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Top Sporting Experiences in the US: Road-Trip Addition

Those headed to the Pacific Northwest on a road trip will have a few more experiences at their fingertips and the teams and sports in major hubs like Portland and Seattle aren’t quite like the rest of the US’s sports offerings… CONTINUE READING >> 

A Sounders game at Seattle’s Lumen Field.

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most-traveled regions of the US—and for good reason. There are unique natural wonders that can’t be found anywhere else in the world and a community of locals who work hard to live in tandem with the environment.

There are fall festivals and farmer’s markets. There are campgrounds and national parks. There’s big tech and AI innovation in cities. There are even a surprising number of sports teams. True to Pacific Northwest nature, the teams and sports in major hubs like Portland and Seattle aren’t quite like the rest of the US’s sports offerings.

For those who haven’t been to a major league game in the last few years, there may be a few noticeable differences. Women’s leagues like the WNBA and the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) are gaining steam with fans, with many teams moving into renovated stadiums and arenas.

Additionally, sportsbooks have gone live in states from Indiana to Washington, which means wagers from groups like Unibet betting are available for most sports.But in the way of attendance, travelers usually only have access to football, baseball, basketball, or hockey when passing through a city.

Those headed to the Pacific Northwest on a road trip will have a few more experiences at their fingertips. With most itineraries beginning in the south, we’ll start first with Portland’s best sporting opportunities, then move on to Seattle.

Portland, Oregon

Thorns / NWSL

The Thorns are one of the NWSL’s founding teams—and they’re also one of the league’s strongest. Though they’ve had a rough 2020-21 season, local fans are all about their Thorns. The squad plays at Providence Park, which is also the home of the Timbers (see below).

Timbers / MLS

The Timbers got their start the year before the Thorns, and also helped to (re)found the US MLS league. However, the team has been active in some form in Portland since 1975 and has kept its name throughout the decades.

Key tip for catching a game at Providence Park: bundle it with other nearby hotspots, like the Roger Williams Zoo and the Water Place Park walking area.

Trail Blazers / NBA

Similar to soccer fans, basketball fans won’t feel out of place in the Pacific Northwest. Though the Trail Blazers aren’t leading the league, they’ve got a few star players worth catching in Damian Lillard and Carmelo Anthony.

NWSL game in Seattle.

Seattle, Washington

Seahawks / NFL

Given the ample coverage of the NFL (and the Seahawks), we’ll keep this section brief. Sports aside, travelers should keep in mind that Seattle’s Lumen Field is consistently rated as one of the top stadium experiences in the US—and one of the loudest.

Mariners / MLB

Similar to the Seahawk’s section, we’ll keep this succinct. The most important thing to know about the Mariners is that they haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2001. Looking for a relaxing afternoon? A Mariners game is perfect.

Sounders FC / MLS

Similar to Portland, Seattle is all about its soccer teams. Sounders FC is one of the best teams in the league and has multiple MLS Cups at home. In fact, they’re such a big deal that they’ve set records for MLS attendance multiple years running.

The best part? They also play at Lumen Field.

Seattle Storm /WNBA

Though Portland lost its WNBA team a decade back, the Seattle Storm has represented the Northwest in the WNBA since 2000. If you’re unsure about women’s basketball, think no more. Not only do top names like Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart play for the Storm, but the team has also worked hard to build a fans-first stadium experience.

Those who catch a live game will see top-tier basketball—but also be invited for a conga line during timeouts and plenty of antics from Doppler, the team’s mascot.

Honorable Mentions: Seattle Dragons (XFL) and Seawolves (MLR)

Those looking to try something new (other than soccer and women’s basketball) can experience XFL and Major League Rugby games in Seattle. The XFL is a high-octane spin on the NFL, which is expected to restart in the coming year with the Dragons representing Seattle. The Seawolves are a rugby team that competes in the national league, which is still growing in popularity and size.

Adventures in Nest Swapping

One of the many advantages to having an “empty” nest is the freedom to swap your nest with other adventurous types. We decided that before we sold our house, we would try using it as bait for a cheap month in New York City.

Being in the habit of Googling at the drop of a hat, we took the online approach to finding suitable exchanges. We looked at several different sites, and chose a well known one for its ease of use and abundant choices from all over the globe. For a small annual fee, one can peruse homes, set up destinations to visit and… CONTINUE READING >>

One of the many advantages to having an “empty” nest is the freedom to swap your nest with other adventurous types.

If you love travelling as we do, this can save you a lot of money of potentially hiring Global Guardians while you’re away for extended periods.

We decided that before we sold our house, we would try using it as bait for a cheap month in New York City.

Being in the habit of googling at the drop of a hat, we took the online approach to finding suitable exchanges.

We looked at several different sites, and chose a well known site for its ease of use and abundant choices from all over the globe. For a small annual fee, one can peruse homes, set up destinations to visit and receive emails when opportunities become available.

We were looking to make an extended trip to visit our fast-walking, subway-chasing, black-wearing, taxi-flagging urbanite daughters, The Piglet and Decibel. Bunking with them in their microscopic Manhattan flats or paying $500 a night for a “cheap” hotel were out of the question. The hotel costs alone would be enough for the down payment on Buckingham Palace.

So we logged on, posted pics of our house and set NYC as one of our preferred destinations. We were floored by the flood of e-mails from Manhattanites who wanted to escape the summer in the city. We’re talking hundreds of takers.

With a few more searches, we discovered that the possibilities were nearly endless – we could take ski trips, spend April in Paris, run with the bulls (wherever they run with bulls) – anywhere from Walla Walla to Guatemala.

In no time came an offer from a designer in Park Slope with a quintessential New York brownstone. Fiona and her family were old hands at the exchange game and they suggested a three week swap. She promised to leave take out menus, a Zagat restaurant guide and a subway map.

We promised snorkeling gear, beach towels and directions to the crab races. After a few emails and a phone call or two, we were on our way.

Upon arrival, we found two bottles of lovely wine as a welcoming gift, a list of the house’s “quirks” and a note on the individual specialties of the local markets.

We immediately took the Zagat to the brownstone’s stoop with a bottle of the wine and mapped out our urban culinary escapades. We soon realized that Fiona’s kitchen would not get much use – there was Ethiopian, Indian, Halal and New York’s first pizza (Lombardi’s – go there!) to be consumed. And consume we did.

Here are some things were learned along the way:

–Talk to each other prior to the exchange
This is REALLY important. It’s very comforting to be able to ask questions over the phone, especially for newbies.

–Create a “house file”
Ours had issues like “don’t use the hairdryer upstairs and the espresso machine in the kitchen at the same time, but just in case, the fuse box is by the fridge” and “stick your finger in the hole of the TV to turn it on.”

–Make sure your rules are clear
Fiona’s family didn’t wear street shoes in the house and forbade smoking. We put a ban on using Grandma’s china.

–Remember that each exchange will pose special issues
Fiona recalled “a very amusing period in a French home trying to get into the washing machine.” A highly educated woman, she found the knobs and levers of the Gallic system of laundering indecipherable. Leave clear instructions – especially for those who come from far away places.

–Think about the first day
Make sure your exchangers know where the closest grocery store is (with directions and store hours). They are going to show up tired and hungry so be sure to let them know how to find the nearest late-night diner too. If your area has unique customs, fill them in.

–Give them an option of a housekeeper
We took advantage of this – less stress and more time at the Statue of Liberty, eateries and cheesy tourist diversions

–Exchange cell numbers
Try not to use it, nice if you need it.

–Replace anything you use or break
Most of the online exchange sites have a rating system – you don’t want a bad rating – you will be black balled in the future. Plus, it’s mannerly – don’t be a heathen – it’s not nice. Remember, they’re in YOUR house too!

–Leave a thank you note
Be sure to let them know about the great time you had and problems, if any, that arose – it is helpful for their future home exchanges.

Overall, our experience was fantastic and our research shows that most all exchanges go off without a hitch. So don’t be afraid to take wing and swap that empty nest!

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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Five Steps to Staying Safe on Your Summer Road Trip

If you want to enjoy your time off to the fullest, but you also want to be safe during your travels, here is how to plan the ultimate summer road trip…
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Summer is quickly approaching and, due to the tumultuous year that we have experienced, many people’s vacation plans are still up in the air.

Travel restrictions are constantly being enforced and relaxed. This means that many families are still hesitant about booking an all-inclusive holiday abroad.

If you want to enjoy your time off to the fullest, but you also want to be safe during your travels, here is how to plan the ultimate summer road trip.

Take Plenty of Breaks 

One of the most common reasons behind traffic accidents is drowsiness. Road trips encompass many hours of driving, and these will ultimately take their toll on the driver. That’s why planning routes with Apple maps or other navigation apps is important so you will know the best stops to rest while traveling to your destination.

Try to take a 15 or 20-minute break for every two hours that you are driving. If there are others with their driving license, make sure to take turns regularly.

Practice Safe Driving

Road trips may be a safe choice during the coronavirus pandemic; however, car accidents are extremely common all year round. The easiest way to avoid an accident is by practicing safe driving.

Stick to the speed limits and respect other drivers on the road. If you do happen to be involved in an accident, don’t hesitate in contacting Lamber Goodnow Injury Lawyers.

Stock Up on Essentials

It’s always a good idea to stock your car up with plenty of essentials. This will help you in case anything does go wrong. Before you leave your home, write down a list of essentials and make sure you haven’t missed anything out.

We recommend carrying a first aid kit, plenty of food and water, a portable charger, some extra fuel, a flashlight, toilet paper, and a box of matches or a lighter.

Take Your Car to the Mechanic Before You Go

There’s nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road in the middle of your epic road trip. To avoid your car from breaking down, it’s best to visit a mechanic. Schedule an appointment a week or two before you are set to go on your road trip.

If you don’t have enough time, do a quick check yourself. Take a look at the car’s oil meter and tire pressure. You shouldn’t have to worry about this if you are renting a vehicle.

Check The Weather

Road trips are supposed to be fun, however, driving for hours on end in the rain is not everybody’s idea of a great time.

To have the best vacation, you should check the weather before you go. Avoid getting on the roads in dangerous weather conditions.

Although we are all eager to go out and enjoy the sunshine that summer has to offer, we must also remember the hard times we’ve experienced since the beginning of the pandemic.

Vaccination rates are increasing but the virus is very much in circulation still. Make sure to wear your mask in crowded spaces and wash your hands regularly whilst you have fun on your summer road trip.

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

Holland: A Nation Obsessed with the Outdoors

Ask anyone about Holland and the first thing that comes to mind is Amsterdam. The capital city of the Netherlands is renowned for city breaks that allegedly allow travelers to indulge in all manner of sins. In that sense, the Netherlands can often be mistaken for a country that is famous for the somewhat unusual and downright unsavory, depending on how prudish you are, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

Forget everything you’ve been told 

This is in fact a country that is obsessed with the outdoors and staying fit. Indeed, a large majority of the population of just over 17 million people make it their duty to remain active all year round. You’ll even see the footloose and fancy-free Amsterdammers jogging past you as you sip a drink on a night out in one of the picturesque restaurants that flank the historic canals of the city. The flow of these runners is actually never-ending and can cause you to feel a bit guilty about being on holiday given that it seems to be toned person after toned person flicking up dust into your local brew, all with smartphones attached to their arms and the latest wireless earbuds plugged into their ears.

All of this makes me think about Katie Melua’s song about there being nine million bicycles in Beijing, which amusingly the Guardian newspaper unsurprisingly managed to find a way to take great offense to by calling it bad science. Well, after landing back at Gatwick, I’m prepared to be lumped into the group who unashamedly practice bad science because I can safely say that there are ten million joggers in Amsterdam.

The long and short of it is that the jogging craze in the Netherlands’ capital represents the country’s total fixation with exercise. But what is the explanation for this fascination?

Perhaps one can find an answer by drawing similarities with our reality in the United Kingdom. Predictably, the weather is never a subject that is far off from conversation, but to my surprise, I found that the Dutch are equally as guilty of speaking about it too much. In fact, you’d think that the weather was indeed wetter in Holland than it is in the UK. Well, as it happens, it is, who would have thought? This list of the wettest cities in Europe places Amsterdam at number 11, whilst London is all the way down in 35th place. Anyway, I digress, but the point is, the Dutch seem to make more of an effort to get outside because of how bad the conditions are. They rebel in the face of the otherwise dreadful elements and take to the great outdoors as few countries do in Europe.

The Dutch and their deep love affair with football 

It won’t come as a surprise to many, but the outdoor activity participated in by most in the Netherlands is football. Incredibly, the Dutch Football Association counts as many as 1,193,357 active members who play football in the country. That is an astonishing number when you consider the population is 17 million. Additionally, there are 2919 amateur clubs that play football and 61 professional clubs that make up the Dutch footballing pyramid. Quite simply, the people of the Netherlands have an insatiable appetite for the game. Intriguingly, this has led to the rise of a number of betting sites in the Netherlands even though the betting laws of the country can be contrasting, as the above site discusses. The good news for the Dutch betting hopefuls is that local bookmakers and foreign betting sites are rubbing their hands together at the prospect of gaining increased and legal exposure to a population who, as mentioned, enjoy gambling.

Yes, this nation’s unquestionable zest for life covers many different spheres, from the exhilarating to the tranquil.

The list goes on 

Indeed, if it’s not football or betting, it’s walking and that’s not hard to figure out why. The Dutch make the most of their exceptionally flat landscape, which is only 322.7 meters high at its most extreme point, by enjoying long walks through the most extraordinary scenery. The trails really are endless and comprise forests, countryside, dunes, and beaches. With crisp air, moderate temperatures, and an obliging landscape, walking in the Netherlands is truly a dream.

Hockey is another firm favorite outdoor pastime and that’s probably down to the success that the national teams have enjoyed at the Olympics. Data shows that two percent of the population take part in the team sport – that is slightly higher than that of horse riding, which is nevertheless still enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Dutch citizens. So too is cycling. Astonishingly, on any working day between 8 am and 9 am in the morning, almost 2 million bicycles will be on the roads of the Netherlands. It’s not just tourists either, given that the locals seem to explore every inch of the countryside not by car, but by bicycle.

Who can blame everyone for doing so? Making your way past a turning windmill near a field of bright tulips really is one of the most therapeutic activities you will ever experience.

The lack of hills also means the feeling of euphoria won’t be abruptly ruined anytime soon, although even if there were Tour de France style climbs, I don’t think it would stop the Dutch from doing it, in fact, nothing could stop this country from getting outdoors. They’re quite frankly never going to be defeated by the weather and have a deep yearning to stretch their legs.

What is the Cost of a KIA Cerato?

The KIA Cerato is a compact car manufactured by the South Korea-based company, KIA. The first car rolled out in the year 2003. The compact car comes in many attractive colors. KIA makes many variants of the Cerato. There are coupes and hatchbacks in addition to the base version. Two versions with a capacity of 1.6L and 2.0L are available in the market. KIA Cerato prices depend on the capacity of the car and the variant.

KIA Cerato 1.6L Base

This variant of the KIA Cerato comes in ten colors. The car is a four-wheel drive, four-door, sedan. The seating capacity of the car is five persons. It contains all safety features and costs $13,000.

KIA Cerato 1.6L Top

This sleek sedan by KIA was introduced in the year 2015. It comes in eleven colors. It is a front-wheel drive, four-door sedan that has a seating capacity for five persons. It is fitted with all safety features and costs $ 18,400.

KIA Cerato 1.6L Base Hatchback

This front-wheel drive, five-door, hatchback comes in ten attractive colors. It was introduced by KIA in the year 2015. Five persons can comfortably travel in the car. The car is fitted with high-quality safety features. The car costs $16,300.

KIA Cerato 1.6L Top Hatchback

This compact and attractive hatchback made by KIA comes in ten colors. It is a front-wheel drive, five-door car that has a seating capacity for five persons. All safety features are fitted in the car for worry-free driving. The cost of the KIA Cerato 1.6L Top Hatchback is $19,000.

KIA Cerato 1.6L Coupe

Launched in the year 2015, the KIA Cerato1.6L Coupe is a sleek and compact two-door coupe. The all-wheel drive car comes in a choice of eleven colors. Four persons can comfortably sit in the car. The best quality safety features are included and the cost of the KIA Cerato 1.6L Coupe is $ 19,000.

KIA Cerato 2.0 L

This elegant and powerful sedan was introduced by KIA in the year 2015. The all-wheel-drive car comes in eleven colors. The four-door car has a seating capacity for five persons. The car is fitted with all safety and comfort features. The cost of the KIA Cerato 2.0L is $20,600.

KIA Cerato 2.0L Base KOUP

This front-wheel drive, powerful and compact coupe was introduced in the market in the year 2015. The 2-door coupe can seat four persons and comes in ten colors. All safety and convenience features are included to give a comfortable and peaceful drive. The cost of the KIA Cerato 2.0L Base KOUP is $18,700.

KIA Cerato 2.0L Top KOUP

The KIA Cerato 2.0L Top KOUP is a coupe introduced by KIA in the year 2015. The 2-door coupe can seat four persons comfortably. The coupe comes with high-quality luxury features including leather seats. The car is available in ten colors. The cost of the KIA Cerato 2.0L Top KOUP is $20,900. The KIA Cerato is a comfortable, affordable and feature-rich car. The cost of the car depends on the variant of the car. The car is a suitable family car fitted with all safety devices without compromising on comfort.

Top 4 Advantages of Timeshare Ownership All Vacationers Should Know

Vacations come with a lot of fun and excitement. And that almost doubles when you know you are going to live in a luxurious resort full of all the classy amenities you have been looking forward to.

There are numerous premium luxury resort destinations around the world. Each resort is unique and beautiful, and every year thousands of people visit there to spend some quality time with their friends and family.

Numerous people spend their vacations in the resorts, which means they are always very crowded, so it’s pretty hard to find separate accommodation for you. But no need to worry because many people save their time and money by owning a timeshare. Timeshare is a property jointly owned by people, and unlike hotels, it can be spacious lodgings with a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedroom suites.

If you are thinking of getting timeshare ownership, you should know about its several advantages. Let’s have a look:

    • You have the freedom to choose a brand and home resort:

There are a large number of timeshare brands and resorts available globally. If you are very particular and looking for something specific to your needs, then you are getting a wide variety to pick the ownership brands and resorts your love. If you choose a specific brand that you trust completely, you don’t have to worry about your stay’s services, amenities, and quality.

    • You will save time and efforts:

Nowadays, people don’t have much time to look at multiple websites for accommodation before going on a vacation. It also invests a lot of time and effort. But if you own a timeshare, you don’t have to worry about anything because it will make all the processes easy and straightforward. When you are a timeshare owner, you have to call your resort to confirm your reservation when you are vacationing and then book the other travel needs around it. You can save a lot of time relaxing instead of finding the best deals for your stay.

    • You will get numerous on-site amenities:

Being a timeshare owner, you will get the most lavish and updated accommodation with a fully-equipped kitchen, washer & dryers, and a luxurious bedroom with all facilities. For instance – many people experience on-site amenities at a spot like Vidanta. Vidanta luxury resorts offer luxurious services for restaurants & bars, swimming pools, fitness centers, etc. But just in case you think that your privacy is hindered and you are not comfortable, then you can get out of Vidanta timeshare anytime with a proper process with the help of a timeshare cancellation company. You have to follow a legal procedure, and your money will be returned.

    • You can choose timeshare property as per your need:

The best thing about timeshare brands is that their properties are available almost everywhere around the globe. So you can choose your vacation destination anywhere in the world to explore different places. You can expand your vacationing horizons and enjoy all the comfort you love.

Bottom Line

Being a timeshare owner is one of the best decisions because you can explore the world by staying in luxurious resorts without burning a hole in your pocket!

How to Keep Yourself Entertained During a Long-Haul Flight

Are you planning your next trip to a far-flung destination? Then check out these ideas to keep you entertained during your flight…
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There is finally light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and that means long haul travel is back on the cards. If you’re planning to hop on a flight and travel to far-flung, exotic destinations, then this article is for you. Long haul flights might be taking you to somewhere special, but there’s no denying that spending hours on a flight can be tiresome. We’re here to help you wile away the flying time with a few ideas on how to keep yourself entertained.

Play Games

Playing games is a great way to keep your mind occupied during long haul travel. We recommend downloading a few of your favorite games onto your mobile or tablet. Once you’re in the air, you can turn your device back on and start playing. If you’re up for taking a few risks, you can hit up one of the fast payout casino sites at new-casino.ca. Many of these have apps that you can download, which makes in-flight access much easier. Playing poker is a great option, because it’s a game of skill, which means that you need to focus on the game at hand. Your focus on the game will help take your mind off the fact that you’re stuck on a plane for ten hours. You’d be amazed at how easy it is to play card games for hours at a time. And when you get tired, you can turn to slot games for some easy rounds on the reels.

Engage Your Fellow Traveller

If gambling is not your jam, then there are plenty of other games that will help keep you engaged. Chess is a great game to play when you’ve got time on your hands, because the game requires concentration, patience, and strategic planning. If you’ve got a chess game loaded onto your device, you can play against an A.I. opponent. You can also find travel-sized chess boards, or backgammon boards, that you can set up on your tray table and play with your travel buddy. Having a pack of cards in your bag is also a great idea when you’re travelling. Card games are a great way to break the ice with the stranger sitting next to you, so if you’re traveling alone, you can turn to your seat neighbor and suggest a game of Gin Rummy or blackjack.

Zone Out with a Movie

The great thing about long haul flights is the in-flight entertainment center. You’ll find a surprisingly good selection of movies on the screen in front of you, so why not plug in your headphones and get lost in a good story? It’s actually possible to spend the entire flight watching back-to-back movies, but if you do that, you might end up feeling brain-drained by the time you arrive at your destination. We suggest mixing up your time between watching movies, playing games, and getting in a snooze. Be sure to take a travel pillow on board with you, and if possible, take your own eye-mask with you and sprinkle it with a few drops of lavender oil because it will help you fall asleep.

Start Knitting

Another great option for passing the time on a long-haul flight is knitting. Knitting is a relaxing pastime that many people take up for its meditative qualities. Your mind will focus on the task at hand without having to think to hard about what it is you’re doing. The repetitive nature of knitting makes it easy to get into a pleasing rhythm, and your mind will begin to relax and release any negative thoughts that might be making you feel tense. If you’re not a happy flyer, this could be a great option for helping you to stay calm during your flight. If knitting doesn’t appeal, you can get the same result from drawing, for example, or writing a journal, or even just getting stuck into a really good book.

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