Adventure Travel To-Do List

To have a successful adventure trip, adventure-junkies need to make more thorough travel plans than normal tourists.

Most of the time, adventure-travelers will be self-sufficient and should be ready for whatever human, natural or wildlife challenge they may encounter. At first, it may seem trivial but they need to know where they are going to find camp-fuel, bear spray or even a shower.

Here are a few points to consider before you head out on your journey:

* Know when you would like to go. - Adventure tours are seasonal in nature. Winter is great for skiing while those same areas offer great hiking in the summer. Know what you want to do and time your trip appropriately. Even temperate and tropical regions have two seasons - the dry or wet season.

* What do you want to see & do? - A good starting point is to have an idea of what you want to experience on an adventure tour. As you investigate further, stay open-minded to other possibilities as well. For instance, whale watching is a popular sport on the coast but scuba-diving with them is even more exciting! Be open and flexible with your plans as tours can be customized for personal needs and interests.

* How are you going to get around? - While flying from place to place is relatively straight-forward, ground transportation can be quite stressful. Transportation logistics are different in every location (i.e. different public transportation systems, car-rental policies). Plan ahead to avoid delays, confusion and frustration.

* Purchase local supplies? - Some supplies will have to be purchased locally since travelling with them is illegal or not practical (i.e. kerosene, large batteries, and perishable foods). Time your arrival appropriately so you can find a local store to stock up on provisions.

* Research the area. - Each area is unique so try to get some insider information before arriving. For instance, check the schedule of public buses (some don't run every day); find out if shops close early (especially in small towns); learn if public showers may only be available at recreational centers ($$$). These small nuances can affect how smooth your journey will be.

An adventure trip in Canada requires travelers to plan in advance, to prepare for the unexpected and to rely less on chance and the kindness of strangers. Being self-sufficient and prepared can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary trip. Happy Travels!

By : Greg_R._Lynch

Machu Picchu Tourism - The Mysterious "Old Mountain"

Machu Picchu is considered to be one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It is worthy of the title because it is ancient and mysterious, yet incredibly well preserved. It contains much history that to this day is the subject of debate among archaeologists.

An estimated 1000 people lived in the place for about a hundred years, before abruptly abandoning the site around 1572. Why they left remains unclear even now, although it appears to have been somehow related to the Spanish conquest of the region.

We do know, however, that after the original Inca inhabitants left Machu Picchu, the site remained unseen and untouched by non-natives for over three hundred years.

It was rediscovered by an archaeologist, Hiram Bingham III of Yale University, while he was looking for a unique city in Cuzco. A farmer's son lead Bingham on the Inca trail until they reached the peak of the mysterious Machu Picchu. The archaeologist was then sponsored by National Geographic and Yale University in his endeavor to find explore the site.

The "old mountain" is a popular tourism destination precisely because the site remained untouched for so long. Tourists now flock there at a rate of over one thousand visitors per day.

The vast majority of Picchu tourism originates from the nearby city of Cusco. From there, you can catch a train up the mountain. Another method of reaching the sacred site is by hiking one of the famed Inca Trails, a wondrous network of footpaths that wind among the snow covered mountains, twisting rivers, and spectacular countryside.

This is widely regarded as being among the best trekking routes on Earth, because of the remarkable archeological sites and diverse plant and animal species you'll find along the way.

The perplexing structure of Machu Picchu, the most important and exquisite legacy of the Inca people, is a part of the Historic Sanctuary with which it shares its name. It is also among just a few sites in all of the Americas that rank on the World Cultural AND Natural Heritage Lists put forth by UNESCO.

Located atop a mountain almost 8000 feet above sea level, this sacred site celebrates and enhances the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds it. It is truly a unique location, making it easy to see why Machu Picchu tourism continues to expand.

By : Patrik_Bushman

Gir National Park

About Gir Forest

It is one of the biggest national parks in India which was established in early 1995's, it is also known as Sasan Gir and Girvan Forest as we have the highest population of Lions here, the total area acquires of 1411 sq km among the 260 sq km is fully protected which is for National Park and the rest which is 1151 sq km is for the sanctuary. The Gir National Forest is situated 64.7 km to the south east of Junagadh.

Gir is one of the important restricted areas in Asia because of the utmost protection of valuable species. Gir forest gives the feel to lions as they are at home and they are very much protected species in India, in this forest huge numbers of Lions are found. In olden days the declaration was made by a king that the jungle area and its Lions should be protected. Gir has got an amazing eco-system gifted by nature with various species of plants and animals.

Save The Lions

According to the Census done in April 2010 they got the count of Lions and it was 411, Comparing with 2005's Lion count and the 2010's Lion count has an increase of 52 in numbers. "Save Gir Lions". You will never find any tigers in Gir Forest as they do not come to the place most often where Lions reside, territories of Tigers and Lions are different, when ever these big cats come face to face they attack each other questioning about the inappropriate invasion.

The State Transport buses and taxies are available all the time from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir. Gir forest can be reached from all the cities of Gujarat and the roads well connected, also you can hire 4 wheelers or mini buses depending upon the number of people in your circle.

Safest and enjoyable way is to hire a taxi and the cost is Rs 5/Km, The best time to travel is in the early morning from Ahmedabad and will reach Junagadh in the afternoon, Forest Department Cottages are available at the cost of INR 1000/day for stay. You can proceed with your activities and can go to Gir Forest at night because thats the time you will get to see more animals.

The population of Lions is increasing in Gir Forest every year, lets try to spread the word "No more Killing of Animals" for the good of all endangered species. The best time to visit Gir National Park is December to April, as this is a hottest wildlife reserve most of the people prefer visiting between October and June.

By : Khadeer_Ahmed

Bohol the "Jewel of the Philippnes"

Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines with a land area of 4,117.3 square kilometers consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor islands. Located in the Visayas (Region VII). Famous places surround the wonderful island of Bohol. We have Cebu on the West, Island of Leyte to the northeast and Mindanao to the South across the Bohol Sea.

A lot of foreign tourist and even Filipino excursionist consider this place as a number one vacation spot for its natural taste of nature. Mother Earth have gifted this place with lots of natural treasures that would surely make Bohol an eye catcher. Here are some of these natural scenic spots.

1. Chocolates Hills - This Mountain of limestone formation is one of the most popular tourist spot here in Bohol. It turns brown during summer thus having it named as "Chocolate Hills". Accommodations are now available on top of these hills with restaurants and view deck which has a full view on this world class spectacle.

2. The Tarsier Trail - Tarsier which is known as the "world's smallest monkey" also considered as the second-smallest primate on Earth is indigenous here in Bohol. You will also have the chance to interact these rare species. The tarsier trails will also lead you to places where you can find flowers and other unique flora which is abundant in this place.

3. Baclayon Church - This is one of the oldest church in the Philippines situated in the oldest town in Bohol which is the Town of Baclayon. The interior and exterior design of the church was still preserved amidst centuries of existence. Some interesting relics can still be found on the church dating back from the 16th century. A lot of people take pictures in this historic and remarkable place.

4. Loboc River - Nothing can be more relaxing than a cruise at the Loboc River starting either from the town's Poblacion or at the Loay Bridge. The cruise is made possible by a motorized banca popularly known as the floating-restaurants. Same with normal restaurants it has chairs and tables with great delicacies with bands playing music mostly jazz and blues style music but with a unique blend of Mother Nature. The buffets begin as soon as the cruise initiate. The trip is about an hour which will lead to a magnificent landscape the "Busay falls". After some time of gazing, the return trip starts.

With these scenic spots, your vacation would surely be fun and memorable. Bohol does not only offer breathtaking spots but also places for some interesting activities that you can engage you with your stay in this place. Here are some of these activities.

1. Scuba Diving - This activity can be best enjoyed in Panglao which is popular for its diving locations. Trips can be manage to some of the famous diving sites at the Alona Beach. The well known diving sites here are the Doljo Beach, Napaling and Puntod which are known to be deep with strong currents.

2. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour - The Bohol Sea is a haven for at least 11 species of dolphins and whales some of these wonderful creatures are the spinner dolphins and the popular sperm whales. The tour will give you a chance to go dolphin and whale watching in the waters of Bohol Sea.
3. Eco-Adventure in Danao - An exciting experience awaits you at Danao Eco Adventure tour wherein you can experience cave trekking, rappelling, kayaking, root climbing, zip lining and other extreme activities.

With all of these on your watch list, a week vacation on Bohol would surely be one of the best choice that you will ever make in your entire life. Surely a well spent vacation awaits you on this promising and magnificent place.

By : Jello_Laganson

Family Adventure Holidays

Are you tired of your regular routine work? We all tend to follow a routine for your life because we need to do our work on time. Sometimes we get sick and tired of this monotonous routine and want to break free from it. There are various ways of breaking free from the regular routine.

One of the best ways is to plan a holiday. Family adventure holidays have become quite popular these days. Lots of people are showing interest in adventures. But it is quite difficult to plan a holiday with your family.

There will be number of choices and it becomes difficult to select one from them. Therefore it is very important to find the right kind of destination which can please all your family members. Always try to choose a place of common interest.

One of the places which are quite popular for family adventure vacations is Africa. You must be aware of the African safari which is loved by almost everybody. But before you visit the place it is important to find out important details about the place.

It is very much important to make sure that the place is safe and secure for you to take your family along with you. If you have elder people and children in your family then you need to be extra careful about the safety and other essential things.

An African safari is great both for the children as well as for the adults. In these kinds of family adventure holidays they can discover some of the greatest outdoors as well as check out some amazing animals.

They have read about these animals in their books and now they can have a look at them. There are certain websites which can offer you complete information about the destination. There are different things that you need to plan before you can visit the place.

First of all you need to check out the kind of accommodations available. There are various websites which have great articles written on these family travel destinations. If you are satisfied with the information provided by the website then you can consider this website as a guide.

The other most popular family adventure trips can be planed in Barbados. This is also a popular place of visit. There are certain websites which make special features on some popular adventure destinations. Main attractions of the family adventure holidays are the different types of activities that can be carried out.

If you have a beach in your destination then there are various water activities that can be done along with your family. Other than the accommodations you also need to book your tickets. This is also possible with the help of these websites.

Before you visit a particular place you must also make sure that have information regarding the climate. There are certain seasons for visiting a particular place. Family adventure holidays have become so popular these days that a number of websites are being dedicated to this cause.

By : Ronald_Abercrombie

Kerala Honeymoon Tour

After getting married to the most special person in your life, it would be a nice experience to go to an exotic destination to enjoy your honeymoon. The most apt spots are the serene destinations where the newly wed couples can enjoy the commencement of their new journey of life together.

Speaking of honeymoon spots, Kerala surely has its own significance. This beautiful state in India is blessed with the wonders of the Mother Nature. It is also called 'God's own country' as there is a belief that this state is the creation of God. Kerala honeymoon tours are very popular, the state being an ideal honeymoon getaway.

The exotic backwaters of Kerala behold a phenomenal charm that never fails to captivate the newly-wed couples. The backwater destinations are a blend of historical and modern scenic getaways. Some of the significant backwater destinations include Cochin, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kozhikode, Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram. You can book luxury boat-houses to enjoy the astounding beauty of the backwaters.

The beaches, hemmed by the swaying coconut trees, easily entice the newly-wed visitors. The lagoons, natural habours and the coconut groves are quite a treat to the eyes! The world-famous Kovalam Beach, the serene Poovar beach, the posh Varkala beach are some noteworthy beaches in Kerala.

Hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad are some of the major attractions in Kerala. They are rich in nature bounty, greenery, spice fields, extensive tea-gardens, etc. Kerala hill stations are tempting to the honeymoon couples as they offer a picturesque tour experience.

If you and your spouse are more inclined to the adventurous side of the trip, you can explore the wildlife sanctuaries and parks. You can hire a jeep easily and enjoy the rich flora and fauna of Kerala wildlife. Some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries here are Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kerala is a land of rich culture and tradition. Apart from its natural beauty, Kerala also offers a variety of cultural festivities that showcase the ethnic values of India. In a nutshell, Kerala owns a unique beauty that cannot be compared to any other place in this world.

Kerala Honeymoon tour can be the most memorable tour in your life. There are many Kerala Honeymoon Packages that you can avail to. You can go for any kind of package you want to. Kerala holidays are quite affordable. Once you have made your mind, you can log on to KeralaTravelCentre.com for exciting tour packages at reasonable rates.

By : Garret_Lloyd

Ecuador Trekking Tours!

Ecuador is a real life paradise for many reasons. Where else will you find bio-ecological environments, mesmerizing culture, superb landscapes, amazing landscape variations and immense amount of natural beauty?

The splendid combination of so many terrains makes it a very desirable location for all kinds of vacations. No wonder, Ecuador is a real paradise for all visitors.

Take on the Paramo treks to maximize your fun limits that come through changing climates leading towards tropical rainforests of the great continent. Above all, uncover the diversity of bird regime and animal life that give you a totally different feel of Ecuador trekking tours.

Various visitors who love challenges of hiking and trekking can enjoy going on excellent trips through the Andean paramo featuring sumptuous and phenomenon of volcanic eruptions of Ecuadorian land. Enjoy taking up the popular trek in Ingapirca trek that gives you a chance to observe glimpses from the past.

So, if you really have guts to choose your own limits, why not to get on several Andes-to-Amazon hikes that takes you from the plain lands of high peaked paramo crosses through cloudforests and lands finally to lowland rainforest. During your descent time, you can enjoy crossing a different ecosystem and see dramatic changes in the immediate environment.

You will start feeling heat as you come down and start peeling off your warm clothes to relive yourself. Isn't it an amazing change? Where else you will get this feel? In Ecuador you can actually expect the unexpected.

Make your plans now and enjoy experiencing something unforgettable.

By : Gracy_Martin

The Island of Sardinia

Why does everyone know a lot about Italy and nothing or very little about the Island of Sardinia which is an Italian island? Ask your friends if they can find Sardinia on a world map. Most likely, half of them won't be able to do this.

From time to time we hear from the news reports that Silvio Berlusconi goes on vacation to his villa in the island of Sardinia. Sometimes in gossip magazines we find pictures of worldwide known movie stars or sport celebrities spending their vacations in Sardinia.

Such news make us think that getting on this island is something really expensive and that an average person cannot afford it. The reason for this is because these "VIPS" mainly spend their time and money on the Emerald Coast. This is indeed a place for wealthy people but it is only a very small part of this beautiful island. Sardinia has a lot more to offer then the Emerald Coast.

The island of Sardinia is one of those places where rich and average class people co-exist perfectly. People of art, famous writers, artists, poets came to Sardinia years ago to get inspiration from the remarkable beauty of the island and simple life with good food and wine.

Today the demands are higher and certain parts of the island of Sardinia have turned into glamorous elite resorts.

Though everyone that comes to the island of Sardinia enjoys nice quiet beaches with white sand, emerald colours and incredible transparency of the sea, the hospitality of local inhabitants, nice hotels, golf courses, yachts, fresh and delicious food, good wine and the gorgeous nature of Sardinia. All these will definitely improve your health. It is not by chance that the island of Sardinia has one of the highest longevity in the world.

In the past the island was not ready to face mass tourism due to bad infrastructures and low level of service. Today everything has changed. The infrastructure of the island of Sardinia has improved tremendously, many roads, hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs have been built. There are many low-cost direct flights to Sardinia from various European cities offered by Ryanair airlines.

What else is the island of Sardinia today? The island of Sardinia today is a EU region with an economy mainly driven by tourism and agriculture. Sardinia is famous for producing exceptional cheeses and wines. Tuna (bluefin) from the island of Sardinia is exported worldwide.

Over the past 20 years, the isolation of the island has become less apparent, largely thanks to the promotion of low rates on air transportation and advanced information technology. The island of Sardinia was the first region of Italy that has switched to a new standard of television broadcasting. On November 1, 2008 all TV stations in Sardinia broadcast only in digital format.

There are 3 international airports in Sardinia: Fertilia airport in Alghero, Costa Smeralda airport in Olbia and Elmas airport in Cagliari. They connect the island of Sardinia with the main Italian and European cities. Olbia is a headquarter of Meridian airlines founded by Prince Aga Khan in 1963.

Also a large number of companies engaged in passenger transport by sea operates on the island. Passenger vessels can get you by sea to France, Spain and mainland of Italy. Travelling by ferry boats is very popular in the island of Sardinia due to a great opportunity to bring a car with you.

The island is small but fascinating for its unique natural beauty. Granite rocks, preserved flora and fauna, the unique sea view with waters changing their colour in the palette from emerald green to dark blue, snow-capped mountains, green hills covered with megalithic cone-shaped structures, semi-tropical fishing villages - this is only a little part of what Sardinia looks like.

The island of Sardinia is surrounded by beautiful beaches. In 1920 writer Gerbert Lawrence travelled to Sardinia and in his novel "The Sea and Sardinia" he wrote the following words about the island:" This is a place on earth that has remained out of time and history." Today, almost a century later, this statement is still true.

Of course, modern civilization has brought its changes, but the natural beauty of the island of Sardinia has remained largely untouched. Low population density and various regional environmental laws allow to preserve a unique landscape of Sardinia.

Mass tourism of Europeans to the island of Sardinia began in 1970, shortly after Prince Aga Khan built up the north-eastern part of the island, known as Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), a heaven for the elite. However, for most tourists from all world continents, Sardinia is still a virgin territory.

Sardinian cuisine is diverse and unique. Seafood has an incredible taste (shrimp, lobster, squid, tuna, mussels, etc.). However, a typical dish for holidays is roasted pig or boar, and fava beans cooked in various ways.

Such herbs as mint and myrtle are frequently used in cooking. But even the simplest things like tomatoes or carrots have an incredibly fresh taste. It's no wonder Sardinian tomatoes are sold all over Italy.

The average lifetime of the local population is 81 years. But many have already exceeded the 100 years barrier. They say that even coming to the island of Sardinia for a week, you prolong your life.
By : Irina_Pushkova

Jamaica's Black River Crocodile Adventure

Time to Explore

Jamaica is such a beautiful country, and Negril, as I have said before, has amazing beaches with crystal blue water. We would have been just fine staying at our all- inclusive resort, because it had everything that we needed. I always want to see everything a country has to offer when visiting it and the Negril side of Jamaica was no exception.

Along Jamaica's South Coast

Comfortable and Safe excursions are only achieved when you use a licensed and insured company to provide your tour. There are many tour operators in Jamaica that I trust. We always felt totally safe and comfortable in our air conditioned van, as we drove to Jamaica's south coast toward our Black River croc adventure.

We drove for about an hour, until we reached the town of Black River, located where the Black River flows into the Caribbean Sea. The Black river is Jamaica's longest river and is a fantastic place to see many types of animals, such as Egrets, Cranes, and of course crocodiles.

In fact, the Black River is the main crocodile area in all of Jamaica. The river got its name because of its dark color which is caused from the tannins that stain the water, not from pollution. In fact I did not see any signs of pollution anywhere in Jamaica.

The Crocodile Hunter
Our tour began at the mouth of the black river where it flows into the Caribbean Sea. I think we had the best tour guide that was available, because he was entertaining, and as you will read, and see, did some extra things that we were told the other tour guides won't do, because it is too dangerous! We were now all on the boat heading up the Black River in search of Crocodiles. Our guide did point out some Egrets and some baby crocs that we saw while we were still getting started.

Looking For Crocs!

Well the baby crocodile was cute, but we didn't go on this tour to see a baby crocodile, we were looking for big crocodiles! Our guide took us up river quite a distance until we reached a split in the river. The area to the left was the part of the river that flowed down from the mountains, and the water to the right, was where the Crocodiles tended to congregate. I

t wasn't long before we saw a large Crocodile lying in the sun on the river bank. We slowed boat and came to a complete stop. What happened next was so unbelievable!

WOW! Patricia the friendly Crocodile! (If you have food)

I want to remind everyone that we were in the wild. We were not at any crocodile farm, or zoo, we were right in the middle of the Black River. All of a sudden, this crocodile, our guide called "Patricia" started swimming toward the boat. While it was swimming, our guide put his hand in the water and was calling the crocodile, saying "come, come, come, while splashing the water with his hand.

When she came close to the boat, he put some chicken skin in the water and the croc suddenly lunged for the food with a huge splash! Then he let us pet the crocodile as she came right next to the boat. For some great pictures of our encounter with Patricia, check out our blog post.

Our guide left Patricia and showed us a couple other regulars, and called them over to the boat, but told us that we could not get that close to the others, because they had a tendency to jump at the boat, or any hands and arms that were hanging off the boat. YIKES!

A Great Lunch

It was a great time to interact with the crocodiles in their own environment. When we arrived back at the dock, we were greeted with an authentic Jamaican lunch! We all enjoyed it very much and they had a very nice eating area there that was comfortable. The tour was a great deal, as we got to go on the croc adventure, have lunch provided, and then it was off to the Y.S Falls!

By : Tami_Santini

Trekking In Northern Thailand

Fitness Levels For Trekking In Thailand

For short hikes of one to two days in Thailand, a reasonable level of physical fitness is required. This means that they are suitable for almost anyone. For hikes longer than two days, an adventurous nature and good physical fitness is needed.

During your Thailand trek, you'll be walking through the wilderness with a rucksack (meaning there will be lots of sweating and in the rainy season, or if you are unlucky enough to catch a cloudburst, getting wet).

The sanitary facilities during this part of your Thailand trip will be primitive to say the least - on the hike, behind the 'bushes' or in this case bamboo trees - and the primitive overnight accommodation while visiting the mountain people (on a wooden floor with a sleeping mat) are not everyone's cup of tea! It may not be the most comfortable experience of your life, but it will definitely help to make your Thailand trip something to really remember.

Evenings In The Thai Mountain Villages

Apart from the daily physical demands of your activities, an essential part of trekking in Thailand is being a part of the village atmosphere in the morning and evening. In the evening, you can relax and take in village life from beside an open fire, a real highlight of any Thailand trip. Your guide will prepare your evening meal made from locally produced ingredients.

You might even be able to have a chat with the locals using your guide as an interpreter. Your guide not only knows the region like the back of his hand, he also knows the local languages of the different mountain peoples and can tell you all about their culture.

While you're trekking in Northern Thailand, you'll sleep in a wooden hut on the outskirts of the village. There will be no electricity or running water, and your bed will be made up of a plastic mat on a bamboo floor raised off the ground by stilts. This is Thailand travel at its most basic and most brilliant.

What to take with you on your Thailand trek?

A few items are important to have with you (besides adventurer's blood) while you're travelling in Thailand;

• rucksack (day sack)

• cotton sleeping bag (blankets are available locally)

• sleeping mat, mosquito net, and sometimes a sleeping bag

• short- and long-sleeved shirts

• shorts an d long trousers

• poncho or waterproof jacket and trousers, backpack cover

• water bottle (can be borrowed on location)

• torch - whether you're travelling in Thailand or anywhere else, a torch is indispensable.

• insect repellent - essential throughout your Thailand trip

• hat or cap

• sun block cream

• enough camera film rolls or spare SD card

• if necessary travel sickness tablets for a somewhat rough ride in a pickup truck

• earplugs (think about the excited pigs when they get their food first thing in the morning, or your snoring travel companions)

• sandals/flip flops

• toilet paper

Remember that you whatever you take while you're travelling in Thailand, you're going to have to carry on your back. You can leave the bulk of your luggage in your hotel in Chiang Mai, and remember to lock your valuables away in the safe. Good quality, well broken-in shoes, with a good tread, are an absolute must during your Thailand trek. Toilet paper and other day-to-day essentials are not always available for purchase en route.

What not to take on your Thailand trekking trip

• expensive jewellery

• nice but vulnerable clothing (gets a bit dirty on top of an elephant)

For local people, every foreigner that they come across is rich. If you really want to give something to the local people, you're better off making a donation towards the village school. You can talk to your guide about arranging this during your Thailand trip.

The seasons

The best period to travel to northern Thailand is from November to February. The weather at this time is nice and relatively cool with little or no rain. The next best period for travelling in northern Thailand is June or July, the beginning of the rainy season, when the unpaved roads are not yet turned into a mud bath.

The next best period is between March and May - no rain, dry and hot, because there's less foliage it's not so green. Whenever you choose to travel in Thailand, you're bound to have a great time.

By : Bryony_Holland

Top Adventure Travel Companies In The World

Here are few best adventure travel organizations that provide a discriminating and interesting range of adventurous traveling plans. Hiking the Inca Trail, biking in Morocco and rafting through Grand Canyon are simply the shortest sample of experiences these organizations could provide customers. All their sites list specific adventurous trips, with elaborated travel plans, cost and pictures.

Gap adventures:

This company provides a choice of about 1,200 adventurous trip plans to all 7 continents. To find some discount rates on fascinating tours check out their "Specials" section.

Geographic Expeditions Adventure tours:

This company provides the portfolio of land trips, walks, treks and military ocean trips to the most impressive places in the world, ranging right from travels in Nepal, China and Vietnam to Ghana and Mongolia.

Austin-Lehman adventurous trips:

If you are anticipating adventurous traveling trips that children of all ages could enjoy, or tours only for you or for adolescents, consider this company. Austin-Lehman offers the hike, bike, paddle, climb, ride and Multi-Sport tours-- visit such beautiful destination such as Costa Rica, Alaska, Mexico, Bryce, Canada, Yosemite National Parks and Zion.

International Expeditions:

This company provides nature-tours and eco trips to different places comprising the Egypt, Amazon, India, Galapagos and Kenya. International Expeditions provides deep itineraries planned to explore the region's mortal of the country.

Intrepid Travel:

This is the niche adventure travel company which concentrates on taking customers out-of-the-way track to about ninety place over the world. On this typical tour you could trip in paths similar to localized people, respecting the environment and the culture. This travel tour operator company takes generally public transport, stay and dines in small local-owned organizations.

Small adventurous trips with classic journeys:

This company is specializes in small-group, boutique and soft adventurous trip. Classic journeys functions 3 types of tours: family journeying, cultural walking adventures and culinary trips.


By : Suman_Ahliya

Explore Beautiful Patagonia - Exotic Travel Destination

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and energizing but the fact of the matter is that most people stress out over vacations much more than they need to. If choosing your next vacation destination is stressing you out then allow me to make a suggestion...

Check out Patagonia, you won't be sorry!

Most people have never heard of Patagonia and that's okay. Because of that, it has remained a beautiful untouched paradise just waiting for you and your family to explore and enjoy.

What exactly is it? Basically it's a huge stretch of almost completely unsettled terrain located on the southwestern border of South America, mainly in Argentina and Chile. It also contains the southernmost section of the Andes Mountains to the southwest toward the Pacific Ocean and also contains part of the Colorado River if you can believe that!

It was named by Magellan who sailed there in 1520. Even though Magellan discovered this land so long ago, it is still - for the most part - unexplored even today.

So what exactly is there to do in this uninhabited wilderness? Well if you're an outdoors type person then the sky is the limit. You can raft, ski, trek around or there are even a few less adventuresome things to do such as wine tasting at one of many specialty inns in the area.

Just imagine for a moment the harsh landscapes, the rugged mountains, and the windswept plateaus and glacial valleys in this majestic travel destination. It's also the home of some the most beautiful and glorious natural attractions in the entire world including the granite towers of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks.

While you're there check out the Lake District in Argentina. The Lake District is divided into the Northern Lakes and the Southern Lakes. In the northern lakes, located at the foot of the Andes you can do some trekking and other outdoor activities at several national parks such as the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, the Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, and the Parque Nacional Los Alerces that's filled with rare ancient alerce trees.

The Southern Lake District stretches down to Los Glaciares National Park and contains many glaciers such as the Moreno and Upsala Glaciers as well as mount Fitzroy.

The best time of year to go is between October and April, and that is when most people visit.

I know what you're thinking, this seems like an awful lot of work for a vacation; lots of hiking and trekking and outdoors activities, but the fact of the matter is Patagonia, for all its unexplored vastness, it's fairly easy to get around in - making it an exotic travel destination that doesn't have to be as much work as some other off the beaten path locales.

Patagonia is definitely not for everybody but if you enjoy outdoor activities, nature, and pristine vastness, then it just might be right for you. Check it out today!

By : Jason_Markum

How To Plan An Adventure Honeymoon

The average honeymoon takes people to a romantic seaside destination for a week or more of sunbathing, cuddling and to enjoy drinking champagne. Occasionally people choose a cold weather destination, but rarely is a great deal of time spent away from one another and outside of the room.

The original intention of a honeymoon was so the bride and groom would have time to get to know one another. Times have changed and most people are very familiar with their significant other prior to the start of the marriage. This may leave a couple confused about their honeymoon.

Some may still want to spend a week focused on each other, while others may prefer to use their vacation time to splurge on an adventure together that is a once in a lifetime event. Knowing you have the rest of your lives to stare into each other eyes may leave you seeking a week of adventure following your wedding.

If you are a nature loving couple, consider packing some outdoor camping supplies and heading into the great unknown. Backpacking gear may be all you need for a great nature adventure.

If you have always wanted to try rock climbing, your honeymoon may be the right time to give it a shot. Learning a new skill or sport is always more fun when you do it with someone else and there are few better ways to get the blood pumping than trying out a life-risking activity.

You will need some training before hitting the outdoor rocks, so consider enrolling in a week-long program that takes you from novice to expert in a short time.

Your honeymoon may be one of those times where money is no object and you can really splurge on a once in a lifetime trip. For many, this means it is safari time. Instead of playing it safe and eating in expensive gourmet restaurants every night, head out into the great unknown in another country and enjoy a wildlife safari.

This sort of trip brings you closer with your travel companion and even if you have been together for years before the marriage, you will see a whole other side of your significant other while taking a trip like a safari.

If you and your spouse that is the stay-at-home type when not on vacation, look for ways to enhance your homebody lifestyle during your honeymoon. You can embark on a culinary adventure that exposes you to new tastes that can be incorporated into your everyday meal schedule. If you both love dining out and you consider yourself foodies, a culinary adventure is the perfect solution for a honeymoon you will enjoy.

Finally, remember that just because your budget is small, you do not need to settle on your honeymoon. If you have your heart set on a destination but expensive hotels are not in the budget, look for cost-effective ways to plan your visit.

Hostels are a great way to travel through some of the most expensive areas in the world without having to blow your budget on accommodations. You can also cut back on dining expenses by staying in an efficiency that lets you cook for yourself while traveling.

By : Stewart_Wrighter

Visit Shetland For a Memorable Experience

Visit Shetland for a memorable experience and discover for yourself what you've been missing. A list of Shetland islands is a list of Norse names, a legacy from earlier times from before a time when Scotland ruled the northern isles. Some 15 inhabited islands amid an archipelago of around 100 islands make up Shetland today.

There are 22,000 people here where nature and wildlife blends into normality. Where the coastal scenery takes your breath away, and where untouched landscapes outnumber developed urban areas.

With the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the North Sea to the east, Shetland lies at the northernmost extremity of Scotland. The islands are often confused with the Hebrides, lying much farther south and west, and with which they bear little or no resemblance in either topography or culture.

Orkney and Shetland both were ruled by the Norse people, and while this is also true of the Hebrides, the culture in Shetland is still strongly influenced by Scandinavia, whereas in other parts of Scotland it has largely disappeared.

Two things usually dominate the minds of those who visit Shetland for the first time: the scenery and the climate. The coastal scenery of these islands is simply stunning. The rugged cliffs and heavily eroded voes, or small bays, are everywhere. Inland there are untouched landscapes that must have looked as they do now one thousand years ago.

The climate of Shetland is the other notable topic of conversation here. Visitors expect it to be much colder than it usually is. While the islands don't get real heat waves in summer, it can be very pleasantly warm, and winters tend to be much milder than expected too.

The inhabited islands in Shetland, with the exception of three, are connected with Mainland, the largest island, by an integrated inter-island ferry service. Trondra, Burra Isle and Muckle Roe are close enough to Mainland to have a bridge connection. Some of the outer isles also have regular air flights, notably Foula and Fair isle.

Most of the islands have their own heritage centre, or small community museum. Along with the much larger and very new Shetland Museum in Lerwick, this network of visitor centres are an excellent way to discover the islands' secrets as each one is quite different to all the rest.

Those who visit Shetland never forget the experience. They come in search of Shetland ponies, the northern lights or Aurora Borealis, the nature and wildlife, the rugged coastal scenery, the unique bird watching opportunities and more, and they find them all and more - much more. They find something memorable, something half-forgotten, something re-discovered and wonderful. Visit Shetland and discover it for yourself.

By : Ivor_Mouat

Vacationing In Fleurieu Peninsula on the South Australian Coast

The Fleurieu Peninsula is in the state of South Australia, to the south of Adelaide, the state's capital city. The peninsula was named by the French explorer Nicolas Baudin, in honor of fellow explorer Charles Pierre Claret de Fleurieu. The peninsula is an attractive and picturesque place.

There are surfing beaches at Browns Bay and at Waitpinga, historic and attractive towns such as Willunga and Victor Harbor, and wine growing areas, including the renowned McLaren Vale area. From the peninsula it is possible to take a ferry to Kangaroo Island.

Victor Harbor is the peninsula's largest center of population. In 1802 there was a famous encounter between Matthew Flinders, sailing on HMS Investigator, and Nicolas Baudin, on Le Geographe. The Englishman was exploring along the South Australian coast while sailing east; the Frenchman was exploring in the opposite direction.

The Investigator and Le Geographe both sheltered in the bay which is now named Encounter Bay. There the two captains compared notes on their voyages, apparently unaware that England was at war with France.

Nowadays Victor Harbor is a very popular holiday destination, and it is reckoned that the population is tripled during the summer season. Many visitors take the short journey (by horse drawn tram!) across the causeway to Granite Island, the home of a large Fairy Penguin colony. The birds can be seen setting off to sea each morning, and returning at sunset, after a day spent hunting for fish.

Whale spotting is another form of amusement at Victor Harbor. The season for this is from June until September, when the Southern Right Whales come inshore for mating and calving. Useful whale spotting tips can be found at the South Australian Whale Centre.

Other visitors to Victor Harbor enjoy fishing and surfing. There is also a preserved railway terminus in the town: the Cockle Railway runs steam hauled and other services to Goolwa.

The state of South Australia is the largest wine producer in Australia, responsible for more than 50 per cent of the nation's production. There are several wine producing regions in the Fleurieu Peninsula, but McLaren Vale is the largest and best known. The vale's climate is classified as Mediterranean. Summers are warm and dry, and both droughts and winter frosts are rare due to the coastal location.

The main variety of grape produced in McLaren Vale is Shiraz, but there is also substantial production of Chardonnay, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. As might be expected there are a number of wine and food attractions and events in the area.

In June one can visit the McLaren Vale Sea and Vines Festival, which combines excellent wines and sea food, with live music events. There are also many culinary events in October, when it is Fiesta time. As McLaren Vale is only 35 km from Adelaide many of these events will be in easy reach of visitors to the state capital.

One can find Fleurieu Peninsula accommodation to suit most budgets. In particular there are many self catering complexes and other types of accommodation in Victor Harbor. The Breeze Apartments, which are on Flinders Parade, have a range of luxury apartments. More budget priced alternatives can be found in beachfront holiday parks.

By : Sidney_Morgan

When the snow starts to fall, outdoor adventure travel in Canada heats up. Instead of hiding indoors for half of the year, there's plenty of things to do in, on or under the snow. And with most winter adventures only a few hours away from a major city, adrenaline-junkies don't have to travel far to get their fix.

Take a look at some travel suggestions from our Scenic Travel Canada staff:

1. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding - Skiing and snowboarding are high-speed thrills that make downhillers wish for more of the white stuff! Vancouver has Whistler; Calgary has Banff and Montreal has Mont Tremblant. And there are plenty of local hills to brush up on techniques early in the season.

Ski season starts in mid-November and runs until May. The busiest, and most expensive, time at the ski resorts is around Christmas and spring break when families head to the hills in droves. But with new high-speed ski-lifts, queues on the hill are often shorter than the lineups in the parking lots and restaurants.

* The best time to go downhill skiing is mid-week when the lift-lines are non-existent and the runs are uncrowded.

* Snowboarding is as popular as skiing and now makes up more than half of all downhillers.

* Hotel prices are usually cheaper mid-week. Ask at the concierge desk if lift tickets can be purchased in advanced, usually at a discount.

* Discount lift-tickets are available early in the season and offer savings that last throughout the ski-season.

2. Cross-Country Skiing - Not all people are as courageous (or crazy enough) to strap boards to their feet and hurtle down a mountain. For those who are downhill-challenged, try cross-country skiing instead. It's like walking but only faster; similar to skating but without the falls; akin to running but not as strenuous.

There are only a few nordic centers in the country dedicated to cross-country skiers but any snow covered trail is worth exploring. To get in shape at the beginning of the ski-season, try training at a local golf course. Then head out to the backcountry for a cool day of sliding and gliding.

3. Snowmobiling - Snowmobiling is fast, fun and exciting. Enjoy a family outing zipping through snowy fields, sparkling powder and spectacular scenery. Whizzing along forest trails is a great way to spend a sunny, winter day in the Canadian backcountry. Guided snowmobile tours in Canada are available to take sledders along pathways to places usually inaccessible at other times of the year. Ontario alone has over 30,000 kilometers of trails while Revelstoke, BC offers 12-18 meters of the white stuff (yes, meters). The quiet beauty and virgin snow is breathtaking and unforgettable.

4. Skating - Indoor arenas are fundamental to every community in this hockey-loving nation and many municipalities also maintain outdoor skating areas as well. Calgary has a natural rink in Bowness Park; Winnipeg has the 5.7 kilometer River Trail and of course, Ottawa has the Rideau Canal, a World Heritage Site. Enjoy a warm winter day on a frozen waterway and bring back childhood memories of playing on the ice.

5. Snowshoeing - Hiking in Canada doesn't have to come to an end once the snow accumulates on the ground. As a winter substitute, strap on some lightweight snowshoes and follow your favourite trails to see the frozen backcountry. Snowshoeing is similar to hiking except trekkers can make their own trails. Scrub-brush and felled trees are buried deep below the powdery snow allowing showshoers to easily float on top. Take more direct routes up hills, tromp over buried thicket and follow frozen creeks & streams to secret winter locations.

6. Winter Camping - Instead of packing the tent away for 6 months, try a winter camping trip! Die-hard campers can pitch a tent and hunker down for the night any place that is sheltered from the wind. Combined with snowshoeing, winter camping is quiet and uncrowded. The soft snow under the tent makes for comfortable bedding. And hot chocolate has never tasted so good.

7. Caving - Caving in Canada is warm! Buried deep underground, the natural warmth of the earth keeps caverns at a constant temperature throughout the year, usually around +5 C. Once inside, winter quickly fade as cavers descend into a dark and damp chute below the surface. Guided tours provide protective equipment and gear to take you into a different world of narrow passageways, mineral deposits and crystal-clear pools. Those people who are claustrophobic will find the narrow crevasses truly a once-in-a-life-time experience.

8. Sailing - The North Pacific Ocean near the BC coast is always +10 C making for year round sailing adventures. From November to March, rain showers are frequent but avid sailors can still get their thrills amongst the Gulf Islands and fjords of Vancouver Island. The westerly winds are strong and constant off of the Pacific Ocean, making for exciting and anxious sailing adventures. Bring rain gear and a VHF radio to monitor the weather since winter storms can produce gale force winds. Fog is west-coast trademark.

Outdoor adventure travel in Canada is a year round pastime. When the snow starts to fall and nature goes into hibernation, there are plenty of things to do and places to explore in this magical winter wonderland.

By : Greg_R._Lynch

Brussels - Vacation With A Surprise

When you think of Brussels, you probably think of beautiful buildings and beer but did you know that an exceptionally diverse experience awaits you there?

Because of its location, it has a wealth of culture and history and being the capital of Belgium, it stands ready to offer you all you could possibly want from a vacation experience but you need a passport to visit. If you go online, all your passport needs will be met quickly and securely.

The internet has been instrumental in totally renovating the process of getting a new passport or even a renewal. If you need to get a passport expedited, these services are readily available online and can be accessed from the convenience of your own home computer. There is no longer a need to stand in long lines and try to figure out what you will need to successfully accomplish getting a passport.

Brussels is home to what is consider to be the most beautiful town squares in all of Europe. This location is called the Grande Place and is surrounded by ancient, breathtaking buildings built over 300 years ago. During the spring and summer seasons, these beautiful buildings are illuminated at sundown and music fills the air.

If you are looking for a great shopping opportunity, the Bruparck is just the place for you. It is also considered the entertainment center of the city so, needless to say, there is plenty to see and do here.

One of the interesting attractions here is a reconstructed Belgian village which provides a glimpse of how life was in Brussels many years ago. This entertainment center is also home to the largest movie complex in Europe as well as a water park which provides refreshment for vacations and locals during the hot summer months.

Art lovers have many spectacles to enjoy in Brussels but perhaps one of the most famous is the statue Manneken Pis. This is a statue of, shall we say a boy relieving himself after enjoying too much of the local beer.

This statue provides variety throughout the year as there are times it is dressed in costumes so you really know exactly what you are going to see. A futuristic theme is completed in the Atomium which is a statue symbolizing a molecule and dedicated to progress. You can enjoy an elevator ride to the top of the sphere of this statue and you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the city.

Much more is provided for the art lover in visits to the Musees Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire art museum and the Musees Royaux des Beaux Arts de Belgique. These contain works of art from all over the world.

Since Belgium beer is known around the world, you will not want to miss the opportunity to sample some of the different types of beer brewed here. The brewpubs found here provide a great opportunity to enjoy a tasteful beer while also enjoy a traditional dish of frites or, as we call them in the United States, French fries. They do go quite well with the beer.

By : J._Ben_Pate

New Zealand - One of the Most Beautiful Countries In The World

"Clean", "Green", "God Zone" - these are but a few of the names given to New Zealand. And little wonder when you consider that because of its relatively small population and isolation, it still contains some of the most pure and beautiful scenery anywhere to be found.

Just take for example the fresh water that you can drink. In New Plymouth, a small city located in Taranaki, you can drink water straight from a well that has its source under Mount Taranaki, that is full of natural minerals and is some of the most healthiest waters you can possibly drink.

The sky is clear blue, beautiful oceans from turquoise green in Kaikora to pearl blue in Picton with beaches ranging from black iron sand to golden and even white sand. If you are fortunate enough to visit this country then you will be amazed by some of the beaches located in the Bay Of Islands.

Many of these beaches are home to a wide array of edible shellfish. Many of the beaches are so isolated that very few people visit them and so have an abundance of fresh fish. Recently the Woman's World surfing champs were held in New Zealand due to its amazing surf beaches.

As you travel the countryside you will be amazed by the green coverage of grass that's like a deep velvet carpet as most of New Zealand's export is dairy and meat products. This carpet of green is then covered by much native bush and pine forests. For those who like skiing, there are a number of ski mountains in both the North and South Islands. One such world famous place is Queenstown located at the bottom of the South Island.

The South Island is full of Mountain ranges, bush, Lakes and rivers. Lakes so clear you can see the bottom. If you havnt done so already then Google New Zealand images and see for yourself whats in store for you before you visit.

Due to its temperate zone the weather is warm and good for growing all sorts of flowers and vegetables. But if you do visit during summer remember to bring a hat some shades and some sunscreen as the ozone layer is thinner in this region of the world and so burning in the sun is highly likely.

By : John_Rich

Top 3 Must-Try Activities in Torquay

The Devon holiday cottages and the Torquay holiday cottages are synonymous to fun-packed holidays. There is never a dull moment when in Torquay with restaurants to try, festivals you can join and activities to do.

There are loads of things to try and places to visit while staying at one of the Devon holiday cottages. Known as the cradle of holidaying families, if you are one of those love extreme or gentle outdoor activities will surely have a grand time in Dorset. You can also treat the family to another enjoyable getaway at by choosing one of the Torquay holiday cottages.

Here are the top 3 things you must engage in during your holidays: crossbow shooting, clay pigeon shooting and archery. You can enjoy these activities while staying at one of the Devon cottages or the Torquay holiday cottages.

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Clay pigeon shooting is one of the first activities you may want to try while staying in one of the Devon holiday cottages. Clay pigeon shooting is located in Henley Hillbillies- one of the venues that offer superb activities in Dorset.

Your holidays will not be complete without trying this craze. Clay Pigeon shooting is a sport that requires excellent body and eye coordination, fast reflexes and outstanding focus and concentration of the target.

You can choose from a variety of weapons that you want to use within the shooting grounds: 12 bore, 20 bore or 4/10 shotguns. Bringing your own guns and accessories are not necessary. You will be provided with cartridges and guns that you will need during the duration of clay pigeon shooting.

Soon as you are prepared to shoot targets, you must shout the word "pull" and the clay will start whizzing past. Then, you must start shooting down targets as many as possible. Be sure to keep your cool while engaging in clay pigeon shooting. Enjoy this activity while staying at the Torquay holiday cottages.

Crossbow Shooting

The next thing you should try during your holidays is crossbow shooting. A great follow up to clay pigeon shooting, crossbow shooting will also require a good eye on the target. Still within the Henley Hillbillies vicinity, the shooting range is designed to wow all audiences. Greeks used crossbows as their weapon in wars that dated back to 4 BC.

Within the crossbow shooting range, you and your friends will enjoy shooting different static targets. Experts say that crossbow has an outstanding accurate range of 40 yards. Shooting ranges are divided into 2 to cater various age groups: juniors and adults.

Archery

Be Robin Hood for a day and try archery within Henley Hillbillies during your holidays. The range has an assortment of compound bows with different weights. These bows are differentiated to cater all groups. Minimum age requirement is 12 years old. You can enjoy these activities while staying with your family at one of the Devon holiday cottages or the Torquay cottages.

By : Mary_Ruthrina_Ofalla

Spain Holidays and Vacations: Visiting Beautiful Lloret De Mar

Are you in search of something new for your vacation destination? If that is so, I highly recommend that you consider booking a trip to Spain. More specifically, the tourist town of Lloret de Mar along the Costa Brava coastline.

Fun and entertainment in some of the most beautiful beaches:

Lloret de Mar is a tourist town whose main attraction are its beautiful beaches. The towns main beach is Playa de Lloret. If you are an adventure seeker, this is the beach for you. You can find all kind of beach activities here, including parasailing, snorkeling, water skiing and more. The numerous bars and dance clubs help keep the excitement going into the night.

There are also beaches available for those in search of tranquility and an escape from the material world. One beach that comes to mind is Cala Morisca. This beach is recommended for those wanting to escape into nature. The atmosphere here is quite the opposite of what you find at Lloret de Mar's main beach. With over 10 beaches to choose from, there is bound to be something for everyone.

History and Dining:

Lloret de Mar is a town with a one thousand year history. This fishing town has plenty to offer for those interested in the towns rich history. Whether you are interested in museums, castles, or excavation sites, Lloret de Mar has you covered. The towns rich history can also be seen in the cuisine.

Aside from the traditional Catalan cuisine, you will find that Lloret del Mar offers a diverse dining experience. You will find mediterranean cuisine, as well as dishes from all parts of Europe and the Americas.

Accommodations:

Need a place to stay while you are here? Thanks to the fact that Lloret de Mar is a major tourist attraction, that will not be a problem. There are plenty of beach houses and Villas that you can rent while you vacation here. Thank fully, many of the hotels and townhouses are a walking distance from the beach and shopping centers.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with your travel agent and start making arrangements to visit Lloret de Mar along the Costa Brava coastline. If you are an adventure seeker, nature lover, or history buff, you will not be disappointed.

By : Arturo_Ramirez