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Join Us for The Magic Of Travel Summit

We had a great time with Karen Byars, along with a fantastic group of experts, on The Magic Of Travel Summit about the amazing benefits of travel. Thanks again for inviting us to be a part of the fun! CONTINUE READING >> 

We had a great time with Karen Byars, along with a fantastic group of experts, on The Magic Of Travel Summit about the amazing benefits of travel. Thanks again for inviting us to be a part of the fun! 

We also thank Karen for the kind words about our book:
GOING GYPSY
One Couple’s Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest at All

Meet Karen Byars. She is a Travel Agent who is passionate about travel and helping people understand the physical, mental & emotional benefits of travel. One way she has chosen to do this is to host a virtual event called “The Magic Of Travel Summit”.  

She has pulled together an amazing team of speakers who will share their stories and expertise to help you learn how to enrich your relationships, experience exciting places, and truly enjoy your life!

I am pleased to say that I am one of those speakers! I am also excited to extend a free invitation to you to participate in this seminar. You can grab your spot by clicking here:

You will come away with a bundle of information and a renewed excitement to get out and experience the beautiful world we live in. We will also address some of the most current safety protocols and what is happening right now in relation to travel and how things will look moving forward.

As a special bonus, well known Magician Alex Ramon will be performing on the first night!

I hope you will take advantage of this awesome free opportunity! 

See you at the Summit!

5 Fun Things to Do in the Catskill Mountains for Seniors

If you’re planning on vacationing in southeastern New York State, don’t limit yourself to the city. Plenty of wonders await visitors in the Catskill Mountains just three hours north of the Big Apple.

With dozens of accessible activities, those over age 65 can get in on the fun, too. Whether you’re into nature, history, the arts, or just want to get away for a bit of peace and quiet, you’re in for a treat. Without further ado, here are five of our favorite senior-friendly things to do in the Catskill Mountains.

1. Stroll Through Nature

Most people venture into the mountains in search of waterfalls, stunning vistas, and vibrant landscapes. The Catskills don’t disappoint in these areas. What’s better, many of the trails in this area are easy, level, and accessible to people with mobility challenges.

Number one on our list of hiking paths is the 12 foot wide, 11.5-mile Ashokan Rail Trail. This hike takes you from West Hurley to Boiceville along the edge of the Ashokan Reservoir. The ADA compliant trail is open all year from sunrise to sunset for all non-motorized uses, including dog walking and bicycling.

Other must-see easy hikes include the Frick Pond Loop for bird and wildlife watching and the 26-mile Catskills Scenic Trail.

2. Immerse Yourself in History

The land is rich with history in the Catskill Mountains. If you want your trip to be as educational as it is fun, don’t miss the plethora of museums, farms, and historical sites in the area.

Visit Greater Fleischmanns Museum of Memories for a glimpse into life in a bustling turn-of-the-century village. The museum is set in an authentic carriage barn and houses exhibits on local industry, communications, the Ulster & Delaware Railroad, and even baseball.

In the mood for agriculture? Visit the 200-year-old working Hull-O Farm. Each 45-minute tour gives you a glimpse into the past and present of farming and raising animals.

3. Get a Vacation Rental

Staying in a hotel is nice, but it doesn’t compare to having an entire home to yourself when you travel.

If you’re looking for more seclusion and privacy, consider getting a vacation rental. Take the time to learn more about available rental housing before you finish planning your trip.

4. Dive Into the Arts

Those with creative hearts will love the area’s flourishing arts scene. If you’re in the mood for a show, visit the Lumberyard Contemporary Performing Arts center, Bridge Street Theater, or the Orpheum Theater & Performing Arts Center.

You can also take yourself on the Kaaterskill Clove Experience, a self-guided driving trip through the locations that birthed the Hudson River School of Art.

5. Take a Scenic Drive

You don’t even have to leave your car to bask in the beauty of the Catskills. Spend an afternoon driving the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway for a gorgeous mix of waterways, mountains, foothills, and farmland. Or, if you’re looking for a longer road trip, take Route 30 from the Catskills all the way into the Adirondacks.

Try These Things to Do in the Catskill Mountains on Your Next Vacation

No trip through New York State is complete without trying these things to do in the Catskill Mountains. Regardless of your age, you’re sure to have a lovely time in this natural area.

Where are you headed on your next adventure? Whether you’re staying stateside or traveling the globe, be sure to check out the other articles on our site for more inspiration.

The Best 72 Hours in Amsterdam

With only three days to enjoy the Dutch capital, you may well feel overwhelmed when deciphering the best attractions to add to your itinerary. However, even if you’ve only 72 hours to spare in Holland, you need not fear. Here is the perfect route planner for 3 superb days in Amsterdam.

You may have read that Amsterdam provides a little bit of everything. But what does that really mean to the first-time visitor with little time to spare?

Well the city offers a blend of fascinating history and modern culture. It boasts some of the best museums and historical architecture that Europe has to offer. Yet its tourist attractions and buzzing nightlife scene is set to entertain all walks of life.

Fast food with difference

If you´re anything like us, you´ll want to drop your bags at the hostel or hotel and head straight out to explore the city. Feeling peckish? Waste no time at all in grabbing yummy cheesy fries from Fat Phills which is located next to the famous flower market. Even if you manage to get a little homesick on your short vacation, you’ll find all the comfort food you need at Fat Phills. From their real American Philly cheesesteak or the incredible quadruple cheeseburger, you´ll soon get your ´foodie fix´.

The Febo chains of fast food stores are an experience in themselves. They have hot food vending machines that promise not to leave you disappointed! Bitterballen is one gastronomic delight that comes highly recommended. Bitterballen are classic but oh-so-tasty Dutch meatballs. They are actually one of Holland’s popular snacks that consist of bite-size beef and gravy croquettes. These just have to be tried with a pint of Zatte beer. A delightful golden coloured fruity, malty beer that carries a little kick.

Swinging views over the city

After replenishing your energy levels then why not head up to the ´room with a view´, If you’re not too scared of heights that is. Yes, one of the defining landmarks of Amsterdam Noord is the A’DAM hotel which opened up a great 360 degree viewing platform, right up on the 20th floor. The attraction was designed with the goal in mind of rivalling the London Eye, Berlin Fernsehturm and the Eiffel Tower.

You can enjoy the views like many do without the adventurous element to it, or thrill seekers can swing over the edge on Europe’s highest swing. Getting up to the swing is an innovative trip in itself with the futuristic lift and it’s colourful  LED´s setting the ambience. But braving the moving swing on the platform to enjoy the views on the Ij river, is a whole new and terrifying ordeal for some, and yet a memorable experience for others. Well one thing is sure, the views of the bay from up there truly are spectacular. The building itself is now a creative hub with restaurants, nightclubs, and art galleries on various floors.

Museums galore

Museums are definitely one of the main tourist attractions in Amsterdam. You may well have heard of the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museum, but there are so many more to be discovered. In fact Amsterdam has more than seventy museums, collectively attracting millions of tourists each year. While there are the traditional museums featuring history, photography, paintings there’s the more unusual attractions such as the ‘Museum of Bags and Purses’. But let’s not forget the museum that includes only work that features cats (‘Kattenkabinet’) Yes you´ll find plenty to cater to any interests.

With only 72 hours available and so many great museums to choose from, you may prefer to locate one of the Amsterdam tourist guide centres to get further information and current discount vouchers. There are two official tourist offices. The first one you´ll come across is in the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Terminal. You may wish to grab a useful city map on the way past upon arriving at the airport.

Observe the city highlights by bicycle

Anyone who has ever tried to make their way through the centre of Amsterdam by hire car wished that they had rented a bicycle. In fact, here you’ll find many more cyclists than motorists. Fortunately the city is equipped with a large network of cycle-paths. They are so well structured that even youngsters and older folk cycle in these paths. It appears to be one of the safest ways of getting about. The Netherlands in general, having very few hills and a relatively mild climate, means that you’ll find cycling is a very popular mode of transport in most towns and cities. And what better way of taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the many cafes, restaurants, charming bridges and pretty canals. There are many opportunities to hire a bike in the centre and one such bike company also offers guided tours. King Bikes Amsterdam provides guided tours where you get to explore some of the most fascinating places but while listening to detailed facts. Various famous spots that you will stop at include; Anne Frank House, Dam Square, Vondelpark and Chinatown. Hiring a bike here is cheap and there’s even special discounts for families and groups. But even for the lone traveler you can get a classic bike for just 12 euros for the whole day!

A suntrap behind the ‘secret’ door

Beyond a solid wooden door, leading out of the busy Spui square, exists another world – a tranquil courtyard and garden enveloped with gabled houses. In the early 15th century, the Begijnhof, one of Amsterdam’s best known hofjes (almshouses), was home to the Beguines, a form of lay nun. These medieval timbered buildings overlook sections of protected greenery all engulfed in the very essence of peace. It’s hard to believe you were roving the bustling streets of Amsterdam just a few moments ago. Besides the historic intrigue, these courtyards are worth locating simply to experience the contrasting tranquility.

Stroll through the city’s finest park

One of the greatest highlights of any Amsterdam trip should be Vondelpark. The park is so large that even half a day would only just be enough time to relish parts of it. Now if you were to mix a park visit with the various things to do just outside the grounds, (such as the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum) you´ll enjoy a full fantastic day in the heart of the city. In the park centre there’s some wooden forts and cool paths that even bigger kids can enjoy. There’s also a paddling pond which goes down well on those warmer days.

Amsterdam’s ‘green heart´ is a pleasant fusion of scenic ponds and lakes, forested patches, gardens, copious shrubberies, and open lawns to enjoy a leisurely picnic. Children will enjoy the

playgrounds, and open-air theatre. The Vondelpark is a central, and pleasant place for early  morning jog, or an afternoon tea at the nostalgic Blue Teahouse.

We´ve only had time to touch the surface of some of the popular attractions in this intriguing city. You may well decide to add 1 or two of the things-to-do from our list to your own itinerary. With a little research and planning, you’ll soon identify the many things you can’t afford to miss, all adding to your own superb trip to Amsterdam.

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A Handful of the Best of Sicily

There are so many amazing things to see and do on the wonderful island of Sicily that we could easily go on and on, but we decided to hand pick the very best. So here we happily present five, one for each finger, of our favorites…. CONTINUE READING >> 

There are so many amazing things to see and do on the wonderful island of Sicily that we could easily go on and on, but we decided to hand pick the very best. So here we happily present five, one for each finger, of our favorites.

1. Taormina

This ancient town has been a strategically important city for more than a few handfuls of centuries due to its position high on a hill, and the nearly impenetrable Saracen Castle that guards it from above. First as a citadel for the Sicels, who gave Sicily its name, then later the Greeks followed by the Romans.

Any visit to Taormina, which is considered by The Nomadvisor to be one of the best places to stay in Sicily, must include a stop at the Ancient Greek Theatre. Thought to have been originally constructed around 300 BC as a classical Grecian amphitheater, the Romans rebuilt it several centuries later after they took control of the island.

Most of what remains today is the brickwork from that reconstruction, but we also saw evidence of some marble columns left over from the original Greek architecture.

But we have to hand it to whoever built it, they did it right because it is still in use today for plays and concerts.

Another don’t miss spot in Taormina is the Piazza del Duomo. The square is in front of the cathedral and centered around an ornate fountain from 1635. But more important to us was that this is the ultimate location for stunning views of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and the highest in Europe.

2. Siracusa

This was once one of the Mediterranean’s most powerful cities and much of the fortifications are still visible along the coastline. As with all of Sicily, the history is an intriguing mixture of Greek and Roman with some Middle Eastern and modern Italian thrown in.

With that in mind, we took a look at another amphitheater, known simply as the Greek Theater. It predates the Romans by some five hundred years and is one of the largest ever made by the ancient Greeks.

Near the theater is an ancient quarry known as the Latomia del Paradiso. Here caves were cut into the rock walls as stone was removed for construction projects and often theseexcavations were used as prisons.

The most famous of these is known as the Ear of Dionysius.

The name could come from the shape of the cave but, after hearing the acoustics from the inside, we concluded that it must have more to do with the amazing sound qualities within the cave.

3. Ragusa Ilba at Night

The city was devastated by an earthquake in 1693, which means that almost everything has been built after that. Yet this is still one of the most captivating towns we have ever walked through. No doubt the fact that we entered just as darkness was falling and one by one the buildings lit up against night sky had something to do with that feeling.

Especially exquisite was the sight of the radiant blue dome atop the Duomo di San Giorgio dominating the town from above. It was well worth simply taking a seat to enjoy the view and a glass of wine for a while.

4. Modica

The city is truly ancient, going back over three thousand years. While it was also stuck by the earthquake, it was not completely destroyed and the blend of old and new has earned the city the honor of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The buildings packed in on the hillside made for an amazing sight, but without a doubt our favorite thing about Modica, was a tour of Sicily’s oldest chocolate maker, Antica Dolceria Bonajuto.

The family has been processing cocoa beans for six generations, since 1880. But their secrets go back even farther, as they use the methods of the Aztecs brought to Sicily via Spain in the 16th century.

Luckily we sampled the finished product before entering the kitchen; otherwise it might have been impossible to keep our hands out of the cookie jar so to speak.

5. Food

While Sicily is certainly a part of Italy, it also retains many unique qualities, especially in its cuisine. One obvious aspect is that since it is an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, seafood is front and center.

Of course there is pasta, in too many forms to count, and incredible breads, along with almost every vegetable under the sun.

All of these and more will appear on The Sicilian Plate. Most every restaurant has their own version featuring local fish, salamis, cheeses, peppers, and various veggies, but no two were ever the same. Every plate yielded a delicious surprise.

One last bit of advice. Olives are particularly prominent, they grow almost everywhere and are a part of almost every meal. However, we learned a very valuable lesson, never, ever eat an olive right off the tree. The bitter taste might just take a few days to get off of the tip of your tongue.

Now that is some hand-y advice.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

5 Reasons to Add Ecuador to Your Travel Bucket List

Tired of all the same uninspired vacation suggestions? Do you want to get off the beaten track and experience a completely unfamiliar part of the world? Then look no further than Ecuador… CONTINUE READING >> 

Are you looking for an exciting new travel destination for your next international holiday? Tired of all the same uninspired vacation suggestions? Do you want to get off the beaten track and experience a completely unfamiliar part of the world?

Then look no further than Ecuador. Ecuador is a small country located on the west coast of South America, and it is an undiscovered gem in the tourism world. Most visitors to the continent tend to flock to the more popular travel destinations of Peru and Brazil, but Ecuador goes largely under the radar. Yet for the intrepid traveler, there are all kinds of wonders and delights to discover in this wonderful country.

So what makes Ecuador so great?

The Galapagos Islands

You’ve probably heard of them, but did you know they belong to Ecuador? The Galapagos Islands are famous for being the location where Charles Darwin formulated his theory of evolution and are also home to some of the world’s most unique and diverse wildlife, including ancient gigantic tortoises and black iguanas. Add to this the fact that it is one of the remotest spots on the planet teeming with lush green jungle and surrounded by the bluest ocean you’ll ever see. You’ll never want to return to civilization again.

The cities

Ecuador is home to some of the most fascinating cities in the world. It’s capital, Quito, sits at 3000m above sea level, making it the second-highest city in the world. Nestled in the middle of a rugged mountain landscape, it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Ecuador, brimming with ancient churches and gorgeous 16th-century colonial architecture. You could spend hours wandering the maze of streets, exploring the historic quarter, and sampling wares from the numerous market stalls. The city also sits on the equator, and you’ll have the opportunity to stand on the line separating the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

The mountains

The natural scenery of Ecuador is breathtaking. Snow-capped mountains, pristine sandy beaches, and dense, green rainforests make up one of Earth’s most diverse landscapes. Take a visit to see the active volcano of Cotopaxi, Ecuador’s second-highest summit. And for the truly adventurous, there are several peaks to climb and multi-day treks to explore.

The adventure

The city of Banos is the adventure capital of Ecuador. However you like to get your adrenaline fix, you are sure to find it here. From epic hikes and climbs to bungee jumping off bridges and white water rafting, you can do it all here amidst the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Many travelers arrive here and stay a lot longer than they planned.

The food

No international trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine, and Ecuador has endless culinary delights to offer. Soup is a staple of Ecuadorian cooking, and there plenty of baked goods and breads to enjoy. Fish lovers will not be disappointed with the irresistible taste of seafood ceviche and the mouth-watering fish stew encebollado. And for those with a sweet tooth, Ecuador is often regarded as home to the world’s best chocolate.

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

Assisting Kids with Homework | Guidelines for Parents

Children tend to be more successful in their studying when their parents take a more active role in their schoolwork. Over the years, research has demonstrated that parental involvement in homework shows the kids that whatever they are doing is significant….
CONTINUE READING >> 

Children tend to be more successful in their studying when their parents take a more active role in their schoolwork. Over the years, research has demonstrated that parental involvement in homework shows the kids that whatever they are doing is significant.

Of course, it is important to reiterate that helping a kid with homework is not the same as having to spend hours hunched over the desk or completing tasks for the learner. Even by just showing planning and study skills, parents can remain supportive and assist with tricky tasks. In this article, we explore useful ways in which parents can take an active role in helping children with assignments.

Why Is Parental Involvement Important?

Parents play the role of the very first teachers kids have and are an important source of motivation. According to research, parents who are involved in the learning of their children help in improving the kids’ academic performance. With homework, there are many dynamics involved, and you have to be careful not to demand too much or do the tasks for the kid. Although showing support to your kid is important for modelling positive learning behavior, there needs to be restraint in terms of how much assistance you can provide without depriving the young one of a chance to learn.

Some children resist homework because they lack motivation, and it hard to fault them. After all, having spent the whole day learning, exhaustion may be a factor. Although the debate on whether homework has some negative elements continues, assignments can play a significant role in fostering independent learning. When properly designed and assigned, homework helps kids to get improved engagement with class material.

Some parents have the impression that they should not be involved in homework as it is the duty of the kids. While it is true that children should be allowed to do their assignments, there is a role parents can play. Your role is that of manager, monitoring, motivating, and organizing as well as offering positive feedback on progress. Being present and interested shows that child that homework is an important task that should be treated with seriousness.

Tips for Assisting with Homework

Homework is becoming increasingly complex, while children are having to deal with more distractions and responsibilities than ever. Although debate on whether or not homework is important continues, research shows that parents have an important role to play in helping kids with tasks. Here are some insights on how to make the most of homework time.

    • Be More Interested and Involved

Recent studies show that parental engagement in school activities tends to improve student involvement, enthusiasm, and academic performance. Your involvement as a parent could mean taking part in events and communicating with teachers. You can also encourage and help with creating learning-friendly environments at home. When deadlines are close, there is always the possibility to order assignments from such online companies as Write-My-Paper-For-Me.com.

    • Help the Kids Take Responsibility

Indeed, most kids don’t like doing homework. Rather than questioning the value of homework, you ought to assist your child to see the good side of completing assignments on time. Encourage the child to see homework as a learning process rather than a chance to perform. Remind the kid that the skills he or she learns while working on assignments can prove important later in life.

    • Provide Praise and Encouragement

Homework can be frustrating for kids, and your positivity can make a huge difference. Being present and offering support helps the child feel appreciated. Offer feedback and praise for tasks completed and milestones reached.

    • Serve as a Role Model

Children learn better from what they see rather than what they are told. The perfect way to assist children to develop positive attitudes about homework is by modeling what you would like them to do. So, if your child finds a task complicated, you can model what you would like to be done as an example. You can also create a reading culture by reading through a book as the child works on homework.

Outlined here are a few tips on how to assist children with homework. Remember, planning is important in every academic task that students are asked to complete. When your kids get frustrated with assignments, help them create plans and manage their time. Make sure that child reads and understands the homework. You can then help with splitting the task into smaller and easily comprehensible chunks. You can then develop a timeline for completing the homework, making sure that there is enough time to get adequate sleep.

Author bio:
Jennifer Walter is a psychology professor, an independent researcher, writer, and contributor. He is the guru to hundreds of students, the author of hundreds of analysis studies, and the voice behind most liked articles on content creation and strategy at privatewriting.com.

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

The Connection Between Anxiety and Substance Addiction

While different forms of anxiety have various symptoms, they all negatively impact the patient’s mental health, who often feels powerless and uses substances to control their feelings and emotions…. CONTINUE READING >> 

Anxiety is a word used to define a wide range of mental health conditions that affect millions of patients. While you may understand that general concept of anxiety, you may be surprised by its countless implications, and in addition, its connection with substance abuse. As for many other mental health issues, recovery is possible, but it’s essential to understand what factors unearth addiction and how mental health triggers substance abuse.

A patient is diagnosed with anxiety when they experience feelings of dread or worry regarding an imminent event or an event with an uncertain outcome. But in terms of medical diagnosis, anxiety is just a general term used to point to several different mental health issues that all gather under the same name. While different forms of anxiety have various symptoms, they all negatively impact the patient’s mental health, who often feels powerless and uses substances to control their feelings and emotions.

Anxiety symptoms can compromise the patient’s life because they disrupt their everyday activities (academic, familial, social, or professional obligations). Expecting for anxiety symptoms to pass away isn’t a solution, professional help is required to improve the symptoms.

Common signs of an anxiety attack

But how can you tell if you suffer from anxiety? Are there specific symptoms to look out for? Here is a list of signs that point out to a mental health condition.

– You’re feeling on edge, irritable, or nervous

– You have a constant sense of doom, panic, or impending danger even if most times you have no reason to experience it

– You have an increased heart rate or tachycardia

– You often find your hands and legs trembling

– You’re sweating for no reason and breathe rapidly

– You’re frequently tired and feeling weak

– You lack concentration

– You struggle with insomnia

– You deal with gastrointestinal problems

Are anxiety and substance abuse connected?

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America released a study that reveals that social anxiety conditions often travel in the company of substance abuse because people struggling with mental health often use drugs or alcohol to feel more comfortable or less inhibited in situations they would otherwise find stressful. Anxiety prevents them from determining when they abuse a substance or use drugs or alcohol in an amount dangerous for their health. Most don’t even know they suffer from an anxiety disorder that requires professional treatment like the one offered at Malibu Rehab. They don’t realize how much substance abuse and mental health conditions take from them until they lose their loved ones. The fear of talking to someone else about their emotions isolates themselves from everyone.

The first step to get help when experiencing these associated conditions is to recognize the problem’s warning symptoms. Losing interest in hobbies, personality changes, or substance abuse are always red flags. The only way to relieve a significant substance dependence is to get professional help in a center specialized in medical detox and recovery.

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