Category: adventure

January 11, 2012

Wild About Cheetahs

Glamping at Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, South Africa. Photo credit: Black Tomato.

Love cheetahs? Then you’ll likely fancy the bespoke Wild about Cheetahs safaris in South Africa with luxury travel company Black Tomato.

Famed safari guide Peter Allison, author of Whatever you do, don’t run, and conservation photographer Marcy Mendelson guide these journeys in the best of South Africa’s cheetah regions in off-road vehicles.

During the Wild about Cheetahs experience, guests will have a chance to get up close to them while learning from cheetah experts. Following the fastest mammal on the planet, guests will gain exclusive access to game reserves in Africa.

Cheetah, the fastest mammal on the planet. Photo credit: Black Tomato.

“Listen to enthralling lectures and seminars from cheetah researchers and find a flare for photography with Marcy Mendelson’s hands-on tutorials,” says Black Tomato.

Experienced game rangers will also share their experiences of wildlife spotting in the region from cheetahs to elephant.

The Wild about Cheetahs safari includes:

Twice-daily game drives in 4×4 vehicles;
Boat cruises;
Canoe trips;
Light aircraft flights and
Guided nature walks.

On the permanent channel of the Okavango Delta, the boutique tented camp and lodge accommodation will be provided at Kirkman’s Kamp and Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge (above).

Among islands and the water channels in the Kalahari Desert, the journey’s final wild destination will be the Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp.

For more info on Wild about Cheetahs, visit the Black Tomato site.

Living in London and heading out on your next adventure? If you’re thinking about parking and flying, look at parking at Luton Airport and parking at Gatwick.

This is a Sponsored Post.

January 9, 2012

Boot Camp In Java

Stunning Java mountain views. Photo credit: MesaStila.

Fancy a boot camp holiday? Then look at Indonesia’s MesaStila which is running endurance training holidays.

Secluded on 55 acres of gardens and coffee plantation, the Java wellness retreat is an almost 100 year-old heritage property. Overlooking eight surrounding volcanoes, MesaStila is situated 800 meters above sea level.

On these three-day, endurance holidays, participants will cycle the hills around four volcanoes and run in the jungle.

Retreat manager Bryan Hoare, a ten-time Ironman athlete and IM-Hawaii finisher, will lead the endurance training.

MesaStila wellness retreat. Photo credit: MesaStila.

“(The boot camps are) designed to magnify your bike fitness, with some epic hills and strong sessions and includes run and swim options,” says MesaStila.

“Non-training partners may also enjoy spa treatments, healthy eating, cleansing programs, leisurely fitness activities and a great space to relax and rejuvenate.”

Here is the endurance training schedule for the weekend boot camps:

Friday: Relaxing run or swim with a massage and Hammam steam session;
Saturday: 3-4 hour hill ride with 10-12km brick run on a hilly course and
Sunday: 5 to 6-hour epic hill ride up and around four volcanoes / optional afternoon swim.

For more info, visit the MesaStila site.

January 4, 2012

A Florida Kayak Adventure

The Florida Keys. Photo credits: The Florida Keys & Key West.

Kayak and Florida traveler? Then head to the Paddle Florida Keys Challenge, a 115-mile kayak adventure commemorating the Florida Keys over-sea railroad centennial.

The 10-day kayak adventure will start on January 12, 2012 at Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Paddlers will paddle between six and 20 miles a day in both protected and open-water environments.

The paddling adventure will include visits and overnights at historic Tavernier, Indian Key State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and other Florida state parks.

Kayakers are expected to complete the challenge by midday January 22, 2012, the 100th anniversary of Henry Flagler’s arrival on the railroad’s inaugural train from Miami.

For the final six-mile stretch, non-registered paddlers will be able to join the group with their own kayaks.

For more info on the kayak challenge, go to www.FlaglerKeys100.com.

For travel info about the Florida Keys & Key West, go to www.fla-keys.co.uk.

January 3, 2012

Sailing In Greece

Sailing holiday on Skyros, Greek Islands. Photo credit: Skyros Holidays.

Learning holidays can lead to great travel adventures.

From yoga and writing to salsa and sailing, look at learning holidays in the Greek Islands with Skyros. The holidays on Skyros island, Greece are running from June 1 to October 1, 2012.

Besides standard courses, Skyros is introducing new “friendly, informal and entertaining” courses – jewelry making, stand-up comedy, or how to make it as an entrepreneur.

“But more than its courses, Skyros offers a way of living in which everyone feels immediately at home and has a part to play,” says Skryos.

“The benefits of such a holiday include new friendships and relationships, new interests and skills, new talents, a fresh outlook or even a whole new way forward.”

For more info, visit Skyros.com.

December 21, 2011

The Best Hostels In Sydney

Double room, Sydney Harbour YHA. Photo credit: YHA Australia.

Sophie McGovern wrote this guest post on Sydney hostels. A writer, freelance journalist and traveler, she lives on a house boat near Bath. Her articles are featured on various websites including Heading There, Lonely Planet, The Lost Girls and Southbank Centre Literature.

A harborside hub of culture, business and beach life, Sydney is one of the best looking and loved cities and a fantastic starting point for an Australian adventure.

Cheap flights to Sydney make the city more accessible than ever, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia.

Whatever your traveling style, here are some of The Best Hostels In Sydney:

Comfy Cosy: Family run Blue Parrot Backpackers is a great base for anyone who likes a relatively quiet life, good conversation, reading and culture. Situated in the Kings Cross District, its location gives it a relaxing, suburban feel while still a short metro rode from the centre. The courtyard garden is the perfect place to kick back, relax, drink tea and plan your adventures. Dorm beds start at $28.

Night-Loving Nomads: For anyone who is looking to party till the early hours in Sydney, appropriately named Wake Up! Hostel is a fantastic option. Not only do they have their own bar on site, but staff organize epic nights out in the centre. There is always something going on. This doesn’t mean that facilities or standards are compromised, as this modern hostel provides all a traveler could desire, including a huge kitchen, laundry services and Internet. Dorm beds start at $28.

Posh Packer: YHA Hotels are always popular, none more so than the huge example in Sydney. As is common with YHA, the facilities are modern and the staff are knowledgeable. Close to central station, the hotel is easy to reach upon arrival and added luxuries like a pool and sauna set it apart from a lot of the nearby hostels. Dorm beds start at $35.

Sizey and Central: BASE Backpackers is one of the largest hostels in Sydney, and has a proportionate reputation. This is a great place for lone travelers who want to meet plenty of like-minded people. The girls-only dorm is perfect for ladies traveling solo. Modern facilities and common rooms make it comfortable and convenient, as does its location at the heart of the Central Business District. Beds start at $26.

Beach Bums: Located on Bondi Beach, Noah’s Backpackers is the perfect place for anyone wishing to be as close to the sand as possible. The vibe goes with the location – relaxed and laid-back. Epic Aussie BBQs are enjoyed on a rooftop deck with great views of the beach and plenty of social action. A bar and cafe mean you’ll never have to stray far from the beach if you don’t want to. Dorm beds start at $24.

Cute and Quirky: Tokyo Village is a small hostel with tons of character. Japanese decoration, friendly service and cozy social spaces make it perfect for anyone wishing for a different experience than large, generic party hostels or supersized dorms. Guests really get to know each other and often stay for weeks/months at a time. Beds start at $24.

This is a Guest Post.

December 8, 2011

A Winter Break In Spain

A winter break with Wicked Campers. Photo credit: Wicked Campers.

Fancy a winter sun break in Spain? One cheap way to see Spain is to take flights to Alicante or another city and then travel the country by campervan.

For the winter travel season, Wicked Campers offers great deals for seven days’ campervan rentals in Spain.

The Wicked Campers available campervans are either two-seater vans (sleeps two) and multi-seater vans (up to five people).

These campervans are outfitted with a large bed; table; camping stools; CD player and/or iPod connection; sink; tap; cool box; crockery; cutlery; pots and pans; a gas stove and storage space.

One of the best road trips in Spain is the route between Barcelona and Malaga.

The route is known for its seaside towns, beaches, villages, Spanish cuisine and historic sites.

Here are trip highlights:

Sitges: This white-washed coastal town has “stacks of style, culture and bohemian spirit.”

Els Ports Nature Park: With its mountains, cliffs and two rivers, the park is perfect for hiking, cycling, water sports and touring bodegas and olive groves.

Denia: This coastal town offers a beautiful harbor, 11th century castle and famous local cakes and sweets.

Murcia: A lush area of Spain, this region has 200+ beaches, medieval towns, ancient cities, desert landscape and fresh local produce.

Granada: A vibrant city with lively tapas, bars, flamenco and clubs, one must-see attraction is Alhambra and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

For more info, go to WickedCampers.co.uk.

This post is provided by Cheapflights.co.uk.

December 6, 2011

Diving Off Ibiza

Ibiza has been recognized as Europe’s best diving location by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Photo credit: Ibiza Tourist Board.

Planning an Ibiza holiday? If you want to dive off the coast of Ibiza, the local tourist board has a new diving resource for travelers.

The Ibiza Tourist Board has launched a new diving brochure made of 100% waterproof, tear resistant, reusuable Rock Paper.

“The waters around the island are incredibly clear with visibility of between 20 and 40 metres,” says the Ibiza Tourist Board.

“These crystal clear waters provide endless possibilities for viewing some of the diverse marine life that lies off the Ibicencan coast.”

The diving travel brochure highlights 20 of Ibiza’s best diving locations including their:

Level of difficulty;
Ease of access;
Maximum and minimum depths needed;
Proximity of caves and wreckages;
GPS location and
Necessity for compass or torchlight.

On Ibiza, beginner to advanced diving travelers can choose from 12 PADI associated diving centres.

The sea temperature around the island of Ibiza is typically mild year-round at 14°c to 28°c.

Download the diving brochure here.

October 19, 2011

A Night Adventure In Dubai

Bar 44 at luxury hotel Grosvenor House Dubai. Photo credit: Grosvenor House Dubai.

Aki Schilz wrote this guest post on a night on the town in Dubai. She is a writer and freelance journalist who has written for websites and publications including YH World and EMMA.

Dubai is an urban adventure.

Despite huge modernization since the 1990s, it retains an almost mythic sense of wonder.

It’s easy to understand why when standing in front of one of the glass-fronted shopping malls, the Palm Islands or the Burj Al Arab, the first 7* hotel in the world, built in the shape of a dhow (Arabian vessel) with a billowing sail.

This is a city of other-worldly scope and ostentation. This ethos is reflected in its target of 15 million tourists per year, a target it is well on the way to achieving.

With cheap flights to Dubai now a possibility since low budget airlines flooded the market, Dubai attracts year on year travelers wanting to luxuriate in its flashy culture. A big part of this is the nightlife.

This is still the Middle East, so it’s important for travelers enjoying the nightlife to be aware of the rules and regulations. Party hard, but when it hits 3am, the party stops. Until then, however, there are more ways to enjoy the nightlife than simply heading straight for a club.

Here are 3 Tips For A Night Out In Dubai:

1. Start with a meal: The night should start with a good meal. You can go upmarket and choose a gourmet or designer restaurant (many of the top hotels also offer high quality in-house meals). Or you could wander down to the Old Bastikaya District. Earmarked for development, this quaint quarter of the city gives a glimpse into a time before the regeneration years. The wind towers that line the small streets are a reminder of a time before electricity, when these were the only way of cooling the clay-packed buildings in high summer. Small restaurants offer good, traditional food and the atmosphere by the creek is a welcome refuge from the lights and noise of the city.

2. Coffee and hookah: If you’ve not been during the day, then the Heritage Village could be a perfect post-dinner stop off. With temperatures in Dubai still warm into the early hours, this lush corner of the city provides weary travelers with falaj, seating areas surrounded by vegetation where you can cool off from the heat. Meeting points called Al Hadeera are also dotted throughout the village, where visitors can rest and enjoy a strong coffee and fresh dates. Or find a sheesha bar, here or along the river, and enjoy a hot Arabic tea with some traditional flavored tobacco.

3. Where’s the alcohol?: The bar system in Dubai works differently from in the West. Essentially, the licenses to serve alcohol are held mainly by the hotels in the city like the Grosvenor House Dubai (above). Many hotels operate full-scale bars and restaurants on the premises and are finished to a high standard. Our hot tips are Sky Garden at the Metropolitan Hotel for al fresco dining, and the Arabic-themed Kasbaa at the Royal Mirage. There are some exceptions to the no-alcohol rule. Complexes including the Irish Village and Century Village by the airport serve alcohol in the evenings. Another exception is Wafi Centre which houses the famous Pyramid complex, full of bars and restaurants including the stylish Carter’s Bar.

This is a Guest Post.

October 17, 2011

Finding Adventure In London

source: helen.2006

There’s more to London than meets the eye which is why so many visitors prefer to stay for longer and make a home away from home in affordable London serviced apartments.

Whether you intend to head to London for a matter of days or possibly even months, here are a few suggestions on ways to get your pulse racing and adrenaline pumping in London.

First up, time your trip to London and you may see the biggest names in extreme sports risk life and limb in a series of events held annually at Battersea Power Station, on the River Thames in South London.

One such extreme extravaganza staged here is The Freeze Festival, which brings together some of the best winter sports athletes with top musical acts such as Groove Armada. That’s all due to take place on October 28 and 29 so pop along if you happen to be in the area at the end of this month.

Are you a keen climber? Well, here’s some good news for you. Some of the tallest and most demanding climbing walls in England and the UK can be found in London in places like Westway Sport Centre. There are a number of high-quality climbing walls dotted all over the city that give beginners and experts alike the chance to test their mental and physical fortitude to the limit.

Fancy taking to the water instead for thrills, spills and splashes aplenty? The countdown to the London 2012 Olympics is well under way and Lee Valley White Water Centre, on the city’s outskirts, will host the canoe slalom events when the Games start next July. Between now and then, though, members of the public can experience the ultimate nerve-shredding adventure either in a canoe, kayak or raft.

Avid skateboarders will love London. The skate park on the South Bank usually attracts a decent crowd of passers-by, so if you’ve got a few tricks you fancy showing off, get down right on the banks of the River Thames. This is just one of a series of different parks all over London and for more information on the best places to skate or ride, go to www.londonstreetriders.co.uk.

Sticking with the theme of having fun on two or four wheels, how does the idea of having power kiting lessons grab you? Kitevibe is one company to offer just that in Richmond Park, one of London’s biggest parks.

This is a Sponsored Post.

October 12, 2011

An African Tasting Menu

An African tasting menu. Photo credit: Singita Grumeti Reserves.

Crave adventure and culinary travel? Then you might fancy Singita Grumeti Reserves (Tanzania) which has introduced an African Tasting Menu.

An award-winning, 5-star safari company, Singita Grumeti Reserves offers this new culinary option which blends international cuisine with the traditional foods of East Africa.

Dining by lantern.

The main epicurean influence is Swahili cuisine which will be served at the1920’s-styled Singita Sabora Tented Camp.

Guests will dine on local dishes including mtori, a thick, traditional soup made from onions, green bananas and meat.

Mezze style platters will be served with dishes such as dagaa mchuzi, dried fish cooked in peanut tomato sauce; mchicha, wild spinach blanched or sautéed with sunflower oil, tomato and onion; and kitandu cha nyama, a meat stew cooked with bitter local greens.

Staple African foods including ugali made from finely ground dried corn caked; pilau and wali (rice cooked in coconut milk served with meat and stew) and piri piri (Swahili for ‘pepper’) and nyama choma, a barbecued meat, will also be on the safari menus.

Each of Singita’s four lodges in the Grumeti Reserves will be staffed by expert chefs.

Local fresh water fish tilapia and chapatis, a type of roti, served with curries and coconut will be items on the Singita’s menus.

Organic home grown vegetables will be sourced from surrounding villages.

Local Tanzanian beers, including Kilimanjaro, Tusker and Serengeti, and a East African vodka, lime and honey cocktail called a dawa will be available.

Non-alcoholic local chai tea and Kilimanjaro filter coffee will also be served.

For more info, visit Singita online.