Today, March 3rd, is UN World Wildlife Day. The UN General Assembly made this proclamation in 2013 as a way to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. I’m not an eco-blogger or traveler, but I do make every effort to respect the world around me, making sure that I don’t engage in any behavior that harms the earth and its creatures. Or, if I’m to be more honest with myself and you, I try to minimize the damage my behavior causes to the earth and its creatures (because, yeah, air travel is not eco-friendly). Although I don’t write much on the topic, either, I’m pretty pleased with this podcast I did with Bret Love about Rwanda’s ecotourism attractions, and how tourism is bouncing back after the terrible atrocities of the Civil War and genocide. I […]
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18 Off the Beaten Path Places to Find Great Barbecue
Here are a few off the beaten path places to find great barbecue. It makes a great starting place if you find yourself in the neighborhood.
Read MoreWhere Else to Go Podcast: Rwanda
After a bit of a hiatus, the Where Else to Go podcast is back, and in this episode I talk with Bret Love from Green Global Travel about Rwanda. If you’ve ever thought about visiting this African nation, perhaps visiting the gorillas or chimpanzees, you’ll want to listen to this episode. Pin this to your favorite Pinterest boards.
Read MoreLess Seen African Beaches
Swaddled on its eastern flank by the warm touch of the Indian Ocean, and on its west edge by the grand swells of the Atlantic, Africa is more than equipped when it comes to glorious beaches. But beyond the obvious strips – along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the well-trawled crescents of Morocco and Tunisia – other, less-discovered stretches await, their wave-dabbed curves all the more beautiful for their relative lack of fame. South Africa As the continent’s lower edge, South Africa is a beach paradise. You can find endless coastal glories within reach of Cape Town, where the Cape Of Good Hope extends a slender south-pointing finger into the Atlantic – not least of which are photogenic outposts like Muizenberg and Simon’s Town on False Bay. But those seeking a more secluded form of South African seafront should look a […]
Read MoreWater Adventure Thrills in Cape Town
South Africa is known for many activities most notably wine and safaris. However, in Cape Town, South Africa there are even more possibilities – some fantastic water experiences – particularly since the city sits near the exact spot where the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans meet. Folks often head to Cape Town for some downtime after a wildlife safari, but how about an added adrenaline rush of a shark cage dive. After viewing the wildlife on safari, get up a little closer and try swimming with Jackass African penguins. Or for something a little less active, you can go whale watching from the shore or on a boat, giving you plenty of opportunities to admire the grace and beauty of the migrating Southern Right Whale. Feel the Adrenaline as you Shark Cage Diving This adrenalin rush of an adventure activity […]
Read MoreNamibia: Home to Wildlife & Extreme Sports
When you’re thinking about places for an African safari, Namibia might not spring to the top of your mind, but after a little research you’ll realize that this coastal country offers a near perfect blend of wildlife eco-tourism and adventure. Namibia is a major destination for visitors looking for a wildlife and eco-tourism experience, and with 26 parks and reserves you can choose from a structured guided safari or a self-drive adventure. Here are three of the top spots for wildlife in Namibia Etosha National Park The most famous of the wildlife parks is Etosha National Park (in photo top), which translates to “great white place of dry water.” It is located in the northern region of Namibia, and is a savannah with large herds of game including various types of gazelle, antelope, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo. And where you’ll […]
Read MoreWhere to See Wildlife in Kenya
When it comes to thinking about an African safari, Kenya usually figures prominently on the list. There are plenty of day trips and sights to see in Kenya, although most safaris in Kenya center on one of the major areas, parks, or reserves. Amboseli National Park Formerly known as the Maasai Amboeli Game Reserve, this park is part of a larger eco-system that spans the Kenya-Tanzania border. The reserve has an active tourism economy and offers some of the best opportunities for viewing wildlife in Africa, if not the world. You can have a very successful visit, even if only for a weekend, and offers the best opportunity for getting close to free-ranging elephants. The Reserve has been designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, and in addition to the wildlife, visitors can enjoy the views of Mount Kilimanjaro and […]
Read MoreCoral Reefs and Ancient History: Exploring Egypt
Today I have a guest post about a fascinating part of the world, Egypt. It offers so many things to see, do, and experience, it’s hard to know where to start. Amanda starts with diving in the Red Sea. —- When vacationing in Egypt there are countless wonders to capture the imagination. From the natural coral reefs to ancient historical sites, Egypt will never fail to amaze. Despite the geological structure of the Red Sea often constraining the development of coral reefs, coastal Egypt is rich in these wonderful natural formations. As a consequence of this, the area has recently become a hot spot for divers with the area around Sharm-el-Sheikh fast becoming one of the best dive sites in the world. The site boasts 65 km of long reefs which are among the most spectacular of any on the […]
Read MoreMauritius Tempts Travelers with Beautiful Beaches
If you like unusual and out-of-the way destinations, some place that most of your friends have never heard of, then put travel to Mauritius on your bucket list. This island nation of the east coast of Madagascar is one that many people have never heard of, let alone thought about visiting. What does Mauritius have to offer a traveler? Beaches! It’s an island — so of course there are miles and miles of beaches to tempt you: Pointe aux Piments is popular with snorkelers looking for beautiful underwater scenery Trou aux Biches is home to a Hindu temple Choisy, one of the most popular beaches on the island, is great for its selection of water sports Belle Mare offers beautiful white sandy and crystal blue water (in photo) Blue Bay, probably the finest beach on the island, has a beautiful […]
Read MoreThe East & West Bank of Luxor, Egypt
River cruising has become a popular option with cruise lovers, offering a smaller, more intimate experience, as well as the opportunity to visit destination not otherwise accessible by larger ships. It’s also a way many novice travelers choose to visit more exotic locations, providing them with the security and comfort of luxury holidays while still allowing them a bit of adventure. A little taste of a destination on a cruise often leads to a return visit. A cruise in Egypt has become a popular choice, giving travelers an opportunity to see an ancient country fully engaged in modern day. It doesn’t hurt that it has nearly year round sunny weather, either! And seeing the country on a cruise gives travelers the security of fresh drinkable water, ice, and safe food. When most people think of Egypt they think of the […]
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