Rocking the Lines in Rockbridge, Ohio

Travelers will not want to miss their chance to explore the natural beauty of Ohio by experiencing an extensive zip line excursion with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. One of the most popular packages they offer lasts around three hours and begins with a short nature walk. Guides will discuss some of the region’s unusual flora and fauna, while pointing out some of their more interesting characteristics. This tour is suitable for adventure-seekers of most ages and experience levels.

For those with some experience within this hobby, this facility’s Super Zip line will afford riders the chance to fly splayed flat, in superhero style, at speeds that reach up to 50 miles per hour. Not for the faint at heart, this line traverses several canopy sections and flies along a segment of the Hocking River. Thrill seekers should inquire about the company’s amazing night flight package, which is the ultimate in zip lining.

Experience the Beauty of Vail Valley from the Air

The family owned and operated enterprise, Zip Adventures, is conveniently located just outside of Vail in the vibrant community of Wolcott, Colorado. The facility features six amazing zip lines that cross rushing river waters at thrilling speeds. Visitors that desire a birds-eye view of the majestic scenery need look no further. Designed with adventure in mind, the canopy tour lines are arranged to allow races between friends and rivals alike.

Tours reach heights of 200 feet, and some lines boast more than 1000 feet of free-flight distance. The guides bring along snacks and bottled water for the clients. Be ready to make a short hike up the terrain for almost a quarter mile before the tour begins.

View the Texas Hill Country from Above

Near Lake LBJ and just west of the capital city of Austin, a dynamic zip line experience awaits guests at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. This provider offers canopy tours on a standard six-line course, and the boldest participants can take a stab at the Canopy Challenge with faster runs and longer lines. Reasonable prices and extremely nice owners make this place special.

Birding enthusiasts are invited to come in the wee hours of dawn to hike through the property with intent to lay eyes on some fascinating species that frequent the area. The golden-cheeked warbler and the turkey vulture are often spotted, as well as dozens of others. Guests may stay on the property to enjoy lunch or swim in the private lake and take turns on the zip line that runs into the cooling water.

Lynn lives near Lake LBJ, and she’s a bit of an adventure junky.  She likes to write about the fun things to do around the Highland Lakes in Central Texas.

1. Convenient Location

The W Hotel is so often considered to be the best hotel in Hong Kong because of its convenient location just next to the Kowloon MTR Station. Guests can get there directly from the airport in just under half an hour, while once there it is possible to tour Victoria Harbour and other Kowloon sites in just a matter of minutes. 

2. Dining

With three different restaurants offering incredible meals, the W Hotel is popular not just with guests but with local residents who come for the upscale cuisine. Try a modern fusion meal in the aptly named Kitchen, grab a quick bite to eat in the Living Room Lounge, or sit down for a traditional Cantonese meal at Sing Yin. 

3. Spa

The Bliss Spa in the W Hotel Hong Kong goes above and beyond the typical, traditional spa menu. Indulge in the brownie buffet while you wait for your treatment, or watch a movie as your manicure and pedicure dries. A full fitness facility offers group classes, personal trainers and saunas as well. 

4. Nightlife

As one of the Hong Kong’s most chic and trendy hotels, it should come as no surprise that the nightlife at the W Hotel is vibrant. The W Living Room Lounge transforms from a casual eatery into a happy hour bar and later an exciting club as DJs from around the world provide the beat and mixologists provide the perfect cocktails for the evening. 

5. Pool Deck

In a city like Hong Kong, the best views are often found on the highest flood of a building, so the W Hotel has transformed that deck into a tropical pool space. In the perfect blend of urban living and idyllic getaways, the pool deck overlooks Kowloon and is a lavish and relaxing space to enjoy year round. 

6. Whatever/Whenever Service

The concierge staff at the W Hotel in Hong Kong offer a unique and truly special service known as the Whatever/Whenever service that provides guests with whatever it is that they desire. Ask them to organize a romantic evening, find a traditional Chinese Junk for rent, get tickets to a sold out show or concert, make dinner reservations or anything else you can possible imagine.

The W Hotel is a fantastic resort, bathed in luxury, Vhip + Hotel offers 5 star holidays at great prices.

Plan Ahead – The first thing you need to do when planning your gap year is to sit down and work out how much the entire trip is going to cost. Start with the more expensive purchases first such as flights and accommodation, then try and work out how much you will need to have each day and how much money you will want for fun and shopping. If you have a set target amount that you need to reach then you can start working and saving for this target total well in advance.

Start Saving – Once you have a plan of how much money you will be needing then you can start to save up and work out how you are going to get the money together. As long as you plan well in advance then you should be able to put money aside every month from work or pocket money which can be put towards your gap year. You can also try and do some money raising activities and get people to sponsor you for achieving goals. There are many ways in which you can start saving up money for your trip and the sooner the better.

Earn As You Go – Depending on what kind of gap year you opt to go on, there are many potential opportunities for you to earn while you are away. Some people like to spend the first few months of their year off working full time and saving up enough money to simply travel, while others like to get off immediately and work their way around different locations. Travelling to some countries you will find that there are seasonal and art time jobs that you can do to earn room and board, even earn some extra money on your way.

Keep Your Accounts in Order – While you are away it is vitally important to make sure that you keep tabs on your spending and manage your budget as you go. Be careful with your cash flow and always make sure that you have enough money set aside for emergencies and phone calls. Try to budget for the future and keep in mind any expenses that you will need money for later on.

As long as you budget effectively and keep and eye on your finances you will find that there are great experiences and opportunities for you to encounter on a gap year. This type of journey is a real chance to explore the world and expand your horizons.

About the Author: Naomi Chamberlain writes for Discounts.ca. Current travel related discounts include a range of Expedia Coupons.

While the Daintree’s 12,000 hectares may not make it the largest National Park in Australia, within its borders are an enormous variety of the country’s indigenous plants and animals. 30% of Australia’s marsupial, frog and reptile species call the Daintree home, as do up to 65% of Australian bat and butterfly species. These are just a couple of examples that prove that the Daintree is an irreplaceable and not-to-be-missed Australian destination.

Thankfully, the Australian government realised the importance of the Daintree and took steps to ensure that this unique rainforest would not suffer the same fate as so many of the world’s tropical rainforests have and be exploited for its natural resources. Now a 12,000 hectare National Forest, it is strictly controlled to minimise our modern impact on its fragile ecosystem.

Arguably, the plant life in the Daintree is even more remarkable than its animal life. Botanists take a keen interest in the flora of the Daintree because of its ancient origins. Of the world’s nineteen primitive species of plants, twelve occur in the Daintree National Forest. One of these, the "Idiot Fruit," is said to be one of Australia’s and the world’s most important botanical discoveries, being one of the oldest fruits ever found.

Fortunately, a degree in botany is not necessary for you to get the most out of your exploration of the Daintree. You can learn all about it on one of the many guided tours on offer there. Even if guided tours are not your usual preference, you will find that these are the best way to get the most out of your visit.

One can’t miss tour is the Cooper Creek tour. Cooper Creek is located in the lowland heart of the Daintree and includes an enormous variety of flora and fauna. Both day and night excursions are available and both are highly recommended.

Another great way to see Daintree is to take a river excursion. Travelling aboard a comfortable, stable and safe vessel, your guide will point out features of the surrounding landscape you would probably overlook or not be aware of if you stumbled across them yourself. You will also be safe from the crocodiles you encounter along the way, too!

A short introduction to the Daintree simply doesn’t do it justice. You have to see it to believe it and give yourself plenty of time to take it all in. It’s not the sort of place you can get the most out of in a weekend. Book a Daintree accommodation and immerse yourself in 250 million years of living history.

Do you dream of exploring the beautiful South African city of Cape Town, but have only a small travel budget to work with? Don’t worry, because there are more than enough adventures to be had in the “Mother City” which will not cost you a single rand.

Here are some of the experiences that you can enjoy for free in Cape Town:

• Relax on the beach. Cape Town has many beautiful beaches where you can spend the day lounging in the sunshine and dipping your feet in the water. Clifton Beach is the trendiest beach to see and be seen at, and Camps Bay is one of the most scenic. If you are brave enough to let it all hang out, Sandy Bay is the official nudist beach of Cape Town.

• You can see some excellent collections of artworks by old masters at the Michaelis Collection in Greenmarket Square and the Rust en Vreugd, an 18th century mansion. Both of these art galleries are free to enter, although you can give a small donation. You can also window shop at some of the finest commercial art galleries in South Africa, such as the AVA, Everard Read, and Michael Stevenson, which are free to the public.
• Hike up Table Mountain. This amazing flat-topped mountain is one of the most recognizable icons of Cape Town, and if you want to avoid paying for the cable car you can make it up the mountain on your own steam. Remember to take good hiking boots, a map, and weather-proof clothes because the climate can change dramatically on the mountain.
• Listen to buskers on the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. This lively pedestrian area is always filled with performers from lone guitarists to full jazz bands who will provide the perfect background music to your leisurely strolls along the waterfront. They are free to listen to, but if you enjoy the tunes it is nice to throw a few coins in their hat to show appreciation.
• Visit the Groot Constantina, which is the oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa. There are free tours through the ornate Manor House, which is fitted with period furniture, paintings, ceramics, brass, textiles, and so much more, showing what life was like for a wealthy farming family in the late 18th century. You can also see some beautiful wine drinking vessels from antiquity in the old wine cellar.

• The Cape Town Holocaust Centre is free to visit, and tells the harrowing tale of the six million Jews killed during this terrible time in history. The museum aims to teach about the dangers of racial discrimination, and links the injustices of the Holocaust to apartheid. The gallery of local survivors and their testimonies is particularly powerful and moving.
• Take the trip out to Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, where you can see African penguins waddling about in their natural habitat and go for a hike among the gigantic boulders that give the beach its name.

With so many free things to do in Cape Town; you can have a great time in this thriving city even on a shoestring budget!

This content was written by Simon Grant of timetowander.com on behalf of Etihad Airways, who are now offering regular scheduled flights to Cape Town.

Sightseeing

Paris is also known for its cafes and restaurants, arts and architecture, theatres and cinemas, and its overall romantic ambiance. Its sights are more than enough to make a library of travel books. One of the most famous sights dominating the city is the Eiffel Tower. Seeing the entire city from the top of the tower during night time is more than magical.

Other attractions include Arc de Triomphe, Grande Arche, Bastille Prison, Palais-Royal, and Elysee Palace. You shouldn’t miss Paris’ museums such as Louvre and Modern Art Museum. The churches are also a must-see – among them is the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame de Paris and the Church of St-Eustache. There are also gardens and quarters which are all equally fascinating.

Shopping

Paris is one of the fashion and shopping capitals of the world where you can find top designer stores. High end shopping centers can be found in avenue Montaigne, Place des Victoires and Rue du Faubourg-St-Honore. Smaller boutiques can be found in St-Germain-des-Pres. For jewellery stores, Vendome and Les Halles have all you need. If you want to buy gifts and souvenirs, Marais has a lot of items in store for you.

If you want great bargains, check out food and flea markets. You can find one at almost any neighborhood. At the north of Paris, you can find the largest flea market in Europe which is the Marche aux Puces se St-Ouen. On the bank of Seine, you will find books, perfumes, chocolates and other goodies that will satisfy your remaining budget for the holidays.

Outdoor Activities

Paris is an active city even during night time. From 10pm to 1 am, people skate around the city. They usually meet below the Montparnasse Tower. The skaters are divided in different areas depending on their proficiency. It is a traditional activity that you shouldn’t pass up.

For water sports, Aquaboulevard Water Sports is the place to be. You can also see the entire city in a different perspective – from a hot air balloon. The take off point is at Fontainebleau. This is an experience that you don’t want to forget when visiting Paris.

Eating Out

When visiting Paris, you will never run out of a place to eat. You can choose from fine dining establishments to corner brasseries. There are also creperies and bistros where you can pick up any type of cheese, bread and pastry. Great restaurants are located in Rue Mouffetard where you can find any cuisine of your choice, all day long.

Traditional French dishes are served in the Left Bank and Right Bank, at the small streets near Louvre, in the Latin Quarter, and Bastille area. For a fine dining experience, nothing beats the Ritz. If you are on a tight budget, Montparnasse and Butte aux Cailles are a favorite.

Theatre

Cinemas, concerts, and theatres are important parts of Paris’ nightlife. Although prices are costly, there are also student rates available. Among the most well-known places in this field are the Odeon Theatre de l’Europe, Champs-Elysees, Cinematheque Francaise, and Opera Bastille. For nights of music and dancing, Le Divane du Monde, Le Caveau de la Huchette and Re de les Lombards are your best bet.

Events

Paris has a lot of cultural festivities to boast of. It is a host of different yearly events such as Festival du Film de Paris and Foire de Paris from March to April. Le Marathon de Paris also happens in April. This city is also home to one of the best New Year’s Eve celebration which is the Reveillon.

Anne is a writer with a love of travel, she often writes about the worlds destinations.

One of the most visited and interesting destinations in Berlin is the Berlin Wall. Construction began in 1961 and divided the Communist East and Democratic West. It was demolished in 1989 and the city began to rebuild itself. The wall is an important part of Berlins history and extremely interesting to visit. You can still see traces of the wall or visit the memorials or museums. In order to fully immerse yourself in the history, I would recommend visiting The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre. It gives you some insight into the oppressive world that once existed here.

The number one rated attraction in Berlin according to Trip Advisor is the Pergamon Museum. This is a world renowned museum which explores ancient history and houses many priceless artefacts. One of the most famous artefacts is the Altar of Zeus which draws a large crowd. The Room of Greek sculptures is also especially amazing. As with most museums, go as early in the day as possible to beat the inevitable crowds, especially if you are travelling to Berlin during peak season.

When visiting Berlin and exploring its history, it is important to delve into all periods of the city’s history even the unpleasant times. World War 2 was a terrible time in Germany under the Third Reich. The Topography of Terror is a great way to examine Berlin during the Second World War. It was once the headquarters of the SS, The Secret State Police and the Reich Security main office. People can now see the extent of the Nazi parties’ power in Berlin and across Europe and examine the atrocious policies which the people in this building put into action. The photographs on display here are extremely interesting and will allow you a glimpse into that sad chapter of Berlin’s history.

Finally I would recommend that you visit The Holocaust Memorial following your visit of ‘The Topography of Terror’. It will show the real consequences of the decisions made during the war. It can be a very upsetting day but it’s important to remember those lost and it is also interesting from an historical perspective. The museum is underground and there is free entry but either reading up on the subject thoroughly or renting an audiobook is advised.

Of course there is much more historical gems to visit in Berlin such as Brandenburg Gate, Hohenschoenhausen Prison, the German History Museum and the Neues Museum to name a few. However, the four detailed above are must-sees for those that love history.

This guest blog post was written by Hannah of BerlinCityGuide.net, publishers of the free guide of things to do in Berlin

The Barossa Valley was originally settled by German immigrants in the first half of the 19th century. Originally, the settlers were Lutherans who were being persecuted at the time in their native country. When the news got out that the Barossa Valley was blessed with the perfect climate and soil for vine growing, more Germans migrated to the area and have a strong cultural influence in the Barossa even today.

Those first settlers didn’t have it easy. They slept in tents and their first enterprise was back breaking labor in the limestone quarries. The first permanent buildings in the Barossa Valley were made out of those stones and their early building efforts are a testament to the skill, faith and labor of the early settlers. The spires of the many old Lutheran churches in the valley, set against the green vines in the vineyards, is a lovely sight.

Many of the vines you see in the Barossa Valley have their origins in Europe, since the settlers brought their roots with them from Germany. In fact, some of the oldest Shiraz vineyards in the world are in the Barossa Valley, their European counterparts having been destroyed by disease not long after they were brought to Australia in the mid-nineteenth century. Other varieties that can be found in the region include both reds and whites, including Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Grenache. The red varieties grow best in the Barossa Valley itself, while the whites thrive best in the Eden Valley and Menglers Hill areas.

It goes without saying that a region that has such a proud wine growing heritage is goint to celebrate its heritage from time to time. The longest running celebration in the Barossa Valley is the biennial Barossa Vintage Festival. Every other year, this extravaganza is held over the Easter holiday season. Featuring music, grand balls, sumptuous dinners and a world renowned wine auction, it has been going strong for over sixty years.

While it is true that the main attraction of the Barossa Valley is the wine, it is also true that visitors to the region are delighted to find many other attractions in the region as well. With its growing popularity as a tourist destination came a variety of wonderful galleries, shops and, restaurants and cafes. Proud of its heritage, the Barossa Valley also has fascinating museums that chronicle its history. The locations of some of these are as interesting as the museums are. For instance, the Barossa Historical Museum is housed in a charming old post office that was built in 1865, while the Herbig Family Tree is located inside of an old, hollow gum tree.

You won’t want to miss the Herbig Family tree. While you may choose to stay in a more comfortable Barossa Valley accommodation, you will love visiting this unique historical site. The tree itself, a red gum, is estimated to be as old as 500 years. Friedrich Herbig moved into the inside of the tree in 1855. In 1858, he brought his bride there to live with him and 2 of their 18 children were born in their tree home. While Herbig, his wife and children eventually moved to a more comfortable home, the tree remains, alive and well.

Machu Picchu, 80 kilometres northwest of the city Cusco, is an Inca site situation high in the sky. The famous 15th-century lost city of the Incas is located 2,430 metres above sea level. Archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was constructed as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Although locals have known about Machu Picchu for centuries, global attention on the amazing site has only been in the last century.

Peru also has a large amount of the Amazon rainforest, second only to Brazil. The Peruvian rainforest covers nearly 60 percent of the country, providing tourists with lush and diverse landscapes, plant life and animals. Peru also has the Andean mountain range and the Pacific ocean which provides a unique ecosystem.

Colca Canyon is a site not to be missed. The canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States. You can book overnight or sightseeing tours to the Colca Canyon from Arequipa, which is Peru’s second largest city. The ride to the canyon is spectacular, passing through volcano and mountain towns, sometimes as high as 4,900 metres above sea level. 

Lima, Peru’s largest and capital city, has many historical and cultural sights. Home to numerous museums and historical cathedrals, Lima is also a coastal city with stunning beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Delicious restaurants, clubs and plenty of places for shopping makes Lima a must-see for any traveller in Peru on holiday. 

Lake Titicaca, located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, is the highest lake in the world, sitting at 3,811 metres above sea level. It is also the largest lake in South America and is home to floating reed islands. These islands are inhabited by Uros tribe, a tribe that dates back to pre-Incan times. 

The Ballestas Islands, near the beach town of Paracas, can be accessed by tour boats. The tours typically take two hours. Like the Galapagos Islands, these small islands are home to many rare birds, including penguins. You can also witness sea lions, dolphins and whales while taking the boat tour and visiting the islands.

The Peruvian Andes, famous for glaciers and snow-covered peaks, are located in Central Peru. Cordillera Blanca, the highest range of the Peruvian Andes, is in north central Peru, approximately 420 kilometres north of Lima. The range includes Huascarán. At 6,768 metres, this mountain is the highest in Peru and the third highest in the Western Hemisphere. 

Peru can make a wonderful holiday destination, offering these activities and plenty more. Peru is rich with history of various cultures, offering archaeological relics and modern conveniences that can make everyone happy on holiday. If you decide to visit Peru, there are plenty of tours and travel excursions that can help you see all of the places you want to see.

Click here for great deals and offers on Peru tours and Escorted Tours.

The Abacos
If you’re looking for the perfect romantic setting for your first holiday as a married couple, look no further than the Abacos Islands. Picturesque cottages and luxurious yachts moored to the shore give this destination a storybook feel. Diving along the reefs of the island, couples are privy to shipwrecks and fantastically diverse sea life. Relax on the pristine white beaches by day and allow yourselves to be catered to and pampered by superbly trained hotel staff. When you’re ready to venture out, Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbour offer a delicious night scene.

Paradise Island
Paradise Island is known well as the Vegas of the Bahamas. Stunning beaches are complimented by a bustling night life full of gaming, revues and nightclubs. Fine dining can be had at any number of the stunning restaurants on the island and pristine white sands are the perfect locale for soaking up the tropical sun. For an incredibly romantic evening, visit the Cloister and watch the sunset as you surround yourselves with tropical gardens and classically ornate statues.

The Exumas
If you want a locale that is a bit less crowded and a bit more secluded, this is the destination for you. Portions of majestic plantations remain and rolling green hills offer a picturesque setting for any activity. Friendly locals are more than happy to answer questions and guide you in the direction of fabulous activities that include snorkeling and diving in startling clear waters. Seclusion is easily found in this chain of islands that are far less developed but no less accommodating than others in the Bahamas.

Andros
The perfect locale for nature lovers; dense forest cover the island that is Andros. Acres of land have been preserved on the island that is home to over 40 species of wild orchid, flamingos, parrots and whistling ducks. After exploring the stunning scenery on land, head to the crystal clear waters and discover amazingly mysterious blue holes and forests of elkhorn coral. Andros is a true nature lover’s paradise.

Eleuthera
Pineapple plantations, dramatic cliffs and colonial villages dot this small island in the tropics. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time the minute you deplane. Pink tinged white-sand beaches, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing, border turquoise waters. Absolutely free from crowds, you’re sure to begin married life as privately as possible. Though the island is small, visitors are never at a loss for activity should they desire to partake.

Ned Stolmeyer is a travel enthusiast and shares his experiences among many popular travel sites. As a frequent traveler and a father of two children, traveling with ease is of the up most importance. He has found his membership in a vacation club to save him time and money on his many trips worldwide.