Travel Articles
7 Top Mountain Activities to Try This Holiday
The mountains signify greatness. When a traveler decides to go to the mountains for a holiday, the activities involved help to conquer them and create special attachment. Whether it is during winter or warmer months, the mountains will always have something special to offer travelers. Here are the top 7 mountain activities that you must try this summer.
1) Skiing
This is the best activity when traveling to a snow covered mountain. Most mountains in the temperate climates have a lot of snow and are, therefore, great places for skiing. To ski, you need to move up to the highest point using a lift and then slide down to the bottom using a ski. You will also need to have the right clothing and protective gear such as helmet, skiing boots, and gloves. You should also have skiing poles to balance well on the skiing tracks.
2) Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a great activity to conquer snow laden mountains. Using a snowmobile, you ride through the snow to reach even the remotest sections. It is advisable to ride in groups and to follow the recommended trails for safety. Note that some snowmobiling destinations such as the Rockies have age limits on people who can go snowmobiling.
3) Snowshoeing
If you want to get a better connection to the mountains and enjoy its diversity, snowshoeing might be the activity to consider. Unlike skiing which can be done personally, snowshoeing is done as a team. After assembling a team of interested members, hotels or resorts in the mountains plan for trips to explore the vegetation, wildlife, and local cultures. This is perhaps one of the best methods of learning about mountain cultures.
4) Snow tubing
For people who want to slide from the top of a frozen mountain as a family, skiing might not be the best option. Instead, it is advisable to consider Snow Tubing. This is a great activity that involves sitting on inflatable tubing with the entire family and sliding down to the floor of the mountain.
5) Mountain biking
Mountain biking is a great activity that involves riding through marked trails or roads. Whether you prefer to do road biking or rough riding, this will be a unique activity for all the family members. The secret to enjoying this activity is selecting the right bike. If you prefer to ride through the mountains on rough trails, it is advisable to go for the mountain bike that has strong shock absorbers and broad wheels to withstand punishing trails.
6) Soak in hot springs
In some mountains where volcanic activities are still active, you are sure of enjoying natural Jacuzzi on hot springs. Some great locations to soak in natural hot springs include Bains De Dorrest in France and Piestany in Slovakia.
7) Use a balloon to go for a mountain tour
While some activities such as skiing and snowmobiling will only allow you to reach certain points of a mountain, a hot air balloon enables you to explore more. Because the hot air balloon hovers above and moves slowly, it is possible to see all the details of the respective mountain. If you are exploring the Rockies, a balloon will take you close to the top on either side so that you can enjoy the greatness of nature. Make sure to look for a balloon that can carry all the members of your team.
Places to Visit in Miami This Spring
From having a perfect weather the entire year and miles of sandy beaches, the reasons for visiting Miami are endless. In the lovely sandy beaches, visitors enjoy sipping their wine or mojitos to make the stay unforgettable. But there is more to Miami than relaxing on the lovely sandy beaches.
A trip to the Everglades will provide you with a perfect opportunity to meet or even feed the great American alligator. It will be a moment to remember for the rest of your life. Here are more places that you should visit when traveling to Miami.
The Everglades Safari Park
Whether using an airboat or a buggy, you can whip through the Everglades to get the best shot of the alligators in their natural environment. Make sure to wade from a safe distance. You can experience the fierce alligator fights as they try to control various territories or even pet the babies. The park is also full of other wildlife, and it will be an invaluable place to visit.
The Zoo Miami and Jungle Island
The design of the Zoo Miami and Jungle Island was meant to give Miami residents and visitors a taste of the wilderness. The management ensures there are as many animals from the entire world for people to see and learn. While the Tiger is Native to the mountains and jungles around the Himalayas, you do not need to book a flight; simply visit the Miami's Jungle Island. Other animals you can experience in the Jungle Island include the Lemurs, howler monkeys, macaws, zebras, and giraffes.
The Fairchild Tropical Botanical gardens
For nature lovers, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is a must visit to experience over 16,000 sq. ft. Conservatory shelters and rare specimens. The gardens are located on an 83 acres piece of land and have lots of cycads, palms, and all the vegetation you can expect to get in nature. In its beautiful butterfly garden and the rainforest, you can get unique inspiration in a special Miami paradise. It is a great idea to always check into the gardens severally before completing your holiday in Miami.
Visit the little Havana
This is one of the little Miami's neighborhoods full of a cultural wallop. The neighborhood has overtones from Cuba because it was formed in the years following the Castro revolution. Today, Little Havana is home to more than 2 million residents. The main attractions are its ability to bring the Cuban culture right in the heart of Miami. You can enjoy the authentic foods, fragrant coffee, hand-rolled cigar, and get the best of Latino culture.
If you want to learn more about Cuba, you can pop into the Cuban Museum and gallery that stocks loads of artifacts and documents about the history and development of the Caribbean country. Mingling with people from Caribbean countries including Mexico, Nicaragua, and Jamaica will make you shed the tag of a guest for some moment to enjoy their hospitality.
Robert Is Here
This is a unique homestead started in 1959 by Robert Moehling who used to sell fruits. Since then, the street has grown and become a jewel in Miami. Every visitor who comes to Miami always pops into Robert Is Here to get every type of fruit. Whether you prefer the tropical papayas, mangoes, or pineapples, you are sure of feeling at home away from home. If staying in a neighboring hotel, spice up the delicacies with lime, guava, dragon fruit or passion fruits among others from the Robert Is Here.
Five Most Enthralling Places to Visit This Holiday
The holiday time is finally here, and everybody wants to travel in a unique way. In the past, many people preferred to travel and rest in top hotels. Not any longer. The trend has changed tremendously as people want to get greater value from their holiday. The focus is getting destinations that present an opportunity for diverse exploration and connection to nature.
(1) Hawaii in the Pacific
You probably saw an active volcano pouring hot lava from the core of the earth in documentaries or images. But, you can experience the same in reality. Hawaii, commonly known as PARADISE is probably the best place to experience raw nature. The island is home to active volcanoes where you can see top volcanic activities in action. Plan to visit the Volcanoes National Park, the Maui Ocean Center, and Haleakala National Park for a unique experience.
Because of Hawaii's special location in the Pacific, visitors are sure of enjoying great water sports especially surfing. All over the world, surfing is believed to have originated in Hawaii. Even for people with no clue about surfing, a few lessons will help them understand the main concepts and surf like pros. Other sports include sports fishing and scuba diving.
(2) A holiday with Pharaohs in Egypt
There is something special with Egypt that every visitor wants to experience; some moment with pharaohs. When history dating back to thousands of years is told and retold, the mention of Pharaohs remains inscribed everywhere.
This Mediterranean country boasts of top notch facilities for visitors who want a holiday with a difference. Riding on a Nile Cruise ship, you can travel in luxury from Luxor and Karnak (the valley of kings) to the famous Aswan Dam. In the city, Cairo, you can check into the famous museums to learn more about the history of pharaohs.
However, it is a visit to the pyramids that will give you a chance to take the mind back to thousands of years. Inside the historic Gothic structure, visitors can see where the pharaohs lived and ruled the North Africa state for years. You can never go wrong with this great destination.
(3) Miami, the USA
Ever thought of a moment swimming with dolphins? This is the reality for Miami visitors. The great city is famed for its top hotels and lovely beaches that are ever flowing with tourists from all over the world. More importantly, visitors get a rare opportunity to swim with the dolphins and get close to alligators. From research facilities to not-for-profit institutions, visitors are sure of getting into the water and swimming together. The visitors are taught some simple communications terms, and the moment in the water will be magnificent.
(4) Granada, Spain
For people who love history, a few days in Granada will be the most enjoyable in life. From the palaces to gardens of Alhambra that were created by the ancient Nasrids, visitors can explore secrets hidden for thousands of years.
While you could target seeing the famous monument, you will be surprised to learn how smaller things count to making your travel to Granada great. From tiled fountains in little squares to picturesque flowers on whitewashed walls, the tasty tapas in boisterous bars are irresistible. To enjoy even more, consider traveling with a team, family, or a lover.
(5) The Great Barrier Reef in Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is the global largest coral reef system that comprises of about 3000 individual in over 600 islands that stretch from Queensland coast. For those who love biology and history, the sheer size of the barrier reef is a mystery. Take a dive into the deeper waters and experience the complexity of this fragile ecosystem. In Queensland, you can also explore various watersports including sports fishing, scuba diving, surfing, and kayaking.
The Top 7 Scuba Diving Sites In the Globe
Scuba diving gives people who dare venture into the water an opportunity to explore the deep oceans and discover things that have never come to human attention. A dive into the ocean floor will make you appreciate the magnificence of nature as you see, touch, and even have a chat with big sea animals such as whales. Well, you only need to have some courage and a guide to venture into the ocean depths and, your life will change forever. Here are top 7 scuba diving sites you should consider in 2017.
(1) The Barracuda point in Malaysia
The Barracuda point is a great site for people who love deep sea diving. It has a wall of coral reefs where sharks frequent and barracudas surround you. It is the point you are guaranteed of enjoying great stuff. Often, strong currents from the other side of the Sipadan Island bring White Tips, Jacks, Bumphead Parrotfish, and turtles.
(2) The Yongala site in Australia
The Yongala is a shipwreck off the Queensland coast. It was sunk by a cyclone in 1911 killing all the 122 people. Over the years, it has become sensational with a lot of sea life thriving in it and the neighborhood. Diving at this point will give you an opportunity to see the tiger sharks, bull sharks, giant octopuses, mantra rays and spectacular corals. It is located 90 kilometers southeast of Townsville.
(3) Thistlegorm in the Egyptian Red Sea
Thistlegorm was a British vessel that was attacked in 1941 and sank to the bottom of the Red Sea. It was carrying war supplies including rifles, trucks, and motorbikes among others. A dive into this site gives you a clear picture of the theaters that characterized the mid-20th century especially the World War II. When you decide to dive here, it is important to follow the weather forecasts because the currents can get very rough.
(4) The Great Blue Hole in Belize
For people who love taking hours with sharks in one of the deepest points, this is the place to dive. The Great Blue Hole is very deep and is marked by unique coral reefs that always have a dozen of sharks at any moment. On the top, the waters are warm and vibrant before turning cool and fresh at about 15 meters. A deeper descent to about 25 meters will reveal breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites in the ancient covens.
(5) Liberty, Indonesia
This is a great diving point for photographers. You are sure of getting lovely images of sea anemones, gorgonians, and corals among other marine life. Most of the fish are tame and lovely. Some such as wrasse and goatfish will come nibbling your feet while surgeonfish will make a beeline on your mask to ensure you notice them.
(6) The Navy Pier, Western Australia
This diving site extends to about 300 meters from the shore and takes a T-shaped structure of 300 meters in width. Though it is well defined and relatively compact, it is full of aquatic life that can take you up to 5 days to explore. A dive into this site will guarantee a visitor seeing white tipped sharks, stargazers, the huge rays, and eels.
(7) The Manta Ray Night Dive site in Hawaii
The Manta Ray Night Dive is a unique site in Kailua Kona Islands of Hawaii. It is lit with lovely lights at the ocean floor that makes the scene magnificent. Because of lots of Planktons on the sea floor, a lot of Manta Rays are always moving around, and you have to move to avoid hitting them.