Trekking Adventure Vacation

What is Trekking?

Trekking refers to multi day hiking trips. Trekkers often go on long trips through entire regions of the world. Trekking is a less structured type of traveling because plans change due to weather and topography rather than flights and hotels.

Why is Trekking so Popular?

Traveling by foot allows you to go at your own pace, or that of the group. It is a more flexible form of traveling then having to rush to catch flights and check in and out of hotels. Trekking can be as short or long of a trip as you wish, and as adventurous as you dare to go. This attracts many people to trekking trips, because it can be tailored for almost anyone.

You get to experience the culture of the country you are visiting and trekkers get close up views of incredible scenery. The experience is much different than traveling in groups to more popular destinations. You get to interact with the native people and the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Where can I go trekking?

You can go trekking almost anywhere in the world. There are some popular destinations for trekkers that include: the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Inca Trails. You can trek on almost any continent, in less touristy areas as well. Some of these are the most beautiful, secluded places you will ever see.

When can I go trekking?

This depends on where you are going. There are good seasons and bad seasons for every location. This is very important to determine before you leave because the weather will greatly affect your trip. Pick the best season for your destination, and after that you can only hope it doesn't rain!

Who can take a Trekking Adventure?

Because there are such a wide variety of treks available, almost anyone can go trekking. Make sure you know your own physical capabilities before you book your trek. Its fun to have a challenge, however if you are struggling with the terrain, you will be less likely to enjoy yourself. Always have someone with you who knows what they're doing. An experienced trekker and guide is a definite asset on your trip. Having someone who knows what they're doing could save your life.

Conclusion

Trekking is a fun, adventurous activity that almost anyone can participate in. You get to go off the beaten path and experience things that most people (even other travelers) never do. There is a wide variety of difficulty, adventure, and lengths of trips that you can choose from that also make it very desirable.

By : Bethany_Lamb

Shimla - A Popular Hill Resort in India

Shimla is a blessed land where one can see the best of nature's scenic landscapes which summons scores of tourists from several parts of the globe. This is a beautiful hill station of North India located in the Himachal Pradesh state.

It is a small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan Mountains, surrounded by lakes and lush green meadows. Shimla also spelled as 'Simla' derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi' which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali.

The panoramic nature and salubrious climate make it a most sought after hill stations of India where national as well as international tourists come to enjoy pleasant summer and bone chilling winter. Some of the popular Attractions of Shimlaare:

The Mall:

This is among the most popular attractions of Shimla Tour which is visited by every tourist of this place. It is the liveliest places of Shimla often called as heart of Shimla bustling with social life. This centrally located place was established by the British and known for social, cultural and natural beauty.

The mall is a shopper's paradise because it is with number of departmental stores, shops and showrooms. Apart from this the presence of Victorian style buildings adds extra charm to this place. Some of the famous attractions located near this place are Kali Bari Temple, Christ Church, General Post Office and Scandal Point.

Jakhu Temple:

The blend natural beauty and religious fervor make it another most visited attraction of Shimla. This is one of the oldest temples of India located atop on Jakhu Hill at a height of 2,455 meter above sea level. It is dedicated to the Lord Hanuman, the Hindu monkey God.

The Jakhu hill is the highest peak around Shimla which is also known for its trekking. During trekking tourists get an opportunity to explore forest clad beauty, views of the ethereal Himalayan Mountains, sunrise, sunset, and town in the valley.

Himalayan Bird Park:

Himalayan Aviary or the Himalayan Bird Park is among the known attractions of this place which located nearby the Viceregal lodge at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. This park is famous for the green pastures plentiful in exotic species tree, plants and avifauna.

Some of the popular birds which can be seen in this park are Pheasants, Peafowl, Himalayan Monal, Peacock and many more. The vibrant collection of fauna and birds species of this park summons large number of natures as well as birds lovers during their Shimla Tour.

Some of the other known attractions of Shimla are Viceregal Lodge, State Museum, Lower Bazaar, Dorje Drag Monastery and Photo Art Gallery.

By : Sanjog_KR

Edible Insects of Southeast Asia

People in the developed world love shrimp, but who wants to eat a grub? Traveling afar will eventually lead you to see insects for sale (for eating) and if you're as adventurous as I like to pretend I am, you'll give them a try! They are not so different, after all, as the sea crustaceans we know and love (relatives in fact), and people have been eating them for thousands of years.

Now, I'll admit that people in less affluent countries perhaps don't prefer insects, and as a rule it is admittedly an oddity to see them in markets (although I hear they're consumed widely in Africa). I didn't see them for sale at all in either India or Nepal, which now strikes me as odd.

My first insect was in Japan, which is not surprising considering their love for nostalgia. Japan has always been protein poor (unless you lived by a sea market) and grasshoppers were a protein rich treat. So down the hatch they went, but pretty bland unfortunately.

I next tried (near a temple) bee larvae, which unlike grasshoppers is actually considered a delicacy. I was expecting a honey-like flavor but they too were tasteless. Finally, in Thailand, I tried stone-roasted beetles (I hope that's what they were anyway).

Not surprisingly, they too were tasteless- not even spicy. And those are all the insects I've eaten (at least on purpose). If you want to try something both weird and delicious- go for frog legs!

I am not discouraged though. I believe there are tasty insects out there and that one day I will find them. I've seen those big, buttery grubs that Aborigines eat in Australia. I bet those are flavorful!

By : Dinah_Jackson

Why Visit the Ngorongoro Crater?

The Ngorongoro Crater is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which itself is a part of the wider Serengeti ecosystem. A far cry from the dry and endless plains of the Serengeti National Park, however, Ngorongoro is an African Eden of lush green vegetation, shallow lakes and rolling mists in the heart of Tanzania's famous northern circuit.

The steep descent into the crater, with tall trees emerging from the thick trees all around you, elephant droppings in the road, and the odd buffalo in the vegetation, is exciting in itself. However, it is once you stop at the crater gates and catch your first proper sight of the crater bottom, that your breath is really taken away.

You will behold an impossibly beautiful watercolour panoramic of a shimmering lake, pale green plains and thick forest, all surrounded by sheer walls, topped with thick cloud-like mists - surreal yet stunning, the Ngorongoro Crater is a haven for the wildlife which dwell here.

There is a thriving population of lions at the crater bottom, which feed on the abundant wildebeest, zebra and gazelle which graze the green grasses. You might see a thick-maned lion lazing in the sun, or a powerful lioness stalking into the distance in search of food.

In fact, all the other members of the Big Five can be found at the crater bottom. Elephants crash through the dense forest, buffalo stick together in large herds, ruminating slowly and thoughtfully, leopard favour the tall trees, and rhino hide in the taller grasses.

The lake is also a scene of wildlife activity. The heat shimmers in front of the lake, as hundreds of flamingo crowd together in the shallow waters, occasionally flapping their wings in alarm, being spooked by something in the distance. Hyenas are found in abundance here - sometimes in large groups, sometimes along, lolloping through the tall grasses clutching carrion meat in its large and powerful jaws.

Even lunching at one of the picnic sites can be a tremendously exciting experience. Guests tend to dine in their safari cars - since swooping kites might snatch a sandwich or a chicken leg from an unsuspecting picnicker!

Other birds such as helmeted guinea fowl and superb starling hand around the vehicles, hoping to catch a stray crumb from the ground. After eating, it's a simply fantastic experience to wander over to the hippo pool and snap the huge hippos wallowing in the cool water.

By : Tom_V_Powell

What Can I Find in Gibraltar?

Never let it be said that the Rock is a boring place. Gibraltar has more things to do in one small area than you will ever find in places ten times the size. The Gibraltar area offers you more than three continents, endless cuisine, outstanding wine and spirits and duty free shopping, it offers you hiking, biking, diving, whale watching--an endless array of Gibraltar fun in the sun. If you can't enjoy life here, you can't enjoy it anywhere! A Gibraltar holiday is just what the doctor ordered.

Outdoor fun in Gibraltar is the most fun you will ever have.

Day tours of the rock

So many things to see and to do! How would you prefer to experience the Rock? Here are some examples of how you might spend a wonderful day, whether you're looking for fast paced adventure or a slow relaxing day exploring.

For a slower pace, you can hop a cable car to the Top of the Rock, where you can buy a packed lunch and wind your way back down again with a hike full of wonders. Another idea is filled with shopping, random stops and Dolphin watching. Faster paced, certainly, but it's a guarantee that you'll be feeling pumped up and having the time of your life.

Scuba diving

Gibraltar has some of the best diving schools in the world. Gibraltar features dives for the inexperienced beginner to the expert diver. Equipment rental is available for those that don't travel with full gear and for those that would prefer to bring their own, there are no restrictions for what gear you might bring along to make a dive.

There are also nearly 30 under water wrecks for those of you that prefer wreck dives. With the constant vast water turnover, you will be able to experience waters teaming with sea life.

Game and fishing

For a start, you can begin your fishing at The North Mole, a breakwater that is located on the northern side of the harbor. Close at hand are the Spanish borders. It offers waters that are about 30 feet deep to start, but can go to a hundred feet deep and in some places a bit deeper.

You will have the chance to gather black bream m two banded bream, bass, conger eels, moral eels, mackerel, garfish, and bluefin tuna. You will also have the opportunity for those much bigger fish a little further out. Charter a fishing boat to help you pull in those bigger fighting fish that will leave you breathless.

By : Robbi_Drake

Lost in the Middle of Nowhere - Adventure of Sempu Island

Island of Sempu is a small island with no inhabitants, located at the southern part of Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Not many people know about this island, since it is hard to reach. I went there about six months ago with my friend.

It took about five hours to get there from Malang, and we came there without enough information, nor preparation. The only thing we knew was just the beach, and the rest was adventure.

After a half-day journey with public transport, we arrived there at Sendangbiru beach, the only way to go to Sempu, at about 11 am. We could see the island from this beach. But the island is actually a conservation area, that made us a little bit confused with the bureaucracy.

After a tough negotiation with the guard, we could rent a boat, together with two other people that became our friends then. It took 15 minutes to get to the island, and the boat costed Rp100,000 for roundtrip.

The island was so wet since it rained hard days before. The mud was so thick and hard. We slipped over and over again. There was no path since it is conservation area, so along the way was just forest, to get to the beach called Segara Anakan.The attraction of the beach is not just the white sand, but also the perforated cliff that confine the beach with the Indian Ocean.

Taking risk to come back late, we went ahead to reach the beach, and after we walked about three hours, there we were. Yes, is was beautiful! People say, it is like Phi Phi Island in Thailand. Though, we just enjoyed it for 20 minutes, otherwise we could not go back home, because the last minibus from the Sendangbiru was at 4 pm. We arrived at 3 pm. After taking some photos, our new friends left there, and we two went back to Sendangbiru.

On the way back, we met a group of five with whom then we went together. Unfortunately, one of us, got her leg injured. Day became darker, and we could not go faster. It was sunset already, and many other people came with us as the last group to come back. There was no torch, no electricity in the middle of the forest.

There was only panic in silence but we went ahead. We often had to crawl for the slippery and barbed soil. We kept going while calling for help to some friends and boatmen. And after five hours, we felt revived, we found the way out with the boatmen waiting at the same spot where we arrived. We all were incredibly muddy all over our body.

Luckily, some of our friends had car, so I and my friend could go back home after taking shower at Sendangbiru to remove all the mud from our body. I arrived at home at 1 am, with my parents were waiting in panic.

After all, I would suggest my friends to come with preparation when coming to Sempu Island, such as good sneakers or boots. And since it is a forest, it is better to wait until the soil dried, so that we can reach the Segara Anakan Beach much faster and safer.

Some people that rest on the beach at night should bring his/her own food and drink beside the camping utility as tent and torch, because no street vendor we can find there. Last, we should keep in mind about the latest hour for public transport.

By : Tomy_Yosafat

Enrich Your Experience In India With Goa Beach Yoga

If New Year in Goa is on your travel list this season, go alternative! Get in touch with your inner self as you carefully carve out your list of New Year resolutions and reflect on the year that it was. Enjoy Yoga on the beach, pamper yourself with Ayurveda massages. In short, this New Year, gift yourself a 'New You'.

Goa, a state on India's west coast which is lined by white sandy beaches and the azure Arabian Sea sports many Yoga and Ayurveda resorts. Goa is the ideal place for a yoga holiday with its stretches of endless silver sand and white surf beaches, plush green paddy fields and swaying coconut trees.

It's the perfect atmosphere for a rejuvenating Yoga vacation with Ayurveda treatments and massages. Most resorts offer comfortable accommodation and skilled yoga teachers - hence is the perfect place for a yoga break in India.

There are ample choices to fit any travel budget. Many Indian Yoga resorts offer Yoga classes near the beach every morning and evening. Choosing to practice in the morning energizes you and in the evening Yoga is good for relaxation and helps to unwind.

Yoga teaches us to live in the present, without worry, stress or anger. We make peace with ourselves, and from this inner harmony, we derive peace in our relationships. This makes Yoga in India of immense relevance to our age.

Life in Goa is a celebration. Goan people literally live life to the fullest. Festivity is in the air all the time. There's also a great sense of liberty and civility in Goa. Perhaps, it's because Goa is the most literate state in India. It's one such travel destination in India which offers something for everyone.

Warm sunshine, friendly people and amazing food make the vacation experience really special. A mixture of experiencing Goan culture, practicing Yoga (for the journey inward), and time alone to reflect in stillness will be blended to give you the opportunity to grow, integrate and interact with Yoga on a new level.

When we tailor-make a Yoga tour for our clients, we make sure that it's a perfect combination of 'true India experience' and 'self-rejuvenation'. Therefore, in the Goa Beach Yoga tour, few essential elements are: A Goan Boat Cruise with live folk music and dance, Visit to the famous Anjuna and Mapusa flea markets, relaxing Ayurveda massages and an option to enjoy some water sports for the adventurous souls.

By : Aman_SH

Backpacking in Argentina - Everything You Need to Know!

Argentina is an incredible place to visit as a traveller. Whether you're backpacking around South America or just on holiday in Argentina for a couple of weeks there's a fantastic array of different things to see and do.

Buenos Aires is undoubtedly the first port of call. Known as the Paris of South America, it has a strikingly European feel and is the sort of place that can catch you and hold you there for a long, long time.

Whilst it is not packed with sights like Paris, there are still plenty of places to go and see including Evita's grave at Recoleta cemetary, the amazing Bombonera stadium (home of Boca Juniors) and the Casa Rosada made famous by Evita in one of the beautiful squares.

The real charm is in living the life of a local though, eating steaks and empanadas, drinking red wine and living life at a steady pace.

From Buenos Aires there are many options. If you're looking for more city action then Cordoba is a great spot with some excellent nightlife, though Mendoza offers a more varied experience. It has both the action packed city lifestyle as well the the stunning surroundings of rural beauty.

Just outside of the city there is the huge peak of Aconcagua which looms over, topped with snow. And activities are widespread as well with the opportunity to wander out on horseback into the mountains or strap on your skis and speed down the slopes. The wine's not bad either!

From Mendoza you could go further north to other towns like Salta and Cafayate which makes a superb road trip, though it's also a must to head over to Iguazu Falls and see the stunning waterfalls. You'll struggle to find a more impressive set of cascading waters set on such a natural, beautiful backdrop.

And from there you must finish your trip with a visit to the unique offerings of Patagonia. Most flights arrive in to El Calafate which is a perfect base to go out and see what the region has to offer. Visit the Perito Moreno glacier, take a trip to El Chalten and see the towering Mount Fitz Roy or jump on a boat trip around Lago Argentino to sample a little bit of everything that is available in this stupendous destination.

By : Daffyd_Smith

On an Adventurous Holiday

Making Disneyland Workable for the children

A visit to Disneyland is one of the ambitions that children have. It is all make believe but the branding of the franchise has been miraculous. They have certainly managed to convince the young people of the veracity of the location when in reality that is not always the case.

They have been able to deal with all the repercussions of the recession using the Disneyland brand adventure. Here are a few activities that might be of specific interest to the children that visit the area. They are not the definitive method for people to enjoy Disneyland but they certainly provide some sort of guide:

* It is a good idea to go to the location of Disneyland. This is given a central place in the publicity thus it is not really to be missed if the person is really interested in the venture. The transportation to the area is fairly adequate although some people might argue that it could be better. The most important thing is that the Disneyland adventure is accessible to children and adults as well. Michael Jackson was a fan although their might have been different interpretations to this sort of activity for him. The setup has been vastly improved with the provisions that will ensure that the visitors keep returning for more even when they have seen the landmark before.

* The visitors to Disneyland are open to interact with the different characters. This is in relation to the television series and the franchise branding exercise. The young children particularly enjoy this activity because it gives them an opportunity to see things that have hitherto been only on the limited medium of national television. They like to ask question and general interact with the characters. Of course behind the mask are real human beings. Young children are not yet cynical enough to work this one out. Nevertheless even the adults can enjoy this sort of activity.

# The children should try out the swings and activities in Disneyland. These are part of the physical activity that can remove the dullness from the holiday. It is a great way to spend time and can become the foundation for the future enjoyment of the same. It is certainly preferable to just sitting about and waiting for something to happen in due course. The adventure is so well organized that the participation will become almost automatic after some time. That is when the visitors will get the maximum benefit from the things that they are doing.

# The catering for children and adults in Disneyland is superb. This is not the main event but rather the peripheral benefit that the visitors can access as a matter of course. It is all very well to indulge on holiday as long as it does not become a habit of the habit a lifetime. It is important that the eating is mixed with other activities in order to give the guests different perspectives on the things that they might do.

By : Matthew_Anton

Uttarakhand - An Abode of Gods and A Trekker's Pilgrimage

Uttarakhand, country's 27th state, with a population of nearly 8.5 million people is divided into 13 districts. All the districts are attached to the mighty Himalayas with some well-known pilgrimage spots as well as trek routes, which earn billions or rupees every year.

Buses, cars, road-side eateries, hotels for night stays, ponies used for carrying loads as well as people sometimes, tents, guides and porters used in unmarked paths-all of these add a significant amount of revenue generation for the state.

Apart from national parks and sanctuaries which attract thousands of tourists round the year, the famous shrines and temples bring in millions of pilgrims from time immemorial. People from around the globe visit these shrines, mainly to pay respect to our Hindu gods and goddesses and to our ancient Hindu culture.

Shrines like Kedar, Badri, Gangotri and Yamonotri are the most popular sites along with Panch Kedar and Sapta Badri. There are a few shrines of other religions as well like the one in Hemkund Sahib for Sikhs which is visited in the months of July and August.

There are a few lesser known temples in Uttarakhand which have been listed in Archaeological Survey of India, like Surya temple in the village of Kosi-Katarmal and Jageswar (Shiva) temples in the district of Almora and Baijnath temple in Bageswar district, to name a few intricately curved old shrines.

There are few places which are well known for their religious as well as trekking importance like Panch Kedar-Kedarnath, Tunganath, Rudranath, Madmaheswar and Kalpeswar, out of which, Kedarnath is the most visited shrine and Sapta Badri, a group of seven Badri temples of Hindu mythology.

People who want to spend their holidays on adventure seek for trek routes and there are innumerable destinations of such interests which not only charm our eyes with their scenic beauty but also refresh our souls.

Since earlier times, trekkers have hiked through the dense forests and snow-clad mountain passes to reach Roop Kund, Pindari- Kafni -Sundardunga glaciers, Gaumukh-Badrinath via Kalindi pass, Hemkund Sahib-Valley of Flowers National Park, Sangla Valley from garhwal through Rupin pass.

Some recently added destinations like Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Har-ki Dun etc. to add with numerous others like Deoria Tal near Ukhimath, Dodital near Uttarkashi, Satopanth Tal near Badrinath, Kedar Tal and Vasuki Tal near Kedarnath, Khatling and Milam glaciers, Kuari pass, Panwali Bugyal to name a few.

Apart from the shrines and temples of Hindu gods and goddesses, Tals and Glaciers are chief attractions of this paradise. As they are the main sources of various rivers of northern India. If one is really interested to know about India and its natural beauty, these are the best places for doing that. The tranquility and charismatic power of the Himalayas would be definitely an unforgettable experience.

These places are called trekkers' paradise but they are more like a pilgrimage as one has to meet the nature with the most devoted mind and the available resources to make one comfortable. Along with profound energy of body to reach out some of the toughest routes like these, you need a lot of experience and knowledge about the Himalayas and its environment.

The serenity and beauty rest by each other and one has to understand the magic of that amazing surrounding in solitude. The majestic Himalayas have challenged people a thousand times, from our glorious past, but it never forgives those with ignorance, impatience and inexperience.

By : Sujata_Mukherjee

Kenya Safari Holidays - Creating Memories

Thinking of going on Kenya Safari Holidays? Well, what are you waiting for! Offering adventure and thrill right in the lap of nature, such a holiday is bound to create lifelong memories that you will cherish for years to come.

Exploring Options

While targeted at adventure enthusiasts, safaris such as Kenya Safari Holidays usually hold a universal appeal. Each year, an increasing number of families head out toward natural parks and nature reserves for a vacation of a lifetime.

Packages for jungle safaris are easily available with tour operators across the world. With offices in many key cities in different parts of the world, such tour operators offer a wide range in customized packages.

In addition to such tour operators operating from offices, another relatively more popular source for looking up safaris is the Internet. With everything available at the click of a mouse button, it is hardly any wonder that an increasing number of people are availing tour packages over the Internet.

Getting The Best Deal

Today, there are many websites offering all kinds of tour packages for several unique destinations. Tour packages are usually available in many varieties - from sightseeing trips to beach getaways, and from desert safaris to Kenya Safari Holidays.

While desert safaris generally appeal more to those with an exotic taste, jungle safaris have an almost universal appeal. With animals ensuring thrills for children and the jungle trip itself equating to adventure for grownups, safaris have always been immensely popular with vacation seekers.

Leading websites offer many kinds of jungle safaris. Keeping in mind the personal likes and preferences of people, many websites offer the facility of customizing the packages opted for down to the smallest details. Among the most sought-after packages for jungle safaris are the following:

*Kenya Safari, providing ample opportunity to have a most adventurous and thrilling stay in nature
reserves;
*Tanzania Safari, offering areas laden with game such as Northern Circuit, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
National Park, and several other game reserves;
*South Africa Safari, with Eastern Cape and Kruger National Park, affording many opportunities for
witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat; and
*Botswana safari, offering many places worth visiting for adventure enthusiasts.

Among all the above-mentioned safaris, Kenya Safari Holidays hold a significant place.

Wildlife And Kenya

As a land of famous national parks and nature reserves, Kenya has an immensely rich fauna and flora. Allprominent varieties of wildlife can be witnessed in Kenya. Commonly witnessed and much popular among the holidaying crowds are animals such as lions, rhinos, elephants, zebras, buffaloes, leopards, and many other wildebeest as well. Several animals can be seen moving around leisurely across the plains and forests that make up Kenya. Among the major natural attractions in Kenya are the following:

*Masai Mara,
*Amboseli National park,
*Lake Nakuru,
*Shaba National Park, and
*Samburu.

Depending upon the number of days intended for the stay in Kenya and the budget on hand, you can select from the different kinds of packages available.

Leading websites offering packages for Kenya Safari Holidays provide a wide range in options to choose from. Prominent websites also offer the facility of customizing packages as per individual requirements.

By : Alta_Hill

Surf Travel Guide - Beyond Traditional Traveling

As a former World Cup competitor Chris Ball knows all about the cutting edge of surfing. As well as coaching the London national team, Chris runs his own Surf Travel Guide School. He has drawn on his knowledge of the sport and contacts with leading surfers to author a new surfing skills and technique guide.

With the coaching of surf travel guide you get a different thing out of it. People get enjoyment from seeing the guys they work with do well, so it's different. They are not competing, but they don't feel the need to compete anymore. They are still heavily involved in the sport.

A lot of normal surfers could learn a lot of really basic things to make their surfing more enjoyable. There's a lot of knowledge out there - some of which we picked up during our sport and exercise degree - which is involved in cross country, and is starting to come into downhill.

These are techniques which are already being used in rugbv and most major sports. Really simple things like psychology, nutrition, making sure you eat the right amount of the right food.

The basic surfers don't have to be measuring amounts of food and drink like the top surfers and it's not meant to be an academic text book, but Surf Travel Guide tried to write the book to get the message across that the basic surfers who's just out and about can get a really good overview of the things they should be doing health wise to increase the level of their surfing.

By : Lion_Bell

My First Tour - Grand Canyon Vacation Packages

I tidied my packages and then went on my Grand Canyon Vacation. Finally I made up my mind to take a tour to this nature's miracle. And finally it turned out to be a worthy journey. I got up very early, so I managed to meet the first bus.

And then I arrived at Planet Hollywood, where I ate Pop Tarts as my breakfast and bought a bottle of water. I planned to visit Hoover Dam at first, and then to go to Grand Canyon.

It was an exciting day trip. Hoover Dam was on the side of Arizona, and there was an educational video to introduce its history. I didn't like Kingman, but I got a snack there. When I became hungry, I arrived at Williams.

I loved the buffet at the Grand Depot Cafe and went to see the Canyon Railway trains. If I had enough time, I'd like to buy a ticket to have a train tour around this area. Williams is a fantastic little town, there are many vineyards and the weather was very cool. I wish I could spend more time here, but I had to go on my tour.

The main point of my tour was Grand Canyon National Park. The red earth stretches hundreds of miles, I immediately felt moved by this amazing natural landscape. In the afternoon, I had an exciting hike near Bright Angel Lodge. Carrying my packages, I appeared like a real traveller. But the happy time went so quickly, I had to left this spectacular place.

I took a break at a Gas Station near the Canyon. I think everyone will be familiar with this place. Films The Proposal and Sahara were shot there. But I preferred the comedy to the latter one. Anyway, I still took some photos to memorize this Grand Canyon vacation.

When I came back to Kingman, I decided to eat Popeyes chicken. But I regretted having done this decision half an hour later. My stomach was trying for a long time after I had eaten that chicken. The worse was I came across heavy traffic when passing the Hoover Dam. A happy beginning but a bad ending.

I went back to my hotel in the evening.I experienced many things in one day, and actually this was an unforgettable day. Though I couldn't describe clearly about all the scenic spots I've seen, I have a great respect for nature now. Comparing to the Grand Canyon, human beings are insignificant.

By : Howard_Kissee

Chiang Mai, Then and Now

Maybe you have heard of Chiang Mai, the unofficial northern capital of Thailand. Although it isn't cooler than anywhere else on the Thai plains during the hot season, it is along a ridge of cool high mountains, cool enough to actually grow beets, apples, and strawberries.

The king has a hot season home here, about halfway up Doi Shutep, overlooking this once beautiful city. I have had the fortune, and disappointment of visiting this legendary city of the north twice in my travels in Thailand. Once about twenty years ago and the other just recently.

It would be unfair to say that Chaing Mai has been ruined, although that will happen if it continues developing at the pace it is. And that is the key word, development. It seems to have ruined so many of my favorite places in the world. It's not just the buildings that change with development; it's the people. The world has more and more people but we're running out of spirit.

Incidentally, there is a higher concentration of temples in Chiang Mai than in anywhere else in Thailand. Twenty years ago, that was very striking, as there were few tall buildings to obstruct them.

So was the wall (Chiang Mai is a true walled city- fortified against invasion during ancient times), which now is overwhelmed by the big, Bangkok style avenues outside of it. The other things that made this city beautiful were all the teak structures. Much of those have been replaced by concrete. What happened?

Twenty years ago Chiang Mai was a semi-rural, sleepy city of 100,000 souls. Outside its walls was countryside. The people were friendly, laid back, and inquisitive. Chiang Mai is still a lot of fun and very interesting, but the past is gone. It retains some of those rustic roots, but Chiang Mai is now an unmistakably a hustling and bustling Asian metropolis.

By : Dinah_Jackson

Eagle, Colorado - History in the Making

Decades before skiing became the dominant economic engine for Eagle County, Colorado, the town of Eagle formed in 1887 and was incorporated in 1905. By 1921, Eagle was the seat of government for the county and today this mile-plus high community is home to more than 6,000 year-round residents.

The first settlers of European descent moved into what is now known as Eagle in the early 1880s. These new residents were attracted by land which proved ideal for farming.

Mining for silver, lead and copper also attracted people to the area with the town's population increasing fivefold to 124 residents by 1900. Eventually, mining dried up and many of the farmers decided that they were better suited to work as cattle ranchers.

Name Change

Before there was an Eagle, there was a Castle and a McDonald. William Edwards, who farmed nearly one-quarter of a square mile of land near Bush Creek, called the town "Castle" when it was formed in 1887.

In 1891, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad named its station in Castle "Eagle," but that name wasn't officially adopted until 1896, nine years before the town was incorporated.

In the interim, Castle became McDonald when a local landowner, A.A. McDonald, intervened to pay the town's back taxes, renaming Castle for himself. That name change lasted less than a year before local residents insisted that Eagle be adopted.

County Seat

Eagle County was formed in 1883 and is one of 64 counties in the Rocky Mountain state. The town of Eagle didn't become the seat of government until 1921, following several failed attempts to wrest that honor from Red Cliff.

Beginning in 1895, residents sought to have the county seat moved to Eagle, but that attempt failed. In 1904 another vote was held and it also failed to muster enough support. Undaunted, a third vote was held in 1912 with the majority of the 186 voters approving the move.

Yet, it wasn't until 1920 following a Red Cliff appeal that a county-wide vote was held, with the vast majority of voters approving Eagle over Red Cliff, Minturn and Gypsum.

In 1921, following Colorado Supreme Court intervention, Eagle was recognized as the county seat and 12 years later the county commissioners approved the construction of a courthouse. That very same year electricity arrived in town.

Recent Years

The four decades following its recognition as county seat, growth in Eagle was slow, but there was one notable achievement accomplished in 1947 when the county's air field was opened just west of Eagle in Gypsum.

That airport helped fuel the "ski rush" which began in 1962 when construction of the Vail ski resort began. In 1973, Interstate 70 pushed through Eagle, providing yet another way for visitors to arrive in Eagle County to enjoy all that it has to offer.

Today, the Eagle County Airport provides shuttle service from Denver as both American Airlines and United Airlines help connect visitors arriving from all over the world.

By : Matthew_Keegan

Beaches in Morocco

Beaches in and around Casablanca.

The long, sandy beaches of Casablanca are located on the Atlantic coastline. The beaches are very popular and can be quite crowded as they are geared up for tourists. You will find plenty of places offering watersports and a wide range of facilities. The beaches of Casablanca are dotted with hotels and resorts which are popular with locals and tourists alike.

You can also get to Mohammedia from Casablanca and it is a lovely resort which is becoming increasingly popular. Mohammedia compromises of a golf course, a marina and lots of luxury hotels. Further north you come across Bouznika which is home to some superb beaches which has made it one of the most well-known resorts on the Atlantic coast.

Whilst in Casablanca you can also get a bus to nearby Ain Diab which is a small beach resort just outside of the city. It's not the cleanest beach around but it has loads of beach clubs which draw daily crowds. The beach clubs have cafes, restaurants and they all have saltwater pools. There is also a beach club with a disco and tennis and volleyball courts, which is reasonable pricey but worth a visit.

El Jadida beach.

El Jadida is one of the most popular beach resorts in Morocco, with locals coming from all over Morocco to hang out at the beach in the summer.

El Jadida was owned by the Portuguese from 1506 until 1769 and therefore, it has an Old Portuguese medina and its one of the most European looking in Morocco. When the French arrived they transformed it into the popular beach resort that it is today.

The bars are always crowded and in the evenings it is still really busy and like Casablanca there are Moroccan women actively participating in the fun. El Jadida is a great beach for swimming and the beach is a long strip which runs from the city to the port and well beyond the length of the town. The water is clean and the locals are friendly and outgoing.

Tangier beach

There are many fantastic beaches around Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean. The most popular beach is the main beach of Tangier. It is located next to the famous harbour of Tangier and it stretches for miles along the coast. The beach of Tangier is surrounded by mountains and white washed houses making it one of the most beautiful beach resorts in Morocco.

On a clear day you can see all the way to Gibraltar which is about 35 miles away. Along Tangier beach there are many beach bars and there are opportunities to ride a camel down the beach at any time of the day. The beach in Tangier is geared towards families and you can have hours of fun there.

Essaouira

Essaouira is a town situated on the Atlantic coast and it's not the best place to go swimming or sunbathing as it's windy and the water is quite cold. The beach is perfect for surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing though and even if you don't participate, it's nice to watch. During the summer the locals like to go for a dip and also play football on the beach.

Essaouira is a very chilled out and laid back place where the Beatles spent a lot of time and the town inspired some of their music. Jimi Hendrix was also a big fan of the town of Essaouira, which he visited in the sixties during his travels of Morocco. A few years later Bob Marley visited and was also said to be a fan of this coastal town.

Asilah beach

Asilah beach is a lovely beach town which is lies on Morocco's North Atlantic coast. It is very popular with Moroccan holiday-makers who visit the sandy beaches in the summer months. The houses in Asilah are whitewashed and so it has a very European feel (Greek/Portuguese) and he city walls are covered in colourful murals. The beaches in Asilah are very clean and the water is clear making it a perfect destination to go to if you are looking to swim and to sunbathe.

Agadir

Agadir beach is the best known beach resort in Morocco and it's very popular with all kinds of people because of the variety that it offers. Agadir is situated on Morocco's west coast and it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The resort is hot all year round - in the winter it's about 20 degrees and in the summer 30-35 degrees is not uncommon and Agadir has around 300 days of sunshine in a year.

Agadir beach is an amazing 9km of golden sand and there is so much to do to asides sunbathing. There are excellent facilities and lots of watersports are available such s jet skiing, windsurfing and snorkeling. Agadir also has a fantastic nightlife ranging from the quiet drink option to full on parties.

By : Sally_Plunkett

Nepal Sightseeing and Trekking Tour - Enjoy the Nature

Nepal is rich in natural beauty. It is one of the best destinations for sightseeing in the world. Sightseeing in Nepal is one of the popular tourist activities for travelers and adventure seekers. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is perfect sightseeing spot in Nepal. There are many historical monuments, World Heritage Sites and natural sight seeing spots.

The panoramic mountain scenery and diversity of landscape are known for grabbing the imagination of the tourists. The beauty of nature and the ambience of the surrounding enchant the tourists and make their visit most romantic and memorable.

Patan and Bhaktapur are also famous for offering sightseeing opportunities. Tourists can see ancient Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage spots, numerous temples, monasteries and pagodas. All the monasteries, temples and pagodas are decorated by enormous arts and architectures.

The presence of so many religious spots makes it perfect for Nepal pilgrimage tours. Some of the popular pilgrimage spots are Pashupatinath Temple, Hanuman Dhoka, Mahadev Mandir, Swayambhunath Stupa, Bhairavnath Temple, Surya Vinak Temple, Lumbini, etc.

There are many old royal palaces and historically old museums. Some of the prominent sights often visited by the tourists are Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath, Patan City, Bhaktapur City, Changunarayan, Nagarkot, etc. Natural sightseeing can be enjoyed in the popular trekking routes.

Nepal is the home to some of the world's highest mountain peaks and most beautiful mountains. It is the best trekking spot in the world. People from different corners of the world visit Nepal to enjoy ultimate trekking experience. Trekking in Nepal is the best way the best way to experience the natural beauty and cultural amalgamation of the place.

Thousands of trekkers visit Nepal every year to capture the spirit of adventure. Some of the rewarding trekking trails are Himalaya, Annapurna, Langtang, Makalu, Dolpo, Mustang trekking trails and many others. Among these regions Himalayan trekking tours give the most adventurous feeling.

Himalayan region allow you to trek at high altitude sharp mountain trails. Also you see the verdant beauty of nature in the trekking route to Himalaya. It gives the tourist wonderful opportunities to enjoy the nature in its best form.

Nepal treks do not simply mean walking in the trails of mountains but it is gradual way of experiencing the diversity of Nepal's geography, culture, religion and its people. You can plan trekking tours of few months long duration to truly get the adventure of the nature. Visit the natural land, experience the nature and get the adventure.

By : Terence_Lewis

Bandhavgarh Wildlife Safari

Tourists who want to experience the nature's calling prefer Bandhavgarh National Park Tour so they can experience the wilderness the nature scattered in the form diverse flora and fauna. It is one of the popular national parks in India located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh State of India.

Bandhavgarh National Park spread over Vindhya hills and consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km. The widespread of this national park is known for its diverse topographies of steep ridges, undulating hills, forest and open meadows.

Scores of tourists who want to experience the nature's wild beauty come here from across the globe. It was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and at present a famous natural hub for White Tigers. The wish of seeing freely roaming White Tigers in their natural habitat summons scores of tourists to this place from various parts of the world.

According to the official data the density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is among the highest in India. Apart from the thrilling experience of witnessing Tigers this place is also known for its exotic flora collections, large number of fauna and diverse avifauna.

The park lies within the tropical monsoon climatic zone which gifted this park with mixed vegetation of sali, saj, saja and dhobin etc. The jungle of this national park basically consists of mainly of sal trees. Along with this the amazing flora collection this park is known for its 37 species of mammals, more than 250 species of birds, about 70 species of butterflies and several reptiles.

Some of the important animal species which can be seen here are Faced Langur, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Indian Bison and Leopard. This place is also the paradise for the bird-watchers which are visited by scores of bird lovers from several parts of the globe.

Some of the common birds that can be seen in this national park are White Bellied Dronges, Parakeets, Black Stork, Owls, Minivets, Steppe Eagles and Owl.

During migratory season tourists get an opportunity to see some of the rarest species of birds which also includes Sarus Cranes.

The best time to visit this national park is from November to June because it is the most promising season for tiger sighting. There are number of tourists lodge available around the park where tourists can stay during their Bandhavgarh visit.

By : Sanjog_KR

The Grampians in Australia Is for People Who Appreciate Nature

Australia has a lot to offer its guests and this is especially true of the Grampians in Victoria. Located in Victoria, this is a beautiful and cultural mountainous area. Make sure to reserve your accommodations for the Grampians natural experience.

When you are hiking, you are in the thick of wilderness surroundings. This could not be truer of any other mountainous area. Many trails are available for you to explore and you may see plants and wildlife up close you would have never dreamed being able to see.

There are also rock climbing opportunities as well. Check online for the accommodations that are suitable just for those interested in hiking these mountainous areas. Coming across some of the great lookouts areas in this region will most likely happen while you hike.

Some of these lookouts are in places that will provide you with some really breathtaking views. Mt. William is one lookout you will not want to miss because it is at the highest point in the region. The view you will have from there is indescribable. Boroka Lookout is another place you will want to check out also.

Would you like to spend an afternoon traveling to see some waterfalls located in the Grampians? You will have the chance to see some of the greatest falls ever. The flowers and ferns that are blooming around them make a frame of absolute beauty. This is one part of this mountainous region you must see for yourself to be able to really appreciate the intensity.

A great way to learn all you can about this region while viewing it as well is by taking a guided tour. Tours are available for this kind of experience. You will be able to go by way of a 4WD vehicle into some parts of the mountains you may not otherwise have gone to.

Your guide will be able to tell you much information about the area and the wildlife along the way. Reserve your tour online before you arrive.

Visiting a wilderness region becomes the perfect opportunity to see the wildlife of that area. One good way to get an up close look at some of the Victoria animals is by visiting the Halls Gap Wildlife Park. You may want to make this your first stop of your Grampian adventure because it is located at the foothills and will be on the way to higher destinations.

The Aborigine people have lived about the Grampian mountainous regions for thousands of years. During all these years, their ancient ancestors left behind beautiful art carvings in rocks and many other things that showed the way they lived. Visit the many rock art sites that are evidence of five different tribes. This will truly be an amazing cultural experience.

Great accommodations are available for you to reserve right in Grampian regions. You can choose a cottage with a private view or you might rather choose a hotel with fine service. Whichever you would choose, you can do so easily by going online. Plan ahead for the best traveling you can imagine to the Grampians in Victoria.

By : Sidney_Morgan

Ghost Town Outside of Austin Texas Is There 'Just Because'

I spent Saturday in the blistering heat at a photography workshop in Manor, Texa, just outside of Austin. The setting was a ghost town and the theme of the workshop was how to use outdoor light. Okay, I admit, unless you're in to creative photography, that's probably a boring subject. But, the day was fun...and hot. We're talkin' 98* F and I forgot sunscreen.

After nearly 400 pictures taken that day, one of my favorites is a simple pair of worn out cowboy boots sitting on a bench. The look is as if someone just took them off and left them there after a long day of riding. The picture screams out, "Old Western Town".

Most of my other pictures are of models posing for us and those will be coming in future blogs and posted to my website. There is something to be said for a pair of worn out boots. They just look so comfortable. You can come up with a thousand stories of where these boots have been and why they are sitting alone on a bench in a ghost town.

I wish I had more history on the town itself, but the truth is, it was built in 1999. It isn't a real ghost town. It's just made to look like one. Either way, it is a pretty cool place and not just for photographers. You can rent the town for parties, weddings or any other kind of gathering.

I don't know much about the J. Lorraine Ghost Town but I am guessing whoever built had a fascination for old western towns and this was their way of expressing that. That's good enough for me.

By : Doug_Graybeal

India Tours - Best of Adventure Sports

Crowned with lofty Himalayan peaks in the north, covered with sand dunes of Thar Desert in the west, draped in eerie jungles throughout the nation and its southern edge merging with the sea at the zenith, India is the magical land blessed with diverse topography.

The diversity is very finely engrained in the landscape and provides a very captivating mix of the contraries. Such diversity offers unlimited routes to revel in adventure sports. Adventure sports on India tours are thus a highly preferred activity attracting thousands of adventure seekers to the country's periphery.

It can be your zeal for triumphing snow clad peaks or the thrill of wilderness that intrigues the travel-bug in you or the solace of desert safari that appeals you or the beauteous colours of undersea panorama pick any of these adventure sports on your tours to India and the country will enchant you with surfeit of it.

Wildlife Safaris

The wildlife in India is a mix of species of diverse origins. The fascinating terrain of the country is ideal for the breeding of numerous wildlife species which are well preserved in numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country. The country laced with 551 wildlife sanctuaries is frequented by numerous wildlife enthusiasts.

Set on a wildlife jeep safari or else opt for more real feel of the jungle and try exploring it on the back of trained elephants. Naturalists from the authorities will escort you in the jungle as you witness the fascinating thrill unfolding in front of you from a safe distance.

Desert Safari

The seclusion and the peace in Thar Desert is most fascinating feature of one's adventure tour to India. An ideal touring experience of the erstwhile princely state of Rajasthan remains incomplete without a camel safari in the celestial sands of Thar Desert.

The barren land has so much to offer in terms of culture, serenity and serendipity. The safari reaches its zenith in the evening when tented accommodation, royal cuisines and folk music and dance shows are given a glorious backdrop by the setting sun.

Trekking: Mighty ranges of Himalayas in the north and various other mountain ranges lacing the country down south provide enormous opportunity for taxing and enthralling treks. Trekking in hill stations of Northern India is one of the most favourite activities amongst adventure sports lovers.

Scuba Diving & Other Water Sports

Though lesser known scuba diving and snorkelling is soon catching pace with the traditional famous sports in the country. The islands of Lakshdweep, Andaman and Nicobar and more one can enjoy this sport.

Other water sports those are way more famous than scuba diving includes the enthralling jet skis, speed boats and scooters. Mainly available on Goan beaches these are great fun activities enjoyed by both children and adults alike.

Not just these, but also parasailing, hot balloon rides, zorbing and more in Solang Valley, skiing, mountain biking in the hills and more India tours for adventure seekers has many dimensions. Whatever may be one's idea of an exhilarating vacation can be enjoyed in the incredible land of India.

By : Chandan_Kumar_Sinha

Tanzania Safari Destinations

Tanzania is arguably the greatest destination in the world to see a fantastic mixture of wildlife and scenery. To give you more of an insight in to what you can expect to see whilst on an adventure vacation there, I have summarised some of the greatest tourist attractions in this beautiful and culture filled country.

Serengeti National Park - The Serengeti is the most famous National Park in the world. Not only does it boast great densities of some of Africa's greatest safari animals, but it also has the perfect flat and plain terrain to make spotting wildlife easier than most other parks.

The Serengeti also plays its part in one of the great natural wildlife wonders of the world, the great migration. The migration consists of more than a million wildebeest taking their annual journey through the Serengeti and into the Masai Mara to find fresh grazing pastures. It certainly is quite a sight to see 1 million of these great beasts in a giant herd, travelling in sync!

Mount Kilimanjaro - This great Mountain is one of the largest in the world, standing at a staggering 4,877 metres feet tall. Many people seeking a thrill for adventure choose to hike Kilimanjaro over a period of 3-6 days. Views of different sides of the Mountain can also be seen whilst driving around Kenya and Tanzania, so you are quite likely to see it at least once on your Tanzania travels.

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area - The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is actually part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. The whole area is beautiful and wildlife rich, and is a particularly good destination for those active folk who enjoy hiking and walking, but undoubtedly the biggest draw for safari-goers in this area is the fabulous Ngorongoro Crater.

This is an African Eden - a dip in the landscape which offers lush greenery, sparkling waters and amazing wildlife to those who dare to venture down the 2000ft high walls. A day spent here is a day spent in safari paradise!

Lake Victoria- It is a shame that this beautiful corner of the world is often overlooked by visitors to Tanzania. Lake Victoria is not top of the list for spotting game, but those people who have the time and the inclination to visit the shores of this vast lake will be richly rewarded with lovely scenery and an authentic insight into the lake-side lifestyle, largely unchanged for many, many years.

Feel like an explorer at Speke Bay, taking a canoe over the waters. Go on a fishing trip with the local fishermen, listening to their songs and learning their traditional fishing methods. Or visit Lukuba Island, and watch great cormorants skimming and dipping into the waters, and monitor lizards sunning themselves on huge granite boulders.

By : Tom_V_Powell

Newfoundland and Labrador - Adventure Cruises

In recent years, an ever-increasing number of cruise ships have been visiting Newfoundland and Labrador. Vacationers like to book a cruise ship tour which includes a stop in Newfoundland. Many vacationers get to spend some time in St. John's, stroll the winding streets, and explore the specialty shops.

More and more tourists, however, are choosing adventure cruises. These unique tours allow visitors to explore different areas of Newfoundland. 'Adventure Newfoundland' can mean a Whale Study Week, Viking Trail Experience, Southern Labrador Adventure, as well as other once-in-a-lifetime trips.

On the "Southern Labrador Adventure," you can tag along with a naturalist as he studies and catalogues humpbacks and orcas in northern Newfoundland and southern Labrador. Tourists can visit historic Battle Harbour as well as the abandoned communities of the Labrador coast.

'Newfoundland Family Wildlife Adventure' provides a week of adventure which is designed to engage, enrich, and educate the whole family. A group of families will enjoy the camaraderie of each other's company as they experience the best of Newfoundland.

A visit to the continent's largest puffin colony, a trip to Salmonier Nature Park, zodiac rides, whale watching, learning about salmon restoration, and other activities are included in this adventure cruise.

On day two, the 'Viking Trail Experience' will take you to Gros Morne - a United Nations World Heritage Site. Gros Morne, the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada, is a must-see in Newfoundland because it is a 'live' geology lesson. The gorge, mountains, and glacier-carved valleys are true marvels of the world.

'My Newfoundland Adventures' in Corner Brook offer varied adventure tours and training programs. Participants can enjoy kayaking, rafting, kite surfing, and rock climbing. As well, Newfoundland Eco Adventure Tours offer a coastal safari and eco-adventures during which visitors can get close to whales, bald eagles, and puffins.

Canoe Hill Adventures provide guided sea kayak tours on the Bay of Exploits. This venue also allows experienced paddlers to rent kayaks.

Tourists always love to explore the nooks and crannies of this beautiful province. They can take part in extended trips or go out on day cruises around the bay. Long Range Adventures in Gros Morne Park offer activities in various areas for the novice or experienced adventurer.

Participants can experience sea kayaking or mountain biking. They might choose to backpack in the Long Range Transverse or paddle to an isolated section of the park.

Visitors can tour picturesque Carbonear and Harbour Grace Islands. They can learn about the fearless pirate, Peter Easton, and the Irish princess, Sheilagh Ne Geira. They might like to sign up for Ocean Quest Charter, Canada's National Award Winning Dive Centre, and enjoy SCUBA diving.

The Northland Discovery Tours in St. Anthony, an award-winning venture, has iceberg tours and whale watching tours. This area has a high concentration of icebergs.

By : Richard_Verkley

How to Choose Between a Self-Drive Vs Escorted Tour

A traveler torn between choosing to self-drive OR take an escorted tour once said, "My only concern is we would be driving and passing by points of interest and not even know that we should stop and take a look."

Yes, that is true.

The highly acclaimed travel writer Paul Theroux distinguished travelers and tourists by saying, "Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going."

In today's world, most people are forced to be "simple" tourists because of time constraints. I say "simple" because without a brilliant guide and local connections YOU'RE a fish out of water that may, or may never, swim in the pool of great memories.

The New Age of escorted tours, GROUPS are much SMALLER than the traditional motorcoach filled with forty camera toting tourists.

Today, a great escorted tour averages in size (between 2-6 travelers) meaning a more INTIMATE and EXHILARATING experience you desired!

Also, expect to be CHAUFFEURED around -and in places like Africa where animals (you wanna take memory cards worth of photos of) run wild, and destinations are of great distance between each other, trust me...

You WANT to be chauffeured!

On the other hand, self-drive tours require more time than most people are willing to give up AND that can mean YOU might miss things.

One way to counter the possibility of missing points of interest, purchase a COUNTRY SPECIFIC guidebook.

And of course a map.

Between the two, you'll minimize your chances of missing key attractions -Assuming you spend hours in preparation.

DON'T be the one returning home only to realize you should have gone there! Or done that!

A finely polished "local" escort WILL provide a more enriching travel experience - the kind that only an INSIDER can offer. You may be a tourist, but the "local" escort eliminates your ignorance.

If you are absolutely content on a self-drive tour, it is essential to work with an operator to aid in the planning your route, help you decide on lodges within your budget, "guide" you to must see places of interest, etc...

When all said in done,

You will receive a personally prepared set of documents bound together in a folder, including your itinerary, short biography of the creator, a customized travel guide, and examples of the activities/wildlife you may encounter, passport/visa information, suggested clothing and equipment, health issues, cultural considerations, and a list of suggested reading.

By : Jeremiah_Allen

Egypt - Visit, Explore, Enjoy!

Egypt has always been one of the ancient cultures in the world, if not the most ancient one.

Through the years, it has been the centre of attention from tourists around the world. For all what Egypt have of sightseeing places and all the ancient Egyptian monuments like the pyramids, sphinx, Luxor's monuments and even some of the Roman Greek monuments in Alexandria.

Until today, Egypt and everything about Egypt is absolutely famous. When history professors or anyone interested in history and ancient history think about going on an exciting trip to one of the most historical countries, the first thing that come in mind is going to Egypt.

There are a lot of things that you can do when you visit Egypt, whether it is your first time to visit Egypt or not. Besides seeing all the terrific monuments in Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan and Alexandria, you can also enjoy the warmth of the weather in the winter all over Egypt.

You can also enjoy some of the best resorts and beaches in the world by going to the most fabulous beaches and resorts located at the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, places like Sharm Al Sheikh and Hurghada.

Another interesting thing about Egypt is the Egyptian food. Most people say that you experience a country through its food. I find that pretty true. Every and each tourist that lands their feet in Egypt LOVE to experience the Egyptian food, and when they do, they dig to find the recipe of the delicious Egyptian dish.

Egyptian recipes have found their way to be one of the most beloved food recipes around the world. Every month, a huge number of people around the world dig for one of the best Egyptian food recipes from the great and large collection of all Egyptian recipes that ever excites.
By : Yar Bakr

Tourist Attractions of Thailand

Thailand is renown throughout the world for being a popular travel destination and a backpacker's paradise, but the pure white beaches, the crystal blue sea, the beautiful historical and cultural locations and the busy inner cities can lend themselves to the hearts of any willing tourist. Whether you're looking for thrilling sites, relaxing tropical vistas or the sprawling metropolis of Bangkok, there is something in Thailand for everyone.

Thailand is blessed with a tropical climate, leaving it oscillating between cool temperatures and sweltering heat, aside from a brief rainy season around September time. Beach goers will want to visit around March to June time, whilst backpackers and those visiting temples wanting to avoid the worst of the heat by heading out between November and February.

The population is made up mostly of native Thai people, with a small minority of Chinese immigrants. The Thai language is also it's own, thought it may be difficult to pick up for tourists due its tonal nature. The most popular religion is Theravada Buddhism, leaving in its wake a vast array of stunning temples and monuments.

Most of the action in Thailand takes place in Bangkok; the coming together of heaving economic development, culture and natural beauty. With a population of over eleven million, traffic jams are a regular occurrence.

Despite this, travel around the city can be surprisingly efficient if other forms of transport are utilised. Those thinking of hiring a motorbike may want to consider the extremely high rate of accidents.

Perhaps the most popular of Bangkok's many rich tourist attractions is the Grand Palace. As well as being the current home of longest serving monarch alive, King Rama IX, who has been on the throne since 1950, the grand palace also plays host to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which contrary to its name is made from Jade, draped in gold decorative dressings. Around the temple is a stunning accumulation of gold leaf plated statues of Buddhist mythical creatures and deities.

The grand palace is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, running through the centre of the city down which visitors may elect to take a special boat trip to see many of the sights at once, including a selection of the three hundred temples residing within the city limits and the famous floating market.

There is a wide variety of Thai cuisine available for very reasonable prices. Some of things that every visitor must try include Phad Thai curry, kanom roti, a kind of sweet crepe available from street vendors, deep fried insects such as scorpions, grasshoppers, beetles and crickets, and Tom Yum Goong soup, though there are many other types of food and regional varieties from around the country worth trying, though for the unadventurous tourist there are more familiar chains and foodstuffs available.

Bangkok is also host to a famously buzzing nightlife, providing for a wild exhibition of needs and tastes, though those of other tastes may like to walk along the beaches of the gulf of Thailand, that are not too far away.
By : Aleksandar_A_Popovic

Rock Climbing - An Adventure Sport to Set Your Adrenaline Rushing

There are numerous adventure sports and you can conveniently choose one according to your interest and also the facilities in your region. Rock climbing or mountaineering are certainly the most loved adventure sports and millions each year try their hand at this.

Like very other sports climbing is governed by a basic set of rules which are to be followed strictly to ensure your own safety. The right gears, a good climbing rope and the knowledge on how to use the rope to guarantee maximum safety are the important requirements for mountaineering.

When you are in air and you do not have a solid surface to lay your feet on, the one thing that can save your life is knowledge of climbing knots. The climbing rope is like your lifeline on the mountains and thus it becomes essential that you acquaint yourself with the various ways of tying the rope.

Experts climbers who have scaled the world highest peaks are very well familiar with the all basics forms of climbing knots. As a beginner you need to learn it from an expert or if you can, you can also learn it from many online sources.

Before starting on any activity related to climbing, just practice the various knots which are mandatory for beginners.

A climbing knot can be the one thing that can save your life if you know how to tie it perfectly. Adventure sports are a good way to add the fun and thrill in your life, but it is equally essential that you look into all the safety aspects before starting with them.

By : Charles_Danial

During Your Vacation in Vietnam, Stop in Hanoi

Hanoi is a wonderful choice for virtually every traveller searching for a true Asian experience, while being in a busy city environment. Along with scrumptious food, a vibrant night life as well as a strong cultural and historical centre, this destination is a thousand years old, nonetheless it is a lot more alive today than ever before.

Many people appreciate a visit into the city's Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is probably the lowest priced locations to holiday, and it's loaded with food, shopping, temples and party all night atmosphere. Take a day to soak in the sights and sounds in this active region.

Visit th Dong Xuan Market, which features 3 floors filled with hundreds of stalls, or have a look at a number of the open air markets to see sellers with fruits, vegetables as well as other foods. A large number of places offer reasonable prices, and are also very happy to do good business with the tourists of the area.

Journey up the Highland building towards the rooftop restaurant and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Hoan Kiem. As well, don't forget to check out many of the local museums to discover what they have to look at.

The Contemporary Art Museums display some of the most popular international artists from around the planet, and give tours to the public. In addition, the temple of literature offers their visitors with a rich understanding of the gardens, architecture and history of the area.

Having been founded over one thousand years ago to encourage education, be sure to tour through here and pay tribute to the endless search for knowledge.

Make sure to get ready for an evening out on the town when the late afternoon approaches. With a huge selection of nearby restaurants, and bars, you're likely to discover a place to dine just before going out to experience one of the best night life regions on the planet.

Enjoy the beer gardens, bia hois of the area, and be sure you make small talk with the residents over a drink. Be sure to check out the Minh's Jazz Club! Internationally known, you're certain to enjoy your time there

Overall, Hanoi is amongst the greatest destinations to go to should you be looking for an exciting nightlife, excellent shopping, and delicious foods. The rich historical past is sure to entice you to explore the city more seriously, and enjoy the cultural heritage.

Be sure you enjoy the food and the shopping as you work your way through the city. And remember to check out some of the beautiful religious structures throughout the areas prior to leaving.

By : Anna_Sandpakdee

Take A Ride On Highway 21

Following Highway 21 from Boise to Lowman is sure to be a great experience for any biker out there. It is one of the few roads that offer sweeping turns and tight roads to travel on. The route length is exactly 66 miles long and it has been very well maintained.

There are many turns and hills will keep you on your toes and make this a very interesting ride on a bike.

This trip will take you through all of nature's glory. There is an assortment of wildlife to see along the way from Elf to Coyotes there is always something to see. On top of all of the wildlife there are numerous spots overlooking large canyons and ravines, and the trip is through the mountains.

This is really a road for any nature lover and I would encourage you to bring along your camera to capture many of the breathtaking views along this trip because you are going to want to share them with everyone you talk to about this trip.

While this part of Highway 21 is pretty laid back and traffic free it is by no means deserted. There are many places to stop and visit along the way. Within the first 25 miles there is a cool little place called Muley's Mountain Coffee. It's a great place to relax and enjoy some good coffee before getting back on the road.

After Muley's it is open roads up until Idaho City where a number of amenities exist. If you're hungry one of the best restaurants in the area is Diamond Lil's Steakhouse and Saloon. The rustic atmosphere and down to earth decoration is exactly what you would expect to find out in the mountains.

The selection of food is superb and the atmosphere is even better. You can expect to meet some really friendly people and even make some new friends. Diamond Lil's Steakhouse is at 407 Main Street and you just have to make a left off the Highway on to Main Street and it is a straight shot.

At the end of your trip through the mountains you can stay the night in Lowman before hitting the road. The Foxes Den comes highly recommended as an affordable place to stay while still being very nice.

You can rest assured that the ride along Highway 21 from Boise to Lowman is something you will not soon forget.

It is sure to be a relaxing experience with nature and the open road. Motorcycle trails such as this are considered to be some of the best kept secrets of the United States. They make for a great experience that other people may not regularly travel.

By : Robert_W_Mccormack