Essential Kit For Hiking

A hiking adventure with a group of people is an adventure to be remembered for a long time and if you are planning for such an outing then it is essential that you have the right kit for hiking. There are actually several different kinds of hiking gear and supplies available for your hiking trip. But if you are not a very experienced hiker or you are very busy in your work then you will find it hard to choose which would work for your needs.

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One of the most important aspects of hiking that you have to consider while buying the gear or supplies is the safety of your companions while hiking. The more you are prepared for the trip the better your chances of enjoying it. Besides the basic hiking equipment, you will also require a tent and sleeping bags if you are going on long hikes. A tent has to be properly designed so that it can provide maximum protection to you and your companions from the elements. You should also invest in camping gear such as portable stove, lantern, cooking utensils, first aid kit and even a sleeping bag so that you are not stranded during an emergency. For Hiking Clothing Dublin, visit Basecamp.

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An essential gear for hiking is also clothing, especially if you have to walk for a long distance. If you are going on a longer hike, then it is essential that you invest in a good rain gear such as waterproof clothing and good footwear. You should also make sure that your clothing is breathable so that you would not suffer from moisture condensation in your skin.

How to travel safely with your dog

Are you going to take your dog for a trip? It can be tonnes of fun to go on holiday or a day trip with your dog. Being well-prepared to make things run as smoothly as possible is critical. Failure to plan and the journey can very easily become a nightmare!

The first important thing to remember is that a collar with current identification data on it must be worn by your dog. Luckily you can get some wonderful Designer Dog Collars from Iwoof.

It might be safer to use a boarding kennel or dog-sitter when you’re away if your dog has not yet been adequately trained with at least basic training. When travelling in a car, you need your pooch to be well-behaved.

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Other items that need to be scheduled include where the dog will be put in the car, pet-friendly lodging, and activities to keep the dog active and occupied while you are away.

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The best way to travel with your dog is by car as this mode of transport would also be most familiar to your dog, having been taken on trips to the vets and the park, etc. Some dogs suffer car travel anxiety, so it’s probably best to get them used to travelling from an early age in the car. If he is nervous, try short drives for a while and get your dog used to car journeys. Maybe he still feels that he’s going to the vets where he might have had a poor experience before.

The lovely Devon town of Honiton

Nestle just off the A30 in the shade of the Blackdown Hills lies the lovely market town of Honiton. This little Devon gem has risen to prominence as a place for local farmers to come and bring their wares to sell. However, it can link it’s history to muhch further back than medieval times. Honiton is also on the route of the ancient Roman road the Fosseway. This links it to Exeter, Gloucester, Cirencester and up to Leicester, so it must have been of some considerable importance to the Roman occupation. It probably acted as a hub, even then, for the many Villa’s and tribal settlements in the area much as it has done throughout the centuries.

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The town is great for shopping with Shops in Honiton high street all full to the brim with excellent wares. A List of the shops in Honiton High Street, its historic High street it should be said, is available at the link. Wandering it’s streets of heritage and the past is a very relaxing day and it’s certainly worth spending some time here.

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It’s not just shopping. The town has a long history of Lace making. At one time Queen Victoria had a wedding dress made from it. Honiton lace was seen as the best in the world. At one time there were a huge amount of independent lace makers working in the town. Much of this  is celebrated in the town’s Museum, a nice little break from the shopping.

Exploring Glenveagh national park

In the North West of County Donegal lies one of the most stunning beautiful areas in Ireland. Glenveagh National Park is a real jewel in Irelands Emerald crown and attracts many visitors hoping to get away from the hectic pace of daily life and enjoy the picturesque rural landscape that abounds here. With many fantastic local places to stay, as well as pubs and restaurants in the area, it is the perfect place for a holiday for those looking to relax and unwind – remember to pack warm clothing such  as aran sweaters and a sturdy pair of boots if you are hoping to explore the surrounding countryside.

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Glenveagh national park is a real treasure of mountains, lakes and tumbling waterfalls. With miles of walking trails to suit a gentle stroll or a more brisk ramble, you will be delighted by the stunning sights that you find on your walk. As well as the scenery, the park is heavily involved in conservation and is home to the magnificent Golden Eagle.

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The mountainous location is perfect for these beautiful birds and since 2001 huge efforts have been made to reintroduce the birds from Scotland to Ireland so keep your eyes peeled! Because the park is still a very wild habitat that is well protected and remains virtually untouched by man, there is a wide array of flora and fauna thriving in this National Park, and conservation of the environment remains of the highest importance here. From the foxes and badgers of the woodlands to the ravens and the plovers that next high in the clifftops, this is Ireland at it’s most wild and beautiful.

 

Visiting Faro

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Portugal, then you’re not alone – it’s an incredibly popular and beautiful destination. Don’t overlook the capital though, as most tourists arriving head straight out of the city and off to the resorts. Here are the best things to do in Faro:

  1. Praia de Faro

Don’t rush off to a resort but stay and explore the capital. Just behind the airport you can follow the road straight to the Praia de Faro, a wide stretch of soft sand dotted with relaxed beach bars and cafes for you to get straight into Portuguese living and out of traveller mode.

  1. Cidade Velha

The old city is a must-visit area that boasts a range of architectural styles to take in, along with storks who nest along the rooftops. There are quaint cafes and bars to choose from, from which to watch the world go by or visit the O Castelo, with its calendar of cultural events and live music in its courtyard.

  1. Sé de Faro

This is the iconic cathedral that rose from the site of an ancient Roman temple and once served as a Moorish mosque. It is now a stunning Romanesque Gothic style place of worship with stunning views of Faro and an impressive Baroque organ. For flights to Faro from Airports in Ireland, visit https://irelandwestairport.com/

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  1. Municipal Museum of Faro

Before you even get inside, you’ll be wowed as the architecture alone is a sight worth seeing. Featuring a mosaic from the 3rd century and busts of Roman Emperor Hadrian, there’s plenty here to keep you gripped. Telling the story of Faro from birth to present day, you’ll also find some artworks from Carlos Porfirio.

  1. The churches of Faro

Faro is the perfect place to see beautiful churches in the traditional white-washed, tiled buildings you expect to see in this region. Be sure to include the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, an impressive twin-towered edifice with an interior glazed with Brazilian gold. For the more morbid among you, the Capela dos Ossos is not far away and made from the skulls and bones of over 1,200 monks!

  1. Olhao fish market

The building that provides a home to the Olhao fish market was designed by none other than Gustav Eiffel! (yes, of Eiffel Tower fame). Sitting on the waterfront, it’s the ideal place to sample some of the region’s best fresh fish.

  1. Ria Formosa

Described as one of the most beautiful places in the whole Algarve, this is a natural park and a haven for wildlife. The area consists of salt pans, barrier islands and lagoons, making it the perfect destination for biking, hiking, kayaking or partaking of a guided tour. Go bird spotting and look out for the other many protected species that thrive here.

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  1. Palácio de Estoi

No visit to Faro would be complete without seeing these gardens designed by aristocrat, Fernando de Carvalhal in the 1800s. The gardens are home to hidden, romantic grottos, calming fountains and stunning areas decorated with blue porcelain tiles. The palacio is now a luxury hotel but you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy a look around and a coffee on the restaurant balcony that boasts incredible views.

The best viewpoints of Alicante: The lighthouse of Santa Pola

The coastal town of Santa Pola, in Alicante, not only offers its beaches and restaurants as incentives to the sea. In the vicinity of the lighthouse of Santa Pola there is a privileged viewpoint to the Mediterranean , which today we look out.

There, next to a cliff that descends to the coast, we can walk along a hanging gangway and enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the Alicante coast, with the Isla de Tabarca in the foreground. Without a doubt we are in one of the best viewpoints of the province of Alicante . Continue reading The best viewpoints of Alicante: The lighthouse of Santa Pola

If you are a coffee grower you should visit these nine countries

The cold arrives and with it the desire to sit at home in the shelter with a delicious cup of steaming coffee in his hands. Although sometimes we think of a coffee on a summer day that activates our strength we also like it. There are people who can not live without coffee, which is a very important part of their existence, so if you are very coffee you should visit these nine countries . Continue reading If you are a coffee grower you should visit these nine countries

Birmingham is home to the best rooftop bar in the UK

The best rooftop bar in the UK has been announced and the accolade goes to the Hotel Indigo rooftop bar.

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The Best Rooftop Award is part of the Simply The Guest Awards, which reward the very best hotels in the country and were launched by LateRooms.com and venues are scored according to visitor satisfaction.

Spectacular

Hotel Indigo was the very first rooftop bar to arrive in Birmingham, opening in 2011 at The Cube. Part of the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill, it recently underwent extensive renovation and refurbishment to include a stunning new plush seating area complete with comfy sofas, outdoor heating and an amazing retractable cover. Guests are now able to enjoy the impressive 360-degree views across the city, sitting on the 25th floor, drink in hand and even wrapped in a cosy blanket, should they so wish.

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Add to this the breathtaking views, live music and locally sourced food and it really isn’t hard to see why the venue won. According to Sandra Perkins of LateRooms.com, 100 percent of visitors would recommend it to a friend. The venue has an almost faultless track record and people cannot recommend it enough – an almost impossible achievement given the high expectations of consumers today.

Reviews on the site are truly glowing, praising the colourful decor, fabulous views, amazing spa facilities and fantastic location, situated as it is next to the Birmingham canals and very close to the popular Barclaycard Arena.

Reviews

One of the first things people do before choosing to book a hotel is to browse through the reviews of other people who have stayed or dined there. This is why the industry accolade is considered so very valuable and a true indication of a venue’s performance. It has become an important goal for hotels and businesses, such as Birmingham serviced apartments, http://birminghamservicedapartments.co.uk/, to aim for. The awards are considered a real achievement and are highly sought after.

25 categories

The Simply The Guest Awards feature 25 different categories, all of which recognise hotels offering outstanding customer service to their guests. The awards include luxury, historic, family friendly and beach hotels, as well as bed and breakfasts. There were six additional categories this year, of which the Best Rooftop Bar was one, alongside Best Pool and Best View.

Rishikesh – Venture Into The Gateway Of The Himalayas

Rishikesh, also dubbed the “Gateway to the Himalayas” came into the light of people all over the world during the late 1960’s when the four members of the British pop/rock band ‘The Beatles’ arrived to Rishikesh for a ‘spiritual enlightening’. Since it was during the Beatles era and Beatlemania had touched every corner of the world almost like an epidemic, Rishikesh gained great popularity. It catapult this small place into the top of everybody’s travel bucket list. This is one reason why this place is also called the “World Capital of Yoga” as many hoarded in from all parts of the world just to see the place. Some of the places to visit in Rishikesh are mentioned below.

Haridwar

Haridwar in plain words means gateway to God. Haridwar lies 18 km from Rishikesh and is one of the most visited places for people visiting Rishikesh. With multiple temples and various other religious sites, Haridwar is considered as one of the seven sacred places for the Hindus.

Lakshman Jhula

Built in 1889, Lakshman Jhula is a hanging suspension bridge almost 450 ft long. Up until 1939, this bridge was made of jute until it was replaced by an iron bridge. It is believed that Lakshman used this bridge to cross the Holy Ganges while it was made of jute, which is where it gets its name from. There are famous temples on both sides of the bridge and a walk across it during your visit is definitely recommended.

Kaudiyala

If your have seen Rishikesh being represented by groups of people having outdoor fun such as rafting or other activities in the forest and that played a major driving factor for your trip, head over to Kaudiyala. Proper safety standards are met and you will be given a detailed explanation of what  you should do before you attempt to take part in anything. Rafting seasons starts from September and goes on till May. The window in between is also the perfect season for rock climbing and various other activities.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a temple dedicated solely to Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by thick vegetation and mountain ranges. The temple sees a huge crowd of devotees from all over India during the annual festive seasons. The temple is located very high of normal ground which makes for a perfect view of the whole surrounding hill ranges.

Rishikesh is one of the most travelled to weekend destination from New Delhi. It takes about 9 hours by aNew Delhi to Rishikesh train, which is the mode of transport mainly used by people going for a spiritual getaway. The youngsters and the adrenaline junkies prefer taking a more fun road trip with their backpacker buddies.

Budget Camping Tips

Camping is one of those leisure activities that not only requires time, but equipment and tools as well. While it may seem like your wallet is getting a break from choosing to camp over getting a hotel somewhere, it can still rack up quite a few expenses. However, there are ways to bypass many of those costs and keep the experience on the cheaper side.

1. Sometimes just getting into the wild can make you feel like you are miles away from home. Nearly every state in the country has some kind of national park or recreation area, so choosing to go camping in an area nearby would save a lot on travel costs. As long as there are no skyscrapers or highways, you will surely be able to feel like you are much further away than you actually are.

2. Another way to save some money for camping trips is to buy used equipment. Many second hand stores sell things like lamps, pots and pans that you can take with you on your trip and not worry too much about wearing them out or scratching them up. If that idea doesn’t appeal to you, the other option is to buy items that you know you can use again for more than just one camping trip. It would be helpful to create a designated storage area to keep you equipment and have it last you for the whole season, or even several seasons.

3. Buying multipurpose items in bulk is a great way to not only trim down your inventory, but your expenses as well. For example, a single pot can be used to make all your meals and boil water, as long as you are able to clean it out in between. Also, buying a family size pack of ground beef can be used to make a variety of different meals. Taking as few things as possible and minimizing your items can also make it easy to pack up when you are ready to go home.

4. Several national parks have a few days a year in which entry and camping registration is free. This is usually over the holidays, which can make your trip a festive one especially if it is over a long weekend such as Labor Day. There may be some other areas with their own special deals, so it might be a good idea to research the places you are thinking about spending a night or two. However, take into account that over holidays and free pass days it is normally much more crowded, so staking your spot early would probably be a good idea.

5. Solar equipment is growing in popularity these days and for good reason, too. If you manage to find some solar lamps, flashlights or lights to bring with you on your camping trip, think about how much money you would save on batteries. Select large retail stores are known to sell some of the smaller lights to put in the ground for just a few bucks, and that might be a great way to bring some illumination to your campsite.

6. Sometimes even just looking around your home may help when packing for a camping trip. Some of your regular household items can be disguised as one thing, but completely compatible for another use. For example, an old shower curtain might make a great tarp for under your tent, and bringing all that extra lint in your dryer may serve as great tinder for your fire. Not only would this reduce your list of things that you need to buy, but you may get an extra use out of something you might usually throw away anyway.