Destinations for Amazing Adventure Travel

Looking for some idea’s for an adventure travel destination? Here are four amazing locations that would be perfect for an adventure holiday!

Iceland

Iceland is a perfect choice for adventure travelers. Magestic glaciers, snow-capped mountain tops, active volcanoes, and out-of-the-way fjords, are all located within the tiny country. Iceland also boasts some of the best hiking and mountain biking in Europe. When you get a little worn out, the country’s famous hot springs are yours to enjoy. Additionally, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding are alternative pastimes available to anyone who appreciates the cold weather.

Madagascar

Madagascar is like no place else on earth. Located in the Indian Ocean, four hundred kilometers off the coast of Africa, it has become the place to go for eco-tourists. This island nation’s main draw is its incredible ecosystem, offering varied landscapes, ranging from mountain highlands, to deserts and dense rainforests, as well as beaches, coral reefs and wildlife that can only be found here. Since Madagascar is an island there are wide arrays of water sports available, including surfing, diving with sharks, white water rafting, sailing, snorkeling and kayaking. Adventurous pursuits are not limited, however to water sports. Trekking, climbing, mountain biking, spelunking, hang gliding and camping are also available. Jungle treks and safaris are popular activities, as well, with lemurs, unique to Madagascar as the highlight.

Peru

No inventory of adventure travel destinations would be complete if it was lacking the South American country of Peru. Whether you’re hiking in the Andes, traveling the Amazon, or investigating Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines, Peru delivers. This South American nation is believed to be one of the true focal points of adventure travel. Backpackers are attracted to the area for its uncommon mix of ancient civilizations, natural phenomenon and its contemporary vibe. Having stood the test of time, this landing-place is always popular and taking into account all of the impressive vacation prospects it has to offer, Peru continues to be a destination that every explorer should experience.

South Africa

Offering spectacular coastlines and majestic mountains, South Africa attracts thrill seekers from around the world. Here you’ll find both the highest abseil (112 meters high on Table Mountain) and the highest commercial bungee jump in the world (an exhilarating 216 meter drop off of Bloukrans Bridge). Additional alpine excursions include rock climbing, sand boarding, hang gliding, mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. Rather be in the water? Try white water rafting, scuba diving, shark diving, snorkeling, fishing, water skiing, surfing and sailing. South Africa’s national parks and private reserves afford excellent opportunities to view a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, zebras, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, and cheetahs. Boat tours offering a chance to spot both right whales and great white sharks are also available.

Adventure Films that Inspire Travel

A recent CNN article featured films that inspire travel. Naturally I began thinking of adventure films that have inspired me over the years. Below is a collection of ten movies that have moved their audiences to adventure.

1. Indiana Jones: If adventure has a name... it must be Indiana Jones.

2. Touching the Void: The true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985

3. Into the Wild: After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness

4. Easy Rider: Two counterculture bikers travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans in search of America.

5. A River Runs Through It: Two fly-fishing sons of a Presbyterian minister--one reserved, one rebellious--grow up in rural Montana.

6.Jeremiah Johnson: A mountain man who wishes to live the life of a hermit becomes the unwilling object of a long vendetta by Indians when he proves to be the match of their warriors in one-to-one combat on the early frontier.

7. Deliverance Intent: on seeing the Cahulawassee River before it's turned into one huge lake, outdoor fanatic Lewis Medlock takes his friends on a river-rafting trip they'll never forget into the dangerous American back-country.

8.Everest: An international team of climbers ascends Mt. Everest in the spring of 1996.

9. Planet Earth: Amazing footage of our amazing planet.

10. Seven Years in Tibet: True story of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountain climber who became friends with the Dalai Lama at the time of China's takeover of Tibet.

BC and Washington State Improve Cross-Border Travel

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Secretary Paula Hammond today announced an extension of the second Amtrak Cascades train service between Vancouver and Seattle, as well as measures to reduce wait times at border crossings. The announcement concluded the first meeting of the British Columbia-Washington State joint Transportation Executive Council, which was held by video conference.

“Today’s meeting continues our constructive and collaborative approach to addressing our shared transportation challenges and opportunities,” said Bond. “By extending the second daily Amtrak train service, visitors will not only have another travel option during the upcoming summer tourist season, but it is also an essential first step in developing and advancing a shared, long-term vision of high-speed rail connecting Vancouver and Seattle. This will provide more information when considering the viability of making the second train permanent, as well as gauging demand for future high-speed rail.”

“The success of this additional Amtrak Cascades service reinforces what we already know – that intercity passenger rail service is a valuable transportation resource and people are using it,” said Paula Hammond, Washington transportation secretary. “As we continue to grow this service, it will provide more travel options for Pacific Northwest travellers, reduce congestion at our border crossings and help our environment.”

The second daily Amtrak Cascades train began service on Aug. 19, 2009 as a pilot project, running through the end of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Canada Border Services Agency has since agreed to extend the provision of border clearance services for the second Amtrak train through the end of September 2010.

During the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, amtrak Cascades train service carried over 11,000 passengers. Popularity of the Amtrak Cascades and the international exposure received by the region during the Games has opened the door for new tourism opportunities, with significant new interest being expressed in two-nation tours. Amtrak Cascades is operated by Amtrak in partnership with the Washington and Oregon Departments of Transportation.

Investments to more efficiently move people and goods through the border crossings were also discussed. This includes $7 million in U.S. federal Coordinated Border Infrastructure funding for Washington State to upgrade the Advanced Traveller Information System (ATIS) for Interstate 5 between Bellingham and the border in Blaine. The ATIS provides real-time information on wait times at border crossings, allowing motorists the option to select an alternate crossing.These improvements will allow an expansion of WSDOT’s web-based traffic congestion maps and include many new cameras, an additional electronic message sign and expansion of highway advisory radio to communicate border wait times to travelers. Fibre optic cable will replace much slower and less reliable communication technology to ensure accurate and timely traveler information.

British Columbia will explore partnering opportunities to expand the ATIS in British Columbia to include the Aldergrove/Lynden (Hwy 13) and Huntingdon/Sumas (Hwy 11) border crossings. In B.C., the ATIS is currently in place at the Peace Arch (Hwy 99) and Pacific (Hwy 15) border crossings only. All four crossing in Washington State are served by ATIS.

The British Columbia-Washington State joint Transportation Executive Council is co-chaired by B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Washington State’s Department of Transportation Secretary. Its next meeting will take place in the fall 2010.

Kid Tested Travel Tips

Kid-Tested Travel Tips

This weekend, I took the kids from Seattle to Victoria – a six hour trip via car and ferry that we have done several times now. We've become such seasoned travelers on this route that I thought I'd share a few of our tried and true traveling strategies.

In the Car:

DO keep the kids on their toes. Every tenth time or so that one of them asks "are we there yet?" (on average about four times each fifteen minute interval), change it up by saying "yes!"

DO set the radio to "scan" and suggest the kids try to sing along.

At the Border:

DON'T give in to two-year old's extended plea to hold his own passport. Border guard will not be amused while you search frantically for it on the floor.

On the Ferry:

DO find good natured seven-year old to chase, tickle, and give piggy back rides to your smaller children.

DO bring extra paper, markers and stickers. Taking these objects out in a crowded area turns you into the ship's Pied Piper, and is likely to attract good-natured seven year old.

DO bring a few slam dunk distractions for the journey, such as chocolate; if feeding to two-year old in your lap, DO prepare to end up with chocolate in your bra.

DO comment effusively on new parents' adorable ten week old baby. DON'T tell parents that baby is so cute you'd like to put it in your pocket and take it home. Said parents will eye you suspiciously and immediately change seats.

At Final Destination:

DON'T forget to check in between four-year old's bed and wall for precious stuffed monkey. DO prepare to spend a fortune having precious stuffed monkey Fed-exed home again.

Upon Arriving Home:

DON'T be surprised when two-year old's souvenir from trip turns out to be a colorful curse-word. Grandma swears like a trucker*.

*This last may be specific to my own special family unit; but the rest I believe are universally applicable for similar travel routes. Please feel free to share your own kid-tested mother-approved travel strategies!

Changes to Benefit Air Travellers Going to Europe

Government of Canada announces change to benefit air travellers with connecting flights in Europe

OTTAWA — Canada's Transport Minister John Baird today announced a new change that will benefit passengers flying outbound from Canada whose connecting flights are through European Union (EU) airports. Effective today, passengers can carry duty-free purchases of liquids, aerosols and gels over 100 millilitres with them through an EU airport en route to a final destination.

The change requires that Canadian airport retailers now put duty-free purchases of liquids, aerosols and gels into secure special bags. These bags will be recognized as secure in the EU.

"Passengers will now have assurance that what they buy at Canadian duty-free stores can continue on through any connection point in the European Union," said Baird. "Also, starting this spring there will be two airports in Canada equipped to offer the same service for passengers flying in from the EU."

Two Canadian airports will be ready this spring to screen duty-free liquids, aerosols and gels over 100 millilitres that passengers bring from EU airports, en route to domestic airports. At the end of April 2010, passengers from Europe will be able to transfer through Toronto Pearson International Airport, and in May 2010, passengers from Europe will be able to transfer through Montreal's Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport with these items.

Transport Canada advises travellers to respect the number of carry-on items allowed by airlines and to check the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's website at www.catsa.gc.ca before flying for further information about security screening.

Adventure Travel Vacations

A safari conjures up a romantic image of a travel across jungles and mountains. Earlier safaris were on foot, but now the modern safari is often conducted by a 4 wheeled driven vehicle. The desert safari is another mutation of the age old safari and is every bit as exciting. The beach is the primary attraction in this state and its white and fine sand never fails to mesmerize frequent visitors and tourists. These relaxing beaches provide a calming effect to an individual. It is less crowded compared to the beaches of other states. Travelling is an antidote to the oft' boring and stress-laden routine of daily living and might as well be the closest thing you can get to reclaiming the world's immeasurable wonder. In case you are still reluctant to be tagged as a tourist.

For example, you may take the Qinghai-Tibetan Railway. As the train climbs, you will be able to enjoy the amazing scenery as you acclimate yourself to higher and higher altitude. The train, which runs all the way from Shanghai and Beijing, has two different oxygen supply systems to make sure you can breathe without difficulty. The Himalaya mountains have a profound effect on the region's climate, most notably the northern portion of India and the Tibetan plateau. The range acts as a shield to prevent the dryer, frigidly cold arctic air from blowing into the south.

The Australians themselves are famous for their love of the outdoors and sporting activities and this includes adventure sports. It is obvious that their love of adventure comes from the fact they are situated in spectacular natural surroundings. Most of this trek is in Singalila National Park. The park has a number of tree species such as Oak, Hemlock, Juniper Silver Fir, Magnolia and Rhododendron. The park has good wildlife stocks, leopard, elephant and the rare Red Panda being the most famous.

During summer hundreds of Humpback whales gather in Frederick Sound. Orca whales can be seen in large numbers in Southeast Alaska. Kayaking trips give you an opportunity to watch these acrobatic massive species of the world at a close range. the best time for snorkeling. If you want more fun book a Liveboard which is a boat specially for snorkeling and can go to all the favorite snorkeling spots. It is once in a life time experience which you should not miss.

Hermanus whales are known as Southern Right Whales, one of the largest whale species in the world. They have been named that way because they are the "right" whale type to hunt! They are slow movers, float when dead and are extremely rich in oil and baleen. Mount Denali, the highest mountain in Northern America, is located in Alaska. There has been some controversy over the years as to the name of the mountain, with the Americans preferring to call it Mount McKinley, and pretty much everyone else wanting to call it its native name Denali. A family adventure holiday offers up something for everyone, it's actually surprising the variety that these types of holidays can offer up. The reason being is because resorts know that not everyone likes the same sorts of things, so they allow a range of different options to suit every kind of situation.

Tips for a Quick Travel Adventure

Most travel guides will advise that you give yourself enough time to leisurely see a city. But what happens when all you can spare is a day or two?

It’s a big, big world out there, and I’ve always had a desire to explore as much of it as possible. Worldwide exploration can seem an arduous task with only so much time to soak up the sights, sounds, smells, and culture of a trip to a new place. With the right approach though, you can see the best of the best in cities around the world without having to spend days upon days (and boatloads of cash) trouncing from sight to sight. Here are some tips for making the most of a quick adventure:

Plan ahead for the sights you want to see— before booking airfare, hotel, or additional transportation for your trip. Two big reasons to do this step first:

1. You want to make sure your transportation and accommodations are appropriate for what you’ll be exploring; selecting a hotel in a convenient location, and choosing transport options that best help you get from point A-to-B, will make sure you’re wasting little time.
2. If you’re not traveling alone, it’s likely that your travel companion(s) will have different sightseeing priorities than you. This is perfectly acceptable, but you should discuss all this in advance to reduce difficult decision making when you’re actually “on location.”

Do a “second round” planning session, where you fine-tune your hour-by-hour or day-by-day schedule. So you’ve figured out what you want to see, but now it’s time to create a detailed plan of attack. Think of your adventure from a strategic perspective. Using New York City as an example: when’s the best time of day to visit the Statue of Liberty (based on crowds)? Is the Museum of Natural History closed on certain days? Do you need a reservation for the restaurant you’ve planned as a “must visit”? Ask yourself questions like these to create a detailed itinerary for yourself, keeping in mind that you’ll want to group sights geographically so you’re not jumping all over the city unnecessarily. If you’re not getting the picture yet, seeing a city quickly is best done with some really good planning.

Move like you’re on a mission! Of course you want to properly enjoy the beauty and wonder of a new place, but don’t forget you’re on a timeline. If you only have a short stay in a location, you need to make the decision: see a couple of things at a leisurely pace, or pack in as much as possible as if your life depended on it. When choosing the latter, approach it like a time-sensitive adventure— it will make your trip seem more exciting than rushed.

Talk to the locals for insider knowledge. You may have done extensive research ahead of time, but local residents are usually the best at giving you vital, location-specific advice. Whether it’s a hotel concierge or a guy on the street, ask around for tips and tricks on local transportation options, what sights might be new and exciting to explore, or where you can find some great local grub.

Be prepared to completely change your plans. Despite all your detailed planning, it’s quite possible that your trip might need to be completely re-worked when you arrive at your destination. The weather could be horrible, or certain sights might be closed unexpectedly. Regardless of what happens, don’t get discouraged. Looking at the big picture, you still have the opportunity to explore a new place. Take charge, change your schedule, and make the most of it!

Whether you want just a really quick getaway, or you have only a day or two to kill before jaunting to your next destination, proper planning is key! So plan like a pro, pack those bags (as lightly as possible, of course), and start exploring the big, big world outside your door.

Safety During Family Adventure Travel Vacations

Some families do best when their vacations are a bit adventurous. Theme parks or lying on the beach are attractive to them only in small doses. These families bond best when their trips include some physical and/or mental challenges such as biking, white water rafting, zip lining through the jungle, or seeing animals up close in the wild.

Choosing Safe Adventure Travel Destinations

When booking an adventure trip abroad, it is easy for parents to assume they will enjoy the same service and safety standards that they are used to in their home country. This is a mistake that can have dire consequences. Parents need to carefully research the destination intended and the activities planned as well as the adventure travel companies and providers. As a general rule, countries diligent about protecting their tourist industries and countries where lawsuits are common are most likely to have stringent safety regulations.

Our agency can assist you in choosing a safe destinations for your vacation.

Choosing Safe Adventure Travel Tour Operators

Never simply choose the cheapest option. It is important to choose tour operators that have years of experience and that will meet your particular travel needs. Our travel agency will help find the right tour operator for you and your family.

Before putting down a deposit for a tour, parents should query the prospective providers and operators by asking the following:

• What is their suggested age minimum for the tour? (Unless the activity is rather mild or you have particularly adept children, assume that the phrase “adventure trips open to all ages” means ages 13 and up.)
• Does the activity require prior experience? Are beginners welcome?
• What is the company’s safety record? What is the worst accident they have had?
• Which safety equipment does the company provide? Do they have equipment in children’s sizes?
• Do they provide food and potable water? (This is a crucial question as dehydration is a common risk in adventure travel.)
• Can the company provide referrals from families who have taken their trips?

Safe Trip Preparation

Families should schedule a pre-trip medical visit at a clinic specializing in Travel Medicine 6 to 8 weeks prior to the trip, leaving enough time to complete any necessary vaccinations. Parents need to consult their insurance companies about coverage abroad and get a list of approved doctors and hospitals at their intended destination. Parents should also consider purchasing supplemental medical coverage for all family members and possibly evacuation coverage, depending on their intended destination and activities.

In addition to the list of doctors at home and abroad, parents should pack a first aid kit as well as sunscreen, insect repellant, and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if applicable.

Knowing the possible risks, taking precautions, and using common sense are crucial to keeping kids safe during a family’s adventurous outdoor activities.

For more information on Family Adventure Travel feel free to give us a call at 1-800-800-7252.

Family Mountain Biking

You may find planning a vacation or what must be done during your vacation can be a challenging task you may undertake. If you find it difficult to decide on what activities you and your family should experience during summer, you may consider a mountain biking trip adventure. This is one of activities during summer that you can enjoy with.

Adventure travel and biking can be done simultaneously because you are able to visits beautiful sceneries of nature while having the benefits of biking . Mountain biking travel adventure can really bring you to fun and enjoyment that you will never forget.

There are advantages that mountain biking travel adventure can bring to you and some of these are: it is an inexpensive form of activity compared to other summer activities; it also provides you the opportunity to reach nature-inspired places; and, it can develop your physical and mental wellness.

A family biking adventure can also an effective way to strengthen bond and have an effective exercise. When you do it together with your family, of course, you have to have a precautionary measure to make your family safe from any form of accident. Adventure travel and biking needs to have standards operating procedure to follow.

Mountain biking travel adventure can last for days. So, it is essential to realize that you have an effective plan most especially when you have your kids with you. Remember to have place included in your program that can house your family if ever you are to last on several days. Always, make fun and relaxation be your top priorities.

You must also include first aid kit when you are out for mountain biking. Remember, accident can be unavoidable so be sure you have your own kit which you can use during those times. Adventure travel and biking also requires a lot of energy so, make sure that you and your family included this in your biking.

There are available information around the net which you can get an information on what are the places that are goon mountain biking sites. You can get adventure travel and biking tips which can really help you to succeed in summer biking adventure that brings a lot of benefits.

Taking advantage of mountain biking trip adventure can be enough to ensure strong family bond. Aside from being able to see places that are close to nature, you can also make it as an essential medium to be able to achieve wellness in life.