Search…

5 Reasons Why Cruises Top the List of Favored Vacations

For those looking for ideas to utilize those piled up vacation days, here are five reasons why embarking on a cruise should be at the top of your list… CONTINUE READING >> 

In 2017, more than 52 percent of U.S. workers chose not to use their allotted vacation days. That’s an astonishing number of people forgoing some much-needed R&R and time away from work. And, considering the many benefits of going on vacation, that’s a real shame.

Though there are multiple options when it comes to planning a vacation, many travelers prefer the ultimate experience of going on a cruise and enjoying the open waters. For those looking for ideas to utilize those piled up vacation days, here are five reasons why embarking on a cruise should be at the top of your list.

1. Cruises are Affordable

Did you know some Americans spend up to roughly 10 percent of their annual income on vacations? But when you can enjoy bountiful on-shore and off-shore activities, meals and entertainment options for an all-inclusive price, there’s certainly no reason to go overboard (no pun intended) and break the bank.

Typically, cruise travelers have the option to add to their itinerary any number of additional excursions at ports. However, some cruise excursions can run as low as a base charge of $50 a day per person, so there’s no need to break the bank or go into debt for a single vacation.

2. Cruises are Good for Your Health

Though vacations in general can help you feel refreshed, the serenity of the open sea coupled with ultimate relaxation make cruises a popular option to recharge your batteries. Neuroscientists have concluded that consistent exposure to cortisol, the “stress hormone,” can contribute to a decline in mental health and acuity.

With the all-inclusive nature of cruises in which everything from meals to entertainment is already taken care of, as well as the gentle, soothing rocking of the ship on the ocean, the body and mind can find a measure of ease not achievable while rushing to make connecting flights or being cramped in a car for long time periods.

3. Cruises Offer Unmatched Sightseeing

It’s a pretty obvious reason but still one of the most important: Cruises can take you places inaccessible by planes, trains and automobiles. Indeed, the very best Alaska cruise will get you up close and personal with wildlife you never dreamed you would encounter. Cast your eyes on the Great Land’s glaciers, national parks and astonishing sunsets from the unique perspective of a ship. There’s just nothing else like it.

4. Cruises Include Incredible Food

Many cruise lines hire five-star chefs — many create innovative meals that reflect the culture or destination of the trip — to prepare meals for their guests. Though a lot of the food is decadent beyond belief, healthy dining options are standard on many ships.

For those with dietary restrictions, vegetarian and vegan dishes are often available in the grand dining rooms. And if you’re busy enjoying the amenities when supper is served, never fear — you can take advantage of 24-hour room service, typically for no extra charge.

5. Cruises Can Improve Relationships

It’s easy to recognize that, when you spend time enjoying life with those you love and appreciate, the ties that bind grow stronger as you make these new and fulfilling connections and memories. What may not be as apparent, though, is that cruises can actually improve marriages.

In fact, in several studies conducted to analyze the quality of marital life, experts concluded that women who take vacations frequently are less likely to become tense, depressed or tired — and are more satisfied with their marriages. In other words, the more cruises, the merrier.

Ensuring a Unique and Exciting Experience

All in all, cruises surpass other kinds of vacations when considering cost, sightseeing, food and drink, and the impact on valued relationships. With so many reasons to to take to the high seas, what’s stopping you from taking that bon voyage?

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

10 Great Movies for RV’ers

Traveling or living in an RV, or recreational vehicle, is becoming a popular pastime again. Hollywood has noticed, so there are a lot of films that will make you laugh and… CONTINUE READING >> 

Traveling or living in an RV, or recreational vehicle, is becoming a popular pastime again. RV’ers were once referred to as “Tin Can Tourists” by a reporter, and the term stuck for decades. The trailers being referred to resembled the shape of a canned ham. I couldn’t say if the name was meant to be derogatory, but it is one that is worn with pride by members of the group.

Today, more people are taking to RV’s to travel or use as primary residences. There are no property taxes, you can move practically anywhere and there are so many to choose from.

Hollywood has not left out the RV; several notable movies feature them. Although there are a lot of films that feature nefarious or questionable people in RV’s, or the unfair term, “trailer trash,” most people who live in RV’s are decent, hardworking people.

If you own an RV or use an RV hire, these movies will make you laugh and proud that you own your own “spare home.” If you don’t, you might be inspired to rent or buy one. If you know someone who owns one, you might give one or two of these movies as a gift.

RV

This 2006 movie from Columbia Studios featured Robin Williams as a burnt out corporate type whose family has drifted apart. He seizes the opportunity to boost his career and save his family by renting an RV for an impromptu cross-country trip. The problem is, that he knows nothing about RV’ing. Enter Jeff Daniels, whose RV family is one you’ll remember fondly forever.

Want an interesting factoid? Jeff Daniels really does own and travel in a 40-foot long motorhome, or Class A RV.

The Long, Long Trailer

Ask anyone about a movie that features RV life and you’ll hear this title first. In 1953, Hollywood made a bold move to feature an Airstream trailer as a honeymoon suite for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

The initial plan is to save money by traveling across country with their home in tow; a sound financial idea. But the couple knows nothing about RV’s or trailers; learning the hard way while providing laughs that resound today. This is the one movie that seems to define RV living.

Paul

Traveling in a Class A RV, or motorhome, is a great way to see the country. When two British tourists rent one in 2011 and head for Area 51, their lives change forever when they pick up a hitchhiker. The hitchhiker just happens to be an alien from another planet. Throw in kidnapping of a young woman, a cross-country chase and a culture clash that has to be seen to be believed, and laughs will ensue.

Panic In Year Zero

Of all the cold war films, this one has remained my favorite since I first saw it as a child. It was made in 1962, during tense times between the Soviet Union and America. Ray Milland, a magnificent actor, is the head of a family that sets out on a camping trip, travel trailer in tow. While they are on the road, they hear Los Angeles being wiped off the face of the earth by a nuclear explosion. What ensues is an eerily accurate description of the initial breakdown of law and order, survival and the eventual restoration of civilization. The type of trailer shown in the film is highly popular among collectors.

Lost in America

In 1985, yuppies everywhere laughed hysterically at this comedy. RV’ing had been on the decline since the end of the 60’s. A fed up advertising agent sees his life going nowhere; he quits and convinces his wife to join him in a gypsy lifestyle in a Winnebago, one of the first popular motorhomes. Hilarity follows; you’ll enjoy this film every time you watch it.

About Schmidt

Is there any part Jack Nicholson can’t play? In this 2002 movie, he plays a retired insurance executive whose life is fairly rote. He and his wife planned to see the country in an RV- unfortunately, she dies and he’s on his own for the first time in decades.

Through the RV, we see him change, see incredible scenery and learn that families aren’t always traditional. There are no murders, blood or violence in this film. It’s wonderful.

Stripes

I first saw this film when I was stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. The thought of basic trainees finishing their own training was unique, to say the least. Two slackers whose lives are going nowhere decide to join the Army. They have problems with authority, motivation, respect and more.

To impress two female MP’s, they steal an RV from the base. It’s no ordinary RV- it’s been modified to be a weapon in disguise. With Bill Murray at the wheel, anything can happen, and it does in this film.

Race With The Devil

Renting RV’s for road trip vacations was becoming popular again in the 70’s. Four friends decide to take a vacation and see the sights, camping in out of the way spots. Unfortunately, they witness a human sacrifice during a satanic ritual.

The RV becomes their shelter, home and escape vehicle with an ending that still leaves me unwilling to open overhead cabinets in motorhomes today. Although made in 1975, it’s still pretty scary.

Spaceballs

Star Wars was a phenomenon. It only followed that Mel Brooks would make a spoof movie of it in 1987 that is one of the funniest space movies of all time. Lone Starr drives/pilots a Winnebago spacecraft; that’s only one of the tongue-in-cheek props.

Winnebagos really do go everywhere, don’t they? That was part of the advertising in the 80’s for the real motorhome.

Jurassic Park 2

Last, but certainly not least, is the travel trailer RV in Jurassic Park 2. Just imagine; a trailer that has enough space for everyone and everything. Electronics, surgery, TV, stove and beds. It looked as though it could take anything- except for a pair of angry T-Rexes.

These movies can be purchased, rented or viewed online at various sites. For those who do not travel or live in an RV, bad things don’t always happen. Then again, most of the things in the movies come from RV owner’s experiences. Except for the dinosaurs.

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

San Francisco Bucket List

This San Francisco bucket list has the most exciting, fun activities and places that you should try on your visit to San Francisco City… CONTINUE READING >> 

San Francisco is known for the famous Golden Gate Bridge, the Tonga room, the exciting 16th Avenue Steps and the Dungeness crab. Are you Looking for the best and exciting places in San Francisco? This San Francisco bucket list has the most exciting, fun activities and places that you should try on your visit to San Francisco City.

• The Golden Gate Bridge. Ranked among the most beautiful, exciting and colorful bridge in the whole world, the Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco and the Presidio. Enjoy the city’s best hikes, a lot of fun activities, cocktails, driving over the still and a sunset view. Every Saturday from April through September, the Golden Gate Bridge is vehicle traffic-free where travelers can run, ride, and walk on the bridge freely. The Golden Gate Bridge is filled with history and military landmarks. Rent a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge the tourist activity that is worth to remember.

• California Institution/Academy. This is a renowned and established scientific and educational institution that explores, explains and sustains life on Earth.

The tour to The California Academy of Sciences should never miss on the bucket list of every traveler, especially the INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS who are willing to travel to the United States, check the ESTA and apply for it by filling in the necessary application forms. Requirements include;

>>The applicant should be a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country

>>Should not be in possession of a visitor’s visa

>>The travel period has to be for not more than 90 days.

>>The reason for the visit to the United States should be for business or pleasure.

It is encouraged for every International Traveler to apply for an ESTA via submit ESTA prior to departure by presenting; a valid passport, valid credit card or MasterCard, your contact information and your most recent employment information to avoid any inconveniences.

Come and enjoy the California Academy of Sciences, watch the splashing penguins in African Hall, and also enjoy watching the wildflowers growing as seen on the roof.

• Tonga room for delicious dinner and drinks. This restaurant is centered in a large lagoon with a floating live band. Tonga room has everything a traveler needs, from the lively music, the hilarious storms which occur every ten minutes, loudest thunder and rainfall giving you a feeling as though you’re in the tropical storm without worrying about getting wet or drenched.
Enjoy amazing platters, the foods, and drinks; their potent umbrella-clad cocktails are to die for.

• Vista Café. Enjoy the world-famous Irish coffee at the Buena Vista Café, the first place to serve Irish coffee in the US. The coffee is so delicious and relaxing. Take a break at Yerba Buena Gardens. If the weather is nice, take your Super Duper Burger out to the lawn where you can sit down, dine and people-watch.

• The Palace of Fine Arts. Ogle the Architecture, the gorgeous building is another attraction that should never miss on your bucket list; it needs to be seen from all angles and the building stands at the foot of a lagoon.

For the non-US citizens, the International Travelers under the Visa Waiver Program, please, Check ESTA application and verify if the application was accepted, update the unpaid or approved application, submit the payment and fulfill all other obligations before the travel date.

• The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. The artsy hidden staircase is so colorful and amazing. They display waves of turquoise, birds, butterfly-bolstering Green Hairstreak Corridor and lots of sea creatures.

• The Fisherman’s Wharf. Travelers should never miss the Fisherman’s Wharf, get a chance to watch the famous sea lions hanging out on K-Dock and have a memorable experience by eating clam chowder in a bread bowl,

• Mécanique. Play the most fun antique games, piano games, have fun with the love tester, wrestle with the Arm Wrestler, all these are found in the coin-operated arcade; the Musée Mécanique.

• Chinese culture. Walk down Grant Avenue through Chinatown and enjoy Mai Tai at Li Po Cocktail Lounge. Since the 1860’s San Francisco brings the Asian culture to life with a New Year parade, the biggest celebrated illuminated parades outside of Asia. International travelers can as well enjoy the famous Chinese food, eat a pork bun, and enjoy the delicious coconut bread at the Eastern Bakery in Chinatown on their visit to San Francisco.

In Chinatown, you can head to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and watch women and men make fortune cookies in a small open kitchen.

• Cable cars. It cannot be a complete bucket list minus a ride on the cable cars. It is a very touristy activity and is also very fun to ride.

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

Love and Spit-takes

Have you noticed that the older we get, the less we laugh? As a mother and someone who has worked in academic settings, I find myself envious of teenaged girls who can work themselves into hiccup-inducing hysterics over the slightest thing. Admittedly, the tears come just as fast, and I have to say I’m glad I’m past THAT nonsense but just witnessing a spontaneous giggle-fest sets my heart a-singing.

As a society, we unfortunately chalk uncontrollable laughter up to immaturity. How sad is that? I feel blessed anytime I’m with someone who can find humor in… CONTINUE READING  >>

Veronica Writes

Have you noticed that the older we get, the less we laugh?

As a mother and someone who has worked in academic settings, I find myself envious of teenaged girls who can work themselves into hiccup-inducing hysterics over the slightest thing.

Admittedly, the tears come just as fast, and I have to say I’m glad I’m past THAT nonsense, but just witnessing a spontaneous giggle-fest sets my heart a-singing.

As a society, we unfortunately chalk uncontrollable laughter up to immaturity. How sad is that? I feel blessed anytime I’m with someone who can find humor in everyday situations or can relate a hysterical life story. Give me somebody who can help me plot undoable practical jokes or an elaborate heist scenario any day. I have a criminal mind with, luckily, no guts.

But — alas — it is exceptionally rare that any of these encounters evolve into the kind of laughter that physically hurts. David and I have our moments, but it’s when I’m with my girls, The Piglet and Decibel, that the demented stuff really gets underway.

Twice during a visit to Manhattan, real honest-to-goodness public spit-takes happened.

The first, involving me, red wine and a really nice Italian restaurant where Decibel was a hostess on the weekends. The wonderfully charming restaurateur had just settled us in our regular window table with mussels, bread and Chianti, allowing Decibel sit with us as long as her duties didn’t require her to be elsewhere.

Feeling the effects of all day on planes, buses, taxis and trains — I was properly goofy when I started relating a story of an erstwhile Google search (no need to repeat it here since I’ve yet to find a single person that thinks it’s even remotely funny outside the three of us).

Filling my mouth with the delicious Chianti, I stupidly looked up at Decibel — not my smartest move — and the look on her face took me to the next level of mirth.

Realizing that swallowing had jumped out of the realm of possibilities, I raised my white linen napkin to my quivering lips in a vain effort to keep the red wine contained in my mouth. Not willing to let this situation pass, The Piglet upped the ante by tossing out an inappropriate comment.

The ensuing explosion was spectacular. The Piglet likened it to a scene from a horror flick, as if I’d been impaled and coughing up blood.

You can’t take me anywhere.

The next morning at brunch Decibel repeated the action with her own spit-take, this time with a spiced tea latte. At a communal table.

We’re quite the class act.

Unbecoming spit-takes aside, laughter makes life worth living. I am proud of my dynamic daughters, so full of life and youth, willing to turn me into a doubled-over mess of flying spew.

It’s hard to believe there were times during their teenage years when we couldn’t connect, were unable to share and when I was paralyzed with the thought that they would grow up and not love me anymore.

Now they graciously allow me to see the world they have created for themselves, tell me their stories, share their problems and fears — adult women who are secure enough to call me Mommy.

I fervently hope that no matter how old I get, I’m never too “mature” to chance a spit-take or two with my daughters. Cheers!

Veronica, GypsyNester.com

YOUR turn: Do you have someone that you share laughter like this with?

Money-Transfer Made Easy: How Technology is Changing the Remittance Industry

There was a time when e-commerce involved mailing cheques and other analog solutions because worthwhile payment processors hadn’t came around yet. The issues of trustworthiness, security, and ease of use had to all be tackled… CONTINUE READING >> 

Lots of money gets exchanged via the internet each and every day, absolutely astronomical amounts if I’m being quite honest. It wasn’t always so easy though, it took time for our infrastructure to build up to make it all possible.

There was a time when e-commerce involved mailing cheques and other analog solutions because worthwhile payment processors hadn’t came around yet. The issues of trustworthiness, security, and ease of use had to all be tackled by services who wanted to make a name for themselves in the remittance industry. The definition of remittance is simple, it’s a fancy way of saying the exchange of money from one party to another. You can buy just about anything on the internet, and there are dozens of payment processors there to help you get the job done.

Here’s exactly what’s happening with the remittance industry thanks to new technology:

Instant Payment Anywhere In The World

The world is a big place, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all be connected through the internet. No matter where someone may find themselves in the world, trying to transfer money makes for a seamless experience. One party just needs to log in to their account with their credentials and send off the money and they can receive goods and services from anywhere in the world. The most unlikely of liaisons can occur now nigh-instantly. The technology involved can even convert the money into a different currency should the need arise. Essentially, people can now pay their bills from anywhere that’s connected to the internet in moments instead of hours or days.

Safe, Reliable, And Trustworthy

In any transaction, there’s always some degree of worry that one party won’t hold up their end of the deal or that your financial details may become compromised through the way you choose to pay online. Now that there are established money transfer websites that deliver as intended 99.9% of the time and even has a way to dispute fraudulent transactions it makes for a much safer commercial environment on the internet. Those who own small businesses can set up shop and nobody is going to flinch at the idea of sending off a few dollars from their digital account to another, whereas before these people essentially had no easy convenient way to peddle their wares.

Many Payment Options

The first money transfer services were clunky, they required all of your bank details plus a confirmation process plus the fees associated with the whole ordeal just made it only worth it for large and extremely necessary transactions. Now, you can pay with anything from a credit card to a prepaid voucher bought at a convenience store. Never before has it been so easy to put money online and shuttle it to where it needs to go. Transferring money online is as easy as can be, if you aren’t comfortable with giving lots of details to these sites chances are there’s an easier to use option ready to be taken advantage of.

Once technology started to get a foothold in the remittance industry, the world changed forever. Online shopping was now quick and easy and nobody got scammed in the process. No longer would people have to drive to the post office or the bank to pay off debts. Technology has made parting with our money as easy as can be, for better or worse.

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

Delve Deeper: Tags

Four Top Tricks for Moms when Planning a Family Vacation

If you’re a mom putting together a family holiday, then it all comes down to proper preparation. Here are our four top tricks for moms planning a family vacation to help… CONTINUE READING >> 

Getting to go on a vacation as a family is a wonderful bonding experience. There’s never been a better way to relax, rest, and rejuvenate than taking a trip with the family.

If you’re a mom putting together a family holiday, then it all comes down to proper preparation. Being prepared for the vacation means taking care of any necessary documents needed for travel, getting everything packed away, and preparing some snacks and food for the journey.

Here are our four top tricks for moms planning a family vacation to help with all that.

Find a Great Destination the Whole Family can Enjoy

You might be dreaming of going to the Maldives and relaxing on the beach, but what about your kids? If they aren’t big on beach trips, maybe you should put that trip on hold for now and choose somewhere they would like. They might be dreaming of going to one place themselves. If you have kids that love animals, then they would certainly love to take a trip to a place with abundant wildlife, such as Asia or Africa.

Sit down with the family and choose a destination together. Get the kids involved with the planning and decision process. This has the added benefit of making them more responsible during the trip and cuts down on complaints.

Sort Out Bookings as Soon as Possible

Given that you’ll be taking a trip with the family, there are some extra considerations to keep in mind when booking flights and accommodation.

For example, putting up a little extra money to go business class would be good for the kids, especially if it’s a long haul flight. Tantrums are all too common when kids are put in loud, cramped environments. Take the kids out of economy class and put them somewhere roomier to encourage your kids to be better behaved.

If you plan on booking a hotel for your time away, then do a bit of research on the hotel to ensure your basic needs will be provided for. Outside of a hotel room being spacious and comfortable enough, you should also consider the layouts of the bedrooms.

Be sure to ask about the free breakfast the hotel provides. Do they serve food that your kids enjoy eating? That helps when it comes to planning meals. You should also be sure to ask about the amenities of a hotel, including the opening hours of the pool and any safety precautions.

You can also choose to go for a vacation rental too. Vacation rentals make sense if you are planning on taking a long vacation.

Choosing Between AirBnB and a Hotel

According to TripAdvisor, over 59% of travellers chose to stay at a rental instead of a hotel last year. It’s not hard to see why either. Staying with your family in a rental is like staying in your own place where you have all of the comforts and amenities you are used to. You can even use online grocery delivery to get all of the ingredients you need for a great meal.

Prepare For the Trip Ahead of Time

It’s one thing to go on vacation with other adults, but adding kids to the equation is another story entirely. Given that you want to avoid as many tantrums as possible when traveling and touring, you should prepare for the trip well ahead of time. As well as packing the essentials for your carry-on, make sure that you prepare by taking some snacks for the kids.

You can also plan some activities your kids can do during the trip to stop them getting bored, throwing tantrums, and otherwise ruining what should be a great family vacation. Don’t forget to pack away some medication in case someone gets sick when away from home. You don’t know for sure if the medications your kids use will be available where you’ll be staying.

Only Pack What You Need

It’s all too easy to overpack when you travel with the family. You’ll pack up everything you think you might want, and that’s a lot! You don’t want anything to get in the way of the trip, and that means packing everything. While it is almost impossible to travel light – especially with kids – you should still be mindful about what you pack in your luggage and what you leave behind.

One thing you can do is plan out outfits for the kids for each day, instead of taking so many clothes they couldn’t possibly wear them all. You can also use this idea for things like diapers and wipes. They take up a lot of room after all. Take enough to get you through the flight and buy new ones when you reach your destination.

With these tips on your side, your next family vacation is sure to go off without a hitch!

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

How to Use a Vape Pen

Using a vape pen is easy. If it’s your first time vaping, just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a vaping like a pro… CONTINUE READING >> 

Using a vape pen like the Jupiter Battery Pen is easy. If you just got your vape prescription and it’s your first time vaping, just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a vaping like a pro. Even if you are not new to vaping but are using a new pen for the first time, you should always read through the manual that comes with the pen as well as making sure all the parts that should be in the box are there.

Using a vape pen like the Jupiter Battery Pen is easy. If you just got your vape prescription and it’s your first time vaping, just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a vaping like a pro. Even if you are not new to vaping but are using a new pen for the first time, you should always read through the manual that comes with the pen as well as making sure all the parts that should be in the box are there.

Charge the Battery

The first thing you want to do when you unbox your new vape pen is charge the battery. Some pens have a replaceable battery option, but many are rechargeable with a USB cord. You should make sure your battery is fully charged before vaping for the first time. Many pens have lights on them that shine red or green to indicate whether or not they are fully charged.

Tank or Cartridge

Just like some vape pens have rechargeable batteries while others have replaceable batteries, different kinds of pens will have tanks or cartridges. Tanks are refillable containers in the pen. When you need e-liquid in your pen, you must fill the tank to the fill line, being careful not to overfill it. Cartridges, on the other hand, are replaceable units that come filled and ready to insert into your vape pen. Some pens even take dry herbs or flowers. You can find the best dry herb vape pen online. You should replace the cartridge or fill the tank before using the pen. Let it sit for a few minutes to saturate the coil.

Start Vaping

With some pens, you can just inhale and start vaping once your cartridge or tank is ready. On other models, you must press the “fire” button a few times to turn it on, then hold down the same button as you inhale. With a new pen, you should start slow, with more time between your draws. As you get accustomed to the device, you can adjust your breathing and the strength of the vapor. Find your favorite vape pen and get started.

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