Hiking - Where the Wild Things Are

In the North American woods you must always concern yourself about where the wild things are while you are hiking. We are not talking about animals you surprise or those defending their young which all animals would do. This is about unprovoked attacks which are uncommon but do occur.

So what sort of wild things must you concern yourself with while hiking?

Coyotes - they live in urban areas as well as in the wilds and the good thing is they rarely attack a human. In the past decade there is only one reported death from a coyote. A woman was attacked in Cape Breton National Park while hiking in 2009.

Wolves - again despite the reputation of the big bad wolf, they are afraid of humans and will flee. There has never been a recorded attack of a healthy wolf on a human, although a few attacks have come from wolves that were rabid.

Bears - attacks are rare but they do occur so when hiking in the back country always carry bear spray that is accessible at all times. All bears can be dangerous but the grizzly seems to be more temperamental than the black bear.

Moose - surprisingly moose attacks are more common than those from bears. Due to their huge size they can be dangerous. Most moose attacks occur in the fall mating season.

Snakes - in North America most snakes are shy creatures and will not attack unless provoked. It is usually a case of the hiker not watching where they are walking in areas where there are poisonous snakes live.

Birds - again not common but bird attacks can occur. Get too close to Canada geese and they do bit. In 2009 a bird believed to be a hawk protecting its nest attacked 3 hikers on separate occasions in Fundy National Park in New Brunswick causing closure of the trail..

Mountain lions - are at home in the mountains of the west and have been known to attack hikers and joggers on occasion. The difficulty is they tend to stalk their prey and attacks can be sudden.

Do not be alarmed by these rare threats while hiking. As you always do just keep you eyes open, hike safe and watch where the wild things are. The only other wild things on the hiking trails are other people and fortunately most hikers are friendly.

By : Tom_Oxby

Adventure - Hungry Brits Could Be Taking a Risk Without Cover

Thinking of going without travel insurance on a winter sports break? You may want to think again.

People who thoroughly enjoyed playing around in the white stuff that covered much of Britain earlier this month may have been encouraged to try their hand at a winter sports holiday.

Indeed, the Ski Club of Great Britain told the Guardian that thousands of people will jet off to places like the Alps in the coming weeks - but many of them could risk being left seriously out of pocket by not taking out travel insurance cover.

In fact, as many as half of the daredevils heading out to take to the pistes may not bother with travel insurance at all, despite the fact that accidents can be costly.

Recent reports in the Telegraph suggested that it could cost as much as £10,000 to be airlifted off a mountain should the unthinkable happen, an amount that we suspect most people could not afford.

The Ski Club advised anyone thinking of trying winter sports - including things like tobogganing - to make sure they take out adequate cover beforehand.

If you want complete peace of mind on the piste, it's well worth making sure you are all covered before you go so your holiday can be as relaxing as you want it to be.

Our very own Martin Rothwell also warned holidaymakers to check the small print before taking out any policies - some will not cover you if you plan to pursue adventurous activities, which will not be much use on a skiing trip!

By : David_John_Martin

Haunted Weekends - An Extraordinary Group Outing

Planning a group weekend away? What would they think about haunted weekends?

If it's your turn to plan an outing for a group of friends, why not aim for stepping outside of the every day group outing. Forget bowling, the movies, or a game of charades. How about looking into haunted weekends, instead?

What kind of weekend?

There's an increasing level of popularity and interest in pursuing the paranormal. If you've watched any shows on TV, you'll know that there are experts and ghost chasers who dedicate time to following the unexplained.

If your friends love sitting around telling ghost stories round a campfire, maybe they'd be intrigued with the prospect of:

* Touring a haunted castle or pub
* Having a seance
* Ghost hunting

Haunted weekends can be great fun. Talk about an adrenaline rush! These aren't about smoke and mirrors or simply scaring you with ghost stories.

Many events put on throughout the UK are done with the serious intention of investigating areas that have been known for paranormal activities and ghost sightings. Go along for the ride...you never know what might happen.

If you're setting one of these outings up, here are some tips for you:

* Don't organise an event like this in secret when doing it for a group. You really have no way whatsoever of knowing whether or not all of your friends will want to partake in this sort of event so it's a good idea to be up front about the type of weekend you're planning.

* Organise the weekend with an experienced event planner who specialises in paranormal events. That way, you'll be sure the experience will be an intriguing one, handled by someone who knows how to increase the chances of these types of outings being a success.

* Make it safe. Go prepared. Have cameras, changes of clothing, snacks and water, and a first aid kit.

* Make it an alcohol-free event. Most paranormal weekend event companies make this a requirement for safety purposes

What can you expect on such a weekend?

Different events can be happening and you may want to plan based around a specific event that sounds perfect for your group. Many of these outings are planned with psychic mediums in attendance and could even be filmed as well.

Many mediums use technology to help them discover the secrets and the truths behind legends. Mightn't it be interesting to witness this and see what happens?

Most outings are planned for small groups, which are always supervised. As you learn about the area you're investigating, you may even get to use paranormal detection equipment yourself.

There is definitely no shortage of people interested in the paranormal and if you and your group thrives on the thrilling and chilling, you'll most likely start making haunted weekends a regular group outing.

By : Chris_Jenkinson

Darjeeling Treks Up For Snow

Darjeeling is the hill station that is called as the "Queen of Hills" and is located at the forest trails at the Nepalese border and the visitors can also afford to see the Kanchenjunga and also the glimpse of the Everast, Lhotsa and Makalu.

The climate of Darjeeling is almost similar to the Nepal. The weather after monsoon thats October and November is having the warm temperature in the valley region.

In the month of January and December the temperature drops till 0 degrees still trekking in Darjeeling is interesting and enjoyable.

But the best time considered for trekking is the spring when flowers bloom and the days are longer. The most easy trail in Darjeeling is the Sandakphu and Phalut and it also offers the wonderful views of the Himalayan range.

High altitude trekking in Darjeeling

Singalila Treks:

Trekking in the eastern Himalayan region both in the high and lower altitude areas. The most popular trek in Darjeeling is the Singalila range which starts from the Maneybhanjang which goes to the Meghma, Toughu, Gairibas, Sandakphu and Phalut. The last day in the trek to Darjeeling the which can take along the same route through Ramman, Rimbick and Bijanbari.

Kalimpong Treks:

Another adventurous trek in higher altitude in Darjeeling is the Kalimpong region from Relli, Pankhasari and Neora and it leads to the highest point in the areas Rochella at the 3400 meters. The trekkers enjoys the natural beauty of the Himalayan flora, birds and wildlife that can be seen and also enjoyed on the route.

Lower Altitude Treks in Darjeeling

The recommendations for the lower altitude treks is only given to the tourists who wants to take up stroll at the leisurely pace. The Kalimpong- Relli trek through the golden paddy fields, the tea gardens thats Kurseong- Namsu trail and the Kurseong- Mirik trek is the main trail in the lower altitude areas.

Darjeeling- Batast- Tonglo- Sandakphu- Return

Its the 6/7 days trekking from Manesshaganj which is located at the distance of around 26 kilometers from Darjeeling. The route treks gives the views of Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest from Rhodendrons from Phalut and Sandakphu.

Best time for trekking in Darjeeling

The year's best time to undertake the trekking in Darjeeling is April- May and October- November. It has been recommended that travelers must carry their own provisions. The trekking equipment can be hired at the most affordable cost from the youth hostel and from some of the travel agencies.

By : Neha_Verma

Mauritius - Adventure Forever

Mauritius reckons the distinction of being one of the most alluring islands in the world. God found mankind getting completely bucked up from their daily chores, so he made Mauritius to chill out on the vacations. This mesmerizing island is beleaguered by a vast expanse of coral reefs and effulgent sandy beaches.

This fabulous island is said to be a chic vacationing destination in the world. Stepping back from the palm lined coast, one finds a stunning backdrop of majestic mountains, canopy of rain forests and vast sugar plantations.

An astonishing blend of culture, history and hospitality makes Mauritius a perennial favorite for travelers. Mauritius is full of galloping experiences such as that of the Black river Gorges national park which has some really beautiful natural scenery to behold.

It also has some unique plant and bird life. The Golden Bamboo, Chewing gum tree, fish poison trees are the key attractions and how can one miss the Giant Victoria Regia water lilies.

There is still another face of Mauritius to enjoy especially for those adventure freaks. Adventurers thrill themselves with scuba diving, snorkeling and those believing in posh life style have golf to savor their platter.

Now we have something for those family visitors and especially those weeping toddlers. Deer island is a true sojourn for them.

Apart from this, one can enjoy the Catamaran cruise where one can indulge in lot of Dolphin watching. Also, treat your eyes with fabulous beauty of Crystal rock and Benitiers island.

The intrinsic connections of Dolphins with humans have made them the most fascinating sea creatures. It's truly enchanting seeing the Dolphin perform ballet in water.

Now let me take you for sightseeing the Discover Phoenix, a dormant volcano at Trou aux Cerfs. Once in Mauritius a must trip to the Hindu holy lake at Grand Bassin which is really unforgettable. The only break which one can expect is the perfect barrier reef encircling Mauritius in the South.

Therefore, there is no stoppage for enjoyment in Mauritius.

By : Lopa_Mishra

Guide to Trekking Vacations - Before You Trek

Backpacking, trekking, or exploring are much the same thing. They all involve the art of adventure and finding out new things in an area. The trip can be a great deal of fun and teach you a lot.

Be wary though, as if you go out unprepared you may not have a good trip. Bringing the right equipment along is vital and can sometimes mean life or death. A few of the items you may want to bring along with you are a first aid kit, water purification items, and a flashlight.

When you are in the wilderness many things can cause you harm. Whether it is a cut from falling, a sprained ankle, or an infection from a plant, you want to be prepared. Make sure you have a first aid kit with you.

It needs to have bandages and cleaning items, as well as gauze and perhaps light pain-killers. You can include other items you find important. Most kits, however, come with the essentials.

If you run out of water on a trek you must be able to get more. Drinking from ponds and streams can cause you to get sick in many different ways.

Being sick on a trek can cause you serious injury or even death. Bringing iodine tablets or chlorine packets can effectively clean any water you may use. It may taste odd but it will keep you alive.

Going on a trek means you might be outside at night or in the evening. Although hiking at night isn't a good idea, it may happen.

Bringing alone a small flashlight and batteries will enable you to see better and ensure that you do not fall and harm yourself. Always make sure to pack extra batteries if you have the type of flashlight that requires them.

If you are organizing your travel adventure then ensure you use some of the many planning resources to help you to plan your trip with ease, such as travel guide books, tour brochures and travel guides online such as http://www.puretravel.com which has loads of location advice, travel tips, destination photos and plenty of suggestions on what to do and what to see. This is a one stop travel guide to help you to plan your trip easily and cost effectively.

By : Julie_Bowman

Adventure Trips - From the Extreme to the More Laidback, New Zealand Has it All!

Adventure comes in many forms and for most of us it's moving out of our comfort zone and having an unusual or exciting experience where often there is danger or some kind of risk involved.

There are a huge range of extremes - for some people booking a first-time international air ticket is enough but others thrive on taking holidays where the whole trip must be an adventure; from having no contact with the outside world, to getting robbed in broad daylight, to negotiating dodgy transport that even the locals won't use.

The vast majority of travelers want exciting activity options with the hazards outlined clearly, degrees of fitness (or madness) required and reviews of the activity posted up on the internet for everyone to see.

New Zealand has been a mecca for adrenaline junkies for years, and the increase in commercial activity tourism was arguably kick-started in 1987 by a crazy Kiwi guy jumping off the Eiffel Tower in Paris, attached to a super-stretchy elastic bungy cord.

A J Hackett's stunt took the world by storm and the following year he created a site in Queenstown, New Zealand to become the world's first commercial public bungy.

Originally inspired by the "land divers" of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu - young men who jumped from tall wooden platforms with vines tied to their ankles as a test of their courage and passage into manhood - A J Hackett became the 'father of bungy jumping' expanding his adventure business from New Zealand to Europe, America and Asia.

Queenstown took the new bungy jump attraction to heart and as more tourism operators started, the town was labeled the 'adventure capital of the world' - a title it still claims today, twenty years later.

Now tourists in New Zealand can choose from a wide range of exciting activities in the air, on land or in the water.

At the quieter end of the extreme scale you can go horse trekking for a day or on a guided walk through ancient limestone caves, while building yourself up for G force tandem paragliding, aerobatic stunt plane rides or maybe a spot of heli rafting.

The best thing about planning your adventure trip in New Zealand is that the whole country is in on the 'adrenaline' buzz so you're not tied down geographically.

As a lot of these activities are weather dependent - if for example your sky dive is cancelled in Paihia then you can try your jump in Taupo and moving southwards in your trip, you'll easily find more providers to fulfill your skydive dream.

New Zealand operates to international guiding standards and is leading the way in regulation assessments in a number of areas including rafting, kayaking and canyoning.

Having qualified companies all over the country gives travelers less excuses to not take the plunge and look their fear in the face! Whether adventure is a state of mind, an addiction or a one-off life changing experience for you, then a New Zealand trip is full of endless possibilities.

By : David_Francis

The New Milestones of Mount Everest

We all know that Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first mountaineers to conquer Mount Everest (8,848 m), and many of us will have heard that Sir Ranulph Fiennes was the first British pensioner to make the summit in 2009.

But there are always new records being set and new challenges being launched from Everest Base Camp.

It seems everything about this historic staging area is dramatic: the determination and the accomplishments of the people that pass through Base Camp, and Everest's spectacular form towering above.

Everest Milestones

There's an unusual long-distance traveller on the move right now that has a close association with Mount Everest. Curiously, the traveller is not a person but a moon rock.

The lunar sample, collected from the Sea of Tranquillity during the historic Apollo 11 landing, will be a passenger on a journey back out of the earth's atmosphere as part of a 2010 NASA launch to the International Space Station.

The long-travelling rock will be partnered with one collected from Mount Everest and made part of a display in the ISS, so that both the Moon and the Earth will be represented in the space station that floats between the two celestial bodies.

It is a simple gesture that demonstrates our ingenuity and determination to overcome great distances and difficulty in the name of exploration.

The moon rock was with the astronaut Scott Parazynski when he climbed from Everest Base Camp to the mountain's summit in May 2009 and will be united in orbit with the Everest rock early in February 2010.

Records set in Stone

The following month, Everest Base Camp will become home for a young man with big ambitions. At the age of just thirteen, Jordan Romero from California aims to become the youngest person to climb the highest peaks in seven continents. Everest will be the last mountain on his list to climb to complete the prestigious Seven Peaks Challenge.

Jordan will be following in the youthful footsteps of the current record holder, Johnny Strange, who began his series of seven mighty climbs at the age of twelve, and completed the Seven Peaks five years later in June 2009, setting a world record in the process.

If all goes well for Jordan Romero, he will better Johnny's record by a full three years, which he says will make him feel "super stoked".

The Seven Peaks Challenge is no mean feat, and it has taken the teenager all over the world. Jordan has climbed the highest mountains in the Andes and Australia; he has travelled to the hard to reach Vinson Massif (4,892 m) in Antarctica, and has conquered Mt Kilimanjaro (5,892 m), Elbrus (5,642 m) in Russia, and McKinley (6,194 m) in Alaska.

Jordan's seventh expedition in the series will begin with a gradual acclimatisation along Everest Base Camp trek, following on from a number of preparatory climbs he has already made to get his body used to the high altitude. Then Everest is waiting.

Jordan has estimated that he will have to make a number of training runs up the mountain from Everest Base Camp before he will be ready for a summit bid, a process which could take as long as two months to complete, weather permitting.

By : Jude_Limburn_Turner

Corbett National Park Tour

Occupying a treasured place on the itinerary of wildlife lovers, Corbett National Park is a great holiday destination. The Park boosts of a good population of tigers and a variety of other wildlife.

It is ideally set in a picturesque location in the Himalayan foothills in the wondrous state of Uttaranchal. To capture the wilderness of this destination tourists come here from across the globe.

The most enchanting residents of the Park are tigers, leopards and crocodiles. The Park was establishing in the year 1936 and was named after the famous author and wildlife conservationist Jim Corbett who played an important role in laying its foundation.

Covering an area of 520 sq km, the park is endowed with diverse topography consisting of wet and dry, plain and mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and grasslands.

It is one of the oldest national parks of India which can be best visited from October to March. The arresting rivers, streams and ridges criss-crossing its terrain are the other attractive features of the park.

The park is dotted with more than 600 tree species including shrubs, herbs, bamboos, grasses, ferns and climbers. Visitors can enjoy the sights of a variety of wildlife inside the Park.

Tigers, leopard, sambar, deer, langur monkeys, wild boars, peacocks, spotted deer, crocodiles, Sloth and Himalayan Black bears, Indian Grey Mongoose, otters, yellow-throated martens,and wild elephants are a few to name.

Around 580 bird species inhabit the park making it alive with their melodious voice. Some migratory birds can also be sighted here.

To add more adventure to your visit you can indulge in fishing near the Park at Pancheshwar, Ramgarh and Binsar. But for that you need to take special permission from forest officials.

By : Sanjog_KR

Kaziranga National Park Tour

Renowned the world over for its endangered one-horned Rhino and a variety of other wildlife, Kaziranga National Park is an important wildlife destination of India. Set ideally on the banks of River Brahmaputra, it is a World Heritage Sitelocated in the enchanting state of Assam.

It has the highest density of tigers among protected ares in the world. It was recognized as a Tiger Reserve in 2006. It is also declared an important Bird Area by Birdlife International for conservation of bird species. This Park has played a significant role in wildlife conservation. It was recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1940.

Covering an area of 430 sq km, this Park is a home to mesmerizing wildlife such as Indian Elephants, Hog Deer, Indian Bison, Capped Langurs, Swamp Deer, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Sloth Bears, Jungle Cats, Jackal, Otters, Hog Badgers, Wild Boar, Pythons, Wild Buffalo and Monitor Lizards.

Its landscape encompasses tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests. There are several water bodies in the Park, which serve as promising sites for wildlife sighting.

The Park is also a bird's paradise where you can sight a variety of colorful birds such as Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Himalayan Griffon, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Black-Shouldered Kite and Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle.

If you visit the Park during the winters you might see beautiful migratory birds such as Greylag Geese, Gadwall, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-Headed Geese, Red-Crested Pochard, Falcated Duck and Northern Shoveller.

A visit to Kaziranga National Park will surely crown your holidays with wonderful memories which you can cherish for long.

By : Sanjog_KR

Goa Adventure Sports - Paradise For a Water Lover

The small state Goa, popularly known as 'paradise for water lover', has evolved as one of the major adventure destinations of the world. The miles stretched coastal areas, rivers and lakes make it an ideal place for adventurous water sports activities.

This place offers action-packed holiday package where visitors can dive into azure sea or para-glide over palm fringed beaches. The world class water sports facilities and training courses offered at this place provide enthralling experiences to visitors.

Some of the most famous Goa water sports are surfing, snorkelling, jet-skiing, boogie boarding, scuba diving, water-skiing, para-sailing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing. At this place one can also enjoy an exciting ride on a water-scooter or a speedboat ride.

Fascinating Sport Activities: Windsurfing:
It is a combination of surfing and sailing. The wind surfer has to adjust strength and balance according to the changing pattern of wind and water. It is the most popular water sports of Goa. This pulse racing sport provides a chance to sail across the rising waves, which is full of fun, thrill and excitement.

Famous windsurfing sites in Goa include the beaches of Calangute, Colva, Pololem, Vagator, Baga, Dona Paula, Miramar and Bogmolo. The Dona Paula bay is considered ideal for the amateurs who are in the process of learning windsurfing.

Some other prominent water sports of the region are: Water Skiing:

It is a sport where an individual is pulled behind a motor boat or a cable ski installation on a water surface. This sport is meant for a person who is a speed- freak. The skiing at high speed gives you immense pleasure.

The steep turn, serpentine movement, high rise over waves and finally high speed movement make the water skiing popular among the water lovers as well as tourists. The famous water skiing sites of Gao are Candolim, Calanguate, Arossim, Mobor and Rajbaga.

Scuba Diving:

This is other popular water sport activities among tourists in Goa. This under water dive provides a chance to catch the mesmerising glimpses of marine life. This water activity gives fun of swimming with lobsters, bright coloured fish, coral heeds and other marine life.

Under water beauty of azure sea is the centre of attraction of this water sport activity. The well known destinations of scuba diving in Goa are Grande islands, St. George island, Devagh island and Pigeon island.

Goa is the hub of water sports in India. Apart from the above mentioned water activities tourists can also enjoy the fun of Water Scooting, Beach Parasailing, Angiling and Dinghly Sailing.

By : Sanjog_KR

Some Reasons to Visit Jamaica

Visit our tropical beaches

Jamaica is described as the land of wood and water. In Jamaica you won't have any shortage of fun in the sun. Imagine a day in Negril where we have seven miles of white sand beach and when the sun sets the fun begins.

You can choose to dine at any of our fine restaurants on the Westend while you experience the famous Negril sunset. Take your cameras you won't want to forget the beauty, peace and fun Negril offers.

While Negril is beautiful its just one end of the amazing island on the South cost there is the amazing YSfalls that will absolutely trill you.

After YSFalls you may believe that you have seen paradise but your journey as just began lets travel to Montego Bay to the Doctors Cave beach located along the hip strip.

The Doctors Cave Beach is rumored to have medicinal properties so take a swim and find out for yourself. Your stay in Jamaica would not be complete unless you have visited Dunns River Falls.

Jamaica's famous Dunns Rivers Falls is an absolute thriller it is one of those things you just have to experience in your life time.

Reggae

Music is the language of the soul and reggae is the beat of the heart. Your bones will move to this amazing sound without much effort on your part.

While reggae is diverse there is something for everyone just like contemporary dancehall artist Busy Signal said he can deliver "any style whe she want" Reggae music will move you any how you like it.

Some people go while to the sound of dancehall Reggae while other would rather to be on the beach and move to Bob Marley while enjoying the famous the Jamaican bear.

To get a good feel of the music you can take advantage of our music festivals like Reggae Sunfest or our shows like Rebel Salute.

To ensure that you can enjoy the shows and not be stuck in traffic trying to travel to the show it is best to stay at a location close to the show and travel a or 2 day before the show.

To find excellent vacation homes around the island go mobaymsb.com where there are several listings. Reggae is the best thing that can ever happen to your ears.

The Food

Treat you taste buds to some native Jamaican food. My personal favorite is roast breadfruit and ackee.

The island host several food festivals my favorite is the Trelawny yam festival I am still trying to prepare roast yam like I had a last year's festival.

There are no words to describe this exquisite taste of food grown and prepare in Jamaica by Jamaicans who can cook.

See the Entire Island

While most of the beaches and attractions are located along the North and South cost, there are some attractions outside of Montego Bay, Ocho Ríos and Negril.

For example there is the Bob Marley museum in Kingstown. While planning your vacation take a look at mobaymsb.com to find excellent properties that you can make your home away from home.

At mobaymsb.com you may even discover that you purchase a piece of paradise for your retirement.

By : Kemeice_Parson

10 Top Tips For Visitors to Australia's Outback

Visiting the Australian Outback can be a unique and exciting experience, particularly for those living outside Australia.

Many go there for adventure, others seeking jobs working in a strange environment so different to home. But it also has its hazards.

Here are 10 suggestions to help you with your planning. They might even save your life!

1. Visit the northern part of Australia in the months from April to October when the weather is much cooler and more pleasant.

Many visitors find the heat to be very tiring and overpowering, particularly after leaving a Northern Hemisphere winter.

The southern states and cities are great in the warmer months from November to March. The ideal time to enjoy those Aussie beaches.

2. Be prepared for totally new experiences to those back home. If the locals invite you to go spotlighting, a barbaric "sport" involving shooting kangaroos at night, using a spotlight -go!. Just think of the stories you can tell when you return home.

3. Always take sun protection, including a broad rim hat, sunglasses and sunburn cream.

4. Always take plenty of drinking water, particularly if you are driving over long distances. Dehydration can be a major health hazard in the Outback in Summer

5. Take insect repellent. Mosquitoes love girls with fair skin. Bush flies can sometimes be a pest and many Outback people wear a fly net over their hats.

6. Obtain a Working Holiday Visa before you leave home, particularly if you are planning to work in the Outback.

This allows you to visit Australia for up to 12 months and undertake temporary employment. A Second Working Holiday Visa can extend the Visa period by a further 12 months.

Applicants must have completed a minimum of three months seasonal work in an eligible regional area.

7. If you are driving, take particular care at sunset, when kangaroos, blinded by car headlights may stop in the middle of the road. If you are driving on gravel roads, restrict your speed to 80 kph.

8. Listen to the weather forecasts. After heavy rain in the Outback, some roads may be closed for weeks and you could be stranded.

In December 2009 and January 2010, heavy rains closed many roads in Outback NSW and Outback Queensland. Some motorists were stranded without food and water for days, before they were rescued.

9. If you are driving, never, ever pick up hitchhikers. Not only is it illegal, but can be dangerous, particularly if you are travelling alone.

10. Finally, enjoy yourself. Some of the experiences you have may put you out of your "comfort zone", but they are part of the adventures of travel, experiences you may never have again.

By : Graeme_Lanham

Travel Doctor's Advice - Contents of Your Medical Travel Kits

Medical travel kits are essential especially if you are planning to travel abroad, or go on some adventures such as skiing, backpacking, trekking, mountain climbing, cycling, white water rafting or scuba diving.

There are literally so many various types of medicines to choose from, and the supplies that you would need would differ, depending on your destination and type of holiday.

For example, people traveling to an exclusive 5-star European resort would require fewer medicines than those going backpacking in a developing country and would like to go scuba diving or mountain climbing.

Ideally, the contents of your medical supplies should be able to meet any emergency situation that may arise from your adventures as well as any medical conditions that you may personally be having. The best would be to consult your family doctor about the contents of your medical travel kit.

As a general guideline, if you are traveling to malaria endemic region, bring along anti-malarial medications for prophylaxis. If you are going mountain climbing, or trekking to high altitude places, bring along medication to prevent or treat high-altitude illness.

As a precaution for pain or fever, you can pack acetaminophen, aspirin (not for children), or ibuprofen.

For stomach upset or diarrhea, you will need antidiarrheal medication (such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate), antibiotic for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea, oral rehydration solution(ORS) packets, mild laxative and antacid.

Items to treat respiratory symptoms include antihistamine, decongestant (used alone or in combination with antihistamine), cough suppressant/expectorant and throat lozenges.

For your comfort during your travels, bring along some anti-motion sickness medication.

Adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, gauze, elastic bandage wrap for sprains and strains, cotton swabs and antiseptic solution are some of the must have items in the health kit for first aid purposes.

Other important items are insect repellent especially if you are traveling to the malaria endemic region, or hiking into jungle. A bottle of sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater is helpful to prevent sunburn.

By : Dr._Sloan_Charles,_M.D.

Dolpo and Mustang - The Lure of Trekking Into Nepal Himalayas Most Isolated Regions

Twelve unique and distinct tribal groups are found in a 500 mile stretch of the Nepal Himalaya mountain range.

Scholars such as Tibetologist David Snellgrave, anthropologist Christoph von Furer-Haimendorf, naturalists George Schaller and Peter Mattheissen as well as ethnologist-explorer Michel Peissel and many others have been attracted by the seclusion of ethnic cultures populating remote inaccessible valleys of the principal chain of the Himalayas, most of them hidden in the rain-shadow of the High Himalaya.

Their differing ways of life, architecture and beliefs have enticed explorers ever since Nepal first opened its border to the outside world nearly sixty years ago.

The principal part of the Himalaya mountain range is framed by the Dhaulagiri massif in the west and the Kanchenjunga Himal in the east.

In this vast expanse of the Himalayas lies not only the densest concentration of world's highest peaks but also the most extraordinary collection of cultures.

In the 1970s I had undertaken six major journeys into the interior of the Nepal Himalayas attracted precisely by the mystique of the Himalayan most isolated areas.

In one of my journeys I had walked over 2000 miles, a solitary one-man expedition that I hoped would allow me to penetrate the complexities and simplicities of tribal life far better than any team expedition, and above all reach villages never visited by a foreigner.

While I did succeed to visit areas that to this day remain closed to foreign trekkers, two places, that for decades retained mystery and only a handful of lucky scientists and explorers noted above were fortunate to obtain trekking permits for, alluded me. These two remarkable territories are Dolpo and Mustang.

Though I was unable to get past king's army check posts in my day, Dolpo and Mustang are now open to any trekker willing to pay for the stiff trekking permit issued on strictly enforced bases by the Nepalese government.

These cut off places attract trekkers interested in the physical challenges of high Himalayan passes as well as those more fascinated by the culture of peoples that have survived in typically inhospitable living conditions on account of harsh environment.

Dolpo trek is a strenuous journey to the far-flung Shey Monastery beyond Phoksundo Lake, the fabled region of snow leopard, the Himalayan blue sheep, and the semi-nomadic yak herders removed from the rest of the world by some of Himalayas' most difficult passes.

Mustang trek leads into a barren landscape, a high altitude desert, once an independent kingdom with close ties to Tibet proper, the mysterious former Kingdom of Lo, aka Mustang.

If you might have ever toyed with the idea of being an explorer, and the adventure spirit is still within you, time is now for Dolpo and Mustang, as development promises to alter even these two world's most remote corners soon forever.

By : Tomas_Footloose