The GypsyNesters

The season of loving, giving, and resolutions is quickly approaching. Are you looking for the perfect location to spend it in? Well, lo and behold. We’ve got an awesome list for you! Just because Christmas and New Year is all about family, it doesn’t mean that you have to stay at home. There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than in a foreign and whimsical destination.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Not a fan of cold weather? Aching to spend the holidays in a tropical destination? Then, Rio de Janeiro is perfect for you! Christmas, in particular, is absolutely joyous. You will see beautifully decorated Christmas trees everywhere and feel the widespread and genuine good vibes of the locals. During Christmas Eve, you can experience the Midnight Mass or Misa do Galo in a church. After that, feast your eyes (and stomach) on a grand and traditional Brazilian dinner! I recommend heading to the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, where you will be able to see the world’s tallest floating Christmas tree.

Just like every other place during New Year, Rio has its own fireworks display. But since this destination is renowned for its lively atmosphere and festivals, expect to see something spectacular during New Year’s Eve. So what are you waiting for? Come on over to Rio, make new friends, and celebrate with your entire family!

Dubai, UAE

Yet another sunny destination, Dubai will not disappoint you this holiday season. It is certainly the essence of lush and festive. During Christmas, you will be able to have the usual Santa and reindeer experience, plus fake snow and ornamental lights. But if you want to make the most of your stay here, you simply must visit the Winterland Festive Village at Atlantis, The Palm. It hosts an annual brunch that serves a grand feast with plenty of treats. And of course, who can forget about the three-day Dubai Christmas Festival? You will experience a combination of music and singing, as well as Christmas markets, where you can shop ‘til you drop!

Then during New Year’s Eve, you have many options to choose from. Witness the jaw-dropping fireworks display at Atlantis or board one of Amwaj Al Bahar’s luxury yachts for an even more fantastic view. Dine in style in the famous Burj Al Arab or marvel at the entire city below by going all the way to the 122^nd floor of the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. For a truly unique experience, you can always head to the desert and have a Bedouin-style celebration.

The Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Now, let’s head on over to a destination that is the epitome of a winter wonderland. There’s no better place to have a white Christmas in Europe than the Swiss Alps! There are plenty of luxury resorts for you to choose from, in locations such as St. Moritz and Zermatt. Once you’re done deciding which place to stay in, you can enjoy the thrill of skiing or snow-shoeing in the area. Not only that, but there are also fun Christmas activities like sleigh rides.

Whether you prefer to party your socks off or just revel in the amazing fireworks display before your eyes, a New Year’s celebration in the Swiss Alps is definitely something you shouldn’t miss. And if you’re up for it, the best time to go skiing would be during New Year’s Day itself. The slopes are most likely going to be empty, so I encourage you to make the most of this experience.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Welcome to a gorgeous destination that will never fail to impress, Snæfellsnes Peninsula! With its pristine natural landscapes, Snæfellsnes Peninsula is certainly the place to be. And if there is anything in Iceland that will make your holiday season experience truly unforgettable, it’s witnessing the Northern Lights. Just imagine chasing this natural wonder during Christmas, whether you’re with your family or friends. Not only that, but you can also explore the Vatnshellir Cave, the Skarðsvík White Sand Beach, Kirkjufell Mountain, and many more!

If you’d rather see the Northern Lights during New Year’s Day, this is also more than possible. On New Year’s Eve, you will be able to experience the wild party scene of Iceland and the unique New Year Bonfire. There are only certain areas where the bonfire is lit though, so you may have to rent a car and drive to the assigned places. Don’t miss out on this magical experience, gathered around a warm bonfire, surrounded by awesome people, and at the same time, marvel at the elaborate fireworks display just above you!

Hokkaido, Japan

Everyone talks about Japan and how beautiful it is during cherry blossom season. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit during winter? Then, come on over and enjoy the serene vibes this destination will most certainly offer. Hokkaido, in particular, is a hotspot for those seeking some peace and quiet. It is also said to be the best place to ski and snowboard on Earth! You can spend most of your time during Christmas here on the slopes, if you’re into staying fit and active. If not, you can always marvel at the expansive and incredible natural landscapes Hokkaido has. Plus, Hokkaido is renowned for its natural hot springs, so dip in and relax to the fullest!

New Year, on the other hand, is quite unique here. You will be able to see many locals visiting shrines or temples at midnight. And your visit to Hokkaido will not be complete without getting a glimpse of the beautiful Blue Pond in the quaint town of Biei. This artificial lake has astoundingly blue waters, said to be aluminum hydroxide, and dry, slim trees that perfectly exude an enigmatic aura.

Visiting Japan don’t miss out on delicious dishes. The country’s food is notoriously nutritious and packed with flavor, making for a unique cuisine that continues to develop over time.

Final thoughts

So, what do you think? Would you rather spend your holidays somewhere sunny and vibrant or crisp and magical? Would you rather pick a destination where you can fully rest and relax or a place where you can stay fit and active? Whatever you choose, I guarantee that you will be able to make memories that will last a lifetime. After all, we’re only going to be living in this world for a short while, we might as well make it a fun and incredible ride.

Author’s bio:

Nina Tambal

Recently bitten by the wanderlust bug, Nina’s dream is to explore the world for what it truly is while spreading her love for food, the environment, and all animals.

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USA is one of the most popular international travel destinations, both for business and leisure travelers. The country spans a huge area but wherever you travel across it, there are some rules that you need to stick to as an international traveler. Knowing them well and following them is essential for everyone who plans to visit any part of the country. Let us list these things that you should know to ensure that your US trip is convenient and hassle-free.

1. Ensure that you have a valid passport

Start by checking the validity of your passport. Essentially, it should have a validity of at least 6 months and this is where a majority of travelers land in a problem. For some countries, there is an exemption as the citizens require a passport with validity for only the length of their stay in the country. It is best to go through the government site of your resident country to check the validity rules that apply in your case.

2. Get a visa as well

Besides having a valid passport, you require a visa to travel to USA because this document is essential for entering the country. You need to apply for it by submitting certain documents and application fee. The best part is that it is now possible to apply online at https://www.usaesta.co.uk/, which makes procuring it as easy as a few clicks. Residents of certain countries are allowed a visa waiver for traveling for a specific period of time.

3. Find a place to stay

Sure, there are plenty of hotels and motels all across the USA, but there are also alternatives when it comes to places to stay. Maybe camping or renting a RV is something to explore. You can also rent a timeshare as a great way to feel like a local while traveling. And, the part about a timeshare property is that there are shared ownership and maintenance charges. Also, you can take the benefit of a timeshare any time throughout the year. The experts at Wesley Financial Group exclaim the ease of canceling timeshare with complete ease and the process too is seamless

4. Be aware about the transit regulations

There are some rules that you need to know if you have a flight that transits through the country because technically, you will have to clear US customs. This means that you will need to fulfill US visa requirements even if you are just stopping over a few hours while waiting for your connecting flight to fly you to some other international travel destination.

5. Book an airport transfer

As an international traveler, it is always smart to pre-book an airport transfer to take you to your hotel without any hassle for waiting on arrival. It is much more comfortable to have a car waiting for you after a long flight and jet lag, instead of having to book one after arriving. Navigating here can be quite a challenge for the first-timers in particular.

It is also a good idea to book ongoing travel through smaller, less crowded airports such as Chicago Midway Airport. This can save time and make the journey much less stressful.

6. Switch off your mobile data

One of the most common mistakes that international travelers make on landing in the US is forgetting to turn off their mobile data. It can cost you a lot if you have not taken up a roaming internet plan for using your phone in the country. Using free Wi-Fi (there are some airports and restaurants that offer it) wherever it is available is a smarter option.

These easy tips can be of great help while traveling to US. Whether you are traveling for business or a holiday, following these tips can make your experience a positive one. One thing to remember when you travel abroad is to be particular about paperwork and immigration formalities.

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We travel outside of the USA a lot, and one thing we have learned is that it is extremely important to check the Visa requirements of our destinations before we go.

No one wants to be stuck at customs in a strange land trying to work things out. Believe us, that is a mistake you will only make once. So we are offering this recommendation to anybody planning a visit to the United States, have your US visa ready before departing your country.

With that finished, you can begin to make plans for your visit and, having traveled to all fifty states, that is an area where we can hopefully help out.

Our first piece of advice is to remember that the US is huge. Don’t think that if you’ve seen one region you’ve seen it all. This is a lesson we learned when traveling in Australia. Queensland was fantastic, but we quickly realized that we had seen only a tiny part of the Land Down Under.

New York is nothing like New England, or the Rocky Mountains, or Los Angeles… or just about anywhere else in America. This is not to discourage anyone from visiting the Big Apple, just a reminder that there is so much more. With that in mind, let us offer a few suggestions.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of the United States is the vast open space in the west, and no place captures the character of the Old West any better than Arizona. The stunning landscape of the Grand Canyon is unmatched anywhere on Earth.

Or for those looking for something more like the Wild West of the movies, television, and books, a stop at Tombstone is like a trip back in time. Walking the dusty boardwalks of Allen Street or among the headstones at Boot Hill feels like starring in one of those western tales, but watch out because the Shootout at theOK Corral happens here every day.

Following the famous Route 66 farther west leads to the incredible Pacific coast. There is so much to see, from San Diego and its amazing zoo, to the glamor and glitz of Hollywood, to the beauty of the forests and mountains in the Northwest.

But our favorite part has to be the section in California between Santa Barbara and San Francisco known as Big Sur. The drive along The Pacific Coast Highway is unmatched as this remarkable piece of road crosses thirty-three bridges connecting one wicked winding section of cliff-side roadway to another.

Remember that traveling within the United States requires no paperwork at all, so exploring is only limited by the time one has to spend. However, entering and exiting will be much smoother if everything is in order before leaving home. The best way to make certain of that is to check with E-visums.

Clear across the continent we uncovered the history and hospitality of Dixie alive and well along the Atlantic seaboard in Georgia and South Carolina.

For Civil War buffs Charleston is a must, because this is where it started. Fort Sumter, where the first shots were fired, still stands on guard at the mouth of the harbor, and there are many other historic sites and museums to see as well.

There is also much to be found that predates the War Between the States, Charleston is a fine example of a colonial American city. The original town has been remarkably preserved. The buildings and houses seem nearly untouched by the passing of the centuries.

Just a few miles to the south, Savannah has a vast array of equally remarkable homes on tree-lined streets. In fact, we found many of them even more impressive than those known as the Charleston Single.

Another similarity is the historic waterfront, except here the history is more about merchants than military because cotton was king. Now many of the old warehouses have been converted into restaurants, but the offices have not. They still remain snuggly tucked away between River Street and Bay Street in a hidden alleyway known as Factor’s Walk.

For a very different sort of southern charm, we love New Orleans. Long considered one of the most unique places in the US, for music, food, and fun the Big Easy is hard to beat. We also love that none of it needs to be fancy or expensive, just down-home good.

Right outside of town there is an even more laid-back outlook on life, in our favorite part of the good ole USA, Cajun Country. Years ago the Acadians settled in the swamps south and west of New Orleans and nurtured a way of life that exists only in this place.

Over centuries of nearly total isolation they developed a dialect, cuisine, and lifestyle that we fell in love with and have returned to enjoy time and time again.

So there is a look at some of our preferred places in the US, but there are countless others. So come to the states because discovering them is what travel is all about.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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No matter is it scorching heat where you at or you’re all covered with snow trying to get as warm as you can under the blanket, it’s always the right time of the year to plan for a nice little family getaway.

And being the mother of 2 and a military mommy at the same time, this kind of lifestyle taught me how to get creative in every aspect of budget travel planning and taking less-traveled roads to visit out-of-the-ordinary places.

Not talking about anything super fancy here though. Being a military family in essence we are used to set budgets. However, although it prevents overspending to a certain point, it is also a challenge for me as a chief planner to organize something extraordinary, while staying within a given budget.

Winter In Australia

Yep, you heard it right. Living with an avid skier means that you just need to come up with a perfect solution for a holiday spent hitting the slopes.

And while most popular ski centers are definitely those located in the USA and across Europe (Swiss Alps, France, Italy…) a couple of seasons ago we decided to visit Australia’s Snowy Mountains and now we are in love.

What’s so special about the Snowy Mountains?

Well, a fact that you’re actually visiting the land of surfers, palm beaches and kangaroos to have fun on the snow is good enough reason to give it a shot.

Apart from that, holidays in Australia are offering more for less. Finding good deals on budget, one of the most visited and prominent ski resorts in the continent became a no-brainer and it quickly became the best choice for us.

Summer in Europe

Have you ever traveled to Europe?

I did, and I can tell you that it’s much much different than the States – and in a good way! No matter if we’re talking about coasts of Greece at the far south of the continent or the leisure-styled and laid-back lifestyles of the people from the Iberian peninsula – there is really not much not to love about Europe.

For a person who traveled nearly 80% of Europe’s countries, I can hardly think of any place which I couldn’t suggest for someone to visit. And though travels to Rome, Paris, Madrid, Moscow or some other metropolis’ can be quite costly, if you decide to visit Thessaloniki, Malaga, Naples, Rotterdam or even Lisbon – your trip will be much less devastating to your finances and would be equally thrilling at the same time.

Of course, Scandinavian countries as well as far north of Russia are not to be recommended to the people who don’t enjoy breezing atmosphere throughout the entire year. But those people will be delighted to experience Greek islands or Sicily in Italy for example.

And you haven’t decided where to take your kids on a Valentine’s Day then I can definitely recommend putting picturesque towns of Colmar in France or Bruges in Belgium on your travel map.

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If you’ve applied for an Indian visa and you’ve got a visa pour inde, you might be excited to enjoy your time thoroughly in India weather you booked it with Luxury Tours India or Cultural Tours of India.

Being excited about the trip is a good thing, but if you’re under prepared for your trip to India, you’re bound to be disappointed at the end of your trip. This is because most of the tourists do not have an idea about what they are going to like and dislike in India. If you fall into this category, it is better to change your plans and visit some other place.

If you still want to visit India, here are some things to do before visiting India.

1.    Have a beauty pack ready

Traveling to a beautiful and loving country, you might be confused about why should one have a beauty pack ready with them. In this case, we would like to tell you that the air quality isn’t the best and acceptable in some places in India. Apart from this, dust can be a major reason because of which you might need your beauty pack to help you look and stay fresh. If you have the tools to tackle dust, you’ll need sunscreen to face the heat too. India is a country where you’ll find the sun shining for long hours during the day. So, it would help if you carried a beauty pack with you when traveling to India.

2.    Have a toiletries pack ready

Most of us know that toilet paper is not commonly used in India. However, there might be places where you won’t get soaps or paper napkins in the public toilets. In such situations, you wouldn’t want to move around looking for the same. So, make sure that you have a toiletries pack with you at all times.

3.    Be ready to move along with the crowds

If you think that you’re not ready to be a part of the crowds, you should think again before visiting India. The primary reason is that India is an overpopulated country and you’ll hardly find places where you’ll not find too many people around. This can be problematic for you if you cannot cope up with the pressure of moving around with the crowds.

In some cases, you’ll find yourself moving in the direction of the crowds, even if you want to go the other direction. This can create problems for you at times, but it wouldn’t be a constant issue for you.

4.    Work on your anxiety factor

There will be moments when you’ll feel anxious while traveling to different parts of India. This can be because of the customs, cultures, and traditions followed in India. It can be difficult to cope up with the moods of the masses at a particular place. If anxiety has been a constant issue for you, get a solution for it before you visit India, especially if you’re planning to visit the country for the first time.

Anxiety can ruin your plans and give the country a bad name unnecessarily. So, be careful about it and make sure that you work on the anxiety factor before visiting India.

5.    Prepare yourself to taste the food you might have never heard of

People in India get excited when they see tourists around. They make constant efforts to serve them, and while they are making their efforts to bring a smile on your face, they will offer you food that might be a specialty in their locality. With this, you need to prepare yourself for the session where you’ll be offered too many items to consume, even though you might not be ready for it. Tackling the issue without hurting their sentiments would be one thing you should prepare yourself for.

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Wondering what to do when traveling alone to avoid being lonely?

Whether you’re traveling for work or for pleasure, taking a trip by yourself can be lonely. And yet, it doesn’t have to be. There are many groups you can join or places you can stay while traveling that make it easy to meet new people.

Here are ten ways to meet people for anyone that’s traveling alone and lonely.

1. Join a Tour Group

When traveling to a new destination, joining a tour group is an easy way to learn about the city. Tour groups plan accommodations and schedules in advance, so you never have to wonder where to go. Sometimes, group tours even have meals planned.

It can be expensive to join a tour group, but you’re traveling with people that have similar interests. Plus, you can ask to get together with someone later if you’re staying at the same place.

2. Stay at a Hostel or Use Couchsurfing

Hostels and bed and breakfast establishments encourage social interaction. Depending on how many people you want to room with, hostels are a popular option for lonely travelers.

Another way of meeting people while traveling for free is to use Couchsurfing, a community for travelers. Hosts list their spare couches, rooms, and air mattresses on the site so you can pick what works best for you.

3. Meet Other Travelers with the Couchsurfing Forums

Now that you know about Couchsurfing, you can meet up with other like-minded travelers using the forums. Many people who use the service are social and wouldn’t mind meeting up with others on the site.

4. Set Up a Date

As long as you have access to the internet, you can reach out to someone and set up a date somewhere. Use a local dating site to meet like-minded singles in the area. This is a great method to meet other travelers and locals.

Take this opportunity to explore the nightlife in the area. There is plenty to do that’s better together.

5. Travel by Train

Train travel is a great way to meet someone because you’re both sharing a space for a long period of time. This is the best time to start up a conversation and get to know someone.

Some of the most interesting people travel by train, so start a conversation with someone. Even if you don’t have anything in common, you may come away with some stories to tell later.

6. Make Friends with the Locals

By visiting local spots such as grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants you will start to recognize the faces you see there. Don’t be afraid to chat with your server or ask for advice on where to go in the area.

Whether you’re traveling for business or for fun, getting to know the locals will make your trip more enjoyable. Let them know how long you’re in town and ask if they want to go somewhere together. This is the best way to learn about popular restaurants and nightlife spots when you’re in an unfamiliar city.

7. Join a Pub Crawl

Sometimes you can find pub crawl events to attend while you’re traveling. Holidays tend to be the ideal time to find a good pub crawling group, but you can also check locally for smaller events.

Joining a crawl is one of the best things to do when traveling alone. You get to check out the popular bars in the area and meet other singles at the same time.   

8. Become a Volunteer

If you’re staying in an area for an extended period of time, you should consider volunteering. Many travelers visit areas affected by hurricanes or natural disasters to volunteer their time.

There are many short-term volunteer opportunities for people visiting abroad. Not only are you helping those in need, but you also get to meet people in your volunteer group that share the same values.

9. Spend Time with Yourself

While this may seem counter-intuitive, traveling is the best time to discover more about yourself. Take time to try new things and experience different cultures. You’ll find out what you enjoy and what you don’t and in the process learn more about yourself as a person.

There are many activities you can do by yourself when traveling to keep you occupied. Try photography or learn a new skill. The next time you go on a date, you’ll have something to talk about.

10. Visit Local Coffee Shops

Coffee shops make great social spots for the lonely traveler to hang out. Most people go to a coffee shop to chat or work and you can almost always find someone by themselves at a table. Pick up on a book they’re reading or what they ordered at the counter and try to start a conversation.

Just remember, you should avoid disrupting someone if they look busy. Bring something to catch their attention such as a paperback book with an interesting cover or a sketch pad.

No More Wondering How to Meet People While Traveling

Traveling to a new location is an excellent time to meet people and experience exciting new places.

Stick with accommodations that encourage social interactions and be friendly with the locals in the area. Sign up for an event or a volunteer opportunity for even more chances to meet someone.

Now that you know what to do when traveling alone, you’re prepared to get out there and meet someone the next time you take a trip.

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