Loading ...Improving Your Relationship While Traveling
Apr 22, 2012 23:53 - ricky | 246 views
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Whether your relationship is in its early stages and you are still getting to know one another or you have a solid foundation built on years together and you know each other inside out, the dynamics always change when you go travelling.
You might be a new couple planning to go on a trip and feeling nervous about how you will cope in a different environment or maybe sharing accommodation for the first time. Travelling in a new relationship can either make or break it as you are living together in a close environment and perhaps spending more time together than you would normally. Add to that the fact that travelling can be stressful as well as fun and it may expose some cracks in your partner’s personality!
Don’t let any of this put you off. You might discover you are made for one another and cement your relationship even further. You can discover shared interests and activities and try out new things and explore new places. There is nothing like having fun together and creating memories to build on a relationship that can last when you return home. Do something completely different – something you would never do at home. For example, yacht rental can be a fun and novel experience, adding a little luxury and excitement to your holiday. On a yacht charter you can find private time relaxing on deck or have fun in the water. It’s something you can do with your new partner as you can always find some personal space when you need it.
On the other hand, if you are in an established relationship – perhaps you are married or have been together for years – you may want a trip to re-enforce what you already have or to rescue a flagging relationship. Maybe it’s a second honeymoon to recapture the romance of your earlier days as a couple.
Choose a destination that has something to engage both of you if you have different interests, as often spending some of the day apart and meeting later in the evening to talk about your different experiences can be a great way of adding spark and interest into your conversations which at home may be more mundane and domestic.
The key to creating a better relationship while travelling is to make sure you spend some quality time together and also ensure that it includes a variety of activities. Romantic meals and scenic walks have their place, as they allow you privacy and time to chat, but one of the best ways to add some sparkle back into a relationship is to try out some exciting activities, to experience a challenge together and have a shared experience.
It could be anything that appeals to both of you, for example horse riding, hiking or water sports. Make an event of it and perhaps look at some options for yacht rental. Spend a couple of days at sea and enjoy the glamour and excitement of life on a yacht. It’s almost certainly something you would never do at home. Often just getting away from home and all the stresses associated with domestic life can be the catalyst you need to kick-start your relationship again. A second honeymoon, perhaps to your original honeymoon destination, is also a great way of reminding you all over again why you got together in the first place.
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Top 10 Destinations For Wine Lovers
Apr 18, 2012 19:27 - annadewinter | 256 views
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If, like me, you are a keen traveler and a fanatical wine lover you will certainly know where and what you like. You will also already know which vineyards in what countries offer the best wine-tastings. My top ten destinations have hotels that are located to provide you with access to the best wine producing areas. They will also furnish you with first-rate accommodation and facilities, that combined will make your vacation very enjoyable.
Since the 1990′s, Argentina has been producing some of the world’s finest organic wines. The Mendoza region is one of Argentina’s most beautiful quarters, as well as being the largest producer of Argentine wine. The Park Hyatt is a great place to stay due to its close proximity to some of the finest restaurants in the area.
What could be more romantic than a spa treatment? Add wine and you’ll have what Les Sources de Caudalie calls vinotherapy. Soaking in wine in more ways than one, visitors to the historic Bordeaux region will find relaxation and pampering at the top of the wine-list.
Couples who find mutually enjoyable activities are proven to stay together longer. Why not take a class together to learn more about your favorite beverage, or engage in a sensory exploration of wine? Less cerebral pursuits include golf, croquet, and discovering the local Michelin-starred restaurants at Meadowood in California’s Napa Valley.
Vina Montes offers some of the most breathtaking and beautiful scenery in all of the Colchagua Valley, Chile. The area is known as the domain of the Chilean cowboys (huaso). In my opinion Montes is among the most romantically located vineyards in the world.
France is naturally high on the list for lovers of fine wine. Caunes-Menervois is a great place to stay. The 16th century Hotel Alibert’s open stairway and courtyard with its Renaissance well is a setting right out of a romantic novel, with plenty of good wine that perfectly complements the atmosphere.
Italy’s historic Tuscany produces some of the finest and most consistent quality wines in the world. Nestled among the rolling hills lies the five-star Relais La Suvera, with rooms in the theme of historical figures. History and luxury come together to create a vacation you will never forget.
Visitors to Burghotel Schnellenberg are greeted by a welcome chiseled in stone: “Stranger, do not stay outside. My door is open to the traveler!” Their palates will receive a welcome as well, as Mosel in Germany is home to the world-famous delicate Riesling grapes that produce some of the most well-known and finest wines in the world.
The benefits of a Mediterranean type of climate combines with vistas that rival the Napa Valley to create South Africa’s famous wine country. Stellenbosch will allure visitors with its natural beauty and the wines are fantastic!
Hotel Healdsburg of Sonoma is far and away one of the most romantic wine-lovers’ spots in the entire world. Custom wine-tasting tours offer visitors opportunities to sample the area’s premier wines.
Last, but not least on our list of top ten destinations is the Barossa Valley. Australian wines are known for their full-hearted, fruity flavors and balance. This beautiful, rugged country has its own brand of earthy romance for visitors to this down-to-earth, close-knit community. The Novotel Barosa Valley Resort is in a central location, enabling visitors to explore the region’s wineries with ease.
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Adventure Trekking Via RV on the Pan Am Highway USA to Argentina
Mar 12, 2012 11:57 - adventuretraveler9 | 1,303 views
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The most difficult decision in listing this article was to enter it in ‘Adventure’, ‘Destinations’, ’Cultural’, ‘Travel Tips’ or ‘Events’ category because this trip includes all of the above!
Our TrekoftheAmericas journey down the Pan American Highway in a RV began in McAllen, Texas late summer of 2011 and continued to Ushuaia, Argentina in November. UJVWSKYB2RJU
This is the general itinerary of the TrekoftheAmericas Expedition. Some locations are not entered because of the quaintness of those places, and too much publicity would defeat their local character.
RV Inspection
Each July or August a small group (no more than 10 rvs) forms in the Rio Grande Valley, which is at the border with Tampulipus, Mexico. After inspection of the vehicles, stocking up on supplies (the ones that are hard to find south of the border only), and rechecking documentation of persons and vehicles, we head into Mexico. This journey has been done 13 times since 1994.
RVing or “Caravaning” travel produces the most memorable and mind boggling impressions of any type of tourism! As you travel you’re living every moment as you go down the highway and it is difficult to realize you are really here (or there, as you will think afterwards). It is truly living the adventure.
Monument of the Equator
This feeling is not possible in any other form of travel. You actually eat, sleep, and breath with the Panagonian wind in your face. You can conveniently pull off the road, stop in the middle of a small town and in minutes be a part of the community. It is truly amazing.
Anyone that can do it should take this type of trip. It is a life changing experience to say the least. On a previous trip one of my fellow travelers was 89 years old and did fine, and another was in his twenties and blended in great. There is no age limit and the only limits are the ones you put on yourself. Of course you must be able to drive and have adventure in your heart to do it, but believe me if you wait long enough you won’t be able to do it. That’s a fact!
Here are some things you can see on your journey:
Birding – You will see all types of birds imaginable, from penguins, flamingos, storks, guaquamayas, parrots, eagles, frigata bird, hawks, reas (ostrich-like), woodpeckers, lest pigmy owls, owls, black swans, ducks, hummingbirds, and so many more. I am not a birdwatcher or at least that’s what I said before, but I guess I am now because you can’t help being one on a trip like this.
Other Animals – Other animals and mammals you will see include foxes, coyotes, deer, guanacos, wild horses, boar, sheep, goats, crocodiles, turtles, antarctic dolphins, dolphins, whales, cayman, capibara, guinea pigs and so much more.
Historical and Native Cultural Sites – There are so many they can’t all be listed here! From the Totonac Indians in Mexico to the Cuna and Choco of Panama, to the different Panagonian tribes. Portuguese Forts, Spanish Walled Citys, Macupuchu, the mysterious line at NASCA, and even the fishing boats of Portuguese and Spanish design.
Industry - You will see both current and historic mines as well as the farming and production of coffee, chocolate, wheat, oats, sugarcane, beer and wine. You can visit the mills watch the production process and learn about the agriculture of many crops and animals.
Showing students our RVs
Life – Other things you will enjoy include seeing the children and visiting and participating with local schools. We also did free health clinics to the natives in some areas. The food and restaurants are delicious and eating out of a coconut becomes second nature. Argentine was home to some of the best seafood I ever had and Uruguay was know for their beef. The ranch tourism was amazing. You can work on a ranch and help tend to the horses, cattle, and sheep.
I get so excited when I talk about my experience, and I know I forget half of the stuff, so I will settle down and add some more in the near future!
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Be Good to Yourself – Relax, Renew and Rejuvenate on Your Vacation
Feb 26, 2012 23:37 - Regina Falkowski | 1,037 views
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Vacationing is a vital part of your health and wellness. Taking vacations regularly can help you live a longer, happier life and improve your mental health by reducing depression, tension and fatigue. Vacationing can also help you gain self confidence, trigger creativity and help you become more productive in your professional and personal life. Everybody needs a vacation to rest, relax and escape the stresses of everyday life, but if you are looking to truly improve your health and wellbeing these vacations are for you.
Detoxification is a great way to improve your health and well being. Over time toxins can build up from stress, poor diet and unhealthy habits, but detoxing can help cleanse the body of these toxins while replenishing nourishment and balancing the chemistry in the body. Visiting a detox center will purify your mind and body from the inside out and give you the tools you need to stay healthy and happy long after your stay. If you need a vacation that will leave you feeling relaxed and renewed then visiting a detox resort is a great option.
Fitness & Weight Loss Retreats
Not too many people think of diet and exercise as relaxing, but they certainly are important for your health and well being. Sometimes busy schedules and outside stresses can make it feel impossible to lose weight and get in shape. If you are looking to jumpstart your diet and get your fitness routine on the right track, a fitness and weight loss retreat may be just what you need. Not only will you leave a few pounds lighter, but you will also have the skills and motivation needed to continue your progress at home. Eating a healthy diet and living an active lifestyle can lead to having more energy, so even though you will be working hard on your vacation you will return feeling recharged and rejuvenated.
Health Spas & Massage Retreats
If you are looking to relax and unwind then visiting a health spa and retreat is a great option. Enjoy pampering yourself and indulge in the numerous treatments and services offered. Take pleasure in a soothing massage, treat yourself to an invigorating facial or melt away stress in the sauna. Have fun spoiling yourself and feel good doing it. Visiting a health spa will enhance your beauty from the inside out and leave you feeling rested and rehabilitated.
Going on a yoga retreat is a great way to nurture your mind, body and soul. You will create balance in your body and develop strength and flexibility. Experienced instructors will help you practice and enhance your poses, breathing and meditation to attain a state of spiritual insight and tranquility. A spiritual retreat will bring clarity, inspiration and joy back into your life. Improve the quality of your life and enhance your physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual being. A yoga and spiritual retreat may be just what you need to feel relaxed and rediscover yourself.
Taking vacations regularly can help improve your overall health and wellbeing, so do yourself a favor and go on a vacation. Relax, refresh and live a long, happy life.
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Adventure Travel in Asia
Jan 31, 2012 14:01 - annadewinter | 1,109 views
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Asia is a continent of mystical, magical temples; lush tropical forests; harsh, jagged mountains; magnificent hidden monasteries; bleak scorched deserts; and vast oceanic spaces. The land beckons the adventurous traveller with its vast and mysterious countries, where Western civilisation takes a back seat and the real Asia is discovered.
Adventure travellers in Asia will never run out of places to go, exciting journeys to take and thrilling experiences to encounter.
India
Many travellers head for India, the vast sub-continental country that has extremes of terrain from north to south. Trekking in the jungles is a popular way to get to know the country close at hand, with the incredible variety of Indian wildlife, trees and plants to be explored. Jeep safaris, walking trails, elephant rides and tiger spotting can all be a part of the activities, and for the mountaineers the Himalayas encourage the intrepid to challenge their snowy slopes and icy peaks.
With its beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, water sports draw enthusiasts from all over the world. Try Goa, halfway down the country’s west coast, for jet skiing, parasailing and scuba diving, amongst many other sports.
Bhutan
For a truly mystical adventure, take a trip to the little hidden kingdom of Bhutan, perched in between India and the immense space of China. Bhutan is isolated, difficult to get to, but worth it for the magnificent mountain scenery, its ancient culture and the opportunity to go mountain biking in this stunning terrain. It is the best way to get a real feel for the country and its people, but it does need a lot of energy on the rocky and mountainous roads. Bhutan’s national sport is archery, so make sure the chance to try it out is not passed by.
The South East
Southeastern Asia has Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to explore. Thailand is a well-known destination for adventure travellers, with trekking through the villages of hill tribes a reminder of the realities of people’s lives in remote areas of the world. Move out to Phuket for beaches, with snorkelling and cave exploring as part of the adventures available.
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are less developed countries for tourism and so offer fantastic opportunities for exploration and discovery. The really adventurous might hire a motorcycle and take to the roads and tracks of the interior, passing over rugged mountain passes and through lush, forested valleys. It is hard to get closer to nature than this type of travelling and, for those who don’t have a motorbike licence, rental cars are another excellent option. It is worth considering hiring a driver in Asian countries, as the ways of driving are considerably more relaxed than in the West.
Indonesia and Beyond
The sprawling archipelago of Indonesia is south of Vietnam, spanning thousands of islands and including the best known: Java and Bali. Indonesia is a Mecca for surfers, with huge oceanic waves constantly rolling in and providing challenges that even the most experienced and adventurous surfers will relish.
Alternatively, travel the immense expanses of Mongolia’s alpine mountains and grassy plains, experiencing camel rides and swimming in pristine lakes far away from civilisation.
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