The GypsyNesters

Train journeys evoke nostalgia amongst travelers. Our parents recall the halcyon days of steam trains taking them to exotic destinations, embarking with the entire family, immersed in breathtaking vistas involved in animated small talk.

While the world offers many dream railway rides across continents, Europe is a destination that stands apart from all others. It encompasses rivers, mountains, vast verdant fields, castles, fauna and flora, all in one package.

Railway journeys in Europe are safe, comfortable and a true value for money, if organized diligently. There are a plethora of agencies both large and small to suit everyone’s pocket.

Switzerland

Switzerland, the land of chocolate and milk, should be at the top of your ‘to travel by railway’ list, especially if you are seeking a few serene quiet days away from the hustle and bustle of technology infested life-style. If you are in search of an all-inclusive, carefree and flexible railway package, then look no further than the Swiss Travel Pass which opens up a nice sweet box of possibilities and options to choose from. The validity of STP extends up to 15 days.

Train rides in Switzerland offer great choices of varying prices and duration depending on your mental compass. One should not miss the train from Montreux to Broc. The journey kicks off from Lake Geneva to the medieval hamlet of Broc, which is famous for cheese making factories. The 10-hour ride includes cheese tasting…at the expense of the calorie count though.

When you have had your fill of unparalleled beauty of Switzerland and crave for a wild ride, take the Bernina Express from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy. It is not for the faint-hearted, though, as the train descends from Swiss Alps at 7,391 feet to 5,905 feet. It courses through 55 tunnels, and 196 bridges, finally depositing you at the station of a small town of Tirano.

Trans-Siberian

‘Adventure is for the adventurous’ so, if you fall into that category, then the 19-days journey from Moscow to Vladivostok is your dream come true. If you, however, feel dizzy dealing with jet or train lag, you should cross this one out because the journey covers eight time zones. Siberia is notorious albeit incorrectly synonymous with Gulag and hardship. The journey will blow your mind with the raw beauty of the versatile landscape expanding from the Moscow River to the Pacific bordering China and North Korea and across to Alaska. It is a life-time experience mingling with diverse cultures both on and off-train.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Who does not know Agatha Christie and her magnum-opus ‘Murder on the Orient Express’? That definitely should not dissuade you from indulging in a nostalgic journey from London to Venice. The ride takes just two days and one night of your assuming the title of a knight, a baron, a prince, a lady or a socialite as long as you do not reenact the mystery. The journey is super luxurious with a unique seven-star quality. The scenery from London to Venice is a bonus.

Beyond Venice

Once you have satisfied yourself with the haunting charm of inundated castles, and gondolas of Venice, it’s time to move on yet another adventure to Budapest on Danube Express, passing Sighișoara, Romania, possible birthplace of Count Dracula, for the horror buffs, dissecting the heartland of Balkans and into the Danube River. This journey takes around 11 days on a train and the accommodation in different cities and is known for its first-class wining and dining.

The discovery of the Balkan does not end with the Danube Express. There is the famous Flexipass of Rail Europe that takes you through Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey. This journey takes around 10 hours. Destinations covered by the train offer an amazing array of cultures, languages, cuisine, and history that ranges from ancient to contemporary.

Spanish Glory

Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, ‘a five-star hotel on rails’ is an eight days luxury ride from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela. The journey starts from the beautiful coastal picturesque town of San Sebastián in the Basque region surrounded by mountains. It meanders through fields, mountains, and rivers to arrive at its destination of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia region. The place is famous for its 12^th Century cathedral, famous for the burial site of one of the apostles.

Train journeys across Europe are spectacular and must be part of your annual itinerary to your heart’s content. For the enthusiast in you, this list should cover some of the best rides you can possibly embark on. So pack your bags, wave your handkerchief at your loved ones, and experience an adventure like no other.

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Are you searching for something to keep your kids and family entertained in Dublin? Well, look no further. Below are some of the best things to do with your family in Dublin. While some will need that you have a car, you can hop on Luas or Dart with others. Consult Dublin Tour Company for a better, organized trip.

1. Imaginosity

Popular known as Dublin’s Children Museum, Imaginosity is a child-centered space that kids and parents can have endless hours of creative plays. The setup includes educationally designed items that inspire learning through creative play. Due to the common crowding, it is wise to book in advance.

2. Airfield Estate

For families who love gardening, the Airfield Estate provides an opportunity for members to learn more about farming, food, and overall nature in this relaxed urban setting. Kids can check out the Naturescape that has an interactive play area and an isolated woodland walk area.

3. Picnic at Stephen’s Green

This pretty Stephen’s Park is located at the centre of Dublin city. It has beautifully manicured grounds that makes it an awesome photo shootout location. The large water pond and stone footbridge, in particular, will be your family members favourite spots.

4. The Dublin Zoo

Though quite an obvious choice, this is a solid choice. The best thing about it is that you can visit it on your own time. There is a lot to see and engage in at the zoo. However, you should inquire in advance to know the feeding times and other activities in the zoo. Perhaps an exciting addition to the zoo is the African Plains that are interesting to see up close, especially for kids.

5. Walk along the Dun Laoghaire Pier

If you want to get your kids to bed early, the Dun Laoghaire Pier is a good way to tire them. The walk features a lengthy walk along with the fresh sea air with rewards of some ice cream and chips. For an even longer walk, go past Teddy’s towards the mess and enjoy some exercise machines along the Pier coast.

6. Rainforest Adventure Golf

If your family enjoys some mini-golf, try some rainforest golfing experience in this area. It is located in the Dundrum and a big winner for competitive streaks for both little and big kids. The area is open from mid-day on weekends.

7. Malahide Castle

The Malahide Castle has not only to cool playgrounds with zipline diggers but also has large spaces for kids to play around. With these options, you can either spend time on the ground or visit the castle. The Avoca Café is an additional bonus in this location that serves sweet coffee for families in need of quick sugar fix.

8. North Aquatic Centre’s Aqua Zone

Kids certainly love water. Well, it is much fun when the entire family is involved. It is an underwater playground with a pirate ship and a wave pool with few water slides. From all these, there are several things to do. Parents can take turn babysitting the kids in the water slides for combined fun.

9. Sea Life Bray

Though some distance outside Dublin boundaries, the Sea Life Bray is close enough for your family’s weekend visit. In this location, there are a lot of sea life for your family members to see, including black tip sharks, leopard sharks, and sea horses. Kids tired of the zoo can get involved during the feeding times or engage in an interactive rock pool.

10. Local Playgrounds

Playgrounds globally have been improved over recent times, and Dublin has some top-quality fields. There are many distributed around the city, and one could be just on your doorstep. You can as well take a drive to a better-built playground some distance away. Visit either the Fairview Park or Cabinteely Park.

11. The Cinema

Whereas some may argue that visiting a cinema in Dublin isn’t a good idea, there is a lot to enjoy with your family in this area. Visiting the cinema guarantees two good hours of satisfying entertainment with minimal effort from the parents.

12. The Johnnie Fox’s Pub

Probably among the best pubs in the city, you should visit it for its amazing Irish food and other traditional music. The views of the Dublin Mountains from the pub are nothing short of spectacular. If you have extra small kids, visiting during the lunchtime would be ideal.

13. Check-in for Lunch at Bad Ass Café

You can’t run out of options if you need a good place for a family lunch in Dublin. The Bad-Ass restaurant, for instance, is one of the popular restaurants frequented by locals and tourists for its delicious food.

14. The Leprechaun Museum

A Dublin trip with your family won’t be complete without a visit to a museum. Apart from the National Art Gallery and Ireland Museum, the Leprechaun Museum is another interesting place to visit. The site provides more visual and sensory fun with giant chairs, crazy tunnels, and optical mirrors.

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Summer may be rapidly coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean vacation season is over. If you’re the proud owner of an RV, you might just be getting started. Much of the world is settling into fall routines, but when you’re living the RV life, what is a routine really?

But even if your days are relaxed and carefree, you’ll still need to watch your budget to keep them that way. Follow these quick tips to keep your travel plans smooth.

1. Determine Your Budget

Before you start your RV adventures, you need to sit down with your finances and determine your average monthly budget in your new lifestyle. How much does it cost to full-time RV? You’ll need to factor in equipment, camping fees, food, gas, wifi, cell phones, insurance, laundry, maintenance, and fun money to figure out your monthly expenses budget.

RVing full-time is rarely a money-saving expenditure, but if you know what you’re getting into, you can plan ahead and enjoy your travels stress—free.

2. Don’t Pay for Parking

When you’re RV camping every night, parking costs can start to add up quickly. It’s fine to pay for parking occasionally—sometimes, you won’t have another choice. But you can also become an expert at finding the free or low-cost camping options. You can even use sites like Campendium to scope out your next spot.

3. Learn to Eat Cheap

You don’t have to eat like a broke college kid again — after all, there are new local foods to experience everywhere you go! But learn when to spend, and when to save. That once-in-a-lifetime authentic gumbo restaurant? Spend. Diners for miles? Might be a good time to try out a new recipe in the RV.

You have a kitchen for a reason: instead of seeking out local restaurants everywhere you visit, try hunting down local ingredients at grocery stores to cook for yourself. It’ll be just as tasty, and just as memorable.

4. DIY Repairs

If RV travel is your new full-time hobby, you’re going to need repairs along the road. You’ll save yourself a good chunk of change if you can learn even a few basic maintenance and repair skills. Stock up on those tools from Home Depot and start learning.

Not sure where to start? Try Youtube— RV101 is a channel that covers all topics concerning RV driving, repairs, accessories and more.

5. Shop Online, Pick Up In-Store

When you don’t physically go into a store, you’re less likely to impulse-buy things you don’t actually need. Stores like Target, Macy’s, Walmart and Home Depot all offer shopping experiences that allow you to select your items online and pick them up in-store. Some store locations might even bring your purchases straight to your vehicle.

Make a list, do your shopping on the road, and simply stop by your store of choice to pick up your purchases. It’s a great way to save some money AND some time.

6. Watch for Cheap Gas

If you’ve spent any time on the road, you might already be a pro at this, but remember: always keep your eyes peeled for cheap gas. Those 5 or 8 cents a gallon (or more if you’re lucky!) can add up quickly in the grand scheme of things, so this is one area you should always find a deal.

Need help? Apps like Gas Buddy can help you track down local gas stations – and their prices – without needing to do a drive-by of multiple stations.

7. Don’t Forget to Enjoy

If you’re living frugally, you’ll be able to afford some guilt-free splurges down the road. Don’t be so focused on your budget that you pass up all the experiences that make your RV experience memorable.

Some memories are free, and others will cost money, but with a solid budget in place, you’ll be able to keep your finances on track and keep your RV travels as inexpensive – or expensive – as you like.

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From the windswept surfing reefs and coves of Dominica in the east to the tips of Antilles and Cuba in the west, the alabaster-white sand beaches of Bermuda to the north and cactus-filled desert of the ABC islands to the south, the Caribbean has been a treasure trove of things to see and do. Combining nature with relaxation, Indian spices with European gastronomic flair, exclusive hotels on the planet, the Caribbean has something for everyone.

It features the Cuban cigarillos, magma-spouting mountains, and countless airbrushed beaches and shimmering turquoise sea. Forget everything you’ve heard about the Caribbean. It’s more diverse, more energetic, and more adventurous than you know. It’s time you discovered the region in a whole new way.

The Grand Cayman is home to the most extensive beaches in the world. It’s also home to some of the exotic hotels in the world offering an array of culinary options to choose from and unmatched comfort. The Cayman Islands is well-developed, sophisticated, and pretty easy to explore. If that’s not enough, visit Ponant.com to discover their luxury cruises and expeditions in the Caribbean.

Jamaica. Yes, you heard it right. Many people use Jamaica as an entry point to the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking for an exclusive trip to the Golden Eye or a food Crawl, be sure the Caribbean will exceed your expectations. Indulge yourself in the world’s best swimming and diving sports in the western town of Negril. Go hiking through the misty highlands and mountains in the inland. Here, you’ll get amazing views of the hidden lagoons and waterfalls.

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, a place you should get away from it all. First stop at the Shoal Bay, Anguilla’s infamous beach. The beach’s blindingly white shores offer soft sand as well as non-touristy restaurants. The beach is also a perfect destination for divers and snorkelers.

Cuba has become a favorite destination for tourists in recent years. From its magnificent bright Old Havana to the stunning beauty of the Varadero beach, you can’t miss something to do in Cuba. The western province of Pinar del Rio is a hub for nature lovers, graced with tobacco fields and miles or rolling mountain ranges. The province also encompasses Vinales Valley, which happens to be the most beautiful tourist destination in the country. Graced with lush landscapes and dome-like limestone formations, the place is a UNESCO World Heritage, and it’s the best place to watch the sun set.

Aruba features award-winning hotels along its serene beaches. However, you shouldn’t overlook venturing off this developed stretch. Aruba has some of the best beaches in the world, including the undeveloped Arashi and the powder-fine Eagle Beach. Occupying 18% of the island, the Arikok National Park is a hidden treasure. It’s a cactus-filled landscape that’s worth sightseeing.

Saba is famous for its unspoiled and undeveloped landscape. Towering above the sea, the island’s magnificence extends below and above the beaches. You’ll also find the friendliest locals here. Don’t forget to explore the jagged silhouette of Scenery Mountain.

The Caribbean has something for everyone. From nature lovers to those looking for the best culinary options in the entire world. There are world-class hotels here, so you should worry about accommodation.

Travelling is certainly one of the most thrilling experiences in life.  Travelling inspires a sense of wanderlust that has us craving for more places to visit, people to meet and cultures to experience. Packing your luggage for international travel gives you a kind of “buzz” in its own special way.

In many ways, travelling can be regarded as one of the best investments in ourselves. It no only offers memorable experiences but also greatly improves our physical and psychological wellbeing. According to McClintock Greenberg, a clinical psychologist based in San Francisco, travelling can play an important role in alleviating stress caused by work and daily demands. It is, however, important to ensure one’s safety during travel by taking proper precautions. It is also important to note all destinations bare travel risks. Risk levels associated with various destinations can vary from low risk to high risk. Following safety guidelines ensures that you enjoy your trip with minimal risk to yourself.

Obtain adequate information on your destination

Its is always important to consult your foreign office before travelling abroad. Sites belonging to your country’s foreign office often contain notices on travel warnings issued in the event of terrorist activities, civil unrest and other dangerous conditions. Where a travel warning has been issued, postponing travel is normally recommended. Travel alerts are also issued for areas that are going through short term situations that disrupt travel plans. Travel alerts offer information on weather, crime, unrest and health. Health advisories issued by government agencies can also help determine whether prophylactic medication and immunization are necessary. Travellers are advised to seek information from the U.S. Department of State before travelling.

Consider purchasing travel insurance

Part of the reason why travelling is exciting is the possibility of encountering new experiences. New experiences can, however, come with unexpected risks and costs. Nothing can be as stressful as being stuck with a hospital bill you can barely foot in a foreign country.  Spending a few bucks on travel insurance can spare you unnecessary stress and guarantee blissful travel. Most comprehensive policies also reimburse nonrefundable travel expenses upon cancellation. It is, however, important to read the fine print as policies may vary from company to company. One of the insurance companies that come highly recommended by experts is World Nomads.

Join a traveller program

Various countries offer travel programs that offer updates from embassies and consulates while abroad. Residents of the United States are encouraged to join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program also known as STEP.  Nations such as Australia also have programmes such as Smart-traveller while Canada has the Registration of Canadians Abroad.

Stay vigilant

Well travelling, it is easy to get distracted by unseen threats. During such instances, we tend to forget more obvious threats that pose immediate risks.  Money and other important documents should always be kept secure. One should also avoid getting too drunk and non-tourist areas after dark as one may fall prey to criminals or individuals looking to take advantage of tourists. Jewelry and attracting unnecessary attention should also be avoided. While withdrawing money always do so in a bank. Travellers should also get an overview of scams in specific destinations from travel guides and sites such as Lonely Planet.  Most importantly follow your instincts and exercise common-sense safety measures.

Have an emergency and exit plan

Sometimes dangerous situations may arise unexpectedly. The best solution to sudden life-threatening situations is knowing how to leave the dangerous area fast. When that is not possible, having certification in CPR and First Aid may come in handy when faced with medical emergencies. It is also important to always have emergency phone numbers to medical facilities, local police and the embassy.

Learn the local culture

A little knowledge of local customs and behaviours can come in handy while visiting various destinations. Learning local customs not only allows you to understand the environment and the people around you but also greatly improves your overall travel experience. To gain knowledge of local customs and culture, study the nation’s history, religions and beliefs, get advice from other travellers who have been to the place and make enquiries from local guides.

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