Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for adventure travel
The Kokoda Trail
By Linda Tancs
The formidable trek known as the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea has a storied past, being the site of the battle between Japanese and Australian forces during World War II. The physically demanding journey takes you 60 miles overland through the Owen Stanley range, a slog through mud and hills that’s surely evocative of a war zone. The trail, popular with Australian tourists, is quite the mecca for any adventurous soul or military buff. In Sydney there’s a memorial walkway commemorating the Australian forces –a lot less arduous to navigate but very poignant.
Share this:
The Jungle of the Mirrors
By Linda Tancs
The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve (2,080,000 hectares), the largest reserve in Peru, is located 183 kilometers from Iquitos and is home to numerous endangered species, like the charapa river turtle, the giant river otter, the black caiman, and the river dolphin. Sometimes referred to as the jungle of the mirrors, the area is rife with activities for nature lovers, such as birdwatching, canoe rides, piranha fishing, and excursions to a watching tower to observe the birth of the Amazon at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers. Couple that with a stay at the Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge at the Marañón River’s bank and you’ve got an idyllic holiday.
Share this:
White Water Rafting in England
By Linda Tancs
Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire is an Olympics venue, the only brand new London 2012 venue to open to the public ahead of the Games. As the name implies, you can partake in guaranteed white water with two separate courses, a 300m competition-standard course and a 160m training course. The centre also offers canoeing opportunities for clubs, colleges, universities, schools and community groups. Here’s your chance to raft and canoe ahead of the 82 athletes vying for four medals at this world class sports facility. The Opening Ceremony is 27 July. Let the countdown begin!
Share this:
A Whale of a Time in Washington
By Linda Tancs
Orca whales are seen the most in San Juan Island between May and October when the salmon runs are strongest. Only 90 miles north of Seattle, San Juan Island provides visitors with an array of boating and kayaking excursions to observe these highly social oceanic dolphins. Learn more about the killer whale at the museum in Friday Harbor, the main city on San Juan Island. You can get there via the Washington State Ferries from Anacortes.
Share this:
The Switzerland of Central America
By Linda Tancs
For decades Costa Rica has been referred to as the Switzerland of Central America, owing to peace, prosperity and stability. But let’s not forget the other Swiss-like attributes, like gorgeous mountains offering sweeping panoramic views and hiking opportunities galore. And, like Switzerland, thrill seekers will love rafting. Costa Rica offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the world thanks to its mountainous terrain and rain produced by the rainforests. It’s available year-round, but white-knuckle enthusiasts should wait until May through October to get wet and wild.
Share this:
A Haven of Peace
By Linda Tancs
Amongst the hustle and bustle of cruise ships negotiating exotic ports of call in Tanzania, it’s easy to forget that its largest city, Dar es Salaam, means “haven of peace.” You’ll likely experience that in the city centre at the botanical gardens. Or perhaps during a stroll through the adjacent National Museum, home to antique tribal artefacts and World War One memorabilia. And what better time to go than January and February, the short dry season. Your haven is waiting.
Share this:
Your Own Private Idaho
By Linda Tancs
The idllyic surroundings of Musha Cay and the Islands of Copperfield Bay may seem like an illusion but that first step into the natural nirvana of the monkey jungle assures you that it’s all very real. The jungle is only one of several hidden exotic locations on Musha Cay and the surrounding islands, a Bahamas retreat owned and designed by magician and entertainer David Copperfield. Hosting up to only 24 guests at any given time (at a rate of $37,500 per day with a four-night minimum), this ultra-luxe experience delivers the kind of magical moments only the likes of Copperfield could provide. Are you ready for a wonder-full experience?
Share this:
A Titanic Cruise Fare
By Linda Tancs
Following the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in April next year, Horizon & Co. will mark the occasion with a series of space-limited excursions to her final resting place. In July and August, the company will offer three opportunities to visit the wreck site and dive down in a deep sea submersible unit to explore the vessel close up on the ocean floor. For an experience like that, expect to pay a titanic sum–that is, from $66,257 for submarine divers or $12,498 for non-submarine divers. If those numbers give you pause, consider the effects of inflation. In 1912, a first class suite on Titanic was around $4300; that’s $50,000 or so in today’s money.
Share this:
A Mexican Summit
By Linda Tancs
At 18,491 feet, Pico de Orizaba is the highest summit in Mexico and the third highest in North America. Known as Star Mountain by the Aztecs, its permanent mane of snow and ice attracts novice and professional mountaineers the world over. Fly into Mexico City, Pueblo or Veracruz. From there you can take a taxi, private driver or bus to Tlachachuca, a village at the base of the mountain, and begin your adventure.
Share this:
Workers on Wheels
By Linda Tancs
How’s this for a spin on seasonal employment: you hop in your RV and head for the hills to volunteer or work for pay at a nature center or resort. That’s the life of a workamper, a seasonal employee or volunteer often granted exclusive access to areas of national parks or refuges in exchange for assistance with programs often suffering from reduced employment necessitated by budget cuts. If you’ve got a love of the great outdoors, this might be the gig for you.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 