Month: April 2018

You might be thinking about booking your next vacation, and might be thinking about how to spend the one to two weeks you are taking off work to fully rejuvenate your body and mind, get away from it all, and take care of your wellbeing. Find a few activities you might consider signing up for when you are enjoying the sunshine, beach, and relaxed atmosphere.

Swimming with the Dolphins

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To get really close to animals and enjoy a refreshing swim in the open waters, you might want to sign up for a tour that allows you to swim with dolphins. Connect with these magnificent and clever animals on a personal level and create an experience for a lifetime. No matter if you are visiting the Caribbean or the Mediterranean region, you will surely find a tour operator that offers this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Canopy Tours

In case you are visiting the rainforest, or have booked a vacation in Costa Rica, you might want to get away from it all and see the world from a different perspective. Canopy tours will let you meet some of the rarest and most endangered species, while you can enjoy fresh air and adventure. Some tours will involve a zip line, so you can get your adrenaline levels elevated while enjoying the stunning scenery.

Spa and Massage

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One of the top choices for relaxing activities is booking a spa and massage day. You can find this service offered by several boutique hotels around the world, but Asia is the best place to visit if you would like a truly professional massage and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. There are great massage & spa facilities all around Asia, including India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Scuba Diving

There is nothing quite like scuba diving and seeing the magical underwater world of the oceans. If you haven’t tried it yet, make sure that you get in touch with a company on your next vacation and sign up for an introductory course. You will love the clear blue and searching for unique creatures under the water. Make sure that you choose a qualified and insured instructor if this is your first time trying scuba diving.

Sailing

If sitting by the pool is not your type of vacation, and you would like to see more than most people visiting the resort, you might hire a sailboat and go on a day trip. Explore new coasts, views, and let the water take you to meet new adventures. Watch the sun set on the horizon and listen to locals’ stories about the different rock formations in the water and on the shores. Sleep on board, jump in the water, or relax in the hammock and soak in the sunshine and tranquility.

In case you have already booked your beach vacation for this year, you might want to choose some activities to help you relax and look after your health and wellbeing. While these are only suggestions, they will help you take a step back from your busy lifestyle and make the most out of your vacation.

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When it comes to making travel plans, you’re probably always going to be excited about doing your research and heading off to somewhere new. However, more often than not, we tend to follow the hottest spots that are trending online, or that people we know are going to. And when this is the case, we often miss out on seeing some of the classics. Because that’s the thing about the US, there are so many different states and cities here to see, that some will always be in the limelight more than others. However, if you’re yet to see some of the best sights that the country has to offer, now’s the time to do it. Whether you tick them off one by one or road trip them all, get booking. Here are the five cities that should be next up on your short break bucket list.

1. New York City

Of course, we’re going to have to kick off with good old NYC. Because there are so many things to do in New York, that if you’ve not been yet, it’s time to book your trip. Season wise, seeing The City in fall is incredible. So if you’re looking to book a trip for a few months time, NYC should be it. Make sure that you book some trips to the different attractions, research the restaurants you want to eat at, and that you see a Broadway show too.

2. San Francisco

Next, we’re going to talk about San Francisco. Because this city with its panoramic ocean views is somewhere that everyone should aim to see throughout their lives. Here, you’ve got the infamous bay to visit and incredible attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Pier 39 to see. And of course, when you’re in California, you’ve got the beautiful weather to soak up too, so make sure you hit the beach.

3. Boston

As one of the oldest cities in the USA, you’re definitely going to want to make some time for Boston. Here, you’ll find the Freedom Trail – a 2.5 mile guided tour of the must-see historical sites in the city. As you walk through, the nation’s founding unveils in front of you. But other than history, there are plenty of things to do here. You also have Fenway Park to stop by and the New England aquarium too.

4. Austin

For a musical city to stop at, head to Austin. Your short break will be full of live music contrast with hiking and biking trails. Attraction wise, you have the Zilker Park with its Barton Springs Pool and Texas State Capitol to visit too.

5. Washington D.C.

And finally, you also have to make sure that you see Washington D.C. at some point on your US city tour too. Alongside the White House, you’ve also got the Lincoln Memorial, United States Capitol, and the incredible National Mall too. And yes, there are plenty of great restaurants in Washington D.C. too. Just in case the foodie in you wanted that part covered.

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Travelling is an incredible thing that we get to do in order to see more. A lot of people hold back from venturing out because they’re scared – whether they admit it or not – and that’s okay. Travel can be a very intimidating thing to do because essentially you’re going somewhere you’ve never been before with new people, new cultures, new languages, new foods, and new surroundings – but that’s the beauty of it. You wouldn’t believe how much diversity there really is until you go off and explore.

It’s always a good idea to keep a little notebook so you can scribble things down in there of what you’d like to do. This list will grow and grow as you cross more things off. You may bump into some locals and they tell you about a hidden gem restaurant that has the absolute best food – write it down.

Here are some more things you should have in that notebook of yours.

Swim with dolphins (in their natural environment!)

People always dream about swimming with dolphins since they were a little child. It’s one of those things that warms the heart because they’re such stunning, inquisitive, intelligent creatures. But if you’re considering it – please don’t go to a pool to do it. They shouldn’t be in captivity, they should be out in the great big ocean – that’s their home. There are plenty of excursions that take you out on a boat and you ride off into the middle of nowhere, only to be greeted by these beauties that just want to play and cure their curiosity. Allowing you to get in the big blue and have an unforgettable experience with them.

Hot air balloon

Let’s face it, as intimidating as the idea is of floating around in the sky in a basket, there is something so exciting and even romantic about it all, drifting up, weightless, above everything on the ground. So you can’t pass up this opportunity to see the world from a new perspective. Aerogelic Ballooning has over 30 years of experience so you are guaranteed the best service around. Not only that, but you can make a whole day of it with champagne breakfasts, dinners, and let’s not forget dessert.

Jump out of an airplane

For all you adrenaline junkies out there, something you just can’t pass up is the chance to throw yourself out of an aeroplane. The thought is an absolutely petrifying one, and yet the rush that comes with it is one that needs to be experienced. If you’re doing it for the first time, choose somewhere with a beautiful scenery so you really get the whole effect. Not only will you be secured to a pro, free falling through the sky, but once you pull the shoot and stabilize – you have to open your eyes as there is so much to take in, it’d be a waste if you didn’t!

You have always been the outdoorsy kind of person who is ready to tackle new adventures and activities with the greatest enthusiasm. This summer you want to make sure that your outdoor activities are all planned out, in case the sunshine decides to peep it’s head through the clouds in the next few months. The ultimate list of thrilling and relaxing outdoor activities is right here for you to explore. Add all of these to your bucket list and your summer plans will be ready to go as soon as the sun starts shining.

1.Wonderful Water

If you are lucky enough to live by the sea or near a large lake then water activities should be at the very top of your to do list this summer. Whether you like to surf in the ocean or snorkel with the sea creatures, there are so many amazing things you can do in the crystal clear seas. If you’d rather do something a little more thrilling in the shimmering seas you might want to buy a water weenie. This is a huge inflatable which you and your friends can sit on and get tugged across the water by a boat. It will provide you with hours of fun so make sure you check them out.

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2.Happy Hiking

When the sun is shining there is nothing more peaceful than hiking up a mountain, hill or even through a large park. Head to your local nature trail and take in the fresh air. Not only is this an awesome form of exercise, but it is a chance to experience nature in the most natural way possible. Make sure you drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen if you are outside in the heat of the midday sun.

3.Cool Camping

Pitching a tent and toasting marshmallows on an open fire is the ultimate summer evening luxury. Sleeping in the outdoors is a liberating and refreshing feeling that everybody should try at least once in their life. It’s even better if you have a musical friend who can bring their guitar along!

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4.Super Sports

Relive your favourite childhood memories and host your very own sports day. Head to your local park and let loose with potato sack races, obstacle courses and running races. You could even set up a barbecue for afterwards, so that everyone can enjoy a beer and a burger after all that tiring work. Whatever type of outdoor sporting activity you enjoy, you can make it into the most fun summer’s day you have ever had.

It is time to starting planning ahead for an action filled summer which is bursting with outdoor activities. Gather your best friends together and have fun being adventurous and active. No more lazy days of sunbathing in the park, it is time to get your body moving this year. You won’t regret adding these adventures to your holiday to do list; your friends will thank you for being so ahead of the game!

When life gets in the way, it can be challenging to let go of your everyday stress and find a new balance. If therapy or mindful thinking doesn’t help, you need to embrace something a little more adventurous. You need to leave the stress behind and let a holiday like nothing else clear your mind. It’s not a matter of finding the sunniest beach for a quick dip in the ocean. Instead, you need a life-changing trip that can help you to find a new way of looking at your life and the obstacles that slow down your natural development or happiness.

The peninsula of Bonifacio

India: for a new enlightenment

If you’re a yoga lover, you’ve probably noticed how stressful your week feels when you’ve got no time to to practice. So let yoga soothe your worries and help you achieve a spiritual level you didn’t think was possible by visiting some of the best yoga retreats in the world. India is the birthplace of yoga, and consequently, it’s the best place to start your quest for peacefulness. Rishikesh is the world capital of yoga and offers the perfect meditation spot alongside the banks of the Ganges. All you need to do is to grab you travel yoga mat and your most comfortable clothes for a trip down the enlightenment lane.

Respect the knowledge of the ancients

When the modern world goes so fast, it can seem as if nothing is real anymore. As if everything existed long enough for an online click before disappearing into nothingness. Find your balance in the traditions of your ancestors. You can find a guided tour of Japan’s cultural highlight to teach you the ways of the samurai. You don’t need to be Japanese to find comfort in the knowledge that simple values such as patience, dedication and respect – the moral code of all samurai – are remembered when everything else is gone.

Let nature heal your wounds

If you’ve been disappointed by people, you might want to remind yourself that there is beauty on the Earth that nobody could spoil. Corsica is one of those places where the sea, the sky, the mountains and the Mediterranean vegetation come together to create an Island of Beauty. If you want to cut yourself from the toxic people in your life, spend a week in Bonifacio, where the views along the coast are so magnificent you’ll believe without a doubt that they’re the result of divine activities.

Volunteer to do good abroad

What if your life-changing holiday was about helping others? Contrary to the common belief, you don’t need to invest more time on yourself to change your mindset and rediscover the magic of life. In fact, you can let selflessness transform you. There are plenty of volunteering programs you can join to make a difference. You can help by building a village’s well in Africa, teaching English in a primary school or even protecting endangered species. Every action you take matters, and every little gesture will make the world a better place so that you can look at the person in the mirror with pride.

In conclusion, let a trip soothe your mind, from spiritual enlightenment to selfless love, you can build for yourself a new balance.

If you are planning a trip to Spain, it is likely that you want to do everything in your power to make it as easy on yourself and as enjoyable as possible. The truth is that here are so many ways to do this that you might not even know where to begin, which is where today’s post comes in. in this article, we are going to take a look at some of the things you can easily do which will mean that you can have a much better time in Spain. These are especially useful if you are looking for ways to make a long trip easier on you, as longer trips can always be more difficult to deal with in many ways. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider to make your long stay in Spain that much easier.

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The Language

Although you don’t need to be fluent in order to get along, it probably won’t hurt to at least learn a little of the Spanish language before you go. Much of it you will undoubtedly pick up during your stay, but if you have a smattering to begin with then it will absolutely help you to do that more anyway. You can look online for the best Spanish language class, such as spanishbananza.com, or you can look in your local area for one involving people you might already know. You only really need to learn a few of the basics to make it easier on yourself, but you will be really glad that you did when it comes to enjoying your stay as much as possible.

The Culture

Fortunately, you will find that the culture is not a million miles away from your own, particularly if you are already of a Western culture. However, there will be some essential differences which it is helpful to know about if you want to make sure that you are not going to suffer any kind of culture shock. It’s worth looking at https://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/spain-guide to get a good idea. One of the biggest differences is in the way that the Spanish people approach their day of work. You will have heard of the siesta, the period of time in the afternoon when the shops close and everyone has a rest or even a nap. Well, this still happens to this day, so you need to be pared not to be able to use many businesses during round 2-4pm. Once you are in the sun heat of that country, you will soon appreciate why a siesta might be such a good idea – but it’s worth preparing yourself for it beforehand.

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The Money

You will want to make sure that you have dealt with the financial side of things as best as possible before you set foot in Spain, as in many ways it can be quite an expensive country, and before you know it you might find that your wallet has been depleted of its funds. As long as you plan ahead as much as you can, however you should find that you can keep a hold of your money pretty easily, so it’s worth bearing that in mind long before you travel. The further ahead you plan, the better you are likely to be with your money, so make sure that you remember that.

When people talk about visiting the USA, many will list numerous major cities that they want to tick off their bucket list. New York often features highly, as do San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Miami to name just a few. Now, the cities do offer an awful lot of distraction and attractions for any visitor. But how about concentrating on something a little more natural for your next vacation? America has so much natural beauty to behold, often just outside of major cities. But perhaps the most stunning landscapes and scenery that you can run into when visiting lies in the country’s astounding and extensive mountain ranges. Now, there are seemingly countless mountain ranges that you can visit, so choosing can become a little difficult. But fear not, we’ve whittled down the options and here are just a few that you might want to consider taking a look at yourself!

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The Rockies

The Rocky Mountains (often referred to simply as “The Rockies”) are perhaps the most recognised mountains in North America. But did you know that they traverse into Canada too? The Rockies stretch from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, to New Mexico. That’s around 3000 miles! So, chances are that if you’re going to visit the Rockies, you’re going to visit a select section of them rather than traversing the whole mountain range. As there’s such an expanse to see, there are also a whole host of things to do. So, you’re going to have to plan your trip thoroughly to get the most out of your time! Choose a national park and stick with it, getting to know it properly, rather than skipping from one national park to another in order to tick as many locations off your bucket list as possible. Remember that it’s the quality of your time in each place that you should cherish, not the number of places you get to see. Colorado has The Rocky Mountain National Park, Montana has The Glacier National Park, Wyoming has The Grand Teton National Park and the world-famous Yellowstone Park, and Idaho has the Craters of the Moon National Monument. Each is stunning in its own right, so do your research and choose wisely!

Black Hills

Another well-known mountain range in the USA is the Black Hills. Forming a major part of the Black Hills National Forest, these mountains rise from the Great Plains of North America in South Dakota and reach all the way to Wyoming. The range’s highest summit is Black Elk Peak (which was formerly referred to as Harney Peak), and this reaches an astounding 7,244 feet in height (or 2,208 metres if you prefer to use the metric system). The Black Hills derive their name from the colouration of the trees in the area, which looks extremely dark when viewed from a distance. Now, there are an awful lot of activities to consider when visiting the Black Hills. Perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in the area is Mount Rushmore, a national memorial which has four presidents engraved on the mountainside. It’s not all too surprising that around three million people visit the site every year! But with all of the crowds, how can you get the best view? Consider giving the months of June, July, and August a miss. This is when the largest crowds head to the monument. You can also take a Presidential Road Trip if you want to learn a little more about the site and the Presidents incorporated into it. As most of your days out in the Black Hills are likely to be relatively active, make sure that you have somewhere comfortable to head back to each evening. Just view here for local rentals that will feel just like home!

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Cascade Range

While the Cascade Range isn’t as much of a household name as the Rockies and the Black Hills, it’s more than worth your consideration for your next mountainous getaway. Just because it is lesser known, doesn’t detract from its sheer size. It’s a major mountain range that extends from British Columbia to Washington, Oregon and Northern California. So, what makes the Cascade Range stand out? Well, the clue lies in its name. Its mountains have a cascading formation and also include various cascading waterfalls, especially in the Oregon area. Many of the peaks in the area exceed 10,000 feet (or 3000 metres) in height, including Mount Hood and Mount Rainier. There are also several volcanoes along its range, but (thankfully for those who intend to climb the peaks) they are extinct and inactive. A few active volcanoes do remain though, which Mount Baker steaming heavily in 1975, and Mount St. Helens actually erupting in both 1980 and 1981. So, before trekking or hiking, make sure you know where you are going and to avoid the active places as best you can. Many believe that the most beautiful scenery to be found in these mountains lies in the numerous streams and lakes that the range has to boast! Remember to take along cameras to catch some of this natural beauty!

These are just three potential mountainous getaways that you could consider when visiting the USA. While there are plenty more out there, hopefully, these examples will whet your appetite and act as a springboard, encouraging you to do a little further research into the opportunities available to you, and helping you to secure the best trip when you do book to travel! While America is home to some of the greatest cities in the world (and we by no means want to take away from that), it’s important to remember that it has truly beautiful, natural scenery too. It’s not all hustle, bustle, and smoke! If you can’t decide between an urban or a rural break, why not consider an extended trip where you can visit a major city, then step back and visit a mountain range that’s relatively nearby? This way, you really can have your cake and eat it!

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Now, when we head away on holiday, we don’t always have to spend our days lounging by a pool or paddling in the sea. There are plenty of alternative holidays out there that you might want to try your hand at too. Specialist trips exist for all sorts of areas of interest. So, for the moment, let’s take a look at climbing holidays. These tend to be a lot more intense than your standard trip, as you’re tackling the elements and exerting yourself physically. If you’re already into climbing, you’re probably pretty set and ready to go. But, if you’ve never tried climbing before, you don’t necessarily have to rule yourself out of this kind of trip. There are plenty of ways to prepare yourself. Perhaps the easiest and safest way to get into rock climbing is to participate in indoor climbing closer to home first. Your first visit may feel a little intimidating, but it will be more than worth the effort, as nine times out of ten you’re going to love the activity – it can prove pretty exciting. What’s more? You’ll be set up with all of the safety equipment and supervision that you could possibly need, so you needn’t worry about falling from a height or getting hurt. A tutor will be able to guide you step by step through all of the basic moves, meaning you add some to your inventory every visit. It won’t be long until you have the essential skills to climb unsupervised and can start planning your climbing holiday. So, if this sounds good to you, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this extreme trip!

Packing

When you’re packing for a climbing holiday, you’re going to have to bring along a whole lot more than a swimsuit and a little sunscreen (though the latter is still essential if you’re heading to a hot or sunny destination, as you’re likely to be exposed to the sun throughout the day). Make sure to have some specialist clothing such as that supplied by ClimbThatRock. This will be lightweight and give you the best freedom of movement. You could also do with investing in some sunglasses that have an attachment so that they don’t fall off as you tilt your head. Find out from your tour operator whether you need to bring any specialist climbing equipment – this may or may not be provided.

Staying Safe

It may be tempting to take to some peaks yourself or with a group of friends. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and you should look into working alongside local professionals. They will be more familiar with the area and the surfaces you will be climbing. They will be able to offer advice on routes to take and areas to avoid. They will also have health and safety training and be able to call for help should help be needed. This could prove life-saving in the long run!

These are just a few things that you should start thinking about when you’re planning a climbing holiday. The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable your trip should be!

Once you’ve been on a skiing holiday, you’ll know that it’s something that you’ll want to do again and again. But before your very first time? That’s a different matter. You’ll be thinking about whether you’ll be any good at skiing, whether you’ll enjoy it, and all the small details that need to be taken care of before you set off and while you’re there. You can take it from us: it’s worth all the thinking time you’ll put into it! And to help you along the way, we’ve put together some useful information that’ll make the planning and execution a breeze. Take a read, and begin looking forward to all those sweet carving moments in the mountains!

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Pick Your Destination

The first thing to think about is where you’re going to go! There’s no shortage of outstanding ski resorts, not just in America but all across the globe. If you pick a big destination like, say, Veil or the Alps, then you’ll be throwing yourself into the best skiing terrain on the planet, and also picking a destination that is always abuzz with an atmosphere. But you can also pick a smaller resort, which may indeed be better if you want to keep things tame on your first outing. Skiing is fun wherever you do it!

And a Solid Group of Friends

Skiing is a primarily solo activity, but it should definitely be a group trip. You might not be chatting all that much when you’re working your way down the mountain, but that’s only going to account for around half the time; the rest is going to be spent riding up on the ski lift or resting your body at the end of the day. For those moments, you for sure want to have a good bunch of people around you to make it all the more fun. And if you go with someone who’s an experienced skier, then you’ll be able to receive some useful pointers along the way.

Limber Up

Skiing isn’t the most strenuous activity on earth, but it does require a degree of flexibility and fitness. In the weeks – or months – running up to your trip, consider doing some light exercises. Yoga is actually terrific when it comes to skiing; it loosens up all your muscles, which you’ll definitely need. Being tense in the mountains is not the way to go! Beyond that, it’s all about aerobics so you can keep going all day long. Who wants to head indoors half-way through the day because they’re tired? No-one!

Plan to take Lessons

You don’t necessarily need to have skiing lessons. If you’re with someone who knows how to ski, then you can pick up everything you need to know in an hour or two. However, with that being said, you’re likely to enjoy your trip much more if you take lessons with a professional when you first arrive. Most of the battle is feeling confident on your skis and on any terrain, and a professional teacher will be able to instil this confidence in you much quicker than a friend. It’s possible to reach a decent skiing level very quickly, but only if you know what you’re supposed to be doing!

Get the Right Equipment

You’re only as good as the skiing equipment that you use. And here’s the other thing: you can’t just use somebody else’s equipment because your skis, boots, and poles all need to tailored to your size and weight, and also because there are different types of skis for different skill levels. As such, make sure you’re getting the equipment that’s right for you by booking online with a company like Bridge Street Ski Haus. It’ll ensure you’re as safe as possible when you’re out there in the mountains.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

You’ll be ready to throw yourself into all the joys of skiing when you’re in that cool mountain air, but it’s important that you don’t overdo it. Tiredness can creep up on you when you’re skiing; it’s usually only when you sit down that you realise just how tired your body is. And after a long flight, you’re likely to be more tired than normal anyway. In the first couple of days of your vacation, make sure you’re heading back to the resort before your body gives up on you; you often have to ski multiple runs just to get back to base.

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Know Your Limits

And on a similar line, make sure you’re not going too far beyond your skill level. Confidence is good; overconfidence is not! Ski what you’re comfortable skiing, and then gradually work your way up. You don’t want to go straight from a small run to a complicated run too quickly. If you can’t make it down without falling over every twenty metres, you’ll only set yourself back. Skiing isn’t a competition – if you’re having fun with the small runs, stay there. You don’t need to impress anybody!

Read the Weather

You will hope that you’ll wake up to blue skies and a layer of fresh powder, but even if you do, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the weather is going to stay that way all throughout the day. Weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountains. You can be in blue skies one moment, and then the next, visibility has been greatly reduced, and you don’t see a thing! Make sure you’re paying attention to the forecast, and always make it back down the mountain before the sun sets.

Nail the Apres-Ski

Finally, there’s the apres-ski, which is very often just as good, if not better, than the skiing itself. When it comes to picking your accommodation, pick somewhere that’ll be perfect for relaxing in the evening. You may not want to venture back out when you’re cold and tired! If you have a space with a roaring fire and enough comfortable seating for everyone, you’ll happily spend your evenings playing games and enjoying each other’s company. Here’s to a fun trip!