Travel Tips

Alaska Winter Survival From A Prehistoric Perspective

September 19, 2020 by ExploreTraveler Leave a Comment

Microliths were added to Late Magdalenian bone tools like these, including harpoons and projectile points. DEA/G. Dagli Orti/De Agostini/Getty Images

In this short essay, I am going to describe what I think I would need to survive the winter. The tools, technologies, and nutritional food in order to not only survive but to thrive. It is not my opinion but a matter of fact that it can be done and has been done. My main references will be from the Otzi Ice Man article with some variations to include known plans that have existed in North American in some form for thousands of years. I will detail the clothing of layers, foods, dual-purpose hunting gear, and protection along with the use of materials to transport embers and create fire. A small description of my shelter to provide warmth and protection from the elements.

One of the earliest examples of stone tools found in Ethiopia. Didier Descouens/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

First, I’m going to discuss food items to ensure I have a diet rich in animal fat and calories to enable my body to properly keep warm. Shivering, and our hair elevating it’ self helps to keep us warm when cold. However cold conditions also burn to allot of calories and this means we must eat a higher amount to ensure our body can perform at the optimal condition. I will first set up to gather animal fat from fish, bear, and moose. The meat of these will be dried and preserved. I will trade the excess meat that I can not preserve and carry with other tribes for whale fat that can last a long time. I will also trade for local grains and fungi to help keep my body healthy for medicinal purposes. Conks will be collected to use as anti-vials and to cover any wounds to prevent them from getting infected.

An Aurignacian blade shown from three angles. Didier Descouens/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Important gear must be constructed, and a pack frame will need to create in order to carry my extra food on days I am not able to find fish or game to eat. The frame will be of heavy construction and will have extra lashings secured on the outside to enable equipment to be secured to the outside of the pack. The pack will be made from moose hide and will durable and weatherproofed by oiling down the outside facing of the hides with leftover moose and bear fat that I will boil and cool to remove the oily paste. This will be rubbed over all of the outsides of the large pack and be left to dry/again the sun and then repeated several times to ensure it is 100% waterproof. The left override will be turned in waterproof bags that can be secured to the outside of the pack and to be worn underneath my clothing to keep the water from freezing during the coldest time of winter.

An Acheulean handaxe from Swakscombe, Kent, now held in the collections of the British Museum. CM Dixon/Print Collector/Getty Images

My clothing will be made of bear and hides with the fur this present from both animals. The moose hide with being tanned and then oiled on both sides to provide protection from scrapes or other injuries with the moose hair on the outside layer. The bear hides will be tanned and oil but with the out, lawyers oiled numerous times to give it a higher level of waterproofing. The fur will be formed into an interlayer of warmth to include pants, shoe booties up to my knees, and a large parka to include a large hood with drawstrings. Leftover pieces to be used to create a skull cap, and then a hat of fur that covers my whole face except for my eyes. The grass will be inserted into my boots with extra set aside to be used to add insulation when I feel a draft in my inner clothing onto my skin. Mittens will be constructed that cover my whole hand and will be long that reach up to my elbow joint. My coat will overlap this area and this style will provide additional dexterity.

Fourthly there are the tools of hunting and survival. Fire making tools, supplies to include leaves, and conks for carrying embers over long distances. Strips of bark from the birch tree and the sap of the tree. Any additional conks will also be collected and stored. Flints and additional fire starter materials will be collected to ensure warmth from the fire can be guaranteed on the coldest nights of a long winter. (Oeggl and Handley 2003)

Jadeite axes from the Neolithic Period in central Europe. Ashmolean Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Fifthly my shelter will be of a multilayered construction of logs placed in recessive areas that I can backfill with dirt with the upper roof are made from hides secured in a fashion to ensure a hole vent to allow smoke to escape out of the structure. Rocks brought in from the local river will be of a certain size and a rounded shape to ensure they can be heated from the fire and placed around my body to keep me warm while sleeping. Grass from any open fields will be collected and shaped into bedding that will be covering the ground floor area and then covered with bear rugs I have collected over my numerous hunting seasons. I will also dig holes into the ground that are deep enough and penetrate to the outside of the structure where they will stay frozen yet protected from wild animals. The structure will not be very big and will be sunken into the ground as much as possible. As the snow begins to fall, I will ensure it is placed around the outside of the structure for added insulation. The inside will have a slightly tipped peak with only hides showing on the inside and the outside will be lined with small long logs adding support in a grid fashion to enable the structure to hold several hundred pounds of snow.

Stone tools found in a neanderthal flint workshop discovered in Poland. A. Wiśniewski/Nauka w Polsce

Finally, my survival toolkit of tools will be made from rocks and volcanic obsidian. My handles will come from birch trees and strips of the leather hide will be used for comfort and grips. I will have a bow with arrowheads made for the obsidian. My ax head will be made from local rock and if possible, I will have traded for a copper head fashioned in the old European style as found from the Otzi the Ice Man. This will give me greater accuracy and a sharper arrowhead point. The copper ax head will be used to create a sharp blade to be used for protection and hide processing. (Oeggl and Handley 2003)

In conclusion, the tools, technologies, and nutritional food in order to not only survive but to thrive can be gathered and organized for survival. This equipment, supplies, and shelter should allow me to survive the coldest temperatures and my gear will allow mobility for hunting or escaping from an attack in case unforeseen problems arise. My diet of high fat and limited grains will give me the calories to stay warm and to hunt wild game and fish in the winter season. My waterproofed clothing will not only keep me warm but waterproofed due to the oily outer layers. The materials used to make my clothing also blend into the natural environment with camouflage that helps me with hunting and evading human or animal predators.

References Cited:

Dickson, J., Oeggl, K., & Handley, L.

2003 The Iceman Reconsidered

Scientific American, 288: 70-79.

References CitedDickson, J., Oeggl, K., & Handley, L.2003 The Iceman ReconsideredScientific American, 288: 70-79.

Coronavirus and Travel: How to Travel Safe During This Pandemic Time?

August 16, 2020 by John Gentry Leave a Comment

As the travel restrictions begin to ease amid the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued multiple travel instructions to help safeguard your health and prioritize safety, irrespective of the location of travel. However, before you read further, remember that the WHO and CDC suggest traveling only if required. If traveling is necessary, remember and implement the following precautionary measures.

Find Local Restrictions and Travel Requirements

The state and central governments of every country are implementing specific travel restrictions and requirements depending on their coronavirus epidemic situation. While the wearing of masks and using hand sanitizers is common, some locations require you to submit a valid and recent COVID-19 negative report from authorized laboratories if you are traveling interstate. In other cases, there is a mandatory quarantine period of 7 days or 14 days, depending on the severity of the epidemic.

Therefore, it is necessary to research local travel restrictions to avoid unpleasant delays and surprises. The official state government websites would be the best resource for up-to-date information. If you are booking a trip well in advance, ensure to check back on the latest updates as the date of departure comes near and also know about some travel tips.

Airport and Flight Rules

Assuming that your travel involves flights predominantly, remember that air travel was the primary reason why the coronavirus could spread far and wide. Practicing social distancing at airports is difficult. While airports are prepared for handling the renewed influx of travelers, certain safety precautions need to be taken by you, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the aviation administration of various countries. These are:

Wear a face mask at all times.
Keep a distance of 6 feet between you and other passengers. Do not let any airline staff member handle your belongings. All airports are now prepared with visual signs to help you with boarding passes, luggage check-in, and security protocols.
Avoid contact with any sick person. If you notice anyone coughing or sneezing, bring it to the attention of the authorities.
Do not come in contact with touched surfaces like elevator buttons or handrails.
If you are using airport washrooms, wash your hands with soap water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching washroom surfaces and keep a sanitizer handy.
Avoid buying food at the airport kiosks. Even though they will be adequately sanitized, it is better to pack and carry food from home if it’s a long-distance trip.
If mandatory, you need to wear a PPE suit and a face shield for the entire flight duration. Not all airports require this; check before leaving for the journey.

Road Travel

Renting a car or self-driving car seems to be a better alternative to public transport. Also, having a personal vehicle to travel within the city limits gives you better control over the environment. You can hire a car from the hotel or a homestay or book one on apps like Uber. Here are some pointers to follow:

Ask the Uber driver or the local car rental company to show that the car meets the local COVID-19 regulations. For instance, the Uber app shows when the vehicle was last cleaned and sanitized.
If a car driver’s services are required, ask the driver to produce the latest COVID-19 negative report. Enquire where the driver traveled the last few days and whether the driver came in contact with a COVID-19 patient or not.
Avoid purchasing food and water during the trip. Prepare it at your home or buy from where you are staying.
Carry hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and face masks.
If the car needs to be refueled during the travel, use a disinfectant wipe on any touched surface if self-refueling.
If the car needs to be used on multiple occasions, arrange for it to be disinfected every time.

Hotels and Lodging

Irrespective of whether you are staying with a prominent hotel chain or a homestay or a local guesthouse, it is essential that they protect their staff and guests, both. Here are a few fundamental aspects you need to check:

The room is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and it has enough stock of tissues, masks, and sanitizers. It has to be cleaned and disinfected daily.
Once you check-in, a staff member should use disinfectant wipes to clean visible surfaces such as doorknobs, washroom, tabletops, bedposts, and others in your presence.
Any form of payment is contactless. Pay online directly. Avoid cash or card dealings.
The staff maintains adequate protection at all times with masks and being socially distant.
Avoid touching any surfaces outside your room, such as the elevator switch or the guardrails on the stairs.
The food preparation area is clean and hygienic.
There should be social distancing in common areas such as the parking or the front desk.
There should be a doctor-on-call to handle any patient showing COVID-19 symptoms and take preventive measures instantly.
Try to avoid using laundry services. Keep soiled clothes in a separate bag to wash later.

Call the hotel or the vacation rental before booking. Talk about their coronavirus prevention measures in case a situation arises. While the information would be available on their website, it is recommended to talk to their representative personally before booking.

Will traveling be completely risk-free with the above preventive measures?

Unfortunately, no! It will never be entirely risk-free for travel during the coronavirus epidemic until the virus is defeated globally. A certain measure of risk will always persist. Although the mortality rate is low, traveling, when necessary, prevents chances of coronavirus infection. According to the CDC, 40% of the COVID-19 positive patients are asymptomatic; however, the risk of asymptomatic patients spreading the virus is 75% (source).

Further, your age and medical history are contributing factors. The mortality rate of people between 10 and 39 years of age is 0.2%, and the affected populace largely belongs to the above 50 bracket. People with medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular problems are more susceptible to coronavirus.

What to do if you begin to show COVID-19 symptoms during travel?

Coughing, difficulty in breathing, runny nose, sore throat and fever are the common symptoms of the novel coronavirus along with flu and pneumonia. If you develop any of those symptoms during travel, here is what you should do:

Inform and seek immediate medical help. If you stay in a hotel, inform the front desk, ask for a doctor, and isolate yourself in the room. If you are with relatives, or a vacation rental or a homestay, inform the other people living there immediately and isolate yourself.
Visit a laboratory for a COVID-19 test. If you have a prior COVID-19 negative report, carry it along.
The laboratory and/or the concerned doctor will inform the local authorities. Share your phone number, home address, and other documents for record-keeping. The phone number will be used for contact tracing and informing the people you came in contact with.
You are safe if the COVID-19 test report is negative again, which means you probably had a common cold or flu. If the COVID-19 test is positive, you must be quarantined as per the local laws of the state/country, depending on the severity of the infection. Institutional quarantine is preferred in case of a severe infection, necessitating the use of a ventilator.
If you are not in your resident country while this happens, inform the embassy and contact your family.
After a minimum of 14-day quarantine, a COVID-19 test will be conducted again. If it is negative, you can resume your travel and return to your country. If it is positive still, the quarantine period is extended.

Will travel insurance help?

Coronavirus treatment is expensive. Travel insurance might help mitigate treatment costs based on two conditions – (a) when the plan was purchased and (b) the place you are traveling. Travel insurance is made of health insurance and trip insurance; travel health insurance covers sudden illness or accidents, and travel trip insurance covers travel related problems such as lost baggage.

Travel insurance will cover coronavirus treatment costs only if you traveled to the country before the coronavirus outbreak. For example, if you are from the United States, and you traveled to Indonesia before the outbreak of coronavirus and became infected, the insurance will cover the medical costs.

Do note that if your country has issued an advisory against visiting a country and you still visit the country, the travel insurance will not cover any medical costs arising out of the novel coronavirus infection.

Remember that not all insurance companies are covering coronavirus under their travel insurance policies. Contact your current travel insurance provider for clarity.

In closing

Coronavirus is a global pandemic without a vaccine in sight. Given the speed with which it is spreading in countries like the United States and India, it seems we will still be dealing with it in 2021. Traveling could be necessary but not at the cost of one’s health and safety and those around us.

Travel if needed, but be mindful of the suggested precautionary measures. A mask, a face shield, and a sanitizer are your closest allies for the next few months.

49 Best Things To Do In Hawaii on Your Next Dream Vacation

June 13, 2020 by John Gentry Leave a Comment

Nicknamed ‘Paradise’, Hawaii is indeed a gorgeous place to visit. It has wildlife, adventure, beautiful vistas, and it’s easy to see the draw of a vacation in the Hawaiian Islands.

Whether you are going for an adventurous vacation, a romantic honeymoon, a group holiday with your friends, or even daredevil explorations, Hawaii is one of the best destinations.

Can you explore inactive and active volcanoes there? Check.

Can you witness gorgeous beaches? Check.

Is there top-notch surfing there? Check.

The list may go on and on and we all can gush about it all we want.

Even though we have Hawaii on our bucket list, we don’t have a refined and guided list of the best things to do in Hawaii.

Where to start? What are the best things to do in Hawaii? How to plan your vacation at a place this big with so many things to do?

In this write-up, we have compiled the best things to do in Hawaii so that you can have an unforgettable experience in the breathtaking pacific archipelago.

As a daydreamer who is about to witness stunning sunsets and have some sand in their toes, it’s wise for you to divide Hawaii in its own six islands.

So this write-up will summarize the following:

Best things to do on Big Island
Best things to do on Kauai
Best things to do on Maui
Best things to do on Molokai
Best things to do on Oahu
Best things to do on Lanai

So put your lei around your neck now and let’s begin with the best things to do in Hawaii based on these six islands mentioned above.

Best Things to Do in Hawaii on Your Next Dream Vacation

Best Things To Do On Big Island

1. Golfing

If you’re in Big Island, you can journey to a golfing fantasy in the Mauna Kea Golf Course or Waikoloa Beach Resort’s King Course. Anyone from a golf student to golf professional can enjoy a gorgeous gold experience here.

Fun fact: Hawaii has hosted the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament since 1965, the Tournament of Champions golf tournament since 1999, and the Lotte Championship golf tournament since 2012.

2. Beach Hopping

If you have ever dreamt of swimming with dolphins or manta rays, the ocean adventures in Kona on Big Island are awaiting you. Do not forget that one of the best parts about being in Hawaii is exploring beaches and sightseeing on the way. You’ll be mesmerized.

3. Cultural Attractions

If you are in Hawaii, you must open your mind, body, and soul to the wisdom of Hawaiian cultural attractions. In the case of Big Island, the visual attractions you must go to are Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, must learn about early Hawaii life at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and if possible, you can also visit the place for the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.

4. Luaus

According to definitions from Oxford languages, Luau is a Hawaiian party or feast, especially one accompanied by entertainment. But we’ll just call them one of the best things to do in Hawaii. These feasts are one of the most attended activities on the Hawaiian Islands. Whatever island you are on, among the six islands mentioned here, you must attend at least one luau. You can choose which feast will match your group from a variety of options. There will be local foods, entertainment, and tropical cocktails. There will also be activities to learn Hawaiian arts and crafts like basket weaving and lei making. Not to forget that you can also watch cultural presentations and listen to melodic sounds of drumming.

5. Spa Packages

While some choose to lay on the beach, golf with friends, join a luau, visit cultural attractions, some people also choose to have a spa and massages in Paradise. You can book for spa packages at many places on the Hawaiian Islands. However, we recommend that you go for a spa experience that uses products that are made locally with tropical-infused ingredients.

6. Helicopter Tours

If you are in Hawaii to celebrate a Honeymoon, a new romance, or your anniversary, helicopter tours are one of the most amazing ways to not only sightsee Hawaii but also be adventurous about it. When you are on the Big Island, you’ll have a chance to tour active volcanoes. You’ll be able to see red lava as it flows into the ocean and witness the natural majesty of volatile Hawaii firsthand while seeing the billowing steam vents.

7. Local Farms

Visiting the local farms is one of the best things to do in Hawaii and one of the most fun things too. You can find amazing farm tours available on your specific destination island. On Big Island, you can visit the following:

Hawaii Vanilla Company
Kohala Grown Farm
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Amy B.H. Greenwell Farms

8. Stage Shows

You can mix things up a little with stage shows. This way you can be entertained live and have some fun things to do in Hawaii. Kona Kozy’s Magic, the Comedy Show at the Waikoloa Village, or an array of the fantastic Hawaiian luaus throughout the Big Island are great options to check out.

9. Windsurfing

Windsurfing in Hawaii is a genre of its own. On the Big Island, if you are looking to try windsurfing, you can get in touch with Kona Boys or Kona Windsurfing.

Fun fact: Windsurfing as a sport only started in the mid-1960s, so it’s pretty much a new sport.

10. Sightseeing

Sightseeing is one of the easiest and at the same time easily available activities. On the Big Island, you and your beloved or your group can explore Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to learn more about Big Island’s active volcanoes Hualalai and Mauna. Apart from that, you can also explore Hilo Town, Kona, and Akaka Falls.

Best Things To Do On Kauai

1. Golfing

So regardless of which Hawaiian island you choose, you can have an amazing experience in golfing at some amazing locations. In Kauai, you can enjoy golfing at resorts like the Princeville Golf Club, Makai Golf Club at Princeville, Poipu Bay Golf Course, Kauai Lagoon Golf Club, and Puakea Golf Course.

2. Sightseeing

If you are on the Island of Kauai, get ready to experience mystical sightseeing. On this island, you’ll see the dramatic Na Pali Coastline, Polihale State Park, Hanalei and Poipu, Waimea Valley, Kokee State Park, the Kilauea Lighthouse, and more.

3. Cultural Attractions

Visiting the magical Hawaiian Islands will make you observe and participate in complete respect for a culture. The Hawaiian culture, they say, must never be forgotten and never taken for granted. If you are on Kauai Island, do not forget to visit the Grove Farm Museum in Lihue and the Waioli Mission House in Hanalei.

4. Hiking

If you’re in Kauai, you also are at one of the most exciting hiking places in Hawaii. The Kalalau (Na Pali Coastline) Trail, the Sleeping Giant Trail, the Kukui Trail on the West side, and there are so many more places where you can have a gorgeous hiking experience.

Fun fact or maybe fictional fact: People have been saying that the Island of Kauai has more hiking trails alone than any of the individual states of the United States Mainland.

5. Helicopter Tours

In Kauai, the Garden Isle, one can experience one of the most amazing helicopter tours. Here’s what you can see from above:

Breathtaking Nepali Coastline
Beautiful topographical changes in Hawaii’s scenery
Reef formations
Hidden waterfalls and so much more.

6. Horseback Riding Tours

On Kauai, you can go for horseback riding tours at Silverhills Ranch on the North Shore. You can also check out the Silver Falls for freshwater dips and picnic, the Horseback riding and ATV combo tours and rides. These rides will be even better if they’re through the interior of the Kamooka and Kalihiwai Ridges with an awesome view of the Makaleha Range.

7. Local Farms

Like we mentioned earlier, each Hawaiian Island has something unique that it makes you experience at its local farms. Following are the local farms you can enjoy on Kauai Island:

Kauai Fresh Farms
Steel Grass Chocolate Farm
Kauai Grown Organic Farm
Blair Estate- Kauai Organic Coffee Farm
Kauai Kunana Dairy

You never know what cool activity you can find on Hawaii’s local farms.

8. Windsurfing

The Island of Kauai too has windsurfing locales that will happily send you on your way to your most fabulous windsurfing dreamland. Here, you can get in touch with Windsurf Kauai in Hanalei.

Best Things To Do On Maui

1. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the topmost gorgeous experiences one can have in Hawaii. Here, you can find several Hawaii snorkel tours and ocean activity companies on any of the Hawaiian islands mentioned in this write-up. All the best for an amazing experience seeing the playful Spinner Dolphins skipping along the ocean surface. You may also get lucky and see the great North Pacific Humpback Whales during their annual migration to Hawaiian waters.

2. Whale Watching

Every winter season you can witness thousands of North Pacific Humpback Whales travel miles from the Alaskan Gulf to the Hawaiian Islands. The whale season in Hawaii runs from mid-fall to April every year. If you’re fond of whale watching, the peak season in Hawaii is during the months of January, February, and March.

3. Golfing

If you are exploring the Island of Maui in early January you can attend the PGA’s Annual Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the Kapalua Resort. Even if it’s not January, you can visit there anytime throughout the year and still have an A-one experience. If you happen to visit South Maui, you can refine your skills at David Leadbetter’s Golf Academy. You can also spend long days on the greens at Wailea Golf Resort’s Gold, Emerald, and Old Blue courses.

Fun fact: Hawaii has a golf community that ranges from public courses to the uber-private and elite golf locales. So wherever you get to visit, you’ll surely lavish in the luxury of warm sunshine, privacy, 360-panoramic views, and pristine greens.

4. Sightseeing

For sightseeing on Maui island, tour the Road to Hana. You can visit some of Hawaii’s more untouched areas, visit a black and beach, swim in waterfalls, and also swim in the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo Gulch.

5. Beach Hopping

While beach hopping is a great activity, it’s also one of the biggest reasons people choose to visit Hawaii in the first place. The Kaanapali beaches on Maui is where you should go if you are looking for an adult adventure with not only rock jumping but also stand up paddle adventures.

6. Cultural Attractions

Even though the Hawaiian islands have undergone many changes from what the original inhabitants looked like through not only colonialism but also changes in government, the culture remains sacred through places like Feast at Lele for a luau and also an electric educational show.

7. Surfing

To see the professional watermen and women take the stage, visit Hookipa Beach Park, Jaws, and Honolua Bay on the Island Maui. Any of the locales will give you an amazing surfing experience. Maui’s infamous East and West side North Shores are the best places to explore surfing.

Fun fact: The first western written account of surfing in Hawaii was in 1779 by Lieutenant James King.

8. Spa Packages

In Wailea, Maui, you can book a spa at Willow Stream Spa of the Fairmont Kea Lani. It is one of the best spa locations. So go ahead! Book a full spa day with body treatments, scrubs, facials, waxing, or even med-spa treatments.

9. Hiking

To hike and backpack through one of the most geologically diverse areas in Hawaii up to the 10,023 feet high, dormant Mt. Haleakala Crater is the place in Maui.

10. Helicopter Tours

We have already established earlier in this write-up that if you love adventure, a helicopter tour is the answer. When you are on the Maui island, you can take a tour bus to Hana and a helicopter ride back.

11. Ziplining

Ziplining is not only one of the best things to do in Hawaii but also one of the most enjoyable family activities in Hawaii. The most credible and popular ziplining courses in Hawaii are on Maui, Kauai, and on the Big Island. On Maui, the beautifully scenic Mt. Haleakala areas are the places to be.

12. Sunset Cruises

Sunset cruises are available in many forms in Hawaii. They’re the best when it comes to couples who have gone there to celebrate their honeymoon or anniversary. On Maui, you can go during the winter months, or even enjoy the cocktail dinner cruises throughout the year. In these sunset cruises, you can also enjoy gourmet food, delicious Mai Tai’s, live music, and entertainment.

13. Farmers Markets

If you want to find a variety of rare and organic produce ranging from kale and Maui mandarins, lychees, dragonfruit, greens, and squashes, the Upcountry Farmers Market in Kula every morning at the Kulamalu Center is the best place to be. Here, you can also find baked goods, Maui-grown coffee, local eggs, passion fruit, coconuts, tropical plants and flowers, selection of amazing and exotic prepared foods, and butter.

14. Horseback Riding Tours

For horseback riding tours and lessons on Maui, you can check out Makena Stables in South Maui, the Ironwood Ranch in West Maui, the Mendez Ranch in Wailuku, the Thompson Ranch located in the Upcountry or the Piiholo Ranch.

15. Local Farms

Just like any other Hawaiian Island, Maui too has some beautiful local farms. Here’s a list of some of the local farms you can visit:

Ali’i KulaLavender Farm
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm & Distillery
Ka’anapali Coffee Farm
Ono Organic Farms
Surfing Goat Dairy
Maui Tropical Plantation
Maui Dragonfruit Farm

16. Stage Shows

For stage shows on Maui, you and your group can look into the following places:

Burn’n Love Elvis Show
Plays at the Iao Theater
‘Ulalena
The Feast At Lele Luau
Maui shows at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center

Book your tickets and become part of truly amazing live entertainment.

17. Windsurfing

On the island of Maui, you can get in touch with Action Sports Maui and Simmer Hawaii for windsurfing lessons as well as Maui windsurfing rentals. You’ll certainly find beaches full of windsurfers, European accents, and even fluorescent swim trunks if you get lucky!

Best Things To Do On Molokai

Sightseeing

When visiting Molokai, tour Kalaupapa by horseback, the Fishponds of Molokai, and the Halawa Valley.

Best Things To Do On Oahu

1. Beach Hopping

If you are daydreaming about a lazy day basking under the glorious Hawaiian sunshine, Oahu is the right place to be. Kailua Beach or Hanauma Bay in Oahu are the best places to be when you are traveling with your children during the winter. You can calm down, swim, build sandcastles, do some light snorkeling, and have fun in the sun here. Be ready for the golden suntan along with super fun ocean adventures in Hawaii.

2. Cultural Attractions

For a blend of Polynesian cultures, visit Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center for shows, activities, and even presentations about Hawaiian culture.

3. Surfing

Oahu’s North and South Shores are the best places to explore surfing – ‘the sport of kings’ – as they used to call it in Hawaii.

4. Spa Packages

As we mentioned earlier, each of the Hawaiian Islands has a lot of locations that offer spa treatments and packages. They are insanely beautiful. Even in Oahu you can book one and enjoy the palm trees and the calm sounds of rolling waves.

5. Hiking

Hiking is not only one of the best things to do in Hawaii but also an athletic activity that you will enjoy and remember for the longest. One way to have amazing memories about hiking is to go for the hiking challenges with Stairway to Heaven, or you can go for medium ease with the Diamond Head Summit Trail or the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail.

6. Helicopter Tours

All of the helicopter tours companies located throughout the Hawaiian Islands offer unique aerial experiences. When on Miau you can fly from the Valley Isle to Oahu on a day trip. We can understand if you are already imagining flying over hidden valleys, seeing Hawaii’s coastlines and waterfalls with a bird’s eye view. Breathtaking!

7. Farmer Markets

At the Kailua Farmers Market every Thursday in the parking lot behind Macy’s and Whole Foods, you can find the following:

A variety of local and organic produce
Fresh lemonade
Fresh lemonade
Ice creams
Hawaii coffee
Hawaii made condiments and packaged snacks
A variety of tasty prepared meals Mexican, Vegetarian, Indian, Local Hawaiian fare, Raw, Vegan, and many more.

8. Horseback Riding Tours

Following are the places you can find horseback riding tours:

– The Kualoa Ranch,

– The Gunstock Ranch above Laie,

– or the Happy Trails on a 350-acre private ranch through the Waimea Valley on the North Shore

9. Local Farms

On Oahu Island, here are the local farms that you can visit:

Kahuku Farms
Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet
Waialua Estate Coffee Farm
Kualoa Ranch
Dole Pineapple Plantation

10. Windsurfing

With the other amazing activities that are available on the Oahu Island, you can also have an amazing experience in windsurfing. Get in touch with Hawaiian Watersports or Honu Hawaii Activities and get ready for a blast.

11. Camping

If you’re searching for an amazing place for family camping, you can visit O Kahana State Park. Here’s what you can enjoy there:

Public facilities
Access to hiking trails in a beautiful unspoiled valley

You can also explore the lands from Puu Pauao to Kahana on Oahu’s Windward side.

Best Things To Do On Lanai

1. Sightseeing

It’s your choice to choose a guide for a sightseeing tour in Hawaii or go on your own; both ways an amazing experience is guaranteed. You’ll not be disappointed on the Island of Lanai. Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), Keahiakawelo (Garden of Gods), and Munro Trail are the best places for sightseeing on Lanai.

2. Surfing

For experienced surfers in the Island Lanai, you can go to Lopa Beach. Luckily, in Hawaii surfing is an ocean activity that is available to be enjoyed by the masses throughout the world.

So, dear daydreamers!

We have tried to compile a list of the best things to do in Hawaii up to our best abilities here. However, this easy and elaborate list may not be the only list of the things you can do there. There are so many activities and we hope that you are able to enjoy most of them travelguide, so that you’ll be close to experiencing Paradise and feel the most alive you’ll ever feel.

All the best for your adventures in Hawaii!

11 Best Backpacking Trails Colorado- Every Backpacker’s Heaven

June 7, 2020 by John Gentry Leave a Comment

“Chasing angels or fleeing demons, go to the mountains.”

If you are one of the wanderlust driven people who believe that hiking is the thing that makes the most of your travel, then you must put Colorado on your Bucket list. Why? With a staggering number of 41 Colorado State Parks, 12 National parks, and a massive 54 mountains that are of 14,000 feet and 1,000 of them of 12,000 feet; Colorado indeed is a heaven for every hiker, trekker, and the nature lovers. Part of the south-western region of the United States of America, Colorado is one of the Mountain States. It is well known for its attractive landscapes, streams, lakes, waterfalls, forests, and a diverse group of flora and fauna!

There are thousands of options for a hiker to choose, yes, the menu is vast- short, easy, hard, long, family-friendly, panoramic, adventurous…Colorado has it all! There are epochal trails which are quite famous in Colorado, which every backpacker must visit. With a plethora of options, you can just close your eyes and choose any destination. Believe me, none will disappoint you! A whole treasure of natural beauty, Colorado is a gem.

So here are the best of all the backpacking trails in Colorado that you must experience once in your life:

1. Emerald Lake

Distance: 3 miles in total
Level: Easy/ Beginner

Located in Estes Park, in the Rocky Mountains, Emerald Lake has the best-known scenery in the whole of Colorado. If you are a beginner at hiking, or you have your family accompanying you, this is the best outing you can have. Having an ascent of 201 m and a descent of 198 m, the riparian vegetation includes willows, mountain alder, water birch, dark-colored bark just to name a few. An abode to nature lovers, Emerald Lake is breathtaking with its picturesque mountains, whose reflections are as beautiful during a clear day. You will notice blue spruce growing up a few streams and quite a few lakes to admire. You are bound to get serene and peaceful vibes from the surroundings that will stir within you the feelings of self-love. Being a family-friendly trail, it is advisable to carry along sufficient backpacking food with you.

2. Maxwell Falls Lower Trail

Distance: 4.2 miles
Level: Moderate/ Intermediate

Who doesn’t love to visit a waterfall? Peaceful and simply beautiful, this trail is quite well-known and tends to be very busy all through the year, especially, in the month of March. Being a heavily thronged loop trail, it has got many fun activities on the way, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, etc. Being a bit on the rocky terrain, it is an excellent spot for bringing out the adventurer in you. You can also bring your dog(s) but make sure they are kept on leash for the safer side.

3. Conundrum Hot Springs

Distance: 17 miles
Level: Moderate

Just as the name suggests, this backpacking Colorado trail is not less of any mystery! Situated at Maroon Bells Wilderness Area, it shows off sights of the Conundrum, Castle, and Cathedral Peaks. After an arduous two-day trek, you will feel a sense of triumph when you reach the hot springs, unwind in the 102-degree water and exult in it. Located near the heart of Aspen, this Colorado trail is in good shape, neat, and enveloped with evergreen forests. Make sure you have planned this trip, as its overcrowding is quite possible. You might have to share the clothing-optional pools with fellow backpackers, but it won’t be much of a problem. This is a place which the wanderlust yearns for. If you want to combine the adventurer and the romantic in you, a hiking date at Conundrum Hot Springs is impeccable! And, quite worth it!

4. Monarch Lake to Crater Lake

Distance: 14.9 miles, to and fro
Level: Intermediate

Offering a stupefying destination, the Colorado backpacking trails from Monarch Lake to Crater Lake is a treat to the eyes! Best for an overnight backpacking trail, you will love stargazing in the Crater Lake. Summer is the best time to venture here. Abundant with wildflowers, the trails have plenty of flora and fauna to see. Also, it has a lot of large waterfalls to marvel at, with Cascade Falls topping the list for being the most stunning multitiered waterfall that you can experience. Sometimes, you may have difficulty in climbing the rocky and occasionally steep terrain, but the cool and calm setting won’t tire you. Make sure, you have a permit and a lot of snacks for enjoying this hike.

5. Notch Mountain Trail

Distance: 9 in total
Level: Difficult

Passing the Holy Cross Wilderness, the Notch Mountain Trail had been a yearly pilgrimage by hundreds of people visiting the Mountain of the Holy Cross. Stop by at the Notch Mountain Shelter, which was built in 1924! The sanctity and the divinity of the area are experienced in the atmosphere, sparking up something in you. Although camping is not allowed near the Holy Cross region, it is recommended to halt there for a while. While hiking here, it is necessary to follow the trail as it is without cutting for switchbacks.

6. Sunshine Lion’s Lair Loop

Distance: 8.5 kilometers
Level: Difficult

If you want an isolated hiking trip that challenges you to test your potential, this Loop is the one you should definitely go for. Not for the family-oriented hiking, Sunshine Lion’s Liar Loop is nothing short of a self-discovery trip. Being on the northern side of the hill, it is the last place to lose its icy coating. You must begin with the Centennial Trailhead and will notice the setting getting more and more spectacular as you reach the end of your destination. The Sunshine Canyon Trail is well-known for its easy terrain and fir forest. The main attraction of this area is the Mount Sanitas Trail, which is a steep and daunting descent. But, the best part is that you will find sights that you can never experience elsewhere, thus a backpacking trip to Colorado could be a treat for the soul.

7. Longs Peak

Distance: 22.8 kilometers in total
Level: Difficult

This is the highest mountain in Rocky Mountains National Park, which is 14,259 feet! Although there are multiple trails to reach there, the “Keyhole” trail is the easiest and the most recommended. This is one of the most difficult treks in Colorado, so brace yourself for some action. Make sure you have an experienced guide, as a trip or fall can prove to be calamitous. Also, lightning can be an issue, so it is better to prepare in advance. A good freeze dried backpacking food must be prepped up with litres of water since this can be a challenging and an extremely long hike. All these must be kept in mind, but the good part is that, the harder the trek is, the greater is the reward when you reach the summit.

8. Chicago Basin

Distance: 14 miles depending on the trail you choose
Level: Easy

Hop on sharp at the 8 a.m. train on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad if you want to experience unparalleled hikes. For, there is nothing better than Colorado backpacking trails! Once you get on the Needleton stop, your hike begins! With multiple routes on the go, you can just pick and choose from the plethora of options, giving you a unique experience that is truly one of its kinds. This region is a very good option for camping for days together, making it an ideal picnic spot for your family or friends. Do hike up the steep terrains to the Twin Lakes and enjoy the beauty of Nature!

9. Hanging Lake

Distance: 4.2 kilometers
Level: Difficult

One of the most prominent and popular backpacking trails in Colorado, Hanging Lake is the epitome of magnificence. Surely, you would wonder that Mother Nature spent a great deal of time creating this beautiful place! The water flowing to this lake comes from the Bridal Veil Falls. Being the most famous hiking spot, you will observe the buzzing of people during the peak season, that is, from May to October, and will still find adventurers during the non-peak season of November to April. It is necessary to follow the rules and regulations throughout the trip since the travertine lake is extremely sensitive. A part of this trail can be rocky and steep, but the rest is manageable.

10. Cub Lake Loop

Distance: 9.7 kilometers
Level: Difficult

The ideal place for the romantics, the poets, the writers, and the nature lovers, Cub Lake Loop is a perfect blend of picturesque lands, lakes, mountain views, and meadows. With an ascent and descent of 193 meters, this trail is gradual and smooth, except for a few steep spots. It is family-friendly and a great picnic spot for all. Depending on the seasons, one can spot elks and mule deer in the meadows which are a treat to the eyes! The whole peaceful and serene atmosphere, with a number of mystifying streams, makes it a good camping spot. Do carry bug sprays in case, and a good amount of snacks for the trip.

11. Ouzel Falls and Back

Distance: 8.5 kilometers to and fro
Level: Intermediary

With the 281 m ascent, the main attraction, as the name suggests, is the waterfall. If the sound of the rippling water excites you, make sure you put this in your Bucket List. Situated at the southeast side of the Rocky Mountains, the peak season to visit here is summer, when all the snow is melted and flowing out on the creeks. It is very well- maintained and there is just one route, that is, the Wild Basin Trail. The Calypso Cascades is just a ringing bell of how stunning the Ouzel Falls are going to be. Soak in and enjoy the crystal clear water, the zen-like music of the ripples, and the scenic beauty of this area.

With all this as your next travel plan, don’t forget to abide by these safety tips for hiking

One should not forget to carry a map along and not rely totally on the GPS which could run out of battery.
Knowing the area before you go there is another significant aspect. Traveling to a new place without knowing the area means you are putting yourself and your partners in danger as you don’t know the type of animals and poisonous leaves or plants there.
Carrying with yourself a hiking gear is perhaps the most significant thing to do. Your hiking gear must most notably contain a first aid kit, water, fire starter, a torch, and sufficient backpacking food.

Conclusion

There are innumerable hiking spots and backpacking trails in Colorado. Indeed, it is blessed in terms of nature. Every Hiking is fun and exciting, peaceful, and a big success only if you follow the safety tips carefully and diligently. Always look out for the weather and never leave without an itinerary. Carry litres of water and good backpacking travel food lest you feel hungry or dehydrated. Visiting Colorado for its backpacking trails is something every traveler must do in his or her lifetime. Even if you focus only on the trails of Colorado, you will spend your whole life experiencing its jaw-dropping beauties and its diverse environmental settings. Prepping in backpacking food is a task you are bound to enjoy. Just make sure you have enough of it for that hunger-packed adventure experience.

Hiking and trekking bless us with knowledge of a lifetime; it teaches you lessons on life in your own language. It is not just a fun trip with your friends or family or an isolated trip; it is something that you will inscribe with livid colors in your wanderlust memories, forever.

So just travel, explore, and cherish the experiences of the lifetime-for it fills you up with a fresh lease of life, a whole lot of positivity, and zeal to travel more!

Just keep traveling!

16 Top Travel Places in New Mexico to Plan a Backpacking Trip

June 5, 2020 by John Gentry Leave a Comment

Lying in the South-western region of the United States, New Mexico is a state which was founded in 1610 and is the fifth-largest state in the US. From exquisite foods to diversified habitat, New Mexico is home to some unique foods as well as flora and fauna. It thus holds a really special place forming the spirit of the United States and apart from the fact that New Mexico holds the largest hot air balloon festival in the world and that is one of the youngest American states one must also know that New Mexico is a wine state. Yes! You will find almost 50 wineries that produce over a million gallons of wine yearly. Further, New Mexico is more than just desert as it has the most diverse landscapes in the world there is snow, wildflower fields, and jungles. You can see Yucca Plant, in most of areas, as it is the official State Flower of New Mexico. There are also white sand dunes and vast expanses of prairie.

Thus, calling New Mexico beautiful would be putting barriers on its beauty, as it simply goes beyond that and there is probably nothing that you would not find in the state. All this makes New Mexico one of the best places for tourism with countless places to visit, even during a global pandemic that we are facing currently. Yes, you heard it right; planning a backpacking trip to the destination is what you can go for to break the monotony at this time.

1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The Carlsbad Caverns National park is one of the most visited sites in New Mexico. It has approximately 120 known caves hidden mostly underground. Carved from limestone which is deposited in an ancient Sea, its underground landscape attracts thousands of tourists. Thus, if you are an enthusiast of archaeology and nature, this can be a treat for you. Besides, visitors can also experience bat tours, expeditions to specific caves, and walks through the wondrous geographical formations.

Here since you are traveling amidst the pandemic, it is recommended to take along the best backpacking food to stay safe and healthy during the journey. Such meals are perfect for backcountry hikes and can be preserved for quite a long time.

2. White Sands National Monument

The White Sands National Monument is yet another magnificent landscape in New Mexico. Surrounded by rugged mountains, this stunning landscape lies in the Tularosa basin, a Northern offshoot of the Chihuahua desert. Gleaming with gypsum, the sand here has built up into a marvelous landscape of dunes, up to 60 feet high, that constantly get displaced by the wind. This marvel of nature attracts thousands of tourists across the globe all year.

3. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Attracting more than 80,000 people each autumn, Albuquerque is home to the world’s largest hot air balloon festival. It is a nine-day festival, which kicks off by the “Mass Ascension “ and continues with a unique display of co-ordinated ballooning and night time presentations. The tradition which was first started in a parking lot with only 13 balloons in 1973 has evolved so much that it occupies a 365-acre park today with more than 500 balloons participating. There are countless incredible things to do at this festival too. From several kids’ activities, to live musicians, craft shows, and street performances under the beautiful, multicolored sky, this festival instantly makes one fall in love with the culture of New Mexico. So if you happen to visit New Mexico during this time of the year, you do not want to miss the Albuquerque international balloon fiesta.

4. Taos Ski Valley

If you are a fan of winter sports, New Mexico is again the right place for you to visit. Northeast of Taos, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at about 8,900 to 12500 feet, is where these beautiful, unique, and equipped winter sports are held; in the region of Taos Ski Valley. Known as the Skier’s hill, this hill has exceptionally striking and advanced terrain. Half of the trails here are for experts only. Considering the current conditions and the virus outbreak, skiers perhaps need to backpack essentially nutritious food that can strengthen their immunity and protect them from not just Covid-19 but also other kinds of bacteria.

5. Pecos National Historical Park

New Mexico is home to a lot of ancient and historical sites. The Pecos National Historical Park is one such site, which encompasses what was once, one of the largest Native American Pueblos in the state. The park is also home to the civil war battlefield of Glorieta Pass that can be toured through 2.25-mile trail, without a guide.

6. The Wheeler Peak Wilderness

The summit of Wheeler Peak Wilderness is the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161ft. This area is home to a wide range of wildlife where visitors can find marmots, Pikas, elk, mule deer, big horn sheep, and golden eagles. Hiking here is the most popular thing to do, along with several striking trails, ranging from 4mi to 8mi long. Therefore, if you are a really inspired hiker, you may want to consider backing foods that are less likely to be affected during the times of Covid-19 outburst and can serve you for a long time. This also includes freeze drying meals that come packed with high levels of nutrients, which will keep you energized and full throughout your trip. The Wheeler Peak Wilderness enjoys moderate temperatures during summers and cold winters with temperatures falling regularly below freezing point. Summertime is the ideal period to visit this place as the place is both warm and wet.

7. Shiprock

Shiprock is one of the most extraordinary and incredible cultural sites to see in New Mexico. The more you explore this site, the more astonishing facts you will know about it. The site is of great significance to the Navajo nation as it is perched within the nation. The Shiprock is in fact a great place one can find themselves at and is a treat for the mind. So if you happen to be in that part of New Mexico, visiting the Shiprock is always worth the time.

8. Santa Fe

Santa Fe New mexico — Santa Fe New Mexico

Arguably one of the most beautiful and majestic, Santa Fe is one of the most popular and the oldest city of New Mexico and is also the capital of the state. The major cultural attractions of Santa Fe include the palace of the governor’s museum, located in the nation’s oldest public building with its permanent collection of more than 20000 artworks, including pieces of Ansell Adams, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Francisco de Goya. This city is a major tourist attraction and sees massive tourism throughout the year. So if you are a passionate traveler and an art lover, you can travel even during the times of a global pandemic that we are facing today. Although what you must not miss is to backpack food that is healthy and hygienic which will help you resist the infection while enjoying the journey through the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

9. Sandia Peak Tramway

At the Sandia foothills, just outside Albuquerque, is this aerial Sandia Peak tramway which takes you up to 2.7 miles to the Sandia Peak. The journey till there is beyond incredible. The terrific view that one can only dream of is just a part of this short journey. The tramway offers a view of the Rio Grande valley. Apart from the scenic beauty, this area is also used for skiing in winters and also attracts several hikers and enthusiastic mountain bikers. So if you are a nature lover, the Sandia Peak tramway might just be the place for you, where you can perhaps find solace.

10. Cumbers and Toltec Scenic Railway

This is a narrow-gauge heritage railroad that runs between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonio, Colorado. This is the highest steam-powered railroad in the nation with breathtaking views of the grassy, deer-filled hillside Meadows and stream-laced mountains not to mention the exceptionally thrilling moments this ride offers as it crosses the cascade creek trestle. This ride, therefore, is perhaps the ride one should experience at least once in a lifetime as the journey is a pure rejuvenating experience. One can enjoy this scenic beauty while munching on some healthy food that can be backpacked during this journey.

11. Bandelier National Monument

This 33,677-acre preserve is the Bandelier National Monument that encompasses some of the most incredibly stunning volcanic landscapes and archaeological ruins in the state. A few remains from this ancient site, which was formerly the home of the ancestral Pueblo people who occupied the area from AD1150 to 1600, include astonishing structures like masonry carves and dwellings, carved out of the volcanic rock. There are petroglyphs as well, which distinctively portray the Pueblo culture and tells a lot about their lifestyle. This area, thus, is significant to historians and archaeologists and several studies have been conducted here too. Apart from this, the park has a national museum and hiking trails as well. So one can learn and have fun at the same time at this park.

12. Petroglyph National Monument

The most remarkable feature of this park is its petroglyphs, images that were carved in the basalt by indigenous people and early Spanish settlers, centuries ago. This makes it a really popular and significant site and thus is visited by people across the world, including several professionals as well. Encompassing about 7,244 acres of land, this area consists of a basalt escarpment, five dormant volcanoes, and sweeping mesa. There are about 20,000 petroglyphs in the area, which can be viewed from the hiking trails. There are three hiking routes here and hikers must be well-equipped with water and nutritional foods and be aware of the local wildlife, especially rattlesnakes.

13. Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo, located just outside the city of Taos has the oldest dwellings in the US, which is continuously inhabited. Constructed with the use of straw-reinforced mud bricks and timber supported roofs, these adobe structures date back to more than a thousand years. These are apartment-style houses that are about five stories high and the town can accommodate around 150 people at a time. Visitors are welcomed to take a tour of the community which has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site as well as a national historic landmark. The Pueblo, on several occasions, remains closed for outsiders during its annual events. It is perhaps a unique and one of the most visited sites in New Mexico.

14. The Ghost Ranch

the ghost ranch new mexico — The Ghost Ranch New Mexico

Located in Abiquiu, New Mexico, the landscape of Ghost ranch encompasses 21000 acres of towering rock walls and bewitching skies. Visitors can enjoy several rejuvenating activities here such as massage therapy, horseback riding, hiking trails, and kayaking at the Abiquiu Lake. The museums at Ghost ranch specialize in anthropology and paleontology, where numerous major research studies are also conducted. Ghost ranch is, therefore, visited by tourists as well as some significant paleontologists and anthropologists. One can avail activities such as the hiking trails here but with certain measures, the most important being the kind of food that one carries along. As Covid-19 spreads all over the world, you can still enjoy hiking by backpacking food that can significantly reduce your chances of getting infected by the virus.

15. Blue Hole

Blue Hole new mexico — Blue Hole New Mexico

The blue hole in Santa ROSA, New Mexico is a natural bell-shaped pool that has an entrancing water clarity that can just take away all your stress. You can take a dip in this 80 feet deep natural pool during the hot months which has a constant water temperature of 61 degrees. This alluring natural pool attracts travelers and offers so many water activities, scuba diving being the most popular one. Santa Rosa is also known as the scuba diving capital of the southwest. It has also been listed in the top eleven best natural swimming holes in the US.

16. Clayton Lake State Park

clayton Lake State Park new mexico — Clayton Lake State Park New Mexico

This park is a gold level international dark sky park, designated as New Mexico’s first dark sky park in 2010. The park has its own 14-inch mead telescope. The area has very little light pollution and thus, many star gazing events are hosted here. The park is also known for fishing derbies and dinosaur tracks. You can thus check out the dinosaur tracks in the day while waiting for the clear sky at night.

Conclusion

New Mexico is the perfect place to travel, the single-most place where your dreams can actually meet reality. A place that can be traveled at any time of the year, even during the massive outbreak of the Covid-19. All you need to make sure is that you backpack healthy food that is rich in all kinds of nutrients and can help you repel the virus strikingly.

New Mexico is a place where you can find countless hills, volcanoes and mountains, ancient houses and scenic railroads, white sands, and clear skies. It is a place, worth all your time and money and a journey that you wouldn’t forget.

How To Avoid Getting Sick During Traveling: All About Healthy Eating And Hygiene

April 6, 2020 by John Gentry Leave a Comment

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Helen Keller

Who does not find travel enchanting? Who can imagine a life without travel, when as the quote above goes, life itself is an adventure. Traveling is the most important and wonderful thing that can happen to someone. By the word travel, people usually mean wandering off to places far, far away or some foreign country. But travel may not necessarily involve traveling to distant places and foreign locations. Travel has nothing to do with it. A person may go hiking for a weekend and call it to travel. Or visit some caves of ancient times and call it an adventure. Traveling, therefore, can be an adventure within your state, without traveling afar and abroad.

The effect and benefits of traveling aren’t just physical, but also psychological because sometimes, instead of going about your old, cyclical life fit into a routine, you can escape all the workload, difficult kids, the way how your parents want you to live a life according to them. Yes, an individual does need a holiday from all such things and take things off his mind.

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Besides, every single place, irrespective of its propinquity from each other, inevitably has different cultures of their own. Something, certain people travel for. When you travel to places, you come in contact with some new cultures and traditions that are sometimes different and fundamentally unique altogether and coming in contact with such new cultures can be the most adventurous thing that can ever happen to you.

Speaking of cultures, when you come across various cultures, you also come across various food items. One of the best things about travel is that you get to try all kinds of food items you ever never tasted in life. Hence, traveling is a treat for foodies. Finally, traveling increases your social network, which today is, as important as anything. People from all nooks and corners of the world travel to exquisite places and when you meet such people, you increase your social circle and network where people are unlike the ones in your daily life, have nothing to do with it.

Now that’s all about travel and its merits. When you travel, you have to be careful about some important stuff. Stuff related to your health and wellness because bad times can kick in uncalled and unexpectedly, making arrangements for a travel medical insurance necessary and not just a normal travel medical insurance but travel insurance abroad.

One needs to start thinking about avoiding health issues, right from the packing stage because travel can also affect your immune system. Yes, juxtaposing its nature, traveling can cause stress mostly because of the attempt by most people to cover a lot of things as soon as possible and as much as possible. This stress can affect the immune system and make you susceptible to sickness. Following this, is a list of things to do, to avoid getting sick during travel and food safety tips or travel safety tips as one may call it.

Since traveling involves mostly eating from outside, to stay healthy throughout the trip is a must and for this purpose, one should plan the whole diet well in advance, just to remain well-nourished while traveling. What this will do is slash the chances of making impulsive and last moment eating decisions that are often poor choices and the reason behind your health problems.
Similarly, problems related to eating, while at the destination, can be tackled by starting with a salad or broth-based soup. Looking for proteins and vegetables to eat for food safety and hygiene.
Eating grilled food, instead of fried is always the way to go. Steering clear of Buffet’s and ask for tomatoes, onions, and lettuce.
Drinking water with lemon or ice is always suggested for a healthy journey.

Staying hydrated

When you travel, you are mostly exposed to the sun, which therefore becomes the primary rule, to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water is key to good hygiene during travel. Alcohol, soda or other drinkables cannot replace water, so carrying water bottles of your own is another important thing because dehydration can result in a drop in major energy levels. Thus, 16 ounces with each meal are suggested to remaining completely hydrated while traveling.

2. Lessening The Number of Meals

Eating a balanced diet every time you eat outside is always the right choice. Vegetables, lettuce, healthy carbs and proteins are advised because this keeps your body energized unless you are at a restaurant that is popular for a particular dish. Therefore, having all kinds of nutritional food while traveling is important. Having fruits can also help maintain the nutrients in the body. Fruits can be eaten instead of complete meals to avoid getting sick during travel- it is a great step towards food hygiene.

Shopping at a local grocery store

Preparing food with your own hands is always healthy. So you can look for local grocery stores while looking for booking a place. One should always look for grocery stores and a chain of restaurants near to the booking place. Looking for a hospital or at least a clinic in the vicinity can also help at desperate times. Buying avocados, onions, eggs, pepper, spinach, and preparing food on your own for lunch is a great idea to avert sickening situations while traveling

Having small meals

Having small meals, every two to three hours is also very helpful. But these meals should not consist of junk, but nuts, yogurt or veggies. This is just to keep the hunger at bay because when you have food after long periods, you are most likely to pick up something unhealthy.

Diet on the plane

Most flights do not offer a lot of healthy products, therefore you can plan the diet to stay on track with a balanced diet and instead of spending unnecessarily on salty, expensive food items at the airport and shops nearby, which is junk. Carrying proteins, nuts, and healthy carbs along with you can help you a long way and you can avoid so many diseases. Thus, when on a plane, you can go with rice cakes with almond butter, hummus, whole fruit or protein bars.

Meals at the hotel

If there are supermarkets or grocery stores near your hotel, there is nothing like it because preparing food at your hotel room is yet another healthy habit. You can buy stuff like milk, veggies, whole grain cereals, and bread so that you don’t have to go out in the middle of the night to munch junk food that is out there.

Meals while dining

If your vacation rental provides you with kitchen facilities, it becomes much easier to stay on track. Modern vacation rentals nowadays can make kitchen facilities available for you and in such cases, you can prepare food at your house itself which is again a healthy preference. Therefore, food items that you can dine with are steamed vegetables, brown rice, tofu, egg salad, and whole-grain pasta.

Not to skip the breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While on a work trip, People usually tend to skip breakfast which is meant to control the metabolism of the body. This can also lead to dehydration. Besides this, people on business trips should also mind the amount of coffee intake. This is because although coffee from a nearby coffee shop may sound delightful and just what a stressed person requires to resume work, the amount of calorie and sugar intake can shoot up unimaginably.

Now, Here’s What You Call A Healthy Travel Food

1. Banana Chips

Banana chips are easily available in the market and can also be made at home and are just a treat for the taste buds. These chips can be stored well in an air-tight container and can be eaten while traveling. Banana chips are very healthy too. Thus, including these chips in your diet can help you a long way to maintain a healthy diet. Every 100 grams of banana chips consist of 2.3 grams of protein and 400 calories maintaining the food hygiene as well.

2. Muffins and Cookies

Baked items are not unhygienic if baked at home. So if you are fond of baking already, baking cookies or biscuits to carry while traveling is a good option for snacks. Besides, these baked cookies or biscuits can stay edible for weeks together as they are baked at home only.

Mixed Seeds

Irregular hunger strikes are a problem when food safety and hygiene are concerned. But when you carry fruits and nuts along with you, this problem can be tackled too while traveling. Watermelon seeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds can be eaten along the way and are a huge source of energy. Adding nuts with these seeds can be an incredible source of energy and can also act as antioxidants.

4. Black Pepper Popcorn

Popcorn is one of the best snacks that you can carry and munch while traveling. Instead of buying popcorns from a store, cooking them at home serves the purpose of maintaining your health as well. Popcorns are the best snack for a road trip.

5. Bread Dhoklas

Made out of a batter of Rava and bread crumbs, this Indian snack is another popular and hygienic snack that can be carried with you on any kind of trip or adventure. Since these are of course homemade, the bread dhoklas are light to digest fulfilling the purpose of food health and safety.

Cheese Crackers

Cheese crackers are an amazing snack for a journey. This snack can be made more nutritious by substituting them with whole-grain crackers and onion powder, season them nicely with grated cheddar. Therefore, these crackers are also an incredible, healthy and hygienic snack for a journey.

Vegetable Chips

Vegetable chips are better than potato chips. Potato chips are oily and are considered as junk. On the other hand, vegetable chips can be made out of vegetables like carrot, beetroots or parsnips.

Green Chutney Sandwich

A chutney sandwich is an Indian dish, which is best suited for travel (especially road trips) and can be made easily. This dish is better than the street food which most people prefer as a result of the last moment planning of the trip. It can be stored in an airtight container as well, and can thus remain fresh for three to four hours.

Besides all these snacks, whole wheat almond cookies, Sooji porridge or the Poha porridge is some of the travel food for babies, that can be contained inside an airtight container.

Important Accessories To Take Along

Along with fruits, snacks, nuts, and veggies, carrying accessories such as forks, spoons and knives, and cloths, which are considered to be travel-friendly accessories can help you eat the food you have brought with ease. Apart from this, carrying a soap or a travel hand sanitizer to sanitize yourself is perhaps another hygienic habit. Taking your own airtight containers or coffee mug can save expenses as well as serve as a hygienic habit. Apart from these, a travel food container can help you contain all the food. Airtight containers are usually used for this purpose.

Treating yourself deliberately

Being on a trip, an adventure is something that is meant to act as a stress buster. But if you can’t eat what you want on an adventure trip, the travel can become bland. Therefore, what can be done is that you can have only one meal, not to satiate the hunger, but to quench the thirst of the heart. Having what you crave for can fill the adventure with memories. This will lead to two major things. You will be able to eat what you desire during just that one meal and at the same time, having one meal inconsistent with your balanced diet won’t hamper your whole routine. Thus, treating yourself is necessary to make the travel memorable.

If you enjoyed this post visit our main page at https://ExploreTraveler.com for more of our exciting content.

Conclusion

Food and safety are thus two pillars of a healthy body which is to be treated with utter care and with the emergence of new and fatal diseases, precarious actions can serve you a long way.

Explore Traveler wishing you all happy and safe travels!

Things To Do In Lisbon

February 17, 2020 by John J Gentry 3 Comments

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A bridge over a body of water - Ponte 25 de Abril — Ponte 25 De Abril Bridge Lisbon Portugal

The 25 de Abril Bridge in the capital city of Lisbon Portugal is the longest suspension connect in Europe.

Places to visit in Lisbon today and during your next visit.

Exploring Lisbon Portugal

Things To Do In Lisbon – Exploring Lisbon and the surrounding areas can bring a lot of enjoyment. It is getting off the beaten path, and looking into the shops where only locals go that really brings the concept of an old city to life. Having a glass of wine and some cheese out under the sun on a cool afternoon can be exciting, or taking a stroll along the streets while looking at something new. Lisbon can bring you to the past and future, all at the same time. With its community culture of friendliness and good food along each street, the possibilities are endless. You will have a great time exploring Lisbon, no matter the season.

There are several great spots around the city where the views are magnificent, and where you can see whole areas of the city, even the whole city if you are high enough. It’s important for us to try and see the details of a monument or to view the details of the rooftops. Since architecture is built with real hands and hard work, we look toward the emotion of life within each image and try to tell a story.

City Views

This view give’s us a tremendous amount of detail of both the old and the new. Notice the different styles of tile used for the roofs of the different homes, and the elaborate terraces found both on the rooftops and on the sides of the buildings. These rooftop terraces with the cool climate and peaceful mood of the city provide good ambiance and some amazing views. The light in Lisbon always seems to be perfect for these spectacular terraces found on many homes, restaurants, and bars. Enjoying the high and lofty terraces that are a way of life in Lisbon.

The City center of Lisbon has a mixture of old and new, and you will find very old architecture built within the city. Lisbon’s long history can be told in its architecture. The city dates back to the time of the Romans and the Moors. It has been a Christian Monarchy, a busy republic, and a complete dictatorship. In our time, it is the fascinating capital city of Portugal, where history is living and mingles with the present.

Transportation around the city can be arranged in many different ways, and you can choose what fits your own style. Lisbon has excellent subways, trams, trains, buses, and taxis. If you happen to buy a Lisboa Pass, all public transportation is free, including the underground Metro Train System.

The artwork of this woman carved within this monument in the city center helps tell the story of the people of Lisbon. These unique and detailed statues give us a glimpse into a different time, providing a bridge for the known historical events and the culture of a time past.

Notice the building sitting within the area of someones home here. Every day this family awakes to be within the old compound of antiquities. Maybe they understand what and where it is or maybe they don’t, but life continues, and new structures mix with the old.

Unique food abounds in Lisbon, and this fish dish with a different form of potato chip than what most are used too is delicious. Cod is often the fish used in making these fish dishes, though Cord fish is also used. This fresh Cod is especially good cooked with the local olive oil and a special local type of potato chip. This is authentic Portuguese cooking at it’s finest!

A City Of Religion

On the other side of the city is one of two Christ the Redeemer Monuments in the world. This one was built after the one in Brazil was completed. The monument was completed in 1931 and stands 98 feet tall. The monument shows the faith of the city, as the arms embrace and protect the harbor and the peoples of this great city. These arms have a span of 92 feet across and further embrace the faithful of the whole city. If you have time you can take an elevator and see the whole city of Lisbon on top. It’s a wonderful view, and well worth the time it takes to get there.

Religion is a part of the human experience, and the Cathedral of Maria helps tell that story. Each edge of the building, the beautiful paintings, the awesome mosaics, and each person who lives around it give us a glimpse of the past within its walls and structure.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A statue in front of a mirror posing for the camera - Lisbon — Lisbon Cathedral Paintings

Art within these churches tells us the ideas, and importance this area had to the people during a different time, and why others of faith flock to its walls to pray.

The candles of prayer represent the people’s thoughts, hope, and dreams being lifted up to their creator.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A large stone building - Belém Tower — Lisbon Cathedral Hall

The ancient old halls, and grotto’s hold those of the past within their caskets along each niche within its walls. The nitches are filled with the Saints of Old, their wisdom echoing through the halls.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A large stone building - Archaeological site — Lisbon archaeological-site

At the center of this church lies this ongoing excavation of past life that once lived here hundreds of years ago before the cathedral ever existed. As relics are discovered, and ancient rooms uncovered, the past is pieced together one brick at a time.

Lisbon Tower or Torre Belem is a site to be seen, with it’s spectacularly carved balconies and magnificent turrets. This once critical tower was the first line of protection as the ships began coming into the area of the city. What once was an island, now sits alone by the monument of the unknown soldier.

Places To Visit In Lisbon

The Adventure Continues

The Many Faces Of Lisbon Portugal

Vinho do Porto Wine From The Remote Vineyards Of The Douro Valley In Portugal

A City With Ancient Architecture

Way up in Northeastern Portugal there is a region famous for its amazing wines. The upper Douro Valley has an amazing history in the production of Wine. Winemaking goes all the back to ancient time on the Iberian Peninsula, though it was not till after the middle part of the 17th Century that the Douro Valley came to produce what we know as Port Wine. In the year of 1386, the Valley began to be well known for it classic wines.

The triumphal stone Arch of the Arco da Rua Augusta in Lisbon Portugal

The Rua Augusta is built like a triumphal arch which connects two sides of a historical building in Lisbon on the Praça do Comércio. This spectacular arch commemorates the rebuilding of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake and is adorned with many statues of famous and historical people. At the top of the arch is a coat of arms that represents glory, valor, and genius. Originally, the building included a bell tower that was redesigned as this magnificent arch a century later. Like so many of the buildings in Lisbon, the architecture is exquisite.

Cycling Around Portugal Is A Unique Experience

Portugal is amazingly rich in culture, history and tasty Portuguese food. There are many small amazing local cafes with some of the most astonishing food in all of Europe. These small cafes and shops add many choices to the many things to do in Lisbon. One of the amazing experiences you can do in Lisbon is to join the locals in cycling around the city. For the locals, it is a way of life, and for the visitor, it gives you the opportunity to really see and get a genuine feel for this amazing city that spans several centuries of spectacular history. When you bike or walk, you can easily spot all the local shops and cafes that make a perfect day even better. Discovering the ancient history of the past, and the local businesses of today, are a special treat of the bicycle culture.

A Street Artist And His Canvas In Lisbon

There are some amazing street artists in Lisbon. Street art is encouraged and was made a part of the city’s urban renewal project. Lisbon is well known as a center for urban art. A simple walk through the center of the city, or almost any historic neighborhood, will delight the visitor with many street art exhibits. Because of this, as well as their very colorful buildings, Lisbon has become the most colorful city in Europe.

Statue Of King Jose I In Praca do Comercio

This is a bronze statue commemorating the inauguration Of King Jose I in 1775 in Praca do Comercio. The square is the greatest square in all of Portugal with buildings lining three sides. All the buildings are painted according to the original plans. Notice the snakes that are being symbolically crushed with the hoofs of King Jose’s horse.

The Top Of The Praça do Comércio Triumphal Arch In Rua Augusta Lisbon Portugal

You can see the coat of arms for Portugal. The figures at the top represent glory, that follows valor and genius. A time when Portugal ruled well beyond its borders. They were known for the conquest of people deemed below them. They took advantage of any weakness, and again there is a good view of the snakes being crushed under the power of the kingdom.

One Of The Statues At The Praca do Comercio In Lisbon Portugal

Monastery Of São Vicente de Fora On The Top Of The Romantic Hills Of Lisbon

The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora means “Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls.” This is a monastery and church from the 17th-century and is of extreme importance in Portugal even today. Today, the original cistern is still standing, as well as the cloisters. The cloisters have the original tiles from the 18th century. There is one collection of tiles that depict the many stories and fables of Jean de LaFontaine. A trip to the rooftop will render a fabulous view over the Tagus River and the city of Lisbon.

Love Locks In Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

This is the highest and most romantic lookout point over Lisbon and allows you to see for miles across the city. It is well known for its panoramic views of the city and it’s one of a kind sunsets.

View of Almada On The Southern Tagus River

The site of an ancient trade route used by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors in Portugal.

places to see in lisbon — Places to see in Lisbon while exploring the city.

São Jorge Castle Is A Moorish Castle

The castle overlooks the historic center of the City of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The castle is a National Monument which occupies a special area of the old citadel. Furthermore, the grounds are an active archaeological dig and include the castle, as well as the remains of the former royal palace. The historic neighborhood surrounding the castle is for the wealthy and privileged class of the city.

While touring places to see in Lisbon make sure to embrace the cities food, wine and culture. From classic walking tours to car hires to get you from different sites around the city. Everything is alive and with wonderious possibilities each day you are there.

Lisbon is an amazing and unique city among the cities of the world. If you are looking for adventure, you will find it in Lisbon. It is the most unusual city in all of Europe, with its efforts in making sure that the past is never forgotten. The past and the present seem to flow together in a seamless matter that has a freshness about it. On your next European adventure, be sure and include this rare and one of a kind city in your itinerary.

Enjoy this list of Things To Do In Lisbon and that it provides you with some useful insight into what we found and what you can also see and do while there.

ExploreTraveler.com

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“Helping bring the world together one friend at a time.
So travel and discover that the world is full of wonderful people.” – ExploreTraveler @exploretraveler

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Happy Travels,

ExploreTraveler.com

Editors Notes:

Keywords to help you continue research within the search engines.

With all things search related make sure to copy this keyword and to use it as a search term for traveling around the area with things to do in lisbon.

Of course just using the cities name will also yield some interesting results (lisbon)because we did some related searches and found some interesting tidbits in regards to the cities name alone.

This search basically brought up the major travel guide companies and was helpful for the basic in formation on lisbon portugal.

To our surprise by reversing the order additional material came up and the really helped us when planning our trip (portugal lisbon).

The what to do in lisbon term is useful in generating information on specific locations and ther where a few unkown places that came up.

With this article and information from these additional searches you should be able to make a great list. Rank your list according to must see location and group according to location. By doing so you will be able to see more and avoid some of the traffic around the city. We reccomend hiring a car hire and use the services of a high quality hotel to assist you. We did this and had several drivers who all worked out well. Get prices ahead of time and don’t negociate after this has already been agreed. With that being said our things to do in Lisbon comes from our first hand experience, and from our research before hand. We feel just this list alone will keep you very busy.

Happy Travels!

Malaki Volcanic Crater In Luzon Philippines Taal

January 12, 2020 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Breaking News Binintiang Malaki volcano: 1/13/2020

We currently looking into this but from what we have found in the news this volcano is currently erupting. Visitors to the region should be careful and use masks while ash is in the air. Below you will find detailed information about what we saw when we were there last, and what it will become again over time. We have added the official statement from the government there on twitter and have the latest #TaalEruption2020 tweets here as well. You can learn about this place below with our past articles, photographs, and videos.

TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
13 January 2020, 08:00 A.M. #TaalVolcano #TaalEruption2020 pic.twitter.com/i2k5DydDbG

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 13, 2020

[custom-twitter-feeds hashtag=”#TaalEruption2020 “]

UP Resilience Institute Executive Director Mahar Lagmay says Taal Volcano’s phreatic eruption is posing danger to residents. #TheSource pic.twitter.com/GEoCi6zrq7

— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) January 13, 2020

[custom-twitter-feeds screenname=”cnnphilippines”]

Binintiang Malaki Crater

Taal Volcano Luzon Phillipines — Taal Volcano Luzon Philippines

Taal Volcano: Smallest Active Volcano Binintiang Malaki

Taal Volcano is the smallest volcano in the world. This volcano is also considered the deadliest of Philippine active volcanoes. Almost 6,ooo people have lost their lives due to her violent eruptions and pyroclastic flows. It has gone off 33 times, the last time in 1977! This makes it the second active volcano in the Philippines. It is one of the most beautiful active volcanoes anywhere in the world. Situated on Luzon Island in the Philippines, this stately volcano sits in the middle of Taal Lake. What makes it even more unique is that Taal Volcano also has its own lake. Nestled in the middle of Taal Volcano is Crater Lake. This volcano is one of the world’s unique tourist locations.

Taal Volcano can be reached by boat from Talisay. Those wanting to go up to the crater can then proceed by horseback or on foot. It takes about 20 minutes by horseback to reach Crater Lake. Can you imagine the thrill of the ride up to the crater? Those with a little extra energy can choose to take the hike up the path. It takes about 1 hour to hike up to the crater. The climb can be rather steep for less energetic climbers. Those who are not seasoned climbers will be happier on horseback. The scenery is breathtaking! The ride is exhilarating! The experience is one you will never forget!

Luzon Island Philippines — Lake Taal and within the lake is the active Taal Volcano on Luzon island in the Philippines

Crater Lake is a sulfuric lake that may have medical properties. Many people have soaked in it’s healing waters, or even gone swimming. The bravest of the brave have even dived in Crater Lake. Those scuba divers have certainly had a unique experience. For those who are willing to pay the price and take the risk, there are rental houses to be had in Batangas City. Many choose to spend a few days soaking in the natural beauty of the area. The beauty of the area is amazing. Crater Lake is also home to the world’s only freshwater sardine and freshwater sea snake. There is a very diverse amount of plant life on Volcano Island. Indeed, any trip to Taal Volcano will be memorial. So what are you waiting for? Whether you want to spend one day or three, you will want to visit Taal Volcano. Grab your passport and pack your bag and we will see you in Talisay, for the adventure of a lifetime.

Malaki Volcanic Crater In Luzon

What is Binintiang Malaki or Mt. Binintiang Malaki?

Malaki Volcanic Crater, in Luzon, Philippines, is magnificent! Malaki Crater is the most distinctive crater on Volcano Island. Malaki is also called the “Fake” Taal Volcano. Many are confused and think that it is actually Taal Volcano. Malaki is not Taal Volcano! She is a very beautiful dormant volcano that sits next to Taal Volcano. Malaki is beautiful! She is very photogenic. However, she is a dormant volcano. Malaki does not have a crater lake inside her crater. She is often used for postcards! Malaki is absolutely beautiful!

Many visitors and foreigners come each year to see Taal Volcano. They look out across Taal Lake and see beautiful Malaki. They never see Taal Volcano at all. Malaki is so photogenic and magnificent, that they only assume that she is Taal, herself. This is not Taal, but beautiful Binintiang Malaki.

Binintiang Malaki is only one of the 47 cones and craters of Taal Volcano. She is by far the most photographed, and certainly the most painted. She is the most amazing crater on Volcano Island. If you are standing on Talgaytay Ridge, Taal Volcano is the rather flat volcano behind Binintiang Malaki. In the picture, you can see the flat area behind Malaki, which is Taal Volcano. In the background is beautiful Mount Maculot!

Volcano Island has the distinction of having the world’s lowest volcano! How amazing! It is also known for having the world’s deadliest volcanoes. But I also think it is fair to say, that Volcano Island has some of the most magnificent volcano craters in the Philippines.

There are some awesome hikes to be had on Volcano Island. You can also rent horses to bring you to the top. As you climb up to the crater, you will have some of the most fantastic views of Binintiang Malaki. At times the trail narrows and you share it with the many horses. In times like these, the hikers find themselves in very tight spaces with the many horses caring tourists to the top. Whichever way you choose, the trail going up is beautiful and you will have many photo opts of Binintiang Malaki, Taal Volcano, and of course beautiful Mount Maculot!

Another major activity on Volcano Island is bird watching. There are many resident birds that call Volcano Island home. In addition, it is a stopover for many migratory birds. There are several guided tours just for birdwatchers. If you enjoy bird-watching, you will enjoy Volcano Island.

Volcano Island is restricted and no permanent dwellings are allowed. However, many of the poor have come to the island to live. They make their living by fishing on the lake and farming the rich volcanic soils. The people you will meet are known for their extreme friendliness. The children are very happy and love to pose for pictures.

Besides hiking or horseback riding to the crater of Taal Volcano, you can also choose to go swimming in the crater. It does have a week sulfur content, so it is not advised to stay for too long. However, many feel that the crater has water that is healing to the skin. Certainly, the water is full of many different minerals. Many have said that their rough skin is baby smooth when they come out.

One of the best ways to see Volcano Island is by boat. Whether you rent a motorboat, take a cruise on Taal Lake, or choose to kayak your way around the island, there is much to do at Volcano Island. Since Taal Volcano has mainly been dormant since 1977, all these activities are allowed on the Island and are considered safe.

There is also fishing on the lake and camping is allowed in several places. There are several nice campgrounds on the Island for your enjoyment. Volcano Island is an awesome place to spend the weekend. There is even a modern resort on the Island.

Whatever you decide to do, Volcano Island is a wonderful place to visit. So relax and enjoy the island. Take a swim in the healing waters! Discover the Island by boat! Hike to the top of Taal Volcano. Take a picture of Binintiang Malaki, However you choose to explore the island, there is an adventure on Volcano Island.

Horse Trekking Taal Volcano Philippines

Horse Trekking Taal Volcano is easy. It is a first-class adventure. No experience is necessary. Taal Volcano is the South of Manila in the center of Taal Lake. It is the smallest active volcano in The Philippines. It has claimed close to 6,000 lives in recent times and still quite active. It is the charm of this little volcano, with its own caldera in the middle that draws thousands to visit. This is a good trail and many hikes up the slope. For those who don’t want to hike in the hot humid Filipino, weather…..there is horse trekking. What a fun idea!

Taal Volcano has one of the most picturesque and charming views in The Philippines. Even those who have seen it many times, can not help but admire the view. It is always changing! It is one of a kind. It is awesome in the midst of the deep blue Lake Taal.

Why would you want to take the risk to climb an active volcano? There is something so special about this small volcano that causes many to climb to the ridge. At the ridge, you can see Crater Lake. It is perhaps one of the most charming things you will ever do. Horse Trekking makes it even easier. It is truly a first-class adventure, Philippine style.

Once you reach Volcano Island, you will need to register for the hike. The cost of hiking is about 50 pesos. For those who want to try horse trekking, the cost is 500-600 pesos. Those who choose to hike, say they get a better view of the island as they ascend the volcano. However, it is worth noting that slow-moving horses give plenty of time to admire the beauty of the area as you pass. Horse trekking is amazing! You can enjoy the view! Take pictures and admire this small very active volcano.

One of the amazing things you will see at the beginning of the trip is the small houses and farms. It is forbidden to reside on the island, as it is a permanent danger zone. Many have ignored these warnings and risk their lives daily to farm and fish this rich area. The rich volcanic soil makes the growth of most anything profitable.

It is recommended that you wear a face mask on the accent, as the strong sulfur fumes can be problematic for many. You will see many vents with steam and sulfur coming out into the air. There is no doubt that this is an active volcano. She is ready to blow at a moment’s notice. Until then, her charm is like a magnet for many. It is wise to bring a change of clothes, water, and snacks for the trip. There is a vendor at the top of the climb for those who prefer not to pack in their own supplies and then pack out the trash.

As you plan your next Philippine vacation, make sure to allow a day at Volcano Island. Experience the amazing adventure of horse trekking. Horse trekking is fun for all ages. What are you waiting for? Join the adventure today!

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https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-philippines/

Venezuela Crisis Information And Foundation Support

January 7, 2020 by Nahu Padilla Leave a Comment

Asking for donations / Petición para donativos – Winter is here / Bilingual post asking for help and donations

Venezuela Crisis Information And Foundation Support

The Venezuela crisis situation has been unfolding for many years, and the situation has only deteriorated. Our natural wonders and tourist locations are now underutilized and can be dangerous at times. I will be updating everyone here within the ExploreTraveler network and this blog with the past history of the situation and up to date information from inside of Venezuela. From real-time news reports within the blog too short updates on the forum here.

Winter is Here

Saludos para todos y todas / Hi to all

Les escribe Nahu Padilla @nahupuku, miembro fundador de la Fundación Héroes Anónimos desde el año 2008. Ya estamos empezando el año 2020 y estamos necesitando su ayuda para recibir nuevos donativos en criptomonedas que serán utilizados por nuestra fundación para labores de ayuda a los más necesitados, a continuación les dejo los diversos medios para poder donarnos quien así lo desee.

Hi to all. Im Nahu Padilla @nahupuku, from Caracas, Venezuela, South America. founding member of the Unknown Heroes Foundation since 2008. The 2020 its here and we need your help to receive donations in crypto´s that will be used by our foundation for work to help those most in need. So here its a list of several wallets to be able to donate to us whoever wants to.

Ultimos posts sobre las actividades de la fundación Héroes Anónimos / Update posts about our labor here in Venezuela:

https://steemit.com/steemnurse/@unknownheroes/actualizacion-de-resultados-fundacion-heroes-anonimos-etapa-4

https://steemit.com/steemnurse/@unknownheroes/unknown-heroes-foundation-results-update-stage-4

https://steemit.com/superiorcoin/@unknownheroes/unknown-heroes-foundation-results-update-stage-3

https://steemit.com/superiorcoin/@unknownheroes/actualizacion-de-resultados-fundacion-heroes-anonimos-etapa-3

Nuestras Redes / Our Networks:

http://unknownheroesvzla.blogspot.com

http://heroesanonimosvzla.blogspot.com

https://steemit.com/@unknownheroes

https://www.facebook.com/Unknownheroesfoundation/

Acá les dejaré una serie de Wallets, monederos si gustas puedes donar o colaborar con nosotros de la siguiente forma:

Unknown Heroes Byteball (unknownheroes):
M76ZQBJOFPXSGERJYKJO62JOVPQPJDH6

Donation Help Wallets:

Dash:
XrtY5HaV4aPGdTcC85r81qS2kK2Y8L1ZZf

Donations – in Steemit (SBD: steem dolars):

Héroes Anónimos Steemit Wallet / Monedero:
https://steemit.com/@unknownheroes/transfers

Unknown Heroes Paypal:
Paypal Acount International:

Cuenta: Nahu Padilla
País: Venezuela
Mail: [email protected]

Agradecido con todos ustedes, Atentamente: Nahu Padilla

English:

Do you want to collaborate with us?

Here I will leave you a series of Wallets, so if you like, you can donate or collaborate make a deposit in the this wallet address:

Unknown Heroes Byteball (unknownheroes):
M76ZQBJOFPXSGERJYKJO62JOVPQPJDH6

Donation Help Wallets:

Dash:
XrtY5HaV4aPGdTcC85r81qS2kK2Y8L1ZZf

Donations – in Steemit (SBD: steem dolars):
@unknownheroes Steemit Wallet / Monedero:
https://steemit.com/@unknownheroes/transfers

Unknown Heroes Paypal:
Paypal Acount International:

Cuenta: Nahu Padilla
País: Venezuela
Mail: [email protected]

Thanks to all, Blessings. Sincerely yours: Nahu Padilla

Personal Security & Adventure Travel

January 1, 2020 by John J Gentry Leave a Comment

Personal Security & Adventure Travel – In light of the recent attacks in Paris and the lock-down of Brussels for an imminent terror threat one should consider their personal security situation. Since traveling around the world to remote areas our more crowded cities requires some different approaches we will concentrate on situation based awareness security. Below are some tips to consider while planning and executing your trip. We have traveled to the Far East. The Middle East and yes sometimes that included areas where terrorism has existed or does exist. Some places in Mexico where drug cartels operate without any opposition from the federal government can also be just as dangerous.

Persönliche Sicherheit und Abenteuerreisen – Angesichts der jüngsten Anschläge in Paris und der Sperrung Brüssels für eine unmittelbar bevorstehende Terrorgefahr sollte die persönliche Sicherheitslage berücksichtigt werden. Da das Reisen in entlegene Gebiete in unseren überfüllten Städten verschiedene Ansätze erfordert, konzentrieren wir uns auf situationsbezogene Bewusstseinssicherheit. Im Folgenden finden Sie einige Tipps, die Sie bei der Planung und Durchführung Ihrer Reise berücksichtigen sollten. Wir sind nach Fernost gereist. Der Nahe Osten und ja manchmal auch Gebiete, in denen Terrorismus existiert hat oder existiert. Einige Orte in Mexiko, an denen Drogenkartelle ohne Widerstand der Bundesregierung operieren, können ebenso gefährlich sein.

AIR TRAVEL

Personal Security & Adventure Travel should be front and center when booking your plane tickets please consider these tips and use them as a guide. Location, airline and the people who use the airline can make you a target so always assume you are being watched. Remember we are not talking about living in fear but to have situational awareness, and to ensure you have the survivor skills in case something goes wrong.

FLUGREISEN

Beachten Sie bei der Buchung Ihrer Flugtickets diese Tipps und geben Sie sie als Richtschnur an. Standort, Fluggesellschaft und die Personen, die die Fluggesellschaft nutzen, können Sie zum Ziel machen. Gehen Sie also immer davon aus, dass Sie beobachtet werden. Denken Sie daran, wir reden nicht davon, in Angst zu leben, sondern Situationsbewusstsein zu haben und sicherzustellen, dass Sie die Überlebensfähigkeiten besitzen, falls etwas schief geht.

Personal Security & Adventure Travel

Planning the Trip

• To the degree possible, avoid carriers that are both high-risk and lax in
their security.

• Choose flights with the fewest number of intermediate stops. Intermediate
stops provide terrorists not inclined toward suicide with opportunities to
plant explosives and then deplane.

• Select your seat carefully. A seat next to an over-the-wing emergency exit
is best, but a position near an alternate exit also is acceptable. To put a
little distance between yourself and any confrontation in the aisle, select a
window seat whenever possible.

Reise planen

• Vermeiden Sie nach Möglichkeit Träger, die sowohl ein hohes Risiko aufweisen als auch nachlassen ihre Sicherheit.

• Wählen Sie Flüge mit der geringsten Anzahl Zwischenstopps. Mittlere Anschläge bieten Terroristen, die nicht zum Selbstmord neigen, die Möglichkeit, Explosivstoffe pflanzen und dann abheben.

• Wählen Sie Ihren Sitzplatz sorgfältig aus. Ein Sitzplatz neben einem Notausgang ist am besten, aber eine Position in der Nähe eines alternativen Ausgangs ist ebenfalls akzeptabel. A wenig Abstand zwischen Ihnen und einer Konfrontation im Gang, wählen Sie a Fensterplatz, wann immer möglich.

Packing

The following items are potentially provocative:

• A passport that shows travel to controversial countries such as Israel.
Passports with visa stamps from such countries should be replaced. The U.S.
passports can be turned in at U.S. Department of State passport offices
and new, “clean” passports obtained. Countries that know they add risks to foreigners will now not stamp your passport but make sure to ask them when you arrive.

• ID cards for the military reserve or cards showing membership in a political
party, political action group, veterans’ organization, or any group that can
be considered controversial.

• Business cards or letterhead—your own or those of associates—citing
companies in controversial industries, especially cards indicating titles
such as “Director, Weapons Sales” or “Manager, Special Weapons
Development Group.” If carried at all, they should be relegated to
checked baggage.

• Any other materials linking you to your company, if your company is in
a controversial industry. This would include company literature such as
annual reports, jewelry, polo shirts, luggage tags, or other items bearing
the company’s logo—even credit cards issued in the company’s name.

• Letters that provide personal financial data or other sensitive information.
Personal data can be used to pressure you into taking actions or making
statements against your will.

• Expensive jewelry such as large diamond rings or pins, gold chains or
medallions, and gold watches.

• Clothing that sets you apart from the crowd.

• Reading matter that may be offensive (such as racy magazines) or
provocative (this guide, for example).

Verpackung

Die folgenden Punkte sind möglicherweise provokativ:

• Ein Reisepass, der Reisen in umstrittene Länder wie Israel anzeigt. Reisepässe mit Visastempeln aus solchen Ländern sollten ersetzt werden. Den USA Pässe können in den Passbüros des US-Außenministeriums abgegeben werden und neue, “saubere” Pässe erhalten. Länder, die wissen, dass sie das Risiko für Ausländer erhöhen, stempeln jetzt nicht mehr Ihren Reisepass, sondern fragen Sie sie bei Ihrer Ankunft.

• Ausweise für die Militärreserve oder Ausweise, die die Mitgliedschaft in einem politischen Amt belegen Partei, politische Aktionsgruppe, Veteranenorganisation oder jede Gruppe, die dies kann umstritten sein.

• Visitenkarten oder Briefbögen – Ihre eigenen oder die von Mitarbeitern – zitieren Unternehmen in umstrittenen Branchen, insbesondere Karten mit Titelkennzeichnung wie “Director, Weapons Sales” oder “Manager, Special Weapons” Development Group. “Wenn überhaupt, sollten sie absteigen kontrolliertes Gepäck.

• Alle anderen Materialien, die Sie mit Ihrem Unternehmen verbinden, sofern sich Ihr Unternehmen in befindet eine umstrittene Branche. Dies würde Firmenliteratur wie Geschäftsberichte, Schmuck, Poloshirts, Gepäckanhänger oder andere Gegenstände tragen das Firmenlogo – auch Kreditkarten, die im Namen des Unternehmens ausgestellt wurden.

• Briefe, die persönliche Finanzdaten oder andere vertrauliche Informationen enthalten. Personenbezogene Daten können verwendet werden, um Sie zum Ergreifen von Maßnahmen oder zum Tätigen von Maßnahmen zu drängen Aussagen gegen Ihren Willen.

• Teurer Schmuck wie große Diamantringe oder -nadeln, Goldketten oder Medaillons und goldene Uhren.

• Kleidung, die Sie von der Masse abhebt. • Lesestoff, der anstößig sein kann (z. B. rassige Zeitschriften) oder provokativ (dieser Leitfaden zum Beispiel).

At the Airport

• Know the scheduled time of departure for your flight and plan your arrival
at the airport so that you have enough time for processing. Take into
consideration baggage check-in and security inspections.

• Spend a minimum of time in the public lobby areas, which carry the
highest risks of bombings and other terrorist incidents. Proceed as soon as
possible to the security checkpoint and pass into the “sterile area” of the
departure gates.

• Avoid people who are receiving special attention from airline employees
or the press, as well as those who appear to be holding unusually
animated conversations. Avoid disturbances of any kind. Move away from
potential trouble, not toward it as many people are inclined to do.

• Be alert to an influx of uniformed security or police officers or to airline
personnel milling about with two-way radios. If airport officials order an
evacuation of the area, take a position in the center of the group with as
many people around you as possible. Do not take the lead or straggle.

• Never ignore “gut” feelings. If something feels amiss, it very well maybe.
Follow your instincts to a safe harbor.

• If a fellow passenger appears to be acting in an unusual manner, report
your suspicions to an airline employee or to the authorities.”

Am Flughafen

• Kennen Sie die geplante Abflugzeit für Ihren Flug und planen Sie Ihre Ankunft am Flughafen, damit Sie genügend Zeit für die Bearbeitung haben. Nehmen Sie in Gegengepäckaufgabe und Sicherheitskontrollen.

• Verbringen Sie ein Minimum an Zeit in den öffentlichen Lobbybereichen, in denen die höchste Risiken von Bombenanschlägen und anderen terroristischen Vorfällen. Fahren Sie fort, sobald möglich zum Sicherheitskontrollpunkt und in den “sterilen Bereich” des Abflug Gates.

• Vermeiden Sie Personen, die besondere Aufmerksamkeit von Mitarbeitern der Fluggesellschaft erhalten oder die Presse, sowie diejenigen, die ungewöhnlich zu halten scheinen animierte Gespräche. Vermeiden Sie Störungen jeglicher Art. Von etwas weg gehen potenzielle Probleme, nicht so viele Menschen sind dazu geneigt.

• Achten Sie auf den Zustrom von uniformierten Sicherheitskräften, Polizeibeamten oder Fluggesellschaften Personal fräst sich mit Funkgeräten herum. Wenn Flughafenbeamte eine Bestellung aufgeben evakuierung der fläche positionieren sie sich in der mitte der gruppe mit as viele Menschen um dich herum wie möglich. Übernimm nicht die Führung oder streife nicht.

• Ignorieren Sie niemals „Bauchgefühle“. Wenn sich etwas falsch anfühlt, ist es vielleicht sehr gut. Folgen Sie Ihrem Instinkt zu einem sicheren Hafen.

• Wenn ein Mitreisender auf ungewöhnliche Weise zu handeln scheint, melden Sie dies Ihre Verdächtigungen gegenüber einem Mitarbeiter der Fluggesellschaft oder den Behörden. “

Since most of us travel to areas that can make us stand out it is always important to keep these travel tips in mind and to prepare our minds to handle our personnel travel security. Personal Security & Adventure Travel requires a mindset and this does require some preparation of thought. So prepare in all areas and enjoy your time traveling around the world. We will release more tips on this subject over the next month and hope to better prepare our readers for the current reality as it is.

Da die meisten von uns in Gebiete reisen, die uns von anderen abheben können, ist es immer wichtig, diese Reisetipps im Hinterkopf zu behalten und sich auf die Reisesicherheit unserer Mitarbeiter vorzubereiten. Persönliche Sicherheit und Abenteuerreisen erfordern eine Denkweise, und dies erfordert eine gewisse Vorbereitung des Denkens. Bereiten Sie sich also in allen Bereichen vor und genießen Sie Ihre Zeit auf Reisen um die Welt. Wir werden im nächsten Monat weitere Tipps zu diesem Thema veröffentlichen und hoffen, unsere Leser besser auf die aktuelle Realität vorbereiten zu können.

Happy Travels,

Personal Security & Adventure Travel

ExploreTraveler.com

Some of these tips come from:

Chubb Group of Insurance Companies.

MANAGING TRAVEL RISKS
Tips on International Business Travel
The Ackerman Group LLC
International Security Consultants
Form 14-01-0178 (Rev. 2/14)