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From Sea to Shining Sea on St. Michael’s Way

It’s not every day that we can walk from coast to coast so the prospect was pretty exciting to us. The feat could be accomplished by following St. Michael’s Way traversing England’s South West Peninsula. In addition to allowing us to cover an entire landmass, the trail afforded us the opportunity to… CONTINUE READING  

It’s not every day that we can walk from coast to coast. Granted, traversing England’s South West Peninsula isn’t exactly like crossing a continent, but the prospect was pretty exciting to us.

The feat could be accomplished by following St. Michael’s Way from St. Ives to St Michael’s Mount.

In addition to allowing us to cover an entire landmass, the trail afforded us the opportunity to revisit the Camino de Santiago. The Way became a section of the trans-European pilgrimage path because pilgrims coming from Ireland chose to walk across Cornwall rather than brave the treacherous waters that faced them by sailing around Land’s End at the far western end of England.

We set out from Cardis Bay and climbed about a mile to the first landmark along the way, Knill’s Steeple.  This 50ft granite obelisk is a self-styled tribute that John Knill, the eccentric mayor of St Ives, built to himself back in 1782.

His idea was to be buried beneath it, but he messed up the memorial by going off and dying in London, so he is interred there.

Yet this didn’t keep his legacy from living on at the monument, because he left an endowment in his will to fund an odd celebration every five years, which continues to this day.

Every fifth St James Day, on 25th of July, the current mayor of St. Ives, a vicar, two widows in black, a fiddler, and ten young girls dressed in white dance their way up to the shrine, followed by a gala dinner.

We missed the big doings, but the next one is set for 2021. One thing we didn’t miss was the celebratory view of the Cornish coast from the summit of Worvas hill.

We continued upward on our way to the top of Cornwall, Trencrom Hill, the only place in the county where both coasts are visible, the Celtic Sea on our north to the English Channel on the south.

This apex was used as a hillfort in the Iron Age, and it is easy to see why. There is no way any intruders could sneak up.

The hill was also said to home to the giant Trecobben, which explains the preponderance of boulders strewn about the area.

Supposedly, he and his giant pal Cormoran, who resided on St Michael’s Mount, liked to toss huge rocks back and forth to each other in a giant game of catch.

Descending, we dodged rocks until we entered a stretch of farm fields, then made our way along stone fences and hedges before crossing a brook and into some woods.

Breaking out of the thick forest, we came to the town of Ludgvan and its church dedicated to Saint Ludowanus.

Like pilgrims going back to the 15th century, we had been following its tower for the last few miles. There is even an ancient carving above the doorway that may or may not be of an early traveler.

After looking inside and wandering through the graveyard, we stopped in next door at the White Hart Inn. This old roadhouse has hundreds of years of history and bills itself as a classic Cornish pub.

As the only place providing sustenance along the twelve miles we would walk of the Way, we could hardly pass it up. Charmed by the quaint interior, and refreshed by a quick bite and a pint, we’d say it lived up to its billing.

All that lay between us and our destination at that point was the Marazion Marsh, so we waded in.  This nature reserve has one of Cornwall’s largest reed beds and is an important refuge for breeding and migrating birds.

For us it was yet another interesting change of scenery before we reached the shore and came face to face with St Michael’s Mount.

As we walked along the beach in the town of Marazion, the mountain stood as an island about a half a mile offshore, yet we could walk there to finish our journey.

That is because the tides in this area can run as much as twenty feet, and when it is out the mount sits on dry land, easily accessible by a cobblestone foot path.

We had seen it in pictures, but with the sun going down we would have to wait until morning to make the last few hundred yards of our trek.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

See more from our Cornwall walking tour here.

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

Fear Conquering and Whitewater Rafting

In my never-ending quest to push the envelope, I figured my next challenge would be to tackle whitewater rafting.

My trepidation wasn’t what most people would expect. I love to swim, I love being out on the water and am generally fearless when boating. What I was frightfully anxious about was the coldness of the water.

I like my water warm. When I use the word “bracing” it is always in a negative context. Never the one to just dive into a pool — no — I… CONTINUE READING >>

In my never-ending quest to push the envelope, I figured my next challenge would be to tackle whitewater rafting.

My trepidation wasn’t what most people would expect. I love to swim, I love being out on the water and am generally fearless when boating.

What I was frightfully anxious about was the coldness of the water. I like my water warm. When I use the word “bracing” it is always in a negative context.

Never the one to just dive into a pool — no — I use the stairs or a ladder to lower myself inch by careful inch.

No use in shocking the goods — that kind of jolt can’t be good for the old cardiovascular system.

The idea of capsizing into an icy Montana river, as one can imagine, was not my idea of a good time. I’m fully convinced that hypothermia can happen in the dead of summer — especially when the water was Montana snow about fifteen minutes ago.

Heading in to be outfitted for our excursion, the fact that a helmet was issued didn’t faze me. I was sure that rafting companies have to be careful for insurance reasons and no one wants to play rock-paper-knoggin out on the river.

I was completely calm, in fact, as the three guides — who could only be described as your quintessential Dudes — were handing out the gear.

Surely we couldn’t be doing anything hazardous with these young whippersnappers at the helm.

I happily donned the ray-o-sunshine yellow helmet, the deliciously day-glow orange vest and the darling little waterproof booties. To top off the ensemble, I chose a bright blue pair of David’s swimming trunks.

I was a near-radioactive thing of beauty.

Feeling my fashion-forward oats, I boarded the van that hauled us to the launching site.

During the ride as we laughed and kidded with The Dudes — I was completely convinced that this was going to be a cakewalk — sitting back, dragging my hand in the water while the Dudes paddled me down a lazy river with spectacular scenery.

This was, after all, where the film A River Runs Though It was shot and Brad Pitt seemed to like it. Hey! I could work on my tan! Maybe they served drinks with little umbrellas! This was going to be fun!

Things took underwent an abrupt turn for the real once we reached our destination. The Dudes got all professional on us. Uh-oh. Listening to the rapid-fire instructions I suddenly was made aware of several things:

1) The river was full of crazy big rocks that had to be dodged.

2) Even if I wasn’t tossed overboard, I was going to be drenched in freezing cold water.

3) The darling booties weren’t for decorative purposes — they were actually protective gear.

4) I was expected to row (I found this out as a Dude handed me an oar).

5) The reason my garments were so bright was so I could be easily located after being dashed upon the rocks.

In addition, I learned how to respond when I was tossed overboard, that I was to board a raft with only one Dude and five other people that had never rafted before and that I was suddenly terrified. Great.

Still, I was here on a fear-conquering mission and – by golly – I was going in. I held fast to my oar, strode purposefully to the raft and situated myself on the bench. Our Dude sat at the rear and we were on our way.

Initially, it wasn’t so rough. The serene beauty of the canyon was overwhelming. I actually COULD drag my hand along the water. Dude was once again relaxed and dude-like and we were yucking it up again. It was quite nice.

Then came the first big bend of the river. Like a flume ride at an amusement park (that you could drown on) we were set into action. The floor of the raft quickly took on freezing cold water.

Dude was suddenly shouting out commands — like a stoned drill sergeant — and we scurried to follow.

The in-case-of-emergency talk was NOT just for insurance purposes! We were oaring for our lives — and I was pretty darn sure not a single person in our raft knew what they were doing. It was exhilarating!

There’s a beauty to being scared witless. My mind held only the task at hand.

I had completely put my trust in Dude — the same Dude who was bragging on his drinking antics just moments before in the van — because I had no other choice.

My clueless comrades-in-oars were doing the same.

After those initial rapids, the river became peaceful again and the cheers of victory went up as oars were double-pumped overhead. Tales of bravado were excitedly tossed around. I felt as though I was aboard a vessel with my only friends in the world.

We were a team that, together, conquered the wild river — and our fears. Collectively, we couldn’t wait for the next rapids.

Bring it on!

Veronica, GypsyNester.com

The Best Treks Around Cusco To Escape The Crowds

Full of striking Andean peaks, a charming colonial center and almost unlimited day trips to head on, Cusco is a great all-rounder to add to your itinerary around Peru…
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One of the most popular destinations to visit in all of South America, Cusco has really made a name for itself in the past few decades.

Full of striking Andean peaks, a charming colonial centre and almost unlimited day trips to head on, Cusco is a great all-rounder to add to your itinerary around Peru. Between visiting ancient ruins and trying local foods, we can also experience breathtaking treks in this region – which both have less tourists around and are great for really connecting with the local nature

In this article we’ll explore some of the very best treks around Cusco, which are perfect for escaping the crowds. We’ll also list our top tips for how you can best prepare for these hikes too.

The Best Treks Around Cusco To Escape The Crowds

Starting in no particular order, let’s take a look at some of the best multi-day hiking circuits that you can enjoy when in the Peruvian region of Cusco.

The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

One of the more famous treks on this list, the Inca Trail is a very special hike to head on. Paved by the ancient Inca civilization, this route was once the only way to get to Machu Picchu which was safely hidden within the Andean highlands (and which was why the Spanish never discovered this site). During the full Four Day Inca Trail Hike, we will visit lesser-visited ruins such as those of Wiñay Wayna, Sayacmarca and Intipata, whilst also camping in some breathtaking mountainous settings. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for nature too, as the more remote parts of the trail can attract endemic wildlife such as Spectacled Bears and the Giant Hummingbird.

The Ausangate Trek

If you love snow-capped mountains and otherworldly terrains, then the Four Day Ausangate Trek will be an incredible choice for you. Located south of Cusco in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, here we will see various multi-coloured lakes and mountains on the route, before culminating the trek at the picturesque Rainbow Mountain. This one is much less popular than the Inca Trail, so even the peak tourist months (between June and September) will have few crowds. As well as camping under starlit skies, we can also see wild Viscachas hop between rocks on the mountain passes, and enjoy a swim in the various stone-laden jacuzzis at the campsite.

The Salkantay Trek

Winding around the giant 6271m Salkantay Mountain, this trek is definitely one of the more difficult ones in Cusco – and is perfect for those who want a challenging yet rewarding experience. On the Four Day Salkantay Trek we will hike at high altitudes around giant glaciers and snow-capped mountains, where we will also make a stop-off at the legendary bright-blue Humantay Lake before ending the trek at Machu Picchu. It’s important to prepare properly for this trek given the altitude and cooler weather conditions, so be sure to acclimate properly in Cusco beforehand, and also to pack everything that you will need for this incredible hike.

The Lares Trek

Out of all of the different multi-day hikes mentioned in this article, the Lares Trek is more of an all-rounder and is ideal for those who want a bit of everything. Here we will meet local indigenous communities in the mountains, see beautiful waterfalls as well as various remote lakes along the route. During the Four Day Lares Trek we will also get to visit Machu Picchu on our final day to round-off what will be an unforgettable experience. Given its unique location in the Peruvian Andes, the weather here is great year-round – making it an ideal trek choice even if you are heading to Cusco during the wet season.

Tips To Prepare For Your Treks Around Cusco

Pack Properly For Your Hike

The mountains around Cusco can have wildly varying weather patterns, often with hot days and freezing nights. This means you’ll need to pack a range of clothes for both occasions ready during your trek, as well as a high SPF sunscreen given the sun is much more intense up at these higher altitudes in the Peruvian Andes. You’ll also want to bring hiking poles and high quality hiking boots for a more comfortable hiking experience.

Take The Altitudes Seriously

Many of the hikes mentioned in this post often pass above 4000m in altitude, with some even going over the dizzying 5000m mark. It’s common for these altitudes to bring unwanted side effects, such as headaches, nausea and difficulty breathing. The best way to prevent symptoms is to acclimate properly in Cusco beforehand, by spending 2-3 days in the city to allow your body to automatically adjust before your trek. Local remedies such as Coca Leaves and Soroche Pills are also great ways to prevent you from getting altitude sickness, and alternatively you can also take Diamox pills if your doctor agrees that it’s safe for you to do so.

Hike During The Dry Season

The great thing about these treks is that even during the busy season, they will still be much quieter and remote compared to Cusco and its nearby attractions. The dry season is by far the most popular time to head to this region, where clear blue skies and perfect trekking conditions will allow us to enjoy the trails more. As a bonus, you can head in April, May, September or October (shoulder season months) for even less hikers on these routes.

Book Your Treks Well In Advance

Although these treks remain off the beaten path and aren’t tightly congested, some are still popular and can have limits on capacity (such as the Inca Trail with only 500 entries allowed per day). We highly suggest booking your treks at least 4 months in advance if possible to guarantee your space, and closer to 6 months if heading during the peak dry season months. This will also allow you to confirm your ideal camping locations too, which can make your experience even more memorable along the routes.

Summer Travel Idea: Escape to Breathtaking Newfoundland

Breathtaking vistas, natural wonders, and fabulous people combine to make the island of Newfoundland one of our favorite places on earth.

Here’s why we think Newfoundland should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list… CONTINUE READING >>

Stunning sea cliffs on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland

Breathtaking vistas, natural wonders, and fabulous people (so nice, we actually felt guilty at times!) combine to make the island of Newfoundland one of our favorite places on earth. Here’s why we think Newfoundland should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list:

The Beauty is Unmatched

Waterfall view while zip lining in Newfoundland with Marble Zip Tours

Find yourself fording fjords, ziplining over waterfalls, gazing at (and over) sea cliffs, watching whales, playing with puffins and that’s just the tip of the… oh, yes, iceberg. Best of all, you can “drive” your own car or RV onto this island province.

It’s One of the Few Places that You Can Walk on the Earth’s Mantle

The Tablelands - step on to the Earth's Mantle in Newfoundland!

Of Newfoundland’s many wonders, Gros Morne National Park is the heavyweight champ. It is one of the only places in the world where humans can set foot upon rocks that have risen from deep within the Earth’s mantle. But barren outer space landscapes are only a small part of Gros Morne’s championship qualities – there are other are textbook examples of the forces of nature. Fjords, glacial valleys, and cirques are the definitive features throughout most of the park.

See more Gros Morne

See Where America was Actually Discovered

The L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, NewfoundlandSome five hundred years before Columbus “discovered” America, the Vikings landed at The L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site on the northwestern tip of Newfoundland. Through displays, replicas of housing and ships, Viking reenactors, and exploring the original foundations of their buildings, the lives of those ancient intrepid Norse explorers come alive to modern visitors.

See more L’Anse aux Meadows

Kayak with Humpback Whales & Icebergs

Kayaking with Icebergs in Newfoundland

Turn yourself loose to kayak in whale-infested waters outside of the picturesque town of Twillingate. The area is known as Iceberg Alley and, when the sun is bright, the sea dances with light, sea animals, and more shades of blue than a mind can process.

WATCH: Seriously, one of the best days of our lives! We were right in amongst a serious amount of sea creatures – and icebergs!

See more Twillingate

See the Birds of St. Mary’s

Bird Rock at Cape St. Marys in Newfoundland

On the far southern tip of the island, smack dab in the middle of nowhere, is Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve. The free-standing island mountain in the middle of the park, known as Bird Rock, rises thirty stories straight up from the sea and is completely covered by gannets. The cliffs on either side of Bird Rock are covered black-legged kittiwakes and common murres. All in all, well over fifty thousand birds.

WATCH: SOOOO many birds!

See more Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Get “Screeched In” to Become an Honorary Newfoundlander

Veronica kisses the cod as she gets Screeched In in Newfoundland

If you happen to be what the locals call “Come From Away,” then you face the prospect of becoming honorary Newfoundlanders by getting Screeched In. But beware, there are rules. The ceremony must be performed properly by a certified Screecher. (Spoiler: It involves kissing a cod!)

Watch us get Screeched In

Take a Spin in a Traditional Newfoundland Dory

A traditional Newfoundland dory! We took a took of Bay of Islands in it!

On Newfoundland’s west coast, in the Bay of Islands, a dory tour is an excellent way to see nature the way God intended it. Spot nesting eagles, jig a cod, admire wild land and seascapes, visit old timey fish cabins and eat mussels collected along the way.

See our dory tour!

Raft Down the Exploits River

Whitewater rafting on the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Take an exhilarating run down the gorgeous countryside of The Exploits Valley in Central Newfoundland. Best part? You get to say Exploits a lot.

See more about our rafting experience

Visit Dildo Run…

Dildo Run in Newfoundland, Canada

…and Virgin Arm. And Main Tickle. And Blow Me Down. And Come by Chance. And Pothead.

And, our favorite, Heart’s Content.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

We are so grateful to Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism for making this adventure possible. As always, all opinions are our own.

See all of our adventures in Newfoundland!

Or continue exploring Newfoundland through her exciting food!

Medieval Mayhem and Martyrs in Minerve

When we venture off the beaten path we often find that the most interesting places are tiny tucked away surprises that we, and almost everybody else it seems, have never heard of. Minerve is just such a place…
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When we venture off the beaten path we often find that the most interesting places are tiny tucked away surprises that we, and almost everybody else it seems, have never heard of. Minerve is just such a place.

This southern French village is perched precariously atop a ridge between two rivers, le Brian and la Cesse, which have carved out cliffs that make the spot a nearly perfect stronghold. We must say nearly because we soon learned that it failed tragically under a relentless siege.

But before we found out about that failure we were wildly impressed with the fortifications. Most of the defenses are natural, left behind when water eroded the local limestone into a formidable castle-like formation that certainly looks impenetrable. With a little additional stone work the original inhabitants no doubt felt pretty safe a thousand years ago.

As we approached we marveled at the enormous bridge required to gain entry into the city, and the sheer walls that dropped away on every edge.

Once inside, we were also thrilled by the fact that we had the narrow medieval lanes almost all to ourselves while we explored. It was about that time that Antoine, our guide for the barge cruise along the Canal du Midi that brought us here, pointed out that the street we were walking on was named Rue des Martyrs.

That got us wondering what might have happened here. He didn’t explain until we arrived at a memorial to those martyrs.

At the small monument consisting of a Christian cross and the outline of a dove carved in a stone he began to relay the story of how, after several centuries of safety, the residents found that their security was fleeting. In 1210 the village fell at the hands of the Albigensian Crusade. The tale is one of the saddest we have heard throughout European history.

A relatively small religious sect, the Cathars, was living peacefully in this region when Pope Innocent III decided that he didn’t like their views and therefore they must be wiped clean off the planet. The Kingdom of France was more than happy to oblige in the extermination of the heretics.

Their heresy mainly consisted of believing in two gods, a good and an evil, and worse yet, allowing women to have nearly equal standing in the church. Obviously it was imperative to eliminate every last one of them.

Once the Crusaders cleared the harmless Gnostics from the nearby cities of Béziers and Carcassonne the relentless zealots set their sights on Minerve. The town’s natural defenses held off a direct attack, so the invaders set up a siege.

Catapults were placed on the opposite walls of the canyons surrounding the city and commenced firing. Several weeks of bombardment finally led to a surrender and the Cathars that lived in Minerve were given a choice, return to the Catholic faith or be put to death.

One hundred and forty refused the offer and were burned at the stake. This was at least slightly better than the crusaders had done in previous cities, there they simply killed everyone whether they were Cathars or not.

After hearing this tale while walking the path of the martyrs we ended up outside a small museum, the Musée Hurepel de Minerve. Stepping inside we encountered something completely unexpected, the entire history we had just discussed brought to life in remarkably meticulous miniature dioramas.

Each scene was accompanied by a detailed description in one of the booklets provided available in a dozen different languages. At first the whole set up struck us as very odd, even a bit off base for such serious subject matter, but within a few minutes we were completely engrossed and the story was forever imprinted in our memories.

Feeling extremely somber by the time we left, we made our way back across the colossal bridge (vehicles are not allowed in the town unless owned by a resident) and began our trek back to the boat. Along the way we had one more stop to make.

Not far from Minerve, Antoine pulled off the highway onto a nearly nonexistent dirt road. We bounced a half a mile or so before stopping, then he jumped out and he led us up a small hill.

At the top we found a few isolated megalithic burial stones, dolmens left behind by the Celts who lived here thousands of years ago, well before the time of Christ.  These were kin to the people who made Stonehenge hundreds of miles to the north.

Like the much larger and more famous archaeological marvel, this also lines up with the sun on the solstice. So while not as overwhelming, we were still duly impressed.

We were also glad to have this dose of celestial alignment help put the day’s earlier distressing history behind us.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

See all of our previous adventures in France!

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

The Digital Nomad’s Guide: Integrating AI into Long-Term Travel

As a digital nomad, you’re constantly on the move, and AI can help streamline nearly every aspect of your journey. From planning and staying connected to managing your business and finances… CONTINUE READING >>

In today’s connected world, more people are embracing the idea of working from anywhere. Whether it’s sipping coffee in a Parisian café or lounging by the beach in Bali, the allure of long-term travel is intoxicating. But as any traveler may love the idea of becoming a digital nomad, it’s not always easy. The logistics of managing work, staying connected with your friends and family, and maintaining your business while exploring the world can feel overwhelming – or impossible. That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in. AI can help streamline many aspects of your digital nomad lifestyle. Here’s how to integrate AI into your long-term travel plans and keep everything at home running smoothly.

1. Planning Your Trip with AI Travel Assistants

Remember when you used to flip through guidebooks and spent hours comparing flights and accommodations? Today, AI-powered travel assistants can handle it all. Apps like Google Assistant and Siri can help you with everything from booking flights to finding the best local restaurants in your next destination. And for those who prefer a more personalized touch, AI services like TripIt automatically organize your travel details into a single itinerary.

Not only does AI save you time, but it also ensures you never miss a beat during your travels. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems in a new city or need a quick flight update, these digital assistants have got you covered.

2. Stay Connected with AI-Powered Communication Tools

As a digital nomad, staying connected to family, friends, and clients is crucial. AI has made it easier than ever to maintain communication while on the move. From automated messaging systems to virtual assistants that can handle your email, AI is a game-changer for maintaining relationships and business connections.

For example, AI-powered tools like Slack and Zoom allow you to easily manage work-related communication with your team or clients, regardless of your location. Meanwhile, platforms like Grammarly ensure your emails and messages are professional and error-free, which is especially important when you’re juggling multiple time zones, a hectic travel schedule, tired from backpacking, and may have eaten bad sushi in Japan.

3. Managing Your Finances with AI

Probably something you haven’t thought about, but financial management is actually one of the most challenging aspects of long-term travel. Between currency exchanges, local taxes, and various expenses, it’s easy to lose track of where your money is going. Not to mention paying bills at home like credit cards, water bills, and cable bills. This is where AI-powered tools like Mint and YNAB (You Need a Budget) come in.

These apps use AI to track your spending, categorize expenses, and help you create budgets tailored to your travel lifestyle. They also provide valuable insights into your financial habits, helping you save money for future adventures. Additionally, Revolut and Wise offer AI-driven solutions for managing multiple currencies and avoiding excessive transaction fees when traveling abroad.

If you’re managing a small business while traveling, using AI for invoicing and accounting can save you hours. Tools like QuickBooks and FreshBooks use AI to automate financial tasks, such as generating invoices and tracking expenses, leaving you more time to enjoy your travels. Pro tip – set all of this up before you leave so you aren’t scrambling to manage finances while you’re scaling a mountain.

4. Keeping Your Business Running with AI Solutions

Whether you’re running a full-time business or working part-time as a freelancer, managing client calls and inquiries while traveling can be a challenge. That’s where AI-powered customer service solutions come into play. With services like Joy, you can set up an AI answering service to handle customer calls, ensuring you never miss an important inquiry, even when you’re on the go. These tools can answer questions, take messages, and even direct clients to the appropriate resources, all without you lifting a finger.

Voice AI services can also be used to create custom workflows for your business. This means that even if you’re on a remote beach, your business continues to operate smoothly, with virtual assistants and AI-powered systems handling everything from order confirmations to lead generation. Not that you want to be bothered, but with these AI answering tools, it’s easy to set up escalations for anything you absolutely need to be contacted about.

5. Exploring New Destinations with AI Recommendations

AI isn’t just about work—it’s also about enhancing your travel experience. While exploring a new city, AI-powered apps like Google Maps and Citymapper can offer real-time suggestions for the best routes, transportation options, and points of interest. These apps use AI to analyze traffic patterns, weather conditions, and even local events to help you make the most of your time in a new place.

For more personalized recommendations, platforms like Airbnb and TripAdvisor now use AI to suggest activities and destinations based on your previous preferences, making it easier to discover hidden gems and unique experiences in each location. Who has the best affogato in Florence? Best baguette in France? AI has your answer.

6. Staying Safe and Healthy with AI

Traveling long-term can sometimes put you in unfamiliar or risky situations. AI tools can help you stay safe by providing real-time alerts and information about potential hazards in your destination. Apps like Google Alerts can notify you about natural disasters or health outbreaks in the areas you’re visiting. Additionally, AI-driven health apps like Apple Health or MyFitnessPal can track your health and fitness goals while ensuring you stay in top shape during your travels!

Even your travel insurance can be optimized with AI. Many travel insurance companies now use AI to personalize your coverage based on your destination, length of stay, and activities. This ensures that you’re always covered, no matter where your adventures take you.

  1. AI for Long-Term Travel Planning: A Digital Nomad’s Best Friend

The beauty of AI in long-term travel is its ability to adapt to your needs. As a digital nomad, you’re constantly on the move, and AI can help streamline nearly every aspect of your journey. From planning and staying connected to managing your business and finances, these tools allow you to spend less time on logistics and more time exploring the world.

So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, integrating AI into your daily routine can make your travels smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. The world is your oyster, and with the right tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to make the most of every destination—no matter where you are in the world.

Let’s Jump into Japan

There’s a place that is still on our bucket list even though we have been there before, Japan. We only spent a couple days in each of Nagasaki and Osaka, and one or two times changing planes in Tokyo, so we feel like we have not spent nearly enough time there. Let’s jump in… CONTINUE READING >>

We love to travel!

Those of you who know us, and have followed along on our empty nest nomad adventures over the past fifteen years, already know that. But for you new comers, we mean we love it so much that we have visited about sixty different countries on six continents. Yes, you’re right if you guessed Antarctica as the one we are missing. It is still sitting there mocking us from the top of our bucket list.

Speaking of that list, there is another place that is still on there even though we have been there before, Japan. Our experiences within the Land of the Rising Sun consist of only a couple days in each of Nagasaki and Osaka, and one or two times changing planes in Tokyo, so we feel like we have not spent nearly enough time there.

Clearly a whole lot more is left for us to explore. That got us thinking about all of the things that we could see and do if we returned, and asking ourselves the question…

Why Should We Visit Japan?

The country consists of the four main islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, along with almost 4,000 smaller islands, covering nearly one hundred and fifty thousand square miles. For reference, that is a little bigger than Germany, so there is a lot to see.

The “Land of the Rising Sun” has a deep, long, history that stretches back some five millennia, and yet it is easy for visitors to encounter both the past and the future. Japanese culture has been quick to adopt and create much of the latest modern technology, trends, and fashions.

As with almost everywhere we visit, we never pass up a chance to go for the food. Of course we started with Japan’s most famous culinary export, sushi, but we discovered several other delectable delicacies on our previous visits. We found our favorites in Osaka, where the word Kuidaore, meaning “to ruin yourself with extravagant food,” has become synonymous with the city. We did our best by beginning with Takoyaki. No other food says Osaka quite like these hot octopus-stuffed balls of deliciousness.

Then we were blown away by an array of incredible grilled foods served on sticks by chefs who are top notch entertainers all while creating amazing small plate dishes. And we had to have noodles. We were introduced to Udon, and loved it, but we have now learned that just about every city, town, and village in Japan brags about their own famous noodle dish. Guess we will have a lot more to try when we make our next trip.

The first time we visited we were lucky enough to see Japan in the Spring, which is arguably the best time because the famous cherry blossoms are in bloom. There are also a bunch of festivals, running from late March to early May, that coincide with the blossoms depending on whether they are in the northern or southern part of the islands.

Where to Go in Japan

As I mentioned, we have been to Nagasaki and Osaka, and both of those cities are most certainly worth a visit. But there are tons of other places that make us want to return so we can spend more time exploring.

We most certainly feel the need to see more of Tokyo than just the airport, if for no other reason than to feel a little touch of what life is like in the world’s largest city. Then we also definitely want to go to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and home to more than two thousand temples and shrines, as well as Hiroshima for another look at the history we first experienced in Nagasaki.

If you are a beef eater, like we are, then Kōbe has to be on the old to do list too. The city is famous all around the world for its exquisite, perfectly marbled, and very expensive beef, but it is also been well-known as a center of sake production for centuries.

If we decide to visit in the winter then Sapporo needs to be on our itinerary. It was the host city of the 1972 Winter Olympics and skiers can still shush down the very same slopes as the best in the world did back then. It is also home to the huge Sapporo Snow Festival in February.

Getting Around in Japan

Good news! Japan has one of the best transport systems anywhere in the world. That means that getting from one place to another is usually no problem. That is, as long as you choose the right method. For example, please, what ever you do, do not rent a car and try to drive around Tokyo.

However, the railway system is fast, reliable, extremely efficient, and covers almost all of the country, so it is travel choice for most visitors. There is also a good bus system that is more economical than the trains, but takes much longer to get from one place to another.

And despite our earlier warning about driving, there are plenty of places outside the big cities where a car is a great way to get around and discover some of the off the beaten path attractions of Japan.

How to Stay in Touch in Japan

In our extensive travels we have learned that the very best way to feel right at home with phone and internet service while gallivanting across the globe is to use a SIM Card. And in Japan, a Japan SIM Card is the way to go. This allows us to use our own phone, both voice and data, just like we would if we had local service.

When you order from Mobal you can choose long or short term usage, with no contracts, and shipping or pick-up are always free. And if there does happen to be a problem, they provide easy to use online support or they have staff that are native English speakers guaranteed to give easy, friendly, and understandable support whenever it is needed.

One more thing that we love about their service is that the majority of Mobal’s profits have gone to a number of charities with a desire to change the world.

Feeling Good about Travel

Mobal’s chairman, Tony Smith, has been a lifelong international traveler, so when he got frustrated trying to keep in touch with family, friends & business contacts on his many trips overseas he created a great way to communicate from almost anywhere.

Once he had some success in the world of international cell phone service he established a number of charities such as Seibo, a Japanese non-profit with the the admirable goal of feeding every hungry child in the world a hot meal at school.

With their charity partners they are making sure kids get the vital nutrition they need to not just survive, but thrive. In Malawi, Mobal is funding over sixteen thousand vital school meals children every day. The work also includes providing sustainable stoves to families to help ensure that no child misses the opportunity for a good education because of hunger.

And the work goes beyond children, more than seven thousand people have found employment through education and enterprise outreach. This growing network of charity partners makes it possible to do more than just travel around the world. With Mobal, we can help to make it a better place too!

Before we take off on our big adventure there is one last thing we feel like we should take a look at.

Things to Avoid in Japan

Remember to take off your shoes.

And never, leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. And never pass anything from your chopsticks to someone else’s chopsticks. These actions are associated with funerary rites. Also, don’t point at people or things with chopsticks. While it may not be a part of a funeral, it is considered just plain rude.

But most of all, never, ever travel through Japan with out a Japanese SIM card from Mobal.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Luxury in the Red Rocks: 10 Top Sedona Vacation Rentals for a 5-Star Escape

Whether you’re soaking in a cliffside hot tub, meditating beside a vortex, or sipping wine under the stars, each of these top-tier properties promises an unforgettable experience framed by the awe-inspiring red rocks… CONTINUE READING >>

Sedona, Arizona, isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. With its majestic red rock formations, vortex energy centers, and world-class hiking, Sedona offers a stunning backdrop for a truly luxurious getaway.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a romantic hideaway, or an unforgettable group vacation, Sedona’s high-end vacation rentals elevate every moment.

From architecturally striking desert estates to secluded villas with private pools, this curated list features the best of the best.

Here are 10 top-tier Sedona vacation rentals that deliver on elegance, comfort, and breathtaking views for a 5-star escape.

1. Red Rock Dream Estate

Perched on a private bluff with sweeping views of Cathedral Rock, Red Rock Dream Estate is the epitome of Sedona luxury. This 5-bedroom masterpiece blends modern Southwest design with natural materials and high-end furnishings.

Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoors in, while multiple patios and a private infinity pool invite you to relax under Arizona skies. The gourmet kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances, perfect for in-house chef services or intimate dining experiences.

With amenities like a private yoga studio, home theater, and concierge services, this rental feels more like a private resort than a vacation home.

2. The Glass House Sedona

As striking as the landscape it inhabits, The Glass House is a marvel of modern architecture. Walls of glass open up to panoramic red rock views from every angle. This 3-bedroom property was designed for those who appreciate art, design, and tranquility.

Sleek interiors, a chef’s kitchen, heated pool, and smart-home features provide a futuristic yet warm escape. Located minutes from hiking trails and fine dining, the home’s open-concept layout is ideal for entertaining or a serene retreat.

The minimalist aesthetic contrasts beautifully with the vibrant desert surroundings, making every sunrise and sunset a show.

3. Sky Dancer Villa

Sky Dancer Villa is all about serenity and sweeping skies. Located in West Sedona, this villa combines classic adobe charm with modern luxury. It boasts 4 bedrooms, a saltwater pool, and a rooftop deck perfect for stargazing.

The interiors feature handcrafted wood beams, stone fireplaces, and curated local artwork. A spa-inspired primary suite opens to a private meditation garden, and a state-of-the-art kitchen supports group dinners or private chef experiences.

With its secluded feel yet close proximity to town, Sky Dancer Villa is a favorite for families and couples alike.

4. Solstice Sanctuary

This luxurious eco-friendly home harmonizes with the surrounding red rocks. Solstice Sanctuary is a 3-bedroom hideaway with a green roof, solar power, and sustainable design throughout.

The interiors are light-filled and natural, with wood, stone, and linen textures complementing the environment. The outdoor space features a hot tub, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen—all surrounded by native landscaping.

Guests love the yoga platform with views of Bell Rock and the custom sound healing room for ultimate relaxation. Solstice Sanctuary offers a perfect mix of luxury and eco-conscious living.

5. Whispering Pines Retreat

Set in a quiet forested enclave, Whispering Pines Retreat is a luxury log-style cabin that blends mountain lodge charm with top-tier amenities. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and cozy gathering spaces, it’s ideal for multi-generational trips or retreats.

A large stone fireplace anchors the living area, while the chef’s kitchen and formal dining space cater to gourmet meals. Outside, you’ll find a private hot tub, a large deck, and hammocks strung between towering pines.

Just a short drive from Uptown Sedona, this retreat offers the best of both worlds—woodland privacy and red rock adventure.

6. The Vortex Vista Estate

This 6,000-square-foot villa sits near one of Sedona’s most famous energy vortexes and is designed to complement the spiritual power of its surroundings. Vortex Vista Estate features five bedrooms, a private meditation room, an infinity-edge pool, and an outdoor labyrinth for walking meditations.

The home is decorated in a global fusion style, with Tibetan textiles, Moroccan lighting, and local Native American art. Wellness is at the heart of this property, with optional massage, sound healing, and private yoga sessions available through local providers. It’s the ultimate stay for soul-seekers with a taste for high-end comfort.

7. Canyon Crest Luxury Villa

Canyon Crest offers jaw-dropping views of Boynton Canyon and a resort-like experience in a private setting. With six bedrooms and multiple entertaining areas, this villa is designed for larger groups who don’t want to compromise on luxury.

Guests can enjoy the negative-edge pool, expansive outdoor kitchen, and multi-level patios with fireplaces. The interiors are sleek and stylish, featuring high ceilings, designer furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living.

Whether you’re hosting a retreat, family reunion, or luxurious celebration, Canyon Crest delivers unforgettable elegance.

8. Casa de Cielo

Translating to “House of the Sky,” Casa de Cielo is perched high on a hill, offering one of the best panoramic views in all of Sedona. This 4-bedroom villa feels like a boutique hotel with its luxurious linens, curated decor, and exceptional service.

The infinity spa, wine cellar, and custom fire features make this an entertainer’s dream. There’s even a telescope in the great room for celestial sightseeing. Located minutes from Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Casa de Cielo is the perfect base for exploring Sedona in style.

9. Adobe Luxe Residence

Adobe Luxe blends traditional Southwest architecture with clean, contemporary design. This 3-bedroom home features exposed adobe walls, arched doorways, and artisan tilework throughout.

The courtyard pool area is a private oasis, complete with a fountain, fireplace, and outdoor shower. Inside, expect top-of-the-line everything—from the Wolf range in the kitchen to the spa-quality bathrooms.

This rental is especially popular with couples or small groups looking for refined comfort with a true Sedona feel. Centrally located yet supremely private, Adobe Luxe is the definition of relaxed elegance.

10. Arizona Sanctuary Experiences

Arizona Sanctuary Experiences isn’t just a vacation rental—it’s a fully immersive luxury retreat. Guests can book exclusive, customized stays that include guided vortex hikes, private sound bath sessions, chakra-balancing spa treatments, and fine dining prepared by private chefs.

The property itself includes multiple guest casitas, a central lodge with designer furnishings, and a private pool overlooking the red rocks. Every detail—from the natural fabrics and earthy tones to the wellness-focused amenities—is curated for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Perfect for couples, solo travelers, or small groups, this sanctuary promises a transformative and deeply luxurious Sedona escape.

Conclusion

From ultra-modern estates to serene desert sanctuaries, Sedona offers a diverse array of luxury vacation rentals that cater to every style of traveler.

Whether you’re soaking in a cliffside hot tub, meditating beside a vortex, or sipping wine under the stars, each of these top-tier properties promises an unforgettable experience framed by the awe-inspiring red rocks.

Sedona is more than just a destination—it’s a feeling, a vibe, and a true escape. For those seeking high-end comfort and natural beauty in perfect harmony, these 10 luxury rentals deliver the ultimate 5-star Arizona retreat.