Search…

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.

7 Things You Should Get Ready Before You Travel Anywhere

If you’re traveling to a country you’ve never visited before, organizing the trip without any difficulties is pretty unlikely. There’s a ton of things you need to think about and it’s not hard to forget about a couple of crucial things and compromise your trip… CONTINUE READING >> 

Vacation is something all of us look forward to – it’s the time we’re supposed to unwind, empty our mind and relax completely. For most people, vacation means flying off to a forgein country, letting of their worries for a week or two and enjoying some sightseeing and partying…

However… Things often go wrong before we even leave the country…

If you’re traveling to a country you’ve never visited before, organizing the trip without any difficulties is pretty unlikely. There’s a ton of things you need to think about and it’s not hard to forget about a couple of crucial things and compromise your trip…

So here are seven things that can make your vacation more fun and less of a nightmare…

Seven Essential Things for Your Vacation…

·         First-Aid Kit

Accidents happen all the time, and just because you’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean you should be unfocused. For starters, you should packs some crucial medicine every time you go on a trip. So your first aid kit should contain some pain killers, bandages and alcohol in case you get injured…

Also, you never know how your body will react to forgein food – especially if it’s spicy and exotic – so it would be smart to bring some stomach medicine just in case… And you should also consult your doctor before you depart, just in case if you need to get vaccinated against some forgein diseases…

·         Voltage Adapter

Next up, you need to be aware that different countries use different voltages. In fact, the voltage varies from country to country. In some places, like the United States, the default voltage is 110V but in other countries, it can be 220V…

If you’re traveling to Europe, you probably won’t be able to use any standard electrical device – like your blow-dryer for example – without using a voltage adapter. While some hotels provide some of these devices, you should nonetheless purchase a voltage adapter to avoid any possible annoyances.

·         Weather Check

Nothing can ruin a trip faster than bad weather. Just imagine arriving to a majestic, white-sand beach, only to find yourself completely soaked after a couple of minutes. So if you’re not adequately prepared for bad weather conditions, your trip might be as good as over…

So you should check the forecast before you even set the date of your trip and see if you need to bring an umbrella, a rain-proof coat or some additional clothing. And if you can’t prepare for the weather condition in time, it would be wiser to postpone your trip for a couple of weeks…

·         Useful Applications

If you find yourself in a new place, you can get lost in a matter of minutes… that is, if you don’t have a map. But thankfully, with modern technology, you don’t actually need an old map, you can simply download good navigation app that will help you find your way around the country…

Some apps also store map data offline, so you won’t get lost even if you don’t have internet access. You should also check to see if the country has Internet restrictions. If needed, you should get a reliable VPN app, and as some CyberGhost reviews point out, you can’t find a better VPN for this than CyberGhost…

·         Passport Copies

Losing your documents abroad can be a living nightmare, and unfortunately, this is something that happens all the time. Of course, it’s needless to say that you should keep your passport at hand at all times and ensure not to lose it… We don’t even need to tell you that…

On the other hand, what most people forget to do is make copies of their documents and take a picture of their passports with their smartphones. This will allow you to go through embassy regulations without any problems because you have at least a copy of an official document…

·         Entrance Exit Fees

Some countries require you to get a tourist visa and some don’t…. In any case, the country will probably levy an entrance and an exit fee against you and anyone who’s traveling with you. For instance, Argentina allows people to stay in the country for three months, but asks for a $160 fee…

So once again, you need to do some research before you go. And the best source of information on this matter is the Consular Information Program – the organization’s official site can provide all the information you need to determine if the country your visiting demands any fees or not…

·         Travel Insurance

Last but not least – you need to spend some more cash and get travel insurance. Or maybe you don’t – you just need to check if your insurance policy includes international coverage – if it does, you’re all set. If not, you’ll need to purchase a short-term policy that cover you for the duration of your trip…

Moreover, if you want to protect your money – and let’s face it, who doesn’t – it would be a good idea to get some kind of travel insurance. Policies vary from provider to provider however, the basic idea that you’ll have your money refunded if anything happens to it during your vacation…

Final Thoughts

There’s probably nothing more important than knowing about the country you’re going to. Therefore, before you leave the house, you should do some browsing and maybe even order a couple of books off Amazon and learn more about what life is like in the country you’re visiting.

You should definitely know the basic etiquette in order to avoid any misunderstandings. After all, you don’t want to end up like Ayman Najafi and Charlotte Adams who spent a month in a Dubai jail, simply because they kissed in public… Which is a big no-no in the Middle East…

You may not use some of these items – hopefully the first aid kit – but you never know when you might need them. So what do you think about list? Make sure to leave a comment in the comment section bellow and share your thoughts with the rest of us… By Adam Ferraresi

Adam (23, Dallas, TX) knew that everything connected to the internet was always appealing to him, which is why he opted out for a career of web developer. He’s been rather successful in his endeavors, so he can offer great insight in the world of internet through his articles published at wefollowtech.com.

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

Why Every History Student Should Visit Europe

While all countries in Europe have their own pieces of unique history that you’ll benefit from in your history studies, all countries are also connected to each other in some way via historic events. Europe is truly the place to go for history students and here are a few reasons why…. CONTINUE READING >> 

While all countries in Europe have their own pieces of unique history that you’ll benefit from in your history studies, all countries are also connected to each other in some way via historic events. For example, Germany and England were once head to head on the battlefield and the likes of France and Spain also had conflicts during the Franco-Spanish era that lasted 30 years. Such events have made unlimited history available to tourists looking to better their knowledge of European history. Europe is truly the place to go for history students and here are a few reasons why.

Easy Access to a Variety of Countries

One of the best reasons for visiting Europe is that you’ll have easy access to many countries. On the western side of Europe, you can benefit from the likes of France and Germany, which also provides easy access to England. All three countries have ample history that you can take in via a variety of museums. The greatest thing about visiting Europe is that most countries are also connected via borders, so traveling to and from countries is relatively easy to achieve. Europe also has the advantage of being crossed with some of the largest railways in the world, so getting to and from your favorite countries is effortless and affordable.

Unique History Wherever You Go

It doesn’t matter what country you visit while in Europe, every single country has plenty of history to keep you intrigued. From the Russian Soviet Union to the Falkland’s War, there’s plenty to keep you occupied and wanting more.

Many Universities and Libraries to Take Advantage Of

If you really want to take your history studies to the next level, a trip to some of the most popular universities and libraries in Europe will pay dividends. Whether you’re studying for a masters degree in history or fine arts, visiting Europe will give you the chance to excel your knowledge while working towards an online MAH degree.

Different Languages & Other Challenges to Face

England is the place to go if you’re looking for the chance to mix in with diverse cultures and people from various backgrounds. It will give you the chance to adapt and learn history from different countries without traveling too far. It could give you the chance to learn new languages that would better your history knowledge.

Excellent Food from Various Countries

Fisherman's bounty in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France

European countries are well-known to provide new cultures to people, and that means different foods from around the world can be enjoyed in all countries you visit. This will give you the chance to enjoy and study some of the foods that different cultures have enjoyed for hundreds of years.

Europe can truly provide the historical experience you crave if you’re looking to excel in historical knowledge. From different countries that are close-knit but ever so different to countries that have a history that is mindblowing, Europe won’t let you down when it comes to your studies.

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

Why Should You Buy Travel Insurance Before Hajj?

Hajj journey is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It’s understandable to be excited for this journey, but what if unforeseen events like accident, illness, etc. disrupt your religious tour? CONTINUE READING >> 

Congratulations, on your Hajj. Consider yourself lucky if you are one of those millions of people who are ready to embark on a Hajj journey from 30th August. God has chosen you, and you have finally got a chance to free yourself from all your sins. May this holy event add more calmness and meaning to your life!

Being the fifth important pillar of Islam, Hajj journey is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It’s understandable to be excited for this journey as after all you will get an opportunity to circle Islam’s most sacred site— the cube shaped Kaaba in Mecca or Makkah. But first you will need a Saudi Visa. Then what if unforeseen events like accident, illness, etc.; disrupt your religious tour?

Many times, you might have heard this line “Accidents and illnesses come unannounced,” But do you know, unforeseen incidents can arise even when you are on a religious tour or, allow me to be dramatic when you are ‘near to God’?

The same thing happened to those 3,000 people who, unfortunately, lost their lives during a stampede in Hajj 2015. It was not the first accident which occurred during hajj, as many such incidents happened in the past as well:

  1. September 24, 2015 = Over 2,000 people lost their lives in a stampede in Mina.
  1. January 5, 2006 = A concrete multi-story hotel, which was situated close to the Grand Mosque, collapsed and injured over 50 people. The death toll was 76.
  1. January 12, 2006 = A stampede occurred during the stoning of the Devil which killed 346 pilgrims and injured 289.
  1. April 15, 1997 = A tent fire killed 343 pilgrims and injured 1,500.
  1. July 11, 1991= All 247 Hajj pilgrims and 14 crew members on board lost their lives when Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 crashed shortly after takeoff due to an in-flight fire.
  1. July 2, 1990 = Nearly, 1426 people lost their lives during stampede which happened inside a pedestrian near Mecca.
  1. January 22, 1973= 176 Hajj pilgrims lost their lives in Royal Jordanian Boeing 707 crash.

Along with the above unfortunate events, there is always a possibility of an outbreak of infectious diseases. The mingling of visitors from various countries can lead to the spread of epidemics. Then man-made perils, like pickpocketing, theft, etc.; are also a matter of concern. What if you lose your entire money and passport during Hajj?

We have not mentioned the above instances to scare you, but to advise you to stay attentive and act diligently. Even a smart traveller like you can suffer both financially and emotionally due to such events which are many times beyond your control.

In addition to acting carefully, buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy for your Hajj travel to secure your journey from various perils, including man-made and natural.

How Can Travel Insurance Help You?
  1. Loss of Passport/Baggage= What happens in case you lose your passport or baggage? Or what if your bag grabs the attention of thieves? Rather than being freaked out at a new location and frantically contacting your embassy, you can simply contact your travel insurer who will assist you in sorting out things, right from preparing documents for the issuance of duplicate passport to getting all the finances right.
  1. Ailments or Accidents= Did you know, in 2006, nearly 243 pilgrims died due to exhaustion, heart issues, diabetes, and tiring physical work during Hajj? Your health insurance policy cover ceases to exist once you leave the country. In the case of any medical emergency in a foreign land, your travel insurer can help you by offering cashless treatment across the globe.
  1. Missed Flight, Cancelled or Delayed Trips= Imagine a scenario, where you have already made all travel arrangements for your pilgrimage trip, and at the last moment, due to a medical emergency, you would have to call off your trip.

It means you would have to incur losses due to the cancellation of flight, hotel, and other reservations. To combat such situations, it is necessary to go with a travel insurance policy which would offer financial coverage to deal with any such unexpected situations.

  1. Emergency Evacuation= Travel insurers cover emergency evacuation where the insured is taken out of the disastrous situation to a safe place and provides all medical assistance if required.
  1. Burglary Cover=When you are busy performing Hajj duties, thieves can target your empty house in India and steal some valuable items. Yes, a travel insurance policy will offer burglary cover to take care of this as well.
  1. Compassionate Visit= In the case of your hospitalisation in Saudi Arabia, your family member can travel to stay with you at the hospital, and the insurer will cover their travel expenses as well.

 However, coverage will be given only if you are alone at the time of hospitalisation which should last for more than seven days. Also, the insurer can ask for your doctor’s recommendation for an attendant.

In addition to the above, there are many other benefits which you can enjoy if you have a travel insurance policy like personal liability coverage, daily allowance in case of hospitalisation, accidental death cover, etc.

Better to Be Safe Than Sorry!

Here, my intention is not to doubt the power of the Almighty, but to make you understand that, irrespective of what kind of traveller you are and where you are travelling, your journey is not 100% safe. Simply because, you are on a pilgrimage trip, it doesn’t mean you will have no trouble!

Though confidence is key; overconfidence can go against you. Have faith in God but buy a comprehensive travel insurance to shield your faith.

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