Laos is the Adventure Traveler's Dream Come True

If you are a traveler with an adventurous spirit but a tight wallet then a vacation in Laos could be just what you are looking for. The country of Laos is full of friendly and laid-back people whose ancient culture is still intact.

While it has become more worldly, the traditions that have been diluted in the neighboring countries can still be experienced and treasured here in Laos. There is so much to offer anyone who has considered Asia travel that any type of vacation can be created to suit your needs.

As in most of Asia, Laos experiences both a wet and a dry monsoon season. The rainy season runs from about May to October and while it can rain heavily it is usually of short duration. The more popular travel time is during the dry monsoon season of November through April or May.

At this time the temperatures are also lower and there is usually a pleasant and refreshing breeze blowing to keep you cool. As an additional bonus for traveling in the months of November through February are the multitude of festivals and holidays during this time that can so richly enhance your traveling experience.

Laos is truly the budget traveler's Shangri La. It is very possible to travel on the cheap here for as little as $15 a day. If you have deeper pockets and wish to splurge a bit you can spend up to $75 and experience more high-end accommodations and food.

The US dollar in an accepted form of currency and well as the Thai baht and of course the Lao kip. What you won't find except in perhaps the capital city of Vientiane are either ATMs or any widespread acceptance of credit cards. This being the case, cash and traveler's checks are your best bet.

While in Laos you can do all of the more popular adventure travel experiences such as rock climbing,kayaking, river-rafting. But, as in most of Asia, one of the most popular way to immerse yourself in the people in their culture is by trekking through the country.

By staying in different villages you will really get to know the friendly and hospitable people of this charming country. This is Asia travel at its best and here in this pristine and laid back country you will find an adventure budget vacation dream come true.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4183147

The Ultimate in Canadian Adventure Travel

Canada is vast and occupies most of North America; therefore it has adventure travel opportunities in abundance. From winter sports such as skiing and dog sledding to summer activities such as hiking, biking and rafting, in Canada you will be sure to find something for everyone.

For the best of Canadian adventure travel why not explore the Canadian Rockies by foot whilst keeping an eye out for bears and other wildlife. The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a mountain range in western North America, extending from northernmost British Columbia, in Canada, to New Mexico, in the United States and stretching more than 4,800 kilometres.

The Alberta half of the Canadian Rockies includes two national parks: Banff National Park, including the towns of Banff and Lake Louise and Jasper National Park, including the town of Jasper. It also includes Kananaskis Country, to the south-east of Banff National Park, including the town of Canmore.

The British Columbian half of the Canadian Rockies also includes the eastern sub regions of the Kootenays region: Columbia-Rockies East Kootenays, including Yoho National Park and Kootenay National Park. Hiking is the most popular activity here as well as wilderness camping.

Or if it's winter activities that you are seeking for your Canadian adventure then visit Churchill to see wild polar bears, go dog sledding and take a snow mobile ride in Quebec or go whale watching where you can spot orcas, porpoises and dolphins.

All year round you are guaranteed to find a Canadian adventure travel experience to suit you!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2371450

The Top Argentina Adventure Travel Experiences

From the arid Altiplano of the Andes and the humid jungles of the north, passing down through the celebrated wine country and the lush open pampas of the Gauchos, this vast country will take you to the absolute end of the world amidst the romantic windswept settings of Patagonia.

With Natural Wonders such as the Iguazu Falls and dramatic glaciers like Perito Moreno, opportunities for close encounters with penguins and whales, fantasic skiing and trekking, Argentina is an incredible country to explore.

One of the best places for adventure travel here is Ushuaia; the southernmost city in the world. Resting at the far tip of Latin America, on the island of Tierra del Fuego, overlooking the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia claims to be the southernmost city of the world. It is not just Antarctic tourism that brings people to Ushuaia, however.

Famed for its world class fishing, fantastic hiking possibilities, shorter boat journeys and skiing, this remains a pioneers' town at what is literally el Fin del Mundo- the End of the World.

Or perhaps head to the almighty Iguazu Falls which never fail to impress. Sitting on the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, the magnificent Iguazu Falls are one of the largest and arguably the most impressive waterfalls in the world.

Besides having one of the world's most beautiful waterfalls, Iguazu National Park is also home to an array of diverse species and activities ranging from hiking to rappelling.

However, there is also the popular trekking region of El Calafate which offers superb Argentina adventure travel experiences.Located at the heart of Argentina's popular trekking region, El Calafate provides easy access into the nearby snow-capped mountains, and further afield to the stunning Perito Moreno glacier El Chalten.

Served by a modern airport and hosting modern tourist facilities, El Calafate is most tourists' first stop and base for exploring Argentina's spectacular Patagonian Andes. El Calafate is perfectly situated within reach of the highlights of Los Glaciares National Park, which include the stunning Perito Moreno glacier among dozens of others. This area can be hiked independently and you can enjoy fishing here as well.

From wildlife watching of exotic species to learning the tango in beautiful Buenos Aires and from hiking and trekking in stunning national parks to fishing in verdant waters and rappelling amidst breathtaking surroundings, Argentina adventure travel experiences are in abundance and offer something for every traveller.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2371405

Adventure Travel in South America

Adventure Travel in South America can be understood in many ways but I would like to focus in one of the possibilities. Let's say you are in a career break in your life, let's say you have some spare time, let's say it has come the point in which you want to take this once-a-lifetime trip to discover a continent you are passionate about. What would you do? Well, here you are going to find a good proposal.

There is a company which is organizing trips on the 5 continents around the world. They are not what I would call "adventure travel", but they are the kind of off-the-beaten-path ones. Traveling with them means you are going to find yourself in a kind of real tourism, sleeping many times in guest houses but not in luxury hotels, doing some easy-level treks and using many means of local transport.

You shouldn't go there if you are expecting luxury, but if you are looking to discover the real country life and go face to face with nature and local culture, then it is a must do activity.

One of their proposals is a trip which goes around South America, starting from Ecuador and running down to Peru, going inland then to explore the mountains and the jungle, reaching Bolivia, going back into Chile, south through the coast into Santiago, further south then, and finally turning right to reach Argentina, cross Uruguay and enter into Brazil running up along the coast reaching the end of the Amazon river.

Such a wonderful trip takes 103 days to complete, and it is a guided tour from 1 to 16 persons that includes some meals but not most of them, all accommodation during the trip and all means of transport except the inbound and outbound flights to the departure in Ecuador.

I'm not new in this market, and adventure travel in South America is not something you are going to find at a cheap price, so I was incredibly surprised that all this comes just for the price of about 5000 Euros (US$7500).

It looks then like an incredible opportunity that certainly I will take one day later in my life and I would highly recommend to anyone who has this bit of extra time and spare money to take the trip of their dreams.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1218932

Top 3 Adventure Travel Trips For Your Bucket List

Let's face it. The typical vacations in the tropics, in a ski lodge and in a cruise ship can seem boring after one too many trips to these places. You will want something unique, something adventurous and something more memorable simply because life is too short to be spending vacations in boring places.

Well, if that's your desire, you should ask a travel agent about the possibilities for an adventure travel trip to exotic places doing things that you would never have thought to do on your vacation.

No, we are not talking about illegal and illicit activities here - just vacations that will pump adrenaline into your system and still keep you alive to tell the exciting tale. Here then are our top three picks for an adventure vacation.

Visit the Stans
If you are curious about what happened to the Central Asian countries formerly under the Soviet Union, then it is time to plan your trip to the five stans. Yes, you read that right - the five stans, namely, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The best time to visits is either on the month of May or September when the climate is usually at its best.

You can pretend to be a modern-day Marco Polo precisely because few Westerners have seen the wonders of these independent countries since the days of, well, Marco Polo. Your mind will wonder at the Saka petrolglyps, the Zenkov Cathedral and the Bibi Khanym mosque while you arms will be full from the equally wondrous woven carpets and other souvenirs. Did we mention that these countries have majestic vistas as well?

Trek in Mongolia
Ever since Genghis Khan captured our imaginations, we have always wanted to visit Mongolia, mingle with its people and absorb its culture. Since the country is as safe as ever, it is time to fulfill our dreams to meet the descendants of the great founder of the Mongol Empire.

We expect to sleep in a ger, the Mongolian family's traditional yurt-like home, which will definitely be an experience unto itself. We will look forward to drinking the famous symbol of Mongolian life in the steppes, the airaq or fermented mare's milks.

Most of all, we are anticipating the horse rides through the great steppes, the treks to the forests of the Altai-Sayan Montane and the sightings of unique wildlife like the snow leopard and the lynx. Whoever said that a tropical vacation is the best there is has yet to see the wonders of Mongolia!
Ski in the Andes

Tahoe, Whistler and Aspen can be boring to the most jaded skier. And so, off to the Andes Mountains we must go. We suggest going in October when the spring weather brings with it clear skies, corn snow and snowcapped summits, all of which are perfect for skiing downhill and then hiking back uphill. Or maybe with a horse.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4918296

How to Experience Heart Pumping Adventure Travel in Australia

It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life and half way through this adventure, I wished I had never been stupid enough to try it. Yet at the finish of this adrenaline pumping experience my tortured body was ready to start again. How crazy is that?

Our gut wrenching adventure was trying to tame North Queensland's mighty Tully River clinging to flimsy inflatable rafts and battling rapids and rocks on our watery journey from the top of the Great Dividing Range down to the coastal plain.

Adventure travel is big in Australia but few can match the pulse raising thrills of wrestling a tiny inflatable raft against the power of a raging torrent. I tried it and lived to tell the tale with memories that will last forever.

Fear and Anticipation
As our "Raging Thunder" bus towing a trailer loaded with rafts climbed to the top of the Great Dividing Range, the nervous group of men and women shared mixed emotions. Our admiration for the beauty of the pristine rainforest was tempered by the fear of the challenges that lay ahead.

Our fears turned to terror when we saw and heard our pathway to the bottom of the range. It was like a scene from the movie "Deliverance". A fearsome white and brown bucking bronco was eagerly waiting for us. One nervous backpacker from Tulsa Oklahoma took one look at the white, foaming torrent and said, "I can't do it!" Tearfully, she retreated to the safety of the bus.

After some safety drills and instructions from our raft captain our intrepid group was ready to enter the foaming cauldron and tackle our first rapid. It was a twisting beast involving an almost vertical drop.

Amazingly we survived, but other rafts weren't so lucky and overturned. Fortunately our captains were highly skilled and had well rehearsed safety drills. The overturned rafts were soon ready, together with their waterlogged crew, to tackle the next rapid.

The Calm Between the Rapids

In between the rapids, there were periods of calm where we were invited to jump out of the rafts and drift down this beautiful river on our backs like a flotilla of human rafts. Our compulsory lifejackets kept us afloat. The sheer pleasure of floating in the calm, warm water, listening to bird calls and being surrounded on all sides by dense tropical rainforest, was surreal. Ah what bliss!

Shared Experiences

Lunch was taken at a clearing in the rain forest. It allowed us time to share our adventures (and misadventures) as well as enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this beautiful pristine wilderness rainforest, miles from anywhere. The afternoon journey to the last of the rapids was just as terrifying, but by this stage, we knew what to do and expect.

I am sure the guides had sadistic pleasure from watching our reactions and telling about the terrors of the next set of rapids. Sadly and suddenly, the adrenaline rush came to an end and over drinks at the end of the day, we laughed as we shared our experiences and ranked it as a "must try before you die" adventure.

A Less Challenging Option

Oh by the way, if you think the level ¾ rapids may be a bit too challenging, Raging Thunder has half day rafting adventures on the Barron River, just a short 20 minute drive from Cairns. These rapids, rated 2/3 are simple and less challenging, but still great fun.

Accommodation
The company Raging Thunder operates from Cairns and stops at the pretty coastal resort of Mission Beach on the way. The town has a wide range of accommodation including a superb Youth Hostel called "Treehouse". I stayed 3 nights at Treehouse and used it as a base for exploring the area, including Dunk Island, one of a string of island paradises along the North Queensland coast.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3580936

Top 5 Asian Adventure Travel Destinations

Asia is home to fascinating cultures, ancient sites and an abundance of adventure travel opportunities. From wildlife watching to biking and trekking there is something here to suit everyone. Perhaps the most visited is South-East Asia, with some of the friendliest people, best beaches, most dramatic scenery and most amazing food in the world, it's no wonder that South East Asia keeps us coming back for more.

New travellers to the region are rewarded with opportunities to try many new activities, such as hill tribe trekking, diving on a coral reef or kayaking by limestone pinnacles, whilst those on a repeat trip will always find something new to see such as Angkor Wat or lovely, laid back Luang Prabang.

However, for the ultimate Asian adventure travel opportunities you can also visit Central Asia with its off the beaten track adventures, North-East Asia with its dramatic landscapes and colourful South Asia.

Below are some of the top Asian adventure travel destinations:

1. See orang-utans in Malaysia - Set in the lush 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary attracts travellers and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to get face to face with orang-utans up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads you to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area.
2. Explore Angkor Wat - There are countless temples at Angkor but some of the main one of course, is Angkor Wat itself, regarded as the masterpiece of Khmer architecture; the walled city of Angkor Thom; The Baphoun, an 11th century temple with a 131 ft reclining Buddha; the Bayon, famous for its superb bas reliefs and mysterious faces and Ta Prohm, still cloaked in jungle
3. Volunteer in Borneo - Immerse yourself in the culture and live and work with the local communities and wildlife of Malaysia.
4. Cycle in Vietnam - 30,000,000 Vietnamese can't be wrong - handle-bar height gives you the best view of Vietnam. Cycling through this beautiful country provides opportunities to meet the local people and experience the local culture in a way that wouldn't be possible otherwise.
5. Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines - Swimming with a whale shark, locally known as Butanding (scientific name: Rhincodon typus) is the epitome of wildlife encounters - an experience of a lifetime, an experience not to be missed! The sheer size of the largest fish in the ocean will start your adrenaline pumping.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2371476

The Joys and Pleasures of Adventure Travel Canada

Canada is huge and is home to breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes. Therefore it is the ideal place in which to enjoy the thrills and pleasure of adventure travel. From wildlife watching to hiking and skiing, this country offers it all and with so much to choose from you'll be guaranteed to be spoilt for choice.

For winter adventure travel in Canada you can't beat Whistler. Thanks to its setting in British Columbia's Coast Mountains, Whistler is an unparalleled year-round destination resort, offering its visitors a wide variety of both winter and summer activities besides an almost endless choice in dining, shopping and nightlife.

In addition to the downhill ski facilities, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, heli-skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, sleigh-riding, dog-sledding, mountaintop sightseeing, world-class golfing, mountain biking, hiking, in-line skating, horseback riding, sightseeing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing besides other recreational pursuits.

Or for a true wilderness adventure head to Ukkusiksalik National Park. It is located west of the community of Repulse Bay and the Arctic Circle, surrounding Wager Bay, a 100 kilometre long saltwater inlet on the northwest coast of Hudson Bay in Nunavut. Declared a national park in 2003, Ukkusiksalik became Canada's 41st national park.

Named after the soapstone found within its boundaries, the park includes 20,500 square kilometres of eskers, mudflats, cliffs, rolling tundra banks and unique coastal regions. Ukkusiksalik in Inuktitut means "the place where soapstone to make pots and oil lamps is found." Activities here include hiking, camping and boating for the ultimate adventure.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2371225

Adventure Travel Wilderness and Hiking Trails Fees Rise

The good news for adventure travel and wilderness hiking trails is that the USA has protected some of the most unique and incredible places to see on earth. Our National, State Parks, Monuments and Wilderness Areas are awesome, but for years there have been reduced number of visitors.

Many citizens have said that a four-year program to increase national parks entrance fees to make them more uniform may discourage some Americans from visiting their national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion and Yellowstone.

The National Parks have been faced with a budget crisis. The parks are struggling to protect the historic, cultural and natural resources that the parks were created for. The parks are short of funds for operating facilities, repairs to roads, bridges, trails and buildings. There was an 814 million dollar shortfall in 2006.

There are almost 400 areas of protection covered by the National Parks Service. Almost every park has fewer full time employees now than in 2001, while there were over 273,000,000 visitors to the parks in 2005.

The park service needs more funding to provide education, interpretive and for the safety requirements of their visitors. This is a time of controversy about park fees, current plans for oil, gas and mineral exploration in our parks and of course removing the O'Shaughnessy Dam to restore the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite.

Recently the federal government has moved to replace the National Park Service's $50 annual pass with a new $80 multi-agency pass. Some people think that the fee increases are getting out of line. The park service raised entrance fees at 34 parks over the past two years and plans to raise them at another 124 parks in 2008 and 2009.

At Glacier National Park in Montana and Joshua Tree National Park in California, the fees will go up twice, and beginning in 2011, park officials plan to increase fees every three years, based on inflation. There is a proposal to double entrance fees next year at Crater Lake National Park, now $10 per car.

Will it drive the local visitors away? In 1997, when the park service began raising fees, the number of national parks visitors has fallen 1% while entrance fee revenue has gone up almost 16%. Many of them are from outside the United States and love to visit the American protected lands.

Will the National Park Centennial Act to rescue our parks before 2016 - the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service? The acts purpose is to eliminate the annual operating deficit and maintenance backlog in the national parks. If it passed, it was to create a check off box on American tax returns to fund the parks.

As H.R. 1124 and S 886 it did not get passed in 2006. In spring of 2006 the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report about our National Parks based on research, to the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that found that funding had not kept pace with need, requiring park managers to reduce services including, "reducing visitor center hours, educational programs, basic custodial duties, and law enforcement operations, such as back-country patrolling.

Additionally, the park system has been forced to close campgrounds, shorten operating hours, eliminate many interpretive programs, lay off many seasonal rangers, and eliminate many of the parks' scientific studies programs.

So where's the good news? Being an outdoor writer and avid traveler to our parks and wilderness areas Bob Therrien, President of TrainingPASS Sales, Inc. has created an outdoor recreation message board, he commented "The hardest part over the years, for me has been the research about which parks, hikes, climbs, locations and activities I want to visit with my family and friends.

Exploring federal then state website after site, then mapping the distance from each area of interest is inefficient and many times lacking in information. To solve that inefficiency we have collected all the basic information about our parks, wilderness areas and national monuments and put them into one website. I don't personally have a problem with the new park fees. It cost's me more to take my family to the movies, and I'd rather enjoy a full day or two at a place like Denali National Park.

The USA has incredible adventure travel wilderness and hiking trails. To promote these areas AdventureZoneTOURS created a forum for sharing trip reports on National Parks, State Parks, National Monuments and Wilderness Areas.

The Outdoor Adventure Message Board opens up to reveal a listing of U.S. States, separated into travel regions. Click on any state region and there are sub forums for all the parks, monuments and wilderness areas in that region. Many times there are several interesting choices to pick from within a state region.

For the activity-specific minded, AdventureZoneTOURS.com encourages users to share trip reports for a variety of outdoor activities from hiking, climbing, canyoneering, geo exploring, photography, ghost towns, mines, and cave to water sports such as boating, fishing, jet and water skiing, tubing, rafting, and scuba. Winter travel sports such as snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding are featured.

Hunting locations, ATV and horseback trails as well as the most scenic areas for outdoor photography are also available as individual topic posts. To research or share your favorite adventure travel location, and to share and promote outdoors, join us today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/551934

Adventure Travel - Georgia

Adventures in Georgia

Okefenokee Swamp Park offers a boat ride down original Indian waterways. Adventure here and travel back in time viewing the wildlife and the magical reflective waters. The park is located in Waycross, Georgia. Time spent here will certainly be time well spent. Your adventure starts as soon as you leave the parking lot.

Jekyll Island Georgia offers a pristine beach location, a barrier island with a State Park. Adventure along the beach and you will see where the sea turtles lay there eggs and wild dolphins playing in the water. You can ride a bike all over the island or travel by car.

You can take a carriage ride through the historic district and view the cottages the rich have built on the island. The saltwater marsh, freshwater rivers, and ocean are all great for fishing. And if you feel adventurous, try sailing, sea kayaking, or canoeing.

The Appalachian Trail adventure in Georgia is 75 miles long and will take to heights of 4,000 feet through the Chattahooche National Forest. The 8.8 mile section beginning in Amiccalola Falls State Park cannot be reached by car and is one of the least tread upon areas. Wild life is abundant in the area look out for snakes. You will see what Georgia wild America once was hiking in this area.

Atlanta is rated one of the best cities to visit in the country. The rich history and night life is not to be missed. Adventure travel is for the great outdoors so walk about and enjoy the city. When your ready for the great outdoors just a short trip away from the city is Sweetwater Creek State Park. Here you can see the remains of the manufacture plant for the rebels during the civil war. Follow the trail for nine miles and you will travel along the creek and be rewarded with great views and a new way to look at Atlanta.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4263500

Top Destinations For Adventure Travel in Morocco

With a wonderful climate, a rich heritage, a wealth of antiquities, over 1800 km of dramatic coastline, the high peaks, villages and picturesque valleys of the Atlas Mountains and a vast Saharan wilderness of desert dunes, oases and camels - there is an adventure of some kind for everyone in this fabled land.

With its rich traditions, time quickly takes on another dimension. Morocco is a place for escape, for experience, for adventure, for revitalisation and for reconnection with a lifestyle fast disappearing in the developed world.

Here you will an abundance of adventure travel experiences that range from winter trekking to four wheel drive desert adventures and horse riding in the breathtakingly beautiful Atlas Mountains.

Below are some of my best destinations for adventure travel in Morocco:

1. The High Atlas Mountains - Located in central Morocco, The High Atlas Mountains, also called the Grand High Atlas, are the biggest mountain range in North Africa. The area boasts the 4,167 metre peak Toubkal which can be ascended on foot. The Central High Atlas offers its visitors magnificent gorges, valleys and canyons.

The most popular are the Todra and Dades Gorges. Rock climbing and trekking are quite popular in these areas. The Eastern High Atlas contains other peaks that compete with that of Jebel Toubkal. Both Jebel Ayachi and Jebel Saghro offer some amazing hiking. Extreme skiers frequent the area in winter in order to enjoy the difficult terrain and splendid views of the surrounding countryside.
2. The Sahara Desert - Isolation and wilderness, vast-open spaces, palm-lined oases, desert wildlife, surreal scenery, nomadic people, camels and often remarkable volcanic vistas are just some of the attractions that the Sahara holds for the traveller who takes time to journey there. 4WD desert exploration, camel trekking safaris, desert walks and trekking, quad biking and dune boarding are activities enjoyed in Morocco's Sahara desert.

3. Dades Gorge - Carved over the centuries by the Dades River, the Dades Gorge is now a very popular destination for travellers attracted by the sheer beauty of the scenery. With red and mauve rock towering above the road, fig and almond trees, lush gardens, Ksour and Kasbahs - the appeal of this natural panorama is obvious. On a Dades Gorge journey see the kasbah at Ait Youl, Ait Oudinar's Sunday market, and take a 4WD through the gorge following the piste leading into Todra Gorge.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2396833

Helicopter Adventure Travel in Northern California

Nothing is as exciting as flying above the earth, floating 100 to 300 feet over the forest, over the lakes, and over the mountains. Floating along at hover-speed or racing along at 120 mph.

You can see everything that Northern California has to offer, including the Trinity Alps, Mount Shasta, magnificent Lake Shasta, Lake Siskiyou, and dozens of hidden mountain lakes that almost no one knows. See rock formations and lava flows from the formation of the earth.

Float above a multitude of pristine rivers flowing down the mountains into the lakes. Here are eleven tips to get the very best adventure travel experience in Northern California, by helicopter!
Scouting by Helicopter
Fly early in your trip. In other words, consider the helicopter leg of your travel as "scouting" because an airborne overview provides terrific information and insight about the area that would take years of detailed exploration otherwise.

As you make your scouting flight, be sure to orient yourself by the large landmarks, the large mountains, large lakes, the cities and settlements, and roadways as reference points. By scouting ahead of time, you will make better use of your vacation time in the area because you will have a better sense of relative distances. You also may well discover a fascination with some little-known area that you would never have otherwise seen.

And there's one other subtle factor. When you go into a new area, even a new city, it's very common to feel a sense of disorientation, compared to your own home and your well-known "stomping grounds". That's just natural. And one way to quickly gain that feeling of assurance is by scouting.

For example, if you will be in a new city for several days just driving around the city once produces a different feeling inside your mind and body. In a similar and more dramatic fashion, your exploratory scouting trip by helicopter will give you a completely different feeling about the area and your current adventure.

Safety and Fun Essentials
Safety first. When choosing your helicopter charter or your helicopter tour company be up-front and ask how many hours experience your pilot has logged. If you have a choice of pilots, you might want to choose the one with the largest number of safe hours.

You may also be reassured if you inquire about the helicopter's maintenance. Because you want to navigate the sky in the a helicopter which is neat and clean, because you want to see fanaticism when it comes to safety and maintenance.

Since you're going to be looking out the windows, it makes sense to be certain that there are windows for you to look out of. That is to say, if you choose a four-seater helicopter, then it's pretty certain that each person will be sitting beside a window. There do exist helicopters with few windows, so it's a good idea to inquire.

And since you're going to be looking out the windows, it also makes sense to ensure that you can see out of the windows easily. If you will wear dark clothing, then there will be less glare on the inside of the windows. A simple precaution, and better sight-seeing. One last tip: discuss with your pilot what you want to see. Don't assume that he or she will know. Even if it was discussed earlier, it won't hurt to remind the pilot what you want to see.

Motion Discomfort Tips

If you are new to flying, or if you sometimes experience motion sickness, here are some precautions that you can take to ensure that your adventure travel through Northern California by helicopter is as fun as it could possibly be.

First, be aware that keeping your eyes on the horizon may help to keep you oriented and to reduce any discomfort from the motion of the aircraft.

Next, before you start out, eat only lightly. Your stomach may well thank you! If the helicopter has an air vent or a window that will send cool air towards your face, for most people it reduces discomfort from the craft's motion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6396421

Get Ready for an Adventure Travel Holiday on Spain's Costa Brava

Spain's ruggedly beautiful Costa Brava, the sunny "Wild Coast" stretches for 160 km along Catalonia's northeastern shores from Port Bou on the Franco-Spanish border to Tossa del Mar just north of Barcelona. Lined with green hillsides, craggy, wild cliffs, sandy inlets and caves, this is an adventure travelers paradise, where all manner of water sports, cycling and hiking are found.

The rugged coastline is dotted with lovely resorts interposed with unspoilt fishing villages and vibrant marinas. Exploring the hidden delights of the craggy coastline by boat, you discover deserted pine and citrus scented coves, ancient castles and fortifications.

On this jagged coast, L"Estartit is a diver's heaven with an abundance of wrecks to explore in the crystalline waters. Just a mile offshore, the Medes Islands, a small archipelago of seven islets and a few reefs, features one of the richest marine reserves in the Mediterranean.

Here, snorkelers and divers of every level delight in the thousands of fish and plant species that inhabit the submarine caves and crevices. To the south, Tossa del Mar, with its 12th Century walled town, its narrow, twisting streets and its lovely sandy beaches is one of the most attractive of the coastal villages and offers excellent opportunities for windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and boating.

On the northern coast, Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, houses a most unique museum created by the artist - a surrealistic fuchsia building topped with gigantic golden eggs. Dali is buried here in an unmarked crypt. Just a few miles away, Cadaques, Dali's childhood home, is the epitome of a postcard-perfect Catalan seaside village, with its striking white houses with tiled red roofs, its splendid old church and winding cobblestone streets to the backdrop of towering mountains and the cobalt blue sea.

Situated on a breathtaking bay, Rosas, Catalonia's oldest town was a Greek trading post over 2000 years ago. Across the bay, the village of Empuries is the site of many ancient, romantic cultures: Originally a small Phoenician trading post, it was replaced by the Greek colonial village of Emporio in the 6th century BC and 4 centuries later it had become a Roman naval port. The ruins of an acropolis and of beautiful Greek and Roman villas dot the area.

Away from the coast, a very different Spain greets you. Here, you're deep in Catalonia, with its ancient traditions and ambiance. Banyoles, a historic lakeside town north of Girona dates from 812, has developed around a Benedictine monastery. Its old town is crammed with fascinating ancient buildings centered on a lovely arcaded square, and its lake offers every kind of boating, from rowing to pedal boats.

En route from the Pyrenees to Barcelona, Girona, an unspoilt, more intimate urban center than its sister, Barcelona, is a quaint ancient city founded by the Romans which later became a Moorish stronghold. The meandering Onyar River runs through the town, flanked by pastel-colored houses from the Middle Ages perched on the site of the old city walls.

This charming, medieval town, with its genuine Gothic character, has a present-day personality rooted in the Middle Ages. Wandering around its winding, old cobblestone streets, you suddenly discover a section of ancient Roman ramparts, or at another turning a magnificent 12th century cathedral or the ruins of the 12th century Arab baths. The "Call", the old Jewish quarter, is a wonderful characteristic labyrinth of steep streets and ancient buildings, a perfectly preserved enclave which was the heart of Jewish life in the north and the seat of the Iberian Hebrew intellectual, Rabbi Moses Maimonides.

A trip to the Costa Brava is a trip through time, from the ancient ruins and castles of Roman, Greek and Moorish prominence through the medieval towns like Banyoles and Girona to the modern seaside resorts splashed with charming picturesque fishing villages.

From watersports to relaxed cycling, to wandering the gently rolling hills, this is a region for family adventure travel at its best.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5233718

Adventure Travel Wyoming

Adventure travel into the state of Wyoming and if you travel along the interstate the only thing you will see is high country grasslands. You will have views for miles of them. If you wander off on the road less traveled, you will discover, pristine mountain streams, wildlife, beautiful scenery and crystal water lakes that reflect the view of the big sky.

Yellowstone National Park is probably the best know national park worldwide. The wonders of this place attract people from all over the world. Yellowstone is being loved to death with too many visitors crowded into a relatively close area. You will certainly want to see the park if you have never seen Yellowstone's Grand Canyon, Old Faithful and The Painted Pots.

The area is so full of wildlife that on my last visit I saw the biggest buffalo of my life, it's head was as big as a my car. The coyote that I saw was not so relaxed as she could not figure out how to cross the road in all the traffic.

The best way to see Yellowstone is by canoe. You can rent one in the area and travel along Yellowstone Lakes tributaries by canoe. Then you can begin to see why Yellowstone is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, full of wildlife, beautiful meadows and the smell of pine in the air.

If you need an adrenaline rush you can take a white water river trip just out of Jackson Hole down the Snake River. This river run is one of the biggest thrill rides you will ever experience. The landscape along the way from the river is absolutely beautiful so don't miss it by hanging on for dear life.

Grand Teton National Park is near by and just a scenic drive on the Rockefeller Parkway from Yellowstone. There are hiking trails and grand views of the Tetons along the way. You can tent camp at Jenny Lake and enjoy the pristine beauty of the area.

Afton is a small town in Wyoming with one of the hidden treasures of the world. The stream here runs and turns off at will. It is a puzzle no one knows exactly why but it continues to do so as it has for many years.

Sink Hole Canyon is a pristine area that should not be missed by any adventure traveler. You will be amazed at the peace and quiet the ability of the river to disappear into one of the sink holes and reappear on the other side of the sink hole. Hiking around in the area will reward you with views of geological wonders and wildlife that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4472116

Adventure Travel - Washington

Adventure Washington

Adventure travel into Washington state and you will be surprised at what you will find. Travel along on roads where the forest is so thick you can't see the mountain losing your sense of direction and discovering the secrets the forest has hidden within. Enjoy the crystal clear waters and friendly locals and some of the most scenic landscape of any US tour.

Traveling along the southern border of Washington along the border of Oregon you will find the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway for eighty miles you can discover scenic views, cascading waterfalls and a replica of Stonehedge.

Horsethief State Park is where you will find Stonehedge and ancient Indian writings on the rock. You will see the paragliders above you feel the power of the river around you and be filled with adventure within.

Interior Washington adventures are not hard to find when you travel the one hundred twenty mile White Pass Scenic Byway by car. Here you will find virgin forests, meadows full of wildflowers, salmon fishing and enjoy views of wildlife while passing through two National Forests.

Hiking in Mount Ranier National Park if the weather permits is a heart stopping experience. The largest glacier in the lower forty eight states sits on the top of the mountain along the rocky top. You should take a hike here and travel as far as you feel your endurance will hold out.

The weather on the mountain can be dangerous so keep your safety in mind. You can hike for a while and head back to the bar with beautiful views of the mountain and just kick back and just enjoy nature.

While visiting the Cascade Range you will want to stop and view the devastation and the quick recovery of the mountain by visiting Mount St Helen's while your in the area. You will realize the power of nature both to devastate and heal it will put your ability to control nature into perspective.

Vacationing in Washington would not be complete without a visit to the Pacific Ocean. Here you will find the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean you can travel along the coast by car and see wild orchids, lupine, ferns and many other beautiful plants.

The blue waters of the Ocean are home to gray whales and other sea mammals seeing these enormous creatures in nature is not a sight you will soon forget. Visit Ocean Beach State Park and spend the night.

At low tide you can visit tide pools that are full of life and wonder. This area gets over one hundred inches of rain per year so have your rain gear handy.

A visit to Washington will have you seeing green for the entire adventure vacation. Keeping your eyes seeing green, your mind filled with wonder and you will know before you go home that you will be back.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4462709

The Best in Overseas Adventure Travel

The world is simply full of adventure holiday options. For many intrepid travellers an adventure holiday is defined by the destination visited or the type of activity to be enjoyed. The type of overseas adventures travel that is available varies greatly from country to country and includes everything from trekking to ancient cities in South America to cycling across beautiful mountains and valleys in Europe.

For the ultimate in overseas adventures travel head off the beaten track and try your hand at biking in Guatemala, scuba diving in Belize, white water rafting in Costa Rica or take a 4x4 safari in Angola. Or stay closer to home with walking holidays in Corsica, cycling in the Dordogne Valley, camping in France or horse riding in Spain.

Aside from traditional overseas adventures travel opportunities, you may also like to try your hand at something new. These can include anything such as cooking classes in Italy, cruises to see wildlife in Antarctica, learning traditional dances in Spain and even taking a sky diving course in Spain!

By going overseas it also allows you to experience a new culture as well as participating in adventure activities. Many trips allow you to sample the best of both worlds. For example learn of ancient Inca civilizations in Peru whilst trekking the Inca trail, see Mayan ruins in Guatemala before trying your hand at diving or see the pyramids in Egypt then enjoy a 4 wheel drive safari and camp under the stars in central Sinai.

With every activity imaginable on offer and in nearly every country in the world you will be spoilt for choice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2369991

Adventure Travel On A Motorcycle

An exotic, mystical and enchanting land with remote hill tribe villages, ancient ruins, beautiful coastlines and spectacular mountain views. Now imagine how much better it is to be visiting on a motorcycle, with the wind blowing against your face, sights, sounds and smells unmuffled by rolled up, tinted windows.

You see things differently on a motorcycle. You are no longer a passive observer watching the scenes go by, instead you are in the scene. The acrid smell of burning logs tickles your nose and the cold mountain air tingles your skin. You raise your arms for the low hanging tree branches, and the leaves brush by your fingers.

An adventure travel on a motorcycle is one of the best ways to see a country, especially in countries with challenging road infrastructure. Compared to its more glamorous counterpart, it is easier for a motorcycle to edge pass potholes and bomb craters. A motorcycle also makes it easier to go off the beaten track and explore narrow dirt roads.

And there are a lot to explore in countries like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The mighty Angkor Wat in Cambodia, mysterious Plain of Jars in Laos and picturesque Sapa in Vietnam are but some of the famous attractions.

There are plenty of waterfalls, lakes, rivers, hot springs, caves, mountains, jungles and temples to keep the traveller occupied. These South East Asian countries are also blessed with deep history and rich culture.

Because of the cultural and language barriers, it might seem difficult enough just to visit the countries, let alone renting a motorcycle and traveling cross-country. But many foreigners, including me, have made the same trips without much problems.

Sure, the motorcycles do break down and we do lose our way once in a while. But, these are just part of the adventures and you can always depend on the friendly locals, who are armed with an uncanny ability to repair motorcycles and are always willing to point you out to the right direction.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/840322

Adventure Travel in Nepal

With its majestic Himalayan Mountains and fascinating local culture, Nepal is a favorite destination for adventurous travelers. Each year thousands embark upon the experience of a lifetime to spend days or weeks in the breathtakingly beautiful country of Nepal.

Most adventure travelers in Nepal will be treated to magnificent views from high in the mountains. They will wander through pure forests and past clear mountain lakes, rivers and waterfalls. They'll visit remote Buddhist monasteries and shrines and see tiny mountain villages, full of friendly locals.

Trekking expeditions in Nepal are quite popular. They typically involve a small group of people who have been given a list of equipment, such as hiking boots, to bring with them to Nepal. Once they arrive in the country they set off together to explore.

There is usually a trekking staff that comes along on the trip and carries most of the camping equipment and even the travelers' bags. They set up the camp, cook meals and break camp, leaving the traveler to enjoy the trek without the physical hardship of toting heavy packs.

Treks are available for people with various abilities. While a person should be in good shape for these treks, one does not need to be a tri-athlete to take part. There are more strenuous treks for those in great physical condition, as well as easier treks.

Many of the easier treks are appropriate for families and allow children to participate. Some companies rate the treks they offer by level of difficulty, to help travelers judge which trek would be best for them.

While trekking is one of the most popular forms of adventure travel in Nepal, it is by no means the only one. There are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in beautiful and mysterious Nepal.

- The Himalayas make Nepal a favorite destination for mountain climbers. There are well over 100 peaks open to mountain climbers in Nepal, including the famed Mount Everest.

- The mountains of Nepal also have trails for mountain bikers of varying skills.

- Nepal offers challenging climbing cliffs for avid rock climbers.

- While rafting and kayaking in Nepal, adventurers can float along picturesque mountain rivers enjoying tranquil views, far from the well-traveled paths.

- Finally, adventure travelers in Nepal can choose to experience a jungle safari from a jeep or the back of an elephant. Nepal's wildlife reserves and conservation areas boast a variety of unique animals, including the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Greater One Horned Rhinoceros.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/107783

How to Book Affordable Luxury Adventure Travel

If there is one area of the travel market that has always been expensive and extremely difficult to book, it has been the luxury adventure travel market. Because everyone has their own definition of what both "luxury' and "adventure" are, and how they combine, it can be difficult to put together a trip that makes everyone happy, and when you do, you find out that it can be very expensive indeed.

If you are looking for a way to book luxury adventure travel, then you have probably already tried piecing together a trip on your own. This can be a lot of fun and provide you with ideas for things to do, but it is also the most expensive way to book a trip.

If you are trying to have the trip of your life and still stay within your budget, then you will have to find another way.

The travel membership market is one that continues to grow because of the many benefits that it has to offer. Travel membership organizations or clubs offer extremely good discounts on all types of travel, without annual fees or blackout days.

This means that once you pay a one-time fee, you will have access to unlimited discounts on all types of vacations and that certainly includes luxury adventure travel.

So, whether you want to ride zip lines in Costa Rica, go cycling in the Sierra Nevada, or ride the white waters, you will be able to find a great deal on a luxurious resort to go back to at the end of the day.

Most people find that by joining a travel membership club that not only do they get discounts that make travelling cheaper, but that they also end up taking a lot more trips because booking is simply so much easier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5728367

Adventure Travel Tips

Planning is of essence knowing that it takes time and blood to accumulate funds for a decent adventure vacation.

Adventure Travel Companies -Memories of a life time

Getting away from the hustle and bustle of every day life requires many years of hard work and without vacation makes Jack a dull boy... When one is ready and set the question of where to visit creeps in... Asia? Africa? Or any other destination requires one to get proper information of a particular country and on different tour packages offered.

There are one million and one tour companies on the internet and one would get confused as to which one to use for their yearned or most hoped for vacation. Visit online travel forums to get a glimpse of what other travelers have to say concerning their upcoming vacation or others reveling on their experiences from a recent vacation abroad.

The first thing would be to look out for a reputable Tour company that gives advice on the best tourist spots in the country of visit and eventually plan a memorable vacation of a life time. Do not fear to ask as many questions as possible till one becomes almost familiar with that country of visit, one needs to be careful as many tour companies are masquerading as know it all, it would be prudent to seek for tour operators that offer or provide professional services; do not fall for cheap tour packages as this will ruin your longed for adventure vacation-I do not know how cheap is cheap but what I know is that cheap is expensive in the long run. Try to avoid briefcase tour operators; these companies will ruin you most desired holiday.

Do not be afraid to seek information on:

Travel tips
Medical covers and Health requirements or restrictions
What to carry or not carry
Vehicle and driver guide
Travel advisory
Highlights on areas to be visited etc

Do not forget your sense of adventure whenever on vacation and above all a holiday full of memories is a well deserved adventure of a life time!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5687234

Outdoor Adventure Travel in Canada

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5346015

The Adventure Travelers Packing Guide

The LAST thing you want to be when adventure traveling is under prepared. All it takes is a short amount of time to make sure you have all the right gear next time you have the opportunity to travel.

I have hiked with people who didn't have the proper items when it started pouring out in the jungle, and it's not pretty. There's really nothing you can do when you're out in the terrain and asking yourself "why didn't I bring a raincoat?". So I decided to create this easy list of supplies you'll want to check off on your next adventure. Short and simple, here is a quick list to check off when packing:

· Windproof/waterproof jacket

· Plastic to cover your back pack and camera

· Fleece/sweatshirt to hike in

· Watershoes (If doing water sports, these are a huge plus)

· Small towel

· Swim wear

· Insect Repellent (You'll want it)

· Change of pants/shorts/shirts

· Hiking shoes (Gym shoes will usually compensate)

· Flashlight

· Sunglasses

· First aid kit

· Sunblock

· Camera/Film

· Pocket Knife

This is a small list of physical items you'll want to check off before leaving for an adventure trip. Now depending on the length and extremity of your trip, you'll always want to pack accordingly. If you're going to be doing a 12 hour hike or a 4 hour mountain biking trip, your supplies will be different.

Make sure to always take the right amount of food and water. It's always better to over prepare and not vice versa. I hope this list helps next time you have some opportunities to adventure travel!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4586907

Adventure Travel in New Hampshire

Adventures in New Hampshire

New Hampshire adventure travel will take you from the north woods to local wineries, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, to sandy beaches on the lakes and Atlantic Ocean.

You may think that because of New Hampshire's size it doesn't have much to offer to the adventure traveler you would be mistaken. Small does mean that there is adventure around every corner.

White Mountain National Park is the best place for a true adventurer to make camp and relax awhile. Enjoy a tube ride down the Saco River where you can lazily sit back on a tube and relax, or get the adrenaline rush through the rapids as your tube goes up and over.

The Lupines here when in bloom are undeniably the most beautiful I have seen. The more you hike around the more you will find the obscure water fall, the small brook, spot that bald eagle or moose and feel like you have had a true adventure.

The scenic Costal Byway is only 18 miles long you can take hours exploring the area. The oldest working port Portsmouth retains most of its buildings from the 1800's. Portmouth will take you back to a old time working port.

New Hampton Beach one of the number three cleanest beaches in the nation. This area is very popular offering visitors a sandy clean beach, fireworks and movies right on the beach during summer months.

The sand sculpting competition is by invitation only. This is an annual event and something you will want to check out with 15,000 dollars in prize money to the winner the competition can get heated and creative. You will wonder how someone could make something so beautiful out of just sand.

If you enjoy the culinary arts the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival is not to be missed. Providing you with treats for your tongue, ears and eyes. This festival gets over 150,000 visitors so you will need to plan ahead a little bit a great place to have a little dinner with music.

If large crowds are not your idea of adventure in food then you will enjoy traveling to the Southern part of New Hampshire and visiting wine country.

Visit the Candia Vineyards an area that has been tilled and cultivated since the early 1700's. The wine made here has won numerous awards and don't you just love wandering through the vines?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4352548

Adventure Travel - Colorado

Traveling through Colorado where the air is thin at its mountain tops. Views can seem to be endless will grab any adventurer by the heart strings. Beginning your Rocky Mountain tour in Denver and heading to Mount Evans a 14,130 ft peak will get your heart racing.

You can travel by car on the Mount Evans Road which will take you to within 130 feet of the mountain peak. This is a frozen tundra area, take a jacket its high temperature is 50 degrees.

Its as close to Alaska as you will find without leaving the lower 48 states. If you leave early in the morning you should take care while driving and look out for the wildlife it is abundant here.

Adventure on Trail Ridge Road to see the diversity of the region. You will travel from 4,000 feet to all the way above timberline on this scenic journey. Adventure can be found on any of the many hiking trails.

You can have lunch at Estes Park and travel onward and upward. The final stretch on the road will take you to Grand Lake along none other than Grand Lake the air is clean and your lungs will thank you later.

Adventure travel in the Northeast area of Colorado and you will see a different Colorado. If your up to a big adventure you can hike The South Platte River Trail that is one used by the indians and still in use today.

You need to have a 19 mile hike in your body. It is well worth the effort this is where Dancing with Wolves was filmed.

Adventure travel in the Northwest and you will find sandstone formation painted by the Fremont Indians. Travel on highway 139 between Fruita and Rangely and your eyes won't believe what they are seeing. A lot of the art work is still there after all this time.

You can enjoy a train ride from Manitou Springs on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. It will carry on a train all the way to the top of Pikes Peak. It is a 3 hour train ride and the views from a train are not to be missed.

Cripple Creek Colorado you can have an Adventure in a gold mine if you have ever wondered what it was like to actual go below ground and find gold. Cripple Creek is just what you need. You will tour the Kathleen Gold Mine by getting into cage and going down the vertical shaft. Better than any amusement ride and the area is full of gold mining history.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4229968

Getting Started With Adventure Travel

If you want interesting jobs and employment opportunities, you will find that it is important for you to be a well rounded individual. Take some time away from your jobs or your employment searches and think about how travel will broaden you and what your options are going to be when you want to see the world.

You never know how an experience in another country or just in a place that you have never been will change you, so take some time and make sure that you consider what your options are and how you can move forward. Consider what your options are and what kind of adventures you can go on; it really is just as easy as that!

When you are thinking about getting started with adventure travel, why not take a moment and think about how you are going to be able to learn more about the outdoors. Many people learn more about themselves when they are outdoors, camping, fishing or hiking than they do at any other time.

Are you interested in seeing the springs of Yellowstone up close and personal or do you want to see what it is like traveling between trees on a zip line? What about going climbing and skiing in the Rockies or floating above the world in a beautiful hot air balloon? No matter what your options are and what you can do to move forward, you can always look into adventuring in the great outdoors.

Of course you could also take your adventures somewhere less standard as well. For instance, are you a mountain climber? If so, why not look into what it would be like to be part of the rare group of people who have climbed the tallest mountains in the world? On the other hand, what about taking a month to prepare for a race across Death Valley, one of the most desolate places on the planet? One thing that adventure travel can do is that it can pit you against your own limits. There might be the fear of failure there, but remember that this is something that can make a huge difference in your world and what you think you are capable of.

Think about how you have lived your life. Whether you are someone who has always embraced adventure or you find that you are in a place where you need to look into how you are going to get ahead, this is something that you need to look into.

Take some time and make sure that you find the results that you need and also look into how you are going to be able to get the adventure started. Good planning is a key, as is good research. Make sure that you know what you are up against and also make sure that you consider how you are going to move ahead with the experiences that you want.

If you are ready to have an adventure and if you are ready to move forward and to see the world, remember that adventure and travel go hand in hand!

Matinez Betheliza - Ph.D. - Organizational Psychology. Provides you with a deep level of insight into your career direction and career development.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3265221

Adventure Travel and a Way to Pay For It

Do you seek adventure and want to travel the country? Most of us do and if you live in the United States boy is there a lot to see and do. It's amazing. For some 7-years I've traveled this great nation, going to some of the premier destination points, but also going to some of the most rugged terrain and scenic places on this continent. Sure, it is expensive to do that, but did you know you can pay for all your traveling by writing about Adventure Travel?

You can bring your real life experiences to others and enjoy creative expression which is matched by the scenic inspiration. All you need is a solid motor coach and write from there during your travels. Now when I am on the road in my motor coach, I have set up several areas to work from.

During the day I enjoy the adventures of hiking, mountain climbing, skiing or whatever else is available. Then during the night, I write! It's easy and you can do this too. I bought a special steering wheel holder that works as a Laptop base so I can sit in the captains chair, listen to XM Radio and work with my drink holder and Auto Desk next to me, it's very comfortable and with the big window. It's great when there is a good view or if I dim the lights and the stars are out its quite relaxing.

My motor coach like most motor homes has a dining table that also doubles as a nice work area, with a TV close by. Working out of a Motor Coach is actually extremely efficient because everything is so close together compared to a full-size house.

Plus, you can park wherever you see a scenic view and you have instant inspiration. Perhaps, this is why so many people who travel by motor homes are freelance writers.

Why not experience Adventure Travel and then let someone else pay for it. A good writer can easily get $.25 per word from travel magazines, especially once they get good with a digital camera and let me tell you that $.25 per word ads up and easily pays for the high fuel costs these days, so, go experience adventure travel, enjoy life and bring your experiences to those that can only dream of it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1816933

Experience Alaska Adventure Travel At It's Best!

Alaska adventure traveling is becoming more and more popular since people get the chance to explore Alaska's immense wilderness and see it's incredible wildlife at the same time as being able to take part in some of the very best extreme and not so extreme spots our world has to offer.

This cracking state has a great deal to offer and depending on just how much time you've got, you'll be able to see and do as much or as little as you'd like. You can organize your holiday and inc the activities that you love to do the most.

A few of the most popular things to do in Alaska are Sea kayaking, whale observing and wildlife watching in general, camping, hiking, and lets not forget white water rafting, possibly one of the most popular of all.

Alaska provides us with beautiful white toped mountains, incredibly impressive glaciers, rivers filled with salmon, wildlife parks and refuges, and backwoods living accommodations to rest and think about all you've done throughout your day.

There are a significant number of travel and tourism companies that provide a large number of Alaska adventure travel packages, so it will be easy to inc exactly what you would like to do and see during your visit. Perhaps you will solely be capable of traveling for a couple of days, it won't be a problem.

The majority of these companies have everything from brief tours lasting a couple of hours all the way to those that last anywhere up to a few weeks, it simply depends upon you.

If you would like to see Denali National Park, there are shuttle buses at your disposal, or you could book a tour with one of the many private buses, that can offer you the opportunity to get involved in a variety of guided hikes, gold panning, fishing, and some breath taking photograph taking opportunities.

Mount McKinley National Park is situated within Denali and the tours here offer incredible views of this glacier covered impressive mountain, which is in fact the highest peak in the whole of North America at an incredible 20,320 feet.

Kenai National Wildlife sanctuary is another great area you just might feel like exploring during your Alaska adventure traveling. The Kenai Mountains border this phenomenal refuge, with 100s of glacier fed lakes, and a great diversity of wildlife species, that inc but aren't limited to both brown bears and black bears, caribou, many species of birds, and of cause sea life such as numerous sorts of whales, penguins and seals et cetera.

In northern Alaska and the Artic realm we can find the Artic National Wildlife sanctuary, which is the biggest sanctuary of all the National Wildlife sanctuary system, stated by Alaska Wildland Adventures, with 8 million acres set aside for this very purpose.

It's also the home of several indigenous native tribes, the Gwinch'in Indians and Inupiat Eskimos, who survive solely on the natural resources within the sanctuary, in the same way that their ancestors have always done, maintaining their culture.

Alaska adventure travel will indubitable help you get much closer to nature, experiencing one of the most divine ecosystem on the planet and at the same time give you the opportunity to practice some great outdoors sports such as white water rafting. It truly is the trip of a lifetime!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1000631

Get Off Your Bum With Adventure Travel

Of late, regular travel has become predictable and boring. With falling airfares and the resulting increase of package tours becoming the most common way of vacationing, traveling has become uninspiring and monotonous.

That feeling of adventure that traveling is supposed to evoke has become jaded. This is what has given rise to a new form of travel these days - adventure travel! Adventure travel is not only popular with the adrenaline filled youth, but is increasingly being taken up by people of older generations too, because of greater fitness, health, leisure time and economic prosperity.

There really is very little else in the world that can be more thrilling than adventure travel, because it primarily involves risk taking.

When you get out there, you finally start experiencing life at its edgiest - which is part of its excitement. It is not hard to figure out why.

This usually takes us into close proximity with Mother Nature at her rawest best. It also often introduces us to new peoples and cultures, thus broadening our perspective about the world we live in.

For those who really are into hardcore adventure travel at its adrenaline pumping best, there are many options, such as scaling the fourteen thousand feet craggy mountains of Colorado or the even loftier snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range, bicycling along the route of Tour de France, or trying out a new heart-rate pumping adventure sport like white water rafting in treacherous, rolling icy waters.

You may choose to try para sailing into the updrafts from vertiginous cliffs, bungee jump off precarious toe-holds, or ski down hair-raisingly steep mountain sides. If it is thrills you are looking for, there is no dearth of them.

However, not all adventure travel need comprise of spine-tingling feats, defying death. For the gentler bent of mind, there are trips you can take which can be equally exciting and stimulating, without much danger involved in them.

For example, you could float up above the African veld in a hot air balloon to watch lions stalking their prey below, or take a walking tour of the ancient Angkor Wat temple smothered in the Cambodian jungles, or hike through the forest trails in the Amazonian jungles experiencing the exotic wild life there like the Caymans snoozing on the banks of the rivers or the brightly hued parrots squawking in the canopy of branches overhead.

Some of the other adventure travel sites include eco-trekking through the rain forests of the Caribbean in order to get up close to the insects, birds and animals that inhabit it.

You could take camping trips to various exotic locales still off the tourist map and learn about the local people - their food habits, costumes, language and culture by actually interrelating with them.

Or perhaps you would like something more solitary and gentle. If so, there are still unspoiled beaches that are virtually deserted and exist for you to immerse yourself in the sun-splashed splendor of yellow sands and azure seas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/744114

The Inside Scoop on Adventure Travel

Whether you're a corporate executive or a rank-and-file worker, the busy, stress-packed lives we all lead these days almost make it a requirement to get away from it all from time to time.

But the next time you decide to take a vacation, don't just settle for the old "hum-drum" routine in some overly touristy, overly expensive destination. Instead, why not spend your vacation doing something exciting, spontaneous and exhilarating? If that sounds like something that might appeal to you, then an adventure travel package might be just what you're looking for.

Even though adventure travel has become somewhat of a buzzword, the idea isn't really all that new. There have always been tourist destinations that were so jam packed with vacationers that there's no way your "getaway" would allow you to "get away".

Because of that, there have always been adventurous souls willing to turn off the beaten path to seek out those hideaways where few would follow. Of course, if you just want to see what's offered in the travel brochure, that's fine too. But since there's a whole world out there waiting to be discovered, adventure travel is becoming increasingly popular and is among the top forms of travel people engage in.

So what is adventure travel and why the allure? More often than not, adventure travel packages will offer you a host of adrenaline-pumping activities in exotic locales.

How about white water rafting through the jungle? Or what about a zip line shooting you across the treetops at 50 miles per hour while you dangle precariously from the rope? Well, these are just a few examples though you don't have to do anything that intense. Since families are often traveling together, there are even family-friendly adventure travel activities, as well as excursions for those that are just shy of "Indiana Jones-level" adventurous. So perhaps horseback riding, hiking, diving or snorkeling sound like a better fit.

Whatever your passion, you're sure to find plenty of options for adventure travel when you plan your next vacation. And while there's nothing wrong with visiting historic museums, monuments and other attractions, why not also include something that satisfies the adventurous spirit in all us. Not only will it allow you to do something you probably wouldn't have the chance to do otherwise, but it will also make your vacation even more memorable.

Want to find great travel deals...fast? Save time and money while finding the best travel deals online [http://www.bargainratetravel.com] by searching 200+ websites with a single click. Visit www.BargainRateTravel.com [http://www.bargainratetravel.com] for fantastic deals on worldwide travel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/546605