The GypsyNesters

Traveling in an RV can be great. You can bring along your own accommodations, sleep with the comfort of your own blankets, and know exactly which drawer the silverware is in.

If you recently purchased an RV and want a more homey atmosphere on your travels than a hotel can bring, you might be disappointed by the current sterile and uniform atmosphere of your RV. A brand new or rarely used RV will not yet have that comfortable and cozy atmosphere you associate with home.

The good news is that it is easy to make your camper feel more like a home! Follow these few simple tips to begin making your RV into your home away from home.

Hang decorations

Decorate plain wall spaces with your own family photographs, travel photography, inspirational quotes, or other favorite images. Decorating interior walls isn’t quite as simple as hammering something into the wall because some RVs have electrical equipment or other vital systems under walls — puncturing walls could cause permanent damage. Consider using command strips, putty, or reusable decals that can come off easily.

Add plants

There are many great benefits to adding plants to your RV. Not only are they pleasing to look at, but they are good for your physical and mental health. You might even choose to grow herbs, which have an additional benefit of providing seasoning for food.

Add mementos

One of the quickest ways to make your RV feel like home is to add a few of your favorite mementos. If you have a few books or small decorations that make you happy, bring them along! Keep in mind they’ll have to be secured while the RV is moving, so whatever you bring should be small.

Throw rugs down

Depending on the age of your RV, the floor of your RV is likely a laminate flooring that is easy to clean but not very cozy. While laminate flooring inside an RV is practical, adding a few rugs can help your space feel more comfortable. Rugs also help to separate living spaces. For example, a small throw rug in front of your couch can separate your living room space from your kitchen.

Make your bed cozy

Most RVs come with basic mattresses that are uncomfortable, but even small sized RV mattresses can be upgraded to something better! You’ll need a mattress that fits your space, so do some research before choosing one.

You can also upgrade your bed by adding your own pillows, sheets, and blankets from home. Adding your own familiar bedding to a quality mattress is a small way to instantly make your RV feel more like home.

Add pops of color

Most RVs come with brown or grey walls and floors, which can make your RV seem less personal. Some individuals opt to paint a wall or two their favorite colors, but this might not be the best option if you’re eventually planning on selling your RV. For less permanent pops of color, add throw pillows or throw rugs in your favorite color to the main living space.

Switch your lights out

The standard overhead lights in RVs are practical, but are often fluorescent and are hard on your eyes. Adding a few LED lights or string lights can provide alternative lighting for those times when you don’t need or want to turn the main overhead lights on. This adds some personal touches to your RV, plus your eyes will experience less eye strain. Also, you may want to consider getting RV awning lights for your front porch.

Upgrade Appliances

Depending on your needs, you might want to upgrade or add some of the standard appliances throughout your RV. For example, if you want to do laundry from the comfort of your RV instead of a laundry mat, consider adding a washer/dryer combo. Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the luxuries of home.

Use space wisely

While personalizing your RV is important, it’s also important that you don’t clutter your space up. RVs are only so big, and going overboard with decor will make space feel small.

To make the best of your small space, purge useless items and find a designated space for everything.  If you find yourself struggling with limited space, research space saving tips and hacks.

Home Away From Home

While it’s ultimately up to you to make your RV into the perfect home for you, following some of the tips above can help you get started.

What are some other ways that you’ve turned your RV into your perfect home away from home?

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Asia is a majestic and enchanting continent that beckons and enthralls all those who travel in its lands. With so many countries encompassing this great continent, you may have the dilemma of where to begin your journey first. If you currently at a loss of ideas on where to go first, then it is highly suggested you try venturing somewhere in the southeast. Southeast Asia holds the right mix of tropical climate, warm and accommodating people and the breathtaking spots that will hypnotize you to come back over and over again. For those of you who are planning to go on a trip to Asia, going southeast will be a wonderful detour.

Myanmar

Starting from the topmost Southeast Asian country bordered by India and China, Myanmar is a good place to start your trip of exploration and learning. Famous tourist spots include Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most famous pagodas in the world. Located in Yangon, the country’s largest city and former capital, the Shwedagon Pagoda is the symbol of pride and religious heritage for the people of Myanmar. This is just the beginning of your enchanting journey, where you’ll be inspired by culture chaser/travel blogger Dave Taylor’s tagline: I’m The Culture Chaser! Join me as I explore, value and learn about local cultures and their history all across Asia.

Laos

Going a bit lower in the map, in the southeast direction, you’ll be able to reach the country of Laos. This country prides itself with its Buddhist heritage, its famous temples and pristine natural tourist spots. Your journey to Laos is never complete without going to Luang Prabang. This ancient city still retains the glory of its temples and the Buddhist religious practices such as daily alms ceremony. Outside of this city lies other natural wonders to explore: Kuang Si Falls, Tad Sae Waterfalls, which has its own 1,000m zipline, Phou Si hill and Pak Ou or ‘Buddha’ Caves.

Vietnam

Going further east of Laos, you will find its next neighboring country, Vietnam. The country is known for its beaches, rivers and Buddhist temples. Vietnam also witnessed one of the bloodiest wars in its history, the Vietnam War. The Ho Chi Minh City Museum will help tourists understand the war that pitted the North and the South against each other, and the sacrifices made by both sides of the conflict. On a lighter note, nature trips are abound in this beautiful land. You can go boat riding on the Mekong Delta, go trekking in the highlands of Sa Pa or experience the Buddhist heritage in Hue.

Cambodia

Heading back to the southwest direction from Vietnam, you will find Cambodia. Cambodia houses the Angkor Wat, a massive stone temple complex built during the Khmer Empire, which is also a designated World Heritage Site. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, also holds the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, the history rich National Museum, the chilling Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center among the many wonderful places and landmarks you’ll come across.

Thailand

Heading back west lies Thailand, a country where, history and modernization intertwine harmoniously. Bangkok’s bustling cityscape also holds the Grand Palace, the official residence of the royalties in Thailand. Also worth visiting are Wat Pho, which is home to the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand, Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, and Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha. If the busy and hectic pace of life isn’t your thing, then Chiang Mai is the destination for you. This pleasant northern city shows the extensive influence of Buddhism across this country, as evident Chiang Mai Old City, where orange-robed monks greet you with a smile and sawadee ka. Chiang Mai also offers cultural festivals, night markets, majestic temples and nature trips to relax and captivate tourists.

There are many other countries in Asia that still await exploration. Don’t fret if you can’t go to all of the places at once. Going to these places is meant to be done over several days, to immerse in the rich culture and historical significance of each Asian destination. These are just five countries you can start your exciting and memorable Asian journeys. So explore enjoy and learn with every trip you take in Asia.

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If you are looking for your next big travel adventure, there is a country in the heart of Southern Africa that you simply can’t afford to miss. Botswana is a true treasure with incredible landscapes, mouthwatering food, and unforgettable safari opportunities. As you plan your next trip, here are six reasons why Botswana should be your next travel destination.

Tour the World’s Largest Salt Flat

 The Makgadikgadi Pan is one of a kind and well worth a visit when you travel to Botswana. This modern world wonder was once a monstrous lake, measuring larger than the country of Switzerland. The lake dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind the largest salt flat in the world. The Makgadikgadi Pan is found in northeast Botswana and it’s a must-see destination on your next trip. The best time of year to visit is in November, when the rain starts to arrive. During the rainy season, you will see the start of Africa’s famous zebra migration, with more than 25,000 zebras traveling across the salt flat.

Stay at the Third Largest Inland Delta on Earth

 Botswana is also home to the Okavango Delta, a place abundant in wildlife, mazes of waterways, and scenic lagoons. Travelers can explore the Okavango Delta in a variety of ways. Choose from a boat ride on a traditional makoro or a view from the air in a hot air balloon or helicopter. You can even explore the Okavango Delta on horseback. This is a premier travel destination in Botswana, complete with a variety of lodges, campsites, and even “sleep-outs” for the adventure-seeking tourists.

Learn Survival Skills from the Bushmen

During your visit to Botswana, make sure to carve out time to explore camps where bushmen come to share their unique tribal lifestyle. The San Bushmen tribe near the Okavango Delta are perhaps the most fascinating. Their Khoisan language uses up to 48 consonant sounds that many describe as “clicking” noises. Some camps in Botswana allow travelers to meet bushmen and learn from them with lessons in survival, native animals, and plant life. For the lifelong learner, this makes a wonderful addition to your travels.

See Large Herds of Elephants

In northern Botswana, make a visit to Chobe National Park. This is the most popular safari destination in the country thanks to an abundance of wildlife across the area. During time in the park, you are likely to see baboons, hippos, giraffe, warthogs, zebra, impala, and more. Perhaps the most popular animal is the elephant and this park is home to thousands. In fact, there are most elephants in Chobe National Park than anywhere else in Africa, with an estimated 70,000 elephants calling this area home. You can often spot elephants playing in the waterways, grazing on native flora, or playing on the flats.

Taste the Native Cuisine

No trip to Botswana would be complete without a culinary tour. Some of the most popular dishes you can sample include goat meat stew, pap, morongo, and braai meat. However, nothing will compare to the Seswaa, a traditional Botswanan dish that contains shredded beef. Seswaa is prepared for important occasions among native people, including holidays, funerals, and weddings. It’s a true delicacy, known as one of the best culinary fares in all of Africa!

Take a Safari to See Africa in a New Way

No trip to Africa would be complete without a safari, and a trip to Botswana is no exception. Your safari will be the highlight of your trip, whether you choose to do a safari in the Okavango Delta or the Chobe National Park. Botswana offers a variety of safari options. You can do your tour in a 4×4 vehicle, which is the most traditional option. You can take a boat safari, that offers a slower pace as you float through the winding lagoons and waterways. The makoro boats are always a fun choice and allow you to experience Botswana’s landscapes in the same way that natives do. Of course, there are also more exotic options like a hot air balloon ride, or a safari on horseback or on a bicycle.

You can even explore the bush on foot, as long as you have an experienced guide to lead you. This is a popular option in the Kalahari region. Bush walks will be a favorite for those who want to see a more detailed look at native flora and the traditions of the Botswana people.

Botswana is truly one of Africa’s best treasures. If you are looking for a destination to add to your bucket list, none compares to the adventure you will find in Botswana. Whether you choose to experience a romantic getaway in a lodge or a rustic campout under the stars, there is something for everyone in this beautiful African country.

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‘Mother tongue’ is described as one’s ‘native language’ – the ‘language one grew up with’ and is ‘spoken by one’s ancestors’. However, there is an increasing number of people that are growing up without learning their mother tongue. This is largely because individuals move to another country, which they now consider to be their home, i.e. an adopted country. Nonetheless, irrespective of where your path may lead you, it’s always advisable to study your mother tongue. Why? Let’s find out…

Communication

There is only one place to begin and this is with the various communication benefits that are associated with studying your mother tongue, even in an adopted country. It is likely you will want to visit your country of origin in the future and knowing the language will undoubtedly help. Moreover, learning your mother tongue can help you to maintain a good relationship with certain family members, especially grandparents. You will be able to broaden your interpersonal relationship network.

Identity

Learning your mother tongue is an important way of identifying with your culture. Many individuals who neglect their mother tongue later admit that they regret doing so, as they feel distant from the place they are from. Speaking your native language will allow you to explore your place of origin further, your historical roots and cultural traditions. It will make you proud of where you are from, which everyone should be.

Opportunities

Children who learn their mother tongue will benefit from a greater scope of opportunities in the future. Being multi-lingual is highly sought after nowadays. They will automatically have an advantage over others and will be able to pursue a career as an interpreter, translator or something similar if they so wish. It also helps if you’re taking a school counselling masters online, an accounting degree, or anything else, as you open up the door to more employment options. Moreover, it will make it easier for your child to pick up other languages in the future. The more languages you learn, the more enriched you become.

When you carefully consider each point that has been expanded on in this post, you aptly see why it is important to study your mother tongue in your adopted country. There are lots of benefits to be gained by doing so. Not only will it make you proud of where you are from and ensure you have a strong identity, but you will be able to develop interpersonal relationships and you will benefit from greater opportunities in the future as well.

There are various different ways parents can help to make sure that their children do not lose their mother tongue. Firstly, you can teach them at home – speak to them in their mother tongue and give them various writing and reading activities. Aside from this, explore whether there are other families in the local community that are from the same place as you. You can then meet these families and encourage play groups between the children where they speak in their mother tongue. And of course, if possible, visit your home country – this will help enormously.

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