August, 2016 | The Adventure Travel Site

Desert Safari Driving Tips -Guidelines on How to Make Rough Ride Go Smooth

What is a trip to the Middle East without a trip to the desert? Also, what better place for tourists to enjoy the desert than Doha, the capital of Qatar? There are a countless number of tourists coming to Qatar and most expect pretty much straight forward things from this Middle Eastern holiday spot- luxury , deserts , sand dunes and camel rides gaining top priority. Most choose tourists who come to this part of the world come with the expectation of splurging some cash. Some choose to spend their entire holiday in a luxury hotel in Doha and pay a visit to the deserts or some prefer to be closer to these mystical sand heavens. Either way most hotels like the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara; make it a point to organise desert safaris and tours in their activities for the guest. The desert tours are categorised into various packages to suit individual requirements. Packages are often uniform across various operators.
There are options to be driven around the desert or you could self-drive in the presence of a guide. Most desert safaris are categorised as morning –half day tours where one can see the sun coming up to light up the golden sands , full day tours that allow you to explore the desert throughout the whole day and enjoy sundown refreshments and entertainment , thirdly an overnight desert safari which allows visitors to spend the night in the desert. Regardless of the safari, it is important to keep in mind that driving around the desert takes special skills compared to the day to day driving that one may engage in. Hence it is worth it to check with the tour operator to see what prior off road experience is needed. It is best to be within the recommended trails at all times and obey the guidance of the experts.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.Google+

Bird Watching in Bundala National Park

The Bundala National Park is located in the Southeast of Sri Lanka. Of course the more frequented, Yala National Park is located in close proximity to it. But it is important to know the distinctness of the National Park in Bundala. It lives up to its status as a popular birding ground and attracts the quiet wanderer and the keen bird watcher. The National Park is said to be the home and temporary home of 197 species of bird. And you will not be disappointed because on merely one visit you are certain to spot over 50 species of bird. Cinnamon Wild Yala is amongst the Yala hotels, in the region that provide easy access to such national parks. If you are keen to spot more and more birds, you simply need to be an early riser.

Birds watching | Image Courtesy: Riolta Lanka Holidays

Arrive at the park at 5.30 am, this is when these flighty beings relax in the watery areas of the park. Hop onto a rickety jeep at the entrance and make sure you request the assistance of a ‘bird tracker’. The fact that your tracker is immersed in his surroundings, gives him the ability to spot the birds of the area with far greater skill than you would imagine.

Greater Flamingos in Bundala | Image Courtesy : Srilankan Spirit

You will be surprised to find that the birds are quite accustomed to the noise of your rickety jeep. In fact, they crave some attention. Colourful Painted Stork, Asian Openbills, Spot-billed Pelicans , Black-headed Ibises and flocks of Greater Flamingos are a few birds that you will be able to spot in the park. You will be thrilled at the variety of birds and the great skill of your tracker in spotting these beautiful beings.

It is impossible to keep count of the birds you will spot and there are countless amounts at the Bundala National Park.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Camel Trekking in the Desert

The Rub’Al Khali desert remains relatively untouched and is adjudged one of the most peaceful deserts in the world. In the UAE it receives much attention by streams of tourists who enjoy the remarkable landscape and endless sand dunes. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is located in the ‘Empty Quarter’ of this gigantic desert. It is a Liwa Desert resort that will allow you to gaze upon a desert that is filled with mystery. You can also explore the desert on the backs of the dearly-loved camels.

Camels hold a sense of secrecy and magic in their eyes. Well, you would say its gait deceives, and shows no sign of adventure and excitement. But it’s acknowledged that the desert is best explored on the ‘humpy-bumpy’ backs of camels. Nature reveals its beauties and history comes alive only when this sea of sand is explored in a ‘slow & steady’ manner.

The duration of your trek can vary depending on your travel buddies and favorite time of the day. If you have kids on board, you can choose the ‘family trek’. As long as your kids are above four years of age, you can choose this trek that will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Your kids are sure to be thrilled by this unique mode of transport.
Sunsets are twice as beautiful when experienced in the desert. Choose the ‘sunset trek’ and be mesmerized as the red sands take on a golden hue as the sun sets. Be armed with a camera and be sure to ‘click’ away. The trek will last around one hour and forty five minutes and this includes a short stop for refreshments. Be refreshed by the sights and sounds of the desert.

If you are in a hurry to rush around, you can also opt for a short camel trek that will last forty five minutes. Life on the desert is slow-motioned but exotic and mystical, and there is no better way to experience it all than on the back of a camel.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Surf Trip to Arugam Bay

Surf's Up In Arugam Bay — Surf’s Up In Arugam Bay | Image Source : Penthouse Travel

Sri Lanka’s east coast delivers up a perfect blend of sand, sun and waves, with no place better for surfing than the fishing village of Arugam Bay. World famous as a top surfing destination, Arugam Bay attracts surfers from around the world with its various surf breaks and isolated beaches. Located 320km from Colombo, a surf trip to Arugam Bay, or A-Bay as the locals call it, takes more than a little bit of planning; the fastest and easiest way to get there is by booking an Air Taxi. Sri Lanka has quite a few air taxi operators and the most popular tour operators like Cinnamon Air, have several ongoing offers for travel to the East Coast.

Once you have arrive and settled down in one of the many guesthouses and hotels along the coast, there are several surf points to choose from Main point, considered to be the best surf spot by many, to Whiskey Point located further north which is ideal for beginners as well. Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm are two other well-known spots near isolated beaches south of the Bay and if you head further south you’ll see Okanda, a surf spot surrounded by the dense jungle of the Kumana National Park.

While Arugam bay is more commonly known now for its surf culture and laid back hippie vibes, there is a wide range of activates to try besides surfing. There are several lagoons and beaches around Arugam bay if you just want to relax as well as cultural attractions such as historic temples and ancient ruins of Buddhist monasteries. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast the Kumana National Park is perfect for bird-watching and elephants. A trip to Arugam Bay with its natural break points and sunny beaches is the ideal vacation for anyone looking for Sri Lanka’s best surfing spot.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+|Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Hikkaduwa Coral Reef

The popular coastal town of Hikkaduwa with its endless sunny skies, white sands and surf has long been regarded as a back-backer’s haven for travellers heading down the coastline. One of its major attractions is the stunning coral reefs which helped promote the town as a top destination for snorkelling and scuba diving in Sri Lanka. Attractions aside, this really is a beautiful reef and unlike the other reefs found along the southern coastline, the coral reefs near Hikkaduwa are the most diverse and easily accessible.

Due to the wide range of bio-diversity among the reefs, it was declared a marine sanctuary in 1979 and later a Marine National Park. The main coral reefs can be found in calm, shallow waters near a lagoon, making it a perfect snorkelling excursion for anyone who wants to attempt it without any previous experience. The reef begins nearby to the fishing harbour and extends out about 4km south. Up to 60 species of coral has been recorded so far with over 170 species of marine life. Tropical fish like angel fish, butterfly fish, snappers, parrot fish and more can be seen frequently swimming among the corals whilst schools of trevally fish are typical found swimming in shallow lagoons along with a few turtles.
The best way to experience the reefs is to go with a guide who can take you to all the best spots along the corals and explain the differences between the vast formations of corals and marine life. If you’re staying at one of the hotels along the coastline like the Cantaloupe Hotels, the hotel will usually arrange a trusted guide to accompany you. For scuba divers, venture out beyond the shallow reef where several deeper reefs and rock formations can be found, teeming with marine life. There are even a few old shipwrecks that over the years have turned into artificial reefs, providing sanctuary for corals and reef fish. The best time to visit the Hikkaduwa coral reefs is between November and April when the seas are calmer and sunny skies are aplenty.

Hikkaduwa coral reef, Img Credit:[Sophie Thomas]

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+

Try out an action packed Canopy Ride in Koh Samui

Canopy Adventures Secret Falls - Koh Samui — Canopy Adventures Secret Falls – Koh Samui | Image Credit

You may come to Koh Samui to experience the beach or relax with the attentive service of Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort or a similar luxury hotel. But a canopy ride through the lush forests of Koh Samui is worth taking a break from the sun and sands for!

Within easy reach of many Phangan resorts, canopy adventures at the Secret Falls of Koh Samui allows you to experience the forests in a completely new manner. If you are one for adventure and thrill, this is perfect for you. If you are not so much into adventure sports, this is picturesque enough that you can justify the presence of adventure. You will literally fly through the treetops of the forest, enjoying the greenery below, the blue skies above and the wind singing in your ears – all the while secure in the knowledge of a safety harness. You will also catch glimpses of the gorgeous coast line of Koh Samui, the famous sands and the beckoning waters. This is your opportunity to fly like the bird and truly see the holistic beauty of Koh Samui.

Half way through your canopy ride, you will arrive at a swimming hole – the famous Secret Falls – where you can relax, play in the waters and refresh for the next leg of your journey. Taking the curious visitors to the skies for a fun-filled ride since 2009, the canopy rides require no previous experience or special skill. An experienced guide will instruct you on what to do, and you can simply heed his/her words and enjoy the unspoilt wonders of the forest below. Maximum comfort is ensured on your ride, by having it proceed in four phases. Starting off with a gentle ride, each phase becomes gradually steeper and exhilarating, so that you are prepared to enjoy the ride as much as you would enjoy the lush picturesque world that you fly above.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

What’s so good about Skydiving in Perth? For the Adrenaline Junkies

What is so good about sky-diving in Perth? Many travelers rave about sky-diving in this hot spot and the location garners hundreds of enthusiast from all over the world each year. Here’s why. Most of the veteran skydivers say that the best thing about the sport is that no matter when and where you do it, it alters your life drastically afterwards. It is supposed to give you an amazing amount of confidence in yourself that you could achieve the seemingly impossible. Sky-diving also embodies two of the great aspirations of the human race; flying and freedom. The culture around Perth is such that most of the people you meet during this experience will become your friends for life. There is also never a dearth of accommodation options with the many hotels and Perth hotel apartments around such as Citadines St Georges Terrace Perth and a number of others available in the city.
More interestingly, in Perth, you could choose to stay at the drop zone and people will just take you in. It does really happen in Perth and it inevitably paves the way for the best way of sightseeing and experiencing the local culture and lifestyle. Imagine looking at a new country or city from the sky, soaring through the wind, the experience changes the way you look at nature and compels you to enjoy your life so much more. Meeting the locals in Perth is also a great idea as it is said that they will tell you about what to do and what not to do while you are sky-diving. Most veteran sky-diving instructors have even said that the vast majority of their students that come in for a simple adventure end up with completely unexpected, career changes that see them happy for the many years to come.

Skydiving Perth — Skydiving in Perth, Img Src:[skydivingPerth]

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Elephant Riding in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is one of Thailand’s most popular cities owning to the city being home to some of the most stunning archeological and historic attractions of Thailand. The natural beauty of the city, coupled with iconic landmarks such as the Wat Phra Sing, the Gate of Siam, and Wat Phra Kaeo, as well as other fascinating attractions such as the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar and the Hill Tribes Museum, visitors of the city are sure to have an amazing experience in Chiang Rai. One of the most recommendable Chiang Saen hotels is the charming.
There are many outdoor activities that one can engage while in Chiang Rai, and one of the most exciting activities is elephant riding. The city of Chiang Rai has a long history of rearing elephants, which are used in the day to day activities of the folk in Chiang Rai. With the boom in tourism, elephant rides became one of the most sought after activities, and today, elephant riding is one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences you can have in Chiang Rai. This attraction has become so popular among tourists that a few Chiang Saen hotels the likes of the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort have given priority to promoting it and even including it part of their facilities.
Elephants are fascinating creatures, and riding on top of these majestic beasts while exploring the hidden beauty of Chiang Rai is truly amazing. There are many elephant camps in Chiang Rai which have trained elephants a top that you can ride. The elephant’s back in fitted with a carriage of sorts that has comfortable seats giving you maximum comfort while being able to observe everything from the top of the elephant, and thus giving you an unimpeded view of the beauty of Chiang Rai. You will go through luscious forests, shallow streams, winding pathways, and secluded areas, to give you an exotic and mesmerizing experience. Elephant riding in Chiang Rai is, therefore, a must-do thing, as it lets you interact with elephants and lets to explore the city like you’ve never done it before.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

A Night-out in the Desert

An ocean of sand and an expansive sky stretch above and before you in Abu Dhabi’s Rub al Khali or ‘The Empty Quarter’. The proportions of this desert are simply astounding and provide innumerable opportunities to have fun. You wouldn’t be in a conundrum when choosing between a day or night safari in the desert. Night-time in the desert will activate your imagination and allow for relaxation and adventure. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is perfectly located and is a Liwa Desert resort that will give you multiple opportunities to traverse the desert. A night-out in this desert is beyond unforgettable.

Choose to explore the desert in a Hummer. It will be both a smooth and bumpy ride on the seemingly insurmountable sand dunes.

Evening approaches, and your constant companion, the gleaming disk of gold would quietly retire. Watching its quiet retreat is a treat to the eyes and soul. It’s a perfect sunset. As you prepare to gobble a hearty meal, you will be taken aback by the lithe bodies and glittering outfits of the belly dancers. Experiment with hookah shisha pipes while also listening to soothing music.

Later on in the evening, dinner is served. It is certainly a lavish spread with succulent meats grilled to perfection, salads and rice. Happily stuffed, you can now retire onto your humble mattress. From within your tent a sparkling sky is revealed. Identify the constellations, name the planets and drop off to a comfortable sleep while counting the stars.
Once again, the golden disk peeps through the sand dunes and you will witness a breathtaking sunrise. This is the beauty of a night-out in the desert of Abu Dhabi, where you can enjoy the beauties of dawn and dusk.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+