Thursday 26 February 2015

Adventure travel is the hottest new trend in travel holidays. Do you have what it takes?

Even seasoned travelers, having visited the far corners of the globe, may benewcomers when it comes to the adventure travel scene. I like to travel butm, I have to say, its mostly of the serene type. If you're looking for adventure, then your friendly local adventure travel agency is at your disposal! With the current dip in travel, many travel agencies are looking for new travel experiences, with a tad more excitement and off the beaten track, that will entice both new and veteran travel junkies to take the plunge. Adventure travel has become a hot trend, appealing to people who want just a little more out of their vacation. How can you compare staying in a youth hostel in Arran, sightseeing in London, Paris or Rome with an excursion into the Australian Outback, exploring the rain forests of the Amazon, or four-wheeling across the Sahara Desert? There's simply no comparison.



These less conventional and little traveled roads are not for the faint of heart. Some adventure travel destinations are best suited if you're fit and strong, such as climbing the Himalayas, or boating down the Amazon River, where there are crocodiles and, yes, piranhas! However, there are adventure travel destinations to suit anyone who has the adventure bug.



For example, visiting the Galapagos Islands, while a less frightening than a pack of piranhas, is a beautiful adventure travel destination, home to wildlife such as the big lizards and giant sea turtles that are not found elsewhere. Think of the photo ops!



Patagonia is another breathtaking region, straddling Chile and Argentina, with its many rivers snaking their way through spectacular mountain ranges – including volcanoes -  and down, through the wild plains of Pampas.



Have you ever wanted to sleep in an igloo? Well, you can! There are adventure travel tours operating in Greenland that allow you to experience life in an authentic igloo. And you thought Minnesota was cold!



There are countless such adventure holidays from which to choose, in locations all over the globe. So how do you find these exciting vacations? One good way to begin your search is with an adventure travel guide book, so you can get a bead on the types and styles of adventurous travel is out there. Once you've established the type of adventure you're looking for, get online and Google 'adventure travel agency name-of-country/region' and you're good to go. You'll find there are agencies strictly devoted to adventure trips for women.



Given the nature of some of these trips, you might also want to inquire about adventure travel insurance! This brings to mind one adventure itinerary I don't think I'd have the courage to book: Bolivia's Road of Death takes you through the Andes on a road consisting of hairpin curves, flanked with numerous cliffs that might go right into the abyss! I don't think that bus could go slow enough to suit me! Nonetheless, Bolivia's Road of Death tours are popular!



Many of these adventure holidays are geared towards more than increasing your adrenaline. The travel agencies like to strike a nice balance between the adventure and the relaxing features, nice accommodations and even a bit of shopping.



Any of the adventure trips will provide an unforgettable vacation. When you get home, you'll not be boring your friends with your photos and adventure tales. Everyone will want to, vicariously, enjoy your adventure travel holiday! They might want to book a trip, too!


Wednesday 25 February 2015

Holidays In Turkey



It is said that Turkey is the gateway to Asia. In fact, part of the country is in Asia and part is in Europe. Every visitor on a holiday in Turkey will agree that it is one of the most fascinating places on the planet, steeped in history, magnificent architecture and culture. Shopping, eating out and seeing the sights will leave memories forever.

Istanbul is the country's largest city and it has many historic attractions. It is easier to get around on public transport than by car due to the large volume of traffic. Taxis are another option on holidays in Turkey and they are inexpensive. Topkapi Palace was the palace of the Ottoman Emperors and is admired for its opulence. It contains the State Treasury, which houses an exhibit of weapons, and the Imperial Treasury. Chora Church was not uncovered until the middle of the 20th century. It is a Byzantine Church, dating back a thousand years and has beautiful mosaic frescoes.

Bodrum is a village on the Aegean Coast and is a popular tourist spot. Bodrum Castle began construction in 1402 and now houses a museum with displays on underwater archeology. There is also the Uluburun, a well known shipwreck. The area is not just about history however. Visitors can stroll round the pretty marina or have fun on the beach. There are opportunities to dive and windsurf. Boat tours are a very pleasant way of exploring on holidays in Turkey and these can be booked from Bodrum.

Safranbolu in Central Anatolia is a Unesco World Heritage Site, famous for its houses from the Ottoman era. Some of the houses are open to the public. Olympos, in Mediterranean Turkey is popular with young people who like to party and travel on a budget. There is a vibrant nightlife and lots of backpacker hotels. In addition to the bars, there are Ancient Greek ruins and a pebble beach. Bus trips go to Mount Olympos.

Accommodation also includes 5-star hotels in tourist locations and cities. When shopping, there is a lot of fun to be had, haggling with the vendors. Bargaining is an accepted part of the culture and holidays in Turkey provide an opportunity to browse the colorful markets. There are many interesting souvenirs to give as gifts. Leather clothing is inexpensive and pottery and hand woven carpets are popular buys. Since 2005, the currency has been the New Turkish Lira. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most places. Visa requirements vary according to which nationality is applying for a holiday in Turkey.