Visit Hayle In Cornwall

The small town of Hayle is nestled in the crescent of St. Ives Bay. While the northern Cornish coastline is characterised by mostly rugged and dramatic cliffs, this small bay of golden beach makes for a charming surprise. The entire beach is safe for bathing and is popular amongst all sorts of holidaymakers, from families to surfers. Following are some tourist attractions that lie in and around Hayle.

Hayle is located at the base of the crescent, where the river Hayle meets the sea. The river cuts through sand dunes known as towans, to form a tidal estuary where it meets the bay. This south-western most estuary in the UK is special in that it never freezes, not even in the winter. It is a haven for a number of migratory birds and animals, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds maintains a nature reserve at the site, which is open at all times during the year.

This patch of dunes and marshland is an internationally significant conservation area, and is home to a number of annual as well as seasonal bird and animal species. The sand dunes rise up sharply from the beach, so you can get some of the most spectacular views of the bay from here. The Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary situated here has a tropical plant garden, and also has a number of family friendly activities such as a play centre and a 'fun farm' for kids.

St. Ives bay is one of the most visited British holiday resorts, so Hayle has a wide selection of accommodation for tourists. From hotels of all sizes to self catering cottages and flats, it is all here. Guesthouses and hostels are available too. Camping and caravan resorts are also a popular option among tourists. In recent years, St. Ives has seen an explosion of restaurants and cafes serving both traditional and modern cuisine.

There are a number of attractions that can be easily reached from Hayle. The charming town of St. Ives is just a few minutes away. Visit the Tate-St. Ives, an internationally famous gallery specialising in contemporary British and international art. It is home to famous works by artists like Derek Jarmen and Damien Hirst.

Also nearby, towards the northeast is the coastal village of Gwinthian. Gwinthian has a surfing beach and is a popular camping site. Another family attraction near Hayle is the historical island known as St. Michael's Mount. The island is steeped in history with an old abbey and a medieval castle.

A few miles inland to the southwest of Hayle lies the ancient village of Chysauster. This Iron Age settlement is thought to have been occupied 2000 to 3000 years ago. It is an amazing site comprising of 8 stone walled 'homesteads', each consisting of a central open courtyard and surrounding thatched rooms. The houses line the ancient village street, which can safely be called oldest high street in the UK! This captivating site is also home to a number of unusual species of birds and wildflowers.

St IvesThe contributor writes articles on issues relating to travel and leisure. From more information, please visit these important resources St Ives Cornwall and St Ives

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Young Person's Field Manual To The Eiffel Tower

A person's age has little bearing on his or her experience when visiting the Eiffel Tower. The monument has been an inspiration for people of all ages for several generations. Teens, adults, and seniors from around the world have enjoyed the wondrous, panoramic view of Paris as well as details of the tower's history.

That said, young people often show a unique enthusiasm about the structure. They admire its impressive frame as well as the remarkable perspective of the city as seen from the three observation decks. Below, we'll provide a brief guide for young adults on how to make the most of a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

Facts And Figures About The Eiffel Tower

Construction on the tower began in January 1887, and was completed in March 1889. The bottom portion was to serve as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair. The monument is 1,050 feet high, and has three separate levels. There are over 1,700 steps, from the ground to the top of the tower, though public access to the top floor is only available by elevator.

The landmark is repainted every seven years to help maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. The job requires more than two dozen workers, fifty tons of paint, and over eighteen months.

Over 200 million people have visited the tower since 1889. Millions more make the trek each year. Most people are unaware that the monument was scheduled to be torn down in 1909. The demolition plan was abandoned when it was discovered the tower could serve as a valuable communications tool.

What To Expect: Level By Level

The first floor is 187 feet from the ground. It is accessible by elevator or stairs. Due to the tower's shape, this level is large. It holds a restaurant (Le 58 Tour Eiffel), a small movie theater, post office, and an observatory. It also offers an observation deck from which you can enjoy a clear view of the buildings, treetops, and streets below.

The second floor stands approximately 360 feet from the ground. It too can be reached by elevator or stairs. It is much smaller than the first level, and thus there are fewer attractions. One of them is the highly-rated Le Jules Verne restaurant. This floor provides an excellent viewpoint for photographs of the Parisian cityscape.

The third level is more than 900 feet high. It is only accessible to the public by elevator. The draw of this floor is its observation deck, from which visitors can see nearly 42 miles in every direction (with good weather).

Stairs Versus Elevators: Which To Choose

Most tourists take the elevators, which means waiting in long lines during the high-traffic seasons (spring and summer). It is not unusual for the lines to require three to four hours during weekend afternoons. Taking the stairs saves an enormous amount of time since fewer people are willing to make the climb. Many young people will enjoy the challenge.

It's also worth noting that tickets to ride the elevators carry substantial fees. Taking the stairs is much less expensive.

Preparing For Your Visit: A Few Final Tips

Visitors should take light jackets, even if the weather feels comfortably warm. The third floor of the Eiffel Tower receives strong gusts of wind due to its height.

Also, to avoid crowds, especially during the summer, plan to visit the tower during the early morning or late evening. If possible, do so on a weekday rather than the weekend. The lines are shorter, and the observation decks are less crowded.

It's a good idea to bring a camera to take photos of the city from the observation decks. Binoculars can also be useful, especially when observing the city from the third floor.

A lot of young people find their trip to the Eiffel Tower to be unforgettable. Not only is it a chance to enjoy an unparalleled view of Paris, but also an opportunity to experience an important piece of history.

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Why Ypres Offers the Ultimate Battlefield Tour

It is possible to take a school battlefield tour in almost every country in Europe as a result of the two world wars that ravaged the continent for much of the first part of the 20th century. However, there are few places more poignant than Ypres, where thousands lost their lives.

Indeed, this medieval town was so devastated by World War I, where three major battles and around six conflicts were fought in and around it, the settlement was raised to the ground. As a result, this is one of the best places to give your students a glimpse of what the wars have meant - and continue to mean - for the people of Europe.

Begin your school trip with a walking tour of the town square, where you can see the stunning Cloth Hall. This magnificent building provides an insight into the efforts made by the people of Ypres to rebuild their town following the war, as it was reconstructed stone by stone after being demolished during the conflict.

Walking the cobbled streets past the shops selling Belgium chocolates and souvenirs, it is hard to believe that less than 100 years ago this was the site of such devastation. The First Battle of Ypres took place between October and November of 1914 and from then until October 1918 no less than six major battles took place here.

The worst was the Battle of Passchendaele, which resulted in around half a million casualties from all sides. You can learn more about what life was like during this period at the In Flanders Field Museum.

You can also take your students to visit the cemeteries that lie outside the town. Much like witnessing those in France, seeing the seemingly endless rows of graves stretching out before you really demonstrates the scale of the battle and puts into perspective the sacrifice made by the soldiers involved.

Be sure you head over to Menin Gate before you leave Ypres. This colossal monument is carved with the names of tens of thousands of soldiers who were missing after the war and have no known grave.

Every night at 20:00 local time, traffic around the structure stops and the people fall silent as the Last Post is sounded. This event is led by a different group each evening, with people travelling from all over the world to witness it. The fact that it still takes place almost a century after the first battle was fought is particularly poignant.

There are arguably few better destinations for a battlefield tour for schools than Ypres in Belgium. STS Travel, the UK's largest educational travel company, can help you organise school trips here and in a variety of other destinations.

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Travel Destination: Sweden

The country of Sweden is endowed with abundant natural beauty and numerous tourist attractions. Here one will find the green fields of the south and the tundra climate of Lapland, highlands and wooded cliffs, picturesque islands and the calm coast in the Gulf of Bothnia, the great lake system, and a variety of wild animals. All of this attracts a large number of tourists to the country. And its rich history and beautiful cities give a chance to observe a unique culture. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is located on 14 islands on Lake Malaren. It is known as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. In the 13th century, the city served as the residence of the Swedish royal family and the capital of the then vast country of Sweden. The old part of the city is entirely located on the island Stadsholmen. No vehicles are admitted here. The most famous attractions include the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which was the coronation place of Swedish monarchs, the Antique Museum, the Palace Church, the Armoury, and the Treasury.

Several unique palaces are located in the neighboring island of Riddarholmen. Of special interest are also the Riddarholmen Church and a magnificent museum. The most remarkable tourist attractions of the islands include the Palace of Rosendal, the amusement park and the open-air museum called Skansen. The museum of wooden architecture has collected together more than 150 buildings of various age from all over Sweden.

Kungsholmen district is known primarily for its Town Hall, where the ceremony of awarding the Nobel prizes traditionally takes place. The Tower Hall is Stockholm's emblem, and it has an excellent viewing platform from which the central part of the city can be seen.

There are more than 75 museums and a hundred of art galleries in the city. They include Gripsholm Castle, the National Museum, the Swedish National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of National History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Royal Treasury, and many others. Drottningholm Palace is located in the suburbs of the Swedish capital. Visitors will see here the magnificent park, the Chinese pavilion, Drottningholm Court Theater, where opera and ballet performances take place every summer.

Bjork Island is a very interesting place due to the excavations of the first city in the country - Birka, which was often mentioned in medieval chronicles. Today Birka is the homeplace of a number of sites, which are under protection of UNESCO. The latter include the ancient fortress and the city walls, the graves of the Viking Age and the Viking Museum. The second largest city in Sweden is Gothenburg, famous for its wonderful beaches, pristine forests and lakes, as well as the nearby picturesque archipelago of islands. Gothenburg is the location of one of the oldest universities in Europe, widely known for its old buildings, the remnants of the fortress and it's Art Gallery.

Kalmar is one of the oldest cities in the country. There are interesting remains of the Kalmarnaus fortress, Kalmar Castle, and the Baroque church of the 16th century.

Gotland is the most famous island in the country. In the time of the Vikings, it was a well-defended settlement and an important trading center. Visby was one of the most important European trading centers in the Middle Ages.

Check out the list of Sweden's tour operators and its ratings before you start planning your visit: they may recommend something unique to be included in the tour. Travel agents in Sweden cater to the locals who are very passionate travelers who are usually spotted in the world's most exciting destinations.

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Traveling in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, with 40% of their territory sitting below sea level and literally 'created' by the people, can be called a self-sufficient cultural monument. The entire coastline of the country is surrounded by a system of dams and canals with the total length of more than three thousand miles.

The cities of the Netherlands are masterpieces of medieval architecture, combining majestic cathedrals, picturesque canals, old houses, churches, town halls and modern facilities. Vast fields of tulips are a symbol of Holland. In spring, almost the whole country is covered with a carpet of colorful flowering plants that, in contrast to the constantly gray sky, create an unsurpassed picture of this land. Another integral part of the Dutch landscape is windmills, many of which are still working. Amsterdam is known as the city of hundreds of canals, with more than 600 bridges over them. Canals are an indispensable attribute of all the city tours. From water, you can see most of the Amsterdam sights and hundreds of picturesque bridges, feel the spirit of the city and its indescribable atmosphere. Most city tours start from the Central Station, a beautiful red brick building in the neo-Gothic style with a clock and weather vane.

The city is known for its magnificent Royal Palace with a huge museum, the Monument to Freedom, Madame Tussauds Museum, and Nieuwe Kerk. This church has been repeatedly rebuilt since 1408 and is the coronation place of the Netherlands monarchs. There are a great number of churches in Amsterdam, with the city's oldest - Ude Kirk regularly hosting organ concerts. One of the most interesting buildings of the city is the House of shipbuilders, the Torture Museum and the Museum of Sex. Amsterdam is one of the largest centers of art in the world with many amazing museums at your disposal.

In Zaandam, lying some 20 km north of Amsterdam, be sure to visit the house of Peter I and the architectural open-air museum. To the north of Zandaam itself is the famous Alkmaar, the only city in the world, where medieval cheese fairs have been preserved till nowadays. The tourists will find interesting narrow medieval streets; admire the city's numerous canals, the cathedral of St. Lawrence, and the Gothic Town Hall. The Hague is the seat of government, parliament and the royal court, the third largest and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is also the place where the International Court of Justice is based. The historic center of the city and the old castle Binnenhof are among the best places to visit. Nearby, there is the palace called Mauritshuis, which houses one of the best art galleries in the world - the Royal Art Gallery.

Not far from the Hague, there are the world-famous seaside resort Scheveningen and the city of Delft, the birthplace of Vermeer and the famous Dutch blue porcelain. Delft is also famous for its gorgeous Renaissance Town Hall, the Sentinel Tower, and the Monastery of St. Agatha.

Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and the second largest city, which amazes the guests with daring architectural solutions and business activity. The most well-preserved part of the city is Delftshaven with its narrow streets, canals, historic buildings, and windmills. The first 150ft 'skyscraper' in Europe, Het Witte Hayes, was built here in 1898. The city is also famous for its beautiful botanical gardens, the Conservatory, the Museum of Ethnography, and the wonderful Rotterdam Zoo.

Holland is a very popular tourist destination and you might want to use the services of a trusted travel agent for the Netherlands. No matter when and where you travel, tour operators in the Netherlands would always find a good package for you.

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Water Parks On The Costa Del Sol, Malaga

There are two water parks on the Costa del Sol, both have the perfect combination of slides, pools and rest areas for a family day out near Malaga. Both water parks have floats to rent, or available free of charge if you are willing to queue at each ride. Many slides do not require a float. There are also restaurants, showers, toilets and security boxes. The lists below show the water attractions that each water park has to offer:

AQUALAND, TORREMOLINOS, MALAGA - Tel: 952 388 888

Aqualand is located in just off the N340 near the exit for the Palacio de Congreso at Torremolinos, it is less than 8km from Malaga Airport. Aqualand is open from mid May until mid September; during the months of May, June and September opening times are 11.00 to 18.00, during July and August hours are extended to 10.00 until 19.00.

ATTRACTIONS:

Black Hole- slide down on a float over 100 metres of drops and bends through a dark tunnel of flowing water, landing in a swimming pool.

Rapids- float down either alone or in pairs on double floats through rapids, still water pools and whirlpools

Boomerang- take your float down sheer slides into a landing pool

Crazy Race- four lanes of water to slide down without a float and race your friends to the end

Super Slalom- three winding slides to fly down without a float

Kamikaze- A daredevil vertical 22 metre slide straight down at top speed, the highest of its kind in Europe

Twister- Lose all sense of direction twisting down this slide into the landing pool

Surf Beach- a wave pool with over 1 metre waves, also used as a swimming pool

Mini Park- especially for the toddlers, a children's water park with mini castle and slides in a shallow swimming pool

Laguna Tropical- easy slides into a swimming pool

Jacuzzi- cool outdoor bubble pool to re-energise

MIJAS WATER PARK / PARQUE ACUATICO, MIJAS, MALAGA - Tel: 952 460 404

Mijas Water Park is located at Mijas Costa, on the N340 next to the exit for Coin / Las Lagunas / Mijas Costa. It is 25km from Malaga Airport. The water park is open from early May until mid October: during May and the end of September opening times are 10.30 to 17.30, during June and early September 10.00 until 18.00 and in July and August the open 10.00 until 19.00.

ATTRACTIONS:

Adventure River- 40 metres of curving toboggan to slide down on large float

Body Ski- slide and fly down the four lane water slide, no float is needed

Labyrinth Slide- a colourful maze of over 300 metres of slides, with different levels for all the family

Wild River- enjoy lying back on your float to drift and spin down the bending river slide

Kamikaze- high speed slide down a 15 metre vertical drop

Wave Pool- swimming pool with wave action at regular intervals

Kiddie Slides- a water playground for the smaller children, with slides and elephant water jets

Lizard Island- a small oasis with water jets for children within the pool

Blue Lake- A beautiful lake pool to relax and swim

Jacuzzi- Two bubbling spa pools, loved by kids and adults alike.

Both of the water parks on the Costa del Sol have free parking available at the entrance to the park. They are close to Malaga on either the A7 motorway or N340 coast road; and are within easy reach of the resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Mijas Costa. A car hire at Malaga Airport can easily be arranged online in advance, if you do not already have your own car to reach the parks.

Explore the Costa del Sol and surrounding areas by car. A range of vehicles are on offer through this easy to use search of all the companies offering car hire at Malaga Airport http://www.spainairportcarhire.com/car-hire/malaga

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West Coast Road Trip Day 6 - South to Carmel

On this the sixth day of our epic family extravaganza that began in Spokane, WA, we all agreed that San Francisco wasn't easy to leave. But we had to continue south on our West Coast Road Trip, taking a somewhat short drive south to Carmel By-the-Sea. Departing from Fisherman's Wharf, we set out to see if all the good things that have been said about Carmel were true...

Although we'd initially planned to drive as close to the Pacific Ocean as possible throughout our entire west coast road trip, a wrong turn, a tired driver and a desire to get to Carmel as soon as possible won out over more ocean view driving.

So rolling along down Highway 101, past mountains, small towns, and farms, we left San Francisco behind. We found our way back to Highway 1, the ocean, and Monterey; and after a fairly short drive we reached Carmel.

There were six features of Carmel that particularly stood out: The restaurants, Carmel City Beach, shopping, art galleries, the people, and the 17-mile drive.

There were so many restaurants in Carmel, I found it unfortunate to only have one stomach. We decided on an Italian dinner at Il Fornaio, lunch at Palisserie Boissiere Restaurant & Bakery, a meal out on the patio at the Village Corner Mediterranean Bistro and snacks from other quality establishments. We had good experiences at each place, and left plenty of others on our list for next time.

Carmel City Beach had a great vibe. It's a large, clean beach with a great view and lots of free parking nearby. The beach is also close enough to the shops and art galleries that you could walk right down instead of driving.

Although I'm not a big shopper, the shopping scene in Carmel offered something for everyone. There were many interesting stores and boutiques of all price ranges, from the modest to the luxury. I preferred the locally based shops, but there are were also the nationally known places such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Coach and Tommy Bahama.

What I was looking forward to investigating more than the shops were the art galleries. Carmel is known to have a lot of them, and of course I visited as many as possible. There were actually so many galleries that I couldn't get to all of them in the short amount of time we were in Carmel. There were galleries of all kinds: large, small, artist-owned (very cool, although none of them were open at the time), all with different styles and price ranges. Seeing a few original Brian Blood paintings and the California Impressionist paintings at Karges Fine Art Gallery were personal favorites.

As we navigated through town, it seemed everyone we met in the various businesses were nice and friendly people. We felt welcome in Carmel, which is more than I can say about another well-known coastal town in the next state to the north. Feeling welcome made our experience that much better.

And finally, though the 17 Mile Drive isn't technically part of Carmel, it's right next door. The drive took us through Del Monte Forest and Pebble Beach, past beautiful homes and sites like Pebble Beach Golf Course, Bird Rock, Cypress Point Lookout, and the Lone Cypress.

As an artist, I found myself picturing living and working in a place like Carmel. With its excellent weather, many creative people, city streets without parking meters and proximity to the ocean, all the stories proved true. Whether you're an artist, art lover art collector, or just want to visit a unique area on this planet, I highly recommend you go to Carmel if you can.

Craig Shillam is an artist and blogger living in the Pacific Northwest. To read more about this fabulous road traip and to see some great photos from the trip, please visit CashArtBlog. To see some award winning paintings (including some from this trip), you can take a peek at CraigShillam.com.

Taylor Shillam is a veteran of the Disney College Program, and has been a Dean's List student at the University of Idaho, where she excelled in journalism and public relations.

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Various Courier Services That You Need to Know

If you are looking for the easiest way to get your package from destination A to destination B then it is essential that you know the different services that are available from courier service. You must be able to select the service that is going to work best and suit you. There are many types of courier services to choose from, it is easy enough to know the one that give you quality services as long as you do research on the different ones that are available.

Same day delivery; this type of service is costly but again it's worth it. If you need something to be delivered urgently then this is the courier service you have to choose. The cost charges depend on the distance you want your commodity to be delivered to, if the distance is long then the charges are higher but if the distance is short then the lower the price. If you want something to be picked at your premises and to be delivered to some place at the same day then this is the service that you should go for. However, this type of service would not be needed for your all deliveries so you can use it for urgent commodities only.

Next day delivery; this is one of the most common service that is offered by the couriers. You can use this type of courier service when you are delivering goods that are semi-urgent. Usually you should have the parcel ready by a certain time then the courier will come pick it and deliver it to your destination the next day. There are always some restrictions with this type of service but it is usually possible to deliver the commodities to where they are supposed to be.

Standard delivery; this type of courier service is mostly dependent with the type of courier company you are going to use. So you should check the restrictions of their standard services and thus choose the best option available. Usually this type of service takes a couple of days to reach the specified destination.

Time slot delivery; this type of delivery is an amazing one; the package you are sending will be delivered at the time that you want it to be delivered. With the slot delivery you can ask your customer to wait for the commodity at a certain time. This type of service is more convenient for those people who need some commodities at a fixed time.

Tracked delivery; being able to know where your parcel is and at what time will it reach the person you are sending to is very important. If that's what you want then you can go for the tracked delivery services. This courier service should be used when you are sending very important documents. The conveyor will be informing you where your commodity is and at what time will it each to the person you are sending to.

These are just but a few courier services, to know more you can log in to the internet and be able to read the various services they offer.

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Travel in the United Kingdom

Though it is difficult to reach the British Isles from the continent, they have been inhabited since ancient times. In prehistoric times, this territory was rich in tin, and the Phoenicians and the Greeks called Britain the Tin Islands. The most amazing and famous monument here is Stonehenge. A lot of legends are connected with it: Stonehenge used to be an observatory during the Stone Age and a religious monument with an altar; some even considered it to be an alien spaceport.

The Romans have founded many of the current cities in the UK, including its capital London. The Romans failed to conquer all the islands and did not want to move to the cold northern lands. In order to isolate themselves from the barbarians in the north, they built several fortifications. The most famous of them is Hadrian's wall that separates England from Scotland. The city gate of Lincoln, the gate in Colchester, and many ruins of Roman military fortifications have been preserved till nowadays.

The territory of the United Kingdom has long been thoroughly settled, but here you can find many places with almost untouched nature. Loch Ness in Scotland is famous primarily as the abode of the famous Nessie, a mythical monster that is the descendant of the dinosaurs, which, according to the legend, lives in the depths of the lake and sometimes appears on the surface. But even without the monster, picturesque beaches and steep green hills that surround the blue expanse of the lake can hardly leave anyone indifferent.

The fans of lakes and water recreation will certainly have to visit the Lake District in Cumbria and Lancashire County, where the largest national park in England is located. Stunning fjords and steep cliffs of the Hebride Islands, the beautiful island of Iona is among the most popular attractions. The Orkney Islands and the famous ornithological reserve on the 'bird island' Bass Rock are yet another destination.

Those passionate about mountain hiking, skiing and climbing are drawn to the Scottish Highlands, the Pennines, and Peak District at the border of England and Wales. Extraordinarily beautiful mountains are in the northern part of Wales, where the highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon, dominates the landscape. Right here, one will also find the Snowdonia national park filled with numerous mountain streams, waterfalls, and wooded valleys. In the south-west of Wales, there are sulfuric, hydrochloric and other mineral springs.

Great Britain represents a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque Anglo-Saxon buildings noted by the simplicity of design. A typical example of the Norman style of architecture is the legendary Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. The rich ornamentation of buildings has reached perfection in late Gothic style, represented by King's College in Cambridge, St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle and Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey. The period of the Renaissance and Baroque is illustrated by such monuments as St. Paul's Cathedral in London, built by Sir Christopher Wren, one of the greatest English architects. One of the most famous buildings in the world, the Buckingham Palace, is built in the Victorian style characterized by grandeur and beauty. Modern constructivism does not change the architectural appearance of most cities in the UK, although sometimes contrasts the ancient edifices and underlines their irresistible charm.

True symbols of the United Kingdom are the Tower, the Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames in London, Westminster Abbey, Stratford-upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare was born, and many other places which attract thousands of tourists each month all year round.

Travel industry in the UK is one of the most developed in the world and travel agencies in the United Kingdom, in most cases, are an example of how the travel business should be run. UK tour operators are numerous and extremely professional.

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Gap Years in Costa Rica

Fast Facts
Costa Rica has a population of 4 millionThe capital city is San JoseCosta Rica recently one on the happy planet index rating - measuring it as the happiest nation on Earth!Costa Rica is famed for its coffeeAlmost 25% of Costa Rica consists of wildlife reserves and protected forestsIt is the second smallest country in Latin America

5 Great Things to do in Costa Rica

A list of just a couple of unmissable experiences...

1. San Jose

Arguably the most cosmopolitan capital in Central America. A couple of days is probably enough to spend in this city - which may have a slightly dangerous reputation - but is a great insight into real life in this wonderful country. Full of colourful markets and a real pura vida nightlife scene, it's definitely worth braving for a couple of days as least, before heading out into the spectacular surrounding countryside.

2. Turrialba

Up for an adrenaline rush? Then the small mountain town of Turrialba is one you certainly can't miss. A stones throw from some of the best white water rafting on the planet, this is a bit of a Mecca for enthusiasts, and definitely one of those experiences you'll never forget!

3. National Parks

As mentioned in the fast facts, 25% of the country is covered by protected areas and national parks. Its a country that places a huge amount of importance on its biodiversity and conservation is a key issue. You simply can't visit Costa Rica without going to at least one of the spectacular national parks. From dense rainforest and indigenous communities to dormant volcanoes and tropical beaches, it simply has it all! All the information you could possibly want on the national parks can be found here.

4. Turtle Spotting

Spotting turtles laying eggs is a special experience. You'll have to make sure you're doing it with a reputable organisation who don't disturb the turtles during this period, but watching hatching from a distance is still special. This can be done in Tortuguero during the summer months only.

5. Coffee

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, you simply cannot go there without sampling as much as you possibly can, and savouring the rich flavour - and superiority over supermarket's freeze dried brands!

Coffee production plays a huge part in the country's economy and its a huge exporter worldwide, with a history of coffee production dating back well over two centuries.

Jonny Butler works for Raleigh International, a charity offering gap year expeditions abroad in Costa Rica for people looking to volunteer abroad

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Expertise, the Key to Successful School Sports Tours

The prospect of taking a group of young people away on school sports tours, academic tours or just plain sightseeing may fill you with more than a little apprehension. However, as long as a few ground rules are followed and your organisational skills are top notch, they can be a wonderful and educational experience for all involved.

The responsibility

Understandably, your top priority will be the safety and security of the youngsters but that will be quickly followed by the pressing need to ensure that they are fully occupied and obtaining value out of the journey. Little may be more of a recipe for difficulties than a group of children or teenagers that are challenged in terms of having something to do that interests them.

Part of helping to make that happen, involves having a clearly defined target for the trip and a very precise plan of action. One of the biggest risks to the success of any such trip is when you are reduced to needing to "wing it" once there in terms of what happens.

Time and expertise

Organising school sports tours is potentially extremely time consuming and it is far from easy. Take, for example, the hypothetical case of a trip to do some canoeing and sightseeing in France. Not only is it necessary to make all the travel arrangements, book accommodation and arrange for inter-site transport once you're there, but you'll also have to understand what local permits may be required, what insurance may be required by French law, where to book the appropriate equipment and to arrange for local instructors.

Then, if you'd also like to see some of the local history, you will need to find out where the major sights are, when they're open, when the local public holidays are (in which case some local attractions may be closed) and so on. It's quite a task, particularly if you have not previously been responsible for organising study or school sports tours.

Leaving it the experts

Of course, it is perfectly possible to make all the arrangements yourself if you have the time and are prepared to accept the responsibility that comes with a 'DIY' approach. However, an alternative may be to leave it to somebody else.

There are companies that specialise in travel and activity arrangements for schools, colleges and youth associations/clubs etc. They will be able to take the weight off of your shoulders and allow you to get on with your normal daily professional routine. In fact, if you consult with them in advance, they may actually be able to suggest a range of alternatives for your school sports tours relating to the activity or interests you and your group have.

Aiden Armstrong works for Pavilion Tours, a specialist travel service for schools, colleges and youth groups with a specific focus on school sports tours, adventure tours, performing arts tours and geography tours. Pavilion Tours offer tours both locally and internationally with a variety of programmes.

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Gap Year Woes: Be Wary Of Your Reasons for Taking a Gap Year

Many years ago I went on a gap year to Africa and had the time of my life. I was a young man, fresh out of college, heading out into the great unknown in search of excitement and adventure.

Those were the days!

But although overall I had a fantastic time during the six months I spent in Tanzania, it wasn't all perfect.

My Gap Year Experience

My gap year placement involved teaching in a primary school. It did not matter to me that I didn't have any teaching experience, and it didn't seem to matter to anyone else either. To be honest I thought that I would be holding conversation classes, something which I could do without any special training.

But I ended up teaching maths to a group of kids whose combined knowledge of English vocabulary came to about 20 words.

- Did I enjoy the experience? Yes.
- Did I have an adventure? Yes.
- Did I really do anything to help? I'm not so sure.

I would like to think that the pupils at least enjoyed themselves, and maybe even still remember our lessons. But I don't genuinely think I was any real help during my time in the school.

After a few months, I honestly felt that I was doing more to get in the way than actually helping.

I later found out that for each volunteer teacher the school accepted, they were also receiving $300 from the gap year company. After making that discovery it started to make more sense why they put up with us for so long.

False Expectations

It all left me with a slightly bitter taste in the mouth. After all, the whole aim for me on my gap year (apart from having fun) was to do something genuinely good, to offer my help in some way. To discover that I hadn't been much help at all was a bit of a body blow.

But why am I telling you this?

I think that a lot of young people go away with high expectations of their gap years, but don't really think them through properly. This is especially true of teaching, or any activities which involve a higher degree of training than simply being enthusiastic.

I began to wonder what made me so qualified to start teaching in a school when the other teachers had had years of training. Was it simply because I was a Westerner?

These were real kids, real schools, real teachers. How could I just expect to walk in and pretend I knew what to do?

Key Question: Do You Have the Experience?

Teaching seemed like the ideal opportunity because it was a long-term placement (six months), the location was incredible (the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro), and for some reason I thought it would be easy (perhaps because we were given no training and I therefore assumed there wouldn't be much to it).

There are loads of volunteering positions where you don't have to bring anything more than enthusiasm to the job. No one expects you to have experience counting lions, for example.

But teaching is slightly different, and if you choose such a gap year then you should know exactly what is expected of you beforehand.

Are you just there to give conversation classes or is more expected of you? There are organizations such as VSO in the UK which only provide placements for professionals with experience, including teachers. So be realistic about the actual skills that you have.

Know Why You Are Doing It

It's also really important to know why you want to go on a gap year in the first place.

Going on a gap year to have fun and adventure is no crime. That's probably why most people go on one. But there are plenty of opportunities out there for that. You could go traveling, see the world, and meet new people all without joining up with a dedicated volunteer scheme.

Or consider combining the two and joining a program where you can volunteer, get your board and lodging, live somewhere amazing, but are not required to do anything which requires skills you don't have.

If you want to do something good at the same time, I'd recommend seriously looking at the skills you have and only joining a program where you can really bring something to the voluntary position. If not, you may find it slightly dissatisfying when, like me, you realize that you were not much help at all.

Choose Your Company/Charity with Care

It's also a good idea to find a gap year organization which shares your values. Although there are lots of good commercial companies out there, I've often looked back on my experience and wondered whether it might not have been better to go with a charity instead.

That way you can choose an organization which shares your values, and will be more concerned with what you can offer than with making money from you.

Also, whatever organization you choose, make sure that they are very clear about what your position will entail. That way at least you know what is expected of you before you jet off across the world into the middle of nowhere and are then confronted with a situation that you are not prepared for.

Connor Davies writes at http://aspirationsabroad.com/, where you can find in-depth articles, tips, advice, and useful resources to help you to act on your dream and move abroad to live, work, or volunteer.

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Gir Wildlife Sanctuary - A Perfect Wildlife Destination

Gir National Park is a popular name in the list of forest reserves in India. It is located in Gujarat and is 64 km from Junagarh. It was established with a motive to protect the Asiatic lions. Since its establishment in 1965, the park houses 2,375 species of fauna. You can see here around 400 rare species of plants. Apart from Asiatic lions, you can also see many other rare animals such as pangolin, ruddy mongoose, ratel, civets and paradise flycatcher.

History

The purpose of establishing the sanctuary was to safeguard the lion population. In the year 1913, a sharp decline in the number of lions was observed. Gradually, the condition improved and today it houses many lions.

Attractions of Gir National Park

Wildlife

Besides Asiatic lions, there are around 210 leopards live within the forest area. You can also see animals like sambar, chowsingha, chinkara, woodpeckers, flamingos, nilgai and crested serpent eagles.

Flora

The forest has much to offer to those, who are the admirers of nature. It is a joint deciduous forest with acacia, teak and banyan trees. Tourists can also see distinguished belt of vegetation. It is found along the rivers and small streams of the area. Nature lovers can also see a variety of broad-leaved species like jambu, kalam, amli, vad and charal.

Jeep Safaris

Jeep safaris are the most favorite of many travelers, who are thrilled with the thought of a ride in the wilds. The permit is issued for this at the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge office. Viewing the roaming animals by jeep safari is a great fun.

Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary

The forest area also has this famous attraction, where you can see many birds like peacocks, bush quail, parrot, flamingo and pied woodpecker. You can also visit a temple of Lord Krishna there.

Lion Shows

The forest department takes initiatives to conduct the interesting lion shows, which are very popular among visitors. It is arranged on every Sunday. It offers tourists an opportunity to see the animals from a close range.

Time to Visit

Tourists can visit the park from November to June.

How to Reach there

By Air

Keshod is the nearest airport, 90-km via Veraval. Tourists can get regular flights from Mumbai to Keshod.

By Rail

The nearest railheads to Gir are Junagarh and Talala.

By Road

You can catch state transport buses, available from Junagarh and Veraval to the place.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is a heaven for the connoisseur of wildlife. It is the only place in India where you can see the Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. Apart from this, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary are the famous India Wildlife Sanctuaries.

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Cycling in France: 5 Classic Climbs To Add To Your Bike Tour List and Ride On Your Next Vacation

Cycling in France is arguably unsurpassed in terms of its scenery and the climbs are world class. It's no wonder that the best cyclists in the world gather for a three week race in France every July. There's nothing that compares to the smooth mountain ascents that should hold a place on every rider's bike tour list. Here are a few of In Situ Travel's favorites:
Le Mont Ventoux (1912 meters and 22 km. Average grade 7.1% with a maximum of 11% grade) Dominating the landscape in all directions, Ventoux has rightfully earned the nickname "The Giant". There are three ways to ascend this beast (4 if you count the forest road) but the most famous route starts in the village of Bedoin where you will want to buy yourself a celebratory jersey after your valiant efforts. After all, not everyone has made it down alive. Just a half-mile from the summit, you will pass a memorial to the British pro-cyclist Tom Simpson who died racing a tour stage here in 1967.
Le Col du Tourmalet (2115 meters and 19 km. Average grade 7.4% with a maximum of 10.2% grade) When asked why the Tourmalet is so famous, many riders speak of its mystic prowess. You have not truly experienced the Pyrenees until you have climbed the range's highest pass. It's hard-core and there's no wonder why this climb has been used more than any other as a Tour stage.
Le Col du Galibier (2645 meters and 34 km. Average grade 6.9% with a maximum of 10.1% grade) A Tour classic. This monumental mountain in the Alps is so well respected and feared, race organizers have actually visited its slopes twice within the same year's Tour de France. Don't be surprised to find yourself dwarfed by columns of snow if you summit the pass in early summer; this col is closed through winter and opens only when road officials decide to blast through the dense snow pack.
L'Alpe d'Huez (1860 meters and 14 km. Average grade 7.9% with a maximum of 14% grade) Immortalized by multiple Tour de France finishes, this cycling mecca in the Alps is famous for its grueling 21 switchbacks. The record ascent is 37 minutes and 35 seconds, but riders of all abilities come out in force each year to test themselves against this mammoth of a climb.
Col d'Aubisque (1709 meters and 16.6 km. Average grade 7.2% with a maximum of 13% grade) This col made its Tour de France debut in 1910 when race organizers were deemed crazy by Pyrenees locals when asked to have the roads cleared of debris in time for race day. Nonetheless, the Aubisque has become a Tour staple and is a favorite climb by riders the world over. Not for the fainthearted, the climb is famous for its sinuous roads that are gingerly carved to hug the mountainside and sport drops of hundreds of feet beyond the safety barriers.

Jace Gifford is the founder of In Situ Travel, LLC. In Situ offers bike tours in Europe for the avid cyclist.

Have you always wanted to challenge yourself on some of Europe's most famous cycling routes in France, Italy, Spain and Germany? Would you like to ride the famous climbs mentioned above? Jace invites you to explore In Situ's European Bike Tours to find the trip that's right for you.

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Exotic Manali Himachal

Somewhere in the vast expanse of the snow-capped Himalaya, 6,000 feet above sea level, lies the stunningly beautiful riverside town of Manali. It's the perfect place for romance and adventure. The world renowned tourist attraction Rohtang Pass is frequently called the 'honeymoon couples paradise' Honeymoon couples huddle close for warmth and intimacy; children, invigorated by the cool mountain air, prance gaily; young adventurers head out in search of heart-stopping thrills; locals, in colourful mountain gait, shuffle to work... Slowly, as the chilled air permeates the senses, you succumb to the magic of the mountains. In this idyllic town, you don't really have to go anywhere to do sight-seeing. There's hardly a place that doesn't have a view of a stupendously beautiful mountain or the cool, clear waters of the pebble-strewn river Beas. Popular excursions just add to your experience of the Manali magic.

The fresh green meadows of Solang Valley, the high-altitude road to Rohtang Pass, the pristine valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, the hot springs of Manikaran, ancient temples and humming Tibetan monasteries are just some of the attractions of this beautiful place. The landscape lends itself to an incredible range of outdoor sports such as river rafting, paragliding, zorbing (which is rolling downhill inside a huge plastic orb), skiing, trekking, and mountain-climbing. Of course, the humble walk becomes an experience in itself in the thick wooded groves of deodar, pine, sal, rhododendron, oak, fir and birch. Evenings are a good time to descend into the Manali marketplace, a motley montage of curios, kitsch and food. From charming Tibetan shops to touristy trinkets, and Tibetan momos to Lebanese, Japanese and Italian food, Manali is a delightful blend of cosy and cosmopolitan.

Places of interest

HADIMBA TEMPLE (1 km): Built in 1553 with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof, it is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.

MANU TEMPLE (2 km): This is dedicated to the sage Manu situated at old Manali. VASHISTH (3 km): Well known for its hot springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashisth and to Lord Rama. MONASTERIES: There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries at Manali.

JAGATSUKH (6 km): The one time capital of Kullu. Here are old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves are just ahead.

SOLANG VALLEY(14 km): In a picturesque setting this has good ski slopes and picnic spots. TOWARDS THE ROHTANG PASS: On the road to Keylong is the Nehru Kund (6km) which is a clear water spring scenic spot named after the Late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.

Kothi (12km) is a picturesque village and has a thrilling view of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly races. The beautiful Rahalla falls (16km) are at at altitude of 2500m.

A crucial link on the old trade route and still the gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul, the Rohtang Pass is at height of 3978 m.

CLUB HOUSE: The Club House with its comprehensive facilities that include a roller skating rink, an auditorium, billiards rooms, a library, a bar and restaurant makes wonderful outing for the day.Bungee jumping is also provided.

CAFE JUNIPAR: Himachal Tourism also runs the Juniper cafe and Chandratal restaurants at Manali.

Ranbir Singh Rana is a certified Guide for Himachal Pradesh.
Leads All type of Manali Tour Packages, adventures tour, cultural tours in Kullu Manali, Shimla, Dharmshala and Dalhousie For more Detail please Visit http://www.manalipackagetour.com/.

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Fun Facts About Australia: A Snippet Of Information About Australia

Australians have their fair share of fun facts. From having quirky structures at the side of the road to having a not so presentable history, Australia exhibits a range of idiosyncrasies that can baffle the mind. One of the strangest facts about Australia is its vast area yet with very little population.

Some Fun Facts About Australia

Australia is definitely one of the largest countries in the world. UK fits around 33 times in Australia! Around 90% of Australians live in the cities. Something that explains this large amount of urban concentration is the vastly arid landscape Australia has. Nevertheless the Australian Outback is also quite famous as a tourist destination as there are many attractions ranging from the large herds of sheep to horse riding and so on. Moreover, the natural landscapes of Australia are also quite breathtaking. So you can say that Australia has the best of both worlds -- modern skyscrapers in the cities and the rustic feel in the outback.

The Europeans were not the first people to settle in Australia. In fact there were people who used to live in Australia before the Europeans came. These were native Australians and they are called Aborigines.

The world's longest mail run is the flying postman's route. The Mail runs around 1450 km from Cairns to Cape York. The whole journey takes around 9 hours and has ten stops.

Australia has one of the longest beaches in the world. It is famous for its white sand and blue water beaches. In fact Hyams beach in Jervis Bay, New South Wales has the whitest sand in the world according to the Guinness Book of World records.

The deepest natural harbor in the world is the one at Sydney. It has around 50,400 mega litres of water.

Australians drive on the left side of the road.

Some demographic facts:

The average number of people in Australia per household was 3.31 in 1971. However as the trend towards smaller families continued, this number declined to 2.6 in 2006.

• The average family has around 1.6 children.
• 22% of Australian adults will never have children and 16% of Australian adults will have only one child.
• 34% of Australian men will never marry and 32% percent of Australian females will never marry.
• Australians tend to marry quite late in their lives. The median age for Australian brides is around 29 years while the median age of Australian grooms is 31 years.

The Australia flag as it is in its current form was not always popular. In fact its use was not widespread until 1920 when the federation flag was used. So I guess that is it for now. There are so many fun facts about Australia.

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Five Reasons You Should Couchsurf

How would you like to stay with like-minded people who will show you the best parts of your destination through the eyes of locals for absolutely FREE? That's just one of the many facets of Couchsurfing. There is so much more to the idea behind the concept of couchsurfing. The website now boasts 3 million users in about 250 cities around the world. It was created with the intent of creating global meaningful connections and has been successfully doing so since its founding in 2003. Here are 5 reasons why you should couchsurf.

1. Free Accommodation: You can spending the night or a couple of nights (don't take advantage of people's hospitality) on someones couch for free. It doesn't have to be a couch. It could very well be a comfortable spare bed.

2. Local Perspective: Even if you're uncomfortable staying with a complete stranger, you could meet up with someone who interests you for coffee or a drink or a meal. They can show some of the best places to eat and drink, away from the touristy spots listed in your travel guide.

3. Safety: Couchsurfers can leave testimonials or vouch for persons they have stayed with in the past, so you can pick people to stay with or spend time accordingly. Additionally, there is an optional verification system that couchsurfers can use through a payment system for added security. I have known a number of friends who have couchsurfed across the world and have had amazing experiences.

4. Local Groups: Thousands of groups exist for various cities where people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, full of wanderlust can gather together. A quick search of the DC group shows that there are around 8000 members and events range from ballroom dancing, camping and hiking excursions to group travels during the holidays and thanksgiving dinner for people away from their families. It's also a great place to find fun events in your city, places for rent and the best places to eat.

5. Gatherings: Couchsurfers have large gatherings aimed at uniting people from all continents to come together to partake in international debauchery. These events often draw more than 1000 people, such as new year eve events in major cities.

The idea is that people create these connections and reciprocate by hosting someone in their city or town. You do not have to have someone stay at your home. You can set your preferences to meet for coffee. There are also options for last minute travel plans such as when you have a long lay-over or missed connections. The best part is that couchsurfers are more likely to be open-minded and knowledgeable people with a keen interest on showing you the best that their home town has to offer! All for free.

Good luck! Visit Doing it Big for Less for more tips on saving and earning money.

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Games For The Road With No Punch-Backs

Long road trips are also agonizing tests of endurance. You have to sit for hours in a limited space with limited activities at your disposal. Hours pass by without any conversation. It's all you can do to keep people from jumping out of the moving vehicle.

Lots of apps can be downloaded to a cell phone with their many addictive games. This is a very expensive way to go though. Even if you choose to splurge, constant use of the cell phone results in a dead battery.

Save your battery power for roadside emergencies. You could always spend the trip singing along to the radio. How many verses of "99 Bottles of Beer" can your voice box handle? Your fellow travelers can provide all the entertainment you crave without the strain on your vocal chords.

Bingo is not just for little old ladies at the senior community center. Visit one of the websites that allows you to make your own Bingo cards. You can make them with driver stereotypes rather than numbers and call them out as you slide on down the road. Look for the girl-type redneck in her fuchsia pick-up truck, the Bentley-driving executive type or the aging hippie in the day-glo painted Volkswagen Bus.

Speaking of Volkswagen, they have come up with a new-beetle. Spotting any of these bugs gives you carte blanche to punch your neighbor while you holler "Punch Buggy" If that neighbor fails to come up with the response "No Punch-backs" the game can go on for eternity.

Don't let the beatings drag out. Whatever driving game you play, there should be a winner. People will want to participate more if they can get something out of it. The winner can claim prizes like snacks, which roadside attractions to stop at, pick the radio station for an hour, or maybe they get the front seat.

Be careful with the driver when playing a game. One real good punch to a driver could have the lot of you swerving off the road. Safety always comes first even with competitive road games.

The picnic game combines memory and the alphabet in a creative way that gets everybody involved. Start off by saying, "I'm going to a picnic and I'm going to bring..." then say something that starts with the letter A all the way to Z. The trick is coming up with food starting with 'u', 'x', and all those other unpopular letters. The fun starts when people get desperate and bring whatever they can think of as long as they win.

In many cases along the road the scene will be pastoral and you will have more sheep than people to watch. A little game called the Cow game pits the right side of the road against the left and gives points to the traveler who spots a cow. Spotting a cemetery on the opposite side of the road clears the points the cow side has earned. The victors with the most cow points pick the next lunch place.

Keep sane by keeping amused. The destination is only part of your journey. Don't mark time by whining and wishing you were somewhere else. These games can be so invigorating you may just keep driving!

For those who appreciated the previous article, you may go and check out more similar items at Seymour Kushner or this Seymour Kushner Blog.

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Fun Fact About Australia That You May Like

Thinking about taking a vacation to Australia? Here are a few fun facts about Australia that will help you make your decision. The length of this article will only allow for a few facts, however if you search on the web, you can find a lot more. Australians have their own unique culture and landscape. Hence it is not unusual that many of its fun facts are associated with its culture as well as its geography. Moreover, Australians also have a unique history; hence you will find many facts associated with their history as well.

Some fun facts about Australia:

Australia is also known for its extremely large cattle stations. The largest cattle ranch stands at around 30,000 square kilometers, almost being the size of Belgium.

Australia is known for its large size, but an extremely small population of people. Australia is one of the biggest countries in the world but it has only around 20 million people. Hence the population density in Australia is quite low. In fact it is so low that the density is not measured in people per square kilometer, but instead it is measured in square kilometers per people! A single person in Australia has around 380 square kilometers for him. Australia has a vastly arid landscape which explains its low population density. Moreover, around 90% of the population of the people lives in cities.

The Australian language has its fair share of slang. Just look at how they refer to their people from the various regions and you will find out. People from Queensland are called "banana benders" and those from Western Australia are called "sand gropers."

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most important tourist destinations in Australia and is in fact quite famous all around the world for its rich coral habitat. However this is not the fun fact. The fun fact is that it has got a post office where when can send out a post card with the only Great Barrier Reef stamp. Talking about the Barrier Reef, the coral that the barrier reef houses is the largest organic construction in the world.

Western Australia is known for its vast size. In fact it is the largest state in Australia. It is so big that it is comparable to Western Europe, which has countries that are quite big in their own right such as France and Germany.

Australia has a reputation for building large structures that catch anyone's attention. These structures can be found along the road in the various regions of Australia.

The Australia flag was first flown on 3rd September 1901 in Melbourne at the Royal Exhibition buildings and In fact has a mini Flag of Great Britain occupying the top left quarter of the flag as a part of its colonial heritage.

While the flag was being raised, all schools were asked through the radio to also raise their Australia flag at the same time. We hope you liked and also enjoyed our version of fun facts about Australia.

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Kerala Adventure Tour - A Journey of Fun and Thrill

Kerala is the land, which is known for its many enchanting attractions. Its high mountains, deep lakes, enchanting backwaters, lush green vegetation and exciting wildlife altogether make it an appealing destination. This beautiful land also offers wonderful opportunities to adventure enthusiasts to indulge in several adventure and sport activities. These include trekking, water sports, and backwater cruise and jungle safaris.

Some of the famous adventures that you can enjoy during your Kerala tour are:

Canoeing

It is an exciting activity that allows you to explore the unique divine beauty. Trying canoeing on backwaters is a perfect way to relax and unwind your self. Enjoy the mesmerizing charm of beautiful lagoons and meandering rivers. Usually considered a fun activity, even though amateurs should not try it.

Trekking

It is the best experience for wildlife lovers. You can enjoy few hours of trekking in the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve. In Kerala you also get a perfect opportunity to spot the wild animals like elephants, sambar and deer. You can also enjoy trekking to the peaks of interesting places like Wayanad and Chembra. While in the hills of Munnar, you get an opportunity to enjoy various treks including one to Meeshapulimala. 

Water Sports

Kerala offers a network of beaches, lakes, backwaters and rivers. These natural vistas offer a perfect way to indulge in several water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, catamaran sailing, wind surfing, canoeing, kayaking, para sailing and white water rafting. The best destinations to enjoy these exciting water sports are the beaches of Kovalam, Alapuzzha and Varkala.

Jungle Safari

While on Kerala tour, you can also enjoy a jungle safari to the deep tropical forests of Kerala. It boasts of several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks and thus, offers exciting opportunities to see the exotic wildlife. You can enjoy wildlife adventure in the forms of jeep safari, nature trek, elephant safari, tiger trail, bamboo rafting and wilderness camps. The jungles of Thekkady and Periyar are the best places to enjoy these activities at its best. 

Hiking

Hiking in Kerala is an exciting form of recreation and adventure. Due to its high mountains and deep-cut valleys, Kerala is ideal for those who are passionate about this adventure. The famous places in Kerala for this adventure are the hill stations of Idukki, Munnar, Palakkad and Wagamon.

Houseboat Cruising

To enjoy the adventure of houseboat cruising, you can book this trip. This fun-filled expedition allows tourists to venture into the tranquil backwaters of the state.

Delhi is a magical land and is must visit during North India Travel. Its colorful and jazzy culture, bustling streets, malls, shopping centers and impressive ancient monuments lend it a perfect combination of ethnicity and modernity. Travel to Delhi is the best way to spice up your life with its varied and distinctive characteristics.

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It's Luxury On A Luxury Safari

Going on safari is likely to be a once in a life time experience for you and your family. The planning and the anticipation can be as exciting as the safari itself but this is a holiday that you really do not want to do on the cheap. To get the best out of your safari it is always best to spend as much as you can on the various components of it.

Why?
You might say, what difference does it make? Won't you be seeing the same animals whatever you spend? Well, possibly but there is more to a luxury safari than just seeing Africa's big five.

Accommodation, accommodation, accommodation
The accommodation can make or break any trip but on an African safari it can be the icing on your holiday cake. Booking a luxury safari and staying at the best and most atmospheric Lodges and Hotels that Africa has to offer can enhance your safari and elevate it from merely a trip you took to an enduring treasured memory that will last you a life time. Whether it is because of the crisp cotton sheets that you slip between after a day on safari, the food, or the hot tub on the deck of your lodge where you watched the night time African skies, counting shooting stars, your luxury safari will be the one trip that you remember long after it has finished.

Think less, do more
There are very many little things that make up a luxury safari. When you have come to enjoy the majesty of Africa and the animals that live there, you do not want to be worrying about any element of your accommodation or any other aspect of your travel as you move around enjoying the sights and sounds around you. A luxury safari gives you just that, the luxury of forgetting about the logistics of your trip so that you are free to enjoy your days and let others expertly attend to your comfort.

Your own guide
There is no doubt that to get the most out of your safari your guide's local knowledge is crucial. On a private tour, you will be able to travel in your own vehicle accompanied by your own driver who will also be you guide. On a luxury safari this means that you will have the opportunity to ask questions about all aspects of the country and of course about the animals and their habitats as you travel around. Local guides born and bred in the country, can give you a real insight into life there, as well as expert identification of anything you might see. Your guide will very often have their own tried and tested ways of getting you to where the action is just as it happens! Your own luxury safari tour will also give you the freedom to stop whenever you wish to with your guide always there to explain and explore with you.

Luxury safari guides are the elite and have worked for many years in the local area that you are traveling through, and that means that they know the people around the National Parks, the rangers who patrol them and the staff at the hotels and lodges that you visit. Their local knowledge and unfaltering friendly enthusiasm to share their country with you will bowl you over and is likely to be one of the many highlights or your holiday,

There is no doubt that if you are planning to go on safari then you must consider a luxury safari. This is not about pampering yourself although there is a fair amount of that as well, this is about having a vacation of a lifetime in the great African wilderness and making your trip not just a holiday but the best experience you have had in your life.

Graeme is writing on behalf of Opulent Africa Luxury Safaris and Luxury African Safaris

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Exploring Bali, Indonesia

A paradise, a haven - these are how the beautiful island of Bali in Indonesia can be described. Surrounded by the glorious oceans and made alive by the resonating light of the tropical sun, Bali is indeed a favorite destination of people who book air tickets out of impulse.

But what makes Bali, Indonesia a definite tourist spot in Southeast Asia?

Bali is an island that lies in the southern part of the Indonesian archipelago. With its geographical characteristic, it is hailed as one of the resort islands in the country. It is famous for its pristine and magnificent beaches, and those areas are the most popular among tourists. Among the largely visited are those in Kuta, Nusa Dua, Lovina, Medewi, Seminyak, Legian, and the Southeastern Islands. Flaunting either white, black or golden beds of sand, the resorts in these areas are definitely the most beautiful in the island.

But one does not go to Bali just to see the beaches. After all, nature is not defined with beaches alone. Bali is also rich with interesting floras and faunas that are distinctively Indonesian. To discover the richness of Bali's most beautiful nature reserves, people may visit Mount Agung, West Bali National Park, Kintamani, and Ubud Monkey Forest.

As there is a wide diversity in religion in Bali, tourists are also awarded with the chance to lay eyes on magnificent architectural pieces, which are normally known as temples. Unique and totally breathtaking, it is definitely worth a prize to see the Tanah Lot Temple, Goa Gajah, Water Palace (Puri Saren Agung), Tirta Empul, Mother Temple of Besakih and a lot more.

There are a lot of spectacles to see in the island. But what complements all these attractions is the fact that Bali gives home to a great culture. The locals are friendly and hospitable; and they have so much joy to impart tourists. Them being a happy group of people is reflected on the different kind of festivals which is surely worth the price of air tickets to Bali. Among the famous celebrations held in the island are the Odalan Temple Anniversary Procession, Nyepi, and Galungan Festival. And to further understand the daily living of the locals, coastal villages in East Bali can be visited.

Indeed, Bali is a great destination for tourists who wish to maximize their relaxation time; and it will never be a mistake to book air tickets to Bali, because it is undeniably a paradise.

Charlise James - online writer for AirTicketOnSale.com - the most trusted online air ticket booking website and Singapore travel agency. http://www.airticketonsale.com/

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Fun Games for RV Trips

When you're on the road for an RV trip, you spend a lot of time, well, on the road. While an RV affords more entertainment opportunities, and space, than a typical road trip in a smaller vehicle, those hours can still leave your passengers pining for things to do. Here are several ideas of ways you can pass the time between destinations:

Alphabet Game

This tried-and-true classic inspires friendly competition and requires enough focus to keep RV occupants riveted on passing signs, etc. This game can be played a couple different ways. In one version, you start with A and have to find a word (on passing billboards, road signs, etc) that begins with the letter A. The same word cannot be used again by another player. After finding an A word, you move on to B -- whoever gets through Z first, wins! Other versions simplify the game by allowing you to find the letter anywhere, not just at the beginning of a word. In this version, you can find the letters on license plates as well.

Card Games

Whether you opt for gin rummy or go fish, an RV is ideal for playing card games because, unlike other vehicles, you have table space! Poker and black jack will go over well with older crowds, while younger players can enjoy simpler games like slap jack and memory. If you're tired of traditional games, pick a target and see who can throw the most cards into the trash can, etc. Flicking cards effectively is more difficult than you'd expect -- and it's addicting to try and perfect your technique. Also, an RV trip is a good a time as any to bust out all your old card tricks -- your audience is captive, after all.

I Spy

This one is a good way to stay entertained while still enjoying the passing scenery. Each player takes a turn choosing an object outside and gives a clue, such as, "I spy something green." Players take turns guessing what the object is until someone gets it right, and whoever guesses correctly gets to pick the next object. Be careful though -- if you don't pick a larger object in the distance, it's likely to pass too quickly for anyone to guess it. If you run out of larger choices, you can choose things inside the RV.

Cow Counting

If you're in cow country, start counting! Assign players to face different windows, set a time limit, and see who can spot the most cows. No livestock around? Pick whatever fits for the region you're in -- a certain kind of tree or cactus, oil drills, airplanes, etc. Spice this game up by adding a prize for the team that gets the highest count before the time runs out. Nothing compels people quite like the promise of an ice cream cone or the right to choose the afternoon movie.

License Plate Acronyms

Aside from making the cars around you paranoid, writing down passing license plate numbers can provide an entertaining and creative activity. Using the letters from the license plates, see how many funny and witty phrases you can come up with using the letters as an acronym. Bonus points if you manage to include the numbers in the phrase!

Car Shopping

There are two ways you can play this game. In the first version, you pick a time limit and each player has to view the passing cars and decide which one they want to "own." Whoever calls a car first gets it, but once you call one you can't change your answer. Be careful -- if you hold out until the end, you might get stuck with the last old beater you see before time runs out. At the end, you can either debate about whose car is best or let someone who didn't play choose the winner. Another way to play this game is to have each player select a type of car. During the predetermined time limit, see who can find the most of his or her type of car on the road around you.

Any of the above games should be winners with your RV crowd -- but you're less likely to enjoy them if you're dealing with setbacks or RV trouble. If heading through Arizona, get everything checked at a Phoenix RV service location so you can have as much peace of mind as possible during the 25th round of I Spy.

Katie Hawkes is a freelance blogger for RV Renovators, a full-service AZ mobile RV repair shop and Phoenix RV service company with more than 30 years of experience.

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Golden Triangle Tour - A Journey of Rich Indian Heritage

India is a globally renowned country for its glorious past, rich heritage and culture. It was ruled by several kingdoms for over long time span that result in evolution of several wonderful heritage sites and amalgam different cultures and traditions. These things collectively project Indian country as a wonderful landscape for vacationers, cultural enthusiasts and artistic travelers. Millions of tourists visit Indian landscape every year from different countries. The country offers various flavors for travel and tourism and lures all kinds of vacationers. One can visit several wonderful hill towns blessed with unparalleled natural beauty, manmade historical structures and important religious places on a well planned holiday in India.

If you are planning your first visit of India and want to explore its wonderful heritage and culture, the Golden Triangle circuit can be the right choice for you. It is one of the most selling tour packages in the country. Well planned Golden Triangle trips offer exposure incredible heritage of India. Generally, this tourist circuit covers three most deserving tourist spots of North India. Namely, these destinations are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Generally, this circuit starts from national capital Delhi due to its worldwide connectivity and exceptional tourism facilities. Delhi is a beautiful city with fusion of different cultures. There are lots of places to see in this city. Historical Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun Tomb are the three major attractions of Delhi tourism. These three sites are declared as UNSECO World Heritage Sites. Besides these, travelers will also visit several other interesting sites in Delhi including Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, India Gate, Parliament House and many more. Apart from manmade structures the city is also known for its huge markets. Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat are most popular places for shopping in this city.

After Delhi, travelers will visit Agra, the next destination of Golden Triangle circuit. In Agra, travelers will see amazing Taj Mahal; it is the most popular tourist attraction of a Golden Triangle trip. It is a World Heritage Site and also included in the Seven Wonders of the World due to its unique architecture and eye-catching beauty. The masterpiece was built by Mughal emperor Shan Jahan in memory of his wife. At the time of sunrise or in full moon light the monument really becomes outstanding and spellbound its audience. Travelers will also visit several other interesting sites in and surroundings of this city. Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb, Ram Bagh gardens and Buland Darwaza (the largest gateway around the world) are the some must watch sites them.

Jaipur is the third destination of this tour. It is a prime tourist destination and capital city of Rajasthan. The city receives millions of travelers every year from around the globe. Magnificent forts, palaces, old temples, luxury heritage hotels and delicious cuisines are the most appealing attractions of this city. Jaipur City Palace, Amber Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts, Hawa Mahal, Birla Temple and Laxmi Narayan Temple are most popular sites of this place to visit. You can also enjoy shopping of traditional items like leather footwear, carpets, handicrafts, gems and jewelries at open street markets of Jaipur. Maniharon Ka Rasta is the most popular shopping street of this city.

This is the glimpse of a Golden Triangle tour. Tourists will surely enjoy much more on real expedition. To enjoy these wonderful attractions in a single visit, you can plan a Golden Triangle trip with any reputed India travel agent. Several reputed tour and travel service providers are working in Delhi and other popular tourist places of the country. They are providing excellent Golden Triangle trips with Rajasthan packages according interest of travelers. So, to explore the rich Indian heritage you can select a right tour package according to your budgets and holidays in next vacation.

Pramod is an expert writer primarily focusing on travel and tourism related topics. Currently he is working with Swagat Holidays, a leading India Travel Agent offering exciting range of Golden Triangle Tour.

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How to Dress For an African Safari

The majority of safari tours take place in the African highlands where temperatures can be cool in the morning and evening but balmy in the afternoon. Safari-goers should also prepare to protect themselves from the dust, insects and hours of direct sunlight if you are traveling around in a windowless, roofless vehicle. Dressing in the appropriate attire allows visitors to focus their attention on the safari experience at hand rather than worrying about getting bitten or sunburnt.

Although temperatures rise quickly in Africa with the dawning of the sun, warm clothes are needed for the chilly drive to the park which is generally in an open topped vehicle. Full length trousers, a t-shirt and some form of jacket that is easily removable is required, so opt for breathable, mist-proof material such as windbreaker trousers and jacket. Although the weather will almost certainly heat up as the morning progresses you will be glad you wore the correct attire to kick off your safari.

Footwear is another important aspect of your clothing to consider. As most safaris are hot and dusty, a pair of hiking boots or well-worn trainers with adequate breathing space is perhaps your best bet. Something you are not too fussed about getting dirty but yet at the same time you don't want your feet to be sweating all day either.

As the day wears on, the layers are going to start coming off. Underneath your morning attire it is certainly recommended to wear a lightweight shirt and shorts made of durable material. A typical safari vest is a good idea to put over your t-shirt so you can use the pockets for your camera and a pair of binoculars. For as long as the sun is shining it's advisable to wear a large brimmed hat which covers both your head and neck, the last thing you want on your trip is sun burn or worse, sun stroke. Factor 30+ sunscreen is the minimum you should carry with you at all times, ensuring any visible skin showing is fully covered.

Many safari tours finish off with an evening meal under the stars. The clear skies brings the temperatures back down again, so for the evening a more formal approach is usually considered the norm and usually consists of a modest dress for the women and a polo shirt with khaki slacks for the men. To complete the somewhat formal outfit, wear comfortable shoes which usually consists of leather boots or shoes for the men and a pair of open toed flats for the women.

A final word of warning, in many African countries it is disrespectful to wear very short and revealing clothes, especially on women. Many African regions are very religious both Muslim and Christians so take that into consideration before you begin traipsing through your wardrobe looking for things you wore on the beach on your holidays in previous years.

If you are looking for exciting Tanzania safaris or maybe a chance to hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro then come and speak to the experts at Africa Travel Resource.

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Fun Facts About Australia To Get You Started

Australia is a country with contrasting characteristics. It has a vast area, yet its population is only scanty in comparison. Moreover, it is a modern country with skyscrapers and a comparatively advanced work force, yet it was once a colony of convicts. Moreover, the country is weird in many other ways. Some fun facts about Australia are presented in this article.

• David Warren invented the black box in Australia. He was an aeronautical research scientist.

• Australia has been a pioneer in surfing. Its vast open beaches are instrumental in promoting the sport. The first national surfing championships were held in Australia in 1964 in Sidney.

• The oldest newspaper in Australia is the Sydney Morning Herald. It was first published in 1831.

• Mining is one of the chief industries in Australia. Many minerals and fossil fuels are mined in the country and Australia is a leader in many of them. Major exports include coal and iron ore. Mining in Australia constitutes around 15% of the GDP. Yet its only comprises 0.02% of the region's area. More area is taken up by pubs.

• Platypus is an animal unique to Australia. It is an unusual animal in that despite being a mammal, it lays eggs. It is a native of Australia. In fact, a famous story says that when the first platypus specimen was sent to England from Australia for studying, it was thought that the Australians had played a joke by sticking a duck's bill to the body of a rather large rat! Other animals found in the country include kangaroos and koala bears.

• Eucalyptus is an important tree having many medicinal properties. However it was first used by the aborigines in Australia to treat cough flue and other ailments.

• Australia is also a pioneer as afar as the rights of gays and lesbians go. The first homosexual radio station opened in Australia in Melbourne in 1993. Its name was joy radio.

• Australia has one of the most arid landscapes in the world which explains why so many of its inhabitants live in cities. In fact around 90 percent of the people in Australia live in cities. The reason why Australia is so dry is that it received very little rainfall. The continent is the driest in the world with South Australia being the driest province amongst all the provinces.

• The Australia flag was created as a part of a competition in which eventually four entries were chosen as winners as they had similar designs.

This is our round up of fun facts about Australia. Don't be surprised if you were amused to read how 5 people could come up with the same idea for the Australia flag. We were too when we found out about it the first time.

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How to Get Lost In Paradise: West Sumba, Indonesia

There she goes again. As I try to fall asleep I'm kept awake by the sounds of pigs, chickens and a restless water buffalo scratching under my hut. Yet louder still is the village outcast. This poor woman usually sleeps in the forest, but right now is just meters from my hut. She's been engaged in a loud and passionate slanging match with her alter ego for hours now. I'd love to know what she is yelling at her imaginary adversary, but my limited Indonesian is no help when she's communicating in a local dialect. I finally fall asleep only for the usual malaria pill induced nightmares to intrude. Still, in the morning the lady will be singing happily, and I'll get a first look at why I came to this remote part of West Sumba, Indonesia.

Waking like a half-baked loaf of bread in the morning heat I walk the 1km or so to the beach with only a motley crew of farm animals and a few monkeys for company. I've come to surf, and to do so in one of the increasingly rare spots where there's barely a handful of like-minded people to share the waves with. I've heard that the beach here is amazing, and it does not disappoint. It's by far the most spectacular clash of sand and saltwater I've ever seen, and with only a few fishermen for company. Places like this do still exist, I think to myself as I jog back to get my board. This place would easily top even the most pretentious list of 'top ten beaches,' if more people actually knew it existed, or if it wasn't such a mission to get here in the first place.

There's not much to the village here. Just some very basic and broken huts for guests (my first foot in the door of my hut went through the floor), a small shop and a few rice paddies. With only a few hours of fickle electricity a day and basic food (chopped liver and rice, yes, more thanks) time here is not all fun in paradise. There's no cold beer or the Sky Garden (a club in Bali) to pass time. I spend the next few weeks in a battle with a pig that wakes me up screeching every morning at 4.30am on the dot, malaria-carrying mosquitoes and plain old boredom. Some hills nearby look like a fun hike; but only for the insane. The heat during the day stifles any thoughts of activity outside the ocean. After the first week I start to lose it a little and make friends with a coconut. His name was Kevin. If that sounds weird and unoriginal it's because it was, but I'll blame it on lack of company and the malaria pills.

The locals here are friendly and always curious of visitors. My curiosity of them was every bit as strong. Sumba is a place full of ancient tradition and superstition and just the odd bit of black magic. While many people have converted to Christianity, and Islam is prevalent in some parts of the island, Animism or 'The Marapu' is a local belief system still found everywhere. It loosely involves worshiping everything from trees to crocodiles. At another local village (with no road access) there were some examples of tombs with each person's worship animal carved on the gravestone, that I was told were worth checking out. Getting around some of the villages to see this was an exercise in the surreal. I was warned several times that there were 'invisible gates' that I was not allowed to pass through, these structures forming part of local spiritual beliefs which date back to more than 500 BC. Safe to say I never did find their exact location.

Aside from religion, people here are still known to settle disputes via the machete, rusty and dull, which the men carry everywhere. It's a fascinating place with more than a hint of the mysterious and unknown about it.

After a few weeks of great surf I'm ready to leave. I sit on the beach on my last day feeling pretty happy and more than lucky about my little place in the world. Places like this still do exist, I get to see it and I get to leave. Boarding the truck for 6 hours of bumpy and noisy hell back to town, the village outcast is singing again. I hope she finds her peace, like I'd just found mine (and a coconut named Kevin).

If you liked this article check out my travel site Aussie Travel Advice. It's a free and independent site with over 140 pages of travel advice and links, as well as our travel blog. It's written by a former travel agent, doctor and journalist and contains the best travel tips for Australians going overseas.

If you are interested in travel check out the site. It's not just for Aussies.

To see the work of an aspiring travel photographer check out my other site 'new travel image'.

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A Journey on the Old Stagecoach Lines

When researching historical firsts in the old western United States, the early stagecoach lines is a subject that often emerges. carrying the mail to the western outposts of civilization was a pretty important task. It's both interesting and entertaining to read about some of the observations from the people who actually rode these Concord coaches over the 2,000 plus mile journey. The year 1858 was very special. It was the year that saw the beginning of the Butterfield Overland Stage Line from St' Louis Missouri to San Francisco California. This was a key historic event in the history of the United States as well as the history of overland transportation in general. Similar to other new means of transportation, the start was typically with a government mail contract. With the California Gold Rush in progress and with the state itself joining the Union in 1850, communication with the west coast was more important than ever. Remember, this was an era before the transcontinental railroad and before the telegraph lines to California. As an example, in the 1850's it generally took about 45 days for a letter to make it's way from San Francisco to New York. The route for that letter would have been a steamer from San Francisco to Panama and then through the jungles of Panama to another steamer on the eastern side of the Isthmus. Quite a journey.

Transporting Mail to the West

The Butterfield Stage route from St Louis would shorten the time somewhat. What is generally described as a twenty-five day trek from St' Louis to San Francisco was along what was called the southern route. The route went through Arkansas, Texas, present day New Mexico and Arizona into the San Diego area and then northward to San Francisco. To say the journey was adventuresome would be an understatement. All research on the subject I have done pretty much points to the mail itself as being the top priority. After all, the government mail contract was the financial seed to begin the stage line in the first place. Carrying passengers along the route was important but somehow secondary. The Butterfield Overland Stage Line began operation in 1858. The first westbound stage made it to Springfield September 17, 1858, some three hours ahead of schedule. The first eastbound stage arrived in Springfield on October 22, 1858 That stage was carrying five passengers, along with mail, freight, and express parcels.

What Was it Like for the Overland Traveler?

There are interesting stories from the people who rode the Bufterfield Stage route and their observations are enlightening. Many of these journey's were anything but boring. In fact, the Butterfield Stage Line ran through Arizona during the long Apache Wars. Many of it's stages were attacked near the Dragoon Mountains not far north of Tombstone Arizona where Cochise had his stronghold. Riding through Arizona in the 1860's and 1870's would be a true adventure. The first question you might ask is: What should I bring along? A reporter for the San Francisco Evening Bulletin who rode the route in 1858 was quoted in his article "All the traveler needed to render himself comfortable is a pair of blankets, a revolver or knife (just as he fancies), an overcoat, some wine to mix with the water (which is not of the sweeetest quality) and three or four dollars worth of provisions". he went on to say that "Arms are not furnished the passengers by the Company". Keep in mind that it was often that riders were forced to dislodge from the stage and walk along side when it became mired down in sandy stretches.

Accounts from Another Journalist

Another journalist by the name Waterman L. Ormsby rode with the first Butterfield Stage heading west on September 16, 1858. Ormsby, a 23-year-old reporter for the New York Herald, was on this historic first run. Ormsby reported that mules were used to pull the stage coaches over the frontier portions of the route because, to Indians, the mules were considered less valuable than horses as property. Ormsby goes on to say that one team of mules had been trained to come to feed at the sound of a large gong. The stage driver, or sometimes referred to as a "whip", planned to use the gong to call the mules back in case the Indians managed to steal them. Ormsby described that it took about 30 minutes to harness each mule and he was quoted as saying... "By the time a mule was caught and harnessed, often nearly choked to death, he was almost always nearly tired out before his work had commenced." If you thought the seating arrangement inside the Concord coach was a benefit, here is what it looked like. Passengers rode three abreast. There were two back rows facing forward and a front row facing backwards. Your luggage would sometimes be on your lap and U.S. Mail would likely be under your seat. This arrangement might make your seat on today's jetliner seem pretty roomy. The stagecoach ran day and night with only short stops at stations for what most described as fairly poor food. Also, realize that a passenger essentially had about three times to bathe while on the Butterfield route. While there were plenty of Butterfield stations not many of them had the necessary facilities. Sleeping was another challenge. passengers slept in the Concord coach while it was on it's bumpy ride. It's been reported that it took most passengers about a week to become accustomed to sleeping while traveling. Sleep during the first week was near impossible but after getting a bit acclimated to the ride things got a lot better. Here is a description of the sleeping situation as described by an English passenger on the eastbound Butterfield route in 1860. The passenger was quoted describing the posture necessary to sleep in a moving stagecoach... "sometimes slinging our feet by loops from the top of the wagon, or letting them hang over the sides between the wheels... and not seldom nodding for hours together in attitudes grotesque and diverse."

The Account from Mark Twain

As most people know, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) wrote quite extensively about his experiences. One of these missives regarded his stagecoach travel west to Virginia City, Nevada where he would become a journalist for the Nevada Territory's first publication. Mark Twain (who supposedly adopted this name while in Nevada) wrote a story titled "Roughing It". This is his account of what he experienced along his stagecoach ride west. While his journey was not along the Butterfield Overland Mail route (the Butterfield route was abandoned during the Civil War because of the heavy Confederate presence in the southwest), it is, as most of his writings were, quite insightful. The work was written between 1870-71 and recounts his experiences in Nevada during the early 1860's. Below is a quote from Chapter XIII of "Roughing It" which pretty fairly describes the experience of traveling the stage through the dry and hot desert area on the Overland Route. An excerpt is as follows... The mules, under violent swearing, coaxing and whip-cracking, would make at stated intervals a "spurt," and drag the coach a hundred or may be two hundred yards, stirring up a billowy cloud of dust that rolled back, enveloping the vehicle to the wheel-tops or higher, and making it seem afloat in a fog. Then a rest followed, with the usual sneezing and bit- champing. Then another "spurt" of a hundred yards and another rest at the end of it. All day long we kept this up, without water for the mules and without ever changing the team. At least we kept it up ten hours, which, I take it, is a day, and a pretty honest one, in an alkali desert. It was from four in the morning till two in the afternoon. And it was so hot! and so close! and our water canteens went dry in the middle of the day and we got so thirsty! It was so stupid and tiresome and dull! and the tedious hours did lag and drag and limp along with such a cruel deliberation! It was so trying to give one's watch a good long undisturbed spell and then take it out and find that it had been fooling away the time and not trying to get ahead any! The alkali dust cut through our lips, it persecuted our eyes, it ate through the delicate membranes and made our noses bleed and kept them bleeding--and truly and seriously the romance all faded far away and disappeared, and left the desert trip nothing but a harsh reality--a thirsty, sweltering, longing, hateful reality!

The Journey in Retrospect

The journey on an old west stagecoach certainly sounds a bit traumatic when compared to today's modern travel. In the 21st century we might become agitated or uncomfortable when our plane or train runs a little behind schedule. We might be somewhat uncomfortable sitting on the airport tarmac for some time or squeezing into a jetliners typically narrow seat. Obviously, when compared to the accounts mentioned above, these are mere minor difficulties and inconveniences. As rough and primitive as stagecoach travel was, at the time it was considered quite a leap forward. The Concord coaches were actually designed with an innovative strap suspension system but this offered little comfort considering the condition of the trails.The transcontinental railroad had not been completed until the late 1860's and compared to traveling alone by wagon over the Oregon Trail, the stagecoach was a welcomed new convenience. It was only after the transcontinental railroad was completed that stagecoach travel declined, although rail lines were not everywhere and stagecoach service still remained quite important. The relative comfort by traveling over the rails was of course a big leap over the stages. The last stagecoach operations reportedly lasted to about 1913 in Arizona. Eventually, the railroads expanded even more, omnibuses which were larger than a Concord stagecoach and the newly developed urban electric streetcars pushed the stagecoach out of commercial existence. The next you're caught in a bothersome modern travel delays you might gain some comfort by realizing what the old west stagecoach travelers had to endure.

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Peter Uzelac is a history researcher and writer. He can be contacted at peterstripblog@aol.com.

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