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.

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.

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.

The good news is that with proper preparation and diligent follow-through start-up businesses do succeed and thrive. The keys to being one of the success stories and owning and operating a going enterprise is having a well developed business plan and sticking to it. Business plans all follow a set framework but there are things that are specific to a shuttle service that must be included.

The Business Plan
Business plans are often referred to as a road map to success which is an apt description. A well written and thoroughly researched business plan presents and honest evaluation of what needs to be done to start, run and grow the business. A good business plan also takes into account obstacles and makes provisions to overcome them.

A business plan has two main purposes, a guide for the ownership and management of the shuttle bus service and a means to attract and secure financing from potential partners, investors and banks. In fact most sources of financing will not even consider extending credit without a business plan.

The Paperwork
Many businesses require state and local licenses and permits before than can begin operating. A shuttle bus service is not exception and depending on your location may require a more rigorous licensing process than other businesses. Consulting with an attorney or CPA who is familiar with your locality will help you determine not only what licenses are required but also what form your new business should take, such as; sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), corporation or partnership.

Whether your plan is to drive your shuttle bus yourself or to hire a team of drivers, training, licensing and adequate insurance are considerations that you must take into account. The success of your business rests on potential customers trusting that they will be safe and secure when they step onto your shuttle bus.

Marketing
Marketing starts with determining what type of shuttle bus service you want to offer, commuter, airport, shopping or something else. Marketing starts with determining what needs are being underserved or can be better served by improved service and than seeking to attract those customers. For example a shuttle bus service that is geared toward serving the elderly but is located in a college community might not have enough potential customers to be a success.

Once the market for your shuttle bus service has been identified you will need to attract customers and that is where the advertising portion of marketing comes into play. Newspaper ads and fliers have to be designed and written for the specific market you are hoping to build. Joining organizations that provide access to potential customers and build word of mouth buzz should also be a part of your marketing efforts.

At the end of the day the success of your shuttle bus service rests on your shoulders and will be built on the foundation of research that you built in the preparation stage of writing and developing your business plan.

Bio – Paul is a freelance writer for Buses for Sale and is interested in places where individuals and businesses can find a shuttle bus for sale .

Car Hire: The Pros

The biggest advantage to hiring a car while you’re on holiday is the complete freedom to create your own schedule. No more waiting for local buses, taxis, or group tours to take you to the destinations you want to see. Car hire is especially convenient if you’re staying outside of a major city, where local transportation may be less frequent or reliable. If you’re planning to visit multiple destinations on your trip, a car hire can eliminate the headache of booking a bus or plane to get from one destination to another.

The other major benefit to hiring a car is the extra space. This is especially advantageous if you’re travelling with kids and need to have easy access to toys, snacks, change of clothes, etc. Most companies allow you to select the type and size of car, so you can choose the vehicle that best suits your personal needs.

Car Hire: The Cons

Of course, there are some pitfalls to car hire as well. The first is the issue of insurance. While most companies do offer some level of insurance, these “collision damage waivers” carry an excess that you will be expected to pay yourself should you decide to make a claim. The best approach is to take out a policy from a third-party provider before you depart so you can be certain that you are fully insured in the event of the accident.

Beware of mileage and fuel restrictions as well. If you exceed your allotted mileage on your trip, you will be charged for it. You should also plan to fill up the petrol tank before you return the vehicle, as the company is likely to charge you a higher rate for an empty tank. Most importantly, make sure you’re getting what you paid for. If you need help, get holiday advice from Irwin Mitchell to clear up any questions you may have.

Other Transportation Options

If you decide that hiring a car is too cumbersome, you’ll need to find an alternative means of arriving to your accommodations. Taxis are the most comfortable—if expensive—option; make sure you take a licensed taxi and check a site like WorldTaxiMeter.com to get an idea of how much the fare will be. Depending on where you go, you might also be able to take advantage of a local shuttle bus or subway service, but remember that these may not be the most convenient options if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage.

So get your trusty set of binoculars packed – Uttings Outdoors are offering binoculars from Opticron and Nikon for bargain prices in case you are running short on reliable equipment – and book your trip to one of these four destinations in Asia.

India

Let’s begin the list with a country that often pops up on people’s top ten backpacking countries on earth – India.

So why is this country so popular? One of the main reasons is likely because of the fascinating buildings and locations which are dotted all across this vast nation.

From the instantly recognisable Taj Mahal to discovering the startling contrast between the vibrant city of Mumbai and the seaside oasis of Goa, there is just so much to see and do once in this awe-inspiring country.

What’s more, backpackers on a budget and hoping to stretch their cash as far as possible will also be pleased to hear that India’s food, accommodation and travel are often available very cheap when compared to other destinations across the globe.

Vietnam

Vietnam has sure had its fair share of bad fortune in the history books. A number of highly-publicised wars held the country back for many years, and yet it has emerged as one of the world’s most beautiful nations now that it is once again enjoying peacetime.

The country was put in the mainstream spotlight a few years back when it was featured on a special edition of BBC’s well-loved motor series Top Gear – have a look here if you need a reminder.

Backpackers can follow in the footsteps of Jeremy Clarkson and company by stopping off at the stunning havens of Hanoi and Danang City, although the highlight of the tour could well be a visit to the mystical Halong Bay.

Indonesia

Indonesia sets itself apart from every other country on the planet due to it being made up of thousands of islands, each of which is just as fascinating to explore as the last.

Backpackers who take the time to explore as much of Indonesia as they possibly can will likely pass through spectacular rainforests, vibrant jungles and lush silver beaches lapped with crystal-clear green waters by the end of their travels.

For actual destinations to make a note of in your self-made itinerary, Harau Valley at Abdi Homestay and Lake Maninjau are both brilliant starting points.

In its top ten backpacking countries guide, Ask Men went as far as to call Thailand “ backpacker’s paradise”. Once you do a little research into the country though, it soon becomes clear why the publication feels this way.

For one, the country is packed to the brim with historical and cultural architectural masterpieces. The Wat Arun temple, the Wat Phra Kaeo temple, the Wat Benchamabophitr landmark and Bangkok’s Grand Palace all must be seen to be believed.

Thailand is also very inviting to tourists, thanks to how well the country’s mass transit system has been set up and operated. This is not to mention the glorious Thai cuisine which is served up fresh from many of the nation’s restaurants at excellent prices.

1. Have a sturdy backpack:

Make sure you invest in a good quality backpack. It should be spacious and should fit your lower back perfectly to meet your body’s comfort in weight and volume. Do not invest in something only because you are getting in for a great price, also check on the durability and if possible ask for a warranty card from the company.

2.  Get a Good Lock:

It may sound very basic but investing a good quality lock goes a long way in making a trip safe and sound. It should be something that isn’t too fancy to operate and at the same time guarantees a good amount of security.

3.  Know the baggage requirements:

In certain countries like the USA there are very strict baggage check rules. They allow only a certain type of lock on your backpacks and if it does not match the ones that they stand by they will ask you to open your baggage to check on the contents. Hence make sure to study the specific baggage requirements of the country you are planning to visit.

4. Secure your backpack with a chain:

A good strong metal chain can be wrapped around your backpack quite easily with a lock if you have to leave your baggage for some time. It can have its own locking system with a combination lock ensuring maximum safety.

5. Have an Address Tag:

In case of your baggage getting lost or being delayed due to change in flights, have your address posted on it is a safe way to ensure that it gets returned you as soon as possible either by the flight personnel or someone else who has come across it.

6.  Check the Destination tag:

Make sure that after you check in, the luggage staffs has given you the correct destination tag with your flight’s code number along with your seat number and name attached. This will prevent your luggage from getting lost or misplaced.

7.  Do not carry anything illegal:

Be sure to avoid carrying anything that is against the protocols of your host country’s immigration standards. Also, do not carry more than the weight prescribed. Duty- free shopping is the best way to ensure that nothing unwanted has been kept in your backpack.

8.  Keep your Travel Insurance in Handy:

Do not place your travel insurance in your main backpack. Keep it along with your other travel documents and passport in your handbag or carry bag, since in a case of loss of luggage or contents, you can place a complaint immediately and demand fast action.

Travel safe and travel light. Ensure your safety with these few tips that can be very essential guides in making your trip a great experience that gives your happy and lasting memories.

Bio: Michelle Ro is a travel agent that plans golf vacations in the UAE, safari trips in Africa and organizes river rafting races in Canada. He loves his job and is always backpacking to a new country anytime he gets the chance.

1.     Get locks for the Backpack’s Zippers

This is the simplest step to consider while talking about the safety of your backpack. Even the smallest of the locks can save you from pick pocketing as you can never see whatever is happening behind you. We usually limit our safety measures to wallets while thinking of pick pockets but back packs are a much easier target. You might be simply sitting somewhere with your back pack besides you and it would even take a moment to reach in for pulling out something valuable. Especially when you are travelling with a great camera, tablet or other valuables, spending a few bucks on a mere lock can actually aid you in saving a fortune.

2.     Keep the valuables wisely

Where you keep all the valuables such as your passport, ID, Money, Plane tickets etc. become important while travelling aboard. Never keep all such items in the outer pocket of your backpack as they can be easily stolen from there. Therefore, the best place for them is the inner and the bigger pockets. Not only are these pockets less accessible but are also deep and so can easily hold all your important stuff.

3.     Prefer a lightened load

Ideally, the total weight of your filled backpack should never succeed more than fifteen percent of your total body weight. The foremost way to lighten the total load is to remove any kind of the non-essentials. Remember, even an extra novel and a different hairbrush can add weight. Simply get down to basic needs and pack accordingly.

4.     Pick the right size of the bag

Yes the bag size is also crucial. For instance, adult backpacks are made strictly for adults and not for children. You must always buy a backpack so as to fit your body size. Many catalogs and stores list all this information along with the other product description. If it is not given, simply confirm it from the seller. Remember, while the shoulder straps of the bag are adjusted, its bottom should lie at least two inches above your waistline. If you plan to carry a lot of valuables or electronics, pick a bad which is internally wide than the one that is equipped with more external pockets.

5.     Position the bag properly

You must always wear your backpack in a proper manner in order to avoid imbalance and muscle strain. You should wear the shoulder straps in a way that both of them are easily snug. If your backpack is equipped with a waist strap, use it in order to distribute the entire weight evenly. Also, try to maintain a good and straight posture while carrying the backpack. It is always tough or rather impossible for picketers to steal from a bag which has been firmly positioned and tightly handled by its owner. Even if they will try a grab, you will easily come to know.

6.     Set the time limit

Wearing your backpack for continuous and longer lengths can be both mentally as well as physically strenuous. Therefore, always try to wear it for a maximum of thirty minutes or even lesser. This rule can be easily followed unless you are jaunting across a rambling campus or are on an all day hike. If it still seems tough, prefer carrying a much lighter load. As far as you have kept your valuables carefully in the inner pockets and secured the outer pockets with locks, your backpack is safe.

Author Bio:

Bill Clark runs his own travelling channel on a local level. He is also an active member of the international forum for the travelers and provides special offers for car hire in Tenerife.

A Tent

Shelter is one of the most important things to have with you at all times during a camping and hiking trip. Avid hikers will want to carry along one that is practical, meets their space requirements, is weather resistant and does not put a lot of weight onto their back. For example, the Fast Stash tent by MRS is an excellent option.

Hiking Tools

Throw the essentials hiking tools into your bag before traveling such as a first-aid kit in the event of an injury, rope, matches, a lighter, tent stakes, a compass, cooking utensils and a knife. By having the right tools with you, you will be prepared for any situation.

Water

Every hiker needs to stay hydrated during their journey. By investing in custom water bottles or mugs and glasses that can be used around the campfire, you will always have something readily available to store your water in and to drink from.

Food

As an avid hiker, you may not always have the time to sit down, get a campfire started and to prepare a meal over the hot burning wood. While out on the trail, you will want to have food that is easy to grab and eat. Dried fruit, granola bars and trail mix are just a few ideal options.

A Sleeping Bag

Depending on the season that you’re going camping during, you may either want to bring a heavy sleeping bag or light-weight sleeping pad with you. A sleeping bag will keep you comfortable and warm during those cold nights while a sleeping pad simply provides you with a soft surface to lay on.

Hiking Boots

A good pair of hiking boots is an absolute must-have. You will want to have boots that will stay dry and provide you with enough support. An ill-fitting pair of boots can truly ruin the entire trip and provide you with sore feet.

UNICEF

UNICEF is a volunteer-based organization that works to better children’s lives across the world. Initially it stood for “United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.” The name has been shortened to “United Nations Children’s Fund,” though they keep the same acronym.

The organization works to provide emergency relief during crises. They ensure that in those emergencies children have food, water, shelter, and proper medical care. They also work in long-term improvement of lives, with many programs that focus on education, prevention and treatment for HIV/AIDS, protecting children from abuse and violence, and nutritional interventions.

To participate in Unicef charity worldwide volunteer programs, contact your country’s Fund for UNICEF and express your interest in volunteering.

WWOOF

WWOOF stands for “Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms.” It’s a program that works with organic farmers to help them provide organic products. You have a chance to travel throughout the world and work with organic farmers in exchange for room and board.

Volunteers stay with host families, helping them around the farm for a set number of hours each day. In return, they are fed and sheltered and get to learn a great deal about how to live an organically sound life. The length of each stay can vary, so you can stay in the same place for years or choose to move on after a week.

Peace Corps

The work a Peace Corps volunteer does will vary greatly based on the need of the host country. Nearly all involve some sort of volunteer work with education, community development, health, agriculture, and technology, along with many other categories of volunteer opportunities.

If you choose to join the Peace Corps, know that the minimum requirement of time to serve is 27 months, so be very sure it is something you want to do. However, those who choose this path find it incredibly rewarding. There are even additional benefits to joining, such as medical coverage and possible student loan assistance.

Now that you have an idea of some of the available programs, you can start making some decisions. If any of these sound like something you’d be interested in pursuing, contact them today about applying to the program.