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Convenient Items Solo Travelers Must Not Miss Out On

Most people travel with someone they trust, but it is still possible to journey without a travel buddy. So here are a few tips that can make it easy for you to travel the world solo… CONTINUE READING >> 

Traveling is fun. In fact, it’s recommended that you travel regularly while you’re young, while you’re still able and healthy enough to do so. But even if your knees start creaking and your lungs whimper with every step on the stairs, you should still take a trip somewhere at least once.

It’s a big world out there, and life is too short to miss out on all the wonders awaiting you.

Most people travel with someone they trust (e.g., their life partner, a dear relative, a close friend, etc.). However, it is still possible to journey without a travel buddy. Of course, since you have no one else to rely on but yourself, no companion to share the weight of your load, you need to be prepared for every contingency.

Here are a few things that can make it easy for you to travel the world solo.

A Top-Load Duffle Bag

First off, a bag. Not just any bag. You need to get a top-load leather duffle bag.

It’s both spacious and lightweight, allowing you to pack as much stuff as you can without any excess burden or bulk. Plus, a top-load-style bag makes it convenient to reach inside and pull out that one item you’re looking for without needing to dig through your entire pack, provided you’ve properly arranged the items inside, which is also relatively easier to do with a top-load bag compared to other designs.

Besides, duffle bags will never go out of fashion. They can even instill in you an aura of a badass person, not one to mess around with in a bar or on the streets.

It’s also perfect for your lone-wolf image. It may also be the right deterrent against those that would seek to take advantage of you, being a solo tourist and all.

A Self-Defense Weapon

Speaking of, you may still want to take with you a tool that you can use to defend yourself with. You never know when you may need one, especially if you somehow stumble somewhere ill-advised for solo travelers and get accosted by thugs.

You could run, but your bag may slow you down. Dropping it is an option—your life is more important than any material object—but then can you survive without your gear? How would you pay for your return trip? That’s why you need a tool that can easily knock down your attacker to guarantee a successful escape.

Get a pepper spray or a stun gun. They are nonlethal weapons that can quickly incapacitate any creep harassing you. Don’t worry about customs. Maces and tasers, although not allowed as carry-on items, can be part of your checked baggage in most airports.

Knives are a bad idea. They may be useful survival tools when camping, in fact here is a good place to find the best survival knife,  but they are not effective for self-defense when held by untrained hands. Brutes bigger than you will be unfazed by your feeble stick.

Money Clips

Touring other countries means you must use their respective currencies. Establishments that accept foreign money are usually more expensive. On top of that, carrying different sets of unfamiliar bills can get confusing, not to mention inconvenient.

Imagine, after anchoring for the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, you exit right to Vietnam. You check in with the foreign exchange to change currencies from dollar to dong.

Now, 1 US dollar (USD) is roughly equal, as of the time of this writing, to 23,000 Vietnamese dong (VND). Do you think you’ll enjoy being a billionaire, mistaking a 100,000 VND with a 10,000 VND amid all those brightly colored dongs in your pocket?

Thus, complement your travel wallet with money clips. Clips. Plural. Different clips for different denominations. That way, you can group your bills and not mix them up. Clips will also save you from having to rifle through your wallet, looking for the right money.

Even better, get money clips personalized by Groovy Groomsmen Gifts with the initials of your name. In case you lose your clips and cash, they’ll have a distinct marking identifying your ownership. If ever they get found, all you’ll need to do is to present an ID and press your claim.

Lastly, Remember the Essentials

Water, food, clothes, money, a method of communication—these are the things you should never travel without. All will be for naught should you lack any of these travel essentials.

They, in addition to the recommendations above, will make your trip comfortable, convenient, and considerably easy, especially since you’re going at it alone.

With all these, you can make it on your own. Good luck, trailblazer!

Deciphering the Multi-Generational Vacation Dilemma

We are big believers in celebrating the empty nest, but one downside we’ve found is that getting the whole family together keeps getting harder and harder as our kids have grown and scattered across the globe. Add to that aging parents, along with the next generation of kids, and managing to vacation together becomes even more difficult… CONTINUE READING >> 

We are big believers in celebrating the empty nest, but one downside we’ve found is that getting the whole family together keeps getting harder and harder as our kids have grown and scattered across the globe. Add to that aging parents, along with the next generation of kids, and managing to vacation together becomes even more difficult.

But it’s not mission impossible. A great solution can be a family friendly cruise holiday.

This solves so many of the problems associated with planning and pulling off a multi-generational getaway. Rather than booking hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions for the individual tastes of each family member, the ship offers almost anything anyone could desire, and one booking covers everything.

Believe me; we still remember what it was like to travel with three kids in tow, so we understand how important keeping them occupied can be. Let’s face it, mom and dad, and grandma and grandpa, are going to relax and enjoy the trip a lot more when they have some free time of their own.

Activities

These family-friendly floating resorts offer something for everyone, from children’s play areas, puppet shows, and active dance and movement classes for toddlers; to sports days, game shows, music, and discos for the teens. And all ages are sure to love the water slides and pools at the Aqua Park.

As for the other two, or maybe even three generations, they can while away a day at the gym, or stretch out at yoga, or maybe feel the burn at a Zumba class. Perhaps a spa day is more in line, or a wine tasting, or best of all, just unwind and watch the ocean roll by with a good book.

Then everybody can meet up at the swimming pool for an ideal afternoon together.

Dining

In our family, getting everyone to agree on a restaurant is like negotiating an international arms treaty, so we really can appreciate the value of the numerous dining options on board.

Whether it’s kicking back at a coffee shop, or nibbling on tapas or sushi, or bellying up to a sumptuous spread at the buffet, the arguing will be replaced with happy sounds of contentment.

For a more memorable meal and family reunion, specialty restaurants offering culinary delicacies from across the globe can arrange an amazing dinner, and even accommodate reserved seating in a private space.

Entertainment

Whenever we get together with our extended family, after dinner doesn’t mean the fun calls it a night. Good thing the options include shows featuring live acrobatics and circus feats guaranteed to astonish any aged audience.

For the older kids, and we are happy to still think of ourselves in that group, there are comics, dazzling dancers, or Broadway shows to choose from. After the show any number of nightclub choices await for cocktails, casino games, music, dancing, or just hanging out.

Often our best family memories are made when we get goofy and throw caution to the wind. So we always look to laugh it up at some of the crowd participation activities like trivia contests, or karaoke.

Accommodations

One thing we have learned on our previous cruises is that we don’t spend much time in the room. Still, comfort and amenities are important, and with the whole family along having options is essential.

Many ships have Mini –Suites that sleep four, just right to fit a new family with younger children. They are conveniently located near the kids’ area, and even have a private balcony.

Other couples, and singles, can split into convenient groups for cabins that provide privacy in the midst of all of the comradery.

Destinations

As fantastic as the ships are, nobody wants to spend all of their time onboard. Good thing there are almost endless choices of destinations to discover on a family-friendly cruise.

The most popular tend to sail to the Caribbean, leaving out of Florida and Texas, and we understand why. Young parents and kids can’t always get away for more than a few days to a week and these trips work perfectly for those schedules, without sacrificing visits to incredible ports of call.

The wide array of destinations is extraordinary, such as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, where everything from Mayan ruins, to scuba diving, to jungle treks and motorcycle tours await, or Belize, famous for its rainforest nature reserves.

We even found a place that we have never been before, and those are getting rare, so the remote island of Roatán is over the top intriguing to us. About 30 miles off the coast of Honduras, it is known for gorgeous beaches and sensational snorkeling along beautiful reefs.

There are also a host of more far flung adventures available, such as exploring the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean, the fjords of Scandinavia, the Spanish coast along with Portugal and Gibraltar, Hawaii, and something that has been on our list for ages, a voyage through the Panama Canal.

All of these deliver once in a lifetime experiences that will live on in the family lore for generations to come.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

5 Budget-Friendly Mountain Bikes for Your First Cycling Tour

There’s nothing more important in starting your first cycling tour than a mountain bike you can rely on. Fortunately, a sturdy and reliable mountain bike doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive… CONTINUE READING >> 

There’s nothing more important in starting your first cycling tour than a mountain bike on budget that you can rely on.  Of course, there’s always the matter of how much you would be willing to spend on such a bike to ensure that everything is smooth sailing. To get an idea you might want to check out this Buyer’s Guide For Every Cyclist.

Fortunately, a sturdy and reliable mountain bike doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. In fact, if you’re lucky enough, you can find one under 500. If an offer has caught your attention, then you should definitely check this article for more information on the best mountain bikes under $500.

Our Picks for the Best MTBs Under $500

1. Diamondback Response XE

Let’s start by talking about one of the most awesome mountain bikes that will surely give you a run for your money. The Diamondback Response XE is our number one choice for touring bikes. It is solid, yet light since it packs a Redesigned 6061-T6 Aluminum frame. This MTB has a 7-speed drivetrain, which is more than enough for both uphill and downhill rides.

Are you concerned about potholes or anything that might send you into the ditch? No worries, because the Diamondback Response XE has a 100mm frontal suspension fork to ensure a smooth ride. Because the bike was designed exclusively for off-road trails, it sports a twin mechanical disk brake system, which guarantees a smooth and accident-free stop.

On top of that, the Diamondback Response Mountain Bike comes equipped with 29-inch wheels which are more than a match for any kind of terrain, no matter how rough things get.

All in all, we have to say that the bike’s name really managed to capture its strong points. It’s very responsive, and with a price tag of $400, we think this is the best choice of an MTB for your first cycling tour.

2.  SE Bikes Big Mountain 24 Complete Mountain Bike

Our second MTB pick for your first cycling tour is the SE Bikes Big Mountain 24 complete. Not as responsive and light as the Diamondback Response SE, the Big Mountain 24 is still a good companion. The bike’s frame is an SE 1 double butted and semi-integrated alloy to ensure uniform weight distribution.

Terrain-wise, even with the 27.5-inch wheels, this bike will take you everywhere you need to go. More than that, to help you across hills or slopes, the SE Bikes Big Mountain 24 pack comes equipped with a Shimano 24-speed shifter. The MTB has frontal 100mm fork suspension and two 160mm mechanical brake discs.

An elegant and trustworthy companion that will be sure to offer you an unforgettable experience. Word of advice – make sure you familiarize yourself with the shifter and gear. It might be a bit disconcerting to a newbie to see so many gears. So, give it a spin before beginning your first cycling tour.

3.      Nashbar AT1

Because this article is about the best options in terms of affordable mountain bikes, we give you the Nashbar AT1, a ride that was built for those on a budget. Although it is cheaper compared to the Diamondback or the SE Bikes Big Mountain 24, it doesn’t mean that it cuts back on the quality. It is actually the opposite. AT1’s frame is durable and excellent for panniers or another kind of bike attachments. It comes with a two 24-speed shifter system (Shimano and Sram), and, of course, a pair of double-walled wheels that are more than a match for any terrain.

We can definitely say that this is the best choice if spending too much of that hard-earned moolah on a mountain bike was not in your plan.

4.      Diamondback Hard Tail

Diamondback’s Hard Tail is what you might call the Rolls Royce of mountain bikes, meaning that it was built to last. The only reason it is not our number one choice is its price. Unfortunately, if you want something this good, you’ll need to dig deep into those pockets. More specifically, this bike has been made to go above and beyond the duty when it comes to difficult off-road trails.

It has an 8-speed Sramx3 shifter in the back, complemented, of course, by the 27.5-inch double-walled wheels. What does it all mean, you ask? Well, it basically refers to how the bike handles everything – it flies uphill like it is propelled by an invisible hand and blazes the trails as if it has a NASCAR engine.

5.      GT Karakoram Sport 29’er

The last item on our list is the GT Karokoram Sports 29’er, a unique, and, why not, trustworthy mountain bike. This 9-speed neon demon comes equipped with a lightweight T6 29-inch aluminum frame and a Zerostack tapered head tube. Although it doesn’t have a frame suspension, the frontal one is more than enough to get you through almost every obstacle you could encounter on the trail.

The bike sports two types of shifting systems – front and back, both from Shimano Altus. Of course, this awesome mountain bike couldn’t have been complete without a proper braking system– two Tektro Hydro discs with 160mm rotors. One can say that it is an MTB enthusiast’s dream come true.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many choices when it comes to mountain bikes for you first cycling tour. Check out Bike Stores Toronto to find amazing deals on bikes. Bear in mind that each bike has been designed for a certain purpose – some have impeccable braking systems, others can help you go up or down the hill faster. Some are cheaper; others are expensive. As always, it is up to you to decide which one suits your cycling style best.

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Top Gadgets you need when traveling the World

More and more people engage into the adventure of a lifetime: traveling the world and visiting inspirational sites all around the globe. Still, even as a globetrotter, you need some gadgets to keep you company… CONTINUE READING >> 

More and more people engage into the adventure of a lifetime: traveling the world and visiting inspirational sites all around the globe. Still, even as a globetrotter, you need some gadgets to keep you company like communication gear or equipment that assists in extreme weather. That’s why we want to discuss the top gadgets you need when traveling the world so you’ll fully enjoy this amazing adventure.

Satellite phone

We recommend getting this, plus a charger. Don’t forget to have its battery loaded when you leave home and a couple of spare ones. A smartphone is better because of all its apps, but a reliable satellite phone can be indispensable in emergencies.

GPS

Even if you’re sure you know the way, don’t neglect a GPS. You might get new directions in case the track you knew is blocked, or if you need to search for a hostel when taking a detour.

Fitness Tracker

Finding the right Fitness Watch is important. Of course it will keep track of your steps, but it could also play music, keep you from getting lost with a GPS map, and keep you in touch with Bluetooth calling and text messenger.

Radio

This can help you stay in touch with local authorities if it’s a two-way radio. You can emit an emergency signal so you’re found in case you get lost. But the best thing about a portable radio is getting all these important weather and disaster alerts, in case your phone battery dies.

And the best thing is that some radios can be recharged by rotating a side-handle. SO you don’t necessarily need a wall socket or spare batteries, which is great in survival conditions.

Power supply

You need the best portable power supply to make sure you can keep the above gadgets charged and ready to go. These things operate using solar energy, so check if there’s plenty of that where you’re going. That’s because some more inexpensive power supplies can’t help you out in overcast weather or when the night runs long.

Water purifier

This is a definite must. If we’re to choose one item from this list to truly recommend, it’s this one. Whether you pick a water purifier that uses tablets, or one that looks like a straw, it will clean out your water. And that’s always important when you run out of clean water sources.

It can even be vital when traveling abroad to prevent bacterial infections or parasites. Although you’re staying in a fancy 5-star hotel, the water might still not be clean in certain countries.

Fancy flashlight

There are some flashlights on the market that use IR emitters. That helps because you can see when it’s pitch dark, and they aren’t that expensive. We recommend a flashlight that can be recharged fast, maybe by using a side-handle. We also recommend an item that has other included extras, like a hidden compartment for waterproof matches.

Waterproof matches

Don’t forget these little things. You can’t go wrong with them when it’s raining and you really need to get a fire going. Some can work after you drop them in a small puddle, but most of them are windproof too.

Multitool

Having a multi-tool will help with on-the-go repairs or clearing brush. It’s important to have a knife, a screwdriver, and a can opener all in one, in a compact, easy-to-carry gadget. Just make sure it’s legal to have one of these if you’re flying. Finding the right tool is easy by checking sites such as The Healthy Handyman or Consumer Reports.

For those with a love of woodworking, woodworkology.com has ideas, Techniques, Tips, and Advice available any time, anywhere.

Smart camera

How else would you immortalize your favorite moments? Some cameras allow a Bluetooth or wireless connection with your phone or laptop. That means you can upload the things you see on various social networks almost instantly, so everyone can see what you’re up to.

Digital luggage scale

With the airport rules being so strict, you might need one of these before taking a flight back home. That’s after you’ve bought all the cool things you can get in a duty-free. You might not be able to take all those things in your carry-on bag, plus you should be prepared for any additional fee.

Pocket Router

What if you’re traveling somewhere with no Internet? That would really mean the end of the world for some people. But a user-friendly, and portable pocket router can easily save the day. Just remember the internet speed is not as fast with one of these gadgets, but you can send e-mails problem-free.

Wall plate with USB

Need to get your phone recharged, and the wall socket in your hotel room doesn’t do the trick? That’s because some countries have different shapes for their sockets. That’s when your portable wall plate really comes in handy.

Fitness watch

Want to know how much you’ve exercised and how many calories you’ve burnt? Don’t forget your fitness watch at home. It’s really cool to have one especially when you’re trying to lose a few pounds.

Waterproof phone case

You have to protect your phone from water, rain, or possible accidents when you drop it into a puddle. This isn’t just for fishing trips, you know. It’s a good insurance that your means of communication is safe and sound.

Wash bag

How else can you do your laundry fast and clean without a washing machine? You don’t want to carry your own basin, do you? Plus, this is mimicking a classic washboard, but with internal nodules that help scrub efficiently.

Not to mention some of the best wash bags are bacteria-resistant and can be used as dry-bags. AND they’re so small they can fit in your back pocket!

Inflatable tent

A bubble tent made from PVC that can be carried in your pocket? That’s really great if you don’t want to improvise an emergency shelter with fallen logs and tarp. You just inflate it, and a family of four can easily snuggle inside.

Go-tenna

This is amazing for iOS and Android phones when you’ve lost coverage and you don’t have WiFi. You can send texts, make calls, group chats, and broadcast your location. And all that, thanks to a little gadget that makes its own network between you and people using similar devices.

So that’s it! That’s what we recommend since some of these gadgets really saved our behinds in times of need. We hope they will serve you well in your world adventure!

Author Bio

Rebecca lives in USA, but loves hiking all over the world. Her favourite is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy mountains, company of other adventurers and take more pictures, so it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passion is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She also writes for hikingmastery.com/.

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To Iberia and Beyond

That may not be exactly the famous Buzz Lightyear quote from Toy Story, but there just might be an infinite amount of interesting explorations on the Iberian Peninsula and beyond to Morocco. There is so much to uncover that the thought of managing a mission may seem daunting, if not impossible. Buzz would never let that stop him… CONTINUE READING >> 

That may not be exactly the famous Buzz Lightyear quote from Toy Story, but there just might be an infinite amount of interesting explorations on the Iberian Peninsula and beyond to Morocco. There is so much to uncover that the thought of managing a mission of discovery may seem daunting, if not impossible.

But don’t despair, Buzz would never let that stop him and neither should anybody else. There are specialists at Memphis Tours who plan these expeditions down to the last detail, so now Spain Morocco Portugal tours can be reality instead of a fantasy.

We have had the good fortune to visit Spain a few times, yet there remains a vast unknown space in the country awaiting our exploration.

Sure Barcelona and Madrid rank as two of our favorite European cities, and we would eagerly return for another look because we are fully convinced that we could never see Sagrada Família enough, or get tired of following in Hemingway’s footprints around the Spanish capital.

As explorers, we are even more thrilled at the prospect of seeing Seville. This is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, and the port where both he and Ferdinand Magellan set sail in search of the East Indies five centuries ago.

But the history goes back much farther than that on the peninsula, as is evident when the tour stops at the ancient Roman ruins of Córdoba, or the amazing Alhambra palace and fortress in Granada.

Spain is not only historic; it is also gorgeous, as we can see by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, or the town of Cáceres, often called one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, or on the beautiful beaches of Marbella.

Another huge plus in our book for this trip is the chance to finally see something beyond the airport in Lisbon. Surprisingly, we didn’t get a good feel for the city while changing planes. I know, shocking!

The capital of Portugal has any number of impressive sights, including Cristo Rei, a three hundred feet tall statue of Jesus overlooking the city from across the bay. While it may not be as famous as Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, it stands about three times as high, with the caveat that two thirds of that is pedestal. That makes them about the same size.

We’ll also find another nod to the age of exploration at the Tower of Belem, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful expedition to India, a feat he accomplished by going in the opposite direction of his more famous predecessors.

In addition to Lisbon, while in Portugal there is a stop at Fatima, the world renowned site where millions of pilgrims come to see the place that the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1917.

With all of that, we still think that the most exciting leg of the journey happens after taking a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.

This is a part of the world that we have longed to explore for ages. Landing in Tangier, we can imagine the Carthaginians arriving to settle the city some twenty-five hundred years ago.

Due to its strategic location on the southern shore of the narrow entrance to the Mediterranean, they may have been the first but they were hardly the last.

The Romans, Byzantine Empire, Portuguese, English, and eventually the Moroccan sultans all claimed this valuable port at one time or another.

Even more fascinating is Fez, the medieval capital of Morocco. The historic medina is a mind boggling maze of passages, paths, alleys, and corridors considered the best-preserved old city in the Arab world. This open air shopping madhouse is also the world’s largest car-free urban zone.

After stops in the former capital of Meknes, and the currant title holder Rabat, it is time to head back across the strait to Spain for a day in Toledo, known as the “Imperial City,” before finishing back in Madrid.

For those who might be wondering about Morocco’s two most famous names from film and song missing from this trip, if the desire to take the Marrakech Express or say “Here’s looking at you, kid” in Casablanca is just too strong, they are available on other itineraries.

After all, we started this story with a movie reference, only seems right to end it with one as well.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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5 Advantages of Booking Charter Flights

Chartering a flight may seem like a luxury beyond your price tag, but if you’re splitting costs among several people, it can be surprisingly affordable. Along with saving money, chartering a plane has several advantages, including…
CONTINUE READING >> 

Chartering a flight may seem like a luxury beyond your price tag, but if you’re splitting costs among several people, it can be surprisingly affordable. Along with saving money, chartering a plane has several advantages, including those below.

Choice of Plane Sizes

When flying with a group of people, you will have a choice of plane sizes. If a smaller group of friends are taking a vacation together, then they can book a smaller plane that seats up to 6 passengers.

If a sports team needs to go to a competition, jets that can seat up to 200 are available.  

Flights Fit Your Schedule

Instead of booking flights from commercial airlines and flying according to their schedules, private charter flights will fly according to their clients’ schedules. No matter where you’re going, the plane will not take off until your group arrives and has taken their seats.

Fly Closer to Destination

Most charter flights are flown on small aircraft, which means they do not need to fly into major hub airports like commercial flights. Instead, they can fly into a smaller airport if it is closer to your destination.

You may not need to arrange travel to the game or vacation spot your group will enjoy. If the airport is close to your destination, then you may be able to take the shuttle or hotel limousines to where you’re staying.

It May Save Money

In some cases, chartering a flight is a less expensive option than booking tickets with a commercial airline. If you’re with a large group, booking round-trip airfare for everyone could be very expensive.

With the average cost of economy-class seats at $346, if 20 people are in the group, then the fare total is going to be close to $7,000. For that cost, you would get small seats on a crowded plane, and you may not be able to sit near friends.

The cost of a charter flight depends on the size of the plane and how many air miles it’s being flown. A plane that fits 20 people could cost around the same price, but your group will have the plane to themselves.

To get more information, follow this link: www.stratosjets.com/group-jet-charter/.

More Flexibility

Charter flights are much more flexible about the requirements for booking them. You won’t need to worry about which days your flying, how much time in advance to book the flight or the time spent at the destination.

Instead, the price will usually be the same no matter when the flight is going to the destination, and you could land, attend the event, and fly back the same evening if you choose to do so. Chartering a flight gives you several more options than booking commercial airline tickets.

If your organization or group of friends have thought about taking charter flights to events or vacation destinations, consider these five advantages. Then, call about pricing your next flight the next time everyone wants to travel together.

Chartering flights isn’t difficult to do, and it can make going on your next group trip much more pleasant for everyone.

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Cruising The Nile Checks off One of Life’s Biggest Bucket List Boxes

We have talked to a ton of travelers through our years of GypsyNesting, and one place inevitably appears on almost every single one of their pre-last waltz wish lists, Egypt, especially the Nile… CONTINUE READING >> 

Bucket List: The term for all of the things that we hope to have done before we, well, you know, kick the bucket. We have talked to a ton of travelers through our years of GypsyNesting, and one place inevitably appears on almost every single one of their pre-last waltz wish lists, Egypt, especially the Nile.

With Memphis Tours we have found a way to make that dream a reality. Their Nile River Cruise is perhaps the best possible way to see both the incredible ruins of Ancient Egypt and modern life along the banks of the river.

We can say this because we have sailed on countless river cruises over the past few years, and they have become by far our favorite way to travel. We love the comfort and convenience of not scrambling to catch planes, trains, and busses to get to every new destination, and especially never having to pack and unpack each time we move on.

We are also convinced that there is no better way to experience both the cities and the countryside. The waterways usually flow directly through the heart of the towns, allowing the ships to dock right in the center of everything. This makes them a perfect home base for exploring.

And away from the cities the boat glides quietly past scenic landscapes, often far from the noisy hustle and bustle of the highways. That means a peaceful passage and great photo opportunities.

All over the world civilizations formed along rivers, and no place is that more significant than Egypt. The Nile is truly the artery that has brought life to this land for millennia.

There is nowhere that this is more apparent than Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes. Because of the many temples on both sides of the river it is often called “world’s greatest open-air museum.”

The temple that gave the city its name was built around 1400BC, but the area was already well established long before then. Early construction on the nearby Karnak Temple likely began some thousand years prior.

Just outside of the city, the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens are some of the most significant burial sites anywhere in the ancient world.

Scores of tombs belonging to royalty, including pharos and queens from the seventeenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Egypt, were discovered. Perhaps the most famous of these was King Tutankhamun, better known as King Tut, but Ramesses II and his wife Queen Nefertari were also interred here.

Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, is often portrayed as the pharaoh of the Exodus, most notably in the movie The Ten Commandments. The idea persists even though there is no archaeological evidence to definitively determine which ruler actually opposed Moses.

But because he was one of the Egyptian Empire’s longest reigning pharos and the timing is plausible, there is a reasonable chance it is true, so we could hardly consider the box on our bucket list checked without seeing his temple too.

With its iconic statues of huge seated figures on the face of the shrine, this is certainly one of Egypt’s most famous landmarks and luckily there is no problem getting there, the boat can float right to it on Lake Nasser.

Among all of these ancient wonders, the lake stands out as a modern marvel.  When the Aswan Dam was completed in 1970 it not only controlled flooding on the mighty river, it created one of the world’s largest man-made lakes.

The lake covers an area that was once part of Ancient Nubia, a lesser known civilization that at one time rivaled Egypt as the supreme power of the region, and Memphis Tours Nile River Cruise visits some of its ruins as well.

It is discoveries like this that manage to keep us from ever finishing our list. It is always growing with the more we travel and learn.

But we still have hope that we might see it all before we pack our last suitcase, cash in our chips, sleep with the fishes, bite the dust, shuffle off this mortal coil, buy the farm, push up daisies… you know, kick the bucket.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

What’ on your Bucket List? Let us know below:

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