Land Vs. Sea Vacations - Which to Choose?
June 11, 2009
The open ocean, or the open road, those are your choices of vacations, now how do you decide? There are upsides as well as downsides to both of these options. Your job is to weigh the pros and cons of both of these choices and then decide, but what if you have never been on a cruise? Can you really make an informed decision as to which of these is the appropriate choice for you next vacation?
Here are some of the pros and cons in no specific order to the sea vs. land vacation’s controversy, hopefully it will help you become more educated on what to expect. Of course you need to remember that here we will just be discussing general tour information, to help you become more informed you may still need to do a bit of research, but I hope that this will help.
Mexico is a wonderful vacation be it by land or sea, so that is where our comparison begins
Many cruise lines offer cruises to Mexico. Some Mexico cruise ports include Catalina Island, Ensenada, and Cabo San Lucas. Of course there are many more ports of interest in Mexico, but we will stop with this.
We have decided to cruise to Cabo San Lucas and the first part of our journey is to fly to California from wherever you live and catch a cruise to your ultimate cruise destination. Basically your cruise ship is you floating hotel on the ocean. It takes you from port to port with scheduled trips on the way and shore excursions as you go, many of these excursions are not included in the price of the ticket, so be aware that extra money will be necessary if you are interested in one of the scheduled activities on shore.
If you are cruising around Cabo San Lucas, the itineraries include many regular onshore activities that you may already be interested in. Scuba diving off the island, off road excursions, museums, or other activities may be offered to you as options on the island part of your vacation. The joy of a cruise ship is there is a cruise director creating an itinerary for you with a list of things you can do on your stop off.
If you enjoy having options given to you then a cruise may be for you. Your food on the ship, amenities, pool, games, and even casinos are already at your fingertips on your cruise ship.
The upsides to a cruise are:
- Your hotel and restaurants are travelling with you
- All of your travel is taken care of in advance when you are going from port to port
- You have a cruise director that has an itinerary with a list of things to do at the ports
Downsides to a cruise are:
- Some of what you do at port are already planned for you with a time schedule you have to follow
- You are on a ship with a group of people in relatively small quarters you may not enjoy
- You still have to get to the ship before the cruise actually begins.
So, if you enjoy being in a group of people, are very social, and enjoy having a preplanned trip, then a cruise may be for you.
Now let’s travel to Mexico on a land vacation
You still need to travel via flight or driving to Mexico, if you are not cruising the decision is up to you, plan stops along the way. Once you get to Mexico, in this case Cabo San Lucas, you choose your accommodations, fancy or modest, there are many choices. Eat at a resturant with local cuisine or pick a five star restaurant of international cuisine. Choose a car to hit the open road, drive the island, see the sights, with no time restrictions.
On your own, your trip is entirely in your hands; of course the downside to this is you are in charge of discovering what Cabo San Lucas has to offer you. If you enjoy this kind of opportunity and desire choices and freedom of decision making, than a land journey is probably what you should choose.
The biggest problem with this kind of travel is you will probably pay more in the end for your vacation.
The upsides to a land vacation are:
- Freedom to choose where and when you travel
- Variety, it is the spice of life
- The open road and no set itinerary
Downsides to a land vacation are:
- In comparison to a standard cruise, you will pay more in the long run
- It is your job to find out if something is worth trying or not
So, in conclusion land vs. sea is entirely up to you, the traveler. If the benefits of a cruise outweigh the downsides, choose a cruise, but if the benefits of the open road and freedom outweigh the downsides to having to be your own vacation planner, choose a land vacation.
Whatever you choose, land or sea, if you investigate carefully, and choose what is best for you, I am sure that you will have the perfect vacation, one that suits you and will make you happy. I hope this has helped, have a great vacation wherever you choose.
What Happens in Las Vegas – More than you ever imagined
June 11, 2009
The Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada
Outside of the flashing lights, spectacular fountains, and posh hotels lies a quieter, wilder place that many people traveling to Las Vegas never see.
Millions of people flock to Las Vegas every year for a chance to strike it rich, monetarily. It’s what Vegas is known for to most of the world, but if you are looking for something else from Las Vegas, what lies outside of the city is some of the most amazing scenery and opportunities the United States has to offer.
Red Rock Canyon
Natural wonders abound in this desert climate. Red Rock Canyon just 15 miles west of Las Vegas and is almost 200,000 acres of land protected as a National Conservation Area. Easily seen from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon is visited by over a million visitors each year.
What makes this area so spectacular to see is the what it is named for, its red sandstone peaks popular for hikers and climbers. Its highest point is La Madre Mountain at 8,154 ft. It is Nevada’s first National Conservation area and offers scenic drives, hiking trails picnic areas, a visitor center and even a campground for those who prefer to rough it.
The history of the Red Rock area is filled with native peoples due to its geography. It offers water and shelter that before civilization arrived, didn’t exist in the surrounding desert. From as early as 900 A.D., Native Americans have been living in the area as noted by the numerous petroglyphs and pottery fragments that have been discovered in the area.
Red Rock is a part of the Mojave Desert and is home to over 600 plant species in an otherwise harsh barren landscape. What makes it spectacular are the complex geologic features that surround. The Red Rock area is an ancient seabed exposed to air which literally caused it to rust, hence the red coloration.
With a host of activities to participate in, Red Rock Canyon is a trip in and of itself. If you are looking for horseback riding, hiking, camping, or some of the best rock climbing you can imagine, you should definitely consider Red Rock Canyon as the place to visit.
Of course there are other amazing natural or man made places to visit in the Las Vegas area if gambling is not what you crave.
Valley of Fire State Park
Another wonderful place to visit is the Valley of Fire State Park. Also near to Las Vegas and filled with stunning red cliffs and natural wonders, Valley of fire is littered with rock drawings, unique rock formations and camping facilities as well.
Ghost towns, Springs, four wheeling, sky diving, the Hoover Dam, Canyons and waterfalls abound in this spectacular area, consider Las Vegas a destination worth visiting for your next vacation, you won’t be disappointed.
Travel to Dallas – A Mecca of Opportunity
June 11, 2009
Dallas in the Evening
A popular travel destination has become Dallas Texas. The third largest city in the United States, Dallas offers a wide variety of opportunities for a wonderful vacation. Whether you idea of Texas is a traditional southern vacation with rodeos and state fairs, or one a bit more urban with art and shopping, you can find either trip right in Dallas.
Dallas offers a wide variety of options for your next vacation. The urban experience is varied and will keep you busy with any number of things to do and see. If art and style are what you seek, look no further. Dallas is the #1 shopping destination in Texas.
From Neiman Marcus, to Highland Park Village, a variety of shopping experiences awaits you. Highland Park Village was built in 1931 and is recognized as the first shopping center in American history. Located in Dallas, it is home to shopping including Ralph Lauren and Chanel, but also some great restaurants and filled with Dallas charm.
The Dallas Museum of Art is open to the public Tuesday-Sunday and has enough to do for an entire vacation by itself. Visit the gallery and peak into ancient Egypt with the Tutankhamen and the Gold Age of the Pharaohs exhibit,stay late and experience some wonder jazz performances, concerts, or film screenings, and eat at the famous Seventeen Seventeen restaurant. Let art and history provide you with a vacation you will never forget.
If the wild side of Texas is what you crave, there is always the Dallas Forth Worth Metroplex, offering
a variety of rodeo experiences like nowhere else in the world. The Cowtown Coliseum is home to the worlds first indoor rodeo! Rodeo and air conditioning, the best of both worlds. The Mesquite Rodeo was built in 1986 and offers rodeo from April to October just 15 minutes from Downtown Dallas.
Livestock shows, barrel racing, and non stop rodeo action await you in this traditional Texas vacation opportunity.
Dallas offers much more than what is listed here. Dealy Plaza Museum, aquariums, fine cuisine, fantastic accommodations, and so much more can be found in Dallas. Plan a trip around one of the many festivals in Dallas or just go and see some of the world finest 20th century architecture. Dallas is definitely a destination you shouldn’t miss.
Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue the Best Historic Sites Part IV – How the West was Won
June 11, 2009
This is the last step in our travel across America, ending here in the Great American West. The Western United States is comprised of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Some of Americas truest stories of monetary success as well as survival are from the West. Cowboys and Indians come to mind when thinking of the west to many people, but the west also includes Alaska, our 49th state.
In this, the finale of our journey across the United States, we will focus first on the traditional old west part of the United States, places that conjure images of covered wagons, tales of survival in harsh terrains, and my favorite, the gold rush!
In 1849 the California gold rush began. James W. Marshall discovered gold, and the rush was on. It didn’t take long until hundreds of thousands of men, women and children, were sailing or riding to California to stake their claim on instant riches. Also called forty-niners history was made with their tales of riches and ruins.
Interstate 5 travels through Old Sacramento, a historical journey you are not soon to forget. Old Sacramento is home to many historic buildings kept in their original state for a snapshot to the past. Old Sacramento offers the “Spirit of Sacramento” an historic riverboat as well as the California State Railroad Museum.
Begun by John Sutter and his landing party, Old Sacramento is the old west at its finest. Stories of gold, migration and murder abound in this old west town. You will find many places of interest nearby. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park gives visitors a chance to pan for gold, or if you prefer, head to the Suspects Mystery Dinner Theater to solve an old west river boat murder! California offers much for the historical tourist to do, check out any of California’s many historic sites for an idea for your next vacation.
Now on to the other west, Alaska. Its history is based in part on similar circumstances to that of California. That being the gold rush. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park located in Skagway is definitely worth visiting.
Divided into two parts, the Seattle and Skagway Units, there is enough to keep a history buff busy in two different western States.
The Skagway Unit is located in Alaska and boasts a variety of exhibits, audio visual presentations and a visitor center, not to mention the vast area of wilderness surrounding you. The Curatorial center houses a collection of material from over 50 excavations in the historic district of nearby Dyea. Discoveries so far include saloons, a liquor store, railroad depot, bakery, cigar and confectionery store, dry goods store, tailor and furrier shop, paint and wallpaper store, transportation company, catholic church rectory, mission house, the home of the founder of Skagway, and a residential district.
Explore the possibilities in Alaska. Remember to check times of operation for all of your destinations. I hope you have enjoyed your journey across the United States. Go out and see what you have been missing, our history, our link to the past.
Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue the Best Historic Sites Part III The Midwest
June 10, 2009
A continuing travelogue brough to you by Sealand Travel.
Part three of our journey to the best historic sites to visit worldwide takes us to the Midwestern United States. It is made up 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
European settlement of the Midwest began in the 17th century first by the French and followed later by the British. The Midwest provokes images of the French fur traders following the many lakes and river systems covering much of the area. In fact, the mighty Mississippi runs through the Midwest and was forever ingrained in our memories by the famous author Samuel Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain.
Mark Twain has become a part of history, perhaps a more upbeat part of history to explore than the many wars we could discuss. The Mark Twain House and Museum is a wonderful tourist attraction for us to start out at on our journey through the Midwest.
Samuel Clemens lived in the late 1800’s to 1910 and is known to many as the American author. The Mark Twain House and Museum makes a great addition to any historic trek across the Midwest. Located in Hartford, Connecticut, it consists of many options for the history buff. As one of our defining cultural figures, we have the chance to see what life was like for people in that time in the Midwest.
The Mark Twain House and Museum offers living history tours dealing with the entire era, not just the subject of Mark Twain alone. One exhibit offered is the “origins of baseball’s ‘color line’”. This exhibit informs its onlookers as to the increasing racism in society as reflected in sports. Another interesting feature, perhaps more for the kids or at least the kids at heart is the Lego replica of Twains house, which was part of the LEGO road show in the 1980’s!
The house alone is a wonderful journey to the past. Then new technologies such as a gravity flow heat system, and one of the first telephones to be installed in a private home are found here. Many interiors created by Tiffany and various other cultures and styles exist to inspire and amuse to visitor the this historic house.
The museum also offers another opportunity to absorb some history, created in the present. Opened in 2003, visitors have to chance to explore Twains life both good and bad as told or illustrated by many of Twains peers as well as through artifacts containing manuscripts, photos, and many changing exhibits. This makes the Mark Twain House and Museum a highlight of any trip to the Midwest.
Let’s travel now to one of my favorite spots in the world, Michigan. The Great Lakes have their own history of many ill fated ships that helped to created what Michigan is today.
“The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
of the big lake they called “Gitche Gumee.”
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
when the skies of November turn gloomy.
With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more
than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty,
that good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
when the “Gales of November” came early.”
from “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot
Stories abound in the Great Lakes with tales such as this. From iron ore from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, mined from the mountains covering its countryside, to great ships full of timber from the lower peninsula of Michigan heading for growing cities across the lakes, the number of shipwrecks historically in the great lakes is in the thousands!
If this is the kind of history that interests you, opportunities abound in the Lake States of the Midwest. Located in Paradise, a well known maritime museum lies in the vast unspoiled wilderness of Michigan. Called the Great Lake Shipwreck Museum, it also includes a wonderful lighthouse on Whitefish Point.
Here you will have the chance to travel back in time to 1861 to the lighthouse keepers quarters of the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior. The museum holds artifacts from 13 local shipwrecks, one being the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Guests even have the opportunity to sleep in the crews quarters, and if you go in the off season, May to November, you are even entitled to a private tour and membership to the Shipwreck Society. In the gales that strike early and hard in the Great Lakes, many ships went down without a trace and ghost stories abound. Even lighthouses invoke ghostly images of keepers long past haunting the lighthouses still today.
Say yes to Michigan and other states in the Midwest, a spectacular place to vacation for a look back at our nations history.
Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue the Best Historic Sites Part II Southern United States
June 10, 2009
Continuing on our journey of the best sites to visit on your historic journey across the world, we are now visiting the Southern United States. From the east coast all the way to Texas.
The south has a rich history of Native Americans, early Europeans, French English and of course a more sordid tale of battle of the original African slaves for their freedom. Due to this incredibly varied past, the south is home to some of the most varied cultures found in the United States today.
We will begin our journey to the South by visiting Louisiana. This states history is a bit different from that of the northeast. First colonized by France and Spain, the culture and history here are strong in French influences.
An option for historic travel in Louisiana is to visit one of the many historic plantations left over from an era gone by. Though many were destroyed in hurricane Katrina, one that remains is called the Destrehan Plantation. Located just outside of New Orleans, they offer tours of the plantation where you are taken back by costumed players to a time of slavery, bells, French nobles, and the Jefferson Document. It was established in 1787 and is the oldest documented plantation in the lower Mississippi River Valley.
Experience plantation life on your own or with a guided tour. They also offer a museum store with a large collection of historic books and vintage toys and decorative items from the past. The Destrehan Plantation has demonstrations of 18th century cooking, construction, as well as candle making and African American herbal remedies. They also have an option of special group tours for children, making this a great option for families as well on the lookout for a wonderful historic journey.
Perhaps your journey through time leads you to want to explore Texas. Remember the Alamo? Texas offers much more than the Alamo, though it does play an integral part in U.S. History. Our journey today however is off the a further back in the past, to the Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site.
Located in Val Verde County, this historic place has only been open to the public since 1980. Its history goes back 12,000 years to early man. Seminole Canyon is home to some of the most well preserved rock art. Ancient riverbeds formed by the Devil’s River, and hikes down the canyon to see drawings made by humans who still lived off the land and depended solely on nature for survival are just a few of the historical treasures found here.
Originally named for the Seminole-Negro Indian Scouts it honors the scouts from Fort Clark there to protect the frontier from marauding Apache and Comanches in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The history of the railroad is also woven into this vast area. You may journey into these canyons, but a guide is required for access. History here is abundant and spans thousands of years. Make this one a trip to remember and camp out at one of the areas provided.
Our journey to the Southern United States has ended for now, but the options for travel in the south are abundant. History abounds here, and it is just waiting for you to come and see. Take the opportunity to broaden your horizons and visit the south.
Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue to the Best Historic Sites
June 5, 2009
History is a way for us to progress into the future without making the same mistakes. Phrases like “lest we forget” written in a poem by Rudyard Kipling and made famous around the world, illustrate mankind’s desire to remember the past to move forward in the future.
All parts of the world are rich in some kind of history that have had an impact on its current citizens.
In the United States alone, a relatively new country in the world, historic sites are found everywhere you look. Wars, social movements, assassinations, amazing tales of survival, and heroism abound throughout.
If this were just a one part article, I would probably just touch on the general areas of interest, simply to peak a curiosity to the reader, but as this is continuing series we are going to travel to individual parts of the world beginning here with the Eastern United States
Our journey of the best historic places to visit begins in the North Eastern United States. This includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut; and the Mid-Atlantic States of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as defined by Wikipedia.
My rational for beginning here is this is the oldest part of the United States, founded by the pilgrims, and so begins our journey.
New England is filled with historic sites and places wonderful for historic travel. Plymouth Rock is located just off Cape Cod Bay. The rock is now sheltered to prevent weathering. The Plymouth Plantation itself is an entire trip. Here you can revisit much of Americas varied past.
The Wampanoag Homesite gives you the opportunity to experience the Native American culture. The Wampanoag people have called New England home for over 12,000 years. Learn about their history and culture in Americas past. A unique opportunity to see Americas founding by the first Americans in history.
Your visit to Massachusetts may also include visiting a re-creation of an English Village founded in 1627, seven years after the landing of the Mayflower. Immerse yourself in living history. Period clothing, and role players give visitors a chance to see what it was like to be a pilgrim in the new world.
You will be surrounded by opportunities to find out about our heritage as Americans as well as many opportunities to shop around in six award winning museum shops and have some fine dining as well. Why not try themed dining and complete your historic visit with a traditional meal of turkey or Mayflower Golden Ale made right there in New England.
For the war historians, why not try a visit to Pennsylvania. There are well over 2,000 places on the National Register of Historic Places. One place of interest may be the Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Begun in 1909, the Gettysburg National Military Park and Cemetery offers many different ways to experience the Civil War. Podcast tours, virtual tours, field exhibits, and a visitors center are just a few of the ways you could experience what the park has to offer. There are also guided tours of the park throughout the summer months to enhance your experience. Visit the High Water Mark Monument which lists the commands of both armies involved in “Pickett’s Charge”, one of the last southern attacks at Gettysburg.
Philadelphia also is home to the signing of both the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution and Independence Hall. Philadelphia has rekindled its popularity in the last few years thanks to the film industry. National Treasure, directed by Jon Turteltaub stars Nicolas Cage and revives history to the young in this movie. It takes place in Philadelphia and highlights some of the amazing historical sites to visit including Independence Hall.
You could also visit the Reading Terminal Market which can trace it origins to 1857, and of course the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to the unknown soldiers. The Liberty Bell and Congress Hall are also not far away and filled with history.
Philadelphia has many fantastic accommodations for the all travelers and would make a wonderful place to visit on your historic journey to the North Eastern United States. Travel back in time in the Northeast and experience Americas historic treasure trove of vacation possibilities.
Travel Green - What Ecotourism is All About
June 1, 2009
Having Fun...
Today’s society is becoming more ecologically minded with a concern for the world’s future. Look in any market today and you can find almost anything made from recycled products or created with an environmentally friendly form of energy. We are encouraged to recycle cans, bottles, and even old paint.
Ecotourism is defined as a form of tourism that involves traveling to tranquil and unpolluted natural areas. It’s focus is on the plants, animals and indigenous peoples in the area. To be truly an ecotourist, you must also minimize the impact you have on the area you visit. It is easily summed up by one statement: take only pictures, leave only footprints.
This type of travel may or may not sound exciting, but delve further into the ecotourism industry and it is obvious why some estimate that over 5 million people have become green in their travels.
The industry of ecotourism is thriving in areas where there is abundant wildlife and natural areas. Countries such as Costa Rica, Kenya and Antarctica have a substantial ecotourism base supporting their economy.
If you choose a place like Costa Rica, more than a quarter of this area is set aside for protection in some way or another. If you like to hike, go exploring in the rainforests or mountains. Snorkeling through a tropical reef is another way to experience Costa Rica at its finest. You could also visit local villages and towns to find out what the native culture is really like.
If you want to be totally ecofriendly, try camping out and getting a closer look at the native flora and fauna that makes Costa Rica one of the most diverse areas in the world.
If you are looking for something a little different, why not see what Kenya has to offer the ecotourist out for an adventure of a lifetime. Head out on the Serengeti with a local guide for the Safari that only children dream of. Explore the local market and see the bustle of a world completely different from your own, or experience the complete stillness surrounding you in a land where the animals are still the rulers of their jungle.
For the true adventurer, why not kayak in the wildest place in the world, Antarctica. What is more environmentally friendly than a boat powered only by you. Float inches above the sea gliding past mammoth iceburgs, perhaps spot a humpback whale on its journey through the sea, or watch a mother Leopard seal curl up with her pup for a nap in the sun.
The possibilities are endless. We don’t have to travel the same way we always have. The world is ours to enjoy, why not enjoy it in a way we have never thought of before.
Travel to Oahu For an Amazing Vacation
May 27, 2009
Oahu Lighthouse
You may think that a trip to the Hawaiian Islands is far beyond your grasp, but it may be closer than you think. Oahu is an island with much to experience. It is rich in history and beauty. Home to Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, Oahu is nicknamed “The Gathering Place”. With a population of 905,266. Oahu can be bustling in Honolulu, or quiet and peaceful in the mountains or on the beach. You can even rent a car and drive around the entire island in a day, stopping at any number of historic or legendary places along the way.
Here are just some places Oahu has to offer for the traveler looking for adventure.
In 1941 Pearl Harbor was attacked, and history was made on this small island. For the history buff, Pearl Harbor is a must see. The USS Arizona Memorial is a floating memorial built over the Battleship USS Arizona, and is powerful place to reflect on the effects of war. Pearl Harbor also offers the Battleship Missouri Memorial which allows visitors to explore retired battleships and experience the more recent history of our 50th State.
Diamond Head is one of the most identifiable landmarks in Hawaii. Located outside of Honolulu, this ancient crater has a history in ancient Hawaiian lore as well as a more volatile war history. Not only was it used by ancient Hawaiian Kings, but during the World War, it served as a fortress. Tourists can now traverse up the side of Diamond Head all the way to the top and see why this mountain is such an integral part of Oahu’s past and present.
The Dole Plantation, known as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience”. For children and adults alike this is wonderful stop along the way to Oahu’s north shore. It offers a train tour around the fields, a history of pineapples in Hawaii, a shop to pick up a wonderful pineapple smoothie, made with pineapple fresh picked from the field, and even the world’s largest maze! This is one of Hawaii’s top visitor attractions.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Koko Head Beach Park is a wonderful place to try something new, and see the world in a whole new way. For those new to snorkeling, this will be an experience you will never forget. A sheltered bay with a beautiful reef teeming with life. Once under the water, you don’t have to look far to see things only dreamed of. Fish of all different shapes and colors surround you and if you look hard enough, you may even be lucky enough to see an ancient sea turtle in its native habitat.
This is something for all to enjoy. Even if you are an avid snorkeler, you will still be awestruck at what this amazing area has to offer.
On the North Shore of Oahu, you may like to stop at Waimea Falls Park. Here you have cliff diving shows, kayaking, biking, and living archeology. It is staffed by Hawaiin’s dressed in traditional clothing and illustrating traditional activities and Hawaiian lifestyle. There is enough to see and do at Waimea Falls Park to keep you busy all day.
There are places to surf and body board all around the island and many other places to see while in Hawaii. Honolulu has wonderful restaurants and is filled with a variety of activities for the traveler to do and see in the evening before heading off to you hotel or other accommodations. Oahu is rich in culture and is a wonderful destination as it is considered the cultural center of Hawaii. Plan a trip to this exciting destination today, you will never regret it.
Brought to courtesy of Sealand Travel.
White Water Rafting is an Adventure Worth Taking
May 27, 2009
White Water Rafting
One of the most thrilling adventures is white water rafting. This sport has gained much popularity in the last few years, so much so in fact, that there are tours all around the world just for this purpose. There are feature presentations about trips down river that will make even the most avid thrill seeker gasp.
With this popularity comes more accessibility. People who before would never think of trying white water rafting, are now given the opportunity to try their hand at an adventure on a river that they never dreamed of.
Rivers are rated from I to VI on the International Scale of River Difficulty, I being the easiest class, but still having some waves, to a class VI which is considered un-runnable. Class VI contains waterfalls and areas that are so fast, they are not recommended for travel. If you are in for an adventure, but don’t have any experience at all, you may want to try a Class II or III which don’t require any experience, but will let you see why this white water rafting is so popular in the world today.
Many States right here in the United States have rivers which lend themselves to white water rafting. Jackson Hole, Wyoming boasts the Snake River with trips of varying length as well as degrees of difficulty. New Mexico is the the home of the Rio Grande and Rio Chama rivers, varying from Class IV for the extremists, to a I for those that are quite ready for that much adventure. Of course, there are many other states that offer white water rafting as a travel option.
If you are planning to go a bit further off the beaten path, you also have the option of trying out the white water in Canada or South America. Ecuador is home to the Amazon jungle and boasts the Rio Upano, one of the world’s classic river trips. Waterfalls, canyons, and scenery abound on this amazing river. They rate from a Class II to a class IV, something for everyone.
One thing to remember is that there are seasons that white river rafting may or may not be available in certain areas. New Mexico, for example has a rafting season from mid June till mid September. Depending on the location you choose, plan ahead to make sure rafting is available that time of year.
Another thing you should remember when planning a white water trip, whether for 5 hours or a week, you need to come prepared for anything. Sunscreen is a must as water reflects sun rays and even if it looks overcast, there are still UV rays which could leave you with a painful burn. According to one guide, you should always have sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle as rafting can be strenuous.
If you are traveling longer that a few hours, something dry to put on would benefit you as well. Remember you will be on white water, which means splashing, and chances are you will not be dry when you get off the river. It is recommended you bring shoes that are comfortable even when wet, perhaps a sandal that will allow your feet to dry. Make a checklist and stick to it.
Take a chance on something new, or if you have been rafting before, find someplace you haven’t been before and get ready for an adventure. White water rafting is gaining in popularity, so you have hundreds of options. This is one experience that you can’t miss.
Brought to you by Sealand Travel.