Tag Archive for adventure travel

Byron Jonas | February 22, 2012
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Try These Road Trips Through Australia On Your Next Adventure

There are so many road trips through Australia to take. To drive along the Great Ocean Road all the way from Adelaide to Melbourne will unveil clues of old ship wrecks and sailors stories of the treacherous rocks out to sea. To the west around the curve is the Coral Coast Line where you can see wild dolphins naturally play at sea. The beaches are pure and untouched and beautiful to behold.

Take a drive through the Karri forests where you can see some of the tallest trees in all of Western Australia. Walk through the Karri Tree Trails and take in the towering trees. Pick up any trash you have and keep the forests looking beautiful. When you get hungry, stop in for a sample of the southwest regions finest gourmet food and wine.

Moving into central Australia take a tour through the desert landscapes of the northern Territory. Stop and take in the dramatic sandstone rock formations of the Red Centre Way. Take a peek at the amazing species of animals and plants native only to this part of the world. Early fortune hunters searched for gold and rubies here. Keep your eyes open you never know what you may find.

Learn the story of the Aboriginal people as you drive through Natures Way rain forest. In Kakadu you can see the rock art left by the Aboriginal people. The culture here is so interesting. Take time to visit Gunlom Falls where Crocodile Dundee made his film.

Take a short drive from Cairns to Port Douglas and enjoy the scenic tropical beaches. Look out on the Great Barrier Reef from a spectacular coastal road. Take in the greens of the Daintree rain forest on the other side. There is plenty of nature and wildlife in this tropical warm, climate.

For the best gourmet food in the country drive South from the Tamar Valley to Hobart. Find cool climate wineries with some of the best Tassie wines. After wine tasting, stroll through the Queen Victoria Art Gallery. When you are ready, check out the Cataract Gorge, a rock climbers heaven and sight seers dream. Further down you’ll find the Tasman National Park, where humpback whales jump for joy while migrating every year.

New South Wales is worth the drive. Start at Victorian Goldfields and drive from Melbourne all the way to the Murray River. Keep driving along the beautiful coastline on to Sydney where you will see more coastal inlets and the surf raging in and out. Remember to stop and stay a while. Try out the fishing, surfing and swimming. Surely these road trips through Australia will create lasting memories for a lifetime.

You will find a summary of the reasons why you should use Gold Coast rental cars when sightseeing Australia and more information about different cheap car hire Gold Coast options, right now.

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John Randall | February 19, 2012
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Be a Modern-day Explorer – View Polar Bears by Expedition Ship

Polar bears are found all round the Arctic, from Alaska to Canada, Greenland and Norway to Russia. While many individuals use the now-famous polar bear watching tours in Churchill, Manitoba, lots of other travelers would like to explore the Arctic by ship to see polar bears.

Therefore what is the best trip to see polar bears?

Without question it’s Spitsbergen.

The far northern island group of Spitsbergen, often referred to as Svalbard, is located not very far from the north polar ice cap and thus attracts a large amount of polar bears. Not only do females den and bear their young in the wintertime here, but the islands are a favored location for bears to retreat to in the summer months when the pack ice retreats to the north. Astonishing quantities of other wildlife migrate to this locale during the summer as well: walrus, seals and enormous colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, auklets and kittiwakes.

Spitsbergen has also been an historic launching point for North Pole exploration. Mythical explorers like Amundsen and Perry, and many others less-known made Spitsbergen their headquarters for brave attacks on the Pole. The ruins of many of these bases may be seen on our voyages, as can the campgrounds and graves of many early whalers who plied these waters as way back as the 1600s. All this adds another perspective to a Spitsbergen way.

Though there are 1 or 2 larger cruise ships sailing this area, the most memorable cruise to see polar bears and other sights in this area of the Arctic is by small expedition ship with an ice-strengthened hull and a fleet of zodiacs, or inflatable boats, that can safely and swiftly get modern day Arctic explorers into position when wildlife is sighted. Their smaller size and shallow draft carry 10 to 12 passengers and allow exploring of ice floes, miniscule coves and remote beaches where wildlife is prevalent.

Four sturdy and comfortable expedition-class vessels offering Spitsbergen cruises during the Arctic summer are the M/V Plancius, M/V Antarctic Dream, M/V Ortelius and the M/V Expedition. All these vessels carry 100 passengers or less, are ice-strengthened for cruising polar waters and offer tasty food, excellent accomodations and top-quality guides. They operate in Spitsbergen from June through August.

For the best way to see polar bears in safety and comfort, try a Spitsbergen trip!

John Randall is a photographer and guide specializing in adventure travel. He is been on many Spitsbergen cruises.

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Virginia Mendez | February 19, 2012
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Applying To Kilimanjaro Tours When Planning A Trip

This snow caped mountain is at an height of 19,341 above sea level and is situated near the equator where there are no winter seasons as those experienced in Europe and the Americas. This is why its having ice on it is interesting to many visitors and tourists who love to climb as far up as they can to see it. Kilimanjaro Tours will help interest persons to visit this wonder of the world while experiencing other fascinating places along the way.

Each person has a reason as to why they want to visit this place – there are some who want to study its history, others want to say they visited one of the most beautiful places on earth while others want the challenge of climbing it. Though most of the times it is covered in mist and clouds visitors who come will be able to see its peak even at a distance during the hot seasons when there is no cloud cover.

Not all people are able to climb this high range as it can be very tiring and it takes several days for people to reach the top. Due to this, many tents, huts and even cafes have been found on it in order to cater to the tired explorers. Surrounding the mountain is a beautiful forest with all sorts of birds. In order to relive one’s memories, one must carry a camcorder, camera and binoculars.

During the months of January to March and September to October, the climate is very favorable and the days are mostly clear and sunny. There are many people who have used Kilimanjaro Tours to visit the great marvels in the East African region. It is important for one to book this trip at an early stage because during high season, there could be a waiting list that can move on to the next year.

One of the reasons that people want to visit Africa is so that they can marvel at the beautiful Mt Kilimanjaro which has seen more than a million visitors. Its snow capped peaks can be seen melting when the sun shines giving lovely white streaks against a green and lush background. The Serengeti is also popular with visitors and it lies at the base of this historical mountain.

Africa is famous for its large stretch of grasslands inhabited by wild animals that have been one of the leading income generating sectors in the region. Though hidden in their natural dwellings, professional tour guides can spot them without interrupting their activities and all one is required to have recording devices that can give one lasting memories.

Apart from the mountain and wild life Kilimanjaro Tours can take you to the sandy and sunny beaches of the Indian Ocean and the beautiful Zanzibar Island.One can have a wonderful time in the region combined with the wonderful weather that is accommodating to all people.

Click here for more information on Kilimanjaro Safari

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Douglas Rathbone | February 18, 2012
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Adventures Of The African Safari Tours

The east Africa is one of the most fun places to be. The word safari originated from the eastern part of Africa which means an adventurous trip. Tanzania Tours are particularly breathtaking since there are many places for tourists to visit and there are many activities to take part in.

One can easily make their reservations online through the different websites that offer tourist related services. It is important that they go about it with care because at times some of the websites are shams that aim to steal money. If one has a trusted associate, they can entrust them with the responsibility of making bookings for them. It is crucial to shop around for a package that is pocket friendly and that offers services that appeal to you.

The trips are arranged to suit your best interests at heart. Camping and hitch hiking is reserved for those who are physically fit and can handle it. For those seeking a lazy and relaxed trip, they can stay in luxurious hotels as they enjoy spectacular scenery. They could also be organized for drives that will help them familiarize more. Cameras are an important gadget during these visits. They help capture the unmistakable beauty of Africa.

The beautiful culture of the locals will catch your eye. This is especially so for the famous maasai community. They are known for their beautiful jewelry which they happen to make for themselves. Acquiring such is easy since they are sold in local markets at pocket friendly prices. The sellers are warm and understand English very well. The maasai dancing is also a site to behold since it is very unique.

The beaches at the coast are more than beautiful. Here, various activities take place. Apart from the busy and wild nightlife, there are daytime activities such as deep sea diving and kite surfing that will ensure you have tones of fun. The warm weather is beautiful and the blue ocean is very inviting for a dip.

Mountain climbing should a must for the adventurous spirit. The hitch hiking is combined with camping to make the experience more interesting. Wildlife is key when it comes to the safari. There exist so many animals that can only be found in Africa. There is a yearly wilder beast migration that takes place at the Serengeti and the Mara. It is extremely awesome and is even considered a world wonder.

Anyone seeking adventure should definitely consider African Safari Tours. They are a delight. Africa is very beautiful and needs to be toured.

Click here for more information on African Safari Tours

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Byron Jonas | February 16, 2012
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Going On Road Trips Through Australia Is Going To Involve Planning

When you think of road trips through Australia then you shall probably think about how big a journey it would be. It really is a huge country but you can be sure that you would see some amazing sights even although it would take some planning to organize it all.

The first part should really be you sitting looking at a map in order to begin trying to pick out the places that grab your interest. This should then lead to you creating a short list and this is then followed by you doing some more work in learning about the places you could end up visiting.

As you do this remember to also pay attention to the actual distances between the various town or cities as this is going to have a major impact on your actual plan of action. You can then go and look at starting to build the route you will take and think about the amount of time you will end up spending doing this.

Do take care when working on the actual time you will be spending there and make sure you have some time spare just in case something does indeed go wrong as your vehicle could run into problems at some point. This is why you do need to set aside some time to consider the right vehicle to take as there are a few key things to remember with this.

The size is going to be the main thing and this depends on the number of people that will be travelling and how much room you are going to require. Do not allow yourself to be all crushed as you will be going over large distances so comfort is important but aside from this you also have to think about things such as the fuel that is required.

Costs are clearly a major thing here and how much it will come to does depend on the length of trip you are looking at. Add it all up beforehand in order to get even a rough idea but remember that certain costs will be split between however many are going so it does then work out a bit cheaper.

So road trips through Australia is going to mean you go on a wonderful trip however they do involve a lot of planning before you get there. Work out your route and how far the distances are between places so the timing is spot on and you can then start to book various things such as rooms or the kind of vehicle you can go and hire.

You can find a brief summary of the advantages and benefits of using Gold Coast rental cars while traveling and details about cheap car hire Gold Coast options, today.

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Damian Papworth | February 15, 2012
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A Relaxing Beach Holiday Is Sure To Be Enjoyed By The Whole Family

A beach holiday is a great way to relax. Having no itinerary will free people up to relax, and see the sights if and when they feel like it.

People spend so much time at work that it is difficult for many to relax at all. They have become accustomed to being under stress at all times. Even time with the family is scheduled. Between chauffeuring the kids to soccer practice and art classes, there seems to be very little if any quality family time. Everything in this families life runs on a tight schedule. A vacation at the beach is perfect for people such as these. They may spend all the time they like doing absolutely nothing, and see the sights only if they feel like it.

People become accustomed to lying in the sun, listening to the sound of the waves, and feeling the sand between their toes. There is nothing quite like this to get people in touch with nature. Watching the children running and playing in the sand will remind anyone of their own fond childhood memories. Many will want to stay forever.

This is definitely the place to get the best seafood. Fish and chips, lobster, clams, and just about anything else will be found in many restaurants. Even small shops right on the beach will have a lot available. Even some of the bits here restaurants are used to people arriving in shorts and sandals. Dress code is generally quite casual. This will certainly give people a break from the everyday routine.

People who want to have a closer look at the life will find chartered boat excursions available. Generally these will include a captain and crew, so that even the least experienced sailors will have the opportunity for snorkeling, fishing, or just exploring. Dinner cruises are also quite popular, and can accommodate the smallest to the largest family.

Anyone who is taking a holiday at the ocean should make sure to remember to bring the camera. The lasting memories which are made will certainly want to be recorded on film, so that they may be enjoyed for years into the future. It is also a location which is sure to be a backdrop for some beautiful photographs.

There many other things to do besides swimming and laying in the sun. Arcades, boardwalks, and aquariums are commonly found at the ocean. On the day that it rains many families choose to visit museums, go bowling, or maybe even see a movie. This will ensure the best experience possible even in bad weather.

Remember to bring towels, bathing suits, and sunscreen, and a beach holiday is sure to be a trip to remember forever.

Plan your vacation today by looking up the several surf shop locations. Search the online surf shop to see who has the best deals. Go online today and find out more.

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Linda Patterson | February 12, 2012
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Guatemala Tours – Experience Nature And Fun Adventures

Guatemala is a great destination if you want to enjoy nature at its best. Although before, one can possibly only picture the garden of Eden from religious children’s books, these days, you can take Guatemala tours and even experience the secret splendor of the wild plant life and animals made more alive in the middle of the lush greens which work as the habitat of the very exotic birds. As a matter of fact, Guatemala is known as the “land of eternal springs.”

Usually, travel guides would recommend tourists to check out La Antigua which is a very convenient place to locate hotels especially for those on Guatemala tours. Booking flights using a travel agency in general involves a painless transportation from the airport towards completely different destinations, which usually starts off with the city of antiques in Guatemala.

The place’s rich history in which the colonial jewels of the Americans has actually been unveiled and discovered is bordered with fertile valleys beautified by the enormous coffee plantation plus accessorized with 3 spectacular volcanoes. Quite hard to believe but surprisingly a great combination of ancient colonial architecture and gentle nature which makes it one of the best loved tourist spots from around the world.

Guatemala tours beginning with a trip to Antigua Guatemala take rounds to neighborhood villages including San Antonio Aguas Calients, peak of Agua or Pascaya volcanoes, right down to the Iximche archaeological site showcasing ruins of ancient civilizations, and round the peaceful town of San Juan Colamala showcasing traditional paintings, with the most distinctive and also fascinating works of art.

And needless to say, Guatemala tours can be enjoyed not only by art lovers. In fact history buffs and also archaeology aficionados could have fun unravelling Guatemala’s pre-Columbian cultures, from the relics and remains of Mayans in the guise of pottery and jewellery. The site of Tikal is among the most famous destinations of today owing to the fact that it is the home of the most exquisitely preserved sculptures and temples.

One of the widest historical sites in the region of Guatemala is the National Park of Tikal which covers 575 sq. km of the land area which is covered by pristine rainforests packed with diverse wildlife that makes the place mystical and magical

When you’re thinking of admiration of the Mayan ruins, then again, nothing at all can provide a fill of ancient tales far better than Lake Atitlan can. Small villages are in between unsoiled lakes and emerald-green volcanoes having colourful flowers garnishing the cliffs, which often help increase the fun of relaxing ventures for both nature plus history buffs.

Having experienced the hidden treasures of Guatemala first hand can surely make you and any tourists wish they can place all the beautiful scenery they have seen in a bottle for souvenirs. On the plus side, there are lots of shops stationed at Chichicastenango market or Chichi which is open during Thursdays and Sundays. The nice thing about the native market is the provision of several memorabilia influenced by German, Italian, French, plus English arts.

It is highly suggested by travel guides to embark on Guatemala Tours before the markey day. However it’s preferable to go to Chichi on the opening day itself. One can find shuttle services from Antigua which can get tourists to Chichi in the morning and other shopping centers nearby in the afternoon.

Wanna visit Guatemala? Onejungle has great pre-packaged Guatemala Adventure Trips. More travel ideas can be found on Adventure Travel here.

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Randy Green | February 11, 2012
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Tips to Select the Best Ship When You Visit the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands, found in the Pacific Ocean about 600 miles west of Ecuador, have become more and more popular lately as interest in nature and adventure travel has exploded. This little group of mid-oceanic islands, known as an archipelago, are famous for having influenced 19th Century explorer Charles Darwin’s famous Origin of Species. Today, it's a United Nations World Heritage Site and is protected by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve the uniquely developed animals and plants that exist nowhere else.

Because of the booming popularity of Galapagos cruises, the number and types of ships available for the traveler to choose from has grown, making it quite bewildering for any person planning their tour.

Here are one or two considerations for picking the right Galapagos cruise:

Size of Vessel: Ship size differs from about 16 passengers to above 100. Right off, you possibly might prefer a larger vessel due to fear of seasickness or preferring the camaraderie of more fellow passengers. While large ships can be more steady, bear in mind that the islands are right on the equator and do not experience hurricanes or other large storms. The encircling waters are typically quite calm, compared to cruises in other parts of the globe. Occasionally larger swells from distant storms can have an effect on the seas round the islands, but this is relatively limited and not an overwhelming concern for most travelers.

Smaller ships on the other hand offer a more relaxed atmosphere for your Galapagos cruise. Most offer tons of deck space in sun and shade for lounging and watching for birds and whales, or simply enjoying a drink with new-found buddies while cruising.

One major consideration is group size when going ashore or snorkeling. Remember, most individuals who go on a Galapagos cruise are there to see the awesome wildlife completely unique to the islands. When you go ashore, usually twice every day you will have to handle larger crowds when cruising aboard the big ships. With smaller vessels of 20 or less, you may have only your shipmates to contend with. Probabilities are, you’ll have much more time to linger over getting that perfect shot of a waved albatross taking flight from a cliff or watching a group of frolicsome sea lion pups. Plus, transferring 16 to 20 passengers from and to shore is far faster and simpler than 100!

Luxury vs Economy: The level of luxury and conveniences, as you might think, varies closely with the price. While all the ships IWA offers provide glorious comfort, safety and service, only some of the boats authorized meet our strict standards. Make certain that the ship you cruise on provides the level of comfort and quality you expect.

Itinerary: Due to the major increase in travelers to the islands, the Galapagos park service has been forced to noticeably change the schedules that operators can offer. Schedules now offer, for example, the northern or southern islands in the archipelago. So if you have got an interest particularly species or activities, make sure the itinerary you choose encompasses the island or activity you are most curious about.

Cruise length: While 3 – 5 night itineraries are available on some ships, our standard, and minimum endorsed, schedule length is 7 nights/8 days. This allows for ample time to get a genuine feel for what the Galapagos Islands has to provide. Any shorter and you will not experience the extreme uniqueness of these mysterious islands. Also, consider that you have spent at least a couple of days traveling to the islands (and two days to get home) — you will want to make it all worthwhile.

And, it is always possible to add on another 3 or four night iitnerary for a longer cruise, for an even better tour!

Randy Green is a professional photographer and guide concentrating on adventure travel. He’s a old hand of many Galapagos cruises.

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Linda Patterson | January 23, 2012
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The Risks Facing the Ro Lagartos Bio-Reserve (And Solutions for Future Years)

Located in the Mexican state of Yucatan, Ro Lagartos is one of Mesoamerica’s most expansive bioreserves. Comprised of over 150,000 acres of lagoon, wetland, and tropical forest, the preserve represents an interwoven chain ecosystem that is as delicate as it is fascinating. The sheer size of the bioreserve makes it a prime target for ecological dangers of many kinds, not the least of which come from one of the natural world’s most dangerous enemies: mankind.

Hurricane Strikes

Actually, one of the most destructive elements to besiege the Ro Lagartos preserve is completely natural. The bioreserve has the unfortunate distinction of lying directly in the path of many cyclones which form during the Caribbean/South Atlantic hurricane season. At least 13 times in the last half-century, a powerful storm has born down on Ro Lagartos, causing widespread environmental damage. Equally vulnerable to these havoc-wreaking aberrations of weather are the nearby communities of Las Coloradas and San Felipe, as well as the town of Ro Lagartos itself. Of course, in the face of such fury from Mother Nature, very little can be done to shield the preserve or its inhabitants, but an improved warning and alert system and more precise meteorological predictions would certainly lessen the human cost that these hurricanes extract, and contribute to the overall health and stability of the region.

Dwindling Forests

One arena in which human intervention could play a pivotal role concerns the health of Ro Lagartos’s tropical forests. Because it is bordered by several large communities, the preserve’s jungles have come under attack from the logging and farming industries, and over 7,000 acres of these verdant, lush environments have been erased, stripped of their valuable wood and converted into farmland for supporting the surrounding human settlements. Even the stately and precious mangrove forests have not been spared from the greedy saws and axes of the lumber mills, which pay little attention to the long-term survival of the preserve’s delicately balanced ecosystem. This is a man-made problem, which could be rectified by placing reasonable constraints on the growth of towns and cities near to the preserve, as well as instituting urban planning to reduce the need for existing communities to sprawl out unimpeded beyond their present boundaries.

Depleting the Seas

Humans are also implicated in another example of the Ro Lagartos ecosystem being drained of an important natural resource: the overfishing of coastal and inland waters. The lagoons and seas within the preserve are home to a wide variety of ocean life, including octopus, mullet, clam, and milk conch, but the populations of these species have been quickly dropping in recent years, thanks to aggressive and sometimes illegal fishing measures. As the world undergoes continually more severe economic crises, many near Ro Lagartos who live close to the line of subsistence turn to the bountiful ocean for both food and extra income. However, some willfully ignore the laws restricting both amounts and methods of procuring the sea’s wealth, even going so far as to fish with explosives, an incredibly destructive practice that has unfortunately not yet been stopped. More rigid enforcement and an increase in maritime police forces could have a short-term effect, but in the long run, people must be conscientious about respecting the healthy and vitality of the animal populations they depend on, to prevent their ultimate destruction.

Road Building

Yet another method by which man is unwittingly destroying the Ro Lagartos preserve is through his lack of foresight in constructing new roads. This problem dovetails with the deforestation and overfishing issues, as it is a direct result of unchecked expansion and lack of planning. Roads within and near the preserve, especially those on the coast and in the southern regions, are built without proper drainage, instead making use of perpendicular wave-breaks which alters and disrupt the water’s natural pathways through the preserve. This changes the water level in different areas of the preserve, and tips the balance of the salt level within the soil. This in turn puts much of the vegetation, including the mangrove forests, in direct jeopardy. Therefore, when constructing new roads, more attention must be paid heir long-term effects on the ecosystem, and all construction should be planned with a mind towards preserving the natural flow and balance of waterways in the preserve, first and foremost.

There is a special community for adventure travel and eco toursim. It’s called 2adventuretravel.com and has plenty of travelers and information available for active persons.

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