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Insider Tips for Visiting NYC

There are so many things that you can do in this lovely city. You need to have a doable itinerary if you want to see the Big Apple…

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Are you visiting New York for the first time? There are so many things that you can do in this lovely city. You need to have a doable itinerary if you want to see the Big Apple, for instance: if you have taken a 3-day leave, you will not even make a dent of all the sights and attractions that you need to see.

Hotels

When in this city, you need to find the best place to lay your head and rest after a busy day of sightseeing. Here are some hotels that you should consider:

Crosby Street Hotel

With full-length windows and high ceilings that reflect the history of SoHo, everyone will enjoy this hotel.  You will see an outdoor sculpture garden that is as quaint as the cobblestone street on the front. Located in a low profile neighborhood, you will definitely have some peace and quiet after a busy day.

The Bowery Hotel

The Bowery Hotel was once an embodiment of poverty, but it has since attained a new lofty status. It lies at the intersection of elegant and hip thanks to its old world refinement and décor. With factory windows that offer 360-degree views of the city, you will not miss a thing.

The Pod Hotel

If you are looking for a budget hotel, you should go to the Pod Hotel, as it is the only way to stay in Manhattan on a budget. Their new Murray Hill location has private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, making it a great budget hotel.

Dining

Keens Steakhouse

Although Americans prefer massive portions, fine dining is all about small portions. Keens Steakhouse combines both philosophies and this makes it a great eatery for all tourists. Although it faces stiff competition from other steakhouses, this restaurant edges them out by serving the best mutton chop. It also has an edge in terms of décor with a ceiling full of clay pipes.

Atera

Chef Matthew Lightner dazzles diners with sumptuous meals at his small tasting room in Tribeca. With a 22-course menu that is always changing, you will not run out of choices. To find a seat in this establishment, you should make reservations in advance.

Attractions and Shopping

You cannot leave New York without at least one fashion item to show that you were there. Moreover, the attractions are quite eye-catching.

Bergdorf Goodman Department Store

All the high fashion roads lead to this store, where presentation, merchandise, and layout are first-rate and the staff is famous for its courteousness. The store offers great sales, but you should still bring big bucks because they sell expensive clothing items. With four on-site restaurants, you can eat at any time without needing to go far.

Statue of Liberty

This attraction is a must-see for every tourist. You can see Lady Liberty up-close, but you should be prepared to line up for long periods. You can board a cruise ship such as the Statue of Liberty – Liberty Cruise NYC to see this marvelous attraction. If you are on budget, you can get on the Staten Island ferry at no cost and head to the Statue of Liberty.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

You might be hoping to rush to the top of the Empire State Building for a view of the New York skyline, but unfortunately, so are most tourists. Instead of spending hours trying to get in, you should go to the observation deck at Rockefeller Center for 360-degree views of the city.

Moreover, you will save time, which you can use to see more attractions.

NYC is a city that you should visit at least once in your life, but be warned that you will definitely want to go back once you do.

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

Live Like a Local

We can’t count the times we have said “wouldn’t it be cool to live here.” There is a solution for empty nesters like us that have the freedom to kick off their shoes and stay awhile…

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We have been to over fifty countries on six of the seven continents over the past ten years, and we can’t count the times we have said “wouldn’t it be cool to live here.” Lately, as all of that motion has taken a bit of a toll, we are seriously considering slowing down a little.

We clearly recall when we first visited Florence  thinking how great it would be to spend a month or more, but our pace precluded it. There were stories to write and always another destination awaiting.

What a luxury it would have been to not be rushed when trying to absorb the incredible art and culture in the heart of Italy’s Renaissance city.

We could have avoided the crowds, and long lines, and lived like a local.

And that is just one of dozens of cities across the world that evoked the same desire in us.

As hard as we try to immerse ourselves in a location when we travel, it can be difficult if there are time constraints. Often a day or two, or even a week, is not nearly enough to really get to know a place.

As we contemplate this new direction for our future travels, we have come upon a solution for empty nesters like us that have the freedom to kick off their shoes and stay awhile, longer term rentals from a service such as Spotahome.

The idea of not feeling rushed to see every attraction, or scurrying through meals in wonderful restaurants that we should be savoring is more than appealing, it could be a quantum leap in our travel style.

Living in, as opposed to just visiting, these cities means we could stop wishing we had a kitchen when we see amazing delicacies in the open-air markets, or feeling we missed out because something wasn’t open when we happened to be there.

Leisurely exploring is a luxury we certainly could learn to love… like a local.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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What You Need to Know to Take a Winter RV Camping Trip

During winter, most owners of RV head to the direction which seems to promise warmth while others store it away until the weather is favorable. But if you know the many adventures you can enjoy during the season, you can’t wait to go out with your RV to check on the snow filled mountains… CONTINUE READING >> 

Winter is when temperatures are cold, and there are very few people who will dare go out camping during such time. But if you are daring to go, then this is what you need to know to take a winter RV camping trip as detailed by our experts. At the end of the article, you will be able to enjoy your trip despite the cold weather.

How to Prepare your RV for The Winter Adventure

If you want to use your RV for winter adventures, then you need to have answers to the following questions: how do you ensure that the pipes are kept from freezing; what should you do to make sure that you don’t freeze from cold while inside the RV; how do you keep the walls from ice over; how do you keep your fuel from freezing.

Before getting the questions answered, ask yourself if in the first place it is possible to use the RV during winter. From experience, I can tell you that, it is very possible to use the RV during winter, but to enable you to avoid the bad experiences that I had, it will be best if you learn from my mistakes and heed my warnings to make your winter RV adventures quite memorable. For example, don’t underestimate the usefulness of snow ploughs when it comes to travelling in bad weather. You can prep the RV as well as you wish, but sometimes you need to just get out in the snow and start shifting!

What Normally Happens

During winter, most owners of RV head to the direction which seems to promise warmth while others store it away until the weather is favorable. But if you know the many adventures you can enjoy during the season, you can’t wait to go out with your RV to check on the snow filled mountains.

What Should be done in advance?

It is important to know what should be done before you venture out into the snow for your winter adventures with the following being what I learned from my mistakes:

 1. Make sure that the doors, windows, and Stairwell are well covered

I realized that there is a lot of air which seeps in through the entry door, windows, and the stairwell. All you need to do is make sure that you add insulation to them so that you can keep the inside of the RV a bit warmer. You can get strong heavy materials to fix as curtains so that they can keep cold air from coming in. Installing Velcro or snaps around the doors and windows can add an extra layer of insulation. Use a cut board for the stairwell and adhere insulation to the bottom but during the night, you should cover the stairwell to keep the cold air away.

 2. RV Skirting

If your RV lacks a trailer or insulated bays, you should make it your duty to fix them during winter RV camping. If during camping the temperature drops below 0 degrees, you will be required to run a space heater inside your skirting to keep warm. I prefer a commercial electrical heater to a propane heater.

 3. Heat options that are affordable

For heating the RV without having to spend much, I used to have to avoid space heaters as it will end up costing you extra money on electricity bills. A friend used RV Instant hot water and 2000 watt inverter generator and it served him right.  Before you decide which one you are going to use, it is important that you calculate the installation cost plus the buying cost. I will advise on a pellet stove and propane heater.

 • Pellet stove: If you decide to go for the pellet stove, then rest assured that it will warm up your RV faster and more effective than most of the heaters around – tested and proven. The heat it produces doesn’t have moisture, the built in the fan uses very minimal electricity of the space heater, and the good news is that it is eco-friendly. Its cons is that, if the fan shuts down you will have a smoke-filled RV and also, it is bulky and thus will take up most space in your RV and only good for big RVs. You will be forced to store large wood pellets in your RV.

 • Propane Heater. If you decide on this, then it means that you will have a propane free furnace as compared to what is initially installed in your RV and at the same time, keep your RV inside warm. It doesn’t use electricity yet it produces heat anyway, meaning, you won’t have electricity bills from heating. Its downside is that it is not good if you are having pets on board as it has no anti-tip shut-off. When installing, you will need to use a professional to do the work thus an extra cost. The propane produced is un-vented and thus produces carbon monoxide meaning, you will need to make sure that the vent is open all the time and check all the time for your carbon monoxide detector and ensure that it is working to avoid a silent death from smoking in the deadly gas.

 4. Working Heat Water Hose

For a cheap one, you can make your own using pipe insulation and heat tape. But to be on the safe side, I would recommend that you buy a good, working heated water hose to use during you RV winter camping. I used the Print heated hose from Camco, and it worked pretty well for me due to its construction.  Whichever heated water hose you settle on, ensure that its insulate and cover are not exposed to any water supply and spigot. If the exterior wall is what is hosting your RV water supply, you will need to insulate and cover the connection very well. In case of a wet bay use a space heater in the bay in case the temperatures drop to 0 degrees and less; this will prevent a burst of the pipes in case of freezing.

 5. Check the sewer hose

PVC pipe is better than a standard RV drain hose as it holds up better when the temperatures are very low. If you have a constant water supply, then consider installing heat tape around your PVC pipe.

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

Cuba’s Viñales Valley: Cycling, Cigars, & Salsa

Two-wheeled transportation was a perfect choice for traversing the Viñales Valley in western Cuba. The route took us through some gorgeous scenery and inspired us…

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We have long been believers in the idea that the seat of a bicycle is the best seat in the house when it comes to exploring a new destination. The ground level observations are much more accessible than a car, train or bus, yet we can cover much more real estate than on foot.

This meant that two-wheeled transportation was a perfect choice for traversing the Viñales Valley in western Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province. This lush region consists of rich farmland dotted with abrupt buttes known as mogotes. These karsts were left behind when the limestone that surrounded them dissolved and eroded away.

We began our ride near the base of one of these unusual mounts at Restaurante El Cuajaní, which opened a few years ago on a tobacco farm.

The valley has ideal soil and weather for growing the famous Cuban crop, and the very best cigars are said to originate from its unique landscape.

What a backdrop for a day on our cycles! All we needed was a little sustenance to get us ready.

That worked our perfectly, because while we explored the tobacco fields and barn, chef Jose was preparing fish roasted in a brick oven with veggies and mashed malanga, which is very similar to taro and is the go to starch of the island.

The down home stick to your ribs meal was just what we needed to tackle the hills and dales that awaited us.

Being our first day, we only set out for a shake-down ride of around fifteen miles to make sure everything was A-OK with the bikes. The route took us through some gorgeous scenery and inspired us for the next day when we would return for an all-day affair.

Afterwards, we checked in to our room at Hotel Los Jasmine and discovered what has to be one of the all-time great balcony views.

The entire valley was spread out before us. We soaked it in for quite a while, but wanted to check out the shop to see if any of the local tobacco we rode by made it in there.

We don’t claim to be experts, in fact we can count the stogies we’ve smoked in our lives on one hand, but we did feel the need to at least give one a try.

After buying half a dozen of the real ones for David’s dad (they are legal to bring back into the US now, for personal use only) we asked for the mildest version and bought a small box of the Guantanamera minis. Mild is the perfect description, like nothing we have ever had.

It also insured that the song of the same name would remain firmly implanted in our brains for the next few days.

That’s okay, because even though we related it to mariachi bands in Mexican restaurants, the tune originated from, and is wildly popular in Cuba.

Cigars secured, our agenda turned back to one of our favorite topics, food. Dinner would be at the nearby organic farm Finca Agroecológica Paraíso, and we would get a tour before feeding.

We got to see the methods up close that have been perfected over centuries, incorporating some of the stair step landscaping from the Inca, as well as tried and true non-chemical pest controls from around the world.

Every bite was as farm to table as it could possibly be, since the table was actually at the farm. One of the many great things about a bike tour is the guilt-free eating. After our day riding everyone was ready to seriously chow down.

The next morning found us back among the mogotes for a longer ride. Making our way through a couple of small towns, we climbed over the Cordillera de Guaniguanico mountains in the Viñales National Park toward Cuba’s northern coast.

The old adage what goes up, must come down proved to be perfect for the day. Some steep climbs were rewarded with freewheeling glides down the other side. The final goal was a gorgeous stretch along the seaside leading to the tiny island Cayo Jutías.

At the end of the causeway over to the island we came to a lighthouse. The Faro de Cayo Jutías is the only surviving tower of four built by the United States between 1898 and 1903, and is still operational.

After a quick stop to talk with some fishermen casing nets in the shallows beneath the light, we rode the final few miles to the Playa deCayo Jutías.

This beach is widely considered one of Cuba’s finest, and most beautiful.

While we bobbed in the surf, we were certainly not going to argue with that assessment.

A few of us chose to spend a bit of extra time at the beach in lieu of riding back to the hotel, and got the added bonus of  an unexpected spin in a 1957 De Soto Diplomat.

It seems the legends about classic old American cars still going strong in Cuba are true.

Before dinner we worked up even more of an appetite with some salsa lessons.

Let’s establish this fact up front, David can’t dance.

He says he looks like a circus bear balancing on a ball… and he’s right. So it took a little extra time just to get him through the most basic steps.

But as with his attempts at the Tango in Argentina, he actually had a couple of brief, very brief, moments that almost looked as if he was getting it. Then toes would be stomped and his tenuous balance on the ball would break.

Luckily, no one got hurt.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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

Check this out for more ideas on things to do in Cuba.

How to Get the Best Travel Insurance for Your Holiday

There are several important steps to take when planning your holiday. Besides choosing your destination, getting the best price, and planning your itinerary, you also need to make sure of 2 key things: that your financial investment in your trip is protected and that you have medical coverage when you are traveling… CONTINUE READING >> 

There are several important steps to take when planning your holiday. Besides choosing your destination, getting the best price, and planning your itinerary, you also need to make sure of 2 key things: that your financial investment in your trip is protected and that you have medical coverage when you are traveling.

Luckily, these 2 things can both be covered with the right travel insurance. And how do you know you are getting the best travel insurance for your money? By knowing exactly what you need.

Analyze Your Trip Realistically

In order to get started, you need to analyze your trip as objectively as you can. What does this mean?

• Look Ahead: How far in advance are you planning your trip? The further you are planning ahead, the more likely it is that something might come up and cause you to have to cancel your plans or change your itinerary. The further in advance your trip is, the more likely you will need this coverage, and you want to make sure the limits on the policy will cover the real cost of modifying or canceling your trip.

• Look at the Seasons: Remember, if you are crossing the equator, the weather will be the opposite of where you are. Summer in Australia is winter in the northern hemisphere, and so delays or airline related cancellations are more likely in that case.

• Look at Where You are Going: When it comes to medical coverage, you want to think about where you are going. Even if the country you are visiting has a great health care system, an overnight hospital stay can really cost you, and if you need to be moved back home for treatment, costs can be exorbitant. Be sure your travel insurance covers this possibility.

• Look at What You are Doing: Are you engaging in extreme sports, doing things where there is the possibility you will be injured? The medical part of your policy is even more important in this case.

By analyzing your trip realistically, you can move on to the next step and determine what coverage you need.

Determine What Coverage You Need

There are several types of travel insurance, and knowing what you want or need based on your travel plans is very important.

• Basic: This is often a medical-only insurance plan, popular with backpackers or those doing extreme sports who are not really concerned about airline cancellation expenses, travel delays, or the potential cost for alternate transportation.

• Middle Ground Plans: These plans cover your uninsured medical expenses, but also offers some limited cancellation and delay coverage along with limited coverage for lost luggage and personal items.

• Comprehensive Plans: These plans cover every aspect of your trip, from medical to cancellation and delays, and your lost luggage and alternate transportation if needed.

For most travelers, especially if you are traveling internationally, opt for some form of comprehensive coverage. Even that coverage comes in several levels, depending on the limits on certain benefits, and whether you have a deductible to pay before the insurance kicks in.

Compare Travel Insurance Plans

Once you have determined what you need, you can get down to making comparisons of various travel insurance options. From basic plans to the most comprehensive, there are still differences. Some companies are more reliable than others.

Inexpensive plans can be tempting, but before you impulsively purchase them, be sure to compare benefits and the coverage limits of each policy. Within the coverage limits are sub-limits as well. For instance, you might have a single trip limit on your policy, but under that is also a limit on the amount of money your personal luggage will be covered for.

Make sure you have the coverage you need. For example: If an Australian is reading travel insurance reviews before his big snowboarding trip to Aspen, he’ll need to make sure that his travel insurance plan extends into medical coverage.  Without it, a funny story about a broken leg on the slopes could turn into an expensive international medical bill.

Make Your Purchase

Once you have chosen the right travel insurance, make your purchase. Be sure you have disclosed to the insurer all the aspects of your trip such as where you will be traveling, where you will be staying, and what activities you will be engaged in.

Also be sure they have the right flight information, and everything they need to provide you with good medical coverage. If you need any special instructions, be sure you have them with you, and carry all policy information with you in your carry on luggage.

Don’t rely on electronics. If a phone or computer is stolen, you still want to have all of your policy information and the phone numbers you need to contact the insurance provider. Have this information printed and with you at all times, and have at least enough information to contact the insurance company.

Once you have made your choice about the best travel insurance for your holiday and you know you are covered, you can get ready for a great trip.

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

5 Reasons to Fall in Love With Madrid on Your Next Royal Holiday Vacation

If you’re looking for an adventure that offers old-world charm and modern amenities alike, you really can’t go wrong with a stay at the luxurious Apartamentos Plaza Basilica in Madrid, Spain. CONTINUE READING >> 

With the holidays past and the new year upon us, it’s once again time to start thinking about where you want to travel in the coming year. Royal Holiday Vacation Club members have almost unlimited options when it comes to exploring the globe and recently one the RCI Gold Crowne Award an absolutely prestigious honor. If you’re looking for an adventure that offers old-world charm and modern amenities alike, you really can’t go wrong with a stay at the luxurious Apartamentos Plaza Basilica property in Madrid, Spain. Here are just a few reasons you’re sure to fall in love with this glorious city on your next Royal Holiday Vacation.

1. Sunny climes

With an estimated 300 days of sunshine annually, you’ll have no trouble getting outdoors and soaking up some vitamin D on your vacation. Winters are mild, with average temperatures in the mid-40s, while summers are blazing hot, with temperatures commonly soaring to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Just be aware that everything shuts down in August, which is basically vacation month for Europeans.

The best time to visit this fabulous city if you’re looking to enjoy balmy climes is spring or fall, when temperatures tend to linger in the 70s, providing you with perfect weather for lounging on a terrace or exploring the city.

2. Foodie fare

There’s no way to describe the wealth of fabulous food you’ll find when you visit Madrid. International eats are easy to come by in this cosmopolitan city, but you’ll want to try traditional Spanish treats, as well, from simple huevos rotos (eggs on fried potatoes), to hearty cocido Madrileno (a pork and chorizo stew), to heavenly churros con chocolat (crispy churros dipped in melted chocolate).

Don’t forget to try Madrid’s signature sandwich, the bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich), as well as the many seasonal delights that pop up throughout the year. Pair your meals with some local wine, sangria, cava, craft brews, or agua de Valencia.

3. Museums galore

You’ll have to go to Paris for the Louvre, and fight some serious tourist traffic to get a glimpse of the Mona Lisa. When you visit Madrid, you’ll have access to world-renowned art without necessarily battling the madding crowd to get a peek.

In addition to the Museo del Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, you’ll find public works of art and dozens of galleries to peruse. Make sure to get a gander at the work of Picasso, including his famous depictions of the Spanish Civil War.

4. Old and new

Madrid may be a bustling modern city, but it retains a lot of its old-world charm by carrying on ancient traditions. When lunchtime hits, many small businesses still take a break for food and siestas during the hottest part of the day.

You can grab a beer and tapas at a bar during soccer games and get in on the excitement. You can walk the city, enjoying ages-old architecture and cobblestone streets. Of course, there’s no shortage of modern amenities to be had, as well, with a vast network of subways to ferry you around and plenty of shopping and entertainment options.

5. Apartamentos Plaza Basilica

This centrally located Royal Holiday Vacation Club property gives you the opportunity to enjoy a truly memorable vacation in Madrid. While you’re probably excited to explore the many nearby attractions, including the famous Paseo de la Castellana, the Plaza Mayor, the Toledo Bridge, and countless museums, you can also enjoy the on-site restaurant or lounge, or simply kick back in your studio apartment, complete with a full kitchen. This Royal Holiday property provides all the comforts of home, paired with proximity to the many attractions offered by the beautiful city of Madrid.

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

To Do List When Going on an Irish Tour

The nation of Ireland is blessed with numerous places of interests. Indeed a visit to the nation at least once in a lifetime is a must for any traveler…

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The nation of Ireland is indeed blessed with numerous places of interests. These confer great opportunities for sightseeing, tourism, and vacationing. Indeed a visit to the nation at least once in a lifetime is non-negotiable for any tourism enthusiast.

In the discussions below, we are going to explore those activities that you just have to do while on your tour of Ireland.

TO DO LIST WHEN GOING ON AN IRISH TOUR:

Sightsee at the Cliffs of Moher
  • The Cliffs of Moher is an 8 km stretch of cliffs that have a maximum height of 214m. They also have a viewing tower and overlook the Aran Islands. It offers great sightseeing opportunities for the surrounding ambiance. You will get to see the breathtaking panorama of the adjacent environment and ocean.
Explore Ireland’s Past at the Blarney Castle
  • This medieval stronghold that is situated on the banks of River Martin will grant you a sneak review of Ireland’s past. It is basically a ruined castle that has the famous Blarney Stone. This stone is alleged to grant those who kiss it the gift of eloquence.
Drive around the Ring of Kerry
  • This is a famous and scenic ring that encircles the Iveragh Peninsula in Ireland’s southwest county, Kerry. It is 179 km long and is nearly circular in shape. It traverses rugged and verdant coastal landscapes as well as rural seaside villages. To get the best of the route, you, by all means, have to contract a reputable vacationing company such as Go Irish Tours.
Discover Ireland’s Christian Heritage at the Kylemore Abbey
  • Ireland has a rich Christian past. Your visit to the nation is therefore incomplete without some taste of its Christian legacy. While in the nation, consider spending some time in this Benedictine monastery. It was erected in 1920 to shelter the Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during the World War I.
Pay a Visit to the Phoenix Park
  • Located around 2 km west of downtown Dublin, this park provides you with various opportunities. You may view the city’s skyline, rest, take an afternoon siesta, take a selfie, or relax from the hustles and bustles of congested city life, among others. Being one of Europe’s largest and most magnificent parks, your visit to it will also bring along a sense of prestige to you.
Appreciate Ireland’s Topography at Rock of Cashel
  • Apart from a rich history, the nation of Ireland also has great and breathtaking panorama. The most outstanding of these is the Rock of Cashel. It is a prominent green hill that is banded with limestone outcrops. It rises from a grassy plain and contains several ancient fortifications. While in Ireland, consider squeezing some time and take some photographs at the site.
Take Some Photographs at the Powerscourt Estate
  • Powerscourt Estate is a large country estate that is adorned with landscaped gardens. It occupies 19 hectares and is located in Enniskerry, County Wicklow. Its breathtaking architecture, well-maintained lawns, beautiful fountains, and elegant appearance offer great photography resources. It is great for honeymoons. So, if you are planning a wedding, purpose to incorporate it in your itinerary.

CONCLUSION

Of course, the nation of Ireland has plenty of other tourist attractions to offer. Due to the limited time and space available, a good number of them had to be left out. It is therefore in your best interest to consider carrying out further research to find out those left out. It is only then that you will accrue the highest levels of satisfaction from an Ireland tour.