The GypsyNesters

The holiday season is already here and that means it’s time to book tickets for your next party destination. While choices are plenty as almost the entire Europe is full of superb party destinations throughout the year, we have selected five of the hottest destinations for you so that you don’t have to go through the hassle.

It’s hard not to put the capital of Netherlands on this list since it’s one of the few places in the entire world that brings beach parties and live music together so well. Famous for its beach events and electro beats, Amsterdam also has the famous Light Festival for its visitors to look forward to. This year, it began on November 30 and will last till January 21, 2018. During this time, the entire city becomes a display for light sculptures, art, shows and projections.

Magaluf (Spain)

If the term “wild party” turns you on, then you need to check out next year’s Magaluf Events. You know that you are in for some serious partying and fabulous nightlife when the destination you are about to visit are “infamous” for astoundingly low alcohol prices and all-night parties! Some of the island’s most sought after events include the Sunset Booze Cruise, Full Moon Party and MCP Paint Party.

Ibiza (Spain)

Beach parties and nightclubs are the main attractions of this resort island and the place is so good that celebs like Paris Hilton, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Guetta and Craig David have their own holiday villas in Ibiza. Ibiza nightclubs shouldn’t be missed. While nothing on the island is really worth skipping, if you were to visit just one club, it has to be the largest one in the entire world, aka Privilege.

Another fantastic choice for living large in Ibiza is Proyachts. There may be no better way to enjoy the Spanish island good life.

Ios (Greece)

In spite of being one of the best places in Europe for spending your summer at the beach, Ios is surprisingly affordable! The ambience is lovely, the people are friendly and the weather is just perfect, all day, every day. If you come here, make sure that you have a few extra days on your hands since you will likely want to spend more time here than you originally planned.

Barcelona (Spain)

It’s so hard to keep Spain out of this list that it has popped up for the third time. If you are even remotely into partying and you live in Europe, you have probably been to Barcelona already, but just in case you have not, you need to correct that as soon as possible! Nightlife is not only good here, it’s the best. It almost feels like the city wakes up after midnight. You can find shots for as cheap as €1 here, but if you are feeling like it, nobody will stop you from heading over to one of multiple premium and world class clubs such as the Sala Razzmatazz, Pacha Barcelona or La Terrrazza.

Which of these five locations becomes your next holiday destination really depends on your own personal preference, but whichever one you choose, you are likely to come back with memories for a lifetime.

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There are a number of places across the globe that are good for whale watching. Depending on the season and the country you are in, you can see a variety of whales throughout the year. From the mighty and mythical blue whale to the more common humpback whale, in this blog we’ll try and highlight some of the places where you can see the kings of the sea in their natural habitats.

Humpback Whales – Humpback whales are quite spread out geographically but getting to see them requires local knowledge and years of experience. St Lawrence Marine Park in Quebec, Canada is a great place to see both beluga whales and humpback whales. The best time to see them in this part of the world is between June and September. Another great place to spot humpback whales is Australia, with whale watching in Sydney particularly rewarding from May to August when the annual migration of humpback whales from Antarctica to Queensland takes place.

Blue Whales – There are opportunities to see the biggest animal that has ever lived off the south coast of Sri Lanka between November to April/May. These majestic creatures are relatively common here, but care must be taken to ensure the operator conducts the tour with a degree of respect for the whales. In the absence of any real regulations regarding the welfare of marine life, you will need to perform due diligence before you hand over any money.

Orca Whales – According to many marine biologists, the best place to see Orca (killer) whales in their natural environment is Resurrection Bay in south east Alaska. The best time of year is between May 5^th to June 5^th as the bay is full of king salmon which provides a welcome annual food source for the Orcas.

Sperm Whales – The distribution of the sperm whale is wide and varied and can be seen in the seas off countries as diverse as Iceland, Dominica, Sri Lanka. Mexico, Norway and New Zealand. Although they are distributed quite widely, seeing these magnificent mammals in their natural habitat really is a sight to behold and if you get the opportunity to see them you should.

Selecting an Operator

Unless you are local to whale marine habitat or have extensive experience in skippering a god sized boat, the chances are you will need a tour operator to arrange your Long Beach whale watching trip, but beware, some operators are much better than others.

In places like Canada, Australia and New Zealand there are strict regulations regarding whale watching tours, including safety regulations and animal welfare regulations. In certain places, particularly in Asia, any type of safety regulations or regard to animal welfare can be ignored as long as money is being made. If you think a whale watching tour operator is operating with little or no regard to animal welfare or safety, think carefully before you book a trip. Your money will encourage them to carry on, regardless of safety or ethical considerations.

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

So you are keen to get your hands on a travel trailer and start enjoying the freedom it brings. To make the most of getting away for short breaks and long weekends at a fraction of the cost a hotel or resort break would cost, and to enjoy combining the benefits of camping with the comfort of a bed and a private bathroom.

The big question now is whether you should buy a new or used travel trailer. There are pros and cons for both options, so making the right decision means looking at both options and figuring out which one is both the most achievable and the most suitable for your lifestyle and budget.

The pros of buying a used travel trailer

They cost less

The first and most obvious advantage is you save money; exactly how much of course depends on your budget, but this route is always going to be cheaper than buying a new travel trailer.

They often come with extras

The previous owners often leave lots of little things behind like coat hooks that they have added to make the trailer comfortable.

There’s spare cash to customize

When you get a bargain there’s probably cash left over to change the décor to suit your tastes.

The cons of buying a used travel trailer

You may buy a lemon

The guarantee on a used travel trailer will be shorter than if you bought a new one, so it’s a risk as you cannot know how long it will run without needing work.

Repairs

It’s inevitable that an older trailer will need more work at some point than a new model, so if you buy cheap it may be better to avoid making very long trips.

The pros of buying a new travel trailer

Customization

In some cases you can choose everything from the color to the interior layout.

A full warranty

Nothing should go wrong but you can be sure if anything that does will be dealt with quickly and at no cost. A good warranty can last for three years.

The thrill

There’s nothing like being the first ever person to own a travel trailer. Everything is completely fresh and new, and that includes the most up to date technology.

The cons of buying a new travel trailer

The expense

As with any vehicle you can expect to lose 10-30% of the value simply by using it for the first time. It will drop further after the first year, so a new trailer is not a very good investment.

You are paying a premium price for extras you may not really want or need, or where a much cheaper alternative may be easily available.

Taking the first step

Make a start by looking online at available travel trailers and see which companies have been voted top of the bunch.

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For motorcyclists, the thrill of the open road is difficult to deny. There are few better ways to experience the natural beauty of America than while white-knuckling a Harley, and this year, as the temperature begins to rise, riders everywhere are gearing up with their Bridgestone motorcycle tires in preparation for some of the most jaw-dropping rides in the continental United States.

Below are a few routes that every biker should have on their bucket list.

The Pacific Coast Highway

There are routes every rider should take at least once in their lifetime, and the scenic Pacific Coast is one of them. With blissful views of the ocean blue waves and the sea salt spray on your face, this ride is not only thrilling but also deeply spiritual. The quaint surf towns along the coast are known for their slow pace and quintessentially Californian vibe.

If you’re an Angeleno looking to get away, this is your perfect opportunity. The coastline is a hideaway from city dwellers and even provides a respite from celebrities, who exist comfortably in the smaller communities they stop in along the way. Riders often start out in metropolitan Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Santa Barbara with the intention of slowly exiting the urban sprawl and finding quiet, scenic beach towns to rest their heads.

Old-fashioned bed-and-breakfasts, mom-and-pop diners, and artisanal coffee shops are becoming increasingly popular along the coast. This will only continue as tourists, including those on motorcycles, figure out why the Pacific Coast Highway is the best place in California to get a breath of fresh air.

Beartooth Highway

Not for the faint of heart, Beartooth Highway has earned the well-deserved honor of “best motorcycle ride in the States” by plenty of experienced riders over the years. It consistently draws escapists looking for a truly introspective experience. This highway winds through mountainous terrain in the rugged states of Wyoming and Montana.

Whether you choose to sleep at the local campgrounds or track down retro motels along the way, this is a ride for the adventurer with an appreciation for the backwoods and blue highways of America. Unlike the site for shore eyes luxury campgrounds in the south, you’re likely to find a true Wild West experience under the Montana stars.

Despite the lack of glaringly obvious tourist destinations along Beartooth, there is one exception: the highway passes through Yellowstone National Park, a must-see for everyone in the world, not just those who see it from behind a protective motorcycle visor.

North Lansing Loop

Those local to the Midwest understand that Michigan is a great state for motorcycle rides, even if it might not seem like it. Is it really a surprise that the Rust Belt boasts some of the best routes? Although Detroit is seeing a renaissance of sorts, the rest of the state appears almost custom designed for motorcycle riders.

The North Lansing Loop circles through a collection of semi-rural towns, including Laingsburg and Dewitt, and a visit to Sleepy Hollow State Park is a must during the spring and autumn seasons when the Michigan colors are on display.

The ride takes you through farmland and forested areas, but don’t forget to head into Lansing itself as a treat to yourself once you complete the trek. The city offers a variety of attractions that appeal to tourists and locals alike. Take the LAN150 challenge and see all the best Lansing has to offer.

Hitting the road

Unfortunately, every car accident attorney in America is also well aware of the dangers of having an affinity for motorcycles.

It’s often difficult for drivers to notice motorcycles due to their small size and the fact that they present an unexpected sight on the road. Consider, too, the fact that only 20 states currently enforce universal mandatory helmet laws.

In spite of the fact that these dangers are well known to just about everyone by now, no experienced rider is willing to turn up their Harley Davidson leather jacket quite yet. The allure of the wild, unfettered terrain remains too great for the lover of the open road.

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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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