Our Nicaragua Travel Video PostCard takes you to Nicaragua… Central America’s most exciting and natural destination. The home of Daniel Ortega and the Sandanistas and rain forests. Untouched rain forests are perfect for Adventure Travel and Eco-travel and family travel.

There are hundreds of sand paths linking the lakes, beaches, rain forest and other natural attractions that make for an incredible four wheel drive. The island is strictly for four wheel drive vehicles.  It is noteworthy that you will need to get permission from the local authorities to drive in some areas. Another great activity is an encounter with rare and spectacular pile valley. This place features a spectacular array of tall timbers, pristine ferns, and towering Satinay and brush box trees.  Containing  hundreds of fresh water lakes and calm virgin beaches, Fraser is truly a honeymoon paradise for couples. You’ll feel that you are living in a different world!

Apart from the natural beauty, you can witness the history and culture of aboriginal peoples who lived on this island. You can find aboriginal middens, fish traps, sacred trees and campsites. With some guided historic tours you will be amazed to discover the rich history and rare background of this marvelous sandy island – A heaven on earth!

This article was written by a contributing member of the theglobalguru.net community.  Please feel free to submit your own content to the knowledge base!

Tuscany is the producer of arguably the most quality red wines in the world. The most traditional wines are the greatest attraction here. This beautiful area displays the most enormous varieties that cannot be found in most other wine-growing regions. Probably the most celebrated wine here is the popular Super Tuscan. To explore this wine destination you have ample options. You can go for package tours or the customized tours.  The price will obviously vary within these tours, but so will the form of transportation; you can see the area by car or by bike (or even by heli if you’re willing to shell out the cash)!

The most awesome wine spots in Tuscany are Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, where you can savor a extensive range of classic Italian masterpieces and the most popular Super Tuscans. The outstanding qualities of the wines produced in these regions contain some intriguingly dynamic flavors. Brunellos are quite powerful, Vino Nobiles are elegant, Chianti Classicos are executively traditional and Super Tuscans are definitley a great innovation.

Tuscany is highly adored by wine enthusiasts throughout the globe, and you’re sure to be one of them after even the shortest visit.  Here you will get the best of pure and blended, prepared with the finest native grape assortment within this microclimate.

As William Sokolin says, “What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a smile.”  And Tuscany has plenty of reasons to make you smile!

This article was written by a contributing member of the theglobalguru.net community.  Please feel free to submit your own content to the knowledge base!

In this travel report I’ve included a  list of famous places that should not be missed when you travel to there. These places give you an idea about the true London and its history. The first favorite place to be visited in London is “London Eye”.  It’s a giant wheel like structure with 32 capsules; you can view the entire city when you are on top of this wheel.  For most travelers, an expedition to London starts from “London Eye”, because it gives a bird’s eye view of the whole London stretch.

There are an abundant number of museums and art galleries that you can find throughout London. For cultural and historical travelers, London is a resource-rich place offering a retreat with unique cultural tourism. The British museum has a wonderful and rare collection of art, paintings and sculpture obtained from around the globe. Some of the famous objects include Rosetta stone, sculpture from the Parthenon and the Portland vase. Tate modern is a famous British national museum dedicated to modern art.  Located at the banks of river Thames, the gallery displays the modern works of Matisse, Picasso, and much more contemporary art.

At the National Gallery you can find the greatest collection of European paintings in the world. The greatest works of famous painters Leonardo da Vinci, Gainsborough, Turner, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Cezanne are located within this museum. The national history museum of London boasts a rare collection of extinct animal species, dinosaurs and a complete collection of the Darwin Centre. When you have had enough history and culture, you can turn to the modern science museums, showcasing  the technological advancement during the last three hundred years (or from the Industrial revolution). Science museum has more than 40 different galleries offering a quite unique visiting experience for travelers. Apart from these museums you should visit The Victoria & Albert museum and national maritime museums.

The tower of London is one of the most famous places to see, as it was once used as a place of torture and death. The world famous Madame Tussauds museums have collection of the wax models of world renowned personalities and influential persons. Madame Tussauds opens seven days a week; gallery opening hours are 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on all week days.

This article was written by a contributing member of the theglobalguru.net community.  Please feel free to submit your own content to the knowledge base!

To write about Patagonia is both a delight and an intolerably difficult task. To describe anywhere succinctly take a certain amount of generalisation and comparison, two things that certainly do not lend themselves to this incredible and incomparable local. Even to accurate assess the boundaries and limits of the area is tough, although the most conservative of estimates still places it as the size of a large nation. To describe Patagonia in one tenth of its beauty and grandeur would take a dictionary of superlatives!

Patagonia spans from roughly just south of the Lake District that surrounds Bariloche in the middle of Argentina all the way to the most Southern extremes of the continent in Tierra del Fuego, comprising national parks full of Glaciers and towers of rock, Welsh named mining towns, sweeping tundra like steppe and thousands of miles of coastline boasting Penguins, Whales and innumerable bird life. The territory is largely made up of colossal fincas, ranches that measure hundreds of acres, which provide land for grazing domestic livestock, there are a handful of cities in the region, largely uninspiring places that ware not worth your precious time. However, there are dozens of smaller villages dotted around the region that are well worth a visit, from the Welsh villages of the north eastern corner to the much more tourist friendly spots of El Chaten and Calafate, which due to their proximity to two of the regions main attractions boast considerable infrastructure.

The charming little towns in the north east of the territory are a great place to start your trip. The Welsh names derive from the miners who came to settle here over one hundred years ago, bringing with them their language and culture which still remains today, as evidenced by tea rooms and road signs with names with more consonants than a game of scrabble! The main attraction is certainly Puerto Pyramides, which lies just outside of Peurto Madryn, the largest settlement in the area, and itself surprisingly attractive, with a huge beach reminiscent of south Wales itself. At Pyramides, Whales, rather than the welsh are the attractions, with huge numbers of Southern Right Whales migrating up and down the coast each year. Other marine activities such as wildlife tours and Scuba diving are also on offer.

Further South, and I mean MUCH further South, (about 700 miles!) there lies without doubt two of the biggest draws of Argentine Patagonia. These are the relatively close sites of Perito Moreno Glacier and the Fitz Roy Mountain range, both within the park limits of Parque Nacional de los Glaciers. The first is the prime tourist magnet of all of Patagonia, bringing tourists in droves from all over the world. And it doesn’t disappoint. One of the only advancing glaciers in the world is quite a sight, pure white and blue ice spreading back as far as the eye can see. However the tourists don’t just come for the view. The glacier regularly pushes forward enough to force giant chunks of ice to break and fall into the lake beneath it, causing incredible energy to emanate and electrify the watching masses. To see a lump of ice as big as a school house crash off and cause all that noise and movement is quite a sight! The Fitz Roy range may not have quite as many, or varied, tourists coming to visit, but it does attract a large number of campers, climbers and hikers to its midst. Renowned as one of the most challenging peaks in the world, Mount Fitz Roy is as dangerous as it is beautiful, a sheer shark fin of a mountain that rises with its partners straight out of the Andean earth up to the sky. The park is the premier spot in Argentina to hike and camp, and although there are not as many trails as one might expect, there are fantastic views and photo opportunities on each. Perhaps the most spectacular feeling in all of Patagonia, waking up at the foot of the Fitz Roy range as the Sun is rising is a truly memorable experience.

Patagonia is truly a place on Earth all about discovering extremes, aside from giant glaciers and prehistoric mountain ranges, there is the change to head to the most Southerly extent of the continent, and the “Most Southern City in the World”, Ushuaia. Although the gimmick puts off many travellers, and it is a slightly touristy experience within the city, there is plenty around to get you away from all the “World’s most southerly….” signs, not least the chance to get on board for an exhilarating (and exhilaratingly expensive) trip to Antartica! However, if the cruise is slightly out of your budget, there are other trips to be had which can deliver a similar experience taking in Penguin colonies, glacial fjords and dripping white mountains running down to the seas edge and the end of the world.

To travel in Patagonia is an experience in itself, taking a coach from one end to the other can take up to 48 hours in total due to the incredible distances and lack of well surfaced roads. The most efficient method of travelling is a combination of rental car and aeroplane, though it is the most expensive too. Car rental in particular is pricey, especially if dropping the car off in a different city. Air travel is relative cheap if the tickets either originate or terminate in Buenos Aires and are purchased early enough to qualify for discounted fare. It is well worth at least flying down or flying up from the South of Patagonia to Buenos Aires to deuce the time spent of overnight buses. The bus system in Argentina is excellent, being punctual comfortable and safe and despite the intimidating length of travel it is a great way to see the country. The other worthwhile method of travelling is hitchhiking, although you may be waiting for some time for a lift, most motorists in the area are friendly and well used to having passengers, although a tent might be a worthwhile purchase to make sure you are never stuck without a bed for the night!

The overwhelming feeling that one is given by Patagonia is true insignificance, both personally and on a grander social scale. In a world where everyone is constantly told of their own self importance it is refreshing to visit a place that completely removes that overconfidence of mankind. The size and age of the places I visited put man and time firmly in their place, reminding you that long after we came, and long after we leave, they will be there watching over the land life huge bastions of nature.

This article was written by a contributing member of the theglobalguru.net community, Oliver Mitchell.   Thanks to Olli for his article and photo contributions!   Please feel free to submit your own content to the knowledge base!

After all the hard work we put in at home, taking a holiday is a great chance to take a break from everything.  We can leave any worries at home, throw caution to the wind and concentrate on letting go and enjoying ourselves.  There are many things to take into consideration whilst travelling and this list will give you some tips on things to consider to make your holiday a safer, well organised and highly enjoyable experience.

Before you leave

1. Check up to 6 months ahead what vaccinations you may need.

2. Photocopy passport and, if possible, save a copy onto your email account.

3. Take recent photographs of your children with you so it will be easier to identify them should you become separated.

4. Get phone number and address for your country’s embassy at your destination.

5. Give someone at home contact details for you.

6. Get a comprehensive travel insurance policy.  If you have any existing conditions, check these are not excluded.  Some travel insurance policies exclude acts of terrorism, make sure yours doesn’t!

7. Do not buy insurance directly from your agent or airline.  These are often overpriced and by shopping around you can get the same protection for a fraction of the price.

8. Check the weather patterns for time of your visit and plan for this.  Pack appropriate clothing.

9. Stock up on essentials before you leave (sun creams, repellents, medicines etc.) as they may be difficult to obtain at your destination.

10. Check tripadvisor for information regarding your destination.  The forum can provide many useful hints and tips.

11. Check with your country’s government body about travel advice to the country you are visiting.

12. Take a compass so you know which direction to head when looking at a map.

13. Take ear plugs in case you have a noisy hotel room.

14. Take a torch.

15. If you are taking a mobile telephone, make sure your operator has unlocked it to work abroad.  Contact them to check.

16. If you are abroad for a while investigate buying a local sim card for your phone.  This can make calls much cheaper.  Make sure your phone is unlocked to accept other operator’s sim cards.

17. Take a basic first aid kit.

18. Purchase a personal alarm that emits a loud sound.

19. Take an extra pair of glasses.

20. If you are on medication, take a copy of your prescription with you.  Ensure it is legal to import your prescription medication.

21. Before leaving for your holiday, do a Google search on ‘(holiday destination) scams’.

22. Before leaving, make a note of the accommodation you will be staying in.  This often needs to be given to customs officials.

23. Before your flight, pack essentials into your carry bag.  This will come in useful should your hold baggage go missing.

24. Do not put home address on luggage tag as this could compromise security.  Use the address of friends/workplace instead.

25. Pack your own bags and do not leave them unattended.

At your Destination

26. Do not approach animals as they may carry disease.

27. Be wary of people who approach you.  Don’t let your guard down!

28. Do not reveal any confidential details to anybody.

29. Do not accept drinks from strangers.  If someone insists in buying you one, go to the bar with them and keep a close eye on it!

30. Be wary of strangers who approach you.  They could be scammers!

31. Beware of pick-pockets.  These people often work in pairs and will strike up a conversation with you or create a disturbance of some kind.

32. Respect local customs.  Check what is appropriate behaviour and act accordingly.

33. Respect local dress codes, especially in Islamic countries.

34. Try to dress like a local.  This will make you less of a target to hustlers/thieves and make your holiday more enjoyable.

35. Do not keep valuables on display as this may make you a target for thieves.  If possible, leave any unnecessary valuables at home.

36. Avoid public protests as these can be dangerous.

37. Remain alert, if something feels potentially dangerous then steer clear.

38. If visiting a beach, check it is safe to swim.  If in doubt, do not go into the water.

39. Do not photograph military personnel or installations.  This can get you accused of being a spy and lead to prosecution!

40. Be careful when using taxis.  If possible, use only taxis from registered firms.  If your taxi is unmetered, agree a price before you get in.

41. Buy a phrasebook and map for your destination.

42. Make your children carry a card with your name, hotel and contact details on it.

43. Keep your hand on or draped over your bag at all times.

44. If confronted do not fight back, it’s better to lose some valuables than it is your life!

45. If you need to ask directions, ask only people in a position of authority (e.g. Police).

46. Avoid walking and travelling during the night.

47. In hotels, make note of the emergency exit procedures.  If you are unable to find them, ask, if there isn’t one…leave!

48. If someone approaches you and claims to be in a position of authority ask for some ID.  It’s not unknown for scammers to pretend to be policemen!

49. Avoid anybody approaching you claiming to be a tour guide.  If you need a guide, locate one yourself.

Money

50. Contact your credit card companies before travel.  It’s a nuisance to have your card blocked when abroad!

51. Keep a copy of your credit card numbers with someone you can trust at home.  In the event of loss, they can be easily cancelled.

52. Save the phone number of your credit card companies into your mobile telephone so it will be easier to contact them in the event of a loss.

53. Get some of your destinations currency at home. This will make things easier when you arrive at your destination if there are no ATM’s.

54. Have some of your local currency ready for when you arrive home.  This comes in useful for airport shops and taxis.

55. Take a small amount of cash and at least two credit cards.

56. Keep credit cards separate from one another.

57. When leaving the hotel only take one card…leave the others in the hotel safe.  Check it is secure.

58. Only carry as much money as you need for each day.

59. Have a dummy wallet with a small amount of cash in it.  This is useful in case you are confronted by a mugger.

60. Carry lots of small change ready to give as tips.

Food and Drink

61. Check if it is safe to drink the water.  If not, buy bottled water when you reach your destination.  Check the seal is unbroken.

62. If water is unsafe, make sure there is no ice in your drink.

63. Take water purification tablets in case you are unable to access bottled water.

64. Avoid foods that have been kept warm, bacteria could thrive on it!

65. Avoid uncooked fruit and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.

66. Avoid food exposed to flies.

Driving Abroad

67. If driving, do your research on road customs, highway codes and conditions.

68. Check if your current driving licence is accepted.

69. Inspect the condition of the hire vehicle before accepting it.  Bring to attention any bumps and scrapes to the hire company and make sure they note them so that you will not be accused of the damage.

70. Collision damage waiver insurance is essential cover when hiring a car.  Try to buy this from a third party (not the hire company) as you can make huge savings.

Before Coming Home

71. Check what you are allowed to import.  Bringing items home which are not allowed could lead to prosecutions and fines.

I hope you find this list a useful guide on things to consider before you travel.  Of course, the list is not exhaustive and there may be things that you do that have not been covered.  If that is the case, then I encourage you to join in and leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

This article was written by a contributing member of the theglobalguru.net community, Gary Mullen.  You can find unique and ethnic gifts from around the world at HandcraftedUK. Please feel free to submit your own content to the knowledge base!

There are ample sites to see thoughout Central America, but some are a bit more awe-inspiring than others. These destinations are scattered over a large area, and it can be difficult to choose which ones to explore. Here are a few of the most magnificent Mayan ruins that you’ll want to hit up:

Yucatan

Chichen Itza

Arguably the most famous among all the ruins, this site is highly visited by tourists. Over the years, a total of 18 structures have been restored here. The tallest pyramid of Kukulcan can give a whole view of Chichen Itza from the peak. Around the 21^st of March and also the 21^st of September, the setting sun causes a shadow that appears as a snake on the pyramid steps. These will obviously also be the most busy times of year to visit Chichen Itza.

Ek Balam

This site has a lot of buildings and temples, as well as two large grounds and a central grand pyramid. Here, you can make out the actual archeological process of the Mayan method of building. The combination of ruined stone structures and green foliage and trees gives off a mystical aura.

Dzibilchaltun

This place has an amazing museum loaded with Mayan artifacts. Other attractions include intricate temples, a monumental stela and a deep freshwater well for a refreshing swim.

Mayapan

This is the believed to be the last Mayan Capital before its civilizations downfall. The ancient grandeur is still sustained, showing a high amount of influence of Kukulcan of Chichen Itza.

Uxmal

The Uxmal ruins are fantastic. Uxmal means ‘thrice built’ in Mayan. It has the highest structure of this site is called the Pyramid of the Magician. Mayans used to build on top of existing temples, and this one has five. This is also one of the largest cities in the Yucatan.

Quintana Roo

Chacchoben

This site has a very mystical vibe, and can take an entire day to truly explore. Chacchoben means ‘Place of Red Corn’. The restored temple pyramids are layered with mahoganies, palms, figs and banyans.

Coba

This place has five lakes amongst the forest canopies. The highest pyramid here is Nohoch Mul, which is literally 12 stories high. The top level will give you a view of the vast jungle with numerous buildings jutting above the trees.

Kohunlich, Dzibanche and Oxtankah

All three of these are roughly connected, and the area is a testament to the quality and quantity of Mayan architecture. The jungle here is vividly green and teeming with wildlife and exotic birds.

Tulum

This seaside archeological site contains several imposing and powerful structures. Referred to as the “Walled City”, this place held a strong sense of significance during its period. One can still find several intact frescoes, an art form of beautifully painted plaster.

Campeche

Calakmul

Constructed with northern and southern cultural influences, this was the site of a major superpower in the region. At one point in its history, it was attacked and plundered by one of its resource competitors in this area, Tikal.

Becan

This site consists of about 3 hectares. This currently deserted city was once the political, economical and religious capital for  the Mayan people.

Chiapas

Bonampak

Deep in the jungle of Chiapas this place is widely known for its murals. Here you will see and learn of many examples of rituals of the royal court, human sacrifice, costumes, musical instruments, and weapons of the Maya.

This article was written by a contributing member of the theglobalguru.net community.  Please feel free to submit your own content to the knowledge base! Photos taken by Phillip Jeffers.

No need to get nervous. Going green doesn’t mean you’ll have to plant trees along your travels, nor does it mean you have to spend more money on eco-friendly products. People typically vacation to avoid stress, so the idea is to do your part with minimal effort.  Eco-friendly traveling methods do not consist of a great amount of labor or self-sacrifice; you can make your mark while chilling on the beach, if that’s where your travels take you.

Generally, Green tourism means to travel and protect the environment and the culture of the places you visit. It begins from the time you leave your home and continues until you return back.

There are many ways to stay green while traveling, but you may wish you try some of these simple tips and ideas:

• Before leaving, switch off and unplug all of the appliances you use in your home

• Divert your newspaper service to donate to a local school or hospital, if they don’t allow you to temporarily pause service

• Shut off your home’s water connection

• Opt for e-tickets for airline flights

• Some may choose a nearby destination to save fuel

• Opt for a hybrid rental car (if your not just ‘hoofing’ it with a backpack!)

• Some destinations now boast their environmentally sound accommodations, ‘green hotels’ or ‘ecolodges’. (These hotels and lodges are specially retrofitted and setup to save electricity, water, and provide great comfort while preserving their surroundings)

• Avoid excessive laundry

• Use recyclable utensils

• Avoid use of disposable materials

• Use water according to your actual needs (shorter showers, etc)

• Use public transportation or, if possible, walk. This also allows for more unique and up-close experiences in a new culture

• Avoid useless gadgets that require electricity

• Respect local native culture and wildlife

• Avoid smoking and other environmental polluting activities

• Use local food and shop locally to reduce the taxation and other expenses

Just be sure to have fun!!

This article was written by a contributing member of the theglobalguru.net community.  Please feel free to submit your own content to the knowledge base!

No doubt memories are priceless.  To preserve your memories properly, you’ll want to make sure you have the right  type of camera (since we all know our real memory fails us from time to time)! Traveling is an extreme process in itself, and definitely requires one to put careful thought into the items we will be bringing along. Mainly, choosing the right camera is no less difficult than capturing a memorable moment. While traveling, a decent digital camera may be the most important gadget to focus on. Whether it’s size, type, cost, style or any other characteristic that may be important to you, your choice for camera should take into account the way you will actually use your photographs in your travels. It’s all about your personal need and how you would like your camera to perform for you.

Before choosing a camera, always consider your personal skill level and your capability of handling the camera and its various features and functions. You may just want to snap some quick photos or you want may want to get into the more technical aspects of photography. If you just want some decent pics, go for a compact and automatic camera which will adjust the settings by itself and get you some great photographs. Or, if you feel like taking photographs in a more professional manner, experimenting with zoom, clarity, lighting, shutter or other enhancements, you’ll want to go for a manually controlled camera. If you are still in dilemma go for the one which has both of characteristics, manual as well as automatic, as it will give you extreme flexibility to experiment and explore.

Of course, your selection it will also be based upon your budget. Before spending your hard earned cash on a camera you should assemble all of the important features you’re looking for in a camera. Listen to suggestions from friends, store employees, photography forums, and camera reviews. Some online options provide quite cheaper deals compared to stores. Overstock.com and Buy.com will usually have some awesome deals on various types of digital cameras. Quality knows no compromise, so you may spend anywhere from $150 (USD) to $1500, or even more, depending upon your preference! This quality depends on various features, such as pixels and lens quality. Do some research in this area as well.

The lens zoom of your camera will be important. If you are going for wildlife or sporting tour you would most likely want a 10x (OPTICAL zoom) or even higher. Keep in mind that digital zooming just enlarges the images and lacks the clarity and sharpness.

Remember that all the cameras with similar zooming or megapixels ARE NOT created equal. Every camera is distinct and specifically designed. All have individual qualities on the basis of requirements. Nowadays, most cameras will also have the option of capturing video clippings.

While choosing a travel camera, think about getting a camera with an enhanced LCD screen. Look at the battery – you want higher charging capacity and durability along with replacements options. Above all, a camera should be sleek and with minimal weight when you are traveling to avoid excess handling and care.

If all of these things sound a bit confusing to you, here are the basics you’ll want to look for – a decent megapixel sensor, a high-quality lens, a vast exposure meter, no shutter-lag, instant start-up, long battery life, built-in image stabilizer, low weight, rugged design, and the right price!

Above all, get yourself something that will ‘cover all the angles’ your looking for, and have fun!

This article was written by a contributing member of the theglobalguru.net community.  Please feel free to submit your own content to the knowledge base!

When traveling abroad, we all have to take proper precautions to prevent the worst scenarios from unfolding.  Everybody, of course, has their own opinion on the best method of keeping your travel documents, money, and credit cards safe.  The method you will use to carry these valuable items depends upon the safety of your surroundings.  For instance, when I am in some European countries, I definitely stay alert for scams and pickpockets, but I haven’t always chosen to ‘hide’ my valuables in a money belt.  However, when I have been in Central America, I typically have copies of my passport in different locations, and my money and other valuable documents in a money belt under my clothing.  There are other ways to keep your cash cozy, but I feel safer having the majority of my currency less accessible.

There are different types of passport carriers and hidden money wallets, and after trying a few of them, I’ve found that some just simply aren’t practical. The typical neck wallets, for example, have always seemed a bit uncomfortable. bulky and more obvious than the the more tolerable money belt style.

When I was in Central America recently, I brought my Eagle Creek money belt. This same pouch has been my faithful and trustworthy companion through over two dozen countries, with varying climate, cultures, and terrain.  Besides the unavoidable sweaty cash and passport problem that occurs in the humid tropical countries, it has never failed me, and is barely noticeable under even the lightest  clothing.

Mine seems to be an older version of the one in the link provided above, but the characteristics remain the same:

• Accessible front pocket for quick grab needs (you can quickly sneak some cash out in the open for food, gifts, etc)
• Adjustable strap (keeps it snug around your waste or makes a good over-the-shoulder sling)
• Soft Seam construction (no itchy edges to cause discomfort against the skin)
• Urethane coated 70 denier ripstop nylon and Comfort Zone polyester (quality, durable, and dependable in rough terrain)
• Odor and mildew resistant
• 12 x 5 inches, 2 ounces

Nothing is ‘fool proof’, but this belt’s usefulness has definitely caused me to put it on my permanent travel inventory list. In any case, priced at less than 15 USD a pop, it’s worth a try.