Top Five Tips for Hiking with Children

Top Five Tips for Hiking with Children
by Melanie Schwear, Jul 8, 2007

It is fun to get out in nature with the family. It provides some quality alone time and a good dose of important exercise. Hiking with your children is a wonderful thing.

Below are five tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable hike with children.

1. Proper Clothing and Shoes
All members of the family should wear proper clothing and shoes on a hike. For short hikes, sneakers or cross-trainers will probably suffice. For longer hikes, however, both adults and children will benefit from properly fitting hiking boots.
When hiking with children, it is important to dress them in comfortable, non-binding or chafing clothing. Children will complain readily if their collar is too tight or their waistband rubs their belly. Long pants thick enough to deter thorns and insects are a must for hiking children.

2. Hiking Sticks for Everyone
Hiking sticks can help with balance and support on tricky hiking trails. When hiking with children, provide hiking sticks that are the right size and weight for them. Hiking sticks can either be found wooden branches that are smooth and sturdy, or man made, purchased varieties. The hiking stick for children should be narrow enough for them to grip and not to heavy.

3. Planning the Route
If a hiking trip is too long, children are apt to complain. Be sure to plan the route before you set out. Either plan to hike in a loop that will take you back to the car or campsites, or hike half the distance out and half back. When hiking with children, it is a great idea to map out the route with them beforehand. They will enjoy following the map and knowing how far they still have to go.

4. Drinks and Snacks
Everyone needs some nourishing drinks and snacks while hiking. The most important thing to carry along when hiking with children is plenty of water. You could also bring sports drink. When hiking with children, it is also a great idea to bring fun snacks that can be carried along. GORP (good old raisins and peanuts), or trail mix is the ultimate hiking snack. Dried fruit, peanut butter crackers, and granola bars are other good choices. Hiking with children takes a lot of energy, and healthy carbohydrates give a burst when you need it.

5. First Aid
When hiking with children, be sure to pack a first aid kit. Of course, adults can also be injured, but small children are more susceptible to cuts and scrapes. A small injury may make a child feel as if they cannot go on. An adult ready with the first aid kit will keep the hiking day more pleasant for children.
Hiking with children is important for physical exercise, appreciation of nature, and family together time. If you want a safe and fun experience, there are certain things you must remember. Staying within the bounds of ability and comfort is important when hiking with children.

Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Travel-with-Kids/Top-Five-Tips-for-Hiking-with-Children.33560

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die
by Nelson Doyle, Oct 10, 2007

Wow, get an adrenaline rush without having to sell your firstborn to go on a vacation of a lifetime.

Everyone deep down inside wants to experience the thrills of adventure before they die and these “10 most affordable extreme things to do before you die” are the ultimate adventures for the average person. Staring death in the face does not have to cost you your firstborn child anymore.

DRIVE A PROFESSIONAL NASCAR STOCK CAR
NASCAR is considered to be one of the most widely viewed sporting competitions in the USA and due to its popularity a cottage industry was created to fuel the ultimate fan demands. Now fans can visit a racing school to learn how the car(s) work and learn how to actually drive them under racing conditions. After several hours of classroom time and a few quick laps around the racetrack with an instructor, then you will be let loose on the track to take your solo laps. Can you even imagine the pure excitement you will get pushing the petal to the metal and racing around the racetrack at 160 mph.
There are racing schools located all over the United States and prices do vary depending on which racing package that the customer chooses. Prices typically range from $399.00 (8 laps) - $2899.00 (100 solo laps) and there is even a package for the people who would prefer to ride and not do any driving starting at $129.00.
This extreme sport is not only affordable, but also extremely dangerous in an exciting way.

GO SKYDIVING
Skydiving is a high-speed aerial sport that exposes its participants to the real risk of injury and death, however it is this kind of risk coupled with the sensation of diving towards the earth at over 200 mph makes this extreme sport worth doing.
Prices do vary depending on what package the client selects, but you can expect to cough up about $85 to $200 (for a static line jump) and up to $300 for a tandem jump (that's with an instructor attached to your back). Skydiving equipment, airplane ride and instruction is usually included in these prices. Always ask travel agents or skydiving instructors about all associated costs before reserving a seat on the plane.

BUNGEE JUMP OFF OF THE BLOUKRANS BRIDGE
Bloukrans is the largest and highest bridge in Africa, the third highest bridge and the largest single span arch bridge in the world. The Guinness World Records has recognized the Bloukrans Bridge as the Highest Commercially Operating Bungee in the World suspended at 216 meters (708.6614 feet) over the Bloukrans River.
Bungee jumping from these heights requires a life and death attitude even before stepping out onto the specially designed catwalk located just beneath the road surface. Whether you decide to make the leap on your own accordance or you are like me and will need a gentle nudge off of the platform, the heart-pounding rush of adrenaline must be unimaginably freeing to the soul.
Taking a leap of faith like this is not all that expensive if you are already visiting Africa. Again, prices do very depending on which package is selected, but an inexpensive package generally starts at R580.00 (USD $85.08466 currency rate on October 09, 2007).
More about this bridge, then checkout this site that I had found while doing research. After I discovered David Barrett's website and blog, I was totally impressed and engaged with his travels and experiences that he shares with the world.

SHOT OVER JET BOAT RIDE (NEW ZEALAND)
If you are a boating enthusiast, then taking a Shot Over Jet Boat Ride is absolutely an insane water thrill ride. The Shot Over Jet Boat hydroplanes across water only a few inches deep, barely avoiding sharp rocks and canyon walls all the while reaching top speeds of 55 mph. You tell me that this ride would not be a total mind-blowing ride of a lifetime.
Not including travel expenses to New Zealand, reserving a seat on board a Shot Over Jet Boat starts at $69.00 (for children 5 to 15 years old) and $109 (For Adults) and for more information go to Shotoverjet.com.

WHITEWATER RAFTING (THE OCOEE RIVER)
Whitewater rafting is one of the most thrilling water activities on the planet. The Ocoee River is no tame beast by any stretch of the imagination as rafters are repeatedly faced with a new set of terrifying challenges around every bend. Experienced whitewater rafters are the only ones allowed to paddle this river solo and everyone else must attend a short safety course usually lasting about one-hour, then everyone is issued life jackets and paddles, before boarding the raft. A raft can carry 6 or 7 people including the river guide, but some outfitters do have larger boats that carry more people.
“The Ocoee River offers two separate sections of big waves, large drops and surging whitewater. This Tennessee River was the site for the whitewater canoe and kayaking events of the 1996 Olympic games. The Ocoee River produces the most continuous stretch of Class III and IV rapids of any river in the country”, according to Rolling Thunder River Company.
Price Range: $38.00 per person to $80.00 per person (depending on package type)

HIKE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL (THRU-HIKING)
Hiking in general is not considered to be an extreme sport, but that old clique goes right out the window as soon as hiking the entire distance of the Appalachian Trail comes into play. The Appalachian Trail covers a distance of 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia and hiking the entire length of the trail is a mammoth feat of endurance and skill. Hiking this distance usually takes six months navigating various types of terrains and overcoming all that Mother Nature has to throw at you along the way. Only 1 out of every 4 hikers ever finish this extreme hiking experience.
Depending on how much hiking and camping gear that the hikers already own, then the cost of this trip will vary from $3000.00 to $5000.00 per individual hiker to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Along the trail hikers can visit towns and cities that dot the landscape and take a hot shower, purchase more supplies and send out mail.

HANG GLIDING
Flying like a bird and soaring through the sky while skillfully navigating the unseen wind is one of the coolest places to be. Hang gliding is a sport that can cost an estimated $6000.00 in training to gain the required skills to fly as high as 10,000 feet, but there are places around the country that offer tandem flights for as little as $120.00. This is an adventure that will deliver the adrenaline at an affordable price.

ICE SAILING ACROSS A FROZEN LAKE
This is undeniably one of the most insanely fast land sports (without wheels) that an individual can do. Blazing across a frozen lake bed at speeds approaching 100 mph riding on nothing more than a blade-supported sailboat, just a few inches from the ground sounds frighteningly exciting. Let's not even think about wiping out at these high speeds.
Equipment Rental Price Range: $50.00 (half-day rental) - $120.00 (full-day rental)

ALPINE DOWNHILL SKIING
Whoosh to the right and swoosh to the left and lift-off over that slope. Tuck the arms in and bend the legs and speed over the cold, white snow at over 60 mph. Ok, maybe not that fast just starting out, but plenty of spills along the way while getting use to your ski legs. The great thing about skiing is that there is a bunny hill for the beginners and that there will always be that one guy who will blindly try the big hill, before he's ready. Look out for that tree!
Price rates vary according the ski package selected. Skiing still decently affordable for most middle income Americans and tourists.

STORM CHASING ADVENTURE
We have all seen those crazy people who chase after devastatingly powerful tornados and storms. Usually parked a few hundred yards from an approaching funnel cloud, then slowly and suddenly a tornado starts to twist the storm clouds about and the mighty wind bouts about everything that stands in its way. Now this experience can be yours for the low price of $2500 for 6 fun-filled days of tempting fate one tornado at a time.
Yes, it is totally true. There are several companies on the Internet that offer storm chasing tours that are designed for the public. Of course, these are professional storm chasing outfits and safety is the number one goal, so relax and enjoy a storm.

Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/10-Most-Affordable-Extreme-Things-To-Do-Before-You-Die.50999/2

How to Package Your Passion Into Your Adventure Travel Tours?

How to Package Your Passion Into Your Adventure Travel Tours?
by Joyce Leong, Jul 29, 2007

Ideas to help you on thinking and planning for your adventure travel vacation.
People often ask: What would you think of a certain adventure travel tour? But it order to answer to this question, you will need to boil down to one thing:

What is your definition of adventure?
If you were to flip through and look into the dictionary for the meaning of adventure, you will find out that it could mean anything from an unusual or exciting experience to taking a bold risk just for fun. Though everyone's idea of adventure is different, but it should not be deviate too far from the explanation.

What is Your Definition of Adventure Travel Tour?
So, the first step is to identify what adventure means to you? Like I said, everyone's definition of adventure is not going to be similar. A person may think that having to tour around haunted houses or bird watching is an adventure, while others may think that sky diving or bungee jumping can be considered as an adventure. Hence it is pretty much on how you would definite your adventure which may be different from others.

What is Your Passion?
Before getting too far, ask yourself what is your passion? What would you like to do? Think for a moment, what would you think of as a passion that is appealing enough to turn into an adventurous vacation?
Let's say for an example, if you love to go trekking. And most often, you would only be going hiking in the forest of your state or within your country. This is your passion. How about having it together with your vacation, going beyond the forests in your country? It is going to be a different experience altogether.
Packing Your Passion With Adventure Travel Vacation
Now you have found exactly what your passion is, we will translate this passion into an adventure travel tour. Here are some examples that you could take into consideration for your adventure travel package.
If you love backpacking, your adventure could take you into Appalachian Mountains or even to Machu Pichhu in Peru.
If you are into archaeological or culinary interests, you can take up adventure travel tours to the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, or exploit on the cooking classes on a vineyard tour in France.
Now, if these do not interest you, and being a sporty person, you prefer more exciting and thrilling action adventure travel tours, these are what you can think of - extreme sports adventure travel tours.
How about going for a ride against the white water rapids at the Colorado River? Otherwise, think about the excitement that you are going to get from the cage diving with Great White sharks in Australia or Africa.
Regardless of your, your interest is, adventures that you would like to venture, or extreme sport that you like to try out, there is always an adventure waiting just for you.

Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/How-to-Package-Your-Passion-Into-Your-Adventure-Travel-Tours.37087

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die
- by Nelson Doyle, Oct 10, 2007

Wow, get an adrenaline rush without having to sell your firstborn to go on a vacation of a lifetime.
Everyone deep down inside wants to experience the thrills of adventure before they die and these “10 most affordable extreme things to do before you die” are the ultimate adventures for the average person. Staring death in the face does not have to cost you your firstborn child anymore.

DRIVE A PROFESSIONAL NASCAR STOCK CAR
NASCAR is considered to be one of the most widely viewed sporting competitions in the USA and due to its popularity a cottage industry was created to fuel the ultimate fan demands. Now fans can visit a racing school to learn how the car(s) work and learn how to actually drive them under racing conditions. After several hours of classroom time and a few quick laps around the racetrack with an instructor, then you will be let loose on the track to take your solo laps. Can you even imagine the pure excitement you will get pushing the petal to the metal and racing around the racetrack at 160 mph.
There are racing schools located all over the United States and prices do vary depending on which racing package that the customer chooses. Prices typically range from $399.00 (8 laps) - $2899.00 (100 solo laps) and there is even a package for the people who would prefer to ride and not do any driving starting at $129.00.
This extreme sport is not only affordable, but also extremely dangerous in an exciting way.

GO SKYDIVING
Skydiving is a high-speed aerial sport that exposes its participants to the real risk of injury and death, however it is this kind of risk coupled with the sensation of diving towards the earth at over 200 mph makes this extreme sport worth doing.
Prices do vary depending on what package the client selects, but you can expect to cough up about $85 to $200 (for a static line jump) and up to $300 for a tandem jump (that's with an instructor attached to your back). Skydiving equipment, airplane ride and instruction is usually included in these prices. Always ask travel agents or skydiving instructors about all associated costs before reserving a seat on the plane.

BUNGEE JUMP OFF OF THE BLOUKRANS BRIDGE
Bloukrans is the largest and highest bridge in Africa, the third highest bridge and the largest single span arch bridge in the world. The Guinness World Records has recognized the Bloukrans Bridge as the Highest Commercially Operating Bungee in the World suspended at 216 meters (708.6614 feet) over the Bloukrans River.
Bungee jumping from these heights requires a life and death attitude even before stepping out onto the specially designed catwalk located just beneath the road surface. Whether you decide to make the leap on your own accordance or you are like me and will need a gentle nudge off of the platform, the heart-pounding rush of adrenaline must be unimaginably freeing to the soul.
Taking a leap of faith like this is not all that expensive if you are already visiting Africa. Again, prices do very depending on which package is selected, but an inexpensive package generally starts at R580.00 (USD $85.08466 currency rate on October 09, 2007).
More about this bridge, then checkout this site that I had found while doing research. After I discovered David Barrett's website and blog, I was totally impressed and engaged with his travels and experiences that he shares with the world.

SHOT OVER JET BOAT RIDE (NEW ZEALAND)
If you are a boating enthusiast, then taking a Shot Over Jet Boat Ride is absolutely an insane water thrill ride. The Shot Over Jet Boat hydroplanes across water only a few inches deep, barely avoiding sharp rocks and canyon walls all the while reaching top speeds of 55 mph. You tell me that this ride would not be a total mind-blowing ride of a lifetime.
Not including travel expenses to New Zealand, reserving a seat on board a Shot Over Jet Boat starts at $69.00 (for children 5 to 15 years old) and $109 (For Adults) and for more information go to Shotoverjet.com.

WHITEWATER RAFTING (THE OCOEE RIVER)
Whitewater rafting is one of the most thrilling water activities on the planet. The Ocoee River is no tame beast by any stretch of the imagination as rafters are repeatedly faced with a new set of terrifying challenges around every bend. Experienced whitewater rafters are the only ones allowed to paddle this river solo and everyone else must attend a short safety course usually lasting about one-hour, then everyone is issued life jackets and paddles, before boarding the raft. A raft can carry 6 or 7 people including the river guide, but some outfitters do have larger boats that carry more people.
“The Ocoee River offers two separate sections of big waves, large drops and surging whitewater. This Tennessee River was the site for the whitewater canoe and kayaking events of the 1996 Olympic games. The Ocoee River produces the most continuous stretch of Class III and IV rapids of any river in the country”, according to Rolling Thunder River Company.
Price Range: $38.00 per person to $80.00 per person (depending on package type)

HIKE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL (THRU-HIKING)
Hiking in general is not considered to be an extreme sport, but that old clique goes right out the window as soon as hiking the entire distance of the Appalachian Trail comes into play. The Appalachian Trail covers a distance of 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia and hiking the entire length of the trail is a mammoth feat of endurance and skill. Hiking this distance usually takes six months navigating various types of terrains and overcoming all that Mother Nature has to throw at you along the way. Only 1 out of every 4 hikers ever finish this extreme hiking experience.
Depending on how much hiking and camping gear that the hikers already own, then the cost of this trip will vary from $3000.00 to $5000.00 per individual hiker to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Along the trail hikers can visit towns and cities that dot the landscape and take a hot shower, purchase more supplies and send out mail.

HANG GLIDING
Flying like a bird and soaring through the sky while skillfully navigating the unseen wind is one of the coolest places to be. Hang gliding is a sport that can cost an estimated $6000.00 in training to gain the required skills to fly as high as 10,000 feet, but there are places around the country that offer tandem flights for as little as $120.00. This is an adventure that will deliver the adrenaline at an affordable price.

ICE SAILING ACROSS A FROZEN LAKE
This is undeniably one of the most insanely fast land sports (without wheels) that an individual can do. Blazing across a frozen lake bed at speeds approaching 100 mph riding on nothing more than a blade-supported sailboat, just a few inches from the ground sounds frighteningly exciting. Let's not even think about wiping out at these high speeds.
Equipment Rental Price Range: $50.00 (half-day rental) - $120.00 (full-day rental)

ALPINE DOWNHILL SKIING
Whoosh to the right and swoosh to the left and lift-off over that slope. Tuck the arms in and bend the legs and speed over the cold, white snow at over 60 mph. Ok, maybe not that fast just starting out, but plenty of spills along the way while getting use to your ski legs. The great thing about skiing is that there is a bunny hill for the beginners and that there will always be that one guy who will blindly try the big hill, before he's ready. Look out for that tree!
Price rates vary according the ski package selected. Skiing still decently affordable for most middle income Americans and tourists.

STORM CHASING ADVENTURE
We have all seen those crazy people who chase after devastatingly powerful tornados and storms. Usually parked a few hundred yards from an approaching funnel cloud, then slowly and suddenly a tornado starts to twist the storm clouds about and the mighty wind bouts about everything that stands in its way. Now this experience can be yours for the low price of $2500 for 6 fun-filled days of tempting fate one tornado at a time.
Yes, it is totally true. There are several companies on the Internet that offer storm chasing tours that are designed for the public. Of course, these are professional storm chasing outfits and safety is the number one goal, so relax and enjoy a storm.

Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/10-Most-Affordable-Extreme-Things-To-Do-Before-You-Die.50999