Category — Backpacking
Sand, Sleds, and Stalagmites: The Southwest
One of the greatest opportunities that comes with winter is the ability to experience some southern locations without getting scorched. While they might look cool, the White Sands National Monument is one of these sizzling destinations. However, in the winter the mild and sunny weather is very pleasant, likely much more so than they cold gray winter skies at home. Often described as ‘otherworldly’ and likened to walking on the moon, this New Mexico natural adventure is unlike any other. The 73,600 acres of windswept dunes are breathtaking, surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert and set against a backdrop of the San Andres and Sacramento mountains in the distance. This expanse of uninhabited land as well as the dunes’ role as sound barriers create the effect of eerie isolation, a bizarrely enchanting experience.
There are many exciting ways to traverse this desert landscape. Among them is hiking any one of the many trails that offer a wide range of experiences and levels of difficulty. A favorite is the 4.6-mile Alkali Flat Trail, a well-marked guided tour of these endless dunes. Midnight hikes are a must on a visit here, where the moonlit dunes of reflective sand further the feeling of exploring another planet. Full of unusual experiences, sledding down the dunes is another popular activity. A visit in the winter allows comfortable daytime sunbathing as well, without getting fried. Camping is $3 per person per night and reservations can be made up to the last hour before sunset, encouraging spontaneity and adventure.
While in the neighborhood, another natural wonder to check out is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, about 175 miles southeast of the White Sands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 100-mile long network of caves are some of the largest in the world. At just $6 admission per person, visitors have the option of either a guided tour or individual exploration. Paved, well-lit paths offer exciting but safe views of breathtaking rock formations in rooms as tall as 200 feet. From vast, moon-like gypsum dunes to deep, mysterious caverns, there is no better time to experience the natural wonders of the southwest than as an escape from harsh winter weather.
December 6, 2007 No Comments
Extreme Foliage
Fall is rapidly sliding by, and will soon take with it the opportunity to enjoy the wide array of hues currently put on display by trees all over the northeast. Now is a great time to escape the city for some fresh air, while it is still crisp fall breezes and not yet blustery, biting winter winds. Instead of the usual upstate and New England destinations, adventurous New Yorkers might find Shenandoah National Park an exciting alternative. Located just west of Washington, DC in Virginia, this expansive park has a wide range of hiking and camping options and is a spectacular way to experience the colors of fall. For example, the most popular hike known as the ‘Old Rag Ascent’ is a challenging 2.8 mile climb featuring thrilling rock scrambling, treacherous stretches along exposed ledges, slips through crevices and 12-foot cracks in the mountain, and several breathtaking views along the way that build the anticipation for the ultimate summit panorama. At this point many leaves have fallen, creating colorfully carpeted trails and clear views through the trees at more places than usual. Since the trees at higher elevations shed their leaves first, those less adventurous nature-seekers can easily enjoy the trees at peak foliage through a simple walk in the woods or even a trip along the scenic Skyline Drive which winds through the park, offering 75 different overlooks along the way. Additional ways to enjoy the park include bicycling, fishing, horseback riding, birdwatching, or searching for any of the numerous types of wildlife that are often spotted. This natural attraction is the perfect way to take a break from the city and really experience autumn at its best. Just rent a car, grab some hiking boots, and prepare to be dazzled by colors of nature.
November 8, 2007 No Comments
Best Deals for the Best Scuba Dive Vacations! Dive Into the Best Currency Rates.
A weak US Dollar does not have to stand between you and your best scuba dive vacations! If corals, fish, and ship wrecks are your summer must-see, you probably already know about some of the best diving spots out there. But which ones are the best and the most affordable with the current exchange rates?
With the US dollar a lot weaker than this time last year, choosing a location with a poor currency exchange rates may pull quite a few extra bucks from your wallet. When looking for your scuba vacation, consider traveling to a country with a currency that weaker than United States dollar can considerably cut down your travel expenses. While Heron Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, just as the Vanuatu scuba dive in South East Asia, lures the divers with thousands of species of fish and remarkable natural treasures, these destinations are not necessarily the cheapest.
To turn your scuba diving vacations into the best deal possible, watch out for the exchange rates. Here are the world’s 8 best scuba diving destinations where a weaker US dollar will not affect your budget plans:
1. Belize
The warm Caribbean waters of Belize are one of the most acclaimed scuba diving destinations. Here, you can swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays in Shark Ray Alley, take a look at the fascinatingly diverse marine life while gliding through the Barrier Reef, or explore Belize’s famous Blue Hole, a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole more than 400 feet deep. Belize Dollar is fixed to the US dollar, the average USD to BZD exchange rate being 1:1.96.
2. Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
The islands of Turk’s and Caicos are a true divers’ paradise. Thanks to the government determination to protect its valuable natural environment, untouched reefs, dunes and drop-offs are awaiting under the water.
Although the US dollar being the Turks and Caicos currency saves you money on exchange rates, the cost of the diving tours skyrockets when the tourist season hits peak (mid-December to mid-April). Therefore, it’s best to plan your trip between April and July as the water gets unbearably hot afterwards.
3. Cayman Islands
Mid-December through mid-April is the peak tourist time in the Caymans, too. This spot often referred to as the best Caribbean diving site, is an ideal US-dollar destination thanks to its clear and warm waters.
4. Mozambique
Islands of Mozambique are totally undeveloped and a nature-lovers’ dream. Along with the reefs and clear waters, you can experience wonderful night diving and wreck explorations in the Marine National Park. The best months to visit are June, July and August. Mozambique’s currency being fixed to the US dollar, the USD to Mozambique’s Metical rate oscillates around 25544.1:1. Before you head to Mozambique’s irresistible waters though, check government travel advisories. Some places in the country are still affected by a long civil war and may suffer unrest.
5. Yap, Micronesia
Another place where you can benefit from avoiding exchange rate losses while planning your scuba dive vacations is Yap. This little island in Micronesia with the US dollar currency, but is certainly among the world’s brightest diving treasures. It is known for its incredibly diverse marine life, especially the mysterious and largest of all rays, the manta ray. It’s recommended to visit the island during the dry season between December and April.
6. Bonaire
The marine park of the Bonaire waters offers the divers a wonderful sight of an unspoiled underwater ecosystem. The best time to indulge into the diving pleasures in the Caribbean waters of Bonaire is between September and December, as the sea is the calmest at that time. Netherlands Antillean Gulden is fixed to the US dollar. Hence, exchange rate fluctuations will not affect your scuba dive vacations’ budget plans.
7. Hawaii
To avoid downsides of traveling while the US dollar is weak, staying within the country may be a reasonable strategy. Giant sea turtles, whales and sharks are redundant in the fertile volcanic ecosystem of the Hawaiian waters. Although not as clear as those of some sheltered islands, its waters offer a great scuba diving adventure thanks to the richness of Hawaii’s marine life.
8. Florida
Florida is the best scuba diving destination on the North American continent with countless scuba diving shops along the entire Gulf coast and Atlantic coast. While the Gulf coast usually outperforms the Atlantic Coast in visibility, the latter offers a wealth of reefs and shipwrecks. The convenience of and economy of Florida travel, alongside with the abundance of tropical fish, manatees, giant turtles and dolphins account for one of the best scuba diving vacations.
June 12, 2007 No Comments
Items to Take to the Tropics
Travelers who plan to visit developing or tropical countries should take a number of precautions. Do you know which items you should take with you on your travel? If you don’t then you might want to review the list below before you leave for your trip abroad.
· Obtain a brief summary of your medical history to take with you, including the results of abnormal tests or EKGs and a list of drug allergies
· Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
· Insect repellent containing DEET
· Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes
· Lodine tablets and portable water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available
· Sun-block, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays
· Contact lens wearers should consider taking ocular antibiotics if traveling to remote countries
· Prescription medications make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you
· Always carry medications in their original containers, in your carry-on luggage
· Be sure to bring along over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication and an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to self-treat moderate to severe diarrhea
· Small portable water filters remove parasites and clear murky water without leaving the chemical taste. They are particularly beneficial for pregnant women and people who cannot take iodine. When purchasing a filter, the phrase “EPA Registration”; should be printed on the label, indicating that the Environmental Protection Agency has guaranteed its effectiveness
· Travelers might also consider buying an electric heating coil to boil and purify tap water. Plug adapters and voltage converters may be required
· Antifungal foot powder
· Travelers should remember to check what coverage their health insurance company offers for policyholders abroad. Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States but other insurers offer limited coverage overseas. Individual supplementary health insurance policies should cost no more than a few dollars a day for international travelers
February 13, 2007 No Comments
List of 33 Things to Bring With You When Backpacking Through Europe
For any of you who are interested in backpacking through Europe, whether you are a college student, a vacationer, or just a free-spirit, below is a list of 33 necessary things to take with you on your journey.
- Backpack
- Passport
- Foreign currency (see tips here)
- Chapstick
- City Guide
- Language Dictionary
- Two Changes of Clothes
- Gloves
- Jacket
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Calling Card
October 25, 2006 1 Comment
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