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Pick the perfect villa for your wedding in Mykonos

When it comes to wedding destinations, the island of Mykonos in Greece is one of the most popular in the world. The reason why this island manages to stand out from the hundreds of other islands in Greece and the Mediterranean Sea, is the fact that it manages to combine natural beauty and a traditional atmosphere with extreme luxury… CONTINUE READING >> 

When it comes to wedding destinations, the island of Mykonos in Greece is one of the most popular in the world. The reason why this island manages to stand out from the hundreds of other islands in Greece and the Mediterranean Sea, is the fact that it manages to combine natural beauty and a traditional atmosphere with extreme luxury. Mykonos is the favorite vacation of many a celebrity and millionaire because it is famous for its many unique and very luxurious villas. Those villas are the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding in Mykonos and this is why hundreds if not thousands of couples get married there each year.

The good thing about Mykonos villas is the fact that they are all located in large properties and thus they come with large outdoor spaces and lush gardens. This means that the couple can get married AND have the wedding ceremony on the villa’s property. It goes without saying that the island’s many picturesque churches and chapels are also ideal places for a gorgeous wedding ceremony that people will remember forever. So, here’s what you need to know before booking a Mykonos villa for your wedding.

Book fast

Like we said earlier, Mykonos villas are very popular which means that they are in very high demand each year. Although there are many properties on the island not all of them are ideal for weddings. The number of suitable villas is definitely finite and during the moths of summer, it can seem like there’s not enough of them to go around! If you decide on having your wedding in a Mykonos villa, you need to book one as soon as possible and preferably quite a few months before the summer starts. That way you will have more options, the chances of finding a good property will be rather big and you might even land a good deal since demand won’t have driven the prices up yet. It’s a win – win situation!

Work with a property management agency

Property management agencies are essentially middle-men or fixers. They are companies that act as liaisons between the guests and the owners of the properties. A property management agency manages a lot of villas and as such, they know the villa rental market better than anyone. A good manager will listen to your needs and your dreams, will study your budget and will help you pick the perfect property for you. Going through all Mykonos villas looking for the ones that are suitable for weddings is a long and tedious process, leave it to the professionals and focus on your wedding.

Location matters

Some villas can be quite secluded because their main “selling point” is the fact that they offer peace and privacy to their guests. Those villas are usually suitable for weddings but they can be far from “civilization” which can prove troublesome for you and your guests. Also, if you decide to get married in a church, you should pick a property that’s as close as possible to said church. Pay close attention to the location of each villa to avoid bad surprises.

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

Buying Guttering, Useful Tips You Should Know

We appreciate that you don’t buy guttering every day. When you do buy, it is important to have as much information as possible to make sure you are making the right decisions and getting the order right the first time… CONTINUE READING >> 

Here at EasyMerchant, we appreciate that you don’t buy guttering every day. Whilst it’s an everyday occurrence for us unless you are a builder or plumber you may only ever buy this kind of product a few times in your whole life.

When you do buy, it is important to have as much information as possible to make sure you are making the right decisions and getting the order right the first time.

First, you need to decide if you want PVC or metal gutters. PVC is the most popular because it’s not only easy to fit, but it’s also almost maintenance-free and can work out cheaper than metal alternatives. When your budget allows though, take a look at the metal options. When you are working on a period property, or even a modern house with a period style, cast iron or steel gutters may look great and give you lots of options.

When you choose PVC, you basically have four styles from which to choose:

• Half Round
• Square
• Deep Flow (similar to Half Round but deeper)
• Ogee (moulded with decorative feature lines).

When you have a roof that is standard in size and not very steep or large Half Round or Square should work fine. When the roof pitches steeper than normal or the house is larger than the average you may consider choosing Deep Flow or Ogee. These offer larger flow capacities so they can cope with a larger amount of rainwater.

When you live in a house that is either semi-detached or terraced, the gutter is likely to join with your neighbour’s gutter. While this doesn’t automatically restrict your choice, you can’t ignore it. The majority of gutter systems offer adaptors that can join onto other system types, but finding out the shape and make of next door’s gutters is key.

Check the fittings because there’s often a name, a manufacturer’s code or even a logo to help with identification.

Most PVC gutters are available in Black, White or Brown, though a lot are made in Grey.  When choosing colour and style it’s worth thinking about how your house looks from the kerb. You may feel that it lends itself to one colour rather than the others.

When the doors, windows, and fascias are mahogany coloured, then brown gutters will probably suit the house better than say white. Of course, Cast Iron effect gutters would look great on any period or older properties. This type of guttering comes with a satin-textured finish and the fittings are moulded to look like Victorian gutters.

When it comes to rainwater pipes, the choice is easy; either circular or square. Half Round and Deep Flow gutters look good with a circular pipe, Square and Ogee suit either square or circular. Circular pipes are a bit easier to work with, especially when bends and swan necks are involved.

Another thing that’s important to consider when you buy gutters online at EasyMerchant is the length of guarantee that comes with the system. A 10-year guarantee and a British Standard are what you should be looking for. If the system doesn’t offer a guarantee, then it’s probably wise not to buy it, unless of course you are prepared to replace it in a few years’ time when the seals are leaking and the colour has faded!

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

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5 Reasons to Spend Your Summer Holiday in Bulgaria

Many people have yet to discover the wonders of Bulgaria, one of the most interesting places in Europe. If you haven’t seen it yet, here are some reasons why you should visit it post haste, especially in the summer…
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There are many great places to visit in Europe during the summer. But somehow Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and France usually overshadow all the smaller countries, especially those in Eastern Europe. For that reason, many people have yet to discover the wonders of Bulgaria, one of the most interesting places in this part of the world.

If you haven’t seen that country yet, here are the reasons why you should visit it post haste, especially in the summer.

1.      Bulgaria is cheap

For a budget traveler, there is hardly a better place than Bulgaria among all of the European summer destinations. According to surveys, it’s the cheapest resort in Europe. Therefore, anyone can enjoy some sunshine during Bulgaria holidays regardless of their budget. And you’ll get excellent service everywhere because while Bulgaria is affordable, it’s not “cheap” in the nasty sense of the word.

Here you can find good accommodation and enjoy delicious local meals at a minimum expense. All you need is some planning. Choose Airbnb instead of fancy hotels and small local stalls and cafes instead of luxury restaurants. In fact, do the latter regardless of whether you want to save on food or not, local cuisine is definitely more delicious than any imitation of the Italian that you’ll find in fancy restaurants.

2.      Bulgaria has lovely beach resorts

If you are going there for the summer holiday, you are going for the beaches, right?

Well. Bulgaria has many amazing beaches to offer. They are mostly soft sand beaches with cute small coastal towns. Expect to see many cafes right next to the beach, so you’ll be able to enjoy freshly-caught fish and drinks while relaxing in the sun.

There are quite a few clunky buildings that are leftovers from the Soviet era. But they hardly detract from the beauty of nature. It’s also fascinating to use them as a contrast to see how much the Bulgaria of today has changed compared to those times.

3.      Bulgaria is filled with history

If you are passionate about exploring ancient historical sites in between beach visits, Bulgaria is the perfect destination for you. Some of the buildings here are literally over a thousand years old. There are multiple well-preserved medieval fortresses and local temples are as ancient as they are beautiful.

You don’t even need to travel far away from the coast as some of the most interesting historic sites in Bulgaria are located on the beaches. For example, the Ancient City of Nessebar, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is no doubt the loveliest coastal town you are likely to ever see.

There are also places like the Ancient Plovdiv. Some of the buildings there are standing since the Roman times. There are also many museums that will tell you about some pages in the history of Europe you might not have known.

4.      Bulgaria is a feast

A feast is, basically, any local meal because they are delicious and all include numerous courses. Relax your diet while you are here because you have to enjoy the many local delicacies. From goulash to the multitude of sweets and freshly-baked breads.

Don’t forget local wines as well because those are just as good and go perfectly with the hearty delicious meals.

The “cherry on top” is the hospitality of the local people. They are extremely open and welcoming and love sharing bread with guests.

5.      Bulgaria is fascinating

Bulgaria’s culture is vibrant and full of most interesting and peculiar traditions. If you have a chance, visit as many of the local festivals as possible. This way you’ll get to see such amazing things like dancing with monsters (Kukeri) or listen to bagpipes in the mountains.

You can also watch people dancing on hot embers (come on June, 3) or listen to live music at a mountaintop (1,500m high) during the Blueberry Festival.

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

Keeping Our Feet, and Wheels, on the Ground

While our bucket list may never be completed, we have learned a few things about getting there along the way. Perhaps our biggest discovery was that traveling at ground level can be much more enjoyable than flying. Why miss all of the sights and experiences while going from one place to another? CONTINUE READING >> 

We’ve all heard the old adage that the thrill is not in the destination, but in the journey. Well the more we travel, the more we have come to realize the truth in that statement.

It’s not a new idea, even for us. Decades ago when we lived in Nashville and David was writing songs between concert dates all across the globe, he wrote one called It’s In the Getting There with just that sentiment.

So while our bucket list may never be completed, we have learned a few things about getting there along the way.

Perhaps our biggest discovery was that traveling at ground level can be much more enjoyable than flying. Why miss all of the sights and experiences while going from one place to another? Busses offer a much more visual, and relaxed mode of transport.

Watching the world go by has become a big part of our travel technique these days, and that’s where a service such as ComparaBUS can really make a difference.

With one search on their easy to use webpage we can find the best fare on busses to all sorts of destinations all around the world.

So whether we are looking to go from the sophisticated sights and sounds of The City of Light in Paris to the serene countryside of Provence, or a big city jaunt from bright lights of The Big Apple to visit the patriots in Boston we can always see where we’re going.

Honestly, we can hardly imagine criss-crossing the great American West way up in the sky. We want to get up close and personal with the mountains, valleys, prairies, and canyons as we make our way from one amazing landmark to another.

We would hate to miss all of the desert and mountain scenery on the trip from LA to Vegas. From 35,000 feet in the air the canyons just look like cracks in a sidewalk and the peaks like anthills, but at ground level they become an experience not to be forgotten.

Without a doubt some of the most memorable moments of our travel lifetimes have come aboard busses. One reason for that is the fact that they can often go where no other method of mass transportation can.

An example jumps to mind from our trip to Machu Picchu in Peru. It is possible to hike up to the historic Lost City of the Inca but it is up the side of an incredibly steep mountain. For that reason most everyone, including us, takes a bus, but that terrain makes for one harrowing ride.

On the other hand, the views were unmatched by anything we have ever encountered in our vagabond exploits across the globe.

Sometime those journeys have taken us to regions where a bus is the only form of public transport. That was the case in Mexico’s Yucatan when we rode a remarkably comfortable motor coach across the Peninsula from Cancun to Valladolid on a trip to see the Mayan ruins at Chichén-Itzá.

Not only are busses the best way to see the countryside while traveling, they are almost always the most economical way to go from place to place.

Another great reason to choose the bus is that they are eco-friendly. Each mile a passenger travels aboard a bus creates less than one-fifth of the emissions that are produced by an airplane. That sure makes us feel better while we watch the world go by.

Of course, sometimes the bus is just not an option. For instance, try as we may we have found it extremely difficult to cross oceans in them. Also, the fact of the matter is that sometimes saving time is more important than seeing the sights.

In that case a quick search on ComparaBUS will also show great prices on air fares, trains, and even car pool options.

So no matter where we are going we know ComparaBUS will be our first stop.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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How Italian 2020 VAT Changes Impact Superyachts

If you’re organising a big chartering adventure to Italy during the springtime of 2020, you may not yet be aware of some big changes the Italian government is planning to implement. To get up to speed, make sure to read on to learn all of the important information… CONTINUE READING >> 

If you’re organising a big chartering adventure to Italy during the springtime of 2020, you may not yet be aware of some big changes the Italian government is planning to implement. As of April 1 2020, Italy will be introducing a 22% VAT (value-added tax) to all yacht-related expenses, regardless of whether you own the vessel or are just planning to charter. This is an important change to note as such a substantial tax increase from the previous rate of 6.6% can very quickly cause problems for anyone financially unprepared. To get up to speed, make sure to read on to learn all of the important information keen charterers should know about VAT in Italy.

Better understanding VAT in Italy

Just like everywhere else in the European Union, value-added-tax is a tax that is applied to most goods and services in Italy, just like the GST (goods and services tax) is applied to goods and services in Australia. The standard VAT rate in Italy is 22%, but a reduced rate is applied to goods and services depending on their necessity in day-to-day life. For example, certain foods, drinks and agricultural products have a 4% VAT rate attached, while electric power supplies and pharmaceutical drugs have a 10% rate attached. With the rate shift in relation to yachts – which occurs regardless of whether you use a chartering platform like Ahoy Club or outright own your yacht – the tax is included in both the price of the yacht charter itself and the price of any goods or services purchased while onboard the yacht. Although juggling all of these rates might seem like a bit of a chore, make sure to not stress too much as your charter company will be well-versed in any tax-related laws that might apply to your trip.

How VAT is applied in Italy and around the EU

Italy is just one of 140 countries around the world applying VAT to goods and services, with most of these countries being in the EU. Each country applies VAT in different ways, with certain goods and services attracting higher rates depending on how they may relate to a country’s economy (luxury goods are often the exception, however). These rates can also change regularly, as evidenced by the April 1 change in Italy. Previously in Italy, yachts larger than 24m were eligible for a reduction in VAT from the standard 22% to a much smaller 6.6%. When considering the hefty rates superyachts can demand, it should become quickly apparent that this tax gap could cost some people a significant chunk of money. For that reason, it’s best to be prepared, or even make changes to your schedule, if you’re planning on chartering a yacht in Italy in 2020.

Being prepared for chartering trips in Italy

It only take a bit of preparation to save yourself a lot of time, money and headaches. It should be noted in particular that this VAT is owed regardless of whether you commence your trip in Italian waters or enter Italy later from a nearby EU territory. If you’re worried, though, don’t be – if you’re chartering a yacht any good chartering company will supply you with all of the relevant information you need to ensure you have the best journey possible. Instead, make sure to kick your feet up and have a great holiday!

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

The Best Couples Activities in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is home to an incredible assortment of adult attractions and couples activities. So if you and your special someone will soon be embarking on an intimate getaway, consider choosing Niagara…
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It isn’t hard to see why Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in North America. With its abundance of kid-centric attractions and group activities, the area’s reputation as a first-rate family spot is certainly well-earned. However, this isn’t to say that families are the only ones who can get the most out of Niagara. Unbeknownst to many travelers, Niagara Falls is home to an incredible assortment of adult attractions and couples activities. So if you and your special someone will soon be embarking on an intimate getaway, consider the perks of choosing Niagara.

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better romantic backdrop than the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Open year-round, the Botanical Gardens present guests with 99 acres of beautifully picturesque plant life. Featuring gorgeous flowers, a meticulously maintained herb plantings and a world-famous rose garden, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens are a can’t-miss destination for any couple. The Botanical Gardens are also home to the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, a facility that provides specialized training to horticulture students. Furthermore, couples visiting during the summer months won’t want to miss out on the cozy horse-and-carriage tours offered throughout the warm weather season.

The Niagara Skywheel

One of the world’s most famous Ferris wheels, the Niagara Skywheel provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind view of the iconic falls. Standing at an impressive 175 feet and open year-round, the Skywheel is the perfect couple’s attraction for any season. In addition, the climate-controlled gondolas are a boon to wintertime visitors looking for relief from bitter cold and summertime visitors looking to escape extreme heat. While there’s never a bad time to take a spin on the Skywheel, moonlit nighttime rides can be particularly romantic. Getting a glimpse of the falls from the very top of the Niagara Skywheel is an experience that’s likely to stay with you forever.

Nightmares Fear Factory

Couples who appreciate a good scare can’t go home without a visit to Nightmares Fear Factory. The oldest operational haunted house in North America, Nightmares Fear Factory serves up world-class frights to thousands of visitors each year. The entire experience takes place almost entirely in the dark and lasts roughly 10 minutes, during which time guests are set upon by trained actors and exposed to a litany of frightening FX. In other words, you and your sweetie will have plenty of opportunities to glomp on to one another. Additionally, if the experience becomes too intense, you’re welcome to throw in the towel and leave through the designated “chicken exit.” To date, over 162,000 guests have failed to make it to the end, so couples who endure the entire tour will have something to brag about to their friends back home.

Wine Tasting Tours

Unbeknownst to many wine connoisseurs, Niagara Falls is home to quite a few vineyards and wineries. Adding to their appeal is the fact that many of them offer guided tours – complete with samples. So if you and your partner would never say no to a good glass of wine, don’t hesitate to book a couple of spots on one of Niagara’s many wine tasting tours. Not only will this provide you with ample opportunities to sample fine wine, it will enable you to enjoy each other’s company in a refreshing outdoor setting. Couples who are fans of beer are urged to check out some of Niagara’s world-class microbreweries, too.

Fallsview Indoor Water Park

Although Fallsview Indoor Water Park is a popular family spot, it has quite a bit to offer fun-loving couples as well. Connected to several different Fallsview hotel options, this indoor facility features 16 exciting slides that are likely to please even the most discerning water park enthusiast. Couples who aren’t big on waterslides are sure to enjoy the park’s soothing hot springs, relaxing sundeck and private cabanas.

There’s little wonder as to why countless families flock to Niagara Falls each year. However, with so many family-oriented attractions, it’s easy to forget that Niagara isn’t exclusively a family destination. The area is also home to a growing array of activities for couples of all ages. So the next time you and your partner are bitten by the travel bug, simply chart a course for Niagara Falls.

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

Ski Tours in Georgia

If you are interested in trying out some winter sports activities in a remote region of a foreign country, you might want to explore the richness of ski touring opportunities in the country of Georgia…
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If you are interested in trying out some winter sports activities in a remote region of a foreign country, you might want to explore the richness of ski touring opportunities in the country of Georgia. Georgia’s phenomenal off-piste skiing sites have a lot to give and, unlike many other things, it does not take a lot to go for it. Picturesque sceneries, snow-capped mountain peaks and the community full of life in your reach are only the beginning of what awaits you in Georgia. Ski touring in Svaneti’s and Gudauri’s breathtaking nature is truly surreal making you feel like in heaven, above clouds, literally. If this kind of experiences in nature appeal to your inner “me”, your stay in Georgia could be your best-spent vacation ever.

Already thinking about it? There are several very famous ski touring sites in Georgia, most popular of them being Svaneti, Gudaruri, Mount Kazbek, and Bakhmaro. However, what if you ask me, the local about ski touring in Georgia, the first thing that would come to my mind would be Svaneti and Gudauri as these ones are most talked about and also the most beautiful sites in general. So, are these sites for me? Remember that anybody can do ski touring and even the experienced climbers were once the novices. So, my answer is that it is for everybody who is ready to explore the uncharted lands of this picture-pretty country’s terrain and who are ready for new challenges and new life experiences. The cultural richness is most cherished in Georgia; truly this is a place where communities’ traditions rise above law and the people’s faith in Jesus Christ runs deep. If you are thinking about coming to either of the skiing sites I mentioned, that will only be the beginning of the unique blend of natural and cultural phenomena you are going to experience.

Admittedly, ski touring is not very popular among Georgians, however, that will not make your stay here any less joyful. Georgia has a lot of professional skis touring guides and companies where you can hire one. In fact, in many areas where tourists like to go, the lands might be well marked to help you navigate better. However, it is not recommended to go off-piste alone for several reasons. The difficulty of the route is not easy to predict without considering the variety of variables that affect it, for example, weather conditions, terrain, etc. For these reasons, ski touring in Svaneti or Gudauri is best enjoyed with a professional and preferably certified guide. Most importantly, the guides speak English here so you will not have trouble communicating. In addition, you may not want to spoil your stay in Georgia by arranging for little things. Those little logistical arrangements can be well taken care of by your tour guide so you can enjoy the most important parts of Georgia’s skiing sites. Me saying that I can also tell you that going with just your friends can also be a once-in-a-life experience, however, you should be ready for the technical difficulties of the Georgian snow-capped mountains.

In Caucasus mountains, climbing uphill can be as enjoyable as skiing downhill. Many tourists who have previously come to Georgia as their ski touring destination have noted how fresh and fine-grained the snow is in the country’s best touring sites. This makes it perfect for skiing and other leisure activities. In any case, if you come to Georgia, we recommend you go ski touring in both Gudauri and Svaneti. Visiting both sites can give a different perspective on climbing and skiing. You can find how different the terrains can be in a single mountain range (Caucasus) and how different cultures can be in a single country; in fact, so different that people in Svaneti speak a different Georgian-derived Svan language.

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