The Adventure Travel Site

When thinking of a vacation in Abu Dhabi, tourists should not miss an opportunity to explore the desert landscape that surrounds this emirate. A popular tourist activity is to take a desert walk or join a tour group that would guide one through this fascinating landscape.

To begin one’s desert walk why not start at the largest Arabian oases located at the Empty Quarter – the Liwa Desert. The desert is famous for the Bani Yas tribe who has a long line of descendents who have made their homes among these surroundings.

The tribe is considered as the descendents of the Bedouin forefathers of the present generation of rulers of Abu Dhabi. With palm fringed roads and freshwater pools to enjoy, the Liwa Desert offers excursions, which are close by to the city.

The Liwa Desert is a popular tourist destination mainly due to its location, towards the south of Abu Dhabi the dessert forms a border with Saudi Arabia. Locals describe the desert much like a sentinel guarding the entrance from the Southward end of the emirate. Almost as if it were made to guard the Empty Quarter’s edge. This is also, where the largest sand desert in the world is to be found, it is known as the Rub Al Khali.

If you are on your way to the desert to indulge in a desert walk, it is hard not to notice the small quaint little towns and villages that have sprung up. Tourists will also notice that there are even a few farms that have emerged against the backdrop of the sand dunes.

On arriving at the desert or while travelling there, a unique aspect of this mysterious landscape is the changing colours of the desert sand. This will become more apparent when one sets foot on the sand. The most beautiful is towards the end of the evening when the sands begin changing from golden to red against a backdrop of a setting sun.

To be able to truly appreciate the culture of the desert, tourists should consider spending a few days at an Abu Dhabi resort . One such as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, situated in the Liwa Desert will definitely be an experience that will not be forgotten. Decked out in very traditional and local motifs the atmosphere created here, will take tourists back to the days of camping out in the desert, and unlike other Abu Dhabi resort hotels, the views are absolutely breathtaking.

In recent years Abu Dhabi has consolidated its position as a premier tourist destination. With its tropical year-round sunshine, scenic sand dunes, pristine beaches and traditional Arabian hospitality Abu Dhabi is a memorable holiday destination. Appealing to both leisure and corporate travellers with modern convention centres, spas, theatres and golf courses amongst other facilities the desert emirate never disappoints its guests.

A desert safari in the environs of Abu Dhabi is a delightful way to experience the magical aura of the Middle Eastern desert. Always a thrilling adventure, safaris take the visitor deep into the desert providing a genuine insight into the challenging conditions of the desert as well as its beauty and mystical allure.

Four wheel drive vehicles take the visitor on a rollercoaster ride over the picturesque high sand dunes which promise to be an invigorating experience for even the most jaded of travellers. The peaks of the lofty sand dunes provide a panoramic view over the desert landscape which stretches out as far as the eye can see. Especially memorable is the vista of the desert sunset, a once in a lifetime experience.

‘Wadi bashing’ is a popular activity for the thrill seeker. A ‘wadi’ is the term used for a dry rocky riverbed found in the desert carved out by flood waters over millennia; innumerable wadis are to be found in the deserts surrounding Abu Dhabi. A four wheel drive vehicle is used to drive through these riverbeds, a bone–shaking and tough adventure, but always memorable. Before engaging in wadi-bashing it is important to receive comprehensive instructions from an expert, so as to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Traditional falconry displays may also be observed in the desert environment, with expert falconers demonstrating this age-old craft. Visitors may also enjoy camel rides and receive henna decorations on their hands or feet.

Some safari excursions will take you to a Bedouin campsite where you will be entertained by a talented belly-dancer moving sinuously to local music for a truly distinctive Arabian experience. A sumptuous barbeque dinner will be served at the end of the evening.

For the traveller selecting amongst Abu Dhabi resorts, there is no better choice than the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. This fine luxury resort Abu Dhabi offers promises lavishly appointed rooms and courteous service assuring a memorable stay.

For those who wish to delve in to the past of Dubai, the best place to visit is the Heritage and Diving Village. It is also the ideal place to explore the city’s unique culture, lifestyle and long lived traditions. The village is situated at the entrance of Dubai Creek in the Shindagha Area.

Heritage and Diving Village of Dubai has today become a popular tourist attraction since it is an area that promotes local art and crafts.

A unique feature at the Heritage Village is its Barsati homes. Guests can visit the outdoor kitchens attached to these Barsati homes where women serve mouth-watering traditional local cuisine. The Heritage Village also has a souk where visitors can purchase a memorable souvenir to take home with them. The village offers the visitor the chance to discover a side of Dubai that cannot be seen in its modern day city. It is also the best place to see potters and weavers at work churning out their best masterpiece.

The main focus of the Diving Village is the maritime culture in Dubai. It is a place where travellers will be able to discover important facts on fishing traditions, pearl diving and pearling boats.

Special demonstrations on Pearl diving which is one of the oldest professions practiced in the region can be enjoyed here. Pearl diving is considered a dangerous profession even at times when the sea is calm and safe. At one point almost each villager’s livelihood depended on Pearl diving, however today the entire profession has been destroyed and it is carried out only for demonstration purposes for the tourists.

The best way to make the visit to Dubai more culture and heritage oriented is to visit the Heritage and Diving Village. Tourists can easily explore this fascinating village by staying at the nearby Copthorne Hotel Dubai which is a Luxury Hotel in Dubai . It is a contemporary accommodation that houses 163 comfortable and lavish rooms and suites.

Just a little over 50 years ago, Abu Dhabi was no more than a fishing village with a fort, some coral buildings and endless desserts dotted with oases. As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi does not hold as much world prominence as neighbouring Dubai. However, it offers a more traditional approach to Arabian living, and the skies are dominated by gleaming skyscrapers, the shopping is just as exceptional and the food divine! Some of the great places to see whilst on holiday include, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, Cultural Foundation, Emirates Palace, Corniche Park, Qasr al-Husn and the Women’s Handicraft Centre. Shopping in Abu Dhabi is exceptional at the Deira City Centre and Marina Mall Tower, whilst dining opportunities offers itself from local delicacies to international fast food chains.

Expanses of dessert surround Abu Dhabi, and there is no better thrill than doing some off road driving. The activity is so popular that today it has become a sport, and the annual competition of the Abu Dhabi Dessert Challenge, which is the closing event of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championships and FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup. A collection of cars, bikes and trucks partake in this event each year. Driving on what is locally known as ‘wadis’ or dessert trails is easy, but once you take your 4WD off the road, the drive becomes more challenging and it always advisable to have a second vehicle at hand, along with an experienced driver who is familiar with the terrain. A book guide is available called the UAE Off-Road Explorer, which is quite useful. Tour operators can also be easily found to take your on your off road drive in the Abu Dhabi dessert. The challenges are exhilarating and the techniques are entirely different to driving on the road, so if you are up for the adventure, there is no better place to start, than Abu Dhabi dessert!

Planning a trip to Abu Dhabi? There are many accommodation options in Abu Dhabi to choose from. But none stands out like the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi that offers a fine array of rooms and suites that cater to families, groups and individuals. A better known five star hotel from the many Abu Dhabi hotels available in the city, Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi also provides the additional service of babysitting your children if required.

With breathtaking scenery and landscape that offset gracefully by a ravishing coastline, cultural marvels and historical monuments, Thailand is one tourist destination which offers variety with great hospitality. The coastal line of Trang which stretches over nearly 120 km is a perfect example for a place with multiple interests. From its origin as a fishing village to its national park, it boasts of several delightful locations and excursions such as a scenic drive, a boat trip to explore the caves and a string of islands each as interesting as the other.

The Chao Mai Cave is one such place of interest located in the Marine National Park that is situated along this coastal stretch of Trang. Among the many places of interest, the cave holds a special interest to many visitors due to the rarity of the experience. The cave which is quite large is located on the south side of the park and can be entered by the sea. This is a stalagmite cave with many levels of which the bottom level is the biggest has all the levels interconnected by a passage on to the right of the cave. One of the distinctive features about the cave is its extensive rock formation: stalactites and stalagmite form tall pillars that rise up to the very ceiling from the floor. An attractive variant to the cave is a small but beautiful spring gushing from the top level chamber within the cave. The boat trip to the cave is thus a much anticipated event for the visitors to the marine national park.

After wondering through the mashy lands, coastal stretches and wonderful boat rides or even to a begin a day laced with such adventures, there’s no better place to take refuge than the Anantara Saiko, Thailand. Situated by a beautiful coastal stretch in the Si Kao district, this exotic resort and spa is one exceptional Krabi Resort Hotel to dwell in. This is one spa and resort that holds a special place out of the many Trang Hotels, with a range of international and Thai delicacies waiting to seduce the unsuspecting traveler.

Adrenaline Forest which is ideal for both family and group visits, is an enthralling adventure park positioned in the centre of the forest. This park which is known to be a challenge against gravity and balance is situated in Spencer Park just 15 minutes away from the Christchurch CBD.

Providing endless fun and entertainment for the entire family, Adrenaline Forest offers the visitor the chance to test their strength and persistence. Adrenaline Forest is full of surprises, excitement and has plenty of fun filled activities such as an aerial obstacle course which is 20 metres above ground. There are also six pathways which are about 2 kilometres long. These pathways are created in a way that is extremely difficult to progress. These pathways alone occupy an area of four hectares of the forest.

Way up in the tree canopy, daring visitors are provided the chance to securely pass through as much as 100 testing activities while being fastened by an overhead safety wire. Adrenaline Forest can be explained as an adventure park that offers multi-level obstacle courses set way above ground. Participants are ensured to come across rope bridges, flying foxes and Tarzan swings all set up in the tree canopy.

Adrenaline Forest giving that adrenalin rush that suits all ages and sizes and experience is not at all necessary. Since comprehensive instruction and safety measures are provided, visitors will have to have no doubt when it comes to safety. Furthermore, participants are well attached while participating in all activities above ground. There are also safety leaders present at the site through out the day. Approximately three hours at the park and visitors can accomplish all obstacle courses at Adrenaline Forest.

The best way to be a part of the excitement at Adrenaline Forest is to stay at an accommodation located in close proximity such as Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Durham Street which is a luxury hotel in Christchurch that features a blend of modern comforts and warm hospitality for a pleasant stay.

Scottsdale is known for its upscale nightlife with an eclectic blend of nightclubs, theatres, jazz clubs and restaurants serving up a delightful array of entertainment for just about every age group. As part of Arizona you can expect to see a marvellous blend of cowboys, deserts, the iconic Grand Canyon, shopaholics, golf courses and libertarians. Arizona is a great place to be, to experience that typical western charm America is so famous for. The New York Times once explained Arizona as “a dessert version of Miami’s South Beach” and as having “plenty of night partying and a buzzing hotel scene”. Arts and culture is very much celebrated affair in Scottsdale, and they are known to have the largest concentration of museums and art galleries open to the public. Scottsdale Art Festival is a popular attraction that takes place every year. And here, you can find several districts and areas dedicated to arts and galleries such as, Scottsdale Arts District that can be segmented to Main Street Arts District, Marshall Way Arts District and Old Town District. No matter your reason for visiting Scottsdale Arizona, you are sure to be pleased with the excellent selection of entertainment options available to you.

Beside the landmark Grand Canyon every tourist will visit whilst in Arizona, there is yet another tourist attraction that is worthwhile visiting – Sonoran Dessert. Standing opposite the Mohave Dessert and straddling the border of Mexico whilst overlapping in to Arizona and California is the diverse ecosystem that makes up the Sonoran Desert. Taking a look at the life that exists in this desert, there are 60 identified species of mammals, 350 bird species, over a hundred reptilian species, 20 amphibian species, native fish that amount to 30 species, over 2000 native plants and over a 1000 species of bees alone. The Sonoran Desert that borders Mexico and Tucson is also known to the natural habitat for jaguars in the whole of the United States. Whilst there is much plant and animal life in the desert, Sonoran is also home to seventeen aboriginal American cultures, making it a great place to explore.

Planning a trip to Scottsdale? Locate yourself in an exclusive boutique Scottsdale resort when you make a reservation at Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch. Their intimate setting, wonderful dining options and luxurious accommodation are all the trimmings for a perfect holiday. Access over a hundred golf courses from Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch along with numerous other tourist attractions, and be rest assured that you made the right choice.

When thinking of a vacation in Abu Dhabi, tourists should not miss an opportunity to explore the desert landscape that surrounds this emirate. A popular tourist activity is to take a desert walk or join a tour group that would guide one through this fascinating landscape.

To begin one’s desert walk why not start at the largest Arabian oases located at the Empty Quarter – the Liwa Desert. The desert is famous for the Bani Yas tribe who has a long line of descendents who have made their homes among these surroundings.

The tribe is considered as the descendents of the Bedouin forefathers of the present generation of rulers of Abu Dhabi. With palm fringed roads and freshwater pools to enjoy, the Liwa Desert offers excursions, which are close by to the city.

The Liwa Desert is a popular tourist destination mainly due to its location, towards the south of Abu Dhabi the dessert forms a border with Saudi Arabia. Locals describe the desert much like a sentinel guarding the entrance from the Southward end of the emirate. Almost as if it were made to guard the Empty Quarter’s edge. This is also, where the largest sand desert in the world is to be found, it is known as the Rub Al Khali.

If you are on your way to the desert to indulge in a desert walk, it is hard not to notice the small quaint little towns and villages that have sprung up. Tourists will also notice that there are even a few farms that have emerged against the backdrop of the sand dunes.

On arriving at the desert or while travelling there, a unique aspect of this mysterious landscape is the changing colours of the desert sand. This will become more apparent when one sets foot on the sand. The most beautiful is towards the end of the evening when the sands begin changing from golden to red against a backdrop of a setting sun.

To be able to truly appreciate the culture of the desert, tourists should consider spending a few days at an Abu Dhabi resort. One such as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, situated in the Liwa Desert will definitely be an experience that will not be forgotten. Decked out in very traditional and local motifs the atmosphere created here, will take tourists back to the days of camping out in the desert, and unlike other Abu Dhabi resort hotels, the views are absolutely breathtaking.

The tropical atolls and lagoons of the Maldivian archipelago are loved all over the world as a destination with unparalleled natural beauty when it comes to the shallow tropical seas, lush greenery of beach vegetation and of course, and the bountiful life of the reefs. That being said, the true attraction of the region remains the breathtakingly beautiful Coral Reefs, teeming with vivid and varied tropical sea life and breathing life to the oceanic ecosystem to thrive and propagate.

In actuality Coral Reefs are massive colonial organisms made up with millions of tiny polyps, whose limestone based shell form the structure of the reef itself. Corals come in mind-boggling varieties of shape, size and colour spread across 200 different species, and taking a plunge in the shallow warm seas off the Maldives atolls you will come across most of these variants blossoming in all their glory.

You shouldn’t forget that the colourful reefs of coral is also the home of a plethora of tropical sea life including sponges, molluscs, crustaceans and an amazing variety of fish from small and brightly coloured parrotfish to reef sharks with their sinister stare, so be ready for an undersea world of life and wonder like no other.

At Maldives, the Coral Reefs take up formations and shapes rarely seen elsewhere in the world. One such formation is the composite ring form known as the ‘faros’, which encircles entire atolls. Ideal place for a snorkelling adventure or going scuba diving, the Maldivian Coral Reefs of today have recovered in great part from the tsunami devastation in 2004. The awesome natural bounty of the Coral Reef also makes it an ideal spot for some underwater photography, where basic equipment can be rented out from the islands. While in Maldives, you will be able to witness some of the most successful programs of coral repopulation in the world, where thousands of square meters lost to the reefs has been re-grown with much effort from the islanders who are beginning to comprehend the importance of the Coral reef to their livelihood and environment.

Almost any Maldives hotel or one of the many Maldives Island resortsprovides tour opportunities to enjoy the magnificence of the coral reefs. At places close to the reefs like the Nalandhu, Maldives you can have the best experience of diving and adventure among the majestic corals of the archipelago.