In Search of Sasquatch (and other scary monsters)

Feb 082012

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I’m out for real adventures this year. Forget climbing Mount Everest. Forget the Inca Trail, forget trekking through the desert heat at midday. That stuff is for wimps. This year my fearlessness will take me in search of legendary monsters. Taking a leaf out of Scooby Doo’s Mystery Inc gang, I’m in search of Sasquatch and his friends. If only for the delight of hearing someone blame everything on those ‘pesky kids’.

Hot on the Heels of Bigfoot

Sightings of the aforementioned Sasquatch – Bigfoot to you and me – take place at adventure travel destinations right across America so let’s start with a tour of some National Parks. Keep a close eye out for gigantic footprints as you set out from Mount Rainier National Park and head across the Colombia river for the cowboy country of Montana and Yellowstone National Park. Full of grizzlies, bison and geysers, it’s a great hiding place for the fearsome Sasquatch. Follow the trail to the Craters of the Moon National Monument, you just know he’ll be lurking there. If your search is fruitless, relax with a day at Lake Tahoe or head out to Vegas for an evening of fun at Caesar’s Palace casino. You deserve it. Apparently a dead Bigfoot has never been discovered which leads some to believe that he doesn’t exist. Of course he does – they’ve just not looked in the right places yet. You can’t miss him. He’s nearly 9 feet tall with 13 inch feet and covered in long brown hair. No not the neighbor who moved in last week. I suspect he growls a lot too – Sasquatch, not your neighbor.

Head for the Himalayas

The yeti, or Abominable Snowman to you and me, is actually thought to be a relative of Sasquatch. Can you imagine going to their family gatherings? To stand a chance of finding another giant hairy beast, this time you need to head to the Himalayas. Sightings of this creature stretch back as far as 1832 so he has to be real. This time start out at Kathmandu, taking in the temples and shopping, well you never know where he might hide. Trek through the Himalaya and keep an overnight watch at camp before you head south to the Chitwan jungle. The Yeti is another oversized beast with an allegedly not so pleasant aroma so if a strange smell does evolve from the depths of the jungle, it’s not your neighbor on the same vacation as you. Don’t hesitate, just run!

Nessie in Scotland

Our final destination is the good old shores of Loch Ness in Bonnie Scotland, the land of bagpipes and unintelligible accents. Our quest here is the location of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. The clue to Nessie’s likely location is in the name. The myth of the monster emanates from the 6th Century when St Colomba commanded a mysterious creature in the waters of Loch Ness to retreat. Countless sightings have taken place over the centuries, including one as recent as the summer of 2011. Take some time out from your vigils on the shores of Loch Ness to explore the Scottish countryside. Visit the myriad ancient castles and be sure not to miss Stirling Castle where William Wallace, he of Braveheart fame, defeated the English back in 1297 at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Robert the Bruce also achieved a similar feat in 1314. I’m guessing there’s not a lot of love lost between the Brits and the Scots.

Exhausted by all of those crazy adventure trips? Well when you’ve finished your Mystery Inc investigations and unmasked a few strange people dressed up in gorilla clothes, you can start to plan afresh. But watch out for those pesky kids!

Jemma loves a good adventure and cannot wait for her next!

Top 5 Vital Questions to Ask a Potential Roommate

Roommates not only offer assistance when it comes to paying rent and utilities, but the ideal roommate can serve as a friend and daily companion. Although the notion of obtaining the perfect roommate seems simple enough, sharing an apartment with another person can quickly turn disastrous if the two renters are not compatible. Before allowing a person to move into an apartment, it is important to interview all potential roommates to ensure their lifestyle, habits, money and space requirements are a good match.

Question #1 – Financial Arrangements

Perhaps one of the most important questions to ask a potential roommate is whether or not she is capable of paying all rent and utilities on time. Upon first meeting a potential roommate, offer her a spreadsheet outlining the average monthly bills. This document must include: rent, utilities and any miscellaneous monthly expenses such as yard care, house cleaning services, etc. After disclosing this information, inquire about the potential roommates’ comfortable level with the required monthly bills. To double check her ability to pay on time, it is not uncommon to ask for references from previous landlords or roommates.

Question #2 – Lifestyle Habits

As the primary tenant, it is important to ensure the lifestyles of both roommates are compatible. Ask the potential roommate what her typical day is like during the week and on weekends. Does she enjoy staying up late at night? Does she party? Does she stay out late on weekends or during the week? Does she smoke? How much alcohol does she consume? Answers to these preliminary questions give a clear picture of what to expect if she moves in.

Question #3 – Overnight Guests

Inquire with the potential roommate whether or not she has frequent overnight guests. Inform her of the house rules regarding guests and if these visitors can spend the night. Is it permissible only on weekend, or can guests stay overnight throughout the week? Agreeing on overnight guests before a potential roommate moves in can eliminate uncomfortable conversations or hurt feelings later on.

Question #4 – Apartment Cleaning

While this question may seem arbitrary, it is important to get a feel for a potential roommate’s cleanliness. Does she clean on a daily basis? Does she let dishes sit in the sink? How does she feel about a rotating cleaning schedule? It is important to not only disclose personal cleaning habits to a potential roommate, but to also understand her personal cleaning habits.

Question #5 – Disclose Personal Information

Throughout the interview process, it is vital to disclose personal information such as smoking habits, cleaning rituals and your average weekly schedule. Inform the potential roommate of your pet peeves, expectations and other vital information you feel is pertinent for a potential roommate to know.

Jon Engle is currently editor of CaliforniaApartmentsBlog.com providing tips on home loans, real estate reviews, apartment living and apartment community reviews such as these Georgia apartments and these Cupertino, CA apartments.

Must See Portuguese Culture in the Algarve

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Feb 082012

The Algarve has had a colourful history, filled with tales of exploration and discovery marked by many invading countries claiming the land as their own. A variety of world cultures have at some point in the long history of this land provided immense influence on the way this area has developed; the results of these cultural injections can be seen reflected in the food of the Algarve, the architecture of some of the villages and in the people themselves. Fabulous town museums and galleries are spread across the different regions of the Algarve, all offering many different artefacts and information to chart the history and development of this amazing and interesting part of Portugal, from the time when the region was home to the Moors to the present day.

Museu Arqueologico, Faro

The former convent of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao holds this incredible museum within its tranquil, enclosed cloisters. It is perhaps because of its location that it has earned the reputation of being the most beautiful museum in the whole of the Algarve. Highlights of the exhibits include a huge and colourful Roman mosaic floor and an entire gallery given over to Italian paintings from the 16th century. The museum is also home to Moorish artefacts from the Algarve’s early history.

Museo Cerro da Vila, Vilamoura

This unique museum in Vilamoura offers visitors the chance to explore what remains of an original Roman villa and contemporary museum all rolled into one. Sunken Roman baths and brilliantly coloured and intricately designed mosaics are here to be viewed as are plenty of Roman and Moorish artefacts on display in the museum attached to the side of the villa.

Museu Arqueologico , Silves

This museum has one of the most unusual and rare artefacts in the whole of the Algarve. In 1980, just by chance, a 12th century Arab well cistern was unearthed and is now the star exhibit in the museum. In fact the entire museum was designed and built specifically to house it. The original staircase that descends down into the well is also still visible although far too fragile to use. It is well worth a visit during your stay.

Museu Municipal, Loule

Loule has an unbelievable historical heritage and this museum offers visitors exhibits from the Stone Age and the Bronze Age as well as from the days of the Roman occupation. As you move upstairs in the museum you also move forwards in time, until you get to the reproduction of a 19th century traditional kitchen complete with all of the crockery and equipment of the age. This is a really awesome site and definitely shouldn’t be missed.

Museu Maritimo, Faro

The naval history of the Algarve is a huge part of the regions cultural heritage. From the small village fishing fleets to the golden days of the ‘Voyages of Discovery’ the sea has always been an important part of life here. This museum contains incredibly detailed scale reproductions of caravels, steam boats and galleons. Anyone with an interest in ships and sailing will really appreciate the exhibits here.

Practically every town in the Algarve will hold a museum of some description, even in some of the villages, the ancient churches hold on to their on historical artefacts, displaying them for visitors, proud of their long heritage and influence of the surroundings.

After all of your historical sightseeing you will surely want somewhere to relax for a few days. Head to the Monte da Quinta suites and relax in peace and quiet.

Guide To Choose Your Own Kayak

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Feb 082012

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One of the biggest thrills in life is experiencing moments of gliding through quiet waters in the ocean on a kayak. Who would not get excited over those thoughts of maneuvering your own boat in rivulets, streams and rills? Kayaking is a perfect water sport that lets you experience challenging water activities while enjoying the sun, foliage, and the sleepy waters. After taking some lessons on this water sport, you would naturally want to own your kayak.

Steps to Find your Perfect Boat

There are a lot of things to remember when purchasing a kayak. Here’s the perfect guide to spot the perfect boat for you.

Know what you want in a kayak. Consider your mainstay kayaking interest. The boats are built based on specifications on varying intensities in water. A special kayak is intended for white-water rafting torrents. Sports enthusiasts who enjoy the challenging skills of this water medium should have a sturdy and dependable kayak. The touring kayak is perfect for leisure trips in the river. Contrary to the special kayak, this type of boat lets one unwind and relax to the foliage of the forests, watch birds or simply enjoy the quiet moments in the water. There are available sit-on kayaks too. When you want to learn as many types of kayaks to suit your needs and capabilities, you can explore many possibilities.

Size up your skills with your kayak. It is recommended to choose a shorter boat for beginners. They are easier to handle. Experts in kayaking have longer boats though. Kayak boats have varying lengths from ten to twenty-two feet. The more experienced an individual becomes in kayaking, the more confident he can be in managing longer kayaks.

Choose the boat that fits you. After eyeing the boat which matches your skills, go through some personal requirements. Make sure that you fit in the boat. Sit on it. Shift around it. Check seat leverage, footrest and the backrest. If you feel comfortable enough even after hours of kayaking, then you made a perfect choice. Do not forget to bring spray skirt when trying out a boat. This is to ensure that you don’t have to buy new one when it does not fit in the kayak.

Learn the benefits of the hull sizes. If you are starting out as a sea kayaker, shorter hull made of plastic is highly-recommended. A wooden hull requires higher maintenance but it is worth it. There’s no need to worry about damages especially if you are still beginning to learn the ropes of kayaking.

Paul Samuels writes about travels around the world and lots of interesting stuff for the fun company Wish Co UK

4 Best Ways To Explore Beautiful Belfast

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Feb 082012

Belfast (Photo credit: bea y fredi)

Thousands of tourists who flock to Belfast each year come to explore the sights and sounds of a diverse and complicated city, and to see for themselves the birthplace of the legendary Titanic, and countless other world famous vessels that ruled the waves over the years.

Leonardo DiCaprio has a house there

That’s not actually true…but if he did he’d love it.

With its troubled past behind it and an exciting future as a centre for art and culture, Belfast is rapidly becoming one of the new up-and-coming cities in Europe. With this in mind, when you arrive you’re going to want to know how to get around to make the most of your visit.

On Foot

(LOC) (Photo credit: The Library of Congress)”]

From the centre of town there are many places within walking distance that can provide you with a brilliant day for very little money. Start with the Cathedral district which is a collection of cobbled streets and stunning buildings such as St Anne’s Cathedral and the Albert Memorial Clock, then head to the Black Box to see what festival is on this week. After that check out the ‘Oh Yeah Music Centre’ before heading across to the Belfast Waterfront for some real action. Basically whatever you do, if you want to see the centre of Belfast and all it has to offer, a stiff pair of shoes is all you need.

By Bus

If you want to travel to the various enclaves in the four corners of Belfast or even the notorious Shankill area with its historic murals, you may want to invest in a Visitor Pass for the local Translink bus service that covers the whole city. You can buy one online or in many locations across the city including the Central Rail Station. A 1 Day Adult pass is £6.50, 2 Day Adult pass is £10.50 and 3 Days is £14. Children pay £4, £6 and £7.75.

By Taxi

Belfast has a great many city and contract cabs that can take you anywhere you need to go, including as far afield as the Giants Causeway to the North East and even Dublin should you be planning on heading south at all. Other than over Christmas fares include an initial £2.60, and then charge £0.10 for every few hundred metres. So if you’re heading far out of town, its best to agree a price in advance.

By Boat

With Belfast’s rich maritime history it is likely that you will want to take to the water at some point. One of the best boat tours departs from Donegall Quay and can take you on a Titanic Tour with all the history of the Belfast ship building industry and plenty of information on Titanic herself.

Give yourself a treat…visit Belfast.

Anderson Marx is a Belfast taxi driver. Nothing gives him greater pleasure than speaking to passengers in his Belfast City Airport taxi who have enjoyed their visit to his home city.

Trading Winter’s Chill For The Sun’s Rays

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Feb 082012

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Many people live in frigid temperatures, especially up north, during the winter months. Shivering for 3 to 4 months at a time prompts some people to schedule vacations away from home; the short break from the cold can rejuvenate the mind and body. But, where to go? Anywhere sunny is what many folks will surmise. However, traveling from a cold region to a sunny and hot area requires some planning, especially if air travel is involved. Ready to plan your next tropical vacation? Let’s go!

Itinerary

Are you an adventurer or a lounging on the beach person? Whatever your activities of choice may be, your itinerary will guide your packing decisions. If you will be lying on the beach for the majority of the vacation, it will not be necessary to bring your hiking boots. Bring your swimsuit, cover up, and beach towel instead. But, it is good practice to at least bring a pair of sneakers in case you need to walk about, such as during a shopping excursion. Think about each day of your trip and your possible plans; although you cannot plan for every situation, you can prepare your necessary items for a comfortable vacation. Keep in mind that you can also purchase items that you may have forgotten or did not realize you needed when you get to your destination, but many tourist regions charge a premium for these items, even if they are simple products, such as sunscreen.

Packing

Packing can be a nightmare if not done properly. Most people will fold clothes into a basic piece of luggage, but did you know that rolling items will allow you to fit more into a standard suitcase? Also, organization is key for packing as well. Since most airlines charge for baggage transport, and even some trains, strict coordination of clothing choices needs to be followed. Try to bring items that can be worn repeatedly with different clothes, such as beige shorts and solid colored T-shirts. Packing one or several outfits for each vacation day will create a huge baggage need and a lot of money wasted on simple transport costs. Since the vacation’s purpose is to escape the cold and enter the warmth of a desert or tropical region, only bring lightweight clothing and wear your heavy winter wear on the plane; airlines tend to be cold during the flight and you can always bring a lightweight change of clothing in your carry-on bag for when you land in paradise.

Health Concerns

If you have any prescription medication that must be taken while on vacation, you should make sure that you take it in your carry-on bag so that it does not have the possibility of being lost through baggage claim. Your health during the vacation should be a main priority; nothing is worse than being away from home with a stomach flu or cold. Wash your hands before and after eating on the road, as well as after touching public items, such as stairwell handrails. Bring along a travel size hand sanitizer for extra protection. One of the first things you should do when you touch down in paradise is to purchase bottled water. Depending on the country, you may become sick from the local water supply’s bacterial levels. Order drinks without ice cubes to prevent illness as well. In addition, your skin may not be accustomed to the local sunlight intensity; lather on the sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours if you are outside. It will save you a lot of pain in the long run.

A little bit of organization and attention to detail will make your vacation memorable and restful. And above all else, enjoy yourself!

This guest post was written by Harrison L. His blog #1 Guide To Bonsai Trees | Bonsai Tree Gardener which provides in-depth information about bonsai starter trees and bonsai tree care, materials and tools.

6 Reasons to Choose Ulusaba for Your South African Getaway

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Feb 032012

Panthera pardus; Kruger National Park, South A...

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The nation of South Africa is a diverse and fascinating destination, where countless visitors head each year to visit the beaches, learn more about the history and culture and of course to stay in some of the most incredible locations on Earth. Ulusaba is Richard Branson’s private game reserve and lodge. Branson, of Virgin fame, has created the destination to be one that connects nature to luxury in a seamless and authentic way. Here are just a few of the many reasons to consider the upscale Ulusaba for your next South African holiday.

1. Location

Ulusaba is located just a short distance from the Kruger National Park, one of the most recognized and important natural locations in all of South Africa. Many visitors opt to drive from nearby Johannesburg, but there are also private flights that land right outside the lodge from airports including Cape Town. Although it is perfectly situated for guests to drive into the Kruger National Park for day trips, Ulusaba itself is actually located in the Sabi Sand Reserve, full of wild and fascinating animals.

2. Activities for Children

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Many upscale accommodations in South Africa do not provide activities for children, but Ulusaba has their famed Cub’s Club, perfect for those under the age of 11. Staff will watch children in groups or alone, helping them to learn more about the bush reserve or showing them baby animals right outside the lodge.

3. Health and Wellness

For many travellers, a holiday is a chance to relax and pamper yourself. At Ulusaba, guests have the chance to have massages, facials, wraps, personal training sessions or even private yoga classes all onsite. There are also 2 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts and a fully equipped gym for guests to use any time of day or night.

4. Organized Excursions

The staff at the lodge are happy to organise planned excursions for guests, allowing them to see the beauty and nature of the surrounding areas. Some of the most popular excursions include things like elephant exploration, hiking through the nearby canyons or visits to traditional villages in the area.

5. Dining

As might be expected in a luxury accommodation like Ulusaba, the dining is absolutely incredible and features both local ingredients and specialty items shipped in from around the world. Many items are prepared lovingly onsite, including all the breads and pastries served.

6. Luxurious Accommodation

With only 21 available suites at Ulusaba, the lodge is very exclusive. Guests get from their rooms to nearby lodges on swinging rope bridges. Each accommodation is nestled into the jungle as a private and romantic getaway. Many have private plunge pools as well as views overlooking the mountains, and the interior decor blends contemporary design with traditional African culture.

This fantastic resort is Sir Richard Branson’s private lodge, bathed in luxury, Vhip + Hotel offers luxury vacations at great prices.

Planning an Adventure Holiday in Costa Rica

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Feb 032012

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Holiday travel is not as simple as it used to be. Deciding on a destination is a lot like entering an American supermarket and seeing the numerous aisles packed with infinite possibilities and suggestions. There are so many choices and varieties that the consumer is paralyzed with indecision. Choosing and planning what type of holiday you would like to take is similar. It was not long ago that holiday planning could be divided into two categories. You either chose a trip that was based on luxury and pleasure, or you opted for a more cultural and historical vacation. A trip to the beach, a cruise or a cultural city tour is the traditional holiday trifecta. However, times have changed. Today there are niche categories and subcategories. It does not matter how obscure, subversive or extraordinary the idea is, you can plan a holiday around anything. You can take a literary tour of England or Ireland, or journey to a series of paranormal hotspots in the American southwest. The advent of extreme sports in the late 1990s opened up a whole new field of holiday tours, and today people are booking all types of adventure holidays around the 7 continents.

The Adventure Holiday

Una de las 20 cascadas del río Pacuare de Cost...

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The adventure holiday, once an alternative trip for thrill-seekers, has grown into a successful mainstream enterprise. Museums, monuments and fruity drinks on the deck of the cruise ship are fine, but people are looking for higher intensity holidays. They want to scale mountains and plunge down a raging river on a white water raft. They want to race through the tropical jungle on a zipline, past brightly coloured birds and squawking monkeys. The adventure holiday provides the heightened stimulation and exotic excitement that people lack in their everyday lives.

Trekking in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is jam-packed with adventure excursions. You can trek through the rainforest up to Arenal Volcano. It is believed to be the third most active volcano on the planet, and the locals swear that it erupts every 10-20 minutes. Standing at the closest observation point, perhaps you will see the Arenal spew some natural fireworks. After that, venture over to a gentler side of Mother Nature. The Geo-thermally heated Baldi Hot Springs are relaxing and therapeutic after a long day. Other popular hot springs include the Tabacon and the Termales.

The Rio Balsa

The Rio Balsa is Costa Rica’s premier place to go whitewater rafting. Guides will help you and your friends navigate the rapids and hairpin turns of this fast flowing and adrenaline pumping adventure. If rapids are not your cup of tea, then you can take a more relaxing boat ride down the Rio Frio. Part of the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, the Rio Frio is overflowing with flora, fauna and exotic wildlife.

The zipline is the highlight of the adventure holiday in Costa Rica. Suspended on a wheel and harness, you will fly like a tropical bird through the dazzling canopy of the rainforest. See this amazing habitat up close and personal as you defy gravity and push the limits of adventure.

Want to experience a luxurious tour? Then book Costa Rica trips with Virgin Holidays Journeys today and have an unbelievably memorable vacation!

Thriller Nights – Ghostly School trips For Kids

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Feb 022012

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I’ve always wondered what it was about horror movies and students. Why do they always take vacations in remote parts of the world and never think to leave enough gas in the tank to see them home? It’s obviously a thrill thing. If you’re planning school trips of your own this year, why not include a few of these on your itinerary and tap into your student’s love of suspense and excitement? Don’t worry; they are all educational so moms and dads can’t possibly object.

Haworth Cemetery, England

Not in the usual school trips to England and slightly away from the sights and sounds of London, this cemetery is where the Bronte sisters are buried – with the exception of Anne. The newly deceased used to be literally piled one on top of another in sets of ten in this eerie graveyard. And the water supply from the spring above used to flow to the town straight through the many corpses. What’s worse, the local public house used the same water supply to brew its own beer. A glass of Ye Rotting Corpse Ale anyone?

If you do head on out to the Yorkshire countryside, make sure you take a ghost tour of York to completely scare yourself silly. Join the Victorian guide in his frock coat and top hat as you stroll down the narrow cobbled streets and snickelways (a collection of small streets and footpaths) of this ancient city. Look out for the ghost of the headless earl and the grey lady – a nun who was walled up alive!

Mummified Monks, Sicily

Yes, it’s true. The town of Palermo on this little island off the southern Italian coast is home to eight thousand mummies. Eight thousand! That’s enough to give you the creeps just looking at them. Dating back to the 16th century and located under the Capuchin monastery, it was originally intended as a burial site purely for the monks but the rich and the famous of the town soon muscled in. Burial here was perceived as a must-have of the day. Burial clothes were designated in advance (always the most expensive of course) but there was a price. If the surviving relatives ceased to contribute to the upkeep on the catacombs, the mummy would be removed. Until only a few years ago relatives could still change the clothes of their relatives if they so wished. How terrible to think they may be out of fashion!

On certain days of the year they were also allowed to hold the hands of their dead relatives and pray. It is rumored that the Spanish painter Velasquez is buried there but no-one is quite sure where. The last person to be interred was a two year old girl whose body can still be seen eerily intact. Coffee lovers will be interested to learn that it was the Capuchin order of monks who gave us the cappuccino coffee.

The White House

Home to many American Presidents, the White House is also somewhere not to be visited late at night. It hosts ghostly as well as political activities. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln’s ghost supposedly makes random appearances to both visitors and household members, either gazing from the window, sleeping on the bed or even pulling on his boots in his old bedroom. Well, where else do you expect him to go?

President Andrew Jackson has also been spotted lurking in the shadows, as has Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams. While digging up Dorothea Madison’s rose bed, the gardeners were confronted by the specter of Dorothea herself, obviously unhappy about the desecration of her favorite flowers. Needless to say, it was left untouched.

So there are some ideas for school tours with a difference. Not only do you get your fix of terrifying yourself, your education is enhanced in the process. Just a word of warning, if you do venture out, please visit the gas station first – and always check in your rear view mirror!

Bonnie is a teacher in training with a passion for travelling and all things spooky

Climb Every Mountain – Great Walking Holiday Destinations

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Feb 022012

I’m not usually one for walking. My idea of walking is from the house to the car, from the shops to the car, from the car to the house. I’m sure you get the picture. However, as part of this year’s attempt to get super fit, rather than walk pointlessly for hours on a treadmill I’m looking at walking holidays. A condescending friend suggested I do some good with my wasteful, indolent life and climb a mountain for charity while I was at it.

Climb a mountain? Well the so-called celebs are always trudging up one mountain or another and letting us know about their munificence. And if Chris Moyles can do it, it can’t be that arduous, can it?

So, the first job was to purchase some kit, which in my ignorance consisted of a quick trip to the local supermarket for thermals, a flask and some sarnies. ‘Fully prepared’, it was now simply a choice of which mountain to assault. So if you too are looking to take up the challenge of scaling the lofty heights, take a sit down before you read through this lot, all lovingly suggested by my well-meaning friend.

Mont Blanc

Image by ParaScubaSailor via Flickr

First up was Mont Blanc. Isn’t that where you get those posh pens? Anyway, it’s a 13 – yes 13 – day trek around the actual Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Ten days’ trekking and three days rest. Surely that was a misprint and it was actually the other way around? You cross into Switzerland and Italy before returning to France. The trek takes you around six (six?!) passes, a whole bunch of glaciers and past lots of ‘picturesque’ landscapes. I’m sure it does. Ten days walking? Not in those flowery low-cost supermarket boots peeking out of my shopping bag.

Everest

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Choice number two was Mount Everest. Everest? Isn’t that the world’s highest ever mountain? Thankfully, we aren’t actually climbing Mount Everest, just taking a trek to base camp. What a relief. As I read through the itinerary it sounded fascinating. A trek through Sherpa country, sightseeing at Thyangboche monastery and visiting a Bazaar with time to acclimatise. That sounded more like it – I love a bit of shopping. No, wait, that was climbing up Namche Bazaar. Hang on, this breathtaking views bit is fine but how many feet up are we? If this sounds your sort of thing, you can actually visit the base camp at Mount Everest on the Kumbu Glacier and if you really want to, climb Kala Pattar (over 5,500 metres so I’d think about it if I were you).

So is there not somewhere less… cold and windy?

Lycian Way

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Apparently yes, there is. It’s the Lycian Way in Turkey. This sounded more like it, especially with a few days relaxing by a swimming pool and a traditional Turkish night out included in the price. With my enthusiastic friend, however, there is always a catch. As I took a closer look, I spotted the bit in the itinerary about climbing Mt Olympos – all 2,300m of it – before visiting the ruins of Olympos on the way down. The words ‘clifftops’ and ‘long distance’ beamed out at me, together with the subtext of ‘insanity’ and ‘delusional’.

Let me think about it I told my well-meaning friend as I settled down to a film about mountains that he’d recommended I watch before I go. For inspiration, naturally. You may have heard of it, it’s called 127 Hours. You know, the one where the lead character gets stuck up a mountain and chops his own arm off. And it’s all completely true.

You know, I’m really not sure all this talk of activity holidays is for me. I need time to implement a fitness regime so I can really do walking holidays justice. Maybe I’ll see you in the bar on your way down.

Max cannot wait to get fit enough to take his first mountain adventure

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In Search of Sasquatch (and other scary monsters)