The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a famed long-distance hiking trail traversing the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the United States. For about 260 km (160 miles), the trail follows the same path as the longer Pacific Crest Trail, which continues north to Canada. The trail is named after naturalist John Muir, who was an early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States. The JTM provides several opportunities for dayhikers, while completing the entire trail takes about three weeks.
"The John Muir Trail is the premier hiking trail in the United States. The trail starts in America's treasure, Yosemite National Park, and continues 215 miles through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, King's Canyon National Park, and ends at the highest peak in continental United States, Mount Whitney at 14,496 ft." (JohnMuirTrail.org)
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Boasting the largest concentration of wildlife in the world, the vast open plain of Serengeti is surely one of the jewels of African safari. Over 90,000 tourists flock to the Serengeti National Park each year to enjoy and admire the spectacular diversity of wild animal life. Serengeti is the home of 2,500 lions, which is the largest population found anywhere in the world. But it is the enormous herds of wildebeest that really get stuck in the minds of all visitors who get a chance to experience this safari destination.
"It is the migration for which Serengeti is perhaps most famous. Over a million wildebeest and about 200,000 zebras flow south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the short rains every October and November, and then swirl west and north after the long rains in April, May and June. So strong is the ancient instinct to move that no drought, gorge or crocodile infested river can hold them back." (Serengeti.org)
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The various routes up to Mount Kilimanjaro take you through some of Africa's most amazing scenery and wildlife, and the reward at the peak is a view that will stay with you for life. The snow-capped cone of the mountain is an icon for all hikers looking to the African continent. At an altitude of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the world's highest free-standing mountain. The ascent, however, is relatively easy compared to other mountains of this size.
"Above the gently rolling hills and plateaux of northern Tanzania rises the snowy peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, it’s slopes and glaciers shimmering above the rising clouds. Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse." (TanzaniaTouristBoard.com)
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From a height of 233 meters (764 feet) above the city concrete, Macau Tower offers the highest and perhaps most scary bungee jump in the world. The bungee jumping platform is maintained and operated by A. J. Hackett, arguably the most experienced and professional outfitter in the game. A. J. Hackett himself set the Guinness World Record of "The Highest Bungee Jump from a Building" when he jumped here in 1987. The commercial operation was started in 2006.
"The Macau Tower is an icon of Macau and one of the most advanced towers on the planet. At a height of 338 meters high the tower doubles as an urban playground and place for people of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves." (AJHackett.com/macau)
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Originating in the picturesque Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne River boasts fifteen Class V white water rapids. Main Tuolumne River and its upper section called Cherry Creek are considered by many to have the most challenging white water in the United States. In one mile-long (1 kilometer) section of Cherry Creek referred to as the "Miracle Mile", the river falls as much as 200 feet (60 meters). Plummeting over giant granite boulders torn from the eroded bedrock of the Sierra Mountains the river also provides a memorable scenic experience.
"California whitewater enthusiasts have been rafting on the Tuolumne since the 60's. The Main Tuolumne is located just west of Yosemite National Park, with some of the best California whitewater rafting in the Sierra Foothills. The Tuolumne is a premier California whitewater rafting river, and is also considered one of the all time Classic California whitewater rafting runs." (Tuolumne-River.com)
Bonaire is a Caribbean island with more than 86 designated dive sites, 58 of which can be reached from shore. This great accessibility to a range of stunning dive sites coupled with an enormous variety of fish has contributed to making Bonaire one of the worlds premier scuba diving destinations. The fringing reef which surrounds Bonaire has been a protected marine park for the past 30 years, making it one of the oldest marine parks in the Caribbean. It is not without reason that Bonaire's license plates carry the suggestive logo Diver's Paradise.
"The island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and diveable year round. It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers. Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F (25.6-28.9°C), with visibility averaging over 100 feet (30m), and frequently reaching up to 150 feet (50m)." (InfoBonaire.com)
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Heavenly Mountain on the south shores of Lake Tahoe is one of the largest snowboarding mountains in the United States and has a range of progressive terrain parks. As one of Lake Tahoe's six resorts, Heavenly is probably the region's premier resort for board riders. Located in a snow-sure region on the California - Nevada border, the resort promises a long season and some magnificent views of the lake.
"With 4,800 acres, we are one of North America's largest mountains. At over 10,000 feet, we are Tahoe's highest. Our 3,500 foot vertical is unmatched on the West Coast. And our average annual snowfall is a formidable 360 inches. And just in case that's not enough for you, we have one of the largest snowmaking systems on the continent at the ready, covering 70% of the mountain." (SkiHeavenly.com)
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The remoteness of Maldives' beaches gives them some of the clearest blue waters and whitest coral sands on the planet. The Maldives archipelago consists of 1,190 coral islands whereof only 200 are inhabited and another 80 developed for tourists. This means enormous opportunities for beach lovers to find remote, private retreats to enjoy the enchanting scenery. The same remoteness that ensures the purity of the beaches on the Maldives also makes the country a superb destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
The magic of the virgin Maldives beaches is as made for romantic couples on a honeymoon or anyone else looking for an exotic, tropical beach adventure claims TourismInMaldives.com: "Situated on the Equator towards the south of Sri Lanka, Maldives is strewn with sun soaked beaches rich in coconuts and tropical fruits. Rejuvenate on the heavenly Maldives beaches and regale breathtaking natural vistas."
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Flick photo credit: Beach originally uploaded by shazwan
Three of the four Caribbean atolls are found off the shores of Belize, making it an extremely attractive destination for snorkelers. The country also has the second largest barrier reef in the world running parallel to its coast. No wonder Belize is reckoned as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. Particularly popular among snorkelers is Shark and Ray Alley where hundreds of stingrays of all sizes congregate at some sand banks no deeper than two and a half meters (8 feet), often accompanied by families of nurse sharks.
The clear, turquoise waters averaging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (80-85 degrees Fahrenheit) and the proximity of the barrier reef make Ambergris Caye and its marine reserves another favorite with snorkelers according to Belize.com: "The most popular destination is Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located 4 miles southeast of San Pedro. The ocean floor ranges from 5 to 35 feet, so both divers and snorkelers have the opportunity to swim in what seems like an underwater aquarium, teeming with colorful tropical fish of all sizes and types and beautiful coral formations."
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Opening its gates in 1843, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark is the second oldest theme park in the world, and it still keeps some of the worlds oldest functioning roller coasters. Among the more modern attractions, is the harrowing Daemon roller coaster which features an Immelmann loop, a regular loop, and a hair-rising Zero-G roll. Managing a fine balance between extreme, modern thrill rides and classic, nostalgic attractions, Tivoli Gardens has succeeded in remaining among the top three most visited theme parks in Europe for more than a century and a half.
"Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks of the world and the park consequently exudes tradition and history. However, innovation blossoms everywhere like the floral splendour of the garden. Tivoli is always in progress and thus the garden is used as much by local Copenhageners as by tourists. The fairytale garden is to this day a vibrant meeting place, where young concert goers, families with children, business men lunching and elderly couples strolling all gather in the picturesque, elegant and atmospheric garden." (VisitCopenhagen.com)
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