Although often times in the gigantic shadow of its Australian neighbor, New Zealand is worlds apart from any experience found elsewhere and it is geographically much farther southeast than most people imagine. New Zealand is a former British colony, with fascinating cultural influences due to its location in southern Polynesia. Large swaths of rolling green meadows, churning geysers, creaking glaciers, and never-ending stretches of magical overgrown beaches encourage travelers to make the long haul across oceans to indulge in the disarming natural beauty of New Zealand year after year.
New Zealand was one of the last landmasses to be inhabited, only discovered in 800 AD by Polynesian navigator Kupe. The discovery initiated a steady stream of migration from today's French Polynesia until Dutch Abel Tasman and finally James Cook came across the islands and claimed them for the British Crown, ruled from Australia. The native Maori people are still a considerable minority, enriching the cultural climate of the largely European (Pakeha) nation.
Cinematic Sanctuaries and Bungy* Jumping Buffs
New Zealand's geography is divided into two major north-south islands. Depending on where you travel and the time of year, the activities and topography will change dramatically. The South Island is famous for its unique relics of the last Ice Age, the Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers, which plunge just below the islands tallest peak in the Southern Alps, Mount Cook. These glaciers are particularly spectacular because they continue to flow through temperate rainforest strikingly close to sea level. Winter in the Alps region is excellent for skiing, mountaineering and filmmaking – scenes from The Chronicles of Narnia were filmed here. For a thrilling wildlife experience, do not miss the South Island's Otago Peninsula where you can enjoy a cozy bed and breakfast among sea lion, sea elephant and penguin habitats, to name a few
The North Island is relatively warmer during the summer and milder all year long. Put yourself 'on edge' with a trip to serene Lake Taupo, which also happens to fill the caldera of one of the largest super-volcanoes in the world. Extreme outdoor sports abound on both islands, as New Zealand is the original inventor of Bungy Jumping (also found at Lake Taupo) among other creatively dangerous activities. The west coasts are extremely popular for black water rafting, otherwise known as cave rafting. This exhilarating experience should not be missed, even by the beginner. If a new heart rate is not what you are looking for, make your leisurely way to Ninety Mile Beach at the very north end of the island; the name is not deceiving and the experience is absolute paradise in the summer months. The Great Barrier Island to the east is a mind blowing underwater experience for most scuba divers and an equally sensational getaway for the sand-bound.
New Zealand is a destination for all seasons, with activities spanning the elements and progressive cities to keep up with those of faster pace. Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown are all very youthful and spirited cities with the distinct eclecticism of New Zealand culture to overload the senses and invigorate the spirit. New Zealand may be far from most places in the world, but it is certainly worth any length of travel to reap the fruit of this nation's existence. Travel to New Zealand and experience it all for yourself.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Living On A Cruise Ship Is Catching On
Well, living on a Cruise Ship is catching on.
Quite a few couples are now subscribing to world cruises and it is affecting the Cruise Ship industry.
In 2006 the Holland America Line is experiencing a 20 percent increase in the number of cruises longer than 12 days.
For 2007, the demand for world cruises for Cunard is so great the company is having two world cruises, including the Queen Mary 2's first voyage around the world, an 80-day journey.
Silversea Cruises, a very, very exclusive Cruise Line has just launched a series of voyages of 34 to 123 days and is having its first around-the-world cruise in 2007.
And Crystal Cruises Inc. spokeswoman Mimi Weisband said that they saw a record number of bookings for this year's 106-day world cruise.
Why is this happening?
Nobody likes flying anymore. It is not relaxing, you are stuffed like sardines in a tin can, you have to bring your own lunch, and have to take off your shoes.
Now think about cruising.
You've got your house with you, wherever you go, just like a turtle.
You get taken care of, whatever you need. Medical Care is close by, so are 10 bars and 4 restaurants open 24 hours a day in most cases.
You don't have to pack and unpack every day as with regular vacations, you can spend leisurely days playing pingpong and shuffleboard and relaxing with longtime friends.
The key selling theme for these long cruises is COMFORT.
You can see and do exotic things from 10 AM to 12 PM, go for lunch, and do more exotic things from 2 PM till 7 PM and then have a 10 course supper.
After supper there is a free show every night.
Perfect life
Rather than sitting in a summer cottage staring at the walls, on a cruise you have your social life built in, with 2000 possible friends.
Cruise lines say another key attraction is that now you can visit plenty of far-flung destinations - such as Hawaii and Tahiti- without dealing with airport security and other hassles.
The funny thing is that these Cruises are no longer exclusively populated by retired Seniors, but are becoming populated by entrepreneurial 40- and 50-people, who can turn the ship into a virtual, floating office.
You can successfully run a business from being on a ship, because of Wireless Internet Access worldwide available on these Cruise Ships.
Destinations are also being changed by the Cruise Ship industry; more and more exotic itineraries are being visited, because people like change, and if you have never seen the Pyramids, now is your chance on a 12 day Cruise.
The costs of a world cruise are no longer prohibitive, in 2005 a 100 day cruise could be had for $16,000 per person, that is $160 a day for travel, food, guided tours, shows and companionship.
Some people do this in their 30's, saying that they want to enjoy this while they can.
Others do this after they get a divorce, as a consolation prize to themselves.
As the demand for World Cruises increases, at some point in time entrepreneurs are going to buy a Cruise Ship at a reasonable price and are going to turn it into Condominiums.
Quite a few couples are now subscribing to world cruises and it is affecting the Cruise Ship industry.
In 2006 the Holland America Line is experiencing a 20 percent increase in the number of cruises longer than 12 days.
For 2007, the demand for world cruises for Cunard is so great the company is having two world cruises, including the Queen Mary 2's first voyage around the world, an 80-day journey.
Silversea Cruises, a very, very exclusive Cruise Line has just launched a series of voyages of 34 to 123 days and is having its first around-the-world cruise in 2007.
And Crystal Cruises Inc. spokeswoman Mimi Weisband said that they saw a record number of bookings for this year's 106-day world cruise.
Why is this happening?
Nobody likes flying anymore. It is not relaxing, you are stuffed like sardines in a tin can, you have to bring your own lunch, and have to take off your shoes.
Now think about cruising.
You've got your house with you, wherever you go, just like a turtle.
You get taken care of, whatever you need. Medical Care is close by, so are 10 bars and 4 restaurants open 24 hours a day in most cases.
You don't have to pack and unpack every day as with regular vacations, you can spend leisurely days playing pingpong and shuffleboard and relaxing with longtime friends.
The key selling theme for these long cruises is COMFORT.
You can see and do exotic things from 10 AM to 12 PM, go for lunch, and do more exotic things from 2 PM till 7 PM and then have a 10 course supper.
After supper there is a free show every night.
Perfect life
Rather than sitting in a summer cottage staring at the walls, on a cruise you have your social life built in, with 2000 possible friends.
Cruise lines say another key attraction is that now you can visit plenty of far-flung destinations - such as Hawaii and Tahiti- without dealing with airport security and other hassles.
The funny thing is that these Cruises are no longer exclusively populated by retired Seniors, but are becoming populated by entrepreneurial 40- and 50-people, who can turn the ship into a virtual, floating office.
You can successfully run a business from being on a ship, because of Wireless Internet Access worldwide available on these Cruise Ships.
Destinations are also being changed by the Cruise Ship industry; more and more exotic itineraries are being visited, because people like change, and if you have never seen the Pyramids, now is your chance on a 12 day Cruise.
The costs of a world cruise are no longer prohibitive, in 2005 a 100 day cruise could be had for $16,000 per person, that is $160 a day for travel, food, guided tours, shows and companionship.
Some people do this in their 30's, saying that they want to enjoy this while they can.
Others do this after they get a divorce, as a consolation prize to themselves.
As the demand for World Cruises increases, at some point in time entrepreneurs are going to buy a Cruise Ship at a reasonable price and are going to turn it into Condominiums.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Private Jet Charter: Identifying the Right Provider
Almost every company in the private air industry claims to have the best safety standards. But how can a customer really determine what defines high standards? Below is a general guideline to consider when working with any private jet provider.
FAA Documentation
A charter company must have a valid FAA Part 135 air taxi certificate which authorizes it to fly for hire. Sometimes companies attempt to fly under the less strict Part 91 regulations. These rules have far less FAA oversight, and as a result, the liability of the passenger is increased. Therefore, it's important to ask for a copy of the FAA air taxi certificate, and under which regulations your flights will be flown.
Insurance
Insurance can provide a great deal of information about a charter company. Typical limits are $25mm for a small jet, $50mm for a mid-sized, and $100mm for a large jet. Along with the FAA certificate, prospective flyers should ask for proof of adequate insurance.
Third-party Verification
Essential data about the aircraft operator can be obtained from an industry auditing company. One leading company in this field is Aviation Research Group (ARG/US). A charter customer should ask their private jet provider for an ARG/US TripCHEQ prior to booking.
Pilot Experience
Does the provider have minimum standards for pilot hours? Are the assigned pilot's hours verified prior to the flight? Both answers should be yes- pilot hours are verified time that a pilot has spent operating an aircraft. It is an indicator of experience, and is easy to obtain. In addition to the audit rating, prior to every trip, the private jet provider should verify the assigned pilots' flight hours on the specific jet type.
Operational Control
This is an essential aspect of safety, yet knowing whose jet you're flying on isn't always clear-cut. Many customers book a private jet through a well-known jet provider, but are placed - without knowing it - on a small independent one they know nothing about. If outsourcing occurs, your private jet provider should be able to ensure that the operator who maintains operational control meets high safety standards.
FAA Documentation
A charter company must have a valid FAA Part 135 air taxi certificate which authorizes it to fly for hire. Sometimes companies attempt to fly under the less strict Part 91 regulations. These rules have far less FAA oversight, and as a result, the liability of the passenger is increased. Therefore, it's important to ask for a copy of the FAA air taxi certificate, and under which regulations your flights will be flown.
Insurance
Insurance can provide a great deal of information about a charter company. Typical limits are $25mm for a small jet, $50mm for a mid-sized, and $100mm for a large jet. Along with the FAA certificate, prospective flyers should ask for proof of adequate insurance.
Third-party Verification
Essential data about the aircraft operator can be obtained from an industry auditing company. One leading company in this field is Aviation Research Group (ARG/US). A charter customer should ask their private jet provider for an ARG/US TripCHEQ prior to booking.
Pilot Experience
Does the provider have minimum standards for pilot hours? Are the assigned pilot's hours verified prior to the flight? Both answers should be yes- pilot hours are verified time that a pilot has spent operating an aircraft. It is an indicator of experience, and is easy to obtain. In addition to the audit rating, prior to every trip, the private jet provider should verify the assigned pilots' flight hours on the specific jet type.
Operational Control
This is an essential aspect of safety, yet knowing whose jet you're flying on isn't always clear-cut. Many customers book a private jet through a well-known jet provider, but are placed - without knowing it - on a small independent one they know nothing about. If outsourcing occurs, your private jet provider should be able to ensure that the operator who maintains operational control meets high safety standards.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Towable Tubing Tips:How To Get The Most Out Of Your Towables
Few watersports offer such sheer enjoyment as boat tubing. And the great thing is that it's so easy compared to, say, water skiing. This ease makes it suitable for all age groups and so a great activity for the whole family. Easy as it is, however, you need to take some precautions. Here a some pointers on how you can get the most out of your towable tubing experience.
First, let's look at what towables are. Essentially, the towing experience involves being pulled behind a boat in or on one of various types of "towables." These boat towables can take a variety of forms but tubes are the most popular (like water ski tubes). Tubes come in a vast range of shapes and sizes, so our first tip is about buying your tube and the rope that connects it to the boat.
Towables are made of artificial fibres such as nylon, polyester, PVC or neoprene. Polyester is the most durable while neoprene is the most comfortable and most expensive. If you have kids, you might prefer the latter.
Next there's the matter of shape. Towables come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The original design is the donut shape. This is most suitable for adults who can sit on top. However it's not so convenient for smaller people to sit on. Plus the donut rolls over easily making it unsuitable for young children.
Then there are deck tubes which are flat and delta shaped. These are great for multiple riders. These can flip over easily so they're most suitable for teenagers and young adults.
Next we have 'ride in' and 'ride on' tubes. The former are like small boats and so are perfect for small children and those requiring a gentler experience. 'Ride ons' are long narrow towables. Sometimes called torpedo style, these can sit up to six riders. So they're great for groups of young riders seeking speed and thrills.
Finally for extreme thrills there are the rocker towables which have wings. These are examples of concept tubes which are aimed at the thrillseeker. <
As for the ropes that connect the towable to the boat, these are graded according to the number of riders allowed. Towable ropes should be 50 and 65 feet in length.
Now that you've bought your towable and rope, it's time to look at some tips for using them. First, always check any warning indicators on the tube. Read and obey the manufacturer's specifications on such factors as the number of riders, their maximum size and weight, and the recommended top speed limits. Then the tubers should be instructed into how to position themselves on the tube. Don't forget they must always wear a personal floatation device while in the water.
The next thing to do is to find the right area of water for towing. To be safe, you should allow at least 100-feet of unobstructed water on either side of the boat and a minimum of 3000 feet in front. Aside from the driver, the boat should have a 'spotter' to check for riders who fall off. The spotter can then alert other boats in the area by waving a flag.
It's essential too that the boat handler be familiar with any regulations affecting that stretch of water you're on. Speed limits are influenced by water conditions. Wakes for example can be dangerous for towing so boat speeds should be reduced. And he must keep in mind the capabilities of the riders on the tube he's towing. There are various speed limits that apply to riders of different ages, for example.
If you follow these simples tips, you'll be assured of a safe and fun towable session. Towables, whether marine towables or freshwater, offer a genuine water sports experience for the whole family. In fact perfect activity for large groups of all kinds.
First, let's look at what towables are. Essentially, the towing experience involves being pulled behind a boat in or on one of various types of "towables." These boat towables can take a variety of forms but tubes are the most popular (like water ski tubes). Tubes come in a vast range of shapes and sizes, so our first tip is about buying your tube and the rope that connects it to the boat.
Towables are made of artificial fibres such as nylon, polyester, PVC or neoprene. Polyester is the most durable while neoprene is the most comfortable and most expensive. If you have kids, you might prefer the latter.
Next there's the matter of shape. Towables come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The original design is the donut shape. This is most suitable for adults who can sit on top. However it's not so convenient for smaller people to sit on. Plus the donut rolls over easily making it unsuitable for young children.
Then there are deck tubes which are flat and delta shaped. These are great for multiple riders. These can flip over easily so they're most suitable for teenagers and young adults.
Next we have 'ride in' and 'ride on' tubes. The former are like small boats and so are perfect for small children and those requiring a gentler experience. 'Ride ons' are long narrow towables. Sometimes called torpedo style, these can sit up to six riders. So they're great for groups of young riders seeking speed and thrills.
Finally for extreme thrills there are the rocker towables which have wings. These are examples of concept tubes which are aimed at the thrillseeker. <
As for the ropes that connect the towable to the boat, these are graded according to the number of riders allowed. Towable ropes should be 50 and 65 feet in length.
Now that you've bought your towable and rope, it's time to look at some tips for using them. First, always check any warning indicators on the tube. Read and obey the manufacturer's specifications on such factors as the number of riders, their maximum size and weight, and the recommended top speed limits. Then the tubers should be instructed into how to position themselves on the tube. Don't forget they must always wear a personal floatation device while in the water.
The next thing to do is to find the right area of water for towing. To be safe, you should allow at least 100-feet of unobstructed water on either side of the boat and a minimum of 3000 feet in front. Aside from the driver, the boat should have a 'spotter' to check for riders who fall off. The spotter can then alert other boats in the area by waving a flag.
It's essential too that the boat handler be familiar with any regulations affecting that stretch of water you're on. Speed limits are influenced by water conditions. Wakes for example can be dangerous for towing so boat speeds should be reduced. And he must keep in mind the capabilities of the riders on the tube he's towing. There are various speed limits that apply to riders of different ages, for example.
If you follow these simples tips, you'll be assured of a safe and fun towable session. Towables, whether marine towables or freshwater, offer a genuine water sports experience for the whole family. In fact perfect activity for large groups of all kinds.
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