The World’s Greatest Trekking Books

Tom Sykes    Trekking Gear, trekkingholidays     Africa, Borneo, Borneo Jungle, morocco, Polar Trek, Trek Holiday, trekking, Trekking Books, Trekking Destinations, Zaire

Of all the modes of transport covered by the vast canon of travel writing, trekking is perhaps the most popular.

Live it, read about it, write it. Image: Flickr/ Di.Malealea

From the earliest explorers like Xuanzang in the 7th century BC to the Enlightenment to travel writing’s renaissance in the 1970s and ‘80s and beyond, exploring terrains on foot has never fallen out of favour.

And we are forever writing about it, and not always to sing the praises of locations and routes to try.

There’s some great reads you should check out, either as inspiration or eye-openers to the delights and challenges that lie ahead…

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Euro Bike Tours: France and Spain

Paul McWilliams    Cycling     Acitivity Holidays, adventure holidays, Africa, Bordeaux, Camino de Santiago, Carcassonne, Cinque Terre, Cycling Destinations, Cycling Holidays in France, Dordogne River, Euro Bike Tours, Europe, France, Granada, Italian Riviera, Italy, Mediterranean Sea, Provence, Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Tuscany

After what can only be described, at best, as a patchy summer, the nights are once again rolling in. It’s traditionally the time to put away the pannier bags and forget all about cycling holidays and Euro bike tours for another year.

Biking in Provence. Image: Flickr/ jurvetson

Unless, that is, you start to think a little further afield into Southern Europe. The dismal UK weather might make touring only for the diehards, but in France and Spain the milder conditions means euro bike tours are very much still in full swing.

There are several reasons why, over the last twenty years, so many Brits have swapped pound for euro, upped sticks and took bike tours abroad – here are just a few:

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Trekking Holidays for First timers

Tom Sykes    trekkingholidays     Africa, Atlas mountains, explore, First Timers, Inca Trail, Inca trail Trek, Jebel Toubkal, Kilimanjaro Trek, marrakech, morocco, Mount Kilimanjaro, North Africa, Peru, trekking, trekking holidays, Trekking in Morocco

There are almost too many good reasons to get into trekking: the astonishing scenery, the unparalleled health benefits, the sense of freedom, the feeling of achievement when you reach your destination.

Nothing beats that first summit sunset. Image: Flickr/ Stig Nygaard

Every year countless people across the world take up trekking for the first time. However, like any other sport, you can’t expect to take on the toughest challenges as a beginner – you’ll need to start humbly and build yourself up to the big hikes.

So let Explore!, one of the leading tour operators in this field, present some of the very best Trekking Holidays for First timers.

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KSP World Tour: Mauritius Preview

Mark Moore    kiteboardingholidays     Africa, Airton Cozzolino, cape verde, Guincho Beach, Keahi De Aboitiz, kitesurfers, kitesurfing, KSP, KSP World Tour, Madagascar, mauritius, Mauritius 2012, Ninja Bichler, Portugal

The second of four KSP world tour stops is about to drop from September 7-16, 2012. The KSP is the kitesurfing pro world tour that is dedicated to pitting the world’s premiere kitesurfers in the world’s premiere windy waves.

Mauritius One Eye Pro 2011. Image: kspworldtour.com

This is the only repeat event from last season. Last year, the tour saw epic conditions at this stop, with consistent wind and waves in the 8-18 foot range. Some of the pictures that were taken last year at this event are nothing short of unreal!

Reigning world champion, Airton Cozzolino from the African island of Cape Verde is back to defend his title. On the girl’s side, local hero and 2011 champion, Ninja Bichler will be back to charge her home break. But what of Mauritius? And what’s in store for the KSP Tour!

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Namibia: 5 Highlights Under the African Sun

Guest    safariadventureholidays     Africa, Bales Worldwide, Estosha National Park, Excursion, Fish-River Canyon, Namib Nauklut Park, namibia, safari, Safari Holidays, Sossusvlei, Southern Namibia, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay

Whether you are a seasoned or a novice traveller, Namibia offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who have a ‘been there, done that’ attitude when it comes to travelling.

Exotic wildlife at Estosha National Park. Image: Flickr/ MAZZALIARMADI.IT

In fact, travellers are more jaded now than ever before, and even some of the greatest monuments and attractions fail to impress like they did a decade ago.

For example; if you pay a visit to the Sistine Chapel, chances are you will see more people looking at Michelangelo’s most famous painting through an iPhone screen than with their own eyes.In other words, the representation of the thing is more important than the thing itself. However, there are still wonders out there that are so breath-taking that you stand before them in awe, too paralyzed with beauty to even take a picture, let alone post it on Facebook.

Namibia is that type of place. From surreal desert landscapes to world-class game viewing, here are five of Namibia’s must see highlights:

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Marrakech Safari: Your Journey into North Africa

Tom Sykes    safariadventureholidays     Africa, Atlas mountains, Cheap Hotel in Marrakech, Cheap hotels, Foum Takkat, Hostel Bookers, Hostelbookers.com, marrakech, Marrakech Hostels, Marrakech Safari, Mdaouer Kir, morocco, North Africa, off-road, safari, Safari Adventure Holidays, Safari Holidays, Safari in Morocco, Tassa Ouirgane National Park, Tichka Pass

From prancing dromedaries to the dunes of the Sahara, timeless mountains to fruitful wadis, there’s no end of things to see on a Marrakech Safari.

In a off road vehicle. Image: Flickr/ indigoprime

And not just any vehicle will do; ideally you’ll travel in a Landrover Defender with 1.4 ton Zu Rim wheels, high air intake engine and galvanised powder-coated sidebars.

And if you plan overnight camping, hardy roof tents are needed to repel wind, rain and sandstorms.

Sometimes it takes enduring these challenges to reap the rewards. And here’s a few to tempt you on your way.

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Surfing in South Africa: Top 10 breaks

Jeff    surfingholidays, Top 10s     Africa, south africa, Surf, Surfing, surfing holidays, Surfing in South Africa, Surfing spots

Acting as the heel of the African continent, South Africa slices the southerly swells of the Antarctic Ocean in two. Surfing in South Africa you’ll enjoy bays and jagged coves which transform ocean pulses into perfect peeling waves.

South Africa, warm water and peeling waves. Image: TTRide

Shark bumps and chilly water temperatures aren’t enough to overlook the amazing surfing potential here.

And out of the water there’s much to be discovered, in a country that’s vibrating with enthusiasm for its own future.

Back with the waves, a South African surfing holiday would not be complete without visiting one, or more of the following top 10 breaks:

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