The Galapagos Islands straddle the equator 600 miles west of Ecuador. Discovered in 1535 by a Spanish Bishop and made famous by Darwin’s visit in 1835 and subsequent publication of The Origin of Species, the islands comprise an archipelago of 19 extraordinary islands. Each island is unique and offers a stunning variety of wildlife and scenic vistas. Well acclimated to visitors, the wildlife is always out and waiting for you. Watch out for nesting birds as you hike along the many trails, and then swim with the acrobatic sea lions as they dance through the clear waters. Tortoises roam the highlands, while marine iguanas feed on the green algae near shore. The Galapagos Islands are an exceptional year round destination and one that everyone should visit in their lifetime.
The Galapagos are also wonderful family destination. What better classroom than the “Enchanted Isles”, where young people can explore and learn in a safe and exciting environment. Some operators offer dedicated family departures while others offer discounts for people under 18.
It is possible to visit the Galapagos on your own, but traveling with a guide can enrich your experience immeasurably. Ferries link several of the islands together, but to visit most of the outer islands, you must be on a cruise ship of some sort. Keep in mind that, as in most places, you get what you pay for.
Some expeditions offer the option of camping on shore for a night in a specially designed tented camp. Others offer pre or post extensions visiting Macchu Pichu in Peru. This is a great combination and definitely something to consider if the timings work for you.
Some ideas to consider when choosing a Galapagos Cruise:
1. Boats. From Sail boats, to motor yachts, to luxury ships, the Galapagos Islands have them all. They come in different sizes and price ranges, with large ships (100 passengers) offering all sorts of extra amenities, and smaller ones, a more intimate setting. While sailboats have a romantic charm to them, the cabins are usually a bit smaller, the deck space a bit more limited, and because of the distances, they usually only sail once or twice on a cruise. Motor yachts usually offer a more stable ride than sail boats, though in the Galapagos, this isn’t usually a major issue. That said, there is nothing like the feel of the wind through your hair as you silently glide through the rich waters of these enchanted isles.
2. Itinerary. In an attempt to limit the number of visitors at each landing, every ship has a fixed itinerary, so you must find the best combination of ship and itinerary that works for you.
3. Guides. The quality of the guide is paramount to your experience, so it is important to ensure you have the best guides available. Each ship will have guides on board that will split the group into smaller groups. Even on larger ships, you will still be in a small group, thereby maintaining the intimacy of your adventure.
If all of this control seems a bit much, consider that by limiting the number of people that visit each landing, each day, and ensuring that they have a trained guide with them when they visit, the islands and wildlife are still thriving today despite an increasing number of visitor each year. Visiting the Galapagos today, is not far from what it was twenty years ago, and that is due in large part to the local efforts to maintain the pristine environment.
By: Colin A McNulty
Travel Smart – The Galapagos Islands
March 15th, 2010 by admin No comments »China Travel – a Fascinating Experience
March 14th, 2010 by admin No comments »
China travel is fast becoming the top destination on the list of tourists from all over the world. And the reason is very clear, a fantastic destination China is, thousands of tourists visit it every year. A look at the map of China makes it clear that China is the largest country in the world after Russia and Canada. Located in the Eastern Asia is not only a popular tourist destination but also the leading nations of the world too. Blessed with a rich history and huge number of tourist sights China leaves the visitors amazed and stunned. The country is a treasure house of ancient, historical sites, vibrant cities and friendly people. A full tour of the country can take couple of years easily but when visiting the country some of the attractions are inevitable to miss out on.
The great wall -
One of the masterpieces that will leave you fascinated during your China travel is the Great Wall of China. It is a historical and cultural masterpiece of the country, which is not possible for any visitor to skip on his travel to China. It is a beautiful place and very popular among the tourists. The history of the wall goes back to mote than 2,000 years during the period of Warring States. Walls were built around their territories to self protect one from the enemies. This was the beginning of building the walls and subsequently dynasties continued building the walls to protect them. It is one of the undeniable facts about China that this wall is the longest defense wall in the world.
The temple of heaven -
Temple of heaven found a place in the list of world heritage sites in 1998 and is today one of the most scenic spots in the country. Located in the southern part of Beijing was built in 1420 by the emperors who used this place for worshiping their gods. The temple is a perfect example of the finest blend of the art and architecture. It is an amazing work of art, architecture and landscape design, which had a deep impact and influence on the architecture planning of the surrounding regions for many centuries. The design of the temple stands for theories of feudal system, which were a part of the country for many centuries. According to the legends, it is the right meeting point of heaven and Earth.
Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses-
In Xian lies a site where there are Terracotta warriors and horses, which have been there for mote than 2000 years now. The site has been named as the ‘Museum of Emperor Qin Shihuang’s Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses’. This incredible site was discovered accidently in March 1974, when the farmers were digging for a well. Thus, this way the greatest archaeological site was discovered. The first site was named as the Vault one as the next were uncovered; they were given the names of Vault two and Vault three. All these vaults contain thousands of life sized terracotta warriors. The whole army is places that would accompany the emperor to battle.
Potala Palace -
A sacred place for hundred of years, and the residence of the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhism Dalai Lama is the Potala Palace. Built in the seventh century by Songtsen Gampo is located on the Red Mountains in Lhasa. One will find a huge treasure of materials that are witness to the Tibetan history, culture, and religion. Pilgrims line up every year from all parts of the country to pay homage at this sacred place.
The Forbidden City -
This enchanting Forbidden city is the world’s well known architecture located in Beijing. It is China’s group of palaces that are the bets and largest in the country. It consists of thousands of beautiful room and wonderful towers. The facts about China reveal the history of Forbidden City, which was the palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties. The work on the palace started during the rule of Emperor Yongle of Ming dynasty and finished 14 years later.
Yellow Mountain-
One of the most renowned mountains of china is located in the southern part of Anhui province. The mountain has number of peaks among which the Tiandu Peak, Lotus peak and the Bright Summit peak are the important all standing at a very high altitude. A World Natural and Cultural heritage, the Yellow Mountain is known for its splendor, beauty, and the scenic spots like the hot springs, loud sea, pine forests and strange stone. The mountains though today look young but it has a long history hidden in the ancient books, poems, and paintings.
By: Nancy Eben
Travel the Beautiful Beaches of North Carolina
March 9th, 2010 by admin No comments »
North Carolina may be most widely known for the tranquil shores of it’s picturesque beaches. The coast of North Carolina covers over three hundred miles of pristine beaches, wetlands and marshes. Needless to say, there is something for everyone on the coast of the Tarheel state. From the historic lighthouses, museums, golf courses and fishing piers – a vacation to one of North Carolina’s many beaches will be enjoyable for everyone in your family.
The Outer Banks: The Outer Banks is the 200 mile string of barrier islands that stretch from the south east corner of Virginia to roughly half the North Carolina coast. The Outer Banks are a popular vacation destination, with it’s vast beach front and temperate climate.
The Crystal Coast: The Crystal Coast stretches roughly 85 miles and extents from Cape Lookout National Seashore, it includes 56 miles of protected beaches. This location is perfect for families, diving and fishing are two of the major activities for visitors to the area. The beaches are a sandy white, and the water is a beautiful crystal blue.
New Hanover Beaches: Home to the popular Kure Beach and Cape Fear, the stretch of land known as New Hanover Beach is roughly 15 miles south of Wilmington. The population of the surrounding areas is very small. So you can expect your vacation to any of the New Hanover Beaches to be very quiet and secluded. This is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Brunswick Beaches: Located in Brunswick County – the Brunswick Beaches communities are also small and somewhat isolated. Bald Head Island is the most recognizable of the all the beaches as the 1989 hit film, Weekend at Bernie’s was filmed there. Cars aren’t allowed on Bald Head Island – and the population of the village is under two hundred people. But don’t let that keep you away. Bald Head island provides a peaceful getaway perfect for families and couples in search of a relaxing time.
If you are looking for an affordable beach vacation you should definitely include at least one of the beaches along the North Carolina coast on your list.
By: Bella H
