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Why You Should Visit Cornwall in 2018

Located in the southern side of the United Kingdom, Cornwall is one of the best places you could visit to enjoy some good vacation moments… CONTINUE READING >> 

Located in the southern side of the United Kingdom, Cornwall is one of the best places you could visit to enjoy some good vacation moments. The climate around the area is perfect for tourism and besides this there are many sightseeing opportunities and things to do. If you are considering spending your vacation at an awesome destination, probably you should see these facts about Cornwall that will inspire you to visit the destination in 2018.

Stunning coastal walks

Cornwall boasts of miles upon miles of a beautiful coastline, which is perfectly marked out to include public paths to give you the best views. You could choose to walk from Newlyn on the south coast to Penzance. The entire walk is a show of beauty and a satisfying experience. It is the best decision you could make especially if you are traveling with your family.

Sub-tropical gardens

Owing to its position, Cornwall enjoys a balmy climate. This means you will get a copious amount of sunshine, which attracts visitors. The climate is suitable for the growth of sub-tropical plants, reason you will find several gardens that are worth your time. Most of these gardens have a wide variety of flowers and plants that cannot flourish in other parts, so you will see beautiful and rare plant species. This is the perfect location for those who love travel photography as the scenes available are awesome. Some of the gardens you could visit include the Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Open-air theatre

Besides sightseeing, you could spend some time enjoying music. The Minack open-air park is a perfect place to visit in summer. The theatre is unique and set within Cornish cliffs and inside you will find a feast of musicals, drama, comedy, and opera.

Stylish hotels

Another fact about Cornwall that will inspire you to visit the destination is the availability of stylish and unique hotels. If you are a Spa lover, probably traveling with your partner, you have many hotels to book that are designed to create an atmosphere ideal for bonding. You could choose to enjoy clifftop hot hubs and awesome sea views. Don’t forget to try Olga Polizzi’s Hotel Tresanton that is built on the seafront. It offers a sunkissed terrace ideal for swigging rose as you look out to sea, and the hotel has a classic yacht.

Awesome restaurants

 You are spoilt for choices as far as restaurants go. What you have in plenty is unique places to eat where you can enjoy cuisines you have never come across, and the beauty is that there is also room for you to learn a thing or two about the recipes. Their food has been hailed as the most inviting. From pasties to fish ’n’ chips, the culinary presentations you are served are nothing short of a showcase of mastery.

Cornwell is among the best places you could visit while in the United Kingdom. This is a destination made up of a wide array of things to see and do. Its most outstanding quality is the seaside that spans miles showcasing natural beauty. There are nice restaurants and the food is unique and mouthwatering.

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

Top 5 San Francisco Campgrounds

San Francisco has long been a key destination for RV rental travelers coming in from far and near. Fortunately for the RV traveler, there are many terrific San Francisco area RV parks to choose from… CONTINUE READING >> 

One of the most unique and lively cities in the nation, San Francisco has long been a key destination for RV rental travelers coming in from far and near. There is so much to do and see in the San Francisco area that a long stay is definitely recommended just so you can get it all in. Fortunately for the RV traveler, there are many terrific San Francisco area RV parks to choose from. These parks offer a variety of perks, from great locations to multiple amenities and events, and are utilized by multiple campers each year in order to enjoy the delights San Francisco holds.

If you plan on hitting the Bay Area for an extended stay, make sure to check out these top rated RV parks that will put you right in the center of the action.

Coyote Valley RV Resort

Coyote Valley has long been rated one of the top RV parks in the Bay Area. This San Jose spot is located just a short drive from San Francisco, meaning you can be in downtown San Francisco within just minutes. You are also within a short range of Monterey, the gorgeous and legendary stretch of California Coast. Needless to say, this park is a perfect location for a long stay in the region. The park itself has a salt water pool, WiFi and satellite TV for absolutely free, and an outdoor area for games including a fully-stocked clubhouse. When it comes to on-site comfort and great location, this park truly can’t be beat.

Fair Park RV

Located a short hop over the bay from San Francisco, Fair Park is located in the scenic area of Pleasanton, right on the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The park offers views of impressive mountain ranges and a wide selection of surprisingly affordable amenities for guests. Not only is San Francisco just a quick drive over the bridge but you also have the nearby wine country which is truly one of the most beautiful stretches of land in the country. Fair Park has consistently been rated amongst the top parks in the area due to its pleasant atmosphere and convenient location, not to mention its lower-than-average prices.

Golden Gate Trailer Park

If you’re looking to be as close as possible to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, then you won’t go wrong with Golden Gate Trailer Park. This full hookup and amenities-galore park is located just ten minutes north of Golden Gate Bridge, making it easily the best located park in the entire region. All you need to do is pull your motorhome rental up to the lot, set up camp, and you will instantly be right in the heart of the action with all of the main Bay Area destinations and sights easily at your disposal. This is known as a clean, well-managed camp with a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Makes sure to book ahead since Golden Gate Trailer Park tends to fill up fast in the summers.

Maple Leaf RV Park

If scenic setting and comfort are what you are after, then Maple Leaf RV Park sounds just right. This park is notable for its out-of-the-way, lush settings which speak to great comfort and a pleasant stay. This is one of the more attractive parks in the region, so make sure to check out the pictures before you book. Fortunately, you aren’t too far away from the action either. San Francisco is just a short drive away, as are a number of other attractions and sights in the area. The combination of rustic setting and convenience is what keeps visitors coming back to maple Leaf each time they’re in the San Francisco region.

Novato RV Park

Novato is different from most of the parks in the region since it is located north of the city. This puts you within easy access of both San Francisco and Marin County, one of the most scenic regions in the US. This park has spaces available to fit any size of rig and has been known to have great amenities on offer. The northern location is perfect since some travelers have reported less traffic coming into and out of the city, plus the Marin County access cannot be beat. This is not to say that you will miss out on the southern areas, as these are also accessible with just a short drive.

The San Francisco area is the perfect place to park your RV rental for an extended stay, offering everything from the urban delights of the city to the rustic charm of the surrounding area and coast. These parks will place you right where you need to be in order to experience all that this region has to offer while offering the comforts and amenities required to keep you comfortable on site.

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

Choosing the Best Travel Credit Card for Backpack Travellers

Credit cards are so convenient that it is difficult to imagine being without one. However, there are so many different credit card products available, when you want to apply for a card, it is hard to decide which one will best meet your needs. You have to determine what you want in a credit card and then set about searching for the best one for you.

If you love to travel and are planning a backpacking trip, having a credit card can come in very handy. By choosing a card that offers travel rewards, you can save money when you are travelling on everything from flights and accommodation to travel money and more. This depends on the type of travel card you opt for. .

Opting for travel credit cards

If you are you looking for a credit card that offers rewards such as air miles, finding the best travel credit card should be simple. There are plenty of cards available that offer travel benefits. However, some of these are associated with only one airline. If you don’t usually use the same airline for your backpacking travels to different countries then you would be wise opting for a credit card that lets you accumulate air miles you can use with any airline. You do have to check the various types of credit cards of this nature because some of them have an annual fee.

Students can benefit greatly from obtaining and using student credit cards with travel rewards. With many students deciding to take a gap year to travel to different places, these can prove ideal and convenient. They are very convenient for times when you have unexpected expenses on your travels or if you need to pay for accommodation as well as for other travel purchases. You do have to use these cards wisely and try to pay off the balance at the end of the month because they usually have high interest rates associated with them. This can then results in the interest rate outweighing the rewards that you earn.

When it comes to finding the right credit card for your backpacking travels, there are a number of key points to consider. This includes:

    • The type of reward offered: There are different types of travel credit cards. Some offer air miles, others accrue points, and others offer discounts at hotels. You should determine the best one for your needs by looking at the ones that will save you money.
    • The interest rate charged: You should always aim to pay off the card in full each month in order to avoid interest charges. However, there may be times when you cannot do this. It is therefore worth checking the rate of interest charged before you make your choice.
    • The level of travel rewards offered: The level of rewards can vary from one card to another. Make sure you check how many points or miles you get when you spend on the card, as this can make a big difference to your overall balance.

By taking these considerations into account, you can choose the perfect travel credit card for your needs.

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

A Night Out in Old (and New) Havana

When we told people that we were going to Cuba, many had questions as to if that was even possible. We had some concerns, but in the end they turned out to be mostly unwarranted. The process is actually fairly simple, as long as the visit is part of a well-planned tour group… CONTINUE READING >> 

When we told people that we were going to Cuba, many had questions as to if that was even possible. Sure, for a long time it wasn’t, or was at least very difficult, then a few years ago it became much easier.

This past summer it became it bit more difficult again, but certainly not impossible. We won’t go into the politics or rationality of the situation, so let’s just say that for those of us with an open mind and an adventurous spirit Cuba is accessible.

We had some concerns, but in the end they turned out to be mostly unwarranted. The process is actually fairly simple, as long as the visit is part of a well-planned tour group. That is where Backroads excels, such as with our Cuba Bike Tour: National Parks, Rum & Latin Rhythms into Havana.

Being part of their special People-to-People experience meant that getting our Cuban Travel Cards, the equivalent of a visa, was basically a breeze and we had absolutely no issues entering or exiting the country.

One of the stipulations for travel from the U.S. is that tourists are not permitted to enter the Cuba more than 24 hours before their tour begins, or stay over 24 hours after it ends. Still, that left us with one night on our own in Havana before our bicycling began.

The ride into the city from the airport served as a quick tour as we passed revolutionary monuments, the old capitol building, and many grand old structures in various states of repair from regal to ruinous in this city founded over five hundred years ago.

Rather than trying to make the scene that was famous in the city’s glory days of yore, when nightclubs and casinos were all the rage, we chose to meet up with a few of our fellow cyclists and explore the burgeoning art scene.

That meant a trip to what has come to be known as simply La Fàbrica, the Fàbrica de Arte de Cubano, which means the Cuban factory of art.

As a special introductory to Havana bonus, we were more than pleasantly surprised that a 1955 Chevy Bel Air showed up to take us when we called a taxi. We didn’t know it at the time, but discovered that many of the old American classics now serve as “illegal” taxis. In this case the lack of legality only means that they are not state run.

The museum is actually housed in an old factory, which creates a maze of variously sized rooms and spaces serving as galleries and performance venues. Originally part of the Havana Tramway back in the eighteen hundreds, the name recalls a famed cooking oil brand which occupied the premises pre-World War II.

The Factory opened in 2013 with the concept of uniting all forms of art, music, and theater and quickly became a must see in Havana, attracting some of the world’s most famous folks such as Mick Jagger, Lady Gaga, Quincy Jones, Beyoncé, and President Barack Obama.

Our visit came too early in the evening to catch any of the musical or theatrical performances, but we wandered through the numerous rooms admiring the innovative works in their unique settings, much of which has a decidedly political theme.

While drinks, snacks, and a full service restaurant are available, we decided to walk next door for dinner at El Cocinero Restaurant. This establishment, like the private taxi and the “casa” that where we were staying for our first night, is part of a new tourist economy that has emerged in Cuba.

A few years ago the government made the decision to pursue international tourism as a source of income, but the state run services were not ready to meet the demand so rules were put in place to allow some private ventures.

What sprung up resemble Air B&B type lodgings called particulars and Uber style taxis. A similar movement has taken place in the restaurant business with the rise of paladares. These were once restricted to limited seats within a home, but have morphed into what we experienced seated on a beautiful terrace overlooking the Vedado neighborhood of la Habana.

Chef Ramon Manuel Lopez Alarcon has created what is consistently named as one of, if not the best restaurant in Havana.

Far from the bland, uninspired cuisine we had been warned to expect in Cuba, we dined on pork tenderloin with a creamy corn and coconut sauce and grilled Caribbean spiny lobster accompanied by pilaf and salad while some of our tour mates chose lamb curry and duck confit.

Delicious as the entrées were, the deserts were outstanding. We ordered a couple to share around the table, including the house specialty chocolate tart and a cute take on rice pudding that came served like sushi.

After another illegal ride back to our casa, we were left to ponder just how this strange new brand of seemingly capitalist entrepreneurship can coexist with the official economy that remains strictly controlled.

A few years ago the government created a two-tiered currency system, which in essence keeps these new businesses separated from the state run counterparts, but the discrepancy of incomes between government employees and these new service workers has become wildly unbalanced.

Foreigners can exchange currency for convertible pesos (CUC) at a rate pegged to the dollar, which are used for almost all tourist services. In fact, we never even saw a regular peso.

The trouble with this is that CUCs are twenty-five times more valuable than the regular pesos (CUP) that most everyone else is paid in.

This means that on a good night an illegal taxi driver, a server at a private restaurant, or a casa innkeeper can make the equivalent of many months of salary for a doctor, teacher, or engineer working for the state.

The system certainly looks to be unsustainable to our eyes, and Raul Castro has promised to do away with it for some time now, but has yet to find a workable way out.

Hopefully a balance can be struck that will allow Cuba’s burgeoning tourism sector to thrive.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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

Dubai: Smorgasbord of places to explore and have a thrilling experience

Dubai a perfect place where culture meets western lifestyle is a country that will never fail to amaze with these places from your list of places to visit: CONTINUE READING >> 

Dubai a perfect place where culture meets western lifestyle is a country that will never fail to amaze. The country of Sheikhs, it is a place where world’s best and luxurious items are available and has manmade beaches to relax and enjoy some adventurous water sports. Known for its ground breaking architect, it is a country of splendor, glamour and traditions. If this New Year you plan to visit this city of dreams and architect excellence then make sure to tick off these places from your list of places to visit:

  • Burj Khalifa: Iconic and the tallest tower in the world Burj Khalifa is 828 meters high and pride of Dubai. Hundreds of people across the globe visit Dubai to see Burj Khalifa and enjoy being in the clouds in the lounge in the building. The majestic tower is beautiful inside out and gives one feeling of being in clouds enjoying the clear sky.
  • Relax at Palm Jumeirah: If you want to relax on the sunny beaches of Dubai then Pam Jumeirah should not be missed. It is the largest and beautiful artificial island in Dubai in palm shape and has an array of hotels and shopping malls along the coastline of the island. It is easy to reach there and is connected with the mainland with the monorail connecting the tram in the mainland.
  • Shopping at Dubai Mall: Dubai is shopaholic’s paradise undoubtedly. From spice and textile souk in old Dubai to high street Dubai Mall near Burj Khalifa one can shop and go wild with their credit card. Dubai is a hub of all International brands and designers and Dubai mall itself has more than 1200 shops and 150 restaurants to binge shop and eat. Spending a day in the mall is also less and tourists are advised to take the map of the mall to explore each and every section and locate brands in the mall.
  • Exploring the Old Dubai: Even though Dubai has become modern and upbeat but the charm of old Dubai is beyond comparison. The real heritage of Dubai is in old Dubai and Al Fahidi is the historical city of the Dubai that should not be missed. Guided visit to the mosque, souks and Sheikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding will make one nostalgic as it holds the heart of traditional era of Dubai.
  • Dubai Canal: As much as the towns and streets of Dubai are alluring waterways are also not behind. 3.2km long water canal in Dubai extending from old Dubai to Business Bay is mesmerizing. One can enjoy walking, cycling and cruise with your partner.

Dubai is said to be a city to be seen in order to believe the wonders of the city. So if you have always planned to visit the city but could not due to high fares then visit By Discount Codes and avail budgeted travel packages to Dubai and make your dream come true.

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

A Parent’s Guide to International Travel with Kids

Travelling with kids is an experience in its own. For some, no matter if it’s their first trip with the first child or the fifth, travelling with children is always daunting. Here are a few points you should keep in mind when travelling internationally with kids… CONTINUE READING >> 

Travelling with kids is an experience in its own. For some no matter if it’s their first trip with the first child, or the fifth, travelling with children is always daunting. Whereas, for some, the first may not be as smooth, but the others are much well-planned. So, you must swear by check-lists, pack-well, get travel insurance and have lots of fun.

Here are a few points you should keep in mind when travelling internationally with kids:

Packing

What you pack and how much of it depends on the age of your child and your destination. But, make sure to pack the essentials. Another valuable packing tip is to divide all your belongings into separate bags. This gives them a sense of responsibility and independence. Also, do not forget to dress the children comfortably for the weather and terrain will be happier in a new environment. With all the gear available, there’s no excuse for dressing toddlers in ski-suits four sizes too big, forgetting their gloves, or leaving them barefoot on a beach where sea urchins lurk. Moreover, an emergency kit with basic medicines & supplies and prescribed medicines, if any, can come in handy with kids.

Long Flights & Wait Times

It’s the dreaded thought of hours in the airport, and then hours on the plane, that put many off the idea of traveling until their kids are older.  But, you must know and accept in advance that you won’t be relaxing with a book or movie on this or any flight for quite some time and then you’re halfway there. Pre-boarding and waiting for check-in can call for your kids to be irritated, hungry and cranky. Let them play around and eat. Also, don’t rush to get in the airplane first, let your child be free and board once the queues are shorter.

International Travel Insurance

Unfortunate events such as baggage loss, passport loss, a medical emergency or an accident can affect your travels, whether for business or leisure. Moreover, when you’re travelling with kids, their safety is of utmost importance and you do not want to be helpless in an emergency. International travel insurance for your family will protect you from such perils by ensuring that you are not left stranded in any emergency. To make the insurance purchase process less cumbersome, you can buy travel insurance online as well.

Strollers are Your Friend

Car seats and strollers are not counted as bags and can be checked at the gate. Airports are overcrowded and if yours is a toddler, then they’re unpredictable, fearless and fast. You cannot chase him all the time (and not to forget, leaving your bag unattended even to run after a kid on the loose is not recommended), so use a stroller to keep your where you can see him/her until you step on the plane.

Give Them a Camera and Encourage Them to Keep a Travel Journal

Giving toddlers their own (robust, child-friendly) camera raises their spirits to observe their surroundings and focus on what interests them. The results from their knee-high view can be astonishing. Also, Get your kids drawing and listing things they’ve seen and interesting foods they’ve tried. Who knows, this might also encourage them to try different foods. Collecting postcards from places you visit and asking them to write themselves a message on the back means they can reach adulthood with a library of memories all their own.

Check your Passports

Since, last-minute passport renewal costs are astronomical, make sure that you have a passport bag and a documents check-list when you’re travelling internationally. You do not want to go back home from the airport.

Research Hotels Carefully

The hotel choice can make or break a vacation with kids. Choose “kid-friendly hotels” from the pull-down to start your search and remember to inform the hotel that you have kids. Also, ask other parents you know for their recommendations; you’ll want to know how family-friendly a property really is before you book.  Be sure to request a room with a mini-fridge. Not all rooms are equipped, but most hotels can bring one in. Since, children are unpredictable and they can feel hungry any time, you can fill the fridge with fresh fruit, cheese sticks and yogurt for an affordable, anytime snack.

The Big Picture

While you’re planning a vacation – so you’re supposed to enjoy yourself! Traveling with babies is much more relaxing for me when you just kept it simple. You must realize that the kids will get older and you’ll be able to do more over the years, but while they are babies, limit any event planning and don’t expect too much. Just go with the flow.

By travelling with your kids, you are giving them something that can never be taken away… Experience, Exposure and a Way of Life. So, make sure you travel safe and planned.

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