Tag: travel

Digital Nomad Lifestyle

by Heather Anne • August 25, 2020

The Digital Nomad Lifestyle

What is a digital nomad? It’s someone who is location-independent, and can work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Many digital nomads travel internationally, staying weeks or months in each place. Some others take their work with them on shorter trips, or domestic trips. Chart your own path and choose the itinerary and schedule that best suit you!

Is this lifestyle right for you?

To determine whether this lifestyle is right for you, take an inventory on yourself. If you do, not only will you be determining if this way of life is right for you, you will be able to determine what TYPE of digital nomad is right for you. There are many different ways to embark on this journey!

It may be right for you if:

You have a good work ethic
You’re open minded
You’re open to risk
You’re adaptable
You have a tolerance for being alone
You can succeed without structure

It may not be right for you if:

You have an aversion to hard work
You’re not open minded
You have an aversion to risk
You’re rigid or don’t like change
You crave a strong connection to family and friends
You need a structured environment to succeed

Digital nomad planning pre-trip

Plan for success! To succeed as a digital nomad, there are several considerations you need to address before taking the leap. Sure – you could just “wing it,” and some do. But to maximize the chance that you will be a happy, successful, well-adjusted digital nomad, you should consider the checklist I have outlined below!

You need access to a remote, sustainable income. That income could take many forms, which I will cover later in this post. And multiple income streams will give you even more financial security.
And 3-6 months’ cost of living in savings, OR a pre-paid return ticket, pre-paid accommodations, AND a place to return to. Things happen. It’s a fact of life. So be prepared. Three months’ worth of living expenses can help you ride things out if work is slow or clients are slow paying you. And if your return ticket and accommodations are pre-paid, the panic won’t set in if, for whatever reason, you run out of money. A “home base” to return to could be a home you own or rent, or family you can rely on. This will offer you a secure way out if you need to bail on your trip, or if you decide the lifestyle is not for you.
If you’re in a relationship your partner should be on-board with your plan. Ideally that would mean accompanying you. But it could also mean they are willing to maintain a long-distance relationship. If you opt to enter into a long-distance relationship, be prepared to face major challenges. While apps like Skype can keep people connected, with physical contact limited you lose a lot of the intimacy that relationships thrive on. Of course, if you’re single, you’re good to go!
Do you have kids? It may not be impossible to do this with kids in tow, but I wouldn’t advise it. Children have more difficulty adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, and pulling them out of schools and away from their friends and family can be extremely hard on them. Absolutely the best case scenario here is: no kids, or your kids are over eighteen.

You also need a plan for any pets you may have. Whether or not it’s impossible to bring your pet with you depends on where you’re going and that country’s rules. Make sure you do your research if you want to do this. Another option is to hire a pet-sitter, or leave them with willing friends or family. There’s also some businesses popping up where people exchange use of their home to travelers in exchange for watching their pet. Of course, if you have no pets, there’s no problem!
Personality is important. Take an inventory of your feelings about adapting to foreign cultures. For example, it’s a lot cheaper to get your food at locals’ establishments abroad than foreign or “Western” (assuming you’re not in the West) restaurants. And getting around and conducting your daily routine is definitely easier if you’re willing to pick up some of the language. There’s also manners and routines in the culture to consider. Your success depends on being adaptable!
Consider your health needs. Your first consideration will be whether you need any vaccines before traveling, depending on where in the world you’re going. The second consideration will be your health insurance strategy. This may mean checking to see what any plan you currently have covers abroad. Or thinking about whether you want to obtain health insurance for travel if you don’t currently have a plan. And if you decide to purchase coverage, you’ll want to shop around for the combination of coverage and price that best meet your needs. Don’t forget to read the fine print!

Pros of being a digital nomad

There are many amazing experiences to be had as a digital nomad that will be cherished for a lifetime. And who wouldn’t want to make friends world-wide? Check out some of my pros:

Location freedom
Lower cost of living (depending on where you go)
Cultural worldliness
Sense of adventure
Scheduling freedom (to an extent – consider your clients/employer and the time zone!)

Cons of being a digital nomad

There’s also some pitfalls and myths about being a digital nomad that should not be overlooked. Consider the cons:

Away from familiar social circle for long periods of time
Border and immigration hassles
Hard work and hustle
Possible infrastructure issues (such as potentially slow internet)
Unfamiliar culture and language (although, may be a plus!)
Financial risk (unless you’re living on some kind of guaranteed income or savings)

Immigration considerations

You’ll need to do your research on immigration requirements. Different countries have vastly different requirements for foreign nationals on extended stays. What the requirements are in a place should factor into your decision whether to go there. For some countries, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Britain can stay for a very long time with no visa. The countries of Georgia and Barbados, for example, allow stays for up to a whole year with no visa. In the case of other countries, you do need to leave after a smaller length of time. Often you can stay without interruption between one and six months. But some countries allow you to return after a “visa run.” This is when you leave the country overnight and come back, re-setting the length of time you’re allowed to stay. Then there’s other countries where you’re allowed a fixed amount of time per year, whether you leave and come back or not. You’ll want to have a clear grasp of these regulations for wherever you’re going. Otherwise you may be leaving in the worst way possible – being kicked out!

Digital nomad sources of remote income

Digital nomads have many options when it comes to ways to earn an income remotely. I’ll go through an abbreviated list here!

A lifetime of hard work may earn you retirement. Whether you’re living on a pension, government retirement program, or savings, this is clearly the best option. You’ll have the most time to enjoy your new destination, and your finances will be predictable and stable.
Remote work for a land-based employer. These jobs are tougher to score, but becoming more mainstream. I had success proving myself to an employer in-person at headquarters for a year before requesting the option to work remotely. If you take this route you can prove to your employer you’re indispensable, that you can work without supervision, and that you can be trusted.
Freelancing can be done in a variety of fields. Think about what marketable skills you have, and contract them out to different clients. This is a great opportunity for people from high-demand fields. Some of these include information technology professionals, accountants, language teachers, recruiters, and virtual assistants. You could contract your services out on a platform like Upwork or Fiverr, or market yourself on your own website.
Got a LOT of patience? Blogging or social media influencing may work for you. I can tell you from first hand experience this is a long, tough road. It’s advisable this not be your sole income until you’re well-established. Get grounded before hitting the road. Otherwise, you may find it takes a lot longer to curate a following, and make money from it, than you thought! This is best utilized as a backup stream of income.

Passive income is ideal for nomads. Passive income, like retirement, can give you a lot more time to explore and soak in the sights and sounds of your new home! Passive income can be achieved through investment in the stock and commodities market. Or by investing in real estate – either by buying and flipping properties, renting them out to tenants, or renting them out through agencies like Airbnb.
You could start an online business. This can be done through selling products on a Woo Commerce storefront, through drop shipping, selling products on a site like Etsy, or offering your services through an online business presence. Many of the skills that are good for freelancing are also good for opening an online business. You could also buy an established, existing business to take the helm and run.
Contractor or gig work may be an option… Companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Skip the Dishes are jobs you can take with you, but often only domestically unless you have a work permit for the foreign country you’re headed to. Just like regular employees, contractors also need to be eligible to work in a country to get hired. Be advised, with some of these companies, you need to contact them to switch your home base, and there may be a waiting period. There’s also gig jobs on sites like Craigslist, or through people you meet on the road. Since these jobs are more informal, you may not need to provide documentation that you’re eligible to work. But be aware that if you are outside your home country it’s likely a violation of the law to engage in this type of work, since you’re taking a potential job away from a citizen or resident with a work permit…

More of the digital nomad lifestyle

Thank you for reading! I’ll have more digital nomad content coming soon! Please leave a comment if you’re a digital nomad, or considering becoming a digital nomad! I’d like to hear about your experiences and why you decided to pursue this way of life! And check out my YouTube video on becoming a digital nomad here!

Digital Nomad Overview on YouTube

Want to hit the road right now… virtually…? Check out my blog post on Kusadasi, Turkey! https://ultimatetraveladventures.wordpress.com/2020/07/28/kusadasi-turkey-tour/

And you can view more video tours on the Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube channel at!

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherAnneUltimateTravelAdventures

Travelogue

TOUR Kusadasi Turkey!

by Heather Anne • July 28, 2020

Turkish Patriotism in Kusadasi

Touring Kusadasi, Turkey

A tour of Kusadasi, Turkey treats you to many exotic delights! Kusadasi, (or Kuşadası in Turkish), is a vibrant port city on Turkey’s west coast. It’s a popular stop on cruise ship itineraries. It makes a great launching pad for exciting attractions in the region. These include the poignantly preserved ancient Roman metropolis of Ephesus, which I covered in another blog post here Tour Ephesus Turkey Treasures. Ephesus is a 12 mile trip. Sirince, which I cover in another blog post here Tour Sirince, Turkey, is about a 35 minute drive. If you’re not adverse to a road trip, the spectacular thermal pools of Pamukkale are just under 3 hours’ drive. I’ve marked Pamukkale a must for my next visit to Turkey!

Tepe Neighborhood

Mayor Özer Kayali promoted the Tepe project, which involved painting over 400 homes on this hillside in a rainbow of beautiful shades. He strategically selected this location directly on the port of Kusadasi, because here cruise ships and other tour boats would get their first glimpse of this up-and-coming city. It’s a brilliant sight to behold. It’s on a high perch, visible from much of the downtown area. The Tepe neighborhood stands as both a colorful symbol of the colorful personalities of the Turkish people, and creative spirit of the city.

Okuz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai

Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai

Öküz Mehmed Pasha, military commander in the Ottoman Empire, commissioned the Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai. It was built between 1615 and 1618 and is still standing strong. Today this former customs building for port commerce serves as a hotel. You will feel very safe and secure in this robust fort-like structure! It stands out like an exclamation point a couple of blocks from the port, and is the most noticeable structure in town.

How Turkish Coffee is Served

Turkish Coffee Tasting

Turkish coffee is, admittedly, an acquired taste. It’s like an extra-strength espresso on steroids. So many Turks add sugar to the brew to tone down the bitter notes. When you order a Turkish coffee, you’ll be asked how you want your sugar. I asked a local what’s the most popular request for Turks, and he suggested “medium sugar.” I’m a firm believer in the old “when in Rome…” adage, so I always want to try the local specialties anywhere I go, and preferably in the most authentic form possible. With my “medium sugar” Turkish coffee I received a bowl of delicious candies and fresh water. I enjoy strong flavors, so I liked the coffee. There was a lot of residue at the bottom of the cup – I added some of the water to it so I could finish it off, which worked well!

Cafe Cats in Kusadasi

The cafe I visited was right on the port. I enjoyed beautiful views of the harbor, ships, Kusadasi Castle, and the Tepe neighborhood. I made a new friend – a local cat joined me, sitting on the bench right next to me. There’s a lot of cats out in public areas here, and they’re not afraid of tourists! Shopkeepers and restauranteurs feed them, because they keep the mice away. Do you want to learn more about Turkey’s cats? Check out the amazing film Kedi: click here.

Turkish Carpet Demonstration

Turkish Carpet Demonstrations

Many merchants in town will tell you no visit to Kusadasi is complete without a Turkish Carpet Demonstration. You can experience this visual stimulation all over town, and it will often come with a delicious pastry, Turkish coffee, and a licorice-flavored alcoholic drink Raki. The show was quite the spectacle, but no amount of Raki could have convinced me to spend the thousands of US dollars these merchants wanted for the carpets. They were extremely impressive though, so even though the demonstration was a “sales pitch,” I greatly enjoyed the artistry of their work nonetheless.

Touring around the Port

More to Tour in Kusadasi, Turkey!

There’s much more to tour in and around Kusadasi, Turkey! You can view my full video tour of Kusadasi, Turkey in my YouTube video here!:

And if you still have an appetite for Turkey, check out my other Turkey blog posts here!:

Tour Ephesus Turkey Treasures

Tour Sirince, Turkey

Finally, if you don’t want to miss out on Turkey’s fascinating cats, check out the amazing film Kedi! Click here for Kedi!

Thanks for reading! See you next week!

Disclaimer: ultimatetraveladventures.blog is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. There is absolutely no cost to readers, and all proceeds will be strictly applied to covering the costs of maintaining this blog so that it can continue to serve readers for years to come!

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Travelogue

Tour Sirince, Turkey

by Heather Anne • July 14, 2020

Steep, cobblestoned hills

It’s time to tour Sirince, Turkey!

Time to tour Sirince, Turkey! Sirince has many surprises in store. Sirince is the epitome of a quaint, charming village. This adorable town is a short hop from the port town of Kusadasi, Turkey on the West coast. The ancient Roman city of Ephesus (coming soon in a future post) is also nearby. Give yourself a great variety of Turkish culture by touring these three destinations. You’ll experience the ancient and modern, along with the big city and countryside. You can board a tour out of Kusadsi to both Sirince and Ephesus in a one day trip. Sirince, Turkey is rippled with hills covered in cute little houses, which are adorned with beautifully detailed wood trim. Rusty orange terracotta roofs shimmer in the glimmering sun. Traveling to Sirince, Turkey is truly a pleasure.

Meet Sirince’s four-legged residents!

The narrow streets are lined with cobbled paths, which are traversed by many a friendly furry friend. You’ll find many cats in this area of Turkey! A native of this area told me they keep the mice away and delight tourists! So stop and say “meow” (translation: thank you!) for their hard work patrolling for the kinds of critters you’d probably rather not encounter…

Authentic architecture

What can I do while touring Sirince?

Sirince is a sleepy little village, but there’s plenty of shopping to be had. The cobbled streets, which are lined with shops and stalls, sell mostly local, homemade crafts, clothes, and foods. Prices are outstanding in Turkey. My favorite souvenir has been some handmade olive oil soaps that I picked up for a couple of dollars each. They have a fabulous scent and have lasted me for months after the trip. They remind me of the wonderful sights and smells I enjoyed here each time I use them!

Cute cafes

Tour the culinary traditions of Sirince!

Bring an appetite! If you do, you will find many good deals! There is an abundance of delightful little cafes where you can enjoy mouth-watering local specialties, such as strong Turkish coffee, succulent kabobs of grilled meat, and delectable Turkish delight candies. And the best thing about the cafes here may be the people watching. You can also bring the delight of Turkish delight home with you, so haggle with sellers to get six boxes for less than $20! I particularly recommend the strawberry flavor. Pistachio is another popular flavor.

Whitewashed homes on a hillside

Most memorable moment touring Sirince

Venture to the top of the hills, where Incredible views are to be had! From here you will gaze upon whitewashed homes descending down the slope, brilliantly bright in the shimmering Turkish sun. I had my most memorable moment when I reached the top of the tallest hill, where I could survey the whole amazing town from my high perch!

Conclusion

I highly recommend a stop in Sirince on your next visit to Turkey! At the bottom of the hill where the tour buses arrive it can be tackily touristy, but make your way to the top and you will encounter quiet side streets and spectacular views!

For more touring, Sirince, Turkey, and cats…!

Want to see more of Turkey’s amazing cats? Then I highly recommend this endearing film about them (notice the well-deserved 5-star reviews!):

KEDI the movie

Tour Sirince, Turkey virtually today! You can view the full tour of the charming town of Sirince, Turkey on my YouTube video!:

Video visit to Sirince!

Tour Turkey some more, with my post on Ephesus!:

Tour Ephesus Turkey Treasures

Traveling somewhere soon and want to learn how to order in a restaurant, check into a hotel, and ask for directions in the local language? Check out my Fluenz language review here!:

Fluenz Language Program Review

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Travelogue

Tour Radiant Rome, Italy

by Heather Anne • June 30, 2020

The Colosseum

Tour Rome, Italy

Rome is a delightfully diverse city. Whether you’re seeking painstakingly preserved ancient ruins, beautifully boisterous baroque buildings, or significantly spiritual structures, Rome is the city for you! I spent four amazing days in Rome. This turned out to be just enough time to get a small sample of all this incredible world-class city has to offer. Geographically, Rome is a sprawling expanse. It’s best toured by double-decker tour bus or public transportation. Even if long walking distances don’t bother you, there’s so much to see in so little time (no matter how much time you have…!)

Colosseum Interior

Rome’s Magnificent Colosseum

The Colosseum is often considered the symbol of Rome, and for very good reason. Brilliantly restored, it’s a step back in time to death-defying gladiator fights, bouts with wild animals, massive sea battles. (Yes – they filled the stage area with water and brought in boats…), and more. As I touched the timeworn stones and imagined the pageantry, I could almost feel the vibrant ancient energy of the place.

The Forum

Rome’s Formidable Forum

The Forum is where the ancient Roman government conducted their political business. It was a system which inspired scores of modern political systems. As such, it’s another amazing place to reflect on our collective past. The might of the Roman Empire is apparent in these monoliths still standing centuries later – both physically and symbolically. So much of the way our societies function today we owe to the innovative thinking of the Romans.

St. Peter’s Basilica

The Vatican: Rome’s Country within a Country

A trip to the Vatican lets you explore a tiny independent country, and seat of spiritual superstar the Pope. You can check online for days and times when the Pope will make an appearance. Be advised, reservations are highly, highly urged for the sites of the Vatican to avoid long lines. The Vatican is a wonderful area in which to ponder the beautiful brilliance of baroque, and the magnificent works of Michelangelo and other renaissance masters. It is a Rome must-see for spiritual and secular visitors alike.

Rome. Cityscape image of Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy during sunrise.

The Spanish Steps

Strolling the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are best visited in the evening, where you’ll encounter many locals out for their evening walk – and after the day tourists are gone. Otherwise you can expect to encounter large crowds. The romantic glow of the fountains make this spot a favorite stop for couples. These massive stairs are a great way to work off the gelato you’re going to enjoy later…

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain: the Perfect Nightcap to your Rome Tour

The best way to cap off a day of endless marvels in Rome is to enjoy the Trevi Fountain by night, delectable gelato in hand. The lights enhance the allure of the fountain, and the surrounding traditional architecture. Sit under the stars and soak in the ambience! Relaxed and refreshed, you’ll be ready for sound sleep and an exciting day full of inspiring sightseeing tomorrow!

More ways to tour Rome!

There’s so much more to Rome! You can see a lot more of the city and my time there by clicking the links below:

Video tour of Rome, Italy:

Video tour of my hotel in Rome:

Rome Hotel Blog Post

It’s hard to see a big city like Rome in limited time. For efficiency and convenience, a quality tour in a big city or out to the countryside can’t be beat! I’ve had very good experiences with Viator. They have many Rome options:

Get the lowest prices on Skip-the-Line Tours in Rome

Get the lowest price on Rome Day Trips

Get the lowest price on Rome Multi-day Tours

And visit more great destinations on my YouTube channel here!:

Visit my YouTube channel here!

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Hotel Review

Rome, Italy Hotel Review!

by Heather Anne • June 16, 2020

View from Window

Rome, Italy Hotel Tour: Hilton Garden Inn Claridge

Welcome to my Rome, Italy hotel review! When I had a cruise leaving from Rome, Italy last winter I stayed in Rome a few days to explore. I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Claridge in downtown Rome, and can provide a review here.

Location

The location is in downtown Rome, but in a quiet residential neighborhood, not in the immediate vicinity of the tourist sites. But it’s still fairly convenient, about a 20 to 25 minute walk to the nearest double-decker bus stop. The walk to the stop is confusing – a problem I easily resolved by using Google Directions and choosing the “walk” option. My phone carrier did not charge me, as they considered this activity “low-data” usage. There is a delectable restaurant right next door servicing delicious authentic Italian specialties, including pasta dishes, pizza, tiramisu, and more. Because this hotel is downtown, it is easy to find a shuttle service that will pick you up in the hotel lobby to go to the airport or cruise port.

The Staff

The staff was extremely courteous and friendly, and while I enjoyed having the opportunity to practice my broken traveler’s Italian, I also appreciated their fluency in English. I also appreciated their fluency in Italian when my shuttle van to the cruise port was late, and I asked them to call the company on my behalf! They were happy to do so, and shortly after my van appeared outside the lobby. Maid service was also professionally accomplished, and the servers in the dining room also polite and pleasant. (Breakfast comes at an additional charge if you are not Hilton Honors Gold or higher, but the spread was delicious and diverse, so I recommend it either way.)

The Guest Room

The decor in the room consisted of beautiful wood paneling and modern design. The room was very spacious, especially by European standards. There were separate bedroom and living room areas. The living room included a leather couch and table with coffee and tea maker, as well as a large closet. The bedroom had a television, desk, and window that wasn’t sealed shut. I greatly enjoyed both the view and the fresh air. The bathroom included one sink/mirror section and another section with a toilet, bidet, full-size tub, and Jacuzzi shower. You read that right – the shower was made by Jacuzzi and had jets to surround your entire body as well as a radio. It was very refreshing!

More Rome, Italy!

Thank you for reading! A big thumbs-up on the Hilton Garden Inn Claridge as a great place to stay during a visit to Rome, Italy! To view my blog post on the city of Rome, Italy, click the link below!:

Tour Radiant Rome, Italy

Here you can view my full video tour of my Rome, Italy Hotel:

Get the lowest prices on Skip-the-Line Tours in Rome

Get the lowest price on Rome Day Trips

Get the lowest price on Rome Multi-day Tours

Also check out my YouTube channel for many other destinations and hotel tours!:

Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube Channel

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Uncategorized

Tale of Two Hotels: New York City Edition

by Heather Anne • May 19, 2020

Homewood Suites Lobby

On my last visit to New York I stayed at two hotels, one downtown (Hilton Garden Inn Times Square South in Manhattan), and one easily accessible to downtown in the suburbs (Homewood Suites Edgewater-NYC Area in New Jersey). Depending on your priorities, one or the other may be more suitable for you, but either one is a great choice!

Hilton Garden Inn Guestroom

The Hilton Garden Inn Times Square South is a stone’s throw from the Port Authority, and very centrally located to all of the action. It’s a short walk to the nearest subway, double decker bus stop, Theater District, and heart of Times Square. The neighborhood is abundant with great restaurants in all price ranges, and felt safe to traverse by night or day. The staff was professional and friendly. The room was small, but comfortable.

Hilton Garden Inn View from the Balcony

I was fortunate to get one of only two rooms in the hotel with a balcony, where I enjoyed soaking in the city sights and sounds bird-like from my high perch. The refrigerator was smaller than usual for a Hilton room – rather than “dormitory” size it was very narrow. Normal size water bottles or soda cans wouldn’t fit – but the mini size soda you can sometimes find in the store would have. Not a suitable fridge for dining leftovers, either. Fortunately (or unfortunately!) the weather was cold in March and I used the balcony as a fridge…

The bath was trendy, and shower provided good water pressure and temperature. There’s an ample closet, as well as a desk for working. I had a great nights’ sleep on the very cozy bed.

Hilton Garden Inn Bed

Breakfast at the Garden Inn brand of Hilton is available but there is an extra charge if you are not gold level or higher in their rewards program. But if you are gold, or pay, it’s made to order fresh and delicious. The menu was not as extensive as I’m used to, but that may have been due to the timing (pre/early COVID in mid-March).

There’s no parking on-site, but there is a public parking garage across the street charging $50 per night. Room rates vary depending on your timing… but usually run relatively steep due to the incredible central location in Manhattan. If location is your top priority, I highly recommend this hotel. If price is your highest priority, I suggest another property…

Homewood Suites Living Room

The Homewood Suites Edgewater-NYC Area in Edgewater, New Jersey may not be in Manhattan, but it’s extremely convenient to it for prices usually well below what you’ll pay in Manhattan. It’s also situated in a charming neighborhood of its own, next to lots of interesting shops and restaurants along a pedestrian boulevard.

Homewood Suites Kitchen

Like other properties in the Homewood Suites brand, this hotel is all suites. Each room has a full kitchen (full size fridge, small stove, microwave, sink, dining table, and dishes and utensils). There are also separate lounge and bedroom areas, and an extra-spacious bathroom. There’s two televisions – one in the “living” room and another in the bedroom. Consistent with other hotels under the Hilton umbrella, the bed, furnishings, and showers are very accommodating here.

Homewood Suites Bedroom

Some rooms have New York City views – in my opinion worth the splurge. Breakfast is free for all and consists of a small buffet. Socials are held in the evenings on some days of the week where snacks, beer, and wine are offered. Parking here is free for hotel guests. As for the location – if you want to get into downtown Manhattan it’s no problem. There’s a local bus that picks up across the street that goes straight to the Port Authority in the Times Square area. The ride takes about 10 minutes, and only costs a few dollars each way (seniors also get a discount). I suggest buying a roundtrip ticket when you board in New Jersey – it’s easier than waiting and buying a return ticket at the station when you’re ready to return.

Homewood Suites View from the Room

Both of these hotels are great options if you visit New York City. For a full tour of each, view my YouTube video here:

Hotel Review

New York City Hotels: Two Tours

by Heather Anne • May 19, 2020

Homewood Suites Edgewater-NYC Area Lobby

A Tale of Two New York City Hotels

New York City hotels are abundant. How do you find a good one? I have two recommendations, one downtown and another on the outskirts. On my last visit to New York I stayed at two hotels, one downtown (Hilton Garden Inn Times Square South in Manhattan), and one easily accessible to downtown in the suburbs (Homewood Suites Edgewater-NYC Area in New Jersey). Depending on your priorities, one or the other may be more suitable for you, but either one is a great choice!

Hilton Garden Inn Times Square South Exterior

Hilton Garden Inn Times Square South

Views from Hilton Garden Inn Balcony

The bath was trendy, and shower provided good water pressure and temperature. There’s an ample closet, as well as a desk for working. I had a great nights’ sleep on the very cozy bed.

Hilton Garden Inn Guestroom

Amenities

Homewood Suites Living Room

Homewood Suites Edgewater-NYC Area

Homewood Suites Kitchen

Homewood Suites Bedroom

Homewood Suites View

More on New York City Hotels, and More!

Thanks for reading my review of New York City hotels! Both of these options are great places to stay if you visit New York City. If you’re willing to pay more, the Hilton Garden Inn can’t be beat for location convenience, but for a more-budget friendly option easily accessible by bus to downtown, try the Homewood Suites! For a full visual tour of each, view my YouTube video here:

Take a virtual tour of New York City here!:

Read my New York City blog post here!:

New York City Tour! (Pre/early COVID)

And for more travel destinations and hotel tours, visit my YouTube channel here!:

Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube Channel

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Uncategorized

New York City Tour! (Pre/early COVID)

by Heather Anne • May 12, 2020

Times Square at Night

These are tough times for all of us, no thanks to the COVID outbreak, and New York City in particular is facing challenges. I know a lot of us can’t wait until the “city that never sleeps” wakes up again. In the meantime, I can share some images with you from my visit in mid-March, when news was beginning to surface about COVID but the city wasn’t in full shutdown mode yet.

Times Square by Day

Times Square is arguably one of the most iconic locations in New York – and usually one of the most crowded, too. But auto and pedestrian traffic was a little lighter, and became even lighter day by day during my visit. The square was still alive with its signature bright neon lights and colorful characters, though…

Views from Empire State Building

South Street Seaport Pier

South Street Seaport is one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York. Here you can inspect historic ships on the pier, or catch the New York Water Taxi for a tour of the harbor. Along cobbled streets stand the South Street Seaport Museum, and many opportunities for shopping.

South Street Seaport Museum

I recommend an outing on the New York Water Taxi from South Street Seaport, which will grant you outstanding views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty, and which will take you to additional stops where you can disembark and explore, like Midtown and Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Bridge

We managed to catch the very last Water Taxi running – as soon as our trip was over it was shut down due to COVID. We were relieved to have caught the last one, but sad to see it have to shut down. This is one of the best experiences for visitors to New York.

Statue of Liberty

Ordinarily the Statue of Liberty would be swarmed with huge crowds, but not on this day… apparently it was already closed. And although the Water Taxi closed after this run, we were able to enjoy the double-decker bus for another day, which allowed us to explore downtown, midtown, uptown, Harlem, and Brooklyn, with the ability to hop on and hop off at various sights. It’s a very convenient way to get around the city, and with great views, that I highly recommend.

M & M’s World

If you have a sweet tooth, no visit to New York is complete without a stop at M & M’s World in Times Square! Here you will find rows and rows of tubes of a rainbow of these delights, and samples are available! Many varieties are available here that you won’t find at your local grocery or pharmacy. You can also shop for an array of branded merchandise.

Junior’s Cheesecake

I recommend trying out Junior’s restaurant in the Theater District. Here you can indulge in authentic New York specialties like a Brooklyn Egg Cream, Pastrami Sandwich, and world-renown New York Cheesecake! It’s a little pricey, but portions are huge – take a friend and share and you’ll both be satisfied!

Central Park

What better way to stroll off those calories than a stroll through Central Park? It’s a relaxing oasis amid this bustling concrete jungle.

I realize that this post may be controversial – that there may be some who feel it was irresponsible of us to visit New York in mid-March, 2020. And I’m sure there are others who applaud our determination to keep living our lives. We were in New York anticipating a cruise on the 15th that ended up being canceled two days before embarkation, so we remained in the city a couple more days before departing. At that time, there was a lot of confusion, and news of the virus was newly surfacing. The extent of the danger was not yet clear. To those who may be distressed by this post, know that after our visit we returned straight home and quarantined for 14 days. And to anyone wondering, no, we didn’t get sick.

Please join us for our full New York City tour here:

Thank you for reading! A review of two New York City hotels is coming up next!

Travelogue

New York City Tour!

by Heather Anne • May 12, 2020

Times Square at Night

New York City: COVID-19 Edition

I did a New York City tour right around the outset of the Coronavirus pandemic in March. It was before it was really clear what was happening. These are tough times for all of us, no thanks to the COVID-19 outbreak. New York City in particular faces many challenges. I know a lot of us can’t wait until the “city that never sleeps” wakes up again. So in the meantime, I can share some images with you from my visit in mid-March, when news was beginning to surface about COVID but the city wasn’t in full shutdown mode yet.

Times Square by Day

Times Square

Times Square is arguably one of the most iconic locations in New York – and usually one of the most crowded, too. But auto and pedestrian traffic was a little lighter, and became even lighter day by day during my visit. The sea of people I encountered on previous visits to Times Square was noticeably absent this time. But the square was still alive with its signature rainbow of bright neon lights and colorful characters in costume, though…

Views from the Empire State Building

Empire State Building

We managed to visit the Empire State Building observatory two days before it closed due to COVID. What a lucky break for us, not to miss these incredible views. Here is a view of downtown, including the towering One World Trade Center standing guard over the rest of the city, symbolically. In the background you can also see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. We enjoyed the art-deco decor of the structure as we proceeded through the lobbies on our way up to the observatory. Once up top you can walk all the way around the building to see the spectacular panoramic scenes.

South Street Seaport Pier

South Street Seaport

South Street Seaport is one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York. Here you can inspect historic ships on the pier, or catch the New York Water Taxi for a tour of the harbor. And along cobbled streets stand the South Street Seaport Museum, as well as many opportunities for shopping. There’s a convenient stop for the double-decker bus tours.

South Street Seaport

New York City Water Taxi

I recommend an outing on the New York Water Taxi from South Street Seaport. I enjoyed outstanding views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan skyline, and Statue of Liberty from the boat. In addition to giving you a tour of the harbor, the taxi will also take you to additional stops where you can disembark and explore, like Midtown and Brooklyn. It’s a hop-on-hop-off experience, just like the double-decker bus. It was windy and chilly in March, but well worth it!

Brooklyn Bridge

We managed to catch the very last Water Taxi running, because as soon as our trip was over it was shut down due to COVID. It was a relief to have caught the last boat, but sad to see it have to shut down. This is one of the best experiences for visitors to New York, and I highly recommend it when the outbreak subsides.

Statue of Liberty

Ordinarily the Statue of Liberty would be swarmed with huge crowds, but not on this day… apparently it was already closed. Still, we got up-close and personal with her from the boat, which swung around to allow passengers on both sides of the boat to catch a glimpse. Possibly one of the most iconic structures in the world, it’s an absolute must-see. If you prefer not to pay, the free Staten Island Ferry will give you a view of her too, albeit slightly more distant.

Double-decker Bus: Great Way to Tour New York

Although the Water Taxi closed after this run we took, we were able to enjoy the double-decker bus for another day. This allowed us to explore downtown, midtown, uptown, Harlem, and Brooklyn, for a couple more days, with the ability to hop on and hop off at various sights. The double-decker bus is a very convenient way to get around the city, and offers great views. I highly recommend getting around New York City and getting a bird’s-eye view from the top of the bus.

M & M’s World

If you have a sweet tooth, no visit to New York is complete without a stop at M & M’s World in Times Square! Here you will find rows and rows of tubes of a rainbow of these delights, and samples are available! Many varieties are available here that you won’t find at your local grocery or pharmacy. And you can also shop for an array of branded merchandise. So leave your diet behind and let your inner “kid in a candy store” out!

Junior’s Diner Cheesecake

Authentic New York Treats at Junior’s Diner

I recommend trying out Junior’s Diner in the Theater District. Here you can indulge in delectable and authentic New York specialties like a Brooklyn Egg Cream, Pastrami Sandwich, and world-renown New York Cheesecake! It’s a little pricey, but portions are huge – take a friend and share and you’ll both be satisfied!

Central Park

No New York City tour is complete without a visit to Central Park. And what better way to shed off those calories than a stroll through this iconic landmark? It’s a relaxing oasis amid this bustling concrete jungle. Horse and carriage rides are another fun way to get around the park, but are a better value in a group of travelers sharing the cost. These rides were running about $50 for 20 minutes when I visited.

Tour More of New York City, and More!

First a disclaimer: I realize that this post may be controversial – that there may be some who feel it was irresponsible of us to visit New York in mid-March, 2020. And I’m sure there are others who applaud our determination to keep living our lives. We were in New York anticipating a cruise on the 15th that ended up being canceled two days before embarkation, so we remained in the city a couple more days before departing. At that time, there was a lot of confusion, and news of the virus was newly surfacing. The extent of the danger was not yet clear. To those who may be distressed by this post, know that after our visit we returned straight home and quarantined for 14 days. And to anyone wondering, no, we didn’t get sick.

Thanks for reading my New York City tour; catch my New York City video tour here!:

If you’re looking for places to stay in New York City, check out my blog post here:

New York City Hotels: Two Tours

And for more video tours of many destinations world-wide, check out my YouTube channel here!:

Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube Channel

When you visit a big city like New York, I highly recommend taking a tour or getting a City Pass so that you’re able to save money and skip the lines! I like the way you can visit several attractions at a discount, without buying tickets at each one. Check it out here!:

Save up to 50% on combined prices for admission to must-see attractions! Shop Now at CityPASS.com!

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of New York!

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travel

Michigan Cabin, Florida Condo… Snowbird?

by Heather Anne • April 29, 2019

Michigan Cabin, April

After a month of being astounded by the spectacular scenery of Michigan last fall I was hooked. I knew I needed a place up here. It was the same feeling I had about Florida before I got the condo there. And despite extensive traveling, and having an incredible time in so many places, I never quite felt this way about anyplace else. I was home. Twice.

Beach by Florida Condo, November

Since I got this cabin in Michigan people have constantly declared “Oh, so you’re a snowbird!” But it’s not that simple. Growing up in Boston, I realized winter can provide a powdery paradise… in moderation…! I suppose the origin of this assumption is that, perhaps, these people themselves would prefer year-round summer, so it makes sense to them? (Is this you? Please leave a comment!) After being in Florida for a year I actually missed the seasons, especially my favorite – autumn. Just so happens autumn is, at least in my opinion, the most spectacular time of year in Michigan. The trees are blazing with vibrant color, and the most succulent, delicious apples await your selection at the vast pick-your-own orchards across the state. A drive through the “tunnel of trees” and visit to the peak of Brockway Mountain in the Upper Peninsula provide the perfect immersion into this fall fiesta of firey shades. Sometimes change is good…

My Michigan Street

And then there’s the oft-shunned winter season. I get it – growing up in Boston the first snowfall was always welcome, but that welcome usually wore out fast. And by mid-January, true, I was so over it. But imagine my delight closing on this cabin in Michigan, in April, and experiencing the snowfall that had eluded me after spending most of the season in Florida. The dazzling sparkle of fresh, clean snow, the brilliant bounty of white trees, the powdery sift of snowflakes sprinkling through the sky, the pleasing crunching sound the snow makes when you step through it… This isn’t the warm, tropical, ocean-breeze paradise of Florida, but it’s paradise in its own way.

Diversity of experience makes life more interesting. I find this applies to the seasons as well. I admit – I doubt I’ll be spending the whole winter in Michigan, but I definitely won’t be following a snowbird schedule, either!