Monday, July 7, 2008

A Little Mexican Adventure Vacation

A lot of people plan their vacations months in advance. The reason why some people do it is because they would want everything to be perfect. They want the hotel checked out, they want the destination close to the hotel, they want their activities lined up and ready for them and of course they want to be treated special because after all they are paying tons and tons of money.

This is how an adventure vacation is perceived. Months of preparation followed by countless weeks of anticipation and anxiety, this is usually how a regular vacationer sees it and it's how they live out the drama of their vacation.

Now when we talk about vacation some people would think that to enjoy their vacation they would need t travel across the globe to seek out and uncharted island blissfully located in the middle of nowhere and strategically located right next to civilization. Some people would also think that they need to spend tons and tons of money just to get them there, an island bordered by the savagery of the out doors and the comforts of civilization. But sometimes when people look too far away they miss what's under their noses.

Many people prefer going to more luxurious and popular places without considering those that could offer exciting adventure and interesting places to visit. Nowadays, when you talk about people missing things that are right under their noses—I'm talking about missing out on a good place to go to for a vacation. Some people spend too much of their time looking away to places like France, Italy, London etc. etc. when some of the good places to go to are just a border away in Mexico.

Though we must admit not all of Mexico is for the sight seers, there are many places in the heartland of Mexico that are not really for tourist and their vacation getaways. Some are cruel realities of life that really require the attention of the government. Mexico is a really nice place to be in because of the virgin forests and the beautiful beaches, but if there would be any improvement in the tourism scene in Mexico, it has to start now.

Anyway, one of the few places that really deserve hats off is a place called San Blas, Mexico. Long before Spanish settlers set foot in this little gateway to California, people have already started settling here. Some people speculate that the lost civilization of the Incas may have been from there once.

It may not be as popular as Cancun but it does hold it own brand of notoriety especially for birds. Yes that's right birds. Many of the bird watching enthusiast flock to this little barrio surrounded by forests, lagoons, mangroves and endless islets that serve as excellent breeding grounds for both exotic and local species of birds.

Another attraction here are the ruins of Fort San Basilio built atop of a steep hill the La Contaduria. Imagine yourself on an adventure vacation high above the expanse of the town and the harbor. A good place to see the whole town and the beach, a good thing about it is that it's not too far away unlike when you need to have your fix on.

Here, you can enjoy not just a peaceful environment but also a feeling of self-fulfillment and utmost relaxation.

An Adventure Vacation in Turkey

Many people would raise eyebrows if a vacation off to Turkey is mentioned. But, to those that are into adventure vacation, a trip to Turkey, especially in Gaziantep spells as a fun-filled ADVENTURE! This is because the place, the Gaziantep province, can be found at the southeast part of the country—which most tourist have not stepped foot onto.

If you are planning to go on an adventure vacation in Turkey, Gaziantep is an ideal place because it boasts off a commercialized city wherein you can find the things that you are used to. However, despite its commercialization, you can still feel its rich culture that has been existent for the past 4,000 years. Originally known as 'Ayintap,' Gaziantep was a very important settlement area during the times and empires of the Roman, Ottoman Hittite, Persian, Babylonian, and Byzantine.

Standing at the crossroads of Southeastern Anatolia, Asia, Europe, and Mediterranean, Gaziantep is indeed a very interesting place to visit because it bears woven influences of many civilizations near the borders.

What is truly interesting about Gaziantep is the old city center where traditional house made of stone and have distinctive architectural features are still existent up to this time. This is also the place where you can find the great 6th-century Gaziantep Fortress as well as the Ravanda citadel surrounded with tiny palaces, mosques, watchtowers, a bath house and the Mehmet Gazali Tomb.

For those who are into archeology, it is nice to visit the Archaeological Museum where you can find a unique and rare collection of the province's Hittite and Neolithic empires. Roman relics that are considered the finest in the whole of Turkey can also be found in Gaziantep. For more thrilling adventures, you can arrange day trips to Mount Nemrut where you can see a historic monolithic sculpture.

What to consider

If you conduct a simple research on the Gaziantep province, you will find out more interesting activities and places to visit. But, before you finally decide to choose the place as a destination for an adventure vacation, assess yourself first:

- are you prepared to witness a totally different culture from what you are used to? This is very important to consider because if you are prone to "culture shock" then, you would not enjoy the vacation. To prepare yourself for other cultures, make sure that you conduct a research first to have a general knowledge on the place.

This research should include the basic pieces of information a tourist should know about the place including means of getting there, places that offer accommodation and lodging, paper requirements, lifestyle of the people living in there, food available for you and what are your options, as well as the clothes that you should wear. (Remember, Turkey is a Muslim country so people are stricter when it comes to dress code especially to women.)

- how much is your budget? This should also be settled before you finalize your adventure trip. To know how much you will be spending in going and staying in Gaziantep, inquire from travel agencies that handle and arrange visits to the place. If the cost would fit your budget well, then it is better to have the travel agency arrange everything for you.

But if it costs too much and you would still want to push though, start your research by visiting sites in the Internet that offer information on Gaziantep. Although it would cost some of your time, it would cost you lesser amount of money.

A Memorable Adventure Vacation in Brazil

A memorable adventure vacation should entail not just the people you are with but the impact of the place that you have been into. And going to Jericoacoara in Brazil can do just that. If you go on an adventure vacation in a very inviting place such as this, you will no longer have to worry about the people you are with or any other minor considerations because what the place offers will surely captivate your heart.

Popularly called ‘Jeri,’ Jericoacoara can be found at the northern part of the Brazilian state of CearĂ¡. Up until now, the place is still considered as a remote island because you cannot access it easily. You will need to ride in a bus for long hours and ride is a dune buggy, which will take you 12 miles closer to your destination. To many, the road to Jeri itself is a big part of the vacation because getting there is truly an adventure!

Despite the long hours of travel, you wouldn’t find it a waste of time especially upon seeing immaculately incredible beaches. You will also be amazed to see the how beautiful the eco-protected haven. Getting here will definitely give you a taste of going back to basics because you would not see paved roads, vehicles or cars, malls, banks, and even lighted street lights because there is limited and restricted supply of electricity.

Although it lacks the conveniences that the modern world has to offer, the sheer beauty that you can remember for the rest of your life will still amaze you: landscape that is dominated by sand dunes, glorious warm sea waters and clear lagoons or a national park that boast of wildlife unique to Brazil.

Places and activities to discover

An adventure vacation in Jeri, Brazil can open up you to a world of exciting outdoor activities and places to discover. If you plan to enjoy outdoors to the fullest, try windsurfing, sandboarding, kitesurfing, or horse-riding. If you want to be more adventurous, start an exploration at the dunes, various rock formations, or visit the natural pools in nearby villages such as Guriu, a famous fishing community and Mangue Seco.

What you need to prepare

But before indulging into a vacation free from the toxicity of modern life, there are some things that you need to pay attention to such as knowing how to get there, places where you can stay, the length of your stay, your timetable, as well as the things that you need to bring.

Getting there is possible via air travel and land travel. When you travel by air, you can fly from New York off to Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo and through North Star Air Taxi through a charter flight off to Fortaleza. By land, you can ride a bus hailing from the central bus station of Fortaleza off and head to the place called ‘Jijoca’ and ride to a four-wheel drive off to Jeri for about 6 hours.

When it comes to the date of your vacation, you would not have to worry because the place has hot and humid weather all-year long. If you are planning to do some outdoor activities, go there between July to December. Avoid going there during the rainy season of season of February to May because not much activities can be done.

In terms of place to stay and accommodation, worry no more because you can get the best services and amenities at the beachfront Mosquito Blue or opt for vibrant and decent lodgings at the place called “Pousada Ibiscus” which is less expensive.

An Enchanting Adventure Vacation in Fiji

Fiji is one of the most enchanting and romantic places in world that is why it has also become a favorite adventure vacation destination. Also called as the “Republic of the Fiji Islands,” this island nation has become quite popular to people who would want to getaway from the toxicities of the suburbia and enjoy a once in a lifetime adventure.

A country that occupies an archipelago of about 333 islands, Fiji has become a favorite romantic and adventure vacation because of its beautiful islets and surroundings. Its two major islands—Viti Levu and Vanua Levu—ensures that people who will be coming in for an adventure vacation will relish their trip because they will be given ultimate pampering from the nature.

Loving Fiji as a vacation destination

Fiji is indeed perfect for people with adventurous souls and for those who see ultimate romance, relaxation, cultural immersion, cruising the sea, or extreme eco-tourism escapade.

For a person to be given a chance to discover the islands of Fiji, he or she is one lucky individual! This is because you will be provided a vacation that is packed with breath taking attractions and unique experiential opportunity. Aside from providing a wide array of activities, you can also cleanse your mind and spirit and reflect.

If you go on a vacation in Fiji, no amount of time will be wasted because you can do almost everything and anything under the sun. Here, you can sizzle with excitement and adventure or you can just relax while enjoying such an untouched nature. You can also have fun while swimming with manta rays without worries, enjoy snorkeling, or get into scuba diving at the White Wall and the famous Astrolabe Reef.

The place never fails to draw people who are adventurous and nature lovers because it has rich rainforests that have are not harmful animals or insects. The place also offers a sacred sanctuary to people who are into nature because they can enjoy serene contemplation without worrying about their safety. Nature lovers will also enjoy multi-colored birds that invade the trees and the sky and various bodies of water like streams and waterfalls that are clean and very invigorating.

The place also offers a year-round warm weather that can make you enjoy the sandy beaches, pristine blue waters, lovely coral reefs and thrilling high waves. You will also enjoy the ultimate Fiji dining that offers multiethnic culinary experience and shopping that will make you discover unique cultural and historical artifacts as well as cheap gift and souvenir items.

Aside from the breath taking sights, adventurous sports activities, unique dining and shopping experience in Fiji, it is also becoming a popular romantic destination. More and more people choose Fiij as a venue for their weddings and honeymoons because of its exotic environment. If you plan to do your wedding in Fiji, you can opt for modern international resorts or smaller venue in islands that will allow your dream wedding in a tropical paradise.

What makes Fiji an ultimate adventure vacation destination it gives people a chance to try and enjoy a wide array of sporting events and activities. Known to offer a diversity of sports, Fiji will let you experience sports that involve the sea, the air and the land. Sporting activities include scuba diving, sky diving, badminton, beach volleyball, golf, surfing, cruising, and many more.

Adventure Sailing Vacation Has No Limits

Adventure sailing vacation has no limits when even the physically disabled are able to achieve such a feat. This is as long as there are charities and clubs around that allow people with mixed abilities to work side by side with an able crew on equal terms.

Currently, such groups can be booked for a sailing vacation that will last from 4 days or 4 weeks. Ships can be charted to go from one point in the US to another. Charters those across the Atlantic might sail south or the west to enjoy the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Tour groups that provide these cruises are suitable for beginners and veterans alike. First timers get learn the basics and at the end of the course get a certificate. To get more experience, they will have to head out to see regularly. Those who don’t have the time can take an online course because although it is not a substitute for certification, it is a good tool in preparation for your continuing sailing education.

But if you are just doing this for fun to spend time with friends, you don’t have to work. Given that charters already assign a trained crew, you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the ocean voyage.

Along the way, the ship will dock in different ports. This allows people to go inland and spend some time ashore. They can sleep there as well or go back to the ship to watch the harbor and the stars at night before it is time to set sail to their next destination.

At sea, the crew might encounter dolphins, seals and whales swimming alongside the ship. As they get closer to land, they will most likely encounter cormorants, guillemots, kittiwakes, puffins, shags, skuas and razorbills among other creatures.

Part of the package includes good quality fresh food so you don’t have to bring anything when you come aboard. Crews will do the cooking but you can assist if you want to get into the action.

To make such tours accessible to those who are and are not physically challenged, companies make it a point that the meeting points are easily accessible by plane and at cheap rates. Booking can be made through your travel agent or you can make the reservation online. You can look at their itinerary for the year so you know where the ship is going on a certain date.

There are also sailing clubs for the disabled. Some will require you to pay a membership fee while others hand this out for free.

Perhaps the biggest achievement for those who are disabled is to compete against others that have similar disabilities. Established in 1998, the US Disabling Team competes in various races annually and the biggest one this year happens to be the 2008 Paralympic Games which will be held in Qingdao, China about 430 miles east of the Capital.

So whether it is just for fun or to race for the grand prize, adventure sailing vacation has no limits even to those with physical disabilities. This is because they can be trained to run the ship just as well as an able bodied person so they are able to set out to sea and return back to port.

Adventure Sailing is More Fun When You Own The Yacht

You can charter adventure sailing vacation to almost any destination in the world. The only problem is that it will cost you a lump sum paying for the crew, the meals and the fuel for the trip. You can probably save money on a sailing vacation when you own the yacht but only if you know how to navigate and control it.

The advantage of owning a boat is that you can go on a sailing vacation at anytime. You don’t have to call your travel agent or make any reservation online since the boat is just sitting at the dock waiting for you to come aboard. The only thing you have to do is buy food and fuel which should be enough to get you back to port.

The boat also brings financial benefits because when you are not using it, this can be rented out to those who want to go on their own sailing vacation as long as they are able to pay your rate. This of course means additional revenue for you so the ship stays in good shape.

This makes it also ideal for those who want to conduct business on board because this is a tax deductible once you register your boat as a place of business. To see how this works, get in touch with your tax advisor

Another financial benefit of owning your own yacht is the fact that this is considered to be a second home. This is as long as the boat has at least one berth, a permanent galley and a head which is the requirement of the IRS.

If you can’t buy your own yacht, there is something called fractional boat ownership which means for a certain period during the year, you can do whatever you want with the boat. This will allow you to use it to go on a trip with your family.

The best thing about this is that a group of you share the cost of owning the yacht which already includes its maintenance, insurance, moorage, equipment, fuel and repairs.

This can only happen of course after you have completed a boating safety class and a safety orientation. This will not be a problem for you if you are already certified to sail a boat and know how to use all the equipment like charts, compass and GPS on board.

The other option is to join a boat club. Unlike part time sharing, you don’t get to own a boat. But as a member, you are entitled to up to 4 advanced reservations at any given time and access to powerboats or to sailboats that are up to 30 feet in length. The club for its part will shoulder all the other expenses such as maintenance, cleaning, storage and insurance.

There are many of then around so you won’t have a hard time choosing one. Some cater to one market while others cater to all. They also offer boating classes for those who want to do this for fun or commit themselves in the sport.

Adventure sailing vacation is truly better when you own the yacht as the only thing you have to do is drive on over to the docks, stow your gear on board and then sail off into the sunset.

Adventure Vacation for All Ages in the US

Adventure vacation is preferred by more and more people nowadays regardless of their ages and preferences because it offers a new kind experience. It is not the usual vacation that just offers the usual routine but something that can people explore seemingly limitless possibilities of fun and exposure.

Today, more and more people opt to bring their family members when going out on a vacation because they know that everybody no matter what their genders and ages are can enjoy the trip. But, this can be fully successful only if the adventure vacation package that has been chosen includes a list of activities meant for all ages.

There are many vacation providers out there ensure that families who are looking forward to an adventure vacation can get what they are looking for. Most of the adventure vacations that are fit for all ages are those that include water activities, tour to wildlife, and mountains and caves to be explored.

These activities are proven to be enjoyable for teeners who are just having their first taste of freedom and for parents who have not been able to experience such activities for a long time.

Since these activities strip people off the modern culture that they have used to, these will make the family members closer because of the bonding time that has been spent.

Great adventure vacation site

United States is one of the best places to go on an adventure vacation because its nature offers various sites where water and land activities can simultaneously be held. But, among all the places where families can go on an adventure vacation, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the best.

Before adventure vacation has gained its popularity, the Grand Canyon in Arizona has been popular to so many families and their generations. This is because the place has its innate beauty where culture, history, and nature are woven together to create a wonderful combination.

The highlight of the ultimate adventure vacation is reaching the Canyon's rim where one can be overwhelmed by its vastness and natural beauty. Since the Canyon can only be reached through the Colorado River, the family members will also enjoy traveling a watery path that provides a magnificent venue of the water as its moves forth and back the canyon's walls.

The trip through the Colorado River will also provide a magnificent view of the awesome geological treasure of the place. Aside from taking a peek in the wonderful geological marks of the Canyon, side hikes, magnificent bodies of water, and amazing scenery will greet each member of the family. With these amazing experiences unfolding, no member of the family can resist it.

An adventure vacation to the Grand Canyon will include a trip from the Whitmore Wash to the Lake Mead. This trip will give the people on vacation greater views of the Canyon while experiencing pleasant rapids in the upstream. The watery trip will let the people on vacation to float through Hurricane fault zone, down to the Lower Granite Gorge, to the Grand Wash Cliffs, and finally off to the Lake Mead.

The adventure vacation in the Grand Canyon will also include a trip to the Bar 10 Ranch, the oldest working cattle ranches in the state. The ranch is one of the most places that visitors look forward to because it offers a wide range of activities perfect for everyone.

These activities include hiking, skeet shooting, horseback riding, and even ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) for riding.