Off-Track Backpacking » vacation

Going on a trip or on a vacation?

Anthony C — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 07:00:27 +0000

While most people often use both terms to explain that they are going to visit another country, there exists a very big difference between these two words. Those who travel often know exactly what I mean. If you are backpacking Europe, Latin America, Australia, etc., you are going on a trip because you know it will be exhausting. But if you are going to Cuba, the Dominican Republic or in any all-inclusive hotel packages, you are going on vacation, because it will be very simple. Now I know a lot of people are more adventurous and find all-inclusive vacations boring, and I know exactly how you feel because I used to be the same way. But last september, I found a cheap deal to go to Punta Cana and I decided, what the hell, I’ll give it a try. Event if everyone was telling me not to go because it was hurricane season, the weather was more than satisfying, it was hot every single day. There are all sorts of activities that you can do instead of just lying down on the beach. I’m not much of a beach person and after two days I normally get fed up, but me and my girlfriend went on “Dumbuggy” excursion. Basically, its a four wheel go-kart and you drive around in the mud till your covered in dirt . Then they bring you to the caves where you can go in for a dive and wash up, they also make you visit exotic beaches that tourists don’t normally go to. Another day, we went to swim with the dolphins, the sharks and the sting rays, it was interesting and a bit scary. They even made the sting rays massage our backs since the bottom part of their skin is soft like a baby’s skin.

Basically, even if you think that these types of vacations aren’t for you, I suggest you give it a try. It’s pretty relaxing and it feels good to sit on the beach with a good rum and coke and just let go the city stress out of your body. Obviously it gets boring to just sit every day at the beach and see the same people over and over. It’s simple, save a bit more money and go do excursions. Like that after a nice long day in the sun, you can go back to the hotel, have some “open bar” alcohol and dance the night away. An even better suggestion would be to go on a backpacking trip, and finish the year with a vacation down south to regain the energy:). Have fun

Marrying Abroad

naradb — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:35:42 +0000

Within the last five years getting married abroad has become the latest trend. Many destination weddings are becoming the perfect spot for couples to celebrate their love with loved ones in a more cheaper and easier way. This idea of all weddings heading to vacations spots has now risen from about 16 percent to now over 25 percent. Why? Well there are many benefits in getting married abroad, one being able to save a lot of money. According to Canada an average wedding these days is about $26,000 or more, while a destination wedding usually runs the couples only about $6,000. This huge savings is due to guests paying their own way to the vacations spot and having the option to not only consider this a wedding vacation but also a trip too. Plus now a days most resorts consider large group discounts and much of the expenses are cut in half. Also, consider how little vacations Canadians get in a year and on average a Canadian will only take one vacation/trip once a year due to work. So this combination of seeing a family/friend get married and spending time with them on vacation is a huge bonus. Plus with a wedding abroad the bride and groom will always consider giving their guests a least one year of notice, due to booking fees, saving money, and booking time off work. However, since destination weddings are filled with lovely options, many brides and grooms get overwhelmed with options and sometimes the budget can exceed to unnecessary reasons. So the number one thing to consider is to plan and discuss abroad weddings with a travel agency. It is much easier for an agent to plan the accommodation/airfare for all guests due to budget and arranging payments. Also, there is little planning and stress for the wedding party, which usually take a lot of press off the families. So overall there are many benefits to marrying abroad, but would you consider it?
So in about three weeks time, this will be my first vacation to see and experience a friend getting married abroad. I have been to a few wedding lately, due to many of my friends getting hitched, but experiencing one while on a vacation will not only be fun, but also great experience to spend time with a bunch of great people. Plus, since I am a backpacker taking advantage of a little site seeing will be the number one thing on my list too!!!

Top Private Stunning Beaches In The World

naradb — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:56:58 +0000

When it comes to a holiday or a vacation, many people resort to the Caribeans and to the most popular beaches around the world. Well below are just a few of the top private beaches around the world.

Holbox, Mexico

Holbox is part of the most northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is known for it’s white sandy, 12 km long beach and to be stunningly quiet. Most people believe this beach is to expensive to visit, but that’s a myth. It is run by only locals and not one car, cellphone, or even wi-fi is to allowed to be near the beach. It is precisely to be a hideout for those who want to disappear from reality.

Parrot Cay Caribbean

Back in the 18^th century two women established a private island that is only 4km long and located very closely to Turk and Caicos. It is know to have the finest sands in the world, and have a surreal affect. The sparkly blue sea with only sand surrounding you and with not a soul around, would be the most peaceful vacation.

Turtle Island, Fiji

This tiny private island called Nanya Levu is known to be the paradise for very wealthy people, only because about 14 people are allowed to be on this island at one time. Yet not to forget, there are no cars, or aircraft to make any noise while you are on vacation.

Barbuda, Caribbean

As one of the most expensive islands to go to, but also one of the most beautiful to experience. It is located in the middle of the Leeward Island that shapes all quiet and peace, but also a fabulous choice of Atlantic seaside. This island was also known to be the Island Princess Diana most enjoyed.