Whitewater Rafting – How to Keep Your Rafting Trip Safe
For some people, the idea of going on a white water rafting trip can conjure up images of Meryl Streep in “The River Wild,” Visit here http://mainewhitewater-rafting.blogspot.com
or Burt Reynolds in “Deliverance.” Concerns about a raft flipping over, or the fear of falling out of the raft, can frighten some would-be vacationers, keeping them on dry land while millions of others are flocking to this increasingly popular adventure trip every year. What are the real risks in whitewater rafting? And the real safety statistics? You might just be surprised.
Consider, for example, the Lehigh River in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania … one of the most popular whitewater vacation destinations in America. Guided whitewater rafting trips were introduced there in 1975, by an outfit named Whitewater Challengers. Today, four professional whitewater outfitters offer daily rafting trips on more than 25 miles of whitewater rapids in the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Over the past three and a half decades, professional whitewater rafting outfitters have hosted over 3 million rafting visitors on more than 25 million miles of guided whitewater rafting trips (the equivalent of going to the moon and back, 52 times!), racking up an impeccable safety record in the process.
In spite the lingering angst have about signing up for what some people still call an “extreme” sport, the truth is, a guided whitewater rafting trip down the Lehigh River is statistically safer than getting into your car and driving there. There are several reasons that whitewater rafting outfitters can compile such remarkable safety records, including:
1. These are guided whitewater rafting trips. Professional whitewater rafting guides are with you all day. They know the river; they know the hazards; they know the best route through the whitewater; they know how to help you avoid mistakes; and they know what to do if it looks like things might start to go wrong. For example, at Whitewater Challengers, guides receive training in swift water rescue, Red Cross first aid (standard and advanced) and CPR. In addition, they accumulate thousands of hours on the river, becoming familiar with every section of whitewater at each of dozens of different water levels. This is important because two trips down the exact same section of river at different water levels can result in dramatically different levels of excitement.
2. You’re in a whitewater raft, not a canoe. If you try this sport in a whitewater canoe or whitewater kayak, and it’s a whole different ball game. Professional whitewater rafts are designed with two things in mind: not tipping over; and not puncturing. A properly constructed commercial-grade whitewater raft will bounce off most boulders, and keep a steady course in remarkably turbulent water. In most places, you can float through the whitewater rapids forwards, backwards or even sideways, and it’s all just part of the fun. If you do that in a canoe, a kayak, or a flimsy swimming pool raft, the results can be disappointing, to say the least.
3. You’re [...]
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Whitewater Rafting – How To Keep Your Rafting Trip Safe
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Simple and Safe Ways to Choose Your Hotel or Resort
Planning a vacation overseas for you and your family? As you browse the various websites and internet marketing for resorts for images and descriptions, you’ll quickly notice how all of the descriptions and pictures of the resorts show the perfect vacation travel spot. How can you be sure they are being completely honest in their resort marketing ads?
There must be a way to determine which resorts are better short of trying to find someone who was there and the hotel resort marketing used. You never even have been to the destination country and know no one there either. There must be an easier way to book a room, right? The answer is yes there is and it only requires a little bit of homework with resort internet marketing on your part.
Independent Hotel Ratings
Your first step is to browse through various resort internet marketing ads and stop on some of the hotel review sites for guest ratings. Many of these review sites are also found on the results pages of hotel internet marketing campaigns. Reading through some of these comments can give you a fair idea on what to expect from the particular hotels located in your intended destination. I recommend looking through some of this hotel internet marketing and reading about four or five of these comments in order to get a fair overview.
Hotel Chains
Is the resort you are looking at part of an international hotel chain, such as Hilton? The majority of these international chains not only have detailed hotel and resort marketing but also implement strict standards which must be adhered to along with a standard theme for every hotel across all of their chains such as similar facilities ranging from health clubs to business centers. They do so to maintain their hotel’s high standards and reputation. As you are browsing over some internet marketing for resorts ads, pay attention to other perks and added services such as concierge, shuttle services to the city, airport transfers or laundry services.
Location
One of the most important things to go over when browsing resort marketing and trying to find a resort is the location. Places near or close to historical or shopping areas, train stations or the center of the city tend to charge higher rates compared to those located elsewhere. The resort internet marketing will often times give you an idea of all of this. Look over a map of the area before booking to determine where the closest shopping areas and tourist attractions are.
Rates and Discounts
Rates and hotel and resort marketing play a big part when choosing a hotel. Understand that paying more does not always mean a better level of service and standards. Pay attention to either the internet marketing for resorts or hotel resort marketing see if they are part of an alliance with flights or car rental companies. Some of these offer discounts to customers of their business partners.
Are Hostels, Camps and Private Homes Safe for Travelers
Yes – and no. As with any traveling and staying in an unknown spot, there will be some dangers. Most of them you can avoid. If you know the risks before you travel, you can be prepared for any situation.
If you decide camping is the accommodation style for you, you should have a good knowledge of the area you are going to camp in. Will you be staying in a public campsite or will you be camping wherever you feel the need to pitch your ten? If it is the latter, make sure it is legal to camp in the spot you have chosen. Check whether you need to provide your own drinking water. Camp grounds in remote places may require you take in water. If you are using water from streams or creeks, boil it first to get rid of bacteria.
Animals can provide a source of danger in campsites. If you are camping in bear country you will need to take special precautions. Take care of how you store your food and where you pitch your tent. You will need to either store all your food in a bear proof box or hang it from a tree. Check the area before you camp to make sure there are no signs of recent bear activity. If there are, move on to another site. Other dangerous animals that you need to be aware of when camping are snakes and spiders. These beasts like to get in and under things so always check before you put on any clothes and shoes.
Camping is a good way to meet fellow travelers, but you can not always be sure your possessions will be safe from unscrupulous people. Ensure all valuables are locked in the car or stowed safely when you are not at your campsite.
Hostels are a good, safe way to travel, but like any public place, you still need to take precautions. Hostels that are members of a network may provide a safer option as they are well controlled. You can take safety measures by locking up your valuables in lockers if they are provided. Or ask the manager if they have a safe you can lock your valuables in. Sleep with your money and passport at night if you are sharing a room with strangers. Most hostels have bunk rooms segregated by gender. But some don’t. If you are a female traveling alone, it might be wise to stay in a hostel that has only same sex rooms.
Staying in private homes with the owners living there as well, (charging you for board), is probably the least safe option when traveling. This is because you don’t know the people you are staying with and in some countries it is actually illegal for residents to hire out their rooms to travelers. If this option is one you want to pursue, try and book your room through the local tourist office or through an agency. At least if there is a [...]
Tips for Your Safe Holidays Tour in Victoria, Australia
Australia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with everything a traveler wants to do and see during a holiday. Australia is known for its beautiful & spectacular landscapes. The most spectacular thing in Australia includes number of crystal clear beaches, tall and adventurous mountains, great food and wine and friendly peoples.
More than 4, 00,000 visitors hit Australian shores every month for their holidays and relaxation. From that, large amount of visitors hit region of Victoria for getting adventurous holiday tours, sporting, fashion and cultural events. Visiting the tourist destinations of Victoria, you will discover the great diversity and beauty of Victoria’s regions. The adventurous Victoria has towering rainforests, ski resorts and endless golden bays, to craggy ocean cliffs, rolling green hills and red sandy deserts to give you thrilling holiday experience.
The state of Victoria has number of beaches, tall mountains and long forests, where you can plan your adventurous activities like rock climbing, abseiling, white water rafting & horse riding. Also it’s a great fun to discovering the rural and wild life of Victoria in your 4wd vehicles. So, while you are on your tour to Australia, do not forget to try some of the Victoria’s adventurous activities like Rock Climbing / Abseiling Mt. Buffalo, Cattle Drive in High Country, Rafting at Grogging plains etc. One of the best tour providers I am aware about in Victoria, Australia is www.AdventureVictoria.com.au
However, it’s unavoidable and has to consider that Australia has a diverse climate that can be harsh for those who are careless, or who don’t prepare themselves well in advance for their journey. So while your tour to Australia, be prepare and consider all under mentioned safety guidelines for joyous journey.
Always have a road map handy
Keep all important contact numbers handy
Carry & wear proper cloths, as demanded by climate
Driving your vehicle safely, always on left side of road
Do keep an eye on your gauges and remember to keep your vehicle’s petrol tank well filled and your water topped up
Make sure you have a spare tyre and digging tools in your vehicle
Be aware of wildlife, while hiking or forest driving.
When you are at beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags fitted by guards
Don’t try to touch any sea creatures you may see. They may bite, sting and, on occasions, can be fatal
Wear long trousers and boots if walking in forest or long grasses
Drink plenty of water and do not forget to carry at enough water for your tour
Carry enough money in pocket for any emergency that may occur
If you consider all above safety guidelines while planning your trip, I probably think you’ll have a wonderful trip to Victoria and across Australia. I pray for your upcoming safe and sensation tour [...]