Adventure - Best Places of Interest

February 15, 2018 Adventure

Staying Safe On Your Next Cross Country Road Trip

Are you planning a road trip with friends or family?

If so, getting there is half the fun. While you may have the itinerary all planned out for where you’ll be stopping at and what you’ll be doing once you’ve reached your destination, what about safety? Trip safety while you’re driving and arriving at each location is vital to having a successful vacation.

Cross country trip in America — America Car Map Road Trip Atlas United States
Image credit- Max Pixel

If you’re planning on venturing off the main trail a little bit, you’ll also have to be prepared for that. Here are a few things to plan ahead in regards to your overall safety while you venture away.

Having The Right Auto Insurance

Getting behind the wheel is a lot of responsibility. Not only are you in control of how you handle your vehicle and keep your passengers safe, but you are responsible for the safety of others on the road. No one can predict when an accident will happen, or maybe you’ve had a few legal problems in regards to your driving in the past. This can make it harder for you to obtain auto insurance.

Be sure to stay legal. Seek out a reputable SR22 insurance carrier. They specialize in helping people who are high risk, who maybe had a DUI or several traffic violations in the past. This will allow you to stay legal as you cross state lines and hit the open road. It also makes sure that you are properly covered should you get pulled over or the inevitable happens and you have a car accident.

Check The Weather Thoroughly

Check weather before going on cross country trip — Nature Sky Clouds Dramatic Sunset Panorama
Image credit-Max Pixel

Before hitting the road, consider what the weather conditions will be like along the way. Just because the weather is perfect when you embark on your trip, doesn’t mean it will be good as you continue driving. Driving through mountains or low-lying areas can make it more susceptible to face foggy conditions, which will limit your visual ability and depth perception.

Use a weather app to check the weather where you’ll be traveling through. This will allow you to adjust your trip accordingly and promote a safer, more effective driving experience. Also, check for traffic backups. This can be done through the U.S. Department of Transportation website in the state that you’ll be going through. From there, you’ll be able to see pre-planned construction work going on as well as any detours that you are recommended to take. This can save you time and gas money in advance.

Tell Someone Where You’re Going

Whether you are staying on the main road or highway throughout your trip, you should still let someone not going with you know where you’re heading to. Because cell phone coverage can be impaired in certain areas, especially while driving, it’s important that someone knows where to look for you and your party, should you not arrive when you’re supposed to. If you’re planning a backcountry hiking or camping trip, you should definitely let someone know exactly where you’ll be heading. This is because severe weather conditions can negatively impact your activities, and even put you in danger. Letting a park ranger know your information and also telling someone back at home is very important for optimal safety.

Pack Some Safety Gear

Making sure you have your clothes, toiletries and other essential is something at the top of your to-do list before you leave on your trip. While these things are important, so is some essential safety gear to have in your car. Here are just a few suggestions:

Keep a first aid kit in your glove box.
Pack a flashlight and a flair gun in case you breakdown alongside the road.
Have plenty of water and non-perishable food on hand.
Bring plenty of charged backup batteries for your phone and flashlight.
List of emergency contacts in case you lose your phone and numbers.
A paper map of the area you’ll be traveling through.

Staying safe means being prepared by packing your car with the essentials should you wind up being lost or unable to utilize your cell phone.

Safety is important for your entire group as you venture out into the world. Making sure you’re insurance has the right coverage and you are well prepared for any emergency is the best way to ease any worries.

So, stay safe on your next cross-country road trip.

October 9, 2017 Adventure

5 Adventure Activities To Try In Australia

Australia is not just a place where you can hang out with your family and friends by going to different cities, staying in luxurious or budget hotels, shopping, and dining in restaurants. Australia is also filled with wonderful places where you can try different activities for you to experience a worthwhile trip.

There are a lot of amazing things to try and visit in Australia where you can do adventure activities.

If you wanna know more about these adventure activities in Australia, see the list below:

Ocean Rafting

Ocean rafting- adventure activities in Australia

Ocean Rafting is probably one of the most famous activities in the world. The reason why the best ocean rafting can be experienced in Australia is because there are a lot of beaches in Australia to choose from and almost all of them offer this kind of adventure. Take note that Australia is surrounded by ocean so wherever your destination is in Australia, you will not find it hard to try Ocean Rafting. Ocean Rafting is usually done in groups so better invite your friends for a ride!

Zorbing

Zorbing- adventure activities in Australia

Zorbing is one of the best activities you could ever try not just in Australia but in other countries as well. But according to a lot of travelers, the best Zorbing experience can be found in Surfer’s Paradise on Gold Coast, Australia. Aside from Zorbing, there are also other activities that the resort offers that you may try. Zorbing is something that should definitely be part of your list.

Surfing

Surfing, adventure activities in Australia

Of course, Surfing. This activity is everyone’s favorite. There are a lot of people who are finding a hard time balancing themselves which is why it is very much recommended to take surfing classes. There are also trial classes being offered in different parts of Australia so you better grab them!

Skydiving

Sky diving, adventure activites in Australia

Skydiving is often feared by a lot of people but it is actually something that they should consider trying. Apart from Dubai, the best skydiving experience can be found in Australia. If you want to try Skydiving in Australia, you better head to Byron Bay! Skydiving is often feared by a lot of people but it is actually something that they should consider trying. Apart from Dubai, the best skydiving experience can be found in Australia. If you want to try Skydiving in Australia, you better head to Byron Bay!

Camel Rides

Camel Safari, adventure activities in Australia

Yes. You read that right. It is not only in the Middle East that you can experience camel rides. You can also experience it in Australia. If you want to feel like a boss on a beautiful and pristine island then you better try riding camels in Broome, Australia.

Australia is really filled with great adventure activities that you will surely remember for the rest of your life.

You may also like to read 6 reasons why you should visit Australia in 2017

Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a daytime writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta, one of Australia’s modern and luxurious hotels in the suburban district. Mark Aldrin gives hotel tips and hacks to help people make the most out of their vacation.

July 21, 2017 Adventure

Planning your off Road Forest Adventure: Here is Your Checklist

Planning your off road adventure- here is a checklist

Off-roading can bring you fun, excitement, and just a little bit of danger. But when you have an itch to head out and hit the trails, it’s not as simple as taking a hard right turn into the open country. You’ve got to plan your trip and prepare, after all, a lot can happen out there. If you’re planning on taking the rig out on its first off-road adventure, be sure to check out this list of tip and tricks and gain a little bit of trail wisdom.

If this is your first rodeo, we should dispel a common misconception right out of the gate: off-roading is not really off-road. It’s not on paved roads, no, but it’s not a matter of heading out into the forest with no destination in mind either. What you’ll want to find are permitted off-road trails in your area where you can follow a worn path, but also have fun and test your vehicle’s limits along the way. The National Parks Service maintains quite a few paths and that’s a good place to start your search.

Street signs — https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Clarendon_sign.jpg

We like to think of off-roading like backpacking, except in this case, the backpack is your vehicle. There are plenty of odds and ends you won’t want to be without. Flashlights, and even road flares can sure come in handy, even when you don’t plan on needing them. After all, you never plan on getting a flat, but you wouldn’t want to go off-roading without a spare tire, jack, and tire iron.

But some things won’t fit in your backpack, or your vehicle – in particular: a buddy. It’s always best to go out in a group if you can, and avoid long treks on your lonesome. Not only is it more fun but if you break down out in the wilderness, the assurance that a good friend is right there with you is better insurance than a trunk full of tools and spare parts. You can always take classes to ensure you drive your best on the trails, but no amount of know-how can replace a little bit of back-up.

Pre Designated trails will help prevent you from running hood first into a log, or ending up in a river. That said, they’re no cakewalk either. It’s important to drive fully alert and at the top of your ability. Even still, moderate to severe damages to your vehicle, especially in the front end, are always in the realm of possibilities. Your factory bumper likely won’t be of much help – which is why you’ll notice many off-roaders have elected to add an aftermarket bumper specifically suited to off-roading.

Another piece of protection a lot of trailheads go for is a set of nerf bars or running boards. These easily installed steps line the side of your truck or SUV and serve a dual purpose. For one thing, they help you and your passengers climb into your vehicle, and they bring the added bonus of knocking rocks and other debris out-of-the-way while off-roading. Whenever you’re off-roading, pebbles, stones, and other paint-scratching scraps are being constantly tossed up by your spinning tires. Dents, dings, and even cracked windows are no stranger to the trails, which is why a set of side steps can really come in handy.

Another popular name for off-roading is “mudding”, and if you venture out in wet conditions you’ll see why. Plenty of people live for getting a good afternoon of mudslinging in, and this is definitely not the time to try to keep your ride clean. In fact, driving back into town with a mud-covered beast is a badge of honor in some circles.

But we’ve found even the muddiest of mudders like to keep their interiors clean if they can which can be a difficult feat, especially if you need to get out and give your pal a push at any point. This is where rubberized all-weather floor mats really come in handy. The deep walls and thick construction of these mats can hold plenty of dirt and mud. Plus just like your vehicle’s exterior, you can just hose these off in your driveway when you get home.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Pajero_in_offroad.JPG

Off-roading, like camping or backpacking, is one of those activities where you might feel like you could never bring too much. And yet, you’ll always feel like you’re forgetting something important. So in addition to the above mentioned items, we’ve prepared a checklist of helpful tools that you’ll always be glad you brought when the time to use them presents itself.

Check-list: – Water (one gallon per person per day)

– Food and trail rations (Twice the amount you think you’ll need)

– Extra Gasoline (Jerry cans)

– First aid kit

– Full Sized Spare Tire

– Jack and Tire Iron

– Basic Tool Box

– Hand Sanitizer

– Flashlight

– Flares

– Sun screen

– Extra clothes

– Rain jacket

– Maps

– Trash bags

– Bug spray

– Sunglasses

– Jumper cables

– Duct tape

– Utility knife

– Air pump and pressure gauge

– Rags

– Super glue

– Paper towels

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Jake McKenzie is a writer with AutoAccessoriesGarage. In addition to writing about cars, trucks, and the automotive world.

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February 24, 2017 Adventure

Tribes and Wilds in Gujarat- Part 2

Continuing from my earlier post Tribes and Wilds from Gujarat

Day 11: Jamnagar

Flamingos in Gir forest-wilds in Gujarat

Early morning after breakfast, visit salt pan areas and the port area where you can find greater and lesser flamingos. After an early lunch start for Narara. Start the coral walk on the beach. Here you may see the Stingray, crabs, octopus, puffer’s sea anemones, dolphins if you are lucky.

Day 12: Jamnagar – Nakhatrana

Early morning after breakfast depart for Nakhatrana, Reach nakhatrana by lunchtime take rest and afternoon depart for Nakhatrana wildlife sanctuary in Kutch. The rare ecosystem with a mix of desert, beaches hills and grassland has a lot of variety to offer. You can find striped hyenas, desert fox, porcupines, Indian civet, Indian pangolin, a variety of reptiles, venomous and non-venomous reptiles and monitor lizard and star tortoise. Chinkaras can also be found here return to resort and night halt in Nakhatrana.

Day 13: Nakhatrana

Early morning at 5: 30 AM before breakfast visit Nalia for varieties of unique birds like the Great Indian bustard is found in this region. Look around for the Black and Gray Francolin, the Spotted and Indian Sandgrouse, Quails, Larks, Shrikes, Coursers and Plovers. You can also see flocks of Indian Gazelle and wolfs spotting the entire landscape, while a drive around the sanctuary will acquaint you to the friendly nilgais. After an extensive flash of various mammals and reptiles, return to the resort by 10 AM, take breakfast and rest for the day. Night halt in Nakhatrana.

Day 14: Nakhatrana – Dhordo

The tribals with their work- tribals in Gujarat

Early morning after breakfast depart for Dhordo, check in to resort freshen up and after lunch visit the white desert, Banni Region – which amidst the Desert land of infinite dimensions, are suspended, quaint little villages. These are the last villages on the India-Pakistan border where you will come across master craft people’ exposing their traditional art, turning out masterpieces every day. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use – will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound. Khavda – a small village, one can visit Khatrivas to see artisans printing & selling Ajrakh. The town also has skilled Leather Craftsmen and there are some shops retailing local crafts, including leather slippers. In the evening return to resort and Night halt in Dhordo.

Day 15- Dhordo

Early morning after breakfast depart for KALO DUNGAR (BLACK HILLS) – Kaladungar also known as the Black Hills, overlooks the spectacular Rann, the view from the top is a sight that one can never forget. One can spot some rare species of white foxes these beautiful, frisky animals staying in the wild respond to the call of the temple priest as he beats a steel plate yelling “langa” to suggest that food has been laid out for them. On way the back, visit some of the more important villages Niroona (Rogan Art and Bells), Hodko and Ludiya, permission is to be taken from the check post to visit this area due to its proximity to Pakistan.

cranes- Rann of Kutch-wilds of Gujarat — Cranes

Indian fox pups- wild in Gujarat — Indian Fox pups

Day 16: Dhordo – Dasada

Early morning after breakfast depart for Dasada via Bhujodi, Just 8 km southeast of Bhuj, Bhujodi is a major textile centre of Kutch, with the vast majority of the 1200 inhabitants involved in textile handicraft production. Here you can meet weavers, tie-dye artists and block printers, most of whom belong to the Vankar community. you can watch them work and depart for Dasada, reach to resort by evening and night halt in Dasada.

Sunset in Rann of Kutch- Wilds in Gujarat

Day 17: Dasada

Early morning after breakfast depart for a safari in LRK (Little Rann of Kutch), which is well-known as the remaining habitat of the endangered Indian Wild Ass, Nilgai (blue bull), the largest antelope in India can be seen during the drives. Indian Wolf, Indian and White-footed Desert Foxes, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena and Fishing Cat, and smaller mammals like hares, hedgehogs, gerbil and field mice are seen in the sanctuary. Return to resort and rest for the whole day. Night halt in Dasada.

Day 18: Dasada – Nalsarovar – Ahmedabad

In the morning after early check out of 5:00 am, departed for Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, which is mainly inhabited by migratory birds in winter and spring, it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India. Which attracts over 210 species of birds in the winter, and harbours a variety of flora and fauna. Thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary just after the Indian monsoon season. The shallow area and ponds on the outer fringes of the lake attract the wading birds that feed in the shallow waters. This migratory bird population includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks, and Herons.

After bird watching, you depart for Ahmedabad, check-in and after freshening up move out for Sightseeing around the city. First, visit Sabarmati Ashram / Gandhi Ashram. This place speaks volumes about Mahatma Gandhi as a leader, a mentor and as a person as well. Later move towards Adalaj stepwell, not very far from Gandhi Ashram. A “Stepwell” is a unique feature of dried western India. This particular stepwell is almost 600 yrs old and runs up to 5 stored below the ground. A MUST SEE for any architectural lover. Return to the hotel for a lavish traditional meal at the rooftop restaurant. Night halt in Ahmedabad.