On many of our trips, we participate in whitewater rafting, which is a lot of fun (my favorite adventure activity), but can be dangerous. Of course, we only work with reputable companies and highly experienced guides, but if you are new to this sport, it's important that you have an understanding about the rating system (International Scale of River Difficulty), where whitewater (usually rated as an individual rapid, but can be the entire river) is classed in 6 categories from class I (the easiest and safest) to class VI (the most difficult and most dangerous). The grade reflects both the technical difficulty and the danger associated with a rapid, with grade I referring to flat or slow moving water with few hazards, and grade VI referring to the hardest rapids which are very dangerous even for expert paddlers, and are rarely run. Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None) Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill) Class 3: Medium waves, maybe a 3–5 ft drop, but not much considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills) Class 4: Whitewater, large waves, long rapids, rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience) Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, continuous rapids, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering. Often characterized by "must make" moves, i.e. failure to execute a specific maneuver at a specific point may result in serious injury or death. Class 5 is sometimes expanded to Class 5+ that describes the most extreme, runnable rapids (Skill Level: Expert) Class 6: While there is some debate over the term "Class 6", in practice it refers to rapids that are not passable and any attempt to
On many of our trips, we participate in whitewater rafting, which is a lot of fun (my favorite adventure activity), but can be dangerous. Of course, we only work with reputable companies and highly experienced guides, but if you are new to this sport, it’s important that you have an understanding about the rating system
May through December are typically the rainy “winter” months, also known as the green season. Both July and August typically have nicer weather than the months before and after. You'll typically have sun in the mornings and afternoon rains to green up the tropical foliage and cool things off. It's also the perfect time for
Every traveler’s bucket list should include viewing the Northern Lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis. It is by far one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena! The Aurora Borealis can only be seen within the auroral oval, which is centered on the earth’s North Magnetic Pole. The Aurora Borealis form when charged particles emitted from the sun get caught up in the earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules in our atmosphere. The rays that you see are our magnetic field getting illuminated by the incoming energy. It’s like throwing dye in the sky! The Solar Maximum -- a period where the sun’s magnetic field on the solar equator rotates at a slightly faster pace than at the solar poles. The cycle between Solar Maximums takes an average of 11 years, and 2017 starts the downswing of the cycle. This means fewer nights filled with the aurora borealis, an effect that will likely last until around 2025 or even 2026. You'll still be able to see the lights, but it will be less frequent. Experts indicate the best time to travel to the auroral oval is in March for the spring equinox and September for the fall equinox. Aurora hunting is ultimately a game of luck, but if you find yourself in the right place at the right time, you will see anything from an ethereal green glow on the horizon to pulsating scarlet streaks across the sky. Check out our Discover South Iceland trip that happens every March and September!
Every traveler’s bucket list should include viewing the Northern Lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis. It is by far one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena! The Aurora Borealis can only be seen within the auroral oval, which is centered on the earth’s North Magnetic Pole. The Aurora Borealis form when charged particles emitted from the
While in Cuba, we visit an organic farm for a true farm-to-fork experience. Upon arriving, you are given an "Anti-Stress Drink." Here's what's in it: 1/2 pineapple 4 tsp sugar 3 tbsp milk 1 tsp coconut milk Ice Water Blend Next, add: Star Anise Mint Leaves Mint Grass Basil Lemongrass Blend Finish with some honey & cinnamon on top. Don't forget the Rum! Delicious!
While in Cuba, we visit an organic farm for a true farm-to-fork experience. Upon arriving, you are given an “Anti-Stress Drink.” Here’s what’s in it: 1/2 pineapple 4 tsp sugar 3 tbsp milk 1 tsp coconut milk Ice Water Blend Next, add: Star Anise Mint Leaves Mint Grass Basil Lemongrass Blend Finish with some honey &
Eating is a big part of traveling, so we choose to not include all meals as part of the trip price to give you a choice of eating options. This allows for maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together, of course there is no obligation to do this. Below is a list of some of our favorite restaurants in Cuba! HAVANA O'Reilly 304 (Spanish/ Caribbean) O'Reilly #304, Habana Vieja Thinking up the name (the restaurant's address) can't have taken much imagination, but this place serves up some of the most imaginative cuisine in Havana. Exquisite seafood with crispy vegetables is presented on metal pans set into wooden trays, while the cocktails and tacos are fast becoming legendary. Seafood here is fantastic and fresh, and its ceviche is the holy grail here, voted as the best ceviche restaurant in Havana. Also, don't miss the watermelon or passion fruit mojitos that pack a punch! The simple restaurant is probably the trendiest and hippest eatery in Cuba. Dona Eutimia (Cuban/ Creole) Callejón del Chorro No. 60C, Plaza de la Catedral This paladar is located opposite an artist's workshop within a few meters of the large state restaurant, El Patio, on Cathedral Square. The place is small, old, personal, an intimate place where you can relax. The bar area has a modern coffee shop lounge feel (think Friends) with comfortable sofas, bright cushions and good music (modern lounge). The owner, Leticia, has developed a very traditional Cuban menu based on memories of her mother's dishes. She does not like to invent new dishes or to mix with a modern touch. So look for tamal, ropa vieja (shredded beef), pork, rice and beans cooked with original flavors. Don't underestimate how good these
Eating is a big part of traveling, so we choose to not include all meals as part of the trip price to give you a choice of eating options. This allows for maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat
In the US, we're used to a Cuban Sandwich having pickles and cheese. Well my friends, I hate to inform you... this is all wrong! A REAL Cuban sandwich doesn't have pickles or cheese. It's much simpler than that. The REAL Cuban Sandwich consists of: Roasted Pork Leg Garlic, onions, sweet pepper & vinegar (combined together in a squirt bottle) Tomatoes Where's the best place to find an authentic Cuban sandwich? From a street vendor, such as Rico y Fresco, on the drive from Trinidad to Havana in Cuba! Photo Credit: Kim Wilson @ cinematiclifestyleimagery.com
In the US, we’re used to a Cuban Sandwich having pickles and cheese. Well my friends, I hate to inform you… this is all wrong! A REAL Cuban sandwich doesn’t have pickles or cheese. It’s much simpler than that. The REAL Cuban Sandwich consists of: Roasted Pork Leg Garlic, onions, sweet pepper & vinegar
Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is on every hiker's bucket list, but should you do it? It is indeed challenging, but it has been completed by thousands of people. Chances are good that you can do it too, provided you are reasonably fit and you don't have any health issues that preclude you. Depending on your level of fitness, it will be challenging for some people and quite moderate for others. The 30-mile hike, which runs through the Andes Mountains, is a high altitude trek, topping at around 13,829 feet (4215 m) above sea level. Along the trail, the terrain itself is challenging and the altitude makes breathing more difficult and the physical effort more strenuous. In order to make hiking at elevation more comfortable and less exhausting, it is important to train both physically and mentally before your trip to Peru. 1. Start your training at least 3 months ahead of time. If you live in an area where there are mountains and hiking trails, choose hikes based on elevation gain and distance. Start out with a few easier hikes and work your way up. Make the toughest one somewhere near the middle of your training. If you don't live in an area where there is hiking, hit the stairs or the gym. Build on your cardio as well as your strength, focusing on the legs and core. To balance out your conditioning work, add in some arm, back, and shoulder exercises. The Inca Trail can be like the most brutal stair master you can imagine. According to Mountain Travel Sobek, "The level of fitness needed for a trekking adventure requires regular aerobic exercise for at least one hour 4-5 times a week." The earlier you begin your exercise regimen, the more time your heart and lungs
Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is on every hiker’s bucket list, but should you do it? It is indeed challenging, but it has been completed by thousands of people. Chances are good that you can do it too, provided you are reasonably fit and you don’t have any health issues that preclude
Are you thinking about a trip to Morocco with Adventure People but have questions about the itinerary or concerns over safety? Check out this Google Hangout with our guide, Mustapha. He'll be able to answer all of your questions!
Are you thinking about a trip to Morocco with Adventure People but have questions about the itinerary or concerns over safety? Check out this Google Hangout with our guide, Mustapha. He’ll be able to answer all of your questions!
The ancient city of Ayutthaya is less than fifty miles north of Bangkok and well worth the visit. It was the Thai capital for 417 years and during this time thirty-three Kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Ayutthaya is strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting to the sea: the Menam, Lopburi, and Pasak rivers. Wandering through this once thriving place will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. After being attacked by the Burmese, who burned the city to the ground and forced the inhabitants to abandon their home, it was never rebuilt and today boasts some of the most impressive ruins in Asia. It was added to UNESCO's list of world heritage sites in 1991. Ayutthaya Historical Park is open daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm. There are several ways to get here from Bangkok -- by car, by train, by bus, by minibus, or by boat. It's worth spending at least one full day here and you can take a tuk-tuk to get from temple to temple. The drivers are used to temple-hopping tourists and it doesn't cost much to get around. Below are the places Adventure People visited on our visit to Ayutthaya in December 2014: Wat Maha That Wat Maha That, or the Monastery of the Great Relic, is one of the city's most impressive sites. It is located in the center of Ayutthaya and was built to house a relic of the Buddha. Wat Maha That was also the residence of the Supreme Patriarch or leader of the Thai Buddhist monks. The exact dates of the establishment of Wat Maha That is difficult to assess. The Luang Prasoet version of the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya put its construction in 1374 during the reign of King Borommaracha I. Later
The ancient city of Ayutthaya is less than fifty miles north of Bangkok and well worth the visit. It was the Thai capital for 417 years and during this time thirty-three Kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Ayutthaya is strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers
People in the United States usually associate the month of December with Christmas trees, prime rib, and Hallmark Channel reruns. It has become a tradition for Adventure People to flock to someplace tropical during this month and this year was no exception. We just returned from the amazing country of Thailand! It is true to say that no nation likes to celebrate more than the Thais and the Thai people keenly take part in Christmas celebrations in Thailand. This may come as a surprise, particularly since over 90% of the population is Buddhist and Christmas is a Christian festival. However, it is worth remembering that the Christmas celebration has ancient roots in the winter solstice, and revelries involving holly, mistletoe, candles, feasts and gift-giving existed long before the Christian tradition. Besides, what could be more Buddhist in spirit than a celebration of joy, compassion and peace? December also happens to be the month of the King's birthday , so there is more celebrating going on than usual. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great was born on December 5, 1927 to Prince Mahidol of Songkhla and Mom Sangwan. His Majesty is the ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty and the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Thailand. His Majesty the King is well recognized as the heart and soul of the Thai nation. On his birthday, which is observed as a National Holiday, all Thai people rejoice in demonstrating their affection and loyalty to him. Religious rites are held, houses and buildings are decorated with flags, lights and his portraits, along with widespread displays of yellow, the royal color. The King is a revered figure in Thailand and is seen as a unifying figure in a country experiencing political division. The Thai military seized power in May following six months
People in the United States usually associate the month of December with Christmas trees, prime rib, and Hallmark Channel reruns. It has become a tradition for Adventure People to flock to someplace tropical during this month and this year was no exception. We just returned from the amazing country of Thailand! It is true to
