Rivers Travel

Backpacks are convenient! That’s why we use them. We all find some situation where a backpack is useful. It may be to help us travel light on a round the world journey, or going hiking for a week along our local coast or countryside.

No need for a heavy suitcase. Some travellers have mastered packing a backpack down to a fine art. It is amazing what you can pack into something so light and small. You can walk anywhere with a backpack on your shoulders – where a suitcase would make things really difficult.

How do you buy the right backpack? There are a number of factors to consider. The first consideration is comfort. You are going to have an intimate relationship with your backpack, it will follow you everywhere.

So, does it fit comfortably around your shoulders? Is the material or fabric right for your use? It is advisable that you try the backpack before actually buying it.

Another point to consider is space. Does the bag have enough compartments? Will you be able to fit your stuff into it neatly? It is obvious that no one wants to carry a backpack, which does not allow the fitting in of necessary items.

Then you need to consider quality. The backpack needs to be hard wearing and durable. You can still look at the price. It is not necessary to pay the top prices which could be a few hundred dollars. But you get what you pay for! What you are looking for is value for money. Does it have what you want for a price you can afford? Superior quality brands might be Samsonite, High Sierra, The North Face, Columbia Sportswear, Dakine, Juice Bag, Adidas, Jan Sport, Nike, Under Armour, and Oakley.

You might want your backpack to communicate your personality and there are many colours and styles you can look for – fresh colours like orange, yellow, pink and red. There is a backpack to suit every taste and budget. Why not join the many travellers who are being converted to this convenient luggage – don’t leave the joys of backpacking just to the backpackers!

Whenever the idea of going for a holiday comes up, most people imagine taking long walks along the sandy beaches of Hawaii; others want to bask in the hot Mediterranean sun. Some have had such a rough time at work and would just like to have a quiet place to relax. For a change, think about going for a jam-packed holiday to pump up your adrenaline. Consider taking up a Caribbean vacation and engage in a water sport. Belize is a popular tourist destination and Belize kayaking attracts many visitors from around the world.

A destination in Central America that boasts of awesome landscapes of scenic beauty. Emerald forests adorn the horizon, teaming with wildlife of the exotic kind. In addition, Belize has subtropical weather systems that make it the paradise it is. For the water sports tourists, it has endless coastal water, caves in the depths of the sea, and miles of coral reefs. And for the kayaker, in the various districts you will find quaint little towns and villages, that lay unspoilt by modern day technology and lifestyles, with roaring rivers that wind through thick jungle only a stone throw away.

Whether you choose white water paddling or wish to stick to lakes and slow flowing rivers, there are a number of kayaks to choose from. Belize kayaking gives you the options so dealers will have crafts that can withstand rough conditions or lighter versions for easy going.

There are various styles to choose from too. Some are designed to fold away for easy transport. Then there are those that have a cockpit to slip into with a skirt to stop water from flooding in, or others where you sit on top with no cockpit. Depending on what kind of function, control, performance, and durability you require, there is a craft built to your specifications.

Two rivers are popular for Belize kayaking. The Rio Grande and Mohi River. In the Toledo district in the South, other rivers run through the Maya mountains where many hiking tours take place. Here you will find a large community of Maya who are very friendly and ready to interact with you.

If the rivers are not your scene then the sea or lakes will delight you. Belize kayaking is fun when covering short distance races using smaller paddles. They are great for beginners and those who just want some fun. More strength and stamina is required for longer trips involving paddling from one Caye to another. This type of kayaking is for the more experienced and not for the amateur.

It goes without saying, Belize is a place worthy of your consideration when planning your next holiday. Buying or renting kayaks is no problem and you will be talking about your experience of Belize kayaking for years to come. In fact, you may never leave!

Want to find out more about Belize attractions, then visit Jamesina Goulbourne’s site for more highlights on Belize Kayaking.

With their tall dorsal fins and unique black and white markings, killer whales are easy to recognize. If you take a Victoria BC whale watching trip, you will get to see the whales up close and observe how each one has its own personality and history.

Killer whales, commonly called orcas, are the dolphin family’s largest members. They can be found in every ocean in the world, which, with the exception of humans, makes them the most widely spread mammal. Resident orcas prefer to consume squid and fish, especially salmon, and tend to hunt in groups. Transient killer whales’ diets are similar, but also include marine animals such as porpoises, dolphins, sea lion, seals and even other whales. Victoria BC whale watching passengers most commonly see residents pods, which are named K, L, and J, but the area is also frequented by transient whales.

At first glance, killer whales might look all the same, but your Victoria BC whale watching guide will tell you otherwise. How do you tell them apart? Scientists first began documenting their differences in 1973. They took photographs of their individual characteristics, including nicks, scars, dorsal fin and the shape of their saddle patch– the grey patch at the base of their fin. This type of documentation is now an annual event, and has become so detailed that researchers have been able to construct detailed family trees for each pod. Three pods live within the Victoria BC whale watching district, and together they contain almost 100 whales. During peak months, Orca Spirit Adventures, a Victoria whale watching company, has a whale sighting success rate of almost 95%.

To have the best Victoria whale watching experience possible, adopt a whale! Through the BC Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program, you can not only “parent” an orca, but also learn about their fragile habitats, their place in the ecosystem and how researchers are protecting them. There are a few different adoption packages, but every one includes a killer whale “song” CD, a newsletter, a tote bag, an adoption certificate and a biography and photograph of your whale. Proceeds from the adoption directly assist orca research. Imagine how awesome it would be to go on a Victoria whale watching adventure and see your orca swim and frolic in the wild.

The more educated you are about killer whales, the more fulfilling your Victoria whale watching adventure will be. Be sure to ask your guide lots of questions, and do some research on whales before you go. Your guide is there to inspire you, teach you and ensure that killer whales will be around for future generations.

Before you leave for your Victoria BC whale watching trip, check out this interesting article on how to have the finest Victoria whale watching adventure possible.

While choosing the best backpack for travel, it’s important to consider the size of the back and what you need to carry. Many people start with large 50-80 litre bags which they fill with all kinds of things. However, packing light is much better for you.

We find that 30 to 40 litres is the best size for your travel pack. You can fit everything you need in a backpack like this, but you don’t carry excess things. This saves your back from a lot of stress and means you can easily wander the city.

It’s important to have a light backpack to start with. A heavy harness system or thick, heavy material doesn’t help when you’re travelling around the world. If you buy a pack with light, modern materials you’ll find it easier to pick up and move around the world. If you fly a lot, ensure the material is rip-proof and under warrantee.

Your backpack will need to be locked from time to time. Hiking-style packs are notoriously difficult with drawstrings and several compartments. It might be best to buy a super-light overbag which can be zipped and locked with one padlock. This is especially good for flights and long bus journeys.

The size and shape of your backpack is possibly the most important factor, however. There’s no amount of reading that can help you with this: you need to try the bag on, with some weight in it, and enlist the help of a friend or shop staff to fit it correctly. You might find the harness doesn’t sit right on your hips or around your breasts. You might find the length is too long or too short – creating pressure in the wrong places.

In the end, finding the best backpack for travel is very personal. There is no one brand or model that can be recommended, but there are endless choices that can be narrowed down by your travel style and body shape. Read travel blogs and travel podcasts and ask the people who have been travelling long-term for advice.

You can read about several great backpacks for travelling on the Indie Travel Podcast which has lots of indie travel guides to help you make the most of your trip.

This region is most commonly known as the Osa Pennsula. Nature lovers go crazy here because this is where you can find the largest portion of preserved land in national parks of Costa Rica. Some other things you will find in it are: the highest mountain in Costa Rica, Mount Chirripo; Pavones, one of the longest left surf breaks in world; and Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. You will find the Osa Peninsula extending from Playa Dominical, south to Panama.

What places can I visit in the Osa Peninsula?

Dominical

This is a laid back town where you will be able to experience walking barefoot or swinging in a hammock in this cool seaside village. This is one of the best places to see whales and dolphins. This is also a popular surf spot but if you want to do it be careful it’s not for beginners.

Drake Bay

This is a secluded spot of Costa Rica popular among nature lovers and eco-tourists. You can only access it by plane or by boat and sometimes by taxi. Don’t be surprised by how remote because this is what helps preserve the natural environment of a natural world.

Puerto Jimenez

This is also a secluded place of the Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jimenez is a beautiful place where you will find dirt roads, well developed tourist infrastructure, luxurious hotels and variety of restaurants.

Pavones

It is famous for its left point break among surfers. It is one of the longest surf breaks in the world and is the pride of Pavones and this side of the country. It has been recorded to last up to three minutes on a slow, south swell.

What are the most popular National Parks?

Ballena National Marine Park

This water park is named after the humpback whales that migrate here from August to October and December to April. It also welcomes the Olive Ridley turtle as they come ashore to nest along more than nine miles of coast.

Corcovado National Park

It was called by the National Geograhic one of the “most biologically intense places on our planet” and with good reason. It has over 4% of the world’s total plant and animal species. It home to 370 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, 40 species of freshwater fish, 117 species of reptiles & amphibians.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

Blue Whales are magnificent creatures. If you are looking for adventure, one of the best places to view them from a boat out of Southern California. Whale watching trips depart regularly from San Diego, Los Angeles, Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara.

Blue Whales are the biggest animals ever to live on the face of the earth ” much larger than the largest dinosaurs that roamed the earth 200 million years ago. These mega-whales have have been scientifically weighed at nearly 200 tons – an amazing ten tons more than a DC-10 commercial airliner. By comparison, the largest elephants only weigh about six tons – 30 times less than a Blue Whale! Scientists have measured Blue Whales at more than one hundred feet long where by comparison the largest dinosaur skeletons you will find in museums are no more than 90 feet long.

The Guinness book of world records claims that the heartbeat of a Blue Whale can be heard for 19 miles ” thats totally untrue; nobody can hear the heartbeat of a Blue Whale from 10 feet, let alone 19 miles.

Interestingly, one of the smallest seabirds on earth, Cassins Auklet, and the Blue Whale, the largest animal ever to have lived on earth, both subsist primarily on the same prey: krill. Blue Whales are baleen whales. Instead of teeth, they have a series of flexible plates called baleen that they use to strain up to four tons of these tiny shrimp like crustaceans from the ocean each day.

Blue Whales have been known to breed with Fin Whales, the second largest animals on earth. Several hybrid whales have been documented by scientists using DNA analysis.

Blue Whales are often found alone or with one other Blue Whale. We do not know for sure how long Blue Whale pairs might stay together because it is so difficult to track them as they cross entire oceans. Blue Whales can rarely be found in groups 45 whales if there is a lot of food (krill) in the area – however this is very rare because they do not usually form large pods like some other species of whales.

Blue Whales usually travel at 10 – 12 miles per hour, however, when they are alarmed they are capable to moving faster than 30 miles per hour!

Blue Whales are found all over the world. The waters off Southern California and Baja Mexico are home to perhaps 25% of the worlds population. Theyre most often seen in this area in spring and summer being a favored feeding ground.

Blue Whales can be found in every ocean on earth, but experts still don’t know where they breed or give birth. They are known to frequent feeding grounds in tropical, moderate and cold polar oceans, and it is suspected that they give birth in warmer climates.

Blue Whales once numbered in the hundreds of thousands until man developed the technology (like exploding harpoons) to exploit these magnificent creatures in the early twentieth century. For nearly 40 years they were hunted almost to extinction by whalers who destroyed 99 percent of all Blue Whales on earth. They became protected in 1966 when on the brink of extinction. Its estimated that there are only 5,000 to 10,000 Blue Whales left worldwide today.

Terry Hunefeld retired in 2007 from his CEO position to follow his bliss of sailing the ocean to observe seabirds and mammals. He and his wife Ann own the lovely Inn at Moonlight Beach on the Pacific Coast of San Diego. If you would like to stay at a Del Mar Bed and Breakfast or a Bed and Breakfast in Carlsbad, be sure to check out Inn at Moonlight Beach.

For many travelers San Jose City is nothing more than a stop over and move on to their next adventure in a new destination. But this pulsating cultural capital of Costa Rica and so much more than that. There are tons of interesting things to see and do here: museums, theaters, delicious international restaurants, and great shopping places will be waiting for you. My advice for travelers is to make this your home base for day trips to some of the countries most popular attractions that this area hosts.

Can’t Miss This

Museums and Gardens

City parks and plazas Theaters

Churches and Downtown Landmarks Volcanoes

Shop at the Central Market (Mercado Central)

Take a cultural tour of a coffee plantation

Hike up to the mouth of Poas and Irazu Volcanoes

A full day at a nature adventure park

A Bit of History

San Jose City (better known as San Jose) is actually the second capital of Costa Rica. The original capital was cartago until it was moved in 1835. Around the year 1737 this city was known as ‘Villa Nueva de la Boca del Monte del Valle de Abra’. A few years later the name was changed after the city’s patron who was Saint Joseph.

The historic events that impacted Costa Rica’s culture and San Jose’s the most were development of the coffee exports industry, the influence of the French revolution and the country’s declaration of independence from Spain. Before the independence the country was split into two: the Democrats, who wanted the country to remain a Spanish territory, and the Republicans, who wanted to centralize the power and make Costa Rica an independent country. In 1823 there was a which ended up being won by Republicans as a result the capital was moved to San Jose and Costa Rica became an independent country.

Did You Know?

San Jose is located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica and is surrounded by large forested mountain ranges and some active volcanoes. There are also green savannas, rivers perfect for rafting and working coffee plantations.

Other Nearby Cities

Alajuela

Escazu

Grecia

Santa Ana

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. Having first hand experience of all the places with her family, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

Travelling east from the coast at Henties Bay, one will encounter a mass of granite suddenly appearing from the plains, this is Namibias highest mountain, named Brandberg, or Burnt Mountain, it stands at some 2573 metres above sea level, and is known in the local Damara language as Daureb.

Situated some 450 kilometres from Namibias capital city, Windhoek, and a few kilometres from the small community of Uis, and having a major concentration of Bushman paintings the most famous of which is “The White Lady”, the Brandberg area offers much to people who really want to “get away from it all”, and a hike to the top of the Brandberg is a great addition to your Namibian safari itinerary.

Konigstein, which is the highest point, can be ascended and descended in 2 days, but that would be pushing the limits with experienced climbers. A more comfortable pace would be to allow 3 or more days there and back. With water being the necessity to life that it is, it is necessary for a heavy pack, that contains at least 7 litres.

The base of the Hungorob Gorge is the starting point and is at 700 metres above sea level. With millions of rocks forming the landscape, the little piles of rocks that mark this route are not what you would call blindingly obvious, but an experienced guide, will know the rocks. Initially following the winding Messum River, this easy section will not last for long.

The first day, you should aim to reach the stone circle plateau. I call it a plateau, but it is just the first bit of flat ground that is available after all the climbing. Close to this piece of flat ground is another very important feature, Springbuck Fountain. This fountain is so named due to the beautiful Bushmen paintings of Springbuck in the area. It is a strong fountain with plenty of good drinking water. When in the Brandberg, fill up all your bottles whenever there is water available.

After a stiff climb and following some contours the next morning, another fountain will present itself. This is known as Bushmens Fountain, and you should be here at around 12 noon, so it is a good spot for lunch with its large granite boulders providing some much sought after shade. After lunch is the most strenuous part of the trip, and almost every step will get you higher up the mountain. Just before the Branderg plateau is encountered, there is a smooth granite rock to negotiate, but the angle is shallow enough to make it a fairly easy climb.

Although named the plateau, it is more a collection of valleys and rolling hills. A waterfall is the next point to head for, although like many water courses in Namibia, water is not always present. Some magnificent Bushman paintings are to be found around here, and it is important that these are preserved and not damaged or interfered with in any way. The archaeology department of Namibia is working on these site, trying to learn more bout these ancient people. Take only photographs and leave only footprints. Once on top of the waterfall, following another dry river bed, the most beautiful of all Bushman paintings on the Brandberg is to be found. Snake rock is truly a work of art, and the ancient Bushmen really knew what they were doing when they painted this rock face. Near to here is a good spot for the nights camp, where there is a fantasic view down the Hungorob Gorge, and on a clear night, some 90 kilometers away, can be seen the light of Henties Bay on the Atlantic coast.

The next day is time for the final section to get to the summit. With all camping gear left in camp, you feel much lighter when tackling this tough section, carrying only a few snacks and some water. After following a few valleys, you will reach Konigstein, and when reaching the top, you will be presented with marvellous panoramic views and photographic opportunities from the highest point in Namibia. The opportunity is now available to “phone a friend” due to the availability of cell phone reception via the small nearby town of Uis. Spitzkoppe can be seen in the distance, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia, but that’s another story.

Sometimes, the descent can be more strenuous than the climb up. A very different set of muscles are in use than were during the climb up. Collecting the gear from last nights camp, the objective should be to reach the first nights camp at the stone circle. You should make this at around five in the afternoon, all being well.

You should be able to get to your original departure point at around ten the next morning, this gives ample time to reach your next destination during your Namibian safari, whether headed inland, to the coast, North or South. As long as common sense is used, good planning and sufficient supplies are taken, this should be a safe and enjoyable hike.

Before planning your Namibia safari head over to our website, where you can find details, guides and great advice and experience for all aspects of your holiday. We have the very best vehicles, and necessary expertise to make your safari something extra special.

Kyrgyzstan boasts a number of spectacular mountain lakes. It is possible to travel through spectacular mountain scenery and experience the traditional life of the Kyrgyz while staying in yurts. There are also opportunities for spectacular horse treks and hikes throughout.

Lake Issyk Kul, which means “hot lake” in the Kyrgyz language, is situated in the northern Tian Shan mountains in eastern Kyrgyzstan. It is the tenth largest lake in the world by volume and the second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. Although it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it never freezes; hence its name.

The lake’s southern shore is dominated by the ruggedly beautiful Teskey Ala-Too Range of the Tian Shan mountains. The Kyungey Ala-Too Range of the Tian Shan runs parallel to the north shore.

Lake Issyk Kul

A number of small towns surround the lake. These fell on hard times after the break-up of the USSR, but now hotel complexes are being refurbished and simple private bed-and-breakfast pensions (guest houses) are being established for a new generation of health and leisure visitors. For those who like a beach holiday, Lake Issyk Kul offers beaches surrounded with beautiful mountains.

Lake Issyk Kul is 182 kilometers long, and up to 60 kilometers, and covers an area of 6,236 square kilometers. This makes it the second largest mountain lake in the world behind Lake Titicaca in South America. Located at an altitude of 1,607 meters, it reaches 668 meters in depth. It is also the site of an ancient city from 2500 years ago, and archaeological excavations are still going on.

Over 100 rivers and streams flow into the lake; the largest are the Djyrgalan and Tyup. It is fed by springs, including many hot springs, and snow melt-off. The lake has no current outlet, but some scientists reckon that, deep underground, lake water filters into the Chu River.

Kyrgyzstan can offer adventure travel at its best. This is an unspoilt country where you can still enjoy simple pleasures in relative solitude. Make the most of it now. In the next few years, the tourism industry will develop, and there will be many more visitors to this beautiful country.

Biking Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

The landscape of Kyrgyzstan offers some excellent opportunities for cycling. A 13 day package tour taking in some of the best cycling is on offer, as well as shorter trips of between 2 and 4 days out of Naryn.

Hiking Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

Hiking holidays allow you to enjoy the mountains of Kyrgyzstan up close as you climb stunning passes, pass through pretty valleys and camp in the heart of some awe-inspiring landscapes.

Horse Treks in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz are renowned for their nomadic heritage and the horse plays a central role in the daily nomadic life that many still live out as they take their animals up to mountain pastures in the summer. What better way to explore this nomadic landscape than through a horse trek!

Siteseeing Tours in Kyrgyzstan

A tour around Kyrgyzstan gives the experience of a lifetime as you travel through diverse landscapes and interact with the local culture.

BMI – Bishkek route list

Best way to travel to Kyrgyzstan from UK or USA is on BMI

The Shofar Group is based in Naryn and offer great packages or bespoke tours for internal travel in Kyrgyzstan. This is the land of spectacular lakes and mountains. Their itineraries include staying in yurt camps, horse trekking, cultural tourism and visiting the specular lakes including Issyk-Kul.

Kyrgyzstan Travel for Lakes & Mountains

Sometimes referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Asia’ because of its mountainous landscape, Kyrgyzstan is perhaps the most liberal of all the Central Asian republics. In Kyrgyzstan, tourism is largely of the outdoor adventure variety and those planning hiking or horse-riding holidays in Kyrgyzstan will find a great choice of facilities.

The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek (population 670,000). The other big cities are Osh (250,000), Tokmak (73,000), Kara Balta (54,000), Jalal-Abad (71,000) and Karakol (63,000). You can travel to Bishkek on BMI UK direct from London or with connections through London from Canada and Europe, or Aeroflot via Moscow and Turkisk Airlines via Istanbul.

Check out the Rivers Travel – Kyrgyzstan website for more details of Kyrgyzstan Tour Packages, including the Kyrgyzstan Lakes, and day trips around Tash Rabat, Chatyr Kul, and Song Kul.

Kyrgyzstan can offer adventure travel at its best. This is an unspoilt country where you can still enjoy simple pleasures in relative solitude. Make the most of it now. In the next few years, the tourism industry will develop, and there will be many more visitors to this beautiful country.

Biking Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

Biking is a great way to take in the wonderful landscape of  Kyrgyzstan. The Shofar Group offers a 13 day package tour as well as shorter round trips of between 2 and 4 days out of Naryn.

Hiking Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

An opportunity to set up camp in the heart of spectacular scenery and take in the mountain scenery up close and personal.

Horse Treks in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz are renowned for their nomadic lifestyles and the horse still plays a pivotal role in everyday life. Many also take their horses up the mountain to the summertime pastures. So, here is an opportunity to share the heart of the culture.

Siteseeing Tours in Kyrgyzstan

Tours of 13 days and 10 days around Kyrgyzstan offers the experience of a lifetime. Join with local culture and see spectacular scenery.

BMI – Bishkek route list

The best way to travel to Kyrgyzstan from the UK or the USA is probably on BMI who are memebers of the Star Alliance.