The Galapagos Islands are one of the most famous wildlife spotting destinations in the entire world and one of the best ways to see them is by boat. Let's take a look of some of the must see sights that the islands have to offer and how to experience them by boat without blowing your budget!
An Overview of The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are situated right on the equator, approximately 620 miles from Ecuador and were the inspiration behind Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. The islands are home to a unique ecosystem with landscapes that include lava formations, lush green forests and tropical beaches. The resident wildlife ranges from penguins and sea lions to giant tortoises and hundreds of species of birds.
Why Visit By Boat?
In truth, the only practical way to visit the Galapagos Islands is with a boat that can double up accommodation. This is simply because of how remote the islands are and the need to travel between islands. There are currently around 80 vessels which are licensed to operate within the archipelago which is very strictly controlled to protect the islands and wildlife. The majority of ships will go ashore twice daily and will travel between the islands overnight. This means that on a 10 day cruise you can expect to go ashore up to 20 times on various islands within the archipelago.
It sounds expensive, but if you make the trip within what is known as 'shoulder season' you will be able to get as much as 30% off the usual price of a Galapagos cruise. However, some activities may not be available during this time so do research what is included with your discounted cruise. The shoulder season runs between April and June then between September and December.
Traveling Independently
It is possible to travel to the Galapagos Islands independent of a cruise, but it is a little bit more complex. In the majority of areas visitors are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide. However, there are some activities which you can do on your own and which do not require an admission fee. The extremity of the regulations may shock some visitors but it is necessary to protect the unique eco-system. Visitors can only disembark at designated landing points on the islands and may only walk on the marked trails.
Must See Features of The Galapagos
No matter what time of year you choose to visit you are sure to see some amazing sights courtesy of the local wildlife, but some of the highlight include the following :
January is egg laying season for the green turtles.
May to September is the best time to enjoy swimming among the penguins.
June sees the arrival of the humpback whales.
July to September sees the most activity among the seabirds.
August is pupping season for the sealions.
December is when the giant tortoise eggs begin to hatch.
A trip to the Galapagos Islands is the experience of a lifetime. There is nowhere else lie it in the world. Travelling by boat will give you a perfect combination of life on the open sea coupled with the exploration of this amazing archipelago.
About the Author: Tim Baker has incurable wanderlust. He loves traveling the world and often shares his experiences on a number of websites. He also has a keen interest in boats and is a regular contributor of maritime resources for some online publications.
Staycations are great for taking a break from the daily routine and not breaking the bank at the same time. But let's face it, there is only so much to see and do within a few hours’ drive from home. The good news is, there are several destinations around the country that are very budget-friendly making a trip there quite affordable such as the following five.
#1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina and Tennessee share the most visited national park in the United States. The area is beautiful in the spring, summer and early fall. Admission to the park is always absolutely free. Free activities include hiking, fishing, touring historic sites, scenic drives and wildlife watching. Camp out or stay in an inexpensive motel well within driving distance.
#2. Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma
Variety is the spice of a great vacation, and that is just what you will find in Oklahoma's Chickasaw country. Drive the scenic and colorful Route 66 for a variety of terrain to enjoy. Along the way, you will find camping or cheap, clean accommodations. This part of Oklahoma has many great discount coupons for travelers as well as free attractions. You may not have thought of taking an Oklahoma vacation before, but here’s an opportunity to re-think that. It won't be hard to find amusement parks, aquariums and low-entrance fee state park throughout the Chickasaw Nation. If that sounds too family-oriented for your taste, rest assured you will find great nightlife and casinos too.
#3. Western South Dakota
For a taste of the Wild West, head for Western South Dakota for a budget-friendly vacation full of Americana. You will feel at home on the range where buffalo still roam free at Custer State Park. Modern and primitive campsites, cabins and lodges provide very affordable accommodations. Historic sites and museums are all packed into about a 100-mile range. Visit Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. For the best deals, plan your trip for late August or early May when the weather is still comfortable.
#4. Niagara Falls
Around eight million people each year marvel at 700,000 gallons of water per second cascading over the falls at Niagara Falls for free. Additionally, dozens of free events and attractions are scheduled throughout the year. For even greater savings and fun, the Niagara Falls State Park sells a USA Discovery Pass for admissions to attractions like the Maid of the Mist boat tour and Cave of the Winds observation deck. The key to saving on accommodations is to stay further out for downtown and visiting during the slow season which includes April, May, September and October.
#5. Washington, D.C.
Surprisingly, our nation's capital is the ultimate budget vacation. That's because you are only going to be spending money on meals and accommodations. All of the attractions that people want to visit in the District of Columbia are completely free. These attractions include the 19 Smithsonian Museums, Capital Hill and the National Zoo. Rates and accommodations are lowest December to February. Enjoy free concerts and ice skating at the National Mall during December. The Capital City has many stay-two nights-third-night-free deals around town.
Enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Take advantage of free and low-cost activities such as these. With some smart planning, some great deals can be found. Expand your horizons and set out to see the country.
Photo by Mary Anne Baker via Flickr Creative Commons
Photo by Mary Anne Baker via Flickr Creative Commons
London is a city which is packed full of things to do. Visitors to the city are often keen to travel from one end of the city limits to the other in search of things with which to fill their time but the truth is that travelling such distances really isn't necessary.
There's a lot of fun to be had in every single part of the capital city.
Greenwich is one of the most interesting parts of London and certainly has no shortage of things to do. Here, we take a look at five things you must do while in the area.
1. The park
Greenwich Royal Park is worth a visit wherever you are in London but for those looking for something to do in the Greenwich area it should be right at the top of your list.
Not only is it a beautiful environment in itself, it also offers some spectacular views over the city. For this reason, it's worth saving a trip to the park for a clear day. A beautiful summer's day can be spent with a picnic on the grass with absolutely no regrets.
2. The market
Historically, Greenwich is no stranger to markets. Today, it is still possible to visit the market site which has been operating since the early part of the 19th century.
There are a number of well known markets around London but Greenwich really is among the best.
3. Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark is a clipper ship which does a great job of illustrating some of the country's history. Visitors to Greenwich are unlikely to miss the ship which is now on display in the area.
A new glass surround might not please the eye but it does make it possible to stand underneath the ship, making for a quite an experience. Choosing hotels in Greenwich London close to this site is highly recommended.
4. National Maritime Museum
If there's one thing Greenwich is famous for it's the time zone. But if there are two, then the second would undoubtedly be its maritime history.
As well as the famous Cutty Sark, visitors interested in the history can visit the sizeable National Maritime Museum.
5. Emirates Air Line
The Emirates Air Line is a cable car which takes people across the Thames. In addition, you can learn a thing or two about aviation from the station which includes the chance to use a flight simulator.
There's a lot of fun to be had in every single part of the capital city.
Greenwich is one of the most interesting parts of London and certainly has no shortage of things to do. Here, we take a look at five things you must do while in the area.
1. The park
Greenwich Royal Park is worth a visit wherever you are in London but for those looking for something to do in the Greenwich area it should be right at the top of your list.
Not only is it a beautiful environment in itself, it also offers some spectacular views over the city. For this reason, it's worth saving a trip to the park for a clear day. A beautiful summer's day can be spent with a picnic on the grass with absolutely no regrets.
2. The market
Historically, Greenwich is no stranger to markets. Today, it is still possible to visit the market site which has been operating since the early part of the 19th century.
There are a number of well known markets around London but Greenwich really is among the best.
3. Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark is a clipper ship which does a great job of illustrating some of the country's history. Visitors to Greenwich are unlikely to miss the ship which is now on display in the area.
A new glass surround might not please the eye but it does make it possible to stand underneath the ship, making for a quite an experience. Choosing hotels in Greenwich London close to this site is highly recommended.
4. National Maritime Museum
If there's one thing Greenwich is famous for it's the time zone. But if there are two, then the second would undoubtedly be its maritime history.
As well as the famous Cutty Sark, visitors interested in the history can visit the sizeable National Maritime Museum.
5. Emirates Air Line
The Emirates Air Line is a cable car which takes people across the Thames. In addition, you can learn a thing or two about aviation from the station which includes the chance to use a flight simulator.
If you’re seeking a location for your next conference that is picture-perfect and is bathed in the sub-tropical sunshine, you should consider Umhlanga for your upcoming business meeting. When you want your business associates to be motivated, energized, and rejuvenated for the work that lays ahead, this prestigious location with pristine beaches is the ultimate in conference venues. Not only will you want your conference attendees to have the experience of a lifetime but also you’ll want them to have the opportunity to be a true professional outside the workplace environment. They are the visible representatives of your company so you’ll want to offer them tips for proper etiquette so that your company will only receive positive attention.
Proper attire should be expected at your conference. Business casual clothing might be accepted but you should inform your business associates what you expect them to wear and the dress code that is acceptable for them at the business meetings. By letting them know what is expected in advance, they will be able to pack the proper clothing and shoes to bring with them to the conference.
Your employees should be encouraged to plan ahead. They need a list of things to take with them to the conference that will make their lives easier and that will keep their technology working properly. They’ll need mobile device chargers, pens, paper, and supplies that will make taking and keeping notes easier. You might suggest that they pack a brief case to house all of the equipment that they will need.
Remind them of proper business etiquette. This includes shaking hands, greeting colleagues and guests, and conducting themselves with the proper behaviour at all times. They should speak in a positive manner about the company and guard their reputation by paying attention to details.
The conference attendees should be professional during the conference. This means that they arrive on time for meetings, they are focused during presentations, they ask relevant questions, and they clean up the area in which they have been sitting if they’ve snacked or had anything to drink during the meeting.
Business cards are a must at your convention. Each employee needs to have a supply of business cards on hand in case they connect with someone with whom they want to speak with later. If your employees gather cards from other professionals, remind them to store the card in a safe place for future use.
As you begin to search for affordable accommodation for your conference, you’ll want to pull together some communications that inform attendees about the location, the proper attire, and guidelines for their behavior during the conference. They will appreciate all of the helpful tips that you offer them so that their conference experience is enjoyable. When dealing with the concierge on hotel specials that provide your staff with sightseeing trips and excursions, they should always represent your company in a positive and professional manner.
While at the hotel in Umhlanga you’ll want your employees to treat the staff with respect and tip properly those who offer exceptional service. Good manners are always in style and knowing the proper etiquette for a convention is paramount to the satisfaction that your employees will have with your conference.
Image courtesy of: FreeDigitalPhotos.net sixninepixels
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