Travel Informations

Contemplating South America Overland Travel

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:35:34 +0000

You could organise your own transport between road and rail, but this type of organisation can be rather delicate, especially for a trans-continental trip – plus, miss one connecting train or bus and your entire itinerary can be left null and void. Car rental is another option, but with the vast distances and unpredictable road conditions, this may also end in unnecessary holiday headaches.

South America overland travel with a professional operator eases the organisational hassles of arranging your own itinerary. The South America overland travel packages have many different options to choose from, combining different countries and destinations of interest.

South America Overland Tour Activities

Absorb the sights, sounds, scents and flavours that abound in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and of course, Brazil. Take an exciting tour to the Amazon Jungle and spend time in a tropical paradise unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Get up close to the relics and ruins and learn more about the Inca history of the continent. Walk in the footsteps of this ancient civilisation on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, just one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites located in South America.

Take a meandering boat trip on Lake Titicaca on a lazy afternoon. Explore the Andes Mountain range, and take in some incredible sights of the longest exposed mountain belt in the world. Not to mention the awe-inspiring glaciers and ice fields of the Patagonian region.

The South American continent also boasts some amazing game reserves. Visit the Paracas National Reserve, a marine reservation in Peru – the only one of its kind in the country – and another UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located in the mountainous area of Chile, the Torres del Paine National Park is known for the many endangered species in the area as well as its breathtaking geography of rivers, lake and glaciers.

What better way to see South America than on an overland travel adventure? Overland travel is always an inspirational journey, full of real life adventures, amazing discoveries, picturesque views and lasting friendships.

Top 3 Western United States Ski Resorts

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:32:47 +0000

If you are planing a ski vacation this winter, the United States has hundreds of ski resorts that you can choose from. Many of them offering amenities and guest services that allow them to compete with some of the best five star hotels. With so many available choosing the one that’s right for you can be difficult. Here are the top 3 ski resorts in the United States.

• Jackson Hole Definitely number one on the list, Jackson Hole in Wyoming is made up of two areas, Tetons Village and the Town of Jackson. This area is ideal for anyone that loves natural beauty and snow. Although it is known as some of the toughest skiing in the country, there are also fantastic intermediate and beginner trails available.

Rendezvous Mountain gives you some of the highest in bound terrain available, rated as black and double black diamond trails. Apres Vuos Mountain is considered an intermediate trail that’s great for cruising and enjoying the majestic mountain views. Once your day of skiing is finished relax at the Tetons Mountain Lodge and Spa. This ski resort is located slope side to the Jackson Hole Resort. Warm up next to the fireplace in your room, or make your way to the recently added Solitude Spa. There you can enjoy one of 10 treatment rooms that are available or take a relaxing swim in the heated pool. Top off the evening with a dip in the 24 person rooftop hot tub.

• Park City Mountain Resort This ski resort is number two on the list. Not only is it home to some of the best skiing in the world, but it’s also home to the United States Olympic Ski Team. The slopes are great with everything from beginners to “Oh my goodness are you crazy” trails. A bonus this ski resort offers is accessibility.

You can ski directly to Main Street and have a selection of 100 shops and restaurants that you can visit. When you’re finished you can ride back to the slopes on the Town Lift. Lodging is plentiful with several convenient locations to choose from. The Resort Plaza is located at he base of Park City Mountain Resort and offers one to four bedroom condo style units, underground parking, and full kitchen units.

• Squaw Valley This ski resort is number three on the list. Located in the North Lake Tahoe Region of California some of the most awe inspiring slopes can be found here. You will enjoy watching some of the best skiers in the world brave the 100 foot cliffs and some of the ride down lines look almost impossible. If your skills are not quite that of an expert Squaw Valley also offers beginner and intermediate trails as well. Cruising to High Camp Summit gives you a gentle ride with great views of the beautiful mountains.

There are several lodging choices near this beautiful ski resort. The Resort at Squaw Creek has the ability to rival any five star hotel. It is connected to the ski resort through it’s own lift system. Suites are equipped with slate entryways and gas fireplaces. The view from your room will allow you to see historic ponderosa forests and beautiful meadowlands. If a bed-and-breakfast inn is more of what you’re looking for then Lake Tahoe’s North Shore may be more what you’re looking for.

December 2008 – Top Ten Sights to See on a Holiday in Asia

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:33:58 +0000

Top Ten Sights to See on a Holiday in Asia

Asia is a huge place, bestriding the tropics and stretching from the mountains of Eastern Europe to the Siberian tundra, from the port of Vladivostok to the tip of Papua New Guinea. With the continent encapsulating such a vast area it’s hard to decide where to go and what to see. We look at the top ten sights to see and places to go while on a holiday to Asia, helping you narrow down your search.

10. The Mongolian Steppe

Our count down starts with some of the natural wonders that are on offer on an Asian Holiday, and the Mongolian Steppe is first. Staying in yurts, horse riding in unspoilt natural beauty and camel trekking in the Gobi desert are some of the highlights which are completely and wonderfully removed from anything in everyday life.

9. Mount Everest

The second of our natural wonders is Mount Everest. As the highest peak in the world, standing in the shadow of the mountain is absolutely awe inspiring and often life changing. One of the most incredible sights on our list, Everest is fairly low down because of its inaccessibility; to truly appreciate Everest’s beauty means climbing up to base camp or to the summit, which isn’t an option for most travellers for obvious reasons.

8. Seoul

As you would imagine, Asia has a huge number of villages, towns and cities, and the next five places in our list are taken up with some of the continent’s most incredible and exotic cities to visit.

Seoul is the first city in our top ten, and simultaneously one of the oldest and one of the newest. The city can trace its creation back to 18 BC, but most of the city was obliterated during the Korean War. Some important buildings, areas and historic palaces have been restored, but most of Seoul is populated with brand new buildings. Seoul is worth a visit because of its scale, scope and dynamism. Almost half of the population of South Korea live in the administrative limits of the city, and the city’s actual ground plan is huge – it has the second largest metropolitan area of any city in the world, and encompasses a vast amount for museums, bars, restaurants, stadiums and three world heritage sites!

7. Beijing

Beijing is often called the “Northern Capital” of China, and is the next city on our list. Beijing is a melding of old and new; a place where the skyline includes the Birds Nest Stadium and the Temple of Heaven, the CCTV tower and the Tian’anmen. The merging of the cultural, political, religious and economic forces in the city makes it a fascinating destination for any Holiday to Asia.

6. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is interesting as a destination for any holiday in Asia from its unique position in the world. As a special economic zone with huge cultural and political imperatives from China and Britain, the conurbation is a blend of the two cultures. As a city it is blooming and developing a singular personality, creating something completely new from the remnants of older regimes.

5. Toyko

The capital of Japan also mixes old and new, but with a pronounced slant towards the new. The atmosphere is electric and active, with a culture and society that is wonderfully alien (from a western point of view). It’s definitely worth a visit on an Asian holiday, even if it’s solely for the unique nature of the experience.

4.Moscow.

Moscow is almost the exact opposite to Tokyo. While not completely stuck in the past, the city does remain a gargantuan edifice of historical and religious importance, rooted in architecture that is incredible to behold. St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin in Red Square are often the focus, but the entire city has been designed with grandeur and influence in mind since the reign of the Tzars. A powerful and awe inspiring part of any Asian holiday.

3. The Forbidden Palace, China

The last three entries on our list are the work of human endeavour, famous structures that often took decades to build and many lives to create. They remain some of the most awe inspiring sights to see on any holiday to Asia, and are once in a lifetime experiences.

Number three on our list is the Forbidden Palace in Beijing. A part of Beijing’s attraction, the Palace is an amazing site in its own right. The Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty until the end of the Qing Dynasty (1368 – 1912), the group of buildings is huge, often given the name the forbidden ‘city’ rather than just ‘palace’ due to its scale and the facilities it encompassed. No one could enter or leave the palace without the Emperor’s permission, and the inner city became a symbol of China’s power and majesty.

2. The Trans-Siberian Railway

More of a whole journey than a destination in its own right, the Trans-Siberian railway straddles the spine of Russia in an epic and famous link between Moscow and Vladivostok. Passengers on the long distance train are embarking on their Asian holiday as soon as they step onboard, and whether they stopping along the way or just experiencing the journey, it will be a trip they never forget.

1. The Great Wall of China.

Though the idea of seeing the wall from space is a complete fallacy, it is easy to see why so many people believed it to be true for so long. The Great Wall of China is number one on our list, and given its scope, its awe inspiring presence and its great fame (which it more than lives up to) it is easy to see why. One of the top attractions in the world, let alone on a Holiday in Asia, the Great Wall of China is an absolute must see site.

Preparing for and Planning a Skiing Trip

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:33:16 +0000

When preparing to go on a skiing trip it is important to be organized. The first thing to do, is to confirm reservations, get directions, and ask the skiing place about any special instructions that they have and what services that they provide. Inquire about lessons, fees, and ski rentals that are offered.

Getting fitted for ski boots is very important. When going skiing, it is important to have comfortable boots on. If buying new boots, have them shipped at least a week in advance and walk around in them as much as possible to break them in.

Prepare for an emergency by packing hand warmers, spare gloves, heavy clothing, extra socks, and a medical kit. Skiing can be dangerous especially for inexperience skiers so being prepared for an emergency is very important. Make sure that if you are driving to a ski resort that your mode of transportation has been serviced and has enough gas, oil, and windshield wiper fluid.

Talk to people that you know that ski and ask for any helpful tips. You can go to your local library and look for books about skiing tips and techniques, and then practice them at home if you have skis and a back yard where you will be safe. Exercise a few weeks in advance to get your body adjusted to skiing. Being on the slopes requires a lot of athletic ability so it is good to be as in shape as possible. A skiing trip should be fun but it is crucial to be as prepared as possible so that you do as well as you can.

Viva Italia: Skiing the Italian Alps

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:36:44 +0000

Italy remains one of the best kept skiing secrets in Europe, but perhaps that’s how the Italians like it. Though often overshadowed by France and Switzerland, Italy offers skiers some of the finest resorts and hotels in the Alps.

Italia has a relaxed charm and a unique Italian ambiance that is not found in other Alpine countries. With its excellent cuisine, fine wine, chic boutique shopping and sophisticated après ski night life, it’s no wonder that the Italian Alps are a popular luxury winter holiday destination for the discerning skier.

And off course, skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only winter sports on offer; increasingly more people who prefer not to risk life and limb by hurtling down a mountain at break neck speed are enjoying more sedate winter holidays. Snow-shoeing for example, makes for a relaxed walk on the white side; technology has come a long way and snow shoes no longer resemble unwieldy tennis rackets. New modern designs mean light weight manoeuvrable shoes, perfect for exploring snowy forested trails.

Or if you want a real work out, why not give cross-country skiing a go? This sport is the oldest form of skiing, and is one of the best forms of exercise possible. These narrow skis use soft, comfortable boots which are attached to the ski at the toe only, allowing uphill travel as well as down. The sport is good for all levels of ability, and a great way to get out and enjoy the snow at your own pace.

As hosts of the 2006 winter Olympics which took place in and around Torino (Turin), Italy has proved itself worthy of competing as a ski destination in the international arena, and for many clued-in Brits, Italy’s laid back attitude to life, love of fine food and wine, good value for money and beautiful mountains are an ongoing draw.

Italy has over 100 resorts scattered over the northern part of the country, in the Italian Alps and the jagged Dolomites. The mountains of Piedmont, where Pragelato and Sestriere are located, hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics and are a particular favourite for ski holidays.

Pragelato is set within the Chison Valley between two spectacular national parks, the Val Troncea and Orsiera-Rocciavre. Swathed by larch and fir woods, wide alpine grassland and glaciers, these natural sanctuaries dominated by silence, are ideal habitats for an array of wildlife, and the area offers some of Italy’s finest skiing and snowboarding.

With a flight from the UK taking under three hours, Italy is just as accessible as other Alpine nations and generally considered slightly better value compared to other British favourites such as Switzerland and France. So, maybe it’s time you tried skiing the Italian way.

Central Asia Travel Destinations: Turkmenistan

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:33:59 +0000

This largely arid country lies to the south of Uzbekistan, dominated by the Kara Kum desert in its center with mountains in the west and east. The country contains some of the world’s largest natural gas and oil reserves and is a major cotton producer.

Historically, Turkmenistan has seen conquerors from Alexander the Great to Islamic Arabs to Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, but maintained its nomadic, equine identity until Soviet-era domination. In the post communist years, Turkmen language and culture have made a strong revival.

The Turkmen people are legendary horsemen and their tall, powerful horses were prized by the Chinese in ancient times. The national handicraft is carpet making and Turkmen carpets are prized throughout the world for their beautiful patterns and superb craftsmanship. An extension of the nomadic lifestyle of the people, carpets were

For tourists, Turkmenistan is garden of archaeological delights. Remnants of civilizations that have been swallowed by the centuries are everywhere to be found. In mountain foothills, in dry riverbeds, in caves across the country you can find tools, domestic utensils and artworks of bone, stone, ceramics and metals. Ruins of earthen houses and mountain fortresses remain from as long as 50 centuries ago.

A visit to Turkmenistan must include a stay in the ancient Silk Road city of Merv. It is an archaeological wonderland, being actually 4 cities built during different periods, a testimony to the oasis’ staying power as a major center along the Silk Road from the times of Alexander. It remained a commercial and cultural power for centuries before Mongol armies destroyed the town in 1221. One of its most imposing features today is the mausoleum of Sanjar the Great, the dome of which could be seen by caravans a full day’s journey away.

A day trip from Merv to the archaeological dig at Margush, where remnants of a Bronze Age civilization lived 3500 years ago. A palace, intricate fire temple and necropolis have been excavated and local museums contain numerous artifacts of gold and semi-precious stones.

Turkmenistan’s capital is the city of Ashgabat, rebuilt using modern principles of city planning after being destroyed by an massive earthquake in 1948. Lush parks and hundreds of fountains create a pleasant microclimate that shields the city from the desert heat. All public buildings and apartments are clad in white marble, giving the city a unified beauty. The National Museum houses many culturally significant antiquities, and the Turkmen Carpet Museum contains many fine examples of world-renowned Turkmen carpet making skills, including one that covers a massive 294 square meters.

In the west near the Uzbekistan border, lies another stop along the Silk Road, Kunya-Urgench, site of the large State Historical and Cultural Museum-Preserve. The famous Kulug-Timur Minaret is thought to be the tallest in Central Asia, towering nearly 200 feet. Another must-see is the Turabeg Khanym Mausoleum, with its double cupola and perfectly preserved interior tile work is considered one of Asia’s most outstanding constructions.

Of Turkmenistan’s natural wonders, the Caspian Sea provides recreational facilities for boaters and water sports enthusiasts.

Learn To Skiing The Powder

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:33:10 +0000

Have you ever been in vacation when is snowing hard and have to ski in the powder everyday. What a great vacation if you are an expert and use to ski this type of snow condition. But if you are a great skier but you use to only the groom runs you will be happy to get this few tips.

First of all the technique is pretty much the same tahn when you ski in the groom. Forget about being in the back of the skis to do like water skiing. This technique put all the pressure on your knee caps, do you want to know more about what bad result you can get? It’s painfull just to think about it.

Keep your balance centered with an athletic position. You can raise your toes in some case and bend up the ankles to put the ski tips out of the snow. Not sitting back again. When you are starting you have to go straight and when you have enough speed you can do your first turn.

You have to stay more toward the fall line and get more speed to float easily over the snow. Stopping every turn is really hard and you will get tired quickly. Your balance need to be on your both feet, the both feet do the same thing ll the time. Abort to lift up the inside ski, if you are in deep snow you will get tired and probably fall every 3 turns.

So practice and get better to ski powder like a pro.

How Much Does It Cost To Go Traveling?

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:35:51 +0000

The cost of traveling independently (or backpacking) obviously depends on what your personal standards and preferences are. It also depends on how fast you travel and what you hope to experience. Organised tours and activities such as diving, skiing, sand dune boarding, sea kayaking, mountaineering or jungle trekking will all cost way more than loafing on a beach.

But another factor which will impact how much you need to budget for a backpacking trip is which destination(s) you intend to visit and how long you spend in each place. As a general rule, the more developed the infrastructure of a country or region, the more it is likely to cost to travel once you get there. But there are exceptions to the rule. Approximate guideline travel costs (the approximate costs of backpacking independently) are illustrated on the map.

The countries of South Asia and South East Asia such as Thailand, India, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia are some of the most popular backpacking destinations. They offer fantastic value for money, are relatively safe to travel and offer a range of sightseeing and cultural experiences. Northern Europe, Japan, Australia, North America and parts of South America are generally more expensive destinations in which to travel. Africa and the Middle East vary in cost but contain regions which can be difficult for independent travel.

So, if you are unsure where to go, it is worth remembering that a week or two backpacking through Europe may cost little less than several months traveling slowly through South East Asia.

Random Posts

Chalet Val d'Isere – Start Planning Your Next Ski Break Now

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:33:23 +0000

Get ahead of the crowd and make sure you get the resort and standard of accommodation you want for your next ski break. It’s a good time to book early and eliminate the stress that can creep up as the ski season draws closer. If you are booking for a group, it allows plenty of time to ensure that everyone is happy with the choice of resort, accommodation and facilities on offer.

Val d’Isere offers something for everyone regardless of ability, and there are some great ski schools offering expert tuition for all ages too. There is also a wide range of other activities for the times you’re not on the slopes. The new sports centre at the foot of the Bellevarde piste houses 2 swimming pools with jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. There is also a fantastic climbing wall, squash courts plus a gymnasium and fitness centre.

From the very first week of ski season, there will be live concerts, themed evenings, torch-lit night skiing, even speed-dating on the chair lift. Then it’s party, party, party until well after the New Year rings in. In my opinion, Val d’Isere has it all – top class facilities, expert ski or snowboard tuition, luxury chalets, a buzzing après-ski atmosphere – no wonder it’s been voted one of the top 10 party resorts by a leading travel website.

More importantly, access to the slopes is super-efficient. Geared up for a massive influx of visitors every year, Val d’Isere has over 300 km of pistes and an amazing combination of cable cars, funicular, chair lifts and tows serving 135 runs. Even at the height of the season, queues are virtually non-existent Add to this the countless bluebird days and spectacular scenery, and you’ll be in ski heaven. For the real thrills, try off-piste – most of it is very accessible from ski lift areas. Make sure you get an expert guide to make the most of your day.

Many of the best catered ski chalets Val d’Isere get snapped up fairly quickly, especially those with ski in, ski out access and luxurious touches such as hot tubs, wide-screen TVs and chauffeurs. When it comes to feeding your family or friends on holiday, you cannot go wrong with good home food, especially if ‘home’ is a luxury fully-catered chalet complete with chef who prepares lavish 5 course meals every evening! For the best all-round catered chalets Val d’Isere, Le Chardon Mountain Lodges own a small number of exclusive chalets, all within easy reach of each other, which set the gold standard for luxury in Val. They also offer the latest technology to suit business use.

The best tip for a great skiing holiday is to do your research as early as possible to ensure you get exactly what you want for your family or group, without having to make compromises.

Reviewing The Canadian Ski Resorts

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:32:43 +0000

Canada is a beautiful country that also happens to be the host to numerous top ski destinations. Many of these resorts are easy to access and are only an hour or two driving distance from major airports.

Most of the top Canadian ski resorts also have some wonderful features which makes them a strong draw for a diverse range of skiers. Some of these features include renowned powder, various types of terrain, great verticals, stunning scenery, modern lifts and much more.

Most of the Canadian resorts enjoy a long ski season that starts in early November and extends through to June. However, the skiing resorts which are located in Whistler, British Columbia (just north of Vancouver, BC), have seen even longer seasons.

In the Whistler area, it is common for people to still be able to ski throughout the summer months. In addition, several of the top ones also utilize snow making equipment to ensure that mountain activities are available year-round.

The Fernie Alpine Resort promises to be one of the real up-and-coming Canadian ski resorts of the near future. While not widely known at this time, with each season their reputation grows and Fernie becomes more popular. Located in the gorgeous Kootenay Rockies, the resort is conveniently located and is only a three hour car ride away from Calgary, Alberta.

The Fernie Alpine Resort is known for the amazing powder snow that it boasts and because it is still unknown as one of the best Canadian ski resorts, you will rarely encounter crowded conditions on the slopes. This top one usually receives about 29 feet of snow per season, so even toward the end of the season there is plenty of white powder.

Fernie does offer some challenging blue and green runs to keep the experienced skier stimulated. There are also many skiing opportunities for beginners among the 107 designated trails at this resort.

Fernie Alpine Resort also offers what many of the other Canadian resorts do not; the ability to ski-in and ski-out of your accommodations. For many aficionados, the chance to go straight from the slopes to your door is the perfect scenario and a delightful benefit that helps to make this a perfect choice for a winter vacation. In addition to the ski-in convenience, Fernie is also family friendly with a childcare center that features this great sport schools for the little ones.

Another Canadian skiing destination worth checking out is the Big White Ski Resort, which is located in the Okanagan area of British Columbia. Big White is Canada’s largest resort that has been designed as a ski-in/ski-out winter retreat. Similar to the Fernie area, Big White is well-known for the “champagne powder” snow that it receives and for the unparalleled mountain top views of the pine tree packed valleys and slopes of the area.

Big White has the honor of being the highest situated winter village of all the Canadian lodges of this sport and receives over 25 feet of snow on an average basis. Big White Ski Resort also has an extensive Kid’s Center, which they claim is the ultimate playground for children. Ski Canada magazine recently rated this top one as the “Best Resort for Kids.”

The Sun Peaks and the Silver Star Ski Resort are two other top Canadian ski resorts that also need to be mentioned. They boast ski runs for various levels of experience and skill, both are easy to access and both also have a nice array of other activities for those who do not ski. In addition, all of these top ones in Canada offer an excellent value, especially because of the great exchange rates.