Latest Travel Articles

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

We all “feel” better getting away on vacation. Did you know it really is not just your imagination? Science and statistics show it is true.  Vacations can reduce risk of heart disease, depression and even slow down the aging process. How about this statistic… Two vacations can cut your risk of heart attack by 50%.

Vacations help reduce stress, which will always help your health. 

Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

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Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Chile is incredibly diverse...from the cool southern tip, to the dry northern regions, this country is stunning. From Colonial towns and lush thriving vineyards to the deep, formidable fjords. Chile is waiting to be discovered. Here are just a few of the areas you might visit while on a tour of Chile.

Santiago:  Santiago de Chile is a modern, sophisticated city with impressive infrastructure, world-class dining and shopping within easy proximity to neighboring regions well known for wine and impressive scenery. Take the funicular to see the Statue of the Virgin atop Cerro San Cristobal. It is a great photo opportunity, as it provides a great view of the city. Other sights include the Museum of Natural History, Santa Lucia Hill and a cathedral which has a painting of the Last Supper.

Valparaiso:  This is Chile's oldest and largest port city. It offers both a rich cultural and architectural legacy, with an intricately woven tapestry of streets and alleyways. Valparaiso is one of Latin America's most interesting urban areas. Visit Victoria Square, the Naval Maritime Museum and the Church of La Matriz.  Ride on the cable cars, also known as ascensores.

Torres del Paine National Park:  Found in remote Patagonia to the south, these soaring granite peaks are surrounded by glaciers, wilderness and lakes.  You will see amazing scenery and lots of wildlife, including everything from pink flamingos, to herds of sheep and guanacos.

Easter Island:  These mysterious and exotic Pacific islands are home to friendly indigenous Polynesians and the famous ancient stone faces. Some of the ancient sites you can see are Ahu Tahai, Orongo, Ahu Vaihu and Rano Kau.

Puerto Montt:  The scenery in this area is amazing.  You would not expect to see Alpine houses in Chile, but in fact this area was settled by Germany's in the 1800's, so you see the influence still today.  Puerto Montt is excellent for trout fishing and skiing in the winter.

Punta Arenas:  This is know as the gateway to Antarctica, and is the southernmost city in the world.  It is a small area that can be toured in about an hour. See the monument to Hernando de Magallanes in the main square, the bell tower and cathedral.

October through March are the best months for South America tours and travel to Chile. Like in many European cities, dinner is normally eaten after 8 p.m.  so make sure you eat a late lunch or have a snack.  If you are interested in shopping, the most popular items are blankets, wool rugs, pottery, Easter Island statues, hand made jewelry and local wines

S Brage http://www.atlastravelweb.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Brage http://EzineArticles.com/?Places-to-Visit-in-Chile&id=2736596

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

How far would you go to get the ultimate rush, and how much are you willing to pay? In the past few years, the extreme adventure travel market is growing.

Experiencing nature's most demanding landscapes can reveal exactly who you are, testing your physical, psychological and maybe even spiritual selves. Extreme adventures cover a breadth of activities ranging from mildly demanding to profoundly challenging. These adventures can take you from the world's highest peaks to its most remote terrains, from the polar ice caps to the sun-bleached deserts of Africa and all points in between.

Brave the planet's harshest environments, come face to face with its most exotic wildlife and blaze paths where humans rarely venture. Return from your journey a different person from when you embarked into the power of nature and your ability to overcome it.

In man versus machine, you can experience the rush of speed from the driver's seat of a Formula One racer to the cockpit of a supersonic fighter jet. Go to the edge of the earth visiting the North or South poles. Reach the South Pole on skis or find the polar bear in its Arctic habitat on rugged polar adventures. Land within 50 feet of the emperor penguin nesting areas in Antarctica to see as many as 3,000 Emperor Penguin chicks. Take an extreme safari. See Africa's wildlife by canoe, on foot, on camelback or even from a helicopter. Reach Mount Everest Base Camp or the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, two of the world's most challenging mountain treks. Dive into the waters off Belize for up-close encounters with its extraordinary sea life, including the elusive whale shark. Explore the rainforests via ATV, riverboat or by foot. Track the elusive puma and jaguars. Experience life in the unforgiving desert following the path of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan or exploring Egypt's White Desert.

Luxury tour operator, Abercrombie and Kent is banking not only that people will want to go to the extremes, but that they are willing to pay big bucks for the right experience. Prices start at around $5,000 up to $14,000 per person, double occupancy depending on the length of the trip and the destination.

Whatever extreme adventure you choose, just make sure you book with a reputable and knowledgeable tour operator, so that you are ensured the best experience for your money.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Here are a few guidelines that you will be asked to follow. More detailed instructions (IAATO [International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators] Recommendation XVIII-1 Visitors Guideline) will is normally provided by the tour operator or cruise line that you book with.