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Ottawa has been combating its image as an uptight, starched-collared government town for years. The truth is, the sidewalks don’t roll up after dark. Clothing is available in colors other than grey, black, or navy. It is not the city that “fun forgot.” And it does not have a higher than usual number of coma cases. In fact, Ottawa and its valley is a vibrant region filled with exciting things to do and see–especially if you love the great outdoors.

Image courtesy of photos.com.

The National Capital Region is filled with a huge variety of hiking and backpacking trails to suit every need from easy to challenging, paved to packed earth, and urban to wilderness. Here is a small sampling of the surprises that this misunderstood region has to offer.

The City

Whether you’re hiking or cycling, Ottawa boasts over 300 kilometers of paths. Enjoy the many paved pathways that will lead you past the Parliament Buildings, the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Commissioners’ Park, Leamy Lake, and the Canadian Agriculture Museum. With breathtaking views of the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal, and many area parks and beaches, the Capital Pathway system will allow you to see the “greener” side of city life–and no one does “green” better than this capital city.

Image courtesy of: Jason Spaceman via photopin cc

Petawawa Research Forest

This 100 square kilometer forest area is west of Ottawa just outside the Canadian Forces Base at Petawawa. As the oldest continuously operating research forest in the nation, this unspoiled terrain boasts fabulous wetlands, lakes, and forests filled with oak, pine, aspen, maple, beech, and spruce. There are some unusual findings too, including a Black Walnut, an Amur Cork, and a Petawawa Sunburst Spruce, which is noted for its yellow leaves. Rated as moderate, this 11 kilometer loop is mostly gravel with some paved areas–and a whole lot of natural beauty.

Image courtesy of: AnglingLines via photopin cc

The Terraces Trail

This Fitzroy Harbour trail allows visitors to step back in time–way back–and witness the Ottawa Valley’s glacial past. With massive boulders, shale pillars, and limestone bluffs, you can witness the evidence of the earth’s shifts and changes firsthand. This two kilometre trail made up of compact soil boasts rest areas, campsites, and swimming–as well as the opportunity to encounter white-tailed deer, raccoons, and snowshoe hares in their natural habitats. This is also an ideal trail for birdwatchers with a vast array of woodpeckers and songbirds on offer.

Image courtesy of: Margaret Bourne via photopin cc

Barron Canyon

The Barron Canyon, one of the most spectacular and celebrated locations in Algonquin Park, lies just west of Pembroke. The Barron Canyon Trail is an unpaved, moderate-rated loop that runs about 1.5 kilometers in length. It passes through dense pine forest until it reaches the rim of a 100 meter deep canyon that was formed by raging glacial waters. Before heading out, keep in mind that this is an “unfenced” rim and a fall would be deadly. If you decide to brave this trek, you will be in for a peaceful commune with nature and breathtaking panoramas.

Image courtesy of photos.com.

Lauriault and Waterfalls Loop

The Gatineau Hills, just minutes outside of Ottawa on the Quebec side, are an oasis of woodlands, lakes, and waterfalls–and a favorite spot for taking in the autumn colors. On the three kilometer Lauriault and Waterfalls Loop, you can retrace the footsteps of former Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. This moderate five kilometer trail takes approximately sixty to ninety minutes to complete and takes visitors to Bridal Veil Falls, the Lauriault Trail lookout, and to the Mackenzie King Estate–which boasts magnificent gardens and his famous Abbey ruins. This is a must for a hiker and history buff.

Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley are a great place to explore–offering a perfect blend of big city amenities and rural charm. Check out what the National Capital Region has to offer. You will, without a doubt, find it anything but “boring.”

What is your favorite Ottawa area hiking spot? Why?

Kimberley Laws is a freelance writer, avid blogger, and native Ottawan. She has written on many travel topics including luxury barging, family fun in Vegas, and finding good quality cheap hotels. You can follow her atkimberleylaws.com.

Have dinner under the stars

Feel the real charm of Dubai while on board the typical and traditional cabin cruise, as it sails along the Dubai Creek under the huge sky. Observe major ancient surrounding attractions, such as Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum’s house and the Meueum. Beside all beautiful aspects the most charming thing about this journey is the marvelous dinner. The lip smacking food will enhance the beauty of this night journey while the soft displayed background music will make your trip more colorful.

Have some pleasant night moments over the water

The true spirit of Dubai journey can achieve while you rent a yacht in Dubai. The heart touching views and mind blowing fresh breezes keeps you entertained throughout the journey. After experiencing the chronic heat of the city heat during the day, feel cold and relaxed weather over the water at night. Eat the excellent food of your choice, prepared by expert chefs and soothe your hearing with the Arabic melodious tunes. Feel the darkness around you and discover the hidden peace of ocean. You might get crazy because all is so heart touching and inspiring.

Pleasing Nights at Bastakiya

Bastakiya offers amazing cultural nights to enjoy in Dubai. Traditional environment along with cultural food and ancient arrangements, old style houses all are making the place a unique and must visited one. Due to the various charming aspects the place is famous among locals as well as among the guests.    The Bastakiya can be easily achieved by a 20-minute cab drive from the main city.

Bus journey during the Arabian night

Hop on the double decker bus to get the marvelous night beauty of the city. Get captivated by the amazing lightening around the city and let your eyes to capture all the perspectives. Obviously your trip through the bus never lets you sleep rather it will boost you to enjoy more and more.

Wander around the city when dark

As the sun quickly falls over the skyline, Dubai comes to life. The night often is the most popular time of the city. As the temperature ranges fall and the city wake up from its midday siesta, the hustle and bustle of city life continues again. The night enhances the elegance of this dazzling city and you will be captivated by the attractiveness of this famous place by night. Sit back, rest, and enjoy your time by several motivating views of the dark night.

Enjoy the moon on the dunes

The awesome views of the bright moon are enough to captivate your senses. The whole desert is quite visible under the gleaming effect of the moon. Enjoy and relish yummy food along with bright stars and soothing moon light.

It is quite sure that your Dubai trip is more than this information but you can get some glimpses that make you understand what the city is in fact. Either you are in the desert or on the water enjoying the Yacht Rental in Dubai trip, everywhere and anywhere you can get the best options as per your choice.

With a whole host of diverse treasures in store, Hawaii is like no other place on Earth. From the vibrant shores of Waikiki Beach on Oahu to the dynamic cliffs of the Napali Coast on the island of Kauai, the islands of Hawaii have plenty of treats in store for first time, and repeat, visitors.

Choosing what to do as part of your Hawaiian adventure certainly won’t be easy but if you plan in advance, you will be able to incorporate as much, or as little, as you like during your visit. Once you’ve flown into Oahu, the adventure is yours for the taking. From the major airport on the island, you will have access to neighbouring islands too, including Lanai and Molokai, which are perfect spots for beach breaks and dolphin spotting excursions.

Dolphin spotting, watersports, national parks – you name it, Hawaii has got it. It doesn’t stop there, either. These islands, the northernmost of Polynesia, are rich in culture and, as part of your visit, it’d be hard not to be engrossed in it. There are plenty of historical landmarks to visit as part of your trip if you’d like to embrace the culture and learn more about the local history, or attend an authentic luau which will bring you face-to-face with the local party culture, including the art of the hula dance.

Whether you choose to lie back on a sandy beach and laze in the sun as the waves crash around your feet, or you prefer to take full advantage of your visit to the islands and utilise the time to see as much as possible, you can guarantee that a trip to Hawaii won’t leave you disappointed. From whale watching to walking on one of the volcanoes, such as the Halemaumau Crater on Hawaii’s Big Island, possibilities are endless.

It may be the most recent addition to the US states, but Hawaii is on a completely different page to the rest of the USA. Consider a trip to Hawaii for your next big break and you’ll see why it’s such a special destination.

General article touching on major whitewater rafting locations in Canada.

Forget seeking thrills in crowded theme parks filled with man-made rides that offer you mere minutes of gratification. If you’re looking to be awed, take an adrenaline-pumping journey where Canada’s rugged terrain meets crystal clear water–creating some of the best whitewater rafting opportunities on the planet.

Here are just a few of the Great White North’s best whitewater locations that promise to take your breath away.

Satisfied adventure-seekers on the Ottawa River.

Photo courtesy of photos.com

The Mighty Ottawa

The Ottawa River is, perhaps, one of Canada’s most famous adventure waterways. Anointed a Canadian Heritage River, the mighty Ottawa is home to several whitewater rafting companies and resorts.

• Wilderness Tours. In operation since 1975, over a million water sports enthusiasts have hit the rapids with Wilderness Tours, a company that the Globe and Mail has labelled “Top Dog on the Ottawa River.” Offering everything from company retreats to family getaways, they are committed to providing visitors with a great time, while providing top-notch equipment and protecting your safety. An environmentally conscious company, Wilderness Tours has also placed approximately 5000 acres in a land trust for its preservation.

• River Run. A short distance from the world renowned Algonquin Park, this 165 acre resort offers a plethora of amenities. River Run operates rafting trips that range from calm and serene to shooting World Class rapids. And, when you return to land, enjoy the use of a private beach, horseshoes, a sauna, the Riverrunners’ Pub, and more.

• Esprit. The Petawawa River, a tributary to the Ottawa River, is known for its technical difficulty. Like a rollercoaster in water, this is a must-do for all hardcore whitewater enthusiasts. Esprit will take you through the Class III and IV rapids twice. They are also involved in the annual Hell or High Water Races, when the water is at its wildest following the spring thaw.

The Shubenacadie River, one of Lonely Planet’s top picks

Image courtesy of: rjcox via photopin cc

The Tidal Shubenacadie

Named one of Canada’s top five rivers by Lonely Planet, the Shubenacadie River promises awesome adventures. Here are some ways to enjoy this Nova Scotia treat.

• Tidal Boar Rafting. A mere hour outside of Halifax, this 180 acre piece of heaven offers vacationers air-conditioned cottages with satellite TV, barbecues, a swimming pool, and a beautiful hilltop restaurant. This relaxing atmosphere will be welcomed after a ride down this tidal river. Whether you opt for the 10 mile trip with eight sets of rapids or the shorter 6 mile version, you will be awed by this whitewater trip and the chance to see the world’s highest tides in action.

• Shubenacadie River Adventure Tours. Boasting a 300 acre woodland and 5000 feet of waterfront, this facility offers horseshoes, a trout pond, swimming pool, observation deck, and more. Board the Zodiacs at low-tide and take a meander past beautiful sandbars and ancient Acadian dyke lands. And, then, encounter the tidal bore and witness the amazing power that is the Bay of Fundy and her awesome incoming tide.

Happy rafters on the Squamish River

Image courtesy of: Urban Mixer via photopin cc

The Bouncy Squamish

Take in the splendor that is British Columbia as you explore the outback via the Elaho and Squamish Rivers–a mighty duo that packs a thrilling punch. Here are a few ways to explore this beautiful area near Vancouver and Whistler.

• Canadian Outback Adventures. The largest whitewater rafting company in the region, Canadian Outback prides itself on having an adventure to suit every age, taste, and ability. With state-of-the-art equipment and stellar guides, they make safety a top priority. And, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can opt for a helicopter and rafting combo or face the challenging “Devil’s Elbow” as seen on Mark Burnett’s Eco-Challenge Adventure.

• Wedge Rafting. Referred to as “a tale of two rivers and a mid-season classic,” Wedge Rafting company promises to explore the thrilling rapids of the Elaho and the bouncing fun of the Squamish. An eight hour adventure filled with pulse-quickening excitement and breath-taking vistas, this trip will hold a firm place in your memory for years to come. Top off your day with the catered gourmet barbecue hosted by your guides.

Whether you are heading for the East Coast, the Pacific, or somewhere in the middle, Canada is home to awesome whitewaters begging to be rafted. So head north. Adventure awaits, eh.

What are your favorite Canadian whitewater rafting spots?

Kimberley Laws is a freelance writer and avid blogger. She is a huge fan of anything that involves water including whitewater rafting, canoeing, and water-skiing. She has written on a multitude of topics including social media marketing, online reputation management, and blogging tools. You can follow her at The Embiggens Project.

New York City

In popular culture, many have referred to New York as the greatest city on earth. This is one of the top US destinations worldwide. The skyline is chock-a-bloc with some of the greatest icons of USA, icons that have become legendary worldwide. There is the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State building and so many other places to go. One of the most crowded places is the iconic Times Square. Popularly called the ‘Crossroads of the world’, this Manhattan hub seems millions of tourists annually.

Hollywood

As the popular Madonna track goes, “Everybody wants to go to Hollywood”. Looking at the tourist footfall, it sure seems that way. Whether its celebrity spotting that excites you, or lounging on the famous LA beaches, it is all there in the city of angels. Take a tour through Beverly Hills, sunbathe at Malibu or go shopping on Rodeo Drive.

Washington, DC

After all, how can a visit to a country be complete without a trip to the Capital itself? Again, DC is a place where you get to see some of the most iconic landmarks and monuments that you have already seen in the media so many times. Go through the 1,000 acres of the National Mall as well as the Memorial Parks. Look at the Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. Don’t forget to visit the memorials for the Vietnam War vets. The best part is that most of these museums and memorials are free of charge. At the end, wrap up your trip with a visit the renowned museums of the Smithsonian. Be forewarned, there are 19 of them!

Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

In Florida, the Magic Kingdom is the biggest tourist draw. It is closely followed by the Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Go on unforgettable rides aboard the Big Thunder Mountain railroad and also the Country Bear Jamboree.

Las Vegas

Haven’t you heard the famous one liner, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” so many times in the movies? Called an oasis in the desert, Las Vegas is not only for the casinos. If you have money to spare, go try your luck at one of the numerous casinos.  Don’t forget to tour the glitzy city for shows, shopping and some top class eating places. There is a reason why it’s called the Neon Trail.

Niagara Falls

Right on the border between the States and Canada, the Niagara Falls has been a top tourist draw for a very long time. There are different ways to view those phenomenal falls including by boat, observation tours and also through hiking, for those who are up for it. The Falls see millions of visitors every year.

Aloha

If you want to get away from it all, then what better place than Hawaii? Again, a top order destination for tourists, this place is paradise. From the scenic beauty to the looming volcanoes, what could be better as an ideal holiday destination? Also, do take time out to find out and witness some of the rich South Pacific culture and traditions of this place.

These are only some of the top choices while visiting the United States. There is so much to see and so many places to go.

About the author

Dave is the tour guide head of a NJ tourism agency in New Jersey – http://www.funnewjersey.com/. He has helped create holiday packages for domestic tourists. He loves to cook Italian food in his spare time.

Sunlight

Though being in the arctic doesn’t always mean snow everywhere all the time, the constant sunlight of an arctic winter will not be kind to your skin, or your eyes. It’s essential that you apply sunscreen regularly, and that you wear sunglasses. If you lose or break your sunglasses you can reduce some of the glare by smearing something dark (like mud) under your eyes.

Temperature

As you should be expecting, the arctic is going to be cold, and because of that you’ll need to make sure that you’re not sweating. Sweating underneath your layers will accumulate moisture, but your big coat will prevent it from evaporating, which means you’re wasting your water, and you’re committing yourself to that much evaporation worth of cooling at a later time (when you stop), which can mean hypothermia or frost bite. Dress in lots of thin layers and add or remove them to remain comfortably cool while you’re moving.

An additional “trick” is to bring wool clothing. Wool is a superior cold weather material because it will retain heat reasonably well even when wet, which cotton absolutely won’t do. I always bring a wool sweater, long underwear, a pair of thick socks, and a pair of knitted gloves just in case circumstances beyond my control leave me in a wet situation. That being said, still do everything you can to avoid getting wet at all costs.

Food

Hiking in the Arctic is not like hiking anywhere else in the world, except maybe at very high elevations, because you’ll very quickly find that you’re hungry all the time. The cold weather will have you burning significantly more calories than you ordinarily would, and to compensate you should bring about twice as much food as you would on an ordinary trek. Besides the fact that you’ll be hungry enough to eat it, you’ll have enough to ration out for yourself if you get stuck in an emergency situation.

Another important aspect of food is to remember that if you’re in Canada the arctic food chain is topped by bears, and we are food. If you’re traveling in the high arctic you’ll be required to carry a gun for self-defense, and it’s generally smart to keep your food in bear-proof containers well away from your sleeping area.

Emergency Plan

The arctic is one of those remote places where you’ll want to bring a satellite emergency beacon, because if you break an ankle and can’t keep moving you’ll be in a world of hurt in no time. Think through possible scenarios and be prepared to deal with trouble. If you find yourself stuck in a tent during a snow storm for a few days on end you’ll need to keep yourself warm and watered. It’s more important to remain hydrated than it is to bring extra food because you need it to keep your blood flowing properly and the strain on your heart low. To that end you’ll want to bring fuel and a small gas-cooker to help you melt snow or ice.

Meghan Pierce has soft spot for Thai food and an insatiable appetite for travel. She currently freelances for the Arctic Travel specialist, G Adventures while dreaming about her own next adventure.

Consider the following three destinations that appeal to specific personality traits: romantic, fun or adventurous.

Romantic

New Orleans, with its European influences, is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Kick back and relax on a paddlewheel boat, spend the night at a cozy bed-and-breakfast in the popular French Quarter, stroll down St. Charles Avenue and admire the Old World architecture.

Grab a beignet and cup of hot chicory coffee at Café Du Monde, but allow more time for dinner. New Orleans, often called “The Most Romantic City in America,” is home to some of the country’s most impressive restaurants. Many celebrity chefs have restaurants in New Orleans, including Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme. Make sure you book reservations at the more popular restaurants well in advance.

Fun

If you’re looking for a fun vacation with a thriving nightlife, head to Memphis, Tenn. Known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, you can find a band playing at a bar on Beale Street any night of the week. Take a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate, check out the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and stop by Sun Studio, where Elvis recorded his first song. If your girlfriend is an Elvis fan, plan your trip to coincide with Elvis Week, an annual event typically held in August that draws Elvis fans and impersonators from around the world. (If you go, know that the impersonators prefer the term “tribute artists” to “impersonators.”)

You also can enjoy riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River, the second largest in the United States. For a very quirky experience, stop by the Peabody Hotel for historic The Peabody Ducks Parade. Every morning, five ducks march into the lobby fountain to the tune of John Philip Sousa’s King Cotton March. The ritual repeats with a similar exit during the evening.

Adventurous

Thrill-seeking couples should head to Estes Park, Colo., which is on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. In the summer and fall, try rock climbing at Lumpy Ridge or the challenging Longs Peak and whitewater rafting along the rivers near Estes Park. In winter and spring, go sledding, snowshoeing or skiing in the back country.

The parks service no longer operates the Hidden Valley Ski Area, which means there’s no chair-lift up the mountains. You also ski at your own risk here, and hazards include falling rocks, quick changes in weather and exhaustion from trudging through the snow. Because many insurance policies won’t cover accidents that result from adventure sports, look into getting additional insurance. HCC Medical is an agency that offers insurance that covers sports injuries, as well as emergency evacuation.

Find great deals

A weeklong vacation can put quite a dent in your savings account, so keep an eye out for travel deals or bundled packages that could save you a lot of money. Websites like Kayak, Deal Chicken and Travelzoo help you find special offers. And when you provide your email address, Travelzoo will email you the top deals every week. So start looking for the opportunity to take your girlfriend on a vacation that perfectly suits her personality.

It all started July 1. I left for India for two weeks. It was my first real trip that I didn’t plan and it was my second time to Asia. But this time I was in the real Asia. (Well from my perspective) My first stop was Delhi, a busy city filled with endless amounts of history and lots of culture shock. But the highlight was seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra! Wow!! Even though it was plus 45 C and my body was draining in sweat, I still couldn’t believe I was seeing it with my own eyes! It was one of those things on the top bucket travel lists, so you can only imagine my excitment. I finally checked it off!!

The next part of my India trip was volunteering in the Northern regions. As for explaining how I felt, learned, and experienced, well that will have to be another few articles. But for now please see my photos below.

Paris – the most wanted romantic set for the great love stories

Paris, the heart of France is a beautiful place to wake up into a day. It will share some great memories of Eiffel tower, Sainte Chappell make it fit to go there.

Hong-Kong – the place with a handful of buzzing streets

Hong-Kong, inside the Great China gives the experience of buzzing streets, Chinese dishes to taste, handicrafts to take with us makes it an awesome place to visit.

Bali – the real Indonesia

Bali is a small town, which shares some crowd with us, but we could find a right place to spend some time with your lover. The place share an awesome sunrise in the lap of mountains coloring the beautiful land.

Mumbai – a place to visit in a human life

Mumbai, the crowded city in India finds a spot to spend a couple of days. It is the place where the cost of living is lowest in the world. Many places like Gateway of India, Juhu beach makes the trip a memorable one.

USA – a must visit place

USA is worth to visit because of its heady peaks like alpine mountains, the adventure sports to experience and the winter makes it fit to wake up from the bed.

Queensland – the land of sunshine

Queensland in Australia falls in the category of most beautiful places to wake up. It shares the shining of sun all the 300 days of a year with a soothing blue sky to open up. The land also shares the experience of green forest too.

Switzerland – the land that hugs you tight

Switzerland, famous for its overpriced lifestyle with beautiful sceneries, landscape makes it worth to visit. It opens your eyes into a wonder.

Rome – the land of monuments

Rome, inside Italy opens up a day with lots of picturesque monuments; Colosseum suits the place to visit.

Disneyland – the cartoon city 

Not only for the kids, has Disneyland given a different experience of visit. Sometimes we will feel like to become a kid and enjoy the fun around.

Kashmir – heaven of earth

Kashmir, the head of India is famous for its title ‘Heaven of Earth’ finds the right place to open the eyes with the lover. Kashmir is famous for its snowy mountains, valleys flourishing with apple fields.

These are the group of places to wake up and enjoy some days of the human life. It will be a great experience if we could visit any one of them. All these places make it to feel like earth, a blessed planet. Now start exploring these wonderful places with the people you love the most. No doubt, it will be a memorable page in your life.

Author bio: John Collins works as an experienced senior writer for a travel magazine online. He has visited the world all-around and loves travelling more and more. He also writes his personal blog on travel where he provides the useful tips on travelling.