where to adventure travel in indonesia

The beautiful island of Bali conjures up dreamy images of a tropical paradise, and despite being fairly compact it's the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia. Its appeal is drawn from many sources including the blissful climate, gorgeous beaches, unique culture, delicious food, and relatively inexpensive living costs. Beach lovers could easily while away their entire stay simply soaking up the rays, sipping cocktails out of coconuts, and splashing about in the warm sea, but there's also plenty on offer for more adventurous travellers...

Volcano trekking

A two-hour climb to the summit of active volcano Mount Batur to watch the sun rise is an incredibly memorable experience, and your local guide may add to the fun by cracking and cooking an egg on some lava-heated rock - reminding you just how active the volcano really is. It's a fairly accessible hike if you're reasonably fit, and you're rewarded with views of the sunrise over Bali's tallest mountain, Mount Agung, while to the north you see several steaming, active cones. Registered guides should be members of the Association of Mount Batur Trekking Guides, which has an office in Toyo Bungkah village where the treks begin.

Diving and snorkelling

The best time of year for snorkelling and diving around Bali is from May until September, when the water tends to be clearest and you can see the live coral and tropical marine life in all its glory. At Tulamben, one of Bali's most famous dive sites, you can even explore a sunken World War II ship - the 120-metre-long USS Liberty wreck. On Bali's far east coast there are also some great locations such as Candidasa and the nearby islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. For more experienced divers there are excellent sites around the rocky islets of Gili Kambing, Gili Biaha and Gili Mimpang.

White water rafting

In central Bali, the island's cultural heart, Ubud offers a good base for white water rafting excursions outside of the dry season. After exploring the town's historical sites and temples, including some of the most beautiful on the island, you can head west to Sayan near the lush Ayung gorge. Whitewater rafting operators will take you for a day on the Class II and Class III rapids, which aren't the most challenging in the world but are set against a spectacularly beautiful backdrop.

Surfing

One of the island's best-known resorts is Kuta, once a sleepy fishing village but today a popular backpacking spot, particularly amongst Australian surfers. The village can get very busy and the surf overcrowded at some times of the year, though, so surfers may prefer to venture to quieter spots elsewhere. With more than 30 surf locations across Bali, once you get chatting to fellow surfers you'll soon hear about favourites such as Ulu Watu for more experienced surfers, and nearby Padang Padang.

These are just a handful of the activities on offer across Bali, and with a bit of research you can have a go at para-sailing, riding an elephant, jungle or rice paddy trekking, fishing, wakeboarding or water skiing.

This article was written by Joe Williams, a writer for Bridge and Wickers who offer tailor made holidays.

We arrived to cosmopolitan Brussels with 3 lost bags and 1 missing person. One suitcase went to Moscow but all caught up eventually. Janice and I led a perfect size group of 39, not too big to get lost in or too small for comfort.

Each July trip draws school teachers who have loyally followed me around the world and they do love Europe. We began with a light orientation tour in the historic heart of this capital, followed by a tour of the Chocolate Museum. I found this boring, but the tastings were great.

After a nap at the Sheraton, we enjoyed a welcome dinner at Chez Leon, a typical Belgium Brasserie located on the charming "Rue de Restaurants." You can get mussels in Brussels, but not brussel sprouts. And the french fry as it was invented here. Our menu consisted of egg puff pastry with Ardennes mouseline sauce, Flemish beef stew in Grimbergen ale and a dark chocolate mousse cake on a bed buttercream which was a culinary masterpiece never to be forgotten. I always say that a loud group is a happy group, but I think their decibel level here may have been due to their indulgence of amber ales. 428 different types are brewed in this country including a popular new blueberry beer. Later we scattered like chickens into the Grand Place which is considered by most to be the worlds most beautiful square. It comes to life at night every July with a light show and various unlicensed entertainers. One young lady is dressed in candy tempting men to buy a bite.

If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium. After breakfast, we began our morning walking tour of the 17th century Grand Place. It was actually 8:30 Sunday morning and I marveled that in over a dozen visits here, I've never seen this place so empty. It echoed in silence as tourists slept and the locals were gone for holiday. Sunlight brilliantly flooded the gothic cathedrals, classical facades and art nuveau houses. We were alone and it was breathtaking.

We then visited the famed confectioner "Planet Chocolate" that opened especially for our group. Pedestrians peered in the windows with curiosity. A great demonstration was given by chocolatier Jon, grandson of the founder of this factory renowned for producing 67 different flavors. We learned about the history of cocoa. The ancient Mayans considered it an aphrodisiac and Montezuma consumed it in copious amounts. It was made famous in Belgium by J. Nuehus who added the praline hazelnut cream. Each cocoa fruit contains 25 beans. The best comes from Ghana, Ivory Coast and Indonesia. We learned all about the roasting and fermenting processes. Jon expounded on how healthy his dark chocolate is with more magnesium and antioxidants. He even asserts that it boosts energy and thus helps you loose weight...convoluted thinking. It was however, once sold at chemists as antidepressant medicine and unlimited amounts were given to soldiers in wartime to combat stress. At the end of the lecture, silver trays of truffles were presented along with a cup of hot ganache, which tasted like chocolate soup. I never really cared for chocolate but it was infatuation at first bite.

Our next stop was Chocolate Manon which I was told is run by a "chocolate nazi" who will lock the doors if we're one minute late. This small factory concentrates on quality over quantity and fancy packaging. The educational presentation was given by the owner Christian, who is both serious and hilarious. He only uses the highest quality vanilla, sugar, butter and 70% cocoa powder. This is a real factory with enormous chocolate blocks piled high and brown drippings everywhere. Sorry Hershey's, but the cocoa here is not replaced with palm oil, chemicals, coloring, vegetable fats and lard. This is as pure as it gets and it's better than Swiss. They sell direct to Bergoff and Neimans in NYC. There are 443 chocolate factories in Belgium all with the competitive spirit of Tour de France between them. Godiva still reigns supreme.

Christian explained that white chocolate is really an oxymoron. It contains only milk, sugar, cream and 21% white cocoa butter. As he lectured, he continually dipped his finger in to vats to taste his latest batch, while quickly running back and forth with frenetic energy from molds to freezer. He has a true passion for his product and consumes about 250 grams or a 1/2 lb a day, yet is as thin as Calista Flockhart.

I love my job, but would swap a month with him anytime.Over 1000 fillings are used inside the hollow shells. One by one, hundreds of shells are filled by hand. Each piece is a mini-sculpture. We're invited to squeeze the ganache pastry bags, but made a terrible mess and had to eat our mistakes. Nothing is discarded here. Even table scrapings will be remelted.

Dark chocolate can be stored up to 15 years and molded into any shape. We're shown pictures of intricate violins, a woman's formal dress and a life size dinning room table and chairs all made of chocolate.

Monday we toured this proud and regal city that is revealed in its royal palaces, cathedrals, museums and onuments. We see the headquarters of the EU and site of the 1958 World's Fair with the massive silver Atonium. We photograph the Mannekin Pis. [I never understood the love of this small bronze statue but it represents Brussels. Perhaps it's found in the irreverence of the artist.] Paula was our guide for several days here. Her stellar knowledge brought the history of Belgium to life, particularly the time when King Leopold purchased the Congo as his personal playground. Paula deeply cared for her work and later invited us to visit yet another chocolate factory, but fully sated, we declined. For free time we dispersed into tiny alleyways to intentionally get lost. Some searched out beer halls or hot sugar waffles, as others shopped for tapestries at give-away prices.

Things become a bit blurry from here. I'd taken some great notes on napkins throughout and managed to loose them all enroute. But memory serves well as we head to the capital of Flanders and enchanting Bruges. This town is a complete UNESCO World Heritage Site with a tranquil character that can't be described. The people have done so much to protect its medieval feel, it provides the magical affect of stepping back into time. It is called "Little Venice" and we enjoyed a boat cruise through the veritable maze of old canals that led to the Lake of Love. We strolled through ancient squares lined with houses of gabled rooftops and various cathedrals of holy this and holy that. Horse drawn carriages filled the cobbled streets. We entered the neo-gothic Basilica of Holy Blood and climbed 365 steps up the Belfry Tower with its carillon bells that chimed so loud it could blow an eardrum. We visited the cities finest lace shop for a demonstration on lace making, which I anticipated to be as exciting as watching paint dry. It was however, quite fascinating watching the delicate work of this 500 year old cottage industry.

We viewed an 18th century handkerchief so intricate that it took 4 ladies nearly 10 years to complete! All for a distant royal bride to blow her nose on.

I think I walked 67 kilometers that day. (Life lesson #122- NEVER wears heels on cobbled streets.) Bruges is entirely cozy and colorful, as if stepping into a postcard. At a café, I splurged on a waffle topped with chocolate, fruit and ice cream, so far, so good. For our entire trip we were blessed with no rain and perfect weather.

I'm a city girl at heart and was happy to depart for Holland. William of Orange is our jovial driver who just loaded our suitcases that have now swelled to 71 pieces. This is a super double-decker with plenty of room for our 150 mile journey. I joked on the mic as we crossed the border into Holland that there will be a 3 hour time change and never to drink the water. Much to my surprise my dear novice travelers actually started changing their watches! We passed many Smart Cars manufactured by Mercedes and Swatch. These toy-like hybrid two-seaters are expensive, but so adorable. On arrival, we checked into the Novotel Amsterdam for 4 days of touring pleasure.

We boarded our private glass topped boat and cruised through a labyrinth of canals. Amsterdam has 140 miles in all. Our wonderful guide Marilyn commentated on the picturesque neighborhoods and unique architecture. I photographed the world's skinniest house, built in 1664. It was 5 stories high and only the width of the front door! Many locals live on houseboats and the area starts to resemble a floating trailer park. Holland is about 100' below sea level. Pumps are used to constantly pump out water and basements do not exist.

The beer drinkers in this group loved the "Heineken Experience" with plenty of tastings and virtual games all over this famous brewery. The shoppers liked the Coster Diamond Factory where we learned about cutting and polishing the precious stones. They locked us in a room with guards where a gazillion euros worth of diamonds were displayed. We each had are own agenda for free time. The art lovers explored the national museums of Rembrandt and Van Gough. Many toured Ann Franks House where one can really sense the drama as she hid from the Nazi's in the tiny attic writing her diary. Others went to Edam for cheese and Delft for porcelain. I visited friends and indulged on Dutch pancakes of every style imaginable.

One day we visited Zaanse Schans, a typical village for total Dutch immersion. We began at the Ratterman Clog Factory where 3 million pairs are produced annually. They're used for working in the fields and are still worn today. Wooden shoes do not stretch so how can locals proclaim these to be comfortable? I prefer my Jimmy Choo's stilettos and instead buy tulip bulbs for souvenirs. We then visit a cheese farm and watched as they separated curds from whey. Here we bought enough wheels of flavored Goudas to make Wisconsin jealous. [We never considered the weight it would add later to our carry-ons.] We explored the open air museum with a backdrop of working windmills. There were also small period cast farms with curious ducks, goats and sheep.

That evening I had dinner with a friend I usually only see once every 5 years. Paul says, "Suzy, you are like a good old book in the library of my life that I tucked away. You re-enter out of nowhere. I dust it off and the memories return." As we catch up, I thought I had some stories to tell but his life is as captivating as a best selling novel. He is an undercover agent in the Special Forces, trains Dutch combat troops in Germany preparing for tours in Kabul, works narcotics infiltration and is a body guard for the royal family. Kind of like Jack Bauer on "24." Everything is "top secret" yet he reveals that he basically gets paid by the government to work out daily. Recently he transported orangutans form the Amsterdam zoo to freedom in Borneo.

The highlight of this trip for me was our 2 hour city tour on bicycles. We looked like a motley crew as we headed out into narrow cobbled streets and over countless bridges. As I peddled, I observed my group behind me. One woman is nearing 70, two are smoking cigarettes, Janice is talking to America on her cell and one unmentionable crashes into a car! She had to pay the driver for damages on the spot. It took complete concentration to cross the busy tram tracks. That morning we rode through Vodelpark and the Red Light district. It was interesting to see the prostitutes as they just woke up to get their coffee dressed in jeans and sneakers.

Holland is the land of the free. With prostitution legal, my group is most inquisitive on this matter. We laughed as Marilyn said," Suzy, they all ask questions on sex. Are they frustrated?"

I arranged a professional guided walking tour of the Red Light district in the oldest part of Amsterdam for the world's oldest profession. Since the 1400's, seamen would dock here to unload. Guides Gabriel and Shuert boldly led us through alleys of half clad ladies. No photos allowed. We're told that some fear it'll go out on the web. Our guides explained that some women are forced here nowadays and some are simply ashamed. Ladies differ in size, shape and color as we strolled through different quarters. On one street they're all obese. We learned to identify the transsexuals by two things surgery can't change - an adam's apple and a straight waist. Tastes differ; the oldest woman here is 76 and only works in summer. Only half use protection and monthly health checks are required.

There are around 1000 prostitutes working 500 windows. They pay 150EUR to rent a window for 6-8 hours, and can make up to 450EUR per day. They pay taxes and can write receipts for services rendered. If the curtain is closed they are not on break. The area is flooded with tourists. Men pay 50EUR for 30 minutes, yet statistics reveal the average time spent is just 6 minutes.

We crossed "Pill Bridge" named for the drugs pushed there and then toured the Erotic Museum with photographs and "tools of the trade" dating back to the 17th century on display. As I pondered and stared at a metal chastity belt, Gabriel said "that blacksmiths always had a spare key which came in handy when the husbands were away at sea." She also insisted the Dutch were far less promiscuous than Americans. I was concerned about my ultra-conservative teachers but nothing seemed to shock them. After awhile, our senses were over saturated and it became dull. The saddest sight was seeing a "heroin hooker". She was emaciated with glazed eyes and so many track marks that she had to shoot it now under her tongue. Police cameras were everywhere 24/7, there is little crime and we felt totally safe.

Pot and hash are legal here in over 400 "coffee shops" that sell joints and "ganja-space milkshakes." Locals told me they felt Americans were oppressed by too many rules and can't understand how our drug companies can sell meds on TV.

Enough on the wild side, this is also the art capital of Europe boasting more museums per square foot than any other city. Marilyn gave us a quick art lesson in a nutshell. She explained that this is the 400 year celebration of Rembrandt (1606-2006). He came from a family rich in windmills. As a child, he was an expert sketcher. Later in medical school, he did anatomical drawings of corpses from criminals. He studied more and soon rose above the Dutch masters with the ability to capture light and shadows in paint. He always began with a black canvas. Though blessed with enormous artistic talent, he couldn't manage his finances. He died penniless and was entombed in a pauper's grave.

Van Gogh grew up a lonely child and was very attached to his mother. His hyper-critical father didn't like his artwork. He went to Paris to study the impressionists. He was schizophrenic and when he had episodes, it was seen in his paintings that grew wilder and wilder each time. He cut off his ear and later committed suicide. His paintings were discovered stored away in his family home. We learned so much here.

Many think they've seen Europe, but miss the countries with the most charm. Here we were enveloped by history, culture and all that the Old Continent should be. Also this wasn't a typical EU vacation with endless museums and cathedrals, but a creative itinerary which provided large fun. Total cost was $1175 plus air (www.AdventuresForSingles.com 877-813-9421 or in GA 770-432-8225). Everyone's favorite stop was Bruges, but for me Amsterdam was an urban masterpiece. I found the Dutch far friendlier than other Europeans. This visit rekindled my love for the Netherlands, that tiny country with 2 names. This time I looked through new eyeballs with my teachers who were experiencing their first trip abroad.

It was a wonderful group. One couple connected whom we later labeled "The Honeymooners" and I hope they last. In flight home on Delta, I noticed among my sleepy group that some were munching on their chocolates that were meant for gifts back home. And once in line at US Customs, some were proudly wearing their new, brightly painted, uncomfortable wooden clogs. I just have to do this trip again.

Suzy Davis is President and founder of http://www.AdventuresForSingles.com. For 30 years she has visited over 150 countries and practically invented the concept of singles travel.

For more than 2,000 years Alexander the Great has excited the imagination of people around the globe. Barely out of his teens he invaded Asia with some 45,000 men to conquer the vast and rich Persian empire. He didn't stop there, but continued on an epic 22,000 mile journey, Troy to Alexandria, Samarkand to Babylon. By the time he died, aged just 32, he had gone beyond the limits of the known world, carving out an empire stretching from Greece to Afghanistan, Israel to India.

Today you can find his legacy still resonating across three continents - Europe, Asia, and Africa. Head to Egypt, venture out into the desert to the oasis of Siwah, a great circle of vivid green in a sea of parched yellow, and you'll find a crumbling temple where the oracle declared Alexander the son of Zeus. Trek into southern Iran, and you will discover Persepolis, the ruined ceremonial capital of the Persian kings, burnt to the ground by Alexander.

The ultimate travel destination for those enthralled by Alexander must be Turkey. Following in his footsteps from Troy to the battlefield of Issues, you'll savour a magical combination of landscapes, food, and ancient wonders. Archaeological adventures await at every turn.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Alexander sarcophagus

Step inside Istanbul's archaeological museum, and marvel at one of the finest pieces of craftmanship from the ancient world. It's not Alexander's personal coffin but belonged instead to a subordinate. On the sides of his tomb you'll find Alexander, carved in lustrous white marble, galloping at a hunt and rearing up on his horse Bucephalas.

Walk the marbled streets of Ephesus

Explore the capital of the Roman province of Asia, now one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. A century of excavations by Austrian archaeologists has revealed so much to see: from private villas to opulent baths, a theatre for 28,000 and an extraordinary library.

Sail the Lycian Shore

Gaze at Turkey's turquoise coast as you cruise aboard a traditional Turkish gulet. Beneath soaring pine clad mountains you'll relax in splendour while reflecting on Alexander's navy and ancient pirates. Moor up and go ashore at Phaselis where Alexander was crowned with golden wreaths.

The temple of Apollo at Didyma

Walking beneath soaring columns and down dark vaulted corridors to the innermost holy of holies, you can still feel the might and influence wielded by the old gods.

The views from Termessus

Hike into the mountains and you'll find this rocky eyrie, an ancient city in the clouds, one of the few places to say no to Alexander and survive.

TRAVELER INFO

When to travel

Spring and Autumn. Mid April to early June, and September to October are the best times to avoid the intense summer heat and crowds.

How long do you need

At least a week to see a few highlights. Two to three weeks will allow you to cover a significant amount of terrain, visit a great many sites, and gain an appreciation of the sheer physical and logistical difficulties faced by Alexander.

Planning your travel adventure

There are many tour companies that use Alexander the Great as a headline for trips that have very little to do with where he went and what he did, so scrutinize their itineraries. If you're traveling independently, buy the best Turkey maps you can before jetting off. Large scale maps are often difficult to find in Turkey, especially outside the main cities.

Inside information

If you head into the interior away from the coast, be wary of Turkey's renowned kangal dogs. They protect flocks of sheep and goats from wolves and have a well earned reputation for ferocity. Carry a walking stick and some stones for protection.

Further information:Alexander the Great on the Web

Probably the most comprehensive source of information on Alexander on the internet. It even has a 'Travel and Tourism' section which features the pick of Alexander travelogues and companies offering tours in his footsteps - [http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/alexander/]

http://www.pothos.org All about Alexander the Great. Includes a travel guide for picking out some of the best places you can visit, from Vergina in Greece to the Siwah oasis in Egypt.

Peter Sommer runs a specialist travel company, Peter Sommer Travels, offering archaeology holidays and gulet tours in Turkey, Greece, and Italy. He personally leads escorted cultural vacations in Turkey retracing the route of Alexander the Great.

An archaeologist and documentary producer he has worked on many acclaimed BBC/PBS/CNN TV series including In the footsteps of Alexander the Great, and Commanding Heights: the battle for the world economy. His most recent series, Tales from the Green Valley, about life on a Welsh farm in the year 1620, was shown to rave reviews on BBC2 in the UK in 2005.

He has had travel articles published in newspapers incl. The Times(UK), The Brisbane Sunday Mail & The South China Morning Post, & magazines incl. Cruise Magazine, Good Holiday Guide, Yacht Vacations Magazine, The Travel Magazine, The European Magazine etc. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers' Guild, the UK's best established guild of professional outdoor & travel writers.

When you are looking to enjoy a wonderful African safari, know that you have many different options to choose from so you should not feel pressurized to make a choice. Some of the main choices you have to choose from are Family Safaris, Classic Safaris, Luxury Safaris, Trek Safaris, Historical Safaris, Extension Safaris and more.

You can choose your ideal safari according to just how many days you would like to spend away, what exactly you would like to do while you are away, where you would enjoy staying, and how many people you want to take along. These are all the factors you will take into consideration when you are looking for the best African safari travel adventure.

A safari is a trip taken in natural environments, and the reason for these trips is usually for the viewing of the different hunting animals. With most of the safaris that are available, some of them are sure to involve activities like photography, viewing, and most importantly, experiencing the animals in their own habitat (which can be rather interesting). Going on a safari is all about seeing different animals and getting up close and personal with them. There is no better source of adventure than going on a safari as there is so much for you to see and do.

If it is the Classic Safaris you are interested in, a few of them that you can choose from are the 12 Day of Kenya's Finest, Kenya Explorer, Kenya Wildlife & beach Safari, Jambo Safari, Kenya & Tanzania Treasures, Monumental Egypt, Egypt & Kenya Voyage and many more. These are the typical safaris that you could also choose from, so be sure to check them out to see if it is any one of these that catch your interest. The shortest safari you can go on in this category would be the Best of Tanzania tour or the Monumental Egypt, where as the longest one if you want to be away for at least two weeks is the Egypt & Kenya Voyage.

If you want to go away and really be taken aback by your experience, you would more than likely be interested in the Luxury safari tours that are available in the African safari travel route. These are the Kichwa Tented Safari, the Wings Over Kenya, Jambo Safari, Classic Tanzania, Monumental Egypt, Old-World Cape Safari, South Africa Rails, Trails and Falls and the Red Earth Safari. These tours offer you the greatest when it comes to luxury and living in style when you are away from home. When you leave home, you want to experience something new but you also want to be in the center of the most luxurious camp there is.

When you are looking for an African safari travel route for you to be a part of, there are many different ones for you to choose from, so be sure to pick the one that appeals to you. You could even choose a different one each year. That way you will get to experience them all eventually.

Freely discuss how you can have your very own African safari travel adventure, by calling Shades of Africa Travel at 1-877-SEE-AFRICA.

People are extremely biased. For some reason, Indonesia has the image of being a dangerous place to visit. Some cite political violence and terrorism, while others seem to think that erupting volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis are just daily natural occurrences there. While it is true that as a huge and socio-politically highly diverse nation Indonesia is very complex, and in its growing pains has experienced its share of misery due to politically instability, I would like to point out strongly here that not only is Indonesia a safe place to visit, but that its people are warm and friendly and are not yet jaded by greedy tourism as other countries can be. On the charge of terrorism in Bali and Jakarta, it is true that it occurred and no one can excuse it or lessen its tragic effects. However, for Indonesia, it is an anomaly, not a serious danger.

Simply put, Indonesia is one of the last places on earth where you can see, well, the earth itself at its very finest. Two things that people rarely mention in reference to Indonesia are the fact that much of it remains an amazingly pristine garden of eden the sights of which would astound you beyond belief and that sadly this garden like all the other pristine areas of the earth, is disappearing rapidly under the axe of man.

How could anyone not want to see Indonesia? It is home to the world's largest flower, the world's the largest butterfly, birds that defy imagination, and another massive flower that is carnivorous and is capable of digesting a baby monkey. Multiply the above by a thousand and you may get an idea of the natural tapestry of Indonesia. The bed upon which this quilt of life rests is parallel in majesty to the life it supports. Gorgeous mountains and volcanoes, sheer breathtaking cliffs and peculiar islands, turquoise seas and hidden lagoons, Indonesia has a monopoly on natural beauty that you will not find anywhere else.

This article was written by Dinah Jackson who enjoys writing about science, travel and Pokemon. Check out the brand new online Pokemon magazine. We have information about Pokemon Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott and many other characters. Hundreds of magazine articles that you can read for free. Plus tons of news about upcoming Pokemon plushie, pokedolls, charms, boosters, figures, deck boxes and thousands more Pokemon products from the Japan Pokemon Centers.

Whether you are camel riding in the Sahara desert, ice climbing in Alaska, diving with great white sharks in Mexico, trekking in Nepal, or doing any other adventure at some other place, you will have to make sure that you are thoroughly covered under a good adventure travel insurance plan. Misfortunes don't come knocking at your doors. Mishaps and accidents are very much likely in these extreme forms of travel. Such adventure activities are usually not covered under the conventional insurance policies. Following is a step-by-step guide on how to buy a special policy to get coverage for your travel adventures.

Review Your At-Home Medical Insurance

The first thing that you have to do is to look into the terms and conditions of your at-home medical insurance policy. You should particularly check the exclusions section. Most traditional policies include adventurous activities, such as scuba diving, whitewater rafting, and other such things under exclusions. It means if you get injured because of such activities, you will not be covered. But, at the same time, most insurers also offer special provision where you can buy supplementary adventure travel insurance especially for your trip. If you don't find all the details in your policy document, you should give a call to your insurance provider and know the options available to you.

Is It An Organized Tour?

If your adventure travel is an organized by a tour company, you should ask the company if insurance is covered within the price of the traveling package. Even if the package does not include the cost of insurance, you can still buy it additionally from the same tour company. Many make it mandatory - you can't join the tour team if you don't purchase adventure travel insurance for the trip. Make sure that the amount of coverage is neither too high nor too low. It must be sufficient enough to protect you against the possible misfortunes during your trip.

Get Recommendations From Your Tour Company

If your trip is not organized and you are going on your own, you can ask the tour company to recommend some good insurance companies and plans. It is worth going with their recommendations because they are in this industry and they very well know which insurers offers the best plans and services for such adventure trips. When they make recommendations, their reputation is at stake. So, it is very unlikely that they will offer you bad suggestions.

However, if you are one of those adventure addict travelers who frequently go for such trips, you had better consider obtaining a permanent adventure travel insurance plan. A good plan from a reputed insurance company will not cost you more than $20-$30 per month, but you will be covered for injuries and related medical expenses - no matter which part of the world you are traveling in. Overall, if you keep in mind the above things, you can easily provide optimum protection to the money you paid for travel adventures.

Adventure travel insurance offers coverage and protection against the risks involved with adventure activities like trekking, scuba diving, and mountain biking. The web portal, Finance enquiry, includes relevant information concerning the available types of travel insurance plans.

Europe is an amazing continent. Money should not stop you from experiencing its beauty. The sooner you can plan your adventure, the more likely you are to get the price you want. Airlines and hotels often up their prices the closer you get to the desired travel date.

Transportation

Getting to Europe can be one of your greatest expenses. If you have saved up any frequent flier points now would be a great time to use them. Another option is to get passage on a ship sailing to Europe. You can exchange transportation, room and board for work on the ship.

The sooner you can book your flight the cheaper it will be. There are many discount airlines in Europe so do you research to find the cheapest one. Keep in mind that traveling in Europe is quite popular, there are also more popular times. If you are traveling in the tourist season, or during a long weekend or festival, cheap flights will tend to go a lot faster. If you can't seem to find a reasonable flight price try changing your dates. Even by just a few days can help. Flights are generally more expensive on weekends then during the work week.

Because there are so many discount airlines in Europe, this can be a great way to travel the continent. It is quick and efficient. However if you want to go on the more scenic route the train is perfect. You can buy the Eurail Global Pass which allows you to travel between 18 different countries. You can also purchase a One Country Pass that allows you to travel within that country on the train, unlimited, for that month.

Hitch hiking is a well established tradition in Europe. Families and truck drivers often stop to pick up strangers. Do this at your own discretion though. Never hitch hike alone, at night or in secluded areas. When touring a city using taxis and public transportation can be pricey. A cheap alternative is renting a bike or touring on foot. Most cities have a great bike rental system. Both of these options give you the flexibility to stop where you like and go at your own pace. It's a great scenic way to explore the city. Don't worry about getting lost, that's part of the adventure!

Accommodation

Again booking ahead can be key in finding a cheap hotel. It also guarantees that you get what you want. Good hotels at good prices go quickly. If you don't want to book in advance then be prepared to be patient, adventurous and flexible when you are trying to find a place to stay.

Hostels are very popular in Europe. The further away from city center and tourist sites the cheaper it will be. Make sure you can still easily access the places you are interested in seeing. When choosing your room, choose one with more beds. Rooms with 6-10 beds are cheaper per bed, where as rooms with 2-4 beds will be more expensive.

Because youth hostels are so popular in Europe, you may be able to work for your room. Approach the person in charge politely and ask if there are any chores you can do in exchange for your room. They may even be generous enough to give you a meal.

Food

Saving money on food when traveling can be the most difficult part. You want to eat well and save money at the same time. Experiencing different cultural foods can be one of the best parts of traveling.

The easiest way to save money on food when traveling in Europe is to keep your eating habits similar to when you are at home. Go to the grocery store. Buy bread and make sandwiches in your hotel room before heading out for the day. Granola bars, trail mix and fresh fruit are great inexpensive snacks that you can easily bring with you.

Of course you will still want to dine out and experience some of the culture in this way. Make sure you set a budget for dining out so that you know how often you can afford to do so.

Getting Out

There are tons of free things to do in Europe. Just walk around and see what you find. Every country, city and town is unique so you will never be disappointed. There are tons of street performers; dancers, singers, mimes, magicians. People always congregate and watch these free shows. A great way to meet people and find out what everyone is doing. Just hang out where the Europeans hang out.

There are many museums and tourist attractions. A good way to save money is to stay away from these. You can have a great time doing day hikes, sightseeing and just riding your bike around the city. The architecture in Europe is beautiful and distinct in each new place. You will always be able to find something new and interesting to do.

Conclusion

Taking an Adventure Vacation to Europe can be inexpensive and very interesting. You just have to plan ahead and go off the beaten path a little bit.

If you liked this article, check out my blog:

http://satisfythetravelbug.com

How far would you go to get the ultimate rush, and how much are you willing to pay? The extreme adventure travel market is growing.

Experiencing nature's most demanding landscapes can reveal exactly who you are, testing your physical, psychological and maybe even spiritual selves. Extreme adventures cover a breadth of activities ranging from mildly demanding to profoundly challenging. These adventures can take you from the world's highest peaks to its most remote terrains, from the polar ice caps to the sun-bleached deserts of Africa and all points in between.

Brave the planet's harshest environments, come face to face with its most exotic wildlife and blaze paths where humans rarely venture. Return from your journey a different person from when you embarked into the power of nature and your ability to overcome it.

In man versus machine, you can experience the rush of speed from the driver's seat of a Formula One racer to the cockpit of a supersonic fighter jet. Go to the edge of the earth visiting the North or South poles. Reach the South Pole on skis or find the polar bear in its Arctic habitat on rugged polar adventures. Land within 50 feet of the emperor penguin nesting areas in Antarctica to see as many as 3,000 Emperor Penguin chicks. Take an extreme safari. See Africa's wildlife by canoe, on foot, on camelback or even from a helicopter. Reach Mount Everest Base Camp or the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, two of the world's most challenging mountain treks. Dive into the waters off Belize for up-close encounters with its extraordinary sea life, including the elusive whale shark. Explore the rainforests via ATV, riverboat or by foot. Track the elusive puma and jaguars. Experience life in the unforgiving desert following the path of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan or exploring Egypt's White Desert.

Luxury tour operator, Abercrombie and Kent is banking not only that people will want to go to the extremes, but that they are willing to pay big bucks for the right experience. Prices start at around $5,000 up to $14,000 per person, double occupancy depending on the length of the trip and the destination.

Whatever extreme adventure you choose, just make sure you book with a reputable and knowledgeable tour operator, so that you are ensured the best experience for your money.

Sue Lobo blogs about the latest news, travel advice, tips and deals for Atlas Cruises & Tours
=>We invite you to read more @ http://www.atlastravelweb.com/

Food is a journey, and we all are searching for the best the world has to offer. Every palate is different, but when it comes to culinary travel adventures, the one thing we all have in common is our curiosity for great cuisine. All you have to do is turn on your television, or read a magazine to see the immense diversity in the food world. Here are some tips to choose the best way to experience a truly memorable gastronomic trip.

Some people have come to the conclusion that the cuisine they have come to love must be a part of their lives. They strive to learn about the culture, the food itself, and ways of recreating the food at home for their family and friends. This is where a culinary vacation comes into play.

You can identify the place you are in by the food that is being served. Each region of the world has their own ways of preparing cuisine that is indigenous to their culture. Every dish tells a story about that part of the world, and as we continue to strive for the ultimate eating voyage, we want to know those stories and taste of their history. Following your noses and taste buds to far away countries in search of beautiful meals put together by world renowned chefs is in itself an adventure.

Exploring the culinary lifestyle of each region can be very tempting and satisfying. When planning your adventure, be sure to do your homework first. Visiting with local growers, dairy farmers, or markets to get an idea of how the people in the areas you to travel to promote healthy food choices will always be helpful. Since most chefs interact with these places, you will be able to get all the answers you are looking for from the people who run these shops and farms.

When you embark on a foodie trip, not only are you going to sample what that city has to offer, but you are also learning about the country itself. The landscapes, the historical sites, the people who live there is all part of the experience. These are the trips that are multi layered; you have so much going on that the food is the crowning jewel to a beautiful vacation. Learning about food while we learn about history is not always a bad thing; you are sort of killing two birds with one stone.

There is a huge market for these types of trips. Many travel agencies specialize in food related travel, and most often have culinary packages already created. Included in the plans, you can partake of the best hotels, motor services, ground transport, and sightseeing excursions each region has to offer. On top of that, you will be introduced to some of the most well known chefs in the world, and they will present to you the very best in cuisine.

Some of these chefs will allow you to watch them create, but some of them have a hand on approach to food preparation and will allow you to participate in making the menu. Your travel agent can guide you in which restaurants do what, and you can plan your itinerary from there.

Eating food is a way to create a sense of community and fellowship. Going on culinary travel adventures allow you to take advantage of learning about and sharing your favorite foods, where they came from, and eating some absolutely amazing meals while on vacation.

Thinking about traveling the world and want to combine your love of food and travel? Then visit the Michelin Food and Travel experience, providing unique culinary travel experiences and culinary tours to help you plan the food vacation of your dreams.

What comes to your mind when you think, "Morocco travel?" Well, imagine sitting on the roof terrace of a village home, a cup of mint tea in your hand, the setting sun on your face. You have just come back from a day of hiking in the spectacular mountains that surround the kasbah where you are staying. In the street below children chase a ball and a donkey stands sleeping in a doorway. A man in Berber clothes walks by and all around you are the million shades of green that come with spring in the High Atlas. This is Morocco at its most beautiful.

The many mountain ranges of Morocco form the setting for some great treks and rambles, ranging from easy to hard. Todra Gorge is lined by ochre-coloured cliffs while the Jebel Sahro is a contorted jumble of volcanic monoliths, gouged and chiselled to form stark canyons, mesas and plateaux. The High Atlas is home to Jebel Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak and in the valleys mud-brick kasbah villages nestle in clusters between orchards of peach trees, apricots and roses.

But there is of course more to Morocco than hikes and walks. The country is famous for its Imperial Cities, dating back to the age of the Moors. Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakesh all have their own atmosphere and are havens of beautiful architecture, winding alleys and bustling markets.

In the east of the country lies the great shifting Sand Sea of Merzouga, part of the Sahara Desert, where you can camp out under the stars and try your hand on camel riding. Closeby the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs is just waiting to be explored and further south one of the many traditional villages make for a great base to experience original Berber culture.

Finally, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean the lovely town of Essaouira is a great place to relax, shop for crafts or try some of the great sea food.

Morocco is a country full of scents and colours and it is waiting for you to explore it. Come and join us on one of our many fascinating trips!

Tom Gehrels is a consultant with Trek Escapes, the Adventure Travel Specialists. Visit us to gather all the information you need before heading out on your dream holiday.

Summer is a wonderful time for teens as this is when they have their vacations. And to keep teens busy and entertained during the vacations, there are many teen tours and teen travel adventures being organized by travel companies. These trips are usually organized by established touring companies that give your children a safe and supervised trip to either domestic or international locations. There are different types of companies offering different types of adventurous teen tours. The highlights of these tours are usually kayaking, high ropes and rock climbing.

Though most teens like these tours, some people may prefer a trip to Europe or perhaps a South American tour. Tour companies mix adventure with travel to make the trip more interesting. The tour may include 5 star hotels and resorts or stay in the college dormitory; it depends on your budget of the tour. The length of these tours can be anywhere between 21 to 45 days.

Comparison shop and ask for references

It is not advisable to choose the first tour company you come across; make comparisons amongst different tour companies to find the perfect adventure tour for your teen. Asking friends, family members, other parents and associates is the best way of getting ideas of the best tour company and tour for your teen.

However if there is no one you know who has gone on such trips, then it is better to search online. You will find numerous directories which you have to search by state and by referrals for the best companies in your area. Most of the touring companies have their own websites on the internet, so visit them through the leads you find in the directories.

Choose the tour company that has clear terms, dates and arrangements regarding travel and accommodation of the teen tour. So keep your budget in mind when looking for the right tour company. Also book your tour well in advance so that you have sufficient money to pay for the tour and to do all the activities during the teen travel adventure.

Teen tours on a budget

Remember that adventure travel vacations are usually more expensive than traditional vacations; it is only by planning ahead will one enjoy the vacation. There is no point in venturing on the first travel adventure you come across. If you hate bugs, a long trip in the rainforest is not your cup of tea. Choose the trip based on your interests, dislikes and preferences; though teen travel adventure trips provide an adrenalin rush to most thrill seekers, not everyone will like this.

The location of the trip is also important when making a choice for your teen travel adventure. The destination you choose should be a fulfilling one depending on your interests like scuba diving, nature or skiing. There is no point in going on a scuba diving trip if you are afraid of sea animals or swimming. So, all these points have to be taken into consideration when choosing the perfect teen tour that will keep you or your teen busy in the next vacation.

Michael Chase is a freelance writer for www.campexperts.com. The Camp Experts has done the research?let us share our knowledge of teen tours, teen travel and other teen summer adventures with you.

Retirement is a time many people look forward to. They often view it as a time of release from the hassles of work, and the demands and responsibilities of family. As a result, it is often seen as a time when they can explore some of the pursuits they never found time to engage in, as well as visit some of the places they have always desired to see. For this reason, many consider retirement as the ideal time to start senior travels, opting either to go on a cruise or travel by plane and start the senior travel adventures they have always dreamed about.

There are many benefits that can be derived from taking that step, and traveling to the places you've always wanted to see.

It is a great way to relax and enjoy some down time. For many seniors, years of job and family have created such an enormous level of stress that they are looking forwarding to 'changing gears' and enjoying retirement. For some, a cruise to an exotic location in the Mediterranean, or the idyllic shores of the Caribbean, is their idea of a relaxing interval. Whichever destination you choose, the time away will reinvigorate your spirit, mind and body, and leave you feeling more alive than ever.

It can make you feel young again. Go for the adventure and the fun. Do something you have never done before like taking a ride in a hot air balloon, you can get a wonderful view from up there, and who knows, it might just be what you need to get a new perspective on life. Visit Disney World. In your senior travels you can view it through different lenses, which allow you to simply enjoy all that the theme parks have to offer. Just think of all the thrills and spills to look forward to.

It is a great way to meet new people. Broaden your horizons and get another dimension going in your life. When you meet new friends with whom you can share a different set of life experiences, it can help you to develop and grow. Who knows, it might open up a whole new world of friendships.

It is the perfect opportunity to visit historical landmarks. This can be such an exhilarating and stimulating experience. There is much to be gained by learning about centuries old monuments and cities, like the ruins of ancient Rome. New facts about people and places can help to create a sense of expectation and deep appreciation for all that has gone on before.

It can create new interests. As you visit new cities and learn about the culture, it can spark new hobbies and interests. A visit to an art gallery for example might unearth a latent talent you have held to sketch or paint and might therefore be the beginning of new areas of creativity.

If you are a senior, the benefits of travelling are immense, and one thing is for sure. At the end of it all you will feel fulfilled and happy. Just being able to leave behind the normal pursuits of everyday life, can give you a fresh infusion of purpose, and leave you feeling inspired.

Bronwyn White has over 20 years experience in the travel industry. She has gained her experience as a travel agent, with airlines, government tourism boards and as a professional travel researcher (yes there is such a dream job). She consults on a regular basis to the travel industry and is often quoted in the press. Bronwyn has specialized in senior citizen clientele - both as a travel agent and as a travel researcher. For tons of free travel advice, just for seniors, visit www.seniorstraveltips.com

In today's world, it is not uncommon for the average Joe to put in over 60 hours in a week at work. I feel at times I am constantly on the run, without time to even sit and think for one minute. It is sort of sad that we are focused on our jobs that tie us down and keeps us from things we really enjoy doing. But at some point you have to say, "enough is enough. I NEED a break!" That is so true for many of us. We NEED A VACATION!

Travel Adventures is a site dedicated to provide and inform you of some of the hottest travel destinations out there. We focus on a different subject within the travel industry and will try to focus on it for about a week if not more. I am not here to sell you anything, just provide you with the tools and the information to help you make the right decisions when it comes to your next vacation. I am not going to say I am an expert but I do know some tricks that have saved me tons of time and money. Many people do not feel that they have time to travel or the money to travel. Believe it or not, you can find deals that can cut your cost in half. I am dedicated to help you find those deals.

Traveling companions can also be a great resource and who also can share your passion for discovery and adventure. Traveling can educate you in culture, language, and tradition. By traveling abroad, exposure to other cultures and traditions can help you with the foreigners that travel to our country. I worked for a fortune 500 company that saw over 1 million foreigners traveling to the US for vacation every year. I have to say that my experiences traveling abroad helped me a lot. Broaden your horizons; it can help you in your everyday activities. Traveling can be a great personal adventure whether it's a family vacation, a much-needed holiday, an extended visit to an exotic destination, or just a long weekend away to relax your body and mind and recharge your spirit. Whatever your reasoning is to travel, you can most likely find what you are looking for, exploration is priceless.

To see more about vacation destinations, you can go to http://findtraveldeals.blogspot.com Find savings on travel both locally and abroad. Also features discount airfares and travel deals.

Author -

M. Molzen

Traveled to many destinations throughout my life, but now revealing my experiences and secrets in finding travel deals and steals.

Smart Poodle Publishing (2008)

ISBN 9780980030792

"The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly: Costa Rica" is a book about a millipede named Lilly. Lilly is about to go on a trip to Costa Rica because her grandparents are sick of living in an airport. One day, they decided to get on a plane. The grandpa didn't want to go but they went anyway. Lilly loved to read and learn and was excited about this new adventure.

Lilly used a guidebook to help her learn about Costa Rica to get an idea of what she could expect. She was looking forward to going and seeing all of the many animals there. She wanted to eat new food and see all there was to see. Even when things got tough, they all stayed together and happy as a family.

They came back from their trip and lived back at home in the airport. They liked Costa Rica but were happy to be home.

I liked "The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly: Costa Rica" a lot. It was educational and showed me new things about a new country. I didn't like the CD that came with it because it read the story to me. I liked the background music but since I can read, I didn't need the CD to read the book for you. For younger kids who can't read the CD might help but for me, I didn't like it. Other than that, this book was really good.

Reviewed by Matthew Feliciano (age 7) for Reader Views (3/08)

http://www.readerviews.com/