Seven Wonders of the World

When you buy a globe from Great Globes, you and your family can begin to dream about all of the places that you want to visit together. You might want to visit the beaches and others in your family might want to see the big cities. When you dream about places to go, why not dream about seeing some of the Wonders of the World.

The original Seven Wonders of the World still exist, even though they are getting quite old. In the last few years, many global organizations took it upon themselves to name other wonders of the world. By doing this, they gave travelers ideas for other vacation destinations and they preserved the original Seven Wonders for more generations.

Wonders of the Ancient World

The original Seven Wonders of the World are now called the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These include pieces that were named by Herodotus, the ancient historian. His list includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Lighthouse in Alexandria, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Zeus in Olympia, the Hanging Gardens in Babylon, Artemis’s Temple in Ephesus, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Some lists have the Ishtar Gates instead of the Lighthouse. Tourists can see the locations where these ancient wonders once existed, but only wonder that is still standing is the Great Pyramid at Giza.

New Wonders of the World

There are several other wonders of the world that do exist today. These wonders inspire a significant amount of awe, as many people wonder how they were created so many years ago. The newer wonders of the world are still standing and they include places like Stonehenge, the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, the Leaning Tower of Piza, the Taj Mahal, Cluny Abbey, and the Porcelain Tower of Nanjing.

In 2001, a group in Switzerland decided it was time to ask the world what it thought the newest seven wonders should be. There were approximately 200 places and structures that were considered and six years later the organization named the New7Wonders of the World, despite much controversy. The newest wonders included the Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, Macchu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Colosseum in Italy, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Great Pyramid in Egypt as an honorary member of the list.

Wonders of the Natural World

Along with the man-made structure that dominate the Seven Wonders lists, there are also lists that show the Seven Natural Wonders, too. There are so many natural wonders of the world that it is challenging to narrow the list down to just seven, but this list was compiled by the people at CNN. Their list includes the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, the Harbor in Rio de Janeiro, Aurora, Victoria Falls, and Paricutin Volcano. Other similar lists include places like the Galapagos Islands, Table Mountain, and Komodo Island.

Once you purchase a globe from Great Globes, you and your family can decide on your own seven wonderful places that you would like to visit together.

Street Names: Where Do They Come From?

Frank Lloyd Wright Globe Collection

In the United States and all over the rest of world, streets are given names for a variety of reasons. The first reason is so that the street can be identified from every other street. Another reason is so that addresses can be created so that businesses and homes can be found. People tend to understand why streets have names, but what they do not always know is where the name came from.

Significance in Street Names

In the United States, street names have some significance. In many downtown areas, the name Main Street is quite common. The reason is because this street was the main street in the town where most businesses were located. If streets have directional names like North Street or West Street, it is probably because that street was the farthest boundary of the city in that direction. Some streets are named for their destination, like Lake Street might end at the nearest lake.

Determining the Layout of the City

If you live on a road, street, or avenue might depend on how the planners of your city laid out the roads. In many cities, streets might go east and west and avenues might go north and south. Roads might be diagonal. It all depends on how your city was created. Some towns have no special designation and the choice of calling a street a street, road, or avenue was up to the people who created the neighborhood.

Downtown and First Dibs

Since downtown areas were usually the first to be developed in cities, those street names were made after famous people, either in the city, state, or country. This is why many downtowns have streets named after presidents, like Lincoln, Madison, and Washington. When cities began to expand, developers tried to get more creative with their names. Many of the first neighborhood streets were named after flowers, trees, or other common objects.

Creative Names, but Not So, Now

Once city dwellers got tired of calling every street a street, they began to get creative with the titles. If someone lived on a boulevard or a terrace, it sounded more high class than living on a road. In the 1900s, street names became even more unusual. It was very common for people to add words like wood, stone, hill, or other geographic and geological words to street names. It is not uncommon to find streets named Stonehill, Woodside, or Woodstone in neighborhoods with winding, tree-lined streets.

Fresh and Modern?

To keep the newer streets of today feeling fresh and modern, developers have been using more and more unusual choices. They might make up words by combining pieces of their friends names and last names. They might name streets after their children. They might even name streets after their favorite cars. It is not uncommon to see someone living on Corvette Drive or Firebird Lane.

Some developers have even been able to use the type of street as a part of the name. So, if you live on Basketball Court, Golden Terrace, or Penny Lane, consider yourself lucky because your street name will be easy for people to remember.

Daylight Savings Time

For many children and their parents, daylight savings time is one of the worst inventions in the history of the world. So many children (and their parents) have difficulty adjusting to the time changes that come with daylight savings time. When people who live in the zones that use daylight savings time, the act of setting their clocks an hour ahead so they lose an hour, is one of the most challenging times of the year. When children and their parents suffer from losing that hour of sleep, many of them wonder why we even have daylight savings.

The idea behind daylight savings is to give us more time to function during the daylight hours. People who do not live along the equator are not able to enjoy an even 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of nighttime. So, to help them get more light in the summer and in the winter, daylight savings time was created.

There a several countries that use daylight savings time, but none of them are along the equator or in the tropics. People who live close to the equator never have to worry about changing their clocks, like those who live in temperate climates that have changing seasons.

While there are many people who are opposed to the idea of daylight savings time, there have been several studies that prove the practice is good for people. Many believe that with more daylight, public health is improved. The United States and the United Kingdom use daylight savings time and they have found that when people are experiencing more daylight, there are fewer car accidents. Most car accidents and pedestrian accidents occur during the darkest hours and even when the sun is setting or beginning to rise.

The idea of daylight savings time came from none other than Benjamin Franklin. After he spent a significant amount of time in Paris, he observed how the Parisians behaved during daylight hours and he found very different behaviors based on the daylight in the city. He found that many Parisian slept in too long because it was not bright outside early enough. He also found that Parisians would go to sleep earlier in the winter months because they did not want to waste their candles and oil lamps. The idea of daylight savings time to reduce energy use is one of the biggest reasons that it still exists today.

In the 1800’s, countries started to adopt the idea of daylight savings time. People wanted to have more daylight so they could tend to their farms, work longer hours, and play longer hours. People would get upset when fall approached and the days got shorter and the nights required the use of more oil and wood to maintain a comfortable home. But, with daylight savings time, people were able to make small adjustment to give themselves more light when they needed it the most.

Daylight savings time has gone through a few changes. There was actually a double-daylight savings time in England when clocks were adjusted by two hours instead of one. The state of Indiana has left daylight savings time options open to individual counties.

What do you think of daylight savings time?

Helpful and Informative Travel Guide

Whether planning a trip to see family in a nearby city, visiting a historical site in another state, or traveling overseas for a more extensive experience, it is important to plan carefully. Travel is an excellent way to see the world and learn about different cultures but it is much different from years prior. Although travel security has always been an issue, it has become paramount since 09/11.

If you want to plan the perfect vacation for the entire family, there are a number of things you can do to make the trip a huge success. While there are special considerations when traveling with small children, any travel that involves the entire family needs to be well-planned. Following are some helpful tips for taking a vacation as a family.

Budget

Of course, the ultimate destination for your vacation will be based largely on budget. You want to consider everything when setting the budget to include travel mode, accommodations, food, and activities. Now, if you want to take a trip overseas, foreign travel insurance should also be a serious consideration. Although this type of insurance is not overly expensive, it is worth every dime should someone in the family become injured or ill. In addition, make sure additional funds are set aside for unexpected incidental expenses.

Destination 

Because your family consists of adults and children, each wanting a different experience, choosing the right destination can be somewhat tricky. However, based on time and budget, you want to choose a place to visit that everyone can agree on. Obviously, the best option would be a destination that offers things for the adults, as well as the children. One of the best methods for making your decision is by researching different destinations on the computer.

Overall Experience

You also want to think about the type of experience you want the family to have. For instance, the trip could primarily be educational in which a trip to a Civil War enactment or the Smithsonian Museum would be ideal or adventurous, perhaps involving skiing the Rocky Mountains or going white water rafting.

Medical Conditions and Aids

If someone in the family has a serious medical condition and needs to travel with aid of some type to include medicine it would be imperative to learn the rules for travel. As an example, most airlines do not allow oxygen on a flight and controlled substances are carefully scrutinized. In addition to in-depth research and good planning, you always want to get a certified letter from the attending doctor so if questions are raised you would have proof of the condition and required aid.

Packing

It is a known fact that even the best packer in the world tends to take too much. Having an abundance of luggage to deal with while on vacation usually proves to be a huge problem. There are a number of things you can do that would ensure you take the right things but not too many items.

o    Check the forecast of the destination to coordinate clothing items. If there is even a slight chance of a cooler day or evening, pack one sweatshirt of sweater per family member. Remember, most accommodations and all cities have laundry facilities so if you need to wash clothes you can.

o    Choose clothes that could be worn during the day for a family outing but also while dining out at night. Again, it would be much less expensive to hand wash or launder clothes than pay fees at airports and less a hassle than hauling excessive luggage around.

o    If you plan to wash clothes while on vacation, we recommend taking packets of laundry soap and softener since products sold in motels and hotels are extremely overpriced

o    As far as toiletries, find out what things are provided by the accommodations. Today, most motels and hotels offer a blow dryer, shampoo, conditioner, and even bathrobes so you could leave your personal items at home. In fact, you can usually request a curling iron, as well as ironing board and iron. If you plan to be gone just a few days, sample toiletries that cost only $1 are ideal.


Legal Documentation

As we all know, any travel out of the country requires a passport and/or visa, something that even applies to small children. Again, you need to know what documents are required for the destination of choice. This information is found easily online or a qualified travel agent could assist. Keep in mind that it takes time to secure such documents so you want to get started several months in advance of the planned trip.

Security Issues

Most destinations are considered safe but there are parts of the world experiencing unrest, making them unsafe. Of course, you want to avoid these destinations but to do this you need to know where they are. Again, the internet provides a wealth of information or a travel agent could provide a list of places to avoid.

Travel Tips for Parents of Small Children

Travel is a wonderful thing, especially for families. This provides the opportunity to expose children to new experiences, people, and cultures, on a local, national, and international level. However, when traveling with smaller children things can get very chaotic. While certainly possible, it takes careful planning and a lot of patience to make any trip a success.

Because more and more families are taking the time to take trips with small children we wanted to offer some helpful tips for making things go as smoothly as possible. After all, the goal is to create wonderful memories, not spend the entire time away from home struggling and dealing with unhappy kids.

Airline Travel

Probably one of the biggest travel challenges has to do with taking small children on board a plane. In addition to children being cooped up in a small enclosure, airlines have really cracked down on issues of whining, crying children for the comfort of other passengers but also safety. Therefore, if you are planning a trip that involves travel via plane, you want to be completely prepared.

If the children are still infants, it would be best to travel during normal nap time or at night. While this might be somewhat of an inconvenience, it also increases the odds of having a child that sleeps during the entire flight. Even then, you want to make sure a baby is comfortably dressed, fed, and have ample bottles, diapers, snacks, and a favorite toy or blanket.

Now, if you want to travel with a toddler, things can be a little more difficult. In fact, if you have a fussy child, it might be best to consider a different mode of travel. Until the child is old enough to understand there are rules to follow on a plane, you could always consider road trips or even destinations reachable by express train.

However, if taking a toddler on a flight, again make sure the child is comfortable, fed, and supplied with snacks, drinks, and activities. There are many travel games designed specifically for small children that help pass the time. For instance, you could take along coloring books and crayons, flash cards, or even a portable iPad or video player and several favorite movies.

At all costs, avoid giving a toddler sugary snacks and drinks, which typically lead to serious problems. Now, if you have more than one small child, it is often easier to have one parent or friend sit in a section of the plane with one child and you in an entirely different section with the other child. We also want to suggest sitting as close to the bathroom possible, which helps tremendously for children who are potty trained.

If a child is old enough, it would be beneficial to have a family meeting prior to travel so all the rules can be explained. For instance, a child would need to understand that during the flight they must remain seated and only an inside voice should be used. Usually, children do quite well when traveling via plane but if for some reason you face a situation of being asked off a flight, try not to be upset. Instead, have a backup plan in place so you and the child can reach the intended destination.

Accommodations

There are also some great tips when staying in motels, hotels, campsites, and other accommodations while on vacation. Again, good planning will alleviate huge headaches. To save money, we suggest choosing accommodations that offer a full Continental breakfast or at minimum, free or largely discounted meals for kids. This makes it possible to eat without leaving the hotel to find a nearby kid-friendly restaurant.

If you plan to stay in a residential type motel or hotel it would help to purchase as many non-perishable foods ahead of time. This can be a little challenging when flying but if taking a road trip, the majority of food items could be purchased prior to travel. For perishable foods, the motel or hotel could offer information on grocery stores within close proximity. Although you want to dine out a few times during the trip, making meals in the accommodations also prevents potential hassles.

For the times you and the family want to eat in local restaurants, you can map out a number of possibilities before even leaving home. Again, you want to choose dining establishments that are kid friendly. With this, the restaurant would be geared to accommodate smaller children by providing the right atmosphere, a great and affordable menu selection, and in many cases, special shows or activities.

The Bottom Line   

Traveling with smaller children is not an impossible feat but to ensure the trip is enjoyable for everyone, you need to be prepared. By planning ahead, making wise decisions, keeping the kids informed, and setting boundaries there is no reason your family vacation cannot be everything you wanted and more for everyone.

Using a Globe to Learn about the World

Classrooms around the country are filled with items used for teaching. Although every class is somewhat
unique, the one object found virtually everywhere is the globe. While some students might not have much interest about the world, others see the globe as a magical ball. This simple sphere captures the imagination and inspires students to become future world travelers. Students who have an interest in geography or travel could learn amazing things about every continent and country simply by studying the globe.

Of course, globes can also be purchased for home use. For years, there were only a few types of globes to choose from but in addition to the traditional desk or table globe styles, you can choose many others to include the following:

o    Artisan Wood Globe
o    Embellished Globe
o    Floor Globe
o    Inflating Globe
o    Illuminated Globe
o    Levitating Globe
o    Raised Relief Globe

The bottom line is that if you have a child who wants to learn more about the world, a globe is a much more exciting way to explore than scanning pages in a book. Today, many children have expressed interest in learning about different world destinations so we wanted to offer a brief overview of some of the globes that you might think about buying. In fact, with Christmas just around the corner, this would make an excellent gift idea.

Types of Children’s Globes

A quality child’s globe can be purchased for $100 or less although there are some with a higher price tag. Considering the level of education and hours of fun a globe offers this is a worthwhile investment. Examples of popular globes for children include those listed below:

o    9” globe with stand (13 inches high in total) – This unique antique ocean world design is educational and comes with a price tag around $65

o    10” globe with stand (12 inches high in total) – The globe features more than 100 drawings of people, as well as animals and landmarks for around $70

o    12” globe with stand (17 inches high in total) - Designed as a pioneer colorful and educational world globe complete with full meridian, this can be purchased for about $60

o    12” globe with stand (16 inches high in total) – Perfect for someone interested in world adventures and a low price of just $60

o    12” globe with stand (16 inches high in total) – This educational globe has been deemed “The Explorer” with 4,000 titles and it sells for around $65

o    12” globe with stand (16 inches high in total) – The globe sits nicely on a desktop, lights up, and sells for about $90

o    12” globe with stand (18.5 inches high in total) – Attractive and interactive talking globe with a cost of $135

Additional Globe Options

The globes mentioned above are just some of the many designs made specifically for children but there are others you could consider. Now, if you have an older child, there are more advanced globes as well. Keep in mind the examples provided below are more expensive but for someone in high school or even college, they would be ideal.

o    12” globe with beautiful angled wood stand (22 inches high in total) – The stand is part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection and the price for this globe is $380 on average

o    13” globe with brass-plated stand and meridian (19 inches high in total) – Magnificently inlaid with more than 25 unique semi-precious gemstones hand-carved into the shapes of countries and continents, comes with a built-in compass, and has a price tag around $360

o    12” globe on a black hardwood and chrome stand (18 inches high in total) - Amazing black and gray contemporary style globe that is extremely sophisticated yet fully functional, and sells for about $175

Popular Cruise Destinations for 2013

Even though cruise ships travel to the same destinations year after year, the popularity of travel destinations changes annually. There are a number of reasons for this to include safety, weather, port access, overall operational costs, and more. This means the most popular cruise destinations for 2013 would be somewhat different from those in 2011 and 2012. If you want a relaxing yet exciting getaway but also need to stick to a budget, a cruise is an exceptional option that can meet all your needs.

Because cruises are such a great way to visit different national and international destinations and being so affordable, we wanted to provide a list of the destinations for the upcoming season. With this, you could begin planning the vacation of a lifetime. Keep in mind that every cruise line offers trips to accommodate different needs. As a result, you can choose from singles cruises, honeymoon cruises, family cruises, themed cruises, and more. All you have to do is determine which destination appeals to you most and then check the dates for sail dates.

Top Cruise Choices

o    Alaska – These cruises are truly magnificent and provide the opportunity to experience breathtakingly beautiful glaciers and unique land and marine wildlife. Many cruise lines actually have an Alaskan native, as well as a National Park Ranger aboard the ship to help educate about the unique Alaskan land and life.

o    Asia – Asian cruises last a few days to months depending on the experience wanted. If planning a shorter cruise, a 7 to 17 day cruise would reach most of the main ports to include Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Of course, you would have the opportunity to spend time on land to discover authentic markets, quaint restaurants, and exciting nightlife. For longer cruises, ports would reach beyond the Orient to India and Africa.

o    Australia and New Zealand – This is a great choice of 2013 cruise destination with 45 unique voyages to consider. As part of the trip, you would stop in cities such as Auckland, Hobart, Melbourne, and Tauranga, getting the chance to see beloved wildlife to include koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and even Tasmanian devils. Of course, all of the land and sea excursions are exceptional.

o    Caribbean – This remains one of the most wonderful cruise destinations of all times. You can travel to eastern destinations such as St. Maarten and Antigua or western destinations to include Belize City and the Island of Cozumel. Standard cruises sail between 4 and 14 days, which are always filled with excitement, water adventures, and great activities on and off shore.

o    Greek Isles – There are actually many different European cruises that you could research for 2013 but having the chance to see the Greek Isles is without doubt one of the best, especially if you have an appreciation for history. As part of this cruise, you would visit ancient cities such as Athens, Rome, and Venice. If the budget allows, you could take one of the extended cruises and take a trip to the Holy Land.

o    Hawaii, Tahiti, and the South Pacific – For the ultimate “fun in the sun”, a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands coupled with Tahiti and the South Pacific is the best choice. These cruises sail from both San Francisco and Los Angeles and offer an unbelievable experience. Due to the amount of travel involved while at sea, cruises range from 10 to 35 days. Whether stopping in Honolulu, Oahu, or Maui, or traveling on to the Polynesian Islands of Bora Bora or Raiatea this cruise would be exceptional if going on a honeymoon.

o    Panama Canal – The last suggestion we wanted to offer you for the most popular cruise destinations in 2013 is a trip to the Panama Canal. There are several itineraries for this particular destination, each with wonderful excursions. For instance, you could travel deep into beautiful rainforests, see the first transcontinental railroad, and visit a number of intriguing ports such as Costa Rica, Cabo San Lucas, Aruba, San Juan del Sur, and Puntarenas.

The Top 5 ‘off-the-beaten-track’ States in the US

Travel is a very fickle business, because what was a popular vacation spot yesterday may not be in vogue today. However, there are benefits for vacationing in less known state attractions. You will save a good chunk of money, and you will probably have the place pretty much to yourself. In other words, if you want an inexpensive vacation without the crowds then you should consider the following vacation spots to stay in.

From the 1940’s to the 1980’s Fort Lauderdale was the place to go during college spring break. However, during the mid-1980’s the town started cracking down on beachside drinking forcing many students to travel to Cancún, Mexico, and South Padre Island, Texas, instead. Since then, Fort Lauderdale has undergone a major face lift and is filled with 5 star restaurants and hotels. Instead of students, more refined vacationers are now starting to travel there, and the town is now a family friendly beach destination.

Lake Placid, New York, sits in the valleys of the Adirondack Mountains. The 1980 Lake placid Olympic Games became famous when the United States hockey team upset the highly favored Soviet Union hockey team 4 to 3. Yet, eventually the attraction and buzz of the 1980 games faded into memory and Lake placid lost its appeal. Today, the town has not changed much and is still filled with family restaurants, shops and romantic ski lodges. If skiing is your passion you can enjoy an abundance of it here, without the crowds.

Reno, Nevada, saw tremendous economic growth during the 19th and 20th centuries. The legalization of casino gambling in 1931 put Reno on the map. Reno also became popular because you could get a quickie divorce there. However, Reno started to lose its shine as Las Vegas and California Indian casinos became popular. Today, the town has suffered from the current economic downturn; however, efforts are being made to bring Reno back to glory. Today, you can travel to Reno and gamble just like in the good old days.

Approximately 100 miles north of Philadelphia stands a mountainous region known as the Poconos. The region went largely undiscovered until right after World War Two, when young lovers started to make their way to the small and cozy towns. During the 1960’s and 70’s the Poconos became known as the honeymoon capitol of the world, thanks in large part to heart shaped bath tubs which filled most hotels. Despite having their own skiing industry, the Poconos lost favor to larger ski resorts further west.  Today, you can still have a wonderful time skiing, fishing, and boating.

Pismo Beach, California, sits 200 miles north of Los Angeles. During the 1920’s when Prohibition was in full swing, Pismo Beach was a safe haven, and the town’s saloons and brothels became popular. Today, the saloons and brothels are gone and have been replaced with wineries, and new resorts. The town offers a first-rate beach, lush golf courses, surfing, boating, and fishing and makes for a quiet family vacation.

While the listed destinations may have lost some of their popular zeal, they are still worth considering when planning a vacation. These days, vacations are expensive. Yet, these vacation areas will save you money, and having fewer crowds makes them perfect vacation destinations, and they are family friendly.

Discover the Wonders of Peru

Peru is well known for its culture, and historical destinations like Machu Picchu. Peru is also home to colorful
cities, cloud cloaked mountains, and magnificent landscapes. In essence Peru is the crown jewel of South America and commands a visit when traveling to the continent. Peru is divided into three categories: The Coast offers desserts and stunning beaches; The Highlands is dominated by the Andes Mountains; and the Jungle which is a huge area of vegetation. These regions are not only stunningly beautiful, but are an immense ecosystem that protects plant and animal life.

The Amazon Forest in Peru is bordered by the peaks of the Andes in the east, and the Pacific Ocean in the west. This important and diverse ecosystem is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Boat tours are available which bring you up the Tambopata River and right into the heart of the jungle. There is nothing quite like sleeping in an open hut amid the sounds of monkeys and jaguars all beckoning for your attention.

Peru’s Colca Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and is indeed a must see when visiting the country. Colca Canyon offers stunning scenery and is near Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa. Overnight camping tours are available for those bold enough, but be warned, it is a physically demanding excursion. However, those that do embark on this journey are blessed by a multitude of vegetation, wildlife, and the famed Andean Condor. The rough hike takes you through the rainforest, to a small town where you can rest your ailing feet with its natural springs.

The Urubamba Valley, also called the Sacred Valley, hosts the buoyant city of Cuzco and is filled with Peruvian culture and history. The Urubamba Valley sits within the Andes Mountains and is home to Peru’s greatest treasure chest of ancient Inca ruins and diverse archeological sites. Moreover, there are plenty of recreational activities to keep vacationers busy, such as mountain climbing, hiking, and rafting.

Vacationers craving sea creatures will not be disappointed when visiting the Ballestas Islands. You will find pelicans, terns, and cormorants on these unblemished islands. Daytrips start from the city of Paracas, and from there you will enjoy sightings of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and even turtles. A visit to the Ballestas Islands rivals a trip to the rain forest. To put it differently, the Ballestas Islands is a must see when visiting Peru.

For tourists who want a spectacular view of the Andes Mountains, you must visit the Cordillera Blanca. You will witness first-hand mighty glaciers, and Huascaran, the tallest mountain in Peru. Huascaran offers the experienced mountain climber a once in a lifetime experience. Access is granted via the town of Huaraz, which is north of Lima. It does take some time to reach the almighty snow-capped peak, but the journey is indeed well worth it.

Tourists who travel to South America must stop at the continent’s crown jewel, Peru. History, culture, rain forests, the Andes Mountains, jungles, and magnificent wildlife all await you at Peru’s natural wonders. A vacation here will take you back in time, and once you have experienced Peru, you will be itching to return.

Which Type of Globe Will Suit You Best?

We would all love to travel the world. Yet, the odds of doing so are slim for most people. There is a way to learn about the many countries and immense waterways our world holds. You may not realize it, but displaying a globe in your home, office, or school invites others to learn more about the world we live in. For creative people, globes are available that rival fine pieces of furniture, and add a sense of education and mystery where ever they are displayed.

Globes are defined as a three dimensional model of the earth, and most of us are familiar with the traditional student globe found in many class rooms and in children’s bedrooms. These unique tools offer the student a way to learn more about our planet. Many children do not know that new countries have come into being over the last decade; let alone know where in the world they are. Student globes from Great Globes give children a geographic education and enjoyment which lasts a lifetime. They can sit on a desk, or be held and examined up close in the student’s hands, and are an inexpensive gift.

Want the world to know you are interested in the world? If this sounds like you then consider a floor globe. These magnificent floor standing globes are artwork in their own right. They are splendid replicas of our world, are bold and demand they be examined by all who come in contact with them. The traditional raised relief floor globe comes with a solid hardwood base with a walnut finish and adds ambience to any study. The Logan Raised Relief Craftsman Globe is built with old world workmanship and is a great focal point for your living room.

Table top globes are 17 inches and taller and are designed to sit on a desk, or a tabletop. Great Globes offers a cornucopia of table top globes, and has one you will love. History and geography teachers can use these desk sitting world replicas as an educating tool. They come in several impressive designs, and students will gaze at them in fascination with a craving to learn more. Of course, they can also be used as a decoration piece in an office or home equally well.

If you want to portray a different and unique personality in your home, office or classroom, Great Globes has a special section on their website filled with magnificent, yet unique globes. For example, one desktop globe can sit on the teacher’s desk and educate students about the world. However, this distinctive globe also comes with three precision weather instruments, a barometer, thermometer and hygrometer and is a great way to compare our climate to weather conditions across the globe.

In the end, there are many reasons to display a globe. Floor standing globes are superlative art pieces in their own right and portray an educated interest in the world around us. Student globes are the perfect gift for children to become engaged in the world, and learn about new countries. Great Globes has the globes you want to meet your educational goals.

Your Airport Survival Guide

Being stuck in an airport is a part of travel.  It’s inevitable that you will face delays, flight changes, layovers or worst of all – cancellations, all whilst stuck in the same set of clothes and without being able to take a shower! 

It can be a serious ordeal if you are not prepared for it.  Stuck for hours in dirty clothes, with nothing to do, sitting on the floor or an uncomfortable seat at the terminal.  Combine this with some fatigue and it is a recipe to set anyone’s nerves on edge.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! 

Make sure you pack your carry-on bag with the following five things when you are taking a long air journey to survive a possible ordeal.

1.    Something Interesting to Read

This is time-honoured and fail-proof.  Make sure that you have an entertaining novel, magazine, journal or whatever will keep you interested for a number of hours (and not minutes).

It’s important that this is a physical copy, not an e-book or digital reader because you never know if your technology will break, if the batteries go flat or one of the hundreds of things that can go wrong, probably will – right when you need it!

You simply can’t beat a good book to keep yourself entertained and your mind busy.  It is a great way to relax and while away the hours until your plane is ready to depart.

2.    Toiletries

Long flights in pressurized and air-conditioned planes can leave you sweaty, smelly and feeling yuck.  Long international flights may mean that you won’t be able to shower for 20+ hours, especially if you hit a delay or cancellation.  So it’s important to make sure that you bring the basics to stay fresh.

Bring some travel-sized deodorant, moisturiser (the plane’s air conditioning will dry your skin out), toothpaste and brush as well as some wet wipes to freshen up.  You will also need to check with the plane’s security regulations to make sure you can take everything on the plane  without being confiscated.

A few minutes freshening up in the change rooms will make you feel human again and ready to face the rest of your delay.

3.    Fresh Socks and Clothes

A close third after toiletries is making sure to pack some fresh socks and maybe undergarments.  If you can’t shower or change clothes for hours, something as simple as clean socks and a fresh t-shirt will make you feel brand spanking new. 

4.    An Inflatable Neck Pillow

You might have to spend hours waiting in hard and uncomfortable seats (or maybe even on the floor) if your flight is delayed or cancelled.  To avoid getting a stiff neck and to sneak in some much-needed rest, a nice inflatable neck pillow is a must-have companion in your traveller’s kit.

As a plus you may like to use it on the plane as well.  They are cheap and you can even just pick them up at the airport.  You will be waiting for the next flight in comfort.

5.    Some Cash Money

The most important of all, cash and some credit cards.  Don’t land empty handed.  You will want some pocket money to buy food, hot drinks and maybe some meals if it’s a long delay.  You will also need to refresh yourself with some bottled water.  Cash is king anywhere in the world.

So if you follow these five simple tips you will be able to endure any airport ordeal whilst being comfortable, entertained, satisfied and refreshed.

Let us know if you have any other ‘airport ordeal’ tips, we would love to hear them!

Visiting the Land Down-under

If you have ever fancied taking a vacation that is literally jam-packed full of variety, you might be wise to think along the lines of the country of Australia. This is by far the largest nation in the continental region known as Oceania, and is actually considered to be a separate continent in its own right. Stretching thousands of miles across and incorporating the large island of Tasmania, this is a land that will have something to appeal to everyone.

If you love city breaks, you will find some fantastic destinations at both ends of the country. In Western Australia, you have the large city of Perth, but when you are there, it feels difficult to believe that more than one million people live within the conurbation—Perth definitely has a rather small-town-feel about it. Nevertheless, everything you could ever need on vacation is here for you: from a good central shopping area, great parks and plenty of recreational facilities to keep you busy for the duration of your stay.

At the other end of the country, you have Australia’s largest city of Sydney and this truly is a cosmopolitan metropolis – which is very rare in this country. All the world-famous tourist attractions are waiting to be enjoyed here: including The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach and Taronga Zoo. Shopaholics will be in their complete element here and the choice of restaurants and cuisine is probably the very best in the Southern Hemisphere. Some other cities you might like to bear in mind include Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Moving away from the cities, Australia offers even more when you venture out into the bush and rural areas. For a start, if you want pristine and honey-hued sandy beaches, you are falling over them in this vast country. However, just one word of warning, you would always need to be vigilant of sharks at many Australian beaches and saltwater crocodiles can pose problems in the far north of the country.

Much of the interior of the country consists of deserted bush-lands with little or no real features. Nevertheless, you will still find that some of the hardiest Australians make their homes in these rather inhospitable regions. One popular inland tourist destination that you should definitely set time aside to visit is Uluru Rock (formerly known as Ayers Rock). This natural topographical feature is known to have connections with the Aborigines for many thousands of years and this is perhaps the best place to visit in Australia if you are keen to learn more about this country’s original people.

One state of the country people tend to overlook, when booking a vacation to Australia, is the island of Tasmania which can be found to the south-east of the nation. If you thought the flora and fauna of the mainland were different in Australia, you will be filled with even more wonder and awe at the unique land mass that is Tasmania. From duck-billed platypuses to the infamous Tasmanian devils, the animals here are absolutely awesome and proof of the fact that these areas of land have been separated from other main continents for many millions of years—allowing such weird and diverse species to evolve independently over time. 

Travel Tips: Traveling with Children

Many parents are hesitant to travel with children for a variety of reasons. Some parents worry about their children’s behavior and endurance while traveling. Other parents worry that they will not be able to see as much or enjoy themselves during their travels. Fortunately, there are many ways to make traveling with children a highly enjoyable experience for everyone in the family.

Find Child-Friendly Lodging
Families that travel frequently know that having a tiny hotel room or a comfortable condo can make a big difference in the quality of the vacation. Families have a much more enjoyable time with they have room to move. Since children need to have space to play, it is important to have lodging that provides that space. There are many family-friendly resorts all over the globe that can make a vacation unforgettable for all of the right reasons.

Be Prepared
Vacationing requires time in a vehicle, like an airplane, train, or car. When children are required to sit for long periods of time, they tend to get bored. Parents who are prepared with things to keep their children busy have a more relaxing time traveling to and from their destinations. Toy manufacturers are aware of the need for travel-friendly toys and games, so there are many different options for children of all ages.

It is also important to have snacks available for kids when they are confined in a small seat for a long period of time. Parents of babies and toddlers who are traveling on airplanes should be sure to bring along bottles and sippy cups to use during take off so that their children do not experience pain in their ears. Bringing chewing gum or suckers for preschoolers or school-age children can make take off less painful, too.

Visit Fun Places
When children get bored, bad things tend to happen. That is why it is important for families who travel to visit sites that are fun and interesting. It may seem like an art museum or historical home might be a perfect choice for the parents, but if the children are not interested, the parents will not be able to enjoy themselves either.

Parents should understand that they may just have to put off visiting more adult themed sites for a few years, until their children are old enough to make the visit pleasant. Children love to climb, run around, and explore, so parents can take these opportunities to visit National Parks, zoos, great beaches, and other locations that encourage hands on activities.

Start Them Early
When parents start bringing their children on vacation with them, parents find that their children become good travelers. Those children get excited to visit new places and they begin to understand what to do on the voyage to the destination. Those children learn about the world around them and have a better understanding of other people and how they live. Those children also help their parents see the world through the eyes of a child, which makes traveling and exploring even better.

Travel Destinations: Thailand and Songkran

Thailand is known as a tropical destination for some and a site seeing destination for others. One of the most unique times to visit Thailand is during the festival known as Songkran. This New Year’s celebration usually takes place in the middle of April and lasts for three to ten days.

Songkran: New Year’s Celebration
Because this is the New Year’s celebration as the sun moves into Aries, the Thai people take the opportunity to clean their homes, their Buddha statues, and their streets. This festival celebrates the coming spring and it is also a time when farmers have been relieved of hard work and they have time to offer respect to the elders and ancestors.

Water Fight Takes Center Stage
Songkran has gone through many different shifts over the centuries and the festival has now become a world-wide sensation. People from all over the globe travel to Thailand to participate in the cleansing of the streets, the people, and anything else that can get wet. Songkran has truly turned into the world’s largest water fight.

Biggest Events in Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai (the northern capitol), the celebration is like no other. The locals are commonly found throwing buckets of water at on-coming traffic, spraying pedestrians with their water hoses, and dowsing pedestrians from moving cars. Young children will use water guns to spray anyone who comes near. Travelers are often amazed at the buckets and buckets of water that are thrown from everywhere at everyone.

Most people who Chiang Mai during Songkran are not disappointed in the celebration. The temperature in this part of Thailand is incredibly hot, so the splashes of water offer relief from the excessive heat.

Symbolism of Throwing and Sprinkling Water
Visitors should remember that the water throwing is truly symbolic as the people of Thailand symbolically clean dirt and grime from the old year and make way for the New Year. Even though Thailand officially celebrates the New Year on January 1 like the Western World, they still use the astronomically based Songkran as a way to cleansing and reflecting on the previous years and welcome in the new.

Other Traditions of Songkran
In Chiang Mai and other parts of Thailand, there will not just be people throwing water and having fun, but it is very common to see locals sprinkling flower-scented water on their Buddha statues. Families who are cleansing the Buddha will do so while wearing traditional Thai costumes and wearing leis made of Jasmine.

Young people will gently sprinkle water on their elders as a sign of respect. This tradition is different from the water-throwing show that happens during the celebration in Chiang Mai. These young people will also say prayers and good wishes to their elders.

Some people will also use a chalky white paste to ward off evil spirits. They will wear the paste on their faces or neck and then place some on people they encounter. The paste will not stain clothing and it is proper to accept this from a local Thai elder.

Feasts are also very common during Songkran and many people will even place delicious looking food at temples. The food should not be taken from the temples, but left for the monks.

Five Amazing Overseas Destinations for Honeymooners

For most newly married couples, the perfect honeymoon would consist of a tropical island, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, warm breezes, and accommodations that provide a luxurious and romantic experience. However, the perfect honeymoon for some couples is something completely different, perhaps an adventure trip such as an African safari or Swiss Alps ski trip. With thousands upon thousands of overseas destinations to choose from, a couple has the opportunity to create whatever type of memory wanted.

Greece

Greece is a magnificent place to honeymoon. Contrary to what most people believe, there are several cities in Greece that are very affordable. One of the main attractions to Greece is diversity, which makes it possible to enjoy a variety of experiences. For instance, Athens is a bustling island with plenty of things to do and see while Santorini is a relaxing city that boasts some of the world’s most pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and tranquility of the Aegean Sea.

South Africa

This is another wonderful international destination for newlyweds offering diversity. While there are actually several great places a couple could consider, we provided information specific to two.

o    Mozambique – The azure waters are simply stunning and unlike beaches in larger and busy regions of the country, most of the beaches around Mozambique are deserted. As a result, honeymooners have the chance to enjoy real romance. However, Mozambique is also a great place for water sports to include scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing.

o    Botswana – Staying in a rustic camp on the Okavango Delta would offer a honeymooning couple the ultimate outdoor experience. A stay in Botswana would entail vibrantly colored sunsets, leisurely canoe rides down calm waterways, and up-close views of wildlife such as black rhinos, elephants, zebra, leopards, buffaloes, and even lions roaming the isolated and unspoiled land.


Italy

Of all international destinations for couples on a honeymoon, Italy is one of the most romantic. Of course, the best place to visit is Rome, an Italian city that offers a unique combination of ancient history and modern day pride.  During the day there are incredible tourist attractions such as the Sistine Chapel, Ancient Rome Coliseum, and the Vatican, among others but at night, fine dining, nightlife, or romantic walks on the beach.

For something extra special, a couple could sneak away to the beautiful city of Tuscany and take in the view of Montalcino vineyards, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pienza, or walk through the medieval town of Montepulciano. Of course if wanted, a couple could simply retreat to the sanctity of a five-star resort to enjoy unrivaled amenities.

Thailand

There are actually a number of destinations in Thailand that would be ideal for a honeymoon. The “City of Angels”, more commonly known as Bangkok, is a large and exotic city where local people are warm and hospitable. Nighttime activities consist of dancing in some of the city’s most exciting nightclubs, dine on authentic Thai food, or visit night markets such as the Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Major Ratchayothin Night Market, and Patpong Night Market.

Of course, Thailand is just as spectacular during the day as it is night. In addition to a wide range of things to do on the beach or in the water, honeymooners could take a trip to various ancient temples and museums or simply relax around the resort’s pool while enjoying a couple’s massage.

Switzerland

For an entirely different honeymoon experience, Switzerland would be an excellent choice of a foreign country to visit. Zurich and Lucerne are great cities but Geneva has something very special for couples looking for romance. As one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Geneva proudly boasts numerous four and five-star resorts with the snow-capped Swiss Alps as the backdrop.

This city also has more than 40 museums, parks filled with beautifully colored flora and fauna lining the banks of gorgeous Lake Geneva, and Rousseau Island in the city center complete with a wonderful restaurant and bird sanctuary. In addition to restaurants that serve local cuisine and exotic wine, as well as quant shops that sell items made by Swiss artisans, a honeymooning couple that loves the outdoors could participate in kayaking, skiing, swimming, horseback riding, bike riding, and hiking but as a finale, enjoy mesmerizing views of Geneva on a romantic hot air balloon ride.

Tips for Safe Travel to Foreign Countries

People have always taken the necessary precautions when traveling to foreign countries but after the devastating events of September 11, the level of concern increased dramatically. Some people became so worried about international travel they stopped taking trips altogether. Obviously, no one can be faulted for being afraid but it is important to know that in recent years, many new systems and technologies have been implemented to again make foreign travel safe.

However, safety while traveling could also be enhanced with a few smart decisions. While there has always been some degree of concern with international travel, there is no reason a person has to spend an entire trip worrying about safety issues. Whether traveling on business or for pleasure, there are specific steps to take during the planning phase but also while abroad to include the following recommendations.

In-Depth Research
Any current travel concerns or confirmed risks for a country being visited could be acquired from a local travel agent or through any number of reputable online travel websites. With the information gathered, an individual would have the opportunity to make an informed decision to continue with the trip or reschedule for a later date.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
This United States government program is free and designed to assist US citizens traveling within foreign countries. By signing up for the program, someone on an overseas trip would be notified in case of a family emergency back home but also receive assistance if faced with some type of crisis.

Medical Coverage
Depending on the international destination, personal medical insurance might cover expenses incurred in case of emergency. However, if a policy does not offer medical coverage, it would be worth purchasing a special policy for travelers. Unfortunately, there are many reports of people who have been forced to pay a significant amount of money out-of-pocket or have received compromised care while in a foreign country by not having medical insurance.

Travel Information and Documentation
Someone on an international trip should carry important travel information and original documents such as passport, visa, and travel itinerary. In addition, a copy of everything should be kept in each piece of luggage and left with a family member of friend back home. Other information would include a list of people to contact in case of an emergency to include phone numbers and if a person has a major medical condition or depends on specific medication, the name and phone number of the doctor should be included along with prescription information.

United States Embassies and Consulates
These government agencies provide assistance to American citizens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. When planning an international trip, the phone numbers for both agencies should be obtained specific to the country traveling to and carried around securely.

Laws and Customs
Regardless of destination, the laws of the country a person plans to visit must be followed. Therefore, the most pertinent laws should be researched prior to travel. Keep in mind that knowing a country’s customs is not required but to avoid an uncomfortable or even potentially dangerous situation by unintentionally offending someone local, it would also be recommended to become familiar with customs for the country.

Crime Prevention
Even when going to a country deemed safe, an individual should always use common sense to avoid becoming the target of a crime. A few examples of things a person should NOT do include the following:
o    Wear expensive jewelry
o    Carry a significant amount of cash around
o    Be on the streets after dark
o    Dine, shop, or sightsee alone
o    Accept a package from an unknown party
o    Leave luggage unattended

Restrictions and RegulationsFor both the country being visited and home country, there are restrictions and regulations regarding things that can and cannot be brought in as a way of preventing a catastrophic environmental occurrence but also terrorist attack. There are a number of online resources a person should research prior to departure that provide a comprehensive list of acceptable and unacceptable items.

Old vs New: The Seven Wonders of the World

In our fast-paced, modern lives, it is sometimes easy to forget that the world is still full of ancient and awe-inspiring wonders.  That all it takes is a week and a plane ticket, and you can be anywhere in the world… soaking up a foreign sun, exploring another culture, being amazed by the beauty of the world.

Now most people have heard of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but few could name perhaps more than two or three of them - at best! 

Originally compiled almost 2,500 years ago by the Greek historian, Herodotus, these ancient monuments conjure up a sense of awe and wonder that sometimes seems lost in our new world of technology and 24 hour living.

Here’s the original list that was compiled thousands of years ago -

The 7 Ancient Wonders of the World:

1.    Great Pyramid of Giza
2.    Hanging Gardens of Babylon
3.    Statue of Zeus at Olympia
4.    Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
5.    Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
6.    Colossus of Rhodes
7.    Lighthouse of Alexandria

Controversial – The 7 New Wonders…

Recently a new list of world wonders has been causing some controversy.

Since antiquity, a number of different lists were created to replace this famous ancient selection of  ‘wonders’ because when Herodotus first put his list together, the known world was a much smaller place based mostly around the Mediterranean Sea.  It was very limited and only included monuments from the local area, completely excluding the rest of the as yet, unknown world.

However, it was only very recently that an entirely new and generally accepted list was put together by the New7Wonders Foundation a not for profit  organization based in Switzerland. 

This new list was compiled based on the votes of over 100 million people from around the globe, and was historically announced on the date of 07-07-07 in homage to the number seven.

It was extremely controversial with some countries upset that they did not receive a place in the top seven wonders.  And because nothing prevented multiple votes from being cast during the contest, some countries tried to sway the results in their favor.  Many actually ran vigorous campaigns for their citizens to vote on a national monument, including Brazil, where phone companies allowed people to vote for free, and even sent them text messages to remind them!

Now that the hype and controversy has settled down the New Seven Wonders of the World has been generally accepted by most people, although not everyone is happy. 

What do you think?  Here is the new list:

The New Seven Wonders of The World:

1.    Taj Mahal, India
2.    Chichen Itza, Mexico
3.    Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
4.    Colosseum, Italy
5.    Great Wall of China, China
6.    Machu Picchu, Peru
7.    Petra , Jordan

Probably the most exciting thing about this list is that unlike the ancient and myth-like wonders… these are all still in existence.  They are truly magnificent places that you can visit just as soon as you get the time, money and the inclination!

What About You?
Have you been lucky enough to travel to any of these thrilling locations? 

If you have been to any of these amazing places we would love to see your photos on our facebook page. 

And if you think that somewhere else should have been included in the top seven, tell us where and why!

We would love to hear your comments.

Five Uncommon (but very useful) International Travel Tips

Traveling around the world is simply one of the best things that you can do.  It is packed with excitement, adventure and new experiences whether you are traveling for business, education or pleasure.

But as many of you already know, international travel can be a stressful and harrowing experience if you are not prepared! 

So to make sure that you are a slick, savvy and satisfied traveler we have compiled list of some lesser-known tips and tracks for travel abroad. 

1.    Buy a SIM card for your cell phone when you land:

If you travel with your in-country SIM card when you travel overseas, most phone companies will charge you at expenses international rates.  This means that if anyone calls you, or if you call anyone from your regular cell phone, it will be very pricey.

However, almost all international airports have stores and vendors where you can buy local, pre-paid SIM card for as little as $5.  In fact, at places like Heathrow Airport in London, for just $15 you can pick up a local SIM card with unlimited data.

It’s a great way to save money and hassle.  It also means that for friends and colleagues in country with you, they will just be paying a local cell call to stay in touch with you.

2.    Scan all of your important documents and save them to a free e-mail account

When traveling things can go wrong, so you have to be prepared. 

And nothing is worse, or harder to sort out, than losing important official documents like your passport, visas, travel itinerary, plane tickets, travel insurance and important phone numbers. 

But one way that you can always have access to these important documents no matter what happens is to scan them into a digital file such as a .jpg, .pdf etc. and then send them to one of your free e-mail accounts.  Just make sure that you set up a free account that is accessible from anywhere like Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail.

3.    Take Melatonin to beat jet lag

Melatonin is a dietary supplement that you can buy at any drug store in the USA.  It helps you to naturally overcome jet lag and get your body clock in line with your new time zone, much faster than you could normally.

This is a must-have, especially if you are travelling into a major time difference.

4.    Don’t Keep All Of Your Eggs in One Basket

When you are travelling, you are cut off from everything except what you have on you, and what you have packed in your luggage.  So don’t  put all your eggs in one basket by keeping all of your cash, traveler’s cheques and credit cards in the one place like your wallet, because if you lose your wallet or are robbed, then you are in serious trouble and left begging for help.  Definitely not ideal!

The best technique is to divide everything into two or three and store it in separate locations.  Keep some money and cards on you, some in your luggage and some in your carry-on. 

That way, if anything is stolen or lost, you still have enough money to get a cab, get to a hotel and sort the whole darn thing out!

5.    Research Your Destination Airport

Don’t presume that the airport that you are traveling to has everything that you need or is the same as you have back home.  It’s best to check in advance so that you don’t get stuck in a difficult situation.

Some airports close much earlier than they do here, or you may have to book hire cars in advance so make sure you know what facilities are available before you depart.

You don’t want to arrive to find out that the money-changer is closed or that all the rental cars are booked out leaving you sleeping on a bench!

6.    Your international travel tip…

These were just some less-common travel tips that we have helped save us time, money and frustration.  Hopefully these little ideas will save you some time and hassle the next time you travel.

But what about your travel tips?   Comment here or tell us on FaceBook what your clever little tricks are to stay in control and happy when traveling.

Why Nothing Beats a Magical African Safari

Picture this, my friends: You wake early in the morning, just as the first rays of sunlight are penetrating above the distant horizon. A low mist clings to the cooled ground and the eerie noises from animals greeting the day meets your ears. Giraffes can be seen in the distance, walking serenely between the largest trees to grab their first meal of the day; and then, a tiny deer-like creature scuttles in front of you: this is a dik dik which is a small species of antelope that you probably wouldn’t have heard of until you have ventured to Africa.

Absolutely no where else on this great planet of ours will you feel and marvel at the magical natural beauty of our world, other than on safari in Africa. Unless you do it for yourself, you can only imagine how you might feel when you are there. To really immerse yourself into this whole experience, it is imperative that you spend at least a couple of nights at either the campsites or lodges which are located deep within the African savannah.

If you do fancy the idea of an African safari, you need to ensure you book with a reputable and knowledgeable tour guide. This way they will know exactly where to take you to see the biggest range of animals; otherwise, you may simply spend several days aimlessly wandering around without hardly seeing a thing.

Of course, most people go on an African safari in the first place in order to catch what is known as The Big 5 Game. These are the animals which are deemed to be the most highly sought-after on a safari and originally they were believed to be the most difficult hunting targets on foot. They are the lion, leopard, buffalo, black rhino and the African elephant. If you manage to catch sight of at least three of these during your safari, you may count yourself as being very fortunate.

There are numerous other different types of animals to enjoy during a safari and for many people, they may feel that the giraffe, hyenas, mongooses, ostriches or warthogs etc. are equally rewarding sights during their trip. Be prepared to be overwhelmed with the sheer number of species of animals in this part of the world; you will definitely appreciate the fact that this part of our planet has an amazingly diverse eco-system in play.

If you are definitely contemplating the prospect of an African safari, you may be wondering where to go. Top of the list has to be Kenya, where you will find that the country has set many different national parks aside for the animals to wander around freely. Tsavo East and Tsavo West are the largest national parks, however, The Masai Mara is perhaps the best known. The Serengeti, in Tanzania, is also world-famous; especially for the mass migration of millions of wildebeest every year. You might also like to think about South Africa or Botswana.

Wherever you eventually decide to go on your African safari, rest assured that if you have a heart beating in your chest and a soul, you will not be able to help feeling moved and totally inspired by such a life-changing experience.

Visiting the Most Magnificent Mountains on Our Planet

There is no denying the fact that we live on an extremely diverse planet, covered by myriad different landscapes. One of the types of landscape that seems to intrigue us the most are the mountainous regions which can be found in many different locations across the world. From The Rockies and Appalachians of North America, to The Southern Alps of New Zealand, you are never far from the awesome beauty of this specific type of landscape.

Pictured: Machu Picchu, an ancient settlement high in the mountains of Peru.

Of course, nowadays, many people head to the mountainous regions in order to indulge in popular winter sporting activities such as skiing and snowboarding; but for others, the sheer beauty of these areas is a massive draw in itself. There is a lot to be said for taking in deep and crisp breaths full of mountain air and for centuries now, mankind has recognized the fact that this can provide healing qualities for respiratory medical conditions.

Mountains owe their very presence to tectonic plate movements which are still continuing on our planet to this very day. As large landmasses collide with each other, this pushes the land upwards, and in turn, this is exactly how mountains are formed. This process has been occurring on Earth for millions of years and we now know that the mountainous regions were formed at different periods in our planet’s history. It is interesting to note that The Appalachian Mountains in North America are thought to be very ancient mountains indeed (dating back hundreds of millions of years); whereas the mighty Himalayas, in Asia, are known to be relatively new (in fact they are still being formed today as India continues to collide with the Eurasian plate).

Some of the most magnificent mountainous regions to consider visiting on our planet include The Andes, in South America, which runs close to the west coast of the continent. If you get the chance, you really should head to Machu Picchu, which is an ancient settlement high in the mountains that was abandoned long ago.

The Rockies runs along the west coast of North America and are home to some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. From the United States right up to Canada, this is a tremendously long chain of mountains that still boasts areas of totally unspoilt wilderness.

Europe’s most famous mountains can be found in The Alps. The mountains stretch across the countries of Switzerland, Austria, France and Italy and are easily the most popular destination for Europeans during the winter months. Again, though, this is usually for the enjoyment of winter sports.

In Australia and New Zealand, the highest mountains can be found on the South Island of New Zealand. Mount Cook is the highest peak in this area and reaches 3,754 m (12,316 ft) above sea level. Australia does have moderately high mountains on its east coast, but these are ancient peaks which have been whittled-down in size over the millennia due to the process known as weathering.

Wherever you are in the world, you should never be more than a couple of hours’ flying time from a beautiful mountainous landscape. By all means head to these mountains in order to enjoy some popular winter sports, but also bear in mind that these truly idyllic locations make for a perfectly relaxing vacation at any time of the year.