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Travel Tips | Taiwan Travel Tips ~ ExploreTraveler

ExploreTraveler has always been about having travel tips that everyday travelers could use to improve their travel experience. Our articles, videos, podcasts, and more are here to allow you to access information for free. Our Taiwan travel tips, and or 25 travel tips that could save your life is all about you the public learning from others before you. Our articles focus on common everyday information for adventurers, and family travelers. Our information is based on our real daily life, and on places, we have traveled to for work, vacation, or just everyday fun. We come from a historic, and archeology standpoint in order to share detailed information that we found interesting during our travels. From our adventures in Taiwan, Alaska, and all over Asia we offer our ideas on scuba diving, photography, and even the gear we use. We also record videos embedded into our information on the kind of food we enjoy while traveling or even the freeze-dried options we use for hiking and camping in Alaska.

Pangingisda Sa Pilipinas

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gamit sa pangingisda ngayon
Pangingisda Sa Pilipinas

Tingnan Ang Iyong Bawat Hakbang Sa Daungang Gawa Sa Lumang Kawayan

Pangingisda Sa Taas ng Dagat

Ang pangingisda sa Pilipinas, ay katulad sa walang katapusang paghahabulan ng pusa at daga, ay isa sa paraan ng pamumuhay sa Pilipinas. Sa mainit at maalinsangan hapon, ang mga mangingisda ay naghahanda sa kanilang mga bangka para sa gabing pangingisda. Ang tahimik na nayon ay nabubuhay na ka kagaya ng mga bloke ng yelo isinasakay sa kahoy na bangka. Minsan ay mas lalong nahihirapan ang mga mangingisda , na maaring tumaob ang Bangka sa dulo ng pinaka lumang daungan ng bangkang gawa sa kawayan. Ang mga daungang ito ay ginagamit pa rin ng mga bhasang mangingisda na ginagamit ito n g may pag-aalaga. Walang lugar dito ang pag-kakamali! Ang pangingisda ay ang pangunahing ikinabubuhay dito kaya ang ganitong daungan ay simpleng problema lamang sa kanila. Sa pag dating ng gabi ang mga bangkang gawa sa kahoy ay ilalagay na sa karagatan….patungo sa gawi na kung nasaan ang maraming mga isda.

Ang bangka ay may kawayan na batangan upang mabigyan sila ng matatag na sasakyan sa magaspang na tubig ng dagat. Ang bangka na ginagamit sa pangingisda ay karaniwang hindi hihigit sa 30 talampakan ang haba. Ang mga maliliit na bangkang pangisda ay  gumana sa bahurang panahon ng mainit na gabi. Ang mga mangingisdang ito ay pa tungo sa mayamang bahura sa China Sea. Dito ay umaasa silang makahuli ng blue marlin, red grouper, yello-fin na tuna,at mga ulang ilan lamang itong uri ng pagkaing dagat ang maari nilang mahuli sa lugar. Maraming uri ng isda ang naninirahan sa bahurang ito. Ang pangingisda sa bahurang ito ay ang ikinabubuhay ng mga mangingusda sa Pilipinas. Ang ganitng bahura ay isang mala langit na lugar para sa mga tao na ang pinagkakakitaan ay ang dagat.

Sa panahon kung saan madalas na may mga Internasyunal na alitan at internasyonal na pagaagawan sa bahura, ang mga mangingisda ay laging nasa harap ng linya. Maraming mga araw na ang kanilang nadadalang isda sa kanilang daongan ay pa unti ng pa unti. Ang pangingisda ay isang paraan ng kanilang pinamumuhay at ang isda ay ang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng protinang kinakain sa Pilipinas. Kaya henerasyon pagkatapos ng henerasyon ng mangingisda ang gumawa ng kanilang mga paraan ng pangingisda sa dagat sa bawat gabi. Ang kanilang pag-asa ……. ang maka hatak ng maraming isda hangga’t kaya nila.

Pangingisda ay ang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng kita para sa marami sa mga maliliit na nayon. Pagsasaka ng palay din ay isa sa mga pangunahing napagkukunan kada segundo. Wala silang iba pang mga industriya upang asahan. Ikaw ay kung hindi man magbubukid tiyak na isang mangingsida. Kung ikaw ay anak ng isang mangingisda …… tiyak na ikaw ay mangingisda. Kung ang iyong ama naman ay isang magsasaka … .ikaw ay isang magsasaka. Kaya sa baba ng baybayin ng dagat may komunidad na naghihintay sa bawat umaga, upang makita ang bangkang pangisda na bumalik sa daungan. Sila ay nangisda buong magdamag kaya umaasang meron silang huling maraming mackerel o di kaya ay pugita.

Pababa sa daungan sa maliit na nayon ng mga mangingisda ay mga asawa ng mga mangingisda na naghintay buong magdamag at ngayon ay naghahanap kung nasaan na ang kanilang mga asawa at umuwi na sa kanilang mga tahanan. Ito marahil ay tahimik na nayon, ngunit ang mga ito ay mga gising kapag sila ay tinatawag na…… ang bangkang pangisda ay dumadating na! Ang mga pamilya ng mangingisda ay isang kaponan, na kung saan ang mga kababaihang asawa ng ga angingisda ay tinatahi ang kanilang mga lambat na nasira ng nagdaang pangingisda sa gabi. Ang mga bangka ay isang beses muling dadaong sa mga maliit na daungang kawayan, ang mga isda ay inilalagak at binibenta. Ang restawrant at palengke ang higit na nananabik na makuha ang kanilang parte, sa huli kada araw. Ang isda ay kinakain ng karamihan ng mga lokal na populasyon. Magandang at sariwang isda ay nararapat, kung nais mong upang manatili sa negosyo.

Ang mga anak na lalaki ang naglilinis ng bangka para sa susunod na gabi at ang mangingisda ay umuuwi na sa kanilang tahanan upang matulog. Di lang magtatagal ay mangingisda uli ang mga mangingisda. Ito ang buhay ng isang nayon ng mga mangingisda sa Pilipinas.

Ang ExploreTraveler ay naglilikha ng mga artikulo sa paglalakbay, mga libro, mga video, at mga podcast para sa ilang taon na ngayon. Ito ay ang aming layunin upang dalhin ang aming mas lumang mga materyales para sa iba upang tamasahin ditto, at upang lumikha ng mga bagong materyal dito pati na rin. Inaanyayahan ka naming i-click ang aming mga link sa mga orihinal na nilalaman, at upang sundan din kami doon.

Ang post na ito ay orihinal nai-publish sa Marso 23, 2015 sa:

Fishing in the Philippines

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“Ang pagtulong na dalhin sa mundo ng sama-sama ang isang kaibigan sa isang pagkakataon. Kaya maglakbay at tuklasin na ang mundo ay puno ng mga kahanga-hangang mga tao.”  – ExploreTraveler

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Traveling and Mental Health

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“The world is a book, and those who do not travel, know only one page”- Saint Augustine

Travel can be an exhilarating experience and no matter how taxing it gets, one can just never get enough of it. After a while, it becomes a habit and finally an addiction. But this is the kind of addiction that one needs to have in their life because the health benefits of traveling are many. What needs to be understood is that the human lifespan is too short to be spent on unnecessary worries and stress as beyond all the trouble and distress lies a world that only knows adventure, a world where there are people but no judgments, curiosity but no greed, and one needs to get out of his/her comfort zone to make it all happen and experience the magical positive effects of traveling.

Travel is not just about making memories and meeting new people; there are benefits that go beyond all of this. We are not talking about physical fitness here, it is the mental health, that traveling has an impact upon. We often brush aside the significance of mental health and the result is horrible. Traveling can not only have a healing impact on one’s psyche, but it can lead to certain cognitive developments as well.

So here in this article, we shall delve into such exceptional impacts of travel on the psyche or mental health.

  • Breaking the status quo

Whether you travel abroad, to a different district or state, or even the nearest town, it affects your mental health, as it breaks the negative and monotonous cycle that seriously can mess your life up. It is this cycle that we need to break in order to keep ourselves away from the distress that a routine-based life can bring along.  Besides once you are back to your same old routine after traveling, you start anew and can work harder than before.

Going somewhere you have never been before, can have a completely different and invigorating impact on your life and your psyche. Another way to break the monotony is to connect with nature. Connecting with nature is as good as connecting with yourself, as this again, is a revivifying experience altogether. Further, traveling to a place with scenic beauty can help treat depression and distress. Therefore, going on weekly nature trails and exploring nature and thus yourself can be a rejuvenating experience. So this is one of the major reasons why travel is good for your mental health.

Traveling helps you break the negative cycle and improve your mental health.

  • Gaining a new perspective

Traveling is about learning. Learning about new places, about new cultures and traditions, meeting new people, learning their languages and dialects, is about survival and realizing the eternal concept of life. Travel is about learning different ways to live life. Traveling to new places and getting acquainted with the culture of that place helps you gain a different perspective. We start seeing the world in a different light. The kind of knowledge and perspective you gain from traveling can make you think against the customs and the norms of the world.

The Sri Lankan culture, for instance, and their way of living, is completely different from those of Mexicans. The cultures of Canada and Hawaii differ largely. But every place has its own lifestyle and when you travel to such different places, you imbibe their culture and implement it in your own life and this is what multiculturalism is all about.

So when you keep yourself preoccupied with traveling, learning, and gaining new experiences and perspectives, you leave no place for distress, depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses to kick in. And, this is actually the real meaning of staying healthy while traveling.

  • Lowering stress levels

Years of hard work, sleepless days and nights, an unhealthy diet, and an awful load of stress. All this, just for a few thousand dollars! Is this really the way you want to spend your precious life. You need a break from such a lifestyle because it increases the chances of a mental breakdown, depression, and even a heart attack. This is when one needs to understand why traveling is of great importance. A tedious lifestyle is the major cause of high-stress levels. When you set out on a trip, with your friends, family, or even by yourself, you prioritize yourself over your work schedules, otherworldly worries, and commitments.  Studies have shown that just having a trip planned is enough for our minds to feel content. In other words, the anticipation of a getaway makes us feel the happiest and there are no better health benefits of traveling than this.

So when you travel, you are away from all the taxing activities and thus your body releases the hormone, serotonin, also known as the happy hormone. Mental health is thus largely affected positively when you travel because stress is the major cause of any mental illness and stress is exactly what traveling acts against. Lowering the stress levels and refreshing the mind and the body is what traveling does.

  • It’s about the confidence

Travel is undoubtedly about releasing stress, connecting with yourself, and making memories with your loved ones. But what most of us miss to notice is that travel is also about meeting new people and spending enough time with them to know their culture and tradition. Traveling is not just hanging out with your friends having a couple of beers or visiting the spas around. It can also involve roaming around on scorching days, getting lost, and sometimes getting broke as well. All this, is a part of travel, as is stress, a part of life. But what it teaches you is to find your way through and get back on track.

Traveling infuses a unique kind of attitude in you. While traveling, when you meet new people, you let go of your fears and your anxiety and when you overcome those fears, you discover a new part of yourself, you never knew even existed. That is exactly what traveling is about. It makes you courageous and increases your self-esteem too.

  • Travel is about self-care

Your mind and your mental health will remain intact as long as you take care of them. The moment your stress level increases, the mental health will start deteriorating. A weekly or even monthly trip to an unknown place can make all the difference. After all the frustration, deadlines, and heavy workload, it becomes utterly significant for the brain to get some rest. Now, nine hours of sleep wouldn’t just be the answer to this, as one would wake up to the same tedious routine once again. What the mind needs is a refreshing holiday. Traveling is the easiest way to refresh the brain as you need to break the monotony.

Besides, travel planning can be really exciting and can give you the satisfaction of doing things your way, which your work wouldn’t. So, when you travel, you are doing yourself a favor and treating yourself and your body, which is an act of self-care, leading ultimately to a healthy psyche.

  • Traveling enhances creativity

Traveling not only helps you get rid of extreme distress, but it helps in cognitive developments as well. So it’s not just about packing your bags and setting out on an unexplored journey, but about the impact this whole process can have on your cognitive skills. Further, it is a proven fact, that traveling increases cognitive flexibility, which in turn enhances creativity. People who travel often can be more creative than the ones who do not.

Further, extended traveling may also improve your problem-solving skills and increase your productivity as well. It is also important to note that traveling can only stimulate creativity when you travel to a new place and get acquainted with the culture over there. Therefore, multiculturalism can pave the way for creativity.

  • Traveling makes the mind strong

The work environment is usually taxing and bland and it takes out most of your energy. It is a place where job uncertainties prevail and the workload is humongous. So at the end of the day a person is drained and exhausted, not to mention, what working for months in the same condition feels like. Traveling to a place quiet and ambient with your loved ones can be a true treat for one. Besides, when you happen to travel to new places and meet new people, you try to adapt to their environment, which is an enriching experience for the mind.

This is when your psyche learns to blend in with the new environment and you are out of your comfort zone, which makes you emotionally stronger and flexible. This perhaps is the easiest way to strengthen your mind and prepare yourself for any difficulty that may befall you. It is therefore your mind that benefits the most out of this treat, making it very clear why travel is good for your mental health.

  • Travel makes you empathetic

Most of us, due to our personal experience and someone else’s opinion, set our own views and perspectives about certain sections of the society or people. These views are based on personal and someone else’s experience. When you travel, you come across all kinds of people and there is a great chance that your opinion of those people is just an unconscious bias towards them. When you spend time with them, you realize how prejudiced the mind can become, making way for some positive effects of traveling.

Traveling is the best way to avoid prejudices as you learn to be empathetic towards people and when you travel to several places, you learn a lot about different personalities of different people across the world.

  • Travel makes you emotionally stable

Not only is travel a stress buster, but it also makes you emotionally stable. This is one aspect of travel that we do not pay much attention to, but it is one of the most significant aspects of all. The common result of daily hassles has an extremely negative impact on our psyche, but when we set out on small trails and trips, we tend to open up to people around us as well as the people we meet. So, travel can, in fact, strengthen the openness aspect of our personalities.

Travelers have to adapt to new environments, new people, and their cultures and the more one engages with this newness, the more will he/she be broad-minded. Therefore, regular travelers are more emotionally stable than non-travelers.

  • Travel can strengthen relationships

We often find people around us, who are completely work driven or career-oriented and are extremely successful. What matters here is whether they are really happy or do they spend time with their families because it is usually the family we work for and in pursuance of our dearly dreams and goals, we work so hard that what matters to us the most is left aside and we hardly have time for our loved ones and this puts a strain on those relationships, and these rifts usually lead to divorces and regrets. This is why traveling with your loved ones, won’t only act as a stress buster for you, but it will also help, revive your bonds with them. It is the healthiest way to improve your relationship.

  • Travel helps you to be physically fit

You can hit the gym and workout every day and still be unfit. This is because mental health is much more important than physical health and one cannot be psychologically ill and physically fit.  When you travel, your mind is active and is in a continuous state of excitement and happiness. So when you are mentally fit and blooming, you are physically as well as psychologically fit.

There have been cases where chronic illnesses have been treated with a change in the environment because it is the mind that is in control of the body and as the psyche is enriched, your body recovers automatically.

Conclusion

We often forget the true purpose of humanity and instead of discovering our true potential; we get entangled with all kinds of unnecessary worldly affairs. To travel is to let go of all those worries and expectations, to rebuild ourselves, and to treat our mind the way it deserves to be treated.  It’s high time to reap the health benefits of traveling and make the most of your time.  After all,

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all…”- Hellen Keller

25 Travel Tips That Can Save Your Life!

Exploring Mount Nebo

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View from Mt Nebo Israel

                  Mount Nebo Adventure

“The Promised Land” as Seen by ‪Moses on the top of Mount ‪Nebo in‪ Jordan is breathtaking. Mount Nebo is over 3,000 feet high and is just NW of Madaba across from the Northernmost part of the Dead Sea. According to ancient tradition, it was from Mount Nebo that Moses looked out over “The Promised Land” before he died. We have the account of this experience recorded for us in the 34th chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Scriptures.

“Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land… Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

“And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.” Deuteronomy 34:1-6

Mount Nebo is an important site for Jews, Arabs, and Christians. Many visitors and pilgrims come to Jordan to visit this famous mountain in the land of Moab. Many Christians include this area in their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The site is owned and cared for by the Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church. They have discovered many treasures from an earlier church on the site. They have found, not only significant remains of the early Byzantine Church itself but many magnificent Byzantine mosaics. At the current time, a small simple structure has been built over these remains to protect them. The site is dedicated to Moses.

              As Far As The Eye Can See

As for as, the eye can see is the Holy Land as seen from Mount Nebo. It is amazing! Think about looking out over the side of Mount Nebo and seeing across the Holy Land and beyond. You literally see all of the Holy Land and even beyond its borders. Looking toward the north is the valley of the River Jordan. The West Bank and the city of Jericho can usually be seen from the summit. Also on a clear day, you can see the City of Jerusalem. What a magnificent view! What is the History of this astonishing view? Why is Mount Nebo so special? Come along with us as we explore the history of Jordan’s Mount Nebo.

In exploring the writings of the Fourth Century, we meet a Pilgrim Nun named Egeria. In her writings, she shares about a Sanctuary built on Mount Nebo to honor Moses. It is thought that this church was built on the site of an earlier sanctuary. This church was completed in the year 394. This large church had three apses or semicircles on the Eastside. The altar was located in the apses with arches and a domed roof. Two funeral chapels completed the building. One was on the Northside and the other on the South side. What a magnificent building it must have been!

During the Sixth Century, we see even more change and excitement for this small church. The church was enlarged and then made into a Basilica. The Basilica was completed with a sacristy and new baptistery. There are many surviving floor mosaics that date from c.530 AD. The mosaics are beautiful! Soon after, a large monastery was built and a pilgrimage center. This was a thriving Basilica and Monastery for over six centuries. The Pilgrimage Center was constantly in use. Many Muslims visit the Memorial Church of Moses each year. Moses is considered a prophet to Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. Many pilgrimages continue to this day.

This outstanding site was mostly abandoned by 1564. It remained highly neglected for many centuries. It was purchased by the Franciscan Order in 1993. The site was then excavated and restored. The modern additions to the excavated church have been very simple. They are little more than a basic shelter that protects the excavations and ancient mosaic floors.

On March 19, 2000, Pope John Paul II was its first distinguished visitor. He came to the chapel during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While he was there he planted an Olive Tree next to the Benzidine Chapel For Peace.

Today, Mount Nebo is an active Franciscan Monastery. The Franciscan Archaeological Institute also has its headquarters within the Monastery. This is a special stop for both visitors and pilgrims. Many come every year to walk in the steps of Moses.

       The Great Rock On Mount Nebo

The Great Stone on Mount ‪Nebo is believed to be from the Tomb of Jesus. It stands today‬ as a memorial to ‪Moses. During recent years, the rock has been measured and found to fit the tomb exactly. The tomb also has the original stop for the rock when moved into place. Today it stands on the very spot that it is thought that Moses stood to look at the “Promised Land.” What a spectacular view!

           Brazen  Serpent Monument

A serpentine cross sculpture stands at the top of the Mountain. This was the creation of Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni.  This monument is symbolic of the bronze serpent that was created by Moses in the wilderness. The words of Jesus in John 3:14 appear on the Monument.

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”

The story of the bronze serpent is found in the Hebrew Bible in Numbers 21:4-9. The cross symbolizes the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The words are recorded in the New Testament Scriptures in John 3:14.

               The Ancient Baptistery

As you enter the Memorial Church of Moses on Mount Nebo, keep to the left for a magnificent surprise. You will see the excavated Baptistery complete with the most spectacular mosaics ever excavated. These magnificent mosaics can be skillfully dated to August 531, thanks to an inscription in Greek. It also lists the three workers on this project and the Bishop at the time it was built. The Bishop listed was Bishop Elias.

These amazing pristine mosaics were preserved in part, due to a second Baptistery that was laid over the top of the ancient Baptistery in 597. These spectacular mosaics remained undiscovered for over 1400 years. It was not until the excavation in 1976 that the first mosaic was found. It was restored and hangs on a wall.

These mosaics were very large squares that were divided into 4 real-life strips. These strips contained scenes of men and animals depicting a way of life. Each had a nice border. The top two sections depict extreme hunting scenes. The first scene shows a humble shepherd fighting a lion and the second a soldier in a fierce fight with a lioness. The other scene shows two horseback hunters engaged in a fight with a bear and a wild boar. All four of these mosaics show the precise detail of the artist.

The bottom scenes are very pastoral and calming. The first shows a shepherd watching after his sheep and goats while under the cover of a tree. The second depicts a darker-skinned man leading an Ostrich on a leash. Another scene shows a young boy with a Zebra on a leash. The final scene shows a large spotted animal that looks much like a camel, though it could also be a zebra.

There are many more mosaics hanging in the central section of the church and on the side aisles. There are many pieces of the almost 600 tiles that made up the magnificent mosaic pavement. One of the most outstanding and oldest mosaics is a braided cross that is displayed on the south wall. There are also many mosaics taken from the Church of George in Mukhiya. These mosaics have a very old Arabic script, though it is not yet clear which one or how old.

To one side of the Baptistry hangs an extraordinary mosaic cross. The cross was excavated from the original Fourth Century Church and now hangs on the new modern altar. Next to the altar is a photograph of the Pope praying at this modern altar. The cross is shown in the background.

                  Theotokos Chapel

As you prepare to exit the Memorial Church of Moses there is a simple chapel over three of the rooms of the old Monastery. In the semi-circles on the East side of the church is a mosaic of a square object that may be a vessel used for the Eucharist or maybe an altar canopy. The mosaic also features many bulls and gazelles. The floor of the chapel is laid with many original mosaics of plants and animals of the time period. All these shed light on what life was like during the fourth to the seventh centuries.

             The Ancient Monastery

On the highest section of Mount Nebo, Syagha were found the complete remains of an ancient Byzantine church and the original monastery. These were found in the excavation of 1933. The walls of this ancient monastery can be seen as you exit and go outside.

Today the work of excavation continues as visitors and monks work and pray hand in hand. Morning and evening there is prayer in the monastery and all workers who desire are welcome to join. There are simple accommodations for a few workers at a time. During the day the many workers continue to locate the new treasure and categorize the previous treasure found. The work is exacting but many hands make the labor easier. There is an atmosphere of prayer and meditation as they work. Today’s life on Mount Nebo is guided by a principle of simplicity and hard work.

               Caves on Mount Nebo

The Mount Nebo Mountain Range is home to many caves. Some of these caves are shallow and open and others are deep and closed off. One of the deepest mysteries of Mount Nebo is the whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant. According to the ancient Hebrew writings of the Maccabees, it was hidden in a cave on Mount Pisgah, the highest peak in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. According to Second Maccabees, Jeremiah carried the tent, the ark, and the incense altar into a cave on Mount Pisgah and then sealed the opening. The account in Second Maccabees reads as follows:

 2 Maccabees 2:4-8

4″ These same records also tell us that Jeremiah, acting under divine guidance, commanded the Tent of the Lord’s Presence and the Covenant Box to follow him to the mountain where Moses had looked down on the land which God had promised our people. 5 When Jeremiah got to the mountain, he found a huge cave, and there he hid the Tent of the Lord’s Presence, the Covenant Box, and the altar of incense. Then he sealed up the entrance.

6 Some of Jeremiah’s friends tried to follow him and mark the way, but they could not find the cave. 7 When Jeremiah learned what they had done, he reprimanded them, saying,

No one must know about this place until God gathers his people together again and shows them mercy. 8 At that time he will reveal where these things are hidden, and the dazzling light of his presence will be seen in the cloud, as it was in the time of Moses and on the occasion when Solomon prayed that the Temple might be dedicated in holy splendor.”

Whatever your belief about the Ark of the Covenant, one thing is for certain, it is one of the possible mysteries of the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. Archaeologist Crotser, in the fall of 1981, is said to have found the ark and took pictures. No one has dared to touch it. They all remember what happened in the days of old when someone dared to touch this unique golden box. So for now, it still remains one of the mysteries of Mount Nebo in Jordan.

If you are looking for adventure, then consider Mount Nebo. Go beyond the Memorial Church of Moses and climb the beautiful mountain range. Explore all the ruins and treasures. Find the answer to many questions by spending time exploring the wonderful mosaics of the original baptistry. Grab your passport and pack your backpack. Get the necessary permissions if you want to hike the mountain range. A Jordan adventure is waiting in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range.

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Mount Nebo

Mt Nebo

Mt Nebo Israel

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Bahay Kubo: Tradisyonal na pamumuhay ng Filipino sa Bukid

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Tradisyonal na Bahay Kubo

Ang Bahay Kubo ay isang simbolo ng pamumuhay ng buhay sa bukid sa Pilipinas. Ito ang tahanan ng kahapon na nagbago at napanatili hanggang ngayon. Ang Nipa Huts o Bahay Kubo ay isang simbolo ng pamumuhay sa rural ng Pilipinas. Ang mga ito ay naiiba sa iba’t ibang lugar, ayon sa mga kondisyon at kalagayan ng lugar. Ang Bahay Kubo ay isang simbolo ng pamumuhay ng mga Filipino.

Walang tunay na kahulugan kung paano ginawa ang isang bahay kubo, ngunit mayroong maraming mga bagay na karamihan ay magkakatulad. Ang mga kondisyon sa mababang lupain ng Pilipinas ay humantong sa ilang mga pangunahing pagkakatulad. Karamihan sa mga kubo ay nakapaloob sa tatlong pinagpatong-patong. Depende sa kung sila ay nasa o malapit sa tubig. Karamihan sa mga kubo ng Nipa ay itinayo sa mga tungtungan. Dahil ang karamihan sa isla ay may tubig, kadalasan ang ilalim na bahagi ng kubo ay naabot ng tubig na malayang nakakapunta sa ilalim ng kubo. Ito ay totoo lalo na malapit sa baybayin at sa mga lugar na nakapalibot. May ilang mga eksepsiyon sa panuntunang ito sa mga modernong panahon, ngunit sinusunod ito ngayon sa karamihan ng mga lugar. Tanging ang ilan sa mga materyal ay nagbago. Sa ngayon, madalas ang mga tungtungan ay simpleng kongkreto mga bloke ng cinder kaysa sa tradisyonal na kahoy. Anuman ang mga materyales na ginagamit, ang benepisyo sa estilo na ito ay proteksyon mula sa mga baha at pinapanatili din nito ang mga maliliit na hayop sa labas ng lugar, tulad ng mga daga.

Sa itaas ng mga tungtungan ay ang living area o ang tagalong. Ang lugar na ito ay naka dikit sa hagdanan. Ginawa ito nang bukas at maayos ang bentilasyon upang makatulong na mapanatili na malamig ang tahanan at upang makapasok ang natural na liwanag na tumagos sa tahanan. Kadalasan ay may mga slats ng kawayan para sa sahig, na nagbibigay ng malamig na hangin na lumabas mula sa silong. Ang Pilipinas ay napakainit at mahalumigmig, kaya ang tradisyunal na bahay kubo ay nagbibigay-daan para sa paglamig. Pwedeng meron o walang kisame. Kadalasan hindi gumagawa nang kisame upang makalabas ang mainit na hangin sa taas ng nipa at umalis sa bubong.

Ang bubong ay karaniwan nang mataas at matarik na tila,lumilikha ng espasyo sa itaas ng sala para ang mainit na hangin ay dumaloy. Ang mga ito ay binuo na may thatch, isang materyal na madaling magagamit. Nagbibigay ito ng malamig na pakiramdam sa kubo sa mahabang mainit na mainit na tag-init. Ang mga bubong din ay ang dahilan kung bakit marami sa mga maliliit na kubo ang nakaligtas sa pagkahulog ng abo mula sa Mt. Pinatubonung sumabog ito. Maraming mas modernong mga tahanan ang di nakayanan ang bigat ng abo at bumagsak.

Bagaman nagbago ang mga modernong kubo ng Nipa, nanatiling pareho ang disenyo nito. Ang mga pader ay kadalasang itinatayo ng mga kawayan o mga banig na kawayan upang mabigyan ang bahay ng malamig na hangin sa mainit na tag-init at mainit-init sa tag-ulan. Itinayo pa rin ang mga ito sa isang parisukat na hugis at iniiwang bukas para sa liwanag at lamig. Ang mga bintana ay malaki upang makatulong na magbigay liwanag at madalas ay bukas sa isang mahabang kawayan, upang pahintulutanang pag daloy ng hangin. Ito ang modernong bahay kubo-isang simbolo na nakaligtas at inangkop sa paglipas ng panahon.

Sa iyong susunod na paglalakbay sa Southern Leyteng Pilipinas, maglakbay sa mga rural na lugar at makita ang buhay na kasaysayan sa Pilipinas. Ang kasaysayan ay buhay sa Pilipinas, kaya mag impake naat dahil ang iyong bag at kunin na ang iyong pasaporte.

Ang ExploreTraveler ay naglilikha ng mga artikulo sa paglalakbay, mga libro, mga video, at mga podcast para sa ilang taon na ngayon. Ito ay ang aming layunin upang dalhin ang aming mas lumang mga materyales para sa iba upang tamasahin ditto, at upang lumikha ng mga bagong materyal dito pati na rin. Inaanyayahan ka naming i-click ang aming mga link sa mga orihinal na nilalaman, at upang sundan din kami doon.

Ang post na ito ay orihinal na na-publish noong  Jan. 27,2015

Paano bumuo ng iyong sariling Nipa Hut

https://exploretraveler.com/nipa-huts-traditional-filipino-rural-living

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Isla ng Panaon: Southern Leyte, Pilipinas

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Alaska Winter Survival From A Prehistoric Perspective

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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?

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Visit a laboratory for a COVID-19 test. If you have a prior COVID-19 negative report, carry it along.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. If you are not in your resident country while this happens, inform the embassy and contact your family.
  6. 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

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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:

  1. Best things to do on Big Island
  2. Best things to do on Kauai
  3. Best things to do on Maui
  4. Best things to do on Molokai
  5. Best things to do on Oahu
  6. 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

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“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

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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

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

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

Albuquerque 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

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

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

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 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 New Mexico

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

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

Sandia Peak Tramway New mexico

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“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.
  1. 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.

  1. 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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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!