Tag Archives: Adventure

The Top 10 Cruise Travel Myths and Stereotypes Explained

If you have never actually been on a cruise before, more than likely you have heard a variety of different stories about cruising. Unfortunately, many of the things you may have heard are actually myths and have no truth at all. Before you go on your first cruise, it is important that you know what myth is, and what fact is. The following are ten of the most common cruise travel myths that you will encounter.

Myth #1 – Waiting Until the Last Minute Gets the Best Price

Many people have heard the myth that waiting to book a cruise at the last minute will result in the very best price. This is actually quite far from the truth, since it is actually those who book first who will get the best deals on their cruise.

Myth #2 – Center Cabins are the Best

While in some cases the center cabins are the best ones, this is not always true. There are some ships that have engines in the middle of the ship, which can be a bit noisy and may cause vibrations, which can be bothersome.

Myth #3 – All Ships Meet the Same Safety Requirements

Not every ship meets the same safety requirements, though many people think they do. Every ship is different, and if you are concerned about safety procedures and requirements, you should speak to your travel agent or a representative of the cruise line.

Myth #4 – Cruising is for Inactive Retirees

Another myth that many people have heard and believe is that going on a cruise is only for retirees who are very inactive. This is a very wrong misconception, since many people who go on cruises are quite young, and there are a variety of great activities to participate on when you are on a cruise.

Myth #5 – Travel Agents Can Help You Upgrade

There are those who think that it is the travel agent who can give you an upgrade on your cruise package, but this is actually not true. As a general rule it is the cruise line themselves who offer the upgrade, and many times you will have this option offered to you when you are making your initial purchase.

Myth #6 – Cruises Are All-Inclusive

Some people have been led to believe that when you pay for a cruise, it is all inclusive and you will have nothing else to pay for. Sadly, this is not true. While your cabins and most of your food will be included in the price you pay, snacks, drinks, and other items will not be included and you will have to pay for them as you want them.

Myth #7 – Cruises Only Go to Beach Destinations

There are many who have the idea that cruises only go to beach destinations, and while many cruises do go to beach destinations, they are not the only destinations to choose from. There are many other great destinations to choose from including Alaska, Greece, and Italy, which are not focused around beaches.

Myth #8 – Cruises are Dangerous

Too many people still have visions of the Titanic in their head when they are thinking about cruises, and there are many who actually think that cruises are very dangerous. Cruises are actually quite safe now days and you can enjoy yourself on board a cruise ship without constantly worrying about going under.

Myth #9 – Assigned Seating at Dinner

Some people find themselves concerned about the dinner seating, since they believe that it is always assigned. Assigned seating makes some people feel uncomfortable, but while a few cruises still have assigned seating, most cruises have now gone to open seating, which allows you to sit where you want.

Myth #10 – Seasickness is Inevitable

There are some who may not be going on a cruise because they truly believe that they will definitely get seasick. Although seasickness can occur, most people do not have a problem with it due to the stability of the newer cruise ships.

Make sure that you are not fooled by the various myths that go around about cruise ships. Keep these myths in mind so you really know what to expect when you go on a cruise. Be sure that you get the facts straight so you can be well informed and enjoy your cruise.

 

Why Choose Costa Rica or Mexico for Your Next Adventure Holiday?

If your idea of holiday heaven involves trekking through the wilderness, marvelling at stunning scenery and spotting exotic wildlife, you may want to consider Costa Rica and Mexico as destinations for your next break.

The Americas are the best place to head for if you enjoy adventure holidays, with Peru, Canada and the USA all popular destinations with people who prefer camping in the middle of nowhere to nights in luxurious city centre hotels. But when planning your break it is well worth looking at what is on offer in other countries.

For example, Costa Rica has the perfect terrain for adventurous breaks, with dense rainforests, volcanoes and a beautiful coastline to explore. The government is committed to conservation and there are more than 40 national parks in the country, helping to preserve the forest and coastal habitats of all sorts of exotic flora and fauna.

A good starting point for Costa Rica adventures is Arenal Volcano National Park, where you will find one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

You could be forgiven for fearing that holidaying in the shadow of an active volcano would be dangerous, but in reality it is perfectly safe – and very spectacular. There are small eruptions every 40 minutes or so, during which lava is propelled skywards – a sight that is best enjoyed after dark from the comfort of your campsite.

The park is also home to a lake and fast-flowing rivers, creating plenty of opportunities to try white-water rafting, kayaking and waterfall climbing. Much of the area is covered by dense cloud and rainforest, which you can enjoy by trekking through it or taking a zip-line tour above the canopy.

Manuel Antonio National Park is another place you will not want to miss during your holiday in Costa Rica. It is located on the Central American country’s Pacific coast and you will find rainforest adjacent to beautiful beaches, sea caves and towering cliffs.

If you can resist the temptation to spend your time here relaxing on the beach, you can go trekking or surfing. But what really sets Manuel Antonio apart from the country’s other parks is the variety of wildlife you are likely to see.

It is easy to spot turtles and tropical fish at low tide, while exotic birds such as toucans, parakeets, vultures and motmots live in the trees. There are also three different species of monkey, along with sloths, iguanas and basilisks in the park.

Adventure holidays in Mexico are also likely to prove a satisfying choice, as the vast country has almost every type of landscape imaginable. There are a host of places to go trekking and historic landmarks in remote locations all over the country, together with some beautiful settings for water sports, both on the coast and on some fearsome rivers.

Whether you are planning an epic coast-to-coast trek across Mexico or a shorter break, one of the best ways to spend your holiday is discovering some of the country’s fascinating Mayan archaeological sites.

The ruins of Chichen Itza, the largest pre-Columbian site in Mexico, are a must-visit attraction. It was once a key city in the Mayan civilisation and although it was abandoned hundreds of years ago, you can tell from the remains of buildings such as the vast step pyramid, El Castillo, how impressive it must once have looked.

It is also well worth trekking to the mountain-top archaeological site at Monte Alban and to the lost city of Palenque, which was absorbed into the jungle after being abandoned following the arrival of Spanish settlers in the area. A lot of work has been undertaken to uncover some of the ancient buildings and you can now clearly see the palace that was once home to the city’s rulers.

Yaxchilan is also a fascinating place to visit and not just because of the ruins there. The journey itself is an adventure, as the site is only accessible by a boat ride down the Usumacinta River.

It is not the only reason you will have to take to the water during your adventure holiday in Mexico, as you will not want to miss a boat tour of the giant waterfalls in the beautiful Sumidero Canyon.

And there are stunning beaches on both coastlines, so you can enjoy a spot of surfing at Cancun or Puerto Escondido.

Top 7 Tips for an Adventurous Malaysia Trip

Malaysia is a paradise for many tourists. It is a place which offers endless adventure and opportunities to its visitors. That is why many do not hesitate to buy that air ticket to Malaysia and enjoy. Air fares to the country are usually discounted, as implemented by major airline companies.

But what exactly are the things to do in Malaysia aside from the usual sightseeing and shopping? Below are some suggestions to make a vacation definitely unforgettable:

1. Hike to the summit of Mount Kinabalu. An icon of Malaysia, this mountain is an interesting destination to those who wish to have a unique kind of vacation. In climbing up to the peak, tourists may encounter different species of flora and fauna that are often rare. At the summit, a breathtaking view of Kota Kinabalu could be obtained. If lucky, tourists may even see the Philippines.

2. Marvel on the underwater sceneries at the Perhentian Islands. Malaysia boasts of a magnificent underwater ecology and it is often a regret of many tourists if they do not give it a chance. One needs not to be a professional diver for this, snorkeling is possible.

3. Discover the indigenous culture of Borneo. The kind of evolution Malaysia goes through is fast. That is why it is ideal if tourists will find time to pay homage to the tribes of Borneo by visiting them.

4. Visit the batty caves of Sarawak. Bats and caves could be creepy but it could actually be one of the best spectacles to see when in Sarawak.

5. Go surfing with the waves of Cherating and Tioman Island. Surfing is often the type of activity which its enthusiasts will travel the world for; and Malaysia is often a stop. Waves may measure up to five to six feet high, making it a perfect spot for amateurs and professionals.

6. Explore the jungle of Endau-Rompin National Park. Buy that air tickets to Malaysia for a chance to get close to Mother Nature. In the Endau-Rompin National Park, tourists may discover the kind of nature reserve Malaysia gives home to.

7. Raft through Sungai Padas, Sabah. Rafting is an adrenaline-pumping activity which tourists love doing; and in Malaysia, the Sungai Padas in Sabah is the most ideal destination.

There is so much to do in Malaysia to make one trip truly adventurous. So tourists need not to hesitate in coming. Air tickets to Malaysia are easily available anyway because many airline companies offer discounted air fares.