The GypsyNesters

Home for the Holidays was a great song from Perry Como in 1954, and its simple lyrics and catchy tune still tug at your heartstrings today. But if the kids are all grown and you’ve got a yearning that’s burning in your heart for something different, cast your eye across “the pond,” as our British cousins call it, to Italy. Follow the peninsula down past Rome and Naples to Sicily then go south about 40 miles across the Mediterranean Sea to Malta.

Officially known as the Republic of Malta, it has a population of just under 450,000. It has two official languages, Maltese and English, so you’ll have no problem making yourself understood to the locals when you arrive. When you follow our tips for holiday preparations, be sure to leave lots of extra room for souvenirs.

Sites To See And Things To Do

Malta has only 95 square miles, but it packs a lot of attractions in that small area. The fact is, you’ll have your hands full trying to see and do everything there is available for the holidays in Malta.

You might start with a full-day sightseeing tour of Malta that covers all the major highlights on the island, including the Mosta Church. The Mosta Dome on the church is one of the largest unsupported domes on earth.

The first stop will be the fortified city of Mdina (that’s the correct spelling), Malta’s former capital. After a tour of the Siculo-Norman palaces, you’ll leave through the Greek Gates to head for Rabat on the west coast to explore some early Christian catacombs. From there you’ll head south to the Dingli Cliffs to enjoy the breathtaking views along the coast.

After that, you’ll wander through the San Anton Botanical Garden in the center of Malta, then spend time watching local people in Ta Qali Crafts Village, within shouting distance of Mdina, making jewelry and blowing glass. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy a 3-course meal with wine in a Maltese restaurant.

All this is done from the comfort of a climate-controlled coach with a tour guide/driver who will guide you through it every step of the way and answer all your questions too.

And that’s just your first day! There’s still more to see and do.

Game of Thrones Filmed on Malta

Did you know The Game of Thrones was filmed on Malta? It was, and there’s a guided tour by two actors who appeared in the show. They’ll take you to key locations used in the show, tell you what it was like on the set, and divulge lots of behind the scenes gossip of what it was like to work on that steamy show.

Food enhances your travel with that “you are there” feeling and there will be plenty of fine dining along the way. Every tour goes out of their way to make sure you eat at the best restaurants on the island.

Other Tours

Gozo is a tiny island just minutes north of the main island with some of the bluest waters you’ve ever seen. There are three different tours of Gozo, from the water and inland. One tour even combines both aspects, taking you over to the island in a private boat then letting you tour the island in a Jeep.

We can’t leave Gozo without telling you about one of the Gozo tours that take you through the Blue Lagoon and the caves. Be sure to take your camera with you on that one. The pictures you can get inside the caves are stunning. All your friends will be green with envy.

The main island also has a self-driving tour in electric cars. The cars are programmed to tell you about each site that you pass. The cars are fluent in several languages and come fully equipped with GPS so you’ll never get lost.

Valletta, Malta’s current capital, has a Segway tour that takes you past The Royal Opera House, St. John Cathedral, and the Grand Harbour. You’ll get thousands of years of history in just two hours, all led by a friendly guide, and without breaking a sweat.

Wrap It Up With an Archaeological Tour

Malta has some of the best archaeological sites in the world. These are working archaeological digs so call in advance to make sure they are open during your trip. One complex contains a whole series of interconnecting underground chambers that have to be seen to be believed.

Come to Malta and have a merry holiday to remember!

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Enjoying some barbecue at the park can be fun, especially in the company of friends, family, or colleagues. Having cold drinks to go with it always heightens the fun. However, the common challenge with picnics is that drinks don’t stay cold as long as you want them too. People usually enjoy the first batch of drinks more.

By the time the last batch of drinks are served, the temperature of the drinks will be very close to room temperature and this will reduce the pleasure and satisfaction derived from them. This article actually offers a few tips on how to keep your drinks cold longer for picnics.

Use a 12V cooler

In case you are not aware, there are portable 12v coolers that can be powered by your car while it’s running. You can chill your drinks with one of them. To be able to get the best 12v cooler, you may need to carry out a research on the different brands to arm yourself with the pros and cons of each brand. Then, select anyone that suits your needs and also comes at a price within your budget.

Chill your drinks longer

Remember that your car will only power your cooler when it’s running. You will have to disconnect it after parking otherwise your car may not start after the fun. So, it is advisable to start chilling your drinks the night before your outing day. That way, you will only remove the drinks from your refrigerator only when you are ready to hit the road. This is because drinks that are chilled longer stay cool longer when exposed to room temperature. If it is possible for you to keep your drinks chilled several days before the day, go ahead. The longer, the better.

Bury your drinks

You can try this in a beach or anywhere with moist soil/sand. Bury each drink as soon as you get there. The sand will keep them cool for as long as they are there. And if you had frozen them at home before bringing them over, the sand will retain the temperature. The deeper they go into the sand, the colder they will be. However, ensure they don’t get to the tip level so that the tips don’t get dirty. Or you may have to rinse the tip before drinking them.

Wrap them in a wet towel

Another great idea is to wrap your drinks in a wet towel, blanket, or any material that retains moisture. You will be amazed at how cold your drinks will be when you want to take them. It is one of the oldest techniques for keeping drinks cold.

Use a bucket cooler

You might as well use a bucket cooler with a lot of ice. When you are ready to leave, put the drinks in the cooler and fill it with ice cubes. Ensure you pack it as tightly as possible so that there will be little or no airflow in it.

In conclusion, it is better to chill your drinks several hours or days before the picnic day. You will only remove them from the refrigerator when you are about to move. When you do that, any of the other cooling techniques will be very effective.

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Changing currencies to travel is a procedure that always gives us a lot of laziness. We have tried many different options and we almost always get the impression that we are losing money. We tell you how and where to exchange currencies for traveling without losing money along the way (or losing as little as possible?).

We advise you to change your currency before leaving home if you want to complete your homework. In most countries they accept credit cards for almost anything, but you have to take enough cash.

Some concepts

Before talking about currency exchange, it is very important to clarify some concepts about currency exchange. So, you can compare between various options and see what appears further in the account.

– Selling price. This refers to the money they offer for every dollar you exchange. That’s what we have to take into account when changing currencies before traveling. The higher, the better.

– Price of purchase It refers to the dollar they give you when you give foreign currency. In this case we have to look for the lowest purchase price, because for fewer foreign currencies we will receive more dollars. You only need to pay attention to the purchase price if you have left the foreign currency you want to recover.

Check the code of all world currencies

This is a level that varies continuously because it adjusts according to the supply and demand of the foreign exchange market. In practice, you will see that there is no bank or currency exchange that offers the right level (only when exchanging money between them). The exchange rates offered to normal consumers will always be a little worse to get benefits. Try to get the exchange rate that you use to approach the average market exchange rate, which is considered the fairest exchange rate.

Where

So we don’t have to worry about exchanging currencies when we travel, we always try to get foreign currency before leaving on the way. We tell you the best place to exchange currencies before leaving on the trip.

1. Your bank, the most reliable way to change currencies

The most practical way to change a currency before leaving on a trip is to go to your bank. If you don’t have a bank branch at your departure airport, you can always go to the office usually to ask for foreign currency. Do well before (around 10 days) so that the money arrives on time in the office and you can pick it up before leaving.

2. Change currency online, a practical alternative

If your bank does not offer the currency you are looking for or wants to receive money directly in your home, you can use online currency exchange. You might ask yourself: “ Where to exchange currency near me?” The big advantage is that they usually offer more currency variations than banks. You only need to show what currency you want, the amount you want to change, give your data and enter your card data. Just like if you make an online purchase. After a few days, you will receive money at home.

3. Airports, a bad place to exchange currencies

The most common place to exchange currencies is at the airport exchange office. Error! This is probably the most convenient, but it will make you lose money. As much as they sell you that there are no commissions, the exchange rate is usually so bad that it will almost be more expensive to pay commissions. If you feel obliged to do so, we suggest that you change as little as possible so you don’t lose a lot of money.

We hope this article gives you some useful information.

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When we think about travel, we often think of travelling with our buddies or families. Travelling with others is rarely ever a bad idea, but going solo also has wonderful benefits and something to consider. Travelling alone doesn’t mean you’re a bore or a loner. But it does mean you’re independent and able to make decisions on your own.

The next time someone asks you, “Why do you want to travel alone?” here are some reasons you can give them.

I want maximum freedom

Travelling alone is a hands down decision if you cherish your freedom. You know the deal; someone wants to go sightseeing, another wants to go shopping and another wants to sleep the day off. From the time you wake up till you sleep again, it’s all your own decisions when alone. You do what you want, at the time you want and there’s no one to answer to.

If I wait for others, I’ll never travel

Many times we have enough trouble just making an appointment with a friend to grab a cup of coffee, let alone make travel plans. It’s a busy era, and people are often having to cancel plans due to circumstances. For a cup of coffee, that’s not a big deal, but when you’ve been planning for a trip for months and making arrangements and keeping your eyes open to get the best deals, it’s a bummer when a friend bails out. If they bail out by choice, it can actually ruin your friendship. Why wait for others when you’re as free as a bird and ready to go it alone?

I don’t like drama

We all have our own annoying habits as well as our pet peeves. Some of these habits or certain personality traits don’t show up until you live with a person and travelling together is a type of temporary living together arrangement. This can cause a strain on your friendship, not just during the trip but also after it. You can find yourselves erupting into arguments about the smallest matters to the biggest ones, and the drama just might be too much for you. If you feel you’re really not prepared for travel squabbles with your friends or family, save your relationship by travelling alone.

I feel empowered

Solo travelling is a great time to discover yourself and learn some things about yourself you maybe didn’t know before. You will have time to reflect on your life and better understand yourself. The mode of travel also defines the experience for you. If you choose to travel by train, for example, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect and also enjoy stunning scenery at the same time. And the best bit is, according to cheaptraintickets.info there are a couple of ways for you to get the cheapest train tickets with the best quality service too. And if that doesn’t give you the empowerment to enjoy your own company, not much else will! It gives you a chance to overcome some of your fears because you’ll be put in an unfamiliar environment which will teach you how to deal with new things, such as meeting new people, eating new food and appreciating new cultures and traditions.

Who said I’m alone? It’s extremely difficult to ever feel alone when travelling, even if solo. There are people all around you, and the assumption is that part of your reason for travelling is to meet new people and get involved in different things than you’re used to. In fact, when you’re alone, you’re more approachable by others. People are often less wary to help out or mingle with a single tourist than a rowdy bunch. You might even experience better service in cafes and restaurants.

Well, that’s one last reason we could end this post with. You will learn to enjoy your own company and you’ll find out that you’re capable of doing so much. It’s also a great time to catch up on other things, like finish that book you started. Travelling alone might not be for everyone. Some people just don’t like to be by themselves and that’s alright, but you won’t know if solo travelling suits you till you try it.

Traveling is a risky business. You’re always up against uncertainty. Yet it’s also the gamble that makes it worth the take. So to make sure you get the positive end of the experience whenever you travel, you prepare right, and you anticipate any trouble that may come along your way. That makes packing emergency kits a must regardless of whether you’re going hiking or just traveling to a European city.

Your packing list should include the basics of first aid. This does not mean you can’t find these materials where you’ll be traveling, but having them on hand makes it easier for you to respond to emergency hastily.

You can also avoid the trouble of long pharmacy lines in some countries. You never know when a material that you normally take for granted can turn up in the rarities of where you’re going. So keep this list handy, and start packing right for your next sweet adventure.

Bandages or Plasters

A staple for every travel first aid kit, bandages help keep small wounds and scrapes adequately protected from infection. For small abrasions, pack small- to medium-size bandages. Reserve larger ones like self-stick elastic bandage rolls if you are going to participate in outdoor activities that are potentially dangerous to some extent.

Remember that the adhesives on bandages lose their effect the longer they are stored, so you may want to replenish your supply every now and then.

OTC Pain Strips or Medications

Pain medication may be hard to obtain in some places. Not to mention, there’s nothing more annoying than shopping for a single pill when your headache is in full swing.

Avoid the inconvenience by packing your usual pain medicine. This is helpful for curing hangovers after a night out in Bali or hiking the beautiful trails of Hawaii. Kinesiology tapes, for instance, are exquisite for managing pain noninvasively. they’re a great pain reliever if you want to engage in strenuous exercise while you’re on a holiday.

A Pair of Tweezers

The slightest pricks and thorns can be a major cause of pain and discomfort. Even more so when you fail over and over at manually trying to take out the invading object. Don’t sweat over  it by securing a handy pair of tweezers in your travel kit. Aside from being a real savior for situations sticky situations, it can also serve a cosmetic purpose.

Small Scissors

Scissors usually come standard in most commercially available first aid boxes although you can always opt to buy one separately. Nothing is worse than not having anything to properly trim your gauze or bandages during a time of need. Have one handy. Airline security may have rules against carrying sharp-pointed scissors, so be mindful of what is allowed.

Water Purification Tablets

You never know how your internal biota will react to different food sources. Don’t risk your health if you’re going off the beaten track or traveling somewhere exotic. Water purification tablets help ensure that you get adequate hydration without harmful bacteria that can be detrimental to your digestive health.

Sunscreen

Don’t forget your skin-care necessities. The heat, especially in some tropical countries, can really take a toll on your skin. Have the proper protection wherever you are with a reliable sunscreen with sufficient SPF power to shield you from harmful UV rays.

Hemorrhoid Wipes

Hemorrhoid wipes are excellently designed to provide quick relief for burning, itching, or stinging sensations. This makes them a great first aid not only for the nominal purpose but also for cuts, scrapes, and insect bites.

OTC Diarrhea Medicine

Just imagine spending your vacation week in a state of constant exhaustion and dehydration after trying out the exotic food bars in some far-flung destination in Asia. Diarrhea can be fatal if not managed early. And even when you do, it can really mess up an otherwise-fascinating experience. Pack a good antimotility medicine, which you can easily purchase over the counter.

Cold Medications

Every person has his or her own way to combat cold virus. But while hot tea and some rest will work just fine for some, it’s not enough for others, especially when their vacation days are too short for long bed rests.

Be sure to have your own cold kit with you, whether that be first aid lozenges for a scratchy throat or an OTC medication for full-on colds.

Your Usual Medications

Of course, if you have a condition that requires maintain medication, don’t forget to buy enough supplies that can last your whole trip. That includes medication for allergies.

Final Thoughts

An emergency kit is one of the most important items on your packing list. Make sure you do it right using this checklist.

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