Adventure Travel Vacation

Travel Posters From Another Era

2006-08-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

This is just one of a number of wonderful vintage travel posters at Far and Wide

Go on a virtual adventure today ... slip back in time to a different age in travel.

technorati tags:travel, poster, adventure

Klosters Is A Great Place For A Family Adventure Travel Vacation

2006-07-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

An alpine wonderland full of fun and adventure. Hiking across high alp meadows, picnics by emerald lakes, a thrilling bike ride down the mountain, and sleeping in a mountain house are just some of the fun things we do on this adventure in an alpine playground.

Klosters - A lovely town for families

Friendly locals greet us on our wanders about the lovely village of Klosters. The intimacy and hospitality of Klosters make it a great village for families. Chalet-style buildings, a riverside promenade, and fun places to eat - all set in a picturesque landscape of rolling meadows against rocky peaks.

We stay in a family-friendly hotel with an indoor swimming pool, a great mini golf, tennis courts and other fun to be discovered.

Day 1 - Schwarzsee picnic and down the Schluchtweg

We ride the cable car up to Gotschnaboden on a grassy plateau halfway up the Gotschna. With the rocky Grat looming above us, we take a meandering hike over grassy hillsides and through cool forest.

We emerge from the pine trees into the hamlet of Laret. A short walk down through interesting old houses and farm buildings takes us to the Schwarzsee.

After a relaxing picnic by this lovely little lake we hike down through the Schluchtweg - an easy path winds downwards through a rocky gorge. We continue our easy downhill walk over the grassy meadows above Selfranga. Following the road through the sunburned old houses, we stop in front of big farmhouses with attached barns and a menagerie of cows, goats, and chickens.

Day 2 - Alp hamlet at Schlappin

Gentle trails amongst rugged peaks provide a perfect setting for family fun. Today we ride a gondola up from the opposite side of Klosters - below us a toy landscape of barns dotted over green hillsides.

Our hike takes us along a gentle, panoramic traverse with magnificent views out to yesterday's Gotschna and down to Klosters. We pass the tiny Zügenhüttli and hear the melodic tinkling bells of grazing cows - these gentle Brown Swiss will allow us up close for some petting.

We drop down to the tiny hamlet of Schlappin - a small scattering of houses near a pretty alp lake. A lunch at the Berghaus is followed by a frolic in the quiet Schlappin Valley.

Our return route follows the stream of the Schlappinbach down through a cool forest to Klosters-Dorf.

Day 3 - Parsenn panorama trail and heavenly dessert

We return to the Gotschna - this time we ride the cable car all the way up to the rocky Grat. As our car swoops up the face of the Gotschnagrat, we get a close-up look at the marmot colony that lives in this rugged habitat.

An easy stroll along the Panoramaweg, with broad views across the valley, takes us to the Parsennhütte for lunch. We walk on across Totalp to Schatzalp - here we have a blast riding the summer sledding run.

A ride down to Davos on the funicular and we head over to my favorite pastry shop - the venerable Confiserie Schneider - for a delicious selection of dessert creations. Sitting on the flagstone terrace, we enjoy our tasty selection with a cappuccino or rosehip tea and watch the scene on Davos' busy main street.

Day 4 - Fireworks from our mountain restaurant

Sunny meadows on rolling hillsides make for comfortable hiking. Heading out of Klosters, amongst the old wooden houses of Aeuja and Mälcheti, we hike up and follow along the banks of the icy Landquart. Emerging into the grassy meadows across from Pardenn, we have a great barbecue on the banks of the river.

Climbing up over the Schwendi, we enter the refreshing forest of Monbieler Wald and follow a trail through aromatic pines and across lovely alp clearings.

Tonight, we celebrate Switzerland's Confederation Day at the perfectly located mountain restaurant Alpenrösli. A traditional and delicious dinner of Älplermacaroni and we get ready for the show. In Klosters below us, on top of Gotschna directly across from us, and all the way down the Prättigau Valley, the Swiss are celebrating their Confederation Day with a barrage of fireworks - and we've got ringside seats.

Day 5 - The flying bicycle run to Küblis

We bike out of Klosters into the cool forest behind the Gotschnabahn station. Up the gentle forest path we climb through the Rüti Wald, crossing bridges over wild gorges tumbling down to the valley below.

Our reward comes as we emerge from the forest and plop down on the spacious sun terrace of the Schiferhütte - their golden fried Rösti is heavenly.

We ride out on a path that affords wide panoramas of the Prättigau. From here it's downhill all the way to Küblis - a wonderful long flight along a smooth road through tiny alp farms, ancient hamlets, and into the valley 750 meters below.

After refreshments, we bundle our bikes into a train and return to Klosters the easy way.

Day 6 - Sleeping in a Berghaus, playing on a glacier

The alpine zone is a totally different world from the valley below. We ride in mini-vans up into the Vereinatal - a twisting road up through a rocky gorge deposits us at a solid rock Berghaus sitting in a desolate alpine valley. Heading up through the Frömdvereina, we hike up to the Jöriseen - two pretty glacial lakes where we enjoy a wonderful picnic.

A jaunt across this tiny bowl and we clamber onto the tiny Jöri Glacier for some summertime snow fun. Returning to the Berghaus, we're greeted by a friendly atmosphere and settle down for an enjoyable night.

The large boulders in the side valley entice us for some after-dinner exploring and we bask in the alpenglow as the departing sun turns the peaks to pink and gold. Tonight we sleep in a Lager - a slumber party in the alpine world.

Day 7 - Down through the tumbling Vereina gorge

A brisk wake-up - it gets quite frosty in the alpine zone - and we're ready for a hearty mountain breakfast. Today's hike takes us back down through the gorge alongside the torrent of the Vereinabach. Hiking amongst the fragrant dwarf pine, we're in a habitat quite different from the alpine region of yesterday.

Coming out into the open pastures of Alp Novai, we beeline for the converted alp barn at Garfiun. Sitting outside this rustic rock and log building, overlooking a soft rolling meadow, we enjoy a solid farmer's lunch. At our hotel we end our alpine adventures with a rousing mini golf tournament.

technorati tags:family, adventure, travel, vacation, Klosters, Vereina, Garfiun, Davos, Gotschna, Parsenn

Those adventurous Hungarians

2006-07-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Seems there's a different kind of adventure on Laka Balaton in Hungary. The Hungarian tourism authority is advertising it for those who fancy sex in a boat.

An email is being sent around by Hungary's authorities ... with a link to a cartoon film. Accompanied by a snappy Hungarian pop song from the 1980s, a young blond woman goes out on the lake with a man in a small rowboat. After popping her top (so to speak) she gets his undivided attention and they make waves in the boat.

The tourism authorities was quoted as saying, "The marketing campaign is aimed at selling Balaton as a travel destination primarily for the young generation." Since the man is seen at the end hiding his wedding ring ... have to wonder what kind of young people they're trying to attract ;-)

You can check out the short flick here: http://abalatoninyar.fw.hu/ (Warning: Some cartoon nudity)

technorati tags:Hungary, Hungarian, Balaton, tourism

An adventure in the Himalayas of Tibet

2006-07-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

I received a great tale of adventure in the Himalayas from my Warrior friend Beverly Clement. She and her husband Rob went there to help with a hospital and center. www.robbev.com

You have made it as far as China and now you want to go and explore parts of Tibet that you might not have been to before or even read about.

Wewere heading to a place that was almost difficult to find on a map.We hired a driver, a 4x4 car and a translator, and then off we went over the mountains. It is fairly cheap to hire people to drive you and far safer than trying to drive yourself.

Slowly we climb up the mountains, it was just the end of winter and snow was still plentiful on these mountains. Finally we climbed to just over 4500 metres. Wow the view was amazing. The Himalayas - we are among them and words fail to describe what you see ahead.

From this you can see the road we have just travelled. Remember we are up over 4500 metres. But it wasn’t long before we were slowed down as there had been an accident on this mountain range. It immediately shows you how good a driver you have as he safely goes past it. These photos were taken from the vehicle we were in as we slowly drove past. You want adventure - you get adventure on these mountains.

And as you see it isn’t one vehicle that has gone over the edge, but that vehicle is resting on another van.

And of course you need to look at the problem to make sure the vehicles don’t roll down the mountain. What do you do? Well in China it is simple - stand on the bumper and see what can be done.

And if you are not sure how far it was to roll down the mountain - this is us below the crash.

It is good to know that nobody was injured and the drivers got out safely.

You want adventure; try the mountains of China and Tibet. We promise you that you will not be disappointed with the view you get. The clean air, just be aware of the altitude.

technorati tags:Tibet, Himalayas, adventure, China, mountain

Sunrise in the Alps rewards adventure travelers

2006-07-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

The first rays of the sun strike the high peaks and then slowly descends to the village below - bathing the Alpine meadows in a warm golden glow. Early mornings are a wonderful time for mini explorations.

Early risers enjoy an enjoyable and refreshing "early morning ramble". One morning you take a light saunter through an old part of town, looking at traditional architecture or watching the locals go about their morning chores. On other mornings, you hike up to a vantage point in a meadow where you revel in the early light and the fresh air.

Walk to the bakery and savor the tantalizing aroma of fresh baked temptations. Join a local farmer as he milks his cows.

(Here's the early morning sun bathing my hometwon of Klosters, Switzerland)

Wherever you go on your "early morning rambles", you're sure to build up a healthy appetite. You return to our inn to find the rest of your group congregrating over steaming mugs of rich coffee and sitting down to a hearty breakfast buffet. A map is pulled out, showing today's hike, and soon everyone is poring over it in anticipation of today's adventure.

Get up early on your adventure tour and get the extra reward of a wonderful morning.

technorati tags:Alps, tour, travel, adventure, sunrise

Milford Sound is an adventure travel jewel in New Zealand

2006-07-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Nestled in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park of New Zealand, Milford Sound has been described as one of the Natural Wonders of the World ... with its awe-inspiring Mitre Peak and stunning waterfalls that tumble down into the serene waters.

The sound is located at the northern end of the wild Fiordland, which stretches over 200 kilometers from Milford Sound to Preservation Inlet. On the eastern frontier the forest gives way to the drier and pastoralSouthland and is defined by large lakes. The Tasman Coast lies on thewestern boundary, and to the north lies the Southern Alps.

Fiordland's extraordinary coastline and deep branching lakeswere carved out by glaciers millions of years ago, leaving behind aland hailed for its spectacular scenery ... its isolation ... its wild, uninhabitied environment.
Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world and this rain contributes to the area's beauty, nourishing its rich beech forests. The waters of Milford Sound are a haven for wildlife ... a place where dolphins, seals and penguins are often seen in their natural environment.

If you're planning a visit to New Zealand ... Milford Sound is a destination to seriously consider adding to your vacation. Adventure travel vacations bring you in touch with nature.

technorati tags:Milford, Sound, New, Zealand, adventure, travel, vacation, Mitre, Peak, Fiordland

More adventure than they wanted

2006-07-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

I found this story on Yahoo today. Could this be a new form of adventure travel vacation?

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Two Irish men who stole a fishing trawler after missing their ferry had to be rescued off the British coast where they were going in circles because they did not know how to sail.

After hours at sea, the men called what they thought was the Irish coastguard for help."They thought they were just off the coast of Ireland," said Ray Steadman, press officer of the Holyhead lifeboat in north Wales, about 66 miles east of Ireland.

In fact, the two were just 12 miles north of where they started in Holyhead and had called the British coastguard, Steadman told Irish broadcaster RTE Monday.Lifeboats and a helicopter were sent out to rescue the men, who were detained by police before being released.They were later rearrested after the boat owner discovered some damage to his trawler.

Here's the original story:

Two guys really miss the boat - Yahoo! News

technorati tags:Irish, Ireland, fishing, trawler, adventure

More families are booking adventure travel vacations

2006-07-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

Seems that families are outgrowing the old "week at the beach" vacation. Now, they're heading for the trails ... they're exploring more of their world.

A recent poll of American Express travel agents showed that families are booking more outdoor, adventure-style vacations (62 percent). They're also booking more international vacations (57 percent), cruises (49 percent) and family reunions (41 percent).

technorati tags:adventure, travel, vacation, families, family

Today's adventure: A muggy hike in Japan. Plus ... more Romanian photos.

2006-07-15T04:04:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm not going to talk about adventure travel vacations (well, there are some more photos of Romania to entice you to plan a tour of its wilderness). Instead, I'm going to give you a taste of local hiking in Japan.

Since we live in the concrete jungle of Osaka, my wife and I like to get out into the hills whenever we can. Today, we drove about 1 1/2 hours south to the wilderness.

(Photo of our concrete neighbourhood ... not too many trees in Osaka)

We left the car and headed up a climbing trail to Makio Mountain. Boy, was it hot ... 34.4 degrees C and very muggy. Sweat was pouring in no time. We ground our way up to a fantastic view of a pretty lake below.

Next it was a drop and another climb to Banya Pass -- followed by Bote Pass. More sweating and most of our water bottle decimated.

But, the scenery was fantastic. Here we were -- still near to the second biggest city in Japan -- and we had entered a wonderful wilderness. Few people, lots of trees, and fresh air (something to be treasured when you live in a smoggy urban monster).
Along the trail there were the usual little Jizou (small Buddhist statues that protect the traveler) some of them ageless -- covered in moss, slowly wearing away. I wish I had a slew of photos to show you, but like a dunce I brought a camera with very little film in it ... doh! 1 picture left and it didn't work out. So, here's a photo I found of a Jizou.

We came out in a small out-of-the-way village called Takihata. The village sits wedged in between the mountains and a river. The river looked like a great place to enjoy our lunch ... so we went hunting for a trail down to it -- avoid bushwacking through the thick undergrowth.

We finally found a road that lead down to the river ... only one problem ... a large locked gate. Finally, one of the locals (there never sems to be any people on the streets in these tiny villages) showed their face and I was able to get directions to a trail ... yeah!

It was cool and wonderful. And our lunch ... mmm! I made some quasi-Muffuletta sandwiches and in the heat the cheese had partly melted ... de-e-e-licious. Here's the recipe for 4 sandwiches:

Whole-grain bread -- 8 slices

Ham -- 4 big slices

Cheese (Edam) -- enough to cover

Tomato, sliced -- 1

Onion -- 1/2

Olives -- 1 cup

Garlic, sliced -- 3 cloves

Pepper -- 1/2 tsp

Olive oil -- 2-3 tbsp

Mince a little less than 1/4 of the onion. Put onion, olives, garlic, pepper, and oil in a blender and chop up a bit (don't fully puree -- you want it a bit coarse). Let this mix sit overnight in the fridge.

Spread the olive mixture on all the slices of bread. Slice the remaining onion thinly. Place ham, cheese, tomato, and onion on bread and make a sandwich. The juicy part of the olive spread soaks into the bread and it is delicious.

After lunch, my poor wife was not feling ready to face the grueling hike back in the hot and muggy weather. I do feel sorry for her -- hiking with a mountain man who takes long strides, while she has to do double time to keep up.

So, I left her in Takihata and ran back over the mountains. Actually covered the 3 hour hike in 1 hour and 2 minutes (parts of my lungs are still back on the trail). {Warning: This next two sentences could be construed as a shameless plug, so if you are offended by such actions, please skip to the next paragraph} Ever since I created my program for naturally lowering blood pressure (at http://www.naturalbloodpressure.com)and followed it myself .. my energy has been phenomenal. I am 48 years old, but I feel as if I am just entering my prime and today's run through the sauna of Japan's rainy season felt GREAT!

Today's hike log just goes to show you ... even in the most crowded, noisy urban centers you are just a short hop from some great outdoor adventures.

Now the new Romanian pics

Late yesterday, I received more photos from my friend in Romania. The first one is a photo of the group that Naziana and Octaviam go hiking with. They look like a fun bunch. Now you can meet hiking friends in Romania.

This next photo shows you some of the sweeping valleys in Romania. Wouldn't you love to hike through this? It gives me such a great feeling of wild, rocky land.

Here's one more, to show you some of the other terrain in Romania.

Until tomorrow ... sweet dreams of hiking and adventure.

technorati tags:Japan, hiking, Takihata, adventure, travel, Romania

Adventure Travel Tours: A Day on the Trail

2006-07-14T02:51:00.000-07:00

An adventure travel vacation is a great way to explore your world. Join a group of fun people who share your interests as we go on a day hike in the Alps. Enjoy a little taste of Switzerland.

Up, Up, and Away

After consuming a hearty breakfast, we depart for the trailhead. It's close to our conveniently located inn, so we take a leisurely stroll - greeting friendly locals and shopkeepers along the way.

We board a bright red cable car that whisks us soaring above the valley to a far away peak. One of your companions excitedly nudges you, "Look, marmots!". We gaze at a trio of cuddly creatures staring back at us from the rockface - so close we feel we could reach out and touch them.

We disembark at a solid rock and timber mountain station - now peaceful, this station hosts a clattering mass of skiers during the winter season.

Clean Mountain Air and Emerald Lakes

Breathing in the fresh mountain air, we set out on our trail. Carpets of wildflowers surround us. Gentle cows graze the alpine grasses - serenading us with a cheerful tinkle of bells. Hiking here is so refreshing.

A meandering path leads us through hillocks of glacial moraine, now cloaked in a splendid green, to the edge of a startlingly beautiful emerald lake. The nearby mountains reflect on its surface.

We make a brief stop to admire this natural jewel. Some of our group rambles around the tiny lake - others lay back and enjoy the serenity.

Hiking Amongst Towering Peaks

Our trail continues along a high mountain valley bordered by towering snow-capped peaks. Beautiful Alpenroses form a lovely rolling heath. We tramp across a small snowfield - its coolness underfoot contrasts with the glorious warmth of the alpine sun.

We spy a cairn ahead with the familiar red-and-white trail marking painted on one of its rocks. Rounding a corner we spot our lunchtime destination in the distance - a solid Berghaus growing out of the surrounding rocks.

Lunching on the Sonnenterrasse

As we settle ourselves on a rustic, sun-drenched Sonnenterrasse, a tantalizing smell of frying onions and sausages greets us. Lunch is hearty mountain fare - plates heaped with Rosti mit Spiegeleier und Speck (a wonderfully golden, crispy fried potato pancake with egg and bacon) - served by a flaxen-haired girl in a traditional, powdery-blue farmer's smock.

We wash down our delicious lunch with bottles of local beer and gaze out across a massive glacier winding its way down between two peaks and glistening in the sunlight.

Stunning Views

Well sated, we regain our trail and soon find ourselves breaking out onto a sloping hillside - affording us stunning views of the valley far below. We see a tiny hamlet across the valley, its sun-burned houses and barns surround a central church spire. A massive mountain rears up behind this peaceful scene.

Slowly dropping down a gentle path, we enter a straggle of dwarf pine. We're greeted by a pungent fragrance that reminds us of the cleanliness of this wonderful habitat. The afternoon sun is gaining strength and it's a perfect time for us to enter the cool loaminess of the lower forest. We follow the edge of a cascading glacier-fed creek - its frostiness refreshes the air around us.

Warm Sun and the Smell of Hay

We clatter across an ancient wooden bridge - its surface well worn by generations of cows being driven to Alpine meadows. In the lower pastures, local farmers are harvesting the hay with large wooden rakes. A comforting, sun-rich smell of dried grasses greets us.

Off to the Konditorei

The relaxing smell of hay and the warmth of the sun has put us into a peaceful, lazy mood. We beeline to the nearest Konditorei to debate our biggest decision of the day - is it to be the daintily glazed apricot torte, the decadent chocolate mousse with lashings of whipped cream, or the traditional (and oh so tasty) Engadiner Nusstorte.

We relax in a cozy nook and relieve today's experiences.

Relaxing Back at the Inn

We amble back to our welcoming inn - a great time for relaxed exploration of the local shops. Back at the inn, some members catch up on reading in the inn's glorious wood-paneled library - others send postcards or nap in the warm afternoon sun.

Later, we'll watch as the sun paints the mountains with golden color. An adventure travel vacation in Switzerland is a fantastic experience.

Tomorrow, we set off on another lovely adventure.

Technorati Tags:
adventure, travel, vacation, tour, Switzerland

Romania looks like a great adventure destination

2006-07-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

I just received some fantastic photos of Romania from Stefan Tita. They show the great mountain terrain.

These photos were taken by Naziana and Octavian Mosanu. Naziana is a school inspector and Octaviam is an engineer. They are part of a group that loves hiking in the mountains of Romania.

Looks like another travel destination has been added to my wish list.

Take a look and see if this isn't the kind of place you'd like to lace up your hiking boots and explore. Take a quick virtual adventure tour:

So ... who's off to the mountains of Romania?

EDIT: I've just received some more fabulous pictures from Romania ... I'll post them tomorrow.

technorati tags:Romania, adventure, mountains, travel, tour, hiking

Tips to find adventure in all your travels

2006-07-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

1) Don't just think about about your destination. Instead, discover the treasures along the way.

2) Forget seeing five regions in five days. You shouldn't try to pack it all into one trip. Spend your time in one place ... you'll be able to fully explore the region and find things the regular tourist will never see.

3) Enjoy the unexpected. When your travel takes a wrong turn, let it be an adventure. Sometimes, taking the wrong fork in the trail reveals something extra special.

4) Get inspiration from within. When deciding where to go on your next vacation ... fulfill an old dream. See a place you read about in a novel, saw in a movie, learned about in school. Decide to visit a country just because you like the cuisine.

Adventure tours in Old Australia ... yikes!

2006-07-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

Found this in my news this morning. Adventure travel in Australia -- 10-20 million years ago -- was no vacation. Imagine what the koalas must have looked like.

"SYDNEY (Reuters) - Forget cute, cuddly marsupials. A team of Australian paleontologists say they have found the fossilized remains of a fanged killer kangaroo and what they describe as a "demon duck of doom."

A University of New South Wales team said the fearsome fossils were among 20 previously unknown species uncovered at a site in northwest Queensland state.Professor Michael Archer said on Wednesday the remains of a meat-eating kangaroo with wolf-like fangs were found as well as a galloping kangaroo with long forearms that could not hop like a modern kangaroo."Because they didn't hop, these were galloping kangaroos, with big, powerful forelimbs. Some of them had long canines (fangs) like wolves," Archer told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio.

Vertebrate paleontologist Sue Hand said modern kangaroos look almost nothing like their ferocious forebears, which lived between 10 million and 20 million years ago.The species found at the dig had "well muscled-in teeth, not for grazing. These things had slicing crests that could have crunched through bone and sliced off flesh," Hand said.

The team also found prehistoric lungfish and large duck-like birds."Very big birds ... more like ducks, earned the name 'demon duck of doom', some at least may have been carnivorous as well," Hand told ABC radio.Archer said the team was studying the fossils to better understand how they were affected by changing climates in the Miocene epoch between 5 million and 24 million years ago."

Killer kangaroo, demon duck of doom roamed Outback - Yahoo! News

technorati tags:adventure, travel, Australia

Is this still adventure travel?

2006-07-12T02:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Expedia announced it was partnering up for theme tours. I've been an avid trekker/adventure tourist since I was a child ... and I'm wondering, "Is this still adventure?"

Please have a look and leave a comment here on the blog. Please, let us all know what you think.

"Expedia has taken the idea of web site as travel agent one step further by promoting customizable theme trips it calls Expedia Experiences. The coordinated accomodations, activities and dining fit into a specific theme from the following categories: cultural/historical, exotic/adventure, live event, luxury/glamour, romance and sports. Rather than book online, customers are shown planned itineraries and directed to call a tour specialist partner of Expedia ...."

Here's the rest of the story: http://news.com.com/Expedia+partners+up+for+theme+tours/2110-1038_3-6092605.html

Technorati Tags:
adventure, travel, vacation, tour, package

Now, you can have an adventure in Nicaragua

2006-07-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

Nicaragua has opened its doors to tourism. Beautiful old colonial architecture is one of the appealing features of this Central American country. Its elegant understated neo-colonial hotels, historic cities and dense, unspoiled rain forests will attract the adventure traveler ... looking for a unique experience.

Nicaragua is a poor country that is rich in tradition, culture and the generosity of its people. After the rigours of civil war, this beautiful Central American country has regained its footing and is now happily open for tourism. The infrastructure is developing and a recent UN report called it the safest country in the region and one of the safest in the Americas. It also may be one of the most authentic and least spoiled.

Flights to and from Managua are available from a number of Latin American, European and North American airlines.

Nicaragua’s east or Atlantic-Caribbean coast is virtually uninhabited, the emphasis here more British than Spanish. Scattered outposts like Bluefields and Monkey Point across the vast untouched interior lead to the outer Little Corn and Big Corn Islands, paradises for naturalists, especially divers and snorkelers.

Some special adventures or sights in Nicaragua

Nicaragua is prime for eco-tourism with an astonishing variety of birds and preserved rainforests. Especially the Montibelli Reserve

The 21-room La Francia Hotel in Granada is an elegant, understated neo-Colonial hotel with an Arabesque open-air courtyard, punctuated by a small cobalt blue dipping pool. The surrounding wicker rockers, vines, plants and a sweeping staircase create an authentic refinement most hotels can only dream of achieving.

In the pineapple plantation area of St. Juan de la Conception, stop at any of the roadside vendors selling delicious pineapples and ask to have one sliced on the spot. Sprinkle a touch of salt, and for 60 cents you’ll taste the one of the sweetest, most memorable pineapples ever.

Lake Nicaragua is dotted with hundreds of isletas, many with private homes whose owners have covered the shores and ledges with bright flowers and gardens.

Try a Nacatamal -- this corn tamale packed with rice, meat, corn, pork and potato is the foodstuff of the indigenous people and a favorite of Nicaraguans.

Other adventure travel in Nicaragua includes zipping above the jungle, kayaking and coffee-plantation tours. Coffee plantation haciendas serve good, local brew with views of lakes and mountains.

Visit Nicaragua soon

While Nicaragua is still unspoiled, take an adventure travel vacation in this lovely country. Good package tours are becoming available.

Technorati Tags:
adventure, travel, vacation, tour, package

Adventures in the Alps let you bask in the alpenglow

2006-07-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

An adventure travel vacation takes you high up into the alpine world. This is one of the ways that adventure travel lets you get closer to the countries you visit. Hiking in the Alps, we can stay at one of a number of quaint old Berghauses.

What is a Berghaus?

It is a mountain house or lodge. Usually, a berghaus is an old alp farmhouse that was converted into accomodation for the early hikers and mountain climbers. They are the solid refuges we find high up in the Alps, used by hikers, climbers, hunters for hearty meals or overnighting- usually in a large communal room.

Enjoying the hospitality of an alpine Berghaus, we take an after-dinner stroll and enjoy the rosy alpenglow. Evening brings a special light to the alpine environment. Long after the deep valleys have been plunged into night, the majestic peaks still catch the last rays of the sun.

Upon our return, we find the dining room filled with the laughter and boisterous conversation of farmers from a nearby alp - they often drop in after dinner for a convivial evening. In their suspenders and work pants, the farmers are a comfortable lot and we join them for a Kaffee-Twetschge - coffee with plum schnapps.

And tonight, we will sleep well in a cozy wood-paneled room.

Good night.

Some other places to check out:

Technorati Tags:
adventure, travel, vacation, tour, package

Rambles in the Engadin: Picturesque Romansch villages, wild valleys, and a fairy tale castle

2006-07-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Lower Engadin Valley in Switzerland provides us with secluded valleys, traditional mountain hamlets, and scenic high meadows. We enjoy pleasant hiking through a variety of landscapes and explore the ancient Romansch culture.

This adventure tour leads us on gentle rambles in a sunny valley. It is an easy hike for all abilities. This is the way travel should be ... a real vacation.

Vulpera

We stay in a very unique villa in the village of Vulpera - near Scuol. This fairy tale castle is overflowing with warm atmosphere and the loving hospitality of its owner. It is the perfect base for our exploratory rambles throughout the Lower Engadin Valley.

Day 1 - Engadin sgraffiti and wildflowers

We take an easy hike to Ardez, a village full of superb examples of Lower Engadin architecture and sgraffiti. We ramble about for a while, hunting down fanciful creatures scattered throughout the village.

Taking up the trail to Guarda, we enjoy a wonderful walk through meadows that are masses of wildflowers. On a natural hillside terrace, Guarda is a village where it feels like time has stood still. Sturdy stone-walled houses with large arched doorways and deeply-set windows face each other across a cobbled square with a tinkling fountain.

Day 2 - A picnic feast in the wild Fuorcla Champatsch

We take the gondola up to Motta Naluns to start today's excursion into a high, desolate moor-like landscape set amongst walls of rock. We hike up through boulder fields to the Fuorcla Champatsch, a saddle from which we can look down into the forested Val Laver. Here in this wild, barren land amongst jagged, black peaks we enjoy a picnic feast.

Day 3 - Small mountain hamlet and a romantic wild valley

A short PTT bus ride takes us to the tiny, picturesque hamlet of S-charl - about a dozen houses ranged around a small square, a fountain, and a church dating back to the 12th century. We head into the Val Sesvenna, a wild, empty valley that rises to a notch in the mountains on the Italian border. The Fuorcla Sesvenna provides us with a peaceful setting for today's gourmet picnic lunch.

Day 4 - The Roman-Irish baths

We spend a quiet day closer to home - poking around the castle at Tarasp, refreshing ourselves in the Roman-Irish baths at Scuol, and sampling the Engadiner specialty - Nusstorte, a hearty nut cake that we can find at a small pastizeria in Ftan.

Day 5 - Into the quiet Val Mora and on to Santa Maria

We take the bus to Pass dal Fuorn and enjoy a thoroughly pleasant hiking experience through a quiet valley. In the Val Mora, we see only an occasional alp and partake of a sumptuous picnic in the splendor of nature. We descend via the narrow Val Vau to Santa Maria im Münstertal.
These two tiny valleys receive relatively few visitors and their gentle terrain makes for pleasant walking.

Day 6 - Cosy Berghaus in Val Sinestra

A PTT bus takes us into the quiet Val Sinestra to an intimate and cosy Berghaus where we enjoy a varied and imaginative menu. An easy hike takes us to the pretty hamlet of Vna with its long view across the Engadin Valley to the mountains of the National Park. We return to the Berghaus for a wonderful afternoon tea and classical music.

Day 7 - Farmer's breakfast and Alp Laret

We return to Motta Naluns to enjoy a hearty Bauernfrühstück (farmer's breakfast). A wonderful hike takes us across beautiful high meadows to Alp Laret. Fantastic, long views of the mountains across the Engadin Valley amaze us on this path. After refreshments and a chance to sample their cheese, we follow an easy trail down to Ftan-Grond.

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adventure, travel, vacation, tour, package

Lace up your hiking boots ... we're off on an adventure

2006-07-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

Adventure travel is a great way to get close to the countries you visit. Walking the trails ... meeting locals along the way ... stopping at small mountain villages. Feel the path under your boots and smell the fresh mountain air. On your next vacation enjoy the sights only an adventure travel vacation package can give you.

We're going to embark on some wonderful adventures. We're going to take a tour through some of the loveliest alpine scenery. We're going on an adventure travel tour.

Join us as we stop at mountain restaurants sitting on top of splendid peaks. Sit back on a rough wooden bench ... overlooking a vista of lush valleys far below. Smell the aroma of potatoes and onions cooking on a wood-fired stove in the rustic kitchen. Taste the satisfying richness of a large bratwurst sausage and tear into a thick chunk of farmer's cheese.

What a life ... what an escape ... what an adventure! Come along!

Technorati Tags:
adventure, travel, vacation, tour, package