Tag: outdoors

Why you should go fishing

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Fishing is an activity that comes with a lot of fulfillment. It’s a way of getting food for your consumption. At the same time, you will be having some good outdoor fun far from television and all other indoor activities.

Whether you’re a newcomer or experienced, this article gives you reasons why you need to go fishing.

You will spend time outdoors.

Fishing boosts the number of hours spent outdoors away from television and electronic devices. Research shows that people who spend more time in outdoor activities are healthy and productive. Fishing will improve your self-esteem, you respect the environment, and you attain self-fulfillment. It will enhance your personal and social development. Fishing is an activity that individuals of all ages can enjoy.

Health benefits.

Fishing is an activity that will involve your body’s energy. You will need to use your energy to catch fish, and by so doing, you shed excess calories from your body. It boosts your fitness, making you healthy. Compared to other activities, fishing involves your entire body, and therefore you exercise every part.

Fishing for food

Fish is low in fat and cholesterol. It has a high component of protein. A regular diet of fish is recommended at all times. It is fulfilling to head to shores to catch fresh fish rather than buy ones in the food stores preserved using chemicals.

It’s a recreational activity.

Fishing helps you unwind and relax. It is recreational therapy. Time spent with nature contributes to the reduction of pressure, stress, and depression. Having a bad day in fishing beats a day spent in the office or the house attending to daily chores. That is why you have to find time in your busy schedule to go fishing in Lisbon.

Learn new skills on the water.

Fishing will help you learn new skills from time to time. You will gain new skills and techniques while on water. The experience builds your confidence to survive on water. Doing it continuously helps you discover new fishing tactics and ways of navigating the challenges thereof.

You learn to be patient.

Waiting for fish to come and take your bait is not a “minutes” thing. It takes time, and hours can go by without a single catch. Therefore, you have to be patient. Sometimes, you may go out there and come back without any catch. Once you get the catch, you have to be patient when reeling it, so you don’t break your line.

You get an opportunity to mentor others.

Fishing needs mentorship. You cannot wake up one day and say you will fish without being mentored by someone. Once you get the experience, you will also mentor others, making the activity enjoyable.

Fishing is an activity that will help you gain knowledge of different fish species. You will learn about their feeding behavior which helps you catch a good number of fish. To enjoy the activity, you’ve to get a reputable charter who will guide you on the best ways to fish and even teach you tactics to achieve your fishing goal.

5 Ways to Beat the Uncomfortable Summer Humidity

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Source: Unsplash | Hans Reniers

Of the top 10 most humid cities in America, four of them are in Florida. If you’ve ever experienced the swampy, dog days of a Florida summer, when your air conditioning is broken and the fans are only circulating more hot air, you know that things can get pretty uncomfortable, pretty quick.

The dry heat is manageable; at least in dry heat, you can seek refuge in a shady spot and not feel like you’re showered with sweat. The humidity is another story: even in the shadiest spot, the ambient heat still cooks you. Surely, there’s something one can do to escape the mugginess, to cool off and feel comfortable.

Luckily, there are a few ways to stay cool amid the humidity. Here are five foolproof ways to beat the intense Florida heat.

1. Wear Breathable Clothing

Cotton and polyester can weigh you down, as they aren’t particularly breathable and they hold onto sweat. What you need, to properly arm yourself against a humid summer, are awesome merino wool shirts and underwear, which are not only highly breathable, but also wick away sweat from your body. With the right materials, you’ll stay dry, comfy and (at least relatively) cool.

2. Catch a Matinee

Among the most aggressively air-conditioned places in town is the local movie theater. If you can’t take the heat anymore, or are just tired of sweating all the day long, catch a matinee movie. It will coolly, comfortably get you through the hottest part of the day, and as a bonus you get a little entertainment thrown in!

3. Stick to a Hydration Schedule

It’s not enough to tell people, “Stay hydrated!” Sometimes, people just forget to replenish their bodies with liquids, either because they are too busy, or because the thought slips their mind. Unfortunately, without proper hydration, the summer heat can cause undue harm, including dizziness, nausea and heat stroke. To ensure you get enough water, employ a modern solution: download one of these hydration apps, which remind you how much water to drink, and when.

4. Invest in a Dehumidifier

If you plan on being indoors through much of the humidity, it might be wise to buy a dehumidifier. Regulating the humidity in your home will not only make it more comfortable for you, but it will also help ward off harmful mold growth – a very real concern in Florida homes.

5. Take a Weekend Trip

Finally, if the heat really starts bothering you, consider heading to less humid spots, at least for a weekend trip. Head to the coast, to areas like Tampa, Clearwater or St. Petersburg to catch a few, relieving ocean breezes.

There you have it: dress in breathable clothing, catch a flick, drink water, dehumidify and travel to cooler pastures. Swim in the water, lounge by a pool and sip a couple daiquiris. Before long, the hottest days will have passed, and you won’t have to worry about the intense humidity for another year.

The Top Coolest Caravan Sites to Check Out in Australia

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If you’re looking for a unique Australian getaway, then you’ve come to the right place! Check out this list of the coolest caravan sites to visit in Australia.

Every five minutes of the workday, a caravan or campervan is manufactured in Australia. So it’s no surprise why caravanning has recently surged in popularity. Not only does it boost the economy by AU$8.6 billion, it’s an affordable way to see the beauty Australia has to offer.

According to the Caravan Industry of Australia, “Domestic and International visitors generated 49.7 million nights in caravan parks and camping grounds around Australia.”

Whether you’re exploring Australia for the first time, are planning to visit the Darwin festival, or are mapping out your retirement bucket list trip, we’ve got the perfect list of the top 10 caravan sites to visit.

Top Benefits of Staying at Caravan Sites

There’s nothing more enjoyable than hitting the open road with your loved ones in a caravan.

Traveling this way offers so many conveniences that it’s hard not to want to vacation in a caravan every chance you get! Not only can you bring most of the small luxuries of home along with you, but you are saving money at the same time.

The freedom to select one of many beautiful sites to stay overnight, while parking and resting at your convenience, is a major draw to the caravan life. Not to mention the self-sufficiency, and adventure it offers.

10. Marengo Holiday Park

What’s not to love about Marengo Holiday Park in Apollo Bay? Not only does this site have sweeping ocean views, it’s filled with all sorts of amenities that make for a comfortable stay.

Both family-oriented and pet-friendly, you can cook meals in a communal kitchen and build a campfire under the stars at night. Convenient WIFI access is also a bonus.

9. Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park

Discover your own personal paradise at Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park. The beachside location is the ultimate in luxury for caravan sites. Pamper yourself at the day spa, hike through a rainforest, or just relax with your family on the beach. Pets are always welcome to these powered sites.

8. Freycinet National Park

If you’re in search of some of Australia’s most stunning raw beauty, Freycinet National Park in Tasmania is one of the top sites to stay. There’s no shortage of water sports to enjoy while staying here: snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. Not only does it offer pristine beaches and clear waters, it’s also a birder’s heaven. The pink granite peaks of the Hazards Range are especially breathtaking at sunrise.

7. Barrington Tops National Park

Listed as one of the top World Heritage places in the world, Barrington Tops National Park offers a wide variety of activities for caravanners. Situated in one of Australia’s largest rainforests, the park’s meandering trails and streams offer temporary respite from the stress of city life. Set up bush camp for the night, go fishing for the day, or enjoy an afternoon picnic. Pets are not permitted.

6. Grampians National Park

For those who need a more secluded caravan experience, Grampians National Park in Victoria is the top getaway spot. Not only will you be surrounded by breathtaking mountain range views and waterfalls, but you’ll also be privy to some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the area.

Aborigine art and history are big attractors of this site as well.

5. West MacDonnell National Park

If you’re a huge astronomy geek, or just love stargazing, West MacDonnell National Park is where you’ll want to stay. Rich Aborigine culture is also another reason to explore this area.

Hiking, birdwatching, and cycling are among the more popular activities here. Camping fees are very reasonable and include basic accommodations such as showers, toilets, picnic tables, and cooking facilities.

4. Golden Beach Holiday Park at Caloundra

Family-friendly and close to area attractions, this one-size-fits-all site is a favorite for both tourists and locals. Caravan sites provide power and water, with a few grassy areas to accommodate tents. Just a few minutes from the beach, visitors can take advantage of boating, fishing, and swimming.

3. BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park

The BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park is a little patch of heaven, situated along a beautiful stretch of Apollo Bay. With sweeping views of the ocean and a sprawling property, visitors can go off the grid completely and stay at one of the unpowered caravan sites or indulge in a little luxury and take a swim in the heated pool. Play basketball on the full court, take the kids to the playground, or stock up on ice for your next family gathering.

2. Bargara Beach Caravan Park

One of the top caravan sites to visit for those who want to explore the Great Barrier Reef or witness sea turtles nesting, Bargara Beach Caravan Park lets you take a walk on the wild side in the privacy of your own caravan. With both powered and unpowered options, the park provides a communal cooking area, WIFI, convenience kiosks, washing machines and dryers, as well as an on-site doctor. The quiet surroundings and beautiful beaches will make you feel instantly relaxed.

1. Ingenia Holidays Lake Conjola

Ingenia Holidays Lake Conjola is considered to be one of the top south coast caravan parks in the area. Not only will you be surrounded by the beauty of nature, but you can take advantage of it with horseback riding, scuba diving, and hiking. Take in breathtaking views of the lake, take the kids to one of the pools or splash parks, or indulge in a winery tour. The sky is the limit with all of the activities you can discover here.

Is Adventure Calling Your Name?

Planning a trip to Australia any time soon? We hope this list of the top 10 caravan sites was helpful to you. If traveling around the world is something you’re deeply passionate about, we invite you to discover more adventures on our site.

We’d also love to hear how our travels have inspired you to branch out and do a little exploring on your own, too. Drop us a line and share your travel plans and tips with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!

The 10 Best National Parks to Visit in Your Lifetime

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If you love the outdoors, you need to add visiting these national parks to your bucket list. See what we rank as the best national parks to see.

You don’t have to travel across the world or in an exotic location to have an unforgettable trip.

So much of the world’s beauty lies in our own backyards. And, in fact, more Americans than ever before are venturing on road trips to experience all the wonder that comes from the Great Outdoors.

Let’s get into the best national parks you need to place on your bucket list!

1. Yosemite, California

Home to more than 20 stunning waterfalls, gorgeous landscape, and beautiful rock and forest formations, over 4 million people make their way to Yosemite each year.

Yosemite is home to all kinds of adventures from camping to rock climbing to horseback riding to swimming.

The main highlights in Yosemite include Half Dome (you’ll need a permit to go hiking), El Capital, Bridalveil Fall, and Tuolumne Meadows.

2. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is stunning- that’s the plain and simple truth. The stunning panromantic views automatically make it one of the best national parks in America.

The canyon itself is massive- about a mile deep and 10 miles in width, and it’s over 6 million years old (with some rocks dating back to 2 billion years).

The Grand Canyon is home to all sorts of family-fun activities, and it’s also great for hiking enthusiasts looking to set their sights inside the canyon.

Main highlights include North Rim, Bright Angel Trail, Havasu Falls, and the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

3. Yellowstone, Wyoming

Famously cited as one of the first (and best national parks) in the world, Yellowstone certainly doesn’t disappoint its visitors.

Yellowstone runs on continuous volcanic activity, and you’ll get to experience all the resulting geysers, hot springs, and mud-pots associated with those formations.

Yes, you’ll get to see real lava flowing, and what could be cooler than that?

Furthermore, if you’re an animal lover, Yellowstone has it all- from all kinds of bears to bison to wild horses.

The top highlights include Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Yellowstone Lake.

4. Zion, Utah

Zion is truly home to some of the most epic adventure you can experience. Enjoy the huge sandstone cliffs and hike around, taking in all the stunning scenery.

There are tons of Zion park lodging options that allow you to experience the park’s dynamic beauty (including all those killer starry nights).

Other highlights of Zion include hiking the Narrows, exploring the Subway, and climbing up Lady Mountain.

If you are making your way to Utah, you can plan out several other national park visits on your way through Zion

5. Joshua Tree, California

If you’re a rock climber, Joshua Tree is your playground. Where most of the best national parks turn ice cold in the winter and spring times, you’ll get balmy temperatures here in Southern California.

On the flip side, if you visit during the summer months, you’ll be in scorching 100+ degree temps, so plan accordingly!

Joshua Tree is a famous rock climbing spot for climbers and boulderers all around the world. Don’t climb? Try your hand at scrambling or hiking up the different rock formations.

You’ll also experience some truly unforgettable sunsets and stargazing experiences.

Highlights in Joshua Tree include Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Lost Horse Mine, and Jumbo Rocks.

6. Hawai’i Volcanoes, Hawaii

Yes, the best national parks can be close to the beach, and this one is truly magnificent.

If you needed another compelling reason to visit Hawaii (how many reasons does someone need), then go for the active erupting volcanoes.

In this park, you may be lucky and get to witness molten lava flowing down the volcano into the ocean. Talk about an unforgettable sight.

You’ll also just get to trek on lava throughout your hike, and that’s pretty cool in it of itself, right?

7.Grand Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

Famously known as one of the most visited national parks in the United States, this park covers 816 total square miles.

The Appalachian Trail runs directly in the center of the park, and there are currently more than 800 miles of direct hiking trails.

Highlights include Chimney Tops Trail, Fontana Dam, and Clingmans Dome. Another fun fact? There are at least 19 different firefly species here!

8 Grand Teton, Wyoming

Even though Grand Teton is close to Yellowstone, it’s still considered one of the best national parks, and it shouldn’t be missed!

Grand Teton is home to numerous mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers, and it’s rich with wildlife and animals.

It’s smaller than Yellowstone at only 484 miles, but it has plenty of unforgettable hiking, backpacking, and incredible sights.

9. Arches, Utah

Have you ever stood somewhere and only been able to see orange all around you? Probably not. If you visit, Arches, however, that’s exactly what it will look like.

This park has more than 75,000 acres of different canyons, rocks, petrified dunes, and sandstones- stretching out in every single dimension.

You can drive or hike through most of the park, depending on your preferences. With that said, the famous highlights include Delicate Arch (yes, the famous classic arch), Fiery Furnace, and Double O Arch.

10. Acadia National Park, Maine

When most people think about the best national parks, they think about the Midwest or West Coast.

They don’t necessarily think about Maine, but it’s home to some truly stunning and exciting sights up in Acadia.

From hikes to lakes to unforgettable beaches, Acadia leaves room for awe and wonder everywhere you turn.

Be sure to check out Schoodic Point, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Cadillac Mountain.

Final Thoughts on the Best National Parks

Adventure awaits in your home state- or just a road trip away! Before you start looking abroad for an unforgettable experience, consider the virtues of all that America can offer!

Are you interested in learning more about the top travel tips in North America? Be sure to check out our blog today!

The Benefits Offered by Forward Fold Camper Trailers

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Forward fold camper trailers offer a number of benefits and can be a great choice of off road camper if you decide not to opt for a traditional caravan or pop top caravan for your travels. Many people like the idea of travelling around the country and camping out in the many beautiful spots on offer, but they aren’t too keen on packing and unpacking a tent at every stop or spending a huge amount of money on a campervan. Forward fold camper trailers offer a great middle ground between campervans and tents, making them an ideal choice for those wishing to explore the great outdoors. This article explores some of the great benefits offered by forward fold camping trailers.

 

They’re Easy to Set up

When it comes to weekends and holidays, most people don’t want to waste a second and want to spend as much of their time doing the things they love. If you have limited time and are planning on going camping, you’re likely not going to want to spend lots of time setting up and packing down a tent. Forward fold camper trailers allow you to simply pull up to a camping site and fold out and assemble your camper trailer. This is a great benefit for those whose spare time is at a premium, as well as for those who simply don’t enjoy the process of setting up a tent.

They’re Economical

In addition to saving time, those who opt to buy forward fold camper trailers can also save money. When compared to a campervan or mobile home, camper trailers represent excellent value for money – and it’s not just the upfront costs you save on. Forward fold camper trailers are light in weight and have a low profile, which means two things. Firstly, being light in weight means they don’t require as much horse power to tow, and secondly, their low profile results in less wind resistance. The upshot of this is that the vehicle towing the camper trailer won’t use as much petrol, which is another welcome saving. In addition, the cost of parking a camper trailer at a campsite for a night is significantly less than spending money on a motel or a bed and breakfast.

They’re Compact in Size

Forward fold camper trailers are nice and compact which can be of great benefit for those who want to park their camper trailers in their own garage, visit drive-through restaurants or park in underground car parks. But the space saving doesn’t stop there – when you tow a camper trailer, you don’t have to worry about finding room in the car to put the tent, and many models come with storage room to safely secure other items you wish to take with you on your trip.

In Summary

Forward fold camper trailers offer those who wish to explore the outdoors a cost-effective alternative to campervans. In addition to this, they’re quick and easy to set up and are compact in size, making them perfect for those who own small vehicles.

10 Essential Gadgets to Have Along on Your Hiking Vacation

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Going on a hiking vacation whether alone or in the company of your best friends can be an exhilarating experience. Following long trails carrying only a few bare essentials with only you to depend on feels like an eye-opening trip for some people. I know of a friend who took a hiking break when she needed the solitude to make some major decisions in her life. And, I agree. Being alone helps you put your life in perspective. And, there is always the added positive of the sense of adventure, stunning locales, and meeting new people.

Check online and you’ll probably find a whole bunch of websites helping you list and put together all the gear you’ll need for your hiking vacation. I have for you a list of 10 essential gadgets that I feel every girl should have along. Go ahead and take a look. And, add all the others you feel you absolutely must have.

No. 1 – Solar Charger

Carrying gadgets is a great thing but they’re good only as long as they have the power to keep going. No doubt you’ll carry batteries but there are only so many you can have along. For this reason, you need chargers. I would suggest that you carry a portable solar charger. You’ll be surprised at the amount of power it can give you. For instance, expose the charger to one hour of sunshine and you can extract two hours of talk time from your mobile phone. You can also use it to power tablets, iPhones, satellite phones, cameras, and even, a small medical fridge for any medication you need to have along for your hiking vacation.

No. 2 – Smartphones and Tablets

When you’re spending long hours on the road, you need to remain connected with loved ones back home. Of course, you wouldn’t want to carry expensive devices along so the next option is to carry refurbished gadgets that work very well but are economical. In case you do lose a device or it gets damaged on your hiking vacation, it won’t be a major loss. Look for used tablets and other devices at reduced prices and you’re good to go. Remember, you can download a bunch of apps that can prove to be very handy on your travels such as GPS tracking that helps you plan the best routes to take along with all the information you may need about your destination. And, let’s not forget taking loads of pictures of your hiking vacation for sharing with people back home.

No. 3 – Global Data SIM

When choosing your smartphone, make sure that it is unlocked. Invest in a Global Data SIM that you can use at rates ranging from $4 for 50MB of data to $12 for 500MB of data per day. You can use the data at unlimited speeds however take care to restrict usage to below limits. For instance, if you choose the Keepgo’s global data service, you can also get AT&T SIM cards.

No. 4 – USB Port

In case you stop for the night at a motel or hotel during your hiking vacation, having this device along can help you charge your electronics within a short time. Plug multiple gadgets at once to any wall socket and charge them quickly. It makes sense to have one of these along if you’ve been traveling on cloudy days and your solar charger isn’t working as expected.

No. 5 – Handheld GPS Device

I’ve been advised to have one of these gadgets along. That’s because the GPS in smartphones is dependent on an internet connection. In the event that you’re passing through locations that don’t have very good internet connectivity, you might have trouble finding your way. Not only do these gadgets provide you with detailed topography, but they also act as compasses.

No. 6 – SD Ultra 64GB MicroSDXC Card

SD cards are very handy when you need extra memory. They cost just $40 and you can fit them in basic cameras, professional cameras or even, Android smartphones when you want to save lots of pictures and perhaps, video footage of your experiences.

No. 7 – Portable Pocket Wi-Fi Routers

When on your hiking vacation, you might find that the hotel internet service isn’t all that effective. Having a portable Ethernet is a handy gadget to have along so you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot wherever you are. For instance, the TP-Link model may set you back by just $30 and is about the size of a laptop power adapter which makes it compact and easy to carry. An added positive is that it has a USB port so you can use it to charge other electronics.

No 8 – Water Purification Solutions

One of the basic essentials for your hiking vacation is undoubtedly some solution that helps you get clean drinking water. When you’re on the road, you need adequate amounts of water to remain hydrated and carrying it along just isn’t practical. You could pack in water purification tablets or try one of the UV purifiers like the Steripen that is compact and affordable.

No. 9 – SPOT Gen3

This little gadget is an absolute must-have on your hiking vacation. In case of an emergency, you only have to hit the button and it will send an SOS signal along with your GPS location to the IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Centre). The SPOT Gen3 works even in areas where there is no mobile coverage. You can also use this device to send a preset text message or email with your location to 10 contacts you’ve chosen. It’s useful for touching base with loved ones at regular intervals.

No. 10 – SPOT Global Satellite Phone

Opt for the SPOT Global Satellite Phone if you intend to travel to destinations that may not have internet or mobile connectivity. Getting this device can set you back by $500 and services cost $25 per month for 10 minutes of talk time. However, the more expensive plans give you more calling time and data usage.

I personally think that these are 10 basic gadgets that every girl must have on her hiking vacation. That’s of course, in addition to the backpacks, camping gear, and all other gear you’ll need. If you can think of any more to add to this list, go ahead and add them in comments. I’m sure many hiking enthusiasts will welcome your thoughts. Happy hiking!