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Ten Things You Don’t Know About New York City – Even If You Live There!

Your GypsyNesters found the wild, weird and wonderful not-so-known sights, sounds and flavors of The Big Apple!

Even if you are a New Yorker –  we bet you don’t know most of these!..

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Your GypsyNesters found the wild, weird and wonderful not-so-known sights, sounds and flavors of The Big Apple!

Even if you are a New Yorker –  we bet you don’t know most of these!

The dirty patch on the ceiling of Grand Central StationThere is a dirty rectangle on the ceiling of Grand Central Station. When the ceiling of the main concourse was restored in 1994-98, a patch was left untouched to show just how filthy it had been.

It took us forever to find it, but now that we know it’s there, we can’t stop picking at it.

The lions in front of the New York Public Library are named Patience and Fortitude. This is Fortitude, and the easiest way to tell them apart is that Fortitude is closest to 42nd Street. Get it? 42/fortitude?

The lions in front of the Public Library have names – and a cool way to remember them: Patience and Fortitude are the two lions that guard the entrance to the massive archives. Fortitude is pictured above, and the easiest way to tell them apart is that Fortitude is closest to 42nd Street. –> 42=fortitude!

See more about our adventures at the NYC Public Library!

Governor's Island at the beach in New York City

There’s a “tropical beach” off the coast of Manhattan. We found a place to get our feet in the sand without straying far from Manhattan! We took the free ferry ride, rented bikes and spent the day in (relative) quiet on Governor’s Island.

The island boasts a fort, an outdoor art gallery along the bike and foot paths, laid-back attitude and a sandy beach — complete with a snack shack and plastic palms.

We discovered new sides of Lady Liberty and the busy heliport across the channel. A perfect tropical getaway in the middle of the city.

George Washington lived here: The first executive mansion was at what is now the base of the Brooklyn Bridge


The first “White House” was where the Brooklyn Bridge now stands:
After looking high and low, peaking through fences and around construction barriers, we got a peek at a decrepit old inscription marking the spot of the The Samuel Osgood House, our nation’s first executive mansion.

Yes, all that is left of the site where George Washington lived and worked as our first president is a dirty old marker on an abutment of the Brooklyn Bridge.

See more about what’s left of colonial NYC

NYC pizza tours

There are tours dedicated to the history of pizza in NYC: If there is one food that screams New York City from the top of the Empire State Building, it has got to be pizza.

How did this happen? We didn’t know, but we do now–because we took a pizza tour!

See all of our adventures in New York City!

40% of the NYC subway is above ground

40% of the subway system is above ground. And it’s LOUD. The trains rumble noisily overhead — setting off car alarms in their wake, but they’re still referred to as subways.

Other subway fun facts:
-Over five million people ride on an average day.
-There are 840 miles of track.
-The deepest station is on 191st Street in Manhattan at 180 feet below street level.
-Back when tokens were still in use, thieves would suck tokens from the turnstiles with their mouths. Yuck!

Arthur Avenue in the Bronx

Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Manhattan’s Little Italy is not the only game in town. The Bronx version might be even better. We love Saturdays on Arthur Avenue when the markets are in full swing.

Fight little old ladies for the best cuts and finest cheeses before settling down to some of the most delicious Italian food this side of the Atlantic.

Whispering Wall at Grand Central Station

The Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Station. Walk around Grand Central Station until you find the Oyster Bar Restaurant and a bunch of folks who look like they just got sent to “time out.” Were these folks exceptionally naughty? Nope, they are sending secrets to each other via the Whispering Gallery.

Whisper into one corner and a buddy can hear it behind you in the opposite one all the way across the hall! We tried it out — it really works! Kinda creepy, but fun.

The Library Hotel in NYC

There’s a hotel based on the Dewey Decimal System: Books are everywhere at the Library Hotel and, from the moment we checked in at the card catalogue-decorated front desk in the shelf-lined lobby, to the hundreds of titles in each room that correspond to its number in the Dewey Decimal System.

For example, our room, 905, is based on 900.005 in the famous library-organizing system, which is the travel and geography category. Absolutely a perfect fit for us, and we fell asleep blissfully reading of far-off places every night.

See more about our stay as Writers-in-Residence at the Library Hotel!

Batteries on the subway tracks

There are ALWAYS batteries on the subway tracks. A great mystery to us. Every station, every time. We always look and they are always there.

Why? What are they used for? Are they left over from back in the days when walkmans used AAs?

Is this where all of the “batteries not included” end up?

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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See all of our adventures in New York City!

YOUR turn: How many did you know? Did we stump you? Have you got one to share?

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Which California Wine Region Is Right For You?

California is renowned across the globe for its wine regions, such as Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Monterey. The sunny weather and ideal climate make these exciting places to visit at any time of year…
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California is renowned across the globe for its wine regions, such as Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Monterey. The sunny weather and ideal climate make these regions exciting places to visit at any time of the year. Each destination has a different feel and offering. So if you’re considering visiting, which wine region is right for you?

Sonoma

Sonoma County, situated north of San Francisco, has a laid-back and casual appeal, and suits visitors who want affordability as well as plenty of choices. The area is relatively inexpensive compared to other wine regions. There are many smaller independent wineries that are a great value and offer tasting sessions and exciting tours.

The nearby historic town of Sonoma is well worth a visit for its culture and fantastic photo opportunities. Wine tours and festivals happen all year: Winter WINEland in January, Huichica Music Festival in June, and the Equinox Yoga Retreat with Hiking and Wine Tasting event in September.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is perhaps the most well-known of California’s wine regions. It has a broad appeal with mild temperatures and suits all types of visitors. Calistoga is a good base for solo travelers, couples, and families who want to explore the wider region. And there’s plenty to do: Take a hot air balloon ride above the vineyards, visit world-class restaurants, or head into the hills of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

Festivals and events are aplenty in Napa Valley. Upcoming events include the Napa Valley Marathon & Half Marathon, February Culinary Crawl, Napa Valley Restaurant Week, and Napa Lighted Arts Festival. In summer, there’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, Festival Napa Valley, and Napa Valley Chamber Music Festival. In this wine region, there really is something for everyone.

Monterey

Monterey County is a destination with a little of everything: world-class golf courses, family attractions, and of course many wineries. It’s an ideal spot for individuals, couples, or family and friends. The location is great for travelers who like wine shops, delicious restaurants, and even bars and pubs. A 20-mile strip of River Road is a hotspot for various drinking establishments and has a buzzing beer and spirits scene.

The critically-acclaimed Monterey Wine Festival in June is a must-visit. But many other events happen during the year, including plenty of events for live music lovers. Cannery Row near Downtown Monterey provides a spectacular view across the bay and is packed full of diners, hotels, accommodation, and bars.

Livermore Valley

Livermore Valley, north of San Jose, is a laid-back wine region popular with shoppers, hikers, culture vultures, and wine lovers. The township of Livermore is an ideal destination for quality restaurants and provides good transport links to the various wineries in the immediate area.

Del Valle Regional Park, 10 miles south of Livermore, is a beautiful and popular place to visit. The park has a visitor center and provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, and exploring the wider landscape. Livermore Valley’s relaxed atmosphere and variety of amenities make it the perfect getaway for couples and small groups.

Temecula Valley

Temecula Valley in Riverside County, California, is situated inland between the cities of San Diego and Los Angeles. The area has a historic connection for wine growing and today features many small and larger vineyards (some 30+). A backdrop of stunning mountains sets the scene for visitors who want to taste wine in style. The area is especially suited for travelers who enjoy quality boutique hotels, quiet country vineyards, and traditional architecture. Guided tours are available, as are many more activities for singles, couples, and families. Visit Old Town Temecula for a taste of the past. Try hot air ballooning, wine tasting at Wilson Creek Winery, and shop at the Temecula Lavender Company.

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

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Midtown

Whether you’re planning to visit New York City for business or pleasure, the city that never sleeps has a lot to offer. From luxurious hotels to exciting attractions, Midtown Manhattan has something to suit every preference… CONTINUE READING >> 

Whether you’re planning to visit New York City for business or pleasure, the city that never sleeps has a lot to offer. From luxurious hotels to exciting attractions, Midtown Manhattan has something to suit every preference. Here are the top five reasons you should visit this bustling part of the Big Apple.

The Westgate

When you need to find the perfect place to stay for your trip, The Westgate NYC Hotel is an excellent choice. Not only is it within walking distance of many attractions, but it also features an in-house restaurant and plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable. As New Yorks Historic Midtown Manhattan Hotel, The Westgate provides 24/7 front desk service for guest convenience.

Times Square

Whether you want to get some shopping in or attend a Broadway play, a visit to Times Square can make your dream a reality. As a cornerstone of the city, Times Square is always crowded and well lit so you’re sure to find something exciting. If you’re planning a trip around the holidays, stop by the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration to ring in the new year with locals and tourists alike.

Fifth Avenue

Every shopping enthusiast dreams of having a spending spree on Fifth Avenue. From clothes and accessories to jewelry, the items offered on Fifth Avenue are luxurious and high-end. Manhattan’s shopping district is home to many stores, including those listed below.

Vuitton
Tiffany & Co.
H & M
Cartier
NBA store
Gucci

Empire State Building

Get a breathtaking view of the city from the top of the Empire State Building. Tour the exhibits on the second floor to experience unique history and culture and then began your ascent to the top. Stop at the 86th floor to see the partial views but make sure you go all the way to the 102nd floor to get the full effect. Afterward, make sure you visit our gift shop and Visitor’s Center for a souvenir.

Rockafeller Center

If you’re planning a holiday trip to New York City, you can’t miss the annual Christmas tree at Rockafeller Center. During the rest of the year, climb to the top of the observation deck to get a bird’s eye view of the city. The attraction features a variety of exhibits each year, so make sure you tour them to learn more about the history and culture of the city. Restaurants and numerous stores make this attraction ideal for families.

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

How to Buy Recreational Weed in the U.S.

Are you new to marijuana, and want to know how to buy recreational weed? Read on and we’ll walk you through everything that you need to know…
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It’s a brand new world across the United States. What was once a topic of heated debate has now leveled out to matter-of-fact truth: you can buy recreational weed legally in many places around the country.

This process of legalization is only expected to increase and spread over the next few years, with more and more states taking the steps to legalize the popular recreational drug. That means a lot more people will be open to partaking in smoking and using marijuana-based products.

Are you new to marijuana, and want to know how to buy recreational weed? Read on and we’ll walk you through everything that you need to know.

Where is Marijuana Legal?

While many states are taking the steps needed to legalize marijuana, the green-leafed cultural favorite yet is not yet legal for recreational use in all locations. In fact, fully legalized recreational use is still limited to a handful of states at the time of this writing.

If you’re wanting to buy marijuana, you will need to be living in or visiting one of the six following states: Colorado, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, or Alaska.

There are some other states where recreational marijuana has been allowed, but these states have not yet allowed the sale of the drug, or the registration of legal dispensaries. Those include Maine, Michigan Massachusetts, Vermont, and Illinois. You can’t be penalized for smoking weed in these states, but finding a place to legally purchase the drug is still very difficult.

This will likely change in the near future, but for now, there is not a truly legal way to buy weed for recreational purchases besides individual sellers.

For now: if you live in the above lucky states, what do you need to do to go home with some legal bud in hand? The process isn’t all too complicated.

Read more: Where Is Marijuana Legal in the US?

Making Your Purchase at a Dispensary

To get your hands on some weed, you just need to go to your local dispensary. You can easily find a dispensary near you by using Google Maps or your preferred choice of search service. There also many online databases and resources that can help guide you to the best location near you.

You will want to have your driver’s license or some form of official ID on you. You need to be of age (21 or over) in these states in order to legally buy marijuana. That means you’ll need to show this identification in order to be able to make your purchase. Passports and state photo IDs will work as well.

It’s also generally a good idea to have cash on you to make your purchase. Many dispensaries do not accept credit cards. They will usually have an ATM on-site, but you can save yourself the trouble and convenience fee by coming prepared.

If you’re not sure how much cash to bring, you can browse the products for that dispensary online and see how much you expect to spend.

Once at the store, an employee can help walk you through the different strains they have available. Employees at dispensaries are usually quite helpful and knowledgable and can help connect you with the right product for the kind of high you’d like to experience.

If you tell them that you are a first-timer, they can walk you through everything you need to know.

You should be prepared to have to pass by a security officer when you first enter a store. Due to the high value and demand for marijuana, most dispensaries have this extra line of defense. They’ll scan you down with a metal detector, but then you’ll be allowed to enter and freely browse the store.

Other Options for Purchase

Many people imagine themselves walking into a brick-and-mortar store when they think about buying legal cannabis products. However, there’s more than one option when it comes to purchasing legal marijuana.

If you already know exactly what you want, many dispensaries will allow you to call in your order and set it up for pick-up. This can allow you to skip annoying lines and get in and out quickly. If you’re in a hurry, this can be a helpful thing to get in the habit of.

You just need to make sure you don’t need the additional help of the dispensary employee.

If convenience is what you’re after, there are even better options available. How would you feel about having recreational marijuana being brought right to your front door? That’s the reality when it comes to businesses like this delivery service, who make their money bringing the best of bud right to your home.

Many dispensaries have their own delivery services, and some businesses have no brick-and-mortar location and do all their business through direct drop-offs. Usually, these services are as simple as providing time and location. You will have to pay a little extra for the convenience, of course, but it can be well worth the trouble.

There are even some sellers that have created their own applications for smartphones. Ordering might be as simple as downloading an app, choosing out your strain, and setting up a pick-up or delivery order.

How to Buy Recreational Weed

It’s amazing how much can change in such a quick amount of time! You can get high legally in many states across the U.S. today. If you’re interested in how to buy recreational weed, the above information should tell you what you need to know.

Need more marijuana advice, tips, and tricks? Keep scrolling our blog for more.

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

Simple Steps on How to Become More Focused in School

All students go to school with one goal in mind: clear their courses successfully and graduate with good grades. By increasing your focus, you can catch up with your coursework and begin seeing an improvement in your performance… CONTINUE READING >> 

All students go to school with one goal in mind: clear their courses successfully and graduate with good grades.

Most times, this proves easier said than done.

It’s not uncommon for students to lose focus, start recording bad grades and eventually bemoan their lackluster performance.

This situation is, however, easy to turn around. By increasing your focus, you can catch up with your coursework and begin seeing an improvement in your performance.

Here is how.

Identify Distractions

This should be the first step in your recovery efforts.

The reasoning behind this is simple.

Identifying what went wrong in the first place allows you to move forward with consciousness regarding where you went wrong.

You can, therefore, identify red flags more quickly and avoid them to ensure you do not fall off track again.

Without doing this, it becomes much easier to fall into bad habits again a few semesters down the line and it becomes a vicious cycle.

Therefore, start by figuring out what distracted you in the first place and how to ensure this does not happen again.

Avoid Multitasking

Research has shown that the human brain is not at good at multitasking, as previously thought.

In fact, findings have shown that multitasking can cut down productivity by 40%.

This comes down to the ability to focus.

Students are most effective when they focus on one task at a time.

To be more focused in school, work out a work schedule that allows you to handle one task at a time. For example, let reading time remain just that. Try not to read while you respond to emails or as you prepare a meal.

Similarly, try to work on one task to completion before picking something else up. Cutting tasks short to pick something else had huge time costs as well.

If you need to multitask stems from having too much to handle at once, then consider engaging a homework service. In this way, delegate some of your workload, and focus your efforts on what’s left.

Unplug Social Media

You will find that you absorb concepts better when you allow yourself to be engaged with your content. This is both in class, on private study time and in study groups.

However, you might find yourself missing large tracts of information in class because you wanted to respond to a quick text or email.

As useful as technology is, it can also disrupt learning if you allow it to.

If you find it hard to resists, make a point of switching your phone off during all learning engagements. You can then check it for important messages during your short breaks.

Leverage Technology

Technology helps you learn more engagingly and interactively. If monotony makes you lose focus, technology is indeed the way to go.

Technology uses gamification, simulations as well as videos and other visuals to teach content.

These are more engaging than a class lecture or going through piles of class notes. This, in turn, makes learning more fun and helps you focus and engage with the content more profoundly.

Take Short Breaks

Short breaks have been proven to increase productivity, reduce stress and increase focus in students.

Granted, this is not always possible in the lecture hall. It is, however, possible for your private study time.

If you have hours of study to do, break it up into several blocks, and take a break after each block.

Note that the brain is never idle. Even though you might take a walk or a mug of coffee during your break, your brain will still be busy at work trying to synthesis what you have just learned.

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

Delve Deeper: Tags

Peculiarities of Company Setup in Dubai

Company formation in Dubai is a goal for every business owner since the company setup in any other country is probably not so luxurious and prestigious as in the UAE…
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Company formation in Dubai is a goal for every business owner since the company setup in any other country is probably not so luxurious and prestigious as in the UAE. However, for most entrepreneurs, this goal remains just an unrealized wish because they believe that the registration process is too complicated. Undoubtedly, it provides a lot of pitfalls, but if you have a detailed plan of action, you will achieve success.

Choose a Suitable Location

Each emirate has its peculiarities of business registration and regulation. Therefore, it is advisable to learn these details before selecting the best location. In case you decided to set up a local company, you need to find an investor who will own 51% of shares. The process of registration is rather complex, and it requires you to follow certain regulations regarding a license, taxes, visas, and so on. If you wish to simplify the company setting-up process, select one of the available free zones that are the most suitable for your type of business. These zones were developed in the UAE specifically for foreign investors, and they offer more profitable conditions.

The Main Features of Ajman Free Zone

Ajman free zone, located not far from Dubai, is one of the safest and the most attractive areas for company registration in the UAE. This fact can be explained by a large number of benefits for foreign business owners:

Absence of income taxes;
Complete ownership of the company’s shares without a local investor;
Advantageous zone location;
Low prices for a visa;
• Ajman free zone trade license cost (if you deal with a consulting agency, the price will start approximately from $9,000);
Quick registration process (it usually takes no more than one day);
Data confidentiality guarantee.

Ajman free zone is more suitable for the owners of small and medium businesses. Due to its comfortable location, this area is more preferable for setting up a trading or industrial company.

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

What Makes a Great Empty Nest Destination? Here are our Suggestions!

With the children raised and off on their own, many of the obstacles that hindered our ability to travel extensively have disappeared, but there may be some new challenges.

The key for us empty nesters is to decide what we are seeking when we travel, then match the destination to our desires.

If we plan ahead for our levels of comfort, cost, and activity level, checking most anything off the… CONTINUE READING >> 

What makes a great empty nest vacation?

With the children raised and off on their own, many of the obstacles that hindered our ability to travel extensively have disappeared, but there may be some new challenges.

The key for us empty nesters is to decide what we are seeking when we travel, then match the destination to our desires.

If we plan ahead for our levels of comfort, cost, and activity level, checking most anything off the old bucket list becomes possible.

Roughing It – Without Roughing It

Biking The Grand Canyon

Just because we might not get excited at the prospect of roughing it like a Boy Scout anymore doesn’t mean nature’s wonders have to be off our list.

There are plenty of spectacular offerings in the great outdoors that are easy to visit.

At the top of that list are many of our National Parks.

Flying over the rim of the Grand Canyon in a helicopter!
Flying over the rim of The Grand Canyon in a helicopter.

We aren’t talking about sleeping on the ground in a pup tent either, a number of our most famous parks have fantastic lodges. Yellowstone, Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park all have incredible historic hotels set right in the heart of breathtaking scenery.

Buffalo at beautiful Yellowstone National Park
Buffalo at Yellowstone National Park.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park

These offer all the modern amenities in a perfect combination of rustic and elegant.

Most also offer shuttle bus service to all of the iconic attractions that are as reliable as Old Faithful.

The Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park can even be reached by train. After all, Mother Nature prefers her visitors bright eyed and bushy tailed, not worn out from driving.

Quite a few State Parks also offer accommodations, some on a par with their national big brothers, such as Starved Rock in Illinois, or Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee.

Cruuuuuisin’
Cruising in Hong Kong
Sailing out of Hong Kong

Cruises can be another great way to travel in style and see places you’ve always dreamed about.

It’s like bringing your hotel with you while seeing a glacier in Alaska, sailing the Mediterranean, visiting The Great Wall of China, or cruising the great rivers of Europe.

If it’s near the water you can see it on a boat, and avoid all of the hassles of packing and unpacking along the way.

Safety at Sea: What the newest ships are implementing

Cruising through Budapest at night! Spectacular!
Cruising through Budapest at night! Spectacular!

Hint: It is best to avoid booking during Spring Break if you want a little peace and quiet by the pool. We made that mistake a few years ago. But the libation-soaked scholars turned out to be good for a little comic relief from time to time!

Size DOES Matter
Sunset in St. Augustine, Florida
Sunset in St. Augustine, Florida
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Smaller cities that have a ton of attractions within a central location make for great getaways.

Two of the oldest settlements in America fall into that category, Santa Fe, New Mexico and St. Augustine, Florida.

Both have restored historic downtown areas that are easy to walk around and packed with great shopping, eating, and some of the oldest structures in the country.

Savannah, Georgia
Downtown Savannah, Georgia
Shrimp and Grits and fried okra in Charleston, South Carolina
Shrimp and grits with fried okra in Charleston

 

For Southern charm, the Lowcountry cities of Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina are unmatched.

The Spanish moss-draped trees along the boulevards and squares, restored waterfronts, and classic colonial homes can be magical, with much of the allure of New Orleans… minus the happy hedonistic insanity.

For northern exposure, give Corning, New York or Newport, Rhode Island a visit.

View of Salzburg, Austria from the castle
Salzburg, Austria
Ornate guild signs in Salzburg
Ornate guild signs in Salzburg

With its easy walk-through old town, Salzburg in Austria is heralded as one of the best-preserved city centers in Europe.

Once inside the walls the baroque architecture and ornate guild signs are mesmerizing, and The Sound of Music is all around… in more ways than one.

Be sure to ride the cable car up to Hohensalzburg Castle for the best possible view overlooking Mozart’s hometown.

Sunset in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
Sunset in Puerto Penasco, Mexico

An hour south of the U.S. border and a million mental miles away is Puerto Peñasco, Mexico.  No wonder this quaint fishing village has become so popular with snow birds. Relax on the shores of the Sea of Cortez for a fraction of the cost of most Mexican resorts.

All of these small-ish burgs have a full spectrum of food and lodging choices and best of all, because they are not big metropolitan centers, these towns can be pretty easy on the savings account.

Need a Bigger Adventure?
Prague

Beautiful Prague, Czech Republic

Prague in the Czech Republic is the former capital of the Holy Roman Empire and one of the world’s great cities, yet the old center is small enough to easily navigate on foot.

Rounding every corner is like stepping into a new page of a classic story book.

We almost expected a damsel in distress or a knight in shining armor at every turn. To ensure a return visit (and you’ll want one), rub the statue of St. John on the Charles Bridge.

Newfoundland
Kayaking with Icebergs in Newfoundland
Kayaking with humpback whales and icebergs in Newfoundland.

We thought we might just spend a few days in Newfoundland.

Good thing we asked around before we went, because everyone who had been there said it takes at least two weeks to even scratch the surface.

Luckily we are empty nesters and had the time to truly explore the natural beauty and fantastic people of the island. Don’t forget to ask a local about getting “Screeched In” to become an honorary Newfoundlander.

Queensland

Veronica snorkels with a sea turtle on Lady Elliot Island, Queensland, Australia, GypsyNester.com

If Australia is on your bucket list, look no further than Queensland. Beautiful beaches, glamorous seaside foodie towns and all the fabulous marsupials you could ever want to see are there for the experiencing!

Oh, and Great. Barrier Reef. It doesn’t get more bucket list than that!

The laidback, “no worries” atmosphere of Queensland allows us empty nesters to relax — or adventure — at our own pace.

Costa Rica

View from Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica

If you are a nature lover and appreciate ecotourism, Costa Rica is your ultimate destination.

Costa Rica has embraced ecotourism, understanding the need to keep their beautiful beaches, national parks and treasured wildlife as pristine as possible. Plus they have tons of monkeys, and we love monkeys.

If all the ecotourism talk conjures up visions of carrying a backpack through the jungle, sleeping in tents, and living off of nuts and wild papayas, we can relate.

But there’s luxury to be found, too. We soaked in hot springs on the slopes of an active volcano, and even had a massage while watching monkeys swing through the trees at the most eco-friendly hotel we’ve ever stayed. Can’t do that in many places!

The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland will create memories that will stay in your heart forever – the views from the edge of the world are spectacular!

Headquarter in the little town of Dingle – for Victorian quaintness, and a foodie experience you’ll never forget!


A Nod to Voluntourism

Volunteering in Africa

Volunteer vacations are a great way to see the world, help others, and grow together as a couple.

Many US National Parks have volunteer programs that offer fabulous benefits, like free lodging.

There are also opportunities abroad, like teaching English to schoolchildren in Africa, that many empty nesters find very fulfilling – including us!

By combining volunteering and tourism, you get a unique, hands-on experience that connects you to the places you visit in very powerful ways.

With the offspring grown and flown, it’s the perfect time to spread our wings, pick a place, pack those bags, and leave the nest completely empty for a while.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

YOUR TURN: Have we inspired you to take an empty nest vacation? Which of these are on your bucket list? Do you have destinations to share?