The Galapagos Islands

The foundation for Darwin's famous theory of evolution. The Galapagos Islands in general are a great assortment of islands to explore that may just evolve into a pretty spectacular vacation. Just off the coast of Ecuador the Galapagos Islands are probably most well known for Darwin's study of evolution in the 1830's on what is today known as Darwin's finches, a species of 15 finches with distinct beak adaptations. Okay, enough about birds and onto why this archipelago of islands makes a nice trip.

Eighteen major islands make up the Galapagos chain. All of which are a chain of volcanic islands quite different from one another. First discovered in the early 1500's the Galapagos even today only have 25,000 inhabitants more than quadrupling it's population since the 70's. As of today the islands see a pretty impressive number of tourists with nearly 145,000 annual visitors. So well known for the giant tortuous that live on the islands that the islands themselves were even named after them. "Galapagos" meaning tortuous in Spanish is a animal that will continue on living long after you leave the island. The giant Galapagos tortuous can live in excess of 170 years. Another interesting fact about the islands are that it is inhabited by 13 other unique species of animals.

Baltra is one of the main islands in the chain and up until recently was the only island with an operating airport. Today there are two airports servicing the islands. One on Baltra and the other on San Cristóbal Island. Even with both airports on the islands today much of the travel between the islands are done through ferries. It wasn't until 1969 that the first tours began traveling to and from the mainland to the islands. Today there are about 85 yachts and cruising vessels operating from Ecuador to the chain of islands. As well as day boats that can also be arranged to take you there.

The next major island is Bartolomé, situated next to Sulivan's Bay, named after a close friend of Darwin's, a lieutenant on the HMS Beagle. What makes this island so unique is that on this island there inhabits the only known species of penguin living on the Equator. The Galapagos Penguin is an endangered species of penguin and lives on Bartolomé Island. It is, a strange sight to see a penguin living in near tropical conditions.

Finally, I'm sure everyone wants to know what kinds of things there are to do besides seeing some of the unique animals that live there. There are also many aquariums to visit here as well as beautiful secluded beaches great for snorkeling and taking a dip. Beaches such as Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay or Concha de Perla, a great place to snorkel. If you are looking for a real adventure you should look into taking scuba diving lessons in any one of the 85 locations on the chain of islands. Try places such as to Kicker Rock, a landmark and an exciting place to snorkel where you are sure to see some sharks. Make sure to bring an underwater camera to capture the moment. Explore each of the 18 major islands or charter a boat and explore some of the minor islands in the area and see what you can find.

North To Alaska

On to the greater north, home to the Iditarod, the northern lights and a vacation waiting for you. Alaska or also known as the last frontier, is a journey's end for the passionate travelers both domestically and internationally. Cruises from all over the world come to port in Alaska each year and for good reason. Alaska offers some of the most untamed landscape in North America and throughout parts of the world.  

Starting from the most well know tourist attractions in Alaska, to the lesser known excursions, that await you is Katmai National Park at number one. Boasting the highest bear population in the world, Katmai Park sees tens of thousands of visitors each year. Among the top reasons tourist choose Alaska when vacationing is to catch a glimpse of the great grizzly bear. Bears are very wary of people and you can often time travel throughout the state and not spot a single bear on your trip. With Katmai's unusually high concentration of bears it’s a pretty good chance you can snap their picture here in Katmai National Park.

One of these most well known and visited places in Alaska is Denali National Park, famous for many memorable sights but the of the most significant of those are Mt. McKinley. Rising to a height greater than 20,000 ft (6096 meters) it's a sight to be remembered and the tallest mountain in North America. You can explore Denali on your own or charter a bus where you will be likely to see many different types of wildlife including grizzly bears, caribou and many others along the way. Always make sure to have your camera ready to go! 

This next place is a little cold but still seems to attract nearly 300,000 visitors each year. Glacier Bay, Alaska sees a lot of visitors by cruise lines such as Yankee Trails and Carnival Cruise to name a few. You can also charter a day boat from Gustavus where you can also find lodging and park facilities available. Here you can view large tide water glaciers and an assortment of different wildlife species from the comfort of a charter boat. The charter will take you in through the little coves and inlets that surrounds these massive glaciers. 

A not necessarily overwhelming amount of people come to visit this next place but should be duly noted. The Museum of the North features historical artifacts of Alaskan history, culture, and art. The museum is located on the Fairbanks State University grounds and has a interesting display on the mammoth and mastodons. Including a large display of gold nuggets found in Alaska during the gold Rush of the late 1800's. It's definitely worth taking the time to stop in and see the displays at the Museum of the North.

Finally, many people worry when visiting Alaska about the road conditions and prices. In the past traveling around on your own using a rental car was pretty rough. Especially for those of us who enjoy going off the beaten path and in a way this is still true today. Today Alaska has nearly half of all it's roads and highways paved but it still stands true that many back country roads are still dirt. It's not uncommon to find yourself turning around a few times either from a fallen tree or a large bolder blocking the road. The back country roads are still left to be taken care of by the small town which they lie within and most of those towns leave it to the property owners that live on those roads to maintain them. So even though roads have improved over the years a great majority still remain the same. Lastly are the prices in Alaska. Things in Alaska do cost more but it all depends on where and what you are buying and where you are from. While slightly higher in some parts of Alaska than in others it isn't anything to fret about. Think of it as if you were visiting a large city and this will give you a good idea what to expect. Here's an average Alaskan price list but it will vary depending on where you stay. An example is that the north of Alaska tends to be on the higher side of the scale.

Price per gallon of gas- $3.83 (and currently rising) 

Avg. Range Milk (regular), (1 liter) 1.06 $ 1.00 1.19 Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 2.76 $ 2.40 3.00 Rice (white), (1kg) 4.10 $ 3.95 4.25 Eggs (12) 3.38 $ 3.00 3.90 Local Cheese (1kg) 10.34 $ 7.99 12.00 Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) 8.82 $ 7.69 10.78 Apples (1kg) 6.14 $ 5.51 7.17 Oranges (1kg) 6.37 $ 6.37 6.37 Tomato (1kg) 6.04 $ 5.49 6.59 Potato (1kg) 2.43 $ 2.20 2.84 Lettuce (1 head) 2.32 $ 1.89 2.55 Last update: April, 2014 April, 2014

(http://www.numbeo.com)

I hope this little bit of information helps you on planing your trip to Alaska. There are several ways to go about planning a trip to Alaska whether it's by car, train or a cruise. Make sure to keep all options open and pick the best one after reviewing them all. A cruise is however my suggestion to you, a little bit more expensive but a lot less hassle. 

Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Poland

(An awesome postcard!!)

From Warsaw to Wroclaw and everywhere in between lies a city unique in its own entirety. This rather small city in comparison to the capital of Warsaw comes complete with dynamic views of rolling hills, unparalleled to that of a Warsaw city skyline. Jastrzębie-Zdrój is the city and Jastrzębie-Zdrój is our next travel destination!

(Spa Park) 

While it's not a large city you might find

yourself on an elevator one day heading

to your hotel room and may find this helpful

hit useful. Here is a quick simple fact to

keep in mind while traveling through

Poland. In Poland the elevators start at

zero instead of one as they do in the 

U.S. So in order to go to the second floor

you must push number one. The first floor is 

"ground zero" and the second floor is the 

first floor. A simple but kind of funny fact 

that might have you going up and down 

in an elevator a few times until you realize 

what you are doing wrong. I know for a 

fact I would be that person taking a few 

trips on the elevator before I realized how 

to get to my hotel room. These little differences 

are what make traveling so fun and exciting.

A city called home to its approximate 100,000 residents is not a Polish city to overlook on your next travel adventure to Poland. This city offers many recreational facilities but not so many that the natural beauty which surrounds the city is clouded by amusements and city noises. The city is spectacularly clean and well taken care of. While you are here make sure to visit this wonderful park you see just to the left. Spa Park is located not far from the city center and will make an excellent place to take a stroll on a nice sunny day! Situated close to the Beskids Mountains there is more than enough places to let your adventurous side run wild.

Another great advantage to Jastrzębie-Zdrój is it's location to other cities of interest as well. Cities such as bielsko-biała are nearby and offer lodging and other amenities during your stay in Jastrzębie-Zdrój just a short drive away.

   

Here you can watch a video that is 

only a mere glimpse of what you will 

see on your visit to Jastrzębie-Zdrój, 

Poland. This video will take you 

through the outer most parts of the

city to the inner most parts from a 

birds eye view. Take a look and

enjoy what is Jastrzębie-Zdrój,

Poland! What are you waiting for?

Go buy your plane tickets now or 

if you're my friend from Poland just 

look out your door and know that 

you live in a pretty amazing place!!

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Earlier this month an article was released about Thailand and focused primarily on Bangkok, one of the largest cities in South East Asia and a great vacation destination. However Thailand offers more than just large cities crowded with people and noise. It also offers quaint little cities and towns just to the west of Bangkok such as Kanchanaburi, the capital of Kanchanaburi providence. Here’s a short article on what makes Kanchanaburi a vacation destination!

Kanchanaburi is home to approximately 30,000 people and is probably not well known by most. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. Kanchanaburi has some of the most beautiful bridges and rivers in all of Thailand. Surrounded by thick dense forests and where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers join sits Kanchanaburi. About 130 km from Bangkok Kanchanaburi is a short train ride from the capital. The train that takes you to this wonderful little city in the jungles of Thailand is an interesting ride in itself. The city  may not be that well known but the river that encompasses the city was made famous through the movie “The Bridge over Kwai”. A mostly fictional movie based on a non-fiction event during World War II. The building of the bridge over Kawi cost the lives of many men during the Japanese occupation of World War II. While the movie was fictional, the overwhelmingly tough times depicted were accurate and even lacked severity. Kanchanaburi has several museums and monuments in honor to all the allied soldiers who lost their live during the construction of this bridge.

Besides having a rich historical experience Kanchanaburi is also rich with breathtaking landscapes. From seeing the bridge over Kawi with your own eyes to the many waterfalls and rivers throughout the region. It’s a no wonder it makes a great vacation spot for anyone looking to experience Thailand first hand. Take a ride on the back of an elephant through the jungle or take a relaxing ride on a boat under The Kwai bridge. Like any travel destination the possibles are only limited to your curiosity and creativity.
  

 

Easter Island

Easter’s almost here! Decorating eggs, finding the hidden ones and most importantly spending time with loved ones makes Easter a favorite holiday of mine. Being Easter’s just round the bend this article will be on a special Polynesian island off the coast of South America called Easter Island.

Famous for its 887 Moai statues this island has a rich culture that has dazzled archaeologists for years. The most intriguing mystery behind Easter Island and what had up until recently archaeologists and scientists alike scratching their head is how these great Moai statues were moved into place. Some weighing nearly five tons each and before the time of machinery such as cranes how did the Rapa Nui people moved these massive statues into place? Some were moved several miles from where they were made. Just recently a documentary on Easter Island’s mysterious walking Moai was released telling of how these statues had seemingly walked into place. As you may have guessed these statues didn't just walk into place all by themselves as once believed by the island people. They did however walk there with a lot of creativity and a little help. Using three ropes tied to the head of each statue in a sort of triangle shape with one rope directly at the rear of the statue and one on either side, the Rapa Nui people worked in unison to move these massive statues. The base of each Moai was cut at a precise angle that was crucial in moving these statues from place to place. The angle allowed the statues to be rocked from side to side by pulling the ropes in a sequence allowing it to slowly waddle forward and onto its destination. The Moai could only stand if a wedge was placed under the statue in order to flatten the bottom, therefore allowing it to stand on its own. If the Moai fell over during transport if was unable to be stood back up again. The Rapa Nui people had to be very careful not to let the Moai fall over. They had no way of tipping it upright again once tipped over from its overwhelming mass. Another amazing feature that had scientist in awe was how only the fallen statues had a v-shaped cut where its eyes would normally be. Only the standing Moai had finished eyes. Later historians found this to be a key feature in keeping the ropes in the exact needed position to move the statues. It would only then be reshaped into the eyes once placed into finally standing position. Evidence proves this theory to be true. Several statues can be seen left abandoned on the way to the 887 statues that still stand today.

You have to give the Rapa Nui people credit for their creativity. At a time where technology was minimal, creativity was prominent. The mystery of the Moai had lasted hundreds of years and now that the secrets are known it only adds to the beauty that is Easter Island. Happy Easter everyone! I hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you have a nice holiday.

Hidden Treasure

Bringing more money home than you brought with you on vacation isn’t very common but you may have a better chance if you choose to vacation in these places. If going to a casino in Las Vegas isn’t your idea of a vacation you still have a few options for a vacation that will have you bringing more money home than when you left. Tales of people still finding gold in the hills and rivers of California hit the news now and again. Maybe looking for treasure on your next vacation won’t make you millions but you never know unless you try and looking is half the fun.

From buried treasure to panning for gold, the rush of actually finding something is all the fun in itself. California Gold Company takes avid 49ers into the mountains to Woods Creek which is surprisingly still rich with gold. Woods Creek still brings in a considerable find each year and the pioneers who take on this adventure are able to keep what they find up to one half ounce of gold. This is a pretty hefty sum of money with gold currently nearing 2000 dollars an ounce not long ago. The chances of finding enough gold to retire here isn't great but the chance of having fun and still bringing home gold to show off to your friends and family is almost certain. Making Woods Creek, California a must for people looking to do a little treasure hunting on their next vacation. Make sure to go see the redwoods forest not far from Woods Creek, a beautiful sight to see.

Speaking of gold and gems there is a myth about a lost treasure on a promising little vacation island called Nova Scotia. Situated just off the coast of northern Maine is a small Canadian island home to many fishermen and an old wife's tale of hidden treasure nearly 300 years ago. The legend says that buried deep within the islands caves lays a hidden fortune, enough for a hundred men. Of course over the years the tale has changed and has become more of a myth than anything. The area where the supposed treasure is hidden is called Treasure Pit. Well even if you don’t find the hidden treasure on your vacation it won’t be all for nothing. Nova Scotia is a tremendous place to visit with beautiful little fishing harbors and towns. Look around, talk to the local people and they will be happy to point you in the right direction in your next treasure hunt.

Not only is gold, diamonds and gems a profitable find which is almost always the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “treasure hunting”. Often time’s people over look and forget about other valuable prospects such as Metroid’s and dinosaur fossils which are just as valuable. Not only are these things valuable but they also have a unique flare to them. Something about holding a fossil 145 million years old or a Metroid that has traveled from outer parts of our solar system and lands right here for you to find is pretty neat regardless of how valuable it may be. Places such as Glorietta, New Mexico are a great place to look for Metroid’s. Dry lake beds and sandy deserts are a great place to search with the help of a metal detector. Most Metroid’s will contain iron and nickel so will easily register on a metal detector. If fossils are your hunt of the day then try places such as Devil Hills, South Dakota. Here people have uncovered in the past bones dating back to the Jurassic period using simple hand tools. This is a great place to visit because not far from your treasure hunting area is Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills. A place that is best seen in person than in a photograph with is overwhelming size. Even if you are not an adventures treasure hunter but you are an ambitious traveler, remember on your next vacation to do some digging and you maybe surprised what you will find.

Going Wild

The scenery of waterfalls, rainforest and snowcapped mountains are a wonderful sight but if you look a little deeper you may open up a whole new world, one that was once before not seen. Throughout your travels both domestically and to other countries you will not only have the chance to meet great people, experience new cultures and see landscapes that you had once before only seen in a picture, but also all the magnificent animals that live there.

Whether it's the rainforests of Peru or Glacier Bay Alaska each place is teaming with wonderfully diverse and beautiful wildlife. Some of these creatures may look as if they were bought here from another world or they can be as normal as the animals seen from back home. One thing is for certain, you never know what type of wildlife you may run into during your adventure. Here you will find a short list of weird, amazing animals from all different parts of the world and reasons why these little creatures are worth taking the time to find. You never know what types of animals you will spot on your next adventure so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.

Starting with my favorite little reptile whose home is in the northern parts of Australia, it is the Frilled Neck Lizard. A lizard not much larger than your shoe but with the confidence of a lion this little lizard starts off our list of unusual animals. These small creatures are best known for their large flat of skin that encompasses their neck. When threaten this lizard puts on a display like no other. Displaying its large and colorful hood, bright yellow mouth open wide and standing on its hind legs it then charges its attacker. As ferocious as these little animals may seem it's all in the cards, it's merely a bluff. If the predator is unshaken by this display it simply flees running with its hood open and still standing up on its hind legs to the nearest tree. These little animals stick mainly to the trees and only come down to feed on ants and other insects but are certainly worth taking the time to look for.

This next animal you may need to look long and hard for but this little guy is certainly cuter than the first animal on our list. The Pygmy Marmoset is among the world’s smallest primates and is native to the rainforests of northern South America and parts of Brazil. It's a great climber with little claws specially adapted to suit its main diet. It feeds primarily on sap from trees. It's very small, only about 15 cm in length excluding its tail and weighs a mere 5 ounces. Due to its small size and the amount of time it spends in trees, it may be another hard animal to spot. 

This next cute animal you see here is called the Red Panda, Panda meaning bamboo eaters. You can find these cute little Pandas in the Himalayas of Nepal. With appearances similar to a red fox they are only a little larger than a house cat. These small animals live at high elevations as their home is the Himalayas and can be found at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 feet. Unfortunately, this cute little Panda has seen a large part of its habit destroyed and a 40% drop in its population was reported over the last 50 years. They’re worth looking for if you ever have the chance to explore Nepal and parts of northern China.

The last little creature for today is the Platypus, an animal that looks half duck and half beaver with an unusual story. This animal can be found in parts of Australia and on the island of Tasmania. What makes this little animal so unusual is it's among the only egg lying mammal in the world. Instead of giving birth to live offspring like most mammals, the Platypus lays eggs. Male Platypuses are also venomous. On the rear of their feet they carry a sharp spur that can deliver toxic venom to its attacker. Another interesting fact about this creature is how long it’s been around. It's thought to be as old as 100 million years back from the time of dinosaurs, a cool looking animal with a long history.

So whether you are off to the desert or to the Arctic make sure to remember to take a good look around you and discover a few unique animals that you may have never known about. These are just a few animals from only a few places around the world. Take the time to do a quick search on the internet before you leave to your adventure. Bring some pictures of native animals and discover something new for yourself.

Beautifully Dangerous Places!!!

There has to be a million or more places in the world worth visiting but sadly some of the most unique hardly see any visitors. There can be several reasons why these beautifully unique yet forget places don’t see many tourists. Some places are so far away from civilization that only the most daring take the adventure while some of these places yet beautiful can be very hazardous. The causes can range from natural disasters to political turmoil and terrorism as some of the most common reasons. Here you will find three places from around the world that have seen a small demand in tourism for various reasons.

Zimbabwe starts the count down at number three. Zimbabwe a country in Africa is home to the popular tourist attraction Victory Falls. An absolutely amazing sight that tourists travel far and wide to see. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe with all its natural wonders sees a lot of economic and political turmoil. Political parties fighting for power cause a dangerous environment for tourist who may find themselves in the middle of a political upheaval in the matter of hours. Things can change fast here and you don’t want to be left in no-man’s-land not knowing what to do. Zimbabwe also sees a hard economic struggle for its people causing a harbor for crime. Theft is very high  here and tourist’s scams are very common.

Number two on beautifully dangerous places is rich with architecture from the Mayan and Aztec empires. Mountains and rainforests so vast with animal life and  teamed with beautiful warm sandy beaches to the east makes Guatemala a beautiful place to visit. The unfortunate side to this beautiful country is its alarming murder rate. Ranking four of its cities in the top ten highest murder rates in all of South America. The most shocking part is that 97% of all murders go unsolved. Fewer civilians were killed in Iraq in 2004 than in common tourist areas of Guatemala.   A staggering 165 rate of 100,000 are murders alone.     

Number one on the list is a country with an untamed coastline and beautiful mountains in the north. This country has an assortment of beautiful animal life and a intense culture experience. The first thing you will see coming into land in Mogadishu international airport is a burn out cargo plane still lying at the end of the runway, shot down more than four years ago. Somalia is the country and it is ranked number one is the most dangerous place in the world. This country with a surprisingly beautiful coastline hasn’t seen a documented tourist in almost 14 years.  Civil wars happen almost as often as the rising of the sun so it a no wonder this country never sees a visitor. It has the longest coast line of any country in Africa and with stunning beaches it makes you wonder why this country sees continuous unrest and war throughout its borders. Failed government after government leaves this county ruled through anarchy. A country that still uses medieval stoning’s and beheadings it’s not a welcoming place for a tourist.

Maybe all of these places put together are no Bora Bora but they have a unique beauty in their own way. Even places so unstable or a place as hostile and cruel as Somalia still has a unique wonder to all of its madness. These may never be a place anyone one of us will ever want to visit but these places and many more throughout the world are surely worth learning more about.  

To the Land of Smiles: Thailand Vacation

(6000-8000 Baht one bedroom apartment)

For many of us at this time of the year we would love the opportunity to get away from this cold weather and see some warm sandy beaches for a change. I know I would a resident from upstate New York. Have you ever considered a trip to Thailand? Many of us probably have not have but Thailand offers unique opportunities for everyone. With no need for a visa during stays shorter than 30 days Thailand is accessible to anyone with a valid passport. At first glance it may seem a little pricey for individuals living here in the U.S and from parts of Europe to fly to Thailand on vacation. However for those of us looking for a long home away from home, it may be the answer. Unlike Florida or the Caribbeans Thailand is a very affordable place to stay. A full course meal out in the center of Bangkok can run you a mere dollar but it's the cost of accommodations that is astonishing! Accommodations make all the difference when staying in a new place longer. Hotels can run anywhere between 15 dollars a night (500 Baht) to 250 dollars a night (8000 Baht) but I would suggest an apartment over a hotel. Many apartments allow short term stays without a lease contract so just look around and you can find ones that are monthly and sometimes even daily with discounted options for a longer stay. Remember though, if you don't have a visa to not rent longer than 30 days. A large one bedroom apartment with all the modern amenities costs upwards of 170 dollars a month based on the location and size of the apartment. My Recommendation would be to get an apartment in Northern Bangkok (if that's where you are staying) as prices are much more reasonable compared to apartments in the city center without losing any comforts.

(Wat Benchamabophitr Temple)

Now that the accommodations have been covered what about the attractions? I'm sure most everyone reading this knows Thailand for it's exciting nightlife and clubs but Thailand offers another side of things for those of us who are not "party animals". With beautiful sandy beaches and a rich history and culture there is plenty more to Thailand during the day as well as at night. Large Buddha temples and parks surround the capital and are fun for history lovers and kids to have a day to enjoy exploring. From the Golden Buddha to the Wat Benchamabophitr a temple with a name that sticks in your head if only you could pronounce it,  to the floating market, Thailand is sure to shock you or amaze you but either way it will be a trip you will always remember. Check it out, book a trip and go someplace warm for the winter.

     

The Great Northeast: Acadia National Park

Views from Cadillac Mountain

There are so many wonderful and beautiful places in the world and many of those places are right here at home. First starting with a lovely place here in the U.S seen most commonly by Northeaster’s is Acadia National Park located in Maine. Here in Acadia National Park there is an abundant of fun activities to do and see during your stay. One of the main attractions is Cadillac Mountain. With breathe taking views up the Eastern coast and of the Atlantic a trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain is worth taking. No need to worry about hiking strenuously during your trek to the top just fasten your seat belt and drive up the long winding road to the top. At the top you will find an information booth about attractions that are within the park but more importantly about Cadillac Mountain itself and about its many visitors over the years.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Don’t forget while there are many beautiful places here in Acadia for nature lovers and the outdoor adventurist there are still many quaint little villages to visit during your stay that are bustling with activities. A beautiful little village worth stopping for is Bar Harbor. It's a small harbor town situated on Mount Dessert Island and a great place to stay while visiting Acadia Park. While you're visiting these small villages nestled by the sea make sure to stop into the little boutiques and pick up a few souvenirs for love ones back home. Acadia is famous for the mouthwatering good saltwater candy and the fresh sea food caught right there in the bay. So grab a bite to eat before you go and enjoy the sites of this little Island village in Maine. While lodging in Acadia can be limited the comforts of small village Inns are nothing to shake a stick at. With complimentary breakfast included at most village Inns and within only feet from the beautiful Maine beaches a small town like Bar Harbor is worth looking into.