The Insider Scoop: Boulder, CO

The Local Knowledge of Boulder and the Surrounding Area

The Insider Scoop: Boulder, CO

Living in Colorado means a lot of sun, a smaller amount of wind, and super dry skin. All are easy to live with when you live in Boulder. Mockingly called “The People’s Republic of Boulder” by some, this place is known for its Democratic views and politics in a very Republican state.

From emphasis on local produce to co-op power, the people around Boulder love freedom, and nature. This place allows you to go for a walk in the morning, get some vegan food in the afternoon, and takes a swim at night, all without leaving city limits. Here are some local tips for those who want to get the best and most exclusive of Boulder.

Canyon St. Farmers Market:

During the spring, summer, and part of fall, every Saturday morning is when I get my veggies for the week. There are numerous farms, coop gardens, and private growers in the area, and every Saturday morning they truck their wares down to the middle of Boulder on Canyon Street right by the river, and sell.

You can get a little of everything: I usually plan on getting eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onion, peppers, nuts, and fudge when I go. The amount of options is staggering, and some of the best white-truffle mustard I’ve ever had was purchased there. The best part about it is that everything is completely fresh and local.

Before you get going, make sure to stop into the Tea Café right in the middle of the fair. This blue-chip mosaic building serves breakfast and lunch alongside the most impressive collection of teas I’ve ever seen. Everything is available for trying, and as reasonable prices, you can shop like you’re in Boulder and drink like you are in China.

Chautauqua Park:

I just moved to Boulder about 9 months ago, and I tell everyone back home the same thing when they asked why I chose Colorado.

“If you don’t like the outdoors, don’t move here.”

Boulder is a pretty expensive place to live, but it allows those of us that hike and mountain bike a wide range of trails to choose from. These vary greatly in difficulty and use.

The place to start your journey is Chautauqua. This part of the advice is not so much insider information. It is easily the most popular starting point for trails, and with plenty of parking to boot. The best part for visitors if they start at Chautauqua, they can ask the locals which trails would be best for them and their families. I personally suggest, however, that you ask for some of the more local trails for the best thrills.

Snow Plow Carving Out Hiking Trail

Specialty Hikes & Rides
View Hike - Bear Peak Trail:

This is a heavily wooded hike that leads to an amazing view of boulder at about 10,000 feet. On a difficulty scale of 1-10 this hike would be a 7. Now, before the locals groan, I’m taking into account that most visitors have never been at 5,000 feet, and then tried to ascend another 5,000 within a couple of days. For experienced hikers at sea level, this will just make you sweat a ton and be short of breath, for non-experienced hikers at sea level, I’d avoid this right away, many people come to these altitudes and overexert themselves.

Relaxed Hike - Stone Thrones on Skunk Trail:

This is a hike I like to do after an early dinner to catch the sunset. This hike can’t actually be started from Chautauqua, but from the skunk trailhead just one mile away. If you take the skunk trail and always bear right, you will end up on one of the smaller hills near Bear Peak. On what looks like an old rockslide, some locals have made three seats out of the stone that are pretty damn comfortable. This is the best place to have a drink while watching the sunset.

Mountain Bike Trail – Betasso Loop:

This is a short loop, but many people riding the trail add a lot of terrain. If you happen to live here, you’ll notice the loop change pretty drastically every month or so during the summer. There is a good view of Boulder Reservoir at the end of the loop, and a good steep technical section at the beginning.

White Water Rafting in Colorado:

This is truly one of the most fun things you can do to conquer Mother Nature, and do it as big as you want. Riding a raft down a river in Colorado is an experience no one forgets.

Consider for a second the lay of the land. Each year millions of cubic feet of snow are dumped all over the rocky mountains. The tree line; which is the line that marks the point where trees no longer grow, is about 11,000 feet in Colorado. Many of our peaks have 3000 feet or more of open space to collect an awe-inspiring amount of snow.

Take all of that snow, and melt it all around March, and funnel it into just a few well-formed rivers, and you have the most amazing white water rafting anywhere. We have class 1-5 rapids, with class 5 signifying that even if you negotiate a rapid perfectly, you will still hit something. Adrenaline seekers will have no problem at all filling their need for danger.

The bus terminal in Boulder, CO can take you to any one of these mountain towns that have some of the best outfitters in the business, for about $15.

Pete Wise is a content developer and white-hat SEO Jedi. This article was written for Wilderness Aware Rafting, who specialize in Colorado White Water Rafting Follow Pete on twitter:  @MySEOHeadache

Maine Research: Making Travel Plans

Maine Research For Vacation

Maine research for the ultimate relaxation vacation

Maine research does nothing but the fuel the fire for someone who has always wanted to visit the natural beauty of the East Coast, and truly relax in what may be one of the most underrated states in the U.S. Call me an old soul, but when I think of taking the trip of a lifetime to the East Coast, I don't think of staying in New York or touring Washington D.C. I'm not interested in catching a Red Sox game in Boston, or seeing the Hamptons.

My dream is visiting the sleepy fishing towns of Maine. Seeing the leaves of fall, aboard the Maine Eastern Railroad between Brunswick and Rockland. Stand on the rocky shore near of the many fascinating and majestic lighthouses of Maine.

Lodging in Maine

There are plenty of options for lodging all around Maine, and to be honest... You're going to have a harder time deciding where to stay, than actually finding a place to stay. If luxury is your forte, you might want to look at such options as The Inn at Ocean's Edge in Lincolnville, Maine. With plenty of packages to choose from, you can experience everything from couples retreats, to "living like the locals do" where you'll get the chance to ride with a real Captain on an authentic Lobster Boat. Maybe you'd be more interested in the sailing and dining package, touring small islands made of granite and finishing with a oceanfront dinner. Not a planner? Fear not, as there is even a "Last Minute Traveler Package."

It's Not Maine Without Lobster

You've got to try the lobster!

Maine lobster should be a must have on the menu for your visit. How does an authentic lobster bake with all the wonderful trimmings on a deserted island beach sound? If that has your attention, you may want to contact the Windjammer, J.& E. Riggin in Rockland Maine.

If you still haven't met your stomach's lobster quota after the tour, make sure to attend the Maine Lobster Festival in August. Over 1,000 volunteers come together to make this event happen each and every year. Saturday, August 13th, 2011 marked the 47th Annual Lobster Festival in Winter Harbor. The event included lobster boat races, a 5K road race, art show, live entertainment and more.

So That's Why They Call It "Vacationland"

So they call it "Vacationland," but why? I'll tell you why! There is so much to do and to see! Take Acadia Air Tours for example! There are over 20 flight adventures to choose from including: A biplane tour, glider flights, a fighter pilot experience and even your plain old scenic flight.

Not quite your style? Make sure you check out one of the many State Parks Maine has to offer. Have you ever heard of Sebago Lake? Here you can do anything from camping to fishing, swimming, and even hit the snack bar! Maybe you'd like to motor down a scenic road. If that's the case then look no further than Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Grafton Notch, Cobscook Bay, and Camden Hills.

Kayaking Maine

If paddling around is on your brain, suit up and hit the water. Canoe trips and kayak tours are offered all around the state. It's also very easy to find canoe and kayak rentals too. A couple of outfits to consider are Coastal Kayaking Tours in Bar Harbor and Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville.

If you are looking for something on the water that is a little slower paced, book a deep sea fishing with Old Quarry Ocean Adventures in Stonington. Near Ogunquit? Give Bunny Clark Deep Sea Fishing a shot. There are also many opportunities to scope out local wildlife while forging the waves. Keep your eyes peeled for puffins, whale, and seals!

Wow your family by conducting a little Maine research and see the endless possibilities the state has to offer you and your loved ones. With activities and sights that cater to everyone, from the rug-rats to grandma and grandpa, this is a travel destination that is sure to please. So pack your bags and head to the East Coast!

Written and posted by blog admin.

Off The Coast of Africa

Visiting Mauritius on a Budget

While Mauritius is often regarded as an expensive destination due to its popularity and location in the Indian Ocean, it is nevertheless quite possible to travel there on a budget. Obviously, travel agencies and tour operators are running a business, which entails them trying to sell you the most expensive package as soon as you inform them of your desire to visit Mauritius. However, Mauritius is in fact a very affordable destination as long as you know what you are doing and take measures to ensure your budget does not spiral out of control.

Choose the off-peak season

It sounds like an obvious advice and one that should never have to made this list but it is still amazing how people overlook the simplest of considerations. Most tourists still want to visit Mauritius during the December festivities or during the months of July to August when everybody is going on holiday. They consequently end up spending a lot on air tickets and accommodation. The off-peak season in Mauritius is from February to May and from September to October, and traveling to the island during these months will allow you to save a lot of money.

Stay clear from all inclusive travel packages

Travel packages that include the air ticket, the accommodation, and various other things important to a holiday in Mauritius are often regarded as a great way to avoid the hassle of looking for each thing separately. However, the fact remains that these packages are often much more expensive than if you booked everything separately.

Unless you get a package that you know is advantageous, it is always cheaper to find your ticket and hotel separately. With so many websites offering tons of information on Mauritius, it's not as if it can be very hard to find out everything you need to know about the famous Indian Ocean island.

Choose a reasonable accommodation

One of the biggest factors that will initially make Mauritius look extremely expensive is the rates charged by the tourist accommodation throughout the island. Due to their popularity, it makes sense for the famous Mauritius hotels and resorts to charge a lot to tourists. A lot of people thus book these without being aware that there are also cheaper options that will nevertheless provide great lodging during their holidays.

In addition to those popular 5 star or even 4 star Mauritius hotels, there exist various types of accommodation perfect for budget travelers. These include smaller boutique hotels such as the Paradise Cove Ile Maurice Spa, self catering villas and guesthouses, lodges, and even apartments that are only five minutes from the beach.

Changing your currency

Changing your currency to Mauritius Rupees in the island when you get there is another method of sticking to a lower budget. All the banks in Mauritius have better exchange rates and changing your currency there before dedicating yourself to your well-earned break is as straightforward as it sounds. In any case, you will save a lot of money if you rely on these banks instead of going to a private agency where the rates will be different.

Coping With an Emergency Abroad

While emergencies when traveling overseas are rare occurrences, it is still important to know what to do if such an event should happen. When you are planning a trip abroad, it is easy to be caught in the moment, whether you are organizing itineraries, packing or telling your friends and family about your plans. However, you will benefit from knowing what to do before an emergency occurs; you must research where you can turn to for help, especially if you are traveling alone and you cannot help yourself.

Where to Find Help
The U.S. Department of the State provides Consular Services (or ACS) that issue travel advisories containing warnings and alerts. The agency works with embassies and consulates across the world to provide services on an emergency basis to Americans who run into trouble while traveling overseas.

How Can Consular Services Help Me?

Arrest
Statistics show that over 2,500 Americans are arrested while traveling abroad each year. At least one third of these arrests pertain to drug offenses. Americans have the same rights as everyone else. Regardless of what crime is commited or the country you are in, the United States government cannot bail you out of jail. However, Consular Services can offer to get in touch with your family and friends, educate you about the legal system of the country you are in, provide you with local attorneys from whom you may receive assistance, visit you to make sure jail conditions are acceptable and look for any possible misconducts or treatments on your behalf.

Death
While most of the 6,000 American deaths that occur overseas every year are people who have moved to another country from the United States, tourists can also fall victim to fatal illnesses and accidents while traveling.

As they do for roughly 2,000 Americans every year, the ACS can assist with both the returning of the remains of the deceased to state soil and with any necessary documents or paperwork that may follow. The ACS will confirm both the identity and the death, as well as notify the family members of the unfortunate event. The process of moving the deceased’s remains from another country back to the U.S. can be costly and is solely the responsibility of the family. However, the ACS can provide various options and costs for either the return or disposal of the remains.

Victim of a Crime
If you are a victim of a crime overseas, the Consular Services can help assist you. They will contact family and friends if you need them to, they can replace a passport that was stolen or even help to transfer funds from a bank account to your location in another country. If there is a medical emergency, they can help you obtain medical care but the cost is your responsibility. They will help you to find attorneys who speak English, should you need information about the criminal justice system or details about your particular case.

Terrorism
The best protection you can take against terrorism while traveling overseas is to avoid any country or area of unrest that has a history of terrorism. Extra protection can be found in gap year programs, which offer supervised travel opportunities.  If you do decide to visit one of these countries, you may be better off traveling alone with an uncertain itinerary, as solo travelers are often more random through the eyes of a terrorist. Avoid hanging out in areas where terrorists may congregate such as airports, bus stops or subway stations. Do not share your travel plans with anyone and avoid lingering in tourist areas for extended periods. Make sure you keep your luggage on you at all times and, above all, be aware of your surroundings. Your life may depend on it.

AdventuresCrossCountry.com provides gap year opportunities for young adults looking to expand their horizons abroad in a safer environment.

Orlando: Tips for your next vacation

Orlando is often regarded as the most kid friendly destination in the world. More than 51 million tourists visit this iconic landmark to enjoy world-class activities at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studio Orlando, Sea World and Gatorland. Besides, it is also a busy venue for corporate events and international seminars. In fact, most visitors complain that they don’t get the time to visit all the great attractions. Nevertheless, here are some tips to get you started.

Getting There

The Orlando International Airport is the second busiest airport in Florida. Most local airlines including Air Blue, South West and AirTran operate several daily flights from all across America. Foreign carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways, AeroMexico, Virgin Atlantic and Air France also have daily schedules. The nearby Sanford International Airport is home to Allegiant Air.

If driving to Orlando, it is useful to avoid the morning rush hours between 7 am and 9 am. For passengers traveling by train, CSX Transportation and Amtrak offer interstate railroad services connecting Southern Florida and Northern United States, respectively. Moreover, a high speed railway network connecting Tampa and Orland is expected to resume somewhere in 2014.

Getting Around

Several local tour operators and private shuttles offer fast access to major attractions. If touring with a small group, hire a small van as most companies adhere to ‘per shuttle’ pricing policy. The I-ride trolley is another price saving option. These colorful trolleys take visitors everywhere around the International Drive. The park and ride feature of these trolleys is a great way to save money and arrive at prime locations faster than other means.

Car Rental

Sheer competition among care rental agencies makes sure that visitors are able to find cheap car rentals. To further improve your chances of getting a great deal, always book at least 30 days in advance. If late for booking, always ask for last minute deals. Luckily, most car rental companies have last minute rates available even during the peak holiday season.

Amusement Parks

While all major attractions are located around International Drive, Walt Disney World Resort is situated along Lake Buena Vista. If traveling with kids, it is best to visit Epcot Center and Animal Kingdom, first. These theme parks offer variety of attractions within a small parameter. Leave other parks for evenings as they require you to walk.

For movie fans, a visit to Universal Studios is a must. The park is geared around movie themes providing thrilling cinematographic effects. Sea World and Wet’n’Wild water parks are the other main attractions. Children will also love Gatorland, which is often dubbed as the alligator capital of the world.

Recreation

For adults, Orlando offers world-class golf, nightlife and outdoor activities. Home to some of the most prestigious tournaments, Orlando has more than 170 golf courses and 20 training academies. Dinner shows, interactive entertainment and live music are hallmarks of the city’s nightlife. The Universal City Walk is a prime example of such an entertainment. Examples of outdoor activities include riding in an open cockpit airplane or using an air-boat to traverse swamplands.

Shopping

Downtown Orlando and Winter Park are prime spots for the best shopping deals. Besides, several specialty shops offer hard to find clothing and décor. The Florida Mall, Mall at Millennia and Lake Buena Vista Factory are major clothing outlets. Fit2Run, Jockey, Cartier, Tupperware Brands and Shepler’s Western Wear offer specialty products at factory rates.

How to Get Into Business Class on Your Mates

Many years ago, as I was carefully planning my honeymoon, Lady Luck appeared in the form of cheap business class flights with Singapore Airlines. It feels like a lifetime ago (well before my current days of enjoying one of the many perks of business travel that are the much revered business class flights) and at that point in our lives, bargain basement economy seats were all we knew.

We baulked at first for two reasons: one, because we were ignorant to the heaven-in-a-seat that is business class; and two, because even at their heavily discounted price, these seats were still not what we would have generally considered to be “cheap”.

Fortunately, as we were not overly excited by the idea of receiving bed linen and cutlery as wedding gifts (nor were we thrilled by the idea of wasting the full day in Myers that is required to successfully complete the registry trawl through their home wares section), we had set up a gift registry system with our travel agent that invited our wedding guests to contribute the money they might have put into a wishing well, into our honeymoon fund instead.

Thanks to this bit of foresight (and a bit of luck) we were able to splurge out, snap up those tickets and hence have our first taste of business class and our first experience flying with Singapore Airlines. These were both life-changing events (relatively speaking).

Flying business class is a massive eye-opener to the humble cattle-class traveller, so it’s not hard to understand why my life’s motto became, “once you go business, you never go back”. Well, at least you never willingly go back to economy and if you do have to, then you may shed a little tear as you board the plane and turn right (towards the arse-end of the plane), rather than left (towards that shining beacon of comfort and civilised flying up the front).

Flying Singapore Airlines was also a massive eye-opener. This airline is renowned for being the best in the business and they have bagged a heap of industry awards including Best Business Class Airline Seat at World Airline Awards, and Passengers Choice awards. They are hugely deserving of these accolades and they are my first choice of airline when it comes to holiday or business travel.

These days my business class bum is flown around the world courtesy of my obliging employer. For their generosity in providing business class flights in my budget I thank them dearly… and I also work that little bit harder to close the deal. For at the back of my mind is that niggling thought… the thought of potential budget-cuts reverting my flights to economy. Oh the horror!

Debunking the Myths About The Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most visited nations, with the city of Amsterdam attracting millions of visitors every year. Despite this, however, numerous myths about the country continue to persist even in light of information to the contrary. From the name of the country to its reputation for vice and cannabis consumption, much of what people think they know about The Netherlands is inaccurate or even untrue.

One of the most common misconceptions about the Netherlands is that it is called “Holland” and many people use the two names interchangeably. This is, of course, incorrect. The term Holland refers very specifically to a region in the west of the country that is comprised of the provinces of North and South Holland; there are ten other provinces in the Netherlands. The Holland provinces do contain some of the country’s largest cities, including Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Haarlem, which may explain some of the confusion over the name.

Much to the displeasure of many natives, the Netherlands has developed a reputation as having something of a seedy side. Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District receives millions of visitors every year, due in part to the country’s legalisation of prostitution. While it is true that prostitution is accepted in Amsterdam, it is worth bearing in mind that it is also tightly regulated so that many of the problems most commonly associated with the sex industry, such as increased crime and violence, are not a serious issue in the city. Far from being seedy, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is actually one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city.

The Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, is notorious for its liberal drug laws, so much so that the city has become synonymous with its “coffee shop” culture to many people around the world. Many people, however, make the mistake of assuming that the possession and use of drugs is legal in the Netherlands, when in fact it is only softer drugs that are tolerated. Even then, substances such as cannabis and magic mushrooms are only decriminalised and remain technically illegal. Many Dutch people, however, have become dismayed at the influx of drug tourists and legislative changes may see Amsterdam’s coffee shops closed to foreigners by the end of 2012.

In the meantime, many tourists will most likely continue to use Amsterdam holidays as an excuse to indulge in what they can’t legally do at home. Whether the changes to drug legislation in the Netherlands will survive into the long-term or not, this looks to be one Dutch myth that will soon to be put to rest for the time being.

Jennifer Adams is a part of the digital blogging team who write about subjects like lifestyles and travel, such as Amsterdam holidays on behalf of a growing number of airline brands. To keep up to date with the latest in travel news.

Why visit Shropshire?

Shropshire is one of Britain’s best kept secrets; off the beaten track of most of the major cities, it’s a quiet and peaceful county full of potential, and what’s better? Chances are that most people either won’t have heard of it, or haven’t been there.

Don’t let the anonymity fool you though, Shropshire has got a great deal to offer to the adventurous tourist...

The Shropshire Basics

Shropshire is England’s largest inland county and lies to the west of Birmingham, which is just east of the Welsh border. Britain’s longest river, the river Severn, traverses the county through the Severn Valley. The river is overlooked for some of its journey by one of Britain's few remaining steam railways. The Severn Valley Railway offers a rare chance to observe the beautiful country-side while experiencing travel as it was at the turn of the 20th century.

Picturesque Scenery

Shropshire’s biggest draw is the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (yes, that is its real name) which covers one quarter of the county. It is a tranquil landscape with hills, woods and farms that offer the opportunity to walk, cycle and ride horses along its many paths and tracks.

It is one of Britain’s finest landscapes and includes open spaces, hidden valleys and river valleys; Wenlock Edge, the Stiperstones and the Long Mynd. These will all provide you with breathtaking views and memorable experiences.

Long Mynd

Market towns intersperse this area each with their own character, offering local produce and niche shops for you to visit and enjoy. Some of these famous towns have features which are truly unique, such as Bridgnorth with the only working inland Cliff Railway which is well worth a visit!

Shropshire and its scenic beauty

Medieval History

As part of Shropshire’s heritage this area also provides the opportunity to visit many castles and hill forts that once protected the border from Wales. There are 25 hill forts in Shropshire, evidence of Iron Age settlements, and an impressive 32 castles.

These include Ludlow Castle, an impressive 11th century structure that provides guided tours and impressive views of the medieval town as well as the opportunity to visit Michelin starred restaurants. Myths and legends abound these structures and are well worth a visit as well as spending time visiting the local area.

Ludlow Castle

Six medieval abbeys and priories, including Shrewsbury, Buildwas and Much Wenlock, are also open to visitors and, although are left as ruins, are preserved and accessible to visitors and provide an insight into life in medieval Shropshire.

Heritage from the Industrial Era

Shropshire’s heritage is not only medieval, it was also an important centre for the birth of the industrial revolution in England in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Situated on the banks of the River Severn, and close to the town of Broseley, lies the picturesque village of Coalbrookdale, an unlikely scene for the beginnings of industry. Nevertheless, it was here that Abraham Darby first developed techniques to refine the iron making process; several museums, the remains of the blast furnaces and the preservation of the Darby houses are open to visitors as a testament to their achievements.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museums include ten museums in total that cover the World Heritage Site, including the world famous Ironbridge itself. These museums are interactive and are family friendly, such as the Blists Hill Victorian Town which is a reconstruction of a nineteenth century town providing visitors with the opportunity to visit the shops, ride on a Victorian fairground, see industry at work and much more.

Ironbridge bridge and memorial

Accommodation

Finding somewhere to stay in Shropshire is a bit of a lucky dip. You can easily find yourself a nice hotel in Wolverhampton or Telford but to truly experience Shropshire you need to find a proper Bed and Breakfast.

For the most part these can be found online or in directories, but there’s always a chance that you’ll pass the perfect farmhouse with a sign in front so leaving your schedule flexible has it’s merits.

There are also several budget hotels chains in the area. Travellodge, for example, has 7 establishments in the county offering comfortable and clean rooms at affordable rates.

Shropshire has the lot: it has been the setting for many British films and television series; celebrities such as Harrison Ford and Calista Flockheart have chosen to holiday here in the past and even Bill Clinton visited as part of the GM Summit. Lord of the Rings author J.R.R Tolkien caught some of Shropshire's magic when he created Middle Earth. If you are looking for unspoilt towns, a range of activities and attractions and breathtaking views then a visit to Shropshire is for you.

This post was provided by Michael Derges from printer cartridge retailer Stinkyink.com.

Visiting Lake Buchanan in the Highland Lakes Region of Texas

Visitors that come to visit the central Texas cities of Austin and San Antonio may not realize they are in for a special treat! The beautiful Texas Hill Country is a short, picturesque drive away from both of these major cities and make the perfect side trip to enjoy the gorgeous lakes, rolling hills in the countryside and small town charm of the Highland Lakes region.

The Landscape

This area of Texas is beautiful and is far different from the dusty, dry Wild West images that tend to be conjured up when one thinks of Texas. The rolling hills are populated with cedar trees and grasslands, and the small, quaint towns boasting local artisans, antique shops and local cuisine are scattered throughout the region. In the springtime, guests to the Texas Hill Country are treated to an explosion of color as the famous Bluebonnets and Indian Paint Brush wildflowers burst into bloom, covering the landscape. The geography of this region also forms the underground aquifer that supplies drinking water to all surrounding areas and also provides water for agricultural production. The Colorado River cuts through the region and also supplements the local need for water. In 1940’s and 1950’s, the Lower Colorado River Authority completed a series of dams and man-made lakes, the Highland Lakes, for flood management, to regulate the water supply and to generate electricity. The surrounding communities experienced the bonus of now having recreational lakes to enjoy fishing, swimming and boating, and also brought local tourism to the area. This is a relaxed area that is quite enjoyable for vacationing, as it is very accessible from major urban areas, yet removed enough to enjoy the best that nature has to offer.

Natural Wonders

The Texas hill country is situated on granite, an extremely resistant type of rock. Underneath the surface, the limestone that lies below this area of Texas formed magnificent caverns. A walk into one of these caverns is truly a walk into another world. One of the more unusual caverns is Longhorn Caverns that houses an exceptionally large chamber that was once used as a speakeasy featuring live music during the Prohibition era of the 1920’s. The caverns here were formed by running water, creating unique, curvaceous passageways that are truly special. Another unique protrusion of granite rock is known as Enchanted Rock. This granite dome rises 425 feet into the air, and visitors can climb to the summit to experience sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country. Visitors to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will also be treated to a moderate hike through the meandering, Cedar-lined pathways that provide shade along the hike, and hikers may cross paths with Texas wildlife, like the famous armadillo.

A Day At Lake Buchanan:

Lake Buchanan is the largest of the Highland Lakes, covering over 22,000 acres. For visitors that want to enjoy a day at the lake, perhaps visiting the Highland Lakes region as a day trip, Lake Buchanan offers a fun-filled day. Guests driving in from Austin along Highway 281 can stop at the Bluebonnet Café, famous for its generous breakfasts and mouth-watering pie, for a tasty breakfast before continuing on to enjoy the lake for the day.

Visitors have their choice of a number of boat rental companies, where motorboats, Jet skis, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes can be rented for a couple of hours or by the day. Many rental locations also have water skis and inner tubes. A great option for day guests would be to rent their boat of choice, and then make their way across the lake toward the confluence of the lower Colorado River and Lake Buchanan. Close to the mouth of the river lies Fall Creek Vineyards, an award winning vineyard and winery. Guests can leave their boat on the shore, bring their picnic lunch and take a short walk to the vineyard to sample wine with their picnic lunch on the outdoor patio. After leisurely wine tasting and enjoyable lunch, visitors can head back to the lake for some more play time before returning the boat.

Fall Creek Falls on Lake Buchanan

In the evening, consider winding down the day with a guided river boat tour with Vanishing Texas River Cruise. The Sunset Cruise takes guests on a guided tour of beautiful views of waterfalls, towering cliffs and lots of local wildlife along the Colorado River Canyon. The cruise culminates with breathtaking sunset views that vanish over the lake horizon. Dinner with live, local musicians is also an option on this cruise, an enjoyable finale for a fun-filled day at the lake.

Tracey Louis is a former innkeeper at Lake Buchanan. She likes sharing this hidden gem with visitors, and works with the Burnet County Tourism office to promote the area. For more information on upcoming events at The Highland Lakes on Facebook or on Twitter.

Adventure Holiday In Australia

Australia is the perfect destination for an adventure holiday. Even though there are world-class cities in Australia, the soul of the country is largely untamed. There is the Outback with its rare wild plants and animals, the Great Barrier Reef with thousands of species of sea creatures living as they have done for many millennia, the desert with its unusual rock formations and extreme temperature and the oldest rainforest on the planet. If you want to taste the adventure this land has to offer you are going to need travel insurance, a sense of wonder, good traveling boots, a bathing suit and an Australian guide.

To go into the Outback is to travel back in time to an era when man faced the elements and the animals without the benefit of modern comforts. The Outback is rich with minerals, precious metals, diamonds, oil and natural gas. But the surrounding country is rugged and wild and receives very little rain. Only the Aborigines and a few hardy Aussies live in the region year round. The Never Never is the most remote parts of the Outback. The Outback has no real boundaries. It is made up of rocky hills, sand dunes, flood plains and red sand covered with wild flowers. It generally comprises north and northwest Australia. Dingoes, rodents, brats, seals, koala, kangaroo wombat, wallabies, echidna and platypus dwell there along with 800 species of birds, 350 found nowhere else. The Outback has many venomous snakes so be careful.

Life in The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is another place in Australia rife with adventure. This is when you are going to need your bathing suit. Located in the Coral Sea off Australia's north coast, the Great Barrier Reef covers 133,000 square miles. There are 2,900 separate reefs and 900 islands. The waters around and within the Great Barrier Reef teem with life. There are hundreds of species of sharks, whales, seals and dolphins in the waters around the reef. It is also home to sting rays, saltwater crocodiles, 17 species of sea snake and 1,500 fish species. It truly is an amazing place.

Deserts cover much of central and northwest Australia. In fact there are about 530,000 square miles of desert covering almost 40% of the continent. There are actually 10 deserts in Australia scattered throughout the Outback. It's dry, it’s hot and gas stations are hundreds of miles apart. Rainfall is rare. The land is unforgiving. Adventurous vacationers are advised to drive carefully and stay on the main roads. Scorpions, spiders, snakes and other desert life-forms lurk and the careless must pray their Australia travel insurance covers flying doctors and venom antidote.

Australia - Near the Oodnadatta Track

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Australian rainforest. The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia also known as the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserve are the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. Located near the border of New South Wales-Queensland border, it covers 3,700 kilometers and is home to more than 200 rare species of plants and animals. Eighty percent of the flowers here are found nowhere else in the world. Scientist believe the vegetation is much like it was 150 million years ago. Lace up your boots, look sharp and enjoy yourself.

With a little luck and a good Australian guide you can complete your Australian adventure holiday weary, but wiser.

3 Rugged Phones For Outdoors Life

For anyone who works or plays in the outdoors and needs a rugged and reliable phone, there are a number of good choices. Many of the current cell phones on the markets have very large and vulnerable touchscreen displays and are not well equipped for environments where dirt, dust and water may harm the phone. One of the following three phones will surely stand up to any extreme conditions that it is exposed to. They are not short on the features you need in a mobile and have internet and GPS for tracking, and enough space for all your phone numbers, and cameras for taking snaps in the landscape you are exposed to.

Motorola Brute i686
The Motorola Brute i686 is a phone that features the Sprint and Nextel direct connect function. This allows users to talk via walkie-talkie. This flip phone includes Bluetooth, a 2.0 megapixel camera, GPS and web browsing. The Brute meets military specifications that are set up for dust, vibration, shock, moisture, temperature and solar radiation. This is the baseline standard by which the military measures how durable a product is against these environmental situations. Additionally, this phone features text messaging and e-mail, as well as vibration alert.

Casio GzOne
The Casio GzOne Ravine is another flip phone that is designed to withstand dust, water and dirt. It is shockproof and comes with outdoor related features such as a thermometer, compass, pedometer and more. Included on this phone is a large display on the outside of the body, a built in music and media player, Bluetooth and a 3.2 mega pixel camera. The Gzone is one solid feature rich phones perfect for your adventuring.

Samsung Rugby
Finally, the Samsung Rugby is another durable flip phone that features the push to talk capability. This phone comes with GPS, a 1.3 mega pixel camera, Internet browsing and Bluetooth. It meets the military specifications and is a relatively inexpensive choice for anyone who purchases a phone plan contract.

Cell phones can take a lot of abuse. To ensure that they will last a long time, the right rugged one should be chosen. The phones above all are solid with the features that you need so get the rugged phone you need and get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.

Written by James a Tech worker and constant phone abuser. Need tough technology so come back to see more Tech that can take abuse.

The Beauty of Abruzzo

Abruzzo is located in Italy, fifty miles to the west of Rome. It is bordered to the east by the Adriatic Sea, Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and Molise to the southeast. The region is the considered as the geographic center of the Italian Peninsula making it prime area for both tourists and locals alike.

The region, owing to its rich medieval history, has become one of the prime tourist locations in the country. There are many castles and townships in the area, especially in the town of L’Aquila, earning for it the nickname “Abruzzoshire”. Aside from its rich history, Abruzzo is famed for their ski slopes, totaling twenty-one all in all measuring nearly four hundred kilometers long. The best ones are in Roccaraso, Campo Felice and Campo Imperatore. These three towns are located high up in the Apennine mountain range located in the heart of Abruzzo. The area is best known for cross-country skiing and other winter activities almost the whole year round.

With the Apennines as the backdrop, the sport of climbing also is one of the burgeoning tourist activities in the region. Located nearby is Italy’s highest peak, the Corno Grande. The area is also home to Il Calderone, Europe’s southernmost glacier. These together with the Corno Piccolo make the area ideal for mountain hikes for novices to sheer rock climbing faces for the expert ascents. For those just wanting to commune with nature, there is the Maiella, allowing individuals and families to hike and live with nature.

If you are not into snow and ice adventure, you can spend your days in the region on the sun under the sand. The Abruzzo region is 129 kms long of sandy beachhead where many beach resorts can be found. The best ones in the region are called Vasto near the southern coast of the region and Silvi Marina. Other well-known beaches are Giulianova, Francavilla al Mare and Pineto also on the southern coast while on the northern end are Alba Adriatica and Martinsicuro. Here, you can enjoy the fine Adriatic Sea with the sun and even the nightlife on the resorts to party and enjoy until the morning light.

Abruzzo offers the best places for tourists to choose from all of Italy. If you want to enjoy the white powdery snow slopes for winter adventure, then Abruzzo offers the Apennines region. If you want to enjoy fun in the sun, then there is the beachhead of the Adriatic. In between, you can enrich your history with a tour of the medieval towns in the region. All in all, this is the beauty of Abruzzo offered to its tourists and visitors.

For a more comprehensive discussion on purchasing property, do visit us at Secret Ski and Sun Region Revealed as Property Buyers Find the Price is Right please visit the author’s site The Property Community

Five Great Travel Apps for the iPad

One of the best reasons to get an ipad (as if you need to justify it) is for just how useful it is when you travel a lot. If you’re anything like me and move around a lot for business, but always found a laptop a bit too heavy to lug around then the iPad is a godsend. Light enough not to be noticed and powerful enough to handle any word office tasks you might need to do while en route, it also acts as an entertainment console and an e-reader all in one. But best of all are the apps designed specifically for travelling in this article we’ll look at the five best iPad apps for when you’re on the road:

AllSubway – A personal favourite this one, it does one job and does it well. Allsubway will bring up high quality and well laid out subway and underground maps for over 100 major cities across the planet. Not only does it allow you to browse these maps offline and in the underground or metro trains themselves it also stops you looking like a lost tourist with the traditional underground maps. Wonderful.

Kayak: Known as ‘the most popular iPad travel app’ for good reason. Kayak offers a one-stop-shop for seamless searches of hotels, flights and car rental deals. From within the app you can book your hotel room direct as well as following your flight’s status and organizing the itinerary of your trip.

XE – Regular travellers will know just how useful XE currency converter is when heading abroad. Again, XE have become the number one currency conversion place by doing one thing and doing it well. Their new currency conversion app carries on this quality and what’s more it’s free!

Weatherbug Elite – This app has saved me on countless occasions from going out with the wrong clothes or packing the wrong stuff in my suitcase. A decent and reliable weather app offering free and constantly updated weather forecasts.

iBooks – I took some convincing to read books on the iPad but when you factor in how much weight you save by having them all on one iPad and reading them electronically, it becomes a no-brainer for the regular traveller. Throw in Apple’s high quality software and an easy to use interface that offers both bookshelf and reader, as well as syncing your last page across all your ios devices and this is an indispensable piece of software.

Alex is a regular traveller and travel blogger. He would love to be reviewing hot and faraway exotic places but mostly ends up reviewing English B&B’s and Travelodge discount codes .

Cardiff – The Beating Heart of Wales

When it comes to travelling around Britain, a lot of people will arrive in England and head directly to London where they will stay for a few days before probably taking off to visit a couple of the other major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham or Liverpool. And although there is no doubting the fact that you could probably spend a lifetime touring around London (and still not see everything) it would be a shame to judge Britain only on these famous cities alone. For one thing there are thousands of miles of English, Scottish and Welsh countryside to explore, and for another thing there are also the main cities of Scotland and Wales to check out. One such city which is worth making a detour for is Cardiff in Wales.

Cardiff has accomplished a remarkable transformation in recent years, turning its industrial heritage on its head to become one of Britain’s most exciting cities. Nowadays, instead of looking backwards to its coal-fuelled past, Cardiff is making the most of not just that industrial heritage but also the incredible range of ancient and historic sites on its doorstep, a wonderful collection of art galleries and museums and an eclectic and adventurous bar and club scene that is fast gaining a reputation as one of the party capitals of Europe. When you throw in the fact that in the last few years the city has also become an exciting new destination for sports fans it is easy to see why Cardiff’s stature is growing year on year.

For those travellers coming to Wales Cardiff is the first stop on any tour. You’ll need at least two or three days to just soak in the wonderful atmosphere of the city and to get around all the sites. Start off with the elegant beauty of the Welsh National Museum and the Gallery of Wales, which houses a world-famous collection that contains everyone from Renoir to Van Gogh to Monet as well as taking on the Civic Hall and Civic Centre which was constructed in gorgeous Neo-Classical white Portland stone. Then take an afternoon to mooch about the endless Edwardian and Victorian streets, parks and gardens, containing an eclectic mix of local boutique shops and all the usual chains. Another whole day can be spent simply touring around the wonderful parks and gardens that fill the city, with the quiet Bute Park being the perfect spot for a picnic or afternoon nap. And in the evenings, why not get out there and sample some of the best nightlife in the UK as well as a new and seemingly endless range of fine dining options. The city itself is packed with a fantastic range of hotels, with everything from grand old historic hotels to cheap and cheerful Holiday Inn, Premier Inn and Travelodge Discount Codes. Look around and you can find some amazing deals year round just by searching for travelodge discount codes or by waiting for last minute city break deals.

The best thing about Cardiff is you can use it as a base to explore the famous Welsh countryside. Head out of the city to take in the magnificent Cardiff Castle and then keep going to explore the hundreds of old castles and ruins that fill the region. Popular destinations include Castell Coch, an ornate and kitsch castle, Caerphilly Castle and Caerleon, the old Roman fortress that has been excavated to reveal a well-preserved bath complex and amphitheatre. Bring a copy of Wordsworth poems and get yourself to Tintern Abbey or pack your walking boots and get out on the jaw-droppingly beautiful Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park, with days and days of hiking trails along the coast to explore.

Cardiff and Wales are simply beautiful and worth heading a little off the beaten track for.

Alex is a travel writer and blogger. He loves writing about expensive, sunny and exotic places but usually ends up writing about rainy days and cheap holidays in Wales.

Wandering Aimlessly Like A Cloud? Take An Escorted Tour

By nature, people who like to travel and venture into the unknown in search of adventure and discovery tend to be independent thinkers. What could be more independent than choosing to abandon familiar surroundings and the comforts of home in favour of a voyage to faraway places in strange new worlds? Many experienced travellers, however, will tell you that independence on the path not-yet-travelled can sometimes become more of a chore than a joy. Ask anyone who has run a car onto a sidewalk trying to navigate a busy roundabout in London, or spent the majority of a vacation in Paris standing in lines trying to get into famous museums, or wheeled a seventy-pound suitcase from sold-out hotel to sold-out hotel in Rome. Sure, traveling solo can be adventure, but if you would rather relax and enjoy a hassle-free vacation that requires no maps, no negotiating skills, and no stress, than an escorted tour is for you!

Escorted Horseback Tour

Escorted tours are operated around the globe by companies known as tour operators. These companies specialize in vacations for savvy travellers who want to spend their time enjoying the sights, culture, history and people of their chosen vacation spot, rather than spending it planning, navigating, standing at ticket windows and waiting for a table in restaurants. Taking an escorted tour is a great way to travel in safety and comfort, and since operators specialize in the destinations they offer, they have years of experience with the hotels, restaurants and attractions you'll be visiting. That kind of local expertise promises you the best vacation you could ask for.

Escorted tours offer a multitude of benefits. You'll get to relax and view the scenery on a luxury coach operated by a professional driver. And you'll never have to worry about where you're going to sleep at night. Hotels are prearranged and on most escorted tours, your suitcase will even be delivered to your room! Likewise, you'll be whisked past ticket counters and lines and go right into sightseeing attractions. At mealtime, your table will be waiting and with many meals included in the price of your tour, you and your new found friends, won't have to worry about paying the check!

Escorted Tour Group

Speaking of friends, getting to know like-minded guests in your group is another fun perk of taking an organized tour. You'll meet folks from around the world, and might even forge a new friendship that will last a lifetime. And let's not forget your professional tour escort or tour director. This is the leader of your vacation, and the person who will make your trip seamless and pleasant by taking care of everything! Escorted group travel is a great way to explore the world. Try it, you'll like it!

Guest post by Elliot Jones

10 Fun Road Games to Play When Traveling in an RV

After sifting through a plethora of California RV dealers, you’ve finally settled on that perfect motorhome. With your new RV ready and your family in tow, it’s time to hit the open road.

If you have kids, chances are they will get a little bored along the way. Even with a huge motorhome, it will be difficult to keep kids entertained on an extra long road trip, and we all know that unhappy children are no fun to deal with. Besides, a good game can make a long trip seem like just seconds.

Here are some fun road games you can play with your kids when traveling in an RV.

1. Geography (And Other Topics)
Start with the name of any place in the world, any country, state, or city. The next person then has to think of a place starting with the last letter of that place. For example, the first person may start with Wyoming. The next person then has to think of a place starting with the letter G, like Georgia. The game continues in this fashion. A person cannot repeat a place that has already been said. Each person should answer within a set time limit or otherwise be eliminated. Of course, this game can be played with other topics outside of geography as well. You can choose from all sorts of topics, like food, animals, or celebrity names.
2. Counting
This game is about as simple as it gets. Choose an object outside that appears fairly frequently, such as cows, red cars, mailboxes, or motorhomes for sale. Decide on a specific destination point where you will stop counting. The goal is to have the highest number when you reach the destination.
3. I Spy
This is a classic guessing game. One person chooses an object and says “I spy with my little eye…” followed by a clue. Players look around and suggest what it might be while the person who initially chose the object answers with a simple yes or no.
4. Twenty Questions
Players should begin by thinking of a specific topic, though the game typically uses only celebrities. One person thinks of a celebrity, and the other players have a twenty question limit to guess who that celebrity is.
5. A is for…
Starting with the letter A, each person tries to be the first to read something beginning with that letter. It could be on a billboard, on the side of a truck, on a road sign, even on a license plate, but it must be a legible word. This proves especially challenging for those long stretches of road with seemingly nothing, but it does force a certain attentiveness to things happening outside. Try to get through the whole alphabet. Good luck with X and Z.
6. Rock, Paper, Scissors
The game often used for making decisions can also be quite fun. This game has several variations, including the now popular rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock.
7. License Plate States
See how many different states you can identify on license plates.
8. Two Truths and a Lie
Each person in turn tells the other players two truths and a lie about himself or herself. The other players have to guess which statement is a lie. This is also a great way to learn about others.
9. License Plate Words
The aim of the game is to make a phrase using the letters of a car’s license plate as an abbreviation. For example, if you see a license plate with the letters HMP, you could say “Have mercy, please.”
10. Mad Libs
These are more than affordable and loaded with hours of fun. Mad Libs are a great way to teach kids word play and grammar as well.

Guest post by Tim

The Pros and Cons of All Inclusive Holidays

All inclusive holidays are one of the most popular forms of package holidays, particularly for families or those travelling with children. As with everything in life, there are several pros and cons to opting for an all-inclusive option.

Find out as much as you can about this type of holiday, weigh up the advantages and disadvantages and make your decision based on what option will be best for your holidays needs.

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a package holiday but still want to visit a great location and make the most of your time abroad then an all-inclusive option can be an appealing option. All inclusive options are gaining popularity as travellers realise this type of holiday doesn’t necessarily equate to cheap and cheerful.

Similar to any other holiday type, all-inclusive options range from basic to luxury so you should be able to find an option to suit, regardless of whether you fancy a simple break in Spain or idyllic Caribbean getaway.

Cost

Controlling cost is one of the main advantages of taking an all-inclusive break. All food and drink tends to be included in the total price you pay before travelling so you don’t have to shell out for dinner or drinks whilst on holiday. This helps when it comes to keeping holiday spending under control as the cost of eating out in local restaurants every night can soon mount up. One disadvantage of this arrangement is that you don’t get to visit local restaurants, cafes and bars to sample their fares so if you don’t fancy dining at your hotel every evening then all-inclusive may not be the best choice for you.

What’s included?

For full details of what's included in your all inclusive holiday, always check with your holiday company or read the hotel description. Look out for all inclusive holiday packages which offer all meals, snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee and alcoholic drinks at no extra charge.

You may also find that most hotel activities and entertainment are included in the overall holiday cost, which helps you to enjoy your time away without having to worry about cost.
Again, if you feel like taking part in activities outside of your hotel then remember to consider the additional cost of doing so. Some holiday makers prefer to get out and about to explore the local area so if you suspect you might get bored easily after a few days by the pool at your all inclusive resort then.

When searching for all inclusive holidays remember to check where your resort is located. If you are located some distance away from the town or city centre, the beach or other local attractions, you should be 100% certain you are happy with the amenities on offer at your accommodation.

Jennifer Adams is a part of the digital blogging team at digitalcrosstalk.com who write about subjects like all inclusive holidays on behalf of a growing number of travel brands. To keep up to date with the latest in travel and destination news, check out my posts at Digital Crosstalk or visit my Twitter account, @dcrosstalk.

Travelfire | For The Savvy Travel

Travelfire travel blog

Welcome to Travelfire! This travel blog was created to highlight the destinations from around the world, with advice and descriptions from the people who have been there. From the people who know the deals.

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