Archive for the ‘Adventure Travel’ Category
Seaside vacations in California can be a relaxing getaway for those exploring the West Coast for the first time, as well as those who live in this large and diverse state and wish to experience something new.
From luxury inns to rustic cottages, the Golden State highlights several ocean-lined options to experience year round.
Mendocino Village
MacCallum is located in Mendocino Village and features several different accomodation options. From the main house and vacation rentals, to a hotel room or cottage, you can choose how you enjoy your downtime while at the seashore.
They also have a lodging option known simply as The Barn, which features a rustic, homey feeling with luxurious accommodations. Choose from six separate rooms within the barn and enjoy the ocean and the countryside simultaneously.
While visiting, go on a wine tour, visit a live auction, or enjoy all the fine dining and stretches of ocean that Mendocino offers.
Laguna Beach
Heading down south to Orange County, you can enjoy being pampered at an ocean side resort such as the Montage. Featuring poolside cabanas including books, board games, daily group activities and flat-screen televisions, you can stay on the property to relax.
If you choose to venture out to the oceanside, visit the shops at Montage, as well as local art and musical events throughout the year. These include the Festival of Arts and Sawdust Art Festival.
All happen right on the coast or very close by. Montage also features a vacation program for kids and teens, including an art class for toddlers and water sports for teens. Read the rest of this entry »
The immense archipelago of Indonesia remains one of the most compelling destinations in the world.
From the Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) to the graduated rice paddies of Bali, stunning landscapes abound.
The country hums with religion, people and beauty. Steer away from the overpopulated capital of Jakarta and head instead toward crystal green waters, gargantuan trees and Komodo dragons elsewhere.
Bali
Jakarta may be the official capital of Indonesia, but Bali is its heart. Explore the dim silver stores of Ubud, where jewelry is wrapped up in the newspaper and carried off in heavy plastic bags.
The nightclubs of Kuta make for an electric night out and hushed spas aid the next day’s recovery. Amed, Lovina and Pemuteran are sweet beach towns that offer respite from a busy world.
In this Hindu region of Indonesia, offerings to Ganesh made of fruit and flowers decorate the streets and beaches. Some of the restaurants require a short walk over rice paddies lit up with floating lights.
Horseback ride on a black sand beach, grab a surfboard or discover ancient temples. Paradisaical Bali has a little of everything.
Sumatra
Adventurers stopover on Sumatra, which delivers an experience that is definitely off the beaten path. It is a far cry from the resort culture of Bali. Once known as the Land of Gold for the gold deposits found there, this large island is home to incredible jungles rife with wildlife. Read the rest of this entry »
Europe is home to a variety of interesting and appealing cities for the worldwide traveler. Each city offers a unique experience.
Whether you are the night owl who enjoys showing your moves on the dance floor or a history buff, there is a vacation spot in Europe for you.
London, England
Home to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Palace, London, England, is one of the best places to travel in Europe.
London is a joy for history buffs that may be interested in touring the British Museum.
For those interested in art, there is the National Portrait Gallery or the Tate. If shopping is more your thing, London has some of the most unique and interesting shops in the world.
Visit the world famous Harrods or Europe’s largest shopping complex, Westfield London. The best time to visit London is between May and October, when you are less likely to get rained upon.
Paris, France
Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This gorgeous city is best visited in the springtime when the birds are chirping and the flowers are budding.
For the odd treat, take a tour of Place Pigalle’s Sex Museum or for the more conservative, tour the Eiffel Tower or Paris’ 19th-century opera house, Opera Garnier.Paris is home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in the world, so be sure to indulge in many of the chic eateries. Read the rest of this entry »
Think of your first plane flight as an adventure and a learning experience. As with any adventure, if you plan ahead, allow for the unexpected and look forward to the experience as a learning opportunity, you can approach your first flight with excitement and anticipation.
A few tips can help first-time air travelers join the throng of other passengers with greater ease.
Luggage
Your carry-on luggage must have Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved dimensions to fit through screening devices.
Luggage locks must also meet TSA criteria. If in doubt, purchase TSA-approved luggage locks from a discount, travel or department store. Attach a label inside each piece of luggage in the event a luggage tag separates from one of your bags.
The inside label should list your name and the address and phone number where you can be reached. For checked baggage, use a brightly colored luggage tag or tie a small, brightly colored piece of cloth to the handle for easy identification on the baggage-claim carousel.
Packing
The Transportation Security Administration recommends packing in layers and organizing any electric and electronic items with their cords bundled so the screeners can easily visualize the contents of your bag. You may need to remove your laptop from its case for screening.
Documents
Organize your documents in an easily accessible but secure place. You need your legal identification such as a driver’s license or state-issued identification card, passport if leaving the country, ticket and itinerary.
You may want to secure your documents, credit cards and money in a travel wallet that attaches to your belt, or wear a travel shirt with inside pockets that zip closed.
Double-Check Your Flight
Before you leave for the airport, verify your flight will depart on time by checking the airline website or calling the number on your ticket or itinerary.
Arrive Early to Check in
Follow the airline requirements for early check-in prior to your flight. By arriving as early as possible, you can minimize the time standing in line and allow time to ask questions. Read the rest of this entry »
If you’re itching for a relaxing vacation or ready for some exciting adventures in a new place, you don’t have to spend gobs of money to do so. With some careful planning, looking off the beaten path, and keeping your eyes and ears open can save you money and even give you a more enriching experience.
Travel During Off-Season
Instead of vacationing during peak summer months (and sometimes Christmas and New Years, depending on the destination), travel in the off-season.
Visit an open ski-resort during the summer or visit the Mexican Riviera. Other beach destinations, like Southern California, are less expensive during the winter months.
Freebies
Wherever you’re going, keep an eye out for free events. Check out local news readers and event calendars ahead of time for festivals, celebrations or free museum days. You might be surprised at how many activities you can do for free.
Also ask your hotel or travel agency about coupon books or special offers like free breakfasts or discount tickets to local attractions. If you’re taking a road trip, ask about coupon or guide books at the border checkpoint. Some states have these on-hand. Otherwise contact the local tourist bureau. Read the rest of this entry »
You can travel without saying Bon Voyage to your savings by following these how to tips on ways to save money on traveling expenses.
1. If you really want to save money on travel costs, the first thing you need to do is make a travel budget and stick to it.
2. Rent and RV instead of buying one. The same goes for boats and other water sport vehicles.
3. Save money on travel costs by traveling by bus or train instead of an airplane.
4. Save money on travel costs by making airline reservations in advance.
5. Take a bus or subway to and from the airport rather than hailing a cab. To save even more, ask a friend to job you off and pick you up.
6. Save money on travel costs by flying by standby. This can result in big travel savings.
7. Give up your seat if the flight is over booked. The airline will usually reward you with a discount for your it.
8. Use the lobby payphone instead of making calls from your hotel room. Hotel phone charges are usually outrageous.
9. Don’t use the hotel mini-bar. The mini-bar charges are usually absurd. Bring your own drinks and snacks to save on travel costs.
10. Don’t use room service. Go out to get you meals, and when you do, go to an offbeat restaurant favored by locals rather than those around the hotel that cater to tourists.
11. Save money on travel costs by taking your own snacks on airline flights. Many airlines are now charging extra for snacks and meals.
12. Combine business trips with pleasure trips. Since many airlines offer discounted fares for when you stay over on a Saturday night, spending an extra couple of days at a location enjoying the sights might be a money saver.
13. Always inquire about discounts when making hotel reservations. Negotiate too. This may also get you a free upgrade.
14. If you belong to AAA, check out their money saving discounts offered to members.
15. Don’t shop at airport and hotel gift shops. You will pay top dollar to purchase items and gifts at airport and hotel gift shops.
16. Save money on future travel costs by joining frequent flyer and frequent guest airline and hotel programs. They will often send travel discounts to their program members.
17. Save money on travel costs by traveling with someone. You can split a number of expenses such as cab fares.
18. Save money on travel costs by traveling to resorts on the off season. They are less expensive and less crowded. This can save you hundreds of dollars on travel costs.
19. When vacationing for long periods, consider renting a vacation cottage or condo rather than staying at a hotel.
20.Rent a small car instead of a big one. The bigger ones cost more.
Consider the state of security before visiting Sudan–if you can put off travel, it’s advised. If you can’t, be sure to travel with an escort and try to see the ancient pyramids and archaeological ruins along the Nile.
To stay safe, limit travels to the area around the capital, Khartoum. Avoid traveling west into Darfur, a region plagued with violence.
Prepare for Your Stay in Sudan
1. Fly into Khartoum International Airport.
2. Choose the cheapest way to get to your accommodations in Khartoum by taking the local minibus, a bit faster than its larger brethren.
3 Keep an eye out for the fast, three-wheeled vehicles available for hire to escort you around town. Be warned, however, that the drivers are fearless and will probably overcharge Western travelers.
4. Take a ferry across the Nile or the train from Ethiopia into Sudan.
Choose Your Location and Class of Hotel in Sudan
1. Ask permission first and then roll out your camping gear for a night in the pyramids around Meroe.
2. Stay along the Nile in Khartoum in any of a number of 3-star accommodations. Chain hotels are your best and safest bets, with costs averaging $120 per night.
3. Choose mid- to high-priced accommodations near Port Sudan along the Red Sea for $155 to $200.
4. Book a luxury 4-star colonial-era hotel in Khartoum (there are several) at a price of around $215 per night.
Be Familiar With Sudan
1. Visit Gebel Barkal and the Napata area to explore 5 archaeological sites accepted as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2003. Here, you’ll find pyramids and mastabas (tombs) belonging to ancient tribes.
2. Eat while lounging by the Nile in an outdoor restaurant near the English Bridge in Khartoum.
3. To book accommodations in Sudan, call South Travels at (63) 35 4198329 or visit the link below.