5. Villa de María del Río Seco, Argentina

You might be expecting names like Sahara, or Gobi, to appear on this list. While it is true that deserts are incredibly hot places, the famous ones are not always the hottest. Deserts are deadly because of the combination of heat and dryness. Villa de María might not be the driest place on Earth, but it does not need to be when it can boast of being the site of the highest recorded temperature in South America, a continent not exactly known for its temperate climate. In 1920 it reached a stonking 49.1 °C (120.4 °F) in the shade.

4. Oodnadatta, South Australia

Oodnadatta (not to be confused with a rubbish Beatles song) boasts a population of less than 300, which is understandable in a place widely regarded as the hottest in Australia, a land where being out in the sun, anywhere, can result in almost instant sunburn. This small town is the first on the list with the distinction of breaking the 50 barrier, with a highest recorded temperature of 50.7°C (123.3 F) back in 1960. Surely, you must be thinking, it cannot get any hotter?

3. Death Valley, Eastern California

Death Valley (you do not get a name like that without having something to shout about) is the lowest, the driest and the hottest place in North America. Wikipedia does well to reinforce its intimidating name with the following: ‘Moving masses of super-heated air blow through the valley creating extreme high temperatures.’ Moving masses of super-heated air? Get me out of here. Having already hit 50 degrees, it is a struggle to even wonder how Death Valley made it to number three, but here is how. To start with, the highest ever nighttime temperature recorded in the Valley was 39 °C (103 °F). In 1992, the Valley also went over 200 days with the temperature consistently reaching 32 °C (90 °F). And the hottest day in the Valley? A scorching 57 °C (134 °F). Make no mistake, this is an inconceivably hot place.

2. Dallol, Ethiopia

But not quite as hot as Dallol, Ethiopia. This ghost town is one of the most remote places on the planet. Dallol has only one statistic worth documenting, but it is a mind-blowing one. In fact, if you were to base the hottest place on Earth as the one which is most consistently hot, then Dallol would be your destination. Between 1960 and 1996, an average temperature of 34 °C (94 °F). Bear in mind, that is an average temperature. In other words, you could count on the temperature scraping the lower limits of 100 °F on a daily basis. That is crazy hot. But not the hottest place ever.

1. Al ‘Aziziyah, Libya

Before we go any further, bear in mind that over 4,000 people choose to live in Al ‘Aziziyah, Libya. True, most of the town’s occupants who were around in 1922 to experience the hottest temperature ever recorded are unlikely to be around now, but a day where the thermometer hit 57.7°C (136°F) should live long in the collective memory. While Al ‘Aziziyah does not match Dallol’s astonishingly consistent super-hot weather, it earns the top spot on the list for that one extraordinary day.

Hampton Court - England

Hampton Court is one of England’s most famous buildings, not only for its historical value but also the supernatural. These spirits have often been spotted roaming the halls and galleries of Hampton Court. As with everything to do with the supernatural, there will always be skeptics - some people will look at a picture and notice a speck of light and look for a ghostly image in the picture, others will look at the same picture and say ‘it’s just a light’. One of the most famous spirits to haunt the halls and galleries of Hampton Court is Dame Sybil Penn, also known as The Grey Lady. She often visits the Clock Court and State Apartments. The Grey Lady hadn’t always haunted Hampton Court Palace - only after her tomb was disturbed did supernatural happenings start, when noises of what sounded like a person using a spinning wheel were heard. When a search for the suspicious noise took place, a hidden chamber was discovered with an old spinning wheel. A ghost know as Skeletor haunted the palace for three days in 2003. On the first night three security guards were called to close a fire door that had been opened with great force, but nothing was found. On the second night, CCTV cameras showed a ghostly figure of someone dressed in period clothing; on the third, the doors opened again. Could this mean the ghostly spirit visited the palace for two nights before leaving? To this day people are scared to work in the exhibition area of the palace at night. Catherine Howard is another lady to haunt Hampton Court - she is known as The Screaming Lady and is said to roam the picture galleries. History says that Catherine was dragged away by guards while screaming. There have been records of people fainting in the exact same spot. In fact, the galleries were named The Haunted Galleries before the galleries were open to the public, due to the story of Catherine being so well known.

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium - Louisville, Kentucky

From the pictures of this magnificent yet eerie building, if you’re one of the people who believes in, studies or has a general interest in the paranormal, this building would definitely catch your eye. This Tuberculosis Hospital sits on top of a hill. There have been reports off cold spots throughout the hospital, faint voices and spirits walking around. If you’ve ever watched a horror movie or read a horror novel and thought you would like to visit a haunted hospital, this could be the place for you. One reason this hospital has become so well known is due to its mistreatment of patients and the thousands of people who passed away due to lack of medicine. Waverly Hill was closed in 1961 but reopened in 1982. With the years between not much improved, Woodhaven Geriatrics Sanitarium, as it became known, also did experiments on patients. The Body Chute was built to transfer people who died so other patients wouldn’t see just how many bodies were taken away. If you were to walk down this chute now, you may hear voices as you walk down this 500 feet long eerie passage. The fourth floor of this building is said to have the most paranormal activity, with a guard seeing a floating head in one of the windows. People who have visited the hospital have smelt the faint scent of food being cooked by a man in white. No one knows who this mysterious man is, though some people believe he was a former employee. The most infamous room of the entire building is room 502. A young nurse hung herself in 1928 in this room. Paranormal activists have reported seeing a apparition of a nurse and hearing someone saying, ‘get out’.

Myrtles Plantation - Saint Francisville, Louisiana

Before the Plantation became a bed and breakfast, this place was the scene of around ten murders. Creepy activities have been reported - apparently you can still here the voices of slaves asking if they can do chores, and often the grand piano can be heard playing only one haunting note. The most disturbing murderer was a slave name Cleo, who murdered two girls. Even though he was hung for these murders, some people believe he never existed. A man name William Drew Winter was shot on the patio - his last steps can be heard climbing the stairs where he died. Tourists who have stayed the night at this truly creepy bed and breakfast have reported many occurrences such as the piano, hearing someone walk up the stairs - some have even reported being held down in bed and not being able to scream or run for help. There is something eerie about the look of the plantation. Just by looking at the building you can tell it had a horrific past, even if you had no idea what happened. If you do decide to stay the night you may experience nothing at all, which, even if you believe in the paranormal, might not be a bad thing.

Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This is quite possibly one of the scariest and most active haunted buildings ever. With Al Capone as well as others being imprisoned, Eastern State has become a very popular attraction with tours of the building open to the public. There are a lot of spirits to see in this haunted building as well as strange and creepy noises. In cellblock 6 a shadow of someone sliding down the walls has been seen. In cellblock 12 a strange evil cackling sound can be heard - maybe this could be the sound of an old static radio one of the guards may have used? A figure standing in the guard tower can also been seen looking over the penitentiary. No one knows if this is a guard or a prisoner trying to escape. The penitentiary was only meant to hold 250 inmates but as time went on over 1,450 more inmates were crammed into cells. Maybe the confined space trapped spirits too?

San Antonio - Ghostly Children Push Car Over Train Track

This may not be one of the most haunted places in the world, but because it happens outside rather than in a building, it deserves to be talked about. One unfortunate night, a bus filled with children stalled on a train-track crossing. The children who died in the horrifying accident still watch over the train track. Supposedly if you park your car on the tracks and put the car into neutral (do not do this), people have reported the car being pushed over the tracks. There are hills on both sides of the tracks. The police did an experiment where they wiped any fingerprints of the bumper of a car. They then parked the car on the tracks and, sure enough, the car moved forward. They then dusted for prints and the bumper was covered in the prints of children’s hands. Many people have tried this and their car has been slowly pushed forward. Could you take comfort knowing that if this incident was repeated that the children would push your vehicle off the tracks? Pictures have also shown the ghostly spirits of the children waiting by the tracks.

Satellite 5 orbits the Earth to broadcast over 600 news channels from the many alien planets, so there is a wide range of news to watch and keep up with. Satellite 5 also offers a range of operations that are not available to people on Earth, these include an operation that lines your throat with nanites to solidify vomit and an operation to connect you to a computer network using your mind. Unfortunately its not all fun and games; the mighty Jagrafess, a giant blob, control Satellite 5. After a few thousand years Satellite 5 hosts dangerous versions of TV shows such as The Weakest Link and Big Brother, where contestants are wiped from existence (or are they?). Of course the Daleks have to attack and ruin everything. Bumping into all the different species of aliens would be fun, assuming you have been inside the TARDIS to understand what they are saying,

Season 2 - The Girl In The Fireplace

If you are lucky enough for the Doctor to appear in your fireplace then you will get to experience a futuristic Paris. Its not all fun and games when there are strange clock-like robots chasing and harvesting humans, but with some liquid you can put a stop to that. Visiting Paris in the 18th century would allow you to look and study the many paintings on display. The biggest worries would be either getting harvested for body parts, so the stupid Clock people can use their ship, or the Time Windows cracking so you can’t escape. Then again, the Doctor does this and still manages to escape, so their must be a way - all you have to do is find it. Are you as clever as the Doctor?

Season 3 - Blink

Imagine walking into a old desolated house filled with spider webs, torn wallpaper, broken doors, picture frames broken and creepy angel statues. Among all the creepy, yet somewhat intriguing scenery, you find your name written on a wall. Upon further inspection you find a message from a complete stranger saying “Do Not Blink”. For a few minutes you contemplate what that means, then in the corner of your eye you notice one of the angel statues has turned and is not facing you. You walk towards the statue and examine it. After a few minutes you decide to call people to check out this amazing house, you wonder around the house when you notice one of the statues holding a key, you try every locked door but the key does nothing…

Season 4 - Silence in the Library

How many times have you gone into a library and thought: I wonder if there are any ghosts or strange monsters lurking in the shadows of bookcases? Well, in this library filled with millions of books, there are millions of alien life forms waiting. How would you cope knowing there could be life forms who want to kill hiding in any shadow you pass - would you try and run away, hide, call for help? What would you do if you bumped into complete strangers or a different species of alien?

Season 5 - The Pandorica Opens

Sure, Stonehenge may just be a pile of rocks, but when you move a few of them to discover an Underhenge, well, everything changes. filled with remains of Cybermen and a mysterious box with a whole legend behind it, The Pandorica becomes a very scary object, but you want to open it. Just standing next to such a giant box would give you chills as to what lives or is being held captive inside. Would you believe the legends that it’s just a box or is there more to this object than meets the eye? How would you examine the place - would you look for levers or buttons that may open a hidden passage way, or walk away?

Everyone’s first thought is ‘what should I pack?’ and while this is one of the last stages of preparation, it’s still an important one. We recommend you make use of lists, checklists and more lists so that you don’t forget anything. With that said, travel light. Consider that necessities like socks can be purchased almost anywhere in the world, so rather than take your entire sock drawer, take your three favourite pairs and wear them until they break, then buy more. Research materials and invest in practical clothing (for instance, natural materials are less likely to cause sweating and therefore need washing less often).

However, you can make all the checklists in the world and none will prepare you mentally. How you prepare should depend on your individual situation, your ability to adapt to new settings and the amount that you’ve traveled in the past. Have you come across any problems in the past when you’ve traveled? Lots of people find themselves getting grumpy when they’re tired, or homesick after one week. Think over if there are any ways to overcome those emotions, or avoid the events that provoke them entirely. For instance, if you’re an anxious person then traveling around the world is a big undertaking. In this case you should have something you can always fall back on for guaranteed comfort. That might be a meditation, a day off sightseeing to spend alone or a long phone call to a family member. Whatever it is, just making sure it’s available while you travel might make the difference between an anxious trip and a pleasant one. You might find you never use your comfort backup, but just knowing it’s there if you need it will help.

Regardless of the kind of trip you’re planning, physical preparation should be at the top of your list. You’ll know what kind of things you want to do on your trip and hopefully that means getting the most out of it. To get the most out of it you need to be active for long periods, so working out for a month or two in advance of your leaving date will put you in good stead to enjoy your journey. Even if you’re not planning hikes or dives, just being able to get from airport to airport without feeling exhausted or pulling a muscles dragging suitcases around will be an advantage.

Defining a physical, mental and practical schedule two or three months before you leave for round the world travel is a great idea. Obviously you’ll need to tweak it to suit the kind of travel you’re undertaking (i.e. more than three months of physical preparation if you’re going on a hiking expedition), but this kind of time frame should be enough to ensure you’re prepared, but not losing your excitement or motivation. Try not to ignore your own instincts about what you need for the journey; nobody but yourself can tell how you will react to such an experience.

Well, first things first: your travel times are of the utmost importance and should be paid close attention. After all, if you are arriving late on a Friday evening and flying home late Sunday night then you actually have less than two days in ‘Gay Paris’.

Once you have arrived you will want to get your bearings. I always find that one of the best ways to do this when you arrive in any city is to take the open top bus tour. You all know the one I mean and they operate in all of the major cities. The great thing about these tours is that you can purchase a ticket for the whole day and hop and off the bus at whichever stops take your fancy. If you are planning to take in the main tourist attractions then this is definitely the most hassle-free way of doing so.

However, riding on an open top bus may not be the most aesthetically pleasing way of touring such a chic city. As an alternative you may wish to consider a river cruise along the Seine. This is certainly the more romantic option if you are with a loved one. You can also choose how long you wish to spend on the boat - from an hour up to around an hour and a half - which means it needn’t take up too much of your precious time.

In terms of eating in Paris, there is no shortage of options. For lunch you are likely to choose a quick bite to eat where you can rest your weary legs for a half hour. There are so many cafés and bistros to choose from at lunchtime and you are likely to be served quickly as time is of the essence for most of the city’s occupants at this time of day. Most wines will be palatable in Paris but you can always ask your waiter for a recommendation if you are unsure. You will also find that lunchtime menus are more affordable.

Your hotel staff should be able to give you advice regarding things to do in the evening. Obviously the most popular options are eating and drinking but there are also plenty of walking tours available. To see Paris in the evening is such a different experience to viewing the city by day, especially with the light show from the Eiffel Tower.

The ideal place to start taking in Parisian culture is at the Musee du Louvre but I would recommend getting there as early as possible as the queues form very quickly. You do not want to spend your day queuing! The Louvre, however, is huge and you may wish to plan which exhibits you are most interested in viewing. Remember this is the home of the famous Mona Lisa so you should take time out to see what all the fuss is about.

You will find most of your day is taken up with the Louvre but you can unwind from the overwhelming experience by taking a wander through the Tuileries Quarter. If you are there with your partner this will afford some romantic alone time but it is a lovely walk no matter who your companion is. It is always nice to balance the busier tourist attractions with some quiet time just taking in the scenery.

For Saturday evening I have no doubt that French cuisine will once again be on your agenda. You might wish to head to the Opera Quarter to take in a show. You can choose from a number of theatres and opera houses. If you are looking for something a bit more lively, you can ask locals for the best nightclubs.

If you have any money left my main recommendation would be shop, shop, shop! Obviously your choice of shop depends on your budget but even if you have little cash left you should definitely check out the high-end designer stores on the Champs Elysees.

For your final destination, if you haven’t already done so, you should take a trip to the very top of the Eiffel Tower. The view is truly spectacular. If it is a nice day you can also enjoy a picnic in the surrounding park areas. There is always terrific ice cream on offer (I would go for the pistachio) and you can just chill out and relax before you have to make your journey home.

Florida has to be one of the funnest, most exhilarating places to take young children. With the success of the Harry Potter books and movies, Universal Studios has opened a Harry Potter attraction, filled with rides and scenes from the films, such as Zonko’s and Ollivanders. Not only does Universal Studios feature Harry Potter rides, it also features the extremely fun Spiderman 3D ride as well as a plethora of other amazing attractions.

Feel like seeing one of the most fierce yet stunning creatures to walk the planet? Take a trip to Gatorland. Here you can experience the true size and power of these magnificent animals with live feeding shows through out the day. If space is more your thing, take a day trip to the awe inspiring Kennedy Space Centre where you can get a close look at the Shuttles used for space exploration. Seaworld is a great place to relax while seeing what life underwater is like, and is also home to the world-famous Killer Whales, with shows showing the size and power of these beautiful mammals. Make sure you get to these places early to see everything.

Australia

A great place for young children who enjoy not only looking at, but also learning about all types of wildlife, Australia provide incredible views as well as the pristine waters found at The Great Barrier Reef. If you have ever wanted to live out the hit motion from Pixar, Finding Nemo, The Great Barrier Reef can provide that with an excellent place to soak up some sun and relax. Australia Zoo is another place to see some of the most dangerous yet beautiful animals to roam not only Australia, but also other parts of the world. Feel like watching a live show? Visit the world famous Sydney Opera House. Australia offers older children great opportunities to try mountain climbing, cycling and canoeing plus many more fun and exhilarating activities for them to enjoy. Bondi Beach is a great place to spend an entire day admiring the beautiful water, building sand castles and eating ice cream and other treats.

Disneyland / Disneyworld / EuroDisney

One of the most magical places to go on holiday with young children, Disneyland can offer not only hours and days of fun, but breakfast with famous Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse and Goofy. Hotel accommodation is also available so children wont have to stray too far from the park when it comes time to sleep, and for the adults, spas and restaurants are available in most of the hotels. There is no shortage of shows performed by your favourite Disney characters, rides to go on, parades and, depending on the time of year, a magical fireworks display behind Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. For all you young children who wish to become Jedis, train at the Jedi Academy in the ways of the force and see if you can defeat the evil and all-powerful Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers. If you have trained well you can be part of a live show to show your Jedi skills.

Japan

For any young child who has a passion for computer games, retro games and arcades, Japan can offer them this plus lots more. Most young boys are fascinated with the Samurai and Ninjas. Why not take them to a Samurai Dojo where they can fully immerse themselves in the mysterious world of the Samurai. Japan also has some of the nicest natural scenery as well as extraordinary buildings. With the amount of popular arcades around kids will surely tire themselves out playing Dance Dance Revolution and the many other interactive arcade machines. Japan can also be a great way to introduce children to different foods and drinks, some drinks are exclusively released in Japan including a wide range of strange but interesting flavored Pepsi.

New York

How could New York not be mentioned? For all you young fans of the film Night at the Museum, why not take a day trip to the Museum of Natural History? You can experience the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton used to create Rex in the film. Central Park is also a great place to have a picnic and relax in the surroundings with the whole family. F-A-O Schwarz is the famous toy shop feature in the classic film Big. Remember that scene where Tom Hanks plays Chopsticks of the giant floor piano? Well, here’s your chance to relive that moment for yourself!

The Electric Ballroom is located in Camden high street. Many events take place there but it is mostly noted for its live music acts. In the past there have been such acts as Patrick Wolf and Crystal Castles. As well as this, shoppers will like that there are regular clothes fairs, which offer unique vintage fashion at reasonable prices. The venue is generally very small so it’s ideal if you wish to be up close to performers. In the back there is a bar if you wish to purchase drinks, but these tend to be on the expensive side. To get to the Electric Ballroom you should take the tube to Camden Town, turn right out of the station and walk straight ahead until you see it on your right.

Though Tower Bridge is an obvious attraction of London, most people underestimate the view it provides and how it is worth just crossing the bridge to look over the city at its best. In view is Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, St. Paul’s Cathedral and many other recognisable places from the very middle of the river. Both night and day the bridge provides these stunning views of London. There are often entertainers or buskers surrounding the bridge. To get to the Tower Bridge, take the tube to Tower Hill station.

The Café in the Crypt is located in Trafalgar Square and requires customers to walk underground to get to the restaurant. It’s very well hidden from this heavily populated area of London. The food isn’t particularly brilliant but it is the place itself that makes it worthwhile. It’s a part of London that isn’t mentioned in tourist attraction leaflets because it is generally quite unknown unless you’re well connected with St Martin’s Church. To get to the Café in the Crypt you need to go to Trafalgar Square and find the church adjacent to the National Portrait Gallery.

Dos and Don’ts

Your embassy will likely provide you with guidelines for visiting the region. The British Embassy in Dubai puts out a list of dos and don’ts that can help visitors avoid getting into trouble in the first place.

The Dubai list includes items like no sharing hotel rooms for unmarried couples, no hugging in public and other bans on open displays of affections. Using a mobile phone while driving, and tailgating, are also illegal.

Breaking the laws of the country you are visiting can mean facing a hefty fine or even jail time. Offering information about the things that are acceptable (and what is NOT acceptable) can be one of the best things your embassy will do for you.

The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) is the agency responsible for the British Embassies around the world. This agency provided the first point of contact in the event of trouble.

Sick or Injured

The embassy can help you contact family and friends in the event you are hospitalized while abroad because of an unexpected accident or illness (these policies do not usually cover those that have traveled abroad for medical treatment). Some embassies will even send a representative to the hospital to visit you and check on the care that you are receiving.

The embassy will NOT pay for the costs that are incurred from your sickness or injuries that occur during travel. Travel insurance provides the assistance you need in these situations and should be something that you consider before you travel abroad.

Arrested, Detained or Imprisoned

The embassy will attempt to contact the detained person within the first twenty four hours of being notified of an arrest. Legal representation will have to be obtained locally, but the embassy will help by providing a list of interpreters and lawyers. Messages to family members may be sent through the embassy staff. A more active approach to helping citizens may be taken when an embassy feels that nationals are being treated unfairly (not in accordance with internationally accepted standards regarding fair trials and prisoners’ rights).

Embassies are not going to pay for costs incurred because of arrests, prevent deportation or offer legal advice. You should never expect the embassy to get you special treatment.

Other Help from an Embassy

The issuing of replacement passports will be handled by your embassy in the event your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad. You will need to have access to your documents to get a replacement passport so consider emailing yourself the scanned documents that you can easily access from the embassy.

Most embassies will provide you with the information you need to transfer funds.

Special arrangements for transportation in the event of disasters may be handled through your embassy.

Keep in mind that some services provided by your embassy may carry a charge.

The help provided by your embassy will not make all problems go away. Consider the embassy a place to find information and basic assistance. Use the information you receive from your embassy to avoid any problems while you are travelling abroad. An embassy offers the most help before problems have occurred by giving you up to date information about the region, so use it before as well as after problems arise.

Costa Rica may be the second smallest Central American country, but it is packed with plenty of adventure holiday opportunities. The area boasts 116 sleeping and active volcanoes. There are mangrove swamps and rain forests. Costa Rica is also home to some amazing, unspoiled beaches and crystal blue waters. Adventure travel in Costa Rica is only limited by the amount of time (and money) you have to spend for your holiday.

Another top adventure holiday can be uncovered in Egypt, trekking through the deserts or snorkeling in the Red Sea. The options for adventure in Egypt can be as lengthy as the history of the region. Many of the adventure tours through Egypt are light on difficulty but rich in the culture and history.

Space is not only the final frontier, but it can be the ultimate adventure holiday (although technically it would be the best adventure holiday out of this world). Today almost anyone willing to invest the money can find adventure in space.

Adventure travel is not for everyone. There can be a great deal of physical endurance required with adventure holidays. Risk almost always walks hand in hand with the adventure. The adrenaline rush that comes from these types of activities and journeys can be enough to make some turn away.

No matter how you feel about adventure holidays, they do offer some of the most breathtaking experiences that can be found around the globe. Adventure holidays offer something for everyone – no matter how active, how old, or how experienced. The best part about adventure holidays is that they literally can be discovered in every region of the world.

Planning the best adventure holiday in the world (or out of this world) only takes a little time, creativity and maybe some deep breaths, but the results will be once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you will be talking about for the rest of your life.

Upon opening the Zippo EFS and hearing the classic clicking noise associated with the brand, you will find your classic flint and spark wheel, but no wick or chimney. Instead you will find four Tinder Sticks held snugly in place. Just open one of the Tinder Sticks, throw some sparks over it then place it into a bundle of sticks and leaves. Within minutes you will have a fire going. The bight orange casings and o-ring seal inside the Zippo EFS will not only keep the inside dry but also help it stand out in case it is dropped in a lake or on the ground when dark.

Review / Demonstration for wet Tinder Sticks

Nitecore D10

The Nitecore D10 flashlight is powered by a single AA battery. Using only this single battery this tiny flashlight at only 8.9 cm longs and 1.9 cm in diameter can produce a staggering 130 lumen light. Unique to this flashlight (and no doubt others will follow) is a metal piston inside the flashlight - this allows the user to produce up to one hundred different strengths of light by simply holding the on/off button down (this is known as Ramping). Made from a military-grade aluminium, the D10 is not only extremely tough but also resistant to water with an o-ring seal around the battery compartment. The D10 also features a momentary-on function so you can use it as an SOS signal device.

Review and Comparison to Fenix L1D-CE Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

Leatherman Charge TTI

All Leatherman models have built in pliers, scissors, knifes, saws, tweezers, screwdrivers, bottle openers and tin openers. The Leatherman Charge TTI is the latest model. With its stainless-steel and titanium body this small yet very rugged Leatherman will help with almost every job you need to finish when out in the wild. Unlike older Leatherman models the Charge TTI has blade accessibility from the closed position, which would help a lot if you were stuck in a awkward position and needed to cut yourself loose. With each tool fitted with a locking device, there is no chance of a blade or saw accidentally folding down while in use and causing a serious accident to you or someone around you. With a simple press of the release button, each tool folds smoothly back in place. The Charge TTI also features interchangeable screwdriver bits available in a separate pack.

Med Kit

Having a well thought out and packed medical supply kit could mean the difference between an infected would, be it a cut or scrape and a clean, covered wound. Before packing a med kit research the place you going to, this will help you know what tablets and other medicine to take. Basic supplies that every Medical Kit should have inside them are headache tablets, tablets for allergic reactions, plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, eye drops and insect repellant.

Poncho

A poncho is mainly used to keep you dry when walking in rain, but there are many other creative uses for one. With some quick thinking you could turn your poncho into shelter, tie the poncho to a tree and collect rain water, deflect wind, separate you from damp/wet ground or use them as a cover for rafts if you find yourself in a situation where you need to cross a stream.

Freeze-Dried Food

Freeze-dried meat, vegetables and fruit are a great way to have a quick hot meal when out in the wild. The best part about freeze dried food is the expiry date can be upwards of twenty years. There are a good variety of tasty dried foods out there such as beef stroganoff or apples with cinnamon. These can either be eaten straight out of the tin or hydrated in a little water.

Beef Stroganoff / Apples With Cinnamon

Water Purifier/Bottled Water

Being able to purify even the dirtiest water will help keep you hydrated. There are plenty of options to help purify dirty water, from tablets and liquids to bottles with built-in pumps. Some can even purify urine. There are even pens that produce UV lights to kill any bacteria in water, though all the dirt will remain due to no actual filtering.

Compass/Map/Satellite Phone

Three key items to take with you no matter where you go. A satellite phone works by connecting to satellites orbiting Earth, rather than how mobile phones work by picking up signals from cell towers. This means you could be anywhere in the world and still pick up a signal. A map and compass are extremely useful pieces of kit to carry with you everywhere, but make sure you invest in good examples of both.

Rope

Rope can serve many purposes while trekking through tough terrain, weather you use it to make shelter or to help someone out of a ditch or river. After making a camp fire you could tie bundles of logs up for ease of transport. A really good use for rope in the wild is to tie one end to the straps on your bag, then using the rope you can raise any bags that hold food or important gear above ground level - this will stop animals such as snakes crawling into your bags or hungry bears looking for food. Combining rope with an aforementioned Poncho will provide you with a temporary hammock, assuming two trees are close enough. A few strands of rope can also help to get a fire going.

Box Jellyfish (Chironex Fleckeri)

The Box Jellyfish is notorious for its extremely potent venom. Each tentacle is loaded with over 500,000 Cnidocytes, little harpoon-shaped needles that carry the venom. Box jellyfish are easily recognized; as their name would imply, their hood (body) is a box shape. Box Jellyfish are also the only jellyfish to have eyes. They can’t see as well as other fish or mammals but they can follow simple lights, guiding them even in darker water. Unlike other jellyfish who have small and simple nervous systems allowing them to control slight movements, Box Jellyfish have developed a full nervous system ring near the bottom of their hood (body), allowing for more control over their movement. Spending most of their time slowly gliding through the water, Box Jellyfish will not attack without being provoked, either by another animal or human. The Box Jellyfish has picked up a few nicknames: ‘the sea wasp’ and ‘marine stinger’ are most commonly used. The Box Jellyfish have developed the venom carried in their tentacles so when they can catch larger prey, there is less of a struggle and less chance the Box Jellyfish will get hurt, either from a bite, or the in case of a crab, a pinch.

Salt Water Crocodile (Crocodylas Porosus)

These 900 kg, 6 m predators (with females being smaller) are covered in less armored plates than a normal alligator or crocodile, but are adapted to sleeping underwater rather than on land. Preying on pretty much anything that causes a threat, including sharks, when taking down a large animal such as a buffalo, crocodiles will ‘death roll’: a move designed to not only drown the prey animal but also break its neck. Salt Water Crocs are often mistaken for alligators due to their much broader body, rather than the leaner body crocodiles normally have. Spending most of their time in fresh swamp waters and reaching up to 16 mph in short bursts, Salt Water Crocodiles generally swim at around 2 mph to conserve energy for any larger prey that may pass.

Blue-Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena)

Easily distinguished from other octopi due to their wonderfully vibrant blue and black rings and yellow body, the Blue-Ringed Octopus is also one of the most venomous animals living in Australian waters. Feeding on shrimps, small fish and even crabs, Blue-Ringed octopi pounces on their prey, much like a cat with a ball of string, then release potent venom after the first bite. The venom is called Tetrodotoxin, which cause paralysis and respiratory arrest. Within minutes this will lead to cardiac arrest. No anti-venom is available for humans, however, treatment can be given, such as squeezing the venom out of the wound. With a body size of 8 inches, Blue Ringed octopi can hide in small cracks waiting for prey or possible male or females to pass by. Blue-Ringed octopi have Chromatophore Cells, these help them to camouflage themselves until they are provoked. When deep-sea diving or snorkeling, if you spot one of these magnificent creatures don’t be tempted to get closer, just admire their colouration and movement from a safe distance.

King Brown Snake (Pseudechis Australis)

The King Brown Snake is one of the longest venomous snakes in the world and the second largest snake in Australia (the first being the Amethyst Python, reaching a staggering 9 m in length) reaching 3 m in length and are a beautiful rich-brown colour, with some being almost black in colour. With a robust body and a wide head, King Browns prey on lizards, birds, mammals and even other snakes, both constrictors and venomous. Habituating in grass and desert areas, Kings Browns will shelter under sand, rocks and even rubbish piles - don’t let the size fool you - King Browns can curl up and hide pretty much anywhere waiting for prey and end up accidentally bite a human on the leg or foot. The King Brown is capable of delivering a massive 100 mg of venom in a single bite.

Funnel Web Spider (Atrax robustus)

The Funnel Web Spider is know throughout Australia and is feared by people due to the high potency of the venom and the fact they can hide anywhere from sheds to toilets, having a body length of only 2 - 7 cm. Even with the high potency of the Funnel Web’s venom people can and have survived (for instance, this story about a 94-year old grandmother who has survived two bites: http://current.com/129tm4c). The body of the Funnel Web ranges from a blue and black coloration to brown and even a plum colour. As with most arachnids the female is not only significantly larger than the male, but also lives longer. Funnel Webs like to stay in the comfort of their silk-lined burrows generally waiting for prey such as insects, mice and lizards to come to them. Using the fine hairs on their legs and body Funnel Webs can stay underwater for up to 24 hours. Using the tiny pockets of air collected on the hair on their bodies they can keep breathing, unlike most arachnids who would drown, even after being submerged. Provoking the Funnel Web will lead to a bite. Remember, when a spider raises up its four front legs with its fangs showing, back away, don’t be stupid and try to get close. Funnel Web burrows are easily spotted: they are enclosed burrows with web lining around the front of the entrance and a piece of bark or leaves will be near by - this is the door the Funnel Web will pop out from to catch unsuspecting prey.

A volcanic eruption from a fissure in Laki in 1783 created the year without a summer. The massive ash cloud sent up by that volcano caused a cooling of the earth’s atmosphere that resulted in something similar to a mini ice age in the Northern Hemisphere. The drop in temperature harmed agriculture around the world. The eruption lasted for several months.

The ash clouds from these eruptions can reach the upper levels of the atmosphere and hang around for many weeks. Ashes at this level reflect the sun and cause the temperatures to fall.

The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull is not expected to have the same catastrophic effects that the Iceland eruption of the 1700’s had on the world. This eruption has only lasted just over a month while the Laki eruption continued for several months.

Experts are hesitant to say that the Eyjafjallajokull eruption has ended. The volcano is quiet, but that does not mean that it is time to relax. Airlines still have to deal with all of the ash that continues to float around the atmosphere. The sharp, glass-like ash can clog the engines of an airplane and even tear holes in the engines.

Scientists are still warning that more eruptions may be eminent - not only from Eyjafjallajokull, but also from Katla (the more aggressive of the volcanoes). The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull may be the one element necessary to set off Katla. The lava flow from the neighboring volcano could melt enough of the top from Katla. The activity from Katla has increased in the last several weeks. 

The volcanic tremors from Eyjafjallajokull have decreased and continue to decrease to a level below that of April 14th. The temperatures being recorded have also cooled. That is the good news for the region (and for air travel around the world). The bad news is that an eruption from Katla has been predicted to be 10 times more powerful than what happened in Iceland on April 14th. Some scientists warn that such an eruption could push the world climate into another one as cold as that of the 1700s. Other scientists fear that a catastrophic eruption will cause a severe ice age for the whole world.

Flights have already started back as the aviation authorities relaxed safety rules. Officials still warned travelers that even with the openings and the relaxed rules, it would take a while for things to adjust back to normal.

The last eruption of Eyjafjallajokul occurred back in 1821. That single eruption rumbled on for two years. The April eruption seems to have ended, but experience of the past tells residents and scientists that more should always be expected.

Guided Tours

Use the internet to connect with tour groups that focus on guided gastro-breaks. These experiences will include a guide to help you get around your destination and also give you an inside look at the region. Many companies plan travel events around festivals and celebrations that naturally pair with good wine tours and harvest events.

• Check out the Unique Traveller for specialty tours focused around wine tasting and gourmet experiences.
• Vintage Spain offers one day excursions, regional tours and thematic tours that combine culture and cuisine.
• Many cities or regions have companies that specialize in guided food tours for that area. Check out Chicago Food Planet for a unique experience that will take you through the culture and cuisine of the city.

Guided tours will be more expensive than a tour that you might be able to put together on your own. You pay for the gastro-break and also the expertise of the company and the guide. One day gastro-breaks can start as low as £30. The top end of a gastro-break is only determined by what you are willing to spend to get the experience that you desire.

Self-Guided Gastro-Breaks

Planning a gastro-break on your own should start with a budget. Determining what you have to spend will help you make the plans for your gastro-break. The second thing to consider when making your plans is both the cuisine and culture that you want to experience. Once you have these points lined up you can begin making arrangements for your gastro-breaks.

• Consider making your plans around a regional celebration or event. The food options during these events are better and much cheaper than other times of the year.
• Look for companies that offer unguided tours for a discount. You get the benefit of the local experience through the company’s reservations and suggestions without the added cost of a guide.
• Watch for local gastro events. Cultural celebrations held in local communities can give you a taste of the region without the cost of visiting the region.

The best gastro-break in the world is your break. Being in the place that you want to be and enjoying the food that you crave makes your gastro-break the only one worth attending. The great thing about planning a gastro-break is that you can plan one that fits your wants and also your budget.

Self-guided food tours are typically the least expensive choice. You are on your own for getting around and sometimes you will be responsible for making reservations as well. The best part of a self-guided tour lies in your ability to make changes and choices once you are on the tour.

Guided tours provide you with the benefit of local knowledge. Companies plan the itinerary and make all the necessary arrangements. The best part of the guided tours comes from the insider touch. You often get to experience the region in ways that are not often available to the general public.

Choosing a gastro-break that is perfect for you will often be directed by budget and also by taste. The internet has opened up a world of possibilities. You may discover that the world’s best gastro-break is just around the corner. But you can also plan a gastro-break that takes you around the world with just a few clicks of the keyboard.

Best Seashell Beach

Sanibel Island, Florida sits along the Gulf Coast just outside of Fort Myers. This barrier island has remained mostly untouched by the tourist developments along the other Florida beaches thanks to the diligence of the residents. Wildlife refuges cover over half of the Sanibel Island. The layout of the island makes it ideal for shells. People travel from around the world to gather shells along these amazing beaches.

Best Surfing Beach

Tamarindo, Costa Rica offers a wave for just about everyone. Couple the massive waves with the incredible weather and it is no surprise that people are flocking to this long beach to enjoy the surf. It may not be much of a swimming beach, but Tamarindo is definitely surfer friendly.

Best Snorkeling Beaches

Safaga, Egypt lies on the coast of the Red Sea. It is a calm water bay that offers visitors nice, sandy beaches. It is not crowded and offers some wonderful sites to enjoy. Snorkelers can enjoy Safaga year round and will see many colorful fish, coral and much more.

Culebra, Puerto Rico is one of the Spanish Virgin Islands and measures only seven miles long by three miles wide. The waters around the island are crystal clear and blue and filled with wildlife and coral. The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge covers a large portion of the island and is a nesting ground for the leatherback turtle.

Best Black Sand Beach

Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii was created from the molten lava of the active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The sand is actually tiny granules that formed when the lava poured into the sea, cooled quickly and then fell apart. The black beach provides visitors some breathtaking views and nature lovers will be thrilled to see the turtles come to shore to nest. Be warned: the water can be choppy and there are no lifeguards so this is definitely a beach for enjoying from the shore.

Best Unique Beach

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands are formed by giant boulders along the shore. These boulders create rock pools, beaches and plenty of places to explore. Some of these rocks measure 40 feet in diameter.

Best White-Sand Beach

Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in a grouping of islands of the same name sitting off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The white sand that covers four miles of the island is made up of almost pure silica. The beach is accessible by boat.

Best Untouched Beach

Cumberland Island, Georgia, United States exists today as one of the most pure beaches in the world. The island is protected and only 300 visitors per day are allowed to visit. This is a nature lover’s dream beach. The only regular visitors are wild horses and loggerhead turtles. There are no water sports to be found on Cumberland Island, but visitors come to enjoy the trails, the habitats and the wide array of wildlife.

The best beach is the one that you want to visit time and again. Looking around the globe you can uncover beaches that boast sand in pink, black and white (and many colors in between). Beaches are known for their surf, their sand, their wildlife and even their nightlife. If you can imagine it, then you can probably find a beach to match it.

New York

Along with all the museums and attractions of New York, one of the most pleasurable pastimes is shopping. They’ve got great department stores that cater for all tastes and budgets. If you love cutting-edge fashion and don’t mind maxing out on your credit card, head for Barney’s New York a major department store in the Big Apple. Plan your weekend to coincide with the twice-annual sale and you may not wince so much at the price tags. You can’t go shopping in New York and not visit Bloomingdale’s; in fact you can’t not come to New York and not visit the iconic department store. There’s a huge range of merchandise up for grabs and Martine’s chocolates on the 6th floor and the frozen yoghurt in the basement café are treats not to be missed. Another famous department store is Macy’s that sells everything from cutlery to clothing at reasonable prices. They have regular sales that are great fun. And you can hop over the pond to New York this spring on flights starting from £299. Or choose a package weekend break for two people flying with British Airways from London Heathrow to Newark with 3 nights in the Westin New York Times Square, a four star hotel, for £1550.56.

Marrakech

If you fancy something completely different, then I recommend that you visit Marrakech and wander around the souks there. The souks in Marrakech are the best in Morocco and if you like haggling for a bargain surrounded by noise and the smell of spices, then you’ll have a fantastic time. The souks are situated of the Djemma el Fna, a square that is the centre and heart of the city, and can be a bit of a labyrinth as you wander around. You can hire a guide to help you through the maze but getting lost is part of the fun. Moroccans are wonderfully friendly and if you do get lost just ask for directions back to Djemma el Fna. The souks sell everything from wooden and metal goods, to spices and chickens. It is part of the culture to haggle for your purchase and great fun to come away with a bargain. Top tip to haggle is to half the vendor’s first asking price and start from there. Remember this is part of their culture and you’re supposed to enjoy the experience. If you walk away, this generally brings the price down but remember there are loads of souks further in selling exactly the same product. The cheapest flight for an April break to Marrakech was £248 using the national carrier, Royal Air Maroc, flying from London Heathrow. Easyjet flies out of London Gatwick and the cheapest flight was £324. A weekend package for two people, flights and three nights in a five star hotel costs £1159 to this most exotic of destinations.

Paris

Paris has to be on anybody’s list of best shopping destinations; just think of haute couture, jewellery and fine food and wine. But one of the great things about shopping in the French capital is the flea markets - the biggest ones in the world. It’s a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning, browsing through an assortment of wonders while munching on your pain de chocolat and drinking a café noir. Then head to the Haussman boulevard department stores and gaze at the French style in microcosm while admiring the buildings themselves. Some of the architecture is stunning. For those interested in fashion and not undaunted by the prices then go to the rue des Francs-Bourgeois near the Place des Vosges, while the rue Saint-Placide close to the Montparnasse metro station specialises in discount fashion. Travelling to Paris is easy with regular flights from airports around the country as well as almost hourly departures from St Pancreas on Eurostar. Return flights to Paris start at £62 on easyJet and £69 on Eurostar. Or a weekend package from London Luton, flying easyJet, staying three nights in a three star hotel, costs £254 per person on a bed and breakfast basis.

Madrid

Madrid is the best city in Spain to go shopping and one of the first places to head when you arrive in the capital city is Gran Via. Gran Via are where you’ll the birthplaces of brands such as Zara, Pull and Bear and Straivarius the Inditex chains owned by Amancio Ortego Gaona. The Principe Pio is a bus and train hub that also houses a modern shopping mall. This is a great place to window shop if it’s raining outside. If you want to follow in the footsteps of Victoria Beckham and other footballer’s wives then Ortega y Gasset is your place and close by you’ll find ABC Serrano, a shopping mall with some of the most expensive shopping outlets in Europe. You can fly to Madrid Airport from London City for £187 on Lufthansa or choose a weekend package. A great deal for April is a four-night package from Manchester flying in Czech Airlines and staying in a five star hotel for just £727 - and that’s for two people.

London

Finally, for a shopping destination, you just can’t miss out London. The capital has everything from great department stores such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and of course Harrods to boutiques like Bread and Honey to the classic tailoring of Saville Row. And there are loads more, including charity shops, car boot sales and auctions, every type of shopping experience that a hardened shopper could hope for. London is accessible from across the country by coach, train and air, having five airports with direct transport links into the centre of the city. Deals this April include a four-night stay in a three-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis flying from Edinburgh to Stansted Airport, cost £399. Of course, you can also jump on a bus and a return fare will cost you from £15 leaving you much more money to spend in the spring sales.

The ride is taken in a train capable of seating eight occupants who, once locked in, set off on this thrilling 28-second journey. The train slowly leaves the station until it reaches the launching area. Once there, the hydraulic launch mechanism accelerates the train from 0 to an incredible 128 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. The train then climbs the top hat (the main tower) spiralling 90 degrees to reach a height of 456 ft. The train then thunders down 418 ft twisting 270 degrees before climbing a second tower of 129 ft. The train then descends before magnetic brakes are applied to smoothly stop the ride. After performing a U-turn the train returns to the station.

The predecessor of the fastest and highest roller coaster is the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, and along with Kingda Ka are the only two stratacoasters in the world. A stratacoaster is a roller coaster that reaches in excess of 400 feet in a complete circuit. Top Thrill Dragster was opened in 2003 at a cost of approximately US $25,000,000. Inspired by Top Fuel Drag Racing motor sport, the ride was designed by Werner Stengel and many riders say that the ride feels like a dragster starting to accelerate. The ride begins with acceleration to 120 mph in only 3.8 seconds. The train ascends up an incline of 90 degrees that has a 90-degree counter-clockwise twist that sends the train over and down the 420-foot hill, where riders will experience negative G-force.

The Dudonpa is a roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan and opened in 2001. It is a steel roller coaster with a compressed air launch that accelerates the ride to 107mph in less than 2 seconds. Riders ascend the hill straight up to a height of 170 feet, then down a hairpin curve before descending straight down. When the Dudonpa opened in 2001 it was the fastest roller coaster in the world. In 2010, the Kingda Ka took that crown, but the Dudonpa still has the highest launch acceleration at 2.7g.

In 1997, the creative team of Magic Mountain created Superman: The Escape, a roller coaster in Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. The ride is almost identical to the Tower Of Terror, a ride that opened two months previously in Dreamworld, Australia. The two rides were the first to employ Linear Synchronous Motors, LSM, technology to propel the cars to high speeds. When Superman: The Escape opened, it was the tallest roller coaster in the world and tied with Tower of Terror as the fastest. Riders are launched horizontally at a speed of 100mph in about 7 seconds, and then climb up the hill at an angle of 90 degrees to a height of 415 feet before starting their descent down the vertical of 328 feet, becoming weightless for just over 6 seconds. The length of the circuit is 1235 feet and the duration of the ride takes 28 seconds. Another Superman ride, Superman: Krypton Coaster is a steel roller coaster located in Six Flags Fiesta Texas and boasts the world’s tallest vertical loop at 145 feet. It reaches a maximum speed of 70mph and a helical drop extending over a nearby cliff. The ride is 168 feet, incorporates six inversions and lasts 2.35 minutes over its 2000-foot length.

Although steel roller coasters can go faster, many people believe that the only truly roller coaster sensation is the one you get when riding a wooden roller coaster. The fastest wooden roller coaster in the world is Son of Beast located at Kings Island, Mason in the state of Ohio, USA. When it opened in 2000, Son of Beast made it into the top ten fastest roller coasters in the world, the only wooden ride to do so.

Son of Beast was the only wooden roller coaster to incorporate a vertical loop, a feature that was removed in 2006 after an accident in which 27 people were injured. The loop was not the cause of the accident but could not accommodate the lighter trains that were then introduced. The train climbs a 218 foot hill, turns left and drops 214 feet before rising 168 feet, into a helix known as the Rose Bowl and then dropping into a straight line of track. The ride is constructed mainly of southern yellow pine while Douglas fir was used for the track piles. It has a capacity for 1000 riders per hour who can enjoy the 3-minute ride with a maximum g-force of 4.5.

One of the fastest wooden roller coasters in the world not to be located in the US is Colossos a ride at Heide Park in Soltau, Lower Saxony, Germany. This therefore makes Colossos the fastest as well as the highest wooden roller coaster in Europe. The Colossos was the first wooden ride to have prefabricated tracks, slotting together so precisely that it gives riders a smooth ride such as one would experience on a steel roller coaster. But of course, it is this lack of smoothness that appeals to traditional wooden roller coaster lovers. Colossos is over 196 feet high with a drop of nearly 160 feet. It reaches a speed of 74.6mph and the ride lasts 2.25 minutes. The maximum g-force is 3.8 for its riders.

Discount Pricing

Ryanair advertised prices are the base price only. There will be additional charges for taxes, airport fees, credit card processing and baggage.

easyJet advertised prices include taxes and airport charges, but there will be additional charges for luggage and credit card processing. The higher transparency of the easyJet online prices puts it ahead of Ryanair in this area.

easyJet Review

easyJet has made its mark in punctuality. It requires passengers to check in for a flight at least 30 minutes prior to departure. 

There are no free meals when flying with easyJet. Most of the flights are short and any meals that are desired must be purchased seperate from the tickets.

easyJet keeps costs down by providing many of its services on the internet. The company boasts that 95% of all tickets booked are done through the internet. This process is one of the reasons that easyJet can maintain the lower prices.

There are no assigned seats on easyJet so it’s a first come, first served policy. The early arrivals will get the best seats (the exceptions are those passengers that may need extra time or assistance when boarding).

Ryanair Review

The advertised prices are considerably lower than other competitors, but the final price climbs much higher than advertised prices with the added charges. Even with the additional charges the final cost for Ryanair tickets will often be the lowest available.

One of the top complaints about Ryanair has been the company’s policy for changing flight times. The departure time can vary by several hours which can make it difficult if there are connecting flights or other time sensitive needs that must be met. Ryanair does publish its punctuality reports on its website.

Ryanair does not fly into the heart of some destinations. It may be using an airport that requires a long bus ride to the desired destination. These costs do need to be included when comparing costs.

More Comparisons

easyJet does offer many flights that are closer to the hub of top destinations, but Ryanair often has the better price even when the additional costs of bus rides are included into the final expense.

Ryanair may advertise the best prices around, but easyJet makes it easier to know the final cost of a flight upfront so there are fewer surprises as the tickets are booked.

Both budget airlines charge for checked baggages, do not provide free food during flights and are mainly focused on getting you from point A to point B at the lowest cost for you. Travelers that are looking for the experience of a lifetime in their air travel will not find budget airlines satisfactory.

Budget travel is not for everyone. Those that are more concerned with saving a few dollars than with getting free peanuts will find that easyJet and Ryanair both offer great benefits at exceptional prices. Choosing the king of the budget airlines often comes down to personal tastes and individual needs of each passenger. easyJet and Ryanair both provide great low cost tickets for your travel needs.

For more discounts on travel, check out our sister site, Discount Vouchers UK.

The younger crowd of high school and college students may be hitting the beach, but that does not mean that you have to avoid the ocean completely. There are plenty of resorts that are family focused or specifically for couples only. The weather along the equator will be some of the best of the year during the spring months and often some of the best deals can be found this time of year.

Springtime brings to life all of the bulbs and flowers that have been hibernating over the winter. These months offer the best times to visit the bulb growers across the United States and around the world. You will also discover that many cities have special celebrations for the tulips and other spring flowers that paint the landscape at this time of year.

The national parks begin bursting with new life of their own when the weather begins to warm up. Baby animals start taking their first steps and the natural wonders of rivers and waterfalls are bursting with the runoff from the melting snows. Yosemite is one of many national parks around the United States that make a great destination for springtime travel.

Warm weather draws many travelers to the beach destinations. Take advantage of the trend and visit other tourist hotspots that will not be as crowded during the spring season. Places like Chicago, Illinois or New York City offer plenty for visitors year round, but the pleasant weather of spring and the smaller crowds can make these months some of the best for visiting. Springtime also offers smaller crowds in top travel spots like Victoria, Canada.

Take to the desert. The southwest region of the United States may be known for the dry heat of the desert, but the spring months can offer some relief from the burning heat. Springtime provides a wonderful display of wildflowers in the outdoors of the Southwest. The outdoor traveler will find that springtime is the right time to visit this area.

The Italian countryside may always be a breathtaking view, but the vibrant colors of spring make it even more spectacular. Add to the natural beauty the lower costs and smaller crowds and you begin to understand why Italy in the spring will give you bang for your buck.

Have a capital time in the spring. Many of the world’s capital cities provide great inspiration and entertainment throughout the springtime. Washington, D.C. has the Cherry Blossom Festival in May where the entire city seems alive with the pink displays. The crowds may not be lighter in Paris in the spring, but the flowers and weather will make the crowds much easier to take. The prices are also lower during the spring season before the summer travel prices kick in.

Take a trip that will flip the seasons. Visiting Cape Town during the springtime of the northern hemisphere means that you get to enjoy the fall weather and events. The natural beauty is spectacular and just the opposite of all that is going on around the other side of the world. May is the time of the largest wine festival in the region and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert in Arabic translates to ‘The Great Desert’. At over 3,500,000 square miles the Sahara Desert could just about cover America. Reaching a staggering one hundred and eight meters high, the sand dunes have been shifted and sculpted by high winds. The Sahara Desert may be the third largest desert in the world but it isn’t entirely covered in sand. The Sahel is the only part of the Sahara Desert which is covered in grassland and plants. The Sahel allows animals such as the Scimitar Oryx and Red Fronted Gazelle to graze, but is also home to African Wild Dogs, Cheetahs and Lions.

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail leads to many places but Machu Picchu is the most common place people go. Machu Picchu was built for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti, who ruled the city of Machu Picchu between 1438 - 1472. Machu Picchu is also known as The Lost City Of The Incas. The Incas started building Machu Picchu in the 1400s but soon abandoned it. Machu Picchu was unknown to anyone outside its walls before American historian Hiram Bingham told the world about it. The Spanish never managed to conquer Machu Picchu so the city still remains how it was, considered to be a sacred place. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Site in 1981.

Pyramids

One of the greatest mysteries on earth is how were Pyramids built. In 2630 BCE - 2611 BCE, The Pyramid of Djoser was built and is believed to be the first pyramid ever constructedy. The architect Imhoptep designed The Pyramid of Djoser as a tomb for the Pharaoh Djoser. The Egyptians believed the shape of the pyramids represented the Primordial Mound from which the earth was created. They also believed pyramids had powerful abilities of resurrection.

The Colosseum

One of the most spectacular Roman buildings was built in 70 - 72 AD under the Emperor Vespasian. The Colosseum was completely built by 80 AD and was then used for gladiatorial battles and executions and other entertainment. Seating 50,000 people, the Colosseum stopped being used for entertainment in the Medieval times. During this time the colosseum became used for housing, workshops, religion and other activities. The Colosseum has seen many earthquakes and stone robbers, but is still standing and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are small islands filled with many species of animals such as Komodo Dragons and Giant Land Turtles. The islands are fairly young and were formed by volcanic eruptions. There are fifteen main islands with three more nearby. Charles Darwin studied the islands during The Voyage of the Beagle. One of the islands was named Darwin Island after Charles Darwin. On this island you can see Fur Seals, Swallow Tailed Gulls, Sea Lions, Wales and Marine Iguanas. Charles Darwin bought a Giant Land Turtle named Harriet to Australia Zoo, who died at 172 years of age. Galapagos is made up of 18 different islands with most being only a few square miles in size. Around 23,000 people populate the islands with the native language being Spanish. The islands may be small but people visit mainly to see the wildlife roaming.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea of Queensland in northern Australia. Covering 133,000 square miles, The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from space. The Reef is home to an array of animals such as turtles, sharks, fish, crocodiles, stingrays, seahorses, sea snakes, living corals and birds. The clean blue water of The Reef makes it a beautiful place for diving. A large area is protected by The Great Barrier Reef Park to help stop over-fishing and damage from human use. Environmental changes are affecting The Reef, some of the problems includ pollution, shipping accidents and the Crown of Thorns Starfish which feeds on coral.

Auroras Borealis

Named after the Roman Goddess of dawn Aurora and the Greek name for north wind Boreas, the Auroras Borealis is only visible in the northern hemisphere in the ionosphere. Auroras are created by a mixture of earth photons mixing with either oxygen or nitrogen and solar wind energy. When earth protons mix with oxygen, the sky has a green or brownish red glow, while when mixed with nitrogen the sky has a blue or red glow. Auroras are one of the most magical and spectacular sights to see in the sky.

Lloró, Colombia

Just a short journey south from Nicaragua is the tropical, wet country of Colombia, South America. Scientists and climate experts estimate that the town receives over 13,000 mm of rain per year. Although the town’s name Lloró literally means ‘to cry’ (a metaphor for how much it rains there) amazingly the rain was not what it was named after. Instead, Lloró is named for an ancient and indigenous chief of the land.

Colombia is situated right at the northern point of South America, so if you take a trip to somewhere like Peru or even Cuba you can travel to Colombia and experience the rains relatively easy. You might want to (or not want to, depending on your feelings towards wet weather!) visit during the monsoon seasons, as this is what dictates the amount of rainfall.

Mount Wai-’ale-’ale, Kauai, Hawaii

13,000, yes, 13,000 millimetres of rain falls on this Hawaiian Island every single year, giving inhabitants cause to celebrate the hours of intense sunshine they also experience. It’s strange to think that a place we so strongly associate with hot weather and sandy beaches could also be so wet, but remember that’s what is called a ‘tropical’ climate. Tropic sun is counteracted by tropic monsoons, which can and will drench you within seconds! Mount Wai-’ale-’ale will take a long time to get to by plane, but it may be well worth it if you are lucky. Hawaii is another country that experiences strong monsoons, so if you want rains visit during them, and if you don’t, then choose the sunnier months.

Mawsynram, India

Despite being the second wettest place on the planet, this north eastern village is inhabited. The reasons for its incredible rainfall are cited as its position high up within the Khasi hills and as a result there are warm winds which constantly bring condensation over the land. As you may have guessed this area experiences the monsoon season full force and four fifths of Mawsynram’s 11 metres per year falls during these months. A visit here will be wet, but you can drive through the clouds on the the hillsides and visit some beautiful waterfalls too. If you plan a trip to Mawsynram then look for Meghalaya package holidays and tours, as this is the hilly strip that the village lies within.

Where do the UK and US come in?

Apart from Mount Wai-’ale-’ale in Hawaii, the wettest place in America is Quillayute, Washington. This small area near Forks gets 104.5 inches of precipitation every year; a stark contrast to Yuma, Arizona 1,502 miles south, where they get just 2.7 inches!

Rather unsurprisingly, Britain’s wettest location is on the Western coast of Scotland: Glen Etive, Highlands. 130.16 inches of rain water falls here each year, so opening a brolly shop in the town centre would certainly be a shrewd move. Seathwaite, Cumbria comes in a close second, with an annual rainfall of 124 inches but ‘wet Wales’ as we so affectionately call it only gets a mention after five far wetter locations across England and Scotland.