Travellers planning a trip in Northern Ontario often focus on big attractions or well-known outdoor adventures. What many visitors find once they arrive is that some of the most rewarding experiences are also the most affordable. In and around Sudbury, budget-friendly points of interest offer a mix of natural beauty, local history, and easy access for travellers who want to explore without overspending.

Ashley Teske, a resident of Sudbury, has spent over a decade exploring these areas during her leisure time. A hiking enthusiast and amateur local history buff, Teske often shares insights about places that are easy to access and simple to enjoy.

“A lot of people assume you need fancy gear or guided tours to experience the beauty of Northern Ontario,” says Ashley. “In reality, many of the best spots are right off theroad and open to everyone.”

Within Sudbury, Bell Park is one of the most accessible places for visitors. Sitting on Ramsey Lake, the park offers walking paths, open green space, and waterfront views that feel peaceful year-round. Travellers can spend an afternoon walking the shoreline or resting on a bench while admiring the scenery. Teske says spots like Bell Park help visitors understand how closely the city is tied to its natural surroundings.

“You can learn a lot about a place just by seeing where people gather and relax,” she says.

A short drive west brings you to Onaping Falls. The town is small, yet its environment tells a much bigger story. Trails and natural features reflect the area’s geological history and its connection to mining and rail development. Teske believes that walking these trails offers context that cannot be found online: “When you walk through Onaping, you begin to notice how history and nature overlap. Old paths and river edges tell their own narratives if you slow down enough to look.”

One popular destination in the area is the High Falls site. The waterfall draws visitors year-round, especially after heavy rain or during spring melt. Well-marked trails lead visitors to viewing spots that feel close to the water without being overwhelming.

Informational signs explain the formation of the falls and the area’s significance. There is no entrance fee, which makes it an easy stop for travellers staying in hostels or budget accommodations.

Close by, the A.Y. Jackson Lookout offers another affordable outing. Named after the Canadian painter who found inspiration in Northern Ontario, the lookout provides wide views of the Onaping River valley. The hike to reach it is short and manageable for most visitors. Teske often recommends it as a first stop for travellers new to the area. “It gives you a sense of how big and open this region really is. People are typically surprised by how quiet it feels.”

Back in Sudbury, the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area is a favourite among locals who want longer walks without leaving the city. The trail system passes through forest, wetlands, and rocky terrain that reflects decades of environmental recovery. Visitors can choose short loops or spend several hours exploring. Teske sees the area as an example of how land use has changed over time, stating that it’s a reminder that the
spaces are always changing, and the history is a part of the experience.

For travellers interested in learning more indoors, small museums and community exhibits in Sudbury offer affordable ways to get to know the region’s past. Many focus on everyday life, labour, and community growth instead of large-scale displays. These stops often pair well with outdoor adventure, adding context to what visitors see on the trails.

Budget travel in Northern Ontario does not require sacrificing meaningful experiences.

In Sudbury, simple walks, local landmarks, and quiet viewpoints offer a deeper connection to the area. As Teske points out, “You don’t need to spend a lot of money to feel connected to a place. Sometimes all it takes is time, curiosity, and a solid pair of walking shoes.”

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Less frequented by tourists, this is the Ireland where you’re more likely to hear the pubs ring with whistles and mandolins. You’ll see more of the ‘preserved’ Irish culture, but no shortage of modern, vibrant Ireland either.

Getting there

Unless you’re coming from Western Europe, you’ll most probably want to fly. Mount Shannon airport, in County Clare, offers and good start point for your trip. If you don’t have long to stay and want to see the Cliffs of Moher this would be ideal.

Alternatively, you could fly into Cork and travel northwards from there. Either way, there are options for International Car Rental available to you. Roads in Ireland are safe and rarely busy, so renting a car is a sensible option.

Cork

Cork is a city brimming with art, music and culture. Saddling the River Lee as it joins the sea at the south of the country, it has many festivals and other events to offer. There are plenty of more tranquil attractions to enjoy in Cork too, including castles, museums and galleries.

Killarney National Park

West of Cork, in county Kerry, is 26000 acres of rivers, woods mountains and more. Included in these mountains is Carrauntoohil, the tallest in Ireland. Holidaymakers often stay for several days to explore this place. You can visit tiny old villages, cycle, even take a horse and carriage tour.

Limerick

Between Cork and Galway is another city brimming with culture and sights to see. Like both of them, it’s as good a city for bustling night-life as it is for quiet excursions.

Though it hasn’t been swamped by tourists, there are tours for holidaymakers to show you it’s rich history. There’s plenty of history to enjoy, especially old churches.

The Burren

Further north along Ireland’s west coast is The Burren, a ‘glaciated karst’ landscape. It has a beauty to it all of its own, alongside astounding biodiversity. Beautiful formations of stone are sprinkled with a wide variety of indigenous flowers. Hence much effort is made to conserve the Burren, and though roads have made it more accessible, care has been taken not to spoil its beauty along the way.

No visitor to the Burren should miss the Cliffs of Moher nearby. These immense cliffs are a spectacular sight against the crashing waves of the Atlantic, and at certain times of the year are populated with nesting seabirds.

Galway

You could spend your entire vacation simply wandering in Galway. The bustling streets are frequented by street performers from all reaches of Ireland and further beyond. Along those streets are countless pubs, some hundreds of years old.

Galway has more than its share of culture. There is an abundant music scene, and in July, an injection of even more color with the International Arts Festival.

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A road trip is a lot easier to enjoy now that there are car rental services like E-Z Rent a Car at your disposal. You can start from a pick-up point and return the car to another branch at your destination, meaning you can save a lot of time and have a longer road trip. Before you start planning, however, there are a few things you need to do first.

No Road Trip is Perfect

The first tip to keep in mind when it comes to planning a road trip is the fact that no road trip is perfect. You cannot expect to plan a road trip down to the last second, since things will change along the way. This needs to be taken into consideration as you plan for the trip itself.

Yes, you can set destinations to visit, and stops to make, but you have to account for contingencies and changes in your plan. Leave enough room for some spontaneity too; that’s actually among the fun things you can enjoy when you are on a road trip.

Decide on a Route

Thanks to tools like Google Maps and online route planners, you can now research the best routes to take in a more in-depth way. Google Maps, for instance, can give you a relatively accurate estimate of the time you’ll need to go from one stop to the next.

Planning a route is also a great way to finalize the itinerary for your road trip. Even with a list of stops and destinations in mind, you can still choose to visit more places – or to reduce some of those destinations – when you begin to plan your route.

Set a Budget

One thing that a lot of travelers often neglect when planning a road trip is setting a budget. A road trip can be either budget-friendly or luxurious. It is up to you to decide how you want to spend your money and the kind of experience you want to have.

The easiest way to set a budget is by setting aside a predetermined amount of money. If you are traveling with friends, you can pool your resources and have a bigger budget for everyone. With the budget determined, start calculating expenses carefully.

At this point, you can finalize your plan for an adventurous road trip. You already have a route picked out and stops selected, plus you have a pretty good idea of how much you can afford to spend during the road trip. The rest should be easy from there.

With the plan in hand, an exciting adventure is guaranteed. You will definitely come across challenges and issues along the way, but those challenges are part of the fun of going on a road trip.

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Did you know that planning a luxury trip somewhere doesn’t have to be as expensive as you initially thought? It’s all about how far in advance you plan, where you choose to go and when. Then, there’s the matter of budgeting for it so that you don’t have to take out a loan or break the bank.

Here are a few tips that will help you plan your next lavish trip abroad.

Choosing the right destination

The type of destination that you choose will impact the entire trip, and that is why you should choose wisely. Ask yourself what kind of weather and landscape you want to experience, for instance. Moreover, what continent do you want to visit?

For starters, you can consider a place that is already widely visited by many people, as there’s always a reason for this widespread interest, such as in the case of Portugal. This particular country has so many activity options for every kind of person, whether you want to visit the beach, take a scenic road-trip or spend time in the city. Additionally, you can always consult a reputable holiday company in order to help you plan your Portugal holidays.

Luxury doesn’t have to mean a private yacht or spending a lot of money; rather, it can include spending time in a beautiful and new landscape, where you are also able to spend quality time with your loved ones.

Book everything early

If you are definitely planning to go somewhere this summer, it’s crucial that you book everything early. You can better guarantee that you will furthermore be able to find the best possible deals for your trip.

This includes booking your plane or train ticket, as well as your accommodation. The best hotels and Airbnbs will undoubtedly be gone for the summer months if you don’t reserve something early enough, especially if you plan on going to a popular holiday destination such as Portugal.

Pack in style

The clothes that you bring with you can dramatically change how you feel, once you put them on. Why not pack for style? This doesn’t mean that you have to bring more options; instead, you can bring neutral pieces and accessorise them with pops of colour.

The outfits that you wear while travelling can boost your confidence and make you feel more energised every single day.

Book a luxurious tour or activity
In order to make your holiday truly luxurious, you should book a tour or an activity that will allow you to feel pampered while on your trip. It can include a spa day or even a day where you go snorkelling, as this is certainly something that you will not be able to do that often.

Moreover, with so many young people using their mobile phones to book and plan their holiday, booking such an activity is also easier than ever.

Splurge on yourself

Don’t forget to splurge on yourself while you are on your trip. Go out with your family members for that fancy meal in the evening, purchase a drink that you normally wouldn’t at home and do everything that will help you relax, you deserve it, and this is the very reason you booked your trip, to begin with!

Budget for it

In order to not go into debt as a result of your trip, it’s crucial you budget for it as soon as you decide that you plan on going somewhere in the summer. The earlier you start, the more money you can also save for your holiday. However, make sure you are realistic about how much money you can set aside each month after you have already paid for your other bills and necessities.

If a particular destination is out of your budget, you can check what the price of going would be like during off-season when there aren’t many people there, or alternatively, you can choose another location.

When was the last time that you went on holiday somewhere? It might have been months if not years, and regardless, you deserve to take a break and focus on yourself. What better way to do this than to travel at the height of luxury with your friends and family members? So long as you understand that this doesn’t mean you have to own your very own private jet or be on a deserted island alone, a luxurious holiday experience is very much within your reach.

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Crested Butte isn’t just world renowned for skiing. Crested Butte transforms from a top-notch ski area in winter to a summer paradise with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From world class mountain biking to free, live outdoor concerts twice a week in the summer, there is something for everyone.

World Renowned Mountain Biking

Have you ever had wildflowers smack your legs as you ride? Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of Colorado, and the multicoloured blossoms are on full display in late June and throughout July. The famous 401 and 403 trails take you up into Crested Butte’s most beautiful scenery – lush green meadows ringed with snowy peaks. If you prefer downhill, shred the trails at the lift-accessed Evolution Bike Park on Mt. Crested Butte. Rent a top-of-the-line mountain bike easily either right on Mt. Crested Butteor in downtown Crested Butte.

Paddle Glacial Lakes

Watch moose peruse the shore of serene Lake Irwin from your inflatable paddleboard rental. The water is calm enough to practice your favorite yoga positions while floating along, admiring the peaks reflecting in the lake. Want even more adventure? Paddle down a section of the Slate River, a world class river experience, on a rental SUP or kayak. Easily book online kayak and SUP rentals for pickup at our shop downtown Crested Butte.

Free Outdoor Concerts

Relax after your active day and enjoy the free outdoor concerts on Monday and Wednesday nights in the summer. Mondays feature the Alpenglow series downtown, and Wednesday’s music is on the mountain. Join the locals by bringing chairs, a blanket and a picnic!

Enjoy a Night Out

Explore the historic restaurants and shops along Elk Avenue in the quaint town of Crested Butte. Our personal favourites are the eclectic pizzeria Secret Stash, and weekend watering hole The Last Steep (amazing buffalo cauliflower wings!)

Moab, UT

It’s hard to imagine an outdoor adventure destination guide that doesn’t list Moab. It’s well deserved – thanks to a plethora of activities within proximity to this quaint wild-west town. While Moab is world-renowned for rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking, outdoor adventure seekers can also find unparalleled rafting, off-roading, back country camping, and much more.

Mountain Bike the famous Slickrock

Moab is known for it’s slickrock mountain biking. Many trails are technical and offer even advanced riders a run for their money, but there is also lots of laid-back riding with the same incredible views and some sick slickrock thrown in. Compare prices online to demo a top of the line full suspension mountain bike from your choice of top-rated Moab bike shops.

Beginners can try their hand at 4.6 star-rated Dead Horse State Park Tour – the southern section is an incredible ride over slickrock on the rim of the Colorado River gorge. For more experienced riders, trails are aplenty – The Whole Enchilada may be the most famous but don’t leave without also trying out the Klonzo, Bar M or Navajo Rocks Loop trail systems.

Raft the Colorado River

The high canyon walls shaped over time by the winding Colorado River are best experienced by paddling. Rent a kayak, SUP or take a rafting trip down one of the most scenic rivers in America. Float below the giant rock formations of Fischer Towers, taking in the stunning scenery that characterises this section of the Colorado River.

Backcountry Camp Under the Milky Way

Moab’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it a fantastic place to stargaze. There are also endless options for camping, ranging from beautiful sites tucked into the red rock boulders at Canyonland’s The Needles campground to backcountry sites galore. To score a site in one of the National Parks (Moab hosts both Arches and Canyonlands National Park), book online early as sites fill up fast. For back country camping, get a permit at the Visitor’s Center. While you are at it, sign up for a permit to hike the Fiery Furnaces in Arches National Park at the Visitor Center – you will not be disappointed. This section of the park is a maze through tall buttresses and spires of red rock, with hidden arches and infinite opportunities for rock scrambling.

Salida, CO

High up in the Colorado mountains surrounded by peaks over 14,000 feet lies the quaint town of Salida, CO. Only a 3-hour drive from Denver, this outdoor mecca plays host to mountain bikers, mountain climbers, rafters, rock climbers…and the list goes on.

Mountain Biking Abounds

Mountain biking trails abound in this land of high peaks. One of our favourite rides is Monarch Pass, also an IMBA epic, and one of Colorado’s top 5 epic rides. Book a high-end Yeti or Pivot mountain bike and a shuttle up to the Continental Divide at Monarch Pass and ride the 34 miles back down. A full day adventure for most, the ride consists of above-treeline riding, incredible views, aspen forests and fun, flowing single track. Or ride right out of town on your demo Ibis bike to the 23-mile Cottonwood Tour. You will get a nice 7-mile climb in before you hit one of the best descents in the region. See our Salida post for more details on these rides.

After the ride, head to downtown Salida to sip one of Woods’ Distillery’s many tasty craft cocktails.

Whitewater Rafting

The Arkansas River flows through these peaks, carving steep canyons and delivering various levels of rapids throughout its length. Whether you want an enjoyable class I-II float, or an exciting III-IV whitewater adventure, the Arkansas has it all. Rent an inflatable kayak or raft for the calmer sections of the river, starting at Stone Bridge access and paddle 12 miles of class I-II rapids into downtown Salida. Or book a rafting adventure to experience the legendary class III-IV Brown’s Canyon rapids north of Salida.

Hike a Fourteener

If you are in good shape, you may not want to leave Salida without summiting one of the area’s 12 “fourteeners” or peaks over 14,000 feet. Save this for the last day so you can get acclimated to the elevation, and always start early to be back down before the storms that typically roll in around afternoon. While none of the fourteeners can be described as anything close to easy, some of the more commonly hiked peaks include Mt. Yale, Mt. Huron, and Mt. Antero. These peaks offer mind-blowing views, especially once you get above the treeline. If this is your first fourteener, be prepared to walk slow, take breaks when needed, and bring lots of water and fuel. When you reach the summit, relish the 360-degree panorama of snowy peaks as far as the eye can see…it’s a whole different world up there!

Relax Your Muscles in the Hot Springs

Relax sore muscles with a soak in the hot springs after your action-packed trip. Our favourite is the less-visited Joyful Journey hot springs, about 40 minutes south of Salida. Three varying temperature tubs have superb views of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range rising from their backyard.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, MN

We continue to hope that the pristine wilderness known as the Boundary Waters will be saved. It is in extreme danger from mining interests backed by the Trump Administration that have the potential to pollute it’s untouched 1M acres of wilderness and more than 1,000 lakes. The devastation could put an end to this rare unspoiled wilderness in northern Minnesota and Canada (hence the name Boundary Waters). Experience this magical Northwoods destination and help preserve it for years to come through a canoe portaging trip into the wilderness.

Explore the Wilderness by Canoe

Days consist of paddling tranquil lake after lake, portaging canoes (carrying on your shoulders) between the lakes on historic routes traversed by early fur traders and shared with wildlife. Set up camp in one of the 2000 back country campsites perched on the glacial lakes. If you are lucky, you may spot one of the resident moose or hear wolves howling at night as you tuck into your tent. One incredible call you have a good chance of hearing is the haunting song of the loon. These aquatic birds are an iconic symbol of the Boundary Waters (and the MN state bird), and their distinctive calls can be heard echoing across the lake in the early evening hours.

Outfit Your Trip

With thousands of miles of canoe and portage trails, the BWCA offers an adventure for all. Whether you desire a challenging trip over many miles paddling dozens of waterways and taking in scenic waterfalls, or a peaceful paddle to fish or observe ancient pictographs, the BWCA has endless options. Outfitters can help you plan your route and set you up with everything you need for the trip. Depending on your needs and launching point, explore outfitters in Tofte, MN on the eastern side of the wilderness, or complete outfitting on the western side in Ely, MN for your BWCA adventure on TripOutside.com.

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Where to Stay In London

Short term: Although hotels in central London can be expensive, opting for a cheaper choice in the suburbs is a decision you will quickly regret. Commuting into the city everyday will cost more money and time than it’s worth and can make you feel inclined to stay-put and miss out on what the trip is all about, sightseeing and discovering the wonders of the city.

Although there isn’t a right answer to where the best place to stay for sightseeing is, there is a range of great choices to choose from which offer everything you could possibly need for a weekend break.

The West End (Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square, Mayfair) is a very central district and a magnet for tourists. The area is home to most of London’s theatres, top art galleries, varied (and delicious) cuisines as well as a bustling night-life. It’s super easy to walk around with handy public transport connections making other parts of London accessible.

Covent Garden is the best neighbourhood to stay in for first-time visitors as it has a great theatre and dining scene as well as being just a walk away from some of London’s biggest attractions such as the National Gallery, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

When it comes to sightseeing, South Bank is also an excellent location for easy access to the big attractions such as the Shard (below) and Tate Modern.

For a variety of great museums and shopping, South Kensington would be the best choice however accommodation tends to be costly.

Long term:

If you are planning more of a permanent stay in London then the golden rule for choosing where to stay is that you shouldn’t be spending more than 30% of your income on rent. It is also important that you take into consideration the length of time that you are willing to commute. Of course, ideally you want it to be as short as possible however this will correlate with how much you spend. When looking at permanent residency in London, you may want to visit an immigration solicitors or visa team who will ensure that you have all the correct information you need.
With that being said, most people choose to live in Zones 1, 2 and 3 of the underground as it is cheaper and a simpler commute (more frequent and faster tubes), whilst also offering a larger choice of cultural hotspots and evening activities.

East London is renowned for its bohemian, cool and arty residents and is a cheaper alternative to West London. Shoreditch is also a great choice for the bohemian feel as well as having s mix of financial, creative and media centres.

Where to Eat and Drink

Cheap Dining Spots

El Pellicci is located on Bethnal Green Road and has been serving honest Italian food and mouth-watering sandwiches since 1900. When visiting, don’t leave without trying the homemade Penne Pellicci for £7. Or for something even cheaper but equally delicious, go for the rump steak and caramelised onion ciabatta for just £4.40.

Quirky Bars

A secret that’s not so secret, Doctor Kluger’s bar is definitely worth finding. With dark and dingy lighting, and furniture that looks like it’s been taken straight from your grandmother’s house, not forgetting the giant disco balls that hang from the ceiling, there is a serious quirky vibe to this bar – the cocktails are cool too.

The Bletchley creates bespoke cocktails that match your personality by the input of data into its machines. Choose scents and colours that appeal to you and let its code breaking team work its special cocktail making magic to create a cocktail that’s totally catered to you. Along with the delicious cocktail, you will receive the secret recipe to go with it.

Special Occasion Restaurants

The Bob Bob Ricard, famous for it’s “press for Champagne” button is the perfect place to wine and dine a loved one whilst soaking up the glamorous atmosphere. The extensive yet beautifully crafted menu features an array British- Russian dishes that you can enjoy in private booths surrounded by a glitzy art-deco.

The Rainforest Café is probably one of the most fun restaurants in London, and a great place to take kids (kids aren’t a requirement- adults are also impressed). With the sound of running waterfalls, lighting and rain as well as giant animals and real-life tropical fish, you may forget to actually order food.

Circus infuses Asian cuisine with a futuristic dining room. As well as the glamorous dining and drinking, you are also dazzled by various surprise cabaret and circus acts who parade across the tables (after the food is cleared).

Free things to do in London

Make the Big Ben before the clock strikes one? BONG!!
Visit the William Morris Gallery to see some of his beautiful designs
Explore the eight Royal Parks of London for a stroll or two (or eight)
Sightseeing
Take a boat trip along the river Thames and witness the breath-taking London skyline.
Jump in the Shards elevator and see London from above the clouds.
Try a hop-on and hop-off London bus tour and get an overview and brief history of London.

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There’s a huge variety of activities available on a safari holiday, appealing to an array of passions from photographers to historians to archaeologists and culinary enthusiasts. You can also engage with communities to learn about the local culture and get involved in social and environmental projects.

An African safari lets you be as adventurous or relaxed as you want – climb Mt Kilimanjaro or trek to see mountain gorillas, then head to the shores of Zanzibar for a blissful island escape.

We’ve rounded up the top 10 things to do on safari in Africa, to help you customise the safari holiday of your dreams.

Walking safaris

A walking safari is the best way to get to the heart of the African bush. You’ll leave your camp on foot, accompanied by expert, armed guides who are highly trained in safety procedures.

As you move through the bush, your senses will explode with the smells, sounds and sights. You’ll witness every intimate detail, spotting insects, plants, tiny reptiles and birds that you don’t get to see from a safari vehicle. You’ll roam along well-worn elephant and hippo trails, and even learn how to track big game on foot.

Walking safaris can be customised to your needs, from a few hours along a nature trail, to bush walks with tribal leaders, and sleeping under the stars on intrepid multi-day adventures. Nature trails are located all over Africa, but some of the best experiences are found in Zambia and Kenya.

Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari, with the country’s best guides leading you through untamed wilderness. Laikipia in Kenya also offers authentic walking safaris, led by local Maasai warriors. With generations of knowledge and experience, your guides will share survival skills and hunting techniques, while teaching you about their unique way of life. You’ll also be accompanied by camels transporting your gear so you can camp in the bush under a blanket of stars.

Water safaris

Africa is endowed with some of the planet’s greatest waterways. All over the continent you’ll find great lakes, serpentine rivers, and a myriad of lagoons bringing life to a flock of animals.

A water-based safari offers a unique insight into Africa’s wildlife, from bellowing hippos, lurking crocodiles and water birds, to the elephants, buffalo and lions that feed around the water. Many safari camps offer boat rides, however for a truly intimate experience, try a safari in a canoe, kayak or mokoro.

Canoe

The Zambezi River is the mecca of canoe safaris. You can venture out for a few hours or a few days, gliding with the hippos and crocodiles along the great Zambezi River. All canoe safaris are led by highly trained guides and you’ll be in safe hands on this exhilarating experience. On the multi-day expeditions, you can choose from participatory camping where you set up your own tent, or splurge on a luxury camping experience where your tent and meals are provided.

Kayak

Kayaking and rafting can be done in many places around Africa, including the Kunene River in Namibia and the Orange River in South Africa. The Victoria Falls in Zambia offers some of the best white-water rafting in the world. The churning rapids will spit you out under the gaze of the mighty falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Mokoro

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is renowned for the mokoro safari. A traditional dugout canoe is propelled by a ‘poler’, who stands at the end of the mokoro, guiding it through the channels of this wetland haven. A mokoro safari allows you to observe the delta’s tiniest treasures including birds and reed frogs, and unique species such as the Pels fishing owl and the sitatunga, a rare aquatic antelope.

Night game drives

Venture into the bush under the cover of darkness for a thrilling twist on the classic safari game drive. A night game drive offers the chance to see Africa’s fascinating nocturnal creatures and prowling predators come alive after dark.

You’ll head out in a safari vehicle driven by an expert guide and a ‘spotter’ using a spotlight to locate the wildlife. The rustling movements and yowling calls create a magical energy as you move through the bush.

Not all camps around Africa offer this activity, however you’ll find a number of exceptional night game drive opportunities in Zambia. The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its incredibly high numbers of leopards, and a night drive provides an excellent chance of spotting this elusive creature. The Lower Zambezi also offers night game drives to spot civets, genets, hyenas, porcupines, honey badgers and even lions making a kill.

Africa from the air

Take to the skies for a striking view of Africa. Glide over sweeping plains, plunging valleys, and spot wildlife from above – this is the ultimate safari experience.

Hot air balloon safaris

You’ll drift into the air before dawn, holding your breath as the sun rays begin to spill over the horizon, revealing the astonishing beauty below. Rolling plains stretch out for miles, strewn with elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest cast in a golden glow. You’ll celebrate with a glass of champagne as you descend back to earth, toasting to an unforgettable morning.

There are a number of spectacular destinations for hot air balloon safaris. Head to the vast grass plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya, drift over the incredible sand dunes of the Namib Desert in Namibia, or even witness the Great Migration from the air over Tanzania’s Serengeti.

Helicopter and microlight flights

You can often take a small plane between camps and game reserves, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife below. It’s also possible to arrange a specialised helicopter or microlight tour to see some of Africa’s greatest wonders.

Take a helicopter flight over the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, glide over the Okavango Delta in Botswana, see Namibia’s extraordinary Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert from the air, or board a thrilling microlight flight over the Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe. Visit Tafika Camp at South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, for an incredible scenic microlight flight and game-viewing tour.

Culinary experiences

After an action-packed day out on safari, there’s nothing better than heading back to your camp for a glorious sundowner. This classic African safari experience takes you to a spectacular viewpoint, where you’ll be served cocktails in the cool dusk air, as the sun dips below the horizon.

You can enjoy this activity in camps across Africa, from the brilliant sunset over the Zambezi River to the awe-inspiring twilight of Tanzania, where lone baobab trees become silhouetted against the sizzling golden sky.

Once the sun has set, you can continue the magic with a campfire bush dinner. Venture into the wilderness to find a buffet set out by a crackling campfire. Cosy up to your loved ones and enjoy the feast, surrounded by the serenity of the African bush and be offered to sample the forbidden bush meat.

You can do it all again the next day, rising before dawn to take a morning game drive. En-route to spot some wildlife, you’ll stop at a gorgeous destination where a delectable breakfast will already be laid out by your personal team of chefs. It’s the best way to start your day on safari.

Trekking

Africa is full of soaring peaks and incredible trekking adventures. From the mountain ranges of Uganda to the summits of Tanzania, you’ll cross off a number of top bucket list activities on this continent.

Mountain trekking

One of the most iconic treks is Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Uhuru Peak at the top of Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa, towering at 5,895 metres. The trek is an incredible addition to a Tanzania safari and there are multiple trails accommodating for varying levels of fitness. The Lemosho Route makes a gradual ascent, while the challenging Machame Trek is for more experienced hikers.

Other fantastic mountain treks include Mount Kenya and Uganda’s Ruwenzori ‘Mountains of the Moon’ for serious hikers, while the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa are more suited for all abilities. You can also check out Rwanda’s Virguna Volcanoes, Namibia’s Damaraland, Kenya’s Mathews Range and Laikipia Plateau and Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Highlands.

Gorilla trekking

For a rare and often life-changing encounter, head to Rwanda or Uganda to trek to see mountain gorillas. These magical creatures are the last of their kind and it is a true privilege to witness them in their natural environment.

A gorilla trek can be quite challenging, however you can tailor it to your fitness level, with treks lasting from two to eight hours. Those who venture deeper into the forest face steep, gruelling trails, however you’ll be rewarded with one precious hour of time spent with these incredible animals.

You can choose to hike through the Volcanoes National Park or the Virunga National Park in Rwanda, or head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda to see the gorillas. You can also track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest in Uganda, or combine your treks with a safari in nearby Kenya or Tanzania.

Mountain biking safaris

Swap four wheels for two on a thrilling mountain biking safari. These scenic journeys will take you through the shaded woodlands, desert plains and rocky mountains of Africa. Mountain biking safaris are certainly not for the faint-hearted as you get up close to big game in the untamed wilderness, however you’ll always be led by an expert, armed guide.

There are only a few destinations which offer this exciting activity including Tafika Camp at South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, Mihingo Lodge at Lake Mburo in Uganda, Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana, and private reserves in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

You can also try quad biking through the the dunes of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay in Namibia and the open Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana.

Cultural experiences

Africa is made up of a myriad of tribes and people, and each country is home to dozens of unique cultures and languages. An African safari is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about these incredible cultures and customs.

Many safari lodges and camps work closely with their local community and can arrange visits to the local village, or help you can get involved in local social programs. In Kenya, you can visit the Sarara Singing Wells of the Samburu tribe, where the Samburu warriors carry out the ancient tradition of singing to their herd to bring them to their well for water.

You can also witness some amazing cultural festivals around the continent. If you visit Zambia in late March, you may witness the migration of the Lozi King during the Kuomboka Ceremony. The Lozi people decorate colourful barges and beat royal war drums in a ceremonial procession, to migrate from their summer home in Lealui to their winter home on dry ground in Limulunga.

 Specialist safaris & courses

Africa is a captivating continent full of unique wildlife and environments, offering the chance to gain specialist knowledge and skills. You can go on photography, botany and art safaris, or take historical, archaeology, wine-tasting and golfing tours.

Wildlife enthusiasts can undertake a field guides course, ranging from one week to six months. These courses are popular in South Africa and you’ll learn about the incredible biodiversity of the African bush through daily lectures and practical field activities. Chiawa Camp in Zambia also offers annual guide training exercises for regular visitors.

A photography safari is another popular option. You’ll head out into the wilderness with a professional photographer to snap some spectacular images and learn how to improve your skills, all while enjoying the thrill of an African safari.

Beach escape

There’s no better way to end an extraordinary African safari adventure than with a dreamy beach escape. Although Africa is renowned for its striking deserts and vast plains, it also boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

Hop over to Zanzibar, a pristine archipelago off Tanzania, for a luxurious beach retreat. You’ll touch down onto powdery white sands, unbelievably blue waters, and incredible marine life. Here you can go hiking, cycling, bird watching, stand up paddling through the mangroves, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sea kayaking, sailing, or simply relax on the stunning beaches with a cocktail.

Zanzibar has some of the most luxurious hotels offering incredible day spa services, and gorgeous infinity pools overlooking the ocean. You can also experience the delicious food, rich history and vibrant culture of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best of all, you can continue your African safari with Zanzibar’s vibrant marine life. Explore the island’s beautiful coral reefs with a snorkelling or diving excursion. You’ll spot huge shoals of dazzling fish, green turtles, playful pods of dolphins and migrating whale sharks.

The post Think Africa? Safari So Good appeared first on Guest Travel Writers.

If you are looking for a good holiday, tourists may soon be able to vist the sealed area around the Chernobyl nuclear plant which is the site of the worlds worst nuclear accident. Ukraine’s government wants to turn the Chernobyl nuclear plant into a tourist hot-spot.

Ukraine’s Emergency Ministry says the zone will be open next year for those who wish to learn more about how the nuclear tragedy happened 24 years ago; the reactor exploded, spewing radiation over much of Northern Europe.

Ukraine’s Emergency Situations Ministry said on Monday – it is working on a plan to open the area around the defunct plant—where a reactor exploded on April 26, 1986, spreading radiation across the then-Soviet states of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia—to visitors starting next month.

According to RIA-Novosti, the “[Emergencies] ministry was carrying out a large amount of work and planned to report on its results by the end of the year so that visits to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster site, so far referred to as extreme tourism, ‘should become systematic in January.'”

Simon Calder the travel writer added his thoughts on the Radio 4 Today Programme: click here for the original audio version

I had a friend who actually went to Chernobyl for a holiday, I don’t think he can have gone to the reactor itself, but he went to the deserted area around it and and he said it was fascinating. It was probably 10 years ago.

Yes, its already on the backpacker circuit and there is a tour going off on Saturday morning at 9.00am  from Kiev the capital of the Ukraine which is only sixty miles away and they will take you into the 30 kilometre exclusion zone to reactor No 4 – the one that exploded. They will bring in your lunch too – they make it absolutely clear that this comes from outside the radiation zone! The highlight is to take you to the Ghost Town.
It’s not dangerous?

Well you do get a raditation check when you leave to check what you have picked up, – there’s 150 tonnes of nuclear material encased in steel and concrete in the reactor.

You haven’t been tempted to do this yourself?

Oh yes, absolutely, I was in Kiev recently and I was snowed in and we couldn’t get there. The Ukraine has a big problem – it’s a vast and beautiful country and officially it’s one of the most wonderful places on earth – according to the Ukrainian Health Resorts and Tourism Department!. We don’t know much about the great cities of Kiev and Odessa – the public might have heard of the Crimea and they will certainly will have heard of Chernobyl –  so you have to capitalise on what you know and promote that. It’s a fascinating tour – tragedy plus time, and it doesn’t really take much time before a site of tremendous human tragedy becomes an attraction.

The post Visit Chernobyl A Nuclear Disaster Tourist Site | Extreme Tourism appeared first on Guest Travel Writers.