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Category Archive: Tips

  1. 5 Hiking Adventures for Summer 2018

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    After spending months cooped up in your office, staring at a screen and hunching your back over, nothing sorts you out quite like a hiking holiday. Finally, you are out in the open air with plenty of space to stretch your legs out. You can fill your lungs with fresh, crisp air that isn’t contaminated with the sweat and tears of your colleagues. And, best of all, you don’t have to waste your time responding to boring emails and phone calls. You can disconnect from the world and engage in one of the most wholesome activities on the planet.

    So, where should you head this summer for the best hiking adventure? Here are a few of our suggestions for incredible hiking routes around the world.

    The Salkantay Trail, Peru

    It is quite likely that if you choose to hike along the Salkantay Trail this summer, you will go for days without seeing another living person. If that is what you are after then book your flights right now. The trail starts in Soraypampa, a tiny village in the middle of the Sacred Valley. From there you will walk for four days until you reach the town of AguasCalientes – the base town for Machu Picchu. One more day of hiking takes you up the mountain to the famous ruins – the ultimate end point for a breath-taking hike.

    The Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

    This is a hardcore trek for people with a good level of fitness and a lot of motivation. Reaching a peak altitude of 5,416 metres above sea level, this hike has some incredibly challenging parts, but that’s all part of the fun. And, of course, every step of the way you will be rewarded with scenery that will blow you away. Make sure you stop off at the stunning, turquoise Gokyo lakes on your way and be prepared for mouth-watering Nepalese food served from people’s homes along the way.

    Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

    There are few views more staggering than those you will find in the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa. This plunging canyon is lined with verdant vegetation and stretches out as far as the eye can see. Throughout the canyon and surrounding area, there are dozens of different hiking trails to choose from, depending on your level of confidence. The Leopard Trail is an excellent option for those who don’t have a lot of time or only want to commit to one day of hiking.

    Harding Icefield Trail, USA

    The trail that leads through the Harding Icefield in Alaska is a truly unique hike and will get you out of that summer heat for a bit. From certain points on the trail you will have panoramic views of the icefield’s glaciers. The trail is eight miles long and can easily be completed in a day but take note that it is quite a strenuous undertaking. The elevation of the trail increases by roughly 300m every mile, meaning you reach some serious altitude during the hike.

    Abel Tasman Coast Track, New Zealand

    For those who want to enjoy the beach but also want to get up and moving, this hike is perfect. There are around 30 miles of trail to enjoy but make sure you go in the southern hemisphere summer (November – February) so you have the best hiking weather. The trail runs along the sandy coast of the South Island and takes anything from two to five days to complete, depending on how long you fancy walking for. The scenery is gorgeous and there are plenty of birds to admire as you walk.

  2. Top 5 Destinations for a Winter Adventure in Summer

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    Everyone goes on about how great summer is going to be. Somehow the whole world transforms itself when the sun is shining. People are visibly happier and cities are filled with the buzz of positive energy. There is no denying that summer is great – but it isn’t for everyone.

    Some of us don’t like the constant heat of summer or the fact that every time you go outside you are instantly drenched with sweat. Some of us prefer being able to see our own breath on a crisp winter’s morning and to fill our lungs with a sharp intake of cold, fresh air.

    For people who wish it could be winter all year round, there are vacation destinations that will cater to your needs. If you are looking for a winter adventure this summer, look no further than these destinations.

    Patagonia

    This is the ultimate destination on every travel bucket list, whether you are looking for a winter adventure or not. Located right at the bottom of the world, in the very southernmost part of South America, Patagonia is a desolate region filled with glaciers, volcanoes and lakes. Some highlights of a trip to Patagonia include trekking across the top of the Perito Moreno glacier, hiking to the base of Mount Fitz Roy, and sailing through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.

    New Zealand

    When things heat up in the northern hemisphere, they cool down in its southern counterpart. Huge swathes of New Zealand transform from hilly countryside just like you saw in the Lord of the Rings into frosty havens for snow sports enthusiasts. Head to Treble Cone in Wanaka for some top quality skiing during your summer vacation. There are plenty of runs on offer as well as opportunities for heli-skiing. After a day on the piste, come back down for some après ski in Wanaka’s finest bars and pubs.

    Dubai

    Ok, if you thought that I had lost my mind when I put this on the list I wouldn’t blame you. No-one in their right mind would ever think of Dubai as a winter destination. However, I do have my reasons for doing so. Dubai is home to the impressive indoor ski resort Ski Dubai. This indoor resort is the biggest of its kind in the world, measuring a staggering 22,500 square meters.

    There is so much to do here on top of skiing and snowboarding, such as sledging and playing in the giant snowballs, that you can easily spend a few days here. And, best of all, if it gets too cold in there, you can pop outside for a minute to warm up.

    Norway

    Home of the Northern Lights and some of the most northern towns in the world, Norway is a magical destination for a winter adventure. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, head up to Tromso, which is located in the Arctic Circle. If you travel to Tromso in the summer you will be treated to the phenomenon that is the midnight sun. This is when the sun never sets for around 2 months of the year.

    Canada

    Not all of Canada will be ripe for winter adventures in the summer, but if you are willing to travel North, you will find the icy climates you so desire. One place in particular stands out as being great for winter travels in summer: Churchill. Located in the frosty regions of Manitoba, Churchill is a harsh destination that is only for the brave. However, if you can handle it, you will be treated to husky dog rides and polar bear safaris. Not a bad trade-off, eh?