Fiji is a tropical paradise offering a variety of terrains ranging from mountain peaks to lowland river plains. Visitors can take their choice of adventure tours in several types of geography.

This island nation consists of about three hundred major islands and several hundred islets. Of the larger islands, about one hundred are inhabited. The two largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The larger islands are volcanic and have rugged terrain with cliffs. Mountain climbing is one of the favourite things to do for travellers on their Fiji holidays, and there are many mountain tours available.

The larger islands are wooded on their windward side and grassy on the leeward side, offering many secluded places to be explored. Many species of animals and plants that are seen here live nowhere else in the world, and travellers in search of unique natural experiences can certainly find them here. There are many hiking and river boating tours which are a perennial favourite for visitors. In particular, the river systems of Fiji are a big attraction for kayakers who can take day trips into forested areas and find the essence of natural Fiji.

With all the beautiful, out-of-the-way places Fiji offers, it’s no surprise that bicycle and motorcycle tours are also a popular activity. In Fiji nature is right outside your hotel, so an afternoon outing on a motorcycle can take the curious traveller deep into unspoiled areas of unparalleled beauty.

The waters around Fiji are home to a flourishing ecosystem that attracts countless visitors. The island group is encircled by coral reefs offering endless opportunities for exploration. There are many boat tours featuring exceptional diving experiences in this natural wonderland, sometimes ending in a picnic lunch in a secluded lagoon.

There are many water tours tailored to certain specific activities, such as jet boating, surfing and leisurely cruising. Jet ski adventures among the islets are a big hit with travellers.

Sport fishers love Fiji. Fishing tours are a huge favourite, offering the chance to catch mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, tuna, marlin and wahoo. There is also reef fishing, jigging for tuna and popping/casting, each with its specific tours.

Some say that all this natural beauty can only be taken in from above, and hot air ballooning is certainly a spectacular experience. Ballooning tours attract many enthusiasts every year.

Many tours in Fiji include several activities, allowing their participants to relax, dive, swim, hike around and generally enjoy the place. Fiji even has hot mud pools for deep relaxation.

There are village visits to sample the native culture, jungle treks and visits to gorgeous waterfalls. Fiji is now home to three distinct cultural groups, each with a unique culture. The island of Taveuni has an indigenous culture with a long, proud history. In addition, people of Micronesian and Polynesian ethnicity were relocated in Fiji after World War II, and their descendants now continue their native culture on Rabi and Kioa Islands. Tourists interested in seeing the culture of the islands firsthand can arrange tours of villages.

Photo by: ErinKhoo

The archipelago has a different climate than mainland Ecuador. There are two seasons: hot and rainy from December to June and cooler weather from June to November. The peak travel season for those who want to see the wildlife is between December and May. Summer months – June to August – are also popular as the animals are very active.

Visiting Galapagos is not cheap. First you need to fly into Ecuador and then choose a domestic flight into the islands. They depart from Guayaquil or Quito. There are two flights a day from Quito but it’s cheaper to fly from Guayaqui.

If you don’t want to worry about planning the vacation on your own, you can book one of the adventure trips to the Galapagos Islands . They depart from Quito and combine nature tours with history. Plus you can book such a trip online and only worry about how to get to Quito since once you are there everything is taken care of. Price wise, adventure trips range between US$1735 per person (5 days) and $4990 per person (24 days).

Of course, you need to add the cost of airfare to Quito. A round trip flight from New York in mid-August starts at US$772 per person, while if you leave from London you’ll rack up from US$1709 per person for a round trip.

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Those who do venture out this way find that there are a surprising number of things to do in Southern Russia. There are historic towns, archaeological sites, vineyards and great local food. And there are lots of activities for adventure lovers. Goryachiy Klyuch, small town about 60km away from Krasnodar offers an abundance of hiking trails, suitable for hikers of all fitness levels and lasting from a few hours to several days. Along the Black Sea Coast, take your pick from summer or winter activities. In the summer, visit Sochi, where the sea temperature can rise up to 28C (82F). Or head to Krasnaya Polyana in winter to ski, snowboard and go sledding.

Russia may be one of the less-visited countries of the world, but it has many appeals, particularly in areas that are even further away from the tourist crowds, where you can see an unexpected side of the country and get a closer look at what life is like for the people.  So if you’re up for some adventure in a place you might night have previously considered, book your tickets to Moscow, spend a few days in the city, and then head to Southern Russia.

Photo by: Daniel Beilinson

Hiking

Hiking is probably the number one summer activity in Vail and Beaver Creek. In either town, you can put your muscles to the test by hiking from the bottom up, or take it a little easier by riding the chairlift to the mountain top and then hiking down. There are several 14ers (peaks over 14,000 feat high) that can be hiked in a day trip from either town, and the Beaver Creek Hiking Center offers several daily guided hikes fit for all ages and fitness levels.

Biking

Second only to hiking, biking is another popular summer activity in Colorado and both Beaver Creek and Vail provide ample opportunity for long ride. Bike around either town, head up the mountains, or ride the chairlifts up and then coast your way back down. You can bring your own bike, book a guided ride, or rent bikes cheaply by the day or hour in either town.

White-water rafting and Jeep tours

With dozens of different offerings suited to varying experience levels, the rafting outfitters near Vail and Beaver Creek can provide trips ranging from smooth and mild to rough and wild. Check out Timberline Tours or Lakota Guides for trips ranging from $60 – $160 per person. Timberline also offers Jeep tours that are an adrenaline-filled way to take in some spectacular scenery and view the area’s beautiful flora and fauna.

Horseback riding

Several outfitters offer horseback riding near Vail and Beaver Creek.  Beaver Creek Stables offers rides that range from one hour to a full day with lunch and cost from $65-$200 per person. For the ultimate day on horseback, book the lake ride which follows Beaver Creek to Beaver Lake, where you’ll stop for a lavish lunch before riding back. You can even arrange to travel by horseback to dinner at Beano’s Cabin.

Dining and drinking

Okay so dining and drinking aren’t really outdoor activities, but in Vail and Beaver Creek, the art of eating and drinking may as well be a competitive sports. Plus, you’ve got to refuel from all that activity somehow, and why not with the fresh local fare found in both towns. From locally raised, grass fed Colorado lamb and beef to farm-fresh fruits and veggies to wines and craft beers from around the world, Vail and Beaver Creek have you covered for top-notch food and drink. In summer, don’t miss the weekly Vail Farmers Market, or plan your trip for August to visit for the Beaver Creek Wine and Spirits Festival.

Photo by TalAtlas, hunkdujour

When you look for your next flights on Hawaiian Airlines , how about planning to fly to Maui? Book one of the cheap hotels on Maui and make plans to explore the superb island.

If you don’t like the cold weather in Continental US then planning a vacation in Maui in January or February is the best way to escape the snow and cold temperatures. The island’s natural beauty recommends it as a place to explore the nature. Among hikes on volcanoes and enjoying the sun on the beach, don’t forget to eat like a local on Maui . And by the way, it’s actually cheap to enjoy an interesting and good meal if you know where to find it. Whether you are after Japanese food or good old American hot dog, you can find them all here.

And remember, regardless of what you plan to do once you arrive in Hawaii, always leave room for some romance. You’ll fall in love with the sunsets, sunrises and the landscape…and we are pretty sure that you’ll end up planning your next St. Valentine’s escape on one of the Hawaiian islands.

First of all, make sure to browse the flights to Australia and book a flight in advance. Keep your eyes on the airlines’ special offers, as well, especially if you are the kind of traveler who decides to leave on the spur of the moment.

Then, make sure to book a hotel room as well. You can easily find cheap hotels in Kings Cross , a neighborhood in Sydney known for its lively nightlife scene.

Now that you’ve got the flight and accommodation booked, it’s time to plan the adventure. Probably the most popular activity for those seeking the adrenaline rush in Australia is skydiving. Also, theme parks are very popular all over the world. And the more exciting the rides, the better… Dreamworld, located in Gold Coast, is definitely a place you should visit.

Who wants to try bungee jumping? Yup, so do I ! (It’s on my bucket list, actually) Bungee jumping is quite a popular activity in Australia. The oldest location is in Gold Coast but you can find plenty of them all over the country. And if you are after the weirdest way to get that adrenaline rush…try zorbing. Hang gliding is also a lovely way to experience the rush of flying.

Swimming with… let’s say “interesting” creatures is also very popular. Crocodiles? Check! Sharks? We’ve got them, too! Don’t worry, you’ll always be in a secure environment.

And let’s not forget the very popular white water rafting. The northern part of Australia is the place to try it. Just make sure to choose the appropriate level of difficulty for your experience.

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Aside from booking the Las Vegas flights you also need to plan the entire hiking adventure ahead of time. First of all, you need a permit to hike to and camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. You need to plan ahead especially if you want to come during the summer. There are only 13,000 permits issued by The National Park Service each year and typically there are over 30,000 requests registered.

When it comes to accommodation, plan to spend at least two nights at the bottom. It is possible to book rooms but the cheapest option is camping. There’s only one campground and you need to book in advance. The cost is $18/night for up to two vehicles, six people, and three tents.

Ideally you should have hiking experience and you should have some stamina as well to consider hiking the Grand Canyon. The two most popular trails to the bottom are South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail.

Pack a lot of food and water. If you hike during summer it’s really dry and hot so don’t forget to hydrate. Bring lots of salty treats so that you can replenish the salt you lose by perspiration.

Don’t forget your camera and plenty of memory cards (and batteries). Slow down and stop to take photos. The scenery is breathtaking and you’ll be fascinated.

This is not a trip to plan on the spur of the moment. Not only do you need to get a permit and secure a place to stay but you also need to be prepared for the hike. This is a challenging endeavor and often times the simplest detail can make or break the trip.

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These days there are several kinds of Antarctic cruises a traveler can pick from to reach Antarctica, which means it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. The fact that these trips are cruises shouldn’t deter the adventurer, although some of these ships offer more luxuries and space than many studio apartments. People who prefer the idea of “roughing it” can opt instead for ships that are former research vessels rather than those that were built solely for shuttling tourists to Antarctica in comfort.

You essentially have two options when it comes to a departure point for a trip to Antarctica – you can leave from New Zealand/Australia, or you can leave from South America. The former is a longer journey across open water, and the latter is by far the most popular. The cost of a trip varies quite dramatically, partly depending on how long the trip is, the level of “luxury” on your ship, and what shore excursions are included. Because it’s possible to make a trip from South America to Antarctica in far less time, that’s the route that typically has the least expensive cruises.

Departures from South America usually leave from Ushuaia in Argentina, so if you’re taking an Antarctic trip without visiting the rest of the country it might be most efficient to get airfare to Ushuaia directly. You might find cheaper fares, however, into the biggest international airport in Buenos Aires – and in that case, you might as well stay in the capital and enjoy the city before heading south! Here are some cheap Buenos Aires hotels to accommodate you before your Antarctic voyage.

photo by Trodel

Hostels here are often advertised as budget resorts and because of this you can expect to pay for it. It is not uncommon to pay 20+ a night for a simple dorm room. The upside to these high hostel prices is that you access to the “resorts” amenities and facilities.

Top 3 Adventures in Tahiti

• Dive with Manta Rays – Go scuba diving with some of the largest manta rays around.
• Helicopter Tour of the Islands – This is one of the best ways to really appreciate the beauty of the islands.
• Jeep Safari Adventure – Discover the island of Bora Bora and drive around its jungle mountains, see historic remains, and the remnants of US GI’s from during the war.

Getting to Tahiti

Start planning for your trip by checking out BootsnAlls cheap flights to Tahiti. You can also lookup hotels in Tahiti by visiting our hotel page which is full of reviews by other travelers.