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Tech-Savvy Travel Or Back To The Simple Things?

It’s not specifically a matter of destination, but it’s about finding out the best way for you to enjoy your travel. So, ask yourself, are you a tech-savvy traveler or do you love to go off-grid… CONTINUE READING >> 

Whether you want to explore the world, or whether you simply need a little break, your travel preferences will determine the kind of holiday you like. It’s not specifically a matter of destination, but it’s about finding out the best way for you to enjoy your travel. Every destination offers a wonderful adventure. But your travel, the way you approach a destination and the type of comfort you need to feel at home, plays an important role in your appreciation of a destination.

Let’s say you’re going to Venice, one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. If you are used to the facilities of the urban life with its restaurants open until late at night and its coffees on the go, then you need to stay in the modern town. While the old, historic streets are charming, they don’t offer any of the facilities you need for your comfort. And it would be a pity to hate your stay in Venice, simply because you’ve chosen the wrong part of town! So, ask yourself, are you a tech-savvy traveler or do you love to go off-grid?

photo credit: Discover a new side to camping holiday

The Millennial’s tech holiday

If you’re the kind of person who needs digital tech to feel safe and comfortable, then you need to pick the best gadgets for your holiday. A smartphone with the many apps is a given – is there still someone who doesn’t own one?  – but if you’ve decided to go on an adventure in a remote area, you might want to look for a satellite phone in case of emergency. Going abroad? A GPS is a great tool to find your way in unknown countries – and it’s by far the favorite tool of the modern generation. Besides, it means that you don’t need to bother with maps anymore! The GPS does the hard work for you. Finally, always pack a multitool with you; there’s nothing better than the famous Swiss army knife when you’re trying to fix your glasses arm on the go!

Transitional holiday between tech and nature

You may not need the level of tech of your everyday life when you’re on holiday. But you want a certain standard of comfort while appreciating a change of landscape. It might sound difficult to combine comfort and breathtaking landscapes at the same time, but that’s exactly what glamping is about. Picture the best of camping, but without the hassle; that’s exactly what you get with this kind of holiday. Besides, you’re in a glamping park, so if you need a hand with anything, there’s always someone to ask.

Going off-grid completely

How about going off-grid in a remote location with no modern facilities? If you like the idea of being cut off from the everyday stress and routine, then you’ll love spending time in old, isolated cottages that are still heated with a wood burning stove. Yes, it does sound pretty basic. But what a magical moment together around the fire, that is if you want to go back to a simple life!

Which travelers are you: a tech-savvy Millennial, a comfort and nature dreamer, or an off-grid enthusiast? Don’t let your travel preferences stop you from enjoying your holiday. Instead, listen to yourself and grab the chance to discover a new world.

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

Care for the Caribbean

The aftermath from the deadly duo of hurricanes Harvey and Irma has left us overwhelmed. With so much destruction in Texas and Florida, it is also easy to overlook the truly catastrophic damage left behind in the Caribbean… CONTINUE READING >> 

Our beautiful island home before the storm.

The aftermath from the deadly duo of hurricanes Harvey and Irma has left us overwhelmed. With so much destruction in Texas and Florida, it is also easy to overlook the truly catastrophic damage left behind in the Caribbean.

Having lived on an island there for nearly a decade, we certainly feel for our former neighbors. We can hardly process the images of the devastation in the US Virgin Islands. 

Our home of St. Croix was fortunately mostly sparred, but St. Thomas and St. John were horribly ravaged and recovery is going to take months, if not years.

In light of this, NBA legend Tim Duncan, who is from St. Croix, has established the 21USVIHurricane Help Fund by personally donating a quarter of a million dollars and pledging to match donations up to one million.

He wrote an eloquent story about his experience of growing up in the islands and and what it was like after hurricane Hugo. That is why he feels so strongly about helping in this time of need.

Reading it really took us back to our old home. In fact, in a real blast of nostalgia, the neighborhood basketball hoop that they are playing at in the story is right across the street from our old house.

We understand that so many people are struggling right now, and we can’t possibly help everybody, but if you can please join us in extending a helping hand to America’s paradise, the US Virgin Islands.

Fishing At Night: Top 5 Mistakes That Can Get You Into Trouble

When fishing at night, there are some important things you have to keep in mind if you want to avoid getting yourself into trouble. Read up on the 5 most common mistakes that people make when fishing in the dark so you don’t fall into their traps too… CONTINUE READING >> 

When fishing at night, there are some important things you have to keep in mind if you want to avoid getting yourself into trouble. Prior to doing anything else, it would be prudent to always check the local laws to make sure you are allowed to fish at night and if there are laws on the books requiring a fishing license, that you have one in place. After you have dealt with these items, read up on the 5 most common mistakes that people make when fishing in the dark so you don’t fall into their traps too!

Not Having A Guide

One of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to fishing at night is to not hire a guide. You will get best value for money by hiring a guide who is familiar with the area you want to go fishing. If you attempted to go out on your own, you would have a very hard time finding fish and could actually end up lost or hurt! Do yourself a favor and reach out to a qualified guide. You will be happy you did.

Using The Wrong Type Of Fishing Rod And Reel

You need to spend time picking the right rod and reel when you go fishing at night; this rule also applies when fishing during the day. There are many different reel and rod combinations to choose from. You want to make sure the rod is strong enough to handle the strain that will be placed on it when you land a fish.

Along with the rod being strong, the reel needs to hold enough tension so the fish cannot break the line. Your fishing guide will be able to give you some practical advice on which reel and rod combinations are going to be the best overall match. Something to add is the need for high quality fishing line; without that the fish is going to easily get away.

Using The Wrong Type Of Bait

At night you will need to use different bait compared to what you would use in the day. Since there is no light you will need to use bait like cut up fish on a hook. The oils from the fish will permeate the water and attract fish towards it. Select bait that the fish you want to catch would be interested in eating so you stand a better chance of landing one.

Never Fish Alone At Night

When fishing at night, there are many things that could go wrong and you need to have someone there with you. By having someone with you and following the “buddy system” you will have peace of mind knowing you will be safe if anything happens.

Fishing During The Wrong Time Of The Year

There are certain times of the year when fishing at night is more fruitful than others. If you attempt to go fishing during those off-peak times then you would be setting yourself up for failure. By getting advice from a fishing guide, you would be able to avoid most of the mistakes we have highlighted.

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

Reasons Why You Should Travel the World before Turning 35

Travelling before the age of 35 is considered to be ideal as this is the time when you are strong, fit, healthy and confident. Since travelling needs quite a lot of stamina and energy, when you are 35 you should seriously consider travelling to make out the most of your time… CONTINUE READING >> 

Scotland, France, Middle East, Great Britain, Ireland, Africa, United States of America, etc are not just a few names of the world-class destination places. They are much more than that. Do not let your dreams of travelling; just be a dream for your old age to come. You might not be that fortunate even to live long. So before turning 35, you should really travel the world. Travelling before the age of 35 is considered to be ideal as this is the time when you are strong, fit, healthy and confident. Since travelling needs quite a lot of stamina and energy, when you are 35 you should seriously consider travelling to make out the most of your time. Make your bucket list as heavy as possible because these kinds of experiences cannot be expressed in words.

While there are many reasons as to why you should actually travel the world before turning 35, some of them are listed below:

  • It changes your perception of the world

While you are young, you should actually witness some of the beautiful locations, creatures, people, and nature all around in the world. You will have the energy and stamina to explore while you are out on an adventure, be it on the peak of a mountain, a walk through the rain forest or an exciting ski jumping. You do not have any kind of family constraints or moral constraints to stop you from having fun to your heart’s extreme content. So, grab the best of make my trip coupons and explore what travelling around the world offers you. You will definitely have the best time of your life.

  • It helps you challenge yourself

It is not always about stamina or strength when you challenge yourself. It is more about motivation and passion. You might not have even thought about challenging yourself by travelling solo or pushing yourself out of your limits to perfect the world adventures. You will meet with a new challenge everyday when you are away from your country or state. It will help you explore yourself. Travelling can do wonders when you learn from what you see outside. It becomes better when you actually implement the good things you have learned from the world when you are back in your own country.

  • It can change you for good

Travelling can change you as a person. When you witness the global suffering, you realize that you have actually been lucky. Also when you are away from your country you start valuing it, acknowledge the good things that it has offered you. Instead of cribbing about small things for the rest of your life, travelling can help you gain empathy for situations you might have taken for granted. When you will connect with people from around the world, you might come across stories of warfare, poverty, natural calamities, etc. This will arise a sense of helping others in need leaving behind ego which can ruin relations.

  • It helps in embracing relationships

The more you travel while you are youthful, higher will be the chances of you mixing with others and build friendship People whom you meet in hotels booked using hotels coupons or your co-passengers on flight will become your friends. When you travel abroad, you will know about different cultures, their way of living, how the people are and how bonds can be made stronger. You will learn about trust and friendship in the best way possible when strangers will help you in a foreign land. So when you will come back to your native land, you are likely to become more humble, gentle and friendly with not just your own set of friends but also with strangers. In short, travelling transforms you into a social being, and when it is done early you get enough time throughout your life to be humble and friendly with people around you.

So, there are some of the best reasons that you might need to make up your mind now. Explore the world while you are young, because life is actually too short. You never know what lies there in the next turn. Hence, you need to utilize every moment of it and what can be more ideal than travelling and experiencing the wonders around you.

Your motto for your travel diaries should be ‘Live, Explore and Repeat.’ So get going!

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

A Gypsy Daughter Moves to Paris (and leaps out of her comfort zone)

As a young woman, I never imagined I’d move to France. I had no girlhood obsession with Paris, no special feelings for French culture, no Eiffel Tower prints in my college dorm room. I didn’t even like cheese…. CONTINUE READING >> 

(This is a guest post from our daughter, who recently restarted her life on a new continent and launched a website chronicling her experience: Am I French Yet?)

As a young woman, I never imagined I’d move to France. I had no girlhood obsession with Paris, no special feelings for French culture, no Eiffel Tower prints in my college dorm room. I didn’t even like cheese. But I fell in love with a Frenchman, and we all know how love can completely change the course of your life.

Now here I am in my 30s restarting my life in a foreign country and learning my first foreign language in earnest. I am aware that my current situation is a privilege, and a bit of a dream for many Americans. I also know that I have a leg up in many ways: I have a French husband (and his family), I have the means and time to focus on learning a language and to discover my new country daily through its world-renowned food, culture and landscapes.

However, demolishing your former life and restarting in a foreign land is not always a picnic, no matter where you move. Learning a language means embarrassing yourself daily as you pick up words and phrases bit by bit. Navigating the bureaucracy of another country (in a tongue you barely speak no less) to access banking, visas, and education can be demoralizing.

You lose a lot of the autonomy that naturally comes with being in your native country, speaking the language perfectly and never having to question whether you belong. It is an exercise in challenging your self-esteem and determination.

When deciding whether to move to France this spring, I came across a quote that really resonated with me: “There is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone.” (Side note: I searched for the attribution to this quote and found everything from anonymous to a member of Def Leppard, so let’s just say it’s unknown.)

Sitting in my New York City apartment, I thought about how this quote applied to my situation. NYC is not a city known for being particularly warm and snuggly, but I had carved out a relatively comfortable life there after 11 years. I had a decent apartment (no small feat), a job I was proud of and a social circle of people I adored. Was I ready to give that all up? Did I really know what I was in for moving to another country?

I ramped up French study sessions with my husband. I imagined myself without my family and friends close by. I imagined restarting the career I’d built over the past decade. I tried to prepare myself for the difficult aspects as much as I could without actually standing on French soil.

But I also let myself dream. About finally speaking French comfortably with my in-laws. Introducing my future children to my favorite gardens and museums in Paris. About the experiences and lessons that can only come from taking a big leap out of your comfort zone.

So we did it. We moved to Paris. Now three months in, I’m definitely still out of my comfort zone, but I’ve also expanded it greatly. There have been tears and moments (okay, entire days) of frustration and questioning my decision. But there have also been language breakthroughs, a bottle of 50-year-old wine shared with new and old friends, moments of disbelief I get to live in such a gorgeous place, and the gift of being re-introduced to my husband through his own country.

I started my blog, Am I French Yet?, for a few reasons. First, I want to share the many-sided experience of becoming an immigrant with friends, family and anyone else who was interested. Second, I couldn’t find much practical information about navigating the immigration process in France and figured if I was looking for it, many others must be as well. And finally, because I want to remember these early months and how they feel. Hopefully I’ll be able to look back in a year or five and be proud of myself for getting out of my comfort zone and building a new life, en français.

Charli James is a journalist, writer and GypsyNester daughter currently living in Paris, France.

Peru is Great for Trekking Holidays, Here’s Why

Peru was once the capital of the great Inca Empire. Each year thousands of curious and adventurous travelers arrive to begin an arduous trek along the very same mountain pathways created and traveled by the Incas, each eager for some small insight into how this magnificent people lived and worked… CONTINUE READING >> 

The place we now know as Peru was once the capital of the great Inca Empire. Built around the Andean mountain range, with Cusco (now Peru) as its capital, the area was the center of the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The civilization, with its rich culture, was destroyed in the 1530s by the Spanish Conquistadors.

Years on, the magnificent temples and pathways, many of them now ruins, provides a glimpse into history. Each year thousands of curious and adventurous travelers descend on the continent to begin an arduous trek along the very same mountain pathways created and traveled by the Incas, each eager for some small insight into how this magnificent people lived and worked.

There are easier options. A luxurious train can whisk you straight to the ruins to ensure you get that selfie with Machu Picchu in the background. The best way to experience the beauty of the landscape is to walk in the path of these ancient warrior people. There is a reason why the trek along the Incan trails tops many people’s bucket list.

The Inca trails must surely be the greatest gift that the Incas have given walkers. These trails are a system of pathways which covered tens of thousands of kilometers running down the west side of South America.

From a huge assortment of Inca trails, the more famous mountain trekking trails include the Huayhuash Circuit and Ausangate Trek to geological absurdities like the Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons. In recent years more alternative trails to Machu Picchu have become available. These include the Lares trek and the Salkantay trail, and the more strenuous 8-day trail from Cachora via Choquequirao to Machu Picchu.  In fact – you should read the complete trekking guide before visiting Peru.

There are some areas to avoid, such as the Shining Path where guerrillas are known to conduct occasional operations. Other areas that border Ecuador and Colombia should also be avoided as this is drug country.

Most known is the classic Inca trail. It is so popular that the numbers are normally restricted with permits that you need to obtain prior to going on your trek. Due to the large numbers of potential trekkers, it is advisable that you book at least a month ahead to ensure your spot on the tour.

This trail remains a feast for the eyes. You pass Inca monuments along ancient pathways that range from paved stones to dirt trails,  while trekking past ruins alongside the banks of the Urubamba and soaring ice capped peaks and valleys covered by forests and lagoons, until you end at Machu Picchu. The route is not all easy. The Dead Woman’s Pass, with its highest point at 4 200 meters above sea level, and the Runcuray Pass, before descending towards the Sun Gate can be extremely dangerous and challenging. Be sure to select a tour operator that makes use of skilled local tour guides who know the area by heart.

Before going on the trek to Machu Picchu it is well advised to spend a few days acclimatizing to the altitude. The trek is physically exhausting, and altitude sickness has brought many an over-eager tourist’s journey to an abrupt end. You can stay at hotels that are run by charity organizations where the funds earned are reinvested in the area and its people.

Besides the classic Inca trail, there is another great alternative trek to the lost city of Machu Picchu – the Mollepata/Salkantay trail.

Between the months of June to August the air is dry and it can get very cold up in the mountains. The rest of the year gets progressively wetter and warmer.  During the months of December up until May it is still possible to visit the upland, although it will be very humid and the frequent heavy downpours will make your trek a rather muddy experience.

There is a trail for every age and fitness level. Walking on the steps created by this lost civilization, breathing in the mountain air, and taking in the magnificence that once was, the Incan trail will continue to attract and inspire tourists for years to come. This is one item that can and should be crossed off your bucket list.

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

How to Help Houston

It is heartbreaking to see the devastation in and around Houston. The recovery from hurricane Harvey will take weeks, if not months, but there are ways to help… CONTINUE READING >> 

It is heartbreaking to see the devastation in Houston and the surrounding area.

Sadly there is more rain to come and the recovery from hurricane Harvey will take weeks, if not months, but there are ways to help.

One on the best agencies for emergency relief in disasters such as this is the American Red Cross.

Here is a special page set up to donate specifically for helping Houston.

or text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Salvation Army has also set up a special page just for hurricane Harvey donations here.

Another worthy organization is Americares, specializing in bringing much needed medical supplies and treatment to the hardest hit areas.

Please feel free to add links to any other relief agencies that are helping people recover from the devastating storm in the comments below so that together we can all send even more than our thoughts and prayers to those suffering in southeast Texas.