Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Why carbon offsets are important in travel
Travel is our passion, but it is
also a privilege future generations should be able to enjoy. Air travel is one
of the fastest growing contributors to global carbon emissions. A single trip
can easily match 50% of a typical household's greenhouse gas (carbon) emissions
for an entire year, making it a major contributor to climate change.
Unlike for other forms of travel, we do not have good environmentally sustainable flight options (yet). But by doing something now, the travel we love will be possible for our children too.
Unlike for other forms of travel, we do not have good environmentally sustainable flight options (yet). But by doing something now, the travel we love will be possible for our children too.
What can you do about it?
The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse
gases released into our atmosphere by your flight can be calculated based on
flight distance and routing to produce a per seat emission number. By
contributing a small portion of your total trip cost to projects that will
prevent an equal amount of greenhouse gases to enter the atmosphere, you can
mitigate the climate impact of your flight. This is called Carbon
Offsetting.
Where will the money go?
Your money will be used in a variety of international projects which will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Without your investment these projects would
not have occurred.
Why Offsetters?
We chose to partner with Offsetters, Canada’s leading carbon offset provider. All of Offsetters'projects are verified by third parties as generating real, additional and
permanent reductions in the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere.
So what will it cost?
Offsetting your emissions is easy and achievable.
It forms a small portion of your total holiday cost. Use the table below for a
reference.
Destination
|
Offset
Contribution
|
Cost
as % of holiday
|
Latin America & Europe
|
$54
|
2 %
|
Middle East & Asia
|
$76
|
1-2½ %
|
Africa & Australia
|
$90
|
1½-2½ %
|
Feel Good
|
$33
|
1½ %
|
Polar Regions
|
$180
|
2 %
|
Note prices may vary somewhat where governments add taxes in their jurisdictions
Friday, August 22, 2014
Highlights of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is famous for its exquisite beaches, but behind the dazzling coastline there is a lush interior with thick jungles, vast palm and rice plantations, cut by spectacular waterfalls and wild rivers. In addition, there is a long and interesting history, ancient Buddhist temples, spectacular vistas, spice gardens and rich wildlife and above all, a laid-back atmosphere, friendly people and some wonderful food. The best time to go to Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west coast, the south coast and the Hill Country, and from April to September for the ancient cities region and the east coast. Read on to learn more about the highlights of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons. As the south and west coasts and the highlands are by far the wettest, the dry season here, December to March, is considered the best time to visit Sri Lanka. For the ancient city region and the east coast, April to September is the best. April and September offer the best odds for good weather across the country.
Most people start their journey through Sri Lanka in Negombo, an historically interesting town and a great place to get into the spirit of seaside of Sri Lanka by observing the fishermen at work, watch them auction off their catch and try some fresh seafood in a local restaurant. Around the town is a network of canals and you can get a good sense of rural Sri Lanka but venturing out by bicycle.
The ancient city of Anuradhapura, built in the 3rd century BC, was the capital of the Sinhalese people for 1000 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is still the most important historic site in Sri Lanka, with a treasure trove of palaces, temples and Buddhist monuments and statues. One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Bhuddists here is the Bodhi tree, said to be a direct descendant of the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment.
At Ritigala Mountain you will find the ruins of a monastic complex, lesser known but excellent nevertheless. Much of the site has been restored helping you imagine the grandeur of the place.
Trincomalee, a beautiful village on the east coast, is worth a sidetrip. Explore the Temple of a Thousand Pillars and Fort Frederick or mingle with pilgrims at the famous Hot Springs of Kanniya. The coast of Trincomalee is well known to be a migratory route for Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, while the countryside around town makes for a great place to get out by bike.
Before reaching Polonnaruwa, you may want to engage in a journey through authentic Sri Lankan villages, to spot wildlife, cross streams, meet villagers busy in their day-to-day life and perhaps sample a local meal. At Polonnaruwa itself there are some beautiful temples, palaces and stupas, but the highlights are the enormous stone Buddhas.
Next, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka's largest Rock Cave Temple located high up in a stone cliff face. It is home to magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings spread over five caves.
One of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka is the food. Although Sri Lankan cuisine has been being influenced by the traditions of India, Portugal, Arabia and Holland, it has a style uniquely its own. Enjoy complex, fragrant curries, indulge in seafood on the coast, discover street food like hoppers, paratha and roti, or discover Tamil cuisine in the Highlands.
Built as a royal citadel on top of a 200m high rock mass, Sigiriya is an impressive fortress. You climb to the top via a series of steps and walkways. Enjoy lovely water gardens and 5th-century frescoes and the remains of a summer palace.
Nearby Minneriya National Park is home to a variety of fauna, including purple-faced langur and toque macaque. Elephants use it regularly as a watering site and there is a huge variety of birdlife.
The royal city of Kandy is pleasantly set on the edge of a lake surrounded by hills. In the heart of town is the Temple of the Tooth, the most important shrine in Sri Lanka, which houses a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre. Each evening, the day's worship culminates with the casket containing the tooth relic being put on display to pilgrims from all over the Buddhist world. Be sure to visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with their immense fig tree and exquisite orchid collection. Alternatively, go for a walk around town and enjoy the bazaars, visit monasteries or see an evening performance of the famed Kandyan dancers and fire-walkers.
In the highlands of Sri Lanka there are a range of things you can do. Go white water rafting or hike to waterfalls, visit a tea plantation or spice garden, swim in refreshing mountain streams, explore the quaint countryside town of Nuwara Eliya, go for a jeep safari at Uda Walawe National Park, visit World's End', one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka where the ground drops 1050m to the plains, or take a stunning train journey into the highlands disembarking at Bandarawela or Haputale.
Further south you reach Yala National Park, home to deer, elephants, bears, crocodiles, wild boars and birdlife. The park also has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.
After having done this much travelling, it is time for some serious R&R. The beautiful south coast with long sandy beaches and lovely calm waters, is perfect for swimming. Base yourself in Marissa or Tangalle and if you feel like more exploring, go whale watching, visit Unawatuna with its famed stilt fishermen, check out a seafood market or try a drink made from palm tree sap (toddy) or coconut arrack.
Before heading back to Colombo, visit the colonial port town of Galle, home to an impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many interesting old buildings. Walk around the fort and watch the sunset from the ramparts, or while having dinner. Alternatively, explore the maze of backstreets and market stalls in town.
Related posts:
Sri Lanka Photo board on Pinterest
Why we do not ride elephants
Highlights of South India
Best Cycling trips in Asia
Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons. As the south and west coasts and the highlands are by far the wettest, the dry season here, December to March, is considered the best time to visit Sri Lanka. For the ancient city region and the east coast, April to September is the best. April and September offer the best odds for good weather across the country.
Most people start their journey through Sri Lanka in Negombo, an historically interesting town and a great place to get into the spirit of seaside of Sri Lanka by observing the fishermen at work, watch them auction off their catch and try some fresh seafood in a local restaurant. Around the town is a network of canals and you can get a good sense of rural Sri Lanka but venturing out by bicycle.
The ancient city of Anuradhapura, built in the 3rd century BC, was the capital of the Sinhalese people for 1000 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is still the most important historic site in Sri Lanka, with a treasure trove of palaces, temples and Buddhist monuments and statues. One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Bhuddists here is the Bodhi tree, said to be a direct descendant of the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment.
At Ritigala Mountain you will find the ruins of a monastic complex, lesser known but excellent nevertheless. Much of the site has been restored helping you imagine the grandeur of the place.
Trincomalee, a beautiful village on the east coast, is worth a sidetrip. Explore the Temple of a Thousand Pillars and Fort Frederick or mingle with pilgrims at the famous Hot Springs of Kanniya. The coast of Trincomalee is well known to be a migratory route for Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, while the countryside around town makes for a great place to get out by bike.
Before reaching Polonnaruwa, you may want to engage in a journey through authentic Sri Lankan villages, to spot wildlife, cross streams, meet villagers busy in their day-to-day life and perhaps sample a local meal. At Polonnaruwa itself there are some beautiful temples, palaces and stupas, but the highlights are the enormous stone Buddhas.
Next, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka's largest Rock Cave Temple located high up in a stone cliff face. It is home to magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings spread over five caves.
One of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka is the food. Although Sri Lankan cuisine has been being influenced by the traditions of India, Portugal, Arabia and Holland, it has a style uniquely its own. Enjoy complex, fragrant curries, indulge in seafood on the coast, discover street food like hoppers, paratha and roti, or discover Tamil cuisine in the Highlands.
Built as a royal citadel on top of a 200m high rock mass, Sigiriya is an impressive fortress. You climb to the top via a series of steps and walkways. Enjoy lovely water gardens and 5th-century frescoes and the remains of a summer palace.
Nearby Minneriya National Park is home to a variety of fauna, including purple-faced langur and toque macaque. Elephants use it regularly as a watering site and there is a huge variety of birdlife.
The royal city of Kandy is pleasantly set on the edge of a lake surrounded by hills. In the heart of town is the Temple of the Tooth, the most important shrine in Sri Lanka, which houses a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre. Each evening, the day's worship culminates with the casket containing the tooth relic being put on display to pilgrims from all over the Buddhist world. Be sure to visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with their immense fig tree and exquisite orchid collection. Alternatively, go for a walk around town and enjoy the bazaars, visit monasteries or see an evening performance of the famed Kandyan dancers and fire-walkers.
In the highlands of Sri Lanka there are a range of things you can do. Go white water rafting or hike to waterfalls, visit a tea plantation or spice garden, swim in refreshing mountain streams, explore the quaint countryside town of Nuwara Eliya, go for a jeep safari at Uda Walawe National Park, visit World's End', one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka where the ground drops 1050m to the plains, or take a stunning train journey into the highlands disembarking at Bandarawela or Haputale.
Further south you reach Yala National Park, home to deer, elephants, bears, crocodiles, wild boars and birdlife. The park also has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.
After having done this much travelling, it is time for some serious R&R. The beautiful south coast with long sandy beaches and lovely calm waters, is perfect for swimming. Base yourself in Marissa or Tangalle and if you feel like more exploring, go whale watching, visit Unawatuna with its famed stilt fishermen, check out a seafood market or try a drink made from palm tree sap (toddy) or coconut arrack.
Before heading back to Colombo, visit the colonial port town of Galle, home to an impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many interesting old buildings. Walk around the fort and watch the sunset from the ramparts, or while having dinner. Alternatively, explore the maze of backstreets and market stalls in town.
Related posts:
Sri Lanka Photo board on Pinterest
Why we do not ride elephants
Highlights of South India
Best Cycling trips in Asia
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Responsible Travel Tips
Responsible Travel Tips
Be the change you want to see in the World!
Use guidebooks to familiarise yourself with
the culture, language & customs of your destination. It will make your travels more rewarding.
Skip the taxi
Consider using public transit to get to the
airport - use the money saved to offset your flights.
Carbon offset your flights
Air travel is a major contributor to
climate change. By investing in offsets
you contribute to energy efficiency programmes around the globe. This ensures that the same amount of carbon
your flights produce is prevented from entering the atmosphere in the first
place.
Pack light
Each pound of luggage you leave at home
diminishes your carbon footprint.
Begging and presents
Giving sweets or presents to children will
teach them that begging is rewarding and this can undermine parental authority.
Instead, interact with children and have some fun with them.
Then consider giving to a charity in the country you
visit.
Photography
If
you wish to photograph somebody, always ask their permission.
Power and Energy
Please use these sparingly. Turn lights, heat and a/c off when not in the
room. Consider using rechargeable
batteries.
Religious customs and
local traditions
These vary enormously around the world and
are often an integral part of the local way of life. Ask your tour leader when in doubt - a
respectful visitor is a respected visitor!
Bargaining
This is part of the way of life in many
places. Be firm but polite, have some
fun in the process and remember the shopkeeper has to make a living. Once you agree on a price, don’t walk away.
Water
Consider bringing your own water bottle
& purification drops. The sale of bottled water contributes to an
enormous environmental problem around the world. The production of a 1 litre plastic bottle
takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited
landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
Transport
Use public transport – shared transport is
lighter on the carbon footprint
Litter
Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Use rubbish bins or take it with you if bins
are not provided.
Toiletries
Bring biodegradable soaps from home. If you use hotel soaps, why not bring them to
the next hotel and use it all up instead of opening a new one. Consider bringing your own towel so the hotel
can save on energy and laundry detergent.
In the wild and while
camping
If
no toilets are available, make sure you “do your thing” 30m from a water
source, bury waste in the organic layer and take toilet paper with you in a
Ziploc bag. Dispose of it in an
appropriate place like a camp fire. When
washing (up), avoid contaminating streams & lakes with soap. Rinse off grey water at least 30m away from
the water.
Hikes & walks
Leave
nothing but footprints, stay on the trail and avoid taking shortcuts as these
lead to erosion.
Wildlife & nature
Avoid disturbing wildlife and stay the
distance. Try not to disturb their
habitat.
Take care not to touch coral reefs and do
not feed animals or fish. Admire flowers
but please don’t pick them. Please do not encourage dancing bears or snake
charmers.
Souvenirs & Artefacts
Be careful when buying articles made from
plant or animal products. The trade in tourist souvenirs can threaten
endangered species: the collecting of sea shells, for example, can greatly
damage coral reefs.
Items from ancient civilisations may still
be found or bought in countries such as Peru. Although they may appear
discarded or available to buy, leave them where you find them.
Meals and drinks
Buy local produce and meals made
locally. Try those delicious locally
produced wines and beers. If organics
are available, enjoy them! Visit
family-owned restaurants.
On your return
Share all the great things you learned
about your destination and responsible travel with your family, friends and
colleagues. Suggest improvements where
needed. Be an ambassador for responsible
travel!
Friday, August 1, 2014
Important visa tips
Before you depart, you may have to get a visa for your destination. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when getting a visa.
Often your passport needs to be valid for six months after departure from the country visited.
If you have a profession, religious background or family name which may be politically sensitive in the country you wish to visit, please contact us. Examples include, but are not limited to, journalists or clerics travelling to countries with repressive regimes, people of the Jewish faith or from a Jewish family travelling to certain Middle Eastern countries
Travellers to some Middle East countries, including Iran, Syria and Libya, will be denied entry if there is evidence of them having travelled to Israel. This can be an Israeli entry stamp or an entry stamp in to Jordan or Egypt from Israel. If your passport has any evidence of such a trip, you must get a new passport prior to applying for a visa for these countries.
Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport for the visa and entry/exit stamps from other countries you may be visiting
Visa are normally valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, although for some countries it is 6 months. Therefore, do not apply too early, as your visa needs to be valid for your entire stay in the country in question
Ensure all information on the forms is filled out correctly to avoid delays and extra charges for refusal of your visa; • follow all instructions on the visa form exactly and ensure all supporting paper work (passport, photos, money order etc. are included; please double check the cost of the visa with the embassy as it may have changed
Check with the embassy or their web site: ensure you have the most current forms
ALWAYS use a courier to send your application. DO NOT use services by Canada Post / Priority Courier (these are not reliable), unless specifically instructed to do so by the embassy
Enclose a return courier waybill, so the embassy can send you the passport without charge.
Some countries will require additional paper work like letters of invite, hotel lists or bank statements
Some countries have multiple representations in Canada and depending on where you live you must apply at a particular embassy or consulate.
It is easy to get your visa, but if you need us to assist you, there is a CA$75-100 per visa handling fee on top of the cost of the visa. We recommend you use this service in the case of visa for Russia, Central Asian republics, Iran and Libya.
Often your passport needs to be valid for six months after departure from the country visited.
If you have a profession, religious background or family name which may be politically sensitive in the country you wish to visit, please contact us. Examples include, but are not limited to, journalists or clerics travelling to countries with repressive regimes, people of the Jewish faith or from a Jewish family travelling to certain Middle Eastern countries
Travellers to some Middle East countries, including Iran, Syria and Libya, will be denied entry if there is evidence of them having travelled to Israel. This can be an Israeli entry stamp or an entry stamp in to Jordan or Egypt from Israel. If your passport has any evidence of such a trip, you must get a new passport prior to applying for a visa for these countries.
Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport for the visa and entry/exit stamps from other countries you may be visiting
Visa are normally valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, although for some countries it is 6 months. Therefore, do not apply too early, as your visa needs to be valid for your entire stay in the country in question
Ensure all information on the forms is filled out correctly to avoid delays and extra charges for refusal of your visa; • follow all instructions on the visa form exactly and ensure all supporting paper work (passport, photos, money order etc. are included; please double check the cost of the visa with the embassy as it may have changed
Check with the embassy or their web site: ensure you have the most current forms
ALWAYS use a courier to send your application. DO NOT use services by Canada Post / Priority Courier (these are not reliable), unless specifically instructed to do so by the embassy
Enclose a return courier waybill, so the embassy can send you the passport without charge.
Some countries will require additional paper work like letters of invite, hotel lists or bank statements
Some countries have multiple representations in Canada and depending on where you live you must apply at a particular embassy or consulate.
It is easy to get your visa, but if you need us to assist you, there is a CA$75-100 per visa handling fee on top of the cost of the visa. We recommend you use this service in the case of visa for Russia, Central Asian republics, Iran and Libya.
Packing for your adventure holiday
For
all you adventure travellers out there, here is a list of luggage to pack on your adventure holiday.
You can add to it, or leave things at home - just keep the luggage allowances set by various airlines and operators in mind. Traveling light makes your adventure holiday all the more enjoyable. There is a great list of how to pack light for your adventure holiday published by Travel & Leisure Magazine, which you can find here.
Some items on this list may not be necessary for your particular trip. What you will bring on your adventure holiday will vary according to the trip style, the countries you are visiting and when you travel.
You can add to it, or leave things at home - just keep the luggage allowances set by various airlines and operators in mind. Traveling light makes your adventure holiday all the more enjoyable. There is a great list of how to pack light for your adventure holiday published by Travel & Leisure Magazine, which you can find here.
Some items on this list may not be necessary for your particular trip. What you will bring on your adventure holiday will vary according to the trip style, the countries you are visiting and when you travel.
Travel Documents
· Passport· Visas required for your trip
· Travel insurance including insurer details, 24 hr emergency contact telephone number and policy
number (even if you are travelling with credit card insurance)
· Flight tickets, e-ticket receipts
· Latest flight itinerary (times and flight details may differ from those on your ticket)
· Tour & hotel vouchers
· Photocopies of important documents - to be kept separately (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well and email a copy to yourself )
· Latest trip notes / itinerary & other country information
· Spare passport photos
· Youth/student/Senior card
· International driving license if you plan to hire a car
· Dive license
Travel Accessories
· Scissors/army knife with cork screw as required· Local language phrase book
· Personal audio player
· Portable games/playing cards
· Reading material / E-reader
· Water bottle
· Pen/paper
· Travel pillow
· Journal/diary
· Flashlight
· Water purification method
· Personal photos to show local people
· Electrical adapter & converter plugs (see here for details)
· Washing line
· Travel guides & apps
Personal items
· Toiletries· Travel hair dryer
· Shaving equipment
· Bath towel
· Mobile phone - check you have international roaming access
· Rubber flip-flops for showers
· Small mirror
· Small sewing kit & safety pins
Luggage
On some trips you need to carry your own luggage, although you will not be required to walk long distances with it. Soft bags with shoulder straps are preferred. You will also need a day pack to carry items for day trips. If you do a long trek, bring a third bag to leave clean clothes at the end hotel.· Soft suit case, backpack or soft bag with wheels and straps
· Daypack
· Padlocks (and keys)
Sightseeing
· Binoculars· Camera equipment
· Film or memory cards
· Spare batteries / charger
· Dust & water proof camera bag
Money Matters
· Money (cash/credit cards)· Travelers’ cheques - note the serial numbers of your cheques and the emergency contact numbers. Keep these separately from the cheques.
· Your trip kitty (if applicable)
· Money belt or pouch (the main one should fit under your clothes; have a second one for every day use)
· Pocket calculator
Clothing
We recommend you choose clothing that is easy to wash and fast drying. Women should bring a skirt that covers their knees and a scarf for visiting places of worship. Military- style clothing is not recommended in many areas. If out in nature it is recommend you wear beige, light green or light brown clothing (not white) - see our safari pack list. Also bring some smart clothes for nights out.· Pullover/sweater/fleece
· Long-sleeved top (for evenings)
· Long trousers (zip-off pants are versatile)
· Jeans/pants/skirts/sarongs
· Shorts
· T-Shirts
· Dress shirts
· Socks
· underwear
· Washing line
· Bio-degradable washing detergent
Camping
· Travel pillow· Thermarest/sleeping mat
· Ground sheet (or polythene sheet) if you think you’ll be sleeping under the stars.
· Warm sleeping bag (3 or 4 seasons)
· Flash light
Swimming
· Swimming outfit· Swimming towel
· Snorkel, fins & mask
Sleeping
· Eye mask· Alarm clock
· Ear plugs
· Sleepwear
Personal Health
· First aid kit· Personal medication/prescriptions
· Prescription glasses
· Contact lenses and solution
· High protection sunscreen (25+)
· Lip balm/lip salve
· Hat/wide brim hat
· Sunglasses
· Insect repellent
· Antihistamine/insect bite cream
· Antibacterial gel/wipes
· Toilet Paper
· Travel sickness tablets
· Travel vaccination certificates
· After-sun moisturizer
· Anti-malaria pills
· Pain killers
· Rehydration powder (salts & glucose)
· Anti-diarrhea pills (consult your doctor)
· Contraceptives
· Personal medication
· Feminine Hygiene products
Wet
Weather
· Raincoat· Small Umbrella
· Waterproof bags to pack your gear in for rain protection while walking
· Waterproof & windproof jacket
· Waterproof pants
· Gators
Walking or Hiking
· Comfortable walking shoes with good grip· Trekking socks
· Sandals / Tevas
· Hiking poles
· Maps / GPS
· Hand warmers (small packages that create a chemical reaction that generates heat)
· Toque / beanie / balaclava
· Gloves
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