Montage Resort

Few can argue that the tiny island in central Philippines known as “Boracay” is nothing less than spectacular. With a 3 kilometer long sugar white beach, some of the lowest prices in the world and perhaps best of all plenty of good ole’ Filipino charm and hospitality, Boracay is truly a wonder to behold.

Anyone who has been there will tell you that Boracay, or “Bora” as the locals call it, is a wonderful place to spend a vacation. During the off season (from June to mid-October) this small resort town slows way down, making it a favorite for anyone looking to spend some quiet time on the beach. Backpackers love to visit Boracay beach during the off season where they can stay in lower class hostels and villas just behind the beachfront resorts, from rates as low as $15 a night!

Families love Boracay because it is a safe, affordable and offers plenty entertainment options for those on the go. Mom will love the vendors selling jewelry on the boardwalk, and growing number of fashionable gift shops, selling everything from low cost bathing suits to Filipino pasalubong. (or “gifts from your trip”) Dad will surely enjoy a $5 massage on the beach, plenty of cold drinks and over 100 great restaurants all within a short walk of the beach.

The kids and those more active will enjoy plenty of water sports in Boracay. Just a few years ago, all powered water sports were prohibited, but now there is a flourishing water spots industry that includes jet skis, water skis, wake boarding, knee boarding and parasailing. You can even rent your own speed boat to cruise around the island in style, or a more traditional “banca” boat, for a day of island hopping.

During peak season (from Mid-October to May) Boracay beach is absolutely bustling with activity. If you plan to visit during peak season, be sure to plan your trip at least 4-5 months in advance, as all of the best rooms and resorts fill up very quickly. During peak season, Boracay has a very festive atmosphere and is crawling with people, events and activities virtually every day.

For scuba divers, Boracay has a number of high quality dive resorts located right on the famous white beach. From there you can dive any one of 40+ dive spots located in the waters surrounding Boracay. Since the water is warm in the Philippines year round, wet suits are an option for many who enjoy taking it off, for an easy dive around Bora.

My personal favorite is to rent a motorcycle for about $25 a day and “explore” the island, completely on my own. There is so much to see and explore behind the beachfront resorts, including a completely different culture just steps away from the famous boardwalk. A short drive to the back of the island for example, and you can explore the famous bat caves, enjoy some local cuisine at any number of beach front cafes (for

Tags: beach, boracay, discount, holiday, philippines, Resort, travel, vacationbeach, boracay, discount, holiday, philippines, Resort, travel, vacation

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Snow-topped mountains look beautiful but they can be death-traps for the unprepared hiker or hill walker. Sadly, every year, people die and are badly injured whilst exploring these regions at this time of year.

Harsh weather conditions, bad visibility and shorter daylight hours can all conspire to catch-out the unwary. The consequences can be extremely serious.

Good preparation and a sensible attitude are essential for keeping yourself safe. Here are a few tips that could help save your life.

1) Check the weather report: Take time to listen to the radio or TV report for the area you are intending to visit. A number of websites and phone services also provide detailed information on wind speeds, temperatures and avalanche risk. Don’t be afraid to change your plans to suit your abilities.

2) Proper clothing and equipment: Make sure you have suitable clothing to keep you warm and dry. Plan for sudden changes in the weather. Conditions are likely to be very different as you climb to higher elevations. Always take a map and compass (and GPS if you have one) and know how to use these. Remember to check your GPS batteries and take a spare set. In snow and ice conditions you may need to take an ice axe and crampons with you. Make sure your crampons are compatible with your boots. You can get advice on this from any good outdoor shop. Know how to use an ice axe properly. Get tuition if necessary.

3) Route planning: Plan your route carefully beforehand. Taking into account the conditions and fitness and experience of you and your group. Avoid dangerous or high risk areas. Plan an ‘escape route’ if conditions deteriorate. Leave details of your intended route with a trusted person at home. Check-in with them when you have safely returned. Give them clear instructions of what to do if you do not contact them by a certain pre-arranged time. Don’t forget that your route will take longer to complete than it would in summer.

4) Food and drinks: Take plenty of food and high energy snacks with you. Take a flask for a warm drink. You are likely to be expending much more energy at this time of year. Eat snacks regularly and drink often. Just keeping warm takes energy! Make sure you are well hydrated before you set out and have a good breakfast. Take some emergency rations with you in case of problems.

5) Be aware: Be aware of any deterioration in the conditions. Take sensible precautions to avoid dangerous areas. Look out for slippery ground. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Watch for signs of hypothermia and exhaustion of group members.

6) First Aid: Take a good first aid kit with you and know how to use it. There are many excellent First Aid courses available. Having these skills can be a great asset.

7) Emergencies: Take an emergency blanket or shelter with you and an emergency whistle. Six blasts of the whistle is an internationally recognised distress signal! Don’t rely on your mobile phone to get help. There are many areas that you cannot get a signal.

Winter in the mountains can be a magical experience and one that can be enjoyed safely if you are properly prepared and equipped.

Take a little time to get prepared - it could save your life.

About The Author

M. Elliott is Director of the U.K. based outdoor company - Hill-Tribe Limited, PO Box 52, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0WF, U.K.

Website: http://www.hill-tribe.com

info@hill-tribe.com

Tags: hiking, hotels, jungle lodge, leisure, lodges, mountains, outdoor, Resorts, ski, ski hill, travel, vacationhiking, hotels, jungle lodge, leisure, lodges, mountains, outdoor, Resorts, ski, ski hill, travel, vacation

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South Lake Tahoe, especially the Nevada side has really interesting architecture. It tries to recreate the Las Vegas experience within a half mile stretch. Tall hotel towers, bright lights, glitter and gamblers. Harvey’s Casino Resort is located right on the border with California so many people cross over from the quaint California side (just across the street) to try their luck. We stayed at Harvey’s in the middle of May ….

Our room had outstanding views. Lake Tahoe in all its glamour with surrounding forests and snow capped mountains. I found myself staring at this wonderland all the time … Hotel room was decent. Clean and modest. Moving through the hotel though did not give me a Lake Tahoe experience at all. Air inside the resort was very smoky. Everything had a gambling focus. With all this wonderful nature around us, we were completely isolated from it.

Staff was pleasant. Hotel was a bit dated though it seemed like they made the most of what they have. We did not try any restaurants here.

The highlight of the entire trip included being far away from any urban areas. Lake Tahoe is so beautiful and offers such variety of activities that once you are here the last thing I would recommend is to hang around your hotel and inhale cigarette smoke. On our next visit we will probably to stay on the California side in a smaller hotel/motel.

Harveys Lake Tahoe
P.O. Box 128
Stateline , NV 89449
Phone: 775-588-2411

Michael Philip is one of the editors and contributors for the SeeTheGlobe.com web site. SeeTheGlobe.com is a travel information web site and community. Reviews of restaurants, hotels, airlines and other travel resources are provided from first hand accounts.

Tags: food, fun, hotels, internet travel, online travel, restaurants, reviews, travelfood, fun, hotels, internet travel, online travel, restaurants, reviews, travel

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