Friday, May 21, 2010

Adventure in Montana

Montana offers you beautiful vistas, pristine lakes, wild rivers, geological wonders and abundant wild life. If your looking for adventure travel Montana awaits with a new discovery unfolding around every corner. You can start with any scenic highway in Montana and find adventure.

If you have never visited the state you will most likely want to start with the Montana Scenic Loop Drive during this 400 mile drive you can take detours stay, play and enjoy a variety of great adventures along the way.

You will travel along the Rocky Mountains the back bone of America. Step back in time with visits to ghost towns. Blackfoot cultural centers along the way will give you insight into their great culture both past and present.

You will be able to hike the same trails visited by Lewis and Clark that brought on the expansion of the west. Find wildflower meadows that will please the eye and relax your spirit. Experience the call of wild animals and catch a glimpse of the animals here and there. Take a rafting trip on a wild river that offers an adrenaline rush that surpasses any amusement park ride.

Whitefish is at the beginning of the scenic loop and a side trip here will take to a ski resort during winter. A playground in warmer weather you will find bike trails, white water rafting along the edge of Big Mountain and art from local artist.

West Glacier you will find yourself traveling along the edge of Glacier National Park and the Great Bear Wilderness area. Traveling along the Continental Divide you will here and see the wild life that made Montana so famous.

You will want to stop from time to time and take little one mile hikes from trail heads into the different areas along the way and see things off the beaten path.

Choteau is where you will find yourself able to take a safari through the Montana wilds, spend a night at a dude ranch, camp on your own and just stay in area that most people just drive by trying to get to the National Parks.

Travel on ward to Lincoln and you will find yourself right between Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness areas. If your like me I can never decide between two beautiful places so I have to see them both. There are dude ranches in the area and horses to rent to cover more ground as quickly as possible.

You will know that you have been to places that most people only dream of. Feel you know what the west used to be and be able to kick back and just enjoy the ride.

By : Lanette_Higham

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Adventure Travel - Mississippi

Adventures Mississippi

Adventure travel is easy in Mississippi you will find the wonders of century old oaks, discover the history of the civil war, great food and of course the blues.

Since you will be traveling in the south you may want to slow down the pace and travel on the Natchez Trace Parkway rewarding your 50 mph speed limit with scenic views and plenty of places along the way to help you to understand the southern way of life.

Hiking along the trails in Tishomingo State Park you will find a part of the Appalachian Trail that has been traveled for centuries. Ferns and plant life here are different from any other part of Mississippi. The hiking trails take you along refreshing creeks and around the big boulders. Spend the day relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

If your looking to find wildlife in Mississippi Homochitto National Forest is the best place to find it with two wildlife reserves within its bounderies plenty of places to hike off and enjoy the quiet beauty of the park. By now you should be able to just kick back and relax. Enjoy a hike around the man made lake or a refreshing swim.

You will find 26 miles of sun drenched beaches at the end of the highway. Travel to Biloxi you can take a cruise out to Ship Island where Fort Massachusetts housed prisoners of war during the Civil War. Walking along the beaches of Gulf Islands National Park will open a window on how the coast was hundreds if not thousands of years ago.

Travel along the Deep South Antiques and Wine trail to Natchez and discover some of the best Mascadine wine in the United States. Natchez is the oldest settlement along the Mississippi River full of history, fun and music. Some of the Natchez Indian Burial Mounds remain and here is a reconstructed village. You can steep yourself in history and wonder at years gone by.

The blues is the music of Mississippi for the blues lover you will find many points of interest along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Adventure travelers who travel to Mississippi will not be disappointed, where oaks, moss and history are a feast for the eyes.

Southern hospitality will recharge a weary travelers batteries. A adventure trip to Mississippi will not soon be forgotten by anyone who takes their time and smell the Magnolias along the way.

By : Lanette_Higham

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Colorado Family Ski Vacation

If you want to take your family on a real adventure, why not plan a Colorado family ski vacation and discover how much fun you can have in this winter wonderland.

There are indoor and outdoor sports and activities that will let you test your skills and abilities or you can just have fun learning how to slowly move downhill without doing that imitation of a giant snowball.

On second thought that can sometimes be more fun than skiing in the upright position. If your family wants the chance to live the adventure of skiing, ice skating or snow tubing there is no better place to set your course than the mountains of Colorado.

The great weather, fresh air and great variety of slopes and ski trails attract visitors from all over the world and you and your family can experience this exciting vacation together. Did you know that Steamboat, Colorado has had more winter Olympic athletes than any other city in the US?

This is easy to understand because, after all, this is one of the places that parents put skis on their toddlers as soon as they learn to stand upright. Okay, maybe sooner. Don't be surprised to see some of the tiniest youngsters pull out some impressive moves.

Just remember that balance comes easier to younger kids and your own children will probably be outperforming you unless you are ready to bring your own "A game" to the slopes.

There are kid friendly programs available at local Colorado resorts that work with children as young as 6 months. They may not put the youngest tots on actual skis and expect them to hit the slopes but sledding and other activities are certainly on the schedule.

The younger you start to learn balance and coordination the better and who knows, you might have a future gold medalist on your hands.

The beautiful Colorado landscape is a perfect background for other activities like snowmobile riding, dog sledding, sleigh rides and snow shoe adventures. If your family is up to the task there is cross country, downhill and Nordic style skiing to choose from. For the less experienced skiers there are bunny trails for you to tackle.

Both adults and young children can be found experimenting with basic ski maneuvers on these less challenging slopes. You can always tell the kids that you just want to stay by their side and make sure they have a safe skiing adventure, and they may not even guess that your heart is racing a mile a minute.

Just try to stay upright throughout the lesson and you might just pull it off. If you don't trust your own balance atop a pair of skis then saddle up a horse and take the family out to enjoy a brisk ride out in the country.

Gunnison-Crested Butte is another Colorado skiing hot spot that has plenty of family friendly fun waiting for guests of all ages. If your group gets tired of being outdoors you can check out some of the great restaurants and shops.

Indoor ice rinks provide more winter fun in a controlled environment. If you want to get in a little culture take your group to the museum or stop by the Center for the Arts where you can enjoy a concert or live play.

You can score additional points with the kids when you tell them about some of the perks for families that are featured at a resort like Crested Butte. Check out the dazzling, high tech video arcade and night time pizza parties.

The adults can always participate or just relax in front of a toasty fireplace with a warm drink. This just goes to prove that all of the fun on a Colorado family ski vacation doesn't take place on the slippery, icy ski slopes after all.

By : Tamil_Selvi_Aldragen

Friday, May 14, 2010

The Best Adventure Travel Destinations


There are many places in this world which have something unique in them and people love having adventures there. I have added many places here which people consider the best places to have adventure. The most preferred adventure places of this world are as follows:-

1: Luang Prabang
This city is in Laos having a great atmosphere. This place is full of hills and rivers and if you are a lover of natural beauty then you are surely going to like this.

2: Bukit Lawang, Indonesia
Bukit Lawang is one of the best places to have adventure because of the great channels of water it has. Unfortunately this beautiful city was nearly destroyed of the Floods which came in 2003, however it is recovering now and I presume people would have a wonderful adventure there.

3: Yangshuo, China
If you want to get the taste of the perfect Chinese culture then Yangshuo is the best place to visit. This place has the the most beautiful natural scenery which the people would love a lot.

4: Myanmar, Asia
If you are a wildlife lover then this is the place you are looking for. This place has beautiful jungles and extraordinary wildlife. Myanmar has the best of village life and you can get an insight into the village life here.

5: Cesky Krumlov
This beautiful village is surrounded by a winding river. It has a beautiful castle, several museums, good hiking and other places to have adventure. Thus these were the most popular places where people can hang out for fun and adventure. One should really visit these extraordinary places to see how beautiful this world is.

By : Joydeep_Bhattacharya

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Out and About in South Africa

South Africa really is a wonderful country for those loving the outdoors and in particular, there are so many activities such as golfing, fishing, adventure sports, water sports that one can do whilst travelling through this amazing country.

If you're stuck for things to do, why not try one or more of the following activities:

World's Highest Bungee Jump: This is the ultimate thrill for all those adrenalin junkies out there! 216m above the Bloukrans River in the Western Cape. Whilst you are there, why not try the Flying Fox which is the newest adventure at Bloukrans. The Flying Fox is a 200m cable slide (foofie slide) out onto the archway of the bridge. This can be done by itself or as a quicker way to get to your bungee jump starting point

Take flying lessons: This air school in Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape is a professional flying training organisation which caters for private, commercial, airline and military sectors. They have a dedicated training facility and the average student population is 200 with the campus situated at the airport which provides a secure and productive pilot training environment.

Golfing: The climate in South Africa is perfect for golf and attracts keen enthusiasts from all over the World. There is a fantastic choice of courses to choose from all around the country with some wonderfully challenging coastal courses on offer.

The high altitude location of some of the courses offer you a chance to hit the ball further than you have ever hit it before. South Africa has been blessed with many fantastic world class golfers many of which have designed golf courses over here such as Gary Player and Ernie Els.

Visit Table Mountain in Cape Town: With over 19million visitors transported to the summit of Table Mountain to date, this is quite simply something not to miss. With an amazing backdrop to the city of Cape Town and at over 3,563 feet, the mountain commands spectacular views over Cape Town and beyond.

White Water Rafting: South Africa offers some fantastic white water rafting opportunities especially during the months of November to May. If you have never done this before it is truly an experience to enjoy!

River package trips are available for all levels of experience and you can go for just a half day or even take a 4 day break. The Tugela River offers a stretch of river some 30km where you can experience some of the most exciting white water.

The water here is so good that the Camel White-Water Challenge brings its South African leg here and is extremely well thought of by participants and organisers. If rafting is not your thing you can take one man kayaks or two man crocs instead.

Explore South Africa's popular routes by car: The Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, Panorama Route, Mpumalanga, Garden Route, Western Cape, Route 62, Western Cape or the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape.

Learn to surf at Jefferys Bay: Most people coming to Jefferys Bay do so to surf or learn to surf. The main beach is an ideal place for beginners to learn as there are no rocks and beginners don't have to venture too far out as there are sandbanks close to the shore.

Go scuba diving in Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape: Port Alfred dive sites are famous for soft coral, the numerous wrecks that dot around our shores and unknown to many, the incredible "Lunar landing" which is where crayfish in their hundreds live and breed.

By : Samantha_Riggien

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Shark Diving in South Africa - Thrills & Adventure

South Africa is rated as the top destination for diving with Sharks - specifically in Gansbaai - a small fishing village in the Western Cape and the most densely populated area for Great White Sharks in the world. Shark viewing / diving is an all year round activity but diving during the winter months in South Africa is the best time.

There are many tour operators across SA who offer cage diving with sharks. Many of them have been around for a very long time and are very experienced, providing you with the safest and best possible experience.

You also do not need to actually go into the cage to see the sharks; you can enjoy this experience on the boat without getting into the water! The viewing is exceptional all year round. Please bear in mind that most companies will charge the same price regardless if you go into the cage or view from the boat.

However; for the experience of a lifetime, the cage is the way to really get close up and face to face with a Great White. The sharks may at times brush their tail against the cage but fear not - the sharks never attack the cages.

The great thing about cage diving is that you do not need to know how to dive or even have a qualification to do so. The cages are mounted on the side of the boat and float on the surface.

Dives are done on a rotational basis and some tours even have a videographer with them to record this unforgettable experience.

By : Samantha_Riggien

Go Bird Watching in Spain - Nothing Can Be More Colorful

Spain is an astonishingly rich nation when it comes to exhibiting wildlife. Spain is considered to have implausible variety of indigenous species because of its diverse climate and terrain within its precincts.

This is a good enough reason that accounts for the variety of birds that can spotted in Spain. Spain is a suitable dwelling for about 20 different species of birds and many of these species fall in the category of highly prized and rare. A significant section of these species of birds indigenous and others indulge in migrating to and from Spain on season basis.

Bird watching enthusiasts particularly love to watch Griffin vultures, Golden Eagle and Egyptian vultures in Spain. There are more then 400 Black vultures that may interest bird watching fans. In fact, Black vulture in considered the biggest bird of prey indigenous to Europe.

Those who are really interested in finding a spot one can exclusively watch a number of Black vultures are advised to visit Andalucia's national Park situated in southern Spain or go to Sierra Palada.

If it is a specific variety of bird that you want to watch in Spain then it is important that you plan your vacation as well in advance. This is because many species of birds are migratory and can be seen in Spain only for specific period of time.

One such example is White Stork which is a migratory bird which is very rarely seen in rest of the Europe but can be easily found in Spain. White Stork migrates from somewhere in Africa to Spain and can be seen between the month of January and February.

Most of the time Bird watchers get to see these birds easily as they generally make their nests in cities and their nests are quite easy to locate.

Another indigenous species of migratory bird is Flamingo that arrives in thousands of numbers in Spain during the summer and spring season.

Spain also provides an ample opportunity to watch some wet land birds such as cranes and ducks. Best ways to watch wetland birds are the coastal wetland areas and Ebro Delta. National Park of Donana also has a large number of wetland Bird species.

Golden oriole is another species that can be exclusively found in AndalucĂ­a's orchards and wood lands. Golden oriole can be particularly seen during the summer season and is known for their dazzling bright and yellow body. The black, orange and white hoopoe is another striking species that can be seen in golf courses and opened wood lands.

By : Allex_Wilson

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Seeking Adventure in the "Land of Wild"

Have you heard the word "Safari"? You may just refer to dictionary in a few seconds to know the meaning. But, if knowing its literal meaning makes you all the more curious then come to Kenya, the original home of a safari. Undoubtedly, a Kenya Safari promises an unforgettable experience.

Indeed, the country is blessed with natural beauty in all its forms. From a variety of landscapes to tranquil beaches and serene meadows, the land offers everything which entices adventure-seekers.

Moreover, a Kenya Safari gives you the unique opportunity of experiencing an unchanged natural world. Far from the maddening rush of cities, the tranquility of this place enables you to get closer to the natural world.

Besides being a land of natural wonders Kenya also promises a composite immersion of many cultures. Indeed, the cultural heritage of Kenya is as diverse as its natural beauty. The history of its cultures dates back to the origin of human species. There are a number of villages in the country which are still untouched by the advances of modern life.

Amongst the other bounties of nature is the extraordinary wildlife of Kenya. A Kenya safari gives you the golden chance to view the wildlife in its own natural abode. An extensive range of ecosystems serve as a natural habitat to a plethora of wonderful species.

From a variety of unique animals like the "Big Five"(African elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard) spotted hyena, Grevy's zebra, sea turtle, wild dog, sitatunga, and Colobus monkey to teeming birdlife and abundant schools of fishes, a Kenya Safari is a real treasure for a wildlife enthusiast.

To view the wildlife at its best, visit the world-famous national parks and renowned game reserves of Kenya. National parks like Mount Kenya National Park, Amboseli National Park and Nairobi National Park are well-known for animals like leopard, cheetah, crocodile, elephant, rhino, wild-beast, zebra, giraffe and hippopotamus.

Watching the activities of these animals in their natural habitat is a real pleasure. However, the real manifestation for every animal-lover is the annual wilder beast migration safari in the meadows of Masai Mara. Your Safari in Kenya remains unfinished without watching these migratory birds in open savannahs.

It may come as a surprise, but a Kenya Safari offers the experience of a life irrespective of the time of your visit. So whenever you schedule your visit, your experience would remain equally exciting!

By : Kelvin_Smith

Bullfighting - A Spanish Culture

One of Spain's oft discussed traditions in other parts of the world is Bullfighting, a cultural tradition that is in part art, costume, performance and drama, and part a controversial animal killing sport.

Past To Present

Bullfighting has been a part of Spanish culture for thousands of years and draws huge crowds of several thousand every week to stadiums to watch the matadors and toredors engaged in a battle of wits with a bull.

Bullfighting was once conducted on horseback by members of the aristocracy but in the early part of 16th Century, the King of Spain banned the upper class from involvement in the sport. It was subsequently adopted as a sport by the peasants, who without the means to employ horses, fought on foot instead, as the bullfighters of the current day do.

Popular support has dwindled in recent years however and events are no longer as widespread. Animal Rights campaigners are vocally against the tradition and the international sentiment is not generally one of support.

Bullfighting may be watched at live events every summer in Andalucia and Madrid, but the local authorities of Barcelona have recently voted against allowing the city to play host to bull fights.

Bullfighting Events
These usually proceed as follows: When the bull is released into the arena, a coloured cape is used to taunt the bull and make it charge. Picadors armed with barbed spears weaken the bull by driving their weapons into him.

The Matador then enters the arena with a red cape, and through a combination of grace, nimbleness, athletic ability and intelligence spurs the bull to charge, dodging his advances and showing his skill to the crowd.

When this has been done and the bull has been weakened, the Matador uses a short sword plunged between the bull's shoulder blades to strike the death blow. There is much adulation and celebration from the audience.

Reservations and Support

In the opinion of Animal rights campaigners, Bullfighting is cruel and barbaric and causes unnecessary stress and pain to the animal. Killing for sport rather than out of need, they feel is unacceptable. Though the death blow is quite quick, the injuries that the bull suffers during the fight can cause terrible and sustained pain.

However the bull's carcass does not go waste, it is butchered and eaten, ensuring that there is no waste of life. Some supporters view the bull's struggle as a noble way to die, especially taking into account the inhuman conditions in many abattoirs employed in meat production.

Having read arguments for and against bull fighting and gathered information on what it actually involves, you may now be in a better position to make the choice as to whether to attend a bullfight during your Spanish holiday or not.

By : R_Coenen