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Easy Ways to Make Money While Studying Abroad

As a foreign student, your job opportunities are limited. Now the good news! None of this means you can’t earn money. You just have to work hard and be creative. Here are some things to try… CONTINUE READING >> 

As someone who has traveled overseas to study, you may have your living expenses and tuition covered, but what about everything else? Who wants to travel to a great country, then be stuck at home because they can’t afford to do anything?

The problem is this. As a foreign student, your job opportunities are limited. You can’t just walk into any office or store, and ask for a job. There are rules set by different governments, and you may not be allowed to work as you would back home.

Now the good news! None of this means you can’t earn money. You just have to work hard and be creative. It also helps to have a great looking resume and that’s where these templates can make a big difference.

Here are some things to try.

Earn Spare Money Through Online Side Hustles

If you would like to earn a few hundred dollars a month to cover small expenses, or to buy extras you’ve got several options. There are several websites where you can a bit of money doing the following:

• Filling out surveys.
• Watching movie trailers.
• Testing apps and websites.
• Signing up for special offers.
• Watching videos and advertisements.
• Printing coupons.
• Taking photographs.
• Transcribing information.
• Affiliate Marketing.
• Sell feet pics or other photos.

There are other small tasks you can perform as well. You can join multiple sites that aggregate these tasks for you. The pay for this work isn’t spectacular in any way. Sometimes payment comes in the form of Amazon credits or gift cards. However, many sites will pay using PayPal or direct deposit. Here are a few sites to consider:

• Amazon’s Mechanical Turk
• Swagbucks
• Earning Station
• Clickworkers
• Inbox Dollars
•Field Agent
•Gig Walk

Disclaimer: Not all of these websites accept applicants from every country.

Think of this a great option if most of your expenses are covered, and you want to fund shopping, hobbies, and fun excursions.

Teach English

There is a huge market for people who are able to teach others to speak English. Once you arrive in the city where you will be staying, start looking for opportunities. Look up discussion boards on Facebook and your school. You may find students there who need someone to help them learn English.

There are also opportunities available online. Check out, Italki, Udemy, and Palfish. The latter hires English speakers to tutor Chinese children in English, and you don’t even need to speak Chinese.

Be aware that with some of these jobs, you may need to complete a resume or CV. If you pursue this option, you should probably have yours polished and ready to go. If you need extra help, you might consider looking into helpful writing service reviews as well as online tools that you can use to produce a professional looking resume. We recommend, TrustmyPaper.com, Grammarly, and Microsoft resume templates.

Make Items to Sell

Are you a talented artist, crafter, or photographer? If so, you can earn money by selling the products that you make. Depending on your talent, you might even be able to do some work on commission. To sell your items online, check out Facebook marketplace, Etsy, Craigslist, and other venues. Just be sure to check the local regulations regarding shipping items overseas.

You might also check out local shops and bazaars. It is possible that you can lease out space, or work with a local retailer to consign some of your products.

Use Your Skills to Become a Freelancer

If you need a bigger income than you can make with a side gig, consider freelancing. To get started, think of some things that you can do that are in demand. If you have a computer and a reliable internet connection, you can earn money:

• Writing blog posts, web content, and articles
• Doing medical transcription work
• Performing data entry and administrative tasks
• Translating documents
• Voiceover work
• Web and graphic design
• App and software development
• Providing customer service

To find jobs as a writer or to use your other talents you can refer to many online sources including, Freelancer, Guru, Fiverr, and any of these top 10 websites for writing help. You might also consider creating a website and posting your resume, portfolio, and other information. You can advertise your services on local marketplaces and social media.

Get a Part-Time Job

Your work options might be limited, but that doesn’t mean there are no opportunities for you. In some cases, you may be allowed to work part-time. Some students are also given permission to work on campus. There may be restrictions, so check with student services, and be sure that you understand the policies you have to follow as they relate to your Visa. If you are able to work check out the following:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Bookstores
• Museums and libraries
• Local tourist offices
• Attractions and gift shops

If you don’t speak the local language, you can improve your chances of getting a job by at least picking up a few phrases. Also, you might consider getting help with your resume using writing services for students. It can really help. If you are staying in an area that is popular among tourists, your ability to speak English can be a real asset.

Do Odd Jobs

 No matter where you are, there are going to be people who simply don’t have enough time to get everything done. Many of them will gladly hire people to take care of these small jobs for them. This includes running errands, babysitting, assembling furniture, and cleaning.

You’ll have to do a bit of research to determine the best places to advertise your services. There may be local Facebook groups, a local newspaper, even bulletin boards at the nearby supermarket. Sometimes, word of mouth works best. It’s also a great excuse to get to know your neighbors.

Help With Research And Other Projects at School

 Your school may be a great resource in your quest to earn money. Speak to your instructors. They may be able to help you find a part-time job on campus, or get you a spot on a paid research project. If you go this route, start early. Sometimes these opportunities can go quickly.

Final Thoughts

It may not be as easy to earn money abroad as it is at home. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Use the tips and resources suggested here. It won’t take you long to begin earning some money to help with extras and expenses.

Author Bio: Daniela McVicker is a valued blogger at Rated by Students. She shares her expertise on topics including education, technology, and college life. Eventually, she would like to obtain her PHD and work as a university professor. When she’s not pursuing her education or working, she enjoys knitting and restoring antique furniture.

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

Making an Impression on Us, or Connecting with the French Art Scene

Paris is known for its art. However, in our endless effort to expand our horizons, we recently learned that venturing just outside of The City of Light can make a lasting impression. At least it did for two of the greatest impressionists ever…

CONTINUE READING >> 

A big thank you to Backroads Travel  for providing this adventure, as always, all opinions are our own.

Paris is known for its art. The Louvre and the Palace at Versailles jump to our minds as favorites for adding to our Francophile feelings, but in reality the entire city is a work of art.

However, in our endless effort to expand our horizons, we recently learned that venturing just outside of The City of Light can make a lasting impression.

At least it did for two of the greatest impressionists ever, well maybe just one, Claude Monet, since Vincent van Gogh characteristically rejected the label and is usually considered post-impressionist or expressionist.

Not being art snobs, we generally don’t care about the nomenclature anyway. We just know what we like, and we love these two, so we were entirely excited to visit their homes as a part of our Backroads Travel Bike tour of Normandy.

We began this art immersion at Giverny, the home of Claude Monet. This quaint village caught the artist’s eye while he was passing through on a train. Soon after he moved, bought a house, and set about creating the garden he immortalized in many of his paintings.

This was something new to the art world; the artist was not only capturing a scene, but had constructed the subject of his work himself. And Monet took that construction extremely seriously.

His designs were inspired by Japanese gardens, a subject he knew well as an avid collector of prints. Many of these are on display inside the house; alongside some of the artists own best known works.

The Japanese theme included willows, bamboo, and building a bridge covered with wisterias that he made famous in several paintings. All of this was used in combinations that helped to seclude the garden from the surrounding countryside.

Monet found inspiration in his water garden for over twenty years and as we walked around the perimeter of the pond it was easy to see why. We found ourselves looking from the artist’s vantage point at live versions of many of his masterpieces.

The feeling of being there at the creation of some of art’s most renowned works engulfed us.

Following Monet’s lead, many more artists began to move to Giverny in the late eighteen hundreds, including a number of American Impressionists, until the town became quite well known as an artistic colony.

At that same time, another great master decided to move to the nearby village of Auvers sur Oise. After a short ride, we discovered that the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh lived in a much different manner, or should we say manor, than Monet.

There was no elegant country home for van Gogh. He rented a tiny room at local boarding house, the Auberge Ravoux. The  inn became very popular with the artistic community with all of the rooms occupied by Dutch and American painters.

Now more a museum than roadhouse, it is known as the House of Van Gogh, Maison de Van Gogh, but still has the restaurant on the ground floor.

We climbed up a dark and narrow staircase to reach his second floor chamber and were taken back by the size, only 75 square feet. That even felt small to us, and we have lived for years in an RV.

The motorhome had many more amenities too. This room had nothing but a bed, a chair, and a table, but Vincent certainly seemed to find the surroundings creatively stimulating, producing an average of two works a day over the final seventy days of his life.

Yet his move was more for therapeutic reasons than for artistic inspiration. He had come seeking help from Dr. Paul Gachet, a patron of the arts with experience treating mental illness.

While ultimately unsuccessful with the patient, the doctor did manage to be immortalized in a portrait, which sold for a record price of $82.5 million in 1990.

That was no help at the time though, and the good doctor’s treatment failed rather miserably when van Gogh shot himself in the chest on July 27th, 1890. The artist initially survived the suicide attempt, but died two days later.

The tragedy went largely unnoticed by the world at the time, but not by Theo van Gogh, the master’s younger brother. He had financially supported the artist for many years, since even as a successful art dealer he is thought to have only sold one of Vincent’s works.

But more than a benefactor, he was a believer in the genius, and was so distraught that he passed away only six months later. He was buried beside his brother.

Ironically, it was not long until the world discovered van Gogh, and within a few years he was regarded as an all-time great.

To conclude our visit, we mounted our cycles and rode a short distance out of town toward the cemetery. As we rode we noticed certain landmarks with signs featuring paintings comparing the currant spot with the artwork.

These were places that van Gogh had captured during his final months, now immortalized by his brush strokes. Yet another touch that seemed to put us inside the world of these two extraordinary artists.

For someone so impactful, we were surprised by van Gogh’s lowly lifestyle, and that continued at the graveyard where the brothers are interned.

We left our bikes at the gate and wandered into the yard, but had there not been a few other visitors to the grave we would have had no idea where to look. There are no big monuments or memorials, just two very humble graves side by side.

And again, somehow that added to our feeling of being connected.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Lugging Luggage and Our “One Trip Rule”

No matter where we go or how we get there, one constant always remains – packing.

So we thought we’d explore the pros and cons of lugging luggage through airports and beyond.

And share with you our always-adhered-to “One Trip Rule”… CONTINUE READING >>

The GypsyNesters on their way to Asia!
On our way to Asia, note Veronica’s new purple four-wheeler that David gave her for her birthday!

No matter where we go or how we get there, one constant always remains – packing.

So we thought we’d explore the pros and cons of lugging luggage through airports and beyond.

There are a few variables depending on destination and time of year, but the basic concept of using rolling bags and backpacks applies for us whenever or wherever we travel. Even more so now that we have discovered that adidas does backpacks.

Of course, lots of other Vagabonds Extraordinaire that have great travel hack ideas too.

Roll With it Baby!

How to pack like a pro

Remember when suitcases didn’t have wheels?

It’s basically unthinkable now, but not that long ago we were actually carrying our bags.

Rolling changed our lives, no more aching arms or broken backs and, as an added bonus, the suitcase makes a nice cart for briefcases, backpacks, or overstuffed handbags.

Speaking of backpacks, finding the right one can make all the difference in the world.

Now the next generation of rolling bags are here, the four wheeler. I gave Veronica an adorable purple one of these last year and she loves it.  Scored on that one, but sometimes I need help with gift ideas.

The ability to stop and have it stand without tipping over, roll while upright, and walk with the case beside or even in front of her is a true baggage breakthrough. She will never go back to the old two wheeled version again.

WATCH your extremely goofy GypsyNesters as we prepared for a South American adventure!:


To Check or Not to Check, That is The Question

Using your rolling bag as a luggage cart

We try not to check bags whenever possible, but is this always the best idea?

On the upside, our carry-on bags always make it to our destination, we save a few bucks on fees with most airlines, and we get to use those wheels for our bulky backpack, coats and briefcase when hustling from gate A-1 to Z-54 with a tight connection.

But on the downside, we sometimes can’t bring along all of the things we need, especially when traveling to different climates.

About two days worth of winter clothes and that carry-on bag is looking about eight months pregnant. Or two sets of fins and snorkel gear can mean wearing the same shoes every day.

Lovely wine from Cave di Moleto, Italy
Thank goodness we had a checked bag with us this time – we brought wine home from our stay at Cave di Moleto

There is also the liquid issue. Not being able to bring the big bottle of shampoo is no big deal, just put some into smaller bottles.

But there’s no bringing back a bottle of wine or an interesting local libation discovered along the way.

We have worked on our packing to address these issues and generally only check a bag when going overseas. Not only does this allow for more stuff on those longer trips, it dodges the fees since most airlines allow one checked bag for international flights, and gives us the option of bringing back a sample of the local swill if we want.

Whether we end up checking one bag and carrying another (Veronica can’t face travel without her new purple pal so that gets carried no matter what) or both carry on, we always adhere to what we call the “One Trip Rule.”

One and Done – the “One Trip Rule”

Packing for two week Amtrak trip
Fully loaded: How the “one trip rule” works on a crazy two-week train trip!

Every item we have must be pushed, pulled, gripped, strapped, or carried simultaneously.

Rolly bags (and sometimes making pack mule noises) really come in handy for this.

There are two big reasons we do this. It saves a lot of time and provides an added safety factor.

The “One Trip Rule” makes it so much easier to keep track of everything, and our belongings never get left unattended while moving between airports, taxis, trains, shuttle busses, and hotels.

When no bags are feeling lonely and neglected, no bags mysteriously disappear.

David, GypsyNester.com

Find out how a small space in your suitcase can make a big impact in the world!

More “One Trip Rule” tips:

See how we managed to fit 2 weeks of stuff (including formal attire) for our trip with a cruise to Alaska!

See how we packed for South America (including special tips for hiking, multi-climate and water-based trips!)

See how we packed for Italy (including tips on what MUST be in your carry-on, what to bring on more glamorous trips, what to wear on the plane and how to minimize electronics)

See how we packed for a two-week train trip

YOUR TURN: We’d love to hear about any packing prowess you may have picked up in your travels, leave us a comment and let us know.

This post may contain sponsored links.

10 Best Destinations To Travel Alone As A Woman

Planning a trip as a solo woman can feel daunting, but travelling alone comes with a host of benefits and advantages! Here are our top 10 best destinations to visit on your next trip!… CONTINUE READING >> 

2019 is almost here, and many people are getting their travel plans ready. Planning a trip as a solo woman can feel daunting, but travelling alone comes with a host of benefits and advantages! Travelling alone as a woman is freeing and gives you the perfect opportunity to explore your interests.

Here are our top 10 best destinations to visit on your next trip!

Australia

Australia is known for its laid-back, friendly and open culture, making it the ideal place for women looking to explore on your next vacation!

From the perfect beaches of the Golden Coast to the buzzing atmosphere in Sydney, Australia is a dynamic country with lots to offer. Take the time to explore the food scene, or venture out into the countryside for some of the best hiking in the world.

Iceland

Known as the top country in the world for gender equality, Iceland is an equally female-friendly place to visit on holiday! Iceland has been an increasingly popular tourist destination recently, and for good reason.

Iceland is home to many geological and natural wonders, from volcanoes to geysers to hot springs. You can also catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Iceland, or go whale-spotting.

Mexico

Mexico is world-famous for its culture of hospitality and warmth, especially towards tourists. Female travellers will find plenty of locals willing to help you out during your holiday.

While you’re there, be sure to take Cabo tours and to  the various different food specialties.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is often an overlooked country when it comes to European tourism. Home to incredible cities like Amsterdam, The Netherlands offers a great cultural experience for solo female travellers.

Once you get outside of Amsterdam, visit some of the local windmills and marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Dutch. Don’t miss out on the chocolate either!

New Zealand

Often passed over for its big brother Australia, New Zealand is a stunning travel destination that every woman should consider going to. The locals are famously friendly to tourists and as a country New Zealand is very gender-equal.

From the stunning natural scenery to the fascinating history of the Maori people, New Zealand has something for every traveller.

South Carolina, USA

South Carolina is an underrated state to visit. It has history and culture in the towns of Charleston and Columbia existing right beside beautiful Atlantic beaches! Explore and experience U.S culture from a different perspective.

France

France, an early front-runner in womens’ rights, appears on this list because of its classy, romantic cities, natural beauty and fascinating history.

From Paris to Carcassonne- France has history, culture and plenty to explore all over the country.

Singapore

Dynamic but still sophisticated, Singapore has a unique contrast between the bustling city and the surrounding jungle. Singapore’s charm lies in its messy, inconsistent colonial history that has given it a jumble of different cultures existing side by side.

With plenty of hiking, biking and markets to wander through, Singapore should be on any solo women’s travel bucket list.

Malta

This tiny country recently burst onto the tourism scene due to its overall Instagram-worthiness, but don’t be fooled. Malta packs a strong punch as a travel destination.

You’ll find prehistoric temples, swim in pristine waters, go scuba diving in hidden coves and watch the dazzling sea from sweeping cliffs.

Ireland

Last but not least, Ireland should be on your travel bucket list for sure! Ireland has a magical quality to it that will capture your heart.

From exploring ancient cathedrals and castles to going on a brewery tour, the Irish culture is rich and varied with plenty of interest for visitors. Furthermore, Ireland is consistently ranked in the top 20 most beautiful countries in the world!

With these travel destinations, travelling alone as a woman will be an absolute joy- so what are you waiting for?

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

5 Trips to Take in the U.S. When Your Kids Have Left the Nest

You have an empty nest! Now is the time to take advantage of this and travel to a location you would have never gone when the kids were at home.Wondering where to go? Consider these destinations, chances are you won’t be disappointed… CONTINUE READING >> 

Are your kids all grown up, in college or have their own families? If so, you have an empty nest! Now is the time to take advantage of this and travel to a location you would have never gone when the kids were at home.

Wondering where to go? If so, consider the destinations on this list. Chances are, you won’t be disappointed.

1. Miami, Florida

Traveling to Miami is the perfect trip to take without the kids. While taking small kids along is great, you can’t enjoy all the “adult” activities that Miami has to offer.

For example, without kids, you can relax and soak up some rays without being interrupted. Consider visiting the famous South Beach, which offers the perfect people-watching spot, and a wide array of cafes and other hot spots.

If you are looking for a more peaceful experience, consider traveling to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach. Here you can tour a historic lighthouse and then head to Little Havana for authentic Cuban food. If you are looking for the perfect accessories to take along, utilize the information provided by BeachRated. This will ensure you have everything you need for some fun-in-the-sun.

2. Austin, Texas

Believe it or not, there are quite a few fun and exciting things to do in Austin. Are you a history buff? If so, spend some time at the LBJ Presidential Library where you can listen to recorded phone calls made by the former President of the United States himself.

After a fun day at the library, head across town to shop at some trendy boutiques on South Congress Avenue. For a bit of nighttime fun, consider heading over to the Continental Club, which is one of the most famous live venues in Austin – and no worries about a bedtime, the fun lasts throughout the night!

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

Without the kids, you can truly explore all the history and unique features hidden in The Big Easy. Some activities to consider include a several-hour-long bike tour through the entire Ninth Ward or heading to the Garden District to capture amazing images of Victorian houses and old trees.

If you prefer the night life, then there’s much more to New Orleans than just the infamous Bourbon Street. Consider heading over to Frenchmen Street, where you will find live music everywhere.

4. Indianapolis, Indiana

Do you love vintage cars? If so, then the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum should be a must-see on your list when visiting this fast-paced city. If you want to participate in adrenaline spiking activities, then consider taking a spin on the track during your own Indy Racing Experience.

After all the G-Force experiences, you may need to be easy to your stomach. Consider trying out some of the delicious food found in the Holy Rosary neighborhood. You can end the day walking around the Indianapolis Canal Walk and experience the canal first-hand in your private gondola ride.

5. Phoenix, Arizona

Something you may not have known about Phoenix is that it’s a golf mecca. Here you will find dozens of different courses including Troon North, which is a scenic desert course. For a bit of nighttime action, travel over to Scottsdale to take a tour of the famous architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright.

As you can see, there are more than a few exciting destinations to visit after your kids have left the nest. If you are trying to find fun things to do in the U.S. with your husband, wife or partner, consider some of the destinations on the list here.

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

7 Ways to Travel the World While Studying in College

Many students talk about a huge desire to see our planet, experience new cultures and just communicate with people all over the world. Here are 7 tips on how to travel as a student…

CONTINUE READING >> 

A lot of people agree that college is the best time of life. You are young, happy, got true friends and always ready for some spontaneous adventures. Life seems so big and unpredictable, and you want to explore it as much as possible. So, many students talk about a huge desire to see our planet, experience new cultures and just communicate with people all over the world. However, most of them stay at home and claim they are too poor or don’t have enough time to travel.

For those who want to break this stereotype, here are 7 tips on how to travel as a student.

1. Study abroad

One of the great ways for students who really like to study. Think about a country you always wanted to visit, choose one of its universities and take your chance. You’ll be fascinated by the distinct cultural perspectives, new foods, customs traditions and social atmosphere. Go abroad for a semester or even a year. Furthermore, it may not be very expensive as you think. There are a lot of grants and scholarships. All you need is just to do some entering test and write a short personal statement. The rules can vary in each university, but you totally should try it!

2. Club Trips

Every college has clubs which allow students to travel. Imagine an amusing company sitting near the bonfire and chattering about adventures. Or a group of people who try hiking in green mountain valleys. Your college almost certainly has something similar. In case it doesn’t, suggest it, and you’ll see how many students will support your inspiring idea.

3. Assistantship/Internship

Internship is another option among travel opportunities for students. You can not only live abroad and expand the horizons of your mind but also earn some money. Many universities offer fellowships to help students cover costs of living during their professional researching. Furthermore, while abroad you may use SameDayPapers to concentrate more on exploring a new country and its traditions. So don’t hesitate and take your chance.

4. Turtle teams

Did you know that turtles around the world need your help? This way of traveling is a real treasure for those who like our mother nature. Turtle teams are the unions of people from all over the globe, who actively fight against the extinction of turtles. Working in such teams don’t require special skills or experience. For instance, you should monitor or do some training. Anyway, you’ll make an invaluable contribution to saving turtles and have a good time abroad.

5. Volunteering

If you feel that you’re up to the eyes in studies and drilling, and people should get jollies out of traveling, try volunteering. It’s a great way to travel while in college, due to an opportunity to have a free placement, food, and facilities. But some organizations ask for a donation towards that – basically, it is very minimal and required in really poor countries. The benefits of volunteering are certainly amazing. You learn new skills through exiting specific projects, see the real life of the country and meet interesting people with their stunning stories.

6. Self-Organized trips

A cool way to see the world is to organize an adventure by yourself. Yeah, it’s not a free travel, but there are a lot of benefits. Every country has its own season when it looks wonderful, so you can choose winter, spring, summer or fall to take a trip. The length of it is also under your control. Whether it’s a one week vacation or a month journey around Europe. And of course, it depends on you where to go sightseeing, what to eat and whom to talk.

7. Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is used by tourists to travel from one destination to another. It is the best way for summer travels, as for the most the weather is on your side. A driver voluntarily takes a fellow traveler and usually does not get money for it. Sometimes drivers take people out of pity or desire to help, but more often they are bored on the road and want to talk and get some entertaining information. Hitchhiker is a partnership based on the principle of free exchange. A traveler gets an opportunity to overcome the distance quickly and free, the driver – an interesting companion.

Conclusion

Think about these 7 ways of how to travel while you are in college and choose the best one. No matter what would it be – study abroad or joining a turtle team, hitchhiking or a self-organized trip. The only important thing is a strong desire and positive attitude to all your future adventures.

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

Finding Our Center at the Art of Living Retreat Center

Like any couple, we need to constantly adjust in order to recharge and stay centered. That can be difficult with our lifestyle of nearly constant motion. That is why we were so intrigued when The Art of Living Retreat Center contacted us… CONTINUE READING >> 

In the midst of all of our travels, sometimes we can lose our connection and become a bit disconnected. Like any couple, we need to constantly adjust in order to recharge and stay centered.

That can be difficult with our lifestyle of nearly constant motion. That is why we were so intrigued when we learned about The Art of Living Retreat Center.

This serene sanctuary tucked away in one of our favorite parts of America, high in the pristine forests of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, looks to be a perfect place to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate.

The more we investigated, the more we were impressed with their mission to facilitate a journey of self-discovery along the path to complete wellness and health. The goal is to provide true nourishment in mind, body, and spirit.

That certainly seems to dovetail nicely with our ongoing explorations of the world around us. The inspiring surroundings at The Art of Living Retreat Center generate an environment that pairs perfectly with their team of genuine and engaging thought leaders.

The tranquility, wisdom, and knowledge are meaningfully integrated to direct visitors along the road to contentment and transformation.

An Ancient System

An integral portion of the process can be realized at America’s premiere Shankara Ayurveda Spa, where centuries-old science is utilized to bring life into balance.

This was new to us, so we had to look into Ayurveda.  We learned that the word means knowledge of life and longevity, and the origins have been traced back over seven thousand years to teachings on the Indian subcontinent.

According to Hindu tradition, the creator god Brahma delivered the secrets to Dhanvantari, who then became the patron to those seeking sound health. Yet, as ancient as these practices may be, Ayurveda is one of the only medicinal systems from those times that is still widely followed today.

Dr. Deepak Chopra describes it this way: “The two main guiding principles of Ayurveda are that the mind and the body are inextricably connected, and nothing has more power to heal and transform the body than the mind.”

For the Art of Living Center it means that when the world around you is at peace it’s easier to find true connection within.

Still, we had to dig a little deeper. We wanted to be sure that we would find plenty to occupy us and that we would not be leaving all of the creature comforts we have come to appreciate behind.

Not to worry, Art of Living retreats can be experienced with all of the amenities of a hotel style room, or even a completely self-contained apartment for a longer getaway.

Active Mind and Body

We also found plenty of options for us to stay active, which we find imperative to keeping the mental and physical balance we need. In addition to the spa, yoga, and meditation, there are plenty of outdoor activities ranging from an easy going hike on a nature trail to exciting climbing, kayaking, or whitewater adventures.

For those times when we might be feeling a little less adventurous, there are more pacific pursuits such as pottery, kirtan, or listening to local Appalachian music.

Nourishing Body and Soul

Of course eating was also on our minds. Isn’t it always? So we had to check out the dining and what we uncovered was more than satisfying. The chefs blend the fresh flavors from the center’s own mountain-top vegetable garden with lively influences of Indian cuisine into an outstanding vegetarian menu.

Previous guests have declared that the food “was delectable and seemed to have healing qualities.” Can’t ask for much more than that from a meal!

No matter where we are in life, empty nester or still in the throes of day to day parenting, one thing we have become acutely aware of is the need to find peaceful time to reconnect as a couple, with each other and our world around us.

So now we’re ready to book our rejuvenating respite at The Art of Living Retreat Center.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com