Champagne Ardenne Festivals - 10 Great Festivals In Champagne Ardenne France

By Jackie A De Burca

round the world this region is best known for its produce champagne, than its other numerous charms such as its excellent game, out of which many delicious meals have been thoroughly enjoyed. However as well as its appeal to the discerning palate, this region in France has a number of interesting and fun festivals throughout the year.

1. Elektricity Festival, Rue du Docteur Lemoine, Reims Cathedral, 20th to 24th March 2013
You could be forgiven for assuming that this festival had something to do with electricity; it is however the name of a music festival which combines urban and contemporary music. Taking place in front of the Reims Cathedral, you can expect to experience new types of electronic music however, as well as a promising line up, put together by the festival organisers.

A firm favourite in the Reim festival and cultural world, it has a good track record (excuse the pun) and visitors can expect to attend some good performances.

2. Europuces Fair in Reims, Reims Exhibition Centre, 2nd to 3rd March 2013
A massive amount of antique lovers attend the Europuces Fair in Reims. Whether you are a seasoned antique dealer, an enthusiast or a bargain hunter, this is the place to be!

European antique sellers have a range of treasures on sale, from furniture to fine art objects, to apparently ordinary every day items. Come to the treasure trove that is the Europuces Fair.

3. Méli'môme Festival, Place de l'Hotel de Ville, Reims, 22nd March to 8th April 2013
Move over Mummy and Daddy, this festival is all about the children! This festival has grown in popularity since its inception back in 1989, and it offers a colourful combination of fun and expressive genres which will be sure to engage your child or children.

From story telling to dance, from song and dance to puppet shows, the entertainment offers a range of magical and delightful shows for the younger family members.

4. Festival Bernard Dimey, May awaiting dates 2013 (10th to 13th May 2012)
A festival dedicated to the memory of Bernard Dimey, the Nogent poet. There are prizes awarded each year from a spring-board event, for the younger talented people.

Born on 16th July 1931 in what was then Nogent-en-Bassigny, and now Nogent, Bernard Dimey was a French poet and songwriter. The festival focuses on poetry and songs with the younger folk in mind. He died in Paris, on 1st July 1981.

5. Sedan Medieval Festival, 3rd week May, (19th to 20th May 2012)
The Sedan Castle Fort was built almost 6 centuries ago and is the largest in Europe, with a size of 35,000m2. Making it a splendid place to enjoy a medieval festival, it is located right in the heart of Sedan city.

The festival takes place both in the castle fortress as well as in the town, and each year the event planners come with a new themed surprise. In 2011 a full size dragon who spat fire was produced and in 2010 came the giants of the north.

Cast yourself back into medieval times and watch the medieval sports and activities take place, such as jousting, flag throwing and cavalry tournaments. Enjoy street theatre, soak up the medieval atmosphere, feast, drink and be merry!

You can also find plenty of beautiful medieval arts and crafts, plus watch medieval artisans at work.

6. Joan of Arc Festival, early June (2nd to 3rd June 2012)
Joan of Arc festival is one of the most historical events which takes place in France. The city of Reims celebrates its heroine.

It is a marvellous sight, as around 2000 people dress up in historical costumes to accompany Charles VII and Joan of Arc, in a parade.

The patron saint of the city, who freed it from the English in the 15th century, is celebrated by a range of shows. If you are British and visiting this festival, you can enjoy some fun French-English rivalry, given the occasion. So take local banter in the good spirits of the occasion!

Wander around the medieval market, enjoying the historical epics that are part and parcel of this festival, as well as the atmosphere and the surroundings.

7. Les Sacres du Folklore - The Rites of Folklore Festival - Reims, 21st to 25th June 2013
This folk festival takes place in the interests of friendship and peace in Reims. You can expect to hear some of world's best folk groups, and enjoy a folk-filled programme of events. More than three hundred musicans, singers, dancers and actors take part in this large folk festival.

8. Ay Champagne Festival (every 2nd year, 1st weekend July, next year 2014)
Also known as Henry IV Festival

Considered to be the best champagne village in the whole region, Ay is the home of the likes of Bollinger, Gosset and Ayala, as well as Deutz & Gelderman.

This festival combines lots of bubbly champagne and plenty of bubbly entertainment. Consider putting a few days apart in July 2014 for this marvellous event.

9. Clin d'œil Festival, Reims, 5th to 7th July 2013
Running since the European Year of People with Disabilities, 2003, this festival is a huge European deaf cultural event. In fact it actually started off as a one off event, but like a stone gathering moss, it has developed into a superb event that now continues to run.

Here is where you can enjoy experiencing the showcasing of the numerous exceptionally talented deaf people. It is a festival that bridges the gap between the deaf and hearing communities through the medium of artistic expression. A variety of forms of art and creative expression include painting, sculpture, design.

10. Fête des Sorcières - Witch Festival, Chalindrey, October
Whilst today there are many practices witches who live happily in various countries, a few centuries ago they would have been burnt at the stake. During the 16th century the Fort of Cognelot was the area of a witch hunt, and since then it was given the name Devil's Point. This, as well as the area's Celtic roots have combined to make it a location rich in supernatural heritage.

The Witch Festival has been running for around a century. Celebrations evoke this heritage and visitors can enjoy dances which are haunting, til the wee and more eerie hours. The festival includes exhibitions, movies of a fitting genre and face painting.

Listen to the local ghost stories, marvel at the beautiful scenery, learn about true roots of witches and of course have lots of fun!

More fun festivals in France, written by each French region can be found at the wonderful website Caravan Insurance Gurus, alongside many other in depth features, plus you can find caravan sites in France and campings in the UK. http://www.caravan-insurance-gurus.co.uk/

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Wildlife Conservation - Turn a Year Off Into a Year On

By Mark Bottell

If you could take a year off, what would you do? The freedom that many students have open to them when they finish school, or the freedom to take a gap year later in life, often invites an escape from day-today stresses and a chance to unwind.

But what if you could change a break from life into a 'year on' - a time of enrichment and volunteerism? The intellectual, social and spiritual rewards of investing in volunteerism for a significant amount of time are only matched by the benefits you can bring to local communities and the environment.

Give back to the environment

We all love white sandy beaches, the crisp mountain air, rich teeming jungles and rarely seen animals; but, lets face it - while tourism reaps great joy from our natural habitat for the traveller, these locations need our care to maintain their wonder and thrall. This is the role of wildlife conservation volunteering. There is great satisfaction to be had caring for cheetah and lion in places such as South Africa's Kariega Game Reserve, while at the same time ensuring these beasts continue to survive.

Enjoy a safe but challenging trip

One of the reasons you might baulk at spending your possibly once in a lifetime gap year on a wildlife conservation project is the image of dirt, strain and hard slog. But it is more than feasible to be educated and challenged on a project while also ensuring your health and safety, and, above all, having a great holiday. For example, the Shamwari Reserve Experience in South Africa gives an in-depth educational experience while also providing top shelf services and the opportunity to enjoy a safari with Africa's 'Big Five' game animals.

Have a meaningful vacation

Sometimes, the most self-indulgent time off can seem vacuous and unfulfilling. One of the common rewards of community volunteering or working in wildlife conservation is that it can inject your travel with a sense of meaning and accomplishment. As the great boxer Mohammed Ali said, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." Strangely enough, paying this rent can intrinsically satisfy. You can finish your holiday knowing that you helped preserve the traditions of a local community or extend the life of an endangered species.

Create bonding experiences

Travel can be as much about the people you meet on your journey as it is about the locations you visit. Take a chance to make substantial new friendships on a wildlife conservation project. Imagine the bond that can be forged watching a previously injured wild cat take its first tentative steps back into the wild, or learning how to manage lions and forge links with local communities on the Amakhala reserve.

Come back a changed person

Speaking of the return home, volunteering on your gap year can change your perspective of your home lifestyle. The challenges and excitement of investing in a gap year helping the environment or local communities can reward you by fundamentally deepening your take on life.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Gap Africa Projects, an online tour operator which caters to interests such as wildlife conservation and offers other Gap Africa Projects adventure holidays for adults.

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Mount Monadnock, New Hampshire - The Mountain That Stands Alone

By Jaromy Jessop

"In the woods too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period whatsoever of life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth."

Ralph Waldo Emerson - Nature and Selected Essays

Climbed an amazing mountain the other day, Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. Cruised up Route 2A out of Boston and in short order found myself at the trailhead at the base of the Mountain. This mountain is a State Park and it costs $5.00 to enter but that is a paltry sum in exchange for a chance to climb this mountain.

The trailhead area is well maintained complete with a small park store where you can buy necessities, a nice parking area, restrooms and a small interpretive center in a shack. Due to time constraints, I decided to tackle the most direct route to the summit which is the "White Dot Trail" at a distance of 2.5 miles one way to the top.

It so happens that Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were both very fond of Monadnock and according to literature at the park, Thoreau climbed Monadnock four times. It is said that Monadnock is the 3rd most climbed mountain in the world behind Taishan in China and Mount Fuji in Japan with over 125,000 hikers reaching its summit every year. Monadnock or "Grand Monadnock" as it is sometimes called, is 3,165 feet in elevation, rising 2,150 feet above the surrounding plain.

The Mountain is located in Jaffrey and Dublin towns in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. It is an amazing thing to drive for an hour and a half from the Boston area through dense trees and then all of a sudden catch a glimpse of the rise and bald, grey summit of Monadnock which is made up of schist and quartzite, a remnant mound of rock left behind after the glaciers carved it out over the millennia and during their retreat.

There is some debate as to what "Monadnock" means - several definitions I have found, both of which originate from the Abnacki Indian Language are "Mountain that Stands Alone" or "Unique and Special Mountain". What ever the definition, both descriptions are true as Monadnock rises 1,000 feet higher than any other peak within 30 miles and it stands all alone.

It was hot on the June day I climbed Monadnock. I started off on the White Dot Trail at a brisk pace thinking to myself that "hey, I'm from the Rocky Mountains and this Mtn. ain't nothing". I soon ran smack dab into the "boulder incline" as I call it where the trail is a literal jumble of boulders in the trees and it does not mess around... it goes nearly straight up for a good respectable distance.

My heart was darn near pounding out of my chest when I topped this boulder stair case and got my first panoramas of the surrounding terrain... for miles and miles! The trail up was an enjoyable one through a very green forest. I learned at the interpretive center that some of the trees I saw were Mountain Ash, Red Spruce, Striped Maple, Beech, Yellow Birch and Red Oak.

As always, my camera was blasting away and I took tons of photos of a forest that was completely foreign to me. Once you bust out of the tree line you have another 300 feet of elevation gain to the summit over bare granite slabs and slick rock. Monadnock is very interesting because it has 3 distinct ecological zones -Forest, Scrub and the treeless zone.

In the visitor's center is stated that every 1,000 feet of elevation gain on a mountain is like driving north several hundred miles which makes the summit area of Monadnock a very interesting place where there are even some alpine type plants. The summit area of this mountain was outstanding. Slick, Bare, Grey rock with vistas out in the distance in every direction.

It is a large summit area that falls away precipitously on all sides with some 50 foot cliffs on the south side. There are some historical names and messages chiseled into the rock on the summit. It is said that on a clear day you can see over 100 miles making it possible to see all 6 New England States from this solitary summit. Apparently, the summit area used to be covered by an old growth forest of very large Red Spruce but early settlers in 1820 set fire to the mountain believing that deadfalls were harboring wolves and the fire got out of hand and burned for weeks, forever denuding Monadnock.

After eating the customary grub on the summit, I decided to descend the mountain via the "White Cross Trail" to change up the scenery. I noticed more interesting foliage, deep woods and some challenging steep rock areas that required all fours to negotiate.

Took some pictures of a few furry critters - squirrels and chipmunks to be exact, and saw an ugly, large Turkey Vulture near the summit. There were a few small trickling streams and one thing I decided was that if you are going to climb Monadnock, you are probably going to get your feet muddy and wet so just get over it because it is worth it.

Make sure that you stay on the trails which in many areas are mere jumbled boulder rivers in the trees marked by white dots or white crosses. There is in fact a whole trail system consisting of the White Dot, White Cross, Red Spot, Cascade Link and Lost Farm to Bald Rock trails totaling over 40 miles of trails on the mountain. Staying on the trail helps to prevent destructive erosion that cannot be reversed in many instances and it also protects delicate and rare plants from being trampled.

Other advice that I gleaned from signs here was the fact that weather on the summit changes without warning and the changes can be drastic so go prepared with whatever you might need to face the elements on any given day. Sunscreen and PLENTY of water are advisable because you WILL sweat attaining the summit of Monadnock and you will need to re-hydrate. Lastly, it was relatively dry when I climbed but my feet did still get wet. I can't imagine being on all that rock when it is raining or covered with ice and snow... would be downright treacherous so be prepared and watch the weather forecast.

All in all, this was an outstanding hike which is quite close to the Boston metro area. It is a hike that changed my perceptions of mountains back east. I will always remember fondly my hike up this very rocky, grey quartzite knob that pierces the horizon out of the green from a distance in southern New Hampshire.

http://www.americantalesandtrails.com

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Diving Vacations in Israel - A Water Lover's Delight!

By Sylvia Arad

Let's face it, for a country that's no bigger than the state of New Jersey it sure has a lot of stuff to do. For real, it's got history (thousands of years of it, no less); mountains; spas; great food; and on top of it all--diving.

Oh, you didn't know that Israel is a diving paradise? Ha, this is one of the world's most premier diving locations. And consider it just another reason to love Israel (as if the other reasons above weren't enough).

So what if you don't dive, you can still experience the wonders of the water anyway. So, let me go on record saying if you don't dive, you can still surf and water-ski until the cows come home.

Some of Israel's best diving is done in the southern part of the country in Eilat, in the warm waters and dive sites of the Red Sea. Whether you're an experienced diver, or just a novice, you can see the Eel Garden or The Caves. Sorry, only experienced divers get to do Paradise Reef.

No diving necessary at Eilat's Underwater Observatory; nor is it necessary if you just plan on snorkeling in the constant 21-25ºC water. Ooh, Snorkelers, you can still get to see Dolphin Reef like your SCUBA buddies, too.

Some diving locations in Israel are for the seriously experienced divers only. If you want to see the Japanese Garden in the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, you'd better have logged at least 17 previous dives. And to see Yatush, at a depth of 30 meters, you must be an "Advanced Open Water" diver.

Gives you something to strive for, doesn't it? Now, can someone explain to me what that means?

I joke, but diving in Israel is no laughing matter. It's serious business; and the sport isn't limited to the Red Sea only. The Mediterranean (of course) is in on the action, too. Lots of wrecks and shallow reefs await, just so you know. To the south of Jaffa in Bat Yam, you'll find an excellent diving spot beloved by both novice and experienced divers.

Head to the north, and you'll be treated to an entire port underwater. The Old Port of Caesarea, originally built by King Herod, is now an entire eco-system for all sorts of fish species. Hmm, would you look at that, history and sport all rolled into one neat package.

Along the entire coastline of the Mediterranean in Israel you'll get more than just the stuff Herod built. Underneath the water there are all kinds of caves and canyons waiting to be explored by you and your SCUBA gear.

Here all this time I thought my love for Israel was just for its food, culture, and history. Who knew you could fall in love with it for its diving...

I'm a trip consultant, planner and manager who loves creating unique intercultural adventures for families. I want to impart information, tips and personal experiences especially related to family adventure travel. Please contact me to help you in planning your travel adventure.

http://www.familyadventuretravelworks.com, Sylvia@travelworks4u.com

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Your Visitor's Guide To Cuicuilco, Mexico City

By Fernando F Mayorga

If you are the type of person that loves to mix your travel when you go on a vacation so you can get fun and culture all in one then Mexico City is for you. This city is great for all types of travel as it has all the advantages of a big modern city and some of the most impressive cultural sites in the world. One of the archaeological sites which does not get as much fame as others in the country is Cuicuilco, but one visit will have you asking why. You do not even have to leave Mexico City to visit Cuicuilco and that is not the only reason you should visit. You and your family are bound to learn a lot when you get to this amazing site.

What Is Cuicuilco?

Cuicuilco is one of the oldest sites in the region and an archaeological site like no other. While researchers are still studying the site, its importance is not challenged by anyone. Cuicuilco was the very first religious and civic center in the area. It is believed that the residents of the site were the same as those in the city of Altepetl of Mesoamerica. The city was eventually destroyed when the volcano by the name of Xitle erupted. The population is believed to have moved to the north eventually ending in the Teotihuacan area which is about 30 miles north of Mexico City. It is also believed that this site was the first time that a pyramid's location was made to link with cosmic events.

Why Is It Different?

The first thing that you will notice when you get to Cuicuilco is that it is very different to other archaeological sites that you will visit. The first thing that will jump out at you is that it is a round pyramid and not the traditional type. You can go to the top of the pyramid as it is still allowed at the moment. The fact that it is located right in Mexico City makes the view from the top a little strange as you will see cars passing by, tall buildings and billboards. A walk through the hiking area of Cuicuilco will also give you hints as to its volcanic destruction. There are large boulders which were made of lava much taller than the average person.

Information On Cuicuilco

Cuicuilco is located in Mexico City, but getting there is not as easy as it is to get to Templo Mayor. There is no Metro line to take you there; however you can get there by taking the modern Metro Bus Line 1 to Perisur. You can also take a smaller "pecero" bus from either the CU station of the Metro or from Estadio Azteca by the Tren Ligero (light rail), but the Metro Bus is your best option. You will not have to pay to get into Cuicuilco as it is free for visitors. Cameras without flash can be used and the site is open every day of the week so make sure you visit when you travel to Mexico City.

For more information on Mexico City and the many things to do here, visit http://guiadeldf.com

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Plan A Beach Camping Holiday And Get Closer To Nature

By Keneth Beuchler

Life in the city may have everything a person could want: modern architecture, access to popular commercial centres, work in professional business districts, and recreation in the form of movies, musical and theatrical performances, and art galleries are just some of typical aspects of modern city life that appeal to individuals who have grown accustomed to its fast pace and modern technologies. Friends and family get together over good food and wine at home or in classy restaurants, stay in touch through high-technology gadgets, and come home to a house filled with appliances and fittings that provide convenience in every use.

There are times, however, when a person would long to drop all of these modern conveniences for a while and immerse himself in more natural surroundings-places with fresh air, stately trees, gorgeous bodies of water, and an abundance of natural wildlife. When the urge to escape to such a place arises, it's best to make arrangements to say goodbye to the city for a while and take the entire family to more natural locations. A beach camping trip would be just the thing to help adults and children alike keep their hands free of mobile devices for a brief or extended period and bask in the glorious beauty of a holiday park instead.

Holiday parks offer cabin and cottage accommodations for urban dwellers to choose from. They can also opt to set up their own campsite in bushland or beach camping grounds for an even more authentic outdoor experience. On a holiday like this, parents and their children can spend their days swimming, fishing, surfing, kayaking, or just walking, playing, or relaxing on the beach. Camping activities like toasting marshmallows around a campfire would easily get all visitors in a special camping holiday mood.

Of course, nothing gives a person a feeling of being extremely close to nature than the presence of abundant wildlife. This tourist destination guarantees visitors of multiple kangaroo sightings-a real treat for people of all ages. Aside from kangaroos, guests will also delight in the presence of other animals such as parrots, possums, kookaburras, dolphins, and a lot more.

Most holiday attractions such as hotels and resorts would offer accommodations, activities, and services that fully enable guests to relax. However, if a family is seeking to break away from the fast pace of city life and the luxurious trappings of popular holiday destinations, then a back-to-basics experience from a camping trip can be a healthy and welcome change to the daily grind.

Click here to discover more fun activities.

Outdoors must be experienced by your little kids because as you all know, lots of kids today are into gadgets like video games and they neglect to experience the things that kids should be experiencing like beach and camping.

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The Top 5 Indian Bird Sanctuaries

By Kandpal Chandra Subhash

Tweeting and chirping of birds is the most fascinating part of India's wildlife sanctuaries. India being one of the most explicit and wonderful destinations for the wild species and being thoughtfully called as ornithologists' paradise owing to the presence of almost 1250 different varieties of avi-faunas; different wild sanctuaries offer a fantastic visit to all of them. If you are on a majestic voyage to wildlife tour in India to catch the glimpses of all these impressive creatures; and interestingly if you are a bird lover or an ornithologist, the presence of different bird sanctuaries in India is of much significant value.

The list of top 5 Indian bird sanctuaries will definitely compel you to make a must visit program to catch these hopping creatures n the dense jungles of India. Have a look and get ready with your camera to catch them with all their excitements and movements.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

46 kms from Delhi at Delhi-Jaipur highway, the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is the most preferred locale for the leisure beings and ornithologists to find the haven for both the local and migratory species of avi-faunas. The sanctuary is being located around the famous Sultanpur Lake where local people enjoy their picnic moods. Established in 1972 and spreading across an area of 44.5 hectares, the sanctuary brings tropical climate and the best time to visit the place is during October to March. Delhi Airport is the perfect point to get access to the Sultanpur Sanctuary.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

One of the most fascinated and admired bird sanctuaries in Ernakulam district of Kochi, Kerala, the Mangalavanam Sanctuary is also termed as the "green lung of Kerala" as the land is enriched with floras like mangroves. Both the resident and migratory ones can find the perfect space at Mangalavanam Sanctuary out of which the Little Cormorant and Black Crowned Night Heron are the richest species in the sanctuary. During the months of May and July the ornithologists can find the best nestlings of the avifauna here, although the best timings for their visit are Mid-January to Early-March. The nearest airport for this sanctuary is the Kochi Airport.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Popularly known as Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, it is one of the ancient bird sanctuaries of India, established almost 250 years ago; a perfect host of around 250 bird species with the special glimpses of Siberian Cranes, Ruddy Shelducks, Gulls, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, Coots, Garganey, Tufted Ducks and Common Pochard. Declared as a protected sanctuary in the year 1971, Bharatpur Sanctuary is a world heritage site. The sanctuary resides at the fantastic location of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi catch many attentions throughout the year and is mostly thronged with enthusiastic ornithologists and the bird lovers. Besides the bird lovers can find great stays at its different attractive resorts and lodges like Bharatpur Forest Lodge, Chandra Mahal Haveli, Laxmi Vilas Palace and The Bagh Resort.

Kumarakoram Bird Sanctuary

Also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary located in Kottayam district, Kerala, is the ultimate ornithologists' paradise in Kerala backwaters. The amazing natural landscape and thrilling backwater environments compels the migratory birds to make a comfort haunting zone. By spreading across 14 acres of land on the southern bank of the Kavaner River, Kumarakoram Sanctuary gains the major attraction of birds including waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, Brahminy kite and the duck, as well as the migratory Siberian crane. Parrot, teal, lark, flycatcher and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Some of the migratory birds come from the Himalayas, and a few from far away as Siberia. The sanctuary is 14 kms away from Kottayam and 106 kms away from Kochi International Airport.

Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary

33 kms south from Tirunelevli of Nanguneri Taluk, the Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary is the major attraction spot at the famous south city of Tamil Nadu. During the months of January and April, thousands of birds migrate here from the countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Australia and U.S. Some of the migrant species are Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Chipmunks, Doves, Babblers, Quails, Partridges, Kingfishers, Flycatchers, Minivets, Herons, Egrets, White Ibis, Spot-bill Ducks, Cormorants, Pelicans and Painted Storks and so on. The best time to visit this sanctuary is during January to April.

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Holiday Ideas For Your South African Safari

By Jim T Thomas

The country of South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere on the southern section of the continent of Africa, and is officially known as the Republic of South Africa. The country is home to a diverse range of cultures and languages as well as an incredible range of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Many people travel to South Africa specifically for the chance to get up close to the unique wildlife in their natural habitat.

There are a range of safari holidays you can enjoy in South Africa depending on what type of experience you want and these can be enjoyed in a number of locations in the country including the world famous Kruger National Park, Karoo National Park and Table Mountain National Park as well as the numerous game reserves throughout the country.

The traditional safari experience includes travelling through national or game parks in a 4 wheel vehicle with a knowledgeable guide who will guide you through the safari, locating elephants, wildebeest, and zebra along with other wildlife, they will set up camp for you each night, and you can enjoy reliving the days experiences and activities by the fire. These safari's are low impact ecologically sound, and offer and chance to really experience the environment.

If you are looking for a bit of comfort on your safari then consider a lodge accommodation option, where you will have all of the luxuries of home in your luxury tent with ensuite bathroom, your own deck that you observe the wildlife from, all set in some incredible bush land, and participate in a series of day trips to experience the wildlife - including the 'big 5', birdlife, and national parks.

There are also five star accommodation options where your accommodation is resort style, you are housed in multi-room, luxury tent style accommodation with full amenities including swimming pools, and large expansive decks including your own private spaces where you will be able to see game walking past almost oblivious to your presence. These safari holidays include a personal guide who will know all of the best locations for see the big 5, allowing you the opportunity to capture images of these incredible animals that your will treasure for the rest of your life.

There are a range of experiences to suit couples, groups of friends as well as the family, you'll be able to choose which environment best suits your needs, and of course it's a wonderfully romantic location to pop the question!

You can view many Bed & Breakfast listings in South Africa.

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Hiking Near Blue Ridge - The Benton Mackaye Trail

By Geza Csuros

Hiking near Blue Ridge is one of the most enjoyable activities.

The Benton MacKaye Trail has its southern terminus on the top of Springer Mountain - it commences just past the start of the famous Appalachian Trail, the AT. Unlike this eastern brother the Benton MacKaye Trail does not wind through federally protected land. You may find yourself in the midst of vacation rentals and parking lots when hiking the BMT, not to mention encountering some heavy traffic on some roads which become part of the trail. Amazing farms, dilapidated buildings and falling down barns are seen along the way, and depending on the season, beautiful spring flowers or a palette of amazing fall colors will go with the hiker. There are sixteen access points in Georgia for this amazing Trail, offering short loops and longer and more demanding longer hikes.

Springer Mountain offers a wonderful little day hike, starting at the parking lot from F.S. 42. One may simply hike up to the top using the AT, starting from this parking lot and return the same way, offering a 2 mile round trip. If you are more adventurous, return using the BMT - this is a 4.8 miles loop. After leaving Springer Mountain, the Benton Mackaye Trail intersects the Appalachian Trail a few times, just to part ways to the left about one mile past Three Forks, a very picturesque destination by itself. Hike further north, and you will find a beautiful waterfall - Long Creek Falls at this last intersection of the trails, which is a short and favorite family hike, although not advisable during a holiday weekend due to its popularity. Following the trail, after passing through Big Bald, it reaches the Swinging Bridge (about an 8.8 mile hike), also a popular destination, although it is easier accessible from the north - just a 3/10 mile walk. Passing by the Toccoa River, the BMT crosses Shallowford Bridge and after a short walk on Aska Road, it proceeds to turn left on to Stanley Creek Road and eventually passes by Falls Branch Falls, which is also a great and popular destination. A short 1/3 mile of a walk, but pretty up-hill on a fairly rough terrain. You will do your hiking near Blue Ridge on your own or you might chose to hire a local hiking guide, who will have lots of information and local folklore to make your trip more enjoyable.

Could not talk about the Trail without mentioning its creator Benton MacKaye the Appalachian Trail. Emile Benton MacKaye was born on March 6, 1879, the fifth child to a very poor household. He was named after his paternal grandmother, Emily Benton Steele. His father, Steele MacKaye, was a struggling author in New York, and his mother, Mary, was a homemaker with irregular employment in the theater industry.

MacKaye's early ideas on outdoor recreation, wilderness maintenance, land-use planning, community advancement, and transportation have enthused generations of activists, professionals, and adventurers looking for a harmonious balance between human need and that of nature and the natural environment.

The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) was organized in 1979 and incorporated in 1980, to build and keep up the BMT. The organization was formed by volunteers with a wish to create a hiking path along the original path first envisioned for the Appalachian Trail. The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) is a back-country hiking trail, measuring 288 miles (480 km), with 80 miles in Georgia alone, and it intersects with the Appalachian Trail on either end passing through some of the most remote back-country in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It was officially completed in 2005.

MacKaye lived to be 96 years old and died in December of 1975. His legacy and his passion continue to live on with this amazing trail that offers so much pleasure to thousands.

Geza Csuros is one of the owners, and writes for the Lilly Pad Village - a great family fun and hiking destination near Blue Ridge, Georgia.

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Arizona's McDowell Mountains Get a Modern Update

By Shiloh J Dorsett

The City of Scottsdale has completed construction of the permanent Tom's Thumb Trailhead giving rock climbing a new place to rest while we play. The permanent Tom's Thumb Trail Head will be located southeast of the intersection of 128th Street and the Preserve boundary, and will be accessed via 128th Street. From now on the preferred access from the intersection of Pima and Happy Valley Road will be to take Happy Valley east to where it turns north and becomes 118th street. Turn east on Ranch Gate Road then south on 128th street. This route has been improved to the boundary of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The old access route through Troon will be gated and closed to public traffic prior to completion of the new Trailhead. Please respect this effort by the City to attempt to avoid closure during the entire construction process, which will continue through early summer of 2012. Inevitably there could be some short term closures due to construction needs, so please follow any official signage.

The Preserve is owned by the City of Scottsdale and its primary purpose is to keep the natural habitat and geology in its native state. All usage is governed by the City of Scottsdale code and will be enforced. Once in the Preserve, please remember to follow all of the City of Scottsdale rules and regulations for the Preserve as indicated on the signage. These rules include no camping or overnight stays, opening at sunrise and closing at sunset, etc. Stay on the designated main trails, and only access crags on the official rock climbing trails, most of which are marked by signage along the Tom's Thumb Trail. Under no circumstances use the old access to Tom's Thumb that enters near the house SE of 128th and El Paraiso. (This signage was obtained by a grant the AMC received from the Access Fund and was installed by AMC and local climbers.)

Rock climbers and hikers alike will benefit greatly from the improved signage encompassing the entire park and the trails to some of the more exclusive rock climbing destinations have been improved for easier access. We ask that you respect the area by staying to the trails, the city is working diligently on replanting razed, sensitive riparian areas. Roads have been replanted and should be respected by staying to the new paths and allowing them to grow back to former beauty.

We hope you will visit this area soon - The McDowell Mountain Preserve is the gem of the Scottsdale area and a mecca in the area for traditional rock climbing. Whether you are a rock climber, hiker or mountain bike rider, you will find your niche in this beautiful park.

Visit ClimbPHX.com for a full list of cool Rock Climbing to enjoy plus a downloadable map of the area.

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Must See Unusual Attraction in India

By Raghu Raj Murmu

India is indeed a much diversified country with a lot of different venues to visit and a very amazing experience to take away. Indeed, many known and offbeat will attract the tourist but the below listed places will give the visitor a very capricious exposure that they would remember throughout their life. Some of these have a certain mysticism attached to that as well as further exploration can be done too. One will not need to plan for most of these but just pick out some time to make a detour from their travel schedule.

1. Tiffin Top or Dorothy's Seat: - This is at a distance of approximately 4 kms from the town of Nainital. One can access it via, Lands End, Sherwood College, Bara Pather and Ayarpatta. Walking up to the top is the most thrilling experience but if ease is the mantra that one chants then a pony ride can be sought from Bara Pather. Once at the top, one can see the mesmerizing view of the Nainital township and the incredible Himalayas

2. Balancing Rock (Mahabalipuram):- Situated at 60km away from Chennai in the famous city of Mahabalipuram, this is largely known as the Butter Ball of Krishna. It is a massive rock boulder resting on a rock base that is very narrow. It is perched on such a tiny surface area that at times the travellers are apprehensive to stand anywhere closer to it. A must see place for all the shutterbugs.

3. Balancing Rock (Jabalpur):- Another rock that balances itself perfectly is settled in Madhya Pradesh's city of Jabalpur, at the Madan Mahal Fort base. This is an eroded volcanic rock formation, which is balancing itself on the other rock. This weathering rock is very much in a hanging position that makes it so much popular among the tourists. While in central India, one must visit Jabalpur and see this rock for themselves.

4. Sand Dunes of Sam: - If not careful, one can end up losing themselves in the Thar desert right outside Jaiselmer at Sam. These sand dunes stretch for miles and miles so it makes for a fantastic point to witness both the sunset and sunrise. Hence, an overnight stay would enhance the experience of the traveller.

5. Duke's Nose or Nagphani: - This is a cliff near Lonavala, at Khandala and resembles to an aggressive hooded snake's head, thus the name, Nagphani. Atop the cliff, a small shrine is made by unknown people. One can see the Mumbai-Pune road and the adjoining rail corridors as well the ghats of Sahyadri.

6. Spiti Valley: - This is one of the heavenly spots on the face of earth. It is a desert mountain valley, which is around 400 km from the hill station Shimla. It is separated from the Kullu Valley by the famous Rohtang Pass and reaching here or even crossing it is not an easy task to accomplish. Adventure seekers tend to ride through this valley towards Leh on their Royal Enfield Bullet. The word 'Spiti' means 'the middle country,' which it truly is.

7. Lonar Crater Lake: - This is the biggest impact crater in the basalt rock across the entire globe at a diameter of nearly 1.83 km, with a depth of 150 meters. As per the findings, 50,000 years ago a meteorite hit this spot and thus the crater was formed. The entire area has a variety of unusual flora and fauna that is not found elsewhere. It also acts as a host to multiple species of migrating birds.

Author is an experienced Royal Enfield Bullet rider by passion and a Copywriter by profession. More could be found about him at Chronicles of a Tribal Traveler, while he maintains a regular Diary to keep his readers abreast with the latest happenings and thoughts that he comes across.

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New Independent Report Analyzing the UK's Growing Leisure Sector in 2012 and 13

By Helen E Bovey

As an independent travel writer based in the UK, I'm always interested in what's happening in the UK tourism market and try to keep my eye on blogs, articles and industry reports to see what others are saying about tourism in the UK and see how it compares with my own experience and what others tell me.

It is well know that tourism is now a key part of the UK economy. According to English Tourism's own figures from 2011, tourism contributed £97 billion overall to GDP in 2010 and although nearly half of this related to domestic day trips, domestic overnight and inbound spending by overseas visitors were also both significant, with accommodation playing a large part in tourism provision.

My perception had been that most of the available accommodation stock for tourism is "serviced" (hotels, B&Bs, guest houses etc) so I was surprised to learn from English Tourism that, in fact, the non-serviced accommodation provided by the UK leisure accommodation sector - such as camping, caravan parks, motorhomes campervans, holiday cottages and lodges - accounted for over half of the more than 65,000 stock available in 2011. This told me it was probably about time to do a bit more research on the non-serviced sector to get a feeling for trends and developments and to see how that sector had fared in what had generally been a difficult year for those people in the UK tourism industry who were the ones who lost out on the diversion of interest (and spending) to the Olympics this year.

One of the most useful snapshots I have seen recently was an independent report by market research consultancy Du Cane Associates on the UK leisure accommodation sector commissioned by motorhome hire and caravan hire website ukmotorhomehirerental.com. This considered the effects on the leisure accommodation sector in 2012 of factors such as the economic situation and the effects of a poor British summer, the Olympics and Paralympics, Glastonbury and the Jubilee holiday, the Staycation trend, changes in demographics and the influence of social media. The overall conclusion was that despite strong growth in recent years, 2012 had seen a levelling off but that this was more due to a series of one off factors in 2012 (for example, there may be another poor summer but there won't be another Olympics) rather any underlying trends which would suggest that the sector isn't set for long term growth. This view is reinforced by positive vibes from early data for 2013 bookings suggesting that next year should be stronger again. It's well worth a read.

Helen Bovey, independent travel writer & motorhome enthusiast, currently freelancing, fan of the UK's leading motorhome hire and campervan hire portal website ukmotorhomehirerental.com - Lifes great!

Quick Links to report mentioned above (posted on ukmotorhomehirerental) -
http://www.ukmotorhomehirerental.com
http://www.ukmotorhomehirerental.com/pages/contentPage.asp?QN=131

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