Making a Family Vacation Educational and Still Fun

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Now I have two little girls and I am going to tell you that I love taking them on vacation. I love exploring new things and watching them experience something fun and completely new to them. When I first started being so fascinated in taking them places for vacation I started with just the normal stuff. When I say normal stuff I mean things like theme parks and stuff like that. But then one day I asked myself "what if I could make this whole vacation experience something that really taught my girls something.

With that intention I started searching for fun things to do that were also educational. I had what I feel, as becoming pretty successful at helping my family have a great time and learn a few things so I wanted to share some of those ideas with you.

One thing I do is go to the information center in any city we visit. At the information center you will find all kinds of normal vacation stuff, but I guarantee within all that normal vacation stuff you will find something either history or science related. You know like an old house that was around during the civil war that has a bunch history or a hands on science kind of place that the kids would really enjoy.

So I grab the brochures that have to do with either topic and I get out my tablet computer. Ok, if you don't have a some kind of tablet computer or lap top computer then all you have to is go to the local library and use their computers. Or you can check at your hotel. Between those options its almost impossible to not find some kind of internet connection. Well, that's my experience anyway.

Your next step is to do a little research on the history site or the science focused vacation spot. Now you might be thinking, what if they don't have any information on the internet about that history site or science center. Well don't worry. If you can't find anything directly on it. All you have to do is search the specific time frame of the history or the general topics covered in the science place. When you do that click on google video search. Then watch some of the videos with the kids. Then take personal note of the information in the videos. When you do that you can find all kinds of things to relate the experience you have at the locations with the videos. My experience has been every time when I do this is seeing excited little eyes that are having a blast and really learning. And when I say learning something I am talking from a deeper experience you don't get in a class room.

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Expeditions Abroad

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For many people going abroad means heading to a tropical island with golden sands and turquoise oceans to relax in luxury for a few days. Expeditions abroad however, offer a different type of trip that can include a number of elements. This can be a great memorable experience you carry with you for life. Many organised expeditions abroad are done so through expedition companies who specialise in adventure travel and trekking adventure. They will attend to your travel plans, provide an itinerary for the trip and offer safety and welfare advice to make sure you are comfortable on your trip. Many companies who offer this kind of service work with schools, youth clubs and other organisations and expeditions abroad are usually taken on, on a team basis.

The idea of going as a group or team, firstly means safety in numbers - as some of the locations can be very remote and unknown territory can be quite daunting for anyone. Secondly to take on any expedition is a great bonding experience and challenge, which can develop interpersonal skills and other skills like leadership, motivation and trust. Such qualities are vital for such expeditions. Many companies offer various trips to regions all over the world. It can range from volunteering in third world countries, which can involve such activities like assisting in construction of local amenities like playgrounds, schools and community centres. It can also involve simply assisting locals and natives with community projects and helping children to learn. These trips are a great bonding experience and tend to evoke intense emotion - and can really help you to develop your own self whilst helping others.

Other expeditions abroad might involve trekking or climbing. Regions like Iceland are visited regularly by groups who want to endure something different and challenging. These kinds of expeditions involve around 4 days on the move, breath-taking scenery and trekking mountains in order to see some amazing sites of the world and in Iceland itself the sites of the hot springs. The locations can vary from Africa, Asia, North and South America to Europe and South East Asia. So as part of an expedition group you could find yourself trekking in the Amazon jungle or whale watching in Northern Europe. The activities are endless and your expeditions abroad needn't be stressful. Adventure travel companies are specialists in expeditions around the world so always seek advice and explore their options before you do anything else!

World Challenge are a premier independent trekking company offering Expeditions Abroad. World Challenge provides adventure travel, trekking, volunteer work and expeditions in the developing world. Travel on your own or with friends, and explore the world as part of a World Challenge team.

Enjoy Extreme Adventures in Exotic Destinations

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Are you a water-sports lover? Do you love deep water diving, parasailing, boating or surfing? If yes, then without giving a second thought, you must fly to some southeast destinations for immense fun. Southeast destinations like Bangkok and Manila are amazing place to visit if you are looking to have a great adventure holiday with your friends. Around the world packages for a good holiday are offered by the travel companies to these destinations. All you need to do is pack your bags and come to this exotic destination.

Flights around the world are available for southeast countries. The capital of Philippines, Manila is a great place to start off your trip. There are many airlines providing cheap flights to Manila. The city offers you best choice for water-sports and shopping. The destination is perfect for romantic getaway as well as trips with family or friends. The sparkling blue beaches of Manila will mesmerize you with its beauty and indulging in water-sports here is a lifetime experience.

You can enjoy snorkeling, surfing, swimming and boating here. Even if you are new to these sports you need not worry as experts are always there to train you and help you enjoy the sports to the fullest. In addition, shopping in Manila is also fun. The city has number of malls and markets where you can shop for electronic gadgets, computer parts, jeans, fashion accessories, footwear and many more.

After spending a great time in Manila, Bangkok will further add to your fun and excitement. So, book your tickets well in advance. Cheap air tickets to Bangkok can be booked through internet or any travel company. A tour package will save you from all the hassles and you can easily enjoy your trip to Manila and Bangkok.

We all know Bangkok is famous all over the world for being one of the hottest holiday destinations. The capital of Thailand is famous for many recreational activity, great dinning and vibrant nightlife. If you wish, you can enjoy some more water-sports or other fun activities in Bangkok. You can go for boat rides in waterways of Chao Phraya River which divides the city into two. You can also visit Bangkok's Siam Ocean World for an amazing experience.

Other than the above activities mentioned the nightlife in Bangkok is something you shouldn't miss. There are a number of bars and nightclubs where you and your friends can party hard all night. Enjoy hip-hop, jazz, salsa with the energetic crowd of the city.

Though these destinations can be visited throughout the year but the ideal time to visit to southeast destinations especially Bangkok and Manila is from November to February since the climate is cool during this time of the year.

Both these destinations have become favorite holiday spot for the visitors across the world. Around millions of tourists come here throughout the year. The scenic beauty, fascinating history, museums and monuments add to the charm of the cities. Every street of these destinations has something for you to enjoy. So come and explore these awesome destinations this season.

Shally Camroon is a English writer. She graduated from California State University in 2008 with English Literature. She is writing for different domain as health, services, travel and real estate. Presently she is writing for cheap flights to Manila, flights around the world Tickets to Bangkok.

Why The Best Whitewater Rafting Trips Start With The Outfitters

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If you enjoy the outdoors and it's time for a vacation then a vacation where you can experience all of the beauty and thrills of a whitewater rafting trip makes for a vacation experience you'll remember for a lifetime. To ensure you're getting that ultimate rafting vacation, you need to connect with the best whitewater rafting outfitter to make sure that you definitely have someone who knows where the best rafting is but that you're working with professionals who will ensure your safety as well.

Even though there are six classes of whitewater, they range from basically a float trip all the way through the truly impossible. When you're first starting out, you'll definitely want to start off on the Class I and Class II rapids so you can get used to how the raft reacts and what to expect. Guides from the best whitewater rafting outfitters know exactly where you need to be so you can enjoy the best experience for your skill without pushing too hard on your abilities.

Higher classifications like Class III and Class IV will be the sets you'll want to explore next once you have some experience so you can enjoy the faster rapids and the harder challenges. These sections not only have some truly great rapids but have some scenery that is truly amazing. For those who truly want a challenge, connecting with the best whitewater rafting outfitters to go on some top end Class IV and Class V rapids will give you the thrill of a lifetime. These are the toughest navigable waters for only the most experienced and should only be attempted with expert guides.

Ensuring you've found the best whitewater rafting outfitters will ensure you're working with guides who know exactly what they're doing. Rafting can be one of the most amazing experiences you'll ever have but if you're not working with the best they can also be some of the scariest as well. There are a lot more great guide companies than there are bad ones so you'll pretty much know that ones that have been in business for years will give you the confidence they know what they're doing.

Vacations are a special time regardless of when you go on one. By working with the best whitewater rafting companies, you'll know that when you book a vacation with them that you'll definitely be having a great time. Whitewater rafting trips, especially the 3 and 4 day excursions and family rafting trips, give you the opportunity to experience the best that the outdoors has to offer.

You don't have to settle for the boring vacation anymore, you can now find the best whitewater rafting and have the adventure of a lifetime. AVA's Colorado Rafting can turn your vacation into excitement with group, overnight and family rafting trips.

Discover the Riveting Beauty of Costa Rica's Natural Wonders and Wildlife

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A premiere eco-tourism destination, Costa Rica is a treasure trove for wildlife adventure. Its numerous national parks are nature's live theater, inhabited by rare and magnificent species, while its wonderful hiking trails meander through the country's natural wonders.

Hiking in Costa Rica

Beautiful trails abound in the humid rain and cloud forests, on the clay paths skirting the numerous volcanoes and through the tracks of wildlife refuges and biological reserves. Nature hikes range from well-marked easy paths to challenging trails that traverse through a variety of ecosystems in the country's rich forests, volcanoes and coasts.

The numerous trails around Arenal Volcano will awaken your spirit of adventure while the easily accessible hiking paths in Cahuita National Park follow the coastline. Corcovado National Park is an excellent venue for enthusiastic hikers and offers outstanding wildlife viewing. Other great hiking areas include the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where a range of easy hikes lead to boiling mud pots, bird-filled forests with waterfalls and water holes where hikers can soak in cool waters.

Hiking in Costa Rica is the way to experience what nature and the pristine diverse environs have to offer. The scenery is truly splendid and wildlife viewing and adventures are best realized on foot.

Wildlife Adventures

The rainbow colors of scarlet macaws, toucans and flashes of blue and green hummingbirds envelop the forests with vibrant sights and sounds. Monkeys galore, including white capuchins, howlers and others are easily spotted cavorting through the dense forest branches, with iguanas and coatimundis hot on their heels. Shaggy fur sloths, camouflaged by green-tinted algae, barely move to make themselves indistinguishable from their surroundings. Red-eyed tree frogs, electric-blue morphos, the neon spectacle of the butterfly world, make for an awe-gaping show.

Throughout Costa Rica, wildlife refuge centers, natural wildlife museums and nature reserves abound. Monte Verde Cloud forest alone boasts a reptile museum, a butterfly house and several other natural museums. Tortuguero National park is home and refuge to the world's most diverse range of turtles, including Hawksbill, Green Sea, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, which nest along its pristine beaches throughout much of the year. A sloth sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates injured sloths, and the Barra Del Colorado Wildlife Refuge offers a protected wildlife environment to a wide range of animals.

Costa Rica boasts a tempting wildlife environment featuring both guided wildlife exploration with expert naturalists as well as a myriad of self-guided opportunities.

Rich, lush and teeming with biodiversity, Costa Rica is one of the world's best all-encompassing adventure destinations for every age and every type of traveler. Its coastline boasts superb beaches, and inland, its volcanoes and numerous great rainforests flourish. Coupled with excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as a countless range of additional adventure activities, Costa Rica is an ideal family adventure vacation destination.

I'm a trip consultant, planner and manager who loves creating unique intercultural adventures for families. I want to impart information,tips and personal experiences especially related to family adventure travel http://familyadventuretravelworks.com/

Kenya and Tanzania Safaris - 12 Days Circumnavigation Wildlife Safari Itinerary

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Kenya and Tanzania safaris offer the finest combinations in terms of wildlife viewing. A wildlife safari combining these 2 countries offers the ultimate African safari experience. One can never dream of anything thing more in terms of safaris. To cover the entire safari parks, one would need a minimum of 8 days to enjoy a value-for-money. However, an ideal tour would require at least 12 days, given the distances to be covered and the various sites to be visited. Today, I propose a 12-day Kenya and Tanzania safari, only for the serious wildlife safari lovers.

Day One: Arrival Nairobi

On your first day of the Kenya Tanzania Tour, you are met at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you are met by Hallmark Travel Planners representative. You are transferred to you hotel in Nairobi. for overnight. You are booked on Bed and Breakfast

Day Two: Drive Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

After your breakfast, you are picked up from your hotel and at around 0830 hrs, and commence the approximately 3-hour drive from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park. The distance between Nairobi and Lake Nairobi National Park is about 180 kilometers. Enjoy a game drive en route to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, game drive in Lake Nakuru National park. Later drive back to Lake Naivasha area.

You will have dinner and overnight at a lodge around Lake Naivasha.

Day Three: Drive Lake Nakuru to Maasai Game Reserve

On the third day of safari, you will enjoy an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National park, followed by breakfast. After breakfast begin the drive westwards past Mount Longonot, past Narok area to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The distance between Lake Nakuru National park and Masai Mara reserve is around 350 kilometres and the drive will take you about 5 hours. You will arrive for lunch at a safari lodge or camp. After lunch, rest till around 1600 hours and then proceed on a game viewing drive lasting till sunset. Then return to your lodge or camp for the night.

Day Four: Full Day of Game Viewing in Maasai Mara Game Reserve

This is your forth day on safari and you wake up in Masai Mara. You begin the day with an early morning game drive in Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Then return to the lodge for breakfast at around 8 am. After breakfast, leave the lodge with Picnic lunches. You spend the whole day game viewing in the Mara. You may also visit a Maasai Village this afternoon. At 1800 hours, return to the lodge or camp for overnight.

Day Five: Leave Masai Mara for Tanzania a - Shores of Lake Victoria

Today you take an early breakfast and leave to cross the border into Tanzania. You arrive the Isebania border town by around 1100 hours. After customs and immigration procedure, our counterparts from the Tanzania will meet you for the drive to the shores of Lake Victoria. You spend the afternoon at a lodge on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Day Six: Drive into Serengeti Game Reserve

After breakfast at your hotel, leave Lake Victoria for Serengeti Game Reserve. With game drive en route, you will arrive at a lodge in Serengeti a at around 1200 hours. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

At around 1600 hours, proceed on a game run in the vast Serengeti till sunset before you return to the lodge or camp for the night.

Day Seven: Day of safari in the Serengeti reserve

On this day, the vast Serengeti game reserve is at your service. The whole day is dedicated for game viewing with your guide. All meals and overnight at your lodge in the Serengeti

Day Eight: Leave the Serengeti and drive to Ngorongoro

After early morning game drive and breakfast at your lodge in the serengeti, depart Serengeti driving southwards through the Ngorongoro conservancy area. There is a stop-over at the Olduvai Gorge to visit the Olduvai Gorge. This is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world and has been instrumental in furthering understanding of early human evolution. It has sometimes been referred to as the Cradle of mankind.

You then proceed on to arrive a lodge or camp located on the Ngorongoro Crater rim in time for late lunch. After lunch, enjoy the view and landscape from the comfort of your lodge for the rest of the afternoon. You spend this night at a lodge or camp located on the crater rim.

Day Nine: Crater Tour

This is the day of the ngorongoro crater tour. After breakfast at your lodge or camp, you descend into the crater for a tour lasting till 1700 hours. Then drive up, back to the lodge for dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.

Day Ten: Ngorongoro - Arusha - Amboseli

After breakfast, begin the drive to Arusha and onward to Namanga and Amboseli. Packed lunch is taken to be carried and take en route. At Namanga border, you met again by our counterparts from Kenya. After the immigration and customs procedures, you drive into Amboseli National Park for the night.

Day Eleven: Day in Amboseli

This is the last day of your Kenya and Tanzania Safari. Enjoy it. You begin with breakfast at the lodge or camp, then leave the lodge with picnic lunches for a full day game running in the Amboseli park. You may visit a masai village on this day too. The images of huge African elephants wandering across the African savannah with the snowy peak of Mt Kilimanjaro in the background are known even to armchair travellers. Such images epitomize Amboseli National Park and highlights the stark contrasts Africa has to offer. Overnight at your lodge in Amboseli.

Day Twelve: Drive from Amboseli - Nairobi - Depart

This could be your last day in Africa. It is certainly your last day on this particular safari. It all depends on your international flights. You could still do an early morning game drive in Amboseli or just sleep a little bit longer and then leave after breakfast. Depart for Nairobi. You drive to the airport for your homebound flight, or if, you have a late evening flight, enjoy a dinner a the Carnivore restaurant then transfer to the airport.

The price for such a tour depends on a few things, namely, the season of travel, the number of persons traveling together and the type of accommodation chosen during the safari. The price can range from US$2000 per person to US$6000 per person based on the above factors.

And now, I would like to invite you to view samples of our Kenya and Tanzania Safaris. However, you can also view our Kenya Safaris page or the Tanzania Safaris page. Finally, check out our main site on African Travel and Safaris for more insight into planning your African tour. Feel free to contact us for a tailor-made tour too.

From Aaron Ladebe - Editor and African Safari Expert at African Travelhub/Hallmark Travel Planners.

Ranthambore National Park - Pictorial Ruins Amidst Wildlife

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Ranthambore Park, a chief tiger reserve today, once served to be the hunting grounds for the maharajas of Jaipur. Apart from tiger, Ranthambore wildlife boasts of its chital (spotted deer) and sambar (largest deer of India) population. Additionally, the reserves show offs a large sphere of rich and varied flora and fauna. An important feature of this park is that the Vindhaya plateau runs into the Aravali range here. It is hugged by the River Chambal on its South and River Banas in its North. Once you begin exploring this park, you will come across steep rocky hills, dry deciduous forest, lakes and rivers and open grassy meadows.

Safari rides inside the park are precisely regulated and the entry of private vehicles is restricted. A reservation for a safari ride has to be made in advance with the Forest Department. The chances of spotting a tiger are good, but plan about two or three safaris if you really want to see a tiger. Even if a tiger is not spotted, the ride through the park is worth for its scenic beauty alone. It is a rare chance to wander amidst such a huge region of virgin bush in India. Do not miss it! Ranthambore India tourism runs 3 hours safari trips everyday.

You must capture the unique green patches in your camera while you are in the Ranthambore National Park. Bring along with you 400 or 800 ASA films, since the undergrowth in the park is very dense and dark in places. The prime time for finest photography is March and April, when the reserve is at its best. If you want real good pictures, opt for a jeep safari instead of canters. Keep some warm clothes along side, you may need them during a morning safari. Some jungle guides suggest that the park visitors must avoid wearing bright colors as they often tend to irritate the tiger. You must be well prepared for a jungle safari. Bring a mosquito repellent, a cap and a bottle of water, specifically in October and November.

During you Ranthambore National Park tour, savor the experience of staying in a tent house. There are some luxurious tent houses outside the reserve, which are equipped with all the necessary facilities. These tents have an over sized bed, dining table, attached bathrooms and dressing sections. Stay in them to experience raw base camping without any compromise on ease and comfort.

The Ranthambore National Park remains open for tourists from the first week of October until the end of June. November to February is best time for visitors who find it difficult to deal with high temperature. For more info about Rajasthan Tour Visit us.

Yarra Valley Events - Healesville Railway Heritage, Cuban Jazz and Other Festivals

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Yarra Valley events are not just about wine-tasting affairs and food festivals. The happenings in this spectacular vacation destination in Victoria also involve the country's arts, culture and heritage. Among those that draw locals and tourists alike are the Annual Healesville Railway Heritage Festival, Yarra Valley Open Studios, and jazz concerts.

The Healesville Railway Heritage Festival is a two-day event held every year mainly to showcase the legacy of the Healesville Railway Station, which was the terminal of the Healesville railway line built in 1903. It was recently restored to become the principal station of the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway and is now listed in Heritage Victoria. Displayed during this festival are heritage train rides, steam road engines, vintage cars and trucks, blacksmiths, paper making, and other exhibits taking pride in the area's industry in the early 1900s.

Another entry in the winemaking region's calendar that promotes its heritage is the Run Walk Ride community event. It features the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail that includes the bridge over the Maroondah Highway and other trail linkages. Participants can choose to run, walk or ride to visit the historic railway stations along the whole 39-km trail. Prizes, giveaways and community activities are prepared for everyone joining.

The Yarra Valley Open Studios, on the other hand, is a venue where artists of the region welcome visitors to view their life and works for two weekends every year. This year, 45 artists will participate in the exhibit. Also, showing the visitors how visual arts and winemaking are perfectly married in this famous vintners' district, the featured event of the year is the group exhibition in the barrel room of Sticks Winery.

In addition, jazz festivals are Yarra Valley events that are always well-attended by both locals and tourists. One of these is the Summer Jazz at Seville Hill, an annual celebration of fine wine and music. The Seville Hill Winery opens its doors to guests who'd like to enjoy jazz, wine and some gourmet dishes and chill out during the warm nights from late September to early April. In addition, Wine Quest's Cuban Jazz is another hit among the glen's guests. Cuban bands, salsa dance lessons, percussions, wine, and food are all set up to create the vineyard vibe at the Rochford Winery. These and more liven up the famous acres of Victoria, especially during the summer.

So, if you're one of those who think that Yarra Valley events are just all wines and food, check out the calendar of this famous region of Victoria for some music, visual arts, heritage, and cultural experiences like no other.

Enjoy Yarra Valley events all throughout the year. Visit Experience Yarra Valley for the region's calendar of exciting events, list of enchanting accommodations, and selection of tours that will help you enjoy the destination even more.

Explore the Virgin Lands of the Great Barrier Island!

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Need a break from your monotonous schedule? An ideal way to conquer your monotony is by going on a long holiday with your family or friends. To find a suitable location to rest your mind and be away from the fast city life is important. And many find it difficult to choose a proper destination for their vacation. If you are contemplating on this thought, it is suggested to go on the remote land of the Great Barrier Island. Attain tranquility in the untouched paradise of this country and explore every place in this country of New Zealand for a wonderful experience.

If you have heard the name of Great Barrier Island that is located in north east of central Auckland, then you must have surely not missed the lovely things said about this unspoiled land. One of the main attractions of the country, this place is geographically isolated that ensures an ultimate romantic outing with your beloved. The island is covered with blue water that is spread through wide horizon, making the place look breathtakingly beautiful. If you are an adventure sport lover, then this place has a lot to offer. With a wide variety of sports at your service, it is ensured that you will enjoy your stay in this amazing country of New Zealand.

Great Barrier Island gives you a chance to indulge in mountain biking, which will surely give you an adrenaline rush! Revive your inclination towards sports that was fading with the help of these adventures. Also, you get a chance to do various activities on the water! This island is a fantastic destination for boating and sailing, as the coves and bays are perfectly sheltered around the place. Spend quality time with your partner or family on the boats as you are taken into the midst of blue water, covered under the open sky. It cannot get any better; as the country is indeed a living paradise.

Another location in the enchanting land soil of this country is a place called Aotea harbour. The place is located at the interiors of country, which has very small population of people residing. The virgin land attracts tourists to the haven of beautiful beaches. You also get a chance to go for swimming, kayaking, fishing, or windsurfing in the lovely beaches of the country. Make the most of your holiday by paying a visit to this mesmerizing place along with the Great Barrier Island. It is safer to do the advance bookings so as to get high quality accommodation.

You do not want to wander around places for a decent hotel once you land in the soil of Aotea harbour. Moreover, it is not very difficult to find information about hotels, flights, places to visit and other travel information. Log in the internet and do a comprehensive search on websites that offer you with valid information about the Great Barrier Island. Find a reliable and reputable site that will provide you with such knowledge about a new place you want to explore.

Bruce Clarke is the author of this article on Great Barrier Island.

Find more information on New Zealand here.

Voices From Our Travels - Putre, Chile

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While looking out over a massive mineral deposit (A scarred gorge that looks like it has been eaten out of the arid Andean altiplano by acid) you will notice one thing above all else: silence. You were brought here by Justino Jiron who found this place some years ago while exploring new tracks through the virtually inaccessible back country of Vicuna National Reserve, one of three marvelous parks contained in the UNESCO Biosphere reserve. Justino, born and raised here at Chile's northern tip, started Tour Andino. He will tell you that he was the first guide to take travelers through Putre - but only the first of many.

Isolated adobe towns, smoking volcanoes, high altitude lakes, wildlife spotting, salt flats, geysers and hot springs are all within the bounds of the three contiguous parks strung along the Bolivian border just a short drive inland. Infrastructure is less comprehensive here, and navigating the dirt tracks is nearly impossible without a guide. The payoff of extraordinary vistas and total solitude makes the difficult trek worth it.

Putre has learned a lesson or two from its neighbor to the south. Tourism hit San Pedro with the sudden power of the volcanic eruptions that shaped the landscape millennia ago. In a matter of a few short years the town's handfuls of narrow lanes were flooded with hostels and tour operators. Residents of Putre, mostly descendants of the reserved Aymara indigenous people, are reluctant to see their town go the same way, despite the opportunities for economic gain associated with the growth of tourism. Thus, while the town now has an ATM, several good restaurants, and a range of accommodations, it remains the quiet adobe village it has always been, isolated high in the mountains, at the doorstep for the breathless plain that runs from northern Chile as far as the Bolivian city of La Paz.

The few accommodation options within the parks - one or two simple hostels in the slowly revitalizing town of Parinacota, and several park service refugios - are extremely basic, but within the town of Putre one or two more luxurious options have made this rustic village a hospitable destination for rugged adventurers who enjoy being pampered once in a while.

One of these is the Biosphere Responsible Tourism-certified Terrace Lodge, a small group of adobe-style buildings on a short bluff just a minute's walk from the main square. Small, but very comfortable rooms here are simply decorated using regional handicrafts, and in the quiet, solar-powered dining room the Italian owners prepare dishes from their homeland - a welcome break from the meat and potatoes the preponderate in altiplano cuisine.

A trip to Putre will likely begin in the Chilean coastal city of Arica, also the border post for southern Peru. From here, a stunning three-hour bus ride climbs into the Andes to reach Putre, which sits 11,400 ft (3,500 m) above sea level. Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate to the altitude before pushing on to the dizzying heights of Lauca and the Surire salt flat, both set around 14,000 ft above sea level. To organize your trip, contact Tour Andino for tours through the parks or volcano trekking (don't expect luxury; do expect careful attention and a unique glimpse of the region), or the Terrace Lodge for accommodation in Putre.

Written by Michael Snyder for LOOK Travel, http://www.looktrvl.com/. 1-877-637-LOOK ( 5665 ) Atelier Group

Falling In Love With San Francisco

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San Francisco is a breathtaking city with so much to offer. There are so many remarkable things to do and see while visiting the city by the bay. San Francisco is filled with fun activities, delicious food, incredible shopping, amazing sites and stunning views.

Riding a cable car is something everyone must do. A cable car ride will astound even the most finicky traveler as these colorful cars battle against the steepest hills that make up San Francisco. These cable cars are a truly unique form of American public transportation that carry passengers to and from the top of San Francisco's steepest terrains.

Taking a bay cruise is a great way to enjoy the sights of San Francisco from a different perspective. Most bay cruises will take you by the Golden Great Bridge, pass by the sea lions at Pier 39, and circle around Alcatraz Island. It is recommended that you bring your camera along on this trip, as you will get amazing photo opportunities during this outing.

SF has a tremendous array of cuisine opportunities. The restaurants in SF can please any palate. Whether it is fine dining, a buffet or a corner vendor, the food is delectable. At Fisherman's Wharf, you can nibble on fresh seafood. Be sure to visit the Buena Vista to enjoy an authentic Irish Coffee.

A visit to Chinatown makes any trip to SF complete. In this cultural section of the city, travellers can shop, dine and tour. The streets are decorated in Chinese style and give you access to goods from the Orient. Jewelry, dinnerware, collectibles, clothing, and much more can be yours for the asking in Chinatown. Don't forget to grab an authentic Chinese meal while visiting this section of town.

Lombard street is truly one of the most interesting landmarks in America. You can take the Powell-Hyde cable car to the top of Lombard St. and walk down this winding road while seeing some of the most remarkable views of San Francisco. Lombard Street is an unforgettable experience.

Tourists that need a time out from the city should visit Golden Gate Park. An entire day can be spent exploring all of Golden Gate Park, as it covers over a thousand acres. The most popular activities in Golden Gate Park include the tulip and rose gardens, the California Academy of Sciences and the Japanese tea garden. There are also archery fields, soccer fields, a children's playground and carousel, a golf course and so much more.

San Francisco is home to one of the most aesthetically pleasing bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge. Travellers can walk or bicycle their way across the infamous red bridge while getting amazing views of the San Francisco skyline.

These activities are just a glimpse of what SF has to offer. Regardless of what sights you see, relaxing and having a great time is what San Francisco is all about.

Article written by Jean-Pierre Prieur, Internet Marketing Coordinator for the Hotel Management Company Hotel Managers Group.
Hotel Managers Group proudly manages many Hotels in Utah, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Colorado.
A Recommended hotel around San Francisco Bay is Camino Inn & Suites at Mountain View CA.

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Tweeting in East Africa

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AppId is over the quota

Uganda and Rwanda safaris are not often thought of in an ornithological context, however, a new website - Birding Uganda - has just been launched in Uganda, which spells good news for twitchers and will hopefully uncover a whole new world of discovery for anyone with an ounce of enthusiasm for birds.

Uganda or Rwanda safaris should always include a spot of bird watching. Uganda for example, has over 1,000 species, making it one of the richest birding destinations in Africa. Rwanda is not far behind and Nyungwe Forest - one of the largest protected high altitude forests on the continent - is a birder's paradise, with avian highlights such as the rare and stunning Sunbirds and the black and white casqued Hornbill, not to mention all its Albertine Rift endemics.

Just about anywhere in either country is bound to abound with birds, even within the hustle and bustle of Kampala and Kigali; in fact, in Kampala alone, you can expect to see close to 300 different species.

Uganda's'Big 5 Bird Species' include:

• Shoebill - a prehistoric, rarely seen bird, which looks rather like a cross between a pelican and a stork. Preferred habitat: swamps

• African Green Broadbill - this beautiful bird is endemic to the Albertine Rift, and has occasionally been spotted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Its call is a high-pitched hissing rhythmical series that sound like sii-sii-sii-siiiiiii...

• Green-breasted Pitta - most likely to be spotted at dawn or dusk, this is a shiny bird that prefers to inhabit forests.

• African Finfoot - These birds are water birds, although they spend much of their time on riverbanks. African Finfoots have distinctive red bills.

• Great Blue Turaco - Turacos can be seen in urban and rural settings and are distinctive for their 'lipstick' beaks and vivid blue bodies.

So, if you are planning some Uganda or Rwanda safaris, make sure to include some birding... and here are a few tips if you do!

• Try to remember as many bird calls as possible and listen out for birdsong

• Keep a record of field notes

• Stay well away from nesting sites and roosts and keep habitat disturbance in general to a minimum

• Never approach too closely and keep sight times to a minimum with rare and endangered birds

• Take notes and sketches and buy a good field guide

• And of course, ALL budding birdwatchers should invest in a good pair of binoculars!

Don't forget of course that on any trip to Uganda or Rwanda, it's not only about the birds... You will also find a large supporting cast of mammals, including the big cats, elephants, giraffes, hippos and warthogs, as well as an abundance of primates. In fact Uganda and Rwanda safaris are best known for their jungle excursions to the mountain gorillas' habitats or a trek through entwined vines, bush and bamboo to the forested refuges of the Chimpanzees. But either way, don't forget to save some space on your itinerary for our two-winged friends; you won't be disappointed...

For More Information Visit Rwanda safaris

Sweden Branches Out With Its Imaginative Treehotel

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AppId is over the quota

If you have been considering knocking up a rickety old tree house where your children can escape to during the school holidays, you may want to think again when you witness the impressive Treehotel in Sweden. Situated close to the charming village of Harads, just kilometres from the Arctic Circle, this extraordinary hotel is most likely to put any Sunday morning DIY project to shame.

Currently, six cunningly designed rooms have been realised and nestle among the sturdy branches of aromatic pine trees deep in the heart of Sweden's idyllic wilderness. Each room has a unique theme and adheres to the owners' commendable environmental guidelines to ensure organic unity with the countryside. The Bird's Nest is a clever concept which, as its name suggests, is a stylish room that is disguised as an oversized nest and blends naturally into the trees. Another of the fabulous rooms has a futuristic design for guests who prefer more contemporary architecture. The UFO has a sleek exterior and is certain to awaken excitement in both children and adults who stay at the Treehotel. All of the tree rooms are fitted with underfloor heating, incineration toilet and a wash basin, all of which are ecologically friendly. The Brittas Guesthouse is run by the owners of the Treehotel and can be found just a short walk away. Visitors have access to the sauna, spa and bar, and tasty home-cooked dishes, which are made from fresh local ingredients, are served daily.

Harads Treehotel can be booked all year round and with each season the beautiful landscape transforms dramatically, presenting a new and wonderful holiday experience. In the summer months, vivid colours paint the lush meadows and the Midnight Sun beams through the forest, while winter spreads thick white snow across the diverse land.

There is also a variety of enjoyable outdoor activities for guests staying at the Treehotel to take part in, offering exciting ways of exploring Sweden's rich countryside. Canoe along the rushing Lulea River, trek through the wilderness on horseback or feel the cool air on your face when you enjoy a husky safari and go in search of the Northern Lights. A stay at the Treehotel not only provides unusual accommodation for travellers seeking something different, it also offers a fantastic life experience and lets you delve into Sami culture. Live in harmony with Swedish nature and reawaken your childhood memories when you visit the exceptional Treehotel at Harads.

Everything Travel ©

Everything Travel is a leading independent travel company, specialising in summer adventure holidays to exceptional destinations across the globe. With staff that have over 55 collective years experience within the industry and a real a passion for travel, they make every effort to enrich lives by providing expert advice and a professional service.

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