The Adventure Travel Tips for Solo Travelers

You may be intimidated at the thought of traveling alone to a country that you have not visited before. But if you are able to overcome your fear and your sense of insecurity that arise in your mind, then it is certain that you will enjoy your trip to a great extent. It is a wonderful opportunity to travel around the world and it is considered to be a memorable experience for you. This article will highlight on the top adventure travel destinations that are considered to be suitable for the solo travelers.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is considered to be the best hub of adventurous activities. As a solo traveler, you can have enough time to spend outside enjoying the natural scenery of the place, basking in the sun as well as watching the wildlife roaming around the place. Other adventurous activities include zip lining tour, kayaking trip and so on. In fact, Costa Rica is named as one of the safest countries to travel for the solo travelers.

Finland

Whether you visit this spectacular place during the summer season or you want to go to the place during the winter season, you can get a glance of wilderness and scenic beauty of the country. Long tracks of jungles and long stretches of rivers and lakes make Finland offers the best place to visit in order to enjoy different types of water sport activities. Night time travel in Finland is another popular activity for the solo visitors.

Chile

The word Chile is synonymous with adventure and excitement. If you want to travel on your own, it is advisable that you should choose Chile for your next trip. You can either go to the northern side of the country to visit the Atacama Desert or you can travel in the southern part of the country to watch Patagonia. If you wish, you can go to Santiago to watch the scenic beauty of the place from close proximity.

California

It is situated on the western coast of North American province. It offers everything for the amusement of solo travelers. California is a peaceful abode to popular tourist attractions such as Disneyland, Malibu beach and Hollywood while the northern side of California features Smoky Mountains, majestic hills of San Francisco, the wineries of the Napa Valley and a few more. Outside the major cities of California, solo travelers visit the spectacular national parks, participate in hiking and zip lining tours and enjoy walking round the dense forests.

Thailand

Pristine beaches, outdoor activities and delicious food make Thailand quite popular amongst the solo tourists across the world. If you want to travel alone and you want to make new friends then you should plan your trip to Thailand. In the northern part of the country, you will watch how the forests and fields bump up against the snow capped mountains. Limestone cliffs, majestic waterfalls and picturesque landscape draw attention of the solo visitors from every corner of the world.

Norway

The best option for the solo travelers to explore a vast country that is almost one thousand miles long is to sail up to the pristine coasts or even trek around the creeks and cliffs. For comfortable accommodation they can stay in comfortable hotels or they can even stay in exclusive mountain huts.

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How to Buy a Hiking Backpack

Being lifelong travelers, we all love our lightweight, multipurpose gear that can withstand the rigors of the road. Gear should be dependable, multifunctional, durable and perform beyond expectations. Nothing could be truer when it comes to buying a good hiking backpack, especially considering it's going to be your home away from home. Traveling, especially long-term, will literally test the limits of your bag and your body, and as such this decision should never be made impulsively. Buying your backpack should not be a rushed decision and factors like trip length, capacity, material, functionally and comfort should always be considered. When I first got serious about investing in a good pack, I was at REI for a good 3 hours -I think they started to suspect I was applying for a job.

If my three hours was any indication, buying a good backpack is not an easy task. With hundreds of backpack manufacturers and styles, it can understandably be overwhelming. Whatever you do, don't go cheap. You'll be doing yourself a disservice and end up buying a new one anyways. A good backpack is an investment. You needn't spend $500 on a backpack, but be wary of cheap, no-frills, run of the mill $70 brands, as you'll regret the design flaws and absence of extras. Spend a little more for a good backpack from a trusted brand, and it will be your companion for many trips to come. The Osprey pack I eventually settled on has traveled with me from the U.S to the Middle East for 10 awesome years and I know it has another good 10 years to go.

Travel Backpack or Hiking Backpack

Before you begin shopping for the right pack, it's important to know the difference between travel backpacks and hiking backpacks. A travel backpack is a backpack-suitcase hybrid with a zippered side panel similar to a suitcase. Hiking backpacks are the more commonly seen cylindrical top loading packs with straps, clips and a top lid. Some people have an opinion that hiking backpacks are only suited for the backcountry and has no place for the backpacker, I disagree. What works for you ultimately comes down to personal preference and style of travel. Travel backpacks are great for easy, organized access to gear and transporting from hostel to hostel. They also function well for short walks or even as a daypack.

On the other hand, if you possibly have camping or long treks in your travel plans, you may want to consider a hiking backpack. Hiking backpacks are designed for comfort, proper weight distribution, and toughness. Unlike a travel backpack, hiking backpacks will have enhancements like full-sized hip belts, shoulder and back suspension systems along with plenty of load bearing straps to mitigate discomfort. Granted the top down packing isn't as convenient to access your gear, but that's part in parcel to proper weight distribution. A good compromise would be to get a hiking backpack with side load access.

I am generalizing a bit as they do have travel backpacks that are in the upper capacity range with more advanced suspension systems, but if you're going to get a 70L travel backpack, you may as well go with a hiking backpack. Trust me, you'll be glad you did for that unexpected 20 mile trek to the next town.

Personal Backpacking Style

Next, determine the style of travel you normally like to do. Unless you're willing to buy a different backpack for each trip, figuring out your travel style will save you a lot of money in the long run and give you a piece of foundation gear that's ready for any trip. For instance, if you generally go on week long trips you needn't get a high capacity bag and could probably get away with a 35 liter to 50 liter (L) pack, whereas living long-term on the road may require 65L or greater.

Size is pretty subjective though and shouldn't be the only determining factor. Some people are able to pack very bare bones, where others require a bit more. Consider these factors:

How long is your trip:

Depending on the length of your trip the capacity and overall weight of your pack will vary. Short trips require less capacity, and long trips typically require more. But be aware that the bigger the pack the heavier it will become. 50lbs may not seem a lot at first, but 2 months in and it will feel like a ton of bricks.

What Type of Activities will you do:

I personally feel that one bag can rule them all since I generally use my pack for everything. However, this may not be the case for everyone. Knowing what type of activity you'll be doing will help you zero in on that perfect backpack. If you're not planning on carrying it around much, consider a travel backpack or even a wheeled backpack, whereas if you foresee yourself doing long treks then a hiking backpack may be more suitable. I like to be prepared for any type of spontaneous activity, so I lean more towards hiking backpacks. Also, hiking backpacks are generally made a bit tougher, so keep in mind that the more challenging the activity, the greater the stress on the bag.

Lightweight or the kitchen sink:

Although I mentioned earlier that size is not the main determining factor, it's still important to consider capacity based on what you plan to bring. If ultra light is your goal, avoid high capacity backpacks as you'll invariably bring too much or if you do manage to pack light your backpack won't distribute the weight properly. Conversely, if your backpack is too small, you won't be able to fit everything in. Have an idea of the gear you're bringing and pick the capacity of your bag accordingly. Don't hesitate to bring your items to the store to see how it fits in the packs. A reputable retailer, like REI, won't have a problem with this.

What To Look For In A Hiking Backpack

Backpacks vary in functionality as much as they do in appearance, with the more expensive models having the most bells and whistles. As with everything, your decision here is closely related to what type of traveling you like to do.

Water Resistant

Your pack is probably not going to be completely waterproof. Meaning, if submerged, or in a torrential downpour your clothing and equipment will still get wet. Although most backpacks now come with a rain cover, you still want it to be made of a tough, rip proof, and lightweight silicone coated nylon or Cordura type material that allows rain or water to bead off and not soak through.

Detachable Daypack

this option is really a personal preference, and not really a deal breaker, as many travelers bring an additional pack for day trips. But for those focused on traveling light, carrying two bags can be cumbersome. I personally like the option of a detachable daypack as I have it only when I need it. On my Osprey, the top lid doubles as a daypack. Not as comfortable as a dedicated daypack, but it serves its purpose.

Heavy-duty Lockable Zippers

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. No matter how good the material of the backpack, if the attachment points, like zippers, are weak the whole bag is worthless. Make sure the zippers are tough and lockable where applicable.

Pockets and Compartments

The more compartments the better. Good backpacks usually have a number of compartments to help store and separate your gear so you won't have to sift through layers of clothes just to find your chapstick. For instance, maps can go in the top flap, while your flip-flops are stored conveniently in the side pocket. However you decide to pack, separate pockets allow easy and quick access to your gear. Most backpacks will also have strategically placed pockets, like on the hipbelt, so you can get to your gear without having to drop your pack.

Lightweight Internal Frame

Backpacks generally come with an internal frame, external frame, or no frame at all. I strongly recommend a lightweight internal frame made from strong carbon fiber rods. This provides more load support and just looks better. External frames are bulky, conspicuous, and use dated technology and frameless backpacks have awful load support at higher weights. Trust me, without proper weight distribution, you're shoulders are going to feel every single one of those pounds.

Side Load Access

I'm seeing less and less of this function on the newer backpacks, but if you do happen to find one with side access you're golden. You'll be able to access items from the main compartment of the bag without digging in from the top. You're life will just be that much simpler.

Suspension System with Padded Shoulders and Load Bearing Straps

Don't even consider buying a backpack unless it has either an adjustable or fixed suspension system, along with a bunch of load bearing straps. The suspension system is the part that usually rests against your back and where the padded shoulders connect. Fixed system means that it fits to one torso size, whereas the adjustable system can be calibrated. The whole system is meant to help stabilize load and transfer weight to your hips. The load bearing straps, like the sternum strap, will also help move the weight around minimizing pain and discomfort.

Ventilation

To minimize the discomfort from an annoying sweaty back, get a backpack with ventilation. Most internal-frame packs will have some sort of ventilation system or design feature that promotes airflow, creating a permanent breathable layer between yourself and the backpack. Although not essential for load support, it certainly increases your comfort level.

Padded Full-size Hip belt

This is probably the most important feature of any backpack since your hips will be carrying 80% of your backpacks weight. The padding in the belt will help you avoid fatigue, discomfort, and of course load distribution. Make sure you get one that's full-size, where the padding comes around your hip bone to the front, and isn't just a thin strap with a clip.

Multiple Straps and Tool Attachment Points

This feature is a personal preference and doesn't really impact comfort and load distribution but I do feel it's just as important. I like the idea of having excess straps, clips and tool attachment points. You're able to perform on-the-fly spot fixes for a variety of unexpected circumstances, making your backpack function more than just as a bag. You're able to tie, hook, and rig a whole mess of things while on the road without having to carry additional gear. Some backpacks have begun to include "daisy chains" (typically found on climbing packs) which is a series of tool attachment loops.

Internal Hydration Reservoir

An internal compartment that holds your favorite hydration bladder (i.e. Camelpak, Platypus) so you have hands free access to H2O. Openings on the backpack will allow you access to the sip tube making it a very practical feature during your long treks. You won't have to dig into your pack or stop your momentum looking for your water bottle.

What size backpack do I need

There's no definitive rule for this question, as it completely depends on your own travel style, trip duration and weather. Generally, the colder the weather the greater the capacity needed; the greater the capacity the greater the overall weight. I try to pack light and bring only what fits in the backpack. So the best advice is to find a bag capacity you're comfortable with, and pack in only what you absolutely need and what fits. I've provided a very broad guideline below:

Trip Length /Capacity in Liters (L)

Day Hikes 25-35L

1-3 Nights 35-50L

3-5 nights 50 to 75L

5+ nights 65+L

How to find the right fit

For the best comfort and proper load distribution you need to make sure your backpack fits correctly. Ideally, you should try it before you buy it, but that's not always an option. To find the correct fit you'll need to find your torso length, not your height, which is the distance, in inches, between your 7th cervical vertebra, and your iliac crest. In other words, from the base of the neck to the top of your hip bones. Once you have this measurement, use this guide:

Backpack Size /Torso Size in Inches

Extra small 15 ½

Small 16 to 17 ½

Medium/Regular 18 to 19 ½"

Large/Tall 20 +

As for your waist size, most backpacks have adjustable hip belts so finding your precise hip size is not as important as determining your torso length. Just make sure the belt sits on top of your hips, with about an inch above and below the belly button.

How much should I spend on a Hiking backpack

You'll find backpacks ranging from under $100 to as high as $600. Unless you have an unlimited budget and want the latest model just because, it isn't necessary to spend more than $300. With that being said, I would also stay away from anything under $150 as they will be lacking on essential features like a suspension system or a padded hip belt. Buying a backpack is an investment, and the last thing you want is for the seams to rip or a shoulder strap to tear off when you need it most. Just make sure your backpack has, at a minimum, the above features and fits comfortably.

The Best Backpack Brands

There are hundreds of great brands out there with an equally daunting number of styles and models. I'm not really the authority on which brand is better than the next. I can only tell you the brands I prefer and those whose quality I have confidence in. I've been using the same Osprey backpack since 2004, and my wife has been using a Gregory for nearly as long. I can honestly say, that after relentless airline abuse, backcountry trips, and overseas adventures, not a single strap, zipper or clip has ever needed replacement. Worth mentioning as well, Osprey and Gregory offer lifetime warranties on all their bags. You'll probably never need it, but it's great to know that the company stands behind their products.

Osprey

With 40 years experience manufacturing backpacks, and a lifetime warranty, Osprey exudes quality. They have one of the largest selections of styles and sizes for all sorts of adventuring, and their packs sport the latest backpacking technology. Osprey is my personal favorite and go to brand of choice; you really can't go wrong with these guys.

Gregory

Like Osprey, these guys specialize in backpacks. My wife will attest to their quality and comfort. She has used her backpack for close to 10 years without a need to ever repair or replace. Gregory also stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty.

The North Face

Originating in San Francisco, The North Face has been developing adventure gear for over 40 years. I've never had the pleasure of using their backpacks, but with their pedigree and lifetime warranty, I would feel confidant carrying their packs any day of the week.

Arc'teryx

Along with having a really cool name, Arc'teryx pumps out some pretty awesome products. They are one of the more expensive brands out there, but if you're willing to pay the price, you'll most certainly get the quality

Deuter

A low to mid range brand, Deuter is a solid choice if you want function for a reasonable price. They've been in the backpacking game since 1968 and are very popular amongst Europeans.

Backpack Accessories

Rain Cover (separate or built in)

Most backpacks are water resistant but not waterproof, making them susceptible to persistent rain exposure. It's a worthwhile addition if your backpack doesn't already come with a built in rain cover. You needn't get a fancy one or spend a lot of money, just make sure it fits your pack size. I use REI's Ducks Back Rain Cover, and it works perfectly fine.

Airporter Bag

The last thing you want is to have your backpack damaged before you even start your trip. With all the straps, exposed shoulder, and hipbelt, it's easy for something to get caught and tear right off. An Airporter bag will cover your entire backpack (think bag within a bag) and protect it during transport. As well, you can put a lock on the lockable zippers as an extra layer of theft deterrence. I have the Osprey Airporter LZ. I wish it was lighter (weighs about 1lb) but I suppose it's worth it for the extra peace of mind.

Well, there you have it, my "how to buy an awesome hiking backpack" guide.

Hi I'm Carey. An aspiring scuba diver, novice spelunker and avid adventurer, I have a penchant for getting lost with an established track record for choosing the worst places to eat. With a healthy aversion to staying in one place for too long, I am the ceaseless wanderer and explorer. I recently traded in the suit for a backpack, and am now pursuing to live a life of travel. I travel to learn, I travel to live and I travel in search of the epic adventure.

Website: http://www.blazeyouradventure.com

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Plan Your Dream Vacation With Cost-Saving Holiday Vouchers

After spending week after week at a file-laden desk, we all long for a refreshing break in routine. But planning a holiday can be a pricey affair. Along with travel and stay, you have to factor in the costs of entertainment activities to keep your family amused.

No wonder, many of us are forced to postpone our vacations for when we have cash enough to splurge on a few luxuries. Holiday vouchers make it easier to manage the expenses allowing you to enjoy the vacation of your dreams without denting your pocket. They are quite similar to shopping discount vouchers and codes that you use to shop for clothes, home utility items and groceries.

Types of Holiday Vouchers

The most common ones offered on hotel accommodation. It is not always that hotels and resorts are booked to full capacity. So, instead of letting rooms remain empty, they offer them at a discounted rate. It also works as a sensible marketing strategy. Similarly, there are holiday vouchers on travel and food. Travel vouchers give you discounts on air, rail and road travel.

Processing

Every voucher is processed differently. While for a few, the voucher is valid only at a particular destination, there are many others that are loaded with cash, but you get to pick the holiday destination. In case of the first, it will help if you plan your trip at places where most of the vouchers are applicable. You can avail of the discount by submitting the voucher when making bookings and reservations. Alternately, you can use voucher codes to redeem a discount. They are digital codes and are mostly available for online discount coupons.

Free and Paid

Now, holiday vouchers also differ in the sense that some are free while some have to be purchased. You can get free vouchers by looking up coupon and vouchers sites. They are associated with tour operators and travel agents who inform them on the latest deals and discounts. Many a times, travel and holiday sites, organize competitions and lucky draws offering holiday vouchers are prizes. Here you stand a chance to win holiday vouchers with steep discounts without paying any money for it. When it comes to purchasing, you pay only a nominal rate. For instance, you buy the voucher for £50 and get discounts between £300 and £500.

You can use holiday vouchers to save on personal holidays. They can also be given as gifts to loved ones on occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. You can gift them a week or a weekend at their dream destination. Corporate houses can use it as a staff incentive for their employees too.

However, if you want to enjoy great savings using holiday vouchers, it is important that you track down only valid and reliable deals. Also make sure you read the terms and conditions and all other fine print, before you buy or use the voucher.

So, plan your vacation a little ahead of time and get your hands on some amazing holiday vouchers.

Are you planning a vacation? There are holiday vouchers of £300 to be won. All you have to do is to enter to be in with a chance to win before the offer runs out.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jovia_A._D'souza

Take a Journey Along Silk Route and Explore Breathtaking Beauties

Almost all men like to travel beautiful travel destinations. They are interested in exploring the places of attractions there. They like to go out for enjoying picturesque landscape, beautiful countryside and wonderful natural phenomenon. Getting around beautiful places and partaking in pleasure activities is really a fun experience for every traveler. One can hardly forget the memorable moments of those days till his doomsday.

Taking a journey along Silk Route or Silk Road is one of the wonderful experiences that you will never forget in your life. The Silk Route refers to a network of trade routes connecting three continents- Asia, Europe and Africa. Silk Route stands as the missing link of cultural past of these three continents. In the ancient time, Europeans used it to transport Chinese Silk to Europe through Central Asia. The importance of it in the world history does not wait for an explanation. It was the first superhighway connected the people of Asia, Europe and Africa. It helped them in cultural, social and economic development. Silk Road plays an important role in the development of people. It has helped them transport commodities and exchange of ideas and information. Nobody can deny the significant role of Silk Road in the development of the civilizations for the countries like China, India, Pakistan, Ancient Persia, and Arabia. The Silk Route at Sikkim starts from Aritar. To explore the breathtaking beauties, you can starts from here. From here you can easily reach Zuluk, the pristine hamlet of Sikkim. You are sure to know how beautiful the nature is. Many travelers are highly interested in taking journey along Silk route. To make it a real fun experience, they can buy Silk route tour packages offered by various travel agencies.

If you are an Indian you can start from Sikkim, the pristine paradise of India. For its stunning beauty, people like to call it 'Natural Beauty Queen'. Staring at the snow-capped mountain up above the green valley is really a wonderful experience. When you look at the pristine green valley from the above, the lowland looks like an emerald beauty. The view all around appears to be glossy green land. The sunrise and sunset behind snow-capped Kanchenjhungha is awe-inspiring. Spend some days here and enjoy the scenic beauty that the place has to offer. You will have here a significant number of attractions and pleasurable activities to indulge in. The place is ideal for giving one some unforgettable fun experiences. The wide range of snow-capped mountains, stunning slant of green Himalayas and countless hot spots have made the land an ideal travel destination. Therefore, it is quite natural that the travellers would come to pay a visit here round the year. If you are a travel aficionado, you can choose Sikkim and definitely Silk Route as an indispensable part of it. Staying here is not an issue. Keeping pace with the demand of the day, the number of hotels has increased significantly.

The author is a professional travel writer interested in writing on new travel destination. He has written many articles on silk route tour package and silk route package

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suman_Kumar_Jalal

History Of Backpacking

Backpacking today is a lot easier and more fun then it was in the when it started. People are able to backpack with all the things they love from their homes, such as computers, phones and even watch TV on their trips. Due to all the latest technology like solar panels to charge all their equipment. Back then it was a different story. A lot of people backpacked for necessity either because of disease, starvation, wild animal attacks or robbers to name a few. It wasn't till the 17th century people traveled for educational or entertainment purposes.

Wealthy European men were sent on a "grand tour" one last hurrah before they settled into marriage and careers. Just like the pre-college trips the teenagers in Europe take these days. Giovanni Careri was the first pioneer to travel the globe for fun. He did this travel in 80 days and wrote the accompanying book "Around the World in Eighty Days'. He was able to do this by smuggling valuables from country to country. The earliest backpackers were the ancient hunters-gatherers. Where they followed animals and ate the wild fruits. These nomadic tribes were the Aborigine Australians, South African Bushmen. Pygmy Tribes of the Congo and the Native Americans.

In 1492 Christopher Columbus ventured to America and David Livingstone explored Africa in 1841 are just two of the many explorers who paved the way for backpackers. In 1920 Lloyd F. Nelson invented the camping backpack by adding a pack board to make the pack more comfortable. Before that the backpack was just a loose sack with shoulder straps. In 1965 President Lyndon Johns proposed the National Scenic Trail Act which encouraged individuals to discover the outdoors and appreciate nature more. This provided hikers with well-defined trails to follow. Greg Lowe designed the internal fame backpack which distributes pack weight across the hips. And the backpacking gear got better from wooden frame to aluminum tubing, heavy canvas to waterproof nylon, steel cookware to titanium, wool clothing to quick dry synthetics and petroleum/wood for stoves to alcohol/butane.

In 1910 backpack is coined. In the 1940's post World War 2 more people had time to travel so the travel trailer and camping grew in popularity. Because of the military design backpacking gear goes lighter with aluminum-alloy frames. Then the lighter frames become popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Then 1970's lighter weight nylon backpacks are everywhere. In 1990 the program Leave No Trace Behind is developed. In 2000 all the best innovations in shelter, sleeping bags, cookware get lighter and easier to carry.

The best is yet to come as the principles of the program Leave No Trace Behind become important for our eco-conscious society and so backpacking will grow more and more. Leave nature as you found it don't disrupt it and our beautiful wild life will continue to flourish.

The best innovations in backpacking gear are very available. A great place to find the newest light weight backpacking equipment is http://www.backpackingtentsetc.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monica_Yates

How to Buy a Timeshare at the Right Price

Timeshares, how to get rewarded by purchasing a timeshare at a bargain price. There are lots of in's and out's when it comes to buying a timeshare. The old saying when purchasing any real estate is, location, location, location. This also holds true when making the lifelong commitment to purchase a unit in a timeshare resort complex. The cost to purchase a timeshare is a one time investment into your vacationing future. The cost to maintain this timeshare is a lifetime expense. Most people today who make the decision to purchase a timeshare first look at the price to buy in, then the yearly fee's to keep it. When a timeshare savvy person inquires about buying a timeshare, the first thing they consider is, the year up keep.

Buying a timeshare at the right price is like finding the needle in the haystack for most people. The location, type of unit, age the of project and yearly maintenance fee's will determine if it is a wise purchase or not. As we go into depth about timesharing there are many other variables to consider. Is the unit we are going to purchase in the location in which we want to visit year in and year out? Will the unit size fit our needs? How many times have the yearly fee's been raised over the last ten years? What condition is the property and all the units in? The reason this is important is due to what is known as "special assessments". Deteriorating units need upkeep. Most resorts in the timeshare system do not generate enough cashflow to constantly invest in improvements to the units themselves. Example: carpeting, appliances, furnishing are among the most common complains from timeshare owners when it comes to a resorts upkeep. As the units age, special assessments are delivered to the owners to add the additional cost to own their timeshare into their budget.

What a timeshare prospect will not see when they are considering the purchase of a unit is, the unsold inventories. Unsold inventories are lost revenue, timeshares are no different from a hotel. When a room or unit is not occupied and generating capital, it is a loss. Since the real estate crunch, many timeshares are suffering with this issue. What one will find is, most resorts do not have the capital to market or hire a sales company to relieve them of their reserve units that have been foreclosed upon or where owners have discontinued to pay their yearly fees. With circumstances such as these, this is where the cost to maintain the project and the units, are passed on to the current owners. This is a "must" ask question before you sign on the dotted line.

There are deals on timeshares throughout the world. Knowing where to find them will be your biggest challenge.

Buying timeshares in the right location at an great price can lead to a lifetime of rewarding experiences for any timeshare owner. Knowing where to look, the questions to ask along with what to buy is the difference between a "Happy" owner or just an owner. http://www.resultsinc.net specializes in the timeshare and land development industry. Visit us for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Dziurkiewicz

Planning the Perfect Adventure Weekend

With the weather in prime condition and the mountain snow leaving, we've been burning up the trail. You think we'd be experts at getting ready for our weekend explorations but we actually suck. We continue to forget food, clothing, equipment, sunscreen, you name it. Megan had a freak out moment on our previous hike when we couldn't find the chocolate chip cookies she made the night before (they were actually hidden in my H2O sleeve, oops). It doesn't help that our brains are fogged up from waking at 4 AM in the morning to beat the risk of lightning on our hike. So to help you avoid forgetting that savory piece of chocolate or your lucky pair of hiking undies, I'll lay out how to prepare during the work week.

Monday - Thursday needs to be spent researching and planning. Use 14ers.com or whatever weather/hiking site you like. If you work at a computer, I'd recommend just leaving that site up cause you're going to hit it at least 10 times a day checking the weather forecast, drooling at recent trip reports, and scouting out which mountain is most optimal for the weekend. You could start laying your gear out now but that is risky. No wife likes tripping over your crap and she will be sure to let you know that. Forgetting important gear is better than getting nagged all week. Better wait until Friday night to pack.

Friday after work, go to the grocery store and load up on your favorite munchies. Bars, smoothie materials, fruit, jerky, whatever floats your boat. My new favorite thing is to have a cold coconut water waiting in the car - just don't forget to bring a cooler otherwise it's pretty gross. Sorry but you'll have to skip the gym and booze tonight. No hike is fun after a day of 5 x 5 back squats and you'll probably be drunk driving considering how early you have to wake up. This is also the time to prep your gear. Lay it all out on the floor so you can quickly tell what is missing. I had to create a checklist to ensure I don't forget stuff. I've already overlooked my hiking poles, buff, and SD card for the past few hikes.

Now it's time to get to bed. Watch something funny or brainless to relax yourself for sleep. Avoid intense shows like True Detective or GoT.

On Saturday, when the alarm goes off, throw on your hiking clothes, whip together your breakfast and coffee, and hit the road. The hours of driving to the trailhead are pretty brutal that early in the morning. Ideally you will have a good Pandora station or an audio book to listen to. Once you've finished your outdoor excursion, put all your gear up and throw those stinky clothes in the washer. That way, you'll be setup for perfection on your next trip. After a shower, take a quick 1 -2 hour nap if time allows. Then you can hit the breweries and celebrate your accomplishment.

Sunday is the day of rest from adventure. This can be your "GTL day." Feel free to hit a WOD, bike or finish up that laundry. We've been enjoying an end to the weekend with Jazz at City Park here in Denver.

I think it is OK to update the conditions reports from your trip on 14ers.com but don't you dare start planning another hike. Save that for Monday fool.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Sean_Allison

Hiking Tips And Tricks For Success

Hiking is a wonderful hobby for millions of people. It is great exercise and allows you to train yourself in the art of perseverance in the wild. The effect is a healthy mind and body. In order to enjoy hiking, you must be prepared. Going hiking unprepared is an invitation for disaster.

• Know the area. Invest in maps of the area. Look at the terrain and know how far you will be going each day. Allow someone to know the route you plan to take and the estimated time of arrival and return. Have a back-up plan in the event that nature deals you a wild card.

• Protect your feet. This is probably the most important thing you can do if you are hiking. You must protect your feet from blisters, cuts, water, bugs and snakes.

o Wear two pair of socks. A soft cotton sock should be worn next to the skin and a wool sock over the cotton sock. This cushions the feet and protects them from blisters which is a common problem.

o Waterproof your boots. Wet boots and hiking do not go well together. This leads to foot fungus, burning and could lead to infection. A good pair of leather boots is a necessity and waterproofing them is essential.

o Take a pair of sandals or an old pair of slip on sneakers to wear at the camp. This allows you comfort time to rest from wearing the boots. It allows your feet and boots to dry out and allows any areas of the foot that were sore to heal a bit.

• Warm clothes

o Make sure you have warm clothes for wearing at night.

o A light jacket can be rolled up for use in the afternoon

• Water

o Carry bottled water with you as well as water purifier tablets. Water may not always be available in the wild. Make sure you have enough and drink plenty while hiking. Dehydration is deadly. Figure your hours away from the site and allow yourself to sip up to 6 ounces of water every four hours.

• Prepare your body

o Stretch your muscles before beginning your hike

o Muscles inflammation can be controlled with ibuprofen.

o Add dried blueberry's to your trail mix as a natural solution.

• What to take in your backpack

o First aid kit

o Tissue and or toilet paper

o Hand sanitizer

o Flashlight and extra batteries

o Maps of area

o Emergency phone numbers in case someone has to help you

o Bug spray

o Matches

o Trail mix and water

o Knife

o Sunscreen

o Poncho

o Emergency blanket

o Light weight emergency rope

These things can be kept in your backpack and ready to go. All you need to is toss in some trail mix and water and you can be out the door in minutes.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trev_Fenner

Essential Tips For A Budget Traveler

As a frequent traveler I'm well aware of the fact that the biggest fear of frequent travelers is to travel under a strict budget. And no matter how hard you try to stay in the budget you end up spending more than you calculated. So here are my top budget travel tips for you that will help you in spending less and staying under your estimated budget.

Booking Your Flight
When you are planning for a trip always book your flight 30 days before because prices at that time of flights are normal, but as the traveling date comes closer airlines begin to shuffle the prices on different flights. If you want to book a flight for cheap then here is an expert tip from the pros use your free miles to get a ticket for cheaper price.

Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation my suggestion is that you live in apartments, it seems to be an expensive option but trust me it's not. It is the cheapest of all because you get the kitchen so you can cook your own meals, plus you get a lounge so if traveling with a couple of friends you can party at your own place. On the other hand hotels is also a good option many hotels offer special packages and deals on certain rooms which you will find good and under budget.

Meals And Drinks
According to what I have observed, the most expensive meal is dinner. Lunch is comparatively less expensive in fact, it's the cheapest meal of the day, as many restaurants want to attract as many customers as possible so they put up deals like spend $15 and get a beer refill free. For dinner you can eat from the food stalls or if you are staying at an apartment then you can cook your own meal. Always try to drink from tap water only in a few countries you shouldn't drink from the tap, but in many highly developed countries avoid purchasing a water bottle from the store because a single bottle can cost from $5 -$7 and this amount can quickly turn into hundreds of dollars in just a few days.

Free Internet
Trust me don't use your international roaming you won't even know where all your money went if you have paid your bill before leaving the country. Instead, if your hotel offers free WIFI then use that or if you are living in a rented place, then purchase a local SIM card and get an internet package activate. Or you can visit a coffee shop order a coffee with a couple of snacks and enjoy the free internet.

Being a frequent traveler, I always search for last minute flights as they are low in cost and for accomodation I always look for the best hotel deals because that way I find something according to my budget.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anum_Sharf