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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Visit Some of the Best Beaches in Brazil

By Gary T Tate

If you're headed to South America for a holiday this year, chances are you're planning a stop in Brazil. Known for its incredible parties, beautiful beaches and exciting culture, Brazil draws in more than five million people from around the world every year. Sao Paulo is a an incredible city and the focal point for those travelling on business while many tourists will know Rio de Janeiro and its famous Christ the Redeemer Statue as the destination of choice.

Wherever you end up in Brazil, make sure you make the most of the sun and the sand at a few of the country's top beaches. Check out these spots during your stay and soak in the very best that the country has to offer.

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Sinatra fan or not, Ipanema beach is one of Rio de Janeiro's most iconic - and for a reason. Ipanema isn't just a beach; the restaurants, cafes and shops that line the shore are all part of the city's culture that most lose themselves in. Despite its reputation it can make for a quiet and relaxing day trip during the week and is one of the most scenic shores in the world.

Itapoan Beach, Salvador

Golden sands, a rocky shore and a beautiful little lighthouse on Salvador's Itapoan beach are enough for many who want to rest by the water for the day. There are a nice selection of restaurants and lots of small, naturally formed rock pools where you can dip your feet in and enjoy some sun.

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

One of the most famous in Rio de Janeiro and the world, with yet another name popularised in song, Copacabana is a 4km long beach with a vibrant and lively promenade that has been a staple of the beach for more than forty years since its completion. Hotels, nightclubs and restaurants thrive on its shores and Copacabana is set to be one of the Olympic Zones in the 2016 games.

Cotovelo Beach, Natal

Cotovelo beach's calm waters and picture-perfect skies overhead make it perfect for families and couples who want to relax with a drink or lunch at one of the restaurants by the shore. Nearby resorts offer some of the best stays in Natal and you won't be disappointed with the views from the eateries and cafes nearby.

What are you waiting for? Dig your toes into the sand and wade out into the beautiful blue waters at some of Brazil's top beaches. There's no better place to lose yourself during your South American journey and, with plenty of culture and an unrivalled nightlife, you'll never forget your stay.

Latin Link offer amazing escorted tours of Brazil. Find out more here.

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The Top 3 Reasons You Should Take a Walking Tour in Spain

By Monica Rooney

Walking tours are a favorite pastime of tourists in every corner of the globe. Whether you have just a few days to enjoy your destination, or time is simply a word, engaging in a walking tour allows you to take in the culture, beauty, and history of your locale in a relaxed yet efficient manner. Ranging from casual half-day trips to intense month-long treks, walking tours offer an engaging experience to individuals on every end of the fitness spectrum. Some world travelers have even made it their personal goal to traverse the most famous trails and treks on Earth, routes like those of the Triple Crown in the United States, the El Camino de Santiago in Spain, and the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Regardless of your goals for touring and travel, here are our top three reasons why you should start your journey with walking tours in Spain.

1) El Camino de Santiago
The El Camino de Santiago is possibly the most famous route on the planet. For thousands of years, pilgrims of diverse faiths from around the world have traveled a path to honor Saint James, whose remains are believed to be held at the Cathedral de Santiago in the Galician region of northwestern Spain. With a variety of routes to choose from, the most of popular starting in Paris and running 800 km, the El Camino to Santiago is an incredible way to enjoy a walking tour in Spain and an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.

2) The Vibrant Culture
Spanish culture is as rich and vibrant as the gorgeous sunsets lingering over the Galician horizon. There is never a dull moment in Spain, and you will be hard pressed to go a day without experiencing something beautifully unique. From the rich colors and passion of flamenco dancing in the southern Andalusia region, to a rustic lifestyle found in the old medieval towns of Castilla y Leon, Spain's uniquely varied culture will take your breath away time and time again. Enjoying a walking tour in Spain is easy and stress-free when every place you visit is more magical than the last.

3) The Breathtaking Scenery
Few places on Earth can compare to Spain's breathtaking scenery. As varied as it's culture, Spain's landscape offers every imaginable delight, from golden beaches, to rolling hillsides, to majestic mountains running down rugged coastline. Taking a walking tour in Spain is a new experience every time, and you can't spend a day here without basking in the wonder of this incredible land. Circle a medieval castle on Monday, cross a mountain range on Tuesday, go surfing on Wednesday, and start down the El Camino to Santiago on Thursday. No other country in Europe can offer the variety you will find in Spain.

As you can see, seasoned travelers and excited tourists alike can benefit from taking a walking tour through Spain. From the exotic scenery to the vibrant culture to the historic El Camino to Santiago, no other destination will satisfy your sense of beauty and adventure quite like Spain.

Monica Rooney Riestra grew up in the Spain's northwest Galician region, and is the founder and owner of Adiante Travel. With degrees in both Tourism Administration and International Business, Monica is using her expertise and experience to present travelers with once in a lifetime experiences. Offering guided walking tours of El Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, Adiante Travel provides pilgrims and tourists alike with everything they need to experience the beauty, culture, and spirituality of this historic journey.

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