Tour and Travel

Posts Tagged ‘Take’

Camping is a popular activity and the range of camping equipment and accessories is vast. So the tent is in the garage waiting to be used and the remaining accessories are needed. Go in to any camping equipment retailer and the consumer is confronted with a whole array of accessories, some of which are vital, some of which are luxurious, some of which are more gadget and everything else in between. For those who are new to camping and looking to kit themselves out for the first time buying equipment is a mind field and can be quite daunting. It is far too easy to fall in to the trap of buying too many unnecessary things even these are suggested by the person working at the store, but where else do first time campers go for advice? What are the essentials?

i) Spare clothing

When camping it is important to ensure you have enough clothes for the trip. There is nothing worse than getting soaking wet and having nothing dry to change in to. Not only could this lead to pneumonia it is also likely to cut your trip short.

ii) A ‘contingency’ kit

The contingency kit should contain items for hot conditions and wet conditions. It is important to pack a hat, sun screen, after sun and sun glasses as well a waterproof and windproof jacket and trouser set that will keep you dry. In addition, mosquitoes are rife in the wilderness so ensure you have plenty of repellent and something to deal with any bites sustained.

iii) Bedding

Some kind of bedding is essential for a camping trip. During the summer months it may be possible to get away with no more than a sheet or a duvet case to sleep in, however in colder months a sleeping bag is an essential purchase. Sleeping bags come in a variety of styles, sizes and thicknesses (rated as seasons) so it is important to match the bag to the time of year you are going to go camping. There is nothing worse than being too cold, or too hot whilst trying to sleep.

As well as a sleeping bag a pillow is a must have. Some people argue that a sweater or unused item of clothing will suffice but this is not the case. A small pillow is more than adequate and these can be bought from many different retail outlets.

The ground is cold, hard and uncomfortable. No matter how thick your sleeping bag is this will not change, therefore something is needed to get off the ground. Those who travel light or don’t have much space will opt for a roll mat (a piece of relatively thin foam that is used to sleep on) whereas others prefer a camp bed or inflatable mattress. Camp beds are generally unstable and the best bet is the inflatable mattress. If a mattress is used ensure you have a pump or the lung capacity to fully inflate it otherwise it won’t be much use.

Sleep deprivation is not good and you will find that you will not like camping at all if you can’t get a good nights’ sleep.

iv) Cooking utensils

When camping the meals prepared in the tent these are likely to consist of foods that can be heated up in a saucepan, boiled, griddled or fried. Most camping cookers consist of two rings or hot plates. There are many different types available that are powered by gas, petroleum or electricity (for use on sites with electric hook ups). The most versatile are the camping gas variety as these are safe and can be used anywhere.

Camping saucepans are made out of light weight aluminium. These are not only lighter to carry but the thin metal heats up very quickly and is ideal for camping gas stoves, which aren’t that powerful. Trying to cook something in a normal saucepan on a camping gas stove would take ages as the stove isn’t powerful enough to get the right amount of heat in to the saucepan. Proper camping saucepans, and kettles for that matter, are a must have accessory.

v) Other kitchen items

As well as saucepans you’re going to need a few basic items of crockery, such as a plate, bowl and mug and some utensils including spoon, knife, fork and can opener at the very least. The best thing to do is think about what you would use at home and take that. The crockery should be made out of light weight plastic, so it doesn’t break in transit or once the camp is set up.

It is important you don’t get dehydrated therefore a water carrier is also required. It is possible to buy specific camping ones which are made out of clear plastic and hold 5 litres of water. When these are empty these can be flattened to take up little room. It is important that the water is changed frequently, especially in hot conditions when it could turn stagnant, to ensure you don’t get any nasty stomach bugs.

vi) Lighting

With no street lighting out in the wilderness it is going to get dark at night, therefore some kind of light is required to see during the hours of darkness. At the very least a torch is needed although it is preferable to have more than one light just in case one fails. Headlights leave both hands free and are great for camping. Electric lanterns that can be hung on tent poles are also worth a purchase. As well as having the light source it is important to ensure you have the means to power it, so always have plenty of batteries or buy a wind up lantern or light since these are widely available across a range of retail outlets.

vii) Entertainment

Whilst camping is all about experiencing the great outdoors, which can provide many hours of entertainment in its own right, it is worth taking something else to do especially for those wet days. Wind up radios, puzzle books, reading books, Ebook readers, ipods etc. are all items that will keep you entertained. However, care needs to be taken to ensure the entertainment can be used for the duration of the trip. After all what’s the point of having an ipod if the internal battery is dead? Fortunately there are many gizmos and gadgets on the market that sell wind up chargers, solar charges etc. that are great for ensuring these technical items can be used.

viii) First aid kit

Being out in the wilderness any cuts or open wounds may get infected, therefore it is important to have a basic first aid kit consisting of plasters (of various sizes and shapes), antiseptic cream, bandages, sterile wipes, scissors, tweezers, a magnifying glass, anti histamine tablets, safety pins, immodium and any specialist medical supplies you may need, e.g. an EpiPen.

ix) Other essential items

There are other items that should be taken on all camping trips, including matches, toilet roll, rubbish bags and refuse sacks (there are no excuses to leave trash behind),

Whilst all the essential equipment can be bought from specialist camping shops it is possible to get a lot of it from other retail outlets. Specialist camping shops can be very expensive and it is often possible to get a cheaper alternative of the same quality from a super market or discount store, therefore these sorts of places should be investigated before the final buying decision is made.

There are many essential items required to ensure a successful camping trip and it is up to the individual to decide how much or how little to take. Some people will take loads of gear where as others will take the bare minimum. It is up to you to experiment and get some camping trips under your belt. Only then will you decide what you can and what you can’t live without.

As with everything in life, different people go on cruises for different reasons.  Some people will prefer the activities that are prevalent on some cruises, like rock climbing, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, zip-lining over a tropical rain forest’s canopy or walking along a glacier’s edge.  Other people may prefer the camaraderie, the food, the gambling and nightclub scenes, the water, the ports of call, or just being on a huge ship with thousands of people they don’t know, but soon could.  And then there is also choosing what type of cruise to take, and what size of cruise liner to take that cruise on.

Whether taking a cruise on the QEII, The Freedom of the Seas, or The Oasis of the Seas, which are among the largest cruise ships on the high seas, or taking a cruise on a container ship bound for Hong Kong, there is plenty to do and see.  The major differences between cruises lay in the ship itself, the services provided, and the class of the people around you, as well as the comfort and services that the higher-class ships offer.  And, of course, the cost.

The top-ten reasons to cruise include, but in no way are limited to;

1)    Camaraderie.  Singles cruises have been on a constant incline in business and departures over the past couple of decades, and is still a very active genre of the cruise lines.  However, you do not need to go on a singles cruise to meet people, as all cruise ships have people of all stripes on board.  With a few thousand people on each cruise, the chances of finding someone that you can get along with great, and do things with (like seeing the ports of call, scuba diving, hiking, etc.) are very good.  If you are going on a cruise by yourself, there really is no reason to think that you will be alone for the entire cruise.

2)    Ports of Call.  A cruise ship is like a string of mini-vacations all jumbled into one vacation.  You can visit a bunch of Greek islands, tropical islands, glaciers or rain forests.  Again, if you are single or travelling alone, then you should either stick with a guided tour, or make a friend, or a few friends, to go ashore with.  It is never advised to go ashore alone, as many ports of call are also centres of major crime rings, as well as nefarious-minded people who prey on unsuspecting tourists and cruisers.  Remember, if you are visiting an impoverished country or city, then expect a certain element of crime ashore.  That being said, you get a different culture with each stop, and a different economy, wild life and night life.

3)    Water.  There is no shortage of water on a cruise ship, and the cruises that are in tropical, warm waters usually stop at different locales so people can enjoy the warm, tropical waters.  There is scuba diving, with swimming pool lessons before going into the ocean, for safety’s sake.  There are usually small boats and other watercraft for rent, or for general use (you have to sign up early for these) on most cruises, as well as shore fishing and beach walking.  Most newer, bigger cruise ships have Olympic-sized (or bigger) swimming pools, wave pools, water slides and rides, and surfing simulators.  What, you’re on a cruise, did you expect a desert?

4)    Food.  The better, and larger, cruise ships have internationally renowned chefs working day and night in the galleys (kitchens).  Most cruises have 2 or 3 seatings per meal, and range from buffet, pre-determined meal choices or menu choices.  On top of that, there are usually restaurants and bars, as well as room service to keep your tummy full of the most delicious and tempting foods.  Kraft dinner and hamburger helper can wait until you get back home.

5)    Entertainment.  From big-name singers and groups performing nightly, to piano men, bar bands and magicians, there is always something to do or see at sea.  For the cost of the cruise, you could argue that the number of plays, bands and entertainers that you see more than make up for the charge.  And now, casinos with poker tournament are all the rage with many cruise lines.  Casinos have always been popular, as the ships, when sailing in international waters, do not have to follow the laws of the land, which explains why some cruise ship’s casinos do not open until they are in international waters.

6)    Free Booze.  Some people can really pack it in over a 7-day and 7-night cruise.  If the drinks are free, then the cost can logically be deducted from the ticket price, making the cost of the cruise even more tantalizing (especially if the food is free, too).  However, if it is your first cruise, then maybe taking it easy until you get your sea legs would be a good bit of advice to heed.

7)    Variety.  No matter what type of cruise you take, the size of the ship or the type (container ship, classy cruise ship, gigantic cruise ship or small cruise ship, etc.), there will be a large variety of things to do, people to talk to, foods to eat and drinks to enjoy.  Variety is, after all, the spice of life.

8)    Romance.  When on a cruise ship, there is a bit more of that “free” feeling that people get when away from home, amongst a large group of good-looking people.  Whether it is a singles cruise or any other type, there will be people aboard who are looking for romance on the high seas.  Cruises are a great way to propose marriage as well.  Unless, of course, the answer is no.

9)    Different Cultures.  The different ports of call offer different cultures, different climates and different wildlife.  On a 7-night cruise, you can see 5 or 6 different islands, each offering a different culture, different ways of making a living and different styles of architecture.  Bring extra memory cards, or film if you still use an SLR camera, because you will be taking so many pictures, you may end up with carpel tunnel syndrome.

10)    Because You Won It!  Cruises are offered as prizes in many charity lotteries.  The only cost to the winner is the taxes and possibly the transportation to the cruise’s starting port of call, unless the food, booze and entertainment are not free on the cruise.  As well, the cruises that are offered as prizes are usually for two to eight people, and that means treating your friends and loved ones to the trip of a lifetime.

(Honorable Mention)    Pirates!  Aye, laddy.  And a barrel of rum!  Who didn’t dream of  being a pirate, or played pirates with friends or siblings, using fake swords and bed-covers for capes when they were young?  Live out your earliest dreams, and sail the Horn of Africa, or the Gulf of Aden.  Somalia’s coast may guarantee a good sighting or two, but these are not the romanticized pirates of days gone by, reflected by the distinguished and gentlemanly acting of Errol Flynn, Maureen O’Hara and Douglas Fairbanks.  Johnny Depp, not so much.

Ask a hundred people what the top-ten reasons to take a cruise are, and you will most likely end up with a hundred different lists.  The allure of the cruise, the exotic ports of call, the different cultures and climates will almost always be on the lists.  If you have not yet taken a cruise, yet love to travel, you really should try one, even on a small cruise ship, just to see if it is, as they say, your cup of tea.

Nestled among the tree-lined ski slopes of Val d’Isere’s chalet-laden Fornet area, L’Edelweiss is in one of the most beautiful spots in the Espace Killy. Val d’Isere can be known as a cold, desolate landscape with harsh winds, and not many pretty areas to sit, all of that lunar landscape imagery disappears on a good day at Edelweiss.

The run down to the restaurant offer twisting, turning pistes with plenty of opportunity for little cut through tree runs, a wonderfully interesting area of Val d’Isere to ski, in fact you can really work an appetite here. On the approach to Edelweiss it looks like the most perfect mountain lodge, somewhere you perhaps dreamt of on your first journey to the Alps…a real chalet.

If the weather is bad then the indoor bustles with the sound of chinking glasses and a crackling fire, but when the sun shines the terrace seats a large number of people with a view down the valley to die for. This really is the end of the valley and it is sheltered as such, in fact the weather never seems too bad to sit out up here, but it could be the food that’s so magical everything else is irrelevant.

The menu is certainly not expensive; in fact it’s really quite small, just a few starters and a few mains from the Savoie regions done very, very well. In fact I haven’t eaten Tartiflette like it anywhere else in the French Alps. The waiters are attentive to every detail, assuring that bread and water are never empty and your wine glass never even nears the bottom. You really won’t want to leave so make sure you book a table for the time you want it, as you don’t want to be pushed out too early. If you haven’t booked a table then don’t even bother at this restaurant, there’s never a chance of so much as a stool for one…it’s that popular! You’ll just have to ski on past, back down to Val d’Isere and grab a sandwich from your chalet.

Often touted as “ideal targeted training” for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, many people find PMP boot camps are an attractive option for exam preparation.

While boot camps are designed to deliver noticeable results with a high-output of effort in a short period of time, the drawbacks of choosing this path for exam preparation often outweigh the benefits.

Bootcamps may work for some because the instructors are usually highly qualified with master’s degrees, prior training, and years of industry experience. Most also offer a pass guarantee and will assume financial risk if you fail. They may offer to pay for your exam re-take or provide custom coaching and feedback.

Quoting high first- and second-time pass rates, boot camp programs claim to be the ideal package for exam preparation, often including the PMBOK® Guide, a prep guide, test-style prep questions, and meals during classroom sessions. If you would like a surefire way to pass the PMP exam in a short period of time, then a boot camp may be just what you’re looking for.

However, PMP boot camps definitely have their share of drawbacks and these drawbacks are the reason why I never recommend a bootcamp to any of my students.

Reason #1: Boot camps are expensive.

Designed to be the ideal all-in-one exam preparation experience, the sheer cost of boot camps make them less-than-ideal for those of us on a budget. The intensive 4-day course can run anywhere from to , depending on your location, whether it’s a busy time of year, and the availability of included amenities. While the up-front cost may seem astronomical, check to see if it includes the actual PMP exam fee and comes backed with a pass guarantee. Most boot camp companies will offer to cover tailored tutoring and re-take exam fees if you fail the first or second time. If you fail a third time, they may even offer to let you take the entire 4-day course over again for free.

But all of this comes at a cost. Essentially a pay-to-pass program, boot camps pump a large amount of students through a short-term, high-yield course. Boot camps may only be a viable option if time is more valuable to you than money.

Reason #2: Boot camps are inconvenient.

Unless you live in a large urban area where a course is offered, the 4-day boot camp will usually require travel and hotel accommodations. For most project managers with jobs and families, dropping their responsibilities for four days is not only inconvenient, it’s impossible. Work and life does not stand still (or even slow down!) just because you have an important exam to pass. Most project managers require – and work best with – a study schedule that fits with their lifestyle instead of interrupting it.

Reason #3: Boot camps focus on memorization.

As you are already aware, the PMP exam is based on concepts from the PMBOK® Guide. Specific principles include communication, cost management, human resources, integration, procurement, quality, risk, scope, and time management. The material is broad and the data is often in-depth. So, how do boot camps ensure you thoroughly master and understand these concepts in a mere four days? They don’t.

There is absolutely not enough time in four days to extensively cover concepts and in-depth data. Instead, boot camps focus on rote memorization of high-yield material. While they may be able to guarantee a “first-time pass”, boot camps cannot and do not offer an education that will help you with project management beyond the exam.

Reason #4: Boot camps have limited schedules and openings.

As noted above, the inconvenience of boot camps is often rooted in their location and need for travel away from home. On top of that, many boot camps have limited space and are only able to offer sessions at certain times of the year. If you thought taking time off from work and your family would be difficult, try doing it around their schedule instead of your own. The only available times may be during a busy work crunch or stressful family situation. At best, this may be inconvenient. Often, it is impossible. Project managers with home and work commitments will usually have better success with a study schedule or workshop that still allows them to fulfill their home and work responsibilities.

Reason #5: Boot camp training focuses on passing the exam instead of teaching concepts.

The material on the PMP exam is broad and in-depth. If you are not already familiar with concepts covered in the PMBOK® Guide, boot camps will not be able to help you in a mere four days. As noted in their “guarantee”, boot camps only promise to help you pass the exam. They do not offer an education that will guide or assist you through your career.

One of the secret ingredients to doing well on the PMP exam is understanding of project management principles, both individually and how they work together. Instead of focusing on competency, boot camps rely on rote memorization of high-yield material. While this may result in a high first-time pass rate, it does not ensure that the project manager has learned any skills or gained experience that will help their career beyond exam day.

In conclusion, if your goal is to simply pass the PMP exam without learning new techniques to improve your project management skills, then a boot camp may be just what you’re looking for. If you are unemployed, single without familial commitments, have more money than you know what to do with, and are simply looking to add credentials to your CV, then a 4-day PMP boot camp will probably serve you well. However, if you are genuinely interested in becoming a better project manager on the road to excelling on the PMP exam, then a more in-depth study approach is what you want.

Successfully passing the PMP Exam and achieving lasting and positive effects on your project management skills involves daily study time for 10 to 12 weeks. Individuals that choose to study on their own should read the PMBOK® Guide twice, utilize an additional PMP self-study preparation book, listen to a PMP Exam Podcast, and tackle as many sample exam questions as possible. Individuals that prefer the structure of a classroom schedule should select a training class that meets for several weeks. Self-study at home will complement the in-class lectures and further solidify the information. Following this approach will ensure that you not only pass the exam, but become a superior project manager along the way.

I love to go hiking. There is nothing better than taking a hike in the mountains. You can see this big beautiful world that our lord and savior made for us. By going for a hike you can see so much more than you can just by riding in your car.

To me the best place to go hiking would be the mountains because there are so many beautiful waterfalls there that you can walk to. Now if you are like me I am not in the best shape in the world so I can’t go on long hikes, so usually I go to waterfalls that are only about a mile or so into the woods. But they do have trails that are a lot longer than that. I know of one place in the Smokey Mountains that you can hike so far into the woods that they have a cabin that you can stay in over night then hike back the next day. I really wish that I could do that. Now you know you would have to be prepared to do something like that. You would have to really have a great backpack. I would recommend getting a leather backpack.

Now I would also recommend taking some gloves with you also. You never know what you might run into while you are in the woods. And yes I would also recommend leather gloves. Now you never know when it might rain or snow. Of course I do understand it depends on the season. But I would also recommend taking a leather jacket with you.

And of course you will need to take a leather hat. In my case it is to protect my head from sunburn since my hair is falling out without my permission.

When I am walking on the trail it is so relaxing. It gives me time to reflect on this great world of ours. To me it is a perfect place to reflect on my life and just sit down and take a deep breath.

If you have never tried or gone hiking please take it from me it will be the best time of your life. I would recommend to start out slow and then work your way up to longer trips. But the main thing is to have a great time and take your time and take it all in. And oh yea don’t forget the camera for sure. You sure want to have memories of your trip. Well have fun and HAPPY HIKING!!!!!