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See Something Special on a High Altitude Trek
Treks and hiking trips can literally take travellers around the world, across some of the most beautiful and remote areas and into vibrant cities and cultural Meccas. Every trip can be unique, offering different experiences that can be tailored for individual walkers. But no matter where you go, there is always one thing that will guarantee to make you feel truly inspired – a stunning view.
Throughout the world there are a number of high altitude walks that offer unparalleled vistas across deserts, oceans and distant mountain regions. Walks like these tend to be relatively uncrowded – not because you have to be a qualified mountaineer to reach them, because you don’t – but more often than not because most travellers aren’t aware that they exist. They are often found hidden away from main tourist routes and tend to be places you would only venture with a knowledgeable guide.
Choosing to travel with a company that organises walking holidays to these high altitude areas means some of the world’s highest mountain ranges and ridge walks can be within reach of most adventurers who have a reasonably good level of fitness. Travelling on an organised tour also gives you the comfort of knowing your route is already planned and that there is qualified assistance in the unlikely event that you’ll need it.
Many of these companies also help you decide which route is right for you by grading them according to difficulty, length and any necessary expertise you might need to have before you set off. Take a look at the examples below, and you’ll get an idea of some of the most popular walks available.
The Alps
Beginners to high-altitude walking might like to venture into the Chablais region of France, where the smaller Alps still provide a good high-level traverse through this famous Alpine region. Most of the peaks here are signposted and littered with visible footpaths, and although we’re not talking the altitude of Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn, these most famous of mountains are still visible from the lower surrounding peaks.
The Dolomites
Heading to the north of Italy, close to the Austrian border, is where you’ll find a range of mountains called the Dolomites. If any of you have ever flown to Italy from the UK, you are likely to have passed overhead, although you may not have realised it at the time. The Dolomites are a hugely popular location for walkers because it offers a diverse range of experiences. People with a real head for heights, and some knowledge of rope work, can head for a via ferrata, a system of wood and iron bridges, and metal rung ladders, that lead intrepid mountaineers across ravines and up sheer rock faces. Travellers who find the thought of that type of walk exhilarating enough without attempting such a feat, can enjoy any one of the moderate trails along the Dolomites’ lower slopes instead. These treks can take anywhere from one to ten days to complete and offer the experience of camping under the stars or holing up in remote mountain huts along the way. The views from these routes are every bit as spectacular as the daredevils will enjoy on the via ferrata, but they come with fewer compulsory changes of underwear on the itinerary.
The Carpathian Mountains
If your destination of choice is the Carpathian Mountains, then your packing list might include such strange items as garlic, holy water and wooden stakes, because you’ll find yourself walking through the Transylvania region of Romania. This mountain range offers a diverse walking opportunity with ridge walks, gully climbs and some cabled sections on the more exposed summits to navigate. At least at this altitude you’re avoiding the wild bears and wolves that live on the outskirts of the remote Romanian villages on the valley floors below.
The Atlas Mountains
Although most of us remember the legendary story of Hannibal crossing the Alps with his army of war elephants, what isn’t common knowledge is that he stole – sorry borrowed – his elephants from the Atlas Mountains, which now lie in the region of Morocco. Sadly, because of the Roman love of animal combat this legendary breed of elephants is extinct. What hasn’t disappeared is the remarkable views that can still be seen from the many trails that cover this mountain range. Guided walks to the Neolithic summits of each peak usually start from Marrakech, which makes an excellent base and can turn an Atlas trek into an interesting multi-stay tour.
Byline: Fiona Galloway is an intrepid travel writer who loves nothing better than walking holidays with her dog, Kim.
Run to the Hills – Great Ideas for Fitness Holidays
For the old rockers amongst you, don’t get too excited. I’m not going to be discussing the delights of past Iron Maiden records. For that you’ll have to tramp through the muddy fields of Download and its equivalent.
Let’s face it, we’re now well into the New Year. How many of you have stuck to your New Year’s resolutions? I don’t mean the ones to eat more cakes. I mean the ones to get fit, join a gym and lose all that post Christmas excess weight. The holiday season is looming – what are you going to do apart from panic? I’ll tell you what you’re going to do: you’re going to leave the cakes behind and get fit. From boot camps to swimming to cycling holidays the choice is yours.
Kayaking in Croatia
You can actually kayak in the Hebrides if you want to, rather than Croatia. Excuse me but, the Hebrides or Croatia, guaranteed sun or guaranteed damp? Nothing against the Hebrides but I’m firmly on the side of fair weather exercise. You don’t have to be superfit to make the most of this holiday but if your fitness level is fair and you enjoy getting wet – go for it! Forget the boredom of the gym rowing machine. Imagine kayaking on the serene Cetina River as you paddle through one of the most untouched canyons in Europe. Seeking something that bit more manly? Get you! Try your hand at white water rafting. While you’re in Croatia visit the nearby town of Sinj with its historic fortress, museum and sanctuary where thousands of pilgrims from around the world congregate in search of blessings.
Swimming in the Caribbean (the Virgin Islands to be precise)
Well, it sounds more salubrious than comedian David Walliams’ swim of the English Channel – or worse still – the River Thames! You may not know it, I didn’t, but over 100 islands, cays, islets and reefs make up the Virgin Islands. Imagine swimming around that lot. If you really fancy yourself as a strong swimmer this will be the making of you with average daily swims of 5km. Average. That means some will be longer. Swim over reefs, along the coast and don’t miss the vibrant underwater world of this archipelago. Swim to Mosquito Island, Prickly Pear Island, Dead Chest and Peter Islands and the uninhabited Ginger Island. All real names! Swimmers are warned to watch out for jellyfish, sea urchins and coral. Yeah, yeah, that’s fine – have they never seen Jaws?
Cycling in Morocco
Enough of all that water based stuff! Here’s a real challenge for cycling fans. Cycle 50-60km a day through southern Morocco. The pain of the lactic acid build-up will be nulled by the breathtaking sights of each day, honest. Take challenging climbs like Tizi-n-Test (2100m, that’s a lot of feet!), with its panoramic views of the High Atlas mountains. Throw in waterfalls and more of those panoramic views, this time of the Atlantic Ocean. When you’re finally exhausted, explore the labyrinths of the ‘Pink City’ of Marrakech for a day. Rock fans, this is your chance to cycle past Diabet, the famous haunt – not literally I hope – of Jimi Hendrix.
OK, it’s not Iron Maiden but it’s cool. Look out for the pink houses too, apparently the houses in Marrakech have to be painted pink to maintain its image and uphold its name. Great for the girlies among you!
For the tri-athletes, the swimmers, the cyclists, the runners or those just attempting to get fit, taking a break is no excuse to let yourself go and pile the pounds back on. What’s that I hear you say? You’d rather go on safari? Not a problem, there are plenty of safari holidays to keep you moving. Take in the deserts of Botswana, the volcanic treks of Costa Rica or walk along gorilla trails in Uganda. There’s no getting out of it. This year, you really are going to get fit.
Biog: Kate Smedley is trying her hand – and her legs – at cycling holidays this year.
10 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Great Trip
Just about everyone going on vacation tries to find the best deal for their flight and hotel, but what they may not realize is that there are many other ways to save money on their trip. The money you save on your next trip could help you pay a bill back at home, or it could mean you can afford an extra day on your dream vacation. Whether you feel you have to save this money or not, you should at least try to save as much as possible to help you in the future. The following tips are just a few ways that I have used to save some money on my vacations.
1. Vacation in the off season – This may seem incredibly obvious, but it really is a great way to save money in every part of your vacation. Hotel rates are lower, flight prices are cheaper, and local businesses are trying to get more customers, so you may even get a deal with them.
2. Pack smart – Only pack what you need and leave the rest at home. The less you pack the better. When you are able to pack everything you need into a carry-on bag, you won’t have to pay for checked baggage, and even if you are going to be gone for a week or two, you can always find a place to wash your cloths and wear them again. Bring the essentials and don’t pack anything that you can buy at your destination.
3. Drive – Sometimes, the best vacation memories come from the drive to the location. Take the time to talk and bond with your family or read that book you haven’t had time to finish. In some situations, it may be worth the time it takes to drive if you are able to save a lot of money over flying.
4. Look at other airports – There may be an airport a few hours away with a much cheaper rate than the airport in your area. Make sure you weigh the cost of gas and the amount of time it will take to drive to the other airport when comparing flights.
5. Stay with a friend – If you know someone who lives in the area you want to visit, ask them if you can stay with them instead of paying $100 or more every night for a room in a hotel. Plan your trip around their schedule or offer to swap houses for a few days. If you feel you are going to be staying too long to ask a friend or family member for a place to stay, ask them if you can stay for a weekend or a few days during the week. You can move to a hotel after a few days and still save a lot of money.
6. Budget each day – Know exactly what you are going to do each day so you know how much money you will need. Take that amount with you on the day you need it and don’t take any more.
7. Find coupons – Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial are perfect for tourists who are trying to save. You can find great restaurants and activities that you may have never known about and you will get a great deal when you try them out! You may also be able to find coupons for hotels in the area when you look online.
8. Use public transportation – Only rent a car if it is absolutely necessary. In many popular tourist locations, there are lots of options when it comes to transportation. You’ll save a lot on gas and much more if you don’t have to pay the fees for a rental car. If you do find it necessary to rent a car, don’t fall for the unnecessary fees they try to talk you into. For example, if your insurance covers any car you drive, you don’t need to pay for their extra insurance.
9. Research for inexpensive activities – The more research you do, the more you will know about your destination. Going off the beaten path and trying new things can be a lot of fun and very inexpensive if you do enough research.
10. Schedule time to relax – You don’t need to be on the go during your whole vacation. You should be able to find time to relax. Not only will this give you the rest you need, you will also spend less money than you would if you filled every day with activities.
Kristin Mullen is an author who writes guest posts on the topics of business, marketing, credit cards, and personal finance. Additionally, she works for a website that focuses on educating readers about concerns with debt consolidation.
Australian Jewels
Sydney and Melbourne
While people around the world are familiar with Sydney and Melbourne, they may not know the many reasons why the two destinations are worthy of recognition. These modern cities are a tourist’s delight and serve as the jewels in Australia’s crowning glory.
Sensational Sydney
From the moment tourists fly into Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney’s beauty is immediately apparent. Today’s flights to Sydney make dreams of an Australian holiday a reality. By day, tourists to Sydney enjoy a veritable treasure trove of sights and activities. Sports, the arts and the wonderful shopping pavilions and malls rank Sydney among the world’s most favoured cities for travellers. Food enthusiasts find the distinctive native cuisine as enjoyable as the variety of familiar offerings on restaurant and dining facility menus. By night, Sydney is lively, romantic and entertaining, comprising all that is expected of any world-class city.
A Homely Welcome
If Sydney has one true hallmark, it’s the welcoming feeling that travellers receive. All accommodation is equipped with major conveniences up to and including the most comprehensive medical services, should they be required, giving visitors a sense of “home.” The most prominent site in Sydney is the Sydney Opera House. For photo op enthusiasts and lovers of great architecture, Sydney Opera House is a must see. Other sites include the Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park and for beach lovers, the famous Bondi Beach. Sydney’s history of settlers dates back 30,000 years and is an added attraction for history buffs.
The Mystique of Melbourne
Another Australian jewel is the city of Melbourne, which offers a wealth of stunning sights for sightseers to marvel at. Of the more prominent attractions are Federation Square, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Exhibition Building. Visitors often extend their holiday just to enjoy these sights. However, Melbourne has plenty more to offer in the way of things to do and places to see. Head to the Federal Coffee Palace or the 1850′s Canvas Town of Australia’s Gold Rush days. Lovers of Victoriana find their home in Melbourne. The city’s combination of modern and Victorian buildings is part of its mystique and the blending of the two eras gives it a unique appeal and style.
Melbourne the Magical City
Melbourne offers travellers a wealth of activities and upscale accommodations as well as an outstanding mix of casual and superlative dining. Luxury and opulence are accented in accommodation and the city offers sports, theatre, cafes, bistros and an opportunity to soak in fun and culture at St. Kilda Promenade.
Booking a trip to Australia in advance can give you the chance to find the cheapest flights available. So, start planning your holiday to discover these forever Australian jewels.
Photo Credits: tony888vo, Andrew Hux
Robyn Vinter
5 tips for travel success
The main key to travel success is planning. Everyone has heard horror stories of people losing their passports, misunderstanding foreign customs or arriving at the airport only to find their flight departed the day before. If you make sure you have everything organised by the time you set off, you should avoid the most common pitfalls.
Here are some top tips to make sure everything runs smoothly.
1. You can make massive savings by getting foreign currency changed before you travel. At the last minute, it is always tempting to get your money changed at the airport, but the exchange rates differ considerably so it is best to shop around to get a good deal.
2. Make sure you have a folder containing all your travel documents. It’s easy to misplace a boarding pass or prescription when you’re stressed, so the easiest thing to do is to have everything in one place.
3. Read up on the area you are visiting. It sounds like an obvious one, but you would be surprised at how many people travel to a country without doing any research on the place. Make sure you know what the customs, religious beliefs and food are like, and learning a few words of the language can get you far.
4. Write down your flight times and numbers, any connections, as well as any other travel arrangements, trains, shuttle buses, allowing enough time to make it from one to the other. A good idea is to research other travel options in case your flight is delayed. Make sure you leave a copy of this with someone at home, so that they know exactly where you will be, should anything go wrong.
5. Make sure you book your http://www.looking4parking.com online using a parking comparison site before you travel. http://www.looking4parking.com
Airport parking can be a hidden expense and you can end up paying above the odds if you don’t book ahead. Besides, the last thing you want to worry about while you’re away is your car. Reputable parking comparison sites vet our car parks to make sure your pride and joy is safe and secure for the length of your journey.
By following these simple tips, your journey is sure to be a relaxing one.
Inca Trail Machupicchu VS Inca Trail Lake of The Condors
Machupicchu is not all Peru
Lake of The Condors ( Leymebamba Chachapoyas )
Archeological complex composed of six mausoleums, presents architectural features of the Chachapoyas Civilization and is decorated with paintings in which were found close to one hundred bales funeral, fine fabrics, wooden carved ceramics, decorated quipus mates, crowns and various objects of great value. It is located in the district of Leymebamba. To reach the site, it is necessaryto to go by horse an average of ten hours from Leymebamba.
To visit all the archeological site, 3 days are required not only becuase of the location of the archaeological ress but also because of the rough area. It’s called ” Lake of the Condors ” because the first people who discovered it, stated that over the impressive lake, whose waters are blue-green, in previous years Condors flying could be appreciated . Around this beautiful lagoon are the old buildings (mausoleums) and in its interiors were found funerary bales, objects and crafts, which have now been transferred to the museum of Leymebamba.
This is a horseback expedition to the mausoleum where 219 mummies were discovered and documented on the Discovery Channel in 1998. This site is located on a cliff above a huge alpine lake. In the rainy season this is behind a waterfall from the cliff above. This appears to be a very sacred site where dead leaders were mummified and brought here from far away. In Leymebamba we will see these mummies and a large treasure of artifacts in the museum donated by the Austrians.
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The Importance Of Travel Insurance Abroad
Ticking off those travel essentials on your ‘to do’ list before your travels is an important part of preparing for the trip. Visa applications, flight tickets and vaccines are obvious items on your list. However, did you know that as many as a third of Britons neglect to get travel insurance before they travel? This means that in the event of an accident overseas, they are liable for all their medical bills.
Why is it so Important?
Many people wrongly assume that their own personal, or household, insurance covers them and their valuables while abroad. This is not the case. Here are some typical costs, supplied by the FCO, which could be avoided with travel insurance:
- An air ambulance from USA’s East coast costs from £35 to 45,000
- An air ambulance from the Canary Islands costs anywhere between £12-16,000
- An air ambulance and doctor escort from Australia costs between £15-20,000
What Exactly does Travel Insurance Cover?
A comprehensive travel insurance policy will cover different aspects of your trip, including lost baggage and medical emergencies. Other features include:
- Up to £10 million medical, £3,000 cancellation, £1,500 lost baggage cover
- Free cover for children on Family Policies
- Grade 1 sports covered as standard
- 24 hour emergency medical assistance
Save Money Online
Whether your trip is for business or pleasure, there are a range of travel insurance polices which offer tailored cover. Family travel insurance policies may also offer free cover for children. Online companies also cut out the proverbial middle man which means that there are fewer extra costs.
Secrets of Budget Travel for Families: Real Tips You Can Use Before Your Next Vacation
No question, you can drop thousands of dollars on a one week getaway, but you certainly do not have to. If you know a few simple secrets, you can stay within your budget and still enjoy an exciting, unforgettable trip with the kids. All it takes is a little creativity and knowledge. Here is what you need to know: Saving on Family Airfare Airline travel is unquestionably expensive, but many opt to fly over driving because of the time involved, as well as the cost of gasoline. There are a number of steps you can take to reduce your family airfare.
Many airlines still allow children under the age oftwo to fly free. The caveat is that no seat is guaranteed for the free price. Mom should expect to hold baby or toddler in her lap during the flight.
Many times the airline will try to seat families traveling with a non ticketed child next to an empty seat so that baby is not restricted to a lap during thewhole flight. If you do not need much advance notice you can pick up some great last minute online fares. This is often difficult when a parent needs to schedule time off work and the children are in school. However, if you can leave on a moments notice, it is a wonderful, affordable option.
Do a Google search for “last minute flights” to locate these rates. To save even more on airline travel, it really helps if you are flexible with your travel dates.
Typically Monday, Friday and Sunday are departure days that garner higher rates than if you left on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. It used to be that you had to stay over on a Saturday to get a better rate, but that is not always the case. Online booking sites, such as Travelocity and Expedia, allow you to play around with different dates and find out, at a glance, what your best option may be. One day earlier or later can save you big on the price of the ticket. Also, check surrounding airports at both the departure and the arrival city. You may need to drive an hour or two to get to the
different departure or arrival airport; however if it saves enough money on each ticket, it will be well worth the drive.
One family in the Midwest finds it much more affordable to fly out of O Hare in Chicago. Yet they live over three hours away from ORD and also do not particularly care to drive in Chicago traffic. They found a win/win solution. They drive 90 minutes toward Chicago and then pick up a motor coach bus that drops them off at the terminal of the airport. The children ride the motor coach for free and there are no long term airport parking fees either because they left their car at a
park and ride. It is a creative way that offers them less hassle and cost less money in the long run.
Saving on Food While Traveling Recent airline security makes it difficult to travel with food and beverages in carry on bags. However you can place some staples inside your suitcase and check your luggage under the belly of the plane. Peanut butter, bottled water, crackers, fruit and cans of tuna make great snacks when the kids are hungry.
You can pick up additional items such as a loaf of bread, once you land. Do not forget to pack a can opener. If you are driving to your destination pack a cooler full of food. It may be a little tricky making space in the trunk for the cooler; but once you realize the cost savings of not having to eat out every time someone is hungry, you will be glad you brought it with you. Saving Money on Lodging You can also save money on lodging.
Complete an online search using the words “kids stay free hotel.” You will be amazed at the number of hotels and inns that offer this perk. Also look over their amenities because many hotels also offer free continental breakfast. Continental breakfast means a variety of things. In some places it means cold bagels, a banana and orange juice. In other hotels and suites, free continental breakfast includes sausage, cereal, eggs, potatoes, bagels, bananas, apples, oranges, juice and coffee. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and nothing like a free one to start the day right! Traveling with the family on a budget does not mean you have skimp and cut back. It just means you may need to be creative and flexible, and that is what having a family is all about.
About the Author
Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape at http://www.momscape.com . Visit today for the latest online Coupon Codes including coupons for discount travel packages.
Source: http://www.articopia.com
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