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Caribbean adventure touring

Saturday, February 18th, 2012

Adventure travel is something that can be appropriate for all sorts of people, no matter what your age. It involves going to areas that are less explored than the normal holiday destinations and seeking out something a little bit different.

These types of holidays are becoming much more popular as people are having them recommended to them by friends who have taken similar such trips. An adventure holiday can be a wonderful alternative to just going and sitting on the beach for two weeks.

Most people are now tiring of going on the same holidays again and again and they are looking at ways to break the routine and get more out of their holiday. Adventure travel puts a new unpredictability and excitement into travel and is definitely a unique holiday that will provide an experience you won’t forget.

One of the most popular types of adventure tour is where a native from the country will run your expedition. The appeal of adventure holidays is that you get to see something that a normal tourist doesn’t and a local guide is a great way to facilitate this.

Instead of going to the typical sights that everyone sees, you will get to see a different side of the country that is not usually open to holidaymakers. You will come home with a selection of photographs and memories that are unique to you.

In the Caribbean, adventure touring is particularly popular. Taking a hike through the jungle to see some of the most rare and beautiful wildlife in the world is a wonderful experience. You will get to see animals that you’ve only ever seen a zoo out in their natural environments.

It is also fascinating to see how the native people are so different from you. Everything about their culture seems unusual, from their clothes to the food and the various ways that they celebrate different events and holidays.

Australia is another very popular destination for adventure travel and the number of adventure activities you can undertake in this country is phenomenal. The Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination for snorkelling and hot air balloon rides are also very popular. It can also be possible for adventure travellers to have some interaction with the native people of Australia, the Aborigines.

What is fascinating about an adventure holiday to Australia is that you will see the intense difference between the cities and the rest of the country. You will get a true experience of what the country is like, not just what are the most popular beach resorts are like.

A common misconception is that adventure travel is limited to the young and physically active who are seeking thrills, this is not the case. People of any age and background can enjoy adventure travel and even if you have never done it before you’re sure to find it an enjoyable experience. If you decide to do some adventure travelling you will find yourself having an exciting, educational and entertaining holiday like you have never had before.





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Japan is the latest skiing hot spot

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

When it comes to ski holidays, most Brits still think ‘Alps’ and ‘Europe’, but maybe it’s time to think again. You may be unaware that Japan is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s top ski destinations, for several very good reasons. Probably the foremost of those reasons is all that champagne powder that you have to ski to believe.

With more than 500 ski resorts throughout the country, Japan has the highest ratio of resorts to population in the world. They are, of necessity, on a smaller scale than resorts in, say, the Swiss Alps, but Japan’s resorts more than make up in quality what they lack in sheer size. All winter, weather fronts move across the Sea of Japan from Siberia, bringing the light, dry (8% moisture content) snow known as champagne powder.

To give you some perspective, Niseko Ski Resort on the northern island of Hokkaido averages nine metres of snow in four winter months; Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies averages less than four metres over seven months. Niseko is also one of the best spots for English-speaking ski schools, which is a great bonus if you need a bit of expert assistance in skiing on powder.

Hakuba, on the main island of Honshu in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is home to ten ski resorts with the steepest ski runs in Japan. Many events of the 1998 Winter Olympics were held on Hakuba’s slopes, and much of the infrastructure is still in place. Hakuba Village is an attraction in itself, with the charming ambiance of a small hamlet and the amenities of the most up-to-date resort. From here, all the nearby resorts are easily accessible and the terrain varies from gentle to wildly adventurous.

From deep powder slopes to natural hot springs (onsens) and hot saki to thaw you out, plus the ancient and enticing culture of the country, Japan rates very highly on the list of ideal ski holiday destinations.





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Canada trout fishing

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Many fishermen head to the Arctic Circle in Canada every year to do battle with some of the greatest trout anywhere in the world. Many fishermen who come here will find themselves catching fish that weighs up to 40 pounds. The trout in this area are known as grey trout but are commonly referred to as lakers.

This type of trout are very similar to brook trout except that their tales are deeply forked. In the Great Lakes the trout have white spots but in other areas the fish are darker colours.

These type of fish prefer cold water and if the temperature reaches above a certain level they will be unable to survive. In the summer months, in order to remain at the right temperature, the fish mostly stay around 200 feet underwater. Generally, at these depths there is not enough oxygen for the fish to survive so mostly they seek out lakes that are consistently cold throughout the year.

The cold temperatures mean that the fish grow slowly and even a ten pound trout could be over 20 years old. If you manage to catch a giant fish then the chances are it will be over 40 years old. Most trout are generally spawned in rivers but the ones you will find in this part of Canada spawned in the Lakes themselves, and the eggs are laid at a depth of up to 25 feet.

While the trout do have excellent vision for finding food because of the poor light conditions and depth, and also use their sense of smell to find the bait. Generally these fish feed on worms, crustaceans and insects ,although in other areas the fish are known to feed on smaller types of fish.

There is another type of fish found in these lakes called a Splake, which is a fast-growing type of fish and it matures much earlier than the trout mentioned above. One of the best times to catch this type of fish are just after the ice out occurs as they seek the warmer water that occurs at a depth of around 30 feet. The shallow water means they are easier to catch and using casting methods for shallow fish is the right approach.

Dark and heavy lines are not the right ones to use when fishing for lake trout as they will shy away from this line. Using low diameter, clear lines will improve your chances of catching one of these fish. As for tackle, most fishermen choose to go for immediate action spinning tackle.

In the past fishermen would have to use wire line and heavy reels to be able to catch fish in deep water, but because of advanced equipment it is now possible to use lighter tackle. Using silver or gold spoons is a proven technique for catching lake trout and it is a good idea to cast from faraway because otherwise you might spook the fish.

There was a time when the trout in the Great Lakes was nearly wiped out but after this time they made an incredible comeback. Controlling of fishing and restocking of the Lakes has meant that the populations have thrived and both the United States as well as Canada have pursued conservation programmess. Now fishermen are able to benefit from these labours.





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Vietnam Wildlife

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

Vietnam has a wide variety of fauna that has been threatened by the progressive destruction of forests.  According to recent estimates, only about 200 tigers, 60 Asian elephants and only 10 Java rhinos are there, all of whom’s survival is questionable.

The rhinos were unknown to science until recently and are restricted to the area of Cat Tien National Park. Outside of Vietnam, these rare animals live only in the Ujung Kulon National Park on the island of Java.

Other mammals include primates (crested gibbon, slow loris, langurs, macaques), predators (including sun bears, cats and marble), some types of civet cats, artiodactyls (Kant Chile, barking deer, deer, Bantengrinder, Gaure) and numerous bat and rodent species.

The bird life is also rich in species, including pheasants, hornbills, owls, raptors, herons, and numerous songbirds.  Even crocodiles, snakes, lizards and frogs are native to this country, as well as countless species of insects and invertebrates. In the 1990s, they have described several new species in Vietnam, including the Vu Quang ox and several Muntjakarten. The Vu Quang ox is protected in the Vu Quang National Park.

 

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Bay Islands western Caribbean

Monday, December 5th, 2011

The Bay Islands are found in the western Caribbean right off the coast of Belize and Honduras and many people regard them as one of the few places that truly are an unspoiled paradise. There are three main islands, Guanaja, Utila and Roatan as well as 60 very small islets which are all perched on top of one of the largest barrier reefs in the world.

The Bay Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus as beginning of the 16th century and for a long time they were a place where pirates would come to seek refuge. Today you will find a population of English speakers enjoying a very laid-back lifestyle and it is the perfect place to take a vacation. It will particularly appeal to people who enjoy diving, but there is plenty on offer for people who do not.

The largest of the Bay Islands is Roatan which has a huge selection of diving locations, one of the most famous of which is Spooky Channel. This diving location can be easily reached from the Pier Bay Islands Beach Resort.

A location that is perfect for people who are just beginning to dive is Utila, which is smaller than Roatan. It is also a great location for people on a budget as it is the cheapest place to get your diving certification in the world.

This, and the fact the island is cheap for other things, has meant that it has become very popular with budget travellers. There is also a great deal of competition and there are around 15 dive shops near the waterfront. If you want to take your diving certification here it will cost you around $140.

Recent environmental surveys have indicated that this island is also one of the best places if you want a spot the largest fish in the world. This fish is the whale shark and despite its name it is completely harmless. If you are visiting in the months of March to May then you will be sure to see one of these majestic creatures. Other locations on the island give visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

Scuba-diving is certainly one the biggest attraction on these islands but this is not all they have to offer. If you want to get under the waves but don’t fancy diving then you can rent a mini submarine which you can take down two as far as 700 feet. This submarine is suitable for two people and provides a truly unique adventure.

If you are travelling with your family then the bird park which is located on Roatan Island is well worth a visit as it has the largest collection of parrots in Central America. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend a day then strolling through Carambola Gardens is a great way to spend some time.

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Colorado for some winter fun

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

December is a great time of year to take a holiday as many people have extra days off because of bank holidays around Christmas and the New Year’s. One type of holiday that is particularly popular in the winter months is skiing as well as other snow sports. If you are thinking about seeking out the snowy slopes this winter it can be a good idea to head to Colorado for some winter fun.

Another location that is about as faraway from the skiing slopes as you can get but is also popular, is Dubai. There is a great deal to see in this cosmopolitan city including the tallest building in the world as well as the largest shopping centre. Weather in Dubai is hot and pleasant in December and this could be the perfect location if you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping.

For those looking for outdoors activities that don’t involve snow Europe can be a hard choice because the weather is generally cold at this time of year. That said, if you don’t mind the cold, there are some great celebrations going on around Christmas time in many European cities. Munich, Amsterdam, Paris and Vienna are all very decorated during the season and there are usually extensive and varied markets taking place.

There are also some great winter festivals taking place in December and one of the most notable is the Kaiserball in Austria which is one of the country’s most fancy events. Other notable festivals take place in Turkey and Scotland.

If you’re looking for something a bit different then heading further afield can be a good idea. Asia has good weather at this time of year and there is a great deal of culture to explore. There are numerous forests, mountains, and fascinating historical architecture in this part of the world.

 

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Port Arthur Tasmania

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

If you are staying in Tasmania it is strongly recommended that you check out the historic sites that are found at Port Arthur. In the region there are several locations that are significant in the history of Australia and they will give visitors an idea about the history of coal mining in the country as well as its convict era.

The Isle of the dead is located in the harbour of Port Arthur and is the site of 1000 burials. You can take a cruise around the harbour and there is a walking tour that will allow you to explore the island to discover information about the lives of people lived and died in the town.

The prison in the town was built in 1843 and was originally used as a granary and flour mill. It was converted 13 years later into a prison and was capable of holding nearly 500 prisoners. Since that time it has become a tourist attraction and now that it has been restored it is something that is well worth visiting if you are staying near the town.

The coal mines in the area were the first ones to open in this part of Australia and they provided coal that was needed for the local residents by using prison labour. The dockyard in the town is wonderfully preserved and it is still one of the most industrious Docklands in this part of the country. Historically many convicts worked in the Docklands as punishment and built hundreds of boats and other seafaring craft.

Cascades Female Factory was somewhere that female prisoners were sent to work as punishment and at its busiest over 1000 prisoners were working in it. If you visit this attraction you can learn about the history of the place and about the women who worked there.

In 1846 the St John the Baptist Church was constructed and it is famous for one of the windows which supposedly came from Battle Abbey. This is a location in England that dates back to the late part of the 11th century. While you are in the church it is also worth visiting the fascinating graveyard.

If you want to see an example of farming history in Tasmania then it is worth visiting Brickendon Colonial Farm Village which has been run by one family for around 170 years. This provides a great experience of a working farm and you will also be able to see some buildings of historical interest.

The Old Umbrella Shop is located in Launceston and is one of the few surviving shops from the early 20th century. The reason its survives is because it has been taken care of by one family since its beginnings. Rather than selling products, the shop now tells the story of the history of the family who owned it, the Shott family, and showcases several umbrellas of note.

 

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Different Red Sea Beaches

Monday, November 21st, 2011

The coastal beaches of the Red Sea are magnificent; visiting the Sudan will be an awesome event to say the least. The first expeditions to the region were by the Egyptians in 2500 and 1500 B.C. respectively. A trade route was being sought. Later, the Israelites were looking to free themselves from Egyptian rule, hence the parting of the Red Sea. The Greeks continued to explore the Red Sea and were continuously compiling data of various sorts. The history of the region is extremely compelling.

Tourism is not big throughout the Sudan. Consequently, you most likely will have the beaches to yourself. The maximum sea depth is approximately 438,000 meters (1600 feet). It is the most saline body of water on the planet, with about 3.6 – 4.0% salinity. Desalinization plants are prevalent. The six countries that border the Sea are Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea and Djibouti. Temperatures range from moderate in November through April, to hot from May through October. Alexandria is a little cooler and many travelers tend to stay in the city.

The Sea is well-known for its diving sites: Ras Mohammed, The Brothers, Dolphin Reef and Rocky Island in Egypt and sites in Sudan: Abington, Sangeneb and Angarosh. Sudan has fewer vacationers and most likely the beaches are not as populated. Local Egyptians frequent the beaches of Egypt more than foreign travelers. It is their attempt to get out of the heat in Cairo.

The beaches in Hurghada, near Alexandria, Egypt are mostly self-contained with commons provided with all of the tourist amenities on site. There are several accommodations for those who wish to tour the city area. There is plenty of entertainment for the sake of attracting tourists to the region.

In Hurghada, there are two beaches that allow tourists to roam the village. They are El Gouna and Sharm-el-Sheikh. The villages are quaint and if you love shopping, this is a great location for you to settle-in for your vacation. The claim is that Hurghada is predominantly two different cities in one. There are the less expensive hotels and beach-houses in town, while there are also segregated commons for individual pleasure. Hurghada is known as a tourist area with very affordable accommodations.

If you are involved in various water activities, such as scuba diving, the Stella Di Mari compound is an ideal location. There are activities and entertainment for the entire family. There are many hotels along the beaches here. This beach is located north of Alexandria.

Restaurants are prevalent in most of the commons. They tend to provide more traditional food that is the cuisine of this region. There are many tours offered for a reasonable price. If you are interested in bird-watching there are tours for that. The Red Sea region is noted for its deserts and prolific species of flora and fauna. If you would like to see a coral reef, the reefs are prolific here as well. There are many activities available but the focus is on water activities. If you want the trip of a lifetime, then you need to go and witness the Red Sea with its beautiful sunrises and sunsets across these famous waters.

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Taking care, with regular yoga retreats

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

An Advertising Feature

Like many holistic therapies, Yoga is no longer for the eccentric, portrayed as some kind of bizarre, mythical thing, full of eastern promise. Well, in fact it is full of promise, the promise of sheer delight; more than that, it is the most restful, rejuvenating experience you could ever wish for. Yoga retreats are the best treats of all.

Liz Bonney is the founder and managing director of a UK and Australian based company that will deliver pure restful excellence. Isn’t this exactly what we all long for? And, thanks to Liz and her fantastic enterprise, it is within touching distance: just pick up your mobile and you’re virtually there…in stunning Bali, Africa, South America, Australasia, almost anywhere you can dream up.

Omkara Retreats is the name to remember.

Born in Australia, Liz has lived a life of extensive travel and practiced various forms of yoga. From a very young age she has focused on spirituality, mindfulness, alternative therapies and innovative creativity. Both her family, who have worked with complementary medicine, and her education, have encouraged Liz to explore the nature of mind, and to nurture the path of individuality which by its nature, seeks the Universal.

Take a look at Omkararetreats.com and you will soon get the picture. They simply arrange it all for you, with no worries about diets and details. The company is a member of Travel Trust Association (TTA) and possesses Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance, giving optimum consumer protection.

These superb and totally luxurious wellness and yoga retreats are located all over the world and focus on health, vitality and meditation. This is maintained in a relaxing, yet professional background with highly qualified yoga teachers and practitioners to support your experience. You will be guided through the sacred techniques and discover a deeper holistic way of life. This is for all levels of yoga and health, and all styles of yoga such as: Ashtanga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha, Dru, Bikram, Iyenger & Oriental.

Omkara Retreats isn’t just any destination; it’s a whole new approach to your life and interaction with those around you. Liz has carefully selected a fabulous range of the world’s best wellness, yoga and luxury holistic spa holidays; here you will find different programmes and therapeutic packages to suit individual tastes and preferences. They include: yoga, pilates, detoxification, weight loss, addiction treatment, consultations by health experts, holistic spa menus using ayurvedic and panchakarma medicine, organic oils and many other traditional healing techniques.

What a feast of healthy delights…just waiting for you to discover and enjoy.

New discoveries and information is being added to the Omkara site regularly and it’s worth looking out for more delights.

Even children are welcome at these retreats, which is excellent news for bringing the influence of the ancient art of yoga into younger minds. Whilst there are no specific child facilities, there is no extra bed charge for children under 12 years of age, sharing their parent’s room. Children under 5 years old are not required to pay government royalty fees.

So, a holistic break in one of the Omkara Retreats really is superb value for anyone of any age.

Australia: 18 Heritage Court, Byron Bay, 2481

GEO: 153.60023975372314, -28.688827669574252

United Kingdom: 4 Brewer Street, Manchester, M1 2EU

GEO: 53.4813934, -2.2311098

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Brazil beaches national parks mangroves and more

Monday, November 7th, 2011

Brazil has a plethora of beautiful beaches, but many countries around the world can offer the sunseeker this. Therefore, visitors to Brazil should not necessarily see lazy, sunny days on the beach as the only reason to visit this enchanting country.

There are a staggering amount of stunningly beautiful beaches which follow the sun around Brazils beguiling 8,000km of coastline, but there is much more to do here than simply admire the, albeit, spectacular view.

Of unforgettable, dazzling beauty are the coastal part of the Southeast Reserves, the Lençois Maranhenses National Park and the World Heritage Sites of the Discovery Coast. Visitors can also enjoy a stunning bird paradise at Lagoa dos Patos National Park.

For outdoor trips, including hiking, walking, climbing, trekking, kayaking or mountain biking, travelers dare not miss visiting the Atlantic Rainforest. It features jaw-dropping scenery, numerous, fascinating historical trails, idyllic deserted beaches and quiet calm stretches of accessible beach.

The region is dressed in restinga and mangrove vegetation with soaring reaches of rainforest decked mountains, up to 3,000m tall (Mar /Mantiqueira range) with snaking rivers, picturesque waterfalls and pools, traditional village communities and historic colonial towns. Access is easy from Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro International Airport.

Caves are in abundance and ready to be discovered in Brazil. Especially pleasing when complemented by staggeringly beautiful rainforest, is the Speleological Province Upper Ribeira, Paranapiacaba, in Sao Paulo State. It features an extraordinary karst landscape with hundreds of limestone caves.

Brazil is not renowned for being a haven for divers and it has no Great Barrier Reef. Having said that, the island of Fernando de Noronha island is popular with divers as are the remains of shipwrecks around Ilhabela  in the Sao Paulo region.

Observers of the natural world can feast on the wonders of the animal kingdom in Pantanal, if they can endure the repressive heat and the mosquitoes. It is the ideal place to capture wildlife on film and to observe the behavior of animals in their natural habitat.

The best time to visit is arguably the winter (dry season) when the flooded areas shrink, forcing animals to escape their shelters and seek water. If wildlife is a traveller’s priority they may wish to avoid visiting the Amazon where sightings are not always as easy as tourists would imagine.

For birdwatching, visitors should try the Intervales State park, where hundreds of bird species appear throughout the day in noisy and vibrant shows of colour.

For whale watching, many recommend the archipelago of Abrolhos.

Wild monkeys, including howler monkeys can easily be spotted when visiting Cantareira State Park in Sao Paulo. Brazil is a supreme destination for nature and eco lovers and visitors from Europe can marvel at sights that are impossibly to experience in their home continent.

Brazil is a young country and can not match Europe’s cultural splendour and rich history. Having said that, there are many charming gold cycle period baroque colonial buildings and churches which are surely worth a visit.

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