Travel Tips When Traveling to Colorado Regarding Clothing and Weather

Traveling to Colorado. The land of the Pikes Peak and the fourteeners. It can be a glorious time had by all. There are many places to see: The Stanley Hotel, The Brown Derby, Downtown Denver and the 16th street mall. Further to the east you have the plains of Colorado, the Kit Carson Museum and Bent's Fort to name but a few. Wherever you decide to go make sure to pack the following: Sweater, hoodie, t-shirt, heavy jacket, heavy durable jeans, shorts and various types of shoes. One might wonder why all the light and heavy clothing. Colorado is notorious for having weather changes from a bright sunny day to rain, wind, hail and snow has happened to appear in May. To some of you outdoors people this may seem like a challenge and fun. And it is if this is home and you have the necessary garb.

But when one travels they seem to bring what is only needed for the excursion and leave the other items behind. This can turn out to be as much fun as going for your first skiing lesson without the skis. You have traveled to the ski resort, paid for your lessons and now you are ready to embark on your ski lessons without all the proper gear. Personally, I have seen this done as I used to ''turn'' or adjust ski bindings at Loveland Ski Resort and saw many people who had left that certain item at home or back at the hotel. So let's get back to the weather.

Often times Trail Ridge Road is not opened until around Memorial Day because of the massive snow fall that it receives and it closes Labor Day because of the potential driving conditions. So if you plan to travel to Trail Ridge Road, take heed and plan accordingly. Pikes Peak along with the Spanish Peaks can be very scenic but also have snow on the peaks as well. Again, the reason for the big coat. The Rockies, Sangre De Cristos and many other mountain ranges are phenomenal in their beauty in the summer. One must not forget the lakes where Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout can be caught. Do your homework and those who fly fish no doubt will be aware of which fly to tie. There is no other calming effect than mending a line at the head of the Arkansas River.

Amazing Wildlife Sanctuary Parks of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the biggest state in India with rich culture. Amazing forts, glamorous lakes, beautiful wildlife and splendid mansions encourage tourism in Rajasthan. This state has great geographical features suitable for amazing wildlife. It is known for desert in most territories, but it also has green forests in others. These topographical conditions are ideal for wildlife. Desert is an ideal place for reptile species while Rocky Mountains and wetlands are ideal for various species of birds and animals. Wildlife sanctuaries of Rajasthan are the most popular amongst others. Many tourists come to India for exploring these wildlife parks of Rajasthan. Here are some famous sanctuaries of Rajasthan.

Ranthambore National Park:

This sanctuary is situated at the junction of Aravali and Vindhya hills in Sawai Madhopur District. It is spread over 400 square km area. There are many water resources in this park those give huge relief in hot summer days. Animals are used to people around them and you can watch these animals in their natural habitat here. Tigers can be seen hunting even when tourists are watching. It is a dream park for photographer and wildlife enthusiast. This park is available with car rental service for jungle safari. It remains opened from October to May.

Sariska Tiger Reserve:

It is most visited reserve park in India. It is situated in Alwar district of Rajasthan. It covers about an area of 800 square km. There are medieval buildings in this reserve which are also one of the main attractions of it. It was declared tiger reserve park in 1978 as a part of India's project tiger scheme. There are various carnivores such as leopard, jungle cat, Jackal and hyena in this park. It also hosts amazing bird-life. Peafowl, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey Partridge and the Great Indian Horned Owl are the most popular bird species in this park.

Desert National Park:

This Park is situated in Thar Desert of Jaisalmer. It is one of the largest parks of India, covering 3100 square km area. Bird-life of this park is vivid and spectacular. Ardeotis nigriceps (Indian Bustard), an endangered bird species, is the main attraction here. You can see many eagles, buzzards, kestrel, harriers, falcons and vultures in this park. Jeep safari is available here to travel this park in a short duration. Best visiting time for this park is November to March.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park :

This is, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, one of the finest bird's parks of India. It has both native and migratory birds. Besides birds, this park is also inhabited by Sambhar, boar, Chittal and Nilgai. There is a system of small water dames to control water level in different sections. There is a temple of Keoladeo within its boundaries.

Well, above-mentioned parks are such famous that nature's documentary films are made in these parks. You can see nature at its best here and you can catch glimpse of amazing wildlife.

Tailormade Wildlife Holidays to Peru

Considering heading to Peru on a wildlife holiday but can't quite decide on your exact itinerary? Why not talk to the experts and allow them to guide you towards the perfect Peruvian adventure. Tailormade wildlife holidays allow you to see and do exactly what you want to in the country you are visiting, which means you can focus on specifically the parts that appeal to you and create the ideal itinerary. Take advantage of their expertise and set off on a truly memorable journey.

Do Your Research Before You Go

Before you talk to your travel specialist, do some research and decide exactly which parts of the country you want to visit and what you would like to see - taking in to consideration the length of time you have, your budget and the focus of your trip. It is important that you know what you want, so your specialist can work with you to provide an itinerary with your requirements in mind.

Exploring the Natural Side of Peru

Peru is located in the central Amazon region and is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Consequently, it is home to a host of wildlife that includes over 500 species of mammal and 1700 species of birds. Added to this, the 300 different types of reptiles make this country the ideal destination for those with a love of the exotic. The often vulnerable and biologically diverse landscapes range from the driest on Earth to lush mountain valleys, cloud forests, swamps, grasslands and even snowy peaks. Home to the Jaguar, the Condor, the Andean Bear, the Guanaco and so many other threatened animals, Peru is the focus of much conservation attention. Thanks to increased awareness, education and money brought in from tailormade wildlife holidays, the country is taking huge strides in this regard.

Tailormade wildlife holidays that focus on the forests of the Amazon are best centred in the southern Amazonian state of Madre de Dios, where you can search for all manner of wonderful species, including the Giant River Otter, the Black Spider Monkey and the Amazon Kingfisher. This region is remote but that only adds to its charm, and you can spend as much or as little time here as you like on your tailormade wildlife holidays. The Amazon Rainforest Conservation Centre is at the heart of the area and is the main force behind the conservation efforts in the region. Lake Soledad has some incredible opportunities for sightings, and whether you are into mammals, birds, plants or insects, you will be spoilt for choice in this fascinating region.

Discovering the Treasured Wildlife of Tanzania

When we think of Africa, and Tanzania specifically, we immediately think of the animal life. Where else on our planet is there found such an abundance of wildlife? Tailormade wildlife holidays are great options for those wanting to visit Tanzania on a specialised and focused itinerary.

Tanzanian Treasures

Tanzania is an ideal destination for tailormade wildlife holidays as the country has so much to offer. All the parks and reserves are easily accessible and welcome tourists with great enthusiasm. The country, which is situated in East Africa, is virtually unparalleled in its abundance of natural resources and richly diverse habitats. The Great Rift Valley, the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and the enormous Lake Tanganyika dominate the landscape; the lake, which is a haven for all manner of mammals, birds and plants, including the indigenous wild orchids, is a great place to include on the itinerary of any tailormade wildlife holidays to Tanzania. You may even be lucky enough to sight a Black Rhino while on a visit here.

Wherever you travel in Tanzania there is a park or reserve, but the world famous Serengeti is the largest and best known. Spending a few days in this park could see you camping in organised wild camps around a log fire, or tucked up in one of the luxury safari lodges, which are built in keeping with the natural surroundings but blessed with modern conveniences. You'll fall asleep to the far off calls of the Hyena, and wake up to the wonderful dawn chorus synonymous with tales of this magical place.

The Serengeti is renowned for the mass migration of Wildebeest and Zebra that continually move through its lands, coming in from the Masai Mara in Kenya and travelling back again as the seasons change. This is the world's largest migration of mammals and is a spectacular sight to behold. Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah, Elephant, Gazelle, Lion and even the Hippo could all be within your sights.

Tailormade wildlife holidays to Tanzania should also include visits to Arusha National Park, which lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. You may also choose to spend a few days in the Ngorongoro Crater, the magnificent natural feature that is home to a plethora of fascinating species. A trip to Lake Manyara for the birdlife alone can be a fascinating addition too.

On an adventure to this spectacular country, there are myriad opportunities to get up close to the animal life. Do a little research beforehand so you can use the time you have wisely, and focus on exactly what you would like to see.

Disney World's Extra Magic Hours

Often considered as one of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney Resort hotel, the special EMH (Extra Magic Hours) option brings along a unique opportunity to enjoy the favorite WDW (Walt Disney World) parks in Orlando, Florida. Whether it's the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, the Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom, the excitement of exploring the parks during those special hours of the morning or late in the evening is a different experience altogether. For guests staying at any of the WDW Resort hotel and those staying at the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, and Downtown Disney Hilton, EMH offers the advantage of avoiding crowds, ride queues and wait times like never before. Truly, the prospect of enjoying a specific park one hour prior to the usual opening time or being able to stay late into the evening and have fun for another couple of hours even after the park is officially closed for the day is just awesome.

Given the special opportunities it is no surprise that the EMH option is a unique gift in the offing. But to get the best out of this popular vacation option is a bit tricky for many. It often requires a good understanding and careful planning to make the EMH really beneficial for you and your family during the trip. One should be aware that there are two types of EMH in offer - Morning EMH and the Evening EMH. The Morning EMH allows you to enter the participating Park one hour before it opens for regular visitors, the Evening EMH allows you to stay back late and enjoy amidst a much lesser crowd as others (those staying outside the Resort) left the Park already.

Again to make the EMH work in your favor, it is very important to consider you family first. Such as if your family is more comfortable getting up earlier during the trip then the Morning EMH may best suites your vacation plans or if you are among those who don't want to miss their early morning sleeps while in vacation, and love to enjoy staying up late night in the parks, perhaps the Evening EMH make a great option.

Moreover, it is also important to note that sometimes EMH may make no real difference to you. Since the number of active attractions in the park during the special hours is limited to a selected few, there is often the fear of facing huge gatherings during busier seasons on selected parks. But whether there is a gathering or not, the special hours will always enjoy a comparatively much quieter ambience than during those regular park hours. If you are a Resort hotel guest I think it is one of the most unique advantage you should not miss.

Tourism in Bhutan

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in Bhutan. The country today is seen as one of the most sought-after destinations in South Asia, primarily because of its rich natural and cultural heritage. Bhutan's high-value low-impact tourism policy revolves around what is considered in the West as sustainable tourism. The policy has not only created the image of exclusivity but has also passionately promoted the idea of sustainable tourism.



Starting in 1974, the industry has made immense contribution to the national exchequer and is today the second largest generator of revenue for the government. A huge number of Bhutanese have found employment in the industry as guides, cooks, porters, drivers, food suppliers and hoteliers. Another huge impact of tourism is seen in the indigenous cottage industry that has helped hundreds of authentic handicraft outlets mushroom at major tourist destinations.

Most popular forms of visits are cultural, followed by trekking and adventure/sports tourism. White water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking are some of our most sought-after products. Bhutan's pristine environment was recognized globally when the country was named one of the top ten global bio-diversity hotspots. It's rich flora and fauna boast rare species like the endangered Golden Langur, White-bellied Heron, Black-necked Crane and exotic varieties of Rhododendron, wild Orchids and various medicinal plants.

Bhutan's strengths as one of the top tourist destinations have principally hinged on its traditional culture, religious festivals, pristine environment, and more recently on its efforts to redefine human progress through the degree of happiness of its citizenry. Bhutan's fourth monarch, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, declared that Gross National Happiness (GNH) is more important for a country than Gross Domestic Product. Therefore, strictly adhering to the principles of GNH, Bhutan has consciously sought to anchor the tourism sector on social, economical and environmental sustainability.

As the last bastion of tantric Mahayana Buddhism, Bhutan offers what most Buddhist nations cannot. In Bhutan, you will find a people who pursue happiness through the simplest and yet oldest of the means - prayers. In Bhutan, you will find the happy marriage of traditional and the modern. In Bhutan, you experience the vibrancy of a culturally rich society. In Bhutan, you will find public institutions experimenting with human happiness as the ultimate result of economic development.

19 Days of Heaven and Wonder - Everest Base Camp Trek

When you're in Nepal, you can't help but be completely captivated by the sharp contrasts, beauty, and the rich culture of the people living on the edge of heaven.

The Sherpa people live their daily lives in villages tucked against soaring, jagged pinnacles, walking trails lined with Mani stones, delicately engraved with Tibetan Buddhist prayers.

It's clear these people live a life intertwined with spirit and have an immeasurable bond with the land. A spiritual relationship with the grand mountain giants they call home.

High in these beautiful mountains, you'll find colorful richly garnished monasteries nestled amongst the rocky hillside valleys. Prayer flags fluttering in the breeze from the Stupas, or prayer rock mounds you'll encounter in every village that the Sherpa's pay homage to as they go about their peaceful existence.

I was lucky enough to experience both the physical and ethereal nature of the Himalayas, both of which leave an indelible imprint on your mind and spirit.



As we approach the first Stupa on our journey, our guide explains the cultural significance of these impressive formations. He takes time to enlighten us on the practice of walking the circumference of each one in an anticlockwise direction, a Himalayan protocol if you like, embedded in Nepalese Buddhist tradition.

We watch children dancing, smiley heads and shoulders bobbing around amongst their endeared and enduring animals at Namche Bazaar, another destination we stay at on our way to Everest Base Camp. Here we stay while we acclimatize to the altitude, and enjoy some Nepalese hospitality.

Most people who have seen images of the hiking trails in the Himalayas know the people in the mountainous regions have for centuries considered the wooly Yak a source of food and transport among many other things. It is the cliché of Himalayan wildlife because it's so often referred to in books and images about Tibet ad Nepal.

Yaks however, are not the most intriguing mammal stuck in my memory, but rather the Argali sheep. Their over-proportioned horns remind me of something you'd see in a Greek mythology book! There are also many monkeys, cats, lizards and the peacock-like national bird; the danphe. Definitely not the average dog, cat or squirrel you'll see at home.

The pretty rhododendron forests, which bloom at this time of year, in March are a bright crimson and green, in contrast to the gray, rocky and seemingly barren mountain tops dusted with snow. Amongst the landscape, if you look closely, we can see mountain animals dotting the ridges of the hillside.

As we make our way through open valleys, over deep river gorges and up the craggy mountain paths, we are rewarded with mesmerizing views of the Himalayas.

It's easy to forget the sense of achievement you feel at the time, when your senses are so full and alive from the tastes, sounds, sights, scents and total immersion in a world so different from the norm.

I loved the village atmosphere, the hustle and bustle, but with a sense of balance and harmony, as opposed to the chaotic feel of big cities in our day-to-day westernized culture.

Being here is a constant reminder about living in the present moment and appreciating all the little snippets of beauty that we walk right past without a thought.

A flower that you have never seen before, in its natural habitat might capture your interest, but a daisy in your garden at home is so easily passed by unnoticed.

Travelling to places where nothing is familiar, provokes your senses, and triggers your nervous system out of its programming into a state of full awareness. It's invigorating, and more than a little addictive!

Travelling on foot through the Himalayas is definitely one of those adventures you return home from, with a feeling that something in your consciousness has shifted. I'm not sure if it's the sheer physical beauty of the mountains and environment, or whether it's the spiritual nature of the land and its people that stays with you - maybe it's both.

Either way - the experience remains with me as a cherished memory and a reminder of what's really important in life.