GUIDE TO BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK

North Unit

In the North Unit, the 64,250 acre Sage Creek Wilderness is ideal for backpackers. When hiking, always carry water; 2 quarts per person per two hour hike is recommended. This wilderness area is the site of the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret, the most endangered land mammal in North America.

Permit Information
No permit is required, but all backpackers are urged to stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Backpackers may camp anywhere in the park that is at least one-half mile from any road or trail and not visible from park roads. No fires are permitted.

Directions
From Westbound Interstate 90, take exit 131 (Cactus Flat) or exit 110 (Wall). Signs to Badlands National Park will take you 11 miles to the NE Entrance. From Eastbound Interstate 90, take exit 109 and follow signs 7 miles to Pinnacles Entrance.

Information Center
The Ben Reifel Visitor Center, located at Cedar Pass, 4 miles southwest of the Northeast Entrance, has exhibits, sales area, film and park headquarters.

Palmer Creek Unit
Palmer Creek Unit is the smallest and most remote section of Badlands National Park. Here you may explore the mixed grass prairie with the backdrop of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires for which the Badlands is famous. As in the Stronghold Unit, there are no established trails in the Palmer Creek Unit. You may hike anywhere in this region, but you must be familiar with navigation and routefinding, as it is easy to get disoriented. All routes into Palmer Creek are impassable if any rain has fallen recently. Inquire at the White River Visitor Center for road conditions.

Permit Information

No permit is required, but all backpackers are urged to stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Backpackers may camp anywhere in the park that is at least one-half mile from any road or trail and not visible from park roads. No fires are permitted.

Directions
Access to the Palmer Creek Unit is extrememly difficult; all of the roads are privately owned and you need 4WD. From Hwy 44, head south on 589/27 at Scenic, 20 miles to White River Visitor Center, which is your launching point into the Palmer Creek Unit.

Information Center
There is no information center in the Palmer Creek Unit. Visitors should stop at the White River Visitor Center in neighboring Stronghold Unit, open from June to late August.

Stronghold Unit
The Stronghold Unit is co-managed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe and includes sites of 1890s Ghost Dances. The land is contained within the Pine Ridge Indain Reservation. Visitors to the Stronghold Unit will find the same spectacular rock formations and mixed grass prairie as in the North Unit, but with a more remote and desolate feel. There are no established trails in the Stronghold Unit. You may hike anywhere in this region, but you must be familiar with navigation and routefinding, as it is easy to get disoriented.

A visit to Sheep Mountain Table will reward the visitor with one of Badlands National Park's most outstanding vistas. This 4 mile long plateau is surrounded by steep drop offs and is accessible by a 7 mile dirt road which is passable ohly when dry. Because this is a sacred place for the Lakota people, do not disturb any religious artifacts or prople participating in religious activities.

Permit Information
No permit is required, but all backpackers are urged to stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Backpackers may camp anywhere in the park that is at least one-half mile from any road or trail and not visible from park roads. No fires are permitted.

Directions
From Hwy. 44, head south on 589/27 at Scenic, 20 miles to White River Visitor Center. Unimproved roads provide access deep into the Stronghold Unit. These roads are impassable when wet.

Information Center
White River Visitor Center is open from June to late August.

GO TO FIRST PAGE

GUIDE TO OFU, TA'U, TUTUILA ISLAND IN AMERICAN SAMOA NATIONAL PARK

Ofu Island
There are no maintained trails on this island, but the beaches are fine coral sand, ideal for walking along.

The coral reef communities here are some of the healthiest in the South Pacific, making this an ideal place to snorkel. Your must bring gear from Tutuila Island.

Permit Information
No permit is needed, but before you visit Ofu Island be sure to check with park staff about the special rules that apply here.

Directions
This island lies 60 miles east (a 30-minute flight on a small plane) from Tutuila. Flights are also available between the islands of Ofu and Ta'u.

Information Center
There is a visitor center on Hwy. 001 in Pago Pago, Tutuila Island.

Ta'u Island
Saua on Ta'u Island is a sacred site that is believed by many to be the birthplace of the Polynesian people. There are no park-maintained trails on this island, but it is possible to hike along the beaches here. It is recommended that guides be hired for hiking in remote areas; guide service may be arranged through park staff.

Watch the skies for flying foxes. The south shore of Ta'u has 3000-foot sea cliffs, the tallest in the world.

Permit Information
No permit needed.

Directions
This island lies about 70 miles east (a 30-minute flight on a small plane) from Tutuila. Flights are also available between the islands of Ofu and Ta'u.

Information Center
There is a visitor center on Hwy. 001 in Pago Pago, Tutuila Island.

Tutuila Island
Allow a few hours for the scenic drive to the north coast of Tutuila, including stops. You may wish to stay overnight in the village of Afono or Vatia.

There are panoramic views along this route, especially from Afono Pass. The Amalau Valley is a good place to watch above the trees for flying foxes (giant fruit bats).

Permit Information
No permit needed.

Directions
From Pago Pago International Airport, drive north along Hwy. 001 to the visitor center in Pago Pago.

Information Center
The park visitor center is located in Pago Pago off Hwy. 001.

GUIDE TO AMERICAN SAMOA NATIONAL PARK

The visitor center for American Samoa National Park is located In Pago Pago, Tutuila Island, just off of Hwy. 001. The nearest airport is the Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila. Airplane service is available several times per week from Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.

Regularly scheduled flights (small planes) serve national park areas on Ofu and Tau Islands and the nearby nation of Samoa. Local "AIGA" buses travel Tutuila Island from dawn to dusk. Taxi service and rental cars are available.

Operating Hours
Open year-round.

Visitation
Highest June-September; lowest October-May.

Permits
Because park land is leased from private landowners, camping requires landowner permission.

Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: The park visitor center is located in the Pago Plaza office building on the island of Tutuila.

Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: Food and supplies are available in nearby villages. Visitors should not expect typical mainland facility and service standards.

Visitor Impact
Always snorkel with a partner. While on the beach areas, watch out for falling coconuts, which can kill. Coral rubble beaches are difficult to walk on; watch your step. Be especially careful of rocky areas, which are slippery. Never hike without water; carry 2 to 3 liters per person.

Don't touch the coral! Cuts from coral take a long time to heal.

Additional Information
Medical treatment is only available on Tutuila.

There is only one park-maintained trail currently accessible. This is the Mt. 'Alava Trail on Tutuila. Terrain is very rugged in these islands. There are some old village trails that are overgrown, eroded, steep, and dangerous -- they are not recommended, and their condition will continue to deteriorate over time.

There is hotel-style lodging outside of the park boundaries on all three islands. Samoan people are hospitable and eager to share their culture with park visitors. You are encouraged to stay with a Samoan family in a village during your visit. Make arrangements through the park staff.

Because park land is leased from private landowners, camping requires landowner permission.

American Samoa is in the South Pacific Ocean between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn; tropical climate prevails. Temperatures are warm or hot year-round (high 70's to low 90's F) with high humidity. Rain showers are frequent.

Solar radiation is intense here! Always wear sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing. Carry and use insect repellent.

GUIDE TO GALAPAGOS ARCHIPELAGO

Intense Volcanic and Seismic Activity

The western part of the Galapagos Archipelago is volcanically active, in a continuation of the ongoing geologic processes that have created nearly all the islands in the chain. Eruptions, earth tremors, lava flows and ash falls are common occurrences.

Marine Life of the Archipelago
The Galapagos Archipelago is home to fringing coral reefs, hawksbill and green turtles, sharks, rays, whales, myriad seabirds, and nearly 300 species of tropical fish.

Natural Laboratory of Evolution
The remoteness of the islands from the mainland, the differing distances between them, and their distinct elevational and moisture gradients have created an incomparable natural laboratory of evolution -- witness the 13 species of Darwin's finches.

Scuba Diving in the Galapagos
Some of the best diving in the world is found in the vast Galapagos Archipelago, among coral atolls, abundant tropical fish, and giant sea turtles. Dive boats can be reserved from the mainland.

Volcanic Features of the Islands
In addition to volcanic cones, craters, and lava flows, the Galapagos Islands also have crater lakes, fumaroles, sulphur fields, lava tubes, accumulations of pumice and ash, and lava sand beaches.

The park is located directly on the Equator, in the open Pacific Ocean about 1000 km off the coast of the nation of Ecuador. It is accessible by water and by 1.5-hour scheduled airline flight from Guyaquil or Quito, Ecuador, landing either in Baltra or San Cristobal.

Most visits to the Galapagos take the form of guided cruises from the mainland, local-port-based boat trips, or a combination of the above. Unguided exploration is allowed in designated areas of the four inhabited islands.

GUIDE TO CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK

Cloud Forests
More than half of Corcovado National Park is mountainous, with the highest reaches inhabited by the oaks and tree ferns of the Costa Rican cloud forest.

Corcovado Lagoon
Corcovado Lagoon and adjacent swamplands encompass over 1,000 hectares of habitat for crocodiles and other swamp lowland species.

Rainforest Trees
More than 500 species of trees occur in this incredibly biodiverse preserve. Some reach heights of over 50 metres and are supported by giant buttresses.

Scarlet Macaws
Flocks of scarlet macaws grace the trees and skies of Corcovado, together with parakeets, trogons, and many species of hummingbirds.

Corcovado National Park is located on the southwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, on the Osa Peninsula of the province of Puntarenas, approximately 330 km from San Jose. It is accessible via the Pan American Highway, by chartered small airplane into the Sirena airstrip, or by commercial flight to the Palmar airport then surface transport to the park.

GUIDE TO IGUAZU NATIONAL PARK

In the Guaraní language of the Tres Fronteras area, Iguazú means “big waters,” and the good news is that the thunderous surge of Iguazú Falls—perhaps the planet’s greatest chain of cascades—continues to plunge over an ancient lava flow, some 20 kilometers east of the town of Puerto Iguazú.

Its overwhelming natural assets, including the surrounding subtropical rainforest, have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The bad news is that Argentina’s APN, the state entity charged with preserving and protecting this natural heritage, has buckled to rampant Disneyfication. The falls, its core attraction, have become a mass-tourism destination that might more accurately be called Parque Temático Iguazú—Iguazú Theme Park.

While they’ve done something right in limiting automobile access—cars must park in a guarded lot and visitors enter the park on foot—the concessionaire has turned the area surrounding the falls into an area of manicured lawns, fast-food restaurants and souvenir stands, connected by a cheesy narrow-gauge train. Maintenance crews use leaf-blowers to clean the concrete trails near the visitors center every morning.

Around the falls proper, clean-cut youths with walkie-talkies shunt hikers out by 7 p.m.—the perfect closing hour for a theme park—unless you’re a privileged guest at the Sheraton, the park’s only accommodations. The exception to the rule is the monthly full-moon tour, which is well worthwhile.

That’s not to say commercial greed has completely overrun nature—the park still has extensive subtropical rainforests, with colorfully abundant birdlife along with less conspicuous mammals and reptiles. All of these animals demand respect, but some more so than others—in 1997, a jaguar killed a park ranger’s infant son; pumas are even more common, and poisonous snakes are also present.

In 1541 Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, one of the most intrepid Spaniards in the New World, was the first European to see the falls. But in an area populated by tens of thousands of Guaraní Indians prior to the European invasion, he can hardly have discovered them, despite the assertions of a commemorative plaque.

By default, almost everyone will stay in or near Puerto Iguazú—the park’s only option is the behemoth Sheraton Internacional Iguazú Resort & Spa (tel. 03757/491800, reservas@iguazu.sheraton.com.ar, US$426–498 s or d), an incongruously sited building whose ungainly exterior has a certain Soviet-style presence. The more expensive rooms have views of the falls.

The hotel has several restaurants, but anyone not eating there will have to settle for the fast-food clones, a pizzeria, and the odd parrilla on the park grounds. Better food is available in Puerto Iguazú.
Other Practicalities

Panels at the APN’s Centro de Interpretación (tel. 03757/491444, 7:30 a.m.–6:15 p.m. daily in spring and summer, 8 a.m.–5:45 p.m. daily the rest of the year) give vivid explanations of the park’s environment, ecology, ethnology, and history; there are also helpful personnel on duty.

For foreigners, the admission charge of US$10 is the most expensive to any Argentine national park; if you return the next day, your ticket is half price. Entry fees include the Tren de la Selva and launch access to Isla San Martín. The concessionaire Iguazú Argentina has a website (www.iguazuargentina.com) in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

From the Puerto Iguazú bus terminal, El Práctico buses (US$1.35) operate frequently between 7:15 a.m. and 8 p.m., taking 45 minutes to or from the park. The company, however, may lose the concession to Crucero del Norte.

Source : http://www.moon.com/

TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

When we visit beautiful places it's natural to want our holidays to have a positive impact on local people and their environments.
Responsible travel is about more authentic holiday experiences that enable you to get a little bit more out of your travels, and give a little bit more back to destinations and local people.
All holidays have positive and negative impacts locally. Responsible travel maximises the benefits, and minimises the negative effects of tourism.

Before you book your holiday
* Plan your route to minimise carbon emissions - travel by train and public transport where possible, and minimise internal flights. Try our lower carbon travel holidays, or there are some great ideas for train travel almost anywhere in the world on this web site: http://www.seat61.com/

* Minimise flying time and stopovers - the worst carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing. For the flights that you cannot avoid, offset the carbon emissions of your flight using our carbon calculator . That way the money is invested in carbon reducing initiatives around the world, offsetting the emissions caused by your flight. Read our view on flying here

* Ask to see the tour operator's policy for responsible tourism. All responsibletravel.com members have to have one. Make sure it explains how they minimise environmental impacts and support the local economy.

* Ask your hotel/accommodation our 10 simple questions to see if they really are eco!

Before you travel
# Read up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language - travelling with respect earns you respect
# Remove all excess packaging - waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries
# Ask your tour operator for specific tips for responsible travel in your destination
# Ask your tour operator/hotel if there are useful gifts that you could pack for your hosts, local people or schools
# Ask your tour operator whether there are local conservation or social projects that you could visit on your trip, and if/how you could help support them

While on holiday
* Buy local produce in preference to imported goods
* Hire a local guide - you'll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income
* Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts
* Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice or don't visit
* Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - its a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions
* Use water sparingly - its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people
* Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions (rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers). For more ideas on deeper and more responsible travel see here.

When you get back
Write to your tour operator or hotel with any comments or feedback about your holiday,and especially include any sugesstions.

# on reducing environmental impacts and increasing benefits to local communities. You will find independent holiday reviews from travellers on many responsibletravel.com holidays.
# If you've promised to send pictures or gifts to local people remember to do so, many are promised and not all arrive!
# Enjoy the memories, reflect on your experience and start planning your next trip !

Source : http://responsibletravel.com/

WORLDS GREATEST DIVE SPOTS

Stephen Regenold is better know by his pseudonym, The Gear Junkie, which he uses when he writes his nationally syndicated column on outdoor adventure and equipment. Recently he penned a story for Travel+Leisure Magazine listing the ten best spots to go SCUBA diving in the world.

In order to come up with his definitive list, Regenold asked ten veteran divers, each of whom have extensive dive experience around the globe, to name their favorite dive spots. The results were a great mix of classic dives and hidden gems.

He then compiled them into a slideshow that highlights each location, with an amazing photo, a description of where the dive spot is located, and an explanation of what makes it unique and special.

Some of the locations that make the list include Cenote Taj Maja and Santa Rosalia, both in Mexico. The former is an impressive spot for cave diving, while the latter is famous for allowing divers to get up close and personal with large Humboldt squid.

The famous Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands makes the list for it's abundance of wrecks, with literally dozens of sunken ships in the area, while Utila Island, off the coast of Honduras, is lauded for the twice yearly migration of the whale shark that passes through the surrounding waters.

The list has a little something for everyone, no matter what style of diving you prefer. Each of spots mentioned here offer specatacular waters, amazing sunken sights, and plenty of adventure.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA

If you're looking for the sort of travel that gets your heart pumping a bit and you feel as if you're whole body is engaged in your vacation experience, look to Florida. That's the idea behind the on-line and print publication South Florida Adventures.

Whether you like to take to the water or are a dry land type person--or want to combine both, the round-up of the publication's10 top stories of the year is an excellent place to start searching out ideas for adventurous travel. Here are eight of the stories that are specifically travel related. The other two are profile pieces.

• Stand-up paddleboarding: Not only do you get an adventure, but you can give muscles a work-out while you keep an eye out for dolphins and other ocean creatures.
• Cycling along A1A from West Palm Beach to Ft. Lauderdale: Read this article for a personal perspective from a cycling champion.
• Archeology and Nature Hike at Long Key Nature Center:The adventure in this travel option comes from interacting with the wildlife and seeing where Native Americans roamed years ago.
• Kayaking on the Oleta River: The river once connected the Biscayne Bay with the Everglades. This travel options sounds like a terrific way to enjoy mangrove swamp scenery, but remember the bug spray.
• Dive among wrecks and coral reefs: There are five wrecks and five reefs recommended in this article.
• Hike on Tamiami Trail: The trail gives glimpses of deer and other wild life on the way. The writer thinks he may have seen a bobcat.
• Mountain Biking in Amelia Earhart Park: The single track winds through gorgeous scenery and offers riders a workout.

Each of these sound quite worthy of combining into an adventure travel week where you could easily combine them into one vacation. I'd say you'd end up with a unique perspective of this part of Florida as a result.

[from Travel Briefs in Columbus Dispatch]

GO TO TRULY GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

Everyone has different reasons for why they like to travel, and their destinations of choice vary just as much. Some love to visit noisy, bustling foreign cities, others prefer the quiet tranquility of a secluded beach. Then of course, there are the travelers who truly like to get away from it all. They prefer to visit remote wilderness places, far off the beaten path, with few, if any, amenities.

Veteran traveler and adventurer Jeremy Lazell has put together a list of the best wilderness getaways for the Sunday Times of London, spotlighting some of the premiere spots on the planet for those that prefer their journeys to take them to unique, and out of the way places. These are true backcountry destinations, some of which are still very wild and untamed.

All told, there are 12 destinations on Lazell's list, from all corners of the globe, including Mongolia, Morrocco, Patagonia, and more. His personal favorite is a place called Knoydart in the Scottish Highlands, which we learn boasts "85 square miles of Highland heather, mountains and midges". The place has one pub, which requires an 18 mile hike to reach, and the deer outnumber the people 10-1. Paradise for any adventure traveler.

The other places offer a similar level of remoteness, as well as a variety of activites, such as trekking, dogsledding, white water rafting, and camping. Any of these destinations would serve as a perfect escape for the active traveler looking for isolation and adventure in their next vacation.

GUIDE FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

The LA Times recently paid a visit to West Texas and wrote up two good articles on what that part of the state has to offer in terms of activities for the traveler who enjoys spending time in the outdoors while visiting a new location.

The first article takes a look at the bountiful rock climbing and bouldering opportunities at Hueco Tanks State Park, an 860 acre park located near El Paso that is known for ancient rock paintings dating back hundreds of years. The park gets it's name from the natural stone basins or "huecos" that form water collection "tanks" and have gatered and stored rain water for indigenous people in the region for thousands of years.

Despite all the amazing history that surrounds the place, in recent years the Hueco Tanks has become a mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts who come from all over the world to take on it's massive boulders. There are many challenging routes, or "problems" in the vernacular of the sport, for climbers of all skill levels, making it an ideal spot to camp and climb for a few days.

The opportunities for mountain bikers in the El Paso area. Riding the Redd Road mountain trails through the Chihuahuan Desert, near the Rio Grande River, provides for a challenging ride for even experienced mountain bikers, mixing in plenty of rock and sand for a ride that can be technically demanding at times.

When paired together, the two articles make for a great travel itinerary for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a new adventure destination without breaking the bank. Spend a weekend in the El Paso area and mix in some climbing and mountain biking for a well rounded experience. The winter months are the perfect time to go as well, with little precipitation and mild tempertures allowing you to play all day in the warm West Texas sun.

GUIDE FOR CAMPING ACROSS THE CONTINENT

The Times Online has another suggestion, one that often goes overlooked. They recommend frugal travelers consider camping their way across the continent.

The best place to camp in Paris. That's right, camping in Paris itself, within sight of the Eiffel Tower, on a small river island on the Seine, at a place called Paris Camping International.

The place offers a quiet escape from the sights and sounds of the City of Lights, but is just minutes from the chic cafes and art houses that Paris is famous for.

And if that wasn't enough, the Times followed up that story with a list of the 20 coolest campsites across the rest of Europe. The list has suggestions for Portugal, Spain, France, Holland, Germany, Italy, and more.

The camp sites offer some amazing scenery, with backdrops ranging from the Swiss Alps to the Mediterranean Sea, and they are all rich in charm, but short on expense.

Looking for a bargain trip to Europe this year? Perhaps you should pack a tent when you go and take advantage of these unique places to camp.

GUIDE TO TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK NEW ZEALAND

In the park

The walk known as the Tongariro Northern Circuit is served by four Department of Conservation 'Great Walk' huts. DOC also has a number of 'Serviced' and 'Basic' huts in other parts of the park. At Whakapapa village there are campsites and cabins as well as motels and resort hotels. The most luxurious accommodation within the park is the historic Bayview Chateau Tongariro. Bookings are required in peak season.

Around the park

Various types of accommodation can be found in and around the towns Turangi, National Park Village and Ohakune.

Key Activities

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and other walks

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, completed by about 70,000 hikers every summer, features phenomenal volcanic scenery and fine views of Lake Taupo and Mt Taranaki. Overnight challenges include the four-day Northern Circuit and the six-day Round the Mountain track - one of New Zealand's Great Walks. The park also offers many shorter walks to waterfalls and fascinating volcanic features - including the crater of Ruapehu.

Skiing

Enjoy excellent skiing and boarding at Mount Ruapehu's ski areas - Whakapapa and Turoa. For non-skiers there is tobogganing and tubing or just drive up to see the spectacular view! The ski season usually begins in July and often runs until late spring. In summer, at Whakapapa, scenic chairlift rides and guided hikes to Ruapehu's Crater Lake are also available.

River fun

The Tongariro River provides an invigorating dip into the world of white water rafting. A succession of grade 3 rapids promises an exciting trip. Fly fishermen enthuse about the rainbow trout that are prolific in the streams and rivers around the park.

HotelHotels in New Zealand come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. You can expect to find top international hotel chains, such as Sheraton, Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, Rydges and InterContinental. You'll also discover smaller hotels that are memorable for their individuality and in convenient locations on all the main travelling routes.

Large international chains are mostly found in the major cities - Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. They're also located in key holiday destinations, such as Rotorua and Queenstown.

Two of New Zealand's most notable hotels, both winners at the 2008 Tourism Awards, are the Langham Auckland and the Grand Mercure St Moritz in Queenstown.

The Langham Auckland is where fine dining and elegant furnishings meets sustainability excellence, being one of the first hotels in New Zealand to achieve Qualmark Enviro-Gold status.

The Grand Mercure St Moritz is a four-time award winner, boasting chic, alpine lodge-style accommodation with a fantastic outlook to the rugged Remarkable Mountains.

Character and boutique hotels, which range from heritage buildings to purpose built facilities in stunning regional locations, vary in price according to their level of luxury. Hosts are welcoming and provide insight into the local culture and attractions.

Medium-price chains provide a consistent level of quality and a high standard of facilities, including swimming pools and spas. Look for names like, Mainstay, Kingsgate, Flag Inns, Golden Chain and Pacifica.

Walking and Trekking

Tramping is the New Zealand term for walking or trekking. Regardless of how easy or well-trodden a track may seem, tramping presents potential risks that all walkers should be aware of.

The following are a few basic rules of safety that can help avoid problems on the track.

• Remember that your safety is your responsibility.
  
  
• New Zealand's mountains and waterways can be extremely challenging, especially as the weather changes quickly. Intended short treks can be hazardous if you become injured, lose your way or the weather becomes unfavourable.
  
  
• Never go walking alone - you don't have to be climbing a mountain to slip over and break your ankle.
  
  
• Plan, prepare and equip yourself adequately before you set off and remember, New Zealand’s outdoor environment is unlike other countries.
  
  
• If you're heading off on an overnight hike or any backcountry walk, register your intentions at the nearest DOC office (and notify them when you return), or tell a friend or hotel-owner where you're going and when you plan to return. Seek advice first from the local experts on conditions, such as the local i-SITE information centre, DOC centre or the Police.
  
  
• Stick to the track. Most tracks are well marked and maps and track descriptions are available from DOC offices. A compass - and a knowledge of how to use it - is also useful.
  
  
• Sudden weather changes can occur anywhere and at any time. In mountain areas, a sunny day can turn into a freezing white-out within hours. At lower altitudes, a sudden downpour can leave you soaking wet and at risk of hypothermia. Prepare well. Always carry both warm and water-poof gear even if good weather is forecast and seek local advice on weather conditions before heading off. Jeans are not appropriate clothing for hiking.
  
  
• Find out about the weather and check the latest information on track and hut conditions before you go.
  
  
• Choose a trip that suits your skills, knowledge and experience. Be prepared to change your plans if necessary.
  
  
• Dehydration is an issue in any climate. Always carry plenty of water with you. Established tracks often have fresh water sources at camp sites and huts (check in advance) but if you plan to take water from streams, lakes or rivers, you must purify it, preferably by boiling (at least three minutes), or with chemical purifiers or a commercial filter.
  
  
• Carry a sufficient amount of food for your tramp, along with a portable cooker if you're staying out overnight. Lightweight, high energy foods are best. There are no shops or cafes in our natural wilderness areas.
  
  
• Carry a mobile phone in a zip lock plastic bag, but remember they rarely work in the mountains.
  
  
• Hike comfortably - a lightweight backpack and sturdy, worn-in boots are the most important accessories. For overnight walks a quality sleeping bag and (if camping) a tent are also essential.
  
  
• The sun in New Zealand is very strong, particularly in summer. It is recommended to cover-up with a hat, shirt and sun-block if you stay in the sun for longer than 15 minutes.
  
  
• Please do not take any plants or other natural resources from New Zealand’s outdoors.
  

Land Search and Rescue have also developed seven basic outdoor safety tips to help keep you safe in the outdoors.

1. Sign in/sign out. Leave a detailed trip plan with DoC or a friend including a "panic" date, the more details we have about your intentions, the quicker you’ll be rescued if something goes wrong.
   
   
2. Don’t underestimate bad New Zealand weather. Check the forecasts before going into the outdoors for the period you’ll be gone.
   
   
3. Take advice from people who know the area you're planning to tramp or climb.
   
   
4. Rivers can be killers. If it's running too strong to walk through, wait until the levels drop. Be conservative.
   
   
5. Going with others is better than going alone.
   
   
6. Consider using a personal locator beacon, especially if you’re travelling alone.
   
   
7. If lost - seek shelter and stay where you are. Use a torch/camera flash to attract attention at night. Try and position something highly coloured and visible from the air to help a helicopter search during the day.
   

Environmental Care

New Zealand has 14 National Parks and conservation areas covering more than one third of the country. These Parks are reserved for public use and preservation and offer a range of outdoor activities, including mountaineering, skiing, hiking, walking, fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming.

Most of all, however, New Zealand's national parks offer the chance to enjoy an unspoiled landscape. Our environment is precious, and much of New Zealand's flora and fauna is found nowhere else on earth. Please help us protect it for the future, while you enjoy it now.

• Protect New Zealand's unique plants and animals
  
  
• Camp carefully, leaving no trace of your visit
  
  
• Keep streams and lakes clean - avoid using soap or detergents
  
  
• Take care with fires and observe fire-bans
  
  
• Respect our cultural heritage and learn about its significance

Safe Skiing & Snowboarding

Snow is cold and slippery, mountains are steep, and alpine weather is very unpredictable - even experienced skiers and snowboarders can come to grief if they're not careful. You should also be wary of other skiers and boarders above and below you.

Some tips to consider:

• Make sure you have adequate insurance to cover your time on the slopes. Most travel insurance policies have particular coverage requirements and may have cover exclusions for activities such as skiing. If something goes wrong and (worst case scenario) you need to be airlifted off the mountain, you'll definitely want to be covered.
  
  
• Safe skiing and boarding has a lot to do with consideration for others and observing the snow code. If you're a novice, take a lesson first; know and respect your limitations and ability (ski on runs that reflect your ability); and always stay in control.
  
  
• If you need to stop on the mountain, move well to the side of the trail and stay in view of skiers and boarders further up the mountain.
  
  
• Stick to marked trails and never ski alone. If you intend to ski off-piste, make sure conditions are clear and let someone know of your intentions. Remember that a sunny day can turn to white-out in an instant.
  
  
• Whether you own your own gear or rent it, make sure boots and bindings are professionally set and adjusted, and check them before each day of skiing.
  
  
• Wear warm, layered clothing, including gloves and a hat, and avoid loose straps or buckles that can get in the way. Carry food and water if you're venturing off-piste.
  
  
• Winter sun can be very harsh: wear protective sunglasses or goggles and a high UV factor sunscreen.
  
  
• Warm up before skiing. Regardless of your ability, don't start with the hardest run on the mountain - ease into it with a few gentle runs and polish that technique!

Source : http://www.newzealand.com/

TIPS FOR PARENT AND KIDS ALIKE

We had been traveling continuously for about fifteen hours, and been awake for at least eighteen since departing from Madrid. After a week in Spain followed by a week in Italy, we were looking forward to just getting back to Vermont, but had to contend with the physical and mental exhaustion of our journey home.

If it had just been my wife, Ruth, and I, we would have simply sucked it up and accepted our fatigue as part of the trip, but one look at our kids, Audrey and Nicholas (ages seven and five, respectively), trying their best to hold it together on the floor beside us, was enough to make our hearts ache. Traveling is hard, but when you travel with young children, the challenges can seem insurmountable.

To compound the matter, we still had about five more hours to go before getting home, including a two-hour flight to Boston followed by a two-hour bus ride to our car, then a half-hour drive home (the unfortunate consequence of living in the country). And, of course, our connecting flight was not only delayed, but a nasty storm had brought with it gale force winds and heavy rain, increasing our level of angst and frustration.

It is during times like this that I often ask myself, why do we do it? Why do we put ourselves through considerable duress, not to mention expense, to get on a plane and travel halfway across the globe, when life would be so much simpler if we just stayed at home and dealt with the many challenges of our daily lives?

As I looked down at our children, patiently sitting on our carry-on bags and waiting to get on the plane, the answer was really right before our eyes. While it's true that travel can be hard and can push us to our limits, we are firm believers that it's also an enriching experience that helps keep our lives in perspective, reminding us to appreciate its seemingly inconsequential moments.

Furthermore, the lessons learned through travel are unique and rewarding, and can have a positive impact on children and parents alike, especially when you experience them together and grow as a family.

Mind you, there are many different ways to accomplish this. We could've made it much simpler by choosing a pre-packaged vacation or gone to a resort, where everything would've been planned and laid out for us. When we travel, however, we prefer to avoid things that are redolent of our home life, embracing what many may view as the negative aspect of travel: the unpredictability of the unknown.

Indeed, a large part of why we travel in the first place is to instill in our children and ourselves the ability to embrace adventure and new experiences rather than fearfully avoid them, and to understand that the world is a wondrous place, worth exploring. After all, life should be a journey of discovery, and not simply a process of getting from point A to B. Along the way, things often don’t go according to plan. But rather than avoid the hiccups altogether, we want our children to confront them head on, both the good and the bad, and know that there are rewards to taking a chance now and then.

When you really get down to it, we work hard in our daily lives in the sensible quest to surround ourselves with comfort and familiarity. No parent would want to compromise that, especially when it concerns the safety and well-being of his or her family. Travel, however, is a great way for us to break free from the routines that can sometimes hold us back and enter into an environment that is both challenging and new.

Consequently, when we operate outside of our comfort zones and try to speak a different language, use a foreign currency, learn new customs, try new and exotic foods where there are (thankfully) no kids menus, or try to navigate an unfamiliar city with kids in tow, we not only experience growth, but we learn to appreciate, even pine for, the banality of our home life.

Now don’t get me wrong. Children need predictability and regularity in their lives. But children also benefit from learning firsthand that while life can be messy and unpredictable, most of our problems, not just in travel, but in life, can be overcome.

Our flight into Boston was a rough ride, with the turbulence wreaking havoc on our nerves. The moment the wheels touched the ground, however, I looked over at Audrey and Nicholas sleeping peacefully next to us and breathed a huge sigh of relief. We were almost there.

We managed to catch the last bus up to Vermont, avoiding, just barely, the need to get a hotel in Boston for the night, and though the ride home seemed interminable at the time, there was the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Back in Vermont, we were grateful and relieved that our car started after sitting idle for two weeks, and with the kids asleep in back, we headed into the final stretch of our odyssey, gazing fondly at the beautiful Vermont scenery that we manage to ignore in our daily commute to work. Pulling into the driveway, we stumbled in through the front door, greeted our cats, and then whisked Audrey and Nicholas off to bed. Ruth and I retired to the living room, where we built a fire in the wood stove and then stretched out joyfully on the couch that we tend to complain so much about, savoring the delicious warmth that began to fill the chilly room. It sure felt good to be home, and we were looking forward to sleeping in our own beds and waking up the next morning to a good breakfast with the children, in the small town that we love so much. I don’t know about you, but for whatever reason, we don’t manage to feel this way every day.

Source : http://blog.away.com/travel

GUIDE TO TAJ MAHAL INDIA

Beauty, romance and history are the things that stand out when you think of the Taj Mahal. Built in the Indian city of Agra, the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, commissioned the mausoleum in remembrance of his beloved wife. Shah Jahan’s love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is apparent in every detail of the exquisitely wrought building. More than a thousand elephants brought in the materials for construction, and it took twenty-two years to complete the entire structure. When you think of this beautiful building, most think only of the tomb itself, the dome stands out in your mind, not realizing that there is much more to this magnificent display.

Walking up to visit the Taj Mahal, you approach the main gateway onto the grounds, the rest blocked from view by a wall, which surrounds it on three sides, the fourth blocked from easy access by the Jamuna river. Through the gateway, you’ll immediately see the elaborately laid out gardens, with reflecting pools in the center. Through the archway to your left sits a mosque, and to your right is, what they believe, may have been used as a guesthouse. Of course, immediately ahead of you beyond the gardens is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the tomb itself.

Dusk and dawn give different effects to the marble, sometimes glowing pink, sometimes white or even golden, as the precious and semi precious stones twinkle with the different positions of the sun. The stones aren’t the only unique detail on the building, look closely and you will notice verses from the Quran, painstakingly detailed around the archways. There are four minarets at the corners of the Taj Mahal, giving it an even more majestic look. The pietra dura, or paintings in the stone, include many different geometric figures, flowers, vines, fruits, and calligraphy. The inner chamber is even more elaborate, reflecting the outside design elements in miniature, using precious and semi precious stones rather than marble and jade. The effort and the degree of attention to every minute detail in the construction of this lasting masterpiece is astounding.

You will find the Trident Hilton Agra hotel a welcome respite after a day of sightseeing; it is only a few minutes walk from the mausoleum. Relax in a lounge chair beside the huge 65-foot outdoor pool, have an authentic Indian meal at their restaurant, an exotic drink or snack at the bar. Not tired from the hours spent at the Taj Mahal? They also have a fitness center, jogging track, paddle tennis table and a playground for the children to use up that excess energy. The rooms at the Trident Hilton have many conveniences for your pleasure, including private marble bathrooms, beautiful garden views and facilities to make your stay a comfortable and relaxing one. If you are interested in a night out or perhaps shopping without the children, they offer babysitting services, along with children’s activities. All in all, the Trident Hilton is a most comfortable and pleasant place to unwind after exploring the history of Agra.

Source : http://blog.asiahotel.com/

INFORMATION OF CHRISMAS ISLAND

Country Profile [CIA, 2008]
Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement began by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.

Location Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia
Coordinates 10° 30' S 105° 40.02' E
Capital The Settlement
Main Cities No (other) main settlements
Area 135 km2
Boundaries (km) 0
Coastline (km) 80
Timezone (GMT) 7
Population 1,402 (July 2007 est.) (Demographics)
Public Holidays N/A
Currency Australian dollar (AUD)
GDP $NA (Economic data)
Main Exports phosphate
Climate tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds
Natural Hazards the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
Physical Features Steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau

Christmas Island has a population of 1,402 (July 2007 est.) .

Capital The Settlement
Main urban areas No (other) main settlements
Ethnic groups Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10% note: no indigenous population (2001)
Languages spoken English (official), Chinese, Malay

Economy Overview
Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993, but closed in 1998. The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, expected to begin operations in the near future.

Debt and Aid
Debt: N/A
Aid Given: N/A
Aid Received: $NA

Labour Force
Number in labour force: NA
Sectors: N/A
Unemployment: NA%

GDP Facts and Figures
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
GDP: $NA
GDP Per Capita: N/A
GDP Real Growth: N/A
GDP Composition: N/A
Production Growth Rate: NA%

Industries, Land Use and Resource Consumption
Industries: tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion)
Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national park) (2005)
Exports: phosphate
Electricity Consumption: NA kWh
Natural Gas Consumption:
Oil Consumption:

Transport and Communications
A selection of key transport and communications information for Christmas Island

Number of main telephone lines
NA

Mobile (cellular) phones
N/A

Radio stations
AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2006)

Television stations
0 (TV broadcasts received via satellite from mainland Australia) (2006)

Internet users
464 (2001)

Country internet code
.cx

Railways
None

Highways
total: 142 km paved: 32 km unpaved: 110 km (2006)

Waterways
None

Pipelines
None

Ports and harbours
Flying Fish Cove

Airports
1 (2007)

Heliports
NA

GUIDE TO THE CHINA GREAT WALL

Tour Duration: 1 - 2 day(s)
Group Size: 1 - 6 people
Destination(s): China
Specialty Categories: Mountain/Rock Climbing Hiking & Trekking
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 160 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 260 US Dollar (USD)

The Great Wall Alternative This is a 2 day wild great wall trip that visitors seldom get to experience. Your own English speaking guide will transport you to a remote farm setting where you will spend the night and dine on freshly prepared food. In the morning you will awake refreshed, have breakfast, and then be guided to a remote section of the wild Great Wall that is not renovated. You will see it all as it was, untouched and left as an archeological site for the favored few. There will be no children, litter, concession areas, vendors, rest rooms, or anything else that walks with you. Where I take you will be China majesty that is untypical. Only through the services of a bi-lingual hiker, organizer and guide could such a trip be accomplished. If that’s what you want, then you do need me

Day 1:
Pick-up from your hotel in Beijing at 7 am or earlier in the morning if you wish. Drive 2 hours to the foot of the wild great wall. starting to climb the 3 sites of Jiankou section of the great wall - 'Beijing knot' where three wall connect to one point , 'eagle fly upward' where it is 80 degree angle but a small trek and go around it , 'heaven ladder' where the wall is narrow and long going up like a ladder to heaven . we have lunch on the great wall , I prepare egg and bread and even cook some noodle . At about 3 pm we come down the mountain and rest in the nice farm house and have Freshly prepared dinner served by rural attendants. Evening discussion among new friends and then to sleep.

Day 2:
Wake-up call by the crow of the rooster-about 7:00 am Breakfast served by attendants and completed by very early morning. Hike up the mountain to the wall.

1.hours via defined paths of mountain forest and shrub. Experience the majesty of the remote Great Wall;

5 hours in a single direction. Hike down the mountain and back to the staging area; Along the this part of the section there are another 3 sites which are 'Small budala' - the great wall looks like the budala in Tibet ; another site is 'arrow bow' the wall shapes like a upside down bow ; the third site is 'North tower' it is the top summit beacon tower of the Jiankou section of the great wall , and it is the biggest , it faces north so it is named the 'North tower' .

at about 2:00 pm in the afternoon we drive to the Mountain resort to have delicious lunch , we can catch live trout and the restaurant will cook the fish for us , there are also various vegetable and meat .

4:00 pm we start to drive back to beijing.
5:30 pm we return to your Beijing hotel;

What I offer is certainly off the beaten track. Few persons ever go where I am about to take you. I am local Chinese, and your adventure is the result of my expertise in planning, driving, hiking, and language. As Your China Guy I will fully take care of you. The only thing left is the memory of this alternative experience that will last your entire lifetime!

Your price will include the following:

1. Round trip transportation to the wall with hotel pick-up and return.

2. Overnight accommodations in a remote setting with dinner and breakfast.

3. Fully guided trip up the mountain, on the wall, and then back down. Late afternoon stopover at a mountain resort for you to catch your own trout and have it prepared for a late lunch.

Source : http://www.infohub.com/

GUIDE TO PISA TOWER

Everyone that visits Italy must make the pilgrimage to see the leaning tower, a sublime accident, an icon of cityscape beauty, and an astonishing monument to human will. Experiencing one of the most memorable sights in Europe, some even say one of the seven wonders of the world in the aptly named “Field of Miracles”, with a small group is far better than being herded around in a large crowd.

We tell you why the tower was created, why it’s leaning and what’s being done to save it from toppling over into obscurity. Be prepared as the tower is renowned for taking the breath away of even repeat visitors. We also walk through picturesque food markets in Pisa where we stop for a delicious light lunch.

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa
General information
" For security reasons, children under 8 years old are not allowed to access the Leaning Tower .
" The visit will last about 30 minutes on the whole and the tourists will be led by the staff of Opera della Primaziale Pisana.

Purchase process:
" To buy your tickets to visit the tower you must follow four easy moves
1. Choose the date of your visit
2. Choose the time of your visit and the number of tickets you would like to buy
3. Fill-in and submit the form with your personal data
4. Print the voucher that is proof of your payment

Security policy of personal data :
" Opera Primaziale has defined and adopted a security policy to protect data submitted using the form onto this web site, to buy tickets to visit the Tower of Pisa. This policy consists of procedures, staff training and use of specific hardware and software to assure availability, integrity and privacy of these data.

Payment conditions:
" Tickets must be payd using credit card and Euro is the only accepted currency.
" Ticket price 15 Euro
Adv. sale fee 2 Euro
" The data communication with the payment system is encrypted to assure our customer data against intrusion. The on line payment process uses Banca Sella S.p.A circuit. The credit card data verify and transaction process are directly managed by Banca Sella S.p.A.

How to get tickets:
" After printing the voucher, the tourist has to go to the ticket offices of Opera della Primaziale Pisana in Piazza del Duomo di Pisa at least 1 hour before the visit starts.
" Once the tourist hands in the voucher, the cashier gives him the ticket for the visit. The ticket is valid only for the time shown on the ticket and the voucher
" The tourist must show the cashier the same document that appears in the voucher..
" The tourist has to go to the proper left-luggage office to hand in bags/luggage before starting the visit.


Source : http://artviva.com/pisa learning tower