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Adventure and Sports

Under the Sea: Spectacular Underwater Destinations for Adventure Seekers

Have a passion for scuba diving? You’ve only scratched the surface. Don’t miss these amazing underwater adventures for fearless travelers like yourself.

 

You know who’s got things all figured out?

Sebastian. Yes, that awesome crab from The Little Mermaid.

He knew that under the sea is better, unlike up on the shore where people work all day and slave away in the sun. If only Ariel listened to him, she wouldn’t have gotten into all that trouble. But that’s another story for another time.

The main point here is: under the sea is good. And underwater adventures, well, they’re even better. Here, we’ll do Sebastian proud by naming some of the best underwater destinations for adventure seekers like yourself.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the Maldives

If you’re looking for cool things to do underwater that don’t involve getting your feet wet, Ithaa’s the place for you. The world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa seats 14 people, who get to see countless colorful fish and sometimes sharks, turtles, and stingrays.

But that’s not all. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Ithaa’s fusion Maldivian cuisine with dishes like charcoaled reef lobster and coconut crusted légine.

And of course, when you’ve had your once in a lifetime Ithaa culinary experience, you can take advantage of Maldives’ wide-ranging facilities which offer everything from windsurfing to snorkeling to scuba diving and fishing.

The Great Blue Hole, Belize

One of the best places to go scuba diving, Belize’s Great Blue Hole is the largest sinkhole in the world. It’s also one of the most intriguing mysteries of the ocean. Despite its discovery in 1971, no one has mapped out its exact features.

This should tell you that the Great Blue Hole is for expert divers only.

But if you’re not one, it’s okay. You can see it from above – there are local companies who offer plane tours. Or you can book a boat tour and do some snorkeling instead.

The Azores, Portugal

Unlike the Cayman Islands and other scuba hotspots with dive shops aplenty, the Azores doesn’t allow for year-round diving. Its geography and latitude are better suited for other activities, such as watching and swimming with whales and dolphins.

If that’s right up your alley, you’ll be amazed to know that you could encounter up to five dolphin species in the Azores. These include striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and Atlantic spotted dolphins.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California, USA

What’s an underwater travel itinerary without a visit to an aquarium? If you’re bringing your kids with you, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers something for the whole family.

There’s the Kelp Forest, one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world. And of course, the lovely Open Sea, where you get to see almost all types of marine creatures including stingrays, turtles, sunfish, jellyfish, and more.

Looking for More Underwater Adventures?

If you’re set on having more underwater adventures before the year ends, don’t forget to check out our travel posts. We’ve featured beach destinations as well as must-see underwater vacations.

Keep checking back for more travel-related articles, life tips, and more. Or contact us if you want to connect with our team about business or travel.

 

 

 

The Ultimate Bucket List: How to Plan a Trip to See the 7 New Wonders of the World

Are you ready to experience the trip of a lifetime? Here’s how to plan the ultimate bucket list adventure that includes viewing the 7 New Wonders of the World

The seven wonders of the world have gone down in history as the ultimate bucket list items for travelers around the globe. It’s claimed that the Great Pyramid of Giza, Petra, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, The Great Wall of China, Chichen Itza and the Colosseum were actually chosen by Greek writer Antipater of Sidon to represent the seven most remarkable sites in the world.

The good news is, if you’re looking to check this achievement off of your bucket list it may not be as difficult as you may think. A number of tours have come up with the aim to knock out all seven locations in the time period of a month. Seeing the

Seven Wonders of the World on a Budget

First, if you don’t plan on hitting the seven wonders through a tour dedicated to the task, that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself. Since the seven wonders are spread out around the globe, no matter where you are located things is bound to get a little pricey.

Try the following travel tips to save some money on the adventure:

  • Use affordable flight search engines like Skyscanner, momondo, or kiwi to find cheap flights
  • Find connecting flights for yourself instead of leaving
  • Buy flights in bulk for cheaper prices, the more you buy at the same time the better the rates.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are often the first image that comes to mind when thinking of the seven wonders of the world. That because this location is so iconic that it’s often the first stop for many travelers.

Not only is the pyramid of Giza massive, but the construction of it still leaves many historians scratching their head. For this check mark, you’ll need to make a trip to Egypt. If you’re looking for a great tour to go on while you’re there, check out the King Tutankhamun tour for the full story.

Petra

Petra has been referred to by many as the lost city, thanks to it’s disappearing civilization in Jordan’s Rose City. For many travelers, however, it’s the cities intricate architecture and rock cut outs that lands Petra a coveted spot on the list of Seven Wonders.

Many have been unable to explain what happened to the great civilization that once dwelled here, or even how their remarkable buildings of clay and stone came to be. You can choose to explore the lost city on your own or take a more historical approach by doing the Totally Jordan tour.

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is by far the most iconic landmark in India, and even in the world. Built as a gift for a kings wife the towering palace stands as a symbol of love with a stunning architectural shape and site.

In fact, the full construction of the Taj Majal in Agra took over 20 years from start to finish. Its luxurious details found at every corner is what makes this spot such a bucket list item. If you choose to take a tour to the Taj Mahal we suggest signing up with the Taj Express as a tour option.

Machu Picchu

Llamas, trains, and some of the most stunning indigenous architecture in the world. There really are a number of things to love about Machu Picchu. The Inca trail to Machu Pichu can offer rich historic value and lush green scenery that can rarely beat by anywhere else in the world.

While it is entirely possible to arrange to explore Machu Picchu on your own, the best way to fully embrace the experience is by experiencing the Inca trail to Machu Picchu by train.

The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is arguably one of the greatest architectural achievements by mankind. While it may not be true that you can see the Great Wall from space, that doesn’t mean it’s vast span isn’t incredibly impressive. Which explains why travelers from all over the world come here just to walk a small portion of it.

If you are looking for more than just a good photo opts and are hoping to take in some history of the wall during your visit, we recommend signing up for the Great Wall and Warrior tour.

Chichen Itza

Quite like the Great Pyramid of Giza, there are some major mysteries surrounding Chichen Itza, one of the greatest remains of Mayan Civilisation. Just visiting this magical location in Mexico gives us a glimpse at what vast knowledge the Mayan’s had and how technologically advanced they were in all areas of their life.

One of the most famous sits in Chichen Itza is the famous El Castillo period, known for its perfect construction and detail. It’s said that the pyramids stand at an exact degree to the center of the earth. To really grasp the greatness of this iconic spot, we suggest the Best of Yucatan tour.

The Colosseum

Just one visit to the vast Roman-era stadium is enough to make anyone feel like a gladiator. This impressive piece of historic architecture dates all the way back to AD 72 and still holds the record as the largest amphitheater in the world.

While you’ll find a number of tour guides willing to offer your services when you arrive at the Colosseum, it’s best to book your tour in advance to avoid being taken advantage of. We suggest booking the Renaissance & Riviera tour before your trip to ensure a memorable experience.

Squeezing the Best Out of Life

When it comes to major bucket list items like visiting the seven wonders of the world or even road tripping across the country, all that’s really needed is some forward planning and knowing the right tricks.

Remember, even a budget traveler can be a world traveler with the right tips and a little guidance. Be willing to do your homework ahead of time to ensure an unforgettable getaway.

 

Hoping for an Epic RV Road Trip?: 10 Things to Know for a Great Time

Are you about to embark on your first RV road trip? Before you put the pedal to the metal, read these 10 things you should know beforehand.

For many people of all ages, an RV road trip is a dream come true.

In the digital age, it sometimes seems like people crave analog experiences more than ever, leading to a resurgence of RV popularity. In fact, RVs are more popular now than they have ever been before. More than 400,000 RVs were sold in 2016 alone!

Are you planning your first RV trip? Even if you’ve taken lots of road trips by car before, an RV trip is a little different. Some extra planning can help make sure you have the time of your life.

Ready for the essential tips to help you plan for an RV road trip? Whether it’s your first trip or your 50th, we’ve got the top tips to make it great!

1. Plan for Limited WiFi

Taking a road trip in the modern day often means relying on access to WiFi for many essential things. You might want an internet connection for directions, or looking up Yelp reviews to pick the best tourist sites to stop at. You might even be hoping to bring your laptop and do a bit of work on the road.

However, WiFi connections on an RV trip tend to be spotty. Even if you stop at a campground, they might not have WiFi — or at least not a fast connection. And when you’re on the road, you might drive through large “dead spots” with no internet connection or service at all.

Setting up a hotspot on your phone is a good way to tap into WiFi when you need it. However, there’s no getting around those parts of the road with no cell service. Make sure to plan ahead for times when you can’t just Google “nearest gas station.” It’s a good idea to bring physical maps or download some to your phone.

2. Budget for Gas

RVs use much more gas than a car. Make sure that you include the expensive cost of fueling up in your trip budget. Otherwise, you’ll run out of trip funds much faster than you were expecting.

3. Know Your Height

RVs are much taller than cars and trucks. Memorize the height of your RV so you won’t try to drive it under a bridge or a sign that’s too low. If you don’t keep the height in mind, you could end up paying the high cost of damages. Visit this site for some examples of the different RV heights.

4. Practice Driving

Driving an RV can seem intimidating at first, but anyone can do it! To help you feel more comfortable on the open road, take a few short practice trips before you set out. Remember to be confident in your ability to tackle this task. After a while, it will feel just like driving a car.

5. Pack a Roadside Emergency Kit

Safety should always be a high priority before embarking on a road trip. With a roadside emergency kit, small mishaps won’t turn into big disasters, because you’ll have everything you need.

A good roadside emergency kit includes a first aid kit to take care of you and your passengers, just in case. It should also include basic vehicle repair items. Consider including jumper cables, flares or reflectors, oil, and coolant, for example.

You should also bring a flashlight, blanket, pen, paper, snacks, rags, and other basic items that will come in handy in many different situations. The great thing about an RV is that you can store these items easily since there’s so much space.

6. Use a Setup Checklist

When you’re setting up at a new campground, it’s all too easy to forget essential setup steps until you’re out of daylight or ready for bed. To make sure you don’t forget anything, keep a checklist handy. Setup will soon seem much easier!

7. Pack Food

Buying food on the road gets expensive. But with an RV, you can easily store plenty of your favorite snacks and meals to make. This can save you money, help you stay healthy, and most importantly, prevent you from running out of snacks on a stretch of empty highway.

There’s nothing wrong with packing some of your favorite junk food for a road trip. But it’s also a good idea to include some healthy choices, like your favorite fruits, in the mix. Healthy food helps give your brain and body the energy to get through a long day of driving, navigating, and setting up. Don’t forget to drink lots of water, too!

8. Stay Flexible

Planning ahead is great. It’s important to have a budget, and it’s also good to have an itinerary for how many hours you’ll drive each day, where you’ll stop, and when you should arrive at each destination.

However, many things can change on the road, and you’ll enjoy your trip more if you stay flexible. For example, the national park you planned to stay in might be closed due to forest fires on a summer trip. Be open to new, unplanned adventures that pop up along the way!

9. Exercise When You Can

There’s no way around it — a road trip involves lots of sitting. Make time to exercise during breaks: you’ll feel better and have more energy for your trip. This also helps prevent getting stiff and sore or having those dreaded muscle cramps.

10. Keep the Owner’s Manual Handy

If something needs to be fixed on your RV, the manual will help you know what to do. It can also help you figure out things that seem counterintuitive. If you just can’t seem to figure out how to turn the stove on, for example, the manual will be a big help.

Ready for Your RV Road Trip?

With the right preparation, an RV road trip will be fun, easy, and one of the most memorable times of your life. It doesn’t take much to complete the steps on this list, but they’ll save you lots of time and hassle on the road.

Wondering how to plan your trip on a limited budget? Don’t miss our budget travel tips.

 

How to Take Instagram-Worthy Underwater Pictures

If you’re on vacation in a tropical location with one of the new water resistant phones, take advantage of it! Your Instagram feed will love underwater pictures

Underwater adventures in photography really took off when the original GoPro camera launched in 2002. Their cameras are built to withstand depths of at least 131 feet. The average underwater photographer may not ever travel that deep, but it’s cool knowing the possibilities.

Taking underwater pictures is a whole new world. A lot of photography skills don’t translate the same when surrounded by water. Light plays differently, your foundation is replaced with floating, and focus is shifting.

To help you get your feet wet, we’ve put together this short guide. It will help you prepare, refine, and perfect your underwater skills. Let’s jump in!

Underwater Equipment

Shooting underwater on a budget is difficult. This is especially true if you’re traveling on a budget. You have to have either a GoPro or proper underwater housing for your camera. Housing is going to depend on your model camera, but they can rival the price of the camera itself.

Housing will require a lens port, which will come in a bunch of sizes and either flat or domed. Flat is for macro shots, while dome is for wide angle. Water alone will decrease your angle by a quarter of a lens’ capability. There’s a lot more more about flat and curved lenses to learn, which we recommend reading later.

Preparing for the Elements

Jumping in a body of water with a camera is not for the faint of heart. You will be tested physically and mentally by the elements. Even a clear day, you will need to make adjustments on the fly. Here are just a few examples.

Focusing Underwater

For those that spend very little time in the water, the clearest water is found in calm bodies of salt water. Freshwater needs to be running to get the best clarity, which introduces other problems, of course. Swimming pools also rank below calm salt water.

It can be really difficult to focus underwater when you have free-floating particles. Unfortunately, you can’t really discern the water quality until you start taking pictures.

Rocky Beds, Sandy Floors

One of the most important keys to getting consistent results underwater is a steady anchor point. If you can’t stand still to take photos or avoid kicking up dirt/sand, you’re going to have a lonnnng day. Sandy sea floors are ideal because 1) they’re easier to walk on and 2) they reflect more light than other surfaces.

Safety and Security

If you’re planning on venturing out into the ocean with your camera, be aware of potential dangers. From the excruciating pain of a jellyfish or stingray to the annoying sea urchins and aggressive sharks. Also, make note of any surrounding coral. Disturbing coral reefs can result in a hefty fine.

Right Place, Right Time

Getting the most natural light possible is hard to do underwater, even if it’s a clear day. You want to aim for high-noon when the sun is directly above. The sun’s rays go the deepest when it’s straight down.

The positioning of the subject and the sun is also going to be important. You have to think about the background, shadows being cast, and the sun’s glare.

Setting Up Your Equipment

Do all your camera assembly before you arrive. Make sure your camera housing is tight and secure. Do this in a well-lit room, not your car. If you’re an experienced photographer who is used to cramming a tight schedule, make an exception.

Check your o-rings, the lubrication, clean the port and your lens. One mistake could destroy your equipment and there’s no warranty out there that will cover your own negligence.

Try stuffing some desiccant pads into the housing. This will keep your lens from fogging up. Usually, one on each side of the camera is enough to do the job. Double-check your camera’s lens cap, memory card, and battery.

Take your time doing all of these obvious checks to avoid wasting time drying, opening, and resealing.

Settings for Underwater Pictures

There’s no perfect setting for shooting underwater. You can start your aperture size at f8 to compensate for the blurry environment. This is especially true for over/under scenes.

Keep your shutter speed over 1/200s, unless both you and your subject are grounded and the water is very still. Get used to using burst mode, too, even still shots can have an unusual amount of variance.

If your camera has additional focus settings, like Continuous-Servo or AI Servo, use them underwater. They’ll help you get great shots of aquatic life. If your shoots will deal mainly with stationary poses, switch to Single-Servo mode.

If you hold the shutter button down halfway, you can also get tracking focus on-the-fly. This makes it much easier to swap between settings if you can’t access manual focus controls underwater.

We recommend an ISO of 100 or 200 to keep things as clean as possible. Oh, and always shoot in raw, in case you were wondering. Colors and filters are always going to look a bit off underwater, so you should expect to be doing a lot of manual tweaking in Photoshop.

Ready to Conquer the Waters?

We hope this guide has provided some level of confidence for those wanting to try underwater pictures for the first time. As you can see, a great underwater camera is important, but there’s a lot of stuff to account for, too. Bringing stuff to keep everyone cool and comfortable definitely helps, too.

Before jumping into big bodies of water or places with fast currents, practice swimming there. Get used to swimming and diving for long periods. Buy a good snorkel that won’t fog up or hurt to wear.

Being aware of your surroundings is also a priority, so familiarize yourself with the location. You wouldn’t want to be zoned-in on your subject and float into a sharp rock or far enough to introduce water into your lungs.

Once you get a knack for underwater photography, you should start planning for exotic locations. Check out Beek Man Beer Garden’s adventure sports posts for inspiration.

 

The 3 Best Ski Resorts in the US to Hit the Slopes

Would you rather hit the slopes than hit the beach? If you’re looking for a ski vacation, here are the 3 best ski resorts in the United States.

Not everyone likes the winter weather of snow, cold, and ice. However, there is an upside to those things: cruising down a mountain slope on your skis or your snowboard.

There’s nothing quite like shredding down a mountain of fresh powder with the wind biting at your face and snow getting in your boots. If you’re looking for an awesome ski vacation you won’t soon forget, check out these three ski resorts.

These 3 resorts are some of the best ski resorts in the US.

1. Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Beaver Creek is located in one of the ski capitals of the world: Colorado’s Deer Valley. Modeled after Switzerland’s famous St Moritz resort, Beaver Creek offers up a range of trails from beginner to expert. In fact, there are a whopping 150 runs for you to choose from; you’ll never have to do the same run twice!

The location of this resort promising amazing snow quality: powder, not too much ice, and impeccable grooming will ensure an awesome day on the mountain every day you go.

This resort is also settled in an amazing ski village that offers up great dining experiences, theater, and luxurious ways to pamper yourself after a long day of skiing.

2. Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge is another famous resort found in Colorado. The high altitude of Breck means that you’ll definitely be facing harsh winds and temperature, but the skiing is worth it.

You’ll experience the highest ski lift in North America, top-rated terrain parks for doing insane tricks, and well-maintained runs that will suit everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. You can also find passes, hotels, and restaurants to fit any budget.

Breck is a ski town through and through with awesome shops like Carvers Ski and Bike to get you well equipped for your ski vacation. Breck is also a true resort town in that the nightlife and atmosphere will keep the vacation rocking way past your last run on the mountain.

3. Sugarbush Resort

Now that we’ve given you a couple west coast options, let’s go back east, shall we? East coast skiing has the reputation of being not as good as the West coast, but Sugarbush resort will break this stereotype for you.

Located in Vermont, this resort spreads over 100 runs over 2 mountains to give you variety. The huge area you have to explore also means that you won’t have to deal with huge overcrowding like at other popular ski resorts.

You’ll also have half the trails ungroomed, meaning you can explore true backcountry terrain, find fresh powder, and really see what East coast skiing has to offer.

3 of the Best Ski Resorts in the US: Wrapping Up

The United States offers up some of the best vacations spots in the world. If you’re looking for a ski adventure vacation in the US, these are 3 of the best ski resorts you can find.

Whether you’re a die-hard West coast skier or you want to go out East, one of these resorts will work for you. If you want more info on planning an awesome adventure trip, check out our blog.

How To Plan An Unforgettable Camping Trip!

If you can’t get enough of the great outdoors and would love to plan an epic camping trip, simply continue reading to discover a few tips on planning the best camping trip of your life.

How to plan an unforgettable camping trip:

  1. Choose your companions wisely

Ultimately, it’s your choice of camping companions which will make or break your camping trip. So it’s a wise idea to travel with friends or family members who are fun, positive and low maintenance. Also, make sure that the individuals who you invite on your camping trip will get on well, in order to enjoy your best camping trip yet.

  1. Consider packing luxury items

It is always a good idea to have a camping checklist to ensure you have all the essentials for your trip! To make your trip even better, you could consider packing some luxury items as well. As an example, if you plan on driving to your campsite, it’s well worth packing an air bed and a couple of full-sized pillows, so that you’ll have no trouble falling asleep each night.

  1. Make sure to plan plenty of action-packed activities

Examples of which may include swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, mountain biking, rafting, geocaching, and hiking.

  1. Consider going off grid and logging off your social media accounts for a couple of days

If you want to enjoy every second of your camping trip without worrying about uploading selfies to your social media accounts it’s well worth choosing a camping spot that doesn’t offer Wi-Fi. Alternatively, if your camping spot does offer Wi-Fi make a conscious effort not to turn your smartphone on unless you have to make a call. If you rely on using your phone for photos, just turn your mobile data off for the duration of your trip.

While keeping off your smartphone and social media may be tough at first, after a couple of hours you should find that it’s much more fun focusing on having fun with your travel companions.

  1. Make sure to toast smores and sausages

Nothing tastes better on an epic camping trip than fire roasted smores and sausages. So make sure to pack both for your upcoming camping trip. Just remember to keep your sausages in a portable freezer or an ice box until you use them. Especially in summer.

  1. Consider camping in a national park

If you want to pitch your tent in a picturesque area which boasts stunning views, you can’t go wrong applying for a camping permit which will permit you to pitch your tent in a national park. Just be sure to apply for a permit well in advance as most national parks have a strict quota when it comes to the number of camping permits which they can hand out in a single camping season.

  1. Make sure to pack a first aid kit

While no one plans to get injured on a camping trip, it always pays to be prepared and to pack a first aid kit, which contains band-aids, ibuprofen or paracetamol, tweezers, gauze and antiseptic cream. Also remember, to replace any items which you use on your trip, for future trips. As the last thing you want to do is open your first aid kit on a future trip to find that it’s half empty.

  1. Purchase an inexpensive pack of playing cards

You’ll enjoy playing cards by torchlight when the sun goes down.

So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to plan the ultimate camping trip!

American Beauty: The 10 Best Campgrounds In the U.S.

The Top 10 Best Campgrounds In America

The United States has an incredible geographic diversity, which means there are tons of amazing place to camp in the country. Click here to take a look at 10 of the best campgrounds in America.

Over 130 national park campgrounds are in the United States.

Trying to cover all of them may take a lifetime. And, depending on where you live, it may take weeks to travel to one.

But you can narrow down your search to the best campgrounds. Every camper should take time to visit the famous ones.

Let’s talk about them.

1. Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Arkansas

Ozark National Forest is 1.2 million miles worth of beautiful woods, water, and adventure. Vistors to the park often horseback ride or kayak.

Hiking options are also abundant in the Ozarks. The forest is home to 395 miles worth of hiking options.

The Ozark Highlands Trail is this park’s longest trail and stretches 165 miles. Hikers will cross the Buffalo National River and several other water sources.

2. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most famous parks in the United States. And it’s easy to see why.

With over 300 miles of hiking trails, you’ll see why it’s easy to get lost adventuring Colorado. And if you want to take a break from the hiking, visit Trail Ridge Road.

Trail Ridge Road climbs to a 12,183-foot elevation. This drive will give you a spectacular view of everything the Rockies have to offer.

Before visiting, take the weather into consideration. The temperature alone can range anywhere from -35 to mid-80’s.

3. Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park in Florida is unlike any other destination. Unlike the dry mountains of the west, you should prepare for a subtropical habitat near the ocean.

Plan your trip with care, and you’ll be able to pitch your tent right on the beach. Hiking options are minimal here. But the water explorations are what make this national park worth visiting.

For example, you can take a 99-mile waterway canoe trip, and you could visit a missile base or tour the Florida Bay. Whatever you do, though, make sure to look for manatees and crocodiles.

4. Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park’s name comes from the natural arches inside the park. You can see over 2,000 of these stone arches during your visit.

You can do all hiking trails in the park within a day. The most difficult trail, Primitive Trail at Devil’s Garden, is 7.2 miles, and every other trail is shorter.

But many more activities are in store. Try stargazing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and even canyoneering.

If you don’t take time to indulge in activities, visiting arches is always worth your time. And of course, camping in Arches is always an option, but you should reserve your space months in advance.

5. Acadia National Park, Maine

Tired of the West? Try visiting Maine for your camping needs.

With over miles of hiking and driving destinations, Acadia National Park is a great visit. Rangers take visitors on boat tours and hikes throughout the park.

And if the summer months are too busy, make your visit during the winter. Skiing, snowboarding, and ie fishing are all options during those months.

For camping, check out Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut. This location is perfect for an island adventure.

6. Yosemite National Park, California

We all know and love Yosemite National Park. As one of the most beautiful locations in the United States, this has to be on your list of parks to visit.

Camping is one of the main reasons people visit Yosemite. All 13 camping spots cost a daily fee to use, and you need to reserve spots for many of the locations.

Because the location is so popular, you should even reserve backpacking options. And to beat the traffic, you’ll need to arrive early to go hiking.

7. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are a perfect place to visit if you live in the Southeast area. The Smokies are home to 150 official trails, and many of them cross state lines.

Trails throughout the Smokies also have plenty of waterfalls and fishing options. You may even see a black bear or white-tailed deer.

Camping in the Smokies is also an exciting option. These campgrounds can be anywhere throughout the two states.

8. Camp Blanco State Park, Oregon

In Oregon, camping is a must.

Camp Blanco State Park has some of the best campgrounds to offer. While this isn’t a national park, the views are still hard to beat.

One of the biggest attractions of this park is the historic lighthouse and home. You can tour both during the right time of the year.

Camp Blanco only has eight miles of hiking. But a visit to the shore or rock climbing will fill your desire for adventure.

Camping is another way to enjoy this park. Rates for this park are higher than national parks, but the privacy you’ll find will be worth it. Less than 38,000 people visit Camp Blanco each year.

9. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is full of activities throughout the whole year. Don’t limit yourself to hiking and camping.

Adventure through photography, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and more. And, if you visit during the winter, make sure to go skiing.

Plenty of campgrounds sit in Olympic National Park. Before going, though, make sure to check availability. Between its popularity and unpredictable weather, it may be hard to get a spot.

10. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Don’t let the name fool you. Badlands National Park is a must see on your list.

Two campgrounds are in the park, and you can stay for up to 14 days. Like any park, you should reserve your spot in advance.

Plenty of hiking is available in the Badlands, but be careful. Temperatures can range from -40 to 116 degrees.

If you have an archeology interest, you can visit the Badlands to see its paleontology lab. Visitors can watch paleontologists work to find the next great discovery.

Go See the Best Campgrounds!

Now that you have a short list of the best places to visit, get going. There are plenty more to visit afterward!

Check our blog for more travel tips, and please contact us with any questions.

Sunny Spots To Escape The Winter Blues

Winter has its ups: hot chocolate, extra cozy blankets, taking a hot shower on a cold evening. But it also has its downs: the cold that hits you when you have to get out of bed in the morning; shivering all day because you forgot your jersey at home… and taking a hot shower on a cold evening! Now we could complain about how cold winter is but that would be like complaining about the sun shining — it’s simply a waste of time. So why not change the strategy a bit? Why bear the winter when you could just skip it? Below, we’ve gathered some of the sunniest spots on the planet that you can travel abroad to visit, and all are guaranteed to help you escape the winter blues.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The capital city of a hugely underrated travel destination: Cambodia. While everyone else runs off to Thailand and Vietnam, create your own path and visit Phnom Penh, a towering concrete jungle that somehow never lost touch with nature. Cool down with a one dollar beer, or get a relaxing massage before heading back to the rooftop swimming pool at your hotel.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Home to the only seven-star hotel in the world, the Burj al Arab, Dubai shows that it’s more than ready to compete with the big boys. Dubai also has some of the most jaw-dropping (and not to mention luxurious) shopping malls in the world. The sunshine is year-round and the beaches beautiful. Sick of that winter blues? In Dubai there is no winter blues.

Cape Town, South Africa

History, community, hope, beauty, and strength. Cape Town is the destination of choice for more and more travelers around the world. Visit the docks on a hot day, acquaint yourself with some delicious South African meals, or conquer Table Mountain — take in the view, breathe the air, and embrace the African sun as it shines on both you, and the winter blues you’ve been carrying.

Swakopmund, Namibia

It’s not uncommon for first time visitors to Swakopmund to feel as if they’re stuck in some sort of painting. With picture perfect blue skies, bright green grass, and beautiful architecture lining the streets, it’s not difficult to see why someone might feel they’ve stumbled into a work of art. Walk along the beach and desert at the same time. Stare across the sandy dunes while your feet are washed clean by the ocean. Swakopmund is a living, breathing antidote to the winter blues, and it’s about time you got your medication.

Thanda Island, Tanzania

Maybe you don’t like being around tourists and large crowds of people. Maybe you value privacy, and luxury, and time away from the hustle and bustle of the ordinary. Thanda Island is nestled within Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, and it offers a wide range of incredible experiences for those of us who appreciate a little privacy from time to time: Go on a truly authentic South African Safari, swim in a crystal clear ocean, wake up to the sounds of the island; to the bustling shoreline and dancing trees. Escaping the winter blues? With this kind of private island accommodation, the winter blues are destined to become nothing more than a fleeting memory!

Maui, Hawaii

What kind of a list would this be if we didn’t include Hawaii? I don’t know but it definitely wouldn’t be a sunny spots list, because of all the sunny spots we know of, Hawaii is one of those destinations which seems to be universally adored. Those ideas and images we all have of beach, sun, palm trees and shade — they can all be found in Hawaii. Explore the local cultures, visit lush forests, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, get a closer look at a volcano. It’s easy to see why so many people think of Hawaii as a type of Eden — a place where the sun always shines and nature always flourishes. What more could you ask for?

With destinations like these, you’re going to hope that the Winter Blues swings by more often — that way you’ll get more and more chances to escape it — to experience what’s out there; out there where the sun always shines and the waves are always rolling; in and out… in and out. If there’s one thing I can say with certainty, it’s that the winter blues don’t stand a chance!

8 Tips for Planning Your Next Outdoor Adventure Vacation

Do you dream of doing something really fun this summer, instead of the traditional boring vacation? Go for it! Here are 8 tips to help you plan your next adventure vacation, so you can have one of the best trips of your life.

Are you one of the millions of Americans planning on taking a vacation soon? With 28% of vacation-goers saying they plan on taking 3 or more trips this summer, you may feel the pressure to be one of them.

If you’ve made a habit of taking laid-back vacations in the past, you may want to swap your local beach out for an action-packed adventure vacation. Snorkeling, biking, hiking, and kayaking are just a few of the awesome experiences you may be in for.

But what if you’ve never traveled to one of the many adventurous vacation destinations before? How will you know what to expect? Well, good news! We have plenty of tips just for you.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover 8 tips for planning your next outdoor adventure vacation.

1. Know Your Travel Style

Before you do anything, you need to get real with yourself. Backpacking through Southeast Asia may sound fun in theory, but if you can’t handle big bugs or lumpy beds, you’re going to be in for a rough trip.

Think about what you can handle and what is a deal breaker. Do you need a private room, a hot shower, complimentary breakfast, room service, or reliable Wi-Fi? Do you need a nice hotel room, or are you okay renting a bed out in a dorm-style hostel room?

While it’s always a good idea to try new things, pushing yourself too far out of your comfort zone with travel style can ruin your vacation.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Money talks, and you’ll likely need plenty of it when going on your adventure vacation.

The most important part of planning a successful trip is deciding what your budget is and sticking to it! If you have a smaller budget, check out countries in South America and Southeast Asia – your money will go a lot further here than it will in Europe or Australia.

Think about all the costs you’ll incur on vacation – airfare, taxi fees, visas, hotels, food, and activities. Keep a list of how much you would realistically spend on each of these. Popular tourist activities and food in touristy areas can get expensive even in the cheapest countries, so be sure to factor that in!

And don’t forget about what you need to do to prepare for your trip. Do you need vaccines, a new bathing suit, sunscreen, a new camera, or hiking boots? These costs can add up considerably!

What it comes down to is setting a realistic budget and choosing a comparable destination. You may want to take a 2-week trip to Paris, but if your budget is only $1,000, you won’t have enough money to enjoy yourself – you may not even have enough for a plane ticket!

3. Travel by Season

Alright, so you’ve set your budget and picked a destination! You may be looking at outdoor vacation ideas now but try not to get ahead of yourself. First, you need to do some research on weather patterns.

If you’ve only traveled domestically before, this may be something that you’ve never consciously thought of before because summer = warm. But, not every country is like this.

Depending on what your potential adventurous vacation destinations are, you may find that each destination has a different peak season. Some places experience wet seasons, monsoons seasons, or hurricane seasons. While it’ll be cheaper to travel during these times, you may get stuck with some bad (and potentially dangerous) weather.

Be sure to look out for average temperatures, too. If you can’t handle the intense heat and humidity of some tropical places, you may want to go during their winter where it’ll be cooler (but not cold) and dryer.

4. Take Your Time Packing

Packing mistakes…we’ve all made them. But packing for an adventure vacation can be a little more difficult. Think about what you pack when you go to your local beach – shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, flip-flops, and plenty of sunscreens.

When going to one of the best vacation spots for outdoor activities, you’ll probably have a more extensive packing list. You may need water shoes, hiking shoes, a snorkel, and mask, or special rock climbing gloves.

If you plan on doing a lot of exercise or sight-seeing in a humid area, you’ll probably go through more than one outfit a day. Nobody wants to interrupt their vacation to do laundry, so make sure you write a full list of everything you’ll need and read “what to wear in ….” articles for advice.

The key is to pack enough, so you’re well prepared, but not to pack too much that it doesn’t all fit in your carry-on and checked bag.

5. Think Hard Before Inviting Anyone to Join You

Do you have your travel buddy? Whether it’s a spouse, friend, or coworker, most people have a travel buddy in mind when they decide to take a vacation.

You may not think this will be a problem, but traveling to adventurous vacation destinations can cause a lot of arguments to ensue. Before inviting anyone to join you on your vacay, make sure you would be on the same page. Do they have a similar budget and travel style? Do they like to do the same activities?

If you want to take a luxurious Dominican Republic trip, where you stay in 5-star villas and take helicopter rides, but they want to stay in 3-star hotels and go biking all day, someone’s in for a world of disappointment.

6. Get in Shape

If you’ve opted for one of the best vacation spots for outdoor activities, you’re probably planning an itinerary full of hiking, biking, and swimming.

You may think that you’re plenty in shape now (and you very well might be), but it never hurts to focus on getting in shape right before you depart. You never know what fun activities or outdoor vacation packages you’ll come across when you’re there.

You may be able to bike for an hour on a smooth path with a gentle incline. But what if you go to Australia and decide to do a full-day biking tour with Blue Mountain Adventures? You’ll want to make sure you can do the more challenging paths to make the most of your trip.

7. Think of Backup Activities

Once you’ve chosen your adventure vacation destination, you probably wrote a whole list of potential activities. If you’re anything like many adventure-seekers, the majority of these activities are probably outdoors.

If you planned to travel during the right season, this shouldn’t be a huge problem. However, the rain doesn’t stop for anyone. You should make a list of backup activities in case weather impedes your original plans. Look for cooking classes, spas, museums, zoos, or anything else that can take a few hours.

But, it’s not always the rain’s fault. Sometimes tours get canceled, or your train runs late causing you to miss your activity scheduled for the day. While this may be frustrating, things do happen – c’est la vie!

You won’t want to waste your day dwelling on your ruined plans and searching for alternatives. That’s why having a list ready is the best way to go. You can just pick another activity and move on with your vacation.

8. Research Your Location

You’ve probably already done a ton of research on your location, including average hotel costs, popular activities, food to try, and peak seasons. But don’t forget to research the boring stuff as well.

One of the first things you should do is research the visa requirements and suggested vaccines. You’ll want to get those out of the way as early as possible.

Next, investigate small things you may not have thought of. Is it customary to tip in this location? If so, how much? What are the available transportation options? Which is the cheapest or most convenient mode of transportation?

Lastly, research how safe the location is. Should you avoid traveling at night? Should you stay in the touristy areas at all cost? What scams are common?

The last thing you want is to find yourself unprepared for your destination. Failing to research any of these topics can cause you to get scammed, sick, or stranded.

How to Prepare for an Adventure Vacation

Are you excited to take your first adventure vacation? While you may have traveled before, preparing for an adventurous trip can be a lot different than taking a local trip.

To make the most of your vacation (and to help ensure things run smoothly) you should know your travel style, create a realistic budget, travel during the right season, pack well, be careful who you invite, get in shape, think of backup activities, and research your location.

Did you like this article? Check out our blog for more great content like this.

5 Exotic Cruises You Need To Know About

Cruises are a blast, but how many times can you really travel around the Caribbean before you get bored? Check out these 5 exotic cruises and enjoy a more interesting conversation.

If you’re going to spend the money on a cruise, why not explore something more than the predictable and postcard-ready Carribean? An exotic cruise will give you the relaxing pleasures of a vacation while curbing your adventurous cravings.

Take your expedition to the next level with suggestions from this quick list of exotic cruises below, courtesy of the explorers at Beekman Beer Garden.

5 Exotic Cruises for the Adventurous Heart

Whether your trip takes you somewhere near home or somewhere abroad and unfamiliar, an exotic cruise can change your perspective on life! Here are five cruises that are up to the challenge:

1. The Snowy Arctic

Arctic cruises offer unique sights all around, boasting dark, icy waters and wildlife like polar bears, reindeer, walrus, and certain whales. See the harsh, cold side of planet Earth from the warm and cozy confines of your cruise quarters.

Cruising the Arctic and along Norway’s coast will offer many unforgettable sights, including the unpolluted lights of the northern sky.

2. Myanmar (Burma)

A cruise in this Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar will expose you to exotic, mysterious sights and rich culture. Cruising down the Irrawaddy River, you’ll coast down shallow waters alongside monasteries and temples in the misty forests.

Enjoy one of a kind scenery in luxury and comfort in a traditional Burma riverboat.

3. Tahiti and Fiji

You can’t come by clearer or brighter tropical waters than in the South Pacific. Cruising here, you’ll stop into bustling ports and clean beaches as you coast through some of the most beautiful oceans on the plant.

Embark on tropical excursions such as reef snorkeling and animal watching during your stops and enjoy fresh, wild-caught seafood.

4. Galapagos Islands

A trip to South America exposes you to a world of culture and exotic lifestyle that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. A Galapagos cruise, far off the coast of South America in the Pacific, is no exception.

A province of Ecuador, Galapagos is infamous for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. It was here that Darwin founded his theory of evolution after encountering the isolated and wonderful animals on the islands.

Cruising the deep Pacific waters around Galapagos, you’ll be able to explore strange lands and encounter stranger wildlife in comfort and style. Research Galapagos Islands cruise reviews online to get a better idea of what’s in store.

5. The Amazon River

Few rivers have the reputation and grandeur that the Amazon boasts, considering the lush green forestry and the diverse local wildlife. Piranha and beastly snakes swim the same waters that riverboats cruise along, putting visitors in the hot seat.

Amazon cruises keep a safe distance from such wildlife, but visitors are likely to spot wildlife by sound if not by sight. Some cruises make stops into river villages or on safe hiking excursions deep into the thick and diverse forests for a closer look.

Tapping into your sense of adventure doesn’t have to be without its share of luxury and comfort, as an Amazon river cruise will provide.

Get Connected to the Adventure

Looking for more information on exotic cruises, adventures, and living the best life you can?

Check out the other articles on the Beekman Beer Garden website!

Our resources include helpful info on everything from budgeting for a vacation to sports and everyday excursions. Browse our blog today and check back frequently for regular exciting updates!