How to Prepare for Adventure Travel

Adventure travel is a type of tourism that involves exploring or traveling to remote and exotic regions of the world. Adventure tourism is rapidly growing in popularity, as tourists seek different kinds of vacations. Adventure travel includes activities such as mountaineering, trekking, bungee jumping, mountain biking, rafting, zip-lining, paragliding, and rock climbing. One should be well prepared before heading off to go zip lining in Costa Rica or hiking through Nepal. Here are a few ways to get ready for your adventure:

While your packing list for your adventure travel trip may be extensive, there a few things you should NOT bring. A common mistake is bringing new shoes or hiking boots. While this may seem like a good idea, bringing footwear that has not been properly worn in is an invitation for painful blisters and sore feet. Your best bet to either bring a sturdy pair of shoes you already have that appropriate for the terrain, or buy a pair a few months before you go and break them in at home. Jewelry, fancy watches, wedding rings and other valuables are best left at home. A good rule of thumb is to leave at home anything you would be devastated to lose. If you feel naked without your wedding band or favorite necklace, buy a fake to wear during your trip. That way you'll have nothing to regret if it breaks or gets lost or stolen. Also, this is adventure travel. One of your goals is to survive on the basics. Leave your scented lotions and fancy shampoos at home. Pack travel sized bottles of whatever they provide in the travel section of Target. It may seem strange to leave behind all your comforts, but by day 6 you'll be glad you're not lugging around large bottles of hair conditioner.

During adventure travel, you will be on your feet for long periods of time. Depending on your travel plans, you'll be standing, running, walking, or biking for hours. You need to prepare your feet for the adventure. Blisters can slow down even the most physically fit travelers. For your adventure you will need tough feet, excellent footwear, and non-cotton socks. Like I said above, you will want to buy new footwear well in advance of your trip. You may have to go to several stores and try on several pairs before you find the right shoes. You will also want non-cotton socks to wick away sweat. Wet feet soften and blister easily.

If you are heading to remote communities or trekking through the jungle, you may encounter microscopic organisms in your water that will leave you longing for home or a doctor. You will want to bring enough water purification supplies to get you through your trip. Pills and droplets are available at most hiking supply stores. Research all your options and decide what is best for you and your adventure travel plans.

Do You Care About Which Budget Airline You Use or Are They Simply a 'Bus in the Sky?'

It could be argued that we are lucky in the UK due to the proliferation of budget airlines available to whisk us away somewhere warm from a wide variety of regional airports. Despite the highest aviation taxes in the world it is still possible to obtain relatively cheap flights for any type of holiday to destinations as far away as Sharm el Sheikh or Marrakech. This must be a good thing.

The onset and expansion of airlines such as easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair has allowed passengers to be selective about whom they fly with or to simply take the cheapest price. What are your own booking methods? After experiencing budget airlines do you now say for example 'I'll never fly Ryanair' or 'I will only use easyJet' so that you can purchase speedy boarding and be on the plane first?

The industry leader in terms of volume is the irrepressible Michael O'Leary of Ryanair who would argue that his service is simply the same as catching a bus from your home to the nearest town but his service happens to be one that operates in the sky. Do you agree with his philosophy about your holiday starting with an A to B transit in the air or do you wish to return to a romantic notion of air travel where you get a gin and tonic and a bag of peanuts? Would you say that there is scope for an airline which offers a simple price to include air fare, 20kg luggage allowance and complimentary drinks on board at a competitive price to holiday destinations to Spain or Turkey?

When Is the Best Time to Go On Safari Holidays?

The Best Time for Safari Holidays

The best time to go on safari holidays in Africa will depend upon many factors including the country you want to visit and what time in the year you are able to take your trip. It may be that you wish to see a certain species of wildlife or take part in a specific activity in a certain country and there may be a better time of year to do so. Discussing this with your safari tour operator is the best option as they will be able to advise you on the best times for each country. The dry season tends to be the best and most preferred time with safari enthusiasts as animals are in abundance, especially around water holes and lakes because of the lack of water elsewhere. Southern and Eastern Africa both have varying seasons so this means you're bound to find the right safari to suit you at any time on the continent.

The Great Migration

If you want guaranteed sightings of the 'Big Five' as well as seeing huge numbers of animals all in one place, you should choose Kenya during the months of July and October. Between these months, you'll get to see the great wildebeest migration in full swing. The Great Migration as it is otherwise known is one of the most spectacular natural events on earth and safari holidays taken at this time are unforgettable. Millions of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle embark upon an epic journey between the Masai Mara and Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania on the hunt for fresh grazing and water. Closely followed by lions and other such predators, this will be a truly mesmerising experience on safari. Of course, visiting Kenya also means you can take advantage of all of its other game viewing regions including the Samburu, Tsavo, Aberdare and Meru, and you can opt to relax on the Kenyan Coast afterwards.

New Zealand Camping Trip Tips

Camping in New Zealand is an adventure of a lifetime. Whether hiking or road tripping, you're bound to take in some of the most beautiful sights in the world. The landscapes are very different on both islands so the more time you can spend exploring, the better. Fortunately, the country is dotted with campsites all throughout so you never have to travel far to find a place to settle down for the night. Popular areas include Marahau, Coromandel Peninsula, Kaiteriteri Beach, and the Mavora Lakes so you may want to book your place there in advance to avoid disappointment.

In certain parts you're allowed to camp in areas that haven't been designated for that purpose although the government and local authorities are trying to crack down on this due to the environmental impact people inevitably cause. This is related to the incorrect disposal of rubbish, and human waste. Fines for setting up camp in prohibited areas are high so beware and be respectful to nature.

What to Bring

Use your common sense when packing for your camping trip in New Zealand. It's definitely not a fashion show. Locals and fellow tourists are very used to seeing people in outdoor gear. Buy practical garments like fleeces, thermals, waterproof jackets, hiking boots, and zip off trousers depending on the season.

If you intend on hiking a lot, bring a sturdy backpack with support panels and chest and waist belts to ease the load on your shoulders.

To protect yourself from the sun, bring a high strength sunscreen lotion, and a hat with a wide brim.

Insects aren't uncommon in New Zealand so a repellent spray or cream is another must.

Some Accommodation Tips

Whenever you are on a budget-friendly vacation you need to find critical areas of travel, meals and entertainment where few bucks can be saved. One of the major sub-heads in expenses is accommodation for your family. Here are a few ideas that will help you avoid draining your money in money-sucking hotels:

Early Bird: Always make it a habit to begin your search as early as possible. It will help you in making right choices in the least time available. Booking hotels at the last moment not only means high prices but also that you might not get your preferred accommodation. A lot of sites are available which can help you compare prices based on your criteria.

Off-Season Benefits: Rates are always lower when there is less attendance. If you are by-chance planning a vacation on weekend then business category hotel might be good idea since they are mostly vacant on weekends. If possible don't pick peak season for the vacation as rates are generally rocket-high during that time. Picking off-season also allows you to extend your stay by a few days without significantly increasing planned estimate.

Non-Premier Location: Location is major factor in determining your hotel bills. Hotels that are near some famous tourist place tend to be more costly than hotels that are located few blocks away. If transport is not a problem you should seriously consider them.

House Swapping: This facility has been now expanded worldwide. If you're willing to let someone else into your home, you can get the home of other in return. House swapping is one of the most popular ways to get cheap and even free accommodations in some of the most expensive destinations on the planet. This exchange program allows you privacy as you get the whole house for your stay and can use it like your own house.

Vacation Planning Should Include Car Rentals

Going on vacation is always a great deal of fun for everyone. Plans have to be made and suitcases have to be packed. You must then figure out what transportation will work for you as you travel to your favorite destination. Some people choose to fly there while others take a bus or train. Other vacationers drive, especially if they want to take in the scenery along the way. To make your trip more carefree, you may wish to rent a car for your journey ahead.

Choosing to rent a vehicle will not only reduce your stress levels, but you can confidently know that you are getting a vehicle that has been well maintained and is running properly, giving you peace of mind while you are traveling to your destination. Worrying about the vehicle while on a long trip should never be part of the vacationing experience for anyone. You can also purchase extra insurance offered by the rental company to ensure that you are protected in case you become involved in any accidents that most always are unplanned and unforeseen.

Car rental companies are experts in helping you with your vehicle vacationing needs. They have many makes and models as well as sizes and options available. If you gas budget is limited, no problem. You should also be aware that rental companies have very different prices for the same models and anyone is encouraged to price shop before they rent to get the best deal for their needs.

The number of people in your traveling adventure will usually determine the size and model of rental vehicle. One two or three people can comfortably travel in a compact and enjoy the benefits of saving gas during the trip. If more people are joining you, you will seriously want to step up to a larger SUV or van that can comfortably transport all your passengers and their luggage with room to spare and make sure to trip gets off to a great start.

Budget Travel Tips for Typically Expensive Destinations

Ask a random traveler for their ideal budget travel destination and they are unlikely to say Western Europe, Australia or North America. They wouldn't be wrong in considering these places to be expensive destinations. In general, these destinations have more expensive transportation, accommodation and even dining and entertainment costs. All of that said, there are many things you can take to make travel in these areas more affordable. I will share some of these tips in this article.

Consider alternative accommodation

There are still many people under the impression that hotels are the only place to stay when traveling. If you believe this, then you most certainly will end up devoting a significant amount of your budget to accommodation costs. Fortunately, there are many alternatives available that will lower your costs and possibly provide a richer experience as well.

For example, you can look into volunteering somewhere, house-sitting, farming organizations like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), and hosting services like Couchsurfing.org. All of these provide opportunities to enhance your visit with new and exciting experiences and they lower your costs at the same time.

If you still prefer to opt for more traditional accommodation, try looking into hostels or guesthouses rather than big name hotels. In many cases, hostels provide private rooms for a fraction of the cost of hotels. You can search for hostels based on reviews from actual customers if you use a site like Hostel World or Hostelbookers.

Avoid tourist areas and do like the locals

Travelers end up breaking the bank when they get caught in the whirlpool of tourist-centric areas. These zones have hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues with above average prices. They may be conveniently located near central attractions, but it would be worth your while to venture away from them. Ask locals for advice on where to eat and where to go out for an evening. More often than not, you will get a recommendation that will offer a break for your wallet as well as an authentic cultural experience.

Disney - Affordable Tips

Is Disney an affordable place to go on a family vacation? It may be more affordable than ever to plan a great and memorable getaway for those young hearts who love the wonder of Disney. You can have a great time on a shoe string budget, it just may take some planning rightly.

You would be amazed that you can save hundreds if you get into the little tricks that few people are aware of. Disney some times has promotions that can save you big money. More savings can come in the form of a guide. These printed savings are great.

All inclusive packages can save you money too. And don't overlook the savings that you can gain by ordering tickets in advance. A travel agent can guide you through this and may save you money if you don't want the hassle of doing your own homework.

Disney sometimes offers great deals like free shuttle service and baggage. This keeps you organized and its free.

There is a lot you can do to avoid expenses on your room and dining out. Just plan a big meal once a day and try to eat on the cheap for the other meals. The children are more interested in Mickey anyway. Use little good judgment on games and trinkets, set a limit before you go and stay with it.

The internet is full of tips good and bad. Discounts and special offers abound. In magazines and other advertisements you may find some useful savings.

Three Sailing Tips for Safer Sailing Today!

What sailing tips could you put into play today to make your small sailboat a safer platform for her sailing crew? Do your inexperienced crew members know the body motions they must use for safety at sea? Follow this simple sailing safety advice and pass it along to your crew.

Falling overboard remains the #1 nightmare of sailors worldwide. Serious injury from the fall could render a person unconscious. Darkness and heavy seas hamper recovery efforts. If coastal sailing, you must set up the deck to aid the crew in moving about the boat.

Rig jacklines from a stout bow cleat back to a large stern cleat on both sides of the boat. Wear a safety harness if alone on deck, at nighttime, or during heavy sailing weather.

Equip harnesses with dual tethers armed with carbiner or quick-release hooks (such as those made by Wichard). Clip on to the windward jackline to move fore and aft. Keep the crew inside the cockpit as much as possible.

Practice these three basic sailing body motions for safety at sea in any sailing weather. When the heavy stuff hits the fan, you and your sailing crew will be ready:

1. Grasp a Handhold

Hold onto something whenever aboard, whether at the dock, at anchor or underway. Grab lifelines, grab rails, sailboat mast or boom.

It's rare to find proper overhead grab rails down in the cabin. Mount several between the galley and forward v-berth. Handicap grab bars provide a good alternative to teak handrails at a fraction of the cost. Cover them with rope fancy work for a practical, attractive, salty look.

2. Look Before You Move

Look down, then forward before you move. Step over headsail sheets, winches, rope clutch gear, deck cleats and slippery boat sails. Keep lines coiled and out of the way to prevent injury.

3. Squat Below Upper Lifeline Level

Keep your knees below the level of the uppermost lifeline. If thrown against the lifeline, this offers more area to brace your body. Squat like a linebacker to move fore or aft. This lowers your center of gravity toward the deck. In heavy weather sailing, lower your center of gravity even more. Crawl on your belly if necessary.

Willow Beach

Located along the Colorado River in Northern Arizona there is a beach best suited for wildlife watching, fishing, boating and picnicking, the beach is known as Willow beach. With a wonderful weather all year round, varied and diverse topography and some wonderful rock formations Willow Beach vacation rentals is a great place to spend your vacation.

During the summer months the average temperature of the water remains around fifty degrees and the water is clear enough to see four to five feet. Although most people prefer summer to go on holidays but it is during the winters that this part of the country burst into colors so even if you have wandered off by mistake you won't regret it. Late winter and early spring is the best time to see some wonderful floral display in Willow Beach. With no prodding whatsoever the wild flowers that line the Willow Beach burst into an array of bright colors, making the whole scenery full of life. If you are staying in vacation rentals close to the beach then you will simply be enchanted by the view.

If you are looking for a less crowded area then head over to Lake Mead situated just fourteen miles south of Hoover Dam. In fact this place is even less crowded than some of the river's other beaches. Staying close to the beach in vacation rentals means you can do whatever you want whenever you want regarding water activity. With access to Black Canyon, Willow beach is a good place to launch boats and go for a ride. You can also rent boats as there are several of them available. As the Colorado River slows down below the dam and the area is protected from strong winds due to the high walls of the dam this place is peaceful and the water calm making it an ideal place for some fishing. No wonder that some fishermen have successfully caught rainbow trouts weighing more than five pounds in this region. If you are vacationing with your family then you can cook your catch in your vacation rentals as the rentals are equipped with a kitchen.

Sightings of big horn sheep are not uncommon here only if ypu are careful enough. Dusk is the time when deer living in the area come out of the grass thickets and the ducks start paddling in the water. You can tempt the ducks with bread crumbs; crackers or pop corn and this will surely get the children excited. The calm and serene atmosphere of the place occasionally broken by the quacking sounds of the ducks adds a mystique nature to the place and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Forget all your tensions and spend your days lazily in Willow Beach vacation rentals.

More than thirty four million people depend on the water of the Colorado River so the water levels at Willow Beach are kept high. Although the water level in Colorado is low and the demand of water is rising so the best way to understand this great river is to experience it first hand and Willow Beach vacation rentals gives you a chance to experience this.

Robert Lee is one of most heralded content writer of http://www.travelehome.com. Travel-e-Home stands for one stop shop to find thousands of Vacation Rentals.

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Vacation Spots for the Family

When choosing vacation spots, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. These factors should always be considered because they can spell enjoyment or dissatisfaction during the trip. One of the most important things to take into consideration when thinking of going on a trip with the family is the age group of the members who will be travelling. It is best for a mostly teen oriented age group to go on a trip that is adventurous for their age. Water sports, the beach and fun night outs may be several of the highlights for this bracket. For groups with much older members or with smaller children, the beach might also be fun but with some limitations with regards to their safety when it comes to water activities and swimming. Many establishments have rules and regulations with regards to safety and age of their guests. The interests of the group or family seeking vacation spots should also be considered. Outdoorsy types will likely opt for camping and other adventurous pursuits while those who like to wallow in the lap of luxury will likely go for luxurious resorts and hotels that cater to their every whim and desire. There are also some people who have spotted a specific place to go to and have set their hearts to go there.

Ideal Family Places

There are plenty of vacation spots that are ideal for families in the United States of America. In Texas, there are several National Parks that allow campers to stay for several days. For this to happen, though, the campers will need to acquire permits and prove that they are actually capable of the feat. There are some places in Texas that have categories for their campers. This makes it easier for novices and more enjoyable for those who enjoy the wilds. Other than camping in National Parks in Texas, there are also several ranches that offer tours that encompass several days.

Planning Your Travel To Asia

The length and breadth of Asia surpasses imagination. You can plan your travel to Asia to ultra-modern destinations, such as Tokyo and Singapore, or to remote villages in China, India, Indonesia or Thailand. Traveling through Asia is like going between different time periods. Some cities are extremely modern and advanced, while others full of mystery and unique charm.

Just catching a flight to Asia is not about visiting a continent. It is entering into a whole new realm. More than half of the world's population lives here and it can be upsetting to see the dramatic standards of living between the rich and poor. However, the mysticism, rich history, unique culture, ethnicities, traditions and food can be an extremely enlightening and unique experience.

The sheer number of countries would be impossible to cover in a single holiday. That is why you would have to keep returning on cheap tickets to Asia to enjoy a couple of countries during each trip. However, in your quest for cheap flights to Asia, do not neglect the safety statistics of the airline you are going to use.

Every country in the continent offers something unique and different for travelers. Some of the highly sought-after Asian destinations include Japan, Thailand, South Korea, China, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Singapore and Indonesia. There are several exotic countries that could become part of your travel itinerary, such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Traveling to many of these countries is extremely affordable, as the cost of living is not very high. However, countries like Japan and Singapore have high cost of living, at par with many western nations.

Staying here can work out very reasonable unless you intend booking into a five-star hotel. Most visitors prefer to use guesthouses, inns and smaller hotels which offer clean rooms for half the price. If you book a room on the outskirts of a town or village, you may end up getting better rates.

Where food is concerned, street vendors sell reasonably priced food and at times the quality can be as good as restaurants. As long as the food is cooked, you should have no problems where your health is concerned. But make sure that you drink just bottled water.

How To Plan A Trip To Europe

For many people, Europe represents the trip of a lifetime, which means when you plan a trip there, it's imperative you prioritise all your options so they're realistic with the time you have available.

After doing the essential stuff like making sure you have a valid passport, it's time to plan an itinerary. Hopefully some of these top five tips can help plan a trip to Europe effectively.

1. Make sure you establish a budget.

Yes, it's tedious, but unless you have a clear idea on where your money's likely to be spent, and how much you have in the first place, you're not going to be the happiest traveller when you're phoning relatives for loans barely halfway through your trip.

Things to consider as you plan a trip to Europe are travelling in the off-season, meaning avoiding school holidays and the peak months where possible. If this isn't possible, consider booking cheaper accommodation. Of course, a few nights at The Ritz in London's a dream for anyone, and we're not suggesting you don't go for it if your budget allows for it or the occasion demands it, but you can still see the city from the hotel down the road.

2. Have a focal destination as you plan a trip to Europe

There's a good chance there's one particular part of Europe you'd like to see above all others. If that applies to you, keep that main destination in mind as you plan your trip.

Say that you wanted to plan a trip to Europe with London at its heart and you have two weeks. Maybe you'd spend the first two nights there, then head off to Ireland for a couple of nights, spend another night in London then go to the Low Countries via the Eurostar. Maybe then you'd take budget flight to Spain and Portugal, then again stay in London before heading home.

Obviously, as you plan a trip to Europe you can make that central destination anywhere. You could make it Budapest in Hungary then go on to explore the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. Or you could start in Copenhagen in Denmark, then head off to Sweden, Norway and Finland.

This particular idea may not be for everyone, but it's one worth keeping in mind. That's because although it's not huge, Europe's an incredibly diverse continent, and some semblance of structure will be vitally important to make the most of the time you have. Having a focal destination as you plan a trip to Europe is therefore not a bad thing.

3. Do things stage by stage.

If you choose not to go with the idea outlined above as you plan a trip to Europe, at least break your trip up into stages and explore sections of the continent methodically.

There's little sense in beginning your trip in London, then flying off several thousand miles to Greece for a few nights, only to then come back and spend a few days in Wales, a mere three-hour drive from the English capital.

Europe's small size combined with its diversity can really help you out here. You can see an incredible number of cultures and countries in a relatively small area - and therefore on a small budget, if you plan a trip to Europe effectively.

4. Book accommodation in advance.

Providing you're not intent on travelling completely "on the fly" we'd highly recommend booking hotels in advance as you plan a trip to Europe. As well as this adding structure to your plans, it'll also give you a better idea of your budget while you're on your travels.

Doing this will also nullify the possibility of being turned away at successive hotels because they've got the "No Vacancies" signs up everywhere. You're more likely to get a good discount by booking well in advance, too.

5. Pack sensibly.

When you plan a trip to Europe, you must take account of potential extremes of weather. Before even considering the terrain in Europe (part mountainous, part below sea level), there is the basic fact that Scandanvia, for example, will likely be much colder than, say, Spain, no matter what time of the year you go.

Choosing A Winter Hiking Boot

As the temperature starts to drop, avoid the risk of cabin fever by getting outside for some winter hikes. When you're well-prepared to tackle cold conditions, hiking in the winter fills your ordinary trails with new opportunities to enjoy spectacular, snow-filled views.

Of course, nothing spoils a beautiful hike faster than numb toes or falling from snow and ice. Avoid these disastrous outdoor fates by planning ahead and selecting the proper footwear for your winter outings. Choosing the best hiking boots for winter weather might seem like a challenge, but if you follow these tips you'll have no trouble picking out a great match for your needs. Don't forget to pair your boot with wool socks, and you're good to go for the season.

When considering your options, make sure you look for added insulation without too much bulk, a rugged outsole for handling any icy terrain and waterproof features to keep feet dry in the snow. Most quality boots share high-tech features designed to challenge the elements. To help you find the best winter boot, here's a breakdown of the top features you'll want to look for:

Insulation

A boot's insulation is measured in grams, and the higher the number, the warmer the boot. Some boots use Thinsulate, which is a form of insulation that keeps feet dry and warm without adding bulk or weight.

Outsole

If you'll be navigating icy terrains, a rugged outsole is key. Rubber outsoles will grip to slippery surfaces and help maintain footing on the wintry trails. And you can't go wrong with Vibram soles.

Waterproofing

When you're trekking through the snow, it's important that no moisture seeps through to your socks. Find a boot that has a waterproof feature like Gore-Tex lining or nubuck leather to keep toes dry.

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

It is very unwise to travel abroad without making sure you have the right travel insurance cover before you go. If you had no insurance what would happen if something went wrong? A dream holiday can easily turn into a financial nightmare. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is essential. There are thousands of travellers who have seriously regretting not taking comprehensive travel insurance to cover costs if things go wrong. The prospect of potentially massive health bills is the reason why you should take out insurance. Falling ill on holiday can easily run into the thousands, especially in countries like the United States. Travel insurance covers much more than just medical treatment. It can cover lost or stolen belongings, missed flights, cancellations and repatriation to the UK. It can also cover you if you airline or tour operator goes bust. There are even some countries like Cuba that won't let you in without it. Many countries that require an entry visa will also insist on evidence of insurance cover.

Travel insurance does not have to be expensive; it is usually only a very small fraction of the price of the holiday. The peace of mind that comes with the insurance is unparalleled. You will find that the older you are the more you can pay for the insurance. If you have a pre-existing medical condition you will also find premiums can be considerably higher. Some insurance policies do not always pay out for accidents from certain sports less additional cover is taken out. With this in mind if you are considering participating in certain activities, often referred to as 'adventure sports' like skiing, skydiving, parachuting and scuba diving you need to make sure you are properly covered.