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Top Ski Resorts of Canada

Canada, one of the best places for ski resorts; know about the best Canadian ski resorts, how many runs they have, longest run, terrain park, etc.

Fantastic Five Adventure Travel Destinations

Enjoy the snow covered peaks like the Alps, Himalayas, etc. on your next mountaineering trip.

Amazing Indoor Water Parks Around the World

Indoor water parks provides the same spin and splash fun that one gets in the water. It is worth visiting these indoor water parks once in your lifetime.

Roadside Attractions around the world

Do you think there is nothing much to see on the roads? It is time to change this view; take a look at these remarkable roadside attractions.

Best National Parks of Canada

Banff National Park, Gros Morne National Park and much more about hot springs, wildlife viewing, best time to visit, etc

29 August, 2011

Greeting Etiquette and Faux Pas in Latin American Countries


There are so many continents and countries and each country has its own customs, rituals and etiquettes. What is right in one country may not be right in other country or continent; this is the reason it is very much essential to know the etiquette of the place you wish to visit. Here is a small list of etiquette to be practiced when greeting and the faux pas in greeting in countries of Latin America.

Argentina

  1. You greet others with a kiss in their cheeks with or without a hug; this holds true for both the sexes.
  2. Say “Gracias” if you want to thank someone and respond with “De Nada” if someone thanks you.
  3. Greet people you meet and remember to say a goodbye when you leave.
Brazil

  1. Avoid making the mistake of greeting Brazilians in Spanish as it is considered rude instead greet them in Portuguese.
  2. You kiss on other person’s cheek to greet them; in general, men greet each other with a handshake followed by a hug if close friends.
  3. If you have the habit of giving gifts when meeting someone, make sure you change the habit when you visit Brazil. There is every chance that it is misinterpreted as romantic offer especially if it is given to opposite sex; however, this doesn’t apply if the gift is given on a birthday.
Chile

  1. You can cheek-kiss to greet:
    1. Men and women
    2. Women-women
To greet a male counterpart, it is generally a male hug or abrazo; this way of greeting is done only when the male counterpart is close to you.

  1. Greet your family members with a kiss on their cheek.
  2. If you have children, make sure they too greet everyone you meet once they have offered their greetings to you.
Colombia

  1. It is common to greet others with a cheek-kiss, but greeting a woman who is a stranger and elder to you with a cheek-kiss is a faux pas.
  2. Say thank you for even common actions like opening a door, offered something to eat or drink, etc. It is a very good habit to say thank you how small the action is.
  3. Do not try to imitate the accent of the person speaking with you as it is considered rude especially if you know the language.
Haiti

  1. When men meet their counterpart, they shake hands; men and women greet each other with a cheek-kiss; women greet each other with a cheek-kiss.
  2. Never forget to greet the elders in a family as it is considered insulting and a faux pas if you don’t greet the elders.
  3. In general, public display of love and affection between opposite genders (men and women) is not encouraged.
Nicaragua

  1. Greet with a “hello” followed by “Good Day” or “Good Afternoon” or “Good Evening” depending on the hour of the day.
  2. Greet with a handshake and kiss. Are you seeing someone whom you know at a distance? If yes, don’t forget to reach them and greet them; a simple wave or verbal salutation is definitely not enough.
  3. Use “Don” or “Dona” when greeting elders; Don for men and Dona for women.
Peru

  1. Shake hands to greet others; you can kiss on the cheeks only if they are close acquaintances.
  2. Never forget to greet everyone in a gathering; especially the elders.
  3. If meeting Amerindians, do not kiss or shake hands to greet them instead slightly brush of the hand.
Venezuela

  1. If you are a male and is introduced to a female, make sure you initiate the greeting; kiss on the cheek once followed by a gentle handshake.
  2. When invited to someone’s house make sure you go with a gift and not empty-handed.
  3. During conversations, it is very common to touch each other’s arms or shoulders.

Know the etiquette of the country or place you are visiting and avoid embarrassments.


23 August, 2011

Top 10 Ski Resorts in Canada - Part I


Canada is the largest country in North America and is famous for its beautiful landscapes and culture. Canada is sometimes called as “Switzerland of North America.” Switzerland, what is the first thing you remember when you hear this name? It is of course, snow covered mountains. As the name says “Switzerland of North America,” Canada too offers a lot of adventure travel and is famous for skiing and best skiing resorts.

Skiing is definitely for those who love to race through the beautiful white snow. Are you planning for a Canadian ski vacation? If yes, do not miss to see these top 10 exotic Canadian skiing resorts. This is travel encyclopedia’s best skiing resorts of Canada. Some of the best ski resorts of Canada are in Alberta and British Columbia. This list is based on the skiable area.

10. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, skiable area - 2,750 acres

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Canada and is located in British Columbia; it is just 14 km above Golden, British Columbia. This Canadian ski vacation resort got its name after the nearby Kicking Horse River and Pass. This resort is just 1.5 hours west off Banff and 2.5 hours west off Calgary in the Trans-Canada highway. 

Kicking Horse Resort

Image source
Base and top elevation: 3,900 ft and 8,033 ft
Runs: 106; beginners and intermediate - 20%, advanced - 45% and experts - 15%
Longest run: 10 km long
Terrain parks: 1
Snowfall: 7m a year

The annual snowfall ranges between 250 and 700 cm and is best for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and telemark skiing or free heel skiing. If you visit this resort during summer, you have loads of opportunities for bungee jumping, grizzly bear refuge, mountain biking, etc.

9. Big White Ski Resort, skiable area - 2,765 acres

It is easy to get to Big White Ski Resort once you reach Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley; from Kelowna, it is just 56 km. Once you get to Big White Ski Resort, you can even take a day trip shuttle to Silver Star Mountain Resort. If you are looking for some serious snow, without a second thought go for Big White Ski Resort.

Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia, Canada

Image source wikipedia
Base and top elevation: 5,757 ft and 7,606 ft
Runs: 118 designated trails; beginners - 18%, intermediate - 54%, expert - 22% and extreme - 6%
Longest run: 7.2 km
Snowfall: average of 750 cm

If you are an adventure traveler, you have a bunch of adventures in store for you in Big White Ski Resort. These would include snowshoeing, sleigh rides, snow biking, tubing, etc.

8. Panorama Mountain Village, skiable area - 2,847 acres

Panorama Mountain Village is located in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia; it is located 308 km west of Calgary, Alberta and is 18 km west of Invermere. This is the best place for rolling cliffs and you are sure to get a brilliant and stunning view of the Rocky Mountains from here. This has the largest vertical drops in North America.

Panorama Mountain Village

Image source wikipedia
Base and top elevation: 3,806 ft and 7,808 ft
Runs: 120+; beginners and intermediates - 75%
Longest run: 5.5 km
Snowfall: 479 cm a year

One can visit Panorama Mountain Village both in winter and in summer. If you are most interested in skiing, the best time is winter and there are many winter activities that one can participate; these include Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, dog sledding, etc. In summer, you can either chill out in the pool or take an adventurous trip if you love adventure travel. It is also an ideal place for kids as they offer so much of kid-friendly programs such as pony rides, cooking adventure, etc. Have fun by riding on a horseback or revitalize yourself with mountain yoga. Canoeing and kayaking are also equally a good way to relax during summer in Panorama Mountain Village.

7. Revelstoke Mountain Resort, skiable area - 3,031 acres

Revelstokr Mountain Resort is one among the popular Canadian ski resorts and is on Mount Mackenzie in British Columbia. This ski resort can be reached by car, bus, or air; one can even use the regular shuttle service that the resort offers. This resort is the only mountain resort in the world that offers centralized hub, which includes cat skiing, gondola and heli-skiing.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Image source wikipedia
Base and top elevation: 1,680 ft and 7,300 ft
Runs: 40 designated trails; beginner - 10%, intermediate - 42.5% and expert - 47.5%
Longest run: 15.2 km
Snowfall: An average of 12 to 18 m a year

You can experience the out of this world sight of the mountains when cat skiing and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of the resort. During summer, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting or go for a helicopter tour or paraglide or do mountain biking.

6. Silver Star Mountain Resort, skiable area - 3,065 acres

Silver Star Mountain Resort is located on the Monashee Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. Some of the reasons for taking a trip to Silver Star Mountain Resort would include 100% natural snow, variety of terrains, award winning Nordic trails, etc. The highlight of this ski resort is the champagne powder over the mid-mountain range.

Silver Star Mountain Village Ski Resort

Image source wikipedia
Base and top elevation: 3,780 ft and 6,280 ft
Runs: 115 designated trails; beginner and expert - 20%, intermediate - 50% and extreme - 10%
Longest run: 8 km
Snowfall: 700 cm a year

Like any other Canadian ski resorts that we saw above, this mountain resort also, have hosts of activities for both summer and winter. Some of the activities that you can enjoy in this ski resort of Canada are skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tube town, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, heli skiing, etc. One of the best events during summer is the Okanagan Summer Wine Festival apart from the nature walk, mountain bike trails, etc. Don’t ever miss to watch the following spectacular events of Silver Start Mountain Resort:

  1. Christmas Eve fireworks and torchlight parade
  2. New Year Eve fireworks and torchlight parade

Watch out for the second part of best Canadian ski resorts.

17 August, 2011

Seven Tips to Pack Efficiently for Flight Travel


Packing for an air travel or flight travel requires lot of preparation. There are various reasons why you must prepare for packing luggage for air travel; these are:

  1. Air travel security restrictions
  2. Air travel carry on rules
  3. Baggage fee for excess luggage
  4. Carry on weight restrictions
Small girl packing for travel

Image via dreamstime


Here are seven packing tips to make your packing for airline travel simple and easy.

1. Determining the duration of your travel is a key to packing for air travel. What does duration have to do with packing? This determines things that need to be packed; for example; you might require only few dresses if the trip is for just 2-3 days and more if it is going to be a long one.

2. Know the baggage weight restrictions of the airlines as different airlines have different weight restrictions; weight restrictions also differ for domestic and international travel. Call up your airlines and find the weight restrictions allowed as this will help you avoid paying baggage fee for excess luggage.

3. Get a clear picture on things that can be packed in carry-on luggage and check-in luggage. In general, you must not carry sharp objects, flammable liquids, etc., in your carry-on luggage; certain items such as explosives, flammables, chemicals, aerosol paints, etc., can’t be kept even in check-in baggage. Majority of the airlines allow a separate laptop bag apart from carry-on luggage, but it is always good to make room for laptop in the carry-on luggage itself.

4. Prepare a checklist for your flight travel. Plan on things you will keep on the carry-on baggage and check-in baggage; find out if you need to buy anything for your travel, understand the weather conditions of your travel destination and see whether you need to take your thermals, raincoats, etc. Plan and prepare a thorough check-list to avoid confusions.

5. Start your packing with essential things for your travel like clothes, matching accessories, undergarments, shoes, etc. in your check-in baggage. Make sure you don’t pack too much of anything for your travel. It is advisable to look for options where you can mix-n-match your dress and accessories; less baggage always gives you more comfort. Please pay attention to the weight restrictions when you pack for your flight travel else you may have to pay for excess baggage.

6. Now, start packing your carry-on baggage; pack things like book, CD or mp3 player, hand sanitizer or cleanser, eye mask, travel documents, laptop, camera, etc. If you were able to restrict yourself with a backpack rather a big suitcase for your carry-on baggage, it would really be great. Keep travel documents in an easily accessible place in your carry-on baggage; don’t search for the documents when the authorities ask them.

7. Make sure you have at least one set of clothing in your carry-on baggage; this will come in handy if your baggage is either lost or delayed.

All the best for your safe flight travel! Happy traveling!


References:


11 August, 2011

Top 5 Tourist Attractions of Mauritius

Mauritius is definitely one of the popular travel destinations among travelers. Mauritius is a small island situated off the southeast coast of Africa. Mauritius is divided into five zones, namely, Northern Touristic Zone, East, South East, West, and the Interior. Mauritius is famous for its sandy white beaches, coral reefs, stunning scenery and warm climate. I present you with some of the best and must see tourist attractions in Mauritius Island.


1. Le Chateau de Labourdonnais:

Le Chateau de Labourdonnais, Mauritius
Image via tropicscope

Le Chateau de Labourdonnais is one of the top tourist attractions of Mauritius. It is a combination of museum, garden, distillery and a restaurant. This was owned by Christian Wiehe and was constructed in the year 1856 with an inspiration from the Italian neo-classical architecture.


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2. Grand Baie

Grand Baie or Grand Bay, Mauritius
Image via flickr

Grand Baie is the seaside tourist village of Mauritius. Can there be a better way of recognizing Grand Baie rather saying it to be the heart of Mauritius nightlife? If you are a party freak, Grand Baie is the best and main tourist attraction in Mauritius. It is just not for night birds, but also best for those who love shopping and spend some time in leisure. It is a great tourist attraction as it offers wonderful facilities for swimming, sailing, water skiing, boat excursions to the northern islands of Mauritius, and helicopter excursions. Grand Baie or Grand Bay has the best bar and nightclub of Mauritius.


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3. Le Morne Brabant

Le Monre Brabant, Mauritius
Image via fotopedia

Le Morne Brabant is a peninsula in Mauritius and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. What is so special or interesting about this tourist attraction of Mauritius is the single standing basaltic rock of 1821 feet above sea level. This place is surrounded by lagoons and is home for certain rarest plant species of the world like Mandrinette and Trochetia boutoniana. 



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4. Chamarel Village

Seven Colored Earth, Chamarel Village, Mauritius
Image via flickr

Are you wondering what is there to look in a village and how can this be a tourist attraction? The significance of Chamarel village is the Chamarel Falls and the Seven Colored Earth. Chamarel Falls is definitely spectacular and you can spend hours looking at the gushing waters. Seven Colored Earth; doesn’t that kindle your interest to see this village? Seven Colored Earth is a natural phenomenon and is formed by decomposed basalt gullies. The hydrolysis process is responsible for the formation of Seven Colored Earth and the colors are mainly due to elements present in the soil like iron and aluminium. You can even buy a small test tube filled with colored earth when you visit Chamarel village.


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5. Black River Gorges

Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius
Image via wikipedia

Black River Gorges is a national park in Mauritius spread across an area of 16,244 hectares. This was declared open in 1994 and is maintained by National Parks and Conservation Service. This is the best place in Mauritius to watch rare bird species and fauna. The landscapes too are a treat to the eyes. You can get to see Chinese guava, privet, animals like rusa deer, Mauritian flying fox, birds like pink pigeon, Mauritius kestrel and parakeets, etc.

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Take a break from your monotonous work schedule and relax yourselves in Mauritius. These are the must watch tourist attractions of Mauritius.

09 August, 2011

Enchanting Eight Highest Waterfalls of Africa


Waterfalls, aren’t they beautiful to look at? Imagine a scene of water gushing down to land at full speed…wow. Have you tried throwing stones in the water or leaving paper boats on them? I definitely have enjoyed making paper boats and leaving them on water. Here is a list of 8 highest waterfalls of Africa.

8. Victoria Falls, Zambia:

Victoria Falls, Zambia
Image via fotopedia

Victoria Falls also called, as Mosi-oa-Tunya is located in Zambia on Zambezi River. This is the eight highest waterfall of Africa with a total height of 108 m and the largest waterfall in the world. Sevennaturalwonders.org website has listed Victoria Falls as one of the seventh natural wonders of the world. The best feature of this fall is the naturally formed pool called the “Devil’s Pool.”

7. Ouzoud Falls, Morocco:

Ouzoud Falls, Morocco
Image via wikipedia

Ouzoud Falls in Morocco is the seventh highest waterfall of Africa with a height of 110 m and is located in the Grand Atlas village of Tanaghmeilt. Ouzoud means “olives” in Berber language and this falls got its name due to the abundance of olive trees near the falls.


6. Howick Falls, KwaZulu-Natal province:

Howick Falls, KwaZulu-Natal province

Image via wikipedia

Howick Falls is located in KwaZulu-Natal province with a total height of 111 m and lies on Umegeni River. The Zulu people originally called this falls as KwaNogqaza; KwaNogqaza means “Place of the Tall One.” A legendry tale says that a giant serpent like creature called “Inkanyamba” is residing at the bottom of the falls and those who offer prayers to sangomas can only reach this falls safely and return.

5. Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho:

Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho
Image via wikipedia

Maletsunyane Falls, with a total height of 192 m is located near Semonkong town in Lesotho. Maletsunyane Falls is horsetail type waterfall with the longest drop measuring 192 m. Semonkong means “The place of smoke” and this town got its name from the fog or smoke created by Maletsunyane Falls when it is falling into the gorge.

4. Kalambo Falls, Zambia:

Kalambo Falls, Zambia
Image via wikipedia

Kalambo Falls is a 235 m high waterfall in Zambia and is second highest uninterrupted falls in Africa. It is a treat to watch Lake Tanganyika from Kolambo falls. This falls was noticed initially by people in the year 1913 and was believed to be more than 300 m high, but the actual height was recently discovered.  

3. Livingstone Falls, Democratic Republic of Congo:

Livingstone Falls, Zambia
Image via fotopedia

Livingstone Falls was named after the explorer David Livingstone and is 270 m high. Livingstone falls may not be the highest waterfall of Africa, but definitely a largest waterfall in the world in terms of flow rate. The latter portion of Livingstone Falls contains group of cataracts called Inga falls and contains two large hydro power plants.

2. Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe:

Mutarazi Falls, also spelt as Mtarazi Falls is located in Zimbabwe and is 762 m high. This is the second highest waterfall in Africa and 17th highest in the world. When the river is flowing off the cliff one can clearly see two nearly indistinguishable drops flowing from it.

1. Tugela Falls, KwaZulu-Natal province:

Tugela Falls, KwaZulu-Natal province
Image via wikipedia

Tugela Falls is the highest waterfall in Africa with a total height of 948 m and is world’s second highest waterfall. It is located in KwaZulu-Natal province. Tugela Falls has two trails; one is to the top of Mount-Aux-Sources and the second one is from the Royal Natal National Park.

Feel like visiting these waterfalls? Watch out for more information about travel and travel destinations.



07 August, 2011

Europe

06 August, 2011

South America

Some interesting South America travel destinations

North America

Find out interesting travel destinations of North America

Middle East

Middle East travel destinations

Australia

Find out travel destinations in Australia

Asia

Know about Asian travel destinations

Africa

Know about travel destinations in Africa

04 August, 2011

Seven Splendid Adventure Travel Destinations in Europe


Are you a person who loves adventures? Do you wish to visit exotic and remote places? Are you interested in adventurous activities like mountaineering, bungee jumping, trekking, etc.? Here is a list of top 7 adventurous travel destinations in Europe.

  1. Switzerland
Snowboarding in Switzerland, a famous adventure travel destination
Image via ekstream

Switzerland tops the list of adventure travel destinations in Europe. Alps Mountains is the first thing that would run through our mind when thinking of Switzerland. Switzerland is famous for adventure travel like snowboarding, skiing, skating, glacier walking, air boarding, tobogganing, etc. It is definitely a best place for your adrenalin rush.

  1. Croatia
Croatia White water rafting
Image via flickr

National Geographic Adventure Magazine adjudged Croatia as “Destination of the Year” in 2006; there are many activities for travelers who love adventures. Croatia is full of mountains and highlands. Croatia is the best place for activities like camping, skiing, white water rafting, mountain biking, kayaking, etc.

  1. Austria   
Austria Ski slopes
Image via weisseroessl

Majority of the countries in Europe are famous for snowboarding and skiing. Austria has some of the world’s best and largest ski resorts. Austria also conducts ski races and nearly 85% of the world top skiers participate in it.

  1. Norway
Norway adventure travel hiking
Image via flickr

Norway is famous for its astonishing fjords and is a treat to the eyes to watch those beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, etc. If you are an ardent fan of hiking, you have infinite opportunities in Norway; other adventurous travel sports would include skiing, rafting, trekking, cycling, mountaineering, sailing, kayaking, etc.

  1. Iceland
Iceland glacier hiking

Iceland is famous for hiking like Norway, but it is not easy to hike in Iceland. Iceland also boasts about frozen waterfalls and glaciers. Some of the famous adventure activities include ski touring, ski mountaineering, ice climbing, heli skiing, glacier hiking, etc.

  1. Malta  
Diving in Malta, the best place for diving lovers
Image via cultel

Malta is the best place for people who love diving; it is the perfect island for water sports during summer. Hike in the countryside of Malta if you wish to get a sneak preview of rural Malta. Go trekking to watch the beautiful and astonishing caves; sailing is another wonderful option in Malta.

  1. Spain
Canyoning in Spain

Spain offer endless opportunities for the lovers of activities like canyoning, white water sports, climbing, hiking, scuba diving and downhill skiing. Spain takes pride in having some of the best canyoning places.

Did you get a sneak preview of must see adventure travel destinations in Europe?

Travel Events


Essential Things in Your First Aid Kit While Traveling


When planning on an international travel we tend to pack things like clothes, accessories to match the clothes, cosmetics, etc., but how many of us actually give importance or even think of packing a first aid kit? Is first aid kit essential when traveling? If yes, what things go inside a first aid kit?

Travel First Aid Kit
Image source shopassure

Must Have Items in First Aid Kit

NOTE: It is always good to take the required immunizations and vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before the departure date.

  1. Do you take certain medicines regularly? If yes, this should top the list in your first aid kit. Remember to take the prescription along with these medicines as you may find it useful when airport authorities ask you about these medicines.
  2. Are you allergic to certain food items or have an itchy skin or prone to skin allergies? If yes, make sure you take anti-allergic drugs with you along with the prescription.
  3. Drugs for pain, fever, inflammation, diarrhea, etc., as you may experience muscle cramps or body pain or fever when you travel long distances.
  4. Bandages are necessary in a first aid kit for minor cuts or bruises.
  5. Sunscreen lotion, lip balm, tweezers, thermometer, scissors, cotton swabs, safety pins etc.
  6. Antacids to combat digestive problems.
  7. Hand sanitizers, face tissue, insect repellent, and wipes.
Pack these items in a way you will be able to take them easily. The best way is to put each of these first aid kit items in small zip lock covers and then putting them all in the first aid kit. This will help you take things that you require easily.

Let me know if I have missed anything in the first aid kit list…


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