2012 February

February 29, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

Visit the Lakes of Tanzania

The East African nation of Tanzania is home to the oldest and deepest lakes in the world. This ecologically diverse country is divided into 26 regions that boast a variety of natural attractions for those seeking unusual holiday ideas and adventures. Locally available accommodations include luxury lodges, tents, tree houses and private bungalows that are ideal for travellers who prefer the freedom and affordability of a self catering holiday.

Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the largest African lake by area and the largest tropical freshwater lake in the world. This lake spans three countries with 50 percent falling within the boundaries of Tanzania. Lake Victoria is the source of the legendary Nile River and home to more than 500 species of freshwater fish that are eagerly eaten by eagles and birds of prey. The lake is ideal for bird-watching, fishing, boating and hiking. Hostels, campsites and other accommodations are available within the boundaries of Rubondo Island National Park.

Lake Tanganyika
This immense lake straddles four countries and is one of the most important Great Lakes in Africa. Lake Tanganyika was originally located in the nation of Tanganyika, which was annexed with Zanzibar in the 1960s. The two former nations are now collectively known as Tanzania. Lake Tanganyika is the largest rift lake in Africa and one of the largest lakes in the world by volume due to its extreme depth of 1,433 meters. The lake is home to nearly 400 species of tropical fish. Accommodations near Lake Tanganyika include thatched bandas, tented suites and luxurious chalets.

Lake Eyasi
This salty and mildly alkaline lake is located within the Great Rift Valley. The area is home to the Hadzabe Bushmen, who are the last hunters and gatherers in East Africa. This small lake is bordered by the Serengeti and scenic Kidero Mountains. Due to the lake’s shallow depth, seasonal water level fluctuations are dramatic. During the dry season, the lake dries up completely, but rains that fall from November through March fill the lake and attract hippos and wildlife from the Serengeti.

Lake Nyasa
Beautiful Lake Nyasa, commonly called Lake Malawi, is surrounded by the lush Livingstone Mountains. This lake is the southernmost in the African Rift system and one of the most diverse. The lake’s many islands and beaches make it popular with international tourists. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, boating, diving and recreational activities. One-third of all tropical freshwater fish can be found in this lake. Accommodations for self catering holidays are available in the villages of Kyela, Itungi and Matema.

Lake Natron

Measuring less than three meters deep, the alkaline waters of Lake Natron routinely reach temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius. Despite these seemingly inhospitable conditions, Lake Natron is home to a variety of pigment-producing algae and bacterial colonies that dye the waters orange and deep red. Salt flats and freshwater wetlands support a variety of plants and animals. Lake Natron is known for its unearthly beauty that is emphasized by views of the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.

Lake Manyara

This alkaline soda lake is one of the best for wildlife viewing. Visitors can see pink flamingos, storks and herons as they traverse the salt flats. Luxury accommodations, self catering lodges and inns are located in Lake Manyara National Park and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, human activities are threatening the ecosystem and harming bird populations. However, it is still ideal for viewing hippos, giraffes, elephants and many African animals.

The lakes of Tanzania are located in prime wildlife viewing habitat with easy access to a variety of self catering accommodations in all price ranges. Visitors will find many tented accommodations with en-suite amenities, luxury bungalows and safari operators offering all-inclusive vacation packages.

Filed Under: Tanzania Tagged With: Lakes

February 29, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

Having Fun All Summer Long – Great Summer Camp Options For Kids

The concept of a summer camp has traditionally been seen as an American institution. When school terms end, summer camps begin, and thousands upon thousands of children across the United States are packed off by their parents to engage in any manner of outdoor activities, from living in tepees like the original Native Americans, to camps that focus on exercise and weight loss. Often used almost as an extended babysitting service, with a few life skills thrown into the package, there was never quite the same equivalent in countries elsewhere.

In recent years though, summer camps have arrived in full force throughout the rest of the world, and these days they are used to offer children the opportunity to learn new experiences and skills, rather than just getting them away from home for a few months. With so many types of camps to choose from, and an impressive list of foreign destinations to discover, it’s no wonder that children’s holiday camps are now so popular in Europe and beyond.

Different types of camps

Parents have a range of residential camps to choose from depending upon the type of trip and interaction they want their child to have. Of course, it’s always best to let kids have an input into the trip they going to take, because if they’re signing up voluntarily they will usually get much more out of the experience.

Sporting camp: Is your child the next David Beckham? For children with true sporting potential it can be difficult to balance training alongside schoolwork and other family commitments. There are thousands of children who demonstrate ability in a variety of sports and who have the potential to become genuine athletes if they had both the time and the instruction to take their skills that little bit further. An intensive sporting camp is the perfect way to give your child that opportunity. A few weeks in the summer spent playing everything from basketball to football will not only improve their skills but also teach them the importance of teamwork and other skills that will help them in later life, whichever career they decide on.

Language camp: Learning languages is something you’re either adept at or you aren’t, and for those without a natural predilection towards them, languages can pose a lot of difficulties. For kids who struggle to learn in the classroom, where languages are taught by reading through passages in textbooks, a language camp abroad where they can experience total immersion in the culture can truly enhance their knowledge and understanding. Kids on language camps can sometimes return home as near fluent speakers, giving increased confidence in the classroom and a head start in their future careers.

Adventure camp: The adventure camp is the mainstay of all summer camp holidays. These weeks are packed full of fun activities that see kids take on the challenges of white-water rafting, abseiling and other teambuilding exercises. Not only do these courses increase a child’s confidence but they are also a whole load of fun. Children who return to school after spending a few weeks on one of these courses will have a whole lot more to write about in their ‘what I did on my summer holidays’ essay than most.

Entrepreneur camp: Teaching valuable business skills from an early age can offer a good start for a child who has an interest in a career in business. Older children find these camps rewarding and interesting as they take part in activities designed to develop their business acumen. Courses like these help to teach children on an intellectual level as well as in the practical aspects of business, and there is no better way to learn the necessary people-skills any budding businessman or woman needs to have. Before you know it they’ll be braving the Dragon’s Den, or the wrath of Alan Sugar on the Apprentice!

Author Bio: Kate has fond memories of summer camp and is looking forward to sending her little ones off to experience adventures for themselves.

Filed Under: Family Travel Tagged With: summer camp

February 29, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

Enjoy a Beach Holiday in Hurghada, Egypt

When thinking about an Egyptian holiday, the first two things that come to mind are pyramids and sphinx, however, there is a lot more to Egypt than just that. Hurghada’s twenty miles of beachfront, located alongside the Red Sea, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

There are very few beaches in the world that offer sunny days all year round but the beaches in Hurghada receive sun all year around. The weather is precisely the reason why it is so popular for swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and trekking. If you are not into any of these activities, you can always go boating, which is a forever-popular beach activity.

If you are planning a beach holiday in Hurghada, you would definitely want to do a lot more than just laze around. Don’t forget to slap on some sun block before leaving the hotel, or you might find yourself sunburnt before you know it. Below you will find a comprehensive list of some of the most popular activities among tourists in Hurghada:

Plan a safari trip to one of the Bedouin villages in the surrounding area, where you will get to meet local tribesmen who ride camels and knead bread. A little preview of suburban life will give you more insight on Egyptian culture than reading dozens of books will. If you are interested, you can visit El Dahar as well, which is not very far away from the beach. The town is popular for street bazaars where you can find jewellery and local delicacies made with fruit and seafood.
Pay a visit to monasteries of Saint Paul and Saint Anthony, where you can meet monks and take a look at ancient Egyptian libraries. If you have any interest in archaeology, you will certainly enjoy investigating the Roman ruins in the midst of desert sand.
Go to the Maritime Museum for a close up view of Red Sea’s underwater animals including the famous multi-coloured fish.
If you in the mood for enjoying a drink or two, go to Hard Rock Café or Ministry of Sound. There are also various pool bars, pubs, shacks and barbecue places right around the beach. You must visit El Gouna for best cafes and restaurants including several international eateries.
Take out some time for banana boat ride on the Red Sea. Most of the resorts and hotels in the area arrange these rides for families and groups of friends. You don’t have to worry about safety, in fact, you can take your children along too. The boat glides at full speed and splashes water in your face, which makes the entire experience very enjoyable. Banana boat ride is ideally meant for people who find parasailing and wake boarding a bit too challenging.
Sit in one of the glass bottomed cruising boats and enjoy the underwater scenery that Red Sea offers. The clarity of water will leave you astounded, especially when you get to see the diverse marine life and rich corals.

Filed Under: Egypt Tagged With: Beaches

February 28, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

Gatlinburg Travel Guide

Thinking of taking a trip to the Smoky Mountains? Gatlinburg should be at the top of your list of places to stay. This Tennessee destination is full of fun, from outdoor adventure to art galleries to family activities. Some travelers might be looking for an action-packed adventure trip while others want to kick back and enjoy the natural scenery from the deck of a log cabin.

The Great Outdoors

Many travelers set their sights on Gatlinburg for the proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Families looking for adventure can spend their days fishing on lakes and streams, cycling along Cades Cove (bring a picnic along!), or trotting through the forest during a horseback riding excursion. To really get the adrenaline pumping, do a whitewater rafting tour on the Big Pigeon River. For a more serene experience, explore some of the 800 miles of hiking trails in the national park or take a bird watching tour.

Your Mountain Cabin

The base of a trip to Gatlinburg will often be your mountain cabin rental with multiple bedrooms and space for everyone in the family to spread out. When it’s time to come together, you will have the convenience of a kitchen and living room to plan quality activities along with outdoor areas great for rounding up your family for an afternoon barbecue or starlit marshmallow roast.

Winter Visits

Gatlinburg is home to Ober Gatlinburg, the only ski resort in Tennessee. Other winter activities include snow tubing, ice skating, and snowmobile tours. If you’re looking to improve your ski skills, there is a ski school here as well. After a scenic day in the Smoky Mountains, return to the quiet of your cabin for a quiet night with the family. Choose a cabin with a wood-burning fireplace and stock the fridge to cook a family feast and be sure to bring along favorite DVDs or games for evening entertainment.

Local Shopping

There is plenty to do beyond outdoor activities. If you need a break from hiking or biking, why not spend a day shopping? Gatlinburg is home to outlets such as the Mountain Mall and Smoky Mountain Outfitters. Many visitors are surprised to learn that there are 5 malls and over 400 stores in Gatlinburg. Many of these are small, local stores that are selling unique arts, crafts, clothing and accessories.

The Art Scene

Gatlinburg is also home to many art galleries. If your idea of the perfect day is browsing through art galleries while breathing fresh mountain air then Gatlinburg is for you. There are almost 100 galleries, studios, and shops that line an eight-mile loop for art enthusiasts. Take the trail along Route 321, Buckhorn Road, and Glades Road to check out the work of independent artisans in Gatlinburg. From ceramics and pottery to quilts and jewelry, you will find a wide range of artistic creations in Gatlinburg.

The Dining Scene

Just because you’re in the middle of the Smoky Mountains doesn’t mean you won’t eat well on your vacation. There’s an exciting little dining scene in Gatlinburg with over 100 restaurants serving everything from southern-inspired fare to Italian to seafood. Don’t miss one (of the many) the local Gatlinburg pancake houses. These restaurants are a Gatlinburg tradition and provide a hearty, delicious way to start the day. Evenings can be spent sampling pit barbecue or hitting a local steakhouse.

In Gatlinburg, you can fill your days with things to do or do nothing at all. Plan your trip to this truly American destination today.

About the Author

Laura Hoot has been writing professionally since 2004 and manages HomeAway’s Travel Ideas site. She also runs a household of three dogs, a cat, two chickens and a baby boy along with her husband. She’s written for USA Today’s travel site, GirlsGetaway.com , Cheapo Air, Travels.com, Trails.com, eFilmCritic.com, The Budget Fashionista, Travellogged.com and many more sites.

Filed Under: United States Tagged With: Skiing, Tennessee

February 27, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

Angle-Boer War Battlefield Tours Guide

The adventurer seeking unique holiday ideas should consider a trek through the Anglo-Boer Battlefields. There are organised tours available that are suitable for groups and individuals. Those willing and able to go it alone may compile their own journey. This is not difficult to accomplish as the most infamous of the battlefields have visitor centres and museums. Maps are available in wide supply to guide tourists. Battlefields are in close proximity to accommodations as well. Visitors may rent villas or can choose from a variety of lodges.

Talana Battlefield, Dundee
The first battle of the Anglo-Boer War was fought at Dundee in October 1899. The first shots were fired at Talana Hill. Talana Battlefield offers a self-guided walking tour as well as a guided tour that is available by special request. Within the battlefield lies Talana Museum.

The museum includes relics from the Anglo-Boer War as well as numerous items from the region. The building is also home to a curio shop and a restaurant, so that tourists may purchase souvenirs or simply relax after a long walk on the battlefield and throughout the 17 buildings on this site.

Price varies from R1 (0.08£) to R100 (8,30£) per person.

Elandslaagte Battlefield, Dundee
The second Anglo-Boer War battle was held at Elandslaagte. The battlefield is small in size, but is well visited by tourists. It also boasts a monument to the many soldiers who gave their lives during the battle. There are many hiking trails at the Elandslaagte Battlefield, making for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

The photo above shows the aftermath of the Elandslaagte Battlefield, 21^st October, 1899.

Ladysmith Siege Museum, Ladysmith
One of the most infamous locations during the Anglo-Boer was Ladysmith, which played host to a 118 day siege. Today, Ladysmith Siege Museum is known as the most comprehensive Anglo-Boer War museum in South Africa.

Price: R11 (0.91£) per person.

The Ladysmith Town Hall under siege, this photo was taken in 1900.

Spioenkop Battlefield, Estcourt
The Battle of Spioenkop was fought to relieve the besieged Ladysmith. Though three other battles were waged to relieve the town, the Battle of Spioenkop was the bloodiest by far. Most figures estimate that there were approximately 1,200 British casualties during this conflict. The Spioenkop Battlefield is now open to visitors daily. Graves and monuments pepper the area. Tourists can use maps to guide themselves throughout the battlefield.

Willow Grange Battlefield, Estcourt
Willow Grange was the southerly most location of the Anglo-Boer War. A stone wall that was used by forces during the battle still stands. The wall is now considered to be a national monument.

Holiday ideas that include self-guided tours are not for everyone. Luckily, there are many Anglo-Boer War Battlefield tours that are available to tourists. Some, like Shield Tours and Parkers African Travel, are short, four and five day excursions. Others, like The War Research Society’s Specialised Battlefield Tours can last up to 15 days and 14 nights. Expect to spend no less than R2250 (£185) for the least expensive tours. Prices can go as high as R42000 (£3470) or more. Fees generally include shared accommodation, meals, transport, and entrance fees to any sites or museums.

Link to Battlefield Map: http://www.sa-venues.com/maps/kwazulunatal_battlefields.htm

Filed Under: South Africa Tagged With: Battlefield Tours, Historical Travel

February 27, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

Self Storage Tips for Long Trips

For many people, extended trips are the realization of a dream and hold the promise of great adventure. But if you’re a renter leaving the country for a few months or more, one of the many conundrums you’ll face is what to do with your belongings while you’re gone. It’s usually not worth it to keep renting an apartment or house. A more practical (and cheaper) option is self storage.

A standard storage unit is a fraction of the cost of renting living space. It’s worth it, however, to do some research and understand your storage needs before you commit to any storage facility. Here are a few tips to make your transition to self storage renting a breeze.

First, make a list of everything you need to store. Don’t forget to list appliances, files, and furniture. If you’re planning to sell some items, divide your list into items you want to keep and ones you want to sell or give away. Be ruthless. Storage facilities charge you by the size of the unit you rent, so the smaller the unit, the less you’ll pay in monthly rent.
Once your list of stored items is ready, use a handy storage calculator to determine the size of storage unit you’ll need. The calculator lets you enter each item and the number of boxes you’ll store. This calculator will even create printable packing labels for you to use.
Next, use a mini storage facility listing site to locate the storage facilities in your area. Consider whether you’d prefer to store at a facility close to your current home, or close to a friend or relative who might be willing to check on the unit for you occasionally. Another option is to store items in a neighborhood you may be moving to when you get back from your trip, so that unpacking the unit and moving its contents isn’t too painful.
Make a list of a few facilities you’d like to visit, and go visit them. It’s hard to know much about a storage facility without visiting it in person. You’ll want to feel that your belongings are safe and sound, especially when you’re out of the country. Ask to see the storage unit you’d be assigned, and check that it’s clean and dry.
Compare deals. Some facilities offer a discount on rent if you commit to a certain contract length. Find out what your options are. It might make the difference between renting at one facility or another. If you don’t own a large vehicle, look for facilities that offer new renters the (complimentary) use of a truck for moving in.

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: Storage

February 25, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

Tips for Safe Travel and Travel Planning

A lot of people can tell you that a great vacation can easily turn into a nightmare if you get caught with your guard down and have no idea how to react in certain situations. It still amazes me when I see people going on vacation without doing much fore-thought and preparation, especially since there are so many things that can go wrong when traveling. Make no mistake, what you see in movies could potentially (though remotely) happen to you. Whether you are preparing for a luxury cruise or economy travel, preparation has the same value. Therefore, take the necessary and prudent steps to make sure you are prepared to handle different incidental mishaps. To help you begin this process, here is a list with some of the most important and common things that you need to keep in mind when traveling or going on vacation:4

1. If you will be driving to your destination, make sure your car is up for it. Check your oil level, the air pressure in your tires and other essential fluid levels. Always have additional provisions, blankets and a flashlight in your car to use in case of an emergency.

2. If you are traveling by car and have your kids on board as well, make sure that they are safely strapped to their seats at all times. It has been proven that in case of an accident, children that don’t use their seat belts are more likely to get hurt when compared to adults.

3. One of the top causes for car crashes all over the world is driving while tired and dozing off or getting distracted. Texting while driving is rapidly becoming a significant cause of car accidents and deaths so don’t text and drive. At high speeds, all it takes is a second of carelessness to lose control of your vehicle or cause an accident. If you are tired, just take a break and don’t risk your life and the lives of your passengers. Alternating the driving with another responsible adult is also a great measure.

4. Refrain yourself from texting or making phone calls while driving. Experts have proven that a driver writing text messages has a highly increased response time compared to a driver that is focused on the road at all times. Texting while driving is simply not an intelligent thing to do. Also, dialing on your cell phone while driving can cause additional delays in your reaction time so it is best to pull off to dial your cell phone.

5. It’s a known fact that most plane crashes happen at takeoff or landing so if you will be flying, try to book a non-stop flight because they’re statistically safer. It may cost more, but if you can afford it, the tradeoff may reduce additional risk or anxiety.

6. If you are pregnant and you want to travel by plane, you should always contact the airline first and ask them about their policy on flying while pregnant. Policies can vary by airline and country and some airlines have more strict rules in place.

7. If you are going on vacation alone it is best to do it through a traveling agency as they offer you the opportunity to go with a group of other tourists. This is clearly a much safer alternative than simply going alone and can also make your trip more affordable while gaining some additional site-seeing options. Also, be sure to research and review different reviews and methods of vacation packaging. You can reasearch timeshare reviews, different hotel reviews and city reviews depending on where you are going. The more specific your search, the more accurate the results.

8. Plan ahead. Make a list with all the necessary things and when a certain item pops into your mind, add it to the list because you might end up forgetting about it if you don’t. Several days before the trip, go through the list again and check if you have all the items.

9. Make copies of all your important documents and medical information for yourself and for others that are coming with you. This way, if you or others fall victim to identity theft you will still have all the papers you need with you. Additionally, medical information such as allergies or conditions is necessary for proper medical treatment in case of an unforeseen emergency.

10. Ask a close friend or relative to look after your home while away or at least check it from time to time. Keeping an eye on your home will give you added protection and peace of mind.

11. Remember to unplug all your appliances and unnecessary electronics before you go and leave your furnace set to fifty-five degrees for optimum temperature in the cold season. If your home plumbing requires a different temperature to keep the pipes safe from freezing, then make adjustments accordingly.

12. Don’t carry a lot of cash on you and use your credit card as much as possible. This way, you won’t draw any unwanted attention to yourself and the chances of being the victim of robbery decrease significantly. Also, credit cards can be blocked swiftly with just a phone call, so be sure to have the credit card phone numbers available on a sheet of paper.

13. If you or anyone else needs medication, make sure you have enough of it packed. The last thing you want to do on vacation is to run around filling prescriptions and having to cope with delays because of this. Also, having some additional medications is a good idea in the event of a delayed return trip.

If you follow these guidelines and add some additional safety ideas particular to your situation, you should have no problem enjoying your vacation and staying out of the risk of trouble. Still, if I could give you only one traveling advice it would be to learn from the mistakes of other, because that’s one of the best ways to avoid doing them yourself. There’s an old boyscout motto that simply says “be prepared”, and when traveling to a new, unfamiliar territory preparation can be one of your best “insurance” policies.

About the writer: Aaron Schulman is an avid web developer, helping many create their own websites. He enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 girls, publishing, writing, traveling, cooking and playing guitar. He enjoys finding good deals and writing research reviews, including reviews on the taylor, baby taylor, and other high quality guitars.

Filed Under: Travel Planning Tagged With: Travel Safety

February 24, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

Unique Holiday Ideas: Mali’s Festival au Désert

The Festival au Désert, referred to in English as the Festival in the Desert, is a yearly event normally held in Essakane, Mali, deep in the Sahara Desert. This series of Tuareg and world music performances makes one of the best unusual holidays available. The next festival is set for 10-12 January 2013.

Heritage

The Festival au Désert, founded in 2001, is a modern version of the festivals that have enriched Tuareg culture for centuries. Its organizers put great emphasis on the combination of tradition and modern day. In addition to the music, camel races are a popular attraction. However, the goal of the festival is to foster peace and understanding between artists and musicians from all parts of Africa and the rest of the world. It exposes visitors to traditional North African cultures and garners exposure for musicians trying to gain an international reputation.

This camel in Mali shows the remoteness of the Festival au Desert

Artists

While many of the performers at the Festival au Désert can be expected to be from Mali or nearby countries, programmers make great efforts to book Western musicians to promote cross-fertilization of musical tradition. Tinariwen, the modern rock band with its roots in the Tuareg resistance movement, are frequent attendees, but so is guitarist Vieux Farka Touré and the internationally renowned Desert Blues. In 2004 the festival was the site of the founding of Nigerian band Etran Finatawa, a multitribal group that play together in the name of peace and reconciliation.

Holiday potential

Mali is a country poor only in economic terms. A visit to the festival can be combined with a trip to historical Timbuktu. This ancient trading town at the southern edge of the Sahara is fifteen kilometres north of the River Niger. Timbuktu grew on the wealth generated by a flow of salt, gold, ivory and slaves. It was an important centre of Islamic scholarship, and its libraries still contain manuscripts dating back to the twelfth century. For visitors who want more than just culture, there is always the option of camel rides into the desert to camp overnight. Combining such a tour with the three days of the festival yields a unique experience of North Africa’s traditions and its modern culture. For similar holiday ideas, prospective visitors should consult their preferred travel agent.

A scene from the 2007 festival, a tribute act to Ali Farka Touré who had died during 2006.

Getting there

Essakane lies about 70 kilometres to the west of fabled Timbuktu in the northern part of Mali. The Festival au Desert is frequently touted as the most remote musical event on Earth. Reaching it can be a challenge, so guests are encouraged to use one of the festivals partner travel agencies, either to book individual transportation or to sign up for a tour. On-site accommodation, for instance, may involve traditional Tuareg tents. Local hotels and guesthouses exist but are often booked well in advance.

The Festival au Désert is a profound expression of the very best of North Africa. Its cultural significance and its unique setting combine with the sheer fun of the experience to make visits to the festival stand out among holiday ideas as one of the most unusual ideas to be found.

Filed Under: Mali Tagged With: Festivals

February 24, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park – American Natural Beauty at Its Finest

National Parks are a part of American heritage that its citizens take great pride in and they provide a base for numerous family vacations. One of the most visited is Great Smoky Mountains National Park – a reserve of Appalachian wonders stretching between Nashville and North Carolina.

The landscape of this popular park is one of the main reasons the area receives so many annual visitors, the scenery is stunning no matter what time of year you visit. In summer the majestic waterfalls glisten in the sun, then the colour palette of the expanse of forest arrives with the changing leaves of fall, which then makes way for the snow covered mountain panoramas of winter and finally the rebirth of spring.

Hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great way to see the reserve in its full glory and take in all the sights at your own pace. Other options for getting around the Park include biking and horse-riding, there is no better way to get an sense of the wilderness and transport yourself back to frontier times then by saddling up and exploring the forest. Or, should you be worried about finding your way, you can take a tour guided by one of the park’s rangers. Whichever method you choose, be sure to find your way to the Clingman’s Dome so you can get a great view out over the reserve.

Because it is such a wild area of natural beauty, the abundance of wildlife makes for a great reason to visit. There are so many animals and birds to be found in the Park – sixty resident birds in fact – from the extraordinary salamander to the familiar raccoon but finding them isn’t always straightforward. Your chances of seeing any creature are greatly improved by following the strict codes of the reserve and sticking to trails in Cades Cove and Cataloochee. The Great Smoky Mountains national park is of course most famous for its black bear population and reintroduced elk, so if you are lucky you may see these giants too.

Nature trails and hikes are all important features of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but there is more on offer. The park has plenty of designated picnic and camping areas to really help you make the most of your trip, and – providing you hold the correct state licences – you can fish for bass and trout in most of the rivers. Education is a big part of the Park, with exhibits and guides teaching visitors about the area and history, and to really embrace this, why not take part in one the special events organised by the rangers so your family can learn as they explore.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is more than just a forest at the bottom of the Appalachian Mountains, it is a haven for wildlife, nature enthusiasts and families alike. With the amount of natural highlights and points of interest it is not hard to see why this park is so popular.

Written by Global Travel Blog

Filed Under: United States Tagged With: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, National Parks, north carolina, Tennessee

February 24, 2012 By Susan Leave a Comment

Play Trivia while Traveling with Family

There’s a lot to be said for family road trips. They create opportunities for precious family time together, as well as chances to visit exciting places. But those endless hours in the car together can become tedious without activities to help pass the time. And after you’ve played the alphabet game for the thousandth time, it’s time to try something new.

Trivia games offer challenges for everyone, and can require more creativity than the standard looking-for-letters-on-billboards games. Your favorite trivia board games may not work so well in the car with their little pieces, but with some ingenuity you can come up with several new and exciting games for your family to play as you travel.

Adapt a Board Game

You might not be able to play a standard board game in the car, but who needs the board to enjoy the game? Just bring the box of questions along with you, or buy some at a thrift store. Or, you can pick up a book with trivia questions. Then make your own rules for your new game. Some families are content to read a few questions aloud and see who knows the answer. More competitive families might enjoy keeping score or using a stopwatch.

Create Your Own Questions

Older children can write their own questions during the trip. Bring pencils and a stack of index cards, and pass them out when it’s question-writing time. Then give each passenger a brochure or two from your destination, and have them write questions based on what they read in the brochures. If you do this on the trip out, before you reach your destination, your family will have a better idea of what’s unique and exciting about the places they will be visiting.

You could also have family members keep journals of their trip. On the way home, have them write trivia questions based on things that they did and saw during the vacation. This can be a lot of fun; what each family member remembers could surprise you.

Base Questions on Schoolwork

If your child is memorizing something in school such as states and capitals or multiplication tables, make a game out of it. You can drill just that child, or you can open the game up to everyone. Prepare cheat sheets for younger children who haven’t studied that topic yet, and let them call out the answer if they can find it first. Its fun for older children to see what they remember from when they learned the material themselves, and fun for the younger children to try to beat them.

Play Twenty Questions

This classic game doesn’t require prepared questions. Players take turn choosing something—an animal, vegetable, or mineral—while the others ask them questions about it and try to guess what they’re thinking of. Questions requiring more than a yes or no answer are not allowed. Try to discover the right answer within twenty questions.

Twenty Questions can be adapted for all ages. To make the game more challenging, provide books or other reference material for players to use. This can expose them to all kinds of information that they might never have encountered otherwise.

Traveling together in close quarters for hours on end can be difficult for any family. But providing quality games goes a long way toward making any road trip a good one. After all, your time together doesn’t start when you reach your destination—it starts when you begin your journey.

Author John Fisher is an avid fan of trivia quiz questions, games and activities, such as general knowledge quizzes.

Filed Under: Family Travel Tagged With: travel games, trivia

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