Touring Just the Way You like

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Touring Just the Way You like These days, there are so many types of tours and respective vacation spots to pick from that it seems impossible to decide how you want to travel and where you want to go. Will you get around on foot or use a bicycle? Wine sampling or bistro hopping may be more to your liking. Do you favor sightseeing with a guide or do prefer to go it by yourself? Is an escapade more your thing? Or, are you more of a curious globetrotter?

Before you pack your bags...

Prior to closing that luggage, be sure you’ve made all the essential decisions for your ideal vacation. Start off by determining the kind of tour you want to take. You’ll have to determine whether or not you'll want to share your days with other people or whether you need your space to go at your own pace. Regardless of your interest or hobby, from art history to ghost hunting to cheese-making to fishing, there is a tour out there for you.

The Best Tour for You

The Best Tour for You Hike Peru's Inca Trail... horseback ride in Alaska... climb the highest peak in Southeast Asia... surf the waves in Costa Rica... motorcycle through Patagonia… or run with the bulls in Pamplona. Get in a Ferrari F430 F1 Spyder to ride along the curvy coast of the French Riviera or fly an Air Combat mission, along the lines of Top Gun, in San Diego. If any of these adrenaline- loaded exploits speak to the adventurer in you, make sure they are part of your next vacation.

Visiting the World’s National Parks

Irrespective of the country, there is a National Parks tour that will take you to some of the great wonders of the world. There are well-known national parks around the globe, so read on to see which ones are the most interesting to you.

The Galapagos Islands

One of the world’s most visited UNESCO sites, and also Ecuador’s oldest park, is an archipelago known as the Galapagos Islands. The giant tortoises and small penguins that move around the islands are an incredible sight to see.

Machu Picchu

Deemed one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites in the world, Machu Picchu is a mesmerizing Incan fortress found high in the Andes Mountains. It is concrete evidence of the urban Inca Empire at the top of its power and achievement.

Yellowstone

In 1903 when President Theodore Roosevelt first encountered the amazing geology and flora of Yellowstone, he declared the site as “absolutely unique in the world”. Stating that natural beauty was a shared public asset, he promoted the idea of national parks to benefit all generations to follow.

Serengeti National Park

Both Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and South Africa’s Kruger Park are known worldwide for its wide array of wildlife and fauna found there. There you will not only enjoy landscapes you could never have envisioned, but you will also be very close to the countless predators which roam in the night.

Great Barrier Reef

Whether viewed from under the sea or high in the air, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park off the coastline of Australia is the world's biggest coral reef system and is worthy of a place on any traveler's bucket list.

Fiordland National Park

Not far away, New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park has the most breathtaking fjords, outshining Norway’s own spectacular natural wonders.

Special Interest Tours Galore

There are increasingly more specialty tours on the marketplace. There continues to be an increase in the variety of specialty tours available to anyone with a favorite pastime or special interest.

For all the Wine Lovers

Regardless where you fall on the wine connoisseur spectrum, there's a place for you in wine country. Understanding and savoring the outcome of the delicate process of wine making are a just some of the reasons people embark on wine-tasting tours. Wine tasting tours can take you from Napa Valley, to the Stellenbosch Wine Route in South Africa, or to many of France’s most famed wine regions such as Bordeaux or Champagne.

For the Food Lover

Nowadays, food lovers can take a trip just about anywhere to satisfy their palates. Learning about how culture and history impacted the evolution of regional cuisines are some of the perks of a culinary tour. Some of the higher-end tours may even give you access to a star chef or get you a lesson or two with a Michelin-starred master.

For the Yoga Lover in All of Us

Yoga tours are also coming to be a hot new craze in travel. enthusiasts of this ancient tradition use special breathing techniques and meditation to bring mind and body into harmony thereby attaining a sense of peace. A tasteful and alluring setting add that additional touch to make a yoga tour a relaxing and enlightening experience.

For Those Nature Lovers

Some of the main objectives of eco-tours is to keep any hint of human presence to a minimum in locations that remain fragile and relatively undisturbed. Visiting protected natural areas is just one aspect of eco-tourism, the other is to provide nature-lovers with an understanding of how important it is to guard the natural resources we have These tours are also designed to educate travelers about preservation and how to improve the welfare of local people.

Strictly for Women

The popularity of women only tours is on a constant rise. Women only tours are especially designed for female sightseers of all ages who want a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Sharing experiences of the places you’ve visited or the adventures you’ve been on is wonderful when you can talk to other travel companions who are just as happy to share their experiences with you.

For the Spiritual Seeker in All of Us

Where can you journey to better understand your faith and also reconnect with your your spiritual side? A faith-based tours are a terrific way to reflect on your spirituality and also gain a better understanding on how essential your faith is to you. There is no concern that you’ll never get bored on whatever kind of tour you pick.

Get Off the Beaten Track - 10 Top Rated Remote Hikes

Get Off the Beaten Track - 10 Top Rated Remote Hikes How pleasant would it be to take time away for yourself and be completely alone? Separate yourself from the every day and get back to the marvel of the outdoors on some of the most out of the way trails. Travel from Africa’s third tallest peak to the Australian deserts, or make your way down to the most southern point in Patagonia – you won’t be sorry. And don’t be unnerved by the remoteness of these places - there’s a trail for every level of trekker.

Gokyo Lakes & Renjo La in Nepal

Duration is approximately 17 days (13 days trekking)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (6)

Ideal for: Active travelers who want to try a trail trail to the popular Everest Base Camp trek

Best time to go is February to mid-May or end of September to December

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This hike runs through Sherpa villages to the spectacular turquoise Gokya Lakes then spans across the Renjo La (5400m) on a path less traveled. It is regarded as the very top trek in the Everest region, and gives a panoramic view of the Himalaya’s 8,000-meter peaks. As you ascend to Gokyo Ri, you will witness one of the top views of Everest and neighboring mountains, such as Cho Oyu in Tibet.

Larapinta Trail End in Australia

Duration is approximately 14 days

Grading: Moderate to challenging (6)

Wilderness lovers and seasoned walkers desiring a challenge will love this

Ideal to go is Mid-April to August

An important walk in Australia, the complete traverse of the Larapinta follows the West MacDonnell range, over 223 kilometers in Central Australia. Trek through this arid region on remote ridges and canyons; discover the stars in the Outback; climb Mount Sonder, one of the Northern Territory’s highest mountains, and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise.

Dientes Circuit on Navarino Island in Chile

Duration is Approx. 6 days (4 days trekking)

Level: Challenging (7)

Ideal for those trekkers who want to get off the beaten track in Patagonia

Ideal time to go is December to March

Walk the world's most southerly trek to Dientes de Navarino Massif where you will get the sensation that you have come to the far reaches of the globe. You for the most part do not observe many other backpackers on this this 42-kilometer tour at this far end of South America. This walkabout has been labeled by Lonely Planet as an area in Patagonia with the finest walking trails and is one of the few remaining distant spots left on earth.

K2 Base camp, Concordia & Gondogora La in Pakistan

Duration: About 24 days (16 days trekking)

Grading: Entry level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)

Best for: Anyone looking to get into mountaineering, or who is seeking a challenging trek

Ideal to go: Months of June to August

Viewed to be one of the greatest scenic treks, it stretches from the well-known Baltoro Glacier, to the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” and to the end of the globe’s second tallest peak. This well-known route in Pakistan has snagged the minds of adventure seekers and mountains climbers for years, with a view that spans 360-degrees of a 7000 meter and 8000-meter mountains, together with the great K2.

The Southern Alps in New Zealand

Duration is about 6 days

Grading: Moderate (5)

Ideal for those looking to head for heights

Best time to go: November to April

Often referred to as one of the globe’s top trekking, or “tramping” as it is known among the locales, New Zealand’s Southern Alps are a perfect backdrop for a hiking adventure. Hiking in remote alpine tarns with open vistas, this journey even been used as a precursor for a trek in the Himalayas.

Mountains of the Moon in Uganda

Duration: Approximately 13 days (10 days trekking)

Grading: Entry level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)

Best for anyone who has checked Mt Kilimanjaro off their list and are looking for their next summit challenge

Best time to go: December to February, June to September

Secluded and rarely visited, the Rwenzori Mountains (or Mountains of the Moon) are Africa’s hidden jewel. For those who like a challenge, the climb to Margherita Peak (5,109m), Africa’s third highest mountain, is the way to go.

West Coast Trail in Canada

Duration: Approximately 8 days (7-day full-pack trek)

Grading: Moderate to challenging (6)

This is for those active walkers who enjoy coastal walks and seek to combine it with an amazing forest trek and wildlife spotting

Best time to go: August

By ferryboat, cross the Orca-filled Strait of Georgia and travel to Vancouver Island where your trip begins, and you might possibly catch a glance of more whales and sea lions, eagles, and bears all along the shore. This is regarded as one of the world’s top 10 treks, and if organized well, you will be able to take coastline walks on the shelf.

Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Duration: About 27 days (23 days trekking)

Grading: Exploratory trekking (8)

Best for anyone desiring a very challenging trek that goes way off the beaten track

Ideal time to go is September to November

Visit the greatest traverse of Bhutan comprising 11 elevated passes over 4,500 meters through the remote Lunana region. This fantastic passage also crosses to the lovely Paro Valley where you will notice a stretch of land with tiny Buddhist monasteries and distant villages that are isolated from the rest of the country for a number of months of the year.

Pamir Fann Mountains, Tajikstan

Duration: About 14 days - 5 days trekking -

Grading: Moderate (5)

Ideal for: Those adventurers seeking to take their bush walking adventures up a notch while incorporating historical and architectural sightseeing

When to go: From June to September

Known for its exceptional mountain views and eye-catching alpine lakes, this off-track hike in virgin Pamir flows into deep valleys with pure clear lakes and flowering fields. You might even get a chance to see the summer camps of the Tijiki shepherds.

Tavan Bogd in Mongolia

Duration: Approx. 11 days - 4 days actual trekking

Grading: Moderate (5)

Best for anyone looking to explore untracked wilderness and authentic nomadic culture

Best time to go: June to August

Geographically, this is the most remote area of Mongolia, and is lush with unspoiled nature, wild animals and fascinating cultural heritage. You will also encounter local herders, bactrian camels, Kazakh eagle hunters and throat-singing Tuvan peoples, and learn about the indigenous peoples.

How are River Cruises Distinct from Ocean Cruises?

How are River Cruises Distinct from Ocean Cruises? There are both similarities and differences between ocean cruises and river cruises, so it is nice to know more about both when deciding which is best for you. The ships for ocean cruises are typically larger than those needed for river cruises, and have more accommodations in the individual rooms. Many more passengers can travel on them due to their more substantial size. River Cruises Distinct Ocean Cruises? 6547285929028084556.jpeg

River Cruises Distinct Ocean Cruises? 6547285929028084556.jpeg

The more modest scale of river ships translates to fewer guests, but more chances to get to know fellow travelers, often leading to lifelong friendships. A second differing feature is that on a river cruise you are almost never traveling for a full day at a time, where ocean cruises are in many cases on the open sea for a few days in a row. Guests typically wake up each day in a new location. Since the landscape outside the ship is constantly changing, the sense of exploration becomes part of the discovery. First-time passengers might want to start with a river cruise for several reasons including the fact that land is always in sight, the water is shallower, and the sailing is smoother, so there is virtually no risk of getting seasick. Then again, since they are bigger, ocean cruises have a better array of onboard offerings like live entertainment, gyms and fitness centers, and more variety of dining opportunities. But the majority of river cruises offer inclusive value, which means your Wi-Fi, water, alcohol and included excursions are covered in the price.

A Perfect Family Holiday

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Keep in mind that it might not be that effortless to organize your upcoming family vacation. As the family grows, so do the interests and hobbies. It does not matter if you are traveling with a large extended family or a smaller tight-knit unit, the ideal holiday is possible for everyone. Life can be chaotic with everyone running around doing his/her own thing, so a family vacation is an essential time to slow down and spend good quality time together. Joint adventures are not only good for , but they also bring everyone closer. And they give everyone the possibility to take it easy, enjoy life, as well as each other. Family vacations, however, can be a challenging undertaking. Keeping everyone focused with sufficient fun-filled activities is a fatiguing process.

So what is the formula to a great family holiday?

You need to make certain that all ages are kept busy and amused. The younger ones might need constant attention, special foods and doctor visits, while the older ones will need something altogether different. As pointed out, family time is crucial, but teenagers require independence, adventure, time with peers and to hang out by the swimming pool. Immersive travel is a way to learn more about the place you are visiting and enables your family to be more than typical tourists. By experiencing the locality via cultural adventures, you can become part of the society and it can become part of you. Staring at the Milky Way at night, touring the jungle, seeing sea turtles for the first time and feeling the huge splash of a whale in the wild are all priceless times that will make you want to make travel a part of your life. You can have one-of-a-kind adventures: make croissants in a French boulangerie, visit local school children, like the Masai Mara, or get up close and personal to a glacier in Antartica. The entire family can enjoy mastering a few phrases of the local language and partake in the cuisine.

Whether you are in search of a luxurious and tranquil setting or looking to go and uncover far-away places, the options are never-ending.

Below is a short listing of just a few of the destinations to visit:

Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia

For an over-the-top wonderland for all ages, visit the Indonesian hotel, Nihi Sumba; named one of the best international hotels. Here you will find a spa located under a fountain, a lavish wellness center, a private place to surf, horse back riding and an open-air Land Rover Safari.

Cruise the Italian Riviera

What could be better than cruising the Italian Riviera on a luxury yacht? Here you will be able to do everything: shopping, sightseeing, swimming or water skiing - or if your goal is to get away from from the world, relaxing with a nice glass of wine. This trip will take you from Naples to the Blu Grotto in Capri, Positano and leave you at the volcanic island of Stromboli.

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana

Perhaps your ideal trip is going day fishing, trekking or horseback riding. Yet, you still desire falling into a comfortable bed with 1000 thread-count sheets at the end of your day. If so, then go to the Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana. This ranch gives you magnificent cabins and the most heavenly spa treatments.

African Safari

If your wish is to get your kids off their cell phones and to re-connect to the natural world, then a safari is for you. No one, not even your hard to please teenager, will be left uninspired by the sublime beauty of the African plains or the incredible wildlife.

Iceland

Iceland has become a favorite for many reasons. It’s great if you are flying from the east coast and want to explore a magical place. And it offers adventure for the kids and luxury for the parents. Moreover, your kids will be wowing their friends back home with online pictures of the Northern Lights.

Patagonia

One other magnificent spot if you are looking to get away from the sweltering summer months is San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia, an alpine style town in the hills of the Andes. Bariloche, as it is known, is just a short 2-hour flight from Buenos Aires.

Costa del Sol, Marbella

If your child wants to practice his/her tennis skills with a professional and your only desire is to unwind by the beach, then you will want to book your next holiday at the Puente Romano Beach Resort in Marbella, Spain.

Bermuda

One can appreciate Bermuda all-year round and it is a fast trip from the East Coast. The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, dearly referred to by the Bermudians as the “Pink Palace”, is the ideal holiday spot for the entire family. Regardless of which way you cut it, the best family vacations become the stuff of legend, encouraging stories you can reflect on for years.

Africa: A Place of Exceptional Diversity

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When you sail along the coast of Africa you will follow the same path taken by early explorers from nations including England, The Netherlands, Germany, and Portugal. From historical tribal traditions to colonial influences, you will experience a spectrum of cultures in countries such as Mozambique, Madagascar, Senegal, and Mauritius. From South Africa’s breathtaking mountains to the desert panorama of Namibia, there is something for everyone. Chefs and food aficionados alike will want to make a stop on the beautiful tropical archipelago of Zanzibar, also known as “Spice Island” due to its abundance of valuable spices including cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.