Tag: trails

February 22, 2017

Essential Items for Your Next Backpacking Trip to South America

Similar to backpacking in Asia or parts of central America, the first rule of thumb is to not bring any unwanted attention to yourself. To put it simply, it is best to not bring any jewelry, valuables, or additional tech devices (other than perhaps your phone and a camera). You don’t want to be a target for a robbery or petty theft, so it’s best to just leave the fancy rings and watches at home.

While it is important that you avoid bringing any expensive jewelry to South America, this in no way means that you shouldn’t carry some nice outfits if you choose to have a nice dinner in Buenos Aires or Bogota. Also, investing in sturdy shoes, a solid rain jacket and a waterproof outdoor backpack.

One thing to definitely avoid is wearing a money belt (a silk sleeping bag liner more than does the job). You basically want to be as discreet as possible when it comes to storing money and other documents during your backpacking adventure.

As you’re packing for your trip and placing all your items in your waterproof backpack or suitcase, be sure to pack light. Bringing a few pairs of pants, merino wool socks, water purifier tablets, etc. is better than overpacking and your items being too heavy to comfortably hike the Inca trail on the way to Macchu Picchu. Once you’re there, you can always purchase any basic toiletries or the like.

At the end of the day, practicing minimalism is essentially the way to go with regard to exploring the stunning, vast continent of South America. Remember to also use basic common sense and do the proper research before you head to the Andes, the beautiful architecture of Cartagena, or the isolated nature preserves deeply woven in Patagonia. The world is yours to explore. Safe travels!

June 10, 2016

Useful World Travel Tips

Patience
Be prepared for unexpected circumstances and some planned events not working out as you as hoped. Although this can be frustrating and often times less than ideal, keep in mind that these mishaps are not only what will allow you to learn more about how to plan your trip better next time, but will create cherished memories.

Getting annoyed or angry does not help the situation in the slightest. Taking a deep breath, evaluating the situation, and moving forward with a smile on your face is the only way to best address any unfortunate situation.

Rise & shine
Even though this is technically a “vacation,” waking up at the crack of dawn to get the day started is actually the best way to explore a new city, town or country. One huge benefit to waking up early is the simple fact you can avoid any massive crowds or long lines to important sites.

If you happen to enjoy photography, going on site to take photos in the soft or golden light provides a different perspective in the morning when everything comes across as new and fresh to the eye. So grab a cafe solo along with un desayuno tipico and head on over to the watch the sun rise over the mediterranean coast from Park Guell.

People watch
Taking the time to observe and take in what is around you is the best way to create memorable visual images in your mind well after the trip is over. Having breakfast at a cafe full of locals to asking your cab driver where the best places to visit, are both incredible ways to experience this new place with an introspective glance.

Smile & greet others
Before you head out to Kyoto or Athens, be sure to learn a few simple greetings in the local language to make certain interactions such as saying hello, goodbye or thank you. This not only shows the local people you have made an effort to learn a bit of their culture, but it also allows for easier interactions with waiters, hotel staff and cab drivers in your day to day conversations.

Don’t overplan
Give some time in your schedule to explore on your own without a set itinerary, a tour bus waiting waiting for you, or a line around the block to see the spider-like chandeliers of the Royal Palace in Madrid. Scheduling time out of your trip to explore the place you’re visiting is the most ideal way to create some spontaneity and healthy unpredictability during your journey.

Slow down
A huge mistake that many travelers make during their journey is to over schedule or attempt to cram as many countries as they possibly can in a limited timeframe. Spending even more time than anticipated in one place is never something to regret during your travels.

Pack less
Packing lightly is one of the most fundamental tips before traveling abroad from anywhere between one week to a full month. Although you think you need six pairs of shoes and a ton of new clothes to hike the Alps, it is best to actually leave those behind. This also allows for additional space to pick up some souvenirs for loved ones along your international journey.

June 1, 2016

A Guide to Muir Woods National Monument

One of the most historic and well known historic forests in the continental U.S, Muir Woods National Monument is located off the Pacific coast, just outside of San Francisco in Marin county, California. Protecting 554 acres of forest, John Muir Woods is a breathtaking nature preserve consisting of extensive biodiversity with its rich ecosystem throughout the forest. In particular, the Muir Woods National Monument is known for its redwood forests, one of a few remaining in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Muir Woods National Monument is an old-growth coastal redwood forest. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the forest is regularly shrouded in a coastal marine layer fog, contributing to a wet environment that encourages vigorous plant growth. The fog is also vital for the growth of the redwoods as they use moisture from the fog during drought seasons, in particular the dry summer.

With trees aging anywhere from four-hundred to eight-hundred years old, redwoods are generally incredibly tall, with their height soaring to around two-hundred fifty feet. Although it is prohibited to camp within the national monument, visitors are allowed to hike or bike the trails to fully experience the endless wonder of the redwood forest.

If you happen to be interested in hiking to the Muir Wood National Monument as your final destination, be sure to catch the Marin Stagecoach to the Mountain Home Inn, which is close in proximity to the forest.

From the Mountain Home Inn it’s a two-mile or around a one hour hike to Muir Woods on the Panoramic and Canopy View trails. On this particular path, visitors have the opportunity to see the gorgeous vistas of the ocean alongside the beautiful redwood trees that complement nature’s serenity.

While parking can be bothersome for many, one great tip to keep in mind when planning your visit is to take the shuttle to the vast nature preserve. Even though the shuttle is quite convenient, please keep in mind that the Muir Woods Shuttle is only operational the spring and summer.

To avoid crowds, be sure to plan your visit to the park either during the late winter or early spring. While it is ideal to plan your trip around the summer, also bear in mind that it is also equally important to avoid visiting the national monument during holiday weekends. During the springtime, visiting the park after a light drizzle or a wet day is the perfect opportunity to shoot some stunning nature shots to capture the vibrant pale green leaves in and around the forest.

While the Muir Wood National Monument is by far the most famous of all redwood national parks, it is also a great idea to visit other nature reserves in the area if time permits. Visit the second-growth redwoods of Phleger Estate and enjoy one of the most peaceful sites in the Golden Gate National Parks. To explore other redwood destinations in the Bay Area, be sure to visit the Butano State Park and Redwood Regional Park.

May 5, 2016

The Best Hikes on the Appalachian Trail

Springer Mountain, Georgia
This hiking trail that is around 75 miles in length and generally lasts for eight days is located at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia. Starting from the northern portion of Georgia to Georgia and ending in the southern depths of North Carolina, the most mesmerizing part of this trail is the shady, oak valleys that are completely breathtaking. Since this journey is often fairly longer, hikers agree that the best time to explore this trail is during the milder spring climate instead of the hot, humid summer.

Anthony’s Nose, New York 2.2 miles round-trip

Contrary to what many hikers believe, the Appalachian Trail’s lowest point is actually where it crosses the Hudson River. Although many people are aware of this, the climb up to Anthony’s Nose is actually quite difficult, even for the fittest outdoor explorers. A short trail but fairly intensive, it does take some physical practice to prepare for this steep climb.

Delaware River, New Jersey/Pennsylvania 15.9 miles one-way (two days)

If you happen to make the special trip out to the Delaware Water Gap, be sure to visit The Kittatinny Ridge towers which offer incredible views of the tri-state area. Dip your toes into Sunfish Pond, the southernmost glacial lake on the A.T. Also, it is also very convenient to take a side trip to Mt. Tammany, where you can also see beautiful views of the river and the surrounding mountains in the area.

Avid hikers and sometimes photographers make the trip out to Mt. Tammany during the early spring (to see the pale green leaves) or mid-autumn to see the bright, vibrant leaves for miles at a time.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee (four days)

As the country’s most visited national park, this is a classic trip in the South that is an essential adventure for many outdoor adventurers all over the country. Reservations are required for shelters and campsites, and weekdays are generally less crowded. Hiking paths take visitors through ridges and streams, incredible vistas, icy bodies of water and a climb to the highest point on the trail at Clingman’s Dome, which is over six-thousand feet.

The hike up to Clingman’s Dome is quite impressive for everyone ranging from Trails are steeper, longer, and higher here than in Shenandoah National Park. Surprisingly enough, this trail that goes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can experience rainstorms, snowstorms and hail storms in the spring.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia 100 miles (ten days)

Unlike the other trails, the hike to Shenandoah National Park is definitely geared towards outdoor explorers that have worked up to an extensive physical excursion. In other words, this hike is in no way designed for the weak-hearted.

Although this is one of the longest journeys on the Appalachian trail, it is actually not the most physically draining or intensive. The length of the trail presents hikers and other visitors stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with the Shenandoah Valley, if you are keen on exploring some more.

March 20, 2016

Discovering the Charm of Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

With over one million visitors that travel from all over the world to experience this majestic sight off Ireland’s western coast, the Cliffs of Moher is truly what makes any trip to Ireland worthwhile.

The deep navy blue of the Atlantic in addition to the mossy green green covering this vast, arch-shaped fields is the perfect way is absolutely breathtaking. At the southern end of the Cliffs of Moher stands Hags Head, a natural rocky promontory that resembles a seated woman when one looks at the area from the north.

Although many tourists are unaware that this vision is quite interesting, if you happen to ask about viewing Hags Head during your time at the cliffs, simply ask anyone who happens to frequent the hiking or biking trails in the area.

In terms of the ancient Gaelic language, the word Mothar means “ruined fort.” Historically speaking, a fort dating back to the first century BC stood where Moher tower is currently located, so that tourists can discover how stunning the other side of the Atlantic ocean remains centuries later.

Trinity College Long Room, Dublin

As the largest library in Ireland, beautifully decorated with over 200,000 books dating back to the 17th century, the Trinity College Long Room continues to be a prime tourist spot for both domestic and global travelers visiting Dublin.

The massive collection long room not only includes a rare copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, which is ideal for any avid history enthusiast who thoroughly appreciates UK culture, but in addition this library also contains 15th-century wooden harp. Interestingly enough, this wooden harp is the model for the Irish Emblem.

The library’s most famous possession is the Book of Kells, which is decorated with lavish Celtic and Christian iconography. The Book of Kells was crafted by Christian monks around 800 AD For many Irish nationals, this actually currently represents

Blarney Castle, Cork

Historically known as a medieval stronghold which is located on the River Martin, this castle was built during the Muskerry dynasty in the year 1446. If you happen to explore Blarney Castle during the spring or the summer, be sure to explore the extensive gardens that surround stronghold.

Not only does walking around the castle allow you to view this architectural masterpiece from various angles, but it also allows you to see other attractions that aren’t in the tour books, such as the natural rock formations with unique naming conventions. To guide you through planning a trip to Ireland, please visit this link.

February 20, 2016

Costa Brava: An Outdoor Explorer’s Dream

Often times an unknown part of the Spanish coast, the Costa Brava is a lovely town a little inland, off the Mediterranean coastline a little south of France. Culturally known as the land from where both Dali and Picasso hail, the Catalan history is rich of art, natural landscape and winemaking culture to say the least.

A quick side trip of a little over an hour and half from the heart of Barcelona will open your eyes to a whole different side of Spain, miles away from the tourist buses and the noisy bustle of the big city.

As this area is both on and off Spain’s coast, it’s also a great idea to savor some of the country’s most delicious seafood, ranging everywhere from grilled octopus to more national dishes, such as the breakfast staple of a tomato like bruschetta with olive oil. One dessert that is specific to the Catalan region is called “crema catalana,” which is the very similar to the french creme brulee.

This region also showcases a plethora of picturesque medieval towns, stunning beaches and some of the most beautiful, remote crystal blue water of Spain. Here are some easy, affordable ways you can explore all of the beautiful outdoor scenes of this gem.

Once you arrive in the area of the Costa Brava, a great way to start off exploring the region is by walking through some paths called the Camins de Ronda. The paths of the Camins de Ronda allow you to see the many small fishing villages that support the local economy, along with exploring some lesser know, remote areas of the coast.

Even if you would just like to hike for a little bit or head to the beach to soak up some sun for most of the day, there are actually tours in the area that offer various hikes from slower, one hour walks to hikes that last several days.

For more intense outdoor adventure, visitors and locals like often go diving or snorkelling at the Medes Islands, which is easily one of the most important marine life reserves in the Western Mediterranean.

This archipelago containing seven small islands continues to astound visitors with its gray rocky cliffs which is ideal for individuals interested in learning more about the diverse marine life in the sea. Another incredible outdoor activity is Kitesurfing in the Bay of Roses, which has several renting stations right on the beach so there is very minimal hassle in terms of the equipment needed.

A common way for Spaniards to travel locally or within a specific city is to bike in order to explore the various neighborhoods of the region. Biking throughout an area called the Emporda with an electric bicycle (burricleta) at Ocitania is one of the best routes to see the medieval towns, green foothills and the more country parts of the Costa Brava.

The primary advantage of biking or cycling of the Ocitania route is to sightsee bits and pieces of the region that are for the most part, foreign to many tourists. Essentially, this bike route is a wonderful way to get lost in the Spanish charm that continues to entrap tourists and locals in its ancient spell of both Medieval and Roman past.

February 9, 2016

Three Top Ski Resorts

When it comes to picking out the best skiing resort, one of the key aspects that separate elite resorts from good resorts is the quality and the quantity of snow. Other important factors to take into consideration are terrain, lift-serviced vertical, skiable acreage, efficiency of lifts, town, and ambience. Here’s a list of my top three skiing resorts based on these factors.

1. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is the place to ski and more and more skiers are finding out about it. In 2014, broke its record of skier visits with a total of 563,631 visitors – an increase of 12% compared to the season before that. That said, Jackson Hole does not get annoying packed with never-ending lift lines. When you put it in perspective, Jackson Hole’s numbers are only about a third of the visits seen in Breckenridge or Vail.

One of the coolest things about Jackson Hole is the tram; it’s one of the best ski lifts out there. It scales 4,139 feet in 9 minutes while carrying 100 passengers. Moreover, the tram operator will select cool music to be played through the ceiling speakers, so you can count on riding the tram while listening to some classic Rolling Stone or Frank Zappa jams.

2. Alta, Utah

To many skiers, Alta is considered holy ground especially because they do not allow snowboarders into its snow-bound steeps, chutes and bowls. Another reason why this place so awesome is because it collects so much snow. Surrounding resorts, like Snowbird also benefit from this climate advantage, but not to the degree that Alta does. Snowfall records show that Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is where Snowbird is located, collects an annual average of 540 inches. Alta tends to get 17% more snow than Snowbird – that’s a lot of snow to rip through!

3. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, Colorado

Aspen Snowmass is a combination of 4 hills together between towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. These four skiing areas cover a massive amount of terrain (3,000 acres to be exact), rivaling Vail just in pure size.

Buttermilk, although it is a smaller terrain, has gained popularity by hosting the Winter X-games. It also has a good ratio of beginner and intermediate runs. On the other hand, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands are known for their advanced and expert runs. Snowmass is the largest of the four with 4,406 vertical feet, 150 miles of trails, and 21 lifts. It literally has everything a skier can ask for – steep cliff chutes, bowls, glades, cruisers, bumps, etc.

For more information about top ski resorts click here.

January 13, 2015

The Best Ski Mountains in New York

New York is known for a lot of things, many of them having to do with the massive city that just barely clings to the states south-eastern tip. The rest of the state has plenty to offer anyone willing to look, including tons of great places to ski and snowboard. Here are the top five best places to go downhill in NY.

Plattekill Mountain

Amanda Starbuck Plattekill mountain

The friendliest mountain in New York, if not the entire world, Plattekill mountain has a small mountain feel with big mountain terrain. It is a family oriented mountain that is itself family owned and operated. They offer slopes that will delight skiiers of all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Their hallmark slope is the famous “Powder Puff,” a 2 mile long cruiser with a gentle decline that will give beginners plenty of time to practice their moves. For the expert level skiers, they have one of the steepest trails in all of the Catskills. This trail, a double black diamond called “Blockbuster” has over 1,100 feet of continuous vertical drop! The mountain is a hidden gem and so the slopes are usually pretty clear of other skiers, just one more in a long line of great things about Plattekill Mountain!

Windham Mountain Resort

Amanda Starbuck Windham Mountain

Windham Mountain Resort is perhaps the largest mountain on this list. Its 53 trails span over 282 acres of skiable terrain and 97% of that is covered by the snowmaking team so you are guaranteed to have some good fresh powder on at least a few of the runs every day! There are slopes for beginners and experts and everyone in between. The main draw for intermediate skiers might be the Wanderer, a nice, smooth descent that seems to go on forever with a cool curve about a quarter of the way down. And, as it’s only 2.5 hours away from NYC, it is easily accessible without having to take a long weekend!

Hunter Mountain

Amanda Starbuck Hunter Mountain

There are slopes for beginners and experts alike on this mountain. It’s a great day trip spot with plenty of trails to keep you occupied. And, if you’d like to stay a little longer, Hunter Mountain offers a full complement of fantastic accommodations at almost every price point. They have a large selection of restaurants and bars on the mountain and have packages that will supply some of your meals for free if you stay! The lift tickets are reasonably priced and there is, as usual, a steep discount for younger riders. If you fall in love with the mountain, buy a Big Lift Card and ski for the whole season!

Belleayre Mountain

Amanda Starbuck Belleayre Mountain
The only state-run mountain on this list, Belleayre Mountain is a perfect stop for intermediate skiers. With 47 trails to choose from, skiers and boarders will both be pleased with the selection. Besides their basic downhill slopes, they have two more extreme parks packed with jumps and rails, and as an added bonus, they have over five miles of backwoods trails just begging to be explored on snowshoes or cross-country skis!