Adventure Travel

Charles Kassotis asked:


Costa Rica lies between Panama and Nicaragua and it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the North Pacific Ocean to the west. It is comprised of 51,100 square kilometers and the territorial waters take up about 589 square kilometers. It is considered a conglomeration of a number of landforms. The location of the country in the isthmus of Central America makes it easier to access American markets, which have the same time zone as Central US and also has access to Europe and Asia via the Oceans.

Let’s talk a little bit about the economical situation of this fascinating country.

Costa Rica has suffered a lot from corrupted governments. Interest costs on the governments accumulated debt are equivalent to 30% of the governments total revenue. Liberalization efforts have been hampered due to the resistance put forward by the political parties of Costa Rica. The main agendas of the today’s government are still the curbing the rate of inflation, reducing the deficit, and making improvisations to the services offered by the public sector. Despite this, the government has tried to bring in foreign investment, technology and management into the telecommunications and electrical power sector, which are run by the state.

Although blessed with fertile lands, abudance of fresh water and a strategic position, the country still remains poor and is categorized as a third world country. The countrys economy emerged from the red in 1997, but has shown strong aggregate growth since then.

The economy is based on agriculture. This includes the production and export of pineapples, bananas and coffee. The countrys exports from the free trade zones and tourism sectors led to significant developments in the growth rate of the GDP. Costa Rica is also a producer of cocoa, sugar, lumber, wood products and beef. In recent years, ecotourism, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing and software development have become major industries with significant contribution to the countrys GDP.

Lately, other industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals, eco-tourism, financial outsourcing and software development are now becoming major industries. There are a number of high tech companies which have sprung up in the area, including chip manufacturer Intel and Pharma companies like Procter & Gamble and Glaxo Smith Kline. Costa Rica is also self reliant in energy needs, with exception of oils- and has the potential to be an electricity exporter, as it already exports to Central America.

The unit of currency of Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC). This currency trades at 500 to the US dollar and at around 600 to the Euro. A new system that is expected around 2007, will see the Colon currency float between two bands. The Central bank will be better positioned to handle inflation and dicourage the use of the US greenback with the use of this system.

In March 1998, the country joined other Central American nations, and the Dominican Republic to establish a Trade and Investment Council with the United States. It has also clearly showed a willingness to join the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Costa Rica is also a member of the Cairns Group, which is pursuing a policy of global agricultural trade liberalization in World Trade.

With the help of agriculture, growing industries and of course tourism and ecotourism, Costa Rica economy is sure to recover. This country has a great potential. It in the hands of the people and the government, with hard work and strategically planned moves, to make this beautifull country wealthy as well.



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Aman Kapur asked:


India is a country full of culture, romance, history and definitely adventure. Several wonderful adventure tours and vacations are waiting for you and your family that would endow you the fun of a lifetime.

Aero Sports are a very popular adventure in India that includes Gliding in Himachal Pradesh, Hang Gliding in Nilgiris, Para Gliding in Uttaranchal, Para Gliding in Rajasthan, Para Gliding in Maharashtra, and Hot Air Ballooning in Delhi.

Mountain Biking and cycling is another great adventure that can be found in Himachal Pradesh. This adventure will allow your family to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, the rolling valleys, pristine rivers and lake views as well as collective time together in a majestic setting which you might not find in the fast urban lifestyle.

If you love to camp then Rajasthan, Ranthambore, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushkar in Himachal Pradesh, Corbett National Park, Uttaranchal, and Ladakh offers really awesome campaigning experience.

Mountaineering is possible in following Indian destinations: Ladakh, Manali, Sikkim, and Garhwal-Kumaon.

Jungle Safaris are a bit hot with the tourists and the travelers wish to return even before they pack their bags. Elephant Safari in Amber Fort, Camel Safari in Rajasthan, Safari in Ladakh, Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park, Jeep Safari in Leh And Ladakh, Jeep Safari in Manali, Horse Safari in Rajasthan, and Horse Safari in Corbett National Park are some of the most popular safari’s.

Trekking is not only a great family vacation but also a wonderful way to see offbeat areas of India. You will find all kinds of trekking adventures in Darjeeling, Ladakh, Nilgiris, Maharashtra, Garhwal, Kumaon, Karnataka, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh.

Water Sports are very popular among the tourists as well as residents alike. All kinds of water sports can be easily find in Goa; however, if you are looking for a bit more adventure then you may want to try the white water river rafting at the beautiful, spell binding scenarios of Zanskar river in Ladakh, Rishikesh in Uttaranchal, Teesta River in Sikkim; and River Beas in Manali.

Winter Sports in India are not an impossible adventure. One can always ice skate in Shimla; snowboard in Auli, Gulmarg; Snow ski in Auli, Bulmarg as well as Manali. If you love skiing and other winter sports a trip to India during the December-January season will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the mountains covered in snow flakes with your favorite winter sports.

Last but not least are the wonderful wildlife adventures you can enjoy in India. Bird watchers all over the world love visiting Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and the Great Himalayan National Park. If you wish to catch a glimpse of a tiger then you should visit Bandhavgarh National Park, while the roar of the Royal Bengal Tigers can be heard in the Sundarbans. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary provides you with the opportunity to see Lions and the Great Indian Rhino can be seen at the Kaziranga National Park.



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If a Belize Adventure vacation is in your schedule, then you will almost certainly go to the Toledo District in South Belize at some point, and if you are going to be anywhere near Punta Gorda, then you must ensure you book into the Hickatee Cottages for at least a couple of nights. This is more than a bed and breakfast inn because it also serves dinner, but it is a definite must do, and comes at USD60 per night double occupancy.

Hickatee Cottages is a very comfortable, extremely attractive jungle lodge with outstanding hosts called Ian and Kate.

It is difficult to believe that this inn is less than a mile and a half from laid back Punta Gorda Town, because it is very much in the jungle.

The three cottages on the property are very Caribbean style, and very comfortable clean rooms with nice verandas, where you can sit with a coffee in the morning, and listen to the sounds of the jungle waking up, and perhaps even see a family of howler monkeys ambling through the grounds. You will almost certainly see and hear loads of parrots and toucans. You will find there are lots of little extras, like extra fluffy towels, insulated water bottles to take out with you, and huge umbrellas, because when it rains here in south Belize, it rains!!

There is a plunge pool to refresh after walking one of the inn’s nature trails. You can use the inn’s bicycles, which by the way are free, to go exploring, or visit Boom Creek Village, take a canoe trip on the Moho River, or take one of the range of tours of the District. There is indeed plenty to do and see, and it’s not far from the Southern Cayes, so if they are part of your Belize Adventure Vacation, then Hickatee Cottages is an ideal stopping off, recharge your batteries point

The food is home cooked at Charlie’s Bar, and much of the ingredients come from their own farm, or the market at Punta Gorda. This is a great bed and breakfast establishment that also serves up great dinners as well, with three dinner choices. If you want to eat out, then the owners will ensure you pick the right places to eat.

One of the great joys of Hickatee Cottages are the owners Ian and Kate who seem to know everything about everything in this region. This means that you will be directed to everything that you think you want to see, and even more importantly things and places you didn’t know about, but end up jolly glad you found out about. Not only is their knowledge supreme, so are their contacts, so they will set up your excursions as well. You won’t need or want for anything, during your stay here.

It is difficult in a short article to do justice to Hickatee Cottages, and there is a thought that what is now a place to unwind in the middle of a Belize Adventure vacation, that is so much more than a bed and breakfast inn may become unavailable due to popularity. Whilst that would be no more than it deserves, this home from home, place of calm, comfort, and discovery and adventure all in one, would in a perfect world be kept a secret, known only to a trusted few.

Ian and Kate deserve the recognition that they run the best inn in South Belize, if not all Belize, and the custom this deserves. You can be certain they will not allow the atmosphere and ambiance to change at all.

Chuck asked:


I’m planning on going on a trip to Australia for a week sometime in summer or fall of 2008, and am trying to find a good company to purchase a tour from. I’m single and in my early twenties, so I’m not really looking for a family-type vacation. I’d like something with some level of adventure to it. I like a lot of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and boating, as well as going to parties and bars. Does anyone know a travel company or website that offers some kind of tour? Or should I just buy a plane ticket and plan my own vacation?

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Grant Eckert asked:


Adventure touring can really test your mettle, whether you are traveling on your own or with your family. Part of the fun of an adventure tour is the inherent danger of the activity – but that’s no reason to be foolish. There are ways that you can reduce dangers and increase the fun quotient. These are five top tips to get the most out of your adventure tour.

1. Follow the Boy Scout motto – be prepared by planning ahead.

There’s an old saying – measure twice, cut once. When you plan ahead, you’ll be prepared for most of the mishaps that can happen on a wild outdoor adventure. One of the best ways to be prepared is to book your tour with a reputable and experienced tour company. A responsible adventure tour agent will provide you with all the information that you need to prepare yourself properly for the tour you book through them. If they don’t provide information like a list of documents and items you should bring with you, ask. If they don’t have one to offer, you might reconsider booking a tour through them.

Extra: You’ll need the basic documents, of course – passport, travel visa and return tickets – but as international security increases around the world, you may require additional documentation to cross some borders. Other documents you may need to present include vaccination certificates and proof that you have booked accommodation. If you are traveling with children, most travel agents strongly suggest that you bring proof that you have legal custody of the children.

2. Bring your own first aid kit.

Along with any prescription medication, you should also bring along any medications and medical supplies that you are likely to need – especially if you’re picky about brands. You won’t find any nearby pharmacies when you’re out in the middle of the Amazon highlands – or the Appalachian trails. If you’re on an organized adventure tour, your tour guide should have a first aid kit and basic medical supplies, but it never hurts to be sure you have the things you need with you. Especially in a foreign country, there is no guarantee that your favorite brand of painkiller will be available.

Extra: An ounce of prevention, says the old adage, and it’s doubly true when you’re vacationing away from “civilization”. Bug spray and sunscreen are a must, as are enough cleaning solution for contacts, or an extra pair of eyeglasses. Pack along your favored brand of pain reliever, a wrap-around bandage and an ice pack.

3. Check health and travel alerts.

If you’re traveling overseas, do yourself a favor and keep up to date on the health and travel alerts issued by the U.S. State Department. Informed travel is safe travel. There are many things that might affect your safety on an adventure trip – besides the dangers you are looking forward to braving. Extreme weather conditions, the political climate and health alerts can all make a difference in your planning. Be aware, and keep yourself informed so that you know what you may be facing.

Extra: You can research your trip and sign up for notifications about travel and safety alerts at allsafetravel.com. The site tracks safety, health and weather alerts issued by governments around the world to provide accurate information that is up to the minute for your destination.

4. Check in with your health insurance.

Are you covered if you break your leg in Nepal? Trip and travel insurance is a must when you’re traveling, but be sure that you know what will be covered. Your trip insurance should cover more than just treatment for an illness or accident. Look for repatriation coverage, and be sure that your policy covers you for any activities that you plan on doing. Many travel and trip policies specifically exclude extreme sports like whitewater rafting and rock climbing, or even skiing.

Extra: Bring along written prescriptions for all medications that you take regularly and keep them separate from your medications themselves. Check with your travel agent about riders on standard travel and trip insurance to extend coverage beyond the standard coverage.

5. Take what you bring and leave what you find.

In other words – leave nothing behind. It’s basic hiking advice. Eco-tours and other adventure tour agencies emphasize the importance of preserving and protecting the environment. Make a point of cleaning up after yourself when you stop and camp. If you bring it in with you, take it out when you leave, and if you find it on the trail, leave it there.

Extra: The best souvenirs to bring home with you are photos and memories. There’s no better use for extra weight allowance than extra batteries for your video or digital camera.



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