Camping-Hiking - Page 68

March 21, 2018

10 things to do in Palm Springs

When it comes to a Palm Springs getaway, thoughts of poolside pleasures and verdant fairways come to mind, but there's a lot more to this desert oasis than meets than eye. You might be surprised to learn that Palm Springs boasts a vast concentration of Mid-Century Modern architecture, or that it's the date (as in the fruit) capital of the world. Of course, you're going to want to pack your bathing suit and some sunscreen, but don't forget your hiking shoes and perhaps even a parka if you plan on going to the top of San Jacinto Mountain. From Elvis's Honeymoon Hideaway to some serious shopping opportunities, you'll have more fun under the sun than you could have ever imagined.

March 21, 2018

7 national parks to visit at least once

There’s something magical about entering a national park: The knowledge that just beyond the gates, some of nature’s most awe-inspiring offerings lay waiting to be explored, from 300,000-year-old volcanoes churning out red-hot lava to spectacularly carved sandstone arches to marshes teeming with wildlife like alligators and manatees. No surprise, then, that the U.S. National Parks draw more than 280 million visitors each year. While the crowds can be overwhelming in the summer, don’t let that stop you from making a visit – with some advance strategies, you can still enjoy solitude. Plus, National Park Week runs through Sunday, with free admission to many national parks. No matter when you visit, though, these national treasures are sure to delight.

March 21, 2018

America’s top 10 weight loss resorts

If you’ve ever had a diet fail because it wasn’t practical long-term, you may want to try a weight loss resort.  From no-nonsense health clinics to luxurious spa-like experiences, these resorts are a far cry from the fat camps image that has been around for decades.  Most weight loss resorts encourage healthy living and eschew unrealistic and impractical diets.  So whether you’re looking to lose weight or gain knowledge about nutrition and health, here are 10 award-winning resorts that can help.

March 21, 2018

6 great national parks you've never visited

Last year, over 282 million people visited a U.S. national park—that’s up about three million from 2011 and the sixth highest attendance of all time. Yet despite our love for what historian Wallace Stegner called “America’s best idea,” most of us would be hard pressed to name more than a dozen of our national parks. While marquee parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains are certainly worth visiting, they come with drawbacks—namely higher admission fees and larger crowds, especially in the high summer season. By comparison, these six lesser-known national treasures can be blissfully uncrowded while still delivering outstanding natural landscapes and wildlife viewing. For children, a park visit can be extra special. Most of our national parks offer a free Junior Ranger program that typically includes a booklet of questions and scavenger hunt-like activities. Once tasks are completed, each kid receives a Junior Ranger certificate and badge. Can’t make it to a national park this summer? Some parks will even let kids earn a Junior Ranger badge online.

March 21, 2018

World’s 10 greatest hikes

Whether scaling rockface, descending into caverns or traversing fjords, an epic hike creates a memory that will last a lifetime. Hiking guide and overall thrill seeker Kasey Austin and her team of backcountry experts at Austin-Lehman Adventures have pulled together a list of the world's greatest hikes. So get ready. It's time to strap on your boots and head for the hills. 

March 21, 2018

8 amazing caverns in the US

Formed over thousands, even millions of years, caverns are hidden natural wonders filled with gravity -defying formations made through the Earth’s constant shifting.  While there are some 55,500-plus caves in the U.S., few have become major tourist attractions. Some are too dangerous for amateurs while the discovery of others has just begun.  But you don’t have to be a professional spelunker to explore the beauty down below.  Here are some of the most noteworthy caverns in the U.S.

March 21, 2018

South Africa's epic wildlife

Who hasn’t dreamed of going on safari in Africa? Thinking about it evokes images of the warm setting sun, shedding the perfect light on a pride of lions, a herd of elephants crossing an all but dry creek bed, heading to the tall grass, or a giraffe reaching high into the treetops for a bite to eat.  In Southern Africa, these exotic dreams are a reality.  South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia make up this region and are home to the most impressive (and diverse) display of wildlife on the planet.  In this wild region, a noisy traffic jam consists of a herd of wildebeest bottlenecked at a river crossing, set to the sound track of a hyena laughing.  In Southern Africa, this is just a day in the life.

March 21, 2018

5 ways to give back on vacation with kids

Let’s face it: We love the idea of raising our children to give back, but many of us find it hard to build volunteerism into our busy day-to-day lives. A solution may lie in a growing number of voluntourism organizations that let you give back on vacation without giving up your whole trip. The idea is to set aside just a fraction of your getaway—perhaps a few hours, an afternoon, or a day—and put it toward an act of doing good. Along the way, you’ll help teach your kids life lessons about responsibility and compassion.   Here are five easy ways to devote a portion of your vacation to giving back as a family.

March 21, 2018

Top 10 islands in the US, according to TripAdvisor

While Spring may have not exactly "sprung" up yet across the nation, it's never too early to get excited about surf and sun. Today TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, announced this year's winners for the best islands in America. The surprise champion was a tiny string of islands off the coast of Seattle called the San Juan Islands. “We’re delighted that San Juan Island is honored as the top island in the U.S.,” said Deborah Hopkins, executive director for the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. "We'd like to thank the travelers who have made this win possible, simply by sharing their love of the sparkling waters, abundant wildlife, outdoor recreation and vibrant arts scene that San Juan Island offers." Whether you're craving white sand beaches or rustic wild seascapes, this list will inspire the traveler in all of us.

October 1, 2017

Stoned climbers were so high they had to be rescued off mountain

This gives a whole new meaning to "hiking."