The Backpacker’s Handbook review
Posted by travelanswerman | January 31, 2012
Incomparably thorough and should be essential reading for all serious backpackers! To be specific, it covers everything from A to Z you would ever need to know before engaging the wilderness.
Chapters include: Preparing for the Trail, The Load on your Back, Footwear and Wilderness Travel, Carrying the Load: The Pack, Keeping Warm and Dry: Dressing for the Wilderness, Shelter: Camping in the Wilderness, The Wilderness Kitchen, Comfort and Safety in Camp and on the Trail, On the Move: Skills and Hazards.
The style of writing, photography, drawings and diagrams allow the reader to easily interact with the subject. Any question you might have asked would definitely be answered by the final page.
Chris Townsend the author has done all of us “outdoor types” an exceptional service. If you want to follow Chris and gain from more of his insight, you can find his site at www.christownsendoutdoors.com
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Blogs, Canada, China, Cuisine, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, Italy, Maui, Mexico, Restaurants, Singles, South America, Spain, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, United States, college students | Add Comment »
Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands book review
Posted by travelanswerman | December 15, 2011
There is nothing more valuable than local knowledge when traveling the four corners of the globe. Co-authors Teri Morrison and Wayne Conway go into details you will not likely find from any other source. You should consider their book essential reading before you venture out again.
Fascinating insight and a great way to bring the world closer together! I found their main criteria for meeting people in each country to be exceptionally helpful. They were as follows: Icebreakers, what time I should arrive, the workweek, how close should I stand, do I kiss, bow, or shake hands, how to handle business card transactions, 3 tips for selling in that country, what are the languages spoken most frequently, and a wow factor.
This book should provide the boost in confidence that should help guarantee smooth sailing on your next international journey or business trip. It is really invaluable!
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Maui, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, United Kingdom, United States, college students | 2 Comments »
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012
Posted by travelanswerman | December 12, 2011
The Travel Answer Man is always searching for what is going to stimulate the interests of the traveling public. What is unique? What is different? Will a visit to a particular destination be unforgettable? How will it be memorable? Will I want to tell the world this destination should be a “must” on any traveler’s bucket list? I believe this book is ”the” place where specific questions can be married to the appropriate answers.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 ranks the top 10 countries, regions and cities to visit in 2012. Their writers have completed the time consuming research so all you have to do is go! They have even mapped out 35 events month by month in their travel planner to help you coordinate your schedule. Pick up a copy today and began the journey!
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Art, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Maui, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, United Kingdom, United States, Wine Vacations, college students, golf, tennis, wine | Add Comment »
Travel Now Even if You Have Limited Cash
Posted by travelanswerman | December 9, 2011
There are numerous reasons travel is good for you, especially in economically difficult times. Please share these important tips with your friends and take advantage of them yourself today! Cash in on the great end of the year deals before it is too late!
Travel is great for your overall health! Just one vacation annually might be able to reduce an individual’s chance of a heart attack significantly and eliminate stress. Upon returning from a trip, many travelers admit their deep sleep is significantly improved. While traveling, most people’s blood pressure will drop. You can’t ignore these vital health tips!
It’s great for personal relationships! The anticipation of going on a vacation increases positive emotions about one’s own life. A new travel experience can cause a person to look at the world differently. Most will return from vacation with a much more open mind…a much improved outlook on life. That has got to be a good thing in today’s negative thinking world!
Travel may deposit more money in your wallet. Many people are more creative when they return refreshed from a long holiday. Your day to day performance at work is likely to improve also…rested physically and refreshed mentally. Imagine what you might be able to do! It might even help you get that new promotion or next raise. A “new you” might just be all it will take in the eyes of the boss.
So what are you waiting for? As the world economy has suffered the last number of months, the travel industry suppliers have been forced to re-invent themselves and revise their current strategy. They have lowered prices to levels that have not been seen for many years. This includes the airlines, hotels, resorts, spas, car rentals, cruise lines, trains, restaurants, golf courses, and various sightseeing activities. Go now! Don’t wait any longer…quit procrastinating! Travel is a wise investment in your life.
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Art, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Maui, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, United Kingdom, United States, Wine Vacations, college students, golf, tennis, wine | Add Comment »
1000 Ultimate Sights from Lonely Planet
Posted by travelanswerman | November 22, 2011
If you are like me, you want to see it all! Everything in the world worth seeing, I must it all yesterday! You know, the greatest, most amazing sights man has ever set eyes on. The things that are cemented in your memory forever. Many are natural wonders and some are man-made. It really doesn’t matter, you just want to see them all before you get to the end of your life journey. But, how do you know if you have missed anything? Fortunately, this book provides the answers to make your dreams come true! It’s hard to imagine anything has been left out.
As you have come to expect with all of Lonely Planet’s travel books, the quality is exceptional and each subject is covered in just enough detail to motivate you on your way. Equally important, the photography is typically a captivating display of rich colors and stark contrasts. This is a book that will guarantee your batteries will stay charged to the end!
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Art, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Maui, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, United Kingdom, United States, Wine Vacations, college students, wine | Add Comment »
Italy at its Best!
Posted by travelanswerman | October 31, 2011
The Hotel Belvedere Bellagio in Italy is currently one of my favorite properties in the world. Here are just a few reasons it may be perfect for you!
Location: This amazing gem stands proudly overlooking the timeless scenery of Lake Como. The name did not come by chance as it means “beautiful view” in Italian. And fortunately, it’s just a few minutes walk from the heart of Bellagio.
Service: As soon as you walk through the main entrance, you are welcomed by an expertly trained staff whose genuine desire is to please. You immediately feel the warmth of people who really care and are obviously difference makers!
Rooms: The attention to detail and quality of materials quickly makes a statement that you have finally arrived in the world of travel. If you secure a lakeview room you’ll get a brief peak at this side of heaven!
Gastronomy: I was expecting nothing less than a superb dining experience! I definitely was not disappointed! The atmoshere, cuisine based on the lake region and service were all superlative! The views of Lake Como were beyond description in any language!
Attractions: Summer evening entertainment in the community offers musical concerts, choral and instrumental performances both open-air and in characteristic buildings or churches. You may also want to consider various folk festivals and daily musical entertainment in the near by bars, cafes and restaurants.
Handicraft and Local Products: The Lake Como area is famous for its ancient tradition of its silk industry. Amongst local craftsmen’s products are carved olive wood, blown and hand-painted glass, leathers and hand-made shoes.
Climate: The luxuriance of flowers and plants is favored by a temperate and mild climate.
As noted by the management, they have spared no effort to enable their guests to savour all the beauty of this little paradise. For them, hospitality is a culture that runs deep in their history!
The hotel has belonged to a local family from 1880 until today. Since then, they have expanded and improved it, year after year, to make your stay an experience fit for a President or a King!
Bellagio is without question, the most exclusive resort community on Lake Como! So breathtaking, so beautiful, so unique, you’ll feel like you just entered the gates of Paradise.
Make your dreams come true by visiting them soon! You can check them out by engaging their website: www.belvederebellagio.com
Topics: Airlines, Art, Blogs, Cuisine, Europe, Families, General, Hiking, Hotels, Italy, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, college students, tennis, wine | 2 Comments »
Great Journeys – Lonely Planet review
Posted by travelanswerman | October 27, 2011
If you long to experience the greatest destinations in the world, you will require this exceptional travel book at your side. The contents are a collection of the greatest journeys ever taken over the centuries!
Imagine joining Marco Polo in the 13th century traveling over 39,000 km from Europe across Asia and return. The sheer magnitude of such an undertaking is close to impossible to comprehend given the logistics and transportation issues of the day. His story is just one of many you will be introduced to in this exceptional journalistic work.
You might want to consider sharing this book with your children to broaden their geographical and historical knowledge of the world. I am sure their teachers would approve!
Some of the contents covered are: Explorers and Conquerors, Ancient Trade Routes, Literary Journeys and Walks & Pilgrimages. As a train aficionado, I especially appreciated the rail section. It includes the best train journeys in the world such as: The Ghan in Australia, The Glacier Express in Switzerland, The Palace on Wheels in India, The Blue Train in South Africa, The Eastern & Oriental Express and the Royal Scotsman in Scotland.
I would be negligent if I also didn’t mention the detailed section on Rivers & Seas which takes you to the Amazon River, The Yangtze by slow boat and The Nile among others plus the topic on Roads which includes the Tour de France (the original route), the Amalfi Coast Road in Italy, Route 66 in the good old USA, The Dakar Rally Route, The Pan American Highway and many others!
The stunning images and stimulating writing throughout this proud possession will be a favorite for years to come.
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Art, Asia, Australia, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, United Kingdom, United States, college students | Add Comment »
Maui Hawaii – The Best Beaches
Posted by travelanswerman | September 27, 2011
Looking for a spectacular destination this Winter that happens to include an equally incredible beach? Look no further than Kannapali Beach. It is continually ranked as one of the finest public beaches in North America. Also happens to be the location of my former home!
Located on the shores of west Maui, Kaanapali extends from the Hyatt Regency Maui to the Sheraton Maui. You will find everything you and your family could want in this famous international resort community. The area also offers world class championship golf (a former stop on the Senior PGA Tour), professionally designed tennis courts, luxury resorts and high-end condominiums, every type of restaurant and shop you might desire, plus a large selection of water sport activities. In the Winter, you should jump on one of the catamarans and take in a whale watch cruise or an evening sunset sail. Maybe catch a boat to Lanai. It would be a memory you will never forget!
Topics: Adventure, Airlines, Art, Blogs, Cruising, Cuisine, Ecotourism, Families, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, Luxury, Maui, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, United States, college students, golf, tennis | Add Comment »
Top 43 Ecotourism Sites
Posted by travelanswerman | September 8, 2011
If you share a love of both the environment and travel, then an ecotourism vacation could be a way to combine the best of both into one great adventure. You’ll get to see some of the most remote and beautiful locations on earth, all while making sure you preserve them for those who follow. Whether you’re new to ecotourism or an old pro, these sites can help you get some basic information, book a trip, and even contribute to making sure that the world’s most spectacular sites stay that way.
Organizations and Associations
There are numerous organizations worldwide that are dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment while promoting tourism. Here are a few you can get some great information from or even use to get involved.
- VISIT: VISIT stands for “Voluntary Initiative for Sustainability in Tourism” and this site was created to help tourists and tourist destination countries work together to protect the environment while still making it accessible for everyone.
- Tourism Concern: This organization focuses on issues related to tourism and the environment. You can read up on campaigns and get helpful information for your next trip.
- The Travel Foundation: This charity website can be a great place to find information on how you can better learn to travel without harming the environment. Even if you can’t take a trip, you can also get involved and give back through the site.
- EcoClub.com: This international tourism club is a great place to meet up with others interested in ecotourism, find environmentally friendly hotels, and even get links to jobs in ecotourism. Join the site or sign up to receive emails with loads of useful ecotourism information.
- International Ecotourism Society: This worldwide community can help you to learn more about ecotourism, support programs, find ecotourism experts, and locate exciting destinations and environmentally friendly accommodations for your next vacation.
- The Blue Flag Organization: This Foundation for Environmental Education-run site can help you plan your next beach getaway. Blue Flag rates and certifies thousands of beaches in Europe, South Africa, Morocco, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean on water quality, environmental management as well as a number of other factors.
- The Nature Conservancy: It’s only natural that one of the largest organizations dedicated to preserving nature would have a whole portion of its site dedicated to ecotourism. Learn how to reduce your impact, take trips through the Nature Conservancy, or check out their list of resources to learn more.
- The Rainforest Alliance: Rainforest lovers will find numerous resources on this site about preserving the rainforest, rainforest friendly tours, and even a place where you can adopt a little piece of the rainforest for yourself.
- South American Explorers: This non-profit organization can help you to book your next trip to South America. Whether you want to try out your Spanish in Lima or travel down the Amazon in Brazil, you’ll find help on this site to do so all while being ecologically responsible.
Travel Booking
Whether you want to book an exotic rainforest vacation or a camel ride across the Sahara, these sites can help you find a trip that will be both environmentally friendly and fun.
- Sustainable Travel International: On this comprehensive site, you’ll find all kinds of ecotourism resources including trip bookings, eco-certification, newsletters and even advice on how to carbon-offset your trip.
- ResponsibleTravel.com: At this site, you’ll find loads of great ecologically friendly holiday getaways as well as travel tips, an ecotourism blog, and even an ezine to help keep you informed.
- MesoAmerican Ecotourism Alliance: Recognized for their ecotourism trips by National Geographic, the MEA offers numerous exciting vacations that will help inspire your love for the environment and nurture your adventurous spirit.
- GreenStop.net: GreenStop.net contains a directory of accredited green hotels and travel companies to help make finding and booking your next ecotour easier than ever. With destinations on every continent, you can find sustainable vacations just about anywhere.
- EcoTour: If you want to book an earth-friendly vacation, EcoTour is a great place to start your planning. With hundreds of ecotour providers, you’ll find tours to everywhere in the world from the Congo to Sahara. Additionally, you’ll find travel guides and articles to help you learn more about your destination of choice.
- EcoTourism at Conservation International: Whether you’re looking for an African safari or a trip to the Galapagos, you can find information on how to do so responsibly and even find some very special destinations the organization has helped set up in Brazil, Bolivia, Ghana, Venezuela and more.
- EarthFoot: This small company can help you create a fun and personalized environmentally conscious vacation. See the bright avian residents of Guatemala on a birding getaway or swim with the dolphins in beautiful Hawaii.
- GAP Adventures: Ecotourism doesn’t have to be boring. Turn your trip into an unforgettable adventure with this booking site. You can visit the new seven wonders of the world or get up close and personal with the mountain gorillas of Uganda.
- Global Exchange: Global exchange offers what are referred to as “reality tours”. Travel to Cambodia to learn about and how you can help stop child prostitution or get informed on protecting the coastal environment of Costa Rica.
- Intrepid Travel: This award winning company specializes in environmentally responsible tourism and can help you arrange your next eco-friendly vacation. With trips to just about every corner of the globe, you’ll undoubtedly find something that interests you and won’t leave you feeling guilty.
- Journeys International: You’ll find a wide variety of small group tours on this family-owned site. Whether your interests lie in trekking through the Andes or exploring the wildlife from the icy decks of an Antarctic cruise, this site has something for you.
- Blue Ventures: Combine education, research and conservation with the trip of a lifetime. This site’s tour of Madagascar was named one of the top 50 tours of a lifetime by National Geographic Traveler.
- Tribes Travel: This fair trade travel company offers expeditions to Africa, South America and Asia that can allow you to watch lions sleeping away the day or enjoy an eco-friendly honeymoon in a posh hotel in Marrakech.
- Wildland Adventures: Make your next trip an adventure by booking a safari or trip down the Nile with this small ecotourism company.
- Peregrine Adventures: This Australian based company offers small group adventure tours to destinations worldwide including far-flung locales like the Himalayas and Antarctica.
- World Expeditions: Get adventurous without hurting the environment with this ecotourism company. Book trips to volcanic landscapes, the lemur filled jungles of Madagascar or follow in the steps of Genghis Khan on the Mongolian Steppes.
- Earth Routes: Find your next earth-friendly vacation through this site. You’ll find tours to the Caribbean, Switzerland and even a few small ship cruises as well as travel tips and green travel information.
- Orbitz.com: Orbitz isn’t one of the biggest travel sites without a reason: they offer travel tailored to just about any need, even ecotourism. You’ll find a list of destinations, information about ecotourism, travel tips and more on this part of Orbitz’s site.
Blogs
Blogs are becoming and ever more popular source of information for Internet users, and these ecotourism blogs can be a great way to learn about everything eco-friendly.
- Ecotourism Blog: This blog covers some of the most beautiful destinations in the world in regard to protecting and preserving them as well as reporting on various news stories that apply to ecotourism.
- EcoTravelLogue: This blog provides all kinds of information for the potential ecotraveler with posts on destinations, planning a trip, accommodation, things to do, and more.
- Development Crossing: Whether you’re looking for information on global warming or issues concerning ecotourism, this environmentally conscious blog addresses it all.
- Beautiful Oceans: If your ecotourism dreams lie in the coral reefs or kelp forests of the world’s oceans, then you’ll find plenty to read about here. Learn about reef conservation, eco-diving, and even a little bit about underwater photography.
- Low Impact Living: Focusing on all aspects of low impact living, this blog contains some great information on vacations that won’t take a toll on the environment. Learn about organic eating, green spas, hybrid car rentals, environmentally friendly hotels, and more.
Information and Guides
Before you ever leave your home, read up on all kinds of ecotourism tips, facts and other information on these great sites.
- Planeta: Find resources on ecotourism, recommendations on books, and guides on everything from bird watching to local crafts on this site.
- GreenTraveller: Get some great tips on how to have a greener and more environmentally friendly holiday at GreenTraveller. You’ll find directories of green hotels, tours, and low impact ways to travel to them.
- EcoTravel.com: This online magazine features stories from all over the world about the most exciting ecotourist destinations. It also features a directory of tour companies and agents to help you book your next trip.
- Transitions Abroad: This site addresses a wide variety of travel issues, but it does contain a valuable section on ecotourism. You’ll find responsible travel programs and article archives, as well as links to important websites and organizations.
- Big Volcano Ecotourism Resource Center: Find information on the history of ecotourism, codes of conduct, and loads of other ecotourism articles and resources on this site.
Volunteering
Take ecotourism to the next level with these sites that allow you to get your hands dirty working on various humanitarian and environmental projects all over the world.
- GoEco: This organization arranges volunteer trips to South Africa, Kenya, Nepal and much more to help improve the welfare of the local people and the environment.
- EcoVolunteer: Just like the name suggests, this site helps set travelers up on various volunteering vacations, and users can choose their trips based on preferred destinations or particular animals they are interested in helping.
- Global Vision: Make a difference in some of the world’s locations that are in most desperate need of conservation help. Work at preserving marine environments, do wildlife research or even help teach others about conservation and wildlife.
- Voluntourists Without Borders: Use your volunteer power and vacation time to work on issues involving rural poverty, conservation and environmentally friendly tourism. Work to help preserve the Pang Soong Nature Trails or the village of Ban Mae Lai.
- People and Places: On this site, you’ll find a diverse assortment of volunteer projects that range from wildlife conservation in India to building Habitat for Humanity houses in Madagascar.
- Green Volunteers: With one of the largest collections of conservation volunteering opportunities, this site is be a valuable resource for those who want to provode a little environmental help on their vacation. Just purchase the guide and choose your exciting vacation from hundreds of options.
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Maui, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, United Kingdom, United States, college students, golf | Add Comment »
On the Other Guy’s Dime book review
Posted by travelanswerman | August 26, 2011
A professional’s guide to traveling without paying. Doesn’t that say it all? Who wouldn’t want to travel the world and never have to foot the bill? One of the biggest excuses for most people not to travel is that they never have enough money. NEVER! That is soooo unfortunate! Those who do not travel miss out on the blessings of life at its fullest! Different cultures! Different foods! Amazing sights and activities! Famous landmarks man made and natural! The list goes on and on.
Fortunately, Michael Schneider’s life long travel experiences have paved the way for many of us to take the plunge, get off our butts and get on the road with a camera in hand and future memories to last a lifetime! He takes the guessing out of the picture by his previous trial and error process when it comes to planning your own travel strategy. Flights, accommodations, activites, food, work and much more are all taken into consideration in this well written and researched book. I frequently applauded his unique creativity when it came to some of the challenges he had to overcome! I can hear him probably say be flexible, be patient and you will be rewarded soon!
As a former guide, I can tell you his travel insider advice will save you thousands of dollars versus having to pay for everything. This book may be one of your best financial investments you will ever make! The author (Prof. G. Michael Schneider) blogs at http://otherguysdime.wordpress.com
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Maui, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Uncategorized, United Kingdom, United States, college students, wine | Add Comment »
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