Keeping Your Resolution to Get Fit By Planning a Vacation

For the same reason you get a sudden burst of energy when your workday is about to end, planning your next vacation gives you something to feel great about and often provides that extra bit of energy you need to get you through the week.

By setting a date for your next holiday and incorporating adventure travel activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking into your itinerary, you give yourself motivation to keep fit and also a timely goal to work towards.

Follow these 5 quick and easy steps to a happier you:

1. Book your vacation time.
   Why do it now? Booking your vacation time before everyone else will ensure that you get the time off that you want. Booking vacations in advance will also ensure that you get the trip that you want at the lowest airline and tour prices.
   
   
2. Make a short list (3-5) of your favourite outdoor activities and why you love to do them.
   Why write it down? When you write down why you love to bike / hike / kayak etc, you have something to help you keep your motivation to stay fit on those rainy or sluggish days when you may not feel like going out.
   
   
3. Choose a BikeHike adventure that incorporates at least two of your favourite outdoor activities. If you are unsure of which trips are ideal during your vacation time or which country you would prefer visiting, call or e-mail us at 1-888-805-0061 (toll free in Canada & USA) or info@bikehike.com
   Why choose BikeHike? We’re one of the few small companies that will take the time to find you the ideal set of activities, itinerary and destination for you. If we don’t have an existing trip that’s exactly right, we can create a custom itinerary for you at little to no additional cost and book it with as few as two people. All BikeHike adventures are also rated based on recommended fitness levels, so if your new years goal is to increase your level of fitness, we can create a vacation for you based on that goal.
   
   
4. Book your BikeHike adventure.
   Our booking process is quick, simple, and can be found HERE.
   
   
5. Write it all down in your calendar or personal organizer.
   Why? By keeping your goals, reasons for them, and reminder of your reward handy, you are more likely to follow through with your resolutions and be happy about why you chose them and what’s in it for you in the end.
   

Happy Travels! :)

5 Tips for Writing a Travel Journal

One of the best mementos of a trip is keeping a travel journal. It doesn't have to be elaborate or fancy, just something that will help you remember the little things from your trip you might have otherwise forgotten. I used to write my journal in full sentence form, but found that can be more daunting and time consuming. Now I find the best method is jotting down one line sentences, something that will help trigger my mind back to the event. I was looking over my notes from Costa Rica and had to chuckle over the lines " It's nice if you like Tapirs" and "Little bird". The first referring to a response from a tourist in the Osa Peninsula after seeing a Tapir up-close. I found the statement funny! When would I have ever had the chance to see a Tapir before to know if I liked one? I think it was a special moment and that there was nothing not to like about the experience. She seemed so unimpressed. As for the "little bird", this was our guide's response to most birds we encountered. We would ask him what type of bird it was, and he always said "little bird". I wonder if we asked what the heron was if he would have said "big bird". Anyways, my point being, you don't need to write anything elaborate. You should write it for yourself and your own memories. it doesn't have to be for anyone else's eyes, unless you want it to be. All you need is a sentence or quote to trigger your memory.

Here are some tips for keeping an interesting travel journal:

Take notes with your senses. Try to capture the smells, sounds, views, etc around you. What sounds are coming from the city? (motorbikes, call of prayer, fog horns, etc). What does the market smell like? What did your most memorable meal taste like? How did the orangutans sound coming through the trees?

For example, my last trip to Morocco was really a trip for the senses. I will never forget the taste of the lemon chicken tagine; the sounds of the camels chewing beside my tent; the sunsets and full moon; holding the leathery hand of Fatima; and the smell of the mint tea brewing.

Take notes with your emotions, good or bad. For example, how did you react to your first glimpse of Machu Picchu? How did you feel after riding on a camel that spit all the time? How did you feel after bartering in a market? or after eating something you normally wouldn't (seagull, in my case)?

Take notes on the specifics. This will help you remember what hotels to recommend? Which museums are a must see? What was the name of your guide? Taking notes on the little details gives depth and authenticity to your writing.

Be creative. As I said above, you don't necessarily have to write full sentences to remember your trip. You could write poems, draw pictures, simple blog entries, compile your own top ten lists, etc. I also found it fun to bring some colour pencils, scissors and tape with me to liven up my journal and make it more interesting. I taped in stubs from museums, menus from a restaurant, beer labels, etc.

If you don't feel like it, don't write every day Have fun writing the journal. Write an entry only when you feel like it. If you try to write every day, it could begin to feel more like a chore and then you will avoid it all together. You can leave out all the little, boring details that in 5 years from now you won't care to read. Who wants to read a journal that is a day to day account of what you did? "I woke up at 7:00am in the morning, had breakfast of tea and scones and then took a shower. After that, I got dressed and walked 1/2 an hour to the Tower of London, blah, blah, blah". You get the gist.

So next time you're going on a trip, don't forget to pack a travel journal.
Meg

Wildlife Photography Tips

1) Focus on the eyes. Getting the eyes in focus is key to capturing a photo of an animal. Since it's human nature to look at the eyes, an out of focus picture can have great appeal if the animal's eyes are in focus.

2) Use a telephoto lens. With a telephoto lens you guarantee the appearance of up-close photography without scaring or endangering the animals. Remember to keep your distance when appropriate.

3) Adjust your shutter speed. For great action shots you will want to shoot at 1/500 or faster, although if you want to create the illusion of movement, try shooting with a shutter speed of 1/4 to 1/8 and follow the subject with your camera.

4) Use your flash appropriately. During the day, using a flash can fill in shadows and provide more detail in your shot. However, be aware that some animals may be frightened by a flash.

5) Anticipate behaviour Taking home a great picture of the wildlife from your trip is important, but make sure you also take time to observe the animal's behaviour - not just from behind the lens! If you can anticipate what the animal will do, you could set up for and get that fantastic shot!

6) Don't limit your shots. With technology advancing so quickly, shooting with a digital camera is cheap! Before you travel, invest in some spare memory cards for your camera so that you can take as many photos as you need until you get the perfect shot.

(Tips are from Henry's camera store)

Cheers,
Meghan

Places worth travelling to for Coffee!

I love coffee! Sometimes there is nothing better then relaxing in front of a fire with a good book and a strong cup of coffee on a cold winter day. Coffee is one creature comfort from home that can be found in most places around the world, some delicious and some not so good.

Here is Lonely Planet's opinion on the best cities to enjoy a cup of coffee to help kick start your day of sightseeing.

Addis Ababa
Some claim that Ethiopia is coffee’s birthplace, so it’s not surprising that the good stuff is ubiquitous here. If you’re invited to an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, don’t miss it: it’s a unique and elaborate ritual you’ll never forget.

Havana
Cubans love their coffee, which is served strong, black and sweet in small espresso-sized cups. Homegrown in the Escambray and Sierra Maestra Mountains, a fresh brew will be brought out as an icebreaker wherever you go. Coffee houses are sprouting by the minute in Havana, but you can’t go past local classic, Café de las Infusiones.

Istanbul
Surprisingly, Türk kahve (Turkish coffee) isn’t as widely consumed in its homeland as çay (tea). But don’t worry: you’ll have no trouble getting your caffeine fix in Istanbul. Traditional coffee houses such as Etham Tezçakar Kahveci serve a brew thick and powerful enough to put hair on your chest!

Medellín
Colombia is famous for its rich, aromatic coffee. Unfortunately, it exports most of its best beans, leaving a mainly mediocre brew for its own citizens. One exception to this rule is groovy Le Bon Café in Medellín. You can also visit plantations in the Zona Cafetera and purchase coffee directly from the growers.

Melbourne
Coffee in Melbourne is often trumpeted as the world’s best, lovingly prepared with both Italian and supreme local roasts. The café scene is integral to much of the city’s socialising; lingering over a coffee is sacred, whether with a newspaper or with friends. Try Pellegrini’s for a quintessentially Melburnian experience.

Rome
As befitting the land of espresso, Italians take their coffee seriously. Do as the Romans do, and be precise about what you’re drinking: will it be un caffè, un caffè macchiato, un caffè lungo, un cappuccino or un caffè corretto? Famous throughout Rome, Caffè Sant’Eustachio is the perfect place to practise your newfound vocabulary.

Santa María & Valle de Dota
Coffee is probably Costa Rica’s most popular beverage - you’ll be offered cafécitos everywhere you go. Aware of its energizing qualities, the country’s government even decreed in 1840 that all labourers building roads should receive a free cup every day. Visit Santa María & Valle de Dota for an insight into the Tico coffee industry.

São Paulo
Brazilians like their coffee strong as the devil, hot as hell and sweet as love. In the morning they take it with milk (café com leite). After that, it’s cafezinhos, regular coffee served in either a glass or an espresso-sized cup. Thanks to its Italian heritage, São Paulo boasts Brazil’s best cafés, with Café Floresta being one of our favourites.

Seattle
It’s hard to complain about Seattle’s weather when one of the best forms of rainy-day solace, coffee, is available in such abundance. Trust us, this is one inviting city to get a buzz on. Though Seattle is where Starbucks originated, there’s no need to go the chain café route: not with one-off gems like Caffé Vita to choose from.

Vienna
Vienna has a strong claim to the ‘Coffee Capital of the World’ title. Its Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) are as famous as its classical music, and an attraction in themselves. The sheer number of coffee houses is staggering, but each has its own flair and flavour.

And my own personal favourite: Hanoi. Nothing like a coffee as thick as mud with some condensed milk poured in. This might seem wrong for you coffee affectionados but trust me, its really good.

If you have any favourite coffee haunts, whether in some random place in the jungles of Brazil or as close as your hometown, let us know.

Cheers,
BikeHike

Typical Breakfasts Around the World

One of the things I look forward to the most when travelling is sampling the local cuisine. I am a foodie, can talk about food for days on end, and wish I could have Anthony Bourdain's job at times (except when asked to dine on a beating snake's heart or a certain nasty part of a warthog). Trying new foods is part of the travel experience and at times can take me out of my comfort zone, but at other times it makes me wish I could eat spicy noodle soup for breakfast every morning. Yummy!

Here are some typical breakfasts around the world:

Ireland - Not a breakfast to consume everyday unless you want to see your cholesterol go up drastically. Traditionally, the Full Irish breakfast consists of bacon, sausage, fried eggs, white pudding, black pudding, potatoes, and fried tomato. Some might also include mushrooms, baked beans and soda bread.

Turkey - One of my favourites. The standard breakfast includes bread, butter, jam, honey, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, salty cheese, yogurt, hard boiled egss, strong coffee and fruit juice.

Thailand - Many varieties of spicy noodle soup. So good....

Costa Rica - The ubiquitous rice and beans (gallo pinto), eggs, bread, fresh fruit, and coffee. And sometimes those suspect cocktail sausages.

Morocco - Fresh baked bread, and more bread and more bread with jam and honey. Mint tea with copious amounts of sugar.

Russia - A mix of eggs, hot cereals, sausages, cheese, blinis, rye bread, butter and jam.

Brazil - Breakfast is generally simple with bread and jam, sometimes served with cheese and ham, and fresh fruit. Baguettes, brioches, cheese buns, sweet and salted biscuits, yogurt, and cereal may also be eaten in the morning.

Switzerland - Typically includes bread, butter, marmalade, honey, maybe some cheese or cereals, plus milk, cold or hot chocolate, tea or coffee. The hot chocolate was always my favourite.

Belgium I respect any place that uses Nutella as a staple for breakfast. Yum. They also snack on bread, coldcuts and cheeses.

Hawaii - Not on every menu, but you can order Loco Moco, a traditional hawaiian dish, at several places. There are many variations, but the basics are white rice topped with a hamburger patty and a fried egg and then doused in brown gravy. I wasn't brave enough to try this.

I'm going to go eat now. This blog has made me hungry. I'm going to cook up a savory omelette and have breakfast for dinner!

Until next time,
BikeHike

Bike Sharing Programs

Last time I was in Paris I noticed there were bikes parked all over the city that looked the same. Three years ago they launched a bike program throughout the city; a program designed to cut traffic, reduce pollution, improve parking and enhance the city's image as a greener, quieter and more relaxed place. The program has been successful and is a great way as a tourist to explore Paris and get from A to B without taking the usual method of boat, train or bus. You can pick the bike up in one location and return it at one of the other hundreds of bike stations in the city.

Here are some other cities that also have bike sharing programs:

1) Montreal - largest in North America

2) Boston

3) Berlin

4) Barcelona

5) Washington D.C

6) Stockholm

7) Rome

8) Boston

9) Dublin

10) Vienna

Next time you are tavelling, check to see if the city offers a bike sharing program. It's a cheap way to explore the city and cover a lot of ground in one day.

Happy biking,
BikeHike

120 years of National Geographic Magazine at your Fingertips

I have a problem. I like to collect things, especially books and magazines. I find it really hard to borrow books from the library. One of my favourite past times is browsing through used book stores and leaving with full hands. I am running out of room in my house. Bookshelves are overflowing with books and magazines and look like they are about to topple over. A good chunk of the reading literature that is overflowing my bookshelves is 10 years worth of National Geographic Magazine. They are about to make my life easier.

On November 1, National Geographic is issuing a six-disc DVD set featuring every page of every issue from 1888 to 2008. The cost is a mere $60 US. I can't wait. The problem is I'll purchase the DVD set to view past issues I don't own, but that won't stop me from getting the new issues in print and still collecting them on my bookshelves.

One of the cool things is that all the ads that have been in the magazine over the years will also be in the DVD set. It will be interesting to look at ads from 100 years ago, to see what was being advertised, what products still exist, etc. The collection will also include over 300 maps, thousands of photos (digitally reproduced in high resolution), 8400 articles, and trivia games. All of this can be found using a comprehensive search function that allows you to search by subject, destination, month, year, etc. Okay, enough of the advertising...just buy it, it's a great investment that will allow you to further your quest for knowledge.

You can learn more at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/completeng/.

Happy reading,
Meghan

Ken Burn's Epic Documentary of National Parks

I don't know if you have ever watched any of Ken Burn's documentaries before, but they contain an insane amount of information. They are so well researched and put together, you will learn more than you ever thought you needed to know on a subject (some of his previous documentaries range on subjects from the Civil War to Jazz).

Ken Burn's latest project, a 12-hour documentary entitled "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" airs this Sunday (September 27th) and will be shown consecutively for the next 6 nights on the PBS Channel.

Burns spent the last 6 years compiling footage (interviews, archival photographs, first hand experience, etc) for this documentary, travelling to parks from the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska to the Everglades in Florida. The narrative traces the birth of the idea of the National Park in the mid-1800s and follows its evolution for the last 150 years. Along the way, Burn's interviewed people from all backgrounds learning about the importance of the park system, land preservation and democracy and what it means to them. The documentary is "a story of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration — set against breathtaking backdrops".

Hopefully the series will help instill the love of nature back into the mindset of our fast paced, technology-crazed world. The series covers an array of themes including American history, nature and the outdoors, and I'm sure the breathtaking scenery and cinematography will want to make us all pack up a car and road trip to all 58 of the National Parks.

On a side note, one of our travellers Mike Oswald, is trying to do just that. View his fun website at http://www.mypinkyup.com/ to see pictures and stories on his travels through some of North America's most treasured parks.

Enjoy,
BikeHike

Music Festivals Around the World

Love music and travelling? Why not combine your two passions and plan your next adventure around a music festival. Here is a list of some of the more renowned music festivals to check out.

Carnaval - Brazil
Annual festival held throughout Brazil 4 days before Ash Wednesday . The biggest one is in Rio, with over 500,000 foreign visitors a year. The 4-day party involves dancing, singing, parades, elaborate costumes, etc. The main type of music is Samba.

Montreux Jazz Festival - Switzerland
This 2-week festival is held annually in early July in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. It originated in 1967 as primarily a jazz festival, but now artists of almost every imaginable music style are invited to play.

Glastonbury Festival - England
Glastonbury is the largest music and performing arts festival in the world that is held in a field. It's best known for its contemporary music (rock, hip hop, electronica, folk, etc), but also features dance, theatre, comedy and many other varied acts.

Festival in the Desert - Mali
This 3-day annual concert is held in Essakane, Mali (near Timbuktu). It showcases traditional Tuareg music, as well as music from around the world.

Rainforest World Music Festival - Malaysia
This annual 3-day festival is held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The festival celebrates the diversity of world music and includes cultural and craft displays, food stalls, evening concerts, and music workshops. The music ranges from traditional music to contemporary world music and world fusion, and emphasizes the use of traditional acoustic instruments.

Blues and Roots Music Festival -Australia
Also known as the Byron Bay Bluesfest, this annual outdoor music festival is held for 5 days over the Easter long weekend. It features a large selection of blues and roots performers from around the world.

Montreal International Jazz Festival - Quebec
This is the largest jazz festival in the world. It's held annually for 10 days in the summer months of June and July. Shows are held in a wide variety of venues including small jazz clubs, outdoor parks and large concert venues. Many of the shows are free.

Buenos Aires Tango Festival - Argentina
This 10-day festival is held in February celebrating the world's best tango musicians. Concerts are performed in parks, street corners and theaters. Tickets to several of the events are free and include dance lessons, art exhibits, music concerts, etc.

Austin City Limits - Texas
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is held over 3-days in early October. The line-up of approximately 130 bands includes a variety of music from folk and bluegrass to reggae and hip hop.

Salzburg Festival - Austria
Held each summer for 5 weeks starting in July, this festival showcases both music (mainly classical and opera) and theatre.

Happy Listening,
BikeHike

10 Ways to Save Money when Travelling

1) Plan ahead. This is important when booking flights, especially if using airline miles. Many flights booked through points sell out well in advance and options will be limited. It also gives you time to monitor seat sales, fluctuating prices, etc.

2) Pick up the local newspaper and see what is going on around town. Chances are there are several free events such as outdoor concerts, festivals, markets, etc.

3) When booking accommodation, try to find a place with a small kitchen so you don't have to eat all your meals out. Even just a fridge is useful for cereal and juice in the morning.

4) Several museums offer free or discounted admissions once a week. Research accordingly and plan your itinerary around this. However, keep in mind these days could also be the busiest.

5) Research if there are special transportation passes. If you know you are going to be taking the train 2-3 times in a day, it might be cheaper to buy a day pass as opposed to individual tickets.

6) Grab some food at the local market, bakery, delicatessen, etc and plan yourself a picnic. For example, some of my more memorable and favorite meals in Paris were picnics with a baguette, brie and tomatoes (and of course some red wine).

7) Set a budget to help you stay on track. It's okay to go over at times, as some days you will most likely be under your budget. You don't want to save to the point that you avoid doing all the things you originally planned to do.

8) Walk, walk, walk...one of the best ways to explore a city is by foot. Several guidebooks suggest walking routes such as Frommers, Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, etc.

9) Travel to a destination during the off season. Several hotels and airlines offer deals in the low season.

10) Buy your souvenirs at a local market as opposed to the markets that are set up strictly for tourists. Prices will most likely be cheaper and the selection better. Avoid procrastinating and buying your souvenirs at the airport upon departure.

Happy Travels,
BikeHike

Tips on Travel Photography

One of the best ways to remember a recent adventure, besides all the life long memories, is by taking pictures. Here are some tips to keep in mind when taking photos in a foreign country regarding customs, shooting techniques, etc . It's sure to make your friends and family envious of your recent travels.

1) Research the culture before hand and learn the appropriate customs and values.
2) Be considerate when taking photos and always ask the person beforehand. A smile can go a long way.
3) Fill your frame. Some of the best shots are close ups that tightly frame your subject.
4) Try to choose a background that is not too distracting.
5) Interact with the locals and engage them. Show them the pictures you have taken and tell them something about yourself.
6) If shooting a vast landscape, try to put a distant person in the frame to show the grandeur of the place.
7) Take photos of mundane things that might remind you of something special (your dinner plate, signs, market stalls, etc)
8) Make sure you bring extra memory cards, batteries, film, etc. Depending where you are it can be difficult or expensive to replace these items.

And most of all, don't spend your entire trip with your camera to your face. Trying to get that one perfect shot could mean missing everything else going on around you. Enjoy the moment and if it means no pictures, so be it. After all, you can also bring your memories home.

Happy picture taking,
BikeHike