Why You Must See the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a natural, majestic wonder from below and above. Speaking of above, did you know that this reef is visible from space? That's right; It is so unbelievably large that it is the only living thing that can be seen from space, and it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. In fact, this reef is even larger than the Great Wall of China! For a location this massive, it most definitely holds treasures beyond your wildest imaginations, and it is highly suggested that you venture to this natural masterpiece and get a look for yourself.

Just how huge is this reef? Well, the Great Barrier Reef is about 65km wide in some parts, and stretches between 15km and 150km offshore. The marine park lies almost parallel to the Queensland Coast, and is over 3,000km in length! This area is immense, and it's the perfect place for the whole family to visit.

Now you may be wondering what an enormous reef such as the Barrier Reef holds; well, it has just about everything a spectator would want to see. This reef system actually has over 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays connected to it, making it the absolute largest reef system in the world. In addition, this wonderland is home to hundreds of tropical islands with some of the world's favorite beaches.

It is completely understandable why the Barrier Reef has quickly become one of the world's most sought-after locations. People from all over travel to witness some of the most amazing sights one could fathom. The amount of marine life is staggering, and thankfully, the UNESCO added the Reef to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1981.

You're probably wondering exactly what kind of marine life exists in this spectacular part of the world. The Great Barrier Reef holds more than 400 kinds of coral, mollusks, coral sponges, over 1,500 species of tropical fish, dolphins, rays, over 200 different kinds of birds, approximately 20 species of reptiles and 120-year-old giant clams. Yes, this place is pretty amazing and it's every diver's dream. To make matters even more amazing, the Great Barrier Reef is also a popular breeding area for humpback whales that migrate from Antarctica. In addition, there are endangered species that call the Great Barrier Reef home; a few of these species are the large Green Sea Turtle, and the Dugong (Sea Cow).

The enormity, majesty, and bewildering beauty of the Great Barrier Sea Reef have made it one of the top places to go in the world. In fact, so many people are interested in experiencing its grandeur for themselves, that there are over 1,500 vessels and aircrafts, and more than 820 operators permitted to operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This way, everyone who visits will have the chance to truly experience the wonders this incredible reef has to offer.

For more tips on spending crazy time, visit Adventure Travel Tips.

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Tell Your Spouse to "Zip It" in Hawaii

Hawaii may be one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations, and for good reason! The warm weather and beautiful surroundings truly make it a paradise on earth - the perfect preamble to a romantic getaway.

While in Hawaii, there are PLENTY of those quintessential honeymoon experiences to choose from (Google "Hawaiian Luau" and see for yourself) but what about that elusive "one of a kind" experience? Surely honeymooning in Hawaii doesn't have to condemn us all to conformity!

I mean, upon return, do you really want to hear "Oh we did that too" from all your friends, family, and even your crusty boss? Worse yet - do you want Gretchen from accounting to pull out her honeymoon photos and say "See...Stanley and I went to that SAME LUAU on OUR honeymoon!" Such an occurrence will surely deflate your honeymoon show-and-tell. So unless you wish to compare just how tall that shrub in the background of the hotel luau has grown over the years, you must break the honeymoon mold.

Enter the fastest-growing trend to hit vacation destinations - zip line tours! More specifically, a sunset or full moon zip line tour with Kapalua Adventures on the island of Maui. This is the very same zip line tour that was featured on the hit TV show "The Bachelorette" - and for good reason. 1,400 feet above sea level, couples are greeted with sweeping views of the lush green West Maui Valley, with turquoise blue water and neighboring islands providing the dreamy backdrop. It's a truly breathtaking and romantic sight, one that will surely last in your memories for a lifetime.

Kapalua Adventures runs multiple tours throughout the day, with the most popular being mid-day tours. It is this author's suggestion to avoid those popular times though, and instead opt for either a sunset or full moon zip line tour. The latter tours are considerably less crowded, which will help couples enjoy their time together, giving things a more intimate feel. Also, the scenery undergoes dramatic changes with the fading of light. The view from atop the mountain is indeed gorgeous, but when coupled with the red glow of a setting sun in Maui - it becomes something even more special. Kapalua Adventures does allow you to take cameras with you, even while you zip, so you'll be able to capture the scene to look back upon for years to come. Imagine the photo now - you and your spouse closely embraced, high up on the West Maui Mountains, with a classic Hawaii sunset exploding in color behind you. Simply marvelous!

For an experience that's even more surreal, couples may also enjoy the full moon zip line tour. This tour isn't as colorful as it's sunset counterpart, but guests agree it is a great deal more 'magical' and serene. On Maui, there is no smog or pollution to interfere with the view of the night sky! Upon arrival atop the mountain, the tree canopy opens up into a giant moon and star-filled canvas full of light, which basks the valley in gorgeous twilight. You'll see more stars then you could ever imagine, including shooting stars for you and your love to wish upon. In the distance, the Pacific Ocean acts as a reflector, and sparkles brilliantly as if there were two skies with two sets of stars.

So if it's something different that you seek, seek no further. Book a tour with Kapalua Adventures (http://gozipmaui.com) and tell them you want the sunset or full moon tour. The photos will be one of a kind, the story poetic, and most importantly - it's something your friends and co-workers didn't do on their honeymoon. (So take that, Gretchen!)

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What You Need To Know About Luxury Rail Tours

These days there are many options for travelling and transportation that are readily available to people. It is now possible for almost anyone to buy a plane ticket and take a trip around the world. However, it was not the case around a decade ago. These days however, there are not many people who prefer the rail car as a means of transportation. This is because most people believe this mode of traveling is actually very tiring and also extremely cumbersome. This is because most people are not aware of options and packages.

There are many modes that a person can choose between, based on their destination and budget. In days gone by, the most popular and cost effective way of getting around was by trains. However, considering the fact that all rail cars were built more or less the same, one could easily anticipate the quality and level of service and comfort during a long journey.

The railway industry has come a long way now, with newly developed trains that put quality service, comfort and relaxation before everything else. The services offered include spacious and comfortable seat and bed options, made from good quality fabrics to ensure a smooth ride.

The bunkers of new rail cars are far from the traditional box shaped area, with a hard wooden chair and a flat plank bed. New design cabins and bunkers of some elite rail cars resemble suites from seven-star hotels. These come fitted with over-sized lounge chairs, a television and a fold-out bed as well.

When it comes to meals on board new age rail cars, the traditional one serving a meal of fried eggs and greasy toast has been completely transformed and now, people have the option to choose from a large assortment of dishes. Fast food, continental as well as some exotic dishes are also available on demand from some railway companies. Foods related to the country through which the railway is travelling.

When it comes to price and costs, luxury train travel can cost a little more than traditional railway journeys. The journey by railways is also known to take longer, as compared to taking a flight to destinations that are far away. However, in comparison to airfare this means of travelling is much cheaper, so if you do not have to reach your destination urgently and want to save some money on travelling, then you should definitely try taking a trip by rail car.

Today, travelers with a sense of adventure can enjoy luxury train travel in many places on the planet. The train often is a recreation of elaborate railway cars of past years.

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Travel Agent Vs Planning Your Own Holiday: What's the Better Option?

Nowadays, more and more travellers turn to the internet when planning for holidays. Anyone browsing the World Wide Web will find lots of online portals offering amazing deals such as cheap flights and budget-friendly accommodation. But while the internet provides a vast range of ideas for holidays, planning a trip on your own can be a long drawn out process. The question is: Can you manage to iron out travel arrangements yourself? If not, then you might need the services of a travel agent.

Saving Time

Unless you have the whole year to plan for the perfect holiday, a travel agent can work things out in a short span of time without the hassles on your part. Use your time wisely by hiring a travel agent who will plan your travel for you. With the endless travel options you will see online, it can be quiet time consuming to browse through them before you decide for a particular deal. Flights, accommodation, attractions and leisure are just few of the endless things you need to arrange separately.

Saving Money

There's no denying the fact that the convenience offered by travel agents come with a price. However, you have to keep in mind that these agents are professionals who have access to travel agencies enabling them to get the cheapest deals for you. Your agent can help you get cheap flights, discounted tickets, and even come up with a list of budget hotels for you. Having this mentioned, holiday trips can be more expensive without the help of travel agents.

Local Knowledge

Travel agents are equipped with first hand information about various attractions in a particular destination. Your agent can counsel you about the culture, the best accommodation facility, food, local routes and mode of transportation, the weather and the activities on your potential holiday destination.

Help with Interruptions

Travel holidays are not always perfect. In case something goes wrong on your trip, your travel agent can help you navigate through the mishaps easily and make things right for you. Keep in mind that most online booking sites have terms and conditions related to your purchase. If you are not careful, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of the trip and headed nowhere.

Although online travel booking is very accessible in just few clicks, it can turn out to be an error-full process if you are not careful. For your long-awaited holiday trip, a travel agent can ensure you of a flawless and pocket-friendly excursion to your destination!

If you are dreaming of Gold Coast holidays and staying in one of the best Gold Coast hotels, we certainly have the best for you. Visit our website and see for yourself!

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The Pros and Cons of Traveling Alone

Traveling alone is no fun.

I was told that this entire idea is risky, trash and a fool's dream. Additionally, I could not get down the train and get myself a snack or enough water. Neither I could take care of my luggage alone, nor sleep well as there was always the risk of bandits traveling by your side, unaware. Above all, I am a woman and without companion traveling was the stupidest thing I could think of.

I changed my mind. In no circumstances was I going to risk my life.

Another month dragged itself. Stressed at workplace and messed up in life, there was no way but to take up the risk. Nobody consented to travel along with me, and yet I was at the receiving end of reprimands from people, family and friends in all.

The day came when I finally gave in to the inner voice, packed my clothes which were few, asked the office peon to get me a first-class ticket, got my casual leave sanctioned from my supervisors, told my family and took the rickshaw to the city railway station, and went away.

I was so overcome by the feeling of independence that I could not restrain my tears. For one time, money, home and career did not matter. For the first time, I tasted absolute freedom from worries. I realized that I was steering my life with my own decisions and nobody at all, was responsible for my happiness or sadness.

From Karachi to Lahore, it was a journey of 16 hours. I was seeing many sights, green fields of mustard, cotton and rice passed in front of our window glasses. A farmer tilling the land on his tractor or pulled by the pairs of bulls, women working alongside men in fields, children playing nearby, rocks, buildings, scenery, rivers, mountains, tunnels and cultural richness augmented my excitement like a child's.

In Lahore, I stayed with a relative who was also busy with her own activities, job and family. I designed my own plans and tried my best to stick to them as planned. All the fallacy about lonely traveler was unfounded and I discovered that every family which was traveling beside me was going an extra mile to make sure I get the right directions and reach my destinations safely and easily.

It was one week of brief stay outside my city and away from the comforts of home. I did not return home with lots of gifts and souvenirs. I returned with memories, and light-heartedness, although the light-headedness was gone. Fresh and brimming with beauty of nature, I did not say a thing. People told me what difference they were observing in me, after the return.

Money was no hindrance in it either. Safety was a matter of God's domain. I was just a bystander, enjoying the wine of love, life and happiness and the entire universe celebrating my excitement alongside.

I believe traveling alone is as much fun as traveling along with someone else. Your companion can only fulfill your needs of company and safety but enjoying life is your own cup of tea and for that you do not have to rely on anyone, nor have to make a special kitchen for it.

All you can do is whenever you feel like, get up, put a few things together and let the burner do its job. Besides, freedom and independence spice up your life more than anything else. And for an adventurous soul as mine, it is the best reward because many answers are wordless, especially when Nature gives them.

Tally Ho!

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The San People of the Kalahari

The San are the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, thought to have made the Kalahari desert their home for over a hundred thousand years. Found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia & Angola, the San are one of 14 known 'ancestral population clusters' from which all known modern humans are thought to be evolved. It is thought that around 85,000 San are alive today with the majority found in Botswana and Namibia.

Whilst they are commonly referred to as San, Bushmen, Sho, Khwe or Basarwa - there is actually no collective name for these indigenous people as they are not all the same. In fact, a study of African genetic diversity found that the San people were among the five populations with the highest measured levels of genetic diversity among the 121 distinct African populations sampled. Whilst there is not just one common language amongst the San with different dialects evident, all incorporate a 'clicking' sound.

The San traditionally live in small groups (or bands) of around 10 to 40 individuals. Groups tend to me made up of family members. There is no appointed chief or leader and decision are usually made by consensus. The San are a mobile people, moving as the climate, conditions and food availability dictate. As such, they have no established homes and make their homes in caves or in temporary huts using wood they gather from their surroundings. Branches are tied together in a semi-circle with grass tufts to form a roof.

The San are hunter gatherers. Hunting is a collaborative exercise with the rewards shared amongst the group. The San hunt animals using simple devices such as spears and bows and arrows. They also forage for fruit, nuts and roots to supplement their diet. Knowledge is passed down from generation to generation which enables the San to understand their surroundings and know where and when to find wild plants that are ready to be harvested. The San know how to find water sources in the Kalahari - they don't rely on creeks, but use plants and animals as water sources. Water is often stored in ostrich eggs and buried until needed. Being so in tune with their environment enables the San to survive in what is often regarded as an inhospitable area.

The San are also incredibly knowledgeable about the medicinal properties of their natural resources. They mix potions, remedies and even poisons from the articles that they can collect in their surroundings. The poisons created by the San are legendary - each hunter tends to have his own favourite! Poisons are applied to the tip of the hunters arrows which cause paralysis and then death once they enter the bloodstream of the prey.

One of the most famous images that people associate with the San is the cave and rock paintings that are found across southern Africa. Many of these paintings depict mythological stories or dreams that shamens have had about the spirits. The images and styles differ wildly and whilst it is often impossible to know their true history, they are fascinating to see.

Bushmen have had to face up to numerous challenges including cattle encroachment onto their lands, oppression as well as eviction from their ancestral homelands. As the San do not have a permanent home and no concept of private ownership, it is very hard for them to prove that land belongs to them. Having no traditional leader also makes it difficult for their grievances to be regarded. Organisations such as the Kalahari Peoples Fund are working to support such land issues and to protect the rights of the San people.

The San way of life attracts great interest from an anthropological point of view and recent initiatives are looking at ways of helping to preserve their traditions and insights for future generations. Knowledge banks are being established to help to document this intelligence so that it can be kept alive.

An increasing interest from tourists in the San way of life has in some cases led to exploitation of the people themselves. Organisations such as the Working Group of Indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa (WIMSA) are working to try to ensure such instances do not occur and are helping the San to set up and run their own trusts and community based organisations. Visiting such communities as part of a responsible safari holiday not only gives visitors a unique insight into the traditional San culture, but also helps to directly contribute to the communities themselves.

Joanna French is a conservation scientist, founder of http://www.ecotravelafrica.co.uk/ and supporter of conservation and development initiatives across the world. ecoTravel Africa promotes and supports responsible travel to natural areas that helps to conserve the environment and improves the well-being of local people. ecoTravel Africa creates tailor-made itineraries for either self drive, guided or small group travel that allow the traveller to be sure that they are travelling responsibly on any budget, whilst benefiting the environment and communities that they visit.

Check out our blog at http://www.ecotravelafrica.co.uk/#/eta-blog/4553148039

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Waterfall GITGIT - Wow

To go to Bali is an experience but to go to Bali and to explore what it has to offer is an absolute must. Whether you decide to go to the Botanical gardens, the safari or even for the more adventurous to go and experience the white water of the mountain rivers one thing is for sure you must go and see, or even better experience the cascading waterfall of GITGIT. Bali is truly an Island of contrasts and it lives up to every part of its reputation a paradise on earth.

There are many places to explore within Bali, but almost every tropical Island has a significant water feature and Bali is no exception. Waterfall GITGIT near Singaraja towards the north of the island is a must see. It is a magical feature which makes for a very pleasant day out. The journey to the north is very scenic as it drifts into the more remote regions of Bali and away from the tourist spots congregating in the south of the Island.

As you draw closer to GITGIT you can see the splendor of the rushing water as it cascades from the hills above. It has a power, a force, a cleansing fresh feel and look. It is enticing as it lures you closer. By now you will have absorbed the wonderful climate that Bali offers and be ready to take the plunge into the pool at the base of the waterfall. As you make your way closer to this great wonder you will feel the rush of water pirouetting from the rocks and foliage from the heavens and enjoy the respite from the Bali sun provided by the mist as it wafts across you.

There are a number of ways in which you can enter the water and join in the revelry already in abundance and splash in the clean and fresh pool, dive under the fresh and aerated waters as they come off the hills above, feel the beat on your head and shoulders, and experience the tingle within your body as you are heavily massaged with such vigor, bringing vitality to your very soul.

In all, waterfalls are magical in their very existence. You can't fail to wonder where all this water can come from. Come and enjoy Bali through the eyes of "The Leading Villas of Bali " and make this retreat while you are here.

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