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Posts Tagged ‘Walking Holidays’

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3 Stunning treks in Peru

Tuesday Aug 31, 2010  By: Travelwriting

Whatever views tickle your fancy, whether it is majestic mountain ranges, tropical jungles, vast deserts, or beautiful beaches stretching to the beyond; the stunning country of Peru can provide them for you. If you are a keen walker it is hard to get bored with the scenery. If you tire of what the mountain ranges have to offer, then catch a train to the east and trek through the Amazon rainforest. The unique geography of Peru makes it a must-see destination if you enjoy walking. Peru has many incredible places that you should not miss visiting – here are just a few to tantalise you.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

This trail will present some of the most magnificent mountain views you have ever seen and is worth the two to three day trek; the scenery is so stunning that you sometimes forget that you are walking. Peru has placed certain restrictions on parts of the trail due to previous damage of the environment, so you will need to do your research carefully before you begin. You can start your journey at Ollanta, a striking Inca fortress and town, and then make your way up the mountain range towards the north. Along the path there are plenty of Inca structures to entertain and amaze you as are you are walking. Peru is full of Incan towns and structures and Machu Picchu is no exception. You will probably need a few days to explore everything the region has to offer.

Trail to Choquequirao

This trail starts in Cachora, and will take around one to two days of walking. Peru, as mentioned, is partly covered in jungle forests, and the town of Choquequirao is situated in a micro-climate which generates a dense rainforest that covers the buildings and terraces. Along the route you will find yourself spoilt for choice for your picnic spots with beautiful rivers and smooth boulders upon which to sit along the beginning of the trek. If you’re striking out on your own and the thought of carrying your camping equipment and food supplies along the trail is a little too much, then there are plenty of local muleteers in the town of Cachora who will carry your bags on their mules and donkeys. This may be especially helpful when you reach the steep climb to Choquequirao on the second day of walking. Peru plans to construct a cable car to run up and down to the town to bring more tourists to the area; so if you are someone who enjoys the lesser-travelled paths, then visit this trail before the cable car does.

Trail to Vilcabamba

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, then try the six to eight day hike to Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Inca Empire. It starts in Huancacalle, visits Vilcabamba and then continues on to Chihuanquiri. As well as Vilcabamba, there will be many more historic sites for you to discover such as Luccma, Rosaspata and Ñusta Hispana. A portion of the walk will be within the rainforest, where you can view the beautiful vegetation and wildlife while walking. Peru really has some picturesque small villages tucked away along these trails, and while trekking to Vilcabamba you can visit Yupanca, Luccma and Consevidayoc to mention just a few.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.

LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article.  An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.

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Walking South Africa – Discover Durban

Thursday Jul 22, 2010  By: Travelwriting

Cape Town is often lauded as being South Africa’s premier city destination but, although it is undeniably beautiful and an exciting and cosmopolitan place to visit, it is not the only jewel in South Africa’s crown. Durban, in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, is a beautiful sub-tropical city with just as much personality as her south-western counterpart. Gateway to the magnificent Drakensberg region, Durban also has a lot to offer in its own right, and a few days spent discovering the delights of this gorgeous city will be time well spent. Walking South Africa’s urban regions is very different to a walking adventure in the more remote and rugged areas of the country; but the journey is no less rewarding.

Victoria Street Market

Located in what is commonly known as the ‘Indian’ part of the city, the Victoria Street Market is an eclectic fusion of modern and traditional. As you are walking South Africa‘s diverse cultural blend is ever more apparent as the tantalising smells of spices and aromatic food stuffs blend with the shouts and whistles of the stallholders; who are in themselves a wonderful attraction. The exotic mix of Indian and African craft, culture, art and food is a heady mix and, with over 170 stalls, entering the market place is almost like stepping into another world. The building in which the markets are held is a magnificent structure reminiscent of a Maharajah’s palace, however, sadly it has been earmarked for demolition in the next few years; so get in quick before a slice of history is lost.

uShaka Marine World

This is a great place to add into your Durban itinerary if you have children in your party, especially if they are a little young to keep up with the pace of city walking. South Africa, surrounded by oceans on two sides, has a wonderful marine life and an impressive selection of this is on display at the uShaka Marine World. The entertainment is non-stop; from live feeding shows and exhibitions, to the snorkel lagoon and diving with sharks. It is not hard to fill in the entire day and, once the sun goes down, there’s still more fun to be had. The ‘After Dark’ experience will see you wandering the aquarium as it basks in an eerie blue light. You can get a glimpse into the private lives of the sea-creatures as they go about their silent nightly business. Although only open to the public since 2004, uShaka Marine World has become a firm favourite with the local families of the city and the huge numbers of tourists who visit every year.

Durban Botanic Gardens

A tranquil oasis in the midst of the bustling city, the Durban Botanic Gardens is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon walking. South Africa’s oldest surviving gardens contain an abundance of African, Asian and American trees and shrubs, some of which are extremely rare. Wander along the shady paths stopping at the herbarium and the orchid house, then stop for lunch in the quaint and calming tea gardens. The beautiful Sensory Gardens are designed to allow blind visitors to touch and feel the plants within, and are inhabited by hundreds of twittering birds – a wonderful experience for both the sighted and non-sighted visitor.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.

 LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article.  An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.

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Walking Peru’s Amazon Rainforest

Friday Jul 16, 2010  By: Travelwriting

If you’re planning a holiday walking Peru, chances are you’ve got your brochures creased open to pages on Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. While we can’t argue that both walks have great appeal, we recommend travelling somewhere a little off the beaten track for those wishing to uncover a different side of Peru.

Trekking deep into the Peruvian jungle may sound exotic, but in reality the jungle is peppered with numerous luxury lodges all hoping to make your stay that little bit more comfortable. Most jungle treks start at Puerto Maldonado, located in Peru’s least populated territory. 98% of this territory is covered by thick Amazon rainforest, which means that the biodiversity of this region is amongst the most varied in the world.

The area of Puerto Maldonado connects Peru to both Bolivia and Brazil via the Madre De Dios River. It is also easily connected to Cusco, which is why it appeals to many holidaymakers. Very few people choose to stay in Peru walking the town of Puerto Maldonado, as it offers very little in terms of tourist attractions. Instead, they opt to go straight to one of the lodges located inside one of three main conservation areas. These regions comprise of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the Tambopata – Candamo Reserve and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park. While bird watchers may opt to stay in the Bahuaja Sonene National Park, as it contains over 450 different species of birds, animal lovers will probably enjoy a stay in the Tambopata – Candamo Reserve which is home to several endangered species. Likewise, the Manu Biosphere Reserve boasts the prestigious accolade of being a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Guests travel by speedboat, from Puerto Maldonado to their preferred area of the jungle and this initial boat ride is, for many people, their first glance at the luxurious greenery of the Amazon. Both sides of the river are covered in dense jungle, but visitors can often spot a stray crocodile lurking about at the river’s edge.

Walking Peru’s jungles is a fascinating experience and gives visitors the best experience they’ll ever have of real jungle life. There are numerous companies offering a wide range of typical jungle treks; from butterfly-spotting excursions where you’ll spot both the largest and most colourful butterflies in the world; to night time treks looking for the elusive black pumas of Peru.

Cooked and delivered direct to your lodge, you’ll find that the food in the jungle is delicious and also much needed after walking Peru. Jungle dishes include sticky rice cooked in banana leaves and meats served in tangy sauces. You may have to the fight the monkeys for your dessert though; the appropriately named ‘monkey bananas’ are so sweet that primates simply can’t get enough of them.

One thing you’ll soon discover when walking Peru’s Amazon is that there’s certainly no such thing as peace and quiet in the jungle. Whether you’re being woken up early by squawking parakeets or listening to the cicadas singing their evening tune, you’re never quite as alone as you might think you are!

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.

LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article.  An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.

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Walking in South Africa – The Sights, Smells and Sounds

Wednesday Jun 23, 2010  By: Travelwriting

The idea of a holiday walking South Africa may sound like an adventure. That’s good, because – it’s meant to be!

South Africa – The rainbow nation
The comparatively recent history of South Africa, over the past 20-30 years, is relatively well known to all. Out of troubled times has come a modern nation for the 21st century and one that is proud of its multi-cultural and diverse history. In fact, modern South Africa shows many legacies of its indigenous peoples, the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Asian and many other populations that have settled there and made it home. This is reflected not only in architecture but also the wide variety of cuisines available. There is so much to see during a visit to this land that no short article can possibly do it justice – yet one thing’s for sure; walking South Africa is one of the best ways to explore.

A land of city, country and coast
South Africa is a BIG country being approximately five times larger than the UK. It has vast open areas comprising grasslands, agricultural land, mountains, vineyards, mineral areas and lush hills. It also has a fabulous coastline with many famed beach areas. Some of its cities and towns are also world famous including the capital Pretoria, Johannesburg and, of course, beautiful Cape Town. That’s without even thinking about the wildlife, game reserves and absolutely unique flora and fauna to be discovered. The fact is that there’s so much to see that no one visit alone, is likely to ‘do it all’. That’s where a guided tour walking South Africa may come into its own.

Practical walking
Whatever your interests, sometimes using your own two feet to enjoy them is the best way to get around. For example, exploring parts of wonderful Cape Town is something best done on foot. That way you’ll avoid getting stuck in traffic or catching just a quick and fleeting glimpse of something interesting as it flashes by the coach window.

In terms of the countryside such as the fabulous Table Mountain, getting there by vehicle may be necessary but once there, you’re much more likely to be able to see and experience the area if you’re walking around rather than sitting in a mini-bus. Yet exploring anywhere on foot may, for some, carry certain drawbacks and worries: getting lost; missing things you didn’t know were there; or the intimidation of large unknown cities. That’s why a group guided holiday involving walking South Africa may be an ideal solution. Being in the company of an expert tour leader means that you won’t have to worry about any of those issues and simply enjoy the experience

Meeting the people
In talking about the wonderful attractions of South Africa, it’s easy to overlook its greatest asset – its people. One of the biggest advantages of taking a South African holiday that involves walking, is that it will give you the chance to meet and experience the people first-hand. That’s not an opportunity to be missed and you’re likely to be stunned at the warmth and friendliness of the welcome you’ll receive.

So, don’t just think of holidays walking South Africa as a distant and unachievable dream. Find out more and make it happen!

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.

LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article.  An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.

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The Traditions of Peru

Tuesday Jun 22, 2010  By: Travelwriting

Whether you’re walking Peru’s wonderful landscapes, or taking some time out in the beautiful cities, you will find yourself taking in many of the country’s intriguing and respected traditions. The traditions of Peru are both long-standing and of great importance to many Peruvians – here are some to look out for.

Traditional Dress
When you’re walking Peru, no doubt you will want to be dressed in your most comfortable attire, however, the same cannot always be said of your Peruvian counterparts. In many rural areas of the country, you will still find women dressed in the traditional clothing of the Incan times, though it has certainly evolved as time and practicality have intervened. Though colours may differ slightly according to area and location, the traditional Incan ‘anacu’ has been transformed to a long skirt, worn with many petticoats and often featuring wonderfully vivid colours and detailed embroidery. Ponchos are another item of clothing that you can expect to see, traditionally worn since the 17th century and still being used as protection from the weather by those working the land. To top off these outfits, you will mostly see people wearing either woollen or straw hats that will often be dazzlingly colourful.

Traditional Weaving
Of course, these wonderful clothes must be produced somewhere, and are often done so still using the traditional art of Andean weaving that has been passed down by each generation over the years. The process begins with the rearing of animals such as alpacas, llamas and sheep from which woollen fibre can be taken at a later date. This wool is then washed and spun into threads which are then dyed a wonderful variety of colours. Animal, plant and mineral dyes are used in this time-consuming but worthwhile process. Once the wool has been turned into threads, the weaving can begin but this long-standing tradition can take a while to complete, with even a simple scarf often taking two or three weeks to make. You will come across a lot of this intricately woven material during your time walking Peru, as these goods form a large part of Peruvian culture.

Traditional Fare
Peru is known for its culinary charms, and these talents are not new to the country, but have evolved over many, many years. For a traditional snack, you may want to try the local dish ‘Huaitia’, which consists of oca – a plant found in the Andes – and potatoes, baked together in a mud hearth. Other traditional fare includes ‘chairo’, a soup made of lamb, ‘chalona’ a dish consisting of dried meats, or even ‘lechon al horno’ which is a dish based around oven baked pork. For those who wish to be more adventurous whilst walking Peru, there are of course other meats to be enjoyed. From alpaca to guinea pig, there is no doubting the fact that cooking is a great tradition in Peru, and the skills and recipes required have been passed down over many generations.

As you are walking Peru you may well start to feel as though you have stepped back in time thanks to the wonderful ways in which the Peruvian culture has embraced and incorporated the old ways into modern day life. These ancient traditions of Peru are revered not only by the inhabitants of the country, but by all those who visit.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.

LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article.  An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.

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The Great Heights of New Zealand

Monday Jun 14, 2010  By: Travelwriting

Whilst New Zealand walking will introduce you to stunning vistas and beautiful undulating green hillsides, the best views in the country are often seen from great heights. Luckily New Zealand is also known for its cragged mountainsides and for boasting the tallest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It is these man-made structures that can often provide the best look-outs over the bustling cities and verdant countryside below.

Sky Tower

At 328m high, the Sky Tower is the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere. Its height might have nothing on Aoraki or Mount Cook, which at 3,754m is already over ten times that height, but it’s certainly a lot easier to reach the summit and be rewarded with the view from the top. The Sky Tower contains a revolving restaurant so, after a long day of New Zealand walking, you can grab a table and look out over the towering skyscrapers below. The main observation area even has thick glass flooring which enables you to see all the way down to the pavement below – this is obviously not recommended if you suffer from vertigo. Traditionally, New Zealand has always been popular with tourists craving adventure sports and the country’s tallest structure holds no exceptions. Adventure junkies may want to attempt the famous SkyJump, a bungee jump from the observation deck, where participants can expect to meet speeds of up to 53mph.

Titahi Bay Transmitter

New Zealand’s second tallest structure is a radio transmitter that stands at 212m tall, against the backdrop of Titahi Bay. The bay situated on the North Island in the area of Porirua was used as the setting for the famous New Zealand film “Eagle vs Shark”. If you’re after an area steeped in history, Titahi Bay is absolutely perfect for New Zealand walking and still relatively unknown to tourists. The area was used to house military personnel during WW2 and the recreation hall used by US forces is now a local theatre.

Titahi Bay also features the fossilised remains of an ancient forest, dating from the last interglacial period from over 150,000 to 70,000 years ago. The trees make up an intertidal reef, which makes the bay popular with boarders as it can be surfed on all tides.

New Plymouth Power Station

Located on the shores of Port Taranaki, New Zealand’s third tallest structure is not exactly scenic and the deep water port where it is situated is not really known for walking, however it is certainly worth taking a look. At 198m high, the building claims to have been built using one million bricks and the tall chimney contains five separate flumes.

Vero Centre

Auckland’s second largest structure is the fourth largest building in New Zealand. Walking from the Sky Tower you’ll come across a road called Shortland Street, and at the end of this road a tall, halo-fringed office block. This building, known as the Vero Centre, contains a selection of office buildings and a gymnasium and health centre at the top -which makes it perhaps the most scenic place in the country to enjoy a hot-stone massage after your New Zealand walking trip.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.

LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article.  An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.

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New Zealand – Walking in Wellington

Friday Jun 11, 2010  By: Travelwriting

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital is a small but perfectly formed holiday destination with a wealth of experiences just waiting to be enjoyed. A visit to this picturesque harbour city can be a flying weekend visit, a week-long exploration, or simply the icing on the cake of a grand tour of New Zealand. Walking Wellington’s eclectic back-streets, strolling at sunset along the cosmopolitan waterfront or setting out for a day’s hike in the rolling hills which embrace the city; whichever way you choose to discover this delightful part of the world will reveal a different layer.

A Spot of Culture

Wellington is definitely New Zealand’s premier cultural city with a surprising array of museums and galleries from which to choose. The two flagship galleries are the Museum of Wellington and the impressively housed Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa. Both of these are located on the waterfront so a visit the two can be planned even if you are pushed for time on your holiday to New Zealand. Walking through the doors of Te Papa takes you into a spectacularly designed foyer and, as you follow the exhibits through the space, you are introduced to a bold and innovative interactive museum experience. Other cultural sites you may find interesting for a visit are the Pataka, which showcases the best of New Zealand’s contemporary artists, and the Government Buildings, whose intricate facade looks like an Italian stone palace but is entirely made of wood.

Back to Nature

There are many ways to get back to nature in New Zealand; walking, cycling and four-wheel driving are just a few of the options available in and around Wellington. Hiring a mountain bike and heading out on to the many bike trails which traverse the hills behind the city is not only a way to enjoy fabulous views out across the Wellington and the harbour, but also a way to immerse yourself in the wonderful flora and fauna, much of which is unique to New Zealand. Walking and cycling these well-kept trails is suitable for all ages and fitness levels as they are graded in an easy-to-understand system. If you’re not feeling as energetic as you used to, but still want to explore the countryside, then hiring a motorbike or scooter might be the answer; it’s not only great fun, but you’ll be able to cover a lot of area as well.

Shopping Secrets

For a different kind of fun in New Zealand, walking the streets hand-in-hand with your credit card can make for a wonderfully relaxing diversion. Wellington is the perfect place for some retail therapy as you can walk the city shopping precinct from one end to the other in only twenty minutes. But don’t be fooled; in that short space Wellington manages to squeeze in an astounding and eclectic mix of designer, boutique, arts and local craft that can hold its head high on the world stage. Whether you’re looking for a cheap souvenir to take home to friends or you want to cover yourself in New Zealand Paua Shell or jade jewellery, Wellington can provide you with the opportunity to shop until you drop. Once you’ve exhausted your feet as well as your wallet, head for one of the many city bars or restaurants for a relaxing cocktail overlooking the harbour – a perfect day!

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

 

The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.

LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article.  An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.

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Jordan Romero – Everest Trekking Teen

Thursday Jun 10, 2010  By: Travelwriting

“Hello Mum. I’m calling from the top of the world.” These were the words of 13-year- old Jordan Romero. He was calling home via a satellite phone before descending to the Chinese Everest Base Camp trekking down the treacherous North Col route, and into the history books as the youngest climber ever to have successfully climbed Mount Everest (8,848 metres).

Jordan’s youth record on the world’s highest mountain was not only historic, but controversial, with some experienced mountaineers and doctors suggesting that it was irresponsible to risk the safety of someone so young. In fact, Jordan’s tender age meant a change in the Romero team’s planned ascent of the mountain, since Nepal does not permit climbers under the age of 16 to make a bid for the summit. For this reason, their itinerary involved driving from Kathmandu out of Nepal and round to the Tibetan Everest Base Camp, trekking from the Chinese side of Everest up the Northeast ridge. It’s a more difficult approach than the route up from Nepal via the Southeast ridge.

The Tibetan and Nepalese routes to Everest are quite different in character. The staging area on the Nepalese South face of Everest, which has hosted the greater share of successful summit teams, is the climax of the popular Everest Base Camp Trekking route. At 5,360 metres, it is only accessible on foot, and trekkers arriving here in the climbing season are rewarded by a spectacular scene. The camp sits on the Khumbu glacier, nestled in the cauldron formed by the surrounding mountains of Nuptse (7,861 m), Pumori, and Lintgren, with Everest towering above them.

The Tibetan side of Mount Everest faces North, and falls within the borders of China. At an altitude of 5,180 metres, the Everest Base Camp on this side is relatively more accessible than its Nepalese equivalent, and can be reached with 4×4 vehicles via a rough, gravel road. Approaching by car this way somewhat detracts from the adventurous spirit of visiting Everest, as does the modest hotel located here. Although the Tibetan camp cannot compete with the romance and rugged appeal that the Nepal camp has in abundance, the view of Mount Everest from the North is striking nonetheless, with the mountain rising majestically at the end of a long, straight valley cut by the Rongbuk glacier.

It is this view that greeted the Romero team of six mountaineers, as they began their trek towards the Northeast ridge. The team comprised three Sherpa guides, Jordan, his father, and his stepmother, all experienced climbers.

On May 19th 2010, the support team received a garbled message by satellite phone. Over the crackle, Team Romero were able to report that they had moved to Camp 1, more than two thousand metres above Everest Base Camp, trekking into high winds. These winds forced them to delay a while, and wait for the weather to ease. Despite this, two days later they were ahead of schedule, stopping at Camp 3 only long enough to collect replacement oxygen bottles.
On May 22nd, with light snow falling, Jordan and his family reached the summit.

Their progress up the mountain was followed closely from the ground, and Jordan’s messages relayed to his website. The site depicted Jordan’s progress using a GPS tracker, which plotted his altitude and whereabouts on a map of Everest. The website invited Jordan’s online followers and sponsors to join the team around Everest Base Camp, trekking and get close the action as the team made history.

Despite the drama and his magnificent achievement, Mount Everest will not be the climax of Jordan’s mountaineering career. He hopes to keep Team Jordan together for a trek in the coldest place on Earth, Antarctica, and a bid for another youth record, this time for the Seven Summits accolade. It means reaching the summit of the highest peak in each of the world’s seven continents, and Jordan has already climbed six of these. The Vinson Massif (4,892 m) is last on his list.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have run Everest Base Camp trekking itineraries for over 20 years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia. 

The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.

 

LeadGenerators hopes you enjoyed this article.  An Online Marketing agency based in London, LeadGenerators hosts a series of Social Media and Internet Marketing training sessions and seminars.

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New Zealand – Walking the Lakes

Friday Apr 23, 2010  By: Travelwriting

With scenery that many would consider unrivalled in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand’s landscapes can leave you breathless. However, it is not just the beautiful beaches or the magnificent mountains that will capture your imagination, but also the long lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see. If you visit New Zealand, walking by the lakes is an opportunity not to be missed.

Lake Rotorua

The second largest lake on the North Island of New Zealand, Lake Rotorua was formed in the crater of a volcano. Tinged a slightly yellow colour by the sulphur for which the area is renowned, the lake is perhaps not too tempting for a swim. However, if you’re in New Zealand walking, you’ll find no better route than around a section of the lake. Once you’ve seen the water close up, you may like to get an aerial view by taking a trip on the Skyline Skyride gondola, where you can enjoy the phenomenal view and even do a little shopping in the souvenir shops and restaurants. From the top of the gondola, you will get a fantastic view of Mokoia Island, which Maori legend names as the setting of the great love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai.

Lake Taupo

Also found on the North Island, Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s biggest and most impressive lake. Created by the largest volcanic eruption that has been recorded within the last 5000 years, the freshwater lake is a beautiful shade of blue from which it is difficult to avert your gaze. One of the most popular havens of activity in New Zealand, walking around the lake you are likely to spot a number of parachutes floating above you as skydivers descend. However, if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there are some glorious hikes to be enjoyed, including the Great Lake Walkway between Taupo to Wharewaka Point, the Huka Falls Walkway, and even a wander around the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve.

Lake Wanaka

One of the jewels of the South Island, Lake Wanaka is estimated to be over 300 metres deep. The lake is overlooked by the Mount Aspiring National Park, allowing for beautiful reflections to be cast over the waters on calm days. In the winter months, these mountains are scattered with skiers, and in summer, walkers can rediscover the trails that have been hidden underneath the snow. Paths through the foothills will take you around the edge of the lake, passing remnants of Maori carvings and statues as you go. Whatever the season, Lake Wanaka is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in New Zealand. Walking the shores of the lake with the backdrop of the mountains for company is a rewarding pastime whether there are autumn leaves on the trees, snow on the ground, or a warm sun beating down on your back.

Though for many, New Zealand walking is all about navigating glaciers and climbing mountains, some of the most beautiful views come from a slightly lower altitude. With some of the most impressive stretches of water in the world, there is nothing quite like walking the shores of New Zealand’s lakes.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

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Interesting Places to Walk in Spain

Wednesday Mar 24, 2010  By: Travelwriting

Spain walks make for spectacular sightseeing opportunities, where you can experience the country’s beauty at your own pace. Here are some interesting and beautiful places to visit when on a Spanish walking holiday.

The Tomb of Santa Teresa

The town of Avila is an ideal place to wander when on a Spanish walking holiday. Steeped in a long and colourful history, the town makes for an interesting afternoon walk. Spain is a country of strong religious beliefs, and Avila is home to the revered tomb of Santa Teresa of Avila, a mystical saint conjuring many memories in the minds of the town locals.

The tomb is located in the church of the Carmelite Convent of the Anunciaciόn, a historical convent founded in 1570. A beautiful renaissance doorway marks the entrance, and the saint’s remains are preserved in a reliquary above the altar. This was a gift from Infanta Isabel Clara Eugenia, daughter of Phillip II of Spain. Walks in this area will undoubtedly inspire a sense of spirituality and history, as the area marks the place where many spiritual leaders have lived.

An Eastern Tip

The most easterly point in the Cordillera Betica is a prime location to visit on a hiking holiday in Spain. Cabo de la Nao is an area notable for its picturesque beauty and charm. With beautiful beaches around the cape, and views that will take your breath away, this is an area not to miss on your hiking holiday. Spain is a country with areas of dramatic coastline, and a view from the tip of Cabo de la Nao’s promontory will see the south of the rocky mass making up Penon de Ifach. This view is sure to evoke a feeling of awe, as you gaze out at the mass of rocks that rear out of the sea off the Punto de Ifach.

Walk in the Valley of Great Kings

Located in the south west of the Spanish, Canary island, La Gomera, the Valley Gran Rey is one of Spain’s best kept secrets. A Spanish walking holiday in this region would be nothing short of magnificent, with this exotic valley providing a unique walking experience. The valley is lined by towering palm trees and large banana plantations are scattered around. Quaint houses are dotted about, where you will often find interesting and alternative members of society have come to live.

One of the main features making this area one of the best Spanish walking holiday destinations is the unique landscape that has been created. Parts of the hillside have been turned into terraces for growing crops and tropical fruit. You could take a stroll from the orchards down to the coast, where dramatic rock formations and cliffs are waiting to be explored.

Navarra Castle of the Kings

Navarra is situated in northern Spain, a beautiful area great for walking. It is likely this beauty that led Charles III of Navarra to commission a team of brilliant French architects to alter and enlarge the area’s existing castle in 1406. With their grand designs, the castle was turned into a combination of a fortress and a palace. 15 slender towers stand tall against the sky, safe under the protection of the battlement walls. Inside the castle the design is no less grand, and magnificent décor makes it palatial.

Although parts of the castle were destroyed in the 19th century, it is still an impressive sight to behold. And it makes an already beautiful area absolutely perfect for a Spain walk.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest Spanish Walking Holidays at the best value prices.