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Midnight at the Oasis of Laughlin, Nevada

In all of our casino camper travels, we never made it to one of Nevada’s most popular RV destinations, Laughlin. Recently, in keeping with our New Year’s idea of exploring a little closer to home, we decided to rectify that oversight… CONTINUE READING >> 

Back during our days of living in our motorhome we were known to park for a night at a casino along our way. Most allow this, and if they did we felt like it was only fair that for the privilege we should at least go inside for a game or two.

But in all of our casino (and Walmart) camping travels, we never made it to one of Nevada’s most popular RV destinations, Laughlin.

Recently, in keeping with our New Year’s idea of exploring a little closer to home, we decided to rectify that oversight. But this time we didn’t stay in the parking lot, or even the RV Park across the street, we had a nice room indoors.

The first thing we noticed about Laughlin when driving in was the lush, green landscape along the big river that runs right smack dab through the middle of the Mojave Desert. It’s quite a sight to see the Colorado River, fresh from cutting through the Grand Canyon, create this oasis.

The town’s namesake, Don Laughlin, must have thought that too, when he first laid eyes on this spot while flying over back in 1964. He was looking for a new place to build a casino and felt this was nearly perfect.

When we arrived at the end result of his vision we learned all about his eccentric journey from Minnesota fur trapper to casino king with a city named after him. While still in high school, he bought a few slot machines and ran an only semi-legal gambling ring up in the land of 10,000 lakes.

His Minnesota cash cow was going so well that he dropped out and made his way to Las Vegas to open the 101 Club. It was after selling that enterprise a few years later that he set out in search of a new site to develop where California, Nevada and Arizona meet.

Laughlin picked this location not only for its natural beauty, but also its proximity to Route 66. With that in mind he bought a rundown little motel and christened it the Riverside Resort. Time proved his instincts to be right on.

He saw the potential in his incredibly humble beginning of two tables and a dozen slot machines, along with the eight tiny rooms.  Making his “resort” even smaller was the fact that only four of those rooms were available because he and his family were occupying the rest.

Over the following decades multiple renovations took place and steady growth led to the two towers with over fourteen hundred rooms that loom over the river today.

At some point the local Postal inspector decided the growing settlement needed a name and dubbed it Laughlin, after the founder. Before too long, other casinos began to sprout up so that now there is a mini Las Vegas style strip.

But unlike Vegas, it is not overly crowded and crazy. Plus, it has scenery to enjoy that isn’t man made neon, fountains, or landmark reproductions. We loved the ability to walk along a real river and see the mountains and stars.

When the sun came back up we made a bee-line back to this latest version of the Riverside Resort to check out Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museum & Antique Car Sales.

The cars aren’t all his, they rotate the displays from private collections and consignment offers of some of the world’s most celebrated makes and models such as Corvettes, Mustangs, T-Birds, Cadillacs, Rolls-Royces, and Ferraris.

Many are outstanding examples of some of the earliest vehicles made, with Ford Model T’s especially featured, while most are from the heyday of classic American automobiles, with a healthy dose of muscle cars thrown in.

There are historic, along with notorious, limousines, cars, and motorcycles from Hollywood, and some incredibly well preserved antique workhorses like tow trucks and delivery vans from everyday life… and every single one is in pristine condition.

One last surprise awaited us near the cars. We found a couple display cases of antique slot machines tucked away in a corner.

Since they were secured behind glass, we couldn’t try slipping a nickel into any of these one armed bandits to see if the odds were any better than the electric monstrosities we had thrown away a few too many bucks in the night before.

Something to remember when staying in a casino parking lot for “free” in the RV.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Top Moving Companies in NYC

Moving from anywhere to New York is a big, life-changing decision that can be very stressful. One thing you shouldn’t worry about is how your items will get moved and get delivered to your new destination… CONTINUE READING >> 

Moving from anywhere to New York is a big, life-changing decision that can be very stressful for the individual. Having to say goodbye to your former home and step into a new one is a very emotional and anxious process. One thing you shouldn’t worry about is how your items will get moved from one place and get delivered to your new destination. Luckily there are movers you can hire for the heavy lifting and all the other necessities so you wouldn’t have to move a finger. In a short period, you’ll be enjoying the comfort of your new home alongside with all of your securely delivered belongings.

Here are recommendations for some of the most efficient moving companies in NYC:

Get There Moving

If you’re looking for a company of dedicated people whose specialty lies in moving services, then Get There Moving is the right company for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re changing neighborhoods, states or even countries. Their number one priority is to move your belongings as quickly as possible in the most efficient way. They offer customers the advantage of packing and unpacking all of their boxes and safely deliver them to the desired location. Long distances are not something they can’t handle.

They can safely store any objects for you no matter the number or size. Their facilities propose both brief accessibility and permanent warehouse storage. Their movers can be accounted for being both professional and reliable at the same time. You can always count on them. When you decide to contact them, you will discuss the matter live with an agent who is competent in providing the best service for moving customers in the same area.

Hoping to move or store your esteemed art? The work of art in your home, office, or exhibition is valuable. It is something that requires cautious, careful handling. Regardless of whether you need packing and delivery services for just one painting from your private collection or for a whole exhibition of confined works, Get There Moving is capable of satisfying any desire you propose. They do the moving by using white gloves so that the risk of damaging the frame or the painting itself is eliminated. All of the pieces are crated and packed so that they can be safely delivered to your destination. Pay attention to these tips when moving art pieces: https://www.thespruce.com/moving-and-packing-artwork-2436483

Their facilities are climate-controlled and secured to serve any of the customers who wish to have extra storage space for their furniture and other household items. The company offers warehouse spaces in the NYC area, as well as employs different independent security companies to secure the safety of your private property.

Not only do they serve the local New York area, but they frequently make cross-country moves.

NY Minute Movers

Another great choice of a moving company is this one above-mentioned. They are a Veteran owned company that serves the entire East Coast. With 15 years of experience behind them, there’s nothing that they haven’t encountered. The company’s mission lies in providing their customers with reliable and safe handling of their belongings. In addition to, they organize an efficient delivery to the customer’s desired destination.

Some of the perks they provide are wrapping and boxing your personal property so that you wouldn’t waste any time doing it. They will organize all of your belongings in packets and store them carefully in their vans.  It’s doesn’t matter if they need to drive long distance because the job will be done in the easiest way possible. Not only that, but they offer a vast collection of packing materials and free delivery for orders over 100 dollars.

Final Tips

By now you should have decided how to handle your moving. The last thing that you need to do is to relax. New York City provides the best fun in the entire world. You can go to different restaurants and try out every food culture. Maybe clubs or coffee shops are more your style. Finding one will also be relatively easy wherever you decide to move. All in all, you will never run out of things to do in NYC.

Click here if you want to find out unusually fun things to do in New York.

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

6 Best Dive Sites in Asia: From Sipadan to Tubbataha Reef

If you are on the lookout for some of the most amazing dive sites on the planet, Asia has a lot to offer. Each is unique, but all are incredible… CONTINUE READING >> 

If you are on the lookout for some of the most amazing dive sites on the planet, Asia has a lot to offer. Here you can witness the beauty and diversity of many marine ecosystems. Each is unique, but all are incredible. Be sure to precede your diving tour across Asia by watching The Blue Planet and developing a new sense of respect for the marine.

Top 6 Dive Sites in Asia: Bucket List for Every Diver

1.      Tubbataha Reefs Natural Marine Park, Philippines

Tubbataha Reef Natural Park is a place of beauty and a very important conservation site that helps keep invaluable marine ecosystem alive in the poor ecological situation of today. The reef is rather isolated, which is the reason why the unique biome managed to survive and retain its natural beauty. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few pristine coral reefs left in the world ocean.

Come here to see a natural wall dropping down 100 meters and covered in corals. You can also meet many reef fish and turtles here, as well as some sharks. Note that the fees every diver pays go directly to support the reef conservation effort.

2.      Tulamben, Indonesia (Bali)

Tulamben is a tiny fishing village which has all the attractions of a Bali vacation spot, meaning beaches and beautiful nature. This might not sound very special, but for divers, this is one of the hottest sites in Asia.

Not far from the shore, you get to enjoy diving to the wreck of USAT Liberty, torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942. Today it’s one of the most exciting wrecks for divers to visit.

3.      Sipadan, Malaysia

Those of you who are interested in the diversity of marine life need to visit the amazing Sipadan dive sites. This particular marine ecosystem is one of the richest in the world. Therefore, this dive will show you more of the natural underwater wonders than any other in Asia.

In the hopes of preserving Sipadan’s fragile marine habitat, the number of dives allowed here a day is limited. As the place is very popular, you should book your dive in advance.

4.      Andaman Islands, India

Andaman Islands are a very interesting place to visit even without the diving. This is where you can see not only amazing nature but remainders of the traditions and lifestyles dating back millennia. The renowned North Sentinel island, which is closed to all visitors, is located in this archipelago. The people living there had almost no contact with the outside world. Some other islands of the archipelago can be visited with permits.

But most importantly for divers, here you can meet some unique fish while exploring the underwater beauties surrounding the archipelago. Look out for elusive ribboned sweetlips, which feed on crabs and live deep down.

5.      Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

Mergui Archipelago is huge, and it’s one of diver’s heavens in Asia. There are over 800 islands to explore during your trip here. Sadly, the archipelago suffered greatly during the Burmese Civil War and it has been only opened for tourists since 1997.

However today, diving is one of the main reasons why people are drawn here. The best seasons to enjoy the underwater sights are winter and early spring. You can set out on a diving expedition here as there are dozens of beautiful sites to explore. Try to find some red lionfish while you are here as those are magnificent creatures that one has to see in their natural habitat.

6.      Similan Islands, Thailand

Similan Islands offer the best diving site in Thailand and one of the best in Asia. Here you can see a variety of coral reefs and some incredible drop-offs. Make sure to come here if you are looking for some exciting of marine life and dives of varying complexity levels.

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

7 Best Sailing Places in Seattle

If you want to enjoy some of the best of what Seattle has to offer, a boat rental in Seattle is a no-brainer for anyone travelling to this special city… CONTINUE READING >> 

Every year, on the first Saturday in May, something wonderful happens in Seattle. This is the official start of the boating season. The city has celebrated this occasion every year since 1913. For that reason alone, it should be obvious that Seattle takes boating very seriously! If you want to enjoy some of the best of what Seattle has to offer, a boat rental in Seattle is a no-brainer for anyone travelling to this special city.

From the scenic beauty of Poulsbo, to the tranquility of Bainbridge Island, Seattle has a lot to offer anyone who wants to rent a boat for a day or the weekend.

The great thing about this list of the 7 best sailing places in Seattle is that there’s something for just about everyone. Whether you want to relax on calming waters, or find yourself just a heartbeat away from Downtown Seattle, we have some wonderful ideas to consider:

1. First Saturday in May: This one is obviously a little dependent upon being in Seattle, but if you love sailing and boating, it’s well worth trying to make the occasion. Thousands fill up the shores that make up Montlake Cut. This is also known as the easternmost portion of the Washington Ship Canal. Head there yourself to watch hundreds of sailboats and other water vehicles along the water. There are even races.

2. Lake Union restaurants: Looking for a unique experience with our boat rental in Seattle? Check out the array of restaurants that can be found along Lake Union, as well as Lake Washington. Many of these restaurants, such as Chandler’s, feature slips, so it’s easy to stop somewhere for a bite.

3. Poulsbo: Some people visit Poulsbo for the day. Others can make a weekend of it. Regardless of which you choose, Poulsbo offers some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in Seattle. Also known as Little Norway on the Fjord, it is the perfect way to experience everything the historic downtown locale contains. The calming waters of Liberty Bay serve as a lovely backdrop.

4. Bell Harbor Marina: Anyone who wants to experience Downtown Seattle in singular fashion will want to keep the Ball Harbor Marina in mind. You can get to the legendary Pike Place Market with ease. You will also have easy access to some of Seattle’s best restaurants. Docking options are available for guests, affording you a view of the city that has to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. You will likely find yourself overwhelmed with the majesty of the Olympic Mountains. Imagine this place during the 4th of July!

5. San Juan Islands: Surrounded by deep blue waters and gorgeous, natural greenery, there is something about Seattle’s San Juan Islands that gives you the impression of an entirely different universe. Indeed, given the marvelous peace and quiet of this area, it is amazing to remember that the city of Seattle is essentially just around the corner.

6. Port Orchard: Just fifteen nautical miles from Seattle, Port Orchard is a detour well worth taking. The historical maritime atmosphere of the area is just lovely. Beyond some great opportunities for salmon fishing, Port Orchard also connects you to some of Seattle’s best local restaurants. Visiting this area, it is possible to catch glimpses of anything from orca whales to submarines.

7. Lake Washington: If you just like the idea of being able to have a quiet picnic on the water, or if you’re really into water sports, this thirty-three-square-mile body of water is a must-visit destination in Seattle. The fishing is just perfect, no matter what your taste, and this is where you can find some of the best sailing the state has to offer.

Conclusion:
No matter what you’re in the mood for, our boat rental in Seattle can accommodate you. The above list should make it pretty clear that Seattle and Seattle’s sailing culture has something for just about everybody. If you want to have a peaceful afternoon, Seattle can give you that. If you want a day of wild fun in the sun, Seattle can make that possible, as well! The possibilities can seem endless, with great activities for all ages and interests.

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

Everything You Need to Include in Your Paris Itinerary

The city of love is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Whether you are looking for art, food, history, or adventure, Paris is one of the best places in all of Europe to truly experience it all… CONTINUE READING >> 

The city of love is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Whether you are looking for art, food, history, or adventure, Paris is one of the best places in all of Europe to truly experience it all. So let’s take a look at the Top Things To Do in Paris.

As frequent travelers who enjoy taking in the full experience of a new city, we have reflected on the arts and experiences that truly made our trips special.

To have a proper trip though, it is important to remember a few essential tips and tricks. When we first started traveling, the planning process could quickly turn from exciting to overwhelming. We found that without the right research, it can be easy for things to go wrong. For lodging, transportation, food, and activities, we have the information to help you get it all right.

Food and Wine

One of our favorite pastimes in this gorgeous city was to sit out at an outdoor café and take in the hustle and bustle of Paris. Sitting at a romantic little restaurant against the cobble sidewalks with the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower in the distance has become some of our favorite memories of the city.

Paris is famous for its delicious cuisine, and there are a few surefire dishes you won’t want to miss on your vacation. We really learned to challenge our tastes and experiment with new dishes while in the city. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, fancy or casual, these are the most delicious foods that will make you feel like a real Parisian.

Macarons

Paris consistently knows how to do dessert right, which is especially the case with this delicious and delicate snack.

Escargot

You’ve probably heard of escargot, even if only as a passing joke, but the dish itself is truly spectacular. One of our first times trying it, we both couldn’t believe how rich and delicious the flavor and texture were. If you plan to enjoy a fancy dinner at a romantic restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower, make sure to start off your meal with an appetizer of escargot!

Bread and Cheese

The French have truly mastered the art of making bread and cheese, as evidenced by Paris being one of the best places to find these tasty foods in delicious abundance! Sip on a local wine while dipping your crispy baguette in a tasty combination of brie and marmalade.

Wine and Dine

Accompany your delicious meal with a glass of France’s finest wines! Or enjoy a glass up on top of the famous Eiffel Tower, or at one of Paris’ much beloved scenic outdoor restaurants. They serve wine pretty much everywhere, so make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to taste some of the world’s best!

Living in Luxury

Wherever you decide to stay, whether it is a modest hotel in the center of the bustling city (we hardly spent any time in the room anyway!), or a romantic suite at a luxury hotel, you are sure to enjoy Paris’ astounding hospitality.

It is quintessential though in planning a trip that is right for you to consult a guide to Paris hotels before booking your lodging. We inquired beforehand in order to see if our hotel was close to the attractions we planned to visit as well as bars and restaurants that stay open late. We visited their website to inquire about the types of amenities available.

Are you looking for a quiet retreat to read and write and take the city in in peace, or a rollicking party in one of the world’s most exciting cities? Make sure to keep these considerations in mind when selecting a hotel!

Get Around in Style

Back home, you might have accumulated a sizeable amount of mileage in the family minivan. In Paris though, there are many more exciting ways to take in the beauty of the city while getting from place to place.

Hop on a Vespa

Vespa tours are one of the most exciting ways to truly take it all in. These stylish vehicles can be both an exciting pastime and an informative tour. Whether you rent to take out on your own, or ride with a tour group, the Vespa is a truly unique way to see the hustle and bustle of Paris and to feel like a native.

River Tours

Those who haven’t gotten their land legs yet can try their luck with a tour on the river Seine. Even after having read up on the history of the city, we still learned new interesting facts about the city and its history on the tour. It was also a great opportunity to take in all of the best views. We tried a try a hop-on hop-off tour so that we could visit attractions along the way!

Doing Paris Your Way

Ultimately, Paris is the city of love for a reason. All those who are lucky enough to visit will go home feeling satisfied with their new adventure. These tips and tricks can help you to plan a vacation that includes all the things you are looking forward to, so that you don’t have to miss a thing!

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

Want to save money this holiday? Cut the costs of airport parking

So how can you save a bit of money this holiday? If you’re flying from a UK airport,  a study on airport parking by the British insurance provider Staysure casts some light on parking prices and popularity… CONTINUE READING >> 

Going on holiday is always exciting, but there’s no doubt about it – travelling can prove a seriously expensive business, especially if it’s a family trip.

From the plane tickets to the cost of a hotel stay to all the equipment you’ll need, the costs soon mount up and some corners can’t be cut. Whether you’re camping and need a solidly waterproofed tent or heading to the ski slopes with boots, poles and thermals, it isn’t wise to skimp on the cost of your kit.

So how can you save a bit of money this holiday? If you’re flying from a UK airport,  a study on airport parking by the British insurance provider Staysure casts some light on parking prices and popularity.

Staysure’s survey focuses on the top ten UK airports and includes:

1. Heathrow
2. Gatwick
3. Manchester
4. Stansted
5. Luton
6. Edinburgh
7. Birmingham
8. Glasgow
9. Bristol
10. Belfast International

3 out of every 5 passengers flying from the UK in 2017 did so from an airport based in London. However, online search data showed that there were three times as many searches for airport parking facilities at non-London airports.

This may be because – with Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton well connected by the public transport system and easily reachable by train and bus throughout London and the Home Counties – airport parking is simply a less practical option in the capital.

It may also be because Heathrow, as one of the most popular international airports, is a common destination for stopover flights. The biggest of the UK’s airports therefore sees many passengers who pass through it and onto connecting flights without requiring its airport parking facilities.

As parking facilities at London airports are also much more expensive, costing passengers on average £15 more per week to pre book parking and £30 more per week for last minute (on the day) parking in London than elsewhere in the UK.

It’s not surprising that if you live in London and are flying from a London airport, you might want to consider alternative transport options.

Nevertheless, pre booking your airport parking is sensible no matter where you are flying from. The average price difference, when pre booking is compared to last minute parking, is £3.70 per day which soon adds up.

Although the UK’s most expensive on the day airport parking belongs to London Luton, with a huge difference of £141.49, non London airports also charge much larger fees for last minute parking spaces. Edinburgh, with a difference of £77.00, is the most expensive non London airport to park at on the day.

So whether you’re escaping the English winter with a trip to the Caribbean, enjoying some culture in the cities of Europe or wrapping up warm for a trip to Scandinavia, it definitely pays to be prepared.

Take some time at least a week before your flight and pre book online. It’s also important to research your options beforehand and call car parks to see if you can find a better deal. It’s definitely worth giving your airport parking some consideration beforehand to stop your adventure from getting too expensive.

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

The Ultimate Guide for a Safe & Exciting Campervan Road Trip

A little bit of planning can be the difference between the adventure of a lifetime and a total disaster, so if you’re heading on a campervan road trip soon, follow these five tips for a safe and exciting journey… CONTINUE READING >> 

A little bit of planning can be the difference between the adventure of a lifetime and a total disaster you’re eager to forget. If you’re heading on a campervan road trip soon, follow these five tips for a safe and exciting journey.

Plan Where You Want to Explore

Is there a purpose for your road trip? Do you want to visit national parks and explore hiking trails? Do you want to chill out at the beach and go surfing every day? Maybe it’s a bit of both, and that’s okay!

Do your research in advance to find the best places for the activities you’re interested in. This will give you an idea of what to expect and also get you excited for the trip.

Map Out the Ideal Route

Once you know the types of places you want to check out, it’s time to plan the best route to get to them all. Ensure you have nice places to make pit stops so that you aren’t driving for long periods at a time.

Even if you’re an adventurous person, you always want to remain safe. This means sticking to main highways as much as possible. If any unexpected issues arise, you don’t want to be too far away from help.

Find the Right Campervan

The next step, and possibly the most important one, is to find the perfect campervan for you. Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with your kids? There are campervans and caravans to suit every situation and individual need.

Sometimes it is a very good idea to rent an RV before you buy. With Campstar you can compare low RV Rental rates from top brands. Book & save big on RV Rentals near you and worldwide. ️Best rates are guaranteed, and they have 26000 RVs worldwide.

To find the perfect one, you may even need to build a DIY camper van yourself! Need some help with how to deck out your van? Parked in Paradise offers useful product recommendations, so you’ll know everything you need well in advance.

Create a Realistic Budget

Check the prices of any activities you know you want to do, including rental costs and fees at any caravan parks in the UK. Of course, you’ll also need to factor in gas.

Food is another cost to consider. If you want to eat as cheaply as possible, consider going grocery shopping in the towns you find yourself in. You’ll save a lot of money by preparing your own easy and healthy meals, rather than eating out at fast food places.

Get Smart About Your Packing

A successful and organized trip means packing with a plan. Once again, think about all the things you want to do on your trip and pack accordingly. Does it get cold during the nights? What types of shoes are required? Do you really need three bathing suits?

If you’re not the driver, you should also pack something to pass the time. Remember to load up your phone with your favorite music and bring an interesting book.

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