Archive for the ‘backpacking’ Category
Thursday, March 11th, 2010 |
The natural wonders of the state of Yucatán are innumerable and some of the most important and unusual are the cenotes, or sinkholes. In the Yucatán there are over 3000 cenotes, with only 1400 actually studied and registered. The Mayas called them dzonot, which the conquering Spaniards translated as cenote.
Geraldo Díaz Alpuche was a military commander in the 16th century who was greatly impressed with these underground caverns and pools, and he tried to explain the meaning of the word cenote in the Spanish language as meaning “deep thing”. The Motul dictionary, a dictionary of Mayan hieroglyphics, defines dzonot as “abysmal and deep”.
Cenotes are magical, enigmatic and unique in the world and were once the only resource for fresh, sweet water in the local Yucatecan jungle. (more…)
Posted in backpacking, cultures, travel | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 |
Are you fascinated by global indigenous culture and biodiversity? Then take a look at New Zealand tours by Auckland tourism company TIME Unlimited Tours.
Recently, the company won the global Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award 2010, a collaboration between Planeta.com and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity/UNEP (CBD) and Heidehof Foundation.
This award is presented to an indigenous tourism operation “which has a website that promotes sustainable practices and educates visitors on cultural protocols and biodiversity conservation.”
TIME Unlimited Tours was established in 2005 by couple Ceillhe and Néill Sperath (above). Ceillhe Tewhare Teneti Hema Sperath is tangata whenua, a direct descendant of the famous Ngapuhi chief Patuone. Néill is tauiwi, of Irish and German origin. The TIME in TIME Unlimited Tours is an acronym for “To Integrate Maori Experiences”.
Says Ceillhe Sperath:
“TIME Unlimited Tours is founded on three essential pou, or pillars, of Maoritanga (Maori culture); manaakitanga (hospitality), whakawhanaungatanga (relationships) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). On their tours, Manaakitanga translates into welcoming, respectful, caring, reliable and punctual service. Whanaungatanga means sharing experiences, finding common ground, forging links, making friends and becoming like family. Kaitiakitanga means ensuring respect, care and protection for the environment – the streets, parks and institutions, the land, beaches, sea and bush that they pass through.”
The company’s guided tours available in Auckland, New Zealand include:
- Auckland Personal Guided Tours.
- Interactive Maori Culture Experiences.
- Private Auckland and NZ Tours.
For more info, check out TIME Unlimited Tours.
Images courtesy of TIME Unlimited Tours
Posted in backpacking, tips, travel | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 |
I used to be only dimly aware of New Zealand, imagining it as somewhat of Australia’s Canada; close to Australia, similar to Australia, just not quite the same. After spending five months of the last year in New Zealand I’ve come to know it quite a bit better, finally learning why Peter Jackson chose it as the location of Tolkin’s Middle Earth.
New Zealand tourism received a huge boost from the Lord of the Rings trilogy since so many fans saw the amazing scenery in the films and wanted to know more about where it was filmed. One of the main reasons the Trilogy was so beneficial to New Zealand tourism was that it was filmed in so many locations. A number of guidebooks are available to show the enterprising fan around the country, pointing out all of the shooting locations for the film. Many private businesses that helped transport those working on the film to the various locations are now more than happy to transport fans to the same places for a fee. LOTR travel has become a great boon to New Zealand tourism; even though most people don’t travel to New Zealand explicitly to see the shooting locations many of them will take side-trips to see the locations for some of their favorite scenes.
Though the Lord of the Rings tourism has helped the country’s economy considerably, the biggest boost to New Zealand tourism has come from the advent of adventure tourism. These days taking a vacation no longer means merely hanging around on a cruise ship or traveling to a nice beach where you can lay around, drink cocktails with little umbrellas in them and maybe read a book. More and more people, especially younger travelers, are looking for a little more adrenaline in their vacations. New Zealand had jumped at the opportunity to provide travelers with all sorts of adventure opportunities. Near Rotorua you can go zorbing, which consists of sliding into what amounts to a giant hamster ball and rolling yourself down a hill. Many companies provide jet-boat rides up whitewater rivers and through tight canyons at breakneck speeds. You can toss yourself off the highest bungee jump in the world or take part in world class whitewater rafting. The Waitomo area offers a huge host of caving opportunities, from the board-walked tourist caves to rappelling and sliding through mud and water to explore extensive underground labyrinths. Though this new breed of New Zealand tourism may not give you any trouble finding adventure, you may have a bit of trouble fitting it all in.
Posted in backpacking, travel | No Comments »
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 |
Laconia Greece
A gifted place promising an unprecedented holiday experience
The history, the scenic landscape and the climate combine and give the Laconian land its special characteristics. Human presence has left its traces in the whole area of Laconia prefecture. The archeological findings are scattered everywhere: from the caves of Diros to Vafio, Elos, Pellana and Maleas of the archaic era, to Sparta of the historic era, to the Byzantine Mistras, Geraki and Monemvassia. And finally to Mani, from the castles of which broke out the uprising of 1821.
Laconia (Lakonia) is situated on the northeastern part of Peloponnese and covers an area of 3.636 km. Its terrain is mostly semi-mountainous, with rich and fertile plains and 5% of the area is taken up by forests. It is washed by the Messinian and the Laconian Bays, also by the Myrtoon and Cretan Seas. The wonderful islets Trinassos, Glaros, Leptonissi, Kasela, Roditsa, Daskalio and the island Elafonissos belong to Laconia. It is defined by the two impressive mountain ranges: Taygetos on the west and Parnonas on the east and between them the river Eurotas flows through the Laconian plain.
The plains around Sparta are extremely fertile, full of orange and olive trees. There follows a hilly region where you can find a great variety of aromatic herbs and brushwood.
From an administrative aspect the prefecture of Laconia consists of four provinces: Gythio (its capital Gythio), Epidavros Limira (its capital Molai), Lacaedaemon (its capital Sparta) and Itilo (its capital Areopolis). It has a population of 95.695 people whereas 14.084 of them reside in Sparta. The prefecture’s financial resources derive mainly from agriculture. The most important products are its famous olive-oil, oranges, figs, honey and tomatoes.
Laconia Greece Hotels
Laconia Greece has excellently developed tourist infrastructure offering numerous hotels, villas, studios, apartments and rooms for rent spread all over the prefecture. You can find accommodation that will satisfy your needs to the utmost with its up-to date facilities and comfort services, not only in towns such as Gythio, Sparta, Mani, Itilo, Neapoli, Monemvasia, but also in smaller charming seaside and mountainous settlements. Pick the most suitable type of accommodation that suits you best and relish a unique holiday around Laconia Greece.
Laconia Greece Nightlife & Events
If you want to combine your vacation with night-time entertainment, scrumptious traditional dishes and various cultural events, then Laconia Greece is the top destination for you. It offers vibrant nightlife in charming little bars, there are all-day cafés and restaurants serving various delicacies all around the prefecture, providing visitors with everything they need for carefree and exciting vacations.
Entertainment in Laconia does not end with clubbing or dining, as there are various cultural and athletic events and festivals. If you find yourself in Laconia during summertime, you will be given the chance to attend cultural festivals with various events, such as plays and concerts and visit exhibitions in Sparta, Gyhtio, Monemvasia and Neapoli. In Mytras there is a big festival taking place every year from August 26 to September 2, which attracts people from the whole of Peloponnese and other Greek areas. In Sparta, it is worth attending the athletic event “Spartathlonâ€, in which international athletes take part, in remembrance of Phidippides, a herald who run from Athens to Sparta to request help against the Persians.
Laconia Greece Sightseeing
If you have time to dedicate to sightseeing in Laconia Greece, you will be glad to discover that this place has a lot to offer in terms of historical and other attractions. Sparta is surrounded by ancient sights and the center of the city is crowned with many neoclassical buildings and monuments. Findings from excavations at the ancient town of Sparta can be seen at the Archaeological Museum of the area. At Amykles is the throne of Apollo, at Vafio lies the Mycenaean tomb where the two world famous golden cups were found and are displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Do not miss taking a tour around the very well preserved Byzantine town of Mystras with the Archaeological Museum and at the scenic castle-town of Monemvasia, which is of unique beauty. At Gythio you can admire the remains of the ancient town, while at a distance of 10 km towards Areopolis you can see the impressive Passava’s castle. Last but not least, do take a tour at the renowned Alepotripa and Vlychada caverns at Pyrgos Dirou. You will stand witnesses of a unique natural phenomenon, stunning stalactites and stalagmites, while part of the Vlychada cavern tour takes place in a boat. It is a unique lifetime experience!
As attractions in this prefecture are innumerable, make sure you get a map of Laconia to guide you through amazing sightseeing moments and provide you with useful travel information.
The two peninsulas of Laconia (Lakonia), the first flat, the second rocky have one common characteristic: the beautiful seashores, some of them with rocky small bays and secluded havens and others with infinite, sandy beaches. In Monemvasia, recreation by the sea can be enjoyed at the municipal beach to the north, at Pera Kakavos and Pori, and to the south at Agia Paraskevi, Nomia, Agios Stefanos and Xifias. Elafonissos possesses exquisite, trademark beaches, such as Kontogoni and Kalogeras near the village, Lefki on the eastern coast, the famous beach of Simos- in the bay of Frangos, with its sand dunes and cedars, the beach of the bay of Sarakiniko and the sandy beach of Panagia on the western coast, opposite four small islands. The sea is generous with its gifts along the coastal region of Gythion, from the municipal beach to the sandy beaches of Mavrovouni and Selinitsa where the Careta-Careta turtles always come to lay their eggs. To the south are the hospitable beaches of Vathi, Ageranos, Skoutari, Kalyvia and Paganea, with crystal-clear water.
Other very well organized beaches to enjoy your swim, outdoor activities and a delicious meal nearby the sea are the beaches in Neapolis, Archangelos, Vathia, Vlachiotis, Molai, Itilo and many more.
Laconia Greece Weather & Climate
The climate of the area, purely Mediterranean, varies with regions. Winter is generally mild, with rainfalls and snowy periods on the mountainous country. Summer is hot, autumn is mild and spring is simply wonderful. Laconia is regarded a perfect destination for carefree vacations all year round.
How to Reach Laconia Greece
You can get to Laconia prefecture by car, the easiest and most convenient way if you want to travel around and get acquainted with the beautiful beaches and important attractions. Sparta is 246 km from Athens, it can be accessed via the National Highway and the trip lasts for approximately 3 hours. There are also frequent intercity bus trips connecting Sparta with Athens, Thessaloniki and various Peloponnese prefectures. What is more, there are ferry boat departures from Gythio to Kithira, Antikithira and Crete and from Neapoli to Kithira, Antikithira and Elafonissos.
Posted in architecture, backpacking, hotel, review, tips, travel | 5 Comments »
Monday, November 9th, 2009 |
camping is a great activity to spent quality time with all your family, camping resort or camping ground or green hill can be great destination for and affordable vacation with your family.
but, before you decide take a camping vacation with your family, you should know and consider this following simple tips.
1. place to stay
you should choose the nice place to stay, getting away from all technological gadgets of modern life wouldn’t make your camping vacation sucks. the other way, you can have barbecue with your family, some camping resort even include heated pools. for family who wanted a cheap vacation, camping is surely a best way for your entire family.
2. available activities
you can enjoy several activities during your camping trip with your family, On a camping vacation you will have plenty of time to play with the kids, then enjoy a beautiful time together.
3) It is not pricey at all.
Going camping is not only fun and exciting, but also probably the most affordable family vacation you can plan. It is usually cost more than $800 for the entire family of 4, which includes tent, sleeping bags, cooler, camp stove.
Why more and more are choosing camping?
This family activity are getting more affordable among families. There are some studies that shown that about more than 50 percent all the active campers went on a camping vacation with their family at least once and 30 percent went with the extended family, including their children.
The increasing popularity of camping proves that it is not only the most affordable family vacation you can imagine, but also fun and exciting for both children and adults.
so, what do you waiting for? take all of your family to the camping ground 
Posted in backpacking, family, gadget, tips, travel | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 |
What do you do when visiting or staying in the area that you do not master the language. For a traveler, the language barrier is not a big problem. With a number of tips, the travelers can visit the places that they do not understand the language and gain valuable experience. Fodors.com some community members share their tips below. Hopefully useful to you.
1. Back to school
“Sign up to language courses at language institutions in your area. I learn Italian for 9 months in my area several years ago and learned so many things. Then, you can continue to listen to the tape. Courses that will help you understand grammar and how formed sentences. ” (from Grassshopper)
2. Bringing cheat sheet of paper.
“I usually carry an index card (or write on the back cover lists the dictionary or your guide book) the words that I would normally see on board markers, particularly the words to the contrary, such as: entry-exit; top-down; out – signed; push-pull; wait-go. ” (from kayd)
3. Always smiling
“Remember that a smile is always understood in all languages. Many people (especially young people) can speak English, and would be happy to try to talk to you in English if you try to use the words please and thank you in the local language.” (from Iowa_Redhead)
4. Master the basic phrases
“I always try to understand the language of 50-100 words used in the country I will visit. Especially phrases like ‘in which …’,’ please …’, ‘thank you’, ’sorry, I’m not good at speaking …’.” (from daveesl)
5. Eat at local restaurants
“For the diet, avoid restaurants that use two languages because it is usually a trap for tourists who only offer a bad meal at a great price. Find someone who can interpret the menu for you, and you’ll get better food and more authentic. ” (from nytraveler)
6. Do not hesitate to ask for help
“I also know how to say ‘What do you call here, or how you say it in …’ so I can point to something and the local people would teach me a new vocabulary. I also say ‘please write to me’, ask someone write a new word. ” (from Suze)
7. Make learning the language so your travel destination.
“Struggling several years at night school once a week, and finally gave it to learn a foreign language. Intensive two-week trip really opened my eyes. I did not make a big step in the ‘formal learning’. However, after a few days, I no longer nervous when speaking in that language. To me, this is a tremendous progress. “
Posted in backpacking, travel | 2 Comments »
Thursday, September 10th, 2009 |
boring of continuous claim by malaysian to indonesia cultures and island, here i brought you eleven wonderful places in indonesia that can’t claimed by malaysian.
1. Mount Rinjani National Eco Park
2. Mount Krakatau
mount krakatau located at sunda strait, between sumatra and java island, is a biggest active mountain.
3. Komodo National Park
komodo national park is places where the life dragon located.
4 Bromo Tengger National Park
mount bromo located in east java, indonesia.
5 Lorentz National Park (formerly Carstensz Pyramid)
6 Bunaken Marine National Park
7 Raja Ampat Islands National Marine Park
9 Mount Merapi National Park
10. Kelimutu Narional Park
11. Green Canyon
now, malaysian can’t claimed that place except they are become a new province of indonesia
Posted in backpacking, indonesia, travel | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 |
Hostels are budget accommodations for travelers. They offer an excellent alternative to the traditional motel or hotel, and they exist in most parts of the world for the traveler who wants to hostel stomp and save tons of cash to travel for longer periods of time.
Usually hostels have several bunk beds in each room. Instead of renting one room to one or two people like hotels do, hostels rent a room to four or more people and may therefore offer a substantial discount. Where a hotel might offer a room for two people at $80 a night or more, a hostel can rent a room to eight people for $10 a night each, and still make as much money as a traditional hotel, sometimes more. The cost of hostels in the U.S. average between $8 and $25 per night. In other countries (depending on where you go) hostels can be as cheap as $2 to $3 per night.
(more…)
Posted in backpacking, hotel, travel | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 |
cubadak island are one of amazing island in indonesia, it is located near sumatra island. here i brought you some photo of cubadak island i search from google :
along the beach of cubadak island, cubadak island are more natural than bali island, there are not many tlocal tourist visit here. anyway, this resort are managed by foreign people (not indonesian or local government) they buy it and make this island as a tourism resort for them. you can also find beautifull diving spot on the beach of this island.
click to the photo to enlarge it
the photo of cubadak island resort was taken from all soueces especially from google, if there is any incovenience just make a comment on this post or send us an email and we will add the credit for your picture.
regards
ps : i will post more articles about cubadak island later, just visit ferequently on this blog to see the post updated.
Posted in backpacking, travel | No Comments »
Monday, July 6th, 2009 |
for travelers and backpackers who wants to visit indonesia, here i gave you information i take from my indonesia info. this is frequently asked question about indonesia :
* Q : Where is Indonesia?
* A : Indonesia is the largest archipelago and the fourth most populous country in the world. Consisting of five main islands (Sumatra, Jawa, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua) with 33 provinces, 30 smaller archipelagos, it has a total of 17,508 islands of which about 6,000 are inhabited. The Republic of Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and stretches 5,150 km between the Australian and Asian continental mainland and divides the Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator. The name Indonesia is composed of two Greek words: “Indos” which means Indian and “nesos” meaning islands. The capital city of Indonesia is Jakarta. The country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Malaysia. Other neighboring countries include Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
* Q : What’s the climate like?
* A : Indonesia climate is distinctly tropical. The east monsoon from June to September brings dry weather while the west monsoon from December to March is moisture-laden Indonesia In General bringing rain. The transitional period between these two are interposed by occasional rainshowers, but even in the midst of the west monsoon season, temperatures range from 21 degrees C (70 F) to 33 degrees C. (90 F) except at higher altitudes which are much cooler. Heaviest rainfalls are recorded in December and January. Humidity is between 60-100 %.
(more…)
Posted in backpacking, cultures, general, hotel | 1 Comment »
