Gift Ideas To Get Your Boyfriends Heart Racing

Finding that perfect gift for your boyfriend is a tough choice these days. With adverts for every useless product under sun in your face at all times of day it is easy to get confused about what to buy your partner.

What is it that boys actually want anyway?

Look socks, undies and ties are all useful presents and us guys will certainly appreciate the fact that we don't need to go out and buy them ourselves but if this is the year you really want to impress your boyfriend then I suggest you look at buying the gift of an adventure experience.

There are literally thousands of different adventure experiences that could be gifted and by shopping this way you are sure to find something perfect for your boyfriend.

Below are the 5 most popular adventures boys are after.

1. V8 Car Hot Lap

It is no secret that boys love their toys and what toys did most of them have as kids? Toy cars of course.

Why not make that childhood dream become a reality with real V8 cars driving at incredible speeds around some of the world's best tracks. Most race tracks do offer these tours and they can range from 2 laps to up to 20 laps in some places.

2. Rally Car Drive

Similar to the V8 hot laps, as in it's an experience with a car but so different in many ways.


Rally car drives offer jumps, unpredictable twists and turns as well as offers some heart pumping adrenalin coursing through the veins.

3. Jet Plane Rides

This adventure gift idea is not for the faint hearted but for those boyfriends who love speed, heights and extreme sports will absolutely love this experience.

These planes hit incredible speeds, g-forces and perform aerobatics to make anyone squeal. Even watching from the ground may get the adrenalin pumping too.

4. Skydiving

Another great and extreme gift idea for your boyfriend might be skydive. This is the number 1 extreme sport available on the market and is an experience that will stay with him for a lifetime.

Skydiving is also a great way to bond if you do this together. Surviving a freefall from 14,000 feet together is sure to bring you closer.

5. Jet Boating

Jet boating is a relatively new experience that started in New Zealand that is now taking the world by storm and can be found in just about every city that has water.

While not all men are ready to jump out of a plane they may be pumped to splash around the waterways at top speeds with all the twists and turns.

As you can see from the list above there are plenty of reasons to buy your partner and extreme and adventure experience but it doesn't just stop at these 5. As I mentioned before there are literally thousands of adventure sports that will give your boyfriend the gift and experience of a lifetime.

Spoil your boyfriend with the perfect adventure gift that will get his heart racing.

Gift Ideas That Your Girlfriend Will Never Forget

Finding that perfect gift for your girlfriend can be a tough choice these days, especially when you ask them and their answer is always 'I don't know'. Well maybe it is time to take charge and find something she has only ever thought about in her wildest dreams.

Most women love the idea of sharing a romantic experience with their loved ones so why not use this single thought to buy your girlfriend a gift she will never forget.

You could of course send her some expensive flowers like the majority of her ex-boyfriends or you could do something special and unique. Here are 5 adventure gift ideas that you could consider.

1. Hot Air Balloon Rides

There is nothing more romantic that viewing the world from above in a hot air balloon while sipping some champagne.

This is a great idea for your girlfriend's gift because you get to spend those magical moments in the air together.

2. Sailing

Cruising down the river on a sail boat is a popular way to spend time relaxing and taking in the fresh sea air.

These cruises could be a luxurious tour with food and entertainment or for the more adventurous could even be a day learning to sail. Learning to sail is a great way to bond and work as a team as well as learning a fun and practical skill.

3. Horse Riding


If your girlfriend loves animals then a horse ride if the perfect gift to buy. This is a popular way to explore the bushlands, beaches and picturesque scenery in just about any location.

You may even take it up a notch and book a horse riding tour through a vineyard, tasting local wines and stopping at various eateries and shops along the way.

4. Wildlife Viewing

Again if your girlfriend loves wildlife then witnessing some of the world's most precious creatures up close may be the way to go.

This could be simply visiting the local zoo, wildlife-park or aquarium. Or to top that experiences could include swimming with dolphins; either trained or among a wild pod or perhaps a whale watching cruise as the make their way down various coastlines.

5. Kayaking Tours

Kayaking is an active yet somehow relaxing tour to take in a picturesque waterway. Most humans love being in or near the water so it is a perfect way to spend the day outdoors.

You could take an organised tour which will help your girlfriend with techniques as well as give insights to the local area and sites or you could decide to hire some kayaks for the day, pack a light lunch and take a picnic in your own secluded spot.

These are just some adventure gift ideas that your girlfriend would never forget. Hopefully this will expand your gifting ideas and will avoid you buying the same old present just about every ex-boyfriend has bought her before. Using one of these ideas will make you stand out in her eyes.

Spoil your girlfriend with the perfect adventure gift that she will never forget.

How to Plan a Surprise Holidays

Planning a holiday is hard. It doesn't matter if you know where you want to go, or when you want to go, it is always hard to get to the travel agents and book what you want. Something always goes wrong and you always have to move things around.

Therefore, you can imagine how hard it is to plan a surprise holiday, where everything is up to you and you have to co-ordinate everything because there is no one there to help you.

It is kind of rare for people to book a surprise holiday because if they want to book a break for someone, then they usually take the person with them and find out where they want to go. It is not hard and the person booking the trip is just there to pay for what the other person wants. They don't have to guess anything at all.

If you are in the position where you want to book a surprise holiday, then you have come to the right place. The aim of this article is to show people that booking their surprise break does not have to be a headache.

Destination

You might not know where the recipient would want to go. If this is the case, why are you planning a surprise trip? You should have some idea because you wouldn't really know why they would like a surprise trip in the first place.

It is good to have some idea where they want to go. If you are close to the other person, then you will have been there when they will have mentioned somewhere that they have always wanted to go. If you still don't know, you should ask their friends or pay attention when they comment on their favorite movies, because people always want to go where their favorite movie was filmed.

Internet

Once you know the destination, it is time to start getting quotes for prices of the trip. If you go to the travel agents on the high street, you might pay a bit more than if you booked on a website.

Therefore, it might be worth getting quotes off the travel agent and then going home and looking on their website at the prices. Sometimes travel agents will give you an extra discount for booking online because they want to make more money off their site. If there is a massive discount, then go ahead and book it. But, if you are still not sure, then look on other websites and see if they can offer you anything for cheaper.

You should go with the cheapest quote as long as you don't book a cheap holiday and then you are staying in a dump and you have preferred to pay more for a better hotel. To make sure this does not happen, you should pick a hotel that you like and then get quotes based on that hotel.

Tours

If you know that the person will want to do tours, then it is better if you book them before you go and have everything planned in advance. That way, everything will be a surprise for the other person and they will feel like you have made a massive effort to make it the best holiday for them.

Sometimes, it is more memorable if you choose tours and excursions that are a bit unique. For example, if you are going to Costa Rica, you could probably see the sights on a bus tour. However, you will be crammed in a bus and will not see the sights, the way they were meant to be seen. Therefore, you could book a zip line tour and be out in the open when you see everything and it will be something that you will both remember for the rest of your life.

Disney World New Ride Reservation Systems

Making products and services easily accessible is an important determinant in the success of a business. And I think Disney is probably the best in capitalizing this very crucial aspect in the theme-park industry today. Being the world's biggest entertainment conglomerate, Disney is unique in handling both its core businesses as well as the demands of fans since inception. It's not just a source that enables you to connect with the ultimate dreams, but also understands the importance of making things available in the most hassle-free and convenient way possible. One great example of this amazing quality about the Company is the implementation of the new ride reservation system at the WDW (Walt Disney World) resort in Orlando.

Intended to provide more flexibility in the booking of favorite rides and bring improvement in the wait-times the new Fastpass+ (FP+) system comes with many great promises. Unlike the legacy paper Fastpass, the ability to obtain reservations in advance becomes a reality now for all those passionate about Disney World rides. If you are staying at a Disney hotel then you are good to have a reservation as early 60 days prior to your trip.

The new Fastpass+ reservation system also puts an end to the need of visiting a machine in person. Guests have the advantage of choosing from multiple reservation options now. Moreover, if you are a Disney resort guest you can obtain reservation right from the comfort of your home at a mouse click, or on a smart-phone or tablet while in the parks. Besides, there exist many new Fastpass+ reservation kiosks throughout the parks for all guests. Another great feature the new system offers is the ability to change the attractions for which you have the reservations. One can also control the return times of attractions reserved and thus eliminate the risk of losing any reservation times.

However, there are also certain speculations about the latest reservation system that suggest otherwise. It's observed that unlike its predecessor the new Fastpass+ program brings discrimination among guests or vacationers. There are fans not as happy since the new reservation system mostly favors a particular section of guests specially, those staying at a Disney owned hotel. So chances are if you are staying offsite then you are missing some great features. Again with the legacy Fastpass one can have the ability to obtain reservation at more than one park per day. But the same is not the case with the new system as guests are limited to obtain reservations at one park per day.

But whatever may be the speculations, the ultimate objective of the new program is to cut wait-times and bring more flexibility to ride reservations. And I believe Disney is always a champion in adding more value to our dream vacations.

Adventure in the Island

There are many beautiful and exotic locations in the world that you can choose to go when booking your next vacation. Many people love to go to a beachfront setting because they can lie out in front of the ocean and get some sun. However, when you choose your next beach vacation you will want to make it as memorable as possible. That is why there's no better vacation to take than an island vacation in the Caribbean. The beaches on these islands are a lot more beautiful than any of the mainland beaches, like in Florida. The reason being is the mainland beaches have a lot more pollution, which takes the blueness out of the water. Caribbean beaches, like in the Bahamas, have bright blue ocean waters and soft white sand that you can sink your feet into. As for the hotels, they are right next to the ocean and many of the rooms have balconies that you can walk out on to overlook the entire beach resort.

Most people that go on island vacations like to travel on cruise ships, which have their advantages and disadvantages. The advantages have to do with being able to see and visit multiple islands during your trip. The disadvantages are that you won't get to stay on a particular island for too long because the cruise ship has a schedule and won't dock for an extended period of time. This means you won't get to stay at any hotels on the islands, which some people may want to do. If you are one of these people then you will need to fly to a particular island of your choice and then make a hotel reservation for a hotel that you would like to stay at. On the Grand Bahama Island, the Westin Hotel is a very popular hotel to stay at amongst tourists. It is an oceanfront hotel that has breathtaking views and even swimming pools in front of the beach. They even have snorkeling guides and fishing trips you can go on in the water. Then right outside the hotel is a Bahamian marketplace that has internet cafes, restaurants, gift shops and so on.

Good vacations are all about adventure and excitement. Sure you can go to Disney World in Florida and go on a lot of fun rides, but they won't even compare to the real life adventures that island vacations have to offer. Plus, you will get to see new lands and meet people of different cultures. These are experiences that no theme park will ever give you. So, when you plan your next vacation make sure it is on an exotic island and make sure you get a beachfront hotel reservation.

It is not enough traveling to mainlands only, you can create adventure by taking a trip to Islands and experience natural sites and also learn different culture.

Trekking at Himalayas

When our group was toying with the idea of taking a trek to the Base Camp of Mount Everest, we were advised to undertake from the popular trekking route in the Himalayas essentially from the South side. At the crack of dawn, we reached Kathmandu from different parts of the world. We took a Dornier aircraft to Lukla a small airport on the North Eastern Nepal serviced by the Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Lukla airport at an altitude of 9383 feet is known for many accidents due to its short airstrip and harsh weather conditions.

Acquiring necessary permits from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation was a breeze. Thanks to the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) which is operating guided tours since 1973 for thousands of trekkers annually from around the world.

Contrary to this trekking from the North Side requires permission from the Chinese government & Tibet authorities.

We began to the base camp and upward to Namche Bazaar the Sherpa capital. We were informed this town is at an altitude of 11,290 feet on the banks of the Dudh Kosi river. All the essential items including food and climbing equipment could be procured here.

We had to follow a strict regimen for acclimatizing ourselves prior to beginning the expedition. This schedule was also for seasoned trekkers. Couple of French Nationals of our team have undertaken treks to the Alps from the Mediterranean coast of France. One of the trekkers was coming for the second time in 3-years. I was ecstatic for this trek as I had undertaken only smaller and lower profile treks in the past. Stamina and fitness are primary criterion for trekking. The training was grueling to acclimatize oneself to the high altitudes and cold temperatures. Adequate training was imparted to cope with the arduous underfoot terrain to trek for many days without a break.



We were made to undergo stringent routine in terms of food to sustain long hours in hostile weather conditions. All the same, we were ready to undergo any kind of rigorous schedule as we were fired up to experience long cold days in high altitudes and some tough terrain.

At the tour operator's office, we saw some spectacular photographs of victorious mountain climbers and trekkers who had undertaken such hazardous trips. Undeniably it is going to be an awesome trek in the highest and most magnificent mountain ranges in the world. We had to pull out all stops to attain fitness and stamina as it is of a paramount importance for these trips.

The most awaited D-day has come for which we were eagerly waiting. Many dream of conquering Everest at 8848 meters, a few enterprising succeed. We can at least be lucky enough to go to very close to the foot of the world's highest mountain - Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters.

My earlier treks, which I had bragged about seemed insignificant and hackneyed before this Himalayan trek; obviously because they were literally light in terms of baggage that I had carried. The check list of items seemed too non-exhaustive as though we were going to live up there for eternity. For a 12-day trek, we were carrying all the required trekking accessories from safety pins to the pairs of powerful torches, in addition to packed food and sufficient quantity of water, basic trekking implements like ice axes and crampons.

For achieving the first leg of our ascent, we followed the trail from Phakding to Sagarmatha National Park passing through thick forest of mountain pines, giant fir and magnolia trees up to Namche Hill. The second batch of our group that was trailing us was lucky to spot rare red pandas. We saw the photographs later.

As is customary to pay obeisance and seek blessing for the expeditions at the grand Thyangboche monastery. Towering above the base camp is 'Kala Pathar' the world's highest mountain at a height of 5,545 meters is itself a triumphant feat. The view was simply breathtaking and sights of surrounding peaks were simply magnificent of a perfect place for adventure. The dizzying altitude and continuous cutting across valleys took a toll on two trekkers in our group.

One of the guides, a Sherpa informed that we are lucky not to have women in this group. The climate was becoming harsh as we progressed and he remembered women have difficult time if they are physically unfit.

As we progressed, the mountainous panorama became gloriously splendid. We walked on frozen rivers in icy wilderness. In spite of difficulty in clicking photographs with our trekking gear armed to the teeth, we managed some perfect photo shoots.

It was a great lifetime trip. Kudos to the energetic Sherpas!

Luxury North India Rajasthan

Rajasthan can be daunting if you are a first-time traveller to this region and you want more than just a "Golden Triangle holiday". How to plan such a holiday? How to avoid the pitfalls or mass market tourism? How to make sure the holiday is of the right quality? How to engender sufficient intellectual stimulation?

The answer, of course, lies not only in expert advice but, perhaps even more crucial to the success and enjoyment of a holiday of this calibre (which, by default, becomes an exploration as opposed to just a holiday), is being certain that one is staying with - and being informed by - the correct people. This means basing oneself at interesting, beautiful, personable and sometimes eccentric properties and being guided through India's many delights by a person at each location who is totally cognisant of what one is trying to achieve. The fact that this person may also be slightly eccentric is at least immaterial and more often a bonus, but the crucial criterion here is that knowledge of this intricate, gorgeous, region of India should be imparted with humour, intelligence and élan!

For it is these idiosyncratic aspects of India that make a luxury Rajasthan (or a luxury North India/Rajasthan) holiday so appealing. Here lies the vibrant and colourful heartland of the great kingdoms ruled by Emperors and the Maharajas! Here lies the Taj Mahal and other gems of Mughal and Rajput architecture side by side with desert countryside and nomadic cultures. Here are rich colours, ornate opulent palaces and gorgeous Royal tented camps. Here, too, the colourful festivals of Pushkar and Nagaur. Here one can ride camels through the Thar desert or magnificent Marwari horses, meet local villagers, stay in beautiful havellis and dine with the noble owners before leaving more as friends than visitors. Why not take an art tour with an artist, or visit the Jantar Observatory with an expert on astronomy? Or be involved with a group of elders discussing the problems their village faces in the 21st century, and see the palaces and forts which house miniature art and Rajput treasures. This is the essence of such a holiday: meeting and staying with a local Maharajah, getting briefly immersed in local affairs of note or politics, being in the countryside away from mainstream tourism watching the harvest or experiencing still-magnificent fauna. This is the Rajasthan which is so much more than the so-called Golden Triangle.

Immerse yourself in Rajasthan, do it in style, and enjoy a wonderful, eclectic, intelligent and satisfying Rajasthan holiday.

Bespoke Tailor Made Holidays to India

My most recent trip to South India gave me the opportunity to explore Tamil Nadu and to see some rather interesting places. Having travelled for three weeks through this beautiful region, there are several interesting ideas that I wish to share with you.

Kerala is very popular but do seriously consider Tamil Nadu as your next destination as it really has a lot to offer. Fly to Madurai which is well connected from Mumbai and Delhi. Madurai, a city extremely popular for its stunning Meenakshi temple, can't be a better way to embark on one of the most wonderful journey's that you might have ever been on. After a short stay at Madurai, travel by road to Karaikudi. One of the best places to stay is in a property owned by a local family. During your stay, visit the stunning Chettiar bungalows - some which have art deco style, whereas the rest are based on the typical Chettinad architecture with several courtyards, beautifully decorated ceilings, Burmese teak pillars, intricately carved doors, Italian marble, Belgian stained glass windows and handmade floor tiles. The region is famous for cotton and you can visit the cotton weavers and the handmade tile making factory too. Enjoy the pools in the area, but even more thrilling would be an evening at the local cinema where you can enjoy an hour or so watching a Tamil movie. It's a great place for families as they can go on a cycle ride from with their children to the town to explore the interesting antique shops. Many of the major cities have antique shops but the ones at Karaikudi are really special because you would find original Ravi Verma paintings, enamel jars from Sweden, Belgian glass, hand painted tiles from Japan and England, Austrian oil lamps, original Tanjore paintings, and Lacre ware from Burma and priceless Burmese teak furniture from the Chettinad bungalows.

After a stay at Karaikudi, travel to Dindigul. This would be a 3 hr drive. Some spectacular walks can be arranged for you giving it the true meaning of bespoke tailor made holidays to India. Rajakkad is a wonderful place in which to while away the hours reading, listening to bird songs and doing as little as possible lying in a hammock. However thanks to the pleasant climate all year round, they do have a number of excursions to offer you accompanied with the help of their estate guide: walks up the river through rocky gorges, beneath the spreading canopy of the trees and over escarpments with views in all directions; visit the nearby coffee plantations and the surrounding hills with waterfalls and quiet pools where one can swim and enjoy total peace. Picnics can be arranged to any number of the many different places that makes this world so enchanting. Dindigul is also conveniently located only 2 hrs away from Madurai airport.

Tiger Safaris in India

Encountering a tiger whilst out on safari is one of the most awe-inspiring, humbling experiences that one can ever have!

I have been visiting the magnificent jungles of Central India on a fairly regular basis, and although there is a lot written about the manner in which these parks are managed, I always end my stay on a positive note. This is thanks to the spectacular opportunities to view wildlife, and the constant improvements at the lodges, whether its accommodation or in the naturalist standards. Tiger safaris in India have hugely evolved in the last few years and I have been lucky to know a few small rustic owner-managed lodges offering tastefully decorated rooms in idyllic locations which we use on a fairly regular basis for our clients who visit these beautiful parks in search of the famed royal Bengal tiger.

Most of the premier tiger reserves in India now have some really nice lodges whether its in Bandhvagarh, Kanha, Pench, or Satpura. Many of these lodges have been set up by wildlife conservationists and the focus lately is very much on the quality of experience they deliver to their guests. These lodges are built using local building materials and they also employ local villagers in various capacities. This has given birth to a new concept termed "responsible wildlife tourism", and each of these lodges firmly believes in it.

A typical day whilst on tiger safari in India would start with a wake-up call, aromatic coffee or the famous Indian chai, and a fresh bite from the bakery. Meanwhile, breakfast is being packed for you. The early morning shafts of light are touching the earth through the woods, the air is filled with birdcalls and you are on the way to the jungle. You will spend the entire morning in the jungle. On your return, lunch will be served, and you will be left feeling most comfortable. Visit the park again in the afternoon where yet another spectacular experience awaits you.

In the meantime, the team at the lodge will by busy making evening preparations for you. An innumerable number of candles and hurricane lamps will be lighting the lodge. The sun will set right in front of you while you enjoy a relaxed drink, prepared especially for you. Dinner at these lodges is always a grand event - step into a land of fairytales! You can expect a bush dinner around the fire or a table set under the open sky, and the moon and the stars will be just a touch away.

The Beauty Of Rail Travel

If you constantly use the train to travel then you understand the beauty of rail travel. People have always thought that planes are the best means of transport but the intercity trains have made traveling easier, cheaper and fast. The train tickets are not expensive and can be purchased online which is much more convenient than the manual way. Here are reasons why trail travel is a preferred mode of transport today:

· Environmental friendly

The train is a very environmental friendly type of transport. It is the one mode that pollutes far less than the buses, planes and cars. Electric trains pollute the environment less and offer a quiet and calm ride. Trains also consume less energy than cars, buses and planes.

· Comfortable environment

Depending on the ticket you buy, you can enjoy the first class or passenger class. The seats are comfortable and large allowing for more movement. Trains have made night travel even easier. Trains have their own cabins where people sleep at night instead of sleeping on the chairs. This comfortable environment has made trains a preferred type of transport.

· Friendly services

Train stations do not require customers to arrive an hour in advance or to go through a vigorous check-in process. You simply buy your ticket and get into the train when it gets to the station. Trains allow their customers to carry their own food and drinks unlike in the planes where the air hostess' serve you the available food.

· Beautiful view

Travelling with a train offers the opportunity to enjoy the view of the surrounding environment. You can enjoy the beauty of the green hills, the quiet countryside and the busy cities. It is not an everyday experience and compared to travelling with other modes of transport, it offers the best view of the beautiful nature.

· Safety

The chances of a train accident are far less than a plane crash, a ship sinking and a road accident. It is a safe movement mode and faster than road. There are no traffic delays with the rail travel making it the preferred choice when it comes to public movement.

Today, rail travel is considered the most convenient and comfortable transport arrangement. It is cheap and environmental friendly making it the preferred mode of transport for many. It is especially a good option for those traveling at night. It offers the comfort of a private sleeping cabins as well as restrooms.

adventure Wildlife Trip To India

Many wildlife holidays focus on a set itinerary; this is ideal for some people, but if you have a particular holiday in mind that incorporates visits to specific parks and reserves, why not consider one of the options for tailormade wildlife holidays?

India is one country that is ideal for tailormade wildlife holidays. Full of adventurous opportunities, the majestic Tiger reigns supreme as the most popular attraction. Seeing this magnificent animal in the wild is a breathtaking experience and one you will most certainly never forget.

You can choose to base an itinerary solely on the parks and reserves, or you can combine your animal experience with some culture. Consult one of the specialised expert companies experienced in organising these trips and get set for the adventure of a lifetime.

Top Tiger Reserves in India

India is proud of its efforts to preserve its Tiger population, and Project Tiger has had huge success in conserving the animal's habitat and educating locals about its importance. Project Tiger plays an important part in most of the national parks and reserves on the continent; great care is taken to ensure tourists are allowed access to the Tigers without impacting on their welfare.




Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh is one of the biggest and most famous reserves in India and is located in Madhya Pradesh, in the north of the country. The grasslands, rolling hills and central lake make for perfect Tiger territory. Inside this park is an old fort set high on a hill, which makes a great vantage point for sighting the wildlife below. Remember, too, that it is not only the Tiger that makes an appearance in these reserves; also be on the look out for the Sambar Deer, the Wild Dog, and even the Leopard. Bird life is also prolific throughout the park.

Kanha

Kanha is another of India's magnificent parks and should definitely be on the itinerary of any tailormade wildlife holidays to the country. Created back in the 1950s, this park consists of several sub areas, which make it the largest in Central India. Here, Tiger sightings are common, along with the Sloth Bear, the Barasingha and, although slightly less often, the Leopard. In fact, this park was the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling when he wrote his famous and well-loved work, The Jungle Book.

Adventures Off-Road

The Dakar Rally completed its sixth event in South America last January, incorporating a route that wound its way through some of the most dramatic landscapes of South America from the Atacama Desert in Chile, to the vast salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia and the spectacular canyons and cacti fields of the Puna of north-west Argentina. You can have great fun designing your own rugged adventure (perhaps with touches of luxury!) by 4WD vehicle through these breath-taking remote landscapes on a bespoke holiday in South America into the vivid desert regions of the Andes.

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring part of the Dakar route is the vast Salar de Uyuni in southern Bolivia. There are no roads here, only simple tracks and mile upon mile of dazzling salt flats whose crust forms a white sea to the horizon, where it meets high volcanic peaks, and whose surface is broken only by the occasional island of giant cacti jutting out onto the skyline. The pure white of the salt and the dazzling blue of clear desert skies form a stunning contrast as you journey across its surface by jeep, stopping in its centre as dusk falls to admire a beautiful sunset. Have dinner sitting out in the middle of this incredible landscape and sleep in your deluxe campervan, luxuriously fitted out to provide unbelievably comfortable mobile accommodation, taking you wherever in this magical region that you wish to go as you encounter unique rock formations and thermal geysers, before descending to the luxurious lodges of the Atacama Desert in Chile. Even here, luxury combines beautifully with rugged adventures by jeep as you explore the vivid canyons, valleys, and salt lakes where James flamingos graze in the Atacama.

At the convergence of this beautiful high altitude region of South America, the borders of Bolivia and Chile also meet with north-west Argentina as you cross dramatic high road passes to descend into equally breath-taking desert landscapes of the Puna which lead further down to lush valleys of high altitude wineries, quaint little traditional adobe villages, and stunning canyons, gorges, and wild plains. Design your very own bespoke journey in the Puna by 4x4 with your own driver and guide as you discover the Puna and its startling landscapes and panoramas for yourself. Combine your stay in local lodges and villages with a chance to unwind in luxury at a winery where you can pamper yourself with spa treatments and gourmet cuisine and wash the dust off from your off-road adventure.

And for a complete contrast to the multi-coloured terracotta hues of the northern deserts, continue the rugged adventure off-road by heading south to the glittering ice-blue lakes and glaciers of Patagonia around Torres del Paine and El Calafate, set amongst wild steppe where you can look out for condors, eagles, guanaco, armadillos, and even rarely sighted wild cats, such as puma, or huemul (Andean deer). Spot when you wish, have your own driver and guide or not as you wish, set the itinerary at your own pace, stopping for picnics in beautiful secluded spots and relaxing in the evenings at specially selected luxurious wilderness lodges. However you choose to explore the remoter reaches of South America, ensure you get there in safety, comfort, and style.

What Is the Best Safari in Kenya

This is, of course, very subjective - but clearly the best safari in Kenya should comprise of four elements - a private 4 x 4 vehicle and a private guide, flying between each safari region, concentrated wildlife, and few tourists!

I am naturally biased as Kenya is my home, but having been brought up going on safari here as well as elsewhere in Africa, Kenya really does have a number of elements that its counterparts simply don't.

Let's start off with the wildebeest migration - Africa's greatest animal migration and amongst the biggest, if not the biggest, animal migration in the world. If you can try and capture your safari during this period, which occurs from July through to September in the Masai Mara, then this is pretty magical without a doubt and rates pretty highly on most peoples' lists!

Then the cultural aspect. With over 49 different tribes, Kenya is pretty special and this is all completely authentic and genuine. None of this running off and donning loin cloths to satisfy the tourists which occurs in other countries. You can go even deeper still, by perhaps taking a walking safari accompanied by mules and the Maasai, and explore untrodden regions around the Masai Mara, not seeing another tourist in sight. Learn all about their culture and the difficulties they face in eschewing westernisation, it's always a fascinating subject! Perhaps go on a camel assisted walking safari in the Samburu region with the regal Samburu people and learn what it takes to become a warrior these days and how they preserve their own identities.

Meru is another of my favourite parks - made famous by George Adamson and here one has the most incredible, gentle game viewing in a truly beautiful park, with few tourists. With just a couple of really lovely camps and lodges to choose from, this is a must for the best Kenya safari.

Tsavo East is also lovely, and for anyone interested in a walking safari, this region is not only incredibly beautiful and excellent for seeing elephant, but it's also a fabulous park to walk in. Stay at a beautiful, luxury tented camp or have a private, tented mobile camp erected for you with your own private guide.

For those wishing to go deeper, perhaps have a day with a lion scientist or learn more about Africa's most efficient predator, the very elusive wild dog. I would always start off in Laikipia where several locals have ranches, and this is the perfect way to acclimatise and learn more about Africa from families that have been here for generations. For anyone who enjoys horse riding, then for me a riding safari in Kenya offers some of the finest experiences - especially in the Masai Mara during the time of the wildebeest migration where one can ride alongside the wildlife.

For those searching for utter privacy, then you can erect private tented mobile camps around the Masai Mara with your own private vehicle and guide. This is the ultimate way to be on safari in Kenya.

For the best safari in Kenya, I would combine Meru and the Masai Mara with Laikipia and then perhaps fly by helicopter up to Lake Turkana for a day trip or even a night. This is simply amazing - the Jade Sea as recounted by the great explorer, Count Teleki, on his expedition.

You can then end on the coast, taking a private villa or house which would be the ideal - complete with your own private boat and skipper, so the days can be spent exploring and snorkelling, fishing, and having picnic lunches on deserted islands.

Tanzania Safaris of The Wonders

Tanzania is by far one of the most exciting countries in East Africa from a touristic point of view, having much to offer to those who are wild on unique scenery and impressive wildlife. Many people choose Tanzania safaris as their vacation package and are impressed by the unspoiled wilderness that this country has to offer, as well as by the high concentration of wildlife found in Tanzania. From major national parks to numerous reserves, the country is inhabited by various herds of wildebeest, especially in the famous Serengeti Park, where the savannah and the huge populations of buffalo and elephants are breathtaking. A safari in Tanzania will certainly be a once in a lifetime experience, so if you are looking for a different type of vacation this year, then you should definitely take this country into serious consideration. You will get to witness an amazing diversity of flora and fauna and experience an adventure like in no other place.

A safari in Tanzania will mesmerize you not only through the diversity of wildlife, such as giraffes, elephants, lions and many more, but also through the assortment of vegetation and bird life. Most people, when they think about Tanzania safaris, they think lions and elephants and large plains, but few know that the country is also renowned for its incredible variety of ecology. In fact, Tanzania hosts more than 35 species of large, four-legged mammals, but has over 1000 species of birds. There are many things to see while on a vacation in Tanzania, from the above mentioned Serengeti Park and the Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara and the authentic Masai Village. If you want to make sure you don't miss out on anything, then you should better look into Tanzania tours that can last up to 8 days, or even more, and take you to the most important and impressive sights. Don't forget your camera and your binoculars and get ready to be amazed by both incredible scenery and wildlife. It is also a good idea to take sun lotion with you, as Tanzania has a very hot weather, although quite unpredictable.

Tanzania used to be an unknown country to many and its touristic potential has been hardly met, but as more and more people began looking for more unique vacation destinations, leaving behind the traditional exotic islands or cultural capitals, this country has become more and more popular. As a result, there are now many tour operators that organize Tanzania safaris, so tourists have plenty of choices when it comes to selecting a tour. Depending on what it is that you want to see and experience, the time you have on your hands and, of course, your budget, you should be able to find a safari in Tanzania that suits your wishes. As amazing as such a vacation would be, you shouldn't go on such a tour unprepared, so before you start packing your bags, make sure you do a little research on the country, the visa requirements, the vaccination needed and other such important issues.

Gorillas Tracking in the Wilderness

Deep in Uganda's south-west lies the forested region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are numerous ways to access the nearby town of Kisoro but the most popular option is an adventure on its own.

I make the ten-hour journey from Entebbe in a four-wheel drive. The road is long, dry and bumpy, my driver jokes about the free African massage. There is no air conditioning and with the windows wound down a film of orange dust settles on my bare arms.

Uganda's climate is perfect for growing fresh food and there is an abundance being sold at kiosks along the dusty road. Whilst the food bowl is full, there is still a lack of access to fresh water and therefore women and children in the searing heat walk for kilometres balancing plastic yellow containers above their head.

I spend the night in Kisoro but I am anxious as I can't wait to head into the jungle to search for a Silverback Gorilla.

The morning begins with an education session. The essential number one rule is "whatever you do, do not run" - okay that sounds easy enough.

After leaving the education room, a guide explains the topography that consists of three volcanoes nicknamed "the guide," "old man's teeth" and "small pile of stones." I umm and ahh in agreeance. Our self appointed guide discusses re-forestation and the lack of education about soil and regeneration within local villages. As interesting as it is I have one thing on my mind. He weighs over two hundred and fifty pounds and an arm span of about two point three metres.

The weather conditions are fine and our guide is confident that the trackers know the general area of the gorilla's whereabouts.

We begin our trek through the dense forest. Our guide uses a machete to help us weave through the thick growth of vines, stinging nettles and harshness of overgrown vegetation. Heading uphill it's quite an exhausting walk but fortunately after only an hour and a half we hear rustling in the distance. I can barely breath at the distinct sound of an animal. A resonating roar and the crushing of leaves echoes through the mountain.

My heart is pounding under the pressure of excitement and fear. I pause to see what is happening. By standing still I have unintentionally broken the group into two and exposed myself to the path of a wild male silverback gorilla. His monstrous knuckles thump the ground. Barking and pounding he seems irate.

Without warning the giant silverback leaps directly in front of me. Arms poised in defence, standing still in my tracks I recall the number one rule 'whatever you do don't run.'

How to Deal With Fear and Anxiety Adventure

Arriving in South Africa in late 2013, I feared the worst. The thought of being mugged, stranded, running out of water, chased by elephants, eaten by lions, attacked by people or my tent being surrounded by Hyena's was absolutely terrifying. All of these concerns were before I even had time to consider the physical aspect of what I was about to do.

Truth is, I suffered with them for most of my life and wondered how to deal with anxiety and fear. In the past it has been too easy to let even the slightest of concerns turn me off an idea, never mind the opinion of others allowing for the same. My imagination seemed continually hell bent on conjuring up horrible thoughts, scenarios and I seemed to worry about failure.

Today, the fear is still present but I continue forward in a very different world, one that rewards any time I avoid choosing the easy option, one that encourages me to defy what my emotions are telling me. It would be irresponsible to ignore fear but wise to remember it as just an emotion all the same.

I write this article from Nairobi, Kenya and over halfway to riding a bicycle the length of Africa. Six thousand kilometres of friendly locals have allowed me realise "I have the right to travel freely", that people are good, they do not want any trouble and are naturally tuned to be kind to their fellow man. I have passed elephants on the roadside, such wonderful creations who ask only that we do not get too close, that we respect their fear of the unknown human in front of them. The apprehension and trepidation that seemed to precede everything I did in the past was slowly disappearing,

In short, none of my fear of travelling such unknown areas with vulnerability has been realised and as I continue cycling north through the "Dark Continent", I see nothing but light - it consumes me. While a healthy dose of fear protects my natural instincts, the acute anxieties have all but disappeared.

Taking time and making a decision to face my fears shows up most worry to be false concerns. So now when anxieties come, I have learnt how to control emotions, how to stay calm and just keep going.

My bicycle ride through Africa has been much more than just an adventure, it has been the reason behind a distinct absence in my life and an emotion I hold close to me.

While the anxiety disappears, Fear keeps me safe.

Disney World Is a Great Favorite

Perhaps adding the Park-Hopper option to your WDW's (Walt Disney World) most popular Magic Your Way Tickets and passes might sounds a bit crazy, but it is often the most coveted choice for many. While the favorite add-on offers the flexibility to visit all the four parks the same day, guests have the advantage of enjoying their vacation without any restriction. The park-hopping feature is also seen as a great opportunity for guests in many different ways. And specially, if you are a returning visitor or someone who is willing to spend a little more for that extra value during the visit, I think the inclusion of park-hopper can make a real difference to your Disney vacation.

The availability of this popular Disney ticket feature is also seen as a great option to meet the needs of those banking on a short vacation. It is not possible to cover all the great things the parks offer on a single holiday trip and specially, if you are visiting the place for a very short period (less than four days) the options of enjoying things gets even narrower. And most probably you will end up missing one or more of the parks during the trip unless you are visiting with a plan that focuses on specific park or parks of your interest.

But the park-hopping feature ensures that one gets the most out of the four parks despite how small the duration of the visit is. The multi-park feature is also a favorite choice among Disney World food lovers worldwide. Moreover, the ability to visit Epcot and its ample dining outlets and restaurants even when you are enjoying the other parks is a unique experience. And I think there is no better way to enjoy the park's favorite foods anyway. Truly, it offers you the best of what Disney Dining has to offer.

Even though there is hardly any park-hopping option in theme parks elsewhere, we should understand that each of the Disney parks here in Orlando is an entire city in itself and one has to spend a good amount of time traveling from one to the another within the expansive resort. Getting into a car, a boat or a monorail is a must for transportation between the ever-expanding, stand alone parks. But thanks to the popular park-hopping option for allowing us to get the best out of all the parks.

However, there are also others who can do great without the park hopping feature. Guests such as the first time visitors and those on a long holiday usually find it better to stick to one park per day. This way they can enjoy each specific park in a more hassle free way. No need to worry about crowd patterns in multiple parks while enjoying the day. Also visitors who have the budget as top priority may prefer to skip the option and save more on their tickets.

The Best Child Friendly Safaris

Having just returned from Botswana with my own family, I can enthusiastically recommend this wonderful country as being one of the best regions in Africa for a child friendly safari.

Most families are looking to travel from June through to August or even December - which fits in well with the best game viewing time in Africa, when animal sightings are the most plentiful.

Botswana has some truly wonderful camps to offer for families. Whether you are looking for the luxury of a villa, or perhaps the exclusivity of a luxury tented camp in the Okavango Delta, or a private, tented mobile safari just for your family - you can enjoy the best of all worlds! Top of my recommendations for children under 6 is a camp that I have visited many times before. Here they have staff who can look after babies, to toddlers and any children upwards. There are lots of fun games and game viewing by private vehicle as well as a small swimming pool.

Secondly, for children aged 6 and up, in the Delta is a camp that is closed to your children, with a guide who specialises in family safaris. Here, you learn how to track wildlife and learn about the trails, as well as how to identify the birds and the animals and their footprints. Learn about the planets and stars of the night sky of the southern hemisphere as well as how to pole your own mokoro (canoe) along the floodplains! Learn about the trees and plants, their medicinal uses and the folklore attached to them. It is fascinating!

Combine this with the Kalahari Desert where children can get up close and personal to meerkats, as well as quad bike in the dry season across the salt pans. Camp out beneath the stars, and see all the desert dwelling animals. Finally, end up perhaps at Victoria Falls which has so much to offer in terms of canoeing, bungee jumping, simply relaxing, white water rafting, riding an elephant, and so much more.

For families who horse ride or want to walk and canoe, then there is a lovely camp north of the delta where you can do these activities each day - or another camp where you can take over exclusively and horse ride, game view, and walk each day.

For non malarial safaris, I can wholeheartedly recommend South Africa for child friendly safaris.