Exploring Coral Reef in Fiji

Archive for the ‘Adventure Travel’ Category

Exploring Coral Reef in Fiji

Monday, October 9th, 2006

The first time I ever saw a coral reef in person was on a trip to Fiji. It was actually just an extended layover; I was traveling from Auckland to Los Angeles and I was able to add a layover in Fiji for $20. I figured that I probably wouldn’t have another chance to go to Fiji for $20, so I took it. I started sweating the minute I got off the plane; after spending six months in rainy, temperate New Zealand I wasn’t prepared for eighty degree weather and ninety percent humidity.

After my first night in Nadi I caught a bus and then a boat to one of the outlying islands, where I was to spend four days doing essentially nothing. I brought a couple of books and my pack-able hammock, but when I made it to the island I found that the hammocks were already set up for me. The island was small, but gorgeous. It only housed two resorts, which were essentially right next to each other, and it took three or four hours to walk all the way around the island. Fresh water was somewhat scarce, and rain water collectors made up for the majority of it. The whole island ran on a large generator, so the lights went off at 10pm and didn’t turn on again until morning.

I had heard about Fiji’s great diving, but since I was there for such a short period of time and didn’t have a dive license, I opted to snorkel instead. On my second day on the island I hired a snorkel and a set of fins and set off to explore the coral reef right in front of our resort.

When I plunged into the warm water I felt like I was in a different world. My doctor used to have this big elaborate fish tank filled with fish of all different colors, large and small. Gliding over the coral reef made me feel like I was in a life-sized mock-up of the same tank. Big fish patrolled the shelf of the coral reef while little neon-colored ones flitted in and out of the coral heads. Sea cucumbers loafed about the bottom, while parrot fish nibbled and ground at the coral. I snorkeled all day, checking out the coral reef all around the island. By the end of the day I had a terribly sunburned back and salty hair, but I knew that I was going back in the water the next morning.

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Caribbean Cruise – Vacation Out On Sea

Thursday, September 21st, 2006

A Caribbean cruise may very well be the adventure vacation of a lifetime. A cruise in the Caribbean can be the all inclusive getaway you have dreamed about.

There are many activities to do while on a Caribbean cruise. A cruise ship is much like a floating city. With entertainment, sports, shopping, dining, casinos all onboard. Many Caribbean cruises offer entertainment from Broadway style shows to the latest comedy acts to many styles of music. Some cruises are even themed for certain crowds. There are family cruises, singles cruises, and even religious cruises.

If you aren’t taking in a show, you can enjoy fine dining, bars and lounges while on this floating city.Â After you have indulged, you can exercise in gyms and go swimming in a pool. Some Caribbean cruise lines offer rock climbing walls, golf and other specialty sports.

On board the ship, you may find shops, casinos, spas and more. The ways to pamper yourself may seem endless while you are on a Caribbean cruise. Most popular cruise lines offer programs for the children as well so that the whole family can enjoy the vacation.

A cruise is not just a floating adventure. The cruise ship will stop at various ports of call. While on shore, you will have the opportunity to explore some very exotic destinations. Your Caribbean cruise may stop in Jamaica, Mexico, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Belize, Aruba and more. Perhaps you will try scuba diving, or para-sailing. Maybe you will travel to the markets and shop for local crafts and try some of the local foods. Perhaps you will travel off the beaten trail and go sightseeing. Most Caribbean cruise lines will offer you many choices to suit you own tastes and sense of adventure.

The cost for a Caribbean cruise will vary. Many times there are special offers available. Cruises are available for short durations (a three or four day weekend) to longer vacations as even up to 14 nights. There are also many room options available which will also affect the cost of your Caribbean cruise. Some rooms will give you a view of the ocean, while other rooms are in the interior of the cruise ship. Just as in first class hotels, cruise ships also offer special suites as well as more traditional rooms.

A Caribbean cruise may be just the vacation you have been looking for. It will certainly be a vacation that you will not soon forget. I never forget the Caribbean cruise we went on for our honeymoon. It was most memorable.

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Advantage of Mountain Cabins for Rent

Monday, September 18th, 2006

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a second home away from home? You know, one that differed from the mundane, hectic lifestyle you’re used to. A place where you could simply leave the stress and chaos behind you. Well, this is the reality for many. In fact you too can take advantage of mountain cabins for rent. Invest in a nice getaway with Mother Nature for a few weeks or months. It’s great to get that taste of the primal world before it was contaminated by man. Breathe in the fresh air and soak up the silence when you stay in mountain cabins for rent.

Did you know there are mountain cabins for rent in the Smokey’s? How ideal would it be to drop everything and load up the family for a trip down into the Carolina Mountains? I can honestly tell you from experience that they’re amazing. As you cruise up those curvaceous county roads, you’ll not only notice a decrease in chaos, but you’ll also notice an increase in clean air. There’s plain and simply nothing like fresh mountain air.

You will notice what I’m raving about the first time you soak it up and take it in. It’s much healthier for the lungs and body. Fortunately this is one of the places we have left to retreat, away from the smog. I am jealous of my brother who actually had an old-school cabin built on his own land. Of course he had a slight advantage since his mother-in-law owns thousands of acres. When the land comes for free, the building costs no longer seem so bad. Now days he enjoys his personal home away from home whenever he likes. Be it winter or summer, the hand crafted cabin is a blast.

However, for those of us who cannot afford building our very own cabin, there are mountain cabins for rent. Therefore we might as well take advantage of all they have to offer. It’s fairly simple to get online and see what it is I’m taking about. You can choose from a variety of mountain cabins for rent, all differing in price range. If you do find one you like, I recommend booking it as soon as possible. This will ensure that you do get the country dwelling of your dreams. Jump into cyberspace and check it out. Sometimes it’s fun and exciting to just get away from it all.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Cabin, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Rental, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Looking for Mountain Cabins for Rent

Wednesday, September 13th, 2006

Some of the best vacations I’ve ever had have been by way of staying in mountain cabins for rent.Â When vacation time finally rolls around after an especially stressful year, there’s really no better way to relax than by staying in mountain cabins for rent. When you’re in a remote cabin in a beautiful, wooded environment, you can’t help but just take it easy and relax. In fact, you’re almost forced to relax, so if you’re like me and have a hard time taking it easy you might want to look into some mountain cabins for rent.

Mountain cabins for rent aren’t as much money as you would expect, either. You can get a good-sized cabin in a beautiful area for around the same price you’d pay for a nice hotel in a big city. There are some great deals on mountain cabins for rent in Yosemite, for instance. Yosemite is definitely what I would call the most beautiful region on Earth, and I’ve been to a lot of other really scenic areas around the country and world. There two best ways to really see a place like Yosemite is either backpacking or renting a mountain cabin; backpacking may be even more scenic, but the cabin is by far more luxurious!

Of course, the larger and much nicer mountain cabins for rent are more expensive. If you go with a group of friends, however, you can split up the costs to the point where its actually cheaper than staying in hotel. Spending a few days in a mountain cabin with a group of friends can be a lot of fun to boot. Fishing, hiking, swimming, hunting, bird watching, lake sports, jumping off cliffs into a freezing cold river, getting chased by mountain lions, whatever you’re into you can find it in the woods.

Renting out a smaller more intimate mountain cabin can be a great idea for a romantic getaway as well. Mountain cabins for rent basically ensure that you’ll have plenty of quality time to spend with that special someone. A trip to a hotel in a big city is great too, but its very easy to get caught up in all the sights and sounds of the town and to forget about the real reason you’re getting away; to be with each other.

For a nice change of pace in you next vacation, consider looking into some mountain cabins for rent. You’ll likely be surprised on what kind of great deals you can get, and you’re sure to have an excellent, enjoyable, and truly relaxing time.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Budget Travel, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Nature Preserve, Rental, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Taking London Sightseeing Tours

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006

Have you ever want to travel the world. Dump the job and just take off on a never-ending journey. See new places and try new things all the time. Of course you can’t literally do this unless you’re independently wealthy or have recently won the lottery. Nevertheless, it does sound rather ideal to most of us. On the other hand, you could save a little dough and take a trip or two once in a while. This is completely feasible, and is actually what most of us do. Since we all don’t have a fat bank account like Paris Hilton, we simply have to budget and plan. I know one of the getaways I’m planning for involves Europe. I’m talking about London sightseeing tours. Doesn’t that sound like a blast?

Have you ever considered London sightseeing tours? This is a great way to get away from your everyday setting and check out something new and exciting. With London sightseeing tours you can not only get out of the states for a bit, but you can learn a great deal about landmarks and culture. Take a close-up gander at all London, England has to offer. You’ll never guess what got me interested in London sightseeing tours.

However, I’ll tell you anyway. It was the very first serial killer in recorded history. You know, the one who had a grudge against the ladies of the night; therefore he hunted them down and butchered them like a mad man. You guessed it; Jack the Ripper. Now please don’t tell me that this never peaked your interest. Although it is a grisly part of London’s history, I find it intriguing to say the least.

Are you considering London sightseeing tours for your next big adventure? Hey, let me give you a small piece of advice. The best place to begin your trip is at home. I’m referring to your personal computer. If you have Internet access, you can easily hop online and start sorting through a number of excellent package deals and specials regarding London sightseeing tours and much more. I don’t care where you’re headed, the Internet can lend a hand. Find the best roundtrip airfare deals and book that perfect room at a low cost. With contemporary London sightseeing tours, you can have it all. Hop on Google and see what I mean.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Children, England, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Tours, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Things to Do on Canada Vacations

Monday, August 21st, 2006

Canada vacations are some of the most satisfying getaway solutions. With the summer heat the way it is in some of our towns, a cooler, or freezing winter in Canada is actually inviting. With half the world at war, the politically free and socially indifferent Canadians seem like a welcome community. And with the fascinating history, locations, events, and activities available in the deep north, Canada vacations give promise to otherwise droll weeks of work.

Where could you plan to visit on Canada vacations?

Wow. So many locations to cover in this the second largest country in the world–from Alberta to Quebec to Ontario to BC (British Columbia). Add Manitoba, Vancouver Island, and Newfoundland (not Canada, but nearby). Then consider specific tourist attractions as the awesome Niagara Falls, the stunning Banff National Park, and the equally majestic Jasper National Park.

What can you do and see during your Canada vacations?

Go hiking, waterskiing, sporting, then try the wilder regions where hunting and fishing draw hundreds of professional and casual sportsmen. Catch a hockey game with the Edmonton Oilers five-time Stanley cup champions. Try the French-Canadian cuisine, the maple syrup, the galumpies (what my Mom calls them, anyway) and the gallettes.

And none of this is appealing to you yet, consider getting involved somehow in all that Canada vacations have behind them great people, natural entities, and a rich history (free of international strife!). That is, think about some of the vital info, found on Canada vacations sites in the trivia categories though by no means is this info all that trivial:

Go check out the CN Tower, which is 553.33 meters high.

Take the challenge to scale the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, in British Columbia.

Go kayaking, boating, or whitewater rafting down the longest river in Canada, the Mackenzie, which starts in the Northwest Territories and ends up at the Hudson Bay.

Visit the big cities in Quebec; buy art from the locals or the Inuits; take in a culture fair or festival with the Canadians who live up to their country s name, Canada, or Kanata, village, or indulge in some of the hottest clubs and hot spots.

In fact, don’t forget, such brilliant comics as Mike Myers, Caroline Rhea, Tom Green, Dave Foley, Jim Carrey, John Candy, Phil Hartman, Dan Akroyd, Tommy Chong, and Martin Short all hailed from Canada, so your Canada vacations, should they for some ungodly reason be lacking, could include a visit to a local comedy club! No visitors should miss it.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Budget Travel, Canada, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Nature Preserve, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Green Valley Ranch Resort, Las Vegas

Thursday, August 17th, 2006

Look at the advertisement photos for the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas and you can not only imagine yourself there but can imagine the place filled with classic celebrities. I see the likes of Elvis or one of his characters, like Rick conversing or conferring in the fabulous indoor pool room with the welcoming overstuffed chairs and matching footrests or better, do one of his classic group songs where he sings and plays the git while the go-go girls, clad only in fringed two-piece suits shimmy around him and the shimmering blue pool.Â One can also see Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. kicked back and tipping back clinking cocktails, or Wayne Newton and his entourage taking over this area of the Green Valley Ranch Resort during a break from sets in the lounge.

You can also see the likes of any celebrity at the outdoor pool of Green Valley Ranch Resort which is lined with symmetrically, artistically, and even ergonomically apt lounge chairs: you can imagine Lucille Ball and Dezi Arnez, or Jerry Lewis, or Jackie Gleason, relaxing in between sets or gigs, enjoying the cabana service, the fresh air and sun, the deep Mediterranean teal blue pool.

I get these nostalgic impressions from the decor especially that which is a delightful throwback to or simulation of the fifties and sixties, but the decor also changes, progresses, as do the amenities at Green Valley Ranch Resort. For example, the spa facilities are shown by photos with sleek women stretched out in meditative repose, smooth stones lining their backbones or special skin treatment solutions (that look like egg yolk batter or paint) being applied as they recline in quiet serenity. Therefore, I get the sense that if they were to visit Las Vegas and were to choose Green Valley Ranch Resort, big stars like Angelina Jolie or Michelle Pfieffer or Ving Rames or Brad Pitt would be in their vacationing element in spas like these.

Of course, big time gamblers like Ben Affleck would look and feel just as right in the Green Valley Ranch Resort casino (if he/they didn’t feel up to going a few hundred feet away to the strip and the other gambling houses); and the entertainment, which turns out to be advertised with a nod toward Hollywood, is both indoor and outdoor delight at the Green Valley Ranch Resort. So come to think of it, I can see myself lounging at the water, getting pampered in the spa, or gambling like all get out. Check out the photos and slide show of the Green Valley Ranch Resort and I would BET you can imagine yourself there, as well.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Las Vegas, Resorts, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Popular Adventure Travel Vacations

Monday, August 14th, 2006

You can’t help but notice this new category of travel. Known as Adventure Travel this is a new way to travel that is not just popular among the youth and those whose veins are filled with adrenaline, but even among ordinary people like you and me!

It is not really difficult to fathom why. Regular travel, has, over the years gotten boring and predictable. With the prices of airfare coming steadily down and package tours becoming more common than ever before, conventional travel has become stifling, overcrowded and boring. The sense of adventure that is usually associated with travel has become obsolete. Until adventure travel came on the scene that is. With adventure travel, travel can once more become that exalted activity that brings us in touch with new cultures and people and broadens our horizons. The very raison de etre for adventure travels unique experiences as something that all of us, irrespective of our personal preference of travel, want!

A sample adventure travel trip for instance could offer you a very unique way of seeing an otherwise popular destination. Now, most people you and I know have been on a Caribbean travel trip. They would have visited the same old beaches, stayed in the same old hotels, driven along the same old roads and seen the same old touristy sights. But sample what an adventure travel trip to the Caribbean could offer. You could take an eco-trek through the Caribbean rain forests, you could see the birds, the insects and the animals up close, you could camp with the local inhabitants and learn more about them, their costumes, their food and their culture by actually interacting with them and you could discover the joys of virtually deserted, unspoiled beaches. All of this while being relatively close to the popular tourist destinations, yet away from the humdrum and drab experiences.

Or imagine an adventure travel trip to Australia. While most travelers do the staid, old, boring city hop across the continent, you could, as part of your adventure travel trip, balloon your way across the continent, snorkel in the great barrier reef, share a billy with a jolly swagman and waltz with mathilda and a joey or two in the bush country! Doesn’t the adventure travel option sound like more fun when compared to the regular travel option?

It is precisely to cater to this need for a unique and interesting travel experience that the genre of adventure travel came into existence. And adventure travel is not a genre that is restricted to the teens and tweens. Increasingly, older adults are opting to go on adventure travel trips. And they are having more fun, learning much more and reliving their experiences at every given opportunity, much to the envy and consternation of regular travelers. Adventure travel is getting common now. It doesn’t need to be more dangerous than the normal travel, you too could be the one to go on an adventure travel trip. The destination can be somewhere you visited or somewhere you have always want to spend some time at.

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Iceland Vacation – Unforgettable Hot Springs

Friday, July 21st, 2006

My Iceland vacation last summer was one of the high points of my life. You may not believe it but I can honestly say that I have never had a more fun-filled trip than my Iceland vacation. This might sound strange to you, as I’ve gone all over the world, and been doing it for twenty years now, but really there is no more picturesque place on earth than Iceland in the Summer. It is always light, and the hills surrounding the deep fjords are covered with delicate, beautiful wildflowers. Although trips to Iceland can be kind of pricey (think about it â€“ taking a cruise ship to one of the more remote destinations in the world) the cost of it is completely worth it. I would recommend an Iceland vacation to anyone who appreciates the ocean, the mountains, or the delicate grassy shores of this varied and fascinating land.

Typically, an Iceland vacation will start with a cruise from one of the many ports of Europe. Of course, you can fly directly into Reykjavik, but you don’t know what you are missing by doing that. You will not have the opportunity to sail through the beautiful deep natural harbors, and look at all of the quaint farming villages perched delicately on the rocky shores. You won’t be able to smell the ocean air on your Iceland vacation, or see the beautiful island rising in the distance.

Of course, the high point of Iceland vacations is neither the boat trip there, nor the picturesque scenery once you arrive. It is the natural hot springs, which are known all over the world. During your Iceland vacation, be sure to enjoy this native national pastime. It is true, people all over Iceland spend most of the winter, and much of the summer months as well, blissfully soaking in these springs to pass the long months of night away in relative comfort. They are scattered all over the island, and during your Iceland vacation, you should be able to visit one that is relatively private to enjoy this native treasure.

Make sure to go around the rim road during your Iceland vacation. Much of the interior of the country is barren and icy â€“ virtually impassible. Although a good bit of the south of Iceland is inhabited, the only way to get up north is via a single road that traverses the whole rim of the island.

I will definitely visit iceland again. Actually, I hope to be able to schedule another iceland vacation in the next few years. It’s impossible not to miss the beautiful scenery and the hot springs. No where else can you find similar experience.

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La Jolla Kayak Tour at San Diego

Wednesday, July 12th, 2006

My friend was telling me there’s nothing to do in San Diego. Nothing? You can be sure I set him right! If you’re visiting San Diego (or even if you live in San Diego and haven’t done it already), a La Jolla kayak tour may be one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in the San Diego area. Kayaking from La Jolla beach has been a popular pastime for years, and for good reason.

Imagine, you head down to the beach with your kayak, your life jacket, and your paddle. You sit on your boat and slide it into the water; since it’s a sit-on-top your feet aren’t trapped in the boat and if you want you can just swim off of it. You charge out into the surf and you’re soon off of the breakers. Heading away from the beach, the sounds of the waves breaking over the beach are replaced by a deeper boom up the coast. Soon you see the sea caves as well as hear them. Showing up as big openings in the side of the cliff, huge sea caves have been eaten into the cliff wall by years of pounding surf. Depending on the size of the waves that day, the character of the sea caves can range from quiet, echoing churches to thundering maelstroms (though if it’s a big surf day you’ll probably be advised not to go anywhere near the caves. Though they’re completely safe on a calmer day, big waves can make the caves extremely dangerous).

These gorgeous caves are only a ten or fifteen minute paddle from the beach, and if you’re lucky you’ll see seals and sea lions lounging about on the warm rocks or going for a playful swim around your kayak. You can even paddle through some of the arches and around the caves if you’re comfortable with it. If you’re not a very strong paddler, you can always rent a tandem kayak with a friend, as these are more stable and easier to paddle than the singles. It’s also possible to hire a guide for the afternoon to show you around the caves.

La Jolla kayak tours aren’t only limited to the caves. Though most La Jolla kayak rental companies run trips or rentals to the caves, another option is to hire a kayak, either with or without a guide, to go kayaking fishing off of La Jolla beach. La Jolla kayak fishing can get you into places you could never reach with a conventional fishing boat, and since you’re quieter and less conspicuous in a kayak than you are in a big fishing boat, kayak fishing usually translates to better fishing.Â Which ever route you go, kayaking La Jolla is a great way to spend time in the San Diego area. I always enjoy my regular kayaking session at San Diego.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Beach, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, San Diego, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Archive for the ‘Adventure Travel’ Category