a great excuse to get to know your neighbors.

Help With Research And Other Projects at School

 Your school may be a great resource in your quest to earn money. Speak to your instructors. They may be able to help you find a part-time job on campus, or get you a spot on a paid research project. If you go this route, start early. Sometimes these opportunities can go quickly.

Final Thoughts

It may not be as easy to earn money abroad as it is at home. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Use the tips and resources suggested here. It won’t take you long to begin earning some money to help with extras and expenses.

Author Bio: Daniela McVicker is a valued blogger at Rated by Students. She shares her expertise on topics including education, technology, and college life. Eventually, she would like to obtain her PHD and work as a university professor. When she’s not pursuing her education or working, she enjoys knitting and restoring antique furniture.

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

Making an Impression on Us, or Connecting with the French Art Scene

Paris is known for its art. However, in our endless effort to expand our horizons, we recently learned that venturing just outside of The City of Light can make a lasting impression. At least it did for two of the greatest impressionists ever…

CONTINUE READING >> 

A big thank you to Backroads Travel  for providing this adventure, as always, all opinions are our own.

Paris is known for its art. The Louvre and the Palace at Versailles jump to our minds as favorites for adding to our Francophile feelings, but in reality the entire city is a work of art.

However, in our endless effort to expand our horizons, we recently learned that venturing just outside of The City of Light can make a lasting impression.

At least it did for two of the greatest impressionists ever, well maybe just one, Claude Monet, since Vincent van Gogh characteristically rejected the label and is usually considered post-impressionist or expressionist.

Not being art snobs, we generally don’t care about the nomenclature anyway. We just know what we like, and we love these two, so we were entirely excited to visit their homes as a part of our Backroads Travel Bike tour of Normandy.

We began this art immersion at Giverny, the home of Claude Monet. This quaint village caught the artist’s eye while he was passing through on a train. Soon after he moved, bought a house, and set about creating the garden he immortalized in many of his paintings.

This was something new to the art world; the artist was not only capturing a scene, but had constructed the subject of his work himself. And Monet took that construction extremely seriously.

His designs were inspired by Japanese gardens, a subject he knew well as an avid collector of prints. Many of these are on display inside the house; alongside some of the artists own best known works.

The Japanese theme included willows, bamboo, and building a bridge covered with wisterias that he made famous in several paintings. All of this was used in combinations that helped to seclude the garden from the surrounding countryside.

Monet found inspiration in his water garden for over twenty years and as we walked around the perimeter of the pond it was easy to see why. We found ourselves looking from the artist’s vantage point at live versions of many of his masterpieces.

The feeling of being there at the creation of some of art’s most renowned works engulfed us.

Following Monet’s lead, many more artists began to move to Giverny in the late eighteen hundreds, including a number of American Impressionists, until the town became quite well known as an artistic colony.

At that same time, another great master decided to move to the nearby village of Auvers sur Oise. After a short ride, we discovered that the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh lived in a much different manner, or should we say manor, than Monet.

There was no elegant country home for van Gogh. He rented a tiny room at local boarding house, the Auberge Ravoux. The  inn became very popular with the artistic community with all of the rooms occupied by Dutch and American painters.

Now more a museum than roadhouse, it is known as the House of Van Gogh, Maison de Van Gogh, but still has the restaurant on the ground floor.

We climbed up a dark and narrow staircase to reach his second floor chamber and were taken back by the size, only 75 square feet. That even felt small to us, and we have lived for years in an RV.

The motorhome had many more amenities too. This room had nothing but a bed, a chair, and a table, but Vincent certainly seemed to find the surroundings creatively stimulating, producing an average of two works a day over the final seventy days of his life.

Yet his move was more for therapeutic reasons than for artistic inspiration. He had come seeking help from Dr. Paul Gachet, a patron of the arts with experience treating mental illness.

While ultimately unsuccessful with the patient, the doctor did manage to be immortalized in a portrait, which sold for a record price of $82.5 million in 1990.

That was no help at the time though, and the good doctor’s treatment failed rather miserably when van Gogh shot himself in the chest on July 27th, 1890. The artist initially survived the suicide attempt, but died two days later.

The tragedy went largely unnoticed by the world at the time, but not by Theo van Gogh, the master’s younger brother. He had financially supported the artist for many years, since even as a successful art dealer he is thought to have only sold one of Vincent’s works.

But more than a benefactor, he was a believer in the genius, and was so distraught that he passed away only six months later. He was buried beside his brother.

Ironically, it was not long until the world discovered van Gogh, and within a few years he was regarded as an all-time great.

To conclude our visit, we mounted our cycles and rode a short distance out of town toward the cemetery. As we rode we noticed certain landmarks with signs featuring paintings comparing the currant spot with the artwork.

These were places that van Gogh had captured during his final months, now immortalized by his brush strokes. Yet another touch that seemed to put us inside the world of these two extraordinary artists.

For someone so impactful, we were surprised by van Gogh’s lowly lifestyle, and that continued at the graveyard where the brothers are interned.

We left our bikes at the gate and wandered into the yard, but had there not been a few other visitors to the grave we would have had no idea where to look. There are no big monuments or memorials, just two very humble graves side by side.

And again, somehow that added to our feeling of being connected.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Lugging Luggage and Our “One Trip Rule”

No matter where we go or how we get there, one constant always remains – packing.

So we thought we’d explore the pros and cons of lugging luggage through airports and beyond.

And share with you our always-adhered-to “One Trip Rule”… CONTINUE READING >>

The GypsyNesters on their way to Asia!
On our way to Asia, note Veronica’s new purple four-wheeler that David gave her for her birthday!

No matter where we go or how we get there, one constant always remains – packing.

So we thought we’d explore the pros and cons of lugging luggage through airports and beyond.

There are a few variables depending on destination and time of year, but the basic concept of using rolling bags and backpacks applies for us whenever or wherever we travel. Even more so now that we have discovered that adidas does backpacks.

Of course, lots of other Vagabonds Extraordinaire that have great travel hack ideas too.

Roll With it Baby!

How to pack like a pro

Remember when suitcases didn’t have wheels?

It’s basically unthinkable now, but not that long ago we were actually carrying our bags.

Rolling changed our lives, no more aching arms or broken backs and, as an added bonus, the suitcase makes a nice cart for briefcases, backpacks, or overstuffed handbags.

Speaking of backpacks, finding the right one can make all the difference in the world.

Now the next generation of rolling bags are here, the four wheeler. I gave Veronica an adorable purple one of these last year and she loves it.  Scored on that one, but sometimes I need help with gift ideas.

The ability to stop and have it stand without tipping over, roll while upright, and walk with the case beside or even in front of her is a true baggage breakthrough. She will never go back to the old two wheeled version again.

WATCH your extremely goofy GypsyNesters as we prepared for a South American adventure!:


To Check or Not to Check, That is The Question

Using your rolling bag as a luggage cart

We try not to check bags whenever possible, but is this always the best idea?

On the upside, our carry-on bags always make it to our destination, we save a few bucks on fees with most airlines, and we get to use those wheels for our bulky backpack, coats and briefcase when hustling from gate A-1 to Z-54 with a tight connection.

But on the downside, we sometimes can’t bring along all of the things we need, especially when traveling to different climates.

About two days worth of winter clothes and that carry-on bag is looking about eight months pregnant. Or two sets of fins and snorkel gear can mean wearing the same shoes every day.

Lovely wine from Cave di Moleto, Italy
Thank goodness we had a checked bag with us this time – we brought wine home from our stay at Cave di Moleto

There is also the liquid issue. Not being able to bring the big bottle of shampoo is no big deal, just put some into smaller bottles.

But there’s no bringing back a bottle of wine or an interesting local libation discovered along the way.

We have worked on our packing to address these issues and generally only check a bag when going overseas. Not only does this allow for more stuff on those longer trips, it dodges the fees since most airlines allow one checked bag for international flights, and gives us the option of bringing back a sample of the local swill if we want.

Whether we end up checking one bag and carrying another (Veronica can’t face travel without her new purple pal so that gets carried no matter what) or both carry on, we always adhere to what we call the “One Trip Rule.”

One and Done – the “One Trip Rule”

Packing for two week Amtrak trip
Fully loaded: How the “one trip rule” works on a crazy two-week train trip!

Every item we have must be pushed, pulled, gripped, strapped, or carried simultaneously.

Rolly bags (and sometimes making pack mule noises) really come in handy for this.

There are two big reasons we do this. It saves a lot of time and provides an added safety factor.

The “One Trip Rule” makes it so much easier to keep track of everything, and our belongings never get left unattended while moving between airports, taxis, trains, shuttle busses, and hotels.

When no bags are feeling lonely and neglected, no bags mysteriously disappear.

David, GypsyNester.com

Find out how a small space in your suitcase can make a big impact in the world!

More “One Trip Rule” tips:

See how we managed to fit 2 weeks of stuff (including formal attire) for our trip with a cruise to Alaska!

See how we packed for South America (including special tips for hiking, multi-climate and water-based trips!)

See how we packed for Italy (including tips on what MUST be in your carry-on, what to bring on more glamorous trips, what to wear on the plane and how to minimize electronics)

See how we packed for a two-week train trip

YOUR TURN: We’d love to hear about any packing prowess you may have picked up in your travels, leave us a comment and let us know.

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